bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VDAC1 and the TSPO: Expression, Interactions, and Associated Functions in Health and Disease States
Authors: Shoshan-Barmatz Varda , Pittala Srinivas , Mizrachi Dario
Published: July 2019

The translocator protein (TSPO), located at the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM), serves multiple functions and contributes to numerous processes, including cholesterol import, mitochondrial metabolism, apoptosis, cell proliferation, Ca2+ signaling, oxidative stress, and inflammation. TSPO forms a complex with the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), a protein that mediates the flux of ions, including Ca2+, nucleotides, and metabolites across the OMM, controls metabolism and apoptosis and interacts with many proteins. This review focuses on the two OMM proteins TSPO and VDAC1, addressing their structural interaction and associated functions. TSPO appears to be involved in the generation of reactive oxygen species, proposed to represent the link between TSPO activation and VDAC, thus playing a role in apoptotic cell death. In addition, expression of the two proteins in healthy brains and diseased states is considered, as is the relationship between TSPO and VDAC1 expression. Both proteins are over-expressed in in brains from Alzheimer’s disease patients. Finally, TSPO expression levels were proposed as a biomarker of some neuropathological settings, while TSPO-interacting ligands have been considered as a potential basis for drug development.
Idempotent Factorizations of Square-Free Integers
Authors: Fagin Barry
Published: July 2019

We explore the class of positive integers n that admit idempotent factorizations n = p ¯ q ¯ such that λ ( n ) ∣ ( p ¯ − 1 ) ( q ¯ − 1 ) , where λ is the Carmichael lambda function. Idempotent factorizations with p ¯ and q ¯ prime have received the most attention due to their cryptographic advantages, but there are an infinite number of n with idempotent factorizations containing composite p ¯ and/or q ¯ . Idempotent factorizations are exactly those p ¯ and q ¯ that generate correctly functioning keys in the Rivest–Shamir–Adleman (RSA) 2-prime protocol with n as the modulus. While the resulting p ¯ and q ¯ have no cryptographic utility and therefore should never be employed in that capacity, idempotent factorizations warrant study in their own right as they live at the intersection of multiple hard problems in computer science and number theory. We present some analytical results here. We also demonstrate the existence of maximally idempotent integers, those n for which all bipartite factorizations are idempotent. We show how to construct them, and present preliminary results on their distribution.
A Novel Approach for Web Service Recommendation Based on Advanced Trust Relationships
Authors: Duan Lijun , Tian Hao , Liu Kun
Published: July 2019

Service recommendation is one of the important means of service selection. Aiming at the problems of ignoring the influence of typical data sources such as service information and interaction logs on the similarity calculation of user preferences and insufficient consideration of dynamic trust relationship in traditional trust-based Web service recommendation methods, a novel approach for Web service recommendation based on advanced trust relationships is presented. After considering the influence of indirect trust paths, the improved calculation about indirect trust degree is proposed. By quantifying the popularity of service, the method of calculating user preference similarity is investigated. Furthermore, the dynamic adjustment mechanism of trust is designed by differentiating the effect of each service recommendation. Integrating these efforts, a service recommendation mechanism is introduced, in which a new service recommendation algorithm is described. Experimental results show that, compared with existing methods, the proposed approach not only has higher accuracy of service recommendation, but also can resist attacks from malicious users more effectively.
A Proximity-Based Semantic Enrichment Approach of Volunteered Geographic Information: A Study Case of Waste of Water
Authors: da Costa Liliane Soares , Oliveira Italo Lopes , Moreira Alexandra , Lisboa-Filho Jugurta
Published: July 2019

Volunteered geographic information (VGI) refers to geospatial data that is collected and/or shared voluntarily over the Internet. Its use, however, presents many limitations, such as data quality, difficulty in use and recovery. One alternative to improve its use is to use semantic enrichment, which is a process to assign semantic resources to metadata and data. This study proposes a VGI semantic enrichment method using linked data and thesaurus. The method has two stages, one automatic and one manual. The automatic stage links VGI contributions to places that are of interest to users. In the manual stage, a thesaurus in the hydric domain was built based on terms found in VGI. Finally, a process is proposed, which returns semantically similar VGI contributions based on queries made by users. To verify the viability of the proposed method, contributions from the VGI system Gota D’Água, related to water waste prevention, were used.
The Maturation Pathway of Nickel Urease
Authors: Nim Yap Shing , Wong Kam-Bo
Published: July 2019

Maturation of urease involves post-translational insertion of nickel ions to form an active site with a carbamylated lysine ligand and is assisted by urease accessory proteins UreD, UreE, UreF and UreG. Here, we review our current understandings on how these urease accessory proteins facilitate the urease maturation. The urease maturation pathway involves the transfer of Ni2+ from UreE → UreG → UreF/UreD → urease. To avoid the release of the toxic metal to the cytoplasm, Ni2+ is transferred from one urease accessory protein to another through specific protein–protein interactions. One central theme depicts the role of guanosine triphosphate (GTP) binding/hydrolysis in regulating the binding/release of nickel ions and the formation of the protein complexes. The urease and [NiFe]-hydrogenase maturation pathways cross-talk with each other as UreE receives Ni2+ from hydrogenase maturation factor HypA. Finally, the druggability of the urease maturation pathway is reviewed.
Copper Isotope Compositions of Superoxide Dismutase and Metallothionein from Post-Mortem Human Frontal Cortex
Authors: Larner Fiona , McLean Catriona A. , Halliday Alex N. , Roberts Blaine R.
Published: July 2019

The natural copper isotopic compositions of superoxide dismutase and metallothionein from six post-mortem human frontal cortices were determined using a combination of size exclusion protein liquid chromatography, followed by anion exchange chromatography and multiple collector inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Superoxide dismutase was enriched in the heavier 65Cu relative to the metallothionein fraction in all specimen pairs. The isotopic compositions were independent of copper content. This finding provides evidence that nitrogen ligands in protein copper binding sites will be enriched in heavy metal isotopes, and sulphur ligands will preferentially incorporate lighter isotopes in vivo. This in turn has implications for understanding isotopic distributions within different components in the body and the dominant ligands in different tissues. Differences in Cu isotope distributions between the two proteins were seen between Alzheimer’s disease and healthy control samples, when normalised for sex.
Effect of Freeze–Thaw Cycling on the Failure of Fibre-Cement Boards, Assessed Using Acoustic Emission Method and Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Gorzelańczyk Tomasz , Schabowicz Krzysztof
Published: July 2019

This paper presents the results of investigations into the effect of freeze–thaw cycling on the failure of fibre-cement boards and on the changes taking place in their structure. Fibre-cement board specimens were subjected to one and ten freeze–thaw cycles and then investigated under three-point bending by means of the acoustic emission method. An artificial neural network was employed to analyse the results yielded by the acoustic emission method. The investigations conclusively proved that freeze–thaw cycling had an effect on the failure of fibre-cement boards, as indicated mainly by the fall in the number of acoustic emission (AE) events recognized as accompanying the breaking of fibres during the three-point bending of the specimens. SEM examinations were carried out to gain better insight into the changes taking place in the structure of the tested boards. Interesting results with significance for building practice were obtained.
Loading Graphene Quantum Dots into Optical-Magneto Nanoparticles for Real-Time Tracking In Vivo
Authors: Wang Yu , Xu Nan , He Yongkai , Wang Jingyun , Wang Dan , Gao Qin , Xie Siyu , Li Yage , Zhang Ranran , Cai Qiang
Published: July 2019

Fluorescence imaging offers a new approach to visualize real-time details on a cellular level in vitro and in vivo without radioactive damage. Poor light stability of organic fluorescent dyes makes long-term imaging difficult. Due to their outstanding optical properties and unique structural features, graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are promising in the field of imaging for real-time tracking in vivo. At present, GQDs are mainly loaded on the surface of nanoparticles. In this study, we developed an efficient and convenient one-pot method to load GQDs into nanoparticles, leading to longer metabolic processes in blood and increased delivery of GQDs to tumors. Optical-magneto ferroferric oxide@polypyrrole (Fe3O4@PPy) core-shell nanoparticles were chosen for their potential use in cancer therapy. The in vivo results demonstrated that by loading GQDs, it was possible to monitor the distribution and metabolism of nanoparticles. This study provided new insights into the application of GQDs in long-term in vivo real-time tracking.
Effective Design of the Graded Strut of BCC Lattice Structure for Improving Mechanical Properties
Authors: Bai Long , Yi Changyan , Chen Xiaohong , Sun Yuanxi , Zhang Junfang
Published: July 2019

In order improve the poor mechanical properties of the body-centred cubic (BCC) lattice structure, which suffers from the stress concentration effects at the nodes of the BCC unit cell, a graded-strut design method is proposed to increase the radii corner of the BCC nodes, which can obtain a new graded-strut body-centred cubic (GBCC) unit cell. After the relative density equation and the force model of the structure are obtained, the quasi-static uniaxial compression experiments and finite element analysis (FEA) of GBCC samples and BCC samples are performed. The experimental results show that for the fabricated samples with the same relative density, the GBCC can increase the initial stiffness by at least 38.20%, increase the plastic failure strength by at least 34.12%, compared with the BCC. Coupled experimental and numerical results not only suggest that the GBCC has better mechanical and impact resistance properties than the BCC, but also indicate that as the radii corner increases, the stress concentration effect at the node and the mechanical properties will be improved, which validates the proposed design method for graded-strut unit cells and can provide guidance for the design and future research on ultra-light lattice structures in related fields.
New Perspectives in the Use of Biomaterials for Periodontal Regeneration
Authors: Ausenda Federico , Rasperini Giulio , Acunzo Raffaele , Gorbunkova Angelina , Pagni Giorgio
Published: July 2019

Periodontitis is a disease with a high prevalence among adults. If not treated, it can lead to loss of teeth. Periodontal therapy aims at maintaining patient’s teeth through infection control and correction of non-maintainable anatomies including—when possible—regeneration of lost periodontal tissues. The biological regenerative potential of the periodontium is high, and several biomaterials can be utilized to improve the outcome of periodontal therapy. Use of different natural and synthetic materials in the periodontal field has been studied for many years. The main materials used today in periodontology analyzed in this review are: Resorbable and non-resorbable barrier membranes; autogenous, allogeneic, xenogeneic, and alloplastic bone substitutes; biological agents, such as amelogenins; platelet-derived growth factor; bone morphogenic proteins; rh fibroblast growth factor 2; teriparatide hormone; platelet concentrates; and 3D scaffolds. With the development of new surgical techniques some concepts on periodontal regeneration that were strictly applied in the past seem to be not so critical today. This can have an impact on the materials that are needed when attempting to regenerate lost periodontal structures. This review aims at presenting a rationale behind the use of biomaterials in modern periodontal regeneration
Logarithmic Aggregation Operators of Picture Fuzzy Numbers for Multi-Attribute Decision Making Problems
Authors: Khan Saifullah , Abdullah Saleem , Abdullah Lazim , Ashraf Shahzaib
Published: July 2019

The objective of this study was to create a logarithmic decision-making approach to deal with uncertainty in the form of a picture fuzzy set. Firstly, we define the logarithmic picture fuzzy number and define the basic operations. As a generalization of the sets, the picture fuzzy set provides a more profitable method to express the uncertainties in the data to deal with decision making problems. Picture fuzzy aggregation operators have a vital role in fuzzy decision-making problems. In this study, we propose a series of logarithmic aggregation operators: logarithmic picture fuzzy weighted averaging/geometric and logarithmic picture fuzzy ordered weighted averaging/geometric aggregation operators and characterized their desirable properties. Finally, a novel algorithm technique was developed to solve multi-attribute decision making (MADM) problems with picture fuzzy information. To show the superiority and the validity of the proposed aggregation operations, we compared it with the existing method, and concluded from the comparison and sensitivity analysis that our proposed technique is more effective and reliable.
Development of a Capsule Robot for Exploring the Colon
Authors: Gao Jinyang , Zhang Zenglei , Yan Guozheng
Published: July 2019

A tether-less inchworm-like capsule robot (ILCR) is promising to enable a non-invasive exploration of the colon, while existing ILCRs show barely satisfactory movement performance because the colon environment is nonstructural. In this current study, we develop an enhanced ILCR based on a design rule of maximizing the achievable periodic stroke and minimizing the body length, with the aim of improving movement performance. By designing an axial compact expanding mechanism (EM), employing a novel linear mechanism (LM), and integrating a hollow-cylinder-like power source based on wireless power transmission (WPT), the enhanced ILCR achieves a periodic stroke of 38 mm within a small body length of 33 mm. Our experiments show that the EM and LM can work reliably in an ex-vivo colon with a lot of intestinal mucus, and the power source can safely supply a stable working voltage of 3.3 V even in the worst case. Being wirelessly controlled and powered, the enhanced ILCR shows satisfactory movement performance, with velocities of 15.8 cm/min, 12.1 cm/min, and 7.4 cm/min in a transparent tube, a tiled colon, and a suspended colon, respectively, promising to accomplish an exploration for the 1.5-m long colon within 30 min.
A Capillary-Evaporation Micropump for Real-Time Sweat Rate Monitoring with an Electrochemical Sensor
Authors: Chen Xiao-Ming , Li Yong-Jiang , Han Dan , Zhu Hui-Chao , Xue Chun-Dong , Chui Hsiang-Chen , Cao Tun , Qin Kai-Rong
Published: July 2019

Sweat collection and real time monitoring of sweat rate play essential roles in physiology monitoring and assessment of an athlete’s performance during exercise. In this paper, we report a micropump for sweat simulant collection based on the capillary–evaporation effect. An electrochemical sensor is integrated into the micropump, which monitors the flow rate in real-time by detecting the current using three electrodes. The evaporation rate from micropore array, equivalent to the sweat rate, was theoretically and numerically investigated. The designed micropump yields the maximum collection rate as high as 0.235 μ L/min. In addition, the collection capability of the micropump was validated experimentally; the flow rate through the microchannel was further detected in real-time with the electrochemical sensor. The experimental maximum collection rate showed good consistency with the theoretical data. Our proposed device shows the potential for sweat collection and real-time monitoring of sweat rate, which is a promising candidate for being a wearable platform for real-time physiology and performance monitoring during exercise.
Stimulated Growth and Innate Immunity in Brook Charr (Salvelinus fontinalis) Treated with a General Probiotic (Bactocell®) and Two Endogenous Probiotics That Inhibit Aeromonas salmonicida In Vitro
Authors: Gauthier Jeff , Rouleau-Breton Stéphanie , J. Charette Steve , Derome Nicolas
Published: July 2019

Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida is a Gram-negative bacterium causing furunculosis, an opportunistic infection of farmed salmonid fish. Current treatment methods against furunculosis rely heavily on antibiotherapy. However, strains of this opportunistic fish pathogen were found to possess genes that confer resistance to major antibiotics including those used to cure furunculosis. Therefore, dispensing bacterial symbionts as probiotics to susceptible hosts appears to be a promising alternative. Here, we present the genomic characterization and in vivo safety assessment of two brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis) bacterial symbionts that inhibited A. salmonicida subsp. salmonicida growth in vitro (Pseudomonas fluorescens ML11A and Aeromonas sobria TM18) as well as a commercialized probiotic, Pediococcus acidilactici MA18/5M (Bactocell®). The genomic sequences of ML11A and TM18 obtained by whole-genome shotgun sequencing lack key virulence factor genes found in related pathogenic strains. Their genomic sequences are also devoid of genes involved in the inactivation (or target modification of) several key antimicrobial compounds used in salmonid aquaculture. Finally, when administered daily to live brook charr fingerlings, ML11A, TM18 and Bactocell® helped improve several physiological condition metrics such as mean body weight, Fulton’s condition factor and blood plasma lysozyme activity (an indicator for innate immune activity).
Anti-Obesity Effects of Lactobacillus fermentum CQPC05 Isolated from Sichuan Pickle in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice through PPAR-α Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhu Kai , Tan Fang , Mu Jianfei , Yi Ruokun , Zhou Xianrong , Zhao Xin
Published: July 2019

Sichuan pickle is a traditional fermented food in China which is produced by the spontaneous fermentation of Chinese cabbage. In this study, the anti-obesity effects of a new lactic acid bacterium (Lactobacillus fermentum CQPC05, LF-CQPC05) isolated from Sichuan pickles were assessed in vivo. An obese animal model was established in mice by inducing obesity with high-fat diet. Both serum and tissues were collected from the mice, and then subjected to qPCR and Western blot analyses. The results showed that LF-CQPC05 could decrease the values of hepatosomatic, epididymal fat, and perirenal fat indices that were induced by a high-fat diet in mice. Moreover, LF-CQPC05 reduced the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and increased the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in both serum samples and liver tissues of obese mice fed with a high-fat diet. Pathological observations demonstrated that LF-CQPC05 could alleviate the obesity-induced pathological changes in the liver tissue of mice, and reduce the degree of adipocyte enlargement. The results of qPCR and Western blot analyses further indicated that LF-CQPC05 upregulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), PPAR-α: peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α), (cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase) CYP7A1, and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1A), and downregulated the expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) and CCAAT enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBP-α) in both liver tissue and epididymal adipose tissue. Taken altogether, this study reveals that LF-CQPC05 can effectively inhibit high-fat diet-induced obesity. Its anti-obesity effect is comparable to that of l-carnitine, and is superior to that of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, a common strain used in the dairy industry. Therefore, LF-CQPC05 is a high-quality microbial strain with probiotic potential.
Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.): Food and Medicinal Plant with Potential In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-Cancer Activities
Authors: Zahra Maram Hussein , Salem Tarek A.R. , El-Aarag Bishoy , Yosri Nermeen , EL-Ghlban Samah , Zaki Kholoud , Marei Amel H. , Abd El-Wahed Aida , Saeed Aamer , Khatib Alfi , AlAjmi Mohamed F. , Shathili Abdulrahman M. , Xiao Jianbo , Khalifa Shaden A. M. , El-Seedi Hesham R.
Published: July 2019

Background/Aim: Plants play an important role in anti-cancer drug discovery, therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate the biological activity of Alpinia zerumbet (A. zerumbet) flowers. Methods: The phytochemical and biological criteria of A. zerumbet were in vitro investigated as well as in mouse xenograft model. Results: A. zerumbet extracts, specially CH2Cl2 and MeOH extracts, exhibited the highest potent anti-tumor activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells. The most active CH2Cl2 extract was subjected to bioassay-guided fractionation leading to isolatation of the naturally occurring 5,6-dehydrokawain (DK) which was characterized by IR, MS, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR. A. zerumbet extracts, specially MeOH and CH2Cl2 extracts, exhibited significant inhibitory activity towards tumor volume (TV). Furthermore, A. zerumbet extracts declined the high level of malonaldehyde (MDA) as well as elevated the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in liver tissue homogenate. Moreover, DK showed anti-proliferative action on different human cancer cell lines. The recorded IC50 values against breast carcinoma (MCF-7), liver carcinoma (Hep-G2) and larynx carcinoma cells (HEP-2) were 3.08, 6.8, and 8.7 µg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: Taken together, these findings open the door for further investigations in order to explore the potential medicinal properties of A. zerumbet.
Effects of LC-PUFA Supplementation in Patients with Phenylketonuria: A Systematic Review of Controlled Trials
Authors: Couce María Luz , de Castro María José , de Lamas Carmela , Leis Rosaura
Published: July 2019

Evidence suggests a role of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), in which animal foods are especially rich, in optimal neural development. The LC-PUFAs docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid, found in high concentrations in the brain and retina, have potential beneficial effects on cognition, and motor and visual functions. Phenylketonuria (PKU) is the most common inborn error of amino acid metabolism. The treatment of PKU consists of a phenylalanine-free diet, which limits the intake of natural proteins of high biological value. In this systematic review, we summarize the available evidence supporting a role for LC-PUFA supplementation as an effective means of increasing LC-PUFA levels and improving visual and neurocognitive functions in PKU patients. Data from controlled trials of children and adults (up to 47 years of age) were obtained by searching the MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. For each selected study, the risk of bias was assessed applying the methodology of the Cochrane Collaboration. The findings indicate that DHA supplementation in PKU patients from 2 weeks to 47 years of age improves DHA status and decreases visual evoked potential P100 wave latency in PKU children from 1 to 11 years old. Neurocognitive data are inconclusive.
Proposal for a Quad-Elliptical Photonic Crystal Fiber for Terahertz Wave Guidance and Sensing Chemical Warfare Liquids
Authors: Yakasai Izaddeen , Abas Pg Emeroylariffion , Kaijage Shubi F , Caesarendra Wahyu , Begum Feroza
Published: July 2019

A porous-core photonic crystal fiber based on a cyclic olefin homopolymer (Zeonex) is proposed; it shows high birefringence, high core power fraction, low losses, and near-zero flat dispersion. The fiber’s core was designed with quad-elliptical (QE) air holes with its center occupied by bulk background material. The superiority of the QE design over the commonly adopted tri- and penta-elliptical (TE and PE) core designs is demonstrated. The presence of the bulk material at the core center and the geometrical configuration cause a broad contrast in phase refractive indices, thereby producing high birefringence and low transmission losses. A high birefringence of 0.096 was obtained at 1.2 THz, corresponding to a total loss of 0.027 cm−1 and core power fraction of approximately 51%. The chromatic dispersion and effective area of the reported fiber were also characterized within a frequency range of 0.4–1.6 THz. The QE air holes were then filled with chemical warfare agents, namely, tabun and sarin liquids. Then, the relative sensitivity, confinement loss, fractional power flow, and effective material loss (EML) of the sensor were calculated. Nearly the same relative sensitivity (r = 64%) was obtained when the QE core was filled with either liquid. Although the obtained EML for tabun was 0.033 cm−1 and that for sarin was 0.028 cm−1, the confinement loss of the fiber when it was immersed in either liquid was negligible. The proposed fiber can be fabricated using existing fabrication technologies. Moreover, it can be applied and utilized as a THz radiation conveyor in a terahertz time domain spectroscopy system for remote sensing of chemical liquids in the security and defense industries.
Bankruptcy Risk, Its Financial Determinants and Reporting Delays: Do Managers Have Anything to Hide?
Authors: Lukason Oliver , Camacho-Miñano María-del-Mar
Published: July 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate whether firms’ reporting delays are interconnected with bankruptcy risk and its financial determinants. This study was based on 698,189 firm-year observations from Estonia. Annual report submission delay, either in a binary or ordinal form, was used as the dependent variable, while bankruptcy risk based on an international model or the financial ratios determining it were the independent variables. The findings indicated that firms with lower values of liquidity and annual and accumulated profitability were more likely to delay the submission of an annual report over the legal deadline. In turn, firm leverage was not interconnected with reporting delays. In addition, firms with a higher risk of bankruptcy were more likely to delay the submission of their annual reports. Firms with different ages, sizes and industries varied in respect to the obtained results. Different stakeholders should be aware that when reporting delays occur, these can be conditioned by higher bankruptcy risk or poor performance, and thus, for instance, crediting such firms should be treated with caution. State institutions controlling timely submission should take strict(er) measures in cases of firms delaying for a lengthy period.
Market-Risk Optimization among the Developed and Emerging Markets with CVaR Measure and Copula Simulation
Authors: Trabelsi Nader , Tiwari Aviral Kumar
Published: July 2019

In this paper, the generalized Pareto distribution (GPD) copula approach is utilized to solve the conditional value-at-risk (CVaR) portfolio problem. Particularly, this approach used (i) copula to model the complete linear and non-linear correlation dependence structure, (ii) Pareto tails to capture the estimates of the parametric Pareto lower tail, the non-parametric kernel-smoothed interior and the parametric Pareto upper tail and (iii) Value-at-Risk (VaR) to quantify risk measure. The simulated sample covers the G7, BRICS (association of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and 14 popular emerging stock-market returns for the period between 1997 and 2018. Our results suggest that the efficient frontier with the minimizing CVaR measure and simulated copula returns combined outperforms the risk/return of domestic portfolios, such as the US stock market. This result improves international diversification at the global level. We also show that the Gaussian and t-copula simulated returns give very similar but not identical results. Furthermore, the copula simulation provides more accurate market-risk estimates than historical simulation. Finally, the results support the notion that G7 countries can provide an important opportunity for diversification. These results are important to investors and policymakers.
Experimental Investigation of Ocean Wave Measurement Using Short-Range K-Band Radar: Dock-Based and Boat-Based Wind Wave Measurements
Authors: Cui Jian , Bachmayer Ralf , de Young Brad , Huang Weimin
Published: July 2019

In this paper, an ocean wave measurement technique and a newly developed short-range K-band radar are tested. In previous work, the technique and its feasibility were studied based on numerical simulations and wave tank experiments, while its performance at sea was still unknown. Surface current, Stokes drift, and wave breaking can greatly complicate interpreting radar backscatters. The feasibility of the technique needed to be further investigated with sea experiments. Experiments were carried out at a stationary site and from a moving platform. The short-range K-band radar transmitted continuous wave and received backscatters at low-grazing angles. The Bragg-scattering from the radar’s effective footprint dominated the backscatters. The Doppler shift frequency of the Bragg-scattering was attributed to the phase velocity of Bragg waves and modulated by the surface motions induced by current, Stokes drift, platform, and gravity waves. These sources of the Doppler shift frequency were analyzed, and the components induced by wind waves were successfully retrieved and converted into wave spectra that were consistent with the measurements of wave rider buoy. The experimental investigation further validated the feasibility of using short-range K-band radar to measure ocean waves.
DCN-Based Spatial Features for Improving Parcel-Based Crop Classification Using High-Resolution Optical Images and Multi-Temporal SAR Data
Authors: Zhou Ya’nan , Luo Jiancheng , Feng Li , Zhou Xiaocheng
Published: July 2019

Spatial features retrieved from satellite data play an important role for improving crop classification. In this study, we proposed a deep-learning-based time-series analysis method to extract and organize spatial features to improve parcel-based crop classification using high-resolution optical images and multi-temporal synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data. Central to this method is the use of multiple deep convolutional networks (DCNs) to extract spatial features and to use the long short-term memory (LSTM) network to organize spatial features. First, a precise farmland parcel map was delineated from optical images. Second, hundreds of spatial features were retrieved using multiple DCNs from preprocessed SAR images and overlaid onto the parcel map to construct multivariate time-series of crop growth for parcels. Third, LSTM-based network structures for organizing these time-series features were constructed to produce a final parcel-based classification map. The method was applied to a dataset of high-resolution ZY-3 optical images and multi-temporal Sentinel-1A SAR data to classify crop types in the Hunan Province of China. The classification results, showing an improvement of greater than 5.0% in overall accuracy relative to methods without spatial features, demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method in extracting and organizing spatial features for improving parcel-based crop classification.
Analytical Relationship between Two-Band Spectral Vegetation Indices Measured at Multiple Sensors on a Parametric Representation of Soil Isoline Equations
Authors: Taniguchi Kenta , Obata Kenta , Yoshioka Hiroki
Published: July 2019

Differences between the wavelength band specifications of distinct sensors introduce systematic differences into the values of a spectral vegetation index (VI). Such relative errors must be minimized algorithmically after data acquisition, based on a relationship between the measurements. This study introduces a technique for deriving the analytical relationship between the VIs from two sensors. The derivation proceeds using a parametric form of the soil isoline equations, which relate the reflectances of two different wavelengths. First, the derivation steps are explained conceptually. Next, the conceptual steps are cast in a practical derivation by assuming a general form of the two-band VI. Finally, the derived expressions are demonstrated numerically using a coupled leaf and canopy radiative transfer model. The results confirm that the derived expression reduced the original differences between the VI values obtained from the two sensors, indicating the validity of the derived expressions. The derived expressions and numerical results suggested that the relationship between the VIs measured at different wavelengths varied with the soil reflectance spectrum beneath the vegetation canopy. These results indicate that caution is required when retrieving intersensor VI relationships over regions consisting of soil surfaces having distinctive spectra.
Real-Time Secure/Unsecure Video Latency Measurement/Analysis with FPGA-Based Bump-in-the-Wire Security
Authors: Kaknjo Admir , Rao Muzaffar , Omerdic Edin , Newe Thomas , Toal Daniel
Published: July 2019

With the growth of the internet of things (IoT), many challenges like information security and privacy, interoperability/standard, and regulatory and legal issues are arising. This work focused on the information security issue, which is one of the primary challenges faced by connected systems that needs to be resolved without impairing system behaviour. Information, which is made available on the Internet by the things, varies from insensitive information (e.g., readings from outdoor temperature sensors) to extremely sensitive information (e.g., video stream from a camera) and needs to be secured over the Internet. Things which utilise cameras as a source of information pertain to a subclass of the IoT called IoVT (internet of video things). This paper presents secured and unsecured video latency measurement results over the Internet for a marine ROV (remotely operated vehicle). A LabVIEW field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)-based bump-in-the-wire (BITW) secure core is used to provide an AES (advanced encryption standard)-enabled security feature on the video stream of an IoVT node (ROV equipped with a live-feed camera). The designed LabVIEW-based software architecture provides an option to enable/disable the AES encryption for the video transmission. The latency effects of embedding encryption on the stream with real-time constraints are measured and presented. It is found that the encryption mechanism used does not greatly influence the video feedback performance of the observed IoVT node, which is critical for real-time secure video communication for ROV remote control and piloting. The video latency measurement results are taken using 128, 256 and 512 bytes block lengths of AES for both H.264 and MJPEG encoding schemes transmitted over both TCP and UDP transmission protocols. The latency measurement is performed in two scenarios (i.e., with matching equipment and different equipment on either end of the transmission).
Self-Adaptive Framework Based on MAPE Loop for Internet of Things
Authors: Lee Euijong , Seo Young-Duk , Kim Young-Gab
Published: July 2019

The Internet of Things (IoT) connects a wide range of objects and the types of environments in which IoT can be deployed dynamically change. Therefore, these environments can be modified dynamically at runtime considering the emergence of other requirements. Self-adaptive software alters its behavior to satisfy the requirements in a dynamic environment. In this context, the concept of self-adaptive software is suitable for some dynamic IoT environments (e.g., smart greenhouses, smart homes, and reality applications). In this study, we propose a self-adaptive framework for decision-making in an IoT environment at runtime. The framework comprises a finite-state machine model design and a game theoretic decision-making method for extracting efficient strategies. The framework was implemented as a prototype and experiments were conducted to evaluate its runtime performance. The results demonstrate that the proposed framework can be applied to IoT environments at runtime. In addition, a smart greenhouse-based use case is included to illustrate the usability of the proposed framework.
A Direct Current Measurement Method Based on Terbium Gallium Garnet Crystal and a Double Correlation Detection Algorithm
Authors: Shen Yan , Chen Tong , Yu Wen-bin , Ge Jin-ming , Han Yue , Duan Fang-wei
Published: July 2019

When applying an optical current transformer (OCT) to direct current measurement, output signals exhibit a low signal-to-noise ratio and signal-to-noise band overlap. Sinusoidal wave modulation is used to solve this problem. A double correlation detection algorithm is used to extract the direct current (DC) signal, remove white noise and improve the signal-to-noise ratio. Our sensing unit uses a terbium gallium garnet crystal in order to increase the output signal-to-noise ratio and measurement sensitivity. Measurement errors of single correlation and double correlation detection algorithms are compared, and experimental results showed that this measurement method can control measurement error to about 0.3%, thus verifying its feasibility.
Combining Inter-Subject Modeling with a Subject-Based Data Transformation to Improve Affect Recognition from EEG Signals
Authors: Arevalillo-Herráez Miguel , Cobos Maximo , Roger Sandra , García-Pineda Miguel
Published: July 2019

Existing correlations between features extracted from Electroencephalography (EEG) signals and emotional aspects have motivated the development of a diversity of EEG-based affect detection methods. Both intra-subject and inter-subject approaches have been used in this context. Intra-subject approaches generally suffer from the small sample problem, and require the collection of exhaustive data for each new user before the detection system is usable. On the contrary, inter-subject models do not account for the personality and physiological influence of how the individual is feeling and expressing emotions. In this paper, we analyze both modeling approaches, using three public repositories. The results show that the subject’s influence on the EEG signals is substantially higher than that of the emotion and hence it is necessary to account for the subject’s influence on the EEG signals. To do this, we propose a data transformation that seamlessly integrates individual traits into an inter-subject approach, improving classification results.
A Case Study in the Application of the Systematic Approach to Training in the Logging Industry
Authors: Lagerstrom Elise , Magzamen Sheryl , Brazile William , Stallones Lorann , Ayers Paul , Rosecrance John
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this research was to develop and assess a targeted emergency first-aid and safety training program for professional loggers in Montana. There were two key objectives for the program: (1) participant demonstration of recall and retention of key concepts and (2) improved participant reception in comparison to the previous year’s training program. The Systematic Approach to Training provided the overall model for the development and conduct of the training program. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were used to assess the effectiveness of the training program. The training program was administered to 873 loggers. Pre-, post-, and follow-up examinations were used to assess recall and retention of key learning objectives, while surveys were used to assess learner reception of the updated training program. Post-training survey data indicated increases in training applicability, understanding of learning objectives, and overall course enjoyment of the updated program in comparison to the previous year’s training program. Participants scored significantly higher on the post-training exams, which demonstrated recall of key training objectives. The results obtained by the training evaluation will guide future research and the continued development of the training program to align with ongoing analysis activities and participant suggestions.
On a Reduced Cost Higher Order Traub-Steffensen-Like Method for Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Sharma Janak Raj , Kumar Deepak , Jäntschi Lorentz
Published: July 2019

We propose a derivative-free iterative method with fifth order of convergence for solving systems of nonlinear equations. The scheme is composed of three steps, of which the first two steps are that of third order Traub-Steffensen-type method and the last is derivative-free modification of Chebyshev’s method. Computational efficiency is examined and comparison between the efficiencies of presented technique with existing techniques is performed. It is proved that, in general, the new method is more efficient. Numerical problems, including those resulting from practical problems viz. integral equations and boundary value problems, are considered to compare the performance of the proposed method with existing methods. Calculation of computational order of convergence shows that the order of convergence of the new method is preserved in all the numerical examples, which is not so in the case of some of the existing higher order methods. Moreover, the numerical results, including the CPU-time consumed in the execution of program, confirm the accurate and efficient behavior of the new technique.
The Dynamical Origin of the Graviton Mass in the Non-Linear Theory of Massive Gravity
Authors: Arraut Ivan
Published: July 2019

We compare the standard Higgs mechanism corresponding to the scalar field, with the dynamical origin of the graviton mass inside the scenario of the dRGT theory of massive gravity. We demonstrate that the effective mass perceived locally by different observers depends on how they define the local time with respect to the preferred notion of time defined by the Stückelberg function T 0 ( r , t ) .
Bacillus Phage vB_BtS_B83 Previously Designated as a Plasmid May Represent a New Siphoviridae Genus
Authors: Piligrimova Emma G. , Kazantseva Olesya A. , Nikulin Nikita A. , Shadrin Andrey M.
Published: July 2019

The Bacillus cereus group of bacteria includes, inter alia, the species known to be associated with human diseases and food poisoning. Here, we describe the Bacillus phage vB_BtS_B83 (abbreviated as B83) infecting the species of this group. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrographs indicate that B83 belongs to the Siphoviridae family. B83 is a temperate phage using an arbitrium system for the regulation of the lysis–lysogeny switch, and is probably capable of forming a circular plasmid prophage. Comparative analysis shows that it has been previously sequenced, but was mistaken for a plasmid. B83 shares common genome organization and >46% of proteins with other the Bacillus phage, BMBtp14. Phylograms constructed using large terminase subunits and a pan-genome presence–absence matrix show that these phages form a clade distinct from the closest viruses. Based on the above, we propose the creation of a new genus named Bembunaquatrovirus that includes B83 and BMBtp14.
Modeling and Solution Techniques Used for Hydro Generation Scheduling
Authors: Parvez Iram , Shen Jianjian , Khan Mehran , Cheng Chuntian
Published: July 2019

The hydro generation scheduling problem has a unit commitment sub-problem which deals with start-up/shut-down costs related hydropower units. Hydro power is the only renewable energy source for many countries, so there is a need to find better methods which give optimal hydro scheduling. In this paper, the different optimization techniques like lagrange relaxation, augmented lagrange relaxation, mixed integer programming methods, heuristic methods like genetic algorithm, fuzzy logics, nonlinear approach, stochastic programming and dynamic programming techniques are discussed. The lagrange relaxation approach deals with constraints of pumped storage hydro plants and gives efficient results. Dynamic programming handles simple constraints and it is easily adaptable but its major drawback is curse of dimensionality. However, the mixed integer nonlinear programming, mixed integer linear programming, sequential lagrange and non-linear approach deals with network constraints and head sensitive cascaded hydropower plants. The stochastic programming, fuzzy logics and simulated annealing is helpful in satisfying the ramping rate, spinning reserve and power balance constraints. Genetic algorithm has the ability to obtain the results in a short interval. Fuzzy logic never needs a mathematical formulation but it is very complex. Future work is also suggested.
LA ALIMENTACIÓN SOSTENIBLE
Authors: Serra Rocio
Published: July 2019

Llevar una alimentación sostenible es sencillo; se deben preferir los alimentos naturales, como las frutas y los vegetales, los cuales se pueden encontrar en las ferias del agricultor que comúnmente se realizan en su localidad los fines de semana.
¡EL DESAFÍO DE LA SOSTENIBILIDAD!
Authors: Villegas Barakat Mayra
Published: July 2019

Existen cuatro conductas no saludables, que conducen al sobrepeso y la obesidad, a la hipertensión y al colesterol alto, estas son: el fumado, el consumo excesivo de alcohol, actividad física insuficiente y la alimentación no saludable.
MEDICAMENTOS DE VENTA LIBRE: Entre el acceso y el uso inseguro e irracional.
Authors: Solano Mauren
Published: July 2019

Algunos ejemplos de principios del siglo XX, lo podemos identificar con el establecimiento de una campaña contra la anquilostomiasis1, lo que llevó quince años después al establecimiento del Departamento de Anquilostomiasis en la Secretaría de Policía2 . Con el paso del tiempo, el aumento de la preparación y conciencia de la atención de la salud, así como, de los recursos destinados para estos efectos, se crea en 1922 y por Decreto Ejecutivo, la Secretaría de Higiene y de Salud Pública, la cual centraliza algunas iniciativas creadas en años anteriores como el Servicio Antimalárico, de Profilaxis Venérea, las Clínicas de Atención Infantil y Clínicas Prenatales. Y un año más tarde en la Ley No. 72 ¨Sobre la Salud Pública¨ (marzo de 1923) se creó la Dirección de los Servicios de Salud Nacionales como dependencia del estado. Consecuentemente, como resultado de una reestructuración