bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interval SVM-Based Classification Algorithm Using the Uncertainty Trick
Authors: Utkin Lev V. , Zhuk Yulia A.
Published: August 2017

A new robust SVM-based algorithm of the binary classification is proposed. It is based on the so-called uncertainty trick when training data with the interval uncertainty are transformed to training data with the weight or probabilistic uncertainty. Every interval is replaced by a set of training points with the same class label such that every point inside the interval has an unknown weight from a predefined set of weights. The robust strategy dealing with the upper bound of the interval-valued expected risk produced by a set of weights is used in the SVM. An extension of the algorithm based on using the imprecise Dirichlet model is proposed for its additional robustification. Numerical examples with synthetic and real interval-valued training data illustrate the proposed algorithm and its extension.
A Trajectory Based Method of Automatic Counting of Cyclist in Traffic Video Data
Authors: Shahraki Farideh Foroozandeh , Yazdanpanah Ali Pour , Regentova Emma E. , Muthukumar Venkatesan
Published: August 2017

Due to the growing number of cyclist accidents on urban roads, methods for collecting information on cyclists are of significant importance to the Department of Transportation. The collected information provides insights into solving critical problems related to transportation planning, implementing safety countermeasures, and managing traffic flow efficiently. Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) employs automated tools to collect traffic information from traffic video data. One of the important factors that influence cyclists safety is their counts. In comparison to other road users, such as cars and pedestrians, the automated cyclist data collection is relatively a new research area. In this work, we develop a vision-based method for gathering cyclist count data at intersections and road segments. We implement a robust cyclist detection method based on a combination of classification features. We implement a multi-object tracking method based on the Kernelized Correlation Filters (KCF) in cooperation with the bipartite graph matching algorithm to track multiple cyclists. Then, a trajectory rebuilding method and a trajectory comparison model are applied to refine the accuracy of tracking and counting. The proposed method is the first cyclist counting method, that has the ability to count cyclists under different movement patterns. The trajectory data obtained can be further utilized for cyclist behavioral modeling and safety analysis.
Finite Element Modeling and Experimental Studies of Stack-Type Piezoelectric Energy Harvester
Authors: Duong L. V. , Pham M. T. , Chebanenko V. A. , Solovyev A. N. , Nguyen Chuong V.
Published: August 2017

In this paper, closed-form coupled electromechanical one-dimensional (1D) model and finite element (FE) model for stack-type piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) and delivery to a resistive load available in the literature were proposed. We obtained the values of some parameters of 1D model and set the boundaries of its applicability based on the comparison of the resonance frequency and output voltage between the FE model and 1D model. The numerical modeling results of the full-scale experiment with low-frequency pulse excitation of the stack-type PEH for the energy storage device are described. PEH is a multilayer axisymmetric piezoceramic package. The dependence between the output voltage and the current load rate under the harmonic and non-stationary mechanical action of the PEH is studied. The experimental results-to-numerical calculation correlation has shown their good coincidence, which allows using the analyzed numerical models to optimize the PEH design at the given external action frequency and the active resistance value of the external electric circuit. Besides, it found that the frequency dependence of the output voltage of the stack-type PEH is of a complex nature depending both on the compressive pulse loading level and the piezoelectric modulus value of the PEH sensitive element, and on the electrical load resistance.
Time-Dependent Thermomechanical Creep Behavior of FGM Thick Hollow Cylindrical Shells Under Non-Uniform Internal Pressure
Authors: Kashkoli Mosayeb Davoudi , Tahan Khosro Naderan , Nejad Mohammad Zamani
Published: August 2017

In this paper, a theoretical solution for time-dependent thermo-elastic creep analysis of a functionally graded (FG) thick-walled cylinder based on the first-order shear deformation theory is presented. The cylinder is subjected to the non-uniform internal pressure and distributed temperature field due to steady-state heat conduction from inner to outer surface of the cylinder. Mechanical and thermal properties except Poisson’s ratio are assumed to vary along the thickness direction based on a power function. The creep constitutive model is on the basis of the Norton’s law. The effects of the temperature gradient and FG grading index on the creep stresses of the cylinder are investigated. A numerical solution using finite element method is also presented and good agreement was found. Although previous publications presented analytical solutions for creep analysis of thick-walled cylindrical pressure vessels under uniform pressure, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, so far, no analytical solution has been provided for time-dependent creep analysis of FG cylinder under non-uniform internal pressure. The results of this study are applicable for designing optimum FG thick-walled cylinder.
Size-Dependent Stress Analysis of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube Based on Strain Gradient Theory
Authors: Hosseini Mohammad , Gorgani Hamid Haghshenas , Shishesaz Mohammad , Hadi Amin
Published: August 2017

This paper studies stress distribution in a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) under internal pressure with various chirality. Strain gradient theory is used to capture the size-dependent behavior of the SWCNT. Minimum total potential energy principle is successfully applied to derive the governing differential equation and its associated boundary conditions. Due to complexity of the governing differential equation and boundary conditions, numerical scheme is used to solve the problem. Comparing the results based on strain gradient theory and that of classical elasticity shows a major difference between these two methods. However, a close examination of the results indicates that both theories predict the same trend for variations in the radial displacement along the SWCNT radius. Numerical results also indicate that the proposed model can lead into the classical elasticity model, provided the material length scale parameters are taken to be zero. Additionally, for plane strain condition, the radial displacements predicted by strain gradient theory are lower than those predicted by classical elasticity theory. Moreover, numerical results show that in a SWCNT, the non-dimensional radial and circumferential stresses along the wall thickness of the SWCNT increase as the radius is increased. The opposite behavior is true for non-dimensional high-order stresses.
Studying Normal and Oblique Perforation of Steel Plates with SPH Simulations
Authors: Xiao Yihua , Dong Huanghuang
Published: August 2017

Axisymmetric and three-dimensional smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) models are developed to simulate normal and oblique perforation of 12 mm-thick Weldox 460 E steel plates. In the models, a particle-to-particle contact algorithm including friction effect is employed to model interactions between projectile and target plate. A constitutive model coupling viscoplasticity and ductile damage is implemented to describe material behaviors of target plate. Both axisymmetric and three-dimensional SPH models are validated by existing experimental results. By using axisymmetric models, effects of projectile structure on normal perforation are systematically studied. Two factors of projectile structure, nose shape and aspect ratio, are considered. Residual velocities, ballistic limits and failure modes are obtained for different projectile nose shapes and aspect ratios. Effects of nose shape and aspect ratio on ballistic limits predicted by SPH simulations are compared with those obtained by an analytical equation. By using three-dimensional models, oblique perforation is simulated. Effects of oblique angle on impact processes are analyzed. Intervals of critical oblique angle of ricochet are obtained for different impact velocities and caliber-radius-head values of ogival projectile. The results obtained in this work can provide reference for the design of protective structures with steels and similar materials. The SPH with contact algorithm including friction effect is proved to be a very effective method for ballistic impact simulation.
IDE-Based Learning Analytics for Computing Education
Authors: Hundhausen C. D. , Olivares D. M. , Carter A. S.
Published: August 2017

In recent years, learning process data have become increasingly easy to collect through computer-based learning environments. This has led to increased interest in the field of
learning analytics
, which is concerned with leveraging learning process data in order to better understand, and ultimately to improve, teaching and learning. In computing education, the logical place to collect learning process data is through integrated development environments (IDEs), where computing students typically spend large amounts of time working on programming assignments. While the primary purpose of IDEs is to support computer programming, they might also be used as a mechanism for delivering learning interventions designed to enhance student learning. The possibility of using IDEs both to collect learning process data, and to strategically intervene in the learning process, suggests an exciting design space for computing education research: that of
IDE-based learning analytics
. In order to facilitate the systematic exploration of this design space, we present an IDE-based data analytics process model with four primary activities: (1)
Collect data,
(2)
Analyze data,
(3)
Design intervention,
and (4)
Deliver intervention
. For each activity, we identify key design dimensions and review relevant computing education literature. To provide guidance on designing
effective
interventions, we describe four relevant learning theories, and consider their implications for design. Based on our review, we present a call-to-action for future research into IDE-based learning analytics.
A Framework for Using Hypothesis-Driven Approaches to Support Data-Driven Learning Analytics in Measuring Computational Thinking in Block-Based Programming Environments
Authors: Grover Shuchi , Basu Satabdi , Bienkowski Marie , Eagle Michael , Diana Nicholas , Stamper John
Published: August 2017

Systematic endeavors to take computer science (CS) and computational thinking (CT) to scale in middle and high school classrooms are underway with curricula that emphasize the enactment of authentic CT skills, especially in the context of programming in block-based programming environments. There is, therefore, a growing need to measure students’ learning of CT in the context of programming and also support all learners through this process of learning computational problem solving. The goal of this research is to explore hypothesis-driven approaches that can be combined with data-driven ones to better interpret student actions and processes in log data captured from block-based programming environments with the goal of measuring and assessing students’ CT skills. Informed by past literature and based on our empirical work examining a dataset from the use of the Fairy Assessment in the Alice programming environment in middle schools, we present a framework that formalizes a process where a hypothesis-driven approach informed by Evidence-Centered Design effectively complements data-driven learning analytics in interpreting students’ programming process and assessing CT in block-based programming environments. We apply the framework to the design of Alice tasks for high school CS to be used for measuring CT during programming.
Enhancing exercise for people who are blind or low vision using interactive technology
Authors: Rector Kyle
Published: August 2017

This forum is dedicated to personal health in all its many facets: decision making, goal setting, celebration, discovery, reflection, and coordination, among others. We look at innovations in interactive technologies and how they help address current critical healthcare challenges. ---
Yunan Chen, Editor
Doing good in HCI
Authors: Bates Oliver , Thomas Vanessa , Remy Christian
Published: August 2017

In this forum we highlight innovative thought, design, and research in the area of interaction design and sustainability, illustrating the diversity of approaches across HCI communities.
--- Lisa Nathan, Editor
The fallacy of good
Authors: Pal Joyojeet
Published: August 2017

This is a forum for perspectives on designing for communities marginalized by economics, social status, infrastructure, or policies. It will discuss design methods, theoretical and conceptual contributions, and methodological engagements for underserved communities.
--- Nithya Sambasivan, Editor
Youth Computational Participation in the Wild
Authors: Fields Deborah A. , Kafai Yasmin B. , Giang Michael T.
Published: August 2017

Most research in primary and secondary computing education has focused on understanding learners within formal classroom communities, leaving aside the growing number of promising informal online programming communities where young users contribute, comment, and collaborate on programs to facilitate learning. In this article, we examined trends in computational participation in Scratch, an online community with over 1 million registered youth designers. Drawing on a random sample of 5,004 youth programmers and their activities over 3 months in early 2012, we examined programming concepts used in projects in relation to level of participation, gender, and length of membership of Scratch programmers. Latent class analysis results identified the same four groups of programmers in each month based on the usage of different programming concepts and showed how membership in these groups shifted in different ways across time. Strikingly, the largest group of project creators (named Loops) used the simplest and fewest programming concepts. Further, this group was the most stable in membership and was disproportionately female. In contrast, the more complex programming groups (named Variables, Low Booleans, and High Booleans) showed much movement across time. Further, the Low Booleans and High Booleans groups, the only groups to use “and,” “or,” and “not” statements in their programs, were disproportionately male. In the discussion, we address the challenges of analyzing young learners’ programming in informal online communities and opportunities for designing more equitable computational participation.
3D printing for human-computer interaction
Authors: Mueller Stefanie
Published: August 2017

Envisioning, designing, and implementing the user interface require a comprehensive understanding of interaction technologies. In this forum we scout trends and discuss new technologies with the potential to influence interaction design.
--- Albrecht Schmidt, Editor
Variability in Fitness Effects Can Preclude Selection of the Fittest
Authors: Graves Christopher J. , Weinreich Daniel M.
Published: August 2017

Evolutionary biologists often predict the outcome of natural selection on an allele by measuring its effects on lifetime survival and reproduction of individual carriers. However, alleles affecting traits like sex, evolvability, and cooperation can cause fitness effects that depend heavily on differences in the environmental, social, and genetic context of individuals carrying the allele. This variability makes it difficult to summarize the evolutionary fate of an allele solely on the basis of its effects on any one individual. Attempts to average over this variability can sometimes salvage the concept of fitness. In other cases, evolutionary outcomes can be predicted only by considering the entire genealogy of an allele, thus limiting the utility of individual fitness altogether. We describe a number of intriguing new evolutionary phenomena that have emerged in studies that explicitly model long-term lineage dynamics and discuss implications for the evolution of infectious diseases.
Pollinator Diversity: Distribution, Ecological Function, and Conservation
Authors: Ollerton Jeff
Published: August 2017

By facilitating plant reproduction, pollinators perform a crucial ecological function that supports the majority of the world's plant diversity, and associated organisms, and a significant fraction of global agriculture. Thus, pollinators are simultaneously vital to supporting both natural ecosystems and human food security, which is a unique position for such a diverse group of organisms. The past two decades have seen unprecedented interest in pollinators and pollination ecology, stimulated in part by concerns about the decline of pollinator abundance and diversity in some parts of the world. This review synthesizes what is currently understood about the taxonomic diversity of organisms that are known to act as pollinators; their distribution in both deep time and present space; the importance of their diversity for ecological function (including agro-ecology); changes to diversity and abundance over more recent timescales, including introduction of non-native species; and a discussion of arguments for conserving their diversity.
Planktonic Subsidies to Surf-Zone and Intertidal Communities
Authors: Morgan Steven G. , Shanks Alan L. , MacMahan Jamie H. , Reniers Ad J.H.M. , Feddersen Falk
Published: August 2017

Plankton are transported onshore, providing subsidies of food and new recruits to surf-zone and intertidal communities. The transport of plankton to the surf zone is influenced by wind, wave, and tidal forcing, and whether they enter the surf zone depends on alongshore variation in surf-zone hydrodynamics caused by the interaction of breaking waves with coastal morphology. Areas with gently sloping shores and wide surf zones typically have orders-of-magnitude-higher concentrations of plankton in the surf zone and dense larval settlement in intertidal communities because of the presence of bathymetric rip currents, which are absent in areas with steep shores and narrow surf zones. These striking differences in subsidies have profound consequences; areas with greater subsidies support more productive surf-zone communities and possibly more productive rocky intertidal communities. Recognition of the importance of spatial subsidies for rocky community dynamics has recently advanced ecological theory, and incorporating surf-zone hydrodynamics would be an especially fruitful line of investigation.
Circulating Tumor DNA: Measurement and Clinical Utility
Authors: Donaldson Joshua , Park Ben Ho
Published: August 2017

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a component of the “naked” DNA found in blood. It can be isolated from plasma and represents combined genetic material from the primary tumor and metastases. Quantitative and qualitative information about a cancer, including mutations, can be derived using digital polymerase chain reaction and other technologies. This “liquid biopsy” is quicker and more easily repeated than tissue biopsy, yields real-time information about the cancer, and may suggest therapeutic options. All stages of cancer therapy have the ability to benefit from ctDNA, starting with screening for cancer before it is clinically apparent. During treatment of metastatic disease, it is useful to predict response and monitor disease progression. Currently, ctDNA is used in the clinic to select patients who may benefit from epidermal growth factor receptor–targeted therapy in non–small cell lung cancer. In the future, ctDNA technology promises useful applications in every part of clinical oncology care.
Zika, Chikungunya, and Other Emerging Vector-Borne Viral Diseases
Authors: Weaver Scott C. , Charlier Caroline , Vasilakis Nikos , Lecuit Marc
Published: August 2017

Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) have a long history of emerging to infect humans, but during recent decades, they have been spreading more widely and affecting larger populations. This is due to several factors, including increased air travel and uncontrolled mosquito vector populations. Emergence can involve simple spillover from enzootic (wildlife) cycles, as in the case of West Nile virus accompanying geographic expansion into the Americas; secondary amplification in domesticated animals, as seen with Japanese encephalitis, Venezuelan equine encephalitis, and Rift Valley fever viruses; and urbanization, in which humans become the amplification hosts and peridomestic mosquitoes, mainly Aedes aegypti, mediate human-to-human transmission. Dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika viruses have undergone such urban emergence. We focus mainly on the latter two, which are recent arrivals in the Western Hemisphere. We also discuss a few other viruses with the potential to emerge through all of these mechanisms.
Chemical Composition of Essential Oils from SixZanthoxylumSpecies and Their Repellent Activities against Two Stored-Product Insects
Authors: Zhang Wen-Juan , Zhang Zhe , Chen Zhen-Yang , Liang Jun-Yu , Geng Zhu-Feng , Guo Shan-Shan , Du Shu-Shan , Deng Zhi-Wei
Published: August 2017

The objective of this study was to analyze six essential oils fromZanthoxylumgenus (family Rutaceae) in China and evaluate their repellent activities againstTribolium castaneumandLasioderma serricorneadults. Six essential oils fromZanthoxylumgenus, includingZ. armatum,Z. dimorphophyllum,Z. dimorphophyllumvar.spinifolium,Z. piasezkii,Z. stenophyllum,andZ. dissitum,were obtained by hydrodistillation and their yields were ranging from 0.02% to 0.53%. Totally, there were 39 chemical components revealed by GC-MS. Among them, some components with high relative content existed in more than threeZanthoxylumspecies. For instance, bothδ-cadinene (1.21%–17.15%) and spathulenol (0.36%–10.19%) appeared in essential oils ofZ. dimorphophyllum,Z. piasezkii,Z. stenophyllum,andZ. dissitumwhich were found to have higher content of sesquiterpenoids. The repellent activities of six essential oil samples againstT. castaneumandL. serricorneadults were investigated for the first time. Data demonstrated that sixZanthoxylumspecies had much stronger repellent activities againstT. castaneumthanL. serricorneadults, especially in 2 hours after exposure. The results indicate that these six essential oils fromZanthoxylumhave significant potential to be developed into natural repellents to control insects in grains, food, and traditional Chinese medicinal materials.
Determination of Metals Present in Textile Dyes Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy and Cross-Validation Using Inductively Coupled Plasma/Atomic Emission Spectroscopy
Authors: Rehan K. , Rehan I. , Sultana S. , Khan M. Zubair , Farooq Z. , Mateen A. , Humayun M.
Published: August 2017

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was used for the quantitative analysis of elements present in textile dyes at ambient pressure via the fundamental mode (1064 nm) of a Nd:YAG pulsed laser. Three samples were collected for this purpose. Spectra of textile dyes were acquired using an HR spectrometer (LIBS2000+, Ocean Optics, Inc.) having an optical resolution of 0.06 nm in the spectral range of 200 to 720 nm. Toxic metals like Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Zn along with other elements like Al, Mg, Ca, and Na were revealed to exist in the samples. The %-age concentrations of the detected elements were measured by means of standard calibration curve method, intensities of every emission from every species, and calibration-free (CF) LIBS approach. Only Sample 3 was found to contain heavy metals like Cr, Cu, and Ni above the prescribed limit. The results using LIBS were found to be in good agreement when compared to outcomes of inductively coupled plasma/atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP/AES).
Role of the Cysteinyl Leukotrienes in the Pathogenesis and Progression of Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Colazzo Francesca , Gelosa Paolo , Tremoli Elena , Sironi Luigi , Castiglioni Laura
Published: August 2017

Cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) are potent lipid inflammatory mediators synthesized from arachidonic acid, through the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathway. Owing to their properties, CysLTs play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of inflammation; therefore, CysLT modifiers as synthesis inhibitors or receptor antagonists, central in asthma management, may become a potential target for the treatment of other inflammatory diseases such as the cardiovascular disorders. 5-LO pathway activation and increased expression of its mediators and receptors are found in cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, the cardioprotective effects observed by using CysLT modifiers are promising and contribute to elucidate the link between CysLTs and cardiovascular disease. The aim of this review is to summarize the state of present research about the role of the CysLTs in the pathogenesis and progression of atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction.
A New Hybrid Model FPA-SVM Considering Cointegration for Particular Matter Concentration Forecasting: A Case Study of Kunming and Yuxi, China
Authors: Li Weide , Kong Demeng , Wu Jinran
Published: August 2017

Air pollution in China is becoming more serious especially for the particular matter (PM) because of rapid economic growth and fast expansion of urbanization. To solve the growing environment problems, daily PM2.5 and PM10 concentration data form January 1, 2015, to August 23, 2016, in Kunming and Yuxi (two important cities in Yunnan Province, China) are used to present a new hybrid model CI-FPA-SVM to forecast air PM2.5 and PM10 concentration in this paper. The proposed model involves two parts. Firstly, due to its deficiency to assess the possible correlation between different variables, the cointegration theory is introduced to get the input-output relationship and then obtain the nonlinear dynamical system with support vector machine (SVM), in which the parameters c and g are optimized by flower pollination algorithm (FPA). Six benchmark models, including FPA-SVM, CI-SVM, CI-GA-SVM, CI-PSO-SVM, CI-FPA-NN, and multiple linear regression model, are considered to verify the superiority of the proposed hybrid model. The empirical study results demonstrate that the proposed model CI-FPA-SVM is remarkably superior to all considered benchmark models for its high prediction accuracy, and the application of the model for forecasting can give effective monitoring and management of further air quality.
Ionothermal Synthesis of a Novel 3D Cobalt Coordination Polymer with a Uniquely Reported Framework: [BMI]2[Co2(BTC)2(H2O)2]
Authors: Ko Il-Ju , Oh Hyun-Chang , Cha Yong-Jun , Han Chae Hyeok , Choi Eun-Young
Published: August 2017

The framework of [RMI]2[Co2(BTC)2(H2O)2] (RMI = 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium, alkyl; ethyl (EMI); propyl (PMI); butyl (BMI)), which has uniquely occurred in ionothermal reactions of metal salts and H3BTC (1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid), an organic ligand, reappeared in this work. Ionothermal reaction of cobalt acetate and H3BTC with [BMI]Br ionic liquid as the reaction medium yielded the novel coordination polymer [BMI]2[Co2(BTC)2(H2O)2] (compound B2). Similar ionothermal reactions with different [EMI]Br and [PMI]Br as the reaction media have been previously reported to produce [EMI]2[Co3(BTC)2(OAc)2] (compound A1) and [PMI]2[Co2(BTC)2(H2O)2] (compound B1), respectively. In contrast with the trinuclear secondary building unit of A1, the framework structure of B1 and B2 consists of dinuclear secondary building units in common, but with subtle distinction posed by the different size of the incorporated cations. These structural differences amidst the frameworks showed interesting aspects, including guest and void volume, and were used to explain the chemical trend observed in the system. Moreover, the physicochemical properties of the newly synthesized compound have been briefly discussed.
Modeling and Analysis of Magnetic Nanoparticles Injection in Water-Oil Two-Phase Flow in Porous Media under Magnetic Field Effect
Authors: El-Amin Mohamed F. , Saad Ahmed M. , Salama Amgad , Sun Shuyu
Published: August 2017

In this paper, the magnetic nanoparticles are injected into a water-oil, two-phase system under the influence of an external permanent magnetic field. We lay down the mathematical model and provide a set of numerical exercises of hypothetical cases to show how an external magnetic field can influence the transport of nanoparticles in the proposed two-phase system in porous media. We treat the water-nanoparticles suspension as a miscible mixture, whereas it is immiscible with the oil phase. The magnetization properties, the density, and the viscosity of the ferrofluids are obtained based on mixture theory relationships. In the mathematical model, the phase pressure contains additional term to account for the extra pressures due to fluid magnetization effect and the magnetostrictive effect. As a proof of concept, the proposed model is applied on a countercurrent imbibition flow system in which both the displacing and the displaced fluids move in opposite directions. Physical variables, including water-nanoparticles suspension saturation, nanoparticles concentration, and pore wall/throat concentrations of deposited nanoparticles, are investigated under the influence of the magnetic field. Two different locations of the magnet are studied numerically, and variations in permeability and porosity are considered.
Predicting Protein Complexes in Weighted Dynamic PPI Networks Based on ICSC
Authors: Zhao Jie , Lei Xiujuan , Wu Fang-Xiang
Published: August 2017

Protein complexes play a critical role in understanding the biological processes and the functions of cellular mechanisms. Most existing protein complex detection algorithms cannot reflect dynamics of protein complexes. In this paper, a novel algorithm named Improved Cuckoo Search Clustering (ICSC) algorithm is proposed to detect protein complexes in weighted dynamic protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. First, we constructed weighted dynamic PPI networks and detected protein complex cores in each dynamic subnetwork. Then, ICSC algorithm was used to cluster the protein attachments to the cores. The experimental results on both DIP dataset and Krogan dataset demonstrated that ICSC algorithm is more effective in identifying protein complexes than other competing methods.
Hamiltonian Analysis of Subcritical Stochastic Epidemic Dynamics
Authors: Worden Lee , Schwartz Ira B. , Bianco Simone , Ackley Sarah F. , Lietman Thomas M. , Porco Travis C.
Published: August 2017

We extend a technique of approximation of the long-term behavior of a supercritical stochastic epidemic model, using the WKB approximation and a Hamiltonian phase space, to the subcritical case. The limiting behavior of the model and approximation are qualitatively different in the subcritical case, requiring a novel analysis of the limiting behavior of the Hamiltonian system away from its deterministic subsystem. This yields a novel, general technique of approximation of the quasistationary distribution of stochastic epidemic and birth-death models and may lead to techniques for analysis of these models beyond the quasistationary distribution. For a classic SIS model, the approximation found for the quasistationary distribution is very similar to published approximations but not identical. For a birth-death process without depletion of susceptibles, the approximation is exact. Dynamics on the phase plane similar to those predicted by the Hamiltonian analysis are demonstrated in cross-sectional data from trachoma treatment trials in Ethiopia, in which declining prevalences are consistent with subcritical epidemic dynamics.
ABC Classification of Risk Factors in Production Supply Chains with Uncertain Data
Authors: Vujović Aleksandar , Đorđević Aleksandar , Gojković Ranka , Borota Milan
Published: August 2017

The problem of classification of risk factors in an uncertain environment is part of the risk management problem, which has a critical effect on the competitive advantage of production supply chain. The severities of consequences, their relative importance, and the frequency of occurrence of risk factors are defined by risk management team, depending on their experience and the results of good practice. Fuzzy rating of the severities of consequences and the frequency of occurrence of risk factors are described by linguistic expressions, which are modeled by triangular fuzzy numbers. The risk values, obtained by the materialization of the identified risk factors, are given precisely with the usage of fuzzy algebra rules. The classification criterion is defined as the distance between current risk value and extreme risk values. The proposed model enables determination of the priorities of risk factors. It is illustrated by an example with real‐life data from a production supply chain in auto industry.
Removal of Arterial Vessel Contributions in Susceptibility-Weighted Images for Quantification of Normalized Visible Venous Volume in Children with Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Winchell Adam M. , Song Ruitian , Loeffler Ralf B. , Wang Winfred C. , Hankins Jane S. , Helton Kathleen J. , Hillenbrand Claudia M.
Published: August 2017

Purpose. To evaluate a new postprocessing framework that eliminates arterial vessel signal contributions in the quantification of normalized visible venous volume (NVVV, a ratio between venous and brain volume) in susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) exams in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Materials and Methods. We conducted a retrospective study and qualitatively reviewed for hypointense arterial vessel contamination in SWI exams from 21 children with SCD. We developed a postprocessing framework using magnetic resonance angiography in combination with SWI to provide a more accurate quantification of NVVV. NVVV was calculated before and after removing arterial vessel contributions to determine the error from hypointense arterial vessels in quantifying NVVV. Results. Hypointense arterial vessel contamination was observed in 86% SWI exams and was successfully corrected by the proposed method. The contributions of hypointense arterial vessels in the original SWI were significant and accounted for approximately 33% of the NVVV [uncorrected NVVV = 0.012 ± 0.005 versus corrected NVVV = 0.008 ± 0.003 (mean ± SD), P<0.01]. Conclusion. Hypointense arterial vessel contamination occurred in the majority of SWI exams and led to a sizeable overestimation of the visible venous volume. A prospective longitudinal study is needed to evaluate if quantitation of NVVV was improved and to assess the role of NVVV as a biomarker of SCD severity or stroke risk.
Development of Emotional Skills through Interdisciplinary Practices Integrated into a University Curriculum
Authors: Pertegal-Felices M. L. , Marcos-Jorquera D. , Gilar-Corbí R. , Jimeno-Morenilla A.
Published: August 2017

The emotional profile of university students has been related to both academic performance and professional success. Such evidence has led higher education professionals to ask whether students can be trained in emotional skills at university stage. However, learning specific emotional skills requires a considerable investment of time from students. This paper presents an intervention aimed at developing emotional skills through interdisciplinary teamwork, without adding specific courses that could decrease the time that students devote to their core studies. The results indicated that working in interdisciplinary teams improved the level of emotional skills without hindering the attainment of academic objectives.
Transient Expression of Lumbrokinase (PI239) in Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) Using a Geminivirus‐Based Single Replicon System Dissolves Fibrin and Blood Clots
Authors: Dickey Alexia , Wang Nan , Cooper Edwin , Tull Lauren , Breedlove Drew , Mason Hugh , Liu Dehu , Wang Kevin Yueju
Published: August 2017

Lumbrokinases, a group of fibrinolytic enzymes extracted from earthworm, have been widely used to prevent and treat various cardiovascular diseases. They specifically target fibrin to effectively degrade thrombi without major side effects. Plant expression systems are becoming potential alternative expression platforms for producing pharmaceutical proteins. In this work, a lumbrokinase (PI239) was produced from a plant system. Both wild‐type (WT) and plant codon‐optimized (OP) PI239 gene sequences were synthesized and cloned into a geminivirus‐based single‐vector DNA replicon system. Both vectors were independently expressed in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) leaves transiently by agroinfiltration. Overexpressed PI239 resulted in sudden tissue necrosis 3 days after infiltration. Remaining proteins were purified through His‐tag affinity chromatography and analyzed with SDS‐PAGE and Western blot methods. Purified PI239 successfully degraded artificial fibrin with relative activity of 13,400 U/mg when compared with commercial lumbrokinase product. In vitro tests demonstrated that plant‐derived PI239 dissolved human blood clots and that the plant expression system is capable of producing functional PI239.
Mlifdect: Android Malware Detection Based on Parallel Machine Learning and Information Fusion
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhang Dafang , Su Xin , Li Wenjia
Published: August 2017

In recent years, Android malware has continued to grow at an alarming rate. More recent malicious apps’ employing highly sophisticated detection avoidance techniques makes the traditional machine learning based malware detection methods far less effective. More specifically, they cannot cope with various types of Android malware and have limitation in detection by utilizing a single classification algorithm. To address this limitation, we propose a novel approach in this paper that leverages parallel machine learning and information fusion techniques for better Android malware detection, which is named Mlifdect. To implement this approach, we first extract eight types of features from static analysis on Android apps and build two kinds of feature sets after feature selection. Then, a parallel machine learning detection model is developed for speeding up the process of classification. Finally, we investigate the probability analysis based and Dempster-Shafer theory based information fusion approaches which can effectively obtain the detection results. To validate our method, other state-of-the-art detection works are selected for comparison with real-world Android apps. The experimental results demonstrate that Mlifdect is capable of achieving higher detection accuracy as well as a remarkable run-time efficiency compared to the existing malware detection solutions.
Observations on Rotating Instabilities and Spike Type Stall Inception in a High-Speed Multistage Compressor
Authors: Schreiber Johannes , Paoletti Benoit , Ottavy Xavier
Published: August 2017

This work investigates high-frequency measurements for the contribution to the understanding of different stall inception types in high-speed multistage compressors. A 3.5-stage high-speed axial multistage compressor is investigated with a 2 MW test rig in the Laboratoire de Mécanique des Fluides et d’Acoustique (LMFA) at Ecole Centrale de Lyon, France. Two different types of instabilities arise in this compressor as a function of shaft speed. At part speed, a controversy called “rotating instability” type flow field modulation is identified with the measurements. New results are the demonstration of the periodic behavior of this instability and the analogy to classical frequency modulation, periodic to one revolution of the instability. Furthermore, the amplitude of the instability is modulated by the time period of a rotor revolution. At nominal speed, the abrupt spike type stall inception is detected, taking usually less than five rotor revolutions.
The Effects of Socioeconomic Determinants on Hypertension in a Cardiometabolic At-Risk European Country
Authors: Cuschieri Sarah , Vassallo Josanne , Calleja Neville , Pace Nikolai , Mamo Julian
Published: August 2017

Background. A relationship has been established between socioeconomic status and hypertension. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypertension and to explore the links between hypertension and socioeconomic factors in the adult population of Malta. Methods. A national representative cross-sectional health examination study was performed between 2014 and 2016. Sociodemographic and medical history data was gathered by validated questionnaires while blood pressure was measured. Prevalence rates of known hypertension, newly hypertension, and global hypertension were calculated. Associations between sociodemographic characteristics and hypertension were identified through logistic regression models. Results. Hypertension contributed to 30.12% (CI 95%: 28.71–31.57) of the study population, with a male preponderance. The majority was known hypertensive (73.59% CI 95%: 71.01–76.02), with only three-quarters on medication. Multivariant analyses showed that increasing age and body mass index, male gender, and living in Gozo, Western district, and Northern Harbour district were associated with having hypertension. Conclusion. Hypertension is a problem in Malta especially in the male population and with increasing age and body mass index. Education did not exhibit any associated risk for having hypertension, which is inconsistent with the literature, while habitat localities played a role in hypertension development.
Adaptive Control of a Class of Switched Nonlinear System with Partial State Constraints Using a Barrier Lyapunov Function
Authors: Cui Enchang , Jing Yuanwei , Gao Xiaoting
Published: August 2017

This paper discusses partial state constraint adaptive tracking control problem of switched nonlinear systems with uncertain parameters. In order to ensure boundedness of the outputs and prevent the states from violating the constraints, a barrier Lyapunov function (BLF) is employed. Based on backstepping method, an adaptive controller for the switched system is designed. Furthermore, the state‐constrained asymptotic tracking under arbitrary switching is performed. The closed‐loop signals keep bounded when the initial states and control parameters are given. Finally, examples and simulation results are reported to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller.
Oscillation Criteria for Nonlinear Third-Order Neutral Dynamic Equations with Damping on Time Scales
Authors: Qiu Yang-Cong , Zada Akbar , Qin Haiyong , Li Tongxing
Published: August 2017

We establish several oscillation criteria for a class of third-order nonlinear dynamic equations with a damping term and a nonpositive neutral coefficient by using the Riccati transformation. Two illustrative examples are presented to show the significance of the results obtained.
Power Cell SOC Modelling for Intelligent Virtual Sensor Implementation
Authors: Casteleiro-Roca José-Luis , Jove Esteban , Sánchez-Lasheras Fernando , Méndez-Pérez Juan-Albino , Calvo-Rolle José-Luis , de Cos Juez Francisco Javier
Published: August 2017

Batteries are one of the principal components in electric vehicles and mobile electronic devices. They operate based on electrochemical reactions, which are exhaustively tested to check their behavior and to determine their characteristics at each working point. One remarkable issue of batteries is their complex behavior. The power cell type under analysis in this research is a LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate LiFePO4). The purpose of this research is to predict the power cell State of Charge (SOC) by creating a hybrid intelligent model. All the operating points measured from a real system during a capacity confirmation test make up the dataset used to obtain the model. This dataset is clustered to obtain different behavior groups, which are used to develop the final model. Different regression techniques such as polynomial regression, support vector regression (SVR), and artificial neural networks (ANN) have been implemented for each cluster. A combination of these methods is performed to achieve an intelligent model. The SOC of the power cell can be predicted by this hybrid intelligent model, and good results are achieved.
Sorafenib versus Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy as Initial Treatment for Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Advanced Portal Vein Tumor Thrombosis
Authors: Moriguchi Michihisa , Aramaki Takeshi , Nishiofuku Hideyuki , Sato Rui , Asakura Koiku , Yamaguchi Kanji , Tanaka Toshihiro , Endo Masahiro , Itoh Yoshito
Published: August 2017

Objective: To investigate the validity of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with low-dose 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin (LFP) versus sorafenib as first-line treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombosis (Vp3, Vp4). Patients and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the cases of Child-Pugh A advanced HCC with Vp3 or Vp4 treated with LFP or sorafenib between October 2002 and December 2013. Results: There were 32 patients in the LFP group and 14 patients in the sorafenib group. The objective response rate/disease control rate was 31.3/56.3% in the LFP group and 0/28.6% in the sorafenib group. The median survival time (MST) (309 vs. 120 days; p = 0.009) and the median time to treatment failure (109 vs. 37 days; p = 0.022) were significantly longer in the LFP group than in the sorafenib group. In the LFP group, a relatively favorable outcome (MST, 622 days) was obtained among the response cases. Among the nonresponse cases in the LFP group, at the time of cessation of LFP, 70.4% of cases were Child-Pugh A and 88.9% of cases maintained a score of ≤7 points; of the cases in whom Child-Pugh A was maintained, the survival period from the time of LFP discontinuation was significantly longer in the cases in whom sorafenib was introduced as a secondary treatment after LFP than in the cases treated with best supportive care (220 vs. 89 days; p = 0.002). The main adverse event with LFP was grade 3 or higher cytopenia, which was manageable, and adverse event-induced discontinuation was significantly lower as compared with sorafenib (p = 0.002). Conclusion: For the treatment of HCC with Vp3/Vp4, it is desirable to initially use LFP and then immediately change to sorafenib if no response is obtained.