bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the Genetic Background of Porcine Muscle Growth and Development Based on Transcriptome and miRNAome Data
Authors: Ropka-Molik Katarzyna , Pawlina-Tyszko Klaudia , Żukowski Kacper , Piórkowska Katarzyna , Żak Grzegorz , Gurgul Artur , Derebecka Natalia , Wesoły Joanna
Published: April 2018

Recently, selection in pigs has been focused on improving the lean meat content in carcasses; this focus has been most evident in breeds constituting a paternal component in breeding. Such sire-breeds are used to improve the meat quantity of cross-breed pig lines. However, even in one breed, a significant variation in the meatiness level can be observed. In the present study, the comprehensive analysis of genes and microRNA expression profiles in porcine muscle tissue was applied to identify the genetic background of meat content. The comparison was performed between whole gene expression and miRNA profiles of muscle tissue collected from two sire-line pig breeds (Piertain, Hampshire). The RNA-seq approach allowed the identification of 627 and 416 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between pig groups differing in terms of loin weight between Pietrain and Hampshire breeds, respectively. The comparison of miRNA profiles showed differential expression of 57 microRNAs for Hampshire and 34 miRNAs for Pietrain pigs. Next, 43 genes and 18 miRNAs were selected as differentially expressed in both breeds and potentially related to muscle development. According to Gene Ontology analysis, identified DEGs and microRNAs were involved in the regulation of the cell cycle, fatty acid biosynthesis and regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. The most deregulated pathways dependent on muscle mass were the Hippo signalling pathway connected with the TGF-beta signalling pathway and controlling organ size via the regulation of ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, cell proliferation and apoptosis. The identified target genes were also involved in pathways such as the FoxO signalling pathway, signalling pathways regulating pluripotency of stem cells and the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway. The obtained results indicate molecular mechanisms controlling porcine muscle growth and development. Identified genes (SOX2, SIRT1, KLF4, PAX6 and genes belonging to the transforming growth factor beta superfamily) could be considered candidate genes for determining muscle mass in pigs.
Afamin and Adropin in Patients with Alcohol-Induced Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Prystupa Andrzej , Kiciński Paweł , Luchowska-Kocot Dorota , Sak Jarosław , Prystupa Tomasz , Chen Ko-Hsin , Chen Yu-Chieh , Panasiuk Lech , Załuska Wojciech
Published: April 2018

Introduction: Liver cirrhosis develops in about 10% of alcohol abusers. To date, a number of cells and cytokines have been identified, which are involved in induction of liver fibrotic processes. Nevertheless, the pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis has not been fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to determine serum concentrations of afamin and adropin in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis and to define their correlation with the stage of disease. Materials and methods: The study included 99 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis from the region of Lublin, (Eastern Poland). Liver cirrhosis was diagnosed based on clinical features, history of heavy alcohol consumption, laboratory tests and abdominal ultrasonography. The control group consisted of 20 healthy individuals without liver disease who did not abuse alcohol. The serum afamin and adropin concentrations were determined using ELISA kits. Results: The concentration of afamin was found to be significantly lower in patients with compensated alcoholic liver cirrhosis, i.e. P-Ch B (85.1±40.6 μg/ml) and P-Ch C (56.4±32.3 μg/ml) individuals, as compared to the control group (135.9±43.6 μg/ml); p-value was <0.01 and <0.001, respectively. As far as adropin is concerned, a reverse relationship was demonstrated: the highest concentration was found in patients with P-Ch C (11.7±5.7 ng/ml) cirrhosis. Furthermore, the above concentration was significantly higher compared to patients with P-Ch A cirrhosis (7.2±2.8 ng/ml; p<0.05) and controls (7.5±2.6 ng/ml; p<0.05). Conclusions: The concentration of afamin decreases with the severity of alcoholic liver cirrhosis, which most likely results from impaired hepatic synthesis. Otherwise, the higher the stage of disease according to the Child-Pugh score, the higher the concentration of adropin.
MOSH Syndrome (Male Obesity Secondary Hypogonadism): Clinical Assessment and Possible Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: De Lorenzo Antonino , Noce Annalisa , Moriconi Eleonora , Rampello Tiziana , Marrone Giulia , Di Daniele Nicola , Rovella Valentina
Published: April 2018

Male obesity secondary hypogonadism (MOSH) impairs fertility, sexual function, bone mineralization, fat metabolism, cognitive function, deteriorates muscle mass and alters body composition. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effect of dietary intervention and physical activity on the MOSH patient’s hormonal profile after a 10% weight loss compared to baseline. Fourteen male patients were enrolled. Hormonal, lipid, glycemic profiles and body composition were determined at baseline and after a 10% weight loss. Aging Male Symptoms Scale (AMS) and Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) were administered to patients in order to investigate hypogonadal symptoms and food addiction. Compared to baseline, a significant increase of Total Testosterone (TT) (300.2 ± 79.5 ng/dl vs 408.3 ± 125.9, p = 0.002, 95% CI 26.8; 167.7) and a reduction of 17-Beta Estradiol level (48.3 ± 14.9 pg/mL vs 39.2 ± 15.2, p = 0.049, 95% CI 3.1; 0.0) were observed. Total Fat Mass (FM) percentage, android and gynoid fat mass percentage (39.2 ± 6.4% vs 36.2 ± 5.8%, p = 0.0001, 95% CI 22.5; 62.3; 51.5 ± 6.8% vs 47.6 ± 6.8%, p = 0.001, 95% CI 0.6; 1.8, vs 39.2 ± 6.2% vs 36.5 ± 6.3% p= 0.0001, 95% CI 0.9; 2.0 respectively) were significantly decreased after nutritional intervention. In addition, total Fat Free Mass (FFM) in kg was significantly reduced after 10% weight loss (62.3± 2.8 kg vs 60.3± 7.7 kg, p = 0.002, 95% CI 45.0; 93.0). Lifestyle changes, specifically dietotherapy and physical activity, induce positive effects on hypogonadism due to obesity.
Prioritizing Countermeasures for Reducing Seawater-Intrusion Area by Considering of Regional Characteristics Using SEAWAT and a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Method
Authors: Yang Jeong-Seok , Kim Il Hwan , Chung Eun-Sung
Published: April 2018

Coastal areas are increasingly being damaged with the expansion of seawater intrusion areas. We suggest a three-step method for reducing seawater intrusion areas by predicting future damage to groundwater being used continuously. First, the area most vulnerable to seawater intrusion damage is selected from among 25 areas on the west coast of the Republic of Korea. Having identified the Taean area as the region in question in the second step, we use RCP 4.5 and 8.5 as future sea level rise scenarios and predict the future usage of groundwater using linear-regression analysis of data for the past 10 years. Consequently, for RCP 8.5 (groundwater-usage scenario 1.0), 68.5% of the total Taean area is projected to be influenced by seawater intrusion. In the third step, the effectiveness of seawater intrusion reduction measures is analyzed considering the projected future situation and the local characteristics of the Taean area. After considering the effects of alternative locations, as well as seawater intrusion related data, alternatives were prioritized using a multi-criteria decision-making method. Consequently, 3, 5, and 4 were prioritized in the listed order, and we judged that by applying seawater intrusion area reduction measures according to this result, we will achieve the biggest effect.
A Review of Community Smoke Exposure from Wildfire Compared to Prescribed Fire in the United States
Authors: Navarro Kathleen M. , Schweizer Don , Balmes John R. , Cisneros Ricardo
Published: April 2018

Prescribed fire, intentionally ignited low-intensity fires, and managed wildfires, wildfires that are allowed to burn for land management benefit, could be used as a land management tool to create forests that are resilient to wildland fire. This could lead to fewer large catastrophic wildfires in the future. However, we must consider the public health impacts of the smoke that is emitted from wildland and prescribed fire. The objective of this synthesis is to examine the differences in ambient community-level exposures to particulate matter (PM2.5) from smoke in the United States from two smoke exposure scenarios – wildfire fire and prescribed fire. A systematic search was conducted to identify scientific papers to be included in this review. Web of Science Core Collection and PubMed for scientific papers, and Google Scholar were used to identify any grey literature or reports to be included in this review. Sixteen studies that examined particulate matter exposure from smoke were identified for this synthesis – nine wildland fire studies and seven prescribed fire studies. PM2.5 concentrations from wildfire smoke were found to be significantly lower than reported PM2.5 concentrations from prescribed fire smoke. Wildfire studies focused on assessing air quality impacts to communities that were nearby fires and urban centers that were far from wildfires. However, the prescribed fire studies used air monitoring methods that focused on characterizing exposures and emissions directly from and next to the burns. This review highlights a need for a better understanding of wildfire smoke impact over the landscape. It is essential for properly assessing population exposure to smoke from different fire types.
Self-Reported Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure and Avoidance Compared with Cotinine Confirmed Tobacco Smoke Exposure among Pregnant Women and Their Infants
Authors: Gavarkovs Adam Gregory , Risica Patricia Markham , Parker Donna R. , Jennings Ernestine , Mello Jennifer , Phipps Maureen
Published: April 2018

Background: Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) presents substantial health risks for pregnant women and newborn infants. Measurements of ETS include invasive and expensive biochemical tests as well as less invasive and lower-cost self-reported exposure and avoidance measures. Better understanding of self-report measures will help to select ETS assessments for evaluation. Methods: This analysis was conducted within the context of a tailored video intervention to reduce tobacco smoking and ETS exposure during pregnancy and after delivery, in the control group sample of 147 nonsmoking women. Measurements of salivary cotinine concentration, self-reported ETS exposure and avoidance behaviors were captured at 32 weeks gestation and 6 months postpartum. Results: Salivary cotinine concentration was significantly related to ETS avoidance among pregnant nonsmokers at 32 weeks gestation, but not ETS exposure. At 6 months postpartum, both the reported ETS exposure of the infant and maternal avoidance behaviors to reduce her infant’s exposure were associated with the infant’s salivary cotinine concentration. At 32 weeks gestation and 6 months postpartum, avoidance behaviors decreased as exposure increased. Discussion: This study suggests that for nonsmoking women during pregnancy, report of tobacco smoke avoidance is more valid than report of exposure. After delivery, self-reported ETS exposure or avoidance are associated with each other and biochemical measurement of salivary cotinine. These results provide researchers and clinicians with evidence to support inclusion of avoidance behaviors in the selection of ETS measure.
Facile Synthesis of High Molecular Weight Polypeptides via Surface-Initiated Vapor Deposition Polymerization
Authors: Yang Chih-Tsung , Wu Jen-Chia , Chang Ying-Chih
Published: April 2018

Despite huge effort has been devoted to the design of the initiators and reaction conditions, it remains challenging to synthesize high molecular weight polypeptides with conventional solution phase synthesis. In this work, surface-initiated vapor deposition polymerization (SI-VDP) was utilized to graft synthetic polypeptides poly (γ-benzyl L-glutamate) (PBLG) from polystyrene (PS) resin beads by ring-opening polymerization of N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs). It was demonstrated for the first time that high molecular weight bulk PBLG (> 500,000) could be readily obtained within one hour via solvent-free synthetic method which paves the way for the synthesis of copolypeptides with high molecular weight.
Surface Modification of Electroosmotic Silicon Microchannel Using Thermal Dry Oxidation
Authors: Tuan Yaakub Tuan Norjihan , Yunas Jumril , Latif Rhonira , Hamzah Azrul Azlan , Razip Wee Mohd Farhanulhakim , Yeop Majlis Burhanuddin
Published: April 2018

A simple fabrication method in the surface modification of electroosmotic silicon microchannel using thermal dry oxidation is presented. The surface modification is done by coating the silicon surface with a silicon dioxide (SiO2) layer using thermal oxidation process. The process is aimed not only to improve the surface quality of the channel to be suitable for electroosmotic fluid transport but also to reduce the channel width using a simple technique. Initially, the parallel microchannel array with dimensions of 0.5 mm length and width ranging from 1.8 µm to 2 µm are created using plasma etching on the 2x2 cm <100> silicon substrate. The oxidation of silicon channel in a thermal chamber is then conducted to create the SiO2 layer. The layer properties and the quality of the surface are analyzed using SEM and surface profiler, respectively. The results show that the maximum oxidation growth rate occurs in the first 4 hours of oxidation time and the rate decreases by time as the oxide layer becomes thicker. It is also found that the surface roughness is reduced with the increase of process temperature and oxide thickness. The scallop effect on the vertical wall due to plasma etching process also improved with the presence of the oxide layer. After the oxidation, the channel width is reduced by ~40%. The demonstrated method is suggested for the fabrication of a uniform channel cross section with high aspect ratio in sub-micro and nanometer scale that will be useful for the electroosmotic flow (EOF) manipulation of the biomedical fluid sample.
Calcium-Activated Cl- Channel: Insights on the Molecular Identity in Epithelial Tissues
Authors: Rottgen Trey , Nickerson Andrew , Rajendran Vazhaikkurichi
Published: April 2018

Calcium-activated chloride secretion in epithelial tissues described for many years. However, the molecular identity of the channel responsible for the Ca2+-activated Cl− secretion in epithelial tissues has remained a mystery. More recently, TMEM16A has been identified as a new putative Ca2 -activated Cl- channel (CaCC),. The primary goal of this article will be to review the characterization of TMEM16A, as it relates to the physical structure of the channel, as well as, important residues that confer voltage and Ca2+-sensitivity of the channel. This review will also discuss the role of TMEM16A in epithelial physiology and potential associated-pathophysiology. This will include discussion of developed knockout models that have provided much needed insight on the functional localization of TMEM16A in several epithelial tissues. Finally, this review will examine the implications of the identification of TMEM16A as it pertains to potential novel therapies in several pathologies.
An Exploration of the Sub-Register of Chemical Engineering Research Papers Published in English
Authors: Zacharof Myrto-Panagiota , Charalambidou Anna
Published: April 2018

The combination of increased pressures for high-volume, high-impact publications in English language with the high rejection rates of submitted manuscripts for publications presents an often unsurpassable obstacle for (early career) researchers. At the same, the register requirements of peer-reviewed journals -that can contribute to whether a paper is accepted for publication- has received little attention. This paper redresses this gap, by investigating the linguistic choices in 60 published manuscripts in four journals, with impact factor (IF) above 2; all 4 journals, publish original research papers in the field of chemical engineering science and specifically focus on wastewater treatment. Our survey shows that chemical engineering research publications tend to comply to a set of unwritten requirements: multidisciplinarity, brevity, co-authorship, focus on the description of practical results (rather than methods), and awareness of non-specialised audiences. It is found that less discipline-specific vocabulary was used in higher IF journals and this is interpreted within the current context of manuscript publication and consumption. Also, a complex relationship between the advertised scope of each journal and the actual published papers exists, indicating that guide for authors and aims and objective published by the journal's editorial office should be critically evaluated.
Blackcurrant Leaf Chlorosis Associated Virus: Next-Generation Sequencing Reveals an Extraordinary Virus with Multiple Genomic Components Including Evidence of Circular RNA
Authors: James Delano , Phelan James , Sanderson Daniel
Published: April 2018

Blackcurrant leaf chlorosis associated virus (BCLCaV) was detected recently by next-generation sequencing (NGS) and proposed as a new and distinct species in the genus Idaeovirus. Genomic components of BCLCaV that were detected and confirmed include: 1) RNA-1 that is monocistronic and encodes the replicase complex; 2) a bicistronic RNA-2 that encodes a movement protein (MP) and the coat protein (CP) of the virus, with open reading frames (ORF) that overlap by a single adenine (A) nucleotide (nt) representing the third position of an opal stop codon of the MP ORF2a and the first position of the start codon of the CP ORF2b; 3) a subgenomic form of RNA-2 (RNA-3) that contains ORF2b; and 4) a concatenated form of RNA-2 that consists of a complementary and inverted RNA-3 conjoined to the full-length RNA-2. Analysis of NGS-derived paired-end reads revealed the existence of bridge reads encompassing the 3’-terminus and 5’-terminus of RNA-2 or RNA-3 of BCLCaV. The full RNA-2 or RNA-3 could be amplified using outward facing or abutting primers; also RNA-2/RNA-3 could be detected even after three consecutive RNase R enzyme treatments with denaturation at 95 oC preceding each digestion. Evidence was obtained indicating that there are circular forms of BCLCaV RNA-2 and RNA-3.
Resolution Enhancement in Phase Microscopy: a Review
Authors: Zheng Juanjuan , Micó Vicente , Gao Peng
Published: April 2018

Quantitative phase microscopy (QPM), a technique combining phase imaging and microscopy, enables visualization of the 3-D topography in reflective samples as well as the inner structure or refractive index distribution of transparent and translucent samples. However, as in conventional optical microscopy, QPM provides either a large field of view (FOV) or a high resolution but not both. Many approaches such as oblique illumination, structured illumination and speckle illumination have been proposed to improve the spatial resolution of phase microscopy by restricting other degrees of freedom (mostly time). Therefore, the space bandwidth product (SBP) of QPM becomes enlarged. This paper aims to provide an up-to-date review on the resolution enhancement approaches of QPM, discussing the pros and cons of each technique as well as the confusion on resolution definition claim on QPM and other coherent microscopy.
Correlation of comprehension reading skill and higher-order thinking skill with scientific literacy skill of senior high school biology teacher
Authors: Susiati Asih , Adisyahputra Adisyahputra , Miarsyah Mieke
Published: April 2018

The aim of this research was to determine the correlation between comprehension reading skill and higher-order thinking skill with scientific literacy skill for senior high school biology teacher. This research was conducted in Kabupaten Bekasi using 64 senior high school biology teachers as samples. Samples were taken by using Simple Random Sampling. The method used in this research was descriptive quantitative and research hypothesis tested by Pearson Product Moment in α=0,05. The results obtained correlation coefficient value between: comprehension reading skill with scientific literacy skill is 0.280; higher-order thinking skill with scientific literacy skill is 0.252; comprehension reading skill and higher-order thinking skill simultaneously with scientific literacy skill is 0.321. Coefficient of determination test showed that: 7,8% of comprehension reading skill contribute to scientific literacy skill; 6,4% of higher-order thinking skill contribute to scientific literacy skill; 10,3% of comprehension reading skill and higher-order thinking skill contribute to scientific literacy skill. Hope this result research can be a basic reference for further research.
Enhancing biology education students ability to solve problems in environmental science material through inquiri model-based lesson study
Authors: Istiana Rita , Awaludin M. Taufik
Published: April 2018

This study was an action research which applied lesson study in its learning process. The aim of the study was to improve students’ ability to solve various environmental problems, especially for population problems in the Environmental Study Course by applying inquiry model. The study was conducted in October 2016 to January 2017 and involved students of Biology Education as the analysis unit, in the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Pakuan. Research procedures composed of three steps: design (plan), action (do), observation and reflection (see) which consist of two cycles. The result showed that inquiry model based lesson study could improve students’ ability to solve environmental problems, especially for the population. Enhancement of problem-solving ability was implemented in the result of the first cycle with a class average  of 77,63 and a completeness percentage 63,33%. It was increased in the second cycle with a class average of 84,45 and a completeness percentage 86,67%.
Design of biology teaching materials based on discovery learning with scientific approach for class 10th in senior high school
Authors: Toy Binerd Anthon Im , Karwur Ferry F , Costa Junet F. da , Langkun Jerry F , Rondonuwu Ferdy S
Published: April 2018

Indonesia as a tropical country with two seasons and has a high humidity into a good land for mushrooms growth. Students need to be taught to understand mushrooms. Understanding includes; morphology, physiology, reproduction, roles, and benefits of fungi. Discovery learning with a scientific approach becomes one of the active methods for, providing learning to Senior high school-class 10th students. Methods of scientific approach are done through activities: observing, asking, trying, reasoning, and communicating. A biology lesson that is active, innovative, creative, effective, and fun for the learners depends on the approach chosen and the instructional method used. The purpose of the development of this learning material was to design a biology instructional module on fungi using discovery learning with scientific approach. A scientific approach is a learning approach conducted through the following activities: observing, asking questions, experimenting, analyzing, and communicating. One method that is relevant with the principles of scientific approach is discovery learning. The stages in discovery learning are: stimulation, problem identification, data collection, data processing, providing evidence, and drawing conclusion. This biology lesson based on discovery learning with scientific approach complemented with pictures has the potentials in increasing the learning of the learners because they will be able to organize and conduct experiments to discover new knowledge
Socio-pragmatic Deficiency in E.Requests
Authors: Ali Shurooq Abboodi
Published: April 2018

The speech act of request is face-threatening by nature and an inappropriate request can cause offence to the hearer, particularly when s/he has higher authority (Economidou-Kogetsidis, 2011). E-mail is frequently used to facilitate communication between student and professor in Iraq. Iraqi EFL (English as a foreign language) learners face pragmatic difficulty in making proper requests to individuals of higher authority via e-mail. Some studies have been conducted on Arab EFL learners to uncover the pragmatic behaviour of these learners in real-life requests using elicited data. This research fills a gap in Inter-language Pragmatics (ILP) literature in that it investigates the use of academic request in three diverse imposition levels (low, medium, and high) by Iraqi EFL learners when they communicate with their professors via e-mail. This study uses authentic data consists of 200 e-mails related to academic requests sent by Iraqi EFL learners to their professors. Besides, the study uses the CCSARP (cross-cultural speech act realisation project) originally proposed by Blum-Kulka, House, and Kasper (1989) and modified later by Biesenbach-Lucas (2007). Qualitative and quantitative analyses are used to analyse the data. The findings reveal that Iraqi EFL learners primarily use direct strategy in all types of request impositions by e-mail. These learners have socio-pragmatic deficiency in high imposition requests; that is, they are mainly direct with their professors in requests call for conventional indirectness to be acceptable pragmatically.
Mathematical analysis of the effect of the constant temperature assumption in the leak test of PTB Testing Instructions, Volume 25
Authors: Salah García Oscar Yazit , García Sánchez Carlos Eduardo
Published: April 2018

"PTB Testing Instructions, Volume 25: Gas meters – Test rigs with critical nozzles" (PTB 25) includes a detailed description of a test to evaluate the tightness of the rig (leak test). The mathematical modeling of this test assumes that temperature remains constant, and it is established a maximum allowable change of 0.1 K during the test. PTB 25 defines a maximum value of the leak flow rate as criteria for approval of the test.

In this work, the effect of the assumption of constant temperature over the leak test result was analyzed. Different processes in which the real leak flow rate was zero and there was a change in the temperature of the system equal to the maximum permissible (according to PTB 25) were simulated, and the leak flow rate calculated by PTB 25’s model was determined. The assumption of constant temperature does not simplifies drastically the mathematical model. It is concluded that PTB 25’s maximum allowable temperature change is too high for most practical situations, leading to errors that exceeds the maximum allowable leakage rate. The factors “test time” and “enclosed volume” have a high effect over the magnitude of the error given by PTB 25’s leak flow rate model.
Measurement of the Sensitivity for Diving-bell Manometer
Authors: Culma Caviedes Jose Eduin
Published: April 2018

Diving-bell manometers are devices mainly used for low-gauge measurements, with a variety of industrial and medical applications. At the Colombian Instituto Nacional de Metrología, a Junkalor Dessau TMG 25/1104 diving-bell manometer was subjected to sensitivity verification, with 200 mg as the discrimination threshold. Considering that this manometer works analogously to an equal arm balance, sensitivity is defined as the weight change on the balance that is needed to produce a movement larger that the smallest estimable fraction of a scale interval determined by visual interpolation component (resolution on the indicator element). Three set data points were evaluated: the first, with 20 g placed on each plate; the second, with 19.7 g on the left plate and 20 g placed on the right plate; and the third, with 20.3 g on the left plate and 20 g on the right plate. Recommendations for use of the diving bell are made and the resolution for the device was determined.
Cross-floating calibration study. Trim masses: on the standard balance or on the balance under calibration
Authors: Flores Francisco Javier , Torres Jorge C.
Published: April 2018

<span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: DE; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;" lang="EN-GB">The pressure balances are used as reference standards to calibrate secondary manometers and other balances. There are different types and models of pressure balances that cover measuring ranges from 3 kPa to 1 GPa. The pressure balances are designed to measure relative, absolute or differential pressure and some balances can measure all types of pressure. This paper presents the results of a study of high accuracy pressure balances cross-floating calibration comparing trim masses on the standard balance or on the balance under calibration.
Wireless Sensor Network for Temperatures Estimation in an Asynchronous Machine Using a Kalman Filter
Authors: Huang Yi , Gühmann Clemens
Published: April 2018

A 4th-order Kalman filter (KF) algorithm is developed based on the thermal model of an asynchronous machine. The thermal parameters are identified and KF is implemented in a wireless sensor network (WSN) to estimate the temperatures of the stator windings, the rotor cage, and the stator core of an asynchronous machine. The rotor speed, coolant air temperature, and the effective current and voltage are acquired by a WTIM (wireless transducer interface module) separately and transmitted to a NCAP (network capable application processor) where the KF algorithm is implemented. Losses of the stator windings and the rotor cage are copper losses, and the stator core losses are iron losses. The losses of the stator windings, the rotor cage and the stator core are calculated from the measurements and are processed with the coolant air temperature by KF. As the resistance varies from temperature, the estimated temperature of the stator windings is used for compensating the rising of resistance.  Simulations and experiments on the test bench were performed before the KF algorithm is implemented on a wireless sensor node. The real-time temperature estimator on WSN is independent of control algorithm and can work under any load condition with very high accuracy.
Smart maintenance and inspection of linear assets: An Industry 4.0 approach
Authors: Seneviratne Dammika , Ciani Lorenzo , Catelani Marcantonio , Galar Diego
Published: April 2018

Linear assets have linear properties, for instance, similar underlying geometry and characteristics, over a distance. They show specific patterns of continuous inherent deteriorations and failures. Therefore, remedial inspection and maintenance actions will be similar along the length of a linear asset, but because as the asset is distributed over a large area, the execution costs are greater.

Autonomous robots, for instance, unmanned aerial vehicles, pipe inspection gauges, and remotely operated vehicles, are used in different industrial settings in an ad-hoc manner for inspection and maintenance. Autonomous robots can be programmed for repetitive and specific tasks; this is useful for the inspection and maintenance of linear assets.
This paper reviews the challenges of maintaining the linear assets, focusing on inspections. It also provides a conceptual framework for the use of autonomous inspection and maintenance practices for linear assets to reduce maintenance costs, human involvement, etc., whilst improving the availability of linear assets by effective use of autonomous robots and data from different sources.
A Novel Design of an Augmented Reality Based Navigation System & its Industrial Applications
Authors: Erdei Timotei , Molnár Zsolt , Obinna Nwachukwu C. , Husi Géza
Published: April 2018

Maintenance activities are integral within an industrial setting. The efficiency of these activities is associated with the total productivity of an industrial process/machine. A highly efficient maintenance policy/strategy usually results in relatively high levels of plant productivity. AR and VR may be incorporated into a maintenance strategy. AR and VR technology would enhance maintenance activities, and facilitate somewhat complex tasks.

A maintenance strategy includes a range of activities and may be categorized into administrative, technical and management processes. AR technology contains digital data, as well as other technical details, and is able to provide information about industrial machinery-equipment, without the need for equipment disassembling.

In this regard, we employed AR technology in developing a unique navigation system to replace/reduce the installation costs of traditional AGV navigation systems. The proposed AR system consists of a camera, which observes the QR-Code/Markers, and a processing unit.

Augmented Reality enables visualisation of any data and information, as well as control of a running process. It means it is possible to read various data within any equipment, during its operation and in real-time. This facilitates analysis of “black box” systems.
Métricas para Avaliação de Sistemas de Informação
Authors: Dias Raquel
Published: April 2018

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar um modelo simplificado para avaliação da qualidade de sistema de informação. O modelo está baseado na observação do comportamento do consumidor de bens e serviços, e enfoca os aspectos ambientais que influenciam o processo de tomada de decisão de tais agentes. Este artigo, além de apresentar um modelo capaz de prever demandas futuras de usuários reincidentes, mostra a importância da existência de métricas, objetivas, para o gerenciamento da qualidade durante o processo de desenvolvimento de sistemas de informação, descreve um modelo para avaliação de tais sistemas baseado nos princípios da utilidade, usabilidade e qualidade.
A escola na Sociedade da Informação
Authors: Ferreira Marcos Vinicio Pitombeira , Machado Elian De Castro
Published: April 2018

O artigo traz reflexões sobre a escola na sociedade da informação, onde a informação é parâmetro de desenvolvimento. Ele aborda temas como o papel da escola na sociedade da informação, a capacitação dos professores para trabalharem com as novas tecnologias e o computador como mediador do processo ensino-aprendizagem.
Integração de Técnicas de Gerência de Redes ao Gerenciamento de Cargas em Redes de Distribuição Elétrica
Authors: Garcia Osvaldo
Published: April 2018

Este artigo apresenta uma visão sobre as questões que envolvem o gerenciamento de cargas no sistema elétrico das empresas de distribuição de energia elétrica, demonstrando os modelos mais comumente usados e suas implicações, bem como sua utilização no setor elétrico brasileiro. Ao fazer considerações sobre o modelo atual, o artigo demonstra que além do corte seletivo, não há recursos para o gerenciamento efetivo das cargas no que tange à redução. Demonstra ainda a evolução dos medidores indicando claramente a tendência para migração da leitura in-loco ou através de linhas discadas para as redes baseadas em TCP/IP. Este novo modelo de leitura, além de mudar o modus-operandi das concessionárias de energia elétrica proporciona melhor condição de acesso aos dados dos medidores e consequëntemente possibilita o gerenciamento. Uma das alternativas é utilizar técnicas de gerenciamento de redes para este objetivo, e assim sendo, o uso do SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) se torna possível.
A Gestão Da Tecnologia Para Competitividade Empresarial No Setor Industrial
Authors: Grabovski Neto Francisco , Dergint Dario Eduardo Amaral
Published: April 2018

O Artigo tem por objetivo demonstrar a importância da gestão governamental da tecnologia para promover a competitividade empresarial no setor industrial; ou seja, baseando-se em um relato histórico da economia paranaense, pretende-se demonstrar como as políticas públicas podem incentivar os investimentos no setor tecnológico. Portanto, através da gestão tecnológica os agentes produtivos podem propiciar a satisfação das necessidades sociais de uma região, estimulando o processo de desenvolvimento econômico, social e tecnológico em um ambiente competitivo e globalizado. O artigo, por fim ressalta também a utilização da tecnologia como fator de atendimento as necessidades sociais, promovendo o desenvolvimento econômico através da utilização de modelos de sistema de inovação tecnológica capazes de estimular a competitividade empresarial, e propor alternativas para enfrentar a problemática da escassez de recursos financeiros para a gestão de projetos tecnológicos, visando a obtenção de um desenvolvimento econômico, social e tecnológico de uma região.
Palavras do editor
Authors: Medina Nelkis De la Orden
Published: April 2018

Nesta primeira edição da revista apresentamos vários artigos de pesquisadores de diferentes instituições de ensino e de pesquisa do Brasil e do exterior abrangendo diferentes tópicos da área de Sistemas de Informação. Agradecemos a todos os integrantes do conselho editorial, aos avaliadores e aos autores dos trabalhos publicados nesta primeira edição por fazer possível a publicação da mesma. Nelkis de la Orden MedinaEditora-Chefe
Automatic Generation of Neural Networks
Authors: Fiszelew A. , Britos P. , Perichisky G. , García-Martínez R.
Published: April 2018

This work deals with methods for finding optimal neural network architectures to learn par-ticular problems. A genetic algorithm is used to discover suitable domain specific architectures; this evolutionary algorithm applies direct codification and uses the error from the trained network as a per-formance measure to guide the evolution. The network training is accomplished by the back-propagation algorithm; techniques such as training repetition, early stopping and complex regulation are employed to improve the evolutionary process results. The evaluation criteria are based on learn-ing skills and classification accuracy of generated architectures
Uso de XML para Interoperabilidade entre Bases Heterogêneas
Authors: Pasqual Juliana , Sunye Marcos
Published: April 2018

A coexistência de banco de dados heterogêneos, implementados sobre diferentes modelos de dados, com linguagens, representações e plataformas diversas, tornou natural o uso de banco de dados integrados para compartilhamento de informações. Com o objetivo de proporcionar interoperabilidade entre o banco de dados integrado e os bancos de dados locais que o compõem, de forma transparente e mantendo a autonomia destes, este trabalho apresenta uma solução baseada em XML. O resultado deste trabalho é a decomposição de uma expressão SQL, apresentada ao esquema integrado, em expressões SQL correspondentes a cada esquema local. A solução apresentada compreende: 1) o mapeamento do esquema integrado em relação aos seus esquemas componentes; 2) um algoritmo baseado nas regras de integração, utilizadas para gerar o esquema integrado, e nas informações de cada esquema local; 3) a utilização da estrutura de modelo objeto/relacional, abrangendo os conceitos de classe, herança, atributos multivalorados e compostos.
Técnicas Base para Aquisição de Informação Tridimensional sem Contacto
Authors: Coelho Cândida Pinto , Tavares João Manuel R. S.
Published: April 2018

Resumo - As técnicas de aquisição de informação tridimensional (3D) sem contacto são hoje uma ferramenta muito usada para a obtenção da forma 3D de objectos ou cenas. Este artigo descreve, resumidamente, algumas dessas técnicas que têm sido utilizadas na aquisição de informação 3D no domínio de Visão Tridimensional, bem como as vantagens e dificuldades que lhes são apontadas.
Estratégias de Governo para Promover o Desenvolvimento de Software Livre
Authors: Borges Clairmont , Geyer Cláudio F. R.
Published: April 2018

Este artigo apresenta nossa visão sobre estratégias de governo para promover o desenvolvimento de Software Livre. Esta visão é baseada nas nossas atividades de pesquisa e nas experiências práticas em trabalhar com desenvolvimento de Software Livre. Este artigo também descreve suscintamente porque é importante usar Software Livre e como o seu modelo econômico parece funcionar.
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Authors: Medina Nelkis De la Orden
Published: April 2018

Entre janeiro e maio deste ano foram submetidos quinze artigos para a Revista. O número de submissões mostra o crescente interesse da comunidade por este veículo que pretende atingir docentes e discentes de Ensino Superior, tanto de graduação quanto de pós-graduação e profissionais que tenham interesse em pesquisa e desenvolvimento de soluções na área de informática. Acreditamos que as publicações eletrônicas tem um grande potencial já que permitem de forma gratuita a divulgação de trabalhos científicos e esperamos que esta iniciativa seja apoiada pela comunidade acadêmica e empresarial. Esta edição apresenta artigos científicos das áreas de Redes Neurais, Banco de Dados, Sistemas de Informação, Software Livre e Processamento de Imagens. Incentivamos o leitor a contribuir com a revista submetendo seus trabalhos para garantir a continuidade da RESI. Agradecemos aos integrantes do conselho editorial, aos avaliadores e aos autores dos trabalhos publicados neste segundo número por fazer possível a publicação desta edição.
Algoritmos Genéticos Aplicados a la Categorización Automática de Documentos
Authors: Yolis E. , Britos P. , Perichisky G. , García-Martínez R.
Published: April 2018

La categorización automática de documentos ha estado recibiendo creciente atención debido al incremento en la cantidad de información disponible en forma electrónica y a la necesidad cada vez mayor de encontrar la información buscada en un tiempo mínimo. Si bien existen numerosos algoritmos para categorizar documentos, todos ellos evaluan un subconjunto pequeño del espacio de posibles soluciones. Este trabajo presenta un algoritmo genético adaptado al problema de categorización de documentos. El algoritmo propuesto introduce 5 nuevos operadores, diseñados específicamente para la resolución del problema de categorización. Los resultados obtenidos demuestran que el algoritmo genético logra explorar el espacio de búsqueda más amplia y eficientemente que los algoritmos previos tomados como referencia.
Modelo de Comportamiento de Conductores de Automóviles Usando Razonamiento Basado en Contextos
Authors: Murillo Maureen
Published: April 2018

En este artículo se exponen los resultados de un proyecto de investigación en el área de Inteligencia Artificial, específicamente en el campo de la representación del conocimiento humano. Se presenta un modelo conceptual o teórico del comportamiento de conductores de automóviles, cuyo desarrollo está basado en el paradigma de representación llamado Razonamiento Basado en Contextos (CxBR – Context-based Reasoning). El modelo está basado en el perfil de un conductor de Costa Rica con ciertas características, constituyéndose así en un modelo ejemplo para desarrollar futuras simulaciones de tráfico vehicular en otros países. El artículo presenta una descripción del paradigma de Razonamiento Basado en Contextos y luego expone el modelo conceptual del comportamiento de un conductor.
O uso do Software Livre na Redução da Exclusão Digital
Authors: Santos Liane Baqueiro dos
Published: April 2018

Esse artigo se propõe a apresentar a realidade brasileira em termos de exclusão digital, mostrar as vantagens do Software Livre (SL) na ótica da inclusão digital, informar iniciativas brasileiras de uso do SL na alfabetização digital e apresentar uma proposta de combate à exclusão digital na Bahia.
Sistemas Tutores Inteligentes uma Visão Geral
Authors: Jesus Andreia De
Published: April 2018

Este artigo apresenta uma breve reflexão sobre os Sistemas Tutores Inteligentes (STIs) e as áreas de conhecimento que estão contribuindo para melhorar o desempenho destes sistemas. Enfatizando que os STIs precisam ser capazes de identificar as características, crenças, desejos e intenções do usuário (aluno) para poder proporcionar um processo de ensino-aprendizado personalizado.
A Virtual Assistant for Websites
Authors: Duizith José Luiz Andrade , Da Silva Lizandro Kirst , Brahm Daniel Ribeiro , Tagliassuchi Gustavo , Loh Stanley
Published: April 2018

This work presents a Virtual Assistant (VA) whose main goal is to supply information for Websites users. AVA is a software system that interacts with persons through a Web browser, receiving textual questions and answering automatically without human intervention. The VA supplies information by looking for similar questions in a knowledge base and giving the corresponding answer. Artificial Intelligence techniques are employed in this matching process, to compare the user’s question against questions stored in the base. The main advantage of using the VA is to minimize information overload when users get lost in Websites. The VA can guide the user across the web pages or directly supply information. This is especially important for customers visiting an enterprise site, looking for products, services or prices or needing information about some topic. The VA can also help in Knowledge Management processes inside enterprises, offering an easy way for people storing and retrieving knowledge. An extra advantage is to reduce the structure of Call Centers, since the VA can be given to customers in a CD-ROM. Furthermore, the VA provides Webmasters with statistics about the usage of the VA (themes more asked, number of visitants, time of conversation).
A Strategy for Selecting Classes of Symbols from Classes of Graphemes in HMM-Based Handwritten Word Recognition
Authors: Freitas Cinthia O. A. , Bortolozzi Flávio , Sabourin Robert
Published: April 2018

Este artigo descreve uma metodologia para seleção de classes de símbolos a partir de classesde grafemas em um sistema de reconhecimento de palavras manuscritas do extenso de cheques bancáriosbrasileiros baseado em HMM (Hidden Markov Models). Este artigo discute as definições de primitivas,grafemas e símbolos considerando um enfoque Global para o reconhecimento das palavras, o qual evita asegmentação das palavras em letras ou pseudo-letras utilizando HMM. Assim, a entrada para os modelosconsiste em uma descrição da palavra a partir de um alfabeto de símbolos gerados a partir dos grafemasextraídos das imagens das palavras, sendo esta a representação visível para o HMM. Portanto, a idéia éintroduzir uma conceituação de alto nível, tais como primitivas perceptivas (laços, ascendentes,descendentes, concavidades e convexidades) e fornecer um modo de retro-alimentação rápido e informativosobre a informação contida em cada classe de grafema, permitindo uma seleção de classes de símbolos. Oartigo apresenta o algoritmo com base na Informação Mútua (Mutual Information) e HMM, ambostrabalhando em um mesmo processo de avaliação. Os resultados experimentais demonstram que é possívelselecionar a partir de um conjunto “original” de grafemas (composto por 94 grafemas) um alfabeto desímbolos (composto por 29 símbolos). O artigo conclui que o poder discriminante dos grafemas é muitoimportante para a consolidação de um alfabeto de símbolos.
Implementação do Esquema de Criptografia de Chave Pública Rafaella
Authors: Kunst Rafael , Ribeiro Vinicius Gadis
Published: April 2018

O presente artigo apresentar a implementação via software de um esquema de chave pública recentemente proposto, chamado Rafaella. Esse esquema baseia-se na dificuldade de se obter a função original, dada uma função que fora transladada. Para tanto, são colocados aspectos básicos a respeito do tema, com foco maior em criptografia de chave pública. Por fim, é apresentado o referido algoritmo, bem como proposta de implementação do mesmo.