bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Internal Efforts of Improving Spirituality of Ministry Apartment of Religion, Medan City
Authors: Siregar Impun , Muzakkir Muzakkir , Nur Anwarsyah
Published: November 2019

The aim of this research is to analyze the spirituality of the State Civil Apparatus at the Office of the Ministry of Religion in Medan, the researcher will link and relate the benchmarks of this research to the Indonesian Minister of Religion's program "Five Values of Work Culture". This program is the spirit of the Ministry of Religion so that work and work are more meaningful and have values that bind and inspire them. The research methodology use qualitative research. The study conducted by the State Civil Apparatus of the Ministry of Religion in Medan is an activity that has the aim of forming good, faithful, pious, and virtuous Muslims. The purpose of recitation is the same as the purpose of Da'wah, which is to go to the righteous and stay away from the evil.
Innovation of Learning Device and Learning Media of Web-Based Nias Dance Techniques in Students of Dance Education Program of Art and Language Faculty in State University Of Medan (UNIMED)
Authors: Rahayu Tuti , Rahmah Sitti
Published: November 2019

Nias Dance Technique is one of the subjects included in the Presentation group, but the learning belongs to the education group. The aim is to innovate learning tools and web-based instructional media on Nias dance technique for students of Dance Program of Art and Language Faculty in State University of Medan. The type of research used is research and development (R&D). R&D is a research method used to produce certain products, and test the effectiveness of these products. The results of this study are that the Learning Tools and instructional media are to facilitate students in learning Nias Dance through web schology in the Department of Sendratasik. Learning device innovation consists of KKNI curriculum starting from RPS, LK, Assessment Rubric, Teaching Materials, VCD with dance material No Tatema Mbola.
Importance of pulmonary valve morphology for pulmonary valve preservation in tetralogy of Fallot surgery: comparison of the echocardiographic parameters
Authors: Choi Su Jin , Kwon Jung Eun , Roh Da Eun , Hyun Myung Chul , Jung Han Na , Lee Young Ok , Cho Joon Yong , Kim Yeo Hyang
Published: November 2019

Background: The decision to use transannular patching (TAP) during tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair depends on the pulmonary valve annulus size; the z score of the pulmonary annulus is the most commonly used predictor. However, definitive results are not obtained with z scores as different z score data sets are used for different parameters.Purpose: This study aimed to identify the echocardiographic and other key factors that warranted a change in the surgical method during TOF surgery.Methods: Sixty-two patients were enrolled and divided into a pulmonary valve (PV) preservation group and a TAP group. Their medical records were reviewed.Results: The z score for PV annulus (PVA), ratio of the PVA to aortic annulus size, and ratio of PVA to descending aorta (DAO) size were significantly different between the PV preservation and TAP groups (-1.72±1.52 vs. -3.07±1.94, P=0.004; 0.62±0.12 vs. 0.50±0.14, P=0.002; and 1.32±0.32 vs. 1.07±0.36, P= 0.008, respectively). For TAP repair, the PVA z score had a sensitivity of 65.4% and specificity of 73.1%, ratio of PVA to aortic annulus size had a sensitivity of 73.1% and specificity of 65.4%, and ratio of PVA to DAO size had a sensitivity of 69.2% and specificity of 57.7%. The TAP group showed more monocuspid PVs (P=0.011), while the PV preservation group showed more tricuspid PVs (P=0.027). Commissurotomy was more frequently performed in the PV preservation group than in the TAP group (P=0.001). Of patients with commissurotomy, 58% showed a PV z score<-2.Conclusion: Although various echocardiographic parameters may serve as predictors for determining surgical methods for TOF patients, the PV morphology and tissue characteristics should also be considered.
Karakteristik Segmen Gen sitokrom C Oksidase Subunit I (COI) Ngengat Plusia chalcites (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Suriana Suriana , Marwansyah Marwansyah , Amirullah Amirullah
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTThe research was exploration ofpartial COI gene of moth (Plusia chalcites).The aim of this research is to characterization of nucleotide sequence of these COI gene, that was exracted with Cetyl Trimetyl Ammonium Bromide (CTAB) method, and then amplified by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique with spesifik primer. The result PCR amplified subsequent analysis of nitrogen base arrangement in these COI gene. The analysis data using the BioEdit and MEGA Version 5.0 software.The results showed that the  segment of COI gene in Plusia chalcites as long 710 bp (base pairs). From these, there are 503/657 nucleotides which are conserved, 154/657 nucleotides of varies, 124/657 parsimoni informative nucleotides and 30/657 singeleton nucleotides. The base N composition consist of 39.0% Timine, 14.0% Cytosin (C), 31.7%Adenine (A) and 15.4% Guanin.Key words: Plusia chalcites, COI Gene characteristics and composition. ABSTRAK Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian eksplorasi untuk mengkarakterisasi sekuen gen COI. Karakterisasi gen COI meliputi isolasi DNA menggunakan metode CTAB (Cetyl Trimetyl Ammonium Bromide), amplifikasi gen COI dengan teknik PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) dan squencing untuk analisis susunan basa nitrogen pada gen COI. Analisis data molekuler menggunakan software BioEdit dan MEGA Version 5.0.Hasil penelitian menunjukkan segmen gen COI Plusia chalcites  yang teramplifikasi berukuran 710 pb, dan terkarakterisasi sepanjang 657pb. Dari segmen tersebut terdapat 503/657 nukleotida yang bersifat conserved (kekal), 154/657 nukleotida yang bersifat variabel (bervariasi), 124/657 nukleotida parsimoni informative dan 30/657 nukleotida singleton. Komposisi basa nitrogen sekuen gen COI Plusia chalcites yaitu Timin (T) 39,0%, Cytosin (C) 14.0%, Adenin (A) 31,7% dan Guanin 15,4%.  .Kata kunci :Plusia chalcites, Karakteristik Gen COI
APPLICATION OF INTERNET OF THINGS (IOT) TECHNOLOGY TO TRADITIONAL SHRIMP PONDS IN SRIMINOSARI VILLAGE, EAST LAMPUNG
Authors: SETIAWAN Andi , JULIASIH Ni Luh Gede Ratna , SETIAWAN Wawan Abdulah , SETIAWAN Wawan Abdulah
Published: November 2019

Traditional shrimp farmers at Sriminosari village still have problem to improve the productivity of their shrimp pond. Based on observation in the field, the low productivity of shrimp pond mainly due to the quality of water pond. Technology of the internet of things (IoT) is an alternative way to monitor some parameter their quality of water such as pH and temperature. Implementation of IoT will give a simple way to monitor the quality of water in a real time and continues. Technically, technology of IoT is not so expensive and easy to used for collecting data of quality water. So it is acceptable to implanted at Sriminosari village and useful to improve productivity shrimp farmer at Sriminosari village. Furthermore, information from IoT data will help farmer shrimp to reduce the risk in their business. Starting from a forum disscussion group (FGD), the technology IoT was introduced to some shrimp farmer at Sriminosari village. In general, The farmer gets basic knowledge about the concept of IoT including the implementation in the field. In this program, parameter pH and temperature was selected as model to monitor water quality of shrimp pond. The result of measurement data temperature on the field showed that an averaged value of temperature relatively stable in normal range 26-33⁰C, while the value of pH is various and tend to over the lower limit (< 6.0). Based on collecting data of temperature and pH on the field, it can be concluded that implementing IoT is very useful to assess the quality of water in shrimp farm. Furthermore, the respondents of shrimp farms indicated that implementation IoT in shrimp is acceptable and promising to improve their shrimp farm productivity
Effect of a Late Spring Application of Hydrogen Cyanamide on High-Chill Peaches
Authors: Chen Chunxian , Beckman Thomas G.
Published: November 2019

Due to a record low chilling accumulation in the winter of 2016–2017, many high-chill peach cultivars displayed almost no budbreak by mid-April of 2017 in central Georgia, USA, where budbreak usually occurs around mid-March. In this study, nine of these peach cultivars were used to study the effect of a late spring Dormex spray application (April 13, 2017) on subsequent budbreak, year-end cumulative vegetative growth, and following-season yield. Dormex was found to have strong stimulating effects on lateral budbreak, but little effect on terminal and floral budbreak. It also had apparent phytotoxic effects on lateral, terminal and floral buds, and growth. The effects varied among genotypes, tree ages, and shoot types. The peak of the effects occurred two weeks post-application. Most floral buds abscised before they swelled. Between Dormex-sprayed trees and unsprayed controls, there was no significant difference in the number and average length of the new lateral shoots by the end of 2017, nor in the number and weight of the fruit harvested in 2018. In conclusion, our data showed a late spring Dormex spray application stimulated earlier lateral budbreak and caused some level of phytotoxicity to all types of buds and new growth, but had little impact on flower budbreak, fruit set, year-end vegetative growth, or following-season yield. These findings provide useful information for growers, considering the need for spraying dormancy-breaking compounds when faced with insufficient chilling.
Malicious PDF Detection Model against Adversarial Attack Built from Benign PDF Containing JavaScript
Authors: Kang Ah , Jeong Young-Seob , Kim Se , Woo Jiyoung
Published: November 2019

Intelligent attacks using document-based malware that exploit vulnerabilities in document viewing software programs or document file structure are increasing rapidly. There are many cases of using PDF (portable document format) in proportion to its usage. We provide in-depth analysis on PDF structure and JavaScript content embedded in PDFs. Then, we develop the diverse feature set encompassing the structure and metadata such as file size, version, encoding method and keywords, and the content features such as object names, keywords, and readable strings in JavaScript. When features are diverse, it is hard to develop adversarial examples because small changes are robust for machine-learning algorithms. We develop a detection model using black-box type models with the structure and content features to minimize the risk of adversarial attacks. To validate the proposed model, we design the adversarial attack. We collect benign documents containing multiple JavaScript codes for the base of adversarial samples. We build the adversarial samples by injecting the malware codes into base samples. The proposed model is evaluated against a large collection of malicious and benign PDFs. We found that random forest, an ensemble algorithm of a decision tree, exhibits a good performance on malware detection and is robust for adversarial samples.
Flexibility of Wireless Power Transfer Charging Station Using Dynamic Matching and Power Supply with Energy Dosing
Authors: Madzharov Nikolay , Hinov Nikolay
Published: November 2019

The scientific and applied problems discussed in this paper are related to the development of a wireless charging station using an inductive power transfer (IPT) module power supply with energy dosing and dynamic matching. A computer simulation and an experimental study allowed the authors to define the ranges of the parameter variation of the equivalent load and to design the best matching so that maximum energy transfer is efficiency achieved. The proposed principle of energy control provides highly reliable and a flexible charging station even with a simplified system of automatic control and fault protection. A prototype charging station is developed and built to supply an inductive power transfer system that delivers 30–35 kW power over an air gap between transmitting and receiving parts measuring 50–200 mm and with a horizontal misalignment of ±200 mm. The results showed that the system can transfer the specified electrical power with about 82–92% efficiency and that the IPT module and its dynamic matching during charging exhibited a high degree of stability under a misaligned (x-y-z) condition and battery state of charge.
Effects of Laser Energy Deposition on the Transition Characteristics of Shock Reflection in the Dual Solution Domain
Authors: Kim Seihwan , Kim Yongchan , Lee Hyoung
Published: November 2019

Numerical simulations were conducted to investigate the transitional characteristics of shock reflections in the dual solution region using laser energy deposition. The numerical approach was validated by comparison to experimental results of the deposition laser energy in front of a blunt model. The simulation results show that the energy deposition in the freestream region can induce a transition of the shock reflection system and the transition characteristics can vary with the position and energy of the laser deposition. As the amount of energy increases, the time required for the transition also increases, and the transition cannot occur when the energy that is applied exceeds a certain level. The time required for the transition can be reduced when the position of energy deposition is moved downstream. The results also show that the transition does not occur regardless of the deposited energy when the laser energy is deposited on the symmetry line.
A Deep-Learning-Based Vehicle Detection Approach for Insufficient and Nighttime Illumination Conditions
Authors: Leung Ho Kwan , Chen Xiu-Zhi , Yu Chao-Wei , Liang Hong-Yi , Wu Jian-Yi , Chen Yen-Lin
Published: November 2019

Most object detection models cannot achieve satisfactory performance under nighttime and other insufficient illumination conditions, which may be due to the collection of data sets and typical labeling conventions. Public data sets collected for object detection are usually photographed with sufficient ambient lighting. However, their labeling conventions typically focus on clear objects and ignore blurry and occluded objects. Consequently, the detection performance levels of traditional vehicle detection techniques are limited in nighttime environments without sufficient illumination. When objects occupy a small number of pixels and the existence of crucial features is infrequent, traditional convolutional neural networks (CNNs) may suffer from serious information loss due to the fixed number of convolutional operations. This study presents solutions for data collection and the labeling convention of nighttime data to handle various types of situations, including in-vehicle detection. Moreover, the study proposes a specifically optimized system based on the Faster region-based CNN model. The system has a processing speed of 16 frames per second for 500 × 375-pixel images, and it achieved a mean average precision (mAP) of 0.8497 in our validation segment involving urban nighttime and extremely inadequate lighting conditions. The experimental results demonstrated that our proposed methods can achieve high detection performance in various nighttime environments, such as urban nighttime conditions with insufficient illumination, and extremely dark conditions with nearly no lighting. The proposed system outperforms original methods that have an mAP value of approximately 0.2.
Development of the Morphology and the Band Gap Energy of Co–Si Nanofibers by Inserting Zirconium and Titanium with Dual Anions Intercalation Process
Authors: Saber Osama , Shaalan Nagih M. , Osama Aya , Alshoaibi Adil
Published: November 2019

The plate-like structure is the most familiar morphology for conventional layered double hydroxides (LDHs) in case their structures consist of divalent and trivalent cations in their layers. In this study, nanofibers and nanoneedles of Co–Si LDHs were prepared for the first time. By the inclusion of zirconium inside the nanolayers of LDH structures, their plates were formed and transformed to nanofibers. These nanofibers were modified by the insertion of titanium to build again plate-like morphology for the LDH structure. This morphology controlling was studied and explained by a dual anions intercalation process. The optical properties of Co–Si LDHs indicated that the incorporation of zirconium within their nanolayers decreased the band gap energy from 4.4 eV to 2.9 eV. Following the same behavior, the insertion of titanium besides zirconium within the nanolayers of Co–Si LDHs caused a further reduction in the band gap energy, which became 2.85 eV. Although there is no data for the optical properties of Co–Si LDHs in the literature, it is interesting to observe the low band gap energy for Co–Si LDHs to become more suitable for optical applications. These results concluded that the reduction of the band gap energy and the formation of nanofibers introduce new optical materials for developing and designing optical nanodevices.
Voltage-Controlled Synthetic Inductors for Resonant Piezoelectric Shunt Damping: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Vatavu Marian , Nastasescu Vasile , Turcu Flaviu , Burda Ioan
Published: November 2019

In this paper, the design, simulations, and experimental results related to new analog circuits for voltage controlled synthetic inductors (VCSI) are presented. The new circuits based on a generalized impedance converter (GIC) are proposed for adaptive resonant piezoelectric shunt damping. The VCSIs are implemented using (1) an analog multiplier and (2) an operational transconductance amplifier (OTA) as voltage-controlled resistor. The simulation and experimental results for the new proposed VCSIs are presented and a comparative analysis follows. The proposed VCSIs work in a stable manner in parallel with negative impedance converters (NIC) to enhance structural damping in resonant piezoelectric resistive-inductive shunt applications. The behavior of the synthetic inductor is identical to a real inductor only in a specific frequency range and this situation can explain the reported spreading performance in the literature for resonant piezoelectric shunt damping. The simulation results are validated by a group of experimental investigations that confirm the improved stability and linearity of the new circuits proposed as VCSIs. Experimental results show that the VCSI based on an analog multiplier have an enhanced linearity in comparison with the OTA version in a limited voltage control range.
Optimal Design Model of the Energy Systems in Iron and Steel Enterprises
Authors: Hu Zhengbiao , He Dongfeng , Feng Kai , Liu Pingze , Jia Yongwei
Published: November 2019

In steel enterprises, the design of energy systems mainly depends on experience and lacks systematic optimization methods. Therefore, it is of great significance to propose an overall optimization design method for the energy system of steel enterprises. In this paper, a linear model is proposed to select the energy conversion equipment types and distribute energy sources with the aim of maximizing the economic benefits of an energy system. In the model, the choice of energy conversion technology and the distribution of energy source are considered comprehensively. For the S steel plant, the case analysis results show that under the condition of keeping the original energy conversion equipment unchanged and optimizing the distribution of energy source, the economic benefits of the energy system can be increased by 15.77 CNY/t steel, and under the conditions of optimizing the distribution schemes of the energy conversion equipment types and energy sources, the economic benefits of the energy system can be increased by 180.26 CNY/t steel. In addition, the effects of different energy conversion equipment configurations, different energy sources prices and different pollution cost standards on the steel plant energy economic benefits were analyzed.
Colorimetric Technique for Antimony Detection Based on the Use of Gold Nanoparticles Conjugated with Poly-A Oligonucleotide
Authors: Berlina Anna N. , Komova Nadezhda S. , Zherdev Anatoly V. , Gaur Mulayam S. , Dzantiev Boris B.
Published: November 2019

A simple and rapid positive–negative colorimetric approach to determine the presence of antimony ions based on the use of gold nanoparticles conjugated with oligonucleotide (poly-A sequence) is developed. Colorimetric measurements reveal that the aggregates of modified gold nanoparticles were afforded after adding antimony ions, thus changing the solution color from pink to blue. The results of aptamer’s interaction on the gold nanoparticle surface with the target analyte can be detected either by photometry or by the naked eye. The realized assay provides rapid (2 min), sensitive (detection limit 10 ng/mL), specific, and precise (variation coefficient less than 3.8%) detection of antimony (III) in drinking water.
Immune-Related Circulating miR-125b-5p and miR-99a-5p Reveal a High Recurrence Risk Group of Pancreatic Cancer Patients after Tumor Resection
Authors: Vietsch Eveline E. , Peran Ivana , Suker Mustafa , van den Bosch Thierry P. P. , van der Sijde Fleur , Kros Johan M. , van Eijck Casper H. J. , Wellstein Anton
Published: November 2019

Clinical follow-up aided by changes in the expression of circulating microRNAs (miRs) may improve prognostication of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients. Changes in 179 circulating miRs due to cancer progression in the transgenic KrasG12D/+; Trp53R172H/+; P48-Cre (KPC) animal model of PDAC were analyzed for serum miRs that are altered in metastatic disease. In addition, expression levels of 250 miRs were profiled before and after pancreaticoduodenectomy in the serum of two patients with resectable PDAC with different progression free survival (PFS) and analyzed for changes indicative of PDAC recurrence after resection. Three miRs that were upregulated ≥3-fold in progressive PDAC in both mice and patients were selected for validation in 26 additional PDAC patients before and after resection. We found that high serum miR-125b-5p and miR-99a-5p levels after resection are significantly associated with shorter PFS (HR 1.34 and HR 1.73 respectively). In situ hybridization for miR detection in the paired resected human PDAC tissues showed that miR-125b-5p and miR-99a-5p are highly expressed in inflammatory cells in the tumor stroma, located in clusters of CD79A expressing cells of the B-lymphocyte lineage. In conclusion, we found that circulating miR-125b-5p and miR-99a-5p are potential immune-cell related prognostic biomarkers in PDAC patients after surgery.
Effects of Ultrasonic Impact Treatment on the Stress-Controlled Fatigue Performance of Additively Manufactured DMLS Ti-6Al-4V Alloy
Authors: Walker Peter , Malz Sinah , Trudel Eric , Nosir Shaza , ElSayed Mostafa S.A. , Kok Leo
Published: November 2019

Additive manufacturing (AM) offers many advantages for the mechanical design of metal components. However, the benefits of AM are offset to a certain extent by the poor surface finish and high residual stresses resulting from the printing process, which consequently compromise the mechanical properties of the parts, particularly their fatigue performance. Ultrasonic impact treatment (UIT) is a surface modification process which is often used to increase the fatigue life of welds in ship hulls and steel bridges. This paper studies the effect of UIT on the fatigue life of Ti-6Al-4V manufactured by Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS). The surface properties before and after the UIT are characterized by surface porosity, roughness, hardness and residual stresses. Results show that UIT enhances the fatigue life of DMLS Ti-6Al-4V parts by suppressing the surface defects originating from the DMLS process and inducing compressive residual stresses at the surface. At the adopted UIT application parameters, the treatment improved the fatigue performance by 200%, significantly decreased surface porosity, reduced the surface roughness by 69%, and imposed a compressive hydrostatic stress of 1644 MPa at the surface.
The Leaky Feeder, a Reliable Medium for Vehicle to Infrastructure Communications
Authors: Farahneh Hasan , Fernando Xavier
Published: November 2019

Reliable vehicular communications is fast becoming a necessity. Vehicle to infrastructure (V2I) communication, which is critical for safety, is often interrupted when vehicles travel in tunnels. Leaky Feeder (LF) or radiating cable have been the primary solution to provide wireless access in tunnels and mines, but being overlooked until now. The LF is a natural multi antenna transceiver ideal for broadband short rage access. In this work, we model the LF as a linear antenna array and derive the average bit error rate (BER) in Rayleigh fading channel considering Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) and M-Array Quadrature Amplitude (M-QAM) Modulations. We consider maximal ratio transmission (MRT) at the transmission end and coherent detection and maximal ratio combining (MRC) at the receiving end. Analytical expressions are derived for the BER. The effects of slot spacing and carrier frequency on the BER are also studied. Numerical evaluations show that the LF is a strong candidate for tunnels with much lower BER than a single antenna transmitter with the same SNR.
A Proof of Concept Study of Using Machine-Learning in Artificial Aortic Valve Design: From Leaflet Design to Stress Analysis
Authors: Liang Liang , Sun Bill
Published: November 2019

Artificial heart valves, used to replace diseased human heart valves, are life-saving medical devices. Currently, at the device development stage, new artificial valves are primarily assessed through time-consuming and expensive benchtop tests or animal implantation studies. Computational stress analysis using the finite element (FE) method presents an attractive alternative to physical testing. However, FE computational analysis requires a complex process of numeric modeling and simulation, as well as in-depth engineering expertise. In this proof of concept study, our objective was to develop machine learning (ML) techniques that can estimate the stress and deformation of a transcatheter aortic valve (TAV) from a given set of TAV leaflet design parameters. Two deep neural networks were developed and compared: the autoencoder-based ML-models and the direct ML-models. The ML-models were evaluated through Monte Carlo cross validation. From the results, both proposed deep neural networks could accurately estimate the deformed geometry of the TAV leaflets and the associated stress distributions within a second, with the direct ML-models (ML-model-d) having slightly larger errors. In conclusion, although this is a proof-of-concept study, the proposed ML approaches have demonstrated great potential to serve as a fast and reliable tool for future TAV design.
7-O-Methylpunctatin, a Novel Homoisoflavonoid, Inhibits Phenotypic Switch of Human Arteriolar Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Fardoun Manal , Iratni Rabah , Dehaini Hassan , Eid Assaad , Ghaddar Tarek , El-Elimat Tamam , Alali Feras , Badran Adnan , Eid Ali H. , Baydoun Elias
Published: November 2019

Remodeling of arterioles is a pivotal event in the manifestation of many inflammation-based cardio-vasculopathologies, such as hypertension. During these remodeling events, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) switch from a contractile to a synthetic phenotype. The latter is characterized by increased proliferation, migration, and invasion. Compounds with anti-inflammatory actions have been successful in attenuating this phenotypic switch. While the vast majority of studies investigating phenotypic modulation were undertaken in VSMCs isolated from large vessels, little is known about the effect of such compounds on phenotypic switch in VSMCs of microvessels (microVSMCs). We have recently characterized a novel homoisoflavonoid that we called 7-O-methylpunctatin (MP). In this study, we show that MP decreased FBS-induced cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and adhesion. MP also attenuated adhesion of THP-1 monocytes to microVSMCs, abolished FBS-induced expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, and NF-κB, as well as reduced activation of ERK1/2 and FAK. Furthermore, MP-treated VSMCs showed an increase in early (myocardin, SM-22α, SM-α) and mid-term (calponin and caldesmon) differentiation markers and a decrease in osteopontin, a protein highly expressed in synthetic VSMCs. MP also reduced transcription of cyclin D1, CDK4 but increased protein levels of p21 and p27. Taken together, these results corroborate an anti-inflammatory action of MP on human microVSMCs. Therefore, by inhibiting the synthetic phenotype of microVSMCs, MP may be a promising modulator for inflammation-induced arteriolar pathophysiology.
Predicting Angiogenesis by Endothelial Progenitor Cells Relying on In-Vitro Function Assays and VEGFR-2 Expression Levels
Authors: Sabbah Nadin , Tamari Tal , Elimelech Rina , Doppelt Ofri , Rudich Utai , Zigdon-Giladi Hadar
Published: November 2019

Clinical trials have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of autologous endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) therapy in various diseases. Since EPCs’ functions are influenced by genetic, systemic and environmental factors, the therapeutic potential of each individual EPCs is unknown and may affect treatment outcome. Therefore, our aim was to compare EPCs function among healthy donors in order to predict blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) before autologous EPC transplantation. Human EPCs were isolated from the blood of ten volunteers. EPCs proliferation rate, chemoattractant ability, and CXCR4 mRNA levels were different among donors (p < 0.0001, p < 0.01, p < 0.001, respectively). A positive correlation was found between SDF-1, CXCR4, and EPCs proliferation (R = 0.736, p < 0.05 and R = 0.8, p < 0.01, respectively). In-vivo, blood vessels were counted ten days after EPCs transplantation in a subcutaneous mouse model. Mean vessel density was different among donors (p = 0.0001); nevertheless, donors with the lowest vessel densities were higher compared to control (p < 0.05). Finally, using a linear regression model, a mathematical equation was generated to predict blood vessel density relying on: (i) EPCs chemoattractivity, and (ii) VEGFR-2 mRNA levels. Results reveal differences in EPCs functions among healthy individuals, emphasizing the need for a potency assay to pave the way for standardized research and clinical use of human EPCs.
Catalytic Fast Pyrolysis of Lignin Isolated by Hybrid Organosolv—Steam Explosion Pretreatment of Hardwood and Softwood Biomass for the Production of Phenolics and Aromatics
Authors: Charisteidis Ioannis , Lazaridis Polykarpos , Fotopoulos Apostolos , Pachatouridou Eleni , Matsakas Leonidas , Rova Ulrika , Christakopoulos Paul , Triantafyllidis Konstantinos
Published: November 2019

Lignin, one of the three main structural biopolymers of lignocellulosic biomass, is the most abundant natural source of aromatics with a great valorization potential towards the production of fuels, chemicals, and polymers. Although kraft lignin and lignosulphonates, as byproducts of the pulp/paper industry, are available in vast amounts, other types of lignins, such as the organosolv or the hydrolysis lignin, are becoming increasingly important, as they are side-streams of new biorefinery processes aiming at the (bio)catalytic valorization of biomass sugars. Within this context, in this work, we studied the thermal (non-catalytic) and catalytic fast pyrolysis of softwood (spruce) and hardwood (birch) lignins, isolated by a hybrid organosolv–steam explosion biomass pretreatment method in order to investigate the effect of lignin origin/composition on product yields and lignin bio-oil composition. The catalysts studied were conventional microporous ZSM-5 (Zeolite Socony Mobil–5) zeolites and hierarchical ZSM-5 zeolites with intracrystal mesopores (i.e., 9 and 45 nm) or nano-sized ZSM-5 with a high external surface. All ZSM-5 zeolites were active in converting the initially produced via thermal pyrolysis alkoxy-phenols (i.e., of guaiacyl and syringyl/guaiacyl type for spruce and birch lignin, respectively) towards BTX (benzene, toluene, xylene) aromatics, alkyl-phenols and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs, mainly naphthalenes), with the mesoporous ZSM-5 exhibiting higher dealkoxylation reactivity and being significantly more selective towards mono-aromatics compared to the conventional ZSM-5, for both spruce and birch lignin.
Hydrogen Production from Aqueous Methanol Solutions Using Ti–Zr Mixed Oxides as Photocatalysts under UV Irradiation
Authors: Pérez-Larios Alejandro , Rico Jose L. , Anaya-Esparza Luis M. , Vargas O.A. González , González-Silva Napoleón , Gómez Ricardo
Published: November 2019

The synthesis and characterisation of Ti–Zr mixed oxides containing 1 to 10 wt.% of Zr is herein reported. In addition, the samples were tested as photocatalysts in the generation of hydrogen from aqueous methanol solutions. The solids were prepared by sol-gel and then characterised by X-ray diffraction, high resolution electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, physisorption of nitrogen, scanning electron microscopy, UV-vis and Raman spectroscopies. The results show the presence of anatase as a predominant structure and the oxides present larger specific surface areas than that of pure titania. A maximum value of 168 m2/g was determined for the sample with 5 wt.% of zirconium. The calculated band gap energies varied from 3.05 to 3.15 eV. It was observed that the greater the zirconium content in the solid, the higher the generation rate of hydrogen when testing the Ti–Zr solids as photocatalysts. Under our experimental conditions, the best catalyst, Ti–Zr oxide with 10 wt.% Zr, showed a production rate of 2100 μmol of H2/h which was about tenfold higher than that observed for pure titania.
Effect of ECAP on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of a Rolled Mg-2Y-0.6Nd-0.6Zr Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Shi Xiaofang , Li Wei , Hu Weiwei , Tan Yun , Zhang Zhenglai , Tian Liang
Published: November 2019

A fine-grained Mg-2Y-0.6Nd-0.6Zr alloy was processed by bar-rolling and equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP). The effect of ECAP on the microstructure and mechanical properties of rolled Mg-2Y-0.6Nd-0.6Zr alloy was investigated by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, electron backscattered diffraction and a room temperature tensile test. The results show that the Mg-2Y-0.6Nd-0.6Zr alloy obtained high strength and poor plasticity after rolling. As the number of ECAP passes increased, the grain size of the alloy gradually reduced and the texture of the basal plane gradually weakened. The ultimate tensile strength of the alloy first increased and then decreased, the yield strength gradually decreased, and the plasticity continuously increased. After four passes of ECAP, the average grain size decreased from 11.2 µm to 1.87 µm, and the alloy obtained excellent comprehensive mechanical properties. Its strength was slightly reduced compared to the as-rolled alloy, but the plasticity was greatly increased.
Mapping the Evaluation of Problem-Oriented Pedagogies in Higher Education: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Acton Renae
Published: November 2019

Problem-oriented pedagogies have emerged as strategic way for universities to respond to an international higher education agenda that increasingly prioritises innovative, student-centred learning, and the cultivation of both civic and employability competences. Alongside this pedagogic shift is a policy-driven emphasis on monitoring teaching and learning for quality assurance purposes. This article aims to untangle the ways problem- and inquiry-based pedagogies are currently evaluated in universities, and thus consider how ‘quality’ implementation, and the effects of this suite of pedagogic approaches, might be better understood, practised, and measured. Taking a systematic approach to the review of the literature, the article maps evaluation methods that assess the effectiveness of problem-oriented and inquiry-based pedagogies implemented in university settings. The key findings include that evaluation methods in the field (i) prioritise qualification-related outcomes, (ii) are limited in scale and scope, and (iii) often function as demonstrations of performativity rather than as part of an ongoing improvement cycle. The article argues that evaluations that take a multi-method approach from the perspective of a range of stakeholders, with an exploration of civic and social competences in addition to employability outcomes, would significantly strengthen the field.
X-Band High-Efficiency Continuous Class B Power Amplifier GaN MMIC Assisted by Input Second-Harmonic Tuning
Authors: Jin Chen , Gao Yuan , Chen Wei , Huang Jianhua , Wang Zhiyu , Mo Jiongjiong , Yu Faxin
Published: November 2019

This paper presents a high-efficiency continuous class B power amplifier MMIC (Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit) from 8 GHz to 10.5 GHz, fabricated with 0.25 μm GaN-on-SiC technology. The Pedro load-line method was performed to calculate the optimum load of the GaN field-effect transistor (FET) for efficiency enhancement. Optimized by an output second-harmonic tuned network, fundamental to second-harmonic impedance, mapping was established point-to-point within a broad frequency band, which approached the classic continuous class B mode with an expanded high-efficiency bandwidth. Moreover, the contribution to the output capacitance of the FET was introduced into the output second-harmonic tuned network, which simplified the structure of the output matching network. Assisted by the second-harmonic source-pull technique, the input second-harmonic tuned network was optimized to improve the efficiency of the power amplifier over the operation band. The measurement results showed 51–59% PAE (Power Added Efficiency) and 19.8–21.2 dB power gain with a saturated power of 40.8–42.2 dBm from 8 GHz to 10.5 GHz. The size of the chip was 3.2 × 2.4 mm2.
A Unified Multimode Control of a DC–DC Interlinking Converter Integrated into a Hybrid Microgrid
Authors: López-Santos Oswaldo , Aldana-Rodríguez Yeison Alejandro , Garcia Germain , Martínez-Salamero Luis
Published: November 2019

DC–DC interlinking converters (ILCs) allow bidirectional energy exchange between DC buses of different voltage levels in microgrids. This paper introduces a multimode control approach of a half-bridge DC–DC converter interlinking an extra-low-voltage DC (ELVDC) bus of 48 VDC and a low-voltage DC (LVDC) bus of 240 VDC within a hybrid microgrid. By using the proposed control, the converter can transfer power between the buses when the other converters regulate them, or it can ensure the voltage regulation of one of the buses, this originating from its three operation modes. The proposed control scheme is very simple and provides a uniform system response despite the dependence of the converter dynamic on the operating point and the selected mode. Simulation and experimental results validated the theoretical development and demonstrated the usefulness of the proposed scheme.
Application of Reservoir Computing for the Modeling of Nano-Contact Vortex Oscillator
Authors: Ismail Ali Rida , Jovanovic Slavisa , Petit-Watelot Sébastien , Rabah Hassan
Published: November 2019

The Nano-Contact Vortex Oscillator (NCVO) is a highly nonlinear spintronic device that can depict chaotic and nonchaotic behaviors according to the current flowing through it. The potential use of such a device in the future-generation computing systems requires the knowledge of a realistic model capable of describing its exact dynamics. In this paper, we firstly investigate the behavior of NCVO based on the power spectral analysis. Furthermore, we propose and demonstrate two efficient approaches of reservoir computing for the modeling of such a device. The performances of the proposed models are addressed in two ways. First, the generated time-varying signals are compared with the simulated magnetizations of the NCVO at different operating currents. Then, the power spectral analysis of one of the two models is carried out to examine its overall behavior over the complete DC current operating range and its ability to diagnose chaotic and non-chaotic regimes. The proposed models show quite promising results that can be counted on for further research.
A CMOS Transmitter Analog Baseband for 5G Mobile Communication
Authors: Yen Ming-Yu , Chen Hsiao-Chin , Wei Yu-Lun , Chung Chi-Yin
Published: November 2019

CMOS analog baseband circuits including a low-pass filter (LPF) and a programmable gain amplifier (PGA) are designed and implemented for the fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication. The super source follower topology is adopted to achieve a wideband LPF with good linearity, while the constant current density gain control technique is used to implement gain cells of the PGA. The circuits are integrated as an analog baseband for a 5G transmitter (TX) and fabricated using TSMC 90-nm CMOS technology. The analog baseband exhibits the bandwidth from 1.03 to 1.05 GHz when the voltage gain is varied from −18.9 dB to 3.8 dB in 1-dB steps. The gain step errors are within −0.7 dB to +0.9 dB. In the highest gain mode, the analog baseband achieves the IP1dB of −10 dBv and the IIP3 of −0.2 dBv. Over the band of interest, the NF of the analog baseband is 24.4–40.0 dB.
Lightweight Equipment for the Fast Installation of Asphalt Roofing Based on Infrared Heaters
Authors: Díez-Jiménez Efrén , Vidal-Sánchez Alberto , Barragán-García Alberto , Fernández-Muñoz Miguel , Mallol-Poyato Ricardo
Published: November 2019

A prototype for mechanizing the asphalt roofing process was developed. In this manuscript, we present the design, manufacturing, preliminary thermal test, and operation test of the equipment. The innovation is sustained by the use of infrared radiators instead of fuel burners. Infrared heaters provide optimal clean heat transfer to asphalt rolls in comparison to fuel burner automated systems since the latter generates a significant amount of CO2, SO2, and other non-ecofriendly emissions close to workers. Moreover, the equipment has several advantages with respect to manual installation, such as roofing capacity, cleanness, safety, uniformity, and environment-friendliness. It demonstrates an installation speed of 1 m/min, on average, for 3 kg/m2 rolls, which leads to around 400–420 m2 per person a day, more than the usual manual roofing rate. However, there are some issues that need to be resolved, such as inaccurate unrolling and/or bad adhesion gaps.
Interaction of Liquid Droplets in Gas and Vapor Flows
Authors: Demidovich A. V. , Kralinova S. S. , Tkachenko P. P. , Shlegel N. E. , Volkov R. S.
Published: November 2019

We investigated the conditions, characteristics, and outcomes of liquid droplet interaction in the gas medium using video frame processing. The frequency of different droplet collision outcomes and their characteristics were determined. Four interaction regimes were identified: bounce, separation, coalescence, and disruption. Collision regime maps were drawn up using the Weber, Reynolds, Ohnesorge, Laplace, and capillary numbers, as well as dimensionless linear and angular parameters of interaction. Significant differences were established between interaction maps under ideal conditions (two droplets colliding without a possible impact of the neighboring ones) and collision of droplets as aerosol elements. It was shown that the Weber number could not be the only criterion for changing the collision mode, and sizes and concentration of droplets in aerosols influence collision modes. It was established that collisions of droplets in a gaseous medium could lead to an increase in the liquid surface area by 1.5–5 times. Such a large-scale change in the surface area of the liquid significantly intensifies heat transfer and phase transformations in energy systems.
Parameter Equivalent Method of Stator Anisotropic Material Based on Modal Analysis
Authors: Zhang Zeyu , Jiao Zhiyong , Xia Hongbing , Yao Yuhan
Published: November 2019

Accurate calculation of the vibration mode and natural frequency of a motor stator is the basis for reducing motor noise and vibration. However, the stator core and winding material parameters are difficult to determine, posing issues which result in modal calculation bias. To address the problem of calibrating the stator material parameters, we developed a parameter correction method based on modal frequency. First, the stator system was simplified to build a stator system finite element model. Secondly, the relationship between modal frequency and material parameters was analyzed by finite element software, the relationship between modal frequency and material parameters was derived, and the anisotropic material parameter correction method was summarized. Finally, a modal experiment was carried out by the hammering method, and the simulation and experimental errors were within 3%, which verified the accuracy of the finite element model. The proposed correction method of anisotropic material can quickly determine the stator material parameters, and the stator core and winding anisotropic material can ensure the accuracy of the modal analysis.
Fluid–Structure Interaction and Flow Redistribution in Membrane-Bounded Channels
Authors: Battaglia Giuseppe , Gurreri Luigi , Cipollina Andrea , Pirrotta Antonina , Velizarov Svetlozar , Ciofalo Michele , Micale Giorgio
Published: November 2019

The hydrodynamics of electrodialysis and reverse electrodialysis is commonly studied by neglecting membrane deformation caused by transmembrane pressure (TMP). However, large frictional pressure drops and differences in fluid velocity or physical properties in adjacent channels may lead to significant TMP values. In previous works, we conducted one-way coupled structural-CFD simulations at the scale of one periodic unit of a profiled membrane/channel assembly and computed its deformation and frictional characteristics as functions of TMP. In this work, a novel fluid–structure interaction model is presented, which predicts, at the channel pair scale, the changes in flow distribution associated with membrane deformations. The continuity and Darcy equations are solved in two adjacent channels by treating them as porous media and using the previous CFD results to express their hydraulic permeability as a function of the local TMP. Results are presented for square stacks of 0.6-m sides in cross and counter flow at superficial velocities of 1 to 10 cm/s. At low velocities, the corresponding low TMP does not significantly affect the flow distribution. As the velocity increases, the larger membrane deformation causes significant fluid redistribution. In the cross flow, the departure of the local superficial velocity from a mean value of 10 cm/s ranges between −27% and +39%.
Forecasting the Price Distribution of Continuous Intraday Electricity Trading
Authors: Janke Tim , Steinke Florian
Published: November 2019

The forecasting literature on intraday electricity markets is scarce and restricted to the analysis of volume-weighted average prices. These only admit a highly aggregated representation of the market. Instead, we propose to forecast the entire volume-weighted price distribution. We approximate this distribution in a non-parametric way using a dense grid of quantiles. We conduct a forecasting study on data from the German intraday market and aim to forecast the quantiles for the last three hours before delivery. We compare the performance of several linear regression models and an ensemble of neural networks to several well designed naive benchmarks. The forecasts only improve marginally over the naive benchmarks for the central quantiles of the distribution which is in line with the latest empirical results in the literature. However, we are able to significantly outperform all benchmarks for the tails of the price distribution.