bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ĐÁNH GIÁ KHẢ NĂNG SINH TRƯỞNG, PHÁT TRIỂN VÀ CHO NĂNG SUẤT CỦA MỘT SỐ GIỐNG CÀ CHUA NHẬP NỘI TRIỂN VỌNG TRONG VỤ ĐÔNG XUÂN 2015 – 2016 TẠI THỪA THIÊN HUẾ
Authors: Hải Trương Thị Hồng , Thành Nguyễn Đình , Thanh Trần Thị
Published: September 2017

Nghiên cứu này được tiến hành trong vụ Đông Xuân 2015 – 2016 tại Thừa Thiên Huế với 8 giống cà chua nhập nội triển vọng để chọn được giống cà chua phù hợp với điều kiện sinh thái địa phương để đưa vào cơ cấu cây trồng của Tỉnh. Kết quả nghiên cứu cho thấy: Các giống kết thúc thu hoạch sớm gồm: G5, CLN2001A và CLN1621L từ 106 đến 108 ngày. Các giống có cấu trúc thân lá thích nghi tốt với điều kiện Thừa Thiên Huế. Tỷ lệ đậu quả của giống CLN1621L cao nhất đạt 57,72%. Các giống CLN2001A, CLN2418A, CLN1621L và CLN5915 có năng suất thực thu cao trên 40 tấn/ha, trong đó cao nhất là CLN2001A đạt 41,9 tấn/ha và chất lượng quả tương đối tốt. Các giống triển vọng là CLN2001A, CLN2418A, CLN1621L và CLN5915. Cần tiếp tục nghiên cứu, đánh giá các giống trên trong nhiều vụ và chân đất khác nhau để có cơ sở áp dụng vào thực tế sản xuất.
ỨNG DỤNG GIS VÀ TIẾN TRÌNH PHÂN TÍCH THỨ BẬC PHÂN VÙNG THÍCH HỢP NUÔI TÔM THẺ CHÂN TRẮNG (Litopenaeus vannamei) TẠI HUYỆN ĐÔNG HÒA, TỈNH PHÚ YÊN
Authors: Thái Lê Văn , Linh Nguyễn Hoàng Khánh , Liêm Nguyễn Duy
Published: September 2017

Tóm tắt: Mục tiêu của nghiên cứu này nhằm tích hợp GIS và Tiến trình Phân tích Thứ bậc  xác định các khu vực thích hợp cho nuôi tôm thẻ chân trắng trên địa bàn huyện Đông Hòa, tỉnh Phú Yên. Tám yếu tố cần thiết cho nuôi tôm được phân thành hai nhóm chính, bao gồm: điều kiện xây dựng ao nuôi, điều kiện cơ sở hạ tầng và kinh tế - xã hội. Dựa trên AHP, tính toán trọng số của các yếu tố, sau đó ứng dụng GIS phân vùng thích hợp nuôi tôm. Kết quả cho thấy có khoảng 24,64% diện tích của huyện Đông Hòa (6.552 ha), phân bố trên địa bàn nhiều xã, hội đủ các điều kiện đất đai rất thích hợp cho tôm thẻ chân trắng phát triển. Với kết quả đạt được, đã chứng minh tính hữu dụng của việc tích hợp GIS và AHP trong phân vùng thích hợp nuôi tôm thẻ chân trắng, cung cấp tài liệu tham khảo hữu ích cho công tác quy hoạch vùng nuôi loài tôm này trên địa bàn nghiên cứu.Từ khóa: GIS, Tiến trình phân tích thứ bậc(AHP), Tôm thẻ chân trắng (Litopenaeus vannamei).
SO SÁNH NĂNG SUẤT SINH SẢN CỦA LỢN NÁI VCN-MS15 VỚI LỢN NÁI MÓNG CÁI NUÔI TẠI TỈNH THỪA THIÊN HUẾ
Authors: Long Phùng Thăng , Ngọc Hồ Thị Bích , Thạo Lê Đức , Lân Đinh Thị Bích
Published: September 2017

Mục đích của nghiên cứu này là so sánh năng suất sinh sản của lợn nái VCN-MS15 với lợn nái Móng Cái trưởng thành trong điều kiện trang trại ở tỉnh Thừa Thiên Huế. Kết quả cho thấy lợn nái VCN-MS15 có số lợn con sơ sinh, còn sống và cai sữa (30 ngày tuổi)/ổ cao, lần lượt là 14,40, 13,00 và 12,55 con, cao hơn so với các chỉ tiêu tương ứng ở lợn nái Móng Cái là 12,05 (P<0,01), 11,30 (P<0,05) và 11,00 con (P<0,05). Mặt khác, khối lượng sơ sinh, cai sữa của lợn con và khối lượng lợn con cai sữa/nái/năm của lợn nái VCN-MS15 lần lượt là 1,01, 5,68 kg/con và 173,79 kg/nái/năm, cao hơn so với các chỉ tiêu tương ứng của lợn nái Móng Cái là 0,75 (P<0,001), 4,53 (P<0,001) và 120,54 kg (P<0,001). Số lứa đẻ/nái/năm ở lợn nái VCN-MS15 và Móng Cái tương ứng là 2,43 và 2,43 lứa (P>0,05). Kết luận: lợn nái VCN-MS15 và lợn nái Móng Cái nuôi trong điều kiện trang trại ở tỉnh Thừa Thiên Huế đều có năng suất sinh sản cao; đàn lợn nái VCN-MS15 có năng suất sinh sản cao hơn đàn lợn nái Móng Cái. Cần khuyến cáo nhân rộng đàn lợn nái VCN-MS15 trong sản xuất để đa đạng hóa giống lợn, và làm nguyên liệu lai tạo các tổ hợp lợn lai mới để cải thiện sức sản suất của đàn lợn địa phương.
A study on synthesis of carbon nanotubes from liquefied petroleum gas by chemical vapour deposition
Authors: Quyen Nguyen Duc Vu
Published: September 2017

In the present paper, the synthesis of carbon nanotubes from liquefied petroleum gas by chemical vapour deposition with the catalyst of Fe/SiO2 was showed. The morphology and tube diameter of carbon nanotubes depended on factors such as the flow of initial gases (H2 and LPG) and growth temperature that were investigated, repectively. The obtained CNTs was characterized by XRD, EDX, SEM, TEM and BET analyses. The results indicated that the synthesis process at 700oC for 2 hours with the volume ratio of H2:LPG = 1.75:1 (140 mL.min-1 of H2 and 80 mL.min-1 of LPG) was suitable for forming the material exhibitting nano-sized tubes. The multiwalled structure was obtained and the tubes were long and identical with external diameter of 52 nm and BET surface area of 93 m2.g-1.
NEW RECORDS AND AN UPDATED CHECKLIST OF AMPHIBIANS (AMPHIBIA) FROM PHU YEN PROVINCE, VIETNAM
Authors: Dang Do Trong
Published: September 2017

Abstract. We herein provide an updated checklist of 33 amphibian species from Phu Yen Province, Vietnam. Eight of them are reported for the first time from this province, namely Ophryophryne gerti, O. hansi, Xenophrys major, Glyphoglossus molossus, Kaloula indochinensis, Microhyla berdmorei, M. nanapollexa, and Amolops spinapectoralis. Additional data of morphological characters of afore mentioned species were also provided. The number of amphibian species recorded was highest from Tay Hoa district (18 species), followed by Song Hinh district (15 species), Dong Xuan district (10 species), Tuy Hoa city (8 specise), Son Hoa district (8 species), Dong Hoa (4 specise), and Tuy An district (3 species). In terms of conservation concern, three species are listed in the IUCN Red List (2016) and one species is listed in the Vietnam Red Data Book (2007). 
INVESTIGATING THE MULTIPLE RECOLLISION OF THE NONSEQUENTIAL DOUBLE IONIZATION PROCESS
Authors: Vinh Pham Nguyen Thanh
Published: September 2017

We systematically investigate the contribution of recollision dynamics to the nonsequential double ionization process (NSDI) of Ar atom for a wide range of laser intensity. The result shows that the first- and second-recollision scenarios have significant contribution to the NSDI events. Moreover, we figure out that the impact of double-recollision trajectories decreases as the laser intensity increases. Besides, many details of multiple recollisions are also investigated in this paper.
A STUDY ON HYDROTHERMAL SYNTHESIS OF METAL–ORGANIC FRAMEWORK MIL-101
Authors: Châu Võ Thị Thanh , Đức Hoàng Văn
Published: September 2017

In the present paper, a synthesis of MIL-101 by hydrothermal process was demonstrated. The obtained samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms at 77K, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results showed that MIL-101 synthesized by optimal conditions exhibited high crystallinity and surface area. The obtained MIL-101 possesses high stability in water and several organic solvents.

Keywords: MIL-101, hydrothermal synthesis, metal organic framework-101. 
ỨNG DỤNG GIS XÂY DỰNG MÔ HÌNH KHÔNG GIAN 3D PHỤC VỤ QUẢN LÝ ĐẤT ĐÔ THỊ TẠI PHƯỜNG LỘC THỌ, THÀNH PHỐ NHA TRANG
Authors: Hoang Khanh Linh Nguyen , Huy Đinh Phước Quang , Trung Nguyễn Thanh Hiếu
Published: September 2017

Theo quy định của Luật đất đai 2013, hệ thống thông tin đất đai phải được thiết kế tổng thể và xây dựng thành một hệ thống thống nhất trên phạm vi cả nước, phục vụ đa mục tiêu. Tuy nhiên niện nay, công tác quản lý đất đô thị mới chỉ dựa trên các bản đồ 2D và nguồn dữ liệu phục vụ quản lý cũng được xây dựng ở nhiều khuôn dạng, lưu trữ ở nhiều cơ quan khác nhau nên gây khó khăn cho công tác quản lý xây dựng, quản lý quy hoạch… Việc ứng dụng công nghệ GIS - 3D với ưu điểm tích hợp dữ liệu không gian và dữ liệu thuộc tính của đối tượng, kết hợp với việc thể hiện trực quan hình ảnh của các đối tượng sẽ tạo ra cảnh quan đô thị sống động, phù hợp với thực tế nhằm nâng cao hiệu quả công tác quản lý đất đô thị. Nghiên cứu này nhằm đưa ra một quy trình và ứng dụng trực tiếp cho việc xây dựng mô hình không gian đô thị 3D tại phường Lộc Thọ, thành phố Nha Trang nhằm phục vụ mục đích quản lý đất đô thị.

Từ khóa: Không gian đô thị, mô hình 3D, GIS - 3D
DESCRIPTION OF INFLUENCE NEGATIVE STIGMA ON PATIENTS POSITIVE HIV IN NGANJUK
Authors: Cahyono Sony Wahyu Tri
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT The negative stigma received by HIV positive people is very influential in life. HIV positive people are considered as people who have violated immoral norms in society. HIV positive patients will usually get social sanctions in the form of exclusion, gossip, ridicule, avoided, and even expelled from the community environment. Negative stigma received by HIV positive people not only from the community environment, but there is also a stigma that comes from the family. The form of stigma in the form of discrimination to HIV positive people from family like do not want to eat together, do not want to handshake, do not want to sleep together even do not want to consider family again.This study used qualitative method with phenomenology approach. This study explored the experiences of HIV positive people who get negative stigma from family and society. Participants in this study as many as 5 people. Technique of taking data from informant by using in-depth interview on each participant.This research produces three themes that have been gained from the in-depth interviews. The theme is getting negative stigma from family and society, hiding health status, withdrawing.Factors of the theme found are a description of the effect of negative stigma on HIV positive patients. It is hoped that further research development will improve in the questionnaire to see howfar the negative stigma in HIV positive people is affected.   Keywords: Stigma, and HIV positive
A Comparative Study of Routine Microscopic Examination of Urine in Microbiology Laboratories at Primary and Secondary Level Before and After Implementation of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
Authors: Khatun Khadeza , Kamal AHM Mostafa , Rahman Kazi Afzalur , Hossain Mohammad Zaid , Rabin Nadia , Shamsuzzaman SM , Hossain Syed Zakir
Published: September 2017

Context : Laboratory services have become an integral and inseparable component of modern medicine and public health. The use of standard operating procedure (SOP) in laboratory testing is one of the most crucial factor in achieving the quality. This cross sectional study was done to assess the quality of routine microscopic examination of urine of a microbiology laboratory at primary level and one microbiology laboratory at secondary level by evaluating the test results before SOP and re evaluating the test results after implementing SOP to see if there was any improvement in quality of those tests.Material and Methods: A cross sectional, descriptive type of study was conducted in Narsingdi Sador Hospital as secondary level microbiology laboratory and Polash Upzilla Health Complex as primary level microbiology laboratory. The study was performed on clinically suspected patients of urinary tract infection (UTI) attending at the primary and secondary level laboratory for microscopic examination of urine. Clinically suspected cases of UTI who had taken any anti microbial treatment in the past 48 hours were excluded from the study. 60 urine samples were collected from each level before implementing SOP and 30 urine samples were collected from each level and tested after following SOP.Result : In routine microscopic examination of urine at primary and secondary level, before SOP, regarding significant number of Pus cells discrepancy was found in 21.67% cases at primary level and 18.33% cases at secondary level. After implementing SOP, discrepancy in the result was reduced to 10% from 21.67% at primary level and 0% from 18.33% at secondary level. This difference in results was statistically significant (p< 0.05).Conclusion: Implementing SOP and after practicing appropriate and standard techniques for collection and examination of urine at primary and secondary level, discrepancy in the results of routine microscopic examination of urine between investigator and Medical Officer (MOPathology) was reduced and overall quality of tests were improved.J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 25, No.2, October, 2016, Page 87-93
In Spondylotic Cervical Myelopathy Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion by Peek Cage Without Plate Reinforcement is a Standard Method of Treatment
Authors: Islam Md Anowarul , Parvez Qamruzzaman , Sarker SK , Goni Md Fahad , Rana Md Masud
Published: September 2017

Background: Anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF) is challenging with respect to both patient selection and choice of surgical procedure.Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with an artificial cage made of polyetheretherketone .Patients and Methods: From January 2012 to January 2016, 40 consecutive patients referred to the Department of spine surgery, Bangabandhu Shekh Mujib Medical University were recruited for the study.Postoperative Clinical outcome assessd with Nurick scale for myelopathy, Odoms criteria for functional outcome and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for both neck and arm pain. Radiological fusion was assessed by X-ray. Operative complications were reported.Results: 18 patients were operated for one level discectomy and fusion with PEEK cages and 22 patients for two levels. There were 24 (60%) males and 16 (40%) females. The age of the patients ranged from 30-72 years, a mean ± SD 45±8.34. At the 2 years clinical follow-up, there were significant post operative improvements of Nurick scale, and VAS comparative to preoperative record. According to Odoms criteria, 36/40 patients (90%) were graded excellentgood.Conclusion: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage is an effective treatment of cervical myelopathy having higher fusion rate and lack of donor site morbidity.J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 25, No.2, October, 2016, Page 110-114
Presentation and Management of Hepatic Injury due to Blunt Trauma in Patients Attending in Casualty Block of dmch- a Study of 50 cases
Authors: Chowdhury Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman , Hossain SM Amjad , Sultana Salma , Zaman Rifat , Alauddin Md , Rahman Atiar , Masum Md Nazmul Hoque
Published: September 2017

Objective: To diagnose the cases of hepatic injury due to blunt abdominal trauma in a shortest possible time and find out the way of efficient and planned management of hepatic injury in our present setting.Materials and methods: This study was done in the casualty department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital and 50 patients of hepatic injury following blunt abdominal trauma were selected over a period of January 2010 to December 2010. All 50 patients were admitted within 24 hours of incidence. The patients were diagnosed clinically by history and physical examination and relevant investigations. Immediately after admission patients were resuscitated by clearance of airway, maintenance of respiration, arrest of external bleeding and maintenance of normal circulation (ATLS Protocol). After resuscitation further management was planned depending upon the condition of the patient. Clinical presentation, overall management and outcome were evaluated by the available resources of casualty ward of DMCH.Results: Most patients were male (88%) and 68% of patients were belonged to age group of 21 to 40 years. Most of the patients (90%) were injured as a result of road traffic accidents. All patients had a history of trauma and most of them presented with abdominal pain, tenderness muscular rigidity of abdomen and shock (38%). Only 13 (26%) patients had isolated hepatic injury. Rest of the patients had associated other organ injuries. Majority patients (46%) had Grade-I hepatic injury. Out of 50 patients, 46 were operated and most of them had other intra abdominal organ injuries and 4 patients were given non-operative management. Suture hepatorrhaphy was done in 38 (76%) cases. Most common post operative complications were pulmonary in origin (24%) and three patients were died in this series.Conclusion: Simple technique of hemostasis such as suture hepatorrhaphy is sufficient in most cases with adequate drainage and non operative management can be tried based on haemodynamic stability.J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 25, No.2, October, 2016, Page 133-137
A Case of Celiac Disease Presenting with Recurrent Attacks of Quadriparesis
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Zaid , Hasan Pratyay , Ferdous Kainat , Mozazfia Kazi Tuba E , Hossain Md Murad , Towhid Kazi Md Saleheen
Published: September 2017

Celiac disease, once considered a rare disease in Bangladeshi population, have recently been reported more frequently. Recognition of celiac disease is not easy and a high degree of suspicion in required. Although the disease presents usually with malabsorption syndromes, atypical presentations also may occur which may cause confusion in making a prompt diagnosis. We intend to report a case who presented primarily with flaccid type of quadriparesis who ultimately was proven to be a case of celiac disease. Although neurological symptoms have been associated with celiac disease, motor weakness is very uncommon. We have proposed that in our case electrolyte imbalance have caused or contributed in causing this motor weakness.J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 25, No.2, October, 2016, Page 138-141
Coordinated Control of the Energy Router-Based Smart Home Energy Management System
Authors: Liu Yingshu , Li Jun , Wu Yao , Zhou Feng
Published: September 2017

Home area energy networks will be an essential part of the future Energy Internet in terms of energy saving, demand-side management and stability improvement of the distribution network, while an energy router will be the perfect choice to serve as an intelligent and multi-functional energy interface between the home area energy network and power grid. This paper elaborates on the design, analysis and implementation of coordinated control of the low-voltage energy router-based smart home energy management system (HEMS). The main contribution of this paper is to develop a novel solution to make the energy router technically feasible and practical for the HEMS to make full use of the renewable energy sources (RESs), while maintaining “operational friendly and beneficial” to the power grid. The behaviors of the energy router-based HEMS in correlation with the power grid are investigated, then the coordinated control scheme composed of a reference voltage and current compensation strategy and a fuzzy logic control-based power management strategy is developed. The system model is built on the MATLAB/Simulink platform, simulation results have demonstrated that the presented control scheme is a strong performer in making full use of the RES generations for the HEMS while maintaining the operational stability of the whole system, as well as in collaboration with the power grid to suppress the impact of RES output fluctuations and load consumption variations.
Promotion of Ca-Co Bifunctional Catalyst/Sorbent with Yttrium for Hydrogen Production in Modified Chemical Looping Steam Methane Reforming Process
Authors: Akbari-Emadabadi Samira , Rahimpour Mohammad , Hafizi Ali , Keshavarz Peyman
Published: September 2017

In this study, the application of a calcium-based bifunctional catalyst/sorbent is investigated in modified chemical looping steam methane reforming (CLSMR) process for in situ CO2 sorption and H2 production. The yttrium promoted Ca-Co samples were synthesized and applied as bifunctional catalysts/sorbent. The influence of reduction temperature (500–750 °C), Ca/Co and Ca/Y ratios (1.5–∞ and 3–18, respectively) and catalyst life time are determined in CLSMR process. The physicochemical transformation of fresh, used and regenerated samples after 16 redox cycles are determined using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption–desorption, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The effect of yttrium promoter on the structure of catalyst and regeneration step on the reversibility of bifunctional catalyst/sorbent was two important factors. The characterization results revealed that the presence of yttrium in the structure of Ca-9Co sample could improve the morphology and textural properties of catalyst/sorbents. The suitable reversibility of bifunctional catalyst/sorbents during the repeated cycles is confirmed by characterization of calcined samples. The Ca-9Co-4.5Y as optimal catalyst illustrated superior performance and stability. It showed about 95.8% methane conversion and 82.9% hydrogen yield at 700 °C and stable activity during 16 redox cycles.
Anti-melanogenic Activity of Auraptene via ERK-mediated MITF Downregulation
Authors: Kim Min-Jin , Kim Sang , Park Kyung-Jin , An Hyun , Choi Young , Lee Nam , Hyun Chang-Gu
Published: September 2017

Auraptene is the most abundant naturally occurring geranyloxycoumarin. It is primarily isolated from plants belonging to the Rutaceae family, many of which, such as citrus fruits, are used as food in many countries. Auraptene is a biologically active secondary metabolite that possesses valuable properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro inhibitory effects of auraptene on melanogenesis and the enzymes associated with it, such as tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein (TRP)-1, and TRP-2, in B16F10 murine melanoma cells. We found that auraptene significantly attenuated melanin synthesis and reduced the activity of intracellular tyrosinase, which was the rate-limiting melanogenic enzyme. Western blotting analysis showed that auraptene decreased tyrosinase and TRP-2 protein expression. In addition, auraptene significantly decreased the expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), a key regulator of melanogenesis. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation has been reported to be involved in the inhibition of melanogenesis. Thus, we next investigated if the hypopigmentary effects of auraptene were related to the activation of ERK. Auraptene was found to induce phosphorylation of ERK in a dose-dependent manner. Our results suggest that auraptene inhibits melanogenesis by activating the ERK pathway-mediated suppression of MITF and its downstream target genes, including tyrosinase. Therefore, auraptene may be used as a whitening agent in the development of functional cosmetics.
Simultaneous Wireless Information and Power Transfer for MIMO Interference Channel Networks Based on Interference Alignment
Authors: Dong Anming , Zhang Haixia , Shu Minglei , Yuan Dongfeng
Published: September 2017

This paper considers power splitting (PS)-based simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) interference channel networks where multiple transceiver pairs share the same frequency spectrum. As the PS model is adopted, an individual receiver splits the received signal into two parts for information decoding (ID) and energy harvesting (EH), respectively. Aiming to minimize the total transmit power, transmit precoders, receive filters and PS ratios are jointly designed under a predefined signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) and EH constraints. The formulated joint transceiver design and power splitting problem is non-convex and thus difficult to solve directly. In order to effectively obtain its solution, the feasibility conditions of the formulated non-convex problem are first analyzed. Based on the analysis, an iterative algorithm is proposed by alternatively optimizing the transmitters together with the power splitting factors and the receivers based on semidefinite programming (SDP) relaxation. Moreover, considering the prohibitive computational cost of the SDP for practical applications, a low-complexity suboptimal scheme is proposed by separately designing interference-suppressing transceivers based on interference alignment (IA) and optimizing the transmit power allocation together with splitting factors. The transmit power allocation and receive power splitting problem is then recast as a convex optimization problem and solved efficiently. To further reduce the computational complexity, a low-complexity scheme is proposed by calculating the transmit power allocation and receive PS ratios in closed-form. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed schemes in achieving SWIPT for MIMO interference channel (IC) networks.
Use of Mutual Information and Transfer Entropy to Assess Interaction between Parasympathetic and Sympathetic Activities of Nervous System from HRV
Authors: Zheng Lianrong , Pan Weifeng , Li Yifan , Luo Daiyi , Wang Qian , Liu Guanzheng
Published: September 2017

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder that often associates with reduced heart rate variability (HRV) indicating autonomic dysfunction. HRV is mainly composed of high frequency components attributed to parasympathetic activity and low frequency components attributed to sympathetic activity. Although, time domain and frequency domain features of HRV have been used to sleep studies, the complex interaction between nonlinear independent frequency components with OSA is less known. This study included 30 electrocardiogram recordings (20 OSA patient recording and 10 healthy subjects) with apnea or normal label in 1-min segment. All segments were divided into three groups: N-N group (normal segments of normal subjects), P-N group (normal segments of OSA subjects) and P-OSA group (apnea segments of OSA subjects). Frequency domain indices and interaction indices were extracted from segmented RR intervals. Frequency domain indices included nuLF, nuHF, and LF/HF ratio; interaction indices included mutual information (MI) and transfer entropy (TE (H→L) and TE (L→H)). Our results demonstrated that LF/HF ratio was significant higher in P-OSA group than N-N group and P-N group. MI was significantly larger in P-OSA group than P-N group. TE (H→L) and TE (L→H) showed a significant decrease in P-OSA group, compared to P-N group and N-N group. TE (H→L) were significantly negative correlation with LF/HF ratio in P-N group (r = −0.789, p = 0.000) and P-OSA group (r = −0.661, p = 0.002). Our results indicated that MI and TE is powerful tools to evaluate sympathovagal modulation in OSA. Moreover, sympathovagal modulation is more imbalance in OSA patients while suffering from apnea event compared to free event.
Elimination of Chattering by Control Strategy Based on the Multiphase Sliding Model Control for Efficient Power Conversion in a DC-DC Circuit
Authors: Na Woonki , Chen Pengyuan , Kim Jonghoon
Published: September 2017

In this paper, a multiphase sliding mode (MPSM) control method with a master–slave structure is proposed and analyzed in order to suppress ripples at input terminals or output terminals in DC/DC converter applications. With the proposed MPSM, the switching frequency of a multiphase DC/DC converter does not need to be operating such a high switching frequency as adopted in a conventional sliding mode control-based DC/DC converter. As a result, switching power losses could be reduced in this converter. Another advantage of this proposed method is that the master–slave multiphase slide control loop could figure out a proper phase shift between each switching phase of a DC/DC converter instead of precalculated phase shift. The proposed concepts are proven by the PSIM computer simulations and the feasibility of the proposed concepts is validated through the test experiments.
Charge Equalization Controller Algorithm for Series-Connected Lithium-Ion Battery Storage Systems: Modeling and Applications
Authors: Hannan Mahammad , Hoque Mohammad , Ker Pin , Begum Rawshan , Mohamed Azah
Published: September 2017

This study aims to develop an accurate model of a charge equalization controller (CEC) that manages individual cell monitoring and equalizing by charging and discharging series-connected lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery cells. In this concept, an intelligent control algorithm is developed to activate bidirectional cell switches and control direct current (DC)–DC converter switches along with pulse width modulation (PWM) generation. Individual models of an electric vehicle (EV)-sustainable Li-ion battery, optimal power rating, a bidirectional flyback DC–DC converter, and charging and discharging controllers are integrated to develop a small-scale CEC model that can be implemented for 10 series-connected Li-ion battery cells. Results show that the charge equalization controller operates at 91% efficiency and performs well in equalizing both overdischarged and overcharged cells on time. Moreover, the outputs of the CEC model show that the desired balancing level occurs at 2% of state of charge difference and that all cells are operated within a normal range. The configuration, execution, control, power loss, cost, size, and efficiency of the developed CEC model are compared with those of existing controllers. The proposed model is proven suitable for high-tech storage systems toward the advancement of sustainable EV technologies and renewable source of applications.
Analysis of the Brazilian Energy Efficiency Program for Electricity Distribution Systems
Authors: Silva Rogério , Oliveira Rosana , Tostes Maria
Published: September 2017

In this paper, a methodology was developed to analyze the results of energy efficiency programs used in the electricity distribution sector in Brazil. Analyzing the gains obtained through the investments made, and classifying which actions resulted in the best performance, contributed to decision making on the best allocation of investments to obtain the greatest energy savings. The Brazilian Energy Efficiency program was analyzed with a developed non-parametric model, using the data envelopment analysis method, and the categories of projects with better performance were determined. A database of the results from 1704 projects, from 2008 to 2016 in the Energy Efficiency program in Brazil´s electricity distribution sector, was used. The results obtained show that the best performance was achieved by projects in the industrial and cogeneration categories; however, in Brazil these constitute only 4.24% of the projects presented and 5.28% of the total investments in the last eight years, indicating a need to review the regulatory strategies for energy efficiency in this country.
Liquid vs. Gas Phase CO2 Photoreduction Process: Which Is the Effect of the Reaction Medium?
Authors: Olivo Alberto , Ghedini Elena , Signoretto Michela , Compagnoni Matteo , Rossetti Ilenia
Published: September 2017

The use of carbon dioxide, the most concerning environmental issue of the 21st century, as a feedstock for fuels productions still represents an innovative, yet challenging, task for the scientific community. CO2 photoreduction processes have the potential to transform this hazardous pollutant into important products for the energy industry (e.g., methane and methanol) employing a photocatalyst and light as the only energy input. In order to design an effective process, the high sustainability of this reaction should be matched with the perfect reaction conditions to allow the reactant, photocatalyst, and light source to come together: therefore, the choice of reaction conditions, and in particular its medium, is a crucial issue that needs to be investigated. Throughout this paper, a careful study of carbon dioxide photoreduction in liquid and vapour phases are reported, focusing on their effect on catalyst performances in terms of light harvesting, productivity, and selectivity. Different from most papers in the literature, catalytic tests were performed under extremely low light irradiance, in order to minimise the primary energy input, highlighting that this experimental variable has a great effect on the reaction pathway and, thus, product distribution.
Potential for Energy Production from Farm Wastes Using Anaerobic Digestion in the UK: An Economic Comparison of Different Size Plants
Authors: Oreggioni Gabriel , Gowreesunker Baboo , Tassou Savvas , Bianchi Giuseppe , Reilly Matthew , Kirby Marie , Toop Trisha , Theodorou Mike
Published: September 2017

Anaerobic digestion (AD) plants enable renewable fuel, heat, and electricity production, with their efficiency and capital cost strongly dependent on their installed capacity. In this work, the technical and economic feasibility of different scale AD combined heat and power (CHP) plants was analyzed. Process configurations involving the use of waste produced in different farms as feedstock for a centralized AD plant were assessed too. The results show that the levelized cost of electricity are lower for large-scale plants due to the use of more efficient conversion devices and their lower capital cost per unit of electricity produced. The levelized cost of electricity was estimated to be 4.3 p/kWhe for AD plants processing the waste of 125 dairy cow sized herds compared to 1.9 p/kWhe for AD plants processing waste of 1000 dairy cow sized herds. The techno-economic feasibility of the installation of CO2 capture units in centralized AD-CHP plants was also undertaken. The conducted research demonstrated that negative CO2 emission AD power generation plants could be economically viable with currently paid feed-in tariffs in the UK.
Dynamic Modeling of the Two-Phase Leakage Process of Natural Gas Liquid Storage Tanks
Authors: Wu Xia , Li Changjun , He Yufa , Jia Wenlong
Published: September 2017

The leakage process simulation of a Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) storage tank requires the simultaneous solution of the NGL’s pressure, temperature and phase state in the tank and across the leak hole. The methods available in the literature rarely consider the liquid/vapor phase transition of the NGL during such a process. This paper provides a comprehensive pressure-temperature-phase state method to solve this problem. With this method, the phase state of the NGL is predicted by a thermodynamic model based on the volume translated Peng-Robinson equation of state (VTPR EOS). The tank’s pressure and temperature are simulated according to the pressure-volume-temperature and isenthalpic expansion principles of the NGL. The pressure, temperature, leakage mass flow rate across the leak hole are calculated from an improved Homogeneous Non-Equilibrium Diener-Schmidt (HNE-DS) model and the isentropic expansion principle. In particular, the improved HNE-DS model removes the ideal gas assumption used in the original HNE-DS model by using a new compressibility factor developed from the VTPR EOS to replace the original one derived from the Clausius-Clayperon equation. Finally, a robust procedure of simultaneously solving the tank model and the leak hole model is proposed and the method is validated by experimental data. A variety of leakage cases demonstrates that this method is effective in simulating the dynamic leakage process of NGL tanks under critical and subcritical releasing conditions associated with vapor/liquid phase change.
A Study of Two Multi-Element Resonant DC-DC Topologies with Loss Distribution Analyses
Authors: Wang Yifeng , Yang Liang , Han Fuqiang , Tu Shijie , Zhang Weiya
Published: September 2017

In this paper, two multi-element resonant DC-DC converters are analyzed in detail. Since their resonant tanks have multiple resonant components, the converters display different resonant characteristics within different operating frequency ranges. Through appropriate design, both of the two proposed converters successfully lower the conversion losses and, meanwhile, broaden the voltage gain ranges as well: one converter is able to take full usage of the third order harmonic to deliver the active power, and thus the effective utilization rate of the resonant current is elevated; while the another minimizes the entire switching losses for power switching devices by restricting the input impedance angle of the resonant tank. Besides, the loss distribution is analyzed for the purpose of guiding the component design. In the end, two 500 W prototypes are fabricated to test the theoretical analyses. The results demonstrate that the two proposed converters can achieve wide voltage gain with the small frequency deviation, which noticeably contributes to highly efficient conversion. Their peak efficiencies are measured as 95.4% and 95.3%, respectively.
Identification of the Ovine Keratin-Associated Protein 26-1 Gene and Its Association with Variation in Wool Traits
Authors: Li Shaobin , Zhou Huitong , Gong Hua , Zhao Fangfang , Hu Jiang , Luo Yuzhu , Hickford Jon
Published: September 2017

Keratin-associated proteins (KAPs) are structural components of wool and hair fibres, and are believed to play a role in defining the physico-mechanical properties of the wool fibre. In this study, the putative ovine homologue of the human KAP26-1 gene (KRTAP26-1) was sequenced and four variants (named A–D) were identified. The sequences shared some identity with each other and with other KRTAPs, but they had the greatest similarity with the human KRTAP26-1 sequence. This suggests they represent different variants of ovine KRTAP26-1. The association of these KRTAP26-1 variants with wool traits was investigated in the 383 Merino-Southdown cross sheep. The presence of B was associated (p < 0.05) with an increase in mean fibre diameter (MFD), mean fibre curvature, and prickle factor (PF). The presence of C was found to be associated (p < 0.05) with an increase in wool yield (Yield) and mean staple length (MSL), and a decrease in MFD, fibre diameter standard deviation (FDSD), and PF. The results suggest that sheep with C have, on average, higher wool quality. These results may be useful in the future development of breeding programs based on decreasing wool MFD and FDSD, or on increasing wool MSL.
The Chloroplast Genome Sequence of Scutellaria baicalensis Provides Insight into Intraspecific and Interspecific Chloroplast Genome Diversity in Scutellaria
Authors: Jiang Dan , Zhao Zhenyu , Zhang Teng , Zhong Wenhao , Liu Chunsheng , Yuan Qingjun , Huang Luqi
Published: September 2017

Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Lamiaceae) is the source of the well-known traditional Chinese medicine “HuangQin” (Radix Scutellariae). Natural sources of S. baicalensis are rapidly declining due to high market demand and overexploitation. Moreover, the commercial products of Radix Scutellariae have often been found to contain adulterants in recent years, which may give rise to issues regarding drug efficacy and safety. In this study, we developed valuable chloroplast molecular resources by comparing intraspecific and interspecific chloroplast genome. The S. baicalensis chloroplast genome is a circular molecule consisting of two single-copy regions separated by a pair of inverted repeats. Comparative analyses of three Scutellaria chloroplast genomes revealed six variable regions (trnH-psbA, trnK-rps16, petN-psbM, trnT-trnL, petA-psbJ, and ycf1) that could be used as DNA barcodes. There were 25 single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) and 29 indels between the two S. baicalensis genotypes. All of the indels occurred within non-coding regions. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that Scutellarioideae is a sister taxon to Lamioideae. These resources could be used to explore the variation present in Scutellaria populations and for further evolutionary, phylogenetic, barcoding and genetic engineering studies, in addition to effective exploration and conservation of S. baicalensis.
Force and Presence in the World of Medicine
Authors: Bleakley Alan
Published: September 2017

Medicine can not only be read with a poetic imagination, but also configured as a poetic practice, moving beyond the instrumental. The poet Wallace Stevens made a distinction between ‘Force’ and ‘Presence’—the former can be read as combative, the latter as pacific. Modern medicine has been shaped historically by the combative metaphor of a ‘war against disease’, turning medicine into a quasi-militaristic culture fond of hierarchy. This is supplemented by the metaphor of the ‘body as machine’, reducing the complex and unpredictable body to a linear, if complicated, apparatus. The two metaphors align medicine with the modern industrial–military complex that is masculine, heroic, and controlling in character. In an era in which medicine is feminising and expected to be patient-centred, collaborative (inter-professional) and transparent to the public as a democratic gesture, the industrial–military metaphor complex should no longer be shaping medicine—yet its influence is still keenly felt, especially in surgery. This continuing dominance of Force over Presence matters because it is a style running counter to the collaborative, team-based medicine needed for high levels of patient safety. Medicine will authentically democratise only as new, pacific shaping metaphors emerge: those of ‘Presence’, such as ‘hospitality’. Hospitals can once again become places of hospitality.
Community Capacity Building for Physical Activity Promotion among Older Adults—A Literature Review
Authors: Ubert Tobias , Forberger Sarah , Gansefort Dirk , Zeeb Hajo , Brand Tilman
Published: September 2017

Community-based interventions to promote physical activity (PA) among older adults are of high interest in health promotion since they promise to be effective strategies to reach this population group. Community capacity building, that is, the local promotion of knowledge, skills, commitment, structures, and leadership, is among the recommended core strategies. However, little guidance is provided on how to achieve a high degree of community capacity. This study aims to identify practical strategies to enhance community capacities for PA promotion among older adults (50 years or older) and to evaluate their success. A literature review was conducted using scientific databases (PsycInfo and Web of Sciences) and grey literature (national and international project databases), and 14 studies (16 articles) were identified. Five groups of capacity building strategies emerged from the literature: (1) building community coalitions and networks, (2) training of professionals, (3) training of laypersons, (4) strengthening competence and awareness in the target population, and (5) allocation of financial resources. All studies used more than one strategy. Coalition building and strengthening competence and awareness were most frequently used. Feasibility and acceptability of the capacity building strategies were demonstrated. However, intervention effects on PA behavior and other relevant outcomes were inconsistent. The one study that systematically compared different capacity building approaches did not find any evidence for beneficial effects of intensified capacity building. More rigorous research evaluating the efficacy of specific strategies to enhance community capacities for PA promotion is needed.
Evolution of RAD- and DIV-Like Genes in Plants
Authors: Gao Ao , Zhang Jingbo , Zhang Wenheng
Published: September 2017

Developmental genetic studies of Antirrhinum majus demonstrated that two transcription factors from the MYB gene family, RADIALIS (RAD) and DIVIRICATA (DIV), interact through antagonism to regulate floral dorsoventral asymmetry. Interestingly, similar antagonistic interaction found among proteins of FSM1 (RAD-like) and MYBI (DIV-like) in Solanum lycopersicum is involved in fruit development. Here, we report the reconstruction of the phylogeny of I-box-like and R-R-type clades, where RAD- and DIV-like genes belong, respectively. We also examined the homology of these antagonistic MYB proteins using these phylogenies. The results show that there are likely three paralogs of RAD-/I-box-like genes, RAD1, RAD2, and RAD3, which originated in the common ancestor of the core eudicots. In contrast, R-R-type sequences fall into two major clades, RR1 and RR2, the result of gene duplication in the common ancestor of both monocots and dicots. RR1 was divided into clades RR1A, RR1B, and RR1C, while RR2 was divided into clades RR2A/DIV1, RR2B/DIV2, and RR2C/DIV3. We demonstrate that among similar antagonistic interactions in An. Majus and So. lycopersicum, RAD-like genes originate from the RAD2 clade, while DIV-like genes originate from distantly related paralogs of the R-R-type lineage. The phylogenetic analyses of these two MYB clades lay the foundation for future comparative studies including testing the evolution of the antagonistic relationship of proteins.
“7M”Advantage of Abrasive Waterjet for Machining Advanced Materials
Authors: Liu (Peter)
Published: September 2017

Under the support of an SBIR Phase II/IIB grant from the National Science Foundation, OMAX has developed and commercialized micro abrasive (µAWJ), culminating A MicroMAX® JetMachining® Center technology for meso-micro machining. AWJ inherently possesses technological and manufacturing merits unmatched by most machine tools. With the commercialization of µAWJ technology, waterjet is now fully capable of multi-mode machining most materials from macro to micro scales (the 7M advantage). Novel accessories and software facilitate machining precision 2D and 3D parts with a wide range of part size and thickness. The versatile waterjet is particularly advantageous for machining difficult and delicate materials, such as alloys, hardened steel, composites, and laminates. One unique capability is machining composites and nanomaterials comprised of metals (reflective and conductive), non-metals (non-conductive), and anything in between. The 7M advantage of waterjet has been taking advantage by machining sample parts made of a variety of advanced materials that are difficult, or even impossible, to machine otherwise.
Biological Evaluation of Flexible Polyurethane/Poly l-Lactic Acid Composite Scaffold as a Potential Filler for Bone Regeneration
Authors: Lui Yuk , Ip Wing
Published: September 2017

Degradable bone graft substitute for large-volume bone defects is a continuously developing field in orthopedics. With the advance in biomaterial in past decades, a wide range of new materials has been investigated for their potential in this application. When compared to common biopolymers within the field such as PLA or PCL, elastomers such as polyurethane offer some unique advantages in terms of flexibility. In cases of bone defect treatments, a flexible soft filler can help to establish an intimate contact with surrounding bones to provide a stable bone-material interface for cell proliferation and ingrowth of tissue. In this study, a porous filler based on segmented polyurethane incorporated with poly l-lactic acid was synthesized by a phase inverse salt leaching method. The filler was put through in vitro and in vivo tests to evaluate its potential in acting as a bone graft substitute for critical-sized bone defects. In vitro results indicated there was a major improvement in biological response, including cell attachment, proliferation and alkaline phosphatase expression for osteoblast-like cells when seeded on the composite material compared to unmodified polyurethane. In vivo evaluation on a critical-sized defect model of New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit indicated there was bone ingrowth along the defect area with the introduction of the new filler. A tight interface formed between bone and filler, with osteogenic cells proliferating on the surface. The result suggested polyurethane/poly l-lactic acid composite is a material with the potential to act as a bone graft substitute for orthopedics application.