bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving GNSS Landslide Monitoring with the Use of Low-Cost MEMS Accelerometers
Authors: Cina Alberto , Manzino Ambrogio Maria , Bendea Iosif Horea
Published: November 2019

Observation and monitoring of landslides and infrastructure is a very important basis for land planning, human activities, and safety. Geomatic techniques for deformation monitoring have usually involved GNSS and total station measurements or, more generally, expensive geodetic instruments, but other techniques, such as SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar), can be efficiently applied. Using low-cost sensors could be an interesting alternative solution if the accuracy requirements can be satisfied. This paper shows the results obtained for tilt measurements using MEMS accelerometers, which were combined with mass-market GNSS sensors for monitoring five sites located on landslides. The use of a MEMS-like inclinometer requires an important calibration process to remove bias and improve the solution’s accuracy. In this paper, we explain the MEMS calibration procedure employed, with a simple and cheap solution. The results indicate that with a simple calibration, it is possible to improve measurement accuracy by one order of magnitude, reaching an angular accuracy of a few hundredths of a degree, verified by an independent technique.
Temporal EEG Imaging for Drowsy Driving Prediction
Authors: Cheng Eric Juwei , Young Ku-Young , Lin Chin-Teng
Published: November 2019

As a major cause of vehicle accidents, the prevention of drowsy driving has received increasing public attention. Precisely identifying the drowsy state of drivers is difficult since it is an ambiguous event that does not occur at a single point in time. In this paper, we use an electroencephalography (EEG) image-based method to estimate the drowsiness state of drivers. The driver’s EEG measurement is transformed into an RGB image that contains the spatial knowledge of the EEG. Moreover, for considering the temporal behavior of the data, we generate these images using the EEG data over a sequence of time points. The generated EEG images are passed into a convolutional neural network (CNN) to perform the prediction task. In the experiment, the proposed method is compared with an EEG image generated from a single data time point, and the results indicate that the approach of combining EEG images in multiple time points is able to improve the performance for drowsiness prediction.
Combined Fusion Rules in Cognitive Radio Networks Using Different Threshold Strategies
Authors: Awin Faroq , Salout Noor , Abdel-Raheem Esam
Published: November 2019

Compromising the performance and overhead is a crucial factor in designing cognitive radio networks (CRNs). One way to achieve this goal is to combine different fusion rules for a CRN with multiple clusters of cognitive radios (CRs). This paper proposes a new adaptive combination algorithm to balance between detection performance of a CRN and its reporting overhead through combining different fusion rules over the CRN. Initially, the paper describes how to combine hard decision, i.e., one-bit, and soften-hard decision, i.e., two-bit, fusion rules over a CRN with multiple clusters of CRs using different strategies. Simple combination and modified combination strategies, to consider a trade off between performance improvement and incurred reporting overhead, are considered. The paper adopts different threshold strategies to implement the proposed combinations. Moreover, the proposed algorithms are examined under the Rayleigh fading channel model and simulated to investigate their detection performance and to compare their detection performance with existing works. The simulation results show that the adaptive threshold strategy outperforms the two proposed fixed threshold strategies and conventional fusion schemes.
Contamination of Coupling Glass and Performance Evaluation of Protective System in Vacuum Laser Beam Welding
Authors: Lee Yongki , Cheon Jason , Min Byung-Kwon , Kim Cheolhee
Published: November 2019

Vacuum laser beam welding enables deeper penetration depth and welding stability than atmospheric pressure laser welding. However, contaminated coupling glass caused by welding fumes in the vacuum space reduces laser transmittance, leading to inconsistent penetration depth. Therefore, a well-designed protective system is indispensable. Before designing the protective system, the contamination phenomenon was quantified and represented by a contamination index, based on the coupling glass transmittance. The contamination index and penetration depth behavior were determined to be inversely proportional. A cylindrical protective system with a shielding gas supply was proposed and tested. The shielding gas jet provides pressure-driven contaminant suppression and gas momentum-driven contaminant dispersion. The influence of the shielding gas flow rate and gas nozzle diameter on the performance of the protective system was evaluated. When the shielding gas flow was 2.0 L/min or higher, the pressure-driven contaminant suppression dominated for all nozzle diameters. When the shielding gas flow was 1.0 L/min or lower, gas momentum-driven contaminant dispersion was observed. A correlation between the gas nozzle diameter and the contamination index was determined. It was confirmed that contamination can be controlled by selecting the proper gas flow rate and supply nozzle diameter.
Design and Impedance Control of a Traveling Wave Ultrasonic Motor with a Spherical Rotor
Authors: Guo Yu , Song Aiguo , Sun Zhijun
Published: November 2019

A traveling wave ultrasonic motor (TWUM) with a spherical rotor was designed and fabricated for a haptic interface. The mechanical characteristics testbed was set up to test the performance of the motor under the modulation of frequency and phase difference, as well as for conducting haptic interaction, and the phase difference modulation based on certain frequency was adopted as the driving mode for the proposed motor. Due to the complexity and uncertainty of the contact mechanics of the stator and rotor, the direct torque control effect of the TWUM is not ideal for the force feedback. In this paper, the impedance control method was adopted to realize the force interaction based on positional proportional–integral–derivative (PID) control. The virtual linear spring and virtual wall experiments are conducted to verify the effect of the proposed method. Results show that the position-based impedance control method has a better effect than direct torque control for the haptic interaction based on an ultrasonic motor (USM).
Classic Discrete Control Technique and 3D-SVPWM Applied to a Dual Unified Power Quality Conditioner
Authors: Garces-Gomez Y. A. , Hoyos Fredy E. , Candelo-Becerra John E.
Published: November 2019

The unified power quality conditioners (UPQCs) are useful to correct distortions in voltage and current waveforms in case of problems related to harmonics, flicker, and power factor. The dual topology of the UPQC allows a loop control in the inverters less demanding in terms of switching functions; however, the control techniques proposed in the literature have some disadvantages as large computation time and some calculation delays. Therefore, this paper presents the application of a classic discrete-time control model for a three-dimensional space vector pulse width modulation (3D-SVPWM) to be used with the dual UPQC, obtaining a fixed commutation frequency and a low computation cost. The results show that the applied method helps to reduce the harmonics in the source, voltage sags and load current and improve the power factor of the electrical circuit tested. Furthermore, the high frequency created by the switching of elements in the UPQC is filtered by the impedance of the power source and it does not represent a problem for the circuit. Due to the simplicity of the model, simulations demonstrate that the application of this classical control technique is enough to achieve good results to compensate harmonics and power factor with the dual UPQC. The development of the controllers is carried out by discretization of the transfer functions of the control in continuous time and their application with the three-dimensional space vector pulse width modulation (3D-SVPWM) technique.
An Integrated Computational Approach for Seismic Risk Assessment of Individual Buildings
Authors: Estêvão João M. C.
Published: November 2019

The simultaneous assessment of a great number of buildings subjected to different ground motions is a very challenging task. For this reason, a new computational integrated approach for seismic assessment of individual buildings is presented, which consists of several independent computer objects, each having its own user interface, yet being totally interconnectable like in a puzzle. The hazard module allows considering a code-based response spectrum or a predicted response spectrum for a given earthquake scenario, which is computed throughout the resolution of an optimization problem. The vulnerability of each building is assessed based on structural capacity curves. Damage is evaluated using an innovative proposal, which is to use what was called a performance curve associated with a capacity curve. This curve reproduces the percentage of a given response spectrum corresponding to a performance point for each displacement value of a capacity curve. Therefore, it becomes possible to do a very fast association of any limit state to a percentage of a seismic action. This approach was implemented in the PERSISTAH software, and the result outputs can be exported, instantaneously, to the Google Earth software throughout the creation of a kml file, or to MS Excel.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Fiber Laser Welding of Aluminum Alloy with Beam Oscillation
Authors: Pang Xiaobing , Dai Jiahui , Chen Shun , Zhang Mingjun
Published: November 2019

Laser welding with beam oscillation is applied to join aluminum alloy plates in butt configuration. The effects of beam oscillating patterns on the quality of welds are compared and analyzed. The results indicate that beam oscillation can improve the weld formation and microstructure of butt joints. The circular oscillating weld has the features of fine grain and uniformly dispersed dendrites in the strengthening phase, and the porosity inhibitory effect of circular oscillation is the most obvious. In addition, beam oscillation has few effects on the tensile strength of welds, but exerts an influence on the elongation of welds.
A Review of Industry 4.0 Manufacturing Process Security Risks
Authors: Prinsloo Jaco , Sinha Saurabh , von Solms Basie
Published: November 2019

The advent of three-dimensional (3D) printing has found a unique and prominent role in Industry 4.0 and is rapidly gaining popularity in the manufacturing industry. 3D printing offers many advantages over conventional manufacturing methods, making it an attractive alternative that is more cost-effective and efficient than conventional manufacturing methods. With the Internet of Things (IoT) at the heart of this new movement, control over manufacturing methods now enters the cyber domain, offering endless possibilities in manufacturing automation and optimization. However, as disruptive and innovative as this may seem, there is grave concern about the cyber-security risks involved. These security aspects are often overlooked, particularly by promising new start-ups and parties that are not too familiar with the risks involved in not having proper cyber-security measures in place. This paper explores some of the cyber-security risks involved in the bridge between industrial manufacturing and Industry 4.0, as well as the associated countermeasures already deployed or currently under development. These aspects are then contextualized in terms of Industry 4.0 in order to serve as a basis for and assist with future development in this field.
Effect of Interlayer Cooling Time, Constraint and Tool Path Strategy on Deformation of Large Components Made by Laser Metal Deposition with Wire
Authors: Lee Yousub , Bandari Yashwanth , Nandwana Peeyush , Gibson Brian. T. , Richardson Brad , Simunovic Srdjan
Published: November 2019

Laser metal deposition with wire (LMD-w) is a developing additive manufacturing (AM) technology that has a high deposition material rate and efficiency and is suitable for fabrication of large aerospace components. However, control of material properties, geometry, and residual stresses is needed before LMD-w technology can be widely adopted for the construction of critical structural components. In this study, we investigated the effect of interlayer cooling time, clamp constraints, and tool path strategy on part distortion and residual stresses in large-scale laser additive manufactured Ti-6Al-4V components using finite element method (FEM). The simulations were validated with the temperature and the distortion measurements obtained from a real LMD-w process. We found that a shorter interlayer cooling time, full clamping constraints on the build plates, and a bidirectional tool path with 180° rotation minimized part distortion and residual stresses and resulted in symmetric stress distribution.
H∞ Iterative Learning Boundary Vibration Control of Uncertain Vibrating String with Iteration-Varying Distributed Disturbance and Boundary Disturbance
Authors: Ahmed Eshag Mohamed , Ma Lei , Sun Yongkui , Zhang Kai
Published: November 2019

By integrating H∞ control into iterative learning boundary control (ILBC) with the method of lines (MOL), this paper suggests a novel scheme to reduce the vibrations of the uncertain vibrating string system in the presence of iteration-varying distributed/boundary disturbances. The dynamics of the string system are defined by two kinds of differential equations, namely: (a) non-homogenous hyperbolic partial differential equation (PDE) and (b) ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Firstly, MOL is employed to attain the string dynamics in the form of a state-space system instead of a PDE system. Secondly, ILBC is developed in a super-vector framework and integrated with the H∞ control for decreasing the perturbations of the uncertain string system in the presence of iteration-varying distributed/boundary disturbances. Along the time, position, and iteration coordinates: (a) the boundary deflections of the string system are controlled; (b) the vibrations along the string are attenuated to zero; and (c) the external disturbances are excluded. Based on the H∞ algebraic approach, performance/stability conditions and global convergence of the closed-loop string system are assured. Conducted simulations illustrate that the suggested scheme is efficient for diminishing the vibrations of certain and uncertain vibrating string system.
The Characteristics of Ambient Non-Methane Hydrocarbons (NMHCs) in Lanzhou, China
Authors: Wu Yajun , Hu Jun , Wang Han , Li Hui , Zhang Hefeng , Chai Fahe , Wang Shulan
Published: November 2019

Non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) from four sampling sites in Lanzhou, a petrochemical industrialized city in northwest China, was sampled by stainless steel canisters and measured by gas chromatography–mass selective detection/flame ionization detection (GC–MSD/FID) in May and June of 2017. Based on these results, the contributions of NMHCs to the ozone (O3) and secondary organic aerosols (SOA), differences in tracer ratios, and source apportionment by principal component analysis (PCA) were analyzed. The results showed that the total NMHCs concentration in Lanzhou was 48.4 ± 48.3 ppbv (parts per billion by volume) during the observation and it was higher in May (78.6 ppbv) than in June (37.8 ppbv); the highest NMHCs concentration was observed in industrial areas. Alkanes were the dominant group at all sites in Lanzhou and account for more than 60% of the NMHCs, while isopentane, n-butane n-pentane, propane and ethane were the major compounds. Additionally, the NMHCs in Lanzhou have made great contributions to O3 and SOA generation and the S1 site of the industrial area contributed the most to both of them. Propene, toluene, ethylbenzene and n-pentane were found to be more reactive with relatively high contributions to ozone formation. Aromatics and high carbon alkanes were major contributors to SOA formation potential (SOAp) (i.e., toluene, m,p-xylene, dodecane, undecane, n-tanane, benzene and ethylbenzene) in Lanzhou. Based on the specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) ratio method and the PCA modem, the observation sites in Lanzhou were greatly affected by the surrounding industrial areas. The sources consisted of petrochemical industry, vehicle emissions, solvent usage and combustion sources, which contributed to 33.9%, 31.6%, 19.2% and 7.9% of the total monitored NMHCs, respectively. From different sites, though the influence of regional transport was not very significant on the whole, it also affected the NMHCs of nonindustrial areas based on the ratio of xylene to ethyl-benzene (X/E), especially the S4 site; vehicle emission was less important compared to sources from petrochemical industries in S1, as characterized by relatively higher toluene to benzene (T/B) ratios. However, vehicle emission has significant influence on NMHCs in S4. Overall, local emissions are the main source of NMHCs in Lanzhou and the petrochemical industry has a great influence on the distribution of NMHCs in the whole region.
Liposomal Cytarabine as Cancer Therapy: From Chemistry to Medicine
Authors: Salehi Bahare , Selamoglu Zeliha , S. Mileski Ksenija , Pezzani Raffaele , Redaelli Marco , C. Cho William , Kobarfard Farzad , Rajabi Sadegh , Martorell Miquel , Kumar Pradeep , Martins Natália , Subhra Santra Tuhin , Sharifi-Rad Javad
Published: November 2019

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. The main modality to fight against cancer is surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, and more recently targeted therapy, gene therapy and immunotherapy, which play important roles in treating cancer patients. In the last decades, chemotherapy has been well developed. Nonetheless, administration of the drug is not always successful, as limited drug dosage can reach the tumor cells.. In this context, the possibility to use an encapsulated anti-cancer drug may potentially solve the problem. Liposomal cytarabine is a formulation with pronounced effectiveness in lymphomatous meningitis and reduced cardiotoxicity if compared to liposomal anthracyclines. Thus, the future liposomal cytarabine use could be extended to other diseases given its reduction in cytotoxic side effects compared to the free formulation. This review summarizes the chemistry and biology of liposomal cytarabine, with exploration of its clinical implications.
Validation of a Rubric to Evaluate Open Educational Resources for Learning
Authors: de la Rosa Gómez Anabel , Meza Cano José Manuel , Miranda Díaz Germán Alejandro
Published: November 2019

Open Educational Resources (OERs) include different web formats, such as audio, video, images and text that can be modified, redistributed and used for learning about a specific topic, however, it became pertinent to create an OER evaluation tool with content validity. The present work gives an account of the content validation process using a 41-criteria rubric, each one with three performance levels, developed from a documentary search on relevant aspects to be included in a learning object. Six expert judges were contacted and decided whether each criterion was essential, useful but not essential or not necessary. Based on this, the Content Validity Reason (CVR) was calculated, obtaining 32 validated criteria. Among some conclusions, it can be mentioned that the validation process of contents allowed the identification of those criteria that require modifications or, if necessary, can be discarded to increase the validity of the heading in its whole.
Remote Actuation of Apoptosis in Liver Cancer Cells via Magneto-Mechanical Modulation of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Lunov Oleg , Uzhytchak Mariia , Smolková Barbora , Lunova Mariia , Jirsa Milan , Dempsey Nora M. , Dias André L. , Bonfim Marlio , Hof Martin , Jurkiewicz Piotr , Petrenko Yuri , Kubinová Šárka , Dejneka Alexandr
Published: November 2019

Lysosome-activated apoptosis represents an alternative method of overcoming tumor resistance compared to traditional forms of treatment. Pulsed magnetic fields open a new avenue for controlled and targeted initiation of lysosomal permeabilization in cancer cells via mechanical actuation of magnetic nanomaterials. In this study we used a noninvasive tool; namely, a benchtop pulsed magnetic system, which enabled remote activation of apoptosis in liver cancer cells. The magnetic system we designed represents a platform that can be used in a wide range of biomedical applications. We show that liver cancer cells can be loaded with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs). SPIONs retained in lysosomal compartments can be effectively actuated with a high intensity (up to 8 T), short pulse width (~15 µs), pulsed magnetic field (PMF), resulting in lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) in cancer cells. We revealed that SPION-loaded lysosomes undergo LMP by assessing an increase in the cytosolic activity of the lysosomal cathepsin B. The extent of cell death induced by LMP correlated with the accumulation of reactive oxygen species in cells. LMP was achieved for estimated forces of 700 pN and higher. Furthermore, we validated our approach on a three-dimensional cellular culture model to be able to mimic in vivo conditions. Overall, our results show that PMF treatment of SPION-loaded lysosomes can be utilized as a noninvasive tool to remotely induce apoptosis.
Deposition of Co onto Supported MoS2 by Water-Assisted Spreading: Increased Activity Promotion in Hydrodesulphurization of 1-Benzothiophene
Authors: Kaluža Luděk , Koštejn Martin , Gulková Daniela
Published: November 2019

Hydrodesulphurization (HDS) catalysts were newly prepared by water-assisted spreading of CoCO3.Co(OH)2 of low solubility in water onto pre-sulphided Mo species supported on several Al2O3 of surface area SBET 77-262 m2g−1, ZrO2 of SBET 108 m2g−1, and TiO2 of SBET 140 m2g−1. The spreading was followed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and temperature programmed reduction (H2-TPR) characterized partial re-oxidation of sulphidic Mo catalysts before Co sorption. The prepared catalysts were characterized in sulphidic form by H2-TPR. Activity of catalysts was determined in the HDS reaction of 1-benzothiophene. The spreading of Co onto sulphidic catalysts led to systematic increase of HDS activity by 16–86% in comparison to the spreading of Co onto oxide samples.
The Roles of the Structure and Basic Sites of Sodium Titanates on Transesterification Reactions to Obtain Biodiesel
Authors: Machorro Josue J. , Lazaro Ana L. , Espejel-Ayala Fabricio , Coutiño-Gonzalez Eduardo , Chavarria-Hernandez Juan C. , Godínez Luis. A. , Rodríguez-Valadez Francisco J.
Published: November 2019

Sodium titanates were evaluated as heterogeneous catalysts for biodiesel production. Materials were prepared using an experimental design considering NaOH and TiO2 concentrations and hydrothermal and calcination temperatures as input variables. Materials characterization was carried out by DRX-Rietveld refinement, CO2-TPD, and XPS. Statistical analysis of the experimental results indicates that the calcination temperature is the most influential factor in the formation of sodium titanates with high catalytic performance in transesterification reactions. Further analysis of the oil-to-biodiesel conversion revealed that the catalytic activity of sodium titanates is directly correlated to the catalyst associated species and to the density of medium-strong basic sites on the surface of the material, obtaining up to 95% conversion to biodiesel at 60 °C using 3.6% weight catalyst with respect to oil.
Recent Strategies for Hydrogen Peroxide Production by Metal-Free Carbon Nitride Photocatalysts
Authors: Torres-Pinto André , Sampaio Maria J. , Silva Cláudia G. , Faria Joaquim L. , M. T. Silva Adrián
Published: November 2019

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a chemical which has gained wide importance in several industrial and research fields. Its mass production is mostly performed by the anthraquinone (AQ) oxidation reaction, leading to high energy consumption and significant generation of wastes. Other methods of synthesis found in the literature include the direct synthesis from oxygen and hydrogen. However, this H2O2 production process is prone to explosion hazard or undesirable by‑product generation. With the growing demand of H2O2, the development of cleaner and economically viable processes has been under intense investigation. Heterogeneous photocatalysis for H2O2 production has appeared as a promising alternative since it requires only an optical semiconductor, water, oxygen, and ideally solar light irradiation. Moreover, employing a metal-free semiconductor minimizes possible toxicity consequences and reinforces the sustainability of the process. The most studied metal‑free catalyst employed for H2O2 production is polymeric carbon nitride (CN). Several chemical and physical modifications over CN have been investigated together with the assessment of different sacrificial agents and light sources. This review shows the recent developments on CN materials design for enhancing the synthesis of H2O2, along with the proposed mechanisms of H2O2 production. Finally, the direct in situ generation of H2O2, when dealing with the photocatalytic synthesis of added-value organic compounds and water treatment, is discussed.
Retinal Ganglion Cells Die by Necroptotic Mechanisms in a Site-Specific Manner in a Rat Blunt Ocular Injury Model
Authors: Thomas Chloe N. , Thompson Adam M. , Ahmed Zubair , Blanch Richard J.
Published: November 2019

Closed-globe injury can cause visual loss in military and civilian populations, with retinal cell death, including retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration, leading to irreversible blindness. RGC and optic nerve (ON) degeneration after eye or head injury is termed traumatic optic neuropathy (TON). There are currently no treatments for RGC loss, therefore novel therapeutics to prevent RGC death or promote axonal regeneration are a priority. We investigated necroptotic signaling mechanisms in a rat blunt ocular injury model. After bilateral blunt trauma, protein expression and retinal localization of necroptosis pathway members (receptor interacting protein kinase 1, RIPK1; receptor interacting protein kinase 3, RIPK3; and mixed lineage kinase domain like pseudokinase, MLKL) were assessed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC), and potent necroptosis inhibitor Necrostatin-1s (Nec-1s) was delivered by intravitreal injection to one eye and vehicle to the contralateral eye. RGC and photoreceptor survival were assessed by cell counting and outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness measurements on histology. The neuroprotective effects of Nec-1s were assessed in primary retinal culture by βIII-tubulin+ RGC cell counts. MLKL protein expression were upregulated at 48 h after injury and MLKL immunolocalised to retinal binding protein with multiple splice (RBPMS)+ RGC, inner nuclear cells and ONL cells, specifically at the retinal injury site. RIPK3 expression did not increase but RIPK3 co-immunolocalised with RBPMS+ RGC in intact and injured retinae. In vitro, a Nec-1s concentration of 0.01 pg/µL was RGC neuroprotective. In the blunt ocular injury rat model, Nec-1s prevented RGC death at the center of the impact site but did not protect against ONL thinning or provide functional restitution. RGC degeneration in our blunt ocular injury model is site-specific, with necroptosis driving death at the center of the focal impact site.
The Potential Role of the ZIKV NS5 Nuclear Spherical-Shell Structures in Cell Type-Specific Host Immune Modulation during ZIKV Infection
Authors: Tan Min Jie Alvin , Chan Kitti Wing Ki , Ng Ivan H. W. , Kong Sean Yao Zu , Gwee Chin Piaw , Watanabe Satoru , Vasudevan Subhash G.
Published: November 2019

The Zika virus (ZIKV) non-structural protein 5 (NS5) plays multiple viral and cellular roles during infection, with its primary role in virus RNA replication taking place in the cytoplasm. However, immunofluorescence assay studies have detected the presence of ZIKV NS5 in unique spherical shell-like structures in the nuclei of infected cells, suggesting potentially important cellular roles of ZIKV NS5 in the nucleus. Hence ZIKV NS5′s subcellular distribution and localization must be tightly regulated during ZIKV infection. Both ZIKV NS5 expression or ZIKV infection antagonizes type I interferon signaling, and induces a pro-inflammatory transcriptional response in a cell type-specific manner, but the mechanisms involved and the role of nuclear ZIKV NS5 in these cellular functions has not been elucidated. Intriguingly, these cells originate from the brain and placenta, which are also organs that exhibit a pro-inflammatory signature and are known sites of pathogenesis during ZIKV infection in animal models and humans. Here, we discuss the regulation of the subcellular localization of the ZIKV NS5 protein, and its putative role in the induction of an inflammatory response and the occurrence of pathology in specific organs during ZIKV infection.
The Maturing Interdisciplinary Relationship between Human Biometeorological Aspects and Local Adaptation Processes: An Encompassing Overview
Authors: Santos Nouri Andre , Matzarakis Andreas
Published: November 2019

To date, top-down approaches have played a fundamental role in expanding the comprehension of both existing, and future, climatological patterns. In liaison, the focus attributed to climatic mitigation has shifted towards the identification of how climatic adaptation can specifically prepare for an era prone to further climatological aggravations. Within this review study, the progress and growing opportunities for the interdisciplinary integration of human biometeorological aspects within existing and future local adaptation efforts are assessed. This encompassing assessment of the existing literature likewise scrutinises existing scientific hurdles in approaching existing/future human thermal wellbeing in local urban contexts. The respective hurdles are subsequently framed into new research opportunities concerning human biometeorology and its increasing interdisciplinary significance in multifaceted urban thermal adaptation processes. It is here where the assembly and solidification of ‘scientific bridges’ are acknowledged within the multifaceted ambition to ensuring a responsive, safe and thermally comfortable urban environment. Amongst other aspects, this review study deliberates upon numerous scientific interferences that must be strengthened, inclusively between the: (i) climatic assessments of both top-down and bottom-up approaches to local human thermal wellbeing; (ii) rooted associations between qualitative and quantitative aspects of thermal comfort in both outdoor and indoor environments; and (iii) efficiency and easy-to-understand communication with non-climatic experts that play an equally fundamental role in consolidating effective adaptation responses in an era of climate change.
Fungicides Films of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)/Inclusion Complexes (Carvacrol and Cinnamaldehyde) Against Botrytis Cinerea
Authors: Canales Daniel , Montoille Lissette , Rivas Lina M. , Ortiz J. Andrés , Yañez-S Mauricio , Rabagliati Franco M. , Ulloa Maria Teresa , Alvarez Eduardo , Zapata Paula A.
Published: November 2019

Low density polyethylene (LDPE) films were prepared with the incorporation of natural agents (carvacrol and trans-cinnamaldehyde) by the melting process. The co-precipitation method was used successfully to complex the carvacrol or trans-cinnamaldehyde with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD). The active compounds encapsulated in β-CD achieved ca. 90% encapsulation efficiency (E.E.). The inclusion complex studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) found particles of different sizes, ca. 4 μm. The active compounds were added directly (1 and 5 wt %) into the polymer matrix, yielding LDPE + carvacrol and LDPE + cinnamaldehyde films. The active compounds encapsulated in β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) were added to LDPE, yielding LDPE + β-CD-carvacrol and LDPE + β-CD-cinnamaldehyde films. The incorporation of carvacrol and trans-cinnamaldehyde, and their corresponding inclusion complexes with β-cyclodextrin, did not affect the thermal properties of LDPE. The microcapsules distributed in all polymer matrices had sizes of 5–20 μm as shown by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In terms of mechanical properties, the polymers showed a slight decrease of Young’s modulus (12%) and yield stress compared (14%) to neat LDPE. This could be due to the essential oil acting as a plasticizer in the polymer matrix. The LDPE + carvacrol and LDPE + cinnamaldehyde films had the capacity to inhibit fungi by 99% compared to neat LDPE. The effectiveness against fungi of LDPE+β-CD + active agent was slower than by the direct incorporation of the essential oil in the LDPE in the same amount of active agent. The biocidal properties were related to the gradual release of active compound from the polymer. The results confirm the applicability of carvacrol, trans-cinnamaldehyde, and their corresponding inclusion complexes in active packaging, as well as their use in the food delivery industry.
Pediatrics: An Evolving Concept for the 21st Century
Authors: Sergi Consolato M.
Published: November 2019

Pediatrics is rapidly evolving, and the diagnostic tools are expanding the spectrum of diagnoses that can be identified at the bedside [...]
Two Potential Clinical Applications of Origami-Based Paper Devices
Authors: Kuo Zong-Keng , Chang Tsui-Hsuan , Chen Yu-Shin , Cheng Chao-Min , Tsai Chia-Ying
Published: November 2019

Detecting small amounts of analyte in clinical practice is challenging because of deficiencies in specimen sample availability and unsuitable sampling environments that prevent reliable sampling. Paper-based analytical devices (PADs) have successfully been used to detect ultralow amounts of analyte, and origami-based PADs (O-PADs) offer advantages that may boost the overall potential of PADs in general. In this study, we investigated two potential clinical applications for O-PADs. The first O-PAD we investigated was an origami-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system designed to detect different concentrations of rabbit IgG. This device was designed with four wing structures, each of which acted as a reagent loading zone for pre-loading ELISA reagents, and a central test sample loading zone. Because this device has a low limit of detection (LOD), it may be suitable for detecting IgG levels in tears from patients with a suspected viral infection (such as herpes simplex virus (HSV)). The second O-PAD we investigated was designed to detect paraquat levels to determine potential poisoning. To use this device, we sequentially folded each of two separate reagent zones, one preloaded with NaOH and one preloaded with ascorbic acid (AA), over the central test zone, and added 8 µL of sample that then flowed through each reagent zone and onto the central test zone. The device was then unfolded to read the results on the test zone. The three folded layers of paper provided a moist environment not achievable with conventional paper-based ELISA. Both O-PADs were convenient to use because reagents were preloaded, and results could be observed and analyzed with image analysis software. O-PADs expand the testing capacity of simpler PADs while leveraging their characteristic advantages of convenience, cost, and ease of use, particularly for point-of-care diagnosis.
Convergence Rates for Empirical Estimation of Binary Classification Bounds
Authors: Sekeh Salimeh Yasaei , Noshad Morteza , Moon Kevin R. , Hero Alfred O.
Published: November 2019

Bounding the best achievable error probability for binary classification problems is relevant to many applications including machine learning, signal processing, and information theory. Many bounds on the Bayes binary classification error rate depend on information divergences between the pair of class distributions. Recently, the Henze–Penrose (HP) divergence has been proposed for bounding classification error probability. We consider the problem of empirically estimating the HP-divergence from random samples. We derive a bound on the convergence rate for the Friedman–Rafsky (FR) estimator of the HP-divergence, which is related to a multivariate runs statistic for testing between two distributions. The FR estimator is derived from a multicolored Euclidean minimal spanning tree (MST) that spans the merged samples. We obtain a concentration inequality for the Friedman–Rafsky estimator of the Henze–Penrose divergence. We validate our results experimentally and illustrate their application to real datasets.
Classification of Hepatitis Viruses from Sequencing Chromatograms Using Multiscale Permutation Entropy and Support Vector Machines
Authors: Öz Ersoy , Aşkın Öyküm Esra
Published: November 2019

Classifying nucleic acid trace files is an important issue in molecular biology researches. For the purpose of obtaining better classification performance, the question of which features are used and what classifier is implemented to best represent the properties of nucleic acid trace files plays a vital role. In this study, different feature extraction methods based on statistical and entropy theory are utilized to discriminate deoxyribonucleic acid chromatograms, and distinguishing their signals visually is almost impossible. Extracted features are used as the input feature set for the classifiers of Support Vector Machines (SVM) with different kernel functions. The proposed framework is applied to a total number of 200 hepatitis nucleic acid trace files which consist of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). While the use of statistical-based feature extraction methods allows representing the properties of hepatitis nucleic acid trace files with descriptive measures such as mean, median and standard deviation, entropy-based feature extraction methods including permutation entropy and multiscale permutation entropy enable quantifying the complexity of these files. The results indicate that using statistical and entropy-based features produces exceptionally high performances in terms of accuracies (reached at nearly 99%) in classifying HBV and HCV.
Streaming Feature Selection for Multi-Label Data with Dynamic Sliding Windows and Feature Repulsion Loss
Authors: Li Yu , Cheng Yusheng
Published: November 2019

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the problem of multi-label streaming feature selection with no prior knowledge of the feature space. However, the algorithms proposed to handle this problem seldom consider the group structure of streaming features. Another shortcoming arises from the fact that few studies have addressed atomic feature models, and particularly, few have measured the attraction and repulsion between features. To remedy these shortcomings, we develop the streaming feature selection algorithm with dynamic sliding windows and feature repulsion loss (SF-DSW-FRL). This algorithm is essentially carried out in three consecutive steps. Firstly, within dynamic sliding windows, candidate streaming features that are strongly related to the labels in different feature groups are selected and stored in a fixed sliding window. Then, the interaction between features is measured by a loss function inspired by the mutual repulsion and attraction between atoms in physics. Specifically, one feature attraction term and two feature repulsion terms are constructed and combined to create the feature repulsion loss function. Finally, for the fixed sliding window, the best feature subset is selected according to this loss function. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated through experiments on several multi-label datasets, statistical hypothesis testing, and stability analysis.
Entropy Generation Assessment for Wall-Bounded Turbulent Shear Flows Based on Reynolds Analogy Assumptions
Authors: Ziefuss Matthias , Karimi Nader , Ries Florian , Sadiki Amsini , Mehdizadeh Amirfarhang
Published: November 2019

Heat transfer modeling plays a major role in design and optimization of modern and efficient thermal-fluid systems. Further, turbulent flows are thermodynamic processes, and thus, the second law of thermodynamics can be used for critical evaluations of such heat transfer models. However, currently available heat transfer models suffer from a fundamental shortcoming: their development is based on the general notion that accurate prediction of the flow field will guarantee an appropriate prediction of the thermal field, known as the . In this work, an assessment of the capability of the in predicting turbulent heat transfer when applied to shear flows of fluids of different Prandtl numbers will be given. Towards this, a detailed analysis of the predictive capabilities of the concerning entropy generation is presented for steady and unsteady state simulations. It turns out that the provides acceptable results only for mean entropy generation, while fails to predict entropy generation at small/sub-grid scales.
Improved Synchronized Space Vector PWM Strategy for Three-Level Inverter at Low Modulation Index
Authors: Gu Xin , Wei Bingxu , Zhang Guozheng , Wang Zhiqiang , Chen Wei
Published: November 2019

Aimed at reducing the switching loss and common-mode voltage amplitude of high-power medium-voltage three-level inverter under low modulation index conditions, an improved synchronous space vector PWM strategy is proposed in this paper. The switching times in each fundamental period are reduced by the re-division of small regions and the full use of the redundant switching state. The sum of switching algebra is introduced as an evaluation index and the switching state with the minimum value of the sum of switching algebra are adopted. Then, the common mode voltage amplitude is reduced. The theoretical analysis and experimental results show that the improved modulation strategy proposed in this paper can effectively reduce the switching loss and common-mode voltage amplitude of the inverter under the condition of the low modulation index. Moreover, the neutral-point voltage ripple is also reduced simultaneously.
Integral Solution of Two-Region Solid–Liquid Phase Change in Annular Geometries and Application to Phase Change Materials–Air Heat Exchangers
Authors: Shabgard Hamidreza , Zhu Weiwei , Faghri Amir
Published: November 2019

A mathematical model based on the integral method is developed to solve the problem of conduction-controlled solid–liquid phase change in annular geometries with temperature gradients in both phases. The inner and outer boundaries of the annulus were subject to convective, constant temperature or adiabatic boundary conditions. The developed model was validated by comparison with control volume-based computational results using the temperature-transforming phase change model, and an excellent agreement was achieved. The model was used to conduct parametric studies on the effect of annuli geometry, thermophysical properties of the phase change materials (PCM), and thermal boundary conditions on the dynamics of phase change. For an initially liquid PCM, it was found that increasing the radii ratio increased the total solidification time. Also, increasing the Biot number at the cooled (heated) boundary and Stefan number of the solid (liquid) PCM, decreased (increased) the solidification time and resulted in a greater (smaller) solid volume fraction at steady state. The application of the developed method was demonstrated by design and analysis of a PCM–air heat exchanger for HVAC systems. The model can also be easily employed for design and optimization of annular PCM systems for all associated applications in a fraction of time needed for computational simulations.
Factors Affecting Fuelwood Consumption and CO2 Emissions: An Example from a Community-Managed Forest of Nepal
Authors: Baral Sony , Basnyat Bijendra , Gauli Kalyan , Paudel Ambika , Upadhyaya Rachana , Timilsina Yajna Prasad , Vacik Harald
Published: November 2019

Fuelwood is the primary source of energy in Nepal, where 87.1% of the total energy is derived from wood, making it the major source for carbon emissions. This study explores the factors affecting the fuelwood consumption, the amount of carbon emissions including the potential for carbon sequestration in community forests, taking a case study of Kankali Community Forest Users Group (CFUG) of Chitwan district of Nepal. Interviews with 217 households revealed that 60% of the households still depend on fuelwood for cooking, which apparently emits approximately 13.68 tons of carbon dioxide annually. The emission, however, varies with the economic status of the households; poor households rely exclusively on fuelwood for cooking and therefore emit greater amount of carbon. Similarly, the carbon emission was also found to be directly proportional to the family size and livestock holding, and inversely proportional to landholding and per capita income. A more conservation-oriented forest management along with activities to support livelihood has contributed to lower carbon emissions. Interestingly, the poverty-energy trap seemed to have a distinct gender dimension. We argue that CFUGs need to invest in income-generating activities for local users, and especially for women of low-income households, in order to reduce current carbon emission.
Design of Disturbance Extended State Observer (D-ESO)-Based Constrained Full-State Model Predictive Controller for the Integrated Turbo-Shaft Engine/Rotor System
Authors: Gu Nannan , Wang Xi , Lin Feiqiang
Published: November 2019

In the modern helicopter design and development process, constrained full-state control technology for turbo-shaft engine/rotor systems has always been a research hotspot in academia and industry. However, relevant references have pointed out that the traditional design method with an overly complex structure (Min-Max structure and schedule-based transient controller, i.e., M-M-STC) may not be able to meet the protection requirements of engine control systems under certain circumstances and can be too conservative under other conditions. In order to address the engine limit protection problem more efficiently, a constrained full-state model predictive controller (MPC) has been designed in this paper by incorporating a linear parameter varying (LPV) predictive model. Meanwhile, disturbance extended state observer (D-ESO) (which a sufficient convergence condition is deduced for) has also been proposed as the compensator of the LPV model to alleviate the MPC model mismatch problem. Finally, we run a group of comparison simulations with the traditional M-M-STC method to verify the effectiveness of this controller by taking compressor surge prevention problems as a case study, and the results indicate the validity of the proposed method.