bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive Analytical Approximations of the Pull-In Characteristics of an Electrostatically Actuated Nanobeam under the Influences of Intermolecular Forces
Authors: Ouakad Hassen , AlQasimi Jihad
Published: January 2018

In this paper, analytical closed-form expressions to accurately estimate the pull-in characteristics of an electrostatically-actuated doubly-clamped nanobeam are derived and examined. In this regard, a coupled electro-mechanical problem for the nano-actuator is first presented assuming a single mode approximation while taking into account all the possible structural, electrical and nanoscale effects: the fringing of the electrical actuating force, the geometric mid-plane stretching and intermolecular (van der Walls and Casimir) forces. The complicated nonlinear resultant equations are numerically approximated in order to derive the closed-form expressions for the important nano-actuator pull-in characteristics: i.e., the detachment length, the minimum reachable gap size before the collapse and the respective pull-in voltage. The resulting closed-form expressions are first quantitatively validated with other previously published results, and comparisons showed an acceptable agreement. Unlike the reported expressions in the literature, the proposed closed-form expressions in this work are proper approximations, fairly accurate and, more importantly, provide a quick estimate of the critical design pull-in parameters of the nano-actuator. In addition, the analysis of these expressions demonstrated that the consideration of the intermolecular forces together with the fringe effect tends to significantly reduce the threshold pull-in voltage, whereas the mid-plane stretching parameter tends to the contrary to increase the voltage at the pull-in collapse. The derived expressions of these analytical/approximate solutions could hopefully be appropriately used by NEMS engineers as simple/quick procedures for successful design and fabrication of electrostatically-actuated nano-devices.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Actuators in 2017
Authors:   Actuators Editorial Office
Published: January 2018

Peer review is an essential part in the publication process, ensuring that Actuators maintains high quality standards for its published papers [...]
Effects of Order of Expansion for the Exponential Matrix and Number of Mathematical Layers in the Exact 3D Static Analysis of Functionally Graded Plates and Shells
Authors: Brischetto Salvatore , Torre Roberto
Published: January 2018

This work deals with the study of the convergence ratio of the exponential matrix method used in the 3D static analysis of functionally graded structures subjected to harmonic loads. The equilibrium equations are written in mixed orthogonal curvilinear coordinates. This feature allows plates, cylinders, spherical and cylindrical shells to be studied with the same and unique formulation. After a reduction to first order differential equations, the obtained system is solved through the thickness by means of the exponential matrix method. The coefficients of these equations are not constant because the mechanical properties of the considered functionally graded materials change through the thickness. Moreover, the curvature terms introduce a further dependence of the coefficients from the thickness coordinate. The use of several mathematical layers allows for evaluating both the material properties and the curvature terms at certain points through the thickness direction. The M number of mathematical layers to be introduced is here studied in combination with the N expansion order of the exponential matrix. These values are influenced by several parameters. Therefore, different geometries, thickness ratios, lamination sequences, functionally graded material laws and half-wave numbers are considered.
Bio-Inspired Adhesive Footpad for Legged Robot Climbing under Reduced Gravity: Multiple Toes Facilitate Stable Attachment
Authors: Wang Zhongyuan , Wang Zhouyi , Dai Zhendong , Gorb Stanislav
Published: January 2018

This paper presents the design of a legged robot with gecko-mimicking mechanism and mushroom-shaped adhesive microstructure (MSAMS) that can climb surfaces under reduced gravity. The design principle, adhesion performance and roles of different toes of footpad are explored and discussed in this paper. The effect of the preload velocity, peeling velocity and thickness of backing layering on the reliability of the robot are investigated. Results show that pull-force is independent of preload velocity, while the peeling force is relying on peeling velocity, and the peel strength increased with the increasing thickness of the backing layer. The climbing experiments show that the robot can climb under mimic zero gravity by using multiple toes facilitating adhesion. The robot with new type of footpads also provides a good platform for testing different adhesive materials for the future space applications.
Development of a Self-Powered Magnetorheological Damper System for Cable Vibration Control
Authors: Wang Zhihao , Chen Zhengqing , Gao Hui , Wang Hao
Published: January 2018

A new self-powered magnetorheological (MR) damper control system was developed to mitigate cable vibration. The power source of the MR damper is directly harvested from vibration energy through a rotary permanent magnet direct current (DC) generator. The generator itself can also serve as an electromagnetic damper. The proposed smart passive system also incorporates a roller chain and sprocket, transforming the linear motion of the cable into the rotational motion of the DC generator. The vibration mitigation performance of the presented self-powered MR damper system was evaluated by model tests with a 21.6 m long cable. A series of free vibration tests of the cable with a passively operated MR damper with constant voltage, an electromagnetic damper alone, and a self-powered MR damper system were performed. Finally, the vibration control mechanisms of the self-powered MR damper system were investigated. The experimental results indicate that the supplemental modal damping ratios of the cable in the first four modes can be significantly enhanced by the self-powered MR damper system, demonstrating the feasibility and effectiveness of the new smart passive system. The results also show that both the self-powered MR damper and the generator are quite similar to a combination of a traditional linear viscous damper and a negative stiffness device, and the negative stiffness can enhance the mitigation efficiency against cable vibration.
Algorithmic Art Machines
Authors: Edmonds Ernest
Published: January 2018

The article reviews the author’s personal development in relation to art made by algorithmic machines and discusses both the nature of such systems and the future implications for art.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Beverages in 2017
Authors:   Beverages Editorial Office
Published: January 2018

Peer review is an essential part in the publication process, ensuring that Beverages maintains high quality standards for its published papers [...]
The Application of Adaptive Behaviour Models: A Systematic Review
Authors: Price Jessica , Morris Zoe , Costello Shane
Published: January 2018

Adaptive behaviour has been viewed broadly as an individual’s ability to meet the standards of social responsibilities and independence; however, this definition has been a source of debate amongst researchers and clinicians. Based on the rich history and the importance of the construct of adaptive behaviour, the current study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the application of adaptive behaviour models to assessment tools, through a systematic review. A plethora of assessment measures for adaptive behaviour have been developed in order to adequately assess the construct; however, it appears that the only definition on which authors seem to agree is that adaptive behaviour is what adaptive behaviour scales measure. The importance of the construct for diagnosis, intervention and planning has been highlighted throughout the literature. It is recommended that researchers and clinicians critically review what measures of adaptive behaviour they are utilising and it is suggested that the definition and theory is revisited.
The Adsorption Kinetic Parameters of Co2+ Ions by α-C2SH
Authors: Niuniavaite Domante , Baltakys Kestutis , Dambrauskas Tadas
Published: January 2018

In this work, the kinetic parameters of Co2+ ion adsorption by α-C2SH were determined. α-C2SH was synthesized under hydrothermal conditions at 175 °C, when the duration of isothermal curing was 24 h and the molar ratio of primary mixture was CaO/SiO2 = 1.5. This research allows us to state that the adsorption reactions proceed according to the chemisorption process. In order to determine adsorption kinetic parameters, kinetics models have been developed and fitted for these reactions. Additionally, it was determined that adsorbed Co2+ ions have a significant influence on the stability of α-C2SH. These results were confirmed by XRD, STA, and atomic absorption spectroscopy methods.
Tuning the Activity and Selectivity of Phenylacetylene Hydrosilylation with Triethylsilane in the Liquid Phase over Size Controlled Pt Nanoparticles
Authors: G. Dobó Dorina , Sipos Dániel , Sápi András , London Gábor , Juhász Koppány , Kukovecz Ákos , Kónya Zoltán
Published: January 2018

Pt nanoparticles with controlled sizes between 1.6–7.0 nm were anchored onto the surface and pores of SBA-15 silica support. The catalysts were characterized by TEM-ED, BET, XRD, and ICP-MS techniques and were tested in liquid phase hydrosilylation of phenylacetylene with triethylsilane. The activity of the 7.0 nm Pt nanoparticles anchored onto the surface of SBA-15 in hydrosilylation (TOF = 0.107 molecules·site−1·s−1) was ~2 times higher compared to the 5.0 nm Pt/SBA-15 (TOF = 0.049 molecules·site−1·s−1) catalyst and ~10 times higher compared to the 1.6 nm Pt/SBA-15 (TOF = 0.017 molecules·site−1·s−1) catalyst. Regarding the selectivity, bigger nanoparticles produced more vinylsilane-type products (α- and β-(E)-products) and less side products (mainly ditriethylsilane, triethyl(1-phenylethyl)silane and triethyl(phenethyl)silane derived likely from the reduction of the vinylsilane products). However, the selectivity towards the β-(E)-triethyl(styryl)silane was higher in the case of 1.6 nm Pt/SBA-15 catalyst compared to 5.0 nm Pt/SBA-15 and 7.0 nm Pt/SBA-15, respectively, which can be attributed to the beneficial effect of the size differences of the Pt nanoparticles as well as the differences of the quality and quantity of Pt/SiO2 interfaces.
TiO2 Nanotubes on Transparent Substrates: Control of Film Microstructure and Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Performance
Authors: Zelny Matus , Kment Stepan , Ctvrtlik Radim , Pausova Sarka , Kmentova Hana , Tomastik Jan , Hubicka Zdenek , Rambabu Yalavarthi , Krysa Josef , Naldoni Alberto , Schmuki Patrik , Zboril Radek
Published: January 2018

Transfer of semiconductor thin films on transparent and or flexible substrates is a highly desirable process to enable photonic, catalytic, and sensing technologies. A promising approach to fabricate nanostructured TiO2 films on transparent substrates is self-ordering by anodizing of thin metal films on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO). Here, we report pulsed direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering for the deposition of titanium thin films on conductive glass substrates at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 450 °C. We describe in detail the influence that deposition temperature has on mechanical, adhesion and microstructural properties of titanium film, as well as on the corresponding TiO2 nanotube array obtained after anodization and annealing. Finally, we measure the photoelectrochemical water splitting activity of different TiO2 nanotube samples showing that the film deposited at 150 °C has much higher activity correlating well with the lower crystallite size and the higher degree of self-organization observed in comparison with the nanotubes obtained at different temperatures. Importantly, the film showing higher water splitting activity does not have the best adhesion on glass substrate, highlighting an important trade-off for future optimization.
Inhibiting Fe–Al Spinel Formation on a Narrowed Mesopore-Sized MgAl2O4 Support as a Novel Catalyst for H2 Production in Chemical Looping Technology
Authors: Hafizi Ali , Rahimpour Mohammad
Published: January 2018

In this paper, the structure of Al2O3 is modified with magnesium to synthesize MgAl2O4 as an oxygen carrier (OC) support. The surface properties and structural stability of the modified support are improved by the incorporation of magnesium in the structure of the support and additionally by narrowing the pore size distribution (about 2.3 nm). Then, iron oxide is impregnated on both an Al2O3 support and a MgAl2O4 support as the oxygen transfer active site. The XRD results showed the formation of solely Fe2O3 on the MgAl2O4 support, while both Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 are detected in the synthesized Fe2O3-Al2O3 structure. The synthesized samples are investigated in chemical looping cycles, including CO reduction (as one of the most important side reactions of chemical looping reforming), at different temperatures (300–500 °C) and oxidation with steam at 700 °C for hydrogen production. The obtained results showed the inhibition of Fe–Al spinel formation in the structure of the Fe2O3-MgAl2O4 OC. In addition, H2 with a purity higher than 98% is achievable in oxidation of the OC with steam. In addition, the activity and crystalline change of the Fe2O3-MgAl2O4 OC is investigated after 20 reduction-oxidation cycles.
Fine Regulation of Neutrophil Oxidative Status and Apoptosis by Ceruloplasmin and Its Derivatives
Authors: Golenkina Ekaterina , Viryasova Galina , Galkina Svetlana , Gaponova Tatjana , Sud’ina Galina , Sokolov Alexey
Published: January 2018

Timely neutrophil apoptosis is an essential part of the resolution phase of acute inflammation. Ceruloplasmin, an acute-phase protein, which is the predominant copper-carrying protein in the blood, has been suggested to have a marked effect on neutrophil life span. The present work is a comparative study on the effects of intact holo-ceruloplasmin, its copper-free (apo-) and partially proteolyzed forms, and synthetic free peptides RPYLKVFNPR (883–892) and RRPYLKVFNPRR (882–893) on polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL, neutrophil) oxidant status and apoptosis. The most pronounced effect on both investigated parameters was found with copper-containing samples, namely, intact and proteolyzed proteins. Both effectively reduced spontaneous and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced extracellular and intracellular accumulation of superoxide radicals, but induced a sharp increase in the oxidation of intracellular 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein upon short exposure. Therefore, intact and proteolyzed ceruloplasmin have both anti- and pro-oxidant effects on PMNLs wherein the latter effect is diminished by TNF-α and lactoferrin. Additionally, all compounds investigated were determined to be inhibitors of delayed spontaneous apoptosis. Intact enzyme retained its pro-survival activity, whereas proteolytic degradation converts ceruloplasmin from a mild inhibitor to a potent activator of TNF-α-induced neutrophil apoptosis.
Recent Developments Concerning the Dispersion Methods and Mechanisms of Graphene
Authors: Liang Aoyan , Jiang Xiaosong , Hong Xin , Jiang Yixin , Shao Zhenyi , Zhu Degui
Published: January 2018

Graphene, as a reinforcement for composite materials, has become a focus recently. However, the dispersion of graphene in composite materials is a problem that has been difficult to solve for a long time, which makes it difficult to produce and use graphene-reinforced composites on a large scale. Herein, methods to improve the dispersion of graphene and dispersion mechanisms that have been developed in recent years are reviewed, and the advantages and disadvantages of various methods are compared and analyzed. On this basis, the dispersion methods and mechanisms of graphene are prospected, which lays the foundation for graphene application and preparation.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Condensed Matter in 2017
Authors:   Condensed Matter Editorial Office
Published: January 2018

Peer review is an essential part in the publication process, ensuring that Condensed Matter maintains high quality standards for its published papers[...]
Low Computational Cost for Sample Entropy
Authors: Manis George , Aktaruzzaman Md , Sassi Roberto
Published: January 2018

Sample Entropy is the most popular definition of entropy and is widely used as a measure of the regularity/complexity of a time series. On the other hand, it is a computationally expensive method which may require a large amount of time when used in long series or with a large number of signals. The computationally intensive part is the similarity check between points in m dimensional space. In this paper, we propose new algorithms or extend already proposed ones, aiming to compute Sample Entropy quickly. All algorithms return exactly the same value for Sample Entropy, and no approximation techniques are used. We compare and evaluate them using cardiac inter-beat (RR) time series. We investigate three algorithms. The first one is an extension of the k d -trees algorithm, customized for Sample Entropy. The second one is an extension of an algorithm initially proposed for Approximate Entropy, again customized for Sample Entropy, but also improved to present even faster results. The last one is a completely new algorithm, presenting the fastest execution times for specific values of m, r, time series length, and signal characteristics. These algorithms are compared with the straightforward implementation, directly resulting from the definition of Sample Entropy, in order to give a clear image of the speedups achieved. All algorithms assume the classical approach to the metric, in which the maximum norm is used. The key idea of the two last suggested algorithms is to avoid unnecessary comparisons by detecting them early. We use the term unnecessary to refer to those comparisons for which we know a priori that they will fail at the similarity check. The number of avoided comparisons is proved to be very large, resulting in an analogous large reduction of execution time, making them the fastest algorithms available today for the computation of Sample Entropy.
Teaching and Learning Science in the 21st Century: Challenging Critical Assumptions in Post-Secondary Science
Authors: Townley Amanda
Published: January 2018

It is widely agreed upon that the goal of science education is building a scientifically literate society. Although there are a range of definitions for science literacy, most involve an ability to problem solve, make evidence-based decisions, and evaluate information in a manner that is logical. Unfortunately, science literacy appears to be an area where we struggle across levels of study, including with students who are majoring in the sciences in university settings. One reason for this problem is that we have opted to continue to approach teaching science in a way that fails to consider the critical assumptions that faculties in the sciences bring into the classroom. These assumptions include expectations of what students should know before entering given courses, whose responsibility it is to ensure that students entering courses understand basic scientific concepts, the roles of researchers and teachers, and approaches to teaching at the university level. Acknowledging these assumptions and the potential for action to shift our teaching and thinking about post-secondary education represents a transformative area in science literacy and preparation for the future of science as a field.
Responses of Sap Flow of Deciduous and Conifer Trees to Soil Drying in a Subalpine Forest
Authors: Yan Chunhua , Wang Bei , Zhang Yang , Zhang Xiaonan , Takeuchi Shinichi , Qiu Guo
Published: January 2018

Co-occurring species may adopt different water-use strategies to adapt to limited soil water. In Jiuzhaigou Valley, a continuous decline in soil water after an initial recharge from the thawing of snow and frozen soil in early spring was observed, but its effects on the sap flow dynamics of co-occurring species are not well understood. To clarify the species-specific water-use strategy, variations in sap flow and environmental conditions were investigated for two co-occurring species (Betula albosinensis Burk. and Pinus tabuliaeformis Carr.) in a mixed forest during a transition from the wet to dry period in 2014. Sap flow was measured using Granier-type thermal dissipation probes, and the soil-water content was measured using time-domain reflectometry probes for a successive period. Our study showed that B. albosinensis maintained relatively high transpiration until late into the season regardless of soil moisture, while the transpiration of P. tabuliformis showed a continuous decrease in response to seasonal soil drying. Sap flow for both species exhibited a marked hysteresis in response to meteorological factors and it was conditioned by the soil-water status, especially in the afternoon. We found that P. tabuliformis was sensitive to soil-water conditions, while for B. albosinensis, the sap flow was not very sensitive to changes in soil-water conditions. These results indicate that B. albosinensis could manage the water consumption conservatively under both dry and wet conditions. These results may have implications for evaluating the species-specific water-use strategy and carrying out proper reforestation practices.
Submarine Depositional Terraces at Salina Island (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea) and Implications on the Late-Quaternary Evolution of the Insular Shelf
Authors: Casalbore Daniele , Romagnoli Claudia , Adami Chiara , Bosman Alessandro , Falese Francesco , Ricchi Alessandro , Chiocci Francesco
Published: January 2018

The integrated analysis of high-resolution multibeam bathymetry and single-channel seismic profiles around Salina Island allowed us to characterize the stratigraphic architecture of the insular shelf. The shelf is formed by a gently-sloping erosive surface carved on the volcanic bedrock, mostly covered by sediments organized in a suite of terraced bodies, i.e. submarine depositional terraces. Based on their position on the shelf, depth range of their edge and inner geometry, different orders of terraces can be distinguished. The shallowest terrace (near-shore terrace) is a sedimentary prograding wedge, whose formation can be associated to the downward transport of sediments from the surf zone and shoreface during stormy conditions. According to the range depth of the terrace edge (i.e., 10–25 m, compatible with the estimated present-day, local storm-wave base level in the central and western Mediterranean), the formation of this wedge can be attributed to the present-day highstand. By assuming a similar genesis for the deeper terraces, mid-shelf terraces having the edge at depths of 40–50 m and 70–80 m can be attributed to the late and early stages of the Post-LGM transgression, respectively. Finally, the deepest terrace (shelf-edge terrace) has the edge at depths of 130–160 m, being thus referable to the lowstand occurred at ca. 20 ka. Based on the variability of edge depth in the different sectors, we also show how lowstand terraces can be used to provide insights on the recent vertical movements that affected Salina edifice in the last 20 ka, highlighting more generally their possible use for neo-tectonic studies elsewhere. Moreover, being these terraces associated to different paleo-sea levels, they can be used to constrain the relative age of the different erosive stages affecting shallow-water sectors.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Geriatrics in 2017
Authors:   Geriatrics Editorial Office
Published: January 2018

Peer review is an essential part in the publication process, ensuring that Geriatrics maintains high quality standards for its published papers [...]
Investigating Effect of Service Encounter, Value, and Satisfaction on Word of Mouth: An Outpatient Service Context
Authors: Hsu Li-Chun
Published: January 2018

This study investigates the relationships among service encounter, service value, patient satisfaction, and word-of-mouth (WOM) intention from the viewpoint of interactive marketing. Data were collected using a questionnaire survey. A total of 372 questionnaires were obtained and 350 of these questionnaires were valid (94.09%), and a structural equation model was used to analyze the data. This study proposed seven hypotheses, and five of the seven hypotheses were supported. Service encounters indirectly affect their patient WOM through service value and satisfaction. Therefore, service value and satisfaction play a crucial mediating role in linking service encounters and WOM. This study determined WOM intentions in an outpatient service context and provides crucial business implications for teaching hospitals to enable them to improve their service quality and achieve a sustainable operation.
Community-Based Health and Exposure Study around Urban Oil Developments in South Los Angeles
Authors: Shamasunder Bhavna , Collier-Oxandale Ashley , Blickley Jessica , Sadd James , Chan Marissa , Navarro Sandy , Hannigan Michael , Wong Nicole
Published: January 2018

Oilfield-adjacent communities often report symptoms such as headaches and/or asthma. Yet, little data exists on health experiences and exposures in urban environments with oil and gas development. In partnership with Promotoras de Salud (community health workers), we gathered household surveys nearby two oil production sites in Los Angeles. We tested the capacity of low-cost sensors for localized exposure estimates. Bilingual surveys of 205 randomly sampled residences were collected within two 1500 ft. buffer areas (West Adams and University Park) surrounding oil development sites. We used a one-sample proportion test, comparing overall rates from the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) of Service Planning Area 6 (SPA6) and Los Angeles County for variables of interest such as asthma. Field calibrated low-cost sensors recorded methane emissions. Physician diagnosed asthma rates were reported to be higher within both buffers than in SPA6 or LA County. Asthma prevalence in West Adams but not University Park was significantly higher than in Los Angeles County. Respondents with diagnosed asthma reported rates of emergency room visits in the previous 12 months similar to SPA6. 45% of respondents were unaware of oil development; 63% of residents would not know how to contact local regulatory authorities. Residents often seek information about their health and site-related activities. Low-cost sensors may be useful in highlighting differences between sites or recording larger emission events and can provide localized data alongside resident-reported symptoms. Regulatory officials should help clarify information to the community on methods for reporting health symptoms. Our community-based participatory research (CBPR) partnership supports efforts to answer community questions as residents seek a safety buffer between sensitive land uses and active oil development.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of IJGI in 2017
Authors:   IJGI Editorial Office
Published: January 2018

Peer review is an essential part in the publication process, ensuring that IJGI maintains high quality standards for its published papers. In 2017, a total of 403 papers were published in the journal.[...]
Approach to Accelerating Dissolved Vector Buffer Generation in Distributed In-Memory Cluster Architecture
Authors: Shen Jinxin , Chen Luo , Wu Ye , Jing Ning
Published: January 2018

The buffer generation algorithm is a fundamental function in GIS, identifying areas of a given distance surrounding geographic features. Past research largely focused on buffer generation algorithms generated in a stand-alone environment. Moreover, dissolved buffer generation is data- and computing-intensive. In this scenario, the improvement in the stand-alone environment is limited when considering large-scale mass vector data. Nevertheless, recent parallel dissolved vector buffer algorithms suffer from scalability problems, leaving room for further optimization. At present, the prevailing in-memory cluster-computing framework—Spark—provides promising efficiency for computing-intensive analysis; however, it has seldom been researched for buffer analysis. On this basis, we propose a cluster-computing-oriented parallel dissolved vector buffer generating algorithm, called the HPBM, that contains a Hilbert-space-filling-curve-based data partition method, a data skew and cross-boundary objects processing strategy, and a depth-given tree-like merging method. Experiments are conducted in both stand-alone and cluster environments using real-world vector data that include points and roads. Compared with some existing parallel buffer algorithms, as well as various popular GIS software, the HPBM achieves a performance gain of more than 50%.
Developing an Agent-Based Simulation System for Post-Earthquake Operations in Uncertainty Conditions: A Proposed Method for Collaboration among Agents
Authors: Hooshangi Navid , Alesheikh Ali
Published: January 2018

Agent-based modeling is a promising approach for developing simulation tools for natural hazards in different areas, such as during urban search and rescue (USAR) operations. The present study aimed to develop a dynamic agent-based simulation model in post-earthquake USAR operations using geospatial information system and multi agent systems (GIS and MASs, respectively). We also propose an approach for dynamic task allocation and establishing collaboration among agents based on contract net protocol (CNP) and interval-based Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methods, which consider uncertainty in natural hazards information during agents’ decision-making. The decision-making weights were calculated by analytic hierarchy process (AHP). In order to implement the system, earthquake environment was simulated and the damage of the buildings and a number of injuries were calculated in Tehran’s District 3: 23%, 37%, 24% and 16% of buildings were in slight, moderate, extensive and completely vulnerable classes, respectively. The number of injured persons was calculated to be 17,238. Numerical results in 27 scenarios showed that the proposed method is more accurate than the CNP method in the terms of USAR operational time (at least 13% decrease) and the number of human fatalities (at least 9% decrease). In interval uncertainty analysis of our proposed simulated system, the lower and upper bounds of uncertain responses are evaluated. The overall results showed that considering uncertainty in task allocation can be a highly advantageous in the disaster environment. Such systems can be used to manage and prepare for natural hazards.
Reliability Analysis of the High-speed Train Bearing Based on Wiener Process
Authors: Zhu Dexin , Nan Cui
Published: January 2018

Because of the existence of uncertainty measurement in the process of bearings degradation, it is difficult to carry out the reliability analysis. The random performance degradation model is used to analyze the reliability life of high-speed train bearing with the characteristics of slow degradation process and relatively stable degradation path. The unknown coefficients are viewed as random variables in the model. According to the analysis to a bearing testing data, the reliability analysis of the bearing life is finally completed. The results show that the method can assess reliability of the bearing life with zero failure by taking full advantage of the performance degradation data in the small sample size.
Smart Card Data Mining of Public Transport Destination: A Literature Review
Authors: Li Tian , Sun Dazhi , Jing Peng , Yang Kaixi
Published: January 2018

Smart card data is increasingly used to investigate passenger behavior and the demand characteristics of public transport. The destination estimation of public transport is one of the major concerns for the implementation of smart card data. In recent years, numerous studies concerning destination estimation have been carried out—most automatic fare collection (AFC) systems only record boarding information but not passenger alighting information. This study provides a comprehensive review of the practice of using smart card data for destination estimation. The results show that the land use factor is not discussed in more than three quarters of papers and sensitivity analysis is not applied in two thirds of papers. In addition, the results are not validated in half the relevant studies. In the future, more research should be done to improve the current model, such as considering additional factors or making sensitivity analysis of parameters as well as validating the results with multi-source data and new methods.
The Role of Exercise in Pediatric and Adolescent Cancers: A Review of Assessments and Suggestions for Clinical Implementation
Authors: Klika Riggs , Tamburini Angela , Galanti Giorgio , Mascherini Gabriele , Stefani Laura
Published: January 2018

In the European Union, five-year survival rates for childhood cancer patients are approaching 72–80%, which is a testament to better diagnostics and improved treatment. As a result, a large proportion of childhood cancer patients go on to live productive lives well past reproductive age. While this is encouraging, childhood cancer treatment is accompanied by multiple long-term adverse effects on physical and mental wellbeing. While there are several approaches to address mental health, reproductive integrity, secondary pathologies, and recurrence, in order to optimize quality of life in childhood cancer patients, exercise and nutrition should also be considered. It is clear that physical activity plays an important role in the prevention and reduction of long-term adverse side effects associated with cancer treatment in both children and adults. However, the current exercise guidelines for cancer survivors are based on adult data and accordingly are not appropriate for children. As children and adults are markedly different, including both the pathophysiology of cancer and exercise response, treatment plans incorporating exercise for children should be age-specific and individually tailored to both reduce the development of future comorbidities and enhance physical health. The purpose of this paper is to review the predominant cancer types and effects of cancer treatment in children, describe several special considerations, and propose a framework for assessment and exercise guidelines for this population.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Journal of Personalized Medicine in 2017
Authors:   Journal of Personalized Medicine Editorial Office
Published: January 2018

Peer review is an essential part in the publication process, ensuring that Journal of Personalized Medicine maintains high quality standards for its published papers.[...]
Athena: Towards Decision-Centric Anticipatory Sensor Information Delivery
Authors: Lee Jongdeog , Marcus Kelvin , Abdelzaher Tarek , Amin Md , Bar-Noy Amotz , Dron William , Govindan Ramesh , Hobbs Reginald , Hu Shaohan , Kim Jung-Eun , Sha Lui , Yao Shuochao , Zhao Yiran
Published: January 2018

The paper introduces a new direction in quality-of-service-aware networked sensing that designs communication protocols and scheduling policies for data delivery that are optimized specifically for decision needs. The work complements present decision monitoring and support tools and falls in the larger framework of decision-driven resource management. A hallmark of the new protocols is that they are aware of the inference structure used to arrive at decisions (from logical predicates), as well as the data (and data quality) that need to be furnished to successfully evaluate the unknowns on which these decisions are based. Such protocols can therefore anticipate and deliver precisely the right data, at the right level of quality, from the right sources, at the right time, to enable valid and timely decisions at minimum cost to the underlying network. This paper presents the decision model used and the protocol design philosophy, reviews the key recent results and describes a novel system, called Athena, that is the first to embody the aforementioned data delivery paradigm. Evaluation results are presented that compare the performance of decision-centric anticipatory information delivery to several baselines, demonstrating its various advantages in terms of decision timeliness, validity and network resources used. The paper concludes with a discussion of remaining future challenges in this emerging area.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Life in 2017
Authors:   Life Editorial Office
Published: January 2018

Peer review is an essential part in the publication process, ensuring that Life maintains high quality standards for its published papers. In 2017, a total of 51 papers were published in the journal.[...]
Thermoelectric Mixed Thick-/Thin Film Microgenerators Based on Constantan/Silver
Authors: Gierczak Mirosław , Prażmowska-Czajka Joanna , Dziedzic Andrzej
Published: January 2018

This paper describes the design, manufacturing and characterization of newly developed mixed thick-/thin film thermoelectric microgenerators based on magnetron sputtered constantan (copper-nickel alloy) and screen-printed silver layers. The thermoelectric microgenerator consists of sixteen thermocouples made on a 34.2 × 27.5 × 0.25 mm3 alumina substrate. One of thermocouple arms was made of magnetron-sputtered constantan (Cu-Ni alloy), the second was a Ag-based screen-printed film. The length of each thermocouple arm was equal to 27 mm, and their width 0.3 mm. The distance between the arms was equal to 0.3 mm. In the first step, a pattern mask with thermocouples was designed and fabricated. Then, a constantan layer was magnetron sputtered over the whole substrate, and a photolithography process was used to prepare the first thermocouple arms. The second arms were screen-printed onto the substrate using a low-temperature silver paste (Heraeus C8829A or ElectroScience Laboratories ESL 599-E). To avoid oxidation of constantan, they were fired in a belt furnace in a nitrogen atmosphere at 550/450 °C peak firing temperature. Thermoelectric and electrical measurements were performed using the self-made measuring system. Two pyrometers included into the system were used for temperature measurement of hot and cold junctions. The estimated Seebeck coefficient, α was from the range 35 − 41 µV/K, whereas the total internal resistances R were between 250 and 3200 ohms, depending on magnetron sputtering time and kind of silver ink (the resistance of a single thermocouple was between 15.5 and 200 ohms).
Microstructure and Tensile Properties of ECAPed Mg-9Al-1Si-1SiC Composites: The Influence of Initial Microstructures
Authors: Zhang Shaoxiong , Li Ming , Wang Hongxia , Cheng Weili , Lei Weiwei , Liu Yiming , Liang Wei
Published: January 2018

Mg-9Al-1Si-1SiC composites with various initial microstructures prior to equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) were obtained by different pre-treatments (without and with homogenization treatment), and the resultant grain size, second phase and tensile properties of ECAPed composites were reported. The ECAPed composite with homogenization treatment (HT) exhibited finer grain size, higher fraction of dynamically recrystallized (DRXed) grains, weaker texture intensity, as well as the presence of dynamic precipitated Mg17Al12 phase compared to that without HT. Besides, the morphology of pre-existing Mg2Si changed from massive-like to needle-like in the ECAPed composite with HT. Room-temperature tensile test results showed that ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength (YS), and elongation (El) of ECAPed composites with HT were 16.1%, 23%, and 27.3% larger than that without HT, respectively.
The Collapse of Ecosystem Engineer Populations
Authors: Fontanari José
Published: January 2018

Humans are the ultimate ecosystem engineers who have profoundly transformed the world’s landscapes in order to enhance their survival. Somewhat paradoxically, however, sometimes the unforeseen effect of this ecosystem engineering is the very collapse of the population it intended to protect. Here we use a spatial version of a standard population dynamics model of ecosystem engineers to study the colonization of unexplored virgin territories by a small settlement of engineers. We find that during the expansion phase the population density reaches values much higher than those the environment can support in the equilibrium situation. When the colonization front reaches the boundary of the available space, the population density plunges sharply and attains its equilibrium value. The collapse takes place without warning and happens just after the population reaches its peak number. We conclude that overpopulation and the consequent collapse of an expanding population of ecosystem engineers is a natural consequence of the nonlinear feedback between the population and environment variables.
A Fast Recommender System for Cold User Using Categorized Items
Authors: Jazayeriy Hamid , Mohammadi Saghi , Shamshirband Shahaboddin
Published: January 2018

In recent years, recommender systems (RS) provide a considerable progress to users. RSs reduce the cost of a user’s time in order to reach to desired results faster. The main issue of RSs is the presence of cold users which are less active and their preferences are more difficult to detect. The aim of this study is to provide a new way to improve recall and precision in recommender systems for cold users. According to the available categories of items, prioritization of the proposed items is improved and then presented to the cold user. The obtained results show that in addition to increased speed of processing, recall and precision have an acceptable improvement.
Numerical Simulation of Tensile Behavior of Corroded Aluminum Alloy 2024 T3 Considering the Hydrogen Embrittlement
Authors: Vasco Marina , Tserpes Konstantinos , Pantelakis Spiros
Published: January 2018

A multi-scale modeling approach for simulating the tensile behavior of the corroded aluminum alloy 2024 T3 was developed, accounting for both the geometrical features of corrosion damage and the effect of corrosion-induced hydrogen embrittlement (HE). The approach combines two Finite Element (FE) models: a model of a three-dimensional Representative Unit Cell (RUC), representing an exfoliated area and its correspondent hydrogen embrittled zone (HEZ), and a model of the tensile specimen. The models lie at the micro- and macro-scales, respectively. The characteristics of the HEZ are determined from measurements of nanoindentation hardness, conducted on pre-corroded specimens. Using the model of the RUC, the local homogenized mechanical behavior of the corroded material is simulated. Then, the behavior of the exfoliated areas is assigned into different areas (elements) of the tensile specimen and final analyses are performed to simulate the tensile behavior of the corroded material. The approach was applied to model specimens after 8, 16 and 24 h exposure periods of the Exfoliation Corrosion (EXCO) test. For validation of the approach, tensile tests were used. The numerical results show that this approach is suitable for accurately simulating the tensile behavior of pre-corroded experimental specimens, accounting for both geometrical features of corrosion damage and corrosion-induced HE.
Chemical Degradation of a Mixture of tri-n-Octylamine and 1-Tridecanol in the Presence of Chromium(VI) in Acidic Sulfate Media
Authors: Chagnes Alexandre , Cote Gérard
Published: January 2018

The chemical degradation of an extraction solvent composed of a mixture of tri-n-octylamine (extractant) and 1-tridecanol (phase modifier) in n-dodecane in contact with an acidic aqueous sulfate solution containing chromium(VI) has been investigated. The kinetics of degradation and the degradation products have been determined. GC-MS analyses evidenced the formation of 1-tridecanal, di-n-octylamine, N,N,N-octen-1-yl-dioctylamine, and an unidentified degradation compound, which may have contained a double bond and a carboxylic acid function. The mechanisms of degradation have been discussed on the basis of these identified degradation compounds. The study of the degradation kinetics showed that an increase of tri-n-octylamine concentration in the organic phase is responsible for a decrease of the degradation rate, while an increase in sulfuric acid concentration in the aqueous phase leads to a strong increase in the degradation rate.
Atomistic and Experimental Investigation of the Effect of Depth of Cut on Diamond Cutting of Cerium
Authors: Zhang Junjie , Shuai Maobing , Zheng Haibing , Li Yao , Jin Ming , Sun Tao
Published: January 2018

The ultra-precision diamond cutting process exhibits strong size effects due to the ultra-small depth of cut that is comparable with the cutting edge radius. In the present work, we elucidate the underlying machining mechanisms of single crystal cerium under diamond cutting by means of molecular dynamics simulations, with an emphasis on the evaluation of the effect of depth of cut on the cutting process by using different depths of cut. Diamond cutting experiments of cerium with different depths of cut are also conducted. In particular for the smallest depth of cut of 0.2 nm, shallow cutting simulations varying the sharpness of the cutting edge demonstrate that an atomically sharp cutting edge leads to a smaller machining force and better machined surface quality than a blunt one. Simulation results indicate that dislocation slip is the dominant deformation mechanism of cerium under diamond cutting with each depth of cut. Furthermore, the analysis of the defect zone based on atomic radial distribution functions demonstrates that there are trivial phase transformations from γ-Ce to δ-Ce occurred in both the machined surface and the formed chip. It is found that there is a transition of material removal mode from plowing to cutting with the increase of the depth of cut, which is also consistent with the diamond cutting experiments of cerium with different depths of cut.
Effect of Mica and Hematite (001) Surfaces on the Precipitation of Calcite
Authors: Xu Huifang , Zhou Mo , Fang Yihang , Teng H.
Published: January 2018

The substrate effect of mica and hematite on the nucleation and crystallization of calcite was investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) methods. On mica, we found, in the absence of Mg2+, the substrates’ (001) surfaces with hexagonal and pseudo-hexagonal two-dimensional (2-D) structure can affect the orientation of calcite nucleation with calcite (001) ~// mica (001) and calcite (010) ~// mica (010) to be the major interfacial relationship. On hematite, we did not observe frequent twinning relationship between adjacent calcite gains, but often saw preferentially nucleation of calcite at surface steps on hematite substrate. We suggest that calcite crystals initially nucleate from the Ca2+ layers adsorbed on the surfaces. The pseudo-hexagonal symmetry on mica (001) surface also leads to the observed calcite (001) twinning. A second and less common orientation between calcite {104} and mica (001) was detected but could be due to local structure damage of the mica surface. Results in the presence of Mg2+ show that the substrate surfaces can weaken Mg toxicity to calcite nucleation and lead to a higher level of Mg incorporation into calcite lattice.