bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Dimming Compensation Technology Via Liquid Crystal Lens for Non-Imaging Projection Laser Systems
Authors: Fang Yi-Chin , Tsai Cheng Mu , Cheng Da-Long
Published: February 2019

The main purpose of this paper is to explore a newly developed optical design, then to further improve the overhead lighting contrast in the laser projector module. In terms of the structural design of the projector, a liquid crystal lens array was used as the local dimming system for the light source, in order to achieve the objective, which was to significantly improve the contrast facility of the projection system. Second, in terms of the design of the light source, the output method for the light source was a laser light source employing arrays of micro-scanning. The main purpose was to compensate for the dim spots in the hole between the lenses in each unit of the liquid crystal when the liquid crystal lens array was locally dimmed, and thus significantly improving the contrast facility of the projection system. In terms of the software simulation, a liquid crystal lens array was used to simulate a pore size of 2.0 mm and focal lengths of 9 cm and 23 cm. The end effect gave good control and adjustment of the bright and dark areas during local dimming of the projector’s imaging chip components. For a single laser source, the maximum contrast for local dimming was about 128:1, 438:1, and 244:1, for the Red (R), Green (G), and Blue (B) optical paths, respectively. The light efficiency scores were approximately 20.91%, 20.05%, and 24.45%, for the R, G, and B optical paths, respectively. After compensation using a micro-scanning light source, the defect of having dim spots between the pores was remedied, and the light adjustment area became more uniform while the contrasts became smaller. The maximum contrasts were approximately 52:1, 122:1, and 110:1, for the R, G, and B optical paths, respectively. For the projector, when the liquid crystal lenses were not transmissive, the maximum uniformity scores were 82.25%, 87.15%, and 88.43%, for the R, G, and B optical paths, respectively.
Urbanization in India: Population and Urban Classification Grids for 2011
Authors: Balk Deborah , Montgomery Mark R. , Engin Hasim , Lin Natalie , Major Elizabeth , Jones Bryan
Published: February 2019

India is the world’s most populous country, yet also one of the least urban. It has long been known that India’s official estimates of urban percentages conflict with estimates derived from alternative conceptions of urbanization. To date, however, the detailed spatial and settlement boundary data needed to analyze and reconcile these differences have not been available. This paper presents gridded estimates of population at a resolution of 1 km along with two spatial renderings of urban areas—one based on the official tabulations of population and settlement types (i.e., statutory towns, outgrowths, and census towns) and the other on remotely-sensed measures of built-up land derived from the Global Human Settlement Layer. We also cross-classified the census data and the remotely-sensed data to construct a hybrid representation of the continuum of urban settlement. In their spatial detail, these materials go well beyond what has previously been available in the public domain, and thereby provide an empirical basis for comparison among competing conceptual models of urbanization.
Supervised and Unsupervised End-to-End Deep Learning for Gene Ontology Classification of Neural In Situ Hybridization Images
Authors: Cohen Ido , David Eli (Omid) , Netanyahu Nathan S.
Published: February 2019

In recent years, large datasets of high-resolution mammalian neural images have become available, which has prompted active research on the analysis of gene expression data. Traditional image processing methods are typically applied for learning functional representations of genes, based on their expressions in these brain images. In this paper, we describe a novel end-to-end deep learning-based method for generating compact representations of in situ hybridization (ISH) images, which are invariant-to-translation. In contrast to traditional image processing methods, our method relies, instead, on deep convolutional denoising autoencoders (CDAE) for processing raw pixel inputs, and generating the desired compact image representations. We provide an in-depth description of our deep learning-based approach, and present extensive experimental results, demonstrating that representations extracted by CDAE can help learn features of functional gene ontology categories for their classification in a highly accurate manner. Our methods improve the previous state-of-the-art classification rate (Liscovitch, et al.) from an average AUC of 0.92 to 0.997, i.e., it achieves 96% reduction in error rate. Furthermore, the representation vectors generated due to our method are more compact in comparison to previous state-of-the-art methods, allowing for a more efficient high-level representation of images. These results are obtained with significantly downsampled images in comparison to the original high-resolution ones, further underscoring the robustness of our proposed method.
The Influence of Admixtures to the Signal of an Electromagnetic Flow Meter
Authors: Virbalis Juozapas Arvydas , Račkienė Roma , Kriuglaitė-Jarašiūnienė Miglė , Otas Konstantinas
Published: February 2019

Measurement error in an electromagnetic flow meter appears if magnetic and electric properties of admixtures are different from that of the fluid. Expressions of the error, which depends on volume concentration, permeability, and electric conductivity of particles were obtained by approximating the particles’ shape as an ellipsoid. Components of the error, which appear inside particles and outside particles in active zone of flow meter, with any canal form are investigated. Expressions of the error are presented assuming that particles are oriented in various directions with respect of the flow direction and are spinning. Different cases of magnetic and electric admixtures properties are discussed. Error expression obtained for flows with nonconductive and nonmagnetic particles coincides with experimental and modelling results obtained by other explorers for flows with air bubbles. Magnetic particles with high electric conductivity are especially dangerous. Extra measurement error in this case greatly depends on the shape of the particle. Measurement error increases if particle shape differs from a sphere. The complementary measurement error can exceed the volume concentration of particles by ten times if the ratio between the longest and the shortest axes of ellipsoid exceeds 3.
Accurate and Fast Generation of Irregular Short Crested Waves by Using Periodic Boundaries in a Mild-Slope Wave Model
Authors: Vasarmidis Panagiotis , Stratigaki Vasiliki , Troch Peter
Published: February 2019

In this work, periodic lateral boundaries are developed in a time dependent mild-slope equation model, MILDwave, for the accurate generation of regular waves and irregular long and short crested waves in any direction. A single wave generation line inside the computational domain is combined with periodic lateral boundaries. This generation layout yields a homogeneous and thus accurate wave field in the whole domain in contrast to an L-shaped and an arc-shaped wave generation layout where wave diffraction patterns appear inside the computational domain as a result of the intersection of the two wave generation lines and the interaction with the lateral sponge layers. In addition, the performance of the periodic boundaries was evaluated for two different wave synthesis methods for short crested waves generation, a method proposed by Miles and a method proposed by Sand and Mynett. The results show that the MILDwave model with the addition of periodic boundaries and the Sand and Mynett method is capable of reproducing a homogeneous wave field as well as the target frequency spectrum and the target directional spectrum with a low computational cost. The overall performance of the developed model is validated with experimental results for the case of wave transformation over an elliptic shoal (Vincent and Briggs shoal experiment). The numerical results show very good agreement with the experimental data. The proposed generation layout using periodic lateral boundaries makes the mild-slope wave model, MILDwave, an essential tool to study coastal areas and wave energy converter (WEC) farms under realistic 3D wave conditions, due to its significantly small computational cost and its high numerical stability and robustness.
DEUFRABASE: A Simple Tool for the Evaluation of the Noise Impact of Pavements in Typical Road Geometries
Authors: Bérengier Michel , Picaut Judicaël , Pahl Bettina , Duhamel Denis , Gauvreau Benoit , Auerbach Markus , Gusia Peter , Fortin Nicolas
Published: February 2019

Traffic noise is considered by people as one of the most important sources of environmental discomfort. A way to limit the traffic noise is to reduce the noise emission, for example, by using specific low noise pavements, particularly in suburban areas. However, in real situations, it can be difficult to evaluate the impact of a given pavement, because it depends, for example, on the road geometry, the meteorological conditions, or the distance of the receiver position. Finally it can be difficult to select the most appropriate pavement for a given noise reduction objective. In this paper, a simple method is proposed to evaluate the noise impact of a pavement, in typical road geometries and environmental conditions. The proposed approach uses two databases, the first one based on measurements of emission spectra of road vehicles on several typical pavements, the second one made of pre-calculations of noise propagation for typical road configurations. Finally, the method is implemented in an interactive web tool, called DEUFRABASE, which allows one to obtain a fast estimation of the L Aeq (1 h or 24 h) and L den noise levels for various pavements and road configurations, as functions of the traffic flow and composition. By comparing the method with measurements, it is showed that the tool, although based on a restricted number of pavements and on several simplifications, can predict the noise impact of typical road configurations, with an acceptable error, most often less than 2 dB.
Long-Term Effects of Mercury on Biofilms Grown in Contaminated Microcosms: A Pilot Study
Authors: Dranguet Perrine , Freiburghaus Aline , Slaveykova Vera I. , Le Faucheur Séverine
Published: February 2019

Biofilms are important components of the mercury (Hg) biogeochemical cycle. However, Hg effects on biofilm communities are overlooked. Here, we present results of a pilot study on the chronic effects of Hg on biofilms, notably on the potential change of their taxonomic composition. Biofilms were cultivated in microcosms enriched with three different Hg concentrations (11 ± 2 pM, 121 ± 9 pM and 1454 ± 54 pM) for 55 days and examined for their accumulated Hg concentrations and composition. Bioaccumulated Hg concentrations were representative of those encountered in natural environments. Despite the lack of influence on the ash free dry weight and chlorophyll content, the surface coverage of the substrata of biofilms grown in Hg decreased. Algal community were strongly affected by Hg, with a decrease in their richness with Ochrophyta found as the most sensitive phyla. The diversity and richness of bacterial communities did not change upon cultivation in Hg but the presence of Proteobacteria increased with Hg, whereas Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Verrumicrobia, and Cyanobacteria were negatively impacted. Overall, the above findings suggest that the examination of the algal community composition might be used as a potential biomonitoring tool to assess the impacts of environmental Hg concentrations on aquatic systems, which would merit further investigation.
Nitrogen and Phosphorus Resorption in Planted Forests Worldwide
Authors: Jiang Dalong , Geng Qinghong , Li Qian , Luo Yiqi , Vogel Jason , Shi Zheng , Ruan Honghua , Xu Xia
Published: February 2019

Nutrient resorption from senescing leaves is one of the plants’ essential nutrient conservation strategies. Parameters associated with resorption are important nutrient-cycling constraints for accurate predictions of long-term primary productivity in forest ecosystems. However, we know little about the spatial patterns and drivers of leaf nutrient resorption in planted forests worldwide. By synthesizing results of 146 studies, we explored nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) resorption efficiency (NRE and PRE) among climate zones and tree functional types, as well as the factors that play dominant roles in nutrient resorption in plantations globally. Our results showed that the mean NRE and PRE were 58.98% ± 0.53% and 60.21% ± 0.77%, respectively. NRE significantly increased from tropical to boreal zones, while PRE did not significantly differ among climate zones, suggesting differential impacts of climates on NRE and PRE. Plant functional types exert a strong influence on nutrient resorption. Conifer trees had higher PRE than broadleaf trees, reflecting the adaptation of the coniferous trees to oligotrophic habitats. Deciduous trees had lower PRE than evergreen trees that are commonly planted in P-limited low latitudes and have long leaf longevity with high nutrient use efficiency. While non-N-fixing trees had higher NRE than N-fixing trees, the PRE of non-N-fixing trees was lower than that of N-fixing trees, indicating significant impact of the N-fixing ability on the resorption of N and P. Our multivariate regression analyses showed that variations in NRE were mainly regulated by climates (mean annual precipitation and latitude), while variations in PRE were dominantly controlled by green leaf nutrient concentrations (N and P). Our results, in general, suggest that the predicted global warming and changed precipitation regimes may profoundly affect N cycling in planted forests. In addition, green leaf nutrient concentrations may be good indicators for PRE in planted forests.
Sex Determination During Inflorescence Bud Differentiation in Monoecious Pistacia chinensis Bunge
Authors: Bai Qian , Zhu Chenyi , Lei Xia , Cao Tao , Su Shuchai , Leng Pingsheng
Published: February 2019

Pistacia chinensis Bunge is widely acknowledged to be dioecious, but rare monoecious individuals have been found. However, the origin of monoecism and the sex differentiation of different sex types remain intriguing questions. Here, sex expressions were explored by identification of sex-associated DNA markers, determination of the sex stability after grafting, and histological characterization of inflorescence bud development using anatomical analysis. The results showed that (1) although polymorphisms among individuals existed, the banding patterns of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) products for different sex types on the same monoecious tree were consistent; (2) the sex expressions of grafted trees were not consistent with those of scions, indicating that monoecism probably did not originate from a stable bud mutation; and (3) both males and females underwent a bisexual period, then the stamen primordia in female buds degenerated into the second round tepals, while the pistil primordia in male buds gradually disappeared. During the sex differentiation phase, female buds were spindle-shaped, while the male buds were full teardrop-shaped, and male buds were bigger than female buds. Taken together, no sex-associated DNA marker was found, sex expressions were unstable after grafting, and the alternative sex organs appeared in the early stage of sex differentiation, suggesting that sex determination occurred during floral development instead of the early vegetative period. These results indicated that the sex expressions may be affected by environmental factors, increasing the understanding of sex determination mechanisms in P. chinensis and other species.
The Nexus between the Austrian Forestry Sector and the Sustainable Development Goals: A Review of the Interlinkages
Authors: Hazarika Reneema , Jandl Robert
Published: February 2019

Since the inception of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, there has been much conceptual progress on the linkages across the 17 goals and their 169 targets. While this kind of conceptualization is an essential first step, action must now move towards systematic policy design, implementation, and multi-stakeholder collaborations that can translate such understanding into concrete results. This study is a reality check of such quasi-political global development agendas by the United Nations and its implications on Austrian forestry. Although forestry is not a goal in itself, forests as an element have been included under SDG15 (Life on Land). In this study, the linkages of forestry with potential synergies or trade-offs within and between the SDGs have been assessed through a literature survey and complemented with the perception of opinion leaders across the Austrian forestry sector on the same. The insights about awareness, design, implementation, and the necessity of mainstreaming the SDGs into the policy structure of Austria were reviewed. Besides facilitating the goals of sustainable forest management (SFM) in Austria, the SDG15 is not only strongly related to, but is likely to aid, the achievement of other SDGs, such as human health (SDG3), provision of clean water (SDG6), affordable & clean energy (SDG7), and climate action (SDG13). The opinion leaders perceive the SDGs as well-placed but broad. Some this broadness is a positive aspect of the SDGs. On the other hand, the 15-year (2015–2030) tenure of the SDGs is perceived to be inadequate to match the temporal scale of forest development. Apparently, the success of the SDGs will strictly depend upon coordination, governance, and most importantly, awareness among all stakeholders. Therefore, in addition to “leaving no one behind”, the SDGs must evidently provide incentives benefitting everybody.
Predicting Mushroom Productivity from Long-Term Field-Data Series in Mediterranean Pinus pinaster Ait. Forests in the Context of Climate Change
Authors: Herrero Celia , Berraondo Iosu , Bravo Felipe , Pando Valentín , Ordóñez Cristóbal , Olaizola Jaime , Martín-Pinto Pablo , Oria de Rueda Juan Andrés
Published: February 2019

Long-term field-data series were used to fit a mushroom productivity model. Simulations enabled us to predict the consequences of management and climate scenarios on potential mushroom productivity. Mushrooms play an important ecological and economic role in forest ecosystems. Human interest in collecting mushrooms for self-consumption is also increasing, giving forests added value for providing recreational services. Pinus pinaster Ait. is a western Mediterranean species of great economic and ecological value. Over 7.5% of the total European distribution of the species is found on the Castilian Plateau in central Spain, where a great variety of mushrooms can be harvested. The aim of this study was to model and simulate mushroom productivity in Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) ecosystems in northern Spain under different silvicultural and climatic scenarios. A mixed model was fitted that related total mushroom productivity to stand and weather variables. The model was uploaded to the SiManFor platform to study the effect of different silvicultural and climatic scenarios on mushroom productivity. The selected independent variables in the model were the ratio between stand basal area and density as a stand management indicator, along with precipitation and average temperatures for September and November. The simulation results also showed that silviculture had a positive impact on mushroom productivity, which was higher in scenarios with moderate and high thinning intensities. The impact was highly positive in wetter scenarios, though only slightly positive and negative responses were observed in hotter and drier scenarios, respectively. Silviculture had a positive impact on mushroom productivity, especially in wetter scenarios. Precipitation had greater influence than temperature on total mushroom productivity in Maritime pine stands. The results of this paper will enable forest managers to develop optimal management approaches for P. pinaster forests that integrate Non-Wood Forest Products resources.
Two Centuries-Long Streamflow Reconstruction Inferred from Tree Rings for the Middle Reaches of the Weihe River in Central China
Authors: Liu Na , Bao Guang , Liu Yu , Linderholm Hans W.
Published: February 2019

Water source is one of the most important concerns for regional society and economy development, especially in the Weihe River basin which is located in the marginal zone of the Asian summer monsoon. Due to the weakness of short instrumental records, the variations of streamflow during the long-term natural background are difficult to access. Herein, the average June–July streamflow variability in the middle reaches of the Weihe River was identified based on tree-ring width indices of Chines pine (Pinus tabulaeformis Carr.) from the northern slope of the Qinling Mountains in central China. Our model could explain the variance of 39.3% in the observed streamflow period from 1940 to 1970 AD. There were 30 extremely low years and 26 high years which occurred in our reconstruction for the effective span of 1820 to 2005. Several common dryness and wetness periods appeared in this reconstructed streamflow, and other tree-ring precipitation series suggested the coherence of hydroclimate fluctuation over the Weihe River basin. Some significant peaks in cycles implied the linkages of natural forcing on the average June–July streamflow of the Weihe River, such as the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) activities. Spatial correlation results between streamflow and sea surface temperature in the northern Pacific Ocean, as well as extremely low/high years responding to the El Niño/La Nina events, supported the teleconnections. The current 186-year streamflow reconstruction placed regional twentieth-century drought and moisture events in a long-term perspective in the Weihe River basin, and provided useful information for regional water resource safety and forest management, particularly under climate warming conditions.
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of Olfactory Receptor Genes in Chinese Perch, Siniperca chuatsi
Authors: Lv Li-Yuan , Liang Xu-Fang , He Shan
Published: February 2019

Olfaction, which is mediated by olfactory receptor (OR) genes, is essential in the daily life of fish, especially in foraging. However, Chinese perch (Siniperca chuatsi) is believed to prey with reliance on vision and lateral sensation, but not on olfaction. Therefore, understanding the evolutionary dynamics of the Chinese perch OR repertoire could provide insights into genetic evidence for adapting to a decreasing reliance on olfaction. Here, we reported a whole-genome analysis of the Chinese perch OR repertoire. Our analysis identified a total of 152 OR genes, including 123 functional genes and 29 pseudogenes, and showed their genomic organization. A phylogenetic tree was constructed, and the phylogenetic relationships of teleosts ORs was illustrated. The dN/dS (global ratios of non-synonymous to synonymous) analysis demonstrated that OR groups all appeared to be under purifying selection. Among the five Percomorpha fishes, Chinese perch only had 22 subfamilies, suggesting a decrease in OR diversities. The species-specific loss of subfamily 56 and 66 in Chinese perch, of which the genes belonged to subfamily 66, were orthologs of OR51E2, which recognized the plant odorant β-ionone, indicating that extremely piscivorous fish which might lose those receptors responded to plant-related odors. Finally, the expression profiles of OR genes in the olfactory epithelium at different developmental stages were investigated using RNA-seq data. From the aforementioned results, the evolution of the OR repertoire may be shaped by the adaption of vision-dependent specializations for foraging in Chinese perch. The first systematic study of OR genes in Chinese perch could provide valuable genomic resources for the further investigation of olfactory function in teleosts.
Evolution of Drought–Flood Abrupt Alternation and Its Impacts on Surface Water Quality from 2020 to 2050 in the Luanhe River Basin
Authors: Bi Wuxia , Weng Baisha , Yuan Zhe , Yang Yuheng , Xu Ting , Yan Dengming , Ma Jun
Published: February 2019

It has become a hot issue to study extreme climate change and its impacts on water quality. In this context, this study explored the evolution characteristics of drought–flood abrupt alternation (DFAA) and its impacts on total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorous (TP) pollution, from 2020 to 2050, in the Luanhe river basin (LRB), based on the predicted meteorological data of the representative concentration pathways (RCPs) climate scenarios and simulated surface water quality data of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model. The results show that DFAA occurred more frequently in summer, with an increasing trend from northwest to southeast of the LRB, basically concentrated in the downstream plain area, and the irrigation area. Meanwhile, most of the DFAA events were in light level. The incidence of TN pollution was much larger than the incidence of TP pollution and simultaneous occurrence of TN and TP pollution. The TN pollution was more serious than TP pollution in the basin. When DFAA occurred, TN pollution almost occurred simultaneously. Also, when TP pollution occurred, the TN pollution occurred simultaneously. These results could provide some references for the effects and adaptation-strategies study of extreme climate change and its influence on surface water quality.
Characterization of User-Centered Security in Telehealth Services
Authors: Vega-Barbas Mario , Seoane Fernando , Pau Iván
Published: February 2019

Emerging information and communication technologies are expected to foster new, efficient and accessible services for citizens, while guaranteeing the core principles of equality and privacy. Telehealth services are a clear example of a service in which technology can help enhance efficiency. The security of telehealth services is essential due to their critical nature. However, although ample efforts have been made to characterize security requirements for healthcare facilities, users are often worried because they are not aware of or do not understand the guarantees provided by the technology they are making use of. This paper describes the concept of User-Centered Security and characterizes it in the form of requirements. These requirements have been formalized in the form of a security architecture that should be utilized for each telehealth service during its design stage. Thus, such sensitive services will adequately manage patient fears regarding their correct operation. Finally, these requirements and the related security architecture have been validated by means of a test-case that is based on a real home telehealth service in order to ensure their consistency, completeness, realism and verifiability.
Numerical Modelling of the Ice Throw from Wind Turbines
Authors: Szász Róbert-Zoltán , Leroyer Alexandre , Revstedt Johan
Published: February 2019

Ice throw is a significant risk factor in the vicinity of wind turbines located in cold climate areas. We present a method to estimate the ice chunk trajectories. First, similar to the common practice, only translation is accounted for and the object trajectory is determined by gravity and the aerodynamic drag force. The sensitivity of the trajectories to the launch positions, wind speed, turbine rotation and aerodynamic drag is assessed. Next, trajectory computations with six-degree-of-freedom motion are presented. The required aerodynamic forces and moments are precomputed using CFD. The results indicate that object rotation might be non-negligible when higher accuracy is needed for the trajectory estimates.
An Interval Pythagorean Fuzzy Multi-criteria Decision Making Method Based on Similarity Measures and Connection Numbers
Authors: Li Huimin , Cao Yongchao , Su Limin , Xia Qing
Published: February 2019

Interval Pythagorean fuzzy set (IPFS), which can handle imprecise and ambiguous information, has attracted considerable attention in both theory and practice. However, one of the main difficulties under IPFSs is the comparison between interval numbers. To overcome this shortcoming, connection number theory is first introduced, and interval numbers are transformed into connection numbers in the operating process. Considering that similarity measures play an important role in assessing the degree between ideal and proposal alternatives in the decision making process, this paper aims to develop new similarity measures with IPFSs and apply them to multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) problems. The main contributions of this paper are as follows: (1) introduction of a comparison method through transforming interval numbers into connection numbers; (2) development of three new similarity measures with IPFSs based on the minimum and maximum operators, and investigation of their properties; (3) calculation of the similarity measures considering weights of membership and non-membership degrees; (4) establishment of an interval Pythagorean fuzzy decision making method applying the presented similarity measures. A case study on selecting a project delivery system is made to show the applicability of the proposed approach.
Haze Image Recognition Based on Brightness Optimization Feedback and Color Correction
Authors: Hao Shengyu , Wang Peiyi , Hu Yanzhu
Published: February 2019

At present, the identification of haze levels mostly relies on traditional measurement methods, the real-time operation and convenience of these methods are poor. This paper aims to realize the identification of haze levels based on the method of haze images processing. Therefore, this paper divides the haze images into five levels, and obtains the high-quality haze images in each level by the brightness correction of the optimization solution and the color correction of the feature matching. At the same time, in order to reduce the noise of the haze images, this article improved the Butterworth filter. Finally, based on the processed haze images, this paper uses the Faster R-CNN network to identify the haze levels. The results of multiple sets of comparison experiments demonstrate the accuracy of the study.
Name Lookup in Named Data Networking: A Review
Authors: Majed Al-qutwani , Wang Xingwei , Yi Bo
Published: February 2019

Named data networking (NDN) is an alternative model to the current traditional IP-based Internet by improving content distribution in a network with content name. In NDN, content is sent/received based on its name rather than its address. Forwarding is still considered the bottleneck of NDN despite the effort in naming, routing, mobility, and security. NDN requires per-packet update that is preceded by a one-name lookup operation, which results in heavy time processing. The content names consume a large amount of memory, which causes the fast growth of NDN tables. To review the current solutions for NDN name lookup, this paper explores the existing NDN approaches and architectures by using a novel classification method. Furthermore, name lookup approaches were analyzed and compared in a novel manner. This survey highlighted the issues that affect name lookup performance in NDN, such as scalability, memory consumption, time efficiency, latency, and validity. We pointed out directions for future work and open issues to improve NDN name lookup in minimizing implementation cost and enhancing performance.
Towards Integrating Mobile Devices into Dew Computing: A Model for Hour-Wise Prediction of Energy Availability
Authors: Longo Mathias , Hirsch Matías , Mateos Cristian , Zunino Alejandro
Published: February 2019

With self-provisioning of resources as premise, dew computing aims at providing computing services by minimizing the dependency over existing internetwork back-haul. Mobile devices have a huge potential to contribute to this emerging paradigm, not only due to their proximity to the end user, ever growing computing/storage features and pervasiveness, but also due to their capability to render services for several hours, even days, without being plugged to the electricity grid. Nonetheless, misusing the energy of their batteries can discourage owners to offer devices as resource providers in dew computing environments. Arguably, having accurate estimations of remaining battery would help to take better advantage of a device’s computing capabilities. In this paper, we propose a model to estimate mobile devices battery availability by inspecting traces of real mobile device owner’s activity and relevant device state variables. The model includes a feature extraction approach to obtain representative features/variables, and a prediction approach, based on regression models and machine learning classifiers. On average, the accuracy of our approach, measured with the mean squared error metric, overpasses the one obtained by a related work. Prediction experiments at five hours ahead are performed over activity logs of 23 mobile users across several months.
Bond Forming Reactions Involving Isocyanides at Diiron Complexes
Authors: Mazzoni Rita , Marchetti Fabio , Cingolani Andrea , Zanotti Valerio
Published: February 2019

The versatility of isocyanides (CNR) in organic chemistry has been tremendously enhanced by continuous advancement in transition metal catalysis. On the other hand, the urgent need for new and more sustainable synthetic strategies based on abundant and environmental-friendly metals are shifting the focus towards iron-assisted or iron-catalyzed reactions. Diiron complexes, taking advantage of peculiar activation modes and reaction profiles associated with multisite coordination, have the potential to compensate the lower activity of Fe compared to other transition metals, in order to activate CNR ligands. A number of reactions reported in the literature shows that diiron organometallic complexes can effectively assist and promote most of the “classic” isocyanide transformations, including CNR conversion into carbyne and carbene ligands, CNR insertion, and coupling reactions with other active molecular fragments in a cascade sequence. The aim is to evidence the potential offered by diiron coordination of isocyanides for the development of new and more sustainable synthetic strategies for the construction of complex molecular architectures.
Metal Coordination Complexes as Redox Mediators in Regenerative Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Saygili Yasemin , Stojanovic Marko , Flores-Díaz Natalie , Zakeeruddin Shaik M. , Vlachopoulos Nick , Grätzel Michael , Hagfeldt Anders
Published: February 2019

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have attracted a substantial interest in the last 30 years for the conversion of solar power to electricity. An important component is the redox mediator effecting the transport of charge between the photoelectrode and the dark counter electrode (CE). Among the possible mediators, metal coordination complexes play a prominent role and at present are incorporated in several types of devices with a power conversion efficiency exceeding 10%. The present review, after a brief introduction to the operation of DSSCs, discusses at first the requirements for a successful mediator. Subsequently, the properties of various classes of inorganic coordination complexes functioning as mediators relevant to DSSC operation are presented and the operational characteristics of DSSC devices analyzed. Particular emphasis is paid to the two main classes of efficient redox mediators, the coordination complexes of cobalt and copper; however other less efficient but promising classes of mediators, notably complexes of iron, nickel, manganese and vanadium, are also presented.
Dynamic Responses of Ground-Dwelling Invertebrate Communities to Disturbance in Forest Ecosystems
Authors: Perry Kayla I. , Herms Daniel A.
Published: February 2019

In forest ecosystems, natural and anthropogenic disturbances alter canopy structure, understory vegetation, amount of woody debris, and the properties of litter and soil layers. The magnitude of these environmental changes is context-dependent and determined by the properties of the disturbance, such as the frequency, intensity, duration, and extent. Therefore, disturbances can dynamically impact forest communities over time, including populations of ground-dwelling invertebrates that regulate key ecosystem processes. We propose conceptual models that describe the dynamic temporal effects of canopy gap formation and coarse woody debris accumulation following disturbances caused by invasive insects, wind, and salvage logging, and their impacts on ground-dwelling invertebrate communities. Within this framework, predictions are generated, literature on ground-dwelling invertebrate communities is synthesized, and pertinent knowledge gaps identified.
Thromboembolic and Bleeding Complications in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Insights on Mechanisms, Prophylaxis and Therapy
Authors: Ranasinghe Mark , Peter Karlheinz , McFadyen James
Published: February 2019

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has emerged as an important alternative to surgical aortic valve repair (SAVR) for patients with severe aortic stenosis. This rapidly advancing field has produced new-generation devices being delivered with small delivery sheaths, embolic protection devices and improved retrieval features. Despite efforts to reduce the rate of thrombotic complications associated with TAVI, valve thrombosis and cerebral ischaemic events post-TAVI continue to be a significant issue. However, the antithrombotic treatments utilised to prevent these dreaded complications are based on weak evidence and are associated with high rates of bleeding, which in itself is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Recently, experimental data has shed light on the unique mechanisms, particularly the complex haemodynamic changes at sites of TAVI, that underpin the development of post-TAVI thrombosis. These new insights regarding the drivers of TAVI-associated thrombosis, coupled with the ongoing development of novel antithrombotics which do not cause bleeding, hold the potential to deliver newer, safer therapeutic paradigms to prevent post-TAVI thrombotic and bleeding complications. This review highlights the major challenge of post-TAVI thrombosis and bleeding, and the significant issues surrounding current antithrombotic approaches. Moreover, a detailed discussion regarding the mechanisms of post-TAVI thrombosis is provided, in addition to an appraisal of current antithrombotic guidelines, past and ongoing clinical trials, and how novel therapeutics offer the hope of optimizing antithrombotic strategies and ultimately improving patient outcomes.
The Use of Yoga to Manage Stress and Burnout in Healthcare Workers: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cocchiara Rosario Andrea , Peruzzo Margherita , Mannocci Alice , Ottolenghi Livia , Villari Paolo , Polimeni Antonella , Guerra Fabrizio , La Torre Giuseppe
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this systematic review is to analyze and summarize the current knowledge regarding the use of yoga to manage and prevent stress and burnout in healthcare workers. In February 2017, a literature search was conducted using the databases Medline (PubMed) and Scopus. Studies that addressed this topic were included. Eleven articles met the inclusion criteria. Seven studies were clinical trials that analyzed yoga interventions and evaluated effectiveness by gauging stress levels, sleep quality and quality of life. A study on Chinese nurses showed statistical improvement in stress levels following a six-month yoga program (χ2 = 16.449; p < 0.001). A population of medical students showed improvement in self-regulation values after an 11-week yoga program (from 3.49 to 3.58; p = 0.04) and in self-compassion values (from 2.88 to 3.25; p = 0.04). Four of the included articles were observational studies: They described the factors that cause stress in the work environment and highlighted that healthcare workers believe it is possible to benefit from improved physical, emotional and mental health related to yoga activity. According to the literature, yoga appears to be effective in the management of stress in healthcare workers, but it is necessary to implement methodologically relevant studies to attribute significance to such evidence.
Multiple-Exposure Image Fusion for HDR Image Synthesis Using Learned Analysis Transformations
Authors: Merianos Ioannis , Mitianoudis Nikolaos
Published: February 2019

Modern imaging applications have increased the demand for High-Definition Range (HDR) imaging. Nonetheless, HDR imaging is not easily available with low-cost imaging sensors, since their dynamic range is rather limited. A viable solution to HDR imaging via low-cost imaging sensors is the synthesis of multiple-exposure images. A low-cost sensor can capture the observed scene at multiple-exposure settings and an image-fusion algorithm can combine all these images to form an increased dynamic range image. In this work, two image-fusion methods are combined to tackle multiple-exposure fusion. The luminance channel is fused using the Mitianoudis and Stathaki (2008) method, while the color channels are combined using the method proposed by Mertens et al. (2007). The proposed fusion algorithm performs well without halo artifacts that exist in other state-of-the-art methods. This paper is an extension version of a conference, with more analysis on the derived method and more experimental results that confirm the validity of the method.
Influence of Underwater Bar Location on Cross-Shore Sediment Transport in the Coastal Zone
Authors: Kuznetsova Olga , Saprykina Yana
Published: February 2019

The effect of the underwater bar position on a sandy beach profile was studied on a timescale of one storm, using the XBeach numerical model. The largest shoreline regress occurred in the first hour of storm. For the chosen wave regime an underwater profile close to the theoretical Dean’s equilibrium profile is formed after 6 h. The position of the underwater bar affects the shoreline retreat rate. The lowest shore retreat occurs when the bar crest is located at a distance equal to 0.70–0.82 of the deep-water wavelength, corresponding to the period of the wave spectrum peak. The maximal shoreline retreat occurs when the bar is located at a distance that is close to a half wavelength. The shoreline recession depends on the heights of low-frequency waves. The smaller the mean wave period and the higher low-frequency waves’ height near the coast, the smaller the retreat of the shoreline. The distance of seaward sediment transfer is directly proportional to the significant wave height near shore.
Bottom-Up Approaches to Synthetic Cooperation in Microbial Communities
Authors: Rodríguez Amor Daniel , Dal Bello Martina
Published: February 2019

Microbial cooperation pervades ecological scales, from single-species populations to host-associated microbiomes. Understanding the mechanisms promoting the stability of cooperation against potential threats by cheaters is a major question that only recently has been approached experimentally. Synthetic biology has helped to uncover some of these basic mechanisms, which were to some extent anticipated by theoretical predictions. Moreover, synthetic cooperation is a promising lead towards the engineering of novel functions and enhanced productivity of microbial communities. Here, we review recent progress on engineered cooperation in microbial ecosystems. We focus on bottom-up approaches that help to better understand cooperation at the population level, progressively addressing the challenges of tackling higher degrees of complexity: spatial structure, multispecies communities, and host-associated microbiomes. We envisage cooperation as a key ingredient in engineering complex microbial ecosystems.
Extension and Application of the Yamada Iteration Algorithm in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Tian Ming , Tong Meng-Ying
Published: February 2019

In this paper, based on the Yamada iteration, we propose an iteration algorithm to find a common element of the set of fixed points of a nonexpansive mapping and the set of zeros of an inverse strongly-monotone mapping. We obtain a weak convergence theorem in Hilbert space. In particular, the set of zero points of an inverse strongly-monotone mapping can be transformed into the solution set of the variational inequality problem. Further, based on this result, we also obtain some new weak convergence theorems which are used to solve the equilibrium problem and the split feasibility problem.
An Efficient Local Formulation for Time–Dependent PDEs
Authors: Ahmad Imtiaz , Ahsan Muhammad , Din Zaheer-ud , Masood Ahmad , Kumam Poom
Published: February 2019

In this paper, a local meshless method (LMM) based on radial basis functions (RBFs) is utilized for the numerical solution of various types of PDEs. This local approach has flexibility with respect to geometry along with high order of convergence rate. In case of global meshless methods, the two major deficiencies are the computational cost and the optimum value of shape parameter. Therefore, research is currently focused towards localized RBFs approximations, as proposed here. The proposed local meshless procedure is used for spatial discretization, whereas for temporal discretization, different time integrators are employed. The proposed local meshless method is testified in terms of efficiency, accuracy and ease of implementation on regular and irregular domains.
Robust H∞ Control For Uncertain Singular Neutral Time-Delay Systems
Authors: Huo Yuhong , Liu Jia-Bao
Published: February 2019

The present paper attempts to investigate the problem of robust H ∞ control for a class of uncertain singular neutral time-delay systems. First, a linear matrix inequality (LMI) is proposed to give a generalized asymptotically stability condition and an H ∞ norm condition for singular neutral time-delay systems. Second, the LMI is utilized to solve the robust H ∞ problem for singular neutral time-delay systems, and a state feedback control law verifies the solution. Finally, four theorems are formulated in terms of a matrix equation and linear matrix inequalities.
MHD Flow of Nanofluid with Homogeneous-Heterogeneous Reactions in a Porous Medium under the Influence of Second-Order Velocity Slip
Authors: Almutairi Fahd , Khaled S.M. , Ebaid Abdelhalim
Published: February 2019

The influence of second-order velocity slip on the MHD flow of nanofluid in a porous medium under the effects of homogeneous-heterogeneous reactions has been analyzed. The governing flow equation is exactly solved and compared with those in the literature for the skin friction coefficient in the absence of the second slip, where great differences have been observed. In addition, the effects of the permanent parameters on the skin friction coefficient, the velocity, and the concentration have been discussed in the presence of the second slip. As an important result, the behavior of the skin friction coefficient at various values of the porosity and volume fraction is changed from increasing (in the absence of the second slip) to decreasing (in the presence of the second slip), which confirms the importance of the second slip in modeling the boundary layer flow of nanofluids. In addition, five kinds of nanofluids have been investigated for the velocity profiles and it is found that the Ag-water nanofluid is the lowest. For only the heterogeneous reaction, the concentration equation has been exactly solved, while the numerical solution is applied in the general case. Accordingly, a reduction in the concentration occurs with the strengthening of the heterogenous reaction and also with the increase in the Schmidt parameter. Moreover, the Ag-water nanofluid is of lower concentration than the Cu-water nanofluid. This is also true for the general case, when both of the homogenous and heterogenous reactions take place.