bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aplicación educativa de la lógica difusa a la situación ambiental del humedal Cauquita (Jamundí - Colombia, 2011-2013)
Authors: González Escobar Luis Antonio , Espinosa Ortega Marisol
Published: September 2016

Este artículo pretende valorar la importancia de la aplicación de la técnica de lógica difusa (TLD) en la identificación de los factores que favorecen la comprensión de la situación ambiental del humedal Cauquita, y la responsabilidad de los educadores ambientales en el manejo de una observación organizada, que fortalezca las acciones de pensamiento, la profundización en el conocimiento y la percepción que se va adquiriendo de la problemática. La práctica de carácter descriptivo e interpretativo plantea niveles de estudio relacionados con los humedales del tipo cauce de río aislado (CRA), la aplicación del TLD a problemas ambientales y la incidencia que pueda tener este tipo de práctica en el aprendizaje que, desde el carácter interdisciplinar de las ciencias ambientales y la transdisciplinariedad de la educación ambiental, permita comprender la complejidad de las dinámicas sociales y las prácticas productivas y culturales, y sus repercusiones en la integridad territorial de nuestros humedales.
Sistema de control y supervisión de un compresor de aire utilizando dispositivos móviles con sistema operativo Android y protocolo de comunicación Bluetooth
Authors: Vargas Guativa Javier Andres , Rojas Marín Liliana , Toledo Burgos Ricardo
Published: September 2016

El articulo sintetiza el trabajo desarrollado al interior del grupo Macryp que consistió en el diseñó e implementación de un sistema de control y supervisión para un compresor de aire por medio de dispositivos móviles con sistema operativo Android, utilizando el protocolo de comunicación inalámbrica bluetooth. Permitiendo abordar temáticas relacionadas con los sistemas de telecontrol y aportando a usos industriales con tecnologías abiertas y flexibles. La tendencia global se está centrando en la evolución tecnológica de dispositivos móviles donde existen aplicaciones en la medicina, biología y otras ciencias que vienen realizando apropiación del conocimiento en su campo laboral, por esta razón para el desarrollo de este proyecto se trabajo bajo la metodología de proyecto factible y se apropio de un tema global en un contexto local. Las variables supervisadas y controlados fueron temperatura, presión de aire, velocidad, corriente, voltaje y potencia. Controlando los parámetros de Encendido y apagado de la maquina eléctrica, cambio de giro del motor, potencia y presión máxima acumulada en el tanque de almacenamiento del compresor.
Calidad del pescado de mar procesado: alteraciones lipídicas
Authors: Jaimes-Morales José , Acevedo-Correa Diofanor , Severiche-Sierra Carlos
Published: September 2016

Las especies marinas constituyen un grupo de alimentos fácilmente dañable a lo largo del procesamiento empleado para su consumo. Entre las distintas vías de alteración que pueden actuar sobre un alimento de origen marino, destaca la facilidad a la oxidación que experimenta la fracción lipídica, debido a su alta proporción en ácidos grasos poliinsaturados. En el presente trabajo se hace una revisión de la incidencia que los cambios producidos en la fracción lipídica de una especie marina pueden tener sobre el estado de calidad en cada uno de los principales procesos tecnológicos empleados (congelación y estado congelado, estado refrigerado, cocción, enlatado, secado, salazón y ahumado). Asimismo, se analiza la aplicabilidad de los principales índices de calidad basados en los cambios de la fracción lipídica, al objeto de establecer el grado de calidad en cada tipo de producto de pescado.
Solubilización de fosfatos por hongos asociados a un Andisol de tres agroecosistemas cafeteros de la región andina colombiana
Authors: Cisneros R. Carlos A. , Sánchez de Prager Marina
Published: September 2016

En la mayoría de los suelos donde se cultiva café en Colombia se presenta deficiencia de fósforo, elemento fundamental para su desarrollo y rendimientos. La presencia de microorganismos solubilizadores de fosfatos [MSF] se ha señalado como una de las estrategias para suplir su demanda. Por ello, en un Typic melanudans de Cajibío (Cauca-Colombia), en tres agroecosistemas: café sin sombra, café con sombra y relicto de bosque secundario, se aislaron hongos rizosféricos, los cuales se evaluaron por eficiencia solubilizadora de P (ESF) en Ca-P, Al-P, Fe-P en medio Pikovskaya sólido y líquido. A partir de los tres agroecosistemas y en las tres fuentes de P, se obtuvo un total de 17 aislados fungosos. Con base en su ESF se seleccionaron cinco hongos para ser evaluados en medio líquido. La secuencia de solubilización observada fue Ca-P > Al-P > Fe-P. Con respecto a poblaciones, se observó valores cercanos en los tres medios y el pH disminuyó a través del tiempo.
Clasificación ABC multicriterio para medicamentos en una clínica de la ciudad de Cali: aplicación de técnicas
Authors: Díaz Pacheco Raúl Antonio , Acosta Rios Mario Fernando , Bravo Bastidas Juan José
Published: September 2016

Los medicamentos fueron analizados con el fin de identificar los medicamentos críticos. Después de una clasificación previa, se aplicó, a los 188 medicamentos seleccionados; tanto la clasificación ABC tradicional, como las técnicas de clasificación ABC multicriterio propuestas por autores como Flores, Wan Lung, Partovi y Burton, con base en criterios como: costo unitario, consumo, precio de compra, precio de venta, rentabilidad y criticidad. Como resultado, se determinó que cinco medicamentos fueron clasificados como tipo A en todas las técnicas, los mismos que representan entre el 26 y el 37%, en términos monetarios, de la totalidad de los medicamentos analizados.
Evaluación de propiedades físicas, químicas y biológicas de un suelo después de ser usado como sustrato en humedales artificiales
Authors: Lugo Cardona Angélica María , Plaza Alzate Laura Catalina , Cisneros Rojas Carlos A. , Caicedo Bejarano Luz Dary
Published: September 2016

El suelo a pesar de ser indispensable para el desarrollo de la vida es un recurso no renovable por esta razón es importante el análisis de sus propiedades para determinar su fertilidad. Se evaluaron algunas propiedades físicas, químicas y biológicas de un suelo comercial usado como sustrato en humedales artificiales de flujo subsuperficial para la biorremediación de aguas residuales domésticas, estimando la intervención del Penicillium sp. y la planta Stipa ichu. Los resultados se sometieron a análisis de varianza (ANOVA) y prueba Tukey con una significación del 95%. Se encontró que el tratamiento con Stipa ichu presentó mayor remoción de N y proliferación de hongos solubilizadores de fosfato (HSF). Por otra parte, la Stipa ichu y el Penicillium sp favorecieron la capacidad de intercambio catiónico (CIC) y la concentración de Fe, además beneficiaron las propiedades físicas (densidades y porosidad) y proporcionaron un pH óptimo para la disponibilidad de P y Mg. En cuanto a los metales, presentaron en todos los tratamientos pérdidas por lixiviación de Ca, K y Mg y un aumento en la concentración de Fe.
Determinación de cadaverina en muestras de suelos, con reactivo de Nessler
Authors: Arteaga Daniel Alberto , Ocampo Guzmán Wilfredo , Pérez Carlos Andrés , Castro Narváez Sandra
Published: September 2016

Se determinó cuantitativamente 1,5 diaminopentano (Cadaverina) en suelos mediante espectrofotometría utilizando reactivo de Nessler. Se evaluó la linealidad de la amina biógena, así como de amoniaco e histamina como interferentes, encontrándose coeficientes de correlación superiores a 0.9900. El método analítico para cadaverina presentó un rango lineal entre 2 y 1000 ppm. La precisión del método dada en función de repetibilidad y reproducibilidad introdujo porcentajes de desviaciones relativas inferiores a 1.75% eliminando con ello dispersiones debidas a errores sistemáticos. La exactitud se realizó con efecto de matriz dopando suelos de diferentes características fisicoquímicas con estándar de cadaverina; se encontró que el pH del suelo y el contenido de materia orgánica son variables relevantes en los porcentajes de extracción. El análisis de cadaverina para la determinación de fosas comunes es factible siempre y cuando el cuerpo a exhumar se encuentre en la etapa de pudrición. Suelos con porcentajes de nitrógeno amoniacal entre 0.085 y 0.830 no generan falsos positivos.
Респіраторний дистрес-синдром: сучасні питання дефініцій, клінічної картини, алгоритму діагностики
Authors: Maltseva L.O. , Mosentsev M.F. , Bazylenko D.V. , Bilan O.M. , Kunik L.V.
Published: September 2016

У даній роботі надані визначення гострого респіраторного дистрес-синдрому (ГРДС); факторів, що сприяють розвитку ГРДС; дефініцій ГРДС; клінічна, рентгенологічна, морфологічна характеристики стадійності ГРДС; діагностичний алгоритм з позицій Берлінських дефініцій 2011 року.
Міжнародні рекомендації із проведення інтенсивної терапії при гострому респіраторному дистрес-синдромі
Authors: Maltseva L.O. , Mosientsev M.F. , Hryshyn V.I. , Bazylenko D.V. , Bilan O.M.
Published: September 2016

В статті викладений диференціальний підхід до принципів інтенсивної терапії гострого респіраторного дистрес-синдрому (ГРДС) залежно від причин виникнення, терміну від початку хвороби і провідних патогенетичних механізмів. Наведені цілі респіраторної підтримки, абсолютні та відносні показання для початку респіраторної терапії при ГРДС. Вказано, що респіраторна підтримка в різних режимах є методом тимчасового протезування функції зовнішнього дихання, надає час для відновлення адекватності функції легень.
Особливості впливу деяких інфузійних розчинів на церебральну гемодинаміку при гострому ішемічному інсульті
Authors: Semenenko A.I. , Kobeliatskyi Yu.Yu. , Kondratskyi B.O. , Semenenko I.F.
Published: September 2016

Вибір інфузійної терапії при гострій церебральній ішемії є однією з найбільш складних проблем в комплексі консервативного лікування хворих. Для ґрунтовного з’ясування впливу ізоосмолярного розчину 0,9% NaCl та гіперосмолярного розчину маніт на перебіг гострого ішемічного інсульту становило інтерес дослідження впливу курсової терапії цими розчинами на стан церебральної гемодинаміки в ішемізованому головному мозку. Досліджувані розчини вводили в умовно ефективній дозі (визначеній в експерименті) одразу при підтвердженні діагнозу, далі — щодоби через кожні 12 год впродовж 7 діб. Оцінка церебральної гемодинаміки проводилася за допомогою допплерографії церебральних артерій. Результати допплерографії екстракраніальних церебральних артерій продемонстрували відсутність будь-яких переваг застосування розчину маніт у хворих із гострим ішемічним інсультом порівняно з групою, що отримувала лише 0,9% NaCl. У досліджуваних хворих при проведенні інфузійної терапії 0,9% NaCl та манітом визначається тенденція до зниження мозкового кровотоку, що може спричинити гіпоперфузію головного мозку.
Стратегія менеджменту гіповолемії у дітей з тяжким сепсисом і септичним шоком
Authors: Filyk O.V.
Published: September 2016

В статті проаналізовано основні фактори, що впливають на вибір об’єму та якісного складу рідини для волемічної ресусцитації у дітей з тяжким сепсисом і септичним шоком. Розглянуто фізіологію водного балансу та системи виділення у дітей різних вікових груп, проаналізовано критерії визначення достатнього рівня інфузійної терапії при критичній гіповолемії в фазах ресусцитації, оптимізації, стабілізації й евакуації рідини. Перевантаження інтерстицію рідиною та критична гіпоальбумінемія несприятливо впливають на кінцевий результат надання медичної допомоги дітям із тяжким сепсисом і септичним шоком.
Caracterização fenotípica e diversidade genética de caprinos: revisão
Authors: Vieira Bárbara de Cássia Ribeiro , Alfaiate Marcela Brite , Madella-Oliveira Aparecida de Fátima , Quirino Célia Raquel , Souza Mayk Henrique , Oliveira Ana Paula Guedes , Clipes Renata Cogo , Amaral Maurício Alves do
Published: September 2016

The research aimed to conduct a study on the phenotypic characterization and genetic diversity of goats. Studies are needed for genetic diversity, since the same is the basis for the establishment of conservation and breeding programs. An effective tool in assisting these studies is the phenotypic characterization, where morphological data can yield useful information in determining the genetic relationships among populations and races.
Avaliação da composição regional e tecidual da carcaça ovina
Authors: Alves Luis Gustavo Castro , Osório José Carlos da Silveira , Osório Maria Teresa Moreira , Fernandes Alexandre Rodrigo Mendes , Ribeiro Edson Luis de Azambuja , Cunha Camila Magalhães da , Almeida Hélio Ricardo de , Fuzikawa Ingrid Harumi de Souza
Published: September 2016

Understanding the animal growth and development and its effects on regional and tissue composition are crucial for improving the production of sheep meat. It is known that growth and development are regulated hormonally and controlled by physiological laws and are influenced by genetic and other factors such as size, maturity, sex, feeding regime , age and the environment in which the animal is inserted. The study of regional or anatomical composition is done by separating the carcass in specific cuts.In the review we discuss the shoulder and the leg, for use as reference by the ease and fidelity in separation. The tissue or histologic composition of carcass cuts is performed by dissection technique which consists in separating the cut on muscle, bone, subcutaneous fat, intermuscular fat and other tissues (tendons, connective tissue, cartilage, lymph nodes). The literature reviewed shows a great variability of these results, reflecting the different finishing systems, food and genetic groups used for the production of sheep meat. The regional composition combined with the tissue composition is a parameter used to determine the quality of the lamb carcass and edible portion yield. This information canbe used in carcass evaluation systems in order to enhance the carcasses with higher percentage of meat and appropriate amount of fat.
Three-dimensional analyses of palatal morphology and its relation to upper airway area in obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Kecik Defne
Published: September 2016

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between palatal morphology and pharyngeal airway morphology in patients who have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and compare with a nonsnoring and nonapneic control group.

Materials and Methods: Three-dimensional maxillary dental cast measurements from 25 OSA patients (6 women, 19 men) with a mean age of 41.5 (4.8) years, and 25 control group participants (14 women, 11 men) without any symptom of OSA with a mean age of 38.3 (3.7) were correlated with an analysis of pharyngeal area evaluated with lateral cephalograms. Intermolar and intercanine widths and palatal volumes were calculated on the dental casts, and the upper airway area measurements were performed on lateral cephalograms.

Results: OSA patients had smaller oropharyngeal volume and upper airway when compared with controls (P < .001). Palatal area measurements were significantly smaller in OSA (P < .001). OSA patients had significantly narrower maxilla with smaller intermolar and intercanine widths (P < .001). A positive correlation was found between the palatal morphology and pharyngeal dimensions.

Conclusions: A significant correlation exists between palatal morphology and pharyngeal airway.
Simulated decontamination experiments by mobile manipulator with visual recognition - Autonomous behavior driven by environment programming
Authors: Araki Ryohei , Sunami Yusuke , Minami Mamoru , Ishiyama Shinntaro , Yanou Akira
Published: September 2016

Since Tohoku Earthquake off the coast of Pacific Ocean at Fukushima Prefecture and subsequent Tsunami devastated nuclear power station, No.1, in Fukushima, radioactive substances have been scattered off wide area of Fukushima. Then decontamination works have started, but they have not been progressing rapidly because there are not sufficient workers and they have risks that they should be exposed to radiation, which restrict working duration. So this research aims at developing a robot that moves and collects polluted soil by itself. This machine, controlled by visual information, recognizes and collects simulated contaminated soils automatically, where Model-based Matching Method and Genetic Algorithm are used to recognize the contaminated-soil-model. In this paper, recognition methods, structure of mobile manipulator with hand-eye cameras and results of simulated decontamination experiments are reported, in which a concept of autonomous behavior driven by ``Environment Programming,'' meaning that environment gives programmed commands to the autonomous mobile manipulator.
Pulsed electric flux leakage (PEFL) techniques for defects detection and characterization
Authors: Sun Yanhua , Ye Zhijian , Yang Guangyou , Li Donglin , Liu Shiwei , Kang Yihua , Gu Min , Liu Changde
Published: September 2016

In this paper, pulsed electric flux leakage (PEFL), a new electromagnetic (EM) non-destructive testing (NDT) technique, is introduced. The inspection principle, which is to evaluate defects in metallic components carrying pulse current, was briefly described. Physical experiments with a prototype capacitive probe were carried out. Effects of through-hole diameter of the stainless specimen, surface-crack depth and sub-surface crack inspection were studied. The proof-of-concept results indicated that the PEFL testing method could be used to detect not only the surface defects but also the sub-surface defects, and of complete feasibility and the potential of great practical value as a supplement of conventional NDT methods.
Uncorrelated multi-sources load identification in frequency domain based on improved Tikhonov regularization method
Authors: Wang Jianying , Wang Cheng , Zhong Bineng , Wang Tian , Guo Wangping , Chen Weibin , Sun Chengzhu
Published: September 2016

Due to ill-conditioned inverse characteristics of linear time invariant dynamic system uncorrelated multi-sources load identification in frequency domain, it have large condition number and errors for classic least-squares of generalization method. In order to overcome these shortcomings, an improved Tikhonov regularization method is put forward in this paper. This method uses minimization maximum relative error of identification multi-sources load as criterion to determine the optimal regularization parameter. At the same time, combination of improved Tikhonov regularization and least square of generalized matrix inverse method can reduce the time overhead of determining the best value of regularization parameter. Only when condition number in a frequency is larger than a threshold value, must the improved Tikhonov regularization is used. Uncorrelated multi-sources vibration load identification in frequency domain results on cylindrical shell simulation datasets shows that this new method works much better than classic least-squares of generalized matrix inverse when measurement noise exists and could basically meet the engineering precision requirement of ± 3 dB.
Measurement of magnetic particle for quantitative evaluation in magnetic particle testing
Authors: Fukuoka Katsuhiro , Horiike Sho
Published: September 2016

As magnetic particle testing (MT) detects microcracks using a simplified method, it is used for non-destructive inspection of ferromagnetic materials in various industrial fields. However, MT can provide only a rough distribution shape of a crack; a quantitative technique for evaluating the crack shape has not been established in conventional MT. In the present study, the relationship between the crack shape and the shape of the adhered magnetic particles was revealed by image measurements using a high-speed video camera. We developed a technique for quantitatively evaluating the crack shape from the results of magnetic particle indication in MT.
Recognition of overlapped Lamb wave detecting signals in aluminum plate by EMD-based STFT flight time extraction method
Authors: Zhang Yu , Huang Songling , Wang Shen , Wei Zheng , Zhao Wei
Published: September 2016

This work proposes an EMD-based STFT flight time extraction method to recognize the different modes of overlapped Lamb wave detecting signals (OLWDS) in aluminum plate due to its dispersion and multi-modes property. Firstly, empirical mode decomposition (EMD) is performed on the OLWDS and several intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) are obtained, which turn out to be capable of clearly separating the OLWDS of different modes. Secondly, the flight time is extracted from one of the IMFs by implementing short-time Fourier transform (STFT) on the selected IMF, and extracting the energy density distribution based on the center frequency component of Lamb waves. The experimental platform for different modes of OLWDS recognition in aluminum plate is established. The results show that this method can extract more accurate flight time values compared with the Hilbert-Huang transform (HHT) method and can accurately recognize the overlapped Lamb waves of different modes.
The method of moment for identification of distributed dynamic load on plate structure
Authors: Jiang Jinhui , Li Hongqiu , Zhang Fang , Han Ming
Published: September 2016

The identification (or reconstruction) of dynamic load is the second kind of the inverse problem in structural dynamic analysis, which is a process of reconstructing load applied to structure in case of structural dynamic model and information of structural response. When it is difficult to measure the load applied to the structure with acquisition equipment, the identification technology of dynamic load makes it possible for obtaining external load, so its researches have an important theoretical value and practical prospects. The elastic thin plate is the common load-carrying structures in engineering, and the identification of dynamic load on the plate is very meaningful. The paper presents a new method called method of moment for identification of distributed dynamic load on the plate structure. At first, the two-dimension orthogonal polynomial is constructed, which is employed as base functions for Generalization Fourier Expansion, and then the infinite dimensions function is transformed into finite dimension parameters. Secondly, the relationships are built between the finite dimension parameters and the structural response. Thirdly, the parameters can be obtained by the inverse algorithm or optimization algorithm. At last, the distributed dynamic load can be reconstructed by the finite dimension parameters. The results of computation simulations and experiment show the method is correct theoretically, effective and feasible in engineering practice.
A study of multi-coils ECT system for SG tubes of FBR using 3D FEM simulations and experimental measurements
Authors: Yamaguchi Toshihiko , Mihalache Ovidiu , Ueda Masashi
Published: September 2016

The paper presents application of a multi-coil eddy current testing (ECT) system to detect defects in steam generator (SG) tubes of Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs). The defects are located near SG tube support plates. The SG tubes were immersed in liquid sodium at temperature above 500°C and then drain several times. Three dimensional (3D) Finite Element Method (FEM) numerical simulations, using an in-house developed code, are validated with experimental measurements in both cases of absence or presence of sodium on the outer SG tubes surfaces. Validations of FEM simulations of multi-coil ECT system with experimental measurements, for helical tubes, are conducted for a large model of SG tubes support plate and three SG tubes attached to it.
Multiscale numerical investigation on effective physical properties of multiferroic BaTiO3/CoFe2O4 composites
Authors: Uetsuji Yasutomo , Wada Takeshi , Tsuchiya Kazuyoshi
Published: September 2016

In this paper, the effective physical properties were numerically investigated for polycrystalline multiferroic composite materials consisting of ferroelectric BaTiO3 and ferromagnetic CoFe2O4 phases. An asymptotic homogenization theory was employed for scale-bridging between macrostructures and microstructures. The microstructural crystal orientations of both phases were assumed to be perfectly poled and the volume fraction of ferroelectric phase was changed from 0% to 100%. And then the homogenized physical properties of macrostructure, such as elastic stiffness, electric permittivity, magnetic permeability, piezoelectric and piezomagnetic stress constants, magnetoelectric constants, were estimated through the multiscale finite element analysis. Especially the local piezoelectric or piezomagnetic constants of each phase were virtually varied and their influence on the global magnetoelectric constant was discussed to understand ideal material combination.
Characteristic analysis of a vernier motor from magnetic perspective
Authors: Kim Taeyoung , Jeong Inhyuck , Kim Dukjin , Kim Byungtaek
Published: September 2016

In this paper, the air gap flux density distribution of a surface PM vernier motor are analytically investigated, and principles of torque production are explained by not using lumped electrical circuit parameters but using magnetic quantities. To these ends, the equations of magnetic field waves, stored energy and torque are derived. The obtained equations are compared to those of a conventional PM machine, which shows that the vernier motor has substantially different characteristics of energy and peak flux densities in the core parts as well as air gap. Finally the design guides for vernier motor design to avoid saturation of core material are presented and verified through FE analysis for a practical model.
Behavior of inherent magnetic sensor in SUS304 stainless steel
Authors: Kinoshita Katsuyuki , Uchida Koki , Imatani Shoji
Published: September 2016

We investigated the magnetic behavior of an austenitic stainless steel with an inherent magnetic sensor under cyclic deformation, as well as the factors controlling its magnetic behavior. The permeability properties of type 304 stainless steel (SUS304) specimens subjected to different prestrains were measured along the longitudinal and width directions after an arbitrary number of cycles. It was found that the estimation parameter corresponding to the variation in the permeability increased and decreased periodically with an increase the number of cycles. Moreover, after comparing the values of the estimation parameter before and after stress-relief annealing, it was determined that the internal tensile stress of the martensite phase generated by the cyclic deformation caused the estimation parameter to decrease. This suggested that it should be possible to determine the magnitude of the inelastic strain in SUS304 on the basis of the inherent magnetic sensor.
Adaptive Hybrid Fuzzy-Proportional Plus Crisp-Integral Current Control Algorithm for Shunt Active Power Filter Operation
Authors: Abdul Rahman Nor , Mohd Radzi Mohd , Che Soh Azura , Mariun Norman , Abd Rahim Nasrudin
Published: September 2016

An adaptive hybrid fuzzy-proportional plus crisp-integral current control algorithm (CCA) for regulating supply current and enhancing the operation of a shunt active power filter (SAPF) is presented. It introduces a unique integration of fuzzy-proportional (Fuzzy-P) and crisp-integral (Crisp-I) current controllers. The Fuzzy-P current controller is developed to perform gain tuning procedure and proportional control action. This controller inherits the simplest configuration; it is constructed using a single-input single-output fuzzy rule configuration. Thus, an execution of few fuzzy rules is sufficient for the controller’s operation. Furthermore, the fuzzy rule is developed using the relationship of currents only. Hence, it simplifies the controller development. Meanwhile, the Crisp-I current controller is developed to perform integral control action using a controllable gain value; to improve the steady-state control mechanism. The gain value is modified and controlled using the Fuzzy-P current controller’s output variable. Therefore, the gain value will continuously be adjusted at every sample period (or throughout the SAPF operation). The effectiveness of the proposed CCA in regulating supply current is validated in both simulation and experimental work. All results have proven that the SAPF using the proposed CCA is capable to regulate supply current during steady-state and dynamic-state operations. At the same time, the SAPF is able to enhance its operation in compensating harmonic currents and reactive power. Furthermore, the implementation of the proposed CCA has resulted more stable dc-link voltage waveform.
The Radio/Gamma-Ray Connection from 120 MHz to 230 GHz
Authors: Giroletti Marcello , D’Ammando Filippo , Orienti Monica , Lico Rocco ,   The Fermi-LAT Collaboration
Published: September 2016

Radio loud active galactic nuclei are composed of different spatial features, each one characterized by different spectral properties in the radio band. Among them, blazars are the most common class of sources detected at gamma-rays by Fermi, and their radio emission is dominated by the flat spectrum compact core. In this contribution, we explore the connection between emission at high energy revealed by Fermi and at radio frequencies. Taking as a reference the strong and very highly significant correlation found between gamma rays and cm-λ radio emission, we explore the different behaviours found as we change the energy range in gamma rays and in radio, therefore changing the physical parameters of the zones involved in the emitted radiation. We find that the correlation weakens when we consider (1) gamma rays of energy above 10 GeV (except for high synchrotron peaked blazars) or (2) low frequency radio data taken by the Murchison Widefield Array; on the other hand, the correlation strengthens when we consider mm-λ data taken by Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA).
Prevalence and Sociodemographic and Lifestyle Determinants of Anemia during Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Study of Pregnant Women in China
Authors: Xu Xianglong , Liu Sheng , Rao Yunshuang , Shi Zumin , Wang LianLian , Sharma Manoj , Zhao Yong
Published: September 2016

Objective: This study aimed to assess the differences regarding anemia among pregnant women with diverse characteristics and lifestyle factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study of pregnant women was conducted between June and August 2015 in 16 hospitals in five provinces of Mainland China. Self-reported doctor-diagnosed anemia was used in the study. Results: We included 2345 pregnant women. Of the participants, 1755 (74.8%) were pregnant women of first pregnancy (PWFP) and 590 (25.2%) were second pregnancy (PWSP). The mean age of the participants was 28.1 years (SD 4.1). Overall, the prevalence of anemia was 12.7% (13.4% and 10.7% among PWFP and PWSP, respectively). The prevalence for not eating breakfast was 11.0%. Compared with PWFP, PWSP was inversely associated with the risk of anemia (odds ratio (OR) 0.66, 95% CI 0.48–0.91). Compared with those being registered in a low ranking hospital, pregnant women who were admitted to a high (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.28–0.57) or a medium ranking hospital (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.37–0.92) were inversely associated with the risk of anemia. Compared with women of low income (<¥4,500), those with high income were less likely to have anemia (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.50–0.94). Compared with women with non-manual jobs, women with manual jobs (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.17–2.45) and unemployed women (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.04–1.93) were associated with a greater likelihood of suffering from anemia. Conclusions: Pregnant women not eating breakfast are of concern. Anemia is highly prevalent among pregnant women in China. Lower socio-economic status, manual jobs, PWFP, and those who attend a lower quality hospital have a greater likelihood of suffering from anemia. Tailored interventions are needed to address these issues.
An Age-Friendly Living Environment as Seen by Chinese Older Adults: A “Photovoice” Study
Authors: Chan Aileen , Chan Helen , Chan Ivy , Cheung Bonnie , Lee Diana
Published: September 2016

“Ageing in place” is a policy initiative strongly advocated by the World Health Organization to face the challenge of an ageing population. This pilot study used a “photovoice” approach, aiming to explore aspects of the housing environment considered by older people as important in facilitating ageing in place. It enabled participants to express their ideas through photographs. Each participant was asked to take photos that illustrated age-friendly features they considered crucial for supporting their lives in the community. A total of 44 older people participated in the pilot study, and 300 photos were collected. Participants were invited to describe the reasons for taking these photos by filling in a journal sheet. A semi-structured interview was then conducted with individual participants, who were asked to elaborate on the meaning of their photos. The analysis revealed three themes: (1) age-friendly housing design; (2) supportive neighborhood; and (3) connection to family and the community. These three themes are pillars of an age-friendly city, which are important to seniors to facilitate ageing in place.
Evaluation of Multiple Classifier Systems for Landslide Identification in LANDSAT Thematic Mapper (TM) Images
Authors: Manfré Luiz , De Albuquerque Nóbrega Rodrigo , Quintanilha José
Published: September 2016

Landslide scar location is fundamental for the risk management process, e.g., it allows mitigation of these areas, decreasing the associated hazards for the population. Remote sensing data usage is an essential tool for landslide identification, mapping, and monitoring. Despite its potential use for landslide risk management, remote sensing usage does have a few drawbacks. The aforementioned events commonly occur at high steep slope regions, frequently associated with shadow occurrence in satellite images, which impairs the identification process and results in low accuracy classifications. In this sense, this paper aims to evaluate the accuracy of different ensembles of multiple classifier systems (MCSs) for landslide scar identification. A severe landslide event on a steep slope with a high rainfall rate area in the southeast region of Brazil was chosen. Ten supervised classifiers were used to identify this severe event and other possible features for the LANDSAT thematic mapper (TM) from June of 2000. The results were evaluated, and nine MCSs were constructed based on the accuracy of the classifiers. Voting was applied through the ensemble method, coupled with contextual analysis and random selection tie-breaker methods. Accuracy was evaluated for each classification ensemble, and a progressive enhancement in the ensemble accuracy was noted as the least accurate classifiers were removed. The best accuracy for landslide identification emerged from the ensemble of the three most accurate classification results. In summary, MCS application generally improved the classification quality and led to fewer omission errors, coupled with a better classification percentage for the ‘landslide’ class. However, the MCS ensemble algorithm selection must be customized to the purpose of the classification. It is crucial to assess single accuracy indicators of each algorithm to ascertain those with the most consistent performance regarding the final results.
Silver Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, Properties, Applications, and Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Zhang Xi-Feng , Liu Zhi-Guo , Shen Wei , Gurunathan Sangiliyandi
Published: September 2016

Recent advances in nanoscience and nanotechnology radically changed the way we diagnose, treat, and prevent various diseases in all aspects of human life. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are one of the most vital and fascinating nanomaterials among several metallic nanoparticles that are involved in biomedical applications. AgNPs play an important role in nanoscience and nanotechnology, particularly in nanomedicine. Although several noble metals have been used for various purposes, AgNPs have been focused on potential applications in cancer diagnosis and therapy. In this review, we discuss the synthesis of AgNPs using physical, chemical, and biological methods. We also discuss the properties of AgNPs and methods for their characterization. More importantly, we extensively discuss the multifunctional bio-applications of AgNPs; for example, as antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and anti-cancer agents, and the mechanism of the anti-cancer activity of AgNPs. In addition, we discuss therapeutic approaches and challenges for cancer therapy using AgNPs. Finally, we conclude by discussing the future perspective of AgNPs.
Renal Protective Effects of Low Molecular Weight of Inonotus obliquus Polysaccharide (LIOP) on HFD/STZ-Induced Nephropathy in Mice
Authors: Chou Yen-Jung , Kan Wei-Chih , Chang Chieh-Min , Peng Yi-Jen , Wang Hsien-Yi , Yu Wen-Chun , Cheng Yu-Hsuan , Jhang Yu-Rou , Liu Hsia-Wei , Chuu Jiunn-Jye
Published: September 2016

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease in diabetes mellitus. Oxidative stress, insulin resistance and pro-inflammatory cytokines have been shown to play an important role in pathogeneses of renal damage on type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Inonotus obliquus (IO) is a white rot fungus that belongs to the family Hymenochaetaceae; it has been used as an edible mushroom and exhibits many biological activities including anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperglycemic properties. Especially the water-soluble Inonotus obliquus polysaccharides (IOPs) have been previously reported to significantly inhibit LPS-induced inflammatory cytokines in mice and protect from streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. In order to identify the nephroprotective effects of low molecular weight of IOP fraction (LIOP), from the fruiting bodies of Inonotus obliquus, high-fat diet (HFD) plus STZ-induced type 2-like diabetic nephropathy C57BL/6 mice were investigated in this study. Our data showed that eight weeks of administration of 10–100 kDa, LIOP (300 mg/kg) had progressively increased their sensitivity to glucose (less insulin tolerance), reduced triglyceride levels, elevated the HDL/LDL ratio and decreased urinary albumin/creatinine ratio(ACR) compared to the control group. By pathological and immunohistochemical examinations, it was indicated that LIOP can restore the integrity of the glomerular capsules and increase the numbers of glomerular mesangial cells, associated with decreased expression of TGF-β on renal cortex in mice. Consistently, three days of LIOP (100 μg/mL) incubation also provided protection against STZ + AGEs-induced glucotoxicity in renal tubular cells (LLC-PK1), while the levels of NF-κB and TGF-β expression significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Our findings demonstrate that LIOP treatment could ameliorate glucolipotoxicity-induced renal fibrosis, possibly partly via the inhibition of NF-κB/TGF-β1 signaling pathway in diabetic nephropathy mice.
Extraordinary Adaptive Plasticity of Colorado Potato Beetle: “Ten-Striped Spearman” in the Era of Biotechnological Warfare
Authors: Cingel Aleksandar , Savić Jelena , Lazarević Jelica , Ćosić Tatjana , Raspor Martin , Smigocki Ann , Ninković Slavica
Published: September 2016

Expanding from remote areas of Mexico to a worldwide scale, the ten-striped insect, the Colorado potato beetle (CPB, Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say), has risen from being an innocuous beetle to a prominent global pest. A diverse life cycle, phenotypic plasticity, adaptation to adverse conditions, and capability to detoxify or tolerate toxins make this insect appear to be virtually “indestructible”. With increasing advances in molecular biology, tools of biotechnological warfare were deployed to combat CPB. In the last three decades, genetically modified potato has created a new challenge for the beetle. After reviewing hundreds of scientific papers dealing with CPB control, it became clear that even biotechnological means of control, if used alone, would not defeat the Colorado potato beetle. This control measure once again appears to be provoking the potato beetle to exhibit its remarkable adaptability. Nonetheless, the potential for adaptation to these techniques has increased our knowledge of this pest and thus opened possibilities for devising more sustainable CPB management programs.
Peripheral Electrical and Magnetic Stimulation to Augment Resistance Training
Authors: Abulhasan Jawad , Rumble Yvonne , Morgan Emma , Slatter William , Grey Michael
Published: September 2016

Electrical stimulation (ES) and magnetic stimulation (MS), applied peripherally, may be used to elicit muscle contractions to increase muscle hypertrophy, increase muscle strength and reduce knee laxity in rehabilitation following injury. We aimed to examine the effect of a three-week exercise programme designed to induce muscle hypertrophy augmented by peripheral ES and MS. We hypothesised that the use of peripheral stimulation to augment voluntary drive during a resistance-training protocol would induce more repetitions thus leading to increased thigh circumference, muscle layer thickness, and quadriceps strength whilst decreasing knee laxity. Thirty healthy participants were divided randomly into either ES, MS or Control groups. Five resistance training sessions were carried out, consisting of four sets of quadriceps extensions. During the first three sets the participants performed eight repetitions at 85% of their 1-repetition maximum (1-RM). On the last set, the participants were instructed to perform the exercise until failure. The augmentation of peripheral stimuli allowed the MS and ES groups to continue to exercise producing, on average, 4 ± 2 and 7 ± 6 additional repetitions with ES and MS, respectively. Following the training, significant increases were observed for both 1-RM (p = 0.005) and muscle layer thickness (p = 0.031) whilst no change was observed in thigh circumference (p = 0.365). Knee laxity decreased (p = 0.005). However, there were no significant differences in the stimulation groups compared with control for any of these measurements. The additional repetitions elicited by stimulation after the point of failure suggests that peripheral electrical and/or magnetic stimulation may be useful as an adjunct for resistance training. However, this effect of resistance training augmented by peripheral stimulation on hypertrophy, strength and knee laxity may be small.
Golden Tides: Problem or Golden Opportunity? The Valorisation of Sargassum from Beach Inundations
Authors: Milledge John , Harvey Patricia
Published: September 2016

In recent years there have been massive inundations of pelagic Sargassum, known as golden tides, on the beaches of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and West Africa, causing considerable damage to the local economy and environment. Commercial exploration of this biomass for food, fuel, and pharmaceutical products could fund clean-up and offset the economic impact of these golden tides. This paper reviews the potential uses and obstacles for exploitation of pelagic Sargassum. Although Sargassum has considerable potential as a source of biochemicals, feed, food, fertiliser, and fuel, variable and undefined composition together with the possible presence of marine pollutants may make golden tides unsuitable for food, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals and limit their use in feed and fertilisers. Discontinuous and unreliable supply of Sargassum also presents considerable challenges. Low-cost methods of preservation such as solar drying and ensiling may address the problem of discontinuity. The use of processes that can handle a variety of biological and waste feedstocks in addition to Sargassum is a solution to unreliable supply, and anaerobic digestion for the production of biogas is one such process. More research is needed to characterise golden tides and identify and develop commercial products and processes.
Study on Stress Development in the Phase Transition Layer of Thermal Barrier Coatings
Authors: Chai Yijun , Lin Chen , Wang Xian , Li Yueming
Published: September 2016

Stress development is one of the significant factors leading to the failure of thermal barrier coating (TBC) systems. In this work, stress development in the two phase mixed zone named phase transition layer (PTL), which grows between the thermally grown oxide (TGO) and the bond coat (BC), is investigated by using two different homogenization models. A constitutive equation of the PTL based on the Reuss model is proposed to study the stresses in the PTL. The stresses computed with the proposed constitutive equation are compared with those obtained with Voigt model-based equation in detail. The stresses based on the Voigt model are slightly higher than those based on the Reuss model. Finally, a further study is carried out to explore the influence of phase transition proportions on the stress difference caused by homogenization models. Results show that the stress difference becomes more evident with the increase of the PTL thickness ratio in the TGO.
Investigation on the Effect of Drill Geometry and Pilot Holes on Thrust Force and Burr Height When Drilling an Aluminium/PE Sandwich Material
Authors: Rezende Bruna , Silveira Michele , Vieira Luciano , Abrão Alexandre , Faria Paulo , Rubio Juan
Published: September 2016

Composite materials are widely employed in the naval, aerospace and transportation industries owing to the combination of being lightweight and having a high modulus of elasticity, strength and stiffness. Drilling is an operation generally used in composite materials to assemble the final product. Damages such as the burr at the drill entrance and exit, geometric deviations and delamination are typically found in composites subjected to drilling. Drills with special geometries and pilot holes are alternatives used to improve hole quality as well as to increase tool life. The present study is focused on the drilling of a sandwich composite material (two external aluminum plates bound to a polyethylene core). In order to minimize thrust force and burr height, the influence of drill geometry, the pilot hole and the cutting parameters was assessed. Thrust force and burr height values were collected and used to perform an analysis of variance. The results indicated that the tool and the cutting speed were the parameters with more weight on the thrust force and for burr height they were the tool and the interaction between tool and feed. The results indicated that drilling with a pilot hole of Ø4 mm exhibited the best performance with regard to thrust force but facilitated plastic deformation, thus leading to the elevation of burr height, while the lowest burr height was obtained using the Brad and Spur drill geometry.
Amenability Modulo an Ideal of Second Duals of Semigroup Algebras
Authors: Rahimi Hamidreza , Nabizadeh Khalil
Published: September 2016

The aim of this paper is to investigate the amenability modulo, an ideal of Banach algebras with emphasis on applications to homological algebras. In doing so, we show that amenability modulo, an ideal of A * * implies amenability modulo, an ideal of A. Finally, for a large class of semigroups, we prove that l 1 ( S ) * * is amenable modulo I σ * * if and only if an appropriate group homomorphic image of S is finite, where I σ is the closed ideal induced by the least group congruence σ .