bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of sandwich-like microfluidic chip with circular cross-section micro-channels
Authors: Wang Hong Cheng , Zhao Miao Miao , Wu Li Qun
Published: September 2018

In microfluidic chips, most micro-channel cross-section shapes are rectangular or triangular in existing chip fabricating technologies, including hot embossing, lithography, etching, injection molding, etc. However, compared with the above micro-channel shapes, a circular shape has advantages in aspects of fluid flow, droplet generation, heat transfer and blood vessel replication. This paper presents a sandwich-like microfluidic chip with circular cross-section micro-channels. The sandwich-like structure includes three layers. The top and bottom layers are PDMS material while the middle layer is composed of micron glass capillaries (used as micro-channels) with circular cross-sections. The glass capillaries are made of borosilicate tube by a glass heating process. Sphere shaped paraffin wax is used as a sacrificial material to form micro-channel junctions. To test the functions of the fabricated micro sandwich-like microfluidic chip, a droplet generating experiment was conducted in the T-junction chip. The droplet size can be controlled in the range of 20–400 [Formula: see text]m by varying the water and oil flow rates. This proposed microfluidic chip structure has the advantages of short processing cycle, low cost and small flow resistance.
Nonlinear analysis of a continuum traffic flow model with consideration of the viscous effect
Authors: Yu Lei
Published: September 2018

In this paper, the nonlinear analysis of a viscous continuum traffic flow model is studied. The stability condition of the viscous continuum model is given by using the linear analysis method. The Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) equation is derived to describe the traffic jams. The effect of the viscous term is investigated by numerical simulations. The results show that the existence of the viscous term induces oscillation of traffic flow and the amplitude of the oscillation increases with increasing the coefficient of the viscous term. It is also found that the local clusters are compressed by increasing the coefficient of the viscous term.
The mean first-passage time in simplified FitzHugh–Nagumo neural model driven by correlated non-Gaussian noise and Gaussian noise
Authors: Guo Yong-Feng , Xi Bei , Wei Fang , Tan Jian-Guo
Published: September 2018

In this paper, the mean first-passage time (MFPT) in simplified FitzHugh–Nagumo (FHN) neural model driven by correlated multiplicative non-Gaussian noise and additive Gaussian white noise is studied. Firstly, using the path integral approach and the unified colored-noise approximation (UCNA), the analytical expression of the stationary probability distribution (SPD) is derived, and the validity of the approximation method employed in the derivation is checked by performing numerical simulation. Secondly, the expression of the MFPT of the system is obtained by applying the definition and the steepest-descent method. Finally, the effects of the multiplicative noise intensity D, the additive noise intensity Q, the noise correlation time [Formula: see text], the cross-correlation strength [Formula: see text] and the non-Gaussian noise deviation parameter q on the MFPT are discussed.
Nonlinear Theories for Shear Flow Instabilities: Physical Insights and Practical Implications
Authors: Wu Xuesong
Published: September 2018

This article reviews the nonlinear stability theories that have been developed to explain laminar–turbulent transition processes in boundary and free shear layers. For such spatially developing shear flows, a high–Reynolds number approach is necessary to account for, in a systematic and self-consistent manner, multiple competing physical factors, such as nonlinearity, nonparallelism, nonequilibrium, and viscosity. While the basic ideas and fundamental mechanisms are rooted in the classical weakly nonlinear theory, which was formulated primarily for exactly parallel flows and on the basis of finite Reynolds number, the high–Reynolds number formulations lead to low-dimensional evolution systems, which differ significantly from the finite–Reynolds number counterparts and better describe the observations. Owing to efforts in the past 30 years or so, nonlinear evolution systems have been derived for inviscid Rayleigh modes, viscous Tollmien–Schlichting waves, (first and second) Mack modes, and cross-flow vortices. Theories have also been developed for nonlinear intermodal interactions, including oblique mode interaction, subharmonic resonance, phase-locked interactions, and fundamental resonance; these underpin many intriguing behaviors in the three-dimensional stages of transition. These theories and results explain several key nonlinear features observed and should play a useful role in guiding future experimental and numerical investigations.
An Integrated Model of Action Selection: Distinct Modes of Cortical Control of Striatal Decision Making
Authors: Sharpe Melissa J. , Stalnaker Thomas , Schuck Nicolas W. , Killcross Simon , Schoenbaum Geoffrey , Niv Yael
Published: September 2018

Making decisions in environments with few choice options is easy. We select the action that results in the most valued outcome. Making decisions in more complex environments, where the same action can produce different outcomes in different conditions, is much harder. In such circumstances, we propose that accurate action selection relies on top-down control from the prelimbic and orbitofrontal cortices over striatal activity through distinct thalamostriatal circuits. We suggest that the prelimbic cortex exerts direct influence over medium spiny neurons in the dorsomedial striatum to represent the state space relevant to the current environment. Conversely, the orbitofrontal cortex is argued to track a subject's position within that state space, likely through modulation of cholinergic interneurons.
Pulmonary microvascular remodeling in chronic thrombo-embolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Stam Kelly , van Duin Richard W. , Uitterdijk André , Krabbendam-Peters Ilona , Sorop Oana , Danser A. H. Jan , Duncker Dirk J. , Merkus Daphne
Published: September 2018

Pulmonary vascular remodeling in pulmonary arterial hypertension involves perturbations in the nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) pathways. However, the implications of pulmonary vascular remodeling and these pathways remain unclear in chronic thrombo-embolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). The objective of the present study was to characterize changes in microvascular morphology and function, focussing on the ET-1 and NO pathways, in a CTEPH swine model. Swine were chronically instrumented and received up to five pulmonary embolizations by microsphere infusion, whereas endothelial dysfunction was induced by daily administration of the endothelial NO synthase inhibitor Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester until 2 wk before the end of study. Swine were subjected to exercise, and the pulmonary vasculature was investigated by hemodynamic, histological, quantitative PCR, and myograph experiments. In swine with CTEPH, the increased right-ventricular afterload, decreased cardiac index, and mild ventilation-perfusion-mismatch were exacerbated during exercise. Pulmonary microvascular remodeling was evidenced by increased muscularization, which was accompanied by an increased maximal vasoconstriction. Although ET-1-induced vasoconstriction was increased in CTEPH pulmonary small arteries, the ET-1 sensitivity was decreased. Moreover, the contribution of the ETA receptor to ET-1 vasoconstriction was increased, whereas the contribution of the ETB receptor was decreased and the contribution of Rho-kinase was lost. A reduction in endogenous NO production was compensated in part by a decreased phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) activity resulting in an apparent increased NO sensitivity in CTEPH pulmonary small arteries. These findings suggest that pulmonary microvascular remodeling with a reduced activity of PDE5 and Rho-kinase may contribute to the lack of therapeutic efficacy of PDE5 inhibitors and Rho-kinase inhibitors in CTEPH.
Cesarean Section in the Delivery Room: An Exploration of the Viewpoint of Midwives, Anaesthesiologists, and Obstetricians
Authors: Jolien Jansegers , Yves Jacquemyn
Published: September 2018

Aim. To explore the attitude and vision of midwives, anaesthesiologists, and obstetricians concerning a dedicated operating room for cesarean sections within the delivery ward versus cesarean sections within the general operating room. Method. A descriptive qualitative study using a constructive paradigm. Face-to-face semistructured interviews were performed in 3 different hospitals, one without operating theatre within the delivery ward, one with a recently built cesarean section room within the delivery ward, and one with a long time tradition of cesarean section in the delivery room. Interviews have been analysed thematically. Results. Three themes have been identified: organization, role of the midwife, and safety. Although identical protocols for the degree of emergency of a cesarean section are used, infrastructure and daily practice differ between hospitals. Logistic support, medical and midwife staffing, and hospital infrastructure are systematically mentioned as needing improvement. Realizing cesarean section within the delivery ward was considered as an improvement for the patient’s experience. Midwives need a clear and new job description and delineation and mention a lack of formal education to assist surgical procedures. To increase patient safety continuous education and communication are considered necessary. Conclusion. A detailed job description and education of all those involved in cesarean section at the delivery ward are necessary to improve patient safety. Patient experience is improved, but our knowledge on this is hampered by lack of studies.
The Internal Coherence of Breast Cancer Patients Is Associated with the Decision‐Making for Chemotherapy and Viscum album L. Treatment
Authors: Oei Shiao Li , Thronicke Anja , Kröz Matthias , Herbstreit Cornelia , Schad Friedemann
Published: September 2018

Objective. In the present observational study, the influence of internal coherence on shared decision‐making for chemotherapy (CTX) and Viscum album L. extracts (VA) treatment in breast cancer patients was evaluated. Methods. Breast cancer patients with a guideline‐oriented advice from the tumor board for CTX were included in the study. At first diagnosis (T0) and 6 months later (T1), a questionnaire, the internal coherence scale (ICS), was administered and evaluated. Prior to analysis, patients were classified retrospectively depending on their treatment decision. Results. 64 primary nonmetastasized breast cancer patients (median age 54.8 years, IQR: 46.3‐65.3) were analyzed in this study. At T0, adjusted multivariable linear regression analyses revealed significant low ICS scores in patients rejecting CTX, especially in the ICS subscale “thermo coherence” (p = 0.006). The decision for add‐on VA‐therapy was associated with low scores for the ICS subscale “inner resilience coherence”, in particular low for the item “courage”. At T1, in the CTX+VA‐group the thermo coherence increased significantly (p(d) < 0.01), while in contrast, in the CTX‐only group the thermo coherence decreased significantly (p(d) = 0.02). Conclusion. Add‐on VA‐applications in CTX treatment support the thermo coherence of breast cancer patients, revealing a decision option to encourage patients to undergo CTX in combination with additional VA‐treatments.
The Effectiveness of Community-Based Continuous Training on Promoting Positive Behaviors towards Birth Preparedness, Male Involvement, and Maternal Services Utilization among Expecting Couples in Rukwa, Tanzania: A Theory of Planned Behavior Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Moshi Fabiola V. , Kibusi Stephen M. , Fabian Flora
Published: September 2018

Background. Rukwa Region has the highest maternal mortality ratio, 860 deaths per 100,000 live births in Tanzania. The region has neonatal mortality rate of 38 deaths per 1,000 live births. Previous interventions to promote maternal and neonatal health targeted access to maternal services by removing financial barriers and increasing the number of health facilities. However, maternal service utilization remains very low, especially facility delivery. The proposed intervention was sought to address deep-rooted behavioral beliefs, normative beliefs, control beliefs, and knowledge empowerment to determine their effect on improving birth preparedness, male involvement, and maternal services utilization. The study tested the effectiveness of a Community-Based Continuous Training (CBCT) intervention that was based upon the theory of planned behavior and was sought to promote positive behaviors. Methods. The study used a quasi-experimental design. The design consisted of pre- and postintervention assessments of two nonequivalent groups. Two districts were selected conveniently using criteria of high home birth. A district to hold intervention was picked randomly. Study participants were expecting couples at gestation age of 24 weeks and below. After obtaining informed consents, participants were subjected to baseline assessment. Expecting couples in the intervention group had two training sessions and two encounter discussions. The three primary outcomes of the study were changes in the level of knowledge about birth preparedness, male involvement, and use of maternal services. Data were collected at preintervention, midintervention, and postintervention. Policy Implications of the Results. The aim of this paper was to describe the study protocol of a quasi-experimental study design to test the effectiveness of an interventional program on promoting positive behaviors on birth preparedness, male involvement, and maternal services utilization among expecting couples. This study has a potential to address the challenge of low birth preparedness, male involvement, and use of maternal health services in Rukwa Region.
Adaptive Finite‐Time Disturbance Observer Based Sliding Mode Control for Dual‐Motor Driving System
Authors: Zeng Tianyi , Ren Xuemei , Zhang Yao
Published: September 2018

This paper investigates a precise tracking control method based on an adaptive disturbance observer for the dual‐motor driving system. The unknown matched disturbance is fully considered and estimated in this paper, and the estimation error is proven to be finite‐time convergent. A sliding mode controller based on the multiple sliding surface technique is proposed in which the disturbance is compensated. The overall system containing both the observer and the controller is proven to be stable. The tracking error is within the neighbourhood of the origin before the observer completes its convergence and converges to zero thereafter. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the disturbance observer and the sliding mode controller.
Therapeutic Effectiveness of Galphimia glauca in Young People with Social Anxiety Disorder: A Pilot Study
Authors: Romero-Cerecero Ofelia , Islas-Garduño Ana Laura , Zamilpa Alejandro , Pérez-García Ma. Dolores , Tortoriello Jaime
Published: September 2018

Social anxiety is one of the most common disorders found in the population attending the first level of health care. Galphimia glauca has been used for many years in Mexican traditional medicine to treat “nervous disorders”. A standardized extract of this species has been evaluated in clinical studies that have proven its efficacy and safety in patients with generalized anxiety disorder. In this work, a double‐blind clinical trial was carried out, using sertraline as a control. Patients from both sexes (18 to 35 years old) with moderate or severe social anxiety were included. Experimental group was treated daily (orally), for 10 weeks, with an extract from G. glauca containing 0.374 mg/dose of Galphimine‐B (G‐B, active compound). Patients in the control group were given sertraline (50 mg) in the same conditions. All patients were evaluated every two weeks. Another assessment was done one month after the end of the administration period. A total of 34 patients was included, 17 in each group. Women were predominant, and the mean age was 25 ± 4.7 years. In patients who received the G. glauca standardized extract, a significant reduction in anxiety was observed, with a value (in the Brief Social Phobia Scale) of 41.1±10.3 points at the start and 11.2±5.6 points at the end of treatment, while patients treated with sertraline had a value of 37.7±7.3 points at the beginning and 11.1±5.2 points at the end. No significant difference was observed between the treated groups. In a similar way, the health scale showed a gradual and continuous improvement in each of the five evaluations. In conclusion, the 10‐week oral administration of G. glauca standardized extract showed efficacy and safety in patients with social anxiety disorder, without showing a significant difference from patients treated with sertraline.
Wideband Polarization Conversion Metasurface for RCS Reduction of Antennas
Authors: Hong Tao , Peng Ke , Gu Yue , Jiang Wen , Gong Shuxi
Published: September 2018

Polarization conversion metasurface (PCM) with wide operating band and high polarization conversion ratio is proposed for antenna radar cross-section (RCS) reduction. A 3rd-order quadrate fractal structure (QFS) is designed as the PCM element that the polarization conversion ratio is greater than 80% from 10.45 GHz to 32.15 GHz (relative bandwidth of 101.9%). The PCM is applied in the RCS reduction of microstrip antennas by chessboard-like arrangement on the antenna. The performances of the proposed PCM and antenna are studied by measurement and simulation. The results show that, with the radiation performance hold, the monostatic RCS of the proposed antenna is obviously reduced from 8 GHz to 28 GHz which completely covers the operating band of the antenna.
Toxicity and Bioremediation of Heavy Metals Contaminated Ecosystem from Tannery Wastewater: A Review
Authors: Igiri Bernard E. , Okoduwa Stanley I. R. , Idoko Grace O. , Akabuogu Ebere P. , Adeyi Abraham O. , Ejiogu Ibe K.
Published: September 2018

The discharge of untreated tannery wastewater containing biotoxic substances of heavy metals in the ecosystem is one of the most important environmental and health challenges in our society. Hence, there is a growing need for the development of novel, efficient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective approach for the remediation of inorganic metals (Cr, Hg, Cd, and Pb) released into the environment and to safeguard the ecosystem. In this regard, recent advances in microbes-base heavy metal have propelled bioremediation as a prospective alternative to conventional techniques. Heavy metals are nonbiodegradable and could be toxic to microbes. Several microorganisms have evolved to develop detoxification mechanisms to counter the toxic effects of these inorganic metals. This present review offers a critical evaluation of bioremediation capacity of microorganisms, especially in the context of environmental protection. Furthermore, this article discussed the biosorption capacity with respect to the use of bacteria, fungi, biofilm, algae, genetically engineered microbes, and immobilized microbial cell for the removal of heavy metals. The use of biofilm has showed synergetic effects with many fold increase in the removal of heavy metals as sustainable environmental technology in the near future.
Global Output Feedback Stabilization of Nonlinear Systems with a Time-Varying Power and Unknown Output Function
Authors: Guo Chao , Zhang Kemei
Published: September 2018

This paper studies the problem of global output feedback stabilization for a class of nonlinear systems with a time-varying power and unknown output function. For nonlinear systems with a time-varying power and unknown continuous output function, by constructing a new nonlinear reduced-order observer together with adding a power integrator method, a new function to determine the maximal open sector Ω of output function is given. As long as output function belongs to any closed sector included in Ω, it is shown that the equilibrium point of the closed-loop system can be guaranteed globally uniformly asymptotically stable by an output feedback controller.
Identification of SMAD3 as a Novel Mediator of Inflammation in Human Myometrium In Vitro
Authors: Lappas Martha
Published: September 2018

Preterm birth remains the primary cause of early neonatal death and is a major determinant for long-term health consequences. Aberrant intrauterine inflammation and infection are known to augment the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines and induce uterine contractions, which can subsequently lead to preterm birth. The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily members regulate numerous cellular processes through the activation of intracellular mediators known as mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (SMADs). Studies in nongestational tissues have shown that SMAD3 plays a role in immune regulation and inflammation; however, its role in human labour remains unknown. Thus, the present study aimed at (i) characterising the expression of SMAD3 in the human myometrium; (ii) determining the effect of bacterial and viral products and proinflammatory cytokines on SMAD3 transcriptional activity in primary human myometrial cells; and (iii) investigating the effect of SMAD3 siRNA knockdown on the production of prolabour mediators in primary human myometrial cells. Phosphorylated (i.e., active) SMAD3 protein expression was lower in the myometrium after spontaneous term labour compared to the myometrium from nonlabouring women. Using a luciferase assay, the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF, and viral analogue polyinosinic : polycytidylic acid (poly(I : C)) significantly reduced SMAD3 transcriptional activity in human primary myometrial cells. Loss-of-function studies found that SMAD3 knockdown in myometrial cells significantly increased IL-1β- and poly(I : C)-induced proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1A, IL-6), chemokines (IL-8, MCP-1), the adhesion molecule ICAM-1, COX-2 mRNA expression, and subsequent PGF2α release. In conclusion, SMAD3 deficiency is associated with increased production of proinflammatory and prolabour mediators in the human myometrium.
Washout Duration of Prostaglandin Analogues: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Diaconita Vlad , Quinn Matthew , Jamal Dania , Dishan Brad , Malvankar-Mehta Monali S. , Hutnik Cindy
Published: September 2018

Topic. Prostaglandin analogues (PGAs) are first-line medical therapy for primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT). Intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering effects in full responders are known to be 25–33% for this class; however, partial responders and nonresponders do exist. In clinical trials or prospective series, discontinuation and washout of PGAs is necessary to evaluate true change in IOP from novel surgeries and medical therapies. Clinical Relevance. To identify all relevant papers with pertinent data on washout of PGAs and quantify the duration and long-term effect of reported PGA washout periods in glaucoma and OHT patients. Methods. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the long-term effects on IOP after discontinuation of topical PGAs POAG and OHT patients. The main search was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science, and BIOSIS Previews and conference proceedings. Results. 1055 papers were identified, 548 were independently screened by two physicians., and 56 papers were analyzed for washout durations. The mean washout was found to be 4.56 weeks (±1.25), with the mode and median being 5 weeks. Five studies were analyzed as randomized control trials in which latanoprost was discontinued for 4 weeks prior to restarting another intraocular pressure-lowering drug. Meta-analysis revealed a 4-week discontinuation of latanoprost, on average, subjects returned to their baseline IOP. Conclusion. A significant IOP-lowering effect of latanoprost was not observed beyond 4 weeks, suggesting this may be an appropriate washout period for latanoprost. We could not identify appropriate washout periods for either travoprost or bimatoprost, although a majority of articles had 4-week washout durations for the two drugs. Despite the widespread use of this class of medication, there is a paucity of literature on the effects of PGA washout in patients that are treatment naïve to other topical medications.
Electromechanical Dynamic Behaviour and Start-Up Evaluation of Tumbling Ball Mills
Authors: Lv Weidong , Wang Guoqiang , Tian He
Published: September 2018

This paper presents a dynamic simulator of the electromechanical coupling start-up of a ball mill. The electromechanical coupling model based on the dynamic model of the ball mill, the characteristic equation of the clutch, and the dynamic model of the induction motor is established. Comparison between the simulation results of angular speed, load torque and current obtained from the model, and the experimental results is conducted to validate the correctness of these simulation results. Results show that the simulation results of the electromechanical model are highly consistent with the experimental results. Two indexes are proposed for evaluation. Finally, a 4500 kW ball mill is used to analyse the start-up process with different operation parameters of the air clutch. The effect of the engagement time and the pressure of the air clutch on the torque, current, and shock extent is analysed. Moreover, the optimum inflation time is determined.
A Novel Non-Line-of-Sight Indoor Localization Method for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Wang Yan , Wu Xuehan , Cheng Long
Published: September 2018

The localization technology is the essential requirement of constructing a smart building and smart city. It is one of the most important technologies for wireless sensor networks (WSNs). However, when WSNs are deployed in harsh indoor environments, obstacles can result in non-line-of-sight (NLOS) propagation. In addition, NLOS propagation can seriously reduce localization accuracy. In this paper, we propose a NLOS localization method based on residual analysis to reduce the influence of NLOS error. The time of arrival (TOA) measurement model is used to estimate the distance. Then, the NLOS measurement is identified through the residual analysis method. Finally, this paper uses the LOS measurements to establish the localization objective function and proposes the particle swarm optimization with a constriction factor (PSO-C) method to compute the position of an unknown node. Simulation results show that the proposed method not only effectively identifies the LOS/NLOS propagation condition but also reduces the influence of NLOS error.
Mathematical Analysis of Nonimaging Fresnel Lenses Using Refractive and Total Internal Reflection Prisms for Sunlight Concentration
Authors: Viera-González Perla M. , Sánchez-Guerrero Guillermo E. , Martínez-Guerra Edgar , Ceballos-Herrera Daniel E.
Published: September 2018

During the design of nonimaging Fresnel lenses, the reflectance losses at the refracting surfaces should be taken into account because, depending on the parameters of each prism, semiacceptance angle θin and output angle θout, these losses can decrease the total efficiency of the lens. On this subject, an analysis and comparison between a Fresnel lens composed only of refractive prisms and others with total internal reflection (TIR) prisms are presented and, using this information, a design method of hybrid Fresnel lenses composed of refractive and TIR prisms is proposed to reduce reflectance losses from the surface. The work presents the radiance profile and transmittance for a Fresnel lens of each type, to compare its advantages and disadvantages providing an alternative for the design and construction of nonimaging Fresnel lenses according to optical devices requirements.
WiFi Positioning Based on User Orientation Estimation and Smartphone Carrying Position Recognition
Authors: Deng Zhi-An , Qu Zhiyu , Hou Changbo , Si Weijian , Zhang Chunjie
Published: September 2018

Accuracy performance of WiFi fingerprinting positioning systems deteriorates severely when signal attenuations caused by human body are not considered. Previous studies have proposed WiFi fingerprinting positioning based on user orientation using compasses built in smartphones. However, compasses always cannot provide required accuracy of user orientation estimation due to the severe indoor magnetic perturbations. More importantly, we discover that not only user orientations but also smartphone carrying positions may affect signal attenuations caused by human body greatly. Therefore, we propose a novel WiFi fingerprinting positioning approach considering both user orientations and smartphone carrying positions. For user orientation estimation, we deploy Rotation Matrix and Principal Component Analysis (RMPCA) approach. For carrying position recognition, we propose a robust Random Forest classifier based on the developed orientation invariant features. Experimental results show that the proposed WiFi positioning approach may improve positioning accuracy significantly.
Normalized Robust FOPID Controller Regulation Based on Small Gain Theorem
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Liu Lu
Published: September 2018

In this paper, a normalized robust FOPID controller regulation algorithm is proposed. Only one parameter k is necessary to be tuned in the controller regulation process, so the proposed control algorithm is convenient to be applied on both fractional‐order systems and integer‐order systems. A robustness evaluation function is constructed based on the small gain theorem. Larger robustness evaluation function value will help the system achieve better robustness performance. Another parameter, β, is also available to serve as a tuning knob when larger robust evaluation function value is needed. Therefore, the controlled systems can be stabilized and can achieve quite satisfactory robust control performance using the proposed algorithm. The corresponding robust analysis results are obtained according to different conditions in the discussion. For a special case of widely used fractional‐order systems, the FOPI and FOID controllers are presented based on the same tuning scheme together with their robustness discussion. Some examples are shown to verify the robustness of systems controlled by the proposed algorithm.
Study of the Effects of Marble Powder Amount on the Self‐Compacting Concretes Properties by Microstructure Analysis on Cement‐Marble Powder Pastes
Authors: Alyousef Rayed , Benjeddou Omrane , Khadimallah Mohamed Amine , Mohamed Abdeliazim Mustafa , Soussi Chokri
Published: September 2018

The marble powder (MP), obtained from waste sludge marble processing, has a high specific surface area; this could mean that it can be used as filler added to self‐compacting concrete (SCC). The aim of this experimental work is to study the effects of the cement‐MP paste volume on the rheology in the fresh state and the hardened properties (compressive strength) of SCC by a microstructure analysis on paste samples with different amounts of MP. For all pastes, the morphological forms and the chemical composition of the main mineral components were analyzed by the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The hydration, microstructure, and mineralogical changes has been studied. Experimental results show that the cement‐MP paste volume has significant effects on the self‐compacting and the self‐leveling properties in the fresh state of SCC. In addition, the paste volume has a significant contribution on the compressive strength of SCC. Results indicate also that the difference in chemical composition between MP and cement have not any contribution on the paste volume effects.
Priority-Based Cloud Computing Architecture for Multimedia-Enabled Heterogeneous Vehicular Users
Authors: Ali Amjad , Liu Hongwu , Bashir Ali Kashif , El-Sappagh Shaker , Ali Farman , Baig Adeel , Park Daeyoung , Kwak Kyung Sup
Published: September 2018

In recent days, vehicles have been equipped with smart devices that offer various multimedia-related applications and services, such as smart driving assistance, traffic congestions, weather forecasting, road safety alarms, and many entertainment and comfort applications. Thus, these smart vehicles produce a large amount of multimedia-related data that require fast and real-time processing. However, due to constrained computing and storage capacities, such huge amounts of multimedia-related data cannot be processed in on-board standalone devices. Thus, multimedia cloud computing (MCC) has emerged as an economical and scalable computing technology that can process multimedia-related data efficiently while providing improved Quality of Service (QoS) to vehicular users from anywhere, at any time and on any device, at reduced costs. However, there are certain challenges, such as fast service response time and resource cost optimization, that can severely affect the performance of the MCC. Therefore, to tackle these issues, in this paper, we propose a dynamic priority-based architecture for the MCC. In the proposed scheme, we divide multimedia processing into four different subphases, while computing resources to each computing server are assigned dynamically, according to the workload, in order to process multimedia tasks according to the multimedia user Quality of Experience (QoE) requirements. The performance of the proposed scheme is evaluated in terms of service response time and resource cost optimization using the CloudSim simulator.
Probing the Effects of New Physics in B¯⁎→Plν¯l Decays
Authors: Chang Qin , Zhu Jie , Wang Na , Wang Ru-Min
Published: September 2018

The significant divergence between the SM predictions and experimental measurements for the ratios, RD(⁎)≡B(B¯→D(⁎)τ-ν¯τ)/B(B¯→D(⁎)l′-ν¯l′) with (l′=e,μ), implies possible hint of new physics in the flavor sector. In this paper, motivated by the “RD(⁎) puzzle” and abundant B⁎ data samples at high-luminosity heavy-flavor experiments in the future, we try to probe possible effects of new physics in the semileptonic B¯u,d,s⁎→Pl-ν¯l  (P=D,Ds,π,K) decays induced by b→(u,c)l-ν¯l transitions in the model-independent vector and scalar scenarios. Using the spaces of NP parameters obtained by fitting to the data of RD and RD⁎, the NP effects on the observables including branching fraction, ratio RP⁎, lepton spin asymmetry, and lepton forward-backward asymmetry are studied in detail. We find that the vector type couplings have large effects on the branching fraction and ratio RP⁎. Meanwhile, the scalar type couplings provide significant contributions to all of the observables. The future measurements of these observables in the B¯⁎→Pl-ν¯l decays at the LHCb and Belle-II could provide a way to crosscheck the various NP solutions to the “RD(⁎) puzzle”.
The Venom of Spectacled Cobra (Elapidae:Naja naja):In VitroStudy from Distinct Geographical Origins in Sri Lanka
Authors: Dissanayake Duminda S. B. , Thewarage Lasanthika D. , Waduge Roshitha N. , Ranasinghe J. G. S. , Kularatne S. A. M. , Rajapakse R. P. V. Jayanthe
Published: September 2018

Several countries residing envenomation due toNaja najahad revealed a disparity in the venom composition according to their geographic location and Sri Lankan cobra still lacks the evidence to support this. Therefore, the current study was focused on addressing relationship between the histopathological changes according to geographic variation of Sri LankanN. najavenom. The histopathological changes in vital organs and muscle tissues following intramuscular administration of venom ofN. najawere studied using BALB/c mice. The median lethal dose of venom ofN. najain the present study was determined to be 0.55, 0.66, 0.68, 0.62, and 0.7 mg/kg for North (NRP), Central (CRP), Western, Southern, and Sabaragamuwa Regional Population venoms, respectively. Histopathological changes were observed in different levels in vital organs and muscle tissues of mice. NRP accompanied significantly higher infiltration of inflammatory and necrotic cells into skeletal muscle and CRP venom demonstrated high level of cardiotoxic effects comparing to other regions. This study revealed a certain extent of variations in the pathological effects ofN. najavenom samples according to their geographical distribution.
Modeling Microscopic Car-Following Strategy of Mixed Traffic to Identify Optimal Platoon Configurations for Multiobjective Decision-Making
Authors: Seraj Mudasser , Li Jiangchen , Qiu Zhijun
Published: September 2018

Microscopic detail of complex vehicle interactions in mixed traffic, involving manual driving system (MDS) and automated driving system (ADS), is imperative in determining the extent of response by ADS vehicles in the connected automated vehicle (CAV) environment. In this context, this paper proposes a naïve microscopic car-following strategy for a mixed traffic stream in CAV settings and specified shifts in traffic mobility, safety, and environmental features. Additionally, this study explores the influences of platoon properties (i.e., intra-platoon headway, inter-platoon headway, and maximum platoon length) on traffic stream characteristics. Different combinations of MDS and ADS vehicles are simulated in order to understand the variations of improvements induced by ADS vehicles in a traffic stream. Simulation results reveal that grouping ADS vehicles at the front of traffic stream to apply Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control (CACC) based car-following model will generate maximum mobility benefits for upstream vehicles. Both mobility and environmental improvements can be realized by forming long, closely spaced ADS vehicles at the cost of reduced safety. To achieve balanced mobility, safety, and environmental advantages from mixed traffic environment, dynamically optimized platoon configurations should be determined at varying traffic conditions and ADS market penetrations.
Measuring Conflicts Using Cardinal Ranking: An Application to Decision Analytic Conflict Evaluations
Authors: Fasth Tobias , Larsson Aron , Ekenberg Love , Danielson Mats
Published: September 2018

One of the core complexities involved in evaluating decision alternatives in the area of public decision-making is to deal with conflicts. The stakeholders affected by and involved in the decision often have conflicting preferences regarding the actions under consideration. For an executive authority, these differences of opinion can be problematic, during both implementation and communication, even though the decision is rational with respect to an attribute set perceived to represent social welfare. It is therefore important to involve the stakeholders in the process and to get an understanding of their preferences. Otherwise, the stakeholder disagreement can lead to costly conflicts. One way of approaching this problem is to provide means for comprehensive, yet effective stakeholder preference elicitation methods, where the stakeholders can state their preferences with respect to actions part of the current agenda of a government. In this paper we contribute two supporting methods: (i) an application of the cardinal ranking (CAR) method for preference elicitation for conflict evaluations and (ii) two conflict indices for measuring stakeholder conflicts. The application of the CAR method utilizes a do nothing alternative to differentiate between positive and negative actions. The elicited preferences can then be used as input to the two conflict indices indicating the level of conflict within a stakeholder group or between two stakeholder groups. The contributed methods are demonstrated in a real-life example carried out in the municipality of Upplands Väsby, Sweden. We show how a questionnaire can be used to elicit preferences with CAR and how the indices can be used to semantically describe the level of consensus and conflict regarding a certain attribute. As such, we show how the methods can provide decision aid in the clarification of controversies.
Parallel Attribute Reduction Algorithm for Complex Heterogeneous Data Using MapReduce
Authors: Zhang Tengfei , Ma Fumin , Cao Jie , Peng Chen , Yue Dong
Published: September 2018

Parallel attribute reduction is one of the most important topics in current research on rough set theory. Although some parallel algorithms were well documented, most of them are still faced with some challenges for effectively dealing with the complex heterogeneous data including categorical and numerical attributes. Aiming at this problem, a novel attribute reduction algorithm based on neighborhood multigranulation rough sets was developed to process the massive heterogeneous data in the parallel way. The MapReduce‐based parallelization method for attribute reduction was proposed in the framework of neighborhood multigranulation rough sets. To improve the reduction efficiency, the hashing Map/Reduce functions were designed to speed up the positive region calculation. Thereafter, a quick parallel attribute reduction algorithm using MapReduce was developed. The effectiveness and superiority of this parallel algorithm were demonstrated by theoretical analysis and comparison experiments.
Hopf Bifurcation, Hopf-Hopf Bifurcation, and Period-Doubling Bifurcation in a Four-Species Food Web
Authors: Zhang Huayong , Kang Ju , Huang Tousheng , Cong Xuebing , Ma Shengnan , Huang Hai
Published: September 2018

Complex dynamics of a four-species food web with two preys, one middle predator, and one top predator are investigated. Via the method of Jacobian matrix, the stability of coexisting equilibrium for all populations is determined. Based on this equilibrium, three bifurcations, i.e., Hopf bifurcation, Hopf-Hopf bifurcation, and period-doubling bifurcation, are analyzed by center manifold theorem, bifurcation theorem, and numerical simulations. We reveal that, influenced by the three bifurcations, the food web can exhibit very complex dynamical behaviors, including limit cycles, quasiperiodic behaviors, chaotic attractors, route to chaos, period-doubling cascade in orbits of period 2, 4, and 8 and period 3, 6, and 12, periodic windows, intermittent period, and chaos crisis. However, the complex dynamics may disappear with the extinction of one of the four populations, which may also lead to collapse of the food web. It suggests that the dynamical complexity and food web stability are determined by the food web structure and existing populations.
Sequential Human Activity Recognition Based on Deep Convolutional Network and Extreme Learning Machine Using Wearable Sensors
Authors: Sun Jian , Fu Yongling , Li Shengguang , He Jie , Xu Cheng , Tan Lin
Published: September 2018

Human activity recognition (HAR) problems have traditionally been solved by using engineered features obtained by heuristic methods. These methods ignore the time information of the streaming sensor data and cannot achieve sequential human activity recognition. With the use of traditional statistical learning methods, results could easily plunge into the local minimum other than the global optimal and also face the problem of low efficiency. Therefore, we propose a hybrid deep framework based on convolution operations, LSTM recurrent units, and ELM classifier; the advantages are as follows: (1) does not require expert knowledge in extracting features; (2) models temporal dynamics of features; and (3) is more suitable to classify the extracted features and shortens the runtime. All of these unique advantages make it superior to other HAR algorithms. We evaluate our framework on OPPORTUNITY dataset which has been used in OPPORTUNITY challenge. Results show that our proposed method outperforms deep nonrecurrent networks by 6%, outperforming the previous reported best result by 8%. When compared with neural network using BP algorithm, testing time reduced by 38%.
Periosteal Osteosarcoma: A Single-Institutional Study of Factors Related to Oncologic Outcomes
Authors: Chan Chung Ming , Lindsay Adam D. , Spiguel Andre R. V. , Gibbs C. Parker , Scarborough Mark T.
Published: September 2018

Background. Periosteal osteosarcoma is a rare surface-based variant with a lower propensity to metastasis and better prognosis than conventional osteosarcoma. The literature supporting survival benefit with adjuvant chemotherapy is lacking. Our institutional practice is for chemotherapy to be offered to patients with high-grade disease. Methods. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients managed for periosteal osteosarcoma from 1970 to 2015 analyzing the survival outcomes and assessing for any relationship of survival to patient- or treatment-related factors. 18 patients were included. The study population presented at a mean of 20.8 years and was followed for a mean of 10.7 years. Factors assessed for an association with survival included age, size of tumor, use of chemotherapy, presence of medullary involvement, presence of high-grade disease, local recurrence, and site of disease. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazard regression were performed to calculate the survival rates and to assess for the effect of any factor on survival. Results. 10-year overall survival rate was 77.1%, and 10-year event-free survival rate was 66.4%. No factor was found to have an association with overall or event-free survival. Conclusion. These findings add to the available evidence which has failed to find any survival benefit from chemotherapy; patients with this rare disease and their families should be counselled regarding the unclear role of chemotherapy in this rare subtype of osteosarcoma.
Relationship between Serum Cytokeratin-18, Control Attenuation Parameter, NAFLD Fibrosis Score, and Liver Steatosis in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Kosasih Sumitro , Zhi Qin Wong , Abdul Rani Rafiz , Abd Hamid Nazefah , Chai Soon Ngiu , Azhar Shah Shamsul , Yaakob Yazmin , Raja Ali Raja Affendi
Published: September 2018

Backgrounds. The aim of this study was to appraise the relationship between serum fragmented cytokeratin-18(CK-18), controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), and liver steatosis assessed by ultrasound (US) in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients. Methods. Patients who underwent abdominal US were recruited, followed with measurement of CAP using Fibroscan® and serum fragmented CK-18 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The degree of liver steatosis assessed by US was categorized into mild (S1), moderate (S2), and severe (S3). Results. A total of 109 patients were included in our study. CAP and fragmented CK-18 level were significantly correlated with liver steatosis grade with rs = 0.56 and 0.68, p=0.001, respectively. NAFLD Fibrosis Score was poorly correlated with liver steatosis grade (rs=-0.096, p=0.318). Using fragmented CK-18 level, area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curves for S≥2 and S≥3 were excellent (0.82 and 0.84, respectively). Using CAP, AUROC curves for detection of S≥2 and S≥3 were good (0.76, 0.77, respectively). We also proposed cut-off value of CAP to detect S≥2 and S≥3 to be 263 and 319db/m, respectively, and fragmented CK-18 level to detect S≥2 and S≥3 (194 and 294 U/L, respectively). Conclusions. Both the fragmented CK-18 level and the CAP, but not NAFLD Fibrosis Score, were well correlated with hepatic steatosis grade as assessed by US.