bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eine Lehr-, Lern- und Forschungsorganisation durch Bertolt Brechts Ideen?
Authors: Koch Gerd
Published: July 2019

Meine back-ground-/back-stage-Phantasie: Wie sähe eine experimentelle Akademie für die Allgemeinheit aus, die keine Schauspiel-Schule oder Kunst-Akademie wäre, sondern eine, die sich mehr oder weniger an Vorschlägen des Theater-Machers Bertolt Brecht orientiert? Denn: Brechts poetische Kraft wirkt pädagogisch / bildend und bleibt poetisch. Er stellt seine Potenzen in gesellschaftliche Aushandlungsprozesse – durchaus störrisch, nicht anpasslerisch und nicht anbiedernd. Er tritt damit in eine Bildungsbewegung ein, die Demokratisierung und literarische Aufklärung verbinden möchte und kann. Es findet eine Geselligkeitserziehung statt. Und solch ein pädagogisches Modell eines Theater- und Literatur-Menschen weist über das Feld von Theater, Kunst, Literatur, Ästhetik u. ä. hinaus. Und es kann denen im Sinne einer „konkreten Utopie“ (Ernst Bloch) dienlich sein, die in verwalteten, zweck-funktionalen Lehr-Lern-Situationen tätig sind.
Study of Air Quality at One of the World’s Most Densely Populated City Dhaka and its Suburban Areas
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Lokman , Roy Subrata Chandra , Bepari Mithun Chandra , Begum Bilkis Ara
Published: July 2019

Air borne particulate matter PM10 and PM2.5 were collected by using Mini Vol portable Air Sampler from the world most densely populated city Dhaka and its suburban areas over a period of January through December in 2016. This study revealed a comparison of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) of a highly polluted urban area to its two neighboring areas that accommodate heavy oil based power plants. In all three sites the quantity of PM decreases in summer reaching its lowest level in the month of July, however, it increases significantly in winter season. Despite the presence of the fuel based power plants the average concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 at the city Dhaka surpasses its two neighbors Manikganj and Nawabganj. Interestingly, PM2.5/PM10 ratio is higher at the suburban areas than urban area. The study shows that for all the sites PM2.5 is approximately twice than that of WHO and USEPA. However, the values of PM2.5 is almost similar for Nawabganj and Manikganj but much higher for the Dhaka city especially during dry season . The Mass concentration of Black Carbon (BC) was also determined from the PM samples from Manikganj and Nawabganj.

Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 43, No. 1, 59-66, 2019
Identifikasi Beras Berdasarkan Warna Menggunakan Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System
Authors: Alfianto Muhammad Gilang , Whidhiasih Retno Nugroho , Maimunah Maimunah
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACT

 

Rice is the main food ingredient for Indonesian people. Through the National Standardization Agency, The Government has established a general requirement of rice, that is good quality rice which has a white color of whitewashed and low-quality rice which has a yellowish color (SNI 6128: 2015). To determine the different color of good quality rice and the low-quality one it often happens of wrong identification caused by different perception on the color. This problem can be solved by creating the system to identify good quality rice of IR64 and the low-quality one. The data used are primary data, in the form of good quality rice with grain image of 50 and the low-quality one is 50. The observation data used for trial is La * b * and Sa * b * using Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference Systems ( ANFIS). The observation variable Sa * b * produce higher identification compared to La*b*, with accuracy value is  90%.

 

Keyword : rice, quality,color,classification

 

ABSTRAK

 

Beras merupakan bahan pangan utama masyarakat Indonesia. Pemerintah melalui badan Standarisasi Nasional telah menetapkan syarat umum beras, yaitu beras berkualitas baik yang mempunyai warna putih mengapur dan beras berkualitas  rusak yang mempunyai warna kekuningan (SNI 6128:2015). Untuk menentukan perbedaan warna beras berkualitas baik dan rusak seringkali terjadi kesalahan identifikasi yang dikarenakan perbedaan persepsi warna. Hal tersebut dapat diatasi dengan membuat sistem untuk mengidentifikasi butir beras IR 64 yang berkualitas baik dan rusak. Data yang digunakan adalah data primer, yang berupa gambar butir beras berkualitas baik sebanyak 50 dan butir beras beras berkualitas rusak sebanyak 50. Variabel penduga yang dicobakan adalah La*b* dan Sa*b* dengan menggunakan metode Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference Systems (ANFIS). Variabel penduga Sa*b* menghasilkan identifikasi yang lebih tinggi dibandingakan La*b* dengan nilai akurasi sebesar 90%.

 

Kata kunci : beras, kualitas,warna,klasifikasi
Approaches to Jurisdiction Clauses in Anglophone African Common Law Countries: Principle and Policy
Authors: Kennedy Anthony
Published: July 2019

When parties based in different countries enter into a contract, they may be well advised to include therein a jurisdiction clause, agreeing that the courts of a particular place will have (exclusive) jurisdiction to determine disputes arising out of that contract. This article analyses the various approaches which courts in Anglophone African common law countries adopt when asked to enforce exclusive jurisdiction clauses. By scrutinising these various approaches, this article hopes to develop further the legal policy informing courts' decisions whether to enforce exclusive jurisdiction clauses in the places under study.
Intellectual Property Protection of African Traditional Medicine within the Legal Framework of the Right to Development
Authors: Ngang Carol Chi , Ageh Patrick Agejo
Published: July 2019

In this article, we examine the prospect of securing intellectual property protection of African traditional medicine within the legal framework of the right to development in Africa. We do so with the aim to advance the right to development as an imperative to improving living standards for the peoples of Africa. Our analysis involves determining to what extent adequate protection could be secured to the benefit of the communities that engage in the practice of traditional medicine as a livelihood. Despite the imposition of western medicine, which has dominated traditional medicine since the colonial era, the latter has survived and, as we argue, deserves protection for gainful purpose as part of the common heritage, which the peoples of Africa are entitled by law to benefit from. With the renewed impetus directed towards re-establishing African value systems against the iniquities of imperial domination, our central focus in this article is to demonstrate that the practice of traditional medicine is deeply rooted in African culture, which under the African human rights system is granted as a human right. In essence, the advancement of African culture constitutes an integral aspect of the right to socio-economic and cultural development enshrined in the African Charter. Unlike other intellectual property regimes, which we argue are not sufficiently protective, we posit that the right development provides a sui generis framework within which intellectual property protection of African traditional medicine could effectively be claimed as a measure to secure redistributive justice, which the peoples of Africa have been deprived of over the decades.
PENGEMBANGAN INTERACTIVE PROBLEM BASED MODULE UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KETERAMPILAN BERPIKIR KRITIS DAN PENGUASAAN KONSEP IPA
Authors: B. Seftian B. Seftian , Permanasari Anna , Rubini Bibin
Published: July 2019

Abstrak: Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode Research and Development (R&D) terbatas dengan desain ADDIE yang diharapkan akan menghasilkan produk berupa Interactive Problem Based Module (IPBM). Penelitian selanjutnya dilakukan untuk mengetahui efektifitas dari IPBM terhadap peningkatan keterampilan berpikir kritis (CT) dan penguasaan konsep IPA siswa pada materi kepadatan populasi dan pencemaran lingkungan. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan pada salah satu SMP di Kota Bogor semester genap tahun 2017. Populasi penelitian berjumlah 33 orang siswa yang ditentukan secara purposive sampling. Penelitian pre-eksperimen ini dilakukan dengan pre-post test design. Instrumen tes yang digunakan berupa soal pilihan ganda dan uraian yang sebelumnya telah diuji terhadap item tes berupa uji validitas, uji reliabilitas, tingkat kesukaran butir soal, dan daya pembeda soal. IPBM divalidasi oleh ahli dari segi media maupun materi dengan penilaian dalam kategori sangat baik. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penggunaan IPBM dalam pembelajaran dapat meningkatkan keterampilan berpikir kritis dan penguasaan konsep IPA dengan baik. Hal tersebut dapat dilihat dari data yang diperoleh Hasil implementasi terlebih menyeluruh terhadap penggunaan IPBM dalam pembelajaran dapat meningkatkan Keterampilan Berpikir Kritis siswa dengan %N-gain 48, dan meningkatkan Penguasaan Konsep siswa dengan %N-gain 40. Siswa yang memenuhi kriteria ketuntasan adalah 27 orang dari 33 siswa.Kata Kunci: Interactive Problem Based Module, Keterampilan Berpikir Kritis, Penguasaan Konsep
PENGEMBANGAN PERANGKAT PEMBELAJARAN MODEL INKUIRI TERBIMBING MIND MAPPING UNTUK MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR SISWA PADA MATERI HIDROLISIS GARAM
Authors: Faza Afina Riza Walida Luthfi , Agustini Rudiana , Tukiran Tukiran
Published: July 2019

Abstrak: Penelitian ini bertujuan mengembangkan perangkat pembelajaran kimia berorientasi model inkuiri terbimbing dengan strategi mind mapping yang valid, praktis dan efektif. Jenis penelitian yang dilakukan adalah penelitian pengembangan dengan model Research & Development (R & D). Perangkat pembelajaran diujikan terhadap siswa kelas XI SMA Negeri 1 Tuban Tahun Pelajaran 2014/2015 pada materi hidrolisis garam. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan: (1) validitas teoritis terhadap rencana pelaksanaan pembelajaran, buku ajar siswa, lembar kegiatan siswa dan tes hasil belajar berkategori sangat baik; (2) keterlaksanaan rencana pelaksanaan pembelajaran berkategori baik; (3) aktivitas siswa menunjukkan nilai tertinggi pada kegiatan membuat rumusan masalah, membuat hipotesis sementara, mengumpulkan data dan berdiskusi dengan teman; (4) keterbacaan Buku Ajar Siswa (BAS) dan Lembar Kegiatan Siswa (LKS) mudah dipahami oleh siswa (5) seluruh siswa mencapai ketuntasan hasil belajar dengan nilai tinggi (0,9); dan (6) respon siswa baik terhadap proses pembelajaran. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian ini, dapat disimpulkan bahwa perangkat pembelajaran kimia SMA menggunakan model inkuri terbimbing dengan strategi mind mapping pada materi hidrolisis garam layak sehingga dapat digunakan dalam pembelajaran.Kata Kunci: inkuiri terbimbing, pengembangan perangkat pembelajaran, strategi mind mapping.
An Optimized Differential Step-Size LMS Algorithm
Authors: Rusu Alexandru-George , Ciochină Silviu , Paleologu Constantin , Benesty Jacob
Published: July 2019

Adaptive algorithms with differential step-sizes (related to the filter coefficients) are well known in the literature, most frequently as “proportionate” algorithms. Usually, they are derived on a heuristic basis. In this paper, we introduce an algorithm resulting from an optimization criterion. Thereby, we obtain a benchmark algorithm and also another version with lower computational complexity, which is rigorously valid for less correlated input signals. Simulation results confirm the theory and outline the performance of the algorithms. Unfortunately, the good performance is obtained by an important increase in computational complexity. Nevertheless, the proposed algorithms could represent useful benchmarks in the field.
Effect of a Canine-Assisted Read Aloud Intervention on Reading Ability and Physiological Response: A Pilot Study
Authors: Fung Suk-Chun
Published: July 2019

The aim of this study was to determine whether there is an increase in the reading fluency and accuracy of three lower performing third-graders after participating in a canine-assisted read-aloud program, as well as an increase in the relaxation level during and after the program. This study employed a pre-test-post-test design to test the hypotheses that gains would be made in both reading fluency and reading accuracy upon completion of the program. The three grade 3 students were assessed by the Chinese Character Reading Test and the Reading Fluency Test. During the intervention, they read to a trained canine in the presence of a handler. Three days after the completion of the seven 20-min interventions, the participants were assessed by the two standardized reading tests a second time. Heart rate variability (HRV) responses to the pre-test, the intervention and the post-test were recorded. The three grade 3 students attained a higher level of relaxation while reading to the dog and increased their reading fluency after the reading sessions. These results provided preliminary evidence that the canine-assisted read-aloud program can increase the reading performance of children with lower performance. Implications for future research and reading programs will be discussed.
Animal Images Database: Validation of 120 Images for Human-Animal Studies
Authors: Possidónio Catarina , Graça João , Piazza Jared , Prada Marília
Published: July 2019

There has been increasing interest in the study of human-animal relations. This contrasts with the lack of normative resources and materials for research purposes. We present subjective norms for a set of 120 open-source colour images of animals spanning a total of 12 biological categories (e.g., mammals, insects, reptiles, arachnids). Participants (N = 509, 55.2% female, MAge = 28.05, SD = 9.84) were asked to evaluate a randomly selected sub-set of 12 animals on valence, arousal, familiarity, cuteness, dangerousness, edibility, similarity to humans, capacity to think, capacity to feel, acceptability to kill for human consumption and feelings of care and protection. Animal evaluations were affected by individual characteristics of the perceiver, particularly gender, diet and companion animal ownership. Moral attitudes towards animals were predominantly predicted by ratings of cuteness, edibility, capacity to feel and familiarity. The Animal Images Database (Animal.ID) is the largest open-source database of rated images of animals; the stimuli set and item-level data are freely available online.
Genomic Identification and Expression Analysis of the Cathelicidin Gene Family of the Forest Musk Deer
Authors: Zhang Long , Jie Hang , Xiao Yingping , Zhou Caiquan , Lyu Wentao , Bai Wenke
Published: July 2019

The forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii) is a small-sized artiodactyl species famous for the musk secreted by adult males. In the captive population, this species is under the threat of infection diseases, which greatly limits the increase of individual numbers. In the present study, we computationally analyzed the repertoire of the cathelicidin (CATHL) family from the genome of forest musk deer and investigated their expression pattern by real-time PCR. Our results showed that the entire genome of forest musk deer encodes eight cathelicidins, including six functional genes and two pseudogenes. Phylogenetic analyses further revealed that all forest musk deer cathelicidin members have emerged before the split of the forest musk deer and cattle and that forest musk deer CATHL3L2 and CATHL9 are orthologous with two cattle pseudogenes. In addition, the gene expression results showed that the six functional genes are not only abundantly expressed in the spleen and lung, but are also differently expressed in response to abscesses, which suggests that forest musk deer cathelicidins may be involved in infections. Taken together, identification and characterization of the forest musk deer cathelicidins provide fundamental data for further investigating their evolutionary process and biological functions.
An Approach to Measuring Colistin Plasma Levels Regarding the Treatment of Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Infection
Authors: Pacheco Tatiana , Bustos Rosa-Helena , González Diana , Garzón Vivian , García Julio-Cesar , Ramírez Daniela
Published: July 2019

Antimicrobial resistance to antibiotic treatment has significantly increased during recent years, causing this to become a worldwide public health problem. More than 70% of pathogenic bacteria are resistant to at least one of the currently used antibiotics. Polymyxin E (colistin) has recently been used as a “last line” therapy when treating Gram-negative multi-resistant bacteria. However, little is known about these molecules’ pharmacological use as they have been discontinued because of their high toxicity. Recent research has been focused on determining colistimethate sodium’s pharmacokinetic parameters to find the optimal dose for maintaining a suitable benefit–risk balance. This review has thus been aimed at describing the use of colistin on patients infected by multi-drug resistant bacteria and the importance of measuring this drug’s plasma levels in such patients.
Form-Finding Analysis of a Class 2 Tensegrity Robot
Authors: Manríquez-Padilla Carlos G. , Zavala-Pérez Oscar A. , Pérez-Soto Gerardo I. , Rodríguez-Reséndiz Juvenal , Camarillo-Gómez Karla A.
Published: July 2019

In this paper, a new form-finding analysis methodology for a class 2 tensegrity robot is proposed. The methodology consists of two steps: first, the analysis of the possible geometric configurations of the robot is carried out through the results of the kinematic position analysis; and, second, from the static analysis, the equilibrium positions of the robot are found, which represents its workspace. Both kinematics and static analysis are resolved in a closed-form using basic tools of linear algebra instead of the strategies used in literature. Four numerical experiments are presented using the finite element analysis software ANSYS©. Additionally, a comparison between the results of the form-finding analysis methodology proposed and the ANSYS© results is presented.
NIRS-EMG for Clinical Applications: A Systematic Review
Authors: Scano Alessandro , Zanoletti Marta , Pirovano Ileana , Spinelli Lorenzo , Contini Davide , Torricelli Alessandro , Re Rebecca
Published: July 2019

In this review, we present an overview of the applications and computed parameters of electromyography (EMG) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) methods on patients in clinical practice. The eligible studies were those where both techniques were combined in order to assess muscle characteristics from the electrical and hemodynamic points of view. With this aim, a comprehensive screening of the literature based on related keywords in the most-used scientific data bases allowed us to identify 17 papers which met the research criteria. We also present a brief overview of the devices designed specifically for muscular applications with EMG and NIRS sensors (a total of eight papers). A critical analysis of the results of the review suggests that the combined use of EMG and NIRS on muscle has been only partially exploited for assessment and evaluation in clinical practice and, thus, this field shows promises for future developments.
Dynamic Responses Measured by Optical Fiber Sensor for Structural Health Monitoring
Authors: Her Shiuh-Chuan , Chung Shin-Chieh
Published: July 2019

An optical fiber sensing system integrating a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor, a long-period fiber grating (LPFG) optical filter and a photodetector is presented to monitor the dynamic response of a structure subjected to base excitation and impact loading. The FBG sensor is attached to a test specimen and connected to an LPFG filter. As the light reflected from the FBG sensor is transmitted through the long-period fiber grating filter, the intensity of the light is modulated by the wavelength, which is affected by the strain of the FBG. By measuring the intensity of the light using a photodetector, the wavelength reflected from the FBG sensor can be demodulated, thus leading to the determination of the strain in the structure. To demonstrate its effectiveness, the proposed sensing system was employed to measure the dynamic strain of a beam subjected to mechanical testing. The mechanical tests comprised three load scenarios: base excitation by a shaker at resonant frequency, impact loading by a hammer and shock test on a drop table. To monitor the dynamic strain during the test and validate the accuracy of the measurement of the FBG sensor, strain gauge was used as reference. Experimental results show good correlation between the measurements of FBG sensor and strain gauge. The present work provides a fast response and easy-to-implement optical fiber sensing system for structural health monitoring based on real-time dynamic strain measurements.
Structural Requirements for Antimicrobial Activity of Phenolic Nor-Triterpenes from Celastraceae Species
Authors: Moujir Laila , R. López Manuel , P. Reyes Carolina , Jiménez Ignacio A. , L. Bazzocchi Isabel
Published: July 2019

The emergence of pathogenic bacteria-resistant strains is a major public health issue. In this regard, natural product scaffolds offer a promising source of new antimicrobial drugs. In the present study, we report the antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and the yeast Candida albicans of five phenolic nor-triterpenes (1–5) isolated from Maytenus blepharodes and Maytenus canariensis in addition to four derivatives (6–9), three of them reported for the first time. Their stereostructures have been elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, including one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) NMR techniques, spectrometric methods, and comparison with data reported in the literature. To understand the structural basis for the antimicrobial activity of this type of compounds, we have performed an in-depth study of the structure–activity relationship (SAR) of a series of previously reported phenolic nor-triterpenes. The SAR analysis was based on the skeleton framework, oxidation degree, functional groups, and regiosubstitution patterns, revealing that these aspects modulate the antimicrobial activity.
A New Anti-Windup Compensator Based on Quantitative Feedback Theory for an Uncertain Linear System with Input Saturation
Authors: Jeyasenthil R. , Choi Seung-Bok
Published: July 2019

This paper devotes to the robust stability problem for an uncertain linear time invariant (LTI) feedback system with actuator saturation nonlinearity. Based on a three degree of freedom (DOF) non-interfering control structure, the robust stability is enforced with the describing function (DF) approach for an uncertain LTI system to avoid the limit cycle. A new type of anti-windup (AW) compensator is designed using the quantitative feedback theory (QFT) graphical method, which results in a simple design procedure and low-order AW control system. One of the most significant benefits of the proposed method is free of the non-convexity (intractable) drawback of the linear matrix inequality (LMI)-based approach. The analysis conducted on the benchmark problem clearly reveals that the proposed QFT-based anti-windup design is able to handle both saturation and uncertainty in a very effective manner.
Resonant-XRD Characterization of Nanoalloyed Au-Pd Catalysts for the Direct Synthesis of H2O2: Quantitative Analysis of Size Dependent Composition of the Nanoparticles †
Authors: Centomo Paolo , Canton Patrizia , Burato Claudio , Meneghini Carlo , Zecca Marco
Published: July 2019

The focus of this work is on the relationship between the quantitative structural characterization of bimetallic Au-Pd nanoparticles dispersed in an amorphous polymer matrix and their catalytic activity in the direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide (DS reaction). Resonant X-ray powder diffraction with synchrotron radiation was employed to probe selectively and to reveal fine details of the structure of bimetallic nanoparticles embedded in the support. The semi-quantitative analysis of the resonant X-ray powdered diffraction data, made on a large number of metal nanoparticles, shows that in one of the polymer-supported Au-Pd catalyst for the DS reaction (P75) featured by an overall molar Pd/Au of about 5.54, the smallest metal nanoparticles (MNPs), which account for more than 99.9% of the total MNPs number and for more than 95% of the metal surface, are formed by practically pure palladium. The relative number of bimetallic alloyed nanoparticles is very small (less than 4 × 102 ppm) and they contribute to only about 2% of the total metal surface. In a second gold-enriched catalyst (P50) with an overall molar Pd/Au of 1.84, the proportion of the bimetallic alloyed nanoparticles increased to about 97% and they account for about 99% of the metal surface. As a result of the metal intermixing, the catalytic productivity for the DS reaction increased from 97 to 109 mmolH2O2/molH2, owing to the gold-promotion of palladium.
Numerical Investigation of Jet Angle Effect on Airfoil Stall Control
Authors: Kim Junkyu , Park Young Min , Lee Junseong , Kim Taesoon , Kim Minwoo , Lim Jiseop , Jee Solkeun
Published: July 2019

Numerical study on flow separation control is conducted for a stalled airfoil with steady-blowing jet. Stall conditions relevant to a rotorcraft are of interest here. Both static and dynamic stalls are simulated with solving compressible Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations. It is expected that a jet flow, if it is applied properly, provides additional momentum in the boundary layer which is susceptible to flow separation at high angles of attack. The jet angle can influence on the augmentation of the flow momentum in the boundary layer which helps to delay or suppress the stall. Two distinct jet angles are selected to investigate the impact of the jet angle on the control authority. A tangential jet with a shallow jet angle to the surface is able to provide the additional momentum to the flow, whereas a chord-normal jet with a large jet angle simply averts the external flow. The tangential jet reduces the shape factor of the boundary layer, lowering the susceptibility to the flow separation and delaying both the static and dynamic stalls.
Convolutional Models for the Detection of Firearms in Surveillance Videos
Authors: Romero David , Salamea Christian
Published: July 2019

Closed-circuit television monitoring systems used for surveillance do not provide an immediate response in situations of danger such as armed robbery. In addition, they have multiple limitations when human operators perform the monitoring. For these reasons, a firearms detection system was developed using a new large database that was created from images extracted from surveillance videos of situations in which there are people with firearms. The system is made up of two parts—the “Front End” and “Back End”. The Front End is comprised of the YOLO object detection and localization system, and the Back End is made up of the firearms detection model that is developed in this work. These two systems are used to focus the detection system only in areas of the image where there are people, disregarding all other irrelevant areas. The performance of the firearm detection system was analyzed using multiple convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures, finding values up to 86% in metrics like recall and precision in a network configuration based on VGG Net using grayscale images.
Comparative Study of Different Approaches for Islanding Detection of Distributed Generation Systems
Authors: Shrestha Ashish , Kattel Roshan , Dachhepatic Manish , Mali Bijen , Thapa Rajiv , Singh Ajay , Bista Diwakar , Adhikary Brijesh , Papadakis Antonis , Maskey Ramesh Kumar
Published: July 2019

The issue of unintentional islanding in grid interconnection still remains a challenge in grid-connected, Distributed Generation System (DGS). This study discusses the general overview of popular islanding detection methods. Because of the various Distributed Generation (DG) types, their sizes connected to the distribution networks, and, due to the concern associated with out-of-phase reclosing, anti-islanding continues to be an issue, where no clear solution exists. The passive islanding detection technique is the simplest method to detect the islanding condition which compares the existing parameters of the system having some threshold values. This study first presents an auto-ground approach, which is based on the application of three-phase, short-circuit to the islanded distribution system just to reclose and re-energize the system. After that, the data mining-decision tree algorithm is implemented on a typical distribution system with multiple DGs. The results from both of the techniques have been accomplished and verified by determining the Non-Detection Zone (NDZ), which satisfies the IEEE standards of 2 s execution time. From the analysis, it is concluded that the decision tree approach is effective and highly accurate to detect the islanding state in DGs. These simulations in detail compare the old and new methods, clearly highlighting the progress in the field of islanding detection.
Linking Flood Susceptibility Mapping and Governance in Mexico for Flood Mitigation: A Participatory Approach Model
Authors: Bonasia Rosanna , Lucatello Simone
Published: July 2019

In many countries of the world, floods continue to cause extensive damage to people and properties. This is also the case of Mexico, where meteorological phenomena cause flooding every year. In order to mitigate continuous losses and damages, crucial tools like hazard maps are essential for prevention. This review article analyzes the main reasons for the shortcomings on disasters caused by floods in Mexico. We argue that strong linking between the realm of technical hazard mappings and local governance as an integrated approach to manage disasters can be a basis for a new prevention policy in Mexico. This consideration is achieved through the description of the available information on the meteorological events that have caused major damage in recent years and the analysis of the interventions carried out at decision-making level by the government and the national civil protection system. The application that hazard maps have in the world and their usefulness is also discussed. From the analysis carried out it emerges that the inefficiency of the system in preventing damage caused by floods in Mexico is due to both the lack of high-level expertise in hazard maps design and the lack of their use in decision-making policies at the local level.
Evaluation of the Aqua-MODIS C6 and C6.1 Aerosol Optical Depth Products in the Yellow River Basin, China
Authors: Zhang Miao , Liu Jing , Li Wei , Bilal Muhammad , Zhao Feifei , Zhang Chun , Yuan Bo , Khedher Khaled Mohamed
Published: July 2019

In this study, Aqua-Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Collection (C6) and C6.1 Dark Target aerosol optical depth (AOD) retrievals at 3 km (DT3K) and 10 km (DT10K), Deep Blue AOD retrievals at 10 km (DB10K), and combined DT and DB (DTB) AOD retrievals at 10 km resolutions were validated from 2002 to 2014 against ground-based sunphotometer AOD measurements obtained from the Chinese aerosol remote sensing network (CARSNET). The CARSNET AOD data were obtained for sites at Mt. Waliguan (MW), Lanzhou (LZ), Ulate (UL), and Zhengzhou (ZZ) located in the Yellow River basin (YERB) region, China. Errors and agreement between satellite and ground data were reported using Pearson’s correlation (R) and relative mean bias (RMB). Results showed that the DT3K C6.1 highest quality flag (QF = 3) AOD retrievals were well correlated with the sunphotometer AOD data, with an R of 0.82 and an RMB of 1.01. Overestimation and underestimation in DT AOD retrievals were observed for AOD > 1.1 and AOD < 1.1, respectively. A significant underestimation of 37% in DB10K AOD retrievals was observed across all the sites except ZZ, which was indicated by a low-value RMB (0.63). Spatial distribution maps showed high AOD values (>0.8) over the lower part of the YERB and low AOD values (<0.4) across the upstream part of the YERB. This might be due to a large number of aerosol emissions over the lower developed areas and a scarcity of aerosols over the upstream mountain areas. Overall, this study supports the use of DT10K C6.1 AOD retrievals over the western semi-arid and arid regions of the YERB and DTB10K AOD retrievals over the north-central water system and eastern plain regions of the YERB.
The Administration of Chitosan-Tripolyphosphate-DNA Nanoparticles to Express Exogenous SREBP1a Enhances Conversion of Dietary Carbohydrates into Lipids in the Liver of Sparus aurata
Authors: Silva-Marrero Jonás I. , Villasante Juliana , Rashidpour Ania , Palma Mariana , Fàbregas Anna , Almajano María Pilar , Viegas Ivan , Jones John G. , Miñarro Montserrat , Ticó Josep R. , Baanante Isabel V. , Metón Isidoro
Published: July 2019

In addition to being essential for the transcription of genes involved in cellular lipogenesis, increasing evidence associates sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs) with the transcriptional control of carbohydrate metabolism. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of overexpression SREBP1a, a potent activator of all SREBP-responsive genes, on the intermediary metabolism of Sparus aurata, a glucose-intolerant carnivorous fish. Administration of chitosan-tripolyphosphate nanoparticles complexed with a plasmid driving expression of the N-terminal transactivation domain of SREBP1a significantly increased SREBP1a mRNA and protein in the liver of S. aurata. Overexpression of SREBP1a enhanced the hepatic expression of key genes in glycolysis-gluconeogenesis (glucokinase and 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase), fatty acid synthesis (acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 and acetyl-CoA carboxylase 2), elongation (elongation of very long chain fatty acids protein 5) and desaturation (fatty acid desaturase 2) as well as reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate production (glucose-6-phosphate 1-dehydrogenase) and cholesterol synthesis (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase), leading to increased blood triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Beyond reporting the first study addressing in vivo effects of exogenous SREBP1a in a glucose-intolerant model, our findings support that SREBP1a overexpression caused multigenic effects that favoured hepatic glycolysis and lipogenesis and thus enabled protein sparing by improving dietary carbohydrate conversion into fatty acids and cholesterol.
The Use of Digital Technologies, Impulsivity and Psychopathological Symptoms in Adolescence
Authors: Cerniglia Luca , Guicciardi Marco , Sinatra Maria , Monacis Lucia , Simonelli Alessandra , Cimino Silvia
Published: July 2019

Background and aims: Past research on the associations between psychopathological symptoms and technological-based addictions, i.e., Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and Social Media Addiction (SMA), showed contradictory results in adolescents and adult populations. The present study investigated correlations between adolescents’ psychopathological risks and impulsivity, IGD and SMA. Methods: A sample of 656 participants (338 males; Mage = 16.32 years) was divided into three age groups (early, mid-, and late adolescence) and completed a battery of scales comprising the (i) Internet Gaming Disorder Scale–Short Form, (ii) Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, (iii) Barratt Impulsiveness Scale for Adolescents, and (iv) Symptom Checklist-90-R. Results: The significance of the correlations was not corroborated in the basic tables. Significant associations appeared only in the adolescent subgroups, sometimes for bivariate and sometimes for partial correlations and with different patterns of associations between males and females. Moreover, both technological addictions were correlated with impulsiveness in bivariate and partial correlations. Discussion and conclusions: Following a developmentally-oriented approach to determine the patterns of associations between technological behavioral addictions and psychopathology in the specific sub-phases of early-, mid- and late-adolescence, this exploratory research showed how these associations might change depending on the developmental phase and gender of the individual. Future research is needed to provide empirical evidence of specific emotional–psychopathological correlations.
Circulating Tumor Cells in Right- and Left-Sided Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Nicolazzo Chiara , Raimondi Cristina , Gradilone Angela , Emiliani Alessandra , Zeuner Ann , Francescangeli Federica , Belardinilli Francesca , Seminara Patrizia , Loreni Flavia , Magri Valentina , Tomao Silverio , Gazzaniga Paola
Published: July 2019

Molecular alterations are not randomly distributed in colorectal cancer (CRC), but rather clustered on the basis of primary tumor location underlying the importance of colorectal cancer sidedness. We aimed to investigate whether circulating tumor cells (CTC) characterization might help clarify how different the patterns of dissemination might be relative to the behavior of left- (LCC) compared to right-sided (RCC) cancers. We retrospectively analyzed patients with metastatic CRC who had undergone standard baseline CTC evaluation before starting any first-line systemic treatment. Enumeration of CTC in left- and right-sided tumors were compared. The highest prognostic impact was exerted by CTC in left-sided primary cancer patients, even though the lowest median number of cells was detected in this subgroup of patients. CTC exhibit phenotypic heterogeneity, with a predominant mesenchymal phenotype found in CTC from distal compared to proximal primary tumors. Most CTC in RCC patients exhibited an apoptotic pattern. CTC in left-sided colon cancer patients exhibit a predominant mesenchymal phenotype. This might imply a substantial difference in the biology of proximal and distal cancers, associated with different patterns of tumor cells dissemination. The poor prognosis of right-sided CRC is not determined by the hematogenous dissemination of tumor cells, which appears to be predominantly a passive shedding of non-viable cells. Conversely, the subgroup of poor-prognosis left-sided CRC is reliably identified by the presence of mesenchymal CTC.
Development of Electrochemical Sensor Based on Carbonaceal and Metal Phthalocyanines Materials for Determination of Ethinyl Estradiol
Authors: Karla Lombello Coelho Malena , Nunes da Silva Daniela , César Pereira Arnaldo
Published: July 2019

This work describes the development of an electrochemical sensor that was used in the determination of ethinyl estradiol (EE) in pharmaceutical formulations, river water, and milk using the square wave voltammetry technique. Studies were carried out using different carbonaceous materials (multiwalled carbon nanotubes, reduced graphene oxide Reduced graphene oxide, graphite) and different metallic phthalocyanines (cobalt, iron and manganese). Based on these studies it was possible to obtain the best system for the construction of the sensor. The device was obtained by the chemical modification of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc). The materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Under conditions previously optimized for the proposed method, an analytical curve was constructed, presenting linearity in a range of 2.50–90.0 μmol L−1 (R = 0.990), with detection limit of 2.20 μmol L−1 and quantification of 2.50 μmol L−1. The validation of the methodology for the determination of EE using GCE-MWCNTs-CoPc was performed, being accurate, precise, stable and sensitive. The recovery of ethinyl estradiol in the sample of pharmaceutical formulation was 103.93%, in the samples of river water ranged from 92.75% to 96.47%, and in the milk sample was from 88.00% to 96.20%. Thus, the proposed method presented a viable alternative for the determination of ethinyl estradiol in the quality control of pharmaceutical and food formulations as well as in environmental control.
Thermal Stability of YSZ Coatings Deposited by Plasma Spray–Physical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Cheng Zefei , Yang Jiasheng , Shao Fang , Zhong Xinghua , Zhao Huayu , Zhuang Yin , Ni Jinxing , Tao Shunyan
Published: July 2019

The plasma spray–physical vapor deposition (PS–PVD) process has received considerable attention due to its non-line of sight deposition ability, high deposition rates, and cost efficiency. Compared with electron beam–physical vapor deposition (EB–PVD), PS–PVD can also prepare thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) with columnar microstructures. In this paper, yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) coatings were fabricated by PS–PVD. Results showed that the as-deposited coating presented a typical columnar structure and was mainly composed of metastable tetragonal (t′-ZrO2) phase. With thermal exposure, the initial t′ phase of YSZ evolved gradually into monoclinic (m-ZrO2) phase. Significant increase in hardness (H) and the Young’s modulus (E) of the coating was attributed to the sintering effect of the coating during the thermal exposure, dependent on exposure temperature and time. However, the values of H and E decreased in the coatings thermally treated at 1300–1500 °C for 24 h, which is mainly affected by the formation of m-ZrO2 phase.
Zeolite-Assisted Shear Exfoliation of Graphite into Few-Layer Graphene
Authors: Tubon Usca Gabriela , Vacacela Gomez Cristian , Guevara Marco , Tene Talia , Hernandez Jorge , Molina Raul , Tavolaro Adalgisa , Miriello Domenico , Caputi Lorenzo S.
Published: July 2019

A novel method is presented to prepare few-layer graphene (FLG) in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP) by using a simple, low-cost and energy-effective shear exfoliation assisted by zeolite and using a cappuccino mixer to produce shear. We propose that the exfoliation of natural graphite flakes can be achieved using inelastic collisions between graphite flakes and zeolite particles in a dynamic colloidal fluid. To confirm the exfoliation of FLG, spectroscopy and morphological studies are carried out using Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Additionally, the obtained graphene shows a linear flow of current and low resistance. The proposed method shows great promise for the industrial-scale synthesis of high-quality graphene with potential applications in future graphene-based devices, and furthermore, this method can be extended to exfoliate inorganic layered materials such as BN and MoS2.
Synergistic Path for Dual Anisotropic and Electrically Switchable Emission From a Nanocomposite of CsPbBr3 Quantum Cuboids and Nematic Liquid Crystal
Authors: Satapathy Pragnya , Santra Pralay K. , Prasad S. Krishna
Published: July 2019

We report photophysical properties of a nanocomposite consisting of perovskite quantum cuboids (QCs) formed by CsPbBr3 and a wide temperature range nematic liquid crystal. Contrary to observations made with conventional II-VI quantum dots dispersed in a liquid crystal, the used QCs form, under the influence of the nematic orientation, linear assemblies over macroscopic length scales evidenced by polarizing optical microscopy. Interestingly, the linear assembly is actually caused by such an anisotropic arrangement at the nm scale, as seen in TEM images. Thin films of the nanocomposite exhibiting this unique and fascinating character exhibit absorption and emission features, which are quite appealing. These include retention of the sharp bandwidth of emission characteristic of the native QCs and establishment of dual anisotropies, arising from the values being different along the director as well in the two directions orthogonal to it. We also present data on voltage-driven switching between one of the anisotropic limits.
Misclassification in Binary Choice Models with Sample Selection
Authors: Arezzo Maria Felice , Guagnano Giuseppina
Published: July 2019

Most empirical work in the social sciences is based on observational data that are often both incomplete, and therefore unrepresentative of the population of interest, and affected by measurement errors. These problems are very well known in the literature and ad hoc procedures for parametric modeling have been proposed and developed for some time, in order to correct estimate’s bias and obtain consistent estimators. However, to our best knowledge, the aforementioned problems have not yet been jointly considered. We try to overcome this by proposing a parametric approach for the estimation of the probabilities of misclassification of a binary response variable by incorporating them in the likelihood of a binary choice model with sample selection.
An EMD-Based Algorithm for Emboli Detection in Echo Doppler Audio Signals
Authors: Pierleoni Paola , Palma Lorenzo , Belli Alberto , Pieri Massimo , Maurizi Lorenzo , Pellegrini Marco , Marroni Alessandro
Published: July 2019

Divers’ health state after underwater activity can be assessed after the immersion using precordial echo Doppler examination. An audio analysis of the acquired signals is performed by specialist doctors to detect circulating gas bubbles in the vascular system and to evaluate the decompression sickness risk. Since on-site medical assistance cannot always be guaranteed, we propose a system for automatic emboli detection using a custom portable device connected to the echo Doppler instrument. The empirical mode decomposition method is used to develop a real-time algorithm able to automatically detect embolic events and, consequently, assess the decompression sickness risk according to the Spencer’s scale. The proposed algorithm has been tested according to an experimental protocol approved by the Divers Alert Network. It involved 30 volunteer divers and produced 37 echo Doppler files useful for the algorithm’s performances evaluation. The results obtained by the proposed emboli detection algorithm (83% sensitivity and 76% specificity) make the system particularly suitable for real-time evaluation of the decompression sickness risk level. Furthermore, the system could also be used in continuous monitoring of hospitalized patients with embolic risks such as post surgery ones.
Charging–Discharging Control Strategy for a Flywheel Array Energy Storage System Based on the Equal Incremental Principle
Authors: Shi Changli , Wei Tongzhen , Tang Xisheng , Zhou Long , Zhang Tongshuo
Published: July 2019

The widely used flywheel energy storage (FES) system has such advantages as high power density, no environment pollution, a long service life, a wide operating temperature range, and unlimited charging–discharging times. The flywheel array energy storage system (FAESS), which includes the multiple standardized flywheel energy storage unit (FESU), is an effective solution for obtaining large capacity and high-power energy storage. In this paper, the strategy for coordinating and controlling the charging–discharging of the FAESS is studied in depth. Firstly, a deep analysis is conducted on the loss generated during the charging–discharging process of the FESU. The results indicate that the loss is related to the charging–discharging of power. To solve the problems of over-charging, over-discharging, and overcurrent caused by traditional charging–discharging control strategies, this paper proposes a charging–discharging coordination control strategy based on the equal incremental principle (EIP). This strategy aims to minimize the total loss and establish a mathematical model of optimal coordination control with the constraints of total charging–discharging power, rated power limit, over-charging, over-discharging, and overcurrent. Based on the EIP, the optimal distribution scheme of power charging–discharging is determined. Secondly, this paper gives the specific implementation scheme of the optimal coordinated control strategy. Lastly, the charging–discharging coordinated control strategy is verified by examples. The results show that the coordinated control strategy can effectively reduce the loss during the charging–discharging process and can prevent over-charging, over-discharging, and overcurrent of the system. Overall, it has a better control effect than the existing charging–discharging control strategies.