bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distributed Fiber Optics Sensing and Coda Wave Interferometry Techniques for Damage Monitoring in Concrete Structures
Authors: Bassil Antoine , Wang Xin , Chapeleau Xavier , Niederleithinger Ernst , Abraham Odile , Leduc Dominique
Published: January 2019

The assessment of Coda Wave Interferometry (CWI) and Distributed Fiber Optics Sensing (DFOS) techniques for the detection of damages in a laboratory size reinforced concrete beam is presented in this paper. The sensitivity of these two novel techniques to micro cracks is discussed and compared to standard traditional sensors. Moreover, the capacity of a DFOS technique to localize cracks and quantify crack openings is also assessed. The results show that the implementation of CWI and DFOS techniques allow the detection of early subtle changes in reinforced concrete structures until crack formation. With their ability to quantify the crack opening, following early detection and localization, DFOS techniques can achieve more effective monitoring of reinforced concrete structures. Contrary to discrete sensors, CWI and DFOS techniques cover larger areas and thus provide more efficient infrastructures asset management and maintenance operations throughout the lifetime of the structure.
Air Quality Monitoring for Vulnerable Groups in Residential Environments Using a Multiple Hazard Gas Detector
Authors: Wu Yujiao , Liu Taoping , Ling Sai Ho , Szymanski Jan , Zhang Wentian , Su Steven Weidong
Published: January 2019

This paper presents a smart “e-nose” device to monitor indoor hazardous air. Indoor hazardous odor is a threat for seniors, infants, children, pregnant women, disabled residents, and patients. To overcome the limitations of using existing non-intelligent, slow-responding, deficient gas sensors, we propose a novel artificial-intelligent-based multiple hazard gas detector (MHGD) system that is mounted on a motor vehicle-based robot which can be remotely controlled. First, we optimized the sensor array for the classification of three hazardous gases, including cigarette smoke, inflammable ethanol, and off-flavor from spoiled food, using an e-nose with a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber can prevent the impact of environmental changes. We compared the classification results of all combinations of sensors, and selected the one with the highest accuracy (98.88%) as the optimal sensor array for the MHGD. The optimal sensor array was then mounted on the MHGD to detect and classify the target gases without a mixing chamber but in a controlled environment. Finally, we tested the MHGD under these conditions, and achieved an acceptable accuracy (70.00%).
Design and Application of Toxic and Harmful Gas Monitoring System in Fire Fighting
Authors: Fan Yufeng , Zhu Xiaodong , Sui Hulin , Sun Haotai , Wang Zhongming
Published: January 2019

In recent years, fire accidents in petrochemical plant areas and dangerous goods storage ports in China have shown a trend of frequent occurrence. Toxic and harmful gases are diffused in the scenes of these accidents, which causes great difficulties for fire fighting and rescue operations of fire fighting forces, and consequently, casualties of firefighters often occur. In order to ensure the safety of firefighters in such places, this paper designs a monitoring system of toxic and harmful gases specially used in fire fighting and rescue sites of fire forces, and establishes the transmission network, monitoring terminal and data processing software of the monitoring system of toxic and harmful gases, establishing the danger model of the monitoring area of toxic and harmful gas-monitoring terminal, and the danger model of fire fighters’ working area, fusing the field toxic and harmful gas data, terminal positioning data, and field environmental data, designing the data structure of the input data set and the network structure of the RNN cyclic neural network model, and realizing the dynamic early warning of toxic and harmful gases on site.
Clustering Cloud-Like Model-Based Targets Underwater Tracking for AUVs
Authors: Sheng Mingwei , Tang Songqi , Qin Hongde , Wan Lei
Published: January 2019

Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) rely on a mechanically scanned imaging sonar that is fixedly mounted on AUVs for underwater target barrier-avoiding and tracking. When underwater targets cross or approach each other, AUVs sometimes fail to track, or follow the wrong target because of the incorrect association of the multi-target. Therefore, a tracking method adopting the cloud-like model data association algorithm is presented in order to track underwater multiple targets. The clustering cloud-like model (CCM) not only combines the fuzziness and randomness of the qualitative concept, but also achieves the conversion of the quantitative values. Additionally, the nearest neighbor algorithm is also involved in finding the cluster center paired to each target trajectory, and the hardware architecture of AUVs is proposed. A sea trial adopting a mechanically scanned imaging sonar fixedly mounted on an AUV is carried out in order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. Experiment results demonstrate that compared with the joint probabilistic data association (JPDA) and near neighbor data association (NNDA) algorithms, the new algorithm has the characteristic of more accurate clustering.
The Differentiated Influence of Technology Absorption on Regional Economic Growth in China
Authors: Yi Ming , Fang Xiaomeng , Zhang Yao
Published: January 2019

Technology absorption based on technology input–output is a main source of regional economic growth, and it can be one of the mechanisms to achieve regional sustainable development. In order to explore the influence mechanism and effects of regional technology absorption on economic growth, this paper classifies 30 provinces (including municipalities and autonomous regions) in China into technology input areas and technology output areas. With economic data from 2000 to 2016, this paper adopts the Hausman test and conducts an empirical study using regression analysis of fixed effect and random effect. The result shows that: (1) compared to technology output areas, technology absorption has a greater effect on economic growth in technology input areas; and (2) in general, all of these different types of technology transactions contribute to promoting regional economy. In technology output areas, the promoting effects of four different technology transactions on economic growth are sequenced from strong to weak as following: technology development, technology consultation, technology service, and technology transfer, while in the technology input areas, the promotion effect on economic growth from strong to weak is technology development, technology service, technology consultation, and technology transfer.
Crises of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Satoyama Landscape of Japan: A Review on the Role of Management
Authors: Jiao Yuanmei , Ding Yinping , Zha Zhiqin , Okuro Toshiya
Published: January 2019

Satoyama is a Japanese term used to describe the traditional rural landscape in Japan. It has changed continuously from overuse to underuse stages under the development of economy and society, which caused the loss of both biodiversity and ecosystem services. In this paper, we summarized the interactions of biodiversity and ecosystem services affected by human management in Satoyama landscape. The results indicate: (1) the concepts of Satoyama forests and Satoyama landscape varied with researchers and their objectives. The most popular one is a mosaic landscape consisting of Satoyama (secondary) forests, rice paddies, grassland, ponds, irrigating systems, and rural settlements; (2) traditional management regimes on Satoyama landscape were the disturbing mechanisms to provide multiple ecosystem services, as well as a series of semi-natural habitats for species; (3) due to significant progress in economy and technology in Japan, the aging problems of farmers, industrialized agriculture, the import of ecosystem services and goods from international markets, and global climate changes eventually caused the simplification of crop plants, the invasion of alien species, the fragmentation of habitats, and the decreasing of ecosystem services; (4) future research should pay more attention to the complex mechanisms of biodiversity crises and ecosystem services at the landscape scale, considering pattern-process relationships.
Defining and Quantifying National-Level Targets, Indicators and Benchmarks for Management of Natural Resources to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Dickens Chris , Smakhtin Vladimir , McCartney Matthew , O’Brien Gordon , Dahir Lula
Published: January 2019

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), are high on the agenda for most countries of the world. In its publication of the SDGs, the UN has provided the goals and target descriptions that, if implemented at a country level, would lead towards a sustainable future. The IAEG (InterAgency Expert Group of the SDGs) was tasked with disseminating indicators and methods to countries that can be used to gather data describing the global progress towards sustainability. However, 2030 Agenda leaves it to countries to adopt the targets with each government setting its own national targets guided by the global level of ambition but taking into account national circumstances. At present, guidance on how to go about this is scant but it is clear that the responsibility is with countries to implement and that it is actions at a country level that will determine the success of the SDGs. Reporting on SDGs by country takes on two forms: i) global reporting using prescribed indicator methods and data; ii) National Voluntary Reviews where a country reports on its own progress in more detail but is also able to present data that are more appropriate for the country. For the latter, countries need to be able to adapt the global indicators to fit national priorities and context, thus the global description of an indicator could be reduced to describe only what is relevant to the country. Countries may also, for the National Voluntary Review, use indicators that are unique to the country but nevertheless contribute to measurement of progress towards the global SDG target. Importantly, for those indicators that relate to the security of natural resources security (e.g., water) indicators, there are no prescribed numerical targets/standards or benchmarks. Rather countries will need to set their own benchmarks or standards against which performance can be evaluated. This paper presents a procedure that would enable a country to describe national targets with associated benchmarks that are appropriate for the country. The procedure builds on precedent set in other countries but in particular on a procedure developed for the setting of Resource Quality Objectives in South Africa. The procedure focusses on those SDG targets that are natural resource-security focused, for example, extent of water-related ecosystems (6.6), desertification (15.3) and so forth, because the selection of indicator methods and benchmarks is based on the location of natural resources, their use and present state and how they fit into national strategies.
Determinants of the Behavioral Lock-in of Rural Residents’ Direct Biomass Energy Consumption in China
Authors: Han Hongyun , Wu Shu
Published: January 2019

The transition from traditional to modern energy is widely accepted as a critical facilitator of improved health, social, and livelihood outcomes, but over three quarters of China’s rural population are still persisting with traditional energy practices. Using panel data on 28 provinces during 1991–2014, this paper investigates how institutional pressure, status quo inertia, and the allure of power and control affect rural residents’ direct biomass energy consumption (RRDBEC) in China. The empirical results show that: (1) the institutional pressure of the number of staff in rural energy administrative agencies facilitates the lock-in of RRDBEC, but government funding on rural energy development has an opposite impact; (2) status quo inertia, depicted by the lagged term of planting proportion of grain and the expenditure proportion of meat, is verified to lock RRDBEC; (3) the allure of power and control, depicted by the lagged term of ownership of firewood-saving stoves, strengthens the lock-in of RRDBEC; (4) income level, education level, and dependency ratio are verified as significant and negative determinants of RRDBEC, while fuel prices lock RRDBEC. Therefore, the policy implications include transforming the functions of rural energy administrative agencies, increasing government funds, carrying out public education of health and environment awareness, and providing economic incentives.
Spatial Relationships between Urban Structures and Air Pollution in Korea
Authors: Jung Meen Chel , Park Jaewoo , Kim Sunghwan
Published: January 2019

Urban structures facilitate human activities and interactions but are also a main source of air pollutants; hence, investigating the relationship between urban structures and air pollution is crucial. The lack of an acceptable general model poses significant challenges to investigations on the underlying mechanisms, and this gap fuels our motivation to analyze the relationships between urban structures and the emissions of four air pollutants, including nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and two types of particulate matter, in Korea. We first conduct exploratory data analysis to detect the global and local spatial dependencies of air pollutants and apply Bayesian spatial regression models to examine the spatial relationship between each air pollutant and urban structure covariates. In particular, we use population, commercial area, industrial area, park area, road length, total land surface, and gross regional domestic product per person as spatial covariates of interest. Except for park area and road length, most covariates have significant positive relationships with air pollutants ranging from 0 to 1, which indicates that urbanization does not result in a one-to-one negative influence on air pollution. Findings suggest that the government should consider the degree of urban structures and air pollutants by region to achieve sustainable development.
Spatial Heterogeneity in the Determinants of Urban Form: An Analysis of Chinese Cities with a GWR Approach
Authors: Li Shijie , Zhou Chunshan , Wang Shaojian , Gao Shuang , Liu Zhitao
Published: January 2019

It is of great significance to investigate the determinants of urban form for shaping sustainable urban form. Previous studies generally assumed the determinants of urban form did not vary across spatial units, without taking spatial heterogeneity into account. In order to advance the theoretical understanding of the determinants of urban form, this study attempted to examine the spatial heterogeneity in the determinants of urban form for 289 Chinese prefecture-level cities using a geographically weighted regression (GWR) method. The results revealed the spatially varying relationship between urban form and its underlying factors. Population growth was found to promote urban expansion in most Chinese cities, and decrease urban compactness in part of the Chinese cities. Cities with larger administrative areas were more likely to have dispersed urban form. Industrialization was demonstrated to have no impact on urban expansion in cities located in the eastern coastal region of China, which constitutes the country’s most developed regions. Local financial revenue was found to accelerate urban expansion and increase urban shape irregularity in many Chines cities. It was found that fixed investment exerted a bidirectional impact on urban expansion. In addition, urban road networks and public transit were also identified as the determinants of urban form for some cities, which supported the complex urban systems (CUS) theory. The policy implications emerging from this study lies in shaping sustainable urban form for China’s decision makers and urban planners.
A Novel 2D—Grid of Scroll Chaotic Attractor Generated by CNN
Authors: Ali Ahmed M. , Ramadhan Saif M. , Tahir Fadhil R.
Published: January 2019

The complex grid of scroll chaotic attractors that are generated through nonlinear electronic circuits have been raised considerably over the last decades. In this paper, it is shown that a subclass of Cellular Nonlinear Networks (CNNs) allows us to generate complex dynamics and chaos in symmetry pattern. A novel grid of scroll chaotic attractor, based on a new system, shows symmetry scrolls about the origin. Also, the equilibrium points are located in a manner such that the symmetry about the line x = y has been achieved. The complex dynamics of system can be generated using CNNs, which in turn are derived from a CNN array ( 1 × 3 ) cells. The paper concerns on the design and implementation of 2 × 2 and 3 × 3 2 D -grid of scroll via the CNN model. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulations of the derived model are included. The simulation results reveal that the grid of scroll attractors can be successfully reproduced using PSpice.
Monitoring HIV-1 Assembly in Living Cells: Insights from Dynamic and Single Molecule Microscopy
Authors: Inamdar Kaushik , Floderer Charlotte , Favard Cyril , Muriaux Delphine
Published: January 2019

The HIV-1 assembly process is a multi-complex mechanism that takes place at the host cell plasma membrane. It requires a spatio-temporal coordination of events to end up with a full mature and infectious virus. The molecular mechanisms of HIV-1 assembly have been extensively studied during the past decades, in order to dissect the respective roles of the structural and non-structural viral proteins of the viral RNA genome and of some host cell factors. Nevertheless, the time course of HIV-1 assembly was observed in living cells only a decade ago. The very recent revolution of optical microscopy, combining high speed and high spatial resolution, in addition to improved fluorescent tags for proteins, now permits study of HIV-1 assembly at the single molecule level within living cells. In this review, after a short description of these new approaches, we will discuss how HIV-1 assembly at the cell plasma membrane has been revisited using advanced super resolution microscopy techniques and how it can bridge the study of viral assembly from the single molecule to the entire host cell.
Measles at Work: Status of Measles Vaccination at a Multinational Company
Authors: Moussli Nora , Kabengele Emmanuel , Jeannot Emilien
Published: January 2019

Background: This study aims to evaluate the status of measles vaccination among employees working for a multinational company. It also assesses the effectiveness of an on-site prevention campaign. In keeping with the guidelines of the World Health Organization regarding measles awareness, the Federal Office of Public Health in Switzerland aims to eliminate measles by 2020. Methods: A questionnaire about measles vaccination was sent by e-mail and via a fluid survey. Logistic regression models examined the associations between explicative variables and the status of complete measles immunization. The status of complete measles immunization was used as the primary outcome. Results: 17% of the participants were not aware of their measles immunization status, 14% had had only one dose of the vaccination, and only 24% had two doses. Male employees had a lower probability of being vaccinated against measles than women [aOR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.43–0.86]. Employees of Swiss and African origin had a higher probability of being vaccinated than employees of European origin (aOR = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.13–3.33). Conclusions: Based on the results of the questionnaire, further efforts are needed to promote measles vaccination through awareness campaigns so that employees become more aware of the importance of measles immunization.
TECHNICAL AND ECONOMICAL EFFECTIVENESS OF THE COMBINED GUYS MAST
Authors: Jatulis Donatas , Juozaoaitis Algirdas , Kamaitis Zenonas
Published: January 2019

This article presents the investigation of a new structure of the guyed mast with combined guys. Technical and economical effectiveness based on material saving criteria of this structure is analysed. Formulas and recommendations are given for determining the rational bending moments distribution in the mast and the coordinates of the guy attachment points. Numerical simulation shows that the new guy cable system allows reducing the quantity of materials for steel masts.
RESEARCH ON SEAMS FORMATION BETWEEN THE LAYERS OF GLUED BITUMINOUS ROOFING MEMBRANES AND ANALYSIS OF THEIR PARAMETERS
Authors: Karablikovas Andrejus
Published: January 2019

Durability of roofs has been increased by using polymer bituminous material. The most serious problem is reliability of glued seams between the overlap of layers. By analysing this problem the mechanism of seams formation and impact of gluing technology on properties of durability and maintenance such as strength, thickness and appearance of unglued places are analysed. The final thickness of seams is regarded as an additional criterion for seam evaluation. The dependence of seam strength on heating duration of melted surfaces has been determined experimentally. It was found that the maximum strength of seams is about 15–20 % of bituminous roofing membranes and cannot be increased by a gluing technology. The solutions are suggested as practical means for increasing the durability of flat roof bituminous membranes.
SELECTION OF CRITERIA FOR PROCESS MONITORING AT THE OPERATIVE LEVEL OF ROAD QUALITY MANAGEMENT
Authors: Leonovich Ivan , Kashevskaja Elena
Published: January 2019

A strategic goal of road quality management is to create favourable infrastructure conditions for the economic and social development of the country, raising the living standard and promoting activities for improving the use of natural and industrial resources and national stability.

In this study the quality management was analysed as a three‐level system: at level I (strategic) the management of the road sector as a whole is discussed out; at level II (tactical) the solutions for distributing the road quality management and the planned resources between the contracting organisations are realised; at level III (operative) the quality is operatively managed in the course of production process. The main attention in the article is paid to the selection of criteria for process monitoring at an operative level of road quality management. The article shows that the essential criteria of road quality management monitoring are: technical (engineering), financial and social.
PROMOTION OF USE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES IN LITHUANIA
Authors: Štreimikiene Dalia , Pareigis Rimantas
Published: January 2019

The article describes market barriers and failures that limit the use of renewables and stipulates the necessity of support them. It reviews the situation of renewable energy in Lithuania and evaluates the potential of their future application. It also presents the systematised detailed overview of policy measures to support use of renewable energy sources in Lithuania and a comparison with policy measures applied to enhance usage of renewable energy sources in the Baltic States. The main targets of the article are: to analyse the situation of renewable energy use in Lithuania and Lithuanian commitments in this field; to evaluate legal issues of promotion renewable energy sources in the EU and Lithuania.
INSURANCE MARKET MATURITY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY IN POLAND AND LITHUANIA
Authors: Bernat Tomasz , Grundey Dainora
Published: January 2019

Market economy, functioning in most countries of the world, is built of markets operating within it. Overviewing its origin historically, we should analyse the stages of its development or transformations, which influenced its present form. The markets in the economies are more or less free and the economies are more or less market, depending on the state's policy, the citizens’ attitudes, the legal system etc [1, p. 19–20]. These factors form the functioning of individual markets with all the elements of their effects. The aim of the paper is the analysis of insurance markets in Poland and Lithuania in reference to EU‐15. It is subordinated to a research hypothesis, which states that insurance markets of the surveyed countries (Poland and Lithuania), which have experienced system transformations, are further formed according to the model of the developed-mature markets, which are functioning in market economies for many years.
TRANSFORMATIONS IN RISK MANAGEMENT OF CURRENCY EXCHANGE IN LITHUANIAN COMMERCIAL BANKS
Authors: Nedzvedskas Jonas , Aniūnas Povilas
Published: January 2019

After the adoption of International Convergence of Capital Measurement and Capital Standards (widely known as Basel II requirements) in 2004 the risk management in commercial banks has changed dramatically. Lithuanian commercial banks are in transitional period now adapting their risk management systems to Basel II requirements. Market risk is considered one of the key risks in bank risk management structure, so proper management of market risk is essential for a modern bank. Currency exchange risk usually is the main component of market risk. Currency exchange risk management in Lithuanian commercial banks was not good enough; also the Central Bank's regulatory limits were liberal. But after the adoption of Basel II requirements, the entire risk management system is transforming and currency exchange risk management is affected. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the transformations of currency exchange in Lithuanian commercial banks and propose an effective model for commercial banking. These transformations are performed in the regulatory system imposed by the Central Bank of Lithuania and through transformations of the bank's internal risk management system moving to internal (usually VaR based) models. VaR models are considered as modern methods for risk management. These models proposed by Central bank or other authorities for internal and statutory risk management in commercial banks. In this article, the proposed variation‐covariation VaR model was tested with real data using the back‐testing method. Back‐testing showed that the proposed model is reliable enough, because the number of mismatches was less than 5 % in all tested currency pairs during all testing. In most currency pairs mismatches percentage was lower than 3 %. Back‐testing results confirm that the VaR method is reliable enough for day‐to‐day using by financial institutions and traders.
IMPACT OF THE CAPITAL MARKET ON THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE ECONOMY IN UKRAINE
Authors: Krupka Stanisław
Published: January 2019

The paper is dedicated to a thorough analysis of the formation of the securities market in Ukraine, which follows the hash transitional road to market economy full of political vibes and the fight of interest groups reflected in the so‐called “grey” or “black” economy. Therefore the path to developing the market of securities in Ukraine was not easy. An overview of the related laws and directives passed in Ukraine is presented with the author's comments, suggestions and scientific reasoning of how the market of securities developed then and what are the prospects for the future. With this purpose in mind, the author presents data on the legal efforts of the Ukrainian Government to prepare a fruitful soil for the development of securities market and discussed the obstacles, which posed and still pose threats for an adequate functioning of the Ukrainian market of securities. Some European comparisons are taken into account, especially from the Frontier's group countries.
HOW HAS THE CONTINUATION OF ‘SOFT’ BUDGET CONSTRAINTS AFFECTED THE PERFORMANCE OF STATE‐OWNED ENTERPRISES AND IS THE ALTERNATIVE OF PRIVATISATION FEASIBLE?
Authors: Michael Bryane
Published: January 2019

This paper will argue that the continued existence of state‐owned enterprises (SOE) soft budget constraints, while adversely affecting SOE performance, reflects wider problems in the regulation of Chinese industry. As such, simple recourse to privatisation will not address the deep structural factors, such as over‐politicisation and under‐regulation of the private sector, which affect SOE performance. Section I of the paper will discuss the “direct” effects of soft budget constraints on SOE performance in China. Section II will address the “indirect effects” of soft budget constraints through their effects on the competitive environment vis‐a‐vis private sector firms. Section III will address the issue of privatisation and discuss the broader factors which affect both the extension of soft budget constraints and low SOE performance.
THE IMPLICATIONS OF FINANCING HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE CONTEXT OF LABOUR FORCE MIGRATION: THE CASE OF LITHUANIA
Authors: Grundey Dainora , Sarvutytė Miglė
Published: January 2019

This paper aims at presenting a conceptually new model of labour force migration in relation to the higher education policy making and the role of the Government in this process. The concept of human capital development stands out as the main theoretical backbone in this paper, comprising the aspects of financing the higher education and any realities, of how educated specialists could return (if at all) the Government's subsidies provided in their education process, especially in case of their migration to foreign countries. As Lithuania, alongside with other new EU member‐states, such as Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Latvia etc, experiences a ‘brain‐drain’ effect on its labour force market, which, consequently, has a crucial impact on the equilibrium of skilled and unskilled workforce in the listed countries. Therefore the authors raise a question, whether the labour force migration process could be managed, controlled or monitored?
MULTI-VARIANT DECISION SUPPORT E‐SYSTEM FOR DEVICE AND KNOWLEDGE BASED INTELLIGENT RESIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Naimavičiene Jurga , Kaklauskas Artūras , Gulbinas Andrius
Published: January 2019

Intelligent housing is a novelty in Lithuania yet. Such housing is not popular in our country. Specialists of automation claim that such situation occurred not only because people lack knowledge but also because the concept of intelligent housing is interpreted erroneously (most people think that remotely controlled door of garage, for instance, makes their housing intelligent). Intelligent helpers started to emerge in households only recently. Intelligent ambient assisted environment model, created by authors, helps to evaluate intelligent ambient assisted environment by social, cultural, political, legal, economical, technological and environmental factors analysis. Basing on this model also ambient assisted environment supply and demand as well as various criteria evaluation, the system able to select the best intelligent devices alternatives accordingly to each family needs was created. Through analysis of separate parts of an existing household, it is possible to distinguish intelligent devices that I study, ie intelligent lock, intelligent robot‐cleaner, intelligent infant respiratory monitor, intelligent sentinel and intelligent keyboard. Users of intelligent devices are families of young people, who want to save time and who appreciate convenience and innovations. Advantages and benefits of devices used by families of young people are being analysed. In order to provide the best guarantee for rational selection of variants of intelligent devices, decisions must be based on the system of criteria which describes variants of intelligent devices, the decision Support system must reflect consumer requirements to the best possible extent, and the data provided in the system must be real and updated easily. Computer and internet technologies, multi‐variant evaluation methods as well as principles and requirements applicable to favourable residential environment are combined to achieve this goal.
PRACTICAL METHOD OF FLEXURAL STRENGTH CALCULATION OF REINFORCED AND PRESTRESSED CONCRETE MEMBERS
Authors: Otsmaa Vello , Pedak Tiit
Published: January 2019

In this paper the flexural strength analysis of reinforced and prestressed concrete members with symmetrical cross‐sections loaded in the plane of symmetry is performed. A new practical method for determining the height of the compression zone is proposed. The method is valid for normal and high‐strength concretes and for different distributions of bars along the section. It is based on the assumptions, simplifications and material properties of Eurocode 2. Design equations have been developed for the rectangular stress distribution in the concrete compression zone and for the steel stress‐strain diagrams with a horizontal and inclined top branch. A numerical example is presented to show the method usage.
PROBABILITY MODELS FOR ASSESSING TRANSPORT TERMINAL OPERATION
Authors: Baublys Adolfas
Published: January 2019

The paper considers the following problems: 1) The development of a probability model to determine malfunction of the terminal; 2) Determining the emergency situations at the terminal based on statistical data; 3) Optimizing the effect of failures on the operation of the terminal; 4) Identifying the conflicting situations in making managerial decisions at the terminal.
FORECASTS OF PETROLEUM DEMAND
Authors: Kugelevičius Jonas Algirdas , Kuprys Algirdas , Kugelevičius Jonas
Published: January 2019

Trends of consumption of petroleum products in Lithuania are analyzed. It is shown that these trends during the transition period to the market economy are not stable. Therefore, methods and models of the comparative analysis are proposed for the statistical modelling trends of consumption of petroleum products, comparing the relative indicators of consumption of petroleum products in transition economy and in the European Community of 15 EU developed market countries. Long‐term forecasts of consumption of petroleum products in Lithuania for the perspective of 2010–2025 were calculated on the basis of perspective scenarios of statistical models. Forecasts of final consumption of petroleum products as well as automotive fuel demands are presented.
COMPUTER MODELING OF THE PROCESS OF OVERTURNING OF THE AUTOMOBILE
Authors: Sokolovskij Edgar
Published: January 2019

The article deals with investigation of the possibilities of the program PC CRASH, meant for the computer modeling of the movement of vehicles. The computer modeling of the process of overturning of the automobile with the help of the program PC CRASH is introduced. The cross profile of the road, the height of the centre of gravity of the automobile and the other parameters are evaluated while modeling. The influence of the introduced parameters upon the computer modeling results is investigated. The possibilities of application of the computer modeling programs in the expert assessment of the traffic accidents are considered, the items on reliability of the results of modeling and the requirements, raised towards the experts, who work with such programs, are analyzed.
GD358: Three Decades of Observations for the In-depth Asteroseismology of a DBV Star
Authors: Bischoff-Kim Agnès , Provencal J. L. , Bradley P. A. , Montgomery M. H. , Shipman H. L. , Harrold Samuel T. , Howard B. , Strickland W. , Chandler D. , Campbell D. , Arredondo A. , Linn R. , Russell D. P. , Doyle D. , Brickhouse A. , Peters D. , Kim S.-L. , Jiang X. J. , Mao Y-N. , Kusakin A. V. , Sergeev A. V. , Andreev M. , Velichko S. , Janulis R. , Pakstiene E. , Aliçavuş F. , Horoz N. , Zola S. , Ogłoza W. , Koziel-Wierzbowska D. , Kundera T. , Jableka D. , Debski B. , Baran A. , Meingast S. , Nagel T. , Loebling L. , Heinitz C. , Hoyer D. , Bognár Zs. , Castanheira B. G. , Erdem A.
Published: January 2019

We report on the analysis of 34 years of photometric observations of the pulsating helium atmosphere white dwarf GD358. The complete data set includes archival data from 1982 to 2006, and 1195.2 hr of new observations from 2007 to 2016. From this data set, we extract 15 frequencies representing g-mode pulsation modes, adding 4 modes to the 11 modes known previously. We present evidence that these 15 modes are ℓ = 1 modes, 13 of which belong to a consecutive sequence in radial overtone k. We perform a detailed asteroseismic analysis using models that include parameterized, complex, carbon and oxygen core composition profiles to fit the periods. Recent spectroscopic analyses place GD358 near the red edge of the DBV instability strip, at 24,000 ± 500 K and a

of 7.8 ± 0.08 dex. The surface gravity translates to a mass range of 0.455–0.540

. Our best-fit model has a temperature of 23,650 K and a mass of 0.5706

. That is slightly more massive than what is suggested by the most recent spectroscopy. We find a pure helium layer mass of 10−5.50, consistent with the result of previous studies and the outward diffusion of helium over time.
Indirect Method Usage of Distance and Error Measurement by Single Optical Cameras
Authors: Bui M. , Doskocil R. , Krivanek V. , Ha T. , Bergeon Y. , Kutilek P.
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we proposed an indirect method to measure the distance of an object accurately by single visual cameras using triangulation. The object can be seen as the third point of a triangle with two known sides and one known angle. Distance to object can be determined indirectly on the base of known sides and angle, rather than being measured directly. It would be very useful in case there is no line of sight to object (inaccessible) or an obstacle interrupts it. Furthermore, the results show that the measured distance using the indirect method has a lower measurement error than the one using the direct method. This method establishes a basis for the implementation of the position algorithm into the navigation subsystem of swarm robots and will be very helpful especially in robot cooperation.
Real-time Optimal Control of Multi-wheeled Combat Vehicles - using Artificial Neural Network and Potential Fields
Authors: Mohamed A. , EI-Gindy M. , Huang X. , Ren J. , Lang H.
Published: January 2019

This paper presents a real-time path planning algorithm for autonomous multi-wheeled combat vehicles using Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Artificial Potential Fields (APFs) and optimal control theory. Real-time navigation of autonomous vehicles is a very complex problem and it is crucial for many military operations. This paper proposes an optimal control and ANN approach for a dynamic model of the multi-wheeled combat vehicle to generate the possible optimal paths that cover every part of the workspace.
Consequently, the obtained paths are used to train the proposed ANN model. The trained ANN has the capability to control the movement of combat vehicle in real time from any starting point to the desired goal position within the area of interest. The vehicle path is autonomously generated from the previous vehicle location parameter in terms of lateral velocity, heading angle and yaw rate of the vehicle. APF is proposed for preventing the vehicle from colliding with obstacles in border destination. The effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed approach are demonstrated in the simulation results, which show that the proposed ANN model is capable of navigating the multi-wheeled combat vehicle in real time.
Cost-Effectiveness of Second-generation Direct-acting Antiviral Agents in Chronic HCV Infection: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Szilberhorn László , Kaló Zoltán , Ágh Tamás
Published: January 2019

Background

Our objectives were to review the economic modelling methods and cost-effectiveness of second-generation direct-acting antiviral agents for the treatment of chronic HCV infection.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed in February 2017 using Scopus and OVID to review relevant publications between 2011 to present. Two independent reviewers screened potential papers.

Results

The database search resulted in a total of 1,536 articles; after deduplication, title/abstract and full text screening, 67 studies were included for qualitative analysis. The vast majority of studies were conducted in high-income countries ( n=59) and used Markov-based modelling techniques ( n=60). Most of the analyses utilized long-term time horizons; 58 studies calculated lifetime costs and outcomes. The examined treatments were heterogenic among the studies; seven analyses did not directly evaluate treatments (just with screening or genotype testing). The examined treatments ( n=60) were either dominant (23%), or cost-effective at base case (57%) or in given subgroups (18%). Only one (2%) study reported that the assessed treatment was not cost-effective with the given setting and price.

Conclusions

Despite their high initial therapeutic costs, second-generation direct-acting antiviral agents were found to be cost-effective to treat chronic HCV infection. Studies were predominantly conducted in higher income countries, although we have limited information on cost-effectiveness in low- and middle-income countries, where assessment of cost-effectiveness is even more essential due to more limited health-care resources and potentially higher public health burden due to unsafe medical interventions.
A remarkable new species of Pamianthe (Amaryllidaceae) from the Department of Cauca, Colombia
Authors: Meerow Alan W. , Silverstone-Sopkin Philip A. , Zuluaga-Tróchez Alejandro , Sánchez-Taborda Jhon A.
Published: January 2019

A new saxicolous species of Amaryllidaceae tentatively assigned to the tribe Clinantheae, Pamiantheecollis Silverst., Meerow & Sánchez-Taborda, is described from the western slope of the Cordillera Occidental in the department of Cauca, Colombia. The new species differs from the two hitherto known species of Pamianthe in its yellow flowers and in its nearly obsolete perianth tube. The near loss of the perianth tube may be correlated with a change in pollinator. The new species lacks a bulb; it produces a large number of winged seeds that are wind-dispersed. A key to the species of Pamianthe is provided. This is the first record of the genus Pamianthe for Colombia. The phylogenetic position of the genus Pamianthe is discussed.
MiR-9 promotes the phenotypic switch of vascular smooth muscle cells by targeting KLF5
Authors: LU XIAOCHUN , MA SHITANG , ZHOU BO , LI TIELING
Published: January 2019

Background: Diabetic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are characterized by increased proliferation and migration. Small non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) have been considered critical modulators of VSMC phenotypic switch after an environmental stimulus. However, microRNA in high glucose-induced pro-inflammation and its atherogenic effect is still ambiguous. Methods: qRT-PCR was used to examine the expression of miR-9 in VSMCs. The downstream signaling protein relative to miR-9 regulation, Krüppel-like factor 5, and some marker genes of contractile VSMCs, were analyzed by western blotting and qRT-PCR. Luciferase reporter assay was used to detect the expression of KLF5, which is regulated by miR-9. To examine the function of a miR-9 inhibitor in VSMC proliferation and migration, VSMC proliferation and migration assays were performed. Results: Reduced transcriptional levels of miR-9 and expression of specific genes of contractile VSMCs were observed in the SMC cell line C-12511 treated with high glucose and SMCs, which were isolated from db/db mice. Moreover, the activity of KLF5 3′-UTR was dramatically reduced by a miR-9 mimic, and increased by a miR-9 inhibitor. The proliferation and migration of SMCs was reduced by the miR-9 mimic. Conclusion: miR-9 inhibits the proliferation and migration of SMC by targeting KLF5 in db/db mice.

Keywords: miR-9; Smooth muscle cells; Proliferation; Migration; KLF5
Which nostril should be used for nasotracheal intubation with Airtraq NT?: the right or left? A randomized clinical trial
Authors: ARSLAN AYDIN ZEHRA İPEK , TÜRKYILMAZ NEŞE
Published: January 2019

Background and aim: Nasotracheal Airtraq, is specifically designed to improve the glottis view and ease the nasotracheal intubation process in normal and difficult cases.
Materials and methods: After Ethics committee approval, we decided to enroll 40 patients with an ASA physical status of I or II, between 18-70 years of age undergoing elective maxillofascial, oral and double chin surgery to determine which nostril is more suitable for nasotracheal intubation with nasotracheal Airtraq. Patients were randomised into the right and left nostril groups.
Results: Demographic and airway characteristics were similar among the groups. Nasotracheal intubation through the right nostril was shorter than that of the left nostril during nasotracheal intubation with the Airtraq NT (p<0.001). 90 anti-clockwise rotation of the tip of the tube was needed for directing the tube into the vocal cords in both right and left nostril groups (72% vs 88%). External laryngeal pressure and head flexion maneuvers can ease the intubation from the left nostril (p<0.001 vs p=0.03). Cuff inflation maneuver also can be helpful in some cases. We did not need any operator change or Magill forceps for any of the patients.
Conclusion: Nasotracheal intubation via the right nostril can be safely and quickly performed with the Airtraq NT without the need of Magill forceps. We recommend the use of the 90 anti-clockwise rotation, external laryngeal pressure and head flexion maneuvers to direct the tube into the vocal cords first. On the other hand; cuff inflation maneuver also must be kept in mind.

Keywords: Airtraq, nasotracheal, right nostril, 90 degree anticlockwise, cricoid pressure, head flexion
External validation of anastomotic leakage risk analysis system in patients who underwent colorectal resection
Authors: ER SADETTİN , ÖZDEN SABRİ , KOCA FARUK , YILDIZ BARIŞ DOĞU , YÜKSEL BÜLENT CAVİT , TEZ MESUT
Published: January 2019

Background and Aim: One of the most feared complication after colon resection for carcinoma is anastomotic leakage. Prediction of anastomotic leakage can alter pre- and per-operative management of patients. This study validates an anastomotic leakage prediction system.
Materials and Methods: Ninety-five patients who underwent colonic resection between January 1, 2016 and January 30, 2017 were included in the study. Patient records and electronic charting system data were used to calculate anastomotic leakage risk on the http://www.anastomoticleak.com/ website.
Results: Fifty-six (58.9%) patients were male and thirty-nine (41.1%) were female. The mean age was 61.7 (min:33, max:90). Six (6.3%) patients had anastomotic leakage. According to the ROC analysis, the area under curve for the prediction system was 0.767.
Conclusion: The prediction system for anastomotic leakage produced significant results for our patient population. It can be effectively utilized in preoperative and perioperative measures to prevent anastomotic leakage.
Keywords: Anastomotic leakages; Validation Studies; Colorectal Carcinoma