bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Study of Buckling and Post-Buckling of a Step-Variable FGM Box
Authors: Czechowski Leszek , Kołakowski Zbigniew
Published: March 2019

This work concerns the analysis of a thin-walled box made of ceramic and step-variable functionally graded material (FGM) subjected to compression. The components of the box taken into account were pure alumina and aluminium-alumina graded material. The problem was solved on the basis of a finite element method and Koiter’s asymptotic theory using a semi-analytical method (SAM). It analysed both the buckling state and the post-buckling state of the box. In addition, three conditions were considered: The presence of alumina outside or inside of the box and a mixed case. The obtained results were presented and discussed.
The Forward Order Law for Least Squareg-Inverse of Multiple Matrix Products
Authors: Xiong Zhiping , Liu Zhongshan
Published: March 2019

The generalized inverse has many important applications in the aspects of the theoretic research of matrices and statistics. One of the core problems of the generalized inverse is finding the necessary and sufficient conditions of the forward order laws for the generalized inverse of the matrix product. In this paper, by using the extremal ranks of the generalized Schur complement, we obtain some necessary and sufficient conditions for the forward order laws A 1 { 1 , 3 } A 2 { 1 , 3 } ⋯ A n { 1 , 3 } ⊆ ( A 1 A 2 ⋯ A n ) { 1 , 3 } and A 1 { 1 , 4 } A 2 { 1 , 4 } ⋯ A n { 1 , 4 } ⊆ ( A 1 A 2 ⋯ A n ) { 1 , 4 } .
On a Coupled System of Fractional Differential Equations with Four Point Integral Boundary Conditions
Authors: Mahmudov Nazim I , Bawaneh Sameer , Al-Khateeb Areen
Published: March 2019

The study is on the existence of the solution for a coupled system of fractional differential equations with integral boundary conditions. The first result will address the existence and uniqueness of solutions for the proposed problem and it is based on the contraction mapping principle. Secondly, by using Leray–Schauder’s alternative we manage to prove the existence of solutions. Finally, the conclusion is confirmed and supported by examples.
Distance Degree Index of Some Derived Graphs
Authors: Xu Jianzhong , Liu Jia-Bao , Bilal Ahsan , Ahmad Uzma , Siddiqui Hafiz Muhammad Afzal , Ali Bahadur , Farahani Muhammad Reza
Published: March 2019

Topological indices are numerical values associated with a graph (structure) that can predict many physical, chemical, and pharmacological properties of organic molecules and chemical compounds. The distance degree ( D D ) index was introduced by Dobrynin and Kochetova in 1994 for characterizing alkanes by an integer. In this paper, we have determined expressions for a D D index of some derived graphs in terms of the parameters of the parent graph. Specifically, we establish expressions for the D D index of a line graph, subdivision graph, vertex-semitotal graph, edge-semitotal graph, total graph, and paraline graph.
Effect of the Process Parameters on the Energy Transfer during the Synthesis of the 2LiBH4-MgH2 Reactive Hydride Composite for Hydrogen Storage
Authors: Jepsen Julian , Capurso Giovanni , Puszkiel Julián , Busch Nina , Werner Tobias , Milanese Chiara , Girella Alessandro , Bellosta von Colbe José , Dornheim Martin , Klassen Thomas
Published: March 2019

Several different milling parameters (additive content, rotation velocity, ball-to-powder ratio, degree of filling, and time) affect the hydrogen absorption and desorption properties of a reactive hydride composite (RHC). In this paper, these effects were thoroughly tested and analyzed. The milling process investigated in such detail was performed on the 2LiH-MgB2 system doped with TiCl3. Applying an upgraded empirical model, the transfer of energy to the material during the milling process was determined. In this way, it is possible to compare the obtained experimental results with those from processes at different scales. In addition, the different milling parameters were evaluated independently according to their individual effect on the transferred energy. Their influence on the reaction kinetics and hydrogen capacity was discussed and the results were correlated to characteristics like particle and crystallite size, specific surface area, presence of nucleation sites and contaminants. Finally, an optimal value for the transferred energy was determined, above which the powder characteristics do not change and therefore the RHC system properties do not further improve.
Gradient Distribution of Microstructures and Mechanical Properties in a FeCoCrNiMo High-Entropy Alloy during Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Zhang Mingyang , Peng Yingbo , Zhang Wei , Liu Yong , Wang Li , Hu Songhao , Hu Yang
Published: March 2019

A novel graded material of a high-entropy alloy (HEA) FeCoCrNiMo was fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) processing. After SPS, the HEA specimens consisted of a single face-centred cubic (FCC) phase in the center, but dual FCC and a tetragonal structure σ phase near the surface. Surprisingly, the sintering pressure was sufficient to influence the proportion of phases, and thus the properties of HEA samples. The hardness of the specimens sintered under the pressures of 30, 35, and 40 MPa increased gradually from 210 HV0.2, which is the single FCC phase in the center, to the maximum value near the surface as a result of the gradual increase in the fraction of the transformed σ phase. The σ phase, being a complex hard and brittle intermetallic particle to manipulate the properties of FCC-type HEA systems, which could be influenced by pressure, indicated a major possibility for designing gradient HEA materials.
Robust Model-Free Adaptive Iterative Learning Control for Vibration Suppression Based on Evidential Reasoning
Authors: Bai Liang , Feng Yun-Wen , Li Ning , Xue Xiao-Feng
Published: March 2019

Through combining P-type iterative learning (IL) control, model-free adaptive (MFA) control and sliding mode (SM) control, a robust model-free adaptive iterative learning (MFA-IL) control approach is presented for the active vibration control of piezoelectric smart structures. Considering the uncertainty of the interaction among actuators in the learning control process, MFA control is adopted to adaptively adjust the learning gain of the P-type IL control in order to improve the convergence speed of feedback gain. In order to enhance the robustness of the system and achieve fast response for error tracking, the SM control is integrated with the MFA control to design the appropriate learning gain. Real-time feedback gains which are extracted from controllers construct the basic probability functions (BPFs). The evidence theory is adopted to the design and experimental investigations on a piezoelectric smart cantilever plate are performed to validate the proposed control algorithm. The results demonstrate that the robust MFA-IL control presents a faster learning speed, higher robustness and better control performance in vibration suppression when compared with the P-type IL control.
Methods and Challenges of Using the Greater Wax Moth (Galleria mellonella) as a Model Organism in Antimicrobial Compound Discovery
Authors: Andrea Athina , Krogfelt Karen Angeliki , Jenssen Håvard
Published: March 2019

Among non-mammalian infection model organisms, the larvae of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella have seen increasing popularity in recent years. Unlike other invertebrate models, these larvae can be incubated at 37 °C and can be dosed relatively precisely. Despite the increasing number of publications describing the use of this model organism, there is a high variability with regard to how the model is produced in different laboratories, with respect to larva size, age, origin, storage, and rest periods, as well as dosing for infection and treatment. Here, we provide suggestions regarding how some of these factors can be approached, to facilitate the comparability of studies between different laboratories. We introduce a linear regression curve correlating the total larva weight to the liquid volume in order to estimate the in vivo concentration of pathogens and the administered drug concentration. Finally, we discuss several other aspects, including in vivo antibiotic stability in larvae, the infection doses for different pathogens and suggest guidelines for larvae selection.
Zika Outbreak Emergency Preparedness and Response of Malaysian Private Healthcare Professionals: Are They Ready?
Authors: Rajiah Kingston , Maharajan Mari Kannan , Yin Pua Yin , Yee Yap Wei , Lin Wong Wan , Kean Chew Hui
Published: March 2019

Zika virus has been declared as a public health emergency of international concern. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has issued guidelines reminding healthcare workers about the importance of taking steps to prevent the spread of Zika virus, how to test and isolate patients suspected of carrying the Zika virus, and how to protect themselves from infection. Therefore, it is of utmost importance for healthcare professionals to be fully aware of Zika virus preparedness, and response measures should an outbreak occur in Malaysia in order to quickly and efficiently contain the outbreak, ensure the safety of individual or healthcare personnel safety, as well as to prevent further spreading of the disease. This research aims to show how prepared Malaysian healthcare professionals are against Zika virus and how well can they respond during an outbreak. In total, 504 healthcare professionals (128 general practitioners, 215 community pharmacists, 161 nurses) from private health clinics were the target population of the four states of Malaysia where Zika cases suspected. The sample size of each category was calculated by using a formula for estimating the population proportion. An additional 10% of the calculated sample size was added to compensate the non-response rate. The Center For Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organisation provided a checklist to assess how prepared healthcare professionals are for an Zika outbreak. This checklist was modified to a questionnaire in order to assess health care professionals’ preparedness and response to the Zika outbreak. Community pharmacists are still lacking in their preparedness and perceived response to the Zika outbreak compared to the general practitioners in the private sector. Hence community pharmacists should attend training given by the Ministry of Health Malaysia as a continuing education, which may help them to respond during a Zika outbreak.
Isoflavones
Authors: Křížová Ludmila , Dadáková Kateřina , Kašparovská Jitka , Kašparovský Tomáš
Published: March 2019

Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring nonsteroidal phenolic plant compounds that, due to their molecular structure and size, resemble vertebrate steroids estrogens. This review is focused on plant flavonoids isoflavones, which are ranked among the most estrogenic compounds. The main dietary sources of isoflavones for humans are soybean and soybean products, which contain mainly daidzein and genistein. When they are consumed, they exert estrogenic and/or antiestrogenic effects. Isoflavones are considered chemoprotective and can be used as an alternative therapy for a wide range of hormonal disorders, including several cancer types, namely breast cancer and prostate cancer, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, or menopausal symptoms. On the other hand, isoflavones may also be considered endocrine disruptors with possible negative influences on the state of health in a certain part of the population or on the environment. This review deals with isoflavone classification, structure, and occurrence, with their metabolism, biological, and health effects in humans and animals, and with their utilization and potential risks.
Simultaneous Determination and Risk Assessment of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids in Artemisia capillaris Thunb. by UPLC-MS/MS Together with Chemometrics
Authors: Chen Li-Hua , Wang Jun-Chi , Guo Qi-Lei , Qiao Yue , Wang Hui-Juan , Liao Yong-Hong , Sun Di-An , Si Jian-Yong
Published: March 2019

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are natural toxins found in some genera of the family Asteraceae. However, it has not been reported whether PAs are present in the widely used Asteraceae plant Artemisia capillaris Thunb. (A. capillaris). The purpose of this study was to establish a sensitive and rapid UPLC-MS/MS method together with chemometrics analysis for simultaneous determination and risk assessment of PAs in A. capillaris. The developed UPLC-MS/MS method was validated and was confirmed to display desirable high selectivity, precision and accuracy. Risk assessment was conducted according to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) guideline. Chemometrics analysis was performed with hierarchical clustering analysis and principal component analysis to characterize the differences between PAs of A. capillaris. Finally, PAs were found in 29 out of 30 samples and at least two were detected in each sample, besides, more than half of the samples exceeded the EMA baseline. Nevertheless, the chemometrics results suggested that the PAs contents of A. capillaris from different sources varied significantly. The method was successfully applied to the detection and risk evaluation of PAs-containing A. capillaris for the first time. This study should provide a meaningful reference for the rational and safe use of A. capillaris.
Evaluation of a Methylcellulose and Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel as a Vehicle for Rectal Delivery of Biologics
Authors: Aprodu Andreea , Mantaj Julia , Raimi-Abraham Bahijja , Vllasaliu Driton
Published: March 2019

Biologics have changed the management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), but there are concerns regarding unexpected systemic toxicity and loss of therapeutic response following administration by injection. Local delivery of biologics directly to the inflamed mucosa via rectal enema administration addresses the problems associated with systemic administration. Hydrogels are potentially useful delivery vehicles enabling rectal administration of biologics. Here, we prepared a hydrogel system based on methylcellulose (MC) and hyaluronic acid (HA), which possesses mucosal healing properties, incorporating a model macromolecular drug, namely (fluorescently-labeled) bovine serum albumin (BSA). The BSA-loaded MCHA hydrogel showed temperature-dependent gelation (liquid-like at 20 °C and gel-like at 37 °C) and shear thinning behavior, with these being important and desirable characteristics for rectal application (enabling easy application and retention). BSA release from the MCHA system at 37 °C was linear, with 50% of the loaded drug released within 2 h. The system demonstrated acceptable toxicity towards intestinal (colon) Caco-2 epithelial cells, even at high concentrations. Importantly, application of the BSA-loaded MCHA hydrogel to polarized Caco-2 monolayers, with or without an exemplar absorption enhancer, resulted in transintestinal permeability of BSA. The study therefore indicates that the MCHA hydrogel shows potential for topical (rectal) delivery of biologics in IBD.
Challenges and Recent Progress in Oral Drug Delivery Systems for Biopharmaceuticals
Authors: Homayun Bahman , Lin Xueting , Choi Hyo-Jick
Published: March 2019

Routes of drug administration and the corresponding physicochemical characteristics of a given route play significant roles in therapeutic efficacy and short term/long term biological effects. Each delivery method has favorable aspects and limitations, each requiring a specific delivery vehicles design. Among various routes, oral delivery has been recognized as the most attractive method, mainly due to its potential for solid formulations with long shelf life, sustained delivery, ease of administration and intensified immune response. At the same time, a few challenges exist in oral delivery, which have been the main research focus in the field in the past few years. The present work concisely reviews different administration routes as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each method, highlighting why oral delivery is currently the most promising approach. Subsequently, the present work discusses the main obstacles for oral systems and explains the most recent solutions proposed to deal with each issue.
The Self-Assembly Phenomenon of Poloxamers and Its Effect on the Dissolution of a Poorly Soluble Drug from Solid Dispersions Obtained by Solvent Methods
Authors: Szafraniec Joanna , Antosik Agata , Knapik-Kowalczuk Justyna , Chmiel Krzysztof , Kurek Mateusz , Gawlak Karolina , Odrobińska Joanna , Paluch Marian , Jachowicz Renata
Published: March 2019

The self-assembly phenomenon of amphiphiles has attracted particular attention in recent years due to its wide range of applications. The formation of nanoassemblies able to solubilize sparingly water-soluble drugs was found to be a strategy to solve the problem of poor solubility of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Binary and ternary solid dispersions containing Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) class II drug bicalutamide and either Poloxamer®188 or Poloxamer®407 as the surface active agents were obtained by either spray drying or solvent evaporation under reduced pressure. Both processes led to morphological changes and a reduction of particle size, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and laser diffraction measurements. The increase in powder wettability was confirmed by means of contact angle measurements. The effect of an alteration of the crystal structure was followed by powder X-ray diffractometry while thermal properties were determined using differential scanning calorimetry. Interestingly, bicalutamide exhibited a polymorph transition after spray drying with the poloxamer and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), while the poloxamer underwent partial amorphization. Moreover, due to the surface activity of the carrier, the solid dispersions formed nanoaggregates in water, as confirmed using dynamic light scattering measurements. The aggregates measuring 200–300 nm in diameter were able to solubilize bicalutamide inside the hydrophobic inner parts. The self-assembly of binary systems was found to improve the amount of dissolved bicalutamide by 4- to 8-fold in comparison to untreated drug. The improvement in drug dissolution was correlated with the solubilization of poorly soluble molecules by macromolecules, as assessed using emission spectroscopy.
Overview of the Manufacturing Methods of Solid Dispersion Technology for Improving the Solubility of Poorly Water-Soluble Drugs and Application to Anticancer Drugs
Authors: Tran Phuong , Pyo Yong-Chul , Kim Dong-Hyun , Lee Sang-Eun , Kim Jin-Ki , Park Jeong-Sook
Published: March 2019

Approximately 40% of new chemical entities (NCEs), including anticancer drugs, have been reported as poorly water-soluble compounds. Anticancer drugs are classified into biologic drugs (monoclonal antibodies) and small molecule drugs (nonbiologic anticancer drugs) based on effectiveness and safety profile. Biologic drugs are administered by intravenous (IV) injection due to their large molecular weight, while small molecule drugs are preferentially administered by gastrointestinal route. Even though IV injection is the fastest route of administration and ensures complete bioavailability, this route of administration causes patient inconvenience to visit a hospital for anticancer treatments. In addition, IV administration can cause several side effects such as severe hypersensitivity, myelosuppression, neutropenia, and neurotoxicity. Oral administration is the preferred route for drug delivery due to several advantages such as low cost, pain avoidance, and safety. The main problem of NCEs is a limited aqueous solubility, resulting in poor absorption and low bioavailability. Therefore, improving oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs is a great challenge in the development of pharmaceutical dosage forms. Several methods such as solid dispersion, complexation, lipid-based systems, micronization, nanonization, and co-crystals were developed to improve the solubility of hydrophobic drugs. Recently, solid dispersion is one of the most widely used and successful techniques in formulation development. This review mainly discusses classification, methods for preparation of solid dispersions, and use of solid dispersion for improving solubility of poorly soluble anticancer drugs.
Supramolecular Cyclodextrin-Based Hydrogels for Controlled Gene Delivery
Authors: Rey-Rico Ana , Cucchiarini Magali
Published: March 2019

Controlled delivery of gene transfer vectors is a powerful strategy to enhance the temporal and spatial presentation of therapeutic agents in a defined target. Hydrogels are adapted biomaterials for gene delivery capable of acting as a localized depot of genes while maintaining the long term local availability of DNA vectors at a specific location. Supramolecular hydrogels based on cyclodextrins (CDs) have attracted considerable attention as potential biomaterials in a broad range of drug delivery applications. Their unique characteristics of thixotropicity and low cytotoxicity due to their production under mild conditions make them potential candidates to form injectable delivery systems. This work aims to provide an overview of the use of CD-based polypseudorotaxane hydrogels as controlled gene delivery systems for different applications in regenerative medicine.
Effect of Polyethylene Glycol Content and Molar Mass on Injection Molding of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Acetate Succinate-Based Gastroresistant Capsular Devices for Oral Drug Delivery
Authors: Briatico-Vangosa Francesco , Melocchi Alice , Uboldi Marco , Gazzaniga Andrea , Zema Lucia , Maroni Alessandra
Published: March 2019

Capsular devices for oral drug delivery were recently proposed and manufactured by injection molding (IM) as an evolution of traditional reservoir systems comprising a core and a functional coating. IM allowed the fabrication of capsule shells with release-controlling features based on the employed materials and the design characteristics. These features are independent of the drug, with significant savings in development time and costs. In previous work, IM was used to produce enteric-soluble capsules from blends of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate, with polyethylene glycol (PEG) as the plasticizer. In this work, the range of plasticizer concentrations and molar mass was broadened to evaluate in-depth how those parameters affect material processability and capsule performance over time. As expected, increasing the amount of the low molar mass plasticizer decreased the viscosity and modulus of the material. This simplified the molding process and enhanced the mechanical resistance of the shell, as observed during assembly. However, some samples turned out translucent, depending on several factors including storage conditions. This was attributed to plasticizer migration issues. Such results indicate that higher molar mass PEGs, while not significantly impacting on processability, lead to capsular devices with consistent performance in the investigated time lapse.
Investigation of the Shear Thickening Fluid Encapsulation in an Orifice Coagulation Bath
Authors: Liu Xing , Huo Jun-Li , Li Ting-Ting , Peng Hao-Kai , Lin Jia-Horng , Lou Ching-Wen
Published: March 2019

The orifice coagulation bath method is proposed to encapsulate shear thickening fluid (STF) to form STF capsules, in an attempt to improve the combination of STF and the matrix as well as strengthen the flexibility and stability of the STF composites. By varying the calcium chloride concentration (10, 20 mg/mL), sodium alginate concentration (5, 7, 10 mg/mL) and the surfactant dosage (10%, 20%, 30%), optimal preparation conditions were studied, considering the capsule strength and encapsulation rate. The capsules were also characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). The results show that the optimal solution for the preparation of the capsules is composed of 30% surfactant, 10 mg/mL mass concentration of CaCl2, and 10 mg/mL mass concentration of sodium alginate. The rough surface and porous interior was observed by SEM. The average diameter of the capsules was 1.93 mm. The TGA curves indicate an improvement on the capsule thermal stability. This study thus provides a promising STF capsule preparation method.
Mechanism of Accelerant on Disperse Dyeing for PET Fiber in the Silicone Solvent Dyeing System
Authors: Wang Jiping , Cheng Wenqing , Gao Yuanyuan , Zhu Lei , Pei Liujun
Published: March 2019

Disperse dyeing for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fiber in different non-aqueous solvent dyeing systems have been extensively studied over the past decades. In the present work, disperse dyeing for PET was investigated in a silicone solvent dyeing system. The influence of accelerant on the fiber swelling, uptake of dye, K/S value of dyed fiber, and dye solubility in the silicone solvent were systematically investigated. Compared with no accelerant, the final uptake of the disperse dye (C. I. Disperse Blue 367) could increase to 81% with 20% accelerant in the silicone solvent dyeing system, and the K/S value of dyed fiber was also higher (3.3 for no accelerant vs. 13.2 for accelerant). The influence of accelerant on the performance of disperse dyeing was also studied. Firstly, the solubility of the disperse dye in the silicone solvent can be decreased by the accelerant. Moreover, the solubility of the disperse dye is inversely proportional to the K/S value and the uptake of the dye. In addition, although the silicone solvent can diffuse to the inner fiber and has a partial swelling in the PET fiber, the swelling of PET can be improved by the accelerant. Furthermore, the swelling of fiber can reach equilibrium when the amount of accelerant was 15% (the weight of fiber). Therefore, this eco-friendly dyeing technology has considerable potential for application to a broad array of chemical fibers.
An Assessment of Material Waste Disposal Methods in the Nigerian Construction Industry
Authors: Ogunmakinde Olabode Emmanuel , Sher William , Maund Kim
Published: March 2019

The construction industry is faced with many challenges, among which is waste management. Aside from the fact that wastage contributes to time and cost overrun, it also has environmental implications in the form of pollution. However, the industry has the capacity to effectively manage waste, from generation to disposal. All stages of the management process are important, but scholars and governments have provided the final step, being disposal, unabated attention in order to ensure effective management. Potential waste disposal methods, including incineration, burning, landfilling, recycling, reuse, open dumping, pyrolysis, and shredding have emerged from the literature around the globe. Despite various waste minimisation and sustainable disposal options that are available, construction material waste is still increasing in Nigeria, while disposal remains a major issue for firms and government. Therefore, this study assesses disposal methods among construction firms to determine whether there is a relationship between their practices towards waste disposal. The research followed a concurrent triangulation design in a cross sectional survey, while data were collected via a convergent parallel mixed methods. The quantitative phase employed a structured questionnaire to collect data from 243 building construction firms, while the qualitative phase involved semi-structured interviews with 65 professionals from 10 on-going construction projects in Lagos, Nigeria. The research revealed that landfilling is the most common method of waste disposal, which is closely followed by reuse as backfill and recycling. In addition, the study revealed no association between company’s ownership statuses, age, project specialisation, and disposal methods, except company’s size. In conclusion, the study establishes the need for regulatory policies, such as site waste management plan (SWMP), pay as you throw (PAYT), and landfill ban, which would minimise material waste and divert them from landfills. Recycling and reuse are recommended as sustainable approaches for waste disposal.
Religious Experience, Hindu Pluralism, and Hope: Anubhava in the Tradition of Sri Ramakrishna
Authors: Long Jeffery D.
Published: March 2019

The pluralistic turn in modern Hindu thought corresponds with the rise of an emphasis on direct experience of divine realities in this tradition. Both pluralism and a focus on experience have precedents in premodern Hindu traditions, but have become especially prominent in modern Hinduism. The paradigmatic example in the modern period of a religious subject embarking upon a pluralistic quest for direct experience of ultimate reality as mediated through multiple religious traditions is the nineteenth century Bengali sage, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa (1836–1886), whose most famous disciple, Swami Vivekananda (1863–1902) played a prominent role in the promotion of the idea of Hinduism as largely defined by a religious pluralism paired with an emphasis on direct experience. The focus in the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda on Brahman as a universal reality available, at least in principle, to being experienced by anyone, and interpreted using the categories of the experiencing subject’s religion or culture, gives rise to a corresponding pluralism: a move towards seeing many religions and philosophies as conducive to the experience of a shared ultimate reality. This paper will analyze the theme of experience in the thought of these two figures, and other figures who are representative of this broad trend in modern Hindu thought, as well as in conversation with recent academic philosophers and theorists of religious experience, John Hick and William Alston. It will also argue that aspects of Hinduism, such as pluralism and an emphasis on direct experience, that are often termed as ‘Neo-Vedantic’ or ‘Neo-Hindu’ are not simply modern constructs, as these terms seem to suggest, but are reflective of much older trends in Hindu thought that become central themes in the thought of key Hindu figures in the modern period. Finally, it shall be argued that a pluralistic approach to the diversity of religions, and of worldviews more generally, is to be commended as an approach more conducive to human survival than the current global proliferation of ethno-nationalisms.
Quartz Enhanced Photoacoustic Spectroscopy Based on a Custom Quartz Tuning Fork
Authors: Duquesnoy Maxime , Aoust Guillaume , Melkonian Jean-Michel , Lévy Raphaël , Raybaut Myriam , Godard Antoine
Published: March 2019

We have designed and fabricated a custom quartz tuning fork (QTF) with a reduced fundamental frequency; a larger gap between the prongs; and the best quality factor in air at atmospheric conditions ever reported, to our knowledge. Acoustic microresonators have been added to the QTF in order to enhance the sensor sensitivity. We demonstrate a normalized noise equivalent absorption (NNEA) of 3.7 × 10−9 W.cm−1.Hz−1/2 for CO2 detection at atmospheric pressure. The influence of the inner diameter and length of the microresonators has been studied, as well as the penetration depth between the QTF’s prongs. We investigated the acoustic isolation of our system and measured the Allan deviation of the sensor.
Vibration Detection and Motion Compensation for Multi-Frequency Phase-Shifting-Based 3D Sensors
Authors: Han Liya , Li Zhongwei , Zhong Kai , Cheng Xu , Luo Hua , Liu Gang , Shang Junyun , Wang Congjun , Shi Yusheng
Published: March 2019

Phase-shifting profilometry, especially employing the multi-frequency phase-shifting method, is increasingly used for in situ 3D metrology and for the inspection of industrial parts. However, environmental vibrations cause fatal measurement errors and are inevitable in such applications. To this end, an effective and fast vibration detection and motion compensation method for multi-frequency phase-shifting-based 3D sensors is presented. The proposed method quantitatively indicates the strength of the vibration and compensates for the motion error by revising the wrapped phase without accessing neighboring pixels. Different vibration intensities were simulated using an industrial robot moving to test the feasibility of the method. According to experiments, this method is valid and capable for 3D inspection systems affected by inevitable vibrations.
Measurement of the Chair Rise Performance of Older People Based on Force Plates and IMUs
Authors: Hellmers Sandra , Fudickar Sebastian , Lau Sandra , Elgert Lena , Diekmann Rebecca , Bauer Jürgen M. , Hein Andreas
Published: March 2019

An early detection of functional decline with age is important to start interventions at an early state and to prolong the functional fitness. In order to assure such an early detection, functional assessments must be conducted on a frequent and regular basis. Since the five time chair rise test (5CRT) is a well-established test in the geriatric field, this test should be supported by technology. We introduce an approach that automatically detects the execution of the chair rise test via an inertial sensor integrated into a belt. The system’s suitability was evaluated via 20 subjects aged 72–89 years (78.2 ± 4.6 years) and was measured by a stopwatch, the inertial measurement unit (IMU), a Kinect® camera and a force plate. A Multilayer Perceptrons-based classifier detects transitions in the IMU data with an F1-Score of around 94.8%. Valid executions of the 5CRT are detected based on the correct occurrence of sequential movements via a rule-based model. The results of the automatically calculated test durations are in good agreement with the stopwatch measurements (correlation coefficient r = 0.93 (p < 0.001)). The analysis of the duration of single test cycles indicates a beginning fatigue at the end of the test. The comparison of the movement pattern within one person shows similar movement patterns, which differ only slightly in form and duration, whereby different subjects indicate variations regarding their performance strategies.
Bidirectional, Bimodal Ultrasonic Lamb Wave Sensing in a Composite Plate Using a Polarization-Maintaining Fiber Bragg Grating
Authors: Rao Chunfang , Duan Lingze
Published: March 2019

Lamb wave (LW) is well suited for structural health monitoring (SHM) in advanced composites. However, characteristic differences between the symmetric modes and the anti-symmetric modes often add complexity to SHM systems. The anisotropic nature of composite materials, on the other hand, necessitates direction-sensitive sensing. In this paper we report the experimental demonstration of bidirectional (0° and 90°), bimodal (S0 and A0) LW measurement within the frequency range of 20–140 kHz using a polarization-maintaining fiber Bragg grating (PM-FBG) sensor attached to a composite laminated plate. By selectively interrogating the fast and/or the slow axis of the PM-FBG, we show that not only can the sensor respond to LWs propagating along both directions, but the response can also be used to differentiate the two directions. Moreover, the fast axis of the sensor is able to respond to both the S0 and the A0 modes when the sensor is aligned with the wave propagation direction, whereas single S0 mode response can be achieved with the slow axis operating perpendicularly to the wave propagation direction. Such diverse responses indicate the potential of PM-FBGs as versatile multi-parameter SHM detectors, which can effectively address the challenges posed by material anisotropicity and LW mode diversity.
Development of Coupled Biokinetic and Thermal Model to Optimize Cold-Water Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery (MEOR) in Homogenous Reservoir
Authors: Hong Eunji , Jeong Moon Sik , Kim Tae Hong , Lee Ji Ho , Cho Jin Hyung , Lee Kun Sang
Published: March 2019

By incorporating a temperature-dependent biokinetic and thermal model, the novel method, cold-water microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR), was developed under nonisothermal conditions. The suggested model characterized the growth for Bacillus subtilis (microbe) and Surfactin (biosurfactant) that were calibrated and confirmed against the experimental results. Several biokinetic parameters were obtained within approximately a 2% error using the cardinal temperature model and experimental results. According to the obtained parameters, the examination was conducted with several injection scenarios for a high-temperature reservoir of 71 °C. The results proposed the influences of injection factors including nutrient concentration, rate, and temperature. Higher nutrient concentrations resulted in decreased interfacial tension by producing Surfactin. On the other hand, injection rate and temperature changed growth condition for Bacillus subtilis. An optimal value of injection rate suggested that it affected not only heat transfer but also nutrient residence time. Injection temperature led to optimum reservoir condition for Surfactin production, thereby reducing interfacial tension. Through the optimization process, the determined optimal injection design improved oil recovery up to 53% which is 8% higher than waterflooding. The proposed optimal injection design was an injection sucrose concentration of 100 g/L, a rate of 7 m3/d, and a temperature of 19 °C.
Spatial Distribution and Changes of the Realizable Triple Cropping System in China
Authors: Jiang Li , Chen Xin , Lun Fei , Pan Zhihua , Niu Jiaheng , Ding Chenyang , Meng Lijun , Zhang Guoliang , Mgeni Charles Peter , Sieber Stefan , An Pingli
Published: March 2019

Exploiting the full potential of the realizable triple cropping system (RTCS) is one of the most effective methods for increasing land productivity, thus promoting food security. However, insufficient attention is paid to the spatial distribution of the RTCS in China. Here, a method is developed to assess the RTCS in China, considering terrain, climatic conditions, crop climatic-ecological suitability, and the spatial changes in the RTCS between 1951 and 2010. Results indicate that a decrease of 19 Mha was caused by topographic correction, while climate change increased the same area by 14 Mha. Based on crop climatic-ecological conditions, the suitability of the RTCS was indicated for 1068 counties. The boundary of the RTCS moved northward by 100–200 km in the Middle-Lower reaches of the Yangtze River, but southward by approximately 250 km in Yunnan Province. The area of the RTCS is 135 Mha distributed across 775 counties in Southern China. These findings are useful for guiding the policy of cultivated land use in Southern China. The approach can be adopted elsewhere to determine the RTCS for sustainable land use and increasing land productivity.
2008–2017 Bogota River Water Quality Assessment Based on the Water Quality Index
Authors: Díaz-Casallas Daissy Milena , Castro-Fernández Mario Fernando , Bocos Elvira , Montenegro-Marin Carlos Enrique , González Crespo Rubén
Published: March 2019

This article provides a deep analysis of the water quality at the upper basin of the Bogota River (Colombia) between 2008 and 2017. The Water Quality Index has been the indicator employed to determine the ecological status of the river. This index was chosen in order to normalize the analysis, given that it is commonly used by the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies, a government agency of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development of Colombia, to determine the state of surface effluents. The results obtained were organized in a double-entry matrix in order to relate the variables of the sample period and the sampling station. The research revealed an insufficient quality of water, demonstrating that the high stretch of the Bogota River basin has, in general, regular or acceptable water quality, while only five stations showed an acceptable status. Surprisingly, the stations located close to the wastewater treatment plants of the municipalities of Choconta, Suesca, Gachancipa, and Tocancipa, as well as Rio Negro, have a poor water quality, discharging a high load of contaminants into the river. Although great efforts have been made by Colombian authorities to restore the critical state of the majority of their aquatic ecosystems, recent implementation of policies and instruments have not shown significant achievements yet. For this reason, this study aims to present a powerful decision-tool for the monitoring and evaluation of correction measures implemented on this river basin. The data used in this research were provided by the Regional Autonomous Corporation of Cundinamarca.
Intuitionistic Fuzzy Soft Hyper BCK Algebras
Authors: Xin Xiaolong , Borzooei Rajab Ali , Bakhshi Mahmood , Jun Young Bae
Published: March 2019

Maji et al. introduced the concept of fuzzy soft sets as a generalization of the standard soft sets, and presented an application of fuzzy soft sets in a decision-making problem. Maji et al. also introduced the notion of intuitionistic fuzzy soft sets in the paper [P.K. Maji, R. Biswas and A.R. Roy, Intuitionistic fuzzy soft sets, The Journal of Fuzzy Mathematics, 9 (2001), no. 3, 677–692]. The aim of this manuscript is to apply the notion of intuitionistic fuzzy soft set to hyper BCK algebras. The notions of intuitionistic fuzzy soft hyper BCK ideal, intuitionistic fuzzy soft weak hyper BCK ideal, intuitionistic fuzzy soft s-weak hyper BCK-ideal and intuitionistic fuzzy soft strong hyper BCK-ideal are introduced, and related properties and relations are investigated. Characterizations of intuitionistic fuzzy soft (weak) hyper BCK ideal are considered. Conditions for an intuitionistic fuzzy soft weak hyper BCK ideal to be an intuitionistic fuzzy soft s-weak hyper BCK ideal are provided. Conditions for an intuitionistic fuzzy soft set to be an intuitionistic fuzzy soft strong hyper BCK ideal are given.
Dynamic Service Selection Based on Adaptive Global QoS Constraints Decomposition
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Zhang Weishi , Zhang Xiuguo , Zhai Huawei
Published: March 2019

As there are more and more available Web services with the same or similar functionalities but different Quality of Service (QoS), the challenge of QoS-aware service composition is to efficiently select appropriate component services to achieve maximum utility and meet the global QoS constraints with low time cost. In this paper, we propose a dynamic service selection approach based on adaptive global QoS constraints decomposition. Fuzzy logic technology and Cultural Genetic Algorithm are used to adaptively decompose global QoS constraints into near-optimal local constraints. According to the near-optimal local constraints, the optimal service is selected for each service class during the running time efficiently. Experimental results show that the proposed approach not only achieves the near-optimal solution, but also significantly reduces the computation time, and has good adaptability and scalability.
Full-Scale Experimental and Numerical Investigations on the Modal Parameters of a Single-Span Steel-Frame Footbridge
Authors: Drygala Izabela Joanna , Dulinska Joanna Maria
Published: March 2019

In this work, an examination on the modal properties of a single-span steel-frame footbridge is presented. The footbridge is situated in Jawornik (Lesser Poland). The footbridge is symmetrical since its main structure consists of two steel frames of the same shape. The boundary conditions for both frames are the same as well. The study was completed on the basis of numerical as well as experimental investigations. For finite element (FE) analysis, a 3-D model of the single-span steel-frame footbridge was created. For the experimental study, a research scheme for in situ tests was developed. Three kinds of excitation techniques were used during the in situ tests: shock excitation, operational vibration, and slow sine sweep testing. Different functions that estimate natural frequencies, i.e., the power spectral density function (PSD) and the frequency response function (FRF), were applied. The modal assurance criterion (MAC) was used as a mathematical tool for the verification of the mode shapes of natural vibrations obtained in experimental and numerical ways. Good compatibility was recognized between the results obtained for experimental and numerical procedures in terms of both the natural frequency and the mode of vibration. The identified and verified values of the five consecutive natural frequencies of the footbridge were smaller than 5 Hz, but they were recognized as being located outside the frequency range defined as having “maximum risk of resonance”. The numerical and experimental modal analysis revealed that all modes corresponding to the natural frequencies from the 0–5 Hz range have both a symmetrical and an anti-symmetrical nature. In particular, the first vertical mode, which can play a central role from the serviceability of the footbridge point of view has a symmetrical shape. The results of the research might be applicable to the dynamic study of the structure type considered in the analysis, i.e., for the dynamic assessment of a single-span steel-frame footbridge with a relatively large mass as well as stiffness. The investigation proved that ambient vibration modal experiments are enough for the experimental investigation of the modal properties of the structure.
Characterization of the Filovirus-Resistant Cell Line SH-SY5Y Reveals Redundant Role of Cell Surface Entry Factors
Authors: Zapatero-Belinchón Francisco J. , Dietzel Erik , Dolnik Olga , Döhner Katinka , Costa Rui , Hertel Barbara , Veselkova Barbora , Kirui Jared , Klintworth Anneke , Manns Michael P. , Pöhlmann Stefan , Pietschmann Thomas , Krey Thomas , Ciesek Sandra , Gerold Gisa , Sodeik Beate , Becker Stephan , von Hahn Thomas
Published: March 2019

Filoviruses infect a wide range of cell types with the exception of lymphocytes. The intracellular proteins cathepsin B and L, two-pore channel 1 and 2, and bona fide receptor Niemann–Pick Disease C1 (NPC1) are essential for the endosomal phase of cell entry. However, earlier steps of filoviral infection remain poorly characterized. Numerous plasma membrane proteins have been implicated in attachment but it is still unclear which ones are sufficient for productive entry. To define a minimal set of host factors required for filoviral glycoprotein-driven cell entry, we screened twelve cell lines and identified the nonlymphocytic cell line SH-SY5Y to be specifically resistant to filovirus infection. Heterokaryons of SH-SY5Y cells fused to susceptible cells were susceptible to filoviruses, indicating that SH-SY5Y cells do not express a restriction factor but lack an enabling factor critical for filovirus entry. However, all tested cell lines expressed functional intracellular factors. Global gene expression profiling of known cell surface entry factors and protein expression levels of analyzed attachment factors did not reveal any correlation between susceptibility and expression of a specific host factor. Using binding assays with recombinant filovirus glycoprotein, we identified cell attachment as the step impaired in filovirus entry in SH-SY5Y cells. Individual overexpression of attachment factors T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 1 (TIM-1), Axl, Mer, or dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3-grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN) rendered SH-SY5Y cells susceptible to filovirus glycoprotein-driven transduction. Our study reveals that a lack of attachment factors limits filovirus entry and provides direct experimental support for a model of filoviral cell attachment where host factor usage at the cell surface is highly promiscuous.