bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pleiotropic Immune Functions of Chemokine Receptor 6 in Health and Disease
Authors: Ranasinghe Ranmali , Eri Rajaraman
Published: July 2018

C-C chemoattractant cytokine (chemokine) receptor 6 (CCR6) and its exclusive binding molecule CCL20 is an extremely important chemokine receptor-ligand pair which controls cell migration and immune induction during inflammatory disease. Not many scientific studies have been undertaken to study its immune mechanisms in detail, but its unique contribution to steady state cell chemotaxis in upholding immune tolerance and regulating immune homeostasis during inflammation is evident in multiple systems in the human body, including skin, liver, lung, kidney, brain, eye, joints, gonads and the gut. The role of CCR6 is constitutively expressed as a series of much debilitating severe inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and cancer metastasis. CD4+ T cells, the central organizers of adaptive immunity, are stringently mobilized by the CCR6/CCL20 axis also induced by cytokines and a host of other factors in a carefully executed immune modulation scenario, to bring about a delicate balance between inflammation inducing TH17 cells and regulatory Treg cells. Although the exact immune regulatory role is not elucidated as yet, the CCR6/CCL20 axis is implicated as a front runner which determines the polarization of TH17 and regulatory Treg cells, upon which depends the resolution or progression of many debilitating disorders. This review therefore aims at emphasizing the pleiotropic significance of the chemokines CCR6 and CCL20 in immunologic function in multiple organ systems, thereby hoping to accentuate its value in future therapeutic modalities.
Ionic Conductivity and Cycling Stability Improvement of PVDF/Nano-Clay Using PVP as Polymer Electrolyte Membranes for LiFePO4 Batteries
Authors: Dyartanti Endah , Purwanto Agus , Widiasa I. , Susanto Heru
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we present the characteristics and performance of polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) based on poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF). The membranes were prepared via a phase-inversion method (non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS)). As separators for lithium battery systems, additive modified montmorillonite (MMT) nano-clay served as a filler and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) was used as a pore-forming agent. The membranes modified with an additive (8 wt % nano-clay and 7 wt % PVP) showed an increased porosity (87%) and an uptake of a large amount of electrolyte (801.69%), which generated a high level of ionic conductivity (5.61 mS cm−1) at room temperature. A graphite/PEMs/LiFePO4 coin cell CR2032 showed excellent stability in cycling performance (average discharge capacity 127 mA h g−1). Based on these results, PEMs are promising materials to be used in Polymer Electrolyte Membranes in lithium-ion batteries.
Effect of Tempering Temperatures on Tensile Properties and Rotary Bending Fatigue Behaviors of 17Cr2Ni2MoVNb Steel
Authors: Qu Sheng-Guan , Zhang Ya-Long , Lai Fu-Qiang , Li Xiao-Qiang
Published: July 2018

With the rapid development of the automotive industry in China, the common gear steels no longer meet the high speed and heavy load requirements of the automotive industry. 17Cr2Ni2MoVNb steel is a new type of gear steel in the automotive industry, but the mechanical properties of 17Cr2Ni2MoVNb are not well documented. In this study, the tensile properties and rotary bending fatigue behaviors of 17Cr2Ni2MoVNb were investigated, (quenched at 860 °C and tempered at 180, 400, 620 °C); the microstructures and fracture surface were analyzed using an optical microscope, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The results show that at higher tempering temperatures, the tissue was denser, and the residual austenite transformed into lower bainite or tempered martensite. Dislocation density reduced while tempering temperature increased. Moreover, the samples with a tempering temperature of 180 °C exhibited the highest tensile strength of 1456 MPa, in addition to fatigue limits of 730, 700 and 600 MPa at temperatures of 180, 400, and 620 °C, respectively.
A Closed System for Pico-Liter Order Substance Transport from a Giant Liposome to a Cell
Authors: Miyakawa Shohei , Uesugi Kaoru , Morishima Keisuke
Published: July 2018

In single cell analysis, transport of foreign substances into a cell is an important technique. In particular, for accurate analysis, a method to transport a small amount (pico-liter order) of substance into the cell without leakage while retaining the cell shape is essential. Because the fusion of the cell and the giant liposome is a closed system to the outside, it may be possible to transport a precise, small amount of substances into the cell. Additionally, there is no possibility that a leaked substance would affect other systems. To develop the liposome-cell transportation system, knowledge about the behavior of substances in the liposome and the cell is important. However, only a few studies have observed the substance transport between a liposome and a cell. Here, we report observation of small amount of substance transport into a single C2C12 cell by using a giant liposome. Substance transport occurred by electrofusion between the cell and the giant liposome containing the substance, which is a closed system. First, to observe the electrofusion and substance transport from the moment of voltage application, we fabricated a microfluidic device equipped with electrodes. We introduced suspensions of cells and liposomes into the microfluidic device and applied alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) voltages for electrofusion. We observed a small amount (22.4 ± 0.1%, 10.3 ± 0.4% and 9.1 ± 0.1%) of fluorescent substance (Calcein) contained in the liposomes was transported into the cell without leakage outside the cell, and we obtained the diffusion coefficient of Calcein in the cell as 137 ± 18 μm2/s. We anticipate that this system and the knowledge acquired will contribute to future realization of more accurate single cell analysis in a wide range of fields.
Editorial for Special Issue “Microorganisms for Environmental and Industrial Applications”
Authors: Kaksonen Anna H.
Published: July 2018

Microorganisms play an essential role in the biogeochemical cycling of elements, and thereforethey hold potential for various environmental and industrial applications[...]
A Predictive Fingerstroke-Level Model for Smartwatch Interaction
Authors: Al-Megren Shiroq
Published: July 2018

The keystroke-level model (KLM) is commonly used to predict the time it will take an expert user to accomplish a task without errors when using an interactive system. The KLM was initially intended to predict interactions in conventional set-ups, i.e., mouse and keyboard interactions. However, it has since been adapted to predict interactions with smartphones, in-vehicle information systems, and natural user interfaces. The simplicity of the KLM and its extensions, along with their resource- and time-saving capabilities, has driven their adoption. In recent years, the popularity of smartwatches has grown, introducing new design challenges due to the small touch screens and bimanual interactions involved, which make current extensions to the KLM unsuitable for modelling smartwatches. Therefore, it is necessary to study these interfaces and interactions. This paper reports on three studies performed to modify the original KLM and its extensions for smartwatch interaction. First, an observational study was conducted to characterise smartwatch interactions. Second, the unit times for the observed interactions were derived through another study, in which the times required to perform the relevant physical actions were measured. Finally, a third study was carried out to validate the model for interactions with the Apple Watch and Samsung Gear S3. The results show that the new model can accurately predict the performance of smartwatch users with a percentage error of 12.07%; a value that falls below the acceptable percentage dictated by the original KLM ~21%.
Effect of the Strawberry Genotype, Cultivation and Processing on the Fra a 1 Allergen Content
Authors: Kurze Elisabeth , Kock Vanessa , Lo Scalzo Roberto , Olbricht Klaus , Schwab Wilfried
Published: July 2018

Birch pollen allergic patients show cross-reactivity to vegetables and fruits, including strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa). The objective of this study was to quantify the level of the Fra a 1 protein, a Bet v 1-homologous protein in strawberry fruits by a newly developed ELISA, and determine the effect of genotype, cultivation and food processing on the allergen amount. An indirect competitive ELISA using a specific polyclonal anti-Fra a 1.02 antibody was established and revealed high variability in Fra a 1 levels within 20 different genotypes ranging from 0.67 to 3.97 µg/g fresh weight. Mature fruits of red-, white- and yellow-fruited strawberry cultivars showed similar Fra a 1 concentrations. Compared to fresh strawberries, oven and solar-dried fruits contained slightly lower levels due to thermal treatment during processing. SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis demonstrated degradation of recombinant Fra a 1.02 after prolonged (>10 min) thermal treatment at 99 °C. In conclusion, the genotype strongly determined the Fra a 1 quantity in strawberries and the color of the mature fruits does not relate to the amount of the PR10-protein. Cultivation conditions (organic and conventional farming) do not affect the Fra a 1 level, and seasonal effects were minor.
A Proof-of-Concept Portable Water Purification Device Obtained from PET Bottles and a Magnetite-Carbon Nanocomposite
Authors: Gaita Elisabetta , Evangelisti Claudio , Panzarasa Guido
Published: July 2018

Widespread access to potable water is still far from being granted to populations of developing countries, especially in rural zones. For this reason, the development of easy-to-make, easy-to-use water purification devices is a topic of great social and economic importance. Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) bottles are available worldwide, even in the remotest and poorest countries, as testified by the increasingly common practice of re-using bottles for solar water disinfection (SODIS). Here, we demonstrate how PET bottles could be re-used as a proof-of-concept water purification system. In this way, virtually the same bottle could be used first for SODIS and then for removing chemical contaminants. In the proposed approach, the bottles are treated with ethylenediamine to introduce amine groups, which are subsequently protonated with dilute acid. These functional groups allow the stable adsorption of a magnetite-activated carbon nanocomposite, which is prepared by a simple coprecipitation protocol. The efficiency of the nanocomposite and of the resulting prototype to remove model inorganic and organic pollutants (hexavalent chromium, industrial dyes) from water has been demonstrated. The proposed purification device is easy, cheap, and effective, all factors which could promote its use in developing and rural countries.
Pipeline Damage Detection Using Piezoceramic Transducers: Numerical Analyses with Experimental Validation
Authors: Yan Shi , Li Ying , Zhang Shuai , Song Gangbing , Zhao Putian
Published: July 2018

This paper aims to set up a finite element model using piezoelectric elements to realize pipeline structure damage identification analysis. Ultrasonic guided wave propagation characteristics and damage identification of pipeline structures are analyzed by the ABAQUS software. The pulse-echo method using an L(0, 2) mode impulse guided wave with a central frequency of 70 kHz is applied to evaluate different size circumferential cracks. An experiment was performed for the validation of the numerical analysis results. Both of the results show that the proposed FEM model with piezoelectric elements can efficiently reveal the dynamic behaviors, which can be used in much more precise numerical simulations than the equivalent dynamic displacement loading method.
LiReD: A Light-Weight Real-Time Fault Detection System for Edge Computing Using LSTM Recurrent Neural Networks
Authors: Park Donghyun , Kim Seulgi , An Yelin , Jung Jae-Yoon
Published: July 2018

Monitoring the status of the facilities and detecting any faults are considered an important technology in a smart factory. Although the faults of machine can be analyzed in real time using collected data, it requires a large amount of computing resources to handle the massive data. A cloud server can be used to analyze the collected data, but it is more efficient to adopt the edge computing concept that employs edge devices located close to the facilities. Edge devices can improve data processing and analysis speed and reduce network costs. In this paper, an edge device capable of collecting, processing, storing and analyzing data is constructed by using a single-board computer and a sensor. And, a fault detection model for machine is developed based on the long short-term memory (LSTM) recurrent neural networks. The proposed system called LiReD was implemented for an industrial robot manipulator and the LSTM-based fault detection model showed the best performance among six fault detection models.
A Semantic Labeling Approach for Accurate Weed Mapping of High Resolution UAV Imagery
Authors: Huang Huasheng , Lan Yubin , Deng Jizhong , Yang Aqing , Deng Xiaoling , Zhang Lei , Wen Sheng
Published: July 2018

Weed control is necessary in rice cultivation, but the excessive use of herbicide treatments has led to serious agronomic and environmental problems. Suitable site-specific weed management (SSWM) is a solution to address this problem while maintaining the rice production quality and quantity. In the context of SSWM, an accurate weed distribution map is needed to provide decision support information for herbicide treatment. UAV remote sensing offers an efficient and effective platform to monitor weeds thanks to its high spatial resolution. In this work, UAV imagery was captured in a rice field located in South China. A semantic labeling approach was adopted to generate the weed distribution maps of the UAV imagery. An ImageNet pre-trained CNN with residual framework was adapted in a fully convolutional form, and transferred to our dataset by fine-tuning. Atrous convolution was applied to extend the field of view of convolutional filters; the performance of multi-scale processing was evaluated; and a fully connected conditional random field (CRF) was applied after the CNN to further refine the spatial details. Finally, our approach was compared with the pixel-based-SVM and the classical FCN-8s. Experimental results demonstrated that our approach achieved the best performance in terms of accuracy. Especially for the detection of small weed patches in the imagery, our approach significantly outperformed other methods. The mean intersection over union (mean IU), overall accuracy, and Kappa coefficient of our method were 0.7751, 0.9445, and 0.9128, respectively. The experiments showed that our approach has high potential in accurate weed mapping of UAV imagery.
Geometric Accuracy Evaluation of High-Resolution Satellite Images Based on Xianning Test Field
Authors: Zheng Xiongwei , Huang Qi , Wang Jingjing , Wang Taoyang , Zhang Guo
Published: July 2018

The evaluation of geometric accuracy of high-resolution satellite images (HRSIs) has been increasingly recognized in recent years. The traditional approach is to verify each satellite individually. It is difficult to directly compare the difference in their accuracy. In order to evaluate geometric accuracy for multiple satellite images based on the same ground control benchmark, a reliable test field in Xianning (China) was utilized for geometric accuracy validation of HRSIs. Our research team has obtained multiple HRSIs in the Xianning test field, such as SPOT-6, Pleaides, ALOS, ZY-3 and TH-1. In addition, ground control points (GCPs) were acquired with GPS by field surveying, which were used to select the significant feature area on the images. We assess the orientation accuracy of the HRSIs with the single image and stereo models. Within this study, the geometrical performance of multiple HRSIs was analyzed in detail, and the results of orientation are shown and discussed. As a result, it is feasible and necessary to establish such a geometric verification field to evaluate the geometric quality of multiple HRSIs.
Agricultural Diversification and Economic Growth in Ecuador
Authors: Pacheco Jennypher , Ochoa-Moreno Wilman-Santiago , Ordoñez Jenny , Izquierdo-Montoya Leonardo
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this article is to analyze the relationship between economic growth (measured by economic, social, and financial variables) and the agricultural productive structure, as well as its possibilities for diversification, in Ecuador’s 23 provinces in the year 2014. First, we constructed the Shannon-Weaver index. We then used the graphic cartograms method to select relationships between variables. Next, we calculated the Pearson coefficient and the covariance, which revealed the linear association among the study’s variables. This methodology led us to conclude that several variables (the gross added value of only agriculture, the average total household income, and the economically active population) have a positive influence on agricultural diversification; each province’s overall gross added value, while the level of education, the unemployment rate, and the volume of credit had a negative influence.
Using Drones and 3D Modeling to Survey Tibetan Architectural Heritage: A Case Study with the Multi-Door Stupa
Authors: Sun Zheng , Zhang Yingying
Published: July 2018

Tibet has an average altitude of 4900 m, a complex terrain, and unique climatic conditions. The technologies used to survey this country’s local architectural heritage must be portable, efficient, and versatile. Low-cost Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Structure from Motion (SfM) algorithms can help satisfy these demands. Recent studies employing nadir images from low-cost UAVs and SfM algorithms have reported positive metric results (with centimeter-level accuracy) when modeling 2D objects (e.g., land, roofs, and facades). In Tibet, however, forming a complete 3D model of architectural heritage is highly preferable and doing so requires a camera network that can create nadir and oblique images with various baselines. This study compared the accuracies of surveying a Tibetan stupa using the UAV-SfM method compared with Ground Control Points (GCP) and Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS). The results indicated that the UAV-derived model is accurate enough for most surveying purposes (RMSE = 2.05 cm; 1/2000 of the stupa’s dimension). The accuracy and completeness of the 3D model allowed Historic Building Information Modeling (HBIM) and structural deformation analysis to also be undertaken. In addition, the stupa was integrated with geographic data (terrain and infrastructure) for visualization, management, and evaluation purposes at a larger scale. Considering the low cost, portability, and completeness offered by UAV and SfM, this tool offers promise for surveying Tibet’s architectural heritage.
Analyses of Distributed Generation and Storage Effect on the Electricity Consumption Curve in the Smart Grid Context
Authors: Oprea Simona-Vasilica , Bâra Adela , Uță Adina Ileana , Pîrjan Alexandru , Căruțașu George
Published: July 2018

The householders’ electricity consumption is about 20–30% of the total consumption that is a significant space for demand response. Mainly, the householders are becoming more and more active and interested in diminishing their expenses related to the electricity consumption, considering different rates of the advanced tariffs. Therefore, in the smart grid context, especially for prosumers with energy sources and storage devices (SD), the electricity consumption optimization becomes attractive since they obtain significant benefits. On the other hand, the electricity suppliers design appropriate tariffs in order to reduce the consumption peaks and avoid the occurrence of new peaks. Based on the effect of these tariffs on consumers’ behavior, the stress on generators decreases and the electricity suppliers improve the demand forecast and adjust their strategies on the market. In addition, the grid operators are interested in the minimization of the consumption peak that leads to loss reduction and avoidance of congestions that would ensure at least the delay of the onerous investment in grid capacities. In this paper, we will run several scenarios for electricity consumption optimization in the context of smart grid that includes: sensors, actuators, smart meters, advanced tariff schemes, smart appliances and electricity home control applications. Our goal is to analyze the effect of the Renewable Energy Systems (RES) distributed generation (such as photovoltaic panels—PV) and storage on the consumption curve. The results show that consumption optimization with RES distributed generation and SD brings sustainable development of the power systems and significant benefits from the consumption peak and savings point of view.
Financial Aspects of Sustainability: An Evidence from Slovak Companies
Authors: Maciková Lucia , Smorada Marián , Dorčák Peter , Beug Benjamin , Markovič Peter
Published: July 2018

Business sustainability has been one of the leading topics of the financial management of Slovak companies since the beginning of the millennium. The initially relatively strict link only to environmental aspects has been supplemented by the economic and social dimensions in recent years, under the pressure of the business environment. Examining the link between a company’s financial performance and sustainability is addressed in this paper by the financial ratios method and the correlation and linear regression analysis methods. The subjects of investigation are enterprises from three selected sectors, with the selection criterion for the sample being determined based on the share of sales of the enterprises in the sectoral sales such that the sample includes enterprises with a total share of more than 50%. The aim was to design an integral indicator of business sustainability and linking it to the identified economic performance indicator, Economic Value Added, whereby it insists on economic pillar of sustainability exclusively. The research results show a strong direct dependence of the financial performance to the IUUP (Integral business sustainability indicator) in the supply of “Supply of electricity, gas, steam and cold air” and the independence of the IUUP in the “Information and communication” and “Industrial production” sectors. Further research should go beyond the borders of the Slovak Republic and should be aimed at proposing changes and amendments in IUUP, applying more comprehensive evaluation procedures, while respecting the public availability of input information.
On the Biogeographical Significance of Protected Forest Areas in Southern Romania
Authors: Geacu Sorin , Dumitraşcu Monica , Grigorescu Ines
Published: July 2018

The current study is seeking to highlight the biogeographical significance of the protected areas located in southern Romania, a territory continuously exposed to strong human pressure since early times (e.g., extensive/intensive agricultural use, industrialization, urbanization/suburbanization processes). As a result, the primeval vegetation has been massively transformed and forests have been significantly fragmented and reduced to even smaller surfaces (e.g., Călăraşi County has the smallest forest-covered area in Romania). Under these conditions, the current forest patches have suffered important floristic and faunistic structural changes. Some forest remnants have been assigned protected areas status of biogeographical significance, as they host and preserve valuable southern arboreta species and xerothermal associations, secular and multi-secular arboreta (even some virgin arboreta), relict, endemic or unique species, or having their world biological limit. To stress the biogeographical significance of the forest protected areas, the authors carried out in-depth investigations of the ecosystem structure focusing on the spatial and statistical changes occurring over recent centuries and the key phyto- and zoological elements relied on the cross-referencing the biological, biogeographical, and geographical scientific literature and on the reviewing of the historical data sources. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the biogeographical elements based on selected indicative taxa (Quercus species) and witness species considered important for southern Romania, which were able to reconstruct the original ecosystems to explain and understand their significance for the preservation of the current ecosystems.
Variation in the Soil Microbial Community of Reclaimed Land over Different Reclamation Periods
Authors: Hou Huping , Wang Chen , Ding Zhongyi , Zhang Shaoliang , Yang Yongjun , Ma Jing , Chen Fu , Li Jinrong
Published: July 2018

Improvement of soil quality after land reclamation is a key concern in mining areas. However, the characteristics and internal mechanisms of variation of bacterial community structure over different reclamation periods are currently unclear. The recovery and evolution of soil microbial community structure are important indicators of the level of soil quality improvement of reclaimed soil. Therefore, this study investigated soil samples from coal gangue-filled land after reclamation periods of 1, 6, and 15 years. To accomplish this, 16S rRNA gene libraries were produced to determine the microbial community composition of the soils. In addition, various soil microbial community characteristics in the filled reclamation areas were compared with soil samples from areas unaffected by coal mining. The results showed the following: (1) The diversity and abundance of bacterial communities in reclaimed soils was slightly different from that of natural soils. However, the soil bacterial community structure was highly similar to natural soil after a 15-year reclamation period; therefore, the recovery of bacterial communities can be used as an indicator of the effects of rehabilitation. (2) Some soil physicochemical properties are significantly correlated with the main bacteria in the soil. (3) The dominant bacteria included members of the phyla Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, as well as members of the genera Bacillus, Enterococcus, and Lactococcus. Taken together, the results of this study indicated that the application of microbial remediation technology can be used to adjust the soil microbial community structure, improve soil quality, and shorten the soil recovery period.
Lossless and Efficient Polynomial-Based Secret Image Sharing with Reduced Shadow Size
Authors: Zhou Xuan , Lu Yuliang , Yan Xuehu , Wang Yongjie , Liu Lintao
Published: July 2018

Thien-and-Lin’s polynomial-based secret image sharing (PSIS) is utilized as the basic method to achieve PSISs with better performances, such as meaningful shares, two-in-one property and shares with different priorities. However, this (k,n) threshold PSIS cannot achieve lossless recovery for pixel values more than 250. Furthermore, current solutions to lossless recovery for PSIS have several natural drawbacks, such as large computational costs and random pixel expansion. In this paper, a lossless and efficient (k,n) threshold PSIS scheme with reduced shadow size is presented. For lossless recovery and efficiency, two adjacent pixels are specified as a secret value, the prime in the sharing polynomial is replaced with 65,537, and then the additional screening operation can ensure each shared value in the range [0,65,535]. To reduce shadows size and improve security, only the first k−1 coefficients are embedded with secret values and the last coefficient is assigned randomly. To prevent the leakage of secrets, generalized Arnold permutation with special key generating strategy is performed on the secret image prior to sharing process without key distribution. Both theoretical analyses and experiments are conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Oxygen Consumption Rate Analysis of Mitochondrial Dysfunction Caused by Bacillus cereus Cereulide in Caco-2 and HepG2 Cells
Authors: Decleer Marlies , Jovanovic Jelena , Vakula Anita , Udovicki Bozidar , Agoua Rock-Seth E. K. , Madder Annemieke , De Saeger Sarah , Rajkovic Andreja
Published: July 2018

The emetic syndrome of Bacillus cereus is a food intoxication caused by cereulide (CER) and manifested by emesis, nausea and in most severe cases with liver failure. While acute effects have been studied in the aftermath of food intoxication, an exposure to low doses of cereulide might cause unnoticed damages to the intestines and liver. The toxicity which relies on the mitochondrial dysfunction was assessed on Caco-2 and HepG2 cells after exposure of one, three and ten days to a range of low doses of cereulide. Oxygen consumption rate analyses were used to study the impact of low doses of CER on the bioenergetics functions of undifferentiated Caco-2 and HepG2 cells using Seahorse XF extracellular flux analyzer. Both Caco-2 and HepG2 cells experienced measurable mitochondrial impairment after prolonged exposure of 10 days to 0.25 nM of cereulide. Observed mitochondrial dysfunction was greatly reflected in reduction of maximal cell respiration. At 0.50 nM CER, mitochondrial respiration was almost completely shut down, especially in HepG2 cells. These results corresponded with a severe reduction in the amount of cells and an altered morphology, observed by microscopic examination of the cells. Accurate and robust quantification of basal respiration, ATP production, proton leak, maximal respiration, spare respiratory capacity, and non-mitochondrial respiration allowed better understanding of the effects of cereulide in underlying respiratory malfunctions in low-dose exposure.
Resistance Development to Bacteriophages Occurring during Bacteriophage Therapy
Authors: Oechslin Frank
Published: July 2018

Bacteriophage (phage) therapy, i.e., the use of viruses that infect bacteria as antimicrobial agents, is a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics. Indeed, resistance to antibiotics has become a major public health problem after decades of extensive usage. However, one of the main questions regarding phage therapy is the possible rapid emergence of phage-resistant bacterial variants, which could impede favourable treatment outcomes. Experimental data has shown that phage-resistant variants occurred in up to 80% of studies targeting the intestinal milieu and 50% of studies using sepsis models. Phage-resistant variants have also been observed in human studies, as described in three out of four clinical trials that recorded the emergence of phage resistance. On the other hand, recent animal studies suggest that bacterial mutations that confer phage-resistance may result in fitness costs in the resistant bacterium, which, in turn, could benefit the host. Thus, phage resistance should not be underestimated and efforts should be made to develop methodologies for monitoring and preventing it. Moreover, understanding and taking advantage of the resistance-induced fitness costs in bacterial pathogens is a potentially promising avenue.
EXAMINING ASSOCIATION BETWEEN CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION GRADES AND CRITICAL DEFECTS USING DATA MINING AND FUZZY LOGIC
Authors: Lin Chien-Liang , Fan Ching-Lung
Published: July 2018

This paper explores the relations between defect types and quality inspection grades of public construction projects in Taiwan. Altogether, 499 defect types (classified from 17,648 defects) were found after analyzing 990 construction projects from the Public Construction Management Information System of the public construction commission which is a government unit that administers all the public construction. The core of this research includes the following steps. (1) Data mining (DM) was used to derive 57 association rules which altogether contain 30 of the 499 defect types. (2) K-means clustering was used to regroup the 990 projects of two attributes (defect frequency and original grading score of each project) into four new quality classes, so the 990 projects can be more evenly distributed in the four new classes and the correctness and reliability of the following analyses can be ensured. (3) Finally analysis of variance (ANOVA), fuzzy logic, and correlation analysis were used to verify that the aforementioned 30 defect types are the important ones determining inspection grades. Results of this research can help stakeholders of construction projects paying more attention on the root causes of the critical defect types so to dramatically raise their management effectiveness.
The teaching of Spanish as a foreign language in the work of Navarro Tomás
Authors: Muñiz Cachón Carmen
Published: July 2018

On the hundredth anniversary of the Manual de pronunciación española by Navarro Tomás, the great contribution of this work to the teaching of Spanish as a foreign language is highlighted. It is put on a parallel with A Primer of Spanish Pronunciation, also published by Navarro Tomás in collaboration with Espinosa, in 1926, aimed at Anglo-American students. These studies were made at a time when a change in the teaching methodology of foreign languages was made thereby giving it the prominence it deserved.
Tejedoras de futuro: La participación política de las mujeres mapuce en el conflicto territorial de Neuquén (1995-2015)
Authors: Gualda Suyai Malen García
Published: July 2018

En la década de 1990 América Latina fue escenario del surgimiento y (re)aparición de diversos movimientos indígenas que lograron presentarse claramente como nuevos actores políticos. Este importante proceso ha puesto en evidencia la realidad que atraviesan las mujeres indígenas como consecuencia de la opresión que padecen producto de la intersección entre género, etnia y clase. Las mujeres mapuce1 no han sido la excepción, por ello en la presente tesis nos adentramos en el análisis de su realidad, demandas y luchas a fin de analizar su participación política en diferentes momentos de conflicto en la provincia norpatagónica de Neuquén; y el impacto que dicha participación ha tenido en el orden social y de género(s) mapuce. A tal fin nos proponemos dar cuenta sobre el proceso de transformación sociocomunitaria que tuvo lugar en el seno de las comunidades y organizaciones (supra o macro comunitarias) originarias, a partir de la participación de las mujeres en diversos espacios de negociación y resistencia. Por ello, buscamos conocer las estrategias que las mujeres han emprendido en contextos violentos de acumulación por desposesión y despojo. Nuestra propuesta de análisis busca advertir las continuidades históricas que se mantienen presentes desde la mal llamada Conquista del Desierto en el siglo XIX hasta nuestros días, sin perder de vista la larga memoria extractivista que caracteriza a estos territorios sureños. Por lo dicho, comenzamos con una descripción general e histórica del Pueblo/Nación Mapuce en Pwelmapu, especialmente en Neuquén. Luego, nos detenemos en el contexto que dio origen al conflicto más emblemático de las últimas décadas: Pulmarí. Nuestra tesis sostiene que a partir de entonces y en lucha contra la opresión que padecen producto de los intercruces entre género, etnia y clase- las mapuce se han convertido en actoras políticas estratégicas en la provincia de Neuquén. Por esto, a partir de allí nos proponemos pensar y abordar la participación de las mujeres mapuce en los conflictos contemporáneos, en zonas turísticas de montaña y en territorios azotados por la explotación de yacimientos no convencionales de gas y petróleo. Finalmente, es preciso indicar que a lo largo de esta investigación aplicamos una estrategia metodológica cualitativa y hacemos uso del método etnográfico. A nuestro juicio, conocer estas otras realidades y luchas, desde la ciencia política y con aportes de los estudios de género, supone una interesante y necesaria contribución –teórica- a nuestro campo disciplinar.
Low Cost Vibration Measurement and Optimization during Turning Process
Authors: Shankar N.V.S. , Chand A. Gopi , Rao K. Hanumantha , Sai K. Prem
Published: July 2018

During machining any material, vibrations play a major role in deciding the life of the cutting tool as well as machine tool. The magnitude acceleration of vibrations is directly proportional to the cutting forces. In other words, if we are able to measure the acceleration experienced by the tool during machining, we can get a sense of force. There are many commercially available, pre-calibrated accelerometer sensors available off the shelf. In the current work, an attempt has been made to measure vibrations using ADXL335 accelerometer. This accelerometer is interfaced to computer using Arduino. The measured values are then used to optimize the machining process. Experiments are performed on Brass. During machining, it is better to have lower acceleration values. Thus, the first objective of the work is to minimize the vibrations. Surface roughness is another major factor which criterion “lower is the better” applies. In order to optimize the values, a series of experiments are conducted with three factors, namely, tool type (2 levels), Depth of cut (3 levels) and Feed are considered (3 levels). Mixed level optimization is performed using Taguchi analysis with L18 orthogonal array. Detailed discussion of the parameters shall be given in the article.
Evaluation of Process Parameters in Machining of AA6063 Alloy
Authors: Balaji M. , Nagaraju C.H. , Vara Prasad V.U.S. , Kalyani R. , Avinash B.
Published: July 2018

The main aim of this work is to analyse the significance of cutting parameters on surface roughness and spindle vibrations while machining the AA6063 alloy. The turning experiments were carried out on a CNC lathe with a constant spindle speed of 1000rpm using carbide tool inserts coated with Tic. The cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut are chosen as process parameters whose values are varied in between 73.51m/min to 94.24m/min, 0.02 to 0.04 mm/rev and 0.25 to 0.45 mm respectively. For each experiment, the surface roughness parameters and the amplitude plots have been noted for analysis. The output data include surface roughness parameters (Ra,Rq,Rz) measured using Talysurf and vibration parameter as vibration amplitude (mm/sec) at the front end of the spindle in transverse direction using single channel spectrum analyzer (FFT).With the collected data Regression analysis is also performed for finding the optimum parameters. The results show that significant variation of surface irregularities and vibration amplitudes were observed with cutting speed and feed. The optimum cutting speed and feed from the regression analysis were 77.0697m/min and 0.0253mm/rev. for the minimum output parameters. No significant effect of depth of cut on output parameters is identified.
Simulation Studies and Evolution of Mechanical Properties of AA6061 Subjected to RCS
Authors: Bhovi Prabhakar M. , Naik Akash R. , Adarsh Dattatraya , Ranjitkumar C.G. , Venkateswarlu K.
Published: July 2018

AA6061 alloy was selected as starting material, as this alloy play vital role in aerospace, automotive and naval applications. To enhance mechanical properties and study the structural correlation of AA6061 using one of the promising SPD (Severe Plastic Deformation) technique. In RCS (Repetitive Corrugation and Straightening), repetitive bending and shearing stresses act alternatively on the specimen. The die models and work piece were designed using Creo parametric 2.0 and imported to AFDEX-2014 (Adviser metal Forming Design Expert) for simulation studies. AA6061 was subjected to four passes (8 stages) of RCS. Effective strain observed in AA6061 alloy was 2.389 and strain rate increased during corrugation and less during straightening stages. The theoretical effective strain was 2.65.The experimental effective strain was validated and found to be nearly approximately 92% of the theoretical result. Further, mechanical properties like tensile strength and microhardness increased to 1.5 to 2 times in AA6061 alloy after eight passes of RCS. Keywords: AA6061, RCS, SPD, Microhardness, Tensile strength
Direct Active Soldering of PEO Coated and Uncoated AA6061 Aluminium Alloy
Authors: Sokkalingam R. , Shankar M.P. , Unni Anoop K. , Sivaprasad Katakam , Muthupandi Veerappan
Published: July 2018

Active soldering is an emerging technology of joining a range of materials, which utilizes Sn-Ag composition solder alloy other than conventional Sn-Pb solder, along with reactive element additions (like Ti, Ta, Hf and Zr). In the present study, active soldering is employed for bonding AA6061 aluminium alloy using S Bond 220-50 and S Bond 220M active solders. Soldering was achieved by direct active soldering of AA6061 plates each other using S Bond 220-50 and PEO coated AA6061 aluminium alloy using S Bond 220M, taking into consideration of the application of active solder alloy in joining ceramics. Mechanical properties were evaluated using hardness and lap shear test. Microstructure analysis is carried out by SEM microscopy. The soldered area is examined using EDS giving fair idea regarding the composition of elements present in the solder. It is observed that direct bonding of aluminium alloy using S Bond 220-50 showed better bond strength and hardness when compared with joining using S Bond 220M of the PEO coated aluminium plate.
Studies on Dissimilar Friction Stir Welded Al–4Cu–TiB2  In Situ Composites with Base Alloy
Authors: Haribabu Sangathoti , Ashfaq M. , Sivaprasad Katakam , Muthukumaran S. , Narayanasamy R.
Published: July 2018

Friction stir welding was performed on Al–4Cu alloy and Al–4Cu in situ composites reinforced with TiB2 with various reinforcement contents (3wt% and 6wt%), which were fabricated using a stir-casting route. The fully annealed and solutionized alloy and the in situ composites were friction stir welded using an M6 threaded pin tool operated at a constant rotational speed (1400 r/min) and traverse speed (40 mm/min); the welding was performed with the composites to base alloy on both the advancing and retreating sides of the welding tool in different experiments. Mechanical properties such as hardness and tensile behavior were evaluated for samples in both the as-welded and post-weld-aged conditions. An increase in the amount of reinforcement material in the Al-based composites caused the retreating side to exhibit better mechanical properties than the advancing side. The hardness values of the first mode and second mode in the weld nugget varied with respect to the reinforcement content of the composite and with respect to whether the composite in the retreating side or the advancing side in the weldments. The fractography details are also presented.
Magnetic Non-Destructive Evaluation of Softening of Cold Rolled Low Carbon IF Steel
Authors: Dutta Siuli , Panda Ashis , Mitra Amitava , Chatterjee Subrata , Rajat K. Roy
Published: July 2018

Electromagnetic techniques such as Magnetic Hysteresis Loop and Barkhausen Emission are applied to determine recovery and recrystallization in low carbon IF steel. Isothermal annealing at 450 and 620°C are carried to promote recovery and recrystallization. In present study, the magnetic non-destructive parameters such as coercivity and magnetic Barkhausen noise signal measurements, recovery and onset of recrystallization are monitored for annealing treatments. Mechanical softening is very small changes than magnetic softening at 450°C, while at 620°C, both the parameters are sensitive. Microstructure analysis examined through Optical microscopy at each annealing temperature in order to determine recovery and recrystallization. Keywords: IF steel, Recrystallization, MHL, MBE, Hardness, Optical microscopy
Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of GFRP Composites Reinforced with Single Wall Carbon Nano-Tubes by Immersion in Normal and Sea Water under Hydro-Static Pressure
Authors: Babu T. Victor , Kumar S. Santosh , Srinivas Reddy Pala
Published: July 2018

Fibre reinforced composite materials are demanded by the industry especially for the applications where weight reduction is critical because of their high specific strength, ability to resist corrosion. The present work aims on evaluation of various mechanical properties of glass fiber reinforced polymer composites (GFRP) with inclusion of single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) in different weight fractions. Before performing the tests, the specimens were allowed to immerse in fresh water and sea water simultaneously for a period of 11 days (110 Hours) under hydrostatic pressure and further observing the amount of moisture content that has been accumulated in the specimens if any. This type of material can be used in marine industries as an alternative material for fabrication of hull of a ship and also used to design and fabricate various components of a ship.
A Review on Mechanical and Acoustic Emission Behavior of Basalt Fiber Reinforced Composites
Authors: Vara Prasad Vemu , Eswara Rao Tanna
Published: July 2018

Now a day’s eco-friendly natural fiber used as the reinforcement for the fabrication of the light weight, lower cost and biodegradable polymer matrix composites. One of such available natural reinforcement for the composite material is basalt fiber. The present paper gives a review on how the basalt fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite behave when they are adhesively, riveted and hybrid joined with other reinforcements such as aluminum, which is used for the particular or other applications and which joint gives better efficiency , suited for given application were discussed and the three joining techniques were investigated. Behavior of basalt fiber reinforced composites for the frequencies at which frequencies the failures like adhesive failure, light fiber tear, and mixed failure modes will occur. These three types of failure modes are investigated with the help of acoustic emission monitoring system.
Dynamic Mechanical Analysis and Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis on Chopped Strand Mat Reinforced with Polyester Resin and Graphite Powder
Authors: Srinivas Reddy Pala , Babu T. Victor , Kumar S. Santosh
Published: July 2018

Fiber reinforced plastics have been widely used for manufacturing aircrafts and spacecrafts structural parts because of their high mechanical, physical properties. These are used in manufacturing of structural composites, printed circuit boards and in a wide range of special-purpose products which are included in medical field as well. Within reinforcing materials chopped strand mats are the most frequently used in structural constructions because of their properties such as viscoelasticity, strength and high thermal stability. The present work focuses on mechanical and thermal properties of chopped strand mat reinforced with polyester resin and filler as graphite powder (which has high melting point) in different weight fractions. Evaluation of material properties is tested using Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis and Dynamic Mechanical analysis at a standard temperature ranging between 20°C - 460°C and evaluated. The results show that inclusion of graphite powder in chopped strand mat exhibit better enhancement in results when compared.
A Review of Recent Developments in Natural Fiber Composites and their Mechanical, Thermal & Machinabilty Properties
Authors: Prasad V. Joshua Jaya , Suresh Kumar Puli
Published: July 2018

Recently, there has been an exponential growth in research and innovation in the natural fiber composites (NFC) due to their diversified applications in the field of engineering. Biodegradability, light weight, formability and availability at low cost are the attractive merits of the natural fibers. Mechanical, Thermal and Machinabilty properties of Natural fiber composites have their own advantage and adoptability in the field of automobile, power plants, aeronautical, defense and naval applications. This review aims to provide an overview of the comparison of differ types of Natural fiber composites, factors that affect the mechanical, thermal and machinabilty of NFCs and their engineering applications.