bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
مقارنة مقدرات M الحصينة مع مقدرات شرائح التمهيد التكعيبية لأنموذج المعاملات المتغيرة زمنياً للبيانات الطولية المتزنة
Authors: رشيد ظافر حسين , عبد الحافظ علي سيف الدين
Published: December 2018

المستخلص

     في هذا البحث تم مقارنة مقدرات (M) الحصينة لتقنية شرائح التمهيد التكعيبية لتلافي مشكلة الشواذ في البيانات أو تلوث الخطأ مع طريقة التقدير التقليدية لتقنية شرائح التمهيد التكعيبية ، بأستعمال معيارين للمفاضلة بينهما هما (MADE،WASE) ولمختلف حجوم العينة ومستويات التباين، وذلك لتقدير دوال المعاملات المتغيرة زمنياً  للبيانات الطولية المتزنة، والتي تتصف بكون المشاهدات يتم الحصول عليها من n من القطاعات المستقلة كل واحد منها يقاس تكرارياً خلال مجموعة نقاط زمن محددة m ،أذ تكون القياسات المكررة داخل القطاعات مرتبطة على الاغلب ومستقلة بين القطاعات المختلفة.
مقارنة بين مخطط السيطرة النسبي ومخطط السيطرة الضبابي المُتعدد مع تطبيق عملي
Authors: محمد زينة معين
Published: December 2018

تعد لوحات السيطرة الخاصة بالمراقبة والسيطرة على نوعية الانتاج أحدى الاساليب العلمية الإحصائية التي تستخدم لمراقبة سير العملية الانتاجية أثناء سيرها في مراحل الانتاج، والتي عادةً ما تتكون من حد وسطي وحدين اعلى وادنى للسيطرة على نوعية ودقة الانتاج متمثلاً بقيم عددية. ومن ثم فأن العملية الانتاجية اما ان تكون تحت السيطرة أو خارجها بالاعتماد على قيم المشاهدات العددية .

   وفي بعض الاحيان يكون احتساب حدود السيطرة هذه دقيقاً و مؤكداً وعليه فان خرائط السيطرة الضبابية والتي من خلالها يمكن تحويل حدود السيطرة العددية الى حدود سيطرة مضببة بأستخدام لوحات السيطرة الضبابية المتعددة وتلك الحدود لهذا النوع من اللوحات تعطي تقييماً سريعاً ودقيقا وذا مرونة اكثر في اتخاذ القرار وهذا طبعاً بدورهِ يؤدي السيطرة على العملية الانتاجية بشكل اسرع مقارنةً بلوحات السيطرة النسبية.

في هذا البحث تم أخذ البيانات من أحد المعامل الانتاجية (معمل لآنتاج قناني الماء الصالح للشرب) وتحديداً في مدينة النجف الاشرف بسبب الكثافة السكانية العالية خصوصاً استهلاك الماء في تلك المحافظة فأنه عالي جدا وعلى مدار السنة. وكان لمخطط السيطرة المضبب دوراً مهماً في مراقبة سير العملية الانتاجية وعملية تقليل عدد الوحدات المعابة في الخط الانتاجي بشكل اسرع وادق من مخطط السيطرة النسبي خصوصا في حالات تغير في احجام العينات من حيث الانتاج وعدم استقرارية حجم العينة بشكل ثابت.
HOSUR: A Novel Measure for Evaluation of Image Segmentation Quality
Authors: Simfukwe Macmillan , Peng Bo , Li Tianrui , Kunda Douglas
Published: December 2018

Image segmentation is one of the vital tasks in image processing. Nevertheless, no universally accepted quality measure for evaluating the performance of various segmentation algorithms or even different parameterizations of the same algorithm exists. In this paper, we propose a new segmentation evaluation measure, based on the fusion of HOG and SURF features. We call it the HOSUR. HOSUR exploits the local shape and corner information to evaluate the similarity between a given segmentation and its respective ground truth. It thus belongs to the category of supervised evaluation measures. Experimental results show accuracy of up to 85%
Integration and Remote Monitoring of Wireless Sensor Networks in the Development of SMART Villages
Authors: Mulenga Ray , Kalezhi Josephat , Musonda Sonile K
Published: December 2018

In Zambia there are 10 provinces of which 8 are essentially in rural areas where more than 80% of the population live (1). Successive Zambian governments have made several attempts at increasing budgetary allocation towards improving rural agriculture particularly in the advent of climate change (2). This paper discusses an automated drip irrigation system employing ZigBee technology. In many applications where high-end equipment is installed, lack of maintenance support for remote villages means systems often fall into disrepair and eventual vandalism (3). With the rapid expansion of the Internet, there is the added potential for the remote control and monitoring of such systems. The paper discusses the designing and building of irrigation systems for villages which are independent, efficient and self-sustaining in providing smart services and solutions particularly in developing agro industries.
Using Open Source Tools for Analysis of the Mutation Rate of African Cassava Mosaic Virus
Authors: Chibawe Grey , Mzyece Lillian , Nyirenda Mayumbo , Phiri Jackson
Published: December 2018

Popular tools used in studies in life sciences are often costly. This often pauses challenges to researchers in spite of the fact that research continues to be a key to the successful systematic development of new knowledge and a fundamental aspect to the usefulness of all higher education. Particularly, higher education also aims to advance, create and disseminate knowledge through research. Such critical studies like mutation studies therefore require affordable and fast results yielding software. In such research, open source software tools become handy in place of expensive proprietary tools. In order to provide alternative software tools for research, we decided to use a case study of the mutation of the African Cassava Mosaic Virus (ACMV) done by researchers in Zambia. The study of ACMV mutation is hampered by fragmented and non-user-friendly tools, which are currently available. A number of the tools used also depend on network connection, especially the Internet, to access and analyze data. To help alleviate this problem this research proposes the use of open source libraries in biopython to generate cost efficient and user-friendly solutions. Additionally, we propose the use of an open standard using XML as a standard protocol to share data between applications or stages in genomic data analysis of the ACMV. In our strife to provide open source solutions we analysed various tools and noted that biopython is quite popular. During our study of biopython our initial results show that itâ€™s possible to use free tools to analyze data in the life sciences and consequently reduce the time and cost required to analyze ACMV. Based on this case study we propose the adoption of such open source libraries in order to make research much more affordable for scientists in the life sciences for researches that operate within a constrained budget.
Creation of an Agricultural Geographical Information System
Authors: Simukanga Alinani , Muhone Madaliso Patrick , Mulenga Joseph , Phiri Jackson , Nyirenda Mayumbo
Published: December 2018

To properly monitor the grain storage facilities, small scale farmer land parcels and track crops grown in the land parcels, we propose an information system that uses GIS technologies. The proposed module would assist in improving food security by providing a real-time record of stock levels in the various strategic grain reserves. It would also help the Government through Farmer Input Support Program (FISP) adequately target small scale farmers of the poorest households by displaying their land parcels. Knowing where farmers are located is vital information for the planning process.
Morbid Placental Adhesion –A Nightmare for Obstetricians
Authors: Begum Kohinoor
Published: December 2018

Abstract not available

J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2019; 37(1): 1-3
Efficacy and Safety of Carbetocin in Comparison to Oxytocin for the Prevention of Primary PPH during Caesarean Section: An Open Label Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Kabir Nazneen , Ara Begum Hosne , Akter Dilruba , Daisy Tahmina Afrin , Jesmin Sonia , Razzak Mollika , Begum Hasina , Islam GM Raihanul
Published: December 2018

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a potentially life-threatening complication of both vaginal and caesarean delivery. The most frequent cause of postpartum hemorrhage is uterine atony, when the uterus fails to contract fully after delivery of the placenta. For the prevention of this uterine atony we need an effective uterotonic drug. Till now oxytocin is used for enhancing uterine contraction after delivery. But oxytocin has some limitations like shorter halflife, less contraction time and more side effects, whereas carbetocin has prolonged duration of action which ensures more contraction time and less adverse effects. So, carbetocin considered as a good alternative over oxytocin for the prevention of primary PPH in caesarean section.

The Aim of Study: To see the efficacy and safety of carbetocin over oxytocin for the prevention of primary PPH during caesarean section.

Patients and Methods: A randomized-controlled trial was conducted in the Institute of Child and Mother Health (ICMH), Dhaka, Bangladesh over a period of nine months from January to September 2016. Ninety-four patients who had got admitted in ICMH undergoing caesarean section at term were randomized into two groups receiving either 10IU oxytocin or 100μg carbetocin, after the operation. Outcome measures such as primary PPH, massive blood loss, need for additional uterotonic drug, additional blood transfusion as well as adverse effects were all documented.

Results: This study had shown that carbetocin is superior in comparison to oxytocin for the prevention of primary PPH following caesarean section. Each patient obtained either a single dose of 100 microgram carbetocin intravenously or 10 IU of oxytocin during caesarean section. Massive blood loss occurred in 6.4%patients, blood transfusion needed in 17% patients and additional uterotonic needed for 25.5% patients in oxytocin group but in carbetocin group no massive blood loss occurred, only 2.1% patient needed immediate blood transfusion and no patient was required additional uterotonics. There were no major adverse effects observed in both the groups. No patients had developed PPH in carbetocin group. But 12.8% patients had developed primary PPH in oxytocin group.

Conclusion: Carbetocin appears to be an effective new drug than oxytocin for the prevention of primary postpartum hemorrhage in caesarean section.

J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2019; 37(1): 19-24
Clinicoepidemiological Profile and Short term Outcome of Abdominal Tuberculosis in Western Region of Bangladesh
Authors: Saha Madhusudan , Islam SAHM Mesbahul , Perveen Irin , Aktar Nasrin , Ahmed Kabir , Hely Musammat Aklima Akter , Zakaria Mohammad , Hoque Md Mazharul
Published: December 2018

Introduction: Abdominal tuberculosis is not uncommon in daily medical practice. This study was done focusing variable presentations of abdominal tuberculosis

Material and methods: Data of consecutive patients diagnosed as abdominal tuberculosis were analyzed. Their epidemiological features, presentations, laboratory findings, and response to therapy were analysed.

Result: Total 69 cases (male 43, 62.3%,and female 26, 37.7%), age ranging from 15 to 85 years (mean 36.23) were enrolled. Rural (55, 79.7%), poor (49,71%) and housewives (24, 34.8%) and people of 21-30 years age group (27, 39.1%) were more affected. Diagnosis was based on combinations of clinical, laboratory findings and therapeutic response. In this series 30 (43.5%), 23 (33.4%) and 12 (17.3%) were diagnosed as intestinal, peritoneal and disseminated tuberculosis respectively. Of them68 patients recovered with treatment. Five patients developed intestinal obstruction and one developed hepatitis and lost from follow up.

Conclusion: Diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis is by combinations of clinical findings, without gold standard method. In our series intestinal tuberculosis and peritoneal tuberculosis were common clinical types with weight loss and abdominal pain as common clinical symptoms. And outcome of Treatment of TB was excellent

J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2019; 37(1): 25-29
Update on the Management of Morbid Adherent Placenta
Authors: Mazumder Afroza , Kabir Shanjida , Chowdhury Raiq
Published: December 2018

Morbid adherent placenta collectively includes placenta accrete, increta, and percreta, according to the depth of invasion through the decidua-myometrial junction. Incidence is increasing due to increase in the incidence of scarred uterus. Scarred either due to caesarean section, myomectomy or repeated D&C. These conditions are responsible for massive obstetrics haemorrhage, associated complications like consumption coagulopathy, multisystem organ failure & death. Also there is a risk for peripartum surgical complication, such as injury to the bladder, ureter & bowel. There is also the need for relaparotomy, complication of blood transfusion, admission in intensive care unit. Indicated or emergency preterm delivery needs admission of the newborn to neonatal intensive care unit. Outcome can be improved by multi disciplinary expertise and experienced approach for delivery, including the conservative management to avoid peripartum hysterectomy. Such team approach by maternal-fetal medicine, gynaecological surgeon, vascular, trauma, urology surgeon, transfusion medicine, intensivist, neonatologist, intervention radiologist, anaesthesiologist, specialized nursing staff and ancillary personnel.

J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2019; 37(1): 30-34
Letter To The Editor Vol.37(1)
Authors: Johandia Faisal , Chonga Si Jack
Published: December 2018

Abstract not available

J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2019; 37(1): 47-48
On-Board Pneumatic Pressure Generation Methods for Soft Robotics Applications
Authors: Adami Momme , Seibel Arthur
Published: December 2018

The design and construction of a soft robot are challenging tasks on their own. When the robot is supposed to operate without a tether, it becomes even more demanding. While a tethered operation is sufficient for a stationary use, it is impractical for wearable robots or performing tasks that demand a high mobility. Choosing and implementing an on-board pneumatic pressure source are particularly complex tasks. There are several different pressure generation methods to choose from, each with very different properties and ways of implementation. This review paper is written with the intention of informing about all pressure generation methods available in the field of soft robotics and providing an overview of the abilities and properties of each method. Nine different methods are described regarding their working principle, pressure generation behavior, energetic considerations, safety aspects, and suitability for soft robotics applications. All presented methods are evaluated in the most important categories for soft robotics pressure sources and compared to each other qualitatively and quantitatively as far as possible. The aim of the results presented is to simplify the choice of a suitable pressure generation method when designing an on-board pressure source for a soft robot.
A Case of Ertapenem Neurotoxicity Resulting in Vocal Tremor and Altered Mentation in a Dialysis Dependent Liver Transplant Patient
Authors: Hanna Ramy M. , Sun Shih-Fan , Gaynor Pryce
Published: December 2018

Carbapenem agents are advanced derivatives of cephalosporins that are active against bacteria that produce extended spectrum beta lactamases (ESBL). These antibiotics are resistant to enzymatic cleavage, and have good central nervous system penetration. Given this fact, it is not surprising that these drugs have been reported to cause neurological side effects like seizures and encephalopathy. We report a case of a patient on hemodialytic support who had a notable change in mentation and vocal tremor. This was at first attributed to calcineurin toxicity, but after the finding of a normal tacrolimus level, ertapenem neurotoxicity was suspected. After discontinuation of the offending agent, the patient’s vocal tremor, cognition, and neurological function returned to baseline levels.
Something Borrowed, Something New: A Governance and Social Construction Framework to Investigate Power Relations and Responses of Diverse Stakeholders to Policies Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Legido-Quigley Helena , Khan Mishal S. , Durrance-Bagale Anna , Hanefeld Johanna
Published: December 2018

While antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has rapidly ascended the political agenda in numerous high-income countries, developing effective and sustainable policy responses in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) is far from straightforward, as AMR could be described as a classic ‘wicked problem’. Effective policy responses to combat AMR in LMIC will require a deeper knowledge of the policy process and its actors at all levels—global, regional and national—and their motivations for supporting or opposing policies to combat AMR. The influence of personal interests and connections between for-profit organisations—such as pharmaceutical companies and food producers—and policy actors in these settings is complex and very rarely addressed. In this paper, the authors describe the role of policy analysis focusing on social constructions, governance and power relations in soliciting a better understanding of support and opposition by key stakeholders for alternative AMR mitigation policies. Owing to the lack of conceptual frameworks on the policy process addressing AMR, we propose an approach to researching policy processes relating to AMR currently tested through our empirical programme of research in Cambodia, Pakistan, Indonesia and Tanzania. This new conceptualisation is based on theories of governance and a social construction framework and describes how the framework is being operationalised in several settings.
Effect of Mineral Additives on the Behavior of an Expansive Soil for Use in Highway Subgrade Soils
Authors: Cheng Yongzhen , Huang Xiaoming
Published: December 2018

Black cotton soil (BCS) forms a major soil group in Kenya and is characterized by high shrink/swell potential when exposed to water. A comprehensive series of laboratory tests were performed on BCS treated with lime (0–9%), volcanic ash (VA, 0–25%), and their combinations in order to study the physical–mechanical properties and mineralogical changes of the stabilized BCS. Moreover, a test road which replaced the BCS with the lime–VA-stabilized BCS was constructed to investigate the moisture change and soil movement in the BCS foundation. The results revealed that BCS stabilized with combinations of lime and VA shows larger California bearing ratio (CBR) and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) values when compared with a single stabilizer. BCS stabilized with 3% lime + 15% VA meets the performance requirements of roadbed materials in accordance with JTG D30-2015. The increase of pH and electrical conductivity (EC) in the stabilized soil promotes chemical reactions between the stabilizers and BCS to form new cementing agents, which are confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) findings. The replacement of BCS with 3% lime + 15% VA-stabilized BCS shows an obvious effect on controlling the moisture change and soil movement in the foundation BCS. This research provides a low-cost strategy for making use of the vast resources of BCS in Kenya obtained from foundation excavation.
Excitation and Relaxation Dynamics of the Photo-Perturbed Correlated Electron System 1T-TaS2
Authors: Avigo Isabella , Zhou Ping , Kalläne Matthias , Rossnagel Kai , Bovensiepen Uwe , Ligges Manuel
Published: December 2018

We investigate the perturbation and subsequent recovery of the correlated electronic ground state of the Mott insulator 1T-TaS 2 by means of femtosecond time-resolved photoemission spectroscopy in normal emission geometry. Upon an increase of near-infrared excitation strength, a considerable collapse of the occupied Hubbard band is observed, which reflects a quench of short-range correlations. It is furthermore found that these excitations are directly linked to the lifting of the periodic lattice distortion which provides the localization centers for the formation of the insulating Mott state. We discuss the observed dynamics in a localized real-space picture.
Soil-Organic-Carbon Concentration and Storage under Different Land Uses in the Carrizal-Chone Valley in Ecuador
Authors: Reyna-Bowen Lizardo , Vera-Montenegro Lenin , Reyna Lizardo
Published: December 2018

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is an important indicator of soil quality; an elevated percentage of SOC indicates very high-quality soil, physically as well as chemically. As such, the principal objective of the present study was to determine the concentration of SOC at different depths, as well as its accumulation through the entire soil profile. The Carrizal-Chone system (SCCH) area was stratified by agricultural use. Sixty-three soil samples were taken from different depths of up to a maximum of 150 cm. The physical and chemical properties of the soil were determined. SOC was determined by the Walkley and Black method. The following results are highlighted: (1) 21 different varieties of soil management were identified; (2) the largest area was livestock grazing land, which had the greatest concentration of SOC; (3) the type of soil with the greatest SOC sequestration capacity was silty clay loam; (4) the area cultivated with corn presented the highest accumulation of total carbon; and (5) the highest concentration of SOC was found in the top 40 cm, with a tendency to decrease with depth. It is concluded that soil management influences the concentration and accumulation of SOC in the topsoil layers and the entire soil profile.
Extended Short-Time Fourier Transform for Ultrasonic Velocity Profiler on Two-Phase Bubbly Flow Using a Single Resonant Frequency
Authors: Wongsaroj Wongsakorn , Hamdani Ari , Thong-un Natee , Takahashi Hideharu , Kikura Hiroshige
Published: December 2018

This study introduces a measurement technique for simultaneous phase-separated velocity in two-phase bubbly flow. The non-invasive technique, based on an Ultrasonic Velocity Profiler (UVP), is used in order to obtain an instantaneous, separate velocity profile for both liquid and bubble. The aim of this paper is to measure each phase velocity at the same time and position it using only a single resonant frequency. To achieve this aim, extended signal processing of the Short-Time Fourier Transform (STFT) is proposed, combining with amplitude classification to analyze Doppler signal influenced from the bubbly flow. The use of developed algorithms allows the instantaneous separation of liquid and bubble velocity profiles. In this work, the developed technique is used to measure the velocity profile of bubbly flow in the vertical pipe, demonstrating the classification of liquid and bubble velocity. To confirm the accuracy of each velocity profile phase, the Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) method is used for comparison. The results clarify that the proposed method is in good agreement with the PIV measurement. Finally, the effect of void fraction against velocity measurement of both phases was demonstrated.
Sparse Data Recommendation by Fusing Continuous Imputation Denoising Autoencoder and Neural Matrix Factorization
Authors: Wan Xinyue , Zhang Bofeng , Zou Guobing , Chang Furong
Published: December 2018

In recent years, although deep neural networks have yielded immense success in solving various recognition and classification problems, the exploration of deep neural networks in recommender systems has received relatively less attention. Meanwhile, the inherent sparsity of data is still a challenging problem for deep neural networks. In this paper, firstly, we propose a new CIDAE (Continuous Imputation Denoising Autoencoder) model based on the Denoising Autoencoder to alleviate the problem of data sparsity. CIDAE performs regular continuous imputation on the missing parts of the original data and trains the imputed data as the desired output. Then, we optimize the existing advanced NeuMF (Neural Matrix Factorization) model, which combines matrix factorization and a multi-layer perceptron. By optimizing the training process of NeuMF, we improve the accuracy and robustness of NeuMF. Finally, this paper fuses CIDAE and optimized NeuMF with reference to the idea of ensemble learning. We name the fused model the I-NMF (Imputation-Neural Matrix Factorization) model. I-NMF can not only alleviate the problem of data sparsity, but also fully exploit the ability of deep neural networks to learn potential features. Our experimental results prove that I-NMF performs better than the state-of-the-art methods for the public MovieLens datasets.
(L)-Semigroup Sums
Authors: Martin John R.
Published: December 2018

An (L)-semigroup S is a compact n-manifold with connected boundary B together with a monoid structure on S such that B is a subsemigroup of S. The sum S + T of two (L)-semigroups S and T having boundary B is the quotient space obtained from the union of S × { 0 } and T × { 1 } by identifying the point ( x , 0 ) in S × { 0 } with ( x , 1 ) in T × { 1 } for each x in B. It is shown that no (L)-semigroup sum of dimension less than or equal to five admits an H-space structure, nor does any (L)-semigroup sum obtained from (L)-semigroups having an Abelian boundary. In particular, such sums cannot be a retract of a topological group.
Feature Extraction of Shoulder Joint’s Voluntary Flexion-Extension Movement Based on Electroencephalography Signals for Power Assistance
Authors: Liang Hongbo , Zhu Chi , Iwata Yu , Maedono Shota , Mochita Mika , Liu Chang , Ueda Naoya , Li Peirang , Yu Haoyong , Yan Yuling , Duan Feng
Published: December 2018

Brain-Machine Interface (BMI) has been considered as an effective way to help and support both the disabled rehabilitation and healthy individuals’ daily lives to use their brain activity information instead of their bodies. In order to reduce costs and control exoskeleton robots better, we aim to estimate the necessary torque information for a subject from his/her electroencephalography (EEG) signals when using an exoskeleton robot to perform the power assistance of the upper limb without using external torque sensors nor electromyography (EMG) sensors. In this paper, we focus on extracting the motion-relevant EEG signals’ features of the shoulder joint, which is the most complex joint in the human’s body, to construct a power assistance system using wearable upper limb exoskeleton robots with BMI technology. We extract the characteristic EEG signals when the shoulder joint is doing flexion and extension movement freely which are the main motions of the shoulder joint needed to be assisted. Independent component analysis (ICA) is used to extract the source information of neural components, and then the average method is used to extract the characteristic signals that are fundamental to achieve the control. The proposed approach has been experimentally verified. The results show that EEG signals begin to increase at 300–400 ms before the motion and then decrease at the beginning of the generation of EMG signals, and the peaks appear at about one second after the motion. At the same time, we also confirmed the relationship between the change of EMG signals and the EEG signals on the time dimension, and these results also provide a theoretical basis for the delay parameter in the linear model which will be used to estimate the necessary torque information in future. Our results suggest that the estimation of torque information based on EEG signals is feasible, and demonstrate the potential of using EEG signals via the control of brain-machine interface to support human activities continuously.
The Effects of Visual Cues, Blindfolding, Synesthetic Experience, and Musical Training on Pure-Tone Frequency Discrimination
Authors: Tse Cho Kwan , Yu Calvin Kai-Ching
Published: December 2018

How perceptual limits can be reduced has long been examined by psychologists. This study investigated whether visual cues, blindfolding, visual-auditory synesthetic experience, and musical training could facilitate a smaller frequency difference limen (FDL) in a gliding frequency discrimination test. Ninety university students, with no visual or auditory impairment, were recruited for this one-between (blindfolded/visual cues) and one-within (control/experimental session) designed study. Their FDLs were tested by an alternative forced-choice task (gliding upwards/gliding downwards/no change) and two questionnaires (Vividness of Mental Imagery Questionnaire and Projector–Associator Test) were used to assess their tendency to synesthesia. The participants provided with visual cues and with musical training showed a significantly smaller FDL; on the other hand, being blindfolded or having a synesthetic experience before could not significantly reduce the FDL. However, no pattern was found between the perception of the gliding upwards and gliding downwards frequencies. Overall, the current study suggests that the inter-sensory perception can be enhanced through the training and facilitation of visual–auditory interaction under the multiple resource model. Future studies are recommended in order to verify the effects of music practice on auditory percepts, and the different mechanisms between perceiving gliding upwards and downwards frequencies.
Impact of Autophagy of Innate Immune Cells on Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Iida Tomoya , Yokoyama Yoshihiro , Wagatsuma Kohei , Hirayama Daisuke , Nakase Hiroshi
Published: December 2018

Autophagy, an intracellular degradation mechanism, has many immunological functions and is a constitutive process necessary for maintaining cellular homeostasis and organ structure. One of the functions of autophagy is to control the innate immune response. Many studies conducted in recent years have revealed the contribution of autophagy to the innate immune response, and relationships between this process and various diseases have been reported. Inflammatory bowel disease is an intractable disorder with unknown etiology; however, immunological abnormalities in the intestines are known to be involved in the pathology of inflammatory bowel disease, as is dysfunction of autophagy. In Crohn’s disease, many associations with autophagy-related genes, such as ATG16L1, IRGM, NOD2, and others, have been reported. Abnormalities in the ATG16L1 gene, in particular, have been reported to cause autophagic dysfunction, resulting in enhanced production of inflammatory cytokines by macrophages as well as abnormal function of Paneth cells, which are important in intestinal innate immunity. In this review, we provide an overview of the autophagy mechanism in innate immune cells in inflammatory bowel disease.
CFD Simulation and Mitigation with Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion (BLEVE) Caused by Jet Fire
Authors: Davidy Alon
Published: December 2018

Different kinds of explosions are driven by the internal energy accumulated in compressed gas or superheated liquid. A well-known example of such an explosion is the burst of a vessel with pressure-liquefied substance, known as Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion (BLEVE). Hot BLEVE accident is caused mainly by direct heating (pool fire or jet fire) of the steel casing at the vapor side of the tank to temperatures in excess of 400 °C. Thermal insulation around the tank can significantly reduce and retard the excessive heating of the tank casings in a fire. This will allow fire fighters enough time to reach the accident location and to cool the LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) tank to avoid the BLEVE, to extinguish the fire or to evacuate the people in the vicinity of the accident. The proposed algorithm addresses several aspects of the BLEVE accident and its mitigation: Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) Simulation of jet fire by using fire dynamics simulator (FDS) software by using large eddy simulation (LES); calculation of the convective and radiative heat fluxes by using the impinging jet fire theory; performing thermochemical and heat transfer analysis on the glass-woven vinyl ester coating of the vessel by using FDS software (version 5); and COMSOL Multiphysics (version 4.3b) during the heating phase of composite and calculation of the time period required to evaporate the liquefied propane by using the first and second laws of thermodynamics.
On the Development and Optimization of an Urban Design Comfort Model (UDCM) on a Passive Solar Basis at Mid-Latitude Sites
Authors: Fahmy Mohammad , Kamel Hisham , Mokhtar Hany , Elwy Ibrahim , Gimiee Ahmed , Ibrahim Yasser , Abdelalim Marwa
Published: December 2018

Urban climatology is a complex field owed to the intersecting parameters. In city planning, neighborhood fabric and vegetation plays a great role in modifying arid microclimates. This work presents an approach to enable urban designers to find the optimum land use parameters to achieve pedestrian thermal comfort. In this study, a model was developed based on ENVI-met simulations of two urban and suburban sites in Cairo, Egypt. Initial design parameters were; compactness degree, grass coverage, leaf area density, trees ground coverage, and asphalt and buildings areas. After regression analysis, the step-wise algorithm succeeded in creating the best fit of 94% R2 and 92% adjusted R2. The suggested Urban Design Comfort Model (UDCM) was examined using MATLAB to find the optimum design parameters. Optimum values were applied to generate primitive urban configurations using Grasshopper. The primitives were simulated again in ENVI-met to validate UDCM. The resulted value of Physiological Equivalent Temperature, PET at peak time was reduced from the initial result of ENVI-met (42.3 °C) in both sites to reach (38.7 °C) then (36.8 °C) after refinement with extra foliage. This approach, as a tool for urban designers, not only facilitates and speeds up urban form design process on a passive basis, but also provides deep insights on the development of UDCM considering all different city transects rather than two.
Equilibrium, Kinetic, and Thermodynamic Studies of Anionic Dyes Adsorption on Corn Stalks Modified by Cetylpyridinium Bromide
Authors: Soldatkina Liudmyla , Zavrichko Marianna
Published: December 2018

Corn stalks (CS) were modified by a cationic surfactant, cetylpyridinium bromide (CPB), and used as an adsorbent (CS-CP) to remove anionic dyes [Acid Red (AR) and Acid Orange (AO)] from aqueous solutions. The FTIR analysis and the obtained calculations based on the determination of the adsorption capacity of CS towards CPB confirmed that the cationic surfactant had been adsorbed on the surface of corn stalks. Adsorption of the anionic dyes on modified corn stalks was investigated in a series of batch adsorption experiments at 303–328 K. The adsorption data were analyzed using Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin models. The Langmuir model was found to be more suitable for the experimental data of the anionic dyes on CS-CP than other adsorption models. Kinetic studies revealed that the pseudo-second order model showed the best fit to the experimental data. The thermodynamic parameters indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic. Mechanisms involving ion exchange and chemisorption might be responsible for the uptake of the anionic dyes on CS-CP. Obtained results imply that CS-CP could be applied as an effective adsorbent to remove anionic dyes from aqueous solutions.
Determination of the Rate of Salt-Induced Rapid Coagulation of Polystyrene Latex Particles in Turbulent Flow Using Small Stirred Vessel
Authors: Oktaviani Oktaviani , Adachi Yasuhisa
Published: December 2018

In our study, we revisited a previously reported method for evaluating the mixing intensity of uniform colloidal spheres in terms of their collision frequency, with the aim of evaluating the validity of this method in the case of a small stirred vessel equipped with an impeller with four paddles. The rates of the salt-induced rapid coagulation of polystyrene latex (PSL) particles with five different diameters were measured as functions of the rotation rate. The ad-hoc assumption of the linear additivity of the perikinetics and the orthokinetics of the coagulation process was used for the analysis. Our previously proposed equation for the rate of turbulent coagulation as a function of the particle diameter, determined for an end-over-end rotation mixing device, was confirmed to be valid. However, it was found that, for small particles and low-mixing rates, i.e., for low Peclet numbers, the rate of coagulation becomes larger than that predicted on the basis of linear additivity because of the coupling effect of Brownian motion and the fluid flow during turbulent mixing. This increase occurred even though the rate was lowered by the wall effect, which resulted in an inhomogeneous distribution of the mixing intensity.
Rapid Assessment of Ecological Integrity for LTER Wetland Sites by Using UAV Multispectral Mapping
Authors: Díaz-Delgado Ricardo , Cazacu Constantin , Adamescu Mihai
Published: December 2018

Long-term ecological research (LTER) sites need a periodic assessment of the state of their ecosystems and services in order to monitor trends and prevent irreversible changes. The ecological integrity (EI) framework opens the door to evaluate any ecosystem in a comparable way, by measuring indicators on ecosystem structure and processes. Such an approach also allows to gauge the sustainability of conservation management actions in the case of protected areas. Remote sensing (RS), provided by satellite, airborne, or drone-borne sensors becomes a very synoptic and valuable tool to quickly map isolated and inaccessible areas such as wetlands. However, few RS practical indicators have been proposed to relate to EI indicators for wetlands. In this work, we suggest several RS wetlands indicators to be used for EI assessment in wetlands and specially to be applied with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). We also assess the applicability of multispectral images captured by UAVs over two long-term socio-ecological research (LTSER) wetland sites to provide detailed mapping of inundation levels, water turbidity and depth as well as aquatic plant cover. We followed an empirical approach to find linear relationships between UAVs spectral reflectance and the RS indicators over the Doñana LTSER platform in SW Spain. The method assessment was carried out using ground-truth data collected in transects. The resulting empirical models were implemented for Doñana marshes and can be applied for the Braila LTSER platform in Romania. The resulting maps are a very valuable input to assess habitat diversity, wetlands dynamics, and ecosystem productivity as frequently as desired by managers or scientists. Finally, we also examined the feasibility to upscale the information obtained from the collected ground-truth data to satellite images from Sentinel-2 MSI using segments from the UAV multispectral orthomosaic. We found a close multispectral relationship between Parrot Sequoia and Sentinel-2 bands which made it possible to extend ground-truth to map inundation in satellite images.
On the Relation between Topological Entropy and Restoration Entropy
Authors: Kawan Christoph
Published: December 2018

In the context of state estimation under communication constraints, several notions of dynamical entropy play a fundamental role, among them: topological entropy and restoration entropy. In this paper, we present a theorem that demonstrates that for most dynamical systems, restoration entropy strictly exceeds topological entropy. This implies that robust estimation policies in general require a higher rate of data transmission than non-robust ones. The proof of our theorem is quite short, but uses sophisticated tools from the theory of smooth dynamical systems.
Noise Reduction Method of Underwater Acoustic Signals Based on CEEMDAN, Effort-To-Compress Complexity, Refined Composite Multiscale Dispersion Entropy and Wavelet Threshold Denoising
Authors: Li Guohui , Guan Qianru , Yang Hong
Published: December 2018

Owing to the problems that imperfect decomposition process of empirical mode decomposition (EMD) denoising algorithm and poor self-adaptability, it will be extremely difficult to reduce the noise of signal. In this paper, a noise reduction method of underwater acoustic signal denoising based on complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN), effort-to-compress complexity (ETC), refined composite multiscale dispersion entropy (RCMDE) and wavelet threshold denoising is proposed. Firstly, the original signal is decomposed into several IMFs by CEEMDAN and noise IMFs can be identified according to the ETC of IMFs. Then, calculating the RCMDE of remaining IMFs, these IMFs are divided into three kinds of IMFs by RCMDE, namely noise-dominant IMFs, real signal-dominant IMFs, real IMFs. Finally, noise IMFs are removed, wavelet soft threshold denoising is applied to noise-dominant IMFs and real signal-dominant IMFs. The denoised signal can be obtained by combining the real IMFs with the denoised IMFs after wavelet soft threshold denoising. Chaotic signals with different signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) are used for denoising experiments by comparing with EMD_MSE_WSTD and EEMD_DE_WSTD, it shows that the proposed algorithm has higher SNR and smaller root mean square error (RMSE). In order to further verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, which is applied to noise reduction of real underwater acoustic signals. The results show that the denoised underwater acoustic signals not only eliminate noise interference also restore the topological structure of the chaotic attractors more clearly, which lays a foundation for the further processing of underwater acoustic signals.
Investigating Spillover Effects between Foreign Exchange Rate Volatility and Commodity Price Volatility in Uganda
Authors: Katusiime Lorna
Published: December 2018

This study investigates the impact of commodity price volatility spillovers on financial sector stability. Specifically, the study investigates the spillover effects between oil and food price volatility and the volatility of a key macroeconomic indicator of importance to financial stability: the nominal Uganda shilling per United States dollar (UGX/USD) exchange rate. Volatility spillover is examined using the Generalized Vector Autoregressive (GVAR) approach and Multivariate Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (MGARCH) techniques, namely the dynamic conditional correlation (DCC), constant conditional correlation (CCC), and varying conditional correlation (VCC) models. Overall, the results of both the GVAR and MGARCH techniques indicate low levels of volatility spillover and market interconnectedness except during crisis periods, at which point cross-market volatility spillovers and market interconnectedness sharply and markedly increased. Specifically, the results of the MGARCH analysis show that the DCC model produces the best results. The obtained results point to an amplification of dynamic conditional correlations during and after the global financial crisis (GFC), suggesting an increase in volatility spillovers and interdependence between these markets following the global financial crisis. This is also confirmed by the results of the total spillover index based on the GVAR analysis, which shows low but time-varying volatility spillover that intensified during periods of high uncertainty and market crises, particularly during the global financial crisis and sovereign debt crisis periods.
Efficient Subpopulation Based Parallel TLBO Optimization Algorithms
Authors: García-Monzó Alejandro , Migallón Héctor , Jimeno-Morenilla Antonio , Sánchez-Romero José-Luis , Rico Héctor , Rao Ravipudi Venkata
Published: December 2018

A numerous group of optimization algorithms based on heuristic techniques have been proposed in recent years. Most of them are based on phenomena in nature and require the correct tuning of some parameters, which are specific to the algorithm. Heuristic algorithms allow problems to be solved more quickly than deterministic methods. The computational time required to obtain the optimum (or near optimum) value of a cost function is a critical aspect of scientific applications in countless fields of knowledge. Therefore, we proposed efficient algorithms parallel to Teaching-learning-based optimization algorithms. TLBO is efficient and free from specific parameters to be tuned. The parallel proposals were designed with two levels of parallelization, one for shared memory platforms and the other for distributed memory platforms, obtaining good parallel performance in both types of parallel architectures and on heterogeneous memory parallel platforms.
How Adding a Battery to a Grid-Connected Photovoltaic System Can Increase its Economic Performance: A Comparison of Different Scenarios
Authors: Kharseh Mohamad , Wallbaum Holger
Published: December 2018

The current work investigates how adding a battery of optimal capacity to a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system can improve its economic feasibility. Also, the effect of different parameters on the feasibility of the PV system was evaluated. The optimal battery capacity (OBC) was determined for different saving targets of the annual electricity consumption of the chosen building. For this aim, real electricity consumption data of a residential building in Landskrona, Sweden, was used as energy consumption profile. A Solar World SW325XL, which is a monocrystalline solar panel, was selected as PV panel. The calculations were performed under the metrological and economic conditions of southern Sweden. Different working parameters (WPs) were considered (prices of the battery, feed-in tariffs, and saving targets). The performed calculations show that the optimal battery capacity (OBC), in which the payback time (PBT) of the system is maximized, strongly depends on the WP. The proper selection of the battery can considerably increase the economic feasibility of the PV system in southern Sweden. However, in some cases, using battery can have a negative impact on the PBT of the system. The results show that the electricity price, the module price, the inverter price, and the inverter lifetime have the highest effect on the PBT.
Lattice Boltzmann Simulation for the Forming Process of Artificial Frozen Soil Wall
Authors: Shen Linfang , Wang Zhiliang , Wang Pengyu , Xin Libin
Published: December 2018

A lattice Boltzmann model is proposed to simulate the forming process of artificial frozen soil wall. The enthalpy method is applied to deal with the latent-heat source term, and the adjustable thermal diffusivity is utilized to handle the change of thermophysical parameters. The model is tested by the heat conduction with solid–liquid phase change in semi-infinite space, which shows a good consistence between the numerical and analytical solutions, and the mesh resolution has little effect on the numerical results. Lastly, the development of frozen soil wall is discussed when the freezing pipes are arranged in a square. The results show that the evolution of temperature field with time is closely related to the distance from the freezing pipe. For the soil near freezing pipe, the temperature gradient is larger, the soil temperature drops rapidly and freezes in a short time. The time history curve of temperature is relatively smooth. For the soil far away from freezing pipe, the temperature evolution curve has obvious multistage, which can be divided into four stages: cooling, phase change, partly frozen and completely frozen. The spacing of freezing pipes has a significant influence on the overlapping time of artificial frozen soil wall, and there is a power function relationship between them.