bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating Differential Entropy using Recursive Copula Splitting
Authors: Ariel Gil , Louzoun Yoram
Published: February 2020

A method for estimating the Shannon differential entropy of multidimensional random variables using independent samples is described. The method is based on decomposing the distribution into a product of marginal distributions and joint dependency, also known as the copula. The entropy of marginals is estimated using one-dimensional methods. The entropy of the copula, which always has a compact support, is estimated recursively by splitting the data along statistically dependent dimensions. The method can be applied both for distributions with compact and non-compact supports, which is imperative when the support is not known or of a mixed type (in different dimensions). At high dimensions (larger than 20), numerical examples demonstrate that our method is not only more accurate, but also significantly more efficient than existing approaches.
Biometric Identification Method for Heart Sound Based on Multimodal Multiscale Dispersion Entropy
Authors: Cheng Xiefeng , Wang Pengfei , She Chenjun
Published: February 2020

In this paper, a new method of biometric characterization of heart sounds based on multimodal multiscale dispersion entropy is proposed. Firstly, the heart sound is periodically segmented, and then each single-cycle heart sound is decomposed into a group of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) by improved complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (ICEEMDAN). These IMFs are then segmented to a series of frames, which is used to calculate the refine composite multiscale dispersion entropy (RCMDE) as the characteristic representation of heart sound. In the simulation experiments I, carried out on the open heart sounds database Michigan, Washington and Littman, the feature representation method was combined with the heart sound segmentation method based on logistic regression (LR) and hidden semi-Markov models (HSMM), and feature selection was performed through the Fisher ratio (FR). Finally, the Euclidean distance (ED) and the close principle are used for matching and identification, and the recognition accuracy rate was 96.08%. To improve the practical application value of this method, the proposed method was applied to 80 heart sounds database constructed by 40 volunteer heart sounds to discuss the effect of single-cycle heart sounds with different starting positions on performance in experiment II. The experimental results show that the single-cycle heart sound with the starting position of the start of the first heart sound (S1) has the highest recognition rate of 97.5%. In summary, the proposed method is effective for heart sound biometric recognition.
Global Geometry of Bayesian Statistics
Authors: Mori Atsuhide
Published: February 2020

In the previous work of the author, a non-trivial symmetry of the relative entropy in the information geometry of normal distributions was discovered. The same symmetry also appears in the symplectic/contact geometry of Hilbert modular cusps. Further, it was observed that a contact Hamiltonian flow presents a certain Bayesian inference on normal distributions. In this paper, we describe Bayesian statistics and the information geometry in the language of current geometry in order to spread our interest in statistics through general geometers and topologists. Then, we foliate the space of multivariate normal distributions by symplectic leaves to generalize the above result of the author. This foliation arises from the Cholesky decomposition of the covariance matrices.
Reasons for Increased Caesarean Section Rate in Vietnam: A Qualitative Study among Vietnamese Mothers and Health Care Professionals
Authors: Takegata Mizuki , Smith Chris , Nguyen Hien Anh Thi , Thi Hai Huynh , Thi Minh Trang Nguyen , Day Louise Tina , Kitamura Toshinori , Toizumi Michiko , Dang Duc Anh , Yoshida Lay-Myint
Published: February 2020

The Caesarean section rate in urban Vietnam is 43% in 2014, which is more than twice the recommended rate (10%–15%) by the World Health Organization. This qualitative study aims to identify the perceptions of pregnant mothers and health care professionals on the medical and social factors related to the increased Caesarean section rate in Vietnam. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted among pregnant mothers and healthcare professionals at two public hospitals in Nha Trang city. A content analysis was adopted in order to identify social and medical factors. As a result, 29 pregnant women and 19 health care professionals were invited to participate in the qualitative interviews. Private interviews were conducted with 10 women who wished to have a Caesarean section, and the others participated in focus group interviews. The main themes of the social factors were ‘request for Caesarean section,’ ‘mental strain of obstetricians,’ and ‘decision-making process.’ To conclude, this qualitative study suggests that there were unnecessary caesarean sections without a clear medical indication, which were requested by women and family members. Psychological fear occurred among women and family, and doctors were the main determinants for driving the requests for Caesarean section, which implies that education and emotional encouragement is necessary by midwives. In addition, a multi-faced approach including a mandatory reporting system in clinical fields and involving family members in antenatal education is important.
Estimating the Threshold Effects of Climate on Dengue: A Case Study of Taiwan
Authors: Tran Bao-Linh , Tseng Wei-Chun , Chen Chi-Chung , Liao Shu-Yi
Published: February 2020

Climate change is regarded as one of the major factors enhancing the transmission intensity of dengue fever. In this study, we estimated the threshold effects of temperature on Aedes mosquito larval index as an early warning tool for dengue prevention. We also investigated the relationship between dengue vector index and dengue epidemics in Taiwan using weekly panel data for 17 counties from January 2012 to May 2019. To achieve our goals, we first applied the panel threshold regression technique to test for threshold effects and determine critical temperature values. Data were then further decomposed into different sets corresponding to different temperature regimes. Finally, negative binomial regression models were applied to assess the non-linear relationship between meteorological factors and Breteau index (BI). At the national level, we found that a 1°C temperature increase caused the expected value of BI to increase by 0.09 units when the temperature is less than 27.21 °C, and by 0.26 units when the temperature is greater than 27.21 °C. At the regional level, the dengue vector index was more sensitive to temperature changes because double threshold effects were found in the southern Taiwan model. For southern Taiwan, as the temperature increased by 1°C, the expected value of BI increased by 0.29, 0.63, and 1.49 units when the average temperature was less than 27.27 °C, between 27.27 and 30.17 °C, and higher than 30.17 °C, respectively. In addition, the effects of precipitation and relative humidity on BI became stronger when the average temperature exceeded the thresholds. Regarding the impacts of climate change on BI, our results showed that the potential effects on BI range from 3.5 to 54.42% under alternative temperature scenarios. By combining threshold regression techniques with count data regression models, this study provides evidence of threshold effects between climate factors and the dengue vector index. The proposed threshold of temperature could be incorporated into the implementation of public health measures and risk prediction to prevent and control dengue fever in the future.
Backlash or Widening the Gap?: Women’s Reproductive Rights in the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Gozdecka Dorota Anna
Published: February 2020

This article examines legal challenges to women’s reproductive rights in Ireland and the United States, arguing that backlash against reproductive rights is a consequence of the long unsettled position of women’s reproductive freedom in liberal democracies and the catalogue of rights. It examines the legal foundations of reproductive rights and their perceived conflicts with other values, such as religion, and focuses on the current legal challenges to women’s bodily autonomy regarding choice and motherhood. It demonstrates the many contexts in which women have not acquired full reproductive freedom, and explores the nature of the current backlash. It argues that the nature of the backlash is not simply a reclamation of what has been legally guaranteed, but instead a deepening of the preexisting divides within reproductive justice globally.
Preparation and Characterization of Hemicellulose Films from Sugarcane Bagasse
Authors: da Silva Braga Roberta , Poletto Matheus
Published: February 2020

Hemicellulose is one of the most common polysaccharides found in nature. Its use as a green and sustainable raw material for industries is desirable. In this work, an alkaline-alcoholic method was used to extract hemicelluloses from sugarcane bagasse. After extraction, films with 2%, 3% and 4% (w/v) hemicellulose were produced. The films’ morphology, thickness, water solubility, tensile properties and thermal stability were evaluated. The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) results reveal that the method used removes the hemicellulose from bagasse with a low concentration of lignin. The films presented a compact and dense structure with uniformity in thickness associated with higher solubility in water. The increase in hemicellulose content increased tensile strength, but reduced the tensile strain of the films. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the increase in hemicellulose content reduced the films’ thermal stability. Thus, these films may act as useful, biodegradable and environmentally friendly materials for engineering applications.
Methodology for Controlling the Technological Process of Executing Floors Made of Cement-Based Materials
Authors: Sadowski Łukasz , Hoła Anna , Hoła Jerzy
Published: February 2020

The article presents original complex methodology for the effective control of the entire process of executing floors made of cement-based materials. This methodology has been lacking in literature so far. The methodology was developed on the basis of many years of the authors’ experience, which was acquired when diagnosing the technical condition of such floors. The methodology was preceded by a synthetic summary of the most important technological and technical requirements for floors made of cement-based materials. It was also enriched with a discussion of the problem documented by sample research results showing the state that may be the result of disregarding and not performing the necessary control activities.
Highly Fluorescent Distyrylnaphthalene Derivatives as a Tool for Visualization of Cellular Membranes
Authors: Suwara Justyna , Lukasik Beata , Zurawinski Remigiusz , Pawlowska Roza , Chworos Arkadiusz
Published: February 2020

Fluorescent imaging, which is an important interdisciplinary field bridging research from organic chemistry, biochemistry and cell biology has been applied for multi-dimensional detection, visualization and characterization of biological structures and processes. Especially valuable is the possibility to monitor cellular processes in real time using fluorescent probes. In this work, conjugated oligoelectrolytes and neutral derivatives with the distyrylnaphthalene core (SN-COEs) were designed, synthetized and tested for biological properties as membrane-specific fluorescent dyes for the visualization of membrane-dependent cellular processes. The group of tested compounds includes newly synthesized distyrylnaphthalene derivatives (DSNNs): a trimethylammonium derivative (DSNN-NMe3+), a phosphonate derivative (DSNN-P), a morpholine derivative (DSNN-Mor), a dihydroxyethylamine derivative (DSNN-DEA), a phosphonate potassium salt (DSNN-POK), an amino derivative (DSNN-NH2) and pyridinium derivative (DSNN-Py+). All compounds were tested for their biological properties, including cytotoxicity and staining efficiency towards mammalian cells. The fluorescence intensity of SN-COEs incorporated into cellular structures was analyzed by fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The cytotoxicity results have shown that all tested SN-COEs can be safely used in the human and animal cell studies. Fluorescence and confocal microscopy observations confirm that tested COEs can be applied as fluorescent probes for the visualization of intracellular membrane components in a wide range of different cell types, including adherent and suspension cells. The staining procedure may be performed under both serum free and complete medium conditions. The presented studies have revealed the interesting biological properties of SN-COEs and confirmed their applicability as dyes for staining the membranous structures of eukaryotic cells, which may be useful for visualization of wide range of biological processes dependent of the extra-/intracellular communications and/or based on the remodeling of cellular membranes.
Influence Mechanism of Silicon on Carbide Phase Precipitation of a Corrosion Resistance Nickel Based Superalloy
Authors: Liu Tao , Yang Mei , Han Fenfen , Dong Jiasheng
Published: February 2020

The effect of silicon on diffusion behavior of the carbide forming elements in Ni-Mo-Cr-Fe based corrosion-resistant alloy is studied by diffusion couple experiment. One group of diffusion couples are made of the alloy with a different silicon content, another group of diffusion couples are made of pure nickel and the alloy with different silicon content (0Si, 2Si). Two groups of alloys with same silicon content and different carbon content are also prepared, the microstructure of solution and aging state of these two groups alloys are analyzed, and their stress rupture properties are tested. The effect of silicon on the diffusion of alloy elements and the interaction effect of carbon and silicon on the microstructure and stress rupture properties of the alloy are analyzed. The mechanism of Si on the precipitation behavior of carbide phase in Ni-Mo-Cr-Fe corrosion resistant alloy is discussed. The results show that silicon can promote the diffusion of carbide forming elements and the formation of carbide. The precipitation behavior of the secondary phase is the result of the interaction effect of silicon and carbon, and is related to the thermal history of the alloy. Combined with the characteristic of primary carbides, it is confirmed that the precipitation of M12C type secondary carbide is caused by the relative lack of carbon element and the relative enrichment of carbide forming elements such as molybdenum. The stress rupture properties of two silicon-containing alloys with different carbon contents in solution and aging state are tested. The stress rupture life of low carbon alloy is lower compared with high carbon alloy at solution state, but after aging treatment, the stress rupture life of low carbon alloy is significantly improved, and higher than that of high carbon alloy. The main aim of this research is to reveal the influence mechanism of silicon on carbide phase precipitation of a Ni-Mo-Cr-Fe based corrosion-resistant superalloy, which provides theoretical basis and reference for later alloy design and engineering application.
Influence of Effective Laser Energy on the Structure and Mechanical Properties of Laser Melting Deposited Ti6Al4V Alloy
Authors: Fu Daojian , Li Xiaoqiang , Zhang Minai , Wang Min , Zhang Zhen , Qu Shengguan
Published: February 2020

The laser energy density (ED) is often utilized in many additive manufacturing (AM) processes studies to help researchers to further investigate the process-structure-property correlations of Ti6Al4V alloys. However, the reliability of the ED is still questionable. In this work, a specific empirical calculation equation of the effective laser energy (Ee), which is a dimensionless parameter in laser melting deposition (LMD) processing, was proposed based on the molten pool temperature. The linear regression results and the coefficient of determination prove the feasibility of the Ee equation, which indicates that Ee can more accurately reflect the energy-temperature correlations than the commonly used laser energy density (ED) equation. Additionally, Ti6Al4V components were fabricated by the LMD process with different Ee to investigate the influence of Ee on their structure and mechanical properties. Experimental results show that the detrimental columnar prior β meso-structure can be circumvented and the uniform α + β laths micro-structure can be obtained in LMD Ti6Al4V by a judicious combination of the process parameter (P = 2000 W, V = 12 mm/s, and F = 10.5 g/min) and Ee (7.98 × 105) with excellent tensile strength (1006 ± 25 MPa) and elongation (14.9 ± 0.6%). Overall, the present work provides an empirical calculation equation to obtain a clearer understanding of the influence of different process parameters and indicates the possibility to fabricate the Ti6Al4V alloy with excellent mechanical properties by parameter optimization in the LMD process.
Effect of Recrystallization on β to α-Sn Allotropic Transition in 99.3Sn–0.7Cu wt. % Solder Alloy Inoculated with InSb
Authors: Skwarek Agata , Illés Balázs , Hurtony Tamás , Bušek David , Dušek Karel
Published: February 2020

The effect of recrystallization of 99.3Sn–0.7Cu wt. % solder alloy on the allotropic transition of β to α-Sn (so-called tin pest phenomenon) was investigated. Bulk samples were prepared, and an InSb inoculator was mechanically applied to their surfaces to enhance the transition. Half of the samples were used as the reference material and the other half were annealed at 180 °C for 72 h, which caused the recrystallization of the alloy. The samples were stored at −10 and −20 °C. The β-Sn to α-Sn transition was monitored using electrical resistance measurements. The expansion and separation of the tin grains during the β-Sn to α-Sn transition process were studied using scanning electron microscopy. The recrystallization of the alloy suppressed the tin pest phenomenon considerably since it decreased the number of defects in the crystal structure where heterogeneous nucleation of β-Sn to α-Sn transition could occur. In the case of InSb inoculation, the spreading of the transition towards the bulk was as fast as the spreading parallel to the surface of the sample.
Synthesis of Silver-Coated Bioactive Nanocomposite Scaffolds Based on Grafted Beta-Glucan/Hydroxyapatite via Freeze-Drying Method: Anti-Microbial and Biocompatibility Evaluation for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Khan Muhammad Umar Aslam , Al-Thebaiti Mesfer A. , Hashmi Muhammad Uzair , Aftab Saira , Abd Razak Saiful Izwan , Abu Hassan Shukur , Abdul Kadir Mohammed Rafiq , Amin Rashid
Published: February 2020

Advancement and development in bone tissue engineering, particularly that of composite scaffolds, are of great importance for bone tissue engineering. We have synthesized polymeric matrix using biopolymer (β-glucan), acrylic acid, and nano-hydroxyapatite through free radical polymerization method. Bioactive nanocomposite scaffolds (BNSs) were fabricated using the freeze-drying method and Ag was coated by the dip-coating method. The scaffolds have been characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) to investigate their functional groups, surface morphology, and phase analysis, respectively. The pore size and porosity of all BNS samples were found to be dependent on silver concentration. Mechanical testing of all BNS samples have substantial compressive strength in dry form that is closer to cancellous bone. The samples of BNS showed substantial antibacterial effect against DH5 alpha E. coli. The biological studies conducted using the MC3T3-E1 cell line via neutral red dye assay on the scaffolds have found to be biocompatible and non-cytotoxic. These bioactive scaffolds can bring numerous applications for bone tissue repairs and regenerations.
Improvement of White Spruce Wood Dimensional Stability by Organosilanes Sol-Gel Impregnation and Heat Treatment
Authors: Schorr Diane , Blanchet Pierre
Published: February 2020

Wood is a living material with a dimensional stability problem. White spruce wood is a Canadian non-permeable wood that is used for siding applications. To improve this property, white spruce wood was treated with organosilanes sol-gel treatment with different moisture content (oven dried, air dried, and green wood). No major morphological changes were observed after treatment. However, organosilanes were impregnated into the cell wall without densifying the wood and without modifying the wood structure. Si-O-C chemical bonds between organosilanes and wood and Si-O-Si bonds were confirmed by FTIR and NMR, showing the condensation of organosilanes. The green wood (41% moisture content) showed only 26% dimensional stability due to the presence of too much water for organosilanes treatment. With a moisture content of 14%–18% (oven dried or air dried wood), the treatment was adapted to obtain the best improvement in dimensional stability of 35% and a 25% reduction of water vapor sorption. Finally, impregnation with organosilanes combined with the appropriate heat treatment improved the dimensional stability of white spruce wood by up to 35%. This treated Canadian wood could be an interesting option to validate for siding application in Canada.
A Multi-Criteria Decision Framework Considering Different Levels of Decision-Maker Involvement to Reconfigure Manufacturing Systems
Authors: M. Mabkhot Mohammed , Darmoul Saber , M. Al-Samhan Ali , Badwelan Ahmed
Published: February 2020

Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems (RMSs) rely on a set of technologies to quickly adapt the manufacturing system capacity and/or functionality to meet unexpected disturbances, such as fluctuation/uncertainty of demand and/or unavailability/unreliability of resources. At the operational stage, such disturbances raise new production requirements and risks, which call upon Decision-Makers (DMs) to analyze the opportunity to move from a running configuration to another more competitive one. Such a decision is generally based on an evaluation of a multitude of criteria, and several multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approaches have been suggested to help DMs with the reconfiguration process. Most existing MCDM approaches require some assignment of weights to the criteria, which is not a trivial task. Unfortunately, existing studies on MCDM for an RMS have not provided guidelines to weigh the evaluation criteria. This article fills in this gap by offering a framework to set up such weights. We provide a comprehensive set of quantitative indicators to evaluate the reconfiguration decisions during the operation of the RMS. We suggest three weighting methods that are convenient to different levels of DM expertise and desired degree of involvement in the reconfiguration process. These weighting methods are based on (1) intuitive weighting, (2) revised Simos procedural weighting combined with the Technique for Order of Preferences by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), and (3) DM independent weighting using ELECTRE IV. The implementation of the suggested framework and a comparison of the suggested methods carried out on an industrial case study are described herein.
Linear Optimization of Polynomial Rational Functions: Applications for Positivity Analysis
Authors: Hamadneh Tareq , Ali Mohammed , AL-Zoubi Hassan
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we provide tight linear lower bounding functions for multivariate polynomials given over boxes. These functions are obtained by the expansion of polynomials into Bernstein basis and using the linear least squares function. Convergence properties for the absolute difference between the given polynomials and their lower bounds are shown with respect to raising the degree and the width of boxes and subdivision. Subsequently, we provide a new method for constructing an affine lower bounding function for a multivariate continuous rational function based on the Bernstein control points, the convex hull of a non-positive polynomial s, and degree elevation. Numerical comparisons with the well-known Bernstein constant lower bounding function are given. Finally, with these affine functions, the positivity of polynomials and rational functions can be certified by computing the Bernstein coefficients of their linear lower bounds.
A General Inertial Viscosity Type Method for Nonexpansive Mappings and Its Applications in Signal Processing
Authors: Luo Yinglin , Shang Meijuan , Tan Bing
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we propose viscosity algorithms with two different inertia parameters for solving fixed points of nonexpansive and strictly pseudocontractive mappings. Strong convergence theorems are obtained in Hilbert spaces and the applications to the signal processing are considered. Moreover, some numerical experiments of proposed algorithms and comparisons with existing algorithms are given to the demonstration of the efficiency of the proposed algorithms. The numerical results show that our algorithms are superior to some related algorithms.
Common Fixed Point and Endpoint Theorems for a Countable Family of Multi-Valued Mappings
Authors: Işık Hüseyin , Mohammadi Babak , Park Choonkil , Parvaneh Vahid
Published: February 2020

We prove some common fixed point and endpoint theorems for a countable infinite family of multi-valued mappings, as well as Allahyari et al. (2015) did for self-mappings. An example and an application to a system of integral equations are given to show the usability of the results.
Evaluation of the One-Dimensional Lp Sobolev Type Inequality
Authors: Takemura Kazuo , Kametaka Yoshinori
Published: February 2020

This study applies the extended L 2 Sobolev type inequality to the L p Sobolev type inequality using Hölder’s inequality. The sharp constant and best function of the L p Sobolev type inequality are found using a Green function for the nth order ordinary differential equation. The sharp constant is shown to be equal to the L p norm of the Green function and to the pth root of the value of the origin of the best function.
Timing between Breast Reconstruction and Oncologic Mastectomy—One Center Experience
Authors: Avino Adelaida , Răducu Laura , Brînduşe Lăcrămioara Aurelia , Jecan Cristian-Radu , Lascăr Ioan
Published: February 2020

Background and objectives: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. The immunohistochemical profile, but also the stage of the tumor determines the therapeutic management, which varies from conservative surgery to mastectomy associated with chemotherapy, hormonal and biological therapy and/or radiotherapy. Mastectomy remains one of the most radical surgical intervention for women, having great consequences on quality of life, which can be improved by realizing immediate or delayed breast reconstruction. The objective of the study was to evaluate the period of time between the mastectomy and the breast reconstruction. Material and methods: We performed a retrospective study on 57 female patients admitted to the Plastic Surgery Department of the Clinical Emergency Hospital “Prof. Dr. Agrippa Ionescu”, Bucharest, Romania. All the patients underwent immediate or delayed breast reconstruction after mastectomy for confirmed breast cancer. Descriptive data analysis was realized with evaluation of type of breast reconstruction considering the staging of the tumor, the invaded lymph nodes, and the necessity of adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Moreover, the median period between mastectomy and reconstruction was evaluated. Results: The immediate breast reconstruction was performed in patients with stage I, in patients with stage II, delayed reconstruction was performed after minimum six months, and the patients with stage III had the breast reconstructed with free flap (50%), 8–43 months post-mastectomy. Radiotherapy determines the type of breast reconstruction, in most of the cases the latissimus dorsi flap was used with implant (22.6%). Conclusions: Breast reconstruction is an important step in increasing the quality of life for women who underwent mastectomy after breast cancer. The proper timing for breast reconstruction must be settled by a team formed by the patient, the plastic surgeon, and the oncologist.
Antimicrobial Resistance in Members of the Bacterial Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex Isolated from Lung Tissue of Cattle Mortalities Managed with or without the Use of Antimicrobials
Authors: Stanford Kim , Zaheer Rahat , Klima Cassidy , McAllister Tim , Peters Delores , Niu Yan D. , Ralston Brenda
Published: February 2020

Over a two-year period, Mannheimia haemolytica (MH; n = 113), Pasteurella multocida (PM; n = 47), Histophilus somni (HS; n = 41) and Mycoplasma bovis (MB; n = 227) were isolated from bovine lung tissue at necropsy from cattle raised conventionally (CON, n = 29 feedlots) or without antimicrobials [natural (NAT), n = 2 feedlots]. Excluding MB, isolates were assayed by PCR to detect the presence of 13 antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes and five core genes associated with integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs). Antimicrobial susceptibility phenotypes and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs, µg/mL) were determined for a subset of isolates (MH, n = 104; PM, n = 45; HS, n = 23; and MB, n = 61) using Sensititre analyses. A subset of isolates (n = 21) was also evaluated by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) based on variation in AMR phenotype. All five ICE core genes were detected in PM and HS by PCR, but only 3/5 were present in MH. Presence of mco and tnpA ICE core genes in MH was associated with higher MICs (p < 0.05) for all tetracyclines, and 2/3 of all macrolides, aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones evaluated. In contrast, association of ICE core genes with MICs was largely restricted to macrolides for PM and to individual tetracyclines and macrolides for HS. For MH, the average number of AMR genes markedly increased (p < 0.05) in year 2 of the study due to the emergence of a strain that was PCR positive for all 13 PCR-tested AMR genes as well as two additional AMR genes (aadA31 and blaROB-1) detected by WGS. Conventional management of cattle increased (p < 0.05) MICs of tilmicosin and tulathromycin for MH; neomycin and spectinomycin for PM; and gamithromycin and tulathromycin for MB. The average number of PCR-detected AMR genes in PM was also increased (p < 0.05) in CON mortalities. This study demonstrates increased AMR especially to macrolides by bovine respiratory disease organisms in CON as compared to NAT feedlots and a rapid increase in AMR following dissemination of strain(s) carrying ICE-associated multidrug resistance.
DNA Methylation Changes Induced by Cold in Psychrophilic and Psychrotolerant Naganishia Yeast Species
Authors: Turchetti Benedetta , Marconi Gianpiero , Sannino Ciro , Buzzini Pietro , Albertini Emidio
Published: February 2020

The involvement of DNA methylation in the response to cold stress of two different yeast species (Naganishia antarctica, psychrophilic, and Naganishia albida, psychrotolerant), exhibiting different temperature aptitudes, has been studied. Consecutive incubations at respective optimum temperatures, at 4 °C (cold stress) and at optimum temperatures again, were performed. After Methylation Sensitive Amplified Polymorphism (MSAP) fingerprints a total of 550 and 423 clear and reproducible fragments were amplified from N. antarctica and N. albida strains, respectively. The two Naganishia strains showed a different response in terms of level of DNA methylation during cold stress and recovery from cold stress. The percentage of total methylated fragments in psychrophilic N. antarctica did not show any significant change. On the contrary, the methylation of psychrotolerant N. albida exhibited a nonsignificant increase during the incubation at 4 °C and continued during the recovery step, showing a significant difference if compared with control condition, resembling an uncontrolled response to cold stress. A total of 12 polymorphic fragments were selected, cloned, and sequenced. Four fragments were associated to genes encoding for elongation factor G and for chitin synthase export chaperon. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on DNA methylation in the response to cold stress carried out by comparing a psychrophilic and a psychrotolerant yeast species.
Functions of Enyolreductase (ER) Domains of PKS Cluster in Lipid Synthesis and Enhancement of PUFAs Accumulation in Schizochytrium limacinum SR21 Using Triclosan as a Regulator of ER
Authors: Ling Xueping , Zhou Hao , Yang Qinghua , Yu Shengyang , Li Jun , Li Zhipeng , He Ning , Chen Cuixue , Lu Yinghua
Published: February 2020

The polyketide synthase (PKS) cluster genes are supposed to synthesize polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in S. limacinum. In this study, two enyolreductase (ER) genes located on PKS cluster were knocked out through homologous recombination to explore their functions. The knock-out of OrfB-ER (located on OrfB subunit) decreased lipid content and had obvious decrease on PUFAs content, indicating OrfB-ER domain played a vital role on PUFAs synthesis; the knock-out of OrfC-ER (located on OrfC subunit) decreased SFAs content and increased total lipid content, indicating OrfC-ER domain was likely to be related with SFAs synthesis, and lipid production could be improved by down-regulating OrfC-ER domain expression. Therefore, the addition of triclosan as a reported regulator of ER domain induced the increase of PUFAs production by 51.74% and lipids yield by 47.63%. Metabolic analysis indicated triclosan played its role through inhibiting the expression of OrfC-ER to reduce the feedback inhibition of SFAs and further to enhance NADPH synthesis for lipid production, and by weakening mevalonate pathway and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle to shift precursors for lipid and PUFAs synthesis. This research illuminates functions of two ER domains in S. limacinum and provides a potential targets for improving lipid production.
Determining the Age of Terrace Formation Using Luminescence Dating—A Case of the Yellow River Terraces in the Baode Area, China
Authors: Zhang Jia-Fu , Qiu Wei-Li , Hu Gang , Zhou Li-Ping
Published: February 2020

Dating fluvial terraces has long been a challenge for geologists and geomorphologists, because terrace straths and treads are not usually directly dated. In this study, the formation ages of the Yellow River terraces in the Baode area in China were determined by dating fluvial deposits overlying bedrock straths using optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating techniques. Seven terraces (from the lowest terrace T1 to the highest terrace T7) in the study area were recognized, and they are characterized by thick fluvial terrace deposits overlaid by loess sediments. Twenty-five samples from nine terrace sections were dated to about 2–200 ka. The OSL ages (120–190 ka) of the fluvial samples from higher terraces (T3–T6) seem to be reliable based on their luminescence properties and stratigraphic consistency, but the geomorphologic and stratigraphic evidence show that these ages should be underestimated, because they are generally similar to those of the samples from the lower terrace (T2). The formation ages of the terrace straths and treads for the T1 terrace were deduced to be about 44 ka and 36 ka, respectively, based on the deposition rates of the fluvial terrace deposits, and the T2 terrace has the same strath and tread formation age of about 135 ka. The incision rate was calculated to be about 0.35 mm/ka for the past 135 ka, and the uplift rate pattern suggests that the Ordos Plateau behaves as a rigid block. Based on our previous investigations on the Yellow River terraces and the results in this study, we consider that the formation ages of terrace straths and treads calculated using deposition rates of terrace fluvial sediments can overcome problems associated with age underestimation or overestimation of strath or fill terraces based on the single age of one fluvial terrace sample. The implication is that, for accurate dating of terrace formation, terrace sections should be systematically sampled and dated.
Towards Exciton-Polaritons in an Individual MoS2 Nanotube
Authors: Kazanov Dmitrii , Rakhlin Maxim , Poshakinskiy Alexander , Shubina Tatiana
Published: February 2020

We measure low-temperature micro-photoluminescence spectra along a MoS 2 nanotube, which exhibit the peaks of the optical whispering gallery modes below the exciton resonance. The energy fluctuation and width of these peaks are determined by the changes of the nanotube wall thickness and propagation of the optical modes along the nanotube axis, respectively. We demonstrate the potential of the high-quality nanotubes for realization of the strong coupling between exciton and optical modes when the Rabi splitting can reach 400 meV. We show how the formation of exciton-polaritons in such structures will be manifested in the micro-photoluminescence spectra and analyze the conditions needed to realize that.
The Diverse Functions of the Ubiquitous Fcγ Receptors and Their Unique Constituent, FcRγ Subunit
Authors: Hamdan Thamer A. , Lang Philipp A. , Lang Karl S.
Published: February 2020

Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs) are widely expressed on a variety of immune cells and play a myriad of regulatory roles in the immune system because of their structural diversity. Apart from their indispensable role in specific binding to the Fc portion of antibody subsets, FcγRs manifest diverse biological functions upon binding to their putative ligands. Examples of such manifestation include phagocytosis, presentation of antigens, mediation of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, anaphylactic reactions, and the promotion of apoptosis of T cells and natural killer cells. Functionally, the equilibrium between activating and inhibiting FcγR maintains the balance between afferent and efferent immunity. The γ subunit of the immunoglobulin Fc receptor (FcRγ) is a key component of discrete immune receptors and Fc receptors including the FcγR family. Furthermore, FcγRs exert a key role in terms of crosslinking the innate and adaptive workhorses of immunity. Ablation of one of these receptors might positively or negatively influence the immune response. Very recently, we discovered that FcRγ derived from natural cytotoxicity triggering receptor 1 (NCR1) curtails CD8+ T cell expansion and thereby turns an acute viral infection into a chronic one. Such a finding opens a new avenue for targeting the FcγRs as one of the therapeutic regimens to boost the immune response. This review highlights the structural heterogeneity and functional diversity of the ubiquitous FcγRs along with their featured subunit, FcRγ.
Research and Application of Underground WLAN Adaptive Radio Fingerprint Database
Authors: Qian Jiansheng , Song Mingzhi
Published: February 2020

Fingerprint positioning based on WiFi in coal mines has received much attention because of the widespread application of WiFi. Fingerprinting techniques have developed rapidly due to the efforts of many researchers. However, the off-line construction of the radio fingerprint database is a tedious and time-consuming process. When the underground environments change, it may be necessary to update the signal received signal strength indication (RSSI) of all reference points, which will affect the normal working of a personnel positioning system. To solve this problem, an adaptive construction and update method based on a quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization–user-location trajectory feedback (QPSO–ULTF) for a radio fingerprint database is proposed. The principle of ULTF is that the mobile terminal records and uploads the related dataset in the process of user’s walking, and it forms the user-location track with RSSI through the analysis and processing of the positioning system server. QPSO algorithm is used for the optimal radio fingerprint match between the RSSI of the access point (AP) contained in the dataset of user-location track and the calibration samples to achieve the adaptive generation and update of the radio fingerprint samples. The experimental results show that the radio fingerprint database generated by the QPSO–ULTF is similar to the traditional radio fingerprint database in the statistical distribution characteristics of the signal received signal strength (RSS) at each reference point. Therefore, the adaptive radio fingerprint database can replace the traditional radio fingerprint database. The comparable results of well-known traditional positioning methods demonstrate that the radio fingerprint database generated or updated by the QPSO–ULTF has a good positioning effect, which can ensure the normal operation of a personnel positioning system.
Evaluation of the Performance of Cryogen-Free Thermal Modulation-Based Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (GC×GC-TOFMS) for the Qualitative Analysis of a Complex Bitumen Sample
Authors: Boswell Haleigh , Tarazona Carrillo Kieran , Górecki Tadeusz
Published: February 2020

Historically, one-dimensional gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) has been employed in the analysis of petrochemical samples such as diesel, crude oil and bitumen. With increasingly complex samples, obtaining detailed information can be difficult with this method due to the large number of coelutions. By implementing comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOFMS), the limitations of GC/MS can be overcome, due to the ability of this method to separate mixtures using two different separation mechanisms and obtain full mass spectra. Furthermore, this enables an investigation of biomarkers, compounds which aid in the identification of geological and environmental processes, potentially differentiating crude oil samples. Cryogenic-based thermal modulators are typically used for this application due to their superior focusing effect; however, some platforms require expensive cryogenic consumables. The solid-state modulator (SSM), a cryogen-free thermal platform, was employed for the first time for the group and biomarker analysis of Alberta oil sands bitumen. Evaluation of the SSM performance was based on published literature data on bitumen analysis. Extracted ion chromatograms (EIC) and molecular ion peaks were used for the confirmation of the groups’ and individual’s analytes. Identification of the characteristic biomarkers responsible for determining thermal maturity, source rock or oil origin was achieved. These results indicate the successful analysis of bitumen by consumable-free, solid-state modulation-based GC×GC-TOFMS.
Customer Concentration, Economic Policy Uncertainty and Enterprise Sustainable Innovation
Authors: Zhong Tingyong , Zuo Yimeng , Sun Fangcheng , Lee Jeoung Yul
Published: February 2020

Few studies have addressed how customer concentration affects the decision of a firm’s research and development (R&D) strategies and then innovation outcome. Using a sample of China’s listed companies for the period from 2009 to 2017, this study investigates the relationship between customer concentration and enterprise sustainable innovations, as well as how such the relationship changes with economic policy uncertainty. The findings imply that there is a significant inverted-U-shaped relationship between customer concentration and enterprise sustainable innovations. Under a high level of economic policy uncertainty, the advantage of the customer relationship is maximized. In this context, raising customer concentration significantly promotes enterprise sustainable innovations. Customer concentration affects innovations differently as the equity properties, and locations of enterprises vary under different levels of economic policy uncertainty. Thus, the interval of customer concentration conducive to enterprise innovations differs. The results are robust to econometric techniques that control for endogeneity. Overall, our findings suggest that enterprises build and adjust the customer relationship and improve the driving mechanism for sustainable innovations.
Fatal, Fulminant and Invasive Non-Typeable Haemophilus influenzae Infection in a Preterm Infant: A Re-Emerging Cause of Neonatal Sepsis
Authors: Roy Chowdhury Sudipta , Bharadwaj Srabani , Chandran Suresh
Published: February 2020

Early-onset neonatal sepsis (EOS) is a major cause of neonatal death and long-term neurodevelopmental disabilities among survivors. The common pathogens causing EOS are group B streptococcus (GBS) and Escherichia coli. Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae) is a Gram-negative coccobacillus that can cause severe invasive disease and can be divided into either typeable or non-typeable strains. H. influenzae serotype b (Hib) is the most virulent and the major cause of bacterial meningitis in young children prior to routine immunization against Hib. Hib infection rates have dramatically reduced since then. However, a number of studies have reported an increasing incidence of non-typeable H. influenzae (NTHi) sepsis in neonates worldwide and concluded that pregnant women may have an increased risk to invasive NTHi disease with poor pregnancy outcomes. We present a case of fulminant neonatal sepsis caused by NTHi in an extremely preterm infant and discuss potential preventative measures to reduce its re-emergence.
Camera Stabilizer 2 Axis by Proporsional Integral Derivative (PID) Based LabView
Authors: A Anjasmara
Published: February 2020

Abstract - In taking a video on the camera results that are not much movement are needed, so that the video can be seen properly by the audience. In addition, the video does not have a lot of distortion which is caused by being unstable in its capture. Then a Camera Stabilizer is needed so that the resulting video remains stable. This camera stabilizer uses a computer device in making this program needed to make it easier for the operator to set the desired angle. In order to obtain the best stability, a tuning of the Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controller parameter is performed. In this tuning we can find out the values of Proportional gain (Kp), Integral Time (Ti), and Derivative Time (Td). The PID controller can provide action to the servo motor controller based on the error obtained, the desired servo motor rotation value is called the setpoint. LabView software is used as a driver, motor speed control. Keyword : LabView, servo motor, arduino, accelerometer, computer
Automatic Car Parking System for Parallel Parking Conditions
Authors: Prakoso Singgih Bima
Published: February 2020

Abstract - This study will focus on the design of automatic parallel parking systems. The parking system is designed for small cars that use Arduino Mega 2560, HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor, optocoupler, DC motor and servomotor. The ultrasonic sensor and optocoupler SR-04 is the input (input) of this system that will be processed by the ATmega 2560 microcontroller. Each input will be processed by the microcontroller to determine the amplitude and direction of rotation of the servomotor in driving the car. This automatic parking system starts when the vehicle searches for a parking space that matches the specified size, and then maneuvers into the parking space. The work cycle of the PWM is the main element of speed control of a DC motor. The results of testing the system in stages starting from the forward detecting the parking space until backwards to do the parking process is done to get the size of the parking space as well as the ideal distance for parking as a whole which is ± 70 cm and ± 35 cm wide. The results showed that, first, the automatic parking system for parallel parking left and right worked well with an average success rate of 80% for space detection and 48% for left parking, 85% for space detection and 45% for parking at right side to finish with a size of 70 cm of parking space and 35 cm wide. Keyword : automatic parking, parallel parking left and right, counter parking