bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New records of Thaloe ennery Brescovit, 1993, and Thaloe leboulet Brescovit & Oliveira, 2019 (Araneae: Anyphaenidae) from Dominican Republic
Authors: Carrero Jiménez Solanlly
Published: July 2020

The Hispaniola endemic species Thaloe ennery Brescovit and Thaloe leboulet Brescovit & Oliveira, previously known from Haiti, are found for the first time in Dominican Republic. Eleven male specimens of T. ennery were located in seven new localities from the Southeast Dominican Provinces: Pedernales, Barahona, Peravia, La Romana and La Altagracia. Additionally, four males of T. leboulet were located in the Northwest Dominican province of Santiago Rodríguez. This extends its distribution from the previously known occurrences in Haiti. All specimens are deposited in the Arachnological Collection of the Museo Nacional de Historia Natural “Prof. Eugenio de Jesús Marcano”.
The Gender of Migration: A Study on the Syrian Migrant Women in Turkey
Authors: Gökalp Kutlu Ayşegül
Published: July 2020

Turkey hosts around 3.6 million Syrian migrants who fled Syria withthe start of thecivil war. While Syrian migrants face problems related to adjusting to a different society, their prolongedstay and uncertainty of their status makes them vulnerable to instances of xenophobia and hate crimes. Women, however, are at a double disadvantage. They have less opportunity to overcome the language barrier, get out of the domestic households, reach health services and employment opportunities, are vulnerable to instances of domestic violence, sexual abuse and exploitation. This paper aims to adopt a feminist perspective on International Relations by focusing on migration. Based on data collected through interviews with Syrian migrant women living in Kocaeli city, this study is aiming to find out how gender shapes the experiences of migrant women. The article will analyse how influential gender is in women’s decisions to leave the conflict zone, to settle in a different country, and their experiences in their new social environment.
Recent Structure Development of Poly(vinylidene fluoride)-Based Piezoelectric Nanogenerator for Self-Powered Sensor
Authors: Lee Cheoljae , Park Hyosik , Lee Ju-Hyuck
Published: July 2020

As the internet of things (IoT) era approaches, various sensors, and wireless electronic devices such as smartphones, smart watches, and earphones are emerging. As the types and functions of electronics are diversified, the energy consumption of electronics increases, which causes battery charging and maintenance issues. The piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG) received great attention as an alternative to solving the energy issues of future small electronics. In particular, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) piezoelectric polymer-based PENGs are strong potential candidate with robust mechanical properties and a high piezoelectric coefficient. In this review, we summarize the recent significant advances of the development of PVDF-based PENGs for self-powered energy-harvesting systems. We discuss the piezoelectric properties of the various structures of PVDF-based PENGs such as thin film, microstructure, nanostructure, and nanocomposite.
A Critical Analysis of Flow-Compensated Hydrostatic Single Rod Actuators: Simulation Study
Authors: Koury Costa Gustavo , Sepehri Nariman
Published: July 2020

It is well established that the differential cylinder area in pump-controlled single-rod actuators creates the need of correctly switching the connections between the main circuit lines and a charge circuit, in order to provide means for equalising the flows into and out of the pump and the actuator. Many attempts to automatically switch the charge circuit connections to either cap- and rod-sides of the hydraulic cylinder have been made through the years. However, in many of these attempts, strong oscillations in the cylinder motion were observed when operational quadrants were changed under some particular velocity and force conditions. In this paper, we perform a thorough numerical analysis for some representative pump-controlled single-rod actuators. The goal is to understand the causes of undesirable behaviour of several circuits under certain operating situations. We show through comprehensive simulations that all but one circuit design produces undesirable oscillatory results under these circumstances. This paper is built upon and complements a previously published paper by the same authors on this important subject.
Piezoelectric Thick Film Deposition via Powder/Granule Spray in Vacuum: A Review
Authors: Patil Deepak Rajaram , Annapureddy Venkateswarlu , Kaarthik J. , Thakre Atul , Akedo Jun , Ryu Jungho
Published: July 2020

Conventional thin-film processing techniques remain inadequate for obtaining superior dense ceramic thick films. The incompatibility of ceramic films prepared via other methods, such as screen printing, spin coating, and sputtering, is a major obstacle in the fabrication of thick film-based ceramic electronic components. The granule spray in vacuum (GSV) processes and aerosol deposition (AD) are important coating approaches for forming dense ceramic thick films featuring nanoscale crystallite structures at room temperature, which offer excellent material properties and facilitate cost-effective production. AD ceramic coatings require the acceleration of solid-state submicron ceramic particles via gas streams with a velocity of a few hundred meters per second, which are then wedged onto a substrate. This process is economical and particularly useful for the fabrication of piezoelectric thick film-based microactuators, energy harvesters, sensors, and optoelectronic devices. More recently, the GSV technique was improved to achieve more uniform and homogeneous film deposition after AD. This review article presents a detailed overview of the AD and GSV processes for piezoelectric thick films in terms of recent scientific and technological applications.
Prediction Strategies for Leveraging Information of Associated Traits under Single- and Multi-Trait Approaches in Soybeans
Authors: Persa Reyna , Bernardeli Arthur , Jarquin Diego
Published: July 2020

The availability of molecular markers has revolutionized conventional ways to improve genotypes in plant and animal breeding through genome-based predictions. Several models and methods have been developed to leverage the genomic information in the prediction context to allow more efficient ways to screen and select superior genotypes. In plant breeding, usually, grain yield (yield) is the main trait to drive the selection of superior genotypes; however, in many cases, the information of associated traits is also routinely collected and it can potentially be used to enhance the selection. In this research, we considered different prediction strategies to leverage the information of the associated traits ([AT]; full: all traits observed for the same genotype; and partial: some traits observed for the same genotype) under an alternative single-trait model and the multi-trait approach. The alternative single-trait model included the information of the AT for yield prediction via the phenotypic covariances while the multi-trait model jointly analyzed all the traits. The performance of these strategies was assessed using the marker and phenotypic information from the Soybean Nested Association Mapping (SoyNAM) project observed in Nebraska in 2012. The results showed that the alternative single-trait strategy, which combines the marker and the information of the AT, outperforms the multi-trait model by around 12% and the conventional single-trait strategy (baseline) by 25%. When no information on the AT was available for those genotypes in the testing sets, the multi-trait model reduced the baseline results by around 6%. For the cases where genotypes were partially observed (i.e., some traits observed but not others for the same genotype), the multi-trait strategy showed improvements of around 6% for yield and between 2% to 9% for the other traits. Hence, when yield drives the selection of superior genotypes, the single-trait and multi-trait genomic prediction will achieve significant improvements when some genotypes have been fully or partially tested, with the alternative single-trait model delivering the best results. These results provide empirical evidence of the usefulness of the AT for improving the predictive ability of prediction models for breeding applications.
Herbaceous Oil Crops, a Review on Mechanical Harvesting State of the Art
Authors: Pari Luigi , Latterini Francesco , Stefanoni Walter
Published: July 2020

The sustainable production of renewable energy is a key topic on the European community’s agenda in the next decades. The use of residuals from agriculture could not be enough to meet the growing demand for energy, and the contribution of vegetable oil to biodiesel production may be important. Moreover, vegetable oil can surrogate petroleum products in many cases, as in cosmetics, biopolymers, or lubricants production. However, the cultivation of oil crops for the mere production of industrial oil would arise concerns on competition for land use between food and non-food crops. Additionally, the economic sustainability is not always guaranteed, since the mechanical harvesting, in some cases, is still far from acceptable. Therefore, it is difficult to plan the future strategy on bioproducts production from oil crops if the actual feasibility to harvest the seeds is still almost unknown. With the present review, the authors aim to provide a comprehensive overview on the state of the art of mechanical harvesting in seven herbaceous oil crops, namely: sunflower (Heliantus annuus L.), canola (Brassica napus L.), cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L.), camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz), safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), crambe (Crambe abyssinica R. E. Fr.), and castor bean (Ricinus communis L.). The review underlines that the mechanical harvesting of sunflower, canola and cardoon seeds is performed relying on specific devices that perform effectively with a minimum seed loss. Crambe and safflower seeds can be harvested through a combine harvester equipped with a header for cereals. On the other hand, camelina and castor crops still lack the reliable implementation on combine harvesters. Some attempts have been performed to harvest camelina and castor while using a cereal header and a maize header, respectively, but the actual effectiveness of both strategies is still unknown.
Evidence of the Role of QTL Epistatic Interactions in the Increase of Melon Fruit Flesh Content during Domestication
Authors: Riahi Chaymaa , Reig-Valiente Juan Luis , Picó Belén , Díaz Aurora , Gonzalo Maria José , Monforte Antonio José
Published: July 2020

Cultivated melon was domesticated from wild melons, which produce small fruits with non-edible fruit flesh. The increase in fruit flesh is one of the major domestication achievements in this species. In previous work, a quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 6 (paqt6.1) linked to fruit flesh content was detected in a cross between cultivated (“Piel de Sapo”, PS) and wild (Ames 24294, TRI) accessions. The QTL was introgressed into the PS background, generating the TRI_6-3 introgression line (IL) that confirmed the effects of paqt6.1. The primary objective of this work was to fine-map paqt6.1 as the first step for the map-based cloning. Two different approaches were carried out; however, the results were not consistent, precluding the fine mapping of paqt6.1. TRI_6-3 and other related ILs were genotyped by genotyping-by-sequencing, finding additional introgressions in other chromosomes. In an F2 population from TRI_6-3-x-PS, we found an epistatic interaction between paqt6.1 and another locus on chromosome 11. The interaction was verified in advanced populations, suggesting that the effects of paqt6.1 are conditioned by the allelic composition at another locus in chromosome 11. Both loci should have TRI alleles to reduce the flesh content in the PS background. The implications on the history of melon domestication are discussed.
Potential of Recycling Cauliflower and Romanesco Wastes in Ruminant Feeding: In Vitro Studies
Authors: de Evan Trinidad , Vintimilla Andrea , Molina-Alcaide Eduarda , Ranilla María , Carro María
Published: July 2020

The nutritive values for ruminants of cauliflower (CAU) and Romanesco (ROM) wastes (leaves, stems and sprouts) were assessed by analyzing their chemical composition, in vitro ruminal fermentation, and in vitro intestinal digestibility. In addition, the in vitro ruminal fermentation of diets containing increasing amounts of CAU was studied. The dry matter (DM) content of leaves, stems and sprouts of both vegetables was lower than 10%, but they contained high crude protein (CP; 19.9 to 33.0%) and sugar (16.3 to 28.7%) levels, and low neutral detergent fiber (21.6 to 32.3%). Stems and sprouts were more rapidly and extensively fermented in the rumen than leaves, but there were only minor differences the fermentation profiles of both vegetables. The estimated metabolizable energy content ranged from 9.3 (leaves) to 10.8 (sprouts) MJ/kg DM. The CP rumen degradability (12-h in situ incubations) was greater than 80.0% for all fractions, and the in vitro intestinal digestibility of CP ranged from 85.7 to 93.2%. The inclusion of up to 24% of dried CAU in the concentrate of a mixed diet (40:60 alfalfa hay:concentrate) increased the in vitro rumen fermentation of the CAU diet, but did not affect methane (CH4) production, indicating the lack of antimethanogenic compounds in CAU.
Effect of Thymol Addition and Withdrawal on Some Blood Parameters, Antioxidative Defence System and Fatty Acid Profile in Rabbit Muscle
Authors: Bacova Kristina , Zitterl-Eglseer Karin , Chrastinova Lubica , Laukova Andrea , Madarova Michaela , Gancarcikova Sona , Sopkova Drahomira , Andrejcakova Zuzana , Placha Iveta
Published: July 2020

Thymol concentrations in rabbit plasma, intestinal wall (IW) and faeces were detected, and the effects of thymol application and withdrawal on biochemical, antioxidant parameters and fatty acids (FA) in blood (B) and muscle (M) were studied. Forty-eight rabbits were divided into two experimental groups (control, C and with thymol 250-mg/kg feed, T). Thymol was administered for 21 days (TA) and withdrawn for seven days (TW). Thymol in plasma correlated with that in the IW (Spearman′s correlation coefficient (rs) = −1.000, p = 0.0167, TA) and was detected in faeces (TA and TW). In TA alkaline phosphatase (p = 0.0183), cholesterol (p = 0.0228), malondialdehyde (p = 0.003), glutathione peroxidase (p = 0.0177) in B and lactate dehydrogenase (M, p = 0.0411) decreased; monounsaturated FA (p = 0.0104) and α-linolenic acid (p = 0.0227) in M increased. In TW urea (p = 0.0079), docosapentaenoic acid (p = 0.0069) in M increased; linoleic acid (p = 0.0070), ∑ n−6 (p = 0.0007) in M and triglycerides decreased (B, p = 0.0317). In TA and TW, the total protein (p = 0.0025 and 0.0079), creatinine (B; p = 0.0357 and 0.0159) and oleic acid (M; p = 0.0104 and 0.0006) increased. Thymol was efficiently absorbed from the intestine and demonstrated its biological activity in blood and the muscles.
Commercial Poultry Production Stocking Density Influence on Bird Health and Performance Indicators
Authors: Bergeron Stéphane , Pouliot Emmanuelle , Doyon Maurice
Published: July 2020

This study examines poultry production stocking density (SD) effect on bird welfare and economic performance. It is based on a large dataset from commercial production including observations for 2.2 million male broilers and 2.3 million female broilers from 37 production sites, with SD ranging from 20.63 kg/m2 to 41.15 kg/m2. The data collection was originally motivated by a processor’s economic concerns that increasing SD could cause slower broiler growth, higher condemnations, and lower grade meat. The data was examined using several linear regressions to determine how production parameters impacted these performance indicators. Results regarding foot pad lesion, condemnations, and mortality rates are consistent with those found in the literature. However, we find that daily weight gain is positively associated with SD, contrasting with past experimental results. The difference between the scope of commercial and experimental productions is discussed as a possible reason for these conflicting results.
Day 10 Post-Prescription Audit Optimizes Antibiotic Therapy in Patients with Bloodstream Infections
Authors: Murri Rita , Palazzolo Claudia , Giovannenze Francesca , Taccari Francesco , Camici Marta , Spanu Teresa , Posteraro Brunella , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Cauda Roberto , Fantoni Massimo
Published: July 2020

This study aimed to investigate the clinical and organizational impact of an active re-evaluation (on day 10) of patients on antibiotic treatment diagnosed with bloodstream infections (BSIs). A prospective, single center, pre-post quasi-experimental study was performed. Patients were enrolled at the time of microbial BSI confirmation. In the pre-intervention phase (August 2014–August 2015), clinical status and antibiotic regimen were re-evaluated at day 3. In the intervention phase (January 2016–January 2017), clinical status and antibiotic regimen were re-evaluated at day 3 and day 10. Primary outcomes were rate of optimal therapy, duration of antibiotic therapy, length of hospitalization, and 30-day mortality. A total of 632 patients were enrolled (pre-intervention period, n = 303; intervention period, n = 329). Average duration of therapy reduced from 18.1 days (standard deviation (SD), 11.4) in the pre-intervention period to 16.8 days (SD, 12.7) in the intervention period (p < 0.001). Similarly, average length of hospitalization decreased from 24.1 days (SD, 20.8) to 20.6 days (SD, 17.7) (p = 0.001). No inter-group difference was found for the rate of 30-day mortality. In patients with BSI, re-evaluation of clinical status and antibiotic regimen at day 3 and 10 after microbiological diagnosis was correlated with a reduction in the duration of antibiotic therapy and hospital stay. The intervention is simple and has a low impact on overall costs.
Gram-negative Organisms from Patients with Community-Acquired Urinary Tract Infections and Associated Risk Factors for Antimicrobial Resistance: A Single-Center Retrospective Observational Study in Japan
Authors: Kanda Naoki , Hashimoto Hideki , Sonoo Tomohiro , Naraba Hiromu , Takahashi Yuji , Nakamura Kensuke , Hatakeyama Shuji
Published: July 2020

A specific antibiogram is necessary for the empiric antibiotic treatment of community-acquired urinary tract infections (UTI) because of the global spread of antimicrobial resistance. This study aimed to develop an antibiogram specific for community-acquired UTI and assess the risk factors associated with community-acquired UTI caused by antimicrobial-resistant organisms. This cross-sectional observational retrospective study included patients with community-acquired UTI caused by Gram-negative rods (GNR) who were admitted to the emergency department at a tertiary care hospital in Ibaraki, Japan, in 2017–2018. A total of 172 patients were enrolled (including 38 nursing home residents). Of the 181 GNR strains considered as causative agents, 135 (75%) were Escherichia coli, and 40 (22%) exhibited third-generation cephalosporin resistance. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli accounted for 25/40 (63%) of resistant GNR. Overall susceptibility rate of Enterobacterales was 92%, 81%, 100%, 75%, and 89% for cefmetazole, ceftriaxone, meropenem, levofloxacin, and trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole, respectively. Residence in a nursing home (odds ratio (OR), 2.83; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.18–6.79) and recent antibiotic use (OR, 4.52; 95% CI, 1.02–19.97) were independent risk factors for UTI with resistant GNR. ESBL-producing E. coli was revealed to have a strong impact on antimicrobial resistance pattern. Therefore, an antibiotic strategy based on a disease-specific antibiogram is required.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Oxidative Stress, and Neuroinflammation: Intertwined Roads to Neurodegeneration
Authors: Picca Anna , Calvani Riccardo , Coelho-Junior Hélio José , Landi Francesco , Bernabei Roberto , Marzetti Emanuele
Published: July 2020

Oxidative stress develops as a response to injury and reflects a breach in the cell’s antioxidant capacity. Therefore, the fine-tuning of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation is crucial for preserving cell’s homeostasis. Mitochondria are a major source and an immediate target of ROS. Under different stimuli, including oxidative stress and impaired quality control, mitochondrial constituents (e.g., mitochondrial DNA, mtDNA) are displaced toward intra- or extracellular compartments. However, the mechanisms responsible for mtDNA unloading remain largely unclear. While shuttling freely within the cell, mtDNA can be delivered into the extracellular compartment via either extrusion of entire nucleoids or the generation and release of extracellular vesicles. Once discarded, mtDNA may act as a damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) and trigger an innate immune inflammatory response by binding to danger-signal receptors. Neuroinflammation is associated with a large array of neurological disorders for which mitochondrial DAMPs could represent a common thread supporting disease progression. The exploration of non-canonical pathways involved in mitochondrial quality control and neurodegeneration may unveil novel targets for the development of therapeutic agents. Here, we discuss these processes in the setting of two common neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease) and Down syndrome, the most frequent progeroid syndrome.
Clinical Utility of Plasma Lipid Peroxidation Biomarkers in Alzheimer’s Disease Differential Diagnosis
Authors: Peña-Bautista Carmen , Álvarez Lourdes , Durand Thierry , Vigor Claire , Cuevas Ana , Baquero Miguel , Vento Máximo , Hervás David , Cháfer-Pericás Consuelo
Published: July 2020

Background: Differential diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex task due to the clinical similarity among neurodegenerative diseases. Previous studies showed the role of lipid peroxidation in early AD development. However, the clinical validation of potential specific biomarkers in minimally invasive samples constitutes a great challenge in early AD diagnosis. Methods: Plasma samples from participants classified into AD (n = 138), non-AD (including MCI and other dementias not due to AD) (n = 70) and healthy (n = 50) were analysed. Lipid peroxidation compounds (isoprostanes, isofurans, neuroprostanes, neurofurans) were determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis for biomarkers’ clinical validation was based on Elastic Net. Results: A two-step diagnosis model was developed from plasma lipid peroxidation products to diagnose early AD specifically, and a bootstrap validated AUC of 0.74 was obtained. Conclusion: A promising AD differential diagnosis model was developed. It was clinically validated as a screening test. However, further external validation is required before clinical application.
Analytical Non-Stationary Satellite to Aircraft Channel Modeling over Open Area Based on Regular Shaped Geometry-Based Stochastic Model
Authors: Wei Zaixue , Tang Qipeng , Geng Jian , Chen Sibo , Sang Lin , Yang Hongwen
Published: July 2020

Channel modeling is crucial to the development and evaluation of modern wireless communication systems including satellite communication system, since there might be critical safty-of-life applications. Also, the channel model is of great importance to the performance evaluation of mobile communication systems. In recent years, encouraged by the widely application of unmanned aerial vehicles, the research on channel modeling for aerial and aeronautical communications attract lots of interests. In the published articles, stationary and non-stationary channel models have been developed for air-to-ground communications based on regular shaped geometry-based stochastic model (RS-GBSM). The modeling of air-to-air or satellite-to-aircraft (S2A) communication is still quite simple or completely lacking. For obtaining more precise model of S2A channel, this paper presents an analytical non-stationary S2A channel mode based on RS-GBSM with considerations on line-of-sight path, specular reflection path, and ground scattering path. Analytical expressions of the channel impulse responses, the transfer functions, the auto-correlation functions, and the Doppler power spectrum density based on 3-path model are derived and simulated. Also, the distributions of the path antennation, the path delay, and the normalized Doppler shift based on uniform distribution of the scatterers are derived, simulated and fitted.
Very-High-Cycle Fatigue and Charpy Impact Characteristics of Manganese Steel for Railway Axle at Low Temperatures
Authors: Goo Byeong-Choon , Mun Hyung-Suk , Cho In-Sik
Published: July 2020

Railway vehicles are being exposed with increasing frequency to conditions of severe heat and cold because of changes in the climate. Trains departing from Asia travel to Europe through the Eurasian continent and vice versa. Given these circumstances, the mechanical properties and performance of vehicle components must therefore be evaluated at lower and higher temperatures than those in current standards. In this study, specimens were produced from a commercial freight train axle made of manganese steel and subjected to high-cycle fatigue tests at −60, −30, and 20 °C. The tests were conducted using an ultrasonic fatigue tester developed to study fatigue at low temperatures. Charpy impact testing was performed over the temperature range of −60 to 60 °C to measure the impact absorption energy of the axle material. The material showed a fatigue limit above 2 million cycles at each temperature; the lower the test temperature, the greater the fatigue limit cycles. The impact absorption energy at −60 °C was 81% less compared to the value at 20 °C. The axle material became completely brittle in the temperature range of −30 to −40 °C.
Extended Particle-Aided Unscented Kalman Filter Based on Self-Driving Car Localization
Authors: Lin Ming , Kim Byeongwoo
Published: July 2020

The location of the vehicle is a basic parameter for self-driving cars. The key problem of localization is the noise of the sensors. In previous research, we proposed a particle-aided unscented Kalman filter (PAUKF) to handle the localization problem in non-Gaussian noise environments. However, the previous basic PAUKF only considers the infrastructures in two dimensions (2D). This previous PAUKF 2D limitation rendered it inoperable in the real world, which is full of three-dimensional (3D) features. In this paper, we have extended the previous basic PAUKF’s particle weighting process based on the multivariable normal distribution for handling 3D features. The extended PAUKF also raises the feasibility of fusing multisource perception data into the PAUKF framework. The simulation results show that the extended PAUKF has better real-world applicability than the previous basic PAUKF.
Mitigating Insider Threats Using Bio-Inspired Models
Authors: Nicolaou Andreas , Shiaeles Stavros , Savage Nick
Published: July 2020

Insider threats have become a considerable information security issue that governments and organizations must face. The implementation of security policies and procedures may not be enough to protect organizational assets. Even with the evolution of information and network security technology, the threat from insiders is increasing. Many researchers are approaching this issue with various methods in order to develop a model that will help organizations to reduce their exposure to the threat and prevent damage to their assets. In this paper, we approach the insider threat problem and attempt to mitigate it by developing a machine learning model based on Bio-inspired computing. The model was developed by using an existing unsupervised learning algorithm for anomaly detection and we fitted the model to a synthetic dataset to detect outliers. We explore swarm intelligence algorithms and their performance on feature selection optimization for improving the performance of the machine learning model. The results show that swarm intelligence algorithms perform well on feature selection optimization and the generated, near-optimal, subset of features has a similar performance to the original one.
First-Principles Study on the Photoelectric Properties of CsGeI3 under Hydrostatic Pressure
Authors: Gao Li-Ke , Tang Yan-Lin , Diao Xin-Feng
Published: July 2020

CsGeI3 has been widely studied as an important photoelectric material. Based on the density functional theory (DFT), we use first-principles to study the photoelectric properties of CsGeI3 by applying successive hydrostatic pressure. It has been found that CsGeI3 has an optimal optical band gap value of 1.37 eV when the applied pressure is −0.5 GPa, so this paper focuses on the comparative study of the photoelectric properties when the pressure is −0.5 GPa and 0 GPa. The results showed that CsGeI3 has a higher dielectric value, conductivity, and absorption coefficient and blue shift in absorption spectrum when the pressure is −0.5 GPa. By calculating and comparing the effective masses of electrons and holes and the exciton binding energy, it was found that their values are relatively small, which indicates that CsGeI3 is an efficient light absorbing material. CsGeI3 was found to be stable under both pressure conditions through multiple calculations of the Born Huang stability criterion, tolerance factor T, and phonon spectrum with or without virtual frequency. We also calculated the elastic modulus of both pressure conditions and found that they are both soft, ductile, and anisotropic. Finally, the thermal properties of CsGeI3 under two kinds of pressure were studied. It was found that the Debye temperature and heat capacity of CsGeI3 increased with the increase of thermodynamic temperature, and the Debye temperature increased rapidly after pressure, while the heat capacity slowly increased and finally stabilized. Through the calculation of enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy of CsGeI3, it was found that the Gibbs free energy decreases faster with the increase of temperature without applied pressure, which indicates that CsGeI3 has a higher stability without pressure. Through the comparative analysis of the photoelectric properties of CsGeI3 under pressure, it was found that CsGeI3 after applied pressure is a good photoelectric material and suitable for perovskite solar cells (PSCs) material.
Application of Sterilization Process for Inactivation of Bacillus Stearothermophilus in Biomedical Waste and Associated Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Authors: Yaman Cevat
Published: July 2020

This study investigated the biomedical waste collection, transportation, and treatment activities in the city of Kocaeli, Turkey. As an alternative to incineration technology, a steam autoclave was used to sterilize the biomedical waste. Information regarding the collection, transportation, treatment and associated greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) were also investigated. Prior to sterilization, biological indicator vials containing Bacillus stearothermophilus were placed in the center of the load to ensure that the pathogens were destroyed. GHG emissions were calculated based on the fuel consumed by the biomedical waste collection vehicles and the electricity/natural gas used at the sterilization plant. Results of this work revealed that the total biomedical waste generated per year increased from 1362 tons in 2009 to 2375 tons in 2019. The amount of biomedical waste generated per hospital bed was determined as 1.19 kg.bed−1.day−1. Results show that for efficient sterilization of biomedical wastes, the steam treatment system process should be operated at a contact time of 45 min, a temperature of 150 °C, and at a steam pressure of 5 bar. Biological indicator tests showed that the number of living Bacillus stearothermophilus decreased significantly, with removal rates greater than 6log10. Finally, it was determined that the biomedical waste management activities generated a total of GHG emissions of 5573 ton CO2 equivalency (tCO2-e) from 2009 to 2019. Furthermore, the average global warming factor (GWF) was calculated to be 0.269 tCO2-e per ton of biomedical waste generated. This study showed that the sterilization process is very effective in destroying the pathogens and the management of biomedical waste generates considerable amounts of GHG emissions.
Compact Laser Collimation System for Simultaneous Measurement of Five-Degree-of-Freedom Motion Errors
Authors: Sun Chuang , Cai Sheng , Liu Yusheng , Qiao Yanfeng
Published: July 2020

A compact laser collimation system is presented for the simultaneous measurement of five-degree-of-freedom motion errors. The optical configuration of the proposed system is designed, and the principle of the measurement of five-degree-of-freedom errors is described in detail. The resolution of the roll and the horizontal straightness is doubled compared with other laser collimation methods. A common optical path compensation method is provided to detect light drift in real time and compensate for straightness and angle errors. An experimental setup is constructed, and a series of experiments are performed to verify the feasibility and stability of the system. Compared with commercial instruments, the pitch and yaw residuals are ± 2.5 ″ and ± 3.5 ″ without correction, and the residuals are ± 1.9 ″ and ± 2.8 ″ after correction, respectively. The comparison deviations of the horizontal straightness and vertical straightness changed from ± 4.8   μ m to ± 2.8 μm and ± 5.9 μm to ± 3.6 μm, respectively. The comparison deviation of the roll is ± 4.3 ″ . The experimental results show that the data of the five-degree-of-freedom measurement system obtained are largely the same as the measurement data of commercial instruments. The common optical path compensation can effectively improve the measurement accuracy of the system.
A Kohonen SOM Architecture for Intrusion Detection on In-Vehicle Communication Networks
Authors: Barletta Vita Santa , Caivano Danilo , Nannavecchia Antonella , Scalera Michele
Published: July 2020

The diffusion of connected devices in modern vehicles involves a lack in security of the in-vehicle communication networks such as the controller area network (CAN) bus. The CAN bus protocol does not provide security systems to counter cyber and physical attacks. Thus, an intrusion-detection system to identify attacks and anomalies on the CAN bus is desirable. In the present work, we propose a distance-based intrusion-detection network aimed at identifying attack messages injected on a CAN bus using a Kohonen self-organizing map (SOM) network. It is a power classifier that can be trained both as supervised and unsupervised learning. SOM found broad application in security issues, but was never performed on in-vehicle communication networks. We performed two approaches, first using a supervised X–Y fused Kohonen network (XYF) and then combining the XYF network with a K-means clustering algorithm (XYF–K) in order to improve the efficiency of the network. The models were tested on an open source dataset concerning data messages sent on a CAN bus 2.0B and containing large traffic volume with a low number of features and more than 2000 different attack types, sent totally at random. Despite the complex structure of the CAN bus dataset, the proposed architectures showed a high performance in the accuracy of the detection of attack messages.
Real-Time Visual Tracking of Moving Targets Using a Low-Cost Unmanned Aerial Vehicle with a 3-Axis Stabilized Gimbal System
Authors: Liu Xuancen , Yang Yueneng , Ma Chenxiang , Li Jie , Zhang Shifeng
Published: July 2020

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have recently shown great performance collecting visual data through autonomous exploration and mapping, which are widely used in reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA) applications. In this paper, we present an onboard vision-based system for low-cost UAVs to autonomously track a moving target. Real-time visual tracking is achieved by using an object detection algorithm based on the Kernelized Correlation Filter (KCF) tracker. A 3-axis gimbaled camera with separate Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) is used to aim at the selected target during flights. The flight control algorithm for tracking tasks is implemented on a customized quadrotor equipped with an onboard computer and a microcontroller. The proposed system is experimentally validated by successfully chasing a ground and aerial target in an outdoor environment, which has proven its reliability and efficiency.
Sequential Track–Bridge Interaction Analysis of Quick-Hardening Track on Bridge Considering Interlayer Friction
Authors: Cho Sanghyeon , Lee Kyoung-Chan , Jang Seung Yup , Lee Ilwha , Chung Wonseok
Published: July 2020

A quick-hardening track (QHT) was developed by injecting quick-hardening mortar into an existing ballast track to rapidly substitute the ballast track with a slab track, thereby improving maintainability and running safety. QHT tracks on a bridge undergo track–bridge interactions similar to other track systems. This paper presents a model to analyze the interaction between the QHT and the bridge. This model considers the longitudinal resistances of rail fasteners and anchors, as well as the interlayer friction between the track and the bridge. A sequential analysis method was applied to systematically consider such effects, revealing that rail additional stress will be high if the track slips over the bridge for a very low frictional coefficient of 0.1. Furthermore, a track segment without an anchor can slip under train traction load when the frictional coefficient is 0.3 or lower. For low friction cases, low-speed operation is advised to prevent the accumulation of the resulting longitudinal slip displacements of the track. An anchor should be installed immediately after the quick-hardening mortar provides sufficient bearing strength to the anchors. The proposed sequential analysis is useful for determining the critical friction coefficient and appropriate longitudinal resistance of a rail fastener, as well as for verifying track safety.
Intra- and Interobserver Reliability Comparison of Clinical Gait Analysis Data between Two Gait Laboratories
Authors: Schwesig René , Wegener Regina , Hurschler Christof , Laudner Kevin , Seehaus Frank
Published: July 2020

Comparing clinical gait analysis (CGA) data between clinical centers is critical in the treatment and rehabilitation progress. However, CGA protocols and system configurations, as well as choice of marker sets and individual variability during marker attachment, may affect the comparability of data. The aim of this study was to evaluate reliability of CGA data collected between two gait analysis laboratories. Three healthy subjects underwent a standardized CGA protocol at two separate centers. Kinematic data were captured using the same motion capturing systems (two systems, same manufacturer, but different analysis software and camera configurations). The CGA data were analyzed by the same two observers for both centers. Interobserver reliability was calculated using single measure intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Intraobserver as well as between-laboratory intraobserver reliability were assessed using an average measure ICC. Interobserver reliability for all joints (ICCtotal = 0.79) was found to be significantly lower (p < 0.001) than intraobserver reliability (ICCtotal = 0.93), but significantly higher (p < 0.001) than between-laboratory intraobserver reliability (ICCtotal = 0.55). Data comparison between both centers revealed significant differences for 39% of investigated parameters. Different hardware and software configurations impact CGA data and influence between-laboratory comparisons. Furthermore, lower intra- and interobserver reliability were found for ankle kinematics in comparison to the hip and knee, particularly for interobserver reliability.
NO Separation Characteristics in Integrated Electromigration Membrane Reactor
Authors: Wang Zuwu , Shen Guifen
Published: July 2020

An integrated electromigration membrane absorption method has been proposed for the separation of NO from simulated mixed gas. The experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of discharge voltage, gas flow rate, inlet concentrations, and absorbents on the NO separation efficiency and total mass transfer coefficient in the integrated electromigration membrane reactor. The experimental results demonstrated that the NO separation efficiency and total mass transfer coefficient increased with the increase in the applied discharge voltage of the integrated electromigration membrane reactor. Regardless of discharge or not, the separation efficiency of NO continuously decreased with the increase in the gas flow rate and inlet concentration of NO in the experimental process. The total mass transfer coefficient of NO increased first and then decreased with an increase in the gas flow rate, while it decreased with an increase in NO inlet concentration. Compared with the membrane absorption without discharge voltage under the condition tested, at a discharge voltage of 18kV, the NO separation efficiency and the total mass transfer coefficient increased by 48.7% and 9.7 times, respectively.
An SVM-Based Scheme for Automatic Identification of Architectural Line Features and Cracks
Authors: Zeighami Moghaddam Mahshid , Umili Gessica , Messina Vito , Bonetto Sabrina , Ferrero Anna Maria , Bollini Gaia , Gandreau David
Published: July 2020

This research investigates fundamental problems in object recognition in earthen heritage and addresses the possibility of an automatic crack detection method for rammed earth images. We propose and validate a straightforward support vector machine (SVM)-based bidirectional morphological approach to automatically generate crack and texture line maps through transforming a surface image into an intermediate representation. Rather than relying on the application of the eight connectivity rule to a combination of horizontal and vertical gradient to extract edges, we instruct an edge classifier in the form of a support vector machine from features computed on each direction separately. The model couples a bidirectional local gradient and geometrical characteristics. It constitutes of four elements: (1) bidirectional edge maps; (2) bidirectional equivalent connected component maps; (3) SVM-based classifier and (4) crack and architectural line feature map generation. Relevant details are discussed in each part. Finally, the efficiency of the proposed algorithm is verified in a set of simulations that is satisfactorily conforming to labeled data provided manually for surface images of earthen heritage.
DPSIR Model Applied to the Remediation of Contaminated Sites. A Case Study: Mar Piccolo of Taranto
Authors: Labianca Claudia , De Gisi Sabino , Todaro Francesco , Notarnicola Michele
Published: July 2020

The study critically analyses the complex situation of the Mar Piccolo of Taranto (South of Italy), considered one of the most polluted marine ecosystems in Europe. In order to investigate possible cause–effect relationships, useful to plan appropriate planning responses or remediation technologies to be adopted, the Driver–Pressure–State–Impact–Response (DPSIR) model was applied. Methodologically, about 100 references have been considered, whose information was organized according to the logical scheme of the DPSIR. The results showed how the Mar Piccolo is the final receptor of pollutants coming from all industrial and agricultural activities, especially due to its natural hydrogeological network conformation. The anthropic activity represents a critical impact on the ecosystem due to the subsequent marine litter. The mobility of contaminants from sediments to the water column showed the potential risk related to the bioaccumulation of organisms from different trophic levels, posing a threat of unacceptable magnitude to human safety. The paper concludes by discussing the actions currently implemented by the authorities in response to the anthropogenic impacts as well as the need for new ones concerning both plans, programs, and remediation interventions. The case study shows how the DPSIR is a useful framework to organize extensive and heterogeneous information about a complex environmental system, such as the one investigated. This preliminary organization of the available data can represent the starting point for the development of a DPSIR-based Environmental Decision Support System (EDSS) with robust cause–effect relationships.
Dynamic Tensile Testing of Needle-Punched Nonwoven Fabrics
Authors: Martínez-Hergueta Francisca , Pellegrino Antonio , Ridruejo Álvaro , Petrinic Nik , González Carlos , LLorca Javier
Published: July 2020

The tensile testing of a needle-punched nonwoven fabric is presented. A high-sensitivity Split-Hopkinson Tensile Bar device was specifically designed for this purpose. The strain gauge measurements were combined with high-speed photography and Digital Image Correlation to analyse the deformation micromechanisms at high strain rates. The experimental set-up allowed to determine the wave propagation velocity of the as-received nonwove fabric, the evolution of the strain field with deformation and the wave interaction inside the fabric. The deformation was accommodated by the same micromechanisms observed during quasi-static tensile testing and ballistic impact, which comprised fibre straightening, rotation and sliding. Heterogeneous strain fields were developed in the nonwoven fabric as a result of the non-linear pseudoplastic response of the fabric and the internal dissipation due to the frictional deformation micromechanisms, preventing the propagation of high magnitude strain waves into the specimen. Additionally, the output forces were analysed to determine the influence of high-strain rates in the mechanical response of the nonwoven fabric, finding an increment of the stiffness for low applied strains under dynamic loading. These findings provide the basis to develop strain-rate dependent constitutive models to predict wave propagation in needle-punched nonwoven fabrics when subjected to impact loads.
Groundwater Vulnerability in the Piedmont Region under Climate Change
Authors: Nistor Mărgărit-Mircea
Published: July 2020

Groundwater vulnerability has increased in recent decades due to several factors, but mainly due to climate change. In this study, we applied a complex approach to determine groundwater vulnerability at a regional scale in the Piedmont region including high-resolution climate models. Aquifers, terrain model, climate data, land cover, and groundwater monitoring stations data of nitrate (NO3) concentration were the main layers used for the vulnerability and risk mapping. Validation of the groundwater vulnerability map consisted of pixel pair comparison (PPC) using the quality status of a monitored groundwater station, dating from 2005 to 2012. The groundwater vulnerability maps that related to the 1990s and 2020s periods indicated very high and high vulnerability of groundwater in the central and eastern parts of the region, especially in the porous aquifers of Po Plain. The areas with very low and low vulnerability extend into the north and west, mainly in the non-aquiferous media and fissured aquifers. The future scenarios of groundwater vulnerability indicate a consistent increase of the very high vulnerability class, from the 1990s to the 2050s periods, in all scenarios, and mainly in the Po Plain.