bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Frictional Properties of CVD-Grown MoS2 and Graphene Films under Dry Sliding Conditions
Authors: Cho Dae-Hyun , Jung Jaehyuck , Kim Chan , Lee Jinhwan , Oh Se-Doo , Kim Kwang-Seop , Lee Changgu
Published: February 2019

In the present study, dry friction and wear properties of atomically thin CVD-grown graphene and MoS2 films on SiO2/Si substrates were compared at low (72 MPa) and high (378 MPa) contact pressures. Analysis of atomic force microscopy images of these films verified that the MoS2 films, which were directly grown on the SiO2/Si substrates, had clean surfaces and made conformal contacts with the substrates. In contrast, the graphene film showed many contaminants on its surface and was loosely bonded with its SiO2/Si substrate due to its wet transfer from a Cu foil to the substrate. The MoS2 film exhibited friction and wear properties superior to those of the graphene film both at low and high contact pressures. We found that the clean sliding surface and strong bonding with SiO2/Si were the main causes of the superiority of the MoS2 film compared to the graphene film. Mild wear occurred in a layer-by-layer fashion at low contact pressure for the MoS2 film. At high contact pressure, severe wear occurred due to failure at the boundary between the MoS2 films and the underlying substrates. At both contact pressures, friction did not increase immediately after the removal of the MoS2 film from the SiO2/Si substrate because the film transferred onto the counter sliding surface and served as a lubricant.
Improving Thermal, Mechanical, and Barrier Properties of Feather Keratin/Polyvinyl Alcohol/Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane Nanocomposite Films by Incorporating Sodium Montmorillonite and TiO2
Authors: Wu Shufang , Chen Xunjun , Yi Minghao , Ge Jianfang , Yin Guoqiang , Li Xinming , He Ming
Published: February 2019

In this study, feather keratin/polyvinyl alcohol/tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (FK/PVA/Tris) bionanocomposite films containing two types of nanoparticles, namely one-dimensional sodium montmorillonite (MMT) clay platelets (0.5, 1, 3, and 5 wt%) and three-dimensional TiO2 nanospheres (0.5, 1, 3, and 5 wt%), are prepared using solvent casting method. X-ray diffraction studies confirm the completely exfoliated structure of FK/PVA/Tris/MMT nanocomposites. The successful formation of new hydrogen bonds between the hydroxyl groups of the film matrix and the nanofillers is confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The tensile strength, elongation at break, and initial degradation temperature of the films are enhanced after MMT and TiO2 incorporation. The water vapor permeability, oxygen permeability, and light transmittance decrease with increase in TiO2 and MMT contents. In summary, nanoblending is an effective method to promote the application of FK/PVA/Tris blend films in the packaging field.
Metazoan tsRNAs: Biogenesis, Evolution and Regulatory Functions
Authors: Dou Shengqian , Wang Yirong , Lu Jian
Published: February 2019

Transfer RNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) are an emerging class of regulatory non-coding RNAs that play important roles in post-transcriptional regulation across a variety of biological processes. Here, we review the recent advances in tsRNA biogenesis and regulatory functions from the perspectives of functional and evolutionary genomics, with a focus on the tsRNA biology of Drosophila. We first summarize our current understanding of the biogenesis mechanisms of different categories of tsRNAs that are generated under physiological or stressed conditions. Next, we review the conservation patterns of tsRNAs in all domains of life, with an emphasis on the conservation of tsRNAs between two Drosophila species. Then, we elaborate the currently known regulatory functions of tsRNAs in mRNA translation that are independent of, or dependent on, Argonaute (AGO) proteins. We also highlight some issues related to the fundamental biology of tsRNAs that deserve further study.
Cocoa Bean Proteins—Characterization, Changes and Modifications due to Ripening and Post-Harvest Processing
Authors: Rawel Harshadrai M. , Huschek Gerd , Sagu Sorel Tchewonpi , Homann Thomas
Published: February 2019

The protein fractions of cocoa have been implicated influencing both the bioactive potential and sensory properties of cocoa and cocoa products. The objective of the present review is to show the impact of different stages of cultivation and processing with regard to the changes induced in the protein fractions. Special focus has been laid on the major seed storage proteins throughout the different stages of processing. The study starts with classical introduction of the extraction and the characterization methods used, while addressing classification approaches of cocoa proteins evolved during the timeline. The changes in protein composition during ripening and maturation of cocoa seeds, together with the possible modifications during the post-harvest processing (fermentation, drying, and roasting), have been documented. Finally, the bioactive potential arising directly or indirectly from cocoa proteins has been elucidated. The “state of the art” suggests that exploration of other potentially bioactive components in cocoa needs to be undertaken, while considering the complexity of reaction products occurring during the roasting phase of the post-harvest processing. Finally, the utilization of partially processed cocoa beans (e.g., fermented, conciliatory thermal treatment) can be recommended, providing a large reservoir of bioactive potentials arising from the protein components that could be instrumented in functionalizing foods.
Food Trucks: Assessment of an Evaluation Instrument Designed for the Prevention of Foodborne Diseases
Authors: Isoni Auad Lígia , Cortez Ginani Verônica , dos Santos Leandro Eliana , Stedefeldt Elke , Habu Sascha , Yoshio Nakano Eduardo , Costa Santos Nunes Aline , Puppin Zandonadi Renata
Published: February 2019

This study aimed to validate an evaluation instrument for food trucks (FTs) regarding its internal consistency and to establish a score classification according to the food contamination probability assessment. The instrument was applied in 44 food trucks (convenience sample), along with microbial analysis, in the Federal District, Brazil. After its application, sample collection and statistical analysis, the evaluation instrument was reduced to a 22-item final version. FTs were divided into three groups according to their ready-to-eat foods. Food trucks from Group A (hot and cold sandwiches) presented the highest percentage of contamination. The lowest percentage of contamination was observed in food trucks from Group C (regional and international cuisine). The application of the validated evaluation instrument to the 44 food trucks revealed that none achieved 100% adequacy. The reproducibility analysis exhibited an Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) value of 0.780 (CI 95%: 0.597; 0.880), indicating good reproducibility of the instrument. The reliability assessment presented a Kuder–Richardson Formula 20 (KR-20) value of 0.627 and a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.634, indicating good internal consistency. The proposed classification score was obtained by assigning 1 point for each item with an inadequate response, and the final score may vary between 0 and 20 points. Food trucks with up to 11 points exhibit low probability of contamination and low risk of foodborne diseases, while food trucks scoring 12 or more points exhibit a high probability of contamination and high risk of foodborne diseases. The evaluation instrument will allow effective assessment of the hygienic–sanitary practices and conditions of food trucks and potentially ensure consumers’ access to safe food.
Image-Based Dietary Assessment and Tailored Feedback Using Mobile Technology: Mediating Behavior Change in Young Adults
Authors: Shoneye Charlene , Dhaliwal Satvinder , Pollard Christina , Boushey Carol , Delp Edward , Harray Amelia , Howat Peter , Hutchesson Melinda , Rollo Megan , Zhu Fengqing , Wright Janine , Pratt Iain , Jancey Jonine , Halse Rhiannon , Scott Jane , Mullan Barbara , Collins Clare , Kerr Deborah
Published: February 2019

Assessing the implementation of nutrition interventions is important to identify characteristics and dietary patterns of individuals who benefit most. The aim was to report on young adults’ experiences of receiving dietary feedback text messaging intervention. Diet was captured using an image-based 4-day mobile food recordTM application (mFRTM) and assessed to formulate two tailored feedback text messages on fruit and vegetables and energy-dense nutrient-poor (EDNP) foods and beverages. At 6-months 143 participants completed a second mFRTM and a questionnaire evaluating the dietary feedback. Participants who agreed the text messages made them think about how much vegetables they ate were more likely to increase their intake by at least half a serve than those who disagreed [odds ratio (OR) = 4.28, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.76 to 10.39]. Those who agreed the text messages made them think about how much EDNP foods they ate, were twice as likely to decrease their intake by over half a serve (OR = 2.39, 95%CI: 1.12 to 5.25) than those who disagreed. Undertaking detailed dietary assessment ensured the tailored feedback was constructive and relevant. Personal contemplation about vegetable and EDNP food intake appears to be a mediator of dietary change in young adults.
Efficacy of Polydextrose Supplementation on Colonic Transit Time, Bowel Movements, and Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Adults: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Ibarra Alvin , Pelipyagina Tetyana , Rueffer Matthew , Evans Malkanthi , Ouwehand Arthur C.
Published: February 2019

The addition of fiber is one of the most important dietary means to relieve constipation through lifestyle modification. Polydextrose (PDX) has been reported in several studies to increase fecal bulk, soften stools, and increase the number of defecations. However, there are few studies on the effect of PDX on colonic transit time (CTT). Therefore, the aim of this study was to demonstrate the effect of PDX on CTT and other aspects of gastrointestinal function during two weeks (Day 1 to Day 14), preceded by a 2-week run-in period (Day -14 to Day -1). A total of 192 adults who were diagnosed with functional constipation per Rome III criteria were recruited for the study. Participants were randomized equally into 4 groups (12 g, 8 g, or 4 g of PDX or placebo per day). The primary endpoint was CTT, assessed using radio-opaque markers and abdominal X-rays on Day 0, the baseline; and Day 15, the end of the intervention. Secondary outcomes that were measured using inventories were the patient assessment of constipation symptoms and quality of life, bowel function index, relief of constipation, bowel movement frequency (BMF), stool consistency, degree of straining, and proportion of bowel movements. Ancillary parameters and harms were also evaluated. The recruited population was not sufficiently constipated (e.g., baseline values for CTT and BMF of 42 h and 8.7 BMF/week, respectively). Despite this limitation, our results demonstrated an increased number of bowel movements when supplemented with PDX at a dosage of 12 g per day for 2 weeks. This dosage also consistently improved the secondary outcomes that were measured using inventories at Day 15, compared with the baseline. No serious or significant adverse events were reported during the study.
Association between Nutritional Status and Mortality after Aortic Valve Replacement Procedure in Elderly with Severe Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Wernio Edyta , Małgorzewicz Sylwia , Dardzińska Jolanta Anna , Jagielak Dariusz , Rogowski Jan , Gruszecka Agnieszka , Klapkowski Andrzej , Bramlage Peter
Published: February 2019

Background: There is still a lack of data on the nutritional status of older people with aortic stenosis (AS) and the effect of poor nutrition on the occurrence of complications and mortality after an aortic valve replacement (AVR) procedure. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of selected nutritional status parameters in elderly patients with severe AS on the occurrence of postoperative complications and one-year mortality after the AVR procedure. Methods: 101 elderly patients with AS aged 74.6 ± 5.2 years who qualified for surgical treatment (aortic valve area [AVA] 0.73 ± 0.2 cm2) were enrolled in the study. A nutritional status assessment was performed before AVR surgery, and the frequency of postoperative complications occurring within 30 days of surgery was assessed. The one-year mortality rate was also captured. Results: Adverse events (both major and minor) up to 30 days occurred in 49.5% (n = 50) of the study population. Low Mini Nutritional Assessment (f-MNA) and Subjective Global Assessment (7-SGA) scores and low concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and prealbumin were associated with a higher risk of postoperative complications. The risk of complications increased 1.22 times (95% CI; 1.030–1.453; p = 0.019) with an impaired nutritional status. The annual mortality rate in the study group was 7.9%. Unintentional weight loss of >2.8% in the six months preceding surgery proved useful for predicting death within the first year after AVR surgery. Conclusions: The results indicate that poor nutritional status is an important factor affecting the adverse outcomes in elderly patients with severe aortic valve stenosis undergoing an AVR procedure.
Strontium Sulfite: A New pH-Responsive Inorganic Nanocarrier to Deliver Therapeutic siRNAs to Cancer Cells
Authors: Karim Md. Emranul , Shetty Jayalaxmi , Islam Rowshan Ara , Kaiser Ahsanul , Bakhtiar Athirah , Chowdhury Ezharul Hoque
Published: February 2019

Inorganic nanoparticles hold great potential in the area of precision medicine, particularly for treating cancer owing to their unique physicochemical properties, biocompatibility and improved pharmacokinetics properties compared to their organic counterparts. Here we introduce strontium sulfite nanoparticles as new pH-responsive inorganic nanocarriers for efficient transport of siRNAs into breast cancer cells. We employed the simplest nanoprecipitation method to generate the strontium sulfite nanoparticles (SSNs) and demonstrated the dramatic roles of NaCl and d-glucose in particle growth stabilization in order to produce even smaller nanosize particles (Na-Glc-SSN) with high affinity towards negatively charged siRNA, enabling it to efficiently enter the cancer cells. Moreover, the nanoparticles were found to be degraded with a small drop in pH, suggesting their potential capability to undergo rapid dissolution at endosomal pH so as to release the payload. While these particles were found to be nontoxic to the cells, they showed higher potency in facilitating cancer cell death through intracellular delivery and release of oncogene-specific siRNAs targeting ros1 and egfr1 mRNA transcripts, than the strontium sulfite particles prepared in absence of NaCl and d-glucose, as confirmed by growth inhibition assay. The mouse plasma binding analysis by Q-TOF LC-MS/MS demonstrated less protein binding to smaller particles of Na-Glc-SSNs. The biodistribution studies of the particles after 4 h of treatment showed Na-Glc-SSNs had less off-target distribution than SSNs, and after 24 h, all siRNAs were cleared from all major organs except the tumors. ROS1 siRNA with its potential therapeutic role in treating 4T1-induced breast tumor was selected for subsequent in vivo tumor regression study, revealing that ROS1 siRNA-loaded SSNs exerted more significant anti-tumor effects than Na-Glc-SSNs carrying the same siRNA following intravenous administration, without any systemic toxicity. Thus, strontium sulfite emerged as a powerful siRNA delivery tool with potential applications in cancer gene therapy.
Comparative Study on Kinetics of Ethylene and Propylene Polymerizations with Supported Ziegler–Natta Catalyst: Catalyst Fragmentation Promoted by Polymer Crystalline Lamellae
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Jiang Baiyu , He Feng , Fu Zhisheng , Xu Junting , Fan Zhiqiang
Published: February 2019

The kinetic behaviors of ethylene and propylene polymerizations with the same MgCl2-supported Ziegler–Natta (Z–N) catalyst containing an internal electron donor were compared. Changes of polymerization activity and active center concentration ([C*]) with time in the first 10 min were determined. Activity of ethylene polymerization was only 25% of that of propylene, and the polymerization rate (Rp) quickly decayed with time (tp) in the former system, in contrast to stable Rp in the latter. The ethylene system showed a very low [C*]/[Ti] ratio (<0.6%), in contrast to a much higher [C*]/[Ti] ratio (1.5%–4.9%) in propylene polymerization. The two systems showed noticeably different morphologies of the nascent polymer/catalyst particles, with the PP/catalyst particles being more compact and homogeneous than the PE/catalyst particles. The different kinetic behaviors of the two systems were explained by faster and more sufficient catalyst fragmentation in propylene polymerization than the ethylene system. The smaller lamellar thickness (<20 nm) in nascent polypropylene compared with the size of nanopores (15–25 nm) in the catalyst was considered the key factor for efficient catalyst fragmentation in propylene polymerization, as the PP lamellae may grow inside the nanopores and break up the catalyst particles.
Characterization of Polyurethane Foam Waste for Reuse in Eco-Efficient Building Materials
Authors: Gómez-Rojo Raúl , Alameda Lourdes , Rodríguez Ángel , Calderón Verónica , Gutiérrez-González Sara
Published: February 2019

In the European Union, the demand for polyurethane is continually growing. In 2017, the estimated value of polyurethane production was 700,400 Tn, of which 27.3% is taken to landfill, which causes an environmental problem. In this paper, the behaviour of various polyurethane foams from the waste of different types of industries will be analyzed with the aim of assessing their potential use in construction materials. To achieve this, the wastes were chemically tested by means of CHNS, TGA, and leaching tests. They were tested microstructurally by means of SEM. The processing parameters of the waste was calculated after identifying its granulometry and its physical properties i.e., density and water absorption capacity. In addition, the possibility of incorporating these wastes in plaster matrices was studied by determining their rendering in an operational context, finding out their mechanical resistance to flexion and compression at seven days, their reaction to fire as well as their weight per unit of area, and their thermal behaviour. The results show that in all cases, the waste is inert and does not undergo leaching. The generation process of the waste determines the foam’s microstructure in addition to its physical-chemical properties, which directly affect building materials in which they are included, thus offering different ways in which they can be applied.
Warpage Reduction of Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic Using Microcellular Foaming Process Applied Injection Molding
Authors: Kim Hyun Keun , Sohn Joo Seong , Ryu Youngjae , Kim Shin Won , Cha Sung Woon
Published: February 2019

This study analyzes the fundamental principles and characteristics of the microcellular foaming process (MCP) to minimize warpage in glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP), which is typically worse than that of a solid polymer. In order to confirm the tendency for warpage and the improvement of this phenomenon according to the glass fiber content (GFC), two factors associated with the reduction of the shrinkage difference and the non-directionalized fiber orientation were set as variables. The shrinkage was measured in the flow direction and transverse direction, and it was confirmed that the shrinkage difference between these two directions is the cause of warpage of GFRP specimens. In addition, by applying the MCP to injection molding, it was confirmed that warpage was improved by reducing the shrinkage difference. To further confirm these results, the effects of cell formation on shrinkage and fiber orientation were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, micro-CT observation, and cell morphology analysis. The micro-CT observations revealed that the fiber orientation was non-directional for the MCP. Moreover, it was determined that the mechanical and thermal properties were improved, based on measurements of the impact strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, and deflection temperature for the MCP.
Prediction of Thermal Exposure and Mechanical Behavior of Epoxy Resin Using Artificial Neural Networks and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Doblies Audrius , Boll Benjamin , Fiedler Bodo
Published: February 2019

Thermal degradation detection of cured epoxy resins and composites is currently limited to severe thermal damage in practice. Evaluating the change in mechanical properties after a short-time thermal exposure, as well as estimating the history of thermally degraded polymers, has remained a challenge until now. An approach to accurately predict the mechanical properties, as well as the thermal exposure time and temperature of epoxy resin, using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)-spectroscopy, data processing, and artificial neural networks, is presented here. Therefore, an epoxy resin has been fully cured and exposed to elevated temperatures for different time periods. A FTIR-spectrometer was used to measure molecular changes, using mid-IR (MIR)-FTIR for film samples and near-IR (NIR)-FTIR for bulk samples. A quantitative analysis of the thermally degraded film samples shows oxidation, chain-scission, and dehydration in the FTIR spectra in the MIR-range. Using NIR spectroscopy for the bulk samples, only minor changes in the FTIR spectra could be detected. However, using data processing, molecular information was extracted from the NIR range and a degradation model, using an artificial neural network, has been trained. Even though the changes due to thermal exposure were small, the presented model is capable of accurately predicting the time, temperature, and residual strength of the polymer.
Enhancing X-ray Attenuation of 3D Printed Gelatin Methacrylate (GelMA) Hydrogels Utilizing Gold Nanoparticles for Bone Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Celikkin Nehar , Mastrogiacomo Simone , Walboomers X. Frank , Swieszkowski Wojciech
Published: February 2019

Bone tissue engineering is a rapidly growing field which is currently progressing toward clinical applications. Effective imaging methods for longitudinal studies are critical to evaluating the new bone formation and the fate of the scaffolds. Computed tomography (CT) is a prevailing technique employed to investigate hard tissue scaffolds; however, the CT signal becomes weak in mainly-water containing materials, which hinders the use of CT for hydrogels-based materials. Nevertheless, hydrogels such as gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) are widely used for tissue regeneration due to their optimal biological properties and their ability to induce extracellular matrix formation. To date, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been suggested as promising contrast agents, due to their high X-ray attenuation, biocompatibility, and low toxicity. In this study, the effects of different sizes and concentrations of AuNPs on the mechanical properties and the cytocompatibility of the bulk GelMA-AuNPs scaffolds were evaluated. Furthermore, the enhancement of CT contrast with the cytocompatible size and concentration of AuNPs were investigated. 3D printed GelMA and GelMA-AuNPs scaffolds were obtained and assessed for the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). Lastly, 3D printed GelMA and GelMA-AuNPs scaffolds were scanned in a bone defect utilizing µCT as the proof of concept that the GelMA-AuNPs are good candidates for bone tissue engineering with enhanced visibility for µCT imaging.
Assessment of the Tumbling-Snake Model against Linear and Nonlinear Rheological Data of Bidisperse Polymer Blends
Authors: Stephanou Pavlos S. , Kröger Martin
Published: February 2019

We have recently solved the tumbling-snake model for concentrated polymer solutions and entangled melts in the academic case of a monodisperse sample. Here, we extend these studies and provide the stationary solutions of the tumbling-snake model both analytically, for small shear rates, and via Brownian dynamics simulations, for a bidisperse sample over a wide range of shear rates and model parameters. We further show that the tumbling-snake model bears the necessary capacity to compare well with available linear and non-linear rheological data for bidisperse systems. This capacity is added to the already documented ability of the model to accurately predict the shear rheology of monodisperse systems.
Femtosecond Laser Fabrication of Engineered Functional Surfaces Based on Biodegradable Polymer and Biopolymer/Ceramic Composite Thin Films
Authors: Daskalova Albena , Bliznakova Irina , Angelova Liliya , Trifonov Anton , Declercq Heidi , Buchvarov Ivan
Published: February 2019

Surface functionalization introduced by precisely-defined surface structures depended on the surface texture and quality. Laser treatment is an advanced, non-contact technique for improving the biomaterials surface characteristics. In this study, femtosecond laser modification was applied to fabricate diverse structures on biodegradable polymer thin films and their ceramic blends. The influences of key laser processing parameters like laser energy and a number of applied laser pulses (N) over laser-treated surfaces were investigated. The modification of surface roughness was determined by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The surface roughness (Rrms) increased from approximately 0.5 to nearly 3 µm. The roughness changed with increasing laser energy and a number of applied laser pulses (N). The induced morphologies with different laser parameters were compared via Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal microscopy analysis. The chemical composition of exposed surfaces was examined by FTIR, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and XRD analysis. This work illustrates the capacity of the laser microstructuring method for surface functionalization with possible applications in improvement of cellular attachment and orientation. Cells exhibited an extended shape along laser-modified surface zones compared to non-structured areas and demonstrated parallel alignment to the created structures. We examined laser-material interaction, microstructural outgrowth, and surface-treatment effect. By comparing the experimental results, it can be summarized that considerable processing quality can be obtained with femtosecond laser structuring.
Parallel Conical Area Community Detection Using Evolutionary Multi-Objective Optimization
Authors: Ying Weiqin , Jalil Hassan , Wu Bingshen , Wu Yu , Ying Zhenyu , Luo Yucheng , Wang ZhenYu
Published: February 2019

Detecting community structures helps to reveal the functional units of complex networks. In this paper, the community detection problem is regarded as a modularity-based multi-objective optimization problem (MOP), and a parallel conical area community detection algorithm (PCACD) is designed to solve this MOP effectively and efficiently. In consideration of the global properties of the selection and update mechanisms, PCACD employs a global island model and targeted elitist migration policy in a conical area evolutionary algorithm (CAEA) to discover community structures at different resolutions in parallel. Although each island is assigned only a portion of all sub-problems in the island model, it preserves a complete population to accomplish the global selection and update. Meanwhile the migration policy directly migrates each elitist individual to an appropriate island in charge of the sub-problem associated with this individual to share essential evolutionary achievements. In addition, a modularity-based greedy local search strategy is also applied to accelerate the convergence rate. Comparative experimental results on six real-world networks reveal that PCACD is capable of discovering potential high-quality community structures at diverse resolutions with satisfactory running efficiencies.
Women in Israelite Religion: The State of Research Is All New Research
Authors: Nakhai Beth Alpert
Published: February 2019

Historically, those studying Israelite religion have ignored the existence of women in Iron Age Israel (1200–587 BCE). They have, therefore, accounted neither for the religious beliefs of half of ancient Israel’s population nor for the responsibilities that women assumed for maintaining religious rituals and traditions. Such reconstructions of Israelite religion are seriously flawed. Only in the last four decades have scholars, primarily women, begun to explore women’s essential roles in Israel’s religious culture. This article utilizes evidence from the Hebrew Bible and from archaeological sites throughout Israel. It demonstrates that some women had roles within the Jerusalem Temple. Most women, however, resided in towns and villages throughout the Land. There, they undertook responsibility for clan-based and community-based religious rituals and rites, including pilgrimage, seasonal festivals, rites of military victory, and rites of mourning. They fulfilled, as well, essential roles within the sphere of domestic or household religion. At home, they provided medico-magical healing for all family members, as well as care for women and babies throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond. They, and the men in their communities, worshipped Yahweh, Israel’s primary deity, and the goddess Asherah, as well; for most people, these two divinities were inextricably linked.
Interpretations of al-wala’ wa-l-bara’ in Everyday Lives of Salafis in Germany
Authors: Damir-Geilsdorf Sabine , Menzfeld Mira , Hedider Yasmina
Published: February 2019

Salafis’ everyday lives, social relations, and attitudes towards both Muslims and non-Muslims are often shaped implicitly or explicitly by the theological concept of al-wala’ wa-l-bara’ (“loyalty and disavowal”). It indicates whom to be loyal to on the one hand, and whom to disavow on the other hand—or from which persons, deeds, and practices one should distance oneself. However, within the highly heterogeneous spectrum of Salafi orientations, beliefs, and religious practices, interpretations of al-wala’ and al-bara’ differ as well as its actual relevance and its implications for concrete life situations. This article explores how Muslims in Germany who identify themselves with non-violent, so-called ‘purist Salafism’ perceive and practice social relations, social closeness, or separation in their everyday lives by drawing implicitly or explicitly on principles of loyalty and disavowal. Based on qualitative interviews and participant observations (data gathered between 2014 and 2018), we shed light on how individuals’ ideas of loyalty and disavowal intersect with issues of identity, belonging, inclusion, and exclusion. The article thus shows how local interpretations and implementations of a Salafi core concept are strongly interwoven with realities of everyday life.
Self-Paced Convolutional Neural Network for PolSAR Images Classification
Authors: Jiao Changzhe , Wang Xinlin , Gou Shuiping , Chen Wenshuai , Li Debo , Chen Chao , Li Xiaofeng
Published: February 2019

Fully polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (PolSAR) can transmit and receive electromagnetic energy on four polarization channels (HH, HV, VH, VV). The data acquired from four channels have both similarities and complementarities. Utilizing the information between the four channels can considerably improve the performance of PolSAR image classification. Convolutional neural network can be used to extract the channel-spatial features of PolSAR images. Self-paced learning has been demonstrated to be instrumental in enhancing the learning robustness of convolutional neural network. In this paper, a novel classification method for PolSAR images using self-paced convolutional neural network (SPCNN) is proposed. In our method, each pixel is denoted by a 3-dimensional tensor block formed by its scattering intensity values on four channels, Pauli’s RGB values and its neighborhood information. Then, we train SPCNN to extract the channel-spatial features and obtain the classification results. Inspired by self-paced learning, SPCNN learns the easier samples first and gradually involves more difficult samples into the training process. This learning mechanism can make network converge to better values. The proposed method achieved state-of-the-art performances on four real PolSAR dataset.
Galileo Augmenting GPS Single-Frequency Single-Epoch Precise Positioning with Baseline Constrain for Bridge Dynamic Monitoring
Authors: Zhang Qiuzhao , Ma Chun , Meng Xiaolin , Xie Yilin , Psimoulis Panagiotis , Wu Laiyi , Yue Qing , Dai Xinjun
Published: February 2019

The Single-frequency Single-epoch double-differenced baseline resolution technique of Global Positioning System (GPS) provides a good opportunity for monitoring the displacement or deflection behavior of bridges under different loading conditions in real-time. However, for single GPS, a high success rate baseline solution is difficult to achieve due to the lack of sufficient visible satellites and the low accuracy of float solutions. Galileo Satellite Navigation System (Galileo) has 14 medium earth orbit satellites (as of May 2018) that can be used to supplement GPS. The frequency bands of Galileo overlap with that of GPS on E1/L1 and E5a/L5, which is conducive to the combination of observations in integration positioning. Accordingly, Galileo augmenting GPS is an effective and necessary approach to improve the positioning availability and reliability. Moreover, using the baseline length constraint can improve the accuracy of float solutions, narrow the search space, and finally increase the success rate of ambiguity resolution and positioning. The single-frequency single-epoch double-differenced GPS/Galileo mathematical model with baseline length constraint is deduced in this paper. Two sets of GNSS real bridge data were used for further analysis on the improvement of GPS/Galileo with baseline length constraint when compared to single GPS. Finally, a Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) algorithm was adopted for precisely detecting the local dominant frequencies of XB, YB, and ZB direction of the two stations.
Integration of Microwave and Optical/Infrared Derived Datasets for a Drought Hazard Inventory in a Sub-Tropical Region of India
Authors: Pandey Varsha , Srivastava Prashant K.
Published: February 2019

Drought is an intricate phenomenon assessed by analyzing several hydro-meteorological factors such as rainfall, soil moisture, temperature, evapotranspiration, vegetation cover, etc. For effective drought hazard management and preparedness, the monitoring of drought requires the evaluation of influencing factors via the Drought Hazard Inventory (DHI). The main objective of this study is to compare spatial occurrences of drought hazard with the help of microwave and Optical/Infrared datasets obtained from multiple satellites. The long-term climatology of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Rainfall, Climate Change Initiative soil moisture (CCI-SM) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) derived Land Surface Temperature (LST), Evapotranspiration (ET) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were used in this study for drought hazard assessment. This study was carried out in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh, considered as one of the most frequent and dominant drought-prone areas of India. The current study includes the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique based on Multi-Criteria Decision Making Analysis (MCDM) for weighting assignment and decision making, while the geospatial platform was used for data layer standardization, integration, and drought assessment. The results indicate that a large percentage of area (38.05% and 27.54%, respectively) lying in the central part of Bundelkhand region is under high to extreme drought conditions, where precautionary measures are needed. To demonstrate the robustness of our results, we compare them with the long-term in-situ ground water depletion as a proxy. Finally, based on the findings of this study, we recommend the methodology for drought assessment at a larger scale, as well as in the remote areas where ground based measurements are limited.
Design and Characterization of the Multi-Band SWIR Receiver for the Lunar Flashlight CubeSat Mission
Authors: Vinckier Quentin , Hardy Luke , Gibson Megan , Smith Christopher , Putman Philip , Hayne Paul O. , Sellar R. Glenn
Published: February 2019

Lunar Flashlight (LF) is an innovative National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) CubeSat mission that is dedicated to quantifying and mapping the water ice harbored in the permanently shadowed craters of the lunar South Pole. The primary goal is to understand the lunar resource potential for future human exploration of the Moon. To this end, the LF spacecraft will carry an active multi-band reflectometer, based on an optical receiver aligned with four high-power diode lasers emitting in the 1 to 2-μm shortwave infrared band, to measure the reflectance of the lunar surface from orbit near water ice absorption peaks. We present the detailed optical, mechanical, and thermal design of the receiver, which is required to fabricate this instrument within very demanding CubeSat resource allocations. The receiver has been optimized for solar stray light rejection from outside its field of view, and utilizes a 70 × 70-mm, aluminum, off-axis paraboloidal mirror with a focal length of 70 mm, which collects the reflected light from the Moon surface onto a single-pixel InGaAs detector with a 2-mm diameter, hence providing a 20-mrad field of view. The characterization of the flight receiver is also presented, and the results are in agreement with the expected performance obtained from simulations. Planned to be launched by NASA on the first Space Launch System (SLS) test flight, this highly mass-constrained and volume-constrained instrument payload will demonstrate several firsts, including being one of the first instruments onboard a CubeSat performing science measurements beyond low Earth orbit, and the first planetary mission to use multi-band active reflectometry from orbit.
Measuring Blood Pulse Wave Velocity with Bioimpedance in Different Age Groups
Authors: Aria Shafa , Elfarri Yassine , Elvegård Marius , Gottfridsson Adam , Grønaas Halvor S. , Harang Sigve , Jansen Anders , Madland Thomas Emil Rolland , Martins Ivar Bruvik , Olstad Marius Wilhelm , Ryan Tommy Lee , Shaban Anwar Nazih , Svenningsen Øyvind Løken , Sørensen Andre Djupvik , Ulvestad Emil Holm , Vister Ole Martin , Øvergaard Morten Bratgjerd , Kalvøy Håvard , Pettersen Fred Johan , Odland Hans Henrik , Joten Vegard Munkeby , Martinsen Øyvind Grannes , Tronstad Christian , Elvebakk Ole , Martinsen Ørjan Grøttem
Published: February 2019

In this project, we have studied the use of electrical impedance cardiography as a possible method for measuring blood pulse wave velocity, and hence be an aid in the assessment of the degree of arteriosclerosis. Using two different four-electrode setups, we measured the timing of the systolic pulse at two locations, the upper arm and the thorax, and found that the pulse wave velocity was in general higher in older volunteers and furthermore that it was also more heart rate dependent for older subjects. We attribute this to the fact that the degree of arteriosclerosis typically increases with age and that stiffening of the arterial wall will make the arteries less able to comply with increased heart rate (and corresponding blood pressure), without leading to increased pulse wave velocity. In view of these findings, we conclude that impedance cardiography seems to be well suited and practical for pulse wave velocity measurements and possibly for the assessment of the degree of arteriosclerosis. However, further studies are needed for comparison between this approach and reference methods for pulse wave velocity and assessment of arteriosclerosis before any firm conclusions can be drawn.
A Low Frequency Mechanical Transmitter Based on Magnetoelectric Heterostructures Operated at Their Resonance Frequency
Authors: Xu Junran , Leung Chung Ming , Zhuang Xin , Li Jiefang , Bhardwaj Shubhendu , Volakis John , Viehland Dwight
Published: February 2019

Magneto-elasto-electric (ME) coupling heterostructures, consisting of piezoelectric layers bonded to magnetostrictive ones, provide for a new class of electromagnetic emitter materials on which a portable (area ~ 16 cm2) very low frequency (VLF) transmitter technology could be developed. The proposed ME transmitter functions as follows: (a) a piezoelectric layer is first driven by alternating current AC electric voltage at its electromechanical resonance (EMR) frequency, (b) subsequently, this EMR excites the magnetostrictive layers, giving rise to magnetization change, (c) in turn, the magnetization oscillations result in oscillating magnetic fields. By Maxwell’s equations, a corresponding electric field, is also generated, leading to electromagnetic field propagation. Our hybrid piezoelectric-magnetostrictive transformer can take an input electric voltage that may include modulation-signal over a carrier frequency and transmit via oscillating magnetic field or flux change. The prototype measurements reveal a magnetic dipole like near field, demonstrating its transmission capabilities. Furthermore, the developed prototype showed a 104 times higher efficiency over a small-circular loop of the same area, exhibiting its superiority over the class of traditional small antennas.
Management and Monitoring of IoT Devices Using Blockchain
Authors: Košťál Kristián , Helebrandt Pavol , Belluš Matej , Ries Michal , Kotuliak Ivan
Published: February 2019

Nowadays, we are surrounded by a large number of IoT (Internet of Things) devices and sensors. These devices are designed to make life easier and more comfortable. Blockchain technology, especially its mass application, is becoming a term number one. Adoption of blockchain into enterprise networks still has a few challenges that need to be tackled. Utilizing blockchain can bring increased security and efficiency of network maintenance. The key feature of the blockchain, immutability, brings resistance to unauthorized modifications. The whole history of device configuration changes is stored in the blockchain, hence recovery after incidents is very straightforward. This paper extends our previous studies. We are introducing an improved architecture for management and monitoring of IoT devices using a private blockchain. The majority of the system is built on a chaincode, which handles CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations as well as encryption and access control. Device configuration files are stored in the blockchain. When a modification occurs, the device downloads a new configuration in a simple manner. The chaincode receives notification whether setup was successful and this history is available for administrators. Our results show that such a system is possible and dissemination of configuration changes to IoT devices can be secured by the blockchain. The key novelty of our solution is a distributed management of configuration files of IoT devices in enterprise networks utilizing blockchain technology. This is essentially improving security and storage options for configurations in the blockchain.
Towards a Non-Invasive Technique for Healing Assessment of Internally Fixated Femur
Authors: Chiu Wing Kong , Vien Benjamin Steven , Russ Matthias , Fitzgerald Mark
Published: February 2019

The lack of a quantitative method to adequately assess fractured bone healing that has undergone fixation limits prognostic capabilities on patients’ optimal return to work. This paper addresses the use of vibrational analysis to monitor the state of healing of a plate-screw fixated femur and supplement the current clinical radiographic assessment. This experimental study involves an osteotomised composite femur specimen enclosed by modelling clay to simulate the damping effect of overlying soft tissues. Epoxy adhesives are applied to the fractured region and to simulate the healing process. With the instrumentation described, the cross-spectrum and coherence are obtained and analysed in the frequency domain over a period of time. The results suggest that it is crucial to analyse the cross-spectrum and proposed healing index to quantitatively assess the stages of healing. The results also show that the mass loading effect due to modelling clay did not influence the proposed healing assessment technique. The findings indicate a potential non-intrusive technique to evaluate the healing of fractured femur by utilising the vibrational responses.
A Novel Antenna for Partial Discharge Measurements in GIS Based on Magnetic Field Detection
Authors: Rodrigo-Mor Armando , Muñoz Fabio Andrés , Castro-Heredia Luis Carlos
Published: February 2019

This paper presents a new concept for partial discharge measurements in gas insulated systems (GIS). The proposed technique uses a novel GIS magnetic antenna that measures the magnetic field produced by partial discharges (PD) propagating in GIS. The foundations of the measurement technique and the magnetic antenna design are presented together with laboratory measurements. The magnetic antenna performance and the sensitivity of the acquisition system are studied. The bandwidth of the measurement system is in the high frequency and very high frequency (HF–VHF) range. Laboratory experiments demonstrate the suitability of the novel magnetic antenna-based measuring system for PD in GIS for corona, surface discharges, and free moving particles in SF6.
Luminescence from Si-Implanted SiO2-Si3N4 Nano Bi-Layers for Electrophotonic Integrated Si Light Sources
Authors: González-Fernández Alfredo A. , Juvert Joan , Aceves-Mijares Mariano , Domínguez Carlos
Published: February 2019

In this paper, we present structural and luminescence studies of silicon-rich silicon oxide (SRO) and SRO-Si 3 N 4 bi-layers for integration in emitter-waveguide pairs that can be used for photonic lab-on-a-chip sensing applications. The results from bi and mono layers are also compared. Two clearly separated emission bands are respectively attributed to a combination of defect and quantum confinement–related emission in the SRO, as well as to defects found in an oxynitride transition zone that forms between the oxide and the nitride films, while ruling out quantum-confinement phenomena in the silicon nitride.
Bacteria Interactive Cost and Balanced-Compromised Approach to Clustering and Transmission Boundary-Range Cognitive Routing In Mobile Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Yalçın Sercan , Erdem Ebubekir
Published: February 2019

The improvement of stable, energy-efficient mobile-based clustering and routing protocols in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) has become indispensable so as to develop large-scale, versitale, and adaptive applications. Data is gathered more efficiently and the total path length is shortened optimally by means of mobile sink (MS). Two algorithms as bacterial interaction based cluster head (CH) selection and energy and transmission boundary range cognitive routing algorithm with novel approach for heterogeneous mobile networks are proposed in this study. The more reliable and powerful CH selection is made with the greedy approach that is based on the interaction fitness value, energy node degree, and distance to adjacent nodes in a compromised manner. The best trajectories, thanks to intersection edge points of the visited CHs, are obtained in the proposed routing algorithm. In this way, the MS entry to transmission range boundaries of the CH has been a sufficient strategy to collect information. As in energy model, we adopt energy consumption costs of listening and sensing channel as well as transmit and receive costs. Comprehensive performance analyzes have been seriously carried out via the Matlab 2016a environment. We validate that the proposed scheme outperforms existing studies in terms of several performance metrics as simulations.