bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multidrug-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae in Coastal Water: An Emerging Threat
Authors: Cohen Regev , Paikin Svetlana , Rokney Assaf , Rubin-Blum Maxim , Astrahan Peleg
Published: February 2020

Background To assess the environmental aspects of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) epidemiology in nearshore aquatic bodies.MethodsEnterobacteriaceae were cultured from coastal and estuary water near Netanya, Israel in June and July of 2018. Growth rates in freshwater and seawater media were determined. Bacteria were identified by VITEK2® and their antimicrobial susceptibility was tested according to the CLSI guidelines. Enterobacteriaceae genomes were sequenced to elucidate their resistome and carbapenemase types. ResultsAmong other clinical strains, four CPE were isolated from two river estuaries (Poleg and Alexander Rivers) and from coastal water at a popular recreational beach (Beit Yanai). Molecular analysis and genome sequencing revealed the persistent presence of rare beta-lactamase resistance genes, including blaIMI-2 and a previously unknown blaIMI-20 allele, which were not found among the local epidemiological strains. Genome comparisons revealed the high identity of riverine and marine CPE that were cultivated month apart. Growth rate measurements show that the environmental strains grow best is freshwater, yet viable in marine media. ConclusionsWe suggest that nearshore CPE contamination may originate from a single source via a riverine route, based on the high similarity of riverine and marine CPE genomes, and the viability of these bacteria in marine and freshwater media. We discuss the clinical implications of these findings, and stress the urgent need to assess the role of the aquatic environment in CPE epidemiology.
High intensity exercise downregulates FTO mRNA expression during the early stages of recovery in young males and females
Authors: Danaher Jessica , Stathis Christos G. , Wilson Robin A. , Moreno-Asso Alba , Wellard R. Mark , Cooke Matthew B.
Published: February 2020

Background Physical exercise and activity status may modify the effect of fat mass- and obesity-associated (FTO) genotype on body weight and obesity risk. To understand the interaction between FTO’s effect and physical activity, the present study investigated the effects of high and low intensity exercise on FTO mRNA and protein expression, and potential modifiers of exercise-induced changes in FTO in healthy-weighted individuals. Methods Twenty-eight untrained males and females (25.4 ± 1.1 years; 73.1 ± 2.0 kg; 178.8 ± 1.4 cm; 39.0 ± 1.2 ml.kg.min -1 VO 2peak ) were genotyped for the FTO rs9939609 (T>A) polymorphism and performed isocaloric (400 kcal) cycle ergometer exercise on two separate occasions at different intensities: 80% (HI) and 40% (LO) VO 2peak . Skeletal muscle biopsies ( vastus lateralis ) and blood samples were taken pre-exercise and following 10 and 90 mins passive recovery.Results FTO mRNA expression was significantly decreased after HI intensity exercise ( p =0.003). No differences in basal and post-exercise FTO protein expression were evident between FTO genotypes. Phosphorylated AMPK and AS160 were significantly increased following HI intensity exercise ( p <0.05). Multivariate models of metabolomic data (O2PLS-DA) were unable to detect any significant metabolic differences between genotypes with either exercise trial ( p >0.05). However, skeletal muscle glucose accumulation at 10 mins following HI ( p =0.021) and LO ( p =0.033) intensity exercise was greater in AA genotypes compared to TT genotypes. Conclusion Our novel data provides preliminary evidence regarding the effects of exercise on FTO expression in skeletal muscle. Specifically, high intensity exercise downregulates expression of FTO mRNA and suggests that in addition to nutritional regulation, FTO could also be regulated by exercise.
Sleep Deprivation Induces Neuroinflammation and Depressive-like Behaviors by Impairing the Regulation of Circadian Clock Genes Expression in Rats
Authors: Xing Chen , Zhou Yanzhao , Xu Huan , Ding Mengnan , Zhang Yifan , Hu Meiru , huang xin , Song Lun
Published: February 2020

Background: Sleep loss leads to a spectrum of mood disorders such as anxiety, cognitive dysfunction and motor coordination impairment in many individuals. However, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Methods: In this study, we examined the effects of sleep deprivation (SD) on depression and the mechanism by subjecting rats to a slowly rotating platform for 3 days to mimic the process of sleep loss. Sleep-deprived animals were tested behaviorally for anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors. We further studied the effects of SD on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity, and at the end of the experiment, brains were collected to measure the circadian clock genes expression in the hypothalamus, glial cell activation and inflammatory cytokine alterations. Results: Our results indicated that SD for 3 days resulted in anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors. SD exaggerated cortisol response to HPA axis, significantly altered the mRNA profile of circadian clock genes, and induced neuroinflammation by increasing the expression of glial cell markers, including the microglial marker ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) and the astroglial marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). The expression of M1 and M2 microglial markers (Arg-1 and CD206, respectively) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) were increased in the brain. Conclusion: These results indicated that SD for 3 days induced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in rats by impairing the regulation of circadian clock genes and inducing neuroinflammation, ultimately resulting in brain injury.
Detection of endometriosis using immunocytochemistry of P450 Aromatase expressions in eutopic endometrial cells obtained from menstrual sloughing: A diagnostic study
Authors: Madjid Tita Husnitawati , Jumadi  , Judistiani Raden Tina Dewi , Hernowo Bethy Suryawathy , Faried Ahmad
Published: February 2020

Objective. To explore the possibility of a new diagnostic approach of endometriosis based on immunocytochemistry scoring of Aromatase P450 expressions in endometrial cells collected from menstrual sloughing. This is a case control study. Immuncytochemistry scores vs. histopathological examination in one tertiary- and secondary-level hospital in Bandung; two secondary level hospital in Garut and Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia. Thirty five patients with and without endometriosis were enrolled. All subjects had diagnostic procedures for endometriosis suspicion, with addition menstrual blood samples for cytopathological examination. The specimens were sent for immunocytochemistry assessment of P450 Aromatase expressions (ICAPEC). The previous procedure resulted in cut-off point of histo score (H-score), sensitivity, specificity, (+) and (-) ICAPEC predictive value.Results. The P450 Aromatase expression in endometrial cells of women with endometriosis was significantly stronger than without one. The cut-off point of H-scores to detect endometriosis was >4. By this criteria, H-score had 94.6% sensitivity, 90.9% specificity, 92% positive predictive value and 93% negative predictive value. Immunocytochemistry scoring of Aromatase P450 expression in endometrial cells (ICAPEC) derived from menstrual blood specimen was a good candidate as alternatives approach in diagnostic procedure of endometriosis. Application and evaluation in clinical practice would provide the economically benefit in diagnostic procedure.
Factors Influencing Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in patients with CMVD and OCAD
Authors: Mayala Henry Anselmo , Magesa Mafuru , Mkangala Abdalah , Mayala Mark , Pallangyo Pedro , Minja Dickson , Janabi Mohamed , Zhao-hui Wang
Published: February 2020

Objective: The aim of our research was to evaluate the relationship involving LVEF, LDL, BNP, Troponin I and CFR, and to determine the predictors of LVEF in patients with CMVD and OCAD, and in patients with CMVD.

Results: The mean age was 58.5±12.5 years. Approximately 60% of the patients were women. Chest pain was the common symptom in both conditions around 45% followed by chest tightness which was 25%. In patients OCAD and CMVD we found low density lipoprotein-c (LDL-c) had significant inverse relationship with LVEF (r= -0.323, P= 0.042), LVEF also had significant negative relationship with BNP, and Troponin-I. While a significant direct relationship turned out to be observed linking LVEF with CFR (r= 0.422, P=0.007). Left ventricular ejection fraction had significant negative relationship with LDL-C (r= -0.489, P=0.029), and BNP (r= -0.472, P=0.035) in patients with OCAD only. Age, blood pressure, lipid levels, RDW, HbA1C, symptoms, NYHA classification, Alcohol drinking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, troponin levels and BNP were the predictors for LVEF in CMVD patients. We depicted a strong negative relationship between LVEF and biomarkers (LDL-c, BNP, Troponin-I), with a significant positive association between LVEF and CFR.
VAL-U: Psychometric properties of a Values and Civic Attitudes Scale for University Students’ Service-Learning
Authors: Ruiz-Ordóñez Yolanda , Mateu Amparo Salcedo , Turbi-Pinazo Ángel Manuel , Novella-García Carlos , Moret-Tatay Carmen
Published: February 2020

Background: The service-learning disciplines can offer a unique opportunity for civic development in university students, as there is a large body of research that links them to values and civic attitudes regarding a vast number of ecological issues and citizen variables. Moreover, one should bear in mind that these students are future generations that will face many pressing social and environmental issues of a citizen nature. Methods: given the need to develop instruments to measure the impact of a learning-service methodology in university students’ values as well as civic attitudes, as the University can be considered a learning step prior to the professional field, the current scale was proposed for the Spanish University population. The main objective of this study was to analyse the internal consistency and factor structure of the proposed VAL-U scale in the Spanish population. Results: The scale confirmed good psychometric properties. Furthermore, the results have shown high reliability and optimal goodness of fit indices. Conclusions: the VAL-U scale might be considered a valuable tool for assessing resilience in the Values and Civic Attitudes Scale for Spanish-speaking University Students’ Service-Learning.
MRI Guided Surgical Planning and 3D Procedure Simulation for Partial Gland Cryoablation of the Prostate
Authors: Wake Nicole , Rosenkrantz Andrew B. , Sodickson Daniel K. , Chandarana Hersh , Wysock James S.
Published: February 2020

Purpose This study reports on the development of a novel 3D surgical planning technique to provide pre-ablation treatment planning for partial gland prostate cryoablation (cPGA). Methods Consecutive patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-visible (PI-RADS v2 score ≥ 3) and biopsy confirmed prostate cancer undergoing partial gland cryoablation (cPGA) (n=20) were prospectively enrolled in an IRB approved study investigating advanced methods of data visualization for treatment planning. All patients enrolled in the study underwent image segmentation of the prostatic capsule, index lesion, urethra, rectum, and neurovascular bundles based upon multi-parametric MRI data. Segmented imaging data were converted to 3D, 3D prostate models were viewed in computer-aided design (CAD) software, and virtual cryotherapy probes with -40°C isotherm volumes were created. Pre-treatment 3D prostate cancer models derived from MRI data were utilized to predict the number of and placement of cryotherapy probes to achieve confluent treatment volume. Treatment efficacy was measured with 6 month post-operative MRI, serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) at 3 and 6 months, and treatment zone biopsy results at 6 months were evaluated. Outcomes from 3D planning were compared to outcomes from a series of 20 patients undergoing cPGA using traditional 2D planning techniques. Results The number of cryotherapy probes utilized matched the 3D plan in 16/20 (80%) of patients. 3D planning predicted a greater number of cryoprobes than 2D planning. Treatment zone biopsy was performed in 13/17 patients in the 3D cohort and was negative in 12 of these (92.9%). For the 3D group, 6 month biopsy was not performed in 4 (20%) due to undetectable PSA, negative MRI, and negative MRI Axumin PET. For the group with traditional 2D planning, treatment zone biopsy was positive in 3/14 (21.4%) of the patients, p = 0.056). Conclusions 3D prostate cancer models derived from mpMRI data provide novel guidance for planning confluent treatment volumes for cPGA. This study prompts further investigation into the use of 3D treatment planning techniques.
Determinants of Glycemic Control among Urban Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A mediation analysis from real-world evidence
Authors: Silva-Tinoco Rubén , Cuatecontzi-Xochitiotzi Teresa , Torre-Saldaña Viridiana De la , León-García Enrique , Serna-Alvarado Javier , Orea-Tejeda Arturo , Castillo-Martínez Lilia , Gay Juan G. , de-León David Cantú , Prada Diddier
Published: February 2020

Background Evidence suggests there is a relationship between determinants of health and worse diabetes outcomes, especially among individuals with low socioeconomic status and education level. Few studies have shown the relationship between diabetes knowledge, self-care behaviors, and clinical outcomes in low-income urban populations. This study aimed to explore the determinants of glycemic control (GC) in a low-income urban population and to provide insight into the pathways of the effect of diabetes knowledge on GC. Methods A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in patients with type 2 diabetes (PwD) from 28 primary care outpatient centers located in Mexico City. Using the multivariable-adjusted models, we determined the associations between diabetes knowledge, self-care behaviors, and GC. The mediation analyses used linear regression models, where the significance of indirect effects was calculated with bootstrapping. Results The population (N=513) had a mean age of 53.8 years (standard deviation: 11.3 yrs.), and 65.9% were women. Both socioeconomic status and level of education were directly associated with diabetes knowledge. Using multivariable-adjusted linear models, we found that diabetes knowledge was associated with GC (β: -0.102, 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI] -0.189, -0.014). Diabetes knowledge was also independently associated with self-care behavior (for physical activity: β: 0.181, 95% CI 0.088, 0.273), and self-care behavior was associated with GC (for physical activity: β: -0.112, 95% CI -0.194, -0.029).The association between diabetes knowledge and GC was lost after adjustment for self-care behaviors, especially physical activity (β: -0.084, 95% CI -0.182, 0.014, p -value: 0.062). Finally, the mediation models showed that the effect of diabetes knowledge on GC was 17% independently mediated by physical activity ( p -value: 0.049). Conclusions Socioeconomic and educational gradients influence diabetes knowledge among primary care patients with type 2 diabetes. Self-care activities, particularly physical activity, mediated the effect of diabetes knowledge on GC. Our results indicate that diabetes knowledge should be reinforced in low-income PwD, with an emphasis on the benefits physical activity has on improving GC.
Prevalence of pneumonia and its associated factors among under five children in East Africa. Meta-analysis and systemic review
Authors: Beletew Biruk , Bimrew Melaku Getahun , Kasie Ayelign Mengesha , Wudu Mesfin Kassaw , Azmeraw Molla
Published: February 2020

Background: Pneumonia is defined as an acute inflammation of the Lungs’ parenchymal structure. It is a major public health problem and the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in under-five children especially in developing countries. In 2015, it was estimated that about 102 million cases of pneumonia occurred in under-five children, of which 0.7 million were end up with death. Different primary studies in Eastern Africa showed the burden of pneumonia. However, inconsistency among those studies was seen and no review has been conducted to report the amalgamated magnitude and associated factors. Therefore, this review aimed to estimate the national prevalence and associated factors of neonatal sepsis in Eastern Africa.Objective: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the magnitude of pneumonia and its associated factors among under-five children in East Africa.Methods: Using PRISMA guideline, we systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed studies that examined the prevalence and associated factors of pneumonia from PubMed, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar. Heterogeneity across the studies was evaluated using the Q and the I2 test. A weighted inverse variance random-effects model was applied to estimate the national prevalence and the effect size of associated factors. The subgroup analysis was conducted by country, study design, and year of publication. A funnel plot and Egger’s regression test were used to see publication bias. Sensitivity analysis was also done to identify the impact of studies.Result: A total of 34 studies with 87, 984 participants were used for analysis. The pooled prevalence of hypothermia in East Africa was 34% (95%CI; 23.80–44.21). Use of wood as fuel source (AOR= 1.53; 95%CI:1.30-1.77; I2= 0.0% ;P=0.465), cook food in living room (AOR= 1.47;95%CI:1.16-1.79; I2= 0.0% ;P=0.58), caring of a child on mother during cooking (AOR= 3.26; 95%CI:1.80-4.72; I2= 22.5% ;P=0.26), Being unvaccinated (AOR= 2.41; 95%CI:2.00-2.81; I2= 51.4% ;P=0.055), Child history of ARTI(AOR= 2.62; 95%CI:1.68-3.56; I2= 11.7% ;P=0.337) were identified factors of pneumonia.Conclusions: The prevalence of pneumonia in Eastern Africa remains high. This review will help policy-makers and program officers to design pneumonia preventive interventions.
Differential long-term retention of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis by age group: an observational study
Authors: Kawabe Akio , Nakano Kazuhisa , Kubo Satoshi , Asakawa Takeshi , Tanaka Yoshiya
Published: February 2020

Background. The effectiveness and safety of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) by age group (<65, 65–74, and ≥75 years) are uncertain. We examined retention rates reflecting the effectiveness and safety of bDMARDs in actual clinical practice for clarifying optimal therapeutic strategies for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by age groups.Methods. Data of patients who were treated with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi), abatacept (ABA), and tocilizumab (TCZ) between February 2011 and April 2017 were retrospectively collected from an observational registry of RA patients. A total of 1,362 patients were enrolled, of which 695 were aged <65 years, 402 were aged 65–74 years, and 265 were aged ≥75. Primary outcome was the drug retention rate in adjusted data using inverse probability of treatment weighting based on generalized propensity scores.Results. In patients aged <65 years, three-year retention rates of TNFi, ABA, and TCZ were 43%, 47%, and 69%, respectively (ABA versus TCZ, p = 0.017; TNFi versus TCZ, p = 0.002). In patients aged 65–74 years, three-year retention rates of TNFi, ABA, and TCZ were 44%, 53%, and 60%, respectively (TCZ versus TNFi, p = 0.034). In patients aged ≥75 years, three-year retention rates for TNFi, ABA, and TCZ were 38%, 63%, and 58%, respectively (ABA versus TNFi, p = 0.017).Conclusions. We found that the effectiveness and safety of TCZ were maximized in patients aged <75 years and that patients aged ≥65 years were the most suited candidates for ABA therapy. The use of therapeutic strategies appropriate to each age group might improve the outcomes of bDMARD therapy for RA.
Sufentanil Postoperative Analgesia reduce the increase of T helper 17 (Th17) cells and FoxP 3 + regulatory T (Treg) cells in Rat Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surgical Model: A randomised animal study
Authors: Peng YanHua , Yang Jinfeng , Guo Duo , Zheng Chumei , Sun Huiping , Zhang Qinya , Zou Shuangfa , Zhang Yanping , Luo Ke , Candiotti Keith A.
Published: February 2020

Background: Several investigations have indicated that T helper cell 17 (Th 17 ) and Foxp 3 + regulatory T cells (Treg) cells adopt a pro-tumorigenic role. Opioids and pain exacerbate immunosuppression in immunocompromised cancer patients. Methods: A rat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) models was established by N-nitrosodiethylamine (DENA). 48 of them were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=16): surgery without postoperative analgesia (Control); surgery with morphine postoperative analgesia (Morphine); surgery with sufentanil postoperative analgesia (Sufentanil). The level of cluster of CD4 + , CD8 + , Th1,Th2, Th17 and Treg cells in blood were also detected to assess immune function using flow cytometry on d0, d3 and d7.The rats’ survival situation of each group left after three days of surgery were observed. Results ： The CD4 + /CD8 + ratio and Th1 cells levels were significantly higher while Th2, Th17 and Treg cells levels were significantly lower in sufentanil and morphine postoperative analgesia rats compared with that without postoperative analgesia. Compared with morphine postoperative analgesia, sufentanil postoperative analgesia rats seem have higher CD4+/CD8+ ratio , Th1 cells, while lower Th2, Th17 and Treg cells level. Conclusions ： Sufentanil and morphine postoperative analgesia show better immune function than that without postoperative analgesia by analyzing CD4 + /CD8 + ratio, Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg cells. Sufentanil postoperative analgesia demonstrated a favorable impact on immune function compared with morphine postoperative anesthesia in hepatocellular carcinoma rats undergoing left hepatectomy operation.
Thin Film Coated QCM-Sensors and Pattern Recognition Methods for Discrimination of VOCs
Authors: Lezzar Omar C. , Bellel A. , Boutamine M. , Sahli S. , Segui Y. , Raynaud P.
Published: February 2020

discrimination and quantification of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using a non-selective sensor requires a combination of sensors followed by pattern recognition methods. Based on this concept, this paper deals with the discrimination of gas from the responses of several gas sensors coated with different type of polymer. Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) electrodes were coated from hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO), hexamethyldisilazane (HMDSN) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) for the elaboration of gas sensors with different chemical affinity towards VOC molecules. The sensitivity of the elaborated QCM-based sensors was evaluated by monitoring the frequency shifts of the quartz exposed to different concentrations of volatile organic compounds, such as; ethanol, benzene and chloroform. The sensors responses data have been used for the identification and quantification of VOCs. The principal component analysis (PCA) and the neural-network (NNs) pattern recognition analysis were used for the discrimination of gas species and concentrations. Good separation among gases has been obtained using the principal component analysis. The feed-forward multilayer neural network (MLNNs) with a hidden layer and trained by Broyden Fletcher Goldfarb Shanno (BFGS) Quasi Newton algorithm has been implemented in order to identify and quantify the VOCs. By increasing the number of the neuron in the hidden layer, the precision of the estimate concentration increases. The approach is standard, however its application on the elaborated sensors have not been studied in depth so far.
Sensor Technology For Animal Health Monitoring
Authors: Helwatkar Amruta , Riordan Daniel , Walsh Joseph
Published: February 2020

The scale of dairy farming worldwide has changed significantly over recent years, with a move towards larger, more intensive, profit-driven enterprises, primarily due to market pressures. This change has resulted in demand for technologies that can reduce costs and labour inputs while increasing farm productivity. This is mainly achieved through the use of farm automation and advanced technological techniques.

An important aspect of farm automation that is currently being researched is the area of automated animal health monitoring. In this research, we have identified specific diseases which are common in dairy animals which can be identified through the use of non-invasive, low-cost, sensor technology. These diseases have been mapped to specific aspects of animal behaviour that have been mapped to the three sensors which are most significant to identify these diseases. The identified sensors will be shown to be vital in the development of the next generation of health monitoring system for dairy animals. Such a system will allow the automatic identification of animal health events, greatly increasing overall herd health and yield while reducing animal health inspection and long-term animal healthcare costs.
Effect of TiO2 nano-overlays deposited with atomic layer deposition on refractive index sensitivity of long-period gratings
Authors: Krogulski Krzysztof , Śmietana Mateusz , Michalak Bartosz , Dębowska Anna K. , Szymańska Magdalena , Wachnicki #x;ukasz , Gierałtowska Sylwia , Godlewski Marek , Mikulic Predrag , Bock Wojtek J.
Published: February 2020

This paper we discusses an effect of coating long-period gratings (LPGs) with a thin titanium dioxide (TiO2) overlays on refractive index (RI) sensitivity of the LPG. The overlays have been obtained using atomic layer deposition (ALD) method. The method allows for deposition well-controlled in thickness, well defined in optical properties, high-RI and very conformal thin films as required for optical fiber sensors. For the investigated LPGs we obtained sensitivity of 3490 to 6471 nm per RI unit depending on range RI.
A New Landslide Inclinometer Using Highly Sensitive Gauges
Authors: Fosalau Cristian , Zet Cristian , Petrisor Daniel
Published: February 2020

The paper presents a device devoted to detect and measure earth displacements produced by landslides. It is part of inclinometer type geotechnical instruments and is based on measuring the deformation produced to a rod vertically mounted into the ground during soil layers sliding. With respect to other commercial devices, our inclinometer is characterized by high sensitivity to very small deformations owing to special strain gauges utilized in its construction, and also by possibility of 3D measuring, it being able to gauge in depth the amplitude and orientation of the soil layers displacement.
A New Method for Interference Reduction in the Smoothed Pseudo Wigner-Ville Distribution
Authors: Pikula Stanislav , Beneš Petr
Published: February 2020

This article presents a new method facilitating interference reduction in the Wigner-Ville distribution, which is used for nonstationary signal analysis, for example in machine condition monitoring. The algorithm is based on multiple Smoothed Pseudo Wigner-Ville distributions: differently smoothed time-frequency planes are compared and, for every point, a cross-term free value is calculated on the basis of optimal smooth estimation. The proposed approach is compared with the Gabor-Wigner transform, the Zhao-Atlas-Marks distribution, and the Choi-Williams distribution. Five time-frequency Gaussian atoms and a bat echolocation chirp are used as the testing signals. The Rényi entropy, the ratio of norms, the Stanković measure, and the mean squared error are used as quantitative measures to demonstrate the promising results of the proposed method.
Effects of Seasonal Growth Rings on the Microwave Measurement of Wood
Authors: Holmes W.S. , Bogosanović M. , Emms G. , Mukhopadhyay S.C.
Published: February 2020

In order to determine more accurate indicators of wood structure obtained by microwave sensing and improve our understanding of plane wave propagation through this complex material, we have undertaken a permittivity survey and experimentally investigated scattering of a plane wave, measuring its transmission over two non-parallel surfaces of a rectangular lumber sample. This novel non-destructive testing techn-ique offers results which may significantly contribute in a more accurate propagation modeling and industrial wood quality testing.
La innovación como activo estratégico para la productividad en la era tecnológica
Authors: Gutiérrez Arenas Andrea , Quintero Arango Luis Fernando
Published: February 2020

El presente artículo de revisión teórica se aborda desde el concepto de la innovación disruptiva en empresas de alimentos de la ciudad de Medellín, con el fin de identificar cómo desde la teoría las empresas implementan procesos productivos para buscar la competitividad y ganar mercados. Se hace un recuento por diversos autores que exponen cómo las tecnologías de la información han cambiado la forma de hacer negocios, lo que ha conllevado la desaparición de grandes empresas, así como al surgimiento de grandes corporaciones que se apoyan únicamente en sistemas informáticos, procesamiento de datos y automatización a través de robots o computadoras. Hoy las empresas se transforman a través de los procesos de innovación establecidos; se considera que, dentro de los resultados de esta revisión teórica, se evidencian las diversas maneras de hacer negocios con base en la tecnología y la innovación constante. Como conclusión, se puede deducir que para que una empresa sea competitiva debe tener en cuenta factores como el uso eficiente de los recursos y análisis de las necesidades propias del mercado y de los clientes.
Z-score vs minimum variance preselection methods for constructing small portfolios
Authors: Cesarone Francesco , Mango Fabiomassimo , Sabato Gabriele
Published: February 2020

Several contributions in the literature argue that a significant in-sample risk reduction can be obtained by investing in a relatively small number of assets in an investment universe. Furthermore, selecting small portfolios seems to yield good out-of-sample performances in practice. This analysis provides further evidence that an appropriate preselection of the assets in a market can lead to an improvement in portfolio performance. For preselection, this paper investigates the eﬀectiveness of a minimum variance approach and that of an innovative index (the new Altman Z-score) based on the creditworthiness of the companies. Diﬀerent classes of portfolio models are examined on real-world data by applying both the minimum variance and the Z-score preselection methods. Preliminary results indicate that the new Altman Z-score preselection provides encouraging out-of-sample performances with respect to those obtained with the minimum variance approach.
Optimal strain sensors placement to analyze the modal parameters of the sorting arm
Authors: Jiang Xuchu , Jiang Feng
Published: February 2020

The dynamics of light cantilever structure are complex under high-frequency reciprocating motion, and they cannot be obtained through simulation analysis. Therefore, it is necessary to use experimental analysis methods to study. At present, the main experimental method is to collect the vibration response of the sensors on the structure and then to analyze the dynamics. However, for light cantilever structure, the additional mass of the sensors changes the dynamics of the structure significantly, resulting in large errors in the results. The paper takes the sorting arm of LED chip sorting machine as the research object. An on-line identification of vibration experiment is carried out to obtain the dynamics of sorting arm with using of strain gauges, which avoided the error of the attached mass of the sensors. In addition, the result of experimental comparison verifies that using the strain gages can measure each mode of the arm structure more accurately. The method provides the guiding principle and basis for the dynamic optimization of the sorting arm mechanism.
Dynamic simulation analysis of spur gear space driven system with large inertia load
Authors: Li Chao , Ma Jianfeng , Yin Xuehao , Yang Hongbin
Published: February 2020

The wide application of large inertia loads in space drive mechanisms is relatively rare in theoretical research. An 8-degree-of-freedom nonlinear dynamic model is established for the time-varying and nonlinear perturbation problems of a large inertia load space drive mechanism. The model is a two-stage spur gear model in which the effects of backlash and time-varying stiffness are considered. The 3D model was imported into ADAMS, and the nonlinear dynamic response of the system was studied by motion simulation. This paper sets up a large inertia experimental device to collect and process data. Comparing experimental results with Adams results, the correctness of the numerical model was verified, and the reasons for the differences between the two were explained. A comparative analysis of the load response under different inertia was performed to illustrate the importance of studying large inertia loads. The simulation results show that the output shaft has a great influence on the dynamic response. Changing the material of the gear can improve the transmission precision of the gear system. The analysis results in this paper enrich the research on the dynamic response of gear system, and provide a theoretical basis for the subsequent design of large inertia load gear system and improve vibration and noise during operation.
Performance-based seismic isolation design using the theory of spatially concave friction distribution
Authors: Li Shanshan , Wei Biao , Li Chaobin , Wang Weihao , Fu Yunji
Published: February 2020

Seismic isolation devices were designed to protect three similar building structures, containing different objects with different fragilities, in a strong earthquake region. And a performance-based assessment framework, established by the PEER, was used to identify the seismic isolation efficiency of these devices. It optimized the ratios of spring part, viscous damping part and friction part in the seismic isolation devices, aiming at different functional buildings. Results show that a spatially concave friction distribution, combined with a weak spring, not only can reduce the structural acceleration response during earthquakes, but also decrease the structural residual displacement after earthquakes. Moreover, the spatially concave friction distribution can dissipate earthquake energy, but cannot hinder the recentering of structure like that of general uniform friction distributions. Consequently, the spatially concave friction distribution can partly or fully replace the viscous dampers, which are more expensive and short-lived. The reasonable combination of different components in the seismic isolation devices can satisfy different seismic requirements, aiming at different functional buildings.
An improved higher-order analytical energy operator with adaptive local iterative filtering for early fault diagnosis of bearings
Authors: Zhang Jinbao , Zhao Yongqiang , Liu Ming , Kong Lingxian
Published: February 2020

Early fault diagnosis in rolling bearings is crucial to maintenance and safety in industry. To highlight the weak fault features from complex signals combined with multiple interferences and heavy background noise, a novel approach for bearing fault diagnosis based on higher-order analytic energy operator (HO-AEO) and adaptive local iterative filtering (ALIF) is put forward. HO-AEO has better effect in dealing with heavy noise. However, it is subjected to the limitation of mono-components. To solve this limitation, ALIF is adopted firstly to decompose the nonlinear, non-stationary signals into multiple mono-components adaptively. In the next, the resonance frequency band as the optimal intrinsic mode function (IMF) is selected according to the maximum kurtosis. In the following, HO-AEO is utilized to highlight weak fault characteristics of the selected IMF. Finally, the early bearing fault is diagnosed by the energy operator spectrum based on fast Fourier transform (FFT). Comparisons in the simulation indicate that the fourth order HO-AEO shows the best performance in fault diagnosis compared with Teager energy operator (TEO), analytic energy operator (AEO), the second and the third order HO-AEO. The simulated test and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach could effectively extract weak fault characteristics from contaminated vibration signals.
Effect of vehicle-track vertical coupling vibrations on frame-mounted traction motor dynamics
Authors: Yu Yuewei , Zhao Leilei , Zhou Changcheng
Published: February 2020

In order to reveal the effect of the vehicle-track vertical coupling vibrations on the frame-mounted traction motor dynamics, a vehicle-track vertical coupling dynamic model with considering the influence of the frame-mounted traction motor is established, and the correctness of the model is verified by real vehicle test. In case of the investigated vehicle model, the influences of the vehicle-track vertical coupling vibrations and the suspension parameters on the frame-mounted traction motor dynamics are discussed. The results show that the traction motor is significantly affected by the train system, when the motor is equivalent to the bogie frame mass, the phenomenon of underestimation exists to evaluate the vibration of the motor. In addition, suspension parameters have a great impact on the traction motor dynamics, rational selection suspension parameters can help to attenuate the vibration of the traction motor, and alleviate uneven the distribution of the air gap magnetic field of the traction motor.
Effect Analysis of dynamic water pressure on dynamic response of offshore wind turbine tower
Authors: Huang Shuai , Lyu Yuejun , Peng Yanju
Published: February 2020

Compared with onshore wind turbine, the offshore wind turbine is more easily destroyed influenced by the complicated conditions at sea. In this study, a refined finite element model of offshore wind turbine in consideration of the soil-structure interaction is built. The dynamic response of the wind turbine tower in different water depths is investigated; then the weak positions of the wind turbine tower under earthquake is determined. We found that the water pressure on one side of the inflow face of pile foundation is the greatest; as the rate of flow increases, the negative water pressure on the contact surface increased more than the positive water pressure. The maximum displacement of the structure influenced by dynamic water pressure is located at the tower top, the maximum equivalent stress strain is located at two-thirds of the tower height, and the maximum bending moment appears at the bottom of the tower. When the water depth increases from 0 m to 5 m, the displacement and bending moment of wind tower structure increased by 29 % and 25 % respectively under the influence of dynamic water pressure; thus the influence of dynamic water pressure on the dynamic response of the structure should be paid attention to. Finally, the shaking table test of the wind turbine is conducted; the test results are compared with the numerical simulation results, and feasibility of the numerical simulation method was verified.
Recycling of Municipal Solid Waste in Sinop, Turkey: Practices, Problems and Challenges
Authors: GÖKKURT BAKİ Oylum , ERGUN Osman Nuri , NOGAY Ahu
Published: February 2020

In this study, recycling potentiality of municipal solid wastes of the province of Sinop, being a significant coastal town of Central Black Sea in terms of tourism. The studies related to nonhazardous kinds of wastes formed within the borders of the province have been assessed. The compositions and the changes in the amounts of the wastes formed in the province have been analyzed and assessed in association with the consumption habits. The composition of the recyclable wastes among the municipal solid wastes in the province and the management of these wastes have been studied. The amount of municipal solid wastes occurred has been determined and the mount of the wastes recycled by these wastes has been detected and thus the recycling activities started in the region have been evaluated. Recycling activities started in some regions of the province for recyclable urban wastes such as paper, carton, glass, metal and plastic etc., which are of high incidence within waste composition have been assessed. The analysis and evaluation of the studies conducted to some districts of the city related to packing wastes and management have been conducted. Therefore, applicability of recycling works and management of municipal solid waste in the city has been assessed and besides this “sustainability” has been researched. Furthermore, research and evaluation on production, collection-transportation, recycling applications and phases of these wastes, having an economic value and evaluation on the issue have been carried out in the study.
Comparison of Total Phenolic Contents and Antioxidant Activities of Different Parts of the Endemic Plant Geranium ibericum subsp. jubatum
Authors: AY Emriye , GEZEN Erhan Seyhan , HÜSEYİNOĞLU Rena
Published: February 2020

This paper includes the results of the first study on the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of endemic species Geranium ibericum subsp. jubatum found in Turkey. In this study, the methanol extracts of different parts (leaf, stem, flower, and root) of the Geranium ibericum subsp. jubatum exhibited different free radical scavenging activity, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity. The synthetic antioxidant BHT and the natural antioxidant α-tocopherol were evaluated as a positive control and compared with methanol extracts of the plant parts. There was a positive correlation between the total phenolic content and the free radical scavenging activity in different parts of Geranium ibericum. It has been found that the highest phenolic content and antioxidant activity were found in the roots. The total phenolic content and antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH) showed statistically significant differences among the different parts of the G. ibericum subsp. jubatum (p<0.05).
Determination of Radiation Protection Features of the Ag2O Doped Boro-Tellurite Glasses Using Phy-X / PSD Software
Authors: ALIM Bünyamin
Published: February 2020

This study focused on the
radiation protection features of the Ag2O doped boro-tellurite glass
samples in the form of (x)Ag2O/(100-x)(65B2O3-35TeO2)
where x=10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 mol%. by using Phy-X / PSD software, the
radiation protection parameters such as mass attenuation coefficient (MAC),
linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), half-value layer (HVL), mean free path (MFP),
total atomic and electronic cross-sections (ACS and ECS), effective atomic
number (Zeff) , effective
electron density (Neff)
and effective conductivity (σeff)
of present glasses were calculated in the photon energy range of 0.015-15 MeV. In
order to evaluation the usability of these glasses in terms of radiation
protection, the all investigated protection parameters were also calculated for
commercial RS 253 glass and some concretes such as ordinary concrete (OC),
hematite-serpenite (HS) and basalt-magnetite (BM) that are commonly used as
shielding material in the nuclear application. The results obtained were
evaluated in terms of both photon energy and chemical composition of the
glasses examined. Additionally, the results obtained for the examined glasses
were compared with the corresponding values obtained for the comparison
materials presented to determine the best radiation protection glass. It was
clearly observed that the MAC, LAC, ACS, ECS and Zeff values
increased with the increasing of molar doping percentage Ag2O in the
glasses. It was found that the radiation protection capacities of the Ag2O
doped boro-tellurite glasses is found higher than the other compared materials.
Maximum MAC, LAC, ACS, ECS and Zeff values
were observed in the sample of G5 that contains 30% Ag2O. This study
indicates that the disilver oxide doped tellurite glasses can be developed as
radiation protection materials for many nuclear applications.
Electrical characterization and solar light sensitivity of SnS2/n-Si junction
Authors: BALTAKESMEZ Ali
Published: February 2020

In this study, the SnS2 thin film deposited
by spray
pyrolysis technique has been analyzed by XRD, SEM and UV-visible
characterization techniques to investigate of structural, morphological and
optical properties. The thin film has dominant (001)
and (002) crystallographic planes, compact grain-like morphology with uniform and
good coverage surface and 2.42 eV band gap. The Sn/SnS2/Si/Au-Ge
structure has been characterized by electrical measurement. The diode has
ideality factor of 1.34 and barrier height of 0.762 eV with reverse-bias
current temperature-dependent strongly. In addition, the ITO/SnS2/Si/Au-Ge
structure has been characterized by 1.5 AM solar simulator for determine of
solar light. The diode under 100 mW/cm2 solar-light source has
exhibited 0.24% PCE with Jsc
of 1.83 mA/cm2, Voc of 0.46 V and FF of 0.28.
Impact of flow configuration on electrosorption performance and energy consumption of CDI systems
Authors: Agartan Lutfi , Akuzum Bilen , Agar Ertan , Kumbur E. Caglan
Published: February 2020

The flow configuration selected for a capacitive deionization (CDI) system can impact the desalination performance due to drastic changes to the ion transport. Herein, a zero-gap CDI cell fixture with various flow configurations was utilized to investigate the effects of flow directionality on the CDI performance of activated carbon cloth (ACC) electrodes. Salt adsorption capacities and salt adsorption rates were determined for three commonly studied flow field designs (parallel (PFF), interdigitated (IDFF), and serpentine (SFF)) at various flow rates (2–128 mL/min). Increasing the flow rate was found to result in decreasing CDI performance for SFF and IDFF designs. On the other hand, the peak performance was observed for the parallel flow field at 32 mL/min flow rate. Additionally, the pressure drop values for different flow configurations were measured, and the energy consumptions were calculated. Overall, the findings showed that the performance of CDI systems strongly depends on the selected flow field geometry. Among the tested flow fields, the parallel configuration offered the best balance between CDI performance and energy efficiency. However, the designs that exert high hydrodynamic forces on the electrode plane showed poor performance due to rip-off of ions from the double layer causing a significant capacity loss for ACC electrodes.
The dependence of the consumption of dissolved oxygen on lake morphology in ice covered lakes
Authors: Bengtsson Lars , Ali-Maher Osama
Published: February 2020

The consumption of oxygen in ice-covered lakes is analyzed and related to biological oxygen demand and sediment oxygen demand. An approach for computing dissolved oxygen concentration is suggested assuming horizontally mixed waters and negligable vertical dispersion. It is found that the depletion of dissolved oxygen is mainly due to the transfer of oxygen at the water/sediment interface. The morphology of a lake is very important for how fast the dissolved oxygen concentration is reduced during winter.