bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear and Adaptive Intelligent Control Techniques for Quadrotor UAV – A Survey
Authors: Mo Hongwei , Farid Ghulam 
Published: April 2018

AbstractParametric uncertainties and coupled nonlinear dynamics are inherent in quadrotor configuration and infer adaptive nonlinear approaches to be used for flight control system. Numerous adaptive nonlinear and intelligent control techniques, which have been reported in the literature for designing quadrotor flight controller by various researchers, are investigated in this paper. As a priori, each conventional nonlinear control technique is discussed broadly and then its adaptive/observer based augmentation is conferred along with all possible variants. Among conventional nonlinear control approaches, feedback linearization, backstepping, sliding mode, and model predictive control, are studied. Intelligent control approaches incorporating fuzzy logic and neural networks are also discussed. In addition to adaption based parametric uncertainty handling, various other aspects of each control technique regarding stability, disturbance rejection, response time, asymptotic, exponential and finite time convergence etc., are discussed in sufficient depth. The contribution of this paper is the provision of detailed and in depth discussion on quadrotor nonlinear control approaches to the flight control designers.
Active Vibration Control for a Flexible‐Link Manipulator with Input Constraint Based on a Disturbance Observer
Authors: Yang Hongjun , Liu Jinkun 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis paper mainly focuses on designing an active vibration control for a flexible‐link manipulator in the presence of input constraint and unknown spatially infinite dimensional disturbances. The manipulator we studied can be taken as an Euler–Bernoulli beam, the dynamic model of which has the form of partial differential equations. As the existence of spatially infinite dimensional disturbances on the beam, we first design a disturbance observer to estimate infinite dimensional disturbances. The proposed disturbance observer is guaranteed exponentially stable. Then, taking input saturation into account, a novel disturbance‐observer‐based controller is developed to regulate the joint angular position and rapidly suppress vibrations on the beam, which is the main contribution of this study. The closed‐loop system is validated asymptotically stable by theoretical analysis. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is demonstrated by numerical simulations.
Environmental rating of oil and gas companies in Russia: How assessment affects environmental transparency and performance
Authors: Shvarts E. , Pakhalov A. , Knizhnikov A. , Ametistova L. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe article discusses the evolution and current state of transparency of environmental performance data in the Russian Oil and Gas sector. We build upon our first‐hand experience in a transparent, publicly available information and third‐party‐verified rating system. Based on 2014–16 successive annual ratings, we conclude that implementing “soft” responsibility mechanisms can improve environmental responsibility standards and transparency in the oil and gas industry. At the same time, in terms of improving environmental performance of oil and gas companies it is reasonable to assume an emerging trend. Its full realization will require (1) longer rating time, including that for public exposure to misleading environmental performance information and the use of poorly verified nonfinancial reporting; (2) application of independent analysis of satellite monitoring information to the professional audit and public verification of nonfinancial reporting; and (3) sophistication of guidelines for professional audit and public verification of nonfinancial reports.
Photoredox Catalytic Activation of Sulfur Hexafluoride for Pentafluorosulfanylation of α‐Methyl‐ and α‐Phenyl Styrene
Authors: Rombach David , Wagenknecht Hans‐Achim 
Published: April 2018

AbstractSulfur hexafluoride is inert, non‐toxic, and cannot simply be applied as pentafluorosulfanylation reagent. We present the first photoredox catalytic way to convert it into pentafluorosulfanylated α‐methyl and α‐phenyl styrenes simply by using light. The work tackles the challenges of precise activation of sulfur hexafluoride by a photoredox catalyst with designed consecutive electron transfer cycles in a fashion that styrenes trap the generated pentafluorosulfanyl radical. The method overcomes the highly problematic access to vinylic and allylic pentafluorosulfanyl styrenes and combines it with the disposal of the most potent greenhouse gas. Together with the use of light as energy source, an exceptionally high level of sustainability is gained.
Precursor‐Based Synthesis of Porous Colloidal Particles towards Highly Efficient Catalysts
Authors: Zheng Yun , Geng Hongbo , Zhang Yufei , Chen Libao , Li Cheng Chao 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn recent years, porous colloidal particles have found promising applications in catalytic fields, such as photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, industrial and automotive byproducts removal, as well as biomass upgrading. These applications are critical for alleviating the energy crisis and environmental pollution. Porous colloidal particles have remarkable specific areas and abundant reactive sites, which can significantly improve the mass/charge transport and reaction rate in catalysis. Precursor‐based synthesis is among the most facile and widely‐adopted methods to achieve monodisperse and homogeneous porous colloidal particles. In the current review, we briefly introduce the general catalytic applications of porous colloidal particles. The conventional precursor‐based methods are reviewed to design state‐of‐the‐art porous colloidal particles as highly efficient catalysts. The recent development of porous colloidal particles derived from metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), glycerates, carbonate precursors, and ion exchange methods are reviewed. In the end, the current concerns and future development of porous colloidal particles are outlined.
Integrating Agriculture and Health Research for Development: LCIRAH as an Interdisciplinary Programme to Address a Global Challenge
Authors: Waage Jeff , Cornelsen Laura , Dangour Alan D. , Green Rosemary , Häsler Barbara , Hull Elizabeth , Johnston Deborah , Kadiyala Suneetha , Lock Karen , Shankar Bhavani , Smith Richard D. , Walls Helen L. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe multiple burdens of persistent undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, along with the rapidly growing rates of overweight, obesity, and associated chronic diseases, are major challenges globally. The role of agriculture and the food system in meeting these challenges is very poorly understood. Achieving food security and addressing malnutrition in all its forms, a Sustainable Development Goal, requires an understanding of how changing food systems affect health outcomes and the development of new tools to design and evaluate interventions. An interinstitutional programme to address this interdisciplinary research challenge is described. Over the past seven years, the Leverhulme Centre for Integrative Research on Agriculture and Health has built a portfolio of successful and innovative research, trained a new cadre of interdisciplinary researchers in “Agri‐Health,” and built an international research community with a particular focus on strengthening research capacity in low‐ and middle‐income countries. The evolution of this programme is described, and key factors contributing to its success are discussed that may be of general value in designing interdisciplinary research programmes directed at supporting global development goals.
Relations between structural and EEG‐based graph metrics in healthy controls and schizophrenia patients
Authors: Gomez‐Pilar Javier , de Luis‐García Rodrigo , Lubeiro Alba , de la Red Henar , Poza Jesús , Núñez Pablo , Hornero Roberto , Molina Vicente 
Published: April 2018

AbstractOur aim was to assess structural and functional networks in schizophrenia patients; and the possible prediction of the latter based on the former. The possible dependence of functional network properties on structural alterations has not been analyzed in schizophrenia. We applied averaged path‐length (PL), clustering coefficient, and density (D) measurements to data from diffusion magnetic resonance and electroencephalography in 39 schizophrenia patients and 79 controls. Functional data were collected for the global and theta frequency bands during an odd‐ball task, prior to stimulus delivery and at the corresponding processing window. Connectivity matrices were constructed from tractography and registered cortical segmentations (structural) and phase‐locking values (functional). Both groups showed a significant electroencephalographic task‐related modulation (change between prestimulus and response windows) in the global and theta bands. Patients showed larger structural PL and prestimulus density in the global and theta bands, and lower PL task‐related modulation in the theta band. Structural network values predicted prestimulus global band values in controls and global band task‐related modulation in patients. Abnormal functional values found in patients (prestimulus density in the global and theta bands and task‐related modulation in the theta band) were not predicted by structural data in this group. Structural and functional network abnormalities respectively predicted cognitive performance and positive symptoms in patients. Taken together, the alterations in the structural and functional theta networks in the patients and the lack of significant relations between these alterations, suggest that these types of network abnormalities exist in different groups of schizophrenia patients.
Water Management to Enhance Ecosystem Services in a Coastal Wetland in Taiwan
Authors: Kuo Pin‐Han , Wang Hsiao‐Wen 
Published: April 2018

AbstractWetlands provide multiple ecosystem services, and wetland hydrology is one of the key determinants of wetland function. Budai Salt Pan Wetland provides at least 11 ecosystem services, i.e. food provision, genetic materials, climate regulation, water purification and treatment, natural hazard regulation, pollination, spiritual and inspirational, recreational, aesthetic, educational and nutrient cycling. As the wetland is completely encompassed by dikes, there is no natural hydrological connectivity, and the wetland frequently dries out during the dry season due to lack of management and insufficient rainfall. In order to enhance wetland function, including habitat quality and ecosystem services, this study created a water management plan which mimics nature through water gate operation. We conducted experimental gate operations and evaluated the potential impacts on ecosystem services. The results show a positive impact on two of the ecosystem services, climate regulation and genetic materials, due to the increased moisture content and feeding bird individuals after gate operation. There was an insignificant change in the natural hazard regulation service as the gate operation tested in this study addressed issues of water supply rather than increasing detention space through draining. Through mimicking nature, sustainable water management techniques have the potential to enhance ecosystem services in wetlands. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A practical toxicity bioassay for vicine and convicine levels in faba bean (Vicia faba)
Authors: Getachew Fitsum , Vandenberg Albert , Smits Judit 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDFaba bean (Vicia faba) vicine and convicine (V–C) aglycones (divicine and isouramil respectively) provoke an acute hemolytic anemia called favism in individuals with a glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) enzyme defect in their red blood cells. Geneticists/plant breeders are working with faba bean to decrease V–C levels to improve public acceptance of this high‐protein pulse crop. Here, we present a fast and simple ex vivo in vitro bioassay for V–C toxicity testing of faba bean or faba bean food products.RESULTSWe have shown that 1,3‐bis (2‐chloroethyl)‐1‐nitrosourea (BCNU)‐treated (i.e., sensitized) normal red blood cells, like G6PD‐defective blood, displayed (i) continuous glutathione (GSH) depletion with no regeneration as incubation time and the dose of aglycones increased, (ii) progressive accumulation of denatured hemoglobin products into high molecular weight (HMW) proteins with increased aglycone dose, (iii) both band 3 membrane proteins and hemichromes, in HMW protein aggregates. We have also demonstrated that sensitized red blood cells can effectively differentiate various levels of toxicity among faba bean varieties through the two hemolysis biomarkers: GSH depletion and HMW clumping.CONCLUSIONBCNU‐sensitized red blood cells provide an ideal model for favism blood, to assess and compare the toxicity of faba bean varieties and their food products. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Stationary measures associated to analytic iterated function schemes
Authors: Cipriano Italo , Pollicott Mark 
Published: April 2018

AbstractWe study how the stationary measure associated to analytic contractions on the unit interval behaves under changes in the contractions and the weights. Firstly we give a simple proof of the fact that the integrals of analytic functions with respect to the stationary measure vary analytically if we perturb the contractions and the weights analytically. Secondly, we consider the special case of affine contractions and we prove a conjecture of J. Fraser in on the Kantorovich–Wasserstein distance between two stationary measures associated to affine contractions on the unit interval with different rates of contraction.
A semiautomatic segmentation method for prostate in CT images using local texture classification and statistical shape modeling
Authors: Shahedi Maysam , Halicek Martin , Guo Rongrong , Zhang Guoyi , Schuster David M. , Fei Baowei 
Published: April 2018

PurposeProstate segmentation in computed tomography (CT) images is useful for treatment planning and procedure guidance such as external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy. However, because of the low, soft tissue contrast of CT images, manual segmentation of the prostate is a time‐consuming task with high interobserver variation. In this study, we proposed a semiautomated, three‐dimensional (3D) segmentation for prostate CT images using shape and texture analysis and we evaluated the method against manual reference segmentations.MethodsThe prostate gland usually has a globular shape with a smoothly curved surface, and its shape could be accurately modeled or reconstructed having a limited number of well‐distributed surface points. In a training dataset, using the prostate gland centroid point as the origin of a coordination system, we defined an intersubject correspondence between the prostate surface points based on the spherical coordinates. We applied this correspondence to generate a point distribution model for prostate shape using principal component analysis and to study the local texture difference between prostate and nonprostate tissue close to the different prostate surface subregions. We used the learned shape and texture characteristics of the prostate in CT images and then combined them with user inputs to segment a new image. We trained our segmentation algorithm using 23 CT images and tested the algorithm on two sets of 10 nonbrachytherapy and 37 postlow dose rate brachytherapy CT images. We used a set of error metrics to evaluate the segmentation results using two experts' manual reference segmentations.ResultsFor both nonbrachytherapy and post‐brachytherapy image sets, the average measured Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) was 88% and the average mean absolute distance (MAD) was 1.9 mm. The average measured differences between the two experts on both datasets were 92% (DSC) and 1.1 mm (MAD).ConclusionsThe proposed, semiautomatic segmentation algorithm showed a fast, robust, and accurate performance for 3D prostate segmentation of CT images, specifically when no previous, intrapatient information, that is, previously segmented images, was available. The accuracy of the algorithm is comparable to the best performance results reported in the literature and approaches the interexpert variability observed in manual segmentation.
Interplay effect on a 6‐MV flattening‐filter‐free linear accelerator with high dose rate and fast multi‐leaf collimator motion treating breast and lung phantoms
Authors: Netherton Tucker , Li Yuting , Nitsch Paige , Shaitelman Simona , Balter Peter , Gao Song , Klopp Ann , Muruganandham Manickam , Court Laurence 
Published: April 2018

PurposeUsing a new linear accelerator with high dose rate (800 MU/min), fast MLC motions (5.0 cm/s), fast gantry rotation (15 s/rotation), and 1 cm wide MLCs, we aimed to quantify the effects of complexity, arc number, and fractionation on interplay for breast and lung treatments under target motion.MethodsTo study lung interplay, eight VMAT plans (1–6 arcs) and four‐nine‐field sliding‐window IMRT plans varying in complexity were created. For the breast plans, four‐four‐field sliding‐window IMRT plans were created. Using the Halcyon 1.0 linear accelerator, each plan was delivered five times each under sinusoidal breathing motion to a phantom with 20 implanted MOSFET detectors; MOSFET dose (cGy), delivery time, and MU/cGy values were recorded. Maximum and mean dose deviations were calculated from MOSFET data. The number of MOSFETs with at least 19 of 20 detectors agreeing with their expected dose within 5% per fraction was calculated across 106 iterations to model dose deviation as function of fraction number for all plan variants. To put interplay plans into clinical context, additional IMRT and VMAT plans were created and delivered for the sites of head and neck, prostate, whole brain, breast, pelvis, and lung. Average modulation and interplay effect were compared to those from conventional linear accelerators, as reported from previous studies.ResultsThe mean beam modulation for plans created for the Halcyon 1.0 linear accelerator was 2.9 MU/cGy (two‐ to four‐field IMRT breast plans), 6.2 MU/cGy (at least five‐field IMRT), and 3.6 MU/cGy (four‐arc VMAT). To achieve treatment plan objectives, Halcyon 1.0 VMAT plans require more arcs and modulation than VMAT on conventional linear accelerators. Maximum and mean dose deviations increased with increasing plan complexity under tumor motion for breast and lung treatments. Concerning VMAT plans under motion, maximum, and mean dose deviations were higher for one arc than for two arcs regardless of plan complexity. For plan variants with maximum dose deviations greater than 3.7%, dose deviation as a function of fraction number was protracted.ConclusionFor treatments on the Halcyon 1.0 linear accelerator, the convergence of dose deviation with fraction number happened more slowly than reported for conventional linear accelerators. However, if plan complexity is reduced for IMRT and if tumor motion is less than ~10‐mm, interplay is greatly reduced. To minimize dose deviations across multiple fractions for dynamic targets, we recommend limiting treatment plan complexity and avoiding one‐arc VMAT on the Halcyon 1.0 linear accelerator when interplay is a concern.
The Dresden Burnout Study: Protocol of a prospective cohort study for the bio‐psychological investigation of burnout
Authors: Penz Marlene , Wekenborg Magdalena K. , Pieper Lars , Beesdo‐Baum Katja , Walther Andreas , Miller Robert , Stalder Tobias , Kirschbaum Clemens 
Published: April 2018

AbstractObjectivesThe Dresden Burnout Study (DBS) is a 12‐year longitudinal cohort study that aims to provide a description of the burnout syndrome on the basis of time and symptom criteria with a special focus on the search for biomarkers. Biological and psychosocial approaches are applied to examine the long‐term course and consequences of burnout within a population‐based German‐speaking sample aged 18 to 68 years.MethodsDemographics and psychosocial data are generated by online assessments, including demographics and questionnaires on burnout, burnout‐related constructs, work‐environment, and health‐related factors. The lab‐based biomarker assessment includes endocrine, physiological, immunological, and epigenetic markers obtained from blood and hair samples. In addition, heart rate variability is also measured repeatedly. Within the first 2 years, the DBS collected psychosocial data from over 7,600 participants with biological data obtained from more than 800 individuals. During the following 10 years, detailed assessments of biomarkers and psychosocial factors will be collected in annual study waves.ResultsResults will be generated during the following decade.ConclusionThe findings of the DBS are expected to pave the road for an in‐depth biopsychosocial characterization of burnout and to give insight into the long‐term course and potential mental and physical health consequences of the burnout syndrome.
The effect of medical clowns on performance of spirometry among preschool aged children
Authors: Nir Vered , Schichter‐Konfino Vered , Kassem Eias , Klein Adi 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIntroductionMedical clowns (MCs) are known to assist in reducing pain and alleviating anxiety. The objective of this study is to evaluate the ability of MCs to assist preschoolers in performing spirometry.MethodsA prospective, randomized controlled trial. Children aged 3‐6 years participated. After a first spirometry, children were divided into two groups: the first performed a second spirometry with an MC. The second repeated spirometry with the technician. Primary outcome was second spirometry values compared between the groups. Secondary outcome were change in spirometry values within groups, and difference between the groups.ResultsA total of 140 children participated. The groups did not differ in age, sex, mother tongue, or weight. Nor in mean FVC (MC 89.2% ± 16.7, control 89.5% ± 16.3) mean FEV1 (MC 91.3% ± 15.6, control 94.2% ± 16.8), and expiratory time (MC 1.58 ± 0.43, control 1.7 ± 0.44) in first spirometry. In second spirometry the control group had a similar FVC, FEV1, and expiratory time. The MC group had a significant improvement in all parameters: FVC: MC 95.3% ± 15.5, control 89.3% ± 19.1, FEV1: MC 98.0% ± 15.6, control 91.8% ± 19.3, and expiratory time MC 1.96 ± 0.55, control 1.84 ± 0.52. The differences between the groups between first and second attempt were significant (P‐value FVC 0.000, FEV1 0.000, expiratory time 0.003).DiscussionMCs improved performance of spirometry among preschoolers. It is possible that laughter and relief of stress had a physiological effect. Further studies are required to better establish the ability of MCs to improve active participation and to better understand whether the mechanism of the improvement is better cooperation or true physiological change.
The probability of avoiding consecutive patterns in the Mallows distribution
Authors: Crane Harry , DeSalvo Stephen , Elizalde Sergi 
Published: April 2018

AbstractWe use combinatorial and probabilistic techniques to study growth rates for the probability that a random permutation from the Mallows distribution avoids consecutive patterns. The Mallows distribution is a q‐analogue of the uniform distribution weighting each permutation π by , where is the number of inversions in π and q is a positive, real‐valued parameter. We prove that the growth rate exists for all patterns and all q > 0, and we generalize Goulden and Jackson's cluster method to keep track of the number of inversions in permutations avoiding a given consecutive pattern. Using singularity analysis, we approximate the growth rates for length‐3 patterns, monotone patterns, and non‐overlapping patterns starting with 1, and we compare growth rates between different patterns. We also use Stein's method to show that, under certain assumptions on q and σ, the number of occurrences of a given pattern σ is well approximated by the normal distribution.