bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Positive solutions of nonlinear fractional differential equations in non-zero self-distance spaces
Authors: Nashine Hemant Kumar , Gupta Anita , Agarwal Ravi P. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
This paper is concerned with the existence of positive solutions
of three classes of nonlinear fractional differential equations
using fixed point results in non-zero self-distance spaces. We
introduce new concepts of generalized α-weakly

(
ψ
,
φ
)

s

{(\psi,\varphi)_{s}}

-contractive mappings involving rational terms
and then develop fixed point results for weakly
α-admissible mappings. Some new examples and counterexamples are given to illustrate the applicability and effectiveness of these results over existing ones. In that way, we
extend some previous results. For applications to fractional
q-difference boundary value problems, the use of a p-Laplacian operator is suggested.
Discrimination of wood species based on a carbon nanotube/polymer composite chemiresistor array
Authors: Kalaw Justine M. , Sevilla III Fortunato B. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractFast and efficient alternative methods for wood species identification are needed to combat illegal logging and to control fair trade. One of the possibilities of rapid wood recognition is via chemiresistor gas sensor arrays (“electronic nose”), the application of which is described in the present paper. Carbon nanotube composites (CNTs) of eight insulating polymers were prepared through solution processing and spin casting. The optimum amount of CNTs in the composites was determined by resistance measurement and the CNTs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. In the case of static headspace analysis, the sensor responses were reproducible and discernible for the wood species. This was demonstrated based on five wood species (Pterocarpus indicus,Acacia auriculiformis,Gmelina arborea,Vitex parvifloraandDiospyros philippinensis). Discrimination of the data was achieved through principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). PCA score plots and groupings in HCA dendrograms rendered possible the discrimination of these wood species. The potential application of the sensor array approach for wood species identification is high.
Diffusion and Heterogeneous Reaction in Porous Media: The Macroscale Model Revisited
Authors: Valdés-Parada Francisco J. , Lasseux Didier , Whitaker Stephen 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
Diffusion and reaction in porous media have been studied extensively due to the wide range of applications in which this transport phenomenon is involved. In particular, in chemical reactor engineering, reactive mass transfer is crucial to understand the performance of porous catalyst particles immersed in chemical reactors. Due to the disparity of characteristic lengths between the pores and the porous particles, this type of process is usually modeled by means of effective-medium equations, in which the solid and fluid phases are conceived as a pseudo-continuum. For conditions in which the pore-scale Thiele modulus (or Kinetic number) is much smaller than unity, it is reasonable to assume that the effective diffusivity involved in the effective-medium model is only a function of the porous medium geometry. However, a long debate has existed in the literature concerning the extensive use of this assumption for situations in which the Kinetic Number does not satisfy the above mentioned constraint. In addition, the functionality of the effective reaction rate coefficient with the Kinetic number has not been sufficiently studied. In this work we address these issues by means of the volume averaging method. Our analysis is focused on cases in which the Kinetic number can reach values up to 1. Interestingly, for this particular condition, the use of the intrinsic diffusivity tensor is justified. In addition, by means of Maclaurin series expansions, the effective reaction rate coefficient is shown to be acceptably approximated as a first-order function. These two conclusions for the effective medium coefficients constitute the major contributions from this work. In addition, the predictions from the upscaled model are validated by comparison with direct numerical simulations under steady and transient conditions.
Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithms for a Multi-objective Resource Constraint Project Scheduling Problem
Authors: Wang Xixi , Yalaoui Farouk , Dugardin Frédéric 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
The resource constraint project scheduling problem (RCPSP) has attracted growing attention since the last decades. Precedence constraints are considered as well as resources with limited capacities. During the project, the same resource can be required by several in-process jobs and it is compulsory to ensure that the consumptions do not exceed the limited capacities. In this paper, several criteria are involved, namely makespan, total job tardiness, and workload balancing level. Our problem is firstly solved by the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGAII) as well as the recently proposed NSGAIII. Giving emphasis to the selection procedure, we apply both the traditional Pareto dominance and the less documented Lorenz dominance into the niching mechanism of NSGAIII. Hence, we adopt and modify L-NSGAII to our problem and propose L-NSGAIII by integrating the notion of Lorenz dominance. Our methods are tested by 1350 randomly generated instances, considering problems with 30–150 jobs and different configurations of resources and due dates. Hypervolume and C-metric are considered to evaluate the results. The Lorenz dominance leads the population more toward the ideal point. As experiments show, it allows improving the original NSGA approach.
Propagation of Rayleigh waves in an incompressible rotating orthotropic elastic solid half-space with impedance boundary conditions
Authors: Singh Baljeet , Kaur Baljinder 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIn this paper, the governing equations of an incompressible rotating orthotropic elastic medium are formulated and are solved to obtain Rayleigh surface wave solutions in a particular half-space. The surface of half-space is subjected to impedance boundary conditions, in which normal and tangential stresses are proportional to frequency times normal and tangential displacement components, respectively. A secular equation for Rayleigh surface wave is obtained. With the help of MATLAB, the secular equation is solved numerically to obtain non-dimensional wave speed. The dependence of non-dimensional wave speed on non-dimensional material constant, rotation parameter and impedance parameters is shown graphically.
Optimizing the laser parameters to attain maximum hardness in nickel based hardfacing surfaces
Authors: Gnanasekaran S. , Padmanaban G. , Balasubramanian V. , Kumar Hemant , Albert Shaju K. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIn this investigation, an attempt has been made to optimize the laser hardfacing (LH) parameters such as power, powder feed rate (PFR), travel speed and defocusing distance to maximize hardness of Ni-based hardfacing surfaces. Statistical tools such as the design of experiments (DoE), analysis of variance (ANOVA) are used to develop the empirical relationship to predict the hardness of the deposits at the 95% confidence level. Response graphs and contour plots are constructed using response surface methodology (RSM) concept. From this investigation, it is found that the maximum hardness of 820.48 HV could be achieved for the deposit made using a power of 1314 W, PFR of 9 g/min, a travel speed of 366 mm/min, and a defocusing distance of 32 mm.
Illusory Facets of Sport: The Case of the Duke University Basketball Team
Authors: Muniowski Łukasz , Jacheć Tomasz 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
In the society of the spectacle, illusion is an omnipresent phenomenon. It is used to distract the masses from issues crucial to their existence and to support a system of oppression. However, there is also a “lighter” side of illusion: it creates celebrities and helps sell products (films, music albums, sneakers, etc.). While the connotation is that spectacle uses illusion in order to present the ordinary or negative as extraordinary and positive (e.g., promiscuous athletes talking about family values), it is also possible for a reverse illusory process to take place, resulting in the regular being presented as irregular (e.g., a physical player presented as “aggressive”, such as Kermit Washington). Unlike the deliberate use of illusion by the architects of the spectacle, this reverse process happens spontaneously.
This spontaneously generated illusion is especially evident in the world of sports. In this study, we focus on the Duke basketball team during the Mike Krzyzewski era. Since the early 1990s, Duke’s basketball team has been considered a team of unathletic, clean-cut, and well-off individuals. As these qualities are stereotypically associated with white players or “white America” in general, Duke was categorized as a white, privileged team, with its African American players being perceived as tokens or “Uncle-Toms.” We are not calling these illusions – at least not yet – as the validity of that opinion needs to be measured first. Before making our definite claim, we will analyze Duke’s history during the era of Krzyzewski in order to determine whether the common perception regarding the roster (mostly white and privileged) is true or just an illusion. Our aim is to present why both the hate and reverence of the Duke University basketball team are caused by various illusions concerning the team in particular and academic sports in general.
Monika Piątkowska as a Researcher in Sport Sciences and Sport Management
Authors: Piątkowska Monika , Kosiewicz Jerzy 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
This is the fifth article of the cycle of portraits of the members of the Editorial Board and Editorial Advisory Board of the journal Physical Culture and Sport. Studies and Research. These members are social scientists who research the issue of sport. Among them, there are many world-class professors, rectors, and deans of excellent universities, founders, presidents, and secretaries-general of continental and international scientific societies and editors of high-scoring journals related to social sciences focusing on sport. The idea of presenting portraits of individual editors of our writings has already gained recognition in the Far East. Editor-in-Chief Young Lee of the International Journal of Eastern Sports & Physical Education has decided to introduce Corner of Editors, which will also present all members of the Editorial Board.
The biography we present here in this volume of our journal refers to a Polish scholar, educationist, and manager, Monika Piątkowska, Deputy Editor of our Journal and Head of the Department of Organization and History of Sport at the Josef Pilsudski University of Physical Education.
Application and modification of polysulfone membranes
Authors: Kheirieh Sareh , Asghari Morteza , Afsari Morteza 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
Polysulfone (PSf) is a favorite polymer for the production of membrane due to its excellent physicochemical properties, including thermal stability; good chemical resistance to different materials such as different bases, acids, and chlorine; sufficient mechanical strength; and good processability. The present study offers an overview of the recent development in the application and modification of PSf membranes, focusing on some applications such as water and wastewater treatment, membrane distillation, pollutant removal, gas separation, separator for lithium ion battery, and support of composite membranes. In general, there are two major difficulties in the use of membranes made of PSf: membrane fouling and membrane wetting. Therefore, PSf membrane with good anticompaction and antifouling properties is reviewed. Finally, important issues related to the modification of PSf membranes for real applications are discussed. This article provides an intelligent direction for the progress of PSf membranes in the future.
Biological and anatomical factors influencing interindividual variability to noninvasive brain stimulation of the primary motor cortex: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pellegrini Michael , Zoghi Maryam , Jaberzadeh Shapour 
Published: October 2017

AbstractNoninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) modifies corticospinal excitability (CSE) historically in a predictable manner dependent on stimulation parameters. Researchers, however, discuss high degrees of variability between individuals, either responding as expected or not responding as expected. The explanation for this interindividual variability remains unknown with suggested interplay between stimulation parameters and variations in biological, anatomical, and physiological factors. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effect of variation in inherent factors within an individual (biological and anatomical factors) on CSE in response to NIBS of the primary motor cortex. Twenty-two studies were included investigating genetic variation (n=7), age variation (n=4), gender variation (n=7), and anatomical variation (n=5). The results indicate that variation in brain-derived neurotrophic factor genotypes may have an effect on CSE after NIBS. Variation between younger and older adults also affects CSE after NIBS. Variation between age-matched males and females does not affect CSE after NIBS, but variation across the menstrual cycle does. Variation between skull thickness and brain tissue morphology influences the electric field magnitude that ultimately reaches the primary motor cortex. These findings indicate that biological and anatomical variations may in part account for interindividual variability in CSE in response to NIBS of the primary motor cortex, categorizing individuals as responding as expected (responders) or not responding as expected (nonresponders).
Design and Performance Analysis of OFDM and FBMC Modulation Techniques
Authors: Kumar Arun , Bharti Shikha 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
Researchers have already proved that data consumption in coming years will increase by leaps and bounds, so the present technologies like 3G, OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) cannot hold the addition of huge capacitance, data use and demand of high data-rate. Hence, on that point is a necessity of fifth generation mobile communication system (5G). Presently the rollout for 5G is going virtually everywhere in the world and among several issues; selection of better modulation techniques is seen as unitary of the significant issues in the implementation of the 5G. In this work, we designed and analyse the performance of OFDM and FBMC (Filter Band Multi Carrier) multicarrier modulation schemes on the basis of Bit Error rate (BER) and Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR). Simulation results and mathematical analysis have confirmed that the performance and spectrum utilization of FBMC is better or equivalent as compared to OFDM, which can be very useful in next generation mobile communication and Internet of Things (IOT).
Short Note: Genotype-Environment Interactions for Coastal Douglas-fir Grown to 21 Years Across Western Washington State, USA
Authors: Dean Christine A. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis study involves polymix families of coastal Douglas- fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco var. menziesii) that were created by crossing parents selected from the Cascade, Longview, Twin Harbors and Vail wild populations of western Washington State. Eight to 10 female parents from each population were crossed using pollen-mixes of males from either the same or different populations. In 1985 these polymix families were planted across six genetic tests located in Cascade, Longview and Twin Harbors (two tests per region). Variance components are reported for over-bark breastheight diameter measured at 21 years (DBH21). Genotype x environment (GE) interactions involving different wild populations of Douglas-fir accounted for little variation in DBH21 across the western Washington regions studied. Interaction involving female parents nested within populations was the most important GE effect; explaining 2% of total variation in DBH21. However, this interaction was of limited practical importance since the superior female parents for DBH21 generally showed good stability across tests. Results from this study support selection of superior coastal Douglasfir genotypes that can produce strong, stable growth across a range of site environments encountered in western Washington.
The Impact of Phenological and Artificial Factors on Seed Quality in a Nematode-resistant Pinus densiflora Seed Orchard
Authors: Ozawa H. , Watanabe J. , Chen H. , Isoda K. , Watanabe A. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractTo clarify the relationship between the impact of phenological and/or artificial factors on seed quality, we measured the numbers of strobili on nematode-resistant Pinus densiflora clones grown in an immature and relatively small scale (700 m2) seed orchard. In addition, we established the clonal identities of all ramets, identified the paternal parent of the seeds, and assessed the resistance of seedlings to nematode infection. We also clarified the quantitative differences of strobili among clones; one clone produced 86.4% and 70.8% of all male strobili and female strobili, respectively. However, given that the total contamination ratio of the orchard was 82.0%, immigrant pollen had a larger impact on the success of actual crossing than phenology. Seedlings with a resistant maternal parent were resistant, even when their paternal parent was from outside the orchard. Two unselected clones were also planted in the seed orchard, one of which was not resistant and was associated with a maternal contribution of 34.7% of all seed stock. These findings suggest that, despite having a large impact on the crossing, immigrant pollen has a minor impact on seed resistance. Conversely, unselected and nonresistant clones have a marked impact on seed resistance. We concluded that artificial factors have larger impact on the seed quality than phenological factors in this orchard and the seeds will be of sufficient quality for supplying the market once nonresistant clones have been removed from the orchard.
Effects of Cryoprotectants and Post-storage Priming on Seed Germination of Sugi (Cryptomeria japonica
Authors: Kim Du Hyun , Han Sim Hee , Ku Ja Jung , Lee Kab Yeon 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
Among the ex situ methods for the preservation of forest tree germplasm, conventional seed banking is considered the most efficient method for the majority of species whilst cryopreservation has an important role in long-term conservation. The influence of cryoprotectants prior to liquid nitrogen (LN) storage and osmoconditioning priming treatments with polyethylene glycol (PEG) after LN storage were evaluated for germination (%), germination value (GV) and mean germination time (MGT) in seeds of Cryptomeria japonica. Sugi seeds were treated with two cryoprotectants (DMSO and PVS2) before immersion into LN and stored for three days. Although the C. japonica seeds survived liquid nitrogen treatment, their viability was reduced from 25% of intact seeds to 17% in LN. The seeds treated with 35% DMSO showed higher germination (28%) as compared with seeds directly-immersed in LN without cryoprotectant treatment. In contrast, PVS2 pretreated seeds decreased germination (13%). Two concentrations of PEG priming treatments were carried out. Osmoconditioning treatment in -0.4 MPa PEG solution after removal from LN enhanced the subsequent germination percentage and decreased MGT. PEG treatments at both -0.4 and -1.2MPa to PVS2 pretreated seeds before cryopreservation partially alleviated the negative effect of PVS2. DMSO pretreated seeds immersed into LN and treated with -0.4MPa PEG maintained the 28% of germination obtained in the control conditions and reduced the mean germination time (MGT). It can therefore be summarized that pretreatment with 35% DMSO was suitable for the cryopreservation of C. japonica seeds whilst the PEG priming treatment circumvented imbibitional damage after LN exposure.
A Novel Gel-based Method for Isolation of Stigmas During Controlled Pollination Experiments
Authors: Horsley Tasmien N. , Jones Nicoletta B. , Johnson Steven D. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIn forestry, controlled pollination (CP) allows the combining of genetic material of selected elite trees to produce high quality, and consequently high value, seed. The aim of the present study was to develop a novel isolation method that would allow the technique to be conducted without expensive and time-consuming bagging, making CPs on small-flowered eucalypts commercially viable. We compared the current method of isolating inflorescences using exclusion bags to a novel method which uses sodium alginate gel. Sodium alginate was effective in keeping external pollen away from the stigma, since no seed was produced in those treatments that were not manually pollinated but isolated in this way. In addition, flowers hand-pollinated and isolated with sodium alginate produced progeny that were 100% outcrossed with the applied pollen. The exclusion bags, on the other hand, were not as effective in protecting the stigma as seed was produced in those treatments that were isolated with an exclusion bag without being handpollinated. Sodium alginate isolation also increased the efficiency of control-pollinations as the gel was naturally shed, removing the need for operators to return to the tree to remove the isolation material.
Application of Homotopy Analysis Method for the Pull-In and Nonlinear Vibration Analysis of Nanobeams Using a Nonlocal Euler–Bernoulli Beam Model
Authors: Samadani F. , Moradweysi P. , Ansari R. , Hosseini K. , Darvizeh A. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
In this investigation, the homotopy analysis method (HAM) is utilized for the pull-in and nonlinear vibration analysis of nanobeams based on the stress-driven model (SDM) of nonlocal elasticity theory. The physical properties of nanobeams are assumed not to vary through the thickness. The nonlinear equation of motion and the corresponding boundary condition are derived on the basis of the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory. For the solution purpose, the Galerkin method is employed for reducing the nonlinear partial differential equation to a nonlinear ordinary differential equation in the time domain, and then, the resulting equation is analytically solved using the HAM. In the results section, the influences of different parameters, including nonlocal parameter, electrostatic and intermolecular van der Waals forces and fringing field effect changes on the pull-in and nonlinear vibration response are investigated.