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Appl. Sci., Volume 9, Issue 15 (August-1 2019) – 261 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): In this study, a parabolic dish concentrator was investigated as a heat source for an organic Rankine cycle for power generation. Different types of cavity receivers were considered as solar working fluid, including hemispherical, cubical, and cylindrical with different nanofluids such as Al2O3/oil, CuO/oil, and SiO2/oil. The numerical model was validated using experimental data. Results show that compared to pure oil, the thermal efficiency of the cavity receivers increased slightly with the application of nanofluids. Furthermore, results showed that the cubical cavity receiver using oil/Al2O3 nanofluid was the most efficient choice for application as the investigated solar ORC’s heat source. View this paper.
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21 pages, 7404 KiB  
Article
Differences in Performance of Models for Heterogeneous Cores during Pulse Decay Tests
by Guofeng Han, Yang Chen, Min Liu and Xiaoli Liu
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(15), 3206; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app9153206 - 06 Aug 2019
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2448
Abstract
Shale and fractured cores often exhibit dual-continuum medium characteristics in pulse decay testing. Dual-continuum medium models can be composed of different flow paths, interporosity flow patterns, and matrix shapes. Various dual-continuum medium models have been used by researchers to analyze the results of [...] Read more.
Shale and fractured cores often exhibit dual-continuum medium characteristics in pulse decay testing. Dual-continuum medium models can be composed of different flow paths, interporosity flow patterns, and matrix shapes. Various dual-continuum medium models have been used by researchers to analyze the results of pulse decay tests. But the differences in their performance for pulse decay tests have not been comprehensively investigated. The characteristics of the dual-permeability model and the dual-porosity model, the slab matrix, and the spherical matrix in pulse decay testing are compared by numerical modeling in this study. The pressure and pressure derivative curves for different vessel volumes, storativity ratios, interporosity flow coefficients, and matrix-fracture permeability ratios were compared and analyzed. The study found that these models have only a small difference in the interporosity flow stage, and the difference in the matrix shape is not important, and the matrix shape cannot be identified by pulse decay tests. When the permeability of the low permeability medium is less than 1% of the permeability of the high permeability medium, the difference between the dual-permeability model and the dual-porosity model can be ignored. The dual-permeability model approaches the pseudo-steady-state model as the interporosity flow coefficient and vessel volume increase. Compared with the dual-porosity model, the dual-permeability model has a shorter horizontal section of the pressure derivative in the interporosity flow stage. Finally, the conclusions were verified against a case study. This study advances the ability of pulse decay tests to investigate the properties of unconventional reservoir cores. Full article
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14 pages, 8386 KiB  
Article
Preliminary Study on Greywater Treatment Using Nonwoven Textile Filters
by Marcin Spychała and Thanh Hung Nguyen
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(15), 3205; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app9153205 - 06 Aug 2019
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3077
Abstract
The objective of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of novel nonwoven textile filter technology for greywater treatment. This technology had already been used on a lab scale for septic tank effluent treatment; however, this study is the first time it has [...] Read more.
The objective of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of novel nonwoven textile filter technology for greywater treatment. This technology had already been used on a lab scale for septic tank effluent treatment; however, this study is the first time it has been used for greywater treatment. The set-up period with septic tank effluent (STE) feeding was significantly shorter than that of greywater feeding. The average capacities of both filter types were practically the same: 1.0–1.4 cm d−1. The relatively high efficiencies of chemical oxygen demand (CODCr) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) removal (58.8–71.6% and 56.7–79.8%, respectively) were obtained thanks to the relatively low filtration velocity and effective diffusion of atmospheric air into the greywater. The relatively high efficiency of total suspended solids (TSS) removal (67.0–88.4%) was obtained by reducing the effective pore size of the filtration layer due to high biomass concentration and accumulation of suspended solids. Thanks to hydrostatic pressure, the filters can work practically with very low energy consumption. The pollutants removal efficiencies were satisfactory in respect to simple construction and maintenance, low investment and operational costs. Full article
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17 pages, 6905 KiB  
Article
Simulation Study of Low-Velocity Impact on Polyvinyl Butyral Laminated Glass Based on the Combined TCK-JH2 Model
by Demin Wei, Dong Li and Zongheng Zhang
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(15), 3204; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app9153204 - 06 Aug 2019
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3420
Abstract
In this paper, both experimental tests and numerical simulations of Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) laminated glass pane under low-speed impact were carried out. In order to accurately predict the responses of annealed glass under low-speed impact, a constitutive model combined of the Taylor–Chen–Kuszmaul (TCK) [...] Read more.
In this paper, both experimental tests and numerical simulations of Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) laminated glass pane under low-speed impact were carried out. In order to accurately predict the responses of annealed glass under low-speed impact, a constitutive model combined of the Taylor–Chen–Kuszmaul (TCK) model and the Johnson-Holmquist Ceramic (JH2) model is proposed. In order to describe the tensile damage characteristic of annealed glass, a rate-dependent TCK model is employed. The JH2 model is adopted when the glass material is under compression. The velocity and force of impactor, deflection of central point of glass pane, and the cracking pattern are studied to verify the combined TCK-JH2 model. Furthermore, the effects of the thickness of glass layer and PVB interlayer are investigated. Full article
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18 pages, 305 KiB  
Review
Entanglement and Phase-Mediated Correlations in Quantum Field Theory. Application to Brain-Mind States
by Shantena A. Sabbadini and Giuseppe Vitiello
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(15), 3203; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app9153203 - 06 Aug 2019
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 5099
Abstract
The entanglement phenomenon plays a central role in quantum optics and in basic aspects of quantum mechanics and quantum field theory. We review the dissipative quantum model of brain and the role of the entanglement in the brain-mind activity correlation and in the [...] Read more.
The entanglement phenomenon plays a central role in quantum optics and in basic aspects of quantum mechanics and quantum field theory. We review the dissipative quantum model of brain and the role of the entanglement in the brain-mind activity correlation and in the formation of assemblies of coherently-oscillating neurons, which are observed to appear in different regions of the cortex by use of EEG, ECoG, fNMR, and other observational methods in neuroscience. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantum Cooperativity in Neural Signaling)
11 pages, 2320 KiB  
Article
A Bench Evaluation Test for Refrigeration Oils in a Refrigeration System Using a Screw Compressor
by Weifeng Wu, Zhao Zhang, Xiaolin Wang, Liangwei Yang and Quanke Feng
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(15), 3202; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app9153202 - 06 Aug 2019
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4374
Abstract
Refrigeration oil has a large effect on the performance of refrigeration systems. However, the physical and chemical indexes of fresh refrigeration oils often fail to reflect the actual operating characteristics, especially with respect to the degradation of refrigeration oils. In this paper, a [...] Read more.
Refrigeration oil has a large effect on the performance of refrigeration systems. However, the physical and chemical indexes of fresh refrigeration oils often fail to reflect the actual operating characteristics, especially with respect to the degradation of refrigeration oils. In this paper, a bench evaluation test of refrigeration oils was carried out to investigate the degradation of synthetic refrigeration oils used with the refrigerant R134a, in a purpose-built, full-scale refrigeration system utilizing a screw compressor. To accelerate the degradation process of the refrigeration oil, the discharge temperature at the exit of the compressor was turned to a high level. Comparison tests of a mature refrigeration oil type A and a newly developed oil type B were performed under the same working conditions with 500 h of operating time. The performance of the screw compressor and refrigeration system was analyzed. The abrasion of the screw rotors and carbon deposition at the discharge port was investigated. Results showed that the bench evaluation test successfully predicted the degradation process of the refrigeration oils. The evolution analysis of the refrigeration oil viscosity and acid value during the bench evaluation test indicated that 15% of the physical and chemical indexes for refrigeration oil drain were too strict. Research work in this paper showed a more practical method to evaluate the performance of refrigeration oils through the bench evaluation test. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mechanical Engineering)
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24 pages, 3810 KiB  
Article
Microbial Induced Carbonate Precipitation Using a Native Inland Bacterium for Beach Sand Stabilization in Nearshore Areas
by Pahala Ge Nishadi Nayanthara, Anjula Buddhika Nayomi Dassanayake, Kazunori Nakashima and Satoru Kawasaki
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(15), 3201; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app9153201 - 06 Aug 2019
Cited by 36 | Viewed by 4644
Abstract
Microbial Induced Carbonate Precipitation (MICP) via urea hydrolysis is an emerging sustainable technology that provides solutions for numerous environmental and engineering problems in a vast range of disciplines. Attention has now been given to the implementation of this technique to reinforce loose sand [...] Read more.
Microbial Induced Carbonate Precipitation (MICP) via urea hydrolysis is an emerging sustainable technology that provides solutions for numerous environmental and engineering problems in a vast range of disciplines. Attention has now been given to the implementation of this technique to reinforce loose sand bodies in-situ in nearshore areas and improve their resistance against erosion from wave action without interfering with its hydraulics. A current study has focused on isolating a local ureolytic bacterium and assessed its feasibility for MICP as a preliminary step towards stabilizing loose beach sand in Sri Lanka. The results indicated that a strain belonging to Sporosarcina sp. isolated from inland soil demonstrated a satisfactory level of enzymatic activity at 25 °C and moderately alkaline conditions, making it a suitable candidate for target application. Elementary scale sand solidification test results showed that treated sand achieved an approximate strength of 15 MPa as determined by needle penetration device after a period of 14 days under optimum conditions. Further, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) imagery revealed that variables such as grain size distribution, bacteria population, reactant concentrations and presence of other cations like Mg2+ has serious implications on the size and morphology of precipitated crystals and thus the homogeneity of the strength improvement. Full article
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26 pages, 10048 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study on Energy Dissipation Performance and Failure Mode of Web-Connected Replaceable Energy Dissipation Link
by Zhanzhong Yin, Zhaosheng Huang, Hui Zhang and Dazhe Feng
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(15), 3200; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app9153200 - 06 Aug 2019
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3929
Abstract
In the current design method of the eccentrically braced frame structure, the energy dissipation link and the frame beam are both designed as a whole. It is difficult to accurately assess the degree of damage through this method, and it is also hard [...] Read more.
In the current design method of the eccentrically braced frame structure, the energy dissipation link and the frame beam are both designed as a whole. It is difficult to accurately assess the degree of damage through this method, and it is also hard to repair or replace the energy dissipation link after strong seismic events. Meanwhile, the overall design approach will increase the project’s overall cost. In order to solve the above mentioned shortcomings, the energy dissipation link is designed as an independent component, which is separated from the frame beam. In this paper, the energy dissipation link is bolted to the web of the frame beam. Both finite element simulation and test study of eight groups of energy dissipation links have been completed to study their mechanical behaviors, and the energy dissipation links have been studied in the aspects of length, cross section, and stiffener spacing. The mechanical behaviors include the energy dissipation behavior, bearing capacity, stiffness, and plastic rotation angle. The results indicate clearly that the hysteretic loop of links in the test and finite element analysis is relatively full. By comparing the experimental and finite element simulation data, it can be found that the general shape and trend of hysteretic loop, skeleton curve, and stiffness degradation curve are basically the same. The experiment data explicitly shows that the energy dissipation link of web-connected displays good ductility and stable energy dissipation ability. In addition, the replaceable links possess good rotational capacity when the minimum rotation angle of each specimen in the test is 0.16 rad. The results of the experiment show that the energy dissipation capacity of the link is mainly related to the section size and the stiffening rib spacing of the link. The energy dissipation ability and deformation ability of the link is poorer as the section size becomes larger; meanwhile, these abilities are reduced with the decrease of the stiffening spacing. The experiment result shows that the damage and excessive inelastic deformations are concentrated in the link to avoid any issues for the rest of the surrounding elements, and the links can be easily and inexpensively replaced after strong seismic events. The results are thought provoking, as they provide a theoretical basis for the further study of the eccentrically braced frame structure with replaceable links of web-connected. In future work, the author aims to carry out his studies through optimized design methodology based on the yielding criterion. Full article
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13 pages, 3084 KiB  
Article
Temporal Label Walk for Community Detection and Tracking in Temporal Network
by Zheliang Liu, Hongxia Wang, Lizhi Cheng, Wei Peng and Xiang Li
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(15), 3199; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app9153199 - 06 Aug 2019
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2694
Abstract
The problem of temporal community detection is discussed in this paper. Main existing methods are either structure-based or incremental analysis. The difficulty of the former is to select a suitable time window. The latter needs to know the initial structure of networks and [...] Read more.
The problem of temporal community detection is discussed in this paper. Main existing methods are either structure-based or incremental analysis. The difficulty of the former is to select a suitable time window. The latter needs to know the initial structure of networks and the changing of networks should be stable. For most real data sets, these conditions hardly prevail. A streaming method called Temporal Label Walk (TLW) is proposed in this paper, where the aforementioned restrictions are eliminated. Modularity of the snapshots is used to evaluate our method. Experiments reveal the effectiveness of TLW on temporal community detection. Compared with other static methods in real data sets, our method keeps a higher modularity with the increase of window size. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Applied Physics General)
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11 pages, 5267 KiB  
Article
An Improved Method for Estimating Renal Dimensions; Implications for Management of Kidney Disease
by Kristen Chao, Kimberly Liao, Maheen Khan, Christopher Shi, Jingsong Li, Itzhak D. Goldberg and Prakash Narayan
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(15), 3198; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app9153198 - 06 Aug 2019
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3171
Abstract
Changes in renal dimensions, including total kidney volume, not only inform ongoing renal disease but also disease progression. Determination of renal dimensions can inform drug efficacy, is important for matching recipients with potential donors, and to inform debulking of renal tumors. Imaging of [...] Read more.
Changes in renal dimensions, including total kidney volume, not only inform ongoing renal disease but also disease progression. Determination of renal dimensions can inform drug efficacy, is important for matching recipients with potential donors, and to inform debulking of renal tumors. Imaging of kidney and application of the ellipse-based formula has become standard for estimating renal dimensions. Nevertheless, the existing ellipse-based formula underestimates renal dimensions including total kidney volume, regardless of the imaging modality used. Based on a model of murine kidney disease, this laboratory has previously proposed a modification to this formula which exhibits better estimation of renal dimensions. The present study sought to determine whether this modified formula is applicable to additional models of kidney disease. Kidneys were sourced from etiologically distinct murine and rat models of renal scarring. In each case, renal dimensions calculated using the existing ellipse-based formula was significantly lesser than the measured dimensions. By contrast, there was no difference between the measured dimensions and those calculated using the modified formula. In a model of polycystic kidney disease, total kidney volume calculated using the existing formula significantly underestimated measured kidney volume whereas use of the modified formula yielded a calculated kidney volume in excellent agreement with the measured volume. Use of this modified formula provides a better estimate of renal dimensions across a number of disease models. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering)
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14 pages, 7235 KiB  
Article
Microtexture Performance of EAF Slags Used as Aggregate in Asphalt Mixes: A Comparative Study with Surface Properties of Natural Stones
by Rosolino Vaiana, Filippo Balzano, Teresa Iuele and Vincenzo Gallelli
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(15), 3197; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app9153197 - 06 Aug 2019
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3323
Abstract
Steelmaking industries produce a large amount of solid wastes that need to be adequately managed in order to ensure environmental sustainability and reduce the impact of their disposal on earth pollution. Electric arc furnace (EAF) slags are those wastes deriving from secondary steelmaking [...] Read more.
Steelmaking industries produce a large amount of solid wastes that need to be adequately managed in order to ensure environmental sustainability and reduce the impact of their disposal on earth pollution. Electric arc furnace (EAF) slags are those wastes deriving from secondary steelmaking production; these slags can be re-used and recycled in many industrial applications such as the production of asphalt mixes. In this paper authors investigate the surface performance of EAF slags used as second-hand aggregate in asphalt mixes. In particular, slags behavior under polishing is compared to other types of aggregate commonly used for asphalt concrete such as limestone, basalt, and kinginzite. Several devices (skid tester, laser profilometer, polishing machine) were used to collect experimental data; the analysis of microtexture was carried out by comparing aggregate surface performance before and after polishing. Results show that EAF slags are positively comparable to basalt as concerns the polishing behavior; good correlations between skid resistance and some microtexture indicators are also carried out. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Asphalt Materials)
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34 pages, 2566 KiB  
Review
Computer Vision in Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles—A Systematic Mapping Study
by Lidia María Belmonte, Rafael Morales and Antonio Fernández-Caballero
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(15), 3196; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app9153196 - 05 Aug 2019
Cited by 41 | Viewed by 7838
Abstract
Personal assistant robots provide novel technological solutions in order to monitor people’s activities, helping them in their daily lives. In this sense, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can also bring forward a present and future model of assistant robots. To develop aerial assistants, it [...] Read more.
Personal assistant robots provide novel technological solutions in order to monitor people’s activities, helping them in their daily lives. In this sense, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can also bring forward a present and future model of assistant robots. To develop aerial assistants, it is necessary to address the issue of autonomous navigation based on visual cues. Indeed, navigating autonomously is still a challenge in which computer vision technologies tend to play an outstanding role. Thus, the design of vision systems and algorithms for autonomous UAV navigation and flight control has become a prominent research field in the last few years. In this paper, a systematic mapping study is carried out in order to obtain a general view of this subject. The study provides an extensive analysis of papers that address computer vision as regards the following autonomous UAV vision-based tasks: (1) navigation, (2) control, (3) tracking or guidance, and (4) sense-and-avoid. The works considered in the mapping study—a total of 144 papers from an initial set of 2081—have been classified under the four categories above. Moreover, type of UAV, features of the vision systems employed and validation procedures are also analyzed. The results obtained make it possible to draw conclusions about the research focuses, which UAV platforms are mostly used in each category, which vision systems are most frequently employed, and which types of tests are usually performed to validate the proposed solutions. The results of this systematic mapping study demonstrate the scientific community’s growing interest in the development of vision-based solutions for autonomous UAVs. Moreover, they will make it possible to study the feasibility and characteristics of future UAVs taking the role of personal assistants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Computing and Artificial Intelligence)
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10 pages, 789 KiB  
Article
Online Knowledge Learning Model Based on Gravitational Field Theory
by Wenfei Ji, Tonghai Jiang, Meng Wang, Xinyu Tang, Guang Chen and Shan Yang
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(15), 3195; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app9153195 - 05 Aug 2019
Viewed by 2749
Abstract
Currently, low-dimensional embedded representation learning models are the mainstream approach in knowledge representation research, due to ease of calculation and ability to utilize the spatial relationship between knowledge areas, which benefit from static knowledge learning. However, these models cannot update and learn knowledge [...] Read more.
Currently, low-dimensional embedded representation learning models are the mainstream approach in knowledge representation research, due to ease of calculation and ability to utilize the spatial relationship between knowledge areas, which benefit from static knowledge learning. However, these models cannot update and learn knowledge online. Although using update strategies to update the knowledge base has been proposed by some scholars, this still requires retraining of knowledge and does not use the previous learning parameters and models. TransOnLine, an online knowledge learning method based on the theory of gravitational field, inspired by the fact that the forces acting on two objects in a gravitational field are only related to the distances between objects, rebalances the knowledge space caused by new knowledge through dynamic programming via introducing the spatial energy function and energy transfer function to solve the above problems. TransOnLine can reuse the parameters and models of previous learning. Experiments show that the performance of the TransOnLine method is close to state-of-the-art methods, and it is suitable for online learning and updating a relational-intensive knowledge base. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Computing and Artificial Intelligence)
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18 pages, 6346 KiB  
Article
Integration of Reversible Heat Pumps in Trigeneration Systems for Low-Temperature Renewable District Heating and Cooling Microgrids
by Luca Urbanucci, Daniele Testi and Joan Carles Bruno
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(15), 3194; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app9153194 - 05 Aug 2019
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3638
Abstract
District heating and cooling networks based on trigeneration systems and renewable energy technologies are widely acknowledged as an energy efficient and environmentally benign solution. These energy systems generally include back-up units, namely fossil-fuel boilers and electric chillers, to enhance system flexibility and cover [...] Read more.
District heating and cooling networks based on trigeneration systems and renewable energy technologies are widely acknowledged as an energy efficient and environmentally benign solution. These energy systems generally include back-up units, namely fossil-fuel boilers and electric chillers, to enhance system flexibility and cover peak energy demand. On the other hand, 4th generation district heating networks are characterized by low-temperature water distribution to improve energy and exergy efficiencies. Moreover, reversible heat pumps are a versatile technology, capable of providing both heating and cooling, alternately. In this paper, the integration of reversible heat pumps as single back-up units in hybrid renewable trigeneration systems serving low-energy micro-district heating and cooling networks is investigated. A detailed modeling of the system is provided, considering part-load and ambient condition effects on the performance of the units. Size and annual operation of the proposed system are optimized in a case study, namely a large office building located in Pisa (Italy), by means of a genetic algorithm-based procedure. A comparison with the conventional trigeneration system is performed in terms of economic and environmental perspectives. Results show that the integration of reversible heat pumps is an economically viable solution capable of reducing by 7% the equivalent annual cost, increasing the installed power of renewables up to 23%, and lowering by 11% carbon dioxide emissions, compared to the energy system with conventional back-up units. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban District Heating and Cooling Technologies)
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16 pages, 2604 KiB  
Article
An EKF-Based Method and Experimental Study for Small Leakage Detection and Location in Natural Gas Pipelines
by Qingmin Hou and Weihang Zhu
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(15), 3193; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app9153193 - 05 Aug 2019
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3129
Abstract
Small leaks in natural gas pipelines are hard to detect, and there are few studies on this problem in the literature. In this paper, a method based on the extended Kalman filter (EKF) is proposed to detect and locate small leaks in natural [...] Read more.
Small leaks in natural gas pipelines are hard to detect, and there are few studies on this problem in the literature. In this paper, a method based on the extended Kalman filter (EKF) is proposed to detect and locate small leaks in natural gas pipelines. First, the method of a characteristic line is used to establish a discrete model of transient pipeline flow. At the same time, according to the basic idea of EKF, a leakage rate is distributed to each segment of the discrete model to obtain a model with virtual multi-point leakage. As such, the virtual leakage rate becomes a component of the state variables in the model. Secondly, system noise and measurement noise are considered, and the optimal hydraulic factors such as leakage rate are estimated using EKF. Finally, by using the idea of an equivalent pipeline, the actual leakage rate is calculated and the location of leakage on the pipeline is assessed. Simulation and experimental results show that this method can consistently predict the leakage rate and location and is sensitive to small leakages in a natural gas pipeline. Full article
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14 pages, 4415 KiB  
Article
Short-Term Forecasting of Power Production in a Large-Scale Photovoltaic Plant Based on LSTM
by Mingming Gao, Jianjing Li, Feng Hong and Dongteng Long
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(15), 3192; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app9153192 - 05 Aug 2019
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 3988
Abstract
Photovoltaic (PV) power is attracting more and more concerns. Power output prediction, as a necessary technical requirement of PV plants, closely relates to the rationality of power grid dispatch. If the accuracy of power prediction in PV plants can be further enhanced by [...] Read more.
Photovoltaic (PV) power is attracting more and more concerns. Power output prediction, as a necessary technical requirement of PV plants, closely relates to the rationality of power grid dispatch. If the accuracy of power prediction in PV plants can be further enhanced by forecasting, stability of power grid will be improved. Therefore, a 1-h-ahead power output forecasting based on long-short-term memory (LSTM) networks is proposed. The forecasting output of the model is based on the time series of 1-h-ahead numerical weather prediction to reveal the spatio-temporal characteristic. The comprehensive meteorological conditions, including different types of season and weather conditions, were considered in the model, and parameters of LSTM models were investigated simultaneously. Analysis of prediction result reveals that the proposed model leads to a superior prediction performance compared with traditional PV output power predictions. The accuracy of output power prediction is enhanced by 3.46–13.46%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Trends in Renewable Energy Systems and PV Based DC Microgrids)
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8 pages, 521 KiB  
Communication
Differential Efficacy of Two Dental Implant Decontamination Techniques in Reducing Microbial Biofilm and Re-Growth onto Titanium Disks In Vitro
by Aida Meto, Enrico Conserva, Francesco Liccardi, Bruna Colombari, Ugo Consolo and Elisabetta Blasi
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(15), 3191; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app9153191 - 05 Aug 2019
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2724
Abstract
Dental implants are crucial therapeutic devices for successful substitution of missing teeth. Failure cases are mainly pathogen-associated events, allowing clinical progression toward peri-mucositis or peri-implantitis. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of two mechanical decontamination systems, Nickel-Titanium brush (Brush) [...] Read more.
Dental implants are crucial therapeutic devices for successful substitution of missing teeth. Failure cases are mainly pathogen-associated events, allowing clinical progression toward peri-mucositis or peri-implantitis. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of two mechanical decontamination systems, Nickel-Titanium brush (Brush) and Air-Polishing system with 40 µm bicarbonate powder (BIC-40), by means of a novel bioluminescence-based model that measures microbial load in real time. Briefly, 30 disks were contaminated using the bioluminescent Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain (BLI-P. aeruginosa), treated with Brush (30 s rounds, for 90 s) or BIC-40 (30 s, at 5 mm distance) procedure, and then assessed for microbial load, particularly, biofilm removal and re-growth. Our results showed that Brush and BIC-40 treatment reduced microbial load of about 1 and more than 3 logs, respectively. Furthermore, microbial re-growth onto Brush-treated disks rapidly occurred, while BIC-40-treated disks were slowly recolonized, reaching levels of microbial load consistently below those observed with the controls. In conclusion, we provide evidence on the good performance of BIC-40 as titanium device-decontamination system, the clinical implication for such findings will be discussed. Full article
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16 pages, 2003 KiB  
Article
Pursuer’s Control Strategy for Orbital Pursuit-Evasion-Defense Game with Continuous Low Thrust Propulsion
by Junfeng Zhou, Lin Zhao, Jianhua Cheng, Shuo Wang and Yipeng Wang
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(15), 3190; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app9153190 - 05 Aug 2019
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3361
Abstract
This paper studies the orbital pursuit-evasion-defense problem with the continuous low thrust propulsion. A control strategy for the pursuer is proposed based on the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation and the differential game. First, the system is described by the Lawden’s equations, and simplified by [...] Read more.
This paper studies the orbital pursuit-evasion-defense problem with the continuous low thrust propulsion. A control strategy for the pursuer is proposed based on the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation and the differential game. First, the system is described by the Lawden’s equations, and simplified by introducing the relative state variables and the zero effort miss (ZEM) variables. Then, the objective function of the pursuer is designed based on the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation, and the analytical necessary conditions for the optimal control strategy are presented. Finally, a hybrid method combining the multi-objective genetic algorithm and the multiple shooting method is proposed to obtain the solution of the orbital pursuit-evasion-defense problem. The simulation results show that the proposed control strategy can handle the orbital pursuit-evasion-defense problem effectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control and Soft Computing)
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9 pages, 1668 KiB  
Communication
Toward Creating a Portable Impedance-Based Nondestructive Testing Method for Debonding Damage Detection of Composite Structures
by Wongi S. Na and Ki-Tae Park
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(15), 3189; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app9153189 - 05 Aug 2019
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2356
Abstract
Debonding detection of composite structures is a vital task as such damage weakens the structure leading to a failure. As adhesive bonding is a more preferable choice over the conventional mechanical fastening method, detecting debonding as early as possible could minimize the overall [...] Read more.
Debonding detection of composite structures is a vital task as such damage weakens the structure leading to a failure. As adhesive bonding is a more preferable choice over the conventional mechanical fastening method, detecting debonding as early as possible could minimize the overall maintenance costs. For this reason, a vast amount of research in the nondestructive testing field is being conducted as we speak. However, most of the methods may require well-trained experts or heavy equipment. In this study, the piezoelectric (PZT) material-based method known as the electromechanical impedance technique is investigated to seek the possibility of making the technique very cheap and portable by temporarily attaching the sensor. Furthermore, ANSYS simulation studies using smaller PZT patches as small as 0.1 mm × 0.1 mm are simulated to investigate the impedance signatures acquired from the simulations. The results show the possibility of using smaller PZT patches compared to the conventional PZT sizes of 10 mm × 10 mm for a successful damage identification process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nondestructive Testing in Composite Materials)
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14 pages, 3093 KiB  
Letter
Active Vibration Control of Rib Stiffened Plate by Using Decentralized Velocity Feedback Controllers with Inertial Actuators
by Xiyue Ma, Lei Wang and Jian Xu
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(15), 3188; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app9153188 - 05 Aug 2019
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2712
Abstract
Active control of low frequency vibration and sound radiation from a rib stiffened plate has great practical significance as this structure is widely applied in engineering, such as aircraft or ship fuselage shells. This paper presents an investigation on the performance of active [...] Read more.
Active control of low frequency vibration and sound radiation from a rib stiffened plate has great practical significance as this structure is widely applied in engineering, such as aircraft or ship fuselage shells. This paper presents an investigation on the performance of active vibration control of the rib stiffened plate by using decentralized velocity feedback controllers with inertial actuators. A simple modeling approach in frequency domain is proposed in this research to calculate the control performance. The theoretical model of vibrating response of the ribbed plate and the velocity feedback controllers is first established. Then, as an important part, the influences of the control gain and the number of the decentralized unit on the control performance are investigated. Results obtained demonstrate that—similar to that of the unribbed plate case—appropriately choosing the number of the unit and their feedback gains can achieve good control results. Too many units or very high feedback gains will not bring further noise reduction. Full article
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24 pages, 7272 KiB  
Article
Multi-Media and Multi-Band Based Adaptation Layer Techniques for Underwater Sensor Networks
by Delphin Raj K M, Sun-Ho Yum, Eunbi Ko, Soo-Young Shin, Jung-Il Namgung and Soo-Hyun Park
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(15), 3187; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app9153187 - 05 Aug 2019
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4158
Abstract
In the last few decades, underwater communication systems have been widely used for the development of navy, military, business, and safety applications, etc. However, in underwater communication systems, there are several challenging issues, such as limitations in bandwidth, propagation delay, 3D topology, media [...] Read more.
In the last few decades, underwater communication systems have been widely used for the development of navy, military, business, and safety applications, etc. However, in underwater communication systems, there are several challenging issues, such as limitations in bandwidth, propagation delay, 3D topology, media access control, routing, resource utilization, and power constraints. Underwater communication systems work under severe channel conditions such as ambient noise, frequency selectivity, multi-path and Doppler shifts. In order to collect and transmit the data in effective ways, multi-media/multi-band-based adaptation layer technology is proposed in this paper. The underwater communication scenario comprises of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), Surface gateways, sensor nodes, etc. The transmission of data starts from sensor nodes to surface gateway in a hierarchical manner through multiple channels. In order to provide strong and reliable communication underwater, the adaptation layer uses a multi-band/multi-media approach for transferring data. Hence, in this paper, existing techniques for splitting the band such as Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Frequency-Division Multiple Access (FDMA), or Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM) are used for splitting the frequency band, and the medium selection mechanism is proposed to carry the signal through different media such as Acoustic, Visible Light Communication (VLC), and Infrared (IR) signals in underwater. For the channel selection mechanism, two phases are involved: 1. Finding the distance of near and far nodes using Manhattan method, and 2. Medium selection and data transferring algorithm for choosing different media. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Underwater Acoustic Communications and Networks)
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10 pages, 2239 KiB  
Article
Effect of Pore Characteristics in Polyvinylidene Fluoride/Fumed Silica Membranes on Mass Flux in Solar-Assisted Evaporation Applications
by Mona Bahman, Maryam AlNahyan, Ibrahim Mustafa and Faisal AlMarzooqi
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(15), 3186; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app9153186 - 05 Aug 2019
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2895
Abstract
Although important, very little has been demonstrated in the literature to experimentally demonstrate the effects of porosities and pore size on the evaporation flux in polymeric membranes. Additionally, we suspect that a batch-mode setup, i.e., stagnant water, could cause a build-up of heat [...] Read more.
Although important, very little has been demonstrated in the literature to experimentally demonstrate the effects of porosities and pore size on the evaporation flux in polymeric membranes. Additionally, we suspect that a batch-mode setup, i.e., stagnant water, could cause a build-up of heat in the system, influencing the evaporation mass-flux mechanism, and jeopardizing the ability to attain a real correlation between evaporation and effects of pore characteristics. Herein, we fabricate polyvinylidene fluoride membranes containing variable amounts of a Fumed Silica additive to achieve membranes with variable properties, and we investigate the change in the performance of the solar-assisted thin-film evaporation utilizing an in-house built continuous flow evaporation setup (to avoid heat build-up effects in the bulk of the water and demonstrate a continuous flow system). Our membrane design approach had two important advantages: (1) the achievement of similar heat transfer and solar absorbance properties and (2) the achievement of variable pore sizes and volume porosities. We show that the mass flux increased as the mean pore size decreased, indicating that the mode of mass transfer occurred due to the thin-film region of the meniscus from the small fluid velocities near the interface, and we attribute the results to the increase in the capillary pumping effects through the mesoporous channels as they get thinner. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nanotechnology and Applied Nanosciences)
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17 pages, 15790 KiB  
Article
Analysis of a Main Cabin Ventilation System in a Jack-Up Offshore Platform Part I: Numerical Modelling
by Yingchun Xie, Zepeng Zheng, Huibin Wang, Zhen Xu, Guijie Liu, Reza Malekian and Zhixiong Li
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(15), 3185; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app9153185 - 05 Aug 2019
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3481
Abstract
This work aims to measure the thermodynamics of a main cabin ventilation system in a JU-2000E jack-up offshore platform. A three-dimensional (3D) physical model of the ventilation system was established, and the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software (ANSYS FLUENT) was used to calculate [...] Read more.
This work aims to measure the thermodynamics of a main cabin ventilation system in a JU-2000E jack-up offshore platform. A three-dimensional (3D) physical model of the ventilation system was established, and the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software (ANSYS FLUENT) was used to calculate the model thermodynamics. Numerical analysis was performed to investigate the influence mechanisms of the ventilation factors such as ventilation temperature and volume on the ventilation performance. The analysis results demonstrate that (1) top-setting of the exhaust vents is more effective than the side-setting in terms of high temperature reduction, (2) small ventilation temperature and volume can improve the ventilation efficiency, and (3) proper shutdown selection of the backup diesel engine can enhance the ventilation performance. Furthermore, the effect of humidity for the ventilation air was investigated. Lastly, an experimental platform was developed based on the simulation model. Experimental tests were carried out to evaluate the shutdown selection of the backup engine and have shown consistent results to that of the simulation model. The findings of this study provide valuable guidance in designing the ventilation system in the JU-2000E jack-up offshore platform. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fault Diagnosis of Rotating Machine)
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21 pages, 7307 KiB  
Article
A Virtual Impedance Control Strategy for Improving the Stability and Dynamic Performance of VSC–HVDC Operation in Bidirectional Power Flow Mode
by Yuye Li, Kaipei Liu, Xiaobing Liao, Shu Zhu and Qing Huai
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(15), 3184; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app9153184 - 05 Aug 2019
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3380
Abstract
It is a common practice that one converter controls DC voltage and the other controls power in two-terminal voltage source converter (VSC)–based high voltage DC (HVDC) systems for AC gird interconnection. The maximum transmission power from a DC-voltage-controlled converter to a power-controlled converter [...] Read more.
It is a common practice that one converter controls DC voltage and the other controls power in two-terminal voltage source converter (VSC)–based high voltage DC (HVDC) systems for AC gird interconnection. The maximum transmission power from a DC-voltage-controlled converter to a power-controlled converter is less than that of the opposite transmission direction. In order to increase the transmission power from a DC-voltage-controlled converter to a power-controlled converter, an improved virtual impedance control strategy is proposed in this paper. Based on the proposed control strategy, the DC impedance model of the VSC–HVDC system is built, including the output impedance of two converters and DC cable impedance. The stability of the system with an improved virtual impedance control is analyzed in Nyquist stability criterion. The proposed control strategy can improve the transmission capacity of the system by changing the DC output impedance of the DC voltage-controlled converter. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is verified by simulation. The simulation results show that the proposed control strategy has better dynamic performance than traditional control strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue HVDC for Grid Services in Electric Power Systems)
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29 pages, 1152 KiB  
Review
Perspectives and Challenges in Robotic Neurorehabilitation
by Riccardo Iandolo, Francesca Marini, Marianna Semprini, Matteo Laffranchi, Maddalena Mugnosso, Amel Cherif, Lorenzo De Michieli, Michela Chiappalone and Jacopo Zenzeri
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(15), 3183; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app9153183 - 05 Aug 2019
Cited by 67 | Viewed by 9992
Abstract
The development of robotic devices for rehabilitation is a fast-growing field. Nowadays, thanks to novel technologies that have improved robots’ capabilities and offered more cost-effective solutions, robotic devices are increasingly being employed during clinical practice, with the goal of boosting patients’ recovery. Robotic [...] Read more.
The development of robotic devices for rehabilitation is a fast-growing field. Nowadays, thanks to novel technologies that have improved robots’ capabilities and offered more cost-effective solutions, robotic devices are increasingly being employed during clinical practice, with the goal of boosting patients’ recovery. Robotic rehabilitation is also widely used in the context of neurological disorders, where it is often provided in a variety of different fashions, depending on the specific function to be restored. Indeed, the effect of robot-aided neurorehabilitation can be maximized when used in combination with a proper training regimen (based on motor control paradigms) or with non-invasive brain machine interfaces. Therapy-induced changes in neural activity and behavioral performance, which may suggest underlying changes in neural plasticity, can be quantified by multimodal assessments of both sensorimotor performance and brain/muscular activity pre/post or during intervention. Here, we provide an overview of the most common robotic devices for upper and lower limb rehabilitation and we describe the aforementioned neurorehabilitation scenarios. We also review assessment techniques for the evaluation of robotic therapy. Additional exploitation of these research areas will highlight the crucial contribution of rehabilitation robotics for promoting recovery and answering questions about reorganization of brain functions in response to disease. Full article
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23 pages, 8472 KiB  
Article
The Spatial Perspective in Post-Earthquake Evaluation to Improve Mitigation Strategies: Geostatistical Analysis of the Seismic Damage Applied to a Real Case Study
by Salvador García-Ayllón, Antonio Tomás and José Luis Ródenas
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(15), 3182; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app9153182 - 05 Aug 2019
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4419
Abstract
The analysis of damage in cities after an earthquake to implement mitigation strategies of seismic risk is a complex job that is usually full of uncertainties. Numerous variables affect the final result of the observable damage in a set of buildings in an [...] Read more.
The analysis of damage in cities after an earthquake to implement mitigation strategies of seismic risk is a complex job that is usually full of uncertainties. Numerous variables affect the final result of the observable damage in a set of buildings in an urban area. The use of methodologies capable of providing global explanations beyond the traditional unidisciplinary approach of disciplines, such as structural analysis, earthquake engineering, geotechnics, or seismology, can be very useful for improving the behavior of our cities against earthquakes. This article presents geostatistical post-earthquake analysis, an innovative approach in this field of research based on GIS spatial statistical tools to evaluate the importance of the different variables after an earthquake that may have caused damage in a city. This new framework will be applied to analyze, from a geostatistical perspective, the damage levels observed in the city of Lorca (Spain) after the earthquake of 2011; a case study where various studies have proposed different measures to mitigate the impact of future earthquakes as a consequence of focusing on different phenomena as the main variable for the damage produced. A bivariate GIS assessment will allow spatial correlation of the problems detected from a statistical point of view (inadequate design of buildings, age of the real estate stock, inefficient urban planning configurations, geological risk, etc.) and the different levels of damage that the technicians who participated in the post-earthquake phase evaluated in the city. The results obtained will allow one to hierarchize the importance of the different detected phenomena to prepare the city better against future earthquakes and to elaborate an improved seismic mitigation strategy. Full article
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15 pages, 12177 KiB  
Article
New Implant Macrogeometry to Improve and Accelerate the Osseointegration: An In Vivo Experimental Study
by Sergio Alexandre Gehrke, Jaime Aramburú Júnior, Leticia Pérez-Díaz, Tiago Luis Eirles Treichel, Berenice Anina Dedavid, Piedad N. De Aza and Juan Carlos Prados-Frutos
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(15), 3181; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app9153181 - 05 Aug 2019
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4462
Abstract
A new implant design with healing chambers in the threads was analyzed and compared with a conventional implant macrogeometry, both implants models with and without surface treatment. Eighty conical implants were prepared using commercially pure titanium (grade IV) by the company Implacil De [...] Read more.
A new implant design with healing chambers in the threads was analyzed and compared with a conventional implant macrogeometry, both implants models with and without surface treatment. Eighty conical implants were prepared using commercially pure titanium (grade IV) by the company Implacil De Bortoli (São Paulo, Brazil). Four groups were performed, as described below: Group 1 (G1), traditional conical implants with surface treatment; group 2 (G2), traditional conical implants without surface treatment (machined surface); group 3 (G3), new conical implant design with surface treatment; group 4 (G4), new conical implant design without surface treatment. The implants were placed in the two tibias (n = 2 implants per tibia) of twenty New Zealand rabbits determined by randomization. The animals were euthanized after 15 days (Time 1) and 30 days (Time 2). The parameters evaluated were the implant stability quotient (ISQ), removal torque values (RTv), and histomorphometric evaluation to determine the bone to implant contact (%BIC) and bone area fraction occupancy (BAFO%). The results showed that the implants with the macrogeometry modified with healing chambers in the threads produced a significant enhancement in the osseointegration, accelerating this process. The statistical analyses of ISQ and RTv showed a significative statistical difference between the groups in both time periods of evaluation (p ≤ 0.0001). Moreover, an important increase in the histological parameters were found for groups G3 and G4, with significant statistical differences to the BIC% (in the Time 1 p = 0.0406 and in the Time 2 p < 0.0001) and the BAFO% ((in the Time 1 p = 0.0002 and in the Time 2 p = 0.0045). In conclusion, the result data showed that the implants with the new macrogeometry, presenting the healing chambers in the threads, produced a significant enhancement in the osseointegration, accelerating the process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Trends in Biomaterial Scaffolds)
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22 pages, 19723 KiB  
Article
Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of Hybrid Mold Transformer Based on Dynamic Analyses
by Ngoc Hieu Dinh, Joo-Young Kim, Seung-Jae Lee and Kyoung-Kyu Choi
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(15), 3180; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app9153180 - 05 Aug 2019
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4164
Abstract
In the present study, the seismic vulnerability of a hybrid mold transformer was investigated using a dynamic analytical approach incorporating the experimental results of shaking table tests. The analytical model consisted of linear springs and plastic beam elements, and it has six degrees [...] Read more.
In the present study, the seismic vulnerability of a hybrid mold transformer was investigated using a dynamic analytical approach incorporating the experimental results of shaking table tests. The analytical model consisted of linear springs and plastic beam elements, and it has six degrees of freedom simulating the hybrid mold transformer. The dynamic characteristics of the analytical model were determined based on the shaking table tests. The reliability of the analytical model was verified by comparing the test results and analytical results. In order to assess the seismic vulnerability, three critical damage states observed during the shaking table tests were investigated by incorporating the three performance levels specified in ASCE 41-17. Comprehensive dynamic analyses were performed with a set of twenty earthquakes in consideration of the variation of the uncertain parameters (such as the effective stiffness and coil mass) of the mold transformer. Based on the analytical results, fragility curves were established to predict the specified exceedance probability of the mold transformer according to the performance levels. Full article
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8 pages, 241 KiB  
Article
Essential Oil Compositions and Antifungal Activity of Sunflower (Helianthus) Species Growing in North Alabama
by Sims K. Lawson, Layla G. Sharp, Chelsea N. Powers, Robert L. McFeeters, Prabodh Satyal and William N. Setzer
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(15), 3179; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app9153179 - 05 Aug 2019
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4980
Abstract
Helianthus species are North American members of the Asteraceae, several of which have been used as traditional medicines by Native Americans. The aerial parts of two cultivars of Helianthus annuus, “Chianti” and “Mammoth”, and wild-growing H. strumosus, were collected from locations [...] Read more.
Helianthus species are North American members of the Asteraceae, several of which have been used as traditional medicines by Native Americans. The aerial parts of two cultivars of Helianthus annuus, “Chianti” and “Mammoth”, and wild-growing H. strumosus, were collected from locations in north Alabama. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography—mass spectrometry. The Helianthus essential oils were dominated by monoterpene hydrocarbons, in particular α-pinene (50.65%, 48.91%, and 58.65%, respectively), sabinene (6.81%, 17.01%, and 1.91%, respectively), β-pinene (5.79%, 3.27%, and 4.52%, respectively), and limonene (7.2%, 7.1%, and 3.8%, respectively). The essential oils were screened against three opportunistic pathogenic fungal species, Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, and Cryptococcus neoformans. The most sensitive fungus was C. neoformans with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 78, 156, and 78 μg/mL, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activity and Applications of Natural Compounds)
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18 pages, 711 KiB  
Article
On Sharing an FIB Table in Named Data Networking
by Ju Hyoung Mun and Hyesook Lim
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(15), 3178; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app9153178 - 05 Aug 2019
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2843
Abstract
As a new networking paradigm, Named Data Networking (NDN) technology focuses on contents, and content names are used as identifiers for forwarding and routing, as opposed to IP addresses in the current Internet. NDN routers forward packets by looking up a Forwarding Information [...] Read more.
As a new networking paradigm, Named Data Networking (NDN) technology focuses on contents, and content names are used as identifiers for forwarding and routing, as opposed to IP addresses in the current Internet. NDN routers forward packets by looking up a Forwarding Information Base (FIB), each entry of which has a name prefix and output faces. An FIB should have the information to forward Interest packets for any contents. Hence, the size of an FIB would be excessively large in NDN routers, and the traffic for building an FIB would be significant. In order to reduce the traffic associated with building an FIB table and memory requirement for storing an FIB table, this paper proposes a new efficient method which combines the routing of network connectivity and the building of a forwarding engine using Bloom filters. We propose to share the summary of an FIB using a Bloom filter rather than to advertise each name prefix. The forwarding engine of the proposed scheme is a combination of Bloom filters, and hence the memory requirement of the forwarding can be much smaller than the regular FIB. Simulation results using ndnSIM under real network topologies show that the proposed method can achieve nearly the same performance as the conventional link state algorithm with 6–8% of the traffic for distributing the connectivity information and 5–9% of the memory consumption. Full article
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21 pages, 1942 KiB  
Article
Design of Interactions for Handheld Augmented Reality Devices Using Wearable Smart Textiles: Findings from a User Elicitation Study
by Vijayakumar Nanjappan, Rongkai Shi, Hai-Ning Liang, Haoru Xiao, Kim King-Tong Lau and Khalad Hasan
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(15), 3177; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app9153177 - 05 Aug 2019
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4745
Abstract
Advanced developments in handheld devices’ interactive 3D graphics capabilities, processing power, and cloud computing have provided great potential for handheld augmented reality (HAR) applications, which allow users to access digital information anytime, anywhere. Nevertheless, existing interaction methods are still confined to the touch [...] Read more.
Advanced developments in handheld devices’ interactive 3D graphics capabilities, processing power, and cloud computing have provided great potential for handheld augmented reality (HAR) applications, which allow users to access digital information anytime, anywhere. Nevertheless, existing interaction methods are still confined to the touch display, device camera, and built-in sensors of these handheld devices, which suffer from obtrusive interactions with AR content. Wearable fabric-based interfaces promote subtle, natural, and eyes-free interactions which are needed when performing interactions in dynamic environments. Prior studies explored the possibilities of using fabric-based wearable interfaces for head-mounted AR display (HMD) devices. The interface metaphors of HMD AR devices are inadequate for handheld AR devices as a typical HAR application require users to use only one hand to perform interactions. In this paper, we aim to investigate the use of a fabric-based wearable device as an alternative interface option for performing interactions with HAR applications. We elicited user-preferred gestures which are socially acceptable and comfortable to use for HAR devices. We also derived an interaction vocabulary of the wrist and thumb-to-index touch gestures, and present broader design guidelines for fabric-based wearable interfaces for handheld augmented reality applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Augmented Reality: Current Trends, Challenges and Prospects)
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