Set Of Experiments In Order Research Articles

Fuzzy Ontology-Based System for Driver Behavior Classification.

Intelligent transportation systems encompass a series of technologies and applications that exchange information to improve road traffic and avoid accidents. According to statistics, some studies argue that human mistakes cause most road accidents worldwide. For this reason, it is essential to model driver behavior to improve road safety. This paper presents a Fuzzy Rule-Based System for driver classification into different profiles considering their behavior. The system’s knowledge base includes an ontology and a set of driving rules. The ontology models the main entities related to driver behavior and their relationships with the traffic environment. The driving rules help the inference system to make decisions in different situations according to traffic regulations. The classification system has been integrated on an intelligent transportation architecture. Considering the user’s driving style, the driving assistance system sends them recommendations, such as adjusting speed or choosing alternative routes, allowing them to prevent or mitigate negative transportation events, such as road crashes or traffic jams. We carry out a set of experiments in order to test the expressiveness of the ontology along with the effectiveness of the overall classification system in different simulated traffic situations. The results of the experiments show that the ontology is expressive enough to model the knowledge of the proposed traffic scenarios, with an F1 score of 0.9. In addition, the system allows proper classification of the drivers’ behavior, with an F1 score of 0.84, outperforming Random Forest and Naive Bayes classifiers. In the simulation experiments, we observe that most of the drivers who are recommended an alternative route experience an average time gain of 66.4%, showing the utility of the proposal.

Virtual reality and machine learning in the automatic photoparoxysmal response detection

Photosensitivity, in relation to epilepsy, is a genetically determined condition in which patients have epileptic seizures of different severity provoked by visual stimuli. It can be diagnosed by detecting epileptiform discharges in their electroencephalogram (EEG), known as photoparoxysmal responses (PPR). The most accepted PPR detection method—a manual method—considered as the standard one, consists in submitting the subject to intermittent photic stimulation (IPS), i.e. a flashing light stimulation at increasing and decreasing flickering frequencies in a hospital room under controlled ambient conditions, while at the same time recording her/his brain response by means of EEG signals. This research focuses on introducing virtual reality (VR) in this context, adding, to the conventional infrastructure a more flexible one that can be programmed and that will allow developing a much wider and richer set of experiments in order to detect neurological illnesses, and to study subjects’ behaviours automatically. The loop includes the subject, the VR device, the EEG infrastructure and a computer to analyse and monitor the EEG signal and, in some cases, provide feedback to the VR. As will be shown, AI modelling will be needed in the automatic detection of PPR, but it would also be used in extending the functionality of this system with more advanced features. This system is currently in study with subjects at Burgos University Hospital, Spain.

Optimization of green extractions for the recovery of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from Crypthecodinium cohnii

Crypthecodinium cohnii represents a heterotrophic microalga rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) with significant health benefits, and especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). In the present study, freeze-dried C. cohnii biomass, cultivated in fed-batch bioreactors with a feed of acetic acid 33% (v/v), was used. In the first set of experiments, ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave assisted extraction (MAE) were employed with the aim of discovering the most efficient technique regarding the recovery of DHA. Organic and food grade solvents were used, namely n-hexane, 2-2-butanol and n-hexane: isopropanol (2:3), under specific conditions. Extraction yields (EYs) were calculated and PUFAs content was evaluated through Gas Chromatography (GC).UAE using n-hexane: isopropanol (2:3) and 2-butanol presented the highest yields and were further examined in the second set of experiments in order to optimize the recovery of DHA, while changing the extraction time and the ultrasound power. Enzymatic Hydrolysis (EH) was also applied using four enzyme preparations, three concentrations of C. cohnii biomass and n-hexane: isopropanol (2:3) as solvent. In addition, homogenisation assisted extraction in microemulsion (HAE) was studied while changing the solvent, time and rotation speed. Simple mathematical models were applied in order to correlate the EY with the applied conditions for every extraction method.Parameters screening during UAE demonstrated that the best extraction time was 15 min, reaching the yield of 26.17% and total fatty acids (TFAs) content of 261.75 mg/g dry weight (DW). Among all used extraction techniques, UAE recovered maximum quantities of TFAs, while HAE was proven the most efficient regarding DHA content (131.20 mg/g DW). In conclusion, the proposed green extraction methods were found to be attractive for the recovery of PUFAs from C. cohnii.

An Insight into the Chromosomal Evolution of Lebiasinidae (Teleostei, Characiformes).

Lebiasinidae fishes have been historically neglected by cytogenetical studies. Here we present a genomic comparison in eleven Lebiasinidae species, in addition to a review of the ribosomal DNA sequences distribution in this family. With that, we develop ten sets of experiments in order to hybridize the genomic DNA of representative species from the genus Copeina, Copella, Nannostomus, and Pyrrhulina in metaphase plates of Lebiasina melanoguttata. Two major pathways on the chromosomal evolution of these species can be recognized: (i) conservation of 2n = 36 bi-armed chromosomes in Lebiasininae, as a basal condition, and (ii) high numeric and structural chromosomal rearrangements in Pyrrhulininae, with a notable tendency towards acrocentrization. The ribosomal DNA (rDNA) distribution also revealed a marked differentiation during the chromosomal evolution of Lebiasinidae, since both single and multiple sites, in addition to a wide range of chromosomal locations can be found. With some few exceptions, the terminal position of 18S rDNA appears as a common feature in Lebiasinidae-analyzed species. Altogether with Ctenoluciidae, this pattern can be considered a symplesiomorphism for both families. In addition to the specific repetitive DNA content that characterizes the genome of each particular species, Lebiasina also keeps inter-specific repetitive sequences, thus reinforcing its proposed basal condition in Lebiasinidae.

Robust Monte-Carlo Simulations in Diffusion-MRI: Effect of the Substrate Complexity and Parameter Choice on the Reproducibility of Results.

Monte-Carlo Diffusion Simulations (MCDS) have been used extensively as a ground truth tool for the validation of microstructure models for Diffusion-Weighted MRI. However, methodological pitfalls in the design of the biomimicking geometrical configurations and the simulation parameters can lead to approximation biases. Such pitfalls affect the reliability of the estimated signal, as well as its validity and reproducibility as ground truth data. In this work, we first present a set of experiments in order to study three critical pitfalls encountered in the design of MCDS in the literature, namely, the number of simulated particles and time steps, simplifications in the intra-axonal substrate representation, and the impact of the substrate's size on the signal stemming from the extra-axonal space. The results obtained show important changes in the simulated signals and the recovered microstructure features when changes in those parameters are introduced. Thereupon, driven by our findings from the first studies, we outline a general framework able to generate complex substrates. We show the framework's capability to overcome the aforementioned simplifications by generating a complex crossing substrate, which preserves the volume in the crossing area and achieves a high packing density. The results presented in this work, along with the simulator developed, pave the way toward more realistic and reproducible Monte-Carlo simulations for Diffusion-Weighted MRI.

Plan merging by reuse for multi-agent planning

Multi-Agent Planning deals with the task of generating a plan for/by a set of agents that jointly solve a planning problem. One of the biggest challenges is how to handle interactions arising from agents’ actions. The first contribution of the paper is Plan Merging by Reuse, pmr, an algorithm that automatically adjusts its behaviour to the level of interaction. Given a multi-agent planning task, pmr assigns goals to specific agents. The chosen agents solve their individual planning tasks and the resulting plans are merged. Since merged plans are not always valid, pmr performs planning by reuse to generate a valid plan. The second contribution of the paper is rrpt-plan, a stochastic plan-reuse planner that combines plan reuse, standard search and sampling. We have performed extensive sets of experiments in order to analyze the performance of pmr in relation to state of the art multi-agent planning techniques.

Optical Forces at the Nanoscale: Size and Electrostatic Effects.

The reduced magnitude of the optical trapping forces exerted over sub-200 nm dielectric nanoparticles complicates their optical manipulation, hindering the development of techniques and studies based on it. Improvement of trapping capabilities for such tiny objects requires a deep understanding of the mechanisms beneath them. Traditionally, the optical forces acting on dielectric nanoparticles have been only correlated with their volume, and the size has been traditionally identified as a key parameter. However, the most recently published research results have shown that the electrostatic characteristics of a sub-100 nm dielectric particle could also play a significant role. Indeed, at present it is not clear what optical forces depend. In this work, we designed a set of experiments in order to elucidate the different mechanism and properties (i.e., size and/or electrostatic properties) that governs the magnitude of optical forces. The comparison between experimental data and numerical simulations have shown that the double layer induced at nanoparticle's surface, not considered in the classical description of nanoparticle's polarizability, plays a relevant role determining the magnitude of the optical forces. Here, the presented results constitute the first step toward the development of the dielectric nanoparticle over which enhanced optical forces could be exerted, enabling their optical manipulation for multiples purposes ranging from fundamental to applied studies.

Risk-chasing behaviour in on-site construction decisions

Risk-chasing behaviour in on-site construction decision-making can result in illogical decisions and, thus, significant project losses. Accordingly, the authors conducted a set of experiments in order to detect the existence of such behaviour under a range of typical project conditions within a set of common situations. Fifty-three project leaders participated in the experiments by making choices framed by a set of 24 questions. Each question related to a known behavioural tendency, included the influence of an external parameter, and contained information from which expected values could be derived. Participants were well distributed by geography, age and experience. Contrary to the common perception that construction decision-makers are relentlessly risk-averse, they demonstrated risk-chasing behaviour when the decision occurred in over-budget project conditions. Younger participants were even more risk chasing in such conditions. Understanding and identifying where such behaviour occurs could ultimately lead to the development of means of avoiding the resulting losses.

Robust Decentralized Nonlinear Control for a Twin Rotor MIMO System.

This article presents the design of a novel decentralized nonlinear multivariate control scheme for an underactuated, nonlinear and multivariate laboratory helicopter denominated the twin rotor MIMO system (TRMS). The TRMS is characterized by a coupling effect between rotor dynamics and the body of the model, which is due to the action-reaction principle originated in the acceleration and deceleration of the motor-propeller groups. The proposed controller is composed of two nested loops that are utilized to achieve stabilization and precise trajectory tracking tasks for the controlled position of the generalized coordinates of the TRMS. The nonlinear internal loop is used to control the electrical dynamics of the platform, and the nonlinear external loop allows the platform to be perfectly stabilized and positioned in space. Finally, we illustrate the theoretical control developments with a set of experiments in order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed nonlinear decentralized feedback controller, in which a comparative study with other controllers is performed, illustrating the excellent performance of the proposed robust decentralized control scheme in both stabilization and trajectory tracking tasks.

Calcyclin Binding Protein/Siah-1 Interacting Protein Is a Hsp90 Binding Chaperone.

The Hsp90 chaperone activity is tightly regulated by interaction with many co-chaperones. Since CacyBP/SIP shares some sequence homology with a known Hsp90 co-chaperone, Sgt1, in this work we performed a set of experiments in order to verify whether CacyBP/SIP can interact with Hsp90. By applying the immunoprecipitation assay we have found that CacyBP/SIP binds to Hsp90 and that the middle (M) domain of Hsp90 is responsible for this binding. Furthermore, the proximity ligation assay (PLA) performed on HEp-2 cells has shown that the CacyBP/SIP-Hsp90 complexes are mainly localized in the cytoplasm of these cells. Using purified proteins and applying an ELISA we have shown that Hsp90 interacts directly with CacyBP/SIP and that the latter protein does not compete with Sgt1 for the binding to Hsp90. Moreover, inhibitors of Hsp90 do not perturb CacyBP/SIP-Hsp90 binding. Luciferase renaturation assay and citrate synthase aggregation assay with the use of recombinant proteins have revealed that CacyBP/SIP exhibits chaperone properties. Also, CacyBP/SIP-3xFLAG expression in HEp-2 cells results in the appearance of more basic Hsp90 forms in 2D electrophoresis, which may indicate that CacyBP/SIP dephosphorylates Hsp90. Altogether, the obtained results suggest that CacyBP/SIP is involved in regulation of the Hsp90 chaperone machinery.

Ibuprofen degradation in aqueous solution by using UV light

Recent regulation policies are focusing on the presence of priority and emerging pollutants in water, among them, pharmaceutical residues are of particular public concern since trace of these molecules is commonly found in drinking and superficial waters. Progresses in innovative technologies for wastewater treatment are mandatory in order to improve their abatement efficiencies for water source prevention and reclamation. The OH⋅-based technologies, a group of different techniques usually called advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), can be used to mineralize organic pollutants. In particular, combined treatments based on UV light appear to be more eco-friendly, also giving very interesting removal efficiencies if opportunely devised. Moreover, many of the commonly detected pharmaceutical compounds are susceptible to degradation by UV at disinfection doses. In this paper, the removal of ibuprofen (IBP)—a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)—from synthetic water streams was explored using a lab-scale experimental device, consisting of a batch reactor equipped with a lamp emitting monochromatic UV light at fixed wavelength and intensity (254 nm; 400 mJ m−2). IBP initial concentration (CIBP0) was varied in the range 30–60 mg L−1. The treatment time, the initial IBP concentration, pH and the presence of nitrates were investigated by several sets of experiments in order to study their effect on IBP degradation, showing very promising results. IBP removal of 75% was obtained at pH 6.0 with a concentration of NaNO3 of 10 mg L−1 and at pH 6.6 with an initial concentration of ibuprofen of 60 mg L−1. Moreover, a reaction mechanism has been proposed, which fits well in the experimental results, and the kinetic constants of 0.026 and 0.015 were statistically evaluated.

Moving science forward through: Meta‐analysis

Moving science <i>forward</i> through: Meta‐analysis

An introduction to the wound healing assay using live-cell microscopy

The wound healing assay is used in a range of disciplines to study the coordinated movement of a cell population. In this technical review, we describe the workflow of the wound healing assay as monitored by optical microscopy. Although the assay is straightforward, a lack of standardization in its application makes it difficult to compare results and reproduce experiments among researchers. We recommend general guidelines for consistency, including: (1) sample preparation including the creation of the gap, (2) microscope equipment requirements, (3) image acquisition, and (4) the use of image analysis to measure the gap size and its rate of closure over time. We also describe parameters that are specific to the particular research question, such as seeding density and matrix coatings. All of these parameters must be carefully controlled within a given set of experiments in order to achieve accurate and reproducible results.

The generation of qualitative descriptions of multivariate time series using fuzzy logic

An approach to generating qualitative descriptions of multivariate time series using the ‘Temporal Fuzzy Model’ as an intermediate representation is presented. This model, based on fuzzy logic, allows of representing in a linguistic way, the information contained in multivariate time series. The extraction of qualitative descriptions can then be carried out directly. We present a formal description of the temporal fuzzy models, the induction and inference algorithms associated with them, and a process that acquires text from them. Finally, we present a set of experiments in order to establish a measure of how valid a representation is the model of the multivariate system, and also a second set of experiments that validate the qualitative description process.

Optimization of methanol steam reforming over a Au/CuO–CeO2 catalyst by statistically designed experiments

The catalytic performance for steam reforming of methanol over 5wt.% Au/CuO–CeO2 catalysts prepared by deposition–precipitation was investigated using a statistical set of experiments in order to optimize the methanol conversion with minimal carbon monoxide (CO) selectivity. The operating temperature, steam to methanol (S/M) ratio, liquid feed rate and the catalyst weight to He flow rate (W/F) ratio, were evaluated with a full 24 factorial design experimental matrix with four central points. The liquid feed rate displayed a much greater influence on the response, masking the importance of the other factors. At a fixed low liquid feed rate, only the operating temperature had a significant influence on the methanol conversion, whilst this plus the S/M ratio and their interaction influenced the CO selectivity. A central composite rotatable design was then used to approximate the optimal conditions by simultaneously considering the methanol conversion and CO selectivity. The optimum theoretical conditions were found to lie within an operating temperature of ~295°C to ~307°C and an S/M ratio of ~1.82 to 2.00 (at a liquid feed rate of 1cm3h−1 and a W/F ratio of 0.17gscm−3), in close agreement with the experimental results.

Design Space Approach in Optimization of Fluid Bed Granulation and Tablets Compression Process

The aim of this study was to optimize fluid bed granulation and tablets compression processes using design space approach. Type of diluent, binder concentration, temperature during mixing, granulation and drying, spray rate, and atomization pressure were recognized as critical formulation and process parameters. They were varied in the first set of experiments in order to estimate their influences on critical quality attributes, that is, granules characteristics (size distribution, flowability, bulk density, tapped density, Carr's index, Hausner's ratio, and moisture content) using Plackett-Burman experimental design. Type of diluent and atomization pressure were selected as the most important parameters. In the second set of experiments, design space for process parameters (atomization pressure and compression force) and its influence on tablets characteristics was developed. Percent of paracetamol released and tablets hardness were determined as critical quality attributes. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) were applied in order to determine design space. ANNs models showed that atomization pressure influences mostly on the dissolution profile, whereas compression force affects mainly the tablets hardness. Based on the obtained ANNs models, it is possible to predict tablet hardness and paracetamol release profile for any combination of analyzed factors.

Jetting stability of molten caprolactam in an additive inkjet manufacturing process

This paper proposes a novel additive manufacturing concept which uses inkjet technology to manufacture parts in nylon 6. The methodology involved a series of experiments to investigate whether caprolactam, the monomer of nylon 6, could be jetted in the molten state. Once this was established, further experiments were undertaken to determine the possible boundaries for the process parameters. The main parameters were the vacuum level at which the melt could be controlled for stable jetting, the jetting voltage amplitude and frequency which were investigated against the jet array stability by monitoring the printhead’s nozzle plate. The jet(s) instability behaviour were characterised in different sets of experiments in order to optimise the jetting conditions for the molten caprolactam. The jetting voltage and vacuum level were found to have a significant effect whereas the jetting frequency did not. Instabilities occurred in the form of individual deviating jet trajectory and also jet array failures. These were found to be initiated by air motion when using inappropriate jetting voltage resulting in incorrect jet trajectory. A combination of incorrect jetting voltage and vacuum level led to air bubble entrapment during jetting and, therefore, rapid failure of the jets. Analysis of jet array instability led to a stable process window for further stages of the research on the additive inkjet manufacturing process development.

Scratch tests to contribute designing performance maps of multilayer polymeric coatings

The scratching technique has gained interest in recent times because of the numerous inherent properties implied (adherence, hardness, elasticity, visco-elasticity, cohesion, etc.) during tests. Some singular mechanical responses have been noticed (cyclical slips and unsticking, degradation modes, etc.) and valued on multilayers polymeric coatings. The results allow differentiating them and illustrating the mare resistance for part. Scratch test is identified as one of the most efficient to build coating performance maps. The main purpose of our work related to the characterization of multilayers polymeric coatings, is to determine a set of experiments in order to compare their mar resistance. Experiments are made by indentation (hardness, creep, stress relaxation), scratch test (determination of the critical load), glossy reflection and wear. In this paper we describe the scratch experiments used to compare the mar resistance of the coatings. The parameters recorded are used to build a performance map relative to a specimen and this performance map is used to compare all characteristics of different multilayers coatings. Two organic systems are taken as samples to illustrate it. They are composed of three layers with a common steel sheet substrate and a common PET topcoat. The intermediary layer is soft and thick for the first product while it is hard and thin for the second one. The scratch results combined with other test results in performances maps underline the role of an intermediary layer in order finally to better design multilayer polymeric coatings.

Viscosity in transition zone and lower mantle: Implications for slab penetration

The evolution of a subducting slab is strongly influenced by the viscosity of the mantle which it overlies. However, there is still no consensus about the viscosity in the transition zone and shallower lower mantle. We use a numerical self‐consistent subduction model and run a set of experiments in order to find critical patterns of viscosity that would allow the evolution of the different subduction styles that can actually be found in nature. Our results show that a jump in viscosity of ∼5 times from transition zone to lower mantle gives the most reasonable results. Optimal values of viscosity in the transition zone are in the range of 3 * 1020–1021 Pa s. Higher values would produce piling up of the slab and later sinking or even slab flattening. Lower viscosities result in velocities (&gt;30 cm/yr) that are too high, while the new slab subducts through the upper mantle and transition zone, a phenomenon that is rarely seen in nature. Reduction of the Clapeyron slope, related to the spinel‐perovskite transition, variations in oceanic crustal thickness and in the age of the slab do not influence much the style of subduction. When overriding velocity is applied to the upper plate, the previously penetrating slab tends to lay at the 660 km boundary but does not substantially change the subduction velocity.

Energy Efficient RGBW Pixel Configuration for Light-Emitting Displays

A study on LED displays has been conducted exploring a more efficient method for color generation than the traditional method. The study is comprehensive and thoroughly performed employing various sets of experiments in order to examine the functionality of the new proposed scheme which includes a literature review, theoretical modeling based on a scientific study, experimental data measurements of a developed prototype, and statistical data based on a survey. This study resulted in very interesting outcomes that may lead to a tremendous change in the existing LED display technology.