Intersection SPaT Estimation by means of Single-Source Connected Vehicle Data

The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version.Current traffic management systems in urban networks require real-time estimation of the traffic states. With the development of in-vehicle and communication technologies, connected vehicle data has emerged as a new data source for traffic measurement and estimation. In this work, a machine learning-based methodology for signal phase and timing information (SPaT) which is highly valuable for many applications such as green light optimal advisory systems and real-time vehicle navigation is proposed. The proposed methodology utilizes data from connected vehicles travelling within urban signalized links to estimate the queue tail location, vehicle accumulation, and subsequently, link outflow. Based on the produced high-resolution outflow estimates and data from crossing connected vehicles, SPaT information is estimated via correlation analysis and a machine learning approach. The main contribution is that the single-source proposed approach relies merely on connected vehicle data and requires neither prior information such as intersection cycle time nor data from other sources such as conventional traffic measuring tools. A sample four-leg intersection where each link comprises different number of lanes and experiences different traffic condition is considered as a testbed. The validation of the developed approach has been undertaken by comparing the produced estimates with realistic micro-simulation results as ground truth, and the achieved simulation results are promising even at low penetration rates of connected vehicles

The effect of density and stocking weight on growth rate and production of grey mullet (Mugil cephalus L.)

Around ten thousands fries of Striped grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) with average weight and length of 280 mg and 28.3 mm respectively, imported in March 2008 from Egypt. The wild fries collected from surrounding natural waters of Alexandria. They stocked in four earthen ponds (each with 2500 m2 ) located at the Gomishan shrimp educational centre at late march in 2008. At the first year of culture the densities were 5000 and 10000 individuals per hectare and each treatment with two replicates. At second year, densities changed with 2000 and 2500 individuals per hectares and each of the treatments divided fishes with average primary weights of 80 and 115 grams. They fed twice a day at 8 AM and 2 PM and the amount was 5-7 percents of the fish existent biomass in each ponds. After seven months culture period, the average weight and length of fish in treatment 5000 ind./hec. were 113.7 gr and 21.1 cm respectively and in treatment 10000 ind./hec. the average weight and length were 86.6 gr and 19.6 cm respectively. At first year the average survival rate in different treatments was 77 percent. The average FCR in treatments 5000 and 10000 ind./hec. were 3.4 and 3.9 respectively. At second years after six months culture the average weights in pond no. 9 (with primary weight 115 gr and density 2000 ind./hec) , pond no. 10 (with primary weight 80 gr and density 2000 ind./hec) , pond no. 11 (with primary weight 115 gr and density 2500 ind./hec) and pond no. 12 (with primary weight 80 gr and density 2500 ind./hec) calculated as 476.6 ,338.1, 366.5 and 440 gr respectively. The average survival rate and FCR were 93 % and 3.1 respectively

Mood Disorders and Gluten: It’s Not All in Your Mind! A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Gluten elimination may represent an effective treatment strategy for mood disorders in individuals with gluten-related disorders. However, the directionality of the relationship remains unclear. We performed a systematic review of prospective studies for effects of gluten on mood symptoms in patients with or without gluten-related disorders. Six electronic databases (CINAHL, PsycINFO, Medline, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library) were searched, from inception to 8 August 2018, for prospective studies published in English. Meta-analyses with random-effects were performed. Three randomised-controlled trials and 10 longitudinal studies comprising 1139 participants fit the inclusion criteria. A gluten-free diet (GFD) significantly improved pooled depressive symptom scores in GFD-treated patients (Standardised Mean Difference (SMD) −0.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.55 to −0.20; p < 0.0001), with no difference in mean scores between patients and healthy controls after one year (SMD 0.01, 95% CI −0.18 to 0.20, p = 0.94). There was a tendency towards worsening symptoms for non-coeliac gluten sensitive patients during a blinded gluten challenge vs. placebo (SMD 0.21, 95% CI −0.58 to 0.15; p = 0.25). Our review supports the association between mood disorders and gluten intake in susceptible individuals. The effects of a GFD on mood in subjects without gluten-related disorders should be considered in future research

Demand forecasting by temporal aggregation:Using optimal or multiple aggregation levels?

Recent advances have demonstrated the benefits of temporal aggregation for demand forecasting, including increased accuracy, improved stock control and reduced modelling uncertainty. With temporal aggregation a series is transformed, strengthening or attenuating different elements and thereby enabling better identification of the time series structure. Two different schools of thought have emerged. The first focuses on identifying a single optimal temporal aggregation level at which a forecasting model maximises its accuracy. In contrast, the second approach fits multiple models at multiple levels, each capable of capturing different features of the data. Both approaches have their merits, but so far they have been investigated in isolation. We compare and contrast them from a theoretical and an empirical perspective, discussing the merits of each, comparing the realised accuracy gains under different experimental setups, as well as the implications for business practice. We provide suggestions when to use each for maximising demand forecasting gains

Soil abrasiveness for EPB-TBM along Tehran metro tunnel line 7, Iran

Full-face shielded tunnel boring machines (TBM) including earth pressure balance (EPB) shields have been used almost exclusively for soft ground tunneling because of the many advantages the offer in comparison to the conventional methods. The total number of EPB-TBMs that were utilized for tunneling between 2005 and 2010 is approximately 350 units worldwide as reported by [1]. These machines encounter a wide range of geological conditions and hazards. One of the most critical adverse conditions is encountering abrasive soils and excessive wear on the cutting tools and the cutterhead as has been reported in many EPB tunneling projects worldwide [2], [3]. Inspection and maintenance of cutting tools below the groundwater table is usually performed under hyperbaric conditions where air pressure is used to provide tunnel face stability. This involves creating a plug at the face, removing the spoils (muck), applying compressed air, and allowing the crew into the cutting chamber via an air lock. This entire process can take days to complete. Consequently, the tool inspection and maintenance in soft ground tunneling is a time consuming, risky, dangerous, and costly [4]. Abrasiveness of soil and rock is a factor with considerable influence on the wear of tools. The wear of excavation tools is an important measurable indicator of rock and soil excavation in tunnelling, in addition to the volume of material excavated (Fig. 1). [5]. In mechanized tunneling the term wear is classified into two categories, primary wear and secondary wear. Primary wear is an expected type of wear that can occur on several parts of the excavation tools, such as drag bits, disc cutters, scrapers and buckets, etc. Secondary wear, on the other hand, is an unplanned type of wear that affects the cutterhead spokes, cutter saddles, bulkheads and also much conveyance parts such as the screw conveyor. The first type of wear requires replacement at appropriate intervals whereas the second type is not and therefore the parts are not anticipated to be replaced regularly. As such the TBM performance may be affected significantly if sever secondary wear occurs [6]. In this paper, an investigation was undertaken to discern the main cause of the observed wear on EPB-TBM of Tehran Metro Line 7 (North-South lot). The wear potential of soils and rocks are assessed with respect to approach on the matter was introduced by [5] and Cerchar test, respectively

Modeling and predicting drug pharmacokinetics in patients with renal impairment

Current guidance issued by the US FDA to assess the impact of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of a drug under development has recently been updated to include evaluation of drugs with nonrenal elimination routes. Renal impairment not only affects elimination of the drug in the kidney, but also the nonrenal route of drugs that are extensively metabolized in the liver. Renal failure may influence hepatic drug metabolism either by inducing or suppressing hepatic enzymes, or by its effects on other variables such as protein binding, hepatic blood flow and accumulation of metabolites. Prior simulation of the potential exposure of individuals with renal impairment may help in the selection of a safe and effective dosage regimen. In this article, we discuss the application of a systems biology approach to simulate drug disposition in subjects with renal impairment. © 2011 Expert Reviews Ltd

Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity and Diagnostic Challenges

Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), also referred to as non-celiac wheat sensitivity (NCWS), is a clinical syndrome characterized by both intestinal and extra-intestinal symptoms responsive to the withdrawal of gluten-containing food from the diet. The aim of this review is to summarize recent advances in research and provide a brief overview of the history of the condition for the benefit of professionals working in gastroenterology. Academic databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar were searched using key words such as ”non-celiac gluten sensitivity”, “gluten related disorders”, and the studies outlined in reference page were selected and analysed. Most of the analysed studiers agree that NCGS would need to be diagnosed only after exclusion of celiac disease and wheat allergy, and that a reliable serological marker is not available presently. The mechanisms causing symptoms in NCGS after gluten ingestion are largely unknown, but recent advances have begun to offer novel insights. The estimated prevalence of NCGS, at present, varies between 0.6 and 6%. There is an overlap between irritable bowel syndrome and NCGS with regard to the similarity of gastrointestinal symptoms. The histologic characteristics of NCGS are still under investigation, ranging from normal histology to slight increase in the number of T lymphocytes in the superficial epithelium of villi. Positive response to gluten free diet for a limited period (e.g., 6 weeks), followed by the reappearance of symptoms after gluten challenge appears, at this moment, to be the best approach for confirming diagnosis. The Salerno expert criteria may help to diagnose NCGS accurately in particular for research purposes but it has limited applicability in clinical practice

Mesoporous Coatings with Simultaneous Light‐Triggered Transition of Water Imbibition and Droplet Coalescence

A systematic study of gating water infiltration and condensation into ceramic nanopores by carefully adjusting the wetting properties of mesoporous films using photoactive spiropyran is presented. Contact angle measurements from the side reveal significant changes in wettability after irradiation due to spiropyran/merocyanine-isomerization, which induce a wetting transition from dry to wet pores. The change in wettability allows the control of water imbibition in the nanopores and is reflected by the formation of an imbibition ring around a droplet. Furthermore, the photoresponsive wettability is able to overcome pinning effects and cause a movement of a droplet contact line, facilitating droplet coalescence, as recorded by high-speed imaging. The absorbed light not only effectuates droplet merging but also causes flows inside the drop due to heat absorption by the spiropyran, which results in gradients in the surface tension. IR imaging and particle tracking is used to investigate the heat absorption and temperature-induced flows, respectively. These flows can be used to manipulate, for example, molecular movement inside water and deposition inside solid mesoporous materials and are therefore of great importance for nanofluidic devices as well as for future water management concepts, which include filtering by imbibition and collection by droplet coalescence. © 2021 The Authors. Advanced Materials Interfaces published by Wiley-VCH Gmb

Novel approaches in cancer management with circulating tumor cell clusters

© 2019 The Authors Tumor metastasis is responsible for the vast majority of cancer-associated morbidities and mortalities. Recent studies have disclosed the higher metastatic potential of circulating tumor cell (CTC) clusters than single CTCs. Despite long-term study on metastasis, the characterizations of its most potent cellular drivers, i.e., CTC clusters have only recently been investigated. The analysis of CTC clusters offers new intuitions into the mechanism of tumor metastasis and can lead to the development of cancer diagnosis and prognosis, drug screening, detection of gene mutations, and anti-metastatic therapeutics. In recent years, considerable attention has been dedicated to the development of efficient methods to separate CTC clusters from the patients’ blood, mainly through micro technologies based on biological and physical principles. In this review, we summarize recent developments in CTC clusters with a particular emphasis on passive separation methods that specifically have been developed for CTC clusters or have the potential for CTC cluster separation. Methods such as liquid biopsy are of paramount importance for commercialized healthcare settings. Furthermore, the role of CTC clusters in metastasis, their physical and biological characteristics, clinical applications and current challenges of this biomarker are thoroughly discussed. The current review can shed light on the development of more efficient CTC cluster separation method that will enhance the pivotal understanding of the metastatic process and may be practical in contriving new strategies to control and suppress cancer and metastasis