bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Simulated Nitrogen Deposition on the Bacterial Community of Urban Green Spaces
Authors: Mo Lingzi , Zanella Augusto , Chen Xiaohua , Peng Bin , Lin Jiahui , Su Jiaxuan , Luo Xinghao , Xu Guoliang , Squartini Andrea
Published: January 2021

Continuing nitrogen (N) deposition has a wide-ranging impact on terrestrial ecosystems. To test the hypothesis that, under N deposition, bacterial communities could suffer a negative impact, and in a relatively short timeframe, an experiment was carried out for a year in an urban area featuring a cover of Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) and simulating environmental N deposition. NH4NO3 was added as external N source, with four dosages (N0 = 0 kg N ha−2 y−1, N1 = 50 kg N ha−2 y−1, N2 = 100 kg N ha−2 y−1, N3 = 150 kg N ha−2 y−1). We analyzed the bacterial community composition after soil DNA extraction through the pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene amplicons. N deposition resulted in soil bacterial community changes at a clear dosage-dependent rate. Soil bacterial diversity and evenness showed a clear trend of time-dependent decline under repeated N application. Ammonium nitrogen enrichment, either directly or in relation to pH decrease, resulted in the main environmental factor related to the shift of taxa proportions within the urban green space soil bacterial community and qualified as a putative important driver of bacterial diversity abatement. Such an impact on soil life induced by N deposition may pose a serious threat to urban soil ecosystem stability and surrounding areas.
Porous Silicon Biosensor for the Detection of Bacteria through Their Lysate
Authors: Vercauteren Roselien , Leprince Audrey , Mahillon Jacques , Francis Laurent A.
Published: January 2021

Porous silicon (PSi) has been widely used as a biosensor in recent years due to its large surface area and its optical properties. Most PSi biosensors consist in close-ended porous layers, and, because of the diffusion-limited infiltration of the analyte, they lack sensitivity and speed of response. In order to overcome these shortcomings, PSi membranes (PSiMs) have been fabricated using electrochemical etching and standard microfabrication techniques. In this work, PSiMs have been used for the optical detection of Bacillus cereus lysate. Before detection, the bacteria are selectively lysed by PlyB221, an endolysin encoded by the bacteriophage Deep-Blue targeting B. cereus. The detection relies on the infiltration of bacterial lysate inside the membrane, which induces a shift of the effective optical thickness. The biosensor was able to detect a B. cereus bacterial lysate, with an initial bacteria concentration of 105 colony forming units per mL (CFU/mL), in only 1 h. This proof-of-concept also illustrates the specificity of the lysis before detection. Not only does this detection platform enable the fast detection of bacteria, but the same technique can be extended to other bacteria using selective lysis, as demonstrated by the detection of Staphylococcus epidermidis, selectively lysed by lysostaphin.
Breakdowns in Informativeness of Naturalistic Speech Production in Primary Progressive Aphasia
Authors: Gallée Jeanne , Cordella Claire , Fedorenko Evelina , Hochberg Daisy , Touroutoglou Alexandra , Quimby Megan , Dickerson Bradford C.
Published: January 2021

“Functional communication” refers to an individual’s ability to communicate effectively in his or her everyday environment, and thus is a paramount skill to monitor and target therapeutically in people with aphasia. However, traditional controlled-paradigm assessments commonly used in both research and clinical settings often fail to adequately capture this ability. In the current study, facets of functional communication were measured from picture-elicited speech samples from 70 individuals with mild primary progressive aphasia (PPA), including the three variants, and 31 age-matched controls. Building upon methods recently used by Berube et al. (2019), we measured the informativeness of speech by quantifying the content of each patient’s description that was relevant to a picture relative to the total amount of speech they produced. Importantly, form-based errors, such as mispronunciations of words, unusual word choices, or grammatical mistakes are not penalized in this approach. We found that the relative informativeness, or efficiency, of speech was preserved in non-fluent variant PPA patients as compared with controls, whereas the logopenic and semantic variant PPA patients produced significantly less informative output. Furthermore, reduced informativeness in the semantic variant is attributable to a lower production of content units and a propensity for self-referential tangents, whereas for the logopenic variant, a lower production of content units and relatively ”empty” speech and false starts contribute to this reduction. These findings demonstrate that functional communication impairment does not uniformly affect all the PPA variants and highlight the utility of naturalistic speech analysis for measuring the breakdown of functional communication in PPA.
Sooo Sweeet! Presence of Long Vowels in Brand Names Lead to Expectations of Sweetness
Authors: Pathak Abhishek , Calvert Gemma Anne
Published: January 2021

Throughout the history of languages, poets and writers have used linguistic tools to enhance euphony in their creations. One of the widely used tools to convey melody in any written (or spoken) creative art form is the use of long vowels. This paper examines the linkages between long (vs. short) vowel sounds and taste expectations of sweetness. Across four studies, we demonstrate that people expect products with brand names containing long vowels to taste sweeter than those including short vowel sounds. In studies 1 and 2, we demonstrate this association with the use of self-reported measures, and in studies 3 and 4, we employ indirect measures (implicit taste–shape correspondence and Single Category Implicit Association Test (SC-IAT) paradigm) to show the effect holds at a subconscious level of processing. Previous research in this field has typically linked vowel position (high vs. low or front vs. back) with product or brand attribute expectations. This paper contributes to the growing body of literature in this field by demonstrating the importance of vowel length in sound symbolism, and more precisely, how it pertains to the taste continuum.
Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Identification of Novel Metabolic Circuits of Potential Diagnostic Utility
Authors: Jiménez Beatriz , Abellona U Mei Ran , Drymousis Panagiotis , Kyriakides Michael , Clift Ashley K. , Liu Daniel S. K. , Rees Eleanor , Holmes Elaine , Nicholson Jeremy K. , Kinross James M. , Frilling Andrea
Published: January 2021

The incidence of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) is increasing, but established biomarkers have poor diagnostic and prognostic accuracy. Here, we aim to define the systemic metabolic consequences of NEN and to establish the diagnostic utility of proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR) for NEN in a prospective cohort of patients through a single-centre, prospective controlled observational study. Urine samples of 34 treatment-naïve NEN patients (median age: 59.3 years, range: 36–85): 18 had pancreatic (Pan) NEN, of which seven were functioning; 16 had small bowel (SB) NEN; 20 age- and sex-matched healthy control individuals were analysed using a 600 MHz Bruker 1H-NMR spectrometer. Orthogonal partial-least-squares-discriminant analysis models were able to discriminate both PanNEN and SBNEN patients from healthy control (Healthy vs. PanNEN: AUC = 0.90, Healthy vs. SBNEN: AUC = 0.90). Secondary metabolites of tryptophan, such as trigonelline and a niacin-related metabolite were also identified to be universally decreased in NEN patients, while upstream metabolites, such as kynurenine, were elevated in SBNEN. Hippurate, a gut-derived metabolite, was reduced in all patients, whereas other gut microbial co-metabolites, trimethylamine-N-oxide, 4-hydroxyphenylacetate and phenylacetylglutamine, were elevated in those with SBNEN. These findings suggest the existence of a new systems-based neuroendocrine circuit, regulated in part by cancer metabolism, neuroendocrine signalling molecules and gut microbial co-metabolism. Metabonomic profiling of NEN has diagnostic potential and could be used for discovering biomarkers for these tumours. These preliminary data require confirmation in a larger cohort.
Therapeutic Implications of TGFβ in Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gómez-Gil Verónica
Published: January 2021

Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is a pleiotropic cytokine that participates in a wide range of biological functions. The alterations in the expression levels of this factor, or the deregulation of its signaling cascade, can lead to different pathologies, including cancer. A great variety of therapeutic strategies targeting TGFβ, or the members included in its signaling pathway, are currently being researched in cancer treatment. However, the dual role of TGFβ, as a tumor suppressor or a tumor-promoter, together with its crosstalk with other signaling pathways, has hampered the development of safe and effective treatments aimed at halting the cancer progression. This systematic literature review aims to provide insight into the different approaches available to regulate TGFβ and/or the molecules involved in its synthesis, activation, or signaling, as a cancer treatment. The therapeutic strategies most commonly investigated include antisense oligonucleotides, which prevent TGFβ synthesis, to molecules that block the interaction between TGFβ and its signaling receptors, together with inhibitors of the TGFβ signaling cascade-effectors. The effectiveness and possible complications of the different potential therapies available are also discussed.
Targeting DNA Repair and Chromatin Crosstalk in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Johnson Danielle P. , Chandrasekharan Mahesh B. , Dutreix Marie , Bhaskara Srividya
Published: January 2021

Aberrant DNA repair pathways that underlie developmental diseases and cancers are potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Targeting DNA repair signal effectors, modulators and checkpoint proteins, and utilizing the synthetic lethality phenomena has led to seminal discoveries. Efforts to efficiently translate the basic findings to the clinic are currently underway. Chromatin modulation is an integral part of DNA repair cascades and an emerging field of investigation. Here, we discuss some of the key advancements made in DNA repair-based therapeutics and what is known regarding crosstalk between chromatin and repair pathways during various cellular processes, with an emphasis on cancer.
Analyses of the Effect of Peptidoglycan on Photocatalytic Bactericidal Activity Using Different Growth Phases Cells of Gram-Positive Bacterium and Spheroplast Cells of Gram-Negative Bacterium
Authors: Saikachi Akane , Sugasawara Kotone , Suzuki Tomonori
Published: January 2021

We conducted photocatalytic experiments focusing on the peptidoglycan layer to elucidate the details of the mechanism of photocatalytic sterilization. The previous study of our laboratory suggested that the presence of the peptidoglycan layer increases the bactericidal effect. To further verify it, the following experiments were performed: experiments on cells with different peptidoglycan layer thickness used Lactobacillus plantarum cells with different growth phases, experiments on cells with the thin peptidoglycan layer used Escherichia coli cells and spheroplast cells from which the peptidoglycan layer was removed from E. coli cells. The bactericidal effects increased as the growth progresses of L. plantarum. It was confirmed by TEM that the thickness of the peptidoglycan layer increased with cell growth. The survival rates of E. coli intact cells were significantly lower than those of spheroplast cells. These results strongly suggest that the peptidoglycan layer enhances the photocatalytic bactericidal effect. As a result of allowing the photocatalytic reaction to act on peptidoglycan, the amount of hydroxyl radical was smaller, and the amount of hydrogen peroxide was higher than in the absence of peptidoglycan. It is suggested that peptidoglycan may convert produced hydroxyl radical to hydrogen peroxide.
Lipoprotein Lipase Regulates Microglial Lipid Droplet Accumulation
Authors: Loving Bailey A. , Tang Maoping , Neal Mikaela C. , Gorkhali Sachi , Murphy Robert , Eckel Robert H. , Bruce Kimberley D.
Published: January 2021

Microglia become increasingly dysfunctional with aging and contribute to the onset of neurodegenerative disease (NDs) through defective phagocytosis, attenuated cholesterol efflux, and excessive secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Dysfunctional microglia also accumulate lipid droplets (LDs); however, the mechanism underlying increased LD load is unknown. We have previously shown that microglia lacking lipoprotein lipase (LPL KD) are polarized to a pro-inflammatory state and have impaired lipid uptake and reduced fatty acid oxidation (FAO). Here, we also show that LPL KD microglia show excessive accumulation of LD-like structures. Moreover, LPL KD microglia display a pro-inflammatory lipidomic profile, increased cholesterol ester (CE) content, and reduced cholesterol efflux at baseline. We also show reduced expression of genes within the canonical cholesterol efflux pathway. Importantly, PPAR agonists (rosiglitazone and bezafibrate) rescued the LD-associated phenotype in LPL KD microglia. These data suggest that microglial-LPL is associated with lipid uptake, which may drive PPAR signaling and cholesterol efflux to prevent inflammatory lipid distribution and LD accumulation. Moreover, PPAR agonists can reverse LD accumulation, and therefore may be beneficial in aging and in the treatment of NDs.
Understanding Suicide in Our Community through the Lens of the Pediatric ICU: An Epidemiological Review (2011–2017) of One Midwestern City in the US
Authors: Kampfschulte Andrew , Oram Matthew , Escobar Vasco Alejandra M. , Essenmacher Brittany , Herbig Amy , Behere Aniruddh , Leimanis-Laurens Mara L. , Rajasekaran Surender
Published: January 2021

Suicide frequency has tripled for some pediatric age groups over the last decade, of which, serious attempts result in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions. We paired clinical, aggregate geospatial, and temporal demographics to understand local community variables to determine if epidemiological patterns emerge that associate with risk for PICU admission. Data were extracted at an urban, high-volume, quaternary care facility from January 2011 to December 2017 via ICD 10 codes associated with suicide. Clinical, socioeconomic, geographical, and temporal variables were reviewed. In total, 1036 patients over the age of 9 were included, of which n = 161 were PICU admissions. Females represented higher proportions of all suicide-related hospital admissions (67.9%). Looking at race/ethnicity, PICU admissions were largely Caucasian (83.2%); Blacks and Hispanics had lower odds of PICU admissions (OR: 0.49; 0.17, respectively). PICU-admitted patients were older (16.0 vs. 15.5; p = 0.0001), with lower basal metabolic index (23.0 vs. 22.0; p = 0.0013), and presented in summer months (OR: 1.51, p = 0.044). Time-series decomposition showed seasonal peaks in June and August. Local regions outside the city limits identified higher numbers of PICU admissions. PICUs serve discrete geographical regions and are a source of information, when paired with clinical geospatial/seasonal analyses, highlighting clinical and societal risk factors associated with PICU admissions.
Flowable Urethane Dimethacrylate-Based Filler for Root Canal Obturation in Primary Molars: A Pilot SEM and microCT Assessment
Authors: Drukteinis Saulius , Drukteiniene Audra , Drukteinis Lesbia , Martens Luc C. , Rajasekharan Sivaprakash
Published: January 2021

Pulpectomy in deciduous teeth involves endodontic access opening, root canal debridement and obturation with an appropriate filling material. EndoREZ (ER) is the urethane dimethacrylate-based filler, which can be used for root canal obturation in permanent and primary teeth. This observation aimed to evaluate the behavior of the ER as a filler in root canals of two primary molars after the physiological resorption process using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and micro-computed tomography (µCT) in second lower molars after their natural exfoliation. The SEM analysis revealed a non-uniform, porous and lacunary structure of ER, visually similar to the resorbed surface of the dentine. The µCT observations demonstrated the differences in the resorption level of the root and material surfaces. The preliminary observations suggest that ER is resorbed faster than root tissues and can therefore be a suitable material for the root canal filling in primary teeth. However, more investigations are needed to support these preliminary findings.
Activities of Daily Living, Playfulness and Sensory Processing in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Spanish Study
Authors: Yela-González Nuria , Santamaría-Vázquez Montserrat , Ortiz-Huerta Juan Hilario
Published: January 2021

The purposes of the study were to identify whether differences exist between Spanish children with ASD and neurotypical development in relation to Activities of Daily Living (ADL), playfulness, and sensory processing; as well as to confirm whether a relation exists between those areas and sensory processing. Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study. Methods: Forty children, 20 with a diagnosis of ASD and 20 with neurotypical development, were recruited. The measurement tools used were the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), Test of Playfulness (ToP), and Sensory Processing Measure (SPM). Results: The sensory processing of children with ASD were related to decreased functional skills performance of ADL (F = 94.4, p = 0.00) and playfulness (p = 0.00) than neurotypical children; in addition, the problems of sensory reactivity were associated with worse development in these occupational areas (p = 0.00 for both Spearman correlations). Conclusions: Children with ASD present worse performance of functional skills and playfulness than neurotypical ones. Likewise, sensory reactivity is related to the development in the occupational areas.
A Mediation Analysis of the Association between Fundamental Motor Skills and Physical Activity during Middle Childhood
Authors: Gu Xiangli , Tamplain Priscila M. , Chen Weiyun , Zhang Tao , Keller M. Jean , Wang Jing
Published: January 2021

The purposes of the study were: (1) to investigate the associations between fundamental motor skills (FMS), health-related fitness (HRF) and physical activity (PA) during middle childhood; and (2) to examine whether HRF serves as a mediator in these pathways. The participants were 342 children (156 girls; Mage = 8.40, SD = 0.50) recruited in Texas. Children’s FMS (locomotor and ball skills) were assessed. School-based PA that included light, moderate, and vigorous PA was captured by accelerometers. The FITNESSGRAM battery was used to measure children’s HRF, including body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscular fitness. Structural equation models were used to evaluate two proposed models (model-1 = FMS»HRF»PA; model-2 = PA»HRF»FMS). Both locomotor and ball skills were associated with all components of HRF (p < 0.01), but not PA. The SEM analyses supported associations between FMS, HRF and PA, with sound goodness-of-fit indices: (1) model-1: CFI = 0.95; RMSEA = 0.072; and (2) model-2: CFI = 0.95; RMSEA = 0.071, respectively. The relationship between FMS and PA was fully mediated by the HRF in both directions. The behavioral mechanism (e.g., maintaining appropriate levels of HRF) provides meaningful insights to understand the obesity trajectory during middle childhood.
“Your Friends Do Matter”: Peer Group Talk in Adolescence and Gender Violence Victimization
Authors: Racionero-Plaza Sandra , Duque Elena , Padrós Maria , Molina Roldán Silvia
Published: January 2021

Research on gender violence has identified as one main component leading to gender violence a dominant socialization process which associates attractiveness to men who show violent behaviors and attitudes, while egalitarian and non-violent men are emptied of attractiveness. This is known as coercive dominant discourse. Starting from the evidence that the peer group is a main context of socialization in adolescence, quantitative data were collected from six classes of secondary education (14–15-year-old adolescents) to explore whether the coercive dominant discourse is displayed in social interactions in the peer group and, if so, how it influences attractiveness patterns and sexual-affective behavior in adolescence. The analyses reveal that the coercive dominant discourse is often reproduced in the peer group interactions, creating group pressure, and pushing some girls to violent relationships. Alternative ways of interaction are also reported, which allow a socialization leading to more freedom, less coercion, and more healthy relationships.
Nanotubular Oxide Layer Formed on Helix Surfaces of Dental Screw Implants
Authors: Jażdżewska Magdalena , Bartmański Michał
Published: January 2021

Surface modification is used to extend the life of implants. To increase the corrosion resistance and improve the biocompatibility of metal implant materials, oxidation of the Ti-13Nb-13Zr titanium alloy was used. The samples used for the research had the shape of a helix with a metric thread, with their geometry imitating a dental implant. The oxide layer was produced by a standard electrochemical method in an environment of 1M H3PO4 + 0.3% HF for 20 min, at a constant voltage of 30 V. The oxidized samples were analyzed with a scanning electron microscope. Nanotubular oxide layers with internal diameters of 30–80 nm were found. An analysis of the surface topography was performed using an optical microscope, and the Sa parameter was determined for the top of the helix and for the bottom, where a significant difference in value was observed. The presence of the modification layer, visible at the bottom of the helix, was confirmed by analyzing the sample cross-sections using computed tomography. Corrosion tests performed in the artificial saliva solution demonstrated higher corrosion current and less noble corrosion potential due to incomplete surface coverage and pitting. Necessary improved oxidation parameters will be applied in future work.
Survival Impact of Aggressive Treatment and PD-L1 Expression in Oligometastatic NSCLC
Authors: Gauvin Camille , Krishnan Vimal , Kaci Imane , Tran-Thanh Danh , Bédard Karine , Albadine Roula , Leduc Charles , Gaboury Louis , Blais Normand , Tehfe Mustapha , Routy Bertrand , Florescu Marie
Published: January 2021

Background: Studies have shown that aggressive treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with oligometastatic disease improves the overall survival (OS) compared to a palliative approach and some immunotherapy checkpoint inhibitors, such as anti-programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), and T-Lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) inhibitors are now part of the standard of care for advanced NSCLC. However, the prognostic impact of PD-L1 expression in the oligometastatic setting remains unknown. Methods: Patients with oligometastatic NSCLC were identified from the patient database of the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM). “Oligometastatic disease” definition chosen is one synchronous metastasis based on the M1b staging of the eight IASLC (The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer) Classification (within sixth months of diagnosis) or up to three cerebral metastasis based on the methodology of the previous major phase II randomized study of Gomez et al. We compared the OS between patients receiving aggressive treatment at both metastatic and primary sites (Group A) and patients receiving non-aggressive treatment (Group B). Subgroup analysis was performed using tumor PD-L1 expression. Results: Among 643 metastatic NSCLC patients, we identified 67 patients with oligometastasis (10%). Median follow-up was 13.3 months. Twenty-nine patients (43%) received radical treatment at metastatic and primary sites (Group A), and 38 patients (57%) received non-aggressive treatment (Group B). The median OS (mOS) of Group A was significantly longer than for Group B (26 months vs. 5 months, p = 0.0001). Median progression-free survival (mPFS) of Group A was superior than Group B (17.5 months vs. 3.4 months, p = 0.0001). This difference was still significant when controlled for primary tumor staging: stage I (p = 0.316), stage II (p = 0.024), and stage III (p = 0.001). In the cohort of patients who were not treated with PD-L1 inhibitors, PD-L1 expression negatively correlated with mOS. Conclusions: Aggressive treatments of oligometastatic NSCLC significantly improve mOS and mPFS compared to a more palliative approach. PD-L1 expression is a negative prognostic factor which suggests a possible role for immunotherapy in this setting.
Comparing Manufacturer Submitted and Pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review Reanalysed Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratios for Novel Oncology Drugs
Authors: Saluja Ronak , Jiao Tina , Koshy Liza , Cheung Matthew , Chan Kelvin K. W.
Published: January 2021

Background: To determine the magnitude of difference between manufacturer-submitted and pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review (pCODR) calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), incremental cost (ΔC), and incremental effectiveness (ΔE); to examine whether there is a significant difference in the proportion of ICERs deemed cost-effective; to evaluate trends in the ICERs over time; and to identify methodological issues in manufacturer-submitted economic models. Methods: Economic guidance reports for all drug indications submitted from July 2011–November 2018 were extracted from the pCODR database. Cumulative distribution plots were constructed to compare the manufacturer-submitted economic values with both the pCODR lower- and upper-reanalyzed estimates. The proportion of drug reviews considered cost-effective at varying willingness-to-pay (WTP) thresholds by the manufacturer and pCODR were calculated. Manufacturer changes in ICERs over time from 2012 to 2018 were determined. Recurring methodological issues with manufacturer submissions were tallied. Results: There were 73 unique indications that were included. Manufacturer-submitted ICERs were consistently lower than pCODR estimates for most indications. Manufacturer-submitted ICERs were generally more cost-effective over a range of WTP thresholds. From 2012 to 2018, manufacturer and economic guidance panel (EGP) lower limit reanalyzed ICERs did not change significantly over time. However, EGP upper limit re-analyses did show decreasing cost-effectiveness (increasing ICERs). The two most common issues identified in the manufacturer-submitted models were related to survival time horizon and utility estimates. Conclusions: Manufacturers tend to overestimate the cost-effectiveness of their therapies when submitting economic models to pCODR. Although certain methodological issues are still common in manufacturer-submitted models, revision rates are high for most issues raised by pCODR.
Advancing the Field of Pediatric Exercise Oncology: Research and Innovation Needs
Authors: Wurz Amanda , McLaughlin Emma , Chamorro Viña Carolina , Grimshaw Sarah L. , Hamari Lotta , Götte Miriam , Kesting Sabine , Rossi Francesca , van der Torre Patrick , Guilcher Gregory M. T. , McIntyre Krista , Culos-Reed S. Nicole
Published: January 2021

The field of pediatric exercise oncology explores the relationships between physical activity (PA), including exercise, and a range of outcomes among children and adolescents affected by cancer. Although PA is safe and beneficial for this population, several important gaps in knowledge and practice remain. In this article, we describe research and innovation needs that were developed with a team of international experts and relevant literature, a series of online surveys, and an in-person meeting. Addressing these needs will contribute valuable knowledge and practice outputs to advance this field, ultimately enabling a greater number of children and adolescents affected by cancer to realize the benefits of moving more.
Data for Sustainable Platform Economy: Connections between Platform Models and Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Fuster Morell Mayo , Espelt Ricard , Senabre Hidalgo Enric
Published: January 2021

In recent years, the platform economy has been recognised by researchers and governments around the world for its potential to contribute to the sustainable development of society. Yet, platform economy cases such as Uber, Airbnb, and Deliveroo have created a huge controversy over their socioeconomic impact, while other alternative models have been associated with a new form of cooperativism. In parallel, the United Nations are advocating global sustainable development by promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), considering elements such as decent work, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, and fostering innovation. In any case, the SDGs have been also criticised for the lack of digital perspective. This dataset draws from two 2020 European projects’ (DECODE and PLUS) data collections and presents the possibility to compare different platform economy models and their connections with the SDGs.
Characteristics of Recent Aftershocks Sequences (2014, 2015, 2018) Derived from New Seismological and Geodetic Data on the Ionian Islands, Greece
Authors: Moshou Alexandra , Argyrakis Panagiotis , Konstantaras Antonios , Daverona Anna-Christina , Sagias Nikos C.
Published: January 2021

In 2014–2018, four strong earthquakes occurred in the Ionian Sea, Greece. After these events, a rich aftershock sequence followed. More analytically, according to the manual solutions of the National Observatory of Athens, the first event occurred on 26 January 2014 in Cephalonia Island with magnitude ML = 5.8, followed by another in the same region on 3 February 2014 with magnitude ML = 5.7. The third event occurred on 17 November 2015, ML = 6.0 in Lefkas Island and the last on 25 October 2018, ML = 6.6 in Zakynthos Island. The first three of these earthquakes caused moderate structural damages, mainly in houses and produced particular unrest to the local population. This work determines a seismic moment tensor for both large and intermediate magnitude earthquakes (M > 4.0). Geodetic data from permanent GPS stations were analyzed to investigate the displacement due to the earthquakes.
A Simplified Fractional Order PID Controller’s Optimal Tuning: A Case Study on a PMSM Speed Servo
Authors: Zheng Weijia , Luo Ying , Chen YangQuan , Wang Xiaohong
Published: January 2021

A simplified fractional order PID (FOPID) controller is proposed by the suitable definition of the parameter relation with the optimized changeable coefficient. The number of the pending controller parameters is reduced, but all the proportional, integral, and derivative components are kept. The estimation model of the optimal relation coefficient between the controller parameters is established, according to which the optimal FOPID controller parameters can be calculated analytically. A case study is provided, focusing on the practical application of the simplified FOPID controller to a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) speed servo. The dynamic performance of the simplified FOPID control system is tested by motor speed control simulation and experiments. Comparisons are performed between the control systems using the proposed method and those using some other existing methods. According to the simulation and experimental results, the simplified FOPID control system achieves the optimal dynamic performance. Therefore, the validity of the proposed controller structure and tuning method is demonstrated.
Four-Level Quasi-Nested Inverter Topology for Single-Phase Applications
Authors: Reusser Carlos A. , Young Hector
Published: January 2021

In this paper, a novel four-level single-phase multilevel converter is introduced, consisting of six active switches arranged in a quasi-nested configuration. The proposed topology synthesizes its output voltage levels with respect to a floating neutral point, using four cascaded capacitors with identical voltage levels. The proposed converter contains a reduced number of components compared to the neutral point clamped (NPC) or active-NPC topologies (ANPC) for the same number of output voltage levels, since it does not require diode or active switch clamping to a neutral point. Moreover, no floating capacitors with asymmetric voltage levels are employed, thereby simplifying the capacitor voltage balancing. The switching operation principles, modulation technique and control scheme for supplying a single-phase resistive-inductive load are addressed in detail. The proposed four-level inverter allows generating an additional output voltage level with the same semiconductor count as conventional three-level inverters such as NPC and ANPC which allows a superior waveform quality, with a THDv reduction of 32.69% in comparison the clamped inverters. Experimental tests carried out in a laboratory-scale setup verify the feasibility of the proposed topology.
Speech Processing for Language Learning: A Practical Approach to Computer-Assisted Pronunciation Teaching
Authors: Bogach Natalia , Boitsova Elena , Chernonog Sergey , Lamtev Anton , Lesnichaya Maria , Lezhenin Iurii , Novopashenny Andrey , Svechnikov Roman , Tsikach Daria , Vasiliev Konstantin , Pyshkin Evgeny , Blake John
Published: January 2021

This article contributes to the discourse on how contemporary computer and information technology may help in improving foreign language learning not only by supporting better and more flexible workflow and digitizing study materials but also through creating completely new use cases made possible by technological improvements in signal processing algorithms. We discuss an approach and propose a holistic solution to teaching the phonological phenomena which are crucial for correct pronunciation, such as the phonemes; the energy and duration of syllables and pauses, which construct the phrasal rhythm; and the tone movement within an utterance, i.e., the phrasal intonation. The working prototype of StudyIntonation Computer-Assisted Pronunciation Training (CAPT) system is a tool for mobile devices, which offers a set of tasks based on a “listen and repeat” approach and gives the audio-visual feedback in real time. The present work summarizes the efforts taken to enrich the current version of this CAPT tool with two new functions: the phonetic transcription and rhythmic patterns of model and learner speech. Both are designed on a base of a third-party automatic speech recognition (ASR) library Kaldi, which was incorporated inside StudyIntonation signal processing software core. We also examine the scope of automatic speech recognition applicability within the CAPT system workflow and evaluate the Levenstein distance between the transcription made by human experts and that obtained automatically in our code. We developed an algorithm of rhythm reconstruction using acoustic and language ASR models. It is also shown that even having sufficiently correct production of phonemes, the learners do not produce a correct phrasal rhythm and intonation, and therefore, the joint training of sounds, rhythm and intonation within a single learning environment is beneficial. To mitigate the recording imperfections voice activity detection (VAD) is applied to all the speech records processed. The try-outs showed that StudyIntonation can create transcriptions and process rhythmic patterns, but some specific problems with connected speech transcription were detected. The learners feedback in the sense of pronunciation assessment was also updated and a conventional mechanism based on dynamic time warping (DTW) was combined with cross-recurrence quantification analysis (CRQA) approach, which resulted in a better discriminating ability. The CRQA metrics combined with those of DTW were shown to add to the accuracy of learner performance estimation. The major implications for computer-assisted English pronunciation teaching are discussed.
The LVRT Control Scheme for PMSG-Based Wind Turbine Generator Based on the Coordinated Control of Rotor Overspeed and Supercapacitor Energy Storage
Authors: Yan Xiangwu , Yang Linlin , Li Tiecheng
Published: January 2021

With the increasing penetration level of wind turbine generators (WTGs) integrated into the power system, the WTGs are enforced to aid network and fulfill the low voltage ride through (LVRT) requirements during faults. To enhance LVRT capability of permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG)-based WTG connected to the grid, this paper presents a novel coordinated control scheme named overspeed-while-storing control for PMSG-based WTG. The proposed control scheme purely regulates the rotor speed to reduce the input power of the machine-side converter (MSC) during slight voltage sags. Contrarily, when the severe voltage sag occurs, the coordinated control scheme sets the rotor speed at the upper-limit to decrease the input power of the MSC at the greatest extent, while the surplus power is absorbed by the supercapacitor energy storage (SCES) so as to reduce its maximum capacity. Moreover, the specific capacity configuration scheme of SCES is detailed in this paper. The effectiveness of the overspeed-while-storing control in enhancing the LVRT capability is validated under different levels of voltage sags and different fault types in MATLAB/Simulink.
Reduction of Power Imbalances Using Battery Energy Storage System in a Bulk Power System with Extremely Large Photovoltaics Interactions
Authors: Udawalpola Rajitha , Masuta Taisuke , Yoshioka Taisei , Takahashi Kohei , Ohtake Hideaki
Published: January 2021

Power imbalances such as power shortfalls and photovoltaic (PV) curtailments have become a major problem in conventional power systems due to the introduction of renewable energy sources. There can be large power shortfalls and PV curtailments because of PV forecasting errors. These imbalances might increase when installed PV capacity increases. This study proposes a new scheduling method to reduce power shortfalls and PV curtailments in a PV integrated large power system with a battery energy storage system (BESS). The model of the Kanto area, which is about 30% of Japan’s power usage with 60 GW grid capacity, is used in simulations. The effect of large PV power integration of 50 GW and 100 GW together with large BESS capacity of 100 GWh and 200 GWh has been studied. Mixed integer linear programming technique is used to calculate generator unit commitment and BESS charging and discharging schedules. The simulation results are shown for two months with high and low solar irradiance, which include days with large PV over forecast and under forecast errors. The results reveal that the proposed method eliminates power shortfalls by 100% with the BESS and reduce the PV curtailments by 69.5% and 95.2% for the months with high and low solar irradiance, respectively, when 200 GWh BESS and 100 GW PV power generation are installed.
A Comparative Study of the Scale Effect on the S-Shaped Characteristics of a Pump-Turbine Unit
Authors: Suh Jun-Won , Kim Seung-Jun , Yang Hyeon-Mo , Kim Moo-Sung , Joo Won-Gu , Park Jungwan , Kim Jin-Hyuk , Choi Young-Seok
Published: January 2021

S-shaped characteristics in turbine mode are prone to instabilities in associated transient processes. A single value of the speed factor corresponds to multiple values of the discharge factor, having the possibility of changing the operating point among the turbine, turbine brake, and reverse pump modes. Because of this characteristic, the S-shaped curves induce instability in transient processes. Understanding the hydraulic behavior of a turbine on the four-quadrant characteristic is important since it provides detailed performance information through the whole discharge range of the turbine. This study was numerically and experimentally investigated the scale effect on the S-shaped characteristics in the turbine transition region. The four-quadrant characteristic curves (full- and laboratory-scale) in the turbine mode were predicted by numerical simulations. To verify the predicted results, a laboratory-scale experiment was performed in the turbine, turbine brake, and reverse pump modes. Although the full-scale experiment was performed in the normal operating head range, the scale effect can be validated by comparing steady operating points between the two models. Based on the verified results, the internal flow and pressure pulsation characteristics were determined at the operating point in a specific transition region.
Forest Roads and Operational Wildfire Response Planning
Authors: Thompson Matthew P. , Gannon Benjamin M. , Caggiano Michael D.
Published: January 2021

Supporting wildfire management activities is frequently identified as a benefit of forest roads. As such, there is a growing body of research into forest road planning, construction, and maintenance to improve fire surveillance, prevention, access, and control operations. Of interest here is how road networks directly support fire control operations, and how managers incorporate that information into pre-season assessment and planning. In this communication we briefly review and illustrate how forest roads relate to recent advances in operationally focused wildfire decision support. We focus on two interrelated products used on the National Forest System and adjacent lands throughout the western USA: potential wildland fire operational delineations (PODs) and potential control locations (PCLs). We use real-world examples from the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest in Colorado, USA to contextualize these concepts and illustrate how fire analytics and local fire managers both identified roads as primary control features. Specifically, distance to road was identified as the most important predictor variable in the PCL boosted regression model, and 82% of manager-identified POD boundaries aligned with roads. Lastly, we discuss recommendations for future research, emphasizing roles for enhanced decision support and empirical analysis.
The Cooling and Humidifying Effects and the Thresholds of Plant Community Structure Parameters in Urban Aggregated Green Infrastructure
Authors: Wei Jiaxing , Li Hongbo , Wang Yuncai , Xu Xizi
Published: January 2021

The cooling and humidifying effects of urban aggregated green infrastructure can provide essential services for city ecosystems, regulating microclimates or mitigating the urban heat island effect. However, the optimal thresholds of plant community structure parameters for maximizing the associated cooling and humidifying effects remain unclear. In this paper, we use the method of dummy variable regression to measure plant communities in an urban aggregated green infrastructure. By examining the relationships between the cooling and humidifying effects and plant community structure parameters (i.e., canopy density, porosity, and vegetation type), we introduce optimal thresholds for the parameters. We find that canopy density has a significantly positive correlation with both cooling and humidifying effects, while porosity has a positive correlation with cooling and a negative one with humidifying. Different vegetation types have distinct influences on cooling and humidifying effects. When the canopy density is between 0.81 and 0.85 and the porosity is between 0.31 and 0.35, the cooling and humidifying effects of the plant communities reach their peak. Additionally, the greening coverage rate and spatial types of urban aggregated green infrastructure have influences on cooling and humidifying effects. The findings can help us to better understand the relationships between plant community structure parameters and their temperature regulation functioning for urban aggregated green infrastructure. This study provides guidelines and theoretical references for the plant configuration of future urban green spaces.
Hybrid Triploid Induced by Megaspore Chromosome Doubling in Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) ‘Maya’ and Its Characteristics
Authors: Liu Songshan , Zhang Chenxing , Yang Weicong , Li Xiang , Hou Lu , Li Meng , Pang Xiaoming , Li Yingyue
Published: January 2021

Polyploid breeding is an important strategy for tree improvement because polyploid individuals typically show superior traits, such as improved growth, stress resistance, and superior fruit quality. Artificial induction of chromosome doubling of female gametes is an effective approach to obtain triploid progeny. However, no triploid fruit tree cultivars have been developed using this approach. The objective of this study was to explore the utility of chromosome doubling in female gametes of ‘Maya’ jujube to produce triploid individuals. The temporal relationship between flower bud morphology and the megaspore meiotic stage was studied to guide the optimal timing of colchicine treatment. Colchicine solution was applied to bearing shoots of mature ‘Maya’ jujube trees in a field experiment using two treatment methods (improved cotton leaching and injection method) and three concentrations (0.3%, 0.4%, and 0.5%). The water transport rate of ‘Maya’ jujube shoots was studied using dye solution to judge the effectiveness and timing of the colchicine treatment methods. Two triploids were identified among the progenies from the colchicine-treated shoots. The highest efficiency of triploid production was 3.3% when flower buds of diameter 1.76–2.12 mm were treated with 0.3% colchicine solution for 4 h using an improved cotton leaching method. The ground diameter, plant thorn length, leaf width, leaf area, stomatal length, stomatal width, chlorophyll content, and photosynthetic parameters of one triploid individual were significantly higher than those of diploids of identical parentage at 18 months old. Thus, induction of 2n megaspores is an effective approach to generate triploid jujube. These results are expected to promote and accelerate triploid breeding in fruit trees.
Comparison of Selected Terramechanical Test Procedures and Cartographic Indices to Predict Rutting Caused by Machine Traffic during a Cut-to-Length Thinning Operation
Authors: Schönauer Marian , Hoffmann Stephan , Maack Joachim , Jansen Martin , Jaeger Dirk
Published: January 2021

Timber harvesting operations using heavy forest machinery frequently results in severe soil compaction and displacement, threatening sustainable forest management. An accurate prediction of trafficability, considering actual operating conditions, minimizes these impacts and can be facilitated by various predictive tools. Within this study, we validated the accuracy of four terramechanical parameters, including Cone Index (MPa, Penetrologger), penetration depth (cm, Penetrologger), cone penetration (cm blow−1, dual-mass dynamic cone penetrometer) and shear strength (kPa, vane meter), and additionally two cartographic indices (topographic wetness index and depth-to-water). Measurements applying the four terramechanical approaches were performed at 47 transects along newly assigned machine operating trails in two broadleaved dominated mixed stands. After the CTL thinning operation was completed, measurement results and cartographic indices were correlated against rut depth. Under the rather dry soil conditions (29 ± 9 vol%), total rut depth ranged between 2.2 and 11.6 cm, and was clearly predicted by rut depth after a single pass of the harvester, which was used for further validations. The results indicated the easy-to-measure penetration depth as the most accurate approach to predict rut depth, considering coefficients of correlation (rP = 0.44). Moreover, cone penetration (rP = 0.34) provided reliable results. Surprisingly, no response between rut depth and Cone Index was observed, although it is commonly used to assess trafficability. The relatively low moisture conditions probably inhibited a correlation between rutting and moisture content. Consistently, cartographic indices could not be used to predict rutting. Rut depth after the harvester pass was a reliable predictor for total rut depth after 2–5 passes (rP = 0.50). Rarely used parameters, such as cone penetration or shear strength, outcompeted the highly reputed Cone Index, emphasizing further investigations of applied tools.