bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hygrothermal Analysis of Masonry Wall with Reed Boards as Interior Insulation System
Authors: Keskküla Kadri , Aru Tambet , Kiviste Mihkel , Miljan Martti-Jaan
Published: October 2020

When the masonry walls of buildings under heritage protection need to be restored and thermally improved, the only option is to use an interior insulation system. This is also the riskiest method of insulating walls in cold climates. Capillary active interior insulation systems have been proven to be the most reliable, minimizing the risk of mold growth and decay caused by condensation. They have also been proven to be less risky in wind-driven rain. The building studied is situated in a heritage-conservation area in downtown Tartu, Estonia, and therefore cannot be insulated from the exterior. This paper compares the hygrothermal performance of four different interior insulation systems with and without a heating cable and vapor barrier. In the first case, Isover Vario KM Duplex UV was placed between reed panels. In the second case, reed panels were used without the vapor barrier. Data loggers were applied between the reed panels and the original wall and inside the room to measure temperature and relative humidity in one-hour intervals. Exterior temperature and relative humidity values were taken from the Estonian University of Life Sciences Institute of Technology weather service station. In addition to the measurements taken in the case study building, calculations were made using heat-air-moisture (HAM) Delphin software to simulate the situation. The use of a smart vapor retarder (Isover Vario KM Duplex UV) with reed panels in the interior insulation system reduced the relative humidity level inside the wall. The vapor retarder improved the drying-potential compared to the interior insulation system without the vapor barrier.
Stability Analysis and Optimal Design for Virtual Impedance of 48 V Server Power System for Data Center Applications
Authors: Huang Chien-Chun , Yao Sheng-Li , Chiu Huang-Jen
Published: October 2020

In the past literature on virtual impedance to series systems, most of the discussion focused on stability without in-depth research on the system design of the series converter and the overall output impedance. Accordingly, this study takes an open-loop resonant LLC converter series-connected closed-loop Buck converter as an example. First, the conditions required for the direct connection of the small-signal model in the series, the effect of feedback compensation on the input impedance of the load stage, the operating frequency, and passive components of the two-stage converter are discussed in detail―the relationship between the matching and the output impedance. Afterwards, a mathematical model is used to discuss the effect of adding parallel virtual impedance on the output impedance of the overall series converter and then derive an optimized virtual impedance design. Finally, an experimental platform of 48 V to 12 V and maximum wattage of 96 W are implemented. The output impedance of the series converter is measured with an impedance analyzer to verify the theoretical analysis proposed in this paper.
Potential and Impacts of Cogeneration in Tropical Climate Countries: Ecuador as a Case Study
Authors: Pelaez-Samaniego Manuel Raul , Espinoza Juan L. , Jara-Alvear José , Arias-Reyes Pablo , Maldonado-Arias Fernando , Recalde-Galindo Patricia , Rosero Pablo , Garcia-Perez Tsai
Published: October 2020

High dependency on fossil fuels, low energy efficiency, poor diversification of energy sources, and a low rate of access to electricity are challenges that need to be solved in many developing countries to make their energy systems more sustainable. Cogeneration has been identified as a key strategy for increasing energy generation capacity, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and improving energy efficiency in industry, one of the most energy-demanding sectors worldwide. However, more studies are necessary to define approaches for implementing cogeneration, particularly in countries with tropical climates (such as Ecuador). In Ecuador, the National Plan of Energy Efficiency includes cogeneration as one of the four routes for making energy use more sustainable in the industrial sector. The objective of this paper is two-fold: (1) to identify the potential of cogeneration in the Ecuadorian industry, and (2) to show the positive impacts of cogeneration on power generation capacity, GHG emissions reduction, energy efficiency, and the economy of the country. The study uses methodologies from works in specific types of industrial processes and puts them together to evaluate the potential and analyze the impacts of cogeneration at national level. The potential of cogeneration in Ecuador is ~600 MWel, which is 12% of Ecuador’s electricity generation capacity. This potential could save ~18.6 × 106 L/month of oil-derived fuels, avoiding up to 576,800 tCO2/year, and creating around 2600 direct jobs. Cogeneration could increase energy efficiency in the Ecuadorian industry by up to 40%.
Modeling of the Thermal Efficiency of a Whole Cement Clinker Calcination System and Its Application on a 5000 MT/D Production Line
Authors: Yao Yanfei , Ding Songxiong , Chen Yanxin
Published: October 2020

This paper proposes that the scope of research should be extended to the whole clinker calcination system from its single device or specific process (i.e., its functional subunits) as conventionally conducted. Mass/heat flow and effective heat were first analyzed to obtain the thermal efficiencies of its subunits (φi); a thermal efficiency model of the whole system φQY was thus established by correlating the relationship between φi and φQY. The thermal efficiency model of the whole system showed that φi had a positive linear correlation with φQY; it was found that the thermal efficiency of the decomposition and clinker calcination unit (φDC) had the greatest weight on φQY, where a 1% increase in φDC led to a 1.73% increase in φQY—improving φDC was shown to be the most effective way to improve φQY. In this paper, the developed thermal efficiency model was applied to one 5000 MT/D production line. It was found that its φQY was only 61.70%—about 2.35% lower than a representative line; such decrease was caused by its low φDC and φP which, as disclosed by model, were derived from the low decomposition rate of calcium carbonate in preheated meal put into a calciner and the high excess air coefficient of secondary air. Controlled parameter optimization of this 5000 MT/D production line was then carried out. As a result, the φDC and φP of the production line were increased from 30.03% and 64.61% to 30.69% and 65.69%, respectively; the φQY increased from 61.70% to 62.55%; the clinker output of the production line increased from 5799 MT/D to 5968 MT/D; the heat consumption of clinker was reduced from 3286.98 kJ/kg·cl to 3252.41 kJ/kg·cl.
A Probabilistic Modeling Based on Monte Carlo Simulation of Wind Powered EV Charging Stations for Steady-States Security Analysis
Authors: Kim Sunoh , Hur Jin
Published: October 2020

As renewable energy resources such as wind and solar power are developing and the penetration of electric vehicles (EVs) is increasingly integrated into existing systems, uncertainty and variability in power systems have become important issues. The charging demands for EVs and wind power output are recognized as highly variable generation resources (VGRs) with uncertainty, which can cause unexpected disturbances such as short circuits. This can deteriorate the reliability of existing power systems. In response, research is required to identify the uncertainties presented by VGRs and is required to examine the ability of power system models to reflect those uncertainties. The deterministic method, which is the most basic method that is currently in use, does not reflect the uncertainty of system components. Therefore, this paper proposes a probabilistic method to assess the steady-state security of power systems, reflecting the uncertainty of VGRs using Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). In the proposed method, the empirical EVs charging demand and wind power output data are modeled as a probability distribution, and then MCS is performed, integrating the power system operation to represent the steady-state security as a probability index. To verify the method proposed in this paper, a security analysis was performed based on the systems in Jeju Island, South Korea, where the penetration of wind power and EVs is expanding rapidly.
Duckweed from a Biorefinery System: Nutrient Recovery Efficiency and Forage Value
Authors: Sońta Marcin , Łozicki Andrzej , Szymańska Magdalena , Sosulski Tomasz , Szara Ewa , Wąs Adam , van Pruissen Gijs W. P. , Cornelissen René L.
Published: October 2020

This paper presents the results of an interdisciplinary study aimed at assessing the possibility of using duckweed to purify and recover nutrients from the effluent remaining after struvite precipitation and ammonia stripping from a liquid fraction of anaerobic digestate in a biorefinery located at a Dutch dairy cattle production farm. The nutritional value of duckweed obtained in a biorefinery was assessed as well. Duckweed (Lemna minuta) was cultured on a growth medium with various concentrations of effluent from a biorefinery (EFL) and digested slurry (DS) not subjected to the nutrient recovery process. The study’s results showed that duckweed culture on the media with high contents of DS or EFL was impossible because they both inhibited its growth. After 15 days of culture, the highest duckweed yield was obtained from the ponds with DS or EFL contents in the medium reaching 0.39% (37.8 g fresh matter (FM) and 16.8 g FM per 8500 mL of the growth medium, respectively). The recovery of N by duckweed was approximately 75% and 81%, whereas that of P was approximately 45% and 55% of the growth media with EFL0.39% and DS0.39%, respectively. Duckweed obtained from the biorefinery proved to be a valuable high-protein feedstuff with high contents of α-tocopherol and carotenoids. With a protein content in duckweed approximating 35.4–36.1%, it is possible to obtain 2–4 t of protein per 1 ha from EFL0.39% and DS0.39% ponds, respectively.
Comparative Analysis of Effectiveness of Resistance and Induction Turnout Heating
Authors: Szychta Elzbieta , Szychta Leszek
Published: October 2020

Turnouts are key parts of rail roads and are exposed to adverse weather conditions such as snowfall, snow drifts, low temperatures, or sleet. Effective protection assures good turnout function and contributes to rail traffic efficiency and safety. Presently, resistance heating (RH) is the most common system of turnout heating in Europe. In this study, we attempted to implement energy-saving induction heating (IH) in order to cut costs of operation and electricity. A turnout heating test stand, including a stock-rail and a switch-rail, was executed in a climatic chamber. Air temperature was constant at the time of heating. Active power received by both the systems was identical for any measurement (450 W). Test results enabled an assessment of switch-rail position and variations of climatic chamber air temperature on growth of turnout temperatures. Effects of heating type on correct lubrication of the slide plate surface were compared. Dynamics of heating variations and their impact on effectiveness of snow or ice removal were defined for both heating systems. Turnout’s readiness for switch-rail shifting and lubrication conditions of turnout’s moving parts were compared. An in-depth comparative analysis of efficiency of RH and IH turnout heating was undertaken in the conclusion.
Catalytic Electrochemical Water Splitting Using Boron Doped Diamond (BDD) Electrodes as a Promising Energy Resource and Storage Solution
Authors: Al-Abdallat Yousef , Jumah Inshad , Jumah Rami , Ghanem Hanadi , Telfah Ahmad
Published: October 2020

The present study developed a new system of electrochemical water splitting using a boron doped diamond (BDD) electrode in the electrochemical reactor. The new method assessed the electrical current, acidity (pH), electrical conductivity, absorbance, dissipation, and splitting energies in addition to the water splitting efficiency of the overall process. Employing CuO NPs and ZnO NPs as catalysts induced a significant impact in reducing the dissipated energy and in increasing the efficiency of splitting water. Specifically, CuO NPs showed a significant enhancement in reducing the dissipated energy and in keeping the electrical current of the reaction stable. Meanwhile, the system catalyzed with ZnO NPs induced a similar impact as that for CuO NPs at a lower rate only. The energy dissipation rates in the system were found to be 48% and 65% by using CuO and ZnO NPs, respectively. However, the dissipation rate for the normalized system without catalysis (water buffer at pH = 6.5) is known to be 100%. The energy efficiency of the system was found to be 25% without catalysis, while it was found to be 82% for the system catalyzed with ZnO NPs compared to that for CuO NPs (normalized to 100%). The energy dissipated in the case of the non-catalyzed system was found to be the highest. Overall, water splitting catalyzed with CuO NPs exhibits the best performance under the applied experimental conditions by using the BDD/Niobium (Nb) electrodes.
Emission Measurement of Buses Fueled with Biodiesel Blends during On-Road Testing
Authors: Cassiers Séverine , Boveroux François , Martin Christophe , Maes Rafael , Martens Kris , Bergmans Benjamin , Idczak François , Jeanmart Hervé , Contino Francesco
Published: October 2020

Increasing the biodiesel content of diesel fuels is encouraged because of its reduced carbon footprint. Pure rapeseed methyl ester (RME)and used cooking oil methyl ester (UCOME) are characterised by well-to-tank greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions of 54% and 88% compared to pure B0 petrodiesel, respectively. Captive fleets such as public transport buses could benefit from these GHG reductions by increasing the biodiesel content of their fuel because they have a consequent yearly fuel consumption. The aim of this paper is to compare on-road tailpipe emissions of a diesel bus when increasing the biodiesel concentration in the fuel. The tests were carried out on a standard city bus belonging to the Euro V EEV emission standard that was equipped with a portable emission measurement system measuring NO, NO2, PN, CO and CO2 at the tailpipe. The bus followed the SORT which is representative of urban bus driving. The heavy urban on-road measurements indicated increased NOx emissions (24–26%), decreased PN emissions (43–45%) and slightly decreasing CO emissions for B30 RME and UCOME compared to B7. A measurement uncertainty analysis showed that the CO emissions were less reliable. Similar conclusions were drawn for the easy urban on-road bus emission measurements with smaller differences between B7 and B30 RME and UCOME.
Differences of Flow Patterns and Pressure Pulsations in Four Prototype Pump-Turbines during Runaway Transient Processes
Authors: Yang Zhiyan , Liu Zirui , Cheng Yongguang , Zhang Xiaoxi , Liu Ke , Xia Linsheng
Published: October 2020

Frequent working condition conversions in pumped-storage power stations often induce stability problems, especially when the operating point enters the S-shaped region, during which flow transitions and pressure fluctuations are serious. The pump-turbines with different specific speed values show different characteristics, but their differences in stability features are still not clear. In this study, four different pump-turbines were selected to simulate the runaway processes from turbine modes. The similarities and differences of flow patterns and pressure fluctuations were analyzed. For the similarities, pressure pulsations increase gradually and fluctuate suddenly once the backflows occur at the runner inlets. For the differences, the evolutions of backflows and pressure pulsations are related to specific speeds and runner shapes. Firstly, it is easier for the lower specific speed turbines to enter the reverse pump mode. Secondly, the blade lean angle influences the position where backflows occur, because it determines the pressure gradient at the runner inlets. Thirdly, the runner inlet height influences pressure pulsations in the vaneless space, because the relative range of backflow transitions will be enlarged with the decrease of specific speed. Overall, investigating the mechanisms of flow pattern transitions and pressure variations is important for runner design and transient process control.
The Nexus Between Convergence of Conventional and Renewable Energy Consumption in the Present European Union States. Explorative Study on Parametric and Semi-Parametric Methods
Authors: Butnaru Gina Ionela , Haller Alina-Petronela , Clipa Raluca Irina , Ștefănică Mirela , Ifrim Mihaela
Published: October 2020

Economic and social progress is directly and closely related to energy consumption. In the latest decades, there is a higher need to reduce energy consumption from conventional sources, replacing it with energy obtained from unconventional sources. The environmental concern is one of the objectives of the European economic policy, with a particular focus on renewable energy consumption and energy efficiency in order to lower the environmental impact. In this context, we analyzed energy consumption per capita and renewable energy consumption per capita in the EU with the help of parametric methods, using the β-convergence model, and semiparametric methods, using the σ-convergence model. In this research we proposed to study six analysis models of the period 1960–2015, based on the availability of data. We concluded that the EU states went through a convergence process in a slow pace of energy consumption per capita and renewable energy per capita, showing a convergence pattern. The results of the study show that there is a relationship between the convergence of conventional energy consumption and the convergence of renewable (unconventional) energy consumption. The study covers a long period of time in which EU member states had different economic and social systems, implicitly different degrees and rates of development. In addition, the interest in renewable energy is relatively recent in the whole world. There is a possibility that future research will provide more optimistic results, in terms of accelerating the convergence rate, as appropriate measures and technologies are applied to renewable energy production in all EU member states.
Study on Bearing Capacity of Tank Foundation with Alternatively Arranged Vortex-Compression Nodular Piles
Authors: Li Chun-Bao , Li Gao-Jie , Yu Ran-Gang , Li Jing , Ma Xiao-Song
Published: October 2020

Types of tapered piles are widely applied in tank foundation consolidation, but their inherent deficiencies in design and construction limit their further promotion. Vortex compression pile is a novel nodular pile. Compared with the traditional equal-section pile, vortex compression nodular pile is featured by stronger bearing capacity and slighter settlement. In this paper, the model test results showed that vortex compression nodular pile can greatly improve the bearing capacity and reduce the settlement. Through the finite element software ABAQUS analysis the bearing characteristics of equal-section pile foundation and vortex-compression nodular pile foundation were compared. The three-dimensional solid model was established by ABAQUS finite element software. The impact of cushion modulus, cushion thickness, vertical load, pile modulus, soil modulus around the pile on the bearing capacity of the vortex-compression nodular pile foundation were studied.
The Effect of Fracturing Fluid Saturation on Natural Gas Flow Behavior in Tight Reservoirs
Authors: Meng Mianmo , Shen Yinghao , Ge Hongkui , Xu Xiaosong , Wu Yang
Published: October 2020

Hydraulic fracturing becomes an essential method to develop tight gas. Under high injection pressure, fracturing fluid entering into the formation will reduce the flow channel. To investigate the influence of water saturation on gas flow behavior, this study conducted the gas relative permeability with water saturation and the flow rate with the pressure gradient at different water saturations. As the two dominant tight gas-bearing intervals, the Upper Paleozoic Taiyuan and Shihezi Formations deposited in Ordos Basin were selected because they are the target layers for holding vast tight gas. Median pore radius in the Taiyuan Formation is higher than the one in the Shihezi Formation, while the most probable seepage pore radius in the Taiyuan Formation is lower than the one in the Shihezi Formation. The average irreducible water saturation is 54.4% in the Taiyuan Formation and 61.6% in the Shihezi Formation, which indicates that the Taiyuan Formation has more movable water. The average critical gas saturation is 80.4% and 69.9% in these two formations, respectively, which indicates that the Shihezi Formation has more movable gas. Both critical gas saturation and irreducible water saturation have a negative relationship with porosity as well as permeability. At the same water saturation, the threshold gradient pressure of the Taiyuan Formation is higher than the one in the Shihezi Formation, which means that water saturation has a great influence on the Taiyuan Formation. Overall, compared with the Shihezi Formation, the Taiyuan Formation has a higher median pore size and movable water saturation, but water saturation has more influence on its gas flow capacity. Our research is conducive to understanding the effect of fracturing fluid filtration on the production of natural gas from tight reservoirs.
Real-Time Dispatch of Coupled Transmission and Distribution Systems within a Distributed and Cooperative Framework
Authors: Zhong Lingshu , Guan Lin
Published: October 2020

This paper presents a real-time dispatch strategy for coupled transmission and distribution systems within a distributed and cooperative control framework to maintain reliable and secure operation with minimum generation costs and maximum renewable energy consumption. The presented strategy transforms each distribution system into a dispatchable active source via an average-consensus-based active power control of renewable distributed energy resources (DERs) at the distribution level and then dispatches the active power reference of conventional generators as well as the distribution systems in a measurement-based way at a transmission level. The voltage fluctuation caused by the DER active power control is smoothened with a distributed voltage control method, which can also reduce the active power loss in the distribution systems. Compared to existing real-time dispatch strategies, the proposed strategy can eliminate security issues in the transmission system in a short time by regulating large amounts of DERs at a distribution level in a simple and easy controlled structure, in which the differences in the communication conditions and privacy requirements between the distribution and transmission systems are adequately considered.
Influence of Thermoelastic Phenomena on the Energy Conservation in Non-Contacting Face Seals
Authors: Blasiak Slawomir
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study was to develop a mathematical model for non-contacting face seals to analyze how their performance is affected by thermoelastic phenomena. The model was used to solve thermal conductivity and thermoelasticity problems. The primary goal was to calculate the values of thermal deformations of the sealing rings in a non-contacting face seal with a flexibly mounted rotor (FMR) for a turbomachine. The model assumes the conversion of mechanical energy into heat in the fluid film. The heat flux generated in the fluid film is transferred first to the sealing rings and then to the fluid surrounding them. Asymmetric distribution of temperature within the sealing rings leads to the occurrence of thermal stresses and, consequently, a change in the geometry of the rings. The model is solved analytically. The distributions of temperature fields for the sealing rings in the cross-sections are calculated using the Fourier-Bessel series as a superficial function of two variables (r,z). The thermoelasticity problems described by the Navier equations are solved by applying the Boussinesq harmonic functions and Goodier’s thermoelastic displacement potential function. The proposed method involves solving various theoretical and practical problems of thermoelasticity in FMR-type non-contacting face seals. The solution of the mathematical model was made use of analytical methods, and the most important obtained results are presented in graphical form, such as the temperature distributions and axial thermal distortions in cross-sections of the rings. The calculated thermal deformations of the sealing rings are used to determine the most important seal performance parameters such as the leakage rate and power loss. The article also presents a multi-criteria analysis of seal rings materials and geometry, which makes it easier to choose the type of materials used for the sliding rings.
The Clinical Impact of MicroRNA-21 in Low Rectal Cancer Treated with High-Dose Chemoradiotherapy in the Organ Preserving Setting
Authors: Thomsen Caroline Brenner , Fredslund Andersen Rikke , Jensen Lars Henrik , Jakobsen Anders , Frøstrup Hansen Torben
Published: October 2020

Background: Organ preservation in the treatment of rectal cancer has seen an increase in interest. Clinical complete response (cCR) after high-dose chemoradiotherapy (CRT) allows for non-surgical management (NSM), but the selection of patients is challenging and standard clinical staging insufficient. MicroRNA-21-5p (miR-21) is ubiquitously upregulated in cancer and has been associated with treatment response in rectal cancer treated with standard preoperative CRT. The aim of the present study was to investigate this association in low rectal cancer treated in the NSM setting. Methods: Forty-eight patients from our single-arm phase II trial (NCT00952926) were eligible for analysis. All patients had resectable T2 or T3, N0–N1 low adenocarcinoma and received intensity-modulated radiotherapy plus brachytherapy boost and oral tegafur–uracil. Patients with cCR six weeks after end of treatment assessed by clinical examination, magnetic resonance imaging, and biopsy, were referred to observation and close follow-up. The miR expression in the diagnostic biopsies was measured by qPCR. The relationship between miR-21 expression and cCR was assessed using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Results: Thirty-eight patients had cCR after treatment and were allocated to observation while 10 patients had incomplete response and underwent surgery. MicroRNA-21 was successfully analyzed in all samples. The median tumor expression of miR-21 was significantly higher in patients with incomplete response than in those with cCR, 24.3 (95% confidence interval (CI) 17.1–36.8) and 16.6 (95% CI 13.9–21.1), respectively, p = 0.03. Conclusions: The present study adds to the evidence of the clinical impact of miR-21 in rectal cancer treated with CRT. The findings are comparable with results seen in patients treated in the standard preoperative setting and may assist in the selection of patients for an organ preserving approach.
Nursing Students’ Perception on the Effectiveness of Emergency Competence Learning through Simulation
Authors: Guerrero-Martínez Ignacio Manuel , Portero-Prados Francisco Javier , Romero-González Rocío Cándida , Romero-Castillo Rocío , Pabón-Carrasco Manuel , Ponce-Blandón José Antonio
Published: October 2020

(1) Background: Simulation is a part of the day-to-day of the learning method in health sciences. The objective is to determine if the clinical simulation is useful for learning in the emergency setting, from the point of view of the nursing students. (2) Methods: A pre- and post-test exploratory study with an analytical and quasi-experimental design was used. The population is made up of nursing students from the Seville Red Cross Nursing Centre, who conducted a simulation exercise in the form of a drill for the care of multiple victims. A specific questionnaire was employed as a tool to analyse the dimensions of satisfaction, confidence and motivation, clinical experience, and decision making and technical abilities. (3) Results: There were favourable significant differences in the set of global responses, with p < 0.0001 for the “satisfaction” dimension and d = 1.25 for the “large” size of the effect, and p < 0.0069 for the “confidence and motivation” dimension and d = 0.58 for the “moderate–large” size of the effect. (4) Conclusions: The results are similar to those obtained in other studies in the scope of the 4 dimensions studied, thus coming to the conclusion that the perception of the nursing students on learning through clinical simulation is positive and favourable.
Games and Health Education for Diabetes Control: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Martos-Cabrera María Begoña , Membrive-Jiménez María José , Suleiman-Martos Nora , Mota-Romero Emilio , Cañadas-De la Fuente Guillermo Arturo , Gómez-Urquiza José L. , Albendín-García Luis
Published: October 2020

Finding methods to improve people’s diabetes control and management is important to prevent its complications and maintain the quality of life. The aim of this review was to assess the effect of games on the blood glucose level (glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)). A systematic review and meta-analysis were made. Pubmed, Scopus, and CINAHL databases were consulted in July of 2020. Ten studies were selected as a final sample, most of them being clinical trials using games to improve diabetes control. Half of the studies had samples between 8 and 14.9 years old and the other half between 57 and 65 years old. The studies informed about using applications/games for mobile phones, game consoles, and board games for diabetes education and management. The meta-analysis was performed with 4 studies showing a mean difference of 0.12 (CI 95% 0.57, 0.33) of HbA1c in favor of the intervention group with p > 0.05. Games are positive for diabetes health education and promoting healthier lifestyle, but their impact on HbA1c is low.
Gluten Free Diet for the Management of Non Celiac Diseases: The Two Sides of the Coin
Authors: Di Liberto Diana , Carlisi Daniela , D'Anneo Antonella , Emanuele Sonia , Giuliano Michela , De Blasio Anna , Calvaruso Giuseppe , Lauricella Marianna
Published: October 2020

A lifelong adherence to a gluten-free (GF) diet is currently the only treatment for Celiac disease (CD), an autoimmune disorder that arises after gluten ingestion in individuals who are genetically predisposed. The gluten intake exerts toxic effects through several pathways involving gut barrier integrity, intestinal microbiota composition and immune system stimulation. However, despite the great benefit of GF diet for CD patients, its use has been debated. Indeed, individuals who adopt this diet regime may be at risk of nutrient deficiencies. Emerging evidence supports a beneficial effect of a GF diet also for other pathological conditions, including gluten-related disorders (GRD) often associated to CD, such as Non celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) and Dermatitis Herpetiforme (DH) as well as Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Diabetes. This suggests a pathogenic role of gluten in these conditions. Despite the growing popularity of GF diet among consumers, to date, there are limited evidences supporting its use for the management of non-celiac diseases. Therefore, in this review, we discuss whether the GF diet could really improve the general quality of life of patients with GRD and non-GRD conditions, keeping in mind its sensorial limitations and nutritional inadequacies. In addition, we discuss the current motivations, leading to the use of a GF diet, despite the inferior quality of GF products respect to those containing gluten.
Analytical Protocol to Estimate the Relative Importance of Environmental and Anthropogenic Factors in Influencing Runoff Quality in the Bumbu Watershed, Papua New Guinea
Authors: Doaemo Willie , Wuest Lawrence , Bajaj Shaurya , Wan Mohd Jaafar Wan Shafrina , Mohan Midhun
Published: October 2020

The wellbeing, socio-economic viability and the associated health of the inhabitant species of any ecosystem are largely dependent on the quality of its water resources. In this regard, we developed a protocol to measure the potential impact of various environmental and anthropogenic factors on runoff quality at 22 water sampling sites across the Bumbu Watershed in Papua New Guinea. For this purpose, we utilized Digital Elevation Models and several GIS techniques for delineation of stream drainage patterns, classification of the watershed based on Land Use/Land Cover, spatial interpolation of rainfall patterns and computation of the corresponding factor runoff. Our study concludes that a variety of potential challenges to surface water quality are possible such as natural geologic and geochemical inputs, runoff accumulation of precipitation and organic matter pollutants. The developed protocol can also accommodate socio-economic factors such as community and household health, sanitation and hygiene practices, pollution and waste disposal. This research lays the foundation for further development of an all-inclusive correlational analysis between the relative importance values of the factors influencing runoff and spatially distributed water quality measurements in the Bumbu basin.
Factors Influencing Private Hospitals’ Participation in the Innovation of Biomedical Engineering Industry: A Perspective of Evolutionary Game Theory
Authors: Liu Weiwei , Yang Jianing , Bi Kexin
Published: October 2020

The innovation of the biomedical engineering (BME) industry is inseparable from its cooperation with medical institutions. China has considerable medical institutions. Although private hospitals account for more than half of Chinese medical institutions, they rarely participate in biomedical engineering industry innovation. This paper analyzed the collaborative relationship among biomedical engineering enterprises, universities, research institutes, public hospitals and private hospitals through evolutionary game theory and discussed the influence of different factors on the collaborative innovation among them. A tripartite evolutionary game model is established which regards private hospitals as a stakeholder. The results show that (1) the good credit of private hospitals has a positive effect on their participation in collaborative innovation; (2) it is helpful for BME collaborative innovation to enhance the collaborative innovation ability of partners; (3) the novelty of innovation projects has an impact on BME collaborative innovation. The specific impacts depend on the revenue, cost and risk allocation ratio of innovation partners; (4) the higher the practicability of innovation projects, the more conducive to collaborative innovation.
Dealing with Carbon Risk and the Cost of Debt: Evidence from the European Market
Authors: Pizzutilo Fabio , Mariani Massimo , Caragnano Alessandra , Zito Marianna
Published: October 2020

The ever-increasing attention towards climate change has led to investigate the economic and financial impact of environmental risk. In this scenario, we aimed at investigating the relationship between a specific component of environmental risk, namely the so-called carbon risk, and the cost of debt. This research is motivated by the fact that few studies have focused on the aforementioned relationship. We fill this gap by using a sample of companies listed on the Eurostoxx 600 Index. Our results evidence a positive relationship between carbon risk and cost of debt, providing a relevant contribution to the scarce existing literature on this topic.
Antagonism of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factory (MIF) after Traumatic Brain Injury Ameliorates Astrocytosis and Peripheral Lymphocyte Activation and Expansion
Authors: Newell-Rogers M. Karen , Rogers Susannah K. , Tobin Richard P. , Mukherjee Sanjib , Shapiro Lee A.
Published: October 2020

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) precedes the onset of epilepsy in up to 15–20% of symptomatic epilepsies and up to 5% of all epilepsy. Treatment of acquired epilepsies, including post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE), presents clinical challenges, including frequent resistance to anti-epileptic therapies. Considering that over 1.6 million Americans present with a TBI each year, PTE is an urgent clinical problem. Neuroinflammation is thought to play a major causative role in many of the post-traumatic syndromes, including PTE. Increasing evidence suggests that neuroinflammation facilitates and potentially contributes to seizure induction and propagation. The inflammatory cytokine, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), is elevated after TBI and higher levels of MIF correlate with worse post-traumatic outcomes. MIF was recently demonstrated to directly alter the firing dynamics of CA1 pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus, a structure critically involved in many types of seizures. We hypothesized that antagonizing MIF after TBI would be anti-inflammatory, anti-neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective. The results show that administering the MIF antagonist ISO1 at 30 min after TBI prevented astrocytosis but was not neuroprotective in the peri-lesion cortex. The results also show that ISO1 inhibited the TBI-induced increase in γδT cells in the gut, and the percent of B cells infiltrating into the brain. The ISO1 treatment also increased this population of B cells in the spleen. These findings are discussed with an eye towards their therapeutic potential for post-traumatic syndromes, including PTE.
Unique Interplay between Molecular miR-181b/d Biomarkers and Health Related Quality of Life Score in the Predictive Glioma Models
Authors: Stakaitis Rytis , Pranckeviciene Aiste , Steponaitis Giedrius , Tamasauskas Arimantas , Bunevicius Adomas , Vaitkiene Paulina
Published: October 2020

In the last decade, an increasing amount of research has been conducted analyzing microRNA expression changes in glioma tissue and its expressed exosomes, but there is still sparse information on microRNAs or other biomarkers and their association with patients’ functional/psychological outcomes. In this study, we performed a combinational analysis measuring miR-181b and miR-181d expression levels by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), evaluating isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), and O-6-methylguanine methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation status in 92 post-surgical glioma samples and 64 serum exosomes, including patients’ quality of life evaluation applying European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) questionnaire for cancer patients (QLQ-30), EORTC the Brain Cancer-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-BN20), and the Karnofsky performance status (KPS). The tumoral expression of miR-181b was lower in grade III and glioblastoma, compared to grade II glioma patients (p < 0.05). Additionally, for the first time, we demonstrated the association between miR-181 expression levels and patients’ quality of life. A positive correlation was observed between tumoral miR-181d levels and glioma patients’ functional parameters (p < 0.05), whereas increased exosomal miR-181b levels indicated a worse functional outcome (p < 0.05). Moreover, elevated miR-181b exosomal expression can indicate a significantly shorter post-surgical survival time for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients. In addition, both tumoral and exosomal miR-181 expression levels were related to patients’ functioning and tumor-related symptoms. Our study adds to previous findings by demonstrating the unique interplay between molecular miR-181b/d biomarkers and health related quality of life (HRQOL) score as both variables remained significant in the predictive glioma models.
Eicosanoid Profiles in the Vitreous Humor of Patients with Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Lin Albert L , Roman Richard J , Regan Kathleen A , Bolch Charlotte A , Chen Ching-Jygh , Iyer Siva S.R.
Published: October 2020

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is a potentially blinding sequela of uncontrolled diabetes that involves a complex interaction of pro-angiogenic and inflammatory pathways. In this study, we compared the levels of pro-angiogenic arachidonic acid-derived mediators in human vitreous humor obtained from eyes with high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy versus controls. The results indicated that lipoxygenase and cytochrome P450-derived eicosanoids were elevated (5-HETE, 12-HETE, 20-HETE, and 20-COOH-AA), and there appeared to be no differences in levels measured in eyes with tractional retinal detachments versus those without. These results provide further insight into the pathogenesis of this disease and for the development of future potential therapeutic agents that target arachidonic acid metabolites to treat diabetic retinopathy.
The Dual Role of Glutamatergic Neurotransmission in Alzheimer’s Disease: From Pathophysiology to Pharmacotherapy
Authors: Bukke Vidyasagar Naik , Archana Moola , Villani Rosanna , Romano Antonino Davide , Wawrzyniak Agata , Balawender Krzysztof , Orkisz Stanislaw , Beggiato Sarah , Serviddio Gaetano , Cassano Tommaso
Published: October 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-related dementia and neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by Aβ and tau protein deposition impairing learning, memory and suppressing synaptic plasticity of neurons. Increasing evidence suggests that there is a link between the glucose and glutamate alterations with age that down-regulates glucose utilization reducing glutamate levels in AD patients. Deviations in brain energy metabolism reinforce the development of AD by hampering glutamate levels in the brain. Glutamate is a nonessential amino acid and the major excitatory neurotransmitter synthesized from glucose. Alterations in cerebral glucose and glutamate levels precede the deposition of Aβ plaques. In the brain, over 40% of neuronal synapses are glutamatergic and disturbances in glutamatergic function have been implicated in pathophysiology of AD. Nevertheless, targeting the glutamatergic system seems to be a promising strategy to develop novel, improved therapeutics for AD. Here, we review data supporting the involvement of the glutamatergic system in AD pathophysiology as well as the efficacy of glutamatergic agents in this neurodegenerative disorder. We also discuss exciting new prospects for the development of improved therapeutics for this devastating disorder.
Editorial for Special Issue: Achilles Curse and Remedy: Tendon Diseases from Pathophysiology to Novel Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Docheva Denitsa
Published: October 2020

In Greek mythology, Achilles, the Greek hero, is almost invulnerable—except for his Achilles heel, whose injury resulted in his death[...]
Rationale, Relevance, and Limits of Stress-Induced Psychopathology in Rodents as Models for Psychiatry Research: An Introductory Overview
Authors: Italia Maria , Forastieri Chiara , Longaretti Alessandra , Battaglioli Elena , Rusconi Francesco
Published: October 2020

Emotional and cognitive information processing represent higher-order brain functions. They require coordinated interaction of specialized brain areas via a complex spatial and temporal equilibrium among neuronal cell-autonomous, circuitry, and network mechanisms. The delicate balance can be corrupted by stressful experiences, increasing the risk of developing psychopathologies in vulnerable individuals. Neuropsychiatric disorders affect twenty percent of the western world population, but therapies are still not effective for some patients. Elusive knowledge of molecular pathomechanisms and scarcity of objective biomarkers in humans present complex challenges, while the adoption of rodent models helps to improve our understanding of disease correlate and aids the search for novel pharmacological targets. Stress administration represents a strategy to induce, trace, and modify molecular and behavioral endophenotypes of mood disorders in animals. However, a mouse or rat model will only display one or a few endophenotypes of a specific human psychopathology, which cannot be in any case recapitulated as a whole. To override this issue, shared criteria have been adopted to deconstruct neuropsychiatric disorders, i.e., depression, into specific behavioral aspects, and inherent neurobiological substrates, also recognizable in lower mammals. In this work, we provide a rationale for rodent models of stress administration. In particular, comparing each rodent model with a real-life human traumatic experience, we intend to suggest an introductive guide to better comprehend and interpret these paradigms.
Activation of STAT3 Regulates Reactive Astrogliosis and Neuronal Death Induced by AβO Neurotoxicity
Authors: Toral-Rios Danira , Patiño-López Genaro , Gómez-Lira Gisela , Gutiérrez Rafael , Becerril-Pérez Fernando , Rosales-Córdova Aldebarán , León-Contreras Juan Carlos , Hernández-Pando Rogelio , León-Rivera Ismael , Soto-Cruz Isabel , Florán-Garduño Benjamín , Campos-Peña Victoria
Published: October 2020

Amyloid-beta oligomers (AβO) have been proposed as the most potent neurotoxic and inflammation inducers in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AβO contribute to AD pathogenesis by impairing the production of several cytokines and inflammation-related signaling pathways, such as the Janus kinases/signal transducer of transcription factor-3 (JAK/STAT3) pathway. STAT3 modulates glial activation, indirectly regulates Aβ deposition, and induces cognitive decline in AD transgenic models. However, in vivo studies using an AβO microinjection rat model have not yet explored STAT3 role. The main purpose of this study was to elucidate if a single microinjection of AβO could promote an increased expression of STAT3 in glial cells favoring neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. We designed a model of intrahippocampal microinjection and assessed glial activation, cytokines production, STAT3 expression, and neurodegeneration in time. Our results showed robust expression of STAT3 in glial cells (mainly in astrocytes) and neurons, correlating with neuronal death in response to AβO administration. A STAT3 inhibition assay conducted in rat primary hippocampal cultures, suggested that the induction of the transcription factor by AβO in astrocytes leads them to an activation state that may favor neuronal death. Notwithstanding, pharmacological inhibition of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway should be focused on astrocytes because it is also essential in neurons survival. Overall, these findings strongly suggest the participation of STAT3 in the development of neurodegeneration.
Patient-Derived, Drug-Resistant Colon Cancer Cells Evade Chemotherapeutic Drug Effects via the Induction of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition-Mediated Angiogenesis
Authors: Lim Jin Hong , Choi Kyung Hwa , Kim Soo Young , Park Cheong Soo , Kim Seok-Mo , Park Ki Cheong
Published: October 2020

Cancer cells can exhibit resistance to different anticancer drugs by acquiring enhanced anti-apoptotic potential, improved DNA injury resistance, diminished enzymatic inactivation, and enhanced permeability, allowing for cell survival. However, the genetic mechanisms for these effects are unknown. Therefore, in this study, we obtained drug-sensitive HT-29 cells (commercially) and drug-resistant cancer cells (derived from biochemically and histologically confirmed colon cancer patients) and performed microarray analysis to identify genetic differences. Cellular proliferation and other properties were determined after treatment with oxaliplatin, lenvatinib, or their combination. In vivo, tumor volume and other properties were examined using a mouse xenograft model. The oxaliplatin and lenvatinib cotreatment group showed more significant cell cycle arrest than the control group and groups treated with either agent alone. Oxaliplatin and lenvatinib cotreatment induced the most significant tumor shrinkage in the xenograft model. Drug-resistant and metastatic colon cancer cells evaded the anticancer drug effects via angiogenesis. These findings present a breakthrough strategy for treating drug-resistant cancer.