bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Efficient Cooling Tower for a Stationary Engine
Authors: Kumar Jammu Santosh , Sekhar Pragada Chandra , Pavan Karicharla Tejo , Gobinath N , Shyam Kumar M B , Feroskhan M
Published: October 2020

Cooling tower is a type of heat exchanger used to dissipate the unwanted heat from a medium into the atmosphere. A well-designed cooling tower provides prolong contact time for water with air and breaks down the water to have large surface area to promote the heat transfer rate. In the present work, an induced draft cooling tower is fabricated and used with a stationary IC Engine to minimize the overall usage of water. The performance of the tower with two different bed materials (Jute carpet & Polystyrene balls) with and without wire mesh at three different water flow rates viz., 12, 18 and 30 lpm are studied. The cooling tower parameters such as range, approach, efficiency, effectiveness, heat loss, windage losses, and evaporative losses are calculated from the experimental data. At higher flow rates, jute carpets with wire mesh provided optimal results for the parameters while at low flow rates polystyrene balls are found to provide better results. The experimental results showed that the efficiency of the cooling tower increased by 67% as the flow rate increased from 12 lpm to 30 lpm with jute carpet and wire mesh, whereas the efficiency decreases as the flow rate increases with polystyrene as the bed material. Also, the similar trend is observed for the effectiveness of cooling tower.
Energy Transfer from Solar to Vehicle and Vehicle to Home using Bidirectional DC-DC Converter
Authors: Arun Noyal Doss M. , Naveen C. , Mohanraj K.
Published: October 2020

This paper solves the problem of the requirement of energy. An idea has been portrait keeping in mind the situations when there might be some issues with renewable energies. Taking in account the application of solar panel, battery and grid the energy transmit from solar to vehicle and vehicle to home using bidirectional converter is being designed. The basic concept of our paper is to transfer the electrical power from vehicle to grid and grid to vehicle with the help of a dc-dc bidirectional converter which is connected to a three-phase inverter in order to meet the grid’s energy. The purpose of the three-phase inverter is to yield the ac source for the home appliances and emergency power use. With the help of the bidirectional dc-dc converter the battery is charged and the energy is stored within the EVs. The path that allows the flow of electric current from scooter to power lines is known as vehicle to grid. Now in case of an emergency situation when solar power is not sufficient to charge the vehicle the path is reversed and power is taken from the grid to recharge the battery and is termed as grid to vehicle. This situation occurs when the inverter output voltage is higher than the voltage in the battery, then the supply is taken from the grid. A bridge rectifier is also there as an additional power supply if needed.
Optimization of Tempering Process Parameters of AISI 3140 Low Alloy Steel to Conserve Furnace Energy using Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference Test
Authors: Lakshmana Moorthy SK , Rajaram S , Santhosh Kumar PC
Published: October 2020

Quenching and Tempering of AISI 3140 alloy steel is a necessary heat treatment process to attain desired hardness and toughness. However the tempering process consumes remarkable amount of energy in furnace. One of the usual tempering processes of AISI 3140 steel is performed by heating it to a temperature of 425°C in crucible furnace and holding at that same temperature for 2 hours. Furnace energy consumption may be reduced by increasing tempering temperature to 540°C and holding for a relatively lesser duration. Therefore, 20 specimens of AISI 3140 steel are oil quenched. Few specimens are tempered at lower temperature of 425°C for 2 hours. Remaining specimens are tempered in 4 batches at higher temperature of 540°C for various holding time of 50 minutes, 40 minutes, 30 minutes and 20 minutes respectively. The heat treated specimens are subjected to Izod’s Impact test and Rockwell Hardness test. Test results are statistically analyzed using Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference Test and it is found that impact toughness and hardness attained by tempering at 425°C for 2 hours is significantly equal to that attained at 540°C for 30 minutes. It is observed that the furnace energy consumed is decreased significantly by increasing furnace temperature and reducing holding time during tempering process while other process parameters are kept identical. Thus energy and time are conserved without compromising the vital mechanical properties by optimizing tempering process parameters.
Design & Development of a Voice-Enabled Vending Machine for Green Buildings
Authors: Bisht Vaibhav , Sanjana Patri , Sridhar V G
Published: October 2020

Green buildings form a milestone technology for a sustainable and eco-friendly atmosphere. A sophisticated process management and control with advanced warning systems and sustainable user-friendly buildings is their existing norm, as per the Indian Green Building Council. With efficient resource utilization and waste management along with different user-friendly working systems, these optimized building spaces reduce various utilization costs, parallelly increasing the safety, hygiene, and comfort standards. Their norms for the future eye at a sustainable development scheme using different renewable energy technologies with solar energy having developed as a fast-growing alternative due to its usability in various rural and urban dwellings. This paper discusses the concept of an automated voice recognition based vending machine powered by solar energy. The sophisticated Voice Recognition System (VRS) changes the role of humans in the associated process and hence, should be an integral part of future green buildings. Intelligence to the working system is incorporated by Machine Learning (ML) and its flexible Internet of Things (IoT) platform entails high customizability with a good Prognostics & Health Management (PHM) media. An implementation of the framework is worked upon, discussing the design of a food-dispensing unit that can be used in hostels, restaurants, and other areas of medium to a large gathering. Food can be served without any human intervention whilst maintaining high levels of cleanliness, minimizing waste, and reducing operating costs.
Design and fabrication of NACA 0018 straight bladed vertical axis wind turbine
Authors: Nikhil Babu P , Dhinesh V , Ashif A , Vijay Aswin V , Mohankumar D
Published: October 2020

The most important advantage in generation of electric power using renewable sources of energy, like wind, are the non availability of toxic exhaust emission products, highly uncluttered and the infinite presence of wind that is finally transformed into electricity. The generation and utilization of wind has been considered as one of the mature and cost effective resources among the various available renewable energy technologies. A wind turbine is a rotating machine that is converting the winds kinetic energy initially to mechanical energy, which finally getting converted into electric power. The wind turbines basically are of two types, i.e. Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT) and Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT). The main point of difference between the two is the position of their axis of rotation. When wind blows over the VAWT, only a fractional part of the blades generates the torque whereas the remaining parts simply rotate. The end result of this is a comparably reduced efficiency in power generation. Here, a miniature Darrieus type VAWT with straight blade - NACA 0018 Airfoil, is designed and fabricated so as to develop maximum possible power output. The blades are designed in way were majority of the air covers majority of blade surface area and thus rotating it at its maximum possible speed. The results shows that the system we developed could produce power of 23.45 watts, with blades designed for aspect ratio of 0.24. This is the maximum possible result that can be attained for this dimension. The entire system is made of strong material so that it could also withstand high wind speed and high energetic wind possible.
Entrepreneurial platform for the development of microalgae biotechnologies
Authors: Melikhov V V , Medvedeva L N , Frolova M V , Shalaeva S S
Published: October 2020

The research shows that green technologies, microalgae potential in particular, will probably become mandatory to the development of youth entrepreneurship. It is still important to learn about young students` intentions with opening their own business. It is important to remember about the transfer of scientific discoveries about using microalgae in healthy food production and in rehabilitation of the environment. The hypothesis of scientific research has defined a toolkit, methods and techniques in two different directions: an assessment of capacity for the development of the youth entrepreneurship in the region and the inclusion of the microalgae into the strategic asset of the national economy.
Calculation features of evaporation from the agrocoenosis soil surface at drip irrigation and fine dispersion sprinkling
Authors: Borodychev V V , Buber A A , Dobrachev Y P
Published: October 2020

To define the strategy for the reclamation measures management, as well as to evaluate their effectiveness, the authors proposed to use simulation methods of the soil-plant-atmosphere system based on accumulated domestic and foreign experience and experimental material obtained from early potato plantings in the Volgograd region. The main factor affecting the yield of agrocoenosis is the moisture availability to the plant in the soil layer occupied by roots, and therefore, special attention should be paid to evaporation and transpiration modeling, and the movement of moisture in the soil profile during the irrigation (drip and sprinkling) and precipitation. The article describes the algorithm for calculating water exchange. The mathematical model is implemented by using standard Microsoft Excel software, which makes it accessible and simple enough for the user.
Synthesis of optimal control force for tripod manipulator drives
Authors: Dyashkin-Titov V V , Zhoga V V , Bocharnikov V S , Vorob’eva N S
Published: October 2020

A tripod-based parallel structure manipulator is considered in the article. The movement of the working body from a known position to a given final position is realized by changing the lengths of the tripod end points. Linear links with an electric DC drive are used as end points. The algorithm was developed for the synthesis of the electric motor control voltages when moving the parallel structure manipulator working body based on the tripod from the initial position to the specified final position of the fixed travel time from the minimum criterion characterizing heating of the electric motor. The mathematical model of the manipulator controlled movements is described by linear differential equations of the second order. The static characteristic of the motor is used. The resistance force is taken proportional to the working body movement speed. The problem is solved by the methods of classical calculus of variations. The results of numerical modeling are presented, confirming the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm for determining the working body movement optimal laws.
Water supply volumes and temperature regime influence on rice productivity in the Lower Kuban reclamation complexes
Authors: Dobrachev Y P , Fedotova E V
Published: October 2020

The statistical analysis of the irrigation water volume and air temperatures sum influence on the average rice productivity in the irrigation systems of the Lower Kuban is presented in the article. The analysis was performed by using quadratic and power regression equations; the each factor contribution to the productivity value was estimated by the statistical significance of the regression, correlation and determination coefficients. The rice culture sensitivity to the irrigation regime - to the water volume supplied to irrigation systems, and to the temperature regime according to the vegetation months, was analyzed. It was found that only during two months of the growing season - July and September, high temperatures and irrigation water scarcity lack provide a synergistic effect in relation to the high yield formation.
Development of a machine model for planting potatoes for seeds with active bed formers
Authors: Novikov A E , Motorin V A , Gapich D S
Published: October 2020

One of the main problems of the Russian agriculture is the production of agricultural products in the necessary quantities. In connection with exceeding the norms of impact on agricultural landscapes due to their long and intensive agricultural use, it led to a violation of energy and mass exchange between its components, the progressive development of degradation phenomena, a decrease in soil fertility and productivity of agrocoenoses due to the action of abiotic and biotic stressors. The article considers the technique of planting seed potatoes with two-row placement of tubers in a row. The intensification of potato cultivation technology based on the use of modern science-intensive technical means is one of the main factors for obtaining these strategic agricultural crop high-resistant and high-quality yields. A machine for forming rows of loosened soil with simultaneous planting of sprouted and non-sprouted calibrated potatoes with a given pitch and depth of potato tubers seeding in order to increase the energy efficiency of potato production for seeds, reduce agrotechnological impacts, time, fuel and labor costs due to the simultaneous formation of rows by active cutter working bodies with the planting of potatoes in two rows was developed.
Modeling a biological wastewater treatment system
Authors: Novikov A E , Filimonov M I , Dugin E , Golovanchikov A B
Published: October 2020

The treatment of domestic wastewater of housing and communal services and the subsequent use of separation products are one of the important environmental problems of our time, its solution contributes to resource conservation and the development of non-waste (green) technologies. The article described the design of the local treatment station, for which centralized sewage systems are not provided, including an aeration tank and a secondary sump with an aeration system for regulating biological processes. For regeneration of the biocenosis in the aeration tank, there is a recirculation system for activated sludge accumulated in the secondary sump. The rational composition and organization of the biological wastewater treatment process ensure deep destruction of biogenic elements and efficient deposition of the dispersed phase. A mathematical model of the probability of particle deposition in a secondary sump during a free flow with a free surface is proposed, which allows predicting the composition of the settled and not trapped dispersed phase and determining the degree of purification of the liquid phase, considering the productivity and deposition surface of the apparatus and technological parameters of the effluents. By the method of simulation modeling, the local degrees of particle deposition in the secondary sump, calculated for an average nominal diameter d0
of 25 and 20 μm, were estimated. Established that a decrease in d0
from 25 μm to 20 μm makes it possible to increase the integral degree of wastewater treatment from the dispersed phase from 87% to 94%, but the surface of the secondary settler increases by more than 1.5 times.
Modeling the classification ability of filtering hydrocyclone
Authors: Lamskova M I , Filimonov M I , Novikov A E , Borodychev C V
Published: October 2020

The construction of a hydrocyclone with the filtering side surface drain pipe has been developed, which allows increasing the water purification rates from mechanical impurities, including by capturing the smallest suspensions. As a result of experimental research of the effect of the flow characteristics and size of the sand pipe on the classification ability of the apparatus, the technological and construction parameters of the PH-100 hydrocyclone with various versions of the drain pipe, providing maximum efficiency of water purification from mechanical impurities, have been established. Graphoanalytic solution of the obtained regression equations has allowed us to establish that a hydrocyclone with a solid side surface drain pipe provides the maximum degree of water purification from mechanical impurities at the level of 85.4% at a flow rate of 6.5 m3 / h and a diameter of 12 mm sand pipe. Replacing the standard construction drain pipe with a filtering side surface drain pipe increases the integral degree of water purification from mechanical impurities to 96.4% with the same flow parameters and the diameter of the sand pipe.
Automation of the process of selecting hyperparameters for artificial neural networks for processing retrospective text information
Authors: Rogachev A F , Melikhova E V
Published: October 2020

Neural network technologies are successfully used in solving problems from various areas of the economy - industry, agriculture, medicine. The problems of substantiating the choice of architecture and hyperparameters of artificial neural networks (ins) aimed at solving various classes of applied problems are caused by the need to improve the quality and speed of deep ins training. Various methods of optimizing ins hyperparameters are known, for example, using genetic algorithms, but this requires writing additional software. To optimize the process of selecting hyperparameters, Google research has developed the KerasTuner Toolkit, which is a user-friendly platform for automated search for optimal hyperparameter combinations. In the described Kerastuner Toolkit, you can use random search, Bayesian optimization, or Hyperband methods. In numerical experiments, 14 hyperparameters varied: the number of blocks of convolutional layers and their forming filters, the type of activation functions, the parameters of the «dropout» regulatory layers, and others. The studied tools demonstrated high optimization efficiency while simultaneously varying more than a dozen parameters of the convolutional network, while the calculation time on the Colaboratory platform for the studied INM architectures was several hours, even with the use of GPU graphics accelerators. For ins focused on processing and recognizing text information in natural language (NLP), the recognition quality has been improved to 83-92%.
Design of high-bandwidth, low-voltage and low-loss hybrid lithium niobate electro-optic modulators
Authors: Weigel Peter O , Valdez Forrest , Zhao Jie , Li Huiyan , Mookherjea Shayan
Published: October 2020

The past decade has seen significant growth in the field of thin film lithium niobate electro-optic modulators, which promise reduced voltage requirements and higher modulation bandwidths on a potentially integrated platform. This article discusses the state-of-the-art in thin film modulator technology and presents a simplified simulation technique for quickly optimizing a hybrid silicon- or silicon nitride-lithium niobate modulator. Also discussed are the feasibility of creating a 1 V half-wave voltage, 100 GHz bandwidth modulator, and the design specifications for a single hybrid silicon-lithium niobate platform optimized to operate across all telecommunication bands (between 1260 and 1675 nm wavelengths).
Dyadic appraisal and coping with illness among older Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a qualitative study
Authors: Tu Jiong , Liu Yuyang , Wu Xueji , Xu Dong , Liao Jing
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Diabetes management permeates patients’ daily routines and interacts with their living context. Less is known about how older Chinese couples view their supportive roles and the allocation of the management responsibility between them.

Objectives

To explore dyadic appraisal, coping and the barriers to diabetes management shared by older Chinese couples.

Methods

A qualitative study of older couples where at least one partner had type 2 diabetes mellitus was implemented in four communities of Guangzhou, China. Four focus groups containing 11 couples, and ten in-depth interviews with individual couples were conducted sequentially. All of the data were coded with Nvivo 11 using thematic analysis.

Results

The majority of the older couples interviewed appraised diabetes as a shared problem, taking part in monitoring and altering each other’s health status and behaviour. Limited knowledge and a lack of accurate information about diabetes negatively impacted the patients’ self-management and their spouse’s ability to support them. A female dominated-care pattern was evident that female spouses, regardless of their health status, were actively involved in or fully responsible for managing their husband’s health. Older couples’ management practices were also shaped by family responsibilities and their living environment.

Conclusions

Our study provides first-hand evidence of older Chinese couples’ daily interactions and the main barriers to diabetes management. It is vital to provide health education directly to older couples to empower them to access adequate mutual support when managing chronic diseases.
Design and Implementation of the Puerto Rico Observational Study of Psychosocial, Environmental, and Chronic Disease Trends (PROSPECT)
Authors: Mattei Josiemer , Tucker Katherine L , Falcón Luis M , Ríos-Bedoya Carlos F , Kaplan Robert M , O’Neill H June , Tamez Martha , Mendoza Sigrid , Díaz-Álvarez Claudia B , Orozco Jonathan E , Acosta Pérez Edna , Rodríguez-Orengo José F
Published: October 2020

The Puerto Rico Observational Study of Psychosocial, Environmental, and Chronic Disease Trends (PROSPECT) is a prospective cohort study in Puerto Rico (PR) aiming to identify trends and longitudinal associations in risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). In 2019, PROSPECT investigators started recruiting a sample of 2,000 adults aged 30–75 years in PR using multistage probabilistic sampling of households and community approaches. Culturally sensitive trained research assistants assess participants, at baseline and at 2-year follow-up, in private rooms at a network of partner clinics. The study collects comprehensive data on demographic factors, socioeconomic and environmental factors, medical history, health conditions, lifestyle behaviors, psychosocial status, and biomarkers of CVD and stress. PROSPECT will estimate the prevalence and incidence of psychosocial, lifestyle, and biological CVD risk factors, describe variations in risk factors by urbanicity (urban areas vs. rural areas) and exposure (before and after) to natural disasters, and determine predictors of longitudinal changes in CVD risk factors. The study has 4 coordinated operational strategies: 1) research productivity (including synergy with existing epidemiologic cohorts of Hispanics/Latinos for comparison); 2) research infrastructure (biorepository, ancillary studies, and clinical research network); 3) capacity-building, education, and training; and 4) community outreach, dissemination, and policy. PROSPECT will inform public health priorities to help reduce CVD in PR.
Impact of Mineralocorticoid Receptor and Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Antagonism on Blood Pressure Regulation in Obese Zucker Rats: Role of Sex Differences
Authors: do Carmo Jussara M , da Silva Alexandre A , Hall John E
Published: October 2020

Background

Previous studies suggest that obesity-induced hypertension in females, but not males, is due to leptin-mediated stimulation of aldosterone secretion and subsequent activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). Although angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) antagonism lowers blood pressure (BP) in male obese Zucker rats (OZR), which have defective leptin signaling, the potential role of sex differences in BP responses to renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system blockade, including MR antagonism, in obesity is still unclear. We tested the cardiovascular effects of MR antagonism, alone or in combination with AT1R blockade in male and female OZR (n = 5/sex) and lean Zucker rats (n = 7/sex).

Methods

BP and heart rate (HR) were measured by telemetry 24 hour/day. After a 6-day control period, spironolactone (40 mg/kg/day) was given for 10 days followed by a 7-day combined treatment with losartan (20 mg/kg/day), and followed by 6-day post-treatment recovery period.

Results

Compared with lean rats, OZR were hypertensive (mean arterial pressure: 115 ± 4 vs. 104 ± 2 and 111 ± 1 vs. 100 ± 3 mm Hg for males and females) and had lower HR (355 ± 9 vs. 393 ± 7 and 367 ± 10 vs. 412 ± 13 bpm). MR blockade alone did not alter BP or HR in lean or obese male and female Zucker rats, whereas combined treatment reduced BP in obese and lean rats by 31 ± 3 vs. 21 ± 1 and 8 ± 1 vs. 5 ± 1 mm Hg in males and females, respectively. No changes were observed in HR.

Conclusions

These results suggest that there are important sex differences in BP responses to chronic AT1R blockade but no major involvement of MR activation in BP regulation in OZR.
Multidimensional Structure of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test: Factorial Validity and Reliability in Patients With Anxiety and Mood Disorders in Lithuania
Authors: Gecaite-Stonciene Julija , Steibliene Vesta , Fineberg Naomi Anne , Podlipskyte Aurelija , Bunevicius Adomas , Liaugaudaite Vilma , Juskiene Alicja , Mickuviene Narseta , Burkauskas Julius
Published: October 2020

Aims

The current study aimed to evaluate the factorial structure of the Lithuanian version of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) in patients with anxiety and mood disorders (AMD).

Methods

The AUDIT was completed by 199 consecutive outpatients with AMD (21% men, mean age 39 ± 12 years), as defined by AMD criteria in DSM-5. The MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview was used for current diagnosis of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Sociodemographic and clinical data were also collected.

Results

In patients with AMD, the AUDIT showed high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.88) and good psychometric characteristics for identifying current AUD at a cut-off value of ≥9 (positive predictive value = 83.7%, sensitivity = 94.7%, specificity = 95.7%). The confirmatory factor analysis suggested a three-factor (‘consumption’, ‘dependence’ and ‘related consequences’) structure and indicated adequate fit to the model (comparative fit index = 0.966, normed fit index = 0.936, root mean square error of approximation = 0.072).

Conclusions

The findings are in line with increasing evidence suggesting that the AUDIT measures three separate factors related to alcohol misuse level of consumption, dependence and alcohol-related consequences and support the utility of AUDIT as a screening instrument for AUD in AMD patients in Lithuania.
Psychological Stressors Predicting Increased Drinking During the COVID-19 Crisis: A Longitudinal National Survey Study of Workers in Finland
Authors: Oksanen Atte , Savolainen Iina , Savela Nina , Oksa Reetta
Published: October 2020

Aims

The global crisis caused by the outbreak of a novel coronavirus rapidly increased working remotely in many countries. The aim of this study was to analyze psychological stressors predicting increased drinking during the COVID-19 crisis. Also, individual and socio-demographic differences were analyzed.

Methods

A nationally representative sample of Finnish workers (N = 1308) was collected before the crisis in September–October 2019 and 82.02% of them responded to a follow-up survey conducted in March–April 2020. Increased drinking was the outcome variable and it was measured with the AUDIT-C before and during the COVID-19 crisis. Predictors measured before the crisis included cyberbullying victimization at work, psychological distress, burnout and work climate. Additional measures included personality factors, socio-demographic factors and occupational information.

Results

One-fourth of Finnish workers (25.37%) reported increased drinking during the COVID-19 crisis. Cyberbullying victimization at work and psychological distress before the crisis predicted increased drinking during the crisis. Conscientious workers and those working in educational and health and welfare sectors were less likely to increase drinking, while increased drinking was most common among workers under 30 years of age.

Conclusions

Psychological stressors are risk factors for increased drinking in unusual times such as the COVID-19 crisis. Cyberbullying victimization at work and psychological distress were found as major risk factors. The results suggest that preventive work should be done at workplaces. This is particularly important if alcohol consumption is used as a means of coping during a stressful time.
The costs of being a good dad: egg-carrying and clutch size impair locomotor performance in male midwife toads (Alytes obstetricans)
Authors: Lange Léa , Bégué Lauriane , Brischoux François , Lourdais Olivier
Published: October 2020

Parental care is widespread across the animal kingdom. Parental behaviours are beneficial by increasing offspring survival but induce significant costs to the parents. Because parental care is far more common in females, the associated reproductive costs have been largely studied in this sex. Although male parental care is likely to involve significant costs, it has been markedly less well investigated. We studied the costs of egg-carrying on locomotor performance in an amphibian species (Alytes obstetricans) with male parental care. We examined complementary parameters including hopping performance, righting response, hindleg muscle response to egg burden, and homing time in males carrying or not carrying eggs. We found that carrying males showed altered locomotor performance for most traits. In addition, alteration of performance was closely related to relative clutch size. Clutch desertion occurred in smaller individuals carrying larger relative clutch mass, and performance after desertion was similar to that of non-reproductive individuals. Overall, our study demonstrates that carrying eggs significantly alters male mobility and that performance–clutch size trade-offs are relevant in understanding the evolution of paternal care.
A method of constructing maximin distance designs
Authors: Li Wenlong , Liu Min-Qian , Tang Boxin
Published: October 2020

An attractive type of space-filling design for computer experiments is the class of maximin distance designs. Algorithmic search is commonly used for finding such designs, but this approach becomes ineffective for large problems. Theoretical construction of maximin distance designs is challenging; some results have been obtained recently, often using highly specialized techniques. This article presents an easy-to-use method for constructing maximin distance designs. The method is versatile as it works with any distance measure. The basic idea is to construct large designs from small designs, and the method is effective because the quality of large designs is guaranteed by that of small designs, as evaluated by the maximin distance criterion.
Bagging cross-validated bandwidths with application to big data
Authors: Barreiro-Ures D , Cao R , Francisco-Fernández M , Hart J D
Published: October 2020

Hall & Robinson (2009) proposed and analysed the use of bagged cross-validation to choose the bandwidth of a kernel density estimator. They established that bagging greatly reduces the noise inherent in ordinary cross-validation, and hence leads to a more efficient bandwidth selector. The asymptotic theory of Hall & Robinson (2009) assumes that $N$, the number of bagged subsamples, is $\infty$. We expand upon their theoretical results by allowing $N$ to be finite, as it is in practice. Our results indicate an important difference in the rate of convergence of the bagged cross-validation bandwidth for the cases $N=\infty$ and $N<\infty$. Simulations quantify the improvement in statistical efficiency and computational speed that can result from using bagged cross-validation as opposed to a binned implementation of ordinary cross-validation. The performance of the bagged bandwidth is also illustrated on a real, very large, dataset. Finally, a byproduct of our study is the correction of errors appearing in the Hall & Robinson (2009) expression for the asymptotic mean squared error of the bagging selector.
A Longitudinal Examination of Building Demolitions on Neighbourhood Crime Rates
Authors: Wo James C , Kim Young-An
Published: October 2020

Criminological research shows that vacant and dilapidated buildings contribute to higher neighbourhood crime rates. Therefore, the implication is that by physically removing these buildings from a neighbourhood, there will subsequently be a reduction in crime within that neighbourhood. In this study, we focus on the potential crime-reducing benefits of building demolitions—a change in the physical landscape, which may initiate or sustain neighbourhood revitalization. Accordingly, we examine the influence of building demolitions on crime within Philadelphia block groups from 2008 to 2018, controlling for a range of social-ecological factors known to be associated with crime rates. We also differentiate between city and private demolitions to examine the possibility that not all demolitions are created equal in relation to crime.
Exploring and Explaining Non-Compliance with Community Supervision
Authors: Weaver Beth , Piacentini Laura , Moodie Kristina , Barry Monica
Published: October 2020

Despite a developed theoretical and empirical body of research into the dynamics of compliance with community supervision, the phenomenon of non-compliance has received surprisingly less attention. This article explores the perspectives and experiences of 93 people in Scotland who were breached or recalled for non-compliance with the community sentences or post-release licences they were subject to. Drawing on this analysis, we advance an integrated, theoretically explanatory and empirically informed model demonstrating the contributions of, and interplay between, three key elements we identified as shaping non-compliance: motivational postures and attitudinal stances and their underlying mechanisms; various systemic, structural and social influences that bind the exercise of agency and shape situations of actions; and the impacts and effects of people’s interactions with authorities.
Using public priorities to disentangle the dimensions of procedural justice and trustworthiness in police–citizen interactions
Authors: Hamm Joseph A , Wolfe Scott E
Published: October 2020

Multidimensional constructs like procedural justice and trustworthiness are important drivers of public trust in the police. Less attention has been paid, however, to the differential import of the dimensions of procedural justice (voice, respect and impartiality) or trustworthiness (ability, benevolence and integrity). A national convenience sample of US residents was asked to prioritize among the dimensions of procedural justice (Study 1) or trustworthiness (Study 2) in designing the officer with whom they would want to interact in each of the four scenarios. These scenarios were then varied as a function of the ostensible severity and concreteness of the salient, police-controlled harm. Our results suggest that, when forced to allocate limited resources among them, participants systematically prioritized some dimensions over others. The findings also shed preliminary light on the elements of the situation that may impact that prioritization.
Neglected cytotoxic T cell invasion of the brain: how specific for Parkinson’s disease?
Authors: Halliday Glenda
Published: October 2020

This scientific commentary refers to ‘CD8 T cell nigral infiltration precedes synucleinopathy in early stages of Parkinson’s disease’, by Galiano-Landeira et al. (doi:10.1093/brain/awaa269).
3D Synaptic Organization of the Rat CA1 and Alterations Induced by Cocaine Self-Administration
Authors: Blazquez-Llorca L , Miguéns M , Montero-Crespo M , Selvas A , Gonzalez-Soriano J , Ambrosio E , DeFelipe J
Published: October 2020

The hippocampus plays a key role in contextual conditioning and has been proposed as an important component of the cocaine addiction brain circuit. To gain knowledge about cocaine-induced alterations in this circuit, we used focused ion beam milling/scanning electron microscopy to reveal and quantify the three-dimensional synaptic organization of the neuropil of the stratum radiatum of the rat CA1, under normal circumstances and after cocaine-self administration (SA). Most synapses are asymmetric (excitatory), macular-shaped, and in contact with dendritic spine heads. After cocaine-SA, the size and the complexity of the shape of both asymmetric and symmetric (inhibitory) synapses increased but no changes were observed in the synaptic density. This work constitutes the first detailed report on the 3D synaptic organization in the stratum radiatum of the CA1 field of cocaine-SA rats. Our data contribute to the elucidation of the normal and altered synaptic organization of the hippocampus, which is crucial for better understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying cocaine addiction.
Identification of Predictive Markers and Outcomes of Late-onsetPneumocystis jiroveciiPneumonia in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Kaminski Hannah , Belliere Julie , Burguet Laure , Del Bello Arnaud , Taton Benjamin , Poirot-Mazères Stéphane , Accoceberry Isabelle , Delhaes Laurence , Visentin Jonathan , Gregori Marco , Iriart Xavier , Charpentier Elena , Couzi Lionel , Kamar Nassim , Merville Pierre
Published: October 2020

Background

In the era of prophylaxis, Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) has become a late-onset opportunistic infection requiring indications for prolonged prophylaxis to be defined. The primary objective of our study was therefore to evaluate risk factors associated with late-onset PCP. The secondary objective was to assess the impact of this infection on graft and patient survival.

Methods

We conducted a French case-control study in Bordeaux and Toulouse center by matching 1 case to 1–2 controls from the same center based on the transplant date and the type of induction treatment.

Results

Seventy cases and 134 controls were included. PCP occurred at a median of 3 years after transplantation. The total lymphocyte count and CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocyte values were lower in the cases than in their matched controls on the day of infection and annually up to 4 years earlier. The covariables independently associated with PCP were the total lymphocyte count 1 year before Pneumocystis, mTOR inhibitors used as maintenance immunosuppressive drugs, and the administration of corticosteroid boluses used in acute rejection. A total lymphocyte count threshold <1000/µL offered the best predictive value for infection occurrence. PCP was associated with high incidence of graft loss and patient death (30% and 17% respectively, 3 years after PCP).

Conclusions

Pneumocystis pneumonia has dramatic consequences in kidney transplant recipients; a targeted prophylaxis based on simple criteria, such as chronic lymphopenia and/or history of corticosteroid boluses, could be useful to avoid life-threatening complications.
A Collaborative Effort to Define Classification Criteria forATMVariants in Hereditary Cancer Patients
Authors: Feliubadaló Lidia , Moles-Fernández Alejandro , Santamariña-Pena Marta , Sánchez Alysson T , López-Novo Anael , Porras Luz-Marina , Blanco Ana , Capellá Gabriel , de la Hoya Miguel , Molina Ignacio J , Osorio Ana , Pineda Marta , Rueda Daniel , de la Cruz Xavier , Diez Orland , Ruiz-Ponte Clara , Gutiérrez-Enríquez Sara , Vega Ana , Lázaro Conxi
Published: October 2020

Background

Gene panel testing by massive parallel sequencing has increased the diagnostic yield but also the number of variants of uncertain significance. Clinical interpretation of genomic data requires expertise for each gene and disease. Heterozygous ATM pathogenic variants increase the risk of cancer, particularly breast cancer. For this reason, ATM is included in most hereditary cancer panels. It is a large gene, showing a high number of variants, most of them of uncertain significance. Hence, we initiated a collaborative effort to improve and standardize variant classification for the ATM gene.

Methods

Six independent laboratories collected information from 766 ATM variant carriers harboring 283 different variants. Data were submitted in a consensus template form, variant nomenclature and clinical information were curated, and monthly team conferences were established to review and adapt American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics/Association for Molecular Pathology (ACMG/AMP) criteria to ATM, which were used to classify 50 representative variants.

Results

Amid 283 different variants, 99 appeared more than once, 35 had differences in classification among laboratories. Refinement of ACMG/AMP criteria to ATM involved specification for twenty-one criteria and adjustment of strength for fourteen others. Afterwards, 50 variants carried by 254 index cases were classified with the established framework resulting in a consensus classification for all of them and a reduction in the number of variants of uncertain significance from 58% to 42%.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the relevance of data sharing and data curation by multidisciplinary experts to achieve improved variant classification that will eventually improve clinical management.
A tool for assessment of risk of bias in studies of adverse effects of orthodontic treatment applied in a systematic review on external root resorption
Authors: Johansson Kristina , Lindh Christina , Paulsson Liselotte , Rohlin Madeleine
Published: October 2020

Background and aims

Systematic reviews (SRs) are considered to provide reliable estimates, but flaws in designs, methods of monitoring effects, and outcomes have the potential to bias results. There are several tools for assessing risk of bias (RoB), most of them designed for SRs of beneficial effects. To our knowledge, there is no tool that is adapted specifically to assess RoB in studies of adverse effects associated with orthodontic treatment. To address this, the aim of this study was first to introduce a tool for assessment of RoB in studies of adverse effects associated with orthodontic treatment and, second, to apply it in an SR of external root resorption (ERR) associated with orthodontic treatment with fixed appliance.

Materials and methods

The approach with domains supported by signalling questions was used for the tool. Domains and signalling questions were tailored to the review questions of the SR of studies of ERR after orthodontic treatment using periapical radiography or cone beam computed tomography. Duplicate study selection, data extraction, and RoB assessment using the tool, followed by meta-analyses, were performed.

Results

Using the tool for the assessment of RoB identified shortcomings and report deficiencies of primary studies concerning the presentation of orthodontic treatment, identification of ERR, and analysis of outcomes. RoB assessment resulted in 12 of 32 studies read in full text being included. Reported severe ERR varied across studies between 2 and 14 per cent for all incisors and 10 and 29 per cent for maxillary incisors. Results of ERR related to patients’ age and sex, orthodontic diagnosis, and treatment were contradictory. Quality of evidence evaluated by GRADE was low due to study limitations, imprecision, and inconsistency of study results.

Conclusions

As the tool and its application highlight important issues to consider when planning, conducting, and reporting research, the tool may have a valuable role for quality enhancement of future studies of outcomes of orthodontic treatment. The tool may also serve for authors when planning SRs. Our SR identified a need for studies that use rigorous methodology and transparent reporting.

Registration

PROSPERO (ID = CRD42018084725).
Functional characterization of the adenine transporter EaAdeP from the fire blight pathogenErwinia amylovoraand its effect on disease establishment in apples and pears
Authors: Alexander Candace R , Huntley Regan B , Schultes Neil P , Mourad George S
Published: October 2020

Erwinia amylovora is the causal agent of fire blight, an economically important disease of apples and pears. As part of the infection process, Er. amylovora propagates on different plant tissues each with distinct nutrient environments. Here, the biochemical properties of the Er. amylovora adenine permease (EaAdeP) are investigated. Heterologous expression of EaAdeP in nucleobase transporter-deficient Escherichia coli strains, coupled with radiolabel uptake studies, revealed that EaAdeP is a high affinity adenine transporter with a Km of 0.43 ± 0.09 μM. Both Es. coli and Er. amylovora carrying extra copies of EaAdeP are sensitive to growth on the toxic analog 8-azaadenine. EaAdeP is expressed during immature pear fruit infection. Immature pear and apple fruit virulence assays reveal that an E. amylovora ΔadeP::Camr mutant is still able to cause disease symptoms, however, with growth at a lower level, indicating that external adenine is utilized in disease establishment.
Evolutionary and Comparative Analysis of Bacterial Nonhomologous End Joining Repair
Authors: Sharda Mohak , Badrinarayanan Anjana , Seshasayee Aswin Sai Narain
Published: October 2020

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are a threat to genome stability. In all domains of life, DSBs are faithfully fixed via homologous recombination. Recombination requires the presence of an uncut copy of duplex DNA which is used as a template for repair. Alternatively, in the absence of a template, cells utilize error-prone nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ). Although ubiquitously found in eukaryotes, NHEJ is not universally present in bacteria. It is unclear as to why many prokaryotes lack this pathway. Toward understanding what could have led to the current distribution of bacterial NHEJ, we carried out comparative genomics and phylogenetic analysis across ∼6,000 genomes. Our results show that this pathway is sporadically distributed across the phylogeny. Ancestral reconstruction further suggests that NHEJ was absent in the eubacterial ancestor and can be acquired via specific routes. Integrating NHEJ occurrence data for archaea, we also find evidence for extensive horizontal exchange of NHEJ genes between the two kingdoms as well as across bacterial clades. The pattern of occurrence in bacteria is consistent with correlated evolution of NHEJ with key genome characteristics of genome size and growth rate; NHEJ presence is associated with large genome sizes and/or slow growth rates, with the former being the dominant correlate. Given the central role these traits play in determining the ability to carry out recombination, it is possible that the evolutionary history of bacterial NHEJ may have been shaped by requirement for efficient DSB repair.