bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact on Reduction of Pollutant Emissions from Passenger Cars when Replacing Euro 4 with Euro 6d Diesel Engines Considering the Altitude Influence
Authors: Serrano José Ramón , Piqueras Pedro , Abbad Ali , Tabet Roberto , Bender Stefan , Gómez Javier
Published: April 2019

The impact of Euro 4 compression ignition engines over the air quality in Europe has been analyzed in this work by comparing them with Euro 6d emissions regulation. The Euro 6d diesel engine has been chosen as the preferred replacement according to its advantages in global warming potential (GWP) emissions, like methane hydrocarbons (MHC) and CO2, with respect to Euro 6d petrol-based powertrains. The motivation for this study is that the effects of the emissions reduction policies, as the implementation of the regulation Euro 6d, are necessarily limited due to the great number of passenger cars still in circulation that were homologated under Euro 4 or older standards. To address the impact of the old vehicle pool, a Worldwide harmonized Light-vehicles Test Cycle (WLTC) has been used to analyze the performance and pollutant emissions of a Euro 4 diesel engine in altitude conditions. This driving cycle and engine are considered as a baseline for the subsequent discussion, where the altitude plays a key role because of the European geography. It forces passenger cars to drive over sea level during a significant number of trips. Thus, an analysis of how significant would be the impact of energy policies promoting the substitution of the pre-Euro 5 diesel fleet (>10 years old) by modern Euro 6d engines in the short term on the pollutants and GWP emissions reduction is presented.
Power Quality Disturbance Monitoring and Classification Based on Improved PCA and Convolution Neural Network for Wind-Grid Distribution Systems
Authors: Shen Yue , Abubakar Muhammad , Liu Hui , Hussain Fida
Published: April 2019

The excessive use of power semiconductor devices in a grid utility increases the malfunction of the control system, produces power quality disturbances (PQDs) and reduces the electrical component life. The present work proposes a novel algorithm based on Improved Principal Component Analysis (IPCA) and 1-Dimensional Convolution Neural Network (1-D-CNN) for detection and classification of PQDs. Firstly, IPCA is used to extract the statistical features of PQDs such as Root Mean Square, Skewness, Range, Kurtosis, Crest Factor, Form Factor. IPCA is decomposed into four levels. The principal component (PC) is obtained by IPCA, and it contains a maximum amount of original data as compare to PCA. 1-D-CNN is also used to extract features such as mean, energy, standard deviation, Shannon entropy, and log-energy entropy. The statistical analysis is employed for optimal feature selection. Secondly, these improved features of the PQDs are fed to the 1-D-CNN-based classifier to gain maximum classification accuracy. The proposed IPCA-1-D-CNN is utilized for classification of 12 types of synthetic and simulated single and multiple PQDs. The simulated PQDs are generated from a modified IEEE bus system with wind energy penetration in the balanced distribution system. Finally, the proposed IPCA-1-D-CNN algorithm has been tested with noise (50 dB to 20 dB) and noiseless environment. The obtained results are compared with SVM and other existing techniques. The comparative results show that the proposed method gives significantly higher classification accuracy.
Continuously Variable-Frequency Energy-Encrypted Wireless Power Transfer
Authors: Liu Wei , Chau K. T. , Lam W. H. , Zhang Zhen
Published: April 2019

This paper proposes and implements a novel continuously variable-frequency energy-encrypted wireless power transfer (WPT) system for wireless energy security in multi-receiver applications. To prevent wireless energy from being illegally stolen, the proposed chaotic 2-D frequency-and-duration encryption (FDE) technology directly generates well-defended security keys to guarantee energy security. An LCC-compensated transmitter without using a switched-capacitor array is proposed to competently encrypt the wireless energy into burglarproof energy packages, which are decrypted only by authorized receivers. Then, the concept of the static variable capacitor (SVC) is presented to achieve dynamical impedance compensation for wireless energy decryption in authorized receivers with knowledge of security keys. Consequently, the proposed energy-encrypted SVC-based WPT system can flexibly encrypt and decrypt wireless energy packages in a continuous frequency-and-duration adjustment rather than in a discrete way, thus greatly improving energy security performance. Theoretical analysis, computer simulation and experimental results are provided to verify the feasibility of the proposed continuously energy-encrypted SVC-based WPT system.
A New Machine-Learning Prediction Model for Slope Deformation of an Open-Pit Mine: An Evaluation of Field Data
Authors: Du Sunwen , Feng Guorui , Wang Jianmin , Feng Shizhe , Malekian Reza , Li Zhixiong
Published: April 2019

Effective monitoring of the slope deformation of an open-pit mine is essential for preventing catastrophic collapses. It is a challenging task to accurately predict slope deformation. To this end, this article proposed a new machine-learning method for slope deformation prediction. Ground-based interferometric radar (GB-SAR) was employed to collect the slope deformation data from an open-pit mine. Then, an ensemble learner, which aggregated a set of weaker learners, was proposed to mine the GB-SAR field data, delivering a slope deformation prediction model. The evaluation of the field data acquired from the Anjialing open-pit mine demonstrates that the proposed slope deformation model was able to precisely predict the slope deformation of the monitored mine. The prediction accuracy of the super learner was superior to those of all the independent weaker learners.
Simulation of Vortex Heat Transfer Enhancement in the Turbulent Water Flow in the Narrow Plane-Parallel Channel with an Inclined Oval-trench Dimple of Fixed Depth and Spot Area
Authors: Isaev Sergey , Leontiev Alexandr , Chudnovsky Yaroslav , Nikushchenko Dmitry , Popov Igor , Sudakov Alexandr
Published: April 2019

This article is devoted to the development of the multiblock technique for numerical simulation of vortex heat transfer enhancement (VHTE) by inclined oval-trench dimples. Special attention is paid both to the analysis of numerical predictions of different-type boundary conditions at the wall: T = const and q = const and to the comparison of the standard and modified shear stress transport models. The article discusses the mechanism of change in the flow structure and secondary flow augmentation due to an increase in a relative length of an oval-trench dimple (at its fixed spot area, depth and orientation) where a long spiral vortex is formed.
State of the Art of Machine Learning Models in Energy Systems, a Systematic Review
Authors: Mosavi Amir , Salimi Mohsen , Faizollahzadeh Ardabili Sina , Rabczuk Timon , Shamshirband Shahaboddin , Varkonyi-Koczy Annamaria R.
Published: April 2019

Machine learning (ML) models have been widely used in the modeling, design and prediction in energy systems. During the past two decades, there has been a dramatic increase in the advancement and application of various types of ML models for energy systems. This paper presents the state of the art of ML models used in energy systems along with a novel taxonomy of models and applications. Through a novel methodology, ML models are identified and further classified according to the ML modeling technique, energy type, and application area. Furthermore, a comprehensive review of the literature leads to an assessment and performance evaluation of the ML models and their applications, and a discussion of the major challenges and opportunities for prospective research. This paper further concludes that there is an outstanding rise in the accuracy, robustness, precision and generalization ability of the ML models in energy systems using hybrid ML models. Hybridization is reported to be effective in the advancement of prediction models, particularly for renewable energy systems, e.g., solar energy, wind energy, and biofuels. Moreover, the energy demand prediction using hybrid models of ML have highly contributed to the energy efficiency and therefore energy governance and sustainability.
Battery Characterization and Dimensioning Approaches for Micro-Grid Systems
Authors: Boulmrharj Sofia , NaitMalek Youssef , Elmouatamid Abdellatif , Bakhouya Mohamed , Ouladsine Radouane , Zine-Dine Khalid , Khaidar Mohammed , Siniti Mostapha
Published: April 2019

Micro-Grid (MG) systems have been extensively studied and deployed to lower the power consumption while reducing the greenhouse gas emissions. Although, the challenge with Renewable Energy Sources (RES) is their uncertain and intermittent nature, things that led the researchers to think about integrating storage devices, especially batteries, into MG systems. The main aim is to store the excess of produced energy for further usage when not enough energy is available. Nevertheless, batteries modeling and characterization is mandatory to identify their parameters and study their performance within MG systems. Moreover, in order to continuously supply electricity to the building, it is required to figure out the optimum size of energy production systems and storage devices. This paper introduces a methodology for MG modeling and performance evaluation. Its main contribution is twofold, (i) battery’s parameters identification, and (ii) modeling and dimensioning method for both standalone and MG systems. An instrumentation platform, composed of recent sensing and actuating equipment, for MG energy management and battery characterization is developed. Simulation and experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
CFD Validation of a Model Wind Turbine by Means of Improved and Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation in OpenFOAM
Authors: Sedano Camilo A. , Berger Frederik , Rahimi Hamid , Lopez Mejia Omar D. , Kühn Martin , Stoevesandt Bernhard
Published: April 2019

With the ongoing increase in the size of wind turbines, experimental investigations have become more complicated and expensive. Therefore, computational models have proven to be a viable solution for design purposes. This article aims to validate CFD simulations of an experimental model wind turbine (MoWiTO 1.8) using Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation (DDES) and Improved DDES (IDDES) turbulence modelling approaches. For the purpose of validation, integral quantities (such as power, thrust, torque and blade-root bending moment in the flapwise direction) measured in the wind tunnel are compared with numerical results obtained with OpenFOAM. In general, the computational results show a very good agreement with the measurements for most of the monitored quantities. In particular, the blade-root bending moment presents the largest difference, taking into account that the simulation assumes the turbine blades are rigid. Nevertheless, the simulation does achieve in recreating the turbulent behavior as can be evidenced by the Power Spectral Density graphs, and the wake’s velocity measurements. In general, the IDDES turbulent model achieves a better agreement to the experimental results, while maintaining a very similar computational time as the DDES model.
Are Wildfires a Threat to Fungi in European Pinus Forests? A Case Study of Boreal and Mediterranean Forests
Authors: Franco-Manchón Iván , Salo Kauko , Oria-de-Rueda Juan Andrés , Bonet José Antonio , Martín-Pinto Pablo
Published: April 2019

Natural forests and plantations of Pinus are ecologically and economically important worldwide, producing an array of goods and services, including the provision of non-wood forest products. Pinus species play an important role in Mediterranean and boreal forests. Although Pinus species seem to show an ecological adaptation to recurrent wildfires, a new era of mega fires is predicted, owing to climate changes associated with global warming. As a consequence, fungal communities, which are key players in forest ecosystems, could be strongly affected by these wildfires. The aim of this study was to observe the fungal community dynamics, and particularly the edible fungi, in maritime (Pinus pinaster Ait.), austrian pine (Pinus nigra J.F. Arnold), and scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forests growing under wet Mediterranean, dry Mediterranean, and boreal climatic conditions, respectively, by comparing the mushrooms produced in severely burned Pinus forests in each area. Sporocarps were collected during the main sampling campaigns in non-burned plots, and in burned plots one year and five years after fire. A total of 182 taxa, belonging to 81 genera, were collected from the sampled plots, indicating a high level of fungal diversity in these pine forests, independent of the climatic conditions. The composition of the fungal communities was strongly affected by wildfire. Mycorrhizal taxa were impacted more severely by wildfire than the saprotrophic taxa, particularly in boreal forests—no mycorrhizal taxa were observed in the year following fire in boreal forests. Based on our observations, it seems that fungal communities of boreal P. sylvestris forests are not as adapted to high-intensity fires as the Mediterranean fungal communities of P. nigra and P. pinaster forests. This will have an impact on reducing fungal diversity and potential incomes in rural economically depressed areas that depend on income from foraged edible fungi, one of the most important non-wood forest products.
Spatial, Temporal and Electrical Characteristics of Lightning in Reported Lightning-Initiated Wildfire Events
Authors: Schultz Christopher J. , Nauslar Nicholas J. , Wachter J. Brent , Hain Christopher R. , Bell Jordan R.
Published: April 2019

Analysis was performed to determine whether a lightning flash could be associated with every reported lightning-initiated wildfire that grew to at least 4 km2. In total, 905 lightning-initiated wildfires within the Continental United States (CONUS) between 2012 and 2015 were analyzed. Fixed and fire radius search methods showed that 81–88% of wildfires had a corresponding lightning flash within a 14 day period prior to the report date. The two methods showed that 52–60% of lightning-initiated wildfires were reported on the same day as the closest lightning flash. The fire radius method indicated the most promising spatial results, where the median distance between the closest lightning and the wildfire start location was 0.83 km, followed by a 75th percentile of 1.6 km and a 95th percentile of 5.86 km. Ninety percent of the closest lightning flashes to wildfires were negative polarity. Maximum flash densities were less than 0.41 flashes km2 for the 24 h period at the fire start location. The majority of lightning-initiated holdover events were observed in the Western CONUS, with a peak density in north-central Idaho. A twelve day holdover event in New Mexico was also discussed, outlining the opportunities and limitations of using lightning data to characterize wildfires.
Optimization of Emulsifier and Stabilizer Concentrations in a Model Peanut-Based Beverage System: A Mixture Design Approach
Authors: Gama Aggrey P. , Hung Yen-Con , Adhikari Koushik
Published: April 2019

Colloidal stability as well as physicochemical and rheological properties are among the critical determinants of the sensory quality of beverages. The present study investigated the effects of lecithin, xanthan gum, propylene glycol alginate, and their combinations on the colloidal stability and physicochemical/rheological properties of a model peanut-based beverage. A simplex centroid mixture design was applied, and the visual stability, centrifuge stability, physicochemical properties (soluble solids, pH, water activity, color), and rheological parameters (flow behavior and viscosity) of the samples were determined. All the evaluated parameters were significantly affected (p < 0.05) by the type and quantity of emulsifier or stabilizer used. At the 0.5% total usage level, the optimum stabilizer and emulsifier combination was that of 66% xanthan gum and 34% lecithin. A further increase of lecithin in the mixture caused a decrease in the colloidal stability of the sample. Irrespective of emulsifier and stabilizer type and quantity, all samples exhibited shear-thinning flow behavior, with samples containing xanthan gum being more pseudoplastic than the others. The prediction model for the visual stability index found in this study may be used by the industry to formulate similar beverages for better colloidal stability.
Characteristics of Instrumental Methods to Describe and Assess the Recrystallization Process in Ice Cream Systems
Authors: Kamińska-Dwórznicka Anna , Gondek Ewa , Łaba Sylwia , Jakubczyk Ewa , Samborska Katarzyna
Published: April 2019

Methods of testing and describing the recrystallization process in ice cream systems were characterized. The scope of this study included a description of the recrystallization process and a description and comparison of the following methods: microscopy and image analysis, focused beam reflectance measurement (FBRM), oscillation thermo-rheometry (OTR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), splat-cooling assay, and X-ray microtomography (micro-CT). All the methods presented were suitable for characterization of the recrystallization process, although they provide different types of information, and they should be individually matched to the characteristics of the tested product.
Azathioprine Biotransformation in Young Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Contribution of Glutathione-S Transferase M1 and A1 Variants
Authors: Lucafò Marianna , Stocco Gabriele , Martelossi Stefano , Favretto Diego , Franca Raffaella , Malusà Noelia , Lora Angela , Bramuzzo Matteo , Naviglio Samuele , Cecchin Erika , Toffoli Giuseppe , Ventura Alessandro , Decorti Giuliana
Published: April 2019

The contribution of candidate genetic variants involved in azathioprine biotransformation on azathioprine efficacy and pharmacokinetics in 111 young patients with inflammatory bowel disease was evaluated. Azathioprine doses, metabolites thioguanine-nucleotides (TGN) and methylmercaptopurine-nucleotides (MMPN) and clinical effects were assessed after at least 3 months of therapy. Clinical efficacy was defined as disease activity score below 10. Candidate genetic variants (TPMT rs1142345, rs1800460, rs1800462, GSTA1 rs3957357, GSTM1, and GSTT1 deletion) were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays and pyrosequencing. Statistical analysis was performed using linear mixed effects models for the association between the candidate variants and the pharmacological variables (azathioprine doses and metabolites). Azathioprine metabolites were measured in 257 samples (median 2 per patient, inter-quartile range IQR 1-3). Clinical efficacy at the first evaluation available resulted better in ulcerative colitis than in Crohn’s disease patients (88.0% versus 52.5% responders, p = 0.0003, linear mixed effect model, LME). TGN concentration and the ratio TGN/dose at the first evaluation were significantly higher in responder. TPMT rs1142345 variant (4.8% of patients) was associated with increased TGN (LME p = 0.0042), TGN/dose ratio (LME p < 0.0001), decreased azathioprine dose (LME p = 0.0087), and MMPN (LME p = 0.0011). GSTM1 deletion (58.1% of patients) was associated with a 18.5% decrease in TGN/dose ratio (LME p = 0.041) and 30% decrease in clinical efficacy (LME p = 0.0031). GSTA1 variant (12.8% of patients) showed a trend (p = 0.046, LME) for an association with decreased clinical efficacy; however, no significant effect on azathioprine pharmacokinetics could be detected. In conclusion, GSTs variants are associated with azathioprine efficacy and pharmacokinetics.
Impact of Tectonic, Glacial and Contour Current Processes on the Late Cenozoic Sedimentary Development of the Southeast Greenland Margin
Authors: Heirman Katrien An , Nielsen Tove , Kuijpers Antoon
Published: April 2019

To understand the geomorphological contrast between the northern and southern parts of the Southeast Greenland margin with its marked differences in sedimentary regime, bathymetric and seismic reflection, data have been compiled and analysed. While previous studies focused on selected parts of this margin, the present study provides an intergraded overview of the entire margin from Cap Farewell to Denmark Strait. The prominent north–south contrast shows a wide northern shelf and a narrow southern shelf. The origin of this width disparity can be traced back to the initial formation stage of the Irminger Sea due to regional differences in uplift versus oceanic subsidence. This regional tectonic discrepancy also created a difference in sediment accommodation space that, in combination with a weak ocean circulation regime, favoured formation of Oligocene–Miocene turbidite fan complexes along the lower southern slope. These fan complexes became the core of sediment drift ridges that strike perpendicular to the slope. Strong bottom currents, which gradually increase in strength towards the south, were mainly prevalent during warmer climate stages. During glacial periods, downslope transport of glacigenic sediments and hyperpycnal meltwater flow further shaped the large drift ridges and formed several relatively narrow, V-shaped turbidite channels extending towards the deep Irminger Sea basin. These V-shaped channels are still active today when cascading dense winter water from the shelf flows downwards along the shelf to the Irminger Sea basin.
Spatiotemporal Distribution of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Guangdong Province, China and Potential Predictors, 2009–2012
Authors: Wang Yijing , Lai Yingsi , Du Zhicheng , Zhang Wangjian , Feng Chenyang , Li Ruixue , Hao Yuantao
Published: April 2019

Background: Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common infectious disease among children. Guangdong Province is one of the most severely affected provinces in south China. This study aims to identify the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics and potential predictors of HFMD in Guangdong Province and provide a theoretical basis for the disease control and prevention. Methods: Case-based HFMD surveillance data from 2009 to 2012 was obtained from the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC). The Bayesian spatiotemporal model was used to evaluate the spatiotemporal variations of HFMD and identify the potential association with meteorological and socioeconomic factors. Results: Spatially, areas with higher relative risk (RR) of HFMD tended to be clustered around the Pearl River Delta region (the mid-east of the province). Temporally, we observed that the risk of HFMD peaked from April to July and October to December each year and detected an upward trend between 2009 and 2012. There was positive nonlinear enhancement between spatial and temporal effects, and the distribution of relative risk in space was not fixed, which had an irregular fluctuating trend in each month. The risk of HFMD was significantly associated with monthly average relative humidity (RR: 1.015, 95% CI: 1.006–1.024), monthly average temperature (RR: 1.045, 95% CI: 1.021–1.069), and monthly average rainfall (RR: 1.004, 95% CI: 1.001–1.008), but not significantly associated with average GDP. Conclusions: The risk of HFMD in Guangdong showed significant spatiotemporal heterogeneity. There was spatiotemporal interaction in the relative risk of HFMD. Adding a spatiotemporal interaction term could well explain the change of spatial effect with time, thus increasing the goodness of fit of the model. Meteorological factors, such as monthly average relative humidity, monthly average temperature, and monthly average rainfall, might be the driving factors of HFMD.
The Role of Parental Acceptance–Rejection in Emotional Instability During Adolescence
Authors: Mendo-Lázaro Santiago , León-del-Barco Benito , Polo-del-Río María-Isabel , Yuste-Tosina Rocío , López-Ramos Víctor-María
Published: April 2019

The present study focuses on analyzing the relationship between the parental acceptance–rejection perceived by adolescents and emotional instability from the early stages of adolescence. Special attention will be paid to potential differences between mothers and fathers. A total of 1181 students, aged 11–17, took part in the study. We used the factor of emotional instability in the Big Five Questionnaire (BFQ-NA) and an affect scale (EA-H) to measure parental acceptance–rejection. The analyses performed show a clear association between emotional instability with maternal/paternal criticism and rejection. Specifically, maternal criticism and rejection in early adolescence and paternal criticism and rejection in middle adolescence were associated with emotional instability, confirming the association between children’s and adolescents’ emotional adjustment and family dynamics. This study makes interesting contributions to understanding paternal and maternal rejection during the different stages of adolescence. These differences should be incorporated into the research on parental influence and its role in the development of personality among adolescents.
Simultaneous Determination of Moxifloxacin and Flavoxate by RP-HPLC and Ecofriendly Derivative Spectrophotometry Methods in Formulations
Authors: Attimarad Mahesh , Shahzad Chohan Muhammad , Ahmed Balgoname Abdulmalek
Published: April 2019

Simple, fast, and precise reversed-phase (RP)-high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and two ecofriendly spectrophotometric methods were established and validated for the simultaneous determination of moxifloxacin HCl (MOX) and flavoxate HCl (FLX) in formulations. Chromatographic methods involve the separation of two analytes using an Agilent Zorbax SB C18 HPLC column (150 mm × 4.6 mm; 5 µm) and a mobile phase consisting of phosphate buffer (50 mM; pH 5): methanol: acetonitrile in a proportion of 50:20:30 v/v, respectively. Valsartan was used as an internal standard. Analytes were monitored by measuring the absorbance of elute at 299 nm for MOX and 250 nm for FLX and valsartan. Two environmentally friendly spectrophotometric (first derivative and ratio first derivative) methods were also developed using water as a solvent. For the derivative spectrophotometric determination of MOX and FLX, a zero-crossing technique was adopted. The wavelengths selected for MOX and FLX were −304.0 nm and −331.8 nm for the first derivative spectrophotometric method and 358.4 nm and −334.1 nm for the ratio first-derivative spectrophotometric method, respectively. All methods were successfully validated, as per the International Conference on Harmonization(ICH) guidelines, and all parameters were well within acceptable ranges. The proposed analytical methods were successfully utilized for the simultaneous estimation of MOX and FLX in formulations.
Motivational Climate in Sport Is Associated with Life Stress Levels, Academic Performance and Physical Activity Engagement of Adolescents
Authors: Castro-Sánchez Manuel , Zurita-Ortega Félix , García-Marmol Eduardo , Chacón-Cuberos Ramón
Published: April 2019

The present study sought to define and contrast an explanatory model incorporating motivational climate towards sport, life stress, academic performance, and engagement in physical activity, and to analyze the existing relationships between these variables as a function of sex. A total of 2452 adolescents of both sexes (42.7% males and 57.3% females) participated in the present study, with self-reported ages between 13 and 16 years (M = 14.43; SD = 1.15). Participants were from Granada (Spain) and perceived motivational climate towards sport (PMCSQ-2), life stress (PSS), academic performance, and engagement in physical activity (PAQ-A) were analyzed. A multi-group structural equation model was constructed, which demonstrated excellent fit to the observed data (χ2 = 309.402; DF = 40; p < 0.001; CFI = 0.973; NFI = 0.970; IFI = 0.973; and RMSEA = 0.052). A negative and direct association exists between ego climate and task climate. A positive association was found between motivational climate, task climate (males r = 0.336/females r = 0.238), and ego climate (males r = 0.198/ females r = 0.089) and engagement in physical activity. A task climate was associated with better academic performance and lower levels of life stress. The main conclusions of this study highlight that a task-involving climate and engagement in physical activity are both associated with lower levels of life stress and higher levels of academic performance.
Spatiotemporal Variation Characteristics of Ecosystem Service Losses in the Agro-Pastoral Ecotone of Northern China
Authors: Yang Yuejuan , Wang Kun , Liu Di , Zhao Xinquan , Fan Jiangwen , Li Jinsheng , Zhai Xiajie , Zhang Cong , Zhan Ruyi
Published: April 2019

Being subject to climate change and human intervention, the land-use pattern in the agro-pastoral ecotone of Northern China has undergone complex changes over the past few decades, which may jeopardize the provision of ecosystem services. Thus, for sustainable land management, ecosystem services should be evaluated and monitored. In this study, based on Landsat TM/ETM data, we quantitatively evaluated the losses of ecosystem service values (ESV) in three sections of the agro-pastoral ecotone from 1980–2015. The results were as follows: (1) the main characteristic of the land conversions was that a large area of grassland was converted into cultivated land in the agro-pastoral ecotone; (2) on the spatial scale, the ESV losses of the agro-pastoral ecotone can be called an “inclined surface” in the direction of the northeast to southwest, and the northeastern section of the agro-pastoral ecotone lost more ESV than the middle and northwest sections (p < 0.05), on the temporal scale, the order of losses was 1990–2000 > 1980–1990 > 2000–2015; (3) the agro-pastoral ecotone lost more ESV, which was mainly due to four kinds of land conversion, which were grassland that was transformed into cultivated land, grassland transformed into unused land, grassland transformed into built-up areas, and cultivated land transformed into built-up areas; (4) although these land conversions were curbed after the implementation of protection policies at the end of the 1990s, due to reduced precipitation and increasing temperatures, the agro-pastoral ecotone will face a more severe situation in the future; and, (5) during the period of 1990–2015, the overall dynamic processes of increasing population gradually expanded to the sparsely populated pastoral area. Therefore, we believe that human interventions are the main cause of ecological deterioration in the agro-pastoral ecotone. This study provides references for fully understanding the regional differences in the ecological and environmental effects of land use change and it helps to objectively evaluate ecological civilization construction in the agro-pastoral ecotone of Northern China.
Food Marketing in Facebook to Thai Children and Youth: An Assessment of the Efficacy of Thai Regulations
Authors: Jaichuen Nongnuch , Vongmongkol Vuthiphan , Suphanchaimat Rapeepong , Sasiwatpaisit Nonglapat , Tangcharoensathien Viroj
Published: April 2019

To assess the marketing of food on Facebook in relation to Government regulations and the industry’s self-regulatory codes in Thailand, Facebook pages of 30 of the most popular food brands with young people in Thailand and consumer engagement (number of likes, shares, and comments) were recorded and had their marketing content transcribed during the month of December 2017. We coded the contents into 17 marketing techniques and conducted content analysis of these posts in relation to Government regulations and the industry’s self-regulatory codes. A total 752 posts were identified in one month. Retail food brand pages had the highest figures for engagement by Facebook viewers. The most common marketing techniques were the use of pictures (632 posts), followed by branding elements (569 posts) and hashtags (438 posts). Out of a total of 228 spot advert posts, all confectionery adverts and almost all (99.5%) soft drink adverts did not display the advertising license number and none of the confectionery adverts displayed the warning messages as required by law. Confectionery, retail food, and soft drink advertising violated the industry’s self-regulatory codes. The food brand Facebook pages in Thailand do not comply with Government regulations and the industry’s self-regulatory codes. The Government, civil society organizations, and academia should monitor these violations and improve enforcement.
Psychological Distress, Family Support and Employment Status in First-Year University Students in Spain
Authors: Arias-de la Torre Jorge , Fernández-Villa Tania , Molina Antonio José , Amezcua-Prieto Carmen , Mateos Ramona , Cancela José María , Delgado-Rodríguez Miguel , Ortíz-Moncada Rocío , Alguacil Juan , Redondo Susana , Gómez-Acebo Inés , Morales-Suárez-Varela María , Blázquez Abellán Gemma , Jiménez Mejías Eladio , Valero Luis Félix , Ayán Carlos , Vilorio-Marqués Laura , Olmedo-Requena Rocío , Martín Vicente
Published: April 2019

Mental disorders are consistently and closely related to psychological distress. At the start of the university period, the relationship between a student’s psychological distress, family support, and employment status is not well-known. The aims of this study were: To determine the prevalence of psychological distress in first-year university students and to analyze its relationship with family support and the student’s employment status. Data from 4166 first-year university students from nine universities across Spain were considered. The prevalence of psychological distress was obtained using the GHQ-12, a valid and reliable screening tool to detect poor mental health. To analyze the relationship between psychological distress, family support, and employment status, logistic regression models were fitted. Regarding the prevalence found, 46.9% of men and 54.2% of women had psychological distress. In both genders, psychological distress levels increased as family support decreased. Among women, psychological distress was associated with their employment status. The prevalence of psychological distress among first-year university students in Spain is high. In addition, family support, and employment status for women, could be factors to take into account when developing psychological distress prevention strategies at the beginning of the university period.
Exposure to Atmospheric Ultrafine Particles Induces Severe Lung Inflammatory Response and Tissue Remodeling in Mice
Authors: Saleh Yara , Antherieu Sébastien , Dusautoir Romain , Y. Alleman Laurent , Sotty Jules , De Sousa Corentin , Platel Anne , Perdrix Esperanza , Riffault Véronique , Fronval Isabelle , Nesslany Fabrice , Canivet Ludivine , Garçon Guillaume , Lo-Guidice Jean-Marc
Published: April 2019

Exposure to particulate matter (PM) is leading to various respiratory health outcomes. Compared to coarse and fine particles, less is known about the effects of chronic exposure to ultrafine particles, despite their higher number and reactivity. In the present study, we performed a time-course experiment in mice to better analyze the lung impact of atmospheric ultrafine particles, with regard to the effects induced by fine particles collected on the same site. Trace element and PAH analysis demonstrated the almost similar chemical composition of both particle fractions. Mice were exposed intranasally to FF or UFP according to acute (10, 50 or 100 µg of PM) and repeated (10 µg of PM 3 times a week during 1 or 3 months) exposure protocols. More particle-laden macrophages and even greater chronic inflammation were observed in the UFP-exposed mice lungs. Histological analyses revealed that about 50% of lung tissues were damaged in mice exposed to UFP for three months versus only 35% in FF-exposed mice. These injuries were characterized by alveolar wall thickening, macrophage infiltrations, and cystic lesions. Taken together, these results strongly motivate the update of current regulations regarding ambient PM concentrations to include UFP and limit their emission.
Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Maize Potential Yield and Yield Gaps in Northeast China from 1990 to 2015
Authors: Pu Luoman , Zhang Shuwen , Yang Jiuchun , Chang Liping , Bai Shuting
Published: April 2019

Maize yield has undergone obvious spatial and temporal changes in recent decades in Northeast China. Understanding how maize potential yield has changed over the past few decades and how large the gaps between potential and actual maize yields are is essential for increasing maize yield to meet increased food demand in Northeast China. In this study, the spatial and temporal dynamics of maize potential yield in Northeast China from 1990 to 2015 were simulated using the Global Agro-ecological Zones (GAEZ) model at the pixel level firstly. Then, the yield gaps between actual and potential yields were analyzed at city scale. The results were the following. (1) The maize potential yield decreased by about 500 kg/ha and the potential production remained at around 260 million tonnes during 1990–2000. From 2000 to 2015, the maize potential yield and production increased by approximately 1000 kg/ha and 80 million tonnes, respectively. (2) The maize potential yield decreased in most regions of Northeast China in the first decade, such as the center area (CA), south area (SA), southwest area (SWA), and small regions in northeast area (NEA), due to lower temperature and insufficient rainfall. The maize potential yield increased elsewhere. (3) The maize potential yield increased by more than 1000 kg/ha in the center area (CA) in the latter 15 years, which may be because of the climate warming and sufficient precipitation. The maize potential yield decreased elsewhere and Harbin in the center area (CA). (4) In 40 cities of Northeast China, the rates of actual yield to potential yield in 17 cities were higher than 80%. The actual yields only attained 50–80% of the potential yields in 20 cities. The gaps between actual and potential yields in Hegang and Dandong were very large, which need to be shrunk urgently. The results highlight the importance of coping with climate change actively, arranging crop structure reasonably, improving farmland use efficiency and ensuring food security in Northeast China.
Association of Ambient Air Pollution with Increased Liver Enzymes in Korean Adults
Authors: Kim Hyun-Jin , Min Jin-young , Seo Yong-Seok , Min Kyoung-bok
Published: April 2019

An association between exposure to air pollution and liver enzymes in certain areas or older people has been reported in the literature; however, it cannot be generalized to the general population. We investigated the association between air pollution, liver enzyme levels, and alcohol consumption using nationwide data of South Korean adults. Air pollutants included particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤10 µm (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO). Liver enzymes included alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Exposure to air pollutants were significantly associated with elevation of log ALT and log AST, especially increases from 0.0073 IU/L (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.0042, 0.0104) to 0.0251 IU/L (95% CI = 0.0132, 0.0371) per interquartile range (IQR) increase of each pollutant (all pollutants: p < 0.001). Association of the liver enzymes with PM10 (β (95% CI) = 0.0285 IU/L (0.0201, 0.0368) for log ALT; β (95% CI) = 0.0139 IU/L (0.0079, 0.0198) for log AST) and CO (β (95% CI) = 0.0247 IU/L (0.0182, 0.0311) for log ALT; β (95% CI) = 0.0164 IU/L (0.0118, 0.0210) for log AST) were only significant among drinkers. Our findings suggest that chronic exposure to PM10 and CO is a risk factor for liver enzymes increases among the general adult population who admitted to drinking alcohol.
Association between Undiagnosed Hypertension and Health Factors among Middle-Aged and Elderly Chinese Population
Authors: Zhou Junmin , Fang Shu
Published: April 2019

Undiagnosed hypertension has resulted in significant health and economic burdens. This study sought to investigate the association between health factors and undiagnosed hypertension among hypertensive Chinese and to assess the urban-rural disparity. A total of 6455 diagnosed and undiagnosed hypertensive adults were included. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to examine the association between health factors and undiagnosed hypertension. The urban–rural disparity was investigated through stratified analysis. Undiagnosed hypertension was prevalent (28.8%), and rural residents were more likely to have undiagnosed hypertension compared to their urban counterparts (30.1% versus 24.7%). Physical examination, healthcare service utilization, body mass index, chronic diseases, headache, and self-rated health status were found to be significantly associated with undiagnosed hypertension. In addition, healthcare service utilization, underweight in body mass index, headache, and self-rating health status were associated with undiagnosed hypertension among the rural sample but not in the urban sample. Undiagnosed hypertension was significantly related to health factors among hypertensive Chinese. The findings provided implications for future hypertension prevention programs. The use of physical examination (e.g., blood pressure measurements) is recommended; special attention may be given to those who are underweight and self-rate their health as good and fair, as they are more likely to be neglected.
Social Inequalities in Environmental Resources of Green and Blue Spaces: A Review of Evidence in the WHO European Region
Authors: Schüle Steffen Andreas , Hilz Lisa Karla , Dreger Stefanie , Bolte Gabriele
Published: April 2019

Residential green and blue spaces and their potential health benefits have received increasing attention in the context of environmental health inequalities, because an unequal social distribution of these resources may contribute to inequalities in health outcomes. This systematic review synthesised evidence of environmental inequalities, focusing on availability and accessibility measures of green and blue spaces. Studies in the World Health Organisation (WHO) European Region published between 2010 and 2017 were considered for the review. In total, 14 studies were identified, where most of them (n = 12) analysed inequalities of green spaces. The majority had an ecological study design that mostly applied deprivation indices on the small area level, whereas cross-sectional studies on the individual level mostly applied single social measures. Ecological studies consistently showed that deprived areas had lower green space availability than more affluent areas, whereas mixed associations were found for single social dimensions in cross-sectional studies on the individual level. In order to gain more insights into how various social dimensions are linked to the distribution of environmental resources within the WHO European Region, more studies are needed that apply comparable methods and study designs for analysing social inequalities in environmental resources.
Automatic Pipeline Route Design with Multi-Criteria Evaluation Based on Least-Cost Path Analysis and Line-Based Cartographic Simplification: A Case Study of the Mus Project in Turkey
Authors: Durmaz Ali İhsan , Ünal Erdinç Örsan , Aydın Cevdet Coşkun
Published: April 2019

The design of a natural gas pipeline route is a very important stage in Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline projects. It is a very complicated process requiring many different criteria for various areas to be evaluated simultaneously. These criteria include geographical, social, economic, and environmental aspects with their obstacles. In the classical approach, the optimum route design is usually determined manually with gathering the spatial references for suitable places and obstructions from the ground. This traditional method is not effective because it does not consider all the factors that affect the route of the pipeline. Today, the powerful tools incorporated in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) can be used to automatically determine the optimum route. An automatic pipeline route finder algorithm can calculate the best convenient route avoiding geographic and topological obstructs and selecting suitable places depending on their weights. In this study, an automatic natural gas pipeline design study was carried out in the east western region of Turkey. At the end of the study, an automatic natural gas pipeline route was determined using GIS and a least cost path algorithm, and an alternative study was conducted using a traditional method. In addition, a cartographic line simplification process with a point removal algorithm was used to eliminate the high vertex points and a simplified route was determined. The results were compared with the results of a finished Muş natural gas project constructed by The Turkish Petroleum Pipeline Corporation (BOTAŞ) and the negative and positive effects were evaluated. It was concluded that the use of GIS capabilities and the lowest cost path distance algorithm resulted in a 20% reduction of the cost through the simplification.
Research of Pathogenesis and Novel Therapeutics in Arthritis
Authors: Tang Chih-Hsin
Published: April 2019

Arthritis has a high prevalence globally and includes over 100 types, the most common of which are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis and inflammatory arthritis. The exact etiology of arthritis remains unclear and no cure exists. Anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly used in the treatment of arthritis, but are associated with significant side effects. Novel modes of therapy and additional prognostic biomarkers are urgently needed for these patients. In this editorial, the twenty articles published in the Special Issue Research of Pathogenesis and Novel Therapeutics in Arthritis 2019 are summarized and discussed as part of the global picture of the current understanding of arthritis.
Generation of iPSCs from Jaw Periosteal Cells Using Self-Replicating RNA
Authors: Umrath Felix , Steinle Heidrun , Weber Marbod , Wendel Hans-Peter , Reinert Siegmar , Alexander Dorothea , Avci-Adali Meltem
Published: April 2019

Jaw periosteal cells (JPCs) represent a suitable stem cell source for bone tissue engineering (BTE) applications. However, challenges associated with limited cell numbers, stressful cell sorting, or the occurrence of cell senescence during in vitro passaging and the associated insufficient osteogenic potential in vitro of JPCs and other mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are main hurdles and still need to be solved. In this study, for the first time, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were generated from human JPCs to open up a new source of stem cells for BTE. For this purpose, a non-integrating self-replicating RNA (srRNA) encoding reprogramming factors and green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a reporter was used to obtain JPC-iPSCs with a feeder- and xeno-free reprogramming protocol to meet the highest safety standards for future clinical applications. Furthermore, to analyze the potential of these iPSCs as a source of osteogenic progenitor cells, JPC-iPSCs were differentiated into iPSC-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal like cells (iMSCs) and further differentiated to the osteogenic lineage under xeno-free conditions. The produced iMSCs displayed MSC marker expression and morphology as well as strong mineralization during osteogenic differentiation.