bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Let me explain!”: exploring the potential of virtual agents in explainable AI interaction design
Authors: Weitz Katharina , Schiller Dominik , Schlagowski Ruben , Huber Tobias , André Elisabeth
Published: July 2020

While the research area of artificial intelligence benefited from increasingly sophisticated machine learning techniques in recent years, the resulting systems suffer from a loss of transparency and comprehensibility, especially for end-users. In this paper, we explore the effects of incorporating virtual agents into explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) designs on the perceived trust of end-users. For this purpose, we conducted a user study based on a simple speech recognition system for keyword classification. As a result of this experiment, we found that the integration of virtual agents leads to increased user trust in the XAI system. Furthermore, we found that the user’s trust significantly depends on the modalities that are used within the user-agent interface design. The results of our study show a linear trend where the visual presence of an agent combined with a voice output resulted in greater trust than the output of text or the voice output alone. Additionally, we analysed the participants’ feedback regarding the presented XAI visualisations. We found that increased human-likeness of and interaction with the virtual agent are the two most common mention points on how to improve the proposed XAI interaction design. Based on these results, we discuss current limitations and interesting topics for further research in the field of XAI. Moreover, we present design recommendations for virtual agents in XAI systems for future projects.
Reptile responses to vegetation structure in a grassland restored for an endangered snake
Authors: Mizsei Edvárd , Fejes Zsófia , Malatinszky Ákos , Lengyel Szabolcs , Vadász Csaba
Published: July 2020

Grassland ecosystems are among the most threatened biomes, and their restoration has become common in nature conservation. Yet restoration is rarely applied specifically for reptiles, which are among the most threatened vertebrates. The Meadow Viper (Vipera ursinii) has become extinct in most of lowland Europe, and an endangered subspecies (Vipera ursinii rakosiensis) has been a target of habitat restoration and captive breeding in Hungary since 2004. We quantified vegetation properties and the density of reptiles that either spontaneously colonised (three species) or were reintroduced (V. ursinii) in a grassland restored specifically for this purpose. We used a fine-scale survey to estimate the cover, and compositional and vertical diversity of the vegetation. We characterised sampling units along three habitat gradients: wetness, openness and grass tussock size. Model selection based on data from replicated counts showed that Green Lizards (Lacerta viridis) responded positively to vegetation cover and negatively to tussock area and height, and number of burrows. The Sand Lizard (Lacerta agilis) responded positively to vegetation cover, vertical diversity and wetness, and negatively to openness. The Balkan Wall Lizard (Podarcis tauricus) responded positively to tussock height and negatively to vegetation cover. Finally, V. ursinii responded positively to vegetation cover and tussock height, and negatively to compositional diversity. Our results show the general importance of structural and compositional diversity of vegetation to reptiles. These results suggest that adaptive management should focus on increasing the total cover (for lizards) and the structural diversity of vegetation (for each species) to benefit reptiles in restored grasslands.
Sexual Responsivity and the Effects of Negative Mood on Sexual Arousal in Hypersexual Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM)
Authors: Janssen Erick , Prause Nicole , Swinburne Romine Rebecca , Raymond Nancy , MacDonald Angus , Coleman Eli , Miner Michael H.
Published: July 2020

Background

A number of studies have found that hypersexuality is associated with a high propensity for sexual excitation. In comparison, less is known about the relationship between hypersexuality and sexual arousal at the state level. Also, previous research has revealed a relationship between hypersexuality and negative mood. However, the possibility that sexual response might not be as negatively impacted by negative mood in hypersexual individuals has, as yet, not been tested.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to investigate sexual responsivity and the effects of negative mood on sexual arousal in hypersexual men who have sex with men (MSM).

Methods

A total of 211 MSM were assigned to a hypersexuality (N = 81) or a control (N = 130) group using an interview patterned with a semi-structured Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders format. Participants filled out questionnaires and were shown neutral, sexual, and anxiety- and sadness-inducing films.

Outcomes

Changes in penile circumference and self-reported sexual arousal were the primary outcomes analyzed in this study.

Results

Controlling for age and HIV status, no differences were found in genital response between hypersexual and non-hypersexual men. Also, the 2 groups did not differ in subjective sexual arousal. Moreover, no effects of negative mood were found. Time series clustering analyses revealed 3 groups—low responders and slow and fast high responders. Sexual excitation, but not sexual compulsivity or pornography use, predicted cluster membership.

Clinical Translation

Hypersexual MSM may benefit more from an exploration of motivational and behavioral, as compared to psychophysiological, mechanisms underlying possible links between (negative) mood and sexual behavior.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths of the study include its sample size, making it one of the larger psychophysiological sex studies; the use of clinical interviews for group assignment; the inclusion of genital response measures; and the application of time series clustering to examine differences among participants. Limitations include possible sample heterogeneity and the reliance on researcher-selected stimuli.

Conclusion

Given the lack of any effects of negative mood on sexual response in hypersexual MSM, future studies could explore in more depth possible motivational and behavioral effects, including, for example, the impact of negative mood on the tendency to seek out sex as a form of distraction or for validation or emotional support.
Higher level of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte is associated with severe COVID-19
Authors: Kong Man , Zhang Hongmei , Cao Xiaocui , Mao Xiaoli , Lu Zhongxin
Published: July 2020

In December 2019, cases of severe coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) infection rapidly progressed to acute respiratory failure. This study aims to assess the association between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the incidence of severe COVID-19 infection. A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 210 patients with COVID-19 infection who were admitted to the Central Hospital of Wuhan from 27 January 2020 to 9 March 2020. Peripheral blood samples were collected and examined for lymphocyte subsets by flow cytometry. Associations between tertiles of NLR and the incidence of severe illness were analysed by logistic regression.

Of the 210 patients with COVID-19, 87 were diagnosed as severe cases. The mean NLR of the severe group was higher than that of the mild group (6.6 vs. 3.3, P < 0.001). The highest tertile of NLR (5.1–19.7) exhibited a 5.9-fold (95% CI 1.3–28.5) increased incidence of severity relative to that of the lowest tertile (0.6–2.5) after adjustments for age, diabetes, hypertension and other confounders. The number of T cells significantly decreased in the severe group (0.5 vs. 0.9, P < 0.001). COVID-19 might mainly act on lymphocytes, particularly T lymphocytes. NLR was identified as an early risk factor for severe COVID-19 illness. Patients with increased NLR should be admitted to an isolation ward with respiratory monitoring and supportive care.
Autistic traits in young adults who gamble
Authors: Grant Jon E. , Chamberlain Samuel R.
Published: July 2020

Background

Little is known about the relationship between autistic traits and addictive behaviors such as problem gambling. Thus, the present study examined clinical characteristics and multiple facets of cognition in young adults who gamble and have autistic traits.

Methods

A total of 102 young adults who gamble were recruited from two Mid-Western university communities in the United States using media advertisements. Autistic traits were examined using the brief Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ-10). Clinician rating scales, questionnaires, and cognitive tests were completed. Relationships between AQ10 scores and demographic, gambling symptom, and neurocognitive measures were evaluated.

Results

Autistic traits were correlated with disordered gambling symptoms, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, trait impulsivity, and some types of obsessive–compulsive symptoms. In regression, ADHD no longer significantly related to autistic traits once disordered gambling symptoms were accounted for; whereas the link between autistic traits and disordered gambling symptoms was robust even controlling for ADHD.

Conclusions

These data suggest a particularly strong relationship between autistic traits and problem gambling symptoms, as well as certain aspects of impulsivity and compulsivity. The link between ADHD and autistic traits in some prior studies may have been attributable to disordered gambling symptoms, which was likely not screened for, and since individuals may endorse ADHD instruments due to other impulsive/compulsive symptom types (eg, gambling). The contribution of autistic traits to the emergence and chronicity of disordered gambling now requires further scrutiny, not only in community samples (such as this) but also in clinical settings.
The Conditional Effect of Scientific Knowledge and Gender on Support for COVID-19 Government Containment Policies in a Partisan America
Authors: Algara Carlos , Fuller Sam , Hare Christopher
Published: July 2020

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, many state and local governments were forced to implement necessary policies to contain transmission of the deadly virus. These policies ranged from closing most businesses to more controversial proposals, such as postponing primary elections. In this research note, we examine the role that scientific knowledge and gender played in citizen perceptions of these virus containment policies, both in the general population and among partisans. We find that while a gender gap persists in scientific knowledge, both in the general population and within the parties, women are generally more likely to use this knowledge to inform their policy views on necessary government action during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings shed light on how knowledge and gender intersect to drive support for government intervention during the time of a severe public health crisis in a partisan America.
Attachment Anxiety Mitigates the Well-Being Costs of Object Attachment
Authors: Keefer Lucas A. , Rothschild Zachary K.
Published: July 2020

Abstract. Clinical and personality research consistently demonstrates that people can form unhealthy and problematic attachments to material possessions. To better understand this tendency, the current paper extends past research demonstrating that anxieties about other people motivate these attachments. These findings suggest that although object attachment generally correlates with poorer well-being, it may attenuate well-being deficits associated with insecurity about close relationships. The current paper presents two studies using converging correlational ( N = 394) and diary methods ( N = 413) to test whether object attachments’ association with poorer well-being is moderated by relationship uncertainties. We find that both trait (Study 1) and state (Study 2) insecurities about others eliminated, and in some cases reversed, the negative psychological correlates of object attachment. These effects, however, were only observed when focusing on between-person variation in both studies; within-person analysis demonstrated that state variation in object attachment predicted better psychological well-being. These results highlight a need for more nuanced studies of object attachment and well-being.
Orson Anderson (1924–2019)
Authors: Liebermann Robert , Isaak Donald
Published: July 2020

This pioneer in the field of mineral physics contributed mightily to our understanding of mineral properties at high temperatures and high pressures and of Earth’s interior.
Stress Chatter via Fluid Flow and Fault Slip in a Hydraulic Fracturing‐Induced Earthquake Sequence in the Montney Formation, British Columbia
Authors: Peña Castro A. F. , Roth M. P. , Verdecchia A. , Onwuemeka J. , Liu Y. , Harrington R. M. , Zhang Y. , Kao H.
Published: July 2020

Source processes of injection‐induced earthquakes involve complex fluid‐rock interaction often elusive to regional seismic monitoring. Here we combine observations from a local seismograph array in the Montney Formation, northeast British Columbia, and stress modeling to examine the spatiotemporal evolution of the 30 November 2018 Mw 4.2 (ML 4.5) hydraulic fracturing‐induced earthquake sequence. The isolated occurrence of the mainshock at a depth of ∼4.5 km in the crystalline basement 2 days following injection onset at ∼2.5 km depth suggests direct triggering by rapid fluid pressure increase via a high‐permeability conduit. Most aftershocks are in the top 2 km sedimentary layers, with focal mechanisms indicating discrete slip along subvertical surfaces in an ∼1 km wide deformation zone. Aftershock distribution is consistent with static stress triggering from the Mw 4.2 coseismic slip. Our analysis suggests that complex hydraulic and stress transfer between fracture networks needs to be considered in induced seismic hazard assessment.
Back to Einstein: Burial‐Induced Three‐Range Diffusion in Fluvial Sediment Transport
Authors: Pierce J. Kevin , Hassan Marwan A.
Published: July 2020

Individual grains move through gravel bed rivers in cycles of motion and rest, so tracer grains diffuse as they transport downstream. Tracer experiments demonstrate at least three diffusion ranges as observation times increase, with different spreading rates in each range. Until now, the generating processes of these ranges have remained unclear. In this work, we develop a random walk model of individual bedload trajectories including motion, rest, and burial processes. The model describes three bedload diffusion ranges that terminate in a fourth nondiffusive range when all tracers become buried. Using the model, we attribute three‐range tracer diffusion to the interplay between motion, rest, and burial processes, and we relate the multirange diffusion characteristics to the timescales of these processes.
Major Volcanic Eruptions and Their Impacts on Southern Hemisphere Temperatures During the Late 19th and 20th Centuries, as Simulated by CMIP5 Models
Authors: Harvey P. J. , Grab S. W. , Malherbe J.
Published: July 2020

While much is known about the impacts of volcanic forcing on Northern Hemisphere (NH) climates, knowledge about Southern Hemisphere (SH) responses is still in its infancy. We examine volcanic impacts on SH temperatures following eight major late 19th and 20th century eruptions (Agung, 1963; Colima, 1913; El Chichón, 1982; Pinatubo, 1991; Krakatau, 1883; Quizapu, 1932; Santa Maria, 1902; Tarawera, 1886). Coupled Model Intercomparison Project, Phase 5 (CMIP5) historical simulations are used to analyze near‐surface land temperatures. We demonstrate that four of the eight major eruptions (Krakatau, Santa Maria, Agung, and Pinatubo) significantly lowered mean SH temperatures; these tropical eruptions emitted at least 20 Tg of SO2 into the stratosphere. SH responses typically lagged NH temperature cooling responses by 1–2 months, excluding Pinatubo. Responses differ spatially and temporally with each eruption, highlighting the importance of investigating events individually. Overall, we observe relatively strong (between −0.19°C and −0.36°C) austral autumn/winter SH cooling.
Seismic Evidence for a Shallow Detachment Beneath Kīlauea's South Flank During the 2018 Activity
Authors: Lin Guoqing , Okubo Paul G.
Published: July 2020

We investigate earthquake distribution and focal mechanisms associated with the 2018 Kīlauea volcano eruption in Hawaii. Our high‐precision earthquake relocations delineate an aseismic zone bounded by two subhorizontal bands of seismicity at 3.5 and 7 km depths beneath the eastern south flank, both of which are dominated by the shallow‐dipping reverse faulting during the 2018 activity. We interpret the deeper seismicity as related to the basal décollement that separates the volcanic edifice from the oceanic crust. The shallower seismicity is a feature exhibited in the recent activity and, which we propose, reveals a detachment that either represents the contact between Mauna Loa and Kīlauea volcanoes or coincides with the onland extension of the base of the Hilina slump. We suggest that large earthquakes, such as the 1975 Mw 7.7 and the 2018 Mw 6.9 mainshocks, are capable of triggering failures of both the basal décollement and the shallower surface.
Strong Sequestration of Hydrogen Into the Earth's Core During Planetary Differentiation
Authors: Yuan Liang , Steinle‐Neumann Gerd
Published: July 2020

We explore the partitioning behavior of hydrogen between coexisting metal and silicate melts at conditions of the magma ocean and the current core–mantle boundary with the help of density functional theory molecular dynamics. We perform simulations with the two‐phase and thermodynamic integration methods. We find that hydrogen is weakly siderophile at low pressure (20 GPa and 2,500 K), and becomes much more strongly so with pressure, suggesting that hydrogen is transported to the core in a significant amount during core segregation and is stable there. Based on our results, the core likely contains ~1 wt% H, assuming single‐stage formation and equilibration at 40 GPa. Our two‐phase simulations further suggest that silicon is entrained in the core‐forming metal, while magnesium remains in the silicate phase. This preferred incorporation of silicon hints at an explanation for the elevated Mg/Si ratio of the bulk silicate Earth relative to chondritic compositions.
Eddy Kinetic Energy in the Arctic Ocean From a Global Simulation With a 1‐km Arctic
Authors: Wang Qiang , Koldunov Nikolay V. , Danilov Sergey , Sidorenko Dmitry , Wekerle Claudia , Scholz Patrick , Bashmachnikov Igor L. , Jung Thomas
Published: July 2020

Simulating Arctic Ocean mesoscale eddies in ocean circulation models presents a great challenge because of their small size. This study employs an unstructured‐mesh ocean‐sea ice model to conduct a decadal‐scale global simulation with a 1‐km Arctic. It provides a basinwide overview of Arctic eddy energetics. Increasing model resolution from 4 to 1 km increases Arctic eddy kinetic energy (EKE) and total kinetic energy (TKE) by about 40% and 15%, respectively. EKE is the highest along main currents over topography slopes, where strong conversion from available potential energy to EKE takes place. It is high in halocline with a maximum typically centered in the depth range of 70–110 m, and in the Atlantic Water layer of the Eurasian Basin as well. The seasonal variability of EKE along the continental slopes of southern Canada and eastern Eurasian basins is similar, stronger in fall and weaker in spring.
A widely distributed hydrogenase oxidises atmospheric H2 during bacterial growth
Authors: Islam Zahra F , Welsh Caitlin , Bayly Katherine , Grinter Rhys , Southam Gordon , Gagen Emma J , Greening Chris
Published: July 2020

Diverse aerobic bacteria persist by consuming atmospheric hydrogen (H2) using group 1h [NiFe]-hydrogenases. However, other hydrogenase classes are also distributed in aerobes, including the group 2a [NiFe]-hydrogenase. Based on studies focused on Cyanobacteria, the reported physiological role of the group 2a [NiFe]-hydrogenase is to recycle H2 produced by nitrogenase. However, given this hydrogenase is also present in various heterotrophs and lithoautotrophs lacking nitrogenases, it may play a wider role in bacterial metabolism. Here we investigated the role of this enzyme in three species from different phylogenetic lineages and ecological niches: Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (phylum Proteobacteria), Chloroflexus aggregans (phylum Chloroflexota), and Gemmatimonas aurantiaca (phylum Gemmatimonadota). qRT-PCR analysis revealed that the group 2a [NiFe]-hydrogenase of all three species is significantly upregulated during exponential growth compared to stationary phase, in contrast to the profile of the persistence-linked group 1h [NiFe]-hydrogenase. Whole-cell biochemical assays confirmed that all three strains aerobically respire H2 to sub-atmospheric levels, and oxidation rates were much higher during growth. Moreover, the oxidation of H2 supported mixotrophic growth of the carbon-fixing strains C. aggregans and A. ferrooxidans. Finally, we used phylogenomic analyses to show that this hydrogenase is widely distributed and is encoded by 13 bacterial phyla. These findings challenge the current persistence-centric model of the physiological role of atmospheric H2 oxidation and extend this process to two more phyla, Proteobacteria and Gemmatimonadota. In turn, these findings have broader relevance for understanding how bacteria conserve energy in different environments and control the biogeochemical cycling of atmospheric trace gases.
A pan-specific antiserum produced by a novel immunization strategy shows a high spectrum of neutralization against neurotoxic snake venoms
Authors: Ratanabanangkoon Kavi , Tan Kae Yi , Pruksaphon Kritsada , Klinpayom Chaiya , Gutiérrez José María , Quraishi Naeem H. , Tan Choo Hock
Published: July 2020

Snakebite envenomation is a neglected tropical disease of high mortality and morbidity largely due to insufficient supply of effective and affordable antivenoms. Snake antivenoms are mostly effective against the venoms used in their production. It is thus crucial that effective and affordable antivenom(s) with wide para-specificity, capable of neutralizing the venoms of a large number of snakes, be produced. Here we studied the pan-specific antiserum prepared previously by a novel immunization strategy involving the exposure of horses to a ‘diverse toxin repertoire’ consisting of 12 neurotoxic Asian snake toxin fractions/ venoms from six species. This antiserum was previously shown to exhibit wide para-specificity by neutralizing 11 homologous and 16 heterologous venoms from Asia and Africa. We now show that the antiserum can neutralize 9 out of 10 additional neurotoxic venoms. Altogether, 36 snake venoms belonging to 10 genera from 4 continents were neutralized by the antiserum. Toxin profiles previously generated using proteomic techniques of these 36 venoms identified α-neurotoxins, β-neurotoxins, and cytotoxins as predominant toxins presumably neutralized by the antiserum. The bases for the wide para-specificity of the antiserum are discussed. These findings indicate that it is feasible to generate antivenoms of wide para-specificity against elapid neurotoxic venoms from different regions in the world and raises the possibility of a universal neurotoxic antivenom. This should reduce the mortality resulting from neurotoxic snakebite envenomation.
“A real-world evidence” in reduction of volatile anesthetics by BIS-guided anesthesia
Authors: Poon Yan-Yuen , Chang Han-Chen , Chiang Min-Hsien , Hung Kuo-Chuan , Lu Hsiao-Feng , Wang Chih-Hsien , Chin Jo-Chi , Wu Shao-Chun
Published: July 2020

Many well-controlled clinical studies have shown that BIS-guided anesthesia could prevent intraoperative awareness and improve postoperative morbidity and mortality, by optimizing the amount of volatile anesthetics administered to patients. However, we questioned if the previously reported advantages of BIS-guided anesthesia in controlled studies would still apply in real-world settings. This retrospective study based on real-world settings clarified the role of BIS-guided anesthesia in reducing anesthetic consumption. We obtained anesthesia records from an electronic database of a medical center in southern Taiwan. A total of 6,713 cases were enrolled, where 1,324 cases receiving sevoflurane underwent BIS-guided anesthesia and 378 received desflurane; further, 3,819 receiving sevoflurane underwent standard anesthesia practice and 1,192 cases received desflurane. The median (25–75% interquartile values) of the average hourly consumption of sevoflurane or desflurane decreased significantly under BIS-guided anesthesia [10.5 (8.7–13.0) mL/h and 17.4 (13.7–21.1) mL/h, respectively] compared to that under standard anesthesia practice [11.4 (9.0–14.5) mL/h, and 20.2 (15.8–25.0), mL/h, respectively]. Furthermore, the average hourly consumption of these two volatile anesthetics varied inversely with age and anesthesia time in both groups. A significant reduction was found in the hourly consumption of volatile anesthetics in patients under BIS-guided anesthesia compared to standard anesthesia practice in different age groups or different anesthesia time. We concluded that BIS-guided anesthesia could reduce consumption of volatile anesthetics in real-world settings as well.
Inter- and intra-researcher reproducibility of heart rate variability parameters in three human cohorts
Authors: Plaza-Florido A. , Alcantara J. M. A. , Migueles J. H. , Amaro-Gahete F. J. , Acosta F. M. , Mora-Gonzalez J. , Sacha J. , Ortega F. B.
Published: July 2020

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a valid and non-invasive indicator of cardiac autonomic nervous system functioning. Short-term HRV recordings (e.g., 10 min long) produce data that usually is manually processed. Researcher subjective decision-making on data processing could produce inter- or intra-researcher differences whose magnitude has not been previously quantified in three independent human cohorts. This study examines the inter- and intra-researcher reproducibility of HRV parameters (i.e., the influence of R–R interval selection by different researchers and by the same researcher in different moments on the quantification of HRV parameters, respectively) derived from short-term recordings in a cohort of children with overweight/obesity, young adults and middle-age adults. Participants were recruited from 3 different studies: 107 children (10.03 ± 1.13 years, 58% male), 132 young adults (22.22 ± 2.20 years, 33% males) and 73 middle-aged adults (53.62 ± 5.18 years, 48% males). HRV was measured using a Polar RS800CX heart rate monitor. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) ranged from 0.703 to 0.989 and from 0.950 to 0.998 for inter-and intra-researcher reproducibility, respectively. Limits of agreement for HRV parameters were higher for the inter-researcher processing compared with the intra-researcher processing. On average, the intra-researcher differences were 31%, 62%, and 80% smaller than the inter-researchers differences based on Coefficient of Variation in children, young and middle-aged adults, respectively. Our study provides the quantification of the inter-researcher and intra-researcher differences in three independent human cohorts, which could elicit some clinical relevant differences for HRV parameters. Based on our findings, we recommend the HRV data signal processing to be performed always by the same trained researcher and we postulate a development of algorithms for an automatic ECG selection.
Sera of elderly obstructive sleep apnea patients alter blood–brain barrier integrity in vitro: a pilot study
Authors: Voirin Anne-Cloé , Celle Sébastien , Perek Nathalie , Roche Frédéric
Published: July 2020

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is characterized by repeated episodes of hypoxia during the night. The severity of the disorder can be evaluated using an apnea–hypopnea index (AHI). The physiological consequences are mainly cardiovascular and neuronal dysfunctions. One hypothesis to explain such associated neurological disorders is disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), which protects the brain from endovascular cytotoxic compounds. We selected two subgroups of volunteers from the PROOF cohort study (France), a group of patients suffering newly diagnosed severe OSAS (AHI > 30/h) and a group showing no sleep apnea (AHI < 5/h). We exposed a human in vitro BBB model of endothelial cells (HBEC-5i) with sera of patients with and without OSAS. After exposure, we measured the apparent BBB permeability as well as tight junction and ABC transporter expression using whole cell ELISA. We showed that after incubation with sera from OSAS patients, there was a loss of integrity in the human in vitro BBB model; this was reflected by an increase in permeability (43%; p < 0.001) and correlated with a 50% and 40% decrease in tight junction protein expression of ZO-1 and claudin-5, respectively. At the same time, we observed an upregulation in Pgp protein expression (52%) and functionality, and a downregulation in BCRP expression (52%). Our results demonstrated that severe BBB disorder after exposure to sera from OSAS patients was reflected by an opening of the BBB.
A framework for understanding how activities associated with dog ownership relate to human well-being
Authors: Barcelos Ana Maria , Kargas Niko , Maltby John , Hall Sophie , Mills Daniel S.
Published: July 2020

There is notorious inconsistency regarding mental health benefits of dog ownership, partially due to repeated cross-sectional studies comparing dog owners and non-owners, without taking into account the heterogeneity of dog-owner dyads, especially the activities with which the owners are involved. This study aimed to develop a comprehensive framework of the most important dog human related activities and their impact on owner well-being. Six focus groups with 35 dog owners were conducted, and their audio transcripts thematically analysed. Dog human related activities and themes of activities were linked to their reported changes in well-being through matrix coding. A framework of 58 dog human related activities linked with their specific hedonic well-being, life satisfaction and eudaimonic well-being outcomes was generated. Most activities were reported to improve owner’s well-being, (e.g. human–dog tactile interaction increases owner’s self-esteem), and a minority was mainly associated with negative outcomes. The richness of the framework presented in this study reinforces the importance of assessing dog ownership well-being outcomes based on specific dog human related activities with which dog owners are involved. This new and systematic investigative approach should decrease inconsistencies in the field and facilitate mental health interventions and study designs of a higher level of evidence.
Simulation framework for pedestrian dynamics: modelling and calibration
Authors: Liberto Carlo , Nigro Marialisa , Carrese Stefano , Mannini Livia , Valenti Gaetano , Zarelli Cristiano
Published: July 2020

Pedestrian flow efficiency and safety are primary requirements in the effective configuration and management of urban gathering spaces, such as railway stations, stadiums, or shopping malls. Moreover, the quality and comfort level of available walking environments play a key role in the challenge of sustainable mobility. As a consequence, there has been growing interest in developing methodologies for analysing the walking transport mode. In this context, the authors deem crucial to build a pedestrian dynamics simulation framework that they can completely control, from the modelling and calibration under different flow conditions to the implementation of a user‐friendly tool that allows testing the model in a variety of case studies. In this study, they focus on the implementation and calibration of an agent‐based model that microscopically simulates the interactions between individuals and with the environment. They calibrate the model parameters with a behavioural‐based approach that relies on observed motion behaviours. Additionally, they present preliminary findings from pedestrian flow experiments performed and monitored with dedicated video recording systems. The collected data are meant to improve the calibration and validate the simulator, but they also provide insights into the emergence of collective behaviours, which can have significant upshots on the theoretical framework.
Modeling an induction motor based on the equations of a generalized electric machine, taking into account the saturation of the magnetic circuit
Authors: Frolov Yuri Mikhailovich , Shelyakin Valery Petrovich , Sitnikov Nikolay Vasilievich , Goremykin Sergey Aleksandrovich , Tonn Dmitry Aleksandrovich
Published: July 2020

Writing the differential equations of an asynchronous electric motor on the basis of a generalized electric machine in different coordinate axes can not only reduce the number of model equations, but also introduce various factors in the mathematical description that increase the modeling accuracy. It is proposed to write the equations of the mathematical model of an induction motor taking into account the saturation of the magnetic circuit and solve them using the Matlab application package. The proposed approach improves the accuracy of calculating the mechanical characteristics of an asynchronous electric drive.
Method for designing energy-efficient ventilation systems based on regenerative heat exchangers
Authors: Monarkin Nikolay , Sinitsyn Anton , Karpov Denis , Akhmetov Timur
Published: July 2020

The method of designing ventilation systems based on stationary switching regenerative heat exchangers is presented. Recommendations for selection of rational device parameters are given and substantiated. The diameter and thickness of a single channel wall of regenerative nozzle; the total diameter and length of nozzle; the time of heat accumulation or regeneration stages; the heat capacity and density of nozzle material; air flow rate are considered.
Theoretical aspects of optimization synchronous machine rotors
Authors: Petrov Timur , Safin Alfred
Published: July 2020

Permanent magnet synchronous electric machines are increasingly used in various drive technical complexes (oil industry, small generation, aviation industry, etc.). The presented optimization allows you to increase the energy performance of a synchronous machine without increasing the overall dimensions. Permanent magnet synchronous motors have become much more commonly operated in various drive technical complexes. For each drive complex, it is necessary to fulfil the requirements for the developed torque, cooling conditions and strength characteristics. The distribution of materials (topology) in the rotor casing of a synchronous machine (permanent magnets, iron, air, etc) determines the characteristics of permanent magnet synchronous electric machine.
Modelling of emergency modes with FACTS devices installed
Authors: Udaratin Alexey , Loginov Kirill , Nemirovskiy Alexandr , Rozhentsova Natalia , Gracheva Elena
Published: July 2020

This paper considers installation of FACTS devices in a 500 kV line of substation (SS) Belozerskaya SS Vologodskaya. Three FACTS devices in emergency mode were modelled: a static reactive power compensator (STATCOM), a static synchronous series compensator, and a unified power flow control system. The parameters of MATLAB Simulink blocks were shown. The obtained results are summarized in Table, which substantiates the choice of the best device for the Belozerskaya - Vologodskaya line in emergency mode.
Universal Installation for the integrated utilization of flue gases and wastewater from thermal power plants
Authors: Glazyrin Sergey A. , Zhumagulov Mikhail G. , Aydimbaeva Zhanar A. , Dostiyarov Abay M.
Published: July 2020

For 30 years research has been carried out on the use of wastewater from thermal power plants and industrial boilers, as well as on the use and extraction of various components from flue gases such as carbon dioxide, sulfur and nitrogen. Technological solutions were developed and implemented in various productions at various times: use of acid-forming components of flue gases for the regeneration of cation exchangers; carbon dioxide from flue gases of 99.9% purity with “food” quality; technical nitrogen of 95-99 purity from flue gases; wastewater usage to increase the degree of sulfur oxides from flue gases. The article presents a technological solution for the integrated utilization of flue gases and wastewater from a thermal power plant with high-pressure boilers burning solid fuels.
Simulation modeling balancing current in the traction network of a substation group
Authors: Li Valerij , Konstantinova Yuliya
Published: July 2020

This article is devoted to assessing the transit of electricity from an external electrical power supply system through the traction network of a railway district that includes nine traction substations. Substation transformers has star-delta-11 connection. The paper presents a simulation model of the railway district implemented in the MATLAB/Simulink software package. Various options of loading the external power supply system are modeled including into account the symmetrical load of the external network and the single-phase load of traction substations. The values of the voltage difference on the traction windings of power transformers of adjacent substations that occurs at different loads, the balancing currents that this difference creates and real power losses in the inter-substation areas are calculated.
Methodology for assessing technological efficiency and safety at the enterprise for production of reinforced concrete structures
Authors: Sinitsyn Anton , Stratunov Oleg , Akhmetov Timur , Monarkin Nikolay
Published: July 2020

This paper considers the main results of instrumental analysis of technological efficiency and safety, and suggestions for improving the working conditions of workers engaged in steaming of reinforced concrete products in steam curing chambers operating on saturated steam. This work is a part of comprehensive energy study of enterprise to find measures that increase the energy potential of not only the enterprise itself, but also reduce the cost of primary and auxiliary products by reducing costs in its production. An optimized scheme for delivery, transporting and consumption of water vapour was implemented in the real sector of the economy in Vologda (Russia).
Environmental study of use of coal-water slurry fuel as an alternative to traditional fuels
Authors: Sinitsyn Anton , Akhmetova Irina , Filippova Ekaterina , Vladimirov I. A.
Published: July 2020

In this work we consider coal-water slurry fuels as an alternative to the traditional types of fuels, in particular, coal. Assessment is performed using a software tool for calculating the combustion process of coal-water slurry fuels. The obtained results will allow one to perform computer-aided environmental calculations during CWS combustion in experimental and industrial plants.
To the issue of assessing the efficiency of distributed generation in low-voltage electric networks
Authors: Alyunov A.N. , Belyanin A.Yu , Nemirovsky A.E. , Zaripova D.A.
Published: July 2020

This article considers an urgent task of using autonomous sources for power supply systems of industrial enterprises of small and medium-sized production. The efficiency of choosing the time of their switching-on in peak hours of power system in order to reduce the cost of electricity is shown on the example of diesel generators.
Quality management of electric energy and compensation of reactive power in the electric power system by means of stimulating tariffs
Authors: Chikin Vladislav , Kuznetsov Anatoly , Rebrovskaya Diana
Published: July 2020

The article noted that feed-in tariffs are effective enough to attract consumers to participate in the process of improving power quality and reactive power compensation. It is shown that the application of premiums and discounts must not modify the revenues of the budget of ESO. Otherwise there is a contradiction to the principles of state regulation of tariffs for services of natural monopolies. In this case, legal barriers do not allow to use the model in practice. The proposed criteria that must be considered in the development and approval of the scale of discounts and allowances to ensure the legal purity of the incentive rate, to avoid its cancellation, as it was in 2000. Then, the proposed mechanism of discounts and allowances with the support of the Antimonopoly service and the Ministry of justice of the Russian Federation was cancelled as violating the principles of state regulation of tariffs in the conditions of the natural monopoly position of the network organization.
Identification power line sections with increased electricity losses using sensors with Wi-Fi technology for data transmission
Authors: Fomin Igor Nikolaevich , Belikov Roman Pavlovich , Kudinova Tatyana Anatolyevna , Tsvetkov Alexei Nikolaevich
Published: July 2020

Modern highly mechanized and electrified agriculture places high demands on power supply reliability and uninterrupted work. To increase the reliability of power supply to agricultural consumers, in some cases, taking into account the configuration of electric distribution networks and the availability of responsible consumers, a conditionally closed ring network is created. Interruptions in power supply lead to downtime of agricultural production, a decrease in the volume of output, damage to the main technological equipment [1, 2]. In this regard, there is a need to make informed decisions on the choice of ways to increase the reliability of uninterrupted power supply due to the reservation of various elements of the power supply system, improving the organization of maintenance, and the operational diagnostics of faulty elements.
Narrow-clawed crayfish in Finland: Aphanomyces astaci resistance and genetic relationship to other selected European and Asian populations
Authors: Jussila Japo , Maguire Ivana , Kokko Harri , Tiitinen Vesa , Makkonen Jenny
Published: July 2020

The narrow-clawed crayfish (Pontastacus leptodactylus) is an alien species in Finland with only a few populations reported from the southeastern region during the last century. We discovered a productive population in the lake Jängynjärvi, which is upstream from the previously reported wild narrow-clawed crayfish population in that region. Preliminary studies indicated that this population is not infected with Aphanomyces astaci. We collected narrow-clawed crayfish samples from the lake Jängynjärvi population for both infection challenge and genetic studies, in order to investigate possible A. astaci resistance among this Finnish population and to evaluate their phylogenetic position that would enable us to speculate different scenarios of distribution pathways or origin of the population. The infection studies indicated that the narrow-clawed crayfish in this population were more resistant against A. astaci infection (B haplogroup A. astaci) compared to the noble crayfish (Astacus astacus) from the lake Rytky in North Savo, while all crayfish of both species in the B haplogroup A. astaci challenged groups died within 58 days post-infection. Results of the phylogenetic reconstruction indicate that the lake Jängynjärvi narrow-clawed crayfish are closely related to narrow-clawed crayfish from the lake Bolshoye near Krasnoye, located on the White Sea island of Solovestky and also populations from Tyumen region, both in Russia. This could confirm previous speculations about introduction of the narrow-clawed crayfish from Russia into Finland or could indicate previous hydrological connection.
Mortality of Patients with Cushing’s Disease
Authors: Ntali Georgia , Hakami Osamah , Wattegama Milanka , Ahmed Shahzada , Karavitaki Niki
Published: July 2020

Cushing’s disease is a rare condition of cortisol excess attributed to a
pituitary adenoma with an annual incidence of 1.2–2.4 cases per million
population. It is associated with several co-morbidities leading to increased
mortality predominantly due to cardiovascular disease. Despite the advances in
its diagnosis and management, survival can be compromised even after apparent
successful treatment. Minimizing the duration and extent of exposure to
hypercortisolaemia by early diagnosis and rapid, effective therapeutic
interventions, as well as close monitoring and aggressive control of
cardiovascular risk factors are vital for improving outcomes of the
patients.
Resistance to Fracture of Zirconia Abutments with Different Angulations: Impact of Implant Platform Diameter
Authors: Saker Samah , AL-Zordk Walid , Özcan Mutlu
Published: July 2020

Objective The aim of this study was to assess the impact of implant platform diameters on ultimate force to failure of zirconia abutments with different angulation.

Materials and Methods Forty-two zirconia abutments with either 0 degree (ST) or 15-degree (AN) angulation were assembled on tapered internal connection titanium implants (Direct's Legacy; 13 mm Implant Direct, LLC, Las Vegas, United States) with a platform diameter of Ø3.0, Ø3.5, and Ø4.5 mm (14 per group). Zirconia crowns (Ceramill Zolid; Amann Girrbach GmbH) were fabricated and cemented using self-adhesive resin cement (MaxCem Elite, Kerr). The specimens were thermomechanically loaded (TCML= 6,000 cycles of 5 to 50°C for 2 minutes/cycle followed by cyclic loading 600,000 cycles) followed by static loading until fracture. The data of load (N) at which fracture occurred were statistically analyzed by using Kruskal–Wallis analysis of variance and Mann–Whitney U tests at 5% significance level.

Results Higher load to fracture was reported for zirconia crowns in straight abutments groups and a platform of 4.5, 3.5, and 3 mm diameter was 438.2± 85.4, 345.5± 71.3, and 331.1± 59.1 N, respectively. However, the groups restored with zirconia crowns in angulated abutments groups and a platform of 4.5, 3.5, or 3 mm diameter showed a fracture load of 411.4 ± 49.8, 354.2 ± 52.5, and 302.8 ± 52.5 N, respectively.

Conclusion Straight and angulated zirconia abutments presented similar load to fracture on 3 and 3.5 mm platform diameters yet being significantly less for 4.5 mm diameter.
Subject and agentivity in Teotitlán Zapotec
Authors: Uchihara Hiroto , Gutiérrez Ambrocio
Published: July 2020

In Teotitlán Zapotec, some, but not all, verbs undergo stem alternation in the 1st person forms, in addition to
the attachment of the pronominal enclitics that encode the subject argument. We argue that stem alternation and pronominal
cliticization are independent from one another and that each encodes different grammatical features, agent and subject,
respectively. The phenomenon discussed in this paper is peculiar in two respects. First, stem alternation as the exponent of the
agent is cross-linguistically rare (although it is common within the Otomanguean languages). Furthermore, the category of
agentivity has not been studied in detail in Zapotecan languages, but this paper shows the pervasiveness of agentivity in the
Teotitlán Zapotec grammar.