bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Planktotrophic Brachiopod Larvae from the Pacific and Caribbean of Panama
Authors: Collin Rachel , Venera-Pontón Dagoberto E. , Driskell Amy C. , Macdonald Kenneth S. , Boyle Michael J.
Published: December 2018

Lingulids and discinids are the only brachiopods that exhibit life histories that include a feeding planktonic stage usually referred to as a “larva”. We collected planktotrophic brachiopod larvae from the Pacific and Caribbean coasts of Panama and took a DNA barcoding approach with mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), mitochondrial ribosomal 16S, and nuclear ribosomal 18S genes to identify those larvae and to estimate their diversity in the region. We observed specimens from both coasts with distinct morphologies typical of lingulid and discinid larvae. COI and 16S were sequenced successfully for the lingulid larvae but failed consistently for all discinid larvae. 18S was sequenced successfully for larvae from both families. Sequence data from each gene revealed one lingulid operational taxonomic unit (OTU) from Bocas del Toro on the Caribbean coast, and one lingulid OTU from the Bay of Panama on the Pacific coast. These OTUs differed by >20% for COI, >10% for 16S and ~0.5% for 18S. Both OTUs clustered with GenBank sequences of Glottidia species, the only genus of lingulids in the Americas, but were distinct from G. pyramidata the only species reported for the Caribbean. Analysis of 18S sequence data for discinid larvae recovered 2 OTUs, one exclusively from the Pacific and one with a mixture of Pacific and Caribbean larvae. The 18S marker does not provide enough resolution to distinguish between species, and comparisons with GenBank sequences suggest that one OTU includes Pelagodiscus species, while the other may include Discradisca species. When compared with other marine invertebrates, our surveys of brachiopod larvae through DNA barcoding show relatively low levels of diversity for Panama.
A Computational Framework for Procedural Abduction Done by Smart Cyber-Physical Systems
Authors: Horváth Imre
Published: December 2018

To be able to provide appropriate services in social and human application contexts, smart cyber-physical systems (S-CPSs) need ampliative reasoning and decision-making (ARDM) mechanisms. As one option, procedural abduction (PA) is suggested for self-managing S-CPSs. PA is a knowledge-based computation and learning mechanism. The objective of this article is to provide a comprehensive description of the computational framework proposed for PA. Towards this end, first the essence of smart cyber-physical systems is discussed. Then, the main recent research results related to computational abduction and ampliative reasoning are discussed. PA facilitates beliefs-driven contemplation of the momentary performance of S-CPSs, including a ‘best option’-based setting of the servicing objective and realization of any demanded adaptation. The computational framework of PA includes eight clusters of computational activities: (i) run-time extraction of signals and data by sensing, (ii) recognition of events, (iii) inferring about existing situations, (iv) building awareness of the state and circumstances of operation, (v) devising alternative performance enhancement strategies, (vi) deciding on the best system adaptation, (vii) devising and scheduling the implied interventions, and (viii) actuating effectors and controls. Several cognitive algorithms and computational actions are used to implement PA in a compositional manner. PA necessitates not only a synergic interoperation of the algorithms, but also an objective-dependent fusion of the pre-programmed and the run time acquired chunks of knowledge. A fully fledged implementation of PA is underway, which will make verification and validation possible in the context of various smart CPSs.
Effects of Mo, Nb, Ta, Ti, and Zr on Mechanical Properties of Equiatomic Hf-Mo-Nb-Ta-Ti-Zr Alloys
Authors: Tseng Ko-Kai , Juan Chien-Chang , Tso Shuen , Chen Hsuan-Chu , Tsai Che-Wei , Yeh Jien-Wei
Published: December 2018

Nowadays refractory high-entropy alloys (RHEAs) are regarded as great candidates for the replacement of superalloys at high temperature. To design a RHEA, one must understand the pros and cons of every refractory element. However, the elemental effect on mechanical properties remains unclear. In this study, the subtraction method was applied on equiatomic HfMoNbTaTiZr alloys to discover the role of each element, and, thus, HfMoNbTaTiZr, HfNbTaTiZr, HfMoTaTiZr, HfMoNbTiZr, HfMoNbTaZr, and HfMoNbTaTi were fabricated and analyzed. The microstructure and mechanical properties of each alloy at the as-cast state were examined. The solid solution phase formation rule and the solution strengthening effect are also discussed. Finally, the mechanism of how Mo, Nb, Ta, Ti, and Zr affect the HfMoNbTaTiZr alloys was established after comparing the properties of these alloys.
Measuring Integrated Information: Comparison of Candidate Measures in Theory and Simulation
Authors: Mediano Pedro , Seth Anil , Barrett Adam
Published: December 2018

Integrated Information Theory (IIT) is a prominent theory of consciousness that has at its centre measures that quantify the extent to which a system generates more information than the sum of its parts. While several candidate measures of integrated information (“ Φ ”) now exist, little is known about how they compare, especially in terms of their behaviour on non-trivial network models. In this article, we provide clear and intuitive descriptions of six distinct candidate measures. We then explore the properties of each of these measures in simulation on networks consisting of eight interacting nodes, animated with Gaussian linear autoregressive dynamics. We find a striking diversity in the behaviour of these measures—no two measures show consistent agreement across all analyses. A subset of the measures appears to reflect some form of dynamical complexity, in the sense of simultaneous segregation and integration between system components. Our results help guide the operationalisation of IIT and advance the development of measures of integrated information and dynamical complexity that may have more general applicability.
The Method of Mass Estimation Considering System Error in Vehicle Longitudinal Dynamics
Authors: Lin Nan , Zong Changfu , Shi Shuming
Published: December 2018

Vehicle mass is a critical parameter for economic cruise control. With the development of active control, vehicle mass estimation in real-time situations is becoming notably important. Normal state estimators regard system error as white noise, but many sources of error, such as the accuracy of measured parameters, environment and vehicle motion state, cause system error to become colored noise. This paper presents a mass estimation method that considers system error as colored noise. The system error is considered an unknown parameter that must be estimated. The recursive least squares algorithm with two unknown parameters is used to estimate both vehicle mass and system error. The system error of longitudinal dynamics is analyzed in both qualitative and quantitative aspects. The road tests indicate that the percentage of mass error is 16%, and, if the system error is considered, the percentage of mass error is 7.2%. The precision of mass estimation improves by 8.8%. The accuracy and stability of mass estimation obviously improves with the consideration of system error. The proposed model can offer online mass estimation for intelligent vehicle, especially for heavy-duty vehicle (HDV).
Composites with Excellent Insulation and High Adaptability for Lightweight Envelopes
Authors: Guo Liang , Tong Wenbin , Xu Yexin , Ye Hong
Published: December 2018

Lightweight insulation materials are widely used in lightweight buildings, cold-chain vehicles and containers. A kind of insulation composite, which can combine the super insulation of state-of-the-art insulation materials or structures and the machinability or adaptability of traditional insulation materials, was proposed. The composite consists of two components, i.e., polyurethane (PU) foam as the base material and vacuum insulation panel (VIP) or silica aerogel as the core material. The core material is in plate shape and covered with the base material on all sides. The thermal conductivity of the core material is nearly one order lower than that of the base material. The effective thermal conductivity of the insulation composite was explored by simulation. Simulation results show that the effective thermal conductivity of the composite increases with the increase of the thermal conductivity of the core material. The effective thermal conductivities of the composites decrease with the increase of the cross-section area of the core material perpendicular to heat flow direction and the thicknesses of the core material parallel with heat flow direction. These rules can be elucidated by a series-parallel mode thermal resistance network method, which was verified by the measured results. For composite with a VIP as the core material, when the cross-section area and thickness of the VIP are respectively larger than 60% and 21% of the composite, the composite’s effective thermal conductivity can be 50% or less than that of the base material. Simulated heat loss of the envelope adopting the insulation composites with VIP as the core material is nearly a half of that of the envelope adopting traditional insulation materials.
Reliability Monitoring Based on Higher-Order Statistics: A Scalable Proposal for the Smart Grid
Authors: Florencias-Oliveros Olivia , González-de-la-Rosa Juan-José , Agüera-Pérez Agustín , Palomares-Salas José-Carlos
Published: December 2018

The increasing development of the smart grid demands reliable monitoring of the power quality at different levels, introducing more and more measurement points. In this framework, the advanced metering infrastructure must deal with this large amount of data, storage capabilities, improving visualization, and introducing customer-oriented interfaces. This work proposes a method that optimizes the smart grid data, monitoring the real voltage supplied based on higher order statistics. The method proposes monitoring the network from a scalable point of view and offers a two-fold perspective based on the duality utility-prosumer as a function of the measurement time. A global PQ index and 2D graphs are introduced in order to compress the time domain information and quantify the deviations of the waveform shape by means of three parameters. Time-scalability allows two extra features: long-term supply reliability and power quality in the short term. As a case study, the work illustrates a real-life monitoring in a building connection point, offering 2D diagrams, which show time and space compression capabilities, as well.
Torque Analysis of a Flat Reconfigurable Magnetic Coupling Thruster for Marine Renewable Energy Systems Maintenance AUVs
Authors: Fagundes Gasparoto Henrique , Chocron Olivier , Benbouzid Mohamed , Siqueira Meirelles Pablo , Saraiva Ferreira Luiz Otávio
Published: December 2018

The concept of reconfigurable magnetic coupling thrusters (RMCT) applied to the vectorial thrust of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) has been recently developed and presented. This technology ensures greater robot watertightness with enhanced maneuvering capabilities, which are desired features in agile AUVs for marine renewable energy (MRE) system maintenance. It is possible since in RMCTs the driving torque is magnetically transmitted to the propeller, which has its orientation changed. This work is focused on the coupling and control torque calculation and further analysis of the latest prototype version (Flat-RMCT), in the static condition for the full thrust vector range. For this purpose, a numerical model is implemented and validated with experimental results. The numerical model is based on the finite volume integral method. The results indicate that the minimum magnetic reluctance propensity creates not only the expected magnetic spring effect but also an auto-driving torque due to the non-axial symmetry of coupling rotors, which exists only for reconfigurable couplings. Mathematical functions are proposed to model these effects and they are used to extend the understanding of the coupling. These models can be used to compose a full and accurate dynamic model for a better RMCT simulation, identification, and control.
A Review of Sludge-to-Energy Recovery Methods
Authors: Oladejo Jumoke , Shi Kaiqi , Luo Xiang , Yang Gang , Wu Tao
Published: December 2018

The increasing volume of sewage sludge from wastewater treatment facilities is becoming a prominent concern globally. The disposal of this sludge is particularly challenging and poses severe environmental hazards due to the high content of organic, toxic and heavy metal pollutants among its constituents. This study presents a simple review of four sewage to energy recovery routes (anaerobic digestion, combustion, pyrolysis and gasification) with emphasis on recent developments in research, as well as benefits and limitations of the technology for ensuring cost and environmentally viable sewage to energy pathway. This study focusses on the review of various commercially viable sludge conversion processes and technologies used for energy recovery from sewage sludge. This was done via in-depth process descriptions gathered from literatures and simplified schematic depiction of such energy recovery processes when utilised for sludge. Specifically, the impact of fuel properties and its effect on the recovery process were discussed to indicate the current challenges and recent scientific research undertaken to resolve these challenges and improve the operational, environmental and cost competitiveness of these technologies.
Active Hybrid Solid State Transformer Based on Multi-Level Converter Using SiC MOSFET
Authors: Yun Chun-gi , Cho Younghoon
Published: December 2018

As the types of loads have been diversified and demand has increased, conventional distribution transformers are difficult to maintain the constant voltage against voltage drop along with distance, grid voltage swell/sag, and various loads. Also, it is hard to control the power flow when connecting renewable energy sources. Active hybrid solid state transformer (AHSST) is application to keep the voltage and power quality. AHSST is a system that combines conventional distribution transformer and converter. Accordingly, it can be applied directly to distribution infrastructure and it has both the advantages of solid state transformer (SST) and conventional transformer. AHSST is capable of active voltage and current control and power factor control. It has a simpler structure than SST and it can perform the same performance with the lower rating converter. This paper presents two stage AHSST system based on multi-level converter. The converter is composed of the back-to-back converter using silicon carbide (SiC) metal-oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET). Proposed system has a wider voltage and power flow control range, lower filter size, and simpler control sequence than existing AHSST systems. The performance of the proposed system was verified by prototype system experiments.
Winding Hottest-Spot Temperature Analysis in Dry-Type Transformer Using Numerical Simulation
Authors: Mafra Rafael , Magalhães Elisan , Anselmo Bruno , Belchior Fernando , Lima e Silva Sandro
Published: December 2018

A thermal analysis of a 5 kVA dry-type transformer under linear and non-linear loads conditions is studied in this paper. The main goal here is to calculate the hottest-spot transformer temperature under free convection through the resolution of the heat conduction equation in three dimensions (3D) using COMSOL Multiphysics®. The proposed technique was validated through experimental data obtained in laboratory. The temperature inside the cores was measured under the influence of free convection. The radiation emission was also measured through a thermal camera. The heat transfer coefficient for both conditions was obtained from empirical correlations. The hottest-spot temperatures were determined from the analysis in the commercial software which was used for the numerical simulations of the transformer heating and cooling under some loading conditions. The temperature residuals, that is, the experimental temperature values subtracted by the numerical temperature values, were below 10%. The numerical analysis found that the hottest-spot temperatures in the core reached 20 °C above the transformer insulation limit. The location of the hottest-spot as well as the obtained temperatures can be used to improve more resistant dry-type transformers.
Wind Speed Modeling by Nested ARIMA Processes
Authors: Sim So-Kumneth , Maass Philipp , Lind Pedro G.
Published: December 2018

Wind speed modelling is of increasing interest, both for basic research and for applications, as, e.g., for wind turbine development and strategies to construct large wind power plants. Generally, such modelling is hampered by the non-stationary features of wind speed data that, to a large extent, reflect the turbulent dynamics in the atmosphere. We study how these features can be captured by nested ARIMA models. In this approach, wind speed fluctuations in given time windows are modelled by one stochastic process, and the parameter variation between successive windows by another one. For deriving the wind speed model, we use 20 months of data collected at the FINO1 platform at the North Sea and use a variable transformation that best maps the wind speed onto a Gaussian random variable. We find that wind speed increments can be well reproduced for up to four standard deviations. The distributions of extreme variations, however, strongly deviate from the model predictions.
Can an Exponential Function Be Applied to the Asymptotic Density–Size Relationship? Two New Stand-Density Indices in Mixed-Species Forests
Authors: Quiñonez-Barraza Gerónimo , Ramírez-Maldonado Hugo
Published: December 2018

This study presents two stand-density indices (SDIs) based on exponential density decline as a function of quadratic mean diameter for all species combined in mixed-species forests with 22 species mix grouped in four species groups. The exponential-based density–diameter relationship, as well the density index corresponding to the slope or instantaneous mortality rate parameters, was compared with those based on power-law density–diameter relationship. A dataset of 202 fully stocked circular plots at maximum density was used for fitting the models, and a dataset of 122 circular plots was used for validation stand density index for all species combined of mixed-species stands. The dataset for validation was independent of dataset for model development. The first stand-density index showed a density management graphic (DMG) with a variable intercept and common instantaneous mortality rate, and the second index showed a DMG with common intercept and variable mortality rate. Additionally, the value of the initial density of the fitted line was more realistic than those generated by the potential model for all species combined. Moreover, the density management diagrams showed a curvilinear trend based on the maximum stand density index in graphical log–log scale. The DMGs could be interpreted as forest scenarios based on variable initial density and common management objectives or the same density and different management objectives for forest-rotation periods involving all species combined in mixed-species stands. The fitting of exponential and potential equations for species or species groups showed that the density–size relationships in mixed-species forests should be modeled for all species combined because the disaggregation of mixture species represented a weak tendency for each species or species group and the resultant fitted equations were unrealistic.
Distribution, Habitat Preference, and Management of the Invasive Ambrosia Beetle Xylosandrus germanus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) in European Forests with an Emphasis on the West Carpathians
Authors: Galko Juraj , Dzurenko Marek , Ranger Christopher M. , Kulfan Ján , Kula Emanuel , Nikolov Christo , Zúbrik Milan , Zach Peter
Published: December 2018

The black timber bark beetle Xylosandrus germanus (Blandford) is an invasive ambrosia beetle that originates from Southeast Asia and has become successfully established within Europe and North America. Herein, we provide a review of the spread and distribution of this tree and timber pest species across Europe, before and after 2000, along with a review of its habitat preferences. Since the spread of X. germanus across Europe has accelerated rapidly post-2000, emphasis is placed on this period. X. germanus was first recorded in Germany in 1951 and since then in 21 other European countries along with Russia. Ethanol-baited traps were deployed in oak, beech, and spruce forest ecosystems in the Western Carpathians, Central Europe, Slovakia, to characterize the distribution and habitat preferences of this non-native ambrosia beetle. Captures of X. germanus within Slovakia have been rising rapidly since its first record in 2010, and now this species dominates captures of ambrosia beetles. X. germanus has spread throughout Slovakia from south-southwest to north-northeast over a period of 5–10 years, and has also spread vertically into higher altitudes within the country. While living but weakened trees in Europe and North America are attacked by X. germanus, the greatest negative impact within Slovakia is attacks on recently felled logs of oak, beech and spruce trees, which provide high quality timber/lumber. We suggest that the recent rapid spread of X. germanus in Central Europe is being facilitated by environmental changes, specifically global warming, and the increasing frequency of timber trade. Recommendations for the management of X. germanus in forest ecosystems are proposed and discussed, including early detection, monitoring, sanitary measures, etc.
RAD-Seq Data Point to a Distinct Split in Liriodendron (Magnoliaceae) and Obvious East–West Genetic Divergence in L. chinense
Authors: Zhong Yongda , Yang Aihong , Liu Shujuan , Liu Lipan , Li Yanqiang , Wu Zhaoxiang , Yu Faxin
Published: December 2018

Liriodendron is a Tertiary period relic tree genus with a typical East Asian and North American disjunction distribution pattern. As an angiosperm base group of trees, Liriodendron provides a valuable resource for the study of evolution processes. Here, we reconstruct the phylogeny and population genetic structure of Liriodendron based on the restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-Seq) of a wide collection of individuals from 16 populations. Our results reveal a clear phylogenetic break between L. chinense and L. tulipifera and obvious genetic divergence between the eastern and western populations of L. chinense, which are consistent with the patterns of geographical distributions. The phylogeographic history and long-term geographical isolation of the genus may be responsible for this pattern. Furthermore, a closer relationship was found between L. tulipifera and the eastern populations of L. chinense, indicating the ancient phylogeny of L. chinense in this area. The results of this study will aid in the development of scientific strategies for the conservation and utilization of the Liriodendron germplasm.
Relationship between Serum Omega-3 Fatty Acid and Asthma Endpoints
Authors: Adams Shahieda , Lopata Andreas L. , Smuts Cornelius M. , Baatjies Roslynn , Jeebhay Mohamed F.
Published: December 2018

Recent studies have highlighted the potential protective role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) in asthma. This study aimed at determining the association between seafood intake, serum PUFA composition and clinical endpoints of asthma in adults. A cross-sectional study of 642 subjects used the European Committee Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) questionnaire, skin prick tests, spirometry and methacholine challenge tests following ATS guidelines. Sera was analysed for n-3 and n-6 PUFA composition. Subjects had a mean age of 34 years, were largely female (65%) and 51% were current smokers. While 99% reported fish consumption, rock lobster, mussels, squid and abalone were also consumed less frequently. The prevalence of asthma symptoms was 11%, current asthma (ECRHS definition) was 8% and non-specific bronchial hyperresponsiveness (NSBH) was much higher (26%) In adjusted models the n-3 PUFAs 20:5 (EPA) and 22:5 (DPA) were significantly associated with a decreased risk of having NSBH. Total n-3 PUFA composition was associated with decreased NSBH risk (OR = 0.92), while high n-6 PUFA composition was associated with an increased risk (OR = 1.14).
Epidemiology of Self-Reported Diabetes Mellitus in the State of Maranhão, Northeastern Brazil: Results of the National Health Survey, 2013
Authors: Guimarães Rafael Alves , Morais Neto Otaliba Libânio de , Souza Marta Rovery de , Cortez-Escalante Juan José , Santos Thays Angélica de Pinho , Rosso Claci Fátima Weirich , Pacheco Márcio Mangueira , Leite Júnior Jamesson Ferreira , Sobrinho França Guthardo , Fonseca Lilia de Jesus , Maia Ludmila Grego
Published: December 2018

Objective: To estimate the prevalence and risk factors for self-reported diabetes mellitus (DM) in adults from the State of Maranhão, Northeastern Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 1774 individuals aged ≥18 years participating in the National Health Survey of 2013 in Maranhão. The adults were selected by probabilistic sampling and interviewed face-to-face by in-home visits. The Poisson regression model was used to verify the factors associated with DM. Results: The prevalence of DM was 5.39% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 3.73–7.73). After adjustment of the regression model for age, gender, smoking, education, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia, DM was statistically associated with age ≥60 years, female sex, low educational level, and self-report hypertension. Conclusion: The present study found the prevalence of self-reported DM similar to that estimated in the general population of Brazil. Public policies for prevention and control should intensify control, especially in the subgroups most vulnerable to DM.
Eudaimonic Well-Being and Coping with Stress in University Students: The Mediating/Moderating Role of Self-Efficacy
Authors: Freire Carlos , Ferradás María del Mar , Núñez José Carlos , Valle Antonio , Vallejo Guillermo
Published: December 2018

The importance of personal psychological resources in preventing academic stress has enjoyed little attention to date, despite the high rates of stress that exist among university students. This article analyzes the effect of eudaimonic well-being on the use of adaptive strategies for coping with academic stress. Moreover, it analyzes the role of self-efficacy as a mediator and moderator of this relationship. In the mediation model, gender is included as a co-variable; in the moderation model, gender is included as a moderator. A total of 1402 university students participated in the study. The data were gathered through validated self-report instruments. The mediation analyses were performed using the PROCESS module of the statistical package, SPSS. The moderating effects of self-efficacy and gender were analyzed through hierarchical regression analysis. The results indicate that self-efficacy partially mediates but does not moderate the relationship between eudaimonic well-being and adaptive coping strategies. This finding reveals the benefits of using these two personal resources to enhance effective coping with academic stress while attending university.
Greenness and Pricing Decisions of Cooperative Supply Chains Considering Altruistic Preferences
Authors: Huang Hui , Zhang Juan , Ren Xuan , Zhou Xiang
Published: December 2018

With the development of the economy and science technology, global resource shortages and environmental pressures have become the focus of attention. More and more consumers tend to buy non-polluting and environmentally friendly green products, and many manufacturers and retailers are beginning to produce or sell green products to enhance their competitive advantage in the market. Considering the green preference attributes of consumers, the altruistic preference is introduced into the supply chain, and we establish four models: two cooperative manufacturers and one retailer are completely self-interested, one retailer has altruistic preference, two cooperative manufacturers have altruistic preferences, and two cooperative manufacturers and one retailer have altruistic preferences. We address the optimal greenness and pricing decisions of supply chain members, and analyze the impact of altruistic preferences on supply chain decision-making and profits. The results show that the altruistic preference coefficient can significantly affect the decision-making and the profits of supply chain members, and when two manufacturers and one retailer consider altruistic preferences, the altruistic preference coefficients adopted by the three parties are in the certain ranges, the supply chain members’ altruistic preference coefficients can increase the whole supply chain profit. Through analysis, in the three cases where the retailer has altruistic preferences, two manufacturers have altruistic preferences, and two manufacturers and one retailer have altruistic preferences, two manufacturers should adopt higher altruistic preference coefficients, and the retailer should adopt a lower altruistic preference coefficient, and the product greenness under the three altruistic preferences is higher than the product greenness when there is no altruistic preference.
Relation between Environmental Factors and Children’s Health Behaviors Contributing to the Occurrence of Diet-Related Diseases in Central Poland
Authors: Zadka Katarzyna , Pałkowska-Goździk Ewelina , Rosołowska-Huszcz Danuta
Published: December 2018

Proper nutrition is a key element in maintaining normal body weight in children and one of the most important factors influencing their optimum development, growth, and health in the future. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to identify environmental factors which affect health behaviors of children aged 7–14, contributing to the occurrence of diet-related diseases. The study was performed with participation of 892 school children. The investigated environmental factors were as follows: the place of residence, maternal education level, and the level of family income. A questionnaire was used to collect the data from mothers. The study indicated a prevalence of overweight and obesity among children of 13.9% and 1.2%, respectively. Being underweight applied to 20.0% of examined children, more often to girls. In terms of nutritional behaviors an insufficient consumption of vegetables, fruit, whole grain products, dairy products, and fish was observed. The frequency of vegetable and fruit consumption significantly decreased with an increase in child’s body mass index (BMI) (G = −0.110, p < 0.05 and G = −00.114, p < 0.05). Overall, 29.7% of children devoted less than 30 minutes a day to physical activity, besides the physical education classes at school. Boys were more often physically active than girls (G = 0.205, p < 0.0005). There was a positive correlation between frequency of vegetable (G = 0.167, p < 0.0005) and fruit (G = 0.155, p < 0.005) consumption and mothers’ education level. Girls ate fruit more frequently than boys (G = 0.116, p < 0.05). Higher family income was associated with more frequent whole grain consumption (G = 0.095, p < 0.05), while living in the city was negatively correlated with activity (G = −0.121, p < 0.05) and dairy consumption (G = −0.186, p < 0.005). Continuous investigation of environmental factors affecting children eating behaviors may help to bring benefits in increasing the effectiveness of health promotion and educational programs.
The Impact of Hurricane Matthew on School Attendance: An Analysis from Rural Haiti
Authors: Cook Amanda C. , Beachy Donovan
Published: December 2018

This study identifies the impact of Hurricane Matthew on school attendance in an agricultural community in rural Haiti. We conducted a survey of parents whose children attended a rural school prior to Hurricane Matthew to determine the mechanism by which hurricanes impact school attendance. We determined the marginal effect of family size and school enrollment using a probit model. Parents identified two primary causes for their children leaving school: a loss of income—through crop damage and livestock deaths—and requiring the children’s labor on the family farm. In our sample 96 children, 46% of the children enrolled in school, stopped attending because of the hurricane. No parent reported that their child(ren) left school because of illness or injury. Families with more children in school before the storm were 5% (p < 0.001) more likely to have a child remain in school. Families with some children not attending school before the hurricane were 7.6% (p < 0.001) more likely to leave school after the storm. The survey and probit model both suggest that an income constraint caused children to leave school. There is limited empirical evidence that students leave school to provide labor on family farms, and no evidence they leave school because of illness or injury.
Tobacco and Alcohol Consumption Rates among Chinese Women of Reproductive Age in 2004–2011: Rate and Sociodemographic Influencing Factors
Authors: Liu Ruiyi , Chen Li , Zeng Huan , Reis Cesar , Reis Haley , Yang Xianjie , Lin Xinjie , Li Huabing , Meng Xuchen , Sharma Manoj , Zhao Yong
Published: December 2018

Background: Smoking and alcohol consumption have become major public health problems among Chinese women. In this study we explore the behavioral trends in smoking and alcohol consumption of Chinese women. We also explored the changes in the sociodemographic factors that affect the smoking and alcohol consumption behaviors of Chinese women at different reproductive stages. Methods: We used the Chinese Health and Nutrition Survey data for 2004 to 2011 to investigate the trends and influential factors of tobacco and alcohol consumption among Chinese women. Data for tobacco and alcohol consumption (consumption of beer or any other alcoholic beverage and smoking of cigarettes) were extracted using questionnaires. We applied the χ2 test to examine the trends of alcohol and tobacco consumption among Chinese women over the period of 2004 to 2011. We conducted two penalized logistic regressions with age as the continuous and classification variable (18–23, 24–29, 30–44, and 45–49 years), and independent variables included residence, age, and marital status. Results: Drinking rates among Chinese women significantly changed over the period of 2004 to 2011 (p = 0.018). Age was related to tobacco consumption rates for 2009 and 2011 (p < 0.05). Marital status was associated with tobacco consumption rates for 2004, 2009, and 2011 (p < 0.05). Tobacco and alcohol consumption rates from 2004 to 2011 were positively correlated (p < 0.05). Over the period of 2004 to 2011, alcohol consumption rates were higher among women living in urban areas than those among women living in rural areas (p < 0.05). High educational attainment was related to alcohol consumption. Educational attainment levels of secondary or primary schooling and university or above were related to alcohol consumption rates for 2004 to 2011 (p < 0.05). Employed women were more likely to consume alcohol than unemployed women in 2004, 2006, and 2011 (p < 0.05). Data from 2004 to 2011 showed that tobacco and alcohol use were correlated (p < 0.05) and that women aged 45–49 years old were more likely to consume tobacco than other women (p < 0.05); Conclusions: The drinking behavior of Chinese women changed considerably over the period of 2004 to 2011. Our results provide further insight on the smoking and drinking behaviors of Chinese women at different reproductive stages and the factors that influence such behaviors. Therefore, our findings on trends and factors that influence rates of tobacco and alcohol use allow for a better understanding of the smoking and drinking behaviors of Chinese women.
Investigation of Post-Fire Debris Flows in Montecito
Authors: Cui Yifei , Cheng Deqiang , Chan Dave
Published: December 2018

Debris flows in a burned area, post-fire debris flows, are considered as one of the most dangerous geo-hazards due to their high velocity, long run-out distance, and huge destruction to infrastructures. The rainfall threshold to trigger such hazards is often reduced compared with normal debris flow because ashes generated by mountain fires reduce the permeability of the top soil layer, thus increasing surface runoff. At the same time, burnt material and residual debris have very poor geo-mechanical characteristics, e.g., their internal friction angle and cohesion are typically low, and thus an intense rainfall can easily trigger some debris flows. Studying post-fire debris flow enables us to get a deeper understanding of disaster management. In this paper, the debris flow that occurred in Montecito, California, USA, and was affected by the Thomas Fire was used as a case study. Five major watersheds were extracted based on the digital elevation model (DEM). Remote sensing images were used to analyze the wildfire process, the extent of the burned areas, and the burn severity. The hypsometric integral (HI) and short-duration rainfall records of the watersheds around Montecito when the post-fire debris flows occurred were analyzed. Steep terrain, loose and abundant deposits, and sufficient water supply are the important conditions affecting the formation of debris flows. Taking watersheds as the research objects, HI was used to describe the geomorphic and topographic features, open-access rainfall data was used to represent the water supply, and burn severity represented the abundance of material sources. An occurrence probability model of post-fire debris flow based on HI, short-duration heavy rainfall, and burn severity was developed by using a logistic regression model in post-fire areas. By using this model, the occurrence probability of the post-fire debris flow in different watersheds around Montecito was analyzed based on the precipitation with time. Especially, the change characteristics of occurrence probability of debris flows over time based on the model bring a new perspective to observe the obvious change of the danger of post-fire debris flows and it is very useful for early warning of post-fire debris flows.
Spatiotemporal Analysis of Carbon Emissions and Carbon Storage Using National Geography Census Data in Wuhan, China
Authors: Liu Yanan , Hu Xiangyun , Wu Hao , Zhang Anqi , Feng Jieting , Gong Jianya
Published: December 2018

Mapping changes in carbon emissions and carbon storage (CECS) with high precision at a small scale (urban street-block level) can improve governmental policy decisions with respect to the construction of low-carbon cities. In this study, a methodological framework for assessing the carbon budget and its spatiotemporal changes from 2015 to 2017 in Wuhan is proposed, which is able to monitor a large area. To estimate the carbon storage, a comprehensive coefficient model was adopted with carbon density factors and corresponding land cover types. Details regarding land cover were extracted from the Geographic National Census Data (GNCD), including forests, grasslands, croplands, and gardens. For the carbon emissions, an emission-factor model was first used and a spatialization operation was subsequently performed using the geographic location that was obtained from the GNCD. The carbon emissions that were identified in the study are from fossil-fuel consumption, industrial production processes, disposal of urban domestic refuse, and transportation. The final dynamic changes in the CECS, in addition to the net carbon emissions, were monitored and analyzed, yielding temporal and spatial maps with a high-precision at a small scale. The results showed that the carbon storage in Wuhan declined by 2.70% over the three years, whereas the carbon emissions initially increased by 0.2%, and subsequently decreased by 3.1% over this period. The trend in the net carbon emission changes was similar to that of the carbon emissions, demonstrating that the efficiency of carbon reduction was improved during this period. Precise spatiotemporal results at the street-block level can offer insights to governments that are engaged in urban carbon cycle decision making processes, improving their capacities to more effectively manage the spatial distribution of CECS.
Melatonin Influences Structural Plasticity in the Axons of Granule Cells in the Dentate Gyrus of Balb/C Mice
Authors: Ramírez-Rodríguez Gerardo Bernabé , Olvera-Hernández Sandra , Vega-Rivera Nelly Maritza , Ortiz-López Leonardo
Published: December 2018

Melatonin, the main product synthesized by the pineal gland, acts as a regulator of the generation of new neurons in the dentate gyrus (DG). Newborn neurons buffer the deleterious effects of stress and are involved in learning and memory processes. Furthermore, melatonin, through the regulation of the cytoskeleton, favors dendrite maturation of newborn neurons. Moreover, newborn neurons send their axons via the mossy fiber tract to Cornu Ammonis 3 (CA3) region to form synapses with pyramidal neurons. Thus, axons of newborn cells contribute to the mossy fiber projection and their plasticity correlates with better performance in several behavioral tasks. Thus, in this study, we analyzed the impact of exogenous melatonin (8 mg/kg) administered daily for one- or six-months on the structural plasticity of infrapyramidal- and suprapyramidal mossy fiber projection of granule cells in the DG in male Balb/C mice. We analyzed the mossy fiber projection through the staining of calbindin, that is a calcium-binding protein localized in dendrites and axons. We first found an increase in the number of calbindin-positive cells in the granular cell layer in the DG (11%, 33%) after treatment. Futhermore, we found an increase in the volume of suprapyramidal (>135%, 59%) and infrapyramidal (>128%, 36%) mossy fiber projection of granule neurons in the DG after treatment. We also found an increase in the volume of CA3 region (>146%, 33%) after treatment, suggesting that melatonin modulates the structural plasticity of the mossy fiber projection to establish functional synapses in the hippocampus. Together, the data suggest that, in addition to the previously reported effects of melatonin on the generation of new neurons and its antidepressant like effects, melatonin also modulates the structural plasticity of axons in granule cells in the DG.
Human Exonuclease 1 (EXO1) Regulatory Functions in DNA Replication with Putative Roles in Cancer
Authors: Keijzers Guido , Bakula Daniela , Petr Michael Angelo , Madsen Nils Gedsig Kirkelund , Teklu Amanuel , Mkrtchyan Garik , Osborne Brenna , Scheibye-Knudsen Morten
Published: December 2018

Human exonuclease 1 (EXO1), a 5′→3′ exonuclease, contributes to the regulation of the cell cycle checkpoints, replication fork maintenance, and post replicative DNA repair pathways. These processes are required for the resolution of stalled or blocked DNA replication that can lead to replication stress and potential collapse of the replication fork. Failure to restart the DNA replication process can result in double-strand breaks, cell-cycle arrest, cell death, or cellular transformation. In this review, we summarize the involvement of EXO1 in the replication, DNA repair pathways, cell cycle checkpoints, and the link between EXO1 and cancer.
Pro-Inflammatory Stimuli Influence Expression of Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 in Human Anulus Fibrosus Cells through FAK/ERK/GSK3 and PKCδ Signaling Pathways
Authors: Huang Bor-Ren , Bau Da-Tian , Chen Tzu-Sheng , Chuang I-Chen , Tsai Cheng-Fang , Chang Pei-Chun , Hsu Horng-Chaung , Lu Dah-Yuu
Published: December 2018

Objective: Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration and disc herniation are major causes of lower back pain, which involve the presence of inflammatory mediators and tissue invasion by immune cells. Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1, also termed CD54) is an adhesion molecule that mediates cell-cell interactions, particularly between immune cells and target tissue. The aim of this study was to examine the intracellular signaling pathways involved in inflammatory stimuli-induced ICAM1 expression in human anulus fibrosus (AF) cells. Methods: Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), western blotting, and flow cytometry were performed to dissect the roles of different signaling pathways in inflammatory stimuli-mediated ICAM1 expression. Results: Using qPCR and western blot analyses, a significant increase in ICAM1 expression was observed in AF cells after stimulation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plus interferon-gamma (IFNγ) in a time-dependent manner. Flow cytometry revealed ICAM1 upregulation on the surface of AF cells. Importantly, LPS plus IFNγ treatment also significantly promoted Chemokine ligand (CCL)2 expression, but not CCL3. The enhanced ICAM1 expression was abolished after incubation with antibody against CCL2. In AF cells, treatment with LPS plus IFNγ activated the FAK/ERK/GSK3 signaling pathways, promoted a time-dependent increase in PKCδ phosphorylation, and promoted PKCδ translocation to the nucleus. Treatment with the pharmacological PKCδ inhibitor; rottlerin, effectively blocked the enhanced productions of ICAM1 and CCL2. Conclusions: Inflammatory stimuli in AF cells are part of a specific pathophysiology in IVD degeneration and disc herniation that modulates CCL2/ICAM1 activation through the FAK/ERK/GSK3 and PKCδ signaling pathways in AF cells.
Regenerative Effects of Heme Oxygenase Metabolites on Neuroinflammatory Diseases
Authors: Lee Huiju , Choi Yoon Kyung
Published: December 2018

Heme oxygenase (HO) catabolizes heme to produce HO metabolites, such as carbon monoxide (CO) and bilirubin (BR), which have gained recognition as biological signal transduction effectors. The neurovascular unit refers to a highly evolved network among endothelial cells, pericytes, astrocytes, microglia, neurons, and neural stem cells in the central nervous system (CNS). Proper communication and functional circuitry in these diverse cell types is essential for effective CNS homeostasis. Neuroinflammation is associated with the vascular pathogenesis of many CNS disorders. CNS injury elicits responses from activated glia (e.g., astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia) and from damaged perivascular cells (e.g., pericytes and endothelial cells). Most brain lesions cause extensive proliferation and growth of existing glial cells around the site of injury, leading to reactions causing glial scarring, which may act as a major barrier to neuronal regrowth in the CNS. In addition, damaged perivascular cells lead to the breakdown of the blood-neural barrier, and an increase in immune activation, activated glia, and neuroinflammation. The present review discusses the regenerative role of HO metabolites, such as CO and BR, in various vascular diseases of the CNS such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, diabetic retinopathy, and Alzheimer’s disease, and the role of several other signaling molecules.