bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Contributions of Some Fields of the Electronics in Development of Forest Operations Technologies
Authors: Picchio Rodolfo , Proto Andrea Rosario , Civitarese Vincenzo , Di Marzio Nicolò , Latterini Francesco
Published: December 2019

In the last years, there has been a growing need to improve forest-wood chain concerning all three pillars of sustainability (economic, environmental, and social). Using electronic systems, in particular GIS, GNSS, and various kinds of sensors related to forest harvesting, is clearly one of the most powerful instruments to reach this aim. The contribution of these tools to forest operation is wide and various. One of the most important application was integrating ICT and GPS/GNSS on-board systems on modern forest machines. This allowed one to ensure multiple benefits to forest operation field. On the one hand, electronic systems, and particularly GIS, could be used to improve forest harvesting with a previous planning of the skid trails network, in order to minimize utilization impacts and risks for operators, ensuring at the same time high work productivity. Moreover, GIS developed files could also be implemented in modern forest machine GPS/GNSS systems, helping forest machines operators to move only along a designed skid trails network or making it possible to avoid restricted access areas. On the other hand, modern forest machines could be equipped with complex and accurate sensors that are able to determine, register, and share information about wood biomass quantity and quality and even undertake economic evaluation of stumpage value. Finally, the input and output of these systems and sensors could be implemented in a decision support system (DSS) ensuring the best silvicultural and operative alternative from a sustainable forest management point of view. A detailed review of the contribution of electronics in the development of forest operations is provided here.
Experimental and Numerical Analysis of the Effect of Vortex Generator Installation Angle on Flow Separation Control
Authors: Li Xin-Kai , Liu Wei , Zhang Ting-Jun , Wang Pei-Ming , Wang Xiao-Dong
Published: December 2019

In order to explore the effect of the installation angle of vortex generator (VG) on boundary-layer flow control, the vortex characteristics of plate VG and their effect on the aerodynamic characteristics of an airfoil was studied numerically and using wind tunnel experiments. The effects of five VG installation angles (β) of 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, and 30° on the characteristics of vortices were studied. The results show that the strength of vortices on the leeward side of VG increases with an increased installation angle until, eventually, the vortex core breaks down. During the downstream development of the VG leading-edge separation vortices, these vortices deviate in the radial direction. The larger the installation angle, the larger this deviation distance in the radial direction becomes. The effects of installation angle on the aerodynamic performance of airfoils were studied in a wind tunnel using the same five VG installation angles. The results show that VG can delay flow separation on the airfoil suction surface, thereby increasing lift and reducing drag. The stall angle of the airfoil with VG was increased by 10°. When the installation angle of the VG was 20°, the maximum lift coefficient of airfoil increased by 48.77%. For an airfoil angle of attack (AoA) of 18°, the drag of the airfoil decreased by 88%, and the lift-drag ratio increased by 1146.04%. Considering the best overall distribution of lift-drag ratio, the positive effect of the VG was found to be when β = 20° and the worst VG effectiveness was observed at β = 30°.
Photovoltaic-Driven SiC MOSFET Circuit Breaker with Latching and Current Limiting Capability
Authors: Marroqui David , Garrigos Ausias , Blanes Jose M. , Gutierrez Roberto
Published: December 2019

This paper introduces a Solid State Circuit Breaker with Latching and Current Limiting capabilities for DC distribution systems. The proposed circuit uses very few electronic parts and it is fully analog. A SiC N-MOSFET driven by a photovoltaic driver and a maximum current detector circuit are the core elements of the system. This work details circuit operation under different conditions and includes experimental validation at 1 kVdc. Wide versatility, highly configurable, and very fast response, less than 1 µs in the case of short-circuit, are the most remarkable outcomes.
Exergetic, Energetic, and Quality Performance Evaluation of Paddy Drying in a Novel Industrial Multi-Field Synergistic Dryer
Authors: Li Bin , Li Changyou , Li Tao , Zeng Zhiheng , Ou Wenyan , Li Chengjie
Published: December 2019

The present work proposes a novel industrial multi-field synergistic dryer with a drying capacity of 3.45 t/h. The energy, exergy, and quality aspects of the drying process were studied. An energy–exergy methodology was employed to estimate the energetic and exergetic performance, heat loss characteristics and heat recovery behavior of the dryer. Additionally, the quality of the dried paddy seeds was evaluated by its crackle ratio, generation potential, and generation rate. The results showed that the overall energy and exergy efficiency ranged from 13.26% to 56.63% and 39.03% to 60.23%, respectively. The improvement potential rates of the whole system varied from the lowest 8.49 kW to the highest 15.83 kW and respectively accounted for 15.81–29.48% of the total exergy input, indicating that the performance of the dryer is acceptable. The total recovered radiant energy and radiant exergy recover rate were respectively ascertained to be 237.64 MJ and 0.26 kW. As for the quality aspect, the generation potential and generation rate of the dried paddy seeds respectively ranged from 75% to 90% and 69% to 88% while the crackle ratio of the paddy seeds was 1%, which indicated that the quality performance of the dried seed is of economic viability.
Model Predictive Control-Based Coordinated Control Algorithm with a Hybrid Energy Storage System to Smooth Wind Power Fluctuations
Authors: Hong Haisheng , Jiang Quanyuan
Published: December 2019

Stochastically fluctuating wind power has an escalating impact on the stability of power grid operations. To smooth out short- and long-term fluctuations, this paper presents a coordinated control algorithm using model predictive control (MPC) to manage a hybrid energy storage system (HESS) consisting of ultra-capacitor (UC) and lithium-ion battery (LB) banks. In the HESS-computing period, the algorithm minimizes HESS operating costs in the subsequent prediction horizon by optimizing the time constant of a flexible first-delay filter (FDF) to obtain the UC power output. In the LB-computing period, the algorithm keeps the optimal time constant of the FDF from the previous period to directly obtain the power output of the UC bank to minimize the power output of the LB bank in the next prediction horizon. A relaxation technique is deployed when the problem is unsolvable. Thus, the fluctuation mitigation requirements are fulfilled with a large probability even in extreme conditions. A state-of-charge (SOC) feedback control strategy is proposed to regulate the SOC of the HESS within its proper range. Case studies and quantitative comparisons demonstrate that the proposed MPC-based algorithm uses a lower power rating and storage capacity than other conventional algorithms to satisfy one-minute and 30-min fluctuation mitigation requirements (FMR).
Kinetic Study of Corn and Sugarcane Waste Oxidative Pyrolysis
Authors: Rodríguez Francisco , Cruz Yuby , Estiati Idoia , Saldarriaga Juan F.
Published: December 2019

The behavior of the kinetics and pyrolysis of the corn and sugarcane waste (cob corn, husk corn, and bagasse) produced in Colombia have been evaluated in a thermobalance as a step toward their valorization, in order to recover this type of waste. For this, a kinetic model has been developed consisting of a multicomponent mechanism that seeks to describe the formation of volatile materials. This model evaluates the decomposition of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin from three parallel and independent reactions network. It also involves the production of other products such as fixed coal and ashes. The evaluation of the model from the kinetic parameters and the thermogravimetric curves were compared with other types of waste, in the same way the chemical characteristics of the studied waste were determined. Although the wastes of this study are completely different, it was found that the degradation behavior of the residues of this study are very similar to other lignocellulosic materials, which demonstrates again that the pyrolysis valorization is possible.
Industrial Hemp Fibers: An Overview
Authors: Manaia João P. , Manaia Ana T. , Rodriges Lúcia
Published: December 2019

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa) is one of the most available and widely produced bast fibers with high cellulose content. Interest in these fibers is warranted due to environmental protection challenges as well as their inherent properties such as low density, high specific strength, and stiffness. In addition, advanced research and progress have gone into increasing their mechanical performance through surface treatments and in the development of new materials. The most promising application for hemp fibers is as reinforcement in polymeric composites or through hybridization. Nonetheless, more research is needed to improve their properties and expand their range of applications. The biodegradability issue is one problem that must be addressed when considering long life-cycle applications as the reproducibility of these composites’ final properties. This review is a comprehensive literature review on hemp fibers. It includes hemp fibers’ chemical and mechanical properties, surface modifications, hybrid composites, as well as current and future applications.
Application of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging for Food Analysis
Authors: Morisasa Mizuki , Sato Tomohiko , Kimura Keisuke , Mori Tsukasa , Goto-Inoue Naoko
Published: December 2019

Food contains various compounds, and there are many methods available to analyze each of these components. However, the large amounts of low-molecular-weight metabolites in food, such as amino acids, organic acids, vitamins, lipids, and toxins, make it difficult to analyze the spatial distribution of these molecules. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) imaging is a two-dimensional ionization technology that allows the detection of small metabolites in tissue sections without requiring purification, extraction, separation, or labeling. The application of MALDI-MS imaging in food analysis improves the visualization of these compounds to identify not only the nutritional content but also the geographical origin of the food. In this review, we provide an overview of some recent applications of MALDI-MS imaging, demonstrating the advantages and prospects of this technology compared to conventional approaches. Further development and enhancement of MALDI-MS imaging is expected to offer great benefits to consumers, researchers, and food producers with respect to breeding improvement, traceability, the development of value-added foods, and improved safety assessments.
Predicting Hepatitis B Virus Infection Based on Health Examination Data of Community Population
Authors: Wang Ying , Du Zhicheng , Lawrence Wayne R. , Huang Yun , Deng Yu , Hao Yuantao
Published: December 2019

Despite a decline in the prevalence of hepatitis B in China, the disease burden remains high. Large populations unaware of infection risk often fail to meet the ideal treatment window, resulting in poor prognosis. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate models identifying high-risk populations who should be tested for hepatitis B surface antigen. Data came from a large community-based health screening, including 97,173 individuals, with an average age of 54.94. A total of 33 indicators were collected as model predictors, including demographic characteristics, routine blood indicators, and liver function. Borderline-Synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE) was conducted to preprocess the data and then four predictive models, namely, the extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), random forest (RF), decision tree (DT), and logistic regression (LR) algorithms, were developed. The positive rate of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was 8.27%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves for XGBoost, RF, DT, and LR models were 0.779, 0.752, 0.619, and 0.742, respectively. The Borderline-SMOTE XGBoost combined model outperformed the other models, which correctly predicted 13,637/19,435 cases (sensitivity 70.8%, specificity 70.1%), and the variable importance plot of XGBoost model indicated that age was of high importance. The prediction model can be used to accurately identify populations at high risk of hepatitis B infection that should adopt timely appropriate medical treatment measures.
Mapping Environmental Suitability of Scrub Typhus in Nepal Using MaxEnt and Random Forest Models
Authors: Acharya Bipin , Chen Wei , Ruan Zengliang , Pant Gobind , Yang Yin , Shah Lalan , Cao Chunxiang , Xu Zhiwei , Dhimal Meghnath , Lin Hualiang
Published: December 2019

Being a globally emerging mite-borne zoonotic disease, scrub typhus is a serious public health concern in Nepal. Mapping environmental suitability and quantifying the human population under risk of the disease is important for prevention and control efforts. In this study, we model and map the environmental suitability of scrub typhus using the ecological niche approach, machine learning modeling techniques, and report locations of scrub typhus along with several climatic, topographic, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and proximity explanatory variables and estimated population under the risk of disease at a national level. Both MaxEnt and RF technique results reveal robust predictive power with test The area under curve (AUC) and true skill statistics (TSS) of above 0.8 and 0.6, respectively. Spatial prediction reveals that environmentally suitable areas of scrub typhus are widely distributed across the country particularly in the low-land Tarai and less elevated river valleys. We found that areas close to agricultural land with gentle slopes have higher suitability of scrub typhus occurrence. Despite several speculations on the association between scrub typhus and proximity to earthquake epicenters, we did not find a significant role of proximity to earthquake epicenters in the distribution of scrub typhus in Nepal. About 43% of the population living in highly suitable areas for scrub typhus are at higher risk of infection, followed by 29% living in suitable areas of moderate-risk, and about 22% living in moderately suitable areas of lower risk. These findings could be useful in selecting priority areas for surveillance and control strategies effectively.
Has the Efficiency of China’s Healthcare System Improved after Healthcare Reform? A Network Data Envelopment Analysis and Tobit Regression Approach
Authors: Gong Guangwen , Chen Yingchun , Gao Hongxia , Su Dai , Chang Jingjing
Published: December 2019

Background: A healthcare system refers to a typical network production system. Network data envelopment analysis (DEA) show an advantage than traditional DEA in measure the efficiency of healthcare systems. This paper utilized network data envelopment analysis to evaluate the overall and two substage efficiencies of China’s healthcare system in each of its province after the implementation of the healthcare reform. Tobit regression was performed to analyze the factors that affect the overall efficiency of healthcare systems in the provinces of China. Methods: Network DEA were obtained on MaxDEA 7.0 software, and the results of Tobit regression analysis were obtained on StataSE 15 software. The data for this study were acquired from the China health statistics yearbook (2009–2018) and official websites of databases of Chinese national bureau. Results: Tobit regression reveals that regions and government health expenditure effect the efficiency of the healthcare system in a positive way: the number of high education enrollment per 100,000 inhabitants, the number of public hospital, and social health expenditure effect the efficiency of healthcare system were negative. Conclusion: Some provincial overall efficiency has fluctuating increased, while other provincial has fluctuating decreased, and the average overall efficiency scores were fluctuations increase.
Building Healthy Eating Knowledge and Behavior: An Evaluation of Nutrition Education in a Skill Training Course for Construction Apprentices
Authors: Chung Louisa Ming Yan , Chung Joanne Wai Yee , Chan Albert P. C.
Published: December 2019

Background: Prior research has found poor health among construction workers is related to poor nutrition and low fruit and vegetable consumption. Promoting nutrition knowledge can improve dietary behaviors, but nutrition education among construction workers is limited. We evaluated the effectiveness of nutrition education on fruit and vegetable consumption among construction apprentices. In this pilot evaluative study, 36 construction apprentices enrolled in skill training programs received two 1.5-hour nutrition classes. Twelve questions addressing healthy eating knowledge and behavior were administered at baseline, after intervention, and at three months follow-up. After intervention, daily fruit consumption improved from baseline (mean (s.d.) =1.42 (0.55)) to post intervention (mean (s.d.) =1.72 (0.70)) (p < 0.05) and to three months follow-up (mean(s.d.) =1.94 (0.83)) (p > 0.05). After intervention, daily vegetable consumption improved from baseline (mean (s.d.) =1.67 (0.59)) to post intervention (mean (s.d.) =1.97 (0.74)) (p < 0.05) and to three months follow-up (mean (s.d.) = 2.19 (0.82)) (p > 0.05). Younger construction apprentices showed better healthy eating knowledge at post intervention and three months follow-up (p > 0.05). Working in normal hours showed better healthy eating knowledge at post intervention but not at three months follow up (p > 0.05). Both age groups and working hours did not show significant differences on healthy eating behaviour. Nutrition education implemented as a three-hour session within skill courses may possibly promote fruit and vegetable consumption among construction apprentices. Further research with control group is required to support the findings in this study.
Effect of Training Load on Post-Exercise Cardiac Troponin T Elevations in Young Soccer Players
Authors: Cirer-Sastre Rafel , Legaz-Arrese Alejandro , Corbi Francisco , López-Laval Isaac , Puente-Lanzarote Jose , Hernández-González Vicenç , Reverter-Masià Joaquín
Published: December 2019

Training load (TL) metrics are usually assessed to estimate the individual, physiological and psychological, acute, and adaptive responses to training. Cardiac troponins (cTn) reflect myocardial damage and are routinely analyzed for the clinical diagnosis of myocardial injury. The association between TL and post-exercise cTn elevations is scarcely investigated in young athletes, especially after playing common team sports such as soccer. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between TL measurements during a small-sided soccer game and the subsequent increase in cTn in young players. Twenty male soccer players (age 11.9 ± 2 years, height 151 ± 13 cm, weight 43 ± 13 kg) were monitored during a 5 × 5 small-sided game and had blood samples drawn before, immediately after, and 3 h after exercise for a posterior analysis of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT). Internal, external, and mixed metrics of TL were obtained from the rating of perceived exertion (RPE), heart rate (HR), and GPS player tracking. The results show that the concentration of hs-cTnT peaked at 3 h post-exercise in all participants. The magnitude of hs-cTnT elevation was mainly explained by the exercise duration in the maximal heart rate zone (Maximum Probability of Effect (MPE) = 92.5%), time in the high-speed zone (MPE = 90.4 %), and distance in the high-speed zone (MPE = 90.45%). Our results support the idea that common metrics of TL in soccer, easily obtained using player tracking systems, are strongly associated with the release of hs-cTnT in children and adolescents.
Use of Heated Tobacco Products within Indoor Spaces: Findings from the 2018 ITC Japan Survey
Authors: Sutanto Edward , Smith Danielle M. , Miller Connor , O’Connor Richard J. , Hyland Andrew , Tabuchi Takahiro , Quah Anne C. K. , Cummings K. Michael , Xu Steve , Fong Geoffrey T. , Ouimet Janine , Yoshimi Itsuro , Mochizuki Yumiko , Goniewicz Maciej L.
Published: December 2019

Although heated tobacco products (HTPs) have become increasingly popular in Japan, little is known about whether these emerging tobacco products are being used within indoor public spaces. Nationally representative data were obtained prior to implementation of a comprehensive smoke-free law in Japan as part of Wave 1 of the International Tobacco Control Japan Survey (February–March 2018). We estimated the weighted prevalence of HTP use within indoor public spaces among tobacco users and compared these to estimates for combustible cigarettes (CCs). Overall, 15.6% of current tobacco users in Japan declared that they used HTPs within indoor public spaces. Any HTP use within indoor public spaces was significantly lower than any CC use (80.1% vs. 96.7%). Dual HTP + CC users reported using CCs more frequently than using HTPs within indoor public spaces (97.7% vs. 76.0%). In conclusion, HTP use is less common than CC use within indoor public spaces. Findings of this study can inform the development of targeted smoke-free policies to benefit public health.
Azathioprine Has a Deleterious Effect on the Bone Health of Mice with DSS-Induced Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Morgan Stephanie , Hooper Kirsty M. , Milne Elspeth M. , Farquharson Colin , Stevens Craig , Staines Katherine A.
Published: December 2019

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often present poor bone health and are 40% more at risk of bone fracture. Studies have implicated autophagy in IBD pathology and drugs used to treat IBD stimulate autophagy in varying degrees, however, their effect on the skeleton is currently unknown. Here, we have utilised the dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) model of colitis in mice to examine the effects of the thiopurine drug azathioprine on the skeleton. Ten-week-old male mice (n = 6/group) received 3.0% DSS in their drinking water for four days, followed by a 14-day recovery period. Mice were treated with 10 mg/kg/day azathioprine or vehicle control. Histopathological analysis of the colon from DSS mice revealed significant increases in scores for inflammation severity, extent, and crypt damage (p < 0.05). Azathioprine provided partial protection to the colon, as reflected by a lack of significant difference in crypt damage and tissue regeneration with DSS treatment. MicroCT of vehicle-treated DSS mice revealed azathioprine treatment had a significant detrimental effect on the trabecular bone microarchitecture, independent of DSS treatment. Specifically, significant decreases were observed in bone volume/tissue volume (p < 0.01), and trabecular number (p < 0.05), with a concurrent significant increase in trabecular pattern factor (p < 0.01). Immunohistochemical labelling for LC3 revealed azathioprine to induce autophagy in the bone marrow. Together these data suggest that azathioprine treatment may have a deleterious effect on IBD patients who may already be at increased risk of osteoporotic bone fractures and thus will inform on future treatment strategies for patient stratification.
Molecular Characterization of XX Maleness
Authors: Grinspon Romina P. , Rey Rodolfo A.
Published: December 2019

Androgens and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), secreted by the foetal testis, are responsible for the development of male reproductive organs and the regression of female anlagen. Virilization of the reproductive tract in association with the absence of Müllerian derivatives in the XX foetus implies the existence of testicular tissue, which can occur in the presence or absence of SRY. Recent advancement in the knowledge of the opposing gene cascades driving to the differentiation of the gonadal ridge into testes or ovaries during early foetal development has provided insight into the molecular explanation of XX maleness.
Disclosure of the Molecular Mechanism of Wheat Leaf Spot Disease Caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana through Comparative Transcriptome and Metabolomics Analysis
Authors: Ye Wei , Liu Taomei , Zhang Weimin , Li Saini , Zhu Muzi , Li Haohua , Kong Yali , Xu Liqiong
Published: December 2019

Wheat yield is greatly reduced because of the occurrence of leaf spot diseases. Bipolaris sorokiniana is the main pathogenic fungus in leaf spot disease. In this study, B. sorokiniana from wheat leaf (W-B. sorokiniana) showed much stronger pathogenicity toward wheat than endophytic B. sorokiniana from Pogostemon cablin (P-B. sorokiniana). The transcriptomes and metabolomics of the two B. sorokiniana strains and transcriptomes of B. sorokiniana-infected wheat leaves were comparatively analyzed. In addition, the expression levels of unigenes related to pathogenicity, toxicity, and cell wall degradation were predicted and validated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis. Results indicated that pathogenicity-related genes, especially the gene encoding loss-of-pathogenicity B (LopB) protein, cell wall-degrading enzymes (particularly glycosyl hydrolase-related genes), and killer and Ptr necrosis toxin-producing related unigenes in the W-B. sorokiniana played important roles in the pathogenicity of W-B. sorokiniana toward wheat. The down-regulation of cell wall protein, photosystem peptide, and rubisco protein suggested impairment of the phytosynthetic system and cell wall of B. sorokiniana-infected wheat. The up-regulation of hydrolase inhibitor, NAC (including NAM, ATAF1 and CUC2) transcriptional factor, and peroxidase in infected wheat tissues suggests their important roles in the defensive response of wheat to W-B. sorokiniana. This is the first report providing a comparison of the transcriptome and metabolome between the pathogenic and endophytic B. sorokiniana strains, thus providing a molecular clue for the pathogenic mechanism of W-B. sorokiniana toward wheat and wheat’s defensive response mechanism to W-B. sorokiniana. Our study could offer molecular clues for controlling the hazard of leaf spot and root rot diseases in wheat, thus improving wheat yield in the future.
Transition to Adult Care for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Heffernan Austin , Malik Uzair , Cheng Russell , Yo Shaun , Narang Indra , Ryan Clodagh M.
Published: December 2019

Obstructive sleep apnea may occur throughout the lifespan, with peak occurrences in early childhood and during middle and older age. Onset in childhood is overwhelmingly due to adeno-tonsillar hypertrophy, while in adulthood, contributors include risk factors, such as obesity, male sex, and aging. More recently, there has been a precipitous increase in the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in youth. Drivers of this phenomenon include both increasing obesity and the survival of children with complex medical conditions into adulthood. Appropriate treatment and long-term management of obstructive sleep apnea is critical to ensure that these youth maintain well-being unfettered by secondary comorbidities. To this end, patient engagement and seamless transition of care from pediatric to adult health care systems is of paramount importance. To date, this is an unacknowledged and unmet need in most sleep programs. This article highlights the need for guideline-driven sleep disorder transition processes and illustrates the authors’ experience with the development of a program for sleep apnea.
Oral Appliance Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: State of the Art
Authors: Sutherland Kate , Cistulli Peter A.
Published: December 2019

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) represents a significant global health burden, with impact on cardiometabolic health, chronic disease, productivity loss and accident risk. Oral appliances (OA) are an effective therapy for OSA and work by enlarging and stabilising the pharyngeal airway to prevent breathing obstructions during sleep. Although recommended in clinical guidelines for OSA therapy, they are often considered only as second-line therapy following positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy failure. There has been a long-standing barrier to selecting OA over PAP therapy due to the inability to be certain about the level of efficacy in individual OSA patients. A range of methods to select OSA patients for OA therapy, based on the outcome of a single sleep study night, have been proposed, although none has been widely validated for clinical use. Emergent health outcome data suggest that equivalent apnoea–hypopnea index reduction may not be necessary to produce the same health benefits of PAP. This may be related to the more favourable adherence to OA therapy, which can now be objectively verified. Data on longer term health outcomes are needed, and there are additional opportunities for device improvement and combination therapy approaches. OAs have an important role in precision care of OSA as a chronic disorder through a multi-disciplinary care team. Future studies on real-world health outcomes following OA therapy are needed.
Mechanical and Functional Properties of a Novel Apatite-Ionomer Cement for Prevention and Remineralization of Dental Caries
Authors: Imataki Rie , Shinonaga Yukari , Nishimura Takako , Abe Yoko , Arita Kenji
Published: December 2019

Especially in pediatric dentistry, prevention by the control of initial lesions prior to cavitation is very important, and application of a pit and fissure sealant is essential to achieve this. Numerous reports have suggested that resin-based sealants are inferior to sealants based on glass-ionomer cement (GIC), because of GIC’s many advantages, such as fluoride ion release properties and its good adhesion to tooth structures. However, the use of GIC is impeded due to its low flexural strength and fracture toughness. In this paper, we developed and characterized an apatite-ionomer cement (AIC) that incorporates hydroxyapatite (HAp) into the GIC; this development was aimed at not only reinforcing the flexural and compressive strength but also improving some functional properties for the creation of the material suitable for sealant. We examined the influence of differences in the compounding conditions of GIC powder, liquid, and HAp on flexural and compressive strengths, fracture toughness, fluoride ion release property, shear bond strength to bovine enamel, surface pH of setting cements, and acid buffer capability. These methods were aimed at elucidating the reaction mechanism of porous spherical-shaped HAp (HApS) in AIC. The following observations were deduced. (1) HAp can improve the mechanical strengths of AIC by strengthening the cement matrix. (2) The functional properties of AIC, such as acid buffer capability, improved by increasing the releasing amounts of various ions including fluoride ions. The novel AIC developed in this study is a clinically effective dental material for prevention and remineralization of tooth and initial carious lesion.
Experimental Assessment of the Fire Resistance Mechanisms of Timber–Steel Composites
Authors: Le Truong Di Ha , Tsai Meng-Ting
Published: December 2019

Hybrid structures known as timber–steel composites (TSCs) have been extensively studied due to their potential use as alternative construction materials that can satisfy demands related to sustainability. In addition to load capacity, fire resistance is a major consideration regarding the extensive use of TSCs. In this study, 12 specimens were tested using a glulam timber material covering cold-formed steel at the center. Specifically, the TSCs were fabricated from two timber blocks and an I-shaped steel core assembled using dowels or glue as a major structure. In order to use additional timber as a fire protection layer to protect a major structure by its charcoal produced after being burned, an additional timber with 5 cm in thickness was used to cover the major structure. The 1-h fire testing of TSC following the ISO 834-1 standard was applied, in order to achieve the potential application for a 4-story timber building. The results showed that temperatures at the steel flange increased by more than 300 °C for the final 5 min in 10 out of the 12 TSC specimens, indicating that the fire protection provided by the timber structure was not sufficient. The charcoal layer surpassing the extra timber was originally set and entered the steel structure of the TSC, which was expected to retain its physical qualities after a fire. Methods for evaluating the charring properties, based on the conventional method for wood and the standard specification set by Eurocode 5, were used to assess the structural degradation of TSCs. The conventional assessments showed a divergence from the actual performance of TSCs. Such variations demonstrated the limitations of models for conventional wood in assessing the structure of a TSC. A realistic assessment was conducted to expand knowledge related to this composite under destructive processes and provide fire reference values for the practical implementation of TSCs.
Effect of Silica Fume and Fly Ash Admixtures on the Corrosion Behavior of AISI 304 Embedded in Concrete Exposed in 3.5% NaCl Solution
Authors: Baltazar-Zamora Miguel Angel , M. Bastidas David , Santiago-Hurtado Griselda , Mendoza-Rangel José Manuel , Gaona-Tiburcio Citlalli , Bastidas José M. , Almeraya-Calderón Facundo
Published: December 2019

The use of supplementary cementitious materials such as fly ash, slag, and silica fume improve reinforced concrete corrosion performance, while decreasing cost and reducing environmental impact compared to ordinary Portland cement. In this study, the corrosion behavior of AISI 1018 carbon steel (CS) and AISI 304 stainless steel (SS) reinforcements was studied for 365 days. Three different concrete mixtures were tested: 100% CPC (composite Portland cement), 80% CPC and 20% silica fume (SF), and 80% CPC and 20% fly ash (FA). The concrete mixtures were designed according to the ACI 211.1 standard. The reinforced concrete specimens were immersed in a 3.5 wt.% NaCl test solution to simulate a marine environment. Corrosion monitoring was evaluated using the corrosion potential (Ecorr) according to ASTM C876 and the linear polarization resistance (LPR) according to ASTM G59. The results show that AISI 304 SS reinforcements yielded the best corrosion behavior, with Ecorr values mainly pertaining to the region of 10% probability of corrosion, and corrosion current density (icorr) values indicating passivity after 105 days of experimentation and low probability of corrosion for the remainder of the test period.
Influence of Granulometry on Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Cement Mortars Containing Expanded Perlite as a Lightweight Aggregate
Authors: Leyton-Vergara Matías , Pérez-Fargallo Alexis , Pulido-Arcas Jesús , Cárdenas-Triviño Galo , Piggot-Navarrete Jeremy
Published: December 2019

This research aims at clarifying the influence of the granulometry of expanded perlite, on the thermal conductivity, structural strength, density, and water absorption of lightweight mortars. Three original perlite gradations have been obtained and three pairs of twin test mortars have been tested with those gradations. SEM tests have also been run to clarify the interaction, at a microscopic level, between the expanded perlite and the cement grouting. The results indicate that the mere manipulation of the granulometry may have a considerable and very beneficial effect on the mixture’s properties, such as thermal conductivity and water absorption.
A Recombinant Influenza A/H1N1 Carrying A Short Immunogenic Peptide of MERS-CoV as Bivalent Vaccine in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Shehata Mahmoud , Kandeil Ahmed , Mostafa Ahmed , Mahmoud Sara , Gomaa Mokhtar , El-Shesheny Rabeh , Webby Richard , Kayali Ghazi , A. Ali Mohamed
Published: December 2019

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) became a global human health threat since its first documentation in humans in 2012. An efficient vaccine for the prophylaxis of humans in hotspots of the infection (e.g., Saudi Arabia) is necessary but no commercial vaccines are yet approved. In this study, a chimeric DNA construct was designed to encode an influenza A/H1N1 NA protein which is flanking immunogenic amino acids (aa) 736–761 of MERS-CoV spike protein. Using the generated chimeric construct, a novel recombinant vaccine strain against pandemic influenza A virus (H1N1pdm09) and MERS-CoV was generated (chimeric bivalent 5 + 3). The chimeric bivalent 5 + 3 vaccine strain comprises a recombinant PR8-based vaccine, expressing the PB1, HA, and chimeric NA of pandemic 2009 H1N1. Interestingly, an increase in replication efficiency of the generated vaccine strain was observed when compared to the PR8-based 5 + 3 H1N1pdm09 vaccine strain that lacks the MERS-CoV spike peptide insert. In BALB/c mice, the inactivated chimeric bivalent vaccine induced potent and specific neutralizing antibodies against MERS-CoV and H1N1pdm09. This novel approach succeeded in developing a recombinant influenza virus with potential use as a bivalent vaccine against H1N1pdm09 and MERS-CoV. This approach provides a basis for the future development of chimeric influenza-based vaccines against MERS-CoV and other viruses.
Faster Removal of 2-Phosphoglycolate through Photorespiration Improves Abiotic Stress Tolerance of Arabidopsis
Authors: Timm Stefan , Woitschach Franziska , Heise Carolin , Hagemann Martin , Bauwe Hermann
Published: December 2019

Photorespiration metabolizes 2-phosphoglyolate (2-PG) to avoid inhibition of carbon assimilation and allocation. In addition to 2-PG removal, photorespiration has been shown to play a role in stress protection. Here, we studied the impact of faster 2-PG degradation through overexpression of 2-PG phosphatase (PGLP) on the abiotic stress-response of Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis). Two transgenic lines and the wild type were subjected to short-time high light and elevated temperature stress during gas exchange measurements. Furthermore, the same lines were exposed to long-term water shortage and elevated temperature stresses. Faster 2-PG degradation allowed maintenance of photosynthesis at combined light and temperatures stress and under water-limiting conditions. The PGLP-overexpressing lines also showed higher photosynthesis compared to the wild type if grown in high temperatures, which also led to increased starch accumulation and shifts in soluble sugar contents. However, only minor effects were detected on amino and organic acid levels. The wild type responded to elevated temperatures with elevated mRNA and protein levels of photorespiratory enzymes, while the transgenic lines displayed only minor changes. Collectively, these results strengthen our previous hypothesis that a faster photorespiratory metabolism improves tolerance against unfavorable environmental conditions, such as high light intensity and temperature as well as drought. In case of PGLP, the likely mechanism is alleviation of inhibitory feedback of 2-PG onto the Calvin–Benson cycle, facilitating carbon assimilation and accumulation of transitory starch.
Permafrost Deformation Monitoring Along the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Engineering Corridor Using InSAR Observations with Multi-Sensor SAR Datasets from 1997–2018
Authors: Zhang Zhengjia , Wang Mengmeng , Wu Zhijie , Liu Xiuguo
Published: December 2019

As the highest elevation permafrost region in the world, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) permafrost is quickly degrading due to global warming, climate change and human activities. The Qinghai-Tibet Engineering Corridor (QTEC), located in the QTP tundra, is of growing interest due to the increased infrastructure development in the remote QTP area. The ground, including the embankment of permafrost engineering, is prone to instability, primarily due to the seasonal freezing and thawing cycles and increase in human activities. In this study, we used ERS-1 (1997–1999), ENVISAT (2004–2010) and Sentinel-1A (2015–2018) images to assess the ground deformation along QTEC using time-series InSAR. We present a piecewise deformation model including periodic deformation related to seasonal components and interannual linear subsidence trends was presented. Analysis of the ERS-1 result show ground deformation along QTEC ranged from −5 to +5 mm/year during the 1997–1999 observation period. For the ENVISAT and Sentinel-1A results, the estimated deformation rate ranged from −20 to +10 mm/year. Throughout the whole observation period, most of the QTEC appeared to be stable. Significant ground deformation was detected in three sections of the corridor in the Sentinel-1A results. An analysis of the distribution of the thaw slumping region in the Tuotuohe area reveals that ground deformation was associated with the development of thaw slumps in one of the three sections. This research indicates that the InSAR technique could be crucial for monitoring the ground deformation along QTEC.
Temperature-Independent Gas Pressure Sensor with High Birefringence Photonic Crystal Fiber-Based Reflective Lyot Filter
Authors: Huang Bo , Wang Ying , Mao Chun
Published: December 2019

A novel temperature-independent gas pressure sensor based on a reflective fiber Lyot filter is presented in this paper. The reflective fiber Lyot filter is simply consist of a fiber polarizer and a segment of hollow-core photonic bandgap fiber (HB-PCF). The HB-PCF plays the role of birefringent cavity in the reflective fiber Lyot filter and works as the sensor head in the gas pressure sensor. Experiment results show that the responses of the sensor to gas pressure and temperature are 3.94 nm/MPa and −0.009 nm/°C, indicating that the proposed gas pressure is sensitive to gas pressure rather than temperature. Coupled with the advantages of simple structure, easy manufacture, high sensitivity and temperature independent, the proposed reflective fiber Lyot filter-based gas pressure sensor holds great potential application in the field of gas pressure monitoring.
Hydrogen Sensor Based on Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Avetisov Viacheslav , Bjoroey Ove , Wang Junyang , Geiser Peter , Paulsen Ketil Gorm
Published: December 2019

A laser-based hydrogen (H2) sensor using wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) was developed for the contactless measurement of molecular hydrogen. The sensor uses a distributed feedback (DFB) laser to target the H2 quadrupole absorption line at 2121.8 nm. The H2 absorption line exhibited weak collisional broadening and strong collisional narrowing effects. Both effects were investigated by comparing measurements of the absorption linewidth with detailed models using different line profiles including collisional narrowing effects. The collisional broadening and narrowing parameters were determined for pure hydrogen as well as for hydrogen in nitrogen and air. The performance of the sensor was evaluated and the sensor applicability for H2 measurement in a range of 0–10 %v of H2 was demonstrated. A precision of 0.02 %v was achieved with 1 m of absorption pathlength (0.02 %v∙m) and 1 s of integration time. For the optimum averaging time of 20 s, precision of 0.005 %v∙m was achieved. A good linear relationship between H2 concentration and sensor response was observed. A simple and robust transmitter–receiver configuration of the sensor allows in situ installation in harsh industrial environments.
Gait Quality Assessment in Survivors from Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: An Instrumented Approach Based on Inertial Sensors
Authors: Belluscio Valeria , Bergamini Elena , Tramontano Marco , Orejel Bustos Amaranta , Allevi Giulia , Formisano Rita , Vannozzi Giuseppe , Buzzi Maria Gabriella
Published: December 2019

Despite existing evidence that gait disorders are a common consequence of severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI), the literature describing gait instability in sTBI survivors is scant. Thus, the present study aims at quantifying gait patterns in sTBI through wearable inertial sensors and investigating the association of sensor-based gait quality indices with the scores of commonly administered clinical scales. Twenty healthy adults (control group, CG) and 20 people who suffered from a sTBI were recruited. The Berg balance scale, community balance and mobility scale, and dynamic gait index (DGI) were administered to sTBI participants, who were further divided into two subgroups, severe and very severe, according to their score in the DGI. Participants performed the 10 m walk, the Figure-of-8 walk, and the Fukuda stepping tests, while wearing five inertial sensors. Significant differences were found among the three groups, discriminating not only between CG and sTBI, but also for walking ability levels. Several indices displayed a significant correlation with clinical scales scores, especially in the 10 m walking and Figure-of-8 walk tests. Results show that the use of wearable sensors allows the obtainment of quantitative information about a patient’s gait disorders and discrimination between different levels of walking abilities, supporting the rehabilitative staff in designing tailored therapeutic interventions.
Jésus et l’impureté
Authors: Grappe Christian
Published: December 2019

C’est dans la dynamique de l’avènement du Royaume et de la manifestation de l’Esprit Saint qui l’accompagne qu’il convient de comprendre l’attitude de Jésus à l’endroit de l’impureté et sa relative indifférence à ce qui touche à la loi rituelle. Là où se manifeste la radicale nouveauté que représente l’irruption du Royaume, émerge une nouvelle compréhension tant de l’espace que de la responsabilité humaine. La sainteté vient envahir la sphère profane ; elle désenclave l’espace, ce qui modifie radicalement le rapport à l’impureté. De cette prise de possession gracieuse de l’espace par la sainteté, résulte, en retour, une exigence éthique.
Wolfgang Capito’s In-Laws : The Roettels of Strasbourg
Authors: Brady Jr. Thomas Allan
Published: December 2019

Wolfgang Capiton, un des leaders de la Réformation à Strasbourg, vécut dans cette ville de 1523 jusqu’à sa mort en 1541. En 1524, il épousa Agnes Roettel († 1531), fille d’un important membre du Magistrat de la corporation des pêcheurs. Divers membres de la famille Roettel ont conservé un livre de famille, qui contient, sur plus de cinq générations depuis le milieu du XVe siècle, des notices sur les naissances, les mariages et les décès de leur famille. Avec d’autres sources, nous avons utilisé ce manuscrit, qui se trouve actuellement à la BNF (ms. Allemand 205), pour reconstituer l’histoire de la famille Roettel.
Propagande catholique, convictions protestantes et duplicité textuelle. La paix de Dieu (1698/1690) du comte Gédéon de Reffuge, nouveau converti
Authors: Millet Olivier
Published: December 2019

The Reformed Gédéon de Reffuge, who was imprisoned in the Bastille in 1685, converted there to Roman Catholicism and wrote an appeal to the European Protestants to follow his example. The manuscript of this text, which we found, is very different from the printed publication of 1690, which was censored by Roman Catholic theologians. The manuscript version gives insight into the spiritual crisis that the author went through because of his imprisonment. The count de Reffuge refers to a prophetic illumination in order to legitimate an interpretation of the Bible that justifies his conversion to the King’s religion. Paradoxically, in the very act of his abjuration he thus testifies to a Protestant religious culture.