bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward Audio Beehive Monitoring: Deep Learning vs. Standard Machine Learning in Classifying Beehive Audio Samples
Authors: Kulyukin Vladimir , Mukherjee Sarbajit , Amlathe Prakhar
Published: September 2018

Electronic beehive monitoring extracts critical information on colony behavior and phenology without invasive beehive inspections and transportation costs. As an integral component of electronic beehive monitoring, audio beehive monitoring has the potential to automate the identification of various stressors for honeybee colonies from beehive audio samples. In this investigation, we designed several convolutional neural networks and compared their performance with four standard machine learning methods (logistic regression, k-nearest neighbors, support vector machines, and random forests) in classifying audio samples from microphones deployed above landing pads of Langstroth beehives. On a dataset of 10,260 audio samples where the training and testing samples were separated from the validation samples by beehive and location, a shallower raw audio convolutional neural network with a custom layer outperformed three deeper raw audio convolutional neural networks without custom layers and performed on par with the four machine learning methods trained to classify feature vectors extracted from raw audio samples. On a more challenging dataset of 12,914 audio samples where the training and testing samples were separated from the validation samples by beehive, location, time, and bee race, all raw audio convolutional neural networks performed better than the four machine learning methods and a convolutional neural network trained to classify spectrogram images of audio samples. A trained raw audio convolutional neural network was successfully tested in situ on a low voltage Raspberry Pi computer, which indicates that convolutional neural networks can be added to a repertoire of in situ audio classification algorithms for electronic beehive monitoring. The main trade-off between deep learning and standard machine learning is between feature engineering and training time: while the convolutional neural networks required no feature engineering and generalized better on the second, more challenging dataset, they took considerably more time to train than the machine learning methods. To ensure the replicability of our findings and to provide performance benchmarks for interested research and citizen science communities, we have made public our source code and our curated datasets.
Oxygen Consumption by Red Wines under Different Micro-Oxygenation Strategies and Q. Pyrenaica Chips. Effects on Color and Phenolic Characteristics
Authors: Sánchez-Gómez Rosario , Nevares Ignacio , Martínez-Gil Ana María , Del Alamo-Sanza Maria
Published: September 2018

The use of alternative oak products (AOP) for wine aging is a common practice in which micro-oxygenation (MOX) is a key factor to obtain a final wine that is more stable over time and with similar characteristics as barrel-aged wines. Therefore, the oxygen dosage added must be that which the wine is able to consume to develop correctly. Oxygen consumption by red wine determines its properties, so it is essential that micro-oxygenation be managed properly. This paper shows the results from the study of the influence on red wine of two different MOX strategies: floating oxygen dosage (with dissolved oxygen setpoint of 50 µg/L) and fixed oxygen dosage (3 mL/L·month). The results indicated that the wines consumed all the oxygen provided: those from fixed MOX received between 3 and 3.5 times more oxygen than the floating MOX strategy, the oxygen contribution from the air entrapped in the wood being more significant in the latter. Wines aged with wood and MOX showed the same color and phenolic evolution as those aged in barrels, demonstrating the importance of MOX management. Despite the differences in the oxygen consumed, it was not possible to differentiate wines from the different MOX strategies at the end of the aging period in contact with wood.
A New Approach of Fabricating Graphene Nanoplates@Natural Rubber Latex Composite and Its Characteristics and Mechanical Properties
Authors: La Duong Duc , Nguyen Tuan Anh , Quoc Viet Do , Nguyen Tham Thi , Nguyen Duy Anh , Pham Duy Linh Nguyen , Trung Nghia Phan , Bhosale Sheshanath V.
Published: September 2018

Graphene has been demonstrated to be one of the most promising candidates to use as filler to improve the electrical, thermal, chemical and mechanical properties of natural rubber due to exceptional high surface area, superior electrical and thermal conductivity, and remarkable gas impermeability resistance. In this study, graphene nanoplates (GNPs) were mass-produced by a one-step chemical exfoliation of natural graphite and used as a filler for the fabrication of GNPs@natural rubber composite by a simple mixing method. The resultant GNPs/rubber composite was characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and a rheometer. The prepared graphene nanoplates had a thickness of less than 10 nm and a lateral size of tens of microns. The GNPs@rubber composite revealed an exceptional improvement of abrasion loss up to seven to ten fold, along with an approximately 400%, 200% and 30% increment of elongation at break, tear strength and tensile strength, respectively. Other mechanical properties, such as hardness, compression set and rebound, as well as the effect of the GNPs loadings on the mechanical properties of the composite, were also investigated in detail.
Serial MRI Imaging Reveals Minimal Impact of Ketogenic Diet on Established Liver Tumor Growth
Authors: Byrne Frances L. , Hargett Stefan R. , Lahiri Sujoy , Roy R. Jack , Berr Stuart S. , Caldwell Stephen H. , Hoehn Kyle L.
Published: September 2018

Rodent models of liver tumorigenesis have reproducibly shown that dietary sugar intake is a powerful driver of liver tumor initiation and growth. In contrast, dietary sugar restriction with ketogenic diets or calorie restriction generally prevents liver tumor formation. Ketogenic diet is viewed positively as a therapeutic adjuvant; however, most ketogenic diet studies described to date have been performed in prevention mode rather than treatment mode. Therefore, it remains unclear whether a ketogenic diet can be administered in late stages of disease to stall or reverse liver tumor growth. To model the clinically relevant treatment mode, we administered a ketogenic diet to mice after liver tumor initiation and monitored tumor growth by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Male C57BL/6 mice were injected with diethylnitrosamine (DEN) at 2 weeks of age and fed a chow diet until 39 weeks of age, when they underwent MRI imaging to detect liver tumors. Mice were then randomised into two groups and fed either a chow diet or switched to a ketogenic diet from 40–48 weeks of age. Serial MRIs were performed at 44 and 48 weeks of age. All mice had tumors at study completion and there were no differences in total tumor burden between diet groups. Although a ketogenic diet has marked protective effects against DEN-induced liver tumourigenesis in this mouse model, these data demonstrate that ketogenic diet cannot stop the progression of established liver tumors.
The Extracellular Matrix and Pancreatic Cancer: A Complex Relationship
Authors: Weniger Maximilian , Honselmann Kim , Liss Andrew
Published: September 2018

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has an extraordinarily dense fibrotic stroma that impedes tumor perfusion and delivery of anticancer drugs. Since the extracellular matrix (ECM) comprises the bulk of the stroma, it is primarily responsible for the increased interstitial tissue pressure and stiff mechanical properties of the stroma. Besides its mechanical influence, the ECM provides important biochemical and physical cues that promote survival, proliferation, and metastasis. By serving as a nutritional source, the ECM also enables PDAC cells to survive under the nutrient-poor conditions. While therapeutic strategies using stroma-depleting drugs have yielded disappointing results, an increasing body of research indicates the ECM may offer a variety of potential therapeutic targets. As preclinical studies of ECM-targeted drugs have shown promising effects, a number of clinical trials are currently investigating agents with the potential to advance the future treatment of PDAC. Thus, the present review seeks to give an overview of the complex relationship between the ECM and PDAC.
High Active and Selective Ni/CeO2–Al2O3 and Pd–Ni/CeO2–Al2O3 Catalysts for Oxy-Steam Reforming of Methanol
Authors: Mierczynski Pawel , Mierczynska Agnieszka , Ciesielski Radoslaw , Mosinska Magdalena , Nowosielska Magdalena , Czylkowska Agnieszka , Maniukiewicz Waldemar , Szynkowska Malgorzata I. , Vasilev Krasimir
Published: September 2018

Herein, we report monometallic Ni and bimetallic Pd–Ni catalysts supported on CeO2–Al2O3 binary oxide which are highly active and selective in oxy-steam reforming of methanol (OSRM). Monometallic and bimetallic supported catalysts were prepared by an impregnation method. The physicochemical properties of the catalytic systems were investigated using a range of methods such as: Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), Temperature-programmed reduction (TPR–H2), Temperature-programmed desorption (TPD–NH3), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Scanning Electron Microscope equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM–EDS). We demonstrate that the addition of palladium facilitates the reduction of nickel catalysts. The activity tests performed for all catalysts confirmed the promotion effect of palladium on the catalytic activity of nickel catalyst and their selectivity towards hydrogen production. Both nickel and bimetallic palladium–nickel supported catalysts showed excellent stability during the reaction. The reported catalytic systems are valuable to make advances in the field of fuel cell technology.
Correction: Esparham, A., et al., Pediatric Integrative Medicine: Vision for the Future. Children, 2018, 5, 111
Authors: Esparham Anna , Misra Sanghamitra , Sibinga Erica , Culbert Timothy , Kemper Kathi , McClafferty Hilary , Vohra Sunita , Rosen Lawrence
Published: September 2018

The authors wish to make the following corrections to their paper [...]
Correction: Khatiwada, K.R.; et al. Hydro-Climatic Variability in the Karnali River Basin of Nepal Himalaya. Climate 2016, 4, 17
Authors: Khatiwada Kabi , Panthi Jeeban , Shrestha Madan , Nepal Santosh
Published: September 2018

The authors wish to make the following correction to this paper [...]
Sleep Quality and Chronotype Differences between Elite Athletes and Non-Athlete Controls
Authors: Bender Amy M. , Van Dongen Hans P. A. , Samuels Charles H.
Published: September 2018

Previous research has found that elite athletes have insufficient sleep, yet the specific kinds of sleep disturbances occurring as compared to a control group are limited. Here we compare the subjective sleep quality and chronotype of elite athletes to a control group of non-athlete good sleepers. Sixty-three winter Canadian National Team athletes (mean age 26.0 ± 0.0; 32% females) completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Athlete Morningness Eveningness Scale. They were compared to 83 healthy, non-athlete, good-sleeper controls (aged 27.3 ± 3.7; 51% females) who completed the PSQI and the Composite Scale of Morningness. The elite athletes reported poorer sleep quality (PSQI global score 5.0 ± 2.6) relative to the controls (PSQI global score 2.6 ± 1.3), despite there being no group difference in self-reported sleep duration (athletes 8.1 ± 1.0 h; controls 8.0 ± 0.7 h). Further, athletes’ chronotype distribution showed a greater skew toward morningness, despite there being no group differences in self-reported usual bedtime and wake time. These results suggest that a misalignment of sleep times with circadian preference could contribute to poorer sleep quality in elite athletes.
Facile Solution Spin-Coating SnO2 Thin Film Covering Cracks of TiO2 Hole Blocking Layer for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Ren Haiyan , Zou Xiaoping , Cheng Jin , Ling Tao , Bai Xiao , Chen Dan
Published: September 2018

The hole blocking layer plays an important role in suppressing recombination of holes and electrons between the perovskite layer and fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO). Morphological defects, such as cracks, at the compact TiO2 hole blocking layer due to rough FTO surface seriously affect performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, we employ a simple spin-coating SnO2 thin film solution to cover cracks of TiO2 hole blocking layer for PSCs. The experiment results indicate that the TiO2/SnO2 complementary composite hole blocking layer could eliminate the serious electrical current leakage existing inside the device, extremely reducing interface defects and hysteresis. Furthermore, a high efficiency of 13.52% was achieved for the device, which is the highest efficiency ever recorded in PSCs with spongy carbon film deposited on a separated FTO-substrate as composite counter electrode under one sun illumination.
Corrosion Protection of N80 Steel in Hydrochloric Acid Medium Using Mixed C15H15NO and Na2WO4 Inhibitors
Authors: Hu Jun , Wang Tiantian , Wang Zhen , Wei Liping , Zhu Jianbo , Zheng Maosheng , Chen Zhong
Published: September 2018

A novel inhibitor based on mixed Mannich base (C15H15NO) and Na2WO4 was developed for the corrosion prevention of N80 steel in hydrochloric acid solution. Infra-red spectrum, electrochemical measurements, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy were used to understand the inhibition efficiency and mechanism. The results showed that the mixed inhibitors reduced the corrosion current density and increased the interface resistance. The inhibition efficiency is the highest when the ratio of C15H15NO to Na2WO4 is 1:1 in the mixture. Observed from the surfaces, the number of pits and small cracks was reduced on the surface in the presence of the optimized inhibitors. The inhibition film can successfully hinder the chloride ions from reaching the bulk steel.
Testing the Effects of Real Exchange Rate Pass-Through to Unemployment in Brazil
Authors: Usman Ojonugwa , Elsalih Osama Mohammed
Published: September 2018

This paper attempts to test the pass-through of the real exchange rate (RERT) to unemployment in Brazil over the period 1981M1–2015M11 using linear and nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) models. The result of the linearity test suggests that the relationship between RERT and unemployment is linear in the short-run and nonlinear in the long-run. Therefore, using the symmetric ARDL model for the short-run analysis, we find that an increase in the RERT decreases the unemployment rate. The result of the nonlinear ARDL for the long-run analysis shows that the unemployment rate reacts to the RERT appreciations and depreciations differently with depreciations having a strong effect. However, the pass-through of the RERT to unemployment is incomplete both in the short- and long-run. These findings have important policy implications for the designing of appropriate monetary policy in response to a rise in unemployment resulting from a change in the real exchange rate.
Dynamic Simulations of Adaptive Design Approaches to Control the Speed of an Induction Machine Considering Parameter Uncertainties and External Perturbations
Authors: Zeb Kamran , Din Waqar U. , Khan Muhammad Adil , Khan Ayesha , Younas Umair , Busarello Tiago Davi Curi , Kim Hee Je
Published: September 2018

Recently, the Indirect Field Oriented Control (IFOC) scheme for Induction Motors (IM) has gained wide acceptance in high performance applications. The IFOC has remarkable characteristics of decoupling torque and flux along with an easy hardware implementation. However, the detuning limits the performance of drives due to uncertainties of parameters. Conventionally, the use of a Proportional Integral Differential (PID) controller has been very frequent in variable speed drive applications. However, it does not allow for the operation of an IM in a wide range of speeds. In order to tackle these problems, optimal, robust, and adaptive control algorithms are mostly in use. The work presented in this paper is based on new optimal, robust, and adaptive control strategies, including an Adaptive Proportional Integral (PI) controller, sliding mode control, Fuzzy Logic (FL) control based on Steepest Descent (SD), Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) algorithms, and Hybrid Control (HC) or adaptive sliding mode controller to overcome the deficiency of conventional control strategies. The main theme is to design a robust control scheme having faster dynamic response, reliable operation for parameter uncertainties and speed variation, and maximized torque and efficiency of the IM. The test bench of the IM control has three main parts: IM model, Inverter Model, and control structure. The IM is modelled in synchronous frame using d q modelling while the Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SVPWM) technique is used for modulation of the inverter. Our proposed controllers are critically analyzed and compared with the PI controller considering different conditions: parameter uncertainties, speed variation, load disturbances, and under electrical faults. In addition, the results validate the effectiveness of the designed controllers and are then related to former works.
Influence of NaCl Concentration on Food-Waste Biochar Structure and Templating Effects
Authors: Lee Ye-Eun , Jo Jun-Ho , Kim I-Tae , Yoo Yeong-Seok
Published: September 2018

Food-waste-derived biochar structures obtained through pyrolysis and with different NaCl concentrations were investigated. Increased NaCl concentration in the samples inhibited cellulose and lignin decomposition, ultimately increasing the biochar yield by 2.7% for 20%-NaCl concentration. NaCl added in solution state exhibited templating effects, with maximum increases in the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area and pore volume of 1.23 to 3.50 m2∙g−1 and 0.002 to 0.007 cm3∙g−1, respectively, after washing. Adding a high concentration (20%) of NaCl reduced the BET surface area. In contrast, the mean pore diameter increased owing to the increased NaCl clustering area. Increased NaCl clustering with increased added NaCl was shown to have positive effects on NaCl removal by washing. Furthermore, as the NaCl adhered to the KCl scattered in the food waste, a high NaCl concentration also had positive effects on KCl removal. This study reports on an investigation on the effects of varying NaCl concentrations injected in solution form on the structure of food-waste biochar during pyrolysis. The templating effect was considered using both added NaCl and NaCl already contained in the food waste, with implementation of a desalination process essential for food-waste treatment for recycling.
Effects of Electric Circulation on the Energy Efficiency of the Power Split e-CVT Hybrid Systems
Authors: Chung Cheng-Ta , Wu Chien-Hsun , Hung Yi-Hsuan
Published: September 2018

This paper aims at investigating the fundamental characteristics of energy efficiency for power split electronic-continuously-variable-transmission (e-CVT) hybrid systems under the operation of electric circulation, i.e., circulating part of the engine power through the generator and motor in form of electric energy to improve system efficiency as well as perform the continuously-variable-transmission (CVT) functionality. The relations of kinematics and energy conservation for each power component are constructed and analyzed to classify how the operating points of the engine in term of torque and rotational speed may vary under different degrees of electric circulation indicated by a parameter called ratio of circulating power. Thereby, power split e-CVT hybrid systems can be classified into three types: upward circulation, downward circulation, and neutral circulation. Accordingly, two power split e-CVT hybrid systems, one of input split type and the other of output split type, are selected to be analyzed regarding their operating characteristics and simulated on their performances of energy efficiency. As a result, the former is a type of downward circulation in favor of driving at low speed and high driving load, while the latter is a type of upward circulation with an advantage of driving at high speed and low driving load. Thereby, applying this analysis to investigate the effects of electric circulation on power split e-CVT systems may help the developers implement suitable energy management and control strategy in accordance with their corresponding operating characteristics of energy efficiency.
Improved Fuzzy C-Means Clustering for Transformer Fault Diagnosis Using Dissolved Gas Analysis Data
Authors: Li Enwen , Wang Linong , Song Bin , Jian Siliang
Published: September 2018

Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) of the oil allows transformer fault diagnosis and status monitoring. Fuzzy c-means (FCM) clustering is an effective pattern recognition method, but exhibits poor clustering accuracy for dissolved gas data and usually fails to subsequently correctly classify transformer faults. The existing feasible approach involves combination of the FCM clustering algorithm with other intelligent algorithms, such as neural networks and support vector machines. This method enables good classification; however, the algorithm complexity is greatly increased. In this paper, the FCM clustering algorithm itself is improved and clustering analysis of DGA data is realized. First, the non-monotonicity of the traditional clustering membership function with respect to the sample distance and its several local extrema are discussed, which mainly explain the poor classification accuracy of DGA data clustering. Then, an exponential form of the membership function is proposed to obtain monotony with respect to distance, thereby improving the dissolved gas data clustering. Likewise, a similarity function to determine the degree of membership is derived. Test results for large datasets show that the improved clustering algorithm can be successfully applied for DGA-data-based transformer fault detection.
Comparison of Mechanical Behavior and Acoustic Emission Characteristics of Three Thermally-Damaged Rocks
Authors: Peng Jun , Yang Sheng-Qi
Published: September 2018

High temperature treatment has a significant influence on the mechanical behavior and the associated microcracking characteristic of rocks. A good understanding of the thermal damage effects on rock behavior is helpful for design and stability evaluation of engineering structures in the geothermal field. This paper studies the mechanical behavior and the acoustic emission (AE) characteristic of three typical rocks (i.e., sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous), with an emphasis on how the difference in rock type (i.e., porosity and mineralogical composition) affects the rock behavior in response to thermal damage. Compression tests are carried out on rock specimens which are thermally damaged and AE monitoring is conducted during the compression tests. The mechanical properties including P-wave velocity, compressive strength, and Young’s modulus for the three rocks are found to generally show a decreasing trend as the temperature applied to the rock increases. However, these mechanical properties for quartz sandstone first increase to a certain extent and then decrease as the treatment temperature increases, which is mainly attributed to the high porosity of quartz sandstone. The results obtained from stress–strain curve, failure mode, and AE characteristic also show that the failure of quartz-rich rock (i.e., quartz sandstone and granite) is more brittle when compared with that of calcite-rich rock (i.e., marble). However, the ductility is enhanced to some extent as the treatment temperature increases for all the three examined rocks. Due to high brittleness of quartz sandstone and granite, more AE activities can be detected during loading and the recorded AE activities mostly accumulate when the stress approaches the peak strength, which is quite different from the results of marble.
Optimal Energy Management of Building Microgrid Networks in Islanded Mode Considering Adjustable Power and Component Outages
Authors: Bui Van-Hai , Hussain Akhtar , Kim Hak-Man , Im Yong-Hoon
Published: September 2018

In this paper, an optimal energy management scheme for islanded building microgrid networks is proposed. The proposed building microgrid network comprises of several inter-connected building microgrids (BMGs) and an external energy supplier. Each BMG has a local combined heat and power (CHP) unit, energy storage, renewables and loads (electric and thermal). The external energy system comprises of an external CHP unit, chillers, electric heat pumps and heat pile line, for thermal energy storage. The BMGs can trade energy with other BMGs of the network and can also trade energy with the external energy supplier. In order to efficiently utilize the components of the BMGs and the network, the concept of adjustable power is adopted in this study. Adjustable power can reduce the operation cost of the network by increasing/decreasing the power of dispatchable units. In addition, the failure/recovery of components in the BMGs and the external system are also considered to analyze the performance of the proposed operation method. In order to optimally utilize the available resources during events, precedence among loads of BMGs and the external energy supplier is considered. Simulation results have proved the applicability of the proposed method for both normal islanded mode and with outage/recovery of equipment during the operation horizon. Finally, sensitivity analysis is carried out to analyze the impact of change in components’ parameters values on the saved cost of the network.
Cytosolic Distribution of Metals (Cd, Cu) and Metalloids (As, Se) in Livers and Gonads of Field-Collected Fish Exposed to an Environmental Contamination Gradient: An SEC-ICP-MS Analysis
Authors: Urien Nastassia , Jacob Sabrina , Couture Patrice , Campbell Peter G. C.
Published: September 2018

The distribution of As, Cd, Cu and Se among biomolecules of different molecular weight (MW) in the heat-treated cytosolic fraction of livers and gonads of white suckers (WS; Catostomus commersonii) collected in a reference lake and in a lake subject to multi-metal contamination was investigated. Distribution profiles were obtained by separation of the heat-stable protein and peptide (HSP) fractions using size-exclusion high performance-liquid chromatography, coupled online to an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer, to quantify the associated metals. Metal-handling strategies did not vary between the reference and exposed fish, with the exception of As. Cadmium and Cu appeared associated with the heat-stable peptides metallothioneins (MTs), indicating their reasonable detoxification and regulation in WS. In contrast, Se and As were not bound to MTs, but rather, to biomolecules of lower MW (<2 kDa). Arsenic was found associated with the same biomolecules in fish from both lakes, but their proportions changed between reference and exposed fish. For future work, the identification of the Se and As binding biomolecules would be of great interest to determine if these metalloids are detoxified or if, conversely, the biomolecules are metal-sensitive and their binding to Se or As represents a threat for the health of these fish.
Effect of Stem Diameter, Genetics, and Wood Properties on Stem Cracking in Norway Spruce
Authors: Zeltiņš Pauls , Katrevičs Juris , Gailis Arnis , Maaten Tiit , Bāders Endijs , Jansons Āris
Published: September 2018

The choice of seed material (genetics) is one of the tools that can improve adaptation to the changing climate. Insufficient adaptation can result in a number of potential risks, including stem cracking. The goal of this study is to assess the influence of genetics and wood properties on stem cracking in Norway spruce (Picea abies Karst). The study was conducted on a 35-year-old provenance trial in Eastern Latvia. Stem cracks were assessed using a six-score scale. Tree-ring parameters, i.e., latewood proportion, maximum and mean density, mean earlywood, and latewood density were analysed. The overall incidence of stem cracking was 23.5%, varying between 0% and 79% at a family mean level. Heritability of stem cracking was low, ca., two times lower than for the diameter at breast height (DBH): h2 = 0.09 and 0.21, respectively. There were non-significant family and provenance effects on the occurrence of stem cracks, and weak family mean correlations between DBH, and the proportion of trees with any stem cracks or severe stem cracks. Overall, larger trees were more prone to cracking irrespective of provenance or family. Cracked trees had lower wood density parameters than unaffected trees, yet the latewood proportion was similar. Silvicultural treatments or selection to improve wood density could be suggested to reduce the risk of stem cracking.
Effect of Operating Variables and Kinetics of the Lipase Catalyzed Transesterification of Ethylene Carbonate and Glycerol
Authors: Gutierrez-Lazaro Ana , Velasco Daniel , Boldrini Diego E. , Yustos Pedro , Esteban Jesus , Ladero Miguel
Published: September 2018

Glycerol carbonate (GC) is a value-added product originating from the valorization of widely available glycerol (Gly), a side stream from the production of biodiesel. Here we approach the production of this chemical comparing two reactions based on the transesterification of Gly with dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and ethylene carbonate (EC). When using DMC, it was observed that the free enzyme CALB (lipase B from Candida antarctica) gave the best results, whereas Eversa Transform (a genetic modification of Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase) performed better than the rest if EC was the reagent. With the selected catalysts, their immobilized analogous enzymes Novozym 435 and Lypozyme TL IM, respectively, were also tested. Observing that the yields for the reaction with EC were significantly faster, other operating variables were evaluated, resulting the best performance using a closed system, tert-butanol as solvent, a concentration of enzyme Eversa Transform of 3% w/w, a molar excess of EC:Gly of 9:1 and a temperature of 60 °C. Finally, several runs were conducted at different temperatures and molar ratios of EC:Gly, fitting a kinetic model to all experimental data for the reaction catalyzed with Eversa Transform. This model included the bimolecular transesterification reaction of Gly and EC catalyzed by the lipase and a reversible ring-opening polymerization of EC.
Sharing with Live Migration Energy Optimization Scheduler for Cloud Computing Data Centers
Authors: Alshathri Samah , Ghita Bogdan , Clarke Nathan
Published: September 2018

The cloud-computing concept has emerged as a powerful mechanism for data storage by providing a suitable platform for data centers. Recent studies show that the energy consumption of cloud computing systems is a key issue. Therefore, we should reduce the energy consumption to satisfy performance requirements, minimize power consumption, and maximize resource utilization. This paper introduces a novel algorithm that could allocate resources in a cloud-computing environment based on an energy optimization method called Sharing with Live Migration (SLM). In this scheduler, we used the Cloud-Sim toolkit to manage the usage of virtual machines (VMs) based on a novel algorithm that learns and predicts the similarity between the tasks, and then allocates each of them to a suitable VM. On the other hand, SLM satisfies the Quality of Services (QoS) constraints of the hosted applications by adopting a migration process. The experimental results show that the algorithm exhibits better performance, while saving power and minimizing the processing time. Therefore, the SLM algorithm demonstrates improved virtual machine efficiency and resource utilization compared to an adapted state-of-the-art algorithm for a similar problem.
Favoritism and Fairness in Teams
Authors: Dong Lu , Huang Lingbo
Published: September 2018

We experimentally study how people resolve a tension between favoritism and fairness when allocating a profit in a team production setting. Past research shows that people tend to favor their ingroup at the cost of an outgroup when allocating a given amount of money. However, when the money to be allocated depends on joint production, we find that most players allocate proportionally according to others’ relative contributions, irrespective of their social identity affiliations. We discuss the implications of our findings on how distributive norms could shape team cooperation.
Nanocomposite Hydrogels: Advances in Nanofillers Used for Nanomedicine
Authors: Vashist Arti , Kaushik Ajeet , Ghosal Anujit , Bala Jyoti , Nikkhah-Moshaie Roozbeh , A. Wani Waseem , Manickam Pandiaraj , Nair Madhavan
Published: September 2018

The ongoing progress in the development of hydrogel technology has led to the emergence of materials with unique features and applications in medicine. The innovations behind the invention of nanocomposite hydrogels include new approaches towards synthesizing and modifying the hydrogels using diverse nanofillers synergistically with conventional polymeric hydrogel matrices. The present review focuses on the unique features of various important nanofillers used to develop nanocomposite hydrogels and the ongoing development of newly hydrogel systems designed using these nanofillers. This article gives an insight in the advancement of nanocomposite hydrogels for nanomedicine.
Electrodiffusion-Mediated Swelling of a Two-Phase Gel Model of Gastric Mucus
Authors: Lewis Owen L. , Keener James P. , Fogelson Aaron L.
Published: September 2018

Gastric mucus gel is known to exhibit dramatic and unique swelling behaviors in response to the ionic composition of the hydrating solution. This swelling behavior is important in the maintenance of the mucus layer lining the stomach wall, as the layer is constantly digested by enzymes in the lumen, and must be replenished by new mucus that swells as it is secreted from the gastric wall. One hypothesis suggests that the condensed state of mucus at secretion is maintained by transient bonds with calcium that form crosslinks. These crosslinks are lost as monovalent cations from the environment displace divalent crosslinkers, leading to a dramatic change in the energy of the gel and inducing the swelling behavior. Previous modeling work has characterized the equilibrium behavior of polyelectrolyte gels that respond to calcium crosslinking. Here, we present an investigation of the dynamic swelling behavior of a polyelectrolytic gel model of mucus. In particular, we quantified the rate at which a globule of initially crosslinked gel swells when exposed to an ionic bath. The dependence of this swelling rate on several parameters was characterized. We observed that swelling rate has a non-monotone dependence on the molarity of the bath solution, with moderate concentrations of available sodium inducing the fastest swelling.
Global Long Noncoding RNA and mRNA Expression Changes between Prenatal and Neonatal Lung Tissue in Pigs
Authors: Jin Long , Hu Silu , Tu Teng , Huang Zhiqing , Tang Qianzi , Ma Jideng , Wang Xun , Li Xuewei , Zhou Xuan , Shuai Surong , Li Mingzhou
Published: September 2018

Lung tissue plays an important role in the respiratory system of mammals after birth. Early lung development includes six key stages, of which the saccular stage spans the pre- and neonatal periods and prepares the distal lung for alveolarization and gas-exchange. However, little is known about the changes in gene expression between fetal and neonatal lungs. In this study, we performed transcriptomic analysis of messenger RNA (mRNA) and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) expressed in the lung tissue of fetal and neonatal piglets. A total of 19,310 lncRNAs and 14,579 mRNAs were identified and substantially expressed. Furthermore, 3248 mRNAs were significantly (FDR-adjusted p value ≤ 0.05, FDR: False Discovery Rate) differentially expressed and were mainly enriched in categories related to cell proliferation, immune response, hypoxia response, and mitochondrial activation. For example, CCNA2, an important gene involved in the cell cycle and DNA replication, was upregulated in neonatal lungs. We also identified 452 significantly (FDR-adjusted p value ≤ 0.05) differentially expressed lncRNAs, which might function in cell proliferation, mitochondrial activation, and immune response, similar to the differentially expressed mRNAs. These results suggest that differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs might co-regulate lung development in early postnatal pigs. Notably, the TU64359 lncRNA might promote distal lung development by up-regulating the heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like (HB-EGF) expression. Our research provides basic lung development datasets and will accelerate clinical researches of newborn lung diseases with pig models.
Mapping a Subsurface Water Channel with X-Band and C-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar at the Iron Age Archaeological Site of ‘Uqdat al-Bakrah (Safah), Oman
Authors: Wiig Frances , Harrower Michael , Braun Alexander , Nathan Smiti , Lehner Joseph , Simon Katie , Sturm Jennie , Trinder John , Dumitru Ioana , Hensley Scott , Clark Terence
Published: September 2018

Subsurface imaging in arid regions is a well-known application of satellite Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). Archaeological prospection has often focused on L-band SAR sensors, given the ability of longer wavelengths to penetrate more deeply into sand. In contrast, this study demonstrates capabilities of shorter-wavelength, but higher spatial resolution, C-band and X-band SAR sensors in archaeological subsurface imaging at the site of ‘Uqdat al-Bakrah (Safah), Oman. Despite having varying parameters and acquisitions, both the X-band and C-band images analyzed were able to identify a subsurface paleo-channel that is not visible on the ground surface. This feature was first identified through Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey, then recognized in the SAR imagery and further verified by test excavations. Both the GPR and the excavations reveal the base of the paleo-channel at a depth of 0.6 m–0.7 m. Hence, both X-band and C-band wavelengths are appropriate for subsurface archaeological prospection in suitable (dry silt and sand) conditions with specific acquisition parameters. Moreover, these results offer important new insights into the paleo-environmental context of ancient metal-working at ‘Uqdat al-Bakrah and demonstrate surface water flow roughly contemporary with the site’s occupation.
Effect of Electronic Cold-PasteurizationTM (ECPTM) on Fruit Quality and Postharvest Diseases during Blueberry Storage
Authors: Nambeesan Savithri U. , Doyle John W. , Capps Helaina D. , Starns Chip , Scherm Harald
Published: September 2018

With the growing popularity of blueberries and the associated increase in blueberry imports and exports worldwide, delivering fruit with high quality, longer shelf-life, and meeting phytosanitary requirements has become increasingly important. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of electron beam irradiation using a new Electronic Cold-PasteurizationTM (ECPTM) technology on fruit quality, microbial safety, and postharvest disease development in two southern highbush blueberry cultivars, ‘Farthing’ and ‘Rebel’. Fruit packed in clamshells were subjected to four levels of ECPTM irradiation (0, 0.15, 0.5, and 1.0 kGy) and evaluated for fruit quality attributes, surface microbial load, and postharvest disease incidence during various storage times after treatment and cold storage. Overall, there was no effect of irradiation on visual fruit quality in either cultivar. Fruit firmness and skin toughness in ‘Farthing’ was reduced following irradiation at 1.0 kGy, but no such effect was observed in ‘Rebel’. Other fruit quality characteristics such as fruit weight, total soluble solids content, or titratable acidity were not affected. Irradiation at 1.0 kGy significantly reduced total aerobic bacteria and yeast on the fruit surface, and in the case of ‘Rebel’, also levels of total coliform bacteria. There was no significant effect of irradiation on postharvest disease incidence in these trials. Overall, data from this study suggests that an irradiation dose lower than 1.0 kGy using ECPTM can be useful for phytosanitary treatment in blueberry fruit while avoiding undesirable effects on fruit quality in a cultivar-dependent manner.
Rural Versus Urban Patients: Benchmarking the Outcomes of Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction in Shanxi, China from 2013 to 2017
Authors: Cai Miao , Liu Echu , Li Wei
Published: September 2018

Rural-urban disparity in China attracts special international attention in view of the imbalance of economic development between rural and urban areas. However, few studies used patient level data to explore the disparity of health outcomes between rural and urban patients. This study aims to evaluate the trend of health outcomes between rural and urban patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in China. Using an electronic medical records (EMRs) database in Shanxi, China, we identified 87,219 AMI patients hospitalized between 2013 and 2017. We used multivariable binary logistic regressions and two-part models to estimate the association between region of origin (rural/urban) and two outcomes, in-hospital mortality and out-of-pocket (OOP) expenses. Rural patients were associated with lower in-hospital mortality and the adjusted Odds Ratios (ORs) were 0.173, 0.34, 0.605, 0.522, 0.556 (p-values < 0.001) from 2013 to 2017, respectively. For the OOP expenses, rural patients were experiencing increasing risk of having OOP expenses, with the ORs of 0.159, 0.573, 1.278, 1.281, 1.65. The coefficients for the log-linear models in the five years were 0.075 (p = 0.352), 0.61, 0.565, 0.439, 0.46 (p-values < 0.001). Policy makers in China should notice and narrow the gap of health outcomes between rural and urban patients.
Pregnancy Related Health Care Needs in Refugees—A Current Three Center Experience in Europe
Authors: Dopfer Christian , Vakilzadeh Annabelle , Happle Christine , Kleinert Evelyn , Müller Frank , Ernst Diana , Schmidt Reinhold E. , Behrens Georg M. N. , Merkesdal Sonja , Wetzke Martin , Jablonka Alexandra
Published: September 2018

Background: Immigration into Europe has reached an all-time high. Provision of coordinated healthcare, especially to refugee women that are at increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes, is a challenge for receiving health care systems. Methods: We assessed pregnancy rates and associated primary healthcare needs in three refugee cohorts in Northern Germany during the current crisis. Results: Out of n = 2911 refugees, 18.0% were women of reproductive age, and 9.1% of these were pregnant. Pregnancy was associated with a significant, 3.7-fold increase in primary health care utilization. Language barrier and cultural customs impeded healthcare to some refugee pregnant women. The most common complaints were demand for pregnancy checkup without specific symptoms (48.6%), followed by abdominal pain or urinary tract infections (in 11.4% of cases each). In 4.2% of pregnancies, severe complications such as syphilis or suicide attempts occurred. Discussion: We present data on pregnancy rates and pregnancy associated medical need in three current refugee cohorts upon arrival in Germany. Healthcare providers should be particularly aware of the requirements of pregnant migrants and should adapt primary caretaking strategies accordingly.
The Cooking and Pneumonia Study (CAPS) in Malawi: A Cross-Sectional Assessment of Carbon Monoxide Exposure and Carboxyhemoglobin Levels in Children under 5 Years Old
Authors: Havens Deborah , Wang Duolao , Grigg Jonathan , Gordon Stephen B. , Balmes John , Mortimer Kevin
Published: September 2018

Household air pollution is estimated to cause half a million deaths from pneumonia in children worldwide. The Cooking and Pneumonia Study (CAPS) was conducted to determine whether the use of cleaner-burning biomass-fueled cookstoves would reduce household air pollution and thereby the incidence of pneumonia in young children in rural Malawi. Here we report a cross-sectional assessment of carbon monoxide (CO) exposure and carboxyhemoglobin (COHgB) levels at recruitment to CAPS. Mean (SD; range) 48-h CO exposure of 1928 participating children was 0.90 (2.3; 0–49) ppm and mean (SD; range) COHgB level was 5.8% (3.3; 0–20.3). Higher mean CO and COHgB levels were associated with location (Chikhwawa versus Chilumba) (OR 3.55 (1.73–7.26)); (OR 2.77 (1.08–7.08)). Correlation between mean CO and COHgB was poor (Spearman’s ρ = 0.09, p < 0.001). The finding of high COHgB levels in young children in rural Malawi that are at levels at which adverse neurodevelopmental and cognitive effects occur is of concern. Effective approaches for reducing exposure to CO and other constituents of air pollution in rural sub-Saharan African settings are urgently needed.
Correction: Kinchin, I.; Doran, C.M. The Cost of Youth Suicide in Australia. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15, 672
Authors: Kinchin Irina , Doran Christopher M.
Published: September 2018

The authors wish to add the following corrections to their paper published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health[...]
Serum Lipid Profile and Its Association with Diabetes and Prediabetes in a Rural Bangladeshi Population
Authors: Bhowmik Bishwajit , Siddiquee Tasnima , Mujumder Anindita , Afsana Faria , Ahmed Tareen , Mdala Ibrahimu A. , Do V. Moreira Nayla Cristina , Khan Abul Kalam Azad , Hussain Akhtar , Holmboe-Ottesen Gerd , Omsland Tone Kristin
Published: September 2018

Dyslipidemia is commonly associated with diabetes (T2DM). This has been demonstrated for the Caucasian population, but few data are available for Asian Indians. The paper aims to investigate serum lipids (separately or in combination) and their association with glucose intolerance status (T2DM and prediabetes) in a rural Bangladeshi population. A sample of 2293 adults (≥20 years) were included in a community based cross-sectional survey in 2009. Anthropometric measures, blood pressure, blood glucose (fasting and 2-h oral glucose tolerance test) and fasting serum lipids (total cholesterol, T-Chol; triglycerides, Tg; low density lipoprotein cholesterol, LDL-C and high density lipoprotein cholesterol, HDL-C) were registered. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and regression analysis were performed. High Tg levels were seen in 26% to 64% of the participants, depending on glucose tolerance status. Low HDL-C levels were seen in all groups (>90%). Significant linear trends were observed for high T-Chol, high Tg and low HDL-C with increasing glucose intolerance (p for trend <0.001). T2DM was significantly associated with high T-Chol (Odds ratio (OR): 2.43, p < 0.001), high Tg (OR: 3.91, p < 0.001) and low HDL-C (OR: 2.17, p = 0.044). Prediabetes showed a significant association with high Tg (OR: 1.96, p < 0.001) and low HDL-C (OR: 2.93, p = 0.011). Participants with combined high Tg and low HDL-C levels had a 12.75-fold higher OR for T2DM and 4.89 OR for prediabetes. In Asian Indian populations an assessment of serum lipids is warranted not only for T2DM patients, but also for those with prediabetes.