bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online Remaining Useful Life Prediction for Lithium-Ion Batteries Using Partial Discharge Data Features
Authors: Ali Muhammad Umair , Zafar Amad , Nengroo Sarvar Hussain , Hussain Sadam , Park Gwan-Soo , Kim Hee-Je
Published: November 2019

Online accurate estimation of remaining useful life (RUL) of lithium-ion batteries is a necessary feature of any smart battery management system (BMS). In this paper, a novel partial discharge data (PDD)-based support vector machine (SVM) model is proposed for RUL prediction. The proposed algorithm extracts the critical features from the voltage and temperature of PDD to train the SVM models. The classification and regression attributes of SVM are utilized to classify and predict accurate RUL. The different ranges of PDD were analyzed to find the optimal range for training the SVM model. The SVM model trained with optimal PDD features classifies the RUL into six different classes for gross estimation, and the support vector regression is used to estimate the accurate value of the last class. The classification and predictive performance of SVM model trained using the full discharge data and PDD are compared for publicly available data. Results show that the SVM classification and regression model trained with PDD features can accurately predict the RUL with low storage pressure on BMS. The PDD-based SVM model can be utilized for online RUL estimation in electric vehicles.
Two-Stage Computation Offloading Scheduling Algorithm for Energy-Harvesting Mobile Edge Computing
Authors: Park Laihyuk , Lee Cheol , Na Woongsoo , Choi Sungyun , Cho Sungrae
Published: November 2019

Recently, mobile edge computing (MEC) technology was developed to mitigate the overload problem in networks and cloud systems. An MEC system computes the offloading computation tasks from resource-constrained Internet of Things (IoT) devices. In addition, several convergence technologies with renewable energy resources (RERs) such as photovoltaics have been proposed to improve the survivability of IoT systems. This paper proposes an MEC integrated with RER system, which is referred to as energy-harvesting (EH) MEC. Since the energy supply of RERs is unstable due to various reasons, EH MEC needs to consider the state-of-charge (SoC) of the battery to ensure system stability. Therefore, in this paper, we propose an offloading scheduling algorithm considering the battery of EH MEC as well as the service quality of experience (QoE). The proposed scheduling algorithm consists of a two-stage operation, where the first stage consists of admission control of the offloading requests and the second stage consists of computation frequency scheduling of the MEC server. For the first stage, a non-convex optimization problem is designed considering the computation capability, SoC, and request deadline. To solve the non-convex problem, a greedy algorithm is proposed to obtain approximate optimal solutions. In the second stage, based on Lyapunov optimization, a low-complexity algorithm is proposed, which considers both the workload queue and battery stability. In addition, performance evaluations of the proposed algorithm were conducted via simulation. However, this paper has a limitation in terms of verifying in a real-world scenario.
Combustion Characteristics of Plant Chemical Polyol Waste Liquor in a Pilot Water-Cooled Incinerator
Authors: Wang Dawei , Zhao Guangbo , Du Chuanming , Feng Dongdong , Wang Lin
Published: November 2019

In the production of plant chemical alcohol, a large amount of salty high-concentration organic waste liquid is by-produced, in which a large amount of high-value sodium tungstate and chemical heat energy are contained. Through the design of the pilot water-cooled incinerator, the operating parameters and the characteristics of alkali ash deposition of the waste incinerator were tested. The pilot incinerator is a natural-cycle steam boiler, has a full water-cooled II-type structure, with liquid slag discharge, and the furnace design has selected reasonable volumetric heat load and flue gas residence time. Combustion distribution is the core parameter affecting the combustion of waste liquid. Studies have shown that increasing the primary air rate and the excess air coefficient are beneficial to improve the combustion performance of waste liquid, increase steam production, and reduce CO and SO2 emissions in flue gas, but also increase the concentration of NO. When the excess air ratio was 1.2, and the primary air ratio was 0.65, the NO concentration in the tail flue gas was less than 10 ppm, and the SO2 concentration was zero. The TG-DTA method measured that when the alkali ash melting temperature was less than 587 °C, the alkali ash had strong adhesion in the high temperature zone of the incinerator and less deposition in the low temperature region of the tail. The alkali ash deposition rate and relative deposition rate were used to quantitatively study the characteristic of alkali ash deposition.
Dynamic Impedance of the Wide-Shallow Bucket Foundation for Offshore Wind Turbine Using Coupled Finite–Infinite Element Method
Authors: Lian Jijian , Jiang Qi , Dong Xiaofeng , Zhao Yue , Zhao Hao
Published: November 2019

The dynamic impedances of foundation play an important role in the dynamic behavior and structural stability of offshore wind turbines (OWT). Though the behaviors of bucket foundation, which are considered as a relatively innovative foundation type under static loading, have been extensively investigated, the corresponding dynamic performances were neglected in previous research. This study focuses on the dynamic impedances of wide-shallow bucket foundations (WSBF) under the horizontal and rocking loads. Firstly, the numerical model was established to obtain the dynamic impedances of WSBF using the coupled finite-infinite element technique (FE-IFE). The crucial parameters affecting the dynamic responses of WSBF are investigated. It is shown that the skirt length mainly affects the rocking dynamic impedance and the diameter significantly affects the horizontal and coupling impedances, especially when the diameter is larger than 34 m. The overall dynamic responses of WSBF are profoundly affected by the relative soil thickness and the multi-layer soil stiffness. Additionally, dynamic impedances of WSBF are insensitive to the homogeneous soil stiffness. Lastly, the safety threshold curve was calculated according to the OWT, which can provide essential reference for the design of the OWT supported by large scale WSBF.
Voltage Security-Constrained Optimal Generation Rescheduling for Available Transfer Capacity Enhancement in Deregulated Electricity Markets
Authors: Adewuyi Oludamilare Bode , Ahmadi Mikaeel , Olaniyi Isaiah Opeyemi , Senjyu Tomonobu , Olowu Temitayo Olayemi , Mandal Paras
Published: November 2019

Modern utilities are forced to operate very close to their loadable limits (maximum capacity) due to geographical, economical and some technical reasons. The deregulation of the power industry, the competitive nature of modern electricity markets and the continuous quest for modernization of cities and hamlets all over the world has also led to fast increase in the load demand. The stability of power systems all over the world are threatened with recurrent occurrences of voltage stability issues. Hence, Inter-zonal energy transactions between willing supplier and buyers need to be done with adequate consideration for power system security. In this work, a voltage security-constrained optimal generator active and reactive power rescheduling is carried out using the IEEE 30 and IEEE 57 bus systems. The simultaneous maximization of available transfer capacity (ATC) and voltage stability margin (VSM), using the weighted sum approach, is the objective function. Credible optimal power flow and power system security constraints are considered. Three variants of particle swarm optimization in MATLAB® are used in this work for analyzing the results for objectivity. The technical and economic benefits of the optimal generator rescheduling on the system’s ATC, VSM, line losses, line flow and voltage profile are adequately analyzed.
Enhanced Degradation of Pharmaceutical Compounds by a Microbubble Ozonation Process: Effects of Temperature, pH, and Humic Acids
Authors: Lee Yong-Gu , Park Yongeun , Lee Gwanghee , Kim Yeongkwan , Chon Kangmin
Published: November 2019

This study systematically investigated the feasibility of the microbubble ozonation process to degrade the 17α-ethinylestradiol, ibuprofen, and atenolol through the comparison with the millibubble ozonation process for elucidating the degradation behavior and mechanisms during the microbubble ozonation processes. The proportions of small microbubbles (diameter 1–25 μm) were increased with increasing the cavity pump frequency (40 Hz: 51.4%; 50 Hz: 57.5%; 60 Hz: 59.9%). The increased concentrations of O3 and OH radicals due to the higher specific area of O3 microbubbles compared to O3 millibubbles could facilitate their mass transfer at the gas–water interface. Furthermore, the elevated reactivity of O3 by increasing the temperature might improve the degradation of the pharmaceutical compounds, which was more pronounced for the microbubble ozonated waters than the millibubble ozonated waters. Although the degradation efficiency of the pharmaceutical compounds during the microbubble ozonation processes was significantly influenced by the existence of humic acids compared to the millibubble ozonation process, the increased solubilization rate of O3 and OH radicals by collapsing O3 microbubbles enhanced the degradation of the pharmaceutical compounds. Overall, these results clearly showed that the microbubble ozonation process could be an alternative option to conventional ozonation processes for the abatement of the pharmaceutical compounds.
An Evolutionary Computation Approach for the Online/On-Board Identification of PEM Fuel Cell Impedance Parameters with A Diagnostic Perspective
Authors: Zamboni Walter , Petrone Giovanni , Spagnuolo Giovanni , Beretta Davide
Published: November 2019

Online/on-board diagnosis would help to improve fuel cell system durability and output power. Therefore, it is a feature the manufacturers may wish to provide for final users to increase the attractiveness of their product. This add-on requires suitable stack models, parametric identification tools and diagnostic algorithms to be run on low-cost embedded systems, ensuring a good trade-off between accuracy and computation time. In this paper, a computational approach for the impedance parameter identification of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell stack is proposed. The method is based on an evolutionary algorithm including sub-population and migration features, which improves the exploration capability of the search space. The goal of the evolutionary algorithm is to find the set of parameters that minimizes an objective function, representing the mismatch between two impedance plots in a normalized plane. The first plot is associated with experimental impedance and the second is computed on the basis of the identified parameters using a circuit model. Three kinds of impedance models, characterized by increasing computational complexity, are used, depending on the experimental data—a linear model made of resistors and capacitors, the Fouquet model and the Dhirde model. Preliminary analysis of the experimental impedance data may evidence correlations among parameters, which can be exploited to reduce the search space of an evolutionary algorithm. The computational approach is validated with literature data in a simulated environment and with experimental data. The results show good accuracy and a computational performance that fits well with the commercial embedded system hardware resources. The implementation of the approach on a low-cost off-the-shelf device achieves small computation times, confirming the suitability of such an approach to online/on-board applications. From a diagnostic perspective, the paper outlines a diagnostic approach based on the identified impedance parameters, on the basis of a small set of experimental data including fuel cell stack faulty conditions.
A Combined Multiple Factor Degradation Model and Online Verification for Electric Vehicle Batteries
Authors: Chen Yuan , He Yigang , Li Zhong , Chen Liping
Published: November 2019

Battery state of health (SOH) is related to the reduction of total capacity due to complicated aging mechanisms known as calendar aging and cycle aging. In this study, a combined multiple factor degradation model was established to predict total capacity fade considering both calendar aging and cycle aging. Multiple factors including temperature, state of charge (SOC), and depth of discharge (DOD) were introduced into the general empirical model to predict capacity fade for electric vehicle batteries. Experiments were carried out under different aging conditions. By fitting the data between multiple factors and model parameters, battery degradation equations related to temperature, SOC, and DOD could be formulated. The combined multiple factor model could be formed based on the battery degradation equations. An online state of health estimation based on the multiple factor model was proposed to verify the correctness of the model. Predictions were in good agreement with experimental data for over 270 days, as the margin of error between the prediction data and the experimental data never exceeded 1%.
Experimental Investigations on the Inner Flow Behavior of Centrifugal Pumps under Inlet Air-Water Two-Phase Conditions
Authors: Si Qiaorui , Zhang Haoyang , Bois Gérard , Zhang Jinfeng , Cui Qianglei , Yuan Shouqi
Published: November 2019

Centrifugal pumps are widely used and are known to be sensitive to inlet air-water two-phase flow conditions. The pump performance degradation mainly depends on the changes in the two-phase flow behavior inside the pump. In the present paper, experimental overall pump performance tests were performed for two different rotational speeds and several inlet air void fractions (αi) up to pump shut-off condition. Visualizations were also performed on the flow patterns of a whole impeller passage and the volute tongue area to physically understand pump performance degradation. The results showed that liquid flow modification does not follow head modification as described by affinity laws, which are only valid for homogeneous bubbly flow regimes. Three-dimensional effects were more pronounced when inlet void fraction increased up to 3%. Bubbly flow with low mean velocities were observed close to the volute tongue for all αi, and returned back to the impeller blade passages. The starting point of pump break down was related to a strong inward reverse flow that occurred in the vicinity of the shroud gap between the impeller and volute tongue area.
New Fast MPPT Method Based on a Power Slope Detector for Single Phase PV Inverters
Authors: Espi Jose Miguel , Castello Jaime
Published: November 2019

This article presents a novel MPPT method for two stage PV inverters with a single phase connection to the power grid. The method takes advantage of the 100 Hz/120 Hz harmonic present on the DC-bus voltage to guide the MPP search. It consists of detecting the slope of the P-V curve and integrating it to obtain the duty-cycle. The power slope detector (PSD) is able to calculate the P-V slope to command the MPPT even at very low powers, where the amplitude of the oscillations is barely perceptible. Design equations are provided, both of the gain of the PSD and of the gain of the MPPT integrator. It also shows how this PSD-MPPT strategy can be combined with the power control, allowing regulation of powers lower than those of the MPP. The power control loop is analyzed, and its stability is related to a single gain to be designed. The PSD-MPPT is tested in a two stage PV inverter, where the step-up DC-DC converter consists of three parallel boost converters. The results show that the PSD-MPPT method can work without the measurement of the current in the boost converters, which implies a cost reduction. A PV efficiency of about 99.8% is obtained with a usual ripple in the DC-bus of 4% peak-peak. In addition, the PSD-MPPT method is characterized as being extremely fast, both in the MPP search and in the power control, with response times around 50 ms. The PSD-MPPT is a simple algorithm of constant parameters that can be solved in a low cost microcontroller at a sampling frequency of about 2 kHz, requiring only the voltage and current of the PV array.
Modeling the Effect of the Loss of Cyclable Lithium on the Performance Degradation of a Lithium-Ion Battery
Authors: Lee Dongcheul , Koo Boram , Shin Chee Burm , Lee So-Yeon , Song Jinju , Jang Il-Chan , Woo Jung-Je
Published: November 2019

This paper reports a modeling methodology to predict the effect of the loss of cyclable lithium of a lithium-ion battery (LIB) cell comprised of a LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 cathode, natural graphite anode, and an organic electrolyte on the discharge behavior. A one-dimensional model based on a finite element method is presented to calculate the discharge behaviors of an LIB cell during galvanostatic discharge for various levels of the loss of cyclable lithium. Modeling results for the variation of the cell voltage of the LIB cell are compared with experimental measurements during galvanostatic discharge at various discharge rates for three different levels of the loss of cyclable lithium to validate the model. The calculation results obtained from the model are in good agreement with the experimental measurements. On the basis of the validated modeling approach, the effects of the loss of cyclable lithium on the discharge capacity and available discharge power of the LIB cell are estimated. The modeling results exhibit strong dependencies of the discharge behavior of an LIB cell on the discharge C-rate and the loss of cyclable lithium.
Forest-Type Classification Using Time-Weighted Dynamic Time Warping Analysis in Mountain Areas: A Case Study in Southern China
Authors: Cheng Kai , Wang Juanle
Published: November 2019

Efficient methodologies for mapping forest types in complicated mountain areas are essential for the implementation of sustainable forest management practices and monitoring. Existing solutions dedicated to forest-type mapping are primarily focused on supervised machine learning algorithms (MLAs) using remote sensing time-series images. However, MLAs are challenged by complex and problematic forest type compositions, lack of training data, loss of temporal data caused by clouds obscuration, and selection of input feature sets for mountainous areas. The time-weighted dynamic time warping (TWDTW) is a supervised classifier, an adaptation of the dynamic time warping method for time series analysis for land cover classification. This study evaluates the performance of the TWDTW method that uses a combination of Sentinel-2 and Landsat-8 time-series images when applied to complicated mountain forest-type classifications in southern China with complex topographic conditions and forest-type compositions. The classification outputs were compared to those produced by MLAs, including random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM). The results presented that the three forest-type maps obtained by TWDTW, RF, and SVM have high consistency in spatial distribution. TWDTW outperformed SVM and RF with mean overall accuracy and mean kappa coefficient of 93.81% and 0.93, respectively, followed by RF and SVM. Compared with MLAs, TWDTW method achieved the higher classification accuracy than RF and SVM, with even less training data. This proved the robustness and less sensitivities to training samples of the TWDTW method when applied to mountain forest-type classifications.
Reputation-Based Trust Approaches in Named Data Networking
Authors: Kapetanidou Ioanna Angeliki , Sarros Christos-Alexandros , Tsaoussidis Vassilis
Published: November 2019

Information-Centric Networking (ICN) has arisen as an architectural solution that responds to the needs of today’s overloaded Internet, departing from the traditional host-centric access paradigm. In this paper we focus on Named Data Networking (NDN), the most prominent ICN architecture. In the NDN framework, disseminated content is at the core of the design and providing trusted content is essential. In this paper, we provide an overview of reputation-based trust approaches, present their design trade-offs and argue that these approaches can consolidate NDN trust and security by working complementary to the existing credential-based schemes. Finally, we discuss future research directions and challenges.
Spent Coffee Waste as a Potential Media Component for Xylanase Production and Potential Application in Juice Enrichment
Authors: Ravindran Rajeev , Williams Gwilym A. , Jaiswal Amit K.
Published: November 2019

In this study, spent coffee waste (SCW) was used as the sole carbon source for xylanase production in solid state fermentation mode using Aspergillus niger. A Box–Behnken design was constructed using three parameters viz. temperature, initial moisture content, and log number of spores to determine the optimal fermentation condition. The best fermentation conditions for xylanase production were found to be incubation at 30 °C with an initial moisture content of 70% and using an inoculum of 6.5 × 106 spores/g of dry SCW. Furthermore, the design of experiments revealed that maintaining a medium composition of 0.2 g of yeast extract, 0.04 g of K2HPO4, and 0.03 g of MgSO4 increased xylanase production. Under optimised solid-state fermentation conditions an enzyme activity of 6495.6 IU/g of dry SCW was recorded, which was approximately 1.39-fold higher than that of control (4649 IU/g of dry SCW). The efficacy of the purified xylanase as a juice enrichment agent for strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry pulp was tested.
A Bi-Exponential Repair Algorithm for Radiation-Induced Double-Strand Breaks: Application to Simulation of Chromosome Aberrations
Authors: Plante Ianik , Slaba Tony , Shavers Zarana , Hada Megumi
Published: November 2019

Background: Radiation induces DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), and chromosome aberrations (CA) form during the DSBs repair process. Several methods have been used to model the repair kinetics of DSBs including the bi-exponential model, i.e., N(t) = N1exp(−t/τ1) + N2exp(−t/τ2), where N(t) is the number of breaks at time t, and N1, N2, τ1 and τ2 are parameters. This bi-exponential fit for DSB decay suggests that some breaks are repaired rapidly and other, more complex breaks, take longer to repair. Methods: The bi-exponential repair kinetics model is implemented into a recent simulation code called RITCARD (Radiation Induced Tracks, Chromosome Aberrations, Repair, and Damage). RITCARD simulates the geometric configuration of human chromosomes, radiation-induced breaks, their repair, and the creation of various categories of CAs. The bi-exponential repair relies on a computational algorithm that is shown to be mathematically exact. To categorize breaks as complex or simple, a threshold for the local (voxel) dose was used. Results: The main findings are: i) the curves for the kinetics of restitution of DSBs are mostly independent of dose; ii) the fraction of unrepaired breaks increases with the linear energy transfer (LET) of the incident radiation; iii) the simulated dose–response curves for simple reciprocal chromosome exchanges that are linear-quadratic; iv) the alpha coefficient of the dose–response curve peaks at about 100 keV/µm.
NF-YA Overexpression in Lung Cancer: LUSC
Authors: Bezzecchi Eugenia , Ronzio Mirko , Dolfini Diletta , Mantovani Roberto
Published: November 2019

The CCAAT box is recognized by the trimeric transcription factor NF-Y, whose NF-YA subunit is present in two major splicing isoforms, NF-YAl (“long”) and NF-YAs (“short”). Little is known about the expression levels of NF-Y subunits in tumors, and nothing in lung cancer. By interrogating RNA-seq TCGA and GEO datasets, we found that, unlike NF-YB/NF-YC, NF-YAs is overexpressed in lung squamous cell carcinomas (LUSC). The ratio of the two isoforms changes from normal to cancer cells, with NF-YAs becoming predominant in the latter. NF-YA increased expression correlates with common proliferation markers. We partitioned all 501 TCGA LUSC tumors in the four molecular cohorts and verified that NF-YAs is similarly overexpressed. We analyzed global and subtype-specific RNA-seq data and found that CCAAT is the most abundant DNA matrix in promoters of genes overexpressed in all subtypes. Enriched Gene Ontology terms are cell-cycle and signaling. Survival curves indicate a worse clinical outcome for patients with increasing global amounts of NF-YA; same with hazard ratios with very high and, surprisingly, very low NF-YAs/NF-YAl ratios. We then analyzed gene expression in this latter cohort and identified a different, pro-migration signature devoid of CCAAT. We conclude that overexpression of the NF-Y regulatory subunit in LUSC has the scope of increasing CCAAT-dependent, proliferative (NF-YAshigh) or CCAAT-less, pro-migration (NF-YAlhigh) genes. The data further reinstate the importance of analysis of single isoforms of TFs involved in tumor development.
Genome-Wide Runs of Homozygosity, Effective Population Size, and Detection of Positive Selection Signatures in Six Chinese Goat Breeds
Authors: Islam Rabiul , Li Yefang , Liu Xuexue , Berihulay Haile , Abied Adam , Gebreselassie Gebremedhin , Ma Qing , Ma Yuehui
Published: November 2019

Detection of selection footprints provides insight into the evolution process and the underlying mechanisms controlling the phenotypic diversity of traits that have been exposed to selection. Selection focused on certain characters, mapping certain genomic regions often shows a loss of genetic diversity with an increased level of homozygosity. Therefore, the runs of homozygosity (ROHs), homozygosity by descent (HBD), and effective population size (Ne) are effective tools for exploring the genetic diversity, understanding the demographic history, foretelling the signature of directional selection, and improving the breeding strategies to use and conserve genetic resources. We characterized the ROH, HBD, Ne, and signature of selection of six Chinese goat populations using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) 50K Illumina beadchips. Our results show an inverse relationship between the length and frequency of ROH. A long ROH length, higher level of inbreeding, long HBD segment, and smaller Ne in Guangfeng (GF) goats suggested intensive selection pressure and recent inbreeding in this breed. We identified six reproduction-related genes within the genomic regions with a high ROH frequency, of which two genes overlapped with a putative selection signature. The estimated pair-wise genetic differentiation (FST) among the populations is 9.60% and the inter- and intra-population molecular variations are 9.68% and 89.6%, respectively, indicating low to moderate genetic differentiation. Our selection signatures analysis revealed 54 loci harboring 86 putative candidate genes, with a strong signature of selection. Further analysis showed that several candidate genes, including MARF1, SYCP2, TMEM200C, SF1, ADCY1, and BMP5, are involved in goat fecundity. We identified 11 candidate genes by using cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity (XP-EHH) estimates, of which MARF1 and SF1 are under strong positive selection, as they are differentiated in high and low reproduction groups according to the three approaches used. Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that different biological pathways could be involved in the variation of fecundity in female goats. This study provides a new insight into the ROHs patterns for maintenance of within breed diversity and suggests a role of positive selection for genetic variation influencing fecundity in Chinese goat.
Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Involvement of the Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Gene Network in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Lombardo Salvo Danilo , Mazzon Emanuela , Mangano Katia , Basile Maria Sofia , Cavalli Eugenio , Mammana Santa , Fagone Paolo , Nicoletti Ferdinando , Petralia Maria Cristina
Published: November 2019

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive hereditary muscular disease with X-linked recessive inheritance, that leads patients to premature death. The loss of dystrophin determines membrane instability, causing cell damage and inflammatory response. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a cytokine that exerts pleiotropic properties and is implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases. Recently, converging data from independent studies have pointed to a possible role of MIF in dystrophic muscle disorders, including DMD. In the present study, we have investigated the modulation of MIF and MIF-related genes in degenerative muscle disorders, by making use of publicly available whole-genome expression datasets. We show here a significant enrichment of MIF and related genes in muscle samples from DMD patients, as well as from patients suffering from Becker’s disease and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B. On the other hand, transcriptomic analysis of in vitro differentiated myotubes from healthy controls and DMD patients revealed no significant alteration in the expression levels of MIF-related genes. Finally, by analyzing DMD samples as a time series, we show that the modulation of the genes belonging to the MIF network is an early event in the DMD muscle and does not change with the increasing age of the patients, Overall, our analysis suggests that MIF may play a role in vivo during muscle degeneration, likely promoting inflammation and local microenvironment reaction.
Sediment Supply and Hydrogeological Hazard in the Quebrada de Humahuaca (Province of Jujuy, Northwestern Argentina)—Rio Huasamayo and Tilcara Area
Authors: Poggetti Emilio , Cencetti Corrado , De Rosa Pierluigi , Fredduzzi Andrea , Rivelli Felipe Raphael
Published: November 2019

This paper describes the hydrogeological hazard in a reach of Quebrada de Humahuaca, (Upper Valley of Rio Grande de Jujuy, in the Argentine Andes), elected a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2003. Along the Quebrada, the Rio Huasamayo, flowing into the Rio Grande, formed a large alluvial fan where the village of Tilcara was built. The final reach of Rio Huasamayo is an artificial channel, embanked by unconsolidated material removed from the riverbed. The village is located in an area at a lower elevation with respect to the riverbed, still in aggradation; so it is affected by an evident hydrogeological hazard. The main cause of the riverbed aggradation is the enormous sediment supply from the slopes of the Rio Huasamayo basin. The aim of the paper is to estimate the soil loss on the slopes and the consequent sediment supply to the main stream, identifying the areas of the basin mostly affected by erosion processes that cause the aggradation of the Rio Huasamayo riverbed. In this case, due to the lack of hydrometeorological stations (monitoring rainfalls, temperature, flow rates, etc.), soil loss and sediment supply to the main stream cannot be estimated through the application of commonly used models in the literature (e.g., USLE, RUSLE, USPED). Here the Gavrilovic method (EPM) was applied in combination with the data of the CORINE Project, allowing the estimation of the volume of material exiting from the catchment. So the main supplying areas (sub-basins of the Rio Huasamayo) can be identified where focused interventions for the control of solid transport could be realized, to mitigate the process of riverbed aggradation.
Application of SAR Interferometry Using ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 Data as Precise Method to Identify Degraded Peatland Areas Related to Forest Fire
Authors: Widodo Joko , Sulaiman Albertus , Awaluddin Awaluddin , Riyadi Agung , Nasucha Mohammad , Perissin Daniele , Sri Sumantyo Josaphat Tetuko
Published: November 2019

Deforestation in peatland areas such as Kalimantan, Indonesia has been going on for decades. The deforestation has indirectly increased peatlands to become degraded and flammable. The Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) interferometry approach for identification of degraded peatlands can be performed using ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 data by converting land deformation data generated from SAR interferometry analysis into water table (WT) depth data using Wosten models. Peatlands with WT depth conditions of more than 40 cm are classified as degraded peatlands which are flammable. By using fire data from previous studies, this research confirms that identification of degraded peatlands using SAR interferometry approach by ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 is more reliable with high precision related to forest fires, with a precision level of 88% compared to 5% precision level using the WT depth monitoring system that has been installed in Central Kalimantan. The highest wavelength of ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 (L-Band) data can resolve the limitation due to temporal and volumetric decorrelation, compared to C-Band and X-Band satellite data. The combination methods of SAR interferometry approach and the real-time WT depth monitoring system to identify degraded peatlands can be more efficient, faster, and accurate. The advantage of this research result shows that SAR interferometry analysis can reach blank spot areas that are not covered by the observation station of WT depth monitoring system. It also gives a benefit as a guide to select precise locations of observation stations related to degraded peatland and forest fire.
The Use of a Grid Structure for Reconstructing and Forecasting the Value of Real Estate in Selected Measurement Epochs
Authors: Gerus-Gościewska Małgorzata , Gościewski Dariusz , Szczepańska Agnieszka
Published: November 2019

The absence of sufficiently long time series of data relating to real estate prices in a selected location prevents accurate analyses and the development of precise forecasts that play an important role in a market economy. New methods and solutions are being sought to address this problem. This paper proposes an original method for reconstructing, forecasting and archiving data relating to real estate value. The proposed method involves a GRID (regular square nets) structure and it relies on the prices quoted in successive years (epochs) of measurement in a selected object. Irregularly distributed measurement data (real estate prices) acquired in successive years are transformed into a regular GRID structure to develop digital surface models that describe the distribution of data. The nodes of the GRID structure are described with the coefficients of an approximating polynomial to reconstruct and forecast real estate value in a specific location at any point in time. A GRID structure supports a comparison of changes in real estate value over time in a given node or group of nodes selected from successive measurement epochs. Individual coefficients of an approximating polynomial are generated, allocated to selected nodes, and automatically adapted to local changes in value. As a result, the observed changes can be described in a given period of time. Source data covering multiple epochs are replaced with a single file containing coefficients of approximating polynomials to reduce the size of the stored datasets and facilitate data management.
X-ray Dating of Ancient Linen Fabrics
Authors: De Caro Liberato , Giannini Cinzia , Lassandro Rocco , Scattarella Francesco , Sibillano Teresa , Matricciani Emilio , Fanti Giulio
Published: November 2019

We propose a new method for dating ancient linen threads by inspecting their structural degradation by means of wide-angle X-ray scattering. X-ray dating of a textile sample can be performed nondestructively and on a submillimeter area, e.g., 0.2 × 0.5 mm2, exploiting new table-top X-ray micro-sources. A theoretical formula is derived for dating linen samples directly from wide-angle X-ray scattering measurements. Our preliminary results show that X-ray dating results are in agreement with other dating sources, such as the radiocarbon method and historical records, if some conditions are satisfied. Indeed, this new dating method can be applied only to threads not older than about thirty centuries because of the saturation of the structural degradation with age. Moreover, the method can be applied only on textiles in which cellulose degradation is mainly due by natural aging arising from thermal, hydrolytic, photolytic, photochemical, and oxidative processes. Analyses can be repeated several times on the same sample, which remains unaltered for other complementary characterization procedures. The proposed X-ray dating of some ancient linen fabrics opens the way to explore limits and potentialities of this new approach and to further develop a new dating method, alternative to the existing ones for specific applications in archeological studies.
Effects of Metacognitive Training on Cognitive Insight in a Sample of Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Simón-Expósito Miguel , Felipe-Castaño Elena
Published: November 2019

Metacognitive training (MCT) is a group intervention that addresses cognitive biases and distortions that could help maintain delusions and hallucinations in people with schizophrenia. This program has proven its effectiveness in reducing the symptoms, but its impact on cognitive insight has scarcely been investigated. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the program’s impact on cognitive insight in patients with long-term schizophrenia. A sample of 22 patients with schizophrenia was divided into two groups: one received 16 sessions of MCT (n = 11), while the other received the usual treatment (n = 11). They were assessed using the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale which measures two components, self-reflection and self-certainty, and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). The experimental group showed high levels of adherence, an increase in self-reflection, and a decrease in self-assurance levels as hypothesized. We found statistically significant differences between the control and experimental groups in excitation, hostility, positive symptomatology total score, hallucinatory behavior, and suspicion. In the usual treatment group, a non-significant decrease in positive symptoms was also observed. The findings showed that the implementation of the MCT program in real clinical settings can contribute to an improvement in the metacognitive ability and symptomatology of people with schizophrenia.
Voices from Pupil Participation in the Health Promotion Intervention “Pulse for Learning and Health [PuLH]” in Primary and Middle School
Authors: Lindgren Eva-Carin , Haraldsson Katarina , Håman Linn
Published: November 2019

In order to improve the learning conditions and health of schoolchildren, the Pulse for Learning and Health [PuLH] program in Sweden has introduced additional mandatory moderate to vigorous physical activity [MVPA] that lasts for 30 min three times a week. The PE teachers used a child-centered coaching approach to support all pupils. The aim of this study was to explore pupils’ perception and experience of PuLH that has been implemented in primary and middle schools in Sweden. We have taken into account children’s rights perspectives and adopted an exploratory and interpretive approach. In total, 73 pupils (34 girls, 39 boys, grades 4–9) were recruited through purposive sampling. 13 focus group interviews (n = 71) and individual interviews (n = 2) were carried out. All interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The analysis resulted in three major themes: ‘promotes academic performance and a learning school environment’, ‘promotes health and well-being’, and ‘individual and structural barriers’. From children’s perspective, the results highlight the importance of teachers and principals taking into account the interests and needs of all pupils, to have a well-planned MVPA intervention and to deal with issues regarding body ideals.
Spatio-Temporal Variation of Gender-Specific Hypertension Risk: Evidence from China
Authors: Xu Li , Jiang Qingshan , Lairson David R.
Published: November 2019

Previous studies which have shown the existence of gender disparities in hypertension risks often failed to take into account the participants’ spatial and temporal information. In this study, we explored the spatio-temporal variation for gender-specific hypertension risks in not only single-disease settings but also multiple-disease settings. From the longitudinal data of the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS), 70,374 records of 21,006 individuals aged 12 years and over were selected for this study. Bayesian B-spline techniques along with the Besag, York, and Mollie (BYM) model and the Shared Component Model (SCM) model were then used to construct the spatio-temporal models. Our study found that the prevalence of hypertension in China increased from 11.7% to 34.5% during 1991 and 2015, with a higher rate in males than that in females. Moreover, hypertension was found mainly clustered in spatially adjacent regions, with a significant high-risk pattern in Eastern and Central China while a low-risk pattern in Western China, especially for males. The spatio-temporal variation of hypertension risks was associated with regional covariates, such as age, overweight, alcohol consumption, and smoking, with similar effects of age shared by both genders whereas gender-specific effects for other covariates. Thus, gender-specific hypertension prevention and control should be emphasized in the future in China, especially for the elderly population, overweight population, and females with a history of alcohol consumption and smoking who live in Eastern China and Central China.
The Association between Metabolic Syndrome and Biochemical Markers in Beijing Adolescents
Authors: Zhao Yao , Yu Yingjie , Li Hong , Li Mingying , Zhang Dongran , Guo Dandan , Yu Xiaohui , Lu Ce , Wang Hui
Published: November 2019

Objective: To describe the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adolescents and its association with several MetS-related biochemical markers. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was carried out and data were extracted from the Nutrition and Health Surveillance in Primary and Secondary school students of Beijing (NHSPSB) 2017. Participants were aged 10–15 years old. MetS was diagnosed using the recommended criteria for Chinese adolescents. The associations among MetS, biochemical biomarkers, and socioeconomic status were estimated by multivariable linear regression. Results: The prevalence of MetS in adolescents in Beijing was 3% in the total sample, 4% in boys, and 2% in girls. Moreover, the prevalence of MetS in the overweight and obesity populations were 5% and 12% respectively. The prevalence of MetS remained higher in boys than in girls. The concentrations of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), serum uric acid (SUA), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were higher in the MetS children in comparison with non-MetS children (All p < 0.05), while the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentration was lower in MetS children. After adjusting for socioeconomic parameters in the multivariable regression model, MetS was strongly associated with ALT, SUA, HDL, and LDL. The five components of MetS indicated that abdominal obesity and a high serum triglyceride (TG) concentration were tightly linked with ALT, SUA, LDL, and CRP; while a low HDL concentration and elevated blood pressure were related to enhanced ALT, UA, and CRP. Additionally, impaired fasting glucose was only related to increased ALT. Conclusion: The epidemiological issues of MetS in Beijing adolescents should be known across socioeconomic classes. Early intervention strategies, such as dietary pattern interventions and physical excise, should be designed for that population to reduce the disease burdens of cardiovascular disease (CVD), Type 2 diabetes (T2D), and steatohepatitis in adulthood.
Organizational Strategy and Corporate Social Responsibility: The Mediating Effect of Triple Bottom Line
Authors: Masud Md. Abdul , Rashid Md. Harun , Khan Tehmina , Bae Seong , Kim Jong
Published: November 2019

Limited research in the area of the triple bottom line (TBL) mediation effect on the relationship between organizational strategic performance (OSP) and corporate social responsibility performance (CSRP) has motivated this study. The objective of this study is to investigate how OSP affects CSRP and the mediation impact of TBL elements through the decision-making process of business management. Considering a sample of 250 employees from Bangladesh, this study used structural equation modelling (SEM) to test the relevant research hypotheses. Through the lens of stakeholder, institutional, legitimacy and resource-based view theories along with rigorous statistical techniques, this study has found that OSP is positively related to CSRP. In terms of the mediation effect, this study has found that economic responsibility has no intervening role while environmental and social responsibility significantly mediated the relationship between OSP and CSRP. Finally, the full mediation power of the model suggests that OSP affects a firm’s strategic decision and CSR outcomes directly as well as indirectly through TBL.
Links between Cognitive Status and Trace Element Levels in Hair for an Environmentally Exposed Population: A Case Study in the Surroundings of the Estarreja Industrial Area
Authors: Cabral Pinto Marina M. S. , Marinho-Reis Paula , Almeida Agostinho , Pinto Edgar , Neves Orquídia , Inácio Manuela , Gerardo Bianca , Freitas Sandra , Simões Mário R. , Dinis Pedro A. , Diniz Luísa , Ferreira da Silva Eduardo , Moreira Paula I.
Published: November 2019

In the present study, trace elements (TE) levels were evaluated in scalp hair along the continuum from healthy subjects (HS) to patients suffering from subjective memory concerns (SMC), and/or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and those with already installed dementia (DEM) in order to: (i) assess the effects of environmental and lifestyle factors on TE concentrations and (ii) evaluate the analyzed elements as possible diagnostic biomarkers for the disease. The study involved 79 mainly permanent residents, >55 years old, from the city of Estarreja (northern Portugal), a former industrial area. The health status of the participants was assessed by means of a complete socio-demographic questionnaire and through cognitive screening tests, namely the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The test scores were categorized and used in the statistical analysis. Hair samples were collected and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) ICP-MS for selected TE. Dementia appears to be associated with higher age, the female gender, lower education level, and longer residence time in the study area. In addition, most of the participants diagnosed with dementia frequently consume home-grown foodstuffs, some irrigated with contaminated well water. The calculation of the TE enrichment factors of soil samples collected in kitchen gardens/small farms in the vicinity of the Estarreja Chemical Complex (ECC) reinforces the degree of Hg soil contamination in the area, due to anthropogenic sources that can be a source for the population Hg exposure route among others. Mercury levels in hair differed significantly between the four individual groups (HS, SMC, MCI, and DEM), increasing from healthy to dementia participants. Improved diagnostic results can be obtained using hair TE signatures coupled with MMSE scores. This strategy may prove useful for predictive diagnosis in population screening for cognitive impairment.