bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of Necessary Subsidiary Track According to Train Operation Frequency in a Heterogeneous Train Pattern
Authors: Kim Hyoung June
Published: June 2020

In this study, a genetic algorithm was used to calculate the scheduled waiting time according to the train operation frequency of heterogeneous trains operating on one track. The acquired data were then used to determine the appropriate subsidiary track at which high-speed trains can load or release cargo away from low-speed trains. A metaheuristic genetic algorithm was applied and implemented using Javascript/jQuery. Six cases were investigated, which provided values of subsidiary track that vary according to the operation frequencies of different types of trains, and solutions were derived through 100 simulations using a stochastic method. The analysis results showed that the train overtaking frequency was the highest at the third intermediate station within the simulation, suggesting that this particular station requires a subsidiary track, even if the operating frequency of each train differs across the entire track considered in this study. The results of this study are expected to facilitate objective and practical planning during railway construction.
A New Method of Contact Stress Measurement for Analyzing Internal Impingement Syndrome of the Shoulder: Potentials and Preliminary Evaluation
Authors: Jang Seong-wook , Yoo Yon-Sik , Kim Yoon Sang
Published: June 2020

Shoulder impingement syndrome causes critical disorders such as rotator cuff tear or superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesion in both the general public and in athletes whose sports involve throwing. Nevertheless, the biomechanics of the syndrome still have not been clarified. Contact stress measurement in vivo during shoulder motion is essential to identifying the biomechanics of the syndrome. There have been no reports to date regarding internal impingement syndrome among the syndrome studied by using the finite element method (FEM). The proposed method simulates the internal impingement syndrome according to shoulder motion using the FEM. The method solves the critical process zone error at the supraspinatus tendon insertion according to impingement of the 3D biomechanical model by relaxing the boundary condition for representation of shoulder motion. The simulation results confirmed that the proposed method allowed for the analysis of internal impingement syndrome by measuring contact stress (23.13 MPa) during shoulder motion. The performance of the proposed method was examined through the differential displacement (maximum 3.28 mm) in shoulder motion by boundary condition relaxation. The result of the simulation was consistent with the clinical findings.
Against Repurposing Methadone for Glioblastoma Therapy
Authors: Vatter Tatjana , Klumpp Lukas , Ganser Katrin , Stransky Nicolai , Zips Daniel , Eckert Franziska , Huber Stephan M.
Published: June 2020

Methadone, which is used as maintenance medication for outpatient treatment of opioid dependence or as an analgesic drug, has been suggested by preclinical in vitro and mouse studies to induce cell death and sensitivity to chemo- or radiotherapy in leukemia, glioblastoma, and carcinoma cells. These data together with episodical public reports on long-term surviving cancer patients who use methadone led to a hype of methadone as an anti-cancer drug in social and public media. However, clinical evidence for a tumoricidal effect of methadone is missing and prospective clinical trials, except in colorectal cancer, are not envisaged because of the limited preclinical data available. The present article reviews the pharmacokinetics, potential molecular targets, as well as the evidence for a tumoricidal effect of methadone in view of the therapeutically achievable doses in the brain. Moreover, it provides original in vitro data showing that methadone at clinically relevant concentrations fails to impair clonogenicity or radioresistance of glioblastoma cells.
Behavioral and Autonomic Responses in Treating Children with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder: Clinical and Phenomenological Insights from Two Case Reports
Authors: Billeci Lucia , Caterino Ettore , Tonacci Alessandro , Gava Maria Luisa
Published: June 2020

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the process applied in subjects with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to elaborate and communicate their experiences of daily life activities, as well as to assess the autonomic nervous system response that subtend such a process. This procedure was evaluated for the first time in two eight-year-old girls with high-functioning ASDs. The subjects performed six months of training, based on the cognitive–motivational–individualized (c.m.i.®) approach, which mainly consisted in building domestic procedures and re-elaborating acquired experiences through drawing or the use of icons made by the children. Together with behavioral observations, the response of the autonomic nervous system during such re-elaboration was recorded. A change in communicative and interactive competences was observed, moving from a condition of spontaneity to one in which the girls were engaged in relating their experiences to a parent. Autonomic response highlighted how, in communicating their own experiences, they achieved a state of cognitive activation, which enabled a greater communicative and emotional connection with the interlocutor. This is a proof-of-concept study on the application of the c.m.i.®, which needs to be extensively validated in the clinical setting.
Recent Developments of Advanced Ti3+-Self-Doped TiO2 for Efficient Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalysis
Authors: Na Siyoung , Seo Sohyeon , Lee Hyoyoung
Published: June 2020

Research into the development of efficient semiconductor photocatalytic materials is a promising approach to solving environmental and energy problems worldwide. Among these materials, TiO2 photocatalysts are one of the most commonly used due to their efficient photoactivity, high stability, low cost and environmental friendliness. However, since the UV content of sunlight is less than 5%, the development of visible light-activated TiO2-based photocatalysts is essential to increase the solar energy efficiency. Here, we review recent works on advanced visible light-activated Ti3+-self-doped TiO2 (Ti3+–TiO2) photocatalysts with improved electronic band structures for efficient charge separation. We analyze the different methods used to produce Ti3+–TiO2 photocatalysts, where Ti3+ with a high oxygen defect density can be used for energy production from visible light. We categorize advanced modifications in electronic states of Ti3+–TiO2 by improving their photocatalytic activity. Ti3+–TiO2 photocatalysts with large charge separation and low recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes can be practically applied for energy conversion and advanced oxidation processes in natural environments and deserve significant attention.
Interfaces in MOF-Derived CeO2–MnOX Composites as High-Activity Catalysts for Toluene Oxidation: Monolayer Dispersion Threshold
Authors: Zhang Qian , Jiang Yiwen , Gao Jingheng , Fu Mingli , Zou Sibei , Li Yanxia , Ye Daiqi
Published: June 2020

A series of CeO2–MnOX catalysts with different Ce contents was prepared using Mn–BTC MOF as a sacrificial template for toluene oxidation. Interestingly, the performance of CeO2–MnOX increased rapidly only when the Ce content lower than 5%. The 1%-, 3%- and 10%-Ce-content samples exhibited the T90 value of 325 °C, 291 °C and 277 °C, respectively. XRD shows that the catalyst phase changes significantly before (Mn3O4 only) and after (Mn2O3, Mn3O4 and CeO2) 3% Ce loading. All other results indicated that the Ce–Mn interface properties of different Ce content composite oxides was quite distinguishable in terms of removal and energy efficiency. XRD and XPS results further showed that there a Ce monolayer dispersion threshold existed on the interface of MnOX (3.2 wt%, confirmed by XPS), which caused the difference in performance increment. The dispersed Ce could be divided into a monolayer dispersion state (1–3%) and a crystalline phase state (>3%), according to the existence form, which corresponded to the significant and minor enhancements of toluene conversion rate. Importantly, the Ce in monolayer dispersion state obviously improved the redox properties of catalysts interface, while the Ce in crystal state not. The interfaces with monolayer dispersion Ce result in more abundant metal ion states, oxygen vacancies, better electron transfer performance and catalytic activity.
The Development of Catalyst Materials for the Advanced Lithium–Sulfur Battery
Authors: Zhou Hong-Jie , Song Chun-Lei , Si Li-Ping , Hong Xu-Jia , Cai Yue-Peng
Published: June 2020

The lithium–sulfur battery is considered as one of the most promising next-generation energy storage systems owing to its high theoretical capacity and energy density. However, the shuttle effect in lithium–sulfur battery leads to the problems of low sulfur utilization, poor cyclability, and rate capability, which has attracted the attention of a large number of researchers in the recent years. Among them, the catalysts with efficient catalytic function for lithium polysulfides (LPSs) can effectively inhibit the shuttle effect. This review outlines the progress of catalyst materials for lithium–sulfur battery in recent years. Based on the structure and properties of the reported catalysts, the development of the reported catalyst materials for LPSs was divided into three generations. We can find that the design of highly efficient catalytic materials needs to consider not only strong chemical adsorption on polysulfides, but also good conductivity, catalysis, and mass transfer. Finally, the perspectives and outlook of reasonable design of catalyst materials for high performance lithium–sulfur battery are put forward. Catalytic materials with high conductivity and both lipophilic and thiophile sites will become the next-generation catalytic materials, such as heterosingle atom catalysis and heterometal carbide. The development of these catalytic materials will help catalyze LPSs more efficiently and improve the reaction kinetics, thus providing guarantee for lithium sulfur batteries with high load or rapid charge and discharge, which will promote the practical application of lithium–sulfur battery.
Isoquinolone Synthesis via Zn(OTf)2-Catalyzed Aerobic Cyclocondensation of 2-(1-Alkynyl)-benzaldehydes with Arylamines
Authors: Khan Dost Muhammad , Hua Ruimao
Published: June 2020

A zinc(II) triflate-catalyzed cyclocondensation of ortho-alkynylbenzaldehydes with arylamines in the presence of base under an oxygen atmosphere affording isoquinolones in good to high yields has been developed. The advantages of the present catalyst system include the use of an air-stable and cheap commercially available Lewis acid as the catalyst, high atom utilization and easily available starting materials.
Effects of Experimental Configuration on the Morphology of Two-Dimensional ZnO Nanostructures Synthesized by Thermal Chemical-Vapor Deposition
Authors: Choi Seok Cheol , Lee Do Kyung , Sohn Sang Ho
Published: June 2020

Using two experimental configurations, self-assembled zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures including nanoplates, nanosaws, and nanobelts were synthesized by thermal chemical-vapor deposition (CVD), and their morphological properties were investigated. ZnO nanostructures grown on Au-coated Si substrates in a parallel setup revealed highly defined ZnO nanoplates and branched nanowires. ZnO nanostructures grown in a perpendicular setup using Si substrates with and without the Au catalyst exhibited vertically oriented ZnO nanosaws and randomly aligned nanobelts, respectively. In the thermal CVD method, experiment conditions such as oxygen-flow rate, growth temperature, and catalyst, and experimental configurations (i.e., parallel and perpendicular setups) were important parameters to control the morphologies of two-dimensional ZnO nanostructures showing platelike, sawlike, and beltlike shapes.
Effect of Bi Substitution on Structural and AC Magnetic Susceptibility Properties of Nd1−xBixMnO3
Authors: Azhar Nurul Atiqah , Ismail Intan Solehah , Mohamed Nur Baizura , Hashim Azhan , Mohamed Zakiah
Published: June 2020

This study synthesizes the neodymium-based manganites with Bi doping, Nd1−xBixMnO3 (x = 0, 0.25 and 0.50) using the solid-state reaction route. The crystal structural, morphological and magnetic properties were determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and AC magnetic susceptibility. The Rietveld refinement confirmed that the compounds were in the single-phase orthorhombic structure of the NdMnO3 with Pbnm space group and lattice parameter b increased with doping from 5.5571 (x = 0) to 5.6787 (x = 0.5). FTIR spectra showed that absorption bands were located within the range of 550–600 cm−1, which corresponded to the Mn–O stretching vibration. FESEM exhibited homogenous compound. The AC magnetic susceptibility measurement studies showed a strong antiferromagnetic (AFM) to paramagnetic (PM) transition existed at 76 K, 77 K and 67 K for samples (x = 0, 0.25 and 0.50), respectively.
Debonding and Clean-Up in Orthodontics: Evaluation of Different Techniques and Micro-Morphological Aspects of the Enamel Surface
Authors: D’Amario Maurizio , Bernardi Sara , Di Lauro Daniele , Marzo Giuseppe , Macchiarelli Guido , Capogreco Mario
Published: June 2020

There is currently no consensus on the best way to remove adhesive remnants from teeth following debonding. The main objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of four adhesive resin removal (clean-up) techniques, performed with or without the use of an operative microscope. Forty human teeth were duplicated using an epoxy resin for impregnation. Brackets were bonded to teeth and debonded from teeth. Then, the samples were randomly divided into two equal groups—the naked eye group and the magnification group—and further subdivided into four equal subgroups, in order to compare the different techniques used for the clean-up. Each subgroup was formed of five natural teeth with the respective pre- and post-bonding replicas. Macro- and micro-analysis by means of a stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscopy evaluated, qualitatively and quantitatively, the adhesive remnant index and the damage index of the enamel. Overall, the magnification improved the removal of resins compared to the naked eye (p < 0.001), and the use of magnification constantly reduced resin residual and surface damage. Enamel damage and adhesive residual from the clean-up procedures represent an ascertained risk in orthodontics. The use of a magnification system improves the quality of debonding and clean-up techniques in a significant way.
Time Evolution Features of Entropy Generation Rate in Turbulent Rayleigh-Bénard Convection with Mixed Insulating and Conducting Boundary Conditions
Authors: Wei Yikun , Shen Pingping , Wang Zhengdao , Liang Hong , Qian Yuehong
Published: June 2020

Time evolution features of kinetic and thermal entropy generation rates in turbulent Rayleigh-Bénard (RB) convection with mixed insulating and conducting boundary conditions at Ra = 109 are numerically investigated using the lattice Boltzmann method. The state of flow gradually develops from laminar flow to full turbulent thermal convection motion, and further evolves from full turbulent thermal convection to dissipation flow in the process of turbulent energy transfer. It was seen that the viscous, thermal, and total entropy generation rates gradually increase in wide range of t/τ < 32 with temporal evolution. However, the viscous, thermal, and total entropy generation rates evidently decrease at time t/τ = 64 compared to that of early time. The probability density function distributions, spatial-temporal features of the viscous, thermal, and total entropy generation rates in the closed system provide significant physical insight into the process of the energy injection, the kinetic energy, the kinetic energy transfer, the thermal energy transfer, the viscous dissipated flow and thermal dissipation.
Natural Time Analysis of Global Navigation Satellite System Surface Deformation: The Case of the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquakes
Authors: Yang Shih-Sian , Potirakis Stelios M. , Sasmal Sudipta , Hayakawa Masashi
Published: June 2020

In order to have further evidence of the atmospheric oscillation channel of the lithosphere-atmosphere-ionosphere coupling (LAIC), we have studied criticality in global navigation satellite system (GNSS) surface deformation as a possible agent for exciting atmospheric gravity waves (AGWs) in the atmosphere and GNSS fluctuations in the frequency range of AGWs with the use of the natural time (NT) method. The target earthquake (EQ) is the 2016 Kumamoto EQ with its main shock on 15 April 2016 (M = 7.3, universal time). As the result of the application of the NT method to GNSS data, we found that for the one-day sampled GNSS deformation data and its fluctuations in two AGW bands of 20–100 and 100–300 min, we could detect a criticality in the period of 1–14 April, which was one day to two weeks before the EQ. These dates of criticalities are likely to overlap with the time periods of previous results on clear AGW activity in the stratosphere and on the lower ionospheric perturbation. Hence, we suggest that the surface deformation could be a possible candidate for exciting those AGWs in the stratosphere, leading to the lower ionospheric perturbation, which lends further support to the AGW hypothesis of the LAIC process.
Patient No-Show Prediction: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Carreras-García Danae , Delgado-Gómez David , Llorente-Fernández Fernando , Arribas-Gil Ana
Published: June 2020

Nowadays, across the most important problems faced by health centers are those caused by the existence of patients who do not attend their appointments. Among others, these patients cause loss of revenue to the health centers and increase the patients’ waiting list. In order to tackle these problems, several scheduling systems have been developed. Many of them require predicting whether a patient will show up for an appointment. However, obtaining these estimates accurately is currently a challenging problem. In this work, a systematic review of the literature on predicting patient no-shows is conducted aiming at establishing the current state-of-the-art. Based on a systematic review following the PRISMA methodology, 50 articles were found and analyzed. Of these articles, 82% were published in the last 10 years and the most used technique was logistic regression. In addition, there is significant growth in the size of the databases used to build the classifiers. An important finding is that only two studies achieved an accuracy higher than the show rate. Moreover, a single study attained an area under the curve greater than the 0.9 value. These facts indicate the difficulty of this problem and the need for further research.
An Energy-Efficient and Fast Scheme for Hybrid Storage Class Memory in an AIoT Terminal System
Authors: Sun Hao , Chen Lan , Hao Xiaoran , Liu Chenji , Ni Mao
Published: June 2020

Conventional main memory can no longer meet the requirements of low energy consumption and massive data storage in an artificial intelligence Internet of Things (AIoT) system. Moreover, the efficiency is decreased due to the swapping of data between the main memory and storage. This paper presents a hybrid storage class memory system to reduce the energy consumption and optimize IO performance. Phase change memory (PCM) brings the advantages of low static power and a large capacity to a hybrid memory system. In order to avoid the impact of poor write performance in PCM, a migration scheme implemented in the memory controller is proposed. By counting the write times and row buffer miss times in PCM simultaneously, the write-intensive data can be selected and migrated from PCM to dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) efficiently, which improves the performance of hybrid storage class memory. In addition, a fast mode with a tmpfs-based, in-memory file system is applied to hybrid storage class memory to reduce the number of data movements between memory and external storage. Experimental results show that the proposed system can reduce energy consumption by 46.2% on average compared with the traditional DRAM-only system. The fast mode increases the IO performance of the system by more than 30 times compared with the common ext3 file system.
Optimization under Uncertainty to Reduce the Cost of Energy for Parabolic Trough Solar Power Plants for Different Weather Conditions
Authors: Vaderobli Adarsh , Parikh Dev , Diwekar Urmila
Published: June 2020

Renewable energy use can mitigate the effects of climate change. Solar energy is amongst the cleanest and most readily available renewable energy sources. However, issues of cost and uncertainty associated with solar energy need to be addressed to make it a major source of energy. These uncertainties are different for different locations. In this work, we considered four different locations in the United States of America (Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest). The weather and cost uncertainties of these locations are included in the formulation, making the problem an optimization-under-uncertainty problem. We used the novel Better Optimization of Nonlinear Uncertain Systems (BONUS) algorithm to solve these problems. The performance and economic models provided by the System Advisory Model (SAM) system from NREL were used for this optimization. Since this is a black-box model, this adds difficulty for optimization and optimization under uncertainty. The objective function and constraints in stochastic optimization (stochastic programming) problems are probabilistic functionals. The generalized treatment of such problems is to use a two-loop computationally intensive procedure, with an inner loop representing probabilistic or stochastic models or scenarios instead of the deterministic model, inside the optimization loop. BONUS circumvents the inner sampling loop, thereby reducing the computational intensity significantly. BONUS can be used for black-box models. The results show that, using the BONUS algorithm, we get 41%–47% of savings on the expected value of the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) for Parabolic Trough Solar Power Plants. The expected LCOE in New York is 57.42%, in Jacksonville is 38.52%, and in San Diego is 17.57% more than in Las Vegas. This difference is due to the differences in weather and weather uncertainties at these locations.
Experimental Study on a Thermoelectric Generator for Industrial Waste Heat Recovery Based on a Hexagonal Heat Exchanger
Authors: Quan Rui , Li Tao , Yue Yousheng , Chang Yufang , Tan Baohua
Published: June 2020

To study on the thermoelectric power generation for industrial waste heat recovery applied in a hot-air blower, an experimental thermoelectric generator (TEG) bench with the hexagonal heat exchanger and commercially available Bi2Te3 thermoelectric modules (TEMs) was established, and its performance was analyzed. The influences of several important influencing factors such as heat exchanger material, inlet gas temperature, backpressure, coolant temperature, clamping pressure and external load current on the output power and voltage of the TEG were comparatively tested. Experimental results show that the heat exchanger material, inlet gas temperature, clamping pressure and hot gas backpressure significantly affect the temperature distribution of the hexagonal heat exchanger, the brass hexagonal heat exchanger with lower backpressure and coolant temperature using ice water mixture enhance the temperature difference of TEMs and the overall output performance of TEG. Furthermore, compared with the flat-plate heat exchanger, the designed hexagonal heat exchanger has obvious advantages in temperature uniformity and low backpressure. When the maximum inlet gas temperature is 360 °C, the maximum hot side temperature of TEMs is 269.2 °C, the maximum clamping pressure of TEMs is 360 kg/m2, the generated maximum output power of TEG is approximately 11.5 W and the corresponding system efficiency is close to 1.0%. The meaningful results provide a good guide for the system optimization of low backpressure and temperature-uniform TEG, and especially demonstrate the promising potential of using brass hexagonal heat exchanger in the automotive exhaust heat recovery without degrading the original performance of internal combustion engine.
Towards Non-Mechanical Hybrid Hydrogen Compression for Decentralized Hydrogen Facilities
Authors: Sdanghi Giuseppe , Maranzana Gaël , Celzard Alain , Fierro Vanessa
Published: June 2020

The cost of the hydrogen value chain needs to be reduced to allow the widespread development of hydrogen applications. Mechanical compressors, widely used for compressing hydrogen to date, account for more than 50% of the CAPEX (capital expenditure) in a hydrogen refueling station. Moreover, mechanical compressors have several disadvantages, such as the presence of many moving parts, hydrogen embrittlement, and high consumption of energy. Non-mechanical hydrogen compressors have proven to be a valid alternative to mechanical compressors. Among these, electrochemical compressors allow isothermal, and therefore highly efficient, compression of hydrogen. On the other hand, adsorption-desorption compressors allow hydrogen to be compressed through cooling/heating cycles using highly microporous materials as hydrogen adsorbents. A non-mechanical hybrid hydrogen compressor, consisting of a first electrochemical stage followed by a second stage driven by adsorption-desorption of hydrogen on activated carbons, allows hydrogen to be produced at 70 MPa, a value currently required for the development of hydrogen automotive applications. This system has several advantages over mechanical compressors, such as the absence of moving parts and high compactness. Its use in decentralized hydrogen facilities, such as hydrogen refueling stations, can be considered.
Adaptive Control of DC Voltage in Three-Phase Three-Wire Shunt Active Power Filters Systems
Authors: Popescu Mihaela , Bitoleanu Alexandru , Suru Constantin Vlad , Linca Mihaita , Subtirelu Gheorghe Eugen
Published: June 2020

This paper is focused on an adaptive controller for the direct current (DC) voltage in three-phase three-wire shunt active power filters systems. Although the controller structure of the proportional-integral (PI) type is determined off-line and does not change, the prescribed DC voltage and the controller parameters are calculated in an adaptation block, depending on the non-active power to be compensated. The adaptive control is based on the design expressions for the DC circuit of the shunt active power filter found by the authors, based on the detailed analysis of its operation, during the active filtering. The performances of the proposed adaptive control and its advantages compared to the classical control (where the prescribed DC voltage and the controller parameters are constant) were first determined on the virtual model of a laboratory setup. Then, the adaptive control was implemented on the dSPACE 1103 control board, which allowed the experimental determinations that prove and support the results obtained on the virtual model.
Experimental Investigation of the Viscosity Parameters Ranges—Case Study of Engine Oils in the Selected Viscosity Grade
Authors: Wolak Artur , Zając Grzegorz , Fijorek Kamil , Janocha Piotr , Matwijczuk Arkadiusz
Published: June 2020

The primary objective of the research was to compare the viscosity parameters of the same viscosity grade engine oils, as declared by the manufacturers, to the actual laboratory measurements. The secondary objective was to briefly investigate (1) what kind of information oil manufacturers provide in the product data sheets of the studied oils, and (2) the potential savings resulting from the use of the energy efficient oils. The study material consisted of 42 selected synthetic engine oils that belong to the 5W-30 viscosity grade. Stabinger SVM 3001 viscometer was used to determine kinematic viscosity at −20 °C, 40 °C, 100 °C and 130 °C. The HTHS (high temperature high shear), CCS (cold cranking simulator), FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) and GC (Gas Chromatography) measurements were also performed for the samples that had the lowest and the highest kinematic viscosity. Large differences (5–25%) between oil producers’ declarations and the results of laboratory tests were found. Although all of the engine oils tested met the 5W-30 grade standards, the high variability of viscosity measurements needs to be reported. The difference between the oil with the highest and the oil with the lowest kinematic viscosity at −20 °C was 11,804 mm2/s. The outlying temperature-related viscosity profiles were recovered using Mahalanobis distances which identified 16 out of 42 analyzed oil samples as atypical.
Experimental Study on the Effectiveness of Inorganic Bonding Materials for Near-Surface Mounting Shear Strengthening of Prestressed Concrete Beams
Authors: Kuntal Vikas Singh , Chellapandian M. , Prakash S. Suriya , Sharma Akanshu
Published: June 2020

Use of organic resins such as epoxy and vinyl esters as bonding materials in fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) strengthening of concrete members is widely accepted. However, the performance of organic resins is compromised when exposed to high temperature and extreme weather conditions leading to reduced durability of the strengthened systems. The present study attempts to evaluate the effectiveness of inorganic (cement mortar and geopolymer mortar) bonding materials for shear strengthening of prestressed concrete (PSC) beams using the near-surface mounting (NSM) technique. Different types of bonding materials are used in this study for NSM shear strengthening including: (i) epoxy resin, (ii) high strength cement grout (HSCG) and (iii) geopolymer mortar. Bond tests were first conducted to evaluate the pull-out/bond strength of different bonding materials. Bond tests revealed that epoxy resin had the highest bond strength followed by geopolymer mortar and HSCG. Sixteen full-scale PSC beams were cast with and without stirrups. The beams were strengthened using NSM CFRP laminates oriented at 45-degree configuration and then tested under a three-point bending configuration. Experimental results revealed that the performance of high strength cement grout and geopolymer mortar was similar but with a lesser efficiency compared to the epoxy resin.
Ritualized Law and Livelihood Fragility of Left-Behind Women in Rural China
Authors: Wang Chao , Tang Jiayi
Published: June 2020

Family separation in rural China has led to a considerably large number of left-behind women who have to deal with livelihood fragility. The Department for International Development (DFID) framework focusing on households provides a base to understand the livelihood fragility of these women. Based on this framework and the existing field research, this study identifies that the national macro-strategy of unsynchronized development of industrialization, informatization, urbanization, and agricultural modernization leads to a separated migration model for rural families. Furthermore, the process of social modernization increases the fragility risk of how the left-behind family functions. The traditional gender culture expectations also directly affect rural families to make the livelihood strategy choice of, “male working outside, female taking care of home”. Based on the above theoretical research, this study extracts the concept of “ritualized law” to shed light on gender differentiation and family separation. A number of formal social security institutions have been established to promote the development of farmers, however, the ingrained culture gender differentiation encourages men to work in the profitable urban industry while women work in the field of unpaid agriculture and shoulder the responsibility of housework. This makes the formal institution a symbolic ornament for left-behind women, while they are forced to stay in rural areas and suffer from the fragility of livelihood.
The Association between Ethanol Elimination Rate and Hangover Severity
Authors: Mackus Marlou , van de Loo Aurora JAE , Garssen Johan , Kraneveld Aletta D , Scholey Andrew , Verster Joris C
Published: June 2020

Assessments in blood and saliva suggests that the amount of ethanol present in the first hours after alcohol consumption and into the following morning is associated with hangover severity. The current analysis determines how ethanol elimination rate is related to hangover severity reported throughout the day. n = 8 subjects participated in two studies. The first was a naturalistic study comprising an evening of alcohol consumption. Hangover severity was assessed hourly from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., using a 1-item hangover severity scale ranging from 0 (absent) to 10 (extreme). The second study comprised a highly controlled alcohol challenge to reach a breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) of 0.05%. Breathalyzer tests were conducted every 5 min until BrAC reached zero. The ethanol elimination rate, expressed in BrAC%/hour, was computed by dividing the peak BrAC (%) by the time to BrAC of zero (h). At 11:00, 13:00, and 14:00, there were significant negative partial correlations, controlling for estimated BrAC, between ethanol elimination rate and hangover severity. The findings suggest that drinkers with a faster ethanol elimination rate experience less severe hangovers. The observations should be confirmed in a larger sample of subjects who participate in a single study that assesses both hangover severity and ethanol elimination rate.
Impact of Problematic Smartphone Use and Instagram Use Intensity on Self-Esteem with University Students from Physical Education
Authors: Romero-Rodríguez José-María , Aznar-Díaz Inmaculada , Marín-Marín José-Antonio , Soler-Costa Rebeca , Rodríguez-Jiménez Carmen
Published: June 2020

Mobile devices are a revolutionary element that offer many possibilities, although they can also cause problems for users. This is the case with the development of addictive behaviors that can affect personal well-being. The purpose of this paper has been to analyze the influence of smartphone addiction and Instagram use intensity on the self-esteem of Physical Education students. A cross-sectional research design was adopted by applying an online survey to a sample of undergraduate students (n = 385). The results showed that gender and age were factors that influenced the problematic use of the smartphone. In turn, there was a significant positive correlation between smartphone addiction and Instagram use intensity. The influence of smartphone addiction on students’ self-esteem was also highlighted. In contrast, Instagram use intensity did not affect self-esteem. Finally, the findings are discussed, and the main implications of the study are established, where physical education students take on a special role in order to avoid the improper use of smartphones and Instagram through sport.
Analysis of the Impact of Type 2 Diabetes on the Psychosocial Functioning and Quality of Life of Perimenopausal Women
Authors: Zimny Małgorzata , Starczewska Małgorzata , Szkup Małgorzata , Karakiewicz-Krawczyk Katarzyna , Grochans Elżbieta , Sipak-Szmigiel Olimpia
Published: June 2020

Menopause is a natural period resulting from the decrease in hormonal activity of the ovaries. Growing hormonal deficiencies and changes in the body influence a variety of functions in women, leading to depression and decreased quality of life. The relationship between body composition, the severity of depressive and climacteric symptoms and the quality of life of women with type 2 diabetes and healthy women in the perimenopausal period was studied. Statistically significant differences were observed between the study and control groups regarding all body composition parameters except for protein and the content of torso soft tissues (p < 0.05). In both the study and control groups, resulting symptoms were significantly correlated with numerous body composition parameters (e.g., body mass, fat tissue mass, minerals, abdominal circumference), while symptoms of depression were significantly correlated with similar parameters only in the control group. A statistically relevant relationship was observed between the study and control groups with respect to quality of life in certain domains. The quality of life of women suffering from type 2 diabetes was worse compared with healthy women. Analysis of body composition showed significant differences between healthy women and those with type 2 diabetes. Healthy women showed a tendency to establish a link between body composition and depressiveness.
Terrain Analysis in Google Earth Engine: A Method Adapted for High-Performance Global-Scale Analysis
Authors: Safanelli José , Poppiel Raul , Ruiz Luis , Bonfatti Benito , Mello Fellipe , Rizzo Rodnei , Demattê José
Published: June 2020

Terrain analysis is an important tool for modeling environmental systems. Aiming to use the cloud-based computing capabilities of Google Earth Engine (GEE), we customized an algorithm for calculating terrain attributes, such as slope, aspect, and curvatures, for different resolution and geographical extents. The calculation method is based on geometry and elevation values estimated within a 3 × 3 spheroidal window, and it does not rely on projected elevation data. Thus, partial derivatives of terrain are calculated considering the great circle distances of reference nodes of the topographic surface. The algorithm was developed using the JavaScript programming interface of the online code editor of GEE and can be loaded as a custom package. The algorithm also provides an additional feature for making the visualization of terrain maps with a dynamic legend scale, which is useful for mapping different extents: from local to global. We compared the consistency of the proposed method with an available but limited terrain analysis tool of GEE, which resulted in a correlation of 0.89 and 0.96 for aspect and slope over a near-global scale, respectively. In addition to this, we compared the slope, aspect, horizontal, and vertical curvature of a reference site (Mount Ararat) to their equivalent attributes estimated on the System for Automated Geospatial Analysis (SAGA), which achieved a correlation between 0.96 and 0.98. The visual correspondence of TAGEE and SAGA confirms its potential for terrain analysis. The proposed algorithm can be useful for making terrain analysis scalable and adapted to customized needs, benefiting from the high-performance interface of GEE.
Pomegranate Mesocarp against Colitis-Induced Visceral Pain in Rats: Effects of a Decoction and Its Fractions
Authors: Parisio Carmen , Lucarini Elena , Micheli Laura , Toti Alessandra , Khatib Mohamad , Mulinacci Nadia , Calosi Laura , Bani Daniele , Di Cesare Mannelli Lorenzo , Ghelardini Carla
Published: June 2020

The management of chronic visceral pain related to Inflammatory Bowel Diseases or Irritable Bowel Syndrome is still a clinical problem and new therapeutic strategies continue to be investigated. In the present study, the efficacy of a pomegranate decoction and of its polysaccharide and ellagitannin components in preventing the development of colitis-induced abdominal pain in rats was evaluated. After colitis induction by 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (DNBS), the pomegranate decoction (300 mg kg−1), polysaccharides (300 mg kg−1), and ellagitannins (45 mg kg−1) were orally administered for 14 days. Repeated treatment with decoction reduced visceral hypersensitivity in the colitic animals both at 7 and 14 days. Similar efficacy was shown by polysaccharides, but with lower potency. Ellagitannins administered at dose equivalent to decoction content showed higher efficacy in reducing the development of visceral pain. Macroscopic and microscopic evaluations performed on the colon 14 days after the damage showed that all three preparations reduced the overall amount of mast cells, the number of degranulated mast cells, and the density of collagen fibers in the mucosal stroma. Although ellagitannins seem to be responsible for most of the beneficial effects of pomegranate on DNBS-induced colitis, the polysaccharides support and enhance its effect. Therefore, pomegranate mesocarp preparations could represent a complementary approach to conventional therapies for promoting abdominal pain relief.
The “Janus” Role of C/EBPs Family Members in Cancer Progression
Authors: Tolomeo Manlio , Grimaudo Stefania
Published: June 2020

CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBPs) constitute a family of transcription factors composed of six members that are critical for normal cellular differentiation in a variety of tissues. They promote the expression of genes through interaction with their promoters. Moreover, they have a key role in regulating cellular proliferation through interaction with cell cycle proteins. C/EBPs are considered to be tumor suppressor factors due to their ability to arrest cell growth (contributing to the terminal differentiation of several cell types) and for their role in cellular response to DNA damage, nutrient deprivation, hypoxia, and genotoxic agents. However, C/EBPs can elicit completely opposite effects on cell proliferation and cancer development and they have been described as both tumor promoters and tumor suppressors. This “Janus” role of C/EBPs depends on different factors, such as the type of tumor, the isoform/s expressed in cells, the type of dimerization (homo- or heterodimerization), the presence of inhibitory elements, and the ability to inhibit the expression of other tumor suppressors. In this review, we discuss the implication of the C/EBPs family in cancer, focusing on the molecular aspects that make these transcription factors tumor promoters or tumor suppressors.
Artificial Sporulation Induction (ASI) by kinA Overexpression Affects the Proteomes and Properties of Bacillus subtilis Spores
Authors: Tu Zhiwei , R. Abhyankar Wishwas , N. Swarge Bhagyashree , van der Wel Nicole , Kramer Gertjan , Brul Stanley , J. de Koning Leo
Published: June 2020

To facilitate more accurate spore proteomic analysis, the current study focuses on inducing homogeneous sporulation by overexpressing kinA and assesses the effect of synchronized sporulation initiation on spore resistance, structures, the germination behavior at single-spore level and the proteome. The results indicate that, in our set up, the sporulation by overexpressing kinA can generate a spore yield of 70% within 8 h. The procedure increases spore wet heat resistance and thickness of the spore coat and cortex layers, whilst delaying the time to spore phase-darkening and burst after addition of germinant. The proteome analysis reveals that the upregulated proteins in the kinA induced spores, compared to spores without kinA induction, as well as the ‘wildtype’ spores, are mostly involved in spore formation. The downregulated proteins mostly belong to the categories of coping with stress, carbon and nitrogen metabolism, as well as the regulation of sporulation. Thus, while kinA overexpression enhances synchronicity in sporulation initiation, it also has profound effects on the central equilibrium of spore formation and spore germination, through modulation of the spore molecular composition and stress resistance physiology.
Telocytes in the Normal and Pathological Peripheral Nervous System
Authors: Díaz-Flores Lucio , Gutiérrez Ricardo , García Mª Pino , Gayoso Sara , Gutiérrez Emma , Díaz-Flores Lucio , Carrasco José Luis
Published: June 2020

We studied telocytes/CD34+ stromal cells in the normal and pathological peripheral nervous system (PNS), for which we reviewed the literature and contributed our observations under light and electron microscopy in this field. We consider the following aspects: (A) general characteristics of telocytes and the terminology used for these cells (e.g., endoneurial stromal cells) in PNS; (B) the presence, characteristics and arrangement of telocytes in the normal PNS, including (i) nerve epi-perineurium and endoneurium (e.g., telopodes extending into the endoneurial space); (ii) sensory nerve endings (e.g., Meissner and Pacinian corpuscles, and neuromuscular spindles); (iii) ganglia; and (iv) the intestinal autonomic nervous system; (C) the telocytes in the pathologic PNS, encompassing (i) hyperplastic neurogenic processes (neurogenic hyperplasia of the appendix and gallbladder), highly demonstrative of telocyte characteristics and relations, (ii) PNS tumours, such as neurofibroma, schwannoma, granular cell tumour and nerve sheath myxoma, and interstitial cell of Cajal-related gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST), (iii) tumour-invaded nerves and (iv) traumatic, metabolic, degenerative or genetic neuropathies, in which there are fewer studies on telocytes, e.g., neuroinflammation and nerves in undescended testicles (cryptorchidism), Klinefelter syndrome, crush injury, mucopolysaccharidosis II (Hunter’s syndrome) and Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease.
Germline Mutation Enrichment in Pathways Controlling Endothelial Cell Homeostasis in Patients with Brain Arteriovenous Malformation: Implication for Molecular Diagnosis
Authors: Scimone Concetta , Granata Francesca , Longo Marcello , Mormina Enricomaria , Turiaco Cristina , Caragliano Antonio A. , Donato Luigi , Sidoti Antonina , D’Angelo Rosalia
Published: June 2020

Brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM) is a congenital defect affecting brain microvasculature, characterized by a direct shunt from arterioles to venules. Germline mutations in several genes related to transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)/BMP signaling are linked to both sporadic and hereditary phenotypes. However, the low incidence of inherited cases makes the genetic bases of the disease unclear. To increase this knowledge, we performed a whole exome sequencing on five patients, on DNA purified by peripheral blood. Variants were filtered based on frequency and functional class. Those selected were validated by Sanger sequencing. Genes carrying selected variants were prioritized to relate these genes with those already known to be linked to bAVM development. Most of the prioritized genes showed a correlation with the TGF-βNotch signaling and vessel morphogenesis. However, two novel pathways related to cilia morphogenesis and ion homeostasis were enriched in mutated genes. These results suggest novel insights on sporadic bAVM onset and confirm its genetic heterogeneity. The high frequency of germline variants in genes related to TGF-β signaling allows us to hypothesize bAVM as a complex trait resulting from the co-existence of low-penetrance loci. Deeper knowledge on bAVM genetics can improve personalized diagnosis and can be helpful with genotype–phenotype correlations.
Rapid Development of Competitive Translation Engines for Access to Multilingual COVID-19 Information
Authors: Way Andy , Haque Rejwanul , Xie Guodong , Gaspari Federico , Popović Maja , Poncelas Alberto
Published: June 2020

Every day, more people are becoming infected and dying from exposure to COVID-19. Some countries in Europe like Spain, France, the UK and Italy have suffered particularly badly from the virus. Others such as Germany appear to have coped extremely well. Both health professionals and the general public are keen to receive up-to-date information on the effects of the virus, as well as treatments that have proven to be effective. In cases where language is a barrier to access of pertinent information, machine translation (MT) may help people assimilate information published in different languages. Our MT systems trained on COVID-19 data are freely available for anyone to use to help translate information (such as promoting good practice for symptom identification, prevention, and treatment) published in German, French, Italian, Spanish into English, as well as the reverse direction.