bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ekspresi Keberagamaan Di Era Revolusi Industri 4.0 Desrupsi Ide, Pilihan Sikap, dan Kontestasi Ideologi Keberagamaan di Indonesia
Authors: Sulanam Sulanam
Published: July 2020

Tulisan ini akan mengeksplorasi empat hal penting yang berhubungan dengan ekspresi keberagamaan di Indonesia, khususnya di era – yang sebagian kalangan menyebutnya – revolusi industri 4.0 (the fourth industrial). Sebuah era, yang salah satu fiturnya ialah, masyarakat terkoneksi secara digital dan sangat bergantung pada akses internet. Empat hal tersebut adalah: pertama, dinamika ekspresi keberagamaan pasca reformasi, sebagai penanda perubahan sikap sosial secara fundamental; dari terkanalisasi ke demokrasi tanpa batas. Kedua, desrupsi ide keberagamaan. Ketiga, cara baru pilihan sikap keberagamaan. Terakhir, dampak dekonstelasi politik keberagamaan dan percaturan ideologis di Indonesia. Secara metodik, pendekatan tulisan ini akan menggunakan paradigma antropologis; agar bisa melihat fenomena sikap yang tampak dan mengejawantah di era kontemporer, serta fenomenologisme sebagai perangkat baca untuk menilai postur kesadaran yang membentuk ekspresi keberagamaan tersebut. Pada kesimpulannya, tulisan ini, tidak ingin menilai atau menganalisis mana ekspresi keagamaan yang paling benar dan salah di era revolusi industri  4.0. Sebalinya, tulisan ini sekedar ingin menggambarkan apa yang terjadi pasca kemajuan tekhnologi ‘memperbaiki’ dan ‘merusak’ nilai-nilai keberagamaan yang dipahami/diekspresikan oleh umat Islam di Indonesia.
ANALISA STANDAR WAKTU TERHADAP KINERJA KARYAWAN CV. BETON AGARA KUTACANE
Authors: Nasruddin Nasruddin , Bu’ulolo Deliman
Published: July 2020

Identify the problem in this research whether the leader sets the standard of Work Time, Employee Performance Assessment, and What form of employee standard work. This research is qualitative descriptive, data collecting method with field research by using method, observation and direct interview on research object to get description of research subject. From result of research, obtained data and information, that leader set standard work time 8 (Eight) hours per day , provided that the company does not work on religious holidays, especially Islamic holidays. The standard of assessment carried out for the workforce is the objective standard, in which the management of the company has determined the unit of outcome of the working time used. To produce the Culvert for the size of 80.60, and 40 Cm standard of production objectives set by the company as much as, 36 units employing 6 (people) Labor, while for the size of 30.20, and 15 Cm, ​​employed 4 people with labor standard 45 Goal Units. Furthermore For Production Pavin Blok has 3 (Three) production type, Rectangle, Six and Nuts. Standard destination 1.800 Units, with 4 Persons labor, and other production is the Hole of the Wind that is Utuk Pagas and Layang, the workforce can produce as many as 80 Units, labor used 2 Person.
鲜食玉米一年三熟的栽培技术
Authors: 杨 开忠 , 李 江英
Published: July 2020

结合农业产业结构调整,建立一村一品乡村建设,勐混镇历来都有种植鲜食糯玉米,只是没有形成产业来发展。2013年开始,水稻种植大户转变产业调整,将种植水稻转行种植鲜食甜、糯玉米,从2013年的100百亩到2019年的4000亩。通过6-7年的种植摸索,现已集成了一套成熟的一年三熟栽培技术。本文对鲜食玉米一年三熟的栽培技术从选地、整地、播种、田间管理、肥水管理、收获时间等方面进行了详细的研究。
Shady business: the darkening of estuaries constrains benthic ecosystem function
Authors: Mangan S , Bryan KR , Thrush SF , Gladstone-Gallagher RV , Lohrer AM , Pilditch CA
Published: July 2020

Coastal intertidal soft-sediment habitats provide ecosystem services to millions of people worldwide, yet are under intense pressure from land-use change and sea-level rise (SLR). Both pressures interact to reduce light reaching the seafloor, thereby disrupting benthic primary producers and the ecosystem functions and services they provide. This study considers the implications of altered light climate on microphytobenthic (MPB) production in shallow estuaries. Continuous measurements of seafloor photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) were made over 9 mo on intertidal sandflats in 14 New Zealand estuaries spanning a turbidity gradient. A literature summary of benthic photosynthesis-irradiance curves was used to predict PAR limitation at sampling sites. Estimates of the proportion of time MPB would be light limited during emersion ranged from a median of 32-64% compared to a median of 55-100% during immersion. For estuaries close to 100% PAR limitation during immersion, emerged intertidal areas represent a refuge for MPB production which is vulnerable to SLR. Based on hypsometric curves (a representation of estuary bathymetry), the intertidal area of our study estuaries is predicted to decrease by 27-94% in response to SLR of 1.4 m. The combination of high PAR limitation during immersion and large losses of intertidal area will increase vulnerability to the loss of MPB production and the associated ecosystem services, which will push these ecosystems towards tipping points. The research highlights how the interplay between local and global scale stressors may ultimately trigger ecological collapse under future global change.
PENINGKATAN KOMPETENSI COACH DALAM PROGRAM PENDAMPINGAN EKSPOR DI ERA DISRUPTIF TEKNOLOGI
Authors: Sani Abdillah , Husyain HSM Mohammad
Published: July 2020

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â  Usaha Kecil dan Menengah (UKM) Indonesia yang tersebar di berbagai daerah dan kota besar, banyak yang memiliki produk yang potensial untuk diekspor, sehingga tidak aneh jika banyak buyer yang secara langsung rela mendatangi sentra-sentra produk yang ada di Indonesia dalam rangka menemukan produk untuk dijual di pasar di Negara mereka. Pemerintah juga telah menyelenggarakan berbagai kegiatan dan pemberian fasilitasi agar para UKM potensial mampu menjadi eksportir pendatang baru.Â  Program Pendampingan Ekspor (Export Coaching Program) adalah pendampingan bagi UKM potensial ekspor selama satu tahun penuh yang sudah dilakukan sejak tahun 2010 oleh Kementerian Perdagangan, sebanyak Â 3 angkatan untuk 3 daerah dan masing-masing dikuti oleh 25 orang peserta.Â  Namun demikian, programÂ  ternyata masih belum mampu membuahkan hasil sebagaimana yang diharapkan, karena UKM yang berhasil menjadi eksportir baru belum mencapai separuh dari jumlah peserta. Banyak hal menjadi penyebab, antara lain adalah kurang maksimalnya proses seleksi calon peserta, monitoring harian perkembangan peserta dan kurang optimalnya konsultasi peserta atas masalah-masalah yang mereka jumpai kepada para Coach (pendamping) yang ditunjuk. Â Tulisan ini mencoba menjelaskan pelaksanaan Program Pendampingan Ekspor, kendala-kendala yang dihadapi serta hasil akhir yang dicapai sejak tahun 2010 sampai dengan 2018.Kata Kunci : Coach, Ekspor, Program Pendampingan, Kompetensi, Disruptif Technologi
PENGARUH KOMPRES HANGAT TERHADAP PENURUNAN SKALA NYERI PADA LANSIA DENGAN REUMATIK
Authors: Khifalah Linda
Published: July 2020

Secara umum nyeri sendi atau nyeri reumatik merupakan nyeri yang sangat sering dirasakan pada lansia yang di sebabkan oleh peningkatan cairan sinovial. diperkirakan terdapat kasus reumatik sejumlah 864 jiwa (53%) adalah kasus Rematik sendi lutut pada usia lanjut (WHO, 2001). Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui perbedaan skala nyeri sebelum dan sesudah di berikan kompres hangat pada lansia dengan reumatik di Panti Sosial Tresna Werdha Teratai Palembang tahun 2014. Desain penelitian yang digunakan adalah preeksperimental dengan rancangan one group pre-test post-test design. Sample penelitian sesuai dengan kriteria inklusi yang berjumlah 33 orang yang diambil dengan cara purposive sampling. Hasil uji statistik menggunakan Wilcoxon menunjukkan bahwa ada perbedaan skala nyeri responden sebelum dan sesudah dilakukan kompres hangat p value = 0,0005, a value < 0,05. Peneliti menyarankan agar pihak panti untuk dapat memberikan penyuluhan dan motifasi tindakan non farmakologi terutama kompres hangat kepada para lansia sehingga dapat menurunkan nyeri sendi yang diderita lansia.
Mambalgin-2 Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Glioma Cells via Interaction with ASIC1a
Authors: Bychkov Maxim , Shulepko Mikhail , Osmakov Dmitry , Andreev Yaroslav , Sudarikova Anastasia , Vasileva Valeria , Pavlyukov Marat S. , Latyshev Yaroslav A. , Potapov Alexander A. , Kirpichnikov Mikhail , Shenkarev Zakhar O. , Lyukmanova Ekaterina
Published: July 2020

Gliomas are fast growing and highly invasive brain tumors, characterized by tumor microenvironment acidification that drives glioma cell growth and migration. Channels containing Acid-sensing Ion Channel 1a subunit (ASIC1a) mediate amiloride-sensitive cation influx in late stage glioma cells, but not in normal astrocytes. Thus, selective targeting of ASIC1a can be a perspective strategy for glioma treatment. Here, ASIC1a expression in U251 MG and A172 glioma cells, but not in normal astrocytes, was demonstrated. Recombinant analog of mambalgin-2 from black mamba Dendroaspis polylepis inhibited amiloride-sensitive currents at ASIC1a both in Xenopus laevis oocytes and in U251 MG cells, while its mutants with impaired activity towards this channel did not. Mambalgin-2 inhibited U251 MG and A172 glioma cells growth with EC50 in the nanomolar range without affecting the proliferation of normal astrocytes. Notably, mambalgin-2 mutants did not affect glioma cell proliferation, pointing on ASIC1a as the main molecular target of mambalgin-2 in U251 MG and A172 cells. Mambalgin-2 induced a cell cycle arrest, inhibited Cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) phosphorylation and caused apoptosis in U251 MG and A172 cells. Moreover, mambalgin-2 inhibited the growth of low-passage primary cells from a patient with glioblastoma. Altogether, our data point to mambalgin-2 as a useful hit for the development of new drugs for glioma treatment.
Presenting Features and Early Mortality from SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Cancer Patients during the Initial Stage of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Europe
Authors: Pinato David J. , Lee Alvin J. X. , Biello Federica , Seguí Elia , Aguilar-Company Juan , Carbó Anna , Bruna Riccardo , Bower Mark , Rizzo Gianpiero , Benafif Sarah , Carmona Carme , Chopra Neha , Cruz Claudia Andrea , D’Avanzo Francesca , Evans Joanne S. , Galazi Myria , Garcia-Fructuoso Isabel , Dalla Pria Alessia , Newsom-Davis Thomas , Ottaviani Diego , Patriarca Andrea , Reyes Roxana , Sharkey Rachel , Sng Christopher C. T. , Wong Yien Ning Sophia , Ferrante Daniela , Scotti Lorenza , Avanzi Gian Carlo , Bellan Mattia , Castello Luigi Mario , Marco-Hernández Javier , Mollà Meritxell , Pirisi Mario , Ruiz-Camps Isabel , Sainaghi Pier Paolo , Gaidano Gianluca , Brunet Joan , Tabernero Josep , Prat Aleix , Gennari Alessandra
Published: July 2020

We describe the outcomes in cancer patients during the initial outbreak of the COVID-19 in Europe from the retrospective, multi-center observational OnCovid study. We identified 204 cancer patients from eight centers in the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain aged >18 (mean = 69) and diagnosed with COVID-19 between 26 February and 1 April 2020. A total of 127 (62%) were male, 184 (91%) had a diagnosis of solid malignancy, and 103 (51%) had non-metastatic disease. A total of 161 (79%) had >1 co-morbidity. A total of 141 (69%) patients had >1 COVID-19 complication. A total of 36 (19%) were escalated to high-dependency or intensive care. A total of 59 (29%) died, 53 (26%) were discharged, and 92 (45%) were in-hospital survivors. Mortality was higher in patients aged >65 (36% vs. 16%), in those with >2 co-morbidities (40% vs. 18%) and developing >1 complication from COVID-19 (38% vs. 4%, p = 0.004). Multi-variable analyses confirmed age > 65 and >2 co-morbidities to predict for patient mortality independent of tumor stage, active malignancy, or anticancer therapy. During the early outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Europe co-morbid burden and advancing age predicted for adverse disease course in cancer patients. The ongoing OnCovid study will allow us to compare risks and outcomes in cancer patients between the initial and later stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Identification of the Novel Oncogenic Role of SAAL1 and Its Therapeutic Potential in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chu Pei-Yi , Tung Shiao-Lin , Tsai Kuo-Wang , Shen Fang-Ping , Chan Shih-Hsuan
Published: July 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, affecting over 700,000 people per year. The treatment effect in advanced HCC is still disappointing and prognosis of advanced HCC remains poor. Hence, to find more effective therapeutic targets to improve the treatment outcome of HCC is of urgent need. In this study, we reported the novel oncogenic function of SAAL1 (serum amyloid A-like 1) in HCC, which previously is considered as an inflammation-related gene. We found that SAAL1 was significantly upregulated in HCC tumor tissues when compared to the adjacent normal tissues and high expression of SAAL1 correlated with shorter overall survival in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) HCC database. Functionally, we showed that the depletion of SAAL1 significantly reduced cell proliferation, 3D colony formation, and migration/invasion abilities of HCC cancer cells. Furthermore, suppression of SAAL1 impaired the HGF/Met-driven Akt/mTOR phosphorylation cascade and increased the chemosensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib and foretinib treatment. Our data indicated that SAAL1 plays an important role in HCC via mediating oncogenic HGF/Met-driven Akt/mTOR signaling and could serve as an independent prognostic marker, as well as a promising therapeutic target for HCC patients.
Desmoid-Type Fibromatosis
Authors: Garcia-Ortega Dorian Yarih , Martín-Tellez Karla Susana , Cuellar-Hubbe Mario , Martínez-Said Héctor , Álvarez-Cano Alethia , Brener-Chaoul Moises , Alegría-Baños Jorge Adán , Martínez-Tlahuel Jorge Luis
Published: July 2020

Desmoid tumors represent a rare entity of monoclonal origin characterized by locally aggressive behavior and inability to metastasize. Most cases present in a sporadic pattern and are characterized by a mutation in the CTNNB1 gene; while 5–15% show a hereditary pattern associated with APC gene mutation, both resulting in abnormal β-catenin accumulation within the cell. The most common sites of presentation are the extremities and the thoracic wall, whereas FAP associated cases present intra-abdominally or in the abdominal wall. Histopathological diagnosis is mandatory, and evaluation is guided with imaging studies ranging from ultrasound, computed tomography or magnetic resonance. Current approaches advocate for an initial active surveillance period due to the stabilization and even regression capacity of desmoid tumors. For progressive, symptomatic, or disabling cases, systemic treatment, radiotherapy or surgery may be used. This is a narrative review of this uncommon disease; we present current knowledge about molecular pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment.
Precision Science on Incidence and Progression of Early-Detected Small Breast Invasive Cancers by Mammographic Features
Authors: Chang Rene Wei-Jung , Chuang Shu-Lin , Hsu Chen-Yang , Yen Amy Ming-Fang , Wu Wendy Yi-Ying , Chen Sam Li-Sheng , Fann Jean Ching-Yuan , Tabar Laszlo , Smith Robert A. , Duffy Stephen W. , Chiu Sherry Yueh-Hsia , Chen Hsiu-Hsi
Published: July 2020

The aim was to evaluate how the inter-screening interval affected the performance of screening by mammographic appearances. This was a Swedish retrospective screening cohort study with information on screening history and mammography features in two periods (1977–1985 and 1996–2010). The pre-clinical incidence and the mean sojourn time (MST) for small breast cancer allowing for sensitivity by mammographic appearances were estimated. The percentage of interval cancer against background incidence (I/E ratio) was used to assess the performance of mammography screening by different inter-screening intervals. The sensitivity-adjusted MSTs (in years) were heterogeneous with mammographic features, being longer for powdery and crushed stone-like calcifications (4.26, (95% CI, 3.50–5.26)) and stellate masses (3.76, (95% CI, 3.15–4.53)) but shorter for circular masses (2.65, (95% CI, 2.06–3.55)) in 1996–2010. The similar trends, albeit longer MSTs, were also noted in 1977–1985. The I/E ratios for the stellate type were 23% and 32% for biennial and triennial screening, respectively. The corresponding figures were 32% and 43% for the circular type and 21% and 29% for powdery and crushed stone-like calcifications, respectively. Mammography-featured progressions of small invasive breast cancer provides a new insight into personalized quality assurance, surveillance, treatment and therapy of early-detected breast cancer.
NCL Inhibition Exerts Antineoplastic Effects against Prostate Cancer Cells by Modulating Oncogenic MicroRNAs
Authors: Sheetz Tyler , Mills Joseph , Tessari Anna , Pawlikowski Megan , Braddom Ashley E. , Posid Tasha , Zynger Debra L. , James Cindy , Embrione Valerio , Parbhoo Kareesma , Foray Claudia , Coppola Vincenzo , Croce Carlo M. , Palmieri Dario
Published: July 2020

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men and second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is only temporarily effective for advanced-stage PCa, as the disease inevitably progresses to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). The protein nucleolin (NCL) is overexpressed in several types of human tumors where it is also mislocalized to the cell surface. We previously reported the identification of a single-chain fragment variable (scFv) immuno-agent that is able to bind NCL on the surface of breast cancer cells and inhibit proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we evaluated whether NCL could be a valid therapeutic target for PCa, utilizing DU145, PC3 (CRPC), and LNCaP (androgen-sensitive) cell lines. First, we interrogated the publicly available databases and noted that higher NCL mRNA levels are associated with higher Gleason Scores as well as with recurrent and metastatic tumors. Then, using our anti-NCL scFv, we demonstrated that NCL is expressed on the surface of all three tested cell lines and that NCL inhibition results in reduced proliferation and migration. We also measured the inhibitory effect of NCL targeting on the biogenesis of oncogenic microRNAs such as miR-21, -221 and -222, which was cell context dependent. Taken together, our data provide evidence that NCL targeting inhibits the key hallmarks of malignancy in PCa cells and may provide a novel therapeutic option for patients with advanced-stage PCa.
Life Cycle Energy Cost Assessment for Pump Units with Various Types of Line-Start Operating Motors Including Cable Losses
Authors: Kazakbaev Vadim , Prakht Vladimir , Dmitrievskii Vladimir , Oshurbekov Safarbek , Golovanov Dmitry
Published: July 2020

The paper presents a comparative analysis of life-cycle energy consumption for three different types of 4 kW line-start motors used in a pump unit with throttling: the most widely used induction motor with IE3 efficiency class, line start permanent magnet synchronous motor with IE4 efficiency class and line start synchronous reluctance motor with IE4 efficiency class. The operating cycle for pump units with constant flow is considered for the above-mentioned types of motors taking into account not only the losses in the pump and motor, but also in the power supply cable. It is shown that the line start synchronous reluctance motor without magnets has the highest efficiency over the entire considered loading range. However, its power factor is lower than that of the synchronous motor with magnets and therefore it has more significant losses in power supply cable. Despite this disadvantage, the line-start reluctance motor is a good alternative to widespread induction motor since it allows saving of approximately 4000 euro more than the latter during the 20 years life cycle. It also provides similar savings in comparison to the permanent magnet synchronous motor, but unlike it, it does not have costly rare-earth materials in the rotor.
Energy Efficiency Evaluation Based on Data Envelopment Analysis: A Literature Review
Authors: Xu Tao , You Jianxin , Li Hui , Shao Luning
Published: July 2020

The importance and urgency of energy efficiency in sustainable development are increasing. Accurate assessment of energy efficiency is of considerable significance and necessity. The data envelopment analysis (DEA) method has been widely used to study energy efficiency as a total factor efficiency assessment method. In order to summarize the latest research on DEA in the field of energy efficiency, this article first analyzes the overall situation of related literature published in 2011–2019. Subsequently, the definition, measurement and evaluation variables of energy efficiency are introduced. After that, this article reviews the current DEA model and its extension models and applications based on different scenarios. Finally, considering the shortcomings of the existing DEA model, possible future research topics are proposed.
Sustainable E-Bike Charging Station That Enables AC, DC and Wireless Charging from Solar Energy
Authors: Chandra Mouli Gautham Ram , Van Duijsen Peter , Grazian Francesca , Jamodkar Ajay , Bauer Pavol , Isabella Olindo
Published: July 2020

If electric vehicles have to be truly sustainable, it is essential to charge them from sustainable sources of electricity, such as solar or wind energy. In this paper, the design of solar powered e-bike charging station that provides AC, DC and wireless charging of e-bikes is investigated. The charging station has integrated battery storage that enables for both grid-connected and off-grid operation. The DC charging uses the DC power from the photovoltaic panels directly for charging the e-bike battery without the use of an AC charging adapter. For the wireless charging, the e-bike can be charged through inductive power transfer via the bike kickstand (receiver) and a specially designed tile (transmitter) at the charging station, which provides maximum convenience to the user.
Optical Design of a Novel Two-Stage Dish Applied to Thermochemical Water/CO2 Splitting with the Concept of Rotary Secondary Mirror
Authors: Yang Song , Wang Jun , Lund Peter D.
Published: July 2020

In this paper, a novel two-stage dish concentrator (TSD) with a rotary secondary mirror (SM) is presented for solar thermal water/CO2 splitting. An in-house code for ray-tracing simulation of the concentrator was developed and validated. Among all feasible geometries, a hyperboloid with an upper sheet is the most popular option and is widely used as a secondary reflector, which is mainly discussed here. All para-hyperboloid geometric combinations can be categorized into three typical patterns (φ1 < π/2, φ1 = π/2, φ1 > π/2, φ1 = field angle of PM). The initial designs of the TSD, respective to different off-axis levels for each combination, were first designed. Then a new mathematical model was introduced to reshape the SM to reach optimal truncated designs. Finally, a new concept of an off-axis primary mirror (PM) combined with the truncated SM was evaluated by using the in-house ray-tracing code. The results include the optical efficiency, concentration ratio and intercepted radiant flux. The best solutions with the highest optical efficiency fall in the range π/2 ≤ φ1 ≤ (π − arcsin 0.8) rads and 0.4 ≤ NA2 ≤ 0.6 (NA2 = sin φ2, φ2 = field angle of SM), which vary with the concentration ratio and inclination angle.
A Selective Fault Clearing Scheme for a Hybrid VSC-LCC Multi-Terminal HVdc System
Authors: Haleem Naushath M. , Rajapakse Athula D. , Gole Aniruddha M. , Fernando Ioni T.
Published: July 2020

A selective fault clearing scheme is proposed for a hybrid voltage source converter (VSC)-line commutated converter (LCC) multi-terminal high voltage direct current (HVdc) transmission structure in which two small capacity VSC stations tap into the main transmission line of a high capacity LCC-HVdc link. The use of dc circuit breakers (dc CBs) on the branches connecting to VSCs at the tapping points is explored to minimize the impact of tapping on the reliability of the main LCC link. This arrangement allows clearing of temporary faults on the main LCC line as usual by force retardation of the LCC rectifier. The faults on the branches connecting to VSC stations can be cleared by blocking insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) and opening ac circuit breakers (ac CB), without affecting the main line’s performance. A local voltage and current measurement based fault discrimination scheme is developed to identify the faulted sections and pole(s), and trigger appropriate fault recovery functions. This fault discrimination scheme is capable of detecting and discriminating short circuits and high resistances faults in any branch well before 2 ms. For the test grid considered, 6 kA, 2 ms dc CBs can easily facilitate the intended fault clearing functions and maintain the power transfer through healthy pole during single-pole faults.
NOx Emissions and Nitrogen Fate at High Temperatures in Staged Combustion
Authors: Wu Song , Che Defu , Wang Zhiguo , Su Xiaohui
Published: July 2020

Staged combustion is an effective technology to control NOx emissions for coal-fired boilers. In this paper, the characteristics of NOx emissions under a high temperature and strong reducing atmosphere conditions in staged air and O2/CO2 combustion were investigated by CHEMKIN. A methane flame doped with ammonia and hydrogen cyanide in a tandem-type tube furnace was simulated to detect the effects of combustion temperature and stoichiometric ratio on NOx emissions. Mechanism analysis was performed to identify the elementary steps for NOx formation and reduction at high temperatures. The results indicate that in both air and O2/CO2 staged combustion, the conversion ratios of fuel-N to NOx at the main combustion zone exit increase as the stoichiometric ratio rises, and they are slightly affected by the combustion temperature. The conversion ratios at the burnout zone exit decrease with the increasing stoichiometric ratio at low temperatures, and they are much higher than those at the main combustion zone exit. A lot of nitrogen compounds remain in the exhaust of the main combustion zone and are oxidized to NOx after the injection of a secondary gas. Staged combustion can lower NOx emissions remarkably, especially under a high temperature (≥1600 °C) and strong reducing atmosphere (SR ≤ 0.8) conditions. Increasing the combustion temperature under strong reducing atmosphere conditions can raise the H atom concentration and change the radical pool composition and size, which facilitate the reduction of NO to N2. Ultimately, the increased OH/H ratio in staged O2/CO2 combustion offsets part of the reducibility, resulting in the final NOx emissions being higher than those in air combustion under the same conditions.
A Model-Based Design of Distributed Automation Systems for the Smart Grid: Implementation and Validation
Authors: Della Giustina Davide , Alvarez de Sotomayor Amelia , Dedè Alessio , Ramos Francisco
Published: July 2020

The paper aims at describing a model-based approach to design automation logics for fault location and supply restoration in medium voltage distribution networks. The application of automation functions along medium voltage feeders and, in particular, the installation of protection devices in secondary substations mandates the design and the implementation of complex logics to coordinate the operations of this hardware in case of fault occurrences. This synchronization is realized with the exchange of IEC 61850 GOOSE messages, but the correct usage of this information must be implemented in each protection device through dedicated logics, which are not in the common out-of-the-box system configurations. To support the introduction and the design of these logics, an automata-based approach has been proposed and successfully demonstrated in a real environment in the European research project IDE4L. This formal methodology has been introduced to simplify the design phase and to standardize the logics implemented in the protection prototypes realized in the project. The same models have also been used in the implementation phase with a semi-automatic code generation procedure, considering as a target system the software programmable logic controllers (soft-PLCs), available on the protection devices. Based on the test results and the short time to set up the test bench, this approach proved to be a reliable and effective way to implement complex medium voltage (MV) automation logics such those needed in modern smart grids.
Synergistic Effect of Expanded Graphite-Silane Functionalized Silica as a Hybrid Additive in Improving the Thermal Conductivity of Cementitious Grouts with Controllable Water Uptake
Authors: Berktas Ilayda , Nejad Ghafar Ali , Fontana Patrick , Caputcu Ayten , Menceloglu Yusuf , Saner Okan Burcu
Published: July 2020

Recently, a growing demand for geothermal applications has led to the exploitation of energy efficiently by developing grouting materials in the borehole between pipes and the ground. Therefore, the current study developed newly formulated cementitious grouts by the integration of expanded graphite (EG)-based hybrid additives synthesized by building chemical bridges between silica particles and EG in the presence of amino functional silane coupling agents. These produced hybrid additives with controlled EG and silica ratios were utilized in grout mixtures used in borehole heat exchangers to enhance the thermal conductivity. According to the optimization study on the formulation development of grout mixtures with bentonite, silica sands, cement, and superplasticizer by adding neat EG and EG-based hybrids, the relationship between the carbon amount and water demand was found to have a significant impact on thermal conductivity. The highest thermal conductivity value of 2.656 W/mK was achieved by the incorporation of 5 wt% hybrid additive with the ratio silica/EG of 1:5 compared to the reference grout, which showed a thermal conductivity of 2.373 W/mK. Therefore, the enhancement in thermal conductivity was dependent on the increase in the EG content and also the additive loading ratio, resulting in a slight increase in the water demand.
Preventive Maintenance and Forced Outages in Power Plants in Korea
Authors: Kim Tae-Woo , Chang Yenjae , Kim Dae-Wook , Kim Man-Keun
Published: July 2020

Maintaining high facility reliability in power plants is essential to secure long-term electricity supply. This paper applies the survival analysis to the actual unit level power generation data in Korea to estimate the relationship between facility reliability and the preventive maintenance. Duration of generators between forced outages is used to measure plant reliability. the empirical analysis shows that preventive maintenance cost, planned outage for maintenance, use rate, and reserve margin lead to the longer duration of generators and, in turn, the lower forced outage rates. We uncover that the marginal benefit of the preventive maintenance cost is decreasing at an increasing rate. It indicates that the marginal benefit of the “current” maintenance cost is minimal. Results in the paper imply that power plants in Korea might be spending unnecessarily high maintenance costs considering already having world’s lowest forced outage rates.
“We Don’t Assume That Everyone Has the Same Idea About Health, Do We?” Explorative Study of Citizens’ Perceptions of Health and Participation to Improve Their Health in a Low Socioeconomic City District
Authors: de Jong Marja A. J. G. , Wagemakers Annemarie , Koelen Maria A.
Published: July 2020

In community health promotion programs that aim to reduce health inequities, citizen participation is recommended, as it strengthens citizens’ active involvement and has a positive impact on health. A prerequisite for citizen participation is recognizing and incorporating citizens’ perceptions of health. Therefore, this study aimed to explore these perceptions and actions needed to improve the health of citizens living in a low socioeconomic city district. Concept mapping was used to actively engage community members as part of the action research method. Eleven community groups (n = 89 citizens) together with community workers participated in the study. Participants in all groups agreed that health entails more than the absence of disease, and therefore it is a multidimensional concept. Social relations, physical activity, positive life attitude, healthy eating, and being in control were important perceptions about health. Although the participants were aware of the relation between lifestyle and health, actions to improve health included doing things together, collaboration, self-confidence, focusing on possibilities, and socially shared meanings. Creating a supportive environment to address health behavior appeared to be the most important action for citizens to facilitate behavior change. Concept mapping helped to involve citizens and provided community workers with valuable information to shape the program together with citizens.
The Effectiveness of a Dyadic Pain Management Program for Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Chronic Pain: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Li Ziyan , Tse Mimi , Tang Angel
Published: July 2020

Background: Chronic pain is a major health problem among older adults and their informal caregivers, which has negative effects on their physical and psychological status. The dyadic pain management program (DPMP) is provided to community-dwelling older adults and informal caregivers to help the dyads reduce pain symptoms, improve the quality of life, develop good exercise habits, as well as cope and break the vicious circle of pain. Methods: A pilot randomized controlled trial was designed and all the dyads were randomly divided into two groups: the DPMP group and control group. Dyads in the DPMP group participated in an 8-week DPMP (4-week face-to-face program and 4-week home-based program), whereas dyads in the control group received one page of simple pain-related information. Results: In total, 64 dyads participated in this study. For baseline comparisons, no significant differences were found between the two groups. After the interventions, the pain score was significantly reduced from 4.25 to 2.57 in the experimental group, respectively. In the repeated measures ANOVA, the differences in pain score (F = 107.787, p < 0.001, d = 0.777) was statistically significant for the group-by-time interaction. After the interventions, the experimental group participants demonstrated significantly higher pain self-efficacy compared with the control group (F = 80.535, p < 0.001, d = 0.722). Furthermore, the elderly increased exercise time significantly (F = 111.212, p < 0.001, d = 0.782) and reported developing good exercise habits. Conclusions: These results provide preliminary support for the effectiveness of a DPMP for relieving the symptoms of chronic pain among the elderly.
Healthcare Workers and Manual Patient Handling: A Pilot Study for Interdisciplinary Training
Authors: Garzillo Elpidio Maria , Monaco Maria Grazia Lourdes , Corvino Anna Rita , D’Ancicco Francesco , Feola Daniela , Della Ventura Dino , Miraglia Nadia , Lamberti Monica
Published: July 2020

Manual patient handling (MPH) is a major occupational risk in healthcare settings. The aim of this study was to propose an MPH training model involving interdisciplinary aspects. A scheduled training program was performed with 60 healthcare workers (HCWs) from a hospital in Naples, Italy, providing training divided into three sections (occupational health—section one; physical therapy—section two; psychosocial section—section three) and lasting six hours. Fifty-two HCWs performed the training session. In section one, a questionnaire about risk perception related to specific working tasks was administered. Section two provided specific exercises for the postural discharge of the anatomical areas most involved in MPH. The last section provided teamwork consolidation through a role-playing exercise. The training program could also be useful for risk assessment itself, as they can examine the perceptions of the specific risk of the various workers and incorrect attitudes and therefore correct any incorrect procedures, reducing exposure to specific risks in the field. This pilot study proposes a training model that explores all aspects related to MPH risk exposure and also underlines the need for standardization of this formative model, which could represent a useful tool for studying the real effectiveness of training in workplaces.
Effect of PreAnaesThesia Computerized Health (PATCH) Assessment on Duration of Nurse—Patient Consultation and Patient Experience: A Pilot Trial
Authors: Osman Tarig , Lew Eileen , Lum Elaine , Chew Jennifer , Dabas Rajive , Sng Ban Leong , Car Josip
Published: July 2020

Preanaesthesia health assessment is gradually transitioning from paper-based, face-to-face assessment to digitized assessment, self-administered by the patient. This transition could potentially optimize the various goals of assessment, notably facilitating the efficient collection of the patient’s health information. We have previously developed and validated a tablet application (PreAnaesThesia Computerized Health assessment application or “PATCH”) for patients to conduct preanaesthesia self-assessment. In a randomized controlled trial, we sought to compare the duration of nurse–patient consultation and patient satisfaction between patients who underwent PATCH self-assessment vs. standard care nurse-led assessment. Fifty-two elective surgical patients were randomized to complete either PATCH assessment or standard care nurse-led assessment at an outpatient preoperative clinic. The duration of nurse–patient consultation was subsequently noted for all patients who also completed a satisfaction survey. The mean (SD) nurse–patient consultation times in the PATCH and standard care groups were comparable, at 11.5 (3.6) min and 12.2 (2.9) min, respectively (p = 0.703). Overall satisfaction scores were also comparable, at 23.9 and 27.0 respectively (p = 0.451) for the PATCH and standard nurse assessment groups. Favorable perceptions of PATCH among users ranged between 41.7% and 79.2%. In conclusion, PATCH self-assessment can feasibly be introduced into current practice with comparable nurse–patient consultation times and patient satisfaction.
The Role of Electrocardiography in Occupational Medicine, from Einthoven’s Invention to the Digital Era of Wearable Devices
Authors: Baldassarre Antonio , Mucci Nicola , Padovan Martina , Pellitteri Alessia , Viscera Silvia , Lecca Luigi Isaia , Galea Raymond P. , Arcangeli Giulio
Published: July 2020

Clinical-instrumental investigations, such as electrocardiography (ECG), represent a corollary of a procedures that, nowadays, is called upon as part of the principles of precision medicine. However when carrying out the professional routine examinations, most tend to ignore how a “simple” instrument can offer indispensable support in clinical practice, even in occupational medicine. The advent of the digital age, made of silicon and printed circuit boards, has allowed the miniaturization of the electronic components of these electro-medical devices. Finally, the adoption of patient wearables in medicine has been rapidly expanding worldwide for a number of years. This has been driven mainly by consumers’ demand to monitor their own health. With the ongoing research and development of new features capable of assessing and transmitting real-time biometric data, the impact of wearables on cardiovascular management has become inevitable. Despite the potential offered by this technology, as evident from the scientific literature, the application of these devices in the field of health and safety in the workplace is still limited. This may also be due to the lack of targeted scientific research. While offering great potential, it is very important to consider and evaluate ethical aspects related to the use of these smart devices, such as the management of the collected data relating to the physiological parameters and the location of the worker. This technology is to be considered as being aimed at monitoring the subject’s physiological parameters, and not at the diagnosis of any pathological condition, which should always be on charge of the medical specialist We conducted a review of the evolution of the role that electrophysiology plays as part of occupational health and safety management and on its possible future use, thanks to ongoing technological innovation.
Employment Legal Framework for Persons with Disabilities in China: Effectiveness and Reasons
Authors: Hao Yuling , Li Peng
Published: July 2020

In order to promote the employment of persons with disabilities, two dominant legal approaches—anti-discrimination legislation based on the social model of disability and an employment quota scheme based on the medical model—are usually employed on a nation-state basis in disability policies. This article systematically examines the reasons why both the anti-discrimination and employment quota scheme legal frameworks have limited effectiveness in promoting employment of persons with disabilities in China. We found that the lack of a definition of disability, the lack of a definition of discrimination, and the absence of effective enforcement mechanisms are the reasons for poor outcomes of the anti-discrimination legal framework. For the employment quota scheme, conflicts between the mainstream labor market legal framework and the quota scheme legal framework have prompted employers to pay penalties rather than hire persons with disabilities. China should address these issues in the current legal system in the short term. Meanwhile, the CRPD should be more strongly emphasized in China. This article argues for the human rights model espoused by the CRPD, instead of the medical model, to develop a coherent and sustainable disability legal framework for promoting participation of persons with disabilities, rather than focusing on viewing them as recipients of care.
Impact of Whole Body Electromyostimulation on Velocity, Power and Body Composition in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Pano-Rodriguez Alvaro , Beltran-Garrido Jose Vicente , Hernandez-Gonzalez Vicenç , Nasarre-Nacenta Natalia , Reverter-Masia Joaquin
Published: July 2020

Menopause is associated with losses in strength and power along with weight and fat mass gains, which may result from menopause-related hormonal changes, aging-associated diseases, and decreased physical activity time. The objective of this study is to analyze if whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) is suitable for the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal physical deterioration. Thirty-four healthy sedentary women between 55 and 69 years followed an experimental design pre-post test. Both groups conducted 10 weeks of aerobic and strength training program. The experimental group conducted the training with superimposed WB-EMS during exercise. At the end of the intervention, the experimental group obtained better power (Squat: mean difference (MD) = 38.69 W [1.75,75.62], d = 0.81; Bench press: MD = 25.64 W [17.48, 33.82], d = 2.39) and velocity (Squat: MD = 0.04 m·s−1 [0.01, 0.08], d = 0.98; Bench press: MD = 0.10 m·s−1 [0.06, 0.14], d = 1.90) score improvements than the other group (pBonferroni < 0.05). Furthermore, trivial to small effects were found in the body composition of the participants of both groups (p > 0.050). WB-EMS showed a favorable isolated effect on the development of power and velocity, but it induced negligible effects on the body composition of postmenopausal women.
Perceived Needs Among Asylum Seekers in Sweden: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Hugelius Karin , Semrau Maya , Holmefur Marie
Published: July 2020

The health and well-being of asylum seekers in high-income countries is a concern from both individual and community perspectives. This study aims to describe the perceived needs of adult asylum seekers in Sweden. A mixed methods study was conducted that combined a non-randomized descriptive cross-sectional assessment of perceived serious needs using the Humanitarian Emergency Settings Perceived Needs Scale (HESPER) Web with 85 adult asylum seekers and focus group discussions with 14 adult asylum seekers in Sweden. Descriptive and comparative statistics were used for the quantitative part, and thematic analysis for the qualitative part. The total number of perceived serious needs reported by respondents ranged from zero to 13 needs per person with a mean of four needs (SD 2.71). The most commonly perceived serious needs were related to income or livelihood, separation from loved ones, being displaced from home, distress, and concerns about accessing adequate health care services. Many of the perceived needs appeared to be related to experiences of being dependent, in limbo, and vulnerable. Addressing people’s current perceived needs can contribute to resilience and well-being and therefore should be considered in health care systems that cater to immigrants.
The Adipokines in Cancer Cachexia
Authors: Mannelli Michele , Gamberi Tania , Magherini Francesca , Fiaschi Tania
Published: July 2020

Cachexia is a devastating pathology induced by several kinds of diseases, including cancer. The hallmark of cancer cachexia is an extended weight loss mainly due to skeletal muscle wasting and fat storage depletion from adipose tissue. The latter exerts key functions for the health of the whole organism, also through the secretion of several adipokines. These hormones induce a plethora of effects in target tissues, ranging from metabolic to differentiating ones. Conversely, the decrease of the circulating level of several adipokines positively correlates with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. A lot of findings suggest that cancer cachexia is associated with changed secretion of adipokines by adipose tissue. In agreement, cachectic patients show often altered circulating levels of adipokines. This review reported the findings of adipokines (leptin, adiponectin, resistin, apelin, and visfatin) in cancer cachexia, highlighting that to study in-depth the involvement of these hormones in this pathology could lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies.
Intracellular Toxic Advanced Glycation End-Products Promote the Production of Reactive Oxygen Species in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Sakasai-Sakai Akiko , Takata Takanobu , Takeuchi Masayoshi
Published: July 2020

Hepatocyte cell death is a key process in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, the factors responsible for and mechanisms underlying NASH-related cell death have not yet been elucidated in detail. We herein investigated the effects of intracellular glyceraldehyde (GA)-derived advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), named toxic AGEs (TAGE), on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which have been implicated in the pathogenesis of NASH. Cell death related to intracellular TAGE accumulation was eliminated in the hepatocyte carcinoma cell line HepG2 by the antioxidant effects of N-acetyl-L-cysteine. The intracellular accumulation of TAGE increased ROS production and the expression of Nrf2, including its downstream gene. These results suggest that ROS are produced in association with the accumulation of TAGE and are a direct trigger for cell death. We also investigated the factors responsible for these increases in ROS. Catalase activity did not decrease with the accumulation of TAGE, while mitochondrial membrane depolarization was enhanced in cells treated with GA. These results indicate that TAGE play an important role in mitochondrial abnormalities and increases in ROS production, both of which are characteristic features of NASH. The suppression of TAGE accumulation has potential as a new therapeutic target in the progression of NASH.