bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Hierarchical Model of Mediation Effect of Motivation (MO) between Internal Marketing (IM) and Service Innovation (SI)
Authors: Raeisi Soheila , Lingjie Meng , Suhaili Binti Ramli Nur
Published: November 2019

This study investigates the mediation effect of motivation (MO) between internal marketing (IM) and service innovation (SI) using a hierarchical model. It adopts Bahman Group Corp of the automobile industry in Iran as a case study. This paper aims to examine the effect of internal marketing (IM) on service innovation (SI) by the mediation effect of motivation (MO). It develops a theoretical hierarchical multi-component model and analyses through a two-step approach of higher-order model by using PLS on 171 clean data. This research uses a survey method to collect data from the employees of Bahman Group Corp. The results indicate that motivation (MO) has a partial mediation effect between internal marketing (IM) and service innovation (SI). This study illustrates that internal communication (IC) and a New Organizational Delivery system (NOD) have the most substantial effect on internal marketing (IM) and service innovation (SI). Moreover, this research highlights to the service-based organisation to pay more attention to enhance internal marketing dimensions, especially in terms of service innovation to improve competitiveness. The results recommend further studies to examine the correlation between each indicator. The findings conclude with two main contributions and managerial implication to the research area that impactful to the subject of study.
Study of Personal Mobility Vehicle (PMV) with Active Inward Tilting Mechanism on Obstacle Avoidance and Energy Efficiency
Authors: Haraguchi Tetsunori , Kageyama Ichiro , Kaneko Tetsuya
Published: November 2019

Traffic congestion and lack of parking spaces in urban areas etc. may lessen the original benefits of cars, and now new ultra-small mobility concepts called personal mobility vehicles (PMVs) are receiving attention. Among them, PMVs with an inward tilting mechanism in order to avoid overturning on turning, as in motorcycles, look realistic in new, innovative traffic systems. In this study, PMVs with an active inward tilting mechanism with three wheels, double front wheels and single rear wheel, were studied regarding front inner wheel lifting phenomena, capability of obstacle avoidance and energy balance of active tilting mechanism. Based on a comprehensive study of inner wheel lifting and obstacle avoidance, PMVs with a front wheel steering system as the most realistic specification were compared on capability of obstacle avoidance with passenger cars and motorcycles with those that have current market experience, and showed better capability. Although the energy consumption of an active inward tilting mechanism might be in conflict with the energy efficiency of small PMV concepts, the energy needed to tilt PMVs was very little compared with the general energy consumption of driving. It was clarified that the new PMV concepts with inward tilting mechanism have sufficient social acceptability from both mandatory points of safety and efficiency.
Stabilizing Li-rich NMC Materials by Using Precursor Salts with Acetate and Nitrate Anions for Li-ion Batteries
Authors: Hamad Khaleel I. , Xing Yangchuan
Published: November 2019

Lithium-rich layered oxide cathode materials of Li1.2Mn0.5100Ni0.2175Co0.0725O2 have been synthesized using metal salts with acetate and nitrate anions as precursors in glycerol solvent. The effects of the precursor metal salts on particle size, morphology, cationic ordering, and ultimately, the electrode performance of the cathode powders have been studied. It was demonstrated that the use of cornstarch as a gelling agent with nitrate-based metal salts results in a reduction of particle size, leading to higher surface area and initial discharge capacity. However, the cornstarch gelling effect was minimized when acetate salts were used. As observed in the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, cornstarch can react with acetates to form acetyl groups during the synthesis, effectively preventing the cornstarch gel from capping the particles, thus leading to larger particles. A tradeoff was found when nitrate and acetate salts were mixed in the synthesis. It was shown that the new cathode powder has the best cationic ordering and capacity retention, promising a much stable Li-rich cathode material for lithium-ion batteries.
Spanish Validation of the Child and Adolescent Perfectionism Scale: Factorial Invariance and Latent Means Differences across Sex and Age
Authors: Vicent María , Inglés Cándido J. , Sanmartín Ricardo , Gonzálvez Carolina , Delgado Beatriz , García-Fernández José Manuel
Published: November 2019

The present study analyzed the psychometric properties of a Spanish translation of the child–adolescent perfectionism scale (CAPS-S), as well as its factorial invariance and latent means differences across sex and age. A sample of 1809 Spanish students of Primary Education, aged between 8 and 11 (Mage = 9.53, SD = 1.11), was used. Confirmatory factor analyses and multigroup confirmatory factor analyses were applied to examine the factor structure of the CAPS-S. The results revealed that a model made up of 13 items structured in 3 factors—Self-Oriented Perfectionism-Striving (SOP-Striving), Self-Oriented Perfectionism-Critical (SOP-Critical), and Socially Prescribed Perfectionism (SPP)—showed a better fit than any of the previously tested models, and it was invariant across sex and age. SOP-Striving did not significantly correlate with school anxiety and aggression, whereas significant and positive correlations were found in the case of SOP-Critical and SPP. The levels of reliability and stability of the scale were ω = 0.91, 0.74, 0.73, and 0.80, and rxx = 0.73, 0.62, 0.73, and 0.74, for the total CAPS-S and for the SOP-Striving, SOP-Critical, and SPP dimensions, respectively. Analysis of latent means differences revealed that boys scored significantly higher than girls in SOP-Critical. The 9-year-olds scored significantly lower in SPP than their 8-year-old peers. Conversely, 11-year-olds scored higher in SOP-Critical than 8-year-olds. In addition, 10- and 11-year-olds scored higher than their 9-year-old peers. The CAPS-S presented in this research is a reliable and valid instrument to assess perfectionism in Spanish child population.
Macrophages Inability to Mediate Adherent-Invasive E. coli Replication is Linked to Autophagy in Crohn’s Disease Patients
Authors: Buisson Anthony , Douadi Clara , Ouchchane Lemlih , Goutte Marion , Hugot Jean-Pierre , Dubois Anaëlle , Minet-Quinard Régine , Bouvier Damien , Bommelaer Gilles , Vazeille Emilie , Barnich Nicolas
Published: November 2019

The macrophages from Crohn’s Disease (CD) patients are defective to control the replication of CD-associated adherent-invasive E. coli (AIEC). We aimed to identify the host factors associated with AIEC replication focusing on polymorphisms related to autophagy. Peripheral blood monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM), obtained from 95 CD patient, 30 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients and 15 healthy subjects, were genotyped for several CD-associated polymorphisms. AIEC bacteria survival increased within MDM from CD patients compared to UC (p = 0.0019). AIEC bacteria survival increased in patients with CD-associated polymorphism IRGM (p = 0.05) and reduced in those with CD-associated polymorphisms XBP-1 (p = 0.026) and ULK-1 (p = 0.033). AIEC infection led to an increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β (p < 0.0001) and TNF-α (p < 0.0001) in CD macrophages. ULK-1 expression increased in AIEC-infected MDM from CD patients compared to MDM from UC patients or healthy subjects (p = 0.0056) and correlated with AIEC survival (p = 0.0013). Moreover, the expression of ULK-1 phosphorylation on Serine 757 decreased following to AIEC infection (p < 0.0001). Short-term silencing of ULK-1 and IRGM genes restricted and promote, respectively, AIEC survival within MDM (p = 0.0018 and p = 0.0291). In conclusion, the macrophage defect to mediate AIEC clearance in CD patients is linked to polymorphisms related to autophagy such as IRGM and ULK-1.
Reductions of Circulating Nitric Oxide are Followed by Hypertension during Pregnancy and Increased Activity of Matrix Metalloproteinases-2 and -9 in Rats
Authors: Nascimento Regina A. , Possomato-Vieira Jose S. , Bonacio Giselle F. , Rizzi Elen , Dias-Junior Carlos A.
Published: November 2019

Hypertensive pregnancy has been associated with reduced nitric oxide (NO), bioavailability, and increased activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). However, it is unclear if MMPs activation is regulated by NO during pregnancy. To this end, we examined activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in plasma, placenta, uterus and aorta, NO bioavailability, oxidative stress, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and fetal-placental development at the early, middle, and late pregnancy stages in normotensive and Nω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl-ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertensive pregnancy in rats. Reduced MMP-2 activity in uterus, placenta, and aorta and reduced MMP-9 activity in plasma and placenta with concomitant increased NO levels were found in normotensive pregnant rats. By contrast, increased MMP-2 activity in uterus, placenta, and aorta, and increased MMP-9 activity in plasma and placenta with concomitant reduced NO levels were observed in hypertensive pregnant rats. Also, elevated oxidative stress was displayed by hypertensive pregnant rats at the middle and late stages. These findings in the L-NAME-treated pregnant rats were also followed by increases in SBP and associated with fetal growth restrictions at the middle and late pregnancy stages. We concluded that NO bioavailability may regulate MMPs activation during normal and hypertensive pregnancy.
Selection of Optimum Binder for Silicon Powder Anode in Lithium-Ion Batteries Based on the Impact of Its Molecular Structure on Charge–Discharge Behavior
Authors: Shimoi Norihiro , Komatsu Masae , Tanaka Yasumitsu
Published: November 2019

The high-capacity and optimal cycle characteristics of the silicon powder anode render it essential in lithium-ion batteries. The authors attempted to obtain a composite material by coating individual silicon particles of µm-order diameter with conductive carbon additive and resin to serve as a binder of an anode in a lithium-ion battery and thus improve its charge–discharge characteristics. Structural strain and hardness due to stress on the binder resin were alleviated by the adhesion between silicon or copper foil as a collector and the binder resin, preventing the systematic deterioration of the anode composite matrix immersed in electrolyte compositions including Li salt and fluoride. Moreover, the binder resin itself was confirmed to play a role of active material with occlusion and release of Li-ion. Furthermore, charge–discharge characteristics of the silicon powder anode active material strongly depend on the type of binder resin used; therefore, the binder resin used as composite material in rechargeable batteries should be carefully selected. Some resins for binding silicon particles were investigated for their mechanical and electrochemical properties, and a carbonized polyimide obtained a good charge–discharge cyclic property in a lithium-ion battery.
Water Saving in CSP Plants by a Novel Hydrophilic Anti-Soiling Coating for Solar Reflectors
Authors: Wette Johannes , Fernández-García Aránzazu , Sutter Florian , Buendía-Martínez Francisco , Argüelles-Arízcun David , Azpitarte Itziar , Pérez Gema
Published: November 2019

In this work, results of the outdoor exposure campaign of a newly developed hydrophilic anti-soiling coating for concentrated solar thermal power (CSP) mirrors are presented. The material was exposed for nearly two years under realistic outdoor conditions and the influence of two different cleaning techniques was evaluated. Mirror samples were analyzed during exposure and their reflectance and cleanliness were measured. The performance of the anti-soiling coated mirror samples was compared to conventional uncoated silvered-glass mirrors. The coatings showed appropriate anti-soiling and easy-to-clean behavior, with a mean cleanliness gain of 1 pp and maximum values under strong soiling conditions of up to over 7 pp. Cleanliness of the coated samples stayed higher throughout the whole campaign before and after cleaning, resulting in lower soiling rate compared to the reference material. Taking into account these values and supposing a threshold for cleaning of 96%, the number of cleaning cycles could be decreased by up to 11%. Finally, the coated material showed negligible degradation, not exceeding the degradation detected for the reference material.
Anti-Graffiti Behavior of Oleo/Hydrophobic Nano-Filled Coatings Applied on Natural Stone Materials
Authors: Lettieri Mariateresa , Masieri Maurizio , Pipoli Mariachiara , Morelli Alessandra , Frigione Mariaenrica
Published: November 2019

In recent years, graffiti writings are increasingly regarded as a form of art. However, their presence on historic building remains a vandalism and different strategies have been developed to clean or, preferably, protect the surfaces. In this study, an experimental nano-filled coating, based on fluorine resin containing SiO2 nano-particles, and two commercial products have been applied on compact and porous calcareous stones, representative of building materials used in the Mediterranean basin, and their anti-graffiti ability has been analyzed. All the tested experimental and commercial coatings exhibited high hydrophobicity and oleophobicity, thus meeting one of the basic requirements for anti-graffiti systems. The effects of staining by acrylic blu-colored spray paint and felt-tip marker were, then, assessed; the properties of the treated stone surfaces after cleaning by acetone were also investigated. Visual observations, contact angle measurements and color evaluations were performed to this aim. It was found that the protective coatings facilitated the spray paint removal; however high oleophobicity or paint repellence did not guarantee a complete cleaning. The stain from the felt-tip marker was confirmed to be extremely difficult to remove. The cleaning with a neat unconfined solvent promoted the movement of the applied polymers (and likely of the paint, as well) in the porous structure of the stone substrate.
Synthesis and Simulation of CaF2@Al(OH)3 Core-Shell Coated Solid Lubricant Composite Powder
Authors: Chen Zhaoqiang , Guo Niansheng , Xu Chonghai , Ji Lianggang , Guo Runxin , Wang Benyuan
Published: November 2019

In self-lubricating ceramic tools, adding CaF2 will significantly reduce the mechanical properties of ceramic tools. Based on heterogeneous nucleation theory, we have recently prepared aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3) coating on calcium fluoride (CaF2) through a liquid-phase heterogeneous nucleation method. By adding CaF2@Al(OH)3 coated powder to replace CaF2 powder, the self-lubricating ceramic tools maintain higher lubricity while also having better mechanical properties. The coating process was further confirmed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition, we used the molecular simulation software to simulate the suspension system of CaF2, Al(NO3)3·9H2O, and Al(OH)3 to study the process of Al(OH)3 coating on the surface of CaF2 particle to form CaF2@Al(OH)3 powders with core-shell structure. Further, the formation and evolution of Al(OH)3 molecules on the surface of CaF2 were analyzed.
Diagnosis of Dementia and Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Larner Andrew J.
Published: November 2019

In this special issue of Diagnostics, expert contributors have produced up-to-date research studies and reviews on various topics related to the diagnosis of dementia and cognitive impairment. The methods of the assessments discussed extend from simple neurological signs, which may be elicited in the clinical encounter, through cognitive screening instruments, to sophisticated analyses of neuroimaging and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of disease. It is hoped that these various methods may facilitate earlier diagnosis of dementia and its subtypes, and provide differential diagnosis of depression and functional cognitive disorders, as a prelude to meaningful interventions.
A Thermo-Electric Apparatus for Thermal Diffusivity and Thermal Conductivity Measurements
Authors: Zhang Wen-Hua , Lin Wei-Keng , Tsai Ching-Huang , Wu Pei-Hsun , Wu Shih-Kuo
Published: November 2019

In this study, a one-dimensional heat transfer measurement device is developed based on the mathematical theory of the Angstrom method. To conform to the mathematical assumption, it is required that the device precisely controls the heat source to generate sinusoidal temperature signal. A thermo-electric module is used as the heat source for the measurement platform. This module is connected to a computer for program control, such that the temperature can be controlled quickly, precisely, and dynamically. In this study, five common heat-conducting materials are tested to verify the proposed one-dimensional heat transfer measurement device. By substituting the experimental results into the mathematical model of the Angstrom method, the thermal diffusion and thermal conductivity of the test material is calculated. The experimental results are compared with the physical properties of the materials, and the accuracy error is extremely low. This study confirmed that the Angstrom method theory applied thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity measurement, which can be realized by thermo-electric temperature control technology.
Water-Soluble Inorganic Ions in Fine Particulate Emission During Forest Fires in Chinese Boreal and Subtropical Forests: An Indoor Experiment
Authors: Ma Yuanfan , Tigabu Mulualem , Guo Xinbin , Zheng Wenxia , Guo Linfei , Guo Futao
Published: November 2019

Understanding of the characteristics of water-soluble inorganic ions (WSI) in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emitted during forest fires has paramount importance due to their potential effect on ecosystem acidification. Thus, we investigated the emission factors (EFs) of ten most common WSI from combustion of leaves and branches of ten dominant tree species in Chinese boreal and sub-tropical forests under smoldering and flaming combustion stages using a self-designed combustion unit. The results showed that EF of PM2.5 was three times higher for the boreal (6.83 ± 0.67 g/kg) than the subtropical forest (1.97 ± 0.34 g/kg), and coniferous species emitted 1.5 times more PM2.5 (5.35 ± 0.64 g/kg) than broadleaved species (3.45 ± 0.37 g/kg). EF of total WSI was 1.27 ± 0.08 g/kg for the boreal and 1.08 ± 0.07 g/kg for the subtropical forest and 1.28 ± 0.09 and 1.07 ± 0.06 g/kg for broadleaved and coniferous species, respectively. Individual ionic species also varied significantly between forest types and species within forest types, and K+ and Cl− were the dominant ionic species in PM2.5, accounting for 25% and 30% for the boreal forest and 23% and 27% for the subtropical forest, respectively. Emissions of NO2− and SO42− were the lowest, accounting for 3% and 5% for the boreal forest and 4% for each of the subtropical forests, respectively. Combustion of leaves emitted significantly more ionic species (1.29 ± 0.05g/kg) than branches (1.05 ± 0.07 g/kg), and smoldering consistently emitted more ionic species (1.49 ± 0.09 g/kg) than flaming combustion (0.88 ± 0.03 g/kg). The cation to anion ratio was ≥1.0, suggesting that the particulate matter is neutral to alkalescent. As a whole, our findings demonstrate that forest fire in these regions may not contribute to ecosystem acidification despite the emission of a considerable amount of WSI during forest fires.
Intermediate-Salinity Systems at High Altitudes in the Peruvian Andes Unveil a High Diversity and Abundance of Bacteria and Viruses
Authors: Castelán-Sánchez Hugo Gildardo , Elorrieta Paola , Romoacca Pedro , Liñan-Torres Arturo , Sierra José Luis , Vera Ingrid , Batista-García Ramón Alberto , Tenorio-Salgado Silvia , Lizama-Uc Gabriel , Pérez-Rueda Ernesto , Quispe-Ricalde María Antonieta , Dávila-Ramos Sonia
Published: November 2019

Intermediate-salinity environments are distributed around the world. Here, we present a snapshot characterization of two Peruvian thalassohaline environments at high altitude, Maras and Acos, which provide an excellent opportunity to increase our understanding of these ecosystems. The main goal of this study was to assess the structure and functional diversity of the communities of microorganisms in an intermediate-salinity environment, and we used a metagenomic shotgun approach for this analysis. These Andean hypersaline systems exhibited high bacterial diversity and abundance of the phyla Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Balneolaeota, and Actinobacteria; in contrast, Archaea from the phyla Euryarchaeota, Thaumarchaeota, and Crenarchaeota were identified in low abundance. Acos harbored a more diverse prokaryotic community and a higher number of unique species compared with Maras. In addition, we obtained the draft genomes of two bacteria, Halomonas elongata and Idiomarina loihiensis, as well as the viral genomes of Enterobacteria lambda-like phage and Halomonas elongata-like phage and 27 partial novel viral halophilic genomes. The functional metagenome annotation showed a high abundance of sequences associated with detoxification, DNA repair, cell wall and capsule formation, and nucleotide metabolism; sequences for these functions were overexpressed mainly in bacteria and also in some archaea and viruses. Thus, their metabolic profiles afford a decrease in oxidative stress as well as the assimilation of nitrogen, a critical energy source for survival. Our work represents the first microbial characterization of a community structure in samples collected from Peruvian hypersaline systems.
Special Issue: Repetitive DNA Sequences
Authors: Lower Sarah E. , Dion-Côté Anne-Marie , Clark Andrew G. , Barbash Daniel A.
Published: November 2019

Repetitive DNAs are ubiquitous in eukaryotic genomes and, in many species, comprise the bulk of the genome. Repeats include transposable elements that can self-mobilize and disperse around the genome and tandemly-repeated satellite DNAs that increase in copy number due to replication slippage and unequal crossing over. Despite their abundance, repetitive DNAs are often ignored in genomic studies due to technical challenges in identifying, assembling, and quantifying them. New technologies and methods are now allowing unprecedented power to analyze repetitive DNAs across diverse taxa. Repetitive DNAs are of particular interest because they can represent distinct modes of genome evolution. Some repetitive DNAs form essential genome structures, such as telomeres and centromeres, that are required for proper chromosome maintenance and segregation, while others form piRNA clusters that regulate transposable elements; thus, these elements are expected to evolve under purifying selection. In contrast, other repeats evolve selfishly and cause genetic conflicts with their host species that drive adaptive evolution of host defense systems. However, the majority of repeats likely accumulate in eukaryotes in the absence of selection due to mechanisms of transposition and unequal crossing over. However, even these “neutral” repeats may indirectly influence genome evolution as they reach high abundance. In this Special Issue, the contributing authors explore these questions from a range of perspectives.
NOP53 as A Candidate Modifier Locus for Familial Non-Medullary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Orois Aida , Gara Sudheer K. , Mora Mireia , Halperin Irene , Martínez Sandra , Alfayate Rocio , Kebebew Electron , Oriola Josep
Published: November 2019

Nonsyndromic familial non-medullary thyroid cancer (FNMTC) represents 3–9% of thyroid cancers, but the susceptibility gene(s) remain unknown. We designed this multicenter study to analyze families with nonsyndromic FNMTC and identify candidate susceptibility genes. We performed exome sequencing of DNA from four affected individuals from one kindred, with five cases of nonsyndromic FNMTC. Single Nucleotide Variants, and insertions and deletions that segregated with all the affected members, were analyzed by Sanger sequencing in 44 additional families with FNMTC (37 with two affected members, and seven with three or more affected members), as well as in an independent control group of 100 subjects. We identified the germline variant p. Asp31His in NOP53 gene (rs78530808, MAF 1.8%) present in all affected members in three families with nonsyndromic FNMTC, and not present in unaffected spouses. Our functional studies of NOP53 in thyroid cancer cell lines showed an oncogenic function. Immunohistochemistry exhibited increased NOP53 protein expression in tumor samples from affected family members, compared with normal adjacent thyroid tissue. Given the relatively high frequency of the variant in the general population, these findings suggest that instead of a causative gene, NOP53 is likely a low-penetrant gene implicated in FNMTC, possibly a modifier.
In-Silico Molecular Binding Prediction for Human Drug Targets Using Deep Neural Multi-Task Learning
Authors: Lee Kyoungyeul , Kim Dongsup
Published: November 2019

In in-silico prediction for molecular binding of human genomes, promising results have been demonstrated by deep neural multi-task learning due to its strength in training tasks with imbalanced data and its ability to avoid over-fitting. Although the interrelation between tasks is known to be important for successful multi-task learning, its adverse effect has been underestimated. In this study, we used molecular interaction data of human targets from ChEMBL to train and test various multi-task and single-task networks and examined the effectiveness of multi-task learning for different compositions of targets. Targets were clustered based on sequence similarity in their binding domains and various target sets from clusters were chosen. By comparing the performance of deep neural architectures for each target set, we found that similarity within a target set is highly important for reliable multi-task learning. For a diverse target set or overall human targets, the performance of multi-task learning was lower than single-task learning, but outperformed single-task for the target set containing similar targets. From this insight, we developed Multiple Partial Multi-Task learning, which is suitable for binding prediction for human drug targets.
ARPNet: Antidepressant Response Prediction Network for Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Chang Buru , Choi Yonghwa , Jeon Minji , Lee Junhyun , Han Kyu-Man , Kim Aram , Ham Byung-Joo , Kang Jaewoo
Published: November 2019

Treating patients with major depressive disorder is challenging because it takes several months for antidepressants prescribed for the patients to take effect. This limitation may result in increased risks and treatment costs. To address this limitation, an accurate antidepressant response prediction model is needed. Recently, several studies have proposed models that extract useful features such as neuroimaging biomarkers and genetic variants from patient data, and use them as predictors for predicting the antidepressant responses of patients. However, it is impossible to utilize all the different types of predictors when making a clinical decision on what drugs to prescribe for a patient. Although a machine learning-based antidepressant response prediction model has been proposed to overcome this problem, the model cannot find the most effective antidepressant for a patient. Based on a neural network, we propose an Antidepressant Response Prediction Network (ARPNet) model capturing high-dimensional patterns from useful features. Based on a literature survey and data-driven feature selection, we extract useful features from patient data, and use the features as predictors. In ARPNet, the patient representation layer captures patient features and the antidepressant prescription representation layer captures antidepressant features. Utilizing the patient and antidepressant prescription representation vectors, ARPNet predicts the degree of antidepressant response. The experimental evaluation results demonstrate that our proposed ARPNet model outperforms machine learning-based models in predicting antidepressant response. Moreover, we demonstrate the applicability of ARPNet in downstream applications in use case scenarios.
Hydrostratigraphy and Hydraulic Characterisation of Shallow Coastal Aquifers, Niger Delta Basin: A Strategy for Groundwater Resource Management
Authors: Hassan Ibrahim , Kalin Robert M. , White Christopher J. , Aladejana Jamiu A.
Published: November 2019

The groundwater from shallow coastal aquifers in Nigeria has been reported to be under intense stress resulting from both natural and anthropogenic impacts ranging from saltwater intrusion, effluent-related contamination and pollution to oil spillage, gas flaring, municipal, industries and agriculture. Here we characterised the hydrostratigraphy and hydraulic characteristics of the shallow coastal aquifers of the Niger Delta basin and assessed the resilience of groundwater to both natural and anthropogenic impacts. Fifty-two borehole logs were analysed from which lithological sections were used to generate cross-sections along with four profiles. The system was more complex than previously reported: a unit of silty sand was observed in the western part of the basin that thins out leaving the eastern part of the basin as an unconfined aquifer underlain by multiple thin beds of the sand aquifer. A layered sand aquifer occurs in the northern parts of the basin, which holds freshwater in this area, and is interbedded by clay layers which serve as aquitards. The relatively higher hydraulic conductivity of the Benin Formation units compared to those of the Deltaic Formation leave it with weaker climate change resilience and more vulnerable to pollution and contamination. While groundwater remains the dominant source of fresh water in the northern part of the basin, a strategic approach is needed to access potable water from the southern part where contaminated surface water appears to directly interact with groundwater of the uppermost unconfined aquifer. Management of waste and effluent related to oil spillage, municipal, industries and agricultural in this area should be engineered to protect the groundwater resources of this aquifer.
Patient Perspectives to Inform a Health Literacy Educational Program: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis of Qualitative Studies
Authors: Jager Margot , de Zeeuw Janine , Tullius Janne , Papa Roberta , Giammarchi Cinzia , Whittal Amanda , de Winter Andrea F.
Published: November 2019

Patient-centred care is tailored to the needs of patients and is necessary for better health outcomes, especially for individuals with limited health literacy (LHL). However, its implementation remains challenging. The key to effectively address patient-centred care is to include perspectives of patients with LHL within the curricula of (future) healthcare providers (HCP). This systematic review aimed to explore and synthesize evidence on the needs, experiences and preferences of patients with LHL and to inform an existing educational framework. We searched three databases: PsychInfo, Medline and Cinahl, and extracted 798 articles. One-hundred and three articles met the inclusion criteria. After data extraction and thematic synthesis, key themes were identified. Patients with LHL and chronic diseases encounter multiple problems in the care process, which are often related to a lack of person-centeredness. Patient perspectives were categorized into four key themes: (1) Support system; (2) Patient self-management; (3) Capacities of HCPs; (4) Barriers in healthcare systems. “Cultural sensitivity” and “eHealth” were identified as recurring themes. A set of learning outcomes for (future) HCPs was developed based on our findings. The perspectives of patients with LHL provided valuable input for a comprehensive and person-centred educational framework that can enhance the relevance and quality of education for (future) HCPs, and contribute to better person-centred care for patients with LHL.
Next Generation Sequencing in Newborn Screening in the United Kingdom National Health Service
Authors: van Campen Julia C. , Sollars Elizabeth S. A. , Thomas Rebecca C. , Bartlett Clare M. , Milano Antonio , Parker Matthew D. , Dawe Jennifer , Winship Peter R. , Peck Gerrard , Grafham Darren , Kirk Richard J. , Bonham James R. , Goodeve Anne C. , Dalton Ann
Published: November 2019

Next generation DNA sequencing (NGS) has the potential to improve the diagnostic and prognostic utility of newborn screening programmes. This study assesses the feasibility of automating NGS on dried blood spot (DBS) DNA in a United Kingdom National Health Service (UK NHS) laboratory. An NGS panel targeting the entire coding sequence of five genes relevant to disorders currently screened for in newborns in the UK was validated on DBS DNA. An automated process for DNA extraction, NGS and bioinformatics analysis was developed. The process was tested on DBS to determine feasibility, turnaround time and cost. The analytical sensitivity of the assay was 100% and analytical specificity was 99.96%, with a mean 99.5% concordance of variant calls between DBS and venous blood samples in regions with ≥30× coverage (96.8% across all regions; all variant calls were single nucleotide variants (SNVs), with indel performance not assessed). The pipeline enabled processing of up to 1000 samples a week with a turnaround time of four days from receipt of sample to reporting. This study concluded that it is feasible to automate targeted NGS on routine DBS samples in a UK NHS laboratory setting, but it may not currently be cost effective as a first line test.
Foodborne Transmission of Deformed Wing Virus to Ants (Myrmica rubra)
Authors: Schläppi Daniel , Lattrell Patrick , Yañez Orlando , Chejanovsky Nor , Neumann Peter
Published: November 2019

Virus host shifts occur frequently, but the whole range of host species and the actual transmission pathways are often poorly understood. Deformed wing virus (DWV), an RNA virus described from honeybees (Apis mellifera), has been shown to have a broad host range. Since ants are often scavenging on dead honeybees, foodborne transmission of these viruses may occur. However, the role of the ant Myrmica rubra as an alternative host is not known and foodborne transmission to ants has not been experimentally addressed yet. Here, we show with a 16-week feeding experiment that foodborne transmission enables DWV type-A and -B to infect M. rubra and that these ants may serve as a virus reservoir. However, the titers of both plus- and minus-sense viral RNA strands decreased over time. Since the ants were fed with highly virus-saturated honeybee pupae, this probably resulted in initial viral peaks, then approaching lower equilibrium titers in infected individuals later. Since DWV infections were also found in untreated field-collected M. rubra colonies, our results support the wide host range of DWV and further suggest foodborne transmission as a so far underestimated spread mechanism.
Calculated Potential Bedload Versus Real Transported Sands along the Guadiana River Estuary (Spain–Portugal)
Authors: Morales Juan A. , Lozano Claudio , Sedrati Mouncef
Published: November 2019

The Guadiana estuary is a coastal system located in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula and is the natural border between Portugal and Spain. It is a rock-bounded estuary which extends along more than 40 km and is characterized by a semidiurnal mesotidal regime. This paper represents an approach to the bedload transport across two flow sections located in the fluvial and marine domains. In the fluvial profile, the most frequent bedform is the plane bed. In the marine area the bed of the deep channel is composed of well-sorted sand, while a lateral bar displays partially cohesive sediments with dominant fine sands in a matrix of clayey silts. Data were acquired during spring and neap tides. Near-bottom water velocities were registered by an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP). Density and bed rugosity were determined in sediment samples. These data were employed using Bagnold’s equation (1963) to quantify the potential bedload (Qb). Further, real bedload values (Sb) were obtained by using Poliakoff traps. The comparison of the results of Qb under both ebb and flood conditions demonstrated a clear river-to-sea net transport in both sectors. The values of Sb were lower than those of Qb in every condition. The sand input across the fluvial estuary cannot supply the potential bedload in the lower domain of the channel, thereby causing a deficit that explains this lack of agreement between potential and real transport.
Combining Spatio-Temporal Context and Kalman Filtering for Visual Tracking
Authors: Yang Haoran , Wang Juanjuan , Miao Yi , Yang Yulu , Zhao Zengshun , Wang Zhigang , Sun Qian , Wu Dapeng Oliver
Published: November 2019

As one of the core contents of intelligent monitoring, target tracking is the basis for video content analysis and processing. In visual tracking, due to occlusion, illumination changes, and pose and scale variation, handling such large appearance changes of the target object and the background over time remains the main challenge for robust target tracking. In this paper, we present a new robust algorithm (STC-KF) based on the spatio-temporal context and Kalman filtering. Our approach introduces a novel formulation to address the context information, which adopts the entire local information around the target, thereby preventing the remaining important context information related to the target from being lost by only using the rare key point information. The state of the object in the tracking process can be determined by the Euclidean distance of the image intensity in two consecutive frames. Then, the prediction value of the Kalman filter can be updated as the Kalman observation to the object position and marked on the next frame. The performance of the proposed STC-KF algorithm is evaluated and compared with the original STC algorithm. The experimental results using benchmark sequences imply that the proposed method outperforms the original STC algorithm under the conditions of heavy occlusion and large appearance changes.
Stochastic Brennan–Schwartz Diffusion Process: Statistical Computation and Application
Authors: Nafidi Ahmed , Moutabir Ghizlane , Gutiérrez-Sánchez Ramón
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we study the one-dimensional homogeneous stochastic Brennan–Schwartz diffusion process. This model is a generalization of the homogeneous lognormal diffusion process. What is more, it is used in various contexts of financial mathematics, for example in deriving a numerical model for convertible bond prices. In this work, we obtain the probabilistic characteristics of the process such as the analytical expression, the trend functions (conditional and non-conditional), and the stationary distribution of the model. We also establish a methodology for the estimation of the parameters in the process: First, we estimate the drift parameters by the maximum likelihood approach, with continuous sampling. Then, we estimate the diffusion coefficient by a numerical approximation. Finally, to evaluate the capability of this process for modeling real data, we applied the stochastic Brennan–Schwartz diffusion process to study the evolution of electricity net consumption in Morocco.
A MAGDM Method Based on Possibility Distribution Hesitant Fuzzy Linguistic Term Set and Its Application
Authors: Luo Zunhao , Li Zexin
Published: November 2019

The sustainable third-party reverse logistics provider (3PRLP) selection, as the core of sustainable supply chain management, has become paramount in research nowadays. In the actual evaluation process, the decision makers may hesitate in a few linguistic terms and have different partiality towards each term, hence the possibility distribution based hesitant fuzzy linguistic term sets (PDHFLTSs), as expressed by a consecutive or non-consecutive linguistic term set, is suitable for such an evaluation. The purpose of this paper is to solve sustainable 3PRLP selection problems with linguistic information by developing an effective and robust method. We firstly redefine the covariance-based correlation coefficient that can simplify the computation to calculate the consensus degree, and then introduce the hesitant degree in context of possibility distribution information, in order to enrich measures of PDHFLTSs. On this basis, the weights of experts are computed for expression aggregation. Secondly, to overcome attributes’ weights staying constant, the combination of group utility function and variable weight approach is introduced to give the weights of attributes. Most importantly, a decision method, called MULTIMOORA, is optimized by improving the ranking position method, and then, through the combination with PDHFLTS, we proposed a possibility distribution based hesitant fuzzy linguistic MULTIMOORA method with great robustness. At last, the presented method is applied to the field of sustainable third-party reverse logistics provider selection in the e-commerce express industry and the effectiveness is verified by several comparative analyses.
Impact of Membrane Pore Size on the Clarification Performance of Grape Marc Extract by Microfiltration
Authors: Mora Francisca , Pérez Karla , Quezada Carolina , Herrera Carla , Cassano Alfredo , Ruby-Figueroa René
Published: November 2019

The influence of membrane pore size on the permeate flux, fouling mechanism, and rejection of soluble and suspended solids, as well as of phenolics and anthocyanins, in the clarification of grape marc extract by microfiltration (MF) was studied. MF was operated by using three monotubular ceramic membranes with a pore size of 0.14, 0.2, and 0.8 µm, respectively, according to a batch concentration configuration in selected operating conditions (2.25 bar as operating pressure, 4.93 L/min as feed flow rate, and 25 °C as operating temperature). No significant differences in the permeate flux values were appreciated despite the difference in pore size. The mathematical analyses of the flux behavior revealed that intermediate pore blocking is the predominant mechanism for 0.14 and 0.2 µm membranes, whereas complete pore blocking prevails for the 0.8 µm membrane. Differences in the fouling mechanism were associated with differences in the total phenols rejection: the highest rejection was observed for the 0.8 µm membrane followed by 0.2 and 0.14 µm membranes. All selected membranes showed low rejection of sugars, with values lower than 10%, and no retention towards anthocyanins. All the clarified extracts showed a turbidity lower than 4.87 NTU. Based on the experimental results, the 0.14 µm membrane appeared as the best option for the clarification of grape marc extract.
Effect of Cu Cladding on the Mechanical Properties of Iron Sheath Material in the Drawing of Superconducting MgB2 Wires
Authors: Ahamad Madhar Niyaz , Shahabuddin Mohammed , Luqman Monis , Bilal Taha , Alzayed Nasser S. , Asif Mohammad
Published: November 2019

In the present study, a novel choice of sheath materials for drawing long superconducting MgB2 wire by using the powder-in-tube technique (PIT) is reported. This would eliminate the need for an intermediate strain-relieving annealing process and would reduce the time and cost of fabrication. Our strategy involved the use of a composite sheath instead of a sheath made of a single material. The relatively inert Fe constituted the inner sheath around the MgB2 powder while the Cu—which is capable of efficient heat dissipation—was used as the outer sheath. Important mechanical properties of the wire such as elastic modulus, ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, hardness, and microstructure were carefully studied at different stages of the drawing process using tensile and microhardness tests. To clearly delineate the effect of Cu cladding on the ductile behavior of the iron sheath, another MgB2 wire with only an Fe sheath was prepared; its mechanical properties were measured and compared with those of the composite Cu–Fe-sheathed MgB2 wire. After a few drawing steps, the composite Cu–Fe-sheathed wire showed a lower elastic modulus and tensile strength than those of its Fe sheath counterpart. While both types of wires showed an increase in hardness as the drawing process progressed, the composite-sheath wire consistently showed a lower hardness than that of its counterpart, implying its lower susceptibility to fracture; it can therefore be safely drawn to small diameters without the need for intermediate annealing during the wire drawing process.
Improving Fatigue Performance of Laser-Welded 2024-T3 Aluminum Alloy Using Dry Laser Peening
Authors: Sano Tomokazu , Eimura Takayuki , Hirose Akio , Kawahito Yosuke , Katayama Seiji , Arakawa Kazuto , Masaki Kiyotaka , Shiro Ayumi , Shobu Takahisa , Sano Yuji
Published: November 2019

The purpose of the present study was to verify the effectiveness of dry laser peening (DryLP), which is the peening technique without a sacrificial overlay under atmospheric conditions using femtosecond laser pulses on the mechanical properties such as hardness, residual stress, and fatigue performance of laser-welded 2024 aluminum alloy containing welding defects such as undercuts and blowholes. After DryLP treatment of the laser-welded 2024 aluminum alloy, the softened weld metal recovered to the original hardness of base metal, while residual tensile stress in the weld metal and heat-affected zone changed to compressive stresses. As a result, DryLP treatment improved the fatigue performances of welded specimens with and without the weld reinforcement almost equally. The fatigue life almost doubled at a stress amplitude of 180 MPa and increased by a factor of more than 50 at 120 MPa. DryLP was found to be more effective for improving the fatigue performance of laser-welded aluminum specimens with welding defects at lower stress amplitudes, as stress concentration at the defects did not significantly influence the fatigue performance.
On the Role of Grain Size and Carbon Content on the Sensitization and Desensitization Behavior of 301 Austenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Kolli Satish , Javaheri Vahid , Kömi Jukka , Porter David
Published: November 2019

The effect of grain size in the range 72 to 190 μm and carbon content in the range 0.105–0.073 wt.% on the intergranular corrosion of the austenitic stainless steel 301 has been investigated. Grain boundary chromium depletion has been studied directly using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy combined with scanning transmission electron microscopy and indirectly using double loop electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation tests. In addition, chromium depletion has been modelled using the CALPHAD Thermo-Calc software TC-DICTRA. It is shown that the degree of sensitization measured using the double loop electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation tests can be successfully predicted with the aid of a depletion parameter based on the modelled chromium depletion profiles for heat treatment times covering both the sensitization and de-sensitization or self-healing. Additionally, along with intergranular M23C6 carbides, intragranular M23C6 and Cr2N nitrides that affect the available Cr for grain boundary carbide precipitation were also observed.