bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Turnover Intention Ditijau dari Stres Kerja pada Karyawan
Authors: Devi Devi , Lutfah Dewi , Sihotang Yeni Irawaty , Elvinawaty Rianda
Published: August 2020

This study aims to determine the relationship between turnover intentionwith work stress. The hypothesis of this study states that there is a positive relationship between turnover intention and work stress, assuming that the higher the work stress is, the higher the turnover intention, and conversely the lower the work stress is, the lower the turnover intention will be. The subjects of this study were 182 employees of PT. INDAKO TRADING COY MEDAN. Datas were obtained from scales used to measure turnover intention and work stress. Calculations were performed by testing the analysis requirements (assumption) that consisted of tests for normality and linearity. The data were analyzed using Product Moment Correlation with SPSS 20 for Windows. The results of the data analysis showed that the correlation coefficient was 0.405 with a significance value of 0.000 (p <0.05). It showed that there is a positive relationship between turnover intention and work stress. The results of this study indicate that the contributions made by the variable of work stress on turnover intention was 16,4 percent, while the remaining 83,6 percent was influenced by other factors that were not examined. From these results, it is concluded that the hypothesis, which stated that there is a positive relationship between the turnover intention and work stress, is acceptable.
Extrapolation and Uncertainty Evaluation of Carbon Dioxide and Methane Emissions in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Wetlands Since the 1960s
Authors: Zhang Jiang , Zhu Qiuan , Yuan Minshu , Liu Xinwei , Chen Huai , Peng Changhui , Wang Meng , Yang Zhenan , Jiang Lin , Zhao Pengxiang
Published: August 2020

Wetlands are important modulators of atmospheric greenhouse gas (GHGs) concentrations. However, little is known about the magnitudes and spatiotemporal patterns of GHGs fluxes in wetlands on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP), the world’s largest and highest plateau. In this study, we measured soil temperature and the fluxes of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) in an alpine wetland on the QTP from April 2017 to April 2019 by the static chamber method, and from January 2017 to December 2017 by the eddy covariance (EC) method. The CO2 and CH4 emission measurements from both methods showed different relationships to soil temperature at different timescales (annual and seasonal). Based on such relationship patterns and soil temperature data (1960–2017), we extrapolated the CO2 and CH4 emissions of study site for the past 57 years: the mean CO2 emission rate was 91.38 mg C m–2 h–1 on different measurement methods and timescales, with the range of the mean emission rate from 35.10 to 146.25 mg C m–2 h–1, while the mean CH4 emission rate was 2.75 mg C m–2 h–1, with the ranges of the mean emission rate from 1.41 to 3.85 mg C m–2 h–1. The estimated regional CO2 and CH4 emissions from permanent wetlands on the QTP were 94.29 and 2.37 Tg C year–1, respectively. These results indicate that uncertainties caused by measuring method and timescale should be fully considered when extrapolating wetland GHGs fluxes from local sites to the regional level. Moreover, the results of global warming potential showed that CO2 dominates the GHG balance of wetlands on the QTP.
Carbon Budget of an Agroforestry System after Being Converted from a Poplar Short Rotation Coppice
Authors: Pecchioni Giovanni , Bosco Simona , Volpi Iride , Mantino Alberto , Dragoni Federico , Giannini Vittoria , Tozzini Cristiano , Mele Marcello , Ragaglini Giorgio
Published: August 2020

Poplar (Populus L. spp.) Short Rotation Coppice systems (SRCs) for bioenergy production are being converted back to arable land. Transitioning to Alley Cropping Systems (ACSs) could be a suitable strategy for integrating former tree rows and arable crops. A field trial (Pisa, Central Italy) was set up with the aim of assessing the C storage of an ACS system based on hybrid poplar and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) and comparing it with that of an SRC cultivation system. The carbon budget at the agroecosystem scale was assessed in the first year of the transition using the net biome production (NBP) approach with a simplified method. The overall NBP for the SRC was positive (96 ± 40 g C m−2 year−1), highlighting that the system was a net carbon sink (i.e., NBP > 0). However, the ACS registered a net C loss (i.e., NBP < 0), since the NBP was −93 ± 56 g C m−2 year−1. In the first year of the transition, converting the SRC into an ACS counteracted the potential beneficial effect of C storage in tree belowground biomass due to the high heterotrophic respiration rate recorded in the ACS, which was fostered by the incorporation of residues and tillage disturbance in the alley. Additional years of heterotrophic respiration measurements could allow for an estimate of the speed and extent of C losses.
Cone Beam CT Imaging of the Paranasal Region with a Multipurpose X-ray System—Image Quality and Radiation Exposure
Authors: Ohlmeyer Sabine , Saake Marc , Buder Thomas , May Matthias , Uder Michael , Wuest Wolfgang
Published: August 2020

Besides X-ray and fluoroscopy, a previously introduced X-ray scanner offers a 3D cone beam option (Multitom Rax, Siemens Healthcare). The aim of this study was to evaluate various scan parameters and post-processing steps to optimize image quality and radiation exposure for imaging of the parasinus region. Four human cadaver heads were examined with different tube voltages (90–121 kV), dose levels (DLs) (278–2180 nGy) and pre-filtration methods (none, Cu 0.2 mm, Cu 0.3 mm and Sn 0.4 mm). All images were reconstructed in 2 mm slice thickness with and without a metal artifact reduction algorithm in three different kernels. In total, 80 different scan protocols and 480 datasets were evaluated. Image quality was rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Radiation exposure (mean computed tomography volume index (CTDIvol) and effective dose) was calculated for each scan. The most dose-effective combination for the diagnosis of sinusitis was 121 kV/DL of 278/0.3 mm copper (CTDIvol 1.70 mGy, effective dose 77 µSv). Scan protocols with 121 kV/DL1090/0.3 mm copper were rated sufficient for preoperative sinus surgery planning (CTDIvol 4.66 mGy, effective dose 212 µSv). Therefore, sinusitis and preoperative sinus surgery planning can be performed in diagnostic image quality at low radiation dose levels with a multipurpose X-ray system.
Spatio-Temporal Variations of Atmospheric NH3 over East Asia by Comparison of Chemical Transport Model Results, Satellite Retrievals and Surface Observations
Authors: Wang Zhe , Uno Itsushi , Osada Kazuo , Itahashi Syuichi , Yumimoto Keiya , Chen Xueshun , Yang Wenyi , Wang Zifa
Published: August 2020

Atmospheric ammonia (NH3) plays an important role in the formation of secondary inorganic aerosols, the neutralization of acid rain, and the deposition to ecosystems, but has not been well understood yet, especially over East Asia. Based on the GEOS-Chem model results, the IASI satellite retrievals, the in-site surface observations of a nationwide filter pack (FP) network over Japan and the long-term high resolution online NH3 measurements at Fukuoka of western Japan, the spatio-temporal distributions of atmospheric NH3 over East Asia was analyzed comprehensively. A significant seasonal variation with a summer peak was found in all datasets. Comparison between the satellite retrievals and model simulations indicated that the IASI NH3 vertical column density (VCD) showed good consistency with GEOS-Chem results over North and central China, but had large differences over South China due to the effect of clouds. Over the Japan area, GEOS-Chem simulated NH3 concentrations successfully reproduced the spatio-temporal variations compared with in-situ observations, while IASI NH3 VCD retrievals were below or near the detection limit and difficult to obtain a reasonable correlation for with model results. The comprehensive analysis indicated that there were still some differences among different datasets, and more in-situ observations, improved satellite retrievals, and high-resolution model simulations with more accurate emissions are necessary for better understanding the atmospheric NH3 over East Asia.
Spatial-Temporal Assessment of Satellite-Based Rainfall Estimates in Different Precipitation Regimes in Water-Scarce and Data-Sparse Regions
Authors: Boluwade Alaba
Published: August 2020

Accurate precipitation measurement is very important for socio-hydrological resilience in the face of frequent extreme weather events such as cyclones. This study evaluates the performance of two satellite products: the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM 3B43V7) Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA, hereafter: TRMM) and the Integrated Multi-satellite Retrievals for GPM (IMERG, Final Run V06, hereafter: GPM) in the Sultanate of Oman. Oman is an arid country that generally has few rainy days, but has experienced significant flash floods, tropical storms and cyclones recently, leading to the loss of lives and millions of dollars in damage. Accurate precipitation analysis is crucial in flood monitoring, hydrologic modeling, and the estimation of the water balance of any basin, and the lack of a sufficient weather monitoring network is a barrier to accurate precipitation measurement. Satellite rainfall estimates can be a reliable option in sparse network areas, especially in arid and semi-arid countries. This study evaluated monthly rainfall (hereafter: OBSERVED) levels at 77 meteorological stations from January 2016 to December 2018. The capacity of the TRMM and GPM satellite products to detect monthly rainfall amounts at varying precipitation thresholds was also evaluated. Findings included (1) overall and across the 11 Governorates of Oman, both satellite products show different spatial variability and performance to the OBSERVED at the monthly, seasonal, and annual temporal scales; (2) from the perspective of precipitation detection and frequency bias, GPM showed a similar performance to TRMM at detecting low precipitation (2 mm/month) but was poorer at detecting high precipitation (>30 mm/month) across the entire country as well as in the Northern, Interior, and Dhofar regions; (3) both products show similarities to the OBSERVED through the partitioning of their seasonal time series into a distinct number of homogenous segments; and (4) both products had difficulty reproducing OBSERVED levels in the Dhofar and Interior regions, which is consistent with studies conducted in mountainous and coastal regions. With the aim of reproducing the spatial and temporal structure of OBSERVED in a rugged terrain, the study shows that both satellite products can be used in areas of sparse rain gauges or as additional observation for studies of extreme weather events. Overall, this study suggests that for Oman, both satellite products can be used as proxies for OBSERVED with appropriate bias corrections and GPM is also a reliable replacement for TRMM as a precipitation satellite product. The findings will be useful to the country’s flood resilience and mitigation efforts, especially in areas where there is sparse rain gauge coverage.
Cytocompatibility of Bilayer Scaffolds Electrospun from Chitosan/Alginate-Chitin Nanowhiskers
Authors: Petrova Valentina A. , Golovkin Alexey S. , Mishanin Alexander I. , Romanov Dmitry P. , Chernyakov Daniil D. , Poshina Daria N. , Skorik Yury A.
Published: August 2020

In this work, a bilayer chitosan/sodium alginate scaffold was prepared via a needleless electrospinning technique. The layer of sodium alginate was electrospun over the layer of chitosan. The introduction of partially deacetylated chitin nanowhiskers (CNW) stabilized the electrospinning and increased the spinnability of the sodium alginate solution. A CNW concentration of 7.5% provided optimal solution viscosity and structurization due to electrostatic interactions and the formation of a polyelectrolyte complex. This allowed electrospinning of defectless alginate nanofibers with an average diameter of 200–300 nm. The overall porosity of the bilayer scaffold was slightly lower than that of a chitosan monolayer, while the average pore size of up to 2 μm was larger for the bilayer scaffold. This high porosity promoted mesenchymal stem cell proliferation. The cells formed spherical colonies on the chitosan nanofibers, but formed flatter colonies and monolayers on alginate nanofibers. The fabricated chitosan/sodium alginate bilayer material was deemed promising for tissue engineering applications.
The Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of n-3 PUFAs: Their Role in Cardiovascular Protection
Authors: Oppedisano Francesca , Macrì Roberta , Gliozzi Micaela , Musolino Vincenzo , Carresi Cristina , Maiuolo Jessica , Bosco Francesca , Nucera Saverio , Caterina Zito Maria , Guarnieri Lorenza , Scarano Federica , Nicita Caterina , Coppoletta Anna Rita , Ruga Stefano , Scicchitano Miriam , Mollace Rocco , Palma Ernesto , Mollace Vincenzo
Published: August 2020

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids with 18, 20 or 22 carbon atoms, which have been found able to counteract cardiovascular diseases. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in particular, have been found to produce both vaso- and cardio-protective response via modulation of membrane phospholipids thereby improving cardiac mitochondrial functions and energy production. However, antioxidant properties of n-3 PUFAs, along with their anti-inflammatory effect in both blood vessels and cardiac cells, seem to exert beneficial effects in cardiovascular impairment. In fact, dietary supplementation with n-3 PUFAs has been demonstrated to reduce oxidative stress-related mitochondrial dysfunction and endothelial cell apoptosis, an effect occurring via an increased activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes. On the other hand, n-3 PUFAs have been shown to counteract the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in both vascular tissues and in the myocardium, thereby restoring vascular reactivity and myocardial performance. Here we summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of n-3 PUFAs in vascular and cardiac tissues and their implication in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
miR-205: A Potential Biomedicine for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Chauhan Neeraj , Dhasmana Anupam , Jaggi Meena , Chauhan Subhash C. , Yallapu Murali M.
Published: August 2020

microRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs that regulate the expression of their target mRNAs post transcriptionally. miRNAs are known to regulate not just a gene but the whole gene network (signaling pathways). Accumulating evidence(s) suggests that miRNAs can work either as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, but some miRNAs have a dual nature since they can act as both. miRNA 205 (miR-205) is one such highly conserved miRNA that can act as both, oncomiRNA and tumor suppressor. However, most reports confirm its emerging role as a tumor suppressor in many cancers. This review focuses on the downregulated expression of miR-205 and discusses its dysregulation in breast, prostate, skin, liver, gliomas, pancreatic, colorectal and renal cancers. This review also confers its role in tumor initiation, progression, cell proliferation, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and tumor metastasis. Restoration of miR-205 makes cells more sensitive to drug treatments and mitigates drug resistance. Additionally, the importance of miR-205 in chemosensitization and its utilization as potential biomedicine and nanotherapy is described. Together, this review research article sheds a light on its application as a diagnostic and therapeutic marker, and as a biomedicine in cancer.
The Sub-Nuclear Localization of RNA-Binding Proteins in KSHV-Infected Cells
Authors: Alkalay Ella , Gam Ze Letova Refael Chen , Shoval Irit , Kinor Noa , Sarid Ronit , Shav-Tal Yaron
Published: August 2020

RNA-binding proteins, particularly splicing factors, localize to sub-nuclear domains termed nuclear speckles. During certain viral infections, as the nucleus fills up with replicating virus compartments, host cell chromatin distribution changes, ending up condensed at the nuclear periphery. In this study we wished to determine the fate of nucleoplasmic RNA-binding proteins and nuclear speckles during the lytic cycle of the Kaposi’s sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV). We found that nuclear speckles became fewer and dramatically larger, localizing at the nuclear periphery, adjacent to the marginalized chromatin. Enlarged nuclear speckles contained splicing factors, whereas other proteins were nucleoplasmically dispersed. Polyadenylated RNA, typically found in nuclear speckles under regular conditions, was also found in foci separated from nuclear speckles in infected cells. Poly(A) foci did not contain lncRNAs known to colocalize with nuclear speckles but contained the poly(A)-binding protein PABPN1. Examination of the localization of spliced viral RNAs revealed that some spliced transcripts could be detected within the nuclear speckles. Since splicing is required for the maturation of certain KSHV transcripts, we suggest that the infected cell does not dismantle nuclear speckles but rearranges their components at the nuclear periphery to possibly serve in splicing and transport of viral RNAs into the cytoplasm.
Coronaviruses: Is Sialic Acid a Gate to the Eye of Cytokine Storm? From the Entry to the Effects
Authors: Wielgat Przemyslaw , Rogowski Karol , Godlewska Katarzyna , Car Halina
Published: August 2020

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a diverse family of the enveloped human and animal viruses reported as causative agents for respiratory and intestinal infections. The high pathogenic potential of human CoVs, including SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, is closely related to the invasion mechanisms underlying the attachment and entry of viral particles to the host cells. There is increasing evidence that sialylated compounds of cellular glycocalyx can serve as an important factor in the mechanism of CoVs infection. Additionally, the sialic acid-mediated cross-reactivity with the host immune lectins is known to exert the immune response of different intensity in selected pathological stages. Here, we focus on the last findings in the field of glycobiology in the context of the role of sialic acid in tissue tropism, viral entry kinetics and immune regulation in the CoVs infections.
HLA Expression Correlates to the Risk of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Induced Pneumonitis
Authors: Correale Pierpaolo , Saladino Rita Emilena , Giannarelli Diana , Sergi Andrea , Mazzei Maria Antonietta , Bianco Giovanna , Giannicola Rocco , Iuliano Eleonora , Forte Iris Maria , Calandruccio Natale Daniele , Falzea Antonia Consuelo , Strangio Alessandra , Nardone Valerio , Pastina Pierpaolo , Tini Paolo , Luce Amalia , Caraglia Michele , Caracciolo Daniele , Mutti Luciano , Tassone Pierfrancesco , Pirtoli Luigi , Giordano Antonio , Tagliaferri Pierosandro
Published: August 2020

Tumor-infiltrating T cell rescue by programmed cell death receptor-1 (PD-1)/PD-1 ligand-1 (PD-L1) immune checkpoint blockade is a recommended treatment for malignant diseases, including metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (mNSCLC), malignant melanoma (MM), head and neck, kidney, and urothelial cancer. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against either PD-1 or PD-L1 are active agents for these patients; however, their use may be complicated by unpredictable immune-related adverse events (irAEs), including immune-related pneumonitis (IRP). We carried out a retrospective multi-institutional statistical analysis to investigate clinical and biological parameters correlated with IRP rate on a cohort of 256 patients who received real-world treatment with PD-1/PD-L1 blocking mAbs. An independent radiological review board detected IRP in 29 patients. We did not find statistical IRP rate correlation with gender, tumor type, specific PD-1 or PD-L1 blocking mAbs, radiation therapy, inflammatory profile, or different irAEs. A higher IRP risk was detected only in mNSCLC patients who received metronomic chemotherapy +/− bevacizumab compared with other treatments prior PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. Moreover, we detected a strong correlation among the IRP rate and germinal expression of HLA-B*35 and DRB1*11, alleles associated to autoimmune diseases. Our findings may have relevant implications in predicting the IRP rate in mNSCLC patients receiving PD-1/PD-L1 blockade and need to be validated on a larger patient series.
Building Coastal Agricultural Resilience in Bangladesh: A Systematic Review of Progress, Gaps and Implications
Authors: Kundu Shilpi , Kabir Mohammad Ehsanul , Morgan Edward A. , Davey Peter , Hossain Moazzem
Published: August 2020

This paper presents the results of a systematic literature review of climate change adaptation and resilience in coastal agriculture in Bangladesh. It explores the existing adaptation measures against climatic stresses. It investigates the extent of resilience-building by the use of these adaptation measures and identifies major challenges that hinder the adaptation process within the country. The review was conducted by following the systematic methods of the protocol of Preferred Items for Systematic Review Recommendations (PRISMA) to comprehensively synthesize, evaluate and track scientific literature on climate-resilient agriculture in coastal Bangladesh. It considered peer-reviewed English language articles from the databases Scopus, Web of Science and Science Direct between the years 2000 and 2018. A total of 54 articles were selected following the four major steps of a systematic review, i.e., identification, screening, eligibility and inclusion. Adaptation measures identified in the review were grouped into different themes: Agricultural adaptation, alternative livelihoods, infrastructure development, technological advancement, ecosystem management and policy development. The review revealed that within the adaptation and resilience literature for coastal Bangladesh, maladaptation, gender imbalance and the notable absence of studies of island communities were gaps that require future research.
Parametric Study of Turbulent Couette Flow over Wavy Surfaces Using RANS Simulation: Effects of Aspect-Ratio, Wave-Slope and Reynolds Number
Authors: Sherikar Akshay , Disimile Peter J.
Published: August 2020

A turbulent Couette flow over a wavy surface is subject to a detailed parametric study in which three parameters—Aspect Ratio, Wave Slope and Reynolds number—are independently varied over an order of magnitude to investigate their influence on the flow. Stdk−ε turbulence model with enhanced wall functions is used to simulate all cases in the study and the results are validated against experimental data as well as analytical theories pertaining to flow over wavy surfaces. Gross flow properties such as mean velocity profiles, mass flow rate, shear stress and pressure on the walls, as well as turbulent flow characteristics such as inner-wall coordinates, log-law fit, eddy viscosity profiles and turbulence kinetic energy across the domain, are presented and their corroboration with existing literature is discussed. The effect of the three parameters on the flow variables is investigated. It is observed that while all response flow variables scale monotonically with a progressive change in the parameters, there are certain flow characteristics that can be ascribed exclusively to one of the three parameters. The study also discusses the influence of the top plate, a much-needed discussion that seems to be absent in most literature pertaining to Couette flow in wavy channels.
Developing a Commercial Antimicrobial Active Packaging System of Ground Beef Based on “Tsipouro” Alcoholic Distillate
Authors: Kapetanakou Anastasia E. , Pateraki Georgia-Lito , Skandamis Panagiotis N.
Published: August 2020

The present study aimed to develop a commercial active packaging system of ground beef, by exploiting the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of a traditional Greek alcoholic distillate called “tsipouro”. Commercial packages (500 g) were used and 40 mL of “tsipouro” was added in absorbent pads placed underneath the ground beef, while 10 mL was also mounted under the packaging film, facing the headspace. Samples were packaged in 80% O2: 20% CO2 and stored at 0, 4, 8, and 12 °C. Total Viable Counts, pseudomonads, Brochothrix thermosphacta, lactic acid bacteria, yeasts-moulds, pH, colour (L*, a*, b*), odour (buttery and acidic), and ethanol migration to ground beef (SPME/GC-FID) were determined. Moreover, mathematical models (square root and Arrhenius) describing the effect of temperature on determinant indicators of spoilage and quality deterioration like growth of dominant microorganisms and red colour reduction were developed and validated under non-isothermal conditions. B. thermosphacta dominated the microbial association of ground beef, while LAB were second in dominance, revealing a high growth potential at all assays. a* value (redness) was gradually decreased in controls, while samples treated with “tsipouro” showed more stable red colour during storage. Although ethanol was organoleptically detectable, especially at low storage temperatures (0–4 °C), it was rather perceived as a pleasant cool odour. Prediction by both models for microbial growth as well as those of Arrhenius model for reduction of a* value showed good agreement with the observations under non-isothermal storage. Overall, our study showed that the developed antimicrobial active packaging of ground beef based on “tsipouro”, combined with high oxygen MAP lead to an almost 2-fold shelf-life extension compared with controls during storage at chill and abuse temperatures.
From Lanzmann’s Circle of Flames to Bodies in Pain: Anglo-American Holocaust Fiction and Representations of the Gas Chamber
Authors: Dickson David
Published: August 2020

This article discusses the apparent desire in Anglo-American Holocaust fiction to form a deeper connection to the horror of the Holocaust by recreating scenes of suffering in the gas chamber. Using Elaine Scarry’s The Body in Pain, Alison Landsberg’s theory of ‘prosthetic memory’ and the concept of ‘feeling-with’ as outlined by Sonia Kruks, it discusses the motives underlying these representations and what an audience stands to learn from these bodily encounters with the Holocaust past. The article begins by discussing texts that explore the notions of temporal and emotional distance and the unreachability of the Holocaust dead, while also reflecting the corresponding impulse to reconnect with the murdered by physicalising them as bodies in pain. It then moves on to works that aim to make the experience of death in the gas chamber literally inhabitable for present-day nonwitnesses. In pursuing this argument, the article focuses on six representative texts: Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List (1993), Bryan Singer’s Apt Pupil (1998), Tim Blake Nelson’s The Grey Zone (2001), The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (2006 and 2008, for the book and film respectively), In Paradise (2014) by Peter Matthiessen and Mick Jackson’s Denial (2016).
Exome-Sequence Analyses of Four Multi-Incident Multiple Sclerosis Families
Authors: Zrzavy Tobias , Leutmezer Fritz , Kristoferitsch Wolfgang , Kornek Barbara , Schneider Christine , Rommer Paulus , Berger Thomas , Zimprich Alexander
Published: August 2020

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the Central Nervous System (CNS). Currently, it is estimated that 30–40% of the phenotypic variability of MS can be explained by genetic factors. However, low susceptibility variants identified through Genome Wide Association Study (GWAS) were calculated to explain about 50% of the heritability. Whether familial high-risk variants also contribute to heritability is a subject of controversy. In the last few years, several familial variants have been nominated, but none of them have been unequivocally confirmed. One reason for this may be that genetic heterogeneity and reduced penetrance are hindering detection. Sequencing a large number of MS families is needed to answer this question. In this study, we performed whole exome sequencing in four multi-case families, of which at least three affected individuals per family were analyzed. We identified a total of 138 rare variants segregating with disease in each of the families. Although no single variant showed convincing evidence for disease causation, some genes seemed particularly interesting based on their biological function. The main aim of this study was to provide a complete list of all rare segregating variants to provide the possibility for other researchers to cross-check familial candidate genes in an unbiased manner.
Introduction: Writing and Viewing Illness
Authors: Alù Giorgia
Published: August 2020

Writing (prosaic, non-fictional and (auto)biographical) and photography (as aesthetics and technology, language, material object and practice) can communicate and interrelate in the narration and depiction of physical disorders. The five articles in this Special Issue explore how the body and its pain and disorders can be accessed in projects that either interlace words and images within themselves or that communicate and interrelate with other written or visual texts produced by others. In these photo-textual encounters (or clashes), wounded, tormented, weakened bodies are narrated and mediated, as well as marked, modified and exposed by personal and emotional choices or by ideological and socio-historical circumstances. The articles invite us to reflect on the ideological discourses, issues of power, practice, ethics and agency that any illness implicates, as well as the flexible boundaries of the written and visual language narrating such an overpowering experience.
Type of Care and Living Situation Are Associated with Nutritional Care but Not Nutritional Status of Older Persons Receiving Home Care
Authors: Chareh Neshat , Kiesswetter Eva , Rappl Anja , Stehle Peter , Heseker Helmut , Sieber Cornel C. , Volkert Dorothee
Published: August 2020

Nutritional care and nutritional status may differ in older persons receiving informal (IC) or professional (PC) home care and further depend on the living situation, but little is known in this regard. In this analysis of a cross-sectional multicenter study, type of care, living situation, and nutritional care were enquired in 353 older adults (≥65) receiving IC or PC, living either with partner (LP), with others (LO) or alone (LA), and the nutritional status was determined by BMI and MNA®. For IC receivers, food shopping (IC-LP 94%, IC-LO 96%, IC-LA 92%) and warm meals (IC-LP 89%, IC-LO 90%, IC-LA 71%) were mainly provided by relatives, whereas 47% of PC-LA prepared warm meals by themselves and 22% received meals on wheels. Thirteen percent were underweight, 13% malnourished, and 57% at risk of malnutrition without differences between the groups. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) of being malnourished were also not different (IC-LP 2.2 [95% CI 0.5–9.7], IC-LO 1.4 [0.3–6.6], IC-LA 1.4 [0.3–6.6]) compared to PC-LA. In conclusion, provision of nutritional care obviously differed according to the type of care and living situation, whereas nutritional status does not seem to be affected by these aspects. More research is clearly needed in this field.
A New Algorithm for Calculating the Flow Path Curvature (C) from the Square-Grid Digital Elevation Model (DEM)
Authors: Wu Qianjiao , Chen Yumin , Zhou Hongyan , Chen Shujie , Wang Han
Published: August 2020

This paper proposes a flow-path-network-based (FPN-based) algorithm, constructed from a square-grid digital elevation model (DEM) to improve the simulation of the flow path curvature (C). First, the flow-path network model was utilized to obtain an FPN. Then, a flow-path-network-flow-path-curvature (FPN-C) algorithm was proposed to estimate C from the FPN. The experiments consisted of two sections: (1) quantitatively evaluating the accuracy using 5 m DEMs generated from the mathematical ellipsoid and Gauss models, and (2) qualitatively assessing the accuracy using a 30 m DEM of a real-world complex region. The three algorithms proposed by Evans (1980), Zevenbergen and Throne (1987), and Shary (1995) were used to validate the accuracy of the new algorithm. The results demonstrate that the C value of the proposed algorithm was generally closer to the theoretical C value derived from two mathematical surfaces. The root mean standard error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) of the new method are 0.0014 and 0.0002 m, reduced by 42% and 82% of that of the third algorithm on the ellipsoid surface, respectively. The RMSE and MAE of the presented method are 0.0043 and 0.0025 m at best, reduced by up to 35% and 14% of that of the former two algorithms on the Gauss surface, respectively. The proposed algorithm generally produces better spatial distributions of C on different terrain surfaces.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Time for an Upgrade
Authors: Sebio-García Raquel
Published: August 2020

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a notoriously known but highly underused intervention aimed to restore or improve functional capacity, symptom management and health-related quality of life among patients with chronic respiratory diseases. Since early 1980s, pulmonary rehabilitation has been acknowledged as a comprehensive intervention with hundreds of studies being performed over the past thirty years demonstrating its benefits on multiple outcomes; nevertheless, there are still multiple unresolved challenges, and new ones are currently emerging, with the COVID-19 outbreak now in the spotlight. In this editorial, these issues are summarized and discussed, while presenting some of the latest findings in research and clinical practice, with the ultimate goal of raising awareness of the future of pulmonary rehabilitation in the post COVID-19 era.
The First Lactate Threshold Is a Limit for Heavy Occupational Work
Authors: Fasching Patrick , Rinnerhofer Stefan , Wultsch Georg , Birnbaumer Philipp , Hofmann Peter
Published: August 2020

Long-term heavy physical work often leads to early retirement and disability pension due to chronic overload, with a need to define upper limits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of the first lactate threshold (LTP1) as a physiological marker for heavy occupational work. A total of 188 male and 52 female workers performed an incremental cycle ergometer test to determine maximal exercise performance and the first and second lactate (LTP1; LTP2) and ventilatory thresholds (VT1; VT2). Heart rate (HR) recordings were obtained during one eight-hour shift (HR8h) and oxygen uptake was measured during 20 minutes of a representative work phase. Energy expenditure (EE) was calculated from gas-exchange measures. Maximal power output (Pmax), maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) and power output at LTP1 and LTP2 were significantly different between male and female workers. HR8h was not significantly different between male and female workers. A significant relationship was found between Pmax and power output at LTP1. HR8h as a percentage of maximum HR significantly declined with increasing performance (Pmax:r = −0.56; p < 0.01; PLTP1:r = −0.49; p < 0.01). Despite different cardio-respiratory fitness-levels; 95.4% of all workers performed their usual work below LTP1. It is therefore suggested that LTP1 represents the upper limit for sustained heavy occupational work; which supports its use to determine work capability and assessing the limits of heavy occupational work.
Inversion of the Thickness of Crude Oil Film Based on an OG-CNN Model
Authors: Jiang Zongchen , Ma Yi , Yang Junfang
Published: August 2020

In recent years, marine oil spill accidents have occurred frequently, seriously endangering marine ecological security. It is highly important to protect the marine ecological environment by carrying out research on the estimation of sea oil spills based on remote sensing technology. In this paper, we combine deep learning with remote sensing technology and propose an oil thickness inversion generative adversarial and convolutional neural network (OG-CNN) model for oil spill emergency monitoring. The model consists of a self-expanding module for the oil film spectral feature data and an oil film thickness inversion module. The feature data self-expanding module can automatically select spectral feature intervals with good spectral separability based on the measured spectral data and then expand the number of samples using a generative adversarial network (GAN) to enhance the generalization of the model. The oil film thickness inversion module is based on a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN). It extracts the characteristics of the spectral feature data of oil film with different thicknesses, and then accurately inverts the oil film’s absolute thickness. In this study, emulsification was not a factor considered, the results show that the absolute oil thickness inversion accuracy of the OG-CNN model proposed in this paper can reach 98.12%, the coefficient of determination can reach 0.987, and the mean deviation remains within ±0.06% under controlled experimental conditions. In the model stability test, the model maintains relatively stable inversion results under the interference of random Gaussian noise. The accuracy of the oil film thickness inversion result remains above 96%, the coefficient of determination can reach 0.973, and the mean deviation is controlled within ±0.6%, which indicates excellent robustness.
Optimized Algorithm for Processing Outlier of Water Current Data Measured by Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter
Authors: Zhong Chunyi , Yin Fang , Zhang Junbo , Zhang Shuo , Wan Rong , Kitazawa Daisuke
Published: August 2020

In the process of pond culture, the usage of an aeration device can increase dissolved oxygen density and form a decent circulation which facilitates the collection of sludge. Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (ADV) has been widely used to monitor the flow velocity, however, factors such as bubbles and suspended particles can affect the correlation coefficient and signal-to-noise ratio of ADV, which leads to the existence of outliers in velocity data. This study constructs the three-dimensional rousseeuw phase-space (3DRPS) method by optimizing the phase space threshold method and robust estimation method through two-step filtering and three-dimensional simultaneous measurement, where the outliers close to the real value can be detected more accurately and the iterative process can be reduced more effectively. The results show that the detection rate of the optimized 3DRPS method is approximately 99%. It is a promising method that effectively improves the accuracy of outlier detection and greatly reduces the phenomenon of over processing.
A Comprehensive Statistical Analysis of the Six Major Crypto-Currencies from August 2015 through June 2020
Authors: Vaz de Melo Mendes Beatriz , Fluminense Carneiro André
Published: August 2020

After more than a decade of existence, crypto-currencies may now be considered an important class of assets presenting some unique appealing characteristics but also sharing some features with real financial assets. This paper provides a comprehensive statistical analysis of the six most important crypto-currencies from the period 2015–2020. Using daily data we (1) showed that the returns present many of the stylized facts often observed for stock assets, (2) modeled the returns underlying distribution using a semi-parametric mixture model based on the extreme value theory, (3) showed that the returns are weakly autocorrelated and confirmed the presence of long memory as well as short memory in the GARCH volatility, (4) used an econometric approach to compute risk measures, such as the value-at-risk, the expected shortfall, and drawups, (5) found that the crypto-coins’ price trajectories do not contain speculative bubbles and that they move together maintaining the long run equilibrium, and (6) using static and dynamic D-vine pair-copula models, assessed the true dependence structure among the crypto-assets, obtaining robust copula based bivariate dynamic measures of association. The analyses indicate that the strength of dependence among the crypto-currencies has increased over the recent years in the cointegrated crypto-market. The conclusions reached will help investors to manage risk while identifying opportunities for alternative diversified and profitable investments. To complete the analysis we provide a brief discussion on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the crypto-market by including the first semester of 2020 data.
A New Method for Analyzing the Performance of the Harmony Search Algorithm
Authors: Tuo Shouheng , Geem Zong Woo , Yoon Jin Hee
Published: August 2020

A harmony search (HS) algorithm for solving high-dimensional multimodal optimization problems (named DIHS) was proposed in 2015 and showed good performance, in which a dynamic-dimensionality-reduction strategy is employed to maintain a high update success rate of harmony memory (HM). However, an extreme assumption was adopted in the DIHS that is not reasonable, and its analysis for the update success rate is not sufficiently accurate. In this study, we reanalyzed the update success rate of HS and now present a more valid method for analyzing the update success rate of HS. In the new analysis, take-k and take-all strategies that are employed to generate new solutions are compared to the update success rate, and the average convergence rate of algorithms is also analyzed. The experimental results demonstrate that the HS based on the take-k strategy is efficient and effective at solving some complex high-dimensional optimization problems.
Seasonal Changes in Continuous Sedentary Behavior in Community—Dwelling Japanese Adults: A Pilot Study
Authors: Uehara Chiaki , Miyatake Nobuyuki , Hishii Shuhei , Suzuki Hiromi , Katayama Akihiko
Published: August 2020

Background: Sedentary behavior (SB) is associated with adverse health outcomes. The aim of this study was to clarify seasonal changes in SB including continuous SB (CSB) in community-dwelling Japanese adults. Methods: In this secondary analysis, a total of 65 community-dwelling Japanese adults (7 men and 58 women, 69 (50–78) years) were enrolled. SB (%), including CSB (≥30 min) as well as physical activity, were evaluated using a tri-accelerometer. The differences in these parameters between baseline (summer) and follow-up (winter) were examined. Results: %CSB and %SB at baseline were 20.5 (4.0–60.9) and 54.0 ± 11.5, respectively. CSB was significantly increased (6.6%), and SB was also increased (5.1%) at follow-up compared with baseline. In addition, there were positive relationships between changes in CSB and SB, and body weight and body mass index. Conclusions: These results suggest that there were significant seasonal changes in CSB and SB in community-dwelling Japanese adults.
Analysis of a Process for Producing Battery Grade Lithium Hydroxide by Membrane Electrodialysis
Authors: Grageda Mario , Gonzalez Alonso , Quispe Adrian , Ushak Svetlana
Published: August 2020

A membrane electrodialysis process was tested for obtaining battery grade lithium hydroxide from lithium brines. Currently, in the conventional procedure, a brine with Li+ 4–6 wt% is fed to a process to form lithium carbonate and further used to produce lithium hydroxide. The disadvantages of this process are its high cost due to several stage requirement and the usage of lime, causing waste generation. The main objective of this work is to demonstrate the feasibility of obtaining battery grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate, avoiding production of lithium carbonate. A laboratory cell was constructed to study electrochemical kinetics and determine energetic parameters. The effects of current density, electrode material, electrolyte concentration, temperature and cationic membrane (Nafion 115 and Nafion 117) on cell performance were determined. Tests showed that a current density of 1200 A/m2 and temperatures between 75–85 °C allow reduced specific electricity consumption (SEC) (7.25 kWh/kg LiOH). A high purity product is obtained at temperatures below 75 °C, with a Nafion 117 membrane and low electrolyte concentration. Resulting key electrochemical data would enable a pilot-scale process implementation to obtain lithium compounds.
Ecotoxicity of Pore Water in Meadow Soils Affected by Historical Spills of Arsenic-Rich Tailings
Authors: Dradrach Agnieszka , Szopka Katarzyna , Karczewska Anna
Published: August 2020

This study was carried out in Złoty Stok, a historical centre of gold and arsenic mining. Two kinds of soil material, containing 5020 and 8000 mg/kg As, represented a floodplain meadow flooded in the past by tailings spills and a dry meadow developed on the plateau built of pure tailings, respectively. The effects of soil treatment with a cattle manure and mineral fertilizers were examined in an incubation experiment. Soil pore water was collected after 2, 7, 21, 90, and 270 days, using MacroRhizon samplers and analyzed on As concentrations and toxicity, and assessed in three bioassays: Microtox, the Microbial Assay for Risk Assessment (MARA), and Phytotox, with Sinapis alba as a test plant. In all samples, As concentrations were above 4.5 mg/L. Fertilization with manure caused an intensive release of As, and its concentration in pore water of floodplain soil reached 81.8 mg/L. Mineral fertilization caused a release of As only from the pure tailings soil. The results of bioassays, particularly of Phytotox and MARA, correlated well with As concentrations, while Microtox indices depended additionally on other factors. Very high toxicity was associated with As > 20 mg/L. Despite an effect of “aging”, pore water As remained at the level of several mg/L, causing a potential environmental risk.
Flavonoids and Related Members of the Aromatic Polyketide Group in Human Health and Disease: Do They Really Work?
Authors: Tauchen Jan , Huml Lukáš , Rimpelova Silvie , Jurášek Michal
Published: August 2020

Some aromatic polyketides such as dietary flavonoids have gained reputation as miraculous molecules with preeminent beneficial effects on human health, for example, as antioxidants. However, there is little conclusive evidence that dietary flavonoids provide significant leads for developing more effective drugs, as the majority appears to be of negligible medicinal importance. Some aromatic polyketides of limited distribution have shown more interesting medicinal properties and additional research should be focused on them. Combretastatins, analogues of phenoxodiol, hepatoactive kavalactones, and silymarin are showing a considerable promise in the advanced phases of clinical trials for the treatment of various pathologies. If their limitations such as adverse side effects, poor water solubility, and oral inactivity are successfully eliminated, they might be prime candidates for the development of more effective and in some case safer drugs. This review highlights some of the newer compounds, where they are in the new drug pipeline and how researchers are searching for additional likely candidates.