bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Three-Dimensional Parametric Biomechanical Rider Model for Multibody Applications
Authors: Bova Matteo , Massaro Matteo , Petrone Nicola
Published: June 2020

Bicycles and motorcycles are characterized by large rider-to-vehicle mass ratios, thus making estimation of the rider’s inertia especially relevant. The total inertia can be derived from the body segment inertial properties (BSIP) which, in turn, can be obtained from the prediction/regression formulas available in the literature. Therefore, a parametric multibody three-dimensional rider model is devised, where the four most-used BSIP formulas (herein named Dempster, Reynolds-NASA, Zatsiorsky–DeLeva, and McConville–Young–Dumas, after their authors) are implemented. After an experimental comparison, the effects of the main posture parameters (i.e., torso inclination, knee distance, elbow distance, and rider height) are analyzed in three riding conditions (sport, touring, and scooter). It is found that the elbow distance has a minor effect on the location of the center of mass and moments of inertia, while the effect of the knee distance is on the same order magnitude as changing the BSIP data set. Torso inclination and rider height are the most relevant parameters. Tables with the coefficients necessary to populate the three-dimensional rider model with the four data sets considered are given. Typical inertial parameters of the whole rider are also given, as a reference for those not willing to implement the full multibody model.
Design of Wear-Resistant UHMWPE-Based Composites Loaded with Wollastonite Microfibers Treated with Various Silane Coupling Agents
Authors: Panin Sergey V. , Huang Qitao , Alexenko Vladislav O. , Buslovich Dmitry G. , Kornienko Lyudmila А. , Berto Filippo , Bochkareva Svetlana A. , Panov Iliya L. , Ryabova Natalya V.
Published: June 2020

The tribomechanical properties of the wear-resistant ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)-based composites loaded with wollastonite microfibres silanized with various coupling agents (“KH-550”, “Penta-1006”, and “OTS”) were investigated. It was demonstrated that the mechanical properties of UHMWPE-based composites filled with various amounts of wollastonite (7–23 wt. %) increased by 1.3 times (yield strength) and by 1.8 times (elastic modulus), while the wollastonite silanization further improved yield strength by 9% in some cases. It was demonstrated that the composite loaded with 23 wt. % wollastonite silanized with the “KH-550” coupling agent possessed the maximum wear resistance under “moderate” conditions of tribological loading. Under “severe” conditions, the composites containing 23 wt. % wollastonite silanized with the less efficient “OTS” and “Penta-1006” agents showed the greatest wear resistance during dry sliding friction. Wear resistance significantly depended on filler weight fraction and the load–speed mode of the tribological tests. Based on the obtained experimental data on the mechanical (including impact toughness) and tribological properties of the UHMWPE-based composites loaded with wollastonite, the optimal compositions (the filler content and the type of the coupling agent) for two load–speed modes were designed using the developed computer algorithm. The composites provided the predefined high tribomechanical properties for operation in the metal-polymer friction units compared to neat polymer.
Carbon Nanotubes under Scrutiny: Their Toxicity and Utility in Mesothelioma Research
Authors: Orsi Micaela , Al Hatem Chafik , Leinardi Riccardo , Huaux François
Published: June 2020

Research on the toxicity of engineered carbon nanotubes (CNT) was initiated by Belgian academic chemists and toxicologists more than 15 years ago. It is now undisputed that some of these attractive nanomaterials induce serious illness such as fibrosis and cancer. The physico-chemical determinants of CNT-induced adverse effects are now elucidated and include shape, nanoscale diameter, and structural defects. Generated in vitro and in vivo data on their inflammogenic and fibrogenic activities were combined and translated in AOP (adverse outcome pathways) available for risk assessment and regulatory policies. The asbestos-like carcinogenic effect of CNT, notably their capacity to induce malignant mesothelioma (MM), remain, however, a cause of concern for public health and strongly curb the craze for CNT in industries. MM still represents a real challenge for clinicians and a highly refractory cancer to existing therapeutic strategies. By comparing mesotheliomagenic CNT (needle-like CNT-N) to non mesotheliomagenic CNT (tangled-like CNT-T), our group generated a relevant animal model that highlights immune pathways specifically associated to the carcinogenic process. Evidence indicates that only CNT-N possess the intrinsic capacity to induce a preferential, rapid, and sustained accumulation of host immunosuppressive cells that subvert immune surveillance and suppress anti-mesothelioma immunity. This new concept offers novel horizons for the clinical management of mesothelioma and represents an additional tool for predicting the mesotheliomagenic activity of newly elaborated CNT or nanoparticles.
Clinical Case Employing Two Different Biomaterials in Bone Regeneration
Authors: Ghiretti Roberto , Grottoli Carlo F. , Cingolani Alberto , Perale Giuseppe
Published: June 2020

The case of a 59-year-old woman lacking bone in the lower left side of her mandible, and treated with two different biomaterials for bone regeneration, is reported here. Specifically, two different anatomical sites damaged by two different pathologies were studied: a radicular fracture and peri-implantitis. The sites were treated via xenograft bone substitute and calcium phosphosilicate, respectively. Follow-up evaluations showed that the two different methodologies employing different materials in the same organism undergoing the same metabolic processes achieved the same good results. This represents a significant change in current surgical strategies for the dental region: instead of focusing on a single gold-standard technique, it is possible to follow a hybrid approach by adapting the biomaterial and the protocol used to the specificities of the defect.
Influence of Loading Orientation and Knitted Versus Woven Transversal Connections in 3D Textile Reinforced Cement (TRC) Composites
Authors: El Kadi Michael , Kapsalis Panagiotis , Van Hemelrijck Danny , Wastiels Jan , Tysmans Tine
Published: June 2020

As previous research has shown, the use of 3D textiles does not only facilitate the manufacturing process of Textile Reinforced Cement (TRC) composites but also influences the mechanical properties of the TRC. A fundamental understanding of the contribution of the transversal connections in the 3D textile to the loadbearing behavior of 3D TRCs is, however, still lacking in the literature. Therefore, this research experimentally investigates two different parameters of 3D TRCs; firstly, the 3D textile typology, namely knitted versus woven transversal connections, is investigated. Secondly, the influence of the stress direction with respect to the orientation of these connections (parallel or perpendicular) is studied. A clear influence of the orientation is witnessed for the woven 3D TRC system while no influence is observed for the knitted 3D TRC. Both woven and knitted 3D TRC systems show an increased post-cracking bending stiffness compared to an equivalent 2D system (with the same textiles but without transversal connections), yet the woven 3D TRC clearly outperforms the knitted 3D TRC.
Strategies for Assimilating High-Density Atmospheric Motion Vectors into a Regional Tropical Cyclone Forecast Model (HWRF)
Authors: Lewis William E. , Velden Christopher S. , Stettner David
Published: June 2020

In recent years, atmospheric numerical modeling frameworks and satellite observing systems have both undergone significant advances. While these developments offer considerable potential for improving forecasts of high-impact weather events such as tropical cyclones (TC), much work remains to be done regarding the targeted processing and optimal use of observations now becoming available with high spatiotemporal resolution. Using the 2019 version of NCEP’s HWRF model, we explore several different strategies for the assimilation of TC-scale, high-density atmospheric motion vectors (AMVs) derived from the new-generation GOES-R series of geostationary satellites. Using 2017’s Atlantic Hurricane Irma as a case study, we examine the HWRF forecast impacts of observation pre-processing, including thinning and adjustments to observation errors. It is demonstrated that enhanced vortex-scale GOES-16 AMVs contribute to notable improvements in HWRF track forecast error compared to a baseline control experiment that does not incorporate the high-density AMVs. Impacts on TC intensity and structure (i.e., wind radii) forecast errors are less robust, but results from the optimization experiments suggest that further work (both with regard to data assimilation strategies and advancements in the methods themselves) should lead to improvements in these forecast variables as well.
Machine Learning in Tropical Cyclone Forecast Modeling: A Review
Authors: Chen Rui , Zhang Weimin , Wang Xiang
Published: June 2020

Tropical cyclones have always been a concern of meteorologists, and there are many studies regarding the axisymmetric structures, dynamic mechanisms, and forecasting techniques from the past 100 years. This research demonstrates the ongoing progress as well as the many remaining problems. Machine learning, as a means of artificial intelligence, has been certified by many researchers as being able to provide a new way to solve the bottlenecks of tropical cyclone forecasts, whether using a pure data-driven model or improving numerical models by incorporating machine learning. Through summarizing and analyzing the challenges of tropical cyclone forecasts in recent years and successful cases of machine learning methods in these aspects, this review introduces progress based on machine learning in genesis forecasts, track forecasts, intensity forecasts, extreme weather forecasts associated with tropical cyclones (such as strong winds and rainstorms, and their disastrous impacts), and storm surge forecasts, as well as in improving numerical forecast models. All of these can be regarded as both an opportunity and a challenge. The opportunity is that at present, the potential of machine learning has not been completely exploited, and a large amount of multi-source data have also not been fully utilized to improve the accuracy of tropical cyclone forecasting. The challenge is that the predictable period and stability of tropical cyclone prediction can be difficult to guarantee, because tropical cyclones are different from normal weather phenomena and oceanographic processes and they have complex dynamic mechanisms and are easily influenced by many factors.
Tornadoes in Portugal: An Overview
Authors: Leitão Paula , Pinto Paulo
Published: June 2020

From 2000 onwards, a systematic documentation of tornado reports was maintained at the Portuguese Meteorological Service (IPMA). The characteristics of 195 tornado events over land and at sea off the coast of mainland Portugal, Azores, and Madeira Islands, reported until 2020, were compiled into a new tornado database for Portugal. Each event was identified through the direct observation of the vortex, photography or video footage, or eyewitness descriptions, as well as by site surveys, including the interpretation of traces of the tornado found on the ground. For events after 2006, each data record was complemented with Doppler radar observations and derived products, which allowed a tornado type (TT) classification. The synoptic regimes and atmospheric environments favoring each type were identified using observations and numerical weather prediction model data. Results showed that tornadoes over Portugal were more frequent during autumn, winter, and spring. It was found that the occurrence of more than one tornado on the same day was frequent. The most intense tornadoes, classified as F3 intensity, were spawned by supercells, but a large proportion of weaker, shorter-lived, but still damaging tornadoes were found to be spawned in association with quasi linear convective systems (QLCS).
Estimation of Damage Cost to Building Façades per kilo Emission of Air Pollution in Norway
Authors: Grøntoft Terje
Published: June 2020

This work reports marginal damage costs to façades due to air pollution exposure estimated “bottom up,” for Norway and Oslo (Norway) by the use of exposure response functions (ERFs) and impact pathway analysis from the emission to the deteriorating impact. The aim of the work was to supply cost estimates that could be compared with reported damage costs to health, agriculture, and ecosystems, and that could be used in cost-benefit analysis by environmental authorities. The marginal damage costs for cleaning, repair, and in total (cleaning + repair) were found to be, in Norway: eight, two, and 10, respectively, and for a traffic situation in Oslo: 50 (77), 50 (28), and 100 (105), (×/÷ 2.5) Euro/kg emission of PM10, SO2, and NO2 in total. For Oslo, the values represent a recorded façade materials inventory for 17–18th century buildings, and in the brackets the same façade inventory as for Norway. In total, 5–10% of the marginal damage cost was found to be due to NO2. The total marginal cost was found to be shared about equally between the impact of PM10 and SO2 in Norway (50 and 42% of the impact) and for the 17–18th century buildings in Oslo (45% and 49% of the impact), but for a similar façade materials inventory in Oslo as Norway, the total marginal cost due to PM10 was about two-thirds and that due to SO2 about one-third of the total, with about 5% of the cost still being due to NO2. The division of the costs between the separate pollutant influences on the cleaning and repair was, however, found to be significantly different in Norway and Oslo. In Norway, about 60% of the marginal cleaning cost was found to be due to PM10, 30% due to SO2, and 10% due to NO2. In Oslo, about 85% of the marginal cleaning costs were found to be due to PM10, 10% due to SO2, and 5% due to NO2. For the marginal repair cost, the opposite situation was found, in both Norway and Oslo, with 80–90% of the cost being due to SO2, 5–10% being due to PM10, and 5–10% due to NO2. As other factors than air pollution deteriorates façades and influences maintenance decisions, the expenses that can be attributed to the air pollution could be significantly lower.
Characteristics of Carbonaceous Matter in Aerosol from Selected Urban and Rural Areas of Southern Poland
Authors: Błaszczak Barbara , Mathews Barbara
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this study is to obtain a detailed picture of the spatial and seasonal variability of carbonaceous matter in southern Poland. Particulate matter (PM) samples from eight selected urban and rural background sites were analyzed for organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) (thermal-optical method, “eusaar_2” protocol), and the content of secondary (SOC) and primary organic carbon (POC) was estimated. The OC and EC dynamics were further studied using each of the thermally-derived carbon fractions (OC1–4, PC, and EC1–4). Clear spatiotemporal variability of carbonaceous compounds concentrations was observed, with higher levels recorded during the heating season. The considered measurement sites differed particularly in the shares of SOC and POC, with higher values of POC contents especially in rural areas. In terms of the content of carbon fractions, the analyzed sites showed roughly the same characteristics, with PC, OC4, and OC2 as dominant fractions of OC and with clear dominance of EC3 and EC2 over other EC fractions. The results obtained as part of this work may be a valuable source of information about the actual status of the carbonaceous matter, which remains one of the least known components of atmospheric PM.
An Uncertainty Modeling Framework for Intracardiac Electrogram Analysis
Authors: Koneshloo Amirhossein , Du Dongping , Du Yuncheng
Published: June 2020

Intracardiac electrograms (EGMs) are electrical signals measured within the chambers of the heart, which can be used to locate abnormal cardiac tissue and guide catheter ablations to treat cardiac arrhythmias. EGMs may contain large amounts of uncertainty and irregular variations, which pose significant challenges in data analysis. This study aims to introduce a statistical approach to account for the data uncertainty while analyzing EGMs for abnormal electrical impulse identification. The activation order of catheter sensors was modeled with a multinomial distribution, and maximum likelihood estimations were done to track the electrical wave conduction path in the presence of uncertainty. Robust optimization was performed to locate the electrical impulses based on the local conduction velocity and the geodesic distances between catheter sensors. The proposed algorithm can identify the focal sources when the electrical conduction is initiated by irregular electrical impulses and involves wave collisions, breakups, and spiral waves. The statistical modeling framework can efficiently deal with data uncertainties and provide a reliable estimation of the focal source locations. This shows the great potential of a statistical approach for the quantitative analysis of the stochastic activity of electrical waves in cardiac disorders and suggests future investigations integrating statistical methods with a deterministic geometry-based method to achieve advanced diagnostic performance.
Performances of Conventional and Hybrid Fixed Bed Anaerobic Reactors for the Treatment of Aquaculture Sludge
Authors: Chiumenti Alessandro , Fait Giulio , Limina Sonia , da Borso Francesco
Published: June 2020

Aquaculture fish production is experiencing an increasing trend worldwide and determines environmental concerns mainly related to the emission of pollutants. The present work is focused on the improvement of the sustainability of this sector by assessing the anaerobic digestion (AD) of slurry. Wastewater from experimental plants for the production of trout (Udine, Italy) was subject to screening by a drum filter, and then to thickening in a settling tank. The thickened sludge, representing the input of AD, was characterized by total and volatile solids contents of 3969.1–9705.3 and 2916.4–7154.9 mg/L, respectively. The AD was performed in a containerized unit with two digesters (D1 and D2), biogas meters and monitoring of the temperature, pH and redox potential. Both reactors are mixed by a recirculation of the digestate, and reactor D2 is equipped with a fixed bed. The tests were performed at 38 °C with diversified loading rates and hydraulic retention times (HRT). HRT varied from 28.9 to 20.3 days for D1 and from 18.3 to 9.3 days for D2. Methane yields resulted as highest for the hybrid digester with the longest HRT (779.8 NL of CH4/kg VS, 18.3 days). The conventional digester presented its best performance, 648.8 NL of CH4/kgVS, with an HRT of 20.3 days.
Hyperthermia Disturbs and Delays Spontaneous Differentiation of Human Embryoid Bodies
Authors: Kwon Ji Hyun , Kim Hyun Kyu , Ha Tae Won , Im Jeong Suk , Song Byung Hoo , Hong Ki Sung , Oh Jae Sang , Han Jaeseok , Lee Man Ryul
Published: June 2020

Various types of stress stimuli have been shown to threaten the normal development of embryos during embryogenesis. Prolonged heat exposure is the most common stressor that poses a threat to embryo development. Despite the extensive investigation of heat stress control mechanisms in the cytosol, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) heat stress response remains unclear. In this study, we used human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) to examine the effect of heat stress on early embryonic development, specifically alterations in the ER stress response. In a hyperthermic (42 °C) culture, ER stress response genes involved in hESC differentiation were induced within 1 h of exposure, which resulted in disturbed and delayed differentiation. In addition, hyperthermia increased the expression levels of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) genes, which are associated with the protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) signaling pathway. Furthermore, we demonstrated that tauroursodeoxycholic acid, a chemical chaperone, mitigated the delayed differentiation under hyperthermia. Our study identified novel gene markers in response to hyperthermia-induced ER stress on hESCs, thereby providing further insight into the mechanisms that regulate human embryogenesis.
Optimized Protocol to Generate Spinal Motor Neuron Cells from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells from Charcot Marie Tooth Patients
Authors: Faye Pierre-Antoine , Vedrenne Nicolas , Miressi Federica , Rassat Marion , Romanenko Sergii , Richard Laurence , Bourthoumieu Sylvie , Funalot Benoît , Sturtz Franck , Favreau Frederic , Lia Anne-Sophie
Published: June 2020

Modelling rare neurogenetic diseases to develop new therapeutic strategies is highly challenging. The use of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) is a powerful approach to obtain specialized cells from patients. For hereditary peripheral neuropathies, such as Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT) Type II, spinal motor neurons (MNs) are impaired but are very difficult to study. Although several protocols are available to differentiate hiPSCs into neurons, their efficiency is still poor for CMT patients. Thus, our goal was to develop a robust, easy, and reproducible protocol to obtain MNs from CMT patient hiPSCs. The presented protocol generates MNs within 20 days, with a success rate of 80%, using specifically chosen molecules, such as Sonic Hedgehog or retinoic acid. The timing and concentrations of the factors used to induce differentiation are crucial and are given hereby. We then assessed the MNs by optic microscopy, immunocytochemistry (Islet1/2, HB9, Tuj1, and PGP9.5), and electrophysiological recordings. This method of generating MNs from CMT patients in vitro shows promise for the further development of assays to understand the pathological mechanisms of CMT and for drug screening.
A Framework to Achieve Multifunctionality in Biomimetic Adaptive Building Skins
Authors: Kuru Aysu , Oldfield Philip , Bonser Stephen , Fiorito Francesco
Published: June 2020

Building skins should host multiple functions for increased performance. Addressing this, their design can benefit by learning from nature to achieve multifunctionality, where multifunctional strategies have evolved over years. However, existing frameworks to develop biomimetic adaptive building skins (Bio-ABS) have limited capabilities transferring multifunctionality from nature into designs. This study shows that through investigating the principles of hierarchy and heterogeneity, multifunctionality in nature can be transferred into biomimetic strategies. We aim at mapping the existing knowledge in biological adaptations from the perspective of multifunctionality and developing a framework achieving multifunctionality in Bio-ABS. The framework is demonstrated through the case study of Echinocactus grusonii implemented as a Bio-ABS on a digital base-case building. The methods include the Bio-ABS case study demonstrating the framework and simulating the performance of the case study and base-case building to comparatively analyze the results. The outcomes are a framework to develop multifunctional Bio-ABS and simulation results on the performance improvement Bio-ABS offer. The performance comparison between the Bio-ABS and base-case building show that there is a decrease in the discomfort hours by a maximum of 23.18%. In conclusion, translating heterogeneity and hierarchy principles in nature into engineered designs is a key aspect to achieve multifunctionality in Bio-ABS offering improved strategies in performance over conventional buildings.
Kinetics and Mechanisms of Metal Chlorides Catalysis for Coal Char Gasification with CO2
Authors: He Yong , Yuan Ye , Wang Zhihua , Liu Longlong , Tan Jiaxin , Chen Jiahao , Cen Kefa
Published: June 2020

The gasification experiments of coal chars with CO2 were carried out isothermally, with K, Ca, Ni, and Zn chloride catalysts, adopting a thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA) from 800 to 1100 °C. The kinetic characteristic of the samples were described using the volumetric model (VM), the grain model (GM), and the random pore model (PRM). The morphology patterns of the samples were tested applying X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the catalytic mechanisms concerning the phase changes were proposed. The results confirm that the gasification rate and char reactivities are enhanced by K, Ca and Ni chlorides, while ZnCl2 inhibited the process. The catalysis ability shows the following cation order: Ca > K > Ni > Zn. Among the models described above, PRM was proven to give the best fitting value and hence adopted to kinetics parameters calculation. The activation energies in promoting conditions were lower than that of the uncatalyzed cases. In view of the catalytic mechanism, the K metals tend to form intermediate complexes and repeatedly connect with coal char, while the Ca species may follow the oxidation-reduction mechanism and the Ni metals catalyze the gasification process.
Composite Catalyst of Palm Mill Fly Ash-Supported Calcium Oxide Obtained from Eggshells for Transesterification of Off-Grade Palm Oil
Authors: Helwani Zuchra , Ramli Muliadi , Saputra Edy , Putra Yogi Lesmana , Simbolon Desly Fadila , Othman Mohd Roslee , Idroes Rinaldi
Published: June 2020

This research was designed to synthesize a composite catalyst of palm oil fly ash-impregnated calcium oxide prepared from eggshell waste. Several preparation conditions, such as temperature and time applied to calcination and dehydration processes, were investigated. As a result, the optimum temperature and the length of time of calcination were 900 °C and 3 h, respectively. Meanwhile, the dehydration process was performed optimally at 600 °C for 3 h. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results indicate that the obtained catalyst mostly contained calcium oxide compounds (CaO and Ca(OH)2) and minor impurities of silica oxides (SiO2 and Ca2SiO4), with a catalyst-specific surface area of 30.24 m2/g. Regarding its catalytic performance, the composite catalyst proved successful for prospective application the in transesterification of palm oil off-grade, resulting in methyl palmitate and methyl oleate, which are two biodiesel compounds.
Towards a Generalized Synthetic Strategy for Variable Sized Enantiopure M4L4 Helicates
Authors: Boer Stephanie A. , Cao Winnie , Glascott Bianca K. , Turner David R.
Published: June 2020

The reliable and predictable synthesis of enantiopure coordination cages is an important step towards the realization of discrete cages capable of enantioselective discrimination. We have built upon our initial report of a lantern-type helical cage in attempts to expand the synthesis into a general approach. The use of a longer, flexible diacid ligand results in the anticipated cage [Cu4(L1)4(solvent)4] with a similar helical pitch to that previously observed and a cavity approximately 30% larger. Using a shorter, more rigid ligand gave rise to a strained, conjoined cage-type complex when using DABCO as an internal bridging ligand, [{Co4(L2)4(DABCO)(OH2)x}2 (DABCO)]. The expected paddlewheel motif only forms for one of the Co2 units within each cage, with the other end adopting a “partial paddlewheel” with aqua ligands completing the coordination sphere of the externally facing metal ion. The generic approach of using chiral diacids to construct lantern-type cages is partially borne out, with it being apparent that flexibility in the core group is an essential structural feature.
Impact of Climate and Land Use/Land Cover Change on the Water Resources of a Tropical Inland Valley Catchment in Uganda, East Africa
Authors: Gabiri Geofrey , Diekkrüger Bernd , Näschen Kristian , Leemhuis Constanze , van der Linden Roderick , Majaliwa Jackson-Gilbert Mwanjalolo , Obando Joy Apiyo
Published: June 2020

The impact of climate and land use/land cover (LULC) change continues to threaten water resources availability for the agriculturally used inland valley wetlands and their catchments in East Africa. This study assessed climate and LULC change impacts on the hydrological processes of a tropical headwater inland valley catchment in Uganda. The hydrological model Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was applied to analyze climate and LULC change impacts on the hydrological processes. An ensemble of six regional climate models (RCMs) from the Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment for two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs), RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, were used for climate change assessment for historical (1976–2005) and future climate (2021–2050). Four LULC scenarios defined as exploitation, total conservation, slope conservation, and protection of headwater catchment were considered. The results indicate an increase in precipitation by 7.4% and 21.8% of the annual averages in the future under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively. Future wet conditions are more pronounced in the short rainy season than in the long rainy season. Flooding intensity is likely to increase during the rainy season with low flows more pronounced in the dry season. Increases in future annual averages of water yield (29.0% and 42.7% under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively) and surface runoff (37.6% and 51.8% under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively) relative to the historical simulations are projected. LULC and climate change individually will cause changes in the inland valley hydrological processes, but more pronounced changes are expected if the drivers are combined, although LULC changes will have a dominant influence. Adoption of total conservation, slope conservation and protection of headwater catchment LULC scenarios will significantly reduce climate change impacts on water resources in the inland valley. Thus, if sustainable climate-smart management practices are adopted, the availability of water resources for human consumption and agricultural production will increase.
Effects of Graphene-Based Fillers on Cathodic Delamination and Abrasion Resistance of Cataphoretic Organic Coatings
Authors: Calovi Massimo , Rossi Stefano , Deflorian Flavio , Dirè Sandra , Ceccato Riccardo , Guo Xiaolei , Frankel Gerald S.
Published: June 2020

This study aims to demonstrate the excellent protective performance of functionalized graphene oxide (fGO) flakes in acrylic cataphoretic coatings. The filler content provides an important contribution in improving the chemical and mechanical resistance of the acrylic matrix. The morphology of the fillers was first investigated by optical and electron microscopy, analysing the distribution of the fGO flakes within the polymer matrix. After that, the flakes were added to the cataphoretic bath in different concentrations, resulting in four series of samples. The cathodic delamination of the coatings was assessed with cathodic polarization cycles and with measurements carried out with a scanning Kelvin probe. Finally, the abrasion resistance at the macroscopic and microscopic level was studied by scrub testing and scratching atomic force microscopy analysis, respectively. The incorporation of fGO at the optimized concentration of 0.2 wt.% greatly increases the cathodic delamination resistance of the acrylic matrix, resulting in an effective barrier against the effects of absorbed aggressive substances. Graphene-based fillers also enhance abrasion resistance, thanks to their high mechanical strength. Thus, this work demonstrates the great protective benefits that can be obtained when using fGO flakes as reinforcing fillers in cataphoretic coatings.
The Impacts of Chinese FDI and China–Africa Trade on Economic Growth of African Countries: The Role of Institutional Quality
Authors: Miao Miao , Lang Qiaoqi , Borojo Dinkneh Gebre , Yushi Jiang , Zhang Xiaoyun
Published: June 2020

While there is a consensus on the expanding importance of the China–Africa economic relationship, there is much more debate on how to portray the relationship. Thus, this study is aimed to examine the impacts of the China–Africa trade and Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI) on the growth of African countries controlling the mediating role of institutional quality. The two-step system Generalized method of moments (GMM) model is applied using robust data for the period of 2003–2017. Drawing on complementary theoretical perspectives, this study took into account the conditional effect of China–Africa trade and Chinese FDI subject to the institutional quality of African countries and the interdependence of China–Africa trade and Chinese FDI to African countries. The benign impacts of the China–Africa trade and Chinese FDI on economic growth to African countries remain contingent upon appropriate policy action to improve the institutional quality of African countries and the synergies between the China–Africa trade and Chinese FDI to African countries.
Three-Dimensional Time-Harmonic Electromagnetic Scattering Problems from Bianisotropic Materials and Metamaterials: Reference Solutions Provided by Converging Finite Element Approximations
Authors: Kalarickel Ramakrishnan Praveen , Raffetto Mirco
Published: June 2020

A recently developed theory is applied to deduce the well posedness and the finite element approximability of time-harmonic electromagnetic scattering problems involving bianisotropic media in free-space or inside waveguides. In particular, three example problems are considered of which one deals with scattering from plasmonic gratings that exhibit bianisotropy while the other two deal with bianisotropic obstacles inside waveguides. The hypotheses that guarantee the reliability of the numerical results are verified, and the ranges of the constitutive parameters of the media involved for which the finite element solutions are guaranteed to be reliable are deduced. It is shown that, within these ranges, there can be significant bianisotropic effects for the practical media considered as examples. The ensured reliability of the obtained results can make them useful as benchmarks for other numerical approaches. To the best of our knowledge, no other tool can guarantee reliable solutions.
Fast Heuristic AC Power Flow Analysis with Data-Driven Enhanced Linearized Model
Authors: Li Xingpeng
Published: June 2020

Though the full AC power flow model can accurately represent the physical power system, the use of this model is limited in practice due to the computational complexity associated with its non-linear and non-convexity characteristics. For instance, the AC power flow model is not incorporated in the unit commitment model for practical power systems. Instead, an alternative linearized DC power flow model is widely used in today’s power system operational and planning tools. However, DC power flow model will be useless when reactive power and voltage magnitude are of concern. Therefore, a linearized AC (LAC) power flow model is needed to address this issue. This paper first introduces a traditional LAC model and then proposes an enhanced data-driven linearized AC (DLAC) model using the regression analysis technique. Numerical simulations conducted on the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) system demonstrate the performance and effectiveness of the proposed DLAC model.
Pressure Drop and Void Fraction in Horizontal Air–Water Stratified Flows with Smooth Interface at Atmospheric Pressure
Authors: Carraretto Igor Matteo , Colombo Luigi Pietro Maria , Fasani Damiano , Guilizzoni Manfredo , Lucchini Andrea
Published: June 2020

This work presents and analyses the results of an experimental activity aimed at the characterization of stratified air–water flow conditions, which have been poorly analyzed in previous studies although they are significant for industrial applications. Tests were performed in a 24 m long, 60 mm inner diameter PMMA pipe; the superficial velocities ranged between 0.03 m/s and 0.06 m/s for the water and between 0.41 m/s and 2.31 m/s for air. The pressure gradient along the pipeline was determined and compared to the one obtained implementing two-fluid models available in the literature. Fair agreement with the models was found only at high values of the superficial gas velocities, i.e., above 1.31 m/s. Moreover, the void fraction was measured through a resistive probe and compared with the values predicted by available models. Since none of them was able to satisfactorily predict the void fraction in the whole range of superficial velocities, a drift flux model was successfully implemented. Eventually, with both the measured pressure gradient and the void fraction, a two-fluid model was implemented in order to determine the interfacial shear stress and to compare the outcome with the literature, emphasizing the influence of the operating conditions on the prediction performance.
Psycho-Emotional Approach to the Psychological Distress Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Spain: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study
Authors: Domínguez-Salas Sara , Gómez-Salgado Juan , Andrés-Villas Montserrat , Díaz-Milanés Diego , Romero-Martín Macarena , Ruiz-Frutos Carlos
Published: June 2020

Anxiety, depression, and stress are common and expected reactions to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The objective of this study is to analyze psychological distress in a sample of Spanish population, identifying the predictive nature of the information received, the preventive measures taken, level of concern, beliefs, and knowledge about the infection. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on a sample of 4615 participants. Data were collected through a self-prepared questionnaire and the general health questionnaire (GHQ-12). Bivariate analyses and logistic regressions were performed. Of the total participants, 71.98% presented psychological distress. The study population actively sought information about coronavirus, expressed a high level of concern and knowledge, and the most frequent preventive behavior was hand washing. As predictive factors, the degree of concern for COVID-19 was identified (odds ratio (OR) = 1.244, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [1.179, 1.312]), the number of hours spent consulting information on COVID-19 (OR = 1.038, 95% CI = [1.009, 1.068]), or the need for psychological support (OR = 1.135, 95% CI = [1.094, 1.177]), among others. These results could help design more effective strategies towards a psycho-emotional approach for the population when in similar health crisis situations. There is a need for interventions aimed at the psychological well-being of the population that meet the needs of their reality.
Gender Inequality and the Sexual and Reproductive Health Status of Young and Older Women in the Afar Region of Ethiopia
Authors: Dessalegn Muluken , Ayele Mhiret , Hailu Yeshitila , Addisu Genetu , Abebe Sintayehu , Solomon Haset , Mogess Geteneh , Stulz Virginia
Published: June 2020

The main purpose of this research was to analyze gender context in the Afar region of Ethiopia and propose a set of strategies or actions to improve adolescent and youth health. Using a pre-established gender analysis framework, an explorative qualitative study was conducted in five districts. Sixteen key informants and eight focus group discussions were conducted among adult women and men of young adolescents and youth. The study revealed that younger and older women are the most disadvantaged groups of the society. This is due to the high workload on women and girls (housekeeping, building a house and taking care of cattle and children), they also are less valued, have no control over resources and have no part in decision making, including their personal life choices. As a result, they rarely access school and health facilities. They are forced get married according to arranged marriage called “absuma.” As such, they suffer from multiple reproductive health problems. Women have poor decision-making autonomy, lack control over resources, have limited participation in socio-economic practices, and experience child and early forced marriage, and this poor service utilization has exposed them to the worst sexual and reproductive health outcomes.
Psychological Risk Factors that Predict Social Networking and Internet Addiction in Adolescents
Authors: Peris Montserrat , de la Barrera Usue , Schoeps Konstanze , Montoya-Castilla Inmaculada
Published: June 2020

Adolescents’ addictive use of social media and the internet is an increasing concern among parents, teachers, researchers and society. The purpose was to examine the contribution of body self-esteem, personality traits, and demographic factors in the prediction of adolescents’ addictive use of social media and the internet. The participants were 447 Spanish adolescents aged 13−16 years (M = 14.90, SD = 0.81, 56.2% women). We measured gender, age, body self-esteem (body satisfaction and physical attractiveness), personality traits (extraversion, neuroticism, disinhibition and narcissism) and social networking and internet addiction (internet addiction symptoms, social media use, geek behaviour, and nomophobia). The effects of gender, age, body self-esteem and personality on the different dimensions of internet addiction were estimated, conducting hierarchical linear multiple regression analysis and a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). The results evidenced different pathways explaining four types of adolescents’ internet addiction: gender and disinhibition were the most relevant predictors of addiction symptoms; gender combined with physical attractiveness best explained social media use; narcissism and neuroticism appear to be the most relevant predictors of geek behaviour; and narcissism was the variable that best explained nomophobia. Furthermore, the advantages and differences between both methodologies (regressions vs. QCA) were discussed.
Association between Prenatal Exposure to Household Pesticides and Neonatal Weight and Length Growth in the Japan Environment and Children’s Study
Authors: Matsuki Taro , Ebara Takeshi , Tamada Hazuki , Ito Yuki , Yamada Yasuyuki , Kano Hirohisa , Kurihara Takahiro , Sato Hirotaka , Kato Sayaka , Saitoh Shinji , Sugiura-Ogasawara Mayumi , Kamijima Michihiro ,   The Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS) Group
Published: June 2020

The effects of prenatal exposure to household pesticides on fetal and neonatal growth have not been fully clarified. The present study aims to determine the effects of prenatal exposure to pesticides on neonates’ body size and growth during the first month. This study included 93,718 pairs of pregnant women and their children from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study. Participants completed self-reporting questionnaires during their second or third trimesters on their demographic characteristics and frequency of pesticide use during pregnancy. Child weight, length, and sex were obtained from medical record transcripts. Birth weight and length, as well as weight and length changes over the first month, were estimated using an analysis of covariance. Frequency of exposure to almost all pesticides had no effects on birth weight and length. However, we found small but significant associations (i) between the use of fumigation insecticides and decreased birth weight, and (ii) between frequencies of exposure to pyrethroid pesticides, especially mosquito coils/mats, and suppression of neonatal length growth. Prenatal exposure to household pesticides, especially those containing pyrethroids, might adversely influence fetal and postnatal growth trajectories.
COVID-19 and Dentistry: Prevention in Dental Practice, a Literature Review
Authors: Villani Federico Alcide , Aiuto Riccardo , Paglia Luigi , Re Dino
Published: June 2020

SARS-CoV-2 is a member of the family of coronaviruses. The first cases were recorded in Wuhan, China, between December 2019 and January 2020. Italy is one of the most affected countries in Europe. COVID-19 is a new challenge in modern dentistry. New guidelines are required in dental clinics to avoid contagion caused by cross-infections. A narrative review was performed using both primary sources, such as scientific articles and secondary ones, such as bibliographic indexes, web pages, and databases. The main search engines were PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar. Twelve articles were selected to develop the bibliographic review by applying pre-established inclusion and exclusion criteria. Precautionary measures should be applied to control COVID-19 in clinical practice. Several authors have highlighted the importance of telephone triage and/or clinic questionnaires, body temperature measurement, usage of personal protective equipment, surface disinfection with ethanol between 62% and 71%, high-speed instruments equipped with an anti-retraction system, four-handed work, and large-volume cannulas for aspiration. Clinically, the use of a rubber dam is essential. FFP2 (or N95) and FFP3 respirators, if compared to surgical masks, provide greater protection for health workers against viral respiratory infections. Further accurate studies are needed to confirm this.
Healthcare and Welfare Policy Efficiency in 34 Developing Countries in Asia
Authors: Kim YongChan , Park Min Jae , Atukeren Erdal
Published: June 2020

The healthcare and welfare policies of nations, as well as the amount of investments put into these areas, vary across countries. Investments in healthcare and welfare have been increasing worldwide which brings the question of assessing the efficiency of these investments. There are, however, difficulties in evaluating the effectiveness of such investments due to differences in countries’ economic development levels and due to the differences in data definition issues. There are only a limited number of studies in the literature that employ consistent and comparable indicators across countries. This study evaluates the healthcare investment efficiency and health competitiveness efficiency of 34 developing countries in Asia using a two-stage dynamic data envelopment analysis approach. Furthermore, we employ a broader measure of indicators on national healthcare and welfare policies and outcomes, in addition to the investment data on healthcare and welfare expenditures. Our findings indicate that the establishment of an investment environment with a consolidated approach and management is an important factor that increases the efficiency of investments in healthcare and welfare sectors. A consistent delivery of the national policy strategy is also crucial for reaching the medium-and long-term targets for each country. For example, if a country establishes healthcare and welfare policies that focus on improving its indicators with low efficiencies, the output will be improved and a better return on investment will be ensured in a long-term perspective.
Where do People Interact in High-Rise Apartment Buildings? Exploring the Influence of Personal and Neighborhood Characteristics
Authors: Nguyen Linh , van den Berg Pauline , Kemperman Astrid , Mohammadi Masi
Published: June 2020

Early studies conclude that high-rise apartment buildings present challenges for people’s quality of life, resulting in social isolation, social annoyance and anonymity for residents. Nevertheless, empirical research into factors supporting social interaction in high-rise apartment buildings is still scarce. This study aims to investigate how often and where people in high-rise neighborhoods interact, and how this is affected by personal and neighborhoods characteristics. A mixture of both quantitative and qualitative methods was used including social interaction diaries and questionnaires among 274 residents, in-depth interviews with 45 residents and objective measurement of the physical environments in four high-rise apartment buildings for low in-income people in Hanoi, Vietnam. Results demonstrate that social interaction is influenced by a number of personal and neighborhood characteristics. Furthermore, most social interactions—also gathering and accompanying playing children—take place in the circulation areas of the apartment buildings. However, the use of these spaces for different purposes of interaction is found to have negative impact on people’s privacy, the feeling of safety and cleanliness of the shared spaces. The findings of this study provide information for planners and designers on how to design and improve high-rise apartment buildings that support social interaction.