bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategies for Pan-European Implementation of Blended Learning for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (I&E) Education
Authors: Pisoni Galena
Published: June 2019

New information and communication technologies (ICTs) provide educators and learners with novel approaches to enhance teaching and learning processes. Technology enabled learning plays a vital role in contemporary education and blended learning is widely adopted across higher education as a learning mode. In this paper we reflect on the strategies for introducing blended learning in a network of European universities and the first lessons learnt from the experience. A total of 18 universities took part with around 350 students registered in the 2018–2019 academic year. In this report we recount how the lecturers in our network introduced the blended learning in their classes, the different types of lessons resulting from this effort, as well as the teachers’ and students’ perceptions regarding the blended learning activities performed. Our reflection is focused on the use of blended learning and its positive effect on activating students and development of innovation and entrepreneurship soft skills. The perceptions on blended learning are interrelated, with the success of the blending models depending on the blended learning activities, and how well the respective online contents are embedded into the teaching and learning processes.
Open-Circuit Fault Analysis and Modeling for Power Converter Based on Single Arm Model
Authors: Tao Hongwei , Peng Tao , Yang Chao , Chen Zhiwen , Yang Chunhua , Gui Weihua
Published: June 2019

This paper proposes a new modeling method for power converter based on single arm model. The objective of this paper is twofold: (1) One is to present the single arm model with good portability. The single arm model can be used to build the models of power converters which have several arms with the same structure; (2) the other is that the converter model built by the single arm model can represent the power converter when open-circuit faults happened in power devices and clamping diodes. First of all, the inputs and outputs of single arm are redefined. Then, the open-circuit faults occurring in different power devices and clamping diodes are analyzed. Furthermore the single arm model is built. Finally, the model of power converter is established based on the single arm model, which can express the power converter with open-circuit fault. The effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed model have been verified by simulation and experiment results.
A Multi-Objective Risk Scheduling Model of an Electrical Power System-Containing Wind Power Station with Wind and Energy Storage Integration
Authors: He Hai , Peng Feixiang , Gao Zhengnan , Liu Xin , HU Shubo , Zhou Wei , Sun Hui
Published: June 2019

The integrated operation of wind storage is a developmental trend for future wind power stations. Compared with energy storage and wind power system scheduling, the utilization ratio of wind power is improved. This paper analyzes the power system scheduling risks that are brought about by wind power stations with wind and energy storage integration and puts forward the corresponding risks indexes, which are based on the physical structure and the long-operation features of the battery energy storage system. This paper also proposes the multi-objective optimization scheduling model, considering the economy of optimization, risk of load-shedding, and wind power curtailment that is caused by the full failure and partial failure of energy storage and wind turbines, and the uncertainty of the wind power output. Example results have shown that the optimization scheduling model can apply to various control strategies and different risk levels of the system, and reduce the risk of an electric power system containing a wind power station with wind and energy storage integration. In the meantime, it can also improve the economical efficiency and utilization rate of the wind power system.
Comparative Analysis of the Results of Diagnostic Measurements with an Internal Inspection of Oil-Filled Power Transformers
Authors: Piotrowski Tomasz , Rozga Pawel , Kozak Ryszard
Published: June 2019

This article presents a description of four independent case studies concerning situations when power transformers were directed to internal inspection. This inspection was the result of a specific case of a routine diagnostic procedure that was carried out and, where the transformer was switched off by a Buchholz gas relay. The case studies described were selected such that they represented situations when availability of historical data on the previous measurements was limited and a quick diagnosis had to be made on the basis of the results from the last measurement. In all of the cases presented here, the analysis of the gases dissolved in oil had played an important role in the detection of the defects that turned out to be dangerous for further exploitation of the transformers considered. The first signal about a possible developing defect was elicited solely from the measurements of the oil samples taken from the transformer in service. However, more detailed recognition and initial localization of the defect was possible after additional supplementary measurements (winding resistance, sweep frequency response analysis, etc.), which required the transformer to be switched off. The conducted sequence of actions, based on the developed diagnostic procedure, indicated the possibility of effective and early withdrawal of the transformer from operation, before it underwent a serious failure.
A Survey on Microgrid Energy Management Considering Flexible Energy Sources
Authors: Shayeghi Hossein , Shahryari Elnaz , Moradzadeh Mohammad , Siano Pierluigi
Published: June 2019

Aggregation of distributed generations (DGs) along with energy storage systems (ESSs) and controllable loads near power consumers has led to the concept of microgrids. However, the uncertain nature of renewable energy sources such as wind and photovoltaic generations, market prices and loads has led to difficulties in ensuring power quality and in balancing generation and consumption. To tackle these problems, microgrids should be managed by an energy management system (EMS) that facilitates the minimization of operational costs, emissions and peak loads while satisfying the microgrid technical constraints. Over the past years, microgrids’ EMS have been studied from different perspectives and have recently attracted considerable attention of researchers. To this end, in this paper a classification and a survey of EMSs has been carried out from a new point of view. EMSs have been classified into four categories based on the kind of the reserve system being used, including non-renewable, ESS, demand-side management (DSM) and hybrid systems. Moreover, using recent literature, EMSs have been reviewed in terms of uncertainty modeling techniques, objective functions (OFs) and constraints, optimization techniques, and simulation and experimental results presented in the literature.
Wind Energy Potential Assessment by Weibull Parameter Estimation Using Multiverse Optimization Method: A Case Study of Tirumala Region in India
Authors: Kumar Mekalathur B Hemanth , Balasubramaniyan Saravanan , Padmanaban Sanjeevikumar , Holm-Nielsen Jens Bo
Published: June 2019

In this paper the multiverse optimization (MVO) was used for estimating Weibull parameters. These parameters were further used to analyze the wind data available at a particular location in the Tirumala region in India. An effort had been made to study the wind potential in this region (13°41′30.4″ N 79°21′34.4″ E) using the Weibull parameters. The wind data had been measured at this site for a period of six years from January 2012 to December 2017. The analysis was performed at two different hub heights of 10 m and 65 m. The frequency distribution of wind speed, wind direction and mean wind speeds were calculated for this region. To compare the performance of the MVO, gray wolf optimizer (GWO), moth flame optimization (MFO), particle swarm optimization (PSO) and other numerical methods were considered. From this study, the performance had been analyzed and the best results were obtained by using the MVO with an error less than one. Along with the Weibull frequency distribution for the selected region, wind direction and wind speed were also provided. From the analysis, wind speed from 2 m/s to 10 m/s was present in sector 260–280° and wind from 0–4 m/s were present in sector 170–180° of the Tirumala region in India.
Study on Icing Prediction of Power Transmission Lines Based on Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition and Feature Selection Optimized Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Wang Weijun , Zhao Dan , Fan Liguo , Jia Yulong
Published: June 2019

The ice coating on the transmission line is extremely destructive to the safe operation of the power grid. Under natural conditions, the thickness of ice coating on the transmission line shows a nonlinear growth trend and many influencing factors increase the difficulty of forecasting. Therefore, a hybrid model was proposed in this paper, which mixed Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD), Random Forest (RF) and Chaotic Grey Wolf Optimization-Extreme Learning Machine (CGWO-ELM) algorithms to predict short-term ice thickness. Firstly, the Ensemble Profit Mode Decomposition model was introduced to decompose the original ice thickness data into components representing different wave characteristics and to eliminate irregular components. In order to verify the accuracy of the model, two transmission lines in ‘hunan’ province were selected for case study. Then the reserved components were modeled one by one, building the random forest feature selection algorithm and Partial Autocorrelation Function (PACF) to extract the feature input of the model. At last, a component prediction model of ice thickness based on feature selection and CGWO-ELM was established for prediction. Simulation results show that the model proposed in this paper not only has good prediction performance, but also can greatly improve the accuracy of ice thickness prediction by selecting input terminal according to RF characteristics.
The Effects of Climate Change on Pine Wilt Disease in South Korea: Challenges and Prospects
Authors: An Hyunjin , Lee Sangmin , Cho Sung Ju
Published: June 2019

This study assessed the damage and the potential economic threat of pine wilt disease, which is the most common disease caused by forest-integrated pests in Korea. To estimate the rate of damage by pine wilt disease, a structural damage function was implemented. The nonlinear panel probit model and the generalized estimated equation (GEE) were used for the estimation. The estimated damage function and representative concentration pathways (RCP)8.5 data were used to predict the future damage rate by pests caused by climate change. In the assessment of the economic impact on forests, the dynamic optimization model was introduced. The concept of environmental payment was introduced to consider the economic value of non-timber benefits. For the economic analysis, three scenarios were established, i.e., no pest outbreak (baseline), pest infestation (no control), and pest infestation (prevention and control), and the forest management revenues that included the wood and non-wood materials for each scenario were compared. On the basis of the results of the analysis, a simulation was conducted to investigate the changes in forest management revenues according to changes in timber market prices, environmental payments, and climate change. The prediction results confirmed that the future damage by pine wilt disease and the extent of the damaged areas will increase as a consequence of climate change. In addition, the analysis of the economic impact showed that the increase of pest damage caused by climate change will worsen the forest management revenues. As pest damage brought on by climate change is expected to increase uncertainties and economic losses, there is a marked need to review the policies that so far have been focusing only on post-response tasks. In addition to a proper post-incident management, it is necessary to secure the sense of control and stability over the matter through the reinforcement of pre-incident management.
A Holistic View of Soils in Delivering Ecosystem Services in Forests: A Case Study in South Korea
Authors: Vicente-Vicente José Luis , Fuss Sabine , Song Cholho , Lee Jongyeol , Kim Moonil , Lee Woo-Kyun , Son Yowhan
Published: June 2019

In 1955, after the Korean War, only 35% of the national land area in South Korea was covered by forests. In the 1960s, the Korean Government implemented the national forestation program in order to increase the extent of the forest surface and thereby counteract the negative ecological consequences from deforestation, such as erosion and ground instability. According to previous studies, this led to an increase in carbon (C) accumulated in the forest biomass of 1.48 Gt CO2 (0.40 Gt C) in the period 1954–2012. However, these studies did not take into account the amount of soil organic carbon (SOC) that was accumulated during that period and the influence of management practices on soil ecosystem services. Currently, South Korean authorities are considering the idea of implementing some forest management practices in order to increase timber extraction (e.g., by reducing the cutting age of the trees or by applying thinning and tending measures). In this study, we assess the influence of these management regimes on SOC dynamics and propose a theoretical framework to assess the influence of forest management practices on three ecosystem services, namely, C sequestration, water supply, and biomass production, while considering soil functioning, and especially SOC, as a group of supporting services underpinning the three named ecosystem services. We find that, in terms of SOC sequestration, reducing the cutting age from 80 to 40 years would be suitable only in the case of high biomass production forests, whereas in the case of lower biomass production forests reducing the cutting age would achieve very low SOC levels. However, we propose that increasing tree species diversity, even though it would not lead to a direct increase in the SOC content, could help to lessen the negative effects of reducing the cutting age by improving other soil properties, which in turn positively affect soil functioning (e.g., soil biodiversity, nutrient availability) and the resilience of the forest ecosystem. Finally, we discuss potential policy approaches to incentivize sustainable management practices in South Korean forests from a soil protection perspective.
Antimicrobial Effect and Probiotic Potential of Phage Resistant Lactobacillus plantarum and its Interactions with Zoonotic Bacterial Pathogens
Authors: Nagarajan Vinod , Peng Mengfei , Tabashsum Zajeba , Salaheen Serajus , Padilla Joselyn , Biswas Debabrata
Published: June 2019

Development of phage-resistant probiotic particularly Lactobacillus is an alternative approach to enhance their beneficial effects as in animal feed supplements. In this study, we developed phage-resistant Lactobacillus plantarum (LP+PR) mutant and compared their antimicrobial effects and probiotic potential against zoonotic bacterial pathogens including Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes with phage-sensitive L. plantarum (LP) strain. LP+PR strain showed markedly higher growth rate than wild-type LP strain. In co-culture with LP+PR and in the presence of cell-free cultural supernatants (CFCSs) of LP+PR, the growth of S. Typhimurium, EHEC, S. aureus, and L. monocytogenes were reduced significantly (P < 0.05). The adhesion ability of LP+PR was slightly higher than the LP on human epithelial INT-407 cells. Most importantly, LP+PR strain significantly inhibited the adhesive and invasive abilities of all four zoonotic pathogens to INT-407 cells (P < 0.05). Moreover, real-time qPCR revealed that in the presence of LP+PR strain or its CFCSs, expression of virulence genes of these zoonotic bacterial pathogens were suppressed significantly (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that the LP+PR strain is capable of inhibiting major zoonotic bacterial pathogens efficiently and would be a potential candidate for industrial usage in animal production or fermentation.
Possible Mechanism for the Tsunami-Related Fires That Occurred at Aonae Harbor on Okushiri Island in the 1993 Hokkaido Nansei-Oki Earthquake
Authors: Enomoto Yuji , Yamabe Tsuneaki , Sugiura Shigeki , Kondo Hitoshi
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we investigate the mysterious tsunami fires that occurred at Aonae Harbor on Okushiri Island during the 1993 Hokkaido Nansei-Oki earthquake. Specifically, five fishing boats moored separately from each other in the harbor suddenly caught fire and burned nearly simultaneously with the arrival of the first tsunami wave. However, the ignition mechanism of those fires has, until now, remained largely unknown. At the time the earthquake occurred, an NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) crew that was on the island to report on its scenic natural attractions just happened to capture video footage of those tsunami-related fires. Using that NHK video footage in combination with eyewitness accounts, this study investigates the spatio-temporal process leading to those tsunami-related fires. For example, one witness said, "There was whitish bubbling in the offshore area and I saw five burning fishing boats moored on the seawall being blown about by the strong winds. The burning boats were swept ashore with the tsunami and ignited the gasoline of a car that was rolling in the waves. The fire eventually spread to the center of the Aonae District." The NHK video footage confirmed flames arising from the five fishing boats almost simultaneously and the shimmering white color of the tsunami waters striking the seawall, which were consistent with the eyewitness testimony. Based on these spatio-temporal data, we propose the following hypothetical model for the origin of tsunami fires. Combustible methane gas released from the seabed by the earthquake rose toward the surface, where it became diffused into the seawater and took the form of whitish bubbles. The tsunami strike on the Aonae Harbor seawall resulted in the generation of large electrical potential differences within the seawater mist, which quickly developed sufficient electrical energy to ignite the methane electrostatically. The burning methane bubbles accumulated on the boat decks, which then burned violently.
Out-Of-Pocket Expenditures on Dental Care for Schoolchildren Aged 6 to 12 Years: A Cross-Sectional Estimate in a Less-Developed Country Setting
Authors: Medina-Solís Carlo Eduardo , Ávila-Burgos Leticia , Márquez-Corona María de Lourdes , Medina-Solís June Janette , Lucas-Rincón Salvador Eduardo , Borges-Yañez Socorro Aida , Fernández-Barrera Miguel Ángel , Pontigo-Loyola América Patricia , Maupomé Gerardo
Published: June 2019

Aim: The objective of this study was to estimate the Out-Of-Pocket Expenditures (OOPEs) incurred by households on dental care, as well as to analyze the sociodemographic, economic, and oral health factors associated with such expenditures. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 763 schoolchildren in Mexico. A questionnaire was distributed to parents to determine the variables related to OOPEs on dental care. The amounts were updated in 2017 in Mexican pesos and later converted to 2017 international dollars (purchasing power parities–PPP US $). Multivariate models were created: a linear regression model (which modeled the amount of OOPEs), and a logistic regression model (which modeled the likelihood of incurring OOPEs). Results: The OOPEs on dental care for the 763 schoolchildren were PPP US $53,578, averaging a PPP of US $70.2 ± 123.7 per child. Disbursements for treatment were the principal item within the OOPEs. The factors associated with OOPEs were the child’s age, number of dental visits, previous dental pain, main reason for dental visit, educational level of mother, type of health insurance, household car ownership, and socioeconomic position. Conclusions: The average cost of dental care was PPP US $70.2 ± 123.7. Our study shows that households with higher school-aged children exhibiting the highest report of dental morbidity—as well as those without insurance—face the highest OOPEs. An array of variables were associated with higher expenditures. In general, higher-income households spent more on dental care. However, the present study did not estimate unmet needs across the socioeconomic gradient, and thus, future research is needed to fully ascertain disease burden.
Toddler Temperament Mediates the Effect of Prenatal Maternal Stress on Childhood Anxiety Symptomatology: The QF2011 Queensland Flood Study
Authors: McLean Mia A. , Cobham Vanessa E. , Simcock Gabrielle , Kildea Sue , King Suzanne
Published: June 2019

It is not known whether alterations to temperamental characteristics associated with prenatal maternal stress (PNMS) exposure account for the development of childhood anxiety symptomatology (internalizing behaviors and anxiety symptoms). The QF2011 Queensland flood study examined whether (1) toddler temperamental characteristics explained the association between PNMS exposure and childhood anxiety symptomatology; and (2) whether effects were dependent upon child sex or the timing of gestational exposure to PNMS. We investigated the effects of various aspects of flood-related stress in pregnancy (objective hardship, cognitive appraisal, subjective distress) on maternal report of 16-month toddler temperament (attentional control, shy-inhibition, negative reactivity), 4-year maternal-reported childhood anxiety symptomatology (internalizing and anxiety symptoms; N = 104), and teacher reports of internalizing behaviors (N = 77). Severity of maternal objective hardship during pregnancy and shy-inhibited behaviors were uniquely associated with 4-year child anxiety symptoms. Mediation analyses found that higher levels of 16-month negative reactivity accounted, in part, for the relationship between increased maternal objective flood-related hardship and greater internalizing behaviors (maternal but not teacher report). Neither child sex nor gestational timing of exposure moderated the hypothesized mediations. Our findings highlight several pathways through which varying aspects of disaster-related PNMS may influence early childhood anxiety symptomatology.
Characteristics of Non-Emergent Visits in Emergency Departments: Profiles and Longitudinal Pattern Changes in Taiwan, 2000–2010
Authors: Huang Liang-Chung , Chung Wu-Fu , Liu Shih-Wei , Wu Jau-Ching , Chen Li-Fu , Chen Yu-Chun
Published: June 2019

An increasing number of emergency department (ED) visits have posed a challenge to health systems in many countries, but an understanding of non-emergent ED visits has remained limited and contentious. This retrospective study analyzed ED visits using three representative cohorts from routine data to explore the profiles and longitudinal pattern changes of non-emergent ED visits in Taiwan. Systematic-, personal-, and ED visit-level data were analyzed using a logistic regression model. Average marginal effects were calculated to compare the effects of each factor. The annual ED visit rate increased up to 261.3 per 1000 population in 2010, and a significant one-third of visits were considered as non-emergent. The rapidly growing utilization of ED visits underwent a watershed change after cost-sharing payments between patients and medical institutions were increased in 2005. In addition to cohort effects resulting from cost-sharing payment changes, all factors were significantly associated with non-emergent ED visits with different levels of impact. We concluded that non-emergent ED visits were associated with multifaceted factors, but the change to cost-sharing payment, being female, younger age, and geographical residence were the most predictive factors. This information would enhance the implementation of evidence-based strategies to optimize ED use.
A Dynamical and Zero-Inflated Negative Binomial Regression Modelling of Malaria Incidence in Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Abiodun Gbenga J. , Makinde Olusola S. , Adeola Abiodun M. , Njabo Kevin Y. , Witbooi Peter J. , Djidjou-Demasse Ramses , Botai Joel O.
Published: June 2019

Recent studies have considered the connections between malaria incidence and climate variables using mathematical and statistical models. Some of the statistical models focused on time series approach based on Box–Jenkins methodology or on dynamic model. The latter approach allows for covariates different from its original lagged values, while the Box–Jenkins does not. In real situations, malaria incidence counts may turn up with many zero terms in the time series. Fitting time series model based on the Box–Jenkins approach and ARIMA may be spurious. In this study, a zero-inflated negative binomial regression model was formulated for fitting malaria incidence in Mopani and Vhembe―two of the epidemic district municipalities in Limpopo, South Africa. In particular, a zero-inflated negative binomial regression model was formulated for daily malaria counts as a function of some climate variables, with the aim of identifying the model that best predicts reported malaria cases. Results from this study show that daily rainfall amount and the average temperature at various lags have a significant influence on malaria incidence in the study areas. The significance of zero inflation on the malaria count was examined using the Vuong test and the result shows that zero-inflated negative binomial regression model fits the data better. A dynamical climate-based model was further used to investigate the population dynamics of mosquitoes over the two regions. Findings highlight the significant roles of Anopheles arabiensis on malaria transmission over the regions and suggest that vector control activities should be intense to eradicate malaria in Mopani and Vhembe districts. Although An. arabiensis has been identified as the major vector over these regions, our findings further suggest the presence of additional vectors transmitting malaria in the study regions. The findings from this study offer insight into climate-malaria incidence linkages over Limpopo province of South Africa.
Utility and Predictive Value of Human Standard Semen Parameters and Sperm DNA Dispersion for Fertility Potential
Authors: Gill Kamil , Jakubik Joanna , Rosiak-Gill Aleksandra , Kups Michał , Lukaszuk Mariusz , Kurpisz Maciej , Fraczek Monika , Piasecka Małgorzata
Published: June 2019

Because the assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) plays a key role in male fertility, our study was designed to find the relationships between SDF and standard semen parameters. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that 18% SDF is a prognostic parameter for discriminating between men with normal and abnormal standard semen parameters (n = 667). Men with > 18% SDF had significantly lower quality semen, a higher prevalence of abnormal semen characteristics, and a higher odds ratio for abnormal semen parameters compared to men with ≤ 18% SDF. An ROC analysis provided predictive values for age and semen parameters to distinguish between men with SDF > 18% and men with ≤ 18% SDF. SDF was positively correlated with male age and teratozoospermia index but negatively with sperm concentration, total number of spermatozoa, sperm morphology, progressive motility, and vitality. Our study shows that 18% SDF has a predictive value for distinguishing between men with normal and abnormal semen characteristics. Men with >18% SDF have a higher risk for abnormal semen parameters, while age and obtained semen parameters have a predictive value for SDF. There is a relationship between SDF and conventional sperm characteristics, and thus, SDF can be incorporated into male fertility assessment.
Assessment of Leaching Characteristics of Solidified Products Containing Secondary Alkaline Lead Slag
Authors: Štulović Marija , Radovanović Dragana , Kamberović Željko , Korać Marija , Anđić Zoran
Published: June 2019

Reuse of waste is one of the main principles of sustainable development and circular economy. Secondary alkaline lead slag is a hazardous waste generated in the recycling process of lead-acid batteries that may be suitable in construction materials. The environmental impact of the use of lead slag as a partial replacement of fine aggregates in the cement-based stabilization/solidification (S/S) process for the preparation of concrete was studied in this paper. Solidified products containing 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% slag were laboratory tested by unconfined compressive strength (UCS) analyses and the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP). At the same time, the leachability of toxic elements from solidified products with a high percent of slag was evaluated under environmental conditions for during one year. The results of the UCS and TCLP indicated that utilization of this type of slag in cement-based applications may be justified with its controlled addition. However, the described application of the slag was disputed due to the high release of As under high alkaline environmental conditions. Eh-pH analyses and the geochemical modeling using the software PHREEQC were evaluated, as well as the mechanism of pollutant (Pb, As) immobilization (precipitation, adsorption) as a function of pH conditions.
Improving Nursing Staff Attitudes toward Vaccinations through Academic Detailing: The HProImmune Questionnaire as a Tool for Medical Management
Authors: Tamburrano Andrea , Mellucci Claudia , Galletti Caterina , Vitale Daniela , Vallone Doriana , Barbara Andrea , Sguera Anna , Zega Maurizio , Damiani Gianfranco , Laurenti Patrizia
Published: June 2019

Vaccinations remain the most effective way of preventing infection, disease, and mortality. Public health institutions consequently recommend vaccines to target groups, including healthcare workers, who are considered to be more at risk of exposure and transmission. The aim of this cross-sectional study is to assess, through the administration of a questionnaire, the nursing staff’s knowledge and attitude towards recommended vaccinations, and to explore the effects of a training course (carried out according to the academic detailing methodology) aimed at increasing operators’ knowledge and outreach on recommended vaccinations among healthcare workers. A total of 85 HCWs (30 nursing coordinators and 55 nurses) completed the questionnaire. Results demonstrate a higher rate of agreement towards vaccinations in nursing staff answers (75%), if compared with results of other studies (62–63%). Statistically significant differences between nursing coordinators and nurses can be found. Regarding vaccination attitudes, nursing coordinators agreed in 86% of the answers on healthcare workers’ vaccination vs 70% of nurses (p < 0.001). Considering immunization for influenza, 57% of nursing coordinators vs 18% of nurses reported for vaccination (p < 0.001). Educational programs, carried out according to academic detailing methods, could impact on vaccination attitudes and raise awareness about recommended vaccinations among healthcare workers. The questionnaire is a useful tool for investigating nursing staff knowledge and attitudes towards vaccinations, and to implement strategies to promoting vaccinations among healthcare workers.
Older Adults and Digital Society: Scientific Coverage
Authors: Álvarez-García José , Durán-Sánchez Amador , del Río-Rama María de la Cruz , Correa-Quezada Ronny
Published: June 2019

While there is a progressive ageing of the population, we are witnessing a rapid development of new information and communication technologies (ICTs). Although for most of society this technology is within reach, there are population segments for whom access is limited, especially adults who are considered of old age. Due to the relevance that the relationship between ICTs and older adults acquires in today’s society, it is necessary to carry out an analysis of the scientific literature in order to understand the knowledge structure of this field. In this research, a comparative bibliometric analysis of 172 documents published in the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases was carried out until 2018 and is complemented by a co-citation analysis. The results show that this subject is incipient and is in its exponential growth stage, with two thirds of the production concentrated in the 2012–2018 period. Four out of five authors are transient with a single authorship and the collaboration level is high. The most productive country is Germany followed by the United States and Australia.
Impact of Job Demands and Resources on Nurses’ Burnout and Occupational Turnover Intention Towards an Age-Moderated Mediation Model for the Nursing Profession
Authors: Van der Heijden Beatrice , Brown Mahoney Christine , Xu Yingzi
Published: June 2019

This longitudinal study among Registered Nurses has four purposes: (1) to investigate whether emotional, quantitative and physical demands, and family-work conflict have a negative impact on nurses’ perceived effort; (2) to investigate whether quality of leadership, developmental opportunities, and social support from supervisors and colleagues have a positive impact on meaning of work; (3) to investigate whether burnout from the combined impact of perceived effort and meaning of work mediates the relationship with occupational turnover intention; and (4) whether the relationships in our overall hypothesized framework are moderated by age (nurses categorized under 40 years versus ≥ 40 years old). In line with our expectations, emotional, quantitative, and physical demands, plus family-work conflict appeared to increase levels of perceived effort. Quality of leadership, developmental opportunities, and social support from supervisors and colleagues increased the meaning of work levels. In addition, increased perceived stress resulted in higher burnout levels, while increased meaning of work resulted in decreased burnout levels. Finally, higher burnout levels appeared to lead to a higher occupational turnover intention. Obviously, a nursing workforce that is in good physical and psychological condition is only conceivable when health care managers protect the employability of their nursing staff, and when there is a dual responsibility for a sustainable workforce. Additionally, thorough attention for the character of job demands and job resources according to nurses’ age category is necessary in creating meaningful management interventions.
Care-Seeking Dynamics among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension in Selected Rural Settings in Kenya
Authors: Karinja Miriam , Pillai Goonaseelan , Schlienger Raymond , Tanner Marcel , Ogutu Bernhards
Published: June 2019

Diabetes mellitus and hypertension are two common non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that often coexist in patients. However, health-seeking behaviour in patients with diabetes mellitus or hypertension has not been extensively studied especially in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to examine care-seeking dynamics among participants diagnosed with diabetes and/or hypertension across nine counties in rural Kenya. We conducted a cross-sectional study among adults diagnosed with diabetes and/or hypertension through face-to-face interviews. Of the 1100 participants, 69.9% had hypertension, 15.5% diabetes while 14.7% had both. The mean age of the respondents was 64 years. The majority of the respondents (86%) were on allopathic treatment. Hospital admission, having a good self-rated health status and having social support for illness, were positively associated with appropriate health-seeking behaviour while use of alcohol and pharmacy or chemist as source of treatment were negatively associated with appropriate health-seeking behaviour. Our study found a high prevalence of appropriate health-seeking behaviour among respondents with the majority obtaining care from government facilities. The results are evidence that improving public health care services can promote appropriate health-seeking behaviour for non-communicable diseases and thus improve health outcomes.
HBV Immune-Therapy: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Applications
Authors: Boni Carolina , Barili Valeria , Acerbi Greta , Rossi Marzia , Vecchi Andrea , Laccabue Diletta , Penna Amalia , Missale Gabriele , Ferrari Carlo , Fisicaro Paola
Published: June 2019

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection represents a worldwide public health concern with approximately 250 million people chronically infected and at risk of developing liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUC) are the most widely used therapies for HBV infection, but they often require long-lasting administration to avoid the risk of HBV reactivation at withdrawal. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel treatments to shorten the duration of NUC therapy by accelerating virus control, and to complement the effect of available anti-viral therapies. In chronic HBV infection, virus-specific T cells are functionally defective, and this exhaustion state is a key determinant of virus persistence. Reconstitution of an efficient anti-viral T cell response may thus represent a rational strategy to treat chronic HBV patients. In this perspective, the enhancement of adaptive immune responses by a checkpoint inhibitor blockade, specific T cell vaccines, lymphocyte metabolism targeting, and autologous T cell engineering, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and TCR-redirected T cells, constitutes a promising immune modulatory approach for a therapeutic restoration of protective immunity. The advances of the emerging immune-based therapies in the setting of the HBV research field will be outlined.
Quercetin Regulates the Integrated Stress Response to Improve Memory
Authors: Nakagawa Toshiyuki , Ohta Kazunori
Published: June 2019

The initiation of protein synthesis is suppressed under several stress conditions, inducing phosphorylation of the α-subunit of the eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2α), thereby inactivating the GTP-GDP recycling protein eIF2B. By contrast, the mammalian activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4, also known as cAMP response element binding protein 2 (CREB2)) is still translated under stress conditions. Four protein kinases (general control nonderepressible-2 (GCN2) kinase, double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase (PKR), PKR-endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-related kinase (PERK), and heme-regulated inhibitor kinase (HRI)) phosphorylate eIF2α in the presence of stressors such as amino acid starvation, viral infection, ER stress, and heme deficiency. This signaling reaction is known as the integrated stress response (ISR). Here, we review ISR signaling in the brain in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We propose that targeting ISR signaling with quercetin has therapeutic potential, because it suppresses amyloid-β (Aβ) production in vitro and prevents cognitive impairments in a mouse model of AD.
CSPG4-Specific CAR T Cells for High-Risk Childhood B Cell Precursor Leukemia
Authors: Harrer Dennis C. , Schuler Gerold , Dörrie Jan , Schaft Niels
Published: June 2019

The advent of CD19-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells has proven to be a powerful asset in the arsenal of cancer immunotherapy of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and certain B cell lymphomas. However, a sizable portion of patients treated with CD19-CAR T cells relapse with CD19-negative cancer cells, necessitating the quest for back-up antigens. Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4) expression has been reported on leukemic blasts bearing the ill-fated MLL 11q23 rearrangement. We aimed at exploring the use of CSPG4-specific CAR T cells against mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL)-rearranged leukemic blasts, using the precursor B cell leukemia cell line KOPN8 (MLL–MLLT1 translocation) as a model. First, we confirmed CSPG4 expression on KOPN8 cells. Bulk T cells electroporated with mRNA encoding a CSPG4-specific CAR upregulated activation markers and secreted the Th1 cytokines TNF and IFNγ in an antigen-specific manner upon co-culture with KOPN8 cells. More importantly, CSPG4-specific CAR T cells evinced specific degranulation towards KOPN8 cells and specifically lysed KOPN8 target cells in chromium lysis experiments. CSPG4 is a well-established CAR target in cutaneous melanoma. Here, we provide proof-of-principle data for the use of CSPG4-specific CAR T cells against MLL-translocated leukemias.
Organization of DNA in Mammalian Mitochondria
Authors: Farge Géraldine , Falkenberg Maria
Published: June 2019

As with all organisms that must organize and condense their DNA to fit within the limited volume of a cell or a nucleus, mammalian mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is packaged into nucleoprotein structures called nucleoids. In this study, we first introduce the general modes of DNA compaction, especially the role of the nucleoid-associated proteins (NAPs) that structure the bacterial chromosome. We then present the mitochondrial nucleoid and the main factors responsible for packaging of mtDNA: ARS- (autonomously replicating sequence-) binding factor 2 protein (Abf2p) in yeast and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) in mammals. We summarize the single-molecule manipulation experiments on mtDNA compaction and visualization of mitochondrial nucleoids that have led to our current knowledge on mtDNA compaction. Lastly, we discuss the possible regulatory role of DNA packaging by TFAM in DNA transactions such as mtDNA replication and transcription.
Transcriptome Profile Analysis of Winter Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) in Response to Freezing Stress, Reveal Potentially Connected Events to Freezing Stress
Authors: Pu Yuanyuan , Liu Lijun , Wu Junyan , Zhao Yuhong , Bai Jing , Ma Li , Yue Jinli , Jin Jiaojiao , Niu Zaoxia , Fang Yan , Sun Wancang
Published: June 2019

Winter rapeseed is not only an important oilseed crop, but also a winter cover crop in Northern China, where its production was severely limited by freezing stress. As an overwinter crop, the production is severely limited by freezing stress. Therefore, understanding the physiological and molecular mechanism of winter rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) in freezing stress responses becomes essential for the improvement and development of freezing-tolerant varieties of Brassica napus. In this study, morphological, physiological, ultrastructure and transcriptome changes in the Brassica napus line “2016TS(G)10” (freezing-tolerance line) that was exposed to –2 °C for 0 h, 1 h, 3 h and 24 h were characterized. The results showed that freezing stress caused seedling dehydration, and chloroplast dilation and degradation. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA), proline, soluble protein and soluble sugars were increased, as well as the relative electrolyte leakage (REL) which was significantly increased at frozen 24 h. Subsequently, RNA-seq analysis revealed a total of 98,672 UniGenes that were annotated in Brassica napus and 3905 UniGenes were identified as differentially expressed genes after being exposed to freezing stress. Among these genes, 2312 (59.21%) were up-regulated and 1593 (40.79%) were down-regulated. Most of these DEGs were significantly annotated in the carbohydrates and energy metabolism, signal transduction, amino acid metabolism and translation. Most of the up-regulated DEGs were especially enriched in plant hormone signal transduction, starch and sucrose metabolism pathways. Transcription factor enrichment analysis showed that the AP2/ERF, WRKY and MYB families were also significantly changed. Furthermore, 20 DEGs were selected to validate the transcriptome profiles via quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). In conclusion, the results provide an overall view of the dynamic changes in physiology and insights into the molecular regulation mechanisms of winter Brassica napus in response to freezing treatment, expanding our understanding on the complex molecular mechanism in plant response to freezing stress.
mTOR and Aging: An Old Fashioned Dress
Authors: Stallone Giovanni , Infante Barbara , Prisciandaro Concetta , Grandaliano Giuseppe
Published: June 2019

Aging is a physiologic/pathologic process characterized by a progressive impairment of cellular functions, supported by the alterations of several molecular pathways, leading to an increased cell susceptibility to injury. This deterioration is the primary risk factor for several major human pathologies. Numerous cellular processes, including genomic instability, telomere erosion, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, deregulated nutrient-sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, stem cell exhaustion, and altered intercellular signal transduction represent common denominators of aging in different organisms. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is an evolutionarily conserved nutrient sensing protein kinase that regulates growth and metabolism in all eukaryotic cells. Studies in flies, worms, yeast, and mice support the hypothesis that the mTOR signalling network plays a pivotal role in modulating aging. mTOR is emerging as the most robust mediator of the protective effects of various forms of dietary restriction, which has been shown to extend lifespan and slow the onset of age-related diseases across species. Herein we discuss the role of mTor signalling network in the development of classic age-related diseases, focused on cardiovascular system, immune response, and cancer.
Flat Plate and Turbine Vane Film-Cooling Performance with Laid-Back Fan-Shaped Holes
Authors: Bacci Tommaso , Picchi Alessio , Facchini Bruno
Published: June 2019

Shaped holes are considered as an effective solution to enhance gas turbine film-cooling performance, as they allow to increase the coolant mass-flux, while limiting the detrimental lift-off phenomena. A great amount of work has been carried out in past years on basic flat plate configurations while a reduced number of experimental works deals with a quantitative assessment of the influence of curvature and vane pressure gradient. In the present work PSP (Pressure Sensitive Paint) technique is used to detail the adiabatic effectiveness generated by axial shaped holes with high value of Area Ratio close to 7, in three different configurations with the same 1:1 scale: first of all, a flat plate configuration is examined; after that, the film-cooled pressure and suction sides of a turbine vane model are investigated. Tests were performed varying the blowing ratio and imposing a density ratio of 2.5 . The experimental results are finally compared to the predictions of two different correlations, developed for flat plate configurations.
Optimization and Security in Information Retrieval, Extraction, Processing, and Presentation on a Cloud Platform
Authors: Alexandrescu Adrian
Published: June 2019

This paper presents the processing steps needed in order to have a fully functional vertical search engine. Four actions are identified (i.e., retrieval, extraction, presentation, and delivery) and are required to crawl websites, get the product information from the retrieved webpages, process that data, and offer the end-user the possibility of looking for various products. The whole application flow is focused on low resource usage, and especially on the delivery action, which consists of a web application that uses cloud resources and is optimized for cost efficiency. Novel methods for representing the crawl and extraction template, for product index optimizations, and for deploying and storing data in the cloud database are identified and explained. In addition, key aspects are discussed regarding ethics and security in the proposed solution. A practical use-case scenario is also presented, where products are extracted from seven online board and card game retailers. Finally, the potential of the proposed solution is discussed in terms of researching new methods for improving various aspects of the proposed solution in order to increase cost efficiency and scalability.