bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analisa Kinerja Algoritma Detektor Sudut pada Citra Noise Komparasi Operator (Moravec, Susan, Haris, FAST, Eigen dan Forstner)
Authors: Al Faruq Umar , Harahap Homa P.
Published: May 2020

Algoritma detektor medeskripsikan komparasi kinerja dari masing-masing algoritma pendeteksi sudut pada citra noise. Citra yang digunakan sebagai masukan adalah citra dengan format grayscale (citra abu-abu) dan diberikan beberapa jenis noise. Algoritma yang dibandingkan adalah algoritma Moravec, Susan, Harris, FAST, Eigen dan Forstner. Jenis noise yang akan di gunakan adalah gaussian, poisson, salt & pepper dan speckle. Hasil pengujian didapatkan sebagai berikut; detektor Moravec mengahasilkan 1.000 titik sudut pada citra noise (gaussian, poisson, salt and pepper, speckle), rata-rata waktu proses pendeteksian sebesar 2,19 detik. Detektor Susan menghasilkan 100 titik sudut pada citra noise (gaussian, poisson, salt and pepper dan speckle) dengan rata-rata waktu proses pendeteksian sebesar 23,99 detik. Hasil pengujian akurasi setiap detektor sudut pada citra yang memilki noise menyatakan bahwa; seluruh detektor sudut tidak mampu menemukan titik-titik sudut dengan tepat, seluruh detektor sudut tidak akurat dalam menunjukkan lokasi titik sudut, hanya detektor Moravec dan Susan yang stabil terhadap perulangan, seluruh detektor sudut tidak stabil atau sangant sensitif terhadap semua tipe noise. Hasil pengujian dalam penelitian ini memperlihatkan bahwa seluruh detektor sudut sangat sensitif terhadap noise, dengan pengertian lain bahwa tingkat akurasi hasil pendeteksian setiap detektor sudut akan sangat dipengaruhi oleh noise dan tipe noise.Kata Kunci: Detektor Sudut, Titik Sudut, Grayscale, Noise, Moravec, Susan, Harris, FAST, Eigen dan Forstner
Dietary Betaine Reduces the Negative Effects of Cyclic Heat Exposure on Growth Performance, Blood Gas Status and Meat Quality in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Shakeri Majid , Cottrell Jeremy J. , Wilkinson Stuart , Le Hieu H. , Suleria Hafiz A. R. , Warner Robyn D. , Dunshea Frank R.
Published: May 2020

Heat stress (HS) impairs growth performance and has a severe impact on lipid and protein metabolism, leading to serious adverse effects on meat quality. Forty-eight day-old-male Ross-308 chicks were assigned to two temperature conditions, thermoneutral or cyclical HS, and fed with either a control diet (CON) or the CON plus betaine (BET). Heat stress increased rectal temperature (p < 0.001), respiration rate (p < 0.001) and increased blood pH (p = 0.017), indicating that HS caused respiratory alkalosis. Heat stress reduced body weight during the final stage of growing period (p = 0.005), while BET improved it (p = 0.023). Heat stress tended to reduce breast muscle water content and drip loss (p = 0.089 and p = 0.082), while both were improved with BET (p = 0.008 and p = 0.001). Heat stress tended to reduce the myofibril fragmentation index (p = 0.081) whereas it increased with BET (p = 0.017). Heat stress increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (p = 0.017), while BET improved it (p = 0.008). Meat tenderness was not affected by HS, but was improved with BET (p < 0.001). In conclusion, BET improved growth performance over the latter stages of the growing period, and improved product quality of broiler chickens when chickens exposed to HS.
Prediction of Soil Oxalate Phosphorus using Visible and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Natural and Cultivated System Soils of Madagascar
Authors: Rakotonindrina Hobimiarantsoa , Kawamura Kensuke , Tsujimoto Yasuhiro , Nishigaki Tomohiro , Razakamanarivo Herintsitohaina , Andrianary Bruce Haja , Andriamananjara Andry
Published: May 2020

Phosphorus is among the main limiting nutrients for plant growth and productivity in both agricultural and natural ecosystems in the tropics, which are characterized by weathered soil. Soil bioavailable P measurement is necessary to predict the potential growth of plant biomass in these ecosystems. Visible and near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (Vis-NIRS) is widely used to predict soil chemical and biological parameters as an alternative to time-consuming conventional laboratory analyses. However, quantitative spectroscopic prediction of soil P remains a challenge owing to the difficulty of direct detection of orthophosphate. This study tested the performance of Vis-NIRS with partial least square regression to predict oxalate-extractable P (Pox) content, representing available P for plants in natural (forest and non-forest including fallows and degraded land) and cultivated (upland and flooded rice fields) soils in Madagascar. Model predictive accuracy was assessed based on the coefficient of determination (R2), the root mean squared error of cross-validation (RMSECV), and the residual predictive deviation (RPD). The results demonstrated successful Pox prediction accuracy in natural (n = 74, R² = 0.90, RMSECV = 2.39, and RPD = 3.22), and cultivated systems (n = 142, R² = 0.90, RMSECV = 48.57, and RPD = 3.15) and moderate usefulness at the regional scale incorporating both system types (R² = 0.70, RMSECV = 71.87 and RPD = 1.81). These results were also confirmed with modified bootstrap procedures (N = 10,000 times) using selected wavebands on iterative stepwise elimination–partial least square (ISE–PLS) models. The wavebands relevant to soil organic matter content and Fe content were identified as important components for the prediction of soil Pox. This predictive accuracy for the cultivated system was related to the variability of some samples with high Pox values. However, the use of “pseudo-independent” validation can overestimate the prediction accuracy when applied at site scale suggesting the use of larger and dispersed geographical cover sample sets to build a robust model. Our study offers new opportunities for P quantification in a wide range of ecosystems in the tropics.
Effect of Pasture Management System Change on In-Season Inorganic Nitrogen Pools and Heterotrophic Microbial Communities
Authors: Musiał Maciej , Kryszak Jan , Grzebisz Witold , Wolna-Maruwka Agnieszka , Łukowiak Remigiusz
Published: May 2020

It has been assumed that the system of long-term pasture management exerts a significant impact on the soil microorganisms count, subsequently affecting the availability of mineral nitrogen (Nmin). This hypothesis was tested in a three-year experiment on a long-term pasture with two distinct systems of grass sward management, i.e., grazing and mowing. Mowing significantly increased the microorganisms count by 13%, 28%, 86%, and 2% for eubacteria (EU), actinobacteria (AC), molds (MO), and Azotobacter (AZ), respectively. The main reason was drought in 2006, which resulted in the domination of Dactylis glomerata L. in the grass sward, instead of Lolimum perenne L. and Poa pratensis L. The content of Nmin decreased through the vegetative growing season, reaching its lowest value after the 3rd grazing cycle. The impact of microorganisms on the Nmin pools increased in the order: molds < eubacteria < actinobacteria. The count of actinobacteria in the alkaline organic soil increased in response to drought, contribution of Dactylis glomerata L. in the sward, and the shortage of available phosphorus. The sound pasture management system is possible by introducing alternate grazing and mowing cycles. The core of sustainability is the enhanced activity of actinobacteria after changing the system from grazed into mowed.
Antibodies as Diagnostic Targets and as Reagents for Diagnostics
Authors: Trier Nicole H. , Houen Gunnar
Published: May 2020

Antibodies (Abs) were discovered around the turn of the 19th century and characterized in the following decades as an essential part of the human adaptive immune system [...]
A Photonically-Excited Leaky-Wave Antenna Array at E-Band for 1-D Beam Steering
Authors: Pascual-Gracia Álvaro J. , Ali Muhsin , Carpintero Del Barrio Guillermo , Ferrero Fabien , Brochier Laurent , Sauleau Ronan , García-Muñoz Luis Enrique , González-Ovejero David
Published: May 2020

This manuscript reports the first leaky-wave antenna (LWA) array excited by a photomixer as well as its potential application for alignment in wireless links. The designed array is manufactured in printed circuit board (PCB) technology, works at the E-band (from 75 to 85 GHz), and provides a directive beam of about 18 dBi with a frequency scanning span of 22°. The antenna element consists of a microstrip line periodically loaded with stubs, and it has been designed employing a hybrid approach combining full-wave simulations and transmission line theory. This approach enables the optimization of the periods when the open-stopband of the LWA is mitigated or removed at the frequency of broadside emission. The proposed antenna was first tested using a ground signal ground (GSG) probe; the measured return loss and radiation patterns of the fabricated prototype were in good agreement with full-wave simulations. Then, the LWA array was integrated with the photomixer chip using conductive epoxy threads. Measurements of the radiated power yielded a maximum of 120 µW at 80.5 GHz for a 9.8 mA photocurrent. Finally, the antenna was used in a 25 cm wireless link, obtaining a 2.15 Gbps error-free data rate.
Proeryptotic Activity of 4-Hydroxynonenal: A New Potential Physiopathological Role for Lipid Peroxidation Products
Authors: Allegra Mario , Restivo Ignazio , Fucarino Alberto , Pitruzzella Alessandro , Vasto Sonya , Livrea Maria Antonia , Tesoriere Luisa , Attanzio Alessandro
Published: May 2020

Background: Eryptosis is a physiological, apoptosis-like death of injured erythrocytes crucial to prevent premature haemolysis and the pathological sequalae generated by cell-free haemoglobin. When dysregulated, the process is associated to several inflammatory-based pathologies. 4-Hydroxy-trans-2-nonenal (HNE) is an endogenous signalling molecule at physiological levels and, at higher concentrations, is involved in the pathogenesis of several inflammatory-based diseases. This work evaluated whether HNE could induce eryptosis in human erythrocytes. Methods: Measurements of phosphatidylserine, cell volume, intracellular oxidants, Ca++, glutathione, ICAM-1, and ceramide were assessed by flow cytometry. Scanning electron microscopy evaluated morphological alterations of erythrocytes. Western blotting assessed caspases. PGE2 was measured by ELISA. Adhesion of erythrocytes on endothelial cells was evaluated by gravity adherence assay. Results: HNE in the concentration range between 10–100 µM induces eryptosis, morphological alterations correlated to caspase-3 activation, and increased Ca++ levels. The process is not mediated by redox-dependent mechanisms; rather, it strongly depends on PGE2 and ceramide. Interestingly, HNE induces significant increase of erythrocytes adhesion to endothelial cells (ECs) that are in turn dysfunctionated as evident by overexpression of ICAM-1. Conclusions: Our results unveil a new physiopathological role for HNE, provide mechanistic details of the HNE-induced eryptosis, and suggest a novel mechanism through which HNE could exert pro-inflammatory effects.
Chronic High-Fat Diet Induces Early Barrett’s Esophagus in Mice through Lipidome Remodeling
Authors: Molendijk Jeffrey , Nguyen Thi-My-Tam , Brown Ian , Mohamed Ahmed , Lim Yenkai , Barclay Johanna , Hodson Mark P. , Hennessy Thomas P. , Krause Lutz , Morrison Mark , Hill Michelle M.
Published: May 2020

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) incidence has been rapidly increasing, potentially associated with the prevalence of the risk factors gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), obesity, high-fat diet (HFD), and the precursor condition Barrett’s esophagus (BE). EAC development occurs over several years, with stepwise changes of the squamous esophageal epithelium, through cardiac metaplasia, to BE, and then EAC. To establish the roles of GERD and HFD in initiating BE, we developed a dietary intervention model in C57/BL6 mice using experimental HFD and GERD (0.2% deoxycholic acid, DCA, in drinking water), and then analyzed the gastroesophageal junction tissue lipidome and microbiome to reveal potential mechanisms. Chronic (9 months) HFD alone induced esophageal inflammation and metaplasia, the first steps in BE/EAC pathogenesis. While 0.2% deoxycholic acid (DCA) alone had no effect on esophageal morphology, it synergized with HFD to increase inflammation severity and metaplasia length, potentially via increased microbiome diversity. Furthermore, we identify a tissue lipid signature for inflammation and metaplasia, which is characterized by elevated very-long-chain ceramides and reduced lysophospholipids. In summary, we report a non-transgenic mouse model, and a tissue lipid signature for early BE. Validation of the lipid signature in human patient cohorts could pave the way for specific dietary strategies to reduce the risk of BE in high-risk individuals.
Detecting Endometrial Cancer by Blood Spectroscopy: A Diagnostic Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Paraskevaidi Maria , Morais Camilo L. M. , Ashton Katherine M. , Stringfellow Helen F. , McVey Rhona J. , Ryan Neil A. J. , O’Flynn Helena , Sivalingam Vanitha N. , Kitson Sarah J. , MacKintosh Michelle L. , Derbyshire Abigail E. , Pow Cecilia , Raglan Olivia , Lima Kássio M. G. , Kyrgiou Maria , Martin-Hirsch Pierre L. , Martin Francis L. , Crosbie Emma J.
Published: May 2020

Endometrial cancer is the sixth most common cancer in women, with a rising incidence worldwide. Current approaches for the diagnosis and screening of endometrial cancer are invasive, expensive or of moderate diagnostic accuracy, limiting their clinical utility. There is a need for cost-effective and minimally invasive approaches to facilitate the early detection and timely management of endometrial cancer. We analysed blood plasma samples in a cross-sectional diagnostic accuracy study of women with endometrial cancer (n = 342), its precursor lesion atypical hyperplasia (n = 68) and healthy controls (n = 242, total n = 652) using attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and machine learning algorithms. We show that blood-based infrared spectroscopy has the potential to detect endometrial cancer with 87% sensitivity and 78% specificity. Its accuracy is highest for Type I endometrial cancer, the most common subtype, and for atypical hyperplasia, with sensitivities of 91% and 100%, and specificities of 81% and 88%, respectively. Our large-cohort study shows that a simple blood test could enable the early detection of endometrial cancer of all stages in symptomatic women and provide the basis of a screening tool in high-risk groups. Such a test has the potential not only to differentially diagnose endometrial cancer but also to detect its precursor lesion atypical hyperplasia—the early recognition of which may allow fertility sparing management and cancer prevention.
Feasibility of Targeting Traf2-and-Nck-Interacting Kinase in Synovial Sarcoma
Authors: Sekita Tetsuya , Yamada Tesshi , Kobayashi Eisuke , Yoshida Akihiko , Hirozane Toru , Kawai Akira , Uno Yuko , Moriyama Hideki , Sawa Masaaki , Nagakawa Yuichi , Tsuchida Akihiko , Matsumoto Morio , Nakamura Masaya , Nakayama Robert , Masuda Mari
Published: May 2020

Background: The treatment of patients with metastatic synovial sarcoma is still challenging, and the development of new molecular therapeutics is desirable. Dysregulation of Wnt signaling has been implicated in synovial sarcoma. Traf2-and-Nck-interacting kinase (TNIK) is an essential transcriptional co-regulator of Wnt target genes. We examined the efficacy of a small interfering RNA (siRNA) to TNIK and a small-molecule TNIK inhibitor, NCB-0846, for synovial sarcoma. Methods: The expression of TNIK was determined in 20 clinical samples of synovial sarcoma. The efficacy of NCB-0846 was evaluated in four synovial sarcoma cell lines and a mouse xenograft model. Results: We found that synovial sarcoma cell lines with Wnt activation were highly dependent upon the expression of TNIK for proliferation and survival. NCB-0846 induced apoptotic cell death in synovial sarcoma cells through blocking of Wnt target genes including MYC, and oral administration of NCB-846 induced regression of xenografts established by inoculation of synovial sarcoma cells. Discussion: It has become evident that activation of Wnt signaling is causatively involved in the pathogenesis of synovial sarcoma, but no molecular therapeutics targeting the pathway have been approved. This study revealed for the first time the therapeutic potential of TNIK inhibition in synovial sarcoma.
Assessing the Current State of Lung Cancer Chemoprevention: A Comprehensive Overview
Authors: Ashraf-Uz-Zaman Md , Bhalerao Aditya , Mikelis Constantinos M. , Cucullo Luca , German Nadezhda A.
Published: May 2020

Chemoprevention of lung cancer is thought to significantly reduce the risk of acquiring these conditions in the subpopulation of patients with underlying health issues, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and smoking-associated lung problems. Many strategies have been tested in the previous decades, with very few translating to successful clinical trials in specific subpopulations of patients. In this review, we analyze these strategies, as well as new approaches that have emerged throughout the last few years, including synthetic lethality concept and microbiome-induced regulation of lung carcinogenesis. Overall, the continuous effort in the area of lung chemoprevention is required to develop practical therapeutical approaches. Given the inconsistency of results obtained in clinical trials targeting lung cancer chemoprevention in various subgroups of patients that differ in the underlying health condition, race, and gender, we believe that individualized approaches will have more promise than generalized treatments.
Assessment and Management of Platinum-Related Ototoxicity in Children Treated for Cancer
Authors: Romano Alberto , Capozza Michele Antonio , Mastrangelo Stefano , Maurizi Palma , Triarico Silvia , Rolesi Rolando , Attinà Giorgio , Fetoni Anna Rita , Ruggiero Antonio
Published: May 2020

Platinum compounds are a group of chemotherapeutic agents included in many pediatric and adult oncologic treatment protocols. The main platinum compounds are cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin. Their use in clinical practice has greatly improved long-term survival of pediatric patients, but they also cause some toxic effects: ototoxicity, myelosuppression, nephrotoxicity, and neurotoxicity. Hearing damage is one of the main toxic effects of platinum compounds, and it derives from the degeneration of hair cells of the ear, which, not having self-renewal capacity, cannot reconstitute themselves. Hearing loss from platinum exposure is typically bilateral, sensorineural, and permanent, and it is caused by the same mechanisms with which platinum acts on neoplastic cells. According to available data from the literature, the optimal timing for the audiological test during and after treatment with platinum compounds is not well defined. Moreover, no substances capable of preventing the onset of hearing loss have been identified.
Immune Phenotype and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for the Treatment of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Nishida Naoshi , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: May 2020

Immunotherapies are promising approaches for treating hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) refractory to conventional therapies. However, a recent clinical trial of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) revealed that anti-tumor responses to ICIs are not satisfactory in HCC cases. Therefore, it is critical to identify molecular markers to predict outcome and develop novel combination therapies that enhance the efficacy of ICIs. Recently, several attempts have been made to classify HCC based on genome, epigenome, and transcriptome analyses. These molecular classifications are characterized by unique clinical and histological features of HCC, as well immune phenotype. For example, HCCs exhibiting gene expression patterns with proliferation signals and stem cell markers are associated with the enrichment of immune infiltrates in tumors, suggesting immune-proficient characteristics for this type of HCC. However, the presence of activating mutations in β-catenin represents a lack of immune infiltrates and refractoriness to ICIs. Although the precise mechanism that links the immunological phenotype with molecular features remains controversial, it is conceivable that alterations of oncogenic cellular signaling in cancer may lead to the expression of immune-regulatory molecules and result in the acquisition of specific immunological microenvironments for each case of HCC. Therefore, these molecular and immune characteristics should be considered for the management of HCC using immunotherapy.
Study of Catalysts’ Influence on Photocatalysis/Photodegradation of Olive Oil Mill Wastewater. Determination of the Optimum Working Conditions
Authors: Hodaifa Gassan , Agabo García Cristina , Borja Rafael
Published: May 2020

The high production of raw olive oil mill wastewater (OMW) is a current environmental problem due to its high organic load and phenol compounds. In this work, photo-Fenton reaction as an advanced oxidation process has been chosen for OMW treatment. In this sense, different iron salts (FeCl3, Fe2(SO4)3, FeSO4·7H2O, and Fe(ClO4)3) as catalysts were used in order to compare their effects on treatment. For each catalyst, different H2O2 concentrations (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, 15.0, 20.0, and 30.0%, w/v) as oxidizing agents were tested. The common experimental conditions were temperature 20 °C, the catalyst/H2O2 ratio = 0.03, pH = 3, and ultraviolet light. The Lagergren kinetic model, in cases of total organic carbon removal, for the best H2O2 concentration per catalyst was used. During the experiments, the water quality was determined by measuring the removal percentages on chemical oxygen demand, total carbon, total organic carbon, total nitrogen, total phenolic compounds, total iron, turbidity and electric conductivity. The best catalyst was FeCl3 and the optimum H2O2 concentration was 7.5% (w/v). At these optimal conditions, the removal percentages for chemical oxygen demand, total phenolic compounds, total carbon, total organic carbon and total nitrogen were 60.3%, 88.4%, 70.1%, 63.2% and 51.5%, respectively.
Interaction of SO2 with the Platinum (001), (011), and (111) Surfaces: A DFT Study
Authors: Ungerer Marietjie J. , Santos-Carballal David , Cadi-Essadek Abdelaziz , van Sittert Cornelia G. C. E. , de Leeuw Nora H.
Published: May 2020

Given the importance of SO2 as a pollutant species in the environment and its role in the hybrid sulphur (HyS) cycle for hydrogen production, we carried out a density functional theory study of its interaction with the Pt (001), (011), and (111) surfaces. First, we investigated the adsorption of a single SO2 molecule on the three Pt surfaces. On both the (001) and (111) surfaces, the SO2 had a S,O-bonded geometry, while on the (011) surface, it had a co-pyramidal and bridge geometry. The largest adsorption energy was obtained on the (001) surface (Eads = −2.47 eV), followed by the (011) surface (Eads = −2.39 and −2.28 eV for co-pyramidal and bridge geometries, respectively) and the (111) surface (Eads = −1.85 eV). When the surface coverage was increased up to a monolayer, we noted an increase of Eads/SO2 for all the surfaces, but the (001) surface remained the most favourable overall for SO2 adsorption. On the (111) surface, we found that when the surface coverage was θ > 0.78, two neighbouring SO2 molecules reacted to form SO and SO3. Considering the experimental conditions, we observed that the highest coverage in terms of the number of SO2 molecules per metal surface area was (111) > (001) > (011). As expected, when the temperature increased, the surface coverage decreased on all the surfaces, and gradual desorption of SO2 would occur above 500 K. Total desorption occurred at temperatures higher than 700 K for the (011) and (111) surfaces. It was seen that at 0 and 800 K, only the (001) and (111) surfaces were expressed in the morphology, but at 298 and 400 K, the (011) surface was present as well. Taking into account these data and those from a previous paper on water adsorption on Pt, it was evident that at temperatures between 400 and 450 K, where the HyS cycle operates, most of the water would desorb from the surface, thereby increasing the SO2 concentration, which in turn may lead to sulphur poisoning of the catalyst.
A Midsummer Night’s Diet: Snapshot on Trophic Strategy of the Alpine Salamander, Salamandra atra
Authors: Roner Luca , Costa Andrea , Pedrini Paolo , Matteucci Giorgio , Leonardi Stefano , Romano Antonio
Published: May 2020

Information on the trophic ecology of the Alpine salamander, Salamandra atra, is scattered and anecdotal. We studied for the first time the trophic niche and prey availability of a population from an area located in Italian Dolomites during the first half of August. Considering that S. atra is a typical nocturnal species, we collected food availability separately for diurnal and nocturnal hours. Our aims were: (i) to obtain information on the realized trophic niche; (ii) to provide a direct comparison between trophic strategy considering only nocturnal preys or considering all preys; (iii) to study trophic strategy of this species at the individual level. In two samplings nights we obtained prey from 50 individuals using stomach flushing technique. Trophic strategy was determined using the graphical Costello method and selectivity using the relativized electivity index. During the short timeframe of our sample, this salamander showed a generalized trophic strategy. The total trophic availability differed significantly from nocturnal availability. Interindividual diet variation is discussed in the light of the optimal diet theory. Finally, we highlighted that considering or not the activity time of the studied taxon and its preys may lead to a conflicting interpretation of the trophic strategies.
Optimal Energy Management of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles Concerning the Entire Lifespan of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Chen Zeyu , Lu Jiahuan , Liu Bo , Zhou Nan , Li Shijie
Published: May 2020

The performance of lithium-ion batteries will inevitably degrade during the high frequently charging/discharging load applied in electric vehicles. For hybrid electric vehicles, battery aging not only declines the performance and reliability of the battery itself, but it also affects the whole energy efficiency of the vehicle since the engine has to participate more. Therefore, the energy management strategy is required to be adjusted during the entire lifespan of lithium-ion batteries to maintain the optimality of energy economy. In this study, tests of the battery performances under thirteen different aging stages are involved and a parameters-varying battery model that represents the battery degradation is established. The influences of battery aging on energy consumption of a given plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) are analyzed quantitatively. The results indicate that the variations of capacity and internal resistance are the main factors while the polarization and open circuit voltage (OCV) have a minor effect on the energy consumption. Based on the above efforts, the optimal energy management strategy is proposed for optimizing the energy efficiency concerning both the fresh and aging batteries in PHEV. The presented strategy is evaluated by a simulation study with different driving cycles, illustrating that it can balance out some of the harmful effects that battery aging can have on energy efficiency. The energy consumption is reduced by up to 2.24% compared with that under the optimal strategy without considering the battery aging.
Properties of Cement-Bonded Particleboards Made from Canary Islands Palm (Phoenix canariensis Ch.) Trunks and Different Amounts of Potato Starch
Authors: Ferrandez-Villena Manuel , Ferrandez-Garcia Clara Eugenia , Garcia-Ortuño Teresa , Ferrandez-Garcia Antonio , Ferrandez-Garcia Maria Teresa
Published: May 2020

Wood-cement panels are becoming increasingly widely used as prefabricated building materials. In order to increase the use of renewable resources as materials for industrial applications, the use of alternative plant fibres has been gaining interest. Additionally, it is assumed that new or better board properties can be achieved due to the different chemical and mechanical properties of such alternative sources of fibres. In south-eastern Spain, the Canary Islands palm (Phoenix canariensis) is widely used in urban landscaping. Plantations attacked by red palm weevils generate abundant plant waste that must be shredded and taken to authorised landfills. This paper discusses the use of particles of Canary Islands palm for manufacturing fibre panels containing 20% cement in relation to the weight of the particles, using different proportions of starch as a plasticiser. A pressure of 2.6 MPa and a temperature of 100 °C were used in their production. Density, thickness swelling, water absorption, internal bonding strength, modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), and thermal conductivity were studied. The mechanical tests showed that the MOR and MOE values increased with longer setting times, meaning that the palm particles were able to tolerate the alkalinity of the cement. The board with 5% starch had a MOR of 15.76 N·mm−2 and a MOE of 1.872 N·mm−2 after 28 days. The boards with thicknesses of 6.7 mm had a mean thermal conductivity of 0.054 W·m−1·K−1. These boards achieved good mechanical properties and could be used for general use and as a thermal insulation material in building construction.
Quantifying Ecosystem Service Trade-Offs to Inform Spatial Identification of Forest Restoration
Authors: Li Ruida , Li Ruonan , Zheng Hua , Yang Yanzheng , Ouyang Zhiyun
Published: May 2020

Specific forest restoration aims to maximum ecosystem services (ESs); however, the complex trade-offs among ecosystem services pose considerable challenges for fulfilling such goals. Based on forest restoration on Hainan Island, China, we integrated spatially explicit models of ecosystem services and spatial prioritization techniques based on the efficiency frontier between habitat quality and plantation revenue to analyze the impacts of decision-makers’ preferences on optimal configurations of forest restoration. We then investigated the effects of different optimal restoration schemes on water purification, soil retention, carbon sequestration, and coastal hazard mitigation. Based on our results, plantation revenue and habitat quality exhibited an obvious trade-off during the process of restoration. Forest restoration patterns also varied with the degree of preference for plantation yield or habitat quality, indicating that understanding ecosystem service tradeoffs can support the optimal selection of forest restoration schemes under different preferences. However, when the values of multiple ecosystem services associated with forest restoration were considered (e.g., water purification, soil retention, carbon sequestration, and coastal hazard mitigation), the optimal solution choice varied. Our results suggest the application of the efficiency frontier can deepen quantitative understanding of ecosystem service trade-offs, and the addition of multi-benefit evaluation based on optimal solutions can provide a more detailed and broader picture of forest restoration plans. Integrated efficiency frontier assessment with the valuation of ecosystem services associated with forest restoration provides a quantitative approach for optimal forest restoration, which can be applied in broad forest restoration programs.
Dynamic Durable Goods Monopoly and Market Power
Authors: Altan Basak
Published: May 2020

We analyze a vertically differentiated market for an imperfectly durable good served by a monopolist in an infinite-horizon, discrete-time game. Our goal is to identify the Markov perfect stationary equilibria where the seller can maintain his monopoly power. We establish that the set of parameters supporting a monopoly outcome is larger when the seller offers different quality versions of the same product. Hence, our results suggest that, when the innate durability of a product is high, the seller should offer different quality versions of the product.
Joint Genetic Analyses of Mitochondrial and Y-Chromosome Molecular Markers for a Population from Northwest China
Authors: Guo Yuxin , Xia Zhiyu , Cui Wei , Chen Chong , Jin Xiaoye , Zhu Bofeng
Published: May 2020

The genetic markers on mitochondria DNA (mtDNA) and Y-chromosome can be applied as a powerful tool in population genetics. We present a study to reveal the genetic background of Kyrgyz group, a Chinese ethnic group living in northwest China, and genetic polymorphisms of 60 loci on maternal inherited mtDNA and 24 loci on paternal inherited Y-chromosome short tandem repeats (Y-STRs) were investigated. The relationship between the two systems was tested, and the result indicated that they were statistically independent from each other. The genetic distances between Kyrgyz group and 11 reference populations for mtDNA, and 13 reference populations for Y-STRs were also calculated, respectively. The present results demonstrated that the Kyrgyz group was genetically closer to East Asian populations than European populations based on the mtDNA loci but the other way around for the Y-STRs. The genetic analyses could largely strengthen the understanding for the genetic background of the Kyrgyz group.
The Impacts of Young Consumers’ Health Values on Functional Beverages Purchase Intentions
Authors: Chang Hsiao-Ping , Ma Chun-Chieh , Chen Han-Shen
Published: May 2020

Internationally, there is increasing recognition of the importance of proper diet values and habits, a balanced intake of healthy food products, and rates of obesity control encompassing information on fat content and calories. In this context, some beverage manufacturers have shifted to marketing their products as having fewer calories and more functional benefits. This study aims to develop an extended value–attitude–behavior (VAB) research model that includes three constructs, namely, cue to action, self-efficacy, and health orientation, to explore the impacts of university students’ health values on their purchase intentions concerning functional beverages. The results indicated that university students’ interest in functional beverages was significantly affected by their health values. Besides, both interests in functional beverages and health orientation were significant predictors of purchase intention, while cue to action and self-efficacy were not. Based on these results, enhancing consumers’ education about food security is suggested. Furthermore, the findings provide crucial insights for marketing channels, suggesting the beverage industry can target consumers’ health values concerning health beverages as the key to purchase intention and attract business by developing practical marketing strategies.
The Enigma of Gender Differences in an Environment-Behavior-Health Model of Elderly People: The Choice Between Individually and Sociality
Authors: Zheng Zhenhua , Gao Junling , Yang Ye
Published: May 2020

Gender difference in the health of elderly people has become an important perspective to consider when studying their health. However, the gender differences in terms of “environment–behavior–health” from the social ecology perspective remain unknown. On the basis of survey data from Shanghai, China, including 2839 samples, this study explored the gender differences of outdoor environment–behavior–activity ability in elderly people from two aspects of the mean value of variables and the path relationship, utilizing the structural equation model analysis method combined with social ecology theory. The results showed that, at the level of the mean of variables, the elderly males had significantly higher mean values than the females in terms of individual behaviors, but had significantly lower values in terms of social behaviors. At the level of path relationships, there were similarities in that the health of elderly males was more likely to be affected by individual factors, whereas that of the females was more effected by social factors. Through the great positive effect of the high-level social behaviors, the health of the elderly females was progressively promoted. The study provided some useful insights for future research, aiming at promoting gender-sensitive urban design.
Perceptions of Medical Students Regarding Career Counseling in Korea: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Ock Minsu , Han Young-Joo , Choi Eun Young , Pyo Jeehee , Lee Won
Published: May 2020

Current medical school education focuses on acquiring appropriate knowledge with relatively little interest in developing the career selection skills of medical students. We investigated medical students’ perceptions of career problems and the required types of career counseling programs. Five focus group discussions were held with 23 medical students. The consensual qualitative study method was used to analyze the recorded discussion process. The medical students were more influenced by parents and grades than by subjective choices when deciding on admission to medical school. In future career choices, medical students considered the stability and feasibility of the career and expected quality of life. However, there were several opinions that it is essential to understand oneself. Objective and specific career information was lacking, and meeting with the professor was not very helpful for career counseling. Most medical students expected the effectiveness of the career counseling program but hoped the program would proceed with voluntary participation. Medical students wanted a variety of concrete and objective information, such as specialty information for choosing residency training, trainee hospital information, and post-residency training information in the career counseling program. Most medical students are not ready for career-related problems, therefore making it necessary to develop a career counseling program suitable for them.
Association between Pet Ownership and Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Miyake Kenta , Kito Kumiko , Kotemori Ayaka , Sasaki Kazuto , Yamamoto Junpei , Otagiri Yuko , Nagasawa Miho , Kuze-Arata Sayaka , Mogi Kazutaka , Kikusui Takefumi , Ishihara Junko
Published: May 2020

Obesity is a major risk factor for lifestyle-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. Several studies have investigated the association between pet ownership and obesity, but the findings have been inconsistent. This systematic literature review and meta-analysis assessed the association between pet ownership and obesity. Using PubMed and Scopus, we overviewed the literature published until December 2019 and selected pertinent data for meta-analysis. Two independent reviewers extracted the data. Pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for obesity were calculated using the random-effects model with inverse-variance weighting. The 21 included articles were cross-sectional studies. Five publications (nine analyses) that reported adjusted RRs for BMI ≥ 25 were included in the meta-analysis. No significant association existed between pet ownership and obesity (pooled RR = 1.038; 95% CI, 0.922–1.167; I2 = 51.8%). After stratification by age group (children vs. adults), no significant association was detected (pooled RR = 0.844; 95% CI, 0.604–1.179; I2 = 64.1% vs. pooled RR = 1.099; 95% CI, 0.997–1.212; I2 = 25.2%). Similarly, no significant association was observed between dog ownership and obesity, indicating no association between pet ownership and obesity. However, no infer causation can be reported because all studies included in this meta-analysis were cross-sectional. Therefore, further prospective studies are needed.
Substance Use Disorder in Adult-Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients: Patterns of Use and Related Clinical Features
Authors: Spera Vincenza , Pallucchini Alessandro , Maiello Marco , Carli Marco , Maremmani Angelo G. I. , Perugi Giulio , Maremmani Icro
Published: May 2020

Background: While a large amount of medical literature has explored the association between Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Substance Use Disorders (SUDs), less attention has been dedicated to the typologies of SUD and their relationships with ADHD-specific symptomatology and general psychopathology in dual disorder patients. Methods: We selected 72 patients (aged 18–65) with a concomitant SUD out of 120 adults with ADHD (A-ADHD). Assessment instruments included the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in adults (DIVA 2.0), Conner’s Adult ADHD Rating Scales–Observer (CAARS-O:S): Short Version, the Structured Clinical Interview for Axis I and II Disorders (SCID-I), the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), the Brief Psychiatric rating scale (BPRS), the Reactivity Intensity Polarity Stability Questionnaire (RIPoSt-40), the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0) and the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ). A factorial analysis was performed to group our patients by clusters in different typologies of substance use and correlations between SUDs, as made evident by their typological and diagnostic features; in addition, specific ADHD symptoms, severity of general psychopathology and patients’ functionality were assessed. Results: Two patterns of substance use were identified: the first (type 1) characterized by stimulants/alcohol and the second (type 2) by the use of cannabinoids (THC). Type 1 users were significantly younger and had more legal problems. The two patterns were similar in terms of ADHD-specific symptomatology and its severity at treatment entry. No differences were found regarding the other scales assessed, except for lower scores at MEQ in type 1 users. Conclusions: At treatment entry, the presence of different comorbid SUD clusters do not affect ADHD-specific symptomatology or severity.
Unmet Supportive Care Needs of Survival Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Lin Ya-Ling , Chuang Chun-Yi , Hsieh Vivian Chia-Rong , Tsai Ming-Shou , Liu Yen-Fang , Chen Xian-Xiu , Shieh Shwn-Huey
Published: May 2020

This study examined unmet supportive care needs for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients by cancer stage and treatment phase, as well as the factors associated with these unmet needs. At a cancer center in central Taiwan, information on consultations and services patients received at the resource center was described in the service chart. We extracted data available for NPC patients to evaluate their unmet supportive care needs (health information, patient care, treatment, nutritional, psychosocial, and economic) and their association with sex, age, cancer stage, and treatment phase. The 145 NPC patients were 68.3% male, 60.0% less than 50 years old, and 83.5% diagnosed at stages III and IV. The most prevalent unmet need was nutritional (40.7%), followed by psychosocial and patient care, with economic unmet needs the least (4.8%). Women were more likely than men to have patient care unmet needs (32.6% vs. 15.2%). Nutritional unmet need was higher in older patients than in younger ones (83.3% vs. 35.6%), with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 9.39 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.17–40.70). Psychosocial unmet needs were higher in younger patients than old patients (34.5% vs. 0%) and in patients interviewed during follow-up period than those at newly diagnosed (55.2% vs. 23.1%). In conclusion, the most commonly reported concern was nutritional unmet needs for NPC patients. Their unmet needs may vary by demographic and disease factors, including patient sex and age, cancer stage, and treatment phase.
Simulation-Optimization for Conjunctive Water Resources Management and Optimal Crop Planning in Kushabhadra-Bhargavi River Delta of Eastern India
Authors: Jha Madan K. , Peralta Richard C. , Sahoo Sasmita
Published: May 2020

Water resources sustainability is a worldwide concern because of climate variability, growing population, and excessive groundwater exploitation in order to meet freshwater demand. Addressing these conflicting challenges sometimes can be aided by using both simulation and mathematical optimization tools. This study combines a groundwater-flow simulation model and two optimization models to develop optimal reconnaissance-level water management strategies. For a given set of hydrologic and management constraints, both of the optimization models are applied to part of the Mahanadi River basin groundwater system, which is an important source of water supply in Odisha State, India. The first optimization model employs a calibrated groundwater simulation model (MODFLOW-2005, the U.S. Geological Survey modular ground-water model) within the Simulation-Optimization MOdeling System (SOMOS) module number 1 (SOMO1) to estimate maximum permissible groundwater extraction, subject to suitable constraints that protect the aquifer from seawater intrusion. The second optimization model uses linear programming optimization to: (a) optimize conjunctive allocation of surface water and groundwater and (b) to determine a cropping pattern that maximizes net annual returns from crop yields, without causing seawater intrusion. Together, the optimization models consider the weather seasons, and the suitability and variability of existing cultivable land, crops, and the hydrogeologic system better than the models that do not employ the distributed maximum groundwater pumping rates that will not induce seawater intrusion. The optimization outcomes suggest that minimizing agricultural rice cultivation (especially during the non-monsoon season) and increasing crop diversification would improve farmers’ livelihoods and aid sustainable use of water resources.
Development and Preliminary Validation of the Couples’ Stigma Scale to Assess Self-Stigma among the Partners of Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Japan
Authors: Naoko Deguchi , Takashi Asakura , Tomoko Omiya
Published: May 2020

Spouses of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may struggle with self-stigma and may require attention and care; however, no scale exists to measure the stigma of spouses of persons with ASD. This study created and investigated the construct validity of the Couples Stigma Scale. This scale consists of 14 items and it was designed based on prior literature, interviews, and the self-stigma theory to assess the self-stigma experienced by spouses of people with ASD. A survey was conducted with spouses of persons with ASD who participated in a self-help group. Responses were obtained from 259 people, of which 253 women were included in the analysis. Exploratory factor analysis was performed separately with two independent groups, indicating a four-factor structure, to determine structural validity. The factor loadings of the items constituting the four factors were 0.39 or greater. Regarding external validity, the correlation coefficient between the Couples Stigma Scale and the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) score was −0.341 (p < 0.001), and the domain correlation coefficient was significant for all relevant WHOQOL domains. Our results suggest that the Japanese version of the Couples Stigma Scale is a valid instrument for assessing self-stigma in the spouses of persons with ASD.
Using GIS for Disease Mapping and Clustering in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Murad Abdulkader , Khashoggi Bandar Fuad
Published: May 2020

Geographic information systems (GIS) can be used to map the geographical distribution of the prevalence of disease, trends in disease transmission, and to spatially model environmental aspects of disease occurrence. The aim of this study is to discuss a GIS application created to produce mapping and cluster modeling of three diseases in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: diabetes, asthma, and hypertension. Data about these diseases were obtained from health centers’ registered patient records. These data were spatially evaluated using several spatial–statistical analytical models, including kernel and hotspot models. These models were created to explore and display the disparate patterns of the selected diseases and to illustrate areas of high concentration, and may be invaluable in understanding local patterns of diseases and their geographical associations.