bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design Optimization of Conical Concrete Support Structure for Offshore Wind Turbine
Authors: Kim Hyun-Gi , Kim Bum-Joon
Published: September 2020

Various types of support structures for offshore wind turbine have been developed, and concrete structures have attracted attention due to many advantages. Although many studies have been conducted on the design of the existing steel structures, information and research on the design of concrete support structures are insufficient. Therefore, in this paper, a structural analysis model of conical concrete support structure (CCSS) is established and design optimization is presented. A detailed performance evaluation and the design of prestressed concrete were performed under the marine conditions of Phase 1 test site of southwest offshore wind project in Korea. The fluid–soil–structure interaction (FSI) was applied using the added mass method and soil spring model to represent the effects of water and soil. With the result of quasi-static analysis, a post-tensioning design was implemented by applying prestressing steel, and CCSS showed sufficient rigidity. From the natural frequency analysis, CCSS has a dynamic structural stability, and, in response spectrum and time-history analyses, the CCSS was safe enough under the earthquake loads. The methods and conclusions of this study can provide a theoretical reference for the structural analysis and design of concrete support structures for offshore wind turbines.
A Multi-Stage Coordinated Volt-Var Optimization for Integrated and Unbalanced Radial Distribution Networks
Authors: Su Xiangjing , Liu Jining , Tian Shuxin , Ling Ping , Fu Yang , Wei Shurong , SiMa Chao
Published: September 2020

The growing penetrations of rooftop photovoltaics (PVs) into low-voltage (LV) distribution networks are challenging voltage regulation. Developing an effective volt-var (VV) control has been the focus of many researchers with various approaches proposed so far. However, assuming a single voltage level and balanced network model, widely adopted in existing literatures, tends to cause inaccurate and even infeasible control solutions. Besides, existing distribution VV control studies are usually based on the day-ahead predictions of PV generations and loads, introducing inevitable and non-negligible errors. To address the challenges above, this paper proposes a VV co-optimization across unbalanced medium-voltage (MV) and LV networks, by traditional and emerging techniques, to ensure the network operation with the required power quality. Specifically, the operation of MV delta-connected switched capacitors and LV distributed PV inverters is coordinated, under a three-stage strategy that suits integrated and unbalanced radial distribution networks. The proposal aims to simultaneously improve voltage magnitude and balance profiles while reducing network power loss, at the least controlling cost. To effectively solve the proposed VV optimization problem, a joint solver of the modified particle swarm optimization and the improved direct load flow is employed. Finally, the proposal is evaluated by simulations on real Australian distribution networks over 24 h.
Applying Directly Modified RDFT Method in Active Power Filter for the Power Quality Improvement of the Weak Power Grid
Authors: Hou Rui , Wu Jian , Song Huihui , Qu Yanbin , Xu Dianguo
Published: September 2020

The recursive discrete Fourier transformation (RDFT) method can be used for grid voltage phase-locking and harmonic current detection in a shunt active power filter (SAPF). However, in weak power grids such as microgrids, significant errors might occur in the amplitude and phase detection due to grid frequency deviation. In this study, to resolve this problem, a directly modified RDFT (DMRDFT) method is proposed for SAPF weak grid application. Through theoretical analysis, the errors of phase and amplitude detection were found to consist of fixed error and fluctuating error. The fixed error is only determined by frequency deviation, whereas the fluctuating error is also related to the recursive pointer and the initial phase. The DMRDFT algorithm can obtain the real grid frequency through the calculation of the phase angle difference for two consecutive periods. Then it can employ the grid frequency deviation and the recursive pointer value to directly correct the detection results gathered by the conventional RDFT algorithm. As a result, DMRDFT can yield accurate amplitude and phase information of the grid voltage or current with a simple calculation. Simulation results verify the high precision of the proposed DMRDFT method in both steady and dynamic situations. Experimental results show that the DMRDFT method can significantly increase the SAPF compensation performance when grid frequency shifts.
Microgrid Frequency Fluctuation Attenuation Using Improved Fuzzy Adaptive Damping-Based VSG Considering Dynamics and Allowable Deviation
Authors: Liang Yalin , He Yuyao , Niu Yun
Published: September 2020

Recently, virtual synchronous generators (VSGS) are a hot topic in the area of microgrid control. However, the traditional fixed-parameter-based VSG control methods have an obvious disadvantage. Namely, if the damping value is set to be small, the amplitude of frequency deviations under external power disturbances is large, meaning that the frequency suppression capacity is insufficient, but if the damping value is large, the dynamics of the system will be greatly sacrificed. To solve the problem, taking the dynamic characteristics and the maximum allowable frequency deviation (MAFD) into account, in this paper an improved fuzzy adaptive damping-based VSG control strategy is proposed to simultaneously attenuate the microgrid frequency fluctuations and guarantee the system dynamics. Firstly, in order to address the necessity of using an adaptive damping-based VSG, the structure of a fixed-parameter VSG method that incorporates the f-p/Q-V droop controllers is introduced, based on which a small signal model is established to discuss the impacts of the virtual damping on the frequency response characteristics concerning the different penetration levels of power disturbances. Then, considering the dynamics and MAFD, a fuzzy adaptive controller is constructed relying on the well-designed membership functions, control rules and output scaling factors. The main feature of the improved fuzzy controller is that two alternative output scaling factors are employed to allow the system to be overdamped when the frequency deviation is large and undamped when the frequency deviation is small, balancing the frequency response dynamics and stability characteristics. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed fuzzy adaptive damping-based VSG technique, a computer simulation is conducted on a microgrid system in MATLAB/Simulink, and the obtained results are compared with the conventional droop control and fixed-parameter based VSGs. By using the proposed fuzzy adaptive damping-based VSG control method, the peak frequency deviations under the large power disturbances would become at least 8% lower compared to the traditional droop control and fixed-parameter VSG control, and meanwhile, the frequency response speed is fast when the disturbance stands at a low position. Consequently, it is valuable to promote the proposed techniques in engineering.
Improving Load Forecasting of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Through Missing Data Imputation
Authors: Lee Byungsung , Lee Haesung , Ahn Hyun
Published: September 2020

As the penetration of electric vehicles (EVs) accelerates according to eco-friendly policies, the impact of electric vehicle charging demand on a power distribution network is becoming significant for reliable power system operation. In this regard, accurate power demand or load forecasting is of great help not only for unit commitment problem considering demand response but also for long-term power system operation and planning. In this paper, we present a forecasting model of EV charging station load based on long short-term memory (LSTM). Besides, to improve the forecasting accuracy, we devise an imputation method for handling missing values in EV charging data. For the verification of the forecasting model and our imputation approach, performance comparison with several imputation techniques is conducted. The experimental results show that our imputation approach achieves significant improvements in forecasting accuracy on data with a high missing rate. In particular, compared to a strategy without applying imputation, the proposed imputation method results in reduced forecasting errors of up to 9.8%.
Water Heating and Operational Mode Switching Effects on the Performance of a Multifunctional Heat Pump
Authors: Luo Win Jet , Li Kun Ying , Huang Jeng Min , Yu Chong Kai
Published: September 2020

In this study, a multifunctional air and water source heat pump system was developed with a parallel refrigerant piping arrangement, which possessed six operational functions: space cooling (SC), space heating (SH), water heating (WH), water cooling (WC) and two composite operational modes. The two composite operational modes were the SC/WH mode and the SH/WH mode. The performance of the multifuctional heat pump system under different ambient conditions was investigated based on the testing standards of CNS 14464 and CNS 15466. In this study, the effect of the direct water heating (DWH) and circulating water heating (CWH) methods on the performance was investigated. It was found that the water heating performance of the system by the DWH method is better than that of the system by the CWH method. The water heating capacity and COPw,h of the DWH method can be improvement by 2.6% to 22.1% and 2.9% to 50.8%, respectively. Moreover, this study developed a refrigerant pressure balance method to achieve an effective steady state of the refrigerant pressure after operational mode switching. By the refrigerant pressure balance method, the required time to attain the steady state could be greatly reduced—by 50%. However, the deviation of the refrigerant mass flow rate between the refrigerant pressure balance method and the refrigerant pump down method after operational mode switching ranged from 0.15% to 7.6%.
Enhancing a Decision-Making Framework to Address Environmental Impacts of the South African Coalmining Industry
Authors: Mbedzi Mashudu David , van der Poll Huibrecht Margaretha , van der Poll John Andrew
Published: September 2020

The South African coalmining industry has a rich and long history and contributes significantly to the economic wellbeing of the country. Despite its importance in developing the economy, the industry is causing severe environmental challenges. For example, Emalahleni, a city situated in the Mpumalanga Province in South Africa, has been exposed for over a century to the continuous mining of coal. Challenges experienced include the sterilisation of land due to underground fires, water pollution, surface collapse, and acidification of topsoil. Previous work by the researchers formulated a conceptual framework aimed at addressing some of these challenges. In an extension of this work, the authors comprehensively enhance the preliminary framework on the strength of a set of qualitative propositions coupled with a parallel, exploratory survey. Interviews among various stakeholders were conducted, aimed at enhancing the components of the framework, followed by a focus group to validate the associations among the components of the framework. Aspects reinforced by the survey findings include the role of environmental management accounting, tools like material-flow cost accounting and life-cycle costing, and regulatory and accountability aspects. New aspects elicited from the interviews and the focus group include stakeholder education and training with respect to the value of environmental management accounting for the coalmining industry; adherence to risk management linked to environmental challenges; advanced technologies, for example, financial modelling; and an improved understanding of waste management aspects around acid mine drainage, volatile organic components, CO2 emissions, and post-mine closure. The novelty of the work lies in the approach taken to address coalmining challenges. Previous authors concentrated mostly on scientific and engineering aspects, while this research looks at it from an accounting perspective using environmental management accounting tools to address these challenges.
Performance Assessment Based on the Relative Efficiency of Indian Opencast Coal Mines Using Data Envelopment Analysis and Malmquist Productivity Index
Authors: Mahapatra Biswaranjita , Bhar Chandan , Mondal Sandeep
Published: September 2020

Coal is the primary source of energy in India. Despite being the second-largest coal-producingcountry, there exists a significant difference in demand and production in India. In this study, the relativeefficiency of twenty-eight selected opencast mines from a large public sector undertaking coal companyin India for 2018–2019 was assessed and ranked by using data envelopment analysis (DEA). This studyused input-oriented DEA with efficiency decomposition to pure technical efficiency, technical efficiency,and scale efficiency. The result showed that 25% and 36% of mines were efficient in technical efficiencyand pure technical efficiency, respectively, whereas the eight mines scale efficiency was inefficient witha decreasing return to scale. Further, in this study, theMalmquist Productivity Index (MPI)was employedto measure the efficiency of the selected mines for three consecutive years (2016–2017 to 2018–2019).The result shows that in only three mines the efficiency is continuously improving from 2016–2017 to2018–2019, whereas in more than 20% of mines the efficiency score is decreasing. Comparing theMPIefficiency and productivity assessment throughout the years, changes in innovation and technology areincreasing from 2017–2018 to 2018–2019. Finally, the study concluded with a comprehensive evaluationof each variable with mines performance. The author formulated the strategies, which in turn help coalprofessionals to improve the efficiency of the mine.
A Corrected Equilibrium Manifold Expansion Model for Gas Turbine System Simulation and Control
Authors: Zhu Linhai , Liu Jinfu , Ma Yujia , Zhou Weixing , Yu Daren
Published: September 2020

During recent decades, the equilibrium manifold expansion (EME) model has been considered as a powerful identification tool for complex industrial systems with the aim of system control and simulation. Based on a two-step “dynamic and static” identification method, an approximate nonlinear state-space model is built by using multiple polynomials. However, the existing identification method is only suitable for single-input (SI) systems, but not for multi-input (MI) systems, where EME models cannot guarantee global calculation stability. For solving such a problem, this paper proposes a corrected equilibrium manifold expansion (CEME) model based on gas turbine prior knowledge. The equilibrium manifold is extended in dimension by introducing similarity equations instead of the high dimensional polynomial fitting. The dynamic similarity criterion of similarity theory guarantees the global stability of the CEME model. Finally, the comparative test between the CEME model and the existing MI-EME model is carried out through case studies involving data that are generated by a general turbofan engine simulation. Simulations show superior precision and calculation stability of the proposed model in capturing nonlinear behaviors of the gas turbine engine.
Use of Bayesian Modeling to Determine the Effects of Meteorological Conditions, Prescribed Burn Season, and Tree Characteristics on Litterfall of Pinus nigra and Pinus pinaster Stands
Authors: Espinosa Juncal , Rodríguez De Rivera Óscar , Madrigal Javier , Guijarro Mercedes , Hernando Carmen
Published: September 2020

Research Highlights: Litterfall biomass after prescribed burning (PB) is significantly influenced by meteorological variables, stand characteristics, and the fire prescription. Some of the fire-adaptive traits of the species under study (Pinus nigra and Pinus pinaster) mitigate the effects of PB on litterfall biomass. The Bayesian approach, tested here for the first time, was shown to be useful for analyzing the complex combination of variables influencing the effect of PB on litterfall. Background and Objectives: The aims of the study focused on explaining the influence of meteorological conditions after PB on litterfall biomass, to explore the potential influence of stand characteristic and tree traits that influence fire protection, and to assess the influence of fire prescription and fire behavior. Materials and Methods: An experimental factorial design including three treatments (control, spring, and autumn burning), each with three replicates, was established at two experimental sites (N = 18; 50 × 50 m2 plots). The methodology of the International Co-operative Program on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP forests) was applied and a Bayesian approach was used to construct a generalized linear mixed model. Results: Litterfall was mainly affected by the meteorological variables and also by the type of stand and the treatment. The effects of minimum bark thickness and the height of the first live branch were random. The maximum scorch height was not high enough to affect the litterfall. Time during which the temperature exceeded 60 °C (cambium and bark) did not have an important effect. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that meteorological conditions were the most significant variables affecting litterfall biomass, with snowy and stormy days having important effects. Significant effects of stand characteristics (mixed and pure stand) and fire prescription regime (spring and autumn PB) were shown. The trees were completely protected by a combination of low-intensity PB and fire-adaptive tree traits, which prevent direct and indirect effects on litterfall. Identification of important variables can help to improve PB and reduce the vulnerability of stands managed by this method.
Internet of Things (IoT) Cybersecurity: Literature Review and IoT Cyber Risk Management
Authors: Lee In
Published: September 2020

Along with the growing threat of cyberattacks, cybersecurity has become one of the most important areas of the Internet of Things (IoT). The purpose of IoT cybersecurity is to reduce cybersecurity risk for organizations and users through the protection of IoT assets and privacy. New cybersecurity technologies and tools provide potential for better IoT security management. However, there is a lack of effective IoT cyber risk management frameworks for managers. This paper reviews IoT cybersecurity technologies and cyber risk management frameworks. Then, this paper presents a four-layer IoT cyber risk management framework. This paper also applies a linear programming method for the allocation of financial resources to multiple IoT cybersecurity projects. An illustration is provided as a proof of concept.
Combining Groundwater Flow Modeling and Local Estimates of Extreme Groundwater Levels to Predict the Groundwater Surface with a Return Period of 100 Years
Authors: Kupfersberger Hans , Rock Gerhard , Draxler Johannes C.
Published: September 2020

Knowledge about extreme groundwater levels is needed to avoid structural or environmental damage by groundwater flooding. Typically, distributions of extreme groundwater levels are generated by interpolation between results derived from local extreme value analysis at groundwater observation wells. As an alternative methodology, we propose to apply the Gumbel distribution to groundwater level time series, which are computed by a groundwater flow model. In the approach, model-based and observation-based extreme groundwater values are compared at every observation well using the model simulation period and the longest available observation period to calculate correction values that are regionalized over the model area. We demonstrate the applicability of the approach at the Südliches Wiener Becken (SWB) aquifer south of Vienna, where a groundwater flow model between 1993 to 2017 is available to compute the distribution of the groundwater levels with a hundred year return period (GLsWHYRP). We could show that the resulting GLsWHYRP are generally increased in regions of groundwater recharge and decreased in regions of groundwater discharge. The developed approach can also be used to assess the impact of changing boundary conditions on groundwater level and extreme highs and lows based on corresponding model scenarios.
The Physical Fitness Effects of a Week-Long Specialist Tactical Police Selection Course
Authors: Schram Ben , Robinson Jeremy , Orr Robin
Published: September 2020

Specialist police tactical teams, like special operations military personnel, are tasked with dangerous, high risk missions which are beyond the scope of general police. Consequently, the selection courses for entry into these teams are physiologically and psychologically demanding. The purpose of this study was to examine the physiological effects of a five-day selection course to aid in candidate preparation and course planning. Measures included body mass, grip strength, sit-and-reach flexibility, and a vertical jump assessment. Eleven candidates finished the selection course with significant decreases in body mass (−2.05 kg, p = 0.006 (95% CI = 3.65–0.45)), grip strength in the right (−14.48 kg, p < 0.001 (95% CI = 21.32–7.64)) and left (−14.27 kg, p < 0.001 (95% CI = 21.89–6.66)) hands and in sit-and-reach flexibility (−6.64 cm, p < 0.001 (95% CI = 9.94–3.33)). No significant decreases in power output or peak jump velocity of 669.77 W (95% CI = 1942.92–603.39) and 0.28 m/s (95% CI = 0.69–0.14) were found and a non-significant, overall increase in vertical jump height of 6.09 cm (95% CI = −6.08 to 18.79) was seen. Decreases in body mass, grip strength and lower limb flexibility are evident in a grueling five-day selection course. Individuals planning on attending these courses should plan for these negative effects and build redundancy into their performance to minimize the effects of fatigue, decrease injury risk and maximize chances of completion.
Implications of Projected Hydroclimatic Change for Tularemia Outbreaks in High-Risk Areas across Sweden
Authors: Ma Yan , Vigouroux Guillaume , Kalantari Zahra , Goldenberg Romain , Destouni Georgia
Published: September 2020

Hydroclimatic change may affect the range of some infectious diseases, including tularemia. Previous studies have investigated associations between tularemia incidence and climate variables, with some also establishing quantitative statistical disease models based on historical data, but studies considering future climate projections are scarce. This study has used and combined hydro-climatic projection outputs from multiple global climate models (GCMs) in phase six of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6), and site-specific, parameterized statistical tularemia models, which all imply some type of power-law scaling with preceding-year tularemia cases, to assess possible future trends in disease outbreaks for six counties across Sweden, known to include tularemia high-risk areas. Three radiative forcing (emissions) scenarios are considered for climate change projection until year 2100, incuding low (2.6 Wm−2), medium (4.5 Wm−2), and high (8.5 Wm−2) forcing. The results show highly divergent changes in future disease outbreaks among Swedish counties, depending primarily on site-specific type of the best-fit disease power-law scaling characteristics of (mostly positive, in one case negative) sub- or super-linearity. Results also show that scenarios of steeper future climate warming do not necessarily lead to steeper increase of future disease outbreaks. Along a latitudinal gradient, the likely most realistic medium climate forcing scenario indicates future disease decreases (intermittent or overall) for the relatively southern Swedish counties Örebro and Gävleborg (Ockelbo), respectively, and disease increases of considerable or high degree for the intermediate (Dalarna, Gävleborg (Ljusdal)) and more northern (Jämtland, Norrbotten; along with the more southern Värmland exception) counties, respectively.
Plant- vs. Bacterial-Derived Cellulose for Wound Healing: A Review
Authors: Naomi Ruth , Bt Hj Idrus Ruszymah , Fauzi Mh Busra
Published: September 2020

Cellulose is a naturally existing element in the plant’s cell wall and in several bacteria. The unique characteristics of bacterial cellulose (BC), such as non-toxicity, biodegradability, hydrophilicity, and biocompatibility, together with the modifiable form of nanocellulose, or the integration with nanoparticles, such as nanosilver (AgNP), all for antibacterial effects, contributes to the extensive usage of BC in wound healing applications. Due to this, BC has gained much demand and attention for therapeutical usage over time, especially in the pharmaceutical industry when compared to plant cellulose (PC). This paper reviews the progress of related research based on in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials, including the overall information concerning BC and PC production and its mechanisms in wound healing. The physicochemical differences between BC and PC have been clearly summarized in a comparison table. Meanwhile, the latest Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved BC products in the biomedical field are thoroughly discussed with their applications. The paper concludes on the need for further investigations of BC in the future, in an attempt to make BC an essential wound dressing that has the ability to be marketable in the global marketplace.
Cryptosporidium and Cryptosporidiosis: The Perspective from the Gulf Countries
Authors: Ahmed Shahira A. , Karanis Panagiotis
Published: September 2020

The present review discusses the burden of cryptosporidiosis in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which is underreported and underestimated. It emphasizes that the Cryptosporidium parasite is infecting inhabitants and expatriates in the Gulf countries. Children under 5 years are a vulnerable group that is particularly affected by this parasitic disease and can act as carriers, who contribute to the epidemiology of the disease most probably via recreational swimming pools. Various risk factors for cryptosporidiosis in the GCC countries are present, including expatriates, predisposing populations to the infection. Water contamination, imported food, animal contact, and air transmission are also discussed in detail, to address their significant role as a source of infection and, thus, their impact on disease epidemiology in the Gulf countries’ populations.
Does Innovation Efficiency Suppress the Ecological Footprint? Empirical Evidence from 280 Chinese Cities
Authors: Ke Haiqian , Yang Wenyi , Liu Xiaoyang , Fan Fei
Published: September 2020

Innovation is an important motivating force for regional sustainable development. This study measures the innovation efficiency of 280 cities in China from 2014–2018 using the super-efficiency slack-based measure and it also analyzes its impact on the ecological footprint using the generalized spatial two-stage least squares (GS2SLS) method and uses the threshold regression model to explore the threshold effect of innovation efficiency on the ecological footprint at different economic development levels. We find the corresponding transmission mechanism by using a mediating effect model. The major findings are as follows. First, we find an inverse U-shaped relationship between innovation efficiency and the ecological footprint for cities across China as well as in the eastern and central regions. That is, innovation efficiency promotes then suppresses the ecological footprint. Conversely, in western and northeastern China, improvements in innovation efficiency still raise the ecological footprint. Second, for the entire country, as economic development increases from below one threshold value (4.4928) to above another (4.8245), the elasticity coefficient of innovation efficiency to the ecological footprint changes from −0.0067 to −0.0313. This indicates that the ability of innovation efficiency improvements to reduce the ecological footprint is gradually enhanced with increased economic development. Finally, the industrial structure, the energy structure, and energy efficiency mediate the impacts of innovation efficiency on the ecological footprint.
Subjective Deterioration of Physical and Psychological Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Taiwan: Their Association with the Adoption of Protective Behaviors and Mental Health Problems
Authors: Wang Peng-Wei , Ko Nai-Ying , Chang Yu-Ping , Wu Chia-Fen , Lu Wei-Hsin , Yen Cheng-Fang
Published: September 2020

This study aimed to determine the proportion of individuals who reported the deterioration of physical and psychological health during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Taiwan. Moreover, the related factors of deterioration of physical and psychological health and the association between deterioration of health and adoption of protective behavior against COVID-19 and mental health problems were also examined. We recruited participants via a Facebook advertisement. We determined the subjective physical and psychological health states, cognitive and affective construct of health belief, perceived social support, mental health problems, adoption of protective behavior and demographic characteristics among 1954 respondents (1305 women and 649 men; mean age: 37.9 years with standard deviation 10.8 years). In total, 13.2% and 19.3% of respondents reported deteriorated physical and psychological health during the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively. Participants with higher perceived harm from COVID-19 compared with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) were more likely to report the subjective deterioration of physical and psychological health, whereas respondents who were older and perceived a higher level of social support were less likely to report a deterioration of physical and psychological health. The subjective deterioration of psychological health was significantly associated with avoiding crowded places and wearing a mask. Both subjective deteriorations of physical and psychological health positively related to general anxiety.
Breastfeeding at 1, 3 and 6 Months after Birth according to the Mode of Birth: A Correlation Study
Authors: Agea-Cano Irene , Linares-Abad Manuel , Ceballos-Fuentes Antonio Gregorio , Calero-García María José
Published: September 2020

Background: Breastfeeding is a determinant of child and maternal health. However, evidence is limited on how mode of birth influences breastfeeding. Research aim: To examine the mode of birth and breastfeeding duration and the type of lactation at one, three and six months after birth in XXX, during 2017. Methods: Correlation study on breastfeeding duration and type of lactation during the six months after birth, and mode of birth, in a randomised sample. Women ≥18 years of age with term singleton infants, were included. Collected data through interviews and hospital records. Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation analyses were conducted. SPSSv21 and α = 0.05 were used. Results: Breastfeeding duration was shorter in women with greater parity (−0.055 **) (p < 0.01) and epidural analgesia (0.057 **) (p < 0.01), and longer in mothers with episiotomy (−0.267 **) (p < 0.01). Episiotomy was associated with breastfeeding at one month (0.112 **) (p < 0.01), and at six months (0.347 *) (p < 0.01). The prevalence of breastfeeding was lower in women who received epidural analgesia at three months (−0.140 **) (p < 0.01) and higher at six months (0.013 **) (p < 0.01). The percentages of breastfeeding at three months were significantly greater in women with no perineal tears (2.1) (p < 0.05). At six months, small rates of breastfeeding were found in women with greater parity (0.051 **) (p < 0.01). No significant association was detected, neither between the type of lactation and the mode of birth, nor between breastfeeding duration and the mode of birth. Conclusions: Epidural analgesia, episiotomy, perineal tears and parity influence the type of lactation and duration of breastfeeding during the six months after birth. The results suggest no association between the type of lactation and the mode of birth or between breastfeeding duration and the mode of birth.
Heterogeneous Influences of Social Support on Physical and Mental Health: Evidence from China
Authors: Yang Fan , Jiang Yao
Published: September 2020

Employing a national representative survey (the China Labor-force Dynamics Survey 2016, CLDS2016) data (N = 14246), this paper examines the heterogeneous influences of social support on individual physical and mental health in China. Social support is characterized by four dimensions: emotional support, tangible or instrumental support, interaction or exchange support, and community support. Physical health is measured by self-rated health and body mass index (BMI), while mental health is measured by depression, hopelessness, failure, fear, loneliness, and meaninglessness. The results indicate that different dimensions of social support have heterogeneous effects on individual physical and mental health. Specifically, the correlation between emotional support and individual physical health is not significant, but emotional support is significantly related to some mental health variables. Tangible or instrumental support is significantly related to individual self-rated physical health but not to BMI or mental health. Interaction or exchange support is significantly correlated with individual self-rated health and some mental health variables. In general, there are significant correlations between community support, and individual physical and mental health. The results also suggest that the influences of social support on physical and mental health of individuals at different ages (<60 years and ≥60 years) are heterogeneous. The results of this study provide direction for the dimension selection of social support to promote individual health.
Emerging Roles of USP18: From Biology to Pathophysiology
Authors: Kang Ji An , Jeon Young Joo
Published: September 2020

Eukaryotic proteomes are enormously sophisticated through versatile post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins. A large variety of code generated via PTMs of proteins by ubiquitin (ubiquitination) and ubiquitin-like proteins (Ubls), such as interferon (IFN)-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15), small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) and neural precursor cell expressed, developmentally downregulated 8 (NEDD8), not only provides distinct signals but also orchestrates a plethora of biological processes, thereby underscoring the necessity for sophisticated and fine-tuned mechanisms of code regulation. Deubiquitinases (DUBs) play a pivotal role in the disassembly of the complex code and removal of the signal. Ubiquitin-specific protease 18 (USP18), originally referred to as UBP43, is a major DUB that reverses the PTM of target proteins by ISG15 (ISGylation). Intriguingly, USP18 is a multifaceted protein that not only removes ISG15 or ubiquitin from conjugated proteins in a deconjugating activity-dependent manner but also acts as a negative modulator of type I IFN signaling, irrespective of its catalytic activity. The function of USP18 has become gradually clear, but not yet been completely addressed. In this review, we summarize recent advances in our understanding of the multifaceted roles of USP18. We also highlight new insights into how USP18 is implicated not only in physiology but also in pathogenesis of various human diseases, involving infectious diseases, neurological disorders, and cancers. Eventually, we integrate a discussion of the potential of therapeutic interventions for targeting USP18 for disease treatment.
The Implementation of Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomics Workflows in Clinical Routines of Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Applicability and Perspectives
Authors: Hernandez-Valladares Maria , Bruserud Øystein , Selheim Frode
Published: September 2020

With the current reproducibility of proteome preparation workflows along with the speed and sensitivity of the mass spectrometers, the transition of the mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics technology from biomarker discovery to clinical implementation is under appraisal in the biomedicine community. Therefore, this technology might be implemented soon to detect well-known biomarkers in cancers and other diseases. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive heterogeneous malignancy that requires intensive treatment to cure the patient. Leukemia relapse is still a major challenge even for patients who have favorable genetic abnormalities. MS-based proteomics could be of great help to both describe the proteome changes of individual patients and identify biomarkers that might encourage specific treatments or clinical strategies. Herein, we will review the advances and availability of the MS-based proteomics strategies that could already be used in clinical proteomics. However, the heterogeneity of complex diseases as AML requires consensus to recognize AML biomarkers and to establish MS-based workflows that allow their unbiased identification and quantification. Although our literature review appears promising towards the utilization of MS-based proteomics in clinical AML in a near future, major efforts are required to validate AML biomarkers and agree on clinically approved workflows.
On the Mechanism of Genipin Binding to Primary Amines in Lactose-Modified Chitosan at Neutral pH
Authors: Pizzolitto Chiara , Cok Michela , Asaro Fioretta , Scognamiglio Francesca , Marsich Eleonora , Lopez Francesco , Donati Ivan , Sacco Pasquale
Published: September 2020

The present manuscript deals with the elucidation of the mechanism of genipin binding by primary amines at neutral pH. UV-VIS and CD measurements both in the presence of oxygen and in oxygen-depleted conditions, combined with computational analyses, led to propose a novel mechanism for the formation of genipin derivatives. The indications collected with chiral and achiral primary amines allowed interpreting the genipin binding to a lactose-modified chitosan (CTL or Chitlac), which is soluble at all pH values. Two types of reaction and their kinetics were found in the presence of oxygen: (i) an interchain reticulation, which involves two genipin molecules and two polysaccharide chains, and (ii) a binding of one genipin molecule to the polymer chain without chain–chain reticulation. The latter evolves in additional interchain cross-links, leading to the formation of the well-known blue iridoid-derivatives.
Chronic Occupational Exposure to Ionizing Radiation Induces Alterations in the Structure and Metabolism of the Heart: A Proteomic Analysis of Human Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) Cardiac Tissue
Authors: Azimzadeh Omid , Azizova Tamara , Merl-Pham Juliane , Blutke Andreas , Moseeva Maria , Zubkova Olga , Anastasov Natasa , Feuchtinger Annette , Hauck Stefanie M. , Atkinson Michael J. , Tapio Soile
Published: September 2020

Epidemiological studies on workers employed at the Mayak plutonium enrichment plant have demonstrated an association between external gamma ray exposure and an elevated risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD). In a previous study using fresh-frozen post mortem samples of the cardiac left ventricle of Mayak workers and non-irradiated controls, we observed radiation-induced alterations in the heart proteome, mainly downregulation of mitochondrial and structural proteins. As the control group available at that time was younger than the irradiated group, we could not exclude age as a confounding factor. To address this issue, we have now expanded our study to investigate additional samples using archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue. Importantly, the control group studied here is older than the occupationally exposed (>500 mGy) group. Label-free quantitative proteomics analysis showed that proteins involved in the lipid metabolism, sirtuin signaling, mitochondrial function, cytoskeletal organization, and antioxidant defense were the most affected. A histopathological analysis elucidated large foci of fibrotic tissue, myocardial lipomatosis and lymphocytic infiltrations in the irradiated samples. These data highlight the suitability of FFPE material for proteomics analysis. The study confirms the previous results emphasizing the role of adverse metabolic changes in the radiation-associated IHD. Most importantly, it excludes age at the time of death as a confounding factor.
Microglia–Astrocyte Communication via C1q Contributes to Orofacial Neuropathic Pain Associated with Infraorbital Nerve Injury
Authors: Asano Sayaka , Hayashi Yoshinori , Iwata Koichi , Okada-Ogawa Akiko , Hitomi Suzuro , Shibuta Ikuko , Imamura Yoshiki , Shinoda Masamichi
Published: September 2020

Trigeminal nerve injury causes a distinct time window of glial activation in the trigeminal spinal subnucleus caudalis (Vc), which are involved in the initiation and maintenance phases of orofacial neuropathic pain. Microglia-derived factors enable the activation of astrocytes. The complement component C1q, which promotes the activation of astrocytes, is known to be synthesized in microglia. However, it is unclear whether microglia–astrocyte communication via C1q is involved in orofacial neuropathic pain. Here, we analyzed microglia-astrocyte communication in a rat model with infraorbital nerve injury (IONI). The orofacial mechanical hypersensitivity induced by IONI was significantly attenuated by preemptive treatment with minocycline. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that minocycline inhibited the increase in c-Fos immune-reactive (IR) cells and the fluorescence intensity of both Iba1 and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the Vc following IONI. Intracisternal administration of C1q caused orofacial mechanical hypersensitivity and an increase in the number of c-Fos-IR cells and fluorescence intensity of GFAP. C1q-induced orofacial mechanical hypersensitivity was completely abrogated by intracisternal administration of fluorocitrate. The present findings suggest that the enhancement in the excitability of Vc nociceptive neurons is produced by astrocytic activation via the signaling of C1q released from activated microglia in the Vc following IONI, resulting in persistent orofacial neuropathic pain.
RNA-Binding Proteins as Regulators of Migration, Invasion and Metastasis in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Weiße Jonas , Rosemann Julia , Krauspe Vanessa , Kappler Matthias , Eckert Alexander W. , Haemmerle Monika , Gutschner Tony
Published: September 2020

Nearly 7.5% of all human protein-coding genes have been assigned to the class of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), and over the past decade, RBPs have been increasingly recognized as important regulators of molecular and cellular homeostasis. RBPs regulate the post-transcriptional processing of their target RNAs, i.e., alternative splicing, polyadenylation, stability and turnover, localization, or translation as well as editing and chemical modification, thereby tuning gene expression programs of diverse cellular processes such as cell survival and malignant spread. Importantly, metastases are the major cause of cancer-associated deaths in general, and particularly in oral cancers, which account for 2% of the global cancer mortality. However, the roles and architecture of RBPs and RBP-controlled expression networks during the diverse steps of the metastatic cascade are only incompletely understood. In this review, we will offer a brief overview about RBPs and their general contribution to post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Subsequently, we will highlight selected examples of RBPs that have been shown to play a role in oral cancer cell migration, invasion, and metastasis. Last but not least, we will present targeting strategies that have been developed to interfere with the function of some of these RBPs.
Effect of Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 on the Development of Atheromatous Plaque and Lipid Metabolic Profiles in an Atherosclerosis-Prone Mouse Model
Authors: Maeng Hyo Jin , Lee Gha Young , Bae Jae Hyun , Lim Soo
Published: September 2020

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a hormonal regulator of lipid and glucose metabolism. We aimed to investigate the effect of an FGF21 analogue (LY2405319) on the development of atherosclerosis and its associated parameters. ApoE−/− mice were fed an atherogenic diet for 14 weeks and were randomly assigned to control (saline) or FGF21 (0.1 mg/kg) treatment group (n = 10/group) for 5 weeks. Plaque size in the aortic arch/valve areas and cardiovascular risk markers were evaluated in blood and tissues. The effects of FGF21 on various atherogenesis-related pathways were also assessed. Atherosclerotic plaque areas in the aortic arch/valve were significantly smaller in the FGF21 group than in controls after treatment. FGF21 significantly decreased body weight and glucose concentrations, and increased circulating adiponectin levels. FGF21 treatment alleviated insulin resistance and decreased circulating concentrations of triglycerides, which were significantly correlated with plaque size. FGF21 treatment reduced lipid droplets in the liver and decreased fat cell size and inflammatory cell infiltration in the abdominal visceral fat compared with the control group. The monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 levels were decreased and β-hydroxybutyrate levels were increased by FGF21 treatment. Uncoupling protein 1 expression in subcutaneous fat was greater and fat cell size in brown fat was smaller in the FGF21 group compared with controls. Administration of FGF21 showed anti-atherosclerotic effects in atherosclerosis-prone mice and exerted beneficial effects on critical atherosclerosis pathways. Improvements in inflammation and insulin resistance seem to be mechanisms involved in the mitigation of atherosclerosis by FGF21 therapy.
1,4-Disubstituted-1,2,3-Triazole Compounds Induce Ultrastructural Alterations in Leishmania amazonensis Promastigote: An in Vitro Antileishmanial and in Silico Pharmacokinetic Study
Authors: Almeida-Souza Fernando , Silva Verônica Diniz da , Silva Gabriel Xavier , Taniwaki Noemi Nosomi , Hardoim Daiana de Jesus , Buarque Camilla Djenne , Abreu-Silva Ana Lucia , Calabrese Kátia da Silva
Published: September 2020

The current standard treatment for leishmaniasis has remained the same for over 100 years, despite inducing several adverse effects and increasing cases of resistance. In this study we evaluated the in vitro antileishmanial activity of 1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3 triazole compounds and carried out in silico predictive study of their pharmacokinetic and toxicity properties. Ten compounds were analyzed, with compound 6 notably presenting IC50: 14.64 ± 4.392 µM against promastigotes, IC50: 17.78 ± 3.257 µM against intracellular amastigotes, CC50: 547.88 ± 3.256 µM against BALB/c peritoneal macrophages, and 30.81-fold selectivity for the parasite over the cells. It also resulted in a remarkable decrease in all the parameters of in vitro infection. Ultrastructural analysis revealed lipid corpuscles, a nucleus with discontinuity of the nuclear membrane, a change in nuclear chromatin, and kinetoplast swelling with breakdown of the mitochondrial cristae and electron-density loss induced by 1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazole treatment. In addition, compound 6 enhanced 2.3-fold the nitrite levels in the Leishmania-stimulated macrophages. In silico pharmacokinetic prediction of compound 6 revealed that it is not recommended for topical formulation cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment, however the other properties exhibited results that were similar or even better than miltefosine, making it a good candidate for further in vivo studies against Leishmania parasites.