bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PEMODELAN ANGKA KEMATIAN IBU DI INDONESIA DENGAN PENDEKATAN GEOGRAPHICALLY WEIGHTED POISSON REGRESSION
Authors: Destyanugraha Rivan , Kurniawan Robert
Published: April 2020

Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) is one of the important indicators of a country's health development and is one of the targets of achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study aims to develop a model on the relationship of MMR with provincial health development variables using the Geographically Weighted Poisson Regression (GWPR) method; as well as mapping the model to the provincial map. Estimation of model parameters using PODES data for 2011 and the projected health and projection profile of 2010-2013. The obtained model consists of four variables that influence the number of maternal deaths: (1)  the ratio of health facilities, (2) the ratio of midwives, (3) the percentage of deliveries assisted by health personnel, and (4) the percentage of pregnant women received Fe tablets. The mapping of the four variables into the provincial map yields three groups of regions with different levels of significance of variables. The AIC value and the GWPR model deviance are lower than Poisson regression, indicated that the AKI model with GWPR is better than Poisson regression.

 

Angka Kematian Ibu (AKI) merupakan salah satu indikator penting pembangunan kesehatan suatu negara danmenjadi salah satu target pencapaian Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Penelitian ini bertujuan menyusun model hubungan AKI dengan variabel-variabel pembangunan kesehatan provinsi menggunakan metode Geographically Weighted Poisson Regression (GWPR) dan memetakan model tersebut kedalam peta provinsi. Estimasi parameter model menggunakan data PODES tahun 2011 dan profil kesehatan dan proyeksi penduduk tahun 2010-2013. Model yang diperoleh terdiri dari empat variabel yang mempengaruhi jumlah kematian ibu yaitu rasio sarana kesehatan, rasio bidan, persentase persalinan ditolong tenaga kesehatan, dan persentase ibu hamil mendapat tablet Fe. Pemetaan empat variabel tersebut ke dalam peta provinsi menghasilkan tiga kelompok wilayah dengan tingkat signifikansi variabel yang berbeda-beda. Nilai AIC dan deviance model GWPR lebih rendah dari regresi Poisson menunjukkan bahwa model AKI dengan GWPR lebih baikdari regresi Poisson.
KONSENTRAT PROTEIN IKAN LELE DUMBO (Clarias Gariepenus) AFKIR DALAM KERUPUK MELARAT UNTUK MENCAPAI SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Authors: Listyarini Sri , Asriani Asriani , Santoso Joko
Published: April 2020

At present the world is required to realize sustainable development, as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDGs are 17 goals determined by the United Nations as a world development agenda for the benefit of humans and planet earth and are expected to be achieved in 2030. The first three SDGs are: first (poverty), second (hunger), and third (healthy and prosperous life). To achieve the 3 first goals of SDGs, a study on the production of fish protein concentrate (KPI) made from dumbo rejected catfish was conducted, and added the KPI catfish rejected concentrate to improve the quality of destitute crackers. The results of the study were: (1) the best KPI was made by extraction using 75% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) solvent, with 4 repetitions, the highest protein content was 78,71%, the lowest fat content was 0,69%, and the organoleptic value highest (4,37); and (2) the best destitute crackers are crackers with the addition of 10% KPI with quality: 12,41% protein content, 28,5% florality, organoleptic value crispy texture, very weak savory taste, bright cream cracker color. The addition of KPIs derived from dumbo reject catfish in destitute crackers is expected to be used to achieve the objectives of the first SDGs up to the third, but further research is needed in the production scale with an analysis focus on economic aspects.

 

Saat ini dunia dituntut untuk mewujudkan pembangunan berkelanjutan, yang dituangkan dalam Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDGs merupakan 17 tujuan yang ditentukan oleh PBB sebagai agenda dunia pembangunan untuk kemaslahatan manusia dan planet bumi dan diharapkan dapat dicapai pada tahun 2030. Tiga tujuan pertama SDGs adalah: pertama (kemiskinan), kedua (kelaparan), dan ketiga (Kehidupan sehat dan sejahtera). Untuk mecapai 3 tujuan SDGs ini dilakukan penelitian pembuatan konsentrat protein ikan (KPI) berbahan baku ikan lele dumbo afkir, dan menambahkan KPI lele dumbo afkir untuk meningkatkan kualitas kerupuk melarat. Hasil penelitian adalah: (1) KPI terbaik dibuat dengan ekstraksi menggunakan pelarut isopropil alkohol (IPA) konsentrasi 75%, dengan 4 kali pengulangan, memiliki kadar protein yang paling tinggi 78,71 %, kadar lemak terendah 0,69%, dan nilai organoleptik tertinggi (4,37); dan (2) Kerupuk melarat terbaik adalah kerupuk dengan penambahan KPI 10% dengan kualitas: kadar protein 12,41%, tingkat kemekaran 28,5%, nilai organoleptik tekstur renyah, rasa gurih sangat lemah, warna kerupuk krem keputihan cemerlang. Penambahan KPI yang berasal dari lele dumbo afkir pada kerupuk melarat diharapkan dapat digunakan untuk mencapai tujuan SDGs pertama sampai dengan ketiga, namun diperlukan penelitian lebih lanjut dalam skala produksi dengan fokus analisis pada aspek ekonomi.
METODE ANALISIS KOMPONEN INDEPENDEN DAN PENGGUNAANNYA PADA DEKOMPOSISI SINYAL ELEKTROENSEFALOGRAFI
Authors: Pattirajawane Ignatius Danny , Suwangto Erfen G
Published: April 2020

Independent component analysis (ICA) is a multivariate statistical method that is used to find factors or independent component from the data. ICA is a further development of factor analysis (FA). The different of ICA to FA is that in FA the distribution of the data is assumed to be normal (gaussian) while it is non-gaussian in ICA. In this paper we will elucidate ICA shortly from the formulation of the problem, the linear modeling of the problem, the solution of the problem through maximum likelihood method and information theory approach, to the formulation of computational algorithm through neural network optimalization of weight matrix. Since one of the common application of ICA is in analysis of biomedical signal, in this paper we will give an illustration of decomposition of electroencephalographic signals in to independent components. This action could help researchers or cliniciansto differentiate brain activities from artifact such as mucles of heart activities. The data samples are taken from open source EEG dataset and would be analyze with EEGLAB which is an open source extension module to Matlab.

 

Analisis komponen independen (AKI) merupakan metode statistik multivariat yang digunakan untuk menemukan faktor atau komponen independen dari suatu data. AKI merupakan pengembangan lebih lanjut dari analisis faktor (AF). Perbedaannya AKI dengan AF ialah komponen diasumsikan berdistribusi normal (gaussian) pada AF, sedangkan pada AKI komponen diasumsikan berdistribusi non-gaussian. Pada makalah ini akan dipaparkan secara singkat AKI mulai dari perumusan masalah yang memunculkan metode AKI serta permodelan linear yang dihasilkan, pemecahan masalah linear tersebut melalui metode maximum likelihood (ML) dan pendekatan teori informasi, hingga formulasi algoritma komputasi melalui pendekatan optimalisasi matriks beban pada model jaringan syaraf. Karena salah satu penerapan AKI adalah pada analisis sinyal biomedis, dalam makalah ini akan disajikan ilustrasi dekomposisi sinyal elektroensefalografi (EEG) ke dalam komponen independen. Tindakan ini dapat membantu peneliti atau tenaga medis dalam membedakan mana sinyal dari otak dan mana yang merupakan artefak seperti sinyal dari aktivitas otot atau jantung. Data yang digunakan berupa data set EEG sumber terbuka dari daring yang kemudian dianalisis dengan menggunakan perangkat lunak EEGLAB yang merupakan modul tambahan atas perangkat lunak Matlab.
PEMILIHAN NILAI PARAMETER C PADA INTERPOLAN GAUSSIAN
Authors: Herlinawati Elin
Published: April 2020

Interpolation is to find a function  which passes through a number of given data points. The interpolant that we used is a Gaussian function which has a parameter value of c. Selection of this parameter affects the results of interpolation. This study discusses a method that we used in selecting the optimum parameter of c. This method is inspired by a RMS (Root Means Square)error. Suppose  with is the set of data points. Define the error vector with

 

 gk - yk - Fk(xk), k  E{1, 2, ..., n} ,

 

where  is the function value in  and  is the interpolant which is obtained by deleting a point  from the given data set. Furthermore, the optimum parameter value of c is selected by minimizing the error vector g. The result of selecting parameter values ​​depends on the amount of data and the distribution of known data.

 

Interpolasi adalah pencarian fungsi  melalui sejumlah titik data yang diberikan. Interpolan yang digunakan pada artikel ini adalah fungsi Gaussian yang memiliki nilai parameter . Pemilihan nilai parameter  mempengaruhi hasil interpolasi. Artikel ini membahas metode yang digunakan dalam pemilihan parameter  yang optimum. Metode ini terinspirasi dari galat RMS (Root Means Square). Misalkan dengan  adalah himpunan titik data yang diberikan. Didefinisikan vektor galat  dengan

 

gk - yk - Fk(xk), k  E{1, 2, ..., n} ,

 

adalah nilai fungsi di  dan  adalah interpolan yang diperoleh dengan menghapus satu titik  dari himpunan data yang diberikan. Selanjutnya, nilai parameter yang optimum dipilih dengan cara meminimumkan vektor galat . Hasil dari pemilihan nilai parameter bergantung pada banyaknya data dan sebaran data yang diketahui.
ANALISIS KANDUNGAN ZAT GIZI SOUN GANYONG (Canna edulis) DAN DAYA TERIMA KONSUMEN
Authors: Trimurti Artama  , Eko Yuliastuti E.S
Published: April 2020

Food resistance will be strengthened with diversity of food products. In order to augment raw materials for soun, a variety of white starch noodle, a research was conducted using starch of ganyong (Canna edulis). The purpose of the research was to survey the nutrient content and consumer acceptance of soun ganyong. Nutrient content was analyzed by proximate method and consumer acceptance was analyzed by organoleptic test. The result showed that carbohydrate content was 83.86% to 85.12% higher than the carbohydrate of white rice, main food supply of the population. Therefore, it can be suggested that soun ganyong be used as supplement for the carbohydrate food supply. The organoleptic test showed that consumers prefer (acceptability) the color, taste, and aroma of the white variety than the blue one, while the texture for both varieties was generally accepted.
Effects of Smoking on Volume, Conductivity and Scatter Parameters of Leukocytes
Authors: Solak İbrahim , Kara Aziz , Öztürk Bahadır , Güney İbrahim , Eryılmaz Mehmet Ali
Published: April 2020

Aim: In this study, we aimed to determine changes in leukocytes volume, conductivity and scatter parameters in smokers compared to non-smokers. Methods: A total of 117 individuals (45 smokers and 72 non-smokers) were included in the study. While those who smoked at least 10 pack-years were included in the case group, those who never smoked at all were included in the control group. Results: While there was a statistically significant difference in mean neutrophil volume, mean neutrophil conductivity, mean lymphocyte conductivity, mean lymphocyte scatter, mean monocyte volume, mean monocyte conductivity, mean monocyte scatter, mean eosinophil conductivity values between the two groups, there was no statistically significant difference in mean neutrophil scatter, mean lymphocyte volume, mean eosinophil volume, mean eosinophil scatter values between the two groups. Conclusion: This study showed that smoking affected volume, conductivity and scatter parameters. Clinicians should consider whether the patient smokes if they want to diagnose any diseases using volume, conductivity and scatter parameters. Keywords: smoking, leukocytes, conductivity, scattering, neutrophils
Pamukkale University Medical Faculty Students' Knowledge Level of Human Papilloma Virus Infection and Vaccine
Authors: Emre Nilüfer , Özşahin Aysun , Edirne Tamer
Published: April 2020

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge level of Human Papilloma Virus infection and Human Papilloma Virus vaccine among medical students.

Methods: This descriptive study was conducted among Pamukkale University Medical Faculty students between May and June 2019. The universe of our study consisted of 1129 students in the 1-5th grades. A questionnaire with 17 questions consisting of questions determining the level of knowledge about Human Papilloma Virus infection and vaccine developed by scanning the literature and socio-demographic data was applied to the students.

Results: Of the 780 medical students who participated in the study, 91% knew Human Papilloma Virus and 85.6% knew about the Human Papilloma Virus vaccine. Knowing the Human Papilloma Virus vaccination of female students, getting vaccinated if possible, recommending them to their relatives and thinking that they should be included in the national vaccination schedule were significantly higher than male students. Also significant differences were found between the classes knowing the Human Papilloma Virus vaccine, having the vaccine if possible, recommending it to their relatives and thinking about taking part in the national vaccination schedule, especially with being in the 2nd grade and above. The rate of students vaccinated with Human Papilloma Virus was 2.1% and the most common reasons for not being vaccinated were not being at risk, not having enough information about the vaccine and its cost.

Conclusion: We determined that knowledge of Human Papilloma Virus infection and Human Papilloma Virus vaccine, was high among medical students but the rate of vaccination was low. The reasons for not receiving vaccination included not feeling at risk, not having enough information and high cost.

Keywords: HPV vaccines, medical students, knowledge
Aesthetic Rehabilitation of Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation Using Three Minimally Invasive Treatment Modalities – A Case Report
Authors: Lalchandani Chahita Mahesh , Tandon Sandeep , Sharma Rai Tripti , Mathur Rinku , Kajal Anupama
Published: April 2020

Brief Background Molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) is a common developmental condition resulting in enamel defects in first permanent molars and permanent incisors. Aesthetic treatment of patients suffering from MIH is essential to enhance their self-esteem and promote their psychological development. Current trends for treating the condition have been increasingly shifting towards minimally invasive approaches, especially considering the age of patients. The decision regarding which treatment modality to undertake for the same is complex and depends on several factors, such as the degree of severity of the enamel defect, the patient’s age, social level and expectations. Pertaining to that, the aim of this case report is to present three different aesthetic and conservative treatment approaches to anterior teeth affected by molar incisor hypomineralisation. Key Words Molar incisor hypomineralisation, aesthetic rehabilitation, minimally invasive, resin infiltration, cpp-acp.
Zonal Tillage as Innovative Element of the Technology of Growing Winter Wheat: A Field Experiment under Low Rainfall Conditions
Authors: Jaskulska Iwona , Jaskulski Dariusz , Różniak Marek , Radziemska Maja , Gałęzewski Lech
Published: April 2020

Zonal tillage, including strip-till, can have a positive effect on soil properties, seed germination, plant emergence, growth, and yield of crops. The aim of this two-factor field experiment was to compare different technologies of basic soil tillage, fertilisation, and sowing of winter wheat carried out after two post-harvest agrotechnical practises in a region with low rainfall. The three treatments of the first factor were: conventional technology (CT)—plough tillage, pre-sowing fertilisation, seedbed preparation and sowing; reduced technology (RT)—plough tillage replaced with deep loosening and (ST)—one pass strip-till technology using a hybrid machine. Agrotechnical practises carried out after the harvest of the previous crop were the second factor treatments, i.e., crushed straw and shallow tillage (TS), mulch from crushed straw (MS). The measurement of the treatment effects included changes in soil moisture, plant emergence, yield components and their correlation, grain yield, and the dependence of the yield components on soil moisture. Wheat growing in ST technology resulted in a higher soil moisture than in RT and CT. Only immediately after winter was the soil moisture similar. Grain yield in ST was similar as in CT and significantly, up to 10.4%, higher than in RT. The higher ST grain yield resulted from uniform plant emergence, greater ear density, and grain weight per ear. The correlation between yield components was weaker in ST than in CT and RT. The positive dependence of the size of the crop components on soil moisture was also weaker. The agrotechnical practises performed right after the previous crop harvest affected neither the soil moisture during the growing season of winter wheat, nor the grain yield and its components.
Green Valorization of Olive Leaves to Produce Polyphenol-Enriched Extracts Using an Environmentally Benign Deep Eutectic Solvent
Authors: Kaltsa Olga , Grigorakis Spyros , Lakka Achillia , Bozinou Eleni , Lalas Stavros , Makris Dimitris P.
Published: April 2020

Olive leaves (OLL) are considered to be a highly appreciated bioresource of bioactive polyphenolic phytochemicals, embracing several different structures. However, extraction processes based on deep eutectic solvents (DES) are very limited despite the wide range of techniques developed for the efficient recovery of polyphenols. This study had as objective the development of a simple, green, high-performance extraction methodology for OLL polyphenols, using a recently reported effective DES, composed of L-lactic acid and glycine. Initially, a screening was performed to select the most appropriate L-lactic/glycine molar ratio and process optimization was then carried out with response surface methodology. The optimized process variable values were DES/water (78% w/v), liquid-to-solid ratio of 36 mL g−1, and stirring speed of 500 rounds per minute, and the total polyphenol yield amounted to 97.53 ± 3.54 mg gallic acid equivalents per g dry matter. Extraction with DES at 80 °C did not significantly increase the total polyphenol yield, but it did enhance the total flavonoid yield and antioxidant activity. High-performance liquid chromatography analyses revealed that extraction with the DES resulted in extended oleuropein hydrolysis, to the favor of hydroxytyrosol formation. This finding might have a prospect in using properly tuned DES for polyphenol modification with improved bioactivities.
LaCO3OH Nanoprisms and Their Luminescence and NO Reduction Properties
Authors: Zahir Md. Hasan , Rahman Mohammad Mominur , Shafiullah Md , Rahman Mohammad Mizanur , Ali Amjad , Khan Firoz , Mohaisen Khaled Own , Al-Rasheidi Masoud
Published: April 2020

In this work, single-crystalline large-scale LaCO3OH nanoprism morphologies were synthesized by controlling La and Ca molar ratio and the hydrothermal reaction conditions. The nanoprism morphologies of LaCO3OH were unique in nature with a sharp corner and smooth surfaces. The hydrothermal reaction was carried out in the absence of organic additives or templates and (NH4)2CO3 was used as a precipitation agent. The molar ratio of La:Ca was varied over the following values (the sample shorthand is given in parentheses): 75:25 mol% (LC-1), 50:50 mol% (LC-2), and 25:75 mol% (LC-3). Phase-pure LaCO3OH nanoprisms formed at a La:Ca molar ratio of 75:25 mol% without any assistance of catalysts or template. The photoluminescence (PL) properties of the as-synthesized powders showed one broad emission band centered at 394 nm after excitation of the pure LC-3 LaCO3OH nanoprisms at λ = 280 nm. The PL intensities were decreased in the order of LC-1 < LC-2< LC-3. The LC-1 and LC-2 samples had almost the same PL intensities probably due to their unique and smooth particle morphology. The calcination result of three samples treated for two hours at 800 °C, shows a reduction in NO activities over highly distributed CaO comprising La2O3. Further, under the presence of H2O and O2 vapor, CaO comprising La2O3 catalysts shows higher stability for the reduction of NO with CH4.
Simil-Microfluidic Nanotechnology in Manufacturing of Liposomes as Hydrophobic Antioxidants Skin Release Systems
Authors: Bochicchio Sabrina , Dalmoro Annalisa , De Simone Veronica , Bertoncin Paolo , Lamberti Gaetano , Barba Anna Angela
Published: April 2020

Novel nanotechnologies represent the most attractive and innovative tools to date exploited by cosmetic companies to improve the effectiveness of their formulations. In this context, nanoliposomes have had a great impact in topical preparations and dermocosmetics, allowing the transcutaneous penetration and absorption of several active ingredients and improving the stability of sensitive molecules. Despite the recent boom of this class of delivery systems, their industrial production is still limited by the lack of easily scalable production techniques. In this work, nanoliposomes for the topical administration of vitamin D3, K2, E, and curcumin, molecules with high antioxidant and skin curative properties but unstable and poorly absorbable, were produced through a novel simil-microfluidic technique. The developed high-yield semi continuous method is proposed as an alternative to face the problems linked with low productive conventional methods in order to produce antioxidant formulations with improved features. The novel technique has allowed to obtain a massive production of stable antioxidant vesicles of an 84–145 nm size range, negatively charged, and characterized by high loads and encapsulation efficiencies. The obtained products as well as the developed high-performance technology make the achieved formulations very interesting for potential topical applications in the cosmetics/cosmeceutical field.
The Influence of VSC–HVDC Reactive Power Control Mode on AC Power System Stability
Authors: Wang Ying , Zhou Youbin , Li Dahu , Shao Dejun , Cao Kan , Zhou Kunpeng , Cai Defu
Published: April 2020

Voltage source converter-based high-voltage direct current (VSC-HVDC) has the advantage of fast and independent controllability on active and reactive power. This paper focuses on effects of commonly proposed reactive power control modes, constant reactive power control and AC voltage margin control. Based on the mathematical model of single machine infinity equivalent system with embedded VSC-HVDC, the influence of VSC-HVDC with different reactive power control strategies on transient stability and dynamic stability of the AC system is studied. Then case studies were conducted with a realistic model of grid. The dynamic responses of AC/DC systems for different VSC-HVDC reactive power control modes were compared in detail. It is shown that compared to constant reactive power control, AC voltage margin control can provide voltage support to enhance the transient angle stability of an AC system. However, the fluctuant reactive power injected into a weak AC system may adversely affect power system oscillation damping for VSC-HVDC with AC voltage margin control, if the parameters of the controller have not been optimized to suppress the low-frequency oscillation. The results of this paper can provide certain reference for the decision of an appropriate VSC-HVDC reactive power control mode in practice.
Guessing the Game: An Individual’s Awareness and Assessment of a Game’s Existence
Authors: Kostelic Katarina
Published: April 2020

In everyday life, games begin inconspicuously, leaving an individual to stumble upon their assessment of a situation. An unaware individual is unlikely to exhibit strategic behavior in a given situation, which highlights the importance of awareness examination. The purpose of this exploratory analysis is to examine awareness and assessment of a game’s existence at the individual level. That requires examination of respondents’ detection (as an indication of their awareness) and identification (as an indication of their assessment) of game elements in game-like situations and their relation to awareness of the game existence. The empirical data is collected using a scenario technique and is statistically analyzed. The results show that the respondents are, on average, at least partially aware of possibility for strategic interaction (even in vague situations). The revealed regularities point out to the relation of the game elements to game existence belief, but also indicate the presence of psychological biases and information utilization issues. For example, the respondents assign different levels of belief to game existence regarding possible losses or gains. Research limitations involve the use of a small convenience sample and lead to suggestions for results validation in future research. Possible implications of the results are discussed.
Equine-Assisted Intervention to Improve Perceived Value of Everyday Occupations and Quality of Life in People with Lifelong Neurological Disorders: A Prospective Controlled Study
Authors: Pálsdóttir Anna María , Gudmundsson Marie , Grahn Patrik
Published: April 2020

People with neurological disorders suffer from poor mobility, poor balance, fatigue, isolation and monotonous everyday activities. Studies show that equine-assisted interventions can improve their mobility and balance, but could these kinds of interventions also increase participants’ activity repertoire and self-assessed health, and reduce their fatigue? The study was conducted as a prospective, controlled study with three cohorts followed for one year: intervention group (n = 14), control group Passive (n = 29), and control group Active (n = 147). Participants in the study were affected by neurological disease or injury that limited their opportunities for an active everyday life. The intervention group lacked regular activities outside the home before the intervention, which consisted of riding once a week, led by a certified therapist. Control group Passive lacked regular activities outside the home, while control group Active had several activities outside the home per week. Primary outcome measures were activity repertoire measured with Occupational Value Assessment questionnaire. Secondary outcome measures were global self-assessed health measured with EuroQol-VAS and fatigue measured with Shirom-Melamed Burnout Questionnaire. The intervention group’s activity repertoire and self-assessed health increased significantly compared to both baseline and the control groups. Equine-assisted interventions could help to improve the perceived value of everyday occupations and quality of life, as well as break isolation and increase the activity repertoire of people with neurological disorders.
Oscillation Theorems for Nonlinear Differential Equations of Fourth-Order
Authors: Moaaz Osama , Dassios Ioannis , Bazighifan Omar , Muhib Ali
Published: April 2020

We study the oscillatory behavior of a class of fourth-order differential equations and establish sufficient conditions for oscillation of a fourth-order differential equation with middle term. Our theorems extend and complement a number of related results reported in the literature. One example is provided to illustrate the main results.
Isogeometric Analysis for Fluid Shear Stress in Cancer Cells
Authors: Rodrigues José A.
Published: April 2020

The microenvironment of the tumor is a key factor regulating tumor cell invasion and metastasis. The effects of physical factors in tumorigenesis is unclear. Shear stress, induced by liquid flow, plays a key role in proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis of tumor cells. The mathematical models have the potential to elucidate the metastatic behavior of the cells’ membrane exposed to these microenvironment forces. Due to the shape configuration of the cancer cells, Non-uniform Rational B-splines (NURBS) lines are very adequate to define its geometric model. The Isogeometric Analysis allows a simplified transition of exact CAD models into the analysis avoiding the geometrical discontinuities of the traditional Galerkin traditional techniques. In this work, we use an isogeometric analysis to model the fluid-generated forces that tumor cells are exposed to in the vascular and tumor microenvironments, in the metastatic process. Using information provided by experimental tests in vitro, we present a suite of numerical experiments which indicate, for standard configurations, the metastatic behavior of cells exposed to such forces. The focus of this paper is strictly on geometrical sensitivities to the shear stress’ exhibition for the cell membrane, this being its innovation.
Patient Experiences and Perceptions Associated with the Use of Desiccated Thyroid Extract
Authors: Toloza Freddy J. K. , Espinoza Suarez Nataly R. , El Kawkgi Omar , Golembiewski Elizabeth H. , Ponce Oscar J. , Yao Lixia , Maraka Spyridoula , Singh Ospina Naykky M. , Brito Juan P.
Published: April 2020

Background and objectives: It is unclear why many patients with hypothyroidism prefer the use of desiccated thyroid extract (DTE) as a thyroid hormone replacement formulation over levothyroxine (LT4) treatment, as recommended by clinical practice guidelines. We analyzed patient-reported information from patient online forums to better understand patient preferences for and attitudes toward the use of DTE to treat hypothyroidism. Materials and Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods study by evaluating the content of online posts from three popular hypothyroidism forums from patients currently taking DTE (n = 673). From these posts, we extracted descriptive information on patient demographics and clinical characteristics and qualitatively analyzed posts’ content to explore patient perceptions on DTE and other therapies further. Results: Nearly half (46%) of the patients reported that a clinician initially drove their interest in trying DTE. Patients described many reasons for switching from a previous therapeutic approach to DTE, including lack of improvement in hypothyroidism-related symptoms (58%) and the development of side effects (22%). The majority of patients described DTE as moderately to majorly effective overall (81%) and more effective than the previous therapy (77%). The most frequently described benefits associated with DTE use were an improvement in symptoms (56%) and a change in overall well-being (34%). One-fifth of patients described side effects related to the use of DTE. Qualitative analysis of posts’ content supported these findings and raised additional issues around the need for individualizing therapy approaches for hypothyroidism (e.g., a sense of each patient has different needs), as well as difficulties obtaining DTE (e.g., issues with pharmacy availability). Conclusions: Lack of individualized treatment and a feeling of not been listened to were recurrent themes among DTE users. A subset of patients may prefer DTE to LT4 for many reasons, including perceived better effectiveness and improved overall well-being, despite the risks associated with DTE.
Changes in the Trophic Pathways within the Microbial Food Web in the Global Warming Scenario: An Experimental Study in the Adriatic Sea
Authors: Šolić Mladen , Šantić Danijela , Šestanović Stefanija , Bojanić Natalia , Jozić Slaven , Ordulj Marin , Vrdoljak Tomaš Ana , Kušpilić Grozdan
Published: April 2020

A recent analysis of the Mediterranean Sea surface temperature showed significant annual warming. Since small picoplankton microorganisms play an important role in all major biogeochemical cycles, fluxes and processes occurring in marine systems (the changes at the base of the food web) as a response to human-induced temperature increase, could be amplified through the trophic chains and could also significantly affect different aspects of the structure and functioning of marine ecosystems. In this study, manipulative laboratory growth/grazing experiments were performed under in situ simulated conditions to study the structural and functional changes within the microbial food web after a 3 °C increase in temperature. The results show that a rise in temperature affects the changes in: (1) the growth and grazing rates of picoplankton, (2) their growth efficiency, (3) carrying capacities, (4) sensitivity of their production and grazing mortality to temperature, (5) satisfying protistan grazer carbon demands, (6) their preference in the selection of prey, (7) predator niche breadth and their overlap, (8) apparent uptake rates of nutrients, and (9) carbon biomass flow through the microbial food web. Furthermore, temperature affects the autotrophic and heterotrophic components of picoplankton in different ways.
Analysis of Sports Supplements Consumption in Young Spanish Elite Dinghy Sailors
Authors: Caraballo Israel , Domínguez Raúl , Guerra-Hernandez Eduardo J. , Sánchez-Oliver Antonio J.
Published: April 2020

The sports performance of dinghy sailors is determined by their state of nutrition and hydration. Sports supplementation plays a prominent role in elite sailors, being essential in periods of competition due to its characteristics. This study aims to analyze the consumption of sports supplements (SS) in the different categories and groups of sailors based on the level of evidence, differentiating according to sex, competitive level, and type of boat. A total of 42 sailors from national and international levels and belonging to the Laser, 420, Techno-293 and RS:X classes participated in this study. They completed a questionnaire with questions about the consumption of SS and the possible repercussions on health and/or sports performance. The results were analyzed based on the different categorizations and group organization recently established by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), as well as by sex, level of competition and class to which the participants belonged. The male sailors and those who competed internationally had a higher prevalence in the consumption of SS. Among the classes of vessels studied, class 420 had the lowest SS consumption. SS intake was higher during competition days, regardless of sex or level of competition. Based on the classification established by the AIS, statistically significant differences were observed in sex, level of competition, and the type of boat.
Metal Accumulation by Jatropha curcas L. Adult Plants Grown on Heavy Metal-Contaminated Soil
Authors: García Martín Juan Francisco , González Caro María del Carmen , López Barrera María del Carmen , Torres García Miguel , Barbin Douglas , Álvarez Mateos Paloma
Published: April 2020

Jatropha curcas has the ability to phytoextract high amounts of heavy metals during its first months just after seeding. Notwithstanding, there is scarce information about metal uptake by adult J. curcas plants. To shed light on this issue, 4-year-old J. curcas L. plants were planted in a soil mixture of peat moss and mining soil (high metals content), and the biomass growth and metal absorption during 90 days were compared with those of plants growing in peat moss. The main metal found in the mining soil was Fe (31985 mg kg−1) along with high amounts of As (23717 mg kg−1). After the 90-day phytoremediation, the plant removed 29% of Fe and 44% of As from the soil mixture. Results revealed that J. curcas L. translocated high amounts of metals to its aerial parts, so that translocation factors were much higher than 1. Because of the high translocation and bioaccumulation factors obtained, J. curcas L. can be regarded as a hyperaccumulator plant. Despite the great capacity of J. curcas L. to phytoremediate heavy-metal-contaminated soils, the main drawback is the subsequent handling of the metal-contaminated biomass, although some potential applications have been recently highlighted for this biomass.
Lamellar Orientation of a Block Copolymer via an Electron-Beam Induced Polarity Switch in a Nitrophenyl Self-Assembled Monolayer or Si Etching Treatments
Authors: Yamamoto Hiroki , Dawson Guy , Kozawa Takahiro , Robinson Alex P. G.
Published: April 2020

Directed self-assembly (DSA) was investigated on self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) chemically modified by electron beam (EB) irradiation, which is composed of 6-(4-nitrophenoxy) hexane-1-thiol (NPHT). Irradiating a NPHT by EB could successfully induce the orientation and selective patterning of block copolymer domains. We clarified that spatially-selective lamellar orientations of polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) could be achieved by a change of an underlying SAM. The change of an underlying SAM is composed of the transition of an NO2 group to an NH2 group, which is induced by EB. The modification in the polarity of different regions of the SAM with EB lithography controlled the lamellar orientation of PS-b-PMMA. The reduction of the NPHT SAM plays an important role in the orientation of block copolymer. This method might significantly simplify block copolymer DSA processes when it is compared to the conventional DSA process. By investigating the lamellae orientation with EB, it is clarified that only suitable annealing temperatures and irradiation doses lead to the vertical orientation. We also fabricated pre-patterned Si substrates by EB lithographic patterning and reactive ion etching (RIE). DSA onto such pre-patterned Si substrates was proven to be successful for subdivision of the lithographic patterns into line and space patterns.
Demand Response in District Heating Market—Results of the Field Tests in Student Apartment Buildings
Authors: Ala-Kotila Paula , Vainio Terttu , Heinonen Janne
Published: April 2020

This article presents the field test of the developed demand response system installed in the central heating systems of existing apartment buildings. The buildings are occupied by students and located in Tampere, Finland, which is within the northern climate zone. The studied buildings are connected to the local district heating network. The presented demand response system takes into account weather forecasts, indoor temperatures and decreases in space heating temperatures when demand for domestic hot water is the highest. The owner of the buildings benefits from peak demand control and can save in fixed fees. If enough buildings would have this kind of demand response control system, there would be a decreased need for utility companies to use peak power plants that typically use fossil fuels for heat production. In this field test, the peak load decrease was 14%–15% on average. During the test, the heating period of February and March, the normalized energy consumption of eight buildings was reduced by 11%, which represents a 9% annual cut in energy, costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Demand Response (DR) heating aims to help in reaching the objectives of the National Energy and Climate Strategy for 2030.
Water Quality Improvement and Pollutant Removal by Two Regional Detention Facilities with Constructed Wetlands in South Texas
Authors: Guerrero Javier , Mahmoud Ahmed , Alam Taufiqul , Chowdhury Muhammed A. , Adetayo Adeniyi , Ernest Andrew , Jones Kim D.
Published: April 2020

Stormwater runoff introduces several pollutants to the receiving water bodies that may cause degradation of the water quality. Stormwater management systems such as detention facilities and wetland can improve the water quality by removing various pollutants associated with the runoff. The objective of this research project is to determine the performance and efficiency of two major regional detention facilities (RDFs) with different designs and structures in reducing pollutants based on various storm events in McAllen, Texas. The two sites are the McAuliffe RDF and the Morris RDF; each site was incorporated with a constructed wetland with a different design and structure to enhance the pollutant removal process. The McAuliffe RDF reduced the concentration and load of many stormwater constituents in comparison to the Morris RDF. The observed concentrations and pollutant loads of suspended solids were much lower in the runoff of the inlet compared to the outlet for both sites. The McAuliffe RDF showed better concentration and load reduction for nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, of different species. However, both sites did not show a significant improvement of organic material. In addition, the indicator bacteria concentration represented a fluctuation between the inlet and outlet at each site.
A Self-Adaptive Combination Method in Evidence Theory Based on the Power Pignistic Probability Distance
Authors: Wang Jian , Zhu Jing-wei , Song Yafei
Published: April 2020

Existing methods employed for combining temporal and spatial evidence derived from multiple sources into a single coherent description of objects and their environments lack versatility in various applications such as multi-sensor target recognition. This is addressed in the present study by proposing an adaptive evidence fusion method based on the power pignistic probability distance. This method classifies evidence sets into non-conflicting and conflicting evidence sets based on the maximum power pignistic probability distance obtained between evidence pairs in the evidence set. Non-conflicting evidence sets are fused using Dempster’s rule, while conflicting evidence sets are fused using a weighted average combination method based on the power pignistic probability distance. The superior evidence fusion performance of the proposed method is demonstrated by comparisons with the performances of seven other fusion methods based on numerical examples with four different evidence conflict scenarios. The results show that the method proposed in this paper not only can properly fuse different types of evidence, but also provides an excellent focus on the components of evidence sets with high confidence, which is conducive to timely and accurate decisions.
High-Resolution Radio Observations of Five Optically Selected Type 2 Quasars
Authors: Krezinger Máté , Frey Sándor , Paragi Zsolt , Deane Roger
Published: April 2020

Many low-luminosity active galactic nuclei (AGNs) contain a compact radio core which can be observed with high angular resolution using very long baseline interferometry (VLBI). Combining arcsec-scale structural information with milliarcsec-resolution VLBI imaging is a useful way to characterise the objects and to find compact cores on parsec scales. VLBI imaging could also be employed to look for dual AGNs when the sources show kpc-scale double symmetric structure with flat or inverted radio spectra. We observed five such sources at redshifts 0.36 < z < 0.58 taken from an optically selected sample of Type 2 quasars with the European VLBI Network (EVN) at 1.7 and 5 GHz. Out of the five sources, only one (SDSS J1026–0042) shows a confidently detected compact VLBI core at both frequencies. The other four sources are marginally detected at 1.7 GHz only, indicating resolved-out radio structure and steep spectra. Using first-epoch data from the ongoing Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array Sky Survey, we confirm that indeed all four of these sources have steep radio spectra on arcsec scale, contrary to the inverted spectra reported earlier in the literature. However, the VLBI-detected source, SDSS J1026−0042, has a flat integrated spectrum. Radio AGNs that show kpc-scale symmetric structures with truly flat or inverted spectra could still be promising candidates of dual AGNs, to be targeted with VLBI observations in the future.
Cooperative Highway Lane Merge of Connected Vehicles Using Nonlinear Model Predictive Optimal Controller
Authors: Hussain Syed A. , Shahian Jahromi Babak , Cetin Sabri
Published: April 2020

Of all driving functions, one of the critical maneuvers is the lane merge. A cooperative Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC)-based optimization method for implementing a highway lane merge of two connected autonomous vehicles is presented using solutions obtained by the direct multiple shooting method. A performance criteria cost function, which is a function of the states and inputs of the system, was optimized subject to nonlinear model and maneuver constraints. An optimal formulation was developed and then solved on a receding horizon using direct multiple shooting solutions; this is implemented using an open-source ACADO code. Numerical simulation results were performed in a real-case scenario. The results indicate that the implementation of such a controller is possible in real time, in different highway merge situations.
Distribution Characteristics and Spatial Differences of Phosphorus in the Main Stream of the Urban River Stretches of the Middle and Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River
Authors: Dong Lei , Lin Li , Tang Xianqiang , Huang Zhuo , Zhao Liangyuan , Wu Min , Li Rui
Published: April 2020

Excessive phosphorus is the main problem of water pollution in the main stream of the Yangtze River, while it is not clear about the distribution characteristics and spatial differences of phosphorus in the urban river stretches of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. In this study, a field survey in June 2014 revealed that the average particulate phosphorus (PP) concentration ranged from 0.195 mg/L to 0.105 mg/L from Wuhan (WH) in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River to Shanghai (SH, 1081 km from WH) in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, and the average PP-to-the total phosphorus (TP) ratio decreased from 85.71% in WH to 45.65% in SH, while the average soluble reactive phosphate (SRP) concentration ranged from 0.033 to 0.125 mg/L, and the average SRP-to-total dissolved phosphorus (TDP) ratio increased from 60.73% in WH to 88.28% in SH. In general, PP was still an important form of TP in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. The concentrations of PP and SRP at different sampling locations and water depths in the same monitoring section showed differences, which might be related to the transportation and sedimentation of suspended sediment (SS) and differences in the location of urban sewage outlets. Historical data showed that the concentration and particle size of the SS decreased over time, while the discharge of wastewater also increased over time in the Yangtze River Basin. The measured results showed that there was a significant positive correlation between SS and PP. As a result, the concentration of SRP might increase in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. If the SRP concentration is not properly controlled, the degree of eutrophication of water body could significantly increase in the Yangtze River estuary, the riparian zone of the urban river stretches, the tributary slow-flow section, and the corresponding lakes connected with the Yangtze River.