bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Ant Colony Algorithm for Improving Energy Efficiency of Road Vehicles
Authors: Donati Alberto V. , Krause Jette , Thiel Christian , White Ben , Hill Nikolas
Published: June 2020

The number and interdependency of vehicle CO2 reduction technologies, which can be employed to reduce greenhouse emissions for regulatory compliance in the European Union and other countries, has increasingly grown in the recent years. This paper proposes a method to optimally combine these technologies on cars or other road vehicles to improve their energy efficiency. The methodological difficulty is in the fact that these technologies have incompatibilities between them. Moreover, two conflicting objective functions are considered and have to be optimized to obtain Pareto optimal solutions: the CO2 reduction versus costs. For this NP-complete combinatorial problem, a method based on a metaheuristic with Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) combined with a Local Search (LS) algorithm is proposed and generalized as the Technology Packaging Problem (TPP). It consists in finding, from a given set of technologies (each with a specific cost and CO2 reduction potential), among all their possible combinations, the Pareto front composed by those configurations having the minimal total costs and maximum total CO2 reduction. We compare the performance of the proposed method with a Genetic Algorithm (GA) showing the improvements achieved. Thanks to the increased computational efficiency, this technique has been deployed to solve thousands of optimization instances generated by the availability of these technologies by year, type of powertrain, segment, drive cycle, cost type and scenario (i.e., more or less optimistic technology cost for projected data) and inclusion of off-cycle technologies. The total combinations of all these parameters give rise to thousands of distinct instances to be solved and optimized. Computational tests are also presented to show the effectiveness of this new approach. The outputs have been used as basis to assess the costs of complying with different levels of new vehicle CO2 standards, from the perspective of different manufacturer types as well as vehicle users in Europe.
Effects of an Inlet Vortex on the Performance of an Axial-Flow Pump
Authors: Zhang Wenpeng , Tang Fangping , Shi Lijian , Hu Qiujin , Zhou Ying
Published: June 2020

The formation of an inlet vortex seriously restricts axial-flow pump device performance and poses a great threat to the safe and stable operation of the entire system. In this study, the change trends of an inlet vortex and its influence on an axial-flow pump are investigated numerically and experimentally in a vertical axial-flow pump device. Four groups of fixed vortex generators (VGs) are installed in front of the impeller to create stable vortices at the impeller inlet. The vortex influence on the performance of pump device is qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. The vortex patterns at different positions and moments in the pump device are explored to reveal the vortex shape change trend in the impeller and the pressure fluctuation induced by the vortex. The reliability and accuracy of steady and unsteady numerical results are verified by external characteristics and pressure fluctuation experimental results. Results show that it is feasible to install VGs before the impeller inlet to generate stable vortices. The vortex disturbs the inlet flow fields of the impeller, resulting in significant reductions of the axial velocity weighted average angle and the axial velocity uniformity. The vortex increases the inlet passage hydraulic loss and reduces the impeller efficiency, while it only slightly affects the guide vane and outlet passage performance. The vortex causes a low-frequency pressure pulsation and interacts with the impeller. The closer the vortex is to the impeller inlet, the more significant the impeller influence on the vortex. The blade cuts off the vortex in the impeller; afterwards, the vortex follows the blade rotation, and its strength weakens.
High Vacuum Fractional Distillation (HVFD) Approach for Quality and Performance Improvement of Azadirachta indica Biodiesel
Authors: Ijaz Bazgha , Hanif Muhammad Asif , Rashid Umer , Zubair Muhammad , Mushtaq Zahid , Nawaz Haq , Choong Thomas Shean Yaw , Nehdi Imededdine Arbi
Published: June 2020

Biodiesel offers an advantage only if it can be used as a direct replacement for ordinary diesel. There are many reasons to promote biodiesel. However, biodiesel cannot get wide acceptance until its drawbacks have been overcome including poor low temperature flow properties, variation in the quality of biodiesel produced from different feedstocks and fuel filter blocking. In the present study, a much cheaper and simpler method called high vacuum fractional distillation (HVFD) has been used as an alternative to produce high-quality refined biodiesel and to improve on the abovementioned drawbacks of biodiesel. The results of the present study showed that none of biodiesel sample produced from crude Azadirachta indica (neem) oil met standard biodiesel cetane number requirements. The high vacuum fractional distillation (HVFD) process improved the cetane number of produced biodiesels which ranged from 44–87.3. Similarly, biodiesel produced from fractionated Azadirachta indica oil has shown lower iodine values (91.2) and much better cloud (−2.6 °C) and pour point (−4.9 °C) than pure Azadirachta indica oil. In conclusion, the crude oil needs to be vacuum fractioned for superior biodiesel production for direct utilization in engine and consistent quality production.
Transcriptome Analysis in Male Strobilus Induction by Gibberellin Treatment in Cryptomeria japonica D. Don
Authors: Kurita Manabu , Mishima Kentaro , Tsubomura Miyoko , Takashima Yuya , Nose Mine , Hirao Tomonori , Takahashi Makoto
Published: June 2020

The plant hormone gibberellin (GA) is known to regulate elongating growth, seed germination, and the initiation of flower bud formation, and it has been postulated that GAs originally had functions in reproductive processes. Studies on the mechanism of induction of flowering by GA have been performed in Arabidopsis and other model plants. In coniferous trees, reproductive organ induction by GAs is known to occur, but there are few reports on the molecular mechanism in this system. To clarify the gene expression dynamics of the GA induction of the male strobilus in Cryptomeria japonica, we performed comprehensive gene expression analysis using a microarray. A GA-treated group and a nontreated group were allowed to set, and individual trees were sampled over a 6-week time course. A total of 881 genes exhibiting changed expression was identified. In the GA-treated group, genes related to ‘stress response’ and to ‘cell wall’ were initially enriched, and genes related to ‘transcription’ and ‘transcription factor activity’ were enriched at later stages. This analysis also clarified the dynamics of the expression of genes related to GA signaling transduction following GA treatment, permitting us to compare and contrast with the expression dynamics of genes implicated in signal transduction responses to other plant hormones. These results suggested that various plant hormones have complex influences on the male strobilus induction. Additionally, principal component analysis (PCA) using expression patterns of the genes that exhibited sequence similarity with flower bud or floral organ formation-related genes of Arabidopsis was performed. PCA suggested that gene expression leading to male strobilus formation in C. japonica became conspicuous within one week of GA treatment. Together, these findings help to clarify the evolution of the mechanism of induction of reproductive organs by GA.
Patriarchs, Pipers and Presidents: Gaelic Immigrant Funerary Customs and Music in North America
Authors: Shears Barry
Published: June 2020

One of the most moving tributes to the dead is the playing of the Highland bagpipes during funeral services, whether in the church or at the graveside. This custom has a long history both in Scotland and in areas of North America settled by Scottish immigrants over the past 300 years, and for lovers of bagpipe music it is an essential part of the funeral ritual. Throughout its history the piper’s lament has transcended social class structure and has been performed for paupers and presidents alike. Despite being deeply rooted in tradition, the music and function of this musical practice have changed over time. Drawing from printed texts of the 19th and 20th centuries, recent scholarship and local folklore surrounding funeral customs and music, this paper examines the origins of the funeral piping tradition in Gaelic Scotland and its evolution in North American society.
AI Chatbot Design during an Epidemic like the Novel Coronavirus
Authors: Battineni Gopi , Chintalapudi Nalini , Amenta Francesco
Published: June 2020

Since the discovery of the Coronavirus (nCOV-19), it has become a global pandemic. At the same time, it has been a great challenge to hospitals or healthcare staff to manage the flow of the high number of cases. Especially in remote areas, it is becoming more difficult to consult a medical specialist when the immediate hit of the epidemic has occurred. Thus, it becomes obvious that if effectively designed and deployed chatbot can help patients living in remote areas by promoting preventive measures, virus updates, and reducing psychological damage caused by isolation and fear. This study presents the design of a sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot for the purpose of diagnostic evaluation and recommending immediate measures when patients are exposed to nCOV-19. In addition, presenting a virtual assistant can also measure the infection severity and connects with registered doctors when symptoms become serious.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices towards the Tiger Mosquito Aedes Albopictus. A Questionnaire Based Survey in Lazio Region (Italy) before the 2017 Chikungunya Outbreak
Authors: Caputo Beniamino , Manica Mattia , Russo Gianluca , Solimini Angelo
Published: June 2020

The invasion of Aedes albopictus has played a major role in the resurgence of mosquito-borne diseases in Italy, generating the two largest chikungunya outbreaks in Europe (2007, 2017). Knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) are important in order to prevent Aedes-borne disease transmission, yet so far they have not been assessed. To this scope we used multivariate logistic regression to investigate KAP of citizen-to-Aedes ecology and transmitted diseases. Data were collated by a structured questionnaire (18 questions) in 2016. Participants were selected in the Lazio region from members of native populations and two resident communities (RC) originating from the Indian subcontinent where Aedes-transmitted diseases are endemic. Results showed that compared to Italians, RC respondents had a higher knowledge and concern of Aedes-transmitted diseases (Odds Ratio = 2.61 (95%CI: 1.03–6.05); OR = 3.13 (2.15–4.65)) as well as their life cycles (OR = 2.49 (1.75–3.56); OR = 9.04 (6.22–13.66)). In contrast, they perceived a lower nuisance due to the presence of Ae. albopictus (OR = 0.2 (0.13–0.32); OR = 0.55 (0.38–0.78). These findings suggest that citizens in the Lazio region are not prepared to face a potential outbreak of arboviruses and further efforts should be made to increase knowledge, awareness and best practices.
Molecular Regulation in Dopaminergic Neuron Development. Cues to Unveil Molecular Pathogenesis and Pharmacological Targets of Neurodegeneration
Authors: Volpicelli Floriana , Perrone-Capano Carla , Bellenchi Gian Carlo , Colucci-D’Amato Luca , di Porzio Umberto
Published: June 2020

The relatively few dopaminergic neurons in the mammalian brain are mostly located in the midbrain and regulate many important neural functions, including motor integration, cognition, emotive behaviors and reward. Therefore, alteration of their function or degeneration leads to severe neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases. Unraveling the mechanisms of midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) phenotype induction and maturation and elucidating the role of the gene network involved in the development and maintenance of these neurons is of pivotal importance to rescue or substitute these cells in order to restore dopaminergic functions. Recently, in addition to morphogens and transcription factors, microRNAs have been identified as critical players to confer mDA identity. The elucidation of the gene network involved in mDA neuron development and function will be crucial to identify early changes of mDA neurons that occur in pre-symptomatic pathological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease. In addition, it can help to identify targets for new therapies and for cell reprogramming into mDA neurons. In this essay, we review the cascade of transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation that confers mDA identity and regulates their functions. Additionally, we highlight certain mechanisms that offer important clues to unveil molecular pathogenesis of mDA neuron dysfunction and potential pharmacological targets for the treatment of mDA neuron dysfunction.
Nanocomposites for X-Ray Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Gadzhimagomedova Zaira , Zolotukhin Peter , Kit Oleg , Kirsanova Daria , Soldatov Alexander
Published: June 2020

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has long been known as an effective method for treating surface cancer tissues. Although this technique is widely used in modern medicine, some novel approaches for deep lying tumors have to be developed. Recently, deeper penetration of X-rays into tissues has been implemented, which is now known as X-ray photodynamic therapy (XPDT). The two methods differ in the photon energy used, thus requiring the use of different types of scintillating nanoparticles. These nanoparticles are known to convert the incident energy into the activation energy of a photosensitizer, which leads to the generation of reactive oxygen species. Since not all photosensitizers are found to be suitable for the currently used scintillating nanoparticles, it is necessary to find the most effective biocompatible combination of these two agents. The most successful combinations of nanoparticles for XPDT are presented. Nanomaterials such as metal–organic frameworks having properties of photosensitizers and scintillation nanoparticles are reported to have been used as XPDT agents. The role of metal–organic frameworks for applying XPDT as well as the mechanism underlying the generation of reactive oxygen species are discussed.
Black Currency of Middle Ages and Case for Complementary Currency
Authors: Kokabian Pezhwak
Published: June 2020

Monetary historians argue that two types of currencies were circulating in the middle ages of Europe. The first was the standard historical form of money made up of gold and silver coins, and the second was a set of small pieces of copper and other metallic substances used mainly in towns and townships for local trade as currency. Jetton and tokens are monetized objects that are not official currencies; they were of lower quality of the inferior metallic object, which were used for day-to-day transaction needs. The drive for local monetary decentralization is pointed to build up fiscal autonomy and responsible local monetary institutions. This paper reasons that the monetary regime of the Renaissance was a real and genuine trimetallic currency regime.
Modeling the Collaborative Evolution of Urban Land Considering Urban Interactions under Intermediate Intervention, in the Urban Agglomeration in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River in China
Authors: Li Chun , He Jianhua , Duan Xingwu
Published: June 2020

As the dominant area in regional competitions, the urban agglomeration has experienced a dramatic urban land evolution, which has had a significant impact on regional socio-economic development and ecological environment. Conventional simulation models mainly explore the dynamic change of urban land based on the situation of a single city. The urban interactions, which linked separate cities into an organic urban agglomeration area, have not been sufficiently concerned, especially the urban interaction in the context of intermediate intervention. In this paper, we employ the radiation model to measure the urban interaction under intermediate intervention, and further spatially explicitly express the spatial network and influence of such an interaction. A simulation model coupling improved urban interaction is proposed to model the collaborative evolution of urban land in urban agglomeration by considering the influence of improved urban interactions into the basic framework of the cellular automata model. Taking the urban agglomeration in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River in China as a case study, the validity and suitability of the model are evaluated. The results show that, the proposed simulation model exhibits better performance in capturing the networked evolution of urban land. Considering urban interactions under intermediate intervention is necessary for modeling the collaborative evolution of urban land in urban agglomeration areas. The distribution of the urban interaction’s influence can be a beneficial reference for guiding the optimal allocation of urban land in a networked way.
Periodic Intermediate β-Expansions of Pisot Numbers
Authors: Quackenbush Blaine , Samuel Tony , West Matt
Published: June 2020

The subshift of finite type property (also known as the Markov property) is ubiquitous in dynamical systems and the simplest and most widely studied class of dynamical systems are β -shifts, namely transformations of the form T β , α : x ↦ β x + α mod 1 acting on [ − α / ( β − 1 ) , ( 1 − α ) / ( β − 1 ) ] , where ( β , α ) ∈ Δ is fixed and where Δ ≔ { ( β , α ) ∈ R 2 : β ∈ ( 1 , 2 ) and 0 ≤ α ≤ 2 − β } . Recently, it was shown, by Li et al. (Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 147(5): 2045–2055, 2019), that the set of ( β , α ) such that T β , α has the subshift of finite type property is dense in the parameter space Δ . Here, they proposed the following question. Given a fixed β ∈ ( 1 , 2 ) which is the n-th root of a Perron number, does there exists a dense set of α in the fiber { β } × ( 0 , 2 − β ) , so that T β , α has the subshift of finite type property? We answer this question in the positive for a class of Pisot numbers. Further, we investigate if this question holds true when replacing the subshift of finite type property by the sofic property (that is a factor of a subshift of finite type). In doing so we generalise, a classical result of Schmidt (Bull. London Math. Soc., 12(4): 269–278, 1980) from the case when α = 0 to the case when α ∈ ( 0 , 2 − β ) . That is, we examine the structure of the set of eventually periodic points of T β , α when β is a Pisot number and when β is the n-th root of a Pisot number.
On the Topology Induced by C*-Algebra-Valued Fuzzy Metric Spaces
Authors: Madadi Masoumeh , O’Regan Donal , Park Choonkil , de la Sen Manuel , Saadati Reza
Published: June 2020

We define the notion of C * -algebra-valued fuzzy metric spaces and we study the topology induced by these spaces.
Effect of a Boundary Layer on Cavity Flow
Authors: Savchenko Yuriy N. , Savchenko Georgiy Y. , Semenov Yuriy A.
Published: June 2020

Cavity flow past an obstacle in the presence of an inflow vorticity is considered. The proposed approach to the solution of the problem is based on replacing the continuous vorticity with its discrete form in which the vorticity is concentrated along vortex lines coinciding with the streamlines. The flow between the streamlines is vortex free. The problem is to determine the shape of the streamlines and cavity boundary. The pressure on the cavity boundary is constant and equal to the vapour pressure of the liquid. The pressure is continuous across the streamlines. The theory of complex variables is used to determine the flow in the following subregions coupled via their boundary conditions: a flow in channels with curved walls, a cavity flow in a jet and an infinite flow along a curved wall. The numerical approach is based on the method of successive approximations. The numerical procedure is verified considering a body with a sharp edge, for which the point of cavity detachment is fixed. For smooth bodies, the cavity detachment is determined based on Brillouin’s criterion. It is found that the inflow vorticity delays the cavity detachment and reduces the cavity length. The results obtained are compared with experimental data.
Mixed Convective Stagnation Point Flow towards a Vertical Riga Plate in Hybrid Cu-Al2O3/Water Nanofluid
Authors: Khashi’ie Najiyah Safwa , Md Arifin Norihan , Pop Ioan
Published: June 2020

The present work highlights the stagnation point flow with mixed convection induced by a Riga plate using a Cu-Al 2 O 3 /water hybrid nanofluid. The electromagnetohydrodynamic (EMHD) force generated from the Riga plate was influential in the heat transfer performance and applicable to delay the boundary layer separation. Similarity transformation was used to reduce the complexity of the governing model. MATLAB software, through the bvp4c function, was used to compute the resulting nonlinear ODEs. Pure forced convective flow has a distinctive solution, whereas two similarity solutions were attainable for the buoyancy assisting and opposing flows. The first solution was validated as the physical solution through the analysis of flow stability. The accretion of copper volumetric concentration inflated the heat transfer rate for the aiding and opposing flows. The heat transfer rate increased approximately up to an average of 10.216% when the copper volumetric concentration increased from 0.005 ( 0.5 % ) to 0.03 ( 3 % ) .
Friction-Induced Martensitic Transformation and Wear Properties of Stainless Steel under Dry and Wet Conditions
Authors: Lee Yoon-Seok , Kondo Yuta , Okayasu Mitsuhiro
Published: June 2020

The wear characteristics of SUS304 and SUS316 stainless steels were evaluated at the rotation speeds of 100 m/s, 200 m/s, and 300 m/s under dry and wet conditions. The transition of friction-induced martensite occurred in wear-affected regions of two materials, regardless of the wear test conditions. The specific wear rates (Ws) of both stainless steels increase with increasing rotation speeds, regardless of the circumstances. Moreover, Ws of SUS304 and SUS316, obtained under dry conditions, is significantly higher than that of SUS304 and SUS316 obtained under wet conditions, respectively. This is because that the water film on the wet ring can act as a liquid lubricant between the ring and the block during the tests. After the wear tests, the hardness changes of both SUS304 and SUS316 are much higher under dry conditions, compared to those under wet conditions.
Bifidobacterium β-Glucosidase Activity and Fermentation of Dietary Plant Glucosides Is Species and Strain Specific
Authors: Modrackova Nikol , Vlkova Eva , Tejnecky Vaclav , Schwab Clarissa , Neuzil-Bunesova Vera
Published: June 2020

Dietary plant glucosides are phytochemicals whose bioactivity and bioavailability can be modified by glucoside hydrolase activity of intestinal microbiota through the release of acylglycones. Bifidobacteria are gut commensals whose genomic potential indicates host-adaption as they possess a diverse set of glycosyl hydrolases giving access to a variety of dietary glycans. We hypothesized bifidobacteria with β-glucosidase activity could use plant glucosides as fermentation substrate and tested 115 strains assigned to eight different species and from different hosts for their potential to express β-glucosidases and ability to grow in the presence of esculin, amygdalin, and arbutin. Concurrently, the antibacterial activity of arbutin and its acylglycone hydroquinone was investigated. Beta-glucosidase activity of bifidobacteria was species specific and most prevalent in species occurring in human adults and animal hosts. Utilization and fermentation profiles of plant glucosides differed between strains and might provide a competitive benefit enabling the intestinal use of dietary plant glucosides as energy sources. Bifidobacterial β-glucosidase activity can increase the bioactivity of plant glucosides through the release of acylglycone.
One-, Two-, and Three-Dimensional Self-Assembly of Atomically Precise Metal Nanoclusters
Authors: Ebina Ayano , Hossain Sakiat , Horihata Hikaru , Ozaki Shuhei , Kato Shun , Kawawaki Tokuhisa , Negishi Yuichi
Published: June 2020

Metal nanoclusters (NCs), which consist of several, to about one hundred, metal atoms, have attracted much attention as functional nanomaterials for use in nanotechnology. Because of their fine particle size, metal NCs exhibit physical/chemical properties and functions different from those of the corresponding bulk metal. In recent years, many techniques to precisely synthesize metal NCs have been developed. However, to apply these metal NCs in devices and as next-generation materials, it is necessary to assemble metal NCs to a size that is easy to handle. Recently, multiple techniques have been developed to form one-, two-, and three-dimensional connected structures (CSs) of metal NCs through self-assembly. Further progress of these techniques will promote the development of nanomaterials that take advantage of the characteristics of metal NCs. This review summarizes previous research on the CSs of metal NCs. We hope that this review will allow readers to obtain a general understanding of the formation and functions of CSs and that the obtained knowledge will help to establish clear design guidelines for fabricating new CSs with desired functions in the future.
Migraine and Diet
Authors: Gazerani Parisa
Published: June 2020

Migraine is characterized by recurrent attacks of disabling headaches, often accompanied by sensory and motor disturbances. Clinical manifestations of migraine are influenced by dietary behaviors and dietary elements. Several dietary triggers for migraine have been identified, leading to the definition of strategies such as elimination diets, ketogenic diets, and comprehensive diets, mainly to help prevent migraine. Although inconsistency is present in the literature and no consensus exists, the available data are promising in supporting beneficial dietary interventions for some migraine patients. Several factors influence the net outcome, including age, sex, genetics, and environmental factors. Advancement in understanding the underlying mechanisms of migraine pathogenesis and how dietary factors can interfere with those mechanisms has encouraged investigators to consider diet as a disease-modifying agent, which may also interfere with the gut–brain axis or the epigenetics of migraine. Future work holds potential for phenotyping migraine patients and offering personalized recommendations in line with biopsychosocial models for the management of migraine. Diet, as an important element of lifestyle, is a modifiable aspect that needs further attention. Well-designed, systematic, and mechanism-driven dietary research is needed to provide evidence-based dietary recommendations specific to migraine. This narrative review aims to present the current status and future perspective on diet and migraine, in order to stimulate further research and awareness.
Fetal Head Growth during Early to Mid-Gestation Associated with Weight Gain in Mothers with Hyperemesis Gravidarum: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Muraoka Mitsue , Takagi Koichiro , Ueno Mariko , Morita Yoshihiro , Nagano Hiroaki
Published: June 2020

The epigenetic impact of malnutrition in mothers with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) on their offspring has not been fully elucidated. Recently, several reports have demonstrated that children born to mothers with HG were small for gestational age and had low birth weight, reduced insulin sensitivity, and neurodevelopmental delays during childhood. Therefore, we examined the relationship between fetal growth and changes in the maternal body weight in HG cases. A total of 34 patients with HG were hospitalized and delivered at term between 2009 and 2012. The records of 69 cases of pregnant women without a history of HG were extracted after matching their maternal age, parity, pregestational body mass index (BMI), gestational age, and fetal sex ratio with those of the HG group for comparison. The maternal weight gain at term was less in the HG than in the control group. There was no statistical difference in birth weight, placental weight, and ultrasonic fetometric parameters expressed in standard deviation (SD) scores, including biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference, and femur length, between the HG and the control group. Whereas fetal head growth in the HG group was positively associated with maternal weight gain at 20 weeks of gestation only, this association was not observed in the control group. We herein demonstrate that maternal weight gain from the nadir is associated with fetal head growth at mid-gestation. Thus, maternal undernutrition in the first trimester of pregnancy could affect fetal brain growth and development, leading to an increased risk of neurodevelopmental delays in later life.
Dietary Macronutrient Intakes and Mortality among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Lin Cheng-Chieh , Liu Chiu-Shong , Li Chia-Ing , Lin Chih-Hsueh , Lin Wen-Yuan , Wang Mu-Cyun , Yang Shing-Yu , Li Tsai-Chung
Published: June 2020

The best macronutrient percentages of dietary intake supporting longevity remains unclear. The strength of association between dietary intake and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) should be quantified as a basis for dietary recommendations. Our study cohort consisted of 15,289 type 2 diabetic patients aged 30 years and older in Taiwan during 2001–2014 and was followed up through 2016. Percentages of macronutrient intakes were calculated as dietary energy intake contributed by carbohydrate, protein, and fat, divided by the total energy intake using a 24 h food diary recall approach. Cox proportional hazard models were applied to examine the temporal relation of macronutrient intakes with all-cause and cause-specific mortality. The average follow-up time was 7.4 years, during which 2784 adults with T2DM died. After multivariable adjustment, people with fourth and fifth quintiles of total energy, second and third quintiles of carbohydrate, and fourth quintiles of protein intakes were likely to have lower risks of all-cause and expanded cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. People with fifth quintiles of total energy intake were likely to have decreased non-expanded CVD mortality. We found a significant interaction between gender and fat intake on all-cause and expanded CVD mortality. Fat intake was associated with all-cause, expanded and non-expanded CVD mortality among males with T2DM. Total energy, carbohydrate, and protein intakes were associated with lower risks of all-cause and expanded CVD mortality, with minimal risks observed at ≥1673 Kcal total energy, 43–52% carbohydrate intake, and 15–16% protein intake among people with T2DM.
A Novel Simple Approach to Material Parameters from Commonly Accessible Rheometer Data
Authors: Schrüfer S. , Sonnleitner D. , Lang G. , Schubert D. W.
Published: June 2020

When characterizing the viscoelastic properties of polymers, shear rheological measurements are commonly the method of choice. These properties are known to affect extrusion and nozzle-based processes such as fiber melt spinning, cast film extrusion and 3D-printing. However, an adequate characterization of shear thinning polymers can be challenging and still insufficient to not only describe but predict process relevant influences. Furthermore, the evaluation of rheological model systems in literature is mostly based on stress–relaxation experiments, which are rarely available for various polymeric materials. Therefore, a simple approach is presented, that can be used to evaluate and benchmark a wide range of rheological model systems based on commonly accessible frequency sweep data. The approach is validated by analyzing alginate PH176 solutions of various concentrations, a thermoplastic poly-urethane (TPU) Elastollan 1180A melt, the liquid silicon rubber Elastosil 7670 and a polycaprolactone (PCL) fiber-alginate composite system. The used rheological model systems, consisting of simple springs and dashpots, are suitable for the description of complex, viscoelastic material properties that can be observed for polymer solutions and gel-like systems. After revealing a suitable model system for describing those material properties, the determination and evaluation of relevant model parameters can take place. We present a detailed guideline for the systematic parameter revelation using alginate solutions of different concentrations as example. Furthermore, a starting point for future correlations of strut spreading in 3D-bioprinting and model parameters is revealed. This work establishes the basis for a better understanding and potential predictability of key parameters for various fabrication techniques.
‘The Ngabwe Covenant’ and the Search for an African Theology of Eco-Pneumato-Relational Way of Being in Zambia
Authors: Kaunda Chammah Judex
Published: June 2020

This study explores the ways in which the born-again traditional leaders in Zambia are redefining neo-Pentecostal interaction with nonhuman creation. It demonstrates their attempts to rapture new religious imaginations in interstitial spaces between neo-Pentecostalism and Africa’s old spiritual systems. Since eco-spirituality is foundational to most African traditional institutions, some born again traditional leaders are forced to search for contextualized forms of neo-Pentecostalism to form new collective expressions of the spirituality of healing and reconciliation of all things. Grounded in the third space translation approach, this study analyzes ‘The Ngabwe Covenant’ which was made by the late neo-Pentecostal clergy and later traditional leader Ngabwe upon his inauguration as the traditional leader of Lamba-Lenje-and–Lima people of Central Province in Zambia. The study argues that Chief Ngabwe attempted to translate neo-Pentecostal spirituality through a traditional spiritual system of eco-relationality. In so doing, neo-Pentecostal spirituality and traditional religio-cultural heritages found new meaning and home within the hybridized (new) religious space. The study underlines that the resultant religious view which could be described as an African theology of eco-pneumato-relational way of being was envisioned as a new spiritual foundation for the Ngabwe kingdom. The article concludes that Rev. TL. Ngabwe’s theology of Spirit’s indwelling of the natural world is a critical contribution to neo-Pentecostal search for life-giving interactions between human and nonhuman creation.
Low-Humidity Sensing Properties of Multi-Layered Graphene Grown by Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Ricciardella Filiberto , Vollebregt Sten , Polichetti Tiziana , Sarro Pasqualina M. , Duesberg Georg S.
Published: June 2020

Humidity sensing is fundamental in some applications, as humidity can be a strong interferent in the detection of analytes under environmental conditions. Ideally, materials sensitive or insensitive towards humidity are strongly needed for the sensors used in the first or second case, respectively. We present here the sensing properties of multi-layered graphene (MLG) upon exposure to different levels of relative humidity. We synthesize MLG by chemical vapor deposition, as shown by Raman spectroscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Through an MLG-based resistor, we show that MLG is scarcely sensitive to humidity in the range 30%–70%, determining current variations in the range of 0.005%/%relative humidity (RH) well below the variation induced by other analytes. These findings, due to the morphological properties of MLG, suggest that defective MLG is the ideal sensing material to implement in gas sensors operating both at room temperature and humid conditions.
Partial Discharges and Noise Discrimination Using Magnetic Antennas, the Cross Wavelet Transform and Support Vector Machines
Authors: Muñoz-Muñoz Fabio , Rodrigo-Mor Armando
Published: June 2020

This paper presents a wavelet analysis technique together with support vector machines (SVM) to discriminate partial discharges (PD) from external disturbances (electromagnetic noise) in a GIS PD measuring system based on magnetic antennas. The technique uses the Cross Wavelet Transform (XWT) to process the PD signals and the external disturbances coming from the magnetic antennas installed in the GIS compartments. The measurements were performed in a high voltage (HV) GIS containing a source of PD and common-mode external disturbances, where the external disturbances were created by an electric dipole radiator placed in the middle of the GIS. The PD were created by connecting a needle to the main conductor in one of the GIS compartments. The cross wavelet transform and its local relative phase were used for feature extraction from the PD and the external noise. The features extracted formed linearly separable clusters of PD and external disturbances. These clusters were automatically classified by a support vector machine (SVM) algorithm. The SVM presented an error rate of 0.33%, correctly classifying 99.66% of the signals. The technique is intended to reduce the PD false positive indications of the common-mode signals created by an electric dipole. The measuring system fundamentals, the XWT foundations, the features extraction, the data analysis, the classification algorithm, and the experimental results are presented.
Application of Ultrasonic Guided Waves for Inspection of High Density Polyethylene Pipe Systems
Authors: Lowe Premesh Shehan , Lais Habiba , Paruchuri Veena , Gan Tat-Hean
Published: June 2020

The structural integrity assessment of thermoplastic pipes has become an interesting area of research due to its elevated usage in the liquid/gas transportation industry. Ultrasonic guided wave testing has gained higher attention from industry for the inspection of elongated structures due to the reduced inspection time and cost associated with conventional non-destructive testing techniques, e.g., ultrasonic testing, radiography, and visual inspection. Current research addresses the inspection of thermoplastic pipes using ultrasonic guided waves as a low cost and permanently installed structural health-monitoring tool. Laboratory and numerical investigations were conducted to study the potential of using ultrasonic guided waves to assess the structural health of thermoplastic pipe structures in order to define optimum frequency range for inspection, array design, and length of inspection. In order to achieve a better surface contact, flexible Macro-Fiber Composite transducers were used in this investigation, and the Teletest® Focus+ system was used as the pulser/receiver. Optimum frequency range of inspection was at 15−25 kHz due to the level of attenuation at higher frequencies and the larger dead zone at lower frequencies due to the pulse length. A minimum of 14 transducers around the circumference of a 3 inch pipe were required to suppress higher order flexural modes at 16 kHz. According to the studied condition, 1.84 m of inspection coverage could be achieved at a single direction for pulse-echo, which could be improved by using a higher number of transducers for excitation and using pitch-catch configuration.
Daily School Physical Activity Improves Academic Performance
Authors: Fritz Jesper , Cöster Marcus E. , Rosengren Björn E. , Karlsson Caroline , Karlsson Magnus K.
Published: June 2020

Physical activity (PA) may improve brain development, cognition, concentration and academic performance. In this prospective controlled intervention study, we increased the level of PA in 338 children aged 6–8 years at study start, from the Swedish standard of 60 min per week to 200 min per week (40 min daily). The intervention continued in all nine compulsory school years until the students graduated between 2007–2012. All other 689,881 Swedish children who graduated the same years were included as a control group. We registered at graduation eligibility rate for upper secondary school and the final grade score (from 0 to 320 grade points). We also registered the same end points in the 295 students in the index school and in all other 471,926 Swedish students who graduated in 2003–2006, that is, those who graduated before the intervention study started. Before the intervention, academic performance was similar among children in the index school as for all other Swedish boys and girls. With the intervention, the eligibility rate increased for boys in the index school by 7.3 percentage points and the mean grade scores by 13.3 points. This should be compared with a decrease of 0.8 percentage points in eligibility rate and an increase by 2.7 points in grade score in other Swedish boys. No changes were seen for intervention girls, neither in eligibility rates or grade scores. By introducing daily school-based PA in compulsory school, more boys would probably reach the eligibility rate for higher education.
Pork Production Survey to Assess Factors of Facility Design and Operation
Authors: Sanford Joseph R. , Aguirre-Villegas Horacio A. , Larson Rebecca A.
Published: June 2020

Pork producers can have difficulty operating or expanding existing facilities or establishing new facilities based on perceived negative impacts to the environment and surrounding community. It is critical to understand the characteristics and practices adopted in swine facilities to evaluate the extend of these impacts. A survey, completed by 69 pork producers in Wisconsin, was conducted to assess how facility design and management affect odor, water quality, water consumption, air quality, traffic, and noise. A wide range of production facilities participated in the survey where 29% of respondents were classified as very small (<35 animal units, AU), 16% as small (35–70 AU), 20% as medium (70–300 AU), 23% as large (300–1000 AU), and 12% as permitted (>1000 AU) facilities. Generally, facilities integrated numerous odor control strategies which resulted in high calculated odor scores and the absence of odor complaints. However, the lack of nutrient management planning and other practices for water quality, particularly for facilities with less than 300 AU, indicates there are areas that need improvement. Regardless of facility size, water reduction practices were very commonly reported indicating water conservation is important. Pit ventilation and mechanical ventilation was reported at 58 and 85% of the surveyed facilities, which highlights the need to increase the adoption of mechanical ventilation for air quality, especially in farms with under-barn storage. Using trucks instead of tractors and pumping instead of trucks and tractors can reduce traffic around facilities during manure hauling season.
(Un)Sustainable Development of Minors in Libyan Refugee Camps in the Context of Conflict-Induced Migration
Authors: El Ghamari Magdalena , Gabriela Bartoszewicz Monika
Published: June 2020

This paper looks at the challenges to the sustainable development of migrant and refugee children in Libyan refugee camps and migrant detention centres. Libya, next to Syria, is still the most destabilised Arab country with a myriad of conflicting parties, warlords, militias, terrorist organisations as well as smugglers and traffickers that continuously compete in a complex network of multidimensional power struggles. Our single case study based on ethnographic fieldwork adopts the human security approach, which provides security analysis with an inherently “sustainable” dimension. In the paper we provide an overview of the empirical study carried out in seven Libyan refugee camps (Tripoli, Tajoura, Sirte, Misrata, Benghazi, Derna and Tobruk) between 2013 and 2019. Our findings show that for refugee children even everyday activities pose a danger to health and life, and the many threats to their security encompass a broad spectrum from health to safety, from education to falling prey to bundlers from terrorist organisations and paramilitary militias. These issues, undoubtedly pertinent on the individual level of analysis, are further exacerbated by the underlying, conflict-induced factors and preclude a safe and secure environment.
National Budget as Linked Open Data: New Tools for Supporting the Sustainability of Public Finances
Authors: Cifuentes-Silva Francisco , Fernández-Álvarez Daniel , Labra-Gayo Jose Emilio
Published: June 2020

This paper presents the visualization of national budget, a tool based on Semantic Web technologies that shows by graphic representations the Chilean budget law published annually, and their execution by each state agency. We describe the processes for consuming open data from the Budget National Agency, and how this data is transformed and published to linked open data, based on a National Budget Ontology. Although similar initiatives have been developed on transparency and public budget around the world, we consider that there is no previous experience showing optimized access mechanisms both for human and machine readable, providing in each case the highest level of aggregation, granularity and interoperability, making it understandable and easy to process complex data and legislation. As part of our analysis, we describe a recent scenario of usage in the context of the socio-political crisis in Chile, where we discuss the possible impact of the linked open dataset and data visualizations for distribution and control of funds, on the premise that this type of tools can support the decision making and sustainability of public finances. Finally, we present the results of our budget knowledge graph and the lessons learned during the development, allowing to replicate the process and enabling potential uses of the published data in other contexts.
Evolution of Energy Landscapes: A Regional Case Study in the Western Netherlands
Authors: de Jong Jolanda , Stremke Sven
Published: June 2020

While the transition to renewable energy becomes a main driver of landscape change, few publications discuss the historical transformation of landscapes for the development of energy—commonly referred to as energy landscape. The research reported in this paper investigates the evolution of energy landscapes in the Western Netherlands—a region shaped by peat extraction and dotted with windmills. Five periods have been identified, dominated by wood, peat, wind, fossil fuels, and modern renewables, respectively. During each period, the landscape coevolved with the new energy source hosting new energy infrastructure. The sequence of landscape transformations over the past 10 centuries in the Western Netherlands is illustrated by means of historical paintings, photographs and a series of five georeferenced maps. Our systematic analysis confirms the long-lasting and manifold interrelations between energy development and landscape transformation at the brink of another energy transition. This paper presents the first all-encompassing application of the analytical framework for the study of energy landscapes proposed earlier. The three main qualifications—substantive, spatial, and temporal—provided a clear framework for the systematic study of landscape transformations at the regional scale.