bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Flight Path Control of Airborne Wind Energy Systems
Authors: Dief Tarek N. , Fechner Uwe , Schmehl Roland , Yoshida Shigeo , Rushdi Mostafa A.
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we applied a system identification algorithm and an adaptive controller to a simple kite system model to simulate crosswind flight maneuvers for airborne wind energy harvesting. The purpose of the system identification algorithm was to handle uncertainties related to a fluctuating wind speed and shape deformations of the tethered membrane wing. Using a pole placement controller, we determined the required locations of the closed-loop poles and enforced them by adapting the control gains in real time. We compared the path-following performance of the proposed approach with a classical proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller using the same system model. The capability of the system identification algorithm to recognize sudden changes in the dynamic model or the wind conditions, and the ability of the controller to stabilize the system in the presence of such changes were confirmed. Furthermore, the system identification algorithm was used to determine the parameters of a kite with variable-length tether on the basis of data that were recorded during a physical flight test of a 20 kW kite power system. The system identification algorithm was executed in real time, and significant changes were observed in the parameters of the dynamic model, which strongly affect the resulting response.
Hydrate Production Philosophy and Thermodynamic Calculations
Authors: Kvamme Bjørn , Zhao Jinzhou , Wei Na , Sun Wantong , Saeidi Navid , Pei Jun , Kuznetsova Tatiana
Published: February 2020

The amount of energy in the form of natural gas hydrates is huge and likely substantially more than twice the amount of worldwide conventional fossil fuel. Various ways to produce these hydrates have been proposed over the latest five decades. Most of these hydrate production methods have been based on evaluation of hydrate stability limits rather than thermodynamic consideration and calculations. Typical examples are pressure reduction and thermal stimulation. In this work we discuss some of these proposed methods and use residual thermodynamics for all phases, including the hydrate phase, to evaluate free energy changes related to the changes in independent thermodynamic variables. Pressures, temperatures and composition of all relevant phases which participate in hydrate phase transitions are independent thermodynamic variables. Chemical potential and free energies are thermodynamic responses that determine whether the desired phase transitions are feasible or not. The associated heat needed is related to the first law of thermodynamics and enthalpies. It is argued that the pressure reduction method may not be feasible since the possible thermal gradients from the surroundings are basically low temperature heat that is unable to break water hydrogen bonds in the hydrate–water interface efficiently. Injecting carbon dioxide, on the other hand, leads to formation of new hydrate which generates excess heat compared to the enthalpy needed to dissociate the in situ CH4 hydrate. But the rapid formation of new CO2 hydrate that can block the pores, and also the low permeability of pure CO2 in aquifers, are motivations for adding N2. Optimum mole fractions of N2 based on thermodynamic considerations are discussed. On average, less than 30 mole% N2 can be efficient and feasible. Thermal stimulation using steam or hot water is not economically feasible. Adding massive amounts of methanol or other thermodynamic inhibitors is also technically efficient but far from economically feasible.
Self-Powered Autonomous Wireless Sensor Node by Using Silicon-Based 3D Thermoelectric Energy Generator for Environmental Monitoring Application
Authors: Im Jong-Pil , Kim Jeong , Lee Jae , Woo Ji , Im Sol , Kim Yeriaron , Eom Yong-Sung , Choi Won , Kim Jun , Moon Seung
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we present the results of a preliminary study on the self-powered autonomous wireless sensor node by using thermoelectric energy generator based on Silicon (Si) thermoelectric legs, energy management integrated circuit (EMIC), Radio Frequency (RF) module with a temperature and humidity sensor, etc. A novel thermoelectric module structure is designed as an energy generator module, which consists of 127 pairs of Silicon legs and this module is fabricated and tested to demonstrate the feasibility of generating electrical power under the temperature gradient of 70K. EMIC has three key features besides high efficiency, which are maximum power point tracking (MPPT), cold start, and complete self-power operation. EMIC achieved a cold start voltage of 200 mV, peak efficiency of 78.7%, MPPT efficiency 99.4%, and an output power of 34 mW through only the Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) source. To assess the capability of the device as a small scale power source for internet of things (IoT) service, we also tested energy conversion and storage experiments. Finally, the proposed sensor node system which can transmit and monitor the information from the temperature and humidity sensor through the RF module in real time demonstrates the feasibility for variable applications.
Modulation Strategy for Multi-Phase Matrix Converter with Common Mode Voltage Elimination and Adjustment of the Input Displacement Angle
Authors: Rząsa Janina
Published: February 2020

In the last several years, thanks to the development and continuous improvement of semiconductor switching elements, and the simultaneous increase in interest in multi-phase drives, the investigation into constructing multi-phase converters has been growing. The matrix converter (MC) is considered to be one of the contenders for use in the multi-phase drive. In the context of using MC in the drive, it is expected to eliminate the common mode voltage (CMV). Another important problem is the ability to correct the input displacement angle to ensure the operation of the MC with unity input power factor. The purpose of the article is to present an MC modulation strategy that implements both CMV elimination and input displacement angle adjustment. Analytical and simulation analyses of the strategy, in application to three-to-multi-phase MC is presented. The suggested modulation strategy in applying to three-to-multi-phase MC is implemented in ATP-EMTP (Alternative Transients Program-ElectroMagnetic Transients Program) software. Simulation results are provided for a three-to-three-phase three-to-six-phase and three-to-nine-phase MC. The proposed modulation strategy is validated using an experimental approach.
Prefeasibility Study of Photovoltaic Power Potential Based on a Skew-Normal Distribution
Authors: Kim Shin Young , Sapotta Benedikt , Jang Gilsoo , Kang Yong-Heack , Kim Hyun-Goo
Published: February 2020

Solar energy does not always follow the normal distribution due to the characteristics of natural energy. The system advisor model (SAM), a well-known energy performance analysis program, analyzes exceedance probabilities by dividing solar irradiance into two cases, i.e., when normal distribution is followed, and when normal distribution is not followed. However, it does not provide a mathematical model for data distribution when not following the normal distribution. The present study applied the skew-normal distribution when solar irradiance does not follow the normal distribution, and calculated photovoltaic power potential to compare the result with those using the two existing methods. It determined which distribution was more appropriate between normal and skew-normal distributions using the Jarque–Bera test, and then the corrected Akaike information criterion (AICc). As a result, three places in Korea showed that the skew-normal distribution was more appropriate than the normal distribution during the summer and winter seasons. The AICc relative likelihood between two models was more than 0.3, which showed that the difference between the two models was not extremely high. However, considering that the proportion of uncertainty of solar irradiance in photovoltaic projects was 5% to 17%, more accurate models need to be chosen.
Strategies of Success for Social Networks: Mermaids and Temporal Evolution
Authors: Marchiori Massimo , Possamai Lino
Published: February 2020

The main goal of this article is to investigate techniques that can quickly lead to successful social systems by boosting network connectivity. This is especially useful when starting new online communities where the aim is to increase the system utilization as much as possible. This aspect is very important nowadays, given the existence of many online social networks available on the web, and the relatively high level of competition. In other words, attracting users’ attention is becoming a major concern, and time is an essential factor when investing money and resources into online social systems. Our study describes an effective technique that deals with this issue by introducing the notion of mermaids, special attractors that alter the normal evolutive behavior of a social system. We analyze how mermaids can boost social networks, and then provide estimations of fundamental parameters that business strategists can take into account in order to obtain successful systems within a constrained budget.
Variation over Time of Length–Weight Relationships and Condition Factors for Four Exotic Fish Species from a Restored Shallow Lake in NE Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Sánchez-González Jorge Rubén , Arbonés Amadeo , Casals Frederic
Published: February 2020

Length–weight relationships (LWRs), condition factors, and their variation over time were analyzed for four exotic freshwater fish (bleak, common carp, pikeperch, and roach) in the Estany d’Ivars i Vila-sana shallow lake in Catalonia, Northern Spain. Fish samples were collected twice a year (early summer and autumn), between 2008 and 2016, by using between three and five multi-mesh nylon gillnets. This study provides novel information about four common exotic fishes outside of their natural range and within the context of a restored shallow lake, where the ichthyologic community is evolving in concordance with the ecosystem conditions and the fish community dynamics.
La Cultura Cura: An Exploration of Enculturation in a Community-Based Culture-Centered HIV Prevention Curriculum for Indigenous Youth
Authors: Beltrán Ramona , Alvarez Antonia R. G. , Colón Lisa , Alamillo Xochilt , Dunbar Annie Zean
Published: February 2020

Community based participatory research and attention to cultural resilience is recommended in HIV prevention research with Indigenous communities. This paper presents qualitative findings from evaluation of a culture-centered HIV prevention curriculum for Indigenous youth that was developed using a community based participatory research approach. Specifically, the authors focus on youth descriptions of cultural resilience and enculturation factors after participating in the curriculum. Thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with 23 youth participants yields three salient themes associated with cultural resilience and enculturation factors including: Development of cultural pride, honoring ancestors through traditional cultural practices, and acknowledging resilience and resistance within Indigenous communities. Additionally, per community directive, the authors share an observation of changes to identity descriptions from pre-curriculum baseline to post-curriculum interviews, pointing to a possible increase in awareness of Indigenous cultural identity.
Effectiveness of Text-Only Cigarette Health Warnings in Japan: Findings from the 2018 International Tobacco Control (ITC) Japan Survey
Authors: Chung-Hall Janet , Fong Geoffrey T. , Meng Gang , Yan Mi , Tabuchi Takahiro , Yoshimi Itsuro , Mochizuki Yumiko , Craig Lorraine V. , Ouimet Janine , Quah Anne C. K.
Published: February 2020

Health warnings are an effective strategy for communicating the health harms of smoking, encouraging quitting, and preventing smoking initiation. This study examines the effectiveness of existing text-only health warnings, identifies key predictors of warning effectiveness, and assesses support for pictorial warnings in Japan. Data are from the 2018 International Tobacco Control (ITC) Japan Survey, a cohort survey of adult cigarette smokers (n = 3306), dual users of cigarettes and heated tobacco products (n = 555), and non-cigarette smokers (n = 823). Weighted multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess predictors of warning effectiveness and support for pictorial warnings. Overall, 15.6% of respondents noticed warnings, and 7.9% read or looked closely at warnings. Overall, 10.3% of smokers and dual users said the warnings stopped them from having a cigarette, and 7.2% avoided warnings. Overall, 27.5% of respondents said the warnings made them think about health risks of smoking, but only 2.7% of smokers and dual users said the warnings made them more likely to quit. Overall, 57.6% of respondents supported pictorial warnings. The weak effectiveness of Japan’s text-only warnings is consistent with that in other countries with similar warnings. There is majority support for pictorial warnings in Japan, although the level of support is lower than in other countries.
Health Disparity between the Older Rural-to-Urban Migrant Workers and Their Rural Counterparts in China
Authors: Li Dan , Zhou Zhongliang , Shen Chi , Zhang Jian , Yang Wei , Nawaz Rashed
Published: February 2020

Background: China’s older rural-to-urban migrant workers (age 50 and above) are growing old, but comparative health research on older rural-to-urban migrants in China is still in its infancy. The aim is to explore the health status of older rural-to-urban migrant workers in China; as well as to identify health disparity between older rural-to-urban migrant workers and older rural dwellers. Methods: This study employed self-assessed health status (SAH) and chronic disease condition to explore the health status. Coarsened exact matching (CEM) was employed to improve estimation of causal effects. Fairlie’s decomposition analysis was conducted to find the health disparity. Results: Older rural-to-urban migrant workers were more prone to suffer from chronic diseases, but they had higher SAH when comparing older rural dwellers. Fairlie’s decomposition analysis indicated 10.44% of SAH disparities between two older groups can be traced to bath facility; 31.34% of chronic diseases disparities can be traced to educational attainment, sleeping time and medical scheme. Conclusions: This is the first comparative study examining health disparity focusing on older rural-to-urban migrant workers. Our study highlighted substantial health disparities between older rural-to-urban migrant workers and their older rural dwellers. Based on the contributing factors, government should take the drivers of health disparities into consideration in policy setting.
Effect of the Financial Crisis on Socioeconomic Inequalities in Mortality in Small Areas in Seven Spanish Cities
Authors: Gotsens Mercè , Ferrando Josep , Marí-Dell’Olmo Marc , Palència Laia , Bartoll Xavier , Gandarillas Ana , Sanchez-Villegas Pablo , Esnaola Santi , Daponte Antonio , Borrell Carme
Published: February 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the trend in socioeconomic inequalities in mortality in small areas due to several specific causes before (2001–2004, 2005–2008) and during (2009–2012) the economic crisis in seven Spanish cities. Methods: This ecological study of trends, with census tracts as the areas of analysis, was based on three periods. Several causes of death were studied. A socioeconomic deprivation index was calculated for each census tract. For each small area, we estimated standardized mortality ratios, and controlled for their variability using Bayesian models (sSMR). We also estimated the relative risk of mortality according to deprivation in the different cities, periods, and sexes. Results: In general, a similar geographical pattern was found for the socioeconomic deprivation index and sSMR. For men, there was an association in all cities between the deprivation index and all-cause mortality that remained stable over the three periods. For women, there was an association in Barcelona, Granada, and Sevilla between the deprivation index and all-cause mortality in the third period. Patterns by causes of death were more heterogeneous. Conclusions: After the start of the financial crisis, socioeconomic inequalities in total mortality in small areas of Spanish cities remained stable in most cities, although several causes of death showed a different pattern.
Multidimensional eHealth Literacy for Infertility
Authors: Sykes Susie , Wills Jane , Frings Daniel , Church Sarah , Wood Kerry
Published: February 2020

Infertility is a major public health issue and increasingly, the internet is used as a source of information and advice. The aim of this study is to understand the eHealth literacy of individuals and couples in relation to infertility. A non-probability sample of 27 participants was recruited from existing support groups, online advertising and snowballing representing the diverse population groups for whom involuntary childlessness is an issue. Information online was used both for decision making and developing interactive health literacy for health consultations. Participants may be both consumers and purveyors of information to others in distributed health literacy. Cognitive skills are required to appraise an inconsistent evidence base and potentially biased information from private providers of treatments. Accounts of geographical variations in treatment options, the cost of private treatment and for some, a sense that information and services were directed towards female and heterosexual couples, led some participants to political action online creating an important sense of empowerment. The study offers a new conceptual framework for eHealth literacy in the context of infertility, that combines use of the web and virtual communities in which functional, interactive, critical and distributed health literacy play a part in an online environment.
Diabetes Detection and Communication among Patients Admitted through the Emergency Department of a Public Hospital
Authors: Levi Osuagwu Uchechukwu , Webb Frederick , Simmons David
Published: February 2020

Early identification/diagnosis of diabetes and frequent monitoring of hyperglycemia reduces hospitalizations and diabetes-related complications. The present study investigated the proportion of older adults coded with diabetes or newly diagnosed during their admissions and assessed discharge summary content for diabetes-related information. The study used electronic data on 4796 individuals aged ≥60 years admitted through the emergency department (ED) of a public hospital from 2017 to 2018 extracted using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM code). The proportion of admitted patients who were diagnosed with diabetes over a one-year period, proportion with glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and random blood glucose (RBG) test performed during their stay, length of stay, discharge summary information and the factors associated with elevated HbA1c (>7%/53 mmol/mol) were investigated. In total, 8.6% of ED presentations to the hospital were coded with diabetes, excluding gestational consisting of 879 patients (449 males, 430 females) aged ≥ 60 years (74.6 ± 8.9 years). In total, 98% had type 2 diabetes (n = 863), 53% were Australian-born (n = 467), and the mean body mass index (BMI, 31 ± 7 kg/m2; n = 499, 56.8%), RBG (9.8 ± 5.2 mmol/L; n = 824, 93.7%) and HbA1c (8.0 ± 2.0%; n = 137, 15.6%) and length of stay (6.7 ± 25.4 days) were similar between gender, age, and nationality (p > 0.05). Three coded patients (0.3%) were newly diagnosed during the admission. In total, 86% had elevated HbA1c, but this was recorded in 20% of discharge summaries. Patients who are on a combination therapy (adjusted odds ratio 23%, 95% confidence intervals: 7%/38%), those on SGLT2 Inhibitors (aOR, 14%: 2%/26%) or had a change in medication (aOR, 40%: 22%/59%) had lower odds of having elevated HbA1c during admission. The low diagnosis rate of diabetes and the lack of clinical assessment of HbA1c in older adults admitted through the ED of a South Western Sydney public hospital suggest that many patients with diabetes either remain undiagnosed even during admission and/or are going to the ED with unknown diabetes that is unidentified with current practices. The clinically important HbA1c results were only infrequently communicated with general practitioners (GPs).
Global Economy: New Risks and Leadership Problems
Authors: Shavshukov Viacheslav M. , Zhuravleva Natalia A.
Published: February 2020

After the global crisis of 2008–2009, the world economy entered the era of restructuring. This article focuses on the risks that a new leader will face in the process of shaping the world economy. The methods employed in the research include big data processing of continuous change and the results of the symmetric macroeconomic analysis based on the statistics collected by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), The Word Bank (WB), Bank for International Settlements (BIS), Central banks and Treasuries. The study results proved that the recessionary processes, their depth and global nature, are caused by a combination of world financial system crises and general civilization problems. These new systemic risks for the world economy might result in new global crises that will limit the resources of international financial institutions for sustainable development. Besides, for most banks these crises will mean shifting a big share of derivatives to the off-balance liabilities, using Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in deals, followed by an increase in state and corporate debts, trade wars, a slowdown of economic development in China, and widening contradictions between global and national finances. Regular research and systematization have developed certain guidelines for the global economic restructuring process. First of all, it is recommended on the base of interstate compromises to focus on international agreements to ensure a solid foundation for global finance. On the basis of the comparative analysis carried out for the USA, China and other counties, it was made clear that no one leader in world economy in 21st century views the world reserve as based on the currency of one country only. Instead, there will be a slow transition to using Special Drawing Rights (SDR) with a basket from 15–20 currencies G20.
The Added Value of Diagnostic and Theranostic PET Imaging for the Treatment of CNS Tumors
Authors: Pruis Ilanah J. , van Dongen Guus A. M. S. , Veldhuijzen van Zanten Sophie E. M.
Published: February 2020

This review highlights the added value of PET imaging in Central Nervous System (CNS) tumors, which is a tool that has rapidly evolved from a merely diagnostic setting to multimodal molecular diagnostics and the guidance of targeted therapy. PET is the method of choice for studying target expression and target binding behind the assumedly intact blood–brain barrier. Today, a variety of diagnostic PET tracers can be used for the primary staging of CNS tumors and to determine the effect of therapy. Additionally, theranostic PET tracers are increasingly used in the context of pharmaceutical and radiopharmaceutical drug development and application. In this approach, a single targeted drug is used for PET diagnosis, upon the coupling of a PET radionuclide, as well as for targeted (nuclide) therapy. Theranostic PET tracers have the potential to serve as a non-invasive whole body navigator in the selection of the most effective drug candidates and their most optimal dose and administration route, together with the potential to serve as a predictive biomarker in the selection of patients who are most likely to benefit from treatment. PET imaging supports the transition from trial and error medicine to predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine, hopefully leading to improved quality of life for patients and more cost-effective care.
Protocols for Enzymatic Fluorometric Assays to Quantify Phospholipid Classes
Authors: Morita Shin-ya , Tsuji Tokuji , Terada Tomohiro
Published: February 2020

Phospholipids, consisting of a hydrophilic head group and two hydrophobic acyl chains, are essential for the structures of cell membranes, plasma lipoproteins, biliary mixed micelles, pulmonary surfactants, and extracellular vesicles. Beyond their structural roles, phospholipids have important roles in numerous biological processes. Thus, abnormalities in the metabolism and transport of phospholipids are involved in many diseases, including dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, cholestasis, drug-induced liver injury, neurological diseases, autoimmune diseases, respiratory diseases, myopathies, and cancers. To further clarify the physiological, pathological, and molecular mechanisms and to identify disease biomarkers, we have recently developed enzymatic fluorometric assays for quantifying all major phospholipid classes, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylglycerol + cardiolipin, and sphingomyelin. These assays are specific, sensitive, simple, and high-throughput, and will be applicable to cells, intracellular organelles, tissues, fluids, lipoproteins, and extracellular vesicles. In this review, we present the detailed protocols for the enzymatic fluorometric measurements of phospholipid classes in cultured cells.
The Demonstration of an Aqp4/Tgf-Beta 1 Pathway in Murine Astrocytes Holds Implications for Both Neuromyelitis Optica and Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Nataf Serge
Published: February 2020

The role exerted by Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) as a regulator of astrocyte immune functions has been poorly explored. A recent report demonstrates that under neuroinflammatory conditions, the expression of Aqp4 on murine astrocytes is mandatory for the effective control of acute inflammation in the central nervous system. Such an immunomodulatory function appears to be mediated by a promotion of the transforming growth factor beta 1 (Tgfb1) pathway. Here, these results are discussed in the context of neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and multiple sclerosis (MS) progressive forms. It is proposed that NMO and progressive MS might rely on opposite molecular mechanisms involving, in NMO, an acutely-defective AQP4/TGFB1 pathway and, in progressive MS, a chronically-stimulated AQP4/TGFB1 pathway. Data supporting the involvement of angiotensin II as a molecular link between AQP4 and TGFB1 are also reviewed.
Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronan Induces an Inflammatory Response in Ovarian Stromal Cells and Impairs Gamete Development In Vitro
Authors: Rowley Jennifer E. , Amargant Farners , Zhou Luhan T. , Galligos Anna , Simon Leah E. , Pritchard Michele T. , Duncan Francesca E.
Published: February 2020

The ovarian stroma, the microenvironment in which female gametes grow and mature, becomes inflamed and fibrotic with age. Hyaluronan is a major component of the ovarian extracellular matrix (ECM), and in other aging tissues, accumulation of low molecular weight (LMW) hyaluronan fragments can drive inflammation. Thus, we hypothesized that LMW hyaluronan fragments contribute to female reproductive aging by stimulating an inflammatory response in the ovarian stroma and impairing gamete quality. To test this hypothesis, isolated mouse ovarian stromal cells or secondary stage ovarian follicles were treated with physiologically relevant (10 or 100 μg/mL) concentrations of 200 kDa LMW hyaluronan. In ovarian stromal cells, acute LMW hyaluronan exposure, at both doses, resulted in the secretion of a predominantly type 2 (Th2) inflammatory cytokine profile as revealed by a cytokine antibody array of conditioned media. Additional qPCR analyses of ovarian stromal cells demonstrated a notable up-regulation of the eotaxin receptor Ccr3 and activation of genes involved in eosinophil recruitment through the IL5-CCR3 signaling pathway. These findings were consistent with an age-dependent increase in ovarian stromal expression of Ccl11, a major CCR3 ligand. When ovarian follicles were cultured in 10 or 100 μg/mL LMW hyaluronan for 12 days, gametes with compromised morphology and impaired meiotic competence were produced. In the 100 μg/mL condition, LMW hyaluronan induced premature meiotic resumption, ultimately leading to in vitro aging of the resulting eggs. Further, follicles cultured in this LMW hyaluronan concentration produced significantly less estradiol, suggesting compromised granulosa cell function. Taken together, these data demonstrate that bioactive LMW hyaluronan fragments may contribute to reproductive aging by driving an inflammatory stromal milieu, potentially through eosinophils, and by directly compromising gamete quality through impaired granulosa cell function.
Analysing Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM-LS) with Bayesian Item Response Models
Authors: Bürkner Paul-Christian
Published: February 2020

Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) test and related matrix-based tests are widely applied measures of cognitive ability. Using Bayesian Item Response Theory (IRT) models, I reanalyzed data of an SPM short form proposed by Myszkowski and Storme (2018) and, at the same time, illustrate the application of these models. Results indicate that a three-parameter logistic (3PL) model is sufficient to describe participants dichotomous responses (correct vs. incorrect) while persons’ ability parameters are quite robust across IRT models of varying complexity. These conclusions are in line with the original results of Myszkowski and Storme (2018). Using Bayesian as opposed to frequentist IRT models offered advantages in the estimation of more complex (i.e., 3–4PL) IRT models and provided more sensible and robust uncertainty estimates.
Conceptual Design and Numerical Analysis of a Novel Floating Desalination Plant Powered by Marine Renewable Energy for Egypt
Authors: Amin Islam , Ali Mohamed E.A. , Bayoumi Seif , Oterkus Selda , Shawky Hosam , Oterkus Erkan
Published: February 2020

The supply of freshwater has become a worldwide interest, due to serious water shortages in many countries. Due to rapid increases in the population, poor water management, and limitations of freshwater resources, Egypt is currently below the water scarcity limit. Since Egypt has approximately 3000 km of coastlines on both the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, seawater desalination powered by marine renewable energy could be a sustainable alternative solution, especially for remote coastal cities which are located far from the national water grid. The objective of this research work is to evaluate the feasibility of a floating desalination plant (FDP) concept powered by marine renewable energy for Egypt. A novel design of the FDP concept is developed as an innovative solution to overcome the freshwater shortage of remote coastal cities in Egypt. A mobile floating platform supported by reverse osmosis (RO) membrane powered by marine renewable power technology is proposed. Based on the abundant solar irradiation and sufficient wind density, Ras Ghareb was selected to be the base site location for the proposed FDP concept. According to the collected data from the selected location, a hybrid solar–wind system was designed to power the FDP concept under a maximum power load condition. A numerical tool, the DNV-GL Sesam software package, was used for static stability, hydrodynamic performance, and dynamic response evaluation. Moreover, WAVE software was used to design and simulate the operation of the RO desalination system and calculate the power consumption for the proposed FDP concept. The results show that the proposed mobile FDP concept is highly suitable for being implemented in remote coastal areas in Egypt, without the need for infrastructure or connection to the national grid for both water and power.
Monoclonal Antibodies as Tools to Combat Fungal Infections
Authors: Ulrich Sebastian , Ebel Frank
Published: February 2020

Antibodies represent an important element in the adaptive immune response and a major tool to eliminate microbial pathogens. For many bacterial and viral infections, efficient vaccines exist, but not for fungal pathogens. For a long time, antibodies have been assumed to be of minor importance for a successful clearance of fungal infections; however this perception has been challenged by a large number of studies over the last three decades. In this review, we focus on the potential therapeutic and prophylactic use of monoclonal antibodies. Since systemic mycoses normally occur in severely immunocompromised patients, a passive immunization using monoclonal antibodies is a promising approach to directly attack the fungal pathogen and/or to activate and strengthen the residual antifungal immune response in these patients.
Corporate Green Bond Issuances: An International Evidence
Authors: Lebelle Martin , Lajili Jarjir Souad , Sassi Syrine
Published: February 2020

Using an international sample of corporate Green bond issuances over the recent period, this paper highlights the potential consequences of the issuance of a Green bond on the issuer’s financial performance. Starting with a first sample of 2079 Green bond issuances of 190 unique issuers from 2009 to 2018, we investigate only corporate green bond issuances. Our final sample contains 475 green bonds issued by 145 unique firms. We find that the market reacts negatively to the announcement of green bond issuances. In particular, results show that the stock market reacts on the day of the green bond announcement date and the day after, and that the cumulative abnormal return is between −0.5% and −0.2%, depending on the asset pricing model (CAPM, the 3-factor Fama and French models, and the 4-factor Carhart models). This effect is mainly noticeable at the first Green Bond issuance and in developed markets. Our results provide evidence that the investors react in the same manner for Green bonds as for conventional or convertible bonds. This evidence suggests that green debt offerings convey unfavorable information about the issuing firms.
A Systematic Review of the Extra-Hepatic Manifestations of Hepatitis E Virus Infection
Authors: Rawla Prashanth , Raj Jeffrey Pradeep , Kannemkuzhiyil Alan Jose , Aluru John Sukumar , Thandra Krishna Chaitanya , Gajendran Mahesh
Published: February 2020

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a non-enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA icosahedral virus belongs to the genus Orthohepevirus within the Hepeviridae family. HEV infection can be asymptomatic, or it can cause icteric or fulminant hepatitis. Off late, there have been a number of publications reporting the extra-hepatic manifestations of HEV infection, and this systematic review is aimed at summarizing the available evidence in this regard. Two independent investigators searched PubMed, PubMed Central and Embase databases using the search string “(((hepatitis E) AND (Extrahepatic OR Extra-Hepatic))) OR ((Hepatitis E) AND (Neurology OR Cardiology OR Respiratory OR Lung OR Gastrointestinal OR musculoskeletal OR immunology OR pulmonary)) Filters: Abstract availability, English language, and Human studies”. The extra-hepatic manifestations reported in each of the selected articles were classified and reported as neurological, cardiovascular, and hematological and miscellaneous manifestations. The total number of various manifestations reported in our study were n = 324. These include neurological manifestations (n = 178/324 (54.94%)), cardiovascular and hematological manifestations (n = 113/324 (34.88%)), gastro-intestinal/pancreaticobiliary manifestations (n = 24/324 (7.41%)) and other rarer manifestations involving systems such as renal (n = 4/324; 1.24%), endocrine (n = 1/324; 0.31%), dermatology (n = 1/324; 0.31%), respiratory (n = 1/324; 0.31%), muscular (n = 1/324; 0.31%) and immune system (n = 1/324; 0.31%). Thus, HEV can have extra-hepatic manifestations affecting any system of the human body. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying pathophysiological manifestations of these extra-hepatic manifestations and to prove causal association with HEV.
Early Stage Root-Associated Fungi Show a High Temporal Turnover, but Are Independent of Beech Progeny
Authors: Goldmann Kezia , Ammerschubert Silke , Pena Rodica , Polle Andrea , Wu Bin-Wei , Wubet Tesfaye , Buscot François
Published: February 2020

The relationship between trees and root-associated fungal communities is complex. By specific root deposits and other signal cues, different tree species are able to attract divergent sets of fungal species. Plant intraspecific differences can lead to variable fungal patterns in the root’s proximity. Therefore, within the Beech Transplant Experiment, we analyzed the impact of three different European beech ecotypes on the fungal communities in roots and the surrounding rhizosphere soil at two time points. Beech nuts were collected in three German sites in 2011. After one year, seedlings of the different progenies were out-planted on one site and eventually re-sampled in 2014 and 2017. We applied high-throughput sequencing of the fungal ITS2 to determine the correlation between tree progeny, a possible home-field advantage, plant development and root-associated fungal guilds under field conditions. Our result showed no effect of beech progeny on either fungal OTU richness or fungal community structure. However, over time the fungal OTU richness in roots increased and the fungal communities changed significantly, also in rhizosphere. In both plant compartments, the fungal communities displayed a high temporal turnover, indicating a permanent development and functional adaption of the root mycobiome of young beeches.
Continuous Carbonation for Synthesis of Pseudo-Boehmite by Using Cross-Flow Rotating Packed Bed through the Reaction of NaAlO2 Solution with CO2 Gas
Authors: Ren Xiaojing , Liu Youzhi , Miao Longxin
Published: February 2020

This research established a novel method for the preparation of pseudo-boehmite (PB) via a continuous carbonation of CO2 gas and a NaAlO2 solution in a cross-flow rotating packed bed (CF-RPB). In the CF-RPB, the NaAlO2 solution can be sheared into fine liquid filaments and droplets, and react in full contact with the CO2 gas. Effects of synthesis parameters, including the concentration of the NaAlO2 solution, the gas–liquid ratio, the rotating speed of the CF-RPB, and the final pH of the solution on the crystal structure of PB, were fully investigated. A series of characterizations, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, were carried out to explain the evaluation results and to find the relationship between PB properties and the synthetic conditions. The results showed that PB with a high specific surface area (495 m2/g) and large pore volume (2.125 cc/g) can be obtained when the concentration of the NaAlO2 solution was 0.1 mol/L, the gas–liquid ratio was 3:1, the rotating speed of RPB was 600 rpm, and the final pH was around 10.5. PB obtained by this method had a higher quality compared with that using a stirred tank reactor. Moreover, the continuous carbonation can be efficiently batch-produced, which provided a new idea for an industrial application.
Effect of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Traditional Brazilian Diet on the Bone Health Parameters of Severely Obese Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Cardoso Camila Kellen de Souza , Santos Annelisa Silva e Alves de Carvalho , Rosa Lorena Pereira de Souza , Mendonça Carolina Rodrigues , Vitorino Priscila Valverde de Oliveira , Peixoto Maria do Rosário Gondim , Silveira Érika Aparecida
Published: February 2020

Dietary interventions can stabilize and/or reverse bone mass loss. However, there are no reports on its effects on bone mineral density (BMD) in severely obese people, despite the vulnerability of this group to bone loss. We examine the effect of extra virgin olive oil supplementation and the traditional Brazilian diet (DieTBra) on BMD and levels of calcium, vitamin D, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) in severely obese adults. A randomized controlled trial followed-up with severely obese adults (n = 111, with mean body mass index 43.6 kg/m2 ± 4.5 kg/m2) for 12 weeks. Study participants received either olive oil (52 mL/day), DieTBra, or olive oil + DieTBra (52 mL/day + DieTBra). BMD was assessed by total spine and hip dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. After interventions, BMD means for total spine (p = 0.016) and total hip (p = 0.029) were higher in the DieTBra group than in the olive oil + DieTBra group. Final mean calcium levels were higher in the olive oil group compared to the olive oil + DieTBra group (p = 0.026). Findings suggest that DieTBra and extra virgin olive oil have positive effects on bone health in severely obese adults. The major study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02463435).
Beneficial Effects of a Low-dose of Conjugated Linoleic Acid on Body Weight Gain and other Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Cafeteria Diet-fed Rats
Authors: Martín-González Miguel Z , Palacios Héctor , Rodríguez Miguel A , Arola Lluís , Aragonès Gerard , Muguerza Begoña
Published: February 2020

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a dietary supplement that has been shown to improve obesity. However, some authors have associated high doses of CLA supplementation with liver impairment and insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to assess whether the consumption of low doses of CLA maintained the beneficial effects on the main metabolic disturbances associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) but prevented the occurrence of non-desirable outcomes associated with its consumption. Male Wistar rats, fed standard or cafeteria (CAF) diet for 12 weeks, were supplemented with three different low doses of CLA in the last three weeks. Both biochemical and H1 NMR-based metabolomics profiles were analysed in serum and liver. The consumption of 100 mg/kg CLA, but not doses of 200 and 300 mg/kg, ameliorated the increase in body weight gain as well as the serum concentrations of glucose, insulin, cholesterol, triglyceride, diglyceride, and total phospholipid induced by a CAF diet. In turn, CLA reverted the increase in lactate, alanine, and glucose concentrations in the liver of these animals, but enhanced hepatic cholesterol accumulation without any detrimental effect on liver function. In conclusion, a low dose of CLA corrected the adverse effects associated with MetS without compromising other metabolic parameters.
Agricultural Drought Assessment in East Asia Using Satellite-Based Indices
Authors: Yoon Dong-Hyun , Nam Won-Ho , Lee Hee-Jin , Hong Eun-Mi , Feng Song , Wardlow Brian D. , Tadesse Tsegaye , Svoboda Mark D. , Hayes Michael J. , Kim Dae-Eui
Published: February 2020

Drought is the meteorological phenomenon with the greatest impact on agriculture. Accordingly, drought forecasting is vital in lessening its associated negative impacts. Utilizing remote exploration in the agricultural sector allows for the collection of large amounts of quantitative data across a wide range of areas. In this study, we confirmed the applicability of drought assessment using the evaporative stress index (ESI) in major East Asian countries. The ESI is an indicator of agricultural drought that describes anomalies in actual/reference evapotranspiration (ET) ratios that are retrieved using remotely sensed inputs of land surface temperature (LST) and leaf area index (LAI). The ESI is available through SERVIR Global, a joint venture between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This study evaluated the performance of ESI in assessing drought events in South Korea. The evaluation of ESI is possible because of the availability of good statistical data. Comparing drought trends identified by ESI data from this study to actual drought conditions showed similar trends. Additionally, ESI reacted to the drought more quickly and with greater sensitivity than other drought indices. Our results confirmed that the ESI is advantageous for short and medium-term drought assessment compared to vegetation indices alone.
Automatic Detection of Near-Surface Targets for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Magnetic Survey
Authors: Mu Yaxin , Zhang Xiaojuan , Xie Wupeng , Zheng Yaoxin
Published: February 2020

Great progress has been made in the integration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) magnetic measurement systems, but the interpretation of UAV magnetic data is facing serious challenges. This paper presents a complete workflow for the detection of the subsurface objects, like Unexploded Ordnance (UXO), by the UAV-borne magnetic survey. The elimination of interference field generated by the drone and an improved Euler deconvolution are emphasized. The quality of UAV magnetic data is limited by the UAV interference field. A compensation method based on the signal correlation is proposed to remove the UAV interference field, which lays the foundation for the subsequent interpretation of UAV magnetic data. An improved Euler deconvolution is developed to estimate the location of underground targets automatically, which is the combination of YOLOv3 (You Only Look Once version 3) and Euler deconvolution. YOLOv3 is a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN)-based image and video detector and it is applied in the context of magnetic survey for the first time, replacing the traditional sliding window. The improved algorithm is more satisfactory for the large-scale UAV-borne magnetic survey because of the simpler and faster workflow, compared with the traditional sliding window (SW)-based Euler method. The field test is conducted and the experimental results show that all procedures in the designed routine is reasonable and effective. The UAV interference field is suppressed significantly with root mean square error 0.5391 nT and the improved Euler deconvolution outperforms the SW Euler deconvolution in terms of positioning accuracy and reducing false targets.
Automated Resistivity Profiling (ARP) to Explore Wide Archaeological Areas: The Prehistoric Site of Mont’e Prama, Sardinia, Italy
Authors: Piroddi Luca , Calcina Sergio Vincenzo , Trogu Antonio , Ranieri Gaetano
Published: February 2020

This paper deals with the resistivity continuous surveys on extensive area carried out at the Mont’e Prama archaeological site, in Sardinia (Italy). From 2013 to 2015, new research was performed using both non-destructive surveys and traditional archaeological excavations. The measurements were done in order to find geophysical anomalies related to unseen buried archaeological remains and to define the spatial extension of the ancient necropolis. The electrical resistivity of soils was measured by means of the Automated Resistivity Profiling (ARP©) system. This multi-pole method provided high-resolution maps of electrical resistivity in the whole investigated area using a computer-assisted acquisition tool, towed by a small vehicle. Through this acquisition layout, a surface of 22,800 m2 was covered. The electrical resistivity data were derived in real time with centimetric horizontal precision through a differential GPS positioning system. Thanks to the simultaneous acquisition of ARP and GPS data, the rigorous georeferencing of the tridimensional experimental dataset was made possible, as well as the reconstruction of a detailed Digital Terrain Model. Here, the experimental results are analyzed and critically discussed by means of the integration of the results obtained by a high-resolution prospection performed with a multi-channel Ground Penetrating Radar system and taking into account other information derived from previous geological and archaeological studies. Geophysical results, jointly with topographic reconstruction, clearly permitted the identification of more interesting areas where future archaeological investigations could be focused.