bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal Sensitivity Analysis of the MONICA Model: Application of Two Global Approaches to Analyze the Dynamics of Parameter Sensitivity
Authors: Specka Xenia , Nendel Claas , Wieland Ralf
Published: February 2019

Sensitivity analysis (SA) is often applied to evaluate the behavior of ecological models in which the integrated soil and crop processes often vary over time. In this study, the time dependence of the parameter sensitivity of a process-based agro-ecosystem model was analyzed for various sites and model outputs. We applied the Morris screening and extended FAST methods by calculating daily sensitivity measures. By analyzing the daily elementary effects using the Morris method, we were able to identify more sensitive parameters compared with the original approach. The temporal extension of the extended FAST method revealed changes in parameter sensitivity during the simulation time. In addition to the dynamic parameter sensitivity, we noticed different relationships between parameter sensitivity and simulation time. The temporal SA performed in this study improves our understanding of the investigated model’s behavior and demonstrates the importance of analyzing the sensitivity of ecological models over the entire simulation time.
Aggressiveness and Fumonisins Production of Fusarium Subglutinans and Fusarium Temperatum on Korean Maize Cultivars
Authors: Tagele Setu Bazie , Kim Sang Woo , Lee Hyun Gu , Lee Youn Su
Published: February 2019

Fusarium root rot and stalk rot are becoming a threat to maize production worldwide. However, there is still limited information about the aggressiveness of Fusarium subglutinans Edwards and Fusarium temperatum and their relationship with fumonisin production. In this study, for the first time, the reaction of seven Korean maize cultivars to F. subglutinans and F. temperatum was investigated. The results showed that among the maize cultivars, Hik-chal and Miheung-chal had the highest Fusarium-induced root rot and stalk rot severity, while De Hack-chal had the lowest disease severity regardless of the Fusarium species. Furthermore, the disease resistant cv. De Hack-chal accumulated low levels of fumonisins (FUM) in the infected stalk, while cv. Hik-chal and Miheung-chal had the highest level of FUM. It is worth to note that, plants infected with F. temperatum had a higher FUM concentration compared to cultivars infected with F. subglutinans. The present study shows a significant correlation between stalk rot ratings and FUM levels and it also presents new information about the potential risk of FUM contamination of maize stalk with F. subglutinans and F. temperatum in South Korea. In addition, enzyme activities like polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), and the amount of total phenol content (TPC) were studied in selected susceptible cultivar Miheung-chal and resistant cultivar De Hack-chal. The activity of PPO, POD and concentration of TPC were generally higher in the roots of the resistant cultivar than the susceptible cultivar. Moreover, following inoculation of either F. subglutinans or F. temperatum, there was a significant increase in PPO and POD activity in the roots of both cultivars. Hence, the information provided in this study could be helpful to better understand the mechanisms of resistance response to infection of Fusarium root rot pathogens.
A Static-loop-current Attack Against the Kirchhoff-Law-Johnson-Noise (KLJN) Secure Key Exchange System
Authors: Melhem Mutaz Y. , Kish Laszlo B.
Published: February 2019

In this study, a new attack against the Kirchhoff-Law-Johnson-Noise (KLJN) key distribution system is explored. The attack is based on utilizing a parasitic voltage-source in the loop. Relevant situations often exist in the low-frequency limit in practical systems, especially when the communication is over a distance, or between different units within an instrument, due to a ground loop and/or electromagnetic interference (EMI). Our present study investigates the DC ground loop situation when no AC or EMI effects are present. Surprisingly, the usual current/voltage comparison-based defense method that exposes active attacks or parasitic features (such as wire resistance allowing information leaks) does not function here. The attack is successfully demonstrated and proposed defense methods against the attack are shown.
Grouting Process Simulation Based on 3D Fracture Network Considering Fluid–Structure Interaction
Authors: Zhu Yushan , Wang Xiaoling , Deng Shaohui , Chen Wenlong , Shi Zuzhi , Xue Linli , Lv Mingming
Published: February 2019

Grouting has always been the main engineering measure of ground improvement and foundation remediation of hydraulic structures. Due to complex geological conditions and the interactions between the grout and the fractured rock mass, which poses a serious challenge to the grouting diffusion mechanism analysis, fracture grouting has been a research hotspot for a long time. In order to throw light on the grout diffusion process in the fractured rock mass and the influence of grout on the fracture network, and to achieve more realistic grouting numerical simulation, in this paper a grouting process simulation approach considering fluid–structure interaction is developed based on the 3D fractured network model. Firstly, the relationship between fracture apertures and trace lengths is used to obtain a more realistic value of fracture aperture; then a more reliable model is established; subsequently, based on the 3D fracture network model, different numerical models are established to calculate fluid dynamics (grout) and structure deformation (fractured rock mass), and the results are exchanged at the fluid–structure interface to realize the grouting process simulation using two-way fluid-structure interaction method. Finally, the approach is applied to analyze the grouting performance of a hydropower station X, and the results show that the grouting simulation considering fluid–structure interaction are more realistic and can simultaneously reveal the diffusion of grout and the deformation of fracture, which indicates that it is necessary to consider the effect of fluid–structure interaction in grouting simulation. The results can provide more valuable information for grouting construction.
A Study on the Removal of Copper (II) from Aqueous Solution Using Lime Sand Bricks
Authors: Zhang Xiaoran , Guo Shimin , Liu Junfeng , Zhang Ziyang , Song Kaihong , Tan Chaohong , Li Haiyan
Published: February 2019

Heavy metals such as Cu(II), if ubiquitous in the runoff, can have adverse effects on the environment and human health. Lime sand bricks, as low-cost adsorbents to be potentially applied in stormwater infiltration facilities, were systematically investigated for Cu(II) removal from water using batch and column experiments. In the batch experiment, the adsorption of Cu(II) to bricks reach an equilibrium within 7 h and the kinetic data fits well with the pseudo-second-order model. The sorption isotherm can be described by both the Freundlich and Langmuir model and the maximum adsorption capacity of the bricks is 7 ± 1 mg/g. In the column experiment, the best removal efficiency for Cu(II) was observed at a filler thickness of 20 cm, service time of 12 min with a Cu(II) concentration of 0.5 mg/L. The Cu(II) removal rate increases with the increasing bed depth and residence time. The inlet concentration and residence time had significant effects on the Cu(II) removal analyzed by the Box–Behnken design (BBD). The Adams-Bohart model was in good agreement with the experimental data in representing the breakthrough curve. Copper fractions in the bricks descend in the order of organic matter fraction > Fe-Mn oxides fraction > carbonates fraction > residual fraction > exchangeable fraction, indicating that the lime sand bricks after copper adsorption reduce the long-term ecotoxicity and bioavailability to the environment.
Cooperative Path Planning for Multiple Mobile Robots via HAFSA and an Expansion Logic Strategy
Authors: Huang Yiqing , Li Zhikun , Jiang Yan , Cheng Lu
Published: February 2019

The cooperative path planning problem of multiple mobile robots in an unknown indoor environment is considered in this article. We presented a novel obstacle avoidance and real-time navigation algorithm. The proposed approach consisted of global path planning and local path planning via HAFSA (hybrid artificial fish swarm algorithm) and an expansion logic strategy. Meanwhile, a kind of scoring function was developed, which shortened the time of local path planning and improved the decision-making ability of the path planning algorithm. Finally, using STDR (simple two dimensional robot simulator) and RVIZ (robot operating system visualizer), a multiple mobile robot simulation platform was designed to verify the presented real-time navigation algorithm. Simulation experiments were performed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed path planning method for multiple mobile robots.
AdjusTable 3D Plasmonic Archimedes Spiral Lens for Optical Manipulation
Authors: Cheng Lin , Li Xiaomingliang , Wang Zelong , Cao Pengfei , He Xiaodong , Niu Tiaoming
Published: February 2019

A novel adjustable three-dimensional plasmonic Archimedes spiral lens (3D PASL) has been investigated and analyzed in detail by numerical simulations. The 3D PASL consists of a spiraling Archimedes helix slot that is engraved on the inner wall of a funnel-shaped gold film on a silicon dioxide substrate. When the incident light from the bottom of substrate is composed of left-hand circularly polarized (LCP) waves, the transmitted light field will converge completely to a focused point that floats in the hollow funnel. This light field will change into an optical vortex when the incident light is changed to right-hand circularly polarized (RCP) waves. The performance of our 3D PASL is discussed for particle trapping or rotation applications. In addition, the position of the optical focus or vortex can be adjusted by varying the height of the structure. Our 3D PASL is highly flexible for practical optical manipulation applications and overcomes the problem where the previous two-dimensional PASL could only manipulate particles on the surface.
A Hybrid Nanoplatform of Graphene Oxide/Nanogold for Plasmonic Sensing and Cellular Applications at the Nanobiointerface
Authors: Cucci Lorena Maria , Naletova Irina , Consiglio Giuseppe , Satriano Cristina
Published: February 2019

In this study, nanocomposites of spherical gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets were fabricated by a simple one-step reduction method. The characterisation by UV-visible spectroscopy of the plasmonic sensing properties pointed out to a strong interaction between graphene and metal nanoparticles in the hybrid GO-AuNP, as confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance. Moreover, atomic force microscopy analyses demonstrated that the gold nanoparticles were mostly confined to the basal planes of the GO sheets. The response of the nanoassemblies at the biointerface with human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line was investigated in terms of nanotoxicity as well as of total and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production. Confocal microscopy imaging of cellular internalization highlighted the promising potentialities of GO-AuNP nanoplatforms for theranostic (i.e., sensing/imaging + therapy) applications.
Recent Progress on Irradiation-Induced Defect Engineering of Two-Dimensional 2H-MoS2 Few Layers
Authors: Zhao Guang-Yi , Deng Hua , Tyree Nathaniel , Guy Michael , Lisfi Abdellah , Peng Qing , Yan Jia-An , Wang Chundong , Lan Yucheng
Published: February 2019

Atom-thick two-dimensional materials usually possess unique properties compared to their bulk counterparts. Their properties are significantly affected by defects, which could be uncontrollably introduced by irradiation. The effects of electromagnetic irradiation and particle irradiation on 2H MoS 2 two-dimensional nanolayers are reviewed in this paper, covering heavy ions, protons, electrons, gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet light, terahertz, and infrared irradiation. Various defects in MoS 2 layers were created by the defect engineering. Here we focus on their influence on the structural, electronic, catalytic, and magnetic performance of the 2D materials. Additionally, irradiation-induced doping is discussed and involved.
Evaluating the Overall Accuracy of Additional Learning and Automatic Classification System for CT Images
Authors: Sugimori Hiroyuki
Published: February 2019

A large number of images that are usually registered images in a training dataset are required for creating classification models because training of images using a convolutional neural network is done using supervised learning. It takes a significant amount of time and effort to create a registered dataset because recently computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging devices produce hundreds of images per examination. This study aims to evaluate the overall accuracy of the additional learning and automatic classification systems for CT images. The study involved 700 patients, who were subjected to contrast or non-contrast CT examination of brain, neck, chest, abdomen, or pelvis. The images were divided into 500 images per class. The 10-class dataset was prepared with 10 datasets including with 5000–50,000 images. The overall accuracy was calculated using a confusion matrix for evaluating the created models. The highest overall reference accuracy was 0.9033 when the model was trained with a dataset containing 50,000 images. The additional learning for manual training was effective when datasets with a large number of images were used. The additional learning for automatic training requires models with an inherent higher accuracy for the classification.
Hysteretic Behavior of Steel Reinforced Concrete Columns Based on Damage Analysis
Authors: Wang Bin , Huo Guang , Sun Yongfeng , Zheng Shansuo
Published: February 2019

With the aim to model the seismic behavior of steel reinforced concrete (SRC) frame columns, in this research, hysteresis and skeleton curves were obtained based on the damage test results of SRC frame columns under low cyclic repeat loading and the hysteretic behavior of the frame columns was further analyzed. Then, the skeleton curve and hysteresis loops were further simplified. The simplified skeleton curve model was obtained through the corresponding feature points obtained by mechanical and regression analysis. The nonlinear combination seismic damage index, which was developed by the test results and can well reflect the effect of the loading path and the number of loading cycle of SRC frame columns, was used to establish the cyclic degradation index. The strength and stiffness degradation rule of the SRC frame columns was analyzed further by considering the effect of the accumulated damage caused by an earthquake. Finally, the hysteresis model of the SRC frame columns was established, and the specific hysteresis rules were given. The validity of the developed hysteresis model was verified by e comparison between the calculated results and the test results. The results showed that the model could describe the hysteresis characteristics of the SRC frame columns under cyclic loading and provide guidance for the elastoplastic time-history analysis of these structures.
Equivalent Linearization Methods for a Control System with Clutching Inerter Damper
Authors: Li Luyu , Liang Qigang , Qin Han
Published: February 2019

Inerter-based dampers have gained great popularity in structural vibration control. In this paper, equivalent linearization methods (ELMs) for a single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) system with a clutching inerter damper (CID) are studied. The comparison of a SDOF system with a CID and an inertial mass damper (IMD) shows the advantage of the CID. Considering that the system with the CID is nonlinear, which is problematic for its performance evaluation and the integrated design of the structure and control system, three equivalent linearization methods based on different principles are proposed and discussed in this paper. The CID is considered to be equal to a combination of an IMD and a viscous damper. The equivalent inertance and damping can be calculated using the obtained formulas for all methods. In addition, all methods are compared in a numerical study. Results show that the ELM based on period and energy is recommended for small inertance-mass ratios.
Art, Maths, Electronics and Micros: The Late Work of Stan Ostoja-Kotkowski
Authors: Swalwell Melanie , Garda Maria B.
Published: February 2019

To date, most work on computers in art has focused on the Algorists (1960s–) and on later cyber arts (1990s–). The use of microcomputers is an underexplored area, with the 1980s constituting a particular gap in the knowledge. This article considers the case of Polish-Australian artist, Stan Ostoja-Kotkowski (b. 1922, d. 1994), who after early exposure to computers at the Bell Labs (1967), returned to microcomputers late in his life. He was not a programmer yet used micros in his practice from the early 1980s, first a BBC in his BP Christmas Star commission, and later a 32-bit Archimedes. This he used from 1989 until his death to produce still images with a fractal generator and the ‘paintbox’ program, “Photodesk”. Drawing on archival research and interviews, we focus on three examples of how Ostoja deployed his micro, highlighting the convergence of art, maths, electronics, and a ‘hands-on’ tinkering ethic in his practice. We argue that when considering the history of creative microcomputing, it is imperative to go beyond the field of art itself. In this case, electronics and the hobbyist computing scenes provide crucial contexts.
Artificial Intelligence Based Ensemble Modeling for Multi-Station Prediction of Precipitation
Authors: Nourani Vahid , Uzelaltinbulat Selin , Sadikoglu Fahreddin , Behfar Nazanin
Published: February 2019

The aim of ensemble precipitation prediction in this paper was to achieve the best performance via artificial intelligence (AI) based modeling. In this way, ensemble AI based modeling was proposed for prediction of monthly precipitation with three different AI models (feed forward neural network-FFNN, adaptive neural fuzzy inference system-ANFIS and least square support vector machine-LSSVM) for the seven stations located in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Two scenarios were examined each having specific inputs set. The scenario 1 was developed for predicting each station’s precipitation through its own data at previous time steps while in scenario 2, the central station’s data were imposed into the models, in addition to each station’s data, as exogenous input. Afterwards, the ensemble modeling was generated to improve the performance of the precipitation predictions. To end this aim, two linear and one non-linear ensemble techniques were used and then the obtained outcomes were compared. In terms of efficiency measures, the averaging methods employing scenario 2 and non-linear ensemble method revealed higher prediction efficiency. Also, in terms of Skill score, non-linear neural ensemble method could enhance predicting efficiency up to 44% in the verification step.
Gravity Wave Propagation from the Stratosphere into the Mesosphere Studied with Lidar, Meteor Radar, and TIMED/SABER
Authors: Gong Shaohua , Yang Guotao , Xu Jiyao , Liu Xiao , Li Qinzeng
Published: February 2019

A low-frequency inertial atmospheric gravity wave (AGW) event was studied with lidar (40.5° N, 116° E), meteor radar (40.3° N, 116.2° E), and TIMED/SABER at Beijing on 30 May 2012. Lidar measurements showed that the atmospheric temperature structure was persistently perturbed by AGWs propagating upward from the stratosphere into the mesosphere (35–86 km). The dominant contribution was from the waves with vertical wavelengths λ z = 8 − 10   km and wave periods T ob = 6.6 ± 0.7   h . Simultaneous observations from a meteor radar illustrated that MLT horizontal winds were perturbed by waves propagating upward with an azimuth angle of θ = 247 ° , and the vertical wavelength ( λ z = 10   km ) and intrinsic period ( T in = 7.4   h ) of the dominant waves were inferred with the hodograph method. TIMED/SABER measurements illustrated that the vertical temperature profiles were also perturbed by waves with dominant vertical wavelength λ z = 6 − 9   km . Observations from three different instruments were compared, and it was found that signatures in the temperature perturbations and horizontal winds were induced by identical AGWs. According to these coordinated observation results, the horizontal wavelength and intrinsic phase speed were inferred to be ~560 km and ~21 m/s, respectively. Analyses of the Brunt-Väisälä frequency and potential energy illustrated that this persistent wave propagation had good static stability.
A Functional NIRS Study of Brain Functional Networks Induced by Social Time Coordination
Authors: Mizuno Megumi , Hiroyasu Tomoyuki , Hiwa Satoru
Published: February 2019

The ability to coordinate one’s behavior with the others’ behavior is essential to achieve a joint action in daily life. In this paper, the brain activity during synchronized tapping task was measured using functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to investigate the relationship between time coordination and brain function. Furthermore, using brain functional network analysis based on graph theory, we examined important brain regions and network structures that serve as the hub when performing the synchronized tapping task. Using the data clustering method, two types of brain function networks were extracted and associated with time coordination, suggesting that they were involved in expectation and imitation behaviors.
Absence of Intraocular Lymphatic Vessels in Uveal Melanomas with Extrascleral Growth
Authors: van Beek Jackelien G. M. , van den Bosch Quincy C. C. , Naus Nicole , Paridaens Dion , de Klein Annelies , Kiliç Emine , Verdijk Robert M.
Published: February 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of intraocular lymphatic vessels in patients with uveal melanomas and extrascleral extension using a panel of lymphatic markers. The following immunohistochemical markers were analyzed: lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronic acid receptor-1 (LYVE-1), podoplanin (D2-40), prospero-related homeobox gene-1 (Prox-1), pan-endothelial marker cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31), and blood vessel endothelium-specific CD34. Lymphatic vessels were defined as a combination of staining of the following positive markers: LYVE-1, D2-40, Prox-1, and CD31; and no staining of the negative marker CD34. In total, 456 patients were enucleated; 16 of the 46 uveal melanomas with extrascleral extension were contained in stored paraffin tissue. Two samples of the 16 uveal melanomas showed focal positive intraocular vascular staining for LYVE-1 and co-expression of CD31 and CD34. Due to the lack of Prox-1 and D2-40, and positive expression of CD34, these cannot be classified as lymphatic vessels. In one case recruitment of an extraocular, intratumoral lymphatic vascular structure was observed in the periphery of the subconjunctival extrascleral extension. Intraocular lymphatic vessels are absent in uveal melanomas with extrascleral extension; however, we provide proof for recruitment of intratumoral lymphatics by uveal melanomas with extraocular extension from subconjunctival lymphatics that may explain the rare cases of regional lymphatic spread. A panel of antibodies is necessary to detect lymphatic vessels with high specificity.
Experimental Studies on Co-Combustion of Sludge and Wheat Straw
Authors: Xue Zeyu , Zhong Zhaoping , Zhang Bo
Published: February 2019

This work presents studies on the co-combustion of sludge and wheat straw (30 wt % sludge + 70 wt % wheat straw). Prior to the combustion experiment, thermogravimetric analysis was performed to investigate the combustion characteristic of the blended fuel. Results indicated that the blended fuel could remedy the defect of each individual component and also promote the combustion. Co-combustion experiments were conducted in a lab-scale vertical tube furnace and the ash samples were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Thermodynamic calculations were also made to study the interactions that occurred. Addition of sludge could raise the melting point of wheat straw ash and reduce the slagging tendency. Co-combustion also restrained the release of K and transferred it into aluminosilicate and phosphate. Transfer of Pb and Zn in the co-combustion was also studied. The release and leaching toxicity of the two heavy metals in the co-combustion were weakened effectively by wheat straw. PbCl2(g) and ZnCl2(g) could be captured by K2SiO3 in wheat straw ash particles and generate silicates. Interactions that possibly occurred between K, Zn, and Pb components were discussed at the end of the paper.
A Facile Fabrication of Supported Ni/SiO2 Catalysts for Dry Reforming of Methane with Remarkably Enhanced Catalytic Performance
Authors: Xu Yan , Lin Qiang , Liu Bing , Jiang Feng , Xu Yuebing , Liu Xiaohao
Published: February 2019

Ni catalysts supported on SiO2 are prepared via a facile combustion method. Both glycine fuel and ammonium nitrate combustion improver facilitate the formation of much smaller Ni nanoparticles, which give excellent activity and stability, as well as a syngas with a molar ratio of H2/CO of about 1:1 due to the minimal side reaction toward revserse water gas shift (RWGS) in CH4 dry reforming.
Supramolecular Structures of the Dictyostelium Lamin NE81
Authors: Grafe Marianne , Batsios Petros , Meyer Irene , Lisin Daria , Baumann Otto , Goldberg Martin W. , Gräf Ralph
Published: February 2019

Nuclear lamins are nucleus-specific intermediate filaments (IF) found at the inner nuclear membrane (INM) of the nuclear envelope (NE). Together with nuclear envelope transmembrane proteins, they form the nuclear lamina and are crucial for gene regulation and mechanical robustness of the nucleus and the whole cell. Recently, we characterized Dictyostelium NE81 as an evolutionarily conserved lamin-like protein, both on the sequence and functional level. Here, we show on the structural level that the Dictyostelium NE81 is also capable of assembling into filaments, just as metazoan lamin filament assemblies. Using field-emission scanning electron microscopy, we show that NE81 expressed in Xenopous oocytes forms filamentous structures with an overall appearance highly reminiscent of Xenopus lamin B2. The in vitro assembly properties of recombinant His-tagged NE81 purified from Dictyostelium extracts are very similar to those of metazoan lamins. Super-resolution stimulated emission depletion (STED) and expansion microscopy (ExM), as well as transmission electron microscopy of negatively stained purified NE81, demonstrated its capability of forming filamentous structures under low-ionic-strength conditions. These results recommend Dictyostelium as a non-mammalian model organism with a well-characterized nuclear envelope involving all relevant protein components known in animal cells.
Direct Single-Cell Analysis of Human Polar Bodies and Cleavage-Stage Embryos Reveals No Evidence of the Telomere Theory of Reproductive Ageing in Relation to Aneuploidy Generation
Authors: Turner Kara , Lynch Colleen , Rouse Hannah , Vasu Vimal , Griffin Darren K.
Published: February 2019

Reproductive ageing in women, particularly after the age of 35, is associated with an exponential increase in the proportion of chromosomally abnormal oocytes produced. Several hypotheses have attempted to explain this observation, including the ‘limited oocyte pool’ hypothesis and the ‘two-hit’ hypothesis, the latter explaining that a depletion in oocyte quality with age results from the multiple opportune stages for errors to occur in meiosis. Recently however, the telomere theory of reproductive ageing in women has been proposed. This suggests that shortened telomeres in oocytes of women of advanced maternal age render oocytes unable to support fertilization and embryogenesis. Despite a credible rationale for the telomere theory of reproductive ageing in women, very few studies have assessed telomere length directly in human oocytes or preimplantation embryos. Therefore, we directly assessed relative telomere length in first polar bodies and blastomeres from cleavage stage (day 3) embryos. In both cell types we tested the hypothesis that (1) older women have shorter telomeres and (2) chromosomally abnormal (aneuploid) gametes/embryos have shorter telomeres. In all cases, we found no evidence of altered telomere length associated with age-related aneuploidy.
Quality Characteristics of Biodiesel Produced from Used Cooking Oil in Southern Europe
Authors: Tsoutsos Theocharis , Tournaki Stavroula , Gkouskos Zacharias , Paraíba Orlando , Giglio Filippo , García Pablo Quero , Braga João , Adrianos Haris , Filice Monica
Published: February 2019

The potential of households’ used cooking oil (UCO) recycling for biodiesel production is massive. This study aims to promote the shift from UCO inappropriate disposal to sustainable recycling. UCO is classified as municipal waste under the code 20 01 25 (edible oils and fats), according to the European Waste Catalogue. Inappropriate UCO disposal increases the operating cost of wastewater treatment, the risk of groundwater contamination, as well as the greenhouse gas emissions that are associated with its biodegradation. Recycling UCO-to-biodiesel offers a sustainable solution in the exploitation of a problematic waste and its transformation into an energy resource, thus contributing to the reduction of environmental pollution and fossil fuel dependence. This paper includes critical recommendations in order to overcome bottlenecks to successfully promote the UCO-to-biodiesel chain. Quality control of the biodiesel—produced exclusively from UCO—was performed according to the European Standard EN 14214 and the results are presented in the paper. The analysis studies the outcomes from four Southern European countries (Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece), which hold the top four places in annual per capita olive oil consumption in the European Union (EU).
Sleep Timing in Patients with Precocious and Delayed Pubertal Development
Authors: Jessen Elena , Vetter Celine , Roenneberg Till , Liesenkötter Klaus-Peter , Werner Helene , Jenni Oskar G. , Lankes Erwin , Blankenstein Oliver , Neumann Uta , Köhler Birgit , Wiegand Susanna , Krude Heiko , Kühnen Peter
Published: February 2019

Previous studies have reported a shift in the timing of sleep during adolescence toward a later time. To date, it is unclear whether hormonal changes during puberty might contribute to this change in sleeping behavior. We systematically assessed pubertal development and sleep timing in a cross-sectional case-control study in girls with precocious (n = 42) and boys with delayed pubertal development (n = 19). We used the Munich ChronoType Questionnaire and the Children’s ChronoType Questionnaire to assess sleep timing in patients and age- and sex-matched controls (n = 309) and used the midpoint of sleep on free days, corrected for potential sleep debt accumulated during the school week, as a marker for sleep timing. Compared to the controls, girls with central precocious puberty showed a delay in sleep timing of 54 min, and girls with premature pubarche slept on average 30 min later. Male adolescents with delayed pubertal development showed an average sleep midpoint that was 40 min earlier compared to the control group. The results of this pilot study suggest an association between pubertal onset and shifts in sleep timing, which is a novel finding in human sleep behavior. Prospective studies in larger cohorts will be needed to examine the robustness and generalizability of the findings.
Evaluation of the Impacts of Four Weathering Methods on Two Acrylic Paints: Showcasing Distinctions and Particularities
Authors: Cogulet Antoine , Blanchet Pierre , Landry Véronic
Published: February 2019

Two commercial waterborne wood acrylic paints were applied to wood samples and the weathering resistance of samples was tested using four different weathering methods: outdoor exposure in Arizona (USA), Florida (USA), and the province of Quebec (Canada), and accelerated weathering in a QUV (fluorescent) weatherometer. Degradation was characterised by colorimetric and FTIR analyses. FTIR confirmed the importance of paint composition in the resistance of samples to weathering. Polymer sensitivity to UV radiation was clearly evident. An interpretation of discoloration in terms of either the energy received by the samples or the length of exposure is presented. Strong differences existed between the four weathering methods. Particularities of each method are discussed and recommendations regarding their application for effective testing are proposed. Overall, in addition to accelerated weathering tests, we conclude that it is necessary to test paints in an end-use environment for accurate assessment of their likely performance. This study confirms the multifactorial aspect of the weathering process.
BlackWatch: Increasing Attack Awareness within Web Applications
Authors: Hall Calum , Shepherd Lynsay , Coull Natalie
Published: February 2019

Web applications are relied upon by many for the services they provide. It is essential that applications implement appropriate security measures to prevent security incidents. Currently, web applications focus resources towards the preventative side of security. While prevention is an essential part of the security process, developers must also implement a level of attack awareness into their web applications. Being able to detect when an attack is occurring provides applications with the ability to execute responses against malicious users in an attempt to slow down or deter their attacks. This research seeks to improve web application security by identifying malicious behavior from within the context of web applications using our tool BlackWatch. The tool is a Python-based application which analyzes suspicious events occurring within client web applications, with the objective of identifying malicious patterns of behavior. This approach avoids issues typically encountered with traditional web application firewalls. Based on the results from a preliminary study, BlackWatch was effective at detecting attacks from both authenticated and unauthenticated users. Furthermore, user tests with developers indicated BlackWatch was user-friendly, and was easy to integrate into existing applications. Future work seeks to develop the BlackWatch solution further for public release.
Efficient Tensor Sensing for RF Tomographic Imaging on GPUs
Authors: Xu Da , Zhang Tao
Published: February 2019

Radio-frequency (RF) tomographic imaging is a promising technique for inferring multi-dimensional physical space by processing RF signals traversed across a region of interest. Tensor-based approaches for tomographic imaging are superior at detecting the objects within higher dimensional spaces. The recently-proposed tensor sensing approach based on the transform tensor model achieves a lower error rate and faster speed than the previous tensor-based compress sensing approach. However, the running time of the tensor sensing approach increases exponentially with the dimension of tensors, thus not being very practical for big tensors. In this paper, we address this problem by exploiting massively-parallel GPUs. We design, implement, and optimize the tensor sensing approach on an NVIDIA Tesla GPU and evaluate the performance in terms of the running time and recovery error rate. Experimental results show that our GPU tensor sensing is as accurate as the CPU counterpart with an average of 44.79 × and up to 84.70 × speedups for varying-sized synthetic tensor data. For IKEA Model 3D model data of a smaller size, our GPU algorithm achieved 15.374× speedup over the CPU tensor sensing. We further encapsulate the GPU algorithm into an open-source library, called cuTensorSensing (CUDA Tensor Sensing), which can be used for efficient RF tomographic imaging.
Anti-Osteogenic Activity of Cadmium in Zebrafish
Authors: Tarasco Marco , Cardeira João , Viegas Michael N. , Caria Joana , Martins Gil , Gavaia Paulo J. , Cancela M. Leonor , Laizé Vincent
Published: February 2019

Among the many anthropogenic chemicals that end up in the aquatic ecosystem, heavy metals, in particular cadmium, are hazardous compounds that have been shown to affect developmental, reproductive, hepatic, hematological, and immunological functions in teleost fish. There is also evidence that cadmium disturbs bone formation and skeletal development, but data is scarce. In this work, zebrafish was used to further characterize the anti-osteogenic/osteotoxic effects of cadmium and gain insights into underlying mechanisms. Upon exposure to cadmium, a reduction of the opercular bone growth was observed in 6-days post-fertilization (dpf) larvae and an increase in the incidence of skeletal deformities was evidenced in 20-dpf post-larvae. The extent and stiffness of newly formed bone was also affected in adult zebrafish exposed to cadmium while regenerating their caudal fin. A pathway reporter assay revealed a possible role of the MTF-1 and cAMP/PKA signaling pathways in mechanisms of cadmium osteotoxicity, while the expression of genes involved in osteoblast differentiation and matrix production was strongly reduced in cadmium-exposed post-larvae. This work not only confirmed cadmium anti-osteogenic activity and identified targeted pathways and genes, but it also suggested that cadmium may affect biomechanical properties of bone.
Virial Approximation for Load and Loss in High-Speed Journal Bearings Using Pressurized Gases
Authors: Chien Ssu-Ying , Cramer Mark S.
Published: February 2019

We consider steady, laminar, compressible lubrication flows in a high-speed two-dimensional journal bearing governed by the appropriate Reynolds equation. The thermodynamic states correspond to pressurized gases and are in the single-phase regime. Simple explicit formulas for the load capacity, power loss, and attitude angle are derived by applying the virial (or small density) expansions of pressure and shear viscosity to results developed in previous studies. The present virial approximation was compared to the exact numerical solutions to the Reynolds equation. It was shown that the results based on our virial expansions are quite accurate at thermodynamic states corresponding to dense and supercritical gases. The first virial correction is seen to significantly improve predictions based on the ideal gas theory.
Gadolinium as an Emerging Microcontaminant in Water Resources: Threats and Opportunities
Authors: Ebrahimi Pooria , Barbieri Maurizio
Published: February 2019

As a result of high doses of paramagnetic gadolinium (Gd) chelates administered in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams, their unmetabolized excretion, and insufficient removal in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), large amounts of anthropogenic Gd (Gdanth) are released into surface water. The upward trend of gadolinium-based contrast agent (Gd-CA) administrations is expected to continue growing and consequently higher and higher anthropogenic Gd concentrations are annually recorded in water resources, which can pose a great threat to aquatic organisms and human beings. In addition, the feasibility of Gd retention in patients administered with Gd-CAs repeatedly, and even potentially fatal diseases, including nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), due to trace amounts of Gd have recently arisen severe health concerns. Thus, there is a need to investigate probable adverse health effects of currently marketed Gd-CAs meticulously and to modify the actual approach in using Gd contrast media in daily practice in order to minimize unknown possible health risks. Furthermore, the employment of enhanced wastewater treatment processes that are capable of removing the stable contrast agents, and the evaluation of the ecotoxicity of Gd chelates and human exposure to these emerging contaminants through dermal and ingestion pathways deserve more attention. On the other hand, point source releases of anthropogenic Gd into the aquatic environment presents the opportunity to assess surface water—groundwater interactions and trace the fate of wastewater plume as a proxy for the potential presence of other microcontaminants associated with treated wastewater in freshwater and marine systems.
Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment and Nutrition-Related Assessment: A Cross-Sectional Survey for Health Professionals
Authors: Ueshima Junko , Maeda Keisuke , Wakabayashi Hidetaka , Nishioka Shinta , Nakahara Saori , Kokura Yoji
Published: February 2019

(1) Background: It is important to assess physical and nutritional status using the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA). However, the correlation between the CGA usage and nutritional-related assessments remain unclear. This study aims to clarify the correlation between the CGA usage and other nutritional-related assessments. (2) Methods: We conducted a questionnaire survey on clinical use of CGA, assessment of sarcopenia/sarcopenic dysphagia/cachexia, and defining nutritional goals/the Nutrition Care Process/the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF)/the Kuchi–Kara Taberu Index. (3) Results: The number of respondents was 652 (response rate, 12.0%), including 77 who used the CGA in the general practice. The univariate analyses revealed that participants using the CGA tended to assess sarcopenia (P = 0.029), sarcopenic dysphagia (P = 0.001), and define nutritional goals (P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analyses for the CGA usage revealed that using ICF (P < 0.001), assessing sarcopenia (P = 0.001), sarcopenic dysphagia (P = 0.022), and cachexia (P = 0.039), and defining nutritional goals (P = 0.001) were statistically significant after adjusting for confounders. (4) Conclusions: There are correlations between the use of CGA and evaluation of sarcopenia, sarcopenic dysphagia, and cachexia and nutritional goals.
Positive and Negative Factors That Influence Health Care Faculty Intent to Engage in Interprofessional Education (IPE)
Authors: Olenick Maria , Flowers Monica , Muñecas Teresa , Maltseva Tatayana
Published: February 2019

Background: This study explored the positive and negative factors that influence interprofessional education (IPE) implementation in health care education programs across the United States. Methods: The study sample consisted of 439 (response rate 8.4%) health care faculties from seven health care professions (nursing, medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, and social work) who were asked what the positive and negative factors are that influence their decisions to engage in IPE. Results: Three positive categories and two negative categories concerning factors that influence health care faculty (HCF) intent to engage in IPE emerged. The three major categories of positive factors emerged as patient care, which was mentioned by 196 subjects or 54% of the sample, student learning, which was mentioned by 157 subjects or 43% of the sample, and health care teams, which was mentioned by 88 subjects or 24% of the sample. The two major categories of negative factors emerged as scheduling and coordination, which was mentioned by 230 subjects or 63% of the sample, and discipline culture which was mentioned by 103 subjects or 28% of the sample. Conclusion: This study contributes to the body of knowledge concerning the factors that influence effective IPE implementation. Discussion is provided regarding the positive and negative categories that emerged and how they influence effective IPE delivery.
“Wounds Home Alone”—Why and How Venous Leg Ulcer Patients Self-Treat Their Ulcer: A Qualitative Content Study
Authors: Žulec Mirna , Rotar-Pavlič Danica , Puharić Zrinka , Žulec Ana
Published: February 2019

Background: Venous leg ulcers (VLUs), the most common type of leg ulcerations, have long healing times and high recurrence rates; reimbursement rules and a general shortage of nursing staff have put self-treatment into focus. The study aimed to investigate why and how patients with VLUs self-treat their ulcers. Methods: Patients with VLUs (N = 32) were selected by criterion sampling for a multicentric qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. The interviews were analyzed via inductive qualitative content analysis. Results: More than two-thirds of participants sometimes self-treated VLU and one quarter changed their prescribed treatment. Experiences were expressed through four themes as follows: (a) current local VLU therapy; (b) VLU self-treatment; (c) patient education; and (d) psychosocial issues. The main reasons for self-treatment were a lack of healthcare resources, reimbursement restrictions, and dissatisfaction with conventional treatment together with insufficient knowledge about the wound-healing process and possible side effects. No educational materials were provided for patients or caregivers. Many patients adopted homemade remedies. Conclusion: Patients with VLUs practice self-care due to limited healthcare availability, a low awareness of the causes of their condition, and the effects of therapy on VLU healing. Future educational intervention is needed to enhance self-treatment.
Spatio-Temporal Distribution, Spillover Effects and Influences of China’s Two Levels of Public Healthcare Resources
Authors: Song Xueqian , Wei Yongping , Deng Wei , Zhang Shaoyao , Zhou Peng , Liu Ying , Wan Jiangjun
Published: February 2019

In China, upper-level healthcare (ULHC) and lower-level healthcare (LLHC) provide different public medical and health services. Only when these two levels of healthcare resources are distributed equally and synergistically can the public’s demands for healthcare be met fairly. Despite a number of previous studies having analysed the spatial distribution of healthcare and its determinants, few have evaluated the differences in spatial equity between ULHC and LLHC and investigated their institutional, geographical and socioeconomic influences and spillover effects. This study aims to bridge this gap by analysing panel data on the two levels of healthcare resources in 31 Chinese provinces covering the period 2003–2015 using Moran’s I models and dynamic spatial Durbin panel models (DSDMs). The results indicate that, over the study period, although both levels of healthcare resources improved considerably in all regions, spatial disparities were large. The spatio-temporal characteristics of ULHC and LLHC differed, although both levels were relatively low to the north-west of the Hu Huanyong Line. DSDM analysis revealed direct and indirect effects at both short-and long-term scales for both levels of healthcare resources. Meanwhile, the influencing factors had different impacts on the different levels of healthcare resources. In general, long-term effects were greater for ULHC and short-term effects were greater for LLHC. The spillover effects of ULHC were more significant than those of LLHC. More specifically, industrial structure, traffic accessibility, government expenditure and family healthcare expenditure were the main determinants of ULHC, while industrial structure, urbanisation, topography, traffic accessibility, government expenditure and family healthcare expenditure were the main determinants of LLHC. These findings have important implications for policymakers seeking to optimize the availability of the two levels of healthcare resources.