bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discussão da Posição de Calouras de Ciência da Computação
Authors: Mochetti Karina , Bravo Raquel , Salgado Luciana , Leitão Carla , Braga Camille , Hecksher Gabriela , Pontes Kayalla
Published: February 2020

A baixa participação de mulheres nas áreas de Computação é um fato preocupante já que diversidade em qualquer ambiente é de vital importância para sua evolução. No cenário de Tecnologia da Informação atual, em que os usuários passaram de consumidores para produtores de tecnologias e conteúdos digitais, este fato é ainda mais alarmante. Esse trabalho descreve a evolução de uma das atividades realizadas pelo Projeto #include  na Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF) com os alunos recém-matriculados no curso de Ciência da Computação nos últimos 3 semestres. O objetivo principal do evento é analisar a interação entre os alunos, principalmente com as calouras, nos primeiros dias de aula e promover uma discussão a respeito do baixo número de meninas no curso, abrindo espaço para elas se expressarem.
A importância de atividades de empoderamento feminino como forma de minimizar a evasão das mulheres nos cursos de Tecnologia da Informação
Authors: Santana Thalia S. , Assis Ianka T. B. , Braga Ramayane B. , Louzada Natália C.
Published: February 2020

O objetivo do estudo é destacar atividades de empoderamento feminino aplicadas através de um projeto de extensão, como incentivo às estudantes dos cursos de ensino médio, técnico e superior a permanecerem naárea da computação. Atividades como enfatização da representação feminina na história da informática, discussão sobre conceitos de feminismo e gênero, capacitação em campos de crescente desenvolvimento em TI, são parte das estratégias para minimizar a evidente evasão das mulheres nesse ramo.
Por Mais Mulheres na Computação: análise dos trabalhos publicados no X Women in Information Technology
Authors: Cesario Gisela , da Silveira Noélya Gonçalves , Bim Sílvia Amélia , Maciel Cristiano
Published: February 2020

O presente artigo tem por objetivo apresentar uma análise dos trabalhos publicados no X Women in Information Technology (WIT), evento promovido pela Sociedade Brasileira de Computação. Os resultados indicam que já existem projetos em todas as regiões do Brasil para fomentar a maior participação das mulheres nas áreas de Computação, em geral, desenvolvidos por instituições públicas de ensino superior.
Um mecanismo distribuído de incentivo baseado em crédito para redes oportunistas
Authors: Christiani Daniel de M. C. , Rocha Antônio Augusto de A. , Campos Carlos A. V.
Published: February 2020

Mecanismos de incentivo são cada vez mais necessários em redes oportunistas que contém nós com o comportamento egoísta. Para isso, existem mecanismos baseados em crédito mas, que necessitam de uma banco virtual (entidade central) para promover o incentivo. Entretanto, a existência desta entidade central em uma rede oportunista pode não ser possível. Sendo assim, neste artigo é proposto um mecanismo de incentivo baseado em créditos. A principal contribuição é o fato do mecanismo não utilizar um banco virtual para a distribuição dos créditos (recompensa pelo encaminhamento das mensagens), mas sim uma abordagem descentralizada. Além disso, foi proposta uma modelagem matemática para representar a cobrança e distribuição de créditos buscando evitar ataques do tipo Edge Insertion, em determinados casos. Por fim, o mecanismo proposto foi avaliado, via simulação, utilizando traces reais de mobilidade e diferentes protocolos de roteamento, e comparado seu desempenho com o mecanismo de incentivo RELICS. Com base nos resultados obtidos podemos dizer que o mecanismo proposto é promissor no sentido de diminuir a ocorrência de nós egoístas.
Performance Evaluation of Wearable Computing Frameworks
Authors: Cacais Michelle , Gomes Danielo G. , Aguilar Paulo Armando C. , Andrade Rossana M. C.
Published: February 2020

Internet of Things (IoT) aims to connect multiple devices and enable communication on a global scale. In this context, wearable computing turns into one of the most imperative technologies for data capture and transfer. Even though many solutions exist for fast development of wearable applications, it is difficult to know which one is the best for each situation. In this paper, we evaluated the performance of three wearable computing frameworks: SPINE, BNSM and IBM Bluemix. We used performance metrics such as data accuracy, memory footprint and energy consumption in a movement recognition scenario. Results have shown that, among the analyzed frameworks, (i) BNSM is the best one concerning energy-efficiency; (ii) IBM Bluemix is the best one for data accuracy. Both frameworks presented interesting results in terms of memory footprint.
Combate à corrupção através de relacionamentos interorganizacionais transparentes
Authors: Diirr Bruna , Cappelli Claudia
Published: February 2020

Cada vez mais, as organizações precisam estabelecer parcerias para enfrentarem mudanças no ambiente em que atuam e permanecerem competitivas. O compartilhamento de recursos permite que essas organizações lidem melhor com a oportunidade identificada para colaboração. Tais associações também estão presentes no âmbito governamental. Porém, a gestão de relacionamentos interorganizacionais apresenta muitos desafios. Este artigo tem como objetivo explorar esse assunto, especialmente no que diz respeito à transparência pública. É apresentada uma abordagem que visa tornar as organizações parceiras mais integradas, preparadas para interoperar processos e informações e com habilidades para alcançar objetivos compartilhados mesmo com as diferenças existentes. Uma parceria para combate à corrupção ilustra a aplicação da abordagem.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Stem Cell-Based Technologies in Huntington’s Disease Therapy
Authors: Kerkis Irina , Macedo da Silva Joyce , Valverde Wenceslau Cristiane , Caroline Mambelli-Lisboa Nicole , Osorio Frare Eduardo
Published: February 2020

Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Huntington’s disease (HD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and Parkinson’s disease (PD), are characterized by changes in the levels and activities of neurotrophic factors (NTFs), such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments demonstrate in fact the linkage between wild-type huntingtin (HTT) and gene transcription and intracellular transport of BDNF. In the present chapter, we will analyze the involvement of BDNF in HD and other neurodegenerative diseases. We will discuss the current BDNF technologies focusing on stem cell therapies that induce BDNF upregulation, for instance, the method of autologous mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) culturing in the presence of cocktail of BDNF inducers and factors (MSC/BDNF), genetic engineering of MSC and their use as a vector for BDNF gene delivery, and combined method of establishment of embryonic stem cell (ESC)-derived BDNF-overexpressing neural progenitors, which is still at the preclinical stage. Clinical trial that uses MSC/BDNF is already in course, while genetic engineering of MSC/BDNF is in perspective to treat adult and juvenile HD. The potential application of these technologies is beyond HD. Other neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases also can be further included in the list of clinical trials that use MSC/BDNF or even ESC/BDNF-overexpressing neural progenitors.
Leiolima iberica, a new harvestman genus and species from the Iberian Peninsula (Arachnida, Opiliones, Sclerosomatidae)
Authors: Prieto Carlos E. , Wijnhoven Hay
Published: February 2020

Recent studies have shown that the speciose Holarctic genera of Leiobunum C.L. Koch, 1839 and Nelima Roewer, 1910 are polyphyletic taxa, and therefore, the traditional diagnostic characters for these European genera of Leiobuninae Banks, 1893 (respectively, the presence or absence of tubercle rows on leg coxae) are unsuitable. We present the description of Leiolima iberica gen. et sp. nov., a new endemic harvestman from the north-western part of the Iberian Peninsula. The newly established genus shows intermediate characters between Leiobunum and Nelima. In addition, the new genus is characterized by shorter legs compared to Leiobunum and the presence of trichomes on all leg femora and pedipalpal patellae, a structure that is absent in all other western Palearctic genera of the subfamily Leiobuninae.
An Adjunct Indicator for the Diagnosis of Fracture-Related Infections: Platelet Count to Mean Platelet Volume Ratio
Authors: Strony John , Paziuk Taylor , Fram Brianna , Plusch Kyle , Chang Gerard , Krieg James
Published: February 2020

Abstract. Introduction: Fracture-related infection (FRI) is a common complication associated with orthopaedic fracture care. Diagnosing these complications in the preoperative setting is difficult. Platelets are a known acute phase reactant with indices that change in accordance with infection and inflammation. The purpose of our study was to assess the diagnostic utility of platelet indices at assessing FRI.Methods: A retrospective review performed for all patients who underwent revision surgery for fracture nonunion between 2013 and 2018. Radiographs were employed to define nonunion. Intraoperative cultures were used to define FRI. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the diagnostic ability of preoperative erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and the platelet count/mean platelet volume ratio (P/V) at recognizing FRI.Results: Of the 53 revision surgeries that were performed for fracture nonunion, 17 (32.1%) were identified as FRI. There were no significant demographic differences between the two cohorts. Patients with FRIs exhibited higher values for ESR (54.82 vs. 19.16, p<0.001), CRP (0.90 vs. 0.35, p=0.003), and P/V (37.4 vs. 22.8, p<0.001) as compared to those within the aseptic nonunion cohort. ROC curve analysis for P/V demonstrated that at an optimal ratio of 23, area under the curve (AUC) is 0.814, specificity is 55.6%, and sensitivity is 100.0%. There was no significant difference in the diagnostic performance of the serum biomarkers but only ESR and P/V had an AUC greater than 0.80. The negative predictive value (NPV) for P/V, ESR, and CRP was 100.0%, 84.6%, and 78.6%, respectively.Conclusion: The P/V ratio may serve as a reliable screening test for FRI.
Relating systems thinking and design (VI)
Authors: Davidova Marie , Sweeting Ben , Sevaldson Birger
Published: February 2020

This special issue of FormAkademisk comprises a selection of articles developed from presentations at the seventh Relating Systems Thinking and Design (RSD7) symposium, held at Politecnico di Torino, Turin, 23th-26th October 2018 (Barbero, 2018). A second collection from RSD7 is also planned to be published in FormAkademisk during 2020, continuing the close relationship between the journal and the RSD conference series (Forlizzi, Sevaldson, & Ryan, 2017; Hensel, Hensel, & Sevaldson, 2019; Jones, 2014; Sevaldson, 2018; Sevaldson & Ryan, 2014). The occasion of the RSD7 conference was especially important in the development of systemic design, being the occasion of the launch and founding meeting of the Systemic Design Association (SDA). The SDA will act as a membership organisation for the expanding community of practitioners and researchers that has developed through the RSD conferences.
Evaluation of a new Argovit as an antiviral agent included in feed to protect the shrimpLitopenaeus vannameiagainst White Spot Syndrome Virus infection
Authors: Romo-Quiñonez Carlos R. , Álvarez-Sánchez Ana R. , Álvarez-Ruiz Pindaro , Chávez-Sánchez Maria C. , Bogdanchikova Nina , Pestryakov Alexey , Mejia-Ruiz Claudio H.
Published: February 2020

In this study, four experimental assays were conducted to evaluate the use of a new silver nanoparticle formulation named Argovit-4, which was prepared with slight modifications to enhance its biological activity against white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) in shrimp culture. The goals of these assays were to (1) determine the protective effect of Argovit-4 against WSSV, (2) determine whether Argovit-4 supplemented in feed exhibits toxicity towards shrimp, (3) determine whether Argovit-4 as antiviral additive in feed can prevent or delay/reduce WSSV-induced shrimp mortality, and (4) determine whether Argovit-4 supplemented in feed alters the early stages of the shrimp immune response. In bioassay 1, several viral inocula calibrated at 7 SID50(shrimp infectious doses 50% endpoint) were exposed to 40, 100, 200 and 1,000 ng/SID50of Ag+and then intramuscularly injected into shrimp for 96 h. In bioassay 2, shrimp were fed Argovit-4 supplemented in feed at different concentrations (10, 100 and 1,000 µg per gram of feed) for 192 h. In bioassay 3, shrimp were treated with Argovit-4 supplemented in feed at different concentrations and then challenged against WSSV for 192 h. In bioassay 4, quantitative real-time RT-qPCR was performed to measure the transcriptional responses of five immune-relevant genes in haemocytes of experimental shrimp treated with Argovit-4 supplemented in feed at 0, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h. The intramuscularly injected Argovit-4 showed a dose-dependent effect (p < 0.05) on the cumulative shrimp mortality from 0–96 h post-infection. In the second bioassay, shrimp fed Argovit-4 supplemented in feed did not show signs of toxicity for the assayed doses over the 192-h experiment. The third and fourth bioassays showed that shrimp challenged with WSSV at 1,000 µg/g feed exhibited reduced mortality without altering the expression of some immune system-related genes according to the observed level of transcriptional. This study is the first show that the new Argovit-4 formulation has potential as an antiviral additive in feed against WSSV and demonstrates a practical therapeutic strategy to control WSSV and possibly other invertebrate pathogens in shrimp aquaculture.
Comprehensive phenotyping and transcriptome profiling to study nanotoxicity inC. elegans
Authors: Viau Charles , Haçariz Orçun , Karimian Farial , Xia Jianguo
Published: February 2020

Engineered nanoparticles are used at an increasing rate in both industry and medicine without fully understanding their impact on health and environment. The nematodeCaenorhabditis elegansis a suitable model to study the toxic effects of nanoparticles as it is amenable to comprehensive phenotyping, such as locomotion, growth, neurotoxicity and reproduction. In this study, we systematically evaluated the effects of silver (Ag) and five metal oxide nanoparticles: SiO2, CeO2, CuO, Al2O3and TiO2. The results showed that Ag and SiO2exposures had the most toxic effects on locomotion velocity, growth and reproduction, whereas CeO2, Al2O3and CuO exposures were mostly neurotoxic. We further performed RNAseq to compare the gene expression profiles underlying Ag and SiO2toxicities. Gene set enrichment analyses revealed that exposures to Ag and SiO2consistently downregulated several biological processes (regulations in locomotion, reproductive process and cell growth) and pathways (neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, wnt and MAPK signaling, etc.), with opposite effects on genes involved in innate immunity. Our results contribute to mechanistic insights into toxicity of Ag and SiO2nanoparticles and demonstrated thatC. elegansas a valuable model for nanotoxicity assessment.
Assessment of Income Generation from Non-timber Forest Products in Awka-North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria
Authors: Ojomah B. C. , Ibe A. E. , Ezenwenyi J. U. , Chukwu O. , Adum N. N.
Published: February 2020

Non-Timber Forest Products are important sources of income that can supplement farming and/or other activities to the rural dwellers. In spite of this, its potential to improve the standard of living and generate income to rural dwellers has not been known in Awka-North Local Government Area. The study was carried out from January to August, 2017. The study identified the variety of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) available to rural households, the level of income generated by households from these available Non-timber forest products and constraints to Non-timber forest products collection in the study area. Three towns; Achalla, Amansea and Mgbakwu were selected using multi-stage random sampling technique. A total of 100 copies of structured questionnaires were administered to obtain information from respondents who engaged in NTFPs based activities in the selected towns. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and 5-point Likert Type Scale. The study revealed that fish, snail, bush meat, spices, firewood, fruits, seeds and nuts, vegetables and honey are the Non-timber forest products available to the rural dwellers. Monthly income of ₦61,000 and above was generated by the rural dwellers who engaged in NTFPs sales. Lack of marketing, bush burning, deforestation, NTFPs scarcity, over exploitation, transportation, bad road network, distance from forest, market price of other products and unfavourable government policies are the constraints confronting the respondents in the collection of Non-timber forest products in the study area.
Critical Analysis of Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Meat Consumption in Abidjan, Cote D’ivoire
Authors: Nina Djama Abo , Flore Akoa Essoma Edwige , Séverin Kra Kouassi Aboutou , Rose-Monde Mégnanou , Athanase Otchoumou Kraidy , Joseph Kouadio Natia , Sébastien Niamke Lamine
Published: February 2020

The aim of this paper was to study rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) meat consumption in Côte d’Ivoire. To achieve this goal, a survey is conducted among consumers through a survey-valuation approach. Survey was carried out in 13 municipalities of Abidjan’s district between September 2017 and May 2018. The survey collected data from 1950 respondents targeted in the Abidjan’s district. In each municipality, 150 persons were interviewed, mainly in areas of great meeting such as car and bus stations, markets, restaurants and around schools. The method adopted in this work was random sampling. The data collection was done by self-counting (respondents completed the questionnaire themselves) and interview-assisted methods for each respondent. Results showed that rabbit meat is much appreciated by a large part of population (74.36%). The main buyers of rabbit meat are restaurant managers (35%) and households (35%). Reasons of non-consumption of rabbit meat are unavailability (49%), absence in eating habits (22%) and high cost (20%). Consumers ranked rabbit meat in third place compared to other meats (chicken, and sheep) consumed in Abidjan. 49.12% found rabbit meat more expensive than other meats. Therefore, the adoption of effective trade strategies such as entrepreneurial, training, promotion in mass media, competitive pricing and market diversification, could make rabbit meat available and reduce the cost of sale. This could encourage the population to include rabbit meat more in their menus.
Effect of Mulches on Soil Properties, Leaf Nutrient Status and Weed Growth of Pomegranate under Rainfed Conditions
Authors: Kaushal Bhawna , Sharma D. D. , Kuchay M. A.
Published: February 2020

The present study entitled "Effect of mulches on soil properties, leaf nutrient status and weed growth of pomegranate under rainfed conditions" at the experimental farm of HR&TS and KVK Kandaghat at Jadari, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, during 2017-2018. The different mulches like Nylon mulch mat, Silver polyethylene mulch, Black polyethylene mulch, Red polyethylene mulch and Coir mulch mat, Grass mulch were used in this investigation. Results revealed that maximum soil temperature and moisture were recorded in black polyethylene mulch. Nylon mulch mat was found effective in controlling weed growth followed by silver polyethylene mulch and black polyethylene mulch. Soil and leaf nutrient content were significantly higher found under grass mulch. The soil hydrothermal regimes were significantly higher under black polyethylene mulch. This provides better prevention of soil water evaporation and retaining soil moisture under rainfed conditions.
From Distortion to Disconnection: Linear Alkyl Diammonium Cations Tune Structure and Photoluminescence of Lead Bromide Perovskites
Authors: Han Ying , Li Yawen , Wang Yue , Cao Guangyue , Yue Sijia , Zhang Lijun , Cui Bin‐Bin , Chen Qi
Published: February 2020

Organic ammonium cations play a vital role in building structures and tuning energy bands of organic–inorganic halide perovskites and the consequent photoelectric characteristics. Here, two 2D lead bromide perovskites: flat‐layered (BDA)PbBr4 (BDA = 1, 4‐butanediammonium), corrugation‐layered (PDA)7Pb6Br26 (PDA = 1, 3‐propanediammonium) and a 1D nanobelt‐shaped (EDA)2PbBr6 (EDA = ethylenediammonium) are built to explore their tunable structure, energy bands, and photoluminescence by a series of linear alkyl diammonium cations. Significant “spatial effect” of diammonium cations directly controls the space configurations of these lead bromide perovskites. From 2D (100)‐flat to 1D (110)‐nanobelt, distortions and disconnections of lead bromide layers are beneficial to the quantum confinement and generation of self‐trapping exciton (STE) energy levels of low‐dimensional perovskites. Upon ultraviolet excitation, (BDA)PbBr4, (PDA)7Pb6Br26, and (EDA)2PbBr6 exhibit blue, broadband yellowish white, and “warm” white emissions, respectively. Density functional theory combining STE theory demonstrates their bandgap changes and emission mechanisms. This work provides a basis for tuning the structure of low‐dimensional organic–inorganic halide perovskites for better photochromic properties.
Structure and activity of supported bimetallic NiPd nanoparticles: influence of preparation method on CO2 reduction
Authors: Braga Adriano H. , Costa Natália J. S. , Philippot Karine , Gonçalves Renato V. , Szanyi János , Rossi Liane M.
Published: February 2020

Bimetallic Ni−Pd and monometallic reference catalysts were prepared by decomposing organometallic precursors, Ni(cod)2 and Pd2(dba)3, leading to nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 3 to 6 nm. Two different synthesis procedures were followed: i) solution synthesis using capping ligand (hexadecylamine) followed by impregnation of pre‐formed nanoparticles on SiO2, called Sol‐immobilization (SI); and 2) direct precursor decomposition onto SiO2, without stabilizer, called Direct Decomposition (DD). Samples prepared by SI procedure are alloyed bimetallic nanoparticles, whereas samples obtained by DD one show phase segregation. Interestingly, DD samples show better activity for CO2 hydrogenation into CO (reverse water‐gas shift reaction ‐ RWGS) than SI ones. The best compromise between activity for CO2 activation (at lower temperature) and CO selectivity was achieved with Ni DD and NiPd DD catalysts. Moreover, the addition of palladium increased the concentration of surface undercoordinated sites, which chemisorb CO weakly, thus improving activity and selectivity, in opposition to other samples that chemisorb CO strongly, in multibond configuration. In the presence of Pd, different decomposition rates drives the formation of smaller and more active Ni clusters. The knowledge acquired here on the influence of synthesis conditions on the catalytic properties of Ni−Pd catalysts should guide us to better catalysts for CO2 transformations into valuable products.
A novel method to measure hairiness in bees and other insect pollinators
Authors: Roquer‐Beni Laura , Rodrigo Anselm , Arnan Xavier , Klein Alexandra‐Maria , Fornoff Felix , Boreux Virginie , Bosch Jordi
Published: February 2020

Hairiness is a salient trait of insect pollinators that has been linked to thermoregulation, pollen uptake and transportation, and pollination success. Despite its potential importance in pollination ecology, hairiness is rarely included in pollinator trait analyses. This is likely due to the lack of standardized and efficient methods to measure hairiness. We describe a novel methodology that uses a stereomicroscope equipped with a live measurement module software to quantitatively measure two components of hairiness: hair density and hair length. We took measures of the two hairiness components in 109 insect pollinator species (including 52 bee species). We analyzed the relationship between hair density and length and between these two components and body size. We combined hair density and length measures to calculate a hairiness index and tested whether hairiness differed between major pollinator groups and bee genera. Body size was strongly and positively correlated to hair length and weakly and negatively correlated to hair density. The correlation between the two hairiness components was weak and negative. According to our hairiness index, butterflies and moths were the hairiest pollinator group, followed by bees, hoverflies, beetles, and other flies. Among bees, bumblebees (Bombus) and mason bees (Osmia) were the hairiest taxa, followed by digger bees (Anthophorinae), sand bees (Andrena), and sweat bees (Halictini). Our methodology provides an effective and standardized measure of the two components of hairiness (hair density and length), thus allowing for a meaningful interpretation of hairiness. We provide a detailed protocol of our methodology, which we hope will contribute to improve our understanding of pollination effectiveness, thermal biology, and responses to climate change in insects.
Impact of Highly Stable Catalyst Support Materials on Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell Performance
Authors: Mohanta Paritosh Kumar , Regnet Fabian , Jörissen Ludwig
Published: February 2020

Durability of catalyst support materials is one of the big challenges for long‐term fuel cell operation. The performance stabilities of stabilized carbons as cathode catalyst supports for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are investigated. Homemade platinum (Pt) electrocatalysts are prepared on stabilized carbons and a traditional carbon black support. Subsequently, the characterization results of homemade catalysts are compared with a commercial catalyst. The characterization tools such as the measurement of electrochemical active surface areas (ECSAs), oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activities, durability of both the Pt and the supports, and eventually membrane electrode assembly (MEA) single cell tests are implemented herein. The stabilized carbon supported catalysts show comparable ORR activities as well as improved corrosion resistance in terms of ECSA survival rates under accelerated stress conditions compared with the conventional supported catalysts. In addition, the dependency of MEA performances on the ionomer‐to‐carbon ratio on the catalyst layers is established.
A 3-Species Aquatic Community Model for Ecological Risk Assessment Using Basic Ecotoxicity Data
Authors: Tanaka Yoshinari , Oda Shigeto , Nakamura Kensei , Suzuki Noriyuki
Published: February 2020

A simplified ecosystem model, the Aquatic Tritrophic Ecological Risk Assessment Model (A-TERAM), for the ecological risk assessment of chemicals is presented. The A-TERAM comprises a linear grazer food chain with 3 trophic levels (the algae–Daphnia–fish system). The model simulates the seasonal patterns of abundance at each level observed in the field, and it translates the direct toxic effects of chemicals on algae or Daphnia to implications for fish via ecological interactions; thus, the A-TERAM evaluates ecological risk in terms of the annual population growth rate of fish. The model also incorporates toxicokinetics for fish. The minimum input data required for the A-TERAM are basic ecotoxicity endpoints (algal growth inhibition median effect concentration [EC50] or no-observed effect concentration, Daphnia immobility EC50, and fish acute mortality median lethal concentration); however, additional ecotoxicity data (Daphnia reproduction test, fish early life test, and fish reproduction test) are also relevant for improving simulations. Comparisons made across 496 chemicals (255 nonagricultural chemicals and 241 agrochemicals) indicated that the A-TERAM, in comparison with the conventional predicted-effect concentration/predicted-no-effect concentration method, tended to evaluate higher risk to chemicals that are highly bioaccumulative and toxic to fish by 2 orders of magnitude at the largest but lower or comparable risk to chemicals that are toxic only to algae or Daphnia. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1086–1100. © 2020 SETAC

Abstract

The practical properties and the integrative nature of an ecological risk assessment model: The Aquatic Tritrophic Ecological Risk Assessment Model.
Adaptive dynamic surface control using neural networks for hypersonic flight vehicle with input nonlinearities
Authors: Zhou Lilin , Liu Lei , Cheng Zhongtao , Wang Bo , Fan Huijin
Published: February 2020

This study proposes an effective adaptive dynamic surface control (DSC) method based on the radial basis function neural networks and the auxiliary system for hypersonic flight vehicle (HFV) systems in the presence of system uncertainties, external disturbances, and state variable and control input constraints. Firstly, to enhance the robustness of the system, the neural network is combined with the robust term to deal with the uncertainties and external disturbances of the system. Secondly, to prevent the deterioration of the dynamic performance of the system due to the over‐adaptation of the neural networks and the robust terms caused by the state and control input constraints, the auxiliary system is added at each step in the DSC design to adjust the dynamic process of the reference signal and virtual control. Furthermore, the variable structure control is used to solve the problem of dead zone in the control input. Using the Lyapunov analysis method, all signals of the closed‐loop system are semi‐globally uniformly ultimate bounded. The simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme for the HFVs.
Chronic opioid use in women following hysterectomy: Patterns and predictors
Authors: Wen Xuerong , Kogut Stephen , Aroke Hilary , Taylor Lynn , Matteson Kristen A.
Published: February 2020

Background

Most women are prescribed an opioid after hysterectomy. The goal of this study was to determine the association between initial opioid prescribing characteristics and chronic opioid use after hysterectomy.

Methods

This study included women enrolled in a commercial health plan who had a hysterectomy between 1 July 2010 and 31 March 2015. We used trajectory models to define chronic opioid use as patients with the highest probability of having an opioid prescription filled during the 6 months post‐surgery. A multivariable logistic regression was applied to examine the association between initial opioid dispensing (amount prescribed and duration of treatment) and chronic opioid use after adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

A total of 693 of 50 127 (1.38%) opioid‐naïve women met the criteria for chronic opioid use following hysterectomy. The baseline variables and initial opioid prescription characteristics predicted the pattern of long‐term opioid use with moderate discrimination (c statistic = 0.70). Significant predictors of chronic opioid use included initial opioid daily dose (≥60 MME vs <40 MME, aOR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.14‐1.79) and days' supply (4‐7 days vs 1‐3 days, aOR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.06‐1.54; ≥8 days vs 1‐3 days, aOR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.05‐1.89). Other significant baseline predictors included older age, abdominal or laparoscopic/robotic hysterectomy, tobacco use, psychiatric medication use, back pain, and headache.

Conclusion

Initial opioid prescribing characteristics are associated with the risk of chronic opioid use after hysterectomy. Prescribing lower daily doses and shorter days' supply of opioids to women after hysterectomy may result in lower risk of chronic opioid use.
Nitrogen‐Doped Porous Graphene Coated with Fe3O4 Nanoparticles for Advanced Supercapacitor Electrode Material with Improved Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Su Siyu , Lin Yueming , Dai Huimin , Lai Liuqin , Zhu Xiaohong
Published: February 2020

With the increasing demand for high‐performance energy storage devices, single materials of ordinary structures for electrode materials have become increasingly difficult to meet people's needs. Therefore, composites of inimitable structures have drawn considerable attention. In this work, nitrogen‐doped porous graphene coated with Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPGF) is prepared by an efficient and green pyrolysis method. Structural and compositional characterizations confirm that the NPGF nanohybrids possess uniformly distributed pore structure and quite pure composition which is free of any impurities. In addition, electrochemical characterization verifies the excellent electrochemical performance, such as high‐specific capacitance (713 F g−1 at 1 A g−1), prominent rate capability (capacitance retention of 77.3% and 67.9% when the current density is increased respectively from 1 to 10 and 20 A g−1), and outstanding cycling stability (capacitance retention of 94.3% after 3000 cycles). Such promising results suggest that the NPGF nanohybrids have great application prospects in future high‐performance supercapacitors.
Study of the adsorption of 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid from the aqueous solution onto activated carbon
Authors: Hue Hoang Kim , Anh Lam Vinh , Trong Dinh Bao
Published: February 2020

In this work, batch adsorption experiments were carried out for the removal of 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D) from the aqueous solution using activated carbon (AC) in the concentration range from 52.248 to 205.672 mgL‐1. Adsorption isotherm of 2,4‐D onto the AC was determined at 283, 293, 303 and 313 K. Adsorption equilibrium data were fitted to the Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm models in the range of experimental concentrations and isotherm constants were determined. The equilibrium data were best represented by the Freundlich model. The adsorption data were analyzed using pseudo–first‐order, pseudo‐second‐order and Weber‐Morris kinetic models. It was found that the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model was the most appropriate model for describing the adsorption kinetics and apparent equilibrium was reached within 40 min. Weber‐Morris kinetics results included three linear portions within 1 to 120 minutes, indicating that there were at least three adsorption stages, including: film diffusion, intra‐particle diffusion and mass action, but mainly governed by intra‐particle diffusion. The adsorption of 2,4‐D onto AC was a spontaneous and exothermic process with characteristics of physical adsorption, based on the observed thermodynamic conditions. Therefore, the increase in temperature, as predicted, hindered the adsorption and the rate of 2,4‐D removal from solution by AC.
Synthesis and characterization of fluorescent gold nanoclusters
Authors: Lien Nghiem Thi Ha , Hoang Nguyen Dinh , Nghia Nguyen Trong , Hoa Do Quang
Published: February 2020

The fluorescent gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) have been synthesized using aqueous reduction of chloroaric acid with mecapto undecanoic acid (MuA) as a thiol protecting agent. These AuNCs exhibited a strong absorption at 370 nm and a fluorescent emission in visible region. The emission spectrum can be tuned from 520 to 560 nm by controlling the NaOH concentrations during the reaction process. The gold nanoclusters exhibit a quantum yield of few percents and a fluorescence lifetime of ~2 ns. These properties of AuNCs provide greatly promising for biological applications.
Highly oxygenated isoprenoid lipids derived from terrestrial and aquatic sources: Origin, structures and biological activities
Authors: Vil Vera , Gloriozova Tatyana A. , Terent'Ev Alexander O. , Zhukova Natalia V. , Dembitsky Valery M.
Published: February 2020

This mini review is devoted to an interesting group of natural terpenoids called highly oxygenated isoprenoid lipids (HOIL). Their producers are microorganisms, as well as they are found in plants, fungi, animals and marine organisms. The present review consists of three parts. For all three groups of HOIL presented, the chemical structure and the calculated biological activity are given. The first is an overview of HOIL found in nature with a description of some of the pharmacological properties and activity. For the first group of terpenoids, the most characteristic activities are anti‐seborrheic, antineoplastic, and anti‐inflammatory, and they can be used as ovulation inhibitors with a certainty of 85 to 91 percent. In the second part, we present an interesting group of heterocyclic HOIL (or steroidal alkaloids) found in nature with an indication of their possible activity. For the second group of HOIL, the most characteristic activities are: hypolipemic, antifungal, and antineoplastic, and they can be used as lipid metabolism regulators with a confidence of 81 to 89 percent. And in the third group, we represent HOIL derived from marine microorganisms and invertebrates. For the third group of HOIL, the most characteristic activities are: antineoplastic and antipsoriatic and they can be used as cytochrome P450 inhibitors and hepatoprotectants with a confidence of 77 to 93 percent.
Better with each throw—a study on calibration and warm-up decrement of real-time consecutive basketball free throws in elite NBA athletes
Authors: Phatak Ashwin , Mujumdar Utkarsh , Rein Robert , Wunderlich Fabian , Garnica Marc , Memmert Daniel
Published: February 2020

Calibration and warm-up decrement seem to influence performance in sensorimotor skills that are repeatedly performed in succession. Current evidence suggests that error rates are greatest for the first of multiple attempts when performing the same sensorimotor task repeatedly. The aim of the present study is, therefore, to study the calibration effect in sets multiple free throws for National Basketball Association (NBA) players by analyzing single, double and triple sets of free throws and their success rates for each of the respective attempts. We hypothesized that the success rate of subsequent free throws is greater compared to immediately preceding throws. To this end, data from the NBA seasons between 2006 and 2016 totaling 610,049 shots and 1098 players were obtained. For a set of double free throws, the success rate of the second throw was greater compared to the first throw. For triple free throws the success rate increased with each successive throw. The results demonstrate differences between consecutive throwing percentages. In conclusion, the current study supports previous findings in darts that calibration effects may explain the underlying increases in performance during repetitive execution of complex sensorimotor skills. Therefore, the present study extends the previous findings to full body movements involving many biomechanical degrees of freedom.
Laboratory Full-Scale Comparative Tests of Rigid and Flexible Foundations of Buried Steel Structures
Authors: Wysokowski Adam , Mońka Michał
Published: February 2020

The technical issues described in the article concern the aspects of the implementation of foundations for buried flexible steel structures. The modernity of these objects has surpassed the solutions applied for their foundations. The foundations of these structures are most frequently made as traditional “rigid” structures (which is related to their massiveness—most commonly made of reinforced concrete). The article discusses laboratory comparison tests of two types of foundations of a buried flexible structure—a rigid (concrete) and flexible foundation (made as corrugated steel plates) and their results.
The Impact of Universal Credit Rollout on Housing Security: An Analysis of Landlord Repossession Rates in English Local Authorities
Authors: HARDIE IAIN
Published: February 2020

Housing allowances within the UK’s welfare system help protect low-income households from eviction. Universal Credit (UC) has faced criticism for threatening this with its long wait periods, increased conditionality and monthly direct payments. However, there is currently a lack of robust, national-level quantitative analysis on UC’s housing security impacts. This article addresses this, exploiting cross-area variation in the timing of UC rollout to assess its impact on landlord repossession rates within 323 English local authorities. A fixed-effects panel design was used, linking data from UC’s rollout schedule with Ministry of Justice data on legal repossession actions from 2012 Q1 - 2019 Q1. Results suggest that UC ‘Full Service’ rollout, on average, led to an increase of 1.74 landlord repossession claims, 1.42 landlord repossession orders and 0.70 landlord repossession warrants within local authorities (per 10,000 rented dwellings). This corresponds to a 4–5 percent increase on pre-rollout rates. UC’s impact tended to increase the longer it had been rolled out. Where ‘Full Service’ had been rolled out for 12+ months, it led to an increase of 2.60 landlord repossession claims, 2.89 landlord repossession orders and 1.09 landlord repossession warrants (per 10,000 rented dwellings), corresponding to a 6–10 percent increase on pre-rollout rates.
A Passport to Peace? Modern Tourism and Internationalist Idealism
Authors: Bechmann Pedersen Sune
Published: February 2020

Catchy slogans about tourism’s peace-promoting qualities abound – ‘passport to peace’, ‘a vital force for peace’ and ‘the peace industry’, to name but a few. Yet, despite the critical scrutiny of the peace–tourism nexus in recent decades, its historical roots remain unexplored. This article traces the origins of the idea that tourism can help advance peace and international understanding. It examines the aspirations of the various international tourist organisations founded during the interwar and early post-war period. While these organisations sought to foster peaceful relations across national and cultural borders, their discourse of tourism as a force for peace also gave legitimacy to a transnational tourist industry and government attempts to secure hard currency in the Cold War.
Triple‐Frequency Doppler Retrieval of Characteristic Raindrop Size
Authors: Mróz Kamil , Battaglia Alessandro , Kneifel Stefan , D'Adderio Leo Pio , Dias Neto José
Published: February 2020

A retrieval for characteristic raindrop size and width of the drop size distribution (DSD) based on triple‐frequency vertical Doppler radar measurements is developed. The algorithm exploits a statistical relation that maps measurements of the differential Doppler velocities at X and Ka and at Ka and W bands into the two aforementioned DSD moments. The statistical mapping has been founded on 7,900 hr of disdrometer‐observed DSDs and their simulated Doppler velocities. Additionally, a retrieval of
based only on
measurements is also presented, and its performance is compared to the analogous algorithm exploiting
data. The retrievals are tested using triple‐frequency radar data collected during a recent field campaign held at the Juelich Observatory for Cloud Evolution (JOYCE, Germany) where in situ measurements of the DSD were carried out only few meters away from the vertically pointing radars. The triple‐frequency retrieval is able to obtain
with an uncertainty below 25% for
ranging from 0.7 to 2.4 mm. Compared to previously published dual‐frequency retrievals, the third frequency does not improve the retrieval for small
(
 mm). However, it significantly surpasses the
algorithm for larger
(20% versus 50% bias at 2.25 mm). Also compared to
method, the triple‐frequency retrieval is found to provide an improvement of 15% in terms of bias for
 mm. The triple‐frequency retrieval of
performs with an uncertainty of 20–50% for
 mm, with the best performance for
 mm.
Nontoxic concentration of ochratoxin A decreases the dosage of cyclosporine A to induce chronic nephropathy model via autophagy mediated by toll-like receptor 4
Authors: Hou Lili , Le Guannan , Lin Ziman , Qian Gang , Gan Fang , Gu Cong , Jiang Shuai , Mu Jiaxin , Ge Lei , Huang Kehe
Published: February 2020

Cyclosporine A (CsA) extracted from the products of fungal fermentation is used to develop a chronic nephropathy model. However, it has numerous side effects. Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin that induces renal injury. We developed a chronic nephropathy model to lessen the side effects of CsA by administration of nontoxic dosage of OTA, and investigated the underlying mechanism. C57BL/10 wild-type mice, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)−/− mice, and HK-2 cells were used in this study. The nontoxic dosage (0.25 mg/kg, qod) of OTA could significantly decrease the dosage of CsA from 30 to 20 mg/kg per day, and combination of them induced chronic nephropathy model and alleviated the side effects of onefold CsA in vivo, including cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and immunosuppression. The nontoxic concentration (0.5 μg/ml) of OTA could significantly decrease the concentration of CsA from 10 to 6 μg/ml that induced cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and nephrotoxicity in vitro. Nontoxic concentration of OTA and low dosage of CsA activated TLR4 and autophagy. These toxic effects induced by OTA and CsA could be reversed by knockdown of TLR4 and autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine in vitro. Furthermore, the renal injury and autophagy induced by OTA and CsA could be attenuated in TLR4−/− mice. It suggested that a chronic nephropathy model had been successfully developed by administration of nontoxic concentration of OTA and low dosage of CsA via TLR4-mediated autophagy. The side effects of current model were significantly lesser than those of the previous model induced by onefold CsA. It provided a new tool for exploring the pathogenesis and treatment of chronic kidney disease.
The conserved microRNA miR-34 regulates synaptogenesis via coordination of distinct mechanisms in presynaptic and postsynaptic cells
Authors: McNeill Elizabeth M. , Warinner Chloe , Alkins Stephen , Taylor Alicia , Heggeness Hansine , DeLuca Todd F. , Fulga Tudor A. , Wall Dennis P. , Griffith Leslie C. , Van Vactor David
Published: February 2020

Micro(mi)RNA-based post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms have been broadly implicated in the assembly and modulation of synaptic connections required to shape neural circuits, however, relatively few specific miRNAs have been identified that control synapse formation. Using a conditional transgenic toolkit for competitive inhibition of miRNA function in Drosophila, we performed an unbiased screen for novel regulators of synapse morphogenesis at the larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ). From a set of ten new validated regulators of NMJ growth, we discovered that miR-34 mutants display synaptic phenotypes and cell type-specific functions suggesting distinct downstream mechanisms in the presynaptic and postsynaptic compartments. A search for conserved downstream targets for miR-34 identified the junctional receptor CNTNAP4/Neurexin-IV (Nrx-IV) and the membrane cytoskeletal effector Adducin/Hu-li tai shao (Hts) as proteins whose synaptic expression is restricted by miR-34. Manipulation of miR-34, Nrx-IV or Hts-M function in motor neurons or muscle supports a model where presynaptic miR-34 inhibits Nrx-IV to influence active zone formation, whereas, postsynaptic miR-34 inhibits Hts to regulate the initiation of bouton formation from presynaptic terminals.
Bootstrapping quantum process tomography via a perturbative ansatz
Authors: Govia L. C. G. , Ribeill G. J. , Ristè D. , Ware M. , Krovi H.
Published: February 2020

Quantum process tomography has become increasingly critical as the need grows for robust verification and validation of candidate quantum processors, since it plays a key role in both performance assessment and debugging. However, as these processors grow in size, standard process tomography becomes an almost impossible task. Here, we present an approach for efficient quantum process tomography that uses a physically motivated ansatz for an unknown quantum process. Our ansatz bootstraps to an effective description for an unknown process on a multi-qubit processor from pairwise two-qubit tomographic data. Further, our approach can inherit insensitivity to system preparation and measurement error from the two-qubit tomography scheme. We benchmark our approach using numerical simulation of noisy three-qubit gates, and show that it produces highly accurate characterizations of quantum processes. Further, we demonstrate our approach experimentally on a superconducting quantum processor, building three-qubit gate reconstructions from two-qubit tomographic data.