bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pêssego: Características Físico-Químicas e Conteúdo de Compostos Bioativos
Authors: Machado Maria Inês Rodrigues , Machado Adriana Rodrigues , Zambiazi Rui Carlos
Published: May 2020

Originário da China, o pessegueiro foi uma das espécies de clima temperado que mais rapidamente se expandiu pelo mundo, sendo também considerado símbolo da longevidade.  Embora a maioria das regiões produtoras esteja entre as latitudes de 30o N e 45°S, o pessegueiro é uma das mais importantes espécies frutíferas de clima temperado exploradas no Brasil. Assim como outros frutos, o pêssego apresenta compostos bioativos, mas que ainda pouco tem se estudado. Por isto, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as características físico-químicas enfocando na composição de compostos bioativos, de cultivares de pêssego utilizado no processamento nas indústrias região sul do RS. Para isto foram escolhidas três cultivares de pêssegos de duas safras 2008/2009 e 2009/2010; Santa Áurea, Esmeralda e Maciel. Os frutos foram provenientes de produtores da região de Pelotas/RS, e cultivados pelo sistema de rastreabilidade da fruta. Foram avaliados pH, acidez titulável (AT), sólidos solúveis (SS), relação SS/AT, total de carotenoides, carotenoides individuais, total de compostos fenólicos, compostos fenólicos individuais e total de antocianinas. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que a cultivar Esmeralda apresentou SS/AT: 20,0 (safra 2008/2009) e a Santa Áurea (safra 2009/2010) uma relação de SS/AT: 17,2. Com relação ao teor de acidez, a cultivar que se destacou foi Esmeralda. A cultivar Esmeralda também apresentou maior teor de ácido gálico com relação as demais cultivares, em ambas as safras avaliadas. Em relação ao conteúdo de carotenoides, as cultivares Esmeralda (6,72 mg de β-caroteno.100g-1) e Maciel (5,97 mg de β-caroteno.100g-1) apresentaram valores superiores, ambas na safra 2009/2010.
Caracterização físico-química da polpa de theobroma cacao l. produzidos na mesorregião do Jaguaribe, Ceará, Brasil
Authors: Moreira Lunian Fernandes , Souza Pahlevi Augusto de , Costa Franciscleudo Bezerra da , Vieira Jallyne Nunes , Ribeiro Wellington Souto , Braga Renata Chastinet , Sales Giuliana Naiara Barros , Vieira Marcos Ribeiro da Silva
Published: May 2020

A adaptação do cacaueiro e da qualidade dos seus frutos selecionados no Nordeste, principalmente no Vale Jaguaribe - Ceará, ainda encontra-se em estudo. Logotipo, ou objetivo de caracterizar a qualidade de frutos de seis genótipos de cacau produzido na Mesorregião de Jaguaribe, nordeste brasileiro. Pomares de seis genótipos de Theobrama cacao (PS1319, CCN51, CEPEC 2002, CEPEC 2004, CEPEC 2005 e CEPEC 2006) foram implantados na cidade de Russas, Ceará, Brasil. Nenhum laboratório de processamento de frutas e hortaliças, os frutos foram dimensionados quanto a forma e despolpados para determinar como recursos de produção de polpa, pH, acidez titulável, solúveis, ácido ascórbico, composição centesimal e produtos bioativos. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, o genótipo 'PS1319' possui maiores porcentagens de polpa, altos teores de ácido ascórbico, de absorção e de proteínas, podendo ser considerado ou o melhor genótipo. No entanto, consulte uma meta para a produção da cultura para utilização das sementes na indústria de chocolate, ou o modelo 'CCN51' apresenta as melhores características como massa fresca e maiores diâmetros das sementes, em relação aos demais genótipos. Portanto, os genótipos 'PS1319' e 'CCN51' são os mais indicados quando desejar usar os mesmos produtos de produção de alimentos como chocolate.
Habitações para famílias de baixa renda: estratégias de implantação de assistência pública gratuita
Authors: Vieira Almir Antônio , Bastos Thainá Prando
Published: May 2020

A moradia digna é um direito de todo cidadão brasileiro resguardado pela Constituição da República Federal, todavia estima-se que 7,77 milhões de habitações são deficientes em vista das necessidades básicas das famílias brasileiras. A fim de combater ao elevado índice de déficit habitacional existente, a Lei Federal nº 11.888 asseguram às famílias de baixa renda assistência técnica pública e gratuita, como projetos e execução de serviços técnicos no âmbito da engenharia, arquitetura e urbanismo. A idealização de um sistema social de auxílio à provisão de habitações está diretamente relacionada à garantia de qualidade de vida à população que, em maior parte, recorre à autoconstrução como forma de produção da moradia. A metodologia utilizada no estudo foi levantamento bibliográfico, pesquisa documental e estudos de casos práticos de sucesso. Como resultado final, são apresentadas propostas para a implantação da assistência técnica pública e gratuita a famílias de baixa renda, e consequentemente, construção de habitações de interesse social, destacando para cada uma delas os fatores de viabilidade técnica e econômica.
Enfermeiro do trabalho na prevenção de riscos biológicos ocupacionais: uma revisão de literatura no âmbito hospitalar
Authors: Ribeiro Wanderson Alves , Souza Carlos Eduardo Abreu de Lima , Conceição Vanessa Lúcio Dias da , Evangelista Denilson da Silva
Published: May 2020

O enfermeiro do trabalho atribui-se de forma significativa no âmbito hospitalar o desenvolvimento de ações para medidas de segurança, detecção e minimização dos riscos ocupacionais de acordo com a atividade realizada e os agravos biológicos a que estão expostos os profissionais de enfermagem, com o objetivo de melhorar as condições laborais. Trata-se de uma pesquisa bibliográfica de abordagem qualitativa, com objetivo de descrever a atuação do enfermeiro do trabalho para a redução do risco biológico no âmbito hospitalar. Após a associação de todos os descritores foram encontrados 151 artigos, excluídos 138 e selecionados 13. Posterior à leitura reflexiva emergiram quatro categorias: Principais eventos adversos biológicos; O Enfermeiro do Trabalho na prevenção dos riscos ocupacionais. Dentre os riscos a que os trabalhadores estão expostos ressalta-se a infecção hospitalar, a potencial transmissão do Vírus da Imunodeficiência Adquirida (HIV), do Vírus da Hepatite B (HBV) e da Hepatite C (HCV), além de outras ocorrências danosas a saúde do trabalhador. O papel do Enfermeiro do trabalho passou por transformações e evoluções, sendo hoje considerado um profissional de extrema importância para qualquer organização, à medida que por meio de sua orientação e atenção, seja prevenido os acidentes e doenças laborais e também aconteça a promoção da saúde dos trabalhadores. Conclui-se que o enfermeiro tem a formação voltada para o gerenciamento além de estar apto a realizar procedimentos de menor e maior complexidade bem como prescrever ações, adotando medidas de precaução universal de biossegurança. Sua atuação prevê um planejamento estratégico, o que facilita para a elaboração de pesquisa de acidentes ocupacionais e consequentemente a prevenção destes.
A influência de infraestrutura e materiais didáticos nas aulas de Educação Física das escolas estaduais do Município de Manacapuru no Estado do Amazonas
Authors: Souza Franciane Nobrega de , Sá Ariane Boaventura da Silva , Machado Vinícius de Azevedo
Published: May 2020

A disciplina de Educação Física é componente curricular obrigatório na Educação Básica brasileira, todavia, para que aconteça de forma plena é necessário a existência, nas escolas, de materiais didáticos e espaços físicos adequados. O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a influência de infraestruturas e materiais didáticos para as aulas de Educação Física das escolas estaduais do munícipio de Manacapuru-AM. A pesquisa foi realizada em quinze escolas estaduais da zona urbana desse município amazonense e se caracteriza como descritiva, de caráter exploratório. Foram realizadas observações e anotações em Diário de Campo e constatado que seis escolas possuíam quadra coberta, outras seis apenas pátio sem cobertura, e três das escolas não tinham nenhum espaço para além da sala de aula. A respeito dos materiais didáticos, na maioria das escolas foram encontrados em quantidades insuficientes para a demanda de alunos. Por fim, concluímos, a partir das observações, que a falta de infraestrutura e materiais didáticos influenciavam diretamente na qualidade e realização das aulas de Educação Física.
Nitric Oxide Modulation by Folic Acid Fortification
Authors: Taira Junsei , Ogi Takayuki
Published: May 2020

Folic acid (FA) can be protected the neural tube defects (NTDs) causing nitric oxide (NO) induction, but the alleviation mechanism of the detailed FA function against NO has not yet been clarified. This study focused on elucidation of the interaction of FA and NO. FA suppressed nitrite accumulation as the NO indicator in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, then the expression of the iNOS gene due to the LPS treatment was not inhibited by FA, suggesting that FA can modulate against NO or nitrogen radicals. NOR3 (4-ethyl-2-hydroxyamino-5-nitro-3-hexenamide) as the NO donor was used for evaluation of the NO scavenging activity of FA. FA suppressed the nitrite accumulation in a dose-dependent manner. To confirm the reaction product of FA and NO (FA-NO), liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC/MS) was used to measure a similar system containing NOR3 and FA, and then detected the mass numbers of the FA-NO as m/z 470.9 (M + H)+ and m/z 469.1 (M − H)−. In addition, the adducts of the FA-NO derived from 14NO and 15NO gave individual mass numbers of the isotopic ratio of nitrogen for the following products: FA-14NO, m/z 471.14 (M + H)+; m/z 469.17 (M − H)− and FA-15NO, m/z 472.16 (M + H)+; m/z 470.12 (M − H)–. To clarify the detailed NO scavenging action of FA, an electron spin resonance (ESR) study for radical detecting of the system containing carboxy-PTIO (2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide) as an NO detection reagent in the presence of NOR3 and FA was performed. The carboxy-PTI (2-carboxyphenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl) radical produced from the reaction with NO reduced in the presence of FA showing that FA can directly scavenge NO. These results indicated that NO scavenging activity of FA reduced the accumulation of nitrite in the LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The NO modulation due to FA would be responsible for the alleviation from the failure in neural tube formation causing a high level of NO production.
The Impact of Whole Genome Data on Therapeutic Decision-Making in Metastatic Prostate Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Crumbaker Megan , Chan Eva , Gong Tingting , Corcoran Niall , Jaratlerdsiri Weerachai , Lyons Ruth , Haynes Anne-Maree , Kulidjian Anna , Kalsbeek Anton , Petersen Desiree , Stricker Phillip , Jamieson Christina , Croucher Peter , Hovens Christopher , Joshua Anthony , Hayes Vanessa
Published: May 2020

Background: While critical insights have been gained from evaluating the genomic landscape of metastatic prostate cancer, utilizing this information to inform personalized treatment is in its infancy. We performed a retrospective pilot study to assess the current impact of precision medicine for locally advanced and metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma and evaluate how genomic data could be harnessed to individualize treatment. Methods: Deep whole genome-sequencing was performed on 16 tumour-blood pairs from 13 prostate cancer patients; whole genome optical mapping was performed in a subset of 9 patients to further identify large structural variants. Tumour samples were derived from prostate, lymph nodes, bone and brain. Results: Most samples had acquired genomic alterations in multiple therapeutically relevant pathways, including DNA damage response (11/13 cases), PI3K (7/13), MAPK (10/13) and Wnt (9/13). Five patients had somatic copy number losses in genes that may indicate sensitivity to immunotherapy (LRP1B, CDK12, MLH1) and one patient had germline and somatic BRCA2 alterations. Conclusions: Most cases, whether primary or metastatic, harboured therapeutically relevant alterations, including those associated with PARP inhibitor sensitivity, immunotherapy sensitivity and resistance to androgen pathway targeting agents. The observed intra-patient heterogeneity and presence of genomic alterations in multiple growth pathways in individual cases suggests that a precision medicine model in prostate cancer needs to simultaneously incorporate multiple pathway-targeting agents. Our whole genome approach allowed for structural variant assessment in addition to the ability to rapidly reassess an individual’s molecular landscape as knowledge of relevant biomarkers evolve. This retrospective oncological assessment highlights the genomic complexity of prostate cancer and the potential impact of assessing genomic data for an individual at any stage of the disease.
Therapeutic Targeting of Autophagy for Renal Cell Carcinoma Therapy
Authors: Jones Trace M. , Carew Jennifer S. , Nawrocki Steffan T.
Published: May 2020

Kidney cancer is the 7th most prevalent form of cancer in the United States with the vast majority of cases being classified as renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Multiple targeted therapies have been developed to treat RCC, but efficacy and resistance remain a challenge. In recent years, the modulation of autophagy has been shown to augment the cytotoxicity of approved RCC therapeutics and overcome drug resistance. Inhibition of autophagy blocks a key nutrient recycling process that cancer cells utilize for cell survival following periods of stress including chemotherapeutic treatment. Classic autophagy inhibitors such as chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine have been introduced into phase I/II clinical trials, while more experimental compounds are moving forward in preclinical development. Here we examine the current state and future directions of targeting autophagy to improve the efficacy of RCC therapeutics.
The Relationship between ECOG-PS, mGPS, BMI/WL Grade and Body Composition and Physical Function in Patients with Advanced Cancer
Authors: Dolan Ross D. , Daly Louise E. , Simmons Claribel Pl. , Ryan Aoife M. , Sim Wei Mj. , Fallon Marie , Power Derek G. , Wilcock Andrew , Maddocks Matthew , Bennett Michael I. , Usborne Caroline , Laird Barry J. , McMillan Donald C.
Published: May 2020

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide and the associated reduction in physical function has a marked impact on both quality of life and survival. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group-Performance status (ECOG-PS), modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS), Body Mass Index/Weight Loss grade (BMI/WL grade), and Computerised Tomography (CT)-derived body composition measurement and physical function in patients with advanced cancer. Nine sites contributed prospective data on patient demographics, ECOG-PS, mGPS, physical function tests, and CT-derived body composition. Categorical variables were analysed using χ2 test for linear-by-linear association, or χ2 test for 2-by-2 tables. Associations were analysed using binary logistic regression. A total of 523 cancer patients (266 males, 257 females) were included in the final analysis and most had metastatic disease (83.2%). The median overall survival was 5.6 months. On multivariate binary logistic regression analysis, a high ECOG-PS remained independently associated with a low skeletal muscle index (p < 0.001), low skeletal muscle density (p < 0.05), and timed up and go test failure (p < 0.001). A high mGPS remained independently associated with a low skeletal muscle density (p < 0.05) and hand grip strength test failure (p < 0.01). A high BMI/WL grade remained independently associated with a low subcutaneous fat index (p < 0.05), low visceral obesity (p < 0.01), and low skeletal muscle density (p < 0.05). In conclusion, a high ECOG-PS and a high mGPS as outlined in the ECOG-PS/mGPS framework were consistently associated with poorer body composition and physical function in patients with advanced cancer.
PIM-1 Is Overexpressed at a High Frequency in Circulating Tumor Cells from Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Patients
Authors: Markou Athina , Tzanikou Eleni , Strati Areti , Zavridou Martha , Mastoraki Sophia , Bournakis Evangelos , Lianidou Evi
Published: May 2020

PIM-1 is an oncogene involved in cell cycle progression, cell growth, cell survival and therapy resistance, activated in many types of cancer, and is now considered as a very promising target for cancer therapy. We report for the first time that PIM-1 is overexpressed in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients (mCRPC). We first developed and validated a highly sensitive RT-qPCR assay for quantification of PIM-1 transcripts. We further applied this assay to study PIM-1 expression in EpCAM(+) CTC fraction isolated from 64 peripheral blood samples of 50 mCRPC patients. CTC enumeration in all samples was performed using the FDA-cleared CellSearch® system. PIM-1 overexpression was detected in 24/64 (37.5%) cases, while in 20/24 (83.3%) cases that were positive for PIM-1 expression, at least one CTC/7.5 mL PB was detected in the CellSearch®. Our data indicate that PIM-1 overexpression is observed at high frequency in CTCs from mCRPC patients and this finding, in combination with androgen receptor splice variant 7 (AR-V7) expression in CTCs, suggest its potential role as a very promising target for cancer therapy. We strongly believe that PIM-1 overexpression in EpCAM(+) CTC fraction merits to be further evaluated and validated as a non-invasive circulating tumor biomarker in a large and well-defined patient cohort with mCRPC.
The Role of Hyperglycemia in Endometrial Cancer Pathogenesis
Authors: Byrne Frances L. , Martin Amy R. , Kosasih Melidya , Caruana Beth T. , Farrell Rhonda
Published: May 2020

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide and its incidence is increasing. Epidemiological evidence shows a strong association between endometrial cancer and obesity, and multiple mechanisms linking obesity and cancer progression have been described. However, it remains unclear which factors are the main drivers of endometrial cancer development. Hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus are common co-morbidities of obesity, and there is evidence that hyperglycemia is a risk factor for endometrial cancer independent of obesity. This review aims to explore the association between hyperglycemia and endometrial cancer, and discuss the evidence supporting a role for increased glucose metabolism in endometrial cancer and how this phenotype may contribute to endometrial cancer growth and progression. Finally, the potential role of blood glucose lowering strategies, including drugs and bariatric surgery, for the treatment of this malignancy will be discussed.
Relationships and Qualitative Evaluation between Diffusion-Weighted Imaging and Pathologic Findings of Resected Lung Cancers
Authors: Usuda Katsuo , Iwai Shun , Yamagata Aika , Sekimura Atsushi , Motono Nozomu , Matoba Munetaka , Doai Mariko , Yamada Sohsuke , Ueda Yoshimichi , Hirata Keiya , Uramoto Hidetaka
Published: May 2020

For detecting malignant tumors, diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) as well as fluoro-2-deoxy-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) are available. It is not definitive how DWI correlates the pathological findings of lung cancer. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationships between DWI findings and pathologic findings. In this study, 226 patients with resected lung cancers were enrolled. DWI was performed on each patient before surgery. There were 167 patients with adenocarcinoma, 44 patients with squamous cell carcinoma, and 15 patients with other cell types. Relationships between the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of DWI and the pathology were analyzed. When the optimal cutoff value (OCV) of ADC for diagnosing malignancy was 1.70 × 10−3 mm2/s, the sensitivity of DWI was 92.0% (208/226). The sensitivity was 33.3% (3/9) in mucinous adenocarcinoma. The ADC value (1.31 ± 0.32 × 10−3 mm2/s) of adenocarcinoma was significantly higher than that (1.17 ± 0.29 × 10−3 mm2/s) of squamous cell carcinoma (p = 0.012), or (0.93 ± 0.14 × 10−3 mm2/s) of small cell carcinoma (p = 0.0095). The ADC value (1.91 ± 0.36 × 10−3 mm2/s) of mucinous adenocarcinoma was significantly higher than that (1.25 ± 0.25 × 10−3 mm2/s) of adenocarcinoma with mucin and that (1.24 ± 0.30 × 10−3 mm2/s) of other cell types. The ADC (1.11 ± 0.26 × 10−3 mm2/s) of lung cancer with necrosis was significantly lower than that (1.32 ± 0.33 × 10−3 mm2/s) of lung cancer without necrosis. The ADC of mucinous adenocarcinoma was significantly higher than those of adenocarcinoma of other cell types. The ADC of lung cancer was likely to decrease according to cell differentiation decreasing. The sensitivity of DWI for lung cancer was 92% and this result shows that DWI is valuable for the evaluation of lung cancer. Lung cancer could be evaluated qualitatively using DWI.
Parameter Estimation of the Stochastic Primary Nucleation Kinetics by Stochastic Integrals Using Focused-Beam Reflectance Measurements
Authors: Unno Joi , Hirasawa Izumi
Published: May 2020

The kinetic parameters of stochastic primary nucleation were estimated for the batch-cooling crystallization of L-arginine. It is difficult for process analytical tools to detect the first nucleus. In this study, the latent period for the total number of crystals to be increased to a predetermined threshold was repeatedly measured with focused-beam reflectance measurements. Consequently, the latent periods were different in each measurement due to the stochastic behavior of both primary and secondary nucleation. Therefore, at first, the distribution of the latent periods was estimated by a Monte Carlo simulation for some combinations of the kinetic parameters of primary nucleation. In the simulation, stochastic integrals of the population and mass balance equations were solved. Then, the parameters of the distribution of latent periods were estimated and correlated with the kinetic parameters of primary nucleation. The resulting correlation was represented by a mapping. Finally, the parameters of the actual distribution were input into the inverse mapping, and the kinetic parameters were estimated as the outputs. The estimated kinetic parameters were validated using statistical techniques, which implied that the observed distribution function of the latent periods for the thresholds used in the estimation coincided reasonably with the simulated one based on the estimated parameters.
Species Diversity of Micromycetes Associated with Epipactis helleborine and Epipactis purpurata (Orchidaceae, Neottieae) in Southwestern Poland
Authors: Ogórek Rafał , Kurczaba Klaudia , Łobas Zbigniew , Żołubak Elżbieta , Jakubska-Busse Anna
Published: May 2020

The Orchidaceae family is a diverse family of flowering plants that occur naturally in most parts of the world. However, fungal communities inhabiting different parts of orchids are not sufficiently described. The aim of the study was to conduct a mycological evaluation of Epipactis helleborine and E. purpurata (Orchidaceae), which grow naturally in Lower Silesia (SW Poland), by identifying the species composition of the culturable micromycetes fungi on the surfaces of the plants and from the inner layers of the tissues. Fungi were identified based on a phenotypic and genotypic analysis. To our knowledge, this is the first such analysis. This study showed that more species of micromycetes were cultured from E. helleborine compared with E. purpurata. The flowering plants of E. helleborine were inhabited by the largest number of culturable fungal species (13 species), and the fewest species were isolated from the flowering plants of E. purpurata (eight species). Some of these fungal species may be pathogens of the plants. The surface tissues of the orchids were mainly inhabited by Mucor moelleri and/or Penicillium biourgeianum. The inner layers of these plants were the most colonized by Alternaria tenuissima and/or Arthrinium arundinis and/or Fusarium sporotrichioides. The relative dominance of these fungal species depended mainly on the development phase of the plants.
Spreadability for Quantum Stochastic Processes, with an Application to Boolean Commutation Relations
Authors: Crismale Vitonofrio , Fidaleo Francesco , Griseta Maria Elena
Published: May 2020

In order to manage spreadability for quantum stochastic processes, we study in detail the structure of the involved monoids acting on the index-set of all integers Z , that is that generated by left and right hand-side partial shifts, the monoid of all strictly increasing maps whose range has finite complement, and finally the collection of all strictly increasing maps of Z . We show that such three monoids are strictly ordered, and the second-named one is the semidirect product between the first and the action of Z generated by the one-step shift. Even if the definition of a spreadable stochastic process is provided in terms of the invariance of the finite joint distributions under the natural action of the last monoid on the indices, we see that spreadability can be directly stated in terms of invariance with respect to the action of the first monoid. Concerning the stochastic processes involving the concrete boolean C ∗ -algebra generated by the annihilators acting on the boolean Fock space (i.e., the concrete C ∗ -algebra satisfying the boolean commutation relations), we study their spreadability directly in terms of the invariance under the monoid generated by all strictly increasing maps whose range has finite complement because, for this case, such an investigation appears more direct and manageable. Finally, we present the version of the Ryll–Nardzewski theorem for the boolean case, establishing that spreadable, exchangeable and stationary stochastic processes coincide, and describing their common structure.
Development of Nanosized Mn3O4-Co3O4 on Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes for Cathode Catalyst in Urea Fuel Cell
Authors: Pham Thi Ngoc Tuyen , Yoon Young Soo
Published: May 2020

Double-oxide Mn3O4-Co3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized and anchored on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) via a single-step solvothermal method. The largest specific area (99.82 m2g−1) of the catalyst was confirmed via a nitrogen adsorption isotherm. Furthermore, the uniform coating of the Mn3O4-Co3O4 nanoparticles on the surface of the MWCNTs was observed via scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy; the uniform coating provided an effective transport pathway during the electrocatalytic activities. The rotating disk electrode and rotating ring disk electrode measurements indicated that the electron transfer number was 3.96 and the evolution of H2O2 was 2%. In addition, the Mn3O4-Co3O4/MWCNT catalyst did not undergo urea poisoning and remained stable in an alkaline solution. Conversely, commercial Pt/C could not withstand urea poisoning for long. The performance cell achieved a power density of 0.4226 mW cm−2 at 50 °C. Therefore, Mn3O4-Co3O4/MWCNT is an efficient and inexpensive noble-metal-free cathodic catalyst for direct urea fuel cells.
Configuration Synthesis of Novel Hybrid Transmission Systems Using a Combination of a Ravigneaux Gear Train and a Simple Planetary Gear Train
Authors: Ho Thanh-Tho , Hwang Sheng-Jye
Published: May 2020

Thirty-two novel hybrid transmissions consisting of a Ravigneaux gear train and a single planetary gear train are synthesized using a creative design methodology based on graph-theory and the lever analogy method. The design process commences by identifying an existing transmission configuration which meets all of the design requirements. The chosen design is then used to synthesize all possible mechanism permutations which satisfy the design constraints. The feasible mechanisms which satisfy both the design requirements and the design constraints are converted into analogous levers. The levers which fail to provide the required operation modes of the hybrid transmission are eliminated and the remaining levers are assigned brakes and clutches in order to realize the final designs. The responsiveness of the new hybrid transmissions and the feasibility of the proposed design methodology are confirmed by analyzing the power flow and kinematics of one of the designs in all of the operation modes.
Global Harmonic Parameters for Estimation of Power Quality Indices: An Approach for PMUs
Authors: Granados-Lieberman David
Published: May 2020

For wide-area measurement systems and smart grids, phasor measurement units (PMUs) have become key elements since they provide synchronized information related to the fundamental frequency components of voltages and currents. In recent years, some works have extended the concept of PMU to harmonic analysis due to the proliferation of nonlinear loads. In this work, as a first contribution, the reference model for P-class and M-class PMUs provided by the IEEE Standard C37.118.1 is expanded with the aim of obtaining the harmonic information and electric power quantities. Additionally, as a second contribution, the approach of global harmonic parameters (GHPs) for PMUs is proposed. Specifically, GHPs are introduced in this work as unified quantities regarding the overall harmonic content of voltages and currents signals. With the help of these parameters, the estimation of power quality indices (PQIs) according to the IEEE Standard 1459 can be carried out but with an important advantage, i.e., a reduced amount of data, which reduces the requirements of management, storage, and analysis. Finally, the mathematical formulations for PQIs using the proposal are also presented. It is important to mention that they are equivalent to classical formulations that use individual harmonic information; however, they exploit the advantage of PMUs that require a reduced amount of data. Several tests with synthetic and real signals are carried out to validate the proposal. Results demonstrate the effectiveness and usefulness of the proposed approach.
Preventive Security-Constrained Optimal Power Flow with Probabilistic Guarantees
Authors: Li Hang , Zhang Zhe , Yin Xianggen , Zhang Buhan
Published: May 2020

The traditional security-constrained optimal power flow (SCOPF) model under the classical N-1 criterion is implemented in the power industry to ensure the secure operation of a power system. However, with increasing uncertainties from renewable energy sources (RES) and loads, the existing SCOPF model has difficulty meeting the practical requirements of the industry. This paper proposed a novel chance-constrained preventive SCOPF model that considers the uncertainty of power injections, including RES and load, and contingency probability. The chance constraint is used to constrain the overall line flow within the limits with high probabilistic guarantees and to significantly reduce the constraint scales. The cumulant and Johnson systems were combined to accurately approximate the cumulative distribution functions, which is important in solving chance-constrained optimization problems. The simulation results show that the model proposed in this paper can achieve better performance than traditional SCOPF.
Impact of Long-Term Water Inflow Uncertainty on Wholesale Electricity Prices in Markets with High Shares of Renewable Energies and Storages
Authors: Scheben Heike , Klempp Nikolai , Hufendiek Kai
Published: May 2020

Renewable energy shares in electricity markets are increasing and therefore also require an increase in flexibility options. Conventional electricity price modelling with optimisation models in thermally dominated markets is not appropriate in markets with high shares of renewable energies and storages because price structures are not adequately represented. Previous research has already identified the impact of uncertainty in renewable energy feed-in on investment and dispatch decisions. However, we are not aware of any work that investigates the influence of uncertainties on price structures by means of optimisation models. Appropriate modelling of electricity price structures is important for investment and policy decisions. We have investigated the influence of uncertainty concerning water inflow by applying a second stage stochastic dual dynamic programming approach in a linear optimisation model using Norway as an example. We found that the influence of uncertainty concerning water inflow combined with high shares of storages has a strong impact on the electricity price structures. The identified structures are highly influenced by seasonal water inflow, electricity demand, wind, and export profiles. Additionally, they are reinforced by seasonal primary energy source prices and import prices. Incorporating uncertainties in linear optimisation models improves the price modelling and provides, to a large extent, an explanation for the seasonal patterns of Norwegian electricity market prices. The paper explains the basic pricing mechanisms in markets with high shares of storages and renewable energies which are subject to uncertainty. To identify these fundamental mechanisms, we focused on uncertainty regarding water inflow, but the basic results hold true for uncertainties regarding other renewable energies as well.
Wind Turbine Systematic Yaw Error: Operation Data Analysis Techniques for Detecting It and Assessing Its Performance Impact
Authors: Astolfi Davide , Castellani Francesco , Becchetti Matteo , Lombardi Andrea , Terzi Ludovico
Published: May 2020

The widespread availability of wind turbine operation data has considerably boosted the research and the applications for wind turbine monitoring. It is well established that a systematic misalignment of the wind turbine nacelle with respect to the wind direction has a remarkable impact in terms of down-performance, because the extracted power is in first approximation proportional to the cosine cube of the yaw angle. Nevertheless, due to the fact that in the wind farm practice the wind field facing the rotor is estimated through anemometers placed behind the rotor, it is challenging to robustly detect systematic yaw errors without the use of additional upwind sensory systems. Nevertheless, this objective is valuable because it involves the use of data that are available to wind farm practitioners at zero cost. On these grounds, the present work is a two-steps test case discussion. At first, a new method for systematic yaw error detection through operation data analysis is presented and is applied for individuating a misaligned multi-MW wind turbine. After the yaw error correction on the test case wind turbine, operation data of the whole wind farm are employed for an innovative assessment method of the performance improvement at the target wind turbine. The other wind turbines in the farm are employed as references and their operation data are used as input for a multivariate Kernel regression whose target is the power of the wind turbine of interest. Training the model with pre-correction data and validating on post-correction data, it is estimated that a systematic yaw error of 4 ∘ affects the performance up to the order of the 1.5% of the Annual Energy Production.
Coconut Coir as a Sustainable Nursery Growing Media for Seedling Production of the Ecologically Diverse Quercus Species
Authors: Mariotti Barbara , Martini Sofia , Raddi Sabrina , Tani Andrea , Jacobs Douglass F. , Oliet Juan A. , Maltoni Alberto
Published: May 2020

Peat, a non-sustainable resource, is still predominately used in forest nurseries. Coconut coir might provide an alternative, renewable, and reliable growing media but few studies have evaluated this media type in forest nurseries. We assessed the influence of pure coir, in combination with various fertilization regimes, on the growth and physiology of three ecologically diverse Quercus species seedlings (Q. robur, Q. pubescens, and Q. ilex) during nursery cultivation. Seedlings were grown using peat and pure coir in combination with three fertilization treatments (standard, K-enriched, and P-enriched). Data were collected for: (1) growth and physiological traits; (2) detailed above- and below-ground morphological traits by destructive analysis; and (3) NPK content in leaves, shoot and roots, and in the growing media, following cultivation. Peat and coir in combination with the various fertilization treatments affected above- and below-ground morphology and, to a lesser extent, the physiological traits of Quercus seedlings. Large effects of the substrate occurred for most morphological variables, with peat being more effective than coir in all studied species. Fertilization also produced significant differences. The effect of K-enriched fertilization on plant growth was clear across the three species and the two growing media. P-enriched fertilization in peat was the only combination that promoted a higher amount of this element in the tissues at the end of cultivation. Despite their smaller size, seedlings produced in coir were compatible with standard Quercus forest stocktype size, and showed a proportionally higher root system development and fibrosity. Our results suggest that coir can be used as an alternative substrate to grow Quercus species seedlings, and that fertilization can offset coir deficiencies in chemical properties. As several functional traits drive planting performance under varying environmental conditions. according to the Target Plant Concept, coir might thus serve as an acceptable material for seedling cultivation in some cases.
Within-Site Variability of Liana Wood Anatomical Traits: A Case Study in Laussat, French Guiana
Authors: Meunier Félicien , Krishna Moorthy Sruthi M. , De Deurwaerder Hannes P. T. , Kreus Robin , Van den Bulcke Jan , Lehnebach Romain , Verbeeck Hans
Published: May 2020

Research Highlights: We investigated the variability of vessel diameter distributions within the liana growth form among liana individuals originating from a single site in Laussat, French Guiana. Background and Objectives: Lianas (woody vines) are key components of tropical forests. Lianas are believed to be strong competitors for water, thanks to their presumed efficient vascular systems. However, unlike tropical trees, lianas are overlooked in field data collection. As a result, lianas are often referred to as a homogeneous growth form while little is known about the hydraulic architecture variation among liana individuals. Materials and Methods: We measured several wood hydraulic and structural traits (e.g., basic specific gravity, vessel area, and vessel diameter distribution) of 22 liana individuals in a single sandy site in Laussat, French Guiana. We compared the liana variability of these wood traits and the correlations among them with an existing liana pantropical dataset and two published datasets of trees originating from different, but species-rich, tropical sites. Results: Liana vessel diameter distribution and density were heterogeneous among individuals: there were two orders of magnitude difference between the smallest (4 µm) and the largest (494 µm) vessel diameters, a 50-fold difference existed between extreme vessel densities ranging from 1.8 to 89.3 vessels mm−2, the mean vessel diameter varied between 26 µm and 271 µm, and the individual theoretical stem hydraulic conductivity estimates ranged between 28 and 1041 kg m−1 s−1 MPa−1. Basic specific gravity varied between 0.26 and 0.61. Consequently, liana wood trait variability, even within a small sample, was comparable in magnitude with tree surveys from other tropical sites and the pantropical liana dataset. Conclusions: This study illustrates that even controlling for site and soil type, liana traits are heterogeneous and cannot be considered as a homogeneous growth form. Our results show that the liana hydraulic architecture heterogeneity across and within sites warrants further investigation in order to categorize lianas into functional groups in the same way as trees
Dieback of Euonymus alatus (Celastraceae) Caused by Cytospora haidianensis sp. nov. in China
Authors: Zhou Xian , Pan Meng , Li Haoyu , Tian Chengming , Fan Xinlei
Published: May 2020

Euonymus alatus (Celastraceae) is widely cultivated in China for its economic value and landscape benefits. Euonymus alatus dieback occurs due to members of Cytospora and has become one of the most severe diseases affecting its cultivation in China. In this study, we examined the causal agent of bough dieback on campuses of University Road, Beijing, China. Among the strains, three were morphologically consistent with Cytospora, showing hyaline and allantoid conidia. Based on phylogenetic analyses of the concatenated actin (ACT), internal transcribed spacer (ITS), RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1-α) and beta-tubulin (TUB2) gene sequences, along with morphological and physiological features, we propose C. haidianensis as a novel species. It was confirmed as a causal agent of dieback of E. alatus by pathogenicity tests. Mycelial growth of Cytospora haidianensis occurred at pH values ranging from 3.0 to 11.0, with optimum growth at 8.3, and at temperatures from 5 to 35 °C, with optimum growth at 19.8 °C. We also tested the growth of C. haidianensis in the presence of six carbon sources. Sucrose, maltose and glucose were highly efficient and xylose was the least. The ability of C. haidianensis to grow at 19.8 °C may help to explain its occurrence causing dieback of E. alatus in Beijing during the autumn season.
Erratum: Interlocutors, Nonhuman Actors, and the Ethics of Literary Signification. Humanities 2019, 8, 108
Authors: Wehrs Donald R.
Published: May 2020

The author would like to make the following changes to the published paper (Wehrs 2019): [...]
Erratum: Abma, T., et al. Sowing Seeds to Harvest Healthier Adults: The Working Principles and Impact of Participatory Health Research with Children in a Primary School Context. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 451
Authors: Abma Tineke , Lips Sarah , Schrijver Janine
Published: May 2020

The authors wish to make the following corrections to the above-mentioned published paper [1]: During production, an error occurred in the layout of Figure 1 ‘Learning impact of KLIK, as self-assessed by the children’ on page 6 [...]
Health and Economic Loss Assessment of PM2.5 Pollution during 2015–2017 in Gansu Province, China
Authors: Liao Qin , Jin Wangqiang , Tao Yan , Qu Jiansheng , Li Yong , Niu Yibo
Published: May 2020

Many studies have reported that air pollution, especially fine particulate matter (PM2.5), has a significant impact on health and causes economic loss. Gansu Province is in the northwest of China, which is a typical economically underdeveloped area. However, few studies have evaluated the economic loss of PM2.5 related to health effects in this province. In this study, a log-linear exposure-response function was used to estimate the health impact of PM2.5 in 14 cities in Gansu Province from 2015 to 2017, and the amended human capital (AHC) and cost of illness (COI) method were used to evaluate the related economic loss caused by the health impact from PM2.5. The results show that the estimated total number of health endpoints attributed to PM2.5 pollution were 1,644,870 (95%CI: 978,484–2,215,921), 1,551,447 (95%CI: 917,025–2,099,182) and 1,531,372 (95%CI: 899,769–2,077,772) in Gansu Province from 2015 to 2017, respectively. Correspondingly, the economic losses related to health damage caused by PM2.5 pollution were 42,699 (95%CI: 32,380–50,768) million Chinese Yuan (CNY), 43,982 (95%CI: 33,305–52,386) million CNY and 44,261 (95%CI: 33,306–52,954) million CNY, which were equivalent to 6.45% (95%CI: 4.89%–7.67%), 6.28% (95%CI: 4.75%–7.48%), and 5.93% (95%CI: 4.64%–7.10%) of the region Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 2015 to 2017, respectively. It could be seen that the proportions of health economic loss to GDP were generally high, although the proportion had a slight downward trend. The economic loss from chronic bronchitis and all-cause mortality accounted for more than 94% of the total economic loss. The health impact, economic loss and per capita economic loss in Lanzhou, the provincial capital city of Gansu, were obviously higher than other cities from the same province. The economic loss in Linxia accounted for the highest proportion of GDP. The health impacts in the Hexi region, including the cities of Jiuquan, Jiayuguan, Zhangye, Jinchang and Wuwei, were generally lower, but the economic loss and per capita economic loss were still higher. We also found that urbanization and industrialization were highly correlated with health economic loss caused by PM2.5 pollution. In conclusion, the PM2.5-related health economic burden in Gansu Province was serious. As an economically underdeveloped region, it was very important to further adopt rigid and effective pollution control policies.
Early Motor Trajectories Predict Motor but not Cognitive Function in Preterm- and Term-Born Adults without Pre-existing Neurological Conditions
Authors: Baumann Nicole , Tresilian James , Bartmann Peter , Wolke Dieter
Published: May 2020

Very preterm (VP; <32 weeks gestation) and/or very low birth weight (VLBW; <1500 g) birth has been associated with an increased risk of adverse motor and cognitive outcomes that may persist into adulthood. The aim of this study was to determine whether motor development in the first five years of life is associated with motor and cognitive outcomes in adulthood. A prospective observational study in Germany followed 260 VP/VLBW and 229 term-born individuals from birth into adulthood. Early motor trajectories (i.e., high and low degree of motor difficulties) were determined from neurological examinations from birth to 56 months. Adult motor and cognitive outcomes were determined from information from multiple instruments and IQ tests, respectively. Associations of VP/VLBW birth and early motor difficulties on adult outcomes were assessed using regression analyses. VP/VLBW individuals had an increased risk for early motor difficulties (Relative Risk: 11.77, 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.28, 32.35). Early motor difficulties were associated with poorer motor competence in adulthood (β = 0.22, p < 0.001), independent of VP/VLBW birth. Adult IQ was predicted by VP/VLBW (β = −0.12, p < 0.05) and child IQ (β = 0.51, p < 0.001), while early motor difficulties ceased to be associated with adult IQ once participants with a neurological impairment were excluded (β = 0.02, p > 0.05). Motor problems in childhood were homotypically associated with poorer motor competence in adulthood. Similarly, early cognitive problems were homotypically associated with adult cognitive outcomes. Thus, both motor and cognitive function should be assessed in routine follow-up during childhood.
Quality of Care: Ecological Study for the Evaluation of Completeness and Accuracy in Nursing Assessment
Authors: Iula Angela , Ialungo Carola , de Waure Chiara , Raponi Matteo , Burgazzoli Matteo , Zega Maurizio , Galletti Caterina , Damiani Gianfranco
Published: May 2020

Nursing documentation is an important proxy of the quality of care, and quality indicators in nursing assessment can be used to assess and improve the quality of care in health care institutions. The study aims to evaluate the completeness and the accuracy of nursing assessment, analyzing the compilation of pain assessment and nutritional status (body mass index (BMI)) in computerized nursing records, and how it is influenced by four variables: nurse to patient ratio, diagnosis related group weight (DRG), seniority of charge nurse, and type of ward (medical, surgical or other). The observational ecological pilot study was conducted between September and October 2018 in an Italian Tertiary-Level Teaching Hospital. The nursing documentation analyzed for the ‘Assessment’ phase included 12,513 records, 50.4% concerning pain assessment, and 45% BMI. The nurse–patient ratio showed a significant direct association with the assessment of nutritional status (p = 0.032). The average weight DRG has a negative influence on pain and BMI assessment; the surgical units positively correlate with the compilation of nursing assessment (BMI and pain). The nursing process is an essential component for the continuous improvement in the quality of care. Nurses need to be accountable to improve their knowledge and skills in nursing documentation.