bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Press Mud, Vinasse Powder and Extraction Sludge with Ethanol in a Pyrolysis Process
Authors: Devia-Orjuela John Steven , Alvarez-Pugliese Christian E , Donneys-Victoria Dayana , Marriaga Cabrales Nilson , Barba Ho Luz Edith , Brém Balazs , Sauciuc Anca , Gál Emese , Espin Douglas , Schichtel Martin , Lang Dimitrina , Giardinelli Sebastiano , Briceno Maria
Published: October 2019

The effluents of the sugar and bio-ethanol industry, mainly vinasse as well as lignocellulosic waste, are produced in high volumes. Therefore, their treatment and valorization would reduce the environmental impact and make this industry more productive and competitive. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential use of press mud (lignocellulosic waste), vinasse powder, and vinasse sludge from an extraction process with ethanol, as raw materials for conventional pyrolysis evaluating the physicochemical characteristics that affect this thermochemical process, such as calorific power, density, ash content, volatile material, moisture and nitrogen, sulfur, carbon and hydrogen content, thermogravimetric profile, and quantification of lignin cellulose and hemicellulose. The batch pyrolysis experiments showed that all three wastes could be converted successfully into more valuable products. The powder vinasse led to the formation of the lowest content of bio-char (42.7%), the highest production of volatiles (61.6 wt.%), and the lowest ash content (20.5 wt.%). Besides, it showed the high heating value of 15.63 MJ/kg. Meanwhile, the extraction sludge presented the highest liquid yield (32%) with the lowest gas formation (18.2 wt.%) and the lowest heating value of 8.57 MJ/kg. Thus, the sludge could be a good feedstock for production of bio-oil and bio-char.
Solar Power Interval Prediction via Lower and Upper Bound Estimation with a New Model Initialization Approach
Authors: Li Peng , Zhang Chen , Long Huan
Published: October 2019

This paper proposes a new model initialization approach for solar power prediction interval based on the lower and upper bound estimation (LUBE) structure. The linear regression interval estimation (LRIE) was first used to initialize the prediction interval and the extreme learning machine auto encoder (ELM-AE) is then employed to initialize the input weight matrix of the LUBE. Based on the initialized prediction interval and input weight matrix, the output weight matrix of the LUBE could be obtained, which was close to optimal values. The heuristic algorithm was employed to train the LUBE prediction model due to the invalidation of the traditional training approach. The proposed model initialization approach was compared with the point prediction initialization and random initialization approaches. To validate its performance, four heuristic algorithms, including particle swarm optimization (PSO), simulated annealing (SA), harmony search (HS), and differential evolution (DE), were introduced. Based on the experiment results, the proposed model initialization approach with different heuristic algorithms was better than the point prediction initialization and random initialization approaches. The PSO can obtain the best efficiency and effectiveness of the optimal solution searching in four heuristic algorithms. Besides, the ELM-AE can weaken the over-fitting phenomenon of the training model, which is brought in by the heuristic algorithm, and guarantee the model stable output.
Transport Properties and High Temperature Raman Features of Heavily Gd-Doped Ceria
Authors: Artini Cristina , Presto Sabrina , Massardo Sara , Pani Marcella , Carnasciali Maria Maddalena , Viviani Massimo
Published: October 2019

Transport and structural properties of heavily doped ceria can reveal subtle details of the interplay between conductivity and defects aggregation in this material, widely studied as solid electrolyte in solid oxide fuel cells. The ionic conductivity of heavily Gd-doped ceria samples (Ce1−xGdxO2−x/2 with x ranging between 0.31 and 0.49) was investigated by impedance spectroscopy in the 600–1000 K temperature range. A slope change was found in the Arrhenius plot at ~723 K for samples with x = 0.31 and 0.34, namely close to the compositional boundary of the CeO2-based solid solution. The described discontinuity, giving rise to two different activation energies, points at the existence of a threshold temperature, below which oxygen vacancies are blocked, and above which they become free to move through the lattice. This conclusion is well supported by Raman spectroscopy, due to the discontinuity revealed in the Raman shift trend versus temperature of the signal related to defects aggregates which hinder the vacancies movement. This evidence, observable in samples with x = 0.31 and 0.34 above ~750 K, accounts for a weakening of Gd–O bonds within blocking microdomains, which is compatible with the existence of a lower activation energy above the threshold temperature.
A Research on Driving Factors of Carbon Emissions of Road Transportation Industry in Six Asia-Pacific Countries Based on the LMDI Decomposition Method
Authors: Zhu Changzheng , Du Wenbo
Published: October 2019

The transportation industry is the second largest industry of carbon emissions in the world, and the road transportation industry accounts for a large proportion of this in the global transportation industry. The carbon emissions of the road transportation industry in six Asia-Pacific countries (Australia, Canada, China, India, Russia, and the United States) accounts for more than 50% of this in the global transportation industry. Therefore, it is of great significance to study driving factors of carbon emissions of the road transportation industry in six Asia-Pacific countries for controlling global carbon emissions. In this paper, the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) decomposition method is adopted to analyze driving factors on carbon emissions of the road transportation industry in six Asia-Pacific countries from 1990 to 2016. The results show that carbon emissions of the road transportation industry in these six Asia-Pacific countries was 2961.37 million tons in 2016, with an increase of 84.43% compared with those in 1990. The economic output effect and the population size effect have positive driving influences on carbon emissions of the road transportation industry, in which the economic output effect is still the most important driving factor. The energy intensity effect and the transportation intensity effect have different influences on driving carbon emissions of the road transportation industry for these six Asia-Pacific Countries. Furthermore, the carbon emissions coefficient effect has a relatively small influence. Hence, in order to effectively control carbon emissions of the road transportation industry in these six Asia-Pacific countries, it is necessary to control the impact of economic developments on the environment, to reduce energy intensity by promoting the conversion of road transportation to rail and water transportation, and to lower the carbon emissions coefficient by continuously improving vehicle emission standards and fuel quality.
Preparation of Nanoporous PdIrZn Alloy Catalyst by Dissolving Excess ZnO for Cathode of High- Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: You Dae Jong , Kim Do-Hyung , Kim Ji Man , Pak Chanho
Published: October 2019

Carbon-supported nanoporous palladium-iridium–zinc (NP-PdIrZn) electrocatalyst was prepared through the modification of the alcohol-reduction process following the selective dissolution of excess ZnO nanoparticles using NaOH solution. The electrocatalyst was applied successfully to the cathode for a high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (HT-PEMFC). X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of the NP-PdIrZn nanoparticles suggests formation of the ternary alloy and complete removal of ZnO without the formation of individual Pd, Ir, or Zn nanoparticles. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images displayed porous nanoparticles with an irregular shape, which was generated by removing the ZnO from the PdIrZn–ZnO nanocomposites, and was prepared by using the excessive Zn precursor. The electrochemical surface area (ECSA) of the NP-PdIrZn catalysts was estimated by cyclic voltammetry using a rotating disk electrode method , and the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity was evaluated by a linear sweep method. The NP-PdIrZn catalysts showed larger ECSA and higher ORR activity than those of the PdIr and PdIrZn catalysts, which may be attributed to the increased exposed surface area by selective etching of the ZnO in the composites. Furthermore, the NP-PdIrZn catalyst exhibited excellent performance (0.66 V) in a single cell under the HT-PEMFC condition than those of the PdIr (0.58 V) and PdIrZn (0.62 V) catalysts, indicating that geometric and electronic control of Pd-based alloy can improve the single-cell performance for the HT-PEMFC.
A Coupled 1D–3D Numerical Method for Buoyancy-Driven Heat Transfer in a Generic Engine Bay
Authors: Minovski Blago , Löfdahl Lennart , Andrić Jelena , Gullberg Peter
Published: October 2019

Energy efficient vehicles are essential for a sustainable society and all car manufacturers are working on improved energy efficiency in their fleets. In this process, an optimization of aerodynamics and thermal management is most essential. The objective of this work is to improve the energy efficiency using encapsulated heat generating units by focusing on predicting temperature distribution inside an engine bay. The overall objective is to make an estimate of the generated heat inside an encapsulation and consecutively use this heat for climatization purposes. The study presents a detailed numerical procedure for predicting buoyancy-driven flow and resulting natural convection inside a simplified vehicle underhood during thermal soak and cool-down events. The procedure employs a direct coupling of one-dimensional and three-dimensional methods to carry out transient one-dimensional thermal analysis in the engine solids synchronized with sequences of steady-state three-dimensional simulations of the fluid flow. The boundary heat transfer coefficients and averaged fluid temperatures in the boundary cells, computed in the three-dimensional fluid flow model, are provided as input data to the one-dimensional analysis to compute the resulting surface temperatures which are then fed back as updated boundary conditions in the flow simulation. The computed temperatures of the simplified engine and the exhaust manifolds during the thermal soak and cool-down period are in favorable agreement with experimental measurements. The present study illustrates the capabilities of the coupled thermal-flow methodology to conduct accurate and fast computations of buoyancy-driven heat transfer. The methodology can be potentially applied to design and analysis of multiple demand vehicle thermal management systems in hybrid and electrical vehicles.
Single-Layer Transmitter Array Coil Pattern Evaluation toward a Uniform Vertical Magnetic Field Distribution
Authors: Luo Win-Jet , Kuncoro C. Bambang Dwi , Pratikto  , Kuan Yean-Der
Published: October 2019

A uniform magnetic field distribution is a critical aspect in the transmitter array coil design process for achieving a homogenous vertical magnetic field distribution. The free position and orientation features can thus be implemented in the wireless power charging system. This paper presents vertical magnetic field distribution generated by a single-layer circular flat spiral air core transmitter array coil model analysis and evaluation using a numerical analysis method. This method is developed based on the off-symmetry axis magnetic field distribution due to a circular current loop derived from the Biot-Savart law. The proposed evaluation criteria are used to obtain the vertical magnetic field distribution characteristic of the evaluated array coil model. The vertical magnetic field distribution of several circular flat spiral air core coils, in both single and array coil models with different coil geometries were investigated to obtain the relation between the coil parameters and the distance between the adjoining coil centers to generate uniform vertical magnetic field distribution. A case study was also conducted to analyze and evaluate several array coil model patterns (1 × 2 array coil, 1 × 3 array coil, 2 × 2 array coil, 2 × 3 array coil) to meet uniform vertical magnetic field distribution. The array coil model is composed of an identical single circular flat spiral air-core coil. Every single coil has inner coil diameter (Di), outer coil diameter (Do), wire diameter (W), pitch (P) and a number of turns (N) at 25 mm, 47.8 mm, 0.643 mm, 0.03 mm, 17 respectively. The study and evaluation of several array coil pattern models show that the distance between the adjoining coil centers should be defined close to the half of coil outer diameter (1/2Do) to generate close to uniform vertical magnetic field distribution. The vertical magnetic field distribution average and magnetic field effective transmitting areas array coil model with the given coil parameters changing as the effect in variation in distances between the adjoining coil centers.
Model Predictive Control Tuning by Inverse Matching for a Wave Energy Converter
Authors: Cho Hancheol , Bacelli Giorgio , Coe Ryan G.
Published: October 2019

This paper investigates the application of a method to find the cost function or the weight matrices to be used in model predictive control (MPC) such that the MPC has the same performance as a predesigned linear controller in state-feedback form when constraints are not active. This is potentially useful when a successful linear controller already exists and it is necessary to incorporate the constraint-handling capabilities of MPC. This is the case for a wave energy converter (WEC), where the maximum power transfer law is well-understood. In addition to solutions based on numerical optimization, a simple analytical solution is also derived for cases with a short prediction horizon. These methods are applied for the control of an empirically-based WEC model. The results show that the MPC can be successfully tuned to follow an existing linear control law and to comply with both input and state constraints, such as actuator force and actuator stroke.
System Perspective on Biogas Use for Transport and Electricity Production
Authors: Rosén Tommy , Ödlund Louise
Published: October 2019

LiLinköping municipality has managed biogas driven buses in the regional transport system since 1997 and all buses in the municipality have run on biogas since 2015. Biogas is a renewable fuel and by replacing fossil fuels it can help to lower net CO2 emissions. However, Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) in buses still have a rather low eciency, in the range of 15–30%. If the combustion of biogas instead takes place in a combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) eciency could be higher and heat losses reduced. This could be a feasible solution if the transport system instead used electric buses charged with electricity generated by the CCGT. This article has a top-down perspective on the regional transport system and the regional district heating system (DHS) in Linköping municipality. Two alternative systems are compared regarding CO2 emissions, electricity production and component eciencies. The first system that is studied is in operation today and uses locally produced biogas in the ICE buses. In parallel the combined heat and power (CHP) system delivers electricity and heat to households in the region. The second system that is studied is a system with electric buses and a CHP system that uses biogas in the CCGT to deliver electricity and heat to the regional power grid and DHS. The study shows that emissions would be reduced if biogas use is changed from use in ICE buses to use in the CCGT in the CHP-DHS. Improved biogas use could lower CO2-eq emissions by 2.4 million kg annually by using a better fuel-energy pathway.
Thermal Energy Storage in Solar Power Plants: A Review of the Materials, Associated Limitations, and Proposed Solutions
Authors: Alnaimat Fadi , Rashid Yasir
Published: October 2019

Solar energy is the most viable and abundant renewable energy source. Its intermittent nature and mismatch between source availability and energy demand, however, are critical issues in its deployment and market penetrability. This problem can be addressed by storing surplus energy during peak sun hours to be used during nighttime for continuous electricity production in concentrated solar power (CSP) plants. This article reviews the thermal energy storage (TES) for CSPs and focuses on detailing the latest advancement in materials for TES systems and advanced thermal fluids for high energy conversion efficiency. Problems of TES systems, such as high temperature corrosion with their proposed solutions, as well as successful implementations are reported. The article also reviews the economic analysis on CSP plants with TES systems and life-cycle assessment to quantify the environmental impacts of different TES systems.
Thermoeconomic Optimization with PSO Algorithm of Waste Heat Recovery Systems Based on Organic Rankine Cycle System for a Natural Gas Engine
Authors: Valencia Ochoa Guillermo , Acevedo Peñaloza Carlos , Duarte Forero Jorge
Published: October 2019

To contribute to the economic viability of waste heat recovery systems application based on the organic Rankine cycle (ORC) under real operation condition of natural gas engines, this article presents a thermoeconomic optimization results using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm of a simple ORC (SORC), regenerative ORC (RORC), and double-stage ORC (DORC) integrated to a GE Jenbacher engine type 6, which have not been reported in the literature. Thermoeconomic modeling was proposed for the studied configurations to integrate the exergetic analysis with economic considerations, allowing to reduce the thermoeconomic indicators that most influence the cash flow of the project. The greatest opportunities for improvement were obtained for the DORC, where the results for maximizing net power allowed the maximum value of 99.52 kW, with 85% and 80% efficiencies in the pump and turbine, respectively, while the pinch point temperatures of the evaporator and condenser must be 35 and 16 °C. This study serves as a guide for future research focused on the thermoeconomic performance optimization of an ORC integrated into a natural gas engine.
An Optimized Regulation Scheme of Improving the Effective Utilization of the Regenerative Braking Energy of the Whole Railway Line
Authors: Lu Qiwei , He Bangbang , Gao Zhixuan , Che Cheng , Wei Xuteng , Ma Jihui , Zhang Zhichun , Luo Jiantao
Published: October 2019

With respect to the problems of great impact on the utility grid, the increasing catenary voltage, the limited utilization rate of the regenerative braking energy (RBE) and the irreducible cost of electricity for locomotives caused by the RBE generated by electric locomotives of the whole railway line cannot be fully utilized in traction power supply systems. An energy management system (EMS) integrating electrical energy and information is proposed in this paper. A corresponding optimization algorithm is also proposed to calculate the distribution of the regenerative braking power in the whole railway line. The structure and working principle of the EMS are introduced. The basic principle and detailed steps of the proposed algorithm are given. Finally, the optimization calculation and simulation are carried out, the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed EMS and the optimization algorithm are verified.
The Use of CRISPR-Cas9 Genome Editing to Determine the Importance of Glycerol Uptake in Wine Yeast During Icewine Fermentation
Authors: Muysson Jared , Miller Laurianne , Allie Robert , Inglis Debra L.
Published: October 2019

The high concentration of sugars in Icewine juice causes formidable stress for the fermenting Saccharomyces cerevisiae, causing cells to lose water and shrink in size. Yeast can combat this stress by increasing the internal concentration of glycerol by activating the high osmolarity glycerol response to synthesize glycerol and by actively transporting glycerol into the cell from the environment. The H+/glycerol symporter, Stl1p, has been previously characterized as being glucose repressed and inactivated, despite osmotic stress induction. To further investigate the role of Stl1p in Icewine fermentations, we developed a rapid single plasmid CRISPR-Cas9-based genome editing method to construct a strain of the common Icewine yeast, S. cerevisiae K1-V1116, that lacks STL1. In an Icewine fermentation, the ∆STL1 strain had reduced fermentation performance, and elevated glycerol and acetic acid production compared to the parent. These results demonstrate that glycerol uptake by Stl1p has a significant role during osmotically challenging Icewine fermentations in K1-V1116 despite potential glucose downregulation.
Features of Structure and Absorption in the Jet-Launching Region of M87
Authors: Zhao Wei , Hong Xiaoyu , An Tao , Li Xiaofeng , Cheng Xiaopeng , Wu Fang
Published: October 2019

M87 is one of the best available source for studying the AGN jet-launching region. To enrich our knowledge of this region, with quasi-simultaneous observations using VLBA at 22, 43 and 86 GHz, we capture the images of the radio jet in M87 on a scale within several thousand R s . Based on the images, we analyze the transverse jet structure and obtain the most accurate spectral-index maps of the jet in M87 so far, then for the first time, we compare the results of the two analyses and find a spatial association between the jet collimations and the local enhancement of the density of external medium in the jet-launching region. We also find the external medium is not uniform, and greatly contributes to the free-free absorption in this region. In addition, we find for the jet in M87, its temporal morphology in the launching region may be largely affected by the local, short-lived kink instability growing in itself.
Genetic Biomonitoring and Biodiversity Assessment Using Portable Sequencing Technologies: Current Uses and Future Directions
Authors: Krehenwinkel Henrik , Pomerantz Aaron , Prost Stefan
Published: October 2019

We live in an era of unprecedented biodiversity loss, affecting the taxonomic composition of ecosystems worldwide. The immense task of quantifying human imprints on global ecosystems has been greatly simplified by developments in high-throughput DNA sequencing technology (HTS). Approaches like DNA metabarcoding enable the study of biological communities at unparalleled detail. However, current protocols for HTS-based biodiversity exploration have several drawbacks. They are usually based on short sequences, with limited taxonomic and phylogenetic information content. Access to expensive HTS technology is often restricted in developing countries. Ecosystems of particular conservation priority are often remote and hard to access, requiring extensive time from field collection to laboratory processing of specimens. The advent of inexpensive mobile laboratory and DNA sequencing technologies show great promise to facilitate monitoring projects in biodiversity hot-spots around the world. Recent attention has been given to portable DNA sequencing studies related to infectious organisms, such as bacteria and viruses, yet relatively few studies have focused on applying these tools to Eukaryotes, such as plants and animals. Here, we outline the current state of genetic biodiversity monitoring of higher Eukaryotes using Oxford Nanopore Technology’s MinION portable sequencing platform, as well as summarize areas of recent development.
Meta-Analysis of Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis Microarray Data Reveals Novel Genetic Biomarkers
Authors: Song Jaeseung , Kim Daeun , Hong Juyeon , Kim Go Woon , Jung Junghyun , Park Sejin , Park Hee Jung , Joo Jong Wha J. , Jang Wonhee
Published: October 2019

Polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM) are both classified as idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. They share a few common characteristics such as inflammation and muscle weakness. Previous studies have indicated that these diseases present aspects of an auto-immune disorder; however, their exact pathogenesis is still unclear. In this study, three gene expression datasets (PM: 7, DM: 50, Control: 13) available in public databases were used to conduct meta-analysis. We then conducted expression quantitative trait loci analysis to detect the variant sites that may contribute to the pathogenesis of PM and DM. Six-hundred differentially expressed genes were identified in the meta-analysis (false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.01), among which 317 genes were up-regulated and 283 were down-regulated in the disease group compared with those in the healthy control group. The up-regulated genes were significantly enriched in interferon-signaling pathways in protein secretion, and/or in unfolded-protein response. We detected 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) which could potentially play key roles in driving the PM and DM. Along with previously reported genes, we identified 4 novel genes and 10 SNP-variant regions which could be used as candidates for potential drug targets or biomarkers for PM and DM.
The Many Faces of Gene Regulation in Cancer: A Computational Oncogenomics Outlook
Authors: Hernández-Lemus Enrique , Reyes-Gopar Helena , Espinal-Enríquez Jesús , Ochoa Soledad
Published: October 2019

Cancer is a complex disease at many different levels. The molecular phenomenology of cancer is also quite rich. The mutational and genomic origins of cancer and their downstream effects on processes such as the reprogramming of the gene regulatory control and the molecular pathways depending on such control have been recognized as central to the characterization of the disease. More important though is the understanding of their causes, prognosis, and therapeutics. There is a multitude of factors associated with anomalous control of gene expression in cancer. Many of these factors are now amenable to be studied comprehensively by means of experiments based on diverse omic technologies. However, characterizing each dimension of the phenomenon individually has proven to fall short in presenting a clear picture of expression regulation as a whole. In this review article, we discuss some of the more relevant factors affecting gene expression control both, under normal conditions and in tumor settings. We describe the different omic approaches that we can use as well as the computational genomic analysis needed to track down these factors. Then we present theoretical and computational frameworks developed to integrate the amount of diverse information provided by such single-omic analyses. We contextualize this within a systems biology-based multi-omic regulation setting, aimed at better understanding the complex interplay of gene expression deregulation in cancer.
Meta-Analysis of Grainyhead-Like Dependent Transcriptional Networks: A Roadmap for Identifying Novel Conserved Genetic Pathways
Authors: Mathiyalagan Nishanthi , Miles Lee B. , Anderson Peter J. , Wilanowski Tomasz , Grills Brian L. , McDonald Stuart J. , Keightley M. Cristina , Charzynska Agata , Dabrowski Michal , Dworkin Sebastian
Published: October 2019

The Drosophila grainyhead (grh) and vertebrate Grainyhead-like (Grhl) transcription factors are among the most critical genes for epithelial development, maintenance and homeostasis, and are remarkably well conserved from fungi to humans. Mutations affecting grh/Grhl function lead to a myriad of developmental and adult onset epithelial disease, such as aberrant skin barrier formation, facial/palatal clefting, impaired neural tube closure, age-related hearing loss, ectodermal dysplasia, and importantly, cancers of epithelial origin. Recently, mutations in the family member GRHL3 have been shown to lead to both syndromic and non-syndromic facial and palatal clefting in humans, particularly the genetic disorder Van Der Woude Syndrome (VWS), as well as spina bifida, whereas mutations in mammalian Grhl2 lead to exencephaly and facial clefting. As transcription factors, Grhl proteins bind to and activate (or repress) a substantial number of target genes that regulate and drive a cascade of transcriptional networks. A multitude of large-scale datasets have been generated to explore the grh/Grhl-dependent transcriptome, following ablation or mis-regulation of grh/Grhl-function. Here, we have performed a meta-analysis of all 41 currently published grh and Grhl RNA-SEQ, and microarray datasets, in order to identify and characterise the transcriptional networks controlled by grh/Grhl genes across disparate biological contexts. Moreover, we have also cross-referenced our results with published ChIP and ChIP-SEQ datasets, in order to determine which of the critical effector genes are likely to be direct grh/Grhl targets, based on genomic occupancy by grh/Grhl genes. Lastly, to interrogate the predictive strength of our approach, we experimentally validated the expression of the top 10 candidate grhl target genes in epithelial development, in a zebrafish model lacking grhl3, and found that orthologues of seven of these (cldn23, ppl, prom2, ocln, slc6a19, aldh1a3, and sod3) were significantly down-regulated at 48 hours post-fertilisation. Therefore, our study provides a strong predictive resource for the identification of putative grh/grhl effector target genes.
Lithospheric Structure of a Transitional Magmatic to Amagmatic Continental Rift System—Insights from Magnetotelluric and Local Tomography Studies in the North Tanzanian Divergence, East African Rift
Authors: Plasman Matthieu , Hautot Sophie , Tarits Pascal , Gautier Stéphanie , Tiberi Christel , Le Gall Bernard , Mtelela Khalfan , Gama Remigius
Published: October 2019

Continental break-up is controlled by several parameters and processes (rheology, inherited structures, magmatism, etc). Their impact, chronology and interactions are still poorly known and debated, particularly when rifting interacts with cratons. In order to better understand the rifting initiation in a cratonic lithosphere, we analysed 22 magnetotelluric (MT) soundings collected along two East-West profiles in two different rift segments of the North Tanzanian Divergence. The North Tanzanian Divergence, where the East African Rift is at its earliest stage, is a remarkable example of the transition between magmatic to amagmatic rifting with two clearly identified segments. Only separated by a hundred kilometers, these segments, Natron (North) and Manyara (South), display contrasted morphological (wide versus narrow), volcanic (many versus a few edifices) and seismic (shallow versus deep activity) signatures. Magnetotelluric profiles across the two segments were inverted with a three-dimensional approach and supplied the resistive structure of the upper lithosphere (down to about 70 km). The Natron segment has a rather conductive lithosphere containing several resistive features (Proterozoic Belt), whereas the Manyara segment displays highly resistive blocks probably of cratonic nature encompassing a conductive structure under the axial valley. The joint interpretation of these models with recent local and regional seismological studies highlights totally different structures and processes involved in the two segments of the North Tanzanian Divergence. We identified contrasted CO2 content, magma upwelling or trapping, in depth regarding the Manyara or the Natron branch and the influence of inherited cratonic structures in the rifting dynamics.
The Rehabilitative Effects of Virtual Reality Games on Balance Performance among Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Wu Jinlong , Loprinzi Paul D. , Ren Zhanbing
Published: October 2019

This research aims to evaluate the effect of virtual reality (VR) games on balance recovery of children with cerebral palsy (CP) by quantitatively synthesizing the existing literature, and to further determine the impact of VR game intervention (the duration of each intervention, intervention frequency, intervention cycle, and total intervention time) on the balance recovery of children with CP. To this end, relevant literature up until 3 August 2019 was retrieved from Chinese databases (CNKI and Wanfang Data) and the databases in other languages (Web of Science, Pubmed, EBSCOhost, Informit, Scopus, Science Direct, and ProQuest), and bias analysis was conducted with the PEDro scale in this research. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected and underwent meta-analysis, and combined effect size was calculated with a random effects model. The results showed that VR games may improve the balance of children with CP (Hedge’s g = 0.29; 95% CI 0.10–0.48), and no significant influence of the intervention on balance of children with CP was shown in the subgroup analysis. In conclusion, VR games played a positive role in the improvement of balance of children with CP, but these results should be viewed with caution owing to current methodological defects (difference in measurement, heterogeneity of control groups, intervention combined with other treatments, etc.).
Association of Internet Use with Attitudes Toward Food Safety in China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhang Jiaping , Cai Zhiyong , Cheng Mingwang , Zhang Huirong , Zhang Heng , Zhu Zhongkun
Published: October 2019

A growing body of research has shown that people’s attitudes toward food safety is affected by their availability and accessibility to food risk information. In the digital era, the Internet has become the most important channel for information acquisition. However, empirical evidence related to the impact of Internet use on people’s attitudes towards food safety is inadequate. In this study, by employing the Chinese Social Survey for 2013 and 2015, we have investigated the current situation of food safety perceptions and evaluations among Chinese residents and the association between Internet use and individuals’ food safety evaluations. Empirical results indicate that there is a significant negative correlation between Internet use and people’s food safety evaluation in China. Furthermore, heterogeneity analysis shows that Internet use has a stronger negative correlation with food safety evaluation for those lacking rational judgment regarding Internet information. Specifically, the negative correlation between Internet use and food safety evaluations is more obvious among rural residents, young people, and less educated residents. Finally, propensity score matching (PSM) is applied to conduct a robustness check. This paper provides new evidence for studies on the relationship between Internet use and an individuals’ food safety cognition, as well as additional policy enlightenment for food safety risk management in the digital age.
Post-Traumatic Stress and School Adaptation in Adolescent Survivors Five Years after the 2010 Yushu Earthquake in China
Authors: Liu Shou , Lu Li , Bai Zheng-Zhong , Su Min , Qi Zheng-Qing , Zhang Shi-Yu , Chen Yuan , Ao Bing-Yu , Cui Feng-Zhen , Lagarde Emmanuel , Lii Kehshin
Published: October 2019

(1) Background: The devastating Ms 7.1 earthquake struck Yushu city, China, in 2010, leading to serious consequences and damage in the central Tibetan Plateau. This study aimed to assess school adaptation and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms of adolescent survivors five years after the Yushu earthquake. (2) Methods: A large-scale, school-based mental health survey was conducted 5 years after the earthquake among Tibetan students in the city of Yushu using the Adolescent’s School Adaptation Scale (ASAS) and the PTSD Checklist. (3) Results: A total of 1976 questionnaires were collected. A total of 30.7% of Tibetan adolescents had poor school adaptation and 19.5% were estimated as having probable PTSD. Logistic regression showed that females (OR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.60–0.89), senior students (OR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.39–0.59), and those who participated in post-disaster reconstruction (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.54–0.85) were less likely to have poor school adaptation, while a positive association was observed among those buried under a collapsed building (OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.04–2.09) and those who experienced bereavement (OR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.27–2.45). Students who had experienced bereavement were also more likely to have PTSD (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.12–2.28). (4) Conclusions: The post-traumatic effects of the Yushu earthquake on Tibetan adolescents were severe and long-lasting. Sustainable long-term mental health services to help adolescents to restructure their mental health are necessary.
Regarding the Yin and Yang of Precision Cancer- Screening and Treatment: Are We Creating a Neglected Majority?
Authors: McBride Colleen M. , Guan Yue , Hay Jennifer L.
Published: October 2019

In this commentary, we submit that the current emphasis of precision cancer screening and treatment (PCST) has been to provide and interpret the implications of “positive” screening results for those deemed to be at greatest risk for cancer or most likely to benefit from targeted treatments. This is an important, but proportionately small target group, regardless of the cancer context. Overlooked by this focus is the larger majority of those screened who receive “negative” results. We contend that for optimal dissemination of PCST, the complement of positive and negative results be viewed as an inseparable yin–yang duality with the needs of those who receive negative screening results viewed as important as those deemed to be at highest risk or derive targeted treatment benefit. We describe three areas where communication of negative PCST results warrant particular attention and research consideration: population-based family history screening, germline testing for hereditary cancer syndromes, and tumor testing for targeted cancer treatment decision-making. Without thoughtful consideration of the potential for negative results to have psychological and behavioral influences, there is a potential to create a “neglected majority”. This majority may be inclined to misinterpret results, disseminate inaccurate information to family, dismiss the credibility of results, or become disillusioned with existing medical treatments.
Effect of Ambient Oxygen Content, Safety Shoe Type, and Lifting Frequency on Subject’s MAWL and Physiological Responses
Authors: Ghaleb Atef M. , Ramadan Mohamed Z. , Badwelan Ahmed , Saad Aljaloud Khalid
Published: October 2019

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the lifting capabilities of individuals in hypoxia when they wear different types of safety shoes and to investigate the behavior of the physiological responses induced by the lifting process associated with those variables. Methods: An experimental design was used, based on two sessions. The first was training and acclimatization session, then an experimental lifting phase. A total of ten male students of King Saud University were recruited in the study. A four-way repeated measures design, with four independent variables and six dependent variables, was used in this research. The independent variables that were studied in the experimental lifting phase were: ambient oxygen content (15%, 18%, and 21%), safety shoes type (light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty), lifting frequency (1 and 4 lifts/min), and replication (first and second trials). The dependent variables were also: maximum acceptable weights lifting using the psychophysical technique, heart rate (HR), electromyography (EMG) of (biceps brachii, trapezius, anterior deltoid, and erector spinae), safety shoes discomfort rating, rating of perceived exertion, and ambient oxygen discomfort rating. Results: The maximum acceptable weights lifting that were selected by participants at lower levels of the independent variables (ambient oxygen content 21%, lifting frequency 1 lift/min, and first replication) were significantly higher than at high levels of the independent variables (ambient oxygen content 15%, lifting frequency 4 lift/min, and second replication). Several interaction effects were also significant. Conclusions: It provides evidence that the ambient oxygen content increases the intensity of workload in lifting tasks. It showed that oxygen content affects the psychophysical selection of maximum acceptable weights lifting and the physiological responses represented in muscular activities and heart rate. It suggests that ambient oxygen content must be considered along with the type of safety shoes worn when the lifting task at altitudes occurs.
Protective Effect of Breastfeeding on the Adverse Health Effects Induced by Air Pollution: Current Evidence and Possible Mechanisms
Authors: Zielinska Monika A. , Hamulka Jadwiga
Published: October 2019

Air pollution is a major social, economic, and health problem around the world. Children are particularly susceptible to the negative effects of air pollution due to their immaturity and excessive growth and development. The aims of this narrative review were to: (1) summarize evidence about the protective effects of breastfeeding on the adverse health effects of air pollution exposure, (2) define and describe the potential mechanisms underlying the protective effects of breastfeeding, and (3) examine the potential effects of air pollution on breastmilk composition and lactation. A literature search was conducted using electronic databases. Existing evidence suggests that breastfeeding has a protective effect on adverse outcomes of indoor and outdoor air pollution exposure in respiratory (infections, lung function, asthma symptoms) and immune (allergic, nervous and cardiovascular) systems, as well as under-five mortality in both developing and developed countries. However, some studies reported no protective effect of breastfeeding or even negative effects of breastfeeding for under-five mortality. Several possible mechanisms of the breastfeeding protective effect were proposed, including the beneficial influence of breastfeeding on immune, respiratory, and nervous systems, which are related to the immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and neuroprotective properties of breastmilk. Breastmilk components responsible for its protective effect against air pollutants exposure may be long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC PUFA), antioxidant vitamins, carotenoids, flavonoids, immunoglobins, and cytokines, some of which have concentrations that are diet-dependent. However, maternal exposure to air pollution is related to increased breastmilk concentrations of pollutants (e.g., Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) or heavy metals in particulate matter (PM)). Nonetheless, environmental studies have confirmed that breastmilk’s protective effects outweigh its potential health risk to the infant. Mothers should be encouraged and supported to breastfeed their infants due to its unique health benefits, as well as its limited ecological footprint, which is associated with decreased waste production and the emission of pollutants.
Food Safety Incident, Public Health Concern, and Risk Spillover Heterogeneity: Avian Influenza Shocks as Natural Experiments in China’s Consumer Markets
Authors: Yi Lan , Tao Jianping , Zhu Zhongkun , Tan Caifeng , Qi Le
Published: October 2019

Background: Food safety incidents have aroused widespread public health concern, causing food price risk. However, the causal paths remain largely unexplored in previous literature. This paper sets out to identify the relations of local and spatial spillovers of food safety incidents and public health concerns to food price risk in consumer markets within a setting with heterogeneous food safety risk levels. Methods: (i) Theoretically, unlike prior work, this paper decomposes food safety risks into food safety incidents (objective incident component) and public health concern (subjective concern component). This article develops a theoretical framework of causality to capture the underlying causal pathways motivated by the theories of limited attention and two-step flow of communication. (ii) Empirically, using avian influenza shocks in China’s poultry markets as natural experiments, this paper differentiates between low- and high-risk food and incidents. The article adopts dynamic spatial panel models to analyze potential nonlinearity, moderation, and mediation in the spillover of food safety risk to food price risk for a long panel of 30 provinces covering the November 2007 to November 2017 period. Results: (i) Food safety incident alone only triggers high-risk food price risk, not low-risk food price risk. (ii) Public health concern amplifies nonlinear food price risk triggered by food safety incident. (iii) High-risk incident intensifies negative pressure of public health concern on food price risk. (iv) Food safety incident indirectly affects high-risk food price risk through public health concern. Conclusions: Using a setting with heterogeneous risk levels, this paper documents that (i) food safety incident itself does not necessarily determine food price risk, whereas it is actually public health concern that directly causes nonlinear food price risk; (ii) public health concern spillover to food price risk is negatively moderated by high-risk incident, and (iii) food safety incident spillover to high-risk food price risk is mediated by public health concern. The findings complement current research by (i) elucidating the diverse impacts of food safety incident and public health concern on food price risk, which are obscure in previous literature, and (ii) highlighting that heterogeneous food and incident risk levels matter for determining food price risk spillover.
A Mixed Methods Evaluation of Sharing Air Pollution Results with Study Participants via Report-Back Communication
Authors: Tomsho Kathryn S. , Schollaert Claire , Aguilar Temana , Bongiovanni Roseann , Alvarez Marty , Scammell Madeleine K. , Adamkiewicz Gary
Published: October 2019

We implemented a concurrent triangulation mixed-methods evaluation of an air pollution data report-back to study participants in Chelsea, Massachusetts. We aimed to determine whether the report-back was effective in the following three ways: engagement, understandability, and actionability for the participants. We also evaluated participants’ valuation of the report-back information and process. The evaluation involved both qualitative components, such as ethnographic observation, and quantitative components, such as closed-ended questionnaires and demographic data. The participants who engaged in the report-back process were significantly different from those who did not engage both in terms of their demographics, and in their indoor air pollutant concentrations. Participant understanding generally corresponded with the intended meaning of the research team, suggesting successful data communication. Additionally, many of the participants reported that they were inspired to take action in order to reduce their indoor air pollutant exposure as a result of the report-back process and information provided. These results identify areas of improvement for engagement, particularly regarding populations that may have higher exposures. This work outlines a framework with which to contextualize and evaluate the success of engagement with report-back efforts. Such evaluations can allow research teams to assess whether they are providing information that is equitably useful and actionable for all participants.
How Abusive Supervision Affects Employees’ Unethical Behaviors: A Moderated Mediation Examination of Turnover Intentions and Caring Climate
Authors: Liu Shubo , ZHU Qianlin , Wei Feng
Published: October 2019

Drawing on psychological contract theory, this research contributes to the unethical behavior literature by exploring employees’ turnover intentions as a mediator of the relationship between abusive supervision and employees’ unethical behavior and the moderating role of the caring climate in the relationship between turnover intentions and unethical behavior. The results from a sample of 679 reveal that turnover intentions mediate relationship between abusive supervision and subordinates’ unethical behavior, and caring climate moderates the positive relationship between turnover intentions and subordinates’ unethical behavior. We also find that the indirect effect is moderated by the caring climate. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed.