bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flipped Classroom Model and Practical Suggestions
Authors: URFA Mehmet
Published: June 2018

Rapid changes in information and communication technologies have increased
learners’ expectations, which have caused researchers to search for new and effective
ways of learning. In this respect, with the combined use of the advantages of both
traditional learning models and distance education, use of blended learning models
has become popular. The flipped classroom model, one of such blended models, has
frequently been on the agenda in recent years. For the purpose of examining the
applicability of the flipped classroom model, a number of studies in related literature
have been conducted on this model, which can be defined briefly as the replacement
of homework assignments with class teaching. The purpose of the present study was
to investigate the application of the flipped classroom model increasingly popular in
Turkey as well as in the world and to examine its application areas, the components
necessary for an effective application of the flipped classroom model, the benefits of
the model and the problems likely to be experienced in the application process of the
model.
On the Onset of Double-diffusive Convection in a Couple Stress Nanofluid in a Porous Medium
Authors: Rana Gian C. , Chand Ramesh
Published: June 2018

Double-diffusive convection in a horizontal layer of nanofluid in a porous medium is studied. The couple-stress fluid model is considered to describe the rheological behavior of the nanofluid and for porous medium Darcy model is employed. The model applied for couple stress nanofluid incorporates the effect of Brownian motion and thermophoresis. We have assumed that the nanoparticle concentration flux is zero on the boundaries which neutralizes the possibility of oscillatory convection and only stationary convection occurs. The dispersion relation describing the effect of various parameters is derived by applying perturbation theory, normal mode analysis method and linear stability theory. The impact of various physical parameters, like the couple stress parameter, medium porosity, solutal Rayleigh Number, thermo-nanofluid Lewis number, thermo-solutal Lewis number, Soret parameter and Dufour parameter have been examined on the stationary convection. It is observed that the couple stress parameter, thermo-nanofluid Lewis number, thermo-solutal Lewis number, Soret parameter and Dufour parameter have stabilizing effects on the stationary convection whereas the solutal Rayleigh number and Dufour parameter have very small effect on the system.
The Corrosion Properties of S355J2 Steel Welded Joint in Chlorides Environment
Authors: Borko Kamil , Hadzima Branislav , Pastorek Filip
Published: June 2018

Nowadays are steels the most used structural material for creation of constructions in different types of industry for lot of applications but suffer from unsatisfactory corrosion resistance in the presence of aggressive chlorides. Steel S355J2 represents common type steel for constructions. Very important property of S355J2 steel is weldability. S355J2 steel was welded by submerged arc welding (SAW) method. Corrosion resistance of welded joint was evaluated by electrochemical methods - linear polarization (LP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Results from electrochemical tests are general electrochemical characteristics - ECorr, iCorr, vCorr and RP. Environments for testing were solutions with different concentration of chlorides (0.01M, 0.1M and 1M NaCl solution). Difference of corrosion resistance between base material and weld metal is app. 14.5 %. This difference is preserved in all concentrations of tested environments. The highest corrosion resistance was reached by base material in 0.01M NaCl and the lowest corrosion resistance was reached by weld metal in 1M NaCl.
A V-Shaped Actuator Utilizing Electrostatic Force
Authors: Song Kahye , Lee Hyeongyu , Cha Youngsu
Published: June 2018

In this study, we propose a new ‘V’-shaped actuator with two panels and experimentally and theoretically investigate its actuation to find the most efficient structure. The V-shaped actuator operates like a seesaw. Specifically, when a high voltage input is applied between the V-shaped actuator and metal plate at the bottom substrate, another panel rises due to electrostatic attraction. Both gravity and electrostatic attraction forces are utilized for the operation of the actuator. We made a model of the actuation mechanism considering torque, gravity, and electrostatic forces. Theoretical values were compared with experimental results considering all factors of force applied to actuators. Additionally, we added torque by restoring force to compensate for the experimental conditions. The theoretical value almost coincided with the experimental value with R2 = 0.9.
East Asian Summer Monsoon Representation in Re-Analysis Datasets
Authors: Huang Bo , Cubasch Ulrich , Li Yan
Published: June 2018

Eight current re-analyses—NCEP/NCAR Re-analysis (NCEPI), NCEP/DOE Re-analysis (NCEPII), NCEP Climate Forecast System Re-analysis (CFSR), ECMWF Interim Re-analysis (ERA-Interim), Japanese 55-year Re-analysis (JRA-55), NASA Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA), NOAA Twentieth Century Re-analysis (20CR), and ECMWF’s first atmospheric re-analysis of the 20th century (ERA-20C)—are assessed to clarify their quality in capturing the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) rainfall structure and its associated general circulation. They are found to present similar rainfall structures in East Asia, whereas they illustrate some differences in rainfall intensity, especially at lower latitudes. The third generation of re-analysis shows a better estimate of rainfall structure than that in the first and extended generation of re-analysis. Given the fact that the rainfall is ingested by the data assimilation system, the re-analysis cannot improve its production of rainfall quality. The mean sea level pressure is generated by re-analysis, showing a significant uncertainty over the Tibetan Plateau and its surrounding area. In that region, the JRA-55 and MERRA have a negative bias (BIAS), while the other six re-analyses present a positive BIAS to the observed mean sea level pressure. The 20CR and the ERA-20C are ancillary datasets to analyse the EASM due to the fact that they only apply limit observations into the data assimilation system. These two re-analyses demonstrate a prominent difference from the observed winds in the upper-air. Although the upper level winds exhibit difference, the EASM index is consistent in the eight re-analyses, which are based upon the zonal wind over 850 hPa.
Deep Artificial Neural Networks for the Diagnostic of Caries Using Socioeconomic and Nutritional Features as Determinants: Data from NHANES 2013–2014
Authors: Zanella-Calzada Laura A. , Galván-Tejada Carlos E. , Chávez-Lamas Nubia M. , Rivas-Gutierrez Jesús , Magallanes-Quintanar Rafael , Celaya-Padilla Jose M. , Galván-Tejada Jorge I. , Gamboa-Rosales Hamurabi
Published: June 2018

Oral health represents an essential component in the quality of life of people, being a determinant factor in general health since it may affect the risk of suffering other conditions, such as chronic diseases. Oral diseases have become one of the main public health problems, where dental caries is the condition that most affects oral health worldwide, occurring in about 90% of the global population. This condition has been considered a challenge because of its high prevalence, besides being a chronic but preventable disease which can be caused depending on the consumption of certain nutritional elements interacting simultaneously with different factors, such as socioeconomic factors. Based on this problem, an analysis of a set of 189 dietary and demographic determinants is performed in this work, in order to find the relationship between these factors and the oral situation of a set of subjects. The oral situation refers to the presence and absence/restorations of caries. The methodology is performed constructing a dense artificial neural network (ANN), as a computer-aided diagnosis tool, looking for a generalized model that allows for classifying subjects. As validation, the classification model was evaluated through a statistical analysis based on a cross validation, calculating the accuracy, loss function, receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) parameters. The results obtained were statistically significant, obtaining an accuracy ≃ 0.69 and AUC values of 0.69 and 0.75. Based on these results, it is possible to conclude that the classification model developed through the deep ANN is able to classify subjects with absence of caries from subjects with presence or restorations with high accuracy, according to their demographic and dietary factors.
Understanding the Relative Contributions of Sensitive and Insensitive Parent Behaviors on Infant Vaccination Pain
Authors: Badovinac Shaylea , Gennis Hannah , Riddell Rebecca Pillai , Garfield Hartley , Greenberg Saul
Published: June 2018

Parents play a critical role in supporting infants’ ability to manage strong emotions. Routine vaccinations provide an ideal context to observe the effect of parents’ behaviors on infants’ pain-related distress. Previous research in the vaccination context showed that parent sensitivity, operationalized by variables such as emotional availability and proximal soothing behaviors, is associated with infant pain-related distress behavior. However, the magnitudes of these relationships were smaller than expected given the established importance of parents in the development of distress regulation. In recent work, a reliable and valid measure to operationalize insensitive behaviors was developed. The objective of the current study was to examine the relative contribution of variables representing sensitive and insensitive behaviors to the prediction of infant pain-related distress behaviors during the reactivity and regulation phases of needle pain. Archival data was used to analyze a subsample of infants followed during their two-month, six-month, and 12-month vaccinations (n = 81). Results of regression analyses indicated that parent insensitive behaviors generally had the strongest relationships with pain outcomes across all ages, with a greater influence on regulation-phase pain-related distress behavior, rather than reactivity-phase pain-related distress behavior. Our findings support the utility of a measure of distress-promoting parent behaviors in a vaccination context, and highlight the potential value of this measure for clinicians and researchers.
Chromium Carbide Growth by Direct Liquid Injection Chemical Vapor Deposition in Long and Narrow Tubes, Experiments, Modeling and Simulation
Authors: Michau Alexandre , Maury Francis , Schuster Frederic , Nuta Ioana , Gazal Yoan , Boichot Rapahel , Pons Michel
Published: June 2018

Chromium carbide layers were deposited using liquid-injection metal-organic chemical vapor deposition inside long (0.3 to 1 m) and narrow (8 to 24 mm in diameter) metallic tubes. The deposition was carried out using a molecular single-source, bis(benzene)chromium (BBC), as representative of the bis(arene)metal family diluted in toluene and injected with N2 as carrier gas. A multicomponent mass transport model for the simulation of the coupled fluid flow, heat transfer and chemistry was built. The kinetic mechanism of the growth of CrCx films was developed with the help of large-scale experiments to study the depletion of the precursors along the inner wall of the tube. The model fits well in the 400–550 °C temperature range and in the 1.3 × 102 to 7 × 103 Pa pressure range. The pressure is shown to have a pronounced effect on the deposition rate and thickness uniformity of the resulting coating. Below 525 °C the structure, composition and morphology of the films are not affected by changes of total pressure or deposition temperature. The coatings are amorphous and their Cr:C ratio is about 2:1, i.e., intermediate between Cr7C3 and Cr3C2. The model was applied to the design of a long reactor (1 m), with a double injection successively and alternatively undertaken at each end to ensure the best uniformity with sufficient thickness. This innovative concept can be used to optimize industrial deposition processes inside long and narrow tubes and channels.
Impact of Ambient Temperature on Shunt Capacitor Placement in a Distorted Radial Distribution System
Authors: Al-Ammar Essam A. , Ghazi Ghazi A. , Ko Wonsuk
Published: June 2018

In electrical distribution systems, shunt capacitors are installed in order to reduce system losses, to enhance the voltage profile, and to free up system capacity. Nevertheless, the installation of shunt capacitors in distribution systems with distorted waveforms will magnify the distortion level of harmonics if they are not set at appropriate locations relative to the harmonics. This paper proposes a hybrid method to determine the placement and sizing of shunt capacitors in distorted radial distribution systems, taking into account the presence of harmonic distortion with consideration of ambient temperature effects, (this technique consists of the fuzzy expert system approach and the Genetic Algorithm method). This hybrid technique is applied to an IEEE 34-bus radial standard distribution system as well as a real distribution system in the Saudi Electricity Company. The simulation results show that harmonic distortion considerably reduces and the efficiency of distribution systems increases with a reduction in power loss and enhancement of voltage regulation.
Approaches for Safety Analysis of Gas-Pipeline Functionality in Terms of Failure Occurrence: A Case Study
Authors: Tchórzewska-Cieślak Barbara , Pietrucha-Urbanik Katarzyna , Urbanik Marek , Rak Janusz R.
Published: June 2018

The development of appropriate assessment methods of gas-pipeline functionality contributes to the reduction of failure consequences and helps engineers to make the right decisions as to the optimal solution choice for technical facilities, as well as provides procedures to protect their users and the surrounding environment. This paper presents methods for the assessment of gas network operation. Pipe failure data were collected from a gas distribution network. A statistical analysis of the failure of gas networks was made. An attempt was made to isolate seasonal and accidental fluctuations in the tested failure stream. The Poisson distribution was proposed as a model of failure distribution of gas networks. The conducted analysis allowed us to propose the forecasting method of acceptable failure consequences using the homogeneous Markov chain. The obtained results are valuable for supporting the management of urban gas networks, mainly in terms of the strategic modernization plans and the rehabilitation techniques.
Identification of Rice Koji Extract Components that Increase β-Glucocerebrosidase Levels in Human Epidermal Keratinocytes
Authors: Maeda Kazuhisa , Ogino Yuuka , Nakamura Ayano , Nakata Keiji , Kitagawa Manabu , Ito Seiki
Published: June 2018

Rice miso contains many ingredients derived from rice koji and has been a valuable source of nutrition since ancient times. We found that the consumption of rice miso led to improvements in the moisture content of cheek stratum corneum, skin viscoelasticity, and skin texture. Further, rice miso extract was found to increase the mRNA expression and activity of β-glucocerebrosidase (β-GCase), an enzyme involved in ceramide synthesis in the stratum corneum, in cultures. In this study, we identified the lipid-derived components of rice koji that increase the β-GCase activity in cultured human epidermal keratinocytes. The methanol fraction of rice koji extract induced an increase in the mRNA expression and activity of β-GCase in keratinocytes. The active fraction of rice koji was found to contain phosphatidic acid (PA) and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). The total PA concentration in rice koji was 973.9 ng/mg dry weight, which was 17.5 times higher than that in steamed rice. Among the molecular species, PA_18:2/18:2 was the most frequently found. The total LPA concentration in rice koji was 29.6 ng/mg dry weight, and 2-LPA_18:2 was the most frequently found LPA. Since PA and LPA increase the mRNA expression and activity of β-GCase in keratinocytes, they are thought to be the active ingredients in rice koji that increase the β-GCase levels in human epidermal keratinocytes.
Efficient Knock-in of a Point Mutation in Porcine Fibroblasts Using the CRISPR/Cas9-GMNN Fusion Gene
Authors: Gerlach Max , Kraft Theresia , Brenner Bernhard , Petersen Björn , Niemann Heiner , Montag Judith
Published: June 2018

During CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genome editing, site-specific double strand breaks are introduced and repaired either unspecific by non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) or sequence dependent by homology directed repair (HDR). Whereas NHEJ-based generation of gene knock-out is widely performed, the HDR-based knock-in of specific mutations remains a bottleneck. Especially in primary cell lines that are essential for the generation of cell culture and animal models of inherited human diseases, knock-in efficacy is insufficient and needs significant improvement. Here, we tested two different approaches to increase the knock-in frequency of a specific point mutation into the MYH7-gene in porcine fetal fibroblasts. We added a small molecule inhibitor of NHEJ, SCR7 (5,6-bis((E)-benzylideneamino)-2-mercaptopyrimidin-4-ol), during genome editing and screened cell cultures for the point mutation. However, this approach did not yield increased knock-in rates. In an alternative approach, we fused humanized Cas9 (hCas9) to the N-terminal peptide of the Geminin gene (GMNN). The fusion protein is degraded in NHEJ-dominated cell cycle phases, which should increase HDR-rates. Using hCas9-GMNN and point mutation-specific real time PCR screening, we found a two-fold increase in genome edited cell cultures. This increase of HDR by hCas9-GMNN provides a promising way to enrich specific knock-in in porcine fibroblast cultures for somatic cloning approaches.
Integrative Analysis of Dysregulated lncRNA-Associated ceRNA Network Reveals Functional lncRNAs in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Liu Haiming , Zhang Zhe , Wu Nan , Guo Hao , Zhang Hao , Fan Daiming , Nie Yongzhan , Liu Yuanning
Published: June 2018

Mounting evidence suggests that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in the regulation of gene expression by acting as competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA). However, the regulatory mechanisms of lncRNA as ceRNA in gastric cancer (GC) are not fully understood. Here, we first constructed a dysregulated lncRNA-associated ceRNA network by integrating analysis of gene expression profiles of lncRNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs), and messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Then, we determined three lncRNAs (RP5-1120P11, DLEU2, and DDX11-AS1) as hub lncRNAs, in which associated ceRNA subnetworks were involved in cell cycle-related processes and cancer-related pathways. Furthermore, we confirmed that the two lncRNAs (DLEU2 and DDX11-AS1) were significantly upregulated in GC tissues, promote GC cell proliferation, and negatively regulate miRNA expression, respectively. The hub lncRNAs (DLEU2 and DDX11-AS1) could have oncogenic functions, and act as potential ceRNAs to sponge miRNA. Our findings not only provide novel insights on ceRNA regulation in GC, but can also provide opportunities for the functional characterization of lncRNAs in future studies.
Spatiotemporal Assessment of PM2.5-Related Economic Losses from Health Impacts during 2014–2016 in China
Authors: Yang Yang , Luo Liwen , Song Chao , Yin Hao , Yang Jintao
Published: June 2018

Background: Particulate air pollution, especially PM2.5, is highly correlated with various adverse health impacts and, ultimately, economic losses for society, however, few studies have undertaken a spatiotemporal assessment of PM2.5-related economic losses from health impacts covering all of the main cities in China. Methods: PM2.5 concentration data were retrieved for 190 Chinese cities for the period 2014–2016. We used a log-linear exposure–response model and monetary valuation methods, such as value of a statistical life (VSL), amended human capital (AHC), and cost of illness to evaluate PM2.5-related economic losses from health impacts at the city level. In addition, Monte Carlo simulation was used to analyze uncertainty. Results: The average economic loss was 0.3% (AHC) to 1% (VSL) of the total gross domestic product (GDP) of 190 Chinese cities from 2014 to 2016. Overall, China experienced a downward trend in total economic losses over the three-year period, but the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei, Shandong Peninsula, Yangtze River Delta, and Chengdu-Chongqing regions experienced greater annual economic losses. Conclusions: Exploration of spatiotemporal variations in PM2.5-related economic losses from long-term health impacts could provide new information for policymakers regarding priority areas for PM2.5 pollution prevention and control in China.
Farming for Life Quality and Sustainability: A Literature Review of Green Care Research Trends in Europe
Authors: García-Llorente Marina , Rubio-Olivar Radha , Gutierrez-Briceño Inés
Published: June 2018

Green care is an innovative approach that combines simultaneously caring for people and caring for land through three elements that have not been previously connected: (1) multifunctional agriculture and recognition of the plurality of agricultural system values; (2) social services and health care; and (3) the possibility of strengthening the farming sector and local communities. The current research provides a comprehensive overview of green care in Europe as a scientific discipline through a literature review (n = 98 studies). According to our results, the Netherlands, the UK, Norway and Sweden followed by Italy have led the scientific studies published in English. Green care research comprises a wide range of perspectives and frameworks (social farming, care farming, nature-based solutions, etc.) with differences in their specificities. Green care studies have mainly focused on measuring the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. Studies that evaluate its relevance in socio-economic and environmental terms are still limited. According to our results, the most common users studied were people suffering from psychological and mental ill health, while the most common activities were horticulture, animal husbandry and gardening. Finally, we discuss the potential of green care to reconnect people with nature and to diversify the farming sector providing new public services associated with the relational values society obtains from the contact with agricultural systems.
Susceptibility to Alcohol Hangovers: The Association with Self-Reported Immune Status
Authors: Van de Loo Aurora J. A. E. , Mackus Marlou , Van Schrojenstein Lantman Marith , Kraneveld Aletta D. , Brookhuis Karel A. , Garssen Johan , Scholey Andrew , Verster Joris C.
Published: June 2018

Increasing evidence points at a role for the immune system in the genesis of the alcohol hangover. This study investigated the association between self-reported immune function and experiencing hangovers. Dutch students aged 18 to 30 years old were invited to complete an online survey. Eighteen items on immune-related complaints were completed to assess self-reported immune function. Alcohol consumption in the past month (with respect to usual consumption and the occasion of heaviest drinking) was also recorded. Subjects with an estimated blood alcohol concentration (eBAC) of 0.18% or higher on their heaviest drinking occasion in the prior month were included in the analyses. Self-reported immune function was compared between drinkers with a hangover and those who claimed to be hangover resistant. In total, of 481 subjects (79.2% women) with a mean (SD) age of 21.1 (1.9) years old were included in the analysis. Of these, 83.3% (n = 400) reported having hangovers and 16.8% (n = 81) claimed to be hangover resistant. Drinkers with hangovers had significantly higher self-reported overall immune function scores when compared to hangover-resistant drinkers (mean ± SD = 10.5 ± 3.6 versus 13.1 ± 4.9, p = 0.0001), indicating a poorer immune status. In conclusion, experiencing alcohol hangovers is associated with significantly poorer self-reported immune function.
Epigenomic Control of Thermogenic Adipocyte Differentiation and Function
Authors: Peng Xu , Zhang Qiongyi , Liao Cheng , Han Weiping , Xu Feng
Published: June 2018

Obesity and its associated metabolic disorders are spreading at a fast pace throughout the world; thus, effective therapeutic approaches are necessary to combat this epidemic. Obesity develops when there is a greater caloric intake than energy expenditure. Promoting energy expenditure has recently attracted much attention as a promising approach for the management of body weight. Thermogenic adipocytes are capable of burning fat to dissipate chemical energy into heat, thereby enhancing energy expenditure. After the recent re-discovery of thermogenic adipocytes in adult humans, much effort has focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms, especially the epigenetic mechanisms, which regulate thermogenic adipocyte development and function. A number of chromatin signatures, such as histone modifications, DNA methylation, chromatin accessibilities, and interactions, have been profiled at the genome level and analyzed in various murine and human thermogenic fat cell systems. Moreover, writers and erasers, as well as readers of the epigenome are also investigated using genomic tools in thermogenic adipocytes. In this review, we summarize and discuss the recent advance in these studies and highlight the insights gained into the epigenomic regulation of thermogenic program as well as the pathogenesis of human metabolic diseases.
Shining Light on Chitosan: A Review on the Usage of Chitosan for Photonics and Nanomaterials Research
Authors: Marpu Sreekar B. , Benton Erin N.
Published: June 2018

Chitosan (CS) is a natural polymer derived from chitin that has found its usage both in research and commercial applications due to its unique solubility and chemical and biological attributes. The biocompatibility and biodegradability of CS have helped researchers identify its utility in the delivery of therapeutic agents, tissue engineering, wound healing, and more. Industrial applications include cosmetic and personal care products, wastewater treatment, and corrosion protection, to name a few. Many researchers have published numerous reviews outlining the physical and chemical properties of CS, as well as its use for many of the above-mentioned applications. Recently, the cationic polyelectrolyte nature of CS was found to be advantageous for stabilizing fascinating photonic materials including plasmonic nanoparticles (e.g., gold and silver), semiconductor nanoparticles (e.g., zinc oxide, cadmium sulfide), fluorescent organic dyes (e.g., fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)), luminescent transitional and lanthanide complexes (e.g., Au(I) and Ru(II), and Eu(III)). These photonic systems have been extensively investigated for their usage in antimicrobial, wound healing, diagnostics, sensing, and imaging applications. Highlighted in this review are the different works involving some of the above-mentioned molecular-nano systems that are prepared or stabilized using the CS polymer. The advantages and the role of the CS for synthesizing and stabilizing the above-mentioned optically active materials have been illustrated.
Role of MicroRNAs in Renal Parenchymal Diseases—A New Dimension
Authors: Shaffi Saeed Kamran , Galas David , Etheridge Alton , Argyropoulos Christos
Published: June 2018

Since their discovery in 1993, numerous microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified in humans and other eukaryotic organisms, and their role as key regulators of gene expression is still being elucidated. It is now known that miRNAs not only play a central role in the processes that ensure normal development and physiology, but they are often dysregulated in various diseases. In this review, we present an overview of the role of miRNAs in normal renal development and physiology, in maladaptive renal repair after injury, and in the pathogenesis of renal parenchymal diseases. In addition, we describe methods used for their detection and their potential as therapeutic targets. Continued research on renal miRNAs will undoubtedly improve our understanding of diseases affecting the kidneys and may also lead to new therapeutic agents.
Research on Vegetable Pest Warning System Based on Multidimensional Big Data
Authors: Zhang Changzhen , Cai Jiahao , Xiao Deqin , Ye Yaowen , Chehelamirani Mohammad
Published: June 2018

Pest early warning technology is part of the prerequisite for the timely and effective control of pest outbreaks. Traditional pest warning system with artificial mathematical statistics, radar, and remote sensing has some deficiency in many aspects, such as higher cost, weakness of accuracy, low efficiency, and so on. In this study, Pest image data was collected and information about four major vegetable pests (Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), Phyllotreta striolata (Fabricius), Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus), and Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera, Thripidae)) in southern China was extracted. A multi-sensor network system was constructed to collect small-scale environmental data on vegetable production sites. The key factors affecting the distribution of pests were discovered by multi-dimensional information, such as soil, environment, eco-climate, and meteorology of vegetable fields, and finally, the vegetable pest warning system that is based on multidimensional big data (VPWS-MBD) was implemented. Pest and environmental data from Guangzhou Dongsheng Bio-Park were collected from June 2017 to February 2018. The number of pests is classified as level I (0–56), level II (57–131), level III (132–299), and level IV (above 300) by K-Means algorithm. The Pearson correlation coefficient and the grey relational analysis algorithm were used to calculate the five key influence factors of rainfall, soil temperature, air temperature, leaf surface humidity, and soil moisture. Finally, Back Propagation (BP) Neural Network was used for classification prediction. The result shows: I-level warning accuracy was 96.14%, recall rate was 97.56%; II-level pest warning accuracy was 95.34%, the recall rate was 96.45%; III-level pest warning accuracy of 100%, the recall rate was 96.28%; IV-level pest warning accuracy of 100%, recall rate was 100%. It proves that the early warning system can effectively predict vegetable pests and achieve the early warning of vegetable pest’s requirements, with high availability.
Synergistic Effect of Nanodiamond and Phosphate Ester Anti-Wear Additive Blends
Authors: Acharya Biplav , Avva Keshav S. , Thapa Binita , Pardue Tyler N. , Krim Jacqueline
Published: June 2018

Nanodiamonds are known to improve tribological performance when added to lubricants, but their impact on additives that may already be present in the lubricant is poorly documented. Here, we report on a study of their effects on thermal reaction films formed from tricresyl phosphate (TCP) on Fe substrates immersed in a dibasic ester basestock when blended with TCP. Thermal reaction film formation temperatures were recorded in-situ by monitoring the reaction film formation on both Fe and air baked Fe surfaces using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). The nanodiamonds were found to raise the thermal reaction film formation temperature by 18 °C, possibly by raising the activation energy for the reaction, but they were not observed to affect the thickness or rate of formation of the films. The nanodiamonds, moreover, were observed to trigger thermal reaction film formation on air baked Fe surfaces that otherwise were highly resistance to reaction film formation. The surface morphology, roughness, and thickness of the thermal reaction films, as measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM), are reported as well as their chemical compositions, as studied with Electron Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). The coefficients of friction measured on the thermal reaction films during dry solid–solid contact are also reported.
Properties of Experimental Dental Composites Containing Antibacterial Silver-Releasing Filler
Authors: Stencel Robert , Kasperski Jacek , Pakieła Wojciech , Mertas Anna , Bobela Elżbieta , Barszczewska-Rybarek Izabela , Chladek Grzegorz
Published: June 2018

Secondary caries is one of the important issues related to using dental composite restorations. Effective prevention of cariogenic bacteria survival may reduce this problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity and physical properties of composite materials with silver sodium hydrogen zirconium phosphate (SSHZP). The antibacterial filler was introduced at concentrations of 1%, 4%, 7%, 10%, 13%, and 16% (w/w) into model composite material consisting of methacrylate monomers and silanized glass and silica fillers. The in vitro reduction in the number of viable cariogenic bacteria Streptococcus mutans ATCC 33535 colonies, Vickers microhardness, compressive strength, diametral tensile strength, flexural strength, flexural modulus, sorption, solubility, degree of conversion, and color stability were investigated. An increase in antimicrobial filler concentration resulted in a statistically significant reduction in bacteria. There were no statistically significant differences caused by the introduction of the filler in compressive strength, diametral tensile strength, flexural modulus, and solubility. Statistically significant changes in degree of conversion, flexural strength, hardness (decrease), solubility (increase), and in color were registered. A favorable combination of antibacterial properties and other properties was achieved at SSHZP concentrations from 4% to 13%. These composites exhibited properties similar to the control material and enhanced in vitro antimicrobial efficiency.
The measurements of health-related quality-of-life and pain assessment in the preoperative patients with low back pain
Authors: Vereščiagina Kotryna , Ambrozaitis Kazys , Špakauskas Bronius
Published: June 2018

Objective. This prospective observational study of the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Oswestry Disability Index, Lithuanian version of the McGill Pain Questionnaire, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain was performed to evaluate their effectiveness in the additional preoperative screening of patients with disc herniation disease. Patients and methods. In the present study, we investigated a cohort of 100 patients with lumbar disc herniation causing low back pain and the second one of 100 patients with nonspecific low back pain by applying physical activity, pain scales and Short-Form 36 General Health Questionnaire. Results. The quantitative analysis of SF-36 domain scores showed the substantial differences in both examined (herniated and control) groups. In the present study, we estimated moderate but statistically significant (P<0.05) correlations between the bodily pain domain scores and assessment of back and leg pain on the VAS, as well as between the physical function and walking/standing ability (Oswestry). According to appropriate pain assessment instruments (Lithuanian version of the McGill Pain Questionnaire), qualitative and quantitative analysis of the preoperative patients was performed. Conclusion. The provided methodology could be used in population-based studies or in clinical samples that focus on specific impairments and seek to control the pain frequency and intensity, for example, follow-up assessments testing the effectiveness of surgical procedures performed, and to elicit the pathways leading to other impairments.
Clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes of 35 patients with Wegener’s granulomatosis followed up at two rheumatology centers in Lithuania
Authors: Dadonienė Jolanta , Pileckytė Margarita , Baranauskaitė Asta , Kirdaitė Gailutė
Published: June 2018

Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate the survival of Lithuanian patients with Wegener’s granulomatosis, who were followed up at two tertiary rheumatology centers, and to find the factors possibly influencing the outcomes of this disease. Material and methods. Thirty-five patients were followed up prospectively from the onset of disease (the first patient was enrolled in 1994) at Vilnius University Hospital and the Center of Rheumatology of Kaunas University of Medicine (17 and 18 patients, respectively). All patients in both the centers were followed up on a routine basis, and their records contained necessary information about laboratory and biopsy data; the censoring date (end of follow-up) was stated in June 2006. Results. Among the patients, the most frequent organs involved were ear, nose, throat (ENT) (82.6%), lungs (74.3%), and kidney (renal involvement was defined by proteinuria/abnormal urine sediment) (45.7%). Renal insufficiency was present in 20.6% of all the patients. At the end of the study, 32.4% of patients had simultaneously all three organ systems involved, namely upper respiratory tract, pulmonary, and renal. ANCA positivity was found for 26 (74.3%) of all the patients. Overall mortality rate was 25.7% (9/35). The mean survival was 99.4 months (95% CI, 73.6; 125.3) limited to 149 months for the longest-surviving patient. Conclusions. Female gender and all three specific organ involvements being present at the same time and higher vasculitis damage index were associated with poor outcome. Overall mortality rate was 25.7% (9/35) during the 12-year follow-up, and it is similar to the data from other European countries.
Optimization of Malachite Green Removal from Water by TiO2 Nanoparticles under UV Irradiation
Authors: Ma Yongmei , Ni Maofei , Li Siyue
Published: June 2018

TiO2 nanoparticles with surface porosity were prepared by a simple and efficient method and presented for the removal of malachite green (MG), a representative organic pollutant, from aqueous solution. Photocatalytic degradation experiments were systematically conducted to investigate the influence of TiO2 dosage, pH value, and initial concentrations of MG. The kinetics of the reaction were monitored via UV spectroscopy and the kinetic process can be well predicted by the pseudo first-order model. The rate constants of the reaction kinetics were found to decrease as the initial MG concentration increased; increased via elevated pH value at a certain amount of TiO2 dosage. The maximum efficiency of photocatalytic degradation was obtained when the TiO2 dosage, pH value and initial concentrations of MG were 0.6 g/L, 8 and 10−5 mol/L (M), respectively. Results from this study provide a novel optimization and an efficient strategy for water pollutant treatment.
The Consumption of Dairy and Its Association with Nutritional Status in the South East Asian Nutrition Surveys (SEANUTS)
Authors: Nguyen Bao Khanh , Sandjaja Sandjaja , Poh Bee , Rojroongwasinkul Nipa , Huu Chinh , Sumedi Edith , Aini Jamil , Senaprom Sayamon , Deurenberg Paul , Bragt Marjolijn , Khouw Ilse ,   On behalf of the SEANUTS Study Group
Published: June 2018

Despite a major decrease in undernutrition worldwide over the last 25 years, underweight and stunting in children still persist as public health issues especially in Africa and Asia. Adequate nutrition is one of the key factors for healthy growth and development of children. In this study, the associations between dairy consumption and nutritional status in the South East Asian Nutrition Survey (SEANUTS) were investigated. National representative data of 12,376 children in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam aged between 1 and 12 years were pooled, representing nearly 88 million children in this age category. It was found that the prevalence of stunting and underweight was lower in children who consumed dairy on a daily basis (10.0% and 12.0%, respectively) compared to children who did not use dairy (21.4% and 18.0%, respectively) (p < 0.05). The prevalence of vitamin A deficiency and vitamin D insufficiency was lower in the group of dairy users (3.9% and 39.4%, respectively) compared to non-dairy consumers (7.5% and 53.8%, respectively) (p < 0.05). This study suggests that dairy as part of a daily diet plays an important role in growth and supports a healthy vitamin A and vitamin D status.
Dietary Cholesterol and the Lack of Evidence in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Soliman Ghada A.
Published: June 2018

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States. For years, dietary cholesterol was implicated in increasing blood cholesterol levels leading to the elevated risk of CVD. To date, extensive research did not show evidence to support a role of dietary cholesterol in the development of CVD. As a result, the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans removed the recommendations of restricting dietary cholesterol to 300 mg/day. This review summarizes the current literature regarding dietary cholesterol intake and CVD. It is worth noting that most foods that are rich in cholesterol are also high in saturated fatty acids and thus may increase the risk of CVD due to the saturated fatty acid content. The exceptions are eggs and shrimp. Considering that eggs are affordable and nutrient-dense food items, containing high-quality protein with minimal saturated fatty acids (1.56 gm/egg) and are rich in several micronutrients including vitamins and minerals, it would be worthwhile to include eggs in moderation as a part of a healthy eating pattern. This recommendation is particularly relevant when individual’s intakes of nutrients are suboptimal, or with limited income and food access, and to help ensure dietary intake of sufficient nutrients in growing children and older adults.
Whey Protein Concentrate WPC-80 Improves Antioxidant Defense Systems in the Salivary Glands of 14-Month Wistar Rats
Authors: Falkowski Mateusz , Maciejczyk Mateusz , Koprowicz Tomasz , Mikołuć Bożena , Milewska Anna , Zalewska Anna , Car Halina
Published: June 2018

Whey protein concentrate (WPC) is characterized by powerful antioxidant properties, but its effect on redox homeostasis of salivary glands of aging organisms is still unknown. In this study, we are the first to evaluate the antioxidant barrier of salivary glands of 14-month Wistar rats fed WPC-80. Total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) as well as concentrations of reduced glutathione (GSH) are estimated in the submandibular and parotid glands of rats administered WPC-80 intragastrically for a period of 7 and 14 days. We demonstrate a significant increase in GSH, GPx and SOD in the salivary glands of rats fed WPC-80 for 14 days and a significant increase in TAS, GPx and SOD in the parotid glands of rats fed WPC-80 for 7 days compared to control rats. The beneficial effects of WPC-80 on salivary glands are also demonstrated by lower TOS and OSI in the parotid glands of rats fed WPC-80 compared to the submandibular glands. In summary, we demonstrate that WPC-80 improves redox homeostasis in salivary glands, particularly in the parotid glands of old rats.
Effect of a Surfactant in Microcapsule Synthesis on Self-Healing Behavior of Capsule Embedded Polymeric Films
Authors: Lee Jiyeon , Park Seon , Park Chul-Soon , Kwon Oh , Chung So , Shim Jongwon , Lee Chang-Soo , Bae Joonwon
Published: June 2018

Recently, there has been increased interest in self-healing membranes containing functional microcapsules in relation to challenges involving water treatment membranes. In this study, a self-healing membrane has been prepared by incorporating microcapsules with a polyurethane (PU) shell and a diisocyanate core in a poly(ether sulfone) (PES) membrane. Depending on the characteristics of the microcapsule, to precisely quantify the self-healing behavior and performance of the produced microcapsule embedded membranes, it is important to understand the effect of a used surfactant on microcapsule synthesis. It is noteworthy that mixed surfactants have been employed to control and tailor the size and morphology of microcapsules during the synthetic process, and the surfactant system employed was one of the most dominant parameters for affecting the healing capability of microcapsule embedded membranes. Various techniques including microscopy (optical and electron), thermal analyses (DSC and TGA), and water flux measurements have been employed. This article provides essential and important information for future research into the subtle relation between microcapsule properties with varied synthetic parameters and the self-healing behavior of membrane.
Spatio-Temporal Variability of the Habitat Suitability Index for Chub Mackerel (Scomber Japonicus) in the East/Japan Sea and the South Sea of South Korea
Authors: Lee Dabin , Son SeungHyun , Kim Wonkook , Park Joo Myun , Joo Huitae , Lee Sang Heon
Published: June 2018

The climate-induced decrease in fish catches in South Korea has been a big concern over the last decades. The increase in sea surface temperature (SST) due to climate change has led to not only a decline in fishery landings but also a shift in the fishing grounds of several fish species. The habitat suitability index (HSI), a reliable indicator of the capacity of a habitant to support selected species, has been widely used to detect and forecast fishing ground formation. In this study, the catch data of the chub mackerel and satellite-derived environmental factors were used to calculate the HSI for the chub mackerel in the South Sea, South Korea. More than 80% of the total catch was found in areas with an SST of 14.72–25.72 °C, chlorophyll-a of 0.30–0.92 mg m−3, and primary production of 523.7–806.46 mg C m−2 d−1. Based on these results, the estimated climatological monthly HSI from 2002 to 2016 clearly showed that the wintering ground of the chub mackerel generally formed in the South Sea of South Korea, coinciding with the catch distribution during the same period. This outcome implies that our estimated HSI can yield a reliable prediction of the fishing ground for the chub mackerel in the East/Japan Sea and South Sea of South Korea.
Joint Energy Supply and Routing Path Selection for Rechargeable Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Tang Liangrui , Cai Jinqi , Yan Jiangyu , Zhou Zhenyu
Published: June 2018

The topic of network lifetime has been attracting much research attention because of its importance in prolonging the standing operation of battery-restricted wireless sensor networks, and the rechargeable wireless sensor network has emerged as a promising solution. In this paper, we propose a joint energy supply and routing path selection algorithm to extend the network lifetime based on an initiative power supply. We develop a two-stage energy replenishment strategy to supplement the energy consumption of nodes as much as possible. Furthermore, the influence of charging factors on the selection of next-hop nodes in data routing is considered. The simulation results show that our algorithm effectively prolong the network lifetime, and different demands of network delay and energy consumption can be obtained by dynamically adjusting parameters.