bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Focused Review on the Maximal Exercise Responses in Hypo- and Normobaric Hypoxia: Divergent Oxygen Uptake and Ventilation Responses
Authors: Treml Benedikt , Gatterer Hannes , Burtscher Johannes , Kleinsasser Axel , Burtscher Martin
Published: July 2020

The literature suggests that acute hypobaric (HH) and normobaric (NH) hypoxia exposure elicits different physiological responses. Only limited information is available on whether maximal cardiorespiratory exercise test outcomes, performed on either the treadmill or the cycle ergometer, are affected differently by NH and HH. A focused literature review was performed to identify relevant studies reporting cardiorespiratory responses in well-trained male athletes (individuals with a maximal oxygen uptake, VO2max > 50 mL/min/kg at sea level) to cycling or treadmill running in simulated acute HH or NH. Twenty-one studies were selected. The exercise tests in these studies were performed in HH (n = 90) or NH (n = 151) conditions, on a bicycle ergometer (n = 178) or on a treadmill (n = 63). Altitudes (simulated and terrestrial) varied between 2182 and 5400 m. Analyses (based on weighted group means) revealed that the decline in VO2max per 1000 m gain in altitude was more pronounced in acute NH vs. HH (−7.0 ± 1.4% vs. −5.6 ± 0.9%). Maximal minute ventilation (VEmax) increased in acute HH but decreased in NH with increasing simulated altitude (+1.9 ± 0.9% vs. −1.4 ± 1.8% per 1000 m gain in altitude). Treadmill running in HH caused larger decreases in arterial oxygen saturation and heart rate than ergometer cycling in acute HH, which was not the case in NH. These results indicate distinct differences between maximal cardiorespiratory responses to cycling and treadmill running in acute NH or HH. Such differences should be considered when interpreting exercise test results and/or monitoring athletic training.
Prices, Availability and Affordability of Medicines with Value-Added Tax Exemption: A Cross-Sectional Survey in the Philippines
Authors: Lambojon Krizzia , Chang Jie , Saeed Amna , Hayat Khezar , Li Pengchao , Jiang Minghuan , Atif Naveel , Desalegn Gebrehaweria Kassa , Khan Faiz Ullah , Fang Yu
Published: July 2020

Background: Developing countries, such as the Philippines, started implementing policies to improve access to medicines, which is a vital step toward universal healthcare coverage. This study aimed to evaluate the prices, availability and affordability of prescribed medicines for diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and hypertension with the exemption of 12% value-added tax in the Philippines. Methods: The prices and availability of 50 medicines were collected in August 2019 from 36 public and 42 private medicine outlets in six regions of the Philippines, following a modified methodology developed by the World Health Organization and Health Action International. Availability is reported as the percentage of outlets in which the surveyed medicine was found at the time of visit. Medicine prices are expressed as median unit prices (MUPs) in Philippine Peso. Affordability is calculated based on the number of days’ wages required for the lowest-paid unskilled government worker to purchase a monthly treatment. Results: The mean availability of surveyed medicines was low in both public and private sectors, with 1.3% for originator brands (OBs) and 25.0% for lowest-priced generics (LPGs) in public outlets, and 34.7% and 35.4% in private outlets, respectively. The MUP of medicines were higher in private outlets, and OBs have higher unit price compared to the generic equivalents. Treatments with OBs were unaffordable, except for gliclazide, but the affordability of most LPGs is generally good. Conclusion: Access to medicines in both sectors was affected by low availability. High prices of OBs influenced the affordability of medicines even with tax exemption. A review of policies and regulations should be initiated for a better access to medicines in the Philippines.
Voices of Community Partners: Perspectives Gained from Conversations of Community-Based Participatory Research Experiences
Authors: Williamson Heather J. , Chief Carmenlita , Jiménez Dulce , Begay Andria , Milner Trudie F. , Sullivan Shevaun , Torres Emma , Remiker Mark , Samarron Longorio Alexandra Elvira , Sabo Samantha , Teufel-Shone Nicolette I.
Published: July 2020

Community-based participatory research (CBPR) has been documented as an effective approach to research with underserved communities, particularly with racial and ethnic minority groups. However, much of the literature promoting the use of CBPR with underserved communities is written from the perspective of the researchers and not from the perspective of the community partner. The purpose of this article is to capture lessons learned from the community partners’ insight gained through their experiences with CBPR. A multi-investigator consensus method was used to qualitatively code the transcripts of a CBPR story-telling video series. Seven major themes were identified: (1) expectations for engaging in research, (2) cultural humility, (3) respecting the partnership, (4) open communication, (5) genuine commitment, (6) valuing strengths and recognizing capacities, and (7) collaborating to yield meaningful results. The themes drawn from the community partner’s voice align with the tenets of CBPR advanced in the academic literature. More opportunities to include the community voice when promoting CBPR should be undertaken to help introduce the concepts to potential community partners who may be research cautious.
Risk Interactions of Coronavirus Infection across Age Groups after the Peak of COVID-19 Epidemic
Authors: Yu Xinhua
Published: July 2020

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has incurred significant disease burden worldwide, particularly on the elderly population. This study aims to explore how risks of coronavirus infection interact across age groups using data from South Korea. Methods: Daily new COVID-19 cases from 10 March to 30 April 2020 were scraped from online open sources. A multivariate vector autoregressive model for time series of count data was used to examine the risk interactions across age groups. Case counts from previous days were included as predictors to dynamically examine the change of risk patterns. Results: In South Korea, the risk of coronavirus infection among elderly people was significantly affected by other age groups. An increase in virus infection among people aged 20–39 was associated with a double risk of infection among elderly people. Meanwhile, an increase in virus infection among elderly people was also significantly associated with risks of infection among other age groups. The risks of infection among younger people were relatively unaffected by that of other age groups. Conclusions: Protecting elderly people from coronavirus infection could not only reduce the risk of infection among themselves but also ameliorate the risks of virus infection among other age groups. Such interventions should be effective and for the long term.
Suppression of Rice Blast by Bacterial Strains Isolated from Cultivated Soda Saline-Sodic Soils
Authors: Wei Yi , Li Lanhui , Hu Wenjun , Ju Huiyan , Zhang Mingzhe , Qin Qingming , Zhang Shihong , Li Guihua
Published: July 2020

Rice blast caused by Magnaporthe oryzae is one of the most serious rice diseases worldwide. Biological control is gaining popularity as a promising method for the control of this disease; however, more effective microbial strains with strong adaptability in rice fields need to be identified. Here, we report for the first time the successful identification of biocontrol bacterial strains from frozen soils of the soda saline-sodic land. We isolated 82 bacterial strains from rice fields in the western Songnen Plain of China, one of the three major soda saline soils in the world. Five of the isolated strains exhibited strong inhibition to M. oryzae growth. The potential strains were identified as Bacillus safensis JLS5, Pseudomonas koreensis JLS8, Pseudomonas saponiphila JLS10, Stenotrophomonas rhizophila JLS11 and Bacillus tequilensis JLS12, respectively, by 16s RNA gene sequence analysis. The antagonistic assay and the artificial inoculation tests showed that JLS5 and JLS12 could effectively inhibit conidial germination and pathogenicity of the rice blast fungus, both preventively and curatively. The suppression of pathogenicity was further confirmed by greenhouse experiments, showing the effectiveness of JLS5 and JLS12 as a potential biological control agents of M. oryzae. The potential application of these cold-tolerant strains for rice blast control in cold regions is discussed. Our data suggest that soda saline-sodic soils are a rich source for biocontrol strain isolation.
Social Return on Investment Analysis of the Health Precinct Community Hub for Chronic Conditions
Authors: Jones Carys , Hartfiel Ned , Brocklehurst Paul , Lynch Mary , Edwards Rhiannon Tudor
Published: July 2020

Local governments and Health Boards are seeking to develop integrated services to promote well-being. Social participation and physical activity are key in promoting well-being for older people. The Health Precinct is a community hub in North Wales that people with chronic conditions are referred to through social prescribing. To improve community-based assets there is a need to understand and evidence the social value they generate. Data collection took place October 2017–September 2019. Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis was used to evaluate the Health Precinct. Stakeholders included participants aged 55+, participants’ families, staff, the National Health Service and local government. Participants’ health and well-being data were collected upon referral and four months later using the EQ-5D-5L, Campaign to End Loneliness Scale and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Family members completed questionnaires at four months. Baseline data were collected for 159 participants. Follow-up data were available for 66 participants and 38 family members. The value of inputs was £55,389 (attendance fees, staffing, equipment, overheads), and the value of resulting benefits was £281,010; leading to a base case SROI ratio of £5.07 of social value generated for every £1 invested. Sensitivity analysis yielded estimates of between 2.60:1 and 5.16:1.
Factors Associated with the Perception of Risk and Knowledge of Contracting the SARS-Cov-2 among Adults in Bangladesh: Analysis of Online Surveys
Authors: Abir Tanvir , Kalimullah Nazmul Ahsan , Osuagwu Uchechukwu Levi , Yazdani Dewan Muhammad Nur -A. , Mamun Abdullah Al , Husain Taha , Basak Palash , Permarupan P. Yukthamarani , Agho Kingsley E.
Published: July 2020

This study investigated the perception and awareness of risk among adult participants in Bangladesh about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). During the lockdown era in Bangladesh at two different time points, from 26−31 March 2020 (early lockdown) and 11−16 May 2020 (late lockdown), two self-administered online surveys were conducted on 1005 respondents (322 and 683 participants, respectively) via social media. To examine risk perception and knowledge-related factors towards COVID-19, univariate and multiple linear regression models were employed. Scores of mean knowledge (8.4 vs. 8.1, p = 0.022) and perception of risk (11.2 vs. 10.6, p < 0.001) differed significantly between early and late lockdown. There was a significant decrease in perceived risk scores for contracting SARS-Cov-2 [β = −0.85, 95%CI: −1.31, −0.39], while knowledge about SARS-Cov-2 decreased insignificantly [β = −0.22, 95%CI: −0.46, 0.03] in late lockdown compared with early lockdown period. Self-quarantine was a common factor linked to increased perceived risks and knowledge of SARS-Cov-2 during the lockdown period. Any effort to increase public awareness and comprehension of SARS-Cov-2 in Bangladesh will then offer preference to males, who did not practice self-quarantine and are less worried about the propagation of this kind of virus.
Comparative Evaluation of Dental Implant Failure among Healthy and Well-Controlled Diabetic Patients—A 3-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Sghaireen Mohammed Ghazi , Alduraywish Abdulrahman A. , Srivastava Kumar Chandan , Shrivastava Deepti , Patil Santosh R , Al Habib Selham , Hamza May , Ab Rahman Saifulizan , Lynch Edward , Alam Mohammad Khursheed
Published: July 2020

Diabetes mellitus is known to compromise the various aspects of homeostasis, including the immune response and the composition of oral microflora. One of the oral manifestations of diabetes mellitus is tooth loss and the survival rate of dental implants chosen as a treatment modality for its rehabilitation is controversial. The current study aims to evaluate and compare the failure rate of dental implants between well-controlled diabetic and healthy patients. A retrospective study of case-control design was conceptualized with 121 well-controlled diabetic and 136 healthy individuals. Records of subjects who had undergone oral rehabilitation with dental implants between the periods of January 2013 to January 2016 were retrieved. Post-operative evaluation was carried out for all patients for about three years to assess the immediate and long-term success of the procedure. From a total of 742 dental implants, 377 were placed in well-controlled diabetic patients (case group) and 365 in healthy subjects (control group). A comparable (9.81%), but non-significant (p = 0.422) failure rate was found in the case group in comparison to the control group (9.04%). A non-significant (p = 0.392) raised number (4.98%) of failure cases were reported among females in comparison to males (4.44%). In respect to arch, the mandibular posterior region was reported as the highest failure cases (3.09%; p = 0.411), with 2.29% of cases reported in the mandibular anterior (p = 0.430) and maxillary posterior (p = 0.983) each. The maxillary anterior region was found to have the least number (1.75%; p = 0.999) of failure cases. More (4.98%; p = 0.361) cases were reported to fail during the functional loading stage in contrast to osseointegration (4.44%; p = 0.365). A well-controlled diabetic status does not impose any additional risk for individuals undergoing dental implant therapy.
Suppression of Ocular Vascular Inflammation through Peptide-Mediated Activation of Angiopoietin-Tie2 Signaling
Authors: Mirando Adam C. , Lima e Silva Raquel , Chu Zenny , Campochiaro Peter A. , Pandey Niranjan B. , Popel Aleksander S.
Published: July 2020

Persistent inflammation is a complication associated with many ocular diseases. Changes in ocular vessels can amplify disease responses and contribute to vision loss by influencing the delivery of leukocytes to the eye, vascular leakage, and perfusion. Here, we report the anti-inflammatory activity for AXT107, a non-RGD, 20-mer αvβ3 and α5β1 integrin-binding peptide that blocks vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-signaling and activates tyrosine kinase with immunoglobulin and EGF-like domains 2 (Tie2) using the normally inhibitory ligand angiopoietin 2 (Ang2). Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), a central inflammation mediator, induces Ang2 release from endothelial cells to enhance its stimulation of inflammation and vascular leakage. AXT107 resolves TNFα-induced vascular inflammation in endothelial cells by converting the endogenously released Ang2 into an agonist of Tie2 signaling, thereby disrupting both the synergism between TNFα and Ang2 while also preventing inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB α (IκBα) degradation directly through Tie2 signaling. This recovery of IκBα prevents nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) nuclear localization, thereby blocking NF-κB-induced inflammatory responses, including the production of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1, leukostasis, and vascular leakage in cell and mouse models. AXT107 also decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) without affecting levels of the more protective TNFR2. These data suggest that AXT107 may provide multiple benefits in the treatment of retinal/choroidal and other vascular diseases by suppressing inflammation and promoting vascular stabilization.
Structural Features of Carnivorous Plant (Genlisea, Utricularia) Tubers as Abiotic Stress Resistance Organs
Authors: Płachno Bartosz J. , Silva Saura R. , Świątek Piotr , Dixon Kingsley W. , Lustofin Krzystof , Seber Guilherme C. , Miranda Vitor F. O.
Published: July 2020

Carnivorous plants from the Lentibulariaceae form a variety of standard and novel vegetative organs and survive unfavorable environmental conditions. Within Genlisea, only G. tuberosa, from the Brazilian Cerrado, formed tubers, while Utricularia menziesii is the only member of the genus to form seasonally dormant tubers. We aimed to examine and compare the tuber structure of two taxonomically and phylogenetically divergent terrestrial carnivorous plants: Genlisea tuberosa and Utricularia menziesii. Additionally, we analyzed tubers of U. mannii. We constructed phylogenetic trees using chloroplast genes matK/trnK and rbcL and used studied characters for ancestral state reconstruction. All examined species contained mainly starch as histologically observable reserves. The ancestral state reconstruction showed that specialized organs such as turions evolved once and tubers at least 12 times from stolons in Lentibulariaceae. Different from other clades, tubers probably evolved from thick stolons for sect. Orchidioides and both structures are primarily water storage structures. In contrast to species from section Orchidioides, G. tuberosa, U. menziesii and U. mannii form starchy tubers. In G. tuberosa and U. menziesii, underground tubers provide a perennating bud bank that protects the species in their fire-prone and seasonally desiccating environments.
The New Frontier in Oxytocin Physiology: The Oxytonic Contraction
Authors: Camerino Claudia
Published: July 2020

Oxytocin (Oxt) is a nine amino acid peptide important in energy regulation and is essential to stress-related disorders. Specifically, low Oxt levels are associated with obesity in human subjects and diet-induced or genetically modified animal models. The striking evidence that Oxt is linked to energy regulation is that Oxt- and oxytocin receptor (Oxtr)-deficient mice show a phenotype characterized by late onset obesity. Oxt−/− or Oxtr−/− develop weight gain without increasing food intake, suggesting that a lack of Oxt reduce metabolic rate. Oxt is differentially expressed in skeletal muscle exerting a protective effect toward the slow-twitch muscle after cold stress challenge in mice. We hypothesized that Oxt potentiates the slow-twitch muscle as it does with the uterus, triggering “the oxytonic contractions”. Physiologically, this is important to augment muscle strength in fight/flight response and is consistent with the augmented energetic need at time of labor and for the protection of the offspring when Oxt secretion spikes. The normophagic obesity of Oxt−/− or Oxtr−/− mice could have been caused by decreased skeletal muscle tonicity which drove the metabolic phenotype. In this review, we summarized our findings together with the recent literature on this fascinating subjects in a “new oxytonic perspective” over the physicology of Oxt.
COVID-19: A Review on Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prophylaxis
Authors: Fierabracci Alessandra , Arena Andrea , Rossi Paolo
Published: July 2020

Coronavirus 2 (CoV) Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV2) is causing a highly infectious pandemic pneumonia. Coronaviruses are positive sense single-stranded RNA viruses that infect several animal species, causing symptoms that range from those similar to the common cold to severe respiratory syndrome. The Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the SARS-CoV2 functional receptor. Measures are currently undertaken worldwide to control the infection to avoid disruption of the social and economic equilibrium, especially in countries with poor healthcare resources. In a guarded optimistic view, we hope that the undertaken preventive and treatment measures will at least contribute to contain viral diffusion, attenuate activity, or even eliminate SARS-CoV2. In this review, we discuss emerging perspectives for prevention/treatment of COVID-19 infection. In addition to vaccines under development, passive immunization is an open opportunity since patients develop neutralizing antibodies. A full spectrum of potential drugs for COVID-19 infections could in turn affect virus binding or enzymatic activities involved in viral replication and transcription. Furthermore, clinical trials are currently evaluating the safety and efficacy of anti-inflammatory drugs, such as tocilizumab. Bioinformatics may allow characterization of specific CD8+ and CD4+ T cell responses; thus, CoV2 T cells’ frequency can be correlated with the disease severity and outcome. Combinatorial antibody phage display may be empowered to identify the immune repertoire of CoV2-specific neutralizing antibodies.
A Web-Based Pharmacogenomics Search Tool for Precision Medicine in Perioperative Care
Authors: Zarei Sara , Costas Yensea , Orozco Gloria , Zaydlin Michelle , Mirtar Ali , Abouali Mohammad , Diaz-Marty Cristina , Akhlaghipour Golnoush , Fernandez Altamirano Pablo , Gonzalez Cardona Anel R. , Reiley Luz E. , Mirzakhani Hooman
Published: July 2020

Background: Precision medicine represents an evolving approach to improve treatment efficacy by modifying it to individual patient’s gene variation. Pharmacogenetics, an applicable branch of precision medicine, identifies patient’s predisposing genotypes that alter the clinical outcome of the drug, hence preventing serious adverse drug reactions. Pharmacogenetics has been extensively applied to various fields of medicine, but in the field of anesthesiology and preoperative medicine, it has been unexploited. Although the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a table of pharmacogenomics biomarkers and pharmacogenetics, this table only includes general side effects of the included drugs. Thus, the existing FDA table offers limited information on genetic variations that may increase drug side effects. Aims: The purpose of this paper is to provide a web-based pharmacogenomics search tool composed of a comprehensive list of medications that have pharmacogenetic relevance to perioperative medicine that might also have application in other fields of medicine. Method: For this investigation, the FDA table of pharmacogenomics biomarkers in drug labeling was utilized as an in-depth of drugs to construct our pharmacogenetics drug table. We performed a literature search for drug–gene interactions using the unique list of drugs in the FDA table. Publications containing the drug–gene interactions were identified and reviewed. Additional drugs and extracted gene-interactions in the identified publications were added to the constructed drug table. Result: Our tool provides a comprehensive pharmacogenetic drug table including 258 drugs with a total of 461 drug–gene interactions and their corresponding gene variations that might cause modifications in drug efficacy, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and adverse reactions. This tool is freely accessible online and can be applied as a web-based search instrument for drug–gene interactions in different fields of medicine, including perioperative medicine. Conclusion: In this research, we collected drug–gene interactions in a web-based searchable tool that could be used by physicians to expand their field knowledge in pharmacogenetics and facilitate their clinical decision making. This precision medicine tool could further serve in establishing a comprehensive perioperative pharmacogenomics database that also includes different fields of medicine that could influence the outcome of perioperative medicine.
Experimental Study of Drilling Temperature, Geometrical Errors and Thermal Expansion of Drill on Hole Accuracy When Drilling CFRP/Ti Alloy Stacks
Authors: Kolesnyk Vitalii , Peterka Jozef , Kuruc Marcel , Šimna Vladimír , Moravčíková Jana , Vopát Tomáš , Lisovenko Dmytro
Published: July 2020

The drilling of holes in CFRP/Ti (Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Plastic/Titanium alloy) alloy stacks is one of the frequently used mechanical operations during the manufacturing of fastening assemblies in temporary civil aircraft. A combination of inhomogeneous behavior and poor machinability of CFRP/Ti alloy stacks in one short drilling brought challenges to the manufacturing community. The impact of the drilling temperature and time delay factor under various cutting conditions on hole accuracy when machining CFRP/Ti alloy stacks is poorly studied. In this paper, the drilling temperature, the phenomenon of thermal expansion of the drill tool, and hole accuracy are investigated. An experimental study was carried out using thermocouples, the coordinate measuring machine method, and finite element analysis. The results showed that the time delay factor varied from 5 (s) to 120 (s), influences the thermal-dependent properties of CFRP, and leads to an increase in hole roundness. Additionally, the thermal expansion of the drill significantly contributes to the deviation of the hole diameter in Ti alloy.
Effects of External Environments on the Fixed Elongation and Tensile Properties of the VAE Emulsion–Cement Composite Joint Sealant
Authors: Lou Chuanxin , Xu Jinyu , Liu Sinuo , Wang Tengjiao , Ren Weibo
Published: July 2020

Joint sealant is affected by various environmental factors in service, such as different temperatures, water soaking, ultraviolet and so on. In this paper, the VAE emulsion–cement compositejoint sealant was pretreated under multiple simulation environments. Thereafter, the degradation rules of fixed elongation and tensile properties of joint sealants at different mix proportions were systemically investigated under the action of external environments (temperature, water soaking and ultraviolet), and the influence mechanisms of diverse environmental factors were analyzed. The research results suggested that, under the action of external environments, the VAE emulsion–cement composite joint sealants exhibited degradation effects to varying degrees. After the addition of plasticizer, the joint sealants had reduced cohesion strength in low temperature environment and enhanced flexible deformability. The addition of water repellent improved the water resistance of joint sealants. Meanwhile, adding ultraviolet shield agent partially improved the ultraviolet radiation aging resistance. A greater powder–liquid ratio led to the lower flexibility of joint sealants, but superior water resistance and ultraviolet radiation aging resistance.
Passive Film Properties of Bimodal Grain Size AA7075 Aluminium Alloy Prepared by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Tian Wenming , Li Zhonglei , Kang HuiFeng , Cheng Fasong , Chen Fangfang , Pang Guoxing
Published: July 2020

The bimodal-grain-size 7075 aluminium alloys containing varied ratios of large and small 7075 aluminium powders were prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS). The large powder was 100 ± 15 μm in diameter and the small one was 10 ± 5 μm in diameter. The 7075 aluminium alloys was completely densified under the 500 °C sintering temperature and 60 MPa pressure. The large powders constituted coarse grain zone, and the small powders constituted fine grain zone in sintered 7075 aluminium alloys. The microstructural and microchemical difference between the large and small powders was remained in coarse and fine grain zones in bulk alloys after SPS sintering, which allowed for us to investigate the effects of microstructure and microchemistry on passive properties of oxide film formed on sintered alloys. The average diameter of intermetallic phases was 201.3 nm in coarse grain zone, while its vale was 79.8 nm in fine grain zone. The alloying element content in intermetallic phases in coarse grain zone was 33% to 48% higher than that on fine grain zone. The alloying element depletion zone surrounding intermetallic phases in coarse grain zone showed a bigger width and a more severe element depletion. The coarse grain zone in alloys showed a bigger electrochemical heterogeneity as compared to fine grain zone. The passive film formed on coarse grain zone had a thicker thickness and a point defect density of 2.4 × 1024 m−3, and the film on fine grain zone had a thinner thickness and a point defect density of 4.0 × 1023 m−3. The film resistance was 3.25 × 105 Ωcm2 on coarse grain zone, while it was 6.46 × 105 Ωcm2 on fine grain zone. The passive potential range of sintered alloys increased from 457 mV to 678 mV, while the corrosion current density decreased from 8.59 × 10−7 A/cm2 to 6.78 × 10−7 A/cm2 as fine grain zone increasing from 0% to 100%, which implied that the corrosion resistance of alloys increased with the increasing content of fine grains. The passive film on coarse grain zone exhibited bigger corrosion cavities after pitting initiation compared to that on fine grain zone. The passive film formed on fine grain zone showed a better corrosion resistance. The protectiveness of passive film was mainly determined by defect density rather than the thickness in this work.
Experimental Research and Numerical Simulation of Weld Repair with High Energy Spark Deposition Method
Authors: Zhang Yingjie , Yang Kai , Zhao Jianping
Published: July 2020

For long-serviced pressure equipment that is under severe working conditions such as a high temperature, high pressure, and corrosion, the material properties and structure will be unavoidably damaged or degraded, especially cracks and other damages at key positions such as welded joints, which seriously threaten the safe operation of the equipment. In order to promote the sustainable development of industries such as the chemical and petrochemical industries, remanufacturing technology has emerged worldwide, and various surface repair processes have also rapidly developed. As an important branch of surface repair technology, the high energy spark deposition (HESD) process is a new pulse cold welding repair technology developed from electro-spark deposition, which combines the advantages of multiple surface repair processes. The HESD process has the characteristics of a smaller heat affected zone and lower welding residual stress. It is a new type of repair method that is worthy of popularization and application. The process has been initially applied in the fields of surface modification and die steel repair. In this paper, the application of the HESD process to the repair of welded joints was introduced, the mechanical properties of the joints and the residual stress distribution after welding were analyzed, and the feasibility of HESD as a repair welding method for pressure structures was discussed. First, a numerical simulation of the temperature and stress field of HESD was proposed by using ABAQUS and the related subprograms, and the validity of the simulation results was verified by the residual stress test with the indentation strain method. Due to the precise control of the heat and pulse discharge working mode, the heat-affected zone and deformation caused by the HESD were extremely small, and the residual stress that was generated was low and only concentrated on the repair welding seam. Second, according to the numerical simulation and the test results of the mechanical properties of the welded joint, the optimal repair welding process parameters were obtained through the orthogonal experiment: peak current 45 A, pulse width 90 ms, and output voltage 10 V.
The Effect of Dynamic Food Labels with Real-Time Feedback on Diet Quality: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Shin Soye , van Dam Rob M. , Finkelstein Eric A.
Published: July 2020

The rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases has brought attention to the importance of consuming a healthy diet. One strategy to improve diet quality is through front-of-pack (FOP) nutrition labels. Taking advantage of an online grocery store, we allowed consumers to choose the FOP labels they preferred, and combined this information with real-time feedback on the overall nutritional quality of the shopping basket. We hypothesized that these dynamic food labels with real-time feedback (DFLF) would improve nutritional quality of food purchases. This trial followed a two-arm (no-label control and DFLF) crossover design with 125 participants exposed to each condition once in random order via an online grocery store. A first difference regression model allowed for estimating the unbiased effect of the DFLF on diet quality, measured by the weighted average Nutri-Score (ranging 1 to 5) per serving (primary) and changes in select nutrients and calories. The mean weighted Nutri-Score was 0.4 (12.6%) higher in the DFLF arm (CI: [0.2, 0.6]) relative to the control. The DFLF also decreased the amount of sugar per serving by 0.9 g (CI: [−1.7, −0.0]) and total sugar per shop by 169.5 g (CI: [−284.5, −54.5]). The DFLF features significantly improved nutrition quality relative to no labelling, as measured by average Nutri-Score values. These results shed light on the considerable potential of the online shopping environment to improve diet quality through customization and real time feedback.
In Vitro and In Vivo Antitumor Efficacy of Hizikia fusiforme Celluclast Extract against Bladder Cancer
Authors: Song Jun-Hui , Won Se Yeon , Hwang Byungdoo , Jung Soontag , Choi Changsun , Park Sung-Soo , Choi Yung Hyun , Kim Wun-Jae , Moon Sung-Kwon
Published: July 2020

Various physiological benefits have been linked to Hizikia fusiforme (HF), an edible brown seaweed. Here, fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharides were extracted from celluclast-processed HF (SPHF) and their antitumor efficacy against bladder cancer was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. SPHF possesses high sulfated polysaccharide and fucose contents and free radical scavenging activities compared to those of celluclast-processed HF extracts (CHF). SPHF inhibited bladder cancer EJ cell proliferation via G1-phase cell cycle arrest. This was due to the induction of p21WAF1 expression associated with the downregulation of CDKs and cyclins. Moreover, JNK phosphorylation was identified as an SPHF-mediated signaling molecule. SPHF treatment also hindered the migration and invasion of EJ cells by inhibiting MMP-9 expression, which was attributed to the repression of transcriptional binding to NF-κB, AP-1, and Sp-1 in the MMP-9 promoter region. In an animal study, SPHF treatment suppressed EJ tumor growth in xenograft mice similarly to cisplatin. Furthermore, no toxicity signs were found after weight loss assessment, biochemical tests, and organ tissue immunostaining during oral administration of 20–200 mg/kg SPHF for 20 days. Therefore, our study demonstrates the antitumor efficacy of SPHF in vitro and in vivo, thus highlighting its potential for bladder cancer treatment development.
Using Dietary Indices—What’s Next?
Authors: Rohrmann Sabine , Pestoni Giulia
Published: July 2020

For centuries, it has been known that what we eat is essential for our health [...]
Student Acceptance of Using Augmented Reality Applications for Learning in Pharmacy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Salem Saad , Cooper Joyce , Schneider Jennifer , Croft Hayley , Munro Irene
Published: July 2020

Creating engaging learning experiences that are easy to use and support the different learning requirements of university students is challenging. However, improvements in simulation technologies, such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), are making such changes possible. The aim of this study is to use a mobile-based AR technology to develop an interactive learning module about contraceptive devices and medicines and to measure its acceptability and usability by undergraduate pharmacy students. The learning module comprising AR images of contraceptive medicines, case studies relating to their use and a series of directed questions was completed by 33 pharmacy students. Students answered a survey to collect information about the usability and acceptability of AR for learning. The results show that the majority of students reported that AR is a useful resource for learning about medicines compared to more traditional methods, such as didactic lectures and tutorials. Students indicated that the AR application was easy to use and improved their knowledge of medicines. These findings suggest that AR technology is a useful tool to create engaging and easy to use learning experiences for university students.
Classification of Hyperspectral Reflectance Images With Physical and Statistical Criteria
Authors: Alakian Alexandre , Achard Véronique
Published: July 2020

A classification method of hyperspectral reflectance images named CHRIPS (Classification of Hyperspectral Reflectance Images with Physical and Statistical criteria) is presented. This method aims at classifying each pixel from a given set of thirteen classes: unidentified dark surface, water, plastic matter, carbonate, clay, vegetation (dark green, dense green, sparse green, stressed), house roof/tile, asphalt, vehicle/paint/metal surface and non-carbonated gravel. Each class is characterized by physical criteria (detection of specific absorptions or shape features) or statistical criteria (use of dedicated spectral indices) over spectral reflectance. CHRIPS input is a hyperspectral reflectance image covering the spectral range [400–2500 nm]. The presented method has four advantages, namely: (i) is robust in transfer, class identification is based on criteria that are not very sensitive to sensor type; (ii) does not require training, criteria are pre-defined; (iii) includes a reject class, this class reduces misclassifications; (iv) high precision and recall, F 1 score is generally above 0.9 in our test. As the number of classes is limited, CHRIPS could be used in combination with other classification algorithms able to process the reject class in order to decrease the number of unclassified pixels.
A Non-Local Low-Rank Algorithm for Sub-Bottom Profile Sonar Image Denoising
Authors: Li Shaobo , Zhao Jianhu , Zhang Hongmei , Bi Zijun , Qu Siheng
Published: July 2020

Due to the influence of equipment instability and surveying environment, scattering echoes and other factors, it is sometimes difficult to obtain high-quality sub-bottom profile (SBP) images by traditional denoising methods. In this paper, a novel SBP image denoising method is developed for obtaining underlying clean images based on a non-local low-rank framework. Firstly, to take advantage of the inherent layering structures of the SBP image, a direction image is obtained and used as a guidance image. Secondly, the robust guidance weight for accurately selecting the similar patches is given. A novel denoising method combining the weight and a non-local low-rank filtering framework is proposed. Thirdly, after discussing the filtering parameter settings, the proposed method is tested in actual measurements of sub-bottom, both in deep water and shallow water. Experimental results validate the excellent performance of the proposed method. Finally, the proposed method is verified and compared with other methods quantificationally based on the synthetic images and has achieved the total average peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) of 21.77 and structural similarity index (SSIM) of 0.573, which is far better than other methods.
A Review of Acoustic Impedance Matching Techniques for Piezoelectric Sensors and Transducers
Authors: Rathod Vivek T.
Published: July 2020

The coupling of waves between the piezoelectric generators, detectors, and propagating media is challenging due to mismatch in the acoustic properties. The mismatch leads to the reverberation of waves within the transducer, heating, low signal-to-noise ratio, and signal distortion. Acoustic impedance matching increases the coupling largely. This article presents standard methods to match the acoustic impedance of the piezoelectric sensors, actuators, and transducers with the surrounding wave propagation media. Acoustic matching methods utilizing active and passive materials have been discussed. Special materials such as nanocomposites, metamaterials, and metasurfaces as emerging materials have been presented. Emphasis is placed throughout the article to differentiate the difference between electric and acoustic impedance matching and the relation between the two. Comparison of various techniques is made with the discussion on capabilities, advantages, and disadvantages. Acoustic impedance matching for specific and uncommon applications has also been covered.
Restrictions of Historical Tissues on Urban Growth, Self-Sustaining Agglomeration in Walled Cities of Chinese Origin
Authors: Zhao Haosu , Dewancker Bart Julien , Hua Feng , He Junping , Gao Weijun
Published: July 2020

This article uses a fractal observation to help delineate the constraints placed by multiple city walls on the growth of historical East Asian cities. By applying advanced technologies from economic geography and fractal indices, a staged scaling process within urban dimension coherence can be applied to both indices. In this study, a discovery is proposed based on the urban organism concept that is capable of indicating a proportional intra-urban structure from a fundamental wall-bounded urban element (local specificity) to other greater walled spatial properties (global variables). This local specificity potentially performs approximate scaling regularities, and spatially denotes an average historical threshold of urban growth for its overall size, with similar scaling law constraints. This finding involves territorial, urban planning, and ancient architectural perspectives, providing a historical and local response to the expansion of contemporary cities. By employing growing fractal estimation, data processing enables the logarithmic city size to be obtained by measuring each wall’s specific features using the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) method. On the basis of two-dimensional allometric scaling patches, a spatial unfolding mechanism is utilized to reproduce these dynamic changes with city walls as a result of the human trajectories in time geography.
Mechanical Characteristics of Soda Residue Soil Incorporating Different Admixture: Reuse of Soda Residue
Authors: Ma Jiaxiao , Yan Nan , Zhang Mingyi , Liu Junwei , Bai Xiaoyu , Wang Yonghong
Published: July 2020

Soda residue (SR), a waste by-product of sodium carbonate production, occupies land resources and pollutes the environment seriously. To promote the resource reusing of waste SR, this paper studies the feasibility of utilizing SR for the preparation of soda residue soil (SRS) through laboratory and field tests. The SR and fly ash (FA) were mixed with six different proportions (SR:FA is 1:0, 10:1, 8:1, 6:1, 3:1, 1:1) to prepare SRS, and the optimum water content, maximum dry density, shear strength, and unconfined compression strength of the SRS were measured. The representative SRS (SR:FA is 10:1) was selected to investigate the compression performance and collapsibility. The preparation and filling method of SRS in the field was proposed, and the effects of gravel, sand, and lime on the mechanical properties of SRS were studied through field tests. The results show that the addition of FA contributed to the strength development of SR, and the addition of lime, sand and rubble have a significant effect on the subgrade bearing capacity of SRS. The subgrade bearing capacity and deformation modulus of SRS in field tests is more than 210 kPa and 34.48 MPa, respectively. The results provide experimental basis and reference for the preparation of SRS, the scientific application of SRS in geotechnical engineering to promote sustainable development.
Assessing Polyphenol Components and Antioxidant Activity during Fermented Assam Tea Ball Processing
Authors: Somsong Pimpinan , Santivarangkna Chalat , Tiyayon Pimsiri , Hsieh Chi-Ming , Srichamnong Warangkana
Published: July 2020

Fermented tea is traditionally consumed in many Asian countries. In Thailand, the product is made by anaerobic submerged fermentation of semi-mature tea leaves before being made into a ball form. This study aims to investigate the composition of health-associated bioactive compounds in fermented tea balls made from Camellia sinensis var. assamica, which is naturally grown in the forests of northern Thailand. The processing involves steaming semi-mature tea leaves followed by anaerobic fermentation in 2% NaCl solution (1:5 w/v of tea leaves solution). Levels of catechin (C), epicatechin (EC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), gallocatechin (GC), flavonols (myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol), phenolic acids (caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, coumaric acid, and sinapic acid), total phenolic content, and in vitro antioxidant activity were evaluated in fresh tea leaves, steamed tea leaves, and fermented tea leaves over a period of 60 days’ monitoring. The results indicated that fermented tea balls still contain significant amounts of tea polyphenols, although their processing may result in some loss of most bioactive compounds. The antioxidant activity measured by Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) assays also declined as the fermentation time was extended. However, phenolic acids, including caffeic acid and sinapic acid, contrastingly increased during prolonged fermentation by 74.35% and 171.43% from fresh leaves, respectively.
Disclosure Frequency, Information Environment, and Cost of Capital under Regulation Fair Disclosure in the Korean Market
Authors: Shim Hoshik
Published: July 2020

Disclosure policy contributes to improve sustainable corporate information environment by mitigating information asymmetry surrounding companies. Economic theories generally support that more disclosures reduce the level of information asymmetry, increase stock liquidity, and thus decrease the costs of equity capital. However, the effect of corporate disclosure in emerging markets is not clearly predictable because of the potential information leakage prior to disclosure. Considering this issue, this study focuses on the Regulation Fair Disclosure which prohibits selective disclosure. Using the earnings-to-price ratio as a proxy of the costs of equity, the study finds that disclosure frequency is negatively related to the cost of equity capital. However, I do not find evidence that disclosure is negatively related to the implied costs of equity capital (ICOE). The results of the quintile analysis suggest that this inconsistency is attributable to the better information environment of the ICOE sample. The findings of this study have implications for disclosure regulations in emerging markets, given that the existing literature casts doubt on the effectiveness of corporate disclosure in such markets.
Evaluating the Energy Potential of Solar PV Located on Mining Properties in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa
Authors: van der Merwe Waldo , Brent Alan C.
Published: July 2020

The lauded Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program (REIPPPP) has achieved much in stimulating private sector investment in the renewable energy market in South Africa. Yet, 95% of electricity generated is still from a single source, the state-owned utility Eskom. This paper set out to explore the policy sphere governing electricity generation and identifying possible avenues that can contribute to a more vibrant solar energy market in the most solar abundant province of South Africa, the Northern Cape Province. Licensed mines were identified as low hanging fruit due to a large policy overlap and leeway within existing mining policy. A solar audit of these areas was performed, based on accepted multi-criteria decision analysis techniques, and found that a potential 369 TWh to 679 TWh per annum can be generated, exceeding South Africa’s current electricity usage.
Opportunity of using dietary supplements, control of blood pressure as a complex treatment of arterial hypertension
Authors: Gizinger O.
Published: July 2020

The article presents the results of a research of evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of dietary supplements and control of blood pressure as a complex treatment in patients with the 1st and 2nd stages of arterial hypertension (AH). It was found that using the complex product blood pressure control stabilises systolic and diastolic blood pressure.