bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting High-Risk Prostate Cancer Using Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Barlow Henry , Mao Shunqi , Khushi Matloob
Published: September 2019

Prostate cancer can be low- or high-risk to the patient’s health. Current screening on the basis of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels has a tendency towards both false positives and false negatives, both of which have negative consequences. We obtained a dataset of 35,875 patients from the screening arm of the National Cancer Institute’s Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial. We segmented the data into instances without prostate cancer, instances with low-risk prostate cancer, and instances with high-risk prostate cancer. We developed a pipeline to deal with imbalanced data and proposed algorithms to perform preprocessing on such datasets. We evaluated the accuracy of various machine learning algorithms in predicting high-risk prostate cancer. An accuracy of 91.5% can be achieved by the proposed pipeline, using standard scaling, SVMSMOTE sampling method, and AdaBoost for machine learning. We then evaluated the contribution of rate of change of PSA, age, BMI, and filtration by race to this model’s accuracy. We identified that including the rate of change of PSA and age in our model increased the area under the curve (AUC) of the model by 6.8%, whereas BMI and race had a minimal effect.
Kernel Analysis Based on Dirichlet Processes Mixture Models
Authors: Tian Jinkai , Yan Peifeng , Huang Da
Published: September 2019

Kernels play a crucial role in Gaussian process regression. Analyzing kernels from their spectral domain has attracted extensive attention in recent years. Gaussian mixture models (GMM) are used to model the spectrum of kernels. However, the number of components in a GMM is fixed. Thus, this model suffers from overfitting or underfitting. In this paper, we try to combine the spectral domain of kernels with nonparametric Bayesian models. Dirichlet processes mixture models are used to resolve this problem by changing the number of components according to the data size. Multiple experiments have been conducted on this model and it shows competitive performance.
A Non-Linear Autoregressive Model for Indoor Air-Temperature Predictions in Smart Buildings
Authors: Aliberti Alessandro , Bottaccioli Lorenzo , Macii Enrico , Di Cataldo Santa , Acquaviva Andrea , Patti Edoardo
Published: September 2019

In recent years, the contrast against energy waste and pollution has become mandatory and widely endorsed. Among the many actors at stake, the building sector energy management is one of the most critical. Indeed, buildings are responsible for 40 % of total energy consumption only in Europe, affecting more than a third of the total pollution produced. Therefore, energy control policies of buildings (for example, forecast-based policies such as Demand Response and Demand Side Management) play a decisive role in reducing energy waste. On these premises, this paper presents an innovative methodology based on Internet-of-Things (IoT) technology for smart building indoor air-temperature forecasting. In detail, our methodology exploits a specialized Non-linear Autoregressive neural network for short- and medium-term predictions, envisioning two different exploitation: (i) on realistic artificial data and (ii) on real data collected by IoT devices deployed in the building. For this purpose, we designed and optimized four neural models, focusing respectively on three characterizing rooms and on the whole building. Experimental results on both a simulated and a real sensors dataset demonstrate the prediction accuracy and robustness of our proposed models.
5G Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication Implementation Challenges and Operational Issues with IoT Devices
Authors: Siddiqi Murtaza Ahmed , Yu Heejung , Joung Jingon
Published: September 2019

To meet the diverse industrial and market demands, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has classified the fifth-generation (5G) into ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC), enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), and massive machine-type communications (mMTC). Researchers conducted studies to achieve the implementation of the mentioned distributions efficiently, within the available spectrum. This paper aims to highlight the importance of URLLC in accordance with the approaching era of technology and industry requirements. While highlighting a few implementation issues of URLLC, concerns for the Internet of things (IoT) devices that depend on the low latency and reliable communications of URLLC are also addressed. In this paper, the recent progress of 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standardization and the implementation of URLLC are included. Finally, the research areas that are open for further investigation in URLLC implementation are highlighted, and efficient implementation of URLLC is discussed.
Performance-Aware Scheduling of Parallel Applications on Non-Dedicated Clusters
Authors: Cascajo Alberto , Singh David E. , Carretero Jesus
Published: September 2019

This work presents a HPC framework that provides new strategies for resource management and job scheduling, based on executing different applications in shared compute nodes, maximizing platform utilization. The framework includes a scalable monitoring tool that is able to analyze the platform’s compute node utilization. We also introduce an extension of CLARISSE, a middleware for data-staging coordination and control on large-scale HPC platforms that uses the information provided by the monitor in combination with application-level analysis to detect performance degradation in the running applications. This degradation, caused by the fact that the applications share the compute nodes and may compete for their resources, is avoided by means of dynamic application migration. A description of the architecture, as well as a practical evaluation of the proposal, shows significant performance improvements up to 20% in the makespan and 10% in energy consumption compared to a non-optimized execution.
Optimal Dispatching of Offshore Microgrid Considering Probability Prediction of Tidal Current Speed
Authors: Zhang Anan , Sun Yangfan , Yang Wei , Huang Huang , Feng Yating
Published: September 2019

Oceans contain rich tidal current energy, which can provide sufficient power for offshore microgrids. However, the uncertainty of tidal flow may endanger the operational reliability of an offshore microgrid. In this paper, a probabilistic prediction model of tidal current is established based on support vector quantile regression to reduce the influence of uncertainty. Firstly, the penalty factors and kernel parameters of the proposed prediction model was optimized by the dragonfly algorithm to predict the tidal speed of any time of a day in different quantiles. Secondly, combining the above result with the kernel density to predict the probability density function of the tidal current speed, which is to improve the accuracy of prediction in the absence of information. Thirdly, an optimal generation dispatching strategy with tidal current generators is proposed to minimize the fuel consumption of offshore microgrids. Finally, a case study based on the offshore oil and gas platform in Bohai shows that the mean absolute percent error of the proposed model is 2.8142%, which is better than support vector quantile regression model and support vector regression model optimized by the genetic algorithm.
Factors Associated with Structure Loss in the 2013–2018 California Wildfires
Authors: Syphard Alexandra , Keeley Jon
Published: September 2019

Tens of thousands of structures and hundreds of human lives have been lost in recent fire events throughout California. Given the potential for these types of wildfires to continue, the need to understand why and how structures are being destroyed has taken on a new level of urgency. We compiled and analyzed an extensive dataset of building inspectors’ reports documenting homeowner mitigation practices for more than 40,000 wildfire-exposed structures from 2013–2018. Comparing homes that survived fires to homes that were destroyed, we investigated the role of defensible space distance, defensive actions, and building structural characteristics, statewide and parsed into three broad regions. Overall, structural characteristics explained more of a difference between survived and destroyed structures than defensible space distance. The most consistently important structural characteristics—having enclosed eaves, vent screens, and multi-pane windows—were those that potentially prevented wind-born ember penetration into structures, although multi-pane windows are also known to protect against radiant heat. In the North-Interior part of the state, active firefighting was the most important reason for structure survival. Overall, the deviance explained for any given variable was relatively low, suggesting that other factors need to be accounted for to understand the full spectrum of structure loss contributors. Furthermore, while destroyed homes were preferentially included in the study, many “fire-safe” structures, having > 30 m defensible space or fire-resistant building materials, were destroyed. Thus, while mitigation may play an important role in structure survival, additional strategies should be considered to reduce future structure loss.
Polyphenolic Characterization, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxic Activities of Mangifera indica Cultivars from Costa Rica
Authors: Navarro Mirtha , Arnaez Elizabeth , Moreira Ileana , Quesada Silvia , Azofeifa Gabriela , Wilhelm Krissia , Vargas Felipe , Chen Pei
Published: September 2019

The phenolic profile of skin and flesh from Manifera indica main commercial cultivars (Keitt and Tommy Atkins) in Costa Rica was studied using ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS) on enriched phenolic extracts. A total of 71 different compounds were identified, including 32 gallates and gallotannins (of different polymerization degree, from galloyl hexose monomer up to decagalloyl hexoses and undecagalloyl hexoses); seven hydroxybenzophenone (maclurin and iriflophenone) derivatives, six xanthonoids (including isomangiferin and mangiferin derivatives); 11 phenolic acids (hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives); and eight flavonoids (rhamnetin and quercetin derivatives). The findings for T. Atkins skin constitute the first report of such a high number and diversity of compounds. Also, it is the first time that the presence of gallotannin decamers and undecamers are reported in the skin and flesh of Keitt cultivar and in T. Atkins skins. In addition, total phenolic content (TPC) was measured with high values especially for fruits’ skins, with a TPC of 698.65 and 644.17 mg gallic acid equivalents/g extract, respectively, for Keitt and T. Atkins cultivars. Antioxidant potential using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhidrazyl (DPPH) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) methods were evaluated, with T. Atkins skin showing the best values for both DPPH (IC50 = 9.97 µg/mL) and ORAC (11.02 mmol TE/g extract). A significant negative correlation was found for samples between TPC and DPPH antioxidant values (r = −0.960, p < 0.05), as well as a significant positive correlation between TPC and ORAC (r = 0.910, p < 0.05) and between DPPH and ORAC antioxidant methods (r = 0.989, p < 0.05). Also, cytotoxicity was evaluated in gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS), hepatocarcinoma (HepG2), and colon adenocarcinoma (SW620), with T. Atkins skin showing the best results (IC50 = 138–175 µg/mL). Finally, for AGS and SW 620 cell lines particularly, a high significant negative correlation was found between cytotoxic activity and gallotannins (r = −0.977 and r = −0.940, respectively) while for the HepG2 cell line, the highest significant negative correlation was found with xanthonoids compounds (r = −0.921).
Methyl Jasmonate and Salinity Increase Anthocyanin Accumulation in Radish Sprouts
Authors: Sakamoto Masaru , Suzuki Takahiro
Published: September 2019

Plant secondary metabolites with antioxidant properties, such as anthocyanins, are considered to have an important commercial value for some crops. Although anthocyanin concentration increases in response to various stimuli in plants, the mechanism of anthocyanin accumulation under multiple stimuli is not yet well understood. Here, we examined the effects of methyl jasmonate (MJ) and salinity on anthocyanin accumulation in radish (Raphanus sativus) sprouts. MJ treatments induced anthocyanin accumulation, which was enhanced by simultaneous treatment with salinity (200 mM NaCl), accompanied by growth restrictions. Sprouts treated with salinity alone did not induce anthocyanin accumulation, although sprout growth was restricted. Co-treatment with MJ and salinity increased hydrogen peroxide, total phenol content, and radical scavenging capacity more strongly than was achieved when each treatment was applied singly. Accumulation of anthocyanin was dependent on NaCl concentration and light intensity. Changing MJ and salinity treatment periods had different effects on anthocyanin accumulation and growth restriction, indicating that these phenomena might be differentially regulated. These results may provide an effective anthocyanin accumulation method without reducing plant biomass.
Influence of Preharvest Gibberellic Acid Treatments on Postharvest Quality of Minimally Processed Leaf Lettuce and Rocket
Authors: Miceli Alessandro , Vetrano Filippo , Sabatino Leo , D’Anna Fabio , Moncada Alessandra
Published: September 2019

Plant growth regulators are used in high-value vegetable crops during cultivation and after harvest to increase yield, enhance crop management, and improve or retain the produce quality. The aim of this work was to evaluate the quality characteristics during cold storage of minimally processed leaf lettuce and rocket, obtained from plants grown in a hydroponic floating system with mineral nutrient solutions (MNS) containing different levels of gibberellic acid (GA3). Plants were grown in greenhouse conditions on nutrient solutions containing 0, 10−8, and 10−6 M GA3. At harvest, lettuce and rocket were immediately processed as fresh-cut vegetables and stored for 21 d at 4 °C. After processing, weight loss, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid and nitrate content, leaf color characteristics, and overall quality were evaluated. Adding 10−6 M GA3 to the MNS of a floating system significantly increased the yield of leaf lettuce and rocket plants and of minimally-processed leaves. In addition, preharvest GA3 treatments had positive effects on delaying senescence and enhancing shelf-life of minimally processed lettuce and rocket. The slowed senescence of GA3-treated samples maintained an overall quality over the threshold of marketability in both lettuce and rocket for up to 21 d of cold storage.
The Validity of Google Trends Search Volumes for Behavioral Forecasting of National Suicide Rates in Ireland
Authors: Barros Joana M. , Melia Ruth , Francis Kady , Bogue John , O’Sullivan Mary , Young Karen , Bernert Rebecca A. , Rebholz-Schuhmann Dietrich , Duggan Jim
Published: September 2019

Annual suicide figures are critical in identifying trends and guiding research, yet challenges arising from significant lags in reporting can delay and complicate real-time interventions. In this paper, we utilized Google Trends search volumes for behavioral forecasting of national suicide rates in Ireland between 2004 and 2015. Official suicide rates are recorded by the Central Statistics Office in Ireland. While similar investigations using Google trends data have been carried out in other jurisdictions (e.g., United Kingdom, United Stated of America), such research had not yet been completed in Ireland. We compiled a collection of suicide- and depression-related search terms suggested by Google Trends and manually sourced from the literature. Monthly search rate terms at different lags were compared with suicide occurrences to determine the degree of correlation. Following two approaches based on vector autoregression and neural network autoregression, we achieved mean absolute error values between 4.14 and 9.61 when incorporating search query data, with the highest performance for the neural network approach. The application of this process to United Kingdom suicide and search query data showed similar results, supporting the benefit of Google Trends, neural network approach, and the applied search terms to forecast suicide risk increase. Overall, the combination of societal data and online behavior provide a good indication of societal risks; building on past research, our improvements led to robust models integrating search query and unemployment data for suicide risk forecasting in Ireland.
Measuring Spatial Patterns of Health Care Facilities and Their Relationships with Hypertension Inpatients in a Network-Constrained Urban System
Authors: Wang Zhensheng , Nie Ke
Published: September 2019

There is evidence of a strong correlation between inequality in health care access and disparities in chronic health conditions. Equal access to health care is an important indicator for overall population health, and the urban road network has a significant influence on the spatial distribution of urban service facilities. In this study, the network kernel density estimation was applied to detect the hot spots of health care service along the road network of Shenzhen, and we further explored the influences of population and road density on the aggregate intensity distributions at the community level, using spatial stratified heterogeneity analyses. Then, we measured the spatial clustering patterns of health care facilities in each of the ten districts of Shenzhen using the network K-function, and the interrelationships between health care facilities and hypertension patients. The results can be used to examine the reasonability of the existing health care system, which would be valuable for developing more effective prevention, control, and treatment of chronic health conditions. Further research should consider the influence of nonspatial factors on health care service access.
Impact of a Formative Program on Transgender Healthcare for Nursing Students and Health Professionals. Quasi-Experimental Intervention Study
Authors: García-Acosta Jesús Manuel , Castro-Peraza Maria Elisa , Arias Rodriguez Ángeles , Perez-Cánovas María Luisa , Sosa-Alvarez Maria Inmaculada , Llabrés-Solé Rosa , Perdomo-Hernández Ana María , Lorenzo-Rocha Nieves Doria
Published: September 2019

Background: The field of specific healthcare for transgender people has not been included in the official curriculum of professionals. This causes a lack of knowledge that can be presumed to become a barrier to healthcare. Currently, different methodologies are emerging to achieve meaningful learning for students and professionals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the increase in the level of knowledge of final-year nursing students, applying methodological strategies such as problem-based learning (PBL) and film-forum. Methods: 59 nursing students were randomly assigned to two intervention groups (G1 = 31 and G2 = 28), and another 57 were assigned to the control group (without specific classes or workshops on the subject of the study). The intervention consisted of a specific training course on transgender issues (TGSC&W, TransGender Specific Course and Workshop), where the type of meaningful learning strategy used depended on the group (G1 = film-forum and G2 = PBL). The study was carried out at the Faculty of Nursing Nuestra Señora de Candelaria of the Canary Islands Health Service. The randomization was done by blindly choosing a computer-generated code. Results: The main outcome was based on 116 participants, comparing their level of knowledge before and after the workshop. The comparison by pairs shows that there were statistically significant differences (p = 0.000) between those undergoing the methodological interventions and the control group. Statistical significance between film-forum and PBL was not obtained (p = 1.000): Both methodologies increased the level of knowledge, but there was no significant difference between them. The means for satisfaction with the learning methodology used did not show statistically significant differences. Conclusion: The workshop carried out was highly effective and significant in terms of increasing knowledge. No significant differences were observed in the level of knowledge, or in the degree of satisfaction, between the two methodologies used (PBL and film-forum).
Handmade Comal Tortillas in Michoacán: Traditional Practices along the Rural-Urban Gradient
Authors: Arnés Esperanza , Astier Marta
Published: September 2019

Certain components of global food security continue to be threatened. Globalization has impacted food patterns, leading to greater homogenization of diets and the standardization of processes of food transformation, both in the countryside and in the cities. In Mexico, this has led to a drop in the use of native corn landraces and in the value associated with traditional practices around their growing and the processing and consumption of tortillas. The aim of this work was to analyze the main characteristics of the handmade comal tortilla system along the rural-urban gradient taking into account: (1) The type of seed and production, (2) manufacturing processes, (3) marketing channels and purpose of sales, and (4) perceptions regarding the quality of the product. Research was conducted on 41 handmade tortilla workshops located in rural areas in the Lake Pátzcuaro Basin and in urban and peri-urban areas of a medium-sized city in Michoacán (Mexico). Results showed that the origin of the grain follows a gradient-like pattern: In rural areas, tortillas are made with local and native corn predominate, while in urban contexts most tortillas come from hybrid corn produced in Sinaloa or Jalisco. There is a generalized preference for white tortillas, but blue tortillas are used for personal consumption in rural areas and as a gourmet product in the city. 100% of the rural workshops make their own nixtamal, while almost 50% of the peri-urban and urban businesses buy pre-made nixtamal dough. Surprisingly, 50% of the rural handmade tortilla workshops admit that they add nixtamalized corn flour and/or wheat flour to their tortilla mix. We conclude that not all handmade comal tortillas are produced equally and, although in rural areas traditions are better preserved, these also have contradictions. We also conclude that it is important to promote the revaluation of agrobiodiversity, traditional gastronomy, and food security without sacrificing quality, nutrition, and flavor.
Can Leadership Enhance Patient Satisfaction? Assessing the Role of Administrative and Medical Quality
Authors: Asif Muhammad , Jameel Arif , Sahito Noman , Hwang Jinsoo , Hussain Abid , Manzoor Faiza
Published: September 2019

This paper aimed to investigate the relationships between participative leadership (PL), administrative quality (AQ), medical quality (MQ), and patient satisfaction (PS) using the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Healthcare Criteria (MBNQA) criteria. The study further examined the intervening influence of administrative quality and medical quality on the relationship between participative leadership and patient satisfaction. The data was obtained from 123 public sector hospitals in Pakistan. We employed confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques to test the structural model. From the study results, we found significant and positive relationships between participative, administrative quality, medical quality, and patient satisfaction. In addition, our research found administrative quality and medical quality as potential mediators on PL-PS relation. Adopting participative leadership as an exogenous factor, and both administrative and medical quality as potential mediators of patient satisfaction, provided new insights into MBNQA criteria.
Peripheral Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Contactin-1 Levels in Patients with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Wang Liang-Jen , Wu Chih-Ching , Lee Min-Jing , Chou Miao-Chun , Lee Sheng-Yu , Chou Wen-Jiun
Published: September 2019

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) facilitates neuronal growth and plasticity, and is crucial for learning and memory. Contactin-1 (CNTN1) is a member of the subfamily of neural immunoglobulin and is involved in the formation of axon connections in the developing nervous system. This cross-sectional study investigates whether BDNF and CNTN1 affect susceptibility to attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A total of 136 drug-naïve patients with ADHD (108 boys and 28 girls) and 71 healthy controls (45 boys and 26 girls) were recruited. Blood samples were obtained to measure the plasma levels of BDNF and CNTN1 in each child. We found that BDNF levels in the ADHD boys exceeded those in the control boys, but BDNF levels in the ADHD girls were lower than those in the control girls. Boys who had higher BDNF levels performed worse on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children—Fourth Edition, but girls who had higher BDNF levels made fewer omission errors in the Conners’ Continuous Performance Test. However, CNTN1 level did not differ significantly between patients and controls, and were not correlated to ADHD characteristics, regardless of gender. The findings suggest BDNF may influence sex-specific susceptibility to ADHD, but CNTN1 was not associated with ADHD pathophysiology.
Associations of Health-Related Quality of Life, Fear of Falling and Objective Measures of Physical Function with Bone Health in Postmenopausal Women with Low Bone Mass
Authors: Gandham Anoohya , McMillan Lachlan B. , Ng Carrie-Anne , Humbert Ludovic , Bonham Maxine P. , Zengin Ayse , Ebeling Peter R. , Scott David
Published: September 2019

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and physical function deteriorate with age and may adversely impact bone health in older adults. We determined associations of objective measures of physical function and HRQoL with bone health in postmenopausal women with low areal bone mineral density (aBMD). Fifty postmenopausal women (64.4 ± 7.7 years old, mean ± standard deviation) with low spine, hip or femoral neck aBMD (T- or Z-score < −1.0) on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) participated. Femoral surface BMD, trabecular, integral and cortical volumetric BMD (vBMD) measurements were obtained using 3D-SHAPER software on DXA. Distal tibial vBMD and microarchitecture were assessed using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HRpQCT). Participants completed self-administered EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) and modified falls efficacy scale (MFES) questionnaires, and physical function assessments. Stair climb power was positively associated with bone parameters at the hip, femoral neck, and distal tibia (all p < 0.05) in multivariable linear regression. EQ-5D demonstrated no significant associations with bone parameters and MFES was positively associated only with distal tibial cortical vBMD and cortical von Mises stress (both p < 0.05). Objective measures of physical function, particularly muscle power, are more consistently associated with bone parameters compared with self-administered HRQoL questionnaires.
ADCK2 Haploinsufficiency Reduces Mitochondrial Lipid Oxidation and Causes Myopathy Associated with CoQ Deficiency
Authors: Vázquez-Fonseca Luis , Schäefer Jochen , Navas-Enamorado Ignacio , Santos-Ocaña Carlos , Hernández-Camacho Juan D. , Guerra Ignacio , Cascajo María V. , Sánchez-Cuesta Ana , Horvath Zoltan , Siendones Emilio , Jou Cristina , Casado Mercedes , Gutierrez-Rios Purificación , Brea-Calvo Gloria , López-Lluch Guillermo , Fernández-Ayala Daniel J.M. , Cortés Ana B. , Rodríguez-Aguilera Juan C. , Matté Cristiane , Ribes Antonia , Prieto-Soler Sandra Y. , Dominguez-del-Toro Eduardo , di Francesco Andrea , Aon Miguel A. , Bernier Michel , Salviati Leonardo , Artuch Rafael , de Cabo Rafael , Jackson Sandra , Navas Plácido
Published: September 2019

Fatty acids and glucose are the main bioenergetic substrates in mammals. Impairment of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation causes mitochondrial myopathy leading to decreased physical performance. Here, we report that haploinsufficiency of ADCK2, a member of the aarF domain-containing mitochondrial protein kinase family, in human is associated with liver dysfunction and severe mitochondrial myopathy with lipid droplets in skeletal muscle. In order to better understand the etiology of this rare disorder, we generated a heterozygous Adck2 knockout mouse model to perform in vivo and cellular studies using integrated analysis of physiological and omics data (transcriptomics–metabolomics). The data showed that Adck2+/− mice exhibited impaired fatty acid oxidation, liver dysfunction, and mitochondrial myopathy in skeletal muscle resulting in lower physical performance. Significant decrease in Coenzyme Q (CoQ) biosynthesis was observed and supplementation with CoQ partially rescued the phenotype both in the human subject and mouse model. These results indicate that ADCK2 is involved in organismal fatty acid metabolism and in CoQ biosynthesis in skeletal muscle. We propose that patients with isolated myopathies and myopathies involving lipid accumulation be tested for possible ADCK2 defect as they are likely to be responsive to CoQ supplementation.
Linear Analysis of the Static and Dynamic Responses of the Underwater Axially Moving Cables to Bucket Loads
Authors: Itoh Daiki , Nishi Yoshiki
Published: September 2019

In this study, the mechanics of an axially moving cable that is used to acquire mineral resources from the seafloor are theoretically and numerically investigated by focusing on the extent to which a load of buckets affects the cable deflection. In particular, we construct the theoretical model of a cable, and its solutions are numerically determined using the mode expansion method. The results of the simulations performed using a varying number of buckets show that the cable deflects in response to the passage of each bucket. As the total number of buckets increases, the load of buckets acts as a continuous load. An increase in the total number of buckets naturally leads to an increase in the total load on the cable, resulting in the deviation of the paths of the buckets from a path under the zero-load state. These properties should be considered while designing cables.
An Overview of the Recent Developments in Metal Matrix Nanocomposites Reinforced by Graphene
Authors: Dadkhah Mehran , Saboori Abdollah , Fino Paolo
Published: September 2019

Two-dimensional graphene plateletes with unique mechanical, electrical and thermo-physical properties could attract more attention for their employed as reinforcements in the production of new metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs), due to superior characteristics, such as being lightweight, high strength and high performance. Over the last years, due to the rapid advances of nanotechnology, increasing demand for the development of advanced MMNCs for various applications, such as structural engineering and functional device applications, has been generated. The purpose of this work is to review recent research into the development in the powder-based production, property characterization and application of magnesium, aluminum, copper, nickel, titanium and iron matrix nanocomposites reinforced with graphene. These include a comparison between the properties of graphene and another well-known carbonaceous reinforcement (carbon nanotube), following by powder-based processing strategies of MMNCs above, their mechanical and tribological properties and their electrical and thermal conductivities. The effects of graphene distribution in the metal matrices and the types of interfacial bonding are also discussed. Fundamentals and the structure–property relationship of such novel nanocomposites have also been discussed and reported.
Effect of Particle Size on Current-Carrying Friction and Wear Properties of Copper-Graphite Composites by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Yang Zhenghai , Ge Yuexin , Zhang Xu , Shangguan Bao , Zhang Yongzhen , Wang Yao
Published: September 2019

Copper-graphite composites were prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) with copper powder and copper-coated graphite powder. The effect of particle size of raw material powder on the current-carrying friction properties of copper-graphite composites was studied. The results show that the friction coefficient of the composites decreased with the decrease of the particle size of copper-coated graphite powder, the friction coefficient of the composites increased with the decrease of the particle size of the copper powder, the wear rate of the composites increased with the decrease of the particle size of the copper-coated graphite powder, and the wear rate of the composites increased significantly with the decrease of the particle size of the copper-coated graphite powder. The current carrying properties of composites with different particle size ratios and QCr0.5 pairs are good and fluctuate little. The current-carrying friction properties of 150 μm copper powder and 75 μm copper-coated graphite powder were found to be the best. The wear surface could be divided into mechanical wear area and arc erosion area. The main area of arc erosion was less than 15% of the total area, and it was mainly distributed in the friction outlet area. The main forms of mechanical wear included furrow, rolling deformation, cold welding, and tearing, among other forms. Graphite film was formed on the surface. The surface quality of the composite prepared by 150 μm copper powder and 75 μm copper-coated graphite powder was the best, the Sa was 3.22 μm, rolling deformation was the most adequate, no large tear pit and furrow appeared, and the carbon content on the worn surface was much higher than that in the composite. The behavior of arc erosion was mainly melting and splashing, and the particle size of the original powder had little effect on it.
Frequency of Diarrheagenic Virulence Genes and Characteristics in Escherichia coli Isolates from Pigs with Diarrhea in China
Authors: Yang Gui-Yan , Guo Liang , Su Jin-Hui , Zhu Yao-Hong , Jiao Lian-Guo , Wang Jiu-Feng
Published: September 2019

Intestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (InPEC) is a leading cause of postweaning diarrhea (PWD) in pigs. Here, a total of 455 E. coli strains were isolated from small intestinal content or feces from pigs with PWD in 56 large-scale (>500 sows; 10,000 animals per year) swine farms between 2014 and 2016. The frequency of occurrence of selected virulence factors for InPEC pathotypes was detected in 455 isolates by real-time PCR. Sequence types (STs), pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of 171 E. coli isolates from 56 swine farms were further determined. The heat-labile enterotoxin (LT) was the most common (61.76%), followed by heat-stable enterotoxin (STb) (33.19%), stx2e (21.54%), STa (15.00%), eae (8.98%), cnf2 (5.71%), stx2 (5.71%), F18 (3.25%), and F4 (2.25%) with rates varying by geographic area and year of isolation. Notably, hybrids of E. coli isolates were potentially more virulent, as some InPEC hybrids (virotype F18:LT:eae:stx2e) can rapidly cause cell death in vitro. Genotypic analysis revealed that the most prominent genotype was ST10 (12.87%). The PFGE patterns were heterogeneous but were not ST or virotype related. A total of 94.15% of isolates were multidrug-resistant, with average resistance rates ranging from 90.05% for nalidixic acid to 2.34% for meropenem. Our investigation contributes to establishing the etiology of diarrhea and developing intervention strategies against E. coli-associated diarrheal disease in the future.
Cancer and Mediterranean Diet: A Review
Authors: Mentella Maria Chiara , Scaldaferri Franco , Ricci Caterina , Gasbarrini Antonio , Miggiano Giacinto Abele Donato
Published: September 2019

The Mediterranean diet is considered one of the most worldwide healthy dietary patterns thanks to a combination of foods rich mainly in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients. Many studies have demonstrated a strong and inverse relationship between a high level of Mediterranean diet adherence and some chronic diseases (such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, etc.) and cancer. Given its protective effects in reducing oxidative and inflammatory processes of cells and avoiding DNA damages, cell proliferation, and their survival, angiogenesis, inflammations and metastasis, the Mediterranean diet is considered a powerful and manageable method to fight cancer incidence. The aim of this narrative review was to determine the magnitude of interaction between the Mediterranean diet and more widespread types of cancer so as to give a first and useful overview on this relationship identifying, with a nutritional approach, those nutrients of Mediterranean diet able to reduce cancer incidence.
Real-Scale Integral Valorization of Waste Orange Peel via Hydrodynamic Cavitation
Authors: Meneguzzo Francesco , Brunetti Cecilia , Fidalgo Alexandra , Ciriminna Rosaria , Delisi Riccardo , Albanese Lorenzo , Zabini Federica , Gori Antonella , dos Santos Nascimento Luana , De Carlo Anna , Ferrini Francesco , Ilharco Laura , Pagliaro Mario
Published: September 2019

Waste orange peel represents a heavy burden for the orange juice industry, estimated in several million tons per year worldwide; nevertheless, this by-product is endowed with valuable bioactive compounds, such as pectin, polyphenols, and terpenes. The potential value of the waste orange peel has stimulated the search for extraction processes, alternative or complementary to landfilling or to the integral energy conversion. This study introduces controlled hydrodynamic cavitation as a new route to the integral valorization of this by-product, based on simple equipment, speed, effectiveness and efficiency, scalability, and compliance with green extraction principles. Waste orange peel, in batches of several kg, was processed in more than 100 L of water, without any other raw materials, in a device comprising a Venturi-shaped cavitation reactor. The extractions of pectin (with a remarkably low degree of esterification), polyphenols (flavanones and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives), and terpenes (mainly d-limonene) were effective and efficient (high yields within a few min of process time). The biomethane generation potential of the process residues was determined. The achieved results proved the viability of the proposed route to the integral valorization of waste orange peel, though wide margins exist for further improvements.
Point-Plane SLAM Using Supposed Planes for Indoor Environments
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Wang Wei , Qi Xianyu , Liao Ziwei , Wei Ran
Published: September 2019

Simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) is a fundamental problem for various applications. For indoor environments, planes are predominant features that are less affected by measurement noise. In this paper, we propose a novel point-plane SLAM system using RGB-D cameras. First, we extract feature points from RGB images and planes from depth images. Then plane correspondences in the global map can be found using their contours. Considering the limited size of real planes, we exploit constraints of plane edges. In general, a plane edge is an intersecting line of two perpendicular planes. Therefore, instead of line-based constraints, we calculate and generate supposed perpendicular planes from edge lines, resulting in more plane observations and constraints to reduce estimation errors. To exploit the orthogonal structure in indoor environments, we also add structural (parallel or perpendicular) constraints of planes. Finally, we construct a factor graph using all of these features. The cost functions are minimized to estimate camera poses and global map. We test our proposed system on public RGB-D benchmarks, demonstrating its robust and accurate pose estimation results, compared with other state-of-the-art SLAM systems.
A Non-Invasive Method Based on Computer Vision for Grapevine Cluster Compactness Assessment Using a Mobile Sensing Platform under Field Conditions
Authors: Palacios Fernando , Diago Maria P. , Tardaguila Javier
Published: September 2019

Grapevine cluster compactness affects grape composition, fungal disease incidence, and wine quality. Thus far, cluster compactness assessment has been based on visual inspection performed by trained evaluators with very scarce application in the wine industry. The goal of this work was to develop a new, non-invasive method based on the combination of computer vision and machine learning technology for cluster compactness assessment under field conditions from on-the-go red, green, blue (RGB) image acquisition. A mobile sensing platform was used to automatically capture RGB images of grapevine canopies and fruiting zones at night using artificial illumination. Likewise, a set of 195 clusters of four red grapevine varieties of three commercial vineyards were photographed during several years one week prior to harvest. After image acquisition, cluster compactness was evaluated by a group of 15 experts in the laboratory following the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) 204 standard as a reference method. The developed algorithm comprises several steps, including an initial, semi-supervised image segmentation, followed by automated cluster detection and automated compactness estimation using a Gaussian process regression model. Calibration (95 clusters were used as a training set and 100 clusters as the test set) and leave-one-out cross-validation models (LOOCV; performed on the whole 195 clusters set) were elaborated. For these, determination coefficient (R2) of 0.68 and a root mean squared error (RMSE) of 0.96 were obtained on the test set between the image-based compactness estimated values and the average of the evaluators’ ratings (in the range from 1–9). Additionally, the leave-one-out cross-validation yielded a R2 of 0.70 and an RMSE of 1.11. The results show that the newly developed computer vision based method could be commercially applied by the wine industry for efficient cluster compactness estimation from RGB on-the-go image acquisition platforms in commercial vineyards.
Geographical Distribution of β-Lactam Resistance among Klebsiella spp. from Selected Health Facilities in Ghana
Authors: Quansah Elvis , Amoah Barnie Prince , Omane Acheampong Desmond , Obiri-Yeboah Dorcas , Odarkor Mills Richael , Asmah Ebenezer , Cudjoe Obed , Dadzie Isaac
Published: September 2019

β-Lactam-resistant Klebsiella isolates continue to cause multidrug resistance infections worldwide. This study aimed to describe the geographical distribution of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL), AmpC β-lactamase (AmpC), and carbapenemase production among 139 Klebsiella isolates recovered from patients at major referral health facilities in Ghana. The phenotypic methods of combined disc diffusion test, modified three-dimensional test, modified Hodge test (MHT), and combined disc test were performed for each isolate to detect ESBL, AmpC, carbapenemase, and metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) producers, respectively. Except for MBL, all other β-lactam resistance mechanisms were highest in the healthcare facilities situated in the northern belt of Ghana. Significant regional difference of ESBL producers was observed between the northern and middle belts as well as the northern and southern belts. Genotypic detection with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revealed the presence of bla TEM 36/139 (25.9%), bla SHV 40/139 (28.8%), bla CTX-M 37/139 (26.6%), bla OXA-48 3/139 (2.16%), and bla NDM 1/139 (0.72%) genotypes. In conclusion, there were variations in β-lactam resistance among Klebsiella spp. from health facilities situated in the northern, middle, and southern belts of Ghana. The study provides preliminary evidence that emphasizes the need to direct more attention to antimicrobial resistance control, especially in the northern belt of Ghana. Findings from this study may be critical for creating and fine-tuning effective antimicrobial resistance control strategies and for informing accurate antibiotic prescription by practitioners.
SISTEMA PENAL, CRIMINALIDADE E ESTIGMATIZACÃO: REFLEXÕES SOBRE A FALÊNCIA DO PODER PUNITIVO
Authors: Franco de Assis Claudio Abel
Published: September 2019

O presente artigo tem como objetivo discutir um pouco da problemática que envolve o Sistema Penal contemporâneo no contexto da grave falência do Poder Punitivo do Estado. O fio condutor da pesquisa se deu no seio das contribuições da Criminologia Critica e, bem como, da Sociologia do Direito Penal, em que investigações teórico-bibliográficas foram realizadas em obras de referência.Assim, inicialmente, se perquiriu tratar dos paradoxos da aplicação da justiça penal no contexto da singular expansão do poder punitivo, em que a mídia, a necessidade de controle social e outros fatores acabam por influenciar significativamente a ação do sistema de justiça. Em seguida, a pesquisa se propõe a refletir brevemente sobre a decadência e a ineficácia do Poder Punitivo, revelando que o mesmo padece de graves problemas estruturais que o tornam ilegítimo no contexto do Estado de Direito. Portanto, o artigo procura destrinchar tais questões, concluindo pela imperiosa necessidade de se repensar completamente todo o Sistema de Justiça Penal e, outrossim, a própria concepção do Poder Punitivo na sociedade contemporânea.
IDEIAS, INTERESSES E ESCOLHA RACIONAL: O CONGRESSO NACIONAL E O ACORDO NUCLEAR BRASIL-ALEMANHA
Authors: Chaves Rodrigo Morais
Published: September 2019

Resumo: Este artigo propõe uma interpretação sobre a mudança de posição do Congresso e seu papel pivotal na desestabilização do programa nuclear decorrente do Acordo de 1975. Aborda também a reorientação da política nuclear que se segue, à luz do modelo de persuasão política de Weingast, apontando como uma mudança de percepção sobre ideias em disputa reorienta as estratégias dos atores e os caminhos da política nuclear.
ENTRE O SAGRADO E O PROFANO: PLANEJAMENTO ECONÔMICO, AJUSTE FISCAL E RELAÇÃO EXECUTIVO-LEGISLATIVO EM DILMA II
Authors: Silveira dos Santos Miguel Felipe , Berçott Davi Nascimento
Published: September 2019

Procurou-se, com o presente trabalho, discutir algumas questões relacionadas ao planejamento econômico e a relação Executivo-Legislativo desenvolvidas durante o segundo governo Dilma. Deu-se enfoque no processo de implementação do “ajuste fiscal”, dado a centralidade deste tópico para a compreensão da gestão macroeconômica desenvolvida no período. Mapeou-se, com base na bibliografia elencada, o contexto de inserção desta iniciativa por parte do Poder Executivo, evidenciando seu caráter ambíguo para com a política econômica previamente estabelecida. Determinado o conteúdo econômico do ajuste, através de mapeamento da legislação concernente, passou-se a para a análise da relação desenvolvida entre o Executivo e o Legislativo durante o período. Para fins de análise utilizou-se, além de bibliografia elencada, os documentos e registros legislativos produzidos em oito Comissões Parlamentares Mistas (CPM). Argumenta-se que o insucesso da programação econômica proposta se deu por um duplo-esgotamento: (i) interno à coalizão político-eleitoral, devido a um processo de acirramento do conflito distributivo e (ii) externo, devido aos instrumentos utilizados e a política econômica executada.
O ENSINO E A DOCÊNCIA DE SOCIOLOGIA SOB O CENÁRIO DA REFORMA DO ENSINO MÉDIO
Authors: Machala Bárbara Nassif , Matos Maurício Sousa
Published: September 2019

O objetivo deste artigo é verificar em que medida o ensino da Sociologia e a contratação de professores licenciados na área poderão ser impactados pela Reforma do Ensino Médio promovida pela Lei n° 13.415/2017. A partir de consulta a documentos e a referências bibliográficas, apresentamos, já na introdução deste artigo, a importância da presença da Sociologia no Ensino Médio. Em seguida, apontamos a situação atual da docência de Sociologia no Brasil e, em particular, em Minas Gerais. Finalmente, analisamos se a Reforma do Ensino Médio poderá solucionar ou aprofundar os problemas relativos ao ensino e à contratação de docentes de Sociologia. Concluímos que a Reforma do Ensino Médio não resolve os fatores que identificamos como negativos na contratação de professores habilitados em Sociologia e no ensino de Sociologia, mas, ao contrário, intensifica-os.