bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Improved Multi-Source Data Fusion Method Based on the Belief Entropy and Divergence Measure
Authors: Wang Zhe , Xiao Fuyuan
Published: June 2019

Dempster–Shafer (DS) evidence theory is widely applied in multi-source data fusion technology. However, classical DS combination rule fails to deal with the situation when evidence is highly in conflict. To address this problem, a novel multi-source data fusion method is proposed in this paper. The main steps of the proposed method are presented as follows. Firstly, the credibility weight of each piece of evidence is obtained after transforming the belief Jenson–Shannon divergence into belief similarities. Next, the belief entropy of each piece of evidence is calculated and the information volume weights of evidence are generated. Then, both credibility weights and information volume weights of evidence are unified to generate the final weight of each piece of evidence before the weighted average evidence is calculated. Then, the classical DS combination rule is used multiple times on the modified evidence to generate the fusing results. A numerical example compares the fusing result of the proposed method with that of other existing combination rules. Further, a practical application of fault diagnosis is presented to illustrate the plausibility and efficiency of the proposed method. The experimental result shows that the targeted type of fault is recognized most accurately by the proposed method in comparing with other combination rules.
Accurately Modeling of Zero Biased Schottky-Diodes at Millimeter-Wave Frequencies
Authors: Gutiérrez Jéssica , Zeljami Kaoutar , Fernández Tomás , Pascual Juan Pablo , Tazón Antonio
Published: June 2019

This paper presents and discusses the careful modeling of a Zero Biased Diode, including low-frequency noise sources, providing a global model compatible with both wire bonding and flip-chip attachment techniques. The model is intended to cover from DC up to W-band behavior, and is based on DC, capacitance versus voltage, as well as scattering and power sweep harmonics measurements. Intensive use of 3D EM (ElectroMagnetic) simulation tools, such as HFSSTM, was done to support Zero Biased Diode parasitics modeling and microstrip board modeling. Measurements are compared with simulations and discussed. The models will provide useful support for detector designs in the W-band.
Descriptive Statistical Analysis of Vegetable Oil Combustion in a Commercial Burner to Establish Optimal Operating Conditions
Authors: San José Julio , Arroyo Yolanda , Sanz-Tejedor María Ascensión
Published: June 2019

This article studies the combustion of refined sunflower, virgin sunflower and virgin rapeseed oils in a low-pressure auxiliary air fluid pulverization burner in order to establish the optimal operating conditions. The influence of varying the type of vegetable oil, fuel flow rate and secondary airflow rate in the combustion process was analyzed. These three factors are independent in the combustion process, which means having to carry out numerous assays, combining the various factors with one another. Given the amount of variables to be optimized and the existence of three factors, a statistical approach is adopted to help interpret the results obtained and to evaluate how each factor influences the combustion results. Optimal combustion is determined based on three criteria, minimum pollutant emissions (CO, NOx and CxHy), maximum combustion performance, and minimum excess air. The result of this study showed that airflow was the principal factor affecting emissions, whereas for combustion performance, both factors (airflow and fuel flow) were determinant. In general, admissible combustion performances were obtained, with CO and NOx emissions below permitted levels. The best combustion performance was achieved under conditions of maximum fuel flow and minimum airflow rates.
Experimental Flame Front Characterisation in a Lean Premix Burner Operating with Syngas Simplified Model Fuel
Authors: Canepa Edward , Nilberto Alessandro
Published: June 2019

The recent growing attention to energy saving and environmental protection issues has brought attention to the possibility of exploiting syngas from gasification of biomass and coal for the firing of industrial plants included in the, so called, Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle power plants. In order to improve knowledge on the employ of syngas in lean premixed turbulent flames, a large scale swirl stabilized gas-turbine burner has been operated with a simplified model of H2 enriched syngas from coal gasification. The experimental campaign has been performed at atmospheric pressure, with operating conditions derived from scaling the real gas turbines. The results are reported here and consist of OH-PLIF (OH Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence) measurements, carried out at decreasing equivalence of air/fuel ratio conditions and analysed together with the mean aerodynamic characterisation of the burner flow field in isothermal conditions obtained through LDV (Laser Doppler Velocimetry) and PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry) measurements. The OH concentration distributions have been analysed statistically in order to obtain information about the location of the most reactive zones, and an algorithm has been applied to the data in order to identify the flame fronts. In addition, the flame front locations have been successively interpreted statistically to obtain information about their main features and their dependence on the air to fuel ratio behaviour.
Consumers’ Attitudes to Support Green Energy: A Case Study in Shanghai
Authors: Vand Behrang , Hast Aira , Bozorg Sanaz , Li Zelin , Syri Sanna , Deng Shuai
Published: June 2019

Residents’ willingness to use green energy products is a major concern for different stakeholders and policymakers due to the reformed Chinese electricity market since 2015. This study focused on the Chinese consumer’s willingness to opt and pay for environmentally-friendly electricity sources in Shanghai’s residential sector. A questionnaire survey was used to find out the influence of gender, age, education, awareness and income level on consumers’ attitudes to alter their energy sources to green ones. The results indicated that income level and awareness are significant barriers in the usage of green energy products. Increasing the respondent’s awareness about the issues of non-green energy products convinced 97% of them to change their electricity sources completely or partly, in line with their monthly income. This clearly shows that clarifying the benefits of green energy products is a key tool to achieve a green environment in China.
The Information Needs of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients and Their Parents in the UK: An Online Survey
Authors: Wellburn Shaun , van Schaik Paul , Bettany-Saltikov Josette
Published: June 2019

Patients’ involvement in decision-making regarding their own health care is considered to be of great importance. However, their information needs are frequently reported to be unfulfilled. Few studies have investigated the knowledge, information and support needs of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients and their families. Furthermore, previous studies have predominantly focussed on information needs relating to surgery. No previous studies have been conducted to specifically identify the information needs of AIS patients and their families. An online survey consisting of 18 questions was conducted to investigate the information needs of AIS patients and their families. Completed surveys of 83 participants (76 female, 7 male) from 44 differing postcode areas were analysed. The mean age of the respondents with scoliosis was 13.3 years (SD = 1.9; range = 10–18). Participants identified with feelings including worry, anxiety and being upset. The main information needs related to the cause and prognosis of the condition. Where participants had received information, there were contrasting views of the quality. The findings of this study stress the necessity for information materials to be accurate and applicable to each individual patient. Furthermore, the information should be presented in such a way as to be easily understandable, yet contain the necessary information required by AIS patients and their families.
Environmental Interventions for Physical and Mental Health: Challenges and Opportunities for Greater Los Angeles
Authors: Ceñido Joshua F. , Freeman C. , Bazargan-Hejazi Shahrzad
Published: June 2019

The fields of urban planning and public health were conceived under the same pressures and goals at their inception in the 17th and 18th centuries and continue to address the health concerns of an ever-increasing urban population. While the mutual need that both philosophies have for each other becomes more tangible through research and practice, the application of their interrelatedness continues to benefit residents and visitors of mindfully-built environments. In health-conscious Los Angeles, there lacks a comprehensive assessment of health-centered considerations being implemented by those entrusted with the responsibility of shaping our cities. As a greater majority of the world’s population moves into urban settings, built environment interventions play a progressively vital role in addressing physical and mental health concerns. This piece hopes to bring to attention the need for focused and dynamic approaches in addressing health concerns by means of design, planning, and policy, by focusing on the challenges and opportunities faced by the geographic and human resources of the Greater Los Angeles area.
Multicomponent Exercise on Physical Function, Cognition and Hemodynamic Parameters of Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Oliveira Gonçalves Ivan de , Bandeira Alexandre Nunes , Coelho-Júnior Hélio José , Silva Aguiar Samuel da , Minucci Camargo Samuel , Yukio Asano Ricardo , Batista Júnior Miguel Luiz
Published: June 2019

This paper reports on a quasi-experimental study that aimed to identify changes in muscle function (i.e., mobility, maximal walking speed, lower limb muscle strength, balance, and transfer capacity), cognition (i.e., executive function) and hemodynamic parameters of community-dwelling Brazilian older adults during a six-month multicomponent exercise program (MCEP). A total of 436 community-dwelling older adults performed functional, cognitive and hemodynamic assessments before and after a six-month MCEP. The program of exercise was performed twice a week over 26 weeks at moderate intensity. Results indicate that balance, mobility (i.e., usual and maximal walking speeds) and transfer capacity (p < 0.05) were significantly improved after the MCEP. Moreover, all hemodynamic parameters (i.e., systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures), except for heart rate (p > 0.05), were significantly reduced after the intervention. The current findings indicate that a six-month MCEP may provide physical and hemodynamic benefits in community-dwelling older adults. Nevertheless, our findings need to be confirmed in larger samples and better designed studies.
A Systematic Literature Review of Efficiency Measurement in Nursing Homes
Authors: Tran Alice , Nguyen Kim-Huong , Gray Len , Comans Tracy
Published: June 2019

Background: As our population ages at an increasing rate, the demand for nursing homes is rising. The challenge will be for nursing homes to maintain efficiency with limited resources while not compromising quality. This study aimed to review the nursing home efficiency literature to survey the application of efficiency methods and the measurements of inputs, outputs, facility characteristics and operational environment, with a special focus on quality measurement. Methods: We systematically searched three databases for eligible studies published in English between January 1995 and December 2018, supplemented by an exhaustive search of reference lists of included studies. The studies included were available in full text, their units of analysis were nursing homes, and the analytical methods and efficiency scores were clearly reported. Results: We identified 39 studies meeting the inclusion criteria, of which 31 accounted for quality measures. Standard efficiency measurement techniques, data envelopment analysis and stochastic frontier method, and their specifications (orientation, returns to scale, functional forms and error term assumptions) were adequately applied. Measurements of inputs, outputs and control variables were relatively homogenous while quality measures varied. Notably, most studies did not include all three quality dimensions (structure, process and outcome). One study claimed to include quality of life; however, it was not a well-validated and widely used measure. The impacts of quality on efficiency estimates were mixed. The effect of quality on the ranking of nursing home efficiency was rarely reported. Conclusions: When measuring nursing home efficiency, it is crucial to adjust for quality of care and resident’s quality of life because the ultimate output of nursing homes is quality-adjusted days living in the facility. Quality measures should reflect their multidimensionality and not be limited to quality of throughput (health-related events). More reliable estimation of nursing home efficiencies will require better routine data collection within the facility, where well-validated quality measures become an essential part of the minimum data requirement. It is also recommended that different efficiency methods and assumptions, and alternative measures of inputs, outputs and quality, are used for sensitivity analyses to ensure the robustness and validity of findings.
Anti-Cancer Agents in Proliferation and Cell Death: The Calcium Connection
Authors: Varghese Elizabeth , Samuel Samson Mathews , Sadiq Zuhair , Kubatka Peter , Liskova Alena , Benacka Jozef , Pazinka Peter , Kruzliak Peter , Büsselberg Dietrich
Published: June 2019

Calcium (Ca2+) signaling and the modulation of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) levels play critical roles in several key processes that regulate cellular survival, growth, differentiation, metabolism, and death in normal cells. On the other hand, aberrant Ca2+-signaling and loss of [Ca2+]i homeostasis contributes to tumor initiation proliferation, angiogenesis, and other key processes that support tumor progression in several different cancers. Currently, chemically and functionally distinct drugs are used as chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment and management of cancer among which certain anti-cancer drugs reportedly suppress pro-survival signals and activate pro-apoptotic signaling through modulation of Ca2+-signaling-dependent mechanisms. Most importantly, the modulation of [Ca2+]i levels via the endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondrial axis and corresponding action of channels and pumps within the plasma membrane play an important role in the survival and death of cancer cells. The endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondrial axis is of prime importance when considering Ca2+-signaling-dependent anti-cancer drug targets. This review discusses how calcium signaling is targeted by anti-cancer drugs and highlights the role of calcium signaling in epigenetic modification and the Warburg effect in tumorigenesis.
Very Low-Density Lipoproteins of Metabolic Syndrome Modulates STIM1, Suppresses Store-Operated Calcium Entry, and Deranges Myofilament Proteins in Atrial Myocytes
Authors: Shiou Yi-Lin , Lin Hsin-Ting , Ke Liang-Yin , Wu Bin-Nan , Shin Shyi-Jang , Chen Chu-Huang , Tsai Wei-Chung , Chu Chih-Sheng , Lee Hsiang-Chun
Published: June 2019

Individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS) are at high risk for atrial myopathy and atrial fibrillation. Very low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs) of MetS (MetS-VLDLs) are cytotoxic to atrial myocytes in vivo and in vitro. The calcineurin–nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) pathway, which is regulated by stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1)/ calcium release-activated calcium channel protein 1 (Orai1)–mediated store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), is a pivotal mediator of adaptive cardiac hypertrophy. We hypothesized that MetS-VLDLs could affect SOCE and the calcineurin–NFAT pathway. Normal-VLDL and MetS-VLDL samples were isolated from the peripheral blood of healthy volunteers and individuals with MetS. VLDLs were applied to HL-1 atrial myocytes for 18 h and were also injected into wild-type C57BL/6 male mouse tails three times per week for six weeks. After the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ store was depleted, SOCE was triggered upon reperfusion with 1.8 mM of Ca2+. SOCE was attenuated by MetS-VLDLs, along with reduced transcriptional and membranous expression of STIM1 (P = 0.025), and enhanced modification of O-GlcNAcylation on STIM1 protein, while Orai1 was unaltered. The nuclear translocation and activity of calcineurin were both reduced (P < 0.05), along with the alteration of myofilament proteins in atrial tissues. These changes were absent in normal-VLDL-treated cells. Our results demonstrated that MetS-VLDLs suppressed SOCE by modulating STIM1 at the transcriptional, translational, and post-translational levels, resulting in the inhibition of the calcineurin–NFAT pathway, which resulted in the alteration of myofilament protein expression and sarcomere derangement in atrial tissues. These findings may help explain atrial myopathy in MetS. We suggest a therapeutic target on VLDLs to prevent atrial fibrillation, especially for individuals with MetS.
Wave-Induced Seabed Response around a Dumbbell Cofferdam in Non-Homogeneous Anisotropic Seabed
Authors: Chen Linya , Jeng Dong-Sheng , Liao Chencong , Tong Dagui
Published: June 2019

Cofferdams are frequently used to assist in the construction of offshore structures that are built on a natural non-homogeneous anisotropic seabed. In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) integrated numerical model consisting of a wave submodel and seabed submodel was adopted to investigate the wave–structure–seabed interaction. Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations were employed to simulate the wave-induced fluid motion and Biot’s poroelastic theory was adopted to control the wave-induced seabed response. The present model was validated with available laboratory experimental data and previous analytical results. The hydrodynamic process and seabed response around the dumbbell cofferdam are discussed in detail, with particular attention paid to the influence of the depth functions of the permeability K i and shear modulus G j . Numerical results indicate that to avoid the misestimation of the liquefaction depth, a steady-state analysis should be carried out prior to the transient seabed response analysis to first determine the equilibrium state caused by seabed consolidation. The depth function G j markedly affects the vertical distribution of the pore pressure and the seabed liquefaction around the dumbbell cofferdam. The depth function K i has a mild effect on the vertical distribution of the pore pressure within a coarse sand seabed, with the influence concentrated in the range defined by 0.1 times the seabed thickness above and below the embedded depth. The depth function K i has little effect on seabed liquefaction. In addition, the traditional assumption that treats the seabed parameters as constants may result in the overestimation of the seabed liquefaction depth and the liquefaction area around the cofferdam will be miscalculated if consolidation is not considered. Moreover, parametric studies reveal that the shear modulus at the seabed surface G z 0 has a significant influence on the vertical distribution of the pore pressure. However, the effect of the permeability at the seabed surface K z 0 on the vertical distribution of the pore pressure is mainly concentrated on the seabed above the embedded depth in front and to the side of the cofferdam. Furthermore, the amplitude of pore pressure decreases as Poisson’s ratio μ s increases.
The Anti-Politics Machine of Green Energy Development: The Moroccan Solar Project in Ouarzazate and Its Impact on Gendered Local Communities
Authors: Ryser Sarah
Published: June 2019

The Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN) established one of the largest solar energy projects in the world through a public–private partnership. It is on communal land previously owned by a Moroccan Amazigh (Berber) clan in the Ghessate rural council area, 10 km away from Ouarzazate. The land for the energy project comprises a surface area of more than 3000 hectares. This large-scale land acquisition has led to the loss of access to common-pool resources (land, water, and plants), which were formerly managed by local common property institutions, due to its enclosure, and the areas themselves. This paper outlines how the framing of the low value of land by national elites, the state administration, MASEN, and the subsequent discourses of development, act as an anti-politics machine to hide the loss of land and land-related common-pool resources, and thus an attack on resilience—we call it in our scientific discipline a process of ‘resilience grabbing’ (Resilience is the ability of a person and/or a household to restore basic livelihood capacities after shocks and hazards. Such capacities need to be available over time and remain high for the unit (household, community) to be resilient), especially for women. As a form of compensation for the land losses, economic livelihood initiatives have been introduced for local people based on the funds from the sale of the land and revenue from the solar energy project Noor Ouarzazate. The loss of land representing the ‘old’ commons is—in the official discourse—legitimated by what the government and the parastatal company call the development-related ‘fruits of growth’, and should serve as ‘new forms of commons’ to the local communities. The investment therefore acts as a catalyst through which natural resources (land, water, and plants) are institutionally transformed into new monetary resources that local actors are said to be able to access, under specific conditions, to sustain their livelihood. There are, however, pertinent questions of access (i.e., inclusion and exclusion), regulation, and equality of opportunities for meeting the different livelihood conditions previously supported by the ‘old’ commons.
Prebiotic Sugar Formation Under Nonaqueous Conditions and Mechanochemical Acceleration
Authors: Lamour Saskia , Pallmann Sebastian , Haas Maren , Trapp Oliver
Published: June 2019

Monosaccharides represent one of the major building blocks of life. One of the plausible prebiotic synthesis routes is the formose network, which generates sugars from C1 and C2 carbon sources in basic aqueous solution. We report on the feasibility of the formation of monosaccharides under physical forces simulated in a ball mill starting from formaldehyde, glycolaldehyde, DL-glyceraldehyde as prebiotically available substrates using catalytically active, basic minerals. We investigated the influence of the mechanic energy input on our model system using calcium hydroxide in an oscillatory ball mill. We show that the synthesis of monosaccharides is kinetically accelerated under mechanochemical conditions. The resulting sugar mixture contains monosaccharides with straight and branched carbon chains as well as decomposition products. In comparison to the sugar formation in water, the monosaccharides formed under mechanochemical conditions are more stable and selectively synthesized. Our results imply the possibility of a prebiotic monosaccharide origin in geochemical environments scant or devoid of water promoted by mechanochemical forces such as meteorite impacts or lithospheric activity.
Thermoelectric Characteristics of Silicon Carbide and Tungsten-Rhenium-Based Thin-Film Thermocouples Sensor with Protective Coating Layer by RF Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Zhang Zhongkai , Tian Bian , Liu Yan , Du Zhe , Lin Qijing , Jiang Zhuangde
Published: June 2019

A thin-film thermocouples (TFTCs) sensor based on silicon carbide substrate, 95 wt% tungsten–5 wt% rhenium (W-5Re) and 74 wt% tungsten–26 wt% rhenium (W-26Re) thermosensitive part with aluminum oxide protective coating layer was designed and fabricated by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. It exhibited a high thermoelectric voltage of 35.51 mV when the temperature difference was 1240 °C (the hot junction temperature was 1420 °C), with an average Seebeck coefficient of 28.63 µV/°C, which was 27% larger than the standard C-type thermocouple wires at the same temperature difference. The repeatability error was ±4.1%, the drift rate was 9.6 °C/h for 10 h and the laser response time was 0.36 ms. Compared to the traditional thermocouple, it could provide long-term temperature testing within 1420 °C for the requirement of high-temperature measurement and high response speed.
Analysis of a Large Database of Concrete Core Tests with Emphasis on Within-Structure Variability
Authors: Masi Angelo , Digrisolo Andrea , Santarsiero Giuseppe
Published: June 2019

In reinforced concrete (RC) structures, the compressive strength of concrete can play a crucial role in seismic performance and is usually difficult to estimate. Major seismic codes prescribe that concrete strength must be determined essentially from in situ and laboratory tests. Mean values obtained from such tests are the reference design values when assessing existing structures under seismic actions. The variability of concrete strength can also play an important role, generally requiring that various homogeneous domains are identified in a single structure, in each of which a specific mean value should be assumed as representative. This study analyzes the inter- and intra-variability of the concrete strength of existing buildings using a very large database made up of approximately 1600 core tests extracted from RC buildings located in the Basilicata region (Southern Italy). The analysis highlighted that concrete strength variability was dependent on the structures’ dimensions as well as on the number of storeys. Moreover, the concrete strength of cores extracted from columns was found to be, on average, lower than that from beams, thus justifying the usual practice to extract cores mainly from columns, which results in a conservative approach as well as a more feasible one. Finally, some case studies were analyzed, specifically focusing on the effects of the within-storey variability. Conservative strength values, to be used especially in the case of vertical members subjected to high axial loads, are suggested.
Characterization of Microstructures and Fatigue Properties for Dual-Phase Pipeline Steels by Gleeble Simulation of Heat-Affected Zone
Authors: Zhao Zuopeng , Xu Pengfei , Cheng Hongxia , Miao Jili , Xiao Furen
Published: June 2019

To increase transmission efficiency and reduce operation cost, dual-phase (DP) steels have been considered for pipeline applications. Welding has to be involved in such applications, which would cause a localized alteration of materials and cause many potential fatigue issues to arise under cyclic loading. In this work, the fatigue crack propagation and fatigue life of simulated heat-affected zone (HAZ) were examined. Results indicate that when the maximum stress is at the same magnitude, the fatigue life at a peak temperature of 1050 °C is very close to that of a peak temperature of 850 °C, and both of them are higher than that of a peak temperature of 1350 °C. The changes in da/dN with ΔK for HAZ subregions are attributed to the variation of crack path and fracture mode during the crack propagation. The fatigue cracks may propagate along the bainite lath preferentially in coarse-grained HAZ (CGHAZ), and the prior austenite grain boundaries can change the crack growth direction. A considerable amount of highly misoriented grain boundaries in fine-grained HAZ (FGHAZ) and intercritical-grained HAZ (ICHAZ) increase the crack growth resistance. The difference of fatigue crack propagation behavior in HAZ subregions between actual and simulated welded joints was also discussed.
Generalization of Parameter Selection of SVM and LS-SVM for Regression
Authors: Zeng Jiye , Tan Zheng-Hong , Matsunaga Tsuneo , Shirai Tomoko
Published: June 2019

A Support Vector Machine (SVM) for regression is a popular machine learning model that aims to solve nonlinear function approximation problems wherein explicit model equations are difficult to formulate. The performance of an SVM depends largely on the selection of its parameters. Choosing between an SVM that solves an optimization problem with inequality constrains and one that solves the least square of errors (LS-SVM) adds to the complexity. Various methods have been proposed for tuning parameters, but no article puts the SVM and LS-SVM side by side to discuss the issue using a large dataset from the real world, which could be problematic for existing parameter tuning methods. We investigated both the SVM and LS-SVM with an artificial dataset and a dataset of more than 200,000 points used for the reconstruction of the global surface ocean CO2 concentration. The results reveal that: (1) the two models are most sensitive to the parameter of the kernel function, which lies in a narrow range for scaled input data; (2) the optimal values of other parameters do not change much for different datasets; and (3) the LS-SVM performs better than the SVM in general. The LS-SVM is recommended, as it has less parameters to be tuned and yields a smaller bias. Nevertheless, the SVM has advantages of consuming less computer resources and taking less time to train. The results suggest initial parameter guesses for using the models.
A Generic Family of Optimal Sixteenth-Order Multiple-Root Finders and Their Dynamics Underlying Purely Imaginary Extraneous Fixed Points
Authors: Lee Min-Young , Kim Young Ik , Neta Beny
Published: June 2019

A generic family of optimal sixteenth-order multiple-root finders are theoretically developed from general settings of weight functions under the known multiplicity. Special cases of rational weight functions are considered and relevant coefficient relations are derived in such a way that all the extraneous fixed points are purely imaginary. A number of schemes are constructed based on the selection of desired free parameters among the coefficient relations. Numerical and dynamical aspects on the convergence of such schemes are explored with tabulated computational results and illustrated attractor basins. Overall conclusion is drawn along with future work on a different family of optimal root-finders.
Neutrosophic Triplets in Neutrosophic Rings
Authors: Kandasamy W. B. Vasantha , Kandasamy Ilanthenral , Smarandache Florentin
Published: June 2019

The neutrosophic triplets in neutrosophic rings ⟨ Q ∪ I ⟩ and ⟨ R ∪ I ⟩ are investigated in this paper. However, non-trivial neutrosophic triplets are not found in ⟨ Z ∪ I ⟩ . In the neutrosophic ring of integers Z \ { 0 , 1 } , no element has inverse in Z. It is proved that these rings can contain only three types of neutrosophic triplets, these collections are distinct, and these collections form a torsion free abelian group as triplets under component wise product. However, these collections are not even closed under component wise addition.
Serine Protease from Nereis virens Inhibits H1299 Lung Cancer Cell Proliferation via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway
Authors: Chen Yanan , Tang Yunping , Tang Yanhua , Yang Zuisu , Ding Guofang
Published: June 2019

This study explores the in vitro anti-proliferative mechanism between Nereis Active Protease (NAP) and human lung cancer H1299 cells. Colony formation and migration of cells were significantly lowered, following NAP treatment. Flow cytometry results suggested that NAP-induced growth inhibition of H1299 cells is linked to apoptosis, and that NAP can arrest the cells at the G0/G1 phase. The ERK/MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways were selected for their RNA transcripts, and their roles in the anti-proliferative mechanism of NAP were studied using Western blots. Our results suggested that NAP led to the downregulation of p-ERK (Thr 202/Tyr 204), p-AKT (Ser 473), p-PI3K (p85), and p-mTOR (Ser 2448), suggesting that NAP-induced H1299 cell apoptosis occurs via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Furthermore, specific inhibitors LY294002 and PD98059 were used to inhibit these two pathways. The effect of NAP on the downregulation of p-ERK and p-AKT was enhanced by the LY294002 (a PI3K inhibitor), while the inhibitor PD98059 had no obvious effect. Overall, the results suggested that NAP exhibits antiproliferative activity by inducing apoptosis, through the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
Enantioselective Hydrolysis of Styrene Oxide and Benzyl Glycidyl Ether by a Variant of Epoxide Hydrolase from Agromyces mediolanus
Authors: Jin Huoxi , Li Yan , Zhang Qianwei , Lin Saijun , Yang Zuisu , Ding Guofang
Published: June 2019

Enantiopure epoxides are versatile synthetic intermediates for producing optically active pharmaceuticals. In an effort to provide more options for the preparation of enantiopure epoxides, a variant of the epoxide hydrolase (vEH-Am) gene from a marine microorganism Agromyces mediolanus was synthesized and expressed in Escherichia coli. Recombiant vEH-Am displayed a molecular weight of 43 kDa and showed high stability with a half-life of 51.1 h at 30 °C. The purified vEH-Am exhibited high enantioselectivity towards styrene oxide (SO) and benzyl glycidyl ether (BGE). The vEH-Am preferentially converted (S)-SO, leaving (R)-SO with the enantiomeric excess (ee) >99%. However, (R)-BGE was preferentially hydrolyzed by vEH-Am, resulting in (S)-BGE with >99% ee. To investigate the origin of regioselectivity, the interactions between vEH-Am and enantiomers of SO and BGE were analyzed by molecular docking simulation. In addition, it was observed that the yields of (R)-SO and (S)-BGE decreased with the increase of substrate concentrations. The yield of (R)-SO was significantly increased by adding 2% (v/v) Tween-20 or intermittent supplementation of the substrate. To our knowledge, vEH-Am displayed the highest enantioselectivity for the kinetic resolution of racemic BGE among the known EHs, suggesting promising applications of vEH-Am in the preparation of optically active BGE.
Custom Multiphoton/Raman Microscopy Setup for Imaging and Characterization of Biological Samples
Authors: Marchetti Marco , Baria Enrico , Cicchi Riccardo , Pavone Francesco Saverio
Published: June 2019

Modern optics offers several label-free microscopic and spectroscopic solutions which are useful for both imaging and pathological assessments of biological tissues. The possibility to obtain similar morphological and biochemical information with fast and label-free techniques is highly desirable, but no single optical modality is capable of obtaining all of the information provided by histological and immunohistochemical analyses. Integrated multimodal imaging offers the possibility of integrating morphological with functional-chemical information in a label-free modality, complementing the simple observation with multiple specific contrast mechanisms. Here, we developed a custom laser-scanning microscopic platform that combines confocal Raman spectroscopy with multimodal non-linear imaging, including Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering, Second-Harmonic Generation, Two-Photon Excited Fluorescence, and Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy. The experimental apparatus is capable of high-resolution morphological imaging of the specimen, while also providing specific information about molecular organization, functional behavior, and molecular fingerprint. The system was successfully tested in the analysis of ex vivo tissues affected by urothelial carcinoma and by atherosclerosis, allowing us to multimodally characterize of the investigated specimen. Our results show a proof-of-principle demonstrating the potential of the presented multimodal approach, which could serve in a wide range of biological and biomedical applications.
High-Protein Diet Containing Dairy Products is Associated with Low Body Mass Index and Glucose Concentrations: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Giglio Bruna M. , Duarte Valeska I. R. , Galvão Ana Flávia , Marini Ana Clara B. , Schincaglia Raquel M. , Mota João F. , Souza Luciana B. , Pimentel Gustavo D.
Published: June 2019

The aim was to evaluate whether the ingestion of a high protein diet containing dairy protein is associated with anthropometric indicators of adiposity and blood glucose. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with volunteers of 20–89 years of age who performed leisure physical activity. We assessed dietary intake, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), triceps skinfold thickness (TSFT), random blood glucose as well as sociodemographic and behavioral variables. Results: A total of 418 individuals were evaluated. The consumption of a high-protein diet (1.80 ± 0.49 g/kg/day) was found in 37.8% of individuals, which showed lower BMI, WC, TSFT and blood glucose concentrations compared to those with a low-protein diet (0.56 ± 0.18 g/kg/day). Dairy products consumption was inversely associated with BMI when adjusted for sex and age (odds ratio (OR): 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.68–0.93, p = 0.004) and by sex, age, fiber and energy (OR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.67–0.92; p = 0.004), and with blood glucose when adjusted for sex and age (OR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.74–0.99; p = 0.042). Cheese consumption was inversely associated with blood glucose when adjusted for sex and age (OR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.55–0.96, p = 0.023) and by sex, age, calories and fibers (OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.56–0.98, p = 0.036). Two portions of cheeses/day reduced the risk of having high blood glucose levels by approximately 80%. Conclusion: A high-protein diet containing dairy food, in particular two servings of cheese, was associated with low BMI and random glucose concentration.
Crohn’s Disease Remission with a Plant-Based Diet: A Case Report
Authors: Sandefur Kelsea , Kahleova Hana , Desmond Alan N. , Elfrink Eden , Barnard Neal D.
Published: June 2019

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a form of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The etiology of CD is thought to be multi-factorial; genetic factors, dietary and environmental exposures, immune events, and dysfunction of the gut microbiome are all though to play a role. The prevalence of CD is increasing globally and is higher in countries with a Westernized diet and lifestyle. Several human trials have demonstrated that plant-based dietary therapies may have utility in both the treatment of acute CD flares and the maintenance of remission. This case study describes a young adult male with newly diagnosed CD who failed to enter clinical remission despite standard medical therapy. After switching to a diet based exclusively on grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits, he entered clinical remission without need for medication and showed no signs of CD on follow-up colonoscopy.
Micronutrient Absorption and Related Outcomes in People with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Review
Authors: Kilby Kyle , Mathias Holly , Boisvenue Lindsay , Heisler Courtney , Jones Jennifer L.
Published: June 2019

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic disorder associated with immune dysregulation and chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. While it is poorly understood, the role of nutrition and nutrient status in the etiology of IBD and its associated outcomes has led to increased research relating to micronutrient deficiency. This review offers an overview of recent literature related to micronutrient absorption and outcomes in adults with IBD. Although the absorption and IBD-related outcomes of some micronutrients (e.g., vitamin D and iron) are well understood, other micronutrients (e.g., vitamin A) require further research. Increased research and clinician knowledge of the relationship between micronutrients and IBD may manifest in improved nutrient screening, monitoring, treatment, and outcomes for people living with IBD.
Controlled Release Film Forming Systems in Drug Delivery: The Potential for Efficient Drug Delivery
Authors: Tran Thao T. D. , Tran Phuong H. L.
Published: June 2019

Despite many available approaches for transdermal drug delivery, patient compliance and drug targeting at the desired concentration are still concerns for effective therapies. Precise and efficient film-forming systems provide great potential for controlling drug delivery through the skin with the combined advantages of films and hydrogels. The associated disadvantages of both systems (films and hydrogels) will be overcome in film-forming systems. Different strategies have been designed to control drug release through the skin, including changes to film-forming polymers, plasticizers, additives or even model drugs in formulations. In the current review, we aim to discuss the recent advances in film-forming systems to provide the principles and review the methods of these systems as applied to controlled drug release. Advances in the design of film-forming systems open a new generation of these systems.
Dimensional Stability and Process Capability of an Industrial Component Injected with Recycled Polypropylene
Authors: Galve José Eduardo , Elduque Daniel , Pina Carmelo , Clavería Isabel , Acero Raquel , Fernández Ángel , Javierre Carlos
Published: June 2019

The usage of recycled polymers for industrial purposes arises as one of the most promising methods of reducing environmental impact and costs associated with scrapping parts. This paper presents a systematic study of the dimensional stability of a raw and 100% recycled polypropylene subjected to realistic environmental conditions occurring along its working life. The component studied is an internal part of an induction hob assembly. Industrial samples manufactured with both materials, in the same mold, and in the same injection machine, are subjected to ejection conditions, storage conditions (50 °C), and extreme performance conditions (80 °C). Induced dimensional changes are registered and analyzed using a coordinate measuring machine, and a tactile sensing probe. To verify the process capability of the samples manufacturing, Cp and Cpk values are calculated to evaluate the suitability of the recycled material as an alternative. Results conclude that, although the use of recycled material implies slight differences in terms of dimensional stability due to the changes induced in the polymer structure, these differences are not significant enough to affect the injection process capability. Therefore, recycling arises as one effective method to reduce both overruns associated with the consumption of raw polypropylene material and its environmental impact.
Extended 2,2′-Bipyrroles: New Monomers for Conjugated Polymers with Tailored Processability
Authors: Texidó Robert , Anguera Gonzalo , Colominas Sergi , Borrós Salvador , Sánchez-García David
Published: June 2019

The synthesis of 2,2′-bipyrroles substituted at positions 5,5′ with pyrrolyl, N-methyl-pyrrolyl and thienyl groups and their application in the preparation of conducting polymers is reported herein. The preparation of these monomers consisted of two synthetic steps from a functionalized 2,2′-bipyrrole: Bromination of the corresponding 2,2′-bipyrrole followed by Suzuki or Stille couplings. These monomers display low oxidation potential compared to pyrrole because of the extended length of their conjugation pathway. The resulting monomers can be polymerized through oxidative/electropolymerization. Electrical conductivity and electrochromic properties of the electrodeposited polymeric films were evaluated using 4-point probe measurements and cyclic voltammetry to evaluate their applicability in electronics.
Poly(furfuryl alcohol)-Polycaprolactone Blends
Authors: Nanni Gabriele , Heredia-Guerrero José A. , Paul Uttam C. , Dante Silvia , Caputo Gianvito , Canale Claudio , Athanassiou Athanassia , Fragouli Despina , Bayer Ilker S.
Published: June 2019

Poly(furfuryl alcohol) (PFA) is a bioresin synthesized from furfuryl alcohol (FA) that is derived from renewable saccharide-rich biomass. In this study, we compounded this bioresin with polycaprolactone (PCL) for the first time, introducing new functional polymer blends. Although PCL is biodegradable, its production relies on petroleum precursors such as cyclohexanone oils. With the method proposed herein, this dependence on petroleum-derived precursors/monomers is reduced by using PFA without significantly modifying some important properties of the PCL. Polymer blend films were produced by simple solvent casting. The blends were characterized in terms of surface topography by atomic force microscopy (AFM), chemical interactions between PCL and PFA by attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), crystallinity by XRD, thermal properties by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and mechanical properties by tensile tests and biocompatibility by direct and indirect toxicity tests. PFA was found to improve the gas barrier properties of PCL without compromising its mechanical properties, and it demonstrated sustained antioxidant effect with excellent biocompatibility. Our results indicate that these new blends can be potentially used in diverse applications ranging from food packing to biomedical devices.
Arts as Dialogic Practice: Deriving Lessons for Change from Community-based Art-making for International Development
Authors: Kirakosyan Lyusyena , Stephenson Max
Published: June 2019

Communities around the world struggle with weakening social bonds and political, racial, ethnic, economic, and cultural divides. This article argues the arts can be a means of raising public consciousness regarding such concerns by catalyzing conscious, thoughtful dialogue among individuals and groups possessing diverse values and beliefs. Change can only occur when people become aware of and actively reflect on the ontological and epistemic-scale norms and values that so often underpin their divisions, and the arts can help them do precisely that. We examine the dynamics of participatory performing arts and mural-making in diverse contexts to contend that the dialogic character of community art-making can be valuable for practitioners and scholars in a variety of efforts in international community development. We conclude by sharing lessons that we believe will aid artists and practitioners in devising more inclusive and participatory approaches to their international community change or development projects.
Rushton and Jensen’s Work has Parallels with Some Concepts of Race Awareness in Ancient Greece
Authors: Andrade Gabriel , Campo Redondo Maria
Published: June 2019

Rushton and Jensen’s “Thirty Years of Research on Race Differences in Cognitive Ability” documents IQ differences in populations on the basis of race. The authors explain these data by arguing that cold winter conditions in Europe had greater pressure for the selection of higher intelligence. Critics of Rushton and Jensen, and of the very category of race, claim that race is a social construct that only came up in the 16th century, as a result of overseas voyages and the Atlantic slave trade. The goal of this article is to refute that particular claim, by documenting how, long before the 16th century, in classical antiquity race was already a meaningful concept, and how some Greek authors even developed ideas that bear some resemblance to Rushton and Jensen’s theory. The article documents how ancient Egyptians already had keen awareness of race differences amongst various populations. Likewise, the article documents passages from the Hippocratic and Aristotelian corpus, which attests that already in antiquity, there was a conception that climatic differences had an influence on intelligence, and that these differences eventually become enshrined in fixed biological traits.