bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Conversation between Learning Design and Classroom Observations: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Eradze Maka , Rodríguez-Triana María Jesús , Laanpere Mart
Published: April 2019

Learning Design, as a field of research, provides practitioners with guidelines towards more effective teaching and learning. In parallel, observational methods (manual or automated) have been used in the classroom to reflect on and refine teaching and learning, often in combination with other data sources (such as surveys and interviews). Despite the fact that both Learning Design and classroom observation aim to support teaching and learning practices (respectively a priori or a posteriori), they are not often aligned. To better understand the potential synergies between these two strategies, this paper reports on a systematic literature review based on 24 works that connect learning design and classroom observations. The review analyses the purposes of the studies, the stakeholders involved, the methodological aspects of the studies, and how design and observations are connected. This review reveals the need for computer-interpretable documented designs; the lack of reported systematic approaches and technological support to connect the (multimodal) observations with the corresponding learning designs; and, the predominance of human-mediated observations of the physical space, whose applicability and scalability are limited by the human resources available. The adoption of ICT tools to support the design process would contribute to extracting the context of the observations and the pedagogical framework for the analysis. Moreover, extending the traditional manual observations with Multimodal Learning Analytic techniques, would not only reduce the observation burden but also support the systematic data collection, integration, and analysis, especially in semi-structured and structured studies.
Landscape as Experienced Place and Worth Conserving in the Drawings of Finnish and Swedish Students
Authors: Yli-Panula Eija , Persson Christel , Jeronen Eila , Eloranta Varpu , Pakula Heini-Marja
Published: April 2019

Children explore their environment through experiences and each experience is meaningful in developing their environmental consciousness and identity. On the basis of the drawn landscape experiences, the present qualitative study set out to find out what landscapes the participating students deemed worth conserving. The data consisted of the drawings of 11- to 16-year-old Finnish (n = 311) and Swedish (n = 246) students. Deductive and inductive content analyses were used to analyse the data. The results showed that all three landscape types; nature, built, and social were presented in the drawings. Nature and built landscapes were the most frequent types, with the proportion of nature landscapes increasing and that of built landscapes decreasing with age. There were gender and cultural preferences: boys drew built landscapes more often than girls; and Finnish students drew summer cottages, a cultural phenomenon typical of Finnish landscapes, which was not found in Swedish drawings. Similarities in Finnish and Swedish data were identified e.g., in forest and water and “cultural landscapes”. Some of the students displayed a more distant, observing role, whereas others adopted an active one in relation to all three landscape types. The results are discussed in connection to the landscape theories and earlier findings of the drawn environments.
Automatic and Visual Processing Method of Non-Contact Monitoring for Circular Stormwater Sewage Tunnels Based on LiDAR Data
Authors: Xie Xiongyao , Zhao Mingrui , He Jiamin , Zhou Biao
Published: April 2019

The application of Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) technology has become increasingly extensive in tunnel structure monitoring. The proposed processing method aims to carry out non-contact monitoring for circular stormwater sewage tunnels and provides an efficient workflow. This allows the automatic processing of raw point data and the acquisition of visualization results to analyze the health state of a tunnel within a short period of time. The proposed processing method employs a series of algorithms to extract the point cloud of a single tunnel segment without obvious noise by main three steps: axis acquisition, segment extraction, and denoising. The tunnel axis is extracted by fitting boundaries of the tunnel point cloud projection in the plane. With the guidance of the axis, the entire preprocessed tunnel point cloud is segmented by equal division to get a section of the tunnel point cloud which corresponds to a single tunnel segment. Then, the noise in every single point cloud segment is removed by clustering the algorithm twice, based on the distance and intensity. Finally, clean point clouds of tunnel segments are processed by an effective deformation extraction processor to determine the ovality and to get a three-dimensional visual deformation nephogram. The proposed method can significantly improve the efficiency of LiDAR data processing and extend the application of LiDAR technology in circular stormwater sewage tunnel monitoring.
Fault Isolability Analysis and Optimal Sensor Placement for Fault Diagnosis in Smart Buildings
Authors: Trothe Max Emil S. , Shaker Hamid Reza , Jradi Muhyiddine , Arendt Krzysztof
Published: April 2019

Faults and anomalies in buildings are among the main causes of building energy waste and occupant discomfort. An effective automatic fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) process in buildings can therefore save a significant amount of energy and improve the comfort level. Fault diagnosability analysis and an optimal FDD-oriented sensor placement are prerequisites for effective, efficient and successful diagnostics. This paper addresses the problem of fault diagnosability for smart buildings. The method used in the paper is a model-based technique which uses Dulmage-Mendelsohn decomposition. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that this method is used for applications in smart buildings. First a dynamic model for a zone in a real-case building is developed in which faults are also introduced. Then fault diagnosability is investigated by analyzing the fault isolability of the model. Based on the investigation, it was concluded that not all the faults in the model are diagnosable. Then an approach for placing new sensors is implemented. It is observed that for two test scenarios, placing additional sensors in the model leads to full diagnosability. Since sensors placement is key for an effective FDD process, the optimal placement of such sensors is also studied in this work. A case study of campus building OU44 at the University of Southern Denmark is considered. The results show that as the system gets more complicated by introducing more faults, additional sensors should be added to achieve full diagnosability.
An Economic Analysis of Load Leveling with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in an Electricity Market Environment: The Korean Case
Authors: Kim Hyung Tae , Jin Young Gyu , Yoon Yong Tae
Published: April 2019

The capacity of battery energy storage systems (BESS) is expected to increase for power system applications. However, as the cost of BESS is high, economic feasibility must be considered when using BESS in grid applications. Load leveling with BESS is one such application for which the economic implications have been analyzed in the literature. However, these studies do not sufficiently consider the fact that the leveled loads will lead to a change in electricity prices, thereby modifying charging/discharging operations of BESS. Additionally, in a competitive electricity market, electricity prices are not determined by the generator cost functions. Market participants’ strategic decisions also affect prices. Therefore, we conducted an economic analysis of load leveling with BESS in an electricity market from the perspective of a utility company and/or a government agency. In our analysis of the Korean market, we examine whether the leveled loads necessarily lead to economic benefits. Load leveling performance and the associated economic benefit are quantitatively analyzed for varying sizes of BESS. Further, the policy implications related to using BESS are derived from the analysis results.
Effectiveness of Blending Alternative Procurement Models and EU Funding Mechanisms Based on Energy Efficiency Case Study Simulation
Authors: Rogić Lugarić Tereza , Dodig Domagoj , Bogovac Jasna
Published: April 2019

Over the past twenty years, many countries have been looking for alternative procurement models in providing public sector energy efficiency (EE) projects because of high public sector debt and budget deficit. These projects have traditionally been procured and financed by the public sector. While the majority of EU funding resources will be realized in more traditional, purely grant-funded procurement models, a new Investment Plan for Europe for the programming period 2014–2020 has focused on supporting higher private sector involvement in infrastructure investments for achieving the EU Strategy 20/20/20 goals. Seeing that the fundamental purpose of investing in infrastructure is investing in providing public services, the involvement of the private sector is only possible through some alternative procurement models. In these initiatives both the public and the private sector retain their own identities and responsibilities, while their co-operation is based on clearly defined divisions of tasks and risks. The main objective of this paper is to assess the effectiveness of blending alternative procurement models with available EU funding mechanisms in EE sector by applying case study simulation. The findings will show the effectiveness of alternative options and the use of blending solutions in EE investments.
Coordinated Frequency and State-of-Charge Control with Multi-Battery Energy Storage Systems and Diesel Generators in an Isolated Microgrid
Authors: Chang Jae-Won , Lee Gyu-Sub , Moon Hyeon-Jin , Glick Mark B. , Moon Seung-Il
Published: April 2019

Recently, isolated microgrids have been operated using renewable energy sources (RESs), diesel generators, and battery energy storage systems (BESSs) for an economical and reliable power supply to loads. The concept of the complementary control, in which power imbalances are managed by diesel generators in the long time scale and BESSs in the short time scale, is widely adopted in isolated microgrids for efficient and stable operation. This paper proposes a new complementary control strategy for regulating the frequency and state of charge (SOC) when the system has multiple diesel generators and BESSs. In contrast to conventional complementary control, the proposed control strategy enables the parallel operation of diesel generators and BESSs, as well as SOC management. Furthermore, diesel generators regulate the equivalent SOC of BESSs with hierarchical control. Additionally, BESSs regulate the frequency of the system with hierarchical control and manage their individual SOCs. We conducted a case study by using Simulink/MATLAB to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy in comparison with conventional complementary control.
Multi-Functional Model Predictive Control with Mutual Influence Elimination for Three-Phase AC/DC Converters in Energy Conversion
Authors: Shi Xiaolong , Zhu Jianguo , Lu Dylan , Li Li
Published: April 2019

Conventional model predictive control (MPC)-based direct power control of the three-phase full-bridge AC/DC converter usually suffers from the parametric coupling between active and reactive powers. A reference change of either the active or reactive power will influence the other, deteriorating the dynamic-state performance. In addition, the steady-state performance affected by one-step-delay arising from computation and communication processes in the digital implementation should be improved in consideration of switching frequency reduction. In combination with the proposed novel mutual influence elimination constraint, this paper proposes the multi-functional MPC for three-phase full-bridge AC/DC converters to improve both the steady and dynamic performances simultaneously. It has various advantages such as one-step-delay compensation, power ripple reduction, and switching frequency reduction for steady-state performance as well as mutual influence elimination for dynamic capability. The simulation and experimental results are obtained to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Analysis of IEC 61850-9-2LE Measured Values Using a Neural Network
Authors: Wannous Kinan , Toman Petr , Jurák Viktor , Wasserbauer Vojtěch
Published: April 2019

Process bus communication has an important role to digitalize substations. The IEC 61850-9-2 standard specifies the requirements to transmit digital data over Ethernet networks. The paper analyses the impact of IEC 61850-9-2LE on physical protections with (analog-digital) input data of voltage and current. With the increased interaction between physical devices and communication components, the test proposes a communication analysis for a substation with the conventional method (analog input) and digital method based on the IEC 61850 standard. The use of IEC 61850 as the basis for smart grids includes the use of merging units (MUs) and deployment of relays based on microprocessors. The paper analyses the merging unit’s functions for relays using IEC 61850-9-2LE. The proposed method defines the sampled measured values source and analysis of the traffic. By using neural net pattern recognition that solves the pattern recognition problem, a relation between the inputs (number of samples/ms—interval time between the packets) and the source of the data is found. The benefit of this approach is to reduce the time to test the merging unit by getting the feedback from the merging unit and using the neural network to get the data structure of the publisher IED. Tests examine the GOOSE message and performance using the IEC standard based on a network traffic perspective.
Day-Ahead Photovoltaic Forecasting: A Comparison of the Most Effective Techniques
Authors: Nespoli Alfredo , Ogliari Emanuele , Leva Sonia , Massi Pavan Alessandro , Mellit Adel , Lughi Vanni , Dolara Alberto
Published: April 2019

We compare the 24-hour ahead forecasting performance of two methods commonly used for the prediction of the power output of photovoltaic systems. Both methods are based on Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), which have been trained on the same dataset, thus enabling a much-needed homogeneous comparison currently lacking in the available literature. The dataset consists of an hourly series of simultaneous climatic and PV system parameters covering an entire year, and has been clustered to distinguish sunny from cloudy days and separately train the ANN. One forecasting method feeds only on the available dataset, while the other is a hybrid method as it relies upon the daily weather forecast. For sunny days, the first method shows a very good and stable prediction performance, with an almost constant Normalized Mean Absolute Error, NMAE%, in all cases (1% < NMAE% < 2%); the hybrid method shows an even better performance (NMAE% < 1%) for two of the days considered in this analysis, but overall a less stable performance (NMAE% > 2% and up to 5.3% for all the other cases). For cloudy days, the forecasting performance of both methods typically drops; the performance is rather stable for the method that does not use weather forecasts, while for the hybrid method it varies significantly for the days considered in the analysis.
Fast Track Integration of Computational Methods with Experiments in Small Wind Turbine Development
Authors: Lipian Michal , Kulak Michal , Stepien Malgorzata
Published: April 2019

In general, standard aerodynamic design is divided into two paths—numerical analysis and empirical tests. It is crucial to efficiently combine both approaches in order to entirely fulfill the requirements of the design process as well as the final product. An effective use of computational analysis is a challenge, however it can significantly improve understanding, exploring and confining the search for optimal product solutions. The article focuses on a rapid prototyping and testing procedure proposed and employed at the Institute of Turbomachinery, Lodz University of Technology (IMP TUL). This so called Fast Track approach combines preparation of numerical models of a wind turbine rotor, manufacturing of its geometry by means of a 3D printing method and testing it in an in-house wind tunnel. The idea is to perform the entire procedure in 24 h. The proposed process allows one to determine the most auspicious sets of rotor blades within a short time. Owing to this, it significantly reduces the amount of individual subsequent examinations. Having fixed the initial procedure, it is possible to expand research on the singled-out geometries. The abovementioned observations and the presented overview of the literature on uses of 3D printing in aerodynamic testing prove rapid prototyping as an innovative and widely-applicable method, significantly changing our approach to experimental aerodynamics.
Extraction of Boundary Condition Independent Dynamic Compact Thermal Models of LEDs—A Delphi4LED Methodology
Authors: Bornoff Robin
Published: April 2019

Multi-domain electro-thermal-optical models of LEDs are required so that their thermal and optical behavior may be predicted during a luminaire design process. Today, no standardized approach exists for the extraction of such models. Therefore, models are not readily provided by LED suppliers to end-users. This results in designers of LED-based luminaires wasting time on LED characterization and ad hoc model extraction themselves. The Delphi4LED project aims to address these deficiencies by identifying standardizable methodologies to extract both electro-optical and thermal compact models of LEDs that together can be used in a multi-domain simulation context. This article describes a methodology to extract compact thermal models of LEDs that are dynamic, in that they accommodate transient thermal effects, and are boundary condition-independent, in that their accuracy is independent of their thermal operating environment. Such models are achieved by first proposing an equivalent thermal nodal network topology. The thermal resistances and capacitances of that network are identified by means of optimization so that the transient thermal response of the network matches that of either an equivalent calibrated 3D thermal model or a transient thermal measurement of a physical sample. The accuracy of the thermal network is then verified by comparing the thermal compact model with a 3D detailed model, which predicts thermal responses within a 3D system-level model.
Prediction of the Optimal Vortex in Synthetic Jets
Authors: Le Clainche Soledad
Published: April 2019

This article presents three different low-order models to predict the main flow patterns in synthetic jets. The first model provides a simple theoretical approach based on experimental solutions explaining how to artificially generate the optimal vortex, which maximizes the production of thrust and system efficiency. The second model is a data-driven method that uses higher-order dynamic mode decomposition (HODMD). To construct this model, (i) Navier–Stokes equations are solved for a very short period of time providing a transient solution, (ii) a group of spatio-temporal data are collected containing the information of the transitory of the numerical simulations, and finally (iii) HODMD decomposes the solution as a Fourier-like expansion of modes that are extrapolated in time, providing accurate predictions of the large size structures describing the general flow dynamics, with a speed-up factor of 8.3 in the numerical solver. The third model is an extension of the second model, which combines HODMD with a low-rank approximation of the spatial domain, which is based on singular value decomposition (SVD). This novel approach reduces the memory requirements by 70% and reduces the computational time to generate the low-order model by 3, maintaining the speed-up factor to 8.3. This technique is suitable to predict the temporal flow patterns in a synthetic jet, showing that the general dynamics is driven by small amplitude variations along the streamwise direction. This new and efficient tool could also be potentially used for data forecasting or flow pattern identification in any type of big database.
Integrated Control and Modulation for Three-Level NPC Rectifiers
Authors: Ventosa-Cutillas Antonio , Montero-Robina Pablo , Umbría Francisco , Cuesta Federico , Gordillo Francisco
Published: April 2019

This paper uses a novel approach for the control of three-level neutral-point-clamped (NPC) rectifiers in order to tackle the capacitor voltage balance problem. A distinctive feature of the new control approach is that it is based on a model which is written in terms of the duty ratios for each phase at each level. Hence, the system model presents nine duty cycle variables. Despite the fact that this formulation is different from the usual ones, it is shown that the control problem of currents and dc-link voltage can be formulated in a similar way to conventional methods. Furthermore, the control of the capacitor voltage balance can be expressed by means of equations that are decoupled from the currents and dc-link voltage dynamics, which results in a specific controller for the voltage balancing that does not affect the previous dynamics. A key point of the proposed approach is that part of the modulation stage is implicit in the formulation. Two particular controllers are compared in this paper. The first one fulfills the different control objectives at the expense of a large number of commutations. This problem is overcome in a new proposed controller, which presents similar performance and a satisfactory number of commutations. Experimental results are performed showing the effectiveness compared with a modified virtual space vector modulation with capacitor voltage balance capabilities.
Avian Reporting Rates in Chugcheongnam Province, South Korea Depend on Distance from Forest Edge, Size of Trees, and Size of Forest Fragments
Authors: Jang Woongsoon , Seol Ara , Chung Ok-Sik , Sagong Junghee , Lee Jong Koo
Published: April 2019

Forests provide bird communities with various resources, including food and habitats. Thus, forest attributes, such as size, structure, and species composition, influence the distribution and dynamics of bird species. This study was conducted to examine the association between forest condition, bird species abundance, and diversity within Chungcheongnam Province, South Korea. Zero-inflated binomial regression models were used to analyze a total of 1646 sampling points of abundance and diversity. Forest area, distance to forest edge, and tree size class were selected as covariates. Negative associations between forest area and overall bird abundance and species richness were indicated, whereas distance to forest edge was not a significant factor. This insignificance may be attributed to the relatively small, fragmented, and homogenous forest areas across the studied region. Results for individual bird species indicated that six out of the 35 major bird species had significant associations to the forest edge and three species showed a preference for the interior of the forest. The results of this study imply that other factors, such as food availability and biotic interaction, are more important when determining habitat preference in a relatively homogenous area with a long history of human disturbance.
Effect of Litter Quality on Needle Decomposition for Four Pine Species in Korea
Authors: Chae Hee Myung , Choi Sung Hwan , Lee Sang Hoon , Cha Sangsub , Yang Keum Chul , Shim Jae Kuk
Published: April 2019

Litter decomposition involves multiple complex processes, including interactions between the physicochemical characteristics of litter species and various environmental factors. We selected four representative pine species in South Korea (Pinus densiflora Siebold & Zucc., Pinus thunbergii Parl., Pinus koraiensis Siebold & Zucc., and Pinus rigida Miller) to investigate the decay rate and effects of the physicochemical properties on decomposition. Needle litters were incubated in microcosms at 23 °C for 280 days and retrieved four times in about 70-day intervals. The mass loss showed significant differences among the species and was higher in the order of P. densiflora (30.5%), P. koraiensis (27.8%), P. rigida (26.5%), and P. thunbergii (23.6%). The needle litter decomposition showed a negative relationship with the initial surface area, volume, density, cellulose content, and lignin/nitrogen of the litter, and a positive relationship with the initial specific leaf area (SLA), surface-area-to-volume ratio (SA/V), and water- and ethanol-soluble substances. The decomposition rate was highly affected by the physical properties of litter when compared with the initial chemical litter quality, and it was strongly influenced by SLA and SA/V. Accordingly, the physical properties of pine needle litter, especially SLA and SA/V, may be the key factors, and they could be used as predictive indices for the decomposition rate of pine tree litters.
Factors Affecting Long-Term Trends in Global NDVI
Authors: Yang Yujie , Wang Shijie , Bai Xiaoyong , Tan Qiu , Li Qin , Wu Luhua , Tian Shiqi , Hu Zeyin , Li Chaojun , Deng Yuanhong
Published: April 2019

Diagnosing the evolution trends of vegetation and its drivers is necessary for ecological conservation and restoration. However, it remains unclear what the underlying distribution pattern of these trends and its correlation with some drivers at large spatial-temporal scales. Here we use the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) to quantify the activity of vegetation by Theil–Sen median trend analysis and the Mann–Kendall test, Pearson correlation analysis and Boosted regression trees (BRT) model. Results show that about 34% of the global continent area has experienced greening in the grid annual NDVI from 1982 to 2015. The major greening areas were observed in the Sahel, European, India and south China. Only 10% of the global continent land areas were browning, and these were observed in Canada, South America, central Africa and Central Asia. BRT model shows that rainfall is the most important factor affecting vegetation evolution (63.1%), followed by temperature (15%), land cover change (8.6%), population (6.5%), elevation (6.4%) and nightlight (0.4%). It’s about 21% of the world’s continent were affected by rainfall, mainly in arid regions such as central Asia and Australia. The main temperature-affected areas accounted for 36%, located near the equator or in high latitudes.
Transcriptome Analysis of a Multiple-Branches Mutant Terminal Buds in Betula platyphylla × B. pendula
Authors: Han Rui , Wang Shuo , Liu Chaoyi , Xu Wendi , Bian Xiuyan , Liu Guifeng , Jiang Jing
Published: April 2019

To investigate the molecular mechanism of the mutation of a multiple-branches birch mutant (br), we explored genes that were genome-wide differentially expressed in the main and lateral branches’ apical buds of br. The plant architecture not only has effects on the process of plant growth and development, but also affects the agronomic characters. In woody plants, branches determine the application value of timber. Therefore, analyzing genes that were differentially expressed in br apical buds will bring new insights to understand the molecular basis of plant architecture alteration. Wild type (WT) birch, Cinnamoyl-CoA reductase 1 (CCR1)-overexpressed transgenic birch (OE2) and the mutant br were used as materials to observe phenotype differences between br and the control lines (WT and OE2). The transcriptome sequencing of the main and lateral branches’ apical buds of br and controls were further performed to explore genes that were genome-wide differentially expressed in br. Compared to the control lines, br exhibited a multiple-branches and dwarf phenotype. In addition, biomass, rooting number, leaf area, internal diameter, and external diameter of stomata, and the size of terminal buds of br were less than that of WT and OE2. Transcriptome analysis results indicated that gene expression profiles of br were different from the control lines. The genes that were differentially expressed in br apical buds were involved in multiple pathways, including organogenesis, fertility regulation, cell division and differentiation, plant hormone biosynthesis, and signal transduction. The multiple-branches, dwarf, and small leaves and buds of br might be due to the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in organogenesis, cell division and differentiation, plant hormone biosynthesis and signal transduction.
Decision-Making in Forestry: A Review of the Hybridisation of Multiple Criteria and Group Decision-Making Methods
Authors: Ortiz-Urbina Esther , González-Pachón Jacinto , Diaz-Balteiro Luis
Published: April 2019

The degree of complexity in forest management has increased in the last few decades, not only due to the inclusion of specific new issues (e.g., climate change, social protection, etc.), but also because these new, as well as classic, issues have to be dealt with in a context characterised by multiple conflicting criteria that are evaluated by different stakeholders. Nowadays, the multicriteria issue enjoys a relatively sound tradition in forest management. However, the consideration of several stakeholders, which requires the formulation of management models within a collective decision-making setting, is not that advanced. This paper aims to provide a critical overview of forestry case studies that have been published in primary journals and that deal with multiple criteria and several stakeholders. Based on this overview, some highlights of the most promising methods were obtained, and recommendations for the fruitful use of these combined methodologies for dealing with numerous types of forest management problems are provided.
Giving Diligence Its Due: Accessing Digital Images in Indigenous Repatriation Efforts
Authors: Douglas Susan , Hayes Melanie
Published: April 2019

An increasing volume of images is available online, but barriers such as digital locks, proprietary interests and narrow scope of information uploaded to image databases maintain structures that have impeded repatriation efforts in the real world. Images of objects (cultural material) in the digital environment support cultural heritage. Institutions are developing complex solutions relevant in the network environment to further repatriation initiatives. These solutions facilitate discovery, opening avenues for research into the ethics of ownership that cross the physical/digital divide. There have been calls for strengthening the potential for use of pertinent information in order to protect and recover cultural heritage through increased visibility. However, some museums still limit access to images. We examine the issues and their implications referencing case studies specific to Indigenous, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada.
Maternal Harsh Physical Parenting and Behavioral Problems in Children in Religious Families in Yemen
Authors: Alsarhi Khadija , Rahma  , Prevoo Mariëlle J. L. , Alink Lenneke R. A. , Mesman Judi
Published: April 2019

The present study examined maternal religiosity as an underlying cultural factor in the effect of harsh physical parenting on child behavioral problems. Data was collected via a discipline observational task, religiosity-based vignettes, and a questionnaire in a group of 62 mothers and their children in slum areas in Yemen. Moderation and mediation models were tested, where the role of maternal religiosity as a predictor and a moderator in the association between harsh physical parenting and child behavioral problems was explored. Findings showed no direct association between harsh physical parenting, maternal religiosity, and child behavioral problems. However, maternal religiosity was found to significantly moderate the relationship between harsh physical parenting and child behavioral problems such that the positive association between harsh physical parenting and child behavior problems was stronger when parents were more religious. Implications of the moderating role of maternal religiosity on the association between harsh physical parenting and child behavioral problems are discussed.
Evaluation of China’s Environmental Pressures Based on Satellite NO2 Observation and the Extended STIRPAT Model
Authors: Cui Yuanzheng , Jiang Lei , Zhang Weishi , Bao Haijun , Geng Bin , He Qingqing , Zhang Long , Streets David G.
Published: April 2019

China’s rapid urbanization and industrialization have affected the spatiotemporal patterns of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution, which has led to greater environmental pressures. In order to mitigate the environmental pressures caused by NO2 pollution, it is of vital importance to investigate the influencing factors. We first obtained data for NO2 pollution at the city level using satellite observation techniques and analyzed its spatial distribution. Next, we introduced a theoretical framework, an extended stochastic impacts by regression on population, affluence, and technology (STIRPAT) model, to quantify the relationship between NO2 pollution and its contributing natural and socio-economic factors. The results are as follows. Cities with high NO2 pollution are mainly concentrated in the North China Plain. On the contrary, southwestern cities are characterized by low NO2 pollution. In addition, we find that population, per capita gross domestic product, the share of the secondary industry, ambient air pressures, total nighttime light data, and urban road area have a positive impact on NO2 pollution. In contrast, increases in the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), relative humidity, temperature, and wind speed may reduce NO2 pollution. These empirical results should help the government to effectively and efficiently implement further emission reductions and energy saving policies in Chinese cities in a bid to mitigate the environmental pressures.
PAX: Using Pseudonymization and Anonymization to Protect Patients’ Identities and Data in the Healthcare System
Authors: Al-Zubaidie Mishall , Zhang Zhongwei , Zhang Ji
Published: April 2019

Electronic health record (EHR) systems are extremely useful for managing patients’ data and are widely disseminated in the health sector. The main problem with these systems is how to maintain the privacy of sensitive patient information. Due to not fully protecting the records from unauthorised users, EHR systems fail to provide privacy for protected health information. Weak security measures also allow authorised users to exceed their specific privileges to access medical records. Thus, some of the systems are not a trustworthy source and are undesirable for patients and healthcare providers. Therefore, an authorisation system that provides privacy when accessing patients’ data is required to address these security issues. Specifically, security and privacy precautions should be raised for specific categories of users, doctor advisors, physician researchers, emergency doctors, and patients’ relatives. Presently, these users can break into the electronic systems and even violate patients’ privacy because of the privileges granted to them or the inadequate security and privacy mechanisms of these systems. To address the security and privacy problems associated with specific users, we develop the Pseudonymization and Anonymization with the XACML (PAX) modular system, which depends on client and server applications. It provides a security solution to the privacy issues and the problem of safe-access decisions for patients’ data in the EHR. The results of theoretical and experimental security analysis prove that PAX provides security features in preserving the privacy of healthcare users and is safe against known attacks.
Hydrogeochemical Characterization and Irrigation Quality Assessment of Shallow Groundwater in the Central-Western Guanzhong Basin, China
Authors: Xu Panpan , Feng Wenwen , Qian Hui , Zhang Qiying
Published: April 2019

Groundwater is the major water resource for the agricultural development of the Guanzhong Basin, China. In this study, a total of 97 groundwater samples (51 from the North Bank of the Wei River (NBWR) and 46 from the South Bank of the Wei River (SBWR)) were collected from the central-western Guanzhong Basin. The aim of this study was to investigate the hydrogeochemical characteristics of the basin and to determine the suitability of shallow groundwater for irrigation. The groundwater of the entire study area is alkaline. The groundwater of the SBWR is fresh water, and the NBWR groundwater is either freshwater or brackish water. The average concentration of ions (except for Ca2+) in SBWR samples is lower than in NBWR samples. HCO3− is dominant in the groundwater of the study area. Ca2+ is dominant in the SBWR while Na+ is dominant in the NBWR. The SBWR groundwater is mainly of the HCO3-Ca·Mg type, and has undergone the main hydrogeochemical processes of rock weathering-leaching. The hydrochemical facies of the majority of the NBWR groundwater samples are the HCO3-Na type with several minor hydrochemical facies of the HCO3-Ca·Mg, SO4·Cl-Na, and SO4·Cl-Ca·Mg types. Its chemistry is mainly controlled by rock weathering, cation exchange, and evaporation. Salinity hazard, sodium percentage, sodium adsorption ratio, residual sodium carbonate, magnesium hazard, permeability index, Kelley’s ratio, potential salinity, synthetic harmful coefficient, and irrigation coefficient were assessed to evaluate the irrigation quality of groundwater. The results of the comprehensive consideration of these indicators indicate that the percentage of NBWR water samples suitable for irrigation purposes ranges between 15.7% and 100% at an average level of 56.7%. Of the SBWR water samples suitable for irrigation, the percentage ranges from 78.3% to 100% with an average of 91.8%. Land irrigated with such water will not be exposed to any alkali hazard, but will suffer from a salinity hazard, which is more severe in the NBWR. Thus, most of the water in the NBWR can be used for soils with good drainage conditions which control salinity.
Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field Exposure and the Resting EEG: Exploring the Thermal Mechanism Hypothesis
Authors: Loughran Sarah P. , Verrender Adam , Dalecki Anna , Burdon Catriona A. , Tagami Kyoko , Park Joonhee , Taylor Nigel A. S. , Croft Rodney J.
Published: April 2019

There is now strong evidence that radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure influences the human electroencephalogram (EEG). While effects on the alpha band of the resting EEG have been repeatedly shown, the mechanisms underlying that effect have not been established. The current study used well-controlled methods to assess the RF-EMF exposure effect on the EEG and determine whether that effect might be thermally mediated. Thirty-six healthy adults participated in a randomized, double-blind, counterbalanced provocation study. A water-perfusion suit (34 °C) was worn throughout the study to negate environmental influences and stabilize skin temperature. Participants attended the laboratory on four occasions, the first being a calibration session and the three subsequent ones being exposure sessions. During each exposure session, EEG and skin temperature (8 sites) were recorded continuously during a baseline phase, and then during a 30 min exposure to a 920 MHz GSM-like signal (Sham, Low RF-EMF (1 W/kg) and High RF-EMF (2 W/kg)). Consistent with previous research, alpha EEG activity increased during the High exposure condition compared to the Sham condition. As a measure of thermoregulatory activation, finger temperature was found to be higher during both exposure conditions compared to the Sham condition, indicating for the first time that the effect on the EEG is accompanied by thermoregulatory changes and suggesting that the effect of RF-EMF on the EEG is consistent with a thermal mechanism.
Prevalence of Active Syphilis Infection and Risk Factors among HIV-Positive MSM in Zhejiang, China in 2015: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Chen Lin , Yang Jiezhe , Ma Qiaoqin , Pan Xiaohong
Published: April 2019

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of active syphilis infection and explore the risk factors for active syphilis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive men who had sex with men (MSM) in Zhejiang Province, 2015. Design: Data on HIV-positive MSM living in Zhejiang Province were obtained from the National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention (NCAIDS) reporting system and the Zhejiang provincial AIDS/STD surveillance system between June and December 2015. The information included risky behavior, years with diagnosed HIV, and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). SPSS 19.0 was used for the data analysis. Results: The analysis included 3616 MSM. Of these, 11.3% (407/3616) had active syphilis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that HAART was significantly associated with an increased risk of active syphilis infection (odds ratio (OR) = 1.760, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.187–2.611). Compared with participants diagnosed with HIV for <2 years, patients diagnosed with HIV for >5 years had a higher risk of active syphilis infection (OR = 1.707, 95% CI 1.167–2.495). Age and number of sex partners were also independent risk factors for active syphilis infection. Conclusions: The incidence of active syphilis infection is high among HIV-positive MSM in Zhejiang Province; age, number of sex partners, years with diagnosed HIV, and receiving HAART were risk factors. Patients who are elderly, have lived with HIV for a longer period, have more sex partners, and receive HAART should be the focus of interventions to promote changes in behavior and decrease syphilis infection.
Influence of the Mass Media and Body Dissatisfaction on the Risk in Adolescents of Developing Eating Disorders
Authors: Uchôa Francisco , Uchôa Natalia , Daniele Thiago , Lustosa Romário , Garrido Nuno , Deana Naira , Aranha Ágata , Alves Nilton
Published: April 2019

Media influence may lead adolescents to internalize patterns of physical beauty, resulting in dissatisfaction with their own bodies when they are unable to match up to these patterns. In the constant search for an ‘ideal body’, adolescents may begin to develop risk behaviors for the development of eating disorders (ED). The object of this study was to analyze the influence of the mass media on body dissatisfaction (BD) and on ED in adolescents, comparing genders. We also analyzed the influence of BD on the risk of developing unsuitable eating behaviors, with risk of ED, comparing genders. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 1011 adolescents: 527 girls and 484 boys. The BMI of each adolescent was determined, and the instruments EAT-26, Sociocultural Attitudes towards Appearance Questionnaire-3 (SATAQ-3), and body shape questionnaire (BSQ), were applied. For statistical analysis, we used Student’s t-test, the chi-square test, Pearson’s correlation test, the odds ratio, and hierarchical multiple linear regression. The influence of the mass media is associated with a greater probability of adolescents presenting BD. An increase in BD is associated with an increased risk of developing ED in adolescents of both genders but is greater in girls than in boys. Furthermore, the influence of the MM and BMI are predictors of BD in both genders; and BD is a predictor of ED risk in both girls and boys.
MicroRNA in Ovarian Cancer: Biology, Pathogenesis, and Therapeutic Opportunities
Authors: Chen San-Nung , Chang Renin , Lin Li-Te , Chern Chyi-Uei , Tsai Hsiao-Wen , Wen Zhi-Hong , Li Yi-Han , Li Chia-Jung , Tsui Kuan-Hao
Published: April 2019

Ovarian cancer comprises one of the three major malignant tumor types in the female reproductive system. The mortality rate of this cancer is the highest among all gynecological tumors, with ovarian cancer metastasis constituting an important cause of death. Therefore, markers for disease prediction and prognosis are highly desirable for early diagnosis as well as for helping optimize and personalize treatment. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs), which consist of short-sequence RNAs that do not encode a protein, have emerged as new biomarkers in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer. By pairing with bases specific to the target messenger RNA (mRNA), miRNAs cause degradation of the target mRNA or inhibit its translation, thereby regulating various cellular processes including cell proliferation and adhesion. Increasing numbers of studies have shown that miRNA expression abnormality plays an important role in the development of ovarian cancer. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of miRNA action, current research regarding their role in the suppression or promotion of ovarian cancer, and their use as markers for diagnosis of prognosis or as therapeutic targets for this disease. Finally, we present future perspectives regarding the clinical management of ovarian cancer and the role for miRNAs therein.
Assessment of Occupational Health Hazards Due to Particulate Matter Originated from Spices
Authors: Upadhyay Era , Mohammad AlMass Afnan Ahmad , Dasgupta Nandita , Rahman Safikur , Kim Jihoe , Datta Manali
Published: April 2019

Spices have been known for their various health activities; however, they also possess the allergic potential for the respiratory system and the skin as they are fine particulate matter. Persons involved in spice agriculture and food industries are at greater risk since they are exposed to a considerable amount of combustible dust, which may be the cause of fire and explosion and adversely affect the health. These workers may experience allergy, long-term and short-term respiratory issues including occupational asthma, dermatitis, etc. Some spices induce T cell-based inflammatory reaction upon contact recognition of the antigen. Antigen Presenting Cells (APC) on binding to the causative metabolite results in activation of macrophages by allergen cytokine interleukin (IL)-12 and tumor necrosis factor-beta (TNF). Cross-reactivity for protein allergens is another factor which seems to be a significant trigger for the stimulation of allergic reactions. Thus, it was imperative to perform a systematic review along with bioinformatics based representation of some evident allergens has been done to identify the overall conservation of epitopes. In the present manuscript, we have covered a multifold approach, i.e., to categorize the spice particles based on a clear understanding about nature, origin, mechanisms; to assess metabolic reactions of the particles after exposure as well as knowledge on the conditions of exposure along with associated potential health effects. Another aim of this study is to provide some suggestions to prevent and to control the exposure up to some extent.