bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Power Sharing and Voltage Vector Distribution Model of a Dual Inverter Open-End Winding Motor Drive System for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Jia Yi-Fan , Chu Liang , Xu Nan , Li Yu-Kuan , Zhao Di , Tang Xin
Published: February 2018

A drive system with an open-end winding permanent magnet synchronous motor (OW-PMSM) fed by a dual inverter and powered by two independent power sources is suitable for electric vehicles. By using an energy conversion device as primary power source and an energy storage element as secondary power source, this configuration can not only lower the DC-bus voltage and extend the driving range, but also handle the power sharing between two power sources without a DC/DC (direct current to direct current) converter. Based on a drive system model with voltage vector distribution, this paper proposes a desired power sharing calculation method and three different voltage vector distribution methods. By their selection strategy the optimal voltage vector distribution method can be selected according to the operating conditions. On the basis of the integral synthesizing of the desired voltage vector, the proposed voltage vector distribution method can reduce the inverter switching frequency while making the primary power source follow its desired output power. Simulation results confirm the validity of the proposed methods, which improve the primary power source’s energy efficiency by regulating its output power and lessen inverter switching loss by reducing the switching frequency. This system also provides an approach to the energy management function of electric vehicles.
Dissolved Oxygen Control in Activated Sludge Process Using a Neural Network-Based Adaptive PID Algorithm
Authors: Du Xianjun , Wang Junlu , Jegatheesan Veeriah , Shi Guohua
Published: February 2018

The concentration of dissolved oxygen (DO) in the aeration tank(s) of an activated sludge system is one of the most important process control parameters. The DO concentration in the aeration tank(s) is maintained at a desired level by using a Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller. Since the traditional PID parameter adjustment is not adaptive, the unknown disturbances make it difficult to adjust the DO concentration rapidly and precisely to maintain at a desired level. A Radial Basis Function (RBF) neural network (NN)-based adaptive PID (RBFNNPID) algorithm is proposed and simulated in this paper for better control of DO in an activated sludge process-based wastewater treatment. The powerful learning and adaptive ability of the RBF neural network makes the adaptive adjustment of the PID parameters to be realized. Hence, when the wastewater quality and quantity fluctuate, adjustments to some parameters online can be made by RBFNNPID algorithm to improve the performance of the controller. The RBFNNPID algorithm is based on the gradient descent method. Simulation results comparing the performance of traditional PID and RBFNNPID in maintaining the DO concentration show that the RBFNNPID control algorithm can achieve better control performances. The RBFNNPID control algorithm has good tracking, anti-disturbance and strong robustness performances.
HOVE-Wedge-Filtering of Geomorphologic Terrestrial Laser Scan Data
Authors: Panholzer Helmut , Prokop Alexander
Published: February 2018

Terrestrial laser scanning has become an important surveying technique in many fields such as natural hazard assessment. To analyse earth surface processes, it is useful to generate a digital terrain model originated from laser scan point cloud data. To determine the terrain surface as precisely as possible, it is often necessary to filter out points that do not represent the terrain surface. Examples are vegetation, vehicles, and animals. In mountainous terrain with a small-structured topography, filtering is very difficult. Here, automatic filtering solutions usually designed for airborne laser scan data often lead to unsatisfactory results. In this work, we further develop an existing approach for automated filtering of terrestrial laser scan data, which is based on the assumption that no other surface point can be located in the area above a direct line of sight between scanner and another measured point. By taking into account several environmental variables and a repetitive calculation method, the modified method leads to significantly better results. The root-mean-square-error (RSME) for the same test measurement area could be reduced from 5.284 to 1.610. In addition, a new approach for filtering and interpolation of terrestrial laser scanning data is presented using a grid with horizontal and vertical angular data and the measurement length.
High-Performance Na0.44MnO2 Slabs for Sodium-Ion Batteries Obtained through Urea-Based Solution Combustion Synthesis
Authors: Ferrara Chiara , Tealdi Cristina , Dall’Asta Valentina , Buchholz Daniel , Chagas Luciana , Quartarone Eliana , Berbenni Vittorio , Passerini Stefano
Published: February 2018

One of the primary targets of current research in the field of energy storage and conversion is the identification of easy, low-cost approaches for synthesizing cell active materials. Herein, we present a novel method for preparing nanometric slabs of Na0.44MnO2, making use of the eco-friendly urea within a solution synthesis approach. This kind of preparation greatly reduces the time of reaction, decreases the thermal treatment temperature, and allows the obtaining of particles with smaller dimensions compared with those obtained through conventional solid-state synthesis. Such a decrease in particle size guarantees improved electrochemical performance, particularly at high current densities, where kinetic limitations become relevant. Indeed, the materials produced via solution synthesis outperform those prepared via solid-state synthesis both at 2 C, (95 mA h g−1 vs. 85 mA h g−1, respectively) and 5 C, (78 mA h g−1 vs. 68.5 mA h g−1, respectively). Additionally, the former material is rather stable over 200 cycles, with a high capacity retention of 75.7%.
Nitrogen-Doped Hollow Carbon Spheres with Embedded Co Nanoparticles as Active Non-Noble-Metal Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Xing Ruohao , Zhou Yao , Ma Ruguang , Liu Qian , Luo Jun , Yang Minghui , Wang Jiacheng
Published: February 2018

Transition metal (Fe, Co, Ni) complexes on carbon nanomaterials are promising candidates as electrocatalysts towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In this paper, nitrogen-doped hollow carbon spheres with embedded Co nanoparticles were successfully prepared via a controllable synthesis strategy. The morphology characterization shows that the hollow carbon spheres possess an average diameter of ~150 nm with a narrow size distribution and a shell thickness of ~14.5 nm. The content of N doping ranges from 2.1 to 6.6 at.% depending on the calcination temperature from 900 to 1050 °C. Compared with commercial Pt/C, the Co-containing nitrogen-doped hollow carbon spheres prepared at 900 °C (CoNHCS-900) as an ORR electrocatalyst shows a half-wave potential shift of only ∆E1/2 = 55 mV, but a superior stability of about 90.2% maintenance after 20,000 s in the O2-saturated 0.1 M KOH at a rotating speed of 1600 rpm. This could be ascribed to the synergistic effects of N-containing moieties, Co-Nx species, and Co nanoparticles, which significantly increase the density of active sites and promote the charge transfer during the ORR process.
Catalytic Wet Oxidation of Pharmaceutical Sludge by Molecular Sieve Loaded with Cu/Ce
Authors: Zeng Xu , Liu Jun , Zhao Jianfu
Published: February 2018

In the present study, the catalytic wet oxidation of pharmaceutical sludge by molecular sieve loaded with Cu/Ce as catalyst was investigated. Experiments were performed in an experimental batch reactor. Reaction parameters including catalyst dose, temperature, time, and oxygen pressure were discussed. The results showed that the catalysts prepared by co-precipitating method have good catalytic performance. Under optimum conditions, the highest volatile suspended solids (VSS) removal rate approximately 92% and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal rate of 75% were obtained at 260 °C for 60 min with initial oxygen pressure 1.0 MPa and the catalyst 10 g/L. These results implied that the catalytic wet oxidation of pharmaceutical sludge by molecular sieve loaded with Cu/Ce is a promising method for the highly efficient degradation of the sludge.
Low Temperature Synthesis of Nest-Like Microsphere with Exposed (001) Facets and Its Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance by NaOH Alkalization
Authors: Hou Chentao , Zhu Jiaming , Song Qiaoqiao
Published: February 2018

In this study, we completed a simple low-temperature synthesis of nest-like titanium oxide (TiO2) microspheres with exposed (001) facets. For the first time, the photocatalytic performance was enhanced by sodium hydroxide (NaOH) alkalization. The characterization of as-synthesized F-TiO2 and OH-TiO2 were analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis, ultraviolet-vis diffuse reflection spectra and Raman spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared catalyst was evaluated through the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) and Rhodamine B (RhB) under simulated solar light. The results showed that modification using NaOH can lead to an increase in the percentage of (001) facets from 27.8% for F-TiO2 to 39.2% for OH-TiO2. OH-TiO2 showed superior catalytic photoactivity toward MB. The mechanism of NaOH on TiO2 is also discussed.
Wood-Biochar-Supported Magnetite Nanoparticles for Remediation of PAH-Contaminated Estuary Sediment
Authors: Dong Cheng-Di , Chen Chiu-Wen , Kao Chih-Ming , Chien Chuan-Chi , Hung Chang-Mao
Published: February 2018

In this study, we investigated the ability of a magnetic wood biochar (WB)-based composite catalyst (Fe3O4–WB) to catalyze sodium persulfate (PS) for the remediation of estuary sediment contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The effects of various critical parameters, including the catalyst dose and initial pH, were investigated. The degradation of the PAHs was found to be related to the number of rings in their structure. The results showed that Fe3O4–WB is an efficient catalyst for the removal of high-ring PAHs (HPAHs), with the highest degradation rates for the 6-, 5-, and 4-ringed PAHs being 90%, 84%, and 87%, respectively, for a PS concentration of 2 × 10−5 M, catalyst concentration of 3.33 g/L, and pH of 3.0. That the reduction rate of the HPAHs was greater than that of the low-ring PAHs can be attributed to the strong affinity of the HPAHs for biochar derived from wood biomass. Overall, this study revealed that the WB-mediated electron transfer catalysis of the surface functional groups in a wide range of pH in the Fe3O4–WB/PS system and potentially application in the remediation of sediments contaminated with PAHs.
Unintentional Childhood Injuries in Urban and Rural Ujjain, India: A Community-Based Survey
Authors: Mathur Aditya , Mehra Love , Diwan Vishal , Pathak Ashish
Published: February 2018

Injuries are a major global public health problem. There are very few community-based studies on childhood injury from India. The objective of this cross-sectional, community-based survey was to identify the incidence, type, and risk factors of unintentional childhood injuries. The study was done in seven villages and ten contiguous urban slums in Ujjain, India. World Health Organization (WHO) tested tools and definitions were used for the survey, which included 2518 households having 6308 children up to 18 years of age, with 2907 children from urban households and 3401 from rural households. The annual incidence of all injuries was 16.6%, 95% Confidence Interval 15.7–17.5%, (n = 1049). The incidence was significantly higher among boys compared to girls (20.2% versus 12.7%, respectively), was highest in age group 6–10 years of age (18.9%), and in urban locations (17.5%). The most commonly identified injury types were: physical injuries (71%), burns (16%), poisonings (10%), agriculture-related injuries (2%), near drowning (2%), and suffocations (2%). The most common place of injury was streets followed by home. The study identified incidence of different types of unintentional childhood injuries and factors associated with increased risk of unintentional injuries. The results can help in designing injury prevention strategies and awareness programs in similar settings.
Electricity Consumption Forecasting Scheme via Improved LSSVM with Maximum Correntropy Criterion
Authors: Duan Jiandong , Qiu Xinyu , Ma Wentao , Tian Xuan , Shang Di
Published: February 2018

In recent years, with the deepening of China’s electricity sales side reform and electricity market opening up gradually, the forecasting of electricity consumption (FoEC) becomes an extremely important technique for the electricity market. At present, how to forecast the electricity accurately and make an evaluation of results scientifically are still key research topics. In this paper, we propose a novel prediction scheme based on the least-square support vector machine (LSSVM) model with a maximum correntropy criterion (MCC) to forecast the electricity consumption (EC). Firstly, the electricity characteristics of various industries are analyzed to determine the factors that mainly affect the changes in electricity, such as the gross domestic product (GDP), temperature, and so on. Secondly, according to the statistics of the status quo of the small sample data, the LSSVM model is employed as the prediction model. In order to optimize the parameters of the LSSVM model, we further use the local similarity function MCC as the evaluation criterion. Thirdly, we employ the K-fold cross-validation and grid searching methods to improve the learning ability. In the experiments, we have used the EC data of Shaanxi Province in China to evaluate the proposed prediction scheme, and the results show that the proposed prediction scheme outperforms the method based on the traditional LSSVM model.
RFID 3D-LANDMARC Localization Algorithm Based on Quantum Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Wu Xiang , Deng Fangming , Chen Zhongbin
Published: February 2018

Location information is crucial in various location-based applications, the nodes in location system are often deployed in the 3D scenario in particle, so that localization algorithms in a three-dimensional space are necessary. The existing RFID three-dimensional (3D) localization technology based on the LANDMARC localization algorithm is widely used because of its low complexity, but its localization accuracy is low. In this paper, we proposed an improved 3D LANDMARC indoor localization algorithm to increase the localization accuracy. Firstly, we use the advantages of the RBF neural network in data fitting to pre-process the acquired signal and study the wireless signal transmission loss model to improve localization accuracy of the LANDMARC algorithm. With the purpose of solving the adaptive problem in the LANDMARC localization algorithm, we introduce the quantum particle swarm optimization (QPSO) algorithm, which has the technology advantages of global search and optimization, to solve the localization model. Experimental results have shown that the proposed algorithm improves the localization accuracy and adaptability significantly, compared with the basic LANDMARC algorithm and particle swarm optimization LANDMARC algorithm, and it can overcome the shortcoming of slow convergence existed in particle swarm optimization.
Harmonic Spectrum of Output Voltage for Space Vector Pulse Width Modulated Ultra Sparse Matrix Converter
Authors: Shi Tingna , Wu Lingling , Yan Yan , Xia Changliang
Published: February 2018

In a matrix converter, the frequencies of output voltage harmonics are related to the frequencies of input, output, and carrier signals, which are independent of each other. This nature may cause an inaccurate harmonic spectrum when using conventional analytical methods, such as fast Fourier transform (FFT) and the double Fourier analysis. Based on triple Fourier series, this paper proposes a method to pinpoint harmonic components of output voltages of an ultra sparse matrix converter (USMC) under space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) strategy. Amplitudes and frequencies of harmonic components are determined precisely for the first time, and the distribution pattern of harmonics can be observed directly from the analytical results. The conclusions drawn in this paper may contribute to the analysis of harmonic characteristics and serve as a reference for the harmonic suppression of USMC. Besides, the proposed method is also applicable to other types of matrix converters.
AC-Chopper-Based Inrush Current Suppressor in a Wind Power Generation System with Squirrel-Cage Induction Machines
Authors: Shibata Sho , Yamada Hiroaki , Tanaka Toshihiko , Okamoto Masayuki
Published: February 2018

This paper proposes the inrush current suppressor using an AC chopper in a large-capacity wind power generation system (WPGS) with two squirrel-cage induction machines (SCIMs), which are switched over depending on the wind speed. The input side of the AC chopper is connected to the source in parallel. The output side of the AC chopper is connected in series with the SCIM through matching transformers. In the proposed inrush current suppressor, the output voltage of the AC chopper is the same as the receiving-end voltage before connecting the SCIM. By gradually decreasing the output voltage of the AC chopper, the applied voltage of the SCIM is gradually increased without the inrush current. The basic principle of the proposed inrush current suppressor is discussed in detail. A computer simulation is implemented to confirm the validity and practicability of the proposed inrush current suppressor using a power system computer-aided design/electromagnetic transients including DC (PSCAD/EMTDC). Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed inrush current suppressor can suppress the inrush current.
Renewable Energy from Forest Residues—How Greenhouse Gas Emission Offsets Can Make Fossil Fuel Substitution More Attractive
Authors: Yemshanov Denys , McKenney Daniel , Hope Emily , Lempriere Tony
Published: February 2018

Burning forest biomass from renewable sources has been suggested as a viable strategy to help offset greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the energy generation sector. Energy facilities can, in principle, be retrofitted to produce a portion of their energy from biomass. However, supply uncertainties affect costs, and are an important impediment to widespread and sustained adoption of this strategy. In this paper, we describe a general approach to assess the cost of offsetting GHG emissions at co-generation facilities by replacing two common fossil fuels, coal and natural gas, with forest harvest residue biomass for heat and electricity production. We apply the approach to a Canadian case study that identifies the price of GHG offsets that could make the use of forest residue biomass feedstock attractive. Biomass supply costs were based on a geographical assessment of industrial harvest operations in Canadian forests, biomass extraction and transportation costs, and included representation of basic ecological sustainability and technical accessibility constraints. Sensitivity analyses suggest that biomass extraction costs have the largest impact on the costs of GHG emission offsets, followed by fossil fuel prices. In the context of other evaluations of mitigation strategies in the energy generation sector, such as afforestation or industrial carbon capture, this analysis suggests that the substitution of fossil fuels by forest residue biomass could be a viable and reasonably substantive short-term alternative under appropriate GHG emission pricing schemes.
Do Common Silvicultural Treatments Affect Wood Density of Mediterranean Montane Pines?
Authors: Moreno-Fernández Daniel , Hevia Andrea , Majada Juan , Cañellas Isabel
Published: February 2018

Wood density is one of the most important and well documented wood quality attributes. However, studies focusing on the effects of thinning combined with pruning on wood density in Mediterranean areas are scarce, even though both are recommended practices in forests managed for the production of high-quality timber. We assess the effects of both silvicultural interventions on wood density traits (tree-ring, earlywood, and latewood) and on the percentage of latewood, on an annual scale, for the main timber species Pinus sylvestris L. and Pinus nigra Arnold (subsp. nigra and subsp. salzmannii) in Mediterranean mountains. To this end, three trials (one species per trial) were established in monospecific reforestations in the 1990s. Three silvicultural treatments were applied: thinning, thinning combined with pruning, and a control. At the time of installation, stand ages ranged from 26 to 37 years. Small differences were found among treatments in regard to the wood density attributes, with no significant effects of thinning and pruning on the studied wood traits in either timber species. The two subspecies of P. nigra presented comparatively denser wood than P. sylvestris. Our results suggest that thinning and pruning treatments can be applied without causing unfavourable changes to wood density.
Some Requirements for Simulating Wildland Fire Behavior Using Insight from Coupled Weather—Wildland Fire Models
Authors: Coen Janice
Published: February 2018

A newer generation of models that interactively couple the atmosphere with fire behavior have shown an increased potential to understand and predict complex, rapidly changing fire behavior. This is possible if they capture intricate, time-varying microscale airflows in mountainous terrain and fire-atmosphere feedbacks. However, this benefit is counterbalanced by additional limitations and requirements, many arising from the atmospheric model upon which they are built. The degree to which their potential is realized depends on how coupled models are built, configured, and applied. Because these are freely available to users with widely ranging backgrounds, I present some limitations and requirements that must be understood and addressed to achieve meaningful fire behavior simulation results. These include how numerical weather prediction models are formulated for specific scales, their solution methods and numerical approximations, optimal model configurations for common scenarios, and how these factors impact reproduction of fire events and phenomena. I discuss methods used to adjust inadequate outcomes and advise on critical interpretation of fire modeling results, such as where errors from model limitations may be misinterpreted as natural unpredictability. I discuss impacts on other weather model-based applications that affect understanding of fire behavior and effects.
Moderating Effect of Residential History on the Effects of a Fatherhood Program on Parenting Skills Satisfaction among Nonresident African American Fathers
Authors: Qian Yiqing , De Loney E. , Caldwell Cleopatra
Published: February 2018

Nonresident African American (AA) fathers sometimes face challenges to achieving satisfaction with their parenting skills, which may inhibit their motivations for parenting. Studies have found that residential history of fathers is associated with parental involvement; however, current fatherhood programs rarely consider the influence of different residential history on fathering. In the current study, we examined whether nonresident AA fathers’ residential history with their sons moderated their parenting skills satisfaction after participating in the Fathers and Sons Program. Our results indicated that after controlling for fathers’ pretest parenting skills satisfaction, age, education, marital status, employment, and ever lived with their son’s mother; there was a moderating effect of residential history on the intervention’s effects on posttest parenting skills satisfaction. The regression analyses showed that fathers in the intervention group who had lived with their son increased their parenting skills satisfaction more at posttest compared with fathers who had never lived with their sons. However, fathers in the comparison group who had lived with their sons had lower posttest parenting skills satisfaction. Future fatherhood programs for nonresident AA fathers should develop more nuanced group-specific interventions that consider residential history as a critical factor to enhance their parenting skills satisfaction as a strategy for improving father involvement.
Groundwater Condition and Management in Kano Region, Northwestern Nigeria
Authors: Tukur Abubakar , Nabegu Aliyu , Abba Umar Da’u , Olofin Emmanuel , Sulaiman Wan
Published: February 2018

This paper provides a broad overview of issues on groundwater condition and management in the Kano region of northwestern Nigeria. The aim is to recommend new management strategies that can ensure sustainable groundwater resource management in the region. To achieve the aim of the study, various studies on groundwater conducted in the region were reviewed and key issues were identified. The review revealed that groundwater availability varied between the Basement Complex and Chad Formation areas of the region, with the latter having more of the resource than the former region as a result of the migration of groundwater from the Basement complex to the Chad Formation region. The review also revealed a steady annual decrease of groundwater level during the period 2010 to 2013 and the groundwater beneath the floodplains dropped from 9000 Million Cubic Meter (MCM) in 1964 to 5000 MCM in 1987 in the Chad Formation area of the region. The review further revealed that there is poor knowledge regarding the impact of historical and projected climate variability and change on groundwater availability in the region. This is as a result of the lack of sustained time series data on groundwater resource. Thus, there has been little or no integrated management between groundwater excess and deficiency on one hand, and groundwater pollution management on the other hand. Rainwater harvesting, among other approaches, is recommended for sustainable groundwater management in the region.
Influential Effects of Intrinsic-Extrinsic Incentive Factors on Management Performance in New Energy Enterprises
Authors: Wang Ping , Lu Zhengnan , Sun Jihong
Published: February 2018

Background: New energy has become a key trend for global energy industry development. Talent plays a very critical role in the enhancement of new energy enterprise competitiveness. As a key component of talent, managers have been attracting more and more attention. The increase in job performance relies on, to a certain extent, incentive mechanism. Based on the Two-factor Theory, differences in influences and effects of different incentives on management performance have been checked in this paper from an empirical perspective. Methods: This paper selects the middle and low level managers in new energy enterprises as research samples and classifies the managers’ performance into task performance, contextual performance and innovation performance. It uses manager performance questionnaires and intrinsic-extrinsic incentive factor questionnaires to investigate and study the effects and then uses Amos software to analyze the inner link between the intrinsic-extrinsic incentives and job performance. Results: Extrinsic incentives affect task performance and innovation performance positively. Intrinsic incentives impose active significant effects on task performance, contextual performance, and innovation performance. The intrinsic incentive plays a more important role than the extrinsic incentive. Conclusions: Both the intrinsic-extrinsic incentives affect manager performance positively and the intrinsic incentive plays a more important role than the extrinsic incentive. Several suggestions to management should be given based on these results.
Disease and Economic Burden of Hospitalizations Attributable to Diabetes Mellitus and Its Complications: A Nationwide Study in Brazil
Authors: Quarti Machado Rosa Michelle , Dos Santos Rosa Roger , Correia Marcelo G. , Araujo Denizar V. , Bahia Luciana R. , Toscano Cristiana M.
Published: February 2018

Diabetes is associated with a significant burden globally. The costs of diabetes-related hospitalizations are unknown in most developing countries. The aim of this study was to estimate the total number and economic burden of hospitalizations attributable to diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications in adults from the perspective of the Brazilian Public Health System in 2014. Data sources included the National Health Survey (NHS) and National database of Hospitalizations (SIH). We considered diabetes, its microvascular (retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy) and macrovascular complications (coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral arterial disease), respiratory and urinary tract infections, as well as selected cancers. Assuming that DM patients are hospitalized for these conditions more frequently that non-DM individuals, we estimated the etiological fraction of each condition related to DM, using the attributable risk methodology. We present number, average cost per case, and overall costs of hospitalizations attributable to DM in Brazil in 2014, stratified by condition, state of the country, gender and age group. In 2014, a total of 313,273 hospitalizations due to diabetes in adults were reported in Brazil (4.6% of total adult hospitalization), totaling (international dollar) Int$264.9 million. The average cost of an adult hospitalization due to diabetes was Int$845, 19% higher than hospitalization without DM. Hospitalizations due to cardiovascular diseases related to diabetes accounted for the higher proportion of costs (47.9%), followed by microvascular complications (25.4%) and DM per se (18.1%). Understanding the costs of diabetes and its major complications is crucial to raise awareness and to support the decision-making process on policy implementation, also allowing the assessment of prevention and control strategies.
The Impact of Sustainable Development Technology on a Small Economy—The Case of Energy-Saving Technology
Authors: Chen Xiding , Huang Qinghua , Huang Weilun , Li Xue
Published: February 2018

We investigated the impact of a sustainable development technology on the macroeconomic variables in a small economy utilizing a case study with a stochastically improving energy saving technology and a stochastically increasing energy price. The results show the technological displacement effects of energy saving technology are stronger, but there are more ambiguous instantaneous returns to physical capital. However, the energy saving technology’s displacement effects might not affect the conditions under which the Harberger-Laursen-Metzler (HLM) effect holds. The effects of rising energy prices on bonds are stronger, and there are more ambiguous instantaneous returns, but the conditions under which the HLM effect holds are different.
Perceived Environmental Factors Associated with Obesity in Libyan Men and Women
Authors: Lemamsha Hamdi , Papadopoulos Chris , Randhawa Gurch
Published: February 2018

Background: There is a lack of research pertaining to the links between built environment attributes and obesity in adults in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. In the Libyan context, no previous studies have been conducted to investigate this relationship. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine associations between perceived neighbourhood built environmental attributes and obesity among Libyan men and women. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was also assessed. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used for the population-based survey in Benghazi, Libya. A multi-stage cluster sampling technique was used to select Libyan adults from the Benghazi electoral register. The Physical Activity Neighbourhood Environment Scale (PANES) was used to measure participants’ perception of neighbourhood environmental factors. Using the Tanita BC-601 Segmental Body Composition Monitor and a portable stadiometer, anthropometric measurements were taken at a mutually agreeable place by qualified nurses. Results: Four hundred and one Libyan adults were recruited (78% response rate). Participants were aged 20–65 years, 63% were female, and all had lived in Benghazi for over 10 years. The prevalence of obesity and overweight was 42.4% and 32.9% respectively. A significant association was found between BMI and 6 neighbourhood environment attributes, specifically: street connectivity, unsafe environment and committing crimes at night, and neighbourhood aesthetics. For men only, these were: access to public transport, access to recreational facilities, and unsafe environment and committing crimes during the day. The attribute ‘residential density zones’ was only significant for women. Conclusions: The study suggests that Libyan people are at risk of living in neighbourhoods with unsupportive environmental features of physical activity, which are likely to promote obesity of both genders. The findings of this study could inform Libyan health policies about interventions in the obesogenic environments that might slow the obesity epidemic and contain the public health crisis. This study suggests that further research is needed, within the Libyan context, to explore the impact of the neighbourhood environment attributes on contributing to increased obesity.
Walking Outdoors during Seminars Improved Perceived Seminar Quality and Sense of Well-Being among Participants
Authors: Bälter Olle , Hedin Björn , Tobiasson Helena , Toivanen Susanna
Published: February 2018

Low levels of physical activity and sedentary behaviour are a growing health problem globally. Physical inactivity is associated with increased risk of numerous ailments, cardiovascular disease and mortality. Our primary aim was to perform a feasibility study on how to incorporate physical activity among students and teachers in regular teaching activities. The second aim was to investigate how students and teachers perceived the differences between outdoor walking seminars and regular indoor seminars. By transforming an on-campus course into a blended course, we were able to conduct seminars outdoors in nearby nature while walking. These walking seminars were evaluated among 131 students and nine teachers leading the walking seminars. The responses to the student survey and teacher interviews indicate that discussions, sense of well-being and the general quality of the seminar improved, regardless of how physically active participants were the rest of the time. The study shows one way to increase physical activity with small means; in our case, a reorganization of how we prepared for the seminars which allowed for walking discussions.
Introduction to the Special Issue: “Research and Development Progress in 3D Cadastral Systems”
Authors: Van Oosterom Peter , Dimopoulou Efi
Published: February 2018

The content of this Special Issue has its origin in the “5th International FIG Workshop on 3D Cadastres”, organized in Athens, Greece, 18–20 October 2016 [1][...]
Extracellular Matrix Metalloproteinase Inducer EMMPRIN (CD147) in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Von Ungern-Sternberg Saskia , Zernecke Alma , Seizer Peter
Published: February 2018

The receptor EMMPRIN is involved in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases and in the pathogenesis of myocardial infarction. There are several binding partners of EMMPRIN mediating the effects of EMMPRIN in cardiovascular diseases. EMMPRIN interaction with most binding partners leads to disease progression by mediating cytokine or chemokine release, the activation of platelets and monocytes, as well as the formation of monocyte-platelet aggregates (MPAs). EMMPRIN is also involved in atherosclerosis by mediating the infiltration of pro-inflammatory cells. There is also evidence that EMMPRIN controls energy metabolism of cells and that EMMPRIN binding partners modulate intracellular glycosylation and trafficking of EMMPRIN towards the cell membrane. In this review, we systematically discuss these multifaceted roles of EMMPRIN and its interaction partners, such as Cyclophilins, in cardiovascular disease.
Voluntary Physical Exercise Improves Subsequent Motor and Cognitive Impairments in a Rat Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Hsueh Shih-Chang , Chen Kai-Yun , Lai Jing-Huei , Wu Chung-Che , Yu Yu-Wen , Luo Yu , Hsieh Tsung-Hsun , Chiang Yung-Hsiao
Published: February 2018

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is typically characterized by impairment of motor function. Gait disturbances similar to those observed in patients with PD can be observed in animals after injection of neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) to induce unilateral nigrostriatal dopamine depletion. Exercise has been shown to be a promising non-pharmacological approach to reduce the risk of neurodegenerative disease. Methods: In this study, we investigated the long-term effects of voluntary running wheel exercise on gait phenotypes, depression, cognitive, rotational behaviors as well as histology in a 6-OHDA-lesioned rat model of PD. Results: We observed that, when compared with the non-exercise controls, five-week voluntary exercise alleviated and postponed the 6-OHDA-induced gait deficits, including a significantly improved walking speed, step/stride length, base of support and print length. In addition, we found that the non-motor functions, such as novel object recognition and forced swim test, were also ameliorated by voluntary exercise. However, the rotational behavior of the exercise group did not show significant differences when compared with the non-exercise group. Conclusions: We first analyzed the detailed spatiotemporal changes of gait pattern to investigate the potential benefits after long-term exercise in the rat model of PD, which could be useful for future objective assessment of locomotor function in PD or other neurological animal models. Furthermore, these results suggest that short-term voluntary exercise is sufficient to alleviate cognition deficits and depressive behavior in 6-OHDA lesioned rats and long-term treatment reduces the progression of motor symptoms and elevates tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), bone marrow tyrosine kinase in chromosome X (BMX) protein expression level without affecting dopaminergic (DA) neuron loss in this PD rat model.
Live Dynamics of 53BP1 Foci Following Simultaneous Induction of Clustered and Dispersed DNA Damage in U2OS Cells
Authors: Sollazzo Alice , Brzozowska Beata , Cheng Lei , Lundholm Lovisa , Scherthan Harry , Wojcik Andrzej
Published: February 2018

Cells react differently to clustered and dispersed DNA double strand breaks (DSB). Little is known about the initial reaction to simultaneous induction of DSBs with different complexities. Here, we used live cell microscopy to analyse the behaviour of 53BP1-GFP (green fluorescence protein) foci formation at DSBs induced in U2OS cells by alpha particles, X-rays or mixed beams over a 75 min period post irradiation. X-ray-induced foci rapidly increased and declined over the observation interval. After an initial increase, mixed beam-induced foci remained at a constant level over the observation interval, similarly as alpha-induced foci. The average areas of radiation-induced foci were similar for mixed beams and X-rays, being significantly smaller than those induced by alpha particles. Pixel intensities were highest for mixed beam-induced foci and showed the lowest level of variability over time as compared to foci induced by alphas and X-rays alone. Finally, mixed beam-exposed foci showed the lowest level of mobility as compared to alpha and X-ray exposure. The results suggest paralysation of chromatin around foci containing clustered DNA damage.
miR-214-Dependent Increase of PHLPP2 Levels Mediates the Impairment of Insulin-Stimulated Akt Activation in Mouse Aortic Endothelial Cells Exposed to Methylglyoxal
Authors: Nigro Cecilia , Mirra Paola , Prevenzano Immacolata , Leone Alessia , Fiory Francesca , Longo Michele , Cabaro Serena , Oriente Francesco , Beguinot Francesco , Miele Claudia
Published: February 2018

Evidence has been provided linking microRNAs (miRNAs) and diabetic complications, by the regulation of molecular pathways, including insulin-signaling, involved in the pathophysiology of vascular dysfunction. Methylglyoxal (MGO) accumulates in diabetes and is associated with cardiovascular complications. This study aims to analyze the contribution of miRNAs in the MGO-induced damaging effect on insulin responsiveness in mouse aortic endothelial cells (MAECs). miRNA modulation was performed by transfection of specific miRNA mimics and inhibitors in MAECs, treated or not with MGO. miRNA-target protein levels were evaluated by Western blot. PH domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase 2 (PHLPP2) regulation by miR-214 was tested by luciferase assays and by the use of a target protector specific for miR-214 on PHLPP2-3′UTR. This study reveals a 4-fold increase of PHLPP2 in MGO-treated MAECs. PHLPP2 levels inversely correlate with miR-214 modulation. Moreover, miR-214 overexpression is able to reduce PHLPP2 levels in MGO-treated MAECs. Interestingly, a direct regulation of PHLPP2 is proved to be dependent by miR-214. Finally, the inhibition of miR-214 impairs the insulin-dependent Akt activation, while its overexpression rescues the insulin effect on Akt activation in MGO-treated MAECs. In conclusion, this study shows that PHLPP2 is a target of miR-214 in MAECs, and identifies miR-214 downregulation as a contributing factor to MGO-induced endothelial insulin-resistance.
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of WD40 Protein Genes in the Silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: He Songzhen , Tong Xiaoling , Han Minjin , Hu Hai , Dai Fangyin
Published: February 2018

WD40 proteins are scaffolding molecules in protein-protein interactions and play crucial roles in fundamental biological processes. Genome-wide characterization of WD40 proteins in animals has been conducted solely in humans. We retrieved 172 WD40 protein genes in silkworm (BmWD40s) and identified these genes in 7 other insects, 9 vertebrates and 5 nematodes. Comparative analysis revealed that the WD40 protein gene family underwent lineage-specific expansions during animal evolution, but did not undergo significant expansion during insect evolution. The BmWD40s were categorized into five clusters and 12 classes according to the phylogenetic classification and their domain architectures, respectively. Sequence analyses indicated that tandem and segmental duplication played minor roles in producing the current number of BmWD40s, and domain recombination events of multi-domain BmWD40s might have occurred mainly after gene duplication events. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that a higher proportion of BmWD40s was involved in processes, such as binding, transcription-regulation and cellular component biogenesis, compared to all silkworm genes annotated in GO. Microarray-based analysis demonstrated that many BmWD40s had tissue-specific expression and exhibited high and/or sex-related expression during metamorphosis. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the evolution of the animal WD40 protein family and assist the study of the functions of BmWD40s.
Differential Regulation of Immune Signaling and Survival Response in Drosophila melanogaster Larvae upon Steinernema carpocapsae Nematode Infection
Authors: Yadav Shruti , Gupta Sonali , Eleftherianos Ioannis
Published: February 2018

Drosophila melanogaster is an excellent model to dissect the molecular components and pathways of the innate anti-pathogen immune response. The nematode parasite Steinernema carpocapsae and its mutualistic bacterium Xenorhabdus nematophila form a complex that is highly pathogenic to insects, including D. melanogaster. We have used symbiotic (carrying X. nematophila) and axenic (lacking X. nematophila) nematodes to probe the regulation of genes belonging to different immune signaling pathways in D. melanogaster larvae and assess the survival response of certain mutants to these pathogens. We found that both types of S. carpocapsae upregulate MyD88 (Toll), but not PGRP-LE (Imd); whereas axenic S. carpocapsae strongly upregulate Wengen (Jnk), Domeless (Jak/Stat), Dawdle (TGFβ, Activin), and Decapentaplegic (TGFβ, BMP). We further found that inactivation of Wengen and Decapentaplegic confers a survival advantage to larvae infected with axenic S. carpocapsae, whereas mutating PGRP-LE promotes the survival of larvae infected with symbiotic nematodes.
Potential of Extracted Locusta Migratoria Protein Fractions as Value-Added Ingredients
Authors: Clarkson Claudia , Mirosa Miranda , Birch John
Published: February 2018

Although locusts can be sustainably produced and are nutrient rich, the thought of eating them can be hard to swallow for many consumers. This paper aims to investigate the nutritional composition of Locusta migratoria, including the properties of extracted locust protein, contributing to limited literature and product development opportunities for industry. Locusts sourced from Dunedin, New Zealand, contained a high amount of protein (50.79% dry weight) and fat (34.93%), which contained high amounts of omega-3 (15.64%), creating a desirably low omega-3/omega-6 ratio of 0.57. Three protein fractions including; insoluble locust fraction, soluble locust fraction, and a supernatant fraction were recovered following alkali isoelectric precipitation methodology. Initially, proteins were solubilised at pH 10 then precipitated out at the isoelectric point (pH 4). All fractions had significantly higher protein contents compared with the whole locust. The insoluble protein fraction represented 37.76% of the dry weight of protein recovered and was much lighter in colour and greener compared to other fractions. It also had the highest water and oil holding capacity of 5.17 mL/g and 7.31 mL/g, possibly due to larger particle size. The high supernatant yield (56.60%) and low soluble protein yield (9.83%) was unexpected and could be a result of experimental pH conditions chosen.
A-Kinase Anchoring Protein-Lbc: A Molecular Scaffold Involved in Cardiac Protection
Authors: Diviani Dario , Osman Halima , Reggi Erica
Published: February 2018

Heart failure is a lethal disease that can develop after myocardial infarction, hypertension, or anticancer therapy. In the damaged heart, loss of function is mainly due to cardiomyocyte death and associated cardiac remodeling and fibrosis. In this context, A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) constitute a family of scaffolding proteins that facilitate the spatiotemporal activation of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and other transduction enzymes involved in cardiac remodeling. AKAP-Lbc, a cardiac enriched anchoring protein, has been shown to act as a key coordinator of the activity of signaling pathways involved in cardiac protection and remodeling. This review will summarize and discuss recent advances highlighting the role of the AKAP-Lbc signalosome in orchestrating adaptive responses in the stressed heart.
Comment from the Editor to the Special Issue: “Big Data and Precision Medicine Series I: Lung Cancer Early Diagnosis”
Authors: Gasparri Roberto , Sedda Giulia , Spaggiari Lorenzo
Published: February 2018

With this Editorial we want to present the Special Issue “Big Data and Precision Medicine Series I: Lung Cancer Early Diagnosis” to the scientific community, which aims to gather experts on the early detection of lung cancer in order to implement common efforts in the fight against cancer.