bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a Digital Protocol for Pre-Surgical Orthopedic Treatment of Cleft Lip and Palate in Newborn Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Dalessandri Domenico , Tonni Ingrid , Laffranchi Laura , Migliorati Marco , Isola Gaetano , Bonetti Stefano , Visconti Luca , Paganelli Corrado
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy, invasiveness and impact on clinical results of a digital oral impression protocol in the pre-surgical orthopedic treatment (PSOT) of newborn cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients undergoing primary alveolar surgical repair. Six patients were divided, according to impression technique used, into a digital (intraoral scanner (IOS)) and a non-digital (tray and putty (T&P)) group. Parents considered IOS impressions to be less invasive, compared to T&P impressions. The clinician that took all the impressions considered the IOS to be less stressful compared to the T&P method. In two T&P patients, the impression was repeated because some important anatomical details were missing, in one case due to patient regurgitation during the first attempt. No impression was repeated, and any adverse event was reported in the IOS group. There were no significant differences between these two protocols in pre-surgical alveolar gap reduction and surgical challenge. The study results indicate that this digital protocol can accelerate the production process of the passive molding plate with an instantaneous transmission of the digital impression to the dental lab, maintaining the same accuracy level and clinical outcomes of classical techniques and reducing the invasiveness of impression taking, avoiding any risk of impression material ingestion or inhalation.
The Static Standing Postural Stability Measured by Average Entropy
Authors: Wei Sung-Yang , Hsu Chang Francis , Lee Yun-Ju , Hsu Long , Chi Sien
Published: December 2019

Static standing postural stability has been measured by multiscale entropy (MSE), which is used to measure complexity. In this study, we used the average entropy (AE) to measure the static standing postural stability, as AE is a good measure of disorder. The center of pressure (COP) trajectories were collected from 11 subjects under four kinds of balance conditions, from stable to unstable: bipedal with open eyes, bipedal with closed eyes, unipedal with open eyes, and unipedal with closed eyes. The AE, entropy of entropy (EoE), and MSE methods were used to analyze these COP data, and EoE was found to be a good measure of complexity. The AE of the 11 subjects sequentially increased by 100% as the balance conditions progressed from stable to unstable, but the results of EoE and MSE did not follow this trend. Therefore, AE, rather than EoE or MSE, is a good measure of static standing postural stability. Furthermore, the comparison of EoE and AE plots exhibited an inverted U curve, which is another example of a complexity versus disorder inverted U curve.
On the Potential of Fuzzy Logic for Solving the Challenges of Cooperative Multi-Robotic Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Khalifeh Ala , Rajendiran Kishore , Darabkh Khalid A. , Khasawneh Ahmad M. , AlMomani Omar , Zinonos Zinon
Published: December 2019

Wireless sensor networks have recently been widely used in several applications and scenarios, especially because they have the ability and flexibility for establishing a scalable and reliable wireless network. Cooperative multi-robotic systems (CMRS) are one example of these applications where establishing a wireless network between robots is essential and paramount to their operation. Further, these robots can utilize their mobility to provide sensing functionality for areas that are not covered by the static sensor. This can be achieved by equipping the robots with specific sensors to sense the area of interest (AoI) and report the sensed data to a remote monitoring center for further processing and decision-making. However, the nodes that form the sensor network have limited energy, and, as such, efficient algorithms in clusters’ formation, packets’ routing, and energy and mobility management are paramount. In this paper, a literature survey is presented containing the most related works that have been proposed to solve these challenges utilizing fuzzy logic. Most of the literature work attempted to utilize a de-centralized approach, where certain input parameters such as the residual energy, communication link quality, network congestion status, the nodes’ distance to the sink node and its location with respect to the other nodes, and the data and their sampling rate are all used as inputs to the fuzzy logic controller. These input parameters are used to determine several performance vital factors such as the cluster formation and its cluster head, best route to the sink node, optimal power management policies in terms of sleep/awake times needed to maximize the network lifetime, nodes’ mobility management policies to maintain network connectivity, and best route in terms of packet loss and delay.
Management of the Output Electrical Power in Thermoelectric Generators
Authors: Dimaggio Elisabetta , Rossella Francesco , Pennelli Giovanni
Published: December 2019

Thermoelectric Generators (TEGs) are devices for direct conversion of heat into electrical power and bear a great potential for applications in energy scavenging and green energy harvesting. Given a heat source, the conversion efficiency depends on the available temperature difference, and must be maximized for optimal operation of the TEG. In this frame, the choice of materials with high thermoelectric properties should be accompanied by the identification of criteria for an optimal exploitation of the electrical power output. In this work, we briefly review the main properties of TEGs, focusing on the electrical power output and the thermal-to-electrical conversion efficiency. Besides, we discuss principles of operation of TEGs enabling the optimization of the electrical power output, based on the suitable choice of the electrical load. In particular, we comparatively present and discuss the conditions for matching the electrical load—yielding to maximum power transfer—and those for maximizing the conversion efficiency. We compare the two conditions applying them to the exploitation of a heat reservoir for energy storage and to the recovery of heat from a heat exchanger. We conclude that the difference between the two conditions is not significant enough to justify the complexity required by the implementation of the maximum efficiency. In addition, we consider the effect of the thermal contact resistance on the electrical power output. Using a simple thermal-electrical model, we demonstrate that the equivalent electrical resistance measured between the terminals of the TEG depends on the thermal exchange. Hence, for maximum power transfer, the electrical load of the TEG should not match its parasitic resistance, but the equivalent electrical resistance in each specific operating conditions, which determine the thermal fluxes. The model can be applied for the development of efficient alternative algorithms for maximum power point tracking.
Energy Management Strategy Design and Simulation Validation of Hybrid Electric Vehicle Driving in an Intelligent Fleet
Authors: Ye Xin , Lai Fei , Huo Zhiwei
Published: December 2019

This paper proposes a combination method of longitudinal control and fuel management for an intelligent Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) fleet. This method can reduce the fuel consumption while maintaining the distance and speed for each vehicle in the fleet. An HEV system efficiency model was established to simulate the impact of different working modes. Based on the principle of optimal vehicle system efficiency, the energy management control strategy of HEV was designed. Then, the driver model of the piloting vehicle and the following vehicle was built by using an intelligent fuzzy control method. Finally, the intelligent fleet model and energy matching model of HEV were integrated with the simulation platform that was developed based on MATLAB/Simulink/Stateflow. The validity of the energy matching strategy of HEV under the principle of optimal system efficiency was verified by simulation results, and the purpose of improving the driving safety, traffic efficiency, and fuel economy of the fleet was achieved. Comparing with the conventional control strategy, the proposed method saved 7.79% of fuel for the HEV fleet. Meanwhile, the distance ranges between the vehicles were from 12 meters to 15 meters, which improved the driving safety, passing rate, and fuel economy.
High-Efficiency Bidirectional LLC Resonant Converter with Primary Auxiliary Windings
Authors: Kim Eun-Soo , Oh Jae-Sung
Published: December 2019

In this paper, high-efficiency bidirectional LLC resonant converters with primary auxiliary windings in transformers of resonant circuits are proposed. Even though resonant capacitors are used on the primary and secondary sides, the proposed converter can operate, regardless of the direction of the power flow, with the high gain characteristics of the LLC resonant converter without the mutual coupling of resonant capacitors. The operation principles and gain characteristics of the proposed bidirectional DC–DC converters are described in detail. A 3.3 kW prototyped bidirectional LLC resonant converter for interfacing 750 VDC buses was built and tested to verify the effectiveness and applicability of this proposed converter.
Simulation Study on Positive Corona Discharge of Receptors on Rotating Wind Turbine Blade Tips under Thundercloud Electric Fields
Authors: Qu Lu , Wang Yu , Liu Gang , Liao Minchuan , Cai Hansheng , Zhang Tao , Deng Yeqiang , Wen Xishan
Published: December 2019

Recent lightning simulation experiments have not simulated the influence of blade rotation in the long term after corona inception. This study uses a finite element method and considers the adhesion and collision processes of positive ions, aerosol ions, and neutral particles to establish a two-dimensional positive corona discharge model based on a multicomponent diffusion transport equation. The microscopic distribution of these three types of particles and the influence mechanism of charged particles’ migration under electric fields and wind were studied. The results show that ion migration is affected by both electric field and wind speed. The higher the wind speed, the larger is the deviation amplitude of charged particles along the direction of wind. With an increase in wind speed, the corona current on the receptor surface gradually increases. When the wind speed is 30 m/s, the corona current peak value increases by almost six times when compared with that when no wind is present. From this, it can be inferred that blade rotation reduces the concentration of positive ion in the receptor area, thereby facilitating electron avalanche and streamer-leader conversion.
Influence of Side Spoilers on the Aerodynamic Properties of a Sports Car
Authors: Kurec Krzysztof , Piechna Janusz
Published: December 2019

This paper discusses the capabilities of side spoilers to improve the aerodynamic properties of a sports car exposed to a non-zero yaw angle flow. In such conditions, the aerodynamic drag and lift both increase with the introduction of a side force and a yawing moment, which contribute to the decrease of the car’s handling properties and force the car to change its driving path. Elements mounted on the side of the car make it possible to obtain an asymmetric aerodynamic load distribution and generate additional forces that can be used to counter these effects. The performance of the side spoilers was analyzed at yaw angles ranging from 0° to 15° using the results of numerical calculations. It was established that the side spoilers made it possible to generate at low yaw angles aerodynamic forces that exceeded those caused by a crosswind.
Reduction of Heat Losses Using Quadruple Heating Pre-Insulated Networks: A Case Study
Authors: Teleszewski Tomasz Janusz , Krawczyk Dorota Anna , Rodero Antonio
Published: December 2019

The paper presents an analysis of heat loss and reductions of annual emissions of air pollutants of a quadruple pre-insulated heating network by comparing this solution with the existing pre-insulated network consisting of four pre-insulated single pipes and the variant consisting of two twin pipe pre-insulated. For calculations, an existing heating network located in central Poland was adopted, where heat is transported for heating purposes of buildings and domestic hot water with circulation of domestic hot water through four separate pre-insulated underground pipes. The idea of the construction of four pre-insulated pipes presented in the paper consists in the location of four steel pipes in a common round thermal insulation, which perform the role of heat transport for heating purposes in multi-family buildings (supply and return) and two pipes transporting hot water (a pipe with domestic hot water with circulation). In Poland, heating pipes used in multi-family housing have a larger diameter compared to domestic hot water pipes, which is why standard twin pipe heating pipes have been used in the construction of four pre-insulated networks, in which the domestic hot water pipe has been added to the thermal insulation and circulation of domestic hot water. In order to determine heat losses, a simplified two-dimensional model of conductive heat transfer was developed using Fortran to create a computer program. The results of numerical simulations show that the use of twin pipes for the construction of pre-insulated quadruple networks has contributed to a significant reduction in heat loss in relation to the existing single pre-insulated network (up to 57.1%), while reducing the thermal insulation field of the cross-section of the pre-insulated pipe by 21.4%.
Optimal Timing of Onshore Wind Repowering in Germany under Policy Regime Changes: A Real Options Analysis
Authors: Madlener Reinhard , Glensk Barbara , Gläsel Lukas
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we investigate capacity expansion, the technological development of wind turbine generators, and the merits of onshore wind repowering in Germany. We analyze the regulatory framework that is presently in place and its impact on the profitability of the onshore wind parks commissioned under previous regulatory frameworks. The optimal timing of repowering under today’s market premium model is scrutinized. Repowering in a market without subsidies for onshore wind energy is also evaluated. In the two cases (regimes) investigated, the electricity price is modeled stochastically as a geometric Brownian motion process. More specifically, using a real options modeling framework for investments under a free market regime, we analyze how the regime change affects the optimal timing of repowering. Further, we check the results for their robustness via a sensitivity analysis for both analyzed regimes. We find that repowering well before the plant’s expected end of life (‘early repowering’) can be economically preferable under the German Renewable Energy Sources Act 2017 remuneration scheme and that, due to the electricity spot market price development, repowering under the market premium regime is more profitable than it is under the free market regime. The economic viability is strongly influenced by the duration of the initial tariff granted to the old installation, the expected digression factor of the future reference tariff, and the increase in electricity generation achieved through repowering.
Future Hydrogen Markets for Transportation and Industry: The Impact of CO2 Taxes
Authors: Cerniauskas Simonas , Grube Thomas , Praktiknjo Aaron , Stolten Detlef , Robinius Martin
Published: December 2019

The technological lock-in of the transportation and industrial sector can be largely attributed to the limited availability of alternative fuel infrastructures. Herein, a countrywide supply chain analysis of Germany, spanning until 2050, is applied to investigate promising infrastructure development pathways and associated hydrogen distribution costs for each analyzed hydrogen market. Analyzed supply chain pathways include seasonal storage to balance fluctuating renewable power generation with necessary purification, as well as trailer- and pipeline-based hydrogen delivery. The analysis encompasses green hydrogen feedstock in the chemical industry and fuel cell-based mobility applications, such as local buses, non-electrified regional trains, material handling vehicles, and trucks, as well as passenger cars. Our results indicate that the utilization of low-cost, long-term storage and improved refueling station utilization have the highest impact during the market introduction phase. We find that public transport and captive fleets offer a cost-efficient countrywide renewable hydrogen supply roll-out option. Furthermore, we show that, at comparable effective carbon tax resulting from the current energy tax rates in Germany, hydrogen is cost-competitive in the transportation sector by the year 2025. Moreover, we show that sector-specific CO2 taxes are required to provide a cost-competitive green hydrogen supply in both the transportation and industrial sectors.
Research on the Power Output Characteristics of a Coupling Transformer in D-FACTS
Authors: He Zhimin , Zhang Shuo , Liu Yadong , Wu Fan , Sheng Gehao , Jiang Xiuchen
Published: December 2019

The series coupling distributed flexible AC transmission system (D-FACTS) device couples the secondary side compensating reactance to the primary side based on the principle of transformer, thus realizing the goal of adjusting the transmission line parameters and controlling the distribution network flow. The coupling transformer is the most important power conversion part in the D-FACTS device but has different working principles of mutual inductor. The magnetizing current of the coupling transformer changes within a large range, which makes the traditional power output model of mutual inductor inapplicable. In this paper, the power output model of coupling transformer was constructed by viewing the coupling transformer as a constant current source. Moreover, the corresponding relationship between the output power of the transformer and related parameters, as well as between variations of reactive output power and active loss power with load changes, was analyzed. Some conclusions were drawn: (1) the output power characteristic curve of the coupling transformer was acquired; (2) given a constant line current, the maximum power was achieved when the system’s capacitive reactance and the internal resistance of the transformer matched, and the maximum power was unrelated to the number of turns of the coupling transformer; (3) the output power changed with the variation of the line current, and there was a proportional relationship between the maximum power and the square of the line current. Next, the relationship between the maximum output power and the air gap thickness of the magnetic core was discussed. Finally, these conclusions were proved accurate via experiments.
Design and Potential Power Recovery of Two Types of Energy Harvesting Shock Absorbers
Authors: Bowen Lincoln , Vinolas Jordi , Olazagoitia José Luis
Published: December 2019

Numerous authors have studied Energy Harvesting Shock Absorbers (EHSA) over the last decade, proposing different designs with diverse geometries, parameters, and components. This article analyzes the energy recovery potential of two types of rotational EHSA, those that use ball-screw and those based on cable transmission. This paper presents the design, manufacturing and mathematical modeling of both options as well as the estimation of the potential power recovery with both technologies. Two types of vehicles are used as references, each one with the characteristic curves of their shock absorbers. Results are presented for different vehicle speeds and road types. Finally, some qualitative characteristics of both EHSAs are detailed to be taken into consideration for their possible use in vehicle suspension.
Solid-State Transformers in Locomotives Fed through AC Lines: A Review and Future Developments
Authors: Farnesi Stefano , Marchesoni Mario , Passalacqua Massimiliano , Vaccaro Luis
Published: December 2019

One of the most important innovation expectation in railway electrical equipment is the replacement of the on-board transformer with a high power converter. Since the transformer operates at line-frequency (i.e., 50 Hz or 16 2/3 Hz), it represents a critical component from weight point of view and, moreover, it is characterized by quite poor efficiency. High power converters for this application are characterized by a medium frequency inductive coupling and are commonly referred as Power Electronic Transformers (PET), Medium Frequency Topologies or Solid-State Transformers (SST). Many studies were carried out and various prototypes were realized until now, however, the realization of such a system has some difficulties, mainly related to the high input voltage (i.e., 25 kV for 50 Hz lines and 15 kV for 16 2/3 Hz lines) and the limited performance of available power electronic switches. The aim of this study is to present a survey on the main solutions proposed in the technical literature and, analyzing pros and cons of these studies, to introduce new possible circuit topologies for this application.
Fault-Tolerant Neuro Adaptive Constrained Control of Wind Turbines for Power Regulation with Uncertain Wind Speed Variation
Authors: Habibi Hamed , Rahimi Nohooji Hamed , Howard Ian , Simani Silvio
Published: December 2019

This paper presents a novel adaptive fault-tolerant neural-based control design for wind turbines with an unknown dynamic and unknown wind speed. By utilizing the barrier Lyapunov function in the analysis of the Lyapunov direct method, the constrained behavior of the system is provided in which the rotor speed, its variation, and generated power remain in the desired bounds. In addition, input saturation is also considered in terms of smooth pitch actuator bounding. Furthermore, by utilizing a Nussbaum-type function in designing the control algorithm, the unpredictable wind speed variation is captured without requiring accurate wind speed measurement, observation, or estimation. Moreover, with the proposed adaptive analytic algorithms, together with the use of radial basis function neural networks, a robust, adaptive, and fault-tolerant control scheme is developed without the need for precise information about the wind turbine model nor the pitch actuator faults. Additionally, the computational cost of the resultant control law is reduced by utilizing a dynamic surface control technique. The effectiveness of the developed design is verified using theoretical analysis tools and illustrated by numerical simulations on a high-fidelity wind turbine benchmark model with different fault scenarios. Comparison of the achieved results to the ones that can be obtained via an available industrial controller shows the advantages of the proposed scheme.
Radial Growth Rate Responses of Western Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis Hook.) to Atmospheric and Climatic Changes: A Longitudinal Study from Central Oregon, USA
Authors: Soulé Peter T. , Knapp Paul A.
Published: December 2019

Research Highlights: In this longitudinal study, we explore the impacts of changing atmospheric composition and increasing aridity on the radial growth rates of western juniper (WJ; Juniperus occidentalis Hook). Since we sampled from study locations with minimal human agency, we can partially control for confounding influences on radial growth (e.g., grazing and logging) and better isolate the relationships between radial growth and climatic conditions. Background and Objectives: Our primary objective is to determine if carbon dioxide (CO2) enrichment continues to be a primary driving force for a tree species positively affected by increasing CO2 levels circa the late 1990s. Materials and Methods: We collected data from mature WJ trees on four minimally disturbed study sites in central Oregon and compared standardized radial growth rates to climatic conditions from 1905–2017 using correlation, moving-interval correlation, and regression techniques. Results: We found the primary climate driver of radial growth for WJ is antecedent moisture over a period of several months prior to and including the current growing season. Further, the moving-interval correlations revealed that these relationships are highly stable through time. Despite a trend toward increasing aridity manifested through significant increases in maximum temperatures during the summer growing season, WJ radial growth post-1960 exceeds growth pre-1960, especially during drought years. Our results support prior conclusions that increasing atmospheric CO2 increases water-use efficiency for this semiarid species, which allows the trees to continue to grow during climatic periods negatively associated with radial growth. Conclusions: Recent studies have shown that semiarid ecosystems are important for understanding global variations in carbon uptake from the atmosphere. As WJ woodlands cover an extensive region in western North America and have undergone rapid expansion during the 20th and 21st centuries, they may become an increasingly important carbon sink.
Thinning Effects on the Tree Height–Diameter Allometry of Masson Pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.)
Authors: Deng Cheng , Zhang Shougong , Lu Yuanchang , Froese Robert E. , Ming Angang , Li Qingfen
Published: December 2019

The stem height–diameter allometric relationship is fundamental in determining forest and ecosystem structures as well as in estimating tree volume, biomass, and carbon stocks. Understanding the effects of silvicultural practices on tree height–diameter allometry is necessary for sustainable forest management, though the impact of measures such as thinning on the allometric relationship remain understudied. In the present study, the effects of thinning on tree height–diameter allometry were evaluated using Masson pine height and diameter growth data from a plantation experiment that included unthinned and thinned treatments with different intensities. To determine whether thinning altered the height–diameter allometry rhythm, the optimal height–diameter model was identified and dummy variable methods were used to investigate the differences among model parameters for different thinning treatments. Periodic (annual) allometric coefficients were calculated based on height and diameter increment data and were modeled using the generalized additive mixed model (GAMM) to further illustrate the response of tree height–diameter allometry to different thinning treatments over time. Significant differences were detected among the parameters of the optimal height–diameter model (power function) for different thinning treatments, which indicated that the pattern of the height–diameter allometry relationship of Masson pine was indeed altered by thinning treatments. Results also indicated a nonlinear trend in the allometric relationship through time which was significantly affected by thinning. The height–diameter allometric coefficient exhibited a unimodal convex bell curve with time in unthinned plots, and thinning significantly interfered with the original trend of the height–diameter allometric coefficient. Thinning caused trees to increase diameter growth at the expense of height growth, resulting in a decrease of the ratio of tree height to diameter, and this trend was more obvious as the thinning intensity increased.
Anatomy of the Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) and Its Application Potential
Authors: Zhu Jiawei , Li Jing , Wang Chuangui , Wang Hankun
Published: December 2019

The windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei (Hook.) H. Wendl.) is widely distributed and is an important potential source of lignocellulosic materials. The lack of knowledge on the anatomy of the windmill palm has led to its inefficient use. In this paper, the diversity in vascular bundle types, shape, surface, and tissue proportions in the leaf sheaths and stems were studied with digital microscopy and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Simultaneously, fiber dimensions, fiber surfaces, cell wall ultrastructure, and micromechanics were studied with atomic force microscopy (AFM) and a nanoindenter. There is diversity among vascular bundles in stems and leaf sheaths. All vascular bundles in the stems are type B (circular vascular tissue (VT) at the edge of the fibrous sheath (FS)) while the leaf sheath vascular bundles mostly belong to type C (aliform (VT) at the center of the (FS), with the wings of the (VT) extending to the edge of the vascular bundles). In addition, variation among the vascular bundle area and tissue proportion in the radial direction of the stems and different layers of the leaf sheaths is also significant. Microscopically, the fibers in the stem are much wider and longer than that in the leaf sheath. The secondary walls of stem fibers are triple layered while those in the leaf sheath are double layered. The indentation modulus and hardness of the cell wall of leaf sheath fibers are higher than that of the stem. An independent sample t-test also showed a significant difference between stems and leaf sheaths. All this indicates that windmill palm stems and leaf sheaths are two different materials and have different application prospects.
A Novel Neural Network-Based Method for Medical Text Classification
Authors: Qing Li , Linhong Weng , Xuehai Ding
Published: December 2019

Medical text categorization is a specific area of text categorization. Classification for medical texts is considered a special case of text classification. Medical text includes medical records and medical literature, both of which are important clinical information resources. However, medical text contains complex medical vocabularies, medical measures, which has problems with high-dimensionality and data sparsity, so text classification in the medical domain is more challenging than those in other general domains. In order to solve these problems, this paper proposes a unified neural network method. In the sentence representation, the convolutional layer extracts features from the sentence and a bidirectional gated recurrent unit (BIGRU) is used to access both the preceding and succeeding sentence features. An attention mechanism is employed to obtain the sentence representation with the important word weights. In the document representation, the method uses the BIGRU to encode the sentences, which is obtained in sentence representation and then decode it through the attention mechanism to get the document representation with important sentence weights. Finally, a category of medical text is obtained through a classifier. Experimental verifications are conducted on four medical text datasets, including two medical record datasets and two medical literature datasets. The results clearly show that our method is effective.
Punica granatum and Citrus spp. Extract Mix Affects Spoilage Microorganisms Growth Rate in Vacuum-Packaged Cooked Sausages Made from Pork Meat, Emmer Wheat (Triticum dicoccum Schübler), Almond (Prunus dulcis Mill.) and Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.)
Authors: Ranucci David , Roila Rossana , Andoni Egon , Braconi Paolo , Branciari Raffaella
Published: December 2019

Sausage made from pork meat, emmer wheat (Triticum dicoccum Schübler), almond (Prunus dulcis Mill.), and hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) was integrated with a mix of Punica granatum and Citrus spp. extracts to evaluate the possible effects on the growth and oxidation of spoilage microorganisms. Two concentrations of the mix were added, respectively, during sausage-making, and the final products were compared with a control group, without the extract mix, during storage. The use of the mix, especially at 10 g/1000 g of the whole ingredients, delayed the pH drop and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARs) value during storage. Total viable count, lactic acid bacteria and psychrotrophic microbial counts were also affected, as the extract mix lowered the maximum growth rate of the microbial population considered. The sensory analyses revealed an improvement in the shelf-life of 6 and 16 days, respectively, when 5‰ and 10‰ of the mix were used.
Front-Face Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Chemometrics for Quality Control of Cold-Pressed Rapeseed Oil During Storage
Authors: Sikorska Ewa , Wójcicki Krzysztof , Kozak Wojciech , Gliszczyńska-Świgło Anna , Khmelinskii Igor , Górecki Tomasz , Caponio Francesco , Paradiso Vito M. , Summo Carmine , Pasqualone Antonella
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study was to test the usability of fluorescence spectroscopy to evaluate the stability of cold-pressed rapeseed oil during storage. Freshly-pressed rapeseed oil was stored in colorless and green glass bottles exposed to light, and in darkness for a period of 6 months. The quality deterioration of oils was evaluated on the basis of several chemical parameters (peroxide value, acid value, K232 and K270, polar compounds, tocopherols, carotenoids, pheophytins, oxygen concentration) and fluorescence. Parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) of oil excitation-emission matrices revealed the presence of four fluorophores that showed different evolution throughout the storage period. The fluorescence study provided direct information about tocopherol and pheophytin degradation and revealed formation of a new fluorescent product. Principal component analysis (PCA) performed on analytical and fluorescence data showed that oxidation was more advanced in samples exposed to light due to the photo-induced processes; only a very minor effect of the bottle color was observed. Multiple linear regression (MLR) and partial least squares regression (PLSR) on the PARAFAC scores revealed a quantitative relationship between fluorescence and some of the chemical parameters.
Comb Model: Non-Markovian versus Markovian
Authors: Iomin Alexander , Méndez Vicenç , Horsthemke Werner
Published: December 2019

Combs are a simple caricature of various types of natural branched structures, which belong to the category of loopless graphs and consist of a backbone and branches. We study two generalizations of comb models and present a generic method to obtain their transport properties. The first is a continuous time random walk on a many dimensional m + n comb, where m and n are the dimensions of the backbone and branches, respectively. We observe subdiffusion, ultra-slow diffusion and random localization as a function of n. The second deals with a quantum particle in the 1 + 1 comb. It turns out that the comb geometry leads to a power-law relaxation, described by a wave function in the framework of the Schrödinger equation.
Improvement of an Operational Forecasting System for Extreme Tidal Events in Santos Estuary (Brazil)
Authors: Mendes Joana , Leitão Paulo , Chambel Leitão José , Bartolomeu Sofia , Rodrigues João , Dias João
Published: December 2019

Forecasting estuarine circulation is a hot topic, especially in densely populated regions, like Santos (Brazil). This paper aims to improve a water-level forecasting system for the Santos estuary, particularly the physical forcing determining the residual tide, which in extreme cases increase the predicting errors. The MOHID hydrodynamic model was implemented with a nested downscaling approach. All automatic procedures to provide a high-resolution real-time forecast system are managed by the AQUASAFE software. Water-level observation and prediction datasets (2016–2017) of five tide gauges in the Santos channel were analyzed, resulting in distinct model configurations, aiming to minimize forecasting inaccuracies. Current MOHID open boundary reference solutions were modified: the astronomical solution was updated from FES2012 to FES2014 whereas the meteorological component (Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS) global solution) time resolution was altered from daily to hourly data. Furthermore, the correlation between significant wave height with positive residual tide events was identified. The model validation presented a minimum Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 12.5 cm. Despite FES2014 solution improvements at the bay entrance, errors increase in inner stations were maintained, portraying the need for better bathymetric data. The use of a CMEMS hourly resolution decreased the meteorological tide errors. A linear regression method was developed to correct the residual tide through post-processing, under specific wave height conditions. Overall, the newest implementation increased the water-level forecast accuracy, particularly under extreme events.
Sexuality and Healing in the African Diaspora: A Transnational Approach to Toni Morrison and Gyasi
Authors: Gallego Mar
Published: December 2019

This article examines the literary production of two writers from the African diaspora, specifically African American Toni Morrison’s A Mercy (2008), and Ghanaian-American Yaa Gyasi’s Homegoing (2016), to explore their significance as counter-narratives that defy the “official” historiography of enslavement times in order to set the records straight, as it were. By highlighting these women writers’ project of resistance against normative definitions of black bodies, it is my contention that these works effectively mobilize notions of race, gender, and sexuality. Revisiting the harmful and denigrating legacy of stereotypical designation of enslaved women, these writers make significant political and literary interventions to facilitate the recovery, wholeness, and sanctity of the violated and abjected black body. In their attempt to counter ongoing processes of commodification, exploitation, fetishization, and sexualization, I argue that these writers chronicle new forms of identity and agency that promote individual and generational healing and care as forms of protest and resistance against toxic definitions of hegemonic gender and sexuality.
Evaluation of the Effect of Temperature on a Stem Elongation Model of Phalaenopsis
Authors: Chen Chiachung
Published: December 2019

Phalaenopsis orchid has become one of the most important potted plants in flower markets. However, the timing at which flowers reach the saleable stage can be very important since the demand may be larger for specific holidays. The regulation of stem growth could serve as an opportunity for regulation of flowering. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of temperature on stem elongation. In this study, a stem elongation model established by a statistical technique was used to evaluate the effect of temperature. The stem lengths of four named Phalaenopsi varieties and 15 unnamed Phalaenopsi hybrids were measured under different temperature regimes. The three parameters of the logistic growth model, the maximum stem length, growth rate, and inflection point at which the growth rate reached a maximum value were estimated by using nonlinear regression analysis. Then, the differences among varieties in these three parameters were assessed by categorical testing. The results of this study indicated that stem growth rate was positively affected only by day temperature. The maximum stem length was negatively affected by the day temperature and positively influenced by the temperature difference between day and night. The results of this study could provide a practical method to regulate stem elongation by adjusting the temperatures, thus helping growers time the flowering of their potted orchids to meet market demand.
Correction: Fuzzy Model for Quantitative Assessment of Environmental Start-up Projects in Air Transport. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(19), 3585
Authors: Kelemen Miroslav , Polishchuk Volodymyr , Gavurová Beáta , Szabo Stanislav , Rozenberg Róbert , Gera Martin , Kozuba Jaroslaw , Andoga Rudolf , Divoková Adriana , Blišťan Peter
Published: December 2019

The authors wish to add the following data corrections to the coauthors listed, because of the updated data for their paper published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health [...]
Reply to Comment on Cobo-Cuenca, A.I.; Laredo-Aguilera, J.A.; Rodríguez-Borrego, M.-A.; Santacruz-Salas, E.; Carmona-Torres, J.M. Temporal Trends in Fecal Occult Blood Test: Associated Factors (2009–2017). Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16, 2120
Authors: Cobo-Cuenca Ana Isabel , Laredo-Aguilera Jose Alberto , Rodríguez-Borrego Maria Aurora , Santacruz-Salas Esmeralda , Carmona-Torres Juan Manuel
Published: December 2019

In this study [...]
Addressing Inequity: Evaluation of an Intervention to Improve Accessibility and Quality of a Green Space
Authors: Anthun Kirsti S. , Maass Ruca Elisa Katrin , Hope Siren , Espnes Geir Arild , Bell Ruth , Khan Matluba , Lillefjell Monica
Published: December 2019

Green space areas offer several benefits that support our physical, psychological, and social health. However, the level of engagement with green space areas may not be the same across population groups. Using a mixed-method research design, we investigated the use of a green space area and whether and how the area was beneficial for health, social inclusion, and physical activity for all socioeconomic groups in a suburban area in Norway. The study showed significantly increased use of the area from 2015–2018 and that users belonged to different socioeconomic groups. The motivation for using the area was the opportunity to experience nature and to interact socially. While no significant changes in self-rated health, life satisfaction, or levels of physical activity were found, the study indicates that factors such as location, availability, and designated places for social interaction are important motivating factors for use. Users from the lower socioeconomic groups were among the frequent users but were also the least satisfied with the quality and availability of the path. Our findings call for closer consideration of the location and availability of green spaces and that including places for social interaction and relaxation can contribute to increased use of green spaces.
In-Water and On-Land Swimmers’ Symmetry and Force Production
Authors: Carvalho Diogo D. , Soares Susana , Zacca Rodrigo , Marinho Daniel A. , Silva António J. , Pyne David B. , Vilas-Boas J. Paulo , Fernandes Ricardo J.
Published: December 2019

Although performance and biomechanical evaluations are becoming more swimming-specific, dryland testing permits monitoring of a larger number of performance-related variables. However, as the degree of comparability of measurements conducted in-water and on land conditions is unclear, we aimed to assess the differences between force production in these two different conditions. Twelve elite swimmers performed a 30 s tethered swimming test and four isokinetic tests (shoulder and knee extension at 90 and 300°/s) to assess peak force, peak and average torque, and power symmetry index. We observed contralateral symmetry in all the tests performed, e.g., for 30 s tethered swimming and peak torque shoulder extension at 90°/s: 178 ± 50 vs. 183 ± 56 N (p = 0.38) and 95 ± 37 vs. 94 ± 35 N × m (p = 0.52). Moderate to very large direct relationships were evident between dryland testing and swimming force production (r = 0.62 to 0.96; p < 0.05). Swimmers maintained similar symmetry index values independently of the testing conditions (r = −0.06 to −0.41 and 0.04 to 0.44; p = 0.18–0.88). Asymmetries in water seems to be more related to technical constraints than muscular imbalances, but swimmers that displayed higher propulsive forces were the ones with greater force values on land. Thus, tethered swimming and isokinetic evaluations are useful for assessing muscular imbalances regarding propulsive force production and technical asymmetries.
Comparison of Radon and Thoron Concentration Measuring Systems Among Asian Countries
Authors: Janik Miroslaw , Tokonami Shinji , Iwaoka Kazuki , Karunakara Naregundi , Trilochana Shetty , Mohan Mandya Purushotham , Kumara Sudeep , Yashodhara Indaje , Zhuo Weihai , Zhao Chao , Tang Fangdong , He Linfeng , Chanyotha Supitcha , Kranrod Chutima , Al-Azmi Darwish , Kurihara Osamu
Published: December 2019

Comparison is an important role in the quality control and quality assurance for any measuring system. Due to the future legal regulations regarding radon levels in the air, maintaining the system quality and harmonization of results as well as validation of radon and thoron measuring systems is important. The aim of this work is to validate the degrees of equivalence and measurement precisions of the existing five radon and four thoron measuring systems located in four Asian countries (China, India, Japan and Thailand) through comparison experiment. In this project, comparison experiment was performed in order to derive the ratio between assigned value obtained from one transfer measurement device for radon and one transfer measurement device for thoron belongs to National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology and participants’ value from their measuring instrument. As a result, the ratio value associated with measurement uncertainty was derived for each activity concentration. Finally, measurement bias and degrees of equivalence between the assigned values and values of measurement quantity from participants’ measuring instruments were statistically analysed and presented.
Heart and Brain Responses to Real Versus Simulated Chess Games in Trained Chess Players: A Quantitative EEG and HRV Study
Authors: Fuentes-García Juan Pedro , Pereira Telmo , Castro Maria António , Carvalho Santos António , Villafaina Santos
Published: December 2019

The aim of the present study was to investigate how the heart and the brain react to playing chess with a computer versus in a real context in chess players. We also aim to investigate if familiarization with simulated practice leads to changes in heart rate variability (HRV) and the electroencephalographic (EEG) power spectrum. We designed a cross-sectional study, enrolling 27 chess players. They were randomly assigned to 3 minutes plus 2-second chess games: one with a computer (simulated scenario), and another in a real context. Additionally, participants were divided into two groups according to their level of familiarization of playing chess in a computer context. While they were playing, HRV and EEG were continuously recorded. Differences in HRV and EEG theta power spectrum between playing chess in a real or a simulated scenario were not found in chess players (p-value > 0.05). When participants were divided into groups (familiarized and unfamiliarized with simulated chess practice), significant differences were observed in HRV and EEG (p-value < 0.05). The EEG theta power spectrum was significantly lower, and HRV was higher in unfamiliarized players during the simulated scenario, which could indicate that they were less focused in a simulated environment than in a real context. Therefore, familiarization with simulated environments should be taken into account during the training process to achieve the best performance.