bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Survey of Low-Rank Updates of Preconditioners for Sequences of Symmetric Linear Systems
Authors: Bergamaschi Luca
Published: April 2020

The aim of this survey is to review some recent developments in devising efficient preconditioners for sequences of symmetric positive definite (SPD) linear systems A k x k = b k , k = 1 , … arising in many scientific applications, such as discretization of transient Partial Differential Equations (PDEs), solution of eigenvalue problems, (Inexact) Newton methods applied to nonlinear systems, rational Krylov methods for computing a function of a matrix. In this paper, we will analyze a number of techniques of updating a given initial preconditioner by a low-rank matrix with the aim of improving the clustering of eigenvalues around 1, in order to speed-up the convergence of the Preconditioned Conjugate Gradient (PCG) method. We will also review some techniques to efficiently approximate the linearly independent vectors which constitute the low-rank corrections and whose choice is crucial for the effectiveness of the approach. Numerical results on real-life applications show that the performance of a given iterative solver can be very much enhanced by the use of low-rank updates.
Assessment of the Usefulness of Cefapirin and Cefalonium Disks for Susceptibility Testing of Staphylococcus aureus Isolates from Bovine Mastitis
Authors: Harada Kazuki , Irie Shieri , Ohnishi Mamoru , Kataoka Yasushi
Published: April 2020

Cefapirin (CEP) and cefalonium (CNM) are first-generation cephalosporins widely used to treat bovine mastitis caused by Gram-positive bacteria including staphylococci. However, disks for susceptibility testing of those drugs in causative bacteria are not available. This study evaluated the efficacy of 10 µg and 30 µg pilot disks of CEP (CEP10 and CEP30) and CNM (CNM10 and CNM30) against 130 Staphylococcus aureus isolates from bovine mastitis. Scattergrams of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and zone diameters (ZDs) illustrated significant correlations between the MICs and ZDs of CEP10 (r = −0.912), CEP30 (r = −0.933), CNM10 (r = −0.847), and CNM30 (r = −0.807). The analysis by Normalized Resistance Interpretation indicated that the epidemiolocal cut-off value (ECV) of MIC for both cefapirin and cefalonium is ≤ 0.5 µg/mL, and the ECV of ZD for CEP10, CEP30, CNM10, and CNM30 were ≥ 22 mm, ≥ 25 mm, ≥ 22 mm, and ≥ 29 mm, respectively. We believe that both 10 μg and 30 μg CEP and CNM susceptibility disks will be helpful for guiding the appropriate use of these antibiotics for bovine mastitis. Further studies toward the establishment of clinical breakpoint of CEP and CNM would be needed for their routine use.
Design and Research of a Three-Phase AC Magnetic Separator for Coal Desulfurization and Ash Reduction
Authors: Cao Min , Chen Yan , Ma Chunyan , Liu Qiang
Published: April 2020

China’s total coal consumption accounts for 50% of total energy consumption. However, every ton of coal in the process of production and use will bring huge losses to the environment. Desulfurization and ash removal of coal have been a continuous focus of researchers in various countries. The three-phase alternating current (AC) magnetic separator is a device for desulfurization and ash reduction of coal based on the principle of generating an alternating magnetic field generated by a three-phase flat linear motor. It is optimized by finite element analysis and its electromagnetic thrust is improved by 114% after optimization. Factors such as current size, magnetic particle size, and installation angle of the device are also analyzed. The simulation results show that the structure design of the three-phase AC magnetic separator is reasonable.
Ultrafine Particle Features Associated with Pro-Inflammatory and Oxidative Responses: Implications for Health Studies
Authors: Costabile Francesca , Gualtieri Maurizio , Ancona Carla , Canepari Silvia , Decesari Stefano
Published: April 2020

Suspected detrimental health effects associated with ultrafine particles (UFPs) are impressive. However, epidemiological evidence is still limited. This is potentially due to challenges related to UFP exposure assessment and the lack of consensus on a standard methodology for UFPs. It is imperative to focus future health studies on those UFP metrics more likely to represent health effects. This is the purpose of this paper, where we extend the results obtained during the CARE (“Carbonaceous Aerosol in Rome and Environs”) experiment started in 2017 in Rome. The major purpose is to investigate features of airborne UFPs associated with pro-inflammatory and oxidative responses. Aerosol chemical, microphysical, and optical properties were measured, together with the oxidative potential, at temporal scales relevant for UFPs (minutes to hours). The biological responses were obtained using both in-vivo and in-vitro tests carried out directly under environmental conditions. Findings indicate that caution should be taken when assessing health-relevant exposure to UFPs through the conventional metrics like total particle number concentration and PM2.5 and Black Carbon (BC) mass concentration. Conversely, we recommend adding to these, a UFP source apportionment analysis and indicators for both ultrafine black carbon and the size of particles providing most of the total surface area to available toxic molecules.
The Role of Branch Cell Symmetry and Other Critical Nanoscale Design Parameters in the Determination of Dendrimer Encapsulation Properties
Authors: Tomalia Donald A. , Nixon Linda S. , Hedstrand David M.
Published: April 2020

This article reviews progress over the past three decades related to the role of dendrimer-based, branch cell symmetry in the development of advanced drug delivery systems, aqueous based compatibilizers/solubilizers/excipients and nano-metal cluster catalysts. Historically, it begins with early unreported work by the Tomalia Group (i.e., The Dow Chemical Co.) revealing that all known dendrimer family types may be divided into two major symmetry categories; namely: Category I: symmetrical branch cell dendrimers (e.g., Tomalia, Vögtle, Newkome-type dendrimers) possessing interior hollowness/porosity and Category II: asymmetrical branch cell dendrimers (e.g., Denkewalter-type) possessing no interior void space. These two branch cell symmetry features were shown to be pivotal in directing internal packing modes; thereby, differentiating key dendrimer properties such as densities, refractive indices and interior porosities. Furthermore, this discovery provided an explanation for unimolecular micelle encapsulation (UME) behavior observed exclusively for Category I, but not for Category II. This account surveys early experiments confirming the inextricable influence of dendrimer branch cell symmetry on interior packing properties, first examples of Category (I) based UME behavior, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) protocols for systematic encapsulation characterization, application of these principles to the solubilization of active approved drugs, engineering dendrimer critical nanoscale design parameters (CNDPs) for optimized properties and concluding with high optimism for the anticipated role of dendrimer-based solubilization principles in emerging new life science, drug delivery and nanomedical applications.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation at 4 mA Induces Greater Leg Muscle Fatigability in Women Compared to Men
Authors: Workman Craig , Fietsam Alexandra , Rudroff Thorsten
Published: April 2020

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has previously shown different cortical excitability and neuropsychological effects between women and men. However, the sex-specific effects of tDCS on leg muscle fatigability has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a single session of 2 mA and 4 mA primary motor cortex tDCS on leg muscle fatigability in healthy young men and women in a crossover design. Twenty participants (women = 10) completed isokinetic fatigue testing (40 maximal reps, 120°/s) of the knee extensors and flexors in conjunction with sham, 2 mA, and 4 mA tDCS in a double-blind, randomized design. The fatigue index from each condition was calculated. Women had significantly greater knee extensor fatigability in the 4 mA condition compared to men (57.8 ± 6.8% versus 44.1 ± 18.4%; p = 0.041, d = 0.99). This study provides additional evidence that responses to tDCS may be sex-specific and highlights the necessity of accounting and powering for sex differences in future investigations.
Stress-Induced Morphological, Cellular and Molecular Changes in the Brain—Lessons Learned from the Chronic Mild Stress Model of Depression
Authors: Khan Ahmad Raza , Geiger Lili , Wiborg Ove , Czéh Boldizsár
Published: April 2020

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a severe illness imposing an increasing social and economic burden worldwide. Numerous rodent models have been developed to investigate the pathophysiology of MDD. One of the best characterized and most widely used models is the chronic mild stress (CMS) model which was developed more than 30 years ago by Paul Willner. More than 2000 published studies used this model, mainly to assess novel compounds with potential antidepressant efficacy. Most of these studies examined the behavioral consequences of stress and concomitant drug intervention. Much fewer studies focused on the CMS-induced neurobiological changes. However, the stress-induced cellular and molecular changes are important as they may serve as potential translational biomarkers and increase our understanding of the pathophysiology of MDD. Here, we summarize current knowledge on the structural and molecular alterations in the brain that have been described using the CMS model. We discuss the latest neuroimaging and postmortem histopathological data as well as molecular changes including recent findings on microRNA levels. Different chronic stress paradigms occasionally deliver dissimilar findings, but the available experimental data provide convincing evidence that the CMS model has a high translational value. Future studies examining the neurobiological changes in the CMS model in combination with clinically effective antidepressant drug intervention will likely deliver further valuable information on the pathophysiology of MDD.
Citrate Mediates Crosstalk between Mitochondria and the Nucleus to Promote Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell In Vitro Osteogenesis
Authors: Morganti Claudia , Bonora Massimo , Marchi Saverio , Ferroni Letizia , Gardin Chiara , Wieckowski Mariusz R. , Giorgi Carlotta , Pinton Paolo , Zavan Barbara
Published: April 2020

Citrate, generated in the mitochondria, is a key metabolite that might link metabolism with signaling, chromatin structure and transcription to orchestrate mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) fate determination. Based on a detailed morphological analysis of 3D reconstruction of mitochondria and nuclei in single cells, we identified contact sites between these organelles that drastically increase in volume and number during the early stage of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation. These contact sites create a microdomain that facilitates exchange of signals from mitochondria to the nucleus. Interestingly, we found that the citrate derived from mitochondria is necessary for osteogenic lineage determination. Indeed, inhibition of the citrate transporter system dramatically affected osteogenesis, reduced citrate levels that could be converted in α-ketoglutarate, and consequently affected epigenetic marker H3K9me3 associated with the osteogenesis differentiation process. These findings highlight that mitochondrial metabolites play key regulatory roles in the MSCs differentiation process. Further in-depth investigation is needed to provide novel therapeutic strategies in the field of regenerative medicine.
Bentonite Nanoparticle Stability and the Effect of Fulvic Acids: Experiments and Modelling
Authors: Seher Holger , Geckeis Horst , Fanghänel Thomas , Schäfer Thorsten
Published: April 2020

In this study, the critical coagulation concentration (CCC) for FEBEX bentonite colloids is determined by colloid coagulation studies under variation of pH, electrolyte concentration, and fulvic acid (GoHy-573FA) content. For CaCl2 electrolyte solution, a pH-independent Ca-CCC of 1 mmol L−1 is found. In the case of NaCl background electrolyte, a pH-dependent Na-CCC can be determined with 15 ± 5 mmol L−1 at pH 6, 20 ± 5 mmol L−1 at pH 7, 200 ± 50 mmol L−1 at pH 8, 250 ± 50 mmol L−1 at pH 9, and 350 ± 100 mmol L−1 at pH 10, respectively. The addition of 1 mg L−1 dissolved organic carbon in the form of fulvic acid (FA) increases the Ca-CCC to 2 mmol L−1. An association of FA with FEBEX bentonite colloids as surface coating can clearly be identified by scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM). The experimental bentonite stability results are described by means of an extended DLVO (Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek) approach summing up hydration forces, short-range Born repulsion, van der Waals attraction, and electrical double layer repulsion. The measured zeta (ζ)-potential of the bentonite colloids is applied as platelet face electrokinetic potential and the edge electrokinetic potential is estimated by the combination of silica and alumina ζ-potential data in the ratio given by the FEBEX bentonite structural formula. Adjusting the montmorillonite face electrokinetic potential by a maximum of ±15.9 mV is sufficient to successfully reproduce the measured stability ratios. Due to the uncertainty in the ζ-potential measurement, only semiquantitative calculations of the stability ratio can be given.
Effect of Inter-Well Interactions on Non-Linear Beam Splitters for Matter-Wave Interferometers
Authors: Baroni Cosetta , Gori Giacomo , Chiofalo Maria Luisa , Trombettoni Andrea
Published: April 2020

We study the non-linear beam splitter in matter-wave interferometers using ultracold quantum gases in a double-well configuration in presence of non-local interactions inducing inter-well density-density coupling, as they can be realized, e.g., with dipolar gases. We explore this effect after considering different input states, in the form of either coherent, or Twin-Fock, or NOON states. We first review the non-interacting limit and the case in which only the local interaction is present, including the study of sensitivity near the self-trapping threshold. Then, we consider the two-mode model in the presence of inter-well interactions and consider the scaling of the sensitivity as a function of the non-local coupling strength. Our analysis clearly shows that non-local interactions can compensate the degradation of the sensitivity induced by local interactions, so that they may be used to restore optimal sensitivity.
Classifying the Level of Energy-Environmental Efficiency Rating of Brazilian Ethanol
Authors: Lima Nilsa Duarte da Silva , Nääs Irenilza de Alencar , Reis João Gilberto Mendes dos , Silva Raquel Baracat Tosi Rodrigues da
Published: April 2020

The present study aimed to assess and classify energy-environmental efficiency levels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the production, commercialization, and use of biofuels certified by the Brazilian National Biofuel Policy (RenovaBio). The parameters of the level of energy-environmental efficiency were standardized and categorized according to the Energy-Environmental Efficiency Rating (E-EER). The rating scale varied between lower efficiency (D) and high efficiency + (highest efficiency A+). The classification method with the J48 decision tree and naive Bayes algorithms was used to predict the models. The classification of the E-EER scores using a decision tree using the J48 algorithm and Bayesian classifiers using the naive Bayes algorithm produced decision tree models efficient at estimating the efficiency level of Brazilian ethanol producers and importers certified by the RenovaBio. The rules generated by the models can assess the level classes (efficiency scores) according to the scale discretized into high efficiency (Classification A), average efficiency (Classification B), and standard efficiency (Classification C). These results might generate an ethanol energy-environmental efficiency label for the end consumers and resellers of the product, to assist in making a purchase decision concerning its performance. The best classification model was naive Bayes, compared to the J48 decision tree. The classification of the Energy Efficiency Note levels using the naive Bayes algorithm produced a model capable of estimating the efficiency level of Brazilian ethanol to create labels.
Professional Car Drivers’ Attitudes toward Technical, Marketing and Environmental Characteristics of Engine Oils: A Survey Study
Authors: Wolak Artur , Fijorek Kamil , Zając Grzegorz
Published: April 2020

The aim of the article was to analyze the decision-making process of professional drivers regarding the choice of new engine oil with additional attention to the eco-friendliness aspect of the product. Survey data were collected from Polish consumers, using a self-administered questionnaire. The main data analysis tools used in the study were finite mixture models. It was found that professional drivers do not constitute a single homogenous group. They cluster into two segments with differing importance profiles. The largest consumer segment, over 80% of consumers, consider the quality classification, viscosity classification, and OEM specifications as the most important criteria during the decision-making process. The importance of oil being environmentally friendly is a factor moderately differentiating the subgroups. In the first segment, a strong preference for engine oil with the same technical parameters as the previously purchased one, but additionally marked as environmentally friendly, was indicated by 29% of the respondents, whereas in the second segment by only 15%. The analysis of the consumer decision-making process showed that there is a need to put additional efforts to provide easily accessible and clearly visible technical specifications on the product label. The vast majority of professional drivers surveyed were mainly guided by such specific data in their purchasing process. Engine oils and specially used engine oils belong to a group of products that are considered to have a major negative impact on the environment. As a result, more research is needed into the sustainability of this class of products. The shift into the eco-friendly production, exploitation and subsequent management of engine oils may cause a profound effect on petroleum energy markets.
Interaction Assessment and Stability Analysis of the MMC-Based VSC-HVDC Link
Authors: Dadjo Tavakoli Saman , Prieto-Araujo Eduardo , Sánchez-Sánchez Enric , Gomis-Bellmunt Oriol
Published: April 2020

This paper investigates the dynamic behavior of a modular multi-level converter (MMC)-based HVDC link. An overall state-space model is developed to identify the system critical modes, considering the dynamics of the master MMC and slave MMC, their control systems, and the HVDC cable. Complementary to the state-space model, an impedance-based model is also derived to obtain the minimum phase margin (PM) of the system. In addition, a relative gain array (RGA) analysis is conducted to quantify the level of interactions among the control systems of master and slave MMCs and their impacts on stability. Finally, with the help of the results obtained from the system analysis (eigenvalue, phase margin, sensitivity, and RGA), the system dynamic performance is improved.
A Hybrid Reactive Power Control Method of Distributed Generation to Mitigate Voltage Rise in Low-Voltage Grid
Authors: Kim Soo-Bin , Song Seung-Ho
Published: April 2020

A high penetration of distributed generators, such as solar and wind power generators in low voltage network systems, impose voltage rise problems. Reactive power control of distributed generators can contribute to mitigating the voltage rise. In the existing reactive power control, reactive power was controlled using only one local variable, such as voltage at point of connection or the active power output of distributed generator. In case of PF(P) method, which provides certain power factors, depending on the active power of distributed generator, the voltage regulation ability is strong, but network losses are large. Q(V) method, which provides a certain amount of reactive power depending on the local voltage, has few network losses, but the voltage regulation ability is weak. In this paper, a reactive power control method that combines the PF(P) method and Q(V) method was proposed. The proposed method determines the reactive power output by using the active power of the distributed generator and local voltage variables together. The proposed method improves the voltage regulation ability of the reactive power control, while reducing the network losses, as compared to the existing method. The low voltage network system was modeled and simulated to evaluate the performance of the proposed method, in terms of voltage regulation ability and network losses, and the performance of the proposed method and the existing method were compared and analyzed.
Outdoor Wellbeing and Quality of Life: A Scientific Literature Review on Thermal Comfort
Authors: Antonini Ernesto , Vodola Vincenzo , Gaspari Jacopo , De Giglio Michaela
Published: April 2020

While indoor comfort represents a widely investigated research topic with relation to sustainable development and energy-demand reduction in the built environment, outdoor comfort remains an open field of study, especially with reference to the impacts of climate change and the quality of life for inhabitants, particularly in urban contexts. Despite the relevant efforts spent in the last few decades to advance the understanding of phenomena and the knowledge in this specific field, which obtained much evidence for the topic’s relevance, a comprehensive picture of the studies, as well as a classification of the interconnected subjects and outcomes, is still lacking. This paper reports the outcomes of a literature review aimed at screening the available resources dealing with outdoor thermal comfort, in order to provide a state-of-the-art review that identifies the main topics focused by the researchers, as well as the barriers in defining suitable indexes for assessing thermal comfort in outdoor environments. Although several accurate models and software are available to quantify outdoor human comfort, the evocated state of mind of the final user still remains at the core of this uncertain process.
Hydrogenation Ability of Mg-Li Alloys
Authors: Pęska Magda , Czujko Tomasz , Polański Marek
Published: April 2020

The Mg-Li binary system is characterized by the presence of α-Mg(Li) and β-Li(Mg) phases, where magnesium exists in ordered and disordered forms that may affect the hydrogenation properties of magnesium. Therefore, the hydrogenation properties of an AZ31 alloy modified by the addition of 4.0 wt.%, 7.5 wt.% and 15.0 wt.% lithium were studied. The morphology (scanning electron microscopy (SEM)), structure, phase composition (X-ray diffraction (XRD)) and hydrogenation properties (differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)) of AZ31 with various lithium contents were investigated. It was found that the susceptibility of magnesium in the form of α-Mg(Li) to hydrogenation was higher than that for the magnesium occupying a disordered position in β-Li(Mg) solid solutions. Magnesium hydride was obtained as a result of hydrogenation of the AZ31 alloy that was modified with 4.0 wt.%, 7.5 wt.% and 15.0 wt.% additions of lithium, and was characterized by high hydrogen desorption activation energies of 250, 187 and 224 kJ/mol, respectively.
Co-Gasification of Treated Solid Recovered Fuel Residue by Using Minerals Bed and Biomass Waste Blends
Authors: Alam Md Tanvir , Park Se-Won , Lee Sang-Yeop , Jeong Yean-Ouk , Girolamo Anthony De , Seo Yong-Chil , Choi Hang Seok
Published: April 2020

Solid recovered fuel (SRF) residue, which is leftovers from the SRF manufacturing process, usually is discarded in landfill because of its low heating value and high ash and moisture content. However, it could be used as a fuel after mechanical and biological treatment. Gasification experiments were conducted on treated SRF residue (TSRFR) to assess the viability of syngas production. Efforts were also made to improve the gasification performance by adding low-cost natural minerals such as dolomite and lime as bed material, and by blending with biomass waste. In the case of additive mineral tests, dolomite showed better performance compared to lime, and in the case of biomass blends, a 25 wt% pine sawdust blend with TSRFR showed the best performance. Finally, as an appropriate condition, a combined experiment was conducted at an equivalence ratio (ER) of 0.2 using a 25 wt% pine sawdust blend with TSRFR as a feedstock and dolomite as the bed material. The highest dry gas yield (1.81 Nm3/kg), with the highest amount of syngas (56.72 vol%) and highest lower heating value (9.55 MJ/Nm3) was obtained in this condition. Furthermore, the highest cold gas efficiency (48.64%) and carbon conversion rate (98.87%), and the lowest residue yield (11.56%), tar (0.95 g/Nm3), and gas pollutants content was observed.
The Digital Transformation of the Retail Electricity Market in Spain
Authors: Chaparro-Peláez Julián , Acquila-Natale Emiliano , Hernández-García Ángel , Iglesias-Pradas Santiago
Published: April 2020

The deregulation of the electricity markets in the European Union and the transformation caused by digital technologies and customer-centric strategies have altered the industry ecosystem, forcing companies to adapt to the new scenario. This research study aims to give a global overview of the digital transformation and channel integration of free-market electricity retailers in Spain from a consumer’s perspective. The analysis includes all free-market electricity retailers that operate at the national scale, explores the level of digital transformation and channel integration of these companies based on a structured set of indicators, and measures them using the mystery shopper technique. The results show important differences between leading retailers and the rest of companies, evidence an important lag of the sector when compared to other retail markets and an overall lack of multichannel and omnichannel strategies, show a strong effort of retailers in online billing and self-service customer data management, and reveal shortcomings in the availability of communication channels with customers.
A Study of Wind Turbine Performance Decline with Age through Operation Data Analysis
Authors: Byrne Raymond , Astolfi Davide , Castellani Francesco , Hewitt Neil J.
Published: April 2020

Ageing of technical systems and machines is a matter of fact. It therefore does not come as a surprise that an energy conversion system such as a wind turbine, which in particular operates under non-stationary conditions, is subjected to performance decline with age. The present study presents an analysis of the performance deterioration with age of a Vestas V52 wind turbine, installed in 2005 at the Dundalk Institute of Technology campus in Ireland. The wind turbine has operated from October 2005 to October 2018 with its original gearbox, that has subsequently been replaced in 2019. Therefore, a key point of the present study is that operation data spanning over thirteen years have been analysed for estimating how the performance degrades in time. To this end, one of the most innovative approaches for wind turbine performance control and monitoring has been employed: a multivariate Support Vector Regression with Gaussian Kernel, whose target is the power output of the wind turbine. Once the model has been trained with a reference data set, the performance degradation is assessed by studying how the residuals between model estimates and measurements evolve. Furthermore, a power curve analysis through the binning method has been performed to estimate the Annual Energy Production variations and suggests that the most convenient strategy for the test case wind turbine (running the gearbox until its end of life) has indeed been adopted. Summarizing, the main results of the present study are as follows: over a ten-year period, the performance of the wind turbine has declined of the order of 5%; the performance deterioration seems to be nonlinear as years pass by; after the gearbox replacement, a fraction of performance deterioration has been recovered, though not all because the rest of the turbine system has been operating for thirteen years from its original state. Finally, it should be noted that the estimate of performance decline is basically consistent with the few results available in the literature.
Methane Emissions from Subtropical and Tropical Mangrove Ecosystems in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Chiao-Wen , Kao Yu-Chen , Chou Meng-Chun , Wu Hsin-Hsun , Ho Chuan-Wen , Lin Hsing-Juh
Published: April 2020

Mangroves are one of the blue carbon ecosystems. However, greenhouse gas emissions from mangrove soils may reduce the capacity of carbon storage in these systems. In this study, methane (CH4) fluxes and soil properties of the top 10 cm layer were determined in subtropical (Kandelia obovata) and tropical (Avicennia marina) mangrove ecosystems of Taiwan for a complete seasonal cycle. Our results demonstrate that CH4 emissions in mangroves cannot be neglected when constructing the carbon budgets and estimating the carbon storage capacity. CH4 fluxes were significantly higher in summer than in winter in the Avicennia mangroves. However, no seasonal variation in CH4 flux was observed in the Kandelia mangroves. CH4 fluxes were significantly higher in the mangrove soils of Avicennia than in the adjoining mudflats; this trend, however, was not necessarily recapitulated at Kandelia. The results of multiple regression analyses show that soil water and organic matter content were the main factors regulating the CH4 fluxes in the Kandelia mangroves. However, none of the soil parameters assessed show a significant influence on the CH4 fluxes in the Avicennia mangroves. Since pneumatophores can transport CH4 from anaerobic deep soils, this study suggests that the pneumatophores of Avicennia marina played a more important role than soil properties in affecting soil CH4 fluxes. Our results show that different mangrove tree species and related root structures may affect greenhouse gas emissions from the soils.
Chemical Signaling in the Turbulent Ocean—Hide and Seek at the Kolmogorov Scale
Authors: Selander Erik , Fredriksson Sam T. , Arneborg Lars
Published: April 2020

Chemical cues and signals mediate resource acquisition, mate finding, and the assessment of predation risk in marine plankton. Here, we use the chemical properties of the first identified chemical cues from zooplankton together with in situ measurements of turbulent dissipation rates to calculate the effect of turbulence on the distribution of cues behind swimmers as well as steady state background concentrations in surrounding water. We further show that common zooplankton (copepods) appears to optimize mate finding by aggregating at the surface in calm conditions when turbulence do not prevent trail following. This near surface environment is characterized by anisotropic turbulence and we show, using direct numerical simulations, that chemical cues distribute more in the horizontal plane than vertically in these conditions. Zooplankton may consequently benefit from adopting specific search strategies near the surface as well as in strong stratification where similar flow fields develop. Steady state concentrations, where exudation is balanced by degradation develops in a time scale of ~5 h. We conclude that the trails behind millimeter-sized copepods can be detected in naturally occurring turbulence below the wind mixed surface layer or in the absence of strong wind. The trails, however, shorten dramatically at high turbulent dissipation rates, above ~10−3 cm2 s−3 (10−7 W kg−1)
Comparison of Various Soybean Allergen Levels in Genetically and Non-Genetically Modified Soybeans
Authors: Matsuo Ayato , Matsushita Kaho , Fukuzumi Ayano , Tokumasu Naoki , Yano Erika , Zaima Nobuhiro , Moriyama Tatsuya
Published: April 2020

Several analyses of allergen levels have been reported as part of the safety assessment of genetically modified (GM) soybean; however, few comprehensive analyses have included new allergens. Thus, in this study the levels of eight major soybean allergens, including Gly m 7 (a newly reported soybean allergen), were semi-quantitatively detected in six GM soybeans and six non-GM soybeans using antigen-immobilized ELISA and immunoblotting. We also analyzed the IgE-reactivity to these soybeans through immunoblotting, using sera from three soybean-allergic patients. The results showed that there were no significant differences in the levels of the major soybean allergens in the GM and non-GM soybeans. Moreover, there were no significant differences in the serum IgE-reactive protein profiles of the patients, as analyzed using immunoblotting. These results indicate that, in general, CP4-EPSPS-transfected GM soybeans are not more allergenic than non-GM soybeans.
An Extended Method for Saccadic Eye Movement Measurements Using a Head-Mounted Display
Authors: Lee Youngkeun , Kumar Yadav Sunil , Lee Daehyeon , Kim Jihee , Kim Junggwon , Yoo Jisang , Kwon Soonchul
Published: April 2020

Saccadic eye movement is an important ability in our daily life and is especially important in driving and sports. Traditionally, the Developmental Eye Movement (DEM) test and the King–Devick (K-D) test have been used to measure saccadic eye movement, but these only involve measurements with “adjusted time”. Therefore, a different approach is required to obtain the eye movement speed and reaction rate in detail, as some are rapid eye movements, while others are slow actions, and vice versa. This study proposed an extended method that can acquire the “rest time” and “transfer time”, as well as the “adjusted time”, by implementing a virtual reality-based DEM test, using a FOVE virtual reality (VR) head-mounted display (HMD), equipped with an eye-tracking module. This approach was tested in 30 subjects with normal vision and no ophthalmologic disease by using a 2-diopter (50-cm) distance. This allowed for measurements of the “adjusted time” and the “rest time” for focusing on each target number character, the “transfer time” for moving to the next target number character, and recording of the gaze-tracking log. The results of this experiment showed that it was possible to analyze more parameters of the saccadic eye movement with the proposed method than with the traditional methods.
Association Rule Learning Is an Easy and Efficient Method for Identifying Profiles of Traumas and Stressors that Predict Psychopathology in Disaster Survivors: The Example of Sri Lanka
Authors: Jayawickreme Nuwan , Atefi Ehsan , Jayawickreme Eranda , Qin Jiale , Gandomi Amir H.
Published: April 2020

Research indicates that psychopathology in disaster survivors is a function of both experienced trauma and stressful life events. However, such studies are of limited utility to practitioners who are about to go into a new post-disaster setting as (1) most of them do not indicate which specific traumas and stressors are especially likely to lead to psychopathology; and (2) each disaster is characterized by its own unique traumas and stressors, which means that practitioners have to first collect their own data on common traumas, stressors and symptoms of psychopathology prior to planning any interventions. An easy-to-use and easy-to-interpret data analytical method that allows one to identify profiles of trauma and stressors that predict psychopathology would be of great utility to practitioners working in post-disaster contexts. We propose that association rule learning (ARL), a big data mining technique, is such a method. We demonstrate the technique by applying it to data from 337 survivors of the Sri Lankan civil war who completed the Penn/RESIST/Peradeniya War Problems Questionnaire (PRPWPQ), a comprehensive, culturally-valid measure of experienced trauma, stressful life events, anxiety and depression. ARL analysis revealed five profiles of traumas and stressors that predicted the presence of some anxiety, three profiles that predicted the presence of severe anxiety, four profiles that predicted the presence of some depression and five profiles that predicted the presence of severe depression. ARL allows one to identify context-specific associations between specific traumas, stressors and psychological distress, and can be of great utility to practitioners who wish to efficiently analyze data that they have collected, understand the output of that analysis, and use it to provide psychosocial aid to those who most need it in post-disaster settings.
Near-Road Traffic-Related Air Pollution: Resuspended PM2.5 from Highways and Arterials
Authors: Askariyeh Mohammad Hashem , Venugopal Madhusudhan , Khreis Haneen , Birt Andrew , Zietsman Josias
Published: April 2020

Recent studies suggest that the transportation sector is a major contributor to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in urban areas. A growing body of literature indicates PM2.5 exposure can lead to adverse health effects, and that PM2.5 concentrations are often elevated close to roadways. The transportation sector produces PM2.5 emissions from combustion, brake wear, tire wear, and resuspended dust. Traffic-related resuspended dust is particulate matter, previously deposited on the surface of roadways that becomes resuspended into the air by the movement of traffic. The objective of this study was to use regulatory guidelines to model the contribution of resuspended dust to near-road traffic-related PM2.5 concentrations. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines for quantitative hotspot analysis were used to predict traffic-related PM2.5 concentrations for a small network in Dallas, Texas. Results show that the inclusion of resuspended dust in the emission and dispersion modeling chain increases prediction of near-road PM2.5 concentrations by up to 74%. The results also suggest elevated PM2.5 concentrations near arterial roads. Our results are discussed in the context of human exposure to traffic-related air pollution.
Cost-Effectiveness of Supervised versus Unsupervised Rehabilitation for Rotator-Cuff Repair: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Longo Umile Giuseppe , Berton Alessandra , Risi Ambrogioni Laura , Lo Presti Daniela , Carnevale Arianna , Candela Vincenzo , Stelitano Giovanna , Schena Emiliano , Nazarian Ara , Denaro Vincenzo
Published: April 2020

Background: The objective of the present study was to compare the efficacy between supervised and unsupervised rehabilitation after rotator-cuff (RC) repair in terms of clinical outcomes, visual-analog-scale (VAS) score, range of motion (ROM), and risk of retear. Material: a comprehensive search of Pubmed, CINAHL, Cochrane, EMBASE, Ovid, and Google Scholar databases through a combination of the following keywords with logical Boolean operators: “informed”, “uninformed”, “unsupervised”, “supervised”, “rehabilitation”, “physical therapy”, “physical therapies”, “postoperative period”, “physical-therapy techniques”, “physical-therapy technique”, “exercise”, “exercise therapy”, “rotator cuff”, “rotator-cuff tear”, and “rotator-cuff repair”. For each article included in the study, the following data were extracted: authors, year, study design, sample size and demographic features, RC tear characteristics, clinical outcomes, ROM, VAS score, retear rate, and time of follow-up. Meta-analysis was performed in terms of VAS score. Results: Four randomized control trials with 132 patients were included. One study demonstrated significant improvement in VAS, active ROM, and the activity of the muscle’s motor units at stop and during maximal effort in supervised patients. Another one showed lower retear rates in the supervised group. The remaining two randomized controlled trials did not reveal any significant differences between supervised and unsupervised rehabilitation in terms of clinical outcomes. Moreover, higher costs were described for supervised rehabilitation. The VAS was not significantly different in the two groups (9.9 compared with 8.25, p = 0.23). Conclusions: although several publications address the problem of RC lacerations, there is a paucity of evidence in the literature regarding the effectiveness of supervised and unsupervised rehabilitation protocols. This systematic review and meta-analysis showed no significant differences between the two types of rehabilitation in terms of VAS scores, while outlining the pros and cons of each protocol.
Associations of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D with Adiposity and At-Risk Lipid Profile Differ for Indigenous (Orang Asli) Male and Female Adults of Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Chua Ee Yin , Mohd Shariff Zalilah , Sulaiman Norhasmah , Appannah Geeta , Yong Heng Yaw
Published: April 2020

Background: Low vitamin D status, adiposity, and at-risk lipid profile are associated with adverse health consequences. This study aimed to assess serum 25(OH)D concentration of Indigenous (Orang Asli) adults and to determine the associations between serum 25(OH)D with adiposity and lipid profile, respectively. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 555 (164 men, 391 women) Orang Asli adults aged 18–65 years of Jah Hut sub-tribe in Krau Wildlife Reserve (KWR), Peninsular Malaysia. Demographic and socio-economic information were obtained using interviewer-administered questionnaire. Participants were also assessed for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration, adiposity indices (BMI, WC, WHtR, WHR, %BF) and lipid parameters (TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, TG). Data were analyzed using binary logistic regression via SPSS. Results: The prevalence of suboptimal 25(OH)D concentration was 26.3%, comprising 24.9% insufficiency (50 to <75 nmol/L) and 1.4% deficiency (<50 nmol/L). While men (14–30.5%) were associated with a more proatherogenic lipid profile than women (6.1–14.3%), more women were with central obesity (M: 19.5–46.3%; F: 34.5–49.1%) and suboptimal (<75 nmol/L) vitamin D status (M: 11.6%; F: 32.4%). While suboptimal 25(OH)D concentration was significantly associated with higher odds of at-risk LDL-C (p < 0.01) and obesity (WC, WHtR) (p < 0.05) in men, no significant association was observed for women. Nonetheless, it should be noted that there were only 19 men with suboptimal (<75 nmol/L) vitamin D status. Conclusions: While suboptimal vitamin D status was relatively low in Orang Asli adults, the prevalence of obesity and undesirable serum lipids were relatively high. The sex-specific associations between vitamin D status with adiposity indices and serum lipids warrant further investigation.
Uncertain Multiplicative Language Decision Method Based on Group Compromise Framework for Evaluation of Mobile Medical APPs in China
Authors: Li Junchang , Zhang Jiantong , Ding Ye
Published: April 2020

The mobile medical application (M-medical APP) can optimize medical service process and reduce health management costs for users, which has become an important complementary form of traditional medical services. To assist users including patients choose the ideal M-medical APP, we proposed a novel multiple attribute group decision making algorithm based on group compromise framework, which need not determine the weight of decision-maker. The algorithm utilized an uncertain multiplicative linguistic variable to measure the individual original preference to express the real evaluation information as much as possible. The attribute weight was calculated by maximizing the differences among alternatives. It determined the individual alternatives ranking according to the net flow of each alternative. By solved the 0–1 optimal model with the objective of minimizing the differences between individual ranking, the ultimate group compromise ranking was obtained. Then we took 10 well-known M-medical APPs in Chinese as an example, we summarized service categories provided for users and constructed the assessment system consisting of 8 indexes considering the service quality users are concerned with. Finally, the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method and the consistency of ranking results were verified, through comparing the group ranking results of 3 similar algorithms. The experiments show that group compromise ranking is sensitive to attribute weight.
Neighborhood Disadvantage and Tobacco Retail Outlet and Vape Shop Outlet Rates
Authors: Wheeler David C. , Do Elizabeth K. , Hayes Rashelle B. , Fugate-Laus Kendall , Fallavollita Westley L. , Hughes Colleen , Fuemmeler Bernard F.
Published: April 2020

Neighborhood-level socioeconomic variables, such as the proportion of minority and low-income residents, have been associated with a greater density of tobacco retail outlets (TROs), though less is known about the degree to which these neighborhood indicators are related to vape shop outlet (VSO) density. Many studies of TROs and neighborhood characteristics include only a small set of variables and also fail to take into account the correlation among these variables. Using a carefully curated database of all TROs and VSOs in Virginia (2016–2018), we developed a Bayesian model to estimate a neighborhood disadvantage index and examine its association with rates of outlets across census tracts while also accounting for correlations among variables. Models included 12 census tract variables from the American Community Survey. Results showed that increasing neighborhood disadvantage was associated with a 63% and 64% increase in TRO and VSO risk, respectively. Important variables associated with TRO rates included % renter occupied housing, inverse median gross rent, inverse median monthly housing costs, inverse median monthly housing costs, and % vacant housing units. Important variables associated with VSO rates were % renter occupied housing and % Hispanic population. There were several spatial clusters of significantly elevated risk for TROs and VSOs in western and eastern Virginia.
Influence of Family Environment and Tobacco Addiction: A Short Report from a Post-Graduate Teaching Hospital, India
Authors: Sharma Rohit , Martins Natália , Tripathi Arunabh , Caponnetto Pasquale , Garg Neha , Nepovimova Eugenie , Kuča Kamil , Prajapati Pradeep Kumar
Published: April 2020

Background: The initiation of tobacco addiction is complex, and several factors contribute to the onset of this behavior. It is presumed that the influence of family environment may pose a key factor in tobacco addiction. Tobacco-use has been highly observed in the Jamnagar district of Saurashtra region of Gujarat, India. No earlier study has focused on determining the pervasiveness of tobacco-use in families of tobacco users and non-users in this geographical area. Thus, this study aimed to assess the practice and pattern of tobacco-use (smoking and/or tobacco-chewing) in the families of tobacco-user patients. Methods: We studied the families of 65 tobacco-user patients (Group 1) who visited an outpatient clinic of an Ayurvedic post-graduate hospital with complaints of cough were studied and compared with age and gender-matched non-tobacco users (Group 2). The prevalence of tobacco use among the parents, siblings, and children of both groups was analyzed and compared. Results: The findings revealed that tobacco use among parents, siblings, and children in Group 1 was higher than Group 2 (p < 0.001). This meant that the problems of tobacco addiction are not always related to the individual, and therefore, tobacco-prevention strategies should focus on the entire family. Conclusions: These findings offer further insight into the promotion of smoking prevention interventions. Nevertheless, further research is warranted.