bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methods for Improving Quadriceps Femoris Strength after Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Petkutė Toma , Lendraitienė Eglė
Published: May 2019

Research background. The recovery of quadriceps femoris muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty is suboptimal. Quadriceps weakness is associated with decreased gait speed, balance, stair–climbing and chair rise ability, as well as increased risk for falls. Scientifc data about the impact of physiotherapy methods for quadriceps strength is ambiguous. The goal of research was to review and analyse studies evaluating effectiveness of physiotherapy for quadriceps femoris strength after total knee arthroplasty. Methods. Fourteen full articles in English, published in 2006–2016, were selected and analysed; the articles met the following criteria: randomised controlled trials were reviewed if they assessed quadriceps strength, and compared two or more physiotherapy methods after primary total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis. Results. In total 1011 people after total knee arthroplasty participated in the analysed studies. The impact of progressive strength training, aquatic physical therapy, and resistance exercises using vibration plate, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, preoperative physiotherapy, traditional physiotherapy and telerehabilitation were assessed. It has been specifed that quadriceps strength significantly increases and functional status improves using various physiotherapy methods, but the most effcient methods are unclear, the data of the studies are ambiguous. Conclusions. Various physiotherapy methods are used for the improvement of the quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty: preoperative physiotherapy, resistance exercises, aquatic physiotherapy, whole body vibration, neuromuscular electrical stimulation. Telerehabilitation is as effective as traditional rehabilitation in patients after total knee arthroplasty. There is a lack of scientific research that would deny or confrm the advantages of less frequently used physiotherapy methods against traditional physiotherapy, as well as the recommendations of their use after total knee arthroplasty.Keywords: total knee arthroplasty, physiotherapy, quadriceps femoris, muscle strength.
Effect of Physiotherapy with Visual Tools (Cards) on Gross Motor Skills for Children Aged 4 Years
Authors: Stančikaitė Brigita , Liutkutė Brigita
Published: May 2019

Background. Motor development delay is a term used to describe children who exhibit insuffcient motor coordination skills in comparison with that expected for their chronological age and intellect. It is important to start physiotherapy, which should be interesting, attractive and motivating as early as possible for children with developmental motor disorders. We expect physiotherapy sessions with visual supports (the cards) to be more effective compared to usual physiotherapy (without visual supports) while dealing with children’s developmental motor disorders. The aim was to evaluate effect of physiotherapy with visual support (the cards) and usual physiotherapy (without visual support) on gross motor skills in children four years of age. Methods. The study was conducted in a sanatorium. Thirty children with motor development delay (age – 4 years) were included in the study. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups: the study group (n = 15) and the control group (n = 15). The study group subjects received physiotherapy with visual support – cards and controls received usual physiotherapy sessions. Motor age, motor coeffcient, balance and muscle tone were assessed before and after intervention. Results. Before physiotherapy motor age in controls was 33.7 ± 1.6 months, in the study group – 33.4 ± 1.6 months. After physiotherapy it increased significantly respectively to 38.33 ± 1.64 and 37.0 ± 2.0 months. Motor coeffcient before physiotherapy in study group was 69.6 ± 3.4, in the control group – 70.3 ± 3.4, after physiotherapy it improved respectively to 75.2 ± 3.2 and 72.5 ± 3.9 (p < 0.05). Balance before physiotherapy in the study group was 35.4 ± 2.2 points, in the control group – 35.1 ± 3.4 points, followed by physiotherapy it signifcantly improved in both groups respectively to 42.2 ± 3.2 and 38.9 ± 3.6 points. Muscle tone before physiotherapy in the study group was 2.3 ± 0.7 points in the control – 2.2 ± 0.7 points, followed by physiotherapy muscle tone did not change signifcantly, and it was respectively 2.1 ± 0.4 and 2.1 ± 0.4 points. Conclusions. Physiotherapy program with visual support (cards) was effective in improving gross motor skills as well as usual physiotherapy (without cards). There were no signifcant differences between two physiotherapy programs in improving gross motor skills in children 4 years of age.Keywords: children, gross motor skills, physiotherapy, method using cards, motor development delay.
Correlation Between Proprioception and Cervical Functions in Individuals with Chronic Neck Pain
Authors: Šimkutė Justina , Muntianaitė Inga , Aučynienė Ligita , Janonienė Dainė
Published: May 2019

Background. Neck pain can affect cervical functions: reduce cervical range of motion, muscle strength and endurance. Recently, increasing attention has been paid to the assessment of proprioception in individuals with neck pain. It is believed that neck proprioception dysfunction can be linked with neck pain, reduced cervical range-of-motion, muscles strength and endurance. The aim of research was to assess neck dysfunction and proprioception relationship with neck muscle functions, cervical range of motion in individuals with neck pain. Methods. Thirty fve neck pain patients participated in this survey. Neck pain intensity was evaluated using a visual analogue pain scale, neck position sense, cervical active range of motion, cervical muscle strength using Lafayette handheld dynamometer, cervical muscle strength endurance were also evaluated in this study. The statistical analyses were performed. The averages and standard deviations were calculated. Averages were compared with the norm rates. Spearman’s and Pearson’s correlations were used for relationship assessment. Results. The neck position sense and cervical active range of motion statistically signifcantly differed from the norm. There was a difference between lateral neck ﬂexion to the right and to the left – 18° (p < 0.05). The left neck rotation muscles were stronger than the right ones (p < 0.05). Neck extensors had greater endurance than neck ﬂexors for 94.69 seconds (p < 0.05). A statistically significant inverse relationship was found between pain and muscle strength, endurance, and cervical ﬂexion range of motion (p < 0.05). The neck position sense did not correlate with pain. Neck extension position sense negatively correlated with neck muscle group strength endurance (p < 0.05). Conclusions. Individuals with neck pain had neck position sense impairment, muscle imbalance between neck ﬂexors and extensors, and reduced all cervical ranges of motion. With increasing neck pain, intensity muscle strength, muscle endurance, cervical ﬂexion range of motion decreased, but the neck position sense did not correlate with pain. Neck extension position sense was related with all neck muscle group strength endurance.Keywords: neck pain, neck proprioception, muscle strength, muscle endurance, cervical range of motion.
Relationship between Functional State of Cervical Spine, Fear of Movement and Neck-Shoulder Muscle Pain Threshold in Office Workers in The Aspect of Gender
Authors: Maksimovaitė Deimanta , Jurgelaitienė Giedrė
Published: May 2019

Background. Neck and shoulder pain is one of the most common problems of the musculoskeletal system (De Meulemeester et al., 2017). Work-related neck and shoulder pain is one of the most important and every year increasing problems in ofce workers (Cagnie et al., 2013). Purpose. To determine the relationship between functional state of cervical spine, fear of movement and neck-shoulder muscle pain threshold in ofce workers in the aspect of gender. Methods. Thirty six individuals voluntarily participated in the research (21 females, 15 males), who met inclusions criteria. We assessed subjective functional state of cervical spine, fear of movement and neck-shoulder muscle pain threshold on both sides. Results. Females had greater neck disability than males (females – 12.24 ± 3.75 scores, males – 11.27 ± 3.28 scores, p > 0.05) and felt more pain-induced fear of movement during work (females – 23.05 ± 3.72 scores, males – 21.8 ± 2.37 scores, p > 0.05). Males’ neck-shoulder muscle pain threshold on both sides was higher than that of females (p < 0.05). Conclusions. There was no diﬀerence between sedentary females and males’ neck disability and fear of movement. Sedentary males had signifcantly higher neck-shoulder muscle pain threshold compared to females. There were moderate correlations between male neck disability and right supraspinatus muscle pain threshold, but we did not fnd signifcant correlations between female results. There were moderate correlations between females’ fear of movement at work and left infraspinatus muscle pain threshold, while between males there were moderate correlations between fear of movement at work and both middle trapezius muscle and right infraspinatus muscle pain thresholds.Keywords: ofce workers, neck disability, fear of movement, neck-shoulder, pain threshold.
Seleções para um estilo de vida: a revista Seleções e o American way of life
Authors: Scherer Júlia
Published: May 2019

Recebido:  23/09/2018Aprovado:  28/11/2018Publicado: 10/12/2018Neste artigo, o propósito é perceber as reverberações da americanização no Brasil entre os anos de 1942 a 1949, buscando apontar a diversidade de interesses econômicos, políticos e culturais na publicidade presente na revista Seleções. A fonte documental consistiu fundamentalmente em analisar a revista Seleções, edição brasileira da revista estadunidense Reader’s Digest. A publicidade, os negócios, a guerra e as questões de Estado se imbricaram em um complexo emaranhado discursivo, interligado pela insistente retórica da solidariedade continental, manifestada no Brasil não só no campo da política, mas também em nossas expressões culturais: gênero, família, classe, entre outras, e, ainda, nas artísticas e publicitárias. Palavras-Chave: Revista Seleções, consumo, publicidade, American way of life.
HAPŞIRMA ESNASINDA AĞZIN KAPATILMASI SONRASI ORBİTAL AMFİZEM
Authors: Şahin Levent
Published: May 2019

32 yaşındaki erkek hasta, sağ göz kapağında hapşırma
esnasında ağzını kapatması sonucu aniden oluşan şişlik ve ağrı  şikâyeti ile acil servise başvurdu. Geçirilmiş
travma,sinüzit veya cerrahi öyküsü yoktu. Muayenesinde sağ gözde görme alanını
azaltan ve palpasyon ile krepitasyon veren amfizematöz kapak şişliği vardı. Göz
hastalıkları konsültasyonu istendi, antibiyotik tedavisi başlanıldı, iğne ile
subkütan amfizem drene edildi ve hasta rahatladı. Hastaya intranazal hava
basıncını arttırabilecek manevralardan kaçınması önerilerek taburcu edildi.
Vitis vinifera L. Leaf Extract Inhibits In Vitro Mediators of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Involved in Inflammatory-Based Skin Diseases
Authors: Sangiovanni Enrico , Di Lorenzo Chiara , Piazza Stefano , Manzoni Yuri , Brunelli Cecilia , Fumagalli Marco , Magnavacca Andrea , Martinelli Giulia , Colombo Francesca , Casiraghi Antonella , Melzi Gloria , Marabini Laura , Restani Patrizia , Dell’Agli Mario
Published: May 2019

Psoriasis is a chronic cutaneous condition characterized by the release of pro-inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress. The reduction of these factors is currently the most effective strategy to inhibit the symptoms of pathology. Antioxidants from natural sources are increasingly used to improve skin conditions. Dried red leaves from grapevine (Vitis vinifera L., cv Teinturiers) showed anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial activities, but their possible effects on keratinocytes have not been previously investigated. In this study we tested the ability of a water extract from grapevine leaves (VVWE) to inhibit inflammatory conditions in human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells), challenged with proinflammatory (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)) or prooxidant (ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) or H2O2) mediators. VVWE inhibited interleukin-8 (IL-8) secretion induced by proinflammatory stimuli, acting on the IL-8 promoter activity, but the effect was lower when prooxidant mediators were used. The effect was partly explained by the reduction of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)-driven transcription and nuclear translocation. Furthermore, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion, a regulator of angiogenesis, was inhibited by VVWE, but not matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), a protease involved in matrix remodeling. VVWE, assayed on Franz diffusion cell system, showed a marked reduction of High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)-identified compounds. Pure molecules individually failed to reduce TNF-α-induced IL-8 release, suggesting synergistic effects or the presence of other bioactive compounds still unknown.
Fatigue Crack Growth under Non-Proportional Mixed Mode Loading in Rail and Wheel Steel Part 1: Sequential Mode I and Mode II Loading
Authors: Akama Makoto
Published: May 2019

Fatigue tests were performed to estimate the coplanar and branch crack growth rates on rail and wheel steel under non-proportional mixed mode I/II loading cycles simulating the load on rolling contact fatigue cracks; sequential and overlapping mode I and II loadings were applied to single cracks in the specimens. Long coplanar cracks were produced under certain loading conditions. The fracture surfaces observed by scanning electron microscopy and the finite element analysis results suggested that the growth was driven mainly by in-plane shear mode (i.e., mode II) loading. Crack branching likely occurred when the degree of overlap between these mode cycles increased, indicating that such degree enhancement leads to a relative increase of the maximum tangential stress range, based on an elasto–plastic stress field along the branch direction, compared to the maximum shear stress. Moreover, the crack growth rate decreased when the material strength increased because this made the crack tip displacements smaller. The branch crack growth rates could not be represented by a single crack growth law since the plastic zone size ahead of the crack tip increased with the shear part of the loading due to the T-stress, resulting in higher growth rates.
A Method of Insulator Faults Detection in Aerial Images for High-Voltage Transmission Lines Inspection
Authors: Han Jiaming , Yang Zhong , Zhang Qiuyan , Chen Cong , Li Hongchen , Lai Shangxiang , Hu Guoxiong , Xu Changliang , Xu Hao , Wang Di , Chen Rui
Published: May 2019

Insulator faults detection is an important task for high-voltage transmission line inspection. However, current methods often suffer from the lack of accuracy and robustness. Moreover, these methods can only detect one fault in the insulator string, but cannot detect a multi-fault. In this paper, a novel method is proposed for insulator one fault and multi-fault detection in UAV-based aerial images, the backgrounds of which usually contain much complex interference. The shapes of the insulators also vary obviously due to the changes in filming angle and distance. To reduce the impact of complex interference on insulator faults detection, we make full use of the deep neural network to distinguish between insulators and background interference. First of all, plenty of insulator aerial images with manually labelled ground-truth are collected to construct a standard insulator detection dataset ‘InST_detection’. Secondly, a new convolutional network is proposed to obtain accurate insulator string positions in the aerial image. Finally, a novel fault detection method is proposed that can detect both insulator one fault and multi-fault in aerial images. Experimental results on a large number of aerial images show that our proposed method is more effective and efficient than the state-of-the-art insulator fault detection methods.
Dual-Band Light Absorption Enhancement in Hyperbolic Rectangular Array
Authors: Qi Honglong , Sang Tian , Wang La , Yin Xin , Wang Jicheng , Wang Yueke
Published: May 2019

The effect of dual-band light absorption enhancement in a hyperbolic rectangular array (HRA) is presented. The enhanced light absorption of the HRA results from the propagating surface plasmon (PSP) resonance, and a dual-band absorption with low and flat sideband level can be realized. The impedance theory is used to evaluate the absorption properties of the HRA, and shows that the input impedances of the HRA varied abruptly around the absorption bands to meet the impedance matching. The absorption spectra of the HRA can be estimated using the effective medium theory (EMT), and its accuracy can be improved as the number of film stacks is increased. The dual-band absorptions of the HRA are very robust to the variations of the width and the number of film stack. Potential application in refractive index sensing can be achieved by utilizing the two absorption bands.
Real-Time GPU-Based Digital Image Correlation Sensor for Marker-Free Strain-Controlled Fatigue Testing
Authors: Blug Andreas , Regina David Joel , Eckmann Stefan , Senn Melanie , Bertz Alexander , Carl Daniel , Eberl Chris
Published: May 2019

Digital image correlation (DIC) is a highly accurate image-based deformation measurement method achieving a repeatability in the range of   σ =   10−5 relative to the field-of-view. The method is well accepted in material testing for non-contact strain measurement. However, the correlation makes it computationally slow on conventional, CPU-based computers. Recently, there have been DIC implementations based on graphics processing units (GPU) for strain-field evaluations with numerous templates per image at rather low image rates, but there are no real-time implementations for fast strain measurements with sampling rates above 1 kHz. In this article, a GPU-based 2D-DIC system is described achieving a strain sampling rate of 1.2 kHz with a latency of less than 2 milliseconds. In addition, the system uses the incidental, characteristic microstructure of the specimen surface for marker-free correlation, without need for any surface preparation—even on polished hourglass specimen. The system generates an elongation signal for standard PID-controllers of testing machines so that it directly replaces mechanical extensometers. Strain-controlled LCF measurements of steel, aluminum, and nickel-based superalloys at temperatures of up to 1000 °C are reported and the performance is compared to other path-dependent and path-independent DIC systems. According to our knowledge, this is one of the first GPU-based image processing systems for real-time closed-loop applications.
Research on Scene Classification Method of High-Resolution Remote Sensing Images Based on RFPNet
Authors: Zhang Xin , Wang Yongcheng , Zhang Ning , Xu Dongdong , Chen Bo
Published: May 2019

One of the challenges in the field of remote sensing is how to automatically identify and classify high-resolution remote sensing images. A number of approaches have been proposed. Among them, the methods based on low-level visual features and middle-level visual features have limitations. Therefore, this paper adopts the method of deep learning to classify scenes of high-resolution remote sensing images to learn semantic information. Most of the existing methods of convolutional neural networks are based on the existing model using transfer learning, while there are relatively few articles about designing of new convolutional neural networks based on the existing high-resolution remote sensing image datasets. In this context, this paper proposes a multi-view scaling strategy, a new convolutional neural network based on residual blocks and fusing strategy of pooling layer maps, and uses optimization methods to make the convolutional neural network named RFPNet more robust. Experiments on two benchmark remote sensing image datasets have been conducted. On the UC Merced dataset, the test accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score all exceed 93%. On the SIRI-WHU dataset, the test accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score all exceed 91%. Compared with the existing methods, such as the most traditional methods and some deep learning methods for scene classification of high-resolution remote sensing images, the proposed method has higher accuracy and robustness.
Chelidonic Acid and Its Derivatives from Saussurea Controversa: Isolation, Structural Elucidation and Influence on the Osteogenic Differentiation of Multipotent Mesenchymal Stromal Cells In Vitro
Authors: Avdeeva Elena , Shults Elvira , Rybalova Tatyana , Reshetov Yaroslav , Porokhova Ekaterina , Sukhodolo Irina , Litvinova Larisa , Shupletsova Valeria , Khaziakhmatova Olga , Khlusov Igor , Guryev Artem , Belousov Mikhail
Published: May 2019

4-oxo-4H-pyran-2.6-dicarboxylic acid (chelidonic acid, ChA) in the native state and in the complex with calcium [Ca(ChA)(H2O)3], named saucalchelin (CaChA), was isolated from the extract of Saussurea controversa leaves for the first time for the Asteraceae family. The structure of ChA was determined by NMR, MS and confirmed by X-ray analysis of its monomethyl ester, and CaChA was described by IR, ICP-MS, CHN analysis. The yield of ChA and CaChA was 45 mg/g and 70 mg/g of extract, respectively. The osteogenic activity of ChA, n-monobutyl ester of chelidonic acid, and CaChA has been studied in vitro in a 21-day culture of human adipose-derived multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (hAMMSCs) in a standard nutrient medium without osteogenic supplements. CaChA significantly stimulated the growth of cell mass and differentiation of hAMMSCs into osteoblasts with subsequent mineralization of the culture and it may be a promising substance for accelerating bone tissue regeneration and engineering.
Research on Optimization Design of SCR Nozzle for National VI Heavy Duty Diesel Engine
Authors: Qian Feng , Ma Dong , Zhu Neng , Li Peng , Xu Xiaowei
Published: May 2019

For the National VI heavy-duty diesel vehicles, NOx emission regulations are becoming more and more stringent, and the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system has become a necessary device. The design of the adblue nozzle in the SCR system is especially critical, directly affecting the NOx conversion efficiency and deposit formation. According to the structure of a National VI diesel engine exhaust pipe and SCR system, the nozzle is optimized by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method to avoid the collision between the urea droplets and the exhaust pipe wall, to ensure that the exhaust gas and the urea droplets are as much as possible in full contact to ensure a sufficient urea pyrolysis. With the optimized nozzle, the NH3 distribution uniformity of the inlet face of the SCR catalyst can increase from 0.58 to 0.92. Additionally, test verifications are implemented based on the spray particle size test and the engine bench tests; the results show that the Sauter mean diameter of the optimized nozzle is more decreased than the initial nozzle and that the NOx conversion efficiency of the World Harmonized Transient Cycle (WHTC) and World Harmonized Stationary Cycle (WHSC) cycle improves by nearly 3%; additionally, it can also avoid deposit formation.
Porous Ni Photocathodes Obtained by Selective Corrosion of Ni-Cu Films: Synthesis and Photoelectrochemical Characterization
Authors: Mais Laura , Palmas Simonetta , Mascia Michele , Sechi Elisa , Casula Maria Francesca , Rodriguez Jesus , Vacca Annalisa
Published: May 2019

In this work, a dealloying technique is proposed as a synthesis method to obtain highly porous Nickel electrodes starting from Ni-Cu co-deposit: pulsed corrosion is applied adopting different corrosion and relaxation times. Different morphologies, pore size distribution and residual copper amount were obtained depending on the corrosion conditions. For the developed electrodes, the surface roughness factor, Rf, was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) on these electrodes was evaluated by means of steady-state polarization curves, and the related parameters were derived by Tafel analysis. Finally, a thin layer of NiO on the porous structures was obtained to exploit the semiconductor characteristic of the oxide, so that an extra-photopotential was obtained by the simulated solar light action. Results demonstrate greater apparent activity of the developed electrodes towards HER in comparison with commercial smooth Ni electrode, which can be mainly attributed to the large Rf obtained with the proposed technique.
Active Management of Heat Customers Towards Lower District Heating Return Water Temperature
Authors: Rosén Tommy , Ödlund Louise
Published: May 2019

The traditional way of managing the supply and return water temperatures in a district heating system (DHS) is by controlling the supply water temperature. The return water temperature then becomes a passive result that reflects the overall energy efficiency of the DHS. A DHS with many poorly functioning district heating centrals will create a high return water temperature, and the energy efficiency of the DHS will be affected negatively in several ways (e.g., lower efficiency of the flue gas condenser, higher heat losses in pipes, and lower electricity production for a DHS with combined heat and power (CHP)). With a strategic introduction of low-grade heat customers, the return water temperature can be lowered and, to some extent, controlled. With the heat customers connected in parallel, which is the traditional setup, return water temperatures can only be lowered at the same rate as the heat customers are improved. The active management of some customers can lower the return water temperatures faster and, in the long run, lead to better controlled return water temperatures. Active management is defined here as an adjustment of a domestic heating system in order to improve DHS efficiency without affecting the heating service for the individual building. The opposite can be described as passive management, where heat customers are connected to the DHS in a standardized manner, without taking the overall DHS efficiency into consideration. The case study in this article shows possible efficiency gains for the examined DHS at around 7%. Looking at fuel use, there is a large reduction for oil, with 10–30% reduction depending on the case in question, while the reduction is shown to be largest for the case with the lowest return water temperature. The results also show that efficiency gains will increase electricity production by about 1–3%, and that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are reduced by 4–20%.
Evaluation of Efficient Operation for Electromechanical Brake Using Maximum Torque per Ampere Control
Authors: Baek Seung-Koo , Oh Hyuck-Keun , Park Joon-Hyuk , Shin Yu-Jeong , Kim Seog-Won
Published: May 2019

This paper deals with efficient operation method for the electromechanical brake (EMB). A three-phase interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) is applied to the EMB operation. A current controller, speed controller, and position controller based on proportional-integral (PI) control are used to drive the IPMSM. Maximum torque per ampere (MTPA) control is applied to the current controller to perform efficient control. For MTPA control, the angle β is calculated from total input current, and the synchronous frame d–q axis current reference is determined by the angle β. The IPMSM is designed and analyzed with finite element analysis (FEA) software and current control is simulated by Matlab/Simulink using a motor model designed by FEA software. The simulation results were verified to compare with experimental results that are input current and clamping force of caliper. In addition, the experimental results showed that the energy consumption is reduced by MTPA.
Erratum: Li, C.P.; Duan, L.C.; Tan, S.C., et al. Influences on High-Voltage Electro Pulse Boring in Granite. Energies 2018, 11, 2461
Authors: Li Changping , Duan Longchen , Tan Songcheng , Chikhotkin Victor
Published: May 2019

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
An Optimal-Control Scheme for Coordinated Surplus-Heat Exchange in Industry Clusters
Authors: Knudsen Brage Rugstad , Kauko Hanne , Andresen Trond
Published: May 2019

Industrial plants organized in clusters may improve their economics and energy efficiency by exchanging and utilizing surplus heat. However, integrating inherently dynamic processes and highly time-varying surplus-heat supplies and demands is challenging. To this end, a structured optimization and control framework may significantly improve inter-plant surplus-heat valorization. We present a Modelica-based systems model and optimal-control scheme for surplus-heat exchange in industrial clusters. An industry-cluster operator is assumed to coordinate and control the surplus-heat exchange infrastructure and responsible for handling the surplus heat and satisfy the sink plants’ heat demands. As a case study, we use an industry cluster consisting of two plants with surplus heat available and two plants with heat demand. The total surplus heat and heat demand are equal, but the availability and demand are highly asynchronous. By optimally utilizing demand predictions and a thermal energy storage (TES) unit, the operator is able to supply more than 98% of the deficit heat as surplus heat from the plants in the industry cluster, while only 77% in a corresponding case without TES. We argue that the proposed framework and case study illustrates a direction for increasing inter-plant surplus-heat utilization in industry clusters with reduced use of peak heating, often associated with high costs or emissions.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Associated with Tree Species in a Planted Forest of Eastern China
Authors: Wang Jinping , Wang G. Geoff , Zhang Bo , Yuan Zhongming , Fu Zhiyuan , Yuan Yingdan , Zhu Lingjun , Ma Shilin , Zhang Jinchi
Published: May 2019

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play an important role in the establishment and maintenance of plant communities in forest ecosystems. Most previous studies about AMF have been conducted in natural forests, and little attention has been paid to trees in planted forests. This study investigated AMF associated with tree species and the relationships between edaphic factors and AMF communities in a planted forest of eastern China. We found high total AMF colonization rates in the roots of Carya illinoensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch, Zelkova serrata (Thunb.) Makinoz, Taxodium ‘zhongshansha’, Eucommia ulmoides Oliv., and Elaeagnus pungens Thunb., ranging from 62.07% to 100%, indicating that AMF can establish effective symbiotic relationships with these tree species. The AMF colonization rate was significantly and negatively correlated with soil phosphorus, while AMF colonization intensity was significantly and negatively correlated with soil moisture content, total carbon, and organic matter content. Spore density was in the range of 4.38 to 76.38 spores per g soil. In total, 35 AMF species from 10 genera were identified. Glomus and Acaulospora were the dominant genera. Acaulospora foveata and Septoglomus constrictum were the dominant species. AMF communities differed among the tree species and were closely related to edaphic factors, and AMF diversity was significantly related to soil carbon and pH. Our results revealed the colonization, community, and diversity of AMF associated with tree species, as well as their relationships with edaphic factors, in planted forests. Our findings can be used to provide insight on the utilization and management of AMF to maintain sustainable management of planted forests.
High Pressure Hydrocarbons Revisited: From van der Waals Compounds to Diamond
Authors: Conway Lewis J. , Hermann Andreas
Published: May 2019

Methane and other hydrocarbons are major components of the mantle regions of icy planets. Several recent computational studies have investigated the high-pressure behaviour of specific hydrocarbons. To develop a global picture of hydrocarbon stability, to identify relevant decomposition reactions, and probe eventual formation of diamond, a complete study of all hydrocarbons is needed. Using density functional theory calculations we survey here all known C-H crystal structures augmented by targeted crystal structure searches to build hydrocarbon phase diagrams in the ground state and at elevated temperatures. We find that an updated pressure-temperature phase diagram for methane is dominated at intermediate pressures by CH 4 :H 2 van der Waals inclusion compounds. We discuss the P-T phase diagram for CH and CH 2 (i.e., polystyrene and polyethylene) to illustrate that diamond formation conditions are strongly composition dependent. Finally, crystal structure searches uncover a new CH 4 (H 2 ) 2 van der Waals compound, the most hydrogen-rich hydrocarbon, stable between 170 and 220 GPa.
A Multidisciplinary Conservation Project for the Cavallerizza Courtyard, Palazzo Ducale di Mantova
Authors: Adami Andrea , Fregonese Luigi , Lattanzi Daniela , Mazzeri Antonio , Rossignoli Olga , Scala Barbara
Published: May 2019

The “Palazzo Ducale” museum complex in Mantua has been the object of intermittent interventions, which have not represented, over the last 30 years, a consistent strategy in terms of conservation. In the light of new financial and technological possibilities, a renewed management synergy has been activated: better operative decisions and the application of innovative tools are the core of this attitude. The article illustrates the path of knowledge activated in the museum’s “Cortile della Cavallerizza”: from archival research, geometrical survey and diagnostic analysis, up to the executive design of its conservative project.
Evaluation of Health Hazard Due to Emission of Volatile Organic Compounds from Various Processing Units of Wastewater Treatment Plant
Authors: Byliński Hubert , Gębicki Jacek , Namieśnik Jacek
Published: May 2019

The paper describes an attempt at health risk assessment and odour concentration determination in the most important units of a wastewater treatment plant. The cancer risk (CR) and hazard index (HI) parameters in selected measurement locations were calculated based on the results of chromatographic analyses (GCxGC-TOF-MS) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) guidelines. No exceedance of the CR and HI acceptable levels was observed for identified and quantitatively determined compounds from the VOCs group. The acceptable level was exceeded for the summary HI parameter. Following a classification of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), it was noticed that the highest hazard was connected to the presence of formaldehyde belonging to group 1—the compounds regarded as carcinogenic. Based on the olfactometric analyses, it was estimated that the highest odour concentration, 37.2 ou/m3, occurred at the solid waste composting piles. It was also revealed that an increase in odour concentration corresponded to a higher health risk for employees of the wastewater treatment plant, due to exposure to volatile odorous compounds. Accordingly, this method of odour measurement can be a fast indicator describing health risk level.
Non-Nutritional Use of Human Milk Part 1: A Survey of the Use of Breast Milk as a Therapy for Mucosal Infections of Various Types in Poland
Authors: Karcz Karolina , Walkowiak Mateusz , Makuch Julia , Olejnik Igor , Królak-Olejnik Barbara
Published: May 2019

The use of home remedies for the treatment of moderately severe ailments is a common practice in the Polish population. Currently, the topic of the potential non-nutritional properties of human milk is attracting the attention of breastfeeding mothers. This study was aimed at understanding lactating women’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices of non-nutritional breast milk on mucous membranes. The study was conducted among lactating women, who filled out a questionnaire consisting of questions about their knowledge and experiences with non-nutritional use of human milk. Statistical calculations were conducted with chi-square test and c-Pearson coefficient. A total of 1187 women were acted on, whereby 768 of respondents claimed to have knowledge of the non-nutritional use of human milk on mucous membranes, whilst 404 of them claimed that they had used at least one method. Among the most frequently used methods were the treatment of rhinorrhea, lacrimal canaliculi obstruction, and conjunctivitis. A correlation between length of breastfeeding (p < 0.001) and knowledge of non-nutritional human milk usage in prophylaxis and treatment of mucous membrane inflammation was found. Breastfeeding duration (p < 0.001) and parity (p < 0.005) were correlated with the application of those methods in practice. Due to a high propensity to testing those methods, parents’ education in the field of possible risks and importance of medical consultations is necessary.
The Environmental Impact and Formation of Meals from the Pilot Year of a Las Vegas Convention Food Rescue Program
Authors: To Samantha , Coughenour Courtney , Pharr Jennifer
Published: May 2019

Annually, millions of tonnes of leftover edible foods are sent to landfill. Not only does this harm the environment by increasing the release of greenhouse gases which contribute to climate change, but it poses a question of ethics given that nearly 16 million households are food insecure in the US, and hundreds of millions of people around the globe. The purpose of this study was to document the amount of food diverted from landfill in the pilot year of a convention food rescue program and to determine the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions avoided by the diversion of such food. In the pilot year of the convention food rescue program 24,703 kg of food were diverted. It is estimated that 108 metric tonnes of GHG emmisions were avoided as a result, while 45,383 meals for food insecure individuals were produced. These findings have significant implications for public and environmental health, as GHG emissions have a destructive effect on the earth’s atmosphere and rescued food can be redistributed to food insecure individuals.
Emotional Intelligence and Psychological Well-Being in Adolescents
Authors: Guerra-Bustamante Joan , León-del-Barco Benito , Yuste-Tosina Rocío , López-Ramos Víctor M. , Mendo-Lázaro Santiago
Published: May 2019

The present study aimed to analyze the association between of the dimensions of emotional intelligence (attention, clarity, and repair) and different levels of perceived happiness (low, medium, and high) in adolescents. The sample consists of 646 students in the first, second, third, and fourth years of Secondary Education, 47.5% females and 52.5% males, between 12 and 17 years of age. The instruments used were the Spanish version of the Trait Meta Mood Scale-24 Questionnaire to measure perceived emotional intelligence and the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire. Multinomial logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed. The results suggest that as the capacity of understanding and regulation of emotional intelligence increases, happiness also increases. Adolescence is seen as an ideal time in life to encourage the development of emotional capacities that contribute to the greater happiness of individuals. In this way, the present study stresses the need to carry out practices leading to improvements in the adolescents’ emotional intelligence and therefore increase their happiness and emotional well-being.
Assessing the Potential for Integrating Routine Data Collection on Complementary Feeding to Child Health Visits: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Tully Louise , Wright Charlotte M. , McCormick Deirdre , Garcia Ada L.
Published: May 2019

There is no routine data collection in the UK on infant dietary diversity during the transition to solid foods, and health visitors (HVs) (nurses or midwives with specialist training in children and family health) have the potential to play a key role in nutrition surveillance. We aimed to assess items for inclusion in routine data collection, their suitability for collecting informative data, and acceptability among HVs. A mixed-methods study was undertaken using: (i) an online survey testing potential questionnaire items among parents/caregivers, (ii) questionnaire redevelopment in collaboration with community staff, and (iii) a survey pilot by HVs followed by qualitative data collection. Preliminary online questionnaires (n = 122) were collected to identify useful items on dietary diversity. Items on repeated exposure to foods, aversive feeding behaviors, flavor categories, and sugar intake were selected to correspond to nutrition recommendations, and be compatible with electronic records via tablet. HVs surveyed 187 parents of infants aged 12 months. Semi-structured interviews indicated that HVs found the questionnaire comparable with standard nutrition conversations, which prompted helpful discussions, but questions on eating behavior did not prompt such useful discussions and, in some cases, caused confusion about what was ‘normal.’ Lack of time among HVs, internet connectivity issues, and fear of losing rapport with parents were barriers to completing electronic questionnaires, with 91% submitted by paper. Routine nutrition data collection via child health records seems feasible and could inform quality improvement projects.
APOE Variant (rs405509) might Modulate the Effect of Sex and Educational Level on Cognitive Impairment Risk in a Taiwanese Population
Authors: Hsu Tsui-Wen , Tantoh Disline Manli , Liu Pang-Li , Chen Pei-Hsin , Nfor Oswald Ndi , Chou Ming-Chih , Lin Long-Yau , Liaw Yung-Po
Published: May 2019

Education, sex, and the APOE-rs405509 variant are associated with Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive performance. We investigated if the rs405509 TT, TG, and GG genotypes modulate the effect of sex and education on cognitive impairment in Taiwanese adults. Data on cognitive health (defined by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores) and rs405509 were from Taiwan Biobank. Participants included 2105 men and 2027 women with a mean age of 64 years. Education below university level was significantly associated with lower MMSE scores. The odds ratios (ORs) were 1.82; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38–2.41 for senior high school, 3.39; 95% CI 2.50–4.59 for junior high school, and 11.94; 95% CI 9.91–15.50 for elementary school and below (p-trend < 0.05). The association between MMSE score and sex was significant only in the lowest educational group (elementary and below), with lower odds of having a low MMSE score in men compared to women (OR = 0.51; 95% CI 0.34–0.77). After stratification by rs405509 genotypes, this association was significant only among TT genotype carriers (OR = 0.481; CI = 0.253–0.915). In conclusion, a significant association between MMSE score and sex was observed in the lowest educational group, especially among carriers of rs405509 TT genotypes.
The Driving Forces of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent Emissions Have Spatial Spillover Effects in Inner Mongolia
Authors: Zhou Yannan , Huang Jixia , Huang Mingxiang , Lin Yicheng
Published: May 2019

To spatially analyze the effects of the major drivers on carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq) emissions in Inner Mongolia, a typical area with high CO2eq emissions in China, this paper quantitatively investigates the factors that affect county-level CO2eq emissions and the corresponding spatial mechanisms. Based on a spatial panel econometric model with related energy and economic data from 101 counties in Inner Mongolia between 2007 and 2012, four main results are obtained: (a) The CO2eq emissions in Inner Mongolia rapidly increased at an average annual growth rate of 7.27% from 2007 to 2012, increasing from 287.69 million tons to 510.47 million tons. (b) The county-level CO2eq emissions in Inner Mongolia increased, but the growth rate decreased annually. Additionally, CO2eq emissions are highly heterogeneous in the region. (c) Geographic factors were the main cause of the spatial spillover effects related to county-level CO2eq emissions. Specifically, the levels of urbanization and technological progress were conducive to CO2eq emission reductions, and the economic growth and industrial structure had the opposite effect in Inner Mongolian counties. (d) Technological progress had a significant spatial spillover effect in Inner Mongolian counties, and the effects of other factors were not significant. Implementing relevant strategies that focus on the inter-county interactions among the driving forces of CO2eq emissions could promote energy savings and emission reductions in Inner Mongolia.
A Review on Equine Piroplasmosis: Epidemiology, Vector Ecology, Risk Factors, Host Immunity, Diagnosis and Control
Authors: Onyiche ThankGod E. , Suganuma Keisuke , Igarashi Ikuo , Yokoyama Naoaki , Xuan Xuenan , Thekisoe Oriel
Published: May 2019

Equine Piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne disease caused by apicomplexan protozoan parasites, Babesia caballi and Theileria equi. The disease is responsible for serious economic losses to the equine industry. It principally affects donkeys, horses, mules, and zebra but DNA of the parasites has also been detected in dogs and camels raising doubt about their host specificity. The disease is endemic in tropical and temperate regions of the world where the competent tick vectors are prevalent. Infected equids remain carrier for life with T. equi infection, whilst, infection with B. caballi is cleared within a few years. This review focuses on all aspects of the disease from the historical overview, biology of the parasite, epidemiology of the disease (specifically highlighting other non-equine hosts, such as dogs and camels), vector, clinical manifestations, risk factors, immunology, genetic diversity, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Curcumin and Heme Oxygenase: Neuroprotection and Beyond
Authors: Mhillaj Emanuela , Tarozzi Andrea , Pruccoli Letizia , Cuomo Vincenzo , Trabace Luigia , Mancuso Cesare
Published: May 2019

Curcumin is a natural polyphenol component of Curcuma longa Linn, which is currently considered one of the most effective nutritional antioxidants for counteracting free radical-related diseases. Several experimental data have highlighted the pleiotropic neuroprotective effects of curcumin, due to its activity in multiple antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways involved in neurodegeneration. Although its poor systemic bioavailability after oral administration and low plasma concentrations represent restrictive factors for curcumin therapeutic efficacy, innovative delivery formulations have been developed in order to overwhelm these limitations. This review provides a summary of the main findings involving the heme oxygenase/biliverdin reductase system as a valid target in mediating the potential neuroprotective properties of curcumin. Furthermore, pharmacokinetic properties and concerns about curcumin’s safety profile have been addressed.