bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Valores de referência de tempo de protrombina e tempo de tromboplastina parcial ativada para felinos domésticos (Felis catus) com kit reagente humano
Authors: Zorzo Carolina , Barros Marisol Alves de , Souza Thays Guimarães de , Borges Jaqueline Camargo , Pereira Nathalia Assis , Silva Diogo Wittingham da , Bortolini Juliano , Mendonça Adriane Jorge
Published: June 2020

Os exames de avaliação da coagulação sanguínea são utilizados para verificar a hemostasia em todas as suas fases e investigar a presença de doenças hemostáticas em pequenos animais. Diante da escassez e do alto valor aquisitivo de reagentes específicos para a avaliação da hemostasia em felinos, os reagentes humanos são utilizados em grande parte dos laboratórios clínicos veterinários, o que compromete a sensibilidade dos resultados. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo determinar valores de referência para o tempo de protrombina (TP) e tempo de tromboplastina parcial ativada (TTPa) para felinos domésticos (Felis catus), utilizando reagentes da marca Wiener Lab, padronizados para humanos. Amostras de sangue de 50 felinos adultos clinicamente sadios foram utilizadas. Os resultados obtidos foram de 3,9 ± 1,52 segundos para o TP, com valores mínimo e máximo de 3,52 e 4,34; e de 27,94 ± 1,77 segundos para TTPa, com valores mínimo e máximo de 27,50 e 28,48, respectivamente. Concluiu-se, que os valores obtidos neste experimento podem ser utilizados como referência para felinos, em testes manuais com kit humano da marca Wiener Lab.
Processo de ensino-aprendizagem da saúde mental na graduação em Enfermagem: uma revisão de literatura
Authors: Ribeiro Wanderson Alves , Marchi Marcelo Viana , Monteiro Flávio de Lima , Silva Luana Ferreira da
Published: June 2020

A enfermagem na saúde mental sempre se fez presente ao longo da história, todavia ficou mais evidente após o período da reforma psiquiátrica no Brasil. Sucedeu-se uma evolução no tratamento dos pacientes com transtornos mentais persistentes e severos onde, até então, as condutas assistenciais contemplavam métodos desumanos e cruéis, caracterizadas por violência e abandono. Trata-se de uma pesquisa bibliográfica de abordagem qualitativa, com objetivo de descrever a condução do ensino de saúde mental na graduação em enfermagem para formação do enfermeiro. Após a associação de todos os descritores foram encontrados 277 artigos, excluídos 268 e selecionados 15. Posterior à leitura reflexiva emergiram três categorias: a questão da loucura e o legado para saúde mental; a construção do profissional enfermeiro e a saúde mental e atribuições do enfermeiro na saúde mental. O processo formativo do discente de enfermagem em saúde mental, precisa ser sustentado no paradigma psicossocial com vistas a conduzir transformações na formação do futuro enfermeiro. Estudo sobre a formação dos discentes de enfermagem em saúde mental de IES no Brasil aponta que as crenças e as motivações destes, em relação ao modelo de assistência psicossocial influencia no ensino e na produção de conhecimento. Conclui-se que, especificamente, enfatizando o processo de formação acadêmica do profissional enfermeiro durante a graduação, torna-se de grande relevância um estudo que identifique e evidencie o comportamento acadêmico, bem como suas respectivas expectativas acerca da importância do ensino e aprendizagem do conteúdo de saúde mental.
O uso medicinal de “Terramicina” Alternanthera dentata (Moench) Stuchlik., em uma comunidade do nordeste paraense-Amazônia-Brasil
Authors: Moraes Jones Souza , Santos Deyvison Luz , Silva Gabrielle de Nazaré Falcão da , Souza Keulle Oliveira da , Souza Dina Charlen Ramos de , Fecury Amanda Alves , Dendasck Carla Viana , Araújo Maria Helena Mendonça de , Dias Cláudio Alberto Gellis de Mattos , Pinheiro Maria da Conceição Nascimento , Moreira Elisângela Cláudia de Medeiros , Oliveira Euzébio de , Silva Iracely Rodrigues da
Published: June 2020

O Brasil apresenta uma grande biodiversidade de espécies variadas na flora e fauna em seus diversos ecossistemas. Os povos indígenas e as populações tradicionais, de alguma forma, são os principais responsáveis pela conservação e pela diversidade biológica de nossos ecossistemas, produto da interação do manejo da natureza em modelos tradicionais. Este trabalho objetivou registrar os usos tradicionais de “Terramicina” Alternanthera dentata (Moench) Stuchlik., na comunidade de Bacuriteua, além é claro de registar as informações botânicas, bem como descrever os princípios ativos presentes na planta, a fim de contribuir com a manutenção do saber popular e a conservação dessa espécie. A metodologia baseou-se numa abordagem qualitativa, através da pesquisa de campo empregando as técnicas de coletas de dados com o free listing, entrevistas com informantes-chaves, formulários, observação e coletas de amostras vegetais para posterior identificação. A partir dos resultados da pesquisa, registrou-se que a comunidade pesquisada apresenta um amplo conhecimento em relação ao uso de plantas medicinais, mais precisamente da “Terramicina”, uma vez que a espécie é utilizada para o tratamento de dor de cabeça, ferimentos, alergias e infecção urinária. Com isso, é importante divulgar tais conhecimentos às futuras gerações, além da importância do uso coerente das espécies medicinais.
Atuação do farmacêutico clínico e comunitário frente a pandemia da COVID-19
Authors: Silva Lucélia Maria Carneiro da , Araújo Jeorgio Leão
Published: June 2020

Esta pesquisa tem por objetivo apresentar a importância da atuação do profissional farmacêutico frente a pandemia do COVID-19. Trata-se de uma revisão bibliográfica que foi  realizada com base em dados coletados das plataformas de pesquisa Science Direct, Pubmed,  Medline e em sites oficiais do governo brasileiro. Como critério de inclusão selecionou-se artigos de 2019 e 2020 entre os dias 15 de setembro de 2019 a 13 de maio de 2020, em inglês e completos que tratam da temática em questão. Os resultados encontrados indicam que a atuação do farmacêutico nas equipes de saúde que estão enfrentando essa pandemia é fundamental uma vez que esse profissional tem o conhecimento dos medicamentos, suas interações e reações adversas a medicamentos. O gerenciamento da farmácia hospitalar nesse momento é imprescindível para que não haja escassez de medicamento e nem desperdícios, e dentro das farmácias comunitárias a atuação do farmacêutico dá-se por meio de informações sobre prevenção e controle da COVID-19, bem como orientações para aqueles pacientes que já possuem outras comorbidades e fazem uso contínuo de medicamentos. Assim o farmacêutico comunitário e clínico que estão atuando frente a essa pandemia têm se tornado um profissional indispensável uma vez que, possui total respaldo para integrar as equipes de saúde para contribuir com seu conhecimento e habilidade sobre os medicamentos.
Índice de Desenvolvimento da Educação Básica (IDEB), observado e projetado, das escolas estaduais do norte do Brasil e do estado do Amapá entre 2007 e 2017
Authors: Brilhante Ana Lis Pimentel , Fecury Amanda Alves , Freitas Rosilene Ilma Ribeiro de , Dendasck Carla Viana , Araújo Maria Helena Mendonça de , Macêdo Jucimeire Rocha , Moreira Elisângela Cláudia de Medeiros , Souza Keulle Oliveira da , Silva Iracely Rodrigues da , Oliveira Euzébio de , Dias Claudio Alberto Gellis de Mattos
Published: June 2020

O Índice de Desenvolvimento da Educação Básica (IDEB) representa um indicador educacional medido pelo Instituto Nacional de Estudos e Pesquisas Educacionais (INEP) para avaliar a qualidade das escolas brasileiras. Sua composição é analisada através do fluxo escolar e do desempenho de aprendizagem em Língua Portuguesa e Matemática compilados pelo Sistema de Avaliação da Educação Básica (SAEB). Nessa perspectiva, o objetivo da presente pesquisa foi comparar o IDEB observado e projetado, das escolas estaduais do Norte do Brasil e do Estado do Amapá entre 2007 e 2017. Para tanto, realizou-se pesquisa de cunho bibliográfico. Verificou-se que o Estado do Amapá ainda apresenta um dé ficit de rendimento de aprendizagem em relação à média dos outros estados da região Norte do Brasil. Diante do exposto, o artigo sugere que o IDEB cumpra sua função social descrita na meta 7 do Plano Nacional de Educação (PNE) que trata o indicador como norteador de políticas públicas a serem implementadas no cotidiano escolar.
Remdesivir (GS-5734) Impedes Enterovirus Replication Through Viral RNA Synthesis Inhibition
Authors: Ye Wei , Yao Min , Dong Yangchao , Ye Chuantao , Wang Dan , Liu He , Ma Hongwei , Zhang Hui , Qi Libin , Yang Yuewu , Wang Yuan , Zhang Liang , Cheng Linfeng , Lv Xin , Xu Zhikai , Lei Yingfeng , Zhang Fanglin
Published: June 2020

Human enteroviruses are responsible for diverse diseases, from mild respiratory symptoms to fatal neurological complications. Currently, no registered antivirals have been approved for clinical therapy. Thus, a therapeutic agent for the enterovirus-related disease is urgently needed. Remdesivir (GS-5734) is a novel monophosphoramidate adenosine analog prodrug that exhibits potent antiviral activity against diverse RNA virus families, including positive-sense Coronaviridae and Flaviviridae and negative-sense Filoviridae, Paramyxoviridae, and Pneumoviridae. Currently, remdesivir is under phase 3 clinical development for disease COVID-19 treatment. Here, we found that remdesivir impeded both EV71 viral RNA (vRNA) and complementary (cRNA) synthesis, indicating that EV71 replication is inhibited by the triphosphate (TP) form of remdesivir. Moreover, remdesivir showed potent antiviral activity against diverse enteroviruses. These data extend the remdesivir antiviral activity to enteroviruses and indicate that remdesivir is a promising antiviral treatment for EV71 and other enterovirus infections.
VIP Modulation of Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity: A Role for VIP Receptors as Therapeutic Targets in Cognitive Decline and Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Cunha-Reis Diana , Caulino-Rocha Ana
Published: June 2020

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is an important modulatory peptide throughout the CNS acting as a neurotransmitter, neurotrophic or neuroprotective factor. In the hippocampus, a brain area implicated in learning and memory processes, VIP has a crucial role in the control of GABAergic transmission and pyramidal cell activity in response to specific network activity by either VIP-containing basket cells or interneuron-selective (IS) interneurons and this appears to have a differential impact in hippocampal-dependent cognition. At the cellular level, VIP regulates synaptic transmission by either promoting disinhibition, through activation of VPAC1receptors, or enhancing pyramidal cell excitability, through activation of VPAC2receptors. These actions also control several important synaptic plasticity phenomena such as long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD). This paper reviews the current knowledge on the activation and multiple functions of VIP expressing cells in the hippocampus and their role in controlling synaptic transmission, synaptic plasticity and learning and memory processes, discussing also the role of VPAC1and VPAC2VIP receptors in the regulation of these different processes. Furthermore, we address the current knowledge regarding changes in VIP mediated neurotransmission in epileptogenesis and mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (MTLE-HS), and discuss the therapeutic opportunities of using selective VIP receptor ligands to prevent epileptogenesis and cognitive decline in MTLE-HS.
Optimization Algorithms for Detection of Social Interactions
Authors: Cutello Vincenzo , Fargetta Georgia , Pavone Mario , Scollo Rocco A.
Published: June 2020

Community detection is one of the most challenging and interesting problems in many research areas. Being able to detect highly linked communities in a network can lead to many benefits, such as understanding relationships between entities or interactions between biological genes, for instance. Two different immunological algorithms have been designed for this problem, called Opt-IA and Hybrid-IA, respectively. The main difference between the two algorithms is the search strategy and related immunological operators developed: the first carries out a random search together with purely stochastic operators; the last one is instead based on a deterministic Local Search that tries to refine and improve the current solutions discovered. The robustness of Opt-IA and Hybrid-IA has been assessed on several real social networks. These same networks have also been considered for comparing both algorithms with other seven different metaheuristics and the well-known greedy optimization Louvain algorithm. The experimental analysis conducted proves that Opt-IA and Hybrid-IA are reliable optimization methods for community detection, outperforming all compared algorithms.
Dynamic Ring Exploration with (H,S) View
Authors: Gotoh Tsuyoshi , Sudo Yuichi , Ooshita Fukuhito , Masuzawa Toshimitsu
Published: June 2020

The researches about a mobile entity (called agent) on dynamic networks have attracted a lot of attention in recent years. Exploration which requires an agent to visit all the nodes in the network is one of the most fundamental problems. While the exploration of dynamic networks with complete information or with no information about network changes has been studied, an agent with partial information about the network changes has not been considered yet despite its practical importance. In this paper, we consider the exploration of dynamic networks by a single agent with partial information about network changes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the very first work to investigate the exploration problem with such partial information. As a first step in this research direction, we focus on 1-interval connected rings as dynamic networks in this paper. We assume that the single agent has partial information called the ( H , S ) view by which it always knows whether or not each of the links within H hops is available in each of the next S time steps. In this setting, we show that H + S ≥ n and S ≥ ⌈ n / 2 ⌉ (n is the size of the network) are necessary and sufficient conditions to explore 1-interval connected rings. Moreover, we investigate the upper and lower bounds of the exploration time. It is proven that the exploration time is O ( n 2 ) for ⌈ n / 2 ⌉ ≤ S < 2 H ′ − 1 , O ( n 2 / H + n H ) for S ≥ max ( ⌈ n / 2 ⌉ , 2 H ′ − 1 ) , O ( n 2 / H + n log H ) for S ≥ n − 1 , and Ω ( n 2 / H ) for any S where H ′ = min ( H , ⌊ n / 2 ⌋ ) .
Selective Laser Melting of Aluminum and Titanium Matrix Composites: Recent Progress and Potential Applications in the Aerospace Industry
Authors: Fereiduni Eskandar , Ghasemi Ali , Elbestawi Mohamed
Published: June 2020

Selective laser melting (SLM) is a near-net-shape time- and cost-effective manufacturing technique, which can create strong and efficient components with potential applications in the aerospace industry. To meet the requirements of the growing aerospace industrial demands, lighter materials with enhanced mechanical properties are of the utmost need. Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are extraordinary engineering materials with tailorable properties, bilaterally benefiting from the desired properties of reinforcement and matrix constituents. Among a wide range of MMCs currently available, aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) and titanium matrix composites (TMCs) are highly potential candidates for aerospace applications owing to their outstanding strength-to-weight ratio. However, the feasibility of SLM-fabricated composites utilization in aerospace applications is still challenging. This review addresses the SLM of AMCs/TMCs by considering the processability (densification level) and microstructural evolutions as the most significant factors determining the mechanical properties of the final part. The mechanical properties of fabricated MMCs are assessed in terms of hardness, tensile/compressive strength, ductility, and wear resistance, and are compared to their monolithic states. The knowledge gained from process–microstructure–mechanical properties relationship investigations can pave the way to make the existing materials better and invent new materials compatible with growing aerospace industrial demands.
Azospirillum brasilense Can Impressively Improve Growth and Development of Urochloa brizantha under Irrigation
Authors: Almeida Moreira Bruno Rafael de , Silva Viana Ronaldo da , Lopes Favato Vinícius , Monteiro de Figueiredo Paulo Alexandre , Manzani Lisboa Lucas Aparecido , Tadao Miasaki Celso , Chagas Magalhães Anderson , Bispo Ramos Sérgio , Almeida Viana Charlene Raquel de , Dias Rezende Trindade Vanessa , May André
Published: June 2020

Development of strategies to ensure grazing systems are sustainably produced in harsh environments, while not fertilizing them conventionally, is challenging. Figuring out the extent to which dose of inoculation and period of watering can positively influence the establishment of an effective symbiosis between U. brizantha cv. Marandu and Azospirillum brasilense is the point of this research. The treatment consisted of mixing 1 kg seeds with the inoculant of the strains Ab-V5 and Ab-V6 at 5, 10, 20, and 40 mL kg−1, 2 × 108 CFU mL−1. The plants grew in pots watered 2, 4, 8, and 16 days after sowing over thirty-days, twice. The bioagent at 5–10 mL kg−1 enabled the plants watered up to 4 days after sowing to peak the production of dry mass of shoots (28.50 g) and roots (12.55 g). The efficiency of the symbiosis goes down quickly with increasing dose and delay of watering. Hence, if the dose of inoculant is higher than 10 mL kg−1, it cannot successfully act in plants watered at least 8 days after sowing anymore. In conclusion, A. brasilense can assist in U. brizantha cv. Marandu growth and healthy development unless a lack of water in the substrate and an overdose collectively deter its potential.
Unraveling Ecophysiological Mechanisms in Potatoes under Different Irrigation Methods: A Preliminary Field Evaluation
Authors: Silva-Díaz Cecilia , Ramírez David A. , Rodríguez-Delfín Alfredo , de Mendiburu Felipe , Rinza Javier , Ninanya Johan , Loayza Hildo , Quiroz Roberto
Published: June 2020

Potatoes—a global food security and staple crop—is threatened by dry spells in drought-prone areas. The use of physiological thresholds to save water while maintaining a reasonable tuber yield has been proposed, but their effects on physiological performances and usefulness under different irrigation methods are yet to be evaluated. In this study, photosynthetic traits were monitored to assess the effect of water restriction and rewatering under drip (DI) and furrow (FI) irrigations. The treatments consisted of two maximum light-saturated stomatal conductance (g s _ m a x ) irrigation thresholds (T2: 0.15 and T3: 0.05 mol H 2 O m − 2 s − 1 ) compared with a fully irrigated control (g s _ m a x > 0.3 mol H 2 O m − 2 s − 1 ). DI used less water than FI but promoted early senescence and low percentage of maximum assimilation rate (PMA) at late developmental stages. FI caused no yield penalization in T2 and higher recovery of carbon isotope discrimination and PMA than DI. It is suggested that moderate water quantities of early and frequently water pulses in the irrigation, promote short-term water stress memory improvement, senescence delay and more capability of recovery at late stages.
Use of Response Surface Methodology to Investigate the Effects of Sodium Chloride Substitution with Potassium Chloride on Dough’s Rheological Properties
Authors: Voinea Andreea , Stroe Silviu-Gabriel , Codină Georgiana Gabriela
Published: June 2020

Bakery products are one of the main sources of dietary sodium intake of the world’s population. During the last decade, sodium intake has increased worldwide and nowadays the World Health Organization recommends reducing sodium intake by up to 2 g Na/day. KCl is the leading substitute for reducing sodium in bakery products. Therefore, the main purpose of our study was to investigate the impact of sodium reduction on dough’s rheological properties by reformulating the dough recipe using two types of salts, namely NaCl and KCl, with different amounts added to wheat flour. In order to establish their combination for obtaining the optimum rheological properties of dough, the response surface methodology (RSM) by the Design Expert software was used. The effect of combined NaCl and KCl salts were made on mixing, viscometric and fermentation process by using Farinograph, Extensograph, Amylograph and Rheofermentometer devices. On dough’s rheological properties, KCl and NaCl presented a significant effect (p < 0.01) on water absorption, stability, energy, dough resistance to extension, falling number and all Rheofermentometer-analyzed values. Mathematical models were achieved between independent variables, the KCl and NaCl amounts, and the dependent ones, dough rheological values. The optimal values obtained through RSM for the KCl and NaCl salts were of 0.37 g KCl/100 g and 1.31 g NaCl/100 g wheat flour, which leads to a 22% replacement of NaCl in the dough recipe.
Damage Analysis of Three Long-Track Tornadoes Using High-Resolution Satellite Imagery
Authors: Burow Daniel , Herrero Hannah V. , Ellis Kelsey N.
Published: June 2020

Remote sensing of tornado damage can provide valuable observations for post-event surveys and reconstructions. The tornadoes of 3 March 2019 in the southeastern United States are an ideal opportunity to relate high-resolution satellite imagery of damage with estimated wind speeds from post-event surveys, as well as with the Rankine vortex tornado wind field model. Of the spectral metrics tested, the strongest correlations with survey-estimated wind speeds are found using a Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI, used as a proxy for vegetation health) difference image and a principal components analysis emphasizing differences in red and blue band reflectance. NDVI-differenced values across the width of the EF-4 Beauregard-Smiths Station, Alabama, tornado path resemble the pattern of maximum ground-relative wind speeds across the width of the Rankine vortex model. Maximum damage sampled using these techniques occurred within 130 m of the tornado vortex center. The findings presented herein establish the utility of widely accessible Sentinel imagery, which is shown to have sufficient spatial resolution to make inferences about the intensity and dynamics of violent tornadoes occurring in vegetated areas.
Characterizing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Global Warming Potential of Wheat-Maize Cropping Systems in Response to Organic Amendments in Eutric Regosols, China
Authors: Bah Hamidou , Ren Xiao , Wang Yanqiang , Tang Jialiang , Zhu Bo
Published: June 2020

Characterizing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and global warming potential (GWP) has become a key step in the estimation of atmospheric GHG concentrations and their potential mitigation by cropland management. However, the impacts of organic amendments on GHG, GWP, and yield-scaled GWP on cropland have not been well documented. Here, we investigate four amendment treatments (no amendment, mineral fertilizers, and pig slurry or crop residue combined with mineral fertilizers) during a two-year field experiment in rain-fed wheat-maize cropping systems. The results show that the average annual cumulative methane (CH4) flux ranged from −2.60 to −2.97 kg·C·ha−1 while nitrous oxide (N2O) flux ranged from 0.44 to 4.58 kg·N·ha−1 across all four treatments. N2O emissions were significantly correlated with soil inorganic nitrogen (i.e., NH4+-N and NO3−-N), and soil dissolved organic carbon (DOC) during both the winter wheat and summer maize seasons. On average, organic amendments combined with mineral fertilizers increased the annual GWP by 26–74% and yield-scaled GWP by 19–71% compared to those under only mineral fertilizers application. This study indicates that the fertilization strategy for Eutric Regosols can shift from only mineral fertilizers to organic amendments combined with mineral fertilizers, which can help mitigate GHG emissions and GWP while maintaining crop yields.
The Evaluation of Real-Time Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System (HAFS) Stand-Alone Regional (SAR) Model Performance for the 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season
Authors: Dong Jili , Liu Bin , Zhang Zhan , Wang Weiguo , Mehra Avichal , Hazelton Andrew T. , Winterbottom Henry R. , Zhu Lin , Wu Keqin , Zhang Chunxi , Tallapragada Vijay , Zhang Xuejin , Gopalakrishnan Sundararaman , Marks Frank
Published: June 2020

The next generation Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System (HAFS) has been developed recently in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to accelerate the improvement of tropical cyclone (TC) forecasts within the Unified Forecast System (UFS) framework. The finite-volume cubed sphere (FV3) based convection-allowing HAFS Stand-Alone Regional model (HAFS-SAR) was successfully implemented during Hurricane Forecast Improvement Project (HFIP) real-time experiments for the 2019 Atlantic TC season. HAFS-SAR has a single large 3-km horizontal resolution regional domain covering the North Atlantic basin. A total of 273 cases during the 2019 TC season are systematically evaluated against the best track and compared with three operational forecasting systems: Global Forecast System (GFS), Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting model (HWRF), and Hurricanes in a Multi-scale Ocean-coupled Non-hydrostatic model (HMON). HAFS-SAR has the best performance in track forecasts among the models presented in this study. The intensity forecasts are improved over GFS, but show less skill compared to HWRF and HMON. The radius of gale force wind is over-predicted in HAFS-SAR, while the hurricane force wind radius has lower error than other models.
Impact of Physics Parameterizations on High-Resolution Air Quality Simulations over the Paris Region
Authors: Jiang Lei , Bessagnet Bertrand , Meleux Frederik , Tognet Frederic , Couvidat Florian
Published: June 2020

The accurate simulation of meteorological conditions, especially within the planetary boundary layer (PBL), is of major importance for air quality modeling. In the present work, we have used the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model coupled with the chemistry transport model (CTM) CHIMERE to understand the impact of physics parameterizations on air quality simulation during a short-term pollution episode on the Paris region. A lower first model layer with a 4 m surface layer could better reproduce the transport and diffusion of pollutants in a real urban environment. Three canopy models could better reproduce a 2 m temperature (T2) in the daytime but present a positive bias from 1 to 5 °C during the nighttime; the multi-urban canopy scheme “building effect parameterization” (BEP) underestimates the 10 m windspeed (W10) around 1.2 m s−1 for the whole episode, indicating the city cluster plays an important role in the diffusion rate in urban areas. For the simulation of pollutant concentrations, large differences were found between three canopy schemes, but with an overall overestimation during the pollution episode, especially for NO2 simulation, the average mean biases of NO2 prediction during the pollution episode were 40.9, 62.2, and 29.7 µg m−3 for the Bulk, urban canopy model (UCM), and BEP schemes, respectively. Meanwhile, the vertical profile of the diffusion coefficients and pollutants indicated an important impact of the canopy model on the vertical diffusion. The PBL scheme sensitivity tests displayed an underestimation of the height of the PBL when compared with observations issued from the Lidar. The YonSei University scheme YSU and Boulac PBL schemes improved the PBL prediction compared with the Mellor–Yamada–Janjic (MYJ) scheme. All the sensitivity tests, except the Boulac–BEP, could not fairly reproduce the PBL height during the pollution episode. The Boulac–BEP scheme had significantly better performances than the other schemes for the simulation of both the PBL height and pollutants, especially for the NO2 and PM2.5 (particulate matter 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter) simulations. The mean bias of the NO2, PM2.5, and PM10 (particulate matter 10 micrometers or less in diameter) prediction were −5.1, 1.2, and −8.6 µg m−3, respectively, indicating that both the canopy schemes and PBL schemes have a critical effect on air quality prediction in the urban region.
Evaluation of the Microphysical Assumptions within GPM-DPR Using Ground-Based Observations of Rain and Snow
Authors: Chase Randy J. , Nesbitt Stephen W. , McFarquhar Greg M.
Published: June 2020

The Global Precipitation Measurement Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar (GPM-DPR) provides an opportunity to investigate hydrometeor properties. Here, an evaluation of the microphysical framework used within the GPM-DPR retrieval was undertaken using ground-based disdrometer measurements in both rain and snow with an emphasis on the evaluation of snowfall retrieval. Disdrometer measurements of rain show support for the two separate prescribed relations within the GPM-DPR algorithm between the precipitation rate (R) and the mass weighted mean diameter (

D
m

) with a mean absolute percent error (

M
A
P
E

) on R of

29%

and

47%

and a mean bias percentage (

M
B
P

) of

−
6%

and

−
20%

for the stratiform and convective relation, respectively. Ground-based disdrometer measurements of snow show higher MAPE and MBP values in the retrieval of R, at

77%

and

−
52%

, respectively, compared to the stratiform rain relation. An investigation using the disdrometer-measured fall velocity and mass in the calculation of R and

D
m

illustrates that the variability found in hydrometeor mass causes a poor correlation between R and

D
m

in snowfall. The results presented here suggest that

R
−

D
m

retrieval is likely not optimal in snowfall, and other retrieval techniques for R should be explored.
The Road Not Taken: Building Physics, and Returning to First Principles in Sustainable Design
Authors: Pender Robyn , Lemieux Daniel
Published: June 2020

The path we are currently following towards ‘sustainable design’ is a result of the accidents of the past 300 years of history. If we look further back, to before the exploitation of fossil fuels, we find a very different approach to building envelopes, and to building use and comfort. This was necessarily very low carbon, and demonstrably effective, but, unfortunately, we have forgotten many of the fundamental principles on which it rested. This paper argues that our current choice of retrofit pathway is leading us away from, rather than towards, a sustainable built environment. Current efforts to reduce carbon and energy based on modern ’layered’ envelopes and misunderstandings of thermal comfort are proving much less effective than predicted. We would further argue that they are too often delivering unintended consequences: contributing to the overuse of carbon and energy, and derailing the development of a sustainable built environment. We draw on research and case studies, as well as on the lessons from history, to show how the problem derives from a neglect of first-principles thinking and fundamental building physics. Equally, though, we show how combining good building physics with a re-evaluation of older approaches to construction and building use delivers some powerful and effective tools for tackling the climate emergency.
Assessment of Meteorological Drought and Wet Conditions Using Two Drought Indices Across KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa
Authors: Ndlovu Minenhle Siphesihle , Demlie Molla
Published: June 2020

South Africa has been experiencing a series of droughts for the last few years, limiting the availability of water supply in reservoirs and impacting many sectors of the economy. These droughts have affected even the wetter eastern provinces including KwaZulu-Natal. This paper presents the results of analyses and assessment of meteorological drought across KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province of South Africa using two drought indices. The main objective of the study is to understand the changes in rainfall patterns for a period of 48 years (i.e., 1970 to 2017) and identify wet and dry years. The percent of normal precipitation index (PNPI) and rainfall anomaly index (RAI) were used to explore and categorize the wet and dry periods at 18 selected rainfall gauging stations across the province. Mann–Kendall statistics and Sen’s slope were employed on the indices to further understand the trend of drought conditions. The results revealed that 1992 and 2014/15 were the most extremely dry years with 2015 being the driest year over the studied period induced by El Niño. The extremely wet periods were 1987, 1996, and 2000 which have been associated with cyclonic events. Droughts have become more frequent and intense, while wet conditions are less frequent. The drought condition was observed not to be peculiar to one region and to vary from year-to-year. These variations have been associated with global climate drivers including El Niño-southern oscillation (ENSO) and sea surface temperature (SST) conditions. The northern region around Magudu, Hlobane, Vryheid and Dundee were relatively the most affected during periods of extreme drought conditions. Comparative analysis showed that RAI is more robust than PNPI in understanding drought conditions. Thus, it can be applied effectively in Southern Africa in analyzing dry and wet conditions.
Fully Endoscopic Transforaminal Lumbar Discectomy for Upward Migration of Upper Lumbar Disc Herniation: Clinical and Radiological Outcomes and Technical Considerations
Authors: Heo Dong Hwa , Lee Dong Keun , Lee Dong Chan , Kim Hyeun Sung , Park Choon Keun
Published: June 2020

Microdiscectomy for the upward migration of upper lumbar herniated discs has a high risk of isthmus and facet injury. Fully endoscopic transforaminal discectomy can preserve normal bony structures during discectomy. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical and radiological outcomes of fully endoscopic transforaminal discectomy for upward migrated upper lumbar herniated discs. All patients had upward migrated disc herniation from L1–L2 to L3–L4 levels and were treated using fully endoscopic transforaminal discectomy under local anesthesia. All enrolled patients were monitored for more than 12 months. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS) of pain. Surgery-related complications were analyzed. In addition, radiological outcomes were investigated using postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and lumbar dynamic X-ray. Twenty-eight patients were enrolled in this study. ODI and VAS significantly decreased after endoscopic transforaminal discectomy. Migrated ruptured disc particles were completely removed and confirmed on postoperative MRI in 26 of the 28 patients. Even though small remnant disc particles were detected in two patients, symptoms improved after endoscopic transforaminal discectomy. Early recurrence of herniated disc occurred at the operated segment in one patient. There were no significant complications associated with fully endoscopic transforaminal discectomy. Three patients experienced a postoperative transient tingling sensation and numbness of the leg. Fully endoscopic transforaminal lumbar discectomy may be an effective and alternative treatment option for upward migrated disc herniation in the upper lumbar area. In addition, fully endoscopic transforaminal lumbar discectomy may prevent complications associated with general endotracheal anesthesia and injuries of the isthmus and the facet joint.
Special Issue: “Advances in Organic Coatings 2018”
Authors: Deflorian Flavio
Published: June 2020

Organic coatings have shown an impressive evolution in recent years, both scientifically and technologically. Nanotechnology and surface science allows the development of multifunctional materials combining different properties, such as corrosion protective actions, aesthetical functions, hydrophobic properties, and self-healing ability. In addition, recent advances in experimental techniques and the attention to environmental issues are pushing to develop new systems, joining advanced performance with high sustainability. The aim of this Special Issue is to provide an update on the most advanced research in this area, showing the innovation trends and promoting further research for better properties of new coatings materials.
Synergistic Design of Anatase–Rutile TiO2 Nanostructured Heterophase Junctions toward Efficient Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation
Authors: Lee Sangwoo , Cho A. Young , Rim You Seung , Park Jun-Young , Choi Taekjib
Published: June 2020

Synergistically designing porous nanostructures and appropriate band alignment for TiO2 heterophase junctions is key to efficient charge transfer, which is crucial in enhancing photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting for hydrogen production. Here, we investigate the efficiency of PEC water oxidation in anatase–rutile TiO2 nanostructured heterophase junctions that present the type-II band alignment. We specifically prove the importance of a phase alignment in heterophase junction for effective charge separation. The TiO2 heterophase junctions were prepared by transferring TiO2 nanotube (TNT) arrays onto FTO substrate with the help of a TiO2 nanoparticle (TNP) glue layer. The PEC characterization reveals that the rutile (R)-TNT/anatase (A)-TNP heterophase junction has a higher photocurrent density than those of A-TNT/R-TNP junction and anatase or rutile single phase, corresponding to twofold enhanced efficiency. This type-II band alignment of R-TNT/A-TNP for water oxidation, in which photogenerated electrons (holes) will flow from rutile (anatase) to anatase (rutile), enables to facilitate efficient electron-hole separation as well as lower the effective bandgap of heterophase junctions. This work provides insight into the functional role of heterophase junction for boosting the PEC performances of TiO2 nanostructures.
A One-Step Method for Fabrication of Wear-Resistant Amphiphobic Microdimple Arrays Using Under-Liquid Laser Machining
Authors: Sun Pengcheng , Hao Xiuqing , Xiao Sinong , Niu Yusheng , Li Liang , Qi Huan
Published: June 2020

A one-step method using under-liquid laser machining (ULLM) is proposed for fabrication of microdimples on a cemented carbide surface with a wear-resistant amphiphobic property. The influence of laser processing parameters on the depth, width, and surface roughness (Ra) of the microstructures were investigated through single-factor experiments. On the basis of single-factor experiments, multiobjective optimization was carried out so that a desired surface morphology can be achieved. The model describing the relationships between laser processing parameters and corresponding responses was developed based on response surface methodology (RSM), and the adequacy of the model was assessed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and verified experimentally. Subsequently, the desired microstructure arrays were then fabricated with the optimal processing parameters. Finally, the wear-resistant behaviors were comparatively studied for two kinds of amphiphobic surfaces by rubbing multiple times using 1000 grit metallographic sandpaper. The textured surface fabricated using the ULLM method exhibits excellent mechanical rubbing resistance as it maintains its amphiphobic character even after rubbing 300 m under the pressure of 2.4 MPa. This facile and low-cost method can be not only easily extended to other materials but also applied to fabricate amphiphobic surfaces with wear-resistance and self-healing properties.
Genetic Approaches Are Necessary to Accurately Understand Bat-Wind Turbine Impacts
Authors: Chipps Austin S. , Hale Amanda M. , Weaver Sara P. , Williams Dean A.
Published: June 2020

Bats are killed at wind energy facilities worldwide and we must improve our understanding of why this is happening and implement effective strategies to minimize impacts. To this end, we need accurate assessments of which individuals from which bat species are being killed at individual wind projects and at regional and range-wide scales. Traditional fatality searches have relied on physical characteristics to ascertain species and sex of bat carcasses collected at wind turbines; however, the resulting data can be incomplete and inaccurate. In contrast, the use of readily available and low-cost molecular methods improves both the quality and quantity of available data. We applied such methods to a bat fatality dataset (n = 439 bats) from far-south Texas, USA. Using DNA barcoding, we increased accurate species identification from 83% to 97%, and discovered the presence of 2 bat species outside of their known geographic ranges. Using a PCR-based approach to determine sex, the number of carcasses with correct sex assignment increased from 35% to 94%, and we documented a female-biased sex ratio for all species combined and for Dasypterus ega. We recommend that molecular methods be used during future survey efforts to accurately assess the impacts of wind energy on bats.
Exploring Association of Breast Pain, Pregnancy, and Body Mass Index with Breast Tissue Elasticity in Healthy Women: Glandular and Fat Differences
Authors: Dzoic Dominkovic Martina , Ivanac Gordana , Bojanic Kristina , Kralik Kristina , Smolic Martina , Divjak Eugen , Smolic Robert , Brkljacic Boris
Published: June 2020

Breast sonoelastography is a relatively novel ultrasound (US) method that enables estimation of tissue stiffness to estimate the elasticity of normal breast tissue and seek to correlate it with well-known breast cancer risk factors. Two hundred women of different age were included in the study and completed a questionnaire about personal, familiar, and reproductive history. Glandular and fatty tissue elasticity in all breast quadrants was measured by shear wave elastography (SWE). Mean elastographic values of breast tissue were calculated and compared to personal history risk factors. Elasticity of normal glandular tissue (66.4 kilopascals (kPa)) was higher than fatty tissue (26.1 kPa) in all breast quadrants and in both breasts. Lower outer quadrant (LOQ) had the lowest elasticity values of both parenchyma and fat. Higher elasticity values of breast tissue were confirmed in the left breast than in the right breast. Glandular and fat tissue elasticity negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI). Women with mastodynia had higher glandular elastographic values compared to subjects without breast pain. Nuliparity was also associated with higher elasticity of glandular breast tissue. The results of this study are promising and could, over time, contribute to a better understanding of glandular breast tissue elasticity as a potential risk factor for breast cancer.
Multiscale Entropy Approaches and Their Applications
Authors: Humeau-Heurtier Anne
Published: June 2020

n/a
Information and Statistical Measures in Classical vs. Quantum Condensed-Matter and Related Systems
Authors: Gadomski Adam , Zielińska-Raczyńska Sylwia
Published: June 2020

The presented editorial summarizes in brief the efforts of ten (10) papers collected by the Special Issue (SI) “Condensed-Matter-Principia Based Information & Statistical Measures: From Classical to Quantum”. The SI called for papers dealing with condensed-matter systems, or their interdisciplinary analogs, for which well-defined classical statistical vs. quantum information measures can be inferred while based on the entropy concept. The SI has mainly been rested upon objectives addressed by an international colloquium held in October 2019, at the University of Science and Technology (UTP) Bydgoszcz, Poland (see http://zmpf.imif.utp.edu.pl/rci-jcs/rci-jcs-4/), with an emphasis placed on the achievements of Professor Gerard Czajkowski (PGC). PGC commenced his research activity with diffusion-reaction (open) systems under the supervision of Roman S. Ingarden (Toruń), a father of Polish synergetics, and original thermodynamic approaches to self-organization. The active cooperation of PGC mainly with German physicists (Friedrich Schloegl, Aachen; Werner Ebeling, Berlin) ought to be underlined. Then, the development of Czajkowski’s research is worth underscoring, moving from statistical thermodynamics to solid state theory, pursued in terms of nonlinear solid-state optics (Franco Bassani, Pisa), and culminating very recently with large quasiparticles, termed Rydberg excitons, and their coherent interactions with light.
Generalized Index Coding Problem and Discrete Polymatroids
Authors: Thomas Anoop , Sundar Rajan Balaji
Published: June 2020

The connections between index coding and matroid theory have been well studied in the recent past. Index coding solutions were first connected to multi linear representation of matroids. For vector linear index codes, discrete polymatroids, which can be viewed as a generalization of the matroids, were used. The index coding problem has been generalized recently to accommodate receivers that demand functions of messages and possess functions of messages. In this work we explore the connections between generalized index coding and discrete polymatroids. The conditions that need to be satisfied by a representable discrete polymatroid for a generalized index coding problem to have a vector linear solution is established. From a discrete polymatroid, an index coding problem with coded side information is constructed and it is shown that if the index coding problem has a certain optimal length solution then the discrete polymatroid is representable. If the generalized index coding problem is constructed from a matroid, it is shown that the index coding problem has a binary scalar linear solution of optimal length if and only if the matroid is binary representable.
The Second Law and Entropy Misconceptions Demystified
Authors: Kostic Milivoje M.
Published: June 2020

The challenges and claims of hypothetical violations of the Second Law of thermodynamics have been a topic of many scientific, philosophical and social publications, even in the most prestigious scientific journals. Fascination with challenging the Second Law has further accelerated throughout the development of statistical and quantum physics, and information theory. It is phenomenologically reasoned here that non-equilibrium, useful work-energy potential is always dissipated to heat, and thus thermodynamic entropy (a measure of thermal disorder, not any other disorder) is generated always and everywhere, at any scale without exception, including life processes, open systems, micro-fluctuations, gravity or entanglement. Furthermore, entropy cannot be destroyed by any means at any scale (entropy is conserved in ideal, reversible processes and irreversibly generated in real processes), and thus, entropy cannot overall decrease, but only overall increase. Creation of ordered structures or live species always dissipate useful energy and generate entropy, without exception, and thus without Second Law violation. Entropy destruction would imply spontaneous increase in non-equilibrium, with mass-energy flux displacement against cause-and-effect, natural forces, as well as negate the reversible existence of the very equilibrium. In fact, all resolved challengers’ paradoxes and misleading violations of the Second Law to date have been resolved in favor of the Second Law and never against. We are still to witness a single, still open Second Law violation, to be confirmed.