bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post-Subsidy Solar PV Business Models to Tackle Fuel Poverty in Multi-Occupancy Social Housing
Authors: Pitt Joe , Nolden Colin
Published: September 2020

UK Feed-in Tariffs created a vibrant business ecosystem for the deployment of decentralised renewable energy technologies while constituting a regressive tax and increasing inequality. Business model innovation spurred by their withdrawal is providing valuable lessons for progressive policy design. Using the case study of solar PV deployment on multi-occupancy social housing, this paper reveals policy, business and organisational challenges that need to be overcome to address fuel poverty and reduce inequality. Suitable ‘export’ and ‘local’ business models were identified through a workshop and subsequently evaluated through qualitative thematic interview analysis. The ‘local’ model compares favourably in terms of production costs and benefits for fuel poor tenants but unfavourably in terms of transaction costs. Both models are considered equally susceptible to changes in policy. Their success hinges upon third party intermediaries, peer-to-peer learning and a supportive policy environment. This paper concludes with a policy recommendation to ensure that energy justice lies at the heart of the UK’s transition to net-zero carbon through the fair distribution of costs and benefits by including specific provisions to protect low-income groups.
Impacts of Renewable Energy Resources on Effectiveness of Grid-Integrated Systems: Succinct Review of Current Challenges and Potential Solution Strategies
Authors: Oyekale Joseph , Petrollese Mario , Tola Vittorio , Cau Giorgio
Published: September 2020

This study is aimed at a succinct review of practical impacts of grid integration of renewable energy systems on effectiveness of power networks, as well as often employed state-of-the-art solution strategies. The renewable energy resources focused on include solar energy, wind energy, biomass energy and geothermal energy, as well as renewable hydrogen/fuel cells, which, although not classified purely as renewable resources, are a famous energy carrier vital for future energy sustainability. Although several world energy outlooks have suggested that the renewable resources available worldwide are sufficient to satisfy global energy needs in multiples of thousands, the different challenges often associated with practical exploitation have made this assertion an illusion to date. Thus, more research efforts are required to synthesize the nature of these challenges as well as viable solution strategies, hence, the need for this review study. First, brief overviews are provided for each of the studied renewable energy sources. Next, challenges and solution strategies associated with each of them at generation phase are discussed, with reference to power grid integration. Thereafter, challenges and common solution strategies at the grid/electrical interface are discussed for each of the renewable resources. Finally, expert opinions are provided, comprising a number of aphorisms deducible from the review study, which reveal knowledge gaps in the field and potential roadmap for future research. In particular, these opinions include the essential roles that renewable hydrogen will play in future energy systems; the need for multi-sectoral coupling, specifically by promoting electric vehicle usage and integration with renewable-based power grids; the need for cheaper energy storage devices, attainable possibly by using abandoned electric vehicle batteries for electrical storage, and by further development of advanced thermal energy storage systems (overviews of state-of-the-art thermal and electrochemical energy storage are also provided); amongst others.
Thévenin Equivalent Parameter Adaptive Robust Estimation Considering the Erroneous Measurements of PMU
Authors: Zhang Anan , Tan Wenting , Cheng Ming , Yang Wei
Published: September 2020

Parameter estimation based on the measurement data of the phasor measurement unit (PMU) is an important approach for identifying the Thévenin equivalent parameters (TEPs) of power systems. However, in the process of acquiring or transmitting data in PMU, measurement errors due to external interference or internal system faults will affect the accuracy of parameter estimation. In this paper, a TEP estimation algorithm based on local PMU measurement is proposed. The algorithm considers the errors of the PMU and introduces Huber function and projection statistics (PS) to eliminate the effects of outliers and leverage measurements, respectively. Additionally, a variable forgetting factor (VFF) is used to quickly eliminate the historical data with measurement deviation and track the changes of the system. The regularization technique is used to solve the divergence problem in the inverse process of the ill-conditioned matrix, thereby improving the stability and generalization performance of the algorithm. Finally, by minimizing the cost function of this algorithm, a recursive formula for the equivalent parameter estimation is derived. The effectiveness of the algorithm is verified on the IEEE 118-bus and IEEE 30-bus systems, and compared with recursive least squares (RLS) and Huber’s M-Estimation; the mean relative errors decreased by 94.75% and 84.77%, respectively.
Inter-Relationships between Test Weight, Thousand Kernel Weight, Kernel Size Distribution and Their Effects on Durum Wheat Milling, Semolina Composition and Pasta Processing Quality
Authors: Wang Kun , Fu Bin Xiao
Published: September 2020

Although most of the durum wheat produced in the Canadian prairies in 2017 and 2018 met the test weight (TW) requirements for the top grades of Canada Western Amber Durum (CWAD), some samples of top grades were inferior in milling quality. To understand the abnormality, this study was conducted to investigate TW, thousand kernel weight (TKW) and kernel size distribution (KSD) in relation to durum milling potential, semolina composition and pasta quality. With reduction of kernel size, semolina and total milling yields decreased progressively, and kernels passing through no.6 slotted sieve had detrimental impact on milling. The overall relationship between TW and milling yields appeared to be genotype dependent. At similar TW, variety showed lower milling yields had greater proportion of smaller kernels. By account for the difference in KSD, greater relationships (R2 > 0.91, p < 0.001) were found for TKW and proportion of kernels passing No.6 slotted sieve with milling yields than TW (R2 = 0.75, p < 0.001). This infers potential use of small kernels (passing No.6 slotted sieve) as a new objective grading factor for rapid prediction of milling quality of CWAD. Although small kernels exhibited much higher yellow pigment than the larger ones, pasta made from small kernels was duller, redder and less yellow, likely due to the higher semolina ash and protein contents, which adversely affected pasta color.
Micronuclei Formation upon Radioiodine Therapy for Well-Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: The Influence of DNA Repair Genes Variants
Authors: S. Santos Luís , M. Gil Octávia , N. Silva Susana , C. Gomes Bruno , C. Ferreira Teresa , Limbert Edward , Rueff José
Published: September 2020

Radioiodine therapy with 131I remains the mainstay of standard treatment for well-differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Prognosis is good but concern exists that 131I-emitted ionizing radiation may induce double-strand breaks in extra-thyroidal tissues, increasing the risk of secondary malignancies. We, therefore, sought to evaluate the induction and 2-year persistence of micronuclei (MN) in lymphocytes from 26 131I-treated DTC patients and the potential impact of nine homologous recombination (HR), non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ), and mismatch repair (MMR) polymorphisms on MN levels. MN frequency was determined by the cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus assay while genotyping was performed through pre-designed TaqMan® Assays or conventional PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). MN levels increased significantly one month after therapy and remained persistently higher than baseline for 2 years. A marked reduction in lymphocyte proliferation capacity was also apparent 2 years after therapy. MLH1 rs1799977 was associated with MN frequency (absolute or net variation) one month after therapy, in two independent groups. Significant associations were also observed for MSH3 rs26279, MSH4 rs5745325, NBN rs1805794, and tumor histotype. Overall, our results suggest that 131I therapy may pose a long-term challenge to cells other than thyrocytes and that the individual genetic profile may influence 131I sensitivity, hence its risk-benefit ratio. Further studies are warranted to confirm the potential utility of these single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as radiogenomic biomarkers in the personalization of radioiodine therapy.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Diet Quality Profile of the Lithuanian Team of Deaf Women’s Basketball Players
Authors: Baranauskas Marius , Jablonskienė Valerija , Abaravičius Jonas Algis , Stukas Rimantas
Published: September 2020

There are about 466 million people with hearing impairments in the world. The scientific literature does not provide sufficient data on the actual nutrition and other variables of professional deaf athletes. The objectives of this study were to investigate and evaluate the body composition, the physical working capacity, the nutrition intake, and the blood parameters of iron and vitamin D in the Lithuanian high-performance deaf women’s basketball team players. The female athletes (n = 14) of the Lithuanian deaf basketball team aged 26.4 ± 4.5 years were recruited for an observational cross-sectional study. A 7-day food recall survey method was used to investigate their actual diet. The measurements of the body composition were performed using the BIA (bioelectrical impedance analysis) tetra-polar electrodes. In order to assess the cardiorespiratory and aerobic fitness levels of athletes, ergo-spirometry (on a cycle ergometer) was used to measure the peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and the physical working capacity at a heart rate of 170 beats per minute (PWC170). The athletes’ blood tests were taken to investigate the red blood cells, hemoglobin, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, ferritin, transferrin, iron concentrations, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC). The consideration of the VO2peak (55.9 ± 6.1 mL/min/kg of body weight, 95% CI: 51.8, 58.9) and the low VO2peak (56–60 mL/min/kg of body weight) (p = 0.966) in the deaf women’s basketball team players revealed no differences. For the deaf female athletes, the PWC170 was equal to 20.3 ± 2.0 kgm/min/kg of body weight and represented only the average aerobic fitness level. The carbohydrate and protein intakes (5.0 ± 1.3 and 1.3 ± 0.3 g/kg of body weight, respectively) met only the minimum levels recommended for athletes. The fat content of the diet (38.1 ± 4.1% of energy intake) exceeded the maximum recommended content (35% of energy intake) (p = 0.012). The mean blood serum concentrations of 25(OH)D and ferritin (24.1 ± 6.6 nmol/L and 11.0 ± 4.1 µg/L, respectively) predicted vitamin D and iron deficits in athletes. Female athletes had an increased risk of vitamin D and iron deficiencies. Regardless of iron deficiency in the body, the better cardiorespiratory fitness of the deaf female athletes was essentially correlated with the higher skeletal muscle mass (in terms of size) (r = 0.61, p = 0.023), the lower percentage of body fat mass (r = −0.53, p = 0.049), and the reduced intake of fat (r = −0.57, p = 0.040).
Fuzzy Protoform for Hyperactive Behaviour Detection Based on Commercial Devices
Authors: Albín-Rodríguez Antonio-Pedro , Ricoy-Cano Adrián-Jesús , de-la-Fuente-Robles Yolanda-María , Espinilla-Estévez Macarena
Published: September 2020

Hyperactive behaviour refers to a person making more movement than expected for his or her age and development, acting impulsively, and being easily distracted. There is a need to encourage early and reliable detection through the proposal of new methodologies and systems in the context of hyperactive behaviour to prevent or lessen related problems and disorders. This paper presents a methodology to compute a fuzzy protoform (a linguistic description) as an estimator for hyperactive behaviour. The proposed methodology is developed in a system called Smart HyBeDe, which integrate non-invasive and commercial wearable devices, such as activity bracelets, in order to capture data streams from inertial measurement units and optical heart rate sensors. The generated data by the wearable device are synchronized with a mobile device to process the fuzzy protoform to inform family members and professionals. Three datasets generated by the wearable device in real contexts are presented. These datasets are used to evaluate the impact of wrist choice for the wearable device, multiple fuzzy temporal windows, different aggregation operators, and relevant linguistic terms to define the fuzzy protoform as an estimator for the hyperactive behaviour. The results, analysed by a hyperactive behaviour expert, show that the proposed protoform is a suitable hyperactive behaviour estimator.
Outcomes of Consumer Involvement in Mental Health Nursing Education: An Integrative Review
Authors: Kang Kyung Im , Joung Jaewon
Published: September 2020

This integrative review analyzed the research on consumer involvement in mental health nursing education in the last decade. We aimed to derive the main contents, methods, and outcomes of education using consumer involvement for mental health nursing students. We searched six electronic databases using English and Korean search terms; two authors independently reviewed the 14 studies that met the selection criteria. Studies on the topic were concentrated in Australia and some European countries; most of them used a qualitative design. The main education subject was recovery, and consumers tended to actively participate in education planning. Moreover, students’ perceptions about education using consumer involvement and people with mental health problems changed positively, as well as their experiences of participating in mental health nursing education. There is a lack of interest in the topic in Asian countries, including Korea. Thus, future studies in Asian countries are needed to conduct qualitative and in-depth explorations of students’ experiences regarding an educational intervention that uses consumer involvement as a tool rigorously designed for mental health nursing education. Consumer involvement can be an innovative strategy to produce high-quality mental health nurses by minimizing the gap between theory and practice in the undergraduate program.
The Effect of Sports Rules Amendments on Exercise Intensity during Taekwondo-Specific Workouts
Authors: Janowski Michał , Zieliński Jacek , Ciekot-Sołtysiak Monika , Schneider Agata , Kusy Krzysztof
Published: September 2020

We aimed to compare the change in exercise response to taekwondo-specific circuit workouts before and after competition rule amendments. A total of 240 workouts in 15 elite athletes were analyzed over two years. Physiological and kinematic data were gathered with the wireless Bioharness system along with capillary blood samples for lactate concentration. Progressive exercise tests until exhaustion were periodically performed to obtain reference data. The rule changes resulted in significant increases (mainly medium or large effects) in the physiological (2.9–14.4%) and kinematic (4.8–10.1%) response to taekwondo-specific workouts. The largest increases were for peak breathing rate (12.0%), energy expenditure (6.6%), blood lactate immediately after exercise (10.2%) and at the 30th min of recovery (14.4%), and peak kinematic activity (10.1%). Significant differences between taekwondo-specific workouts and tournament combats persisted after the shift from old to new rules, ranging from 2.4 to 38.5% for physiological and from 2.9 to 15.5% for kinematic variables. The largest workout–combat differences were revealed for post-exercise (15.9%) and recovery (38.5%) blood lactate, peak (−15.8%) and relative (−15.0%) breathing rate, and mechanical (13.5%) and physiological (14.2%) intensity. Our study suggests that the rule amendments significantly modify the exercise response to discipline-specific workouts and that taekwondo-specific training sessions do not fully recreate the tournament demands in terms of physiological and kinematic load.
The Impact of Water Intrusion on Pathogenic Vibrio Species to Inland Brackish Waters of China
Authors: Wang Qingyao , Fu Songzhe , Yang Qian , Hao Jingwei , Zhou Can , Liu Ying
Published: September 2020

The estuary is the ecological niche of pathogenic Vibrio spp. as it provides abundant organic and inorganic nutrients from seawater and rivers. However, little is known about the ecology of these Vibrio species in the inland brackish water area. In this study, their co-occurrence and relationships to key environmental constraints (salinity and temperature) in the Hun-Tai River of China were examined using the most probable number polymerase chain reaction (MPN-PCR) approach. We hereby report 2-year continuous surveillance based on six water indices of the Hun-Tai River. The results showed that seawater intrusion maximally reached inland as far as 26.5 km for the Hun-Tai River. Pathogenic Vibrio spp. were detected in 21.9% of the water samples. In particular, V. cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus, and V. vulnificus were isolated in 10 (10.4%), 20 (20.8.5%), and 2 (2.08%) samples, respectively. All V. parahaemolyticus strains were tdh gene negative, 10% were positive for the trh gene. Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) divided V. parahaemolyticus strains into 12 sequence types (STs) for the Hun-Tai River. Five STs were respectively present in various locations along the Hun-Tai River. The PCR assay for detecting six virulence genes and Vibrio seventh pandemic island I and II revealed three genotypes in 12 V. cholerae isolates. The results of our study showed that seawater intrusion and salinity have profound effects on the distribution of pathogenic Vibrio spp. in the inland river, suggesting a potential health risk associated with the waters of the Hun-Tai River used for irrigation and drinking.
Positive Adolescent Development: Effects of a Psychosocial Intervention Program in a Rural Setting
Authors: Paricio Diana , Rodrigo Maria F. , Viguer Paz , Herrera Marina
Published: September 2020

The Positive Youth Development (PYD) approach identifies adolescents as resources to be empowered rather than problems to be solved. All adolescents have strengths and will fully develop when these strengths are integrated with healthy resources in the diverse environments where they live and interact. The objective of this study was twofold: (1) to present the Positive Development Program for Adolescents living in rural areas (DPAR Program) and (2) to pilot test the intervention program. The DPAR program was evaluated using a repeated-measures design before and after the intervention, with an intervention group and a control group. The sample consisted of 176 adolescents between 11 and 15 years old (M = 12.89, SD = 0.90) who belonged to two high schools with similar characteristics located in rural settings. A mixed-design analysis of variance was performed for each dependent variable. Results showed a significant increase in most of the study variables (self-esteem, self-efficacy, group identity, empathy, relational skills, assertiveness, and conflict resolution) and a significant decrease in alexithymia, as well as better academic performance. All this evidence indicates that the DPAR program is effective in promoting positive adolescent development and addresses the lack of programs based on the PYD approach in rural areas.
Molecular Assessment of Genes Linked to Immune Response Traits of Honey Bees in Conventional and Organically Managed Apiaries
Authors: Siebert Shalom C. , Kanga Lambert H. B. , Basha Sheikh M. , Legaspi Jesusa C.
Published: September 2020

Honey bees are of great economic importance, not only for honey production but also for crop pollination. However, honey bee populations continue to decline mainly due to exposure to pesticides, pathogens and beekeeping practices. In this study, total soluble protein was measured, total RNA was extracted and first-strand cDNAs were generated. Quantitative PCR was used to assess the relative expression (transcript abundances) of immune function-related genes in honey bees collected from organically and conventionally managed hives. Honey bees collected from conventionally managed hives with 0% Varroa mite infestation levels displayed an upregulated expression of the prophenoloxidase gene (cellular defense). Similarly, honey bees collected from organically managed hives had increased levels of the vitellogenin gene (immune function and longevity). The gene expression for malvolio (sucrose responsiveness) was highest in organically managed hives with 0% Varroa mite infestations. Young adult bees collected from organically managed hives with 5% Varroa mite infestation levels had upregulated expressions of the gene spaetzle, whereas bees from similarly infested, conventionally managed hives did not, suggesting that honey bees from organically managed hives could mount an immune response. In young adult bees collected from organically managed hives only, the expression of the immune deficiency gene (antimicrobial defense) was upregulated. The relative gene expression for superoxide dismutase 1 increased in young adult bees collected from hives with 5% Varroa mite infestation levels as expected. However, for superoxide dismutase 2, there was a high level of gene expression in adult bees from both conventionally managed hives with 0% Varroa mite infestation levels and organically managed hives with 5% Varroa mite infestations. The gene CYP9Q3 (pesticide detoxification) that metabolizes coumaphos and fluvalinate was upregulated in adult bees collected from organically managed bees. Overall, these findings provide useful insights into the genetic response of honey bees to some environmental stressors and could be an important component of best beekeeping practices that intend to enhance honey bee health.
Surgical Management of Neuroendocrine Tumours of the Pancreas
Authors: Souche Regis , Hobeika Christian , Hain Elisabeth , Gaujoux Sebastien
Published: September 2020

Neuroendocrine tumours of the pancreas (pNET) are rare, accounting for 1–2% of all pancreatic neoplasms. They develop from pancreatic islet cells and cover a wide range of heterogeneous neoplasms. While most pNETs are sporadic, some are associated with genetic syndromes. Furthermore, some pNETs are ‘functioning’ when there is clinical hypersecretion of metabolically active peptides, whereas others are ‘non-functioning’. pNET can be diagnosed at a localised stage or a more advanced stage, including regional or distant metastasis (in 50% of cases) mainly located in the liver. While surgical resection is the cornerstone of the curative treatment of those patients, pNET management requires a multidisciplinary discussion between the oncologist, radiologist, pathologist, and surgeon. However, the scarcity of pNET patients constrains centralised management in high-volume centres to provide the best patient-tailored approach. Nonetheless, no treatment should be initiated without precise diagnosis and staging. In this review, the steps from the essential comprehensive preoperative evaluation of the best surgical approach (open versus laparoscopic, standard versus sparing parenchymal pancreatectomy, lymphadenectomy) according to pNET staging are analysed. Strategies to enhance the short- and long-term benefit/risk ratio in these particular patients are discussed.
The Impact of Hypoxic Hepatitis on Clinical Outcomes after Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Authors: Lee Yun Im , Kang Min Goo , Ko Ryoung-Eun , Park Taek Kyu , Chung Chi Ryang , Cho Yang Hyun , Jeon Kyeongman , Suh Gee Young , Yang Jeong Hoon
Published: September 2020

Although there have been several reports regarding the association between hypoxic hepatic injury and clinical outcomes in patients who underwent conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), limited data are available in the setting of extracorporeal CPR (ECPR). Patients who received ECPR due to either in- or out-of-hospital cardiac arrest from May 2004 through December 2018 were eligible. Hypoxic hepatitis (HH) was defined as an increased aspartate aminotransferase or alanine aminotransferase level to more than 20 times the upper normal range. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. In addition, we assessed poor neurological outcome defined as a Cerebral Performance Categories score of 3 to 5 at discharge and the predictors of HH occurrence. Among 365 ECPR patients, 90 (24.7%) were identified as having HH. The in-hospital mortality and poor neurologic outcomes in the HH group were significantly higher than those of the non-HH group (72.2% vs. 54.9%, p = 0.004 and 77.8% vs. 63.6%, p = 0.013, respectively). As indicators of hepatic dysfunction, patients with hypoalbuminemia (albumin < 3 g/dL) or coagulopathy (international normalized ratio > 1.5) had significantly higher mortalities than those of their counterparts (p = 0.005 and p < 0.001, respectively). In multivariable logistic regression, age and acute kidney injury requiring continuous renal replacement therapy were predictors for development of HH (p = 0.046 and p < 0.001 respectively). Furthermore age, arrest due to ischemic heart disease, initial shockable rhythm, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, lowflow time, continuous renal replacement therapy, and HH were significant predictors for in-hospital mortality. HH was a frequent complication and associated with poor clinical outcomes in ECPR patients.
Effect of Statin Use on the Clinical Manifestations, Laboratory Test Results and Outcome of Lyme Neuroborreliosis
Authors: Ogrinc Katarina , Kastrin Andrej , Lotrič-Furlan Stanka , Bogovič Petra , Rojko Tereza , Cerar-Kišek Tjaša , Ružić-Sabljić Eva , Wormser Gary P. , Strle Franc
Published: September 2020

Statins have anti-inflammatory and potentially antimicrobial activity, but whether they have a beneficial effect on the course of infectious diseases is controversial. In this study, we assessed the impact of pre-existing statin use on the course and outcome of Lyme neuroborreliosis manifested as meningoradiculitis (Bannwarth’s syndrome). One hundred and twenty three consecutive patients with Bannwarth’s syndrome, of whom 18 (14.6%) were being treated with statins, were included in the study. To assess the influence of statin use on the course and outcome of the disease, univariate and multivariable analyses were performed. No statistically significant association was found between statin pre-treatment and the clinical manifestations, laboratory test results, and outcome of Bannwarth’s syndrome. In conclusion, pre-existing use of statins did not significantly impact either the clinical presentation or the outcome of Bannwarth’s syndrome.
Growth Differentiation Factor 15 in Severe Aortic Valve Stenosis: Relationship with Left Ventricular Remodeling and Frailty
Authors: Fabiani Iacopo , Santoni Tatiana , Angelillis Marco , Petricciuolo Serena , Colli Andrea , Pellegrini Giovanni , Mazzei Deborah , Pugliese Nicola Riccardo , Petronio Anna Sonia , De Caterina Raffaele
Published: September 2020

Background: Frailty is an important outcome predictor in patients with aortic stenosis who are candidates for transcatheter or surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR). Growth/differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a cytokine playing a role in the pathophysiology of ventricular remodeling. We assessed its potential role as an independent soluble biomarker of frailty in these patients. Methods: We studied 62 patients (age, mean 79 years, 95% confidence interval (CI) 77–81; 54.8% female) with severe aortic valve stenosis and candidates for AVR. We systematically assessed pre-intervention GDF15 levels for their relationship with frailty (Katz score) and echocardiographic parameters of left ventricular dysfunction/remodeling. Fifteen hypertensive patients with left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy served as controls. Results: Patients with aortic valve stenosis featured higher GDF15 levels than controls (1773, 95% CI 1574–1971 pg/mL vs. 775, 95% CI 600–950 pg/mL, respectively, p < 0.0001). Subjects in the upper GDF15 tertile were older (p = 0.004), with a more advanced NYHA functional class (p = 0.04) and a higher prevalence of impaired renal function (p = 0.004). Such patients also showed a higher frailty score (p = 0.04) and higher indices of LV dysfunction, including reduced global longitudinal strain (p = 0.01) and a higher left ventricular mass (p = 0.001). GDF15 was significantly related to the Katz score, and predicted (OR 1.05; 95% CI 0.9–1.1; p = 0.03) a low (<5) Katz score, independent of the relationship with LV mass, age, renal function or indices of LV dysfunction. Conclusions: GDF15 is increased in patients with severe aortic stenosis and appears to be a soluble correlate of patients’ frailty, independent of indices of left ventricular dysfunction.
Comparing Three Different Extraction Techniques on Essential Oil Profiles of Cultivated and Wild Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) Flower
Authors: Zhang Chun-Yun , Guo Mingquan
Published: September 2020

Essential oil components of Nelumbo nucifera flowers from cultivated and wild lotus samples were analyzed and compared using three different extraction techniques, i.e., headspace extraction (HE), steam distillation (SD) and solvent extraction (SE), coupled with GC-MS. Forty-two peaks in the GC-MS analysis were identified as essential oil components extracted by the three methods from N. nucifera flower. The major essential oil components extracted by SD method were found to be Z,Z-10,12-hexadecadienal and E-14-hexadecenal with relative contents of 16.3% and 16.7%, respectively, which is different from that of SE method, i.e., n-hexadecanoic acid and Z,Z-9,12-octadecadienoic acid accounting for 25.8% and 26.8%, respectively. HE method demonstrated a possibility to be used as an in situ and simplest method for extracting the essential oil components from raw materials. By adding a small amount of glycerinum onto the surface of the air-dried flower sample as a solvent trap in the HE method, the volatility of the essential oil components was found to increase by two times for the first time, which could be further utilized to improve the extraction efficiency and the recovery of the essential oil components from other materials for more applications. In addition, the comparison of essential oil components between cultivated and wild samples showed that they differed only in the chemical contents but not in chemical components. This will be a comprehensive report on the chemical information of the essential oil components of N. nucifera flower and provide guidance for its further exploration as high value-added products in the food and healthcare industries.
Review on Friction and Wear Test Rigs: An Overview on the State of the Art in Tyre Tread Friction Evaluation
Authors: Genovese Andrea , D’Angelo Gennaro Antonio , Sakhnevych Aleksandr , Farroni Flavio
Published: September 2020

The future evolution of autonomous mobility and road transportation will require substantial improvements in tyre adherence optimization. As new technologies being deployed in tyre manufacturing reduce total vehicle energy consumption, the contribution of tyre friction for safety and performance enhancement continues to increase. For this reason, the tyre’s grip is starting to drive the focus of many tyre developments nowadays. This is because the tread compound attitude to maximize the interaction forces with the ground is the result of a mix of effects, involving polymer viscoelastic characteristics, road roughness profiles and the conditions under which each tyre works during its lifespan. In such a context, mainly concerning the automotive market, the testing, analysis and objectivation of the friction arising at the tread interface is performed by means of specific test benches called friction testers. This paper reviews the state of the art in such devices’ development and use, with a global overview of the measurement methodologies and with a classification based on the working and specimen motion principle. Most tyre friction testers allow one to manage the relative sliding speed and the contact pressure between the specimen and the counter-surface, while just some of them are able to let the user vary the testing temperature. Few devices can really take into account the road real roughness, carrying out outdoor measurements, useful because they involve actual contact phenomena, but very complex to control outside the laboratory environment.
Bioactive Coatings Formed on Titanium by Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation: Composition and Properties
Authors: Mashtalyar Dmitry V. , Nadaraia Konstantine V. , Gnedenkov Andrey S. , Imshinetskiy Igor M. , Piatkova Mariia A. , Pleshkova Arina I. , Belov Evgeny A. , Filonina Valeriia S. , Suchkov Sergey N. , Sinebryukhov Sergey L. , Gnedenkov Sergey V.
Published: September 2020

Bioactive coatings on VT1-0 commercially pure titanium were formed by the plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO). A study of the morphological features of coatings was carried out using scanning electron microscopy. A composition of formed coatings was investigated using energy-dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometry analysis. It was shown that PEO-coatings have calcium phosphate in their composition, which increases the bioactivity of the surface layer. Electrochemical properties of the samples were studied by potentiondynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in different physiological media: simulated body fluid and minimum essential medium. The data of electrochemical studies indicate more than 15 times decrease in the corrosion current density for the sample with coating (5.0 × 10−9 A/cm2) as compared to the bare titanium (7.7 × 10−8 A/cm2). The formed PEO-layers have elastoplastic properties close to human bone (12–30 GPa) and a lower friction coefficient in comparison with bare metal. The wettability of PEO-layers increased. The contact angle for formed coatings reduced by more than 60° in comparison with bare metal (from 73° for titanium to 8° for PEO-coating). Such an increase in surface hydrophilicity contributes to the greater biocompatibility of the formed coating in comparison with commercially pure titanium. PEO can be prospective as a method for improving titanium surface bioactivity.
Study on Fatigue Characteristics of Bionic Functional Surface of Hardened Steel
Authors: Cui Youzheng , Zheng Minli , Zhang Wei , Wang Ben , Sun Yonglei , Wang Weiran
Published: September 2020

In this study, we aimed to process the biomimetic function surface by designing a prototype for modeling the pits on a dung beetle body and the abdomen of a desert viper, and by using high speed milling and controlling the ratio of row spacing to feed rate. Firstly, we conducted three-dimensional parametric modeling and static analysis of the bionic functional surface using 3D modeling software UGNX (12.0, SIEMENS AG, Munich, Germany) and finite element analysis software ABAQUS (2018, Dassault, Providence, RI, USA). Then, the analysis results were imported into the fatigue life analysis software nCode (2018, HBM United Kingdom Ltd., South Yorkshire, UK) to simulate the fatigue characteristics of different bionic pit morphology models. Per the simulated tensile fatigue testing machine, the result shows that the minimum fatigue life value of the quadrilateral pit surface of the simulated dung beetle is one and four times higher than the hexagonal pit morphology and the irregular pit morphology, respectively, whereas the maximum fatigue damage is lower by one and five orders of magnitude, respectively. The quadrilateral pit surface on the biomimetic dung beetle body has better fatigue resistance, which can considerably improve the fatigue damage distribution state and the fatigue life of hardened steel die surfaces. The influential regulation of milling parameters on fatigue performance was studied and the results show that the fatigue resistance of the model is optimal when milling parameters are: row spacing of 0.4 mm, loading space of 0.2 mm, and milling depth of 0.3 mm. The quadrilateral dimensions formed by milling are highly similar to those of a dung beetle body proving that a certain reduction in milling process depth can increase the structural fatigue resistance. From the perspective of fatigue crack growth analysis, the quadrilateral dimples on the surface of the dung beetle improve fatigue crack growth inhibition and fatigue resistance.
Predicting Long-Term Deformation of Soundproofing Resilient Materials Subjected to Compressive Loading: Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Koo Seungbum , Choi Jongkwon , Kim Changhyuk
Published: September 2020

Soundproofing materials are widely used within structural components of multi-dwelling residential buildings to alleviate neighborhood noise problems. One of the critical mechanical properties for the soundproofing materials to ensure its appropriate structural and soundproofing performance is the long-term compressive deformation under the service loading conditions. The test method in the current test specifications only evaluates resilient materials for a limited period (90-day). It then extrapolates the test results using a polynomial function to predict the long-term compressive deformation. However, the extrapolation is universally applied to materials without considering the level of loads; thus, the calculated deformation may not accurately represent the actual compressive deformation of the materials. In this regard, long-term compressive deformation tests were performed on the selected soundproofing resilient materials (i.e., polystyrene, polyethylene, and ethylene-vinyl acetate). Four levels of loads were chosen to apply compressive loads up to 350 to 500 days continuously, and the deformations of the test specimens were periodically monitored. Then, three machine learning algorithms were used to predict long-term compressive deformations. The predictions based on machine learning and ISO 20392 method are compared with experimental test results, and the accuracy of machine learning algorithms and ISO 20392 method are discussed.
Characterization and Electrical Properties of PVA Films with Self-Assembled Chitosan-AuNPs/SWCNT-COOH Nanostructures
Authors: Ceja Israel , González-Íñiguez Karla Josefina , Carreón-Álvarez Alejandra , Landazuri Gabriel , Barrera Arturo , Casillas José Eduardo , Fernández-Escamilla Víctor Vladimir A. , Aguilar Jacobo
Published: September 2020

Nanostructured films with electrical conductivity in the semiconductor region were prepared in a polymeric matrix of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with nanostructures of chitosan-gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)/single-wall carbon nanotubes carboxylic acid functionalized (SWCNT-COOH) (chitosan-AuNPs/SWCNT-COOH) self-assembled. Dispersion light scattering (DLS) was used to determine the average particle sizes of chitosan-AuNPs, z-average particle size (Dz) and number average particle size (Dn), and the formation of crystalline domains of AuNPs was demonstrated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and observed by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The electrostatic interaction was verified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The electrical conductivity of PVA/chitosan-AuNPs/SWCNT-COOH was determined by the four-point technique and photocurrent. The calculated Dn values of the chitosan-AuNPs decreased as the concentration of gold (III) chloride trihydrate (HAuCl4·3H2O) increased: the concentrations of 0.4 and 1.3 mM were 209 and 90 nm, respectively. Average crystal size (L) and number average size (D) of the AuNPs were calculated in the range of 13 to 24 nm. Electrical conductivity of PVA/chitosan-AuNPs/SWCNT-COOH films was 3.7 × 10−5 σ/cm determined by the four-point technique and 6.5 × 10−4 σ/cm by photocurrent for the SWCNT-COOH concentration of 0.5 wt.% and HAuCl4·3H2O concentration of 0.4 mM. In this investigation, the protonation of the amine group of chitosan is fundamental to prepare PVA films with nanostructures of self-assembled chitosan-AuNPs/SWCNT-COOH.
General Local Convergence Theorems about the Picard Iteration in Arbitrary Normed Fields with Applications to Super–Halley Method for Multiple Polynomial Zeros
Authors: Ivanov Stoil I.
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we prove two general convergence theorems with error estimates that give sufficient conditions to guarantee the local convergence of the Picard iteration in arbitrary normed fields. Thus, we provide a unified approach for investigating the local convergence of Picard-type iterative methods for simple and multiple roots of nonlinear equations. As an application, we prove two new convergence theorems with a priori and a posteriori error estimates about the Super-Halley method for multiple polynomial zeros.
Gauge-Strain-Controlled Air and PWR Fatigue Life Data for 304 Stainless Steel—Some Effects of Surface Finish and Hold Time
Authors: Vankeerberghen Marc , De Smet Michel , Malekian Christian
Published: September 2020

We performed environmental fatigue testing in simulated primary water reactor (PWR) primary water and reference fatigue testing in air in the framework of an international, collaborative project (INCEFA-PLUS), where the effects of mean strain and stress, hold time, strain amplitude and surface finish on fatigue life of austenitic stainless steels in light water reactor environments are being studied. Our fatigue lives obtained on machined specimens in air at 300 °C lie close to the NUREG/CR6909 mean air fatigue curve and are in line with INCEFA-PLUS air fatigue lives. Our environmental fatigue lives obtained in simulated PWR primary water at 300 °C lie relatively close to the NUREG/CR6909 mean fatigue curve; derived from the NUREG/CR6909 mean air fatigue curve and the applicable environmental correction factor (Fen). The PWR results show that (1) a polished surface finish has a slightly higher and a ground surface finish a slightly lower fatigue life than the NUREG/CR6909 prediction; (2) the ratio of polished to ground specimen life is ~1.37 at 300 °C and ~1.47 at 230 °C; (3) holds—at zero strain after a positive strain-rate—have a slightly detrimental effect on fatigue life. These results are in line with the INCEFA-PLUS PWR fatigue lives. A novel gauge-strain extensometer was deployed in order to perform a true gauge-strain-controlled fatigue test in simulated PWR primary water.
Relationship and Mechanism Analysis of Soft-Melt Dropping Properties and Primary-Slag Formation Behaviors of the Mixed Burden in Increasing Lump Ore Ratio
Authors: Li Yun-Fei , He Zhi-Jun , Zhan Wen-Long , Kong Wei-Guo , Han Peng , Zhang Jun-Hong , Pang Qing-Hai
Published: September 2020

At present, cost reduction and environmental protection are the mainstream of blast furnace (BF) development and the high lump ore ratio is an effective means. Therefore, it is significant to explore the relationship and mechanism of burden soft-melt dropping and its primary-slag formation behaviors under increasing lump ore ratio. In this paper, the melt–drop test is carried out on the single ore and mixed burden, and obtained primary-slag properties are subjected to analysis. The experimental results show that the primary-slag of lump ore contains a large amount of FeO and SiO2, so it simply produces many low melting point compounds, which cause terrible soft-melt dropping properties and primary-slag formation behaviors. Notably, mixing with sinter and pellet can effectively improve both the properties. With the increase in lump ore ratio, the CaO in the primary-slag decreases, FeO and SiO2 increase, resulting in the melting temperature of the primary-slag sequentially decreasing and the cohesive zone moves to the low temperature zone. In addition, the maximum pressure difference increases, and the gas permeability deteriorates. Increasing the sinter ratio can overcome the defect of high lump ore ratio that can effectively improve the poor softening performance, melting performance and the position and thickness of the cohesive zone. However, because of the pulverization performance, the maximum pressure difference and gas permeability of the burden become worse.
Electromechanical Modeling of Vibration-Based Piezoelectric Nanogenerator with Multilayered Cross-Section for Low-Power Consumption Devices
Authors: Elvira-Hernández Ernesto A. , Anaya-Zavaleta Juan C. , Martínez-Cisneros Eustaquio , López-Huerta Francisco , Aguilera-Cortés Luz Antonio , Herrera-May Agustín L.
Published: September 2020

Piezoelectric nanogenerators can convert energy from ambient vibrations into electrical energy. In the future, these nanogenerators could substitute conventional electrochemical batteries to supply electrical energy to consumer electronics. The optimal design of nanogenerators is fundamental in order to achieve their best electromechanical behavior. We present the analytical electromechanical modeling of a vibration-based piezoelectric nanogenerator composed of a double-clamped beam with five multilayered cross-sections. This nanogenerator design has a central seismic mass (910 μm thickness) and substrate (125 μm thickness) of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as well as a zinc oxide film (100 nm thickness) at the bottom of each end. The zinc oxide (ZnO) films have two aluminum electrodes (100 nm thickness) through which the generated electrical energy is extracted. The analytical electromechanical modeling is based on the Rayleigh method, Euler–Bernoulli beam theory and Macaulay method. In addition, finite element method (FEM) models are developed to estimate the electromechanical behavior of the nanogenerator. These FEM models consider air damping at atmospheric pressure and optimum load resistance. The analytical modeling results agree well with respect to those of FEM models. For applications under accelerations in y-direction of 2.50 m/s2 and an optimal load resistance of 32,458 Ω, the maximum output power and output power density of the nanogenerator at resonance (119.9 Hz) are 50.44 μW and 82.36 W/m3, respectively. This nanogenerator could be used to convert the ambient mechanical vibrations into electrical energy and supply low-power consumption devices.
Re-Evaluation of the Order Sordariales: Delimitation of Lasiosphaeriaceae s. str., and Introduction of the New Families Diplogelasinosporaceae, Naviculisporaceae, and Schizotheciaceae
Authors: Marin-Felix Yasmina , Miller Andrew N. , Cano-Lira José F. , Guarro Josep , García D. , Stadler Marc , Huhndorf Sabine M. , Stchigel Alberto M.
Published: September 2020

The order Sordariales includes the polyphyletic family Lasiosphaeriaceae, which comprises approximately 30 genera characterized by its paraphysate ascomata, asci with apical apparati, and mostly two-celled ascospores, which have a dark apical cell and a hyaline lower cell, frequently ornamented with mucilaginous appendages. To produce a more natural classification of this family, we carried out a phylogenetic analysis based on sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), the nuclear rDNA large subunit (LSU), and fragments of ribosomal polymerase II subunit 2 (rpb2) and β-tubulin (tub2) genes of several isolates from soil and of reference strains of the Sordariales. As a result, Lasiosphaeriaceae s. str. has been circumscribed for the clade including the type species of the genus Lasiosphaeria and, consequently, its description emended. In addition, the new families Diplogelasinosporaceae, Naviculisporaceae, and Schizotheciaceae are introduced to accommodate those taxa located far from the Lasiosphaeriaceae s. str. Moreover, we propose the erection of the new genera Areotheca, Lundqvistomyces, Naviculispora, Pseudoechria, Pseudoschizothecium, and Rhypophila based on morphological and sequence data. New combinations for several species of the genera Cladorrhinum, Jugulospora, Podospora, Schizothecium, and Triangularia are proposed, their descriptions are emended, and dichotomous keys are provided to discriminate among their species.