bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palladium-Nanoparticles Biohybrids in Applied Chemistry
Authors: Filice Marco , Losada-Garcia Noelia , Perez-Rizquez Carlos , Marciello Marzia , Morales Maria del Puerto , Palomo Jose M.
Published: December 2020

Applied nanotechnology has experienced tremendous advance over the last decade. In this study, the efficient synthesis of highly stable palladium-nanoparticles (PdNPs) biohybrids based on the application of an enzyme, which induces in situ the generation of spherical nanoparticles on the protein network, has been described. A heterogeneous material was synthesized formed with PdNPs with average sizes between 1.5 to 5 nm. These Pd nanocatalysts were successfully applied in different chemical processes: C-C bonding reactions (Suzuki and Heck reactions) and cascade processes combining enzymatic and metallic activities (hydrolysis-reduction, esterification-racemization).
Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Wound-Healing Properties of Cyanobacteria from Thermal Mud of Balaruc-Les-Bains, France: A Multi-Approach Study
Authors: Demay Justine , Halary Sébastien , Knittel-Obrecht Adeline , Villa Pascal , Duval Charlotte , Hamlaoui Sahima , Roussel Théotime , Yéprémian Claude , Reinhardt Anita , Bernard Cécile , Marie Benjamin
Published: December 2020

Background: The Balaruc-les-Bains’ thermal mud was found to be colonized predominantly by microorganisms, with cyanobacteria constituting the primary organism in the microbial biofilm observed on the mud surface. The success of cyanobacteria in colonizing this specific ecological niche can be explained in part by their taxa-specific adaptation capacities, and also the diversity of bioactive natural products that they synthesize. This array of components has physiological and ecological properties that may be exploited for various applications. Methods: Nine cyanobacterial strains were isolated from Balaruc thermal mud and maintained in the Paris Museum Collection (PMC). Full genome sequencing was performed coupled with targeted and untargeted metabolomic analyses (HPLC-DAD and LC-MS/MS). Bioassays were performed to determine antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. Results: Biosynthetic pathways for phycobiliproteins, scytonemin, and carotenoid pigments and 124 metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) were characterized. Several compounds with known antioxidant or anti-inflammatory properties, such as carotenoids, phycobilins, mycosporine-like amino acids, and aeruginosins, and other bioactive metabolites like microginins, microviridins, and anabaenolysins were identified. Secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 appeared to be inhibited by crude extracts of Planktothricoides raciborskii PMC 877.14, Nostoc sp. PMC 881.14, and Pseudo-chroococcus couteii PMC 885.14. The extract of the Aliinostoc sp. PMC 882.14 strain was able to slightly enhance migration of HaCat cells that may be helpful in wound healing. Several antioxidant compounds were detected, but no significant effects on nitric oxide secretion were observed. There was no cytotoxicity on the three cell types tested, indicating that cyanobacterial extracts may have anti-inflammatory therapeutic potential without harming body cells. These data open up promising uses for these extracts and their respective molecules in drugs or thermal therapies.
Glycosaminoglycans in Tissue Engineering: A Review
Authors: Sodhi Harkanwalpreet , Panitch Alyssa
Published: December 2020

Glycosaminoglycans are native components of the extracellular matrix that drive cell behavior and control the microenvironment surrounding cells, making them promising therapeutic targets for a myriad of diseases. Recent studies have shown that recapitulation of cell interactions with the extracellular matrix are key in tissue engineering, where the aim is to mimic and regenerate endogenous tissues. Because of this, incorporation of glycosaminoglycans to drive stem cell fate and promote cell proliferation in engineered tissues has gained increasing attention. This review summarizes the role glycosaminoglycans can play in tissue engineering and the recent advances in their use in these constructs. We also evaluate the general trend of research in this niche and provide insight into its future directions.
Inhibition of Human Cathepsins B and L by Caffeic Acid and Its Derivatives
Authors: Ulčakar Liza , Novinec Marko
Published: December 2020

Caffeic acid (CA) and its derivatives caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and chlorogenic acid (CGA) are phenolic compounds of plant origin with a wide range of biological activities. Here, we identify and characterize their inhibitory properties against human cathepsins B and L, potent, ubiquitously expressed cysteine peptidases involved in protein turnover and homeostasis, as well as pathological conditions, such as cancer. We show that CAPE and CGA inhibit both peptidases, while CA shows a preference for cathepsin B, resulting in the strongest inhibition among these combinations. All compounds are linear (complete) inhibitors acting via mixed or catalytic mechanisms. Cathepsin B is more strongly inhibited at pH 7.4 than at 5.5, and CA inhibits its endopeptidase activity preferentially over its peptidyl-dipeptidase activity. Altogether, the results identify the CA scaffold as a promising candidate for the development of cathepsin B inhibitors, specifically targeting its endopeptidase activity associated with pathological proteolysis of extracellular substrates.
RNA Polymerase and Transcription Mechanisms: The Forefront of Physicochemical Studies of Chemical Reactions
Authors: Shimamoto Nobuo , Imashimizu Masahiko
Published: December 2020

The study of transcription and its regulation is an interdisciplinary field that is closely connected with genetics, structural biology, and reaction theory. Among these, although less attention has been paid to reaction theory, it is becoming increasingly useful for research on transcription. Rate equations are commonly used to describe reactions involved in transcription, but they tend to be used unaware of the timescales of relevant physical processes. In this review, we discuss the limitation of rate equation for describing three-dimensional diffusion and one-dimensional diffusion along DNA. We then introduce the chemical ratchet mechanism recently proposed for explaining the antenna effect, an enhancement of the binding affinity to a specific site on longer DNA, which deviates from a thermodynamic rule. We show that chemical ratchet cannot be described with a single set of rate equations but alternative sets of rate equations that temporally switch no faster than the binding reaction.
Cerebral Metastasis of Common Cancers
Authors: Kros Johan M. , Mustafa Dana A. M.
Published: December 2020

Blood-brain barrier The incidence of brain metastasis has risen dramatically over the last decades and has equaled that of primary brain tumors [...]
The Judicious Use of Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Hypofractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy in the Management of Large Brain Metastases
Authors: Gutschenritter Tyler , Venur Vyshak A. , Combs Stephanie E. , Vellayappan Balamurugan , Patel Anoop P. , Foote Matthew , Redmond Kristin J. , Wang Tony J. C. , Sahgal Arjun , Chao Samuel T. , Suh John H. , Chang Eric L. , Ellenbogen Richard G. , Lo Simon S.
Published: December 2020

Brain metastases are the most common intracranial malignant tumor in adults and are a cause of significant morbidity and mortality for cancer patients. Large brain metastases, defined as tumors with a maximum dimension >2 cm, present a unique clinical challenge for the delivery of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) as patients often present with neurologic symptoms that require expeditious treatment that must also be balanced against the potential consequences of surgery and radiation therapy—namely, leptomeningeal disease (LMD) and radionecrosis (RN). Hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (HSRT) and pre-operative SRS have emerged as novel treatment techniques to help improve local control rates and reduce rates of RN and LMD for this patient population commonly managed with post-operative SRS. Recent literature suggests that pre-operative SRS can potentially half the risk of LMD compared to post-operative SRS and that HSRT can improve risk of RN to less than 10% while improving local control when meeting the appropriate goals for biologically effective dose (BED) and dose-volume constraints. We recommend a 3- or 5-fraction regimen in lieu of SRS delivering 15 Gy or less for large metastases or resection cavities. We provide a table comparing the BED of commonly used SRS and HSRT regimens, and provide an algorithm to help guide the management of these challenging clinical scenarios.
Copper-Catalyzed C–H Arylation of Fused-Pyrimidinone Derivatives Using Diaryliodonium Salts
Authors: Pacheco-Benichou Alexandra , Ivendengani Eugénie , Kostakis Ioannis K. , Besson Thierry , Fruit Corinne
Published: December 2020

Copper-catalyzed Csp2–Csp2 bond forming reactions through C–H activation are still one of the most useful strategies for the diversification of heterocyclic moieties using various coupling partners. A catalytic protocol for the C–H (hetero)arylation of thiazolo[5,4-f]quinazolin-9(8H)-ones and more generally fused-pyrimidinones using catalyst loading of CuI with diaryliodonium triflates as aryl source under microwave irradiation has been disclosed. The selectivity of the transfer of the aryl group was also disclosed in the case of unsymmetrical diaryliodonium salts. Specific phenylation of valuable fused-pyrimidinones including quinazolinone are provided. This strategy enables a rapid access to an array of various (hetero)arylated N-containing polyheteroaromatics as new potential bioactive compounds.
Novel Interplay between p53 and HO-1 in Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Toro Ayelén , Anselmino Nicolás , Solari Claudia , Francia Marcos , Oses Camila , Sanchis Pablo , Bizzotto Juan , Vazquez Echegaray Camila , Petrone María Victoria , Levi Valeria , Vazquez Elba , Guberman Alejandra
Published: December 2020

Stem cells genome safeguarding requires strict oxidative stress control. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and p53 are relevant components of the cellular defense system. p53 controls cellular response to multiple types of harmful stimulus, including oxidative stress. Otherwise, besides having a protective role, HO-1 is also involved in embryo development and in embryonic stem (ES) cells differentiation. Although both proteins have been extensively studied, little is known about their relationship in stem cells. The aim of this work is to explore HO-1-p53 interplay in ES cells. We studied HO-1 expression in p53 knockout (KO) ES cells and we found that they have higher HO-1 protein levels but similar HO-1 mRNA levels than the wild type (WT) ES cell line. Furthermore, cycloheximide treatment increased HO-1 abundance in p53 KO cells suggesting that p53 modulates HO-1 protein stability. Notably, H2O2 treatment did not induce HO-1 expression in p53 KO ES cells. Finally, SOD2 protein levels are also increased while Sod2 transcripts are not in KO cells, further suggesting that the p53 null phenotype is associated with a reinforcement of the antioxidant machinery. Our results demonstrate the existence of a connection between p53 and HO-1 in ES cells, highlighting the relationship between these stress defense pathways.
CD8+ T Cells in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Schäfer Sarah , Zernecke Alma
Published: December 2020

Atherosclerotic lesions are populated by cells of the innate and adaptive immune system, including CD8+ T cells. The CD8+ T cell infiltrate has recently been characterized in mouse and human atherosclerosis and revealed activated, cytotoxic, and possibly dysfunctional and exhausted cell phenotypes. In mouse models of atherosclerosis, antibody-mediated depletion of CD8+ T cells ameliorates atherosclerosis. CD8+ T cells control monopoiesis and macrophage accumulation in early atherosclerosis. In addition, CD8+ T cells exert cytotoxic functions in atherosclerotic plaques and contribute to macrophage cell death and necrotic core formation. CD8+ T cell activation may be antigen-specific, and epitopes of atherosclerosis-relevant antigens may be targets of CD8+ T cells and their cytotoxic activity. CD8+ T cell functions are tightly controlled by costimulatory and coinhibitory immune checkpoints. Subsets of regulatory CD25+CD8+ T cells with immunosuppressive functions can inhibit atherosclerosis. Importantly, local cytotoxic CD8+ T cell responses may trigger endothelial damage and plaque erosion in acute coronary syndromes. Understanding the complex role of CD8+ T cells in atherosclerosis may pave the way for defining novel treatment approaches in atherosclerosis. In this review article, we discuss these aspects, highlighting the emerging and critical role of CD8+ T cells in atherosclerosis.
Effects of the FSW Parameters on Microstructure and Electrical Properties in Al 6061-T6- Cu C11000 Plate Joints
Authors: García-Navarro Daniel , Ortiz-Cuellar Juan Carlos , Galindo-Valdés Jesús Salvador , Gómez-Casas Josué , Muñiz-Valdez Carlos Rodrigo , Rodríguez-Rosales Nelly Abigaíl
Published: December 2020

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a feasible welding process to join dissimilar materials due to its solid-state nature. In this study the FSW of 6061-T6 aluminum with pure Cu plates was performed with the objective of evaluating the effects of the FSW parameters on the microstructure and electrical properties. The processing parameters (rotational and traverse speeds) were established to reduce the common defects in the friction-stir welding process. Therefore, the obtained results validated the better mechanical properties and a smaller increase of the electrical resistivity. The rotational speeds used were of 1000, 1150, and 1300 rpm, and the traverse speeds of 20, 40, and 60 mm/min, with the purpose of varying the heat input of the process. The microstructural characterization revealed the presence of a mixture of aluminum and copper into the weld zone, along with copper particles and the formation of intermetallic compounds. It was found that the electrical resistivity of the joints ranged from 0.029 to 0.036 μΩ. The highest electrical resistivity values were obtained at the lowest traverse speed (20 mm/min) and the lowest resistivity values were obtained at highest traverse speed (60 mm/min).
Visceral Adiposity, Pro-Inflammatory Signaling and Vasculopathy in Metabolically Unhealthy Non-Obesity Phenotype
Authors: Tsou Meng-Ting , Yun Chun-Ho , Lin Jiun-Lu , Sung Kuo-Tzu , Tsai Jui-Peng , Huang Wen-Hung , Liu Chia-Yuan , Hou Charles Jia-Yin , Tsai I.-Hsien , Su Cheng-Huang , Hung Chung-Lieh , Hung Ta-Chuan
Published: December 2020

The debate regarding the actual cardiovascular burden in metabolically healthy obese or metabolically unhealthy non-obesity individuals is ongoing. Accumulating data have suggested a unique pathophysiological role of pro-inflammatory cytokines in mediating metabolic and cardiovascular disorders by dysregulated visceral adiposity. To compare the burden of visceral adiposity, the inflammatory marker high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and the prevalent atherosclerotic burden in metabolically healthy obese (MHO) or metabolically unhealthy (MU) populations, were compared to those of metabolically healthy non-obesity subjects (MHNO). Coronary artery calcification score (CACS) and visceral fat, including pericardial fat (PCF)/thoracic peri-aortic fat (TAT), were quantified in 2846 asymptomatic subjects using a CT dataset. A cross-sectional analysis comparing CACS, inflammatory marker hs-CRP, and visceral fat burden among four obesity phenotypes (MHNO, metabolically unhealthy non-obesity (MUNO), MHO, and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO)) was performed. Both MUNO and MUO demonstrated significantly higher hs-CRP and greater CACS than MHNO/MHO (adjusted coefficient: 25.46, 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.29–45.63; 43.55, 95% CI: 23.38–63.73 for MUNO and MUO (MHNO as reference); both p < 0.05). Visceral fat (PCF/TAT) was an independent determinant of MU and was similarly higher in the MUNO/MHO groups than in the MHNO group, with the MUO group having the largest amount. PCF/TAT, obesity, and MU remained significantly associated with higher CACS even after adjustment, with larger PCF/TAT modified effects for MU and diabetes in CACS (both pinteraction < 0.05). MU tightly linked to excessive visceral adiposity was a strong and independent risk factor for coronary atherosclerosis even in lean individuals, which could be partially explained by its coalignment with pathological pro-inflammatory signaling.
Inter-UAV Routing Scheme Testbeds
Authors: Amponis Georgios , Lagkas Thomas , Sarigiannidis Panagiotis , Vitsas Vasileios , Fouliras Panagiotis
Published: December 2020

With the development of more advanced and efficient control algorithms and communication architectures, UAVs and networks thereof (swarms) now find applications in nearly all possible environments and scenarios. There exist numerous schemes which accommodate routing for such networks, many of which are specifically designed for distinct use-cases. Validation and evaluation of routing schemes is implemented for the most part using simulation software. This approach is however incapable of considering real-life noise, radio propagation models, channel bit error rate and signal-to-noise ratio. Most importantly, existing frameworks or simulation software cannot sense physical-layer related information regarding power consumption which an increasing number of routing protocols utilize as a metric. The work presented in this paper contributes to the analysis of already existing routing scheme evaluation frameworks and testbeds and proposes an efficient, universal and standardized hardware testbed. Additionally, three interface modes aimed at evaluation under different scenarios are provided.
Exploring Evolutionary Fitness in Biological Systems Using Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Kuzenkov Oleg , Morozov Andrew , Kuzenkova Galina
Published: December 2020

Here, we propose a computational approach to explore evolutionary fitness in complex biological systems based on empirical data using artificial neural networks. The essence of our approach is the following. We first introduce a ranking order of inherited elements (behavioral strategies or/and life history traits) in considered self-reproducing systems: we use available empirical information on selective advantages of such elements. Next, we introduce evolutionary fitness, which is formally described as a certain function reflecting the introduced ranking order. Then, we approximate fitness in the space of key parameters using a Taylor expansion. To estimate the coefficients in the Taylor expansion, we utilize artificial neural networks: we construct a surface to separate the domains of superior and interior ranking of pair inherited elements in the space of parameters. Finally, we use the obtained approximation of the fitness surface to find the evolutionarily stable (optimal) strategy which maximizes fitness. As an ecologically important study case, we apply our approach to explore the evolutionarily stable diel vertical migration of zooplankton in marine and freshwater ecosystems. Using machine learning we reconstruct the fitness function of herbivorous zooplankton from empirical data and predict the daily trajectory of a dominant species in the northeastern Black Sea.
Methodology for Increasing the Efficiency of Dynamic Process Calculations in Elastic Elements of Complex Engineering Constructions
Authors: Andrukhiv Andriy , Sokil Maria , Fedushko Solomiia , Syerov Yuriy , Kalambet Yaryna , Peracek Tomas
Published: December 2020

This study deals with a methodology for increasing the efficiency of dynamic process calculations in elastic elements of complex engineering constructions. We studied the complex dynamic processes in a simple engineering construction, a mechanical system of an elastic body–continuous flow of homogeneous medium. The developed methodology is based on the use of a priori information on some of the vibrations forms, the construction of a “simplified” mathematical model of system dynamics, and the obtaining of an analytical relationship that describe the overall range of factors on the elastic vibrations of system. The methodology is used for cases of complex vibrations of elastic bodies, and the obtained results can serve as a basis for choosing the main technological and operational parameters of elastic elements of mechanisms and machines that perform complex vibrations. The results obtained in this work are the basis for calculating the blast effect on the elements of protective structures in order to increase their protective capacity by improving the method of their attachment or by using additional reinforcement, buff load effects on the elements of drilling strings and dynamic processes that occur during surface strengthening by work hardening in order to avoid resonance phenomena, and technological processes of vibration displacement or vibration separation of granular media.
A Procedure for Tracing Supply Chains for Perishable Food Based on Blockchain, Machine Learning and Fuzzy Logic
Authors: Shahbazi Zeinab , Byun Yung-Cheol
Published: December 2020

One of the essential points of food manufacturing in the industry and shelf life of the products is to improve the food traceability system. In recent years, the food traceability mechanism has become one of the emerging blockchain applications in order to improve the anti-counterfeiting area’s quality. Many food manufacturing systems have a low level of readability, scalability, and data accuracy. Similarly, this process is complicated in the supply chain and needs a lot of time for processing. The blockchain system creates a new ontology in the traceability system supply chain to deal with these issues. In this paper, a blockchain machine learning-based food traceability system (BMLFTS) is proposed in order to combine the new extension in blockchain, Machine Learning technology (ML), and fuzzy logic traceability system that is based on the shelf life management system for manipulating perishable food. The blockchain technology in the proposed system has been developed in order to address light-weight, evaporation, warehouse transactions, or shipping time. The blockchain data flow is designed to show the extension of ML at the level of food traceability. Finally, reliable and accurate data are used in a supply chain to improve shelf life.
Context-Aware and Occlusion Handling Mechanism for Online Visual Object Tracking
Authors: Mehmood Khizer , Jalil Abdul , Ali Ahmad , Khan Baber , Murad Maria , Khan Wasim Ullah , He Yigang
Published: December 2020

Object tracking is still an intriguing task as the target undergoes significant appearance changes due to illumination, fast motion, occlusion and shape deformation. Background clutter and numerous other environmental factors are other major constraints which remain a riveting challenge to develop a robust and effective tracking algorithm. In the present study, an adaptive Spatio-temporal context (STC)-based algorithm for online tracking is proposed by combining the context-aware formulation, Kalman filter, and adaptive model learning rate. For the enhancement of seminal STC-based tracking performance, different contributions were made in the proposed study. Firstly, a context-aware formulation was incorporated in the STC framework to make it computationally less expensive while achieving better performance. Afterwards, accurate tracking was made by employing the Kalman filter when the target undergoes occlusion. Finally, an adaptive update scheme was incorporated in the model to make it more robust by coping with the changes of the environment. The state of an object in the tracking process depends on the maximum value of the response map between consecutive frames. Then, Kalman filter prediction can be updated as an object position in the next frame. The average difference between consecutive frames is used to update the target model adaptively. Experimental results on image sequences taken from Template Color (TC)-128, OTB2013, and OTB2015 datasets indicate that the proposed algorithm performs better than various algorithms, both qualitatively and quantitatively.
Dependability Impact in the Smart Solar Power Systems: An Analysis of Smart Buildings
Authors: Araujo Eltton , Pereira Paulo , Dantas Jamilson , Maciel Paulo
Published: December 2020

The Internet has been going through significant transformations and changing the world around us. We can also see the Internet to be used in many areas, for innumerable purposes, and, currently, it is even used by objects. This evolution leads to the Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm. This new concept can be defined as a system composed of storage resources, sensor devices, controllers, applications, and network infrastructure, in order to provide specific services to its users. Since IoT comprises heterogeneous components, the creation of these systems, the communication, and maintenance of their components became a complex task. In this paper, we present a dependability model to evaluate an IoT system. Amid different systems, we chose to assess availability in a smart building. The proposed models allow us to calculate estimations of other measures besides steady-state availability, such as reliability. Thus, it was possible to notice that there was no considerable gain of availability in the system when applying grid-tie solar power or off-grid solar power. The grid-tie solar power system is cheaper than the off-grid solar power system, even though it produces more energy. However, in our research, we were able to observe that the off-grid solar power system recovers the applied financial investment in smaller interval of time.
The Impact of the Coexistence of Methane Hazard and Rock-Bursts on the Safety of Works in Underground Hard Coal Mines
Authors: Swolkień Justyna , Szlązak Nikodem
Published: December 2020

Several natural threats characterize hard coal mining in Poland. The coexistence of methane and rock-burst hazards lowers the safety level during exploration. The most dangerous are high-energy bumps, which might cause rock-burst. Additionally, created during exploitation, safety pillars, which protect openings, might be the reason for the formation of so-called gas traps. In this part, rock mass is usually not disturbed and methane in seams that form the safety pillars is not dangerous as long as they remain intact. Nevertheless, during a rock-burst, a sudden methane outflow can occur. Preventing the existing hazards increases mining costs, and employing inadequate measures threatens the employees’ lives and limbs. Using two longwalls as examples, the authors discuss the consequences of the two natural hazards’ coexistence. In the area of longwall H-4 in seam 409/4, a rock-burst caused a release of approximately 545,000 cubic meters of methane into the excavations, which tripled methane concentration compared to the values from the period preceding the burst. In the second longwall (IV in seam 703/1), a bump was followed by a rock-burst, which reduced the amount of air flowing through the excavation by 30 percent compared to the airflow before, and methane release rose by 60 percent. The analyses presented in this article justify that research is needed to create and implement innovative methods of methane drainage from coal seams to capture methane more effectively at the stage of mining.
An Islanding Detection Technique for Inverter-Based Distributed Generation in Microgrids
Authors: Karimi Mazaher , Farshad Mohammad , Hong Qiteng , Laaksonen Hannu , Kauhaniemi Kimmo
Published: December 2020

This article proposes a new passive islanding detection technique for inverter-based distributed generation (DG) in microgrids based on local synchrophasor measurements. The proposed method utilizes the voltage and current phasors measured at the DG connection point (point of connection, PoC). In this paper, the rate of change of voltages and the ratio of the voltage and current magnitudes (VoI index) at the PoC are monitored using micro-phasor measurement units. The developed local measurements based decentralized islanding detection technique is based on the VoI index in order to detect any kind of utility grid frequency fluctuations or oscillations and distinguishing them from islanding condition. The simulation studies confirm that the proposed scheme is accurate, robust, fast, and simple to implement for inverter-based DGs.
Building Energy Management for Passive Cooling Based on Stochastic Occupants Behavior Evaluation
Authors: Roccotelli Michele , Rinaldi Alessandro , Fanti Maria Pia , Iannone Francesco
Published: December 2020

The common approach to model occupants behaviors in buildings is deterministic and consists of assumptions based on predefined fixed schedules or rules. In contrast with the deterministic models, stochastic and agent based (AB) models are the most powerful and suitable methods for modeling complex systems as the human behavior. In this paper, a co-simulation architecture is proposed with the aim of modeling the occupant behavior in buildings by a stochastic-AB approach and implementing an intelligent Building Energy Management System (BEMS). In particular, optimized control logics are designed for smart passive cooling by controlling natural ventilation and solar shading systems to guarantee the thermal comfort conditions and maintain energy performance. Moreover, the effects of occupant actions on indoor thermal comfort are also taken into account. This study shows how the integration of automation systems and passive techniques increases the potentialities of passive cooling in buildings, integrating or replacing the conventional efficiency strategies.
Optimal Operation of Networked Microgrids for Enhancing Resilience Using Mobile Electric Vehicles
Authors: Ali Asfand Yar , Hussain Akhtar , Baek Ju-Won , Kim Hak-Man
Published: December 2020

The increased intensity and frequency of natural disasters have attracted the attention of researchers in the power sector to enhance the resilience of power systems. Microgrids are considered as a potential solution to enhance the resilience of power systems using local resources, such as renewable energy sources, electric vehicles (EV), and energy storage systems. However, the deployment of an additional storage system for resilience can increase the investment cost. Therefore, in this study, the usage of existing EVs in microgrids is proposed as a solution to increase the resilience of microgrids with outages without the need for additional investment. In the case of contingencies, the proposed algorithm supplies energy to islanded microgrids from grid-connected microgrids by using mobile EVs. The process for the selection of EVs for supplying energy to islanded microgrids is carried out in three steps. Firstly, islanded and networked microgrids inform the central energy management system (CEMS) about the required and available energy stored in EVs, respectively. Secondly, CEMS determines the microgrids among networked microgrids to supply energy to the islanded microgrid. Finally, the selected microgrids determine the EVs for supplying energy to the islanded microgrid. Simulations have shown the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in enhancing the resilience of microgrids even in the absence of power connection among microgrids.
Stem Lettuce and Its Metabolites: Does the Variety Make Any Difference?
Authors: Malarz Janusz , Michalska Klaudia , Stojakowska Anna
Published: December 2020

The objective of the present study was to characterize chemical composition of hitherto unexamined aerial parts of Lactuca sativa var. angustana cv. Grüner Stern. In contrast to leafy and head varieties of the lettuces, asparagus lettuce grown in Europe is much less studied. Fractionation of a methanolic extract from leaves of L. sativa cv. Grüner Stern, supported with HPLC/DAD and 1H NMR analysis, led to the isolation and/or identification of numerous terpenoid and phenolic compounds, including five apocarotenoids—(-)-loliolide, (+)-dehydrovomifoliol, blumenol A, (6S,9S)-vomifoliol, and corchoionoside C; three sesquiterpene lactones; two lignans—((+)-syringaresinol and its 4-O-β-glucoside); five caffeic acid derivatives; and three flavonoids. Some of the compounds, to the best of our knowledge, have never been isolated from L. sativa before. Moreover, monolignols, phenolic acids and a tryptophan-derived alkaloid were found in the analyzed plant material. Stems, leaves and shoot tips of the asparagus lettuce were examined to assess their phenolics and sesquiterpene lactone content as well as DPPH scavenging activity. Another stem lettuce—L. sativa var. angustana cv. Karola, two cultivars of leafy lettuces and one species of wild lettuce—L. serriola, were also examined as a reference material using HPLC/DAD. The results have been discussed regarding our previous studies and the literature data available.
Flood Hazard Estimation under Nonstationarity Using the Particle Filter
Authors: Vidrio-Sahagún Cuauhtémoc Tonatiuh , He Jianxun
Published: December 2020

The presence of the nonstationarity in flow datasets has challenged the flood hazard assessment. Nonstationary tools and evaluation metrics have been proposed to deal with the nonstationarity and guide the infrastructure design and mitigation measures. To date, the examination of how the flood hazards are affected by the nonstationarity is still very limited. This paper thus examined the association between the flood hazards and the nonstationary patterns and degrees of the underlying datasets. The Particle Filter, which allows for assessing the uncertainty of the point estimates, was adopted to conduct the nonstationary flood frequency analysis (NS-FFA) for subsequently estimating the flood hazards in three real study cases. The results suggested that the optimal and top NS-FFA models selected according to the fitting efficiency in general align with the pattern of nonstationarity, although they might not always be superior in terms of uncertainty. Moreover, the results demonstrated the association and the sensitivity of the flood hazards to the perceived patterns and degrees of nonstationarity. In particular, the variations of the flood hazards intensified with the increase in the degree of nonstationarity, which should be assessed in a more elaborate manner, i.e., considering multiple statistical moments. These advocate the potential of using the nonstationarity characteristics as a proxy for evaluating the evolutions of the flood hazards.
Brain Health: Attitudes towards Technology Adoption in Older Adults
Authors: Abdelrahman Nadir G. , Haque Raza , Polverento Molly E. , Wendling Andrea , Goetz Courtney M. , Arnetz Bengt B.
Published: December 2020

(1) Background: There is increasing scholarly support for the notion that properly implemented and used, technology can be of substantial benefit for older adults. Use of technology has been associated with improved self-rating of health and fewer chronic conditions. Use of technology such as handheld devices by older adults has the potential to improve engagement and promote cognitive and physical health. However, although, literature suggests some willingness by older adults to use technology, simultaneously there are reports of a more cautious attitude to its adoption. Our objective was to determine the opinions towards information technologies, with special reference to brain health, in healthy older adults either fully retired or still working in some capacity including older adult workers and retired adults living in an independent elderly living community. We were especially interested in further our understanding of factors that may play a role in technology adoption and its relevance to addressing health related issues in this population; (2) Methods: Two focus groups were conducted in an inner-city community. Participants were older adults with an interest in their general health and prevention of cognitive decline. They were asked to discuss their perceptions of and preferences for the use of technology. Transcripts were coded for thematic analysis; (3) Results: Seven common themes emerged from the focus group interviews: physical health, cognitive health, social engagement, organizing information, desire to learn new technology, advancing technology, and privacy/security; and (4) Conclusions: This study suggests that in order to promote the use of technology in older adults, one needs to consider wider contextual issues, not only device design per se, but the older adult’s rationale for using technology and their socio-ecological context.
High-Resolution Mapping of Tile Drainage in Agricultural Fields Using Unmanned Aerial System (UAS)-Based Radiometric Thermal and Optical Sensors
Authors: Tilahun Tewodros , Seyoum Wondwosen M.
Published: December 2020

With the growing concerns of water quality related to tile drainage in agricultural lands, developing an efficient and cost-effective method of mapping tile drainage is essential. This research aimed to establish mapping of tile drainage systems in agricultural fields using optical and radiometric thermal sensors mounted on Unmanned Aerial System (UAS). The overarching hypothesis is that in a tile-drained land, spatial distribution of soil water content is affected by tile lines, therefore, contrasting soil temperature signals exist between areas along the tile lines and between the tile lines. Designated flights were conducted to assess the effectiveness of the UAS under various conditions such as rainfall, crop cover, crop maturity and time of the day. Image correction, mosaicking, image enhancements and map production were conducted using Agisoft and ENVI image analysis software. The results showed intermediate growth stage of soybean plants and rainfall helped delineating tile lines. In-situ soil temperature measurements revealed appropriate time of the day (14:00 to 18:00 h) for thermal image detection of the tile lines. The role of soil moisture and plant cover is not resolved, thus, further refinement of the approach considering these factors is necessary to develop efficient mapping techniques of tile drainage using UAS thermal and optical sensors.
Calcium Superphosphate-Mediated Reshaping of Denitrifying Bacteria Community Contributed to N2O Mitigation in Pig Manure Windrow Composting
Authors: Jin Yaguo , Miao Yingcheng , Geng Yajun , Huang Mengyuan , Zhang Yihe , Song Xiuchao , Li Shuqing , Zou Jianwen
Published: December 2020

Composting is recognized as an effective strategy for the sustainable use of organic wastes, but also as an important emission source of nitrous oxide (N2O) contributing to global warming. The effects of calcium superphosphate (CaSSP) on N2O production during composting are reported to be controversial, and the intrinsic microbial mechanism remains unclear. Here, a pig manure windrow composting experiment lasting for ~60 days was performed to evaluate the effects of CaSSP amendment (5%, w/w) on N2O fluxes in situ, and to determine the denitrifiers’ response, and their driving factors. Results indicated that CaSSP amendment significantly reduced N2O emissions as compared to the control pile (maximum N2O emission rate reduced by 64.5% and total emission decreased by 49.8%). CaSSP amendment reduced the abundance of nirK gene encoding for nitrite reductase, while the abundance of nosZ gene (N2O reductase) was enriched. Finally, we built a schematic model and indicated that the abundance of nirK gene was likely to play a key role in mediating N2O production, which were correlated with NH4+-N and NO3−-N changing responsive to CaSSP. Our finding implicates that CaSSP application could be a potential strategy for N2O mitigation in manure windrow composting, and the revealed microbial mechanism is helpful for deepening the understanding of the interaction among N-cycle functional genes, physicochemical factors, and greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions.
Are Chinese Entrepreneurs Happier than Employees? Evidence Based on a National Workforce Survey in China
Authors: Xia Chang-Lan , Wu Tung-Ju , Wei An-Pin , Wu Pei-Guan
Published: December 2020

Most studies consider entrepreneurship in Chinese a happier career choice, while the adverse effects of entrepreneurship on wellbeing have been overlooked. In this research, the effect of career choice on job-related wellbeing is explored using multiple indicators. Differences in the career choices of employees and entrepreneurs are examined in the first section of the study, and the motives for entrepreneurship are studied in the second section. Job-related wellbeing is regarded as consisting of job satisfaction, subjective wellbeing, and physical wellbeing. The data were obtained using the Chinese Labor-Force Dynamic Survey, and the sample consisted of 6108 employees and 2075 entrepreneurs from 29 provinces and cities in China. T-test, chi square test, and ordinal logistic regression were conducted. The analysis in the first section reveals significant differences in job-related wellbeing between employees and entrepreneurs along with differences in autonomy and perceived equity. Entrepreneurs are found to be less satisfied and unhappier than employees. The heterogeneity of the motives for entrepreneurship is highlighted in the second part, and its significant role in the wellbeing of entrepreneurs is explored. Subsistence entrepreneurs have been found to constitute up to 64% of all entrepreneurs. Subsistence entrepreneurship is negatively associated with job satisfaction and subjective wellbeing.
Post-Traumatic Stress Reactions in Caregivers of Children and Adolescents/Young Adults with Severe Diseases: A Systematic Review of Risk and Protective Factors
Authors: Carmassi Claudia , Dell’Oste Valerio , Foghi Claudia , Bertelloni Carlo Antonio , Conti Eugenia , Calderoni Sara , Battini Roberta , Dell’Osso Liliana
Published: December 2020

Severe illnesses in children and adolescents/young adults (AYAs) may represent a complex burden for patients and their caregivers, including a wide range of mental disorders, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Few events are as potentially traumatizing as having a son or a daughter diagnosed with a severe, life-threatening, or disabling disease. The presence of PTSD symptoms in caregivers may compromise their efficacy as caregivers and negatively affect the child’s well-being. This systematic review aims at outlining potential risk and protective factors for the development of PTSD symptoms in caregivers of children and AYAs affected by severe acute or chronic illnesses. Thirty-one studies on caregivers of children and AYAs affected by severe, acute, or chronic diseases were included. Socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics, illness-related distress, psychiatric symptoms, support, and coping styles were found as potential risk/protective factors across studies. It is crucial to consider risk factors affecting caregivers of severely ill young patients, in order to plan focused interventions aimed at preventing an adverse clinical outcome in caregivers and at enhancing caregivers’ coping skills, in order to ultimately improve their quality of life.
Expression of CD34 and α-SMA Markers in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Differentiation. A Histological and Histo-Chemical Study
Authors: Maqsood Afsheen , Ali Anwar , Zaffar Zareena , Mokeem Sameer , Mokeem Sara S. , Ahmed Naseer , Al-Hamoudi Nawwaf , Vohra Fahim , Javed Fawad , Abduljabbar Tariq
Published: December 2020

To reduce morbidity and mortality rates of OSCC cases, early diagnosis, assessment of behavior and prognostic estimates are vital. This study analyzed the expression of CD34 and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in OSCC, to establish their significance in diagnosis and prognosis. Primary cases of OSCC, diagnosed with excisional biopsy at multiple cancer treatment centers, were included. Tissue sections were embedded and stained with H & E for histological differentiation and invasion of tumor vessel. Immunohistochemistry was performed using antibodies against CD34 and α-SMA. The chi-square and Pearson correlation coefficient (r) tests were applied for data analysis. Eighty patients with fifty males (62.5%) and thirty females (37.5%) and mean age of 45 ± 14.1 years were evaluated. Buccal mucosa was the most common site for OSCC lesions [36 (45%)]; 47.5% of lesions were moderately differentiated and 33.8% were well-differentiated lesions. Invasion of tumor vessels was observed in 35% of specimens. A significant association was seen between CD34 expression and histological grading of OSCC (p < 0.002). Among all poorly differentiated OSCC specimens, expression of CD 34 was low and α-SMA was high. CD 34 is a critical prognostic factor in OSCC diagnosis and increased α-SMA-positive myofibroblasts may indicate aggressive OSCC behavior.
Mental Health Issues among Caregivers of Young Children in Rural China: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Links to Child Developmental Outcomes
Authors: Zhang Siqi , Wang Lei , Xian Yue , Bai Yu
Published: December 2020

Previous research has found that there are high rates of mental health problems among caregivers in rural China and that caregiver mental health may be a significant predictor of developmental delays among infants and toddlers in these rural areas. In this paper, we use data from a survey of 986 caregiver-child pairs in rural China to examine the risk factors of caregiver mental health and measure the association between caregiver mental health and child development outcomes. To conduct the empirical analysis, we assess caregiver mental health using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21) questionnaire and measure child developmental outcomes using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Developmental Third Edition (Bayley-III). The results show that 32% of caregivers have depressive symptoms, 42% have anxiety symptoms, and 30% have symptoms of stress. The data also demonstrate that caregiver identity and age as well as different measures of socioeconomic status (SES) (characterized by caregiver education, father’s education, and household wealth) are all significantly linked to symptoms of caregiver mental health problems. The analysis shows that caregiver depression, anxiety, and/or stress are significantly associated with lower early childhood development (ECD) outcomes in all areas measured (cognition, language, social-emotion, and motor skills). The heterogeneous analysis demonstrates that there are differences in the effects of caregiver mental health problems on ECD among households are from families that are endowed with different levels of SES. On the basis of the findings the study concludes that policymakers should pay more attention to caregiver mental health problems in order to improve child developmental outcomes in rural China. The study cannot, however, draw casual conclusions and cannot rule out the possibility of recall bias when measuring caregiver mental health, which may limit the external validity of the findings.