bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Be Cautious with Crystal Structures of Membrane Proteins or Complexes Prepared in Detergents
Authors: Guo Youzhong
Published: February 2020

Membrane proteins are an important class of macromolecules found in all living organisms and many of them serve as important drug targets. In order to understand their biological and biochemical functions and to exploit them for structure-based drug design, high-resolution and accurate structures of membrane proteins are needed, but are still rarely available, e.g., predominantly from X-ray crystallography, and more recently from single particle cryo-EM — an increasingly powerful tool for membrane protein structure determination. However, while protein-lipid interactions play crucial roles for the structural and functional integrity of membrane proteins, for historical reasons and due to technological limitations, until recently, the primary method for membrane protein crystallization has relied on detergents. Bicelle and lipid cubic phase (LCP) methods have also been used for membrane protein crystallization, but the first step requires detergent extraction of the protein from its native cell membrane. The resulting, crystal structures have been occasionally questioned, but such concerns were generally dismissed as accidents or ignored. However, even a hint of controversy indicates that methodological drawbacks in such structural research may exist. In the absence of caution, structures determined using these methods are often assumed to be correct, which has led to surprising hypotheses for their mechanisms of action. In this communication, several examples of structural studies on membrane proteins or complexes will be discussed: Resistance-Nodulation-Division (RND) family transporters, microbial rhodopsins, Tryptophan-rich Sensory Proteins (TSPO), and Energy-Coupling Factor (ECF) type ABC transporters. These analyses should focus the attention of membrane protein structural biologists on the potential problems in structure determination relying on detergent-based methods. Furthermore, careful examination of membrane proteins in their native cell environments by biochemical and biophysical techniques is warranted, and completely detergent-free systems for membrane protein research are crucially needed.
Concurrent Validity and Reliability of an Inertial Measurement Unit for the Assessment of Craniocervical Range of Motion in Subjects with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Carmona-Pérez Cristina , Garrido-Castro Juan Luis , Torres Vidal Francisco , Alcaraz-Clariana Sandra , García-Luque Lourdes , Alburquerque-Sendín Francisco , Rodrigues-de-Souza Daiana Priscila
Published: February 2020

Objective: This study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) for the assessment of craniocervical range of motion (ROM) in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: twenty-three subjects with CP and 23 controls, aged between 4 and 14 years, were evaluated on two occasions, separated by 3 to 5 days. An IMU and a Cervical Range of Motion device (CROM) were used to assess craniocervical ROM in the three spatial planes. Validity was assessed by comparing IMU and CROM data using the Pearson correlation coefficient, the paired t-test and Bland–Altman plots. Intra-day and inter-day relative reliability were determined using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). The Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) and the Minimum Detectable Change at a 90% confidence level (MDC90) were obtained for absolute reliability. Results: High correlations were detected between methods in both groups on the sagittal and frontal planes (r > 0.9), although this was reduced in the case of the transverse plane. Bland–Altman plots indicated bias below 5º, although for the range of cervical rotation in the CP group, this was 8.2º. The distance between the limits of agreement was over 23.5º in both groups, except for the range of flexion-extension in the control group. ICCs were higher than 0.8 for both comparisons and groups, except for inter-day comparisons of rotational range in the CP group. Absolute reliability showed high variability, with most SEM below 8.5º, although with worse inter-day results, mainly in CP subjects, with the MDC90 of rotational range achieving more than 20º. Conclusions: IMU application is highly correlated with CROM for the assessment of craniocervical movement in CP and healthy subjects; however, both methods are not interchangeable. The IMU error of measurement can be considered clinically acceptable; however, caution should be taken when this is used as a reference measure for interventions.
Spatial and Temporal Entropies in the Spanish Football League: A Network Science Perspective
Authors: Martínez Johann H. , Garrido David , Herrera-Diestra José L , Busquets Javier , Sevilla-Escoboza Ricardo , Buldú Javier M.
Published: February 2020

We quantified the spatial and temporal entropy related to football teams and their players by means of a pass-based interaction. First, we calculated the spatial entropy associated to the positions of all passes made by a football team during a match, obtaining a spatial entropy ranking of Spanish teams during the 2017/2018 season. Second, we investigated how the player’s average location in the field is related to the amount of entropy of his passes. Next, we constructed the temporal passing networks of each team and computed the deviation of their network parameters along the match. For each network parameter, we obtained the permutation entropy and the statistical complexity of its temporal fluctuations. Finally, we investigated how the permutation entropy (and statistical complexity) of the network parameters was related to the total number of passes made by a football team. Our results show that (i) spatial entropy changes according to the position of players in the field, and (ii) the organization of passing networks change during a match and its evolution can be captured measuring the permutation entropy and statistical complexity of the network parameters, allowing to identify what parameters evolve more randomly.
Mature Students Matter: The Impact of the Research Development Fellowship in Accessing Art and Design Education
Authors: Broadhead Samantha
Published: February 2020

In the United Kingdom, the number of mature students studying in higher education is diminishing. This is also the case within the subject of art and design. This article reports on a project “Mature Students Matter,” a study that aims to widen participation in art and design education within a small specialist university. The approach was developed from a Research Development Fellowship, which provided a model for the project. A case study is used as a method of inquiry through which the project is described and evaluated using a form of narrative inquiry. The study found that the principles of Joint Practice Development (JPD) underpinning the design and development of the project enabled practitioners from different parts of the university to work together and to share similar aims, objectives and values in their research. Drawing some tentative conclusions, the project also found that the wider institutional context was important in the success of the project.
Electromagnetic Suspension Acceleration Measurement Model and Experimental Analysis
Authors: Kong Deshan , Jiang Dong , Zhao Yanchao
Published: February 2020

This paper introduces a prototype of the inertial sensor based on electromagnetic suspension. By analyzing and simulating the change of the magnetic field, the dynamic equation of proof mass has been deduced. The device has the characteristics of a high-frequency accelerometer and a vibration frequency sensor, and the horizontal and vertical frequency ranges of the magnetic suspension acceleration measurement system are 50–500 Hz and 35–650 Hz, and the acceleration measurement ranges are ±3.3 m/s 2 and ±10 m/s 2 , respectively. Compared with the MPU6050 accelerometer, this measurement method has higher sensitivity and retains more vibration acceleration information of the measured object. This paper provides a new idea for the design of the acceleration sensor.
Fine-Grained Isolation to Protect Data against In-Process Attacks on AArch64
Authors: Cho Yeongpil
Published: February 2020

In-process attacks are a new class of attacks that circumvent protection schemes centered around inter-process isolation. Against these attacks, researchers have proposed fine-grained data isolation schemes that can protect sensitive data from malicious accesses even during the same process. Their proposals based on salient hardware features, such as ARM® processor architecture’s domain protection, are quite successful, but it cannot be applied to a specific architecture, namely AArch64, as this does not provide the same hardware features. In this paper, therefore, we present Sealer, a fine-grained data isolation scheme applicable in AArch64. Sealer achieves its objective by brilliantly harmonizing two hardware features of AArch64: The eXecute-no-Read and the cryptographic extension. Sealer provides application developers with a set of application programming interface (API) so that the developers can enjoy the fine-grained data isolation in their own way.
Coordinated Control Scheme of Battery Storage System to Augment LVRT Capability of SCIG-Based Wind Turbines and Frequency Regulation of Hybrid Power System
Authors: Hazari Md. Rifat , Jahan Effat , Mannan Mohammad Abdul , Tamura Junji
Published: February 2020

Fixed speed wind turbine-squirrel cage induction generator (FSWT-SCIG)-based wind farms (WFs) are increasing significantly. However, FSWT-SCIGs have no low voltage ride-through (LVRT) and frequency control capabilities, which creates a significant problem on power system transient and steady-state stability. This paper presents a new operational strategy to control the voltage and frequency of the entire power system, including large-scale FSWT-SCIG-based WFs, by using a battery storage system (BSS). The proposed cascaded control of the BSS is designed to provide effective quantity of reactive power during transient periods, to augment LVRT capability and real power during steady-state periods in order to damp frequency fluctuations. The cascaded control technique is built on four proportional integral (PI) controllers. The droop control technique is also adopted to ensure frequency control capability. Practical grid code is taken to demonstrate the LVRT capability. To evaluate the validity of the proposed system, simulation studies are executed on a reformed IEEE nine-bus power system with three synchronous generators (SGs) and SCIG-based WF with BSS. Triple-line-to-ground (3LG) and real wind speed data are used to analyze the hybrid power grid’s transient and steady-state stability. The simulation results indicate that the proposed system can be an efficient solution to stabilize the power system both in transient and steady-state conditions.
Mobile Wi-Fi Based Scheduling of Cyber-Physical Systems in Healthcare
Authors: Marwat Safdar Nawaz Khan , Mehmood Yasir , Ullah Farman , Khan Ahmad , Khan Shahid , Ahmed Salman , Kwak Daehan , Nazir Afia
Published: February 2020

Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs) and Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) have been widely regarded as solution providers for future Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS)-based ehealthcare amenities. The IEEE 802.11 standard specifies media access protocols in wireless networks, along with channel access methods. WBANs are expected to improve the existing healthcare services significantly, but several research challenges also have to be tackled for apt utilization of the technology. Guarantee of Quality-of-Service (QoS) differentiation between various health parameters, such as temperature and blood pressure, during mobility is a major challenge for the provision of ehealthcare services. The scheme proposed in this paper for the Mobile Wi-Fi based connectivity of WBANs is designed to provide QoS-based priorities for ehealthcare subscribers by altering the Contention Window (CW) for different applications of patient health monitoring. The relationship between CW and QoS is utilized to achieve efficient resource assignment. Three different health parameters, i.e., ECG (Electrocardiogram), BP (blood pressure) and temperature. are monitored using medical CPS in this work. The performance evaluation results, such as end-to-end packet delay and throughput for various data traffic classes reveal that the proposed scheme improves QoS provision.
I/Q Imbalance and Imperfect SIC on Two-Way Relay NOMA Systems
Authors: Tian Xinji , Li Qianqian , Li Xingwang , Peng Hongxing , Zhang Changsen , Rabie Khaled M. , Kharel Rupak
Published: February 2020

Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) system can meet the demands of ultra-high data rate, ultra-low latency, ultra-high reliability and massive connectivity of user devices (UE). However, the performance of the NOMA system may be deteriorated by the hardware impairments. In this paper, the joint effects of in-phase and quadrature-phase imbalance (IQI) and imperfect successive interference cancellation (ipSIC) on the performance of two-way relay cooperative NOMA (TWR C-NOMA) networks over the Rician fading channels are studied, where two users exchange information via a decode-and-forward (DF) relay. In order to evaluate the performance of the considered network, analytical expressions for the outage probability of the two users, as well as the overall system throughput are derived. To obtain more insights, the asymptotic outage performance in the high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) region and the diversity order are analysed and discussed. Throughout the paper, Monte Carlo simulations are provided to verify the accuracy of our analysis. The results show that IQI and ipSIC have significant deleterious effects on the outage performance. It is also demonstrated that the outage behaviours of the conventional OMA approach are worse than those of NOMA. In addition, it is found that residual interference signals (IS) can result in error floors for the outage probability and zero diversity orders. Finally, the system throughput can be limited by IQI and ipSIC, and the system throughput converges to a fixed constant in the high SNR region.
Millimeter-Wave Communications
Authors: García Sánchez Manuel
Published: February 2020

For the last few decades, the millimeter wave (mmWave) frequency band (30–300 GHz) has been seen as a serious candidate to host very high data rate communications [...]
Sol-Gel Processed Yttrium-Doped SnO2 Thin Film Transistors
Authors: Lee Changmin , Lee Won-Yong , Lee Hyunjae , Ha Seunghyun , Bae Jin-Hyuk , Kang In-Man , Kang Hongki , Kim Kwangeun , Jang Jaewon
Published: February 2020

Y-doped SnO2 thin film transistors were successfully fabricated by means of sol-gel process. The effect of Y concentration on the structural, chemical, and electrical properties of sol-gel-processed SnO2 films was investigated via GIXRD, SPM, and XPS; the corresponding electrical transport properties of the film were also evaluated. The dopant, Y, can successfully control the free carrier concentration by suppressing the formation of oxygen vacancy inside SnO2 semiconductors due to its lower electronegativity and SEP. With an increase of Ywt%, it was observed that the crystallinity and oxygen vacancy concentration decreased, and the operation mode of SnO2 thin film transistor changed from accumulation (normally on) to enhancement mode (normally off) with a positive Vth shift.
Assessment of Commercial Building Lighting as a Frequency Regulation Resource
Authors: Karpilow Alexandra , Henze Gregor , Beamer Walter
Published: February 2020

This paper evaluates the potential for automated lighting control as a resource for frequency regulation of the electric grid system in the context of current energy policies, economic incentives, and technological trends. The growing prevalence of renewable energy has increased the need for ancillary services to maintain grid frequency and stability. While demand side resources like heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems, as well as water treatment plants are already evaluated as regulation service providers, the potential application to electrical lighting systems has largely been ignored. Yet, aggregations of lighting systems that are retrofitted with intelligent controls could conceivably contribute to frequency regulation services with little impact on user comfort. To further explore the feasibility of lighting potential, this paper explores (1) how lighting control systems are limited by visual comfort perception and acceptability, (2) how such limitations impact the performance of the lighting system as an frequency regulation resource, and (3) how the market potential of lighting systems as demand side resources compares in different regional transmission organizations. Finally, the impact of developing technologies on the application of lighting systems for frequency regulation is discussed.
Design of Renewable and System-Beneficial District Heating Systems Using a Dynamic Emission Factor for Grid-Sourced Electricity
Authors: Röder Johannes , Beier David , Meyer Benedikt , Nettelstroth Joris , Stührmann Torben , Zondervan Edwin
Published: February 2020

In future energy scenarios with a high share of renewable energies within the electricity system, power-to-heat technologies could play a crucial role for achieving the climate goals in the heating sector. District heating systems can integrate volatile wind and photovoltaic energy sources and resolve congestions within the electricity grid, leading to curtailment of renewable electricity generation. This paper presents a design approach for setting up system-beneficial power-to-heat-based district energy systems. Within the scope of the project QUARREE100 an existing district in the provincial town Heide in Northern Germany is examined. A linear investment and unit commitment optimization model is applied. By considering local dynamic emission factors for grid-sourced electricity, which contain information on local wind energy curtailment as well as the emission intensity of the overall electricity generation, a renewable and system-beneficial design can be derived. With this method, the minimal rated power and capacity of energy converter and storage units can be determined to achieve emission reductions with respect to minimum costs. The approach of using different methods for the consideration of the emissions of grid-sourced electricity is analyzed based on different scenarios. By using a dynamic emission factor for grid-sourced electricity, lower emissions with fewer costs can be achieved. It is shown that a dynamic assessment leads to different design decisions and far-reaching deviations in the unit commitment. The results clearly show that a constant emission factor is no longer an option for grid-sourced electricity in urban energy system models.
Behavioral Evolution of Drosophila: Unraveling the Circuit Basis
Authors: Sato Kosei , Tanaka Ryoya , Ishikawa Yuki , Yamamoto Daisuke
Published: February 2020

Behavior is a readout of neural function. Therefore, any difference in behavior among different species is, in theory, an outcome of interspecies diversification in the structure and/or function of the nervous system. However, the neural diversity underlying the species-specificity in behavioral traits and its genetic basis have been poorly understood. In this article, we discuss potential neural substrates for species differences in the courtship pulse song frequency and mating partner choice in the Drosophila melanogaster subgroup. We also discuss possible neurogenetic mechanisms whereby a novel behavioral repertoire emerges based on the study of nuptial gift transfer, a trait unique to D. subobscura in the genus Drosophila. We found that the conserved central circuit composed primarily of fruitless-expressing neurons (the fru-circuit) serves for the execution of courtship behavior, whereas the sensory pathways impinging onto the fru-circuit or the motor pathways downstream of the fru-circuit are susceptible to changes associated with behavioral species differences.
Diversity of Antimicrobial Peptides in Three Partially Sympatric Frog Species in Northeast Asia and Implications for Evolution
Authors: Wang Qing , Xia Rui , Ji Jing Jing , Zhu Qian , Li Xiao Ping , Ma Yue , Xu Yan Chun
Published: February 2020

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are evolutionarily ancient molecules that play an essential role in innate immunity across taxa from invertebrates to vertebrates. The evolution system of AMP system has not been well explained in the literature. In this study, we cloned and sequenced AMP transcriptomes of three frog species, namely Rana dybowskii, Rana amurensis, and Pelophylax nigromaculatus, which are partially sympatric in northeast Asia, but show different habitat preferences. We found that each species contained 7 to 14 families of AMPs and the diversity was higher in species with a large geographic range and greater habitat variation. All AMPs are phylogenetically related but not associated with the speciation process. Most AMP genes were under negative selection. We propose that the diversification and addition of novel functions and improvement of antimicrobial efficiency are facilitated by the expansion of family members and numbers. We also documented significant negative correlation of net charges and numbers of amino acid residues between the propiece and mature peptide segments. This supports the Net Charge Balance Hypothesis. We propose the Cut Point Sliding Hypothesis as a novel diversification mechanism to explain the correlation in lengths of the two segments.
A Land Space Development Zoning Method Based on Resource–Environmental Carrying Capacity: A Case Study of Henan, China
Authors: Xie Xiaotong , Li Xiaoshun , He Weikang
Published: February 2020

As a key element in China’s spatial planning, the development zoning of land space has become a focus of China’s current activity. During its rapid social and economic development, China has faced severe and diverse challenges regarding sustainable development, such as farmland occupation, environmental degradation, urban land disorder expansion, etc. Against this backdrop, research on the linkage between resource–environmental carrying capacity (RECC) and the development zoning of land space in the process of sustainable development has received increased attention, and an accurate evaluation of the RECC would provide useful guidance for Chinese policy makers to carry out the development zoning of land space. This paper uses Henan Province as an example to construct a comprehensive evaluation model of “resource carrying capacity (RCC)–eco–environmental carrying capacity (EECC)–socio–economic carrying capacity (SECC)”, which calculates the level of RECC in a provincial area. In addition, this paper designs a correlation model between the RECC and the development zoning of land space, which uses a three-dimensional magic cube evaluation model to analyze the development zoning layout of land space. The results showed that a geographical pattern exists, where in the southwestern areas of Henan Province have a higher RECC than the central and northeastern areas. The results also indicated that the land space patterns of Henan Province can be divided into seven types of areas through a three-dimensional magic cube evaluation model, which can better reflect the spatial differentiation characteristics of the comprehensive index of RECC. The results of this study offer an important reference for policy-makers to make decisions and also provide a scientific and pragmatic basis for the formulation of sustainable development strategies.
Understanding Racial Disparities in Exposure to Traffic-Related Air Pollution: Considering the Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Population Distribution
Authors: Park Yoo Min , Kwan Mei-Po
Published: February 2020

This study investigates the effect of spatiotemporal distributions of racial groups on disparities in exposure to traffic-related air pollution by considering people’s daily movement patterns. Due to human mobility, a residential neighborhood does not fully represent the true geographic context in which people experience racial segregation and unequal exposure to air pollution. Using travel-activity survey data containing individuals’ activity locations and time spent at each location, this study measures segregation levels that an individual might experience during the daytime and nighttime, estimates personal exposure by integrating hourly pollution maps and the survey data, and examines the association between daytime/nighttime segregation and exposure levels. The proximity of each activity location to major roads is also evaluated to further examine the unequal exposure. The results reveal that people are more integrated for work in high-traffic areas, which contributes to similarly high levels of exposure for all racial groups during the daytime. However, white people benefit from living in suburbs/exurbs away from busy roads. The finding suggests that policies for building an extensive and equitable public transit system should be implemented together with the policies for residential mixes among racial groups to reduce everyone’s exposure to traffic-related air pollution and achieve environmental justice.
Assessing Related Factors of Intention to Perpetrate Dating Violence among University Students Using the Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Hou Wen-Li , Lin Chung-Ying , Wang Yu-Ming , Tseng Ying-Hua , Shu Bih-Ching
Published: February 2020

Dating violence (DV) is a major public health problem among youth. The majority of DV studies in Taiwan involve the assessment of DV without the use of a robust psychological framework to guide research accuracy. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to utilize the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to assess intention and other salient factors related to DV among university students. A two-phase, mixed-method design study was conducted among university students from seven universities in Taiwan, aged 18 to 24 years. In Phase I, questionnaires used were specifically developed based on the TPB, consisting of both direct and indirect measures related to DV. In Phase Ⅱ, questionnaire evaluation and related factors were examined through a two-step process of structural equation modelling (SEM) to test the TPB model. The results of this study found that perceived behavioral control, subjective norm, and attitude toward DV on behavioral intention accounting for 37.5% of the total variance. Among the related factors, attitude toward the behavior was the strongest (β = 0.48, p < 0.001), followed by perceived behavioral control (β = 0.19, p < 0.05). Findings from this study could expand the knowledge base in this important area and might help prevent DV.
The Influence of Food Production Experience on Dietary Knowledge, Awareness, Behaviors, and Health among Japanese: A Systematic Review
Authors: Machida Daisuke , Kushida Osamu
Published: February 2020

This study aimed to reveal the influence of food production experience on dietary knowledge, dietary awareness, dietary behaviors, and health among Japanese populations. We conducted a systematic review of articles published between January 2000 and September 2018 (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019117163) using the following four databases: PubMed, Web of Science, CiNii, and ICHUSHI. The search formulas were created by combining search terms “agricultural experience,” “garden,” “diet,” “food,” “physical activity,” “health,” and “well-being.” The articles were identified by titles, abstracts, and whole texts. We evaluated the content of the articles that met the adoption criteria. We included original articles from peer-reviewed scientific journals, articles written in Japanese or English, observational or interventional studies with statistical analyses, and articles targeting general Japanese people (except for those targeting patients or disabled) to examine the relationship according to the purpose of this review. Nineteen articles met the study criteria, including 10 cross-sectional studies, one retrospective study, seven pre–post studies, and three non-randomized controlled trials. Two studies combined multiple research designs. Thus, food production experiences were suggested to have a positive influence on dietary knowledge, dietary awareness, food preference, dietary behaviors, and mental health among the Japanese. However, the overall quality of the included studies was low. Further verification with randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort studies is required.
Burnout Syndrome Risk in Child and Adolescent Tennis Players and The Role of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet
Authors: Peraita-Costa Isabel , Llopis-Morales Agustin , Marí-Bauset Salvador , Marí-Sanchis Amelia , Marí-Sanchis Salvador , Morales-Suárez-Varela María
Published: February 2020

This cross-sectional study examined the impact of adherence to Mediterranean diet on burnout syndrome risk in 94 athletes 8–15 years old. Diet pattern and burnout syndrome risk were assessed through the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire and the KIDMED Questionnaire. 55.3% of girls and 16.1% of boys had a high risk of burnout syndrome and the risk increased with age. Of the 78.7% with low adherence to Mediterranean diet, 31.1% showed no risk of burnout syndrome, 33.8% had a moderate risk, and 35.1% high risk. Of the 21.3% with a high adherence to Mediterranean diet, 35% had no risk of burnout syndrome, 45% had a moderate risk, and 20% had a high risk. Participants with moderate/high burnout syndrome risk were more likely to be girls and spend a higher number of hours watching television or playing video games. There is not enough statistical evidence in this study to reject the independence between the level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the risk of burnout syndrome in children, except in the case of daily consumption of fresh or cooked vegetables.
Chloroanisoles and Chlorophenols Explain Mold Odor but Their Impact on the Swedish Population Is Attributed to Dampness and Mold
Authors: Lorentzen Johnny C. , Juran Stephanie A. , Ernstgård Lena , Olsson Mats J. , Johanson Gunnar
Published: February 2020

We recently reported that mold odor may be explained by chloroanisoles (CAs) formed by microbial biotransformation of chlorophenols (CPs) in legacy wood preservatives. Here we examine psychophysical aspects of CAs and trace their historic origins in buildings. Our exposure of healthy volunteers shows that 2,4,6-triCA is often perceived as unpleasant, characterized as musty or moldy and is detected at 13 ng/m3 or lower. Similar concentrations are reported in buildings with odor complaints. Scrutiny of written records reveal that new building construction methods were introduced in the 1950s, namely crawlspaces and concrete slabs on the ground. These constructions were prone to dampness and attack from wood decay fungi, prompting chemical companies and authorities to advocate preservatives against rot. Simultaneously, CPs became household chemicals used for example in indoor paints. When large-scale odor problems evolved, the authorities that once approved the preservatives attributed the odor to hidden mold, with no evidence that substantial microbial biomass was necessary for odor formation. Thereby the public remained unaware of problematic exposure to CPs and CAs. We conclude that the introduction of inappropriate designs of house foundations and CP-based preservatives once ignited and still provide impetus for indoor air research on “dampness and mold”.
Validation of the Lithuanian Version of the Sociocultural Attitudes towards Appearance Questionnaire-4 (SATAQ-4) in a Student Sample
Authors: Baceviciene Migle , Jankauskiene Rasa , Balciuniene Vaiva
Published: February 2020

The Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-4 (SATAQ-4) is one of the most broadly used self-report tools that assess the general role of sociocultural influences on body image and appearance-related internalization. The present study aimed to examine the reliability, validity, and factor structure of the Lithuanian version of the SATAQ-4 (LT-SATAQ-4), as a screening self-report instrument for assessing the role of sociocultural influences on body image. A mixed-gender sample (N = 1850) of undergraduate students (88.7%) and graduate students (11.3%) from different state universities and colleges participated in this study (average age 21.6 ±5.0). The students completed a self-report online questionnaire. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated for assessing test-retest reliability. The construct validity of the Lithuanian Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-4 (LT-SATAQ-4) was studied performing exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and then confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The mean scores for the LT-SATAQ-4 subscales ranged from 1.6 ± 0.9 (Pressure subscale: Peers) to 2.7 ± 1.2 (Internalization subscale: Thin/Low Body Fat). Test-retest reliability was good to excellent for the general and subscale scores (0.85–1.00) except for the Pressure subscale: Peers (0.60). The original 5-factor structure was confirmed by EFA and CFA. Good to excellent internal consistency for each subscale (attempted 0.9 and more) and for the LT-SATAQ-4 global scale (0.91) was obtained. The LT-SATAQ-4 scores had adequate concurrent validity with the measures of the body image, disordered eating, self-esteem, and body mass index. The results support the psychometric properties of the LT-SATAQ-4 and its’ use in Lithuanian student samples. The Lithuanian SATAQ-4 is a useful measure to examine the pressures to internalize appearance ideals in Lithuanian-speaking samples of young individuals.
Motivation to Donate, Job Crafting, and Organizational Citizenship Behavior in Blood Collection Volunteers in Non-Profit Organizations
Authors: Nonnis Marcello , Massidda Davide , Cabiddu Claudio , Cuccu Stefania , Pedditzi Maria Luisa , Cortese Claudio Giovanni
Published: February 2020

This study assesses the levels of and relationships between the Motivation to donate, Job crafting propensity, and the Organizational citizenship behavior of blood collection volunteers in a non-profit association. An Italian sample of AVIS (the Italian Association of Voluntary Blood donors) blood donors (N = 1215) actively involved in organizing blood collection, were asked to complete the Italian version of the Volunteer Function Index, the Job crafting scale, and the Organizational citizenship behavior scale. The tools were verified by Confirmatory factor analysis and their relationships were explored using Structural equation modeling for hidden variables. The three constructs have overall high scores. Motivation to donate and Job crafting show a clear correlation, with the latter influencing volunteer Organizational citizenship behavior. The study highlights the need to take into consideration the Motivation to donate, Job crafting and Organizational citizenship behavior of volunteers, particularly in countries such as Italy, where blood collection is almost exclusively carried out thanks to spontaneous, altruistic, and disinterested commitment.
The Stakeholders’ Views on Planting Trees to Control Schistosomiasis in China
Authors: Yang Jun , Zhou Jinxing , Jin Jing , Sun Qixiang
Published: February 2020

China has initiated a tree planting program in epidemic regions of schistosomiasis as a part of efforts to eliminate schistosomiasis. More than 518,900 ha of tree plantations have been planted through the program between 2006 and 2015. However, whether the planting program has fulfilled its mission or not is an open question. In this study, we intended to get the answer from the main stakeholders of the planting program through a large-scale survey. Based on interviews with 80 administrators of the planting program and 1440 farmers in 24 counties and districts in four provinces, we found that most stakeholders viewed the planting program positively. Nearly 92% of farmers and all administrators believed that the planting program had reduced snail densities, while 94.3% of farmers and all administrators believed that the program had lowered the incidences of schistosomiasis. In addition, they reported that the impacts on farmers’ living and local environments by the tree planting program were mainly positive. Based on the stakeholders’ responses, we conclude that the tree planting program has been perceived by the main stakeholders as an effective environmental control measure of schistosomiasis. However, certain places and people that may be impacted negatively by the program should be given more attention when implementing the program.
Space-Time Hierarchical Clustering for Identifying Clusters in Spatiotemporal Point Data
Authors: Lamb David , Downs Joni , Reader Steven
Published: February 2020

Finding clusters of events is an important task in many spatial analyses. Both confirmatory and exploratory methods exist to accomplish this. Traditional statistical techniques are viewed as confirmatory, or observational, in that researchers are confirming an a priori hypothesis. These methods often fail when applied to newer types of data like moving object data and big data. Moving object data incorporates at least three parts: location, time, and attributes. This paper proposes an improved space-time clustering approach that relies on agglomerative hierarchical clustering to identify groupings in movement data. The approach, i.e., space–time hierarchical clustering, incorporates location, time, and attribute information to identify the groups across a nested structure reflective of a hierarchical interpretation of scale. Simulations are used to understand the effects of different parameters, and to compare against existing clustering methodologies. The approach successfully improves on traditional approaches by allowing flexibility to understand both the spatial and temporal components when applied to data. The method is applied to animal tracking data to identify clusters, or hotspots, of activity within the animal’s home range.
Open Geospatial Software and Data: A Review of the Current State and A Perspective into the Future
Authors: Coetzee Serena , Ivánová Ivana , Mitasova Helena , Brovelli Maria
Published: February 2020

All over the world, organizations are increasingly considering the adoption of open source software and open data. In the geospatial domain, this is no different, and the last few decades have seen significant advances in this regard. We review the current state of open source geospatial software, focusing on the Open Source Geospatial Foundation (OSGeo) software ecosystem and its communities, as well as three kinds of open geospatial data (collaboratively contributed, authoritative and scientific). The current state confirms that openness has changed the way in which geospatial data are collected, processed, analyzed, and visualized. A perspective on future developments, informed by responses from professionals in key organizations in the global geospatial community, suggests that open source geospatial software and open geospatial data are likely to have an even more profound impact in the future.
GIS-Based Assessment of Habitat Networks for Conservation Planning in Kas-Kekova Protected Area (Turkey)
Authors: Tezel Dilek , Inam Saban , Kocaman Sultan
Published: February 2020

The determination of protected area (PA) boundaries and the level of restrictions is very important for sustainable conservation, and such decisions must involve biodiversity data and assessment. In a PA, the consensus of the government and the locals is crucial to ensure protection–use balance. The PA restrictions constrain legal human activities, and the boundary determination and the restrictions should be based on various scientific analyses to achieve consensus. In this study, a GIS-based approach is proposed to utilize the biodiversity data for efficient conservation and land use planning in Kas-Kekova PA, which is among the most important PAs in Turkey. Spatial analysis methods, i.e., kernel density estimation, natural breaks classification and integrated density index, were performed for the assessment of the habitat networks using georeferenced biodiversity datasets, and the results were evaluated with respect to the actual land use data and the land ownership pattern. The developed spatial analysis approach is efficient to produce the conservation base maps required for regional land use planning, for defining sustainable conservation strategies, and to provide a widely accepted base for land use planning and biodiversity monitoring in the PA; although careful investigations and expert opinions are still required for data deficient areas.
Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Dupilumab and Benralizumab in Patients with Inadequately Controlled Asthma: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ando Koichi , Tanaka Akihiko , Sagara Hironori
Published: February 2020

No head-to-head trials have compared the efficacy and safety between the licensed dosage and administration dosage of dupilumab and benralizumab for inadequately controlled asthma. We conducted an indirect treatment comparison to estimate differences in the efficacy and safety between dupilumab and benralizumab for inadequately controlled asthma using the Bayesian approach. The primary efficacy endpoint was annual exacerbation rate (AER). A subgroup analysis by blood eosinophil count was also performed. The primary safety endpoint was the incidence of any adverse events (AAEs). The results demonstrate that there was no significant difference in the AER between dupilumab and benralizumab in overall patients and the subgroup with the blood eosinophil count of <150. However, the AER was significantly lower in the dupilumab group than in the benralizumab group in the subgroup with a blood eosinophil count of ≥150 but <300, and ≥300 with the rate ratio and 95% credible interval of 0.51 (0.29–0.92) and 0.58 (0.39–0.84), respectively. There was no significant difference in the AAEs between the dupilumab and benralizumab groups. This indirect treatment comparison indicates that dupilumab is superior to benralizumab in patients with inadequately controlled asthma having higher blood eosinophil counts. A direct comparison is required to provide definitive evidence. Systematic Review Registration: UMIN-CTR no. UMIN000036256.
Proteomic and Genomic Changes in Tau Protein, Which Are Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease after Ischemia-Reperfusion Brain Injury
Authors: Ułamek-Kozioł Marzena , Czuczwar Stanisław Jerzy , Januszewski Sławomir , Pluta Ryszard
Published: February 2020

Recent evidence suggests that transient ischemia of the brain with reperfusion in humans and animals is associated with the neuronal accumulation of neurotoxic molecules associated with Alzheimer’s disease, such as all parts of the amyloid protein precursor and modified tau protein. Pathological changes in the amyloid protein precursor and tau protein at the protein and gene level due to ischemia may lead to dementia of the Alzheimer’s disease type after ischemic brain injury. Some studies have demonstrated increased tau protein immunoreactivity in neuronal cells after brain ischemia-reperfusion injury. Recent research has presented many new tau protein functions, such as neural activity control, iron export, protection of genomic DNA integrity, neurogenesis and long-term depression. This review discusses the potential mechanisms of tau protein in the brain after ischemia, including oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, excitotoxicity, neurological inflammation, endothelium, angiogenesis and mitochondrial dysfunction. In addition, attention was paid to the role of tau protein in damage to the neurovascular unit. Tau protein may be at the intersection of many regulatory mechanisms in the event of major neuropathological changes in ischemic stroke. Data show that brain ischemia activates neuronal changes and death in the hippocampus in a manner dependent on tau protein, thus determining a new and important way to regulate the survival and/or death of post-ischemic neurons. Meanwhile, the association between tau protein and ischemic stroke has not been well discussed. In this review, we aim to update the knowledge about the proteomic and genomic changes in tau protein following ischemia-reperfusion injury and the connection between dysfunctional tau protein and ischemic stroke pathology. Finally we present the positive correlation between tau protein dysfunction and the development of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease type of neurodegeneration.
Precision Psychiatry Applications with Pharmacogenomics: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Approaches
Authors: Lin Eugene , Lin Chieh-Hsin , Lane Hsien-Yuan
Published: February 2020

A growing body of evidence now suggests that precision psychiatry, an interdisciplinary field of psychiatry, precision medicine, and pharmacogenomics, serves as an indispensable foundation of medical practices by offering the accurate medication with the accurate dose at the accurate time to patients with psychiatric disorders. In light of the latest advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques, numerous biomarkers and genetic loci associated with psychiatric diseases and relevant treatments are being discovered in precision psychiatry research by employing neuroimaging and multi-omics. In this review, we focus on the latest developments for precision psychiatry research using artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches, such as deep learning and neural network algorithms, together with multi-omics and neuroimaging data. Firstly, we review precision psychiatry and pharmacogenomics studies that leverage various artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to assess treatment prediction, prognosis prediction, diagnosis prediction, and the detection of potential biomarkers. In addition, we describe potential biomarkers and genetic loci that have been discovered to be associated with psychiatric diseases and relevant treatments. Moreover, we outline the limitations in regard to the previous precision psychiatry and pharmacogenomics studies. Finally, we present a discussion of directions and challenges for future research.
How Electrical Heterogeneity Parameters of Ion-Exchange Membrane Surface Affect the Mass Transfer and Water Splitting Rate in Electrodialysis
Authors: Zyryanova Svetlana , Mareev Semyon , Gil Violetta , Korzhova Elizaveta , Pismenskaya Natalia , Sarapulova Veronika , Rybalkina Olesya , Boyko Evgeniy , Larchet Christian , Dammak Lasaad , Nikonenko Victor
Published: February 2020

Electrodialysis (ED) has been demonstrated as an effective membrane method for desalination, concentration, and separation. Electroconvection (EC) is a phenomenon which can essentially increase the mass transfer rate and reduce the undesirable water splitting effect. Efforts by a number of researchers are ongoing to create conditions for developing EC, in particular, through the formation of electrical heterogeneity on the membrane surface. We attempt, for the first time, to optimize the parameters of surface electrical heterogeneity for ion-exchange membranes used in a laboratory ED cell. Thirteen different patterns on the surface of two Neosepta anion-exchange membranes, AMX and AMX-Sb, were tested. Low-conductive fluoropolymer spots were formed on the membrane surface using the electrospinning technique. Spots in the form of squares, rectangles, and circles with different sizes and distances between them were applied. We found that the spots’ shape did not have a visible effect. The best effect, i.e., the maximum mass transfer rate and the minimum water splitting rate, was found when the spots’ size was close to that of the diffusion layer thickness, δ (about 250 μm in the experimental conditions), and the distance between the spots was slightly larger than δ, such that the fraction of the screened surface was about 20%.