bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Annual Pattern on Abundance and Sex Ratio Distribution of Selected Fish Fauna of Ikere Gorge Reservoir, Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Adeosun Festus Idowu
Published: July 2019

Sex ratio affects the growth of wild population, thus, with the declining wild fish population, the study was designed to determine the effect of seasons on the sex ratio of fish population from Ikere Gorge, Nigeria for 18 months. Fish composition, diversity, distribution and abundance were determined according to standard methods. Sexes were determined and sex ratio was calculated using a standard method. A total of 5,823 fish specimens were caught during the period. The captured fish species were identified and classified into 34 species belonging to 13 families. The species richness was higher in the dry months than in the wet months. Fish diversity indices and evenness revealed a better diverse and even ecosystem in the wet season than the dry season. A marked significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed between the species in the dry months than the wet season. Chrysichthyes nigrodigitatus (35.07±7.59a) was significantly (p < 0.05) more abundant than the other species in the dry season. The sex ratio was skewed in favour of the female populations for C. nigrodigitatus, Tilapia melanopleura and Sarotherodon galilaeus but the reverse was the case for L. niloticus population. No monthly variation was observed in sex ratio of the species. The fish fauna from Ikere Gorge showed marked variations in the catch composition between the dry and wet months. C. nigrodigitatus and the Cichlids (Hemichromis fasciatus, S. galilaeus, Tilapia macrocephla and T. melanopleura) were present all year.
Identification of Denatured Biological Tissues Based on Time-Frequency Entropy and Refined Composite Multi-Scale Weighted Permutation Entropy during HIFU Treatment
Authors: Liu Bei , Qian Shengyou , Hu Weipeng
Published: July 2019

Identification of denatured biological tissue is crucial to high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment. It is not easy for intercepting ultrasonic scattered echo signals from HIFU treatment region. Therefore, this paper employed time-frequency entropy based on generalized S-transform (GST) to intercept ultrasonic echo signals. First, the time-frequency spectra of ultrasonic echo signal is obtained by GST, which is concentrated around the real instantaneous frequency of the signal. Then the time-frequency entropy is calculated based on time-frequency spectra. The experimental results indicate that the time-frequency entropy of ultrasonic echo signal will be abnormally high when ultrasonic signal travels across the boundary between normal region and treatment region in tissues. Ultrasonic scattered echo signals from treatment region can be intercepted by time-frequency entropy. In addition, the refined composite multi-scale weighted permutation entropy (RCMWPE) is proposed to evaluate the complexity of nonlinear time series. Comparing with multi-scale permutation entropy (MPE) and multi-scale weighted permutation entropy (MWPE), RCMWPE not only measures complexity of signal including amplitude information, but also improves the stability and reliability of multi-scale entropy. The RCMWPE and MPE are applied to 300 cases of actual ultrasonic scattered echo signals (including 150 cases in normal status and 150 cases in denatured status). It is found that the RCMWPE and MPE values of denatured tissues are higher than those of the normal tissues. Both RCMWPE and MPE can be used to distinguish normal tissues and denatured tissues. However, there are fewer feature points in the overlap region between RCMWPE of denatured tissues and normal tissues compared with MPE. The intra-class distance and the inter-class distance of RCMWPE are less and greater respectively than MPE. The difference between denatured tissues and normal tissues is more obvious when RCMWPE is used as the characteristic parameter. The results of this study will be helpful to guide doctors to obtain more accurate assessment of treatment effect during HIFU treatment.
Novel Conceptual Architecture for the Next-Generation Electricity Markets to Enhance a Large Penetration of Renewable Energy
Authors: Rodríguez-García Javier , Ribó-Pérez David , Álvarez-Bel Carlos , Peñalvo-López Elisa
Published: July 2019

A transition to a sustainable energy system is essential. In this context, smart grids represent the future of power systems for efficiently integrating renewable energy sources and active consumer participation. Recently, different studies were performed that defined the conceptual architecture of power systems and their agents. However, these conceptual architectures do not overcome all issues for the development of new electricity markets. Thus, a novel conceptual architecture is proposed. The transactions of energy, operation services, and economic flows among the agents proposed are carefully analysed. In this regard, the results allow setting their activities’ boundaries and state their relationships with electricity markets. The suitability of implementing local electricity markets is studied to enforce competition among distributed energy resources by unlocking all the potential that active consumers have. The proposed architecture is designed to offer flexibility and efficiency to the system thanks to a clearly defined way for the exploitation of flexible resources and distributed generation. This upgraded architecture hereby proposed establishes the characteristics of each agent in the forthcoming markets and studies to overcome the barriers to the large deployment of renewable energy sources.
A Toolbox for Analyzing and Testing Mode Identification Techniques and Network Equivalent Models
Authors: Kontis Eleftherios O. , Barzegkar-Ntovom Georgios A. , Staios Konstantinos A. , Papadopoulos Theofilos A. , Papagiannis Grigoris K.
Published: July 2019

During the last decade the dynamic properties of power systems have been altered drastically, due to the emerge of new non-conventional types of loads as well as to the increasing penetration of distributed generation. To analyze the power system dynamics and develop accurate models, measurement-based techniques are usually employed by academia and power system operators. In this regard, in this paper an identification toolbox is developed for the derivation of measurement-based equivalent models and the analysis of dynamic responses. The toolbox incorporates eight of the most widely used mode identification techniques as well as several static and dynamic network equivalencing models. First, the theoretical background of the mode identification techniques as well as the mathematical formulation of the examined equivalent models is presented and analyzed. Additionally, multi-signal analysis methods are incorporated in the toolbox to facilitate the development of robust equivalent models. Additionally, an iterative procedure is adopted to automatically determine the optimal order of the derived models. The capabilities of the toolbox are demonstrated using simulation responses, acquired from large-scale benchmark power systems, as well as using measurements recorded at a laboratory-scale active distribution network.
A Comparative Study on Primary Bearing Rating Life of a 5-MW Two-Blade Wind Turbine System Based on Two Different Control Domains
Authors: Koo Bon-Yong , Jung Dae-Yi
Published: July 2019

Recently, the importance of individual pitch control (IPC) capability in wind turbine systems has been emphasized to achieve the desired power performance and mitigate the aerodynamic imbalance load for the mechanical integrity. Compared to collective pitch control (CPC), which assigns identical pitch angles for all employed blades, IPC is capable of generating other various sets of pitch angles to manipulate the aerodynamic load. Thus, the mechanical elements of wind turbine systems may take advantages from this variation, which allows wind turbines to have lighter designs and longer lifetimes. One of the essential mechanical components in the wind turbine is a primary bearing supporting the blades–rotor–shaft unit, which has not been fully investigated yet among the structural elements in the wind turbine system. In this regard, this research focuses on predicting the bearing life span of a NACA64-A17 two-blade 5-MW wind turbine system for the domains of allowable individual pitch angles by IPC. In particular, under the effect of various wind speeds, a bearing life span was determined based on the average value of load cases—satisfying both appropriate power level and the allowable domain of pitch control angles, which were possibly conveyed by IPC—and the result was compared with the bearing life predicted based on the domain of pitch angles, as generated by the CPC strategy. Consequently, in the ranges of high wind speeds, it was found that the average applied load to the bearing is reduced under the domain of the IPC-based pitch angle, resulting in possibly increasing the life span of the bearing. With the presented results, it is hoped that this work will provide important insights for those that majorly concern designing the primary bearing of the IPC-based wind turbine system.
CFD Simulation of Defogging Effectivity in Automotive Headlamp
Authors: Guzej Michal , Zachar Martin
Published: July 2019

In the past decade, the condensation of internal air humidity in automotive headlamps has become more prevalent than ever due to the increased usage of a new light source—LEDs. LEDs emit far less heat than previously-used halogen lamps, which makes them far more susceptible to fogging. This fogging occurs when the internal parts of the headlamp fall to a temperature below the dew point. The front glass is most vulnerable to condensation due to its direct exposure to ambient conditions. Headlamp fogging leads to a decrease in performance and the possibility of malfunctions, which has an impact not only on the functional aspect of the product’s use but also on traffic safety. There are currently several technical solutions available which can determine the effectivity of ventilation systems applied for headlamp defogging. Another approach to this problem may be to use a numerical simulation. This paper proposes a CFD (computational fluid dynamics) simulation with a slightly simplified 3D model of an actual headlamp, which allows simulation of all the phenomena closely connected with fluid flow and phase change. The results were validated by real experiments on a special fogging–defogging test rig. This paper compares three different simulations and their compliance with real experiments.
Design and Implementation of a Low-Power Low-Cost Digital Current-Sink Electronic Load ‡
Authors: Jiang Wei , Wang Jieyun , Wang Qianlong , Xu Song , Hashimoto Seiji , Liu Zhong
Published: July 2019

Electronic load (e-load) is essential equipment for power converter performance test, where a designated load profile is executed. Electronic load is usually implemented with the analog controller for fast tracking of the load profile reference. In this paper, a low-power low-cost electronic load is proposed. MOSFETs (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors) are used as the power consumption devices, which are regulated to the active region as controlled current-sink. In order to achieve fast transient response using the low-cost digital signal controller (DSC) PWM peripherals, the interleaving PWM method is proposed to achieve active current ripple mitigation. To obtain the system open-loop gain for current-sink operation, an offline digital system identification method, followed by model reduction, is proposed by applying Pseudo-Random Binary Sequence (PRBS) excitation. Pole-zero cancelation method is used in the control system design and later implemented in a DSC. The prototype is built and tested, in which meaningful testing scenarios under constant current-sink mode, pulse current sink mode, and double line-frequency current mode are verified. The experimental results indicate that the proposed e-load can sink pre-programmed current profile with well-attenuated ripple for static and dynamic load testing, and is applicable to fully digitalized power testing equipment.
Numerical Investigation of Flow and Heat Transfer in a Rotor-Stator Cavity with Centripetal Carbon Dioxide Through-Flow
Authors: Hu Bo , Li Xuesong , Ren Xiaodong , Lu Jiaxing
Published: July 2019

A centrifugal carbon dioxide compressor is a kind of general machine with extensive applications. The geometry of the side chambers of the compressors can be determined by studying the rotor-stator cavity with centripetal through-flow. In this paper, numerical simulations were conducted to predict the characteristics of flow and heat transfer. Three different speeds of rotation and two axial gap widths were considered. The correlations of the core swirl ratios were determined by fitting the results for two axial gap widths. The amounts of the moment coefficients of the disk were predicted. In order to better analyze the temperature field, the radial distributions of the local heat transfer coefficient were numerically investigated. According to the simulation results, the average Nusselt number was found to be dominated by the turbulent flow parameter. It also seemed to be proportional to the moment coefficient at a fixed circumferential Reynolds number.
Assessment of the Effect of Nitrogen Concentration on Fermentation and Selection of a Highly Competitive Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strain for Efficient Ethanol Production
Authors: Portero Barahona Patricia , Martín-Gil Jesús , Martín-Ramos Pablo , Briones Pérez Ana , Carvajal Barriga Enrique Javier
Published: July 2019

The optimum nitrogen concentration for media supplementation and strain dominance are aspects of key importance to the industrial production of ethanol with a view to reducing costs and increasing yields. In this work, these two factors were investigated for four ethanologenic Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains (CLQCA-INT-001, CLQCA-INT-005, CLQCA-10-099, and UCLM 325), selected from the screening of 150 isolates, mostly from Ecuadorian yeast biodiversity. The effect of nitrogen concentration was assessed in terms of cellular growth, glucose consumption and ethanol production, and the yeast strains’ dominance was evaluated in continuous co-fermentation with cellular recycling by mitochondrial DNA analyses. Among the four selected yeast strains under study, CLQCA-INT-005 presented the highest glucose consumption at a nitrogen supplement concentration as low as 0.4 g·L−1, attaining an ethanol yield of up to 96.72% in 24 h. The same yeast strain was found to be highly competitive, showing a dominance of 80% after four cycles of fermentation in co-culture. Thus, CLQCA-INT-005 may be deemed as a very promising candidate to be used both at pilot-plant scale and at industrial scale cellulosic ethanol production.
Experimental Tests and Modeling on a Combined Heat and Power Biomass Plant
Authors: Marseglia Guido , Medaglia Carlo Maria , Petrozzi Alessandro , Nicolini Andrea , Cotana Franco , Sormani Federico
Published: July 2019

Renewable energy sources can help the countries to achieve some of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provided from the recent 2030 Agenda, allowing for clean, secure, reliable and affordable energy. Biomass technology is a relevant renewable energy to contribute to reach a clean and affordable energy production system with important emissions reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG). An innovative technological application of biomass energy consisting of a burner coupled with an external fired gas turbine (EFGT) has been developed for the production of electricity. This paper shows the results of the plant modelling by Aspen Plus environment and preliminary experimental tests; the validation of the proposed model allows for the main parameters to be defined that regulate the energy production plant supplied by woodchips.
A Minimum Side-Lobe Optimization Window Function and Its Application in Harmonic Detection of an Electricity Gird
Authors: Li Zhenhua , Hu Tinghe , Abu-Siada Ahmed
Published: July 2019

Several window functions are currently applied to improve the performance of the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) harmonic detection method. These window functions exhibit poor accuracy in measuring the harmonic contents of a signal with high-order and weak-amplitude components when the power frequency fluctuates within a small range. In this paper, a minimum side-lobe optimization window function that is aimed at overcoming the abovementioned issue is proposed. Moreover, an improved DFT harmonic detection algorithm based on the six-term minimum side-lobe optimization window and four-spectrum-line interpolation method is proposed. In this context, the minimum side-lobe optimization window is obtained by optimizing the conventional cosine window function according to the optimization rules, and the characteristics of the new proposed window are provided to analyze its performance. Then, the proposed optimization window function is employed to improve the DFT harmonic detection algorithm based on the six-term minimum side-lobe optimization window and four-spectrum-line interpolation method. The proposed technique is used to detect harmonics of an electricity gird in which the six-term minimum side-lobe optimization window is utilized to eliminate the influence of spectrum leakage caused by nonsynchronous sampling of signal processing. The four-spectrum-line interpolation method is employed to eliminate or mitigate the fence effect caused by the inherent measurement error of the DFT method. Simulation experiments in two complex conditions and an experiment test are carried out to validate the improved performance of the proposed window. Results reveal that the six-term minimum side-lode optimization window has the smallest peak side lobe when compared with existing windows, which can effectively reduce the interaction influence of spectrum leakage, improve the measurement accuracy of the DFT harmonic detection method, and meet the standard requirement of harmonic measurement in complex situations.
Numerical Investigation of Flow through a Valve during Charge Intake in a DISI -Engine Using Large Eddy Simulation
Authors: Nishad Kaushal , Ries Florian , Li Yongxiang , Sadiki Amsini
Published: July 2019

Apart from electric vehicles, most internal combustion (IC) engines are powered while burning petroleum-based fossil or alternative fuels after mixing with inducted air. Thereby the operations of mixing and combustion evolve in a turbulent flow environment created during the intake phase and then intensified by the piston motion and influenced by the shape of combustion chamber. In particular, the swirl and turbulence levels existing immediately before and during combustion affect the evolution of these processes and determine engine performance, noise and pollutant emissions. Both the turbulence characteristics and the bulk flow pattern in the cylinder are strongly affected by the inlet port and valve design. In the present paper, large eddy simulation (LES) is appraised and applied to studying the turbulent fluid flow around the intake valve of a single cylinder IC-engine as represented by the so called magnetic resonance velocimetry (MRV) flow bench configuration with a relatively large Reynolds number of 45,000. To avoid an intense mesh refinement near the wall, various subgrid scale models for LES; namely the Smagorinsky, wall adapting local eddy (WALE) model, SIGMA, and dynamic one equation models, are employed in combination with an appropriate wall function. For comparison purposes, the standard RANS (Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes) k- ε model is also used. In terms of a global mean error index for the velocity results obtained from all the models, at first it turns out that all the subgrid models show similar predictive capability except the Smagorinsky model, while the standard k- ε model experiences a higher normalized mean absolute error (nMAE) of velocity once compared with MRV data. Secondly, based on the cost-accuracy criteria, the WALE model is used with a fine mesh of ≈39 millions control volumes, the averaged velocity results showed excellent agreement between LES and MRV measurements, revealing the high prediction capability of the suggested LES tool for valve flows. Thirdly, the turbulent flow across the valve curtain clearly featured a back flow resulting in a high speed intake jet in the middle. Comprehensive LES data are generated to carry out statistical analysis in terms of (1) evolution of the turbulent morphology across the valve passage relying on the flow anisotropy map, (2) integral turbulent scales along the intake-charge stream, (3) turbulent flow properties such as turbulent kinetic energy, turbulent velocity and its intensity within the most critical zone in intake-port and along the port length, it further transpires that the most turbulence are generated across the valve passage and these are responsible for the in-cylinder turbulence.
Input Disturbance Suppression for Unidirectional Matrix Converter with a Stability-Enhancing Modulation Scheme
Authors: Lei Jiaxing , Wei Chaofan , Feng Shuang
Published: July 2019

This paper proposes an input voltage disturbance suppression control strategy for the unidirectional matrix converter (UMC) with a new modulation scheme enhancing the stability. In the new scheme, the modulation index is directly, rather than reversely, proportional to the instantaneous amplitude of input filter capacitor voltages. Contrary to traditional schemes, the stability of the UMC with this new scheme is even better with the increase of the transferred active power, which is particularly suitable for applications with sinusoidal and balanced input conditions. As to the disturbed input conditions, the new scheme could introduce low-frequency harmonics into output currents. To address this issue, a feedback control strategy of output current amplitude is further proposed to eliminate the additional harmonics. Stability analysis of a UMC with the proposed modulation scheme and feedback control strategy is presented. Experimental results have verified the validity of the proposed control solution.
Fractional Mass-Spring-Damper System Described by Generalized Fractional Order Derivatives
Authors: Sene Ndolane , Gómez Aguilar José Francisco
Published: July 2019

This paper proposes novel analytical solutions of the mass-spring-damper systems described by certain generalized fractional derivatives. The Liouville–Caputo left generalized fractional derivative and the left generalized fractional derivative were used. The behaviors of the analytical solutions of the mass-spring-damper systems described by the left generalized fractional derivative and the Liouville–Caputo left generalized fractional derivative were represented graphically and the effect of the orders of the fractional derivatives analyzed. We finish by analyzing the global asymptotic stability and the converging-input-converging-state of the unforced mass-damper system, the unforced spring-damper, the spring-damper system, and the mass-damper system.
The Effectiveness of Parent Training Programs for Child Maltreatment and Their Components: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gubbels Jeanne , van der Put Claudia E. , Assink Mark
Published: July 2019

This is the first meta-analytic review investigating what components and techniques of parent training programs for preventing or reducing child maltreatment are associated with program effectiveness. A literature search yielded 51 studies (N = 6670) examining the effectiveness of parent training programs for preventing or reducing child maltreatment. From these studies, 185 effect sizes were extracted and more than 40 program components and techniques were coded. A significant and small overall effect size was found (d = 0.416, 95% CI (0.334, 0.498), p < 0.001). No significant moderating effects were found for contextual factors and structural elements (i.e., program duration, delivery location, and delivery setting). Further, no significant moderating effects were found for most of the coded program components and techniques, indicating that these components are about equally effective. Only a few program components and techniques moderated program effectiveness, however these effects were negative. These results indicated that improving parental personal skills, improving problem solving skills, and stimulating children’s prosocial behavior should not be the main focus of parental training programs for preventing and reducing child maltreatment. This also holds for practicing new skills by rehearsal and giving direct feedback in program sessions. Further clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version of the Mindfulness in Teaching Scale
Authors: Li Chunxiao , Kee Ying Hwa , Wu Yandan
Published: July 2019

Measuring teacher mindfulness has implications for understanding and enhancing teachers’ well-being. This study therefore aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Mindfulness in Teaching Scale (MTS-C). Two independent samples (Sample 1 includes 151 in-service teachers, Sample 2 includes 229 pre-service teachers) completed the MTS-C and theoretically relevant measures (i.e., attitudes, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and life satisfaction). In addition, a subsample of Sample 2 completed the MTS-C again one month later. Results of exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis supported the two-factor model of the MTS-C. The MTS-C was generally associated with the concurrent measures. Furthermore, the scale also demonstrated good internal consistency and test–retest reliability. These findings suggest that the MTS-C is a reliable and valid tool for research and practical applications among Chinese teachers.
Environmental Foundations of Typhoid Fever in the Fijian Residential Setting
Authors: Jenkins Aaron P. , Jupiter Stacy D. , Jenney Adam , Rosa Varanisese , Naucukidi Alanieta , Prasad Namrata , Vosaki Gandercillar , Mulholland Kim , Strugnell Richard , Kama Mike , Crump John A. , Horwitz Pierre
Published: July 2019

Proximal characteristics and conditions in the residential setting deserve greater attention for their potential to influence typhoid transmission. Using a case-control design in Central Division, Republic of Fiji, we examined bacterial (coliform and Escherichia coli) contamination and chemical composition of water and soil as potential vehicles of exposure to Salmonella Typhi, combining observational analysis of residential living conditions, geospatial analysis of household locations, and factor analysis to explore multivariate associations with the risk of developing typhoid fever. Factors positively associated with typhoid infection related to drainage [phosphate (OR 4.235, p = 0.042) and E. coli concentrations (OR 2.248, p = 0.029) in toilet drainage soil, housing [external condition (OR 3.712, p < 0.001)], drinking water contamination (OR 2.732, p = 0.003) and sanitary condition (OR 1.973, p = 0.031). These five factors explained 42.5% of the cumulative variance and were significant in predicting typhoid infection. Our results support the hypothesis that a combination of spatial and biophysical attributes of the residential setting influence the probability of typhoid transmission; in this study, factors associated with poor drainage, flooding, and sanitary condition increase local exposure to contaminated water and soil, and thereby infection. These findings extend testing of causal assumptions beyond the immediate domestic domain, enhance the scope of traditional case control epidemiology and allow greater specificity of interventions at the scale of the residential setting.
Physical Fitness and the Level of Pain Intensity in Adolescents: A School-based Study
Authors: Zvonar Martin , Kasović Mario , Štefan Lovro
Published: July 2019

Background: The main aim of the study was to explore the association between objectively measured physical fitness and the level of pain intensity. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we included 1036 adolescents (mage ± SD = 16.3 ± 1.1 years; mheight ± SD = 1.74 ± 0.1 m; mweight ± SD = 64.7 ± 12.4 kg; mbody-mass index ± SD = 21.3 ± 3.0 kg/m2) from 11 secondary schools located in the city of Zagreb (Croatia). Physical fitness was determined by using waist circumference, sit-ups in 1 min, standing long jump and sit-and-reach tests. Overall physical fitness index was calculated by summing the z-score values of each physical fitness test. The level of pain intensity was assessed with the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, a one-dimensional measure of pain intensity. Associations were calculated with correlation analyses. Results: In boys, pain intensity was associated with sit-ups in 1 min (r = −0.16, p < 0.001), standing long jump (r = −0.14, p = 0.003) and overall physical fitness index (r = −0.13, p = 0.004), while no significant associations with waist circumference (r = 0.04, p = 0.438) and sit-and-reach test (r = −0.01, p = 0.822) were observed. In girls, pain intensity was associated with standing long jump (r = −0.17, p < 0.001) and overall physical fitness index (r = −0.10, p = 0.018), while no significant associations with waist circumference (r = 0.01, p = 0.735), sit-ups in 1 min (r = −0.06, p = 0.126) and sit-and-reach test (r = −0.05, p = 0.232) were observed. When we adjusted for self-rated health, sleep duration, smoking status, alcohol consumption, screen-time and psychological distress, similar associations remained. Conclusions: Our study shows a weak association between physical fitness and pain intensity in a large sample of adolescents. Although a cross-sectional design, health-professionals should use physical fitness as a screening tool to assess the level of pain intensity.
Moral Disengagement as an Explanatory Factor of the Polyivictimization of Bullying and Cyberbullying
Authors: Fernández-Antelo Inmaculada , Cuadrado-Gordillo Isabel
Published: July 2019

Background: The present study’s objectives were to: (1) Identify and analyze the prevalence of poly-victims, and (2) determine how the levels of moral disengagement and the various defence mechanisms that victims use to explain abusive behavior might function as predictors of poly-bullying. Methods: The sample consisted of 1328 participants of from 9 to 14 years old. The instruments used were two questionnaires. One allows the prevalence of bullying and cyberbullying victims to be identified and analyzed. The other analyses the level of moral disengagement and the defence mechanisms to which the victims resort. Results: The results showed there to be a continuity of the role of victim in off-line and on-line contexts, turning those who are subject to these situations into poly-victims. The moral disengagement of these victims was found basically to be centered at two levels—a locus of behavior, and a locus of outcomes. Conclusions: Exposure to abuse that is continuous, of different types, and coming from different contexts must be perceived as a public health problem given the lack of effective tools to combat the situations of helplessness that the polyvictims experience.
Longer, More Active Commute, but Still not Very Active: Five-Year Physical Activity and Travel Behavior Change in a University Population
Authors: Engelen Lina , Bohn-Goldbaum Erika , Crane Melanie , Mackey Martin , Rissel Chris
Published: July 2019

Active travel can support the achievement of recommended levels of physical activity. Monitoring travel behavior of university students and staff provides a useful insight into patterns of regional travel and population level changes in physical activity. This study sought to evaluate current travel and physical activity behaviors in a university population and to determine whether these changed over time. An online survey of travel behavior and physical activity was conducted at the University of Sydney, Australia. The survey was actively promoted for three weeks prior to the release of the survey among staff and students, which asked about travel behavior on a specific day in September 2017. The survey questions were the same as those used in a similar online survey conducted across the University in 2012. In total, 4359 People completed the survey, representing 10.8% of staff and 4.1% of students. Approximately two thirds of survey respondents were students, in both the 2012 and 2017 surveys. Compared with 2012, there was an increase in active travel to the University in 2017 from increased walking and train travel. Compared to 2012, in 2017 there was an increase in average minutes walked by about nine minutes, and less time spent sitting. Trip lengths increased, with 68% of trips taking longer than 30 min in 2017. The amount of time spent in low–moderate levels physical activity increased between 2012 and 2017, potentially related to active travel behavior. Citywide changes towards a system-wide transport fare structure was the biggest change in the transport environment between the two surveys and may have contributed to increased train travel.
Comment on MaaniHessari, N.; van Schalkwyk, M.C.; Thomas, S.; Petticrew, M. Alcohol Industry CSR Organisations: What Can Their Twitter Activity Tell Us about Their Independence and Their Priorities? A Comparative Analysis. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16, 892
Authors: Sim Fiona , Chick Jonathan , Neidle Stephen , Ogden Graham , Jarvis Sarah , Lidington Iona , Leslie Helene
Published: July 2019

We noted with concern that you published recently (12 March 2019) an article about so-called “Alcohol industry CSR Organisations”, which selectively targets criticism of Drinkaware [...]
Changes in Substance Abuse and HIV Risk Behaviors over 12-Month Methadone Maintenance Treatment among Vietnamese Patients in Mountainous Provinces
Authors: Tran Bach Xuan , Fleming Mercy , Nguyen Tam Minh Thi , Vu Giang Thu , Vuong Quan Hoang , Ho Manh-Tung , Dam Nhue Van , Vuong Thu-Trang , Do Ha Ngoc , Doan Linh Phuong , Latkin Carl , Ho Cyrus SH , Ho Roger CM
Published: July 2019

Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) programs have been used worldwide to reduce the number of drug users and for HIV prevention; however, evidence of their effectiveness in mountainous areas is limited. This study aimed to identify changes in substance abuse and sexual practices among MMT patients after treatment in three Vietnamese mountainous provinces. A survey on risk behaviors was conducted among 300 drug users in six MMT clinics prior to and following one year of MMT. Cramér’s effect size of changes was extrapolated to justify the magnitude of the intervention’s effectiveness. A generalized estimation equation was used to find the factors associated with respondents’ substance use and sexual risk behavior. While drug-related risk behaviors were significantly reduced, alcohol and sex-related behaviors remained risk factors for HIV in this group. Additionally, condom use was common among participants at both time points, but not among those having sex with sex workers. Socio-economic characteristics of ethnic, education, occupation, as well as drug use history influenced the possibility of engaging in drug use and/or sexual risk behavior following treatment. Further emphasis on managing these among MMT patients is required, potentially by providing integrated services including smoking and drinking counseling and condom use promotion in accordance with MMT.
Human Error: The Impact of Job Insecurity on Attention-Related Cognitive Errors and Error Detection
Authors: Roll Lara Christina , Siu Oi-ling , Li Simon Y.W. , De Witte Hans
Published: July 2019

(1) Background: Work-related stress is a major contributor to human error. One significant workplace stressor is job insecurity, which has been linked to an increased likelihood of experiencing burnout. This, in turn, might affect human error, specifically attention-related cognitive errors (ARCES) and the ability to detect errors. ARCES can be costly for organizations and pose a safety risk. Equally detrimental effects can be caused by failure to detect errors before they can cause harm. (2) Methods: We gathered self-report and behavioral data from 148 employees working in educational, financial and medical sectors in China. We designed and piloted an error detection task in which employees had to compare fictitious customer orders to deliveries of an online shop. We tested for indirect effects using the PROCESS macro with bootstrapping (3) Results: Our findings confirmed indirect effects of job insecurity on both ARCES and the ability to detect errors via burnout. (4) Conclusions: The present research shows that job insecurity influences making and detecting errors through its relationship with burnout. These findings suggest that job insecurity could increase the likelihood for human error with potential implications for employees’ safety and the safety of others.
Insulin Treatment Forces Arteriogenesis in Diabetes Mellitus by Upregulation of the Early Growth Response-1 (Egr-1) Pathway in Mice
Authors: Thulasingam Senthilkumar , Krishnasamy Sundar , Raj C. David , Lasch Manuel , Vedantham Srinivasan , Deindl Elisabeth
Published: July 2019

The process of arteriogenesis is severely compromised in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Earlier studies have reported the importance of Egr-1 in promoting collateral outward remodeling. However, the role of Egr-1 in the presence of DM in outward vessel remodeling was not studied. We hypothesized that Egr-1 expression may be compromised in DM which may lead to impaired collateral vessel growth. Here, we investigated the relevance of the transcription factor Egr-1 for the process of collateral artery growth in diabetic mice. Induction of arteriogenesis by femoral artery ligation resulted in an increased expression of Egr-1 on mRNA and protein level but was severely compromised in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Diabetes mellitus mice showed a significantly reduced expression of Egr-1 endothelial downstream genes Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and urokinase Plasminogen Activator (uPA), relevant for extravasation of leukocytes which promote arteriogenesis. Fluorescent-activated cell sorting analyses confirmed reduced leukocyte recruitment. Diabetes mellitus mice showed a reduced expression of the proliferation marker Ki-67 in growing collaterals whose luminal diameters were also reduced. The Splicing Factor-1 (SF-1), which is critical for smooth muscle cell proliferation and phenotype switch, was found to be elevated in collaterals of DM mice. Treatment of DM mice with insulin normalized the expression of Egr-1 and its downstream targets and restored leukocyte recruitment. SF-1 expression and the diameter of growing collaterals were normalized by insulin treatment as well. In summary, our results showed that Egr-1 signaling was impaired in DM mice; however, it can be rescued by insulin treatment.
Growth Hormone Deficiency Following Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Kgosidialwa Oratile , Hakami Osamah , Zia-Ul-Hussnain Hafiz Muhammad , Agha Amar
Published: July 2019

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is fairly common and annually affects millions of people worldwide. Post traumatic hypopituitarism (PTHP) has been increasingly recognized as an important and prevalent clinical entity. Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is the most common pituitary hormone deficit in long-term survivors of TBI. The pathophysiology of GHD post TBI is thought to be multifactorial including primary and secondary mechanisms. An interplay of ischemia, cytotoxicity, and inflammation post TBI have been suggested, resulting in pituitary hormone deficits. Signs and symptoms of GHD can overlap with those of TBI and may delay rehabilitation/recovery if not recognized and treated. Screening for GHD is recommended in the chronic phase, at least six months to a year after TBI as GH may recover in those with GHD in the acute phase; conversely, it may manifest in those with a previously intact GH axis. Dynamic testing is the standard method to diagnose GHD in this population. GHD is associated with long-term poor medical outcomes. Treatment with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) seems to ameliorate some of these features. This review will discuss the frequency and pathophysiology of GHD post TBI, its clinical consequences, and the outcomes of treatment with GH replacement.
Strategies against Nonsense: Oxadiazoles as Translational Readthrough-Inducing Drugs (TRIDs)
Authors: Campofelice Ambra , Lentini Laura , Di Leonardo Aldo , Melfi Raffaella , Tutone Marco , Pace Andrea , Pibiri Ivana
Published: July 2019

This review focuses on the use of oxadiazoles as translational readthrough-inducing drugs (TRIDs) to rescue the functional full-length protein expression in mendelian genetic diseases caused by nonsense mutations. These mutations in specific genes generate premature termination codons (PTCs) responsible for the translation of truncated proteins. After a brief introduction on nonsense mutations and their pathological effects, the features of various classes of TRIDs will be described discussing differences or similarities in their mechanisms of action. Strategies to correct the PTCs will be presented, particularly focusing on a new class of Ataluren-like oxadiazole derivatives in comparison to aminoglycosides. Additionally, recent results on the efficiency of new candidate TRIDs in restoring the production of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) protein will be presented. Finally, a prospectus on complementary strategies to enhance the effect of TRIDs will be illustrated together with a conclusive paragraph about perspectives, opportunities, and caveats in developing small molecules as TRIDs.
The Clinical Potential of Oligonucleotide Therapeutics against Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Takakura Kazuki , Kawamura Atsushi , Torisu Yuichi , Koido Shigeo , Yahagi Naohisa , Saruta Masayuki
Published: July 2019

Although many diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for pancreatic cancer have been proposed, an urgent need for improved therapeutic strategies remains. Oligonucleotide therapeutics, such as those based on antisense RNAs, small interfering RNA (siRNA), microRNA (miRNA), aptamers, and decoys, are promising agents against pancreatic cancer, because they can identify a specific mRNA fragment of a given sequence or protein, and interfere with gene expression as molecular-targeted agents. Within the past 25 years, the diversity and feasibility of these drugs as diagnostic or therapeutic tools have dramatically increased. Several clinical and preclinical studies of oligonucleotides have been conducted for patients with pancreatic cancer. To support the discovery of effective diagnostic or therapeutic options using oligonucleotide-based strategies, in the absence of satisfactory therapies for long-term survival and the increasing trend of diseases, we summarize the current clinical trials of oligonucleotide therapeutics for pancreatic cancer patients, with underlying preclinical and scientific data, and focus on the possibility of oligonucleotides for targeting pancreatic cancer in clinical implications.
Identification and Characterization of Preferred DNA-Binding Sites for the Thermus thermophilus HB8 Transcriptional Regulator TTHA0973
Authors: Cox James Shell , Moncja Kristi , Mckinnes Mykala , Van Dyke Michael W.
Published: July 2019

Advances in genomic sequencing have allowed the identification of a multitude of genes encoding putative transcriptional regulatory proteins. Lacking, often, is a fuller understanding of the biological roles played by these proteins, the genes they regulate or regulon. Conventionally this is achieved through a genetic approach involving putative transcription factor gene manipulation and observations of changes in an organism’s transcriptome. However, such an approach is not always feasible or can yield misleading findings. Here, we describe a biochemistry-centric approach, involving identification of preferred DNA-binding sequences for the Thermus thermophilus HB8 transcriptional repressor TTHA0973 using the selection method Restriction Endonuclease Protection, Selection and Amplification (REPSA), massively parallel sequencing, and bioinformatic analyses. We identified a consensus TTHA0973 recognition sequence of 5′–AACnAACGTTnGTT–3′ that exhibited nanomolar binding affinity. This sequence was mapped to several sites within the T. thermophilus HB8 genome, a subset of which corresponded to promoter regions regulating genes involved in phenylacetic acid degradation. These studies further demonstrate the utility of a biochemistry-centric approach for the facile identification of potential biological functions for orphan transcription factors in a variety of organisms.
Bacterial Communities and Virulence Associated with Pine Wood Nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus from Different Pinus spp.
Authors: Xue Qi , Xiang Yang , Wu Xiao-Qin , Li Ming-Jie
Published: July 2019

Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, the causal agent of pine wilt disease, is a destructive threat to pine forests. The role of bacteria associated with B. xylophilus in pine wilt disease has attracted widespread attention. This study investigated variation in bacterial communities and the virulence of surface-sterilized B. xylophilus from different Pinus spp. The predominant culturable bacteria of nematodes from different pines were Stenotrophomonas and Pseudomonas. Biolog EcoPlate analysis showed that metabolic diversity of bacteria in B. xylophilus from P. massoniana was the highest, followed by P. thunbergii and P. densiflora. High-throughput sequencing analysis indicated that bacterial diversity and community structure in nematodes from the different pine species varied, and the dominant bacteria were Stenotrophomonas and Elizabethkingia. The virulence determination of B. xylophilus showed that the nematodes from P. massoniana had the greatest virulence, followed by the nematodes from P. thunbergii and P. densiflora. After the nematodes were inoculated onto P. thunbergii, the relative abundance of the predominant bacteria changed greatly, and some new bacterial species emerged. Meanwhile, the virulence of all the nematode isolates increased after passage through P. thunbergii. These inferred that some bacteria associated with B. xylophilus isolated from different pine species might be helpful to adjust the PWN’s parasitic adaptability.
β-Catenin/TCF4 Complex-Mediated Induction of the NRF3 (NFE2L3) Gene in Cancer Cells
Authors: Aono Shiori , Hatanaka Ayari , Hatanaka Atsushi , Gao Yue , Hippo Yoshitaka , Taketo Makoto Mark , Waku Tsuyoshi , Kobayashi Akira
Published: July 2019

Remarkable upregulation of the NRF2 (NFE2L2)-related transcription factor NRF3 (NFE2L3) in several cancer tissues and its correlation with poor prognosis strongly suggest the physiological function of NRF3 in tumors. Indeed, we had recently uncovered the function of NRF3, which promotes cancer cell proliferation by p53 degradation via the 20S proteasome. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism underlying the induction of NRF3 gene expression in cancer cells is highly elusive. We herein describe that NRF3 upregulation is induced by the β-catenin/TCF4 complex in colon cancer cells. We first confirmed high NRF3 mRNA expression in human colon cancer specimens. The genome database indicated that the human NRF3 gene possesses a species-conserved WRE sequence (TCF/LEF consensus element), implying that the β-catenin/TCF complex activates NRF3 expression in colon cancer. Consistently, we observed that the β-catenin/TCF4 complex mediates NRF3 expression by binding directly to the WRE site. Furthermore, inducing NRF3 activates cell proliferation and the expression of the glucose transporter GLUT1. The existence of the β-catenin/TCF4-NRF3 axis was also validated in the intestine and organoids of Apc-deficient mice. Finally, the positive correlation between NRF3 and β-catenin target gene expression strongly supports our conclusion. Our findings clearly demonstrate that NRF3 induction in cancer cells is controlled by the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.