bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of Device Closure of Atrial Septal Defects
Authors: Rao P. Syamasundar
Published: August 2020

Several devices have been designed and tried over the years to percutaneously close atrial septal defects (ASDs). Most of the devices were first experimented in animal models with subsequent clinical testing in human subjects. Some devices were discontinued or withdrawn from further clinical use for varied reasons and other devices received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval with consequent continued usage. The outcomes of both discontinued and currently used devices was presented in some detail. The results of device implantation are generally good when appropriate care and precautions are undertaken. At this time, Amplatzer Septal Occluder is most frequently utilized device for occlusion of secundum ASD around the world.
A New Risk Management Methodology for Infrastructure Based on Real-Time Monitoring and Dynamic Interventions: An Example Application on an Air Handling Unit
Authors: Rota Francesco , Talamo Cinzia , Paganin Giancarlo , Martani Claudio
Published: August 2020

For an effective risk management of complex buildings it is required to dynamically estimate the risk on the service and take proper responsive measures to contrast it. This implies being able to estimate the evolving probabilities of failures over time and the way their occurrence is trust in affecting the service. This is now possible thanks to the advent of new sensing technologies and data-driven models to estimate failure probabilities, as well as solid risk management methodologies to estimate their effect on the service. However, it needs to be considered that the implementation of a dynamic risk management in standard building operation has to consider the reconfiguration of some processes to include the use of enabling technologies. In this paper a new dynamic risk management methodology is proposed to consistently (i) model the service, estimate the risk, first (ii) statically, using fault tree analysis, and then (iii) dynamically, using sensing technologies for data gathering and data-driven models for dynamic probability estimate, and finally (iv) implement the required intervention measures to minimize the risk. Then an application of the methodology is presented, for the risk management of an air handling unit, using a convolutional neural network, and its outcomes discussed. Conclusions are also drawn on the implications of integrating such a methodology in the current whole building risk management process and several outlooks are proposed.
Improvement of the Interfacial Fatigue Strength and Milling Behavior of Diamond Coated Tools via Appropriate Annealing
Authors: Skordaris Georgios , Kotsanis Tilemachos , Boumpakis Apostolos , Stergioudi Fani
Published: August 2020

This article deals with the potential to reduce the amount of the residual stresses in the diamond films on cemented carbide inserts for improving their effective interfacial fatigue strength and thus their wear resistance. In this context, nano-crystalline diamond coatings (NCD) were deposited on cemented carbide inserts. A portion of these coated tools were annealed in vacuum for decreasing the amount of residual stresses in the film structure. The annealing temperature was appropriately selected for keeping the substrate strength properties invariable after the coating annealing. Inclined impact tests at ambient temperature on the untreated and heat-treated diamond coated tools were conducted for evaluating their effective interfacial fatigue strength. Depending upon the impact load, after a certain number of impacts, damages in the film-substrate interface develop, resulting in coating detachment and lifting. Via appropriate FEM (Finite Element Method)-evaluation of the impact imprints, the residual stresses in the diamond film structure were determined. Milling experiments were conducted for evaluating the cutting performance of the coated tools using aluminum foam as workpiece material. A correlation between the interfacial fatigue strength of diamond coatings and their residual stresses affected by annealings contributed to the explanation of the attained cutting results.
Diversity and Distribution of Mites (Acari: Ixodida, Mesostigmata, Trombidiformes, Sarcoptiformes) in the Svalbard Archipelago
Authors: Seniczak Anna , Seniczak Stanisław , Schwarzfeld Marla D. , Coulson Stephen J. , Gwiazdowicz Dariusz J.
Published: August 2020

Svalbard is a singular region to study biodiversity. Located at a high latitude and geographically isolated, the archipelago possesses widely varying environmental conditions and unique flora and fauna communities. It is also here where particularly rapid environmental changes are occurring, having amongst the fastest increases in mean air temperature in the Arctic. One of the most common and species-rich invertebrate groups in Svalbard is the mites (Acari). We here describe the characteristics of the Svalbard acarofauna, and, as a baseline, an updated inventory of 178 species (one Ixodida, 36 Mesostigmata, 43 Trombidiformes, and 98 Sarcoptiformes) along with their occurrences. In contrast to the Trombidiformes and Sarcoptiformes, which are dominated in Svalbard by species with wide geographical distributions, the Mesostigmata include many Arctic species (39%); it would thus be an interesting future study to determine if mesostigmatid communities are more affected by global warming then other mite groups. A large number of new species (42 spp.) have been described from Svalbard, including 15 that have so far been found exclusively there. It is yet uncertain if any of these latter species are endemic: six are recent findings, the others are old records and, in most cases, impossible to verify. That the Arctic is still insufficiently sampled also limits conclusions concerning endemicity.
Color Doppler Ultrasound Improves Machine Learning Diagnosis of Breast Cancer
Authors: Moustafa Afaf F. , Cary Theodore W. , Sultan Laith R. , Schultz Susan M. , Conant Emily F. , Venkatesh Santosh S. , Sehgal Chandra M.
Published: August 2020

Color Doppler is used in the clinic for visually assessing the vascularity of breast masses on ultrasound, to aid in determining the likelihood of malignancy. In this study, quantitative color Doppler radiomics features were algorithmically extracted from breast sonograms for machine learning, producing a diagnostic model for breast cancer with higher performance than models based on grayscale and clinical category from the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System for ultrasound (BI-RADSUS). Ultrasound images of 159 solid masses were analyzed. Algorithms extracted nine grayscale features and two color Doppler features. These features, along with patient age and BI-RADSUS category, were used to train an AdaBoost ensemble classifier. Though training on computer-extracted grayscale features and color Doppler features each significantly increased performance over that of models trained on clinical features, as measured by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, training on both color Doppler and grayscale further increased the ROC area, from 0.925 ± 0.022 to 0.958 ± 0.013. Pruning low-confidence cases at 20% improved this to 0.986 ± 0.007 with 100% sensitivity, whereas 64% of the cases had to be pruned to reach this performance without color Doppler. Fewer borderline diagnoses and higher ROC performance were both achieved for diagnostic models of breast cancer on ultrasound by machine learning on color Doppler features.
Fate of Duplicated Neural Structures
Authors: Seoane Luís F.
Published: August 2020

Statistical physics determines the abundance of different arrangements of matter depending on cost-benefit balances. Its formalism and phenomenology percolate throughout biological processes and set limits to effective computation. Under specific conditions, self-replicating and computationally complex patterns become favored, yielding life, cognition, and Darwinian evolution. Neurons and neural circuits sit at a crossroads between statistical physics, computation, and (through their role in cognition) natural selection. Can we establish a statistical physics of neural circuits? Such theory would tell what kinds of brains to expect under set energetic, evolutionary, and computational conditions. With this big picture in mind, we focus on the fate of duplicated neural circuits. We look at examples from central nervous systems, with stress on computational thresholds that might prompt this redundancy. We also study a naive cost-benefit balance for duplicated circuits implementing complex phenotypes. From this, we derive phase diagrams and (phase-like) transitions between single and duplicated circuits, which constrain evolutionary paths to complex cognition. Back to the big picture, similar phase diagrams and transitions might constrain I/O and internal connectivity patterns of neural circuits at large. The formalism of statistical physics seems to be a natural framework for this worthy line of research.
Dissipation in Lagrangian Formalism
Authors: Szegleti András , Márkus Ferenc
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we present a method by which it is possible to describe a dissipative system (that is modeled by a linear differential equation) in Lagrangian formalism, without the trouble of finding the proper way to model the environment. The concept of the presented method is to create a function that generates the measurable physical quantity, similarly to electrodynamics, where the scalar potential and vector potential generate the electric and magnetic fields. The method is examined in the classical case; the question of quantization is unanswered.
Exploring College Student’s Perspectives on Global Mobility during the COVID-19 Pandemic Recovery
Authors: Wu Shu-Jing , Chang Dian-Fu , Sun Fu-Rong
Published: August 2020

At the time of writing, more than 22 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported worldwide, and at least 770 thousand deaths. Under the pressure of the pandemic, promoting global mobility has become an emerging issue in higher education settings. Although various methods of enhancing student mobility have been implemented, little research has as yet confirmed the pandemic challenges for students. This study investigates the global mobility of Chinese college students and the factors influencing their travel decisions. A self-designed questionnaire, consisting of 15 critical indicators of mobile capabilities, intentions, and implementation decisions, was administered to collect data from 2226 participants. The Minitab and Amos software were used to conduct exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and to detect latent relationships among the data with structural equation modeling (SEM). The SEM and logistic regression model provide a clear picture of the relations among the variables, and show that international intention is the key indicator of global mobility implementation under pressure.
High-Gain Planar Array of Reactively Loaded Antennas for Limited Scan Range Applications
Authors: Maximidis Ronis , Caratelli Diego , Toso Giovanni , Smolders A. Bart
Published: August 2020

This paper proposes a novel high-gain antenna element that can be used in antenna arrays that only require a limited scan range. Each high-gain antenna element uses a linear sub-array of highly-coupled open-ended waveguides. The active central element of this sub-array is directly fed, while the remaining passive waveguides are reactively loaded. The loads are implemented by short-circuits positioned at various distances from the radiating aperture. The short-circuit positions control the radiation pattern properties and the scattering parameters of the array. The proposed sub-array antenna element is optimized in the presence of the adjacent elements and provides a high gain and a flat-top main lobe. The horizontal distance between the sub-array centers is large in terms of wavelengths, which leads to limited scanning capabilities in the E-plane. However, along the vertical axis, the element spacing is around 0.6 wavelength at the central frequency that is beneficial to achieve a wider scan range in the H-plane. We show that the sub-array radiation pattern sufficiently filters the grating lobes which appear in the array factor along the E-plane. To demonstrate the performance of the proposed array configuration, an array operating at 28.0 GHz is designed. The designed array supports scan angles up to ±7.5° along the E-plane and ±24.2° along the H-plane
Energy Harvesting from Bicycle Vibrations by Means of Tuned Piezoelectric Generators
Authors: Doria Alberto , Marconi Edoardo , Moro Federico
Published: August 2020

Vibrations of two typical bicycles are measured by means of road tests in bicycle lanes. The analysis of experimental results in terms of power spectral density (PSD) of the acceleration components shows that most of the energy associated to bicycle vibrations is concentrated in a low frequency band (<30 Hz). Since piezoelectric cantilever harvesters achieve the best performance in resonance and the resonant frequency is well above 30 Hz, specific tuning strategies are adopted. A novel mathematical model for simulating the electro-mechanical behaviour of a piezoelectric harvester equipped with an auxiliary oscillator is proposed. Calculated results show the potentialities of this tuning device in terms of generated voltage and stress inside the piezoelectric layer. Prototypes of harvesters equipped with auxiliary oscillators are built and tested in the laboratory obtaining the frequency response function (FRF) of generated voltage. Finally, the average electric power generated by these harvesters (which are assumed to be interfaced to an electronic load by a power management unit based on synchronous rectifying technique) is simulated by using the measured FRFs and PSDs of bicycle vibrations.
New Reactive Power Compensation Strategies for Railway Infrastructure Capacity Increasing
Authors: Morais Vítor A. , Afonso João L. , Carvalho Adriano S. , Martins António P.
Published: August 2020

In AC railway electrification systems, the impact of reactive power flow in the feeding voltage magnitude is one aspect contributing to the quality of supply degradation. Specifically, this issue results in limitations in the infrastructure capacity, either in the maximum number of trains and in maximum train power. In this paper, two reactive power compensation strategies are presented and compared, in terms of the theoretical railway infrastructure capacity. The first strategy considers a static VAR compensator, located in the neutral zone and compensating the substation reactive power, achieving a maximum capacity increase up to 50% without depending on each train active power. The second strategy adapts each train reactive power, achieving also a capacity increase around 50%, only with an increase of the train apparent power below 10%. With a smart metering infrastructure, the implementation of such compensation strategy is viable, satisfying the requirements of real-time knowledge of the railway electrification system state. Specifically, the usage of droop curves to adapt in real time the compensation scheme can bring the operation closer to optimality. Thus, the quality of supply and the infrastructure capacity can be increased with a mobile reactive power compensation scheme, based on a smart metering framework.
Do Energy Resource Curse and Heterogeneous Curse Exist in Provinces? Evidence from China
Authors: Hu Hui , Ran Weijun , Wei Yuchen , Li Xiang
Published: August 2020

This study aims to find the relationship between energy resource dependence and economic growth in consideration of interprovincial heterogeneity. This paper first uses panel data from 14 provinces with rich energy resources in China between 2001 and 2016 as a whole to test the energy resource curse hypothesis. It finds that there is no obvious resource curse from a general perspective. It further makes time prediction and transmission channel analysis based on regressions of each province and classifies them into four groups according to the different degrees of the resource curse. It shows the different roles of resource dependencies in different groups. Twelve provinces are subject to different degrees of the resource curse, among which, six provinces would eventually experience negative economic growth if they increase the degree of resource dependence. Next, this study discusses the mechanism of one particular group, “invisible energy resource curse”, which is when energy resources directly promote but indirectly hinder economic growth. Finally, based on the results, the present study offers policy suggestions according to provinces’ heterogeneous curse levels.
Comparative Analysis of Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequences and Insertion-Deletion (Indel) Polymorphisms to Distinguish Five Vaccinium Species
Authors: Kim Yonguk , Shin Jawon , Oh Dool-Ri , Kim Ah-Young , Choi Chulyung
Published: August 2020

We report the identification of interspecific barcoding InDel regions in Vaccinium species. We compared five complete Vaccinium chloroplast (cp) genomes (V. bracteatum, V. vitis-idaea, V. uliginosum, V. macrocarpon, and V. oldhamii) to identify regions that can be used to distinguish them. Comparative analysis of nucleotide diversity from five cp genomes revealed 25 hotspot coding and noncoding regions, occurring in 65 of a total of 505 sliding windows, that exhibited nucleotide diversity (Pi) > 0.02. PCR validation of 12 hypervariable InDel regions identified seven candidate barcodes with high discriminatory powers: accD-trnT-GGU, rpoB-rpoA, ycf2-trnL-GAA, rps12-ycf15, trnV-GAC, and ndhE-ndhF. Among them, the rpoB-rpoA(2) and ycf2-trnL-CAA sequences clearly showed the intraspecific and interspecific distance among five Vaccinium species by using a K2P technique. In phylogenetic analysis, included five Vaccinium species (n = 19) in the Bayesian and Neighbor-Joining (NJ) analysis revered all species in two major clades and resolved taxonomic position within species groups. These two locus provide comprehensive information that aids the phylogenetics of this genus and increased discriminatory capacity during species authentication.
A Hybrid SWIM Data Naming Scheme Based on TLC Structure
Authors: Wu Zhijun , Cui Bohua
Published: August 2020

Aiming at the problem of low interconnection efficiency caused by the wide variety of data in SWIM (System-Wide Information Management) and the inconsistent data naming methods, this paper proposes a new TLC (Type-Length-Content) structure hybrid data naming scheme combined with Bloom filters. This solution can meet the uniqueness and durability requirements of SWIM data names, solve the “suffix loopholes” encountered in prefix-based route aggregation in hierarchical naming, and realize scalable and effective route state aggregation. Simulation verification results show that the hybrid naming scheme is better than prefix-based aggregation in the probability of route identification errors. In terms of search time, this scheme has increased by 17.8% and 18.2%, respectively, compared with the commonly used hierarchical and flat naming methods. Compared with the other two naming methods, scalability has increased by 19.1% and 18.4%, respectively.
Isolation, Evaluation, and Identification of Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Peptides from Game Meat
Authors: Takeda Shiro , Kaneko Sakurako , Sogawa Kazuyuki , Ahhmed Abdulatef M , Enomoto Hirofumi , Kawarai Shinpei , Taira Kensuke , Mizunoya Wataru , Minami Masato , Sakata Ryoichi
Published: August 2020

Game meat has been underutilized, while it offers the potential to diversify not only the human diet but also increase food production and the nutritional value of meat products. This study aimed to determine the angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities of the digested game meats (venison and boar meat) compared with those of livestock meats (beef and pork). Through the sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and size chromatography results, we found that the digested products from each meat had different molecular weights. The ACE inhibitory ratio in all tested samples had gradually increased following by the enzyme treatments. ACE inhibitory ratios and the half maximal inhibitory concentration values indicated that digested venison was the most potent inhibitor of ACE activity, followed by the digested boar meat. The level of anserine in digested venison was higher than that in the other meats, but the carnosine level was lower. Through fractionations and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis, five ACE inhibitory peptides were identified from the digested venison. Of these peptides, Isoleucine-Lysine- Glutamic Acid-Valine-Threonine-Glutamic Acid-Arginine (IKEVTER) demonstrated the highest ACE inhibitory activity. Therefore, the game meat is food that is believed potentially to offer high bioactivities, particularly antihypertensive forces.
Fatty Acids and Free Amino Acids Changes during Processing of a Mediterranean Native Pig Breed Dry-Cured Ham
Authors: Salazar Eva , Cayuela José Mª , Abellán Adela , Bueno-Gavilá Estefanía , Tejada Luis
Published: August 2020

The aim of this work is to analyse the intramuscular fatty acids and the free amino (FAA) acids in Chato murciano dry-cured ham. There are several Mediterranean native pig breeds whose characteristics of derived products have been described, but the impact of lipolysis and proteolysis on Chato murciano dry-cured ham has not yet been studied. Fatty acids and free amino acids were determined in the fresh piece and at 14, 18, 22 and 24 months of manufacturing. Monounsaturated fatty acids are the majority in the neutral lipids and free fatty acid fractions. Lipolysis took place mainly until the 18th month, resulting in a decrease in the levels of fatty acids of neutral lipids (from 95.43% to 83.38%) and polar lipids (from 2.57% to 0.41%), accompanied by a corresponding increase in free fatty acids (from 2% to 16.21%). Neutral lipids hydrolysis provides the main free fatty acids as in other native breeds. Results for FAA showed an increase in concentration during the time preceding the 14th month. From this point onwards, until month 18, total FAA concentration remained stable, and the content decreased at the end of the processing (between months 22 and 24).
Ancestral Wheat Types Release Fewer Celiac Disease Related T Cell Epitopes than Common Wheat upon Ex Vivo Human Gastrointestinal Digestion
Authors: Asledottir Tora , Rehman Rashida , Mamone Gianfranco , Picariello Gianluca , Devold Tove Gulbrandsen , Vegarud Gerd Elisabeth , Røseth Arne , Lea Tor Erling , Halstensen Trond S. , Ferranti Pasquale , Uhlen Anne Kjersti
Published: August 2020

Celiac disease (CeD) is an autoimmune enteropathy triggered by immunogenic gluten peptides released during the gastrointestinal digestion of wheat. Our aim was to identify T cell epitope-containing peptides after ex vivo digestion of ancestral (einkorn, spelt and emmer) and common (hexaploid) wheat (Fram, Bastian, Børsum and Mirakel) using human gastrointestinal juices. Wheat porridge was digested using a static ex vivo model. Peptides released after 240 min of digestion were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI MS/MS). Ex vivo digestion released fewer T cell epitope-containing peptides from the ancestral wheat varieties (einkorn (n = 38), spelt (n = 45) and emmer (n = 68)) compared to the common wheat varieties (Fram (n = 72), Børsum (n = 99), Bastian (n = 155) and Mirakel (n = 144)). Neither the immunodominant 33mer and 25mer α-gliadin peptides, nor the 26mer γ-gliadin peptide, were found in any of the digested wheat types. In conclusion, human digestive juice was able to digest the 33mer and 25mer α-gliadin, and the 26mer γ-gliadin derived peptides, while their fragments still contained naive T cell reactive epitopes. Although ancestral wheat released fewer immunogenic peptides after human digestion ex vivo, they are still highly toxic to celiac patients. More general use of these ancient wheat variants may, nevertheless, reduce CeD incidence.
The Climate and Nutritional Impact of Beef in Different Dietary Patterns in Denmark
Authors: Mogensen Lisbeth , Hermansen John E. , Trolle Ellen
Published: August 2020

There is public focus on the environmental impact, and in particular, the emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG), related to our food consumption. The aim of the present study was to estimate the carbon footprint (CF), land use and nutritional impact of the different beef products ready to eat in different real-life dietary patterns. Beef products accounted for 513, 560, 409 and 1023 g CO2eq per day, respectively, in the four dietary patterns (Traditional, Fast-food, Green, and High-beef). The total CFs of these diets were 4.4, 4.2, 4.3 and 5.0 kg CO2eq per day (10 MJ), respectively. The Green diet had almost the same CF as the Traditional and the Fast-food diets despite having the lowest intake of beef as well as the lowest intake of red meat in total. A theoretical substitution of beef with other animal products or legumes in each of these three diets reduced the diets’ CF by 4–12% and land use by 5–14%. As regards nutrients, both positive and negative impacts of these substitutions were found but only a few of particular nutritional importance, indicating that replacing beef with a combination of other foods without a significant effect on the nutrient profile of the diet is a potential mitigation option.
A Systematic Review of Extreme Phenotype Strategies to Search for Rare Variants in Genetic Studies of Complex Disorders
Authors: Amanat Sana , Requena Teresa , Lopez-Escamez Jose Antonio
Published: August 2020

Exome sequencing has been commonly used to characterize rare diseases by selecting multiplex families or singletons with an extreme phenotype (EP) and searching for rare variants in coding regions. The EP strategy covers both extreme ends of a disease spectrum and it has been also used to investigate the contribution of rare variants to the heritability of complex clinical traits. We conducted a systematic review to find evidence supporting the use of EP strategies in the search for rare variants in genetic studies of complex diseases and highlight the contribution of rare variations to the genetic structure of polygenic conditions. After assessing the quality of the retrieved records, we selected 19 genetic studies considering EPs to demonstrate genetic association. All studies successfully identified several rare or de novo variants, and many novel candidate genes were also identified by selecting an EP. There is enough evidence to support that the EP approach for patients with an early onset of a disease can contribute to the identification of rare variants in candidate genes or pathways involved in complex diseases. EP patients may contribute to a better understanding of the underlying genetic architecture of common heterogeneous disorders such as tinnitus or age-related hearing loss.
Regulation of mTORC1 by Upstream Stimuli
Authors: Melick Chase H. , Jewell Jenna L.
Published: August 2020

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is an evolutionary conserved Ser/Thr protein kinase that senses multiple upstream stimuli to control cell growth, metabolism, and autophagy. mTOR is the catalytic subunit of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1). A significant amount of research has uncovered the signaling pathways regulated by mTORC1, and the involvement of these signaling cascades in human diseases like cancer, diabetes, and ageing. Here, we review advances in mTORC1 regulation by upstream stimuli. We specifically focus on how growth factors, amino acids, G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), phosphorylation, and small GTPases regulate mTORC1 activity and signaling.
Harnessing DNA Replication Stress for Novel Cancer Therapy
Authors: Zhu Huanbo , Swami Umang , Preet Ranjan , Zhang Jun
Published: August 2020

DNA replication is the fundamental process for accurate duplication and transfer of genetic information. Its fidelity is under constant stress from endogenous and exogenous factors which can cause perturbations that lead to DNA damage and defective replication. This can compromise genomic stability and integrity. Genomic instability is considered as one of the hallmarks of cancer. In normal cells, various checkpoints could either activate DNA repair or induce cell death/senescence. Cancer cells on the other hand potentiate DNA replicative stress, due to defective DNA damage repair mechanism and unchecked growth signaling. Though replicative stress can lead to mutagenesis and tumorigenesis, it can be harnessed paradoxically for cancer treatment. Herein, we review the mechanism and rationale to exploit replication stress for cancer therapy. We discuss both established and new approaches targeting DNA replication stress including chemotherapy, radiation, and small molecule inhibitors targeting pathways including ATR, Chk1, PARP, WEE1, MELK, NAE, TLK etc. Finally, we review combination treatments, biomarkers, and we suggest potential novel methods to target DNA replication stress to treat cancer.
Molecular Evidence for Hybrid Origin and Phenotypic Variation of Rosa Section Chinenses
Authors: Yang Chenyang , Ma Yujie , Cheng Bixuan , Zhou Lijun , Yu Chao , Luo Le , Pan Huitang , Zhang Qixiang
Published: August 2020

Rosa sect. Chinenses (Rosaceae) is an important parent of modern rose that is widely distributed throughout China and plays an important role in breeding and molecular biological research. R. sect. Chinenses has variable morphological traits and mixed germplasm. However, the taxonomic status and genetic background of sect. Chinenses varieties remain unclear. In this study, we collected germplasm resources from sect. Chinenses varieties with different morphological traits. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, chloroplast markers, and single copy nuclear markers were used to explore the genetic background of these germplasm resources. We described the origin of hybridization of rose germplasm resources by combining different molecular markers. The results showed that the flower and hip traits of different species in R. sect. Chinenses were significantly different. The SSR analysis showed that the two wild type varieties have different genetic backgrounds. The double petal varieties of R. sect. Chinenses could be hybrids of two wild type varieties. A phylogenetic analysis showed that the maternal inheritance of sect. Chinenses varieties had two different origins. To some extent, variation in the morphological traits of double petal species of R. sect. Chinenses reflects the influence of cultivation process. This study emphasizes that different genetic markers vary in their characteristics. Therefore, analyzing different genetic markers in could provide an insight into highly heterozygous species.
Introduction: Environmental Humanities Approaches to Climate Change
Authors: Higgins David , Somervell Tess , Clark Nigel
Published: August 2020

The development of the environmental humanities as an interdisciplinary formation is a response to an ecological and planetary crisis [...]
Assessment of Agricultural Drought Risk in the Lancang-Mekong Region, South East Asia
Authors: Zhang Lei , Song Wei , Song Wen
Published: August 2020

Natural disasters worldwide regularly impact on human activities. As a frequently occurring natural disaster, drought has adverse impacts on agricultural production. The Lancang-Mekong River is a transnational river running through China and five Southeast Asian countries and it is a vital water resource for irrigation in the region. Drought in the Lancang-Mekong Region (LMR) has occurred frequently in recent years. Assessing the risk of drought in the region is essential for rational planning of agricultural production and formulation of drought relief measures. In this study, an assessment of drought risk has been achieved by combining the hazard and vulnerability assessments for drought. The assessment of the drought hazard depends mainly on the standardized precipitation index (SPI). The assessment of drought vulnerability takes into account various indicators such as climatic factors (e.g., crop water stress index), soil factors (e.g., available water capacity), and irrigation factors (e.g., irrigation support). The results reveal that: (1) Drought distribution in the LMR is characterized by a spreading of the drought to countries along the middle and lower reaches of the Mekong River. Countries located in the middle and lower reaches of the Mekong River are more prone to drought. Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia are the regions with higher and high-drought risk levels. (2) The spatial distributions for the drought hazard and the drought vulnerability in the LMR exhibit significant differences as evidenced in the mapping results. High-hazard and high-vulnerability areas are mainly distributed in the middle LMR, and the middle to higher hazard areas and the middle to higher vulnerability areas are mainly distributed in the south-central LMR, while the low-hazard areas and the low-vulnerability areas are mainly in the north. (3) The majority of planting areas for sugarcane, rice, and cassava are located in the high-hazard areas. The distributions of drought-prone and high-hazard areas also correspond to the main agricultural areas in the LMR.
A Comprehensive Model for Estimating Heat Vulnerability of Young Athletes
Authors: Cheng Wenwen , Spengler J. O. , Brown Robert D.
Published: August 2020

Current methods for estimating heat vulnerability of young athletes use a heat index (HI) or a wet bulb globe thermometer (WBGT), neither of which fully include the environmental or physiological characteristics that can affect a person’s heat budget, particularly where activity occurs on a synthetic surface. This study analyzed and compared the standard methods, HI and WBGT, with a novel and more comprehensive method termed COMFA-Kid (CK) which is based on an energy budget model explicitly designed for youth. The COMFA model was presented at the same time to demonstrate the difference between a child and an adult during activity. Micrometeorological measurements were taken at a synthetic-surfaced football field during mid-day in hot environmental conditions. Standard methods (HI and WBGT) indicated that conditions on the field were relatively safe for youth to engage in activities related to football practice or games, whereas the CK method indicated that conditions were dangerously hot and could lead to exertional heat illness. Estimates using the CK method also indicated that coaches and staff standing on the sidelines, and parents sitting in the stands, would not only be safe from heat but would be thermally comfortable. The difference in thermal comfort experienced by coaches and staff off the field, versus that experienced by young players on the field, could affect decision making regarding the duration and intensity of practices and time in the game. The CK method, which is easy to use and available for modification for specific conditions, would lead to more accurate estimates of heat safety on outdoor synthetic surfaces in particular, and in sports with a high prevalence of heat illness such as football, and should be considered as a complementary or alternative preventive measure against heat.
The Perceived Health Status from Young Adults to Elderly: Results of the MEHM Questionnaire within the CUORE Project Survey 2008–2012
Authors: Giacomozzi Claudia , Palmieri Luigi , Gargiulo Lidia , Lo Noce Cinzia , Iannucci Laura , Di Lonardo Anna , Vannucchi Serena , Onder Graziano , Colivicchi Furio , Giampaoli Simona , Donfrancesco Chiara
Published: August 2020

Improving healthy life years requires an effective understanding and management of the process of healthy ageing. Assessing the perceived health status and its determinants is a relevant step in this process. This study explored the potentialities of the Minimum European Health Module (MEHM) to cope with this critical issue. Investigation was conducted on 4798 Italian residents (49.7% women, aged 35–79 years), participating in the CUORE Project Health Examination Survey 2008–2012. The three MEHM questions—perceived health status, chronic morbidity and activity limitations—were examined also in association with living context, seasonality, marital status and level of education. A higher prevalence of health status negative perception was associated with older age (9% and 24% respectively in men and women aged 35–44 years; 46% and 61% respectively in men and women aged 75–79 years). In women, this negative perception was higher than in men in any age group, and reached 50% in the 65–69 age group, 10 years earlier than in men. For both sexes, the level of education had a strong impact on this negative perception (odds ratio 2.32 and 2.72 in men and women respectively), while “living alone” played a greater impact in women than in men. MEHM activity limitations subscale was as much as 30% higher for questionnaires answered during the hottest months. This study identified potential predictors of perceived health status in adults aged 35–79 years, which can be used to target interventions aimed at improving self-perceived health status.
Developing Key Safety Management Factors for Construction Projects in China: A Resilience Perspective
Authors: Zhu Zheng , Yuan Jingfeng , Shao Qiuhu , Zhang Lei , Wang Guangqi , Li Xuewei
Published: August 2020

It is acknowledged that construction safety is pivotal to the project management objectives. Meanwhile, the concept of resilience provides an effective and pragmatic countermeasure to improve the safety management level of construction projects. However, the “resilience” has not gained considerable attention in the construction safety management system. In this context, the paper aims to develop the key safety management factors for construction projects from the resilience perspective. Firstly, the theoretical framework and key safety management factors of construction safety management system based on the resilience theory are proposed. The importance of each factor is then obtained by using the method of structural equation modeling (SEM). The results indicate that information management, material and technology management, organization management and personnel management would improve the safety and resilience of the project. Specifically, improving the resilience of information flow to strengthen the interaction among elements of the system can enhance the safety management level. These findings can be used as references for construction safety managers to improve the abilities of preventing safety accidents and recovering after safety accidents.
Working Alliance Inventory for Online Interventions-Short Form (WAI-TECH-SF): The Role of the Therapeutic Alliance between Patient and Online Program in Therapeutic Outcomes
Authors: Herrero Rocío , Vara Mª Dolores , Miragall Marta , Botella Cristina , García-Palacios Azucena , Riper Heleen , Kleiboer Annet , Baños Rosa Mª
Published: August 2020

Background: Therapeutic alliance (TA) between the patient and therapist has been related to positive therapeutic outcomes. Because Internet-based interventions are increasingly being implemented, a tool is needed to measure the TA with Internet-based self-guided programs. The Working Alliance Inventory for online interventions (WAI-TECH-SF) was adapted based on the WAI Short Form (Hatcher & Gillaspy, 2006). The objectives of this study were: (1) to analyse the psychometric properties of the WAI-TECH-SF; (2) to explore the differences in the WAI-TECH-SF scores according to different categories of the sample; and (3) to analyse whether the WAI-TECH-SF can predict therapeutic outcomes and satisfaction with the treatment. Methods: 193 patients diagnosed with depression were included and received blended Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy. Measures of preferences, satisfaction, and credibility about the treatment, TA with the online program, depressive symptoms, and satisfaction with the treatment were administered. Results: An exploratory factor analysis revealed a one-dimensional structure with adequate internal consistency. Linear regression analyses showed that the WAI-TECH-SF predicted changes in depressive symptoms and satisfaction with the treatment. Conclusions: WAI-TECH-SF is a reliable questionnaire to assess the TA between the patient and the online program, which is associated with positive therapeutic outcomes and satisfaction with the treatment.
Validation of SEPI in German—A German Translation of the Sun Exposure and Protection Index
Authors: Karlsson Elias , Hübner Inga-Marie , Haluza Daniela , Falk Magnus
Published: August 2020

The Sun Exposure and Protection Index (SEPI) is a brief instrument for scoring of sun exposure habits and propensity to increase sun protection, previously validated in English and in Swedish, as well as in two different outdoor sun intensity environments (Australia and Northern Europe). The aim of the present study was to study reliability and validity of a German translated version of the SEPI to be used in German-speaking populations. Data was collected at University of Flensburg and at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences from November 2018 to April 2019. Participants (n = 205) filled out the SEPI and also a selection of corresponding questions from the Austrian Vienna UV Questionnaire in German. After three weeks, the participants filled out the SEPI once again in order to assess test–retest stability. Of the 205 participants completing the baseline questionnaire, 135 participants completed it once again after three weeks. Internal consistency, by Cronbach’s alpha, for the baseline responses was 0.70 (95% C.I: 0.63–0.76) for SEPI part 1 (sun exposure habits) and 0.72 (95% C.I: 0.66–0.78) for part 2 (propensity to increase sun protection). Test–retest stability was high, with weighted Kappa >0.6 for all items but one, and the instrument correlated well with the previously validated German-language UV Skin Risk Survey Questionnaire. In conclusion, the German version of SEPI can reliably be used for mapping of individual sun exposure patterns.
Urban Crime Mapping and Analysis Using GIS
Authors: Ristea Alina , Leitner Michael
Published: August 2020

On 22 April 2018, the authors were invited by the Editor-in-Chief, Prof [...]
Quantitative Assessment and Driving Force Analysis of Mangrove Forest Changes in China from 1985 to 2018 by Integrating Optical and Radar Imagery
Authors: Zheng Yuhan , Takeuchi Wataru
Published: August 2020

Mangrove ecosystems are valuable, yet vulnerable, and therefore they have been an important subject of protection and restoration in China. Reliable information on long-term China mangrove dynamics is lacking but vital to analyze the driving forces and evaluate the efforts of mangrove conversation. This study aims to quantify the conversions among mangroves and other land covers with high accuracy. The updated mangrove base map for 2018 was produced by integrating Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar 2 (PALSAR-2) yearly mosaics and Landsat imagery with an overall accuracy of 95.23 ± 6.02%. Then, a novel approach combining map-to-image and image-to-image methods was proposed to detect the changed pixels in mangrove forests from 1985 to 2018. The mangrove base map was adopted to mask the images from other years. To determine the changed pixels, the differencing values in the masked area between two images were calculated and compared with the corresponding thresholds. Based on the changed pixels, the possible driving forces were analyzed and associated with socioeconomic development. The resultant mangrove dynamics demonstrated that mangrove forests in China experienced a tendency of loss first and recovery later during the past 30 years. Most mangrove gains came from aquaculture and mudflat, whilst losses were due to the built-up construction and aquaculture reclamation. These conversions indicated that mangrove deforestations were mainly due to human-induced destruction, while the recoveries were strongly associated with conservation and restoration actions.
A New Methodology for Mapping Past Rockfall Events: From Mobile Crowdsourcing to Rockfall Simulation Validation
Authors: Žabota Barbara , Kobal Milan
Published: August 2020

Rockfalls are one of the most common natural hazards in mountainous areas that pose high risk to people and their activities. Rockfall risk assessment is commonly performed with the use of models that can simulate the potential rockfall source, propagation and runout areas. The quality of the models can be improved by collecting data on past rockfall events. Mobile crowdsourcing is becoming a common approach for collecting field data by using smartphones, the main advantages of which are the use of a harmonised protocol, and the possibility of creating large datasets due to the simultaneous use by multiple users. This paper presents a new methodology for collecting past rockfall events with a mobile application, where the locations and attributes of rockfall source areas and rockfall deposits are collected, and the data are stored in an online database which can be accessed via the WebGIS platform. The methodology also presents an approach for calculating an actual source location based on viewshed analysis which greatly reduces the problem of field mapping of inaccessible source areas. Additionally, we present a rockfall database in the Alpine Space that has been created by the presented methodology, and an application of collected data for the calibration and validation of two rockfall models (CONEFALL and Rockyfor3D).
Expression and Functionality Study of 9 Toll-Like Receptors in 33 Drug-Naïve Non-Affective First Episode Psychosis Individuals: A 3-Month Study
Authors: Juncal-Ruiz Maria , Riesco-Davila Laura , Vazquez-Bourgon Javier , Ortiz-Garcia de la Foz Victor , Mayoral-Van Son Jacqueline , Ayesa-Arriola Rosa , Setien-Suero Esther , Leza Juan Carlos , Lopez-Hoyos Marcos , Crespo-Facorro Benedicto
Published: August 2020

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a pivotal component of the innate immune system that seem to have a role in the pathogenesis of psychosis. The purpose of this work was to compare the expression and functionality of 9 TLRs in three peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) (monocytes, B cells, and T cells) between 33 drug-naïve first-episode psychosis (FEP) individuals and 26 healthy volunteers, at baseline and after 3-month of antipsychotic treatment. The expression of TLRs 1–9 were assessed by flow cytometry. For the assessment of the TLR functionality, cells collected in sodium heparin tubes were polyclonally stimulated for 18 h, with different agonists for human TLR1–9. The results of our study highlight the role that TLR5 and TLR8 might play in the pathophysiology of psychosis. We found a lower expression of these receptors in FEP individuals, regarding healthy volunteers at baseline and after 3-month of treatment on the three PBMCs subsets. Most TLRs showed a lower functionality (especially reduced intracellular levels of TNF-α) in patients than in healthy volunteers. These results, together with previous evidence, suggest that individuals with psychosis might show a pattern of TLR expression that differs from that of healthy volunteers, which could vary according to the intensity of immune/inflammatory response.