bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Determinants of Antibiotic Self-Medication among Adult Patients with Respiratory Tract Infections in the Mboppi Baptist Hospital, Douala, Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ngu Roland Cheofor , Feteh Vitalis Fambombi , Kika Belmond Tse , F. Emade Ketchemen Nerice , Ayeah Chia Mark , Chifor Theresia , Njim Tsi , Fankem Alvine Manuela , Yengo Franklin Kwenti Fai
Published: June 2018

Antibiotic self-medication in patients with respiratory tract infections (RTI) is increasing globally and has been reported to be one of the prime contributors to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Our study aims to provide data on the prevalence of antibiotic self-medication and identify the factors contributing to self-medication in adult patients with respiratory tract infection in an urban setting in Cameroon. This was cross-sectional study carried out at Mboppi Baptist Hospital, Douala, Cameroon. A validated structured questionnaire was administered to 308 consenting participants with diagnosed RTIs, to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics and history of antibiotic self-medication. Significance was set at a p-value < 0.05. The prevalence of antibiotic self-medication amongst individuals with RTIs was 41.9% (95% CI 36.5% to 47.5%). Patients with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) were significantly less likely to self-medicate with antibiotics (p-value = 0.043). The most common source of antibiotic self-medication was pharmacies (62%) and Cotrimoxazole and Amoxicillin were the most commonly used antibiotics (38.8% (50), 26.4% (34), respectively). Self-medication with antibiotics in adult patients with RTIs is common in Cameroon. Control of the use of antibiotics, organisation of medication stewardship programs, and education of the general population on the adverse consequences of antibiotic self-medication are required.
Sample Entropy of the Heart Rate Reflects Properties of the System Organization of Behaviour
Authors: Bakhchina Anastasiia , Arutyunova Karina , Sozinov Alexey , Demidovsky Alexander , Alexandrov Yurii
Published: June 2018

Cardiac activity is involved in the processes of organization of goal-directed behaviour. Each behavioural act is aimed at achieving an adaptive outcome and it is subserved by the actualization of functional systems consisting of elements distributed across the brain and the rest of the body. This paper proposes a system-evolutionary view on the activity of the heart and its variability. We have compared the irregularity of the heart rate, as measured by sample entropy (SampEn), in behaviours that are subserved by functional systems formed at different stages of individual development, which implement organism-environment interactions with different degrees of differentiation. The results have shown that SampEn of the heart rate was higher during performing tasks that included later acquired knowledge (foreign language vs. native language; mathematical vocabulary vs. general vocabulary) and decreased in the stress and alcohol conditions, as well as at the beginning of learning. These results are in line with the hypothesis that irregularity of the heart rate reflects the properties of a set of functional systems subserving current behaviour, with higher irregularity corresponding to later acquired and more complex behaviour.
Evaluation of a Distributed Photovoltaic System in Grid-Connected and Standalone Applications by Different MPPT Algorithms
Authors: Chao Ru-Min , Ko Shih-Hung , Lin Hung-Ku , Wang I-Kai
Published: June 2018

Due to the shortage of fossil fuel and the environmental pollution problem, solar energy applications have drawn a lot of attention worldwide. This paper reports the use of the latest patented distributed photovoltaic (PV) power system design, including the two possible maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms, a power optimizer, and a PV power controller, in grid-connected and standalone applications. A distributed PV system with four amorphous silicon thin-film solar panels is used to evaluate both the quadratic maximization (QM) and the Steepest descent (SD) MPPT algorithms. The system’s design is different for the QM or the SD MPPT algorithm being used. The test result for the grid-connected silicon-based PV panels will also be reported. Considering the settling time for the power optimizer to be 20 ms, the test result shows that the tracking time for the QM method is close to 200 ms, which is faster when compared with the SD method whose tracking time is 500 ms. Besides this, the use of the QM method provides a more stable power output since the tracking is restricted by a local power optimizer rather than the global tracking the SD method uses. For a standalone PV application, a solar-powered boat design with 18 PV panels using a cascaded MPPT controller is introduced, and it provides flexibility in system design and the effective use of photovoltaic energy.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Investigation of Wind Turbine Nacelle Separation Accident over Complex Terrain in Japan
Authors: Uchida Takanori
Published: June 2018

We have developed an unsteady and non-linear wind synopsis simulator called RIAM-COMPACT (Research Institute for Applied Mechanics, Kyushu University, COMputational Prediction of Airflow over Complex Terrain) to simulate the airflow on a micro scale, i.e., a few tens of km or less. In RIAM-COMPACT, the large-eddy simulation (LES) has been adopted for turbulence modeling. LES is a technique in which the structures of relatively large eddies are directly simulated and smaller eddies are modeled using a sub-grid scale model. In the present study, we conducted numerical wind diagnoses for the Taikoyama Wind Farm nacelle separation accident in Japan. The simulation results suggest that all six wind turbines at Taikoyama Wind Farm are subject to significant influence from separated flow (terrain-induced turbulence) which is generated due to the topographic irregularities in the vicinity of the wind turbines. A proposal was also made on reconstruction of the wind farm.
Small-Signal Performance of Type 4 Wind Turbine Generator-Based Clusters in Power Systems
Authors: Chen Wuhui , Teng Zaixing , Zhao Junhua , Qiu Jing
Published: June 2018

The impact of Type 4 wind turbine generator (WTG)-based 10 million megawatt clusters (TMMC) on small-signal dynamics of power systems was investigated using the second-generation generic models (GM) of Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC). A WTG participation index (WTG PI) was defined to investigate the impact of Type 4 WTGs on the traditional interarea electromechanical modes. To identify the new electromechanical modes dominated by Type 4 WTGs, an identification factor (IF) was also defined using participation factors. Given the increasing penetration of Type 4 WTGs replacing synchronous generators, the changed law of damping and frequencies of the traditional interarea modes was also investigated using the WTG PI. One new type of electromechanical mode dominated by Type 4 WTGs was identified by using the defined IF. These new modes can be divided into two categories: strong-interaction modes and weak-interaction modes, depending on the number of participating WTGs. The strong-interaction modes dominated by Type 4 WTGs can result in widely spread power oscillations in power systems. The results of small-signal analysis were validated by time domain simulation and mode detection.
Optimal Dispatch of a Virtual Power Plant Considering Demand Response and Carbon Trading
Authors: Liu Zuoyu , Zheng Weimin , Qi Feng , Wang Lei , Zou Bo , Wen Fushuan , Xue You
Published: June 2018

The implementation of demand response (DR) could contribute to significant economic benefits meanwhile simultaneously enhancing the security of the concerned power system. A well-designed carbon emission trading mechanism provides an efficient way to achieve emission reduction targets. Given this background, a virtual power plant (VPP) including demand response resources, gas turbines, wind power and photovoltaics with participation in carbon emission trading is examined in this work, and an optimal dispatching model of the VPP presented. First, the carbon emission trading mechanism is briefly described, and the framework of optimal dispatching in the VPP discussed. Then, probabilistic models are utilized to address the uncertainties in the predicted generation outputs of wind power and photovoltaics. Demand side management (DSM) is next implemented by modeling flexible loads such as the chilled water thermal storage air conditioning systems (CSACSs) and electric vehicles (EVs). On this basis, a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model for the optimal dispatching problem in the VPP is established, with an objective of maximizing the total profit of the VPP considering the costs of power generation and carbon emission trading as well as charging/discharging of EVs. Finally, the developed dispatching model is solved by the commercial CPLEX solver based on the YALMIP/MATLAB (version 8.4) toolbox, and sample examples are served for demonstrating the essential features of the proposed method.
Comparative Analysis of Lithium-Ion Battery Resistance Estimation Techniques for Battery Management Systems
Authors: Mathew Manoj , Janhunen Stefan , Rashid Mahir , Long Frank , Fowler Michael
Published: June 2018

Safe and efficient operation of a battery pack requires a battery management system (BMS) that can accurately predict the pack state-of-heath (SOH). Although there is no universal definition for battery SOH, it is often defined based on the increase in the battery’s internal resistance. Techniques such as extended Kalman filter (EKF) and recursive least squares (RLS) are two frequently used approaches for online estimation of this resistance. These two methods can, however, be computationally expensive, especially in the case of a battery pack composed of hundreds of cells. In addition, both methods require a battery model as well as chemistry specific parameters. Therefore, this paper investigates the performance of a direct resistance estimation (DRE) technique that requires minimal computational resources and can be implemented without any training data. This approach estimates the ohmic resistance only when the battery experiences sharp pulses in current. Comparison of results from the three algorithms shows that the DRE algorithm can accurately identify a degraded cell under various operating conditions while significantly reducing the required computational complexity. The findings will further advance diagnostic techniques for the identification of a weak cell in a large battery pack.
Mitigation of Power Quality Issues Due to High Penetration of Renewable Energy Sources in Electric Grid Systems Using Three-Phase APF/STATCOM Technologies: A Review
Authors: Tareen Wajahat Ullah Khan , Aamir Muhammad , Mekhilef Saad , Nakaoka Mutsuo , Seyedmahmoudian Mehdi , Horan Ben , Memon Mudasir Ahmed , Baig Nauman Anwar
Published: June 2018

This study summarizes an analytical review on the comparison of three-phase static compensator (STATCOM) and active power filter (APF) inverter topologies and their control schemes using industrial standards and advanced high-power configurations. Transformerless and reduced switch count topologies are the leading technologies in power electronics that aim to reduce system cost and offer the additional benefits of small volumetric size, lightweight and compact structure, and high reliability. A detailed comparison of the topologies, control strategies and implementation structures of grid-connected high-power converters is presented. However, reducing the number of power semiconductor devices, sensors, and control circuits requires complex control strategies. This study focuses on different topological devices, namely, passive filters, shunt and hybrid filters, and STATCOMs, which are typically used for power quality improvement. Additionally, appropriate control schemes, such as sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM) and space vector PWM techniques, are selected. According to recent developments in shunt APF/STATCOM inverters, simulation and experimental results prove the effectiveness of APF/STATCOM systems for harmonic mitigation based on the defined limit in IEEE-519.
An Assessment of the Sustainability of Lignocellulosic Bioethanol Production from Wastes in Iceland
Authors: Safarian Sahar , Unnthorsson Runar
Published: June 2018

This paper describes the development of a model to comprehensively assess the sustainability impacts of producing lignocellulosic bioethanol from various types of municipal organic wastes (MOWs) in Iceland: paper and paperboard, timber and wood and garden waste. The tool integrates significant economic, energy, environmental and technical aspects to analyse and rank twelve systems using the most common pretreatment technologies: dilute acid, dilute alkali, hot water and steam explosion. The results show that among the MOWs, paper and paperboard have higher positive rankings under most assessments. Steam explosion is also ranked at the top from the economic, energy and environmental perspectives, followed by the hot water method for paper and timber wastes. Finally, a potential evaluation of total wastes and bioethanol production in Iceland is carried out. The results show that the average production of lignocellulosic bioethanol in 2015 could be 12.5, 11 and 3 thousand tons from paper, timber and garden wastes, respectively, and that production could reach about 15.9, 13.7 and 3.7 thousand tons, respectively, by 2030.
The Effect of Oil Properties on the Supercritical CO2 Diffusion Coefficient under Tight Reservoir Conditions
Authors: Zhang Chao , Qiao Chenyu , Li Songyan , Li Zhaomin
Published: June 2018

In this paper, a generalized methodology has been developed to determine the diffusion coefficient of supercritical CO2 in cores that are saturated with different oil samples, under reservoir conditions. In theory, a mathematical model that combines Fick’s diffusion equation and the Peng-Robinson equation of state has been established to describe the mass transfer process. In experiments, the pressure decay method has been employed, and the CO2 diffusion coefficient can be determined once the experimental data match the computational result of the theoretical model. Six oil samples with different compositions (oil samples A to F) are introduced in this study, and the results show that the supercritical CO2 diffusion coefficient decreases gradually from oil samples A to F. The changing properties of oil can account for the decrease in the CO2 diffusion coefficient in two aspects. First, the increasing viscosity of oil slows down the speed of the mass transfer process. Second, the increase in the proportion of heavy components in oil enlarges the mass transfer resistance. According to the results of this work, a lower viscosity and lighter components of oil can facilitate the mass transfer process.
Network Features of the EU Carbon Trade System: An Evolutionary Perspective
Authors: Liu Yinpeng , Gao Xiangyun , Guo Jianfeng
Published: June 2018

In this paper, a network model is constructed using real trading data from the EU carbon market. Metric indicators are then introduced to measure the network, and the economic meanings of the indicators are discussed. By integrating time windows with the network model, three types of network features are examined: growth features, structural features, and scale-free features. The growth pattern of the carbon trading network is then analyzed. As the market grow, the geodesic distances become shorter and the clustering coefficients become larger. The trends of these two indicators suggest that the market is evolving towards efficiency; however, their tiny changes are insufficient to have significant impact. By modeling the heterogeneity of the carbon trading network, we find that the trading relationships between firms obey a broken power law model, which consists of two power law models. The broken power law model can be approximately defined as a traditional power law but with a longer tail in distribution. Furthermore, we find that the model is valid for most of the time of both phases, the model only invalid when the market approaches a high growth rate.
Surface Properties and Pore Structure of Anthracite, Bituminous Coal and Lignite
Authors: Liu Zhenjian , Zhang Zhenyu , Choi Sing , Lu Yiyu
Published: June 2018

Properties of coal surface and pore structure are important aspects to be investigated in coal preparation and utilization. In order to investigate the limits of different probe methods, a comprehensive approach was comparatively used to probe surface properties and pore structure of anthracite, bituminous coal and lignite. Surface morphology of the three coal samples was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Combining mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), physisorption method with carbon dioxide (CO2) at 273 K and nitrogen (N2) at 77 K was used to quantify a broad pore size distribution of coals, while FT-IR and water vapor sorption methods were used to study the coal surface properties. The results show that wedge-shaped pores develop with the increase of coal rank due to compression effect. The determined specific surface area (SSA) and pore volume of N2 decrease with the increase of coal rank, while CO2 SSA and pore volume are of a kind of U-shaped function of coal rank. MIP results indicate that that the pore size of 10–100 nm accounted for 70.7–97.5% of the total volume in the macropore range. Comparison of different methods indicates that micropores cannot be fully covered by the standard probes. CO2 adsorption technique can only probe micropores in the range of 0.5 nm to 0.9 nm. Water vapor is not an effective probe to detect the micropores in coals, due to that the water clusters is mainly filled in mesopores and macropores. The results also show that both water vapor adsorption and FT-IR analysis can provide qualitative information of coal surface, rather than qualification of functional groups.
Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) Approaches for Solar Power Plant Location Selection in Viet Nam
Authors: Wang Chia-Nan , Nguyen Van Thanh , Thai Hoang Tuyet Nhi , Duong Duy Hung
Published: June 2018

The ongoing industrialization and modernization period has increased the demand for energy in Viet Nam. This has led to over-exploitation and exhausts fossil fuel sources. Nowadays, Viet Nam’s energy mix is primarily based on thermal and hydro power. The Vietnamese government is trying to increase the proportion of renewable energy. The plan will raise the total solar power capacity from nearly 0 to 12,000 MW, equivalent to about 12 nuclear reactors, by 2030. Therefore, the construction of solar power plants is needed in Viet Nam. In this study, the authors present a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) model by combining three methodologies, including fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP), data envelopment analysis (DEA), and the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) to find the best location for building a solar power plant based on both quantitative and qualitative criteria. Initially, the potential locations from 46 sites in Viet Nam were selected by several DEA models. Then, AHP with fuzzy logic is employed to determine the weight of the factors. The TOPSIS approach is then applied to rank the locations in the final step. The results show that Binh Thuan is the optimal location to build a solar power plant because it has the highest ranking score in the final phase of this study. The contribution of this study is the proposal of a MCDM model for solar plant location selection in Viet Nam under fuzzy environment conditions. This paper also is part of the evolution of a new approach that is flexible and practical for decision makers. Furthermore, this research provides useful guidelines for solar power plant location selection in many countries as well as a guideline for location selection of other industries.
Neighbor and Height Effects on Crown Properties Associated with the Uniform-Stress Principle of Stem Formation
Authors: Dean Thomas J.
Published: June 2018

According to the uniform-stress principle of stem formation, the amount of leaf area a tree carries and the leverage it exerts on the stem determine the stem dimensions. Within an even-aged monoculture, the leaf area per tree and the leverage placed on the stem are functions of tree density and tree height. The uniform-stress principle presents the means to translate density effects on crown characteristics into stem dimensions and total standing volume. This approach is truly a top-down method of simulating growth tree and stand growth because leaf area and other crown properties must be determined before stem size and taper can be calculated. Each crown property influences either the sail area or the leverage placed on the stem, but the degree to which a specific crown property affects these parameters changes with stand density and height. Leverage is the more complicated of the two variables, being a function of the height to the base of the live crown and the vertical distribution of leaf area. The purpose of this brief review is to summarize the effects of stand density on the height to the base of the live tree and the vertical distribution of leaf area and the various ways these variables have been quantified.
Population Genetic Diversity of Quercus ilex subsp. ballota (Desf.) Samp. Reveals Divergence in Recent and Evolutionary Migration Rates in the Spanish Dehesas
Authors: Fernández i Marti Angel , Romero-Rodríguez Cristina , Navarro-Cerrillo Rafael M. , Abril Nieves , Jorrín-Novo Jesús V. , Dodd Richard S.
Published: June 2018

The Spanish dehesas have been severely affected by human activities that date to the prehistoric period and have suffered accelerated decline since the 1980s. Holm oak (Quercus ilex subsp. ballota (Desf.) Samp.) is a key component of this system, and its acorns provide an important food source for wildlife and domesticated livestock. Our earlier work showed structured variation in acorn morphology and biochemistry. Here, we used chloroplast and nuclear microsatellites to detect genetic structure among populations of Q. ilex from the major biogeographic regions of Andalusia. We found high levels of spatial differentiation with chloroplast DNA indicating little seed dispersal among populations. Spatial differentiation was weaker for nuclear DNA, presumably as a result of more widespread pollen dispersal and its larger effective population size. The Baetic Cordillera (Cádiz) population consistently appeared well separated from populations of the northern Sierra Morena, suggesting that the Guadalquivir Valley has played an important role in determining population divergence. This may be, in part, evolutionary, as suggested by chloroplast DNA, and, in part, a result of human-induced population isolation, as Q. ilex has been removed from the Guadalquivir Valley. Evolutionary gene flow rates were greater than contemporary rates, which were limited to unidirectional gene flow from Córdoba to other populations in the Sierra Morena and, surprisingly, to the southern population at Almería. The inconsistency between evolutionary and recent migration rates suggests an effect of anthropogenic activity over the last few generations of Q. ilex.
Temporal Variations in Soil Profile Carbon and Nitrogen during Three Consecutive Years of 15N Deposition in Temperate Oak and Pine Forest Stands
Authors: Park Ji–Suk , Ro Hee–Myong
Published: June 2018

Experiments using 15N–labeled urea were conducted for three years to assess the effect of N-deposition on soil C and N dynamics under oak (Qa) and pine (Pk) forest stands in natural field conditions. Throughout the experiment, an increase in total C, mineral N, and total N due to N deposition was greater in coniferous forest soils than in deciduous forest soils, while decreasing the pH of both soils as a result of nitrification. Natural 13C abundance of soil samples was interpreted to reveal the physical mixing of new C substrates from leaf-litter with old C substrates. The δ13C of the upper soil layers became more negative, with greater decreases in the Pk soil. However, with time, the lowering of δ13C was better maintained in the Pk soil than in the Qa soil, indicating greater incorporation of new C substrates from leaf-litter decomposition into old SOC pools in the Pk soil compared to the Qa soil. We revealed that an increase in total C and N contents due to N deposition was greater under coniferous forest stands than under deciduous forest stands as a result of greater mixing of new C substrates into the soil profile in this temperate forest.
Moisture-Limited Tree Growth for a Subtropical Himalayan Conifer Forest in Western Nepal
Authors: Sigdel Shalik Ram , Dawadi Binod , Camarero J. Julio , Liang Eryuan , Leavitt Steven W.
Published: June 2018

Chir pine (Pinus roxburghii Sarg.) is a common tree species with ecological and economic importance across the subtropical forests of the central Himalayas. However, little is known about its growth response to the recent warming and drying trends observed in this region. Here, we developed a 268-year-long ring-width chronology (1743–2010) from western Nepal to investigate its growth response to climate. Based on nearby available meteorological records, growth was positively correlated with winter (November to February; r = 0.39, p < 0.05) as well as March to April (r = 0.67, p < 0.001) precipitation. Growth also showed a strong positive correlation with the sum of precipitation from November of the previous year to April of the current year (r = 0.65, p < 0.001). In contrast, a negative relationship with the mean temperature in March to April (r = −0.48, p < 0.05) suggests the influence of warming-induced evapotranspiration on tree growth. Spring droughts lasting 4–6 months constrain Chir pine growth. These results are supported by the synchronization between droughts and very narrow or locally missing rings. Warming and drying tendencies during winter and spring will reduce forest growth and resilience and make Chir pine forests more vulnerable and at higher risk of growth decline and dieback.
Comparison of Different Extraction Methods to Predict Anthocyanin Concentration and Color Characteristics of Red Wines
Authors: Sommer Stephan , Cohen Seth D.
Published: June 2018

Red wines ferment in contact with skins to extract polyphenols and anthocyanins that help build, establish, and stabilize color. Concentration and composition vary among genera, species, and cultivars. For this study, 11 grapes representing Vitis vinifera (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Barbera, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Mourvedre), Vitis labrusca (Concord), Muscadinia rotundifolia (Noble), and French-American hybrids (Marquette, Chambourcin) were selected. All cultivars were fermented on skins while color extraction was monitored daily. Each grape was also extracted using six different methods (microwave, and ultrasound assisted, Glorie procedure, ITV Standard (Institut Technique de la Vigne et du Vin), AWRI method (Australian Wine and Research Institute), solvent extraction of skins) and compared to color characteristics of the wines produced by fermentation. Results show that the extraction pattern varies among cultivars. Post-fermentation maceration, pressing, and sulfur dioxide addition lead to color loss up to 68 percent of the original maximum with the highest loss for native American grapes and hybrid varieties. Extraction procedures over-estimate color in the finished wine but are more accurate if compared to peak extraction levels during fermentation. Color loss and suitability of different extraction procedures to predict color characteristics of fermented wine strongly depend on the complexity of the anthocyanin spectrum and therefore the cultivar used.
Certificateless Provable Group Shared Data Possession with Comprehensive Privacy Preservation for Cloud Storage
Authors: Yang Hongbin , Jiang Shuxiong , Shen Wenfeng , Lei Zhou
Published: June 2018

Provable Data Possession (PDP) protocol makes it possible for cloud users to check whether the cloud servers possess their original data without downloading all the data. However, most of the existing PDP schemes are based on either public key infrastructure (PKI) or identity-based cryptography, which will suffer from issues of expensive certificate management or key escrow. In this paper, we propose a new construction of certificateless provable group shared data possession (CL-PGSDP) protocol by making use of certificateless cryptography, which will eliminate the above issues. Meanwhile, by taking advantage of zero-knowledge protocol and randomization method, the proposed CL-PGSDP protocol leaks no information of the stored data and the group user’s identity to the verifiers during the verifying process, which is of the property of comprehensive privacy preservation. In addition, our protocol also supports efficient user revocation from the group. Security analysis and experimental evaluation indicate that our CL-PGSDP protocol provides strong security with desirable efficiency.
Revolver Hollow Core Optical Fibers
Authors: Bufetov Igor , Kosolapov Alexey , Pryamikov Andrey , Gladyshev Alexey , Kolyadin Anton , Krylov Alexander , Yatsenko Yury , Biriukov Alexander
Published: June 2018

Revolver optical fibers (RF) are special type of hollow-core optical fibers with negative curvature of the core-cladding boundary and with cladding that is formed by a one ring layer of capillaries. The physical mechanisms contributing to the waveguiding parameters of RFs are discussed. The optical properties and possible applications of RFs are reviewed. Special attention is paid to the mid-IR hydrogen Raman lasers that are based on RFs and generating in the wavelength region from 2.9 to 4.4 μm.
Successful Nash Equilibrium Agent for a Three-Player Imperfect-Information Game
Authors: Ganzfried Sam , Nowak Austin , Pinales Joannier
Published: June 2018

Creating strong agents for games with more than two players is a major open problem in AI. Common approaches are based on approximating game-theoretic solution concepts such as Nash equilibrium, which have strong theoretical guarantees in two-player zero-sum games, but no guarantees in non-zero-sum games or in games with more than two players. We describe an agent that is able to defeat a variety of realistic opponents using an exact Nash equilibrium strategy in a three-player imperfect-information game. This shows that, despite a lack of theoretical guarantees, agents based on Nash equilibrium strategies can be successful in multiplayer games after all.
Decoding the Heart through Next Generation Sequencing Approaches
Authors: Pawlak Michal , Niescierowicz Katarzyna , Winata Cecilia Lanny
Published: June 2018

Vertebrate organs develop through a complex process which involves interaction between multiple signaling pathways at the molecular, cell, and tissue levels. Heart development is an example of such complex process which, when disrupted, results in congenital heart disease (CHD). This complexity necessitates a holistic approach which allows the visualization of genome-wide interaction networks, as opposed to assessment of limited subsets of factors. Genomics offers a powerful solution to address the problem of biological complexity by enabling the observation of molecular processes at a genome-wide scale. The emergence of next generation sequencing (NGS) technology has facilitated the expansion of genomics, increasing its output capacity and applicability in various biological disciplines. The application of NGS in various aspects of heart biology has resulted in new discoveries, generating novel insights into this field of study. Here we review the contributions of NGS technology into the understanding of heart development and its disruption reflected in CHD and discuss how emerging NGS based methodologies can contribute to the further understanding of heart repair.
What Does the Future Hold for Yellow Fever Virus? (I)
Authors: Klitting Raphaëlle , Gould Ernest , Paupy Christophe , De Lamballerie Xavier
Published: June 2018

The recent resurgence of yellow fever virus (YFV) activity in the tropical regions of Africa and South America has sparked renewed interest in this infamous arboviral disease. Yellow fever virus had been a human plague for centuries prior to the identification of its urban transmission vector, the Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (Linnaeus) mosquito species, and the development of an efficient live-attenuated vaccine, the YF-17D strain. The combination of vector-control measures and vaccination campaigns drastically reduced YFV incidence in humans on many occasions, but the virus never ceased to circulate in the forest, through its sylvatic invertebrate vector(s) and vertebrate host(s). Outbreaks recently reported in Central Africa (2015–2016) and Brazil (since late 2016), reached considerable proportions in terms of spatial distribution and total numbers of cases, with multiple exports, including to China. In turn, questions about the likeliness of occurrence of large urban YFV outbreaks in the Americas or of a successful import of YFV to Asia are currently resurfacing. This two-part review describes the current state of knowledge and gaps regarding the molecular biology and transmission dynamics of YFV, along with an overview of the tools that can be used to manage the disease at individual, local and global levels.
Geomorphological Mapping and Spatial Analyses of an Upper Weichselian Glacitectonic Complex Based on LiDAR Data, Jasmund Peninsula (NE Rügen), Germany
Authors: Gehrmann Anna , Harding Chris
Published: June 2018

Glacitectonic deformation in the Upper Weichselian led to the tectonic framework of large-scale folds and displaced thrust sheets of Maastrichtian (Upper Cretaceous) chalk and Pleistocene glacial deposits in the southwestern Baltic Sea region. They form surface expressions of sub-parallel ridges and elongated valleys in between and on the Jasmund Peninsula. Geomorphological mapping and detailed landform analyses give another insight into the arrangement and the formation history of these proglacial surface structures. Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) digital elevation models (DEM) analysis techniques were applied to a proglacial rather than a subglacial environment. Results suggest a division into a northern part with morphological ridges striking NW–SE and a southern part with SW–NE trending ridges. The observation of partly truncated northerly ridges and their superimposition by the southern sub-complex suggest that the northern part was generated earlier than the southern part. The applied spatial analyses tools were used to develop a new, self-consistent genetic model integrating all parts of the 100 km2 large Jasmund Glacitectonic Complex. Results suggest a more consistent terminology for the tectonic setting and a revised genetic model for Jasmund, including three evolutional stages that are characterized by different ice flow patterns.
Numerical Modeling of Remediation Scenarios of a Groundwater Cr(VI) Plume in an Alpine Valley Aquifer
Authors: Stefania Gennaro A. , Rotiroti Marco , Fumagalli Letizia , Zanotti Chiara , Bonomi Tullia
Published: June 2018

This work presents the numerical modeling of remediation scenarios aimed at containing and attenuating the groundwater pollution by Cr(VI) sourced from a steelworks area that affects the Alpine aquifer system in the Aosta Plain (N Italy). Here, groundwater is used for drinking water supply and food and beverage production, so the adoption of remediation works is urgently needed. More specifically, three remediation scenarios were modeled using MODFLOW-2000 and MT3DMS: (a) the activation of a hydraulic barrier to contain the pollution within the source area (Scenario 1); (b) the removal of the pollution sources and the natural attenuation of the residual groundwater plume (Scenario 2); and (c) a combination of the previous two works (Scenario 3). Model results for Scenario 1 showed that a hydraulic barrier composed of five wells located along the eastern border of the steelworks area would contain Cr(VI) concentrations above 5 µg/L (i.e., the Italian regulatory limit) within the steelworks area; the barrier would have a total discharge of 27,500 m3/day, which could be compensated by the deactivation of three steelworks wells; the hydraulic barrier would drop the Cr(VI) concentrations below 5 µg/L in the areas downstream of the steelworks after ~3 years from its start of operation. Results for Scenario 2 highlighted that the removal of the Cr(VI) sources would drop the Cr(VI) concentrations below 5 µg/L in the areas downstream of the steelworks after ~2.5 years, and lead to a full remediation of the Cr(VI) groundwater plume (i.e., total Cr(VI) mass in the aquifer close to zero) after 17 years. Results for Scenario 3 showed that the removal of the Cr(VI) sources accompanied by the activation of the hydraulic barrier would led to a faster remediation within the first 14 years from the starting of the remediation works, with concentrations below 5 µg/L in the areas downstream of the steelworks obtained after ~2.3 years.
Coconut Leaf Age and Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Herbivory Influence Leaflet Nutrients, Metals, and Lignin
Authors: Marler Thomas E.
Published: June 2018

The coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB, Oryctes rhinoceros L.) is a serious pest of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) in many tropical regions, however the influences of CRB herbivory on the coconut leaf chemistry are unknown. This limits our ability to predict the afterlife decomposition dynamics of the damaged coconut leaf litter. Mature green and senesced leaflet tissues were collected from coconut trees on the island of Guam, where coconut is native and CRB is invasive. Mineral, metal, and lignin concentrations were quantified to determine the nutrient limitations and the litter quality traits. Nitrogen was increased and the elements that are not resorbed during leaf senescence were decreased by the CRB damage. The important litter stoichiometric traits carbon/nitrogen and lignin/nitrogen were decreased by the CRB damage. The results indicate that CRB herbivory may limit green leaf nutrition in Guam’s soils and increase the senesced leaf litter decomposition speed and nutrient turnover rates.
Composition of Metallic Elements and Size Distribution of Fine and Ultrafine Particles in a Steelmaking Factory
Authors: Marcias Gabriele , Fostinelli Jacopo , Catalani Simona , Uras Michele , Sanna Andrea Maurizio , Avataneo Giuseppe , De Palma Giuseppe , Fabbri Daniele , Paganelli Matteo , Lecca Luigi Isaia , Buonanno Giorgio , Campagna Marcello
Published: June 2018

Background: The characteristics of aerosol, in particular particle size and chemical composition, can have an impact on human health. Particle size distribution and chemical composition is a necessary parameter in occupational exposure assessment conducted in order to understand possible health effects. The aim of this study was to characterize workplace airborne particulate matter in a metallurgical setting by synergistically using two different approaches; Methodology: Analysis of inhalable fraction concentrations through traditional sampling equipment and ultrafine particles (UFP) concentrations and size distribution was conducted by an Electric Low-Pressure Impactor (ELPI+™). The determination of metallic elements (ME) in particles was carried out by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry; Results: Inhalable fraction and ME concentrations were below the limits set by Italian legislation and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH, 2017). The median of UFP was between 4.00 × 104 and 2.92 × 105 particles/cm3. ME concentrations determined in the particles collected by ELPI show differences in size range distribution; Conclusions: The adopted synergistic approach enabled a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the particles in steelmaking factories. The results could lead to a better knowledge of occupational exposure characterization, in turn affording a better understanding of occupational health issues due to metal fumes exposure.
Distribution of Shrubland and Grassland Soil Erodibility on the Loess Plateau
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Zhao Wenwu , Wang Lixin , Liu Yuanxin , Feng Qiang , Fang Xuening , Liu Yue
Published: June 2018

Soil erosion is one of the most severe problems facing environments and has increased throughout the 20th century. Soil erodibility (K-factor) is one of the important indicators of land degradation, and many models have been used to estimate K values. Although soil erodibility has been estimated, the comparison of different models and their usage at a regional scale and, in particular, for different land use types, need more research. Four of the most widely distributed land use types were selected to analyze, including introduced and natural grassland, as well as introduced and natural shrubland. Soil particle size, soil organic matter and other relevant soil properties were measured to estimate soil erodibility in the Loess Plateau. The results show that: (1) the erosion productivity impact calculator (EPIC) model and SHIRAZI model are both suitable for the Loess Plateau, while the SHIRAZI model has the advantage of fewer parameters; (2) introduced grassland has better ability to protect both the 0–5 cm soils and 5–20 cm soils, while the differences between introduced and natural shrubland are not obvious at a catchment scale; (3) the K values of introduced grassland, natural grassland, introduced shrubland and natural shrubland in the 0–5 cm layer vary from 0.008 to 0.037, 0.031 to 0.046, 0.012 to 0.041 and 0.008 to 0.045 (t·hm2·h/(MJ·mm·hm2)), while the values vary from 0.009 to 0.039, 0.032 to 0.046, 0.012 to 0.042 and 0.008 to 0.048 (t·hm2·h/(MJ·mm·hm2)) in the 5–20 cm layer. The areas with a mean multiyear precipitation of 370–440 mm are the most important places for vegetation restoration construction management at a regional scale. A comprehensive balance between water conservation and soil conservation is needed and important when selecting the species used to vegetation restoration. This study provides suggestions for ecological restoration and provides a case study for the estimate of soil erodibility in arid and semiarid areas.
Analysis of Socioeconomic Status in the Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Yang Deng-Ho , Huang Jing-Yang , Chiou Jeng-Yuan , Wei James Cheng-Chung
Published: June 2018

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory disease with different etiologies in different areas. Our study focused on the prevalence of RA in Taiwan from 2001 to 2011. This study contained longitudinal enrollment files, claims data, catastrophic illness files, and treatment registries from Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Research Database. We identified RA patients by ICD-9-CM code 714.0. The demographical variables including age, sex, income and area of registration were evaluated. The multivariate Poisson regression was applied to calculate relative risk for developing RA. In Taiwan, the ratio of female to male was about 5:1. From 2001 to 2011, significant increasing prevalence of RA, from 0.07% to 0.14%, was found in women. The prevalence of RA was increasing 6% per year in both sex groups. The annual incidence rate (per 10,000 person years) ranged from 1.62 to 2.02 (female: 2.30–3.14; male: 0.71–1.17) from 2003 to 2011. City area had lowest incidence rate of RA compared with suburban or rural area. Higher incidence of RA was observed among lower socioeconomic status. The prevalence of RA was rising from 0.07% in 2001 to 0.14% in 2011. Incidence was about 2/10,000 person-years and female to male ratio was 5:1. Lower socioeconomic status and living rural region might be a risk factor for developing RA.
Risk Factors and Prevalence of Suicide Attempt in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in the Mexican Population
Authors: Gómez-Peralta Tania Guadalupe , González-Castro Thelma Beatriz , Fresan Ana , Tovilla-Zárate Carlos Alfonso , Juárez-Rojop Isela Esther , Villar-Soto Mario , Hernández-Díaz Yazmín , López-Narváez María Lilia , Ble-Castillo Jorge L. , Pérez-Hernández Nonanzit , Rodríguez-Pérez José Manuel
Published: June 2018

Background: It has been proposed that the risk of death by suicide is higher in patients with diabetes than in the general population. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the risk factors of suicidal behavior in patients with type 2 diabetes. The aim of the present study was to analyze the prevalence of suicide attempt and determine the risk factors of suicide attempt, in patients with type 2 diabetes in a Mexican population. Methods: Clinic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, biochemical levels, depression, and suicidal behavior were evaluated in 185 Mexican patients with type 2 diabetes. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to find predictive factors of suicide attempt. Results: 11.4% of patients reported previous suicide attempts n = 21). Younger patients (OR: 3.63, 95% CI: 1.29–10.19), having depression (OR: 3.33, 95% CI: 1.13–9.76) and normal BMI (OR: 3.14, 95% CI: 1.11–8.83), were predictive factors of suicide attempt. No other variables in the study showed statistical significance. Conclusions: Our results showed a high prevalence of suicidal behavior in patients with type 2 diabetes. We found that younger age, depression and normal BMI could be risk factors of suicide attempt in these patients. Therefore, psychiatric interventions to prevent depression and suicidal behavior in this population are necessary. New studies using larger samples are necessary to replicate and confirm these results.
Public Awareness of Remanufactured Products in Yangtze River Delta of China: Present Status, Problems and Recommendations
Authors: Cao Jian , Chen Xihui , Zhang Xueping , Gao Yanchen , Zhang Xuemei , Zhao Yunwen , Yang Xiaoli , Xu Jiayang , Zhou Gengui , Schnoor Jerald L.
Published: June 2018

Exponential increase of used and scrapped products has aroused worldwide attention, with various coping strategies regarding environmental protection and resource reutilization being considered and implemented. Among these, remanufacturing, processing used products environmentally and restoring them to like-new conditions, is preferred by nations around the world. China has been committed to developing and advancing the remanufacturing industry along with its products since 2013, however only a few residents are able to recognize and purchase remanufactured products at the present time. This paper aims to investigate the public awareness of Chinese residents on these emerging products by conducting a questionnaire survey and field research for data collection, and analyzing the results statistically. Results show that most Chinese residents are not familiar with remanufactured products, the superior attributes of such products, or the channels available to purchase them. This could be explained by insufficient publicity and promotion on the part of the government and business enterprises. Factors influencing the purchase intentions of customers are illuminated and potential problems are summarized, in response to which, respective recommendations are provided for both policy makers and firms to popularize remanufactured products.