bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Crystalline Orientation in the Formation of Surface Patterns on Solids Irradiated with Femtosecond Laser Double Pulses
Authors: Tsibidis George D. , Museur Luc , Kanaev Andrei
Published: December 2020

A theoretical investigation of the underlying ultrafast processes upon irradiation of rutile TiO2 of (001) and (100) surface orientation with femtosecond (fs) double pulsed lasers was performed in ablation conditions, for which, apart from mass removal, phase transformation and surface modification of the heated solid were induced. A parametric study was followed to correlate the transient carrier density and the produced lattice temperature with the laser fluence, pulse separation and the induced damage. The simulations showed that both temporal separation and crystal orientation influence the surface pattern, while both the carrier density and temperature drop gradually to a minimum value at temporal separation equal to twice the pulse separation that remain constant at long delays. Carrier dynamics, interference of the laser beam with the excited surface waves, thermal response and fluid transport at various pulse delays explained the formation of either subwavelength or suprawavelength structures. The significant role of the crystalline anisotropy is illustrated through the presentation of representative experimental results correlated with the theoretical predictions.
A Sea Breeze Study during Ticosonde-NAME 2004 in the Central Pacific of Costa Rica: Observations and Numerical Modeling
Authors: Mora Natali , Amador Jorge A. , Rivera Erick R. , Maldonado Tito
Published: December 2020

Surface and upper air observations and MM5v3 simulations examined the structure and inland penetration of sea breeze (SB) along the Grande de Tárcoles river basin (GTRB), central Pacific, Costa Rica, for two different intensity regimes of the Caribbean Low-Level Jet (CLLJ). Data comprise the period of 1 July to 16 September 2004 from Ticosonde-North American Monsoon Experiment, and a local University of Costa Rica-National Meteorological Institute field campaign. Maximum precipitation occurs between 14:00–17:00 LST, showing a time lag of 2 to 3 h after the temperature maximum, suggesting that local diurnal heating is key to convection. July–August precipitation exhibited a rainfall decrease along GTRB due to the SB dynamical processes interaction with a strong CLLJ. The SB maximum inland incursion was 24 km, with no evidence of its penetration into the Central Valley. The MM5v3 simulations for two convective and boundary layer (BL) schemes captured some SB structure features along the GTRB. Comparison of model results with observed data shows deficiencies in the model representation of the surface flow near coastal regions. Differences may be the result of time lag model’s poor responses to actual early morning BL sea–land temperature gradients. MM5v3 configurations used in this study resulted in biased wind speed simulations.
Mechanisms of Convection Initiation in the Southwestern Xinjiang, Northwest China: A Case Study
Authors: Abulikemu Abuduwaili , Ming Jie , Xu Xin , Zhuge Xiaoyong , Wang Yuan , Zhang Yunhui , Zhang Shushi , Yu Bixin , Aireti Mangsuer
Published: December 2020

The mechanism of convection initiation (CI) occurring in the Southwest Xinjiang, Northwest China is investigated using quantitative budget analysis of vertical momentum for the first time. The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is used to reproduce and analyze the CI events. The observations showed that many CIs occurred continuously, with an intense mesoscale convective system eventually forming. The overall features of the CIs were well captured by the simulation. Lagrangian vertical momentum budgets, in which the vertical acceleration was decomposed into dynamic and buoyant components, were performed along the backward trajectories of air parcels within two convective cells. The results showed that the buoyant acceleration is the major contributor in both the slow and rapid lifting period of the CI, while the dynamic acceleration also showed a considerably positive effect only during the rapid lifting period. The buoyant acceleration during the slow lifting period was due to the warm advection generated by the radiative heating near the mountainous area on the south side of Tarim Basin in the afternoon. The buoyant acceleration during the rapid lifting period was from the latent heat release within the convective cell. Further decomposition of the dynamic acceleration showed that the vertical twisting related to the vertical shear of horizontal wind almost completely dominated the dynamic acceleration, while the horizontal curvature and extension showed very weak contribution. These findings provide some new insights into the roles of buoyant and dynamic forcing in the mechanism of CI in Southwest Xinjiang.
Lightweight Polymer-Carbon Composite Current Collector for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Fritsch Marco , Coeler Matthias , Kunz Karina , Krause Beate , Marcinkowski Peter , Pötschke Petra , Wolter Mareike , Michaelis Alexander
Published: December 2020

A hermetic dense polymer-carbon composite-based current collector foil (PCCF) for lithium-ion battery applications was developed and evaluated in comparison to state-of-the-art aluminum (Al) foil collector. Water-processed LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LMNO) cathode and Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) anode coatings with the integration of a thin carbon primer at the interface to the collector were prepared. Despite the fact that the laboratory manufactured PCCF shows a much higher film thickness of 55 µm compared to Al foil of 19 µm, the electrode resistance was measured to be by a factor of 5 lower compared to the Al collector, which was attributed to the low contact resistance between PCCF, carbon primer and electrode microstructure. The PCCF-C-primer collector shows a sufficient voltage stability up to 5 V vs. Li/Li+ and a negligible Li-intercalation loss into the carbon primer. Electrochemical cell tests demonstrate the applicability of the developed PCCF for LMNO and LTO electrodes, with no disadvantage compared to state-of-the-art Al collector. Due to a 50% lower material density, the lightweight and hermetic dense PCCF polymer collector offers the possibility to significantly decrease the mass loading of the collector in battery cells, which can be of special interest for bipolar battery architectures.
Long Noncoding RNA DANCR Activates Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling through MiR-216a Inhibition in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Yu Justine E. , Ju Julia A. , Musacchio Nicholas , Mathias Trevor J. , Vitolo Michele I.
Published: December 2020

Long noncoding RNA differentiation antagonizing nonprotein coding RNA (lncRNA-DANCR) is associated with poor prognosis in multiple cancers, and promotes cancer stemness and invasion. However, the exact mechanisms by which DANCR promotes non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain elusive. In this study, we determined that DANCR knockdown (KD) impeded cell migration and reduced stem-like characteristics in two NSCLC cell lines, A549 and H1755. Wnt signaling was shown to promote NSCLC proliferation, stemness, and invasion; therefore, we hypothesized that DANCR may regulate these activities through induction of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. DANCR KD reduced β-catenin signaling and protein expression, and decreased the expression of β-catenin gene targets c-Myc and Axin2. One of the well-defined functions of lncRNAs is their ability to bind and inhibit microRNAs. Through in silico analysis, we identified tumor suppressor miR-216a as a potential binding partner to DANCR, and confirmed this binding through coimmunoprecipitation and luciferase-reporter assays. Furthermore, we show that DANCR-induced β-catenin protein expression may be blocked with miR-216a overexpression. Our findings illustrate a role of DANCR in NSCLC migration and stemness, and suggest a novel DANCR/miR-216a signaling axis in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
Tissue-Nonspecific Alkaline Phosphatase—A Gatekeeper of Physiological Conditions in Health and a Modulator of Biological Environments in Disease
Authors: Liedtke Daniel , Hofmann Christine , Jakob Franz , Klopocki Eva , Graser Stephanie
Published: December 2020

Tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) is a ubiquitously expressed enzyme that is best known for its role during mineralization processes in bones and skeleton. The enzyme metabolizes phosphate compounds like inorganic pyrophosphate and pyridoxal-5′-phosphate to provide, among others, inorganic phosphate for the mineralization and transportable vitamin B6 molecules. Patients with inherited loss of function mutations in the ALPL gene and consequently altered TNAP activity are suffering from the rare metabolic disease hypophosphatasia (HPP). This systemic disease is mainly characterized by impaired bone and dental mineralization but may also be accompanied by neurological symptoms, like anxiety disorders, seizures, and depression. HPP characteristically affects all ages and shows a wide range of clinical symptoms and disease severity, which results in the classification into different clinical subtypes. This review describes the molecular function of TNAP during the mineralization of bones and teeth, further discusses the current knowledge on the enzyme’s role in the nervous system and in sensory perception. An additional focus is set on the molecular role of TNAP in health and on functional observations reported in common laboratory vertebrate disease models, like rodents and zebrafish.
Modulating the Heat Sensitivity of Prostate Cancer Cell Lines In Vitro: A New Impact for Focal Therapies
Authors: Hahn Oliver , Heining Franziska M. , Janzen Jörn , Becker Johanna C. R. , Bertlich Marina , Thelen Paul , Mansour Josef J. , Duensing Stefan , Pahernik Sascha , Trojan Lutz , Popeneciu Ionel V.
Published: December 2020

Focal therapies such as high-intensity focused ultrasound (HiFU) are an emerging therapeutic option for prostate cancer (PCA). Thermal or mechanical effects mediate most therapies. Moreover, locally administered drugs such as bicalutamide or docetaxel are new focal therapeutic options. We assessed the impact of such focal medical treatments on cell viability and heat sensitivity by pre-treating PCA cell lines and then gradually exposing them to heat. The individual heat response of the cell lines tested differed largely. Vertebral-Cancer of the Prostate (VCaP) cells showed an increase in metabolic activity at 40–50 °C. Androgen receptor (AR)-negative PC3 cells showed an increase at 51.3 °C and were overall more resistant to higher temperatures. Pre-treatment of VCaP cells with testosterone (VCaPrev) leads to a more PC3-like kinetic of the heat response. Pre-treatment with finasteride and bicalutamide did not cause changes in heat sensitivity in any cell line. Mitoxantrone treatment, however, shifted heat-induced proliferation loss to lower temperature in VCaP cells. Further analysis via RNAseq identified a possible correlation of heat resistance with H3K27me3-dependent gene regulation, which could be related to an increase in the histone methyltransferase EZH2 and a possible neuroendocrine differentiation. Pre-treatment with mitoxantrone might be a perspective for HiFU treatment. Further studies are needed to evaluate possible combinations with Hsp90 or EZH2 inhibitors.
Development of a Pharmacogenetic Lab-on-Chip Assay Based on the In-Check Technology to Screen for Genetic Variations Associated to Adverse Drug Reactions to Common Chemotherapeutic Agents
Authors: Iemmolo Rosario , La Cognata Valentina , Morello Giovanna , Guarnaccia Maria , Arbitrio Mariamena , Alessi Enrico , Cavallaro Sebastiano
Published: December 2020

Background: Antineoplastic agents represent the most common class of drugs causing Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs). Mutant alleles of genes coding for drug-metabolizing enzymes are the best studied individual risk factors for these ADRs. Although the correlation between genetic polymorphisms and ADRs is well-known, pharmacogenetic tests are limited to centralized laboratories with expensive or dedicated instrumentation used by specialized personnel. Nowadays, DNA chips have overcome the major limitations in terms of sensibility, specificity or small molecular detection, allowing the simultaneous detection of several genetic polymorphisms with time and costs-effective advantages. In this work, we describe the design of a novel silicon-based lab-on-chip assay able to perform low-density and high-resolution multi-assay analysis (amplification and hybridization reactions) on the In-Check platform. Methods: The novel lab-on-chip was used to screen 17 allelic variants of three genes associated with adverse reactions to common chemotherapeutic agents: DPYD (Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase), MTHFR (5,10-Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) and TPMT (Thiopurine S-methyltransferase). Results: Inter- and intra assay variability were performed to assess the specificity and sensibility of the chip. Linear regression was used to assess the optimal hybridization temperature set at 52 °C (R2 ≈ 0.97). Limit of detection was 50 nM. Conclusions: The high performance in terms of sensibility and specificity of this lab-on-chip supports its further translation to clinical diagnostics, where it may effectively promote precision medicine.
Role of Oligodendrocytes and Myelin in the Pathophysiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Galvez-Contreras Alma Y. , Zarate-Lopez David , Torres-Chavez Ana L. , Gonzalez-Perez Oscar
Published: December 2020

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is an early neurodevelopmental disorder that involves deficits in interpersonal communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors. Although ASD pathophysiology is still uncertain, alterations in the abnormal development of the frontal lobe, limbic areas, and putamen generate an imbalance between inhibition and excitation of neuronal activity. Interestingly, recent findings suggest that a disruption in neuronal connectivity is associated with neural alterations in white matter production and myelination in diverse brain regions of patients with ASD. This review is aimed to summarize the most recent evidence that supports the notion that abnormalities in the oligodendrocyte generation and axonal myelination in specific brain regions are involved in the pathophysiology of ASD. Fundamental molecular mediators of these pathological processes are also examined. Determining the role of alterations in oligodendrogenesis and myelination is a fundamental step to understand the pathophysiology of ASD and identify possible therapeutic targets.
Anatomical Features of the Deep Cervical Lymphatic System and Intrajugular Lymphatic Vessels in Humans
Authors: Yağmurlu Kaan , Sokolowski Jennifer D. , Çırak Musa , Urgun Kamran , Soldozy Sauson , Mut Melike , Shaffrey Mark E. , Tvrdik Petr , Kalani M. Yashar S.
Published: December 2020

Background: Studies in rodents have re-kindled interest in the study of lymphatics in the central nervous system. Animal studies have demonstrated that there is a connection between the subarachnoid space and deep cervical lymph nodes (DCLNs) through dural lymphatic vessels located in the skull base and the parasagittal area. Objective: To describe the connection of the DCLNs and lymphatic tributaries with the intracranial space through the jugular foramen, and to address the anatomical features and variations of the DCLNs and associated lymphatic channels in the neck. Methods: Twelve formalin-fixed human head and neck specimens were studied. Samples from the dura of the wall of the jugular foramen were obtained from two fresh human cadavers during rapid autopsy. The samples were immunostained with podoplanin and CD45 to highlight lymphatic channels and immune cells, respectively. Results: The mean number of nodes for DCLNs was 6.91 ± 0.58 on both sides. The mean node length was 10.1 ± 5.13 mm, the mean width was 7.03 ± 1.9 mm, and the mean thickness was 4 ± 1.04 mm. Immunohistochemical staining from rapid autopsy samples demonstrated that lymphatic vessels pass from the intracranial compartment into the neck through the meninges at the jugular foramen, through tributaries that can be called intrajugular lymphatic vessels. Conclusions: The anatomical features of the DCLNs and their connections with intracranial lymphatic structures through the jugular foramen represent an important possible route for the spread of cancers to and from the central nervous system; therefore, it is essential to have an in-depth understanding of the anatomy of these lymphatic structures and their variations.
Deep Learning Predicts Underlying Features on Pathology Images with Therapeutic Relevance for Breast and Gastric Cancer
Authors: Valieris Renan , Amaro Lucas , Osório Cynthia Aparecida Bueno de Toledo , Bueno Adriana Passos , Rosales Mitrowsky Rafael Andres , Carraro Dirce Maria , Nunes Diana Noronha , Dias-Neto Emmanuel , Silva Israel Tojal da
Published: December 2020

DNA repair deficiency (DRD) is an important driver of carcinogenesis and an efficient target for anti-tumor therapies to improve patient survival. Thus, detection of DRD in tumors is paramount. Currently, determination of DRD in tumors is dependent on wet-lab assays. Here we describe an efficient machine learning algorithm which can predict DRD from histopathological images. The utility of this algorithm is demonstrated with data obtained from 1445 cancer patients. Our method performs rather well when trained on breast cancer specimens with homologous recombination deficiency (HRD), AUC (area under curve) = 0.80. Results for an independent breast cancer cohort achieved an AUC = 0.70. The utility of our method was further shown by considering the detection of mismatch repair deficiency (MMRD) in gastric cancer, yielding an AUC = 0.81. Our results demonstrate the capacity of our learning-base system as a low-cost tool for DRD detection.
Lamin A/C: Function in Normal and Tumor Cells
Authors: Dubik Niina , Mai Sabine
Published: December 2020

This review is focused on lamin A/C, a nuclear protein with multiple functions in normal and diseased cells. Its functions, as known to date, are summarized. This summary includes its role in maintaining a cell’s structural stability, cell motility, mechanosensing, chromosome organization, gene regulation, cell differentiation, DNA damage repair, and telomere protection. As lamin A/C has a variety of critical roles within the cell, mutations of the lamin A/C gene and incorrect processing of the protein results in a wide variety of diseases, ranging from striated muscle disorders to accelerated aging diseases. These diseases, collectively termed laminopathies, are also touched upon. Finally, we review the existing evidence of lamin A/C’s deregulation in cancer. Lamin A/C deregulation leads to various traits, including genomic instability and increased tolerance to mechanical insult, which can lead to more aggressive cancer and poorer prognosis. As lamin A/C’s expression in specific cancers varies widely, currently known lamin A/C expression in various cancers is reviewed. Additionally, Lamin A/C’s potential as a biomarker in various cancers and as an aid in more accurately diagnosing intermediate Gleason score prostate cancers is also discussed.
Non-Thermal Plasma Coupled with Catalyst for the Degradation of Water Pollutants: A Review
Authors: Russo Mariaconcetta , Iervolino Giuseppina , Vaiano Vincenzo , Palma Vincenzo
Published: December 2020

Non-thermal plasma is one of the most promising technologies used for the degradation of hazardous pollutants in wastewater. Recent studies evidenced that various operating parameters influence the yield of the Non-Thermal Plasma (NTP)-based processes. In particular, the presence of a catalyst, suitably placed in the NTP reactor, induces a significant increase in process performance with respect to NTP alone. For this purpose, several researchers have studied the ability of NTP coupled to catalysts for the removal of different kind of pollutants in aqueous solution. It is clear that it is still complicated to define an optimal condition that can be suitable for all types of contaminants as well as for the various types of catalysts used in this context. However, it was highlighted that the operational parameters play a fundamental role. However, it is often difficult to understand the effect that plasma can induce on the catalyst and on the production of the oxidizing species most responsible for the degradation of contaminants. For this reason, the aim of this review is to summarize catalytic formulations coupled with non-thermal plasma technology for water pollutants removal. In particular, the reactor configuration to be adopted when NTP was coupled with a catalyst was presented, as well as the position of the catalyst in the reactor and the role of the main oxidizing species. Furthermore, in this review, a comparison in terms of degradation and mineralization efficiency was made for the different cases studied.
Power and Coherence in the EEG of the Rat: Impact of Behavioral States, Cortical Area, Lateralization and Light/Dark Phases
Authors: Mondino Alejandra , Cavelli Matías , González Joaquín , Osorio Lucía , Castro-Zaballa Santiago , Costa Alicia , Vanini Giancarlo , Torterolo Pablo
Published: December 2020

The sleep-wake cycle is constituted by three behavioral states: wakefulness (W), non-REM (NREM) and REM sleep. These states are associated with drastic changes in cognitive capacities, mostly determined by the function of the thalamo-cortical system, whose activity can be examined by means of intra-cranial electroencephalogram (iEEG). With the purpose to study in depth the basal activity of the iEEG in adult rats, we analyzed the spectral power and coherence of the iEEG during W and sleep in the paleocortex (olfactory bulb), and in neocortical areas. We also analyzed the laterality of the signals, as well as the influence of the light and dark phases. We found that the iEEG power and coherence of the whole spectrum were largely affected by behavioral states and highly dependent on the cortical areas recorded. We also determined that there are night/day differences in power and coherence during sleep, but not in W. Finally, we observed that, during REM sleep, intra-hemispheric coherence differs between right and left hemispheres. We conclude that the iEEG dynamics are highly dependent on the cortical area and behavioral states. Moreover, there are light/dark phases disparities in the iEEG during sleep, and intra-hemispheric connectivity differs between both hemispheres during REM sleep.
Uranyl Nitrates: By-Products of the Synthetic Experiments or Key Indicators of the Reaction Progress?
Authors: Gurzhiy Vladislav V. , Tyumentseva Olga S. , Kornyakov Ilya V.
Published: December 2020

Six novel uranyl nitrate compounds K3[(UO2)(NO3)Cl3](NO3) (1, 2), α-Cs2[(UO2)(NO3)Cl3] (3), [(UO2)(NO3)2(H2O)2][(CH3NH3)2(NO3)2] (4), Cs2[(UO2)(NO3)4] (5), and [(UO2)2(OH)2(NO3)2(H2O)3](H2O) (6) have been prepared from aqueous solutions. Their structures were analyzed using single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique. Structural studies have shown that the crystals of 1 and 2 are isotypic but differ in the distortion at the counter ion’s sites. The crystal of 3 is a low-temperature polymorph modification of the recently studied compound. The crystal structure of 4 is composed of uranyl-dinitrate-dihydrate and methylamine-nitrate electroneutral complexes linked through the system of H-bonds. The crystal structure of 5 is based on the finite [(UO2)(NO3)4]2− clusters that are arranged in pseudo-chained complexes extended along [100] and are arranged according to a hexagonal packing or rods. The crystal of 6 is also a novel polymorph modification of previously studied compound, the structure of which is based on the very rare topological type of the finite clusters. Nowadays, uranyl nitrate finite clusters of nine various topological types are known. We give herein a short review of their topological features and relationships. Crystallization of uranyl nitrates usually occurs when all other competitive anions in the system have already formed crystalline phases, or the reaction of reagents have slowed down or even stopped. Thus it is suggested that crystallization of uranyl nitrates can be used as a key indicator of the reaction progress, which points to the necessity of the initial concentrations of reagents correction, or to the replacement of reagents and adjustment of the thermodynamic (P,T) parameters of the synthesis.
Reproduction in Urbanised Coastal Waters: Shallow-Water Sea Anemones (Entacmaea quadricolor and Stichodactyla haddoni) Maintain High Genetic Diversity and Panmixia
Authors: Chan Wan Wen Rochelle , Tay Ywee Chieh , Ang Hui Ping , Tun Karenne , Chou Loke Ming , Huang Danwei , Meier Rudolf
Published: December 2020

Sea anemones are sedentary marine animals that tend to disperse via planktonic larvae and are predicted to have high population connectivity in undisturbed habitats. We test whether two sea anemone species living in two different tidal zones of a highly disturbed marine environment can maintain high genetic connectivity. More than 1000 loci with single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were obtained with double-digest RADseq for 81 Stichodactyla haddoni and 99 Entacmaea quadricolor individuals to test for population genetic structure. We find evidence that both species predominantly propagate via sexual reproduction, and asexual reproduction is limited. We observe panmixia that indicates the absence of effective dispersal barriers for these species living in a highly anthropogenically disturbed environment. This is positive news for both species that are also found in the aquarium trade. More fundamentally, our results suggest that inhabiting different parts of a shallow reef may not affect a species’ population connectivity nor favour asexual reproduction.
Privacy-Preserving K-Nearest Neighbors Training over Blockchain-Based Encrypted Health Data
Authors: Haque Rakib Ul , Hasan A S M Touhidul , Jiang Qingshan , Qu Qiang
Published: December 2020

Numerous works focus on the data privacy issue of the Internet of Things (IoT) when training a supervised Machine Learning (ML) classifier. Most of the existing solutions assume that the classifier’s training data can be obtained securely from different IoT data providers. The primary concern is data privacy when training a K-Nearest Neighbour (K-NN) classifier with IoT data from various entities. This paper proposes secure K-NN, which provides a privacy-preserving K-NN training over IoT data. It employs Blockchain technology with a partial homomorphic cryptosystem (PHC) known as Paillier in order to protect all participants (i.e., IoT data analyst C and IoT data provider P) data privacy. When C analyzes the IoT data of P, both participants’ privacy issue arises and requires a trusted third party. To protect each candidate’s privacy and remove the dependency on a third-party, we assemble secure building blocks in secure K-NN based on Blockchain technology. Firstly, a protected data-sharing platform is developed among various P, where encrypted IoT data is registered on a shared ledger. Secondly, the secure polynomial operation (SPO), secure biasing operations (SBO), and secure comparison (SC) are designed using the homomorphic property of Paillier. It shows that secure K-NN does not need any trusted third-party at the time of interaction, and rigorous security analysis demonstrates that secure K-NN protects sensitive data privacy for each P and C. The secure K-NN achieved 97.84%, 82.33%, and 76.33% precisions on BCWD, HDD, and DD datasets. The performance of secure K-NN is precisely similar to the general K-NN and outperforms all the previous state of art methods.
Time Minimization of Rescue Action Realized by an Autonomous Vehicle
Authors: Gosiewski Zdzisław , Kwaśniewski Konrad
Published: December 2020

In rescue operations, the full time of action plays important role. It is the sum of the planning, travel, and manipulation (in the action place) phase times. The time minimization of the first two phases by autonomous vehicle for remote action is considered in the paper. For a known a priori map, the path planning consists of local optimal decisions collected next in the general algorithm of the optimal path. Such an approach significantly reduces time of path planning. The robot features and known sparse obstacles reduce the allowable robot speeds. The time of travel is calculated from an allowable velocity profile. Therefore, it can be used to estimate the travel performance. Genetic algorithm and random search-based methods for path finding with travel time optimization are used and compared in the paper. All the proposed time optimization solutions of rescue operations are checked during computer simulations, and results of the simulations are presented.
What Makes Decentralised Energy Storage Schemes Successful? An Assessment Incorporating Stakeholder Perspectives
Authors: Ambrosio-Albalá Pepa , Bale Catherine S. E. , Pimm Andrew J. , Taylor Peter G.
Published: December 2020

Decentralised energy storage is increasingly seen as being important for decarbonising local energy systems and the global market for such systems is expected to grow significantly. Several studies have looked into the technical development of decentralised energy storage systems, as well as examining how different business models can enable them to capture a variety of value streams. Recent work has also explored public perceptions of energy storage, yet so far there has been little focus on how the different dimensions affecting deployment interact together. Here, we present the result of a deliberative workshop which gathers stakeholders’ views and addresses how the interplay between these three dimensions affects successful deployment. Our approach is holistic and integrative and utilises a participatory decision-making methodology. The findings of the research add substantially to the understanding of how decentralised energy storage schemes should be implemented. The research reveals that there are many aspects that can help to either facilitate or impede a storage scheme, and stakeholders perceive multiple ways to engage with the deployment of the technology. We show that the following four principles could contribute to achieving success: maximizing simplicity and clarity; managing expectations, uncertainty and risk; generating benefits for the community; and the involvement of trusted actors.
Wind Characteristics in the Taiwan Strait: A Case Study of the First Offshore Wind Farm in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Ke-Sheng , Ho Cheng-Yu , Teng Jen-Hsin
Published: December 2020

This study analyzed the wind speed data of the met mast in the first commercial-scale offshore wind farm of Taiwan from May 2017 to April 2018. The mean wind speed and standard deviation, wind rose, histogram, wind speed profile, and diurnal variation of wind speed with associated changes in wind direction revealed some noteworthy findings. First, the standard deviation of the corresponding mean wind speed is somewhat high. Second, the Hellmann exponent is as low as 0.05. Third, afternoons in winter and nights and early mornings in summer have the highest and lowest wind speed in a year, respectively. Regarding the histogram, the distribution probability of wind is bimodal, which can be depicted as a mixture of two gamma distributions. In addition, the corresponding change between the hourly mean wind speed and wind direction revealed that the land–sea breeze plays a significant role in wind speed distribution, wind profile, and wind energy production. The low Hellmann exponent is discussed in detail. To further clarify the effect of the land–sea breeze for facilitating future wind energy development in Taiwan, we propose some recommendations.
Changes in Renewable Energy Policy and Their Implications: The Case of Romanian Producers
Authors: Marinescu Nicolae
Published: December 2020

This paper analyzes the impact of policy changes on the Romanian renewable energy producers. Attracted by a generous subsidy scheme, foreign and domestic investors flocked to the market. Consequently, the sector witnessed remarkable progress, especially in the wind power category. Romania fast approached the national target set by the European Union concerning the share of the country’s energy consumption from renewable sources. However, frequent changes in the support scheme and in the regulations issued by public authorities led to chaos. The aim of the paper was to emphasize the evolution of renewable energy policy in Romania, to investigate the incentives and their effects, and to critically assess the impact of the changes on renewable energy producers. It highlights, by means of an exploratory study and several interviews with executives of renewable energy companies, the challenges and shortcomings of policymaking. The main finding was that the revision of the subsidy scheme and the changes in energy policy that followed are the major determinants for the declining financial performance of renewable energy producers. Subsequently, some recommendations for improved policymaking are suggested, so as to re-establish the trust of investors and to promote the sustainable development of the sector.
Impact of Algorithm Selection on Modeling Ozone Pollution: A Perspective on Box and Tiao (1975)
Authors: Paun Mihaela , Gunaime Nevine , Strimbu Bogdan M.
Published: December 2020

Estimation using a suboptimal method can lead to imprecise models, with cascading effects in complex models, such as climate change or pollution. The goal of this study is to compare the solutions supplied by different algorithms used to model ozone pollution. Using Box and Tiao (1975) study, we have predicted ozone concentration in Los Angeles with an ARIMA and an autoregressive process. We have solved the ARIMA process with three algorithms (i.e., maximum likelihood, like Box and Tiao, conditional least square and unconditional least square) and the autoregressive process with four algorithms (i.e., Yule–Walker, iterative Yule–Walker, maximum likelihood, and unconditional least square). Our study shows that Box and Tiao chose the appropriate algorithm according to the AIC but not according to the mean square error. Furthermore, Yule–Walker, which is the default algorithm in many software, has the least reliable results, suggesting that the method of solving complex models could alter the findings. Finally, the model selection depends on the technical details and on the applicability of the model, as the ARIMA model is suitable from the AIC perspective but an autoregressive model could be preferred from the mean square error viewpoint. Our study shows that time series analysis should consider not only the model shape but also the model estimation, to ensure valid results.
Social Image Impacting Attitudes of Middle-Aged and Elderly People toward the Usage of Walking Aids: An Empirical Investigation in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Shao-Wei , Chang Tsen-Yao
Published: December 2020

The elderly need the assistance of walking aids due to deterioration of their physical functions. However, they are often less willing to use these aids because of their worries about how others may think of them. Not using professional walking aids often makes elderly people fall easily when walking. This study explores the behavioral intention factors of middle-aged people (45–64 years old) and elderly people (65 years and older) that affect the use of walking aids. Based on the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), subjective norms, attitude toward usage, behavior intention, safety, and usefulness were combined with social image to establish the research framework. This study used questionnaire surveys both in paper form assisted by volunteers and in online electronic form. A total of 457 questionnaires were collected. Data analysis was carried out in three stages: descriptive analysis, measurement model verification, and structural equation model analysis. The results showed that social image had a significant impact on the attitude toward using walking aids. Factors such as attitude toward usage, subjective norms, and safety of walking aids also had a significant positive impact on behavioral intention. Finally, through the research results, some suggestions are proposed for stakeholders to improve the elderly’s concerns about the social image of using walking aids.
Two-Phase Evaluation of a Community-Based Lifestyle Intervention for Palestinian Women in East Jerusalem: A Quasi-Experimental Study Followed by Dissemination
Authors: Agbaria Nisreen , Nubani-Husseini Maha , Barakat Raghda A. , Leiter Elisheva , Greenberg Keren L. , Karjawally Mayada , Keidar Osnat , Donchin Milka , Zwas Donna R.
Published: December 2020

Palestinian-Arab women are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease due to high prevalence of diabetes and other risk factors. The current study investigates the effectiveness of an intensive group-based intervention on lifestyle habits that can prevent diabetes and cardiovascular disease. To that end, we conducted a group-based intervention based on the diabetes prevention program in two consecutive phases. The first phase consisted of a quasi-experimental study and the second phase included community-wide dissemination, with a 6-month follow-up. Findings from the quasi-experiment indicate increased consumption of fruit, vegetables and whole grains, weight reduction (−2.21 kg, p < 0.01), and a significant increase in the average daily steps in the intervention group (from 4456 to 6404). Findings from the dissemination indicate that average daily vegetables consumption increased from 1.76 to 2.32/day as did physical activity and average daily steps (from 4804 to 5827). There was a significant reduction in blood pressure, total cholesterol and LDL. These gains were sustained over 6 months following the intervention. This community-based, culturally adapted, health-promotion intervention led to improved nutrition and physical activity which were maintained after 6 months. Collaboration with community centers and local community partners created an effective channel for dissemination of the program to pre-clinical individuals.
Spatial-Temporal Characteristics in Grain Production and Its Influencing Factors in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain from 1995 to 2018
Authors: Zhou Chunshan , Zhang Rongrong , Ning Xiaoju , Zheng Zhicheng
Published: December 2020

The Huang-Huai-Hai Plain is the major crop-producing region in China. Based on the climate and socio-economic data from 1995 to 2018, we analyzed the spatial–temporal characteristics in grain production and its influencing factors by using exploratory spatial data analysis, a gravity center model, a spatial panel data model, and a geographically weighted regression model. The results indicated the following: (1) The grain production of eastern and southern areas was higher, while that of western and northern areas was lower; (2) The grain production center in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain shifted from the southeast to northwest in Tai’an, and was distributed stably at the border between Jining and Tai’an; (3) The global spatial autocorrelation experienced a changing process of “decline–growth–decline”, and the area of hot and cold spots was gradually reduced and stabilized, which indicated that the polarization of grain production in local areas gradually weakened and the spatial difference gradually decreased in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain; (4) The impact of socio-economic factors has been continuously enhanced while the role of climate factors in grain production has been gradually weakened. The ratio of the effective irrigated area, the amount of fertilizer applied per unit sown area, and the average per capita annual income of rural residents were conducive to the increase in grain production in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain; however, the effect of the annual precipitation on grain production has become weaker. More importantly, the association between the three factors and grain production was found to be spatially heterogeneous at the local geographic level.
Beyond the Intention: Individual-Level Determinants and Intergenerational Differences of Floating Populations’ Actual Settlement Choices in Dongguan, China
Authors: Du Zhiwei , Huang Gengzhi , Jin Lixia
Published: December 2020

The migration process and patterns of floating populations have received continuing attention from scholars and policymakers. In China, however, studies have been focused on the settlement intention of floating populations based on sampling surveys and yielded inconsistent findings. Drawing upon 18,178,167 authentic individual samples of floating populations in Dongguan city, this study contributes to the literature by examining the effect of individual characteristics on the actual resident actions of floating populations, and revealing both the heterogeneity and continuity of their urban residence among four generations (i.e., during the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s). The results show that the proportion of actual resident actions is lower than that reported by previous studies on settlement intentions, and that male, married, middle-aged, more educated, and long-residing members are more likely to choose to stay in Dongguan. Compared to their predecessors, the 1990 cohort reveals significant heterogeneities in their actual settlement choices. The study draws broad implications from the analysis, calling for the equalization of public welfare in Chinese cities and the encouragement of floating populations to sustain long-term residence in the destination cities.
Life Experiences with Using Community Care among People with Severe Physical Disabilities: A Comparative Analysis between South Korea and Japan
Authors: Lee Minyoung , Choi Yeji , Lee Eun Young , Kim Dong-A , Ho Seung Hee
Published: December 2020

This study identified the pathways chosen by people with severe physical disabilities (PWSPD) in South Korea and Japan in using community care throughout their life and compared their experiences while navigating these pathways from their perspective. A concurrent nested mixed-method design was adopted. Quantitative data analysis included pathway mapping of facilities and services used throughout their lives. For qualitative data, interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was applied. Eleven South Korean (congenital 7, acquired 4) and nine Japanese (congenital 6, acquired 3) participants were surveyed and interviewed. Pathway mapping was conducted by classifying the participants into focus groups. South Korean participants took nine years more than the Japanese participants to reach independence and showed different pathway characteristics. Superordinate themes from the IPA provided insight into the differences in experiences between PWSPD of the two countries: (1) accessibility and continuity of medical services; (2) experience of vocational training; (3) way and degree of social support for independent living; (4) care planning for receiving comprehensive services. In developing a community care model for the PWSPD to accelerate their time to independence, the government should strive for accessibility and connectivity of medical services, strengthen vocational training, social support for independent living, and information provision for the PWSPD.
Practicing Integrated Care Pathways in Norwegian Hospitals: Coordination through Industrialized Standardization, Value Chains, and Quality Management or an Organizational Equivalent to Improvised Jazz Standards
Authors: Mæhle Per Magnus , Small Hanto Ingrid Kristine , Smeland Sigbjørn
Published: December 2020

The goal of coordinating pathways for cancer patients through their diagnostic and treatment journey is often approached by borrowing strategies from traditional industries, including standardization, process redesign, and variation reduction. However, the usefulness of these strategies is sometimes limited in the face of the complexity and uncertainty that characterize these processes over time and the situation at both patient and institutional levels. We found this to be the case when we did an in-depth qualitative study of coordination processes in patient pathways for three diagnoses in four Norwegian hospitals. What allows these hospitals to accomplish coordination is supplementing standardization with improvisation. This improvisation is embedded in four types of emerging semi-formal structures: collegial communities, networks, boundary spanners, and physical proximity. The hierarchical higher administrative levels appear to have a limited ability to manage and support coordination of these emerging structures when needed. We claim that this can be explained by viewing line management as representative of an economic–administrative institutional logic while these emerging structures represent a medical–professional logic that privileges proximity to the variation and complexity in the situations. The challenge is then to find a way for emergent and formal structures to coexist.
Radiographic Assessment of Pediatric Condylar Fractures after Conservative Treatment with Functional Appliances—A Systematic Review
Authors: Staderini Edoardo , Patini Romeo , Tepedino Michele , Gasparini Giulio , Zimbalatti Maria Antonietta , Marradi Francesca , Gallenzi Patrizia
Published: December 2020

Background: To evaluate the effectiveness of conservative treatment with functional appliances for condylar fractures in pediatric age. Methods: Four electronic databases (PubMed, EBSCO, Scopus, and Web of Science) were consulted with no restriction of publication status or year, up to 31 August 2020. Selection criteria: based on the PICOS criteria, the selection criteria were set for observational human studies, with at least 10 patients and six months of follow-up. The study population included pediatric patients (aged 5–16 years), with unilateral or bilateral condylar fracture, treated with functional appliances. Condylar remodeling and mandibular growth were analyzed through sequential radiographic examinations. Data collection and analysis: Two independent reviewers carried out title-abstract screening, and a senior investigator was involved to solve any disagreement. The quality of the evidence was assessed through the Canada Institute of Health Economics (IHE) quality appraisal checklist, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) quality assessment tool. Results: A total of 971 articles were retrieved from the electronic search; among them, three studies met the eligibility criteria. A moderate risk of bias was detected in all the studies, due to common limitations (absence of multicenter studies, prospective design, blindness of the investigators, patients’ drop-out). At follow-up examinations (between 6 months and 4.9 years), the difference of condylar neck length between the “injured” and “healthy” side was approximately 2 mm, while the anteroposterior condylar width discrepancy was recorded up to 1 mm. Conclusions: Short- and long-term data revealed that conservative treatment with functional appliances led to partial or full radiological recovery of the joint morphology, along with good to excellent functional results. Patients’ age has a crucial role on the treatment choice, and the type of fracture (presence of condylar displacement, or dislocation) is also a major prognostic indicator of the radiologic outcome. Limitation: To confirm the effectiveness of functional appliances, more prospective clinical long-term follow-up studies with homogeneous samples of condylar fractures are deemed necessary. Registration: The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020205650).