bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Textiles and Fabrics for Enhanced Structural Glass Facades: Potentials and Challenges
Authors: Bedon Chiara , Rajčić Vlatka
Published: June 2019

The use of textiles in architecture can cover a wide set of solutions and functions, spanning from buildings, towards geotechnical, aeronautic or automotive fields, etc. Special applications involve textiles in the health care or dressing scenarios. A multitude of other functions can then be found relatively for the use of textiles in building engineering and facades. As far as traditional facades or roofs composed of glass are taken into account, textiles offer a relevant number of potential uses that are specifically focused on energy, acoustic, insulation and even structural goals, in addition to pure architectural objectives. It is known that glass is relatively versatile, but has intrinsic needs and thermo-physical and mechanical features that require dedicated design methods, towards safe design purposes. Glass itself, in the form of constructional material, cannot be directly compared to other consolidated solutions for buildings. The same concept applies to textiles, and to their use to enhance other building components. Besides the key advantages deriving from the use of textiles in glass facades and envelopes—in the form of light, thermal or acoustic insulation, or energy efficiency—special care must be spent for specific structural requirements and performances. In some cases, textiles can in fact offer enhanced resistance to ordinary glass structures. In other conditions, textiles in combination with glass can ensure also enhanced acoustic and thermal performances. A multidisciplinary design approach able to properly fit several objectives should be considered. This paper aims at exploring the actual knowledge on glass textiles, with a focus on available tools and research trends, with careful consideration for structural glass facade applications.
Carbon Deposition Behavior of Ni Catalyst Prepared by Combustion Method in Slurry Methanation Reaction
Authors: Ji Keming , Meng Fanhui , Xun Jiayao , Liu Ping , Zhang Kan , Li Zhong , Gao Junhua
Published: June 2019

Ni/Al2O3 catalyst prepared by combustion method was applied in a slurry methanation reaction to study the catalytic performance, especially the regeneration performance. The catalyst properties were characterized by (X-Ray diffraction) XRD, Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer (ICP-AES), Nitrogen adsorption-desorption, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTG), Temperature programmed oxidation (TPO), and H2 chemisorption before and after reaction. The results show that the catalyst deactivation was mainly due to carbon deposition, which exhibited amorphous carbon films and formed by the disproportionation of CO. The carbon deposition was formed on the catalyst surface and existed as carbon films during the reaction, then it gradually separated from the catalyst surface, generated an overlapping multi-layer three-dimensional carbon structure, which covered the active site and blocked the pores. As a result, the metal surface area of catalyst decreases, as well as the activity. The carbon deposition could be removed by oxidative calcination without destroying the catalyst structure, the active sites could be re-exposed and the catalyst activity could be recovered.
A New Grating Thermography for Nondestructive Detection of Cracks in Coatings: Fundamental Principle
Authors: Qu Zhi , Zhang Weixu , Lv Zhichao , Wang Feng
Published: June 2019

It is important to detect the surface and/or subsurface cracks in coatings because the cracks usually indicate the failure of the system. Conventional detection techniques face two main challenges. One is the locating of the shallow cracks or defects in thin coatings. The other is the detection of the vertical cracks. Conventional infrared thermography can efficiently detect the horizontal cracks or defects. However, when locating the shallow cracks, it requires a high sampling frequency which is unrealistic for most of the infrared cameras. In terms of the vertical cracks, it is invalid since the propagation of its detecting signal is parallel to the cracks and does not interact with them. We introduce a new grating thermography method to overcome the two difficulties. In this paper we mainly illustrate its fundamental principle, which is validated by numerical simulations and a simple experiment. Overall, the principle analysis shows that grating thermography is highly effective in detecting cracks in coatings.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Layered Titanium Phosphate Ti2O2H(PO4)[(NH4)2PO4]2 and Its Potential Application in Cosmetics
Authors: Kolesnik Irina , Aslandukov Andrey , Arkhipin Anatoly , Kozlov Daniil
Published: June 2019

Titanium phosphates were recently revealed as promising cosmetic pigments; however, their photocatalytic activity and sun protective factor (SPF) levels have not been investigated in detail. In this study, we used hydrothermal conditions to prepare nanocrystalline anatase, brookite, and layered titanium phosphate using the titanium lactate complex, NH4H2PO4, and urea as precursors. The samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) in addition to Raman spectroscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM, SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity, sun protective factor, and moisture retention ability were determined for the samples. Brookite exhibited the highest SPF value and anatase the lowest, while Ti2O2H(PO4)[(NH4)2PO4]2 displayed highly promising UV protection and moisture retention properties and, therefore, represents a polyfunctional pigment that is particularly well suited for cosmetic applications.
Monotype Organic Dual Threshold Voltage Using Different OTFT Geometries
Authors: Arnal August , Martínez-Domingo Carme , Ogier Simon , Terés Lluís , Ramon Eloi
Published: June 2019

It is well known that organic thin film transistor (OTFT) parameters can be shifted depending on the geometry of the device. In this work, we present two different transistor geometries, interdigitated and Corbino, which provide differences in the key parameters of devices such as threshold voltage (VT), although they share the same materials and fabrication procedure. Furthermore, it is proven that Corbino geometries are good candidates for saturation-mode current driven devices, as they provide higher ION/IOFF ratios. By taking advantage of these differences, circuit design can be improved and the proposed geometries are, therefore, particularly suited for the implementation of logic gates. The results demonstrate a high gain and low hysteresis organic monotype inverter circuit with full swing voltage at the output.
Treasury Bond Return Data Starting in 1962
Authors: Swinkels Laurens
Published: June 2019

Academics and research analysts in financial economics frequently use returns on government bonds for their empirical analyses. In the United States, government bonds are also called Treasury bonds. The Federal Reserve publishes the yield-to-maturity of Treasury bonds. However, the Treasury bond returns earned by investors are not publicly available. The purpose of this study is to provide these currently not publicly available return series and provide formulas such that these series can easily be updated by researchers. We use standard textbook formulas to convert the yield-to-maturity data to investor returns. The starting date of our series is January 1962, when end-of-month data on the yield-to-maturity become publicly available. We compare our newly created total return series with alternative series that can be purchased. Our return series are very close, suggesting that they are a high-quality public alternative to commercially available data.
Energy and New Economic Approach for Nearly Zero Energy Hotels
Authors: Nocera Francesco , Giuffrida Salvatore , Trovato Maria Rosa , Gagliano Antonio
Published: June 2019

The paper addresses an important long-standing question in regards to the energy efficiency renovation of existing buildings, in this case hotels, towards nearly zero-energy (nZEBs) status. The renovation of existing hotels to achieve a nearly zero-energy (nZEBs) performance is one of the forefront goals of EU’s energy policy for 2050. The achievement of nZEBs target for hotels is necessary not only to comply with changing regulations and legislations, but also to foster competitiveness to secure new funding. Indeed, the nZEB hotel status allows for the reduction of operating costs and the increase of energy security, meeting the market and guests’ expectations. Actually, there is not a set national value of nZEBs for hotels to be attained, despite the fact that hotels are among the most energy-intensive buildings. This paper presents the case study of the energy retrofit of an existing historical hotel located in southern Italy (Syracuse) in order to achieve nZEBs status. Starting from the energy audit, the paper proposes a step-by-step approach to nZEBs performance, with a perspective on the costs, in order to identify the most effective energy solutions. Such an approach allows useful insights regarding energy and economic–financial strategies for achieving nZEBs standards to highlighted. Moreover, the results of this paper provide, to stakeholders, useful information for quantifying the technical convenience and economic profitability to reach an nZEBs target in order to prevent the expenses necessary by future energy retrofit programs.
Lean Path for High-Quality Development of Chinese Logistics Enterprises Based on Entropy and Gray Models
Authors: Huang Yimin , Li Qiuxiang , Wang Xueying , Wang Hongna
Published: June 2019

According to literature review and the data of China’s logistics listed companies, this paper firstly designs the high-quality development evaluation system of logistics enterprises and establishes the panel data model group. Secondly, the method of entropy weight-Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS method) is used to synthesize and regress the indexes, and obtains that the fitting degree of the model is low, which is caused by the lack of data of some indicators in the logistics enterprises. Due to the gray nature of data information, the improved gray relational model and the three-dimensional gray relational model are constructed to study, in-depth, the strategic focus and breakthrough of high-quality development of Chinese logistics enterprises. The research finds that the innovation and the operation ability of Chinese logistics enterprises are weak, which shows specifically in the following aspects: (1) The irrational structure of the employees, the proportion of employees with a bachelor degree or above is small, and the high-education personnel fail to significantly promote the corporate performance; (2) R&D expenditure has little effect on the high-quality development of enterprises. The proportion of R&D expenses is small and cannot be translated into actual benefits, and the ability of enterprise management innovation is insufficient. According to these findings, this paper gives three lean paths for the high-quality development of China’s logistics enterprises.
Experimental Demonstration of Single-Channel EEG Signal Using 32 × 32 Pixel OLED Screen and Camera
Authors: Aggarwal Geetika , Dai Xuewu , Saatchi Reza , Binns Richard , Sikandar Ajay
Published: June 2019

Currently, the radiofrequency (RF)-based wireless technology deployed in electroencephalography (EEG) to diagnose brain diseases suffers from frequency spectrum and electromagnetic interference, and might also have adverse effects on the health of patients and equipment used in hospitals, especially in RF-restricted zones like intensive care units (ICUs). Optical wireless communication (OWC), specifically visible light communication (VLC), is featured in 5G network to complement the radiofrequency (RF) technologies due to the fact that huge unlicensed bandwidth and available infrastructure, both indoor and outdoor, reduces the implementation cost. The conventional VLC systems deploy photodiodes as receivers, requiring hardware and infrastructure modifications in addition to smaller field of view (FOV), but the use of cameras reduce the infrastructure cost due to inbuilt filters and a wider FOV coverage gives the ability to scale a larger area. The wider FOV and the movement of camera rotation, without any additional adjustments to maintain the line-of-sight (LOS), allows the patient to be anywhere within the room and FOV. This paper demonstrates a novel healthcare system for EEG using visible light optical camera communication (VL-OCC), where a 32 × 32 pixel OLED screen acts as transmitter and the receiver section consists of several different cameras such as digital single-lens reflex camera (DLSR), android smartphone, and Thorlabs camera. The experiments were performed in LOS deploying on-off keying (OOK) modulation at several distant measurements to determine the system reliability and stability through bit error rate (BER) performance. The proposed system results depict that the DSLR camera outperforms the smartphone and Thorlabs cameras, as it is capable of transmitting an error free bit rate of 2.8 kbps at 30 fps up to 5.5 m.
A Mechanism of Masking Identification Information regarding Moving Objects Recorded on Visual Surveillance Systems by Differentially Implementing Access Permission
Authors: Park Namje , Kim Byung-Gyu , Kim Jinsu
Published: June 2019

Video surveillance systems (VSS), used as a measure of security strengthening as well as investigation, are provided principally in heavily crowded public places. They record images of moving objects and transmit them to the control center. Typically, the recorded images are stored after being encrypted, or masked using visual obfuscations on a concerned image(s) in the identification-enabling data contained in the visual information. The stored footage is recovered to its original state by authorized users. However, the recovery entails the restoration of all information in the visual data, possibly infiltrating the privacy of the object(s) other than the one(s) whose images are requested. In particular, Artificial Intelligence Healthcare that checks the health status of an object through images has the same problem and must protect the patient’s identification information. This study proposes a masking mechanism wherein the infiltration of visual data privacy on videos is minimized by limiting the objects whose images are recovered with differential use of access permission granted to the requesting users.
Mining Stress Distribution and Fault-Slip Behavior: A Case Study of Fault-Influenced Longwall Coal Mining
Authors: Kong Peng , Jiang Lishuai , Shu Jiaming , Wang Lu
Published: June 2019

It is well accepted that faults have significant impacts on the safe production of underground coal mines; however, the fault-slip mechanism during longwall mining through a fault still needs to be investigated. In this study, the distribution of microseismicity events during panel mining through a fault is analyzed, and 3-dimensional fast Lagrangian analysis of continua was used to study the mining stress distribution and fault-slip behavior under the two different mining directions, i.e., mining the panel through the fault from the footwall, or mining the panel through the fault from the hanging wall. The research shows that when the panel is mined through the fault from the footwall, the shear displacement of the fault is significantly greater than those created by mining the panel through the fault from the hanging wall. Under the two mining directions, the variation behaviors of the normal stress and shear stress on the fault are quite different, and fault-slips mainly occur in fault areas where the normal stress decreases. When mining the panel through the fault from the footwall, the slip mainly occurs in the coal-seam roof fault, and when mining the panel through the fault from the hanging wall, the slip mainly occurs in the coal-seam floor fault. According to the variations in the normal stress and shear stress of the fault during the period of mining the panel through the fault, the mechanism of the fault slip can be divided into three categories. 1: Normal stress and shear stress decrease abruptly, but the reduction of the normal stress is greater than that of the shear stress. 2: The normal stress is continuously reduced, the shear strength of the fault is decreased, and the shear stress is suddenly increased. 3: Both the normal stress and the shear stress increase, but the increase in the shear stress is greater than that of the normal stress. These research results can provide a reference for the layout of panels and for fault-slip-induced disaster prevention under similar conditions.
Transient Simulation for a Pumped Storage Power Plant Considering Pressure Pulsation Based on Field Test
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhang Jian , Yu Xiaodong , Lv Jiawen , Zhang Xiaoying
Published: June 2019

In this study, fast Fourier transform and inverse transform are adopted for noise reduction filtering the data of load rejection pressure of a single unit in a one-tube, four-unit pumped storage power station. Five-spot triple smoothing method is used to extract the time-average and pulsation value of the water hammer pressure of the spiral case and draft tube inlet. The reasonable correction formula is put forward, and the pulsating pressure rise rate of the spiral case (4.44%) and the draft tube inlet (−1.22%) are obtained. A mathematical model is also established for the transition process of the water conveyance and power generation system of the pumped storage power station, and the field single-unit load rejection condition is simulated. The simulation results are consistent with the measurements, and the accuracy of the calculation model in predicting the time-average pressure of water hammer is verified. Thus, the extreme successive load rejection conditions can be simulated based on the proposed model. Combining with the pulsating pressure rise rate of unit, the actual extreme value of extreme working condition is reasonably calculated. The conclusion shows that the pressure of spiral case and draft tube inlet after considering pressure pulsation can meet the control requirements, avoid the damage caused by extreme working condition test to unit, and ensure the operation safety of unit.
Impedance Modeling and Stability Analysis of the Converters in a Double-Fed Induction Generator (DFIG)-Based System
Authors: Chen Xunjun , Liu Zhigang
Published: June 2019

Harmonic stability of double-fed induction generators (DFIGs) now has become a significant topic because of its harmful impact on power quality issues of the system. Since the double pulse width modulation (PWM) converter is one of the main harmonic sources in DFIGs, it may cause harmonic instability with increasing harmonic contents. Thus, the modeling and stability analyses of PWM converters in DFIGs are essential steps to assess the harmonic stability of DFIGs. Aiming at dual PWM converters, which include the grid side converter (GSC) and the rotor side converter (RSC), this paper divides converters into two parts: circuit modules and control modules. Closed-loop input impedance models of each module are then derived by means of transfer functions. Hence, the stability of the system can be readily predicted through Nyquist diagrams. The contributions of parameters to the system’s harmonic stability are also identified. Finally, time-domain simulations are conducted in a real-time digital simulation (RTDS) system. Simulation results confirm that the established impedance model can effectively reveal the stability of the DFIG-based system and can give critical conditions for the occurrence of harmonic instability.
Stepped Leader Progression and Speed Evolution in a Thunderstorm: Theoretical Model
Authors: Seminario-García Aníbal , González-Morán Cristina , Arboleya Pablo
Published: June 2019

This paper presents a theoretical model to describe the progression of leading (falling) lightnings in storms (stepped leaders). Stepped leaders move down from the thundercloud base to the encounter point with an upward streamer. First, the existing models, related to the advance of leading lightnings, are analyzed. Then, a novel theory is presented. The proposed model describes both the leader progression and speed. It aims at explaining the leader progression as a succession of several steps, or branches, that form the well-known tree-like shape. The speed of advance per step is described as a function of various parameters: the charge concentration surface diameter and the step length, among others. The derived formulas include two new parameter named ( χ ) and G. χ is the ratio between the guide beam length ( L ) and the diameter of the circle, inside the cloud, where the charges are concentrated ( D ) . G relates density of charges, as explained herein.
A Theoretical Investigation of Flow Topologies in Bubble- and Droplet-Affected Flows
Authors: Hasslberger Josef , Marten Svenja , Klein Markus
Published: June 2019

A local flow topology analysis was conducted for laminar particle-affected flows. Based on the invariants of the velocity gradient tensor, all possible flow structures can be categorized into two focal and two nodal topologies for incompressible flows. The underlying field descriptions for bubble- and droplet-affected flows in the creeping flow regime were determined analytically for two different boundary conditions. A nodal-to-focal-to-nodal transition can be observed in both phases and the focal topologies are predominant in the interior phase. It was also found that the topology distribution in the interior phase is independent of the dynamic viscosity ratio and the boundary conditions, which is not the case in the exterior phase. The focal region in the exterior phase extends to infinity for the far-field boundary condition, whereas it is bounded to a tire-like zone attached to the bubble or droplet for the near-field boundary condition. Furthermore, the existence of a narrow band of intermediate nodal topologies was demonstrated analytically, which raises the question on the origin of this behavior. To complement the findings about the flow topology classification, the strengths of the underlying vorticity and invariant fields are discussed, including their dependency on the considered phase and boundary condition.
History of the Terminal Cataclysm Paradigm: Epistemology of a Planetary Bombardment That Never (?) Happened
Authors: Hartmann William K.
Published: June 2019

This study examines the history of the paradigm concerning a lunar (or solar-system-wide) terminal cataclysm (also called “Late Heavy Bombardment” or LHB), a putative, brief spike in impacts at ~3.9 Ga ago, preceded by low impact rates. We examine origin of the ideas, why they were accepted, and why the ideas are currently being seriously revised, if not abandoned. The paper is divided into the following sections: Overview of paradigm. Pre-Apollo views (1949–1969). Initial suggestions of cataclysm (ca. 1974). Ironies. Alternative suggestions, megaregolith evolution (1970s). Impact melt rocks “establish” cataclysm (1990). Imbrium redux (ca. 1998). Impact melt clasts (early 2000s). Dating of front-side lunar basins? Dynamical models “explain” the cataclysm (c. 2000s). Asteroids as a test case. Impact melts predating 4.0 Ga ago (ca. 2008–present.). Biological issues. Growing doubts (ca. 1994–2014). Evolving Dynamical Models (ca. 2001–present). Connections to lunar origin. Dismantling the paradigm (2015–2018). “Megaregolith Evolution Model” for explaining the data. Conclusions and new directions for future work.
Aegean Sea—Challenges and Dilemmas in Management and Planning for Local Development in Fragmented Insular Regions
Authors: Theodora Yiota
Published: June 2019

In an age of network organization and the digital revolution, under conditions of intense international competition alongside a multifaceted economic downturn, a new form of economy is developing, shaped by the learning society and knowledge-based economy. Under exceptionally difficult conditions where, despite all intentions, economic growth remains the main concern, often without terms or criteria, and even at environmental, territorial and socio-economic cost, the issue: Development for whom, where and on what terms remains “open”. In Greece decades-long unquestioning adoption of developmental models in conjunction with a methodically organized diminishment of the territorial dimension has undermined acquis which had been promoted for years as a prerequisite for life, re-introducing to the discussion the issue of how to plan the various levels and categories of territory, protecting the history and physiognomy of place, ensuring local development in terms of social justice and sustainability in an intensely globalised environment. An answer is sought regarding how best to manage human resources and cultural heritage on the basis of territorial/sectoral and social collaborative networks that are supralocal and transnational focusing on the model of “endogenous development”. Based on research experience regarding the Mediterranean and the Aegean, the article aims to underline the absence of a comprehensive island policy in Greece and highlight crucial issues that need to be resolved at the level of developmental and planning choices in order to eliminate instances of downgrading/abandonment of vulnerable remote and insular border regions. The proposals which are formulated are intended to contribute to the debate about a more equal development for islands and insular areas at a critical juncture for Greece.
Analytical Quality Requirements in Human Biomonitoring Programs: Trace Elements in Human Blood
Authors: Snoj Tratnik Janja , Mazej Darja , Horvat Milena
Published: June 2019

Human biomonitoring (HBM) programs consist of several interrelated and equally important steps. Of these steps, the study design must answer a specific question: How many individuals must be recruited in order to define the spatial or temporal trends of exposure to environmental pollutants in a given HBM study? Two components must be considered at this stage: the population variability of the expected exposure and the performance characteristics of the analytical methods used. The objective of the present study was to quantify the contribution to the required sample size arising from (i) measurement uncertainty and (ii) inter-laboratory measurement variability. For this purpose, the sample size was calculated using the measurement uncertainty of one laboratory, inter-laboratory comparison exercise data, and population variability for commonly studied metals (mercury, cadmium, and lead) in blood. Measurement uncertainty within one laboratory proved to have little influence on the sample size requirements, while the inter-laboratory variability of the three metals increased the requirements considerably, particularly in cases of low population variability. The multiple laboratories approach requires that laboratory variability be considered as early as the planning stage; a single-laboratory approach is thus a cost-effective compromise in HBM to reduce variability due to the participation of different laboratories.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Sediments/Soils of the Rapidly Urbanized Lower Reaches of the River Chaohu, China
Authors: Wu Huanling , Sun Binghua , Li Jinhua
Published: June 2019

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are highly teratogenic, persistent carcinogens, and ubiquitous environmental pollutants. To determine the impact of rapid urbanization on sediment/soil PAHs, we collected 30 cm soil cores in ditch wetlands, riverine wetlands, and agricultural lands along the lower reaches of the Shiwuli River feeding Chaohu Lake, China. Ecological risk effects were evaluated by two models based upon Benzo[a]pyrene toxic equivalency (TEQ-BaP) and total toxic units (TUs). The presence of PAHs, such as BbF, BkF, InP, and BgP, that are known pollutants of concern, suggests certain ecological risks. The concentration of PAHs in the surface layer followed in the order of: ditch wetlands (617.2 ng/g average), riverine wetlands (282.1 ng/g average), agricultural lands (103.7 ng/g average). PAHs in ditch sediments were vertically distributed evenly, and PAHs in agricultural soils were concentrated in the surface soil. In riverine wetland sediments, the 2-, 3-, and 4-ring PAHs had a uniform distribution, whereas the 5- and 6-ring PAHs were concentrated in the surface soil. Redundancy analysis (RDA) explored the correlation between the environmental properties and the occurrence of PAHs. Total organic carbon (p = 0.010), percent clay (p = 0.020), and distance (p = 0.020) were the primary factors in ditch wetlands. Depth (p = 0.010) and distance (p = 0.006) were the main factors in agricultural lands. There were no significant correlations in riverine wetlands. The correlation between the distance from the built-up urban areas and pollutant concentration showed that the closer the distance, the greater the concentration of PAHs.
LGBT+ Health Teaching within the Undergraduate Medical Curriculum
Authors: Salkind Jessica , Gishen Faye , Drage Ginger , Kavanagh Jayne , Potts Henry W. W.
Published: June 2019

Introduction: The lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT+) population experience health and social inequalities, including discrimination within healthcare services. There is a growing international awareness of the importance of providing healthcare professionals and students with dedicated training on LGBT+ health. Methods: We introduced a compulsory teaching programme in a large London-based medical school, including a visit from a transgender patient. Feedback was collected across four years, before (n = 433) and after (n = 541) the session. Student confidence in using appropriate terminology and performing a clinical assessment on LGBT+ people was assessed with five-point Likert scales. Fisher exact tests were used to compare the proportion responding “agree” or “strongly agree”. Results: Of the students, 95% (CI 93–97%) found the teaching useful with 97% (96–99%) finding the visitor’s input helpful. Confidence using appropriate terminology to describe sexual orientation increased from 62% (58–67%) to 93% (91–95%) (Fisher p < 0.001) and gender identity from 41% (36–46%) to 91% (88–93%) (p < 0.001). Confidence in the clinical assessment of a lesbian, gay or bisexual patient increased from 75% (71–79%) to 93% (90–95%) (p < 0.001), and of a transgender patient from 35% (31–40%) to 84% (80–87%) (p < 0.001). Discussion: This teaching programme, written and delivered in collaboration with the LGBT+ community, increases students’ confidence in using appropriate language related to sexual orientation and gender identity, and in the clinical assessment of LGBT+ patients.
The Relationship between Parental Perception of Neighborhood Collective Efficacy and Physical Violence by Parents against Preschool Children: A Cross-Sectional Study in a County of China
Authors: Wang Haixue , Chen Jingqi , Lyu Linjing
Published: June 2019

Children exposed to negative neighborhood environments are at high risk of experiencing violence. This study aimed to explore the effects of parental perception of neighborhood collective efficacy on parental physical violence (PV) to their preschool children in a county of China. A total of 1337 parents from nine kindergartens were recruited by the stratified random cluster sampling method. Data about parental PV behavior toward children during the past three months, parental perception of neighborhood collective efficacy, together with their attitudes towards the use of corporal punishment to discipline children, and demographic characteristics were collected. Their relationships were investigated by applying multivariable logistic regression models. Overall, 67.5% of the parents reported at least one form of PV during the past three months. The rates of minor PV (MPV) and severe PV (SPV) were 67% and 22.8%, respectively. The results of multivariate logistic regression showed that only social cohesion was associated with lower odds of parental PV and MPV behavior after controlling for covariates. The results suggest that neighborhood collective efficacy is associated with parental PV behavior against their children to some extent, but the effects differ according to the severity level of PV. Neighborhood social cohesion may have a positive role in reducing parental PV behavior in the county surveyed at present study.
The Role of Non-Coding RNAs Involved in Nickel-Induced Lung Carcinogenic Mechanisms
Authors: Zhu Yusha , Chen Qiao Yi , Li Alex Heng , Costa Max
Published: June 2019

Nickel is a naturally occurring element found in the Earth’s crust and an International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)-classified human carcinogen. While low levels found in the natural environment pose a minor concern, the extensive use of nickel in industrial settings such as in the production of stainless steel and various alloys complicate human exposure and health effects. Notably, interactions with nickel macromolecules, primarily through inhalation, have been demonstrated to promote lung cancer. Mechanisms of nickel-carcinogenesis range from oxidative stress, DNA damage, and hypoxia-inducible pathways to epigenetic mechanisms. Recently, non-coding RNAs have drawn increased attention in cancer mechanistic studies. Specifically, nickel has been found to disrupt expression and functions of micro-RNAs and long-non-coding RNAs, resulting in subsequent changes in target gene expression levels, some of which include key cancer genes such as p53, MDM2, c-myc, and AP-1. Non-coding RNAs are also involved in well-studied mechanisms of nickel-induced lung carcinogenesis, such as the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway, oxidative stress, DNA damage and repair, DNA hypermethylation, and alterations in tumor suppressors and oncogenes. This review provides a summary of the currently known epigenetic mechanisms involved in nickel-induced lung carcinogenesis, with a particular focus on non-coding RNAs.
Will the Machine Like Your Image? Automatic Assessment of Beauty in Images with Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Bodini Matteo
Published: June 2019

Although the concept of image quality has been a subject of study for the image processing community for more than forty years (where, with the term “quality”, we are referring to the accuracy with which an image processing system captures, processes, stores, compresses, transmits, and displays the signals that compose an image), notions related to aesthetics of photographs and images have only appeared for about ten years within the community. Studies devoted to aesthetics of images are multiplying today, taking advantage of the latest machine learning techniques and mostly due to the proliferation of huge communities and websites, specialized in digital photography sharing and archiving, such as Flickr, Imgur, DeviantArt, and Instagram. In this review, we examine the latest advances of computer methods that aim at computationally distinguishing high-quality from low-quality photos and images, relying on machine learning techniques. The paper is organized as follows: First, we introduce many approaches to aesthetics, studied in philosophy, neurobiology, experimental psychology, and sociology, to see what lighting they propose to researchers. Such points of view let us explain the weakness of the current consensus on the difficult aesthetics problem and the importance of the ongoing debates on it. Then, we analyze the work done in the community of pattern recognition and artificial intelligence on the task of automatic aesthetic assessment, and we both compare and critically examine the presented results. Finally, we describe many issues that have not been addressed, and starting from these, we outline some possible future directions.
Hsa-miR-34a-5p and hsa-miR-375 as Biomarkers for Monitoring the Effects of Drug Treatment for Migraine Pain in Children and Adolescents: A Pilot Study
Authors: Gallelli Luca , Cione Erika , Peltrone Fancesco , Siviglia Serena , Verano Antonio , Chirchiglia Domenico , Zampogna Stefania , Guidetti Vincenzo , Sammartino Luca , Montana Angelo , Caroleo Maria Cristina , De Sarro Giovambattista , Di Mizio Giulio
Published: June 2019

MicroRNAs (miRs) have emerged as biomarkers of migraine disease in both adults and children. In this study we evaluated the expression of hsa-miR-34a-5p and hsa-miR-375 in serum and saliva of young subjects (age 11 ± 3.467 years) with migraine without aura (MWA), while some underwent pharmacological treatment, and healthy young subjects were used as controls. miRs were determined using the qRT-PCR method, and gene targets of hsa-miR-34a-5p and hsa-miR-375 linked to pain-migraine were found by in silico analysis. qRT-PCR revealed comparable levels of hsa-miRs in both blood and saliva. Higher expression of hsa-miR-34a-5p and hsa-miR-375 was detected in saliva of untreated MWAs compared to healthy subjects (hsa-miR-34a-5p: p < 0.05; hsa-miR-375 p < 0.01). Furthermore, in MWA treated subjects, a significant decrease of hsa-miR-34a-5p and of hsa-miR-375 was documented in saliva and blood compared to MWA untreated ones. Altogether, these findings suggested thathsa-miR-34a-5p and hsa-miR-375 are expressed equally in blood and saliva and that they could be a useful biomarker of disease and of drug efficacy in patients with MWA.
Micronutrient Deficiencies in Medical and Surgical Inpatients
Authors: Berger Mette M , Pantet Olivier , Schneider Antoine , Ben-Hamouda Nawfel
Published: June 2019

Inpatients are threatened by global malnutrition, but also by specific micronutrient (i.e., trace element and vitamins) deficiencies that frequently are overseen in the differential diagnosis of major organ dysfunctions. Some of them are related to specific geographic risks (iodine, iron, selenium, zinc, vitamin A), while others are pathology related, and finally many are associated with specific feeding patterns, including low dose enteral feeding. Among the pathologies in which laboratory blood investigations should include a micronutrient outwork, anemia is in the front line, followed by obesity with bariatric surgery, chronic liver disease, kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, cardiomyopathies and heart failure. The micronutrients at the highest risk are iron, zinc, thiamine, vitamin B12 and vitamin C. Admission to hospital has been linked with an additional risk of malnutrition—feeding below 1500 kcal/day was frequent and has been associated with a structural additional risk of insufficient micronutrient intake to cover basal needs. Although not evidence based, systematic administration of liberal thiamine doses upon admission, and daily complementation of inpatients’ food and enteral feeding solutions with multi-micronutrient tablets might be considered.
Current Therapeutic Options in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Köhler Birgit M. , Günther Janine , Kaudewitz Dorothee , Lorenz Hanns-Martin
Published: June 2019

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints. Untreated RA leads to a destruction of joints through the erosion of cartilage and bone. The loss of physical function is the consequence. Early treatment is important to control disease activity and to prevent joint destruction. Nowadays, different classes of drugs with different modes of action are available to control the inflammation and to achieve remission. In this review, we want to discuss differences and similarities of these different drugs.
Combined Intervention of Physical Activity, Aerobic Exercise, and Cognitive Exercise Intervention to Prevent Cognitive Decline for Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Study
Authors: Park Hyuntae , Park Jong Hwan , Na Hae Ri , Hiroyuki Shimada , Kim Gwon Min , Jung Min Ki , Kim Woo Kyung , Park Kyung Won
Published: June 2019

This study aimed to investigate the association between a dual-task intervention program and cognitive and physical functions. In a randomized controlled trial, we enrolled 49 individuals with MCI. The MCI diagnosis was based on medical evaluations through a clinical interview conducted by a dementia specialist. Cognitive assessments were performed by neuropsychologists according to standardized methods, including the MMSE and modified Alzheimer’s disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog), both at baseline and at 3 months follow-up. The program comprised physical activity and behavior modification, aerobic exercise, and a cognitive and exercise combined intervention program. Analysis of the subjects for group-time interactions revealed that the exercise group exhibited a significantly improved ADAS-Cog, working memory, and executive function. Total physical activity levels were associated with improvements in working memory function and the modified ADAS-Cog score, and the associations were stronger for daily moderate intensity activity than for daily step count. The 24-week combined intervention improved cognitive function and physical function in patients with MCI relative to controls. Encouraging participants to perform an additional 10 min of moderate physical activity under supervision, during ongoing intervention, may be more beneficial to prevent cognitive decline and improve exercise adherence.
Procedural Sedation Using a Propofol–Ketamine Combination (Ketofol) vs. Propofol Alone in the Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP): A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Oh Chahyun , Kim Yeojung , Eom Hongsik , Youn Sookyoung , Lee Sangmin , Ko Young-Bok , Yoo Heon Jong , Chung Woosuk , Lim ChaeSeong , Hong Boohwi
Published: June 2019

Background: Although the loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is a brief procedure, it can cause severe pain and discomfort to patients in the absence of adequate sedation. An admixture of ketamine with propofol (ketofol), may reduce patient movement due to insufficient sedation while providing hemodynamic and respiratory stability. This study evaluated the ability of two ratios of a propofol–ketamine combination, compared with propofol alone, to reduce patient movement during procedural sedation for LEEPs. Methods: One hundred and twenty women scheduled for a LEEP were randomly assigned to three groups. Anesthesia was induced with 1 mg/kg propofol (group P), 1 mg/kg propofol and 0.33 mg/kg ketamine (group K1), or 1 mg/kg propofol and 0.66 mg/kg ketamine (group K2). The primary outcome was the incidence of adduction motion in the lower extremities during the procedure. The requirements for respiratory interventions, changes in vital signs, sedation score, additional anesthetic usage, and surgeon and patient satisfaction were also evaluated. Results: The incidence of adduction motion was significantly lower in groups K1 and K2 than in group P (overall p-value <0.001) but did not differ significantly in groups K1 and K2. Group K2 needed more jaw thrust maneuvers than group K1. Additional propofol usage was lower and surgeon satisfaction scores higher in groups K1 and K2 than in group P. Conclusion: A propofol–ketamine combination is more effective than propofol alone in reducing procedural interference during LEEPs. However, increasing the dose of ketamine showed no additional benefit.
Searching for G: A New Evaluation of SPM-LS Dimensionality
Authors: Garcia-Garzon Eduardo , Abad Francisco J. , Garrido Luis E.
Published: June 2019

There has been increased interest in assessing the quality and usefulness of short versions of the Raven’s Progressive Matrices. A recent proposal, composed of the last twelve matrices of the Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM-LS), has been depicted as a valid measure of g. Nonetheless, the results provided in the initial validation questioned the assumption of essential unidimensionality for SPM-LS scores. We tested this hypothesis through two different statistical techniques. Firstly, we applied exploratory graph analysis to assess SPM-LS dimensionality. Secondly, exploratory bi-factor modelling was employed to understand the extent that potential specific factors represent significant sources of variance after a general factor has been considered. Results evidenced that if modelled appropriately, SPM-LS scores are essentially unidimensional, and that constitute a reliable measure of g. However, an additional specific factor was systematically identified for the last six items of the test. The implications of such findings for future work on the SPM-LS are discussed.
Nonlinear Optical Phenomena in a Silicon-Smectic A Liquid Crystal (SALC) Waveguide
Authors: Lembrikov Boris I. , Ianetz David , Ben-Ezra Yosef
Published: June 2019

Liquid crystals (LCs) are organic materials characterized by the intermediate properties between those of an isotropic liquid and a crystal with a long range order. The LCs possess strong anisotropy of their optical and electro-optical properties. In particular, LCs possess strong optical nonlinearity. LCs are compatible with silicon-based technologies. Due to these unique properties, LCs are promising candidates for the development of novel integrated devices for telecommunications and sensing. Nematic liquid crystals (NLCs) are mostly used and studied. Smectic A liquid crystals (SALCs) have a higher degree of long range order forming a layered structure. As a result, they have lower scattering losses, specific mechanisms of optical nonlinearity related to the smectic layer displacement without the mass density change, and they can be used in nonlinear optical applications. We theoretically studied the nonlinear optical phenomena in a silicon-SALC waveguide. We have shown theoretically that the stimulated light scattering (SLS) and cross-phase modulation (XPM) caused by SALC nonlinearity can occur in the silicon-SALC waveguide. We evaluated the smectic layer displacement, the SALC hydrodynamic velocity, and the slowly varying amplitudes (SVAs) of the interfering optical waves.
An Enhanced Carbon Capture and Storage Process (e-CCS) Applied to Shallow Reservoirs Using Nanofluids Based on Nitrogen-Rich Carbon Nanospheres
Authors: Rodriguez Acevedo Elizabeth , Cortés Farid B. , Franco Camilo A. , Carrasco-Marín Francisco , Pérez-Cadenas Agustín F. , Fierro Vanessa , Celzard Alain , Schaefer Sébastien , Cardona Molina Agustin
Published: June 2019

The implementation of carbon capture and storage process (CCS) has been unsuccessful to date, mainly due to the technical issues and high costs associated with two main stages: (1) CO2 separation from flue gas and (2) CO2 injection in deep geological deposits, more than 300 m, where CO2 is in supercritical conditions. This study proposes, for the first time, an enhanced CCS process (e-CCS), in which the stage of CO2 separation is removed and the flue gas is injected directly in shallow reservoirs located at less than 300 m, where the adsorptive phenomena control CO2 storage. Nitrogen-rich carbon nanospheres were used as modifying agents of the reservoir porous texture to improve both the CO2 adsorption capacity and selectivity. For this purpose, sandstone was impregnated with a nanofluid and CO2 adsorption was evaluated at different pressures (atmospheric pressure and from 3 × 10−3 MPa to 3.0 MPa) and temperatures (0, 25, and 50 °C). As a main result, a mass fraction of only 20% of nanomaterials increased both the surface area and the molecular interactions, so that the increase of adsorption capacity at shallow reservoir conditions (50 °C and 3.0 MPa) was more than 677 times (from 0.00125 to 0.9 mmol g−1).
New Hybrid Contractions on b-Metric Spaces
Authors: Karapınar Erdal , Fulga Andreea
Published: June 2019

In this manuscript, we introduce the notion of b-hybrid contraction in the setting of b-metric space. We investigate the existence and uniqueness of a fixed point for this contraction. Our results combine and merge several existing results in the corresponding literature and we list some of them as corollaries. Finally, we consider an Ulam’s type stability for an application.