bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The open detour number of a graph
Authors: John J. , Sunil Kumar V. R.
Published: July 2020

A set [Formula: see text] is called an open detour set of [Formula: see text] if for each vertex [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text], either (1) [Formula: see text] is a detour simplicial vertex of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] or (2) [Formula: see text] is an internal vertex of an [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] detour for some [Formula: see text]. An open detour set of minimum cardinality is called a minimum open detour set and this cardinality is the open detour number of [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text]. Connected graphs of order [Formula: see text] with open detour number [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] are characterized. It is shown that for any two positive integers [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text], there exists a connected graph [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the detour number of [Formula: see text]. It is also shown that for every pair of positive integers [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], there exists a connected graph [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the open geodetic number of [Formula: see text].
ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND AIR POLLUTION IN CHINA THROUGH HEALTH AND LABOR SUPPLY PERSPECTIVE: AN INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT MODEL ANALYSIS
Authors: WANG CAN , HUANG HAI , CAI WENJIA , ZHAO MENGZHEN , LI JIN , ZHANG SHIHUI , LIU YUAN
Published: July 2020

An energy supply dominated by the use of fossil fuels causes both climate change and air pollution, which have negative impacts on human capital via both health and productivity. In addition, different people are affected differently because of factors such as age, gender and education level. To enhance the understanding of the benefits of low carbon transition from the labor supply perspective and help to identify strategies of collaborative control for CO2 and local air pollutants in China, an integrated assessment model linking the air quality module and the health impact module with a disaggregated labor sector computable general equilibrium (CGE) economic system is developed and applied in this study. Results show some key findings. First, renewable energy development and carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies will contribute significantly to GDP in terms of their impact on air quality improvement by 0.99% and 0.54%, respectively, in 2050. Second, due to differences in labor composition, air pollution has, and will continue to have, the greatest impact on sectors with a higher proportion of male and lower-educated workers — such as the coal sector, and it will have the least impact on sectors with a higher proportion of female and higher-educated workers — such as the public administration sector. Third, the different impacts of sector output will increase economic inequality.

Highlights • The economic impact of climate change and air pollution is assessed. • A CGE model with disaggregated labor sectors is developed. • The secondary industry is most affected by pollution from a health perspective. • Low-income groups suffer the largest loss of income due to pollution. • A low carbon policy will improve air quality and economic equity.
Origin of Capacity Degradation of High-Voltage KVPO4F Cathode
Authors: Kim Haegyeom , Tian Yaosen , Ceder Gerbrand
Published: July 2020

Potassium vanadium fluorophosphate (KVPO4F) is one of the most promising cathode candidates for K-ion batteries because of its high specific capacity, voltage, and energy density. However, reducing its capacity fade remains an important challenge. This work leverages structure and electrochemical analysis to understand the capacity degradation mechanism of the KVPO4F cathode. Interestingly, no structural degradation of the KVPO4F cathode is detected after 200 cycles in the wide voltage window of 5.0–2.5 V (vs K/K+). Instead, the capacity degradation is attributed to electrolyte decomposition at high voltage (>4.5 V vs K/K+), which causes drying of the electrolyte and the formation of insulating layers on the cathode surface, significantly increasing the polarization. The properties of four KPF6- and carbonate-based K electrolytes are compared, and 0.7 M KPF6 in ethylene carbonate/propylene carbonate exhibits the highest oxidation stability and results in the best cycling stability for the KVPO4 cathode. These findings suggest that the key to improving the cycling stability of KVPO4F is to develop novel K electrolytes with even higher oxidation stability.
TNF-α, IL-17, and IL-22 production in the rectal mucosa of nonceliac wheat sensitivity patients: role of adaptive immunity
Authors: Mansueto Pasquale , Di Liberto Diana , Fayer Francesca , Soresi Maurizio , Geraci Girolamo , Giannone Antonio Giulio , Seidita Aurelio , D’Alcamo Alberto , La Blasca Francesco , Lo Pizzo Marianna , Florena Ada Maria , Dieli Francesco , Carroccio Antonio
Published: July 2020

Nonceliac wheat sensitivity (NCWS) is a syndrome characterized by symptoms triggered by gluten intake. The pathogenesis is still uncertain. Studies have shown a role for innate immunity. We demonstrated that production of TNF-α by CD45+, CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ cells and of IL-17 by CD4+ cells is higher in the rectal tissue of NCWS patients than in controls. We clearly demonstrated that in patients with NCWS there is a significant role for the adaptive response.
Prenatal Exophthalmia Revealing a Postnatal Orbital Teratoma
Authors: Ahnoux-Zabsonre Ahgbatouhabeba , Sanou Jérôme , Lankoandé Yérénou Ferdinand , Bouda Chantal , Méda Gertrude , Lamien-Sanou Assita
Published: July 2020

Purpose. Teratomas are congenital tumors of stem cells derived from the three germ layers. They are frequently located in the sacrococcygeal region. Orbital teratoma is rare with less than 70 cases reported until 2016. We report the case of prenatal exophthalmia discovered by ultrasound exam which turned out to be a teratoma postnatally. The newborn in our case was female, just as described in the literature. Treatment consisted of total removal of the teratoma and the eyeball. Reconstructive surgery remains a big challenge since our medical technology is limited.Conclusion. A prenatal exophthalmia on fetal ultrasound should make us think of a teratoma, even if it is very rare. Fetal orbital teratoma may be associated with fetal survival. The infant will benefit from a reconstructive surgery of the orbit.
Material Removal Mechanism of Green Machining on Powder Metallurgy Parts during Orthogonal Cutting
Authors: Yang Dayong , Lu Longsheng , Wan Zhenping
Published: July 2020

Due to its energy‐saving and cost‐reducing characteristics, a novel green machining technique for powder metallurgy (PM) parts is attracting increasing concern. Unlike in the traditional PM machining technique, in the PM green‐machining method arranges, the processing operation is performed before sintering. Since the pristine PM compacts are relatively soft because it just bonds the particles together, direct cutting on pristine PM compacts is a tool‐saving and cost‐effective manufacturing technique and its cutting mechanism is different from that of both solid plastic metals and conventional brittle materials because of the special characteristics of a discontinuous material. The influences of cutting parameters on machined surface roughness are investigated by orthogonal cutting experiments. The results show that the machined surface roughness decreases with increasing cutting thickness and rounded cutting edge radius and slightly increases with increasing rake angle. It is suggested that these results are contrary to the long‐held notions of machined surface roughness. Moreover, a geometric model illustrating the PM green‐machining process was established to reveal the mechanism of material removal and machined surface formation. This model shows that the material removal of PM is composed of particle shearing deformation, peeling, and ploughing/extruding. Finally, this machining model was validated through observations of machined surface morphology and chip morphology.
A Systematic Review on Technology-Supported Interventions to Improve Old-Age Social Wellbeing: Loneliness, Social Isolation, and Connectedness
Authors: Ibarra Francisco , Baez Marcos , Cernuzzi Luca , Casati Fabio
Published: July 2020

Background. This review studies technology-supported interventions to help older adults, living in situations of reduced mobility, overcome loneliness, and social isolation. The focus is on long-distance interactions, investigating the (i) challenges addressed and strategies applied; (ii) technology used in interventions; and (iii) social interactions enabled.Methods. We conducted a search on Elsevier’s Scopus database for related work published until January 2020, focusing on (i) intervention studies supported mainly by technology-mediated communication, (ii) aiming at supported virtual social interactions between people, and (iii) evaluating the impact of loneliness or social isolation.Results. Of the 1178 papers screened, 25 met the inclusion criteria. Computer and Internet training was the dominant strategy, allowing access to communication technologies, while in recent years, we see more studies aiming to provide simple, easy-to-use technology. The technology used was mostly off-the-shelf, with fewer solutions tailored to older adults. Social interactions targeted mainly friends and family, and most interventions focused on more than one group of people.Discussion. All interventions reported positive results, suggesting feasibility. However, more research is needed on the topic (especially randomized controlled trials), as evidenced by the low number of interventions found. We recommend more rigorous methods, addressing human factors and reporting technology usage in future research.
Low-Density Polyethylene Films Carrying ferula asafoetida Extract for Active Food Packaging: Thermal, Mechanical, Optical, Barrier, and Antifungal Properties
Authors: Niazmand Razieh , Razavizadeh Bibi Marzieh , Sabbagh Farzaneh
Published: July 2020

The physical, thermal, mechanical, optical, microstructural, and barrier properties of low-density polyethylene films (LDPE) containing ferula asafoetida leaf and gum extracts were investigated. Results showed a reduction in elasticity and tensile strength with increasing extract concentration in the polymer matrix. The melting temperature and enthalpy increased with increasing concentration of extracts. The films containing extracts had lower L∗ and a∗ and higher b∗ indices. The films containing leaf extract had more barrier potential to UV than the gum extracts. The oxygen permeability in films containing 5% of leaf and gum extracts increased by 2.3 and 2.1 times, respectively. The morphology of the active films was similar to bubble swollen islands, which was more pronounced at higher concentrations of gum and leaf extracts. FTIR results confirmed some chemical interactions of ferula extracts with the polymer matrix. At the end of day 14th, the growth rate of Aspergillus niger and Saccharomyces cerevisea in the presence of the PE-Gum-5 reduced more than PE-Leaf-5 (3.7 and 2.4 logarithmic cycles, respectively) compared to the first day. Our findings showed that active LDPE films have desire thermo-mechanical and barrier properties for food packaging.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Waste Products (Apricot and Black Currant Pomace) Aqueous Extracts and Their Characterization
Authors: Vasyliev Georgii , Vorobyova Victoria , Skiba Margarita , Khrokalo Liudmyla
Published: July 2020

An eco‐friendly and low‐cost method for synthesizing and capping silver nanoparticles with aqueous extracts of apricot and currant wastes is reported. The chemical profiles of the extracts were analysed using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS). Total phenolic content and total flavonoid content of extracts were determined. The antioxidant activity of the synthesized nanoparticles was evaluated by DPPH (1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl) power assays. Cyclic voltammetry study was performed to determine the reducing ability of the aqueous extract of the black currant and apricot pomaces. Characterization of AgNPs was carried out using energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV‐visible spectroscopy. Zeta potential of obtained colloidal solutions varies from −33.41 to −24.23 mV indicating the moderate stability of synthesized nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles efficiently demonstrated a bactericide effect on Escherichia coli.
Sample Entropy Analysis of Horses with and without Lameness at Trot before and after Sedation
Authors: Zhao Jing , Marghitu Dan B. , Rane Amey , Schumacher John
Published: July 2020

The horses were trotted in a straight line, and the acceleration data were recorded from the movement of the horse’s head. Inertial sensors were used to collect the information. The sample entropy was used to characterize the dynamics of horse gait. The gait of sound and lame horses was compared, and the sound horses had smaller values of the sample entropy. The effects of sedative detomidine on the gait of lame horses were also examined. The values of sample entropy for sedated horses were smaller than the values of the sample entropy for untreated horses. The sample entropy can provide important information about the dynamics of the equine gait.
Improvement of Water Stability of Sand Admixed with Water-Soluble Organic Polymer
Authors: Qi Changqing , Bai Yuxia , Liu Jin , Song Zezhuo , Kanungo Debi Prasanna , Bu Fan , Wang Qiongya , Zeng Zhaojun
Published: July 2020

Weak water stability of soil is one of the prime causes of soil erosion and slope damage. To understand the improvement on the water stability of sand by a soluble organic polymer (polyurethane, PU), we have conducted a series of water-stability and turbidity tests to evaluate the effects of different polymer content, densities, and immersion times. The mechanism of the improvements is investigated based on scanning electron and digital microscopes. Our results reveal that the polymer can effectively improve the water stability of sand, where the water-stability coefficient enhanced from zero to 100. The turbidity of the water after oscillation was determined, and its value reduced from 84.5 to 10 and kept stable, which further proved the PU improvement on the water stability of sand. The results can be considered as the reference for construction and management of riverbanks and drainage ditches.
Effect of Four Grape Varieties on the Physicochemical and Sensory Properties of Unripe Grape Verjuice
Authors: Salah Eddine Najiba , Tlais Sami , Alkhatib Ali , Hamdan Rasha
Published: July 2020

Verjuice is a sour-tasting juice obtained from the mechanical pressing of unripe grapes. The significance of verjuice as food product includes but not limited to its richness in antioxidant compounds, its usage as an alternative to lemon and vinegar, and also its production which can reduce the losses of lower quality grapes and waste from grape thinning. In this study, a survey for the common Lebanese traditional preparation methods for verjuice was done and physicochemical properties of four Lebanese verjuice varieties Tfayfihi, Baytamoni, Black, and Obeideh along with their sensory evaluation by consumers were studied. Results showed that “Black” grape verjuice has the highest density (1.01±0.003 g/L), titratable acidity (4.51 g/L±0.03), total soluble solids (5.38°Brix±0.3), and polyphenol content (676.1 mg/L±6.8); verjuice processed from the Baytamoni grape variety has the highest browning index (0.432±0.002) and color intensity (1.18±0.007); “Obeideh” grape verjuice has the highest pH (2.55±0.006); and “Tfayfihi” grape verjuice has the highest radical scavenging potential (91.76%±0.43) and moisture content (95.85%±0.19). Both “Tfayfihi” and “Black” grape verjuice has the highest total suspended solids (40 g/L±1.3 and 40 g/L±2.9, respectively) among all studied verjuice. There is no difference in taste between the four verjuice varieties which we studied, but there is a color preference for the “Tfayfihi” verjuice. The use of different varieties of grapes in the processing of verjuice affects the physicochemical and sensory properties and results in selection of grape varieties being favorable in the processing of verjuice with respect to factors such as polyphenol content and color of the final product.
Weak Quasiperiodic Signal Propagation through Multilayer Feed-Forward Hodgkin–Huxley Neuronal Network
Authors: Yao Yuangen , Gong Bowen , Lu Daxiang , Gui Rong
Published: July 2020

Quasiperiodic signal is ubiquitous and entrenched in neuronal networks, and thus taking it into consideration is necessary. The Wiener process with the intensity of σ is used here to model randomly fluctuated phase in external weak quasiperiodic signal. The departure from the normal periodicity can be governed by the parameter σ. Then, the effects of randomly fluctuated phase of signal and time-periodic coupling intensity of synaptic junctions between neurons on propagation of weak quasiperiodic signal through feed-forward Hodgkin–Huxley network are explored in detail. Increasing σ makes more neurons fire simultaneously, and better synchronous state is observed. Consequently, the external weak quasiperiodic signal introduced into all neurons in the first layer can be effectively transmitted through the whole feed-forward network via synchronization mechanism. In the case of time-periodic synaptic coupling intensity, when oscillatory frequency of synaptic coupling intensity is equal precisely to average frequency of external quasiperiodic signal, the propagation of weak quasiperiodic signal is optimal. Additionally, rapid oscillation of synaptic coupling intensity hinders or even kills the propagation of quasiperiodic signal to great depths of neuronal network, provided σ is not large enough.
Genesis of the Longmendian Ag–Pb–Zn Deposit in Henan (Central China): Constraints from Fluid Inclusions and H–C–O–S–Pb Isotopes
Authors: Chen Xinglin , Shao Yongjun , Lai Chunkit , Wang Cheng
Published: July 2020

The Longmendian Ag–Pb–Zn deposit is located in the southern margin of the North China Craton, and the mineralization occurs mainly in quartz veins, altered gneissic wallrocks, and minor fault breccias in the Taihua Group. Based on vein crosscutting relations, mineral assemblages, and paragenesis, the mineralization can be divided into three stages: (1) quartz–pyrite, (2) quartz–polymetallic sulfides, and (3) quartz–carbonate–polymetallic sulfides. Wallrock alteration can be divided into three zones, i.e., chlorite–sericite, quartz–carbonate–sericite, and silicate. Fluid inclusions in all Stage 1 to 3 quartz are dominated by vapor-liquid two-phase aqueous type (W-type). Petrographic and microthermometric analyses of the fluid inclusions indicate that the homogenization temperatures of Stages 1, 2, and 3 are 198–332°C, 132–260°C, and 97–166°C, with salinities of 4.0–13.3, 1.1–13.1, and 1.9–7.6 wt% NaCleqv, respectively. The vapor comprises primarily H2O, with some CO2, H2, CO, N2, and CH4. The liquid phase contains Ca2+, Na+, K+, SO42−, Cl−, and F−. The sulfides have δ34S=–1.42 to +2.35‰ and 208Pb/204Pb=37.771 to 38.795, 207Pb/204Pb=15.388 to 15.686, and 206Pb/204Pb=17.660 to 18.101. The H–C–O–S–Pb isotope compositions indicate that the ore-forming materials may have been derived from the Taihua Group and the granitic magma. The fluid boiling and cooling and mixing with meteoric water may have been critical for the Ag–Pb–Zn ore precipitation. Geological and geochemical characteristics of the Longmendian deposit indicate that the deposit is best classified as medium- to low-temperature intermediate-sulfidation (LS/IS) epithermal-type, related to Cretaceous crustal-extension-related granitic magmatism.
Designing Buy-Online-and-Pick-Up-in-Store (BOPS) Contract of Dual-Channel Low-Carbon Supply Chain considering Consumers’ Low-Carbon Preference
Authors: Zhang Yang , Li Jingyi , Xu Bing
Published: July 2020

Nowadays, buy-online-and-pick-up-in-store (BOPS) is a popular sales project to promote product sales. Implementing BOPS in the dual-channel low-carbon supply chain (DLSC) can not only improve low-carbon manufacturers’ profit but also reduce energy consumption in it. This paper focuses on how to design the contract which can ensure the implementation of BOPS in the DLSC consisting of one manufacturer and one retailer considering consumers’ low-carbon preference. Based on the analysis of game theory, two kinds of BOPS contract (MW contract with the dominant manufacturer making decision on wholesale price and RW contract with the dominant retailer making decision on wholesale price) with fixed compensation are designed and compared to obtain the better contract which is more effective on the implementation of BOPS. The findings show that MW contract is better than RW contract for the DLSC to implement BOPS. When consumers’ low-carbon preference and BOPS preference and the anti-cross-price elasticity are high enough, the DLSC can implement BOPS under the MW contract because it has Pareto efficiency on the profit of the original DLSC. We further find the sales price is decreasing in consumers’ low-carbon preference and anti-cross-price elasticity, while the wholesale price is increasing in consumers’ low-carbon preference. Finally, the results are verified by numerical examples.
Distributed Adaptive Sliding Mode Control for Vehicle Platoon with Uncertain Driving Resistance and Actuator Saturation
Authors: Song Jia-cheng , Ju Yong-feng
Published: July 2020

Vehicle platoon has been demonstrated to be a promising driving pattern for its prominent advantages in enhancing traffic safety, improving highway capacity, and increasing fuel economy as well as reducing carbon emissions. However, the uncertain driving resistance and saturated actuator output decay the control performance and may even lead to the instability of a vehicle platoon. Therefore, a distributed adaptive sliding mode control algorithm for vehicle platoon with uncertain driving resistance and actuator saturation is proposed in this paper. First of all, sliding mode control technique, together with the coupled sliding surface (CSS) method, is adopted to design the vehicle platoon control algorithm and an adaptive updating law is proposed to estimate the unknown driving resistance coefficients. Then, for the problem of actuator saturation, an antiwindup compensation-based approach is utilized to attenuate the integral windup of the adaptive platoon control laws in the case of actuator saturation. In addition, considering the chattering problem inherent in sliding mode control, a sigmoid-like function sgn⋅ is deployed to weaken the influence of chattering, which is expected to enhance the driving comfortableness. Both theoretical analysis and numerical simulation verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed vehicle platoon algorithm.
A Neutrosophic-Based Approach in Data Envelopment Analysis with Undesirable Outputs
Authors: Mao Xinna , Guoxi Zhao , Fallah Mohammad , Edalatpanah S. A.
Published: July 2020

Data Envelopment Analysis is one of the paramount mathematical methods to compute the general performance of organizations, which utilizes similar sources to produce similar outputs. Original DEA schemes involve crisp information of inputs and outputs that may not always be accessible in real-world applications. Nevertheless, in some cases, the values of the data are information with indeterminacy, impreciseness, vagueness, inconsistent, and incompleteness. Furthermore, the conventional DEA models have been originally formulated solely for desirable outputs. However, undesirable outputs may additionally be present in the manufacturing system, which wishes to be minimized. To tackle the mentioned issues and in order to obtain a reliable measurement that keeps original advantage of DEA and considers the influence of undesirable factors under the indeterminate environments, this paper presents a neutrosophic DEA model with undesirable outputs. The recommended technique is based on the aggregation operator and has a simple construction. Finally, an example is given to illustrate the new model and ranking approach in details.
New Controllability Results of Fractional Nonlocal Semilinear Evolution Systems with Finite Delay
Authors: Zhao Daliang , Mao Juan
Published: July 2020

In the present paper, sufficient conditions ensuring the complete controllability for a class of semilinear fractional nonlocal evolution systems with finite delay in Banach spaces are derived. The new results are obtained under a weaker definition of complete controllability we introduced, and then the Lipschitz continuity and other growth conditions for the nonlinearity and nonlocal item are not required in comparison with the existing literatures. In addition, an appropriate complete space and a corresponding time delay item are introduced to conquer the difficulties caused by time delay. Our main tools are properties of resolvent operators, theory of measure of noncompactness, and Mönch fixed point theorem.
Iterative Solution for Systems of a Class of Abstract Operator Equations in Banach Spaces and Application
Authors: Su Hua
Published: July 2020

In this paper, by using the partial order method, the existence and uniqueness of a solution for systems of a class of abstract operator equations in Banach spaces are discussed. The result obtained in this paper improves and unifies many recent results. Two applications to the system of nonlinear differential equations and the systems of nonlinear differential equations in Banach spaces are given, and the unique solution and interactive sequences which converge the unique solution and the error estimation are obtained.
Pericardial Effusion-Associated Hyponatremia
Authors: Hanfy Ahmed A. , Manasewitsch Nicholas T. , Beutler Bryce D. , Antwi-Amoabeng Daniel , Elnaggar Mohamed , Awad Munadel , Chahal Gurpreet S.
Published: July 2020

Pericardial effusion has been identified as a rare cause of hyponatremia. In most patients, pericardiocentesis results in rapid correction. We describe a 67-year-old male who presented with pericardial effusion-associated hyponatremia secondary to cardiac resynchronization therapy-D placement that resolved following evacuation. In addition, we review the literature on pericardial effusion-associated hyponatremia.
Hierarchical Protocol Based on Recursive Clusters for Smart Parking Applications Using Internet of Things (IOT)
Authors: Hilmani Adil , Maizate Abderrahim , Hassouni Larbi
Published: July 2020

With the increasing number of vehicles, the management of parking spaces in cities is becoming increasingly important in improving the quality of life and combating air pollution. Indeed, finding a parking space at peak times and in congested areas of the population becomes a huge challenge for drivers. To remedy this problem, most modern cities have smart parking. The equipment of these smart parking is mainly based on the implementation of wireless sensor networks (WSN) to monitor, track, and collect real-time information on the occupancy status of each parking space. This information is then made available to drivers who are looking for an available parking space. However, sensor nodes have limitations in terms of energy and communication that affect the performance and quality of the wireless sensor network. Therefore, the design of a self-organization protocol for WSN that minimizes power consumption and maximizes the longevity of the WSN network must be taken into account when implementing and developing a sustainable and viable intelligent parking system. In this paper, we propose a protocol for self-organization of wireless sensor networks (WSN) for the management of parking spaces in outdoor and urban car parks. This protocol is based on building clusters using ZigBee transmission technology for multihop communication. Each sensor node will be installed in the ground of each parking space to monitor its availability by sending the empty or busy state of that space to the gateway using cluster head nodes (CHs). This approach has a robust and efficient self-organizing algorithm that minimizes energy dissipation and increases the lifetime of sensor nodes and the WSN network. The simulation results show that parking management systems in outdoor and urban car parks using the self-organization protocol presented are efficient and sustainable in terms of energy consumption, reliability of data transmission, and the longevity of the WSN network compared to other existing parking systems that use different self-organizing protocols for wireless sensor networks.
Are Stem Cells Derived from Synovium and Fat Pad Able to Treat Induced Knee Osteoarthritis in Rats?
Authors: Zare Reza , Tanideh Nader , Nikahval Behrooz , Mirtalebi Maryam Sadat , Ahmadi Nasrollah , Zarea Shahrokh , Hosseinabadi Omid Koohi , Bhimani Rohan , Ashkani-Esfahani Soheil
Published: July 2020

Background. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease and a significant cause of joint pain, tenderness, and limitation of motion. At present, no specific treatment is available, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown promising potentials in this regard. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the repairing potentials of stem cells derived from the synovium and fat pad in the treatment of OA. Methods. Twenty-eight male rats (220±20 g, aged 10-12 weeks), were randomly divided into four groups (n=7): C1: nontreated group, C2: Hyalgan-treated group, E1: adipose tissue-derived stem cell-treated group, and E2: synovial membrane-based stem cell-treated group. Collagenase type II was injected into the left knee; after eight weeks, OA was developed. Then, stem cells were injected, and rats were followed for three months. Afterward, specimens and radiological images were investigated. p value ≤ 0.05 was set as statistically significant. Results. Compared to the C1 group, the E1 and E2 groups showed significantly better results in all six pathological criteria as well as joint space width and osteophytes of medial tibial, medial femoral, and medial fabellar condyles (p≤0.001). Similarly, compared to the C2 group, the E1 and E2 groups had better scores regarding surface, matrix, cell distribution, and cell population viability (p<0.05). E2 showed considerably higher scores compared to C2 regarding subchondral bone and cartilage mineralization (p<0.05). The joint space width was similar between the C2 and E groups. Conclusion. Treatment of OA with MSCs, particularly synovial membrane-derived stem cells, not only prevented but also healed OA of the knee to some extent in comparison to the Hyalgan and nontreatment groups.
Outcome of Newborn Screening for Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia at Two Time Points
Authors: Eshragh Nazaneen , Doan Luong Van , Connelly Kara J. , Denniston Sara , Willis Sharon , LaFranchi Stephen H.
Published: July 2020

Background/Aims: Screening newborns for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is problematic owing to the dynamic changes in serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) levels following birth. Our study objectives were to determine the accuracy of screening, severity of CAH, and biochemical and clinical outcomes of cases detected by our program which collects specimens at 2 time periods following birth. Methods: We reviewed all CAH cases detected in the Northwest Regional Newborn Screening Program from 2003 through 2017. Comparison was made of screening and confirmatory serum 17-OHP, neonatal, maternal, and follow-up auxologic data, steroid treatment doses, and 21-hydroxylase genotype in cases detected on the first versus second test. Results: Out of 164 cases of CAH, 25% were detected on the second screen. Infants detected on the second test had a lower screening 17-OHP (147 vs. 294 ng/mL), lower confirmatory serum 17-OHP (7,772 vs. 14,622 ng/dL), and were more likely to have simple virilizing CAH. There were no identifiable neonatal or maternal factors associated with detection on the second test. 21-Hydroxylase genotypes overlapped in first versus second screen cases. Conclusion: Early collection of specimens necessitated by early discharge resulted in milder CAH cases falling below the screening 17-OHP cutoff. In our program 25% of cases were detected on a routine second screen.
Clinical and Economic Evaluation after Adopting Contingent Cell-Free DNA Screening for Fetal Trisomies in South Spain
Authors: Sainz José A. , Torres María R. , Peral Ignacio , Granell Reyes , Vargas Manuel , Carrasco Pilar , Garcia-Mejido José A. , Santacruz Belén , Gil María M.
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Contingent cell-free (cf) DNA screening on the basis of the first-trimester combined test (FCT) results has emerged as a cost-effective strategy for screening of trisomy 21 (T21). Objectives: To assess performance, patients’ uptake, and cost of contingent cfDNA screening and to compare them with those of the established FCT. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study including all singleton pregnancies attending to their FCT for screening of T21 at 2 university hospitals in South Spain. When the FCT risk was ≥1:50, there were major fetal malformations, or the nuchal translucency was ≥3.5 mm, women were recommended invasive testing (IT); if the risk was between 1:50 and 1:270, women were recommended cfDNA testing; and for risks bellow 1:270, no further testing was recommended. Detection rate (DR), false-positive rate (FPR), patients’ uptake, and associated costs were evaluated. Results: We analyzed 10,541 women, including 46 T21 cases. DR of our contingent strategy was 89.1% (41/46) at 1.4% (146/10,541) FPR. Uptake of cfDNA testing was 91.2% (340/373), and overall IT rate was 2.0%. The total cost of our strategy was €1,462,895.7, similar to €1,446,525.7 had cfDNA testing not been available. Conclusions: Contingent cfDNA screening shows high DR, low IT rate, and high uptake at a similar cost than traditional screening.
Lack of Association between LCT_rs140433552*CA>del Indel Polymorphism and Lactose Intolerance in a Southern Brazilian Population
Authors: Oliveira Luana Caroline , Dias Barros Andrey Lucas , Boldt Angelica Beate Winter , Adelman Cipolla Gabriel
Published: July 2020

Background/Aims: Polymorphisms in the enhancer of the lactase gene (LCT) are strongly associated with lactase persistence, but not always predictive of the phenotype. We investigated a possible association between the regulatory rs140433552*CA>del variant of LCT and lactose intolerance (LI). Methods: We genotyped 122 individuals for rs140433552 and rs4988235 (–13910*C>T). Results: Associations of rs140433552*CA>del with LI depend on –13910*C>T. Homozygous individuals for the C-CA haplotype, as well as C-CA+/C individuals, seem more likely to manifest LI (OR 3.33 [95% CI 1.32–8.35], p = 0.011, and OR 3.93 [95% CI 1.61–9.61], p = 0.003, respectively), while homozygous individuals for the T-CA haplotype seem more likely to be lactose tolerant (OR 0.04 [95% CI 0.002–0.70], p = 8 × 10–4). Conclusions: rs140433552*CA>del is not independently associated with LI.
Congenital Laryngeal Stenosis and Concomitant Birth Defects in a Term Newborn: A Case Report
Authors: Tesmer Patrycja , Wróblewska-Seniuk Katarzyna , Mazela Jan , Szydłowski Jarosław
Published: July 2020

Congenital laryngeal stenosis is a rare and unusual anomaly that usually presents in the first minutes after delivery as severe life-threatening respiratory distress. It may exist as an isolated entity or in association with other congenital malformations, in particular cardiac anomalies. In this paper, we present the case of an infant with prenatal suspicion of tetralogy of Fallot. Immediately after delivery, the patient required intubation, which proved difficult. He was eventually diagnosed with laryngeal stenosis requiring laryngological treatment.
A Mixed-Method Study on Strategies in Everyday Personal Goals among Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Joly-Burra Emilie , Van der Linden Martial , Ghisletta Paolo
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Although it is well known that preference for selection, optimization, and compensation (SOC) strategies is associated with indicators of successful aging and well-being, very little is known about what predicts the use of SOC as goal management strategies in the daily lives of older adults. The present study investigates predictors of self-reported use of SOC strategies in community-dwelling adults. We expected selection and especially compensation to be higher in individuals with worse subjective health and cognitive performance. On the contrary, given that optimization is an anticipatory strategy to increase goal-relevant means in the absence of resource losses, we did not expect optimization to be related to either health or cognition. Methods: We performed hierarchical regression to predict use of SOC strategies to achieve everyday personal goals (assessed qualitatively via semi-structured interviews exploring participants’ personal goals) from subjective health and objective cognitive performance, controlling for age, apathy, and depression. Results: Poorer self-rated health and worse cognitive performance positively predicted compensation as a goal management strategy (R2 = 20%), whereas self-rated health just failed to significantly predict selection rates. None of the variables of interest predicted optimization. Discussion/Conclusion: Whereas previous research suggests associations between reduced resources and decreased absolute frequency of compensation use, the present study found that poorer cognitive status and perceived health are both linked to increased reliance on compensation in order to preserve well-being. In line with their anticipatory nature, the use of optimization strategies was independent from health and cognitive resources in our sample. We discuss the absence of conclusive effects regarding selection in this study in light of the distinction between elective and loss-based selection.
O contexto político da produção de Ignacio Martín-Baró
Authors: Costa Gisele , Souza Marilene Proença Rebello de
Published: July 2020

Desde a década de 1970 a obra de Ignacio Martín-Baró pode ser considerada um ponto de inflexão no pensamento social latino-americano, com destaque para o campo da psicologia. Sob forte influência de autores ligados à discussão de Libertação Nacional em todos os rincões da América Latina, os escritos de Martín-Baró, foram formulados mediante o ascenso da guerra civil na América Central e da luta pela redemocratização na América do Sul. É nesse sentido que o presente artigo, a partir do método do materialismo histórico e dialético, busca apresentar os postulados do intelectual espanhol por meio das bases materiais e dos debates políticos vinculados a um contexto histórico que determinaram o desenvolvimento, e sobretudo, a radicalização de seus pressupostos. Assim, a obra de Martín-Baró é apresentada ao leitor como uma obra inalienável à situação conjuntural-estrutural da realidade objetiva da América Latina, durante as décadas de 1970 e 1980, sendo seu pensamento parte da crítica de Libertação Nacional que marcou o debate político das organizações populares e partidários naquele período.
Impacto do programa de fisioterapia aquática funcional em idosos com hipertensão arterial
Authors: Carnavale Bianca Ferdin , Pianna Bruna , Gimenes Camila , Barrile Silvia Regina , Alcalde Guilherme Eleutério , Moratelli Júlia Moretto , Arca Eduardo Aguilar
Published: July 2020

O objetivo do estudo foi verificar a influência do programa de fisioterapia aquática na aptidão funcional, pressão arterial e qualidade de vida em idosos hipertensos. Os voluntários foram alocados por conveniência em dois grupos: grupo aquático (GA), que foram submetidos ao programa de fisioterapia aquática e o grupo controle (GC). A coleta de dados constituiu das medidas da pressão arterial, aplicação dos testes de caminhada de 6 minutos (TC6), flexibilidade, timed up and go (TUG) e questionário de qualidade de vida WHOQOL-bref, nos momentos pré e pós-intervenção aquática. O programa de intervenção teve duração de 16 semanas, sendo constituído por exercícios aeróbicos e funcionais. Para os dados paramétricos, foram utilizados os testes t de Student para duas amostras independentes para comparação dos grupos e duas amostras pareadas para comparação dos momentos. Para os dados não paramétricos foram aplicados os testes de Mann-Whitney para comparação dos grupos e Wilcoxon para comparação dos momentos. Em todos os testes, foi considerado resultado estatisticamente significante quando p < 0,05. Na comparação entre os grupos houve diferença nos momentos pós do teste de flexibilidade de 18,95 (10,20-36,03) cm no GA para 10,50 (5,73-21,83) cm (p = 0,02) no GC. Na comparação entre os momentos houve modificações dos valores do teste de flexibilidade de 11,80(3,0-27,30) cm para 15,05 (10,20-36,03) cm (p = 0,01) e do TC6 de 409,25 (300,0-600,0) m para 488,50 (349,0-616,0) m (p = 0,002) no GA. Pode-se inferir que a fisioterapia aquática contribui para a melhora da aptidão funcional em idosos com doenças crônicas não transmissíveis.
Fatores de risco associados à prática de atividade física de universitários no início e final da graduação
Authors: Gasparotto Guilherme Da Silva , Campos Wagner De
Published: July 2020

Este estudo de delineamento descritivo, longitudinal, com 1.197 universitários se propôs a verificar: a) possibilidade de alteração na prática de atividade física de estudantes universitários após quatro anos de curso; b) associação entre a prática de atividade física moderada a vigorosa (AFMV) e atividade física vigorosa (AFV) com fatores de risco cardiovascular (FRC) avaliados no início e fim da graduação; c) fraçãoatribuída à prática de AFMV e AFV na associação com FRC. Por meio dos questionários International Physical Activity Questionnaire e Youth Risk Behavior Survey, foram respectivamente obtidas medidas da prática de atividade física e dos seguintes FRC: consumo de bebidas alcoólicas, tabagismo e hábitos alimentares. Além desses fatores, foram verificados: pressão arterial, IMC e circunferência da cintura (CC). Pela Razão dePrevalência identificou-se associação da AFMV e AFV com os FRC. Calculou-se também a fração atribuída populacional (FAP) da atividade física sobre os FRC. Foi verificada manutenção da prática de AFMV, 46,4% em 2011 e 50,3% em 2014, bem como de AFV, 30,7% em 2011 e 35,2% em 2014. Além disso, observou-se relação positiva da prática de atividade física com consumo de bebidas alcoólicas e de frutas, saladas e/ouvegetais, além de relação protetiva com a CC elevada, em 2011 e 2014 (p < 0,05). A prática de atividade física apresentou associação com alguns FRC nos dois períodos avaliados. Entre os mais associados estiveram o consumo recomendado de frutas, saladas e/ou vegetais e a circunferência de cintura elevada. Outros fatores de risco podem estar associados com diferentes variáveis socioambientais.
Uma comunidade desportiva e as redes de cooperação entre organizações promotoras de desporto
Authors: Garcia João António , Saragoça José Manuel Leal , Teixeira Mário Rui Coelho
Published: July 2020

É fundamental o estudo das organizações desportivas, enquanto entidades sociais essenciais no processo de desenvolvimento do desporto em Portugal, uma vez que as relações interorganizacionais são determinantes para a sustentabilidade e competitividade no setor desportivo. O estudo tem como objetivo identificar e compreender as relações de cooperação que as instituições promotoras de desporto do concelho de Évoraestabelecem entre si, como forma de potenciar a eficiência coletiva. A investigação enquadra-se nos estudos de carácter exploratório e assume a configuração de um estudo de caso. A ferramenta utilizada no tratamento dos dados foi a Análise de Redes Sociais (ARS), tendo os dados sido recolhidos através de questionário sociométrico e complementados com análise documental. Concluiu-se que, na generalidade, as dinâmicas de cooperação em rede são fracas, encontrando-se algumas exceções ao nível dos subgrupos. Perante os números de praticantes e modalidades disponibilizadas, aferiu-se que as organizações desportivas desenvolvem, através das suas estruturas, uma função interventiva na comunidade. A Câmara Municipal de Évora é a instituição que apresenta maior centralidade nas diferentes redes. A perspetiva dos atores em rede é exclusivamente centrada em interesses particulares, sendo que, as relações de cooperação acontecem essencialmente para troca de informação. A prospetiva de cooperação futura apresenta múltiplas potencialidades, o que, certamente, contribuirá para o desenvolvimento desportivo do concelho.
Qualidade de vida
Authors: Moreira Natália Boneti , Mazzardo Oldemar , Vagetti Gislaine Cristina , Oliveira Valdomiro De , Campos Wagner De
Published: July 2020

O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar a percepção de Qualidade de Vida Relacionada à Saúde em relação ao sexo e índice de massa corporal em atletas do basquetebol master brasileiro. A amostra foi composta por 300 atletas com idade média de 49,59 ± 8,35 anos, que foram entrevistados para avaliação das características sociodemográficas e da Qualidade de Vida Relacionada à Saúde (Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey – SF-36). O índice de massa corporal foi calculado após aferição do peso e da estatura. Para análise dos dados, foram utilizados o Teste de Mann-Whitney e o Teste de Kruskal-Wallis. Os resultados evidenciaram que as mulheres apresentaram maiores escores de Qualidade de Vida Relacionada à Saúde nos domínios físicos (Aspectos físicos, Estado Geral de Saúde, Vitalidade, e Componente Físico). Em contrapartida, os homens apresentaram melhor percepção nos domínios mentais (Saúde Mental e Componente Mental). Os atletas com peso normal apresentaram valores significativamente maiores quando comparados aos obesos na maioria dos domínios da Qualidade de Vida Relacionada à Saúde, tanto físicos (Capacidade Funcional, Dor, Estado Geral de Saúde e Componente Físico) quanto mentais (Saúde Mental e Componente Mental). Como conclusão, o sexo e o índice de massa corporal estão associados com a percepção de Qualidade de Vida Relacionada à Saúde dos atletas.
Consumo de suplementos e risco de distúrbios no comportamento alimentar em atletas adolescentes de Porto Alegre
Authors: La Porta Luiza Laubert , Alves Fernanda Donner , Souza Carolina Guerini de
Published: July 2020

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o consumo de suplementos alimentares por atletas adolescentes de diferentes modalidades esportivas de um clube de Porto Alegre, o risco de distúrbios no comportamento alimentar e possíveis associações destas variáveis com o treinamento esportivo. Trata-se de um estudo transversal com 133 atletas federados praticantes de nove modalidades esportivas em que foram avaliadoso consumo de suplementos alimentares, comportamento alimentar e insatisfação com a imagem corporal. A amostra foi composta por adolescentes sendo predominante o sexo masculino (57%), com idade média de 15,8 ± 2 anos. Mais de 30% declarou consumir suplementos, com objetivo principal de melhorar o desempenho esportivo, sendo o carboidrato e a proteína os mais citados. Dos que consumiam 80% tinhaorientação nutricional da nutricionista do clube para este uso. Participar de modalidades esportivas individuais e praticar musculação aumentaram a probabilidade de consumo de suplementos em 6 e 15 vezes, respectivamente. A avaliação do comportamento alimentar resultou em baixo risco de distúrbio, e a insatisfação com a imagem corporal foi menor nos homens que usavam suplementos (p = 0,048). Portanto,a população de atletas adolescentes estudada apresentou um maior consumo de suplementos alimentares nos atletas que praticavam esportes individuais e musculação, em sua maioria, na busca de melhora de desempenho e melhora da imagem corporal. A presença de nutricionista no clube esportivo pode estar relacionada com a baixa prevalência de distúrbios do comportamento alimentar.