bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Training Neural Network Decoders of Rate Compatible Polar Codes via Transfer Learning
Authors: Lee Hyunjae , Seo Eun Young , Ju Hyosang , Kim Sang-Hyo
Published: April 2020

Neural network decoders (NNDs) for rate-compatible polar codes are studied in this paper. We consider a family of rate-compatible polar codes which are constructed from a single polar coding sequence as defined by 5G new radios. We propose a transfer learning technique for training multiple NNDs of the rate-compatible polar codes utilizing their inclusion property. The trained NND for a low rate code is taken as the initial state of NND training for the next smallest rate code. The proposed method provides quicker training as compared to separate learning of the NNDs according to numerical results. We additionally show that an underfitting problem of NND training due to low model complexity can be solved by transfer learning techniques.
The Odds Exponential-Pareto IV Distribution: Regression Model and Application
Authors: Baharith Lamya A. , AL-Beladi Kholod M. , Klakattawi Hadeel S.
Published: April 2020

This article introduces the odds exponential-Pareto IV distribution, which belongs to the odds family of distributions. We studied the statistical properties of this new distribution. The odds exponential-Pareto IV distribution provided decreasing, increasing, and upside-down hazard functions. We employed the maximum likelihood method to estimate the distribution parameters. The estimators performance was assessed by conducting simulation studies. A new log location-scale regression model based on the odds exponential-Pareto IV distribution was also introduced. Parameter estimates of the proposed model were obtained using both maximum likelihood and jackknife methods for right-censored data. Real data sets were analyzed under the odds exponential-Pareto IV distribution and log odds exponential-Pareto IV regression model to show their flexibility and potentiality.
Lie Group Cohomology and (Multi)Symplectic Integrators: New Geometric Tools for Lie Group Machine Learning Based on Souriau Geometric Statistical Mechanics
Authors: Barbaresco Frédéric , Gay-Balmaz François
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we describe and exploit a geometric framework for Gibbs probability densities and the associated concepts in statistical mechanics, which unifies several earlier works on the subject, including Souriau’s symplectic model of statistical mechanics, its polysymplectic extension, Koszul model, and approaches developed in quantum information geometry. We emphasize the role of equivariance with respect to Lie group actions and the role of several concepts from geometric mechanics, such as momentum maps, Casimir functions, coadjoint orbits, and Lie-Poisson brackets with cocycles, as unifying structures appearing in various applications of this framework to information geometry and machine learning. For instance, we discuss the expression of the Fisher metric in presence of equivariance and we exploit the property of the entropy of the Souriau model as a Casimir function to apply a geometric model for energy preserving entropy production. We illustrate this framework with several examples including multivariate Gaussian probability densities, and the Bogoliubov-Kubo-Mori metric as a quantum version of the Fisher metric for quantum information on coadjoint orbits. We exploit this geometric setting and Lie group equivariance to present symplectic and multisymplectic variational Lie group integration schemes for some of the equations associated with Souriau symplectic and polysymplectic models, such as the Lie-Poisson equation with cocycle.
BOOST: Medical Image Steganography Using Nuclear Spin Generator
Authors: Stoyanov Bozhidar , Stoyanov Borislav
Published: April 2020

In this study, we present a medical image stego hiding scheme using a nuclear spin generator system. Detailed theoretical and experimental analysis is provided on the proposed algorithm using histogram analysis, peak signal-to-noise ratio, key space calculation, and statistical package analysis. The provided results show good performance of the brand new medical image steganographic scheme.
Evaluating the Likelihood of Tree Failure in Naples, Florida (United States) Following Hurricane Irma
Authors: Klein Ryan W. , Koeser Andrew K. , Kane Brian , Landry Shawn M. , Shields Heather , Lloyd Stephen , Hansen Gail
Published: April 2020

Trees in residential landscapes provide many benefits, but can injure persons and damage property when they fail. In hurricane-prone regions like Florida, USA, the regular occurrence of hurricanes has provided an opportunity to assess factors that influence the likelihood of wind-induced tree failure and develop species failure profiles. We assessed open-grown trees in Naples, Florida, following the passage of Hurricane Irma in September 2017 to determine the effect of relevant factors on the degree of damage sustained by individual trees. Of 4034 assessed individuals (n = 15 species), 74% sustained no damage, 4% sustained only minor damage (i.e., minimal corrective pruning needed), 6% sustained significant damage (i.e., major corrective pruning needed), and 15% were whole-tree failures (i.e., overturned trees or trees requiring removal). The proportion of individuals in each damage category varied among species, stem diameter at 1.4 m above ground, and the presence of utility lines, which was a proxy for maintenance. We compared our results with the findings of seven previous hurricanes in the region to explore species’ resilience in hurricanes.
Soil and Nutrient Cycling Responses in Riparian Forests to the Loss of Ash (Fraxinus spp. L) from Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis, Fairmaire)
Authors: Sibley Paul K. , Dutkiewicz David , Kreutzweiser David P. , Hazlett Paul
Published: April 2020

Emerald ash borer (EAB) is an alien invasive species that is spreading across Canada and the United States killing ash trees. In riparian forests where ash may be abundant; loss of ash can induce significant structural changes; including the creation of canopy gaps; changes in light penetration; expansion of ground vegetation; and alteration of soil nitrogen and carbon cycling. In 2014 and 2015, we examined the effects of EAB-caused gaps in riparian forests on soil nutrient dynamics. Two sites with different infestation timelines, a “new” site (mortality in past 2–3 years) and an “old” site (infested 10 years previous) were selected to determine temporal differences in effects of canopy gaps created by ash loss on litterfall, herbaceous ground vegetation, and soil nutrient cycling. Within both sites, plots with clustered dead ash (canopy gap plots—CG) were paired with nearby plots of full canopy and no ash (canopy closed plots—CC), and differences between paired plots determined. Total litterfall was observed at all sites but was only significant at the new infestation site. Reductions in leaf litter deposition in CG plots resulted in reduced N and C flux to the forest floor but soil C and N concentrations, and nitrogen mineralization rates, were not significantly different between CG and CC plots. Nitrate concentration in soil solution was significantly greater in CG plots compared to CC plots at the new infestation sites but showed the opposite trend at the old infestation sites. Herbaceous ground vegetation biomass was significantly greater (up to 10×) in CG plots than in CC plots. Overall, despite changes to riparian forest canopy structure and litterfall, there was no significant difference in soil nutrient cycling between EAB-induced canopy gaps and closed canopy plots after 10 years, suggesting a high resilience of riparian forest soils to EAB infestation
The Forest Stakeholders’ Perception towards the NATURA 2000 Network in the Czech Republic
Authors: Schneider Jiří , Ruda Aleš , Kalasová Žaneta , Paletto Alessandro
Published: April 2020

Natura 2000 is a network of European protected areas, established under the provision of two directives of the European Union: the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and the Birds Directive (79/409/EEC; 2009/147/EU). The Natura 2000 network can be considered an interesting instrument to maintain and improve ecosystem services provided by protected sites. The European Union member countries are free to organize the participatory process in the implementation of the Natura 2000 network. The participatory process is often overlooked despite it being an important tool to increase the social acceptance and reduce conflicts among stakeholders with different interests. The aim of the present study is to investigate the stakeholders’ perceptions towards the ecosystem services provided by the Natura 2000 sites in the Czech Republic. The data was collected through a questionnaire survey involving 53 stakeholders (forester managers and nature conservation authorities) in all regions of the Czech Republic. The results show that for the respondents, the implementation of the Habitats and Birds Directives in the Czech Republic is very or quite important (54.7%), but at the same time, many respondents consider the Natura 2000 network an obstacle for economic activities close to the sites (66.0% of total respondents). In accordance with the stakeholders’ opinions, the three most important human activities near and inside the Natura 2000 sites are agricultural activities, followed by nature conservation interventions and forestry activities. The representatives of environmental Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and academia emphasize the importance of nature conservation interventions, while the other groups of interest consider the provisioning services supplied by agricultural and forestry activities as the most relevant ecosystem services. The results of this study can be considered as the starting point aimed to improve the participatory process in the establishment and management of the Natura 2000 sites based on the stakeholders’ feelings and opinions.
Suitability of Graph Database Technology for the Analysis of Spatio-Temporal Data
Authors: Baker Effendi Sedick , van der Merwe Brink , Balke Wolf-Tilo
Published: April 2020

Every day large quantities of spatio-temporal data are captured, whether by Web-based companies for social data mining or by other industries for a variety of applications ranging from disaster relief to marine data analysis. Making sense of all this data dramatically increases the need for intelligent backend systems to provide realtime query response times while scaling well (in terms of storage and performance) with increasing quantities of structured or semi-structured, multi-dimensional data. Currently, relational database solutions with spatial extensions such as PostGIS, seem to come to their limits. However, the use of graph database technology has been rising in popularity and has been found to handle graph-like spatio-temporal data much more effectively. Motivated by the need to effectively store multi-dimensional, interconnected data, this paper investigates whether or not graph database technology is better suited when compared to the extended relational approach. Three database technologies will be investigated using real world datasets namely: PostgreSQL, JanusGraph, and TigerGraph. The datasets used are the Yelp challenge dataset and an ambulance response simulation dataset, thus combining real world spatial data with realistic simulations offering more control over the dataset. Our extensive evaluation is based on how each database performs under practical data analysis scenarios similar to those found on enterprise level.
COVID-19: A Geriatric Emergency
Authors: Boccardi Virginia , Ruggiero Carmelinda , Mecocci Patrizia
Published: April 2020

The older Italian population is posing a challenge in the number of deaths for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). According to previous data from China, pre-existing health conditions dramatically increase the risk of dying from COVID-19. The presence of multiple diseases in older patients may be considered as a mark of frailty, which increases the person’s vulnerability to stress and impairs the multisystemic compensatory effort to restore homeostasis. The clinical complexity associated with the management of frailty may increase the risk of complications during infection as well as the lack of the early recognition of atypical symptoms. There is an urgent need to share expertise and clinical management skills with geriatricians as well as the need for early diagnosis to start treatment at the earliest convenience in the community, with the aim to avoid the collapse of intensive care units.
Aesthetical Issues of Leonardo Da Vinci’s and Pablo Picasso’s Paintings with Stochastic Evaluation
Authors: Sargentis G.-Fivos , Dimitriadis Panayiotis , Koutsoyiannis Demetris
Published: April 2020

A physical process is characterized as complex when it is difficult to analyze or explain in a simple way. The complexity within an art painting is expected to be high, possibly comparable to that of nature. Therefore, constructions of artists (e.g., paintings, music, literature, etc.) are expected to be also of high complexity since they are produced by numerous human (e.g., logic, instinct, emotions, etc.) and non-human (e.g., quality of paints, paper, tools, etc.) processes interacting with each other in a complex manner. The result of the interaction among various processes is not a white-noise behavior, but one where clusters of high or low values of quantified attributes appear in a non-predictive manner, thus highly increasing the uncertainty and the variability. In this work, we analyze stochastic patterns in terms of the dependence structure of art paintings of Da Vinci and Picasso with a stochastic 2D tool and investigate the similarities or differences among the artworks.
Cryptocurrencies Perception Using Wikipedia and Google Trends
Authors: Stolarski Piotr , Lewoniewski Włodzimierz , Abramowicz Witold
Published: April 2020

In this research we presented different approaches to investigate the possible relationships between the largest crowd-based knowledge source and the market potential of particular cryptocurrencies. Identification of such relations is crucial because their existence may be used to create a broad spectrum of analyses and reports about cryptocurrency projects and to obtain a comprehensive outlook of the blockchain domain. The activities on the blockchain reach different levels of anonymity which renders them hard objects of studies. In particular, the standard tools used to characterize social trends and variables that describe cryptocurrencies’ situations are unsuitable to be used in the environment that extensively employs cryptographic techniques to hide real users. The employment of Wikipedia to trace crypto assets value need examination because the portal allows gathering of different opinions—content of the articles is edited by a group of people. Consequently, the information can be more attractive and useful for the readers than in case of non-collaborative sources of information. Wikipedia Articles often appears in the premium position of such search engines as Google, Bing, Yahoo and others. One may expect different demand on information about particular cryptocurrency depending on the different events (e.g., sharp fluctuations of price). Wikipedia offers only information about cryptocurrencies that are important from the point of view of language community of the users in Wikipedia. This “filter” helps to better identify those cryptocurrencies that have a significant influence on the regional markets. The models encompass linkages between different variables and properties. In one model cryptocurrency projects are ranked with the means of articles sentiment and quality. In another model, Wikipedia visits are linked to cryptocurrencies’ popularity. Additionally, the interactions between information demand in different Wikipedia language versions are elaborated. They are used to assess the geographical esteem of certain crypto coins. The information about the legal status of cryptocurrency technologies in different states that are offered by Wikipedia is used in another proposed model. It allows assessment of the adoption of cryptocurrencies in a given legislature. Finally, a model is developed that joins Wikipedia articles editions and deletions with the social sentiment towards particular cryptocurrency projects. The mentioned analytical purposes that permit assessment of the popularity of blockchain technologies in different local communities are not the only results of the paper. The models can show which country has the biggest demand on particular cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Bitcoin Cash, Monero, Litecoin, Dogecoin and others.
Numerical Calculations to Grasp a Mathematical Issue Such as the Riemann Hypothesis
Authors: Riguidel Michel
Published: April 2020

This article presents the use of data processing to apprehend mathematical questions such as the Riemann Hypothesis (RH) by numerical calculation. Calculations are performed alongside graphs of the argument of the complex numbers ζ ( x + i y ) = a + i b and ξ ( x + i y ) = p + i q , in the critical strip. On the one hand, the two-dimensional surface angle tan − 1 ( b / a ) of the Riemann Zeta function ζ is related to the semi-angle of the fractional part of y 2 π ln ( y 2 π e ) and, on the other hand, the Ksi function ξ of the Riemann functional equation is analyzed with respect to the coordinates ( x , 1 − x ; y ) . The computation of the power series expansion of the ξ function with its symmetry analysis highlights the RH by the underlying ratio of Gamma functions inside the ξ formula. The ξ power series beside the angle of both surfaces of the ζ function enables to exhibit a Bézout identity a u + b v ≡ c between the components ( a , b ) of the ζ function, which illustrates the RH. The geometric transformations in complex space of the Zeta and Ksi functions, illustrated graphically, as well as series expansions, calculated by computer, make it possible to elucidate this mathematical problem numerically. A final theoretical outlook gives deeper insights on the functional equation’s mechanisms, by adopting a computer–scientific perspective.
Lysine Acetyltransferase p300/CBP Plays an Important Role in Reproduction, Embryogenesis and Longevity of the Pea Aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum
Authors: Kirfel Phillipp , Vilcinskas Andreas , Skaljac Marisa
Published: April 2020

CREB-binding protein (p300/CBP) is a universal transcriptional co-regulator with lysine acetyltransferase activity. Drosophila melanogaster p300/CBP is a well-known regulator of embryogenesis, and recent studies in beetles and cockroaches have revealed the importance of this protein during post-embryonic development and endocrine signaling. In pest insects, p300/CBP may therefore offer a useful target for control methods based on RNA interference (RNAi). We investigated the role of p300/CBP in the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum), a notorious pest insect used as a laboratory model for the analysis of complex life-history traits. The RNAi-based attenuation of A. pisum p300/CBP significantly reduced the aphid lifespan and number of offspring, as well as shortening the reproductive phase, suggesting the manipulation of this gene contributes to accelerated senescence. Furthermore, injection of p300/CBP dsRNA also reduced the number of viable offspring and increased the number of premature nymphs, which developed in abnormally structured ovaries. Our data confirm the evolutionarily conserved function of p300/CBP during insect embryogenesis and show that the protein has a critical effect on longevity, reproduction and development in A. pisum. The potent effect of p300/CBP silencing indicates that this regulatory protein is an ideal target for RNAi-based aphid control.
Conduction-Based Thermally Assisted Micromilling Process for Cutting Difficult-to-Machine Materials
Authors: Platt Timo , Meijer Alexander , Biermann Dirk
Published: April 2020

The increasing demand for complex and wear-resistant forming tools made of difficult-to-machine materials requires efficient manufacturing processes. In terms of high-strength materials; highly suitable processes such as micromilling are limited in their potential due to the increased tool loads and the resulting tool wear. This promotes hybrid manufacturing processes that offer approaches to increase the performance. In this paper; conduction-based thermally assisted micromilling using a prototype device to homogeneously heat the entire workpiece is investigated. By varying the workpiece temperature by 20 °C < TW < 500 °C; a highly durable high-speed steel (HSS) AISI M3:2 (63 HRC) and a hot-work steel (HWS) AISI H11 (53 HRC) were machined using PVD-TiAlN coated micro-end milling tools (d = 1 mm). The influence of the workpiece temperature on central process conditions; such as tool wear and achievable surface quality; are determined. As expected; the temporary thermal softening of the materials leads to a reduction in the cutting forces and; thus; in the resulting tool wear for specific configurations of the thermal assistance. While only minor effects are detected regarding the surface topography; a significant reduction in the burr height is achieved.
Targeted Intervention to Reduce Smoking among People with Severe Mental Illness: Implementation of a Smoking Cessation Intervention in an Inpatient Mental Health Setting
Authors: Lappin Julia M. , Thomas Dennis , Curtis Jackie , Blowfield Stephen , Gatsi Mike , Marr Gareth , Courtney Ryan
Published: April 2020

Background and Objectives: Smoking and smoking-related harms are highly prevalent among people with severe mental illness. Targeted smoking cessation programs are much needed in this population. This pilot study aimed to assess the effectiveness of implementing smoking cessation system change interventions within an acute inpatient mental health unit. Materials and Methods: Design: Pre-post intervention study. System change interventions for smoking cessation were delivered over a three-month period (05 March 2018–04 June 2018) on an acute inpatient mental health unit. Participants (n = 214) were all individuals receiving care as inpatients during the three-month intervention. Outcomes assessed pre- and post-intervention were: (i) recording of patient smoking status in medical notes, (ii) number of inpatients offered smoking cessation medication, and iii) number of violent incidents reported. Results: Recording of smoking status significantly increased from 1.9% to 11.4% (X2 = 14.80; p ≤ 0.001). The proportion of inpatients offered smoking cessation treatment significantly increased from 11.0% to 26.8% (X2 = 16.01; p ≤ 0.001). The number of violent incidents decreased by half, which was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Evidence-based smoking cessation interventions can be successfully implemented on an inpatient mental health unit. Modest gains were made in routine screening for smoking and in smoking cessation treatment prescription. Future studies should prioritize effective participatory collaboration with staff to optimize effectiveness of interventions and should include additional strategies such as brief intervention training and smoking cessation treatments such as varenicline and buproprion in addition to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).
Transforaminal Epiduroscopic Laser Ablation for Removal of a Postlaminectomy Synovial Cyst: A Case Report
Authors: Kang Hee Yong , Kim So Yeon , Lee Chung Hun , Park Sung Wook
Published: April 2020

Background: Synovial cysts rarely occur after a laminectomy and are difficult to detect if there are no symptoms; however, they can cause lower back pain or symptoms of radiculopathy. Various methods are used to treat synovial cysts. Here, we will introduce the first case with treatment using the transforaminal epiduroscopic laser annuloplasty (TELA) system. Case report: A 64-year-old female patient visited the pain clinic with lower back pain and pain radiating from the left lower extremity. An MRI T2 image showed a synovial cyst of facet joint origin at the L4–L5 level; the patient had undergone a laminectomy 10 years ago at the same spinal level. The patient rated the pain an 8 on the numerical rating scale (NRS), and pain was reduced after epidural steroid injection, but symptoms recurred a month later. The cyst ablation was performed using the TELA system with a 1414 nm neodymium-doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser, and after the procedure, pain decreased to 4 points immediately and was reduced to 2 points on the NRS after 1 week. Six months after the procedure, the pain level was measured on NRS 2 and cyst was not recurred in the additional MRI. Conclusion: We introduced the TELA system as a noninvasive therapy for treating synovial cysts. Ablation of cystic necks using a 1414 nm Nd:YAG laser could be a method to prevent cyst recurrence, but long-term follow-up and large scale control studies will be needed to verify the effectiveness of this method.
Effect of In-Situ Synthesized Boride Phases on the Impact Behavior of Iron-Based Composites Reinforced by B4C Particles
Authors: Nair Fehmi , Hamamcı Mustafa
Published: April 2020

The objective of this study is to investigate the impact behavior of iron-based composites reinforced with boron carbide (B4C) particles and in-situ synthesized iron borides (Fe2B/FeB). The composite specimens (Fe/B4C) were fabricated by hot-pressing under a pressure of 250 MPa at 500 °C, and sintered at a temperature of 1000 °C. The effects of the reinforcement ratio on the formation of in-situ borides and impact behavior were investigated by means of different volume fractions of B4C inside the iron matrix: 0% (un-reinforced), 5%, 10%, 20%, and 30%. Drop-weight impact tests were performed by an instrumented Charpy impactor on reinforced and un-reinforced test specimens. The results of the impact tests were supported with microstructural and fractographical analysis. As a result of in-situ reactions between the Fe matrix and B4C particles, Fe2B phases were formed in the iron matrix. The iron borides, formed in the iron matrix during sintering, heavily affected the hardness and the morphology of the fractured surface. Due to the high amount of B4C (over 10%), porosity played a major role in decreasing the contact forces and fracture energy. The results showed that the in-situ synthesized iron boride phases affect the impact properties of the Fe/B4C composites.
Prediction of Mechanical Properties for High Strength Low Alloyed Steels in a Commercial Hot Dip Galvanizing Line without Soaking Section
Authors: García-Martino Ángel , García César , Prieto María Manuela , Díaz José
Published: April 2020

The classical thermal cycle in a Hot Dip Galvanizing (HDG) line has four steps: heating, soaking, cooling, and aging. The furnace of an ArcelorMittal HDG line was revamped to increase its heating capacity. This new configuration without the soaking step led to the redefinition of the thermal cycles for all the steel grades, especially for High Strength Low Alloyed (HSLA) steels, where it was necessary to define a new control parameter based on time and temperature. This paper presents the work done to improve the control of the mechanical properties of HSLA steels in the HDG line. Four different types of numerical models (linear and polynomial regressions, artificial neural networks, and Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines), are applied to predict the yield strength and the tensile strength of individual coils. It is concluded that the introduction of the time–temperature parameter improves the accuracy of the predictions over 10% in most of the cases. An additional improvement is obtained with the use of the process values corresponding to the sampling area instead of the coil average ones. The use of these models makes it possible, if necessary, to adjust individually the presets of the coils before processing them in the galvanizing line and reduce the scattering of the mechanical properties.
Passive Dielectrophoretic Focusing of Particles and Cells in Ratchet Microchannels
Authors: Lu Song-Yu , Malekanfard Amirreza , Beladi-Behbahani Shayesteh , Zu Wuzhou , Kale Akshay , Tzeng Tzuen-Rong , Wang Yao-Nan , Xuan Xiangchun
Published: April 2020

Focusing particles into a tight stream is critical for many microfluidic particle-handling devices such as flow cytometers and particle sorters. This work presents a fundamental study of the passive focusing of polystyrene particles in ratchet microchannels via direct current dielectrophoresis (DC DEP). We demonstrate using both experiments and simulation that particles achieve better focusing in a symmetric ratchet microchannel than in an asymmetric one, regardless of the particle movement direction in the latter. The particle focusing ratio, which is defined as the microchannel width over the particle stream width, is found to increase with an increase in particle size or electric field in the symmetric ratchet microchannel. Moreover, it exhibits an almost linear correlation with the number of ratchets, which can be explained by a theoretical formula that is obtained from a scaling analysis. In addition, we have demonstrated a DC dielectrophoretic focusing of yeast cells in the symmetric ratchet microchannel with minimal impact on the cell viability.
Simulations of Benzene and Hydrogen-Sulfide Gas Detector Based on Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube over Intrinsic 4H-SiC Substrate
Authors: Rashid Muhammad Haroon , Koel Ants , Rang Toomas , Ziko Mehadi Hasan
Published: April 2020

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-based sensors have gained significant importance due to their tremendous electrical and physical attributes. CNT-based gas sensors have high sensitivity, stability, and fast response time compared to that of solid-state sensors. On exposure to a large variety of organic and inorganic compounds, the conductivity of CNT changes. This change in electrical conductivity is being used as a detection signal to detect different target molecules. Hydrogen-sulfide and benzene are hazardous gases that can cause serious health issues in humans. Therefore, it is mandatory to detect their presence in industrial and household environments. In this article, we simulated CNT-based benzene and hydrogen-sulfide sensor with a nanoscale semiconductor device simulator—Quantumwise Atomistix Toolkit (ATK). The change in the device density of states, electric current, and photocurrent in the presence of target molecules have been calculated. The change in photocurrent in the presence of target molecules has been proposed as a novel detection mechanism to improve the sensor selectivity and accuracy. This change in photocurrent as well as electric current in the presence of target molecules can be used simultaneously as detection signals. Our intension in the future is to physically fabricate this simulated device and use photocurrent as well as electric current as detection mechanisms.
Combined Fluorescence-Based in Vitro Assay for the Simultaneous Detection of Cell Viability and Alkaline Phosphatase Activity during Osteogenic Differentiation of Osteoblast Precursor Cells
Authors: Wilkesmann Sebastian , Westhauser Fabian , Fellenberg Joerg
Published: April 2020

Novel bone substitute materials need to be evaluated in terms of their osteogenic differentiation capacity and possible unwanted cytotoxic effects in order to identify promising candidates for the therapy of bone defects. The activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is frequently quantified as an osteogenic marker, while various colorimetric assays, like MTT assay, are used to monitor cell viability. In addition, the DNA or protein content of the samples needs to be quantified for normalization purposes. As this approach is time consuming and often requires the analysis of multiple samples, we aimed to simplify this process and established a protocol for the combined fluorescence-based quantification of ALP activity and cell viability within one single measurement. We demonstrate that the fluorogenic substrate 4-methylumbelliferone-phosphate (4-MUP) and the commonly used para-nitrophenylphosphate (p-NPP) produce comparable and highly correlating results. We further show that fluorescein–diacetate (FDA) can be used to quantify both cell viability and cell number without interfering with the quantification of ALP activity. The measurement of additional normalization parameters is, therefore, unnecessary. Therefore, the presented assay allows for a time-efficient, simple and reliable analysis of both ALP activity and cell viability from one sample and might facilitate experiments evaluating the osteogenic differentiation of osteoblast precursor cells.
Synergistic Antifungal Study of PEGylated Graphene Oxides and Copper Nanoparticles against Candida albicans
Authors: Cheong Yuen-Ki , Arce Mariana P. , Benito Alejandro , Chen Daijie , Luengo Crisóstomo Noemi , Kerai Laxmi V. , Rodríguez Guillermo , Valverde José L. , Vadalia Mansukhlal , Cerpa-Naranjo Arisbel , Ren Guogang
Published: April 2020

The coupling reactions of polyethylene glycol (PEG) with two different nano-carbonaceous materials, graphene oxide (GO) and expanded graphene oxide (EGO), were achieved by amide bond formations. These reactions yielded PEGylated graphene oxides, GO-PEG and EGO-PEG. Whilst presence of the newly formed amide links (NH-CO) were confirmed by FTIR stretches observed at 1732 cm−1 and 1712 cm−1, the associated Raman D- and G-bands resonated at 1311/1318 cm−1 and 1584/1595 cm−1 had shown the carbonaceous structures in both PEGylated products remain unchanged. Whilst SEM images revealed the nano-sheet structures in all the GO derivatives (GO/EGO and GO-PEG/EGO-PEG), TEM images clearly showed the nano-structures of both GO-PEG and EGO-PEG had undergone significant morphological changes from their starting materials after the PEGylated processes. The successful PEGylations were also indicated by the change of pH values measured in the starting GO/EGO (pH 2.6–3.3) and the PEGylated GO-PEG/EGO-PEG (pH 6.6–6.9) products. Initial antifungal activities of selective metallic nanomaterials (ZnO and Cu) and the four GO derivatives were screened against Candida albicans using the in vitro cut-well method. Whilst the haemocytometer count indicated GO-PEG and copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) exhibited the best antifungal effects, the corresponding SEM images showed C. albicans had, respectively, undergone extensive shrinkage and porosity deformations. Synergistic antifungal effects all GO derivatives in various ratio of CuNPs combinations were determined by assessing C. albicans viabilities using broth dilution assays. The best synergistic effects were observed when a 30:70 ratio of GO/GO-PEG combined with CuNPs, where MIC50 185–225 μm/mL were recorded. Moreover, the decreased antifungal activities observed in EGO and EGO-PEG may be explained by their poor colloidal stability with increasing nanoparticle concentrations.
Structural Study of Nano-Sized Gahnite (ZnAl2O4): From the Average to the Local Scale
Authors: Confalonieri Giorgia , Rotiroti Nicola , Bernasconi Andrea , Dapiaggi Monica
Published: April 2020

Spinel gahnite (ZnAl2O4) has been obtained through a hydrothermal synthesis method with a grain size of about 2 nm. The sample was calcined for a few hours at two different temperatures (800 and 900 °C) in order to obtain larger grain sizes to be analyzed by means of powder diffraction with the Rietveld method, and by means of total scattering with the Pair Distribution Function (PDF) method. The idea is to compare the average to the local structure, as a function of increasing grain size. The total scattering data were collected at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), Grenoble. The samples have been also characterised by means of high resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), showing an increasing grain size up to about 9 nm. The average structure presented variations in the inversion degree and an increase in grain size. TEM observations demonstrated that the small crystals are well crystallised: the high resolution images neatly showed the atomic planes, even in the smallest particles. However, the average structure did not properly fit the PDF data in the local region, owing to a slightly different coordination among the octahedra. A new structural model is proposed for the local region of the PDF, that helped our understanding of the differences between a real nanostructured sample and that of a microcrystalline one. The oxygen disorder, due to the inversion grade of the spinel, is demonstrates to be at the basis of the local deviation. No signals of interstitial Zn atoms were detected.
Factors Associated with Frequency of Peanut Consumption in Korea: A National Population-Based Study
Authors: Jung Minyoung , Kim Jayun , Ahn Su Mi
Published: April 2020

Household peanut exposure via skin in infants with impaired skin barrier function is a risk factor for peanut allergy development. The aim of this study is to investigate the peanut consumption of Koreans using national representative data. We used data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2012–2016, consisting of data from 17,625 adults who complete the survey. Peanut intake was assessed using a 24-h recall method. Of the study population, 10,552 (59.9%), 6726 (38.2%), and 347 (1.9%) subjects were categorized into non-intake, intermittent intake, and frequent intake group, respectively. Ordered logistic regression models were used to examine the association between sociodemographic and dietary factors and the frequency of peanut intake. After adjusting for confounders, increasing age (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.03; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–1.04), higher education (high school graduates: aOR 1.75, 95 CI 1.39–2.19; higher than college: aOR 2.11, 95% CI 1.65–2.70), and prudent dietary scores in the second (aOR 1.71; 95% CI 1.47–1.99), third (aOR 2.53; 95% CI 2.16–2.97) and the fourth quartiles (aOR 3.72; 95%CI 3.16–4.40) were associated with a high frequency of peanut consumption. This information may be helpful not only in public health research for nutrition but also in personal management for the prevention of peanut allergy in Korea.
Association of Home Food Availability with Prediabetes and Diabetes among Adults in the United States
Authors: McAtee Jennifer R. , Tao Meng-Hua , King Christian , Chai Weiwen
Published: April 2020

This study examined associations of home food availabilities with prediabetes and diabetes among 8929 adults (20–70 years) participating in 2007–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated by logistic regression. Relative to non-diabetic participants (individuals without diabetes or prediabetes), prediabetes participants were associated with lower availabilities of green vegetables (OR = 0.82; 95% CI = 0.73–0.91; p = 0.0006) and fat-free/low-fat milk (OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.65–0.89; p = 0.001) and higher sugary drink availability (OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.04–1.48; p = 0.02), adjusting for age, sex, and ethnicity (Model 1). The associations remained significant for vegetables (p = 0.005) and fat-free/low-fat milk (p = 0.02) adjusting for additional confounders (body mass index, education, Model 2). Adjusting for dietary components did not change the above results (in model 2) significantly. Participants with high healthy food availability scores had approximately 31% reduction (p = 0.003) in odds of prediabetes compared to those with low scores in Model 1. No associations were detected for diabetes except for fat-free/low-fat milk availability, for which an inverse association was observed in Model 1 (OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.65–0.99; p = 0.04). The results show prediabetes participants had lower availability of healthy foods and higher availability of unhealthy foods, suggesting the need to improve healthy food availability at home for this population.
Relationship between Psychosocial Impairment, Food Choice Motives, and Orthorexic Behaviors among Polish Adults
Authors: Plichta Marta , Jezewska-Zychowicz Marzena , Małachowska Aleksandra
Published: April 2020

Orthorexic behaviors correlate not only with health motives when choosing food but may also coexist with psychosocial impairment. The aim of this study was to assess the motives of food choice and psychosocial impairment among adults with orthorexic behaviors through the use of ORTO-15 and ORTO-7. The data for the study were collected from a sample of 1007 Polish adults through a cross-sectional quantitative survey conducted in 2019. The respondents were asked to complete the ORTO-15 questionnaire, the Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ), and the Clinical Impairment Assessment (CIA). Orthorexic behaviors were measured using both the 15-item and the shorter 7-item version of the ORTO questionnaire. To determine the factors coexisting with the orthorexic behaviors, linear regression models were developed. The scores of both ORTO-15 and ORTO-7 correlated positively with the global CIA scores and the scores of personal, cognitive, and social impairments, but compared to the ORTO-7 scores, the ORTO-15 scores showed weaker correlations with the global CIA score and individual CIA scales. Orthorexic behaviors measured with ORTO-15 correlated positively with such food choice motives as health, natural content, and weight control; whereas orthorexic behaviors measured with ORTO-7 showed positive bivariate correlations only with two food choice motives: health and weight control. In regression models, sensory appeal, age, and education lower than secondary were associated inversely with orthorexic behaviors measured by both the ORTO-15 and the ORTO-7. In conclusion, the obtained results confirm that orthorexic behaviors are associated with a higher score regarding health motivation and cause an increase in psychosocial impairment. In addition, orthorexic behaviors are associated with greater importance of body weight control, which confirms the relationship between orthorexic behaviors and other eating disorders (ED), such as anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN). However, similar motives for food choice displayed by the groups with higher scores of the ORTO-15 and the ORTO-7 and strong correlation between results obtained from both tools confirmed the similarity between these two questionnaires, thus revealing the weak psychometric properties also of the shorter seven-item version of the ORTO. Future studies on food motives, psychosocial impairment, and orthorexic behaviors should consider using other tools for measuring orthorexic behaviors.
Assessment of Two Nutritional Screening Tools in Hospitalized Children
Authors: Pérez-Solís David , Larrea-Tamayo Elene , Menéndez-Arias Cristina , Molinos-Norniella Cristina , Bueno-Pardo Sara , Jiménez-Treviño Santiago , Bousoño-Garcia Carlos , Díaz-Martín Juan J.
Published: April 2020

Aim: to evaluate validity and concordance of Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Pediatrics (STAMP) and Screening Tool for Risk On Nutritional status and Growth (STRONGkids) screening tools for assessment of nutritional risk in pediatric inpatients. Methods: Prospective longitudinal observational multicenter study in children aged 1 month or older admitted as inpatients. Weight, height, cause of admission, demographic data, length of stay, and nutritional interventions were recorded. STAMP and STRONGkids were applied within the first 72 h of admission. Anthropometric measurements were recorded again 12–18 months after admission. Results: Eighty-one patients with median age of 4.1 years completed the study. Agreement between tools was moderate (κ = 0.47). STAMP had a greater tendency to classify patients as high risk (12.3% vs. 2.5%). Both tools showed very weak correlation with height for age. All undernourished patients at the beginning and the end of the study were classified as medium or high risk by STAMP and STRONGkids (100% sensitivity), although specificity was below 50% in all cases. There were no differences in length of stay based on nutritional risk with any of the tools. Conclusions: STAMP and STRONGkids demonstrated moderate agreement, with high sensitivity but low specificity for the diagnosis of undernutrition. Further studies are required to analyze cost-effectiveness of these tools and nutritional interventions derived from them.
Total Energy Expenditure, Body Composition, Physical Activity, and Step Count in Japanese Preschool Children: A Study Based on Doubly Labeled Water
Authors: Yamada Yosuke , Sagayama Hiroyuki , Itoi Aya , Nishimura Makoto , Fujisawa Kaori , Higaki Yasuki , Kimura Misaka , Aoki Yoshiko
Published: April 2020

Adequate energy intake is essential for the healthy development of children, and the estimated energy requirement of children is determined by total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) and energy deposition for growth. A previous study in Japanese tweens indicated that TDEE could be estimated by fat-free mass (FFM) and step count. The aims of this study were to measure TDEE in Japanese preschool children and to confirm whether TDEE can be estimated by FFM and step count in preschool children. Twenty-one children aged 4–6 years old (11 girls and 10 boys; age, 5.1 (0.9) years; height, 107.2 (6.6) cm; weight, 17.5 (1.7) kg; BMI, 15.3 (1.3); mean (SD)) participated in this study. FFM and 7-day TDEE were obtained by doubly labeled water (DLW). Participants wore accelerometers during the DLW measurement period. No significant differences were observed in age-adjusted height, weight, BMI, FFM (13.0 (1.5) kg), or TDEE (1300 (174) kcal/day) between girls and boys. Girls had significantly higher percent fat and a lower daily step count than boys. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that FFM and step count were significant predictors of TDEE; TDEE (kcal/day) = 85.0 × FFM (kg) + 0.0135 × step count (steps/day). This accounted for 74% of TDEE variance. The current study confirmed that FFM and step count are major determinants of TDEE in Japanese preschool children as well as adolescents, although further research is needed to obtain precise equations.
Changes in Nutrition Impact Symptoms, Nutritional and Functional Status during Head and Neck Cancer Treatment
Authors: Neoh May Kay , Abu Zaid Zalina , Mat Daud Zulfitri Azuan , Md. Yusop Nor Baizura , Ibrahim Zuriati , Abdul Rahman Zuwariah , Jamhuri Norshariza
Published: April 2020

Background: The purpose of this study is to evaluate changes in nutrition impact symptoms (NIS) and nutritional and functional status that occur throughout radiotherapy in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. Methods: A prospective observational study of HNC inpatients who underwent radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy were recruited to participate. Fifty patients were followed for the periods before, in the middle and at the end of radiotherapy. Nutritional parameters were collected throughout radiotherapy. Results: According to Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA), there was an increase from a baseline of 56% malnourished HNC patients to 100% malnourished with mean weight loss of 4.53 ± 0.41kg (7.39%) at the end of radiotherapy. Nutritional parameters such as muscle mass, fat mass, body mass index, dietary energy and protein intake decrease significantly (p < 0.0001) while NIS score, energy and protein intake from oral nutritional supplements (ONS) increased significantly (p < 0.0001). Hand grip strength did not differ significantly. All HNC patients experienced taste changes and dry mouth that required ONS at the end of treatment. ONS compliance affected the percentage of weight loss (p = 0.013). Conclusions: The intensive nutritional care time point was the middle of RT. The PG-SGA and NIS checklist are useful for monitoring nutrition for HNC patients.