bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation of a Delayed Prescribing Model to Reduce Antibiotic Prescribing for Suspected Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in a Hospital Outpatient Department, Ghana
Authors: Ghebrehewet Sam , Shepherd Wendi , Panford-Quainoo Edwin , Shantikumar Saran , Decraene Valerie , Rajendran Rajesh , Kaushal Menaal , Akuffo Afua , Ayerh Dinah , Amofah George
Published: November 2020

Background: High levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Ghana require the exploration of new approaches to optimise antimicrobial prescribing. This study aims to establish the feasibility of implementation of different delayed/back-up prescribing models on antimicrobial prescribing for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). Methods: This study was part of a quality improvement project at LEKMA Hospital, Ghana, (Dec 2019–Feb 2020). Patients meeting inclusion criteria were assigned to one of four groups (Group 0: No prescription given; Group 1; Patient received post-dated antibiotic prescription; Group 2: Offer of a rapid reassessment of patient by a nurse practitioner after 3 days; and Group 3: Post-dated prescription forwarded to hospital pharmacy). Patients were contacted 10 days afterwards to ascertain wellbeing and actions taken, and patients were asked rate the service on a Likert scale. Post-study informal discussions were conducted with hospital staff. Results: In total, 142 patients met inclusion criteria. Groups 0, 1, 2 and 3 had 61, 16, 44 and 21 patients, respectively. Common diagnosis was sore throat (73%). Only one patient took antibiotics after 3 days. Nearly all (141/142) patients were successfully contacted on day 10, and of these, 102 (72%) rated their experiences as good or very good. Informal discussions with staff revealed improved knowledge of AMR. Conclusions: Delayed/back-up prescribing can reduce antibiotic consumption amongst outpatient department patients with suspected URTIs. Delayed/back-up prescribing can be implemented safely in low and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Assessing the Role of Pharyngeal Cell Surface Glycans in Group A Streptococcus Biofilm Formation
Authors: Vyas Heema K. N. , Indraratna Anuk D. , Everest-Dass Arun , Packer Nicolle H. , De Oliveira David M. P. , Ranson Marie , McArthur Jason D. , Sanderson-Smith Martina L.
Published: November 2020

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) causes 700 million infections and accounts for half a million deaths per year. Antibiotic treatment failure rates of 20–40% have been observed. The role host cell glycans play in GAS biofilm formation in the context of GAS pharyngitis and subsequent antibiotic treatment failure has not been previously investigated. GAS serotype M12 GAS biofilms were assessed for biofilm formation on Detroit 562 pharyngeal cell monolayers following enzymatic removal of all N-linked glycans from pharyngeal cells with PNGase F. Removal of N-linked glycans resulted in an increase in biofilm biomass compared to untreated controls. Further investigation into the removal of terminal mannose and sialic acid residues with α1-6 mannosidase and the broad specificity sialidase (Sialidase A) also found that biofilm biomass increased significantly when compared to untreated controls. Increases in biofilm biomass were associated with increased production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Furthermore, it was found that M12 GAS biofilms grown on untreated pharyngeal monolayers exhibited a 2500-fold increase in penicillin tolerance compared to planktonic GAS. Pre-treatment of monolayers with exoglycosidases resulted in a further doubling of penicillin tolerance in resultant biofilms. Lastly, an additional eight GAS emm-types were assessed for biofilm formation in response to terminal mannose and sialic acid residue removal. As seen for M12, biofilm biomass on monolayers increased following removal of terminal mannose and sialic acid residues. Collectively, these data demonstrate that pharyngeal cell surface glycan structures directly impact GAS biofilm formation in a strain and glycan specific fashion.
Development of Heavy Metal Potentiostat for Batik Industry
Authors: Umar Siti Nur Hanisah , Akhtar Mohammad Nishat , Bakar Elmi Abu , Kamaruddin Noorfazreena M. , Othman Abdul Rahim
Published: November 2020

The consumption of reactive dyes in the batik industry has led to a severe concern in monitoring the heavy metal level in wastewater. Due to the necessity of implementing a wastewater monitoring system in the batik factory, a Heavy Metal potentiostat (HMstat) was designed. The main goal of this study is to understand the optimal design concept of the potentiostat function in order to investigate the losses of accuracy in measurement using off-the-shelf devices. Through lab-scale design, the HMstat comprises of an analog potentiostat read-out circuit component (PRCC) and a digital control signal component (CSC). The PRCC is based on easy to use components integrated with a NI-myRIO controller in a CSC. Here, the myRIO was equipped with built-in analog to digital converter (ADC) and digital to analog converter (DAC) components. In this paper, the accuracy test and detection of cadmium(II) (Cd2+) and lead(II) (Pb2+) were conducted using the HMstat. The results were compared with the Rodeostat (an open source potentiostat available on the online market). The accuracy of the HMStat was higher than 95% and within the precision rate of the components used. The HMstat was able to detect Cd2+ and Pb2+ at −0.25 and −0.3 V, respectively. Similar potential peaks were obtained using Rodeostat (Cd2+ at −0.25 V and Pb2+ at −0.3 V).
Virtual Strategy Engineer: Using Artificial Neural Networks for Making Race Strategy Decisions in Circuit Motorsport
Authors: Heilmeier Alexander , Thomaser André , Graf Michael , Betz Johannes
Published: November 2020

In circuit motorsport, race strategy helps to finish the race in the best possible position by optimally determining the pit stops. Depending on the racing series, pit stops are needed to replace worn-out tires, refuel the car, change drivers, or repair the car. Assuming a race without opponents and considering only tire degradation, the optimal race strategy can be determined by solving a quadratic optimization problem, as shown in the paper. In high-class motorsport, however, this simplified approach is not sufficient. There, comprehensive race simulations are used to evaluate the outcome of different strategic options. The published race simulations require the user to specify the expected strategies of all race participants manually. In such simulations, it is therefore desirable to automate the strategy decisions, for better handling and greater realism. It is against this background that we present a virtual strategy engineer (VSE) based on two artificial neural networks. Since our research is focused on the Formula 1 racing series, the VSE decides whether a driver should make a pit stop and which tire compound to fit. Its training is based on timing data of the six seasons from 2014 to 2019. The results show that the VSE makes reasonable decisions and reacts to the particular race situation. The integration of the VSE into a race simulation is presented, and the effects are analyzed in an example race.
Time Dependency of Current Harmonics for Switch-Mode Power Supplies
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Naveed , Kütt Lauri , Asad Bilal , Vaimann Toomas , Rassõlkin Anton , Demidova Galina L.
Published: November 2020

This paper presents the time-dependent variance in the current harmonics emission by power supplies during power quality measurements. Power quality problems are becoming more significant with the adoption of power electronic-based circuits such as power supplies. The switch-mode power supplies are widespread as industrial, commercial, and domestic electrical loads. They draw non-sinusoidal current from the utility and inject current harmonics. Therefore, they are the reason for poor power quality and reduction in the power factor. The current harmonics emission from these power supplies depends on the circuit topology, operating conditions, and filter inside them. The harmonic emission estimations are critical for network operators; however, various uncertainties have made it a complicated task. The time-dependent stability affects the magnitude and phase angle of the harmonic current measurements and estimation of power quality indices. This paper investigates the variation in current harmonics emitted by the power supply during the initial unstable period under constant load and operating conditions.
Evolution of the Hurdle-Unit Kinematic Parameters in the 60 m Indoor Hurdle Race
Authors: González-Frutos Pablo , Veiga Santiago , Mallo Javier , Navarro Enrique
Published: November 2020

The aims of this study were to compare the five hurdle-unit split times from the deterministic model with the hurdle-to-hurdle model and with the official time, to compare the step kinematics of each hurdle-unit intervals, and to relate these variables to their respective hurdle-unit split times. The temporal and spatial parameters of the 60 m hurdles race were calculated during the 44th Spanish and 12th IAAF World Indoor Championships (men: n = 59; women: n = 51). The hurdle-unit split times from the deterministic model showed a high correlation (r = 0.99; p < 0.001) with the split times of the hurdle-to-hurdle model and faster split times were related to shorter step and flight times in hurdle steps for both genders. At the first hurdle, male athletes tended to increase their flight and contact times while the tendency of female athletes was to decrease their contact and flight times. In addition, at the first hurdle, both genders presented shorter take-off distance, shorter landing distance, and greater step width than in the remaining hurdles of the race. Therefore, coaches should implement training programs that have an impact on these key variables according to the specific demands of each hurdle-unit phase and gender.
The Onset Threshold of Cybersickness in Constant and Accelerating Optical Flow
Authors: Kim Jiwon , Park Taezoon
Published: November 2020

This study investigated the principal translational or rotational axis that evokes the most severe cybersickness by detecting constant velocity and acceleration thresholds on the onset of cybersickness. This human subject experiment with 16 participants used a 3D particle field with movement directions (lateral, vertical, yaw, or pitch) and motion profiles (constant velocity or constant acceleration). The results showed that the threshold of pitch optical flow was suggestively lower than that of the yaw, and the vertical threshold was significantly lower than the lateral. Still, there was no effect of scene movement on the level of cybersickness. In four trials, the threshold increased from the first to the second trial, but the rest remained the same as the second one. However, the level of cybersickness increased significantly between the trials on the same day. The disorientation-related symptoms occurred on the first trial day diminished before the second trial day, but the oculomotor-related symptoms accumulated over the days. Although there were no correlations between the threshold and total cybersickness severity, participants with a lower threshold experienced severe nausea. The experimental findings can be applied in designing motion profiles to reduce cybersickness by controlling the optical flow in virtual reality.
Biomass Dynamics in a Fragment of Brazilian Tropical Forest (Caatinga) over Consecutive Dry Years
Authors: Campos Diego A. , Andrade Eunice M. , Castanho Andréa D. A. , Feitosa Ramon C. , Palácio Helba Q. A.
Published: November 2020

Increases in water scarcity due to climate change, especially in dry regions, can affect the dynamics of successional species. In view of the longest sequence of dry years (2010–2019) to have occurred in the Brazilian semi-arid region, with a consequent reduction in water availability, the influence of rainfall distribution on the production of above-ground plant biomass was investigated in a Dry Tropical Forest (DTF). This natural change monitoring experiment was conducted over 11 years (2009–2019) in a fragment of DTF under regeneration for 40 years, in the district of Iguatu, Ceará, Brazil. All living individuals of the woody component with a Diameter at Ground Level (DGL) ≥3 cm and a height (h) ≥100 cm were measured during 2009–2010, 2015–2016, 2018–2019. Biomass production was calculated using an allometric equation defined for DTF species. A mean mortality rate of 134 ind. ha−1 yr−1 was registered, with a recruitment of 39 ind. ha−1 yr−1, generating a mean deficit of 95 ind. ha−1 yr−1. The mean reduction in biomass was 3.26 Mg ha−1 yr−1. Climate conditions during consecutive dry years have a direct effect on the mortality and recruitment of woody species, with a recruitment/mortality ratio of 0.11. Shrubby-tree individuals of smaller diameter showed less resilience to the cumulative effect of drought.
The Development and Evaluation of a Training Monitoring System for Amateur Rugby Union
Authors: Griffin Alan , Kenny Ian C. , Comyns Thomas M. , Lyons Mark
Published: November 2020

A training monitoring system (TMS) should be both attainable and scientifically grounded; however, the optimal method of monitoring training is not yet fully understood. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate an online TMS for amateur rugby union. The experimental approach to the problem consisted of five phases: (1) establishing the current training and training load (TL) monitoring practices of amateur rugby union teams, (2) designing and developing the TMS, (3) recruiting teams and subsequently introducing the TMS, (4) supporting the strength and conditioning (S&C) coaches using the TMS, and (5) evaluating the TMS. The findings of this study support the use of an online TMS as a useful and effective method of facilitating training prescription and design in an effort to reduce injury risk and enhance performance. The main barriers impeding player compliance are the lack of feedback on their data and evidence of its use in training design, coaching, and prescription. The effectiveness of the system is dependent on the extent to which the associated challenges are mitigated to ensure quality and consistent data. However, this study offers a method of monitoring training that can be effective while also establishing pitfalls to avoid for both practitioners and researchers alike.
Capacity Design and Cost Analysis of Converged Renewable Energy Resources by Considering Base Load Conditions in Residential and Industrial Areas
Authors: Lee Sang Hun , Lee Wonbin , Hyun Jin Hee , Bhang Byeong Gwan , Choi Jinho , Ahn Hyung Keun
Published: November 2020

In this paper, a design technique for constructing a renewable-energy-based power system based on a customer’s power load is proposed. The proposed design technique adopts a second renewable energy power source in charge of the base load and is an improved method of the referenced studies with one type of renewable energy power source. In this proposed method, fuel cells are adopted as the base power source, and PV (photovoltaic) power generation and an ESS (energy storage system) are adopted as the power generation sources that supply the middle-load and peak-load power. When the fuel cell is applied as a base power source through the method designed in this study, a cost reduction of approximately 30.03% is expected, compared to a system that does not use a base power source. In addition, the criteria for securing a system’s power supply stability and the economics when fuel cells are adopted are analyzed in terms of the system’s installation cost.
Exceeding the Applicability Limit of Aerogel Super Insulation Materials in Different Environmental Conditions
Authors: Lakatos Ákos
Published: November 2020

Newly designed and constructed buildings are subjected to increasingly strict regulations which emphasize the minimization and, where possible, the elimination of wasteful energy consumption, thus resulting in a decrease in emissions. Thermal insulation materials have an important role in making better use of the primary energy delivered to consumer systems, be it by an industrial process or building services systems or in residential and commercial buildings. It is well declared that buildings account for about 30% of total energy consumption, while they contribute to about 20% of greenhouse gas emissions. High-performance insulation has great potential to achieve the European Commission’s ambitious goals for reducing the thermal loss of buildings. A new class of super insulation materials (SIMs) could play an important role in the future of insulations (e.g., fiber-reinforced silica aerogel). This material is grouped with super insulation materials by the sixty-fifth annex of the International Energy Agency. However, due to their short presence on the market, we do not know much about their long-term performance, and if their properties change with time, the question is how and in which direction they do. This is why their artificial aging is so important through thermal annealing, in addition to exposing them to high humidity and low temperatures. In this paper, the application of measurement results after the artificial aging of fiber-reinforced silica aerogel will be discussed. In order to see the changes in the thermal insulation capability of the materials, 13 different cases of environmental exposures are discussed. These cases will be presented to see possible changes in the thermal insulation performance of the aerogel after treating it in different climatic conditions. Firstly, samples were exposed to humidity treatments at 296 K with different relative humidities (0, 35, 50, 65, 80 and 90%) until they reached equilibrium moisture contents. Secondly, the samples were heat treated once for 6 weeks at 343 K, then for 1 day at 373, 423, 453 and 483 K. Moreover, we wanted to see the effects of frost, and thus we executed a freeze–thaw cycle on the samples for 25 days between 258 and 303 K. After these curing procedures, the thermal conductivities of the samples were measured with a heat flow meter, according to the ISO 8301 standard. The measured thermal conductivity values after heat treatment, wetting and freezing were used for building energetics calculations, with a special focus on the thermal transmittance of two different hypothetical building structures (brick- and concrete-based walls) covered with the mentioned insulation.
Development of Drift-Reducing Spouts For Vineyard Pneumatic Sprayers: Measurement of Droplet Size Spectra Generated and Their Classification
Authors: Grella Marco , Miranda-Fuentes Antonio , Marucco Paolo , Balsari Paolo , Gioelli Fabrizio
Published: November 2020

Pneumatic spraying is especially sensitive to spray drift due to the production of small droplets that can be easily blown away from the treated field by the wind. Two prototypes of environmentally friendly pneumatic spouts were developed. The present work aims to check the effect of the spout modifications on the spray quality, to test the convenience of setting the liquid hose out of the spout in cannon-type and hand-type pneumatic nozzles and its effect on the droplet size, homogeneity and driftability in laboratory conditions. Laboratory trials simulating a real sprayer were conducted to test the influence of the hose insertion position (HP), including conventional (CP), alternative (AP), outer (OP) and extreme (XP), as well as the liquid flow rate (LFR) and the airflow speed (AS) on the droplet size (D50, D10 and D90), homogeneity and driftability (V100). Concurrently, the droplet size spectra obtained by the combination of aforementioned parameters (HP × LFR × AS) in both nozzles were also classified according to the ASABE S572.1. Results showed a marked reduction of AS outside the air spout, which led to droplet size increase. This hypothesis was confirmed by the droplet size spectra measured (D50, D10, D90 and V100). A clear influence of HP was found on every dependent variable, including those related with the droplet size. In both nozzles, the longer the distance to CP, the coarser the sprayed drops. Moreover, LFR and AS significantly increased and reduced droplet size, respectively. A higher heterogeneity in the generated drops was obtained in XP. This position yielded V100 values similar to those of the hydraulic low-drift nozzles, showing an effective drift reduction potential. The classification underlines that the variation of HP, alongside AS and LFR, allowed varying the spray quality from very fine to coarse/very coarse, providing farmers with a wide range of options to match the drift-reducing environmental requirements and the treatment specifications for every spray application.
Nanoparticles Synthesised in the Gas-Phase and Their Applications in Sensors: A Review
Authors: Skotadis Evangelos , Aslanidis Evangelos , Kainourgiaki Maria , Tsoukalas Dimitris
Published: November 2020

This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of recent advances in the use of gas-phase synthesized nanoparticles in the field of sensing technology. Since there are numerous and diverse reviews that already cover the subject extensively, this review focuses predominantly but not exclusively on gas-phase synthesized metallic nanoparticles and their most prominent sensing-applications. After a brief overview on the main uses of nanoparticles in science and technology, as well as a description of the dominant fabrication methods, the review discusses their incorporation in strain-sensing, chemical sensing and bio-sensing as well as a few other sensing-applications. The review highlights the inherent advantages of nanoparticles, as well as how they combine with flexible gas-phase synthesis processes.
Connected Variations of Meteorological and Electrical Quantities of Surface Atmosphere under the Influence of Heavy Rain
Authors: Kalchikhin Vladimir , Kobzev Alexey , Nagorskiy Petr , Oglezneva Mariya , Pustovalov Konstantin , Smirnov Sergei , Filatov Dmitriy
Published: November 2020

The electrical state of the surface atmosphere changes significantly under the influence of cloudiness and atmospheric phenomena, including atmospheric precipitation. These features can be used for possible diagnostics of precipitation and improvement of their characteristics based on variations of atmospheric-electrical quantities in the surface layer. Studies of variations of meteorological and atmospheric-electrical quantities in the surface layer were carried out during the heavy rainfall associated with the cumulonimbus (Cb) clouds passage. Meteorological and atmospheric-electrical observations in the Geophysical Observatory of the Institute of Monitoring of Climatic and Ecological Systems are presented in this paper. Precipitation data are used to identify periods of heavy rainfall ≥ 5 mm/h. Information of weather stations and satellites is used to separate the heavy rainfall events by synoptic conditions like thunderstorms and showers of frontal or internal air masses. We find that rains associated with the frontal Cb clouds produce more abrupt changes in negative electrical conductivity in comparison with the Cb clouds in internal air masses. The significant increase in negative electrical conductivity (more than two times vs. normal values) occurs typically during the passage of frontal Cb and heavy rain with droplet size greater than 4 mm.
Printed Electrochemical Biosensors: Opportunities and Metrological Challenges
Authors: Sardini Emilio , Serpelloni Mauro , Tonello Sarah
Published: November 2020

Printed electrochemical biosensors have recently gained increasing relevance in fields ranging from basic research to home-based point-of-care. Thus, they represent a unique opportunity to enable low-cost, fast, non-invasive and/or continuous monitoring of cells and biomolecules, exploiting their electrical properties. Printing technologies represent powerful tools to combine simpler and more customizable fabrication of biosensors with high resolution, miniaturization and integration with more complex microfluidic and electronics systems. The metrological aspects of those biosensors, such as sensitivity, repeatability and stability, represent very challenging aspects that are required for the assessment of the sensor itself. This review provides an overview of the opportunities of printed electrochemical biosensors in terms of transducing principles, metrological characteristics and the enlargement of the application field. A critical discussion on metrological challenges is then provided, deepening our understanding of the most promising trends in order to overcome them: printed nanostructures to improve the limit of detection, sensitivity and repeatability; printing strategies to improve organic biosensor integration in biological environments; emerging printing methods for non-conventional substrates; microfluidic dispensing to improve repeatability. Finally, an up-to-date analysis of the most recent examples of printed electrochemical biosensors for the main classes of target analytes (live cells, nucleic acids, proteins, metabolites and electrolytes) is reported.
Architectural Design Exploration Using Generative Design: Framework Development and Case Study of a Residential Block
Authors: Mukkavaara Jani , Sandberg Marcus
Published: November 2020

The use of generative design has been suggested to be a novel approach that allows designers to take advantage of computers’ computational capabilities in the exploration of design alternatives. However, the field is still sparsely explored. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the potential use of generative design in an architectural design context. A framework was iteratively developed alongside a prototype, which was eventually demonstrated in a case study to evaluate its applicability. The development of a residential block in the northern parts of Sweden served as the case. The findings of this study further highlight the potential of generative design and its promise in an architectural context. Compared to previous studies, the presented framework is open to other generative algorithms than mainly genetic algorithms and other evaluation models than, for instance, energy performance models. The paper also presents a general technical view on the functionality of the generative design system, as well as elaborating on how to explore the solution space in a top-down fashion. This paper moves the field of generative design further by presenting a generic framework for architectural design exploration. Future research needs to focus on detailing how generative design should be applied and when in the design process.
Lactate in the Tumor Microenvironment: An Essential Molecule in Cancer Progression and Treatment
Authors: Pérez-Tomás Ricardo , Pérez-Guillén Isabel
Published: November 2020

Cancer is a complex disease that includes the reprogramming of metabolic pathways by malignant proliferating cells, including those affecting the tumor microenvironment (TME). The “TME concept” was introduced in recognition of the roles played by factors other than tumor cells in cancer progression. In response to the hypoxic or semi-hypoxic characteristic of the TME, cancer cells generate a large amount of lactate via the metabolism of glucose and glutamine. Export of this newly generated lactate by the tumor cells together with H+ prevents intracellular acidification but acidifies the TME. In recent years, the importance of lactate and acidosis in carcinogenesis has gained increasing attention, including the role of lactate as a tumor-promoting metabolite. Here we review the existing literature on lactate metabolism in tumor cells and the ability of extracellular lactate to direct the metabolic reprogramming of those cells. Studies demonstrating the roles of lactate in biological processes that drive or sustain carcinogenesis (tumor promotion, angiogenesis, metastasis and tumor resistance) and lactate’s role as an immunosuppressor that contributes to tumor evasion are also considered. Finally, we consider recent therapeutic efforts using available drugs directed at and interfering with lactate production and transport in cancer treatment.
Nanostructured β−NiS Catalyst for Enhanced and Stable Electro−oxidation of Urea
Authors: Wu Tzu-Ho , Lin Yan-Cheng , Hou Bo-Wei , Liang Wei-Yuan
Published: November 2020

Urea oxidation reaction (UOR) has received a high level of recent interest since electrochemical oxidation of urea can remediate harmful nitrogen compounds in wastewater and accomplish hydrogen fuel production simultaneously. Thus, urea is considered to be potential hydrogen energy source that is inherently safe for fuel cell applications. However, the catalytic reaction suffers from slow kinetics due to six electron transfer in UOR. In this work, β phase NiS is successfully prepared through facile hydrothermal reaction, in which diethanolamine (DEA) was added as chelating agent leading to 3D nanoflower morphology. The crystal structure, surface morphology, and chemical bonding of the β−NiS were characterized by X–ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X−ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. The UOR performance of NiS was evaluated by means of linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), Tafel analysis, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), chronoamperometry, and chronopotentiometry in 1 M KOH electrolyte containing 0.33 M urea. Compared to the Ni(OH)2 counterpart, NiS exhibits lower onset potential, increased current responses, faster kinetics of urea oxidation, lower charge transfer resistance, and higher urea diffusion coefficient, leading to the enhanced catalytic performance toward UOR. Moreover, the developed NiS catalyst exhibits superior stability and tolerance towards urea electro−oxidation in 10,000 s test.
Silica-Related Catalysts for CO2 Transformation into Methanol and Dimethyl Ether
Authors: Barroso-Martín Isabel , Infantes-Molina Antonia , Jafarian Fini Fatemeh , Ballesteros-Plata Daniel , Rodríguez-Castellón Enrique , Moretti Elisa
Published: November 2020

The climate situation that the planet is experiencing, mainly due to the emission of greenhouse gases, poses great challenges to mitigate it. Since CO2 is the most abundant greenhouse gas, it is essential to reduce its emissions or, failing that, to use it to obtain chemicals of industrial interest. In recent years, much research have focused on the use of CO2 to obtain methanol, which is a raw material for the synthesis of several important chemicals, and dimethyl ether, which is advertised as the cleanest and highest efficiency diesel substitute fuel. Given that the bibliography on these catalytic reactions is already beginning to be extensive, and due to the great variety of catalysts studied by the different research groups, this review aims to expose the most important catalytic characteristics to take into account in the design of silica-based catalysts for the conversion of carbon dioxide to methanol and dimethyl ether.
Plant Broth- (Not Bovine-) Based Culture Media Provide the Most Compatible Vegan Nutrition for In Vitro Culturing and In Situ Probing of Plant Microbiota
Authors: Elsawey Hend , Patz Sascha , Nemr Rahma A. , Sarhan Mohamed S. , Hamza Mervat A. , Youssef Hanan H. , Abdelfadeel Mohamed R. , Daanaa Hassan-Sibroe A. , El-Tahan Mahmoud , Abbas Mohamed , Fayez Mohamed , Witzel Katja , Ruppel Silke , Hegazi Nabil A.
Published: November 2020

Plant microbiota support the diversity and productivity of plants. Thus, cultivation-dependent approaches are indispensable for in vitro manipulation of hub taxa. Despite recent advances in high-throughput methods, cultivability is lagging behind other environmental microbiomes, notably the human microbiome. As a plant-based culturing strategy, we developed culture media based on a broth of cooked aqueous mixtures of host plants. This improved the in vitro growth of representative isolates of plant microbiota and extended the in situ recovery of plant microbiota. With clover, 16S rRNA gene sequencing of representative isolates confirmed the predominance of Firmicutes, Alphaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria, and less frequently Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria. Whereas bovine-based culture media (modified R2A) confined the diversity to Firmicutes, the plant broth-based culture media revealed a wider scope of endophytes beyond rhizobia, i.e., multiple genera such as Chryseobacterium, Cronobacter, Kosakonia, Tsukamurella, and a potentially/presumptive novel species. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MADI-TOF) analysis clustered isolates according to their plant niches, the endo-phyllosphere/endo-rhizosphere. We recommend the plant broth for simplicity, reproducibility and perdurable storage, supporting future culturomics applications, good laboratory practice (GLP) and good manufacturing practice (GMP). The strategy creates an “in-situ-similis” vegan nutritional matrix to analyze microbial diversity and reveal novel microbial resources pertinent to biotechnological and environmental applications.
Prospective Evaluation of Single Nucleotide Variants by Two Different Technologies in Paraffin Samples of Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Marin Elba , Reyes Roxana , Arcocha Ainara , Viñolas Nuria , Mezquita Laura , Gonzalvo Elena , Saez de Gordoa Karmele , Jares Pedro , Reguart Noemi , Teixido Cristina
Published: November 2020

Targeted therapies are a new paradigm in lung cancer management. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques have allowed for simultaneous testing of several genes in a rapid and efficient manner; however, there are other molecular diagnostic tools such as the nCounter® Vantage 3D single nucleotide variants (SNVs) solid tumour panel which also offer important benefits regarding sample input and time-to-response, making them very attractive for daily clinical use. This study aimed to test the performance of the Vantage panel in the routine workup of advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and to validate and compare its outputs with the Oncomine Solid Tumor (OST) panel DNA kit, the standard technique in our institution. Two parallel multiplexed approaches were performed based on DNA NGS and direct digital detection of DNA with nCounter® technology to evaluate SNVs. A total of 42 advanced non-squamous NSCLC patients were prospectively included in the study. Overall, 95% of samples were successfully characterized by both technologies. The Vantage panel accounted for a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 82%. In terms of predictive values, the probability of truly presenting the SNV variant when it is detected by the nCounter panel was 82%, whereas the probability of not presenting the SNV variant when it is not detected by the platform was 95%. Finally, Cohen’s Kappa coefficient was 0.76, indicating a substantial correlation grade between OST and Vantage panels. Our results make nCounter an analytically sensitive, practical and cost-effective tool.
“A Little Flip Goes a Long Way”—The Impact of a Flipped Classroom Design on Student Performance and Engagement in a First-Year Undergraduate Economics Classroom
Authors: Singh Nadia
Published: November 2020

The flipped classroom is gaining prominence as an active learning pedagogy to engage a new generation of students. However, all courses do not lend themselves to a fully flipped design and instructors are often reluctant to flip lectures due to the additional time and effort involved, especially so in case of technical subjects such as economics. This study experiments with a flipped classroom design in a first-year undergraduate economics course. The research was motivated by the fact that many undergraduate economics students do not engage with traditional lectures. They fail to acquire critical thinking, data handling and reasoning skills, which are thought to be at the core of the economics curriculum. In this flipped classroom format, traditional lectures were substituted with micro-lectures and the remaining class time was devoted to active learning pedagogies including quizzes, group work and student presentations. The full lectures were panopto recorded and put up on the e-learning site, Blackboard. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the flipped classroom format, I compared the final exam scores of students in the flipped classroom with those in the control group, which followed a traditional lecture-based approach. The key results from the analysis revealed that students in the flipped classroom performed better in the final exams vis-à-vis students in the traditional classroom format. Furthermore, students in the flipped classroom format were 1.61 times less likely to fail in the module as compared to students in a traditional classroom format. This format also resulted in better student engagement, more flexibility and enhanced student–tutor interactions within the classroom.
Secure Visible Light Communication Technique Based on Asymmetric Data Encryption for 6G Communication Service
Authors: Lee Yong Up
Published: November 2020

Security in residential and business establishments has become an area of considerable importance. To provide enhanced security using conventional visible light (VL) communication, the characteristics of which allow for easy access by nearby intruders, a new VL communication technique is proposed in this paper. The novel VL communication system is based on a data encryption method using asymmetric encryption, and it is proposed for use in smart indoor services in the 6th generation communication environment. The asymmetric encryption capability is studied by comparison with the conventional technique, the optimum key length for the public or private encryption codes is determined under the criterion of the minimum estimation error. Moreover, the error performance is analyzed with various RSA encryption keys and data lengths to verify the performance of the proposed technique. A real experiment is performed to evaluate the proposed technique using an implemented test bed, and the success rates of the VL communication technique with and without RSA coding are evaluated by a real experiment with a test bed under an indoor laboratory VL channel. We believe it is evident that the VL communication technique based on asymmetric encryption yields superior error performance compared to that without encryption for optimal lengths of the encryption key and data bits.
High-Resolution PV Forecasting from Imperfect Data: A Graph-Based Solution
Authors: Carrillo Rafael E. , Leblanc Martin , Schubnel Baptiste , Langou Renaud , Topfel Cyril , Alet Pierre-Jean
Published: November 2020

Operating power systems with large amounts of renewables requires predicting future photovoltaic (PV) production with fine temporal and spatial resolution. State-of-the-art techniques combine numerical weather predictions with statistical post-processing, but their resolution is too coarse for applications such as local congestion management. In this paper we introduce computing methods for multi-site PV forecasting, which exploit the intuition that PV systems provide a dense network of simple weather stations. These methods rely entirely on production data and address the real-life challenges that come with them, such as noise and gaps. Our approach builds on graph signal processing for signal reconstruction and for forecasting with a linear, spatio-temporal autoregressive (ST-AR) model. It also introduces a data-driven clear-sky production estimation for normalization. The proposed framework was evaluated over one year on both 303 real PV systems under commercial monitoring across Switzerland, and 1000 simulated ones based on high-resolution weather data. The results demonstrate the performance and robustness of the approach: with gaps of four hours on average in the input data, the average daytime NRMSE over a six-hour forecasting horizon (in 15 min steps) and over all systems is 13.8% and 9% for the real and synthetic data sets, respectively.
A Study on the Rotor Design of Line Start Synchronous Reluctance Motor for IE4 Efficiency and Improving Power Factor
Authors: Kim Hyunwoo , Park Yeji , Oh Seung-Taek , Jang Hyungkwan , Won Sung-Hong , Chun Yon-Do , Lee Ju
Published: November 2020

As international regulations of motor efficiency are strengthened, the line-start synchronous reluctance motor (LS-SynRM) is being studied to improve the efficiency of the electrical motor in industrial applications. However, in industrial applications, the power factor is also an important performance index, but the LS-SynRM has poor power factor due to the saliency characteristic. In this paper, the rotor design of LS-SynRM is performed to improve the efficiency and power factor. First, the barrier design is performed to improve the efficiency and power factor using the response surface method (RSM). Second, the rotor slot design is performed according to the length of bar for synchronization. Lastly, the rib design is performed to satisfy the power factor and the mechanical reliability. The final model through the design process is analyzed using finite element analysis (FEA), and the objective performance is satisfied. To verify the FEA result, the final model is manufactured, and experiment is performed.
Preface to Hearts Special Issue “Nutrient Deficiency and Drug Induced Cardiac Injury and Dysfunction”
Authors: Mak I. Tong , Kramer Jay H.
Published: November 2020

Cardiac injury manifested as either systolic or diastolic dysfunction is considered an important preceding stage that leads to or is associated with eventual heart failure (HF) [...]
Panton-Valentine Leukocidin-Producing Staphylococcus aureus Infection: A Case Series
Authors: Prista-Leão Beatriz , Abreu Isabel , Duro Raquel , Silva-Pinto André , Ceia Filipa , Andrade Paulo , Sobrinho-Simões Joana , Tavares Margarida , Pereira José Manuel , Santos Lurdes , Sarmento António
Published: November 2020

Panton-Valentine leukocidin-producing Staphylococcus aureus (PVL-SA) is associated with relapsing multifocal skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI), necrotizing pneumonia (NP) and severe musculoskeletal infections. Epidemiology is underknown and underdiagnosis is likely. Recent travel abroad, case clustering and relapsing disease are often reported. We reviewed all cases of PVL-SA infection diagnosed at our center, and found 21 cases over a 43-month period. Most patients were adult males, had relevant travel history, reported recurrent disease and presented with SSTI. Etiologic diagnosis took up to five years; meanwhile, 42% of patients had antibiotic treatments. Draining procedures were required in 43% of patients and intensive care support in 19%. All patients recovered. Methicillin-resistance prevalence was 24%. Only 2/13 decolonized patients had posterior relapsing SSTI, both with likely infected contacts. PVL-SA infection’s severity and impact are clear, even in small case series as ours. Physician awareness and active PVL-gene search are crucial for an adequate management.
Ambient Intelligence to Improve Construction Site Safety: Case of High-Rise Building in Thailand
Authors: Panuwatwanich Kriengsak , Roongsrisoothiwong Natapit , Petcharayuthapant Kawin , Dummanonda Sirikwan , Mohamed Sherif
Published: November 2020

The relatively high rate of injuries in construction is not surprising, as site work by its very nature ranks highly on fundamental risk factors. Working at heights often magnifies these risk factors. The literature reveals that falls from heights accounts for a large percentage of injuries in construction worldwide. Thailand is no exception, where fall accidents constitute the majority of high-rise construction accidents despite preventive measures being implemented. This paper examines how the use of a simple Ambient Intelligence (AmI) system—a device comprising a microcontroller, microwave sensors, Light Emitting Diode (LED) and audio alarm—could help to affect safety behavioural change of on-site construction workers in order to decrease the potential for fall accidents. An experiment was conducted at a high-rise building construction site in Bangkok, Thailand to examine the effectiveness of the AmI in helping workers mitigate the risk of falling from heights. The analysis of the data collected over two work weeks from the pre- and post-AmI application using X-bar charts and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant reduction of about 78% in the number of workers passing through the fall hazard zones. The finding established the potential of a simple AmI for reducing the risk of fall accidents.
Toxic and Essential Elements in Rice and Other Grains from the United States and Other Countries
Authors: TatahMentan Mom , Nyachoti Syprose , Scott Laura , Phan Nati , Okwori Frederick O. , Felemban Nedaa , Godebo Tewodros R.
Published: November 2020

We determined the concentrations of toxic and essential elements in rice and other grains (lentils, barleys, beans, oats, wheat, and peas) grown in the United States (US) and other countries using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS). Results showed that median concentrations (in µg/kg) for toxic elements in white rice from the US were 131, 2.8, and 6.5 for arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd), respectively. White rice from Thailand, India, and Italy showed higher median toxic elements concentrations (in µg/kg) of 155 for As, 3.6 for Pb, and 8.4 for Cd, than for white rice from the US. Brown rice from the US showed median concentrations (in µg/kg) of 217 (As), 4.5 (Pb), and 17.4 (Cd) while other grains showed median concentrations (in µg/kg) of 5.4, 4.6, and 6.7 for these elements, respectively. None of the samples exceeded the codex standards set for Pb (200 μg/kg in cereals and pulses) and Cd (100 μg/kg in cereals/pulses and 400 μg/kg in polished rice). However, brown rice and one white rice sample did exceed the codex standard for As (200 μg/kg). Essential elements were higher in other grains than in white and brown rice. These findings suggest that alternating or coupling rice with other grains in one’s diet could reduce exposure to toxic metals while providing more essential elements to rice diet.
Total Diet Study to Assess Radioactive Cs and 40K Levels in the Japanese Population before and after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident
Authors: Terada Hiroshi , Iijima Ikuyo , Miyake Sadaaki , Isomura Kimio , Sugiyama Hideo
Published: November 2020

We conducted a total diet study (TDS) of 137Cs, 134Cs, and 40K to assess their average dietary exposure levels in a Japanese adult population before and after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant (FDNPP) accident. Nineteen market baskets were evaluated in 2006–2011. In each basket, a TDS sample comprising tap water and 160–170 food items, which were combined into 13 groups, were collected for analysis by gamma-ray spectrometry. From 2006 to 2010, the 137Cs activity concentration in the “fish and shellfish” group was 0.099 Bq/kg, representing the highest value obtained, whereas the total committed effective dose (CED) of radiocesium isotopes (137Cs + 134Cs) was 0.69 μSv. In 2011, “milk and dairy products” from Sendai City had a Cs activity concentration of 12 Bq/kg, representing the highest values among all food groups studied. However, the annual CED of radioactive Cs in Fukushima City was 17 μSv after the FDNPP accident, which is 60-fold lower than the maximum permissible dose of 1 mSv/year. The mean CED obtained for 40K was 180 μSv, which is comparable to the global average. Our results reveal the average dietary exposure of 137Cs, 134Cs, and 40K, which can aid in estimating the radiological safety of foods.