bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Eye Tracking Technology in Assessing Older Driver Safety
Authors: Carr David B. , Grover Prateek
Published: June 2020

A growing body of literature is focused on the use of eye tracking (ET) technology to understand the association between objective visual parameters and higher order brain processes such as cognition. One of the settings where this principle has found practical utility is in the area of driving safety. Methods: We reviewed the literature to identify the changes in ET parameters with older adults and neurodegenerative disease. Results: This narrative review provides a brief overview of oculomotor system anatomy and physiology, defines common eye movements and tracking variables that are typically studied, explains the most common methods of eye tracking measurements during driving in simulation and in naturalistic settings, and examines the association of impairment in ET parameters with advanced age and neurodegenerative disease. Conclusion: ET technology is becoming less expensive, more portable, easier to use, and readily applicable in a variety of clinical settings. Older adults and especially those with neurodegenerative disease may have impairments in visual search parameters, placing them at risk for motor vehicle crashes. Advanced driver assessment systems are becoming more ubiquitous in newer cars and may significantly reduce crashes related to impaired visual search, distraction, and/or fatigue.
Rural Community Perceptions and Interests in Pharmacogenomics
Authors: Stegelmeier John , Nartker Christopher , Barnes Charles , Rayo Hugo , Hoover Rebecca , Boyle Julia , O’Connor Shanna , Barrott Jared
Published: June 2020

Pharmacogenomics testing is a rapidly expanding field with increasing importance to individualized patient care. However, it remains unclear whether the general public in rural areas would be willing to engage in this service. The objective of this survey was to determine rural community-dwelling members’ perceptions of pharmacogenomics. A questionnaire was developed consisting of five Likert-style questions on knowledge and perceptions of pharmacogenomics, a single multiple-choice question on cost of testing, and a free-response question. Two cohorts received the same questionnaire: attendees at a university-sponsored health fair and patients presenting to two independent community pharmacies in southeastern Idaho. While both showed positive reception to the implementation and value of pharmacogenomics, those at the health fair were more in favor of pharmacogenomics, suggesting a need for greater outreach and education to the general public. The findings suggest that interest of rural community-dwelling individuals may be amenable to the expansion of pharmacogenomics testing.
Impact of Climate Factors and Human Activities on Water Resources in the Aral Sea Basin
Authors: Berdimbetov Timur T , Ma Zhu-Guo , Liang Chen , Ilyas Sana
Published: June 2020

The Aral Sea in Central Asia plays an essential role in the socio-economic development of the region. During the last six decades, there has been remarkable changes observed in the water level and areal extent of the Aral Sea Basin; however, the causes behind these changes are unclear. This study quantifies the impacts of climatic and anthropogenic drivers on Aral Sea and the contributions made by these drivers to the variations observed in the Aral Sea Basin. The spatial and temporal seasonal variations in groundwater budget have been analyzed using the total water storage (TWS) of the basin from 2002 to 2015. The results from this study revealed significant increases in the the mean air temperature, precipitation, and potential evapotranspiration rate from 1960 to 2015 in the Aral Sea Basin. The TWS time-series shows a statistically significant declining trend of about 2 to 4 cm per year presented by the surface water storage. Based on the average monthly values of TWS, March 2005 presented the highest anomaly ~7.85 cm, while October 2008 showed the lowest anomaly ~8.22 cm between 2002 to 2015. The groundwater level indicates a small increasing trend of approximately 0.05 cm/year during the study period. Furthermore, the negative relationship between water level, climatic, and anthropogenic factors showed that these factors projected critical impact on the water level fluctuations within the Aral Sea Basin.
Algicidal Efficiency and Genotoxic Effects of Phanerochaete chrysosporium against Microcystis aeruginosa
Authors: Zeng Guoming , Zhang Maolan , Gao Pei , Wang Jiale , Sun Da
Published: June 2020

Eutrophication has become a severe environmental problem. This study evaluated the algicidal efficiency and genotoxic effects of Microcystis aeruginosa co-cultured with Phanerochaete chrysosporium for 48 h under the optimum conditions of 250 mg/L of P. chrysosporium at 25 °C with dissolved oxygen content of 7.0 mg/L. The results showed that the activity of algal dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase were all decreased and the malondialdehyde content increased after co-culturing. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy observations showed that the functional group and structure of algal cells were significantly changed. Compared with those of control tadpoles, blood cells of Fejervarya multistriata tadpoles had increased micronucleus frequency (from 1.05 ± 0.09 to 1.99 ± 0.05) and abnormal nuclei (from 2.45 ± 0.06 to 5.83 ± 0.07). The tail length of M. aeruginosa co-cultured with P. chrysosporium increased from 1.12 ± 0.21 to 21.68 ± 0.34, and the comet length increased from 6.45 ± 0.09 to 36.45 ± 0.67 within 48 h. Micronucleus assay and Comet assay results demonstrated that P. chrysosporium might effectively remove algae and reduce genotoxic effects and may be safe for aquatic ecosystems.
Socioeconomic Inequalities in Health among Armenian Adolescents
Authors: Torchyan Armen A. , Bosma Hans
Published: June 2020

We aimed to study the hypothesis of socioeconomic equalization in health among Armenian adolescents participating in the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children 2013/14 survey. Classes corresponding to the ages 11, 13, and 15 were selected using a clustered sampling design. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used. In a nationally representative sample of 3679 students, adolescents with a low family socioeconomic position (SEP) had greater odds of reporting less than good health (odds ratio (OR) = 2.81, 95% CI = 2.25–3.51), low psychosocial well-being (OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.44–2.61), or psychosomatic symptoms (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.07–1.56). Low levels of material well-being were associated with a higher likelihood of reporting less than good health (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.06–1.65) or low psychosocial well-being (OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.04–1.54). The presence of both risk factors had a synergistic effect on having low psychosocial well-being (P-interaction = 0.031). Refuting the equalization hypothesis, our results indicate that low SEP might be strongly related to adolescent health in middle-income countries such as Armenia. Low material well-being also proved important, and, for further research, we hypothesized an association via decreased peer social status and compromised popularity.
Illuminating Insights into the Biodiversity of the Australian Psyllids (Hemiptera: Psylloidea) Collected Using Light Trapping
Authors: Martoni Francesco , Taylor Gary S. , Blacket Mark J.
Published: June 2020

The superfamily Psylloidea includes numerous species which play a key role in Australian ecology and biodiversity, as well as pests and biological control agents, and sometimes threatened species of conservation concern. Different psyllid sampling and collection techniques are usually performed depending on the nature and aim of the study: from the beating and sweeping of psyllid host plants for conservation and biodiversity assessment, to suction and sticky traps in agriculture. Due to a general lack of information on its efficacy for psyllids, however, light trapping has not usually been employed. Here we present the results obtained trapping psyllids using different light sources and we discuss the strengths and weaknesses of this technique to assess psyllid biodiversity. In particular, we highlight the strength of using this methodology paired with DNA barcoding, to cast some light on psyllid biodiversity. The results obtained here suggest that the psyllid fauna of Australia is heavily understudied and the number of undescribed species might be many times higher than previously expected. Additionally, we report, for the first time, the species Trioza adventicia Tuthill 1952, and Cryptoneossa triangula Taylor 1990 in the state of Queensland.
Suitability of European Trichogramma Species as Biocontrol Agents against the Tomato Leaf Miner Tuta absoluta
Authors: Schäfer Lea , Herz Annette
Published: June 2020

The tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta, originally from South America, is an invasive species threatening European tomato crops. Since various insecticides have become ineffective in controlling T. absoluta, effective and environmentally friendly alternatives are needed. Biological control, especially by Trichogramma parasitoids, is considered to be an effective means of reducing this pest. Thus, the aim of our study was to identify promising candidates of Trichogramma parasitoids for biological control of T. absoluta in Europe. We assessed the efficiency of nine European Trichogramma species and compared them to Trichogramma achaeae, as this species is already commercially available. Firstly, we verified species identity of the 10 rearing strains using molecular and morphological methods. Then, host acceptance, host preference (T. absoluta vs. rearing host Sitotroga cerealella eggs) and host searching capacity were tested under laboratory conditions. Our results indicated that T. nerudai, T. pintoi and T. cacoeciae achieved a similar level of parasitism on potted tomato plants as T. achaeae. For the next step, these promising strains should be tested under greenhouse conditions.
Significance and Diagnostic Accuracy of Early S100B Serum Concentration after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Balança Baptiste , Ritzenthaler Thomas , Gobert Florent , Richet Caroline , Bodonian Carole , Carrillon Romain , Terrier Anne , Desmurs Laurent , Perret-Liaudet Armand , Dailler Frédéric
Published: June 2020

Background: Early brain injuries (EBI) are one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality after subarachnoid hemorrhage. At admission, a third of patients are unconscious (spontaneously or sedated) and EBI consequences are not evaluable. To date, it is unclear who will still be comatose (with severe EBI) and who will recover (with less severe EBI) once the aneurysm is treated and sedation withdrawn. The objective of the present study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of S100B levels at hospital admission to identify patients with severe neurological consequences of EBI. Methods: Patients were consecutively included in this prospective blinded observational study. A motor component of the Glasgow coma score under 6 on day 3 was used to define patients with severe neurological consequences of EBI. Results: A total of 81 patients were included: 25 patients were unconscious at admission, 68 were treated by coiling. On day 3, 12 patients had severe consequences of EBI. A maximal S100B value between admission and day 1 had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 86.7% to predict severe EBI consequences. In patients with impaired consciousness at admission, the AUC was 88.2%. Conclusion: Early S100B seems to have a good diagnostic value to predict severe EBI. Before claiming the usefulness of S100B as a surrogate marker of EBI severity to start earlier multimodal monitoring, these results must be confirmed in an independent validation cohort.
Differentially Abundant Bacterial Taxa Associated with Prognostic Variables of Crohn’s Disease: Results from the IMPACT Study
Authors: Park Soo-kyung , Kim Han-Na , Choi Chang Hwan , Im Jong Pil , Cha Jae Myung , Eun Chang Soo , Kim Tae-Oh , Kang Sang-Bum , Bang Ki Bae , Kim Hyun Gun , Jung Yunho , Yoon Hyuk , Han Dong-Soo , Lee Chil-Woo , Ahn Kwangsung , Kim Hyung-Lae , Park Dong Il
Published: June 2020

Limited studies have examined the intestinal microbiota composition in relation to Crohn’s disease (CD) prognosis. We analyzed the differences in microbial communities and relevant metabolic pathways associated with prognostic variables in patients with CD. We applied 16S rRNA gene sequencing to analyze a cohort of 1110 CD and healthy control (HC) fecal samples. We categorized patients with CD into good (CD-G), intermediate (CD-I) and poor (CD-P) prognosis groups, according to the history of using biologics and intestinal resection. Microbiota α-diversity decreased more in CD-P than CD-G and CD-I. Microbiota ß-diversity in CD-P differed from that in CD-G and CD-I. Thirteen genera and 10 species showed differential abundance between CD-G and CD-P groups. Escherichia coli (p = 0.001) and species Producta (p = 0.01) and genera Lactobacillus (p = 0.003) and Coprococcus (p = 0.01) consistently showed differences between CD-G and CD-P groups after adjusting for confounding variables. Functional profiling suggested that the microbial catabolic pathways and pathways related to enterobacterial common antigen and lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis were better represented in the CD-P group than in the CD-G group, and E. coli were the top contributors to these pathways. CD prognosis is associated with altered microbiota composition and decreased diversity, and E. coli might be causally involved in CD progression, and may have adapted to live in inflammatory environments.
Theranostic Designed Near-Infrared Fluorescent Poly (Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid) Nanoparticles and Preliminary Studies with Functionalized VEGF-Nanoparticles
Authors: Varani Michela , Galli Filippo , Capriotti Gabriela , Mattei Maurizio , Cicconi Rosella , Campagna Giuseppe , Panzuto Francesco , Signore Alberto
Published: June 2020

Poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid nanoparticles (PLGA-NPs) were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for drug delivery in cancer. The enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect drives their accumulation minimizing the side effects of chemotherapeutics. Our aim was to develop a new theranostic tool for cancer diagnosis and therapy based on PLGA-NPs and to evaluate the added value of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) for enhanced tumor targeting. In vitro and in vivo properties of PLGA-NPs were tested and compared with VEGF-PLGA-NPs. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) was performed to evaluate the particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential of both preparations. Spectroscopy was used to confirm the absorption spectra in the near-infrared (NIR). In vivo, in BALB/c mice bearing a syngeneic tumor in the right thigh, intravenously injected PLGA-NPs showed a high target-to-muscle ratio (4.2 T/M at 24 h post-injection) that increased over time, with a maximum uptake at 72 h and a retention of the NPs up to 240 h. VEGF-PLGA-NPs accumulated in tumors 1.75 times more than PLGA-NPs with a tumor-to-muscle ratio of 7.90 ± 1.61 (versus 4.49 ± 0.54 of PLGA-NPs). Our study highlights the tumor-targeting potential of PLGA-NPs for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Such NPs can be conjugated with proteins such as VEGF to increase accumulation in tumor lesions.
Associations of Cognitive Fusion and Pain Catastrophizing with Fibromyalgia Impact through Fatigue, Pain Severity, and Depression: An Exploratory Study Using Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Écija Carmen , Luque-Reca Octavio , Suso-Ribera Carlos , Catala Patricia , Peñacoba Cecilia
Published: June 2020

Differences in fibromyalgia impact on functioning exist and appear to be influenced by numerous factors, including symptomatology severity, as well as the cognitive profile of the individual. The contribution of these elements, however, tends to be explored in a fragmented manner. To address this issue, we tested a comprehensive structural equation model in which associations of cognitive fusion and pain catastrophizing with function limitations are investigated through fibromyalgia symptomatology (i.e., fatigue, pain severity, and depression) in 231 women with fibromyalgia. In the model, cognitive fusion and two catastrophizing components (magnification and helplessness) were associated with poorer functioning indirectly through fibromyalgia symptomatology. Only the rumination component of catastrophizing had a direct association with functional limitations. All fibromyalgia symptoms were linked to increased functional limitations. A parsimonious model with significant associations only obtained an excellent fit (S-B χ2 = 774.191, df = 543, p < 0.001; CFI = 0.943; RMSEA = 0.043; CAIC = −2724.04) and accounted for 50% of the variance of functional limitations. These results suggest that the relationship between psychological cognitive processes, fibromyalgia symptomatology, and functional limitations is complex and support the need for comprehensive models such as the present. The findings are discussed in the context of personalized psychological treatments (i.e., the need to address certain cognitive processes according to the problematic symptomatology or outcome).
Predicting Acute Kidney Injury after Cardiac Surgery by Machine Learning Approaches
Authors: Thongprayoon Charat , Hansrivijit Panupong , Bathini Tarun , Vallabhajosyula Saraschandra , Mekraksakit Poemlarp , Kaewput Wisit , Cheungpasitporn Wisit
Published: June 2020

Cardiac surgery-associated AKI (CSA-AKI) is common after cardiac surgery and has an adverse impact on short- and long-term mortality. Early identification of patients at high risk of CSA-AKI by applying risk prediction models allows clinicians to closely monitor these patients and initiate effective preventive and therapeutic approaches to lessen the incidence of AKI. Several risk prediction models and risk assessment scores have been developed for CSA-AKI. However, the definition of AKI and the variables utilized in these risk scores differ, making general utility complex. Recently, the utility of artificial intelligence coupled with machine learning, has generated much interest and many studies in clinical medicine, including CSA-AKI. In this article, we discussed the evolution of models established by machine learning approaches to predict CSA-AKI.
Sleep in the Supine Position During Pregnancy is Associated with Fetal Cerebral Redistribution
Authors: Robertson Nicole , Okano Satomi , Kumar Sailesh
Published: June 2020

The supine sleep position in late pregnancy is a major risk factor for stillbirth, with a population attributable risk of 5.8% and one in four pregnant women reportedly sleeping in a supine position. Although the mechanisms linking the supine sleep position and late stillbirth remain unclear, there is evidence that it exacerbates pre-existing maternal sleep disordered breathing, which is another known risk factor for adverse perinatal outcomes. Given that maternal sleep position is a potentially modifiable risk factor, the aim of this study was to characterize and correlate uteroplacental and fetal hemodynamics, including cardiac function, in a cohort of women with apparently uncomplicated pregnancies with their nocturnal sleep position. This was a prospective observational cohort study at an Australian tertiary obstetric hospital. Women were asked to complete a series of questions related to their sleep position in late pregnancy after 35 weeks of completed gestation. They also underwent an ultrasound assessment where Doppler indices of various fetoplacental vessels and fetal cardiac function were measured. Regional cerebral perfusion was also assessed. Pregnancy outcome data was extracted from the electronic hospital database for analysis. A total of 274 women were included in the final analysis. Of these, 78.1% (214/274) reported no supine sleep, and 21.9% (60/274) reported going to sleep in a supine position. The middle cerebral artery, anterior cerebral artery, and vertebral artery pulsatility indices were all significantly lower in the supine sleep cohort, as was the cerebroplacental ratio. There were no significant differences in the mode or indication for delivery or in serious neonatal outcomes, including 5-min Apgar score < 7, acidosis, and neonatal intensive care unit admission between cohorts. Women in the supine cohort were more likely to have an infant with a BW > 90th centile (p = 0.04). This data demonstrates fetal brain sparing in association with the maternal supine sleep position in a low-risk population. This data contributes to the growing body of literature attempting to elucidate the etiological pathways responsible for the association of late stillbirth with the maternal supine sleep position.
Leveraging Fitness Tracker and Personalized Exercise Prescription to Promote Breast Cancer Survivors’ Health Outcomes: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Zeng Nan , Liao Ning , Han Chunyuan , Liu Wenxi , Gao Zan
Published: June 2020

Purpose: This feasibility study investigated whether a year-long combined fitness wristband-based and personalized exercise prescription intervention improves Chinese breast cancer survivors’ (BCSs) health outcomes. Methods: Ninety-five BCSs (Xage = 44.81 ± 7.94; XBMI = 22.18 ± 3.48) were recruited from Southern region of China and were delivered the exercise intervention across 12 months, using a single group pretest–posttest design. Participants’ lipid profile (e.g., total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides), blood glucose, breast cancer biomarkers (e.g., carcinoembryonic antigen and cancer antigen 15-3), and functional fitness (e.g., strength in arms and legs, endurance, balance, agility, and flexibility) were assessed at baseline and 12-month post-intervention. Results: Thirty-three BCSs successfully completed the intervention. A significant change in blood glucose (mean difference (MD): −0.22, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.41–−0.03, t = −2.25, p = 0.028) was observed, with participants demonstrating lower levels of blood glucose at the 12-month post-intervention versus the baseline assessment. Notable changes in functional fitness were also discerned, including agility and balance (MD: −0.47, 95% CI: −0.68–−0.26, t = −4.336, p < 0.001), aerobic endurance (MD: 89.25, 95% CI: 73.82–104.68, t = 11.336, p < 0.001), lower-body flexibility (left) (MD: 4.58, 95% CI: −4.4–13.56, t = 4.653, p < 0.001), and lower-body flexibility (right) (MD: 4.84, 95% CI: −4.65–14.33, t = 4.092, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The observations suggested that our behavioral change program might promote certain health outcomes in Chinese BCSs, yet we are unable to recommend such a program given existing limitations. Future randomized control trials with diverse samples are warranted to confirm our findings.
Reproductive Effects of Exposure to Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation: A Long-Term Follow-Up of Immigrant Women Exposed to the Chernobyl Accident
Authors: Cwikel Julie , Sergienko Ruslan , Gutvirtz Gil , Abramovitz Rachel , Slusky Danna , Quastel Michael , Sheiner Eyal
Published: June 2020

The Chernobyl accident in 1986 spread ionizing radiation over extensive areas of Belarus and Ukraine, leading to adverse health effects in exposed children. More than 30 years later, exposed children have grown and became parents themselves. This retrospective study from Israel was aimed to evaluate whether Chernobyl-exposed women are at higher risk for adverse reproductive outcomes. Exposed immigrants were identified as high or low exposure based on Caesium-137 soil contamination levels registered in the town they lived in. The exposed group was age matched with three comparison groups: non-exposed immigrant women from the Former Soviet Union (FSU) excluding Belarus and the Ukraine, immigrants from other countries (Non FSU) and Israeli-born women at a ratio of 1:10. Chernobyl-exposed women were more likely to be nulliparous and have fewer children (2.1 + 0.8 vs. 3.1 + 1.8, p < 0.001), were more likely to undergo fertility treatments (8.8% vs. 5.8%, adjusted OR = 1.8, 95%CI 1.04–3.2, p = 0.036), and were also more likely to have anemia after delivery (49.4% vs. 36.6%, OR = 1.7, 95%CI 1.2–2.3, p = 0.001), compared to women in the combined comparison groups. The overall fertility of Chernobyl-exposed women seems to be reduced as reflected by the lower number of children and their greater need for fertility treatments.
Nonimmune Hydrops Fetalis—Prenatal Diagnosis, Genetic Investigation, Outcomes and Literature Review
Authors: Kosinski Przemyslaw , Krajewski Pawel , Wielgos Miroslaw , Jezela-Stanek Aleksandra
Published: June 2020

The aim of this paper is to review the outcomes and discuss the genetic and non-genetic aetiology of nonimmune hydrops fetalis in order to support differential ultrasound and genetic evaluations and family counselling. This single-centre study includes all cases of nonimmune hydrops fetalis diagnosed prenatally from 2009 to 2019. Two sources of data were used for this study (prenatal and neonatal) to compare and summarise the findings. Data from genetic testing and ultrasound scans were collected. In total, 33 pregnant women with prenatally diagnosed nonimmune hydrops fetalis were studied. The data included 30 cases of singleton (91%) and three cases (9%) of twin pregnancies. There were 14 survivors (43%), seven cases of postnatal deaths (21%), four cases of intrauterine foetal demises (12%), four cases of termination of pregnancy (12%), and four women without a follow up (12%). The total number of chromosomally normal singleton pregnancies was 29 (88%), and 14 foetuses had an anatomical abnormality detected on the ultrasound scan. The chance of survival was the highest in cases of isolated, idiopathic hydrops fetalis, which in most cases was due to an undetectable intrauterine infection. In many cases, the diagnosis could not be established throughout pregnancy. Each case of nonimmune hydrops fetalis should thus be analysed individually.
Nocebo Effects on Perceived Muscle Soreness and Exercise Performance Following Unaccustomed Resistance Exercise: A Pilot Study
Authors: McLemore Blake H. , McLemore Sarah G. , Rogers Rebecca R. , Pederson Joseph A. , Williams Tyler D. , Marshall Mallory R. , Ballmann Christopher G.
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of nocebo administration on perceived soreness and exercise performance following unaccustomed resistance exercise. Untrained males were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: (1) control or (2) negative-belief. For the negative-belief group, participants were given a capsule before exercise containing 400 mg of an inert substance (gluten-free cornstarch) and were told the supplement would increase muscle soreness. The control group received no treatment. An algometer and pain scale was used to obtain soreness, and a goniometer was used to measure elbow range of motion (ROM). Participants completed an eccentric bicep curl pyramid with their non-dominant arm. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and repetitions were recorded. Then, 48 h after the initial exercise bout, participants repeated all procedures. Perceived soreness, ROM, average RPE, and total repetitions performed were analyzed. Perceived soreness was significantly higher in both control and negative-belief groups 48 h after exercise (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.23). ROM was significantly lower 48 h post in the negative-belief group (p = 0.004; d = 1.83) while no differences existed for controls (p = 0.999; d = 0.16). Average RPE was unaffected between groups (p = 0.282; η2 = 0.07). Total repetitions were significantly lower 48 h post in the negative-belief group (p < 0.001; d = 2.51) while no differences existed for the controls (p = 0.999; d = 0.08). Findings suggest that 48 h after unaccustomed resistance exercise, negative expectation does not worsen soreness but hinders ROM and exercise performance.
The Reconstruction of a Bronze Battle Axe and Comparison of Inflicted Damage Injuries Using Neutron Tomography, Manufacturing Modeling, and X-ray Microtomography Data
Authors: Mednikova Maria , Saprykina Irina , Kichanov Sergey , Kozlenko Denis
Published: June 2020

A massive bronze battle axe from the Abashevo archaeological culture was studied using neutron tomography and manufacturing modeling from production molds. Detailed structural data were acquired to simulate and model possible injuries and wounds caused by this battle axe. We report the results of neutron tomography experiments on the bronze battle axe, as well as manufactured plastic and virtual models of the traumas obtained at different strike angles from this axe. The reconstructed 3D models of the battle axe, plastic imprint model, and real wound and trauma traces on the bones of the ancient peoples of the Abashevo archaeological culture were obtained. Skulls with traces of injuries originate from archaeological excavations of the Pepkino burial mound of the Abashevo culture in the Volga region. The reconstruction and identification of the injuries and type of weapon on the restored skulls were performed. The complementary use of 3D visualization methods allowed us to make some assumptions on the cause of death of the people of the Abashevo culture and possible intra-tribal conflict in this cultural society. The obtained structural and anthropological data can be used to develop new concepts and methods for the archaeology of conflict.
Modeling Assessment of Tidal Energy Extraction in the Western Passage
Authors: Yang Zhaoqing , Wang Taiping , Xiao Ziyu , Kilcher Levi , Haas Kevin , Xue Huijie , Feng Xi
Published: June 2020

Numerical models have been widely used for the resource characterization and assessment of tidal instream energy. The accurate assessment of tidal stream energy resources at a feasibility or project-design scale requires detailed hydrodynamic model simulations or high-quality field measurements. This study applied a three-dimensional finite-volume community ocean model (FVCOM) to simulate the tidal hydrodynamics in the Passamaquoddy–Cobscook Bay archipelago, with a focus on the Western Passage, to assist tidal energy resource assessment. IEC Technical specifications were considered in the model configurations and simulations. The model was calibrated and validated with field measurements. Energy fluxes and power densities along selected cross sections were calculated to evaluate the feasibility of the tidal energy development at several hotspots that feature strong currents. When taking both the high current speed and water depth into account, the model results showed that the Western Passage has great potential for the deployment of tidal energy farms. The maximum extractable power in the Western Passage was estimated using the Garrett and Cummins method. Different criteria and methods recommended by the IEC for resource characterization were evaluated and discussed using a sensitivity analysis of energy extraction for a hypothetical tidal turbine farm in the Western Passage.
The Smart Detection of Ship Severe Roll Motions and Decision-Making for Evasive Actions
Authors: Acanfora Maria , Balsamo Flavio
Published: June 2020

This paper presents a numerical model for the smart detection of synchronous and parametric roll resonance of a ship. The model implements manoeuvring equations superimposed onto ship dynamics in waves. It also features suited autopilot and rudder actuator models, aiming at a fair depiction of the control delay. The developed method is able to identify and distinguish between synchronous and parametric roll resonance, based on the estimation of encounter wave period from ship motions. Therefore, it could be useful as a smart tool for manned vessels and, also, in the perspective of unmanned and autonomous vessels (in the paper it is assumed a hypothetical remote crew). Once the resonance threat is identified, different evasive actions are simulated and compared, based on course and speed change. Calculations are carried out on a ro-ro pax vessel vulnerable to parametric roll. We conclude that, in roll resonance situations, and in the absence of roll stabilisation systems on-board, course change could be the most effective countermeasure.
Large Scale Experimental Study of the Scour Protection Damage Around a Monopile Foundation Under Combined Wave and Current Conditions
Authors: Wu Minghao , De Vos Leen , Arboleda Chavez Carlos Emilio , Stratigaki Vasiliki , Fazeres-Ferradosa Tiago , Rosa-Santos Paulo , Taveira-Pinto Francisco , Troch Peter
Published: June 2020

This paper presents a series of large-scale wave flume experiments on the scour protection damage around a monopile under combined waves and current conditions with model scales of 1:16.67 and 1:8.33. The main objective is to compare the damage data obtained from these large-scale models with existing monopile scour protection design approaches, which were proposed based on small scale wave flume experiments, and to study the applicability of the existing approaches. The static stability (onset of motion and bed shear stress) and the dynamic stability (three-dimensional damage numbers) of the scour protection are investigated. Both results show that the existing design approaches can be conservative when applied to large scale models, which highlights the need of further investigations on scale and model effects. In addition, this paper also analyses the scour protection damage depth. It is observed that damage depths of the scour protection layer under low Keulegan–Carpenter number (KC) conditions are smaller than predictions. The study provides valuable large scale experimental data for future research on the monopile scour protection design.
Propagation of Solitary Waves over a Submerged Slotted Barrier
Authors: Wu Yun-Ta , Hsiao Shih-Chun
Published: June 2020

In this article, the interaction of solitary waves and a submerged slotted barrier is investigated in which the slotted barrier consists of three impermeable elements and its porosity can be determined by the distance between the two neighboring elements. A new experiment is conducted to measure free surface elevation, velocity, and turbulent kinetic energy. Numerical simulation is performed using a two-dimensional model based on the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes equations and the non-linear k-ɛ turbulence model. A detailed flow pattern is illustrated by a flow visualization technique. A laboratory observation indicates that flow separations occur at each element of the slotted barrier and the vortex shedding process is then triggered due to the complicated interaction of those induced vortices that further create a complex flow pattern. During the vortex shedding process, seeding particles that are initially accumulated near the seafloor are suspended by an upward jet formed by vortices interacting. Model-data comparisons are carried out to examine the accuracy of the model. Overall model-data comparisons are in satisfactory agreement, but modeled results sometimes fail to predict the positions of the induced vortices. Since the measured data is unique in terms of velocity and turbulence, the dataset can be used for further improvement of numerical modeling.
Review of Potential Pseudomonas Weaponry, Relevant to the Pseudomonas–Aspergillus Interplay, for the Mycology Community
Authors: Chatterjee Paulami , Sass Gabriele , Swietnicki Wieslaw , Stevens David A.
Published: June 2020

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most prominent opportunistic bacteria in airways of cystic fibrosis patients and in immunocompromised patients. These bacteria share the same polymicrobial niche with other microbes, such as the opportunistic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. Their inter-kingdom interactions and diverse exchange of secreted metabolites are responsible for how they both fare in competition for ecological niches. The outcomes of their contests likely determine persistent damage and degeneration of lung function. With a myriad of virulence factors and metabolites of promising antifungal activity, P. aeruginosa products or their derivatives may prove useful in prophylaxis and therapy against A. fumigatus. Quorum sensing underlies the primary virulence strategy of P. aeruginosa, which serves as cell–cell communication and ultimately leads to the production of multiple virulence factors. Understanding the quorum-sensing-related pathogenic mechanisms of P. aeruginosa is a first step for understanding intermicrobial competition. In this review, we provide a basic overview of some of the central virulence factors of P. aeruginosa that are regulated by quorum-sensing response pathways and briefly discuss the hitherto known antifungal properties of these virulence factors. This review also addresses the role of the bacterial secretion machinery regarding virulence factor secretion and maintenance of cell–cell communication.
Does Bitcoin Hedge Commodity Uncertainty?
Authors: Hoang Khanh , Nguyen Cuong C. , Poch Kongchheng , Nguyen Thang X.
Published: June 2020

This paper examines the connectedness between Bitcoin and commodity volatilities, including oil, wheat, and corn, during the period Oct. 2013–Jun. 2018, using time- and frequency-domain frameworks. The time-domain framework’s results show that the connectedness is 23.49%, indicating a low level of connection between Bitcoin and the commodity volatilities. Bitcoin contributes only 2.55% to the connectedness, while the wheat volatility index accounts for 12.51% of the total connectedness. The frequency connectedness shows that Bitcoin’s contribution to the total connectedness increases from high-frequency to low-frequency bands, and the total connectedness reaches up to 22.47%. It also indicates that Bitcoin is the spillover transmitter to the wheat volatility, while being the spillover receiver from the oil and corn volatilities. The findings suggest that Bitcoin could be a hedger for commodity volatilities.
Wi-Fi Direct Performance Evaluation for V2P Communications
Authors: de Almeida Thales Teixeira , Ribeiro Júnior José Geraldo , Campista Miguel Elias M. , Costa Luís Henrique M. K.
Published: June 2020

The high cost of IEEE 802.11p-compliant devices and the lack of a widely adopted standard motivate the search for alternative methods for vehicular communication. As a consequence, and due to the ubiquity of smartphones, we see an increasing number of proposals based on Wi-Fi Direct, especially related to the integration of pedestrians in VANETs. Nevertheless, given the complexity of real experimentation, it is difficult to assess the ability of Wi-Fi Direct to offer connectivity in the vehicular environment on a large scale, leading to the evaluation through simulation. In order to verify the ability of a simulation model of reproducing the Wi-Fi Direct behavior, we analyze the performance of a safety application based on the communication range, packet delivery rate, and packet inter-reception time. In V2P scenarios, with and without line of sight, with varying vehicle speed, measurements using smartphones are performed and their results compared with those of OMNeT++ simulator. The results indicate, apart from the simulator’s accuracy, that the connection establishment time hinders the use of Wi-Fi Direct as a replacement to 802.11p. As an outcome of this observation, we evaluate a new transmission method for Wi-Fi Direct based on beacon stuffing, which mitigates the long connection establishment issue.
Landscape Strategy-Making and Collaboration. The Hills of Northern Mors, Denmark; A Case of Changing Focus and Scale
Authors: Primdahl Jørgen , Folvig Sara , Kristensen Lone S.
Published: June 2020

This paper focuses on a three-year rural landscape strategy-making process, which was driven by a Danish municipality and involved a large number of stakeholders. The project was part of an action research program aimed at developing new approaches to collaborative landscape planning. Gaining experiences with such approaches was part of this aim. During the course of the project, the focus and scale of the strategy changed significantly. The process developed in interesting ways in respect to three dimensions of collaborative landscape planning: collaboration, scale, and public goods. After a brief review of the three dimensions and their links to landscape planning, the case story is unfolded in three sections: (1) The planning process, (2) the process outcome (the strategy), and (3) the aftermath in terms of critical reflections from participating planners and local stakeholders. The process and outcome of the landscape strategy-making process is discussed in the context of collaboration, scale, and public goods, including a brief outline of the lessons learned.
Rural Land Use Change Driven by Informal Industrialization: Evidence from Fengzhuang Village in China
Authors: Yin Jie , Zhao Xu , Zhang Wenjia , Wang Pei
Published: June 2020

This study investigates the spatial expansion process, the de facto land use change, and their endogenous driving forces in the village of Fengzhuang since the 1990s. Fengzhuang is a specialized village in Hebei, North China, in which above 80% of rural residents are engaged in the manufacturing of mahogany furniture. Land use data were extracted from a participatory rural appraisal (PRA) survey conducted in 2014–2015. The results suggest that the land in Fengzhuang has been expanding rapidly under the influence of the informal furniture industry. The villagers transform their residential areas into family workshops and factories for the production of furniture. Most rural areas officially marked as residential are, in effect, used for industrial production, resulting in the informality of land use and circulation. The in-depth survey also reveals that the informality of the furniture industry, the bottom-up process of land development, and the evolution of government regulation are the major reasons leading to the de facto change of land use in Fengzhuang. This study offers a microscopic perspective of land use change, which helps to explore the formation and change of rural land use and actual functions, as well as the mechanisms behind them. These findings are expected to provide some implications for improving rural development strategies, rural planning, and governance in China’s specialized villages such as Fengzhuang.
State-of-the-Art: Inflammatory and Metabolic Markers in Mood Disorders
Authors: Mucci Federico , Marazziti Donatella , Della Vecchia Alessandra , Baroni Stefano , Morana Paolo , Carpita Barbara , Mangiapane Paola , Morana Florinda , Morana Benedetto , Dell’Osso Liliana
Published: June 2020

Mounting evidence highlights the involvement of inflammatory/immune systems and their relationships with neurotransmitters and different metabolic processes in mood disorders. Nevertheless, there is a general agreement that available findings are still inconclusive. Therefore, further investigations are required, aimed at deepening the role of possible alterations of biomarkers in the pathophysiology of mood disorders that might lead to more focused and tailored treatments. The present study is a comprehensive review on these topics that seem to represent intriguing avenues for the development of real innovative therapeutic strategies of mood disorders.
Change in Conductive–Radiative Heat Transfer Mechanism Forced by Graphite Microfiller in Expanded Polystyrene Thermal Insulation—Experimental and Simulated Investigations
Authors: Blazejczyk Aurelia , Jastrzebski Cezariusz , Wierzbicki Michał
Published: June 2020

This article introduces an innovative approach to the investigation of the conductive–radiative heat transfer mechanism in expanded polystyrene (EPS) thermal insulation at negligible convection. Closed-cell EPS foam (bulk density 14–17 kg·m−3) in the form of panels (of thickness 0.02–0.18 m) was tested with 1–15 µm graphite microparticles (GMP) at two different industrial concentrations (up to 4.3% of the EPS mass). A heat flow meter (HFM) was found to be precise enough to observe all thermal effects under study: the dependence of the total thermal conductivity on thickness, density, and GMP content, as well as the thermal resistance relative gain. An alternative explanation of the total thermal conductivity “thickness effect” is proposed. The conductive–radiative components of the total thermal conductivity were separated, by comparing measured (with and without Al-foil) and simulated (i.e., calculated based on data reported in the literature) results. This helps to elucidate why a small addition of GMP (below 4.3%) forces such an evident drop in total thermal conductivity, down to 0.03 W·m−1·K−1. As proposed, a physical cause is related to the change in mechanism of the heat transfer by conduction and radiation. The main accomplishment is discovering that the change forced by GMP in the polymer matrix thermal conduction may dominate the radiation change. Hence, the matrix conduction component change is considered to be the major cause of the observed drop in total thermal conductivity of EPS insulation. At the microscopic level of the molecules or chains (e.g., in polymers), significant differences observed in the intensity of Raman spectra and in the glass transition temperature increase on differential scanning calorimetry(DSC) thermograms, when comparing EPS foam with and without GMP, complementarily support the above statement. An additional practical achievement is finding the maximum thickness at which one may reduce the “grey” EPS insulating layer, with respect to “dotted” EPS at a required level of thermal resistance. In the case of the thickest (0.30 m) panels for a passive building, above 18% of thickness reduction is found to be possible.
Condition-Based Maintenance—An Extensive Literature Review
Authors: Quatrini Elena , Costantino Francesco , Di Gravio Giulio , Patriarca Riccardo
Published: June 2020

This paper presents an extensive literature review on the field of condition-based maintenance (CBM). The paper encompasses over 4000 contributions, analysed through bibliometric indicators and meta-analysis techniques. The review adopts Factor Analysis as a dimensionality reduction, concerning the metric of the co-citations of the papers. Four main research areas have been identified, able to delineate the research field synthetically, from theoretical foundations of CBM; (i) towards more specific implementation strategies (ii) and then specifically focusing on operational aspects related to (iii) inspection and replacement and (iv) prognosis. The data-driven bibliometric results have been combined with an interpretative research to extract both core and detailed concepts related to CBM. This combined analysis allows a critical reflection on the field and the extraction of potential future research directions.
A Family of Theta-Function Identities Based upon Combinatorial Partition Identities Related to Jacobi’s Triple-Product Identity
Authors: Srivastava Hari Mohan , Srivastava Rekha , Chaudhary Mahendra Pal , Uddin Salah
Published: June 2020

The authors establish a set of six new theta-function identities involving multivariable R-functions which are based upon a number of q-product identities and Jacobi’s celebrated triple-product identity. These theta-function identities depict the inter-relationships that exist among theta-function identities and combinatorial partition-theoretic identities. Here, in this paper, we consider and relate the multivariable R-functions to several interesting q-identities such as (for example) a number of q-product identities and Jacobi’s celebrated triple-product identity. Various recent developments on the subject-matter of this article as well as some of its potential application areas are also briefly indicated. Finally, we choose to further emphasize upon some close connections with combinatorial partition-theoretic identities and present a presumably open problem.