bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of Wireless Sensor Network for Air Quality Measurements
Authors: Arroyo Patricia , Lozano Jesús , Suárez José Ignacio
Published: November 2018

This study addresses the development of a wireless gas sensor network with low cost, small size, and low consumption nodes for environmental applications and air quality detection. Throughout the article, the evolution of the design and development of the system is presented, describing four designed prototypes. The final proposed prototype node has the capacity to connect up to four metal oxide (MOX) gas sensors, and has high autonomy thanks to the use of solar panels, as well as having an indirect sampling system and a small size. ZigBee protocol is used to transmit data wirelessly to a self-developed data cloud. The discrimination capacity of the device was checked with the volatile organic compounds benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX). An improvement of the system was achieved to obtain optimal success rates in the classification stage with the final prototype. Data processing was carried out using techniques of pattern recognition and artificial intelligence, such as radial basis networks and principal component analysis (PCA).
Effect of Saturation on Field Oriented Control of the New Designed Reluctance Synchronous Motor
Authors: Rafajdus Pavol , Hrabovcova Valeria , Lehocky Pavel , Makys Pavol , Holub Filip
Published: November 2018

In this paper the effect of saturation on torque production of a reluctance synchronous motor (RSM), which was originally built as an induction motor (IM), is investigated. The rotor was replaced with new one, designed as synchronous reluctance cageless rotor with barriers, the shape and number of which were optimized to maximize the reluctance ratio. The torque measurement was done while the RSM was fed by frequency converter controlled by a microcontroller with closed loop field oriented control strategy to find out how saturation effects the developed torque at various values of the currents and speeds. It is shown how the load angle at which the maximum torque was achieved is changed. It was found out that the load angle was shifted to higher values depending on the speed of operation.
Hydrothermal Carbonization Brewer’s Spent Grains with the Focus on Improving the Degradation of the Feedstock
Authors: Arauzo Pablo J. , Olszewski Maciej P. , Kruse Andrea
Published: November 2018

Hydrochar is a very interesting product from agricultural and food production residues. Unfortunately, severe conditions for complete conversion of lignocellulosic biomass is necessary, especially compared to the conversion of sugar compounds. The goal of this work is to improve the conversion of internal carbohydrates by application of a two-steps process, by acid addition and slightly higher water content. A set of experiments at different temperatures (180, 200, and 220 °C), reaction times (2 and 4 h), and moisture contents (80% and 90%) was performed to characterize the solid (high heating value (HHV), elemental) and liquid product phase. Afterwards, acid addition for a catalyzed hydrolysis reaction during hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and a two-steps reaction (180 and 220 °C) were tested. As expected, a higher temperature leads to higher C content of the hydrochar and a higher fixed carbon (FC) content. The same effect was found with the addition of acids at lower temperatures. In the two-steps reaction, a primary hydrolysis step increases the conversion of internal carbohydrates. Higher water content has no significant effect, except for increasing the solubility of ash components.
Novel Design for Thermal Management of PV Cells in Harsh Environmental Conditions
Authors: Ahmad Nasser , Khandakar Amith , El-Tayeb Amir , Benhmed Kamel , Iqbal Atif , Touati Farid
Published: November 2018

The abundance of solar energy is a blessing in the Arabian Peninsula, where more than 2000 kWh/m2 density has been recorded annually. This has resulted in sincere consideration of PV harvesting in the energy matrix and smart grid. However, artefacts such as degradation of PV efficiency due to the high temperature effect have to be addressed. This paper presents a novel design of a PV cooling system using water to mitigate the effect of high temperature. Several experiments have been conducted, and the results have been analyzed. It has been found that the collected water from the panel after 40 min of cooling gained a temperature of 10 °C approximately, during December 2016. Eventually, the efficiency was improved by 10.35% (without using MPPT) using water at ambient temperature (24 °C) compared to the non-cooled panel. Moreover, the temperature of the panel during solar peak hours dropped from 64.3 °C to 32 °C and from 59 °C to 27 °C in 3 min for the back and front surface, respectively. These results, which are the first of their kind in Qatar, constitute good incentives and pave the way for further investigation to enhance PV efficiency in harsh environments. This would be of paramount significance, especially for scaling up PV deployment, as is planned in Qatar and GCC countries in their 2030 vision.
Participation as a Key Aspect for Establishing Wastewater as a Source of Renewable Energy
Authors: Kretschmer Florian , Neugebauer Georg , Stoeglehner Gernot , Ertl Thomas
Published: November 2018

Climate change is one of the great challenges of our times. In the search for renewable energy sources, wastewater has received increasing attention in recent years. This is due to the fact that it can serve as a source of electricity and heat supply, as well as a substitute for natural gas. The current literature frequently addresses more technical aspects from a mostly sanitary engineering-orientated perspective. Social aspects related to the energetic use of wastewater still appear to be underrepresented. To support the closure of existing knowledge gaps and to contribute to the development in this field, this article addresses two issues: it defines and characterises key stakeholder groups required to catalyse broader energetic usage of wastewater, and it proposes a participatory approach to support successfully establishing wastewater as a commonly accepted source of renewable energy to best support the ongoing energy transition.
Waste to Carbon: Densification of Torrefied Refuse-Derived Fuel
Authors: Białowiec Andrzej , Micuda Monika , Koziel Jacek A.
Published: November 2018

In this work, for the first time, the feasibility of obtaining carbonized refuse-derived fuel (CRDF) pelletization from municipal solid waste (MSW) was shown. Production of CRDF by torrefaction of MSW could be the future of recycling technology. The objective was to determine the applied pressure needed to produce CRDF pellets with compressive strength (CS) comparable to conventional biomass pellets. Also, the hypothesis that a binder (water glass (WG)) applied to CRDF as a coating can improve CS was tested. The pelletizing was based on the lab-scale production of CRDF pellets with pressure ranging from 8.5 MPa to 76.2 MPa. The resulting CS pellets increased from 0.06 MPa to 3.44 MPa with applied pelletizing pressure up to the threshold of 50.8 MPa, above which it did not significantly improve (p < 0.05). It was found that the addition of 10% WG to 50.8 MPa CRDF pellets or coating them with WG did not significantly improve the CS (p < 0.05). It was possible to produce durable pellets from CRDF. The CS was comparable to pine pellets. This research advances the concept of energy recovery from MSW, particularly by providing practical information on densification of CRDF originating from the torrefaction of the flammable fraction of MSW–refuse-derived fuel. Modification of CRDF through pelletization is proposed as preparation of lower volume fuel with projected lower costs of its storage and transportation and for a wider adoption of this technology.
Hardware in the Loop Real-time Simulation for the Associated Discrete Circuit Modeling Optimization Method of Power Converters
Authors: Guo Xizheng , Yuan Jiaqi , Tang Yiguo , You Xiaojie
Published: November 2018

Due to the complicated circuit topology and high switching frequency, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA) can stand up to the challenges for the hardware in the loop (HIL) real-time simulation of power electronics converters. The Associated Discrete Circuit (ADC) modeling method, which has a fixed admittance matrix, greatly reduces the computation cost for FPGA. However, the oscillations introduced by the switch-equivalent model reduces the simulation accuracy. In this paper, firstly, a novel algorithm is proposed to determine the optimal discrete-time switch admittance parameter, Gs, which is obtained by minimizing the switching loss. Secondly, the FPGA resource optimization method, in which the simulation time step, bit-length, and model precision are taken into consideration, is presented when the power electronics converter is implemented in FPGA. Finally, the above method is validated on the topology of a three-phase inverter with LC filters. The HIL simulation and practicality experiments verify the effect of FPGA resource optimization and the validity of the ADC modeling method, respectively.
Online Evaluation Method for Low Frequency Oscillation Stability in a Power System Based on Improved XGboost
Authors: Hu Wenping , Liang Jifeng , Jin Yitao , Wu Fuzhang , Wang Xiaowei , Chen Ersong
Published: November 2018

Low frequency oscillation in an interconnected power system is becoming an increasingly serious problem. It is of great practical significance to make online evaluation of actual power grid’s stability. To evaluate the stability of the power system quickly and accurately, a low frequency oscillation stability evaluation method based on an improved XGboost algorithm and power system random response data is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the original input feature set describing the dynamic characteristics of the power system is established by analyzing the substance of low frequency oscillation. Taking the random response data of power system including the disturbance end time feature and the dynamic feature of power system as the input sample set, the wavelet threshold is applied to improve its effectiveness. Secondly, using the eigenvalue analysis method, different damping ratios are selected as threshold values to judge the stability of the system low-frequency oscillation. Then, the supervised training with improved XGboost algorithm is performed on the characteristics of stability. On this basis, the training model is obtained and applied to online low frequency oscillation stability evaluation of a power system. Finally, the simulation results of the eight-machine 36-node test system and Hebei southern power grid show that the proposed low frequency oscillation online evaluation method has the features of high evaluation accuracy, fast evaluation speed, low error rate of unstable sample evaluation, and strong anti-noise ability.
Study on the Energy Saving Potential for Semi-Transparent PV Window in Southwest China
Authors: Tian Hao , Zhang Wei , Xie Lingzhi , Wu Yupeng , Sun Yanyi , Chen Mo , Wang Wei , Wu Xinwen
Published: November 2018

To study Semi-Transparent photovoltaic (STPV) windows, experiments were conducted to test the energy potential of STPV window installed in buildings. Two identical rooms were built up as experimental units; one was fitted with amorphous silicon (a-silicon) photovoltaic (PV) windows, and another was fitted with a conventional window. The interactional influence was analyzed among air conditioning energy consumption, lighting energy consumption, and energy generation. It can be concluded that STPV windows could provide 0.26 kWh/per day and save 29% on comprehensive building load on a typical sunny day. In order to further investigate, buildings installed with STPV windows in four typical cities with different climate environments in southwest China were simulated and analyzed. The cooling load of the buildings were all decreased while the heating energy consumption and lighting energy consumption were lightly increased. The energy generation of STPV windows was highest in Lhasa at 402.1 kWh/year. The energy saving potential of STPV windows was predicted with good values; 54% in Kunming.
A Novel Static Correction Approach for Eliminating the Effect of Geophones—A Case Study in Coal Reservoirs, Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Sun Liang , Peng Suping , He Dengke
Published: November 2018

Static correction is an essential step in seismic processing and it has an effect on the later steps of seismic processing, including velocity analysis, data stacking, and seismic inversion. During seismic data acquisition, a receiving point usually sets a geophone several times to receive the seismic data. The same geophone cannot be set at the same receiving point every time. If the geophones have different delay time, then the common receiving-point gather (CRG) will have multiple receiver statics. However, the receiver statics of a CRG are considered the same in conventional static correction. In this paper, based on common attitude gather (CAG), a novel static correction method is proposed to analyze the receiver statics of a CRG. Attitude indicates the tilt angles of the three components of a geophone. According to the different attitudes of geophones, CRG can be divided into multiple CAGs. When the difference technique is used to the novel method and the conventional method, the statics are analyzed with CAGs and CRGs, respectively. A field example demonstrates that the proposed method cannot only enhance the continuity of the event in the shot gather, but also smooth the gaps of the event in the CRG. The results suggest that the proposed method can eliminate the effect of differences in delay time of geophones on static correction.
A Stability Analysis of Solutions in Boundary Layer Flow and Heat Transfer of Carbon Nanotubes over a Moving Plate with Slip Effect
Authors: Anuar Nur Syazana , Bachok Norfifah , Pop Ioan
Published: November 2018

The flow and heat transfer characteristics of both single-wall and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with water and kerosene as base fluid on a moving plate with slip effect are studied numerically. By employing similarity transformation, governing equations are transformed into a set of nonlinear ordinary equations. These equations are solved numerically using the bvp4c solver in Matlab which is a very efficient finite difference method. The influence of numerous parameters such as nanoparticle volume fraction, velocity ratio parameter and first order slip parameter on velocity, temperature, skin friction and heat transfer rate are further explored and discussed in the form of graphical and tabular forms. The results reveal that dual solutions exist when the plate and free stream move in the opposite direction and slip parameter was found to widen the range of the possible solutions. However, skin friction coefficients decrease, whereas the heat transfer increases in the presence of slip parameter. Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) give higher skin friction and heat transfer compared to multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) due to the fact that they have higher density and thermal conductivity. A stability analysis is carried out to determine the stability of the solutions obtained.
Suppression of Electron Avalanches in Ultra-Dilute SF6-N2 Mixtures Subjected to Time-Invariant Crossed Fields
Authors: Dincer Mustafa Sezai , Tezcan Suleyman Sungur , Duzkaya Hidir
Published: November 2018

Ultra-dilute SF6 + N2 mixtures are subjected to crossed fields with the applied magnetic field normal to the electric field in order to investigate critical magnetic field values for suppression of electron avalanche growth resulting in increased dielectric strength. Electron avalanche growth inhibition together with the related electron mean energy variation and electron energy distribution functions are reported in the binary mixtures subjected to the combined fields. Even if a very small amount of greenhouse gas (SF6) is used, high dielectric strength can be achieved in the binary mixtures with 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 3%, and 7% SF6 contents subjected to the evaluated combined fields. The magnitude of the crossed magnetic field, which results in avalanche growth inhibition, decreases as the electronegativity of the mixture is increased.
Hierarchical Look-Ahead Conservation Voltage Reduction Framework Considering Distributed Energy Resources and Demand Reduction
Authors: Mak Davye , Choi Dae-Hyun
Published: November 2018

This paper proposes a hierarchical look-ahead framework to conduct conservation voltage reduction (CVR) when distributed energy resources such as solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and energy storage systems (ESSs), and demand response programs are integrated into distribution systems. With the increasing deployment of PV systems in distribution systems, their frequently varying power output due to cloud movements could have a detrimental impact on the consumer’s voltage quality, consequently leading to degraded CVR performance. A two-level CVR framework for the coordination of an on-load tap changer (OLTC), capacitor banks (CBs), and the smart inverters of PV systems/ESSs is presented, in which these elements operate to reduce the voltage profile along the distribution feeder at different temporal scales. At the global level, the operations of the OLTC and the CBs are scheduled every hour to achieve the best CVR performance in an optimization problem using mixed-integer linear programming. When voltage violations occur rapidly, the smart inverters of PV systems and ESSs help to maintain a lower voltage profile every second based on the proposed piecewise droop control functions at the local level. A simulation study is carried out in an IEEE 33-bus distribution system with an OLTC, CBs, PV systems, and ESSs, and our results demonstrate the advantages of the proposed approach in terms of voltage level and energy savings. Furthermore, the impact of demand reduction on the proposed approach is quantified, and we verify that a higher demand reduction yields more energy savings in the proposed framework.
Forest Degradation: When Is a Forest Degraded?
Authors: Vásquez-Grandón Angélica , Donoso Pablo J. , Gerding Víctor
Published: November 2018

The concept of forest degradation tends to be addressed in broad terms, and existing definitions are difficult to apply in practice. These definitions are based on a reduction in the production of ecosystem goods and services, but fail to address how, when and to what degree this reduction—which ultimately leads to degradation of a forest—occurs. Generally speaking, degradation is the result of a progressive decline in the structure, composition and functions upon which the vigor and RESILIENCE of a forest is based. A degraded forest is one whose structure, function, species composition, or productivity have been severely modified or permanently lost as a result of damaging human activities. So far, no guidelines have been developed for classification and evaluation of a degraded forest at the stand level, nor are there methodologies for assessing the degree of degradation found. The present work proposes stand-level guidelines for identification of a degraded forest according to a list of structural, compositional and regeneration criteria and characteristics. Emphasis is put on the need for local definitions of forest degradation, and identification of thresholds that determine the points where the processes of degradation finalize into degraded forests. Finally, the present work makes a call to move forwards in sustainable management in order to prevent degradation, and in implementation of restoration or rehabilitation practices in degraded forests.
Oogenesis and Egg Quality in Finfish: Yolk Formation and Other Factors Influencing Female Fertility
Authors: Reading Benjamin J. , Andersen Linnea K. , Ryu Yong-Woon , Mushirobira Yuji , Todo Takashi , Hiramatsu Naoshi
Published: November 2018

Egg quality in fishes has been a topic of research in aquaculture and fisheries for decades as it represents an important life history trait and is critical for captive propagation and successful recruitment. A major factor influencing egg quality is proper yolk formation, as most fishes are oviparous and the developing offspring are entirely dependent on stored egg yolk for nutritional sustenance. These maternally derived nutrients consist of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, minerals, and ions that are transported from the liver to the ovary by lipoprotein particles including vitellogenins. The yolk composition may be influenced by broodstock diet, husbandry, and other intrinsic and extrinsic conditions. In addition, a number of other maternal factors that may influence egg quality also are stored in eggs, such as gene transcripts, that direct early embryonic development. Dysfunctional regulation of gene or protein expression may lead to poor quality eggs and failure to thrive within hours of fertilization. These gene transcripts may provide important markers as their expression levels may be used to screen broodstock for potential spawning success. In addition to such intrinsic factors, stress may lead to ovarian atresia or reproductive failure and can impact fish behavior, fecundity, and ovulation rate. Finally, postovulatory aging may occur when eggs become overripe and the fish fails to spawn in a timely fashion, leading to low fertility, often encountered during manual strip spawning of fish.
Accumulation of As, Cd, and Pb in Sixteen Wheat Cultivars Grown in Contaminated Soils and Associated Health Risk Assessment
Authors: Guo Guanghui , Lei Mei , Wang Yanwen , Song Bo , Yang Jun
Published: November 2018

This study investigated the accumulation of As, Cd, and Pb in 16 wheat cultivars and the associated health risks for the inhabitants of Jiyuan, China. The results indicated that the concentrations of As, Cd, and Pb decreased in the order of root > leaf > stem > grain. The concentrations of As, Cd, and Pb in wheat grains varied from 0.13 for Pingan8 to 0.34 mg kg−1 for Zhengmai7698, 0.10 for Luomai26 to 0.25 mg kg−1 for Zhengmai7698, and 0.12 for Zhoumai207 to 0.42 mg kg−1 for Zhengmai379, respectively. There were significant differences in the bioaccumulation factors of As, Cd, and Pb among the 16 wheat cultivars. Cd was more readily accumulated to higher levels than As and Pb in wheat. The Target Hazard Quotients (THQs) of Cd and Pb in the grains from 16 wheat cultivars were below 1, while As THQ exceeded 1. The lowest detrimental human health effects via wheat consumption were found in cultivar AY58 among the 16 wheat cultivars, with total THQs (TTHQs) of 1.82 for children and 1.60 for adults, suggesting that children absorb more heavy metals than adults and they are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of these metals.
Effects of Internal Partitions on Flow Field and Air Contaminant Distribution under Different Ventilation Modes
Authors: Liu Xiaoping , Wu Xiaojiao , Chen Linjing , Zhou Rui
Published: November 2018

Based on frequently used internal partitions in offices, the effects of pollutant source characteristics and an internal partition on airflow and contaminant distribution under different ventilation modes are studied in this paper. The indoor flow field measurement is implemented in a 1:1 single environmental chamber under different ventilation patterns, and then the numerical model is established. The numerical method is verified and analyzed by comparing the measured and simulated results. According to the verification results, the numerical simulation is introduced to study the influence of different supply and return air mixes and pollutant source distributions on the flow field and diffusion performance with an internal partition. The indoor flow field and concentration distribution under different conditions are compared, and the discharge efficiency under different working conditions is analyzed. The results indicate that internal partitions have a greater influence on the down-supply up-return ventilation mode than the floor-supply up-return and top-supply down-return ventilation mode. Furthermore, if the room is zoned, the effect of source position is larger under the down-supply up-return ventilation mode than under the other two modes.
Indoor Air Quality and Potential Health Risk Impacts of Exposure to Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in an Office Rooms in Southern Poland
Authors: Brągoszewska Ewa , Biedroń Izabela
Published: November 2018

The aims of this article are to characterize: the quantity of culturable bacterial aerosol (QCBA) and the quality of culturable bacterial aerosol (QlCBA) in an office building in Southern Poland during the spring. The average concentration of culturable bacterial aerosol (CCBA) in this building ranged from 424 CFU m−3 to 821 CFU m−3, below Polish proposals for threshold limit values. Size distributions were unimodal, with a peak of particle bacterial aerodynamic diameters less than 3.3 μm, increasing potentially adverse health effects due to their inhalation. The spring office exposure dose (SPED) of bacterial aerosol was estimated. The highest value of SPED was in April (218 CFU kg−1), whereas the lowest was in June (113 CFU kg−1). Analysis was undertaken to determine the antibiotic resistance of isolated strains and their ability to form biofilms, which may facilitate the spread of antibiotic resistance genes. In the course of the study, it was found that Staphylococcus xylosus had the greatest ability to form biofilms, while the strains with the highest antibiotic resistance were Micrococcus luteus D and Macrococcus equipercicus. Given that mainly antibiotic-sensitive bacteria from bioaerosol were isolated, which transfers resistance genes to their plasmids, this shows the need for increased monitoring of indoor air quality in workplaces.
Methodological Challenges in the Economic Evaluation of Occupational Health and Safety Programmes
Authors: Steel Jonas , Godderis Lode , Luyten Jeroen
Published: November 2018

An emerging issue in occupational health and safety (OHS) is that interventions increasingly have to demonstrate that they offer sufficient value for money. To this end, the last decennia have seen more and more economic evaluation methods being employed in this field. However, several recent publications have indicated that many of the published studies suffer from important shortcomings. This paper aims to highlight difficulties in assessing the value of OHS by use of current economic evaluation methods. First, a summary framework presents an overview of the costs and benefits relevant for OHS interventions. Next, three elements from this framework are selected that are at the same time crucial to OHS value, but also challenging to measure and monetise: Effects on worker productivity, ‘intangible’ benefits, such as reputation effects, and the influence of the broader legal–fiscal context in which an intervention takes place. The following sections then discuss the following research questions for each of these elements: Why is it difficult to exclude these factors from OHS economic evaluations? Why do they pose a challenge to the quality of economic evaluations in OHS? How can they be included, and what are the known advantages and disadvantages of the methods to measure these factors? Future work should investigate (and standardise) better methods to include these elements.
Long-Term Exposure to Air Pollutants and Cancer Mortality: A Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies
Authors: Kim Hong-Bae , Shim Jae-Yong , Park Byoungjin , Lee Yong-Jae
Published: November 2018

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between main air pollutants and all cancer mortality by performing a meta-analysis. We searched PubMed, EMBASE (a biomedical and pharmacological bibliographic database of published literature produced by Elsevier), and the reference lists of other reviews until April 2018. A random-effects model was employed to analyze the meta-estimates of each pollutant. A total of 30 cohort studies were included in the final analysis. Overall risk estimates of cancer mortality for 10 µg/m3 per increase of particulate matter (PM)2.5, PM10, and NO2 were 1.17 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11–1.24), 1.09 (95% CI: 1.04–1.14), and 1.06 (95% CI: 1.02–1.10), respectively. With respect to the type of cancer, significant hazardous influences of PM2.5 were noticed for lung cancer mortality and non-lung cancer mortality including liver cancer, colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, and kidney cancer, respectively, while PM10 had harmful effects on mortality from lung cancer, pancreas cancer, and larynx cancer. Our meta-analysis of cohort studies indicates that exposure to the main air pollutants is associated with increased mortality from all cancers.
Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) in Terms of Years of Life Lost (YLL) Due to Premature Adult Mortalities and Postneonatal Infant Mortalities Attributed to PM2.5 and PM10 Exposures in Kuwait
Authors: Al-Hemoud Ali , Gasana Janvier , Al-Dabbous Abdullah N. , Al-Shatti Ahmad , Al-Khayat Ahmad
Published: November 2018

Ambient air pollution in terms of fine and coarse particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) has been shown to increase adult and infant mortalities. Most studies have estimated the risk of mortalities through attributable proportions and number of excess cases with no reference to the time lost due to premature mortalities. Disability adjusted life years (DALYs) are necessary to measure the health impact of Ambient particulate matter (PM) over time. In this study, we used life-tables for three years (2014–2016) to estimate the years of life lost (YLL), a main component of DALYs, for adult mortalities (age 30+ years) and postneonatal infant mortalities (age 28+ days–1 year) associated with PM2.5 exposure and PM10 exposure, respectively. The annual average of PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were recorded as 87.9 μg/m3 and 167.5 μg/m3, which are 8 times greater than the World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guidelines of 10 μg/m3 and 20 μg/m3, respectively. Results indicated a total of 252.18 (95% CI: 170.69–322.92) YLL for all ages with an increase of 27,474.61 (95% CI: 18,483.02–35,370.58) YLL over 10 years. The expected life remaining (ELR) calculations showed that 30- and 65-year-old persons would gain 2.34 years and 1.93 years, respectively if the current PM2.5 exposure levels were reduced to the WHO interim targets (IT-1 = 35 μg/m3). Newborns and 1-year old children may live 79.81 and 78.94 years, respectively with an increase in average life expectancy of 2.65 years if the WHO PM10 interim targets were met (IT-1 = 70 μg/m3). Sensitivity analyses for YLL were carried out for the years 2015, 2025, and 2045 and showed that the years of life would increase significantly for age groups between 30 and 85. Life expectancy, especially for the elderly (≥60 years), would increase at higher rates if PM2.5 levels were reduced further. This study can be helpful for the assessment of poor air quality represented by PM2.5 and PM10 exposures in causing premature adult mortalities and postneonatal infant mortalities in developing countries with high ambient air pollution. Information in this article adds insights to the sustainable development goals (SDG 3.9.1 and 11.6.2) related to the reduction of mortality rates attributed to ambient air levels of coarse and fine particulate matter.
Variation of the Bacterial Community in the Rhizoplane Iron Plaque of the Wetland Plant Typha latifolia
Authors: Chi Haochun , Yang Lu , Yang Wenjing , Li Yuanyuan , Chen Ziwu , Huang Lige , Chao Yuanqing , Qiu Rongliang , Wang Shizhong
Published: November 2018

The survival of wetland plants in iron, sulfur and heavy metals-rich mine tailing ponds has been commonly attributed to the iron plaque (IP) on the root surface that acts as a protective barrier. However, the contribution of bacteria potentially regulates the iron-sulfur cycle and heavy metal exclusion at the root surface has not been studied in depth, particularly from a microbial ecology perspective. In this study, a pot experiment using Typha latifolia, a typical wetland plant, in non-polluted soil (NP) and tailing soil (T) was conducted. Samples from four zones, comprising non-rhizosphere soil (NR), rhizosphere soil (R) and internal (I) and external (E) layers of iron plaque, were collected from the NP and T and analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Simpson index of the genus level showed greater diversities of bacterial community in the NP and its I zone is the most important part of the rhizosphere. PICRUSt predicted that the I zones in both NP and T harbored most of the functional genes. Specifically, functional genes related to sulfur relay and metabolism occurred more in the I zone in the T, whereas those related to iron acquisition and carbon and nitrogen circulation occurred more in the I zone in the NP. Analysis of dominant bacterial communities at genus level showed highest abundance of heavy metal resistant genus Burkholderia in the E zones in both soils, indicating that heavy metal resistance of Typha latifolia driven by Burkholderia mainly occurred at the external layer of IP. Moreover, many bacterial genera, such as Acidithiobacillus, Ferritrophicum, Thiomonas, Metallibacterium and Sideroxydans, involved in iron and sulfur metabolisms were found in the T and most showed higher abundance in the I zone than in the other zones. This work, as the first endeavor to separate the iron plaque into external and internal layers and investigate the variations of the bacterial communities therein, can provide an insight for further understanding the survival strategy of wetland plants, e.g., Typha latifolia, in extreme environment.
Identifying the Incidence of Exercise Dependence Attitudes, Levels of Body Perception, and Preferences for Use of Fitness Technology Monitoring
Authors: Badau Dana , Badau Adela
Published: November 2018

Background: The study was focused on identifying the relationship between the incidence of exercise dependence attitudes, the level of body perception, and preferences for use of fitness technology monitoring. Methods: We investigated 241 students from physical education and sports specializations. We used a questionnaire structured in 5 parts: personal information (age, gender, weight, height, and institutional membership), Exercise Dependence Scale-R (EDS-21), the Compulsive Exercise Test (CET), Body perception questionnaire, and Fitness Monitoring Technology. Results: Application of EDS-21 revealed 8.3% with dependence and CET with 13.4%. Body mass index (BMI) in combination with self-image body: 18 (7.4%) of subjects over-estimated themselves, 18 (7.4%) of subjects underestimated themselves, 38.6% of the subjects were satisfied with their appearance, 17% were very satisfied and none were dissatisfied. A total of 36.1% thought they had the correct weight and 8.7% thought of losing weight. The most preferred monitoring technologies were the treadmill and the smartphone’s fitness applications. A total of 11.6% of the subjects always used technologies, and 17% of subjects never did so. Conclusions: In order to identify the level of incidence of exercise dependence, body perception, and preference and frequency of use of monitoring technology, it is necessary to expand the level of knowledge about health and physical activities. The approach would diminish medical incidences of addiction, improve proactive behaviors, and correct prohealth.
Effect of Pretreatment with the NADPH Oxidase Inhibitor Apocynin on the Therapeutic Efficacy of Human Placenta-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Min Saehong , Kim Ok Joon , Bae Jinkun , Chung Tae Nyoung
Published: November 2018

Several studies have demonstrated the beneficial effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Enhancement of the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs in ICH is necessary, considering the diseases high association with mortality and morbidity. Various preconditioning methods to enhance the beneficial properties of MSCs have been introduced. We suggested apocynin, a well-known nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase inhibitor, as a novel preconditioning regimen to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs in ICH. Rat ICH models were made using bacterial collagenase. 24 h after ICH induction, the rats were randomly divided into apocynin-preconditioned MSC-treated (Apo-MSC), naïve MSC-treated and control groups. Hematoma volume, brain edema, and degenerating neuron count were compared at 48 h after the ICH induction. The expression of tight junction proteins (occludin, zona occludens [ZO]-1) were also compared. Hematoma size, hemispheric enlargement and degenerating neuron count were significantly lower in the Apo-MSC group than in the naïve MSC group (p = 0.004, 0.013 and 0.043, respectively), while the expression of occludin was higher (p = 0.024). Apocynin treatment enhances the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs in ICH in the acute stage, through the improvement of the beneficial properties of MSCs, such as neuroprotection and the reinforcement of endovascular integrity of cerebral vasculature.
Metabolic Changes of Amino Acids and Flavonoids in Tea Plants in Response to Inorganic Phosphate Limitation
Authors: KC Santosh , Liu Meiya , Zhang Qunfeng , Fan Kai , Shi Yuanzhi , Ruan Jianyun
Published: November 2018

The qualities of tea (Camellia sinensis) are not clearly understood in terms of integrated leading molecular regulatory network mechanisms behind inorganic phosphate (Pi) limitation. Thus, the present work aims to elucidate transcription factor-dependent responses of quality-related metabolites and the expression of genes to phosphate (P) starvation. The tea plant organs were subjected to metabolomics analysis by GC×GC-TOF/MS and UPLC-Q-TOF/MS along with transcription factors and 13 metabolic genes by qRT-PCR. We found P starvation upregulated SPX2 and the change response of Pi is highly dependent on young shoots. This led to increased change in abundance of carbohydrates (fructose and glucose), amino acids in leaves (threonine and methionine), and root (phenylalanine, alanine, tryptophan, and tyrosine). Flavonoids and their glycosides accumulated in leaves and root exposed to P limitation was consistent with the upregulated expression of anthocyanidin reductase (EC 1.3.1.77), leucoanthocyanidin dioxygenase (EC 1.4.11.19) and glycosyltransferases (UGT78D1, UGT78D2 and UGT57L12). Despite the similar kinetics and high correlation response of Pi and SPX2 in young shoots, predominating theanine and other amino acids (serine, threonine, glutamate, valine, methionine, phenylalanine) and catechin (EGC, EGCG and CG) content displayed opposite changes in response to Pi limitation between Fengqing and Longjing-43 tea cultivars.
Functional Biological Activity of Sorafenib as a Tumor-Treating Field Sensitizer for Glioblastoma Therapy
Authors: Jo Yunhui , Kim Eun Ho , Sai Sei , Kim Jin Su , Cho Jae-Min , Kim Hyeongi , Baek Jeong-Hwa , Kim Jeong-Yub , Hwang Sang-Gu , Yoon Myonggeun
Published: November 2018

Glioblastoma, the most common primary brain tumor in adults, is an incurable malignancy with poor short-term survival and is typically treated with radiotherapy along with temozolomide. While the development of tumor-treating fields (TTFields), electric fields with alternating low and intermediate intensity has facilitated glioblastoma treatment, clinical outcomes of TTFields are reportedly inconsistent. However, combinatorial administration of chemotherapy with TTFields has proven effective for glioblastoma patients. Sorafenib, an anti-proliferative and apoptogenic agent, is used as first-line treatment for glioblastoma. This study aimed to investigate the effect of sorafenib on TTFields-induced anti-tumor and anti-angiogenesis responses in glioblastoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Sorafenib sensitized glioblastoma cells to TTFields, as evident from significantly decreased post-TTFields cell viability (p < 0.05), and combinatorial treatment with sorafenib and TTFields accelerated apoptosis via reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, as evident from Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage. Furthermore, use of sorafenib plus TTFields increased autophagy, as evident from LC3 upregulation and autophagic vacuole formation. Cell cycle markers accumulated, and cells underwent a G2/M arrest, with an increased G0/G1 cell ratio. In addition, the combinatorial treatment significantly inhibited tumor cell motility and invasiveness, and angiogenesis. Our results suggest that combination therapy with sorafenib and TTFields is slightly better than each individual therapy and could potentially be used to treat glioblastoma in clinic, which requires further studies.
Insect Transcription Factors: A Landscape of Their Structures and Biological Functions in Drosophila and beyond
Authors: Guo Zhaojiang , Qin Jianying , Zhou Xiaomao , Zhang Youjun
Published: November 2018

Transcription factors (TFs) play essential roles in the transcriptional regulation of functional genes, and are involved in diverse physiological processes in living organisms. The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, a simple and easily manipulated organismal model, has been extensively applied to study the biological functions of TFs and their related transcriptional regulation mechanisms. It is noteworthy that with the development of genetic tools such as CRISPR/Cas9 and the next-generation genome sequencing techniques in recent years, identification and dissection the complex genetic regulatory networks of TFs have also made great progress in other insects beyond Drosophila. However, unfortunately, there is no comprehensive review that systematically summarizes the structures and biological functions of TFs in both model and non-model insects. Here, we spend extensive effort in collecting vast related studies, and attempt to provide an impartial overview of the progress of the structure and biological functions of current documented TFs in insects, as well as the classical and emerging research methods for studying their regulatory functions. Consequently, considering the importance of versatile TFs in orchestrating diverse insect physiological processes, this review will assist a growing number of entomologists to interrogate this understudied field, and to propel the progress of their contributions to pest control and even human health.
Medium-Chain Triglycerides Attenuate Liver Injury in Lipopolysaccharide-Challenged Pigs by Inhibiting Necroptotic and Inflammatory Signaling Pathways
Authors: Zhang Lin , Wang Xiuying , Chen Shaokui , Wang Shuhui , Tu Zhixiao , Zhang Guolong , Zhu Huiling , Li Xiangen , Xiong Jianglin , Liu Yulan
Published: November 2018

This study was conducted to investigate whether medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) attenuated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced liver injury by down-regulating necroptotic and inflammatory signaling pathways. A total of 24 pigs were randomly allotted to four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial design including diet (0 and 4% MCTs) and immunological challenge (saline and LPS). After three weeks of feeding with or without 4% MCTs, pigs were challenged with saline or LPS. MCTs led to a significant increase in eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid and total (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations. MCTs attenuated LPS-induced liver injury as indicated by an improvement in liver histomorphology and ultrastructural morphology of hepatocytes, a reduction in serum alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities as well as an increase in claudin-1 protein expression. In addition, MCTs also reduced serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 concentrations, liver TNF-α and IL-1β mRNA expression and protein concentrations and enhanced liver heat shock protein 70 protein expression in LPS-challenged pigs. Moreover, MCTs decreased mRNA expression of receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase (RIP) 3, mixed-lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) and phosphoglycerate mutase 5 and inhibited MLKL phosphorylation in the liver. Finally, MCTs decreased liver mRNA expression of toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain protein (NOD) 1 and multiple downstream signaling molecules. MCTs also suppressed LPS-induced p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation and increased extracellular signal-related kinase 1/2 phosphorylation in the liver. These results indicated that MCTs are capable of attenuating LPS-induced liver damage by suppressing hepatic necroptotic (RIP1/RIP3/MLKL) and inflammatory (TLR4/NOD1/p38 MAPK) signaling pathways.
Pax3 Gene Regulated Melanin Synthesis by Tyrosinase Pathway in Pteria penguin
Authors: Yu Feifei , Qu Bingliang , Lin Dandan , Deng Yuewen , Huang Ronglian , Zhong Zhiming
Published: November 2018

The paired-box 3 (Pax3) is a transcription factor and it plays an important part in melanin synthesis. In this study, a new Pax3 gene was identified from Pteria penguin (Röding, 1798) (P. penguin) by RACE-PCR (rapid-amplification of cDNA ends-polymerase chain reaction) and its effect on melanin synthesis was deliberated by RNA interference (RNAi). The cDNA of PpPax3 was 2250 bp long, containing an open reading fragment of 1365 bp encoding 455 amino acids. Amino acid alignment and phylogenetic tree showed PpPax3 shared the highest (69.2%) identity with Pax3 of Mizuhopecten yessoensis. Tissue expression profile showed that PpPax3 had the highest expression in mantle, a nacre-formation related tissue. The PpPax3 silencing significantly inhibited the expression of PpPax3, PpMitf, PpTyr and PpCdk2, genes involved in Tyr-mediated melanin synthesis, but had no effect on PpCreb2 and an increase effect on PpBcl2. Furthermore, the PpPax3 knockdown obviously decreased the tyrosinase activity, the total content of eumelanin and the proportion of PDCA (pyrrole-2,3-dicarboxylic acid) in eumelanin, consistent with influence of tyrosinase (Tyr) knockdown. These data indicated that PpPax3 played an important regulating role in melanin synthesis by Tyr pathway in P. penguin.
Inflammation-Accelerated Senescence and the Cardiovascular System: Mechanisms and Perspectives
Authors: Del Pinto Rita , Ferri Claudio
Published: November 2018

Low-grade chronic inflammation is a common denominator in atherogenesis and related diseases. Solid evidence supports the occurrence of an impairment in the innate and adaptive immune system with senescence, favoring the development of acute and chronic age-related diseases. Cardiovascular (CV) diseases (CVD), in particular, are a leading cause of death even at older ages. Inflammation-associated mechanisms that contribute to CVD development include dysregulated redox and metabolic pathways, genetic modifications, and infections/dysbiosis. In this review, we will recapitulate the determinants and consequences of the immune system dysfunction at older age, with particular focus on the CV system. We will examine the currently available and potential future strategies to counteract accelerated CV aging, i.e., nutraceuticals, probiotics, caloric restriction, physical activity, smoking and alcohol cessation, control of low-grade inflammation sources, senolytic and senescence-modulating drugs, and DNA-targeting drugs.