bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear Control System Design for Active Lubrication of Hydrostatic Thrust Bearing
Authors: Sha Yuanpeng , Lu Changhou , Pan Wei , Chen Shujiang , Ge Peiqi
Published: April 2020

The active controlled hydrostatic bearing is becoming more and more popular because of its accuracy, safety, as well as low vibration and noise. In this paper, we present a design approach for a hydrostatic thrust bearing system, where the analytical nonlinear state space equation of the system is established first, and then three kinds of control inputs are investigated and compared to each other. It is found that, by selecting the supply pressure as the control input, we could obtain an affine nonlinear system, which could be linearized by the feedback linearization method, and its robustness could be enhanced by the sliding mode control method. The tracking control law could be easily obtained with the linearized system. The simulation verifies the effectiveness of the nonlinear control law. The proposed nonlinear control model might have a positive effect on the improvement of the machining accuracy, safety, and vibration absorption.
A New Limit Theorem for Quantum Walk in Terms of Quantum Bernoulli Noises
Authors: Wang Caishi , Ren Suling , Tang Yuling
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we consider limit probability distributions of the quantum walk recently introduced by Wang and Ye (C.S. Wang and X.J. Ye, Quantum walk in terms of quantum Bernoulli noises, Quantum Inf. Process. 15 (2016), no. 5, 1897–1908). We first establish several technical theorems, which themselves are also interesting. Then, by using these theorems, we prove that, for a wide range of choices of the initial state, the above-mentioned quantum walk has a limit probability distribution of standard Gauss type, which actually gives a new limit theorem for the walk.
An Improved Total Uncertainty Measure in the Evidence Theory and Its Application in Decision Making
Authors: Qin Miao , Tang Yongchuan , Wen Junhao
Published: April 2020

Dempster–Shafer evidence theory (DS theory) has some superiorities in uncertain information processing for a large variety of applications. However, the problem of how to quantify the uncertainty of basic probability assignment (BPA) in DS theory framework remain unresolved. The goal of this paper is to define a new belief entropy for measuring uncertainty of BPA with desirable properties. The new entropy can be helpful for uncertainty management in practical applications such as decision making. The proposed uncertainty measure has two components. The first component is an improved version of Dubois–Prade entropy, which aims to capture the non-specificity portion of uncertainty with a consideration of the element number in frame of discernment (FOD). The second component is adopted from Nguyen entropy, which captures conflict in BPA. We prove that the proposed entropy satisfies some desired properties proposed in the literature. In addition, the proposed entropy can be reduced to Shannon entropy if the BPA is a probability distribution. Numerical examples are presented to show the efficiency and superiority of the proposed measure as well as an application in decision making.
Comparison of Outlier-Tolerant Models for Measuring Visual Complexity
Authors: Carballal Adrian , Fernandez-Lozano Carlos , Rodriguez-Fernandez Nereida , Santos Iria , Romero Juan
Published: April 2020

Providing the visual complexity of an image in terms of impact or aesthetic preference can be of great applicability in areas such as psychology or marketing. To this end, certain areas such as Computer Vision have focused on identifying features and computational models that allow for satisfactory results. This paper studies the application of recent ML models using input images evaluated by humans and characterized by features related to visual complexity. According to the experiments carried out, it was confirmed that one of these methods, Correlation by Genetic Search (CGS), based on the search for minimum sets of features that maximize the correlation of the model with respect to the input data, predicted human ratings of image visual complexity better than any other model referenced to date in terms of correlation, RMSE or minimum number of features required by the model. In addition, the variability of these terms were studied eliminating images considered as outliers in previous studies, observing the robustness of the method when selecting the most important variables to make the prediction.
An Analysis of Battery Degradation in the Integrated Energy Storage System with Solar Photovoltaic Generation
Authors: Lee Munsu , Park Jinhyeong , Na Sun-Ik , Choi Hyung Sik , Bu Byeong-Sik , Kim Jonghoon
Published: April 2020

Renewable energy generation and energy storage systems are considered key technologies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Energy system planning and operation requires more accurate forecasts of intermittent renewable energy resources that consider the impact of battery degradation on the system caused by the accumulation of charging and discharging cycles. In this study, a statistical model is presented for forecasting a day-ahead photovoltaic (PV) generation considering solar radiation and weather parameters. In addition, the technical performance of energy storage systems (ESS) should be evaluated by considering battery degradation that occurs during the charge and discharge cycles of the battery. In this study, a battery degradation model based on the data-driven method is used. Based on a suitable forecasting model, ESS scheduling is performed to charge the maximum amount of PV generation and discharge for the self-consumption of the customer load when PV generation ends. Since the battery is highly dependent on operating conditions such as depth of discharge, state of charge and temperature, two different ESS charge and discharge modes are proposed. From the simulation with the battery degradation model using parameters derived from experiments, we show that the battery is degraded along with charging cycles during testing periods. Variations in state of health are observed owing to the different characteristics of the battery according to the ESS operation modes, which are divided into the low and high SOC. Through experimental validation, it is proved that the state of charge (SOC), 0.45 is the optimal threshold that can determine the low and high SOC. Finally, the simulation results lead to the conclusion that the battery degradation in different operation modes should be taken into account to extend the end of life efficiently.
Analysis of Metal Oxide Varistor Arresters for Protection of Multiconductor Transmission Lines Using Unconditionally-Stable Crank–Nicolson FDTD
Authors: Stracqualursi Erika , Araneo Rodolfo , Lovat Giampiero , Andreotti Amedeo , Burghignoli Paolo , Brandão Faria Jose , Celozzi Salvatore
Published: April 2020

Surge arresters may represent an efficient choice for limiting lightning surge effects, significantly reducing the outage rate of power lines. The present work firstly presents an efficient numerical approach suitable for insulation coordination studies based on an implicit Crank–Nicolson finite difference time domain method; then, the IEEE recommended surge arrester model is reviewed and implemented by means of a local implicit scheme, based on a set of non-linear equations, that are recast in a suitable form for efficient solution. The model is proven to ensure robustness and second-order accuracy. The implementation of the arrester model in the implicit Crank–Nicolson scheme represents the added value brought by the present study. Indeed, its preserved stability for larger time steps allows reducing running time by more than 60 % compared to the well-known finite difference time domain method based on the explicit leap-frog scheme. The reduced computation time allows faster repeated solutions, which need to be looked for on assessing the lightning performance (randomly changing, parameters such as peak current, rise time, tail time, location of the vertical leader channel, phase conductor voltages, footing resistance, insulator strength, etc. would need to be changed thousands of times).
An Experimental Investigation of Wake Characteristics and Power Generation Efficiency of a Small Wind Turbine under Different Tip Speed Ratios
Authors: Wu Yu-Ting , Lin Chang-Yu , Hsu Che-Ming
Published: April 2020

We carried out a wind tunnel experiment to examine the power generation efficiency of a stand-alone miniature wind turbine and its wake characteristics at different tip speed ratios (TSRs) under the same mean inflow velocity. Resistors in the electrical circuit were adjusted to control the TSRs to 0.9, 1.5, 3.0, 4.1, 5.2, and 5.9. The currents were measured to estimate the turbine power outputs versus the TSRs and then establish the actual power generation coefficient Cp distribution. To calculate the mechanical power coefficient, a new estimation method of the mechanical torque constant is proposed. A reverse calibration on the blade rotation speed was performed with given electrical voltages and currents that are used to estimate the mechanical power coefficient Cp, mech. In the experiment, the maximum Cp,mech was approximately 0.358 (corresponding to the maximum Cp of 0.212) at the TSR of 4.1. Significant findings indicate that the turbine at the TSR of 5.2 produces a smaller torque but a larger power output compared with that at the TSR of 3.0. This comparison further displays that the turbine at the TSR of 5.2, even with larger power output, still produces a turbine wake that has smaller velocity deficits and smaller turbulence intensity than that at the TSR of 3.0. This behavior demonstrates the significance of the blade-rotation control (i.e., pitch regulation) system to the turbine operation in a large wind farm for raising the overall farm power productivity.
Future Design Approaches for Energy Poverty: Users Profiling and Services for No-Vulnerable Condition
Authors: Boeri Andrea , Gianfrate Valentina , Boulanger Saveria Olga Murielle , Massari Martina
Published: April 2020

Analyzing data from the Energy Poverty Observatory in Europe, it emerges that more than 50 million households in the EU live in energy poverty (people that cannot heat their homes during winter; cannot make their homes comfortable during the summer; pay their energy bills late). Research studies realized in the last 20 years highlight that making energy demand efficient and effective is the more significant and socially important the more it is able to involve users who are unable to sustain energy demand. The evolution of the research sees a narrowing of the field of investigation by focusing on the user dimension of energy poverty, stressing the role of citizens not only as consumer but also as producers of solutions to tackle energy poverty, real energy communities of agents. The paper aims to provide a systematic literature review highlighting the major findings of the topic, investigating the relationship between spatial and social issues, and looking at the state of energy poverty by addressing the profiling of users and consequently of services useful to overcome their current vulnerable condition. The paper is structured in two core sections. The first one gives the results of a systematic literature review on the energy/fuel poverty topic, the second one deepens the role of communities and individuals need, crucial in defining new design approaches for supportive solutions to tackle energy poverty.
Electrical Faults Signals Restoring Based on Compressed Sensing Techniques
Authors: Ruiz Milton , Montalvo Iván
Published: April 2020

This research focuses on restoring signals caused by power failures in transmission lines using the basis pursuit, matching pursuit, and orthogonal matching pursuit sensing techniques. The original signal corresponds to the instantaneous current and voltage values of the electrical power system. The heuristic known as brute force is used to find the quasi-optimal number of atoms k in the original signal. Next, we search for the minimum number of samples known as m; this value is necessary to reconstruct the original signal from sparse and random samples. Once the values of k and m have been identified, the signal restoration is performed by sampling sparse and random data at other bus bars of the power electrical system. Basis pursuit allows recovering the original signal from 70% of the random samples of the same signal. The higher the number of samples, the longer the restoration times, approximately 12 s for recovering the entire signal. Matching pursuit allows recovering the same percentage, but with the lowest restoration time. Finally, orthogonal matching pursuit recovers a slightly lower percentage with a higher number of samples with a significant increase in its recovery time. Therefore, for real-time electrical fault signal restoration applications, the best selection will be matching pursuit due to the fact that it presents the lowest machine time, but requires more samples compared with orthogonal matching pursuit. Basis pursuit and orthogonal matching pursuit require fewer sparse and random samples despite the fact that these require a longer processing time for signal recovery. These two techniques can be used to reduce the volume of data that is stored by phasor measurement systems.
Performance Assessment of Axial-Flux Permanent Magnet Motors from a Manual Manufacturing Process
Authors: Mlot Adrian , González Juan
Published: April 2020

Implementation of a new design for the process of assembling an axial-flux permanent magnet synchronous motor (AF PMSM) may lead to unstable motor parameters during operation at low and high speeds. In this paper, experimental data related to the AFPMSM used in an electric traction motor was monitored. The paper presents tracing of machine performance in order to find quality-related issues and to evaluate the assembly process. To assess the manual manufacturing process (low-volume production) and electrical machine performance, several motors, characterized by the same size and topology, were extensively tested. Useful AF PMSM parameters such as continuous torque and continuous current were measured. The winding temperature of the stators was also monitored and carefully examined. An attempt to assess motor performance, based on measurements and aimed at the identification of the weakest parts of the electric motor design is presented. In this paper it can be seen how the subcomponents of the machine and its detailed assembly process and tolerances play key roles in achievement of the designed continuous performance with symmetrical temperature distribution in the stator winding. Selected conclusions drawn from the obtained measurements were explained by a rotor/stator misalignment study using 3-D finite element analysis.
Modeling and Monitoring of Wood Moisture Content Using Time-Domain Reflectometry
Authors: Dahlen Joseph , Schimleck Laurence , Schilling Erik
Published: April 2020

Time-domain reflectometry (TDR) can monitor the moisture content (MC) of water saturated logs stored in wet-decks where the MC exceeds the range that can be measured using traditional moisture meters (>50%). For this application to become routine, it is required that TDR monitoring of wet-decks occurs after establishment, and tools are needed that automate data collection and analysis. We developed models that predict wood MC using three-rod epoxy encased TDR probes inserted into the transverse surface of bolts (prior wet-deck studies were installed on the tangential surface). Models were developed for southern pine, sweetgum, yellow poplar, hickory, red oak, and white oak using a Campbell Scientific TDR100. For each species, at least 37 bolts were soaked for a minimum of three months and then air dried with TDR waveforms, and MC was periodically recorded. Calibrations were developed between MC and the TDR signal using nonlinear mixed effects models. Fixed effects ranged from excellent (southern pine R2 = 0.93) to poor (red oak R2 = 0.36, hickory R2 = 0.38). Independent of wood species, random effects all had a R2 greater than 0.80, which indicates that TDR detects changes in MC at the individual sample level. Use of TDR combined with a datalogger was demonstrated in an operational wet-deck that monitored changes in MC over 12 months, and in a laboratory trial where bolts were exposed to successive wet-dry cycles over 400 days. Both applications demonstrated the utility of TDR to monitor changes in wood MC in high MC environments where periodic measurement is not feasible due to operational safety concerns. Because a saturated TDR reading indicates a saturated MC, and because of the relatively accurate random effects found here, developing individual species models is not necessary for monitoring purposes. Therefore, application of TDR monitoring can be broadly applied for wet-decks, regardless of the species stored.
Coffee, Farmers, and Trees—Shifting Rights Accelerates Changing Landscapes
Authors: Garcia Claude A. , Vendé Jérémy , Konerira Nanaya , Kalla Jenu , Nay Michelle , Dray Anne , Delay Maëlle , Waeber Patrick O. , Stoudmann Natasha , Bose Arshiya , Le Page Christophe , Raghuram Yenugula , Bagchi Robert , Ghazoul Jaboury , Kushalappa Cheppudira G. , Vaast Philippe
Published: April 2020

Deforestation and biodiversity loss in agroecosystems are generally the result of rational choices, not of a lack of awareness or knowledge. Despite both scientific evidence and traditional knowledge that supports the value of diverse production systems for ecosystem services and resilience, a trend of agroecosystem intensification is apparent across tropical regions. These transitions happen in spite of policies that prohibit such transformations. We present a participatory modelling study run to (1) understand the drivers of landscape transition and (2) explore the livelihood and environmental impacts of tenure changes in the coffee agroforestry systems of Kodagu (India). The components of the system, key actors and resources, and their interactions were defined with stakeholders, following the companion modelling (ComMod) approach. The underlying ecological processes driving the system were validated through expert knowledge and scientific literature. The conceptual model was transformed into a role-playing game and validated by eight workshops with a total of 57 participants. Two scenarios were explored, a No Policy Change as baseline, and a Restitution of Rights where rights to cut the native trees are handed over to farmers. Our results suggest that the landscape transition is likely to continue unabated unless there is a change to the current policy framework. However, the Restitution of Rights risks speeding up the process rather than reversing it, as inter alia, the differential growth rate between exotic and native tree species, kick in.
In Vitro Effect of the Common Culinary Herb Winter Savory (Satureja montana) against the Infamous Food Pathogen Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Šimunović Katarina , Bucar Franz , Klančnik Anja , Pompei Francesco , Paparella Antonello , Smole Možina Sonja
Published: April 2020

The culinary herb Satureja montana, known as winter savory, is an ingredient of traditional dishes known in different parts of the world. As an ingredient of foods it has the potential to improve their safety. In this study, the herb’s activity was investigated against Campylobacter jejuni, the leading cause of the most prevalent bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide. The ethanolic extract and essential oil of the herb were chemically characterized and six pure compounds—carvacrol, thymol, thymoquinone, p-cymene, γ-terpinene, and rosmarinic acid—were chosen for further analysis. The antimicrobial activity of the ethanolic extract (MIC 250 mg/L) was 4-fold higher compared to the essential oil. Carvacrol, thymol and thymoquinone had the strongest antimicrobial effect (MIC 31.25 mg/L) and a strong synergistic activity between carvacrol and thymol was determined (FICi 0.2). Strong inhibitory effect on C. jejuni efflux pumps (2-fold inhibition) and disruption of membrane integrity (> 80% disruption) of the herb were determined as modes of action. For resistance against the herb, C. jejuni need efflux pumps, although increased resistance against this herb does not co-occur with increased efflux pump activity, as for antibiotics. This study shows the potential of a common culinary herb for the reduction of the food pathogen C. jejuni without increasing resistance.
Diagnostic Drama. Use of ICDAS II and Fluorescence-Based Intraoral Camera in Early Occlusal Caries Detection: A Clinical Study
Authors: Mazur Marta , Jedliński Maciej , Ndokaj Artnora , Corridore Denise , Maruotti Antonello , Ottolenghi Livia , Guerra Fabrizio
Published: April 2020

Background: Early diagnosis of occlusal caries is of paramount importance for a minimally invasive approach in dentistry. The aim of the present in vivo clinical prospective study was to compare the diagnostic outcomes of visual subjective evaluation between the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS-II) and an intraoral fluorescence-based camera (VistaCam iX Proof, Dürr Dental, Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany) for the detection of pits and fissures in early caries lesions of posterior teeth. Methods: The study included 1011 posterior teeth in 255 patients aged 13–20 years (mean age 16 ± 2.2 years). Two blinded operators evaluated all the occlusal surfaces and the first assigned an ICDAS-II code, while the second assessed the VistaCam score: sound enamel (score 0–1.2); initial enamel decay (score 1.2–1.5); dentine caries (score 1.5–3). Results: Some 283 (28%) of the assessed teeth were ICDAS-II code 0; 334 (33%) code 1; 189 (18.7%) code 2; 176 (17.4%) code 3; and 29 (2.9%) code 4. The level of agreement between the two procedures was expressed by using Cohen’s and Fleiss’ kappa statistics and performing McNemar’s test. VistaCam assessed in 513 (50.7%) sound enamel; in 292 (28.9%) initial enamel decay; and in 206 (20.4%) dentine caries. Conclusions: This comparative study showed a poor agreement between the two diagnostic methods, especially between ICDAS-II 0, 1 and 2 codes and fluorescence assessments.
The Buffering Effect of Humanity of Care in the Relationship between Patient Satisfaction and Waiting Time: A Cross-sectional Study in an Emergency Department
Authors: Viotti Sara , Cortese Claudio Giovanni , Garlasco Jacopo , Rainero Erika , Emelurumonye Ifeoma Nneka , Passi Stefano , Boraso Flavio , Gianino Maria Michela
Published: April 2020

This study aims to examine whether humanity of care and environmental comfort played a role in moderating the relationship between waiting time and patient satisfaction in an emergency department (ED). The study used a cross-sectional and non-randomized design. A total of 260 ED patients in two hospitals in Italy completed a self-report questionnaire. Moderated regression showed that after adjusting for control variables, waiting time was significantly and inversely associated with patient satisfaction. Humanity of care and environmental comfort showed a positive and significant association with patient satisfaction. Finally, the interaction term between waiting time and humanity of care was found to be significant, whereas the interaction effect between waiting time and environmental comfort was not significant. The conditional effect showed that when humanity of care was low, waiting time was negatively and significantly related to patient satisfaction. By contrast, when humanity of care was medium and high, the relationship between waiting time and patient satisfaction was not significant. These findings shed light on the key role of humanity of care in moderating the relationship between waiting time and patient satisfaction. The complex interrelations emerged should be carefully considered when interventions to foster patient satisfaction in an ED context are planned.
Quality of Life Framework for Personalised Ageing: A Systematic Review of ICT Solutions
Authors: Baraković Sabina , Baraković Husić Jasmina , van Hoof Joost , Krejcar Ondrej , Maresova Petra , Akhtar Zahid , Melero Francisco Jose
Published: April 2020

Given the growing number of older people, society as a whole should ideally provide a higher quality of life (QoL) for its ageing citizens through the concept of personalised ageing. Information and communication technologies (ICT) are subject to constant and rapid development, and can contribute to the goal of an improved QoL for older adults. In order to utilise future ICT solutions as a part of an age-friendly smart environment that helps achieve personalised ageing with an increased QoL, one must first determine whether the existing ICT solutions are satisfying the needs of older people. In order to accomplish that, this study contributes in three ways. First, it proposes a framework for the QoL of older adults, in order to provide a systematic review of the state-of-the-art literature and patents in this field. The second contribution is the finding that selected ICT solutions covered by articles and patents are intended for older adults and are validated by them. The third contribution of the study are the six recommendations that are derived from the review of the literature and the patents which would help move the agenda concerning the QoL of older people and personalised ageing with the use of ICT solutions forward.
Using Principal Components Analysis and IDW Interpolation to Determine Spatial and Temporal Changes of Surface Water Quality of Xin’anjiang River in Huangshan, China
Authors: Yang Wenjie , Zhao Yue , Wang Dong , Wu Huihui , Lin Aijun , He Li
Published: April 2020

This study was aimed at assessing the spatial and temporal distribution of surface water quality variables of the Xin’anjiang River (Huangshan). For this purpose, 960 water samples were collected monthly along the Xin’anjiang River from 2008 to 2017. Twenty-four water quality indicators, according to the environmental quality standards for surface water (GB 3838-2002), were detected to evaluate the water quality of the Xin’anjiang River over the past 10 years. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to comprehensively evaluate the water quality across eight monitoring stations and analyze the sources of water pollution. The results showed that all samples could be analyzed by three main components, which accounted for 87.24% of the total variance. PCA technology identified important water quality parameters and revealed that nutrient pollution and organic pollution are major latent factors which influence the water quality of Xin’anjiang River. It also showed that agricultural activities, erosion, domestic, and industrial discharges are fundamental causes of water pollution in the study area. It is of great significance for water quality safety management and pollution control of the Xin’anjiang River. Meanwhile, the inverse distance weighted (IDW) method was used to interpolate the PCA comprehensive score. Based on this, the temporal and spatial structure and changing characteristics of water quality in the Xin’anjiang River were analyzed. We found that the overall water quality of Xin’anjiang River (Huangshan) was stable from 2008 to 2017, but the pollution of the Pukou sampling point was of great concern. The results of IDW helped us to identify key areas requiring control in the Xin’anjiang River, which pointed the way for further delicacy management of the river. This study proved that the combination of PCA and IDW interpolation is an effective tool for determining surface water quality. It was of great significance for the control of water pollution in Xin’anjiang River and the reduction of eutrophication pressure in Thousand Island Lake.
Residential Radon Exposure and Cigarette Smoking in Association with Lung Cancer: A Matched Case-Control Study in Korea
Authors: Park Eung Joo , Lee Hokyou , Kim Hyeon Chang , Sheen Seung Soo , Koh Sang Baek , Park Ki Soo , Cho Nam Han , Lee Cheol-Min , Kang Dae Ryong
Published: April 2020

Residential radon exposure and cigarette smoking are the two most important risk factors for lung cancer. The combined effects thereof were evaluated in a multi-center matched case-control study in South Korea. A total of 1038 participants were included, comprising 519 non-small cell lung cancer cases and 519 age- and sex- matched community-based controls. Residential radon levels were measured for all participants. Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) for lung cancer according to radon exposure (high ≥ 100 Bq/m3 vs. low < 100 Bq/m3), smoking status, and combinations of the two after adjusting for age, sex, indoor hours, and other housing information. The median age of the participants was 64 years, and 51.3% were women. The adjusted ORs (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for high radon and cigarette smoking were 1.56 (1.03–2.37) and 2.53 (1.60–3.99), respectively. When stratified according to combinations of radon exposure and smoking status, the adjusted ORs (95% CIs) for lung cancer in high-radon non-smokers, low-radon smokers, and high-radon smokers were 1.40 (0.81–2.43), 2.42 (1.49–3.92), and 4.27 (2.14–8.52), respectively, with reference to low-radon non-smokers. Both residential radon and cigarette smoking were associated with increased odds for lung cancer, and the difference in ORs according to radon exposure was much greater in smokers than in non-smokers.
Impact of Electronic Alternatives to Tobacco Cigarettes on Indoor Air Particular Matter Levels
Authors: Protano Carmela , Manigrasso Maurizio , Cammalleri Vittoria , Biondi Zoccai Giuseppe , Frati Giacomo , Avino Pasquale , Vitali Matteo
Published: April 2020

An aerosol study was carried out in a test room measuring particulate matter (PM) with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 10, 4, 2.5 and 1 µm (PM10, PM4, PM2.5, PM1) before and during the use of electronic alternatives to tobacco cigarettes (EATC) IQOS®, GLO®, JUUL®, with different kinds of sticks/pods, as well as during the smoking of a conventional tobacco cigarette. The aerosol was mainly in the PM1 size range (>95%). All studied EATCs caused lower indoor PM1 concentrations than conventional tobacco cigarettes. Nevertheless, they determined a worsening of indoor-PM1 concentration that ranged from very mild for JUUL®—depending on the pod used—to considerably severe for IQOS® and GLO®. Median values ranged from 11.00 (Iqos3 and Juul2) to 337.5 µg m−3 (Iqos4). The high variability of particle loadings was attributed both to the type of stick/pod used and to the different way of smoking of volunteers who smoked/vaped during the experiments. Moreover, during vaping IQOS® and GLO® indoor PM1 concentrations reach levels by far higher than outdoor concentrations that range from 14 to 21 µg m−3, especially during the exhalation of the smoke. From these results emerge an urgent need of a legislative regulation limiting the use of such devices in public places.
Migrant Caregivers of Older People in Spain: Qualitative Insights into Relatives’ Experiences
Authors: Morales-Gázquez María José , Medina-Artiles Epifanía Natalia , López-Liria Remedios , Aguilar-Parra José Manuel , Trigueros-Ramos Rubén , González-Bernal Jerónimo J. , Rocamora-Pérez Patricia
Published: April 2020

The traditional structure of families is undergoing profound changes, causing the so-called “crisis of family care.” This study describes the experiences and emotions of the family member who hires migrant caregivers for the older people. This is a qualitative study using a phenomenological design with nine women participants between 53 and 72 years of age. The data collection was carried out through two in-depth interviews and a focus group. There were three major topics: (1) the women in this study recognized that they were not able to take care of the family member directly, due to their responsibilities as female workers and mothers. The fact that migrant caregivers were chosen was conjunctural, where economic reasons were more important. (2) The family members supported the caregivers by teaching them about care and also resolving conflicts produced by culture shock. (3) Trusting the caregiver was a gradual process; the family members felt a complex set of emotions (insecurity, gratitude for the help, moral obligation). In conclusion, they wanted a caregiver who would provide the elder dependent with the love and compassion that they, as daughters, would provide if they had time to do so. The family became the caregiver’s managers and assumed the responsibility of training and helping them.
Chronic Disease, the Built Environment, and Unequal Health Risks in the 500 Largest U.S. Cities
Authors: Fitzpatrick Kevin M. , Willis Don
Published: April 2020

Health is increasingly subject to the complex interplay between the built environment, population composition, and the structured inequity in access to health-related resources across communities. The primary objective of this paper was to examine cardiometabolic disease (diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, stroke) markers and their prevalence across relatively small geographic units in the 500 largest cities in the United States. Using data from the American Community Survey and the 500 Cities Project, the current study examined cardiometabolic diseases across 27,000+ census tracts in the 500 largest cities in the United States. Earlier works clearly show cardiometabolic diseases are not randomly distributed across the geography of the U.S., but rather concentrated primarily in Southern and Eastern regions of the U.S. Our results confirm that chronic disease is correlated with social and built environment factors. Specifically, racial concentration (%, Black), age concentration (% 65+), housing stock age, median home value, structural inequality (Gini index), and weight status (% overweight/obese) were consistent correlates (p < 0.01) of cardiometabolic diseases in the sample of census tracts. The paper examines policy-related features of the built and social environment and how they might play a role in shaping the health and well-being of America’s metropolises.
A Scientometric Analysis of Global Health Research
Authors: Wang Minxi , Liu Ping , Zhang Rui , Li Zhi , Li Xin
Published: April 2020

With the development and deepening of the process of global integration, global health is gaining increasing attention. An increasing number of studies have examined global health from diverse perspectives to promote the realization of global public health. The purpose of this research is to systematically and comprehensively evaluate the knowledge structure, knowledge domain, and evolution trend in the field of global health research. Based on the 14,692 document data retrieved from Web of Science Core Collection from 1996 to 2019, this article carried out a visual analysis of global health research from the perspective of scientific output characteristics, scientific research cooperation networks, keywords, and highly cited literature. The results show that scholars’ interest in global health research is increasing, especially after the outbreak of SARS. USA, England, Canada, Australia, and China have the most prominent contributions to global health research. Significant authors, high impact journals and core institutions also identified. The study found that “global health governance”, “global health diplomacy”, “medical education”, “global health education” and “antimicrobial resistance” are the research frontiers and hot spots. This study provides an overview and valuable guidance for researchers and related personnel to find the research direction and practice of global health.
Assessing Cadmium and Chromium Concentrations in Drinking Water to Predict Health Risk in Malaysia
Authors: Ahmed Minhaz Farid , Mokhtar Mazlin Bin
Published: April 2020

Although toxic Cd (cadmium) and Cr (chromium) in the aquatic environment are mainly from natural sources, human activities have increased their concentrations. Several studies have reported higher concentrations of Cd and Cr in the aquatic environment of Malaysia; however, the association between metal ingestion via drinking water and human health risk has not been established. This study collected water samples from four stages of the drinking water supply chain at Langat River Basin, Malaysia in 2015 to analyze the samples by inductivity coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Mean concentrations of Cd and Cr and the time-series river data (2004–2014) of these metals were significantly within the safe limit of drinking water quality standard proposed by the Ministry of Health Malaysia and the World Health Organization. Hazard quotient (HQ) and lifetime cancer risk (LCR) values of Cd and Cr in 2015 and 2020 also indicate no significant human health risk of its ingestion via drinking water. Additionally, management of pollution sources in the Langat Basin from 2004 to 2015 decreased Cr concentration in 2020 on the basis of autoregression moving average. Although Cd and Cr concentrations were found to be within the safe limits at Langat Basin, high concentrations of these metals have been found in household tap water, especially due to the contamination in the water distribution pipeline. Therefore, a two-layer water filtration system should be introduced in the basin to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 agenda of a better and more sustainable future for all, especially via SDG 6 of supplying safe drinking water at the household level.
Impact of Active and Passive Hypoxia as Re-Warm-Up Activities on Rugby Players’ Performance
Authors: Ramos-Campo Domingo Jesús , Malta João , Olcina Guillermo , Timón Rafael , Raimundo Armando , Tomas-Carus Pablo
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of four types of re-warm-up (R-WU) activity, namely rest in normoxia (RN) at FiO2 = 20.9%, rest in hypoxia (RH) at FiO2 = 15%, activity (4 × 5 jumps/15 s) in normoxia (AN) and activity in hypoxia (AH) on physical performance. Ten elite male rugby players completed a 15-min warm-up followed by one of the 15-min randomized R-WU strategies. After R-WU, countermovement jump (CMJ), 20 m sprint and repeat sprint ability (RSA) tests were assessed. Compared to passive strategies (RN and RH), tympanic temperature was higher after active R-WU (AN and AH) (p = 0.016). Higher values of CMJ height (p = 0.037) and 20 m sprint (p = 0.02) were found in AH than in RN. In addition, mean RSA was lower (p = 0.008) in AH than in RN and RH. Blood lactate concentration was higher (p = 0.007) after RN and AN strategies than after AH. Muscle O2 saturation (p = 0.021) and total Hb (p = 0.042) were higher after AH than after the other three conditions and after RN, respectively. Therefore, an active R-WU under hypoxia could be useful to elite rugby players, once it had attenuated the decline in tympanic temperature during a 15-min period after warm-up, improving jump, sprint and RSA performance.
Geological Map Generalization Driven by Size Constraints
Authors: Sayidov Azimjon , Aliakbarian Meysam , Weibel Robert
Published: April 2020

Geological maps are an important information source used in the support of activities relating to mining, earth resources, hazards, and environmental studies. Owing to the complexity of this particular map type, the process of geological map generalization has not been comprehensively addressed, and thus a complete automated system for geological map generalization is not yet available. In particular, while in other areas of map generalization constraint-based techniques have become the prevailing approach in the past two decades, generalization methods for geological maps have rarely adopted this approach. This paper seeks to fill this gap by presenting a methodology for the automation of geological map generalization that builds on size constraints (i.e., constraints that deal with the minimum area and distance relations in individual or pairs of map features). The methodology starts by modeling relevant size constraints and then uses a workflow consisting of generalization operators that respond to violations of size constraints (elimination/selection, enlargement, aggregation, and displacement) as well as algorithms to implement these operators. We show that the automation of geological map generalization is possible using constraint-based modeling, leading to improved process control compared to current approaches. However, we also show the limitations of an approach that is solely based on size constraints and identify extensions for a more complete workflow.
RNA-Targeted Therapies and High-Throughput Screening Methods
Authors: Zhu Siran , Rooney Saul , Michlewski Gracjan
Published: April 2020

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are involved in regulating all aspects of RNA metabolism, including processing, transport, translation, and degradation. Dysregulation of RNA metabolism is linked to a plethora of diseases, such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and neuromuscular disorders. Recent years have seen a dramatic shift in the knowledge base, with RNA increasingly being recognised as an attractive target for precision medicine therapies. In this article, we are going to review current RNA-targeted therapies. Furthermore, we will scrutinise a range of drug discoveries targeting protein-RNA interactions. In particular, we will focus on the interplay between Lin28 and let-7, splicing regulatory proteins and survival motor neuron (SMN) pre-mRNA, as well as HuR, Musashi, proteins and their RNA targets. We will highlight the mechanisms RBPs utilise to modulate RNA metabolism and discuss current high-throughput screening strategies. This review provides evidence that we are entering a new era of RNA-targeted medicine.
Arctigenin Enhances the Cytotoxic Effect of Doxorubicin in MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Lee Kyu-Shik , Lee Min-Gu , Kwon Yun-Suk , Nam Kyung-Soo
Published: April 2020

Several reports have described the anti-cancer activity of arctigenin, a lignan extracted from Arctium lappa L. Here, we investigated the effect of arctigenin (ATG) on doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cell death using MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. The results showed that DOX-induced cell death was enhanced by ATG/DOX co-treatment in a concentration-dependent manner and that this was associated with increased DOX uptake and the suppression of multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1) gene expression in MDA-MB-231 cells. ATG enhanced DOX-induced DNA damage and decreased the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and the expressions of RAD51 and survivin. Cell death caused by ATG/DOX co-treatment was mediated by the nuclear translocation of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF), reductions in cellular and mitochondrial Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, and increases in mitochondrial BAX levels. However, caspase-3 and -7 did not participate in DOX/ATG-induced cell death. We also found that DOX/ATG-induced cell death was linked with activation of the p38 signaling pathway and suppressions of the phosphorylations and expressions of Akt and c-Jun N-terminal kinase. Taken together, these results show that ATG enhances the cytotoxic activity of DOX in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells by inducing prolonged p21 expression and p38-mediated AIF-dependent cell death. In conclusion, our findings suggest that ATG might alleviate the side effects and improve the therapeutic efficacy of DOX.
Epidemiological and Genomic Characterization of Campylobacter jejuni Isolates from a Foodborne Outbreak at Hangzhou, China
Authors: Yu Hua , Elbediwi Mohammed , Zhou Xiaohong , Shuai Huiqun , Lou Xiuqin , Wang Haoqiu , Li Yan , Yue Min
Published: April 2020

Background: Foodborne outbreaks caused by Campylobacter jejuni have become a significant public health problem worldwide. Applying genomic sequencing as a routine part of foodborne outbreak investigation remains in its infancy in China. We applied both traditional PFGE profiling and genomic investigation to understand the cause of a foodborne outbreak in Hangzhou in December 2018. Method: A total of 43 fecal samples, including 27 sick patients and 16 canteen employees from a high school in Hangzhou city in Zhejiang province, were recruited. Routine real-time fluorescent PCR assays were used for scanning the potential infectious agents, including viral pathogens (norovirus, rotavirus, adenovirus, and astrovirus), and bacterial pathogens (Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter jejuni, Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio cholerae). Bacterial selection medium was used to isolate and identify the positive bacteria identified by molecular test. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and next generation sequencing (NGS) were applied to fifteen recovered C. jejuni isolates to further understand the case linkage of this particular outbreak. Additionally, we retrieved reference genomes from the NCBI database and performed a comparative genomics analysis with the examined genomes produced in this study. Results: The analyzed samples were found to be negative for the queried viruses. Additionally, Salmonella, Shigella, Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio cholera were not detected. Fifteen C. jejuni strains were identified by the real-time PCR assay and bacterial selection medium. These C. jejuni strains were classified into two genetic profiles defined by the PFGE. Out of fifteen C. jejuni strains, fourteen have a unified consistent genotype belonging to ST2988, and the other strain belongs to ST8149, with a 66.7% similarity in comparison with the rest of the strains. Moreover, all fifteen strains harbored blaOXA-61 and tet(O), in addition to a chromosomal mutation in gyrA (T86I). The examined fourteen strains of ST2988 from CC354 clone group have very minimal genetic difference (3~66 SNPs), demonstrated by the phylogenomic investigation. Conclusion: Both genomic investigation and PFGE profiling confirmed that C. jejuni ST2988, a new derivative from CC354, was responsible for the foodborne outbreak Illustrated in this study.
Naltrexone Use in Treating Hypersexuality Induced by Dopamine Replacement Therapy: Impact of OPRM1 A/G Polymorphism on Its Effectiveness
Authors: Verholleman Audrey , Victorri-Vigneau Caroline , Laforgue Edouard , Derkinderen Pascal , Verstuyft Celine , Grall-Bronnec Marie
Published: April 2020

Hypersexuality is a well-known adverse side effect of dopamine replacement therapy (DRT), and anti-craving drugs could be an effective therapeutic option. Our aim was to update the knowledge on this issue, particularly on the influence of an Opioid Receptor Mu 1 (OPRM1) genetic polymorphism. A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. We also analyzed a case of iatrogenic hypersexuality that occurred in a patient treated with DRT. An analysis of the OPRM1 gene was performed on said patient. Our search identified 597 publications, of which only 7 were included in the final data synthesis. All seven publications involved naltrexone use. Five of them were case reports. None of the publications mentioned DRT side effects, nor did they report genetic data. Regarding our case report, the introduction of naltrexone corresponded with the resolution of the patient’s hypersexuality. Moreover, the patient carried the A/G genotype, which has been reported to be associated with a stronger response to naltrexone for patients with an alcohol use disorder. Although studies are inconclusive so far, naltrexone could be an interesting therapeutic option for resistant hypersexuality due to DRT. Carrying the A/G genotype could help explain a good response to treatment.
COVID-19 and RAS: Unravelling an Unclear Relationship
Authors: D’Ardes Damiano , Boccatonda Andrea , Rossi Ilaria , Guagnano Maria Teresa , Santilli Francesca , Cipollone Francesco , Bucci Marco
Published: April 2020

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a main role in regulating blood pressure and electrolyte and liquid balance. Previous evidence suggests that RAS may represent an important target for the treatment of lung pathologies, especially for acute respiratory distress syndrome and chronic fibrotic disease. The scientific community has recently focused its attention on angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor 1 (AT1R) inhibitors and their possible benefit/harms for patients infected by Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) who experience pneumonia, but there are still some doubts about the effects of these drugs in this setting.