bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing sUAS Photogrammetrically-Derived Point Clouds with GNSS Measurements and Terrestrial Laser Scanning for Topographic Mapping
Authors: Mora Omar E. , Suleiman Amal , Chen Jorge , Pluta Doug , Okubo Matthew H. , Josenhans Rich
Published: August 2019

Interest in small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for topographic mapping has significantly grown in recent years, driven in part by technological advancements that have made it possible to survey small- to medium-sized areas quickly and at low cost using sUAS aerial photography and digital photogrammetry. Although this approach can produce dense point clouds of topographic measurements, they have not been tested extensively to provide insights on accuracy levels for topographic mapping. This case study examines the accuracy of a sUAS-derived point cloud of a parking lot located at the Citizens Bank Arena (CBA) in Ontario, California, by comparing it to ground control points (GCPs) measured using global navigation satellite system (GNSS) data corrected with real-time kinematic (RTK) and to data from a terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) survey. We intentionally chose a flat surface due to the prevalence of flat scenes in sUAS mapping and the challenges they pose for accurately deriving vertical measurements. When the GNSS-RTK survey was compared to the sUAS point cloud, the residuals were found to be on average 18 mm and −20 mm for the horizontal and vertical components. Furthermore, when the sUAS point cloud was compared to the TLS point cloud, the average difference observed in the vertical component was 2 mm with a standard deviation of 31 mm. These results indicate that sUAS imagery can produce point clouds comparable to traditional topographic mapping methods and support other studies showing that sUAS photogrammetry provides a cost-effective, safe, efficient, and accurate solution for topographic mapping.
A Clustering Approach for Motif Discovery in ChIP-Seq Dataset
Authors: Sun Chun-xiao , Yang Yu , Wang Hua , Wang Wen-hu
Published: August 2019

Chromatin immunoprecipitation combined with next-generation sequencing (ChIP-Seq) technology has enabled the identification of transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) on a genome-wide scale. To effectively and efficiently discover TFBSs in the thousand or more DNA sequences generated by a ChIP-Seq data set, we propose a new algorithm named AP-ChIP. First, we set two thresholds based on probabilistic analysis to construct and further filter the cluster subsets. Then, we use Affinity Propagation (AP) clustering on the candidate cluster subsets to find the potential motifs. Experimental results on simulated data show that the AP-ChIP algorithm is able to make an almost accurate prediction of TFBSs in a reasonable time. Also, the validity of the AP-ChIP algorithm is tested on a real ChIP-Seq data set.
Integrated Information in Process-Algebraic Compositions
Authors: Bolognesi Tommaso
Published: August 2019

Integrated Information Theory (IIT) is most typically applied to Boolean Nets, a state transition model in which system parts cooperate by sharing state variables. By contrast, in Process Algebra, whose semantics can also be formulated in terms of (labeled) state transitions, system parts—“processes”—cooperate by sharing transitions with matching labels, according to interaction patterns expressed by suitable composition operators. Despite this substantial difference, questioning how much additional information is provided by the integration of the interacting partners above and beyond the sum of their independent contributions appears perfectly legitimate with both types of cooperation. In fact, we collect statistical data about ϕ—integrated information—relative to pairs of boolean nets that cooperate by three alternative mechanisms: shared variables—the standard choice for boolean nets—and two forms of shared transition, inspired by two process algebras. We name these mechanisms α , β and γ. Quantitative characterizations of all of them are obtained by considering three alternative execution modes, namely synchronous, asynchronous and “hybrid”, by exploring the full range of possible coupling degrees in all three cases, and by considering two possible definitions of ϕ based on two alternative notions of distribution distance.
Get Rid of Nonlocality from Quantum Physics
Authors: Khrennikov Andrei
Published: August 2019

This paper is aimed to dissociate nonlocality from quantum theory. We demonstrate that the tests on violation of the Bell type inequalities are simply statistical tests of local incompatibility of observables. In fact, these are tests on violation of the Bohr complementarity principle. Thus, the attempts to couple experimental violations of the Bell type inequalities with “quantum nonlocality” is really misleading. These violations are explained in the quantum theory as exhibitions of incompatibility of observables for a single quantum system, e.g., the spin projections for a single electron or the polarization projections for a single photon. Of course, one can go beyond quantum theory with the hidden variables models (as was suggested by Bell) and then discuss their possible nonlocal features. However, conventional quantum theory is local.
Evaluating Signalization and Channelization Selections at Intersections Based on an Entropy Method
Authors: Shao Yang , Han Xueyan , Wu Huan , G. Claudel Christian
Published: August 2019

Direct left turns (DLTs) could cause traffic slowdown, delay, stops, and even accidents on intersections, especially on no-median roads. Channelization and signalization can significantly diminish negative impact of DLTs. In China, a total of 56 large and medium-sized cities, including 17 provincial capitals, have adopted vehicle restriction policies due to traffic congestion, vehicle energy conservation and emission reduction, which cause travel inconvenience for citizens. This paper mainly studies signalization and channelization selections at intersections based on an entropy method. Based on the commonly used three evaluation indexes, the number of vehicles, CO emissions and fuel consumption have been added. The entropy evaluation method (EEM) method is innovatively used to objectively calculate the weight of the six indexes, which carry out the optimal traffic volume combinations for intersections of present situation, channelization and signalization. A VISSIM simulation is also used to evaluate the operating status of three conditions. The results show that EEM could help enormously in choosing different methods at a certain intersection. With the EEM, six indexes decrease by 20–70% at most.
Experimental Investigation of the Effects of Drilling Fluid Activity on the Hydration Behavior of Shale Reservoirs in Northwestern Hunan, China
Authors: Cao Han , Zhang Zheng , Bao Ting , Sun Pinghe , Wang Tianyi , Gao Qiang
Published: August 2019

The interaction between drilling fluid and shale has a significant impact on wellbore stability during shale oil and gas drilling operations. This paper investigates the effects of the drilling fluid activity on the surface and osmotic hydration characteristics of shale. Experiments were conducted to measure the influence of drilling fluid activity on surface wettability by monitoring the evolution of fluid-shale contact angles. The relationship between drilling fluid activity and shale swelling ratio was determined to investigate the osmotic hydration behavior. The results indicate that, with increasing drilling fluid activity, the fluid–shale contact angles gradually increase—the higher the activity, the faster the adsorption rate; and the stronger the inhibition ability, the weaker the surface hydration action. The surface adsorption rate of the shale with a KCl drilling fluid was found to be the highest. Regarding the osmotic hydration action on the shale, the negative extreme swelling ratio (b) of the shale was found to be: bKCl < bCTAB < bSDBS. Moreover, based on the relationship between the shale swelling ratio and drilling fluid activity, shale hydration can be divided into complete dehydration, weak dehydration, surface hydration, and osmotic hydration, which contributes to the choice of drilling fluids to improve wellbore stability.
Multi-User AF Relay Networks with Power Allocation and Transfer: A Joint Approach
Authors: Yadav Ramnaresh , Singh Keshav , Biswas Sudip , Kumar Ashwani
Published: August 2019

The Internet-of-Things (IoT) framework has been considered as an enabler of the smart world where all devices will be deployed with extra-sensory power in order to sense the world as well as communicate with other sensor nodes. As a result, smart devices require more energy. Therefore, energy harvesting (EH) and wireless power transfer (WPT) emerge as a remedy for relieving the battery limitations of wireless devices. In this work, we consider a multi-user amplify-and-forward (AF)-assisted network, wherein multiple source nodes communicate with destination nodes with the help of a relay node. All the source nodes and the relay node have the capability of EH. In addition, to cope with a single point of failure i.e., failure of the relay node due to the lack of transmit power, we consider the WPT from the source nodes to the relay node. For WPT, a dedicated energy control channel is utilized by the source nodes. To maximize the sum rate using a deadline, we adopt a joint approach of power allocation and WPT and formulate an optimization problem under the constraints of the battery as well as energy causality. The formulated problem is non-convex and intractable. In order to make the problem solvable, we utilize a successive convex approximation method. Furthermore, an iterative algorithm based on the dual decomposition technique is investigated to get the optimal power allocation and transfer. Numerical examples are used to illustrate the performance of the proposed iterative algorithm.
Establishment, Validation, and Application of a Comprehensive Thermal Hydraulic Model for a Parabolic Trough Solar Field
Authors: Ma Linrui , Wang Zhifeng , Lei Dongqiang , Xu Li
Published: August 2019

To better understand the thermal hydraulic characteristics of the parabolic trough solar field (PTSF), a comprehensive thermal hydraulic model (CTHM) based on a pilot plant is developed in this paper. All of the main components and thermal and hydraulic transients are considered in the CTHM, and the input parameters of the model are no longer dependent on the total flow rate. In this paper, we solve the CTHM by a novel numerical approach based on graph theory and the Newton-Raphson method, and then examine it by two tests conducted based on a pilot plant. Comparing the flow rate, temperature, and pressure drop results show good agreement and further validate the availability and accuracy of the CTHM under hydraulic and thermal disturbance. Besides, two applications of the CTHM are implemented for presenting its potential function. In the first application, two cases are simulated to reveal how the thermal effects influence the PTSF behavior, and in the second application, the CHTF is used for the study of control strategies under uniform and nonuniform solar irradiance. The results verify the feasibility of controlling the PTSF outlet temperature through the header and loop valves.
An Improved Assessment Method for FMEA for a Shipboard Integrated Electric Propulsion System Using Fuzzy Logic and DEMATEL Theory
Authors: Liu Sheng , Guo Xiaojie , Zhang Lanyong
Published: August 2019

Shipboard integrated electric propulsion systems (IEPSs) are prone to suffer from system failures and security threats because of their complex functional structures and poor operational environments. An improved assessment method for failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), integrating fuzzy logic and decision–making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) theory, is proposed to enhance the system’s reliability and handle the correlation effects between failure modes and causes. In this method, information entropy and qualitative analysis are synthesized to determine the credibility weights of domain experts. Each risk factor and its relative importance are evaluated by linguistic terms and fuzzy ratings. The benchmark adjustment search algorithm is designed to obtain the alpha-level sets of fuzzy risk priority numbers (RPNs) for defuzzification. The defuzzified RPNs are regarded as the inputs for the DEMATEL technique to investigate the causal degrees of failure modes and causes. Accordingly, the risk levels of the failure modes are prioritized with respect to the causal degrees. The practical application to the typical failure modes of the propulsion subsystem is provided. The assessment results show that this system contributes to risk priority decision-making and disastrous accident prevention.
Research on Double-Layer Optimal Scheduling Model of Integrated Energy Park Based on Non-Cooperative Game
Authors: Chen Feifan , Liang Haifeng , Gao Yajing , Yang Yongchun , Chen Yuxuan
Published: August 2019

As the realization form of integrated energy system, integrated energy park is the key research object in the field of energy. Actual integrated energy parks are often partitioned internally. In order to take into account the interests of each zone in the optimal scheduling of integrated energy parks, a double-layer optimal scheduling model of integrated energy parks based on non-cooperative game theory is proposed. First, according to the operation of the integrated energy park, the output and cost model of the park is established. Second, with the minimum daily cost as the upper layer objective and the highest energy efficiency of the cogeneration system as the lower layer objective, a double-layer optimal scheduling model is established. Then based on non-cooperative game, the optimal operation strategy of each zone is obtained through the game among all the zones. An integrated energy park is taken as an example, the results show that the proposed model can make zones adjust their operation strategies more reasonably, thus helping to reduce the cost of the park and improve energy efficiency.
Endoreversible Trigeneration Cycle Design Based on Finite Physical Dimensions Thermodynamics
Authors: Gheorghe Dumitrascu , Michel Feidt , Aristotel Popescu , Stefan Grigorean
Published: August 2019

This paper focuses on the finite physical dimensions thermodynamics (FPDT)-based design of combined endoreversible power and refrigeration cycles (CCHP). Four operating schemes were analyzed, one for the summer season and three for the winter season. These basic CCHP cycles should define the reference ones, having the maximum possible energy and exergy efficiencies considering real restrictive conditions. The FPDT design is an entropic approach because it defines and uses the dependences between the reference entropy and the control operational parameters characterizing the external energy interactions of CCHP subsystems. The FPDT introduces a generalization of CCHP systems design, due to the particular influences of entropy variations of the working fluids substituted with influences of four operational finite dimensions control parameters, i.e., two mean log temperature differences between the working fluids and external heat sources and two dimensionless thermal conductance inventories. Two useful energy interactions, power and cooling rate, were used as operational restrictive conditions. It was assumed that there are consumers required for the supplied heating rates depending on the energy operating scheme. The FPDT modeling evaluates main thermodynamic and heat transfer performances. The FPDT model presented in this paper is a general one, applicable to all endoreversible trigeneration cycles.
Pipeline Leak Detection and Location Based on Model-Free Isolation of Abnormal Acoustic Signals
Authors: Wang Fang , Lin Weiguo , Liu Zheng , Qiu Xianbo
Published: August 2019

Pipeline leaks will lead to energy waste, environmental pollution and a threat to human safety. This paper proposes a pipeline leak detection and location method based on the model-free isolation of abnormal (leak and operation) signals. An acoustic signal is first decomposed into “sub-signals” according to its zero-crossing points. Then, based on the definition of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), the function between the SNR of sub-signal and the number of abnormal sub-signals is established, following which the position of each abnormal sub-signal in the acoustic signal is obtained by tracing its index. Based on this and the cross-correlation analysis, the operation sub-signals can be filtered, which is helpful for the precise leak location. The experimental results demonstrate the computational efficiency and lower false/missing alarm rate of the proposed method that provides an innovative solution for pipeline leak detection.
Influence of Different Biofuels on the Efficiency of Gas Turbine Cycles for Prosumer and Distributed Energy Power Plants
Authors: Mikielewicz Dariusz , Kosowski Krzysztof , Tucki Karol , Piwowarski Marian , Stępień Robert , Orynycz Olga , Włodarski Wojciech
Published: August 2019

The efficiency of a gas turbine can be affected by the use of different biofuels usually with a relatively Lower Heating Value (LHV). The paper evaluates the impact of calorific value of fuel on turbine performance and analyzes the possibilities of optimizing turbine construction from the point of view of maximum efficiency for a particular fuel. The several variants of design of small power microturbines dedicated to various biofuels are analyzed. The calculations were carried out for: gas from biomass gasification (LHV = 4.4 MJ/kg), biogas (LHV = 17.5 MJ/kg) and methane (LHV = 50 MJ/kg). It is demonstrated that analyzed solution enables construction of several kW power microturbines that might be used on a local scale. Careful design of such devices allows for achieving high efficiency with appropriate choice of the turbine construction for specific fuel locally available. Such individually created generation systems might be applied in distributed generation systems assuring environmental profits.
Design and Implementation of a Low Power Outer-Rotor Line-Start Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motor for Ultra-Light Electric Vehicles
Authors: Tumbek Mustafa , Kesler Selami
Published: August 2019

Recently, while electric vehicles (EV) have substituted the fossil fuel vehicles, the design of the electrical motors with more efficient and less mechanical converters has become mandatory due to the weighting gears, mechanical differentials, and other cost-increasing parts. To overcome these problems, double electrical motors with low speed and high torque have been designed and used in the rear wheels of the EVs without any gearbox and mechanical differential. In this study, a novel outer rotor line-start hybrid synchronous motor is proposed as another solution. For this aim, four different hybrid rotor types, including magnets and rotor bars, have been designed and analyzed. Calculation and estimation of all parameters to design a motor are introduced. All of the analyses were carried out by Finite Elements Method (FEM). One of the analyzed motors, which is called Type-D was selected and implemented because of the best startup performance and better steady-state behavior under the rated load and overload. While holding this motor at synchronous speed under nominal load, in case of overloading, it remained in asynchronous mode, thus maintaining the sustainability of the system. Obtained results prove that the newly proposed outer rotor LSSM has the advantages of both synchronous motor and asynchronous motor. All of the experimental results validate the simulations well. The effects of the magnet alignments and dimensions on the performance of the motors are presented.
Economic Analysis of an Integrated Production–Inventory System under Stochastic Production Capacity and Energy Consumption
Authors: Asghar Iqra , Sarkar Biswajit , Kim Sung-jun
Published: August 2019

Expensive power cost is a significant concern in today’s manufacturing world. Reduction in energy consumption is an ultimate measure towards achieving manufacturing efficiency and emissions control. In the existing literature of scheduling problems, the consumption of energy is considered uncertain under the dimensions of uncertain demand and supply. In reality, it is a random parameter that also depends on production capacity, manufacturing technology, and operational condition of the manufacturing system. As the unit production cost varies with production rate and reliability of the manufacturing system, the energy consumption of the system also varies accordingly. Therefore, this study investigated an unreliable manufacturing system under stochastic production capacities and energy consumption. A stochastic production–inventory policy is developed to optimize production quantity, production rate, and manufacturing reliability under variable energy consumption costs. As energy consumption varies in different operational states of manufacturing, we consider three specific states of power consumption, namely working, idle, and repair time, for an integrated production–maintenance model. The considered production system is subjected to stochastic failure and repair time, where productivity and manufacturing reliability is improved through additional technology investment. The robustness of the model is shown through numerical example, comparative study, and sensitivity analysis of model parameters. Several graphical illustrations are also provided to obtain meaningful managerial insights.
Temperature Error Reduction of DPD Fluid by Using Partitioned Runge-Kutta Time Integration Scheme
Authors: Yamada Toru , Itoh Shugo , Morinishi Yohei , Tamano Shinji
Published: August 2019

This study puts emphasis on reducing the temperature error of dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) fluid by directly applying a minimal-stage third-order partitioned Runge-Kutta (PRK3) method to the time integration, which does not include any of additional governing equations and change in the DPD thermostat formulation. The error is estimated based on the average values of both kinetic and configurational temperatures. The result shows that the errors in both temperatures errors are greatly reduced by using the PRK3 scheme as comparing them to those of previous studies. Additionally, the comparison among three different PRK3 schemes demonstrates our recent findings that the symplecticity conservation of the system is important to reduce the temperature error of DPD fluid especially for large time increments. The computational efficiencies are also estimated for the PRK3 scheme as well as the existing ones. It was found from the estimation that the simulation using the PRK3 scheme is more than twice as efficient as those using the existing ones. Finally, the roles of both kinetic and configurational temperatures as error indicators are discussed by comparing them to the velocity autocorrelation function and the radial distribution function. It was found that the errors of these temperatures involve different characteristics, and thus both temperatures should be taken into account to comprehensively evaluate the numerical error of DPD.
Minimally Invasive Radiofrequency Surgery in Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Authors: Patel Ankit , Kotecha Bhik
Published: August 2019

Sleep-disordered breathing encompasses a spectrum of conditions ranging from simple snoring to obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Radiofrequency surgery represents a relatively new technique available to surgeons involved in managing this condition. Its principal advantage relates to its minimally invasive nature resulting in a reduced morbidity when compared to traditional sleep surgery. The presence of good-quality research evaluating the long-term outcomes is currently scarce, although the short-term data is promising. Careful patient selection appears to be paramount in obtaining a sustained improvement. The role of radiofrequency surgery in sleep-disordered breathing has been reviewed.
Seed Shape Description and Quantification by Comparison with Geometric Models
Authors: Cervantes Emilio , Martín Gómez José
Published: August 2019

Modern methods of image analysis are based on the coordinates of the points making the silhouette of an image and allow the comparison between seed shape in different species and varieties. Nevertheless, these methods miss an important reference point because they do not take into consideration the similarity of seeds with geometrical figures. We propose a method based on the comparison of the bi-dimensional images of seeds with geometric figures. First, we describe six geometric figures that may be used as models for shape description and quantification and later on, we give an overview with examples of some of the types of seed morphology in angiosperms including families of horticultural plants and addressing the question of how is the distribution of seed shape in these families. The relationship between seed shape and other characteristics of plant species is discussed.
Are Adolescent Religious Attendance/Spirituality Associated with Family Characteristics?
Authors: Malinakova Klara , Trnka Radek , Bartuskova Ludmila , Glogar Petr , Kascakova Natalia , Kalman Michal , van Dijk Jitse P. , Tavel Peter
Published: August 2019

The family environment is associated with religiosity and spirituality as well as many aspects of adolescent lives, including their health behaviour. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess family environment associations with adolescent religious attendance (RA), i.e., weekly participation in religious services, and spirituality in a highly secular country. A nationally representative sample (n = 4182, 14.4 ± 1.1 years, 48.6% boys) of Czech adolescents participated in the 2014 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children cross-sectional study. RA, spirituality and the family environment, i.e., family communication, perceived emotional support, and parental monitoring, were measured. Higher adolescent RA was associated with lower self-reported easiness of communication with mother (odds ratio (OR) = 0.68; 99% confidence interval (99% CI) = 0.47–0.99; p < 0.01). In contrast, spiritual respondents were more likely to report both easier communication with their father (OR per standard deviation (SD) change = 1.12, 99% CI 1.02–1.23; p < 0.01) and mother (OR per SD change = 1.38 (1.23–1.55); p < 0.001) and higher perceived emotional support (OR per SD change = 1.73 (1.55–1.92); p < 0.001). Parents of respondents who attended religious services at least once a week, as well as parents of spiritual respondents, were generally more likely to monitor adolescent behaviour. Thus, this study provides information for parents, mental health workers, and pastoral carers. Further research should assess the association of a lower easiness of family communication with dissonances in adolescent–parent religiosity/spirituality and with higher parental monitoring.
A Coupled Modeling Approach for Water Management in a River–Reservoir System
Authors: Zhang Zhenyu , Huang Jinliang , Zhou Min , Huang Yaling , Lu Yimin
Published: August 2019

A coupled model is an effective tool to understand the nutrient fate associated with hydrodynamic and ecosystem processes and thereby developing a water resource management strategy. This paper presents a coupled modeling approach that consists of a watershed model and a hydrodynamic model to evaluate the nutrient fate in a river–reservoir system. The results obtained from the model showed a good agreement with field observations. The results revealed that the Shuikou reservoir (Fuzhou, China)exhibited complicated hydrodynamic characteristics, which may induce the pattern of nutrient export. Reservoirs can greatly lower water quality as a result of decreasing water movement. Three scenarios were analyzed for water management. The NH3-N (Ammonia Nitrogen) decreased sharply in the outlet of Shuikou reservoir after NH3-N level in its tributary was reduced. After removing the farming cages, the water quality of the outlet of Shuikou reservoir was improved significantly. The DO (Dissolved Oxygen) had increased by 3%–10%, NH3-N had reduced by 5%–17%, and TP (Total Phosphorus) had reduced by 6%–21%. This study demonstrates that the proposed coupled modeling approach can effectively characterize waterway risks for water management in such a river–reservoir system.
The Impact of Primary Treatment on Post-Traumatic Endophthalmitis in Children with Open Globe Injuries: A Study in China
Authors: Zheng Lingling , Tan Junlian , Liu Rongjiao , Yang Xueru , He Huiling , Xiao Huiming , He Liwen
Published: August 2019

Post-traumatic endophthalmitis (PTE) is considered as one of the most serious complications after open globe injuries (OGIs), especially in children. Poor prognosis of this disease can lead to a variety of socioeconomic problems. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of pediatric OGIs and the factors associated with the development of PTE in China. 131 patients under 14 years old and needed hospitalization for management of OGIs were enrolled. There were 90 males and 41 females. 44 patients were left-behind children, the majority were 3–6 years old (n = 71, 71/131, 54.2%) and living in rural area (n = 106, 106/131, 80.9%). After injury, 82 patients received primary repair within 24 h, with the remaining 49 patients receiving primary repair after 24 h. Eventually, there were 28 (28/131, 21.4%) patients presented with PTE. In those 49 patients, the frequency of PTE achieving 32.7% (16/49). Univariate analysis showed that the timing of primary repair is significantly associated with the development of PTE (p < 0.05). Moreover, left-behind children took higher risks in having delayed treatment that over 24 h after OGIs (OR = 2.466, 95% CI: 1.16–5.26). Reducing the time before primary repair is a useful strategy to prevent the development of PTE. Special supervision is needed for pre-school-aged boys living in rural areas, especially for left-behind children.
Vehicular Air Pollution in Houston, Texas: An Intra-Categorical Analysis of Environmental Injustice
Authors: Loustaunau Michel G. , Chakraborty Jayajit
Published: August 2019

This article contributes to distributive environmental justice (EJ) research on air pollution by analyzing racial/ethnic and related intra-categorical disparities in health risk from exposure to on-road hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) in Harris County, Texas. Previous studies in this urban area have not examined intra-ethnic heterogeneity in EJ outcomes or disproportionate exposure to vehicular pollutants. Our goal was to determine how the EJ implications of cancer risk from exposure to on-road HAP sources differ across and within each major racial/ethnic group (Hispanics, non-Hispanic Blacks, and non-Hispanic Whites), based on data from the Environmental Protection Agency’s National-Scale Air Toxics Assessment (2011) and American Community Survey (2009–2013). Statistical analyses are based on generalized estimating equations which account for clustering of analytic units. Results indicated that Hispanics and non-Hispanic Blacks are exposed to significantly higher cancer risk than non-Hispanic Whites. When each racial/ethnic group was disaggregated based on contextually relevant characteristics, individuals who are in poverty, foreign-born, renters, and have limited English proficiency are found to be disproportionately located in areas exposed to significantly higher cancer risk, regardless of their major racial/ethnic designation. Our findings underscore the need to conduct intra-categorical EJ analysis for uncovering inequalities that get concealed when broadly defined racial/ethnic categories are used.
Air Pollution and Suicide in Mexico City: A Time Series Analysis, 2000–2016
Authors: Astudillo-García Claudia Iveth , Rodríguez-Villamizar Laura Andrea , Cortez-Lugo Marlene , Cruz-De la Cruz Julio César , Fernández-Niño Julián Alfredo
Published: August 2019

The association between air pollution and suicide has recently been under examination, and the findings continue to be contradictory. In order to contribute evidence to this still unresolved question, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the association between air quality and daily suicides registered in Mexico City (MC) between 2000 and 2016. Air quality was measured based on exposure to particulate matter under 2.5 and 10 micrometers (µm) (PM2.5 and PM10, respectively), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2), adjusting for weather variables (air temperature and relative humidity), and holidays. To this end, an ecologic time series analysis was performed using a Poisson regression model conditioned by time and stratified by gender and age groups. Models were also generated to explore the lagged and accumulative effects of air pollutants, adjusted by weather variables. The effects of the pollutants were very close to the null value in the majority of the models, and no accumulative effects were identified. We believe these results, in this case, no evidence of a statistical association, contribute to the current debate about whether the association between air pollution and suicide reported in the scientific literature reflects an actual effect or an uncontrolled confounding effect.
The Impact of Social Disparities on Microbiological Quality of Drinking Water Supply in Ugu District Municipality of Kwazulu-Natal Province, South Africa
Authors: Khabo-Mmekoa C. M. N. , Momba M. N. B.
Published: August 2019

This study was undertaken to highlight the social disparity between rural and urban areas in terms of housing patterns, provision of safe drinking water, access to sanitation facilities, education, employment rate and health-related to diarrhoeal episodes in Ugu District Municipality of KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa. To achieve this aim, a survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire. Drinking water samples were collected from the point of supply and the storage containers to assess the microbiological quality of drinking water in both rural and urban areas. Results of this study revealed prominent residential segregation between rural and urban communities, whereby the houses in the rural areas were generally constructed with corrugated iron sheets, or mud brick and mortar whereas conventional brick-and-mortar construction was used to build those in the urban areas. All of the urban households had flush toilets in their houses (100%), while 98.2% of the rural households were relying on pit latrines and 1.8% were reported to defecate in an open field. The District unemployment rate was at 58.1% in rural areas and none among the urban community. Results also showed that only 13.6% of the rural dwellers completed their secondary education compared to 70.4% of the urban areas. The diarrhoeal episodes were high in rural areas (34.1%) while none of these episodes was reported in urban areas. Great disparity in the water supply persists between rural and urban communities. For the former, the standpipes located outside their homes (90.9%) remain the sole mode of access to drinking water, while in the urban area, all households had pipes/taps inside their houses. Assessment of the drinking water quality revealed only the stored drinking water used by the rural community of Ugu District was contaminated. High prevalence of E. coli ranging from 63.3 % to 66.7% was recorded only in stored water after the sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. Species-specific PCR primers exposed the presence of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli at a rate ranging between 1.4% and 3.7% in this water Overall, this study has been able to highlight the disparity left by the legacy of racial segregation in the Ugu Municipality District. Therefore, the local government must intervene in educating homeowners on safe water storage practices.
European Rural Development Policy Approaching Health Issues: An Exploration of Programming Schemes
Authors: Samoggia Antonella , Bertazzoli Aldo , Ruggeri Arianna
Published: August 2019

Malnutrition, obesity, type 2 diabetes, micronutrient deficiencies, and the increase in non-communicable diseases are among the future European key challenges in health and welfare. Agriculture and rural development policies can positively contribute to a healthier and nutritious supply of food. The objective of the research is to analyze to what extent European 2007–2013 and 2014–2020 rural development programmes address the nexus between agriculture, food, health, and nutrition to respond to the evolving dietary needs. The research carries out a quali-quantitative content analysis on all 210 European rural development programmes. Results show that the interconnection between agriculture, food, health, and nutrition is present, with differences in the European agricultural and rural policy programming periods. The main interlinking issues of the nexus are food safety, food quality, diseases, nutritional aspect, animal health and welfare, plant health, and environmental health. Healthier and nutritious food-related issues are emerging, addressing dietary needs, and sustaining consumer food trends. Healthy and nutritious food is pursued by combating foodborne communicable diseases and non-communicable diseases. The future Common Agricultural Policy, including its rural dimensions, should support the consumption of healthy foods produced in ways that are environmentally and economically sustainable.
Association Between Carotid Artery Intima-Media Thickness and Combinations of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Pre-Frailty in Older Adults
Authors: Park Jinkee , Park Jong-Hwan , Park Hyuntae
Published: August 2019

Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) has been proposed as a surrogate marker of cardiovascular disease. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and pre-frailty are reportedly associated with increased CIMT. As the evidence on the association of CIMT with combinations of MCI and pre-frailty is limited, this association is examined. A total of 231 older adults participated. MCI was defined according to clinical consensus or psychometric criteria by a dementia specialist, and considering detailed neuropsychological assessments. Also, pre-frailty was defined as subjects with frail component of 1 or 2. Carotid variables were measured using a B-mode ultrasound. The analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was performed to assess independent differences in CIMT among the four groups, according to the cognitive function and frailty status after a multivariate adjustment. Increased CIMT is associated with combinations of MCI and pre-frailty. ANCOVA showed that CIMTs were significantly different among the four groups according to the cognitive function and frailty status. CIMTmax combined with MCI and pre-frailty was the thickest (1.04 ± 0.3 mm), whereas the CIMT of no MCI and no pre-frailty was the thinnest (0.82 ± 0.2 mm). The results suggest that combinations of MCI and pre-frailty are associated with increased CIMT in older adults.
Understanding the Barriers and Pathways to Male Help-Seeking and Help-Offering: A Mixed Methods Study of the Impact of the Mates in Construction Program
Authors: Ross Victoria , Caton Neil , Gullestrup Jorgen , Kõlves Kairi
Published: August 2019

The Mates in Construction (MATES) program was developed to address the issue of high suicide rates among males in the Australian construction industry. The program delivers early intervention training and support to construction workers. This mixed-methods study aimed to (1) examine the effectiveness of training for MATES connectors and (2) examine the barriers, motivations and pathways to help-seeking and help-offering for both MATES connectors and clients. A total of 104 volunteers completed a short survey before and after connector training sessions. Quantitative data analysis showed significant increases in connectors’ self-reported suicide awareness, and willingness to offer help to workmates and seek help themselves. For the qualitative component, 27 connectors and clients participated in focus groups and individual interviews. Thematic analysis identified six themes from the connectors’ data: awareness, skills and confidence; removing stigma; making a difference; simplicity of the model; understanding the industry; and visibility, camaraderie and passion. For clients, three key themes emerged: barriers and pathways to help-seeking; speaking the same language; and flow-on effects. The results provide evidence for the effectiveness of connector training and indicate that MATES’s peer support model is enabling workers to overcome traditional barriers and attitudes to seeking and offering help.
Optimization of Location-Routing Problem in Emergency Logistics Considering Carbon Emissions
Authors: Shen Ling , Tao Fengming , Shi Yuhe , Qin Ruiru
Published: August 2019

In order to solve the optimization problem of emergency logistics system, this paper provides an environmental protection point of view and combines with the overall optimization idea of emergency logistics system, where a fuzzy low-carbon open location-routing problem (FLCOLRP) model in emergency logistics is constructed with the multi-objective function, which includes the minimum delivery time, total costs and carbon emissions. Taking into account the uncertainty of the needs of the disaster area, this article illustrates a triangular fuzzy function to gain fuzzy requirements. This model is tackled by a hybrid two-stage algorithm: Particle swarm optimization is adopted to obtain the initial optimal solution, which is further optimized by tabu search, due to its global optimization capability. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is verified by the classic database in LRP. What’s more, an example of a post-earthquake rescue is used in the model for acquiring reliable conclusions, and the application of the model is tested by setting different target weight values. According to these results, some constructive proposals are propounded for the government to manage emergency logistics and for the public to aware and measure environmental emergency after disasters.
A Metagenomic-Based Approach for the Characterization of Bacterial Diversity Associated with Spontaneous Malolactic Fermentations in Wine
Authors: Berbegal Carmen , Borruso Luigimaria , Fragasso Mariagiovanna , Tufariello Maria , Russo Pasquale , Brusetti Lorenzo , Spano Giuseppe , Capozzi Vittorio
Published: August 2019

This study reports the first application of a next generation sequencing (NGS) analysis. The analysis was designed to monitor the effect of the management of microbial resources associated with alcoholic fermentation on spontaneous malolactic consortium. Together with the analysis of 16S rRNA genes from the metagenome, we monitored the principal parameters linked to MLF (e.g., malic and lactic acid concentration, pH). We encompass seven dissimilar concrete practices to manage microorganisms associated with alcoholic fermentation: Un-inoculated must (UM), pied-de-cuve (PdC), Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC), S. cerevisiae and Torulaspora delbrueckii co-inoculated and sequentially inoculated, as well as S. cerevisiae and Metschnikowia pulcherrima co-inoculated and sequentially inoculated. Surprisingly, each experimental modes led to different taxonomic composition of the bacterial communities of the malolactic consortia, in terms of prokaryotic phyla and genera. Our findings indicated that, uncontrolled AF (UM, PdC) led to heterogeneous consortia associated with MLF (with a relevant presence of the genera Acetobacter and Gluconobacter), when compared with controlled AF (SC) (showing a clear dominance of the genus Oenococcus). Effectively, the SC trial malic acid was completely degraded in about two weeks after the end of AF, while, on the contrary, malic acid decarboxylation remained uncomplete after 7 weeks in the case of UM and PdC. In addition, for the first time, we demonstrated that both (i) the inoculation of different non-Saccharomyces (T. delbrueckii and M. pulcherrima) and, (ii) the inoculation time of the non-Saccharomyces with respect to S. cerevisiae resources (co-inoculated and sequentially inoculated) influence the composition of the connected MLF consortia, modulating MLF performance. Finally, we demonstrated the first findings of delayed and inhibited MLF when M. pulcherrima, and T. delbrueckii were inoculated, respectively. In addition, as a further control test, we also assessed the effect of the inoculation with Oenococcus oeni and Lactobacillus plantarum at the end of alcoholic fermentation, as MLF starter cultures. Our study suggests the potential interest in the application of NGS analysis, to monitor the effect of alcoholic fermentation on the spontaneous malolactic consortium, in relation to wine.
Regulation of Hedgehog signaling Offers A Novel Perspective for Bone Homeostasis Disorder Treatment
Authors: Lv Wen-Ting , Du Dong-Hua , Gao Rui-Juan , Yu Chun-Wei , Jia Yan , Jia Zhi-Feng , Wang Chun-Jie
Published: August 2019

The hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway is central to the regulation of bone development and homeostasis. HH signaling is not only involved in osteoblast differentiation from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs), but also acts upstream within osteoblasts via the OPG/RANK/RANKL axis to control the expression of RANKL. HH signaling has been found to up-regulate parathyroid hormone related protein (PTHrP) expression in osteoblasts, which in turn activates its downstream targets nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) and cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB), and as a result CREB and NFAT cooperatively increase RANKL expression and osteoclastogenesis. Osteoblasts must remain in balance with osteoclasts in order to avoid excessive bone formation or resorption, thereby maintaining bone homeostasis. This review systemically summarizes the mechanisms whereby HH signaling induces osteoblast development and controls RANKL expression through PTHrP in osteoblasts. Proper targeting of HH signaling may offer a therapeutic option for treating bone homeostasis disorders.
Transcription Factor OpWRKY3 Is Involved in the Development and Biosynthesis of Camptothecin and Its Precursors in Ophiorrhiza pumila Hairy Roots
Authors: Wang Can , Wu Chao , Wang Yao , Xie Chenhong , Shi Min , Nile Shivraj , Zhou Zhigang , Kai Guoyin
Published: August 2019

The plant Ophiorrhiza pumila produces camptothecin (CPT), a kind of terpene indole alkaloid (TIAs) that has been widely used in treatment of cancer. Tryptophan-arginine-lysine-tyrosine (WRKY) transcription factors have been reported to play important roles in plant metabolism and development. In this study, a novel WRKY transcription factor named OpWRKY3 was isolated from O. pumila, with full-length open reading frame (ORF) of 1128 bp, encoding 375 amino acids. Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that OpWRKY3 shared the highest homology with VvWRKY30, and it is a significant feature belonging to group III. OpWRKY3 was responsive to various treatments, including gibberellin (GA3), methyl jasmonate (MJ), acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), salicylic acid (SA), and abscisic acid (ABA). Besides, OpWRKY3 is expressed predominantly in stems. Subcellular localization analysis showed that OpWRKY3 localized in the nucleus. The biomass of OpWRKY3-SRDX transgenic hairy roots (S line) was visibly suppressed, while there were slight changes between overexpression of the OpWRKY3 line (OE line) and the control. In addition, the concentration and total production of camptothecin precursors including loganin and secologanin were significantly changed in both OE and S lines while total production of CPT was significantly changed in most transgenic lines. Thus, the present work revealed that OpWRKY3 may act as a regulator in the growth and development of O. pumila, and in production of camptothecin and its precursors.