bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Resting-State Pulse-Respiration Quotient of Humans: Lognormally Distributed and Centered Around a Value of Four
Authors: Scholkmann F. , Zohdi H. , Wolf U.
Published: December 2019

The pulse-respiration quotient (heart rate divided by the respiration rate, PRQ = HR/RR) is a parameter capturing the complex state of cardiorespiratory interactions. We analysed 482 single PRQ values obtained from measurement on 134 healthy adult subjects (49 men, 85 women, age: 24.7 ± 3.4, range: 20–46 years) during rest. We found that the distribution of PRQ values (i) has a global maximum at around a value of 4 (median: 4.19) and (ii) follows a lognormal distribution function. A multimodality of the distribution, associated with several PRQ attractor states was not detected by our group-level based analysis. In summary, our analysis shows that in healthy humans the resting-state PRQ is around 4 and lognormally distributed. This finding supports claims about the special role of the 4 to 1 cardiorespiratory coupling in particular and the PRQ in general for physiological and medical views and applications. To the best of our knowledge, our study is the largest conducted so far in healthy adult humans about reference values of the PRQ during a resting-state at day.
MULTIPLE POSTERIOR FOSA ASPERGILOMAS IN A PATIENT WITH CHRONIC GRANULOMATOSIS
Authors: Zaharia Marius Cristian , Rocco F. Di , Beuriat P. , Szathmari A. , Javouhay E. , Gillet Y. , Mottolese C.
Published: December 2019

The invasive infection with Aspergillus fumigatus usually occurs in immunocompromised patients. CNS involvement is extremely rare in children. Usually, the diagnosis is hard, often made after the death of the patient. We describe the first report of a pediatric case of multiple CNS aspergillomas confirmed by a biopsy. We present the case of 3 years old boy who was hospitalized for evolving intracranial hypertension with a cerebellar syndrome. A brain CT showed a left cerebellar mass and early tonsillar commitment and a supra-tentorial lesion in the right occipital lobe. Therefore, a metastatic tumor was suspected and an emergency surgical intervention with cerebral biopsy and ventriculocisternostomy was performed. The cerebral biopsy revealed an Aspergillus fumigatus granuloma and further investigations showed that the patient has chronic granulomatosis due to a homozygous mutation of CYBA gene encoding p22phox. After a favorable evolution in reanimation, he continued the treatment with Voriconazole. At last follow-up, the neurological examination finds no sign of motor focus, no cerebellar syndrome or nystagmus. Walking is difficult with the enlargement of the support base. CNS invasive infection with Aspergillus fumigatus in a child is extremely rare and the presentation might mimic that of a tumor especially with a location of aspergilloma as in our case both supratentorially and infratentorially.
BİTKİ SAĞLIĞININ SÜRDÜRÜLEBİLİR TARIMDAKİ YERİ
Authors: AKBAŞ Birol
Published: December 2019

Bitki sağlığı sürdürülebilir tarım ve ormancılığın
yanında biyoçeşitliliğin ve ekosistemin korunması açısından küresel bir öneme
sahiptir. Tarımsal ürünlerin gıda güvenliğine uygun ve kaliteli bir şekilde
üretiminde bitki sağlığı hayati bir rol oynar. Hayvan beslenmesi, doğal
kaynakların devamlılığı, süs ve peyzaj anlamında da çok önemlidir. Günümüzde
artan küresel ticaret ve iklim değişikliğinden dolayı zararlı organizmaların yayılışı
ve hareketi çok daha geniş alanlara ulaşmıştır. Bu da gıda güvenliği açısından zararlı
organizmaların oluşturduğu negatif etkileri geçmişe göre çok daha fazla önemli
kılmaktadır.
Pengaruh Lingkungan Sekolah terhadap Motivasi Warga Belajar pada (Pusat Kegiatan Belajar Masyarakat) PKBM Cipta Tunas Karya
Authors: Nazir Ahmad
Published: December 2019

Abstrak
Tujuan dilakukan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui bagaimana kondisi Lingkungan sekolah, Bagaimana motivasi warga belajar, dan seberapah besarkah pengaruh Lingkungan sekolah (X) terhadap motivasi warga belajar  (Y) PKBM Cipta Tunas Karya. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah deskriptif kualitatif, keseluruhan warga belajar Cipta Tunas Karya dijadikan responden dengan jumlah 210 responden, dan sampel yang digunakan adalah random sampling sebanyak 90 sampel. Hasil dalam penelitian ini adalah Lingkungan Sekolah (X) belum optimal. Ini terlihat dari disiplin sekolah yang masih kurang disiplin, baik dari tutornya dan juga dari warga belajarnya dan sarana sekolah yang diharapkan dapat mendukung berlangsungnya kegiatan belajar yang nyaman masih kurang memadai. Motivasi (Y) belum optimal. Ini terlihat dari sarana fisik sekolah yang masih kurang memadai dan peraturan yang diterapkan terlalu longsar sehingga warga belajar kurang termotivasi. Nilai signifikansi jalur pengaruh langsung diperoleh thitung = 3.54, nilai ini lebih besar dari nilai ttabel (0,05) =1.66. Berdasarkan hasil tersebut dapat dinyatakan bahwa Pengaruh Lingkungan Sekolah (X) berpengaruh signifikan terhadap Motivasi warga belajar (Y). Nilai kooefisien jalur diketahui bahwa Pengaruh langsung Lingkungan (X) terhadap Motivasi (Y) mempunyai koefisien jalur sebesar 0.46. Dengan demikian Pengaruh Lingkungan (X) berpengaruh signifikan terhadap Motivasi (Y).
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to find out how the condition of the school environment, how the motivation of citizens to learn, and how much influence the school environment (X) on the motivation of citizens learning (Y) Cipta Tunas Karya PKBM. By using a quantitative descriptive research method, the entire population of Cipta Tunas Karya learned were respondents with a total of 210 respondents, and the sample used was 90 sampling randoms. The results in this study are the School Environment (X) is not optimal. This can be seen from the school discipline that is still lacking in discipline, both from the tutor and also from the residents of learning and school facilities which are expected to support the ongoing learning activities that are still inadequate. Motivation (Y) is not optimal. This can be seen from the physical facilities of schools which are still inadequate and the regulations applied are too loose so that citizens learn less motivated. The significance value of the direct influence path obtained tcount = 3.54, this value is greater than the value of ttable (0.05) = 1.66. Based on these results it can be stated that the Influence of School Environment (X) has a significant effect on the motivation of learning citizens (Y). The path coefficient value is known that the direct effect of the Environment (X) on Motivation (Y) has a path coefficient of 0.46. Thus the influence of the environment (X) has a significant effect on motivation (Y).
Comparison of Three Different Techniques to Allay Anxiety before Local Anesthesia Injection in Pediatric Population
Authors: Padmanabhan Vivek , Hameed Ayesha , Amjid Sheikh Huda
Published: December 2019

Introduction: The fear of dentists is one of the major concerns why pediatric patients avoid dentists and thereby compromising their oral hygiene status. Injection of local anesthesia is considered to be the most dreaded procedures and dentists all over the world have adopted different techniques to allay the fear, pain and anxiety of the patients.
Material and Methods: 54 children aged between 6-13 years were included in the study. A simple randomization was done and the children were divided into three groups. Application of topical anesthesia gel at the site of administration of local anesthesia, pre-cooling the anesthetic site with ice prior to the administration of local anesthesia, vibratory stimulus adjacent to the site of administration of local anesthesia using a powered toothbrush were the groups from 1-3 respectively. The pain perception during the administration of infiltration anesthesia was assessed using Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.
Results: The greatest pain reduction was observed in the vibrations group with mean pain score 1.33 followed by pre cooling group with mean pain score 2.44 then topical anesthesia gel with mean score of 4.67. Mann-Whitney test showed that vibrations was statistical significant when compared with topical anesthesia and pre cooling before local anesthesia (P<0.003).
Conclusions: Use of vibrations using powered tooth brush adjacent to the site of injection during Local Anesthesia (LA) is an easy, reliable and cost effective technique and was found to reduce discomfort and facilitate the management of pediatric patients.
Faktor-Faktor yang Berhubungan dengan Perilaku Pencegahan Stunting pada Saat Ibu Hamil di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Kabupaten Bondowoso
Authors: Salamung Niswa , Haryanto Joni , Sustini Florentina
Published: December 2019

Stunting is the height according to age below -2 the median standard of the child's growth curve due to chronic malnutrition problems since the first 1,000 days of a child's life. One of the risks of stunting in children is the lack of nutritional intake during pregnancy. This study aims to identify factors related to the preventive behavior of stunting children during pregnancy. This study used a cross-sectional design. Samples in the study were 74 first-trimester pregnant women in the work area of Grujugan, Tenggarang, and Maesan health centers in Bondowoso Regency obtained using simple random sampling. The results of the analysis had a family support relationship (p-value 0.057), environmental support (p-value 0.010) but there is no relationship between stunting prevention behavior with age (p-value 0.361), education (p-value 0.230) and income (p-value 0.240). Recommendations from this study for health workers provide health education to pregnant women and families to provide an understanding of the prevention of stunting from early pregnancy.

Keywords: Behavior; Prevention; stunting; pregnant women

ABSTRAK

Stunting merupakan tinggi badan menurut usia di bawah -2 standar median kurva pertumbuhan anak disebabkan masalah kurang gizi kronis sejak 1.000 Hari Pertama Kehidupan anak. Salah satu resiko terjadinya stunting pada anak adalah kurang asupan gizi pada masa ibu hamil. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi faktor-faktor yang berhubungan dengan perilaku pencegahan anak stunting pada saat ibu hamil. Penelitian ini menggunakan rancangan cross sectional. Sampel pada penelitian sebanyak 74 ibu hamil trimester 1 diwilayah kerja puskesmas Grujugan, Tenggarang, dan Maesan Kabupaten Bondowoso yang diperoleh menggunakan simple random sampling. Hasil analisis ada hubungan dukungan keluarga (p-value 0,057), dukungan lingkungan (p-value 0,010) namun tidak ada hubungan antara perilaku pencegahan stunting dengan usia (p-value 0,361), pendidikan (p-value 0,230) dan pendapatan (p-value 0,240). Rekomendasi dari penelitian ini bagi tenaga kesehatan memberikan pendidikan kesehatan pada ibu hamil dan keluarga untuk memberikan pemahaman tentang pencegahan stunting sejak usia kehamilan dini

Kata kunci: Perilaku, Pencegahan, stunting, ibu hamil
Knowledge, Attitude and Behavior Levels of University Students About Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
Authors: Dicle Murat , Gorpelioglu Suleyman , Aypak Cenk
Published: December 2019

Aim: The aim of this study is to reveal the knowledge, attitude and behaviors of the university students about Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.

Methods: This study was done among 1048 students from different faculties of five different universities in Ankara, was carried out between October 2012 and July 2013. A questionnaire was prepared by the authors by rewieving the literature and the participants were asked to fill this questionnaire. Knowledge level of participants was scored from 1 to 5 out of 100 according to the answers given about Hepatitis A, B and C.

Results: When the average points of knowledge about hepatitis A, B and C is considered, it is seen that the knowledge points of males according to females and the knowledge points of the students who study in medical faculties according to the other faculties are higher. Participants were found to have a risky attitude with respect to the spread of Hepatitis A, B and C infections. While males had more risky behaviors, it was seen that there was no significant difference between the students of medical faculties according to other faculties.

Conclusion: Despite advances in technology and health, Hepatitis A, B and C infections continue to be an important public health problem today. This study showed that even university students, whose education and intellectual levels are considered to be high according to society, have low level of knowledge about viral hepatitis and exhibit risky attitudes and behaviors, necessity of individual and social education. The most effective way to protect against these diseases is to increase the knowledge and awareness levels of the society and prevent the transmission of these diseases.

Keywords: hepatitis, knowledge, attitude, behavior, vaccines
The Relationship Between Serum Visfatin Levels and Metabolic Parameters According To Different Body Mass Indexes
Authors: Karaca Esen , Ersoy Gulgun
Published: December 2019

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between body mass index and serum visfatin and metabolic parameters in subjects with different body mass indexes.

Methods: Patients enrolled in this study were applied a questionnaire including their personal information, dietary habits and status of physical activities. Their length and body weight were measured, body mass indexes were calculated, and body fat percentage and waist circumference were measured. In addition, routine biochemical parameters (total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin) and serum visfatin levels of patients were measured, and they were evaluated according to their body mass indexes.

Results: Serum visfatin levels of patients were not found to be correlated with their age, gender and waist circumference, but a moderate negative correlation was determined with body fat percentage. Also there was a negative correlation between body mass indexes and serum visfatin level. While there was no statistically significant relation between serum visfatin level and cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol as well as VLDL-cholesterol, a negative correlation was found between serum visfatin and fasting glucose and fasting insulin levels.

Conclusion: Serum visfatin levels resulted lower in patients with high body mass indexes. Negative correlation between serum visfatin levels and fasting blood glucose as well as fasting blood insulin indicates that serum visfatin levels may be associated with the mechanism of insulin resistance in obesity.

Keywords: visfatin, body mass index, metabolic profile
La Andragogía, una estrategia de capacitación turística para el desarrollo sostenible del Chocó Andino de Pichincha
Authors: Caiza Vivas Pamela , Aguirre Ulloa Lux Ximena , Cruz Pierard Jonathan
Published: December 2019

La capacitación para personas que desarrollan sus actividades productivas en ecosistemas considerados como vulnerables tienen como eje fundamental la conservación de la riqueza biológica y cultural; este proceso evidencia como problemática la falta de metodologías específicas que se adapten a las realidades socioeconómicas, ambientales y geográficas de las zonas. La investigación tuvo como objetivo crear una metodología que se convierta en una verdadera herramienta de capacitación para pequeños emprendedores turísticos en el Chocó Andino de Pichincha. La investigación se diseñó de tipo cualitativo - exploratorio, siendo el principal método de investigación el estudio de caso, a la par se plantearon como herramientas o técnicas a la revisión bibliográfica, y un acercamiento etnográfico a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas y grupos focales con enfoque acción – participación. El estudio permitió determinar: actores, involucrados y necesidades de capacitación; logrando concluir que el modelo andragógico es el método que se adapta a la realidad demográfica de la zona, al favorecer contextos basados en el diálogo, y participación. La propuesta de Metodología Andragógica desarrolló un criterio de compromiso entre los participantes, y constituye una herramienta de capacitación para pequeños emprendedores turísticos que puede adaptarse a zonas geográficas similares o con características socioeconómicas semejantes.
La hipótesis del ingreso permanente y la función de consumo de Ecuador. Evidencia para el periodo 2000 – 2018
Authors: Banderas Benitez Valeria Elizabeth , Solano Solano Javier Alejandro
Published: December 2019

Este estudio tiene como objetivo estimar una función de consumo privado agregado para la economía de Ecuador. Para ello, se contrasta la relevancia de la hipótesis de ingreso permanente de Friedman (1957) como descripción aproximada del consumo del país. Con la finalidad de comprobar empíricamente, se utilizó información trimestral durante el período 2000:q1-2018:q4, misma que fue modelada en una estimación de dos regresiones lineales basadas principalmente en el modelo racionalizado de Koyck (Gujarati y Porter, 2010), utilizando Mínimos Cuadrados Ordinarios (MCO) y Mínimos Cuadrados Ordinarios en 2 Etapas (MC2E). Los resultados sugieren que el consumo agregado en Ecuador se ajusta al nivel de ingreso real con un rezago considerable. Lo que permite evidenciar a favor de la hipótesis del ingreso permanente, en el sentido de que el gasto de consumo de los hogares responde más a los cambios en el ingreso permanente que al ingreso transitorio o del período corriente.
Long-Term Water Footprint Assessment in a Rainfed Olive Tree Grove in the Umbria Region, Italy
Authors: Rossi Luca , Regni Luca , Rinaldi Sara , Sdringola Paolo , Calisti Roberto , Brunori Antonio , Dini Francesca , Proietti Primo
Published: December 2019

Life Cycle Assessment (the systematic analysis of the environmental impact of products during their entire life cycle), Carbon Footprint and Water Footprint assessments play an important role in decision-making processes. These assessments can help guide land management decisions and will likely play a larger role in the future, especially in natural areas with high biodiversity. Agriculture is a substantial consumer of fresh water, so it is important to identify causes and possible solutions to optimize agricultural water use. Water footprint assessments consider water consumption from several points of view and aid in reaching Sustainable Development Goals. Olive trees are a widespread agricultural crop growing in the Mediterranean Basin and are particularly important in the Umbria region in Italy. This paper estimates the water footprint impact related to the production of 1 kg of olives in a rainfed olive orchard managed using low environmental impact techniques. Eleven years of data collection (meteorological data, olives yield data, processes data) are analyzed for typical rural conditions. The results show that local management techniques have lower water requirements than standard international usages. These results can be used to improve and to further explore agricultural water use.
Harvest Weed Seed Control: Seed Production and Retention of Fallopia convolvulus, Sinapis arvensis, Spergula arvensis and Stellaria media at Spring Oat Maturity
Authors: Bitarafan Zahra , Andreasen Christian
Published: December 2019

If seeds retained on weeds at crop harvest could be collected and removed by the combine harvester, weed infestation could be reduced in the following years. We estimated the proportion of weed seeds that could be removed at oat harvest. The seed production and shedding pattern of Fallopia convolvulus, Sinapis arvensis, Spergula arvensis and Stellaria media, were assessed in two spring oat fields in Denmark during 2018 and 2019. Ten randomly chosen plants of each species were surrounded by a porous net before flowering. The start time of seed shedding was recorded, and the seeds were collected from the nets and counted weekly until oat harvest. Just before harvest, the retained seeds on the weed plants were counted. The ratio between harvestable seeds and shed seeds during the growing season was determined. On average 260, 195, 411 and 316 seeds plant−1 were produced by F. convolvulus, Sinapis arvensis, Spergula arvensis and S. media, respectively, of which in average 44%, 67%, 45% and 56% of the seeds were retained on the plants at harvest. There was a strong, positive correlation between the weed biomass and the total seed production.
Economic Evaluation of Biodegradable Plastic Films in Tennessee Pumpkin Production
Authors: Velandia Margarita , Galinato Suzette , Wszelaki Annette
Published: December 2019

The use of polyethylene mulch in vegetable production is considered unsustainable because of its contribution to soil plastic pollution. Plastic biodegradable mulches (BDMs) are a more sustainable option because they are tilled into the soil or composted at the end of the cropping season, and designed to decompose into water, carbon dioxide, and microbial biomass, reducing soil plastic pollution. Regardless of the potential environmental benefits associated with the use of BDMs, farmers will have to evaluate the changes in profits when transitioning from polyethylene (PE) mulch to BDM before deciding to adopt BDMs. This study evaluates the factors associated with the economic feasibility of adopting BDM in pumpkin production using a partial budget and sensitivity analyses. Results suggest that the cost of BDM, labor costs, and sale price discounts, due to mulch adhesion in pumpkin fruit have the greatest impact on profits when transitioning from PE mulch to BDM. When assuming current market prices for PE mulch and BDM, the 2019 Tennessee Adverse Effect wage rate, and no price discounts, transitioning from PE mulch to BDM results in a positive impact on profits. When assuming a 5% price discount, this transition results in a negative impact on profits.
Shear Strength of Industrial Wastes and Their Mixtures and Stability of Embankments Made of These Materials
Authors: Gruchot Andrzej , Zydroń Tymoteusz
Published: December 2019

The paper presents the results of research on the influence of compaction on the shear strength of fly ash, unburnt and burnt coal wastes, and a composite (a mixture of unburnt coal waste and 30% of fly ash). The tests were carried out in a triaxial compression apparatus on samples with a diameter and height of 10 and 20 cm, respectively. In order to verify usability of the tested waste materials for earthworks, stability calculations of the road embankment made of these materials were carried out. It was shown that the tested materials were characterized by high values of shear strength parameters, which significantly depended on compaction. The most favorable values of the angle of internal friction and cohesion were obtained for the burnt coal waste, slightly lower for the composite, and the lowest for the fly ash. Stability calculations for the road embankment model showed that the slope inclination and the load on the embankment have a significant influence on the factor of safety. It was also shown that a decrease in cohesion causes significant decrease in the factor of safety. The tests and the stability calculations showed that the tested waste materials are useful for earth construction purposes.
Health-Related Electromagnetic Field Assessment in the Proximity of High Voltage Power Equipment
Authors: Frigura-Iliasa Mihaela , Baloi Felicia Ioana , Frigura-Iliasa Flaviu Mihai , Simo Attila , Musuroi Sorin , Andea Petru
Published: December 2019

With respect to health issues, this paperpresents the results of an electromagnetic field (EMF) assessment in the proximity of a high voltage power station located in South Transylvania, Romania. The main parameters taken into account are, according to all standards and recommendations, the RMS (Root Mean Square) value of low frequency (0–300 Hz) electrical field strength E (in kV/m) and magnetic flux density B (in µT). Measurements were performed near all critical pieces of equipment (transformers, switches, busbars, overhead lines), according to the EMF European Directive. Some measurements were made as a function of distance from the HV (high-voltage) equipment, others as a time variation. The main objective was to verify that specific limits are met and, if necessary, to identify protective measures. Finally, safe exposure times for personnel operating at these sites were determined. In the future, detailed maps of EMF variations will be made available to the power companies.
Evaluating Snow in EURO-CORDEX Regional Climate Models with Observations for the European Alps: Biases and Their Relationship to Orography, Temperature, and Precipitation Mismatches
Authors: Matiu Michael , Petitta Marcello , Notarnicola Claudia , Zebisch Marc
Published: December 2019

Climate models are important tools to assess current and future climate. While they have been extensively used for studying temperature and precipitation, only recently regional climate models (RCMs) arrived at horizontal resolutions that allow studies of snow in complex mountain terrain. Here, we present an evaluation of the snow variables in the World Climate Research Program Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment (EURO-CORDEX) RCMs with gridded observations of snow cover (from MODIS remote sensing) and temperature and precipitation (E-OBS), as well as with point (station) observations of snow depth and temperature for the European Alps. Large scale snow cover dynamics were reproduced well with some over- and under-estimations depending on month and RCM. The orography, temperature, and precipitation mismatches could on average explain 31% of the variability in snow cover bias across grid-cells, and even more than 50% in the winter period November–April. Biases in average monthly snow depth were remarkably low for reanalysis driven RCMs (<approx. 30 cm), and large for the GCM driven ones (up to 200 cm), when averaged over all stations within 400 m of altitude difference with RCM orography. Some RCMs indicated low snow cover biases and at the same time high snow depth biases, and vice versa. In summary, RCMs showed good skills in reproducing alpine snow cover conditions with regard to their limited horizontal resolution. Detected shortcomings in the models depended on the considered snow variable, season and individual RCM.
Engineering Extracellular Vesicles as Nanotherapeutics for Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Ramasubramanian Lalithasri , Kumar Priyadarsini , Wang Aijun
Published: December 2019

Long thought of to be vesicles that primarily recycled waste biomolecules from cells, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have now emerged as a new class of nanotherapeutics for regenerative medicine. Recent studies have proven their potential as mediators of cell proliferation, immunomodulation, extracellular matrix organization and angiogenesis, and are currently being used as treatments for a variety of diseases and injuries. They are now being used in combination with a variety of more traditional biomaterials and tissue engineering strategies to stimulate tissue repair and wound healing. However, the clinical translation of EVs has been greatly slowed due to difficulties in EV isolation and purification, as well as their limited yields and functional heterogeneity. Thus, a field of EV engineering has emerged in order to augment the natural properties of EVs and to recapitulate their function in semi-synthetic and synthetic EVs. Here, we have reviewed current technologies and techniques in this growing field of EV engineering while highlighting possible future applications for regenerative medicine.
Encapsulated Ni@La2O3/SiO2 Catalyst with a One-Pot Method for the Dry Reforming of Methane
Authors: Wang Luhui , Hu Rong , Liu Hui , Wei Qinhong , Gong Dandan , Mo Liuye , Tao Hengcong , Zhang Zhonghuai
Published: December 2019

Ni nanoparticles encapsulated within La2O3 porous system (Ni@La2O3), the latter supported on SiO2 (Ni@La2O3)/SiO2), effectively inhibit carbon deposition for the dry reforming of methane. In this study, Ni@La2O3/SiO2 catalyst was prepared using a one-pot colloidal solution combustion method. Catalyst characterization demonstrates that the amorphous La2O3 layer was coated on SiO2, and small Ni nanoparticles were encapsulated within the layer of amorphous La2O3. During 50 h of dry reforming of methane at 700 °C and using a weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) of 120,000 mL gcat−1 h−1, the CH4 conversion obtained was maintained at 80%, which is near the equilibrium value, while that of impregnated Ni–La2O3/SiO2 catalyst decreased from 63% to 49%. The Ni@La2O3/SiO2 catalyst exhibited very good resistance to carbon deposition, and only 1.6 wt% carbon was formed on the Ni@La2O3/SiO2 catalyst after 50 h of reaction, far lower than that of 11.5 wt% deposited on the Ni–La2O3/SiO2 catalyst. This was mainly attributed to the encapsulated Ni nanoparticles in the amorphous La2O3 layer. In addition, after reaction at 700 °C for 80 h with a high WHSV of 600,000 mL gcat−1 h−1, the Ni@La2O3/SiO2 catalyst exhibited high CH4 conversion rate, ca. 10.10 mmol gNi−1 s−1. These findings outline a simple synthesis method to prepare supported encapsulated Ni within a metal oxide porous structure catalyst for the dry reforming of methane reaction.
Screen Printed Electrode Based Detection Systems for the Antibiotic Amoxicillin in Aqueous Samples Utilising Molecularly Imprinted Polymers as Synthetic Receptors
Authors: Jamieson Oliver , Soares Thais C. C. , de Faria Beatriz A. , Hudson Alexander , Mecozzi Francesco , Rowley-Neale Samuel J. , Banks Craig E. , Gruber Jonas , Novakovic Katarina , Peeters Marloes , Crapnell Robert D.
Published: December 2019

Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) were synthesised for the selective detection of amoxicillin in aqueous samples. Different functional monomers were tested to determine the optimal composition via batch rebinding experiments. Two different sensor platforms were tested using the same MIP solution; one being bulk synthesized and surface modified Screen Printed Electrodes (SPEs) via drop casting the microparticles onto the electrode surface and the other being UV polymerized directly onto the SPE surface in the form of a thin film. The sensors were used to measure amoxicillin in conjunction with the Heat-Transfer Method (HTM), a low-cost and simple thermal detection method that is based on differences in the thermal resistance at the solid–liquid interface. It was demonstrated that both sensor platforms could detect amoxicillin in the relevant concentration range with Limits of Detection (LOD) of 1.89 ± 1.03 nM and 0.54 ± 0.10 nM for the drop cast and direct polymerisation methods respectively. The sensor platform utilising direct UV polymerisation exhibited an enhanced response for amoxicillin detection, a reduced sensor preparation time and the selectivity of the platform was proven through the addition of nafcillin, a pharmacophore of similar shape and size. The use of MIP-modified SPEs combined with thermal detection provides sensors that can be used for fast and low-cost detection of analytes on-site, which holds great potential for contaminants in environmental aqueous samples. The platform and synthesis methods are generic and by adapting the MIP layer it is possible to expand this sensor platform to a variety of relevant targets.
Poly(3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene) Nanoparticles as Building Blocks for Hybrid Thermoelectric Flexible Films
Authors: Serrano-Claumarchirant Jose F. , Culebras Mario , Cantarero Andrés , Gómez Clara M. , Muñoz-Espí Rafael
Published: December 2019

Hybrid thermoelectric flexible films based on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes were prepared by using layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly. The employed PEDOT nanoparticles were synthesized by oxidative miniemulsion polymerization by using iron(III) p-toluenesulfonate hexahydrate (FeTos) as an oxidant and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) as stabilizer. Sodium deoxycholate (DOC) was used as a stabilizer to prepare the aqueous dispersions of the carbon nanotubes. Hybrid thermoelectric films were finally prepared with different monomer/oxidant molar ratios and different types of carbon nanotubes, aiming to maximize the power factor (PF). The use of single-wall (SWCNT), double-wall (DWCNT), and multiwall (MWCNT) carbon nanotubes was compared. The Seebeck coefficient was measured by applying a temperature difference between the ends of the film and the electrical conductivity was measured by the Van der Pauw method. The best hybrid film in this study exhibited a PF of 72 µW m−1K−2. These films are prepared from aqueous dispersions with relatively low-cost materials and, due to lightweight and flexible properties, they are potentially good candidates to recover waste heat in wearable electronic applications.
Unexpected Information Demand and Volatility Clustering of Chinese Stock Returns: Evidence from Baidu Index
Authors: Chu Gang , Li Xiao , Shen Dehua , Zhang Yongjie
Published: December 2019

This paper employs the Baidu Index as the novel proxy for unexpected information demand and shows that this novel proxy can explain the volatility clustering of Chinese stock returns. Generally speaking, these findings suggest that investors in China could take advantage of the Baidu Index to obtain information and then improve their investment decision.
Estimation of Knee Movement from Surface EMG Using Random Forest with Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Li Zhong , Guan Xiaorong , Zou Kaifan , Xu Cheng
Published: December 2019

To study the relationship between surface electromyography (sEMG) and joint movement, and to provide reliable reference information for the exoskeleton control, the sEMG and the corresponding movement of the knee during the normal walking of adults have been measured. After processing the experimental data, the estimation model for knee movement from sEMG was established using the novel method of random forest with principal component analysis (RFPCA). The influence of the sample size and the previous sEMG data on the prediction efficiency was analyzed. The estimation model was not sensitive to the sample size when samples increased to a certain value, and the results of different previous sEMG showed that the prediction accuracy of the estimation models did not always improve with the increasing features of input. By comparing the estimation model of back propagation neural network with principal component analysis (BPPCA), it was found that RFPCA was suitable for all participants in the experiment with less execution time, and the root mean square error was around 5° which was lower than BPPCA with errors varying from 7° to 25°. Therefore, it was concluded that the RFPCA method for the estimation of knee movement from sEMG is feasible and could be used for motion analysis and the control of exoskeleton.
Two-Phase Resonant Converter to Drive High-Power LED Lamps
Authors: Brañas Christian , Casanueva Rosario , Díaz Francisco J. , Azcondo Francisco J.
Published: December 2019

This paper presents the design and modeling of a two-phase resonant converter that drives a LED lamp with a high-frequency pulsed current free of instabilities and flicker effect, fulfilling the recommendations of the IEEE PAR 1789-2015, so that it enables visible light-based communication at a 10 kB/s bit rate. The dynamic study of the converter takes into consideration the effect of the reflected impedance of the output filter on the AC side. In order to evaluate the dynamic response of the converter, a Spice model is defined. A 120 W prototype intended for street lighting applications has been built to validate the analysis and modeling.
Comparison of Combustion Models for Lifted Hydrogen Flames within RANS Framework
Authors: Benim Ali Cemal , Pfeiffelmann Björn
Published: December 2019

Within the framework of a Reynolds averaged numerical simulation (RANS) methodology for modeling turbulence, a comparative numerical study of turbulent lifted H2/N2 flames is presented. Three different turbulent combustion models, namely, the eddy dissipation model (EDM), the eddy dissipation concept (EDC), and the composition probability density function (PDF) transport model, are considered in the analysis. A wide range of global and detailed combustion reaction mechanisms are investigated. As turbulence model, the Standard k-ε model is used, which delivered a comparatively good accuracy within an initial validation study, performed for a non-reacting H2/N2 jet. The predictions for the lifted H2/N2 flame are compared with the published measurements of other authors, and the relative performance of the turbulent combustion models and combustion reaction mechanisms are assessed. The flame lift-off height is taken as the measure of prediction quality. The results show that the latter depends remarkably on the reaction mechanism and the turbulent combustion model applied. It is observed that a substantially better prediction quality for the whole range of experimentally observed lift-off heights is provided by the PDF model, when applied in combination with a detailed reaction mechanism dedicated for hydrogen combustion.
A Decision Support System Tool to Manage the Flexibility in Renewable Energy-Based Power Systems
Authors: Badami Marco , Fambri Gabriele , Mancò Salvatore , Martino Mariapia , Damousis Ioannis G. , Agtzidis Dimitrios , Tzovaras Dimitrios
Published: December 2019

Renewable Energy Sources (RES) have taken on an increasingly important role in the energy mix in the last few years, and it has been forecasted that this trend will continue in the future. The energy production from these sources is not dispatchable, and the increasing penetration of RES in energy mixes may therefore lead to a progressive loss of generation control and predictability. It has become clear that, to reach higher RES penetration levels, it is essential to increase power system flexibility in order to ensure stable operations are maintained. An ICT (Information and Communication Technology) tool that may be used to manage and optimize the flexibility offered by energy storage and conversion systems is described in this paper with specific reference to the Decision Support System (DSS) developed within the H2020 PLANET (PLAnning and operational tools for optimizing energy flows and synergies between energy NETworks) project. The paper focuses on how the PLANET DSS tool evaluates, manages, and dispatches the flexibility of Power to Gas/Heat (P2X) technologies. Moreover, the tool has been used to analyze a realistic case in order to show how the PLANET DSS tool could be used to evaluate the energy and economic benefits of taking advantage of the flexibility of P2X technologies.
A Unified Approach for Analysis of Faults in Different Configurations of PV Arrays and Its Impact on Power Grid
Authors: Gul Saba , Ul Haq Azhar , Jalal Marium , Anjum Almas , Khalil Ihsan Ullah
Published: December 2019

Fault analysis in photovoltaic (PV) arrays is considered important for improving the safety and efficiency of a PV system. Faults do not only reduce efficiency but are also detrimental to the life span of a system. Output can be greatly affected by PV technology, configuration, and other operating conditions. Thus, it is important to consider the impact of different PV configurations and materials for thorough analysis of faults. This paper presents a detailed investigation of faults including non-uniform shading, open circuit and short circuit in different PV interconnections including Series-Parallel (SP), Honey-Comb (HC) and Total-cross-Tied (TCT). A special case of multiple faults in PV array under non-uniform irradiance is also investigated to analyze their combined impact on considered different PV interconnections. In order to be more comprehensive, we have considered monocrystalline and thin-film PV to analyze faults and their impact on power grids. Simulations are conducted in MATLAB/Simulink, and the obtained results in terms of power(P)–voltage(V) curve are compared and discussed. It is found that utilization of thin-film PV technology with appropriated PV interconnections can minimize the impact of faults on a power grid with improved performance of the system.
Energy Storage System Analysis Review for Optimal Unit Commitment
Authors: Howlader Harun Or Rashid , Adewuyi Oludamilare Bode , Hong Ying-Yi , Mandal Paras , Mohamed Hemeida Ashraf , Senjyu Tomonobu
Published: December 2019

Energy storage systems (ESSs) are essential to ensure continuity of energy supply and maintain the reliability of modern power systems. Intermittency and uncertainty of renewable generations due to fluctuating weather conditions as well as uncertain behavior of load demand make ESSs an integral part of power system flexibility management. Typically, the load demand profile can be categorized into peak and off-peak periods, and adding power from renewable generations makes the load-generation dynamics more complicated. Therefore, the thermal generation (TG) units need to be turned on and off more frequently to meet the system load demand. In view of this, several research efforts have been directed towards analyzing the benefits of ESSs in solving optimal unit commitment (UC) problems, minimizing operating costs, and maximizing profits while ensuring supply reliability. In this paper, some recent research works and relevant UC models incorporating ESSs towards solving the abovementioned power system operational issues are reviewed and summarized to give prospective researchers a clear concept and tip-off on finding efficient solutions for future power system flexibility management. Conclusively, an example problem is simulated for the visualization of the formulation of UC problems with ESSs and solutions.
Towards Flexibility Trading at TSO-DSO-Customer Levels: A Review
Authors: Khajeh Hosna , Laaksonen Hannu , Gazafroudi Amin Shokri , Shafie-khah Miadreza
Published: December 2019

The serious problem of climate change has led the energy sector to modify its generation resources from fuel-based power plants to environmentally friendly renewable resources. However, these green resources are highly intermittent due to weather dependency and they produce increased risks of stability issues in power systems. The deployment of different flexible resources can help the system to become more resilient and secure against uncertainties caused by renewables. Flexible resources can be located at different levels in power systems like, for example, at the transmission-level (TSO), distribution-level (DSO) and customer-level. Each of these levels may have different structures of flexibility trading as well. This paper conducts a comprehensive review from the recent research related to flexible resources at various system levels in smart grids and assesses the trading structures of these resources. Finally, it analyzes the application of a newly emerged ICT technology, blockchain, in the context of flexibility trading.
Whose Dharma Is It Anyway? Identity and Belonging in American Buddhist (Post)Modernities
Authors: Janca-Aji Joyce
Published: December 2019

This study engages some aspects of the conversations, implicit and explicit, between American(ized) Buddhism in non-heritage/convert communities and religious nationalism in the U.S. Specifically, how does a Buddhist understanding of emptiness and interdependence call into question some of the fundamental assumptions behind conflations of divine and political order, as expressed through ideologies of “God and Country”, or ideas about American providence or exceptionalism? What does belonging to a nation or transnational community mean when all individual and collective formations of identity are understood to be nonessential, contingent and impermanent? Finally, how can some of the discourses within American Buddhism contribute to a more inclusive national identity and a reconfigured understanding of the intersection of spiritual and national belonging? The focus here will be on exploring how an understanding of identity and lineage in Buddhist contexts offers a counter-narrative to the way national and spiritual belonging is expressed through tribalist formations of family genealogy, nationalism and transnational religious affiliation in the dominant Judeo-Christian context, and how this understanding has been, and is being, expressed in non-heritage American(ized) Buddhist communities.
Does Basic Sanitation Prevent Diarrhea? Contextualizing Recent Intervention Trials through a Historical Lens
Authors: Contreras Jesse D. , Eisenberg Joseph N.S.
Published: December 2019

Three of four recent major sanitation intervention trials found no effect on diarrhea. These results conflicted with longstanding beliefs from decades of literature. To understand this discordance, we placed recent trials into the historical context that preceded them in two ways. First, we evaluated the history of published literature reviews on sanitation and diarrhea. Second, we conducted meta-analyses on studies from the most recent systematic review to uncover features that predict effectiveness. We found that 13 literature reviews dating to 1983 consistently estimated a significant protective effect of sanitation against diarrhea. However, these were marred by flawed studies and inappropriately averaged effects across widely heterogeneous interventions and contexts. Our meta-analyses highlight that the overall effect of sanitation on diarrhea was largely driven by sewerage and interventions that improved more than sanitation alone. There is no true overall effect of sanitation because variability between intervention types and implementation contexts is too complex to average. Ultimately, the null effects of recent latrine interventions are not surprising. Instead, the one trial that found a strong relative reduction in diarrhea is the historical outlier. The development of transformative sanitation interventions requires a better understanding of the social and environmental contexts that determine intervention effectiveness.
Use of Information Sources on Vaccine-Preventable Diseases in Pregnant Women: An Experience in Ferrara, Italy
Authors: Gabutti Giovanni , Carioli Umberto , Gamberoni Diego , Masetti Giulia , Matteo Giulio , Perrone Paola , Cappadona Rosaria , Greco Pantaleo , Siliquini Roberta , Stefanati Armando
Published: December 2019

The “vaccine hesitancy” and the consequent lowering of vaccination coverage have, on one hand, pushed the Italian government to reintroduce some new compulsory vaccinations for access to schools and, on the other, have imposed a greater effort on health operators to understand the causes and, consequently, to intervene with tools for promotion and health education. In Ferrara, we administered 201 non-self-filling questionnaires to 201 pregnant women within a cross-sectional multicenter study, consisting of 63 items divided into 7 sections. In particular, we wanted to investigate the correlation between the socio-demographic characteristics of the interviewees and the sources used to obtain information and, on the other side, the intention to vaccinate in relation to the perception of the diffusion and of the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases. The institutional information sources are less used by foreigners, primiparous, and women with a low education level. The perception of the severity of vaccine-preventable diseases was greater in those inquiring from institutional sources. In a public health perspective, knowing the profile of future mothers in terms of socio-demographic characteristics and of the quality of the used information channels may help to guide the choices of communication in the vaccination field.