Search

This paper reviews recent optimization models for hydrogen supply chains and production. Optimization is a central component of systematic methodologies to support hydrogen expansion. Hydrogen production is expected to evolve in the coming years to help replace fossil fuels; these high expectations arise from the potential to produce low-carbon hydrogen via electrolysis using electricity generated by renewable sources. However, hydrogen is currently mainly used in refinery and industrial operations; therefore, physical infrastructures for transmission, distribution, integration with other energy systems, and efficient hydrogen production processes are lacking. Given the potential of hydrogen, the greenfield state of infrastructures, and the variability of renewable sources, systematic methodologies are needed to reach competitive hydrogen prices, and design hydrogen supply chains. Future research topics are identified: 1) improved hydrogen demand projections, 2) integrated sector modeling, 3) improving temporal and spatial resolutions, 4) accounting for climate change, 5) new methods to address sophisticated models. • Recent optimization models for hydrogen supply chains and production are reviewed. • The multiple components of hydrogen supply chains are discussed. • The main features of the models and solution methods used are analyzed. • Opportunities in modeling are identified and future research directions suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to apply the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism/European Association for the Study of Obesity (ESPEN/EASO) consensus to identify sarcopenic obesity (SO) in adults mid to long-term post-Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) using both dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Further, this approach was compared to accepted sarcopenia diagnostic criteria (Revised European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People [EWGSOP2] and Sarcopenia Definition and Outcomes Consortium [SDOC]). This cross-sectional study included adults ≥2 years post-RYGB surgery. Obesity was diagnosed by excess fat mass (FM) for all diagnostic criteria. Agreement was evaluated using Cohen's Kappa. We evaluated 186 participants (90.9% female, median age 43.9 years, 6.8 years post-surgery), of which 60.2% (BIA), and 83.3% (DXA) had excess FM. Low muscle strength was not identified using absolute handgrip strength. The prevalence of SO by BIA or DXA, respectively, was 7.9% (95%CI 3.9–12.5), and 23.0% (95%CI 17.1–30.3) [ESPEN/EASO SO consensus]; 0.7% (95%CI 0–2.0), and 3.3% (95%CI 0.7–5.9) [EWGSOP2]; and 27.0% (95%CI 19.7–34.2), and 30.3% (95%CI 23.0–37.5) [SDOC]. Agreement between the ESPEN/EASO SO consensus and other diagnostic criteria was none to slight using DXA: EWGSOP2 k = 0.19; 95% CI 0.04–0.34, or SDOC k = 0.16; 95% CI -0.01-0.32. Moderate agreement was observed within the ESPEN/EASO SO consensus for BIA and DXA (k = 0.43; 95% CI 0.26–0.60). This is the first study to explore the prevalence of SO using the ESPEN/EASO criteria. We identified a high but variable prevalence of SO in post-bariatric surgery patients (7.9–23.0%), depending on the body composition technique used; prevalence was higher using DXA. Little agreement was observed for the diagnosis of SO using the three diagnostic criteria. Future studies are needed to explore the relationship between SO identified by the ESPEN/EASO consensus and health status/outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcopenia is a risk factor for adverse outcomes in older adults, but this has yet to be confirmed in chronic kidney disease (CKD). We conducted a systematic review to investigate the association between sarcopenia and its traits with mortality, hospitalization, and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) progression in CKD patients. Five electronic databases were searched, including MEDLINE and Embase. Observational cohort studies with CKD patients were included. The sarcopenia traits assessed were low muscle strength, low muscle mass, and low physical performance, as well as diagnosed sarcopenia (combined low muscle mass and low strength/performance). Hazard ratios (HR), risk ratios (RR), odds ratios (OR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled using random-effect meta-analyses. From a total of 4922 screened studies, 50 (72,347 patients) were included in the review and 38 (59,070 patients) in the meta-analyses. Most of the included studies were in dialysis patients (n = 36, 72%). Pooled analyses showed that low muscle strength (15 studies; HR:1.99; 95%CI:1.65 to 2.41; I2:45%), low muscle mass (20 studies; HR:1.51; 95%CI:1.36 to 1.68; I2:26%) and low physical performance (five studies; HR:2.09; 95%CI:1.68 to 2.59; I2:0%) were associated with increased mortality risk in CKD patients. Diagnosed sarcopenia was also associated with the mortality risk in dialysis patients (eight studies; HR:1.87; 95%CI:1.35 to 2.59; I2:40%). On the other hand, it was uncertain whether low muscle mass was associated with hospitalization (two studies in dialysis patients; RR:1.81; 95% CI:0.78 to 4.22; I2:59%). Further, limited ESKD progression measures prevented meta-analysis for this outcome. Low muscle strength, low muscle mass, and low physical performance were associated with higher mortality in CKD patients. In dialysis patients, diagnosed sarcopenia also represented higher mortality risk. Evidence to conclude associations with hospitalization and ESKD progression is currently lacking. CRD42020192198. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and biodiversity loss are deeply intertwined anthropogenic global crises, for which forests provide powerful nature-based solutions. Biodiverse forests are more resilient to climate change than monocultures, thereby enhancing long-term carbon storage and ecosystem-based adaptation. Awareness of these interdependencies is slowly growing, but we know little about how countries are considering biodiversity within climate policies. Island and low-lying coastal states are particularly vulnerable to climate change and biodiversity loss. Here we assessed if and how the members of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) are integrating biodiversity into their national climate action plans through forest-based climate solutions. Our analysis shows that these solutions are a missed opportunity for tackling the twin crises together. Only five of the 39 countries explore co-benefits and synergies between forest-based climate solutions and biodiversity conservation measures. An additional nine mention them separately. Among these 14 countries, only a narrow range of interventions were proposed. While 28 AOSIS members prioritised forests for combating climate change, mostly for mitigation, only three prioritised their unique and globally important biodiversity. This omission is potentially risky, since mitigation measures, such as planting rapidly growing non-native trees, can have negative outcomes for biodiversity. Climate action plans must place a greater emphasis on concrete and measurable targets that create synergies with biodiversity conservation, including through the protection of old-growth forests and forest restoration. Our results highlight that forums such as the United Nations Climate Change Conferences need to continue pushing for a stronger integration of biodiversity into climate policies. • Biodiversity is not integrated into climate action plans of small island states. • Synergies between forest-based climate solutions and conservation are unexplored. • Forests are largely prioritised for mitigation. • National climate policy undervalues the global importance of island biodiversity. • More inclusive approaches with measurable targets are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We sought to evaluate the impact of surgical aortic annulus enlargement (ARE) on the perioperative outcomes of surgical aortic valve replacement. Databases were searched for articles published by October 2019 in order to carry out a systematic review followed by meta-analysis. Thirteen studies with 40,447 patients (aortic valve replacement [AVR] with aortic annulus enlargement [AAE]: 4686 patients; AVR without AAE: 35,761 patients) were included. The total rate of AAE was 11.6%, ranging from 4.1%-28.1%. The overall unadjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) for operative mortality showed a statistically significant difference between the groups, with higher risk in the "AVR with AAE" group (OR 1.388; 95% CI 1.049-1.836, P < 0.001), but not for isolated AVR+AAE (OR 1.341; 95% CI 0.920-1.956, P = 0.127) and also not in matched populations (OR 1.003; 95% CI 0.773-1.300, P = 0.984). The "AVR with AAE" group showed an overall lower risk of significant patient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM) (OR 0.567; 95% CI 0.376-0.854, P = 0.007) and a higher overall difference in means of indexed effective orifice area (iEOA) (random effect model: 0.058 cm2/m2; 95% CI 0.024-0.092, P < 0.001). The overall ORs for myocardial infarction, stroke, complete heart block/permanent pacemaker implantation and reoperation for bleeding showed no statistically significant difference between the groups. AAE is a useful adjunct to AVR, but the benefit of reduced PPM must be balanced against a possibly higher risk of perioperative mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The preventive role of cardiorespiratory fitness in lung cancer among smokers is unknown. This study aims to evaluate the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and lung cancer incidence and cancer mortality in former and current male smokers.Methods: From 1987 to 2014, cardiorespiratory fitness (quantified from treadmill exercise testing) was assessed in 2,979 men (former smokers, n=1,602; current smokers, n=1,377) aged 59.1 (SD=17.4) years and prospectively followed up for 11.6 (SD=7) years. Multivariable Cox hazard models and population attributable fraction of low cardiorespiratory fitness (<5 METs) for cancer outcomes were analyzed during 2018.Results: Of the 99 case patients diagnosed with lung cancer, 79 died of cancer 3.6 (SD=4.6) years after diagnosis. Among former smokers, 1-MET increase and categories of moderate and high cardiorespiratory fitness were associated with 13% (p=0.016), 51%, and 77% (p-trend=0.015) reductions in lung cancer incidence, respectively. Among current smokers who were later diagnosed with lung cancer, 1-MET increase and categories of moderate and high cardiorespiratory fitness were associated with 18% (p=0.008), 84%, and 85% (p-trend<0.001) reductions in cancer mortality, respectively. The population attributable fraction for lung cancer incidence was 10.8% among former smokers and 22.3% for cancer mortality among current smokers.Conclusions: Higher cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with lower risk of lung cancer incidence in former smokers and reduced risk of cancer mortality in current smokers who were diagnosed with lung cancer. Screening for low cardiorespiratory fitness and achieving at least moderate cardiorespiratory fitness could potentially reduce lung cancer morbidity and mortality, providing a preventive strategy for smokers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

São Tomé (Gulf of Guinea, Central Africa) is a 854 km2 tropical island that had a pivotal role in early European colonial expansion through the Atlantic between the 15th and 16th centuries. Historical sources suggest that native vegetation has been heavily impacted since human arrival (1470 CE) due to monoculture economies and the introduction of mammals and plants, some of which now have established wild populations. The Afromontane forest of São Tomé, located above 800 m.a.sl., is particularly rich in endemic plant species and has remained relatively unaffected by direct human impacts. Here, we explore how environmental change influenced this forest through the study of a sedimentary sequence from the volcanic crater of Lagoa Amélia (1340 m a.s.l.), a palustrine system located at the boundary between submontane (800–1400 m a.s.l.) and mist forest (above 1400 m a.s.l.). We used fossil pollen, non-pollen palynomorphs, sedimentology and charcoal to determine forest dynamics from the Late Pleistocene to the present. From 14,000 to 12,500 cal yr BP the forest was dominated by taxa from higher altitudes, adapted to cooler and drier climates (e.g. Afrocarpus mannii trees and Psychotria nubicola). After 12,500 cal yr BP, a potential uphill migration was identified by an increase in taxa like the trees Symphonia globulifera and Craterispermum cerinanthum. From 11,200 cal yr BP through the rest of the Holocene taxa from lower altitudes became dominant (e.g. Prunus africana , Polyscia s, and Sabicea) , except at c. 8500 cal yr BP when rapid cooling led to forest opening. Charcoal showed that fires were frequent during the Late Pleistocene (14,000 to 11,200 cal yr BP), becoming rare during the Holocene until anthropogenic fires started at c. 220 cal yr BP. Other recent anthropogenic impacts detected in Lagoa Amélia included the appearance of pollen of introduced plant species (e.g., Cestrum), and the increase in pollen of economically important species (Elaeis guineensis , Zea mays) and in fungal spores related to introduced herbivores. Our results reveal that climate changed the altitudinal distribution of the Afromontane forest in São Tomé during the Late Pleistocene, as observed on the African continent, and that this ecosystem was also strongly impacted by human arrival, through fire, farming, and introduced species. • We assess how climatic changes and humans influenced Afromontane forest around the Lagoa Amélia volcanic crater. • We document Late Pleistocene uphill migration of forest taxa and the occurrence of natural forest fires • During the Holocene taxa from lower altitudes became dominant and fires became rare. • We detect recent human impacts (200 cal yr BP-present) through fire and the introduction of plant and animals. • Comparison with mainland records suggests that island Afromontane forest long-term shifts were analogue to continental ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Growing evidence of the importance of motor competence for developing a healthy lifestyle has been established in the last decade. Nonetheless, no single instrument or observation tool have been able to fully measure this construct, particularly because most were built for the diagnosis of children in risk for motor impairment; are limited to a few years of the developmental span; lack objectivity in the assessment protocols; or do not include the locomotor, stability, and manipulative components. This led to the difficulty of comparing researches, and longitudinally follow children into adulthood. Recently, a novel proposal to assess motor competence was presented - the Motor Competence Assessment (MCA) - and this study aims to present the MCA normative data from 3-to-23 years.Design and Methods: Two thousand and eighty-seven participants (1102 boys) between 3 and 23 years of age were evaluated in the MCA (standing long jump, 10 m shuttle run, throwing velocity, kicking velocity, lateral jumps, shifting platforms). Results for each test were introduced in the LMS Chartmaker 2.3. The best model for test and sex was used, resulting in normative curves and percentile values.Results: Final norms showed a good fit to the instrument developmental expectations, allowing to differentiate and classify performances along the age interval.Conclusions: The MCA age- and sex- normative values allow to assess motor competence from childhood to early adulthood. Future directions will include obtaining a total MCA score and the normative scores for the MCA components (stability, locomotion, object control), and to expand the norms to adulthood and old age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the association between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), lung cancer incidence and cancer mortality in men.Design: Prospective cohort study.Methods: Maximal exercise testing was performed in 4920 men (59.2±11.4years) free from malignancy at baseline. Multivariate Cox hazard models adjusted for established cancer risk factors including smoking were analyzed for lung cancer incidence and cancer mortality among those who were diagnosed with lung cancer. Population attributable risks (PAR) of low CRF (<5 METs) were determined.Results: During 12.7±7.5years follow-up, 105 (2.1%) participants were diagnosed with lung cancer and 83 (79%) of those died from cancer after 3.6±4.6 years from diagnosis. CRF was inversely and independently associated with cancer outcomes. A 1-MET increase and categories of moderate and high CRF were associated with 10%, 47% and 65% reduction in lung cancer incidence (p=0.002), and 13%, 58% and 76% reduction in cancer mortality (p=0.002), respectively. Also, individuals who were diagnosed with lung cancer and were at moderate or high CRF categories at baseline exhibited longer survival time (p<0.001). The PARs% for lung cancer incidence and cancer mortality were 8.7% and 18.5%, respectively.Conclusions: Higher CRF is associated with lower lung cancer incidence in men. Among individuals who were diagnosed with lung cancer, higher CRF was associated with reduced cancer mortality and longer survival time. These results support the protective benefits of higher CRF in the prevention of lung cancer outcomes. Eliminating low CRF as a risk factor would potentially prevent considerable lung cancer morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The environmental quality of an acid mine drainage polluted river (Odiel River) in the Iberian Pyrite Belt (SW Spain) was assessed by combining analyses of biomarkers (DNA strand breaks, LPO, EROD, GST, GR, GPx) in freshwater clams (Corbicula fluminea) exposed during 14 days and correlated with metal(loid) environmental concentrations. Results pointed that enzymatic systems are activated to combat oxidative stress in just 24 h. Along exposure, there were homeostatic regulations with the glutathione activity that influenced in lipid peroxidation oscillations, provoking significant DNA strand damage after 14 exposure days. EROD activity showed no changes throughout the exposure period. The Asian clam displayed balance biomarkers of exposure–antioxidant activity under non–stressfully environments; meanwhile, when was introduced into acid polymetallic environments, such as the acid mine drainage, its enzymatic activity was displaced towards biomarkers of effect and the corresponding antioxidant activity. Graphical abstract Image Highlights • Biomarker clearly discriminated between acid mine drainage polluted environments. • Biomarkers of effect are suitable early warning for acid mine drainage. • Acid mine drainage can damage DNA and cell membranes. • EROD activity analysed in the Asian clam is discarded for biomonitoring purposes. • IBR v2 showed correlation Vs. Geochemical indexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction In studies with experimental models of pressure ulcer, until date, there is no validated instrument to assess the various visual aspects of the healing process. Measure of wound area is the most used method for this purpose. Thus, we aimed to develop and validate a visual assessment tool for the evaluation of healing in experimental models of pressure ulcer. Methods The Experimental Wound Assessment Tool (EWAT) was developed based on tools used in clinical practice. The tool was validated using 50 photographs of wound induced by a noninvasive pressure ulcer model in Swiss mice. Five judges performed the Content Validity and 3 raters evaluated the photos by EWAT. Items with the Content Validity Index score lower than 0.8 were modified in accordance to the suggestions of the judges. Results The EWAT showed moderate to high reliability, whilst the Concurrent Validity Test obtained good to high results, demonstrating a significantly strong positive correlation between the analyses of the raters. Moreover, it was shown to have high correlation with the clinical Photographic Wound Assessment Tool. Discussion EWAT showed good/excellent results in all the validation tests, showing it to be a good tool to evaluate wound healing process in animal models of pressure ulcer and being recommended for assessment of wound healing in small experimental animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing normal standards for maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) are problematic because they tend to be population specific, lack normal distribution and portability, and are poorly represented by women. The objective of the current study was to apply the Fitness Registry and the Importance of Exercise: A National Data Base (FRIEND) Registry to improve upon previous regression formulas for normal standards for VO2 max using treadmill testing. Maximal treadmill tests were performed in 7783 healthy men and women (20-79 years; maximal RER >1.0) from the FRIEND registry and a separate validation cohort of 1287 subjects. A regression equation for VO2 max was derived from the FRIEND registry and compared to the validation cohort and two commonly used equations (Wasserman and European). Age, gender, and body weight were the only significant predictors of VO2 max (multiple R = 0.79, R2 = 0.62, p < 0.001). The equation for predicting VO2 max was: VO2 max (ml·kg-1·min-1) = 79.9-(0.39 x age) -(13.7 × gender [0 = male: 1 = female])-(0.127 × weight [lbs]). Marked differences were observed in percentage predicted VO2 max achieved between commonly used reference equations, particularly among women, overweight and obese subjects. In the validation sample, the FRIEND equation closely paralleled measured VO2 max, with the validation group yielding a percent predicted VO2 max of 100.4% based on the FRIEND equation. An equation for age-predicted VO2 max derived from the FRIEND registry provided a lower average error between measured and predicted VO2 max than traditional equations, and thus may provide a more suitable normal standard relative to traditional equations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The comparison in several reaction conditions for synthesis of nonracemic α-methylsulfinylation of 3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1(2 H )-one was achieved. The sulfanylation reactions of 3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1(2 H )-one- O -methyloxime and 2-(methylsulfinyl)-3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1(2 H )-one- O -methyloxime by homogenous reaction medium are reported. The products were obtained in good yields and de. The yields, diastereoselectivity and theoretical calculations to all obtained compounds to support the experimental data are compared and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Integration of wind, solar radiation, biomass, and waste is considered to produce utilities. • Multiple samples of RP are used to include hourly variability on process topology. • In- and out-of-sample analysis is performed to evaluate the quality of the solutions. • Two types of topologies emerged with the one integrating syngas as the most reliable. • Reliability is penalized in the investment costs, not that much in the operating costs. This work addresses the design of utility plants incorporating technologies to process biomass, manure, solar radiation, and wind to generate steam and electricity. To capture the hourly and interannual variability of solar and wind resources, an optimization framework is proposed. The framework involves clustering methods to capture the variability of solar and wind resources and a multiperiod design optimization problem minimizing operating and investment costs. Results show that the number of representative days impacts both the minimum cost and the plant topology. To study this impact, a methodology using multiple samples of representative days and two approaches to select design solutions are proposed and discussed through extensive computational results. Overall, two plant topologies were identified, one integrating syngas and the other a biomass boiler. The biomass-based plant showed 1% lower investment and 10% lower operating costs but requires additional make-up power from an external grid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Aims To compare adiposity indices and to assess their various cut-off values for the prediction of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in postmenopausal women. Methods One hundred forty nine volunteers (67.17 ± 6.12 years) underwent body composition assessment using DXA and had 5 anthropometric indices measured (Waist Circumference, WC; Waist-to-Height Ratio, WHtR; Body Mass Index, BMI; Body Adiposity Index, BAI; and Conicity Index). Blood pressure was assessed using an oscillometric device and fasting blood samples were collected. MetS was classified according NCEP-ATP III. Cut-off values to predict MetS were obtained using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analyses and odds ratios were also calculated. Results MetS prevalence was 29.5% and subjects who were classified with MetS showed worse cardiometabolic outcomes and higher anthropometric indices values ( p < 0.05). With the exception of total- and LDL-cholesterol, all remaining variables were significantly correlated with at least one of the adiposity indices, with the strongest relationships observed for the indices reflecting central body fat. The cut-off values were 88 cm, 0.57 cm/cm, 26.85 kg/m 2 , 43.7%, 36.34%, and 1.24 units for WC, WHtR, BMI, DXA-derived body fat percentage, BAI, and conicity index, respectively. Significant greater risks for MetS were found for volunteers who had WHtR (odds = 9.08; CI: 1.81–45.47) or WC (odds = 5.20; CI: 1.30–20.73) measurements above cut-off values. Conclusion Adiposity indices are associated with MetS in postmenopausal women in different degrees. Indices which consider central adiposity such as WC and WHtR have a stronger relationship with MetS compared to DXA-derived body fat percentage, which is considered a gold standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the study of symmetry in Unit Commitment (UC) problems solved by Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) formulations, and using Linear Programming based Branch & Bound MILP solvers. We propose three sets of symmetry breaking constraints for UC MILP formulations exhibiting symmetry, and its impact on three UC MILP models are studied. The case studies involve the solution of 24 instances by three widely used models in the literature, with and without symmetry breaking constraints. The results show that problems that could not be solved to optimality within hours can be solved with a relatively small computational burden if the symmetry breaking constraints are assumed. The proposed symmetry breaking constraints are also compared with the symmetry breaking methods included in two MILP solvers, and the symmetry breaking constraints derived in this work have a distinct advantage over the methods in the MILP solvers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the blood pressure (BP) responses to cardiovascular stress test after a combined exercise circuit session at moderate intensity. Method: Twenty individuals (10 male/10 fem; 33.4±6.9 years; 70.2±15.8 kg; 170.4±11.5 cm; 22.3±6.8% body fat) were randomized in a different days to control session with no exercise or exercise session consisting of 3 laps of the following circuit: knee extension, bench press, knee flexion, rowing in the prone position, squats, shoulder press, and 5 min of aerobic exercise at 75-85% of age-predicted maximum heart rate and/or 13 on the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion [scale of 6 to 20]. The sets of resistance exercise consisted of 15 repetitions at ~50% of the estimated 1 repetition maximum test. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured at rest and during 1h of recovery in both experimental sessions. After that, blood pressure reactivity (BPR) was evaluated using the Cold Pressor Test. Results: During 1h of exercise recovery, there was a reduction in SBP (3-6 mmHg) and DBP (2-5 mmHg) in relation to pre-session rest (p<0.01), while this reduction was not observed in the control session. A decline in BPR (4-7 mmHg; p<0.01) was observed 1h post-exercise session, but not in the control session. Post-exercise reductions in SBP and DBP were significantly correlated with BPR reductions (r=0.50-0.45; p<0.05). Conclusion: A combined exercise circuit session at moderate intensity promoted subsequent post-exercise hypotension and acutely attenuated BPR in response to a cardiovascular stress test. In addition, the post-exercise BP reduction was correlated with BPR attenuation in healthy adults of both genders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the Brazilian cable TV industry has experienced a sharp downturn. In parallel, the over-the-top platform Netflix gained popularity and Brazil has become one of its biggest markets. The objective of this paper is to investigate the competitive effects of Netflix's entry on the incumbent cable TV industry. We explore the regional variability of Netflix's popularity (measured by Google Trends) and combined this information with official data of the cable TV market. Using a two-way fixed effects estimator with state-month observations (covering the period of 2012–2019), we showed that the increase in one standard deviation in Netflix popularity is associated with a 3.62% reduction in the density of cable TV subscribers and with a 19.69% reduction in the number of small firms that operate cable TV. • There is a rivalry between Netflix and cable TV industry in Brazil. • An increase in one SD in Netflix popularity is associated with a 3.62% drop in the density of cable TV subscribers. • An increase in one SD in Netflix popularity is associated with a 19.69% drop in the number of small cable TV providers. • The Netflix competitive effect was more intense in the years of higher growth in the platform's popularity in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The AspectJ JML compiler (ajmlc) explores aspect-oriented programming (AOP) mechanisms to implement JML specifications, such as pre- and postconditions, and enforce them during runtime. This compiler was created to improve source-code modularity. Some experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of the code generated through ajmlc. Results demonstrated that the strategy of adopting AOP to implement JML specifications is very promising. However, there is still a need for optimization of the generated code’s bytecode size and running time. This paper presents a catalog of transformations which represent the optimizations implemented in the new optimized version of the ajmlc compiler. We employ such transformations to reduce the bytecode size and running time of the code generated through the ajmlc compiler. Aiming at demonstrating the impact of such transformation on the code quality, we conduct an empirical study using four applications in optimized and non-optimized versions generated by ajmlc. We show that our AOP transformations provide a significant improvement, regarding bytecode size and running time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, flow pattern observations and pressure drop measurements in a U-bend and contiguous straight tubes are presented. The flow pattern observations were made with R134a at an inlet saturation temperature of 5 °C flowing at a mass flux of 300 kg s−1 m−2 inside a horizontal test section with an internal and bend diameters of 13 and 66 mm, respectively. The experimental data were obtained for the same experimental conditions, but with two test sections with one internal diameter of 11.7 mm and two bend diameters (31.7 and 54.8 mm) for different U-bend orientations. The experimental data was compared to the predictions of a new multi-orientation flow pattern based frictional pressure drop method for U-bends of Silva Lima and Thome (2012c) showing that the model predicts 97% of the database within an error window of ±30%. An extensive discussion was made on the benefits of using a data reduction method that allows obtaining the pressure drops effectively occurring in the U-bend and reducing the errors associated with that measure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]