bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphate Porous Coatings Enriched with Selected Elements via PEO Treatment on Titanium and Its Alloys: A Review
Authors: Rokosz Krzysztof , Hryniewicz Tadeusz , Dudek Łukasz
Published: May 2020

This paper shows that the subject of porous coatings fabrication by Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO), known also as Micro Arc Oxidation (MAO), is still current, inter alia because metals and alloys, which can be treated by the PEO method, for example, titanium, niobium, tantalum and their alloys, are increasingly available for sale. On the international market, apart from scientific works/activity developed at universities, scientific research on the PEO coatings is also underway in companies such as Keronite (Great Britain), Magoxid-Coat (Germany), Mofratech (France), Machaon (Russia), as well as CeraFuse, Tagnite, Microplasmic (USA). In addition, it should be noted that the development of the space industry and implantology will force the production of trouble-free micro- and macro-machines with very high durability. Another aspect in favor of this technique is the rate of part treatment, which does not exceed several dozen minutes, and usually only lasts a few minutes. Another advantage is functionalization of fabricated surface through thermal or hydrothermal modification of fabricated coatings, or other methods (Physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), sol-gel), including also reoxidation by PEO treatment in another electrolyte. In the following chapters, coatings obtained both in aqueous solutions and electrolytes based on orthophosphoric acid will be presented; therein, dependent on the PEO treatment and the electrolyte used, they are characterized by different properties associated with their subsequent use. The possibilities for using coatings produced by means of plasma electrolytic oxidation are very wide, beginning from various types of catalysts, gas sensors, to biocompatible and antibacterial coatings, as well as hard wear coatings used in machine parts, among others, used in the aviation and aerospace industries.
Relationship between Implant Length and Implant Stability of Single-Implant Restorations: A 12-Month Follow-Up Clinical Study
Authors: Aragoneses Juan , Aragoneses Javier , Brugal Vanessa , Gomez Margarita , Suarez Ana
Published: May 2020

Background and Objectives: Implant stability in vivo is contingent on multiple factors, such as bone structure, instrument positioning and implant surface modifications, implant diameter, and implant length. Resonance-frequency analysis is considered a non-invasive, reliable, predictable, and objective method by which to evaluate implant stability, due to its correlation with bone-to-implant contact. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of implant length on the primary and secondary stability of single-implant crown rehabilitations, as measured by resonance-frequency analysis at different times. Materials and Methods: Implants of 10 and 11.5 mm were placed, and the resonance frequency was measured at the time of surgery (T0), as well as at 3 (T1), 6 (T2), and 12 (T3) months post-surgery. Results: A total of 559 implants were placed in 195 patients. Significant differences were observed when comparing the implant stability quotient (ISQ) values at T1, with values for 10-mm implants being greater than those for 11.5-mm implants (p = 0.035). These differences were also observed when comparing ISQ values for buccal and lingual areas. At T0, T2, and T3, no significant differences in ISQ values were observed. The use of 10-mm implants in the anterior maxilla yielded significantly greater values at T0 (p = 0.018) and T1 (p = 0.031) when compared with 11.5-mm implants. Significant differences in measurements were observed only for buccal areas (p = 0.005; p = 0.018). When comparing the sample lengths and sex, women with 11.5-mm implants showed significantly lower results than those with 10-mm implants (p < 0.001). Conclusions: There is a direct relationship between implants of a smaller length and greater ISQ values, with this relationship being most evident in the maxilla and in women.
Evaluating Effectiveness and Safety in Chronic Kidney Disease with Atrial Flutter Using an Anticoagulation Strategy
Authors: Wang Ying-Ting , Chen Chung-Yu , Bair Ming-Jong
Published: May 2020

Background and objectives: Recent randomized trials of oral antithrombotic drugs with atrial flutter (AFL) excluded patients with renal impairment because of their increased risk of bleeding. To date, no relevant studies have assessed the effectiveness and safety of different antithrombotic drugs in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with AFL. This cohort study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of different antithrombotic drugs in CKD patients with AFL. This study also investigated the risk of cardiovascular events from antithrombotic drugs through different risk profiles of stroke stratified by the CHA2DS2-VASc score. Materials and Methods: This cohort study was performed in patients with AFL and CKD who were extracted from the National Health Insurance (NHI) Database in Taiwan. Oral antithrombotic therapy (oral anticoagulants (OAC) or antiplatelets (APT)) was administered to patients who had been diagnosed with AFL after being diagnosed with CKD between 2011 and 2015. Primary outcomes, including ischemic stroke, systemic embolism, and composite of stroke, and secondary outcomes, including major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), major bleeding, all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular-related death, were examined. Results: A total of 2468 patients were included in this study. The results showed no statistically significant differences in the risk of primary outcomes. For the secondary outcomes, there were also no statistically significant differences in the risk of MACEs and major bleeding. However, the pooled results indicated that the hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality with OAC was 0.24 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.10–0.55) compared with combination therapy, and the HR for APT compared with OAC was 2.86 (95% CI = 1.48–5.53). Conclusions: In the studied population, OAC or APT alone were proved equally effective for stroke prophylaxis. Furthermore, OAC might reduce the all-cause mortality rate compared with APT and should be considered as the first choice of oral antithrombotic drugs in patients with AFL and CKD.
How Overlimiting Current Condition Influences Lactic Acid Recovery and Demineralization by Electrodialysis with Nanofiltration Membrane: Comparison with Conventional Electrodialysis
Authors: Beaulieu Marielle , Perreault Véronique , Mikhaylin Sergey , Bazinet Laurent
Published: May 2020

Acid whey is the main co-product resulting from the production of fresh cheeses and Greek-type yogurts. It generally goes through a spray-drying process prior to valorization, but it needs to be deacidified (lactic acid recovery) and demineralized beforehand to obtain a powder of quality with all the preserved compounds of interest such as lactose and proteins. Electrodialysis (ED) is a process actually used for acid whey treatment, but scaling formation at the surface of the ion-exchange membrane is still a major problem. In this work, a combination of two new avenues of ED treatment has been studied. First, the integration of a nanofiltration (NF) membrane in an ED conventional stack was compared to a classical ED stack with an anion-exchange membrane in a standard current condition. Secondly, both configurations were tested in the overlimiting current condition to study the impact of electroconvective vortices on process efficiency. The combined effects of the NF membrane and overlimiting current condition led to a higher lactic acid recovery rate of acid whey (40%), while the conventional ED stack in the overlimiting current condition led to a higher demineralization (87% based on the total cation concentration). Those effects were related to the conductivity, pH, global resistance, and energy consumption of each treatment that are influenced by water splitting phenomenon, which was decreased in the overlimiting condition.
Effects of an External Magnetic Field on the Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of the Fusion Zone in TIG Welding
Authors: Queiroz Anderson Vergílio de , Fernandes Márcio Teodoro , Silva Leonardo , Demarque Rudineli , Xavier Carlos Roberto , Castro José Adilson de
Published: May 2020

Welding is a widely used process that requires continuous developments to meet new application demands of mechanical projects under severe conditions. The homogeneity of metallurgical and mechanical properties in welded joints is the key factor for any welding process. The applications of external magnetic fields, mechanical vibration, and ultrasound are the fundamental steps to achieve success in improving these properties. The present work aimed at determining suitable processing conditions to achieve the desired balance between metallurgical and mechanical properties of 304L steel in TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding under the application of an external magnetic field. The microstructural characteristics of the weld bead were analyzed by optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In order to evaluate the mechanical properties of the welded specimen, its Vickers microhardness map and Charpy impact energy at −20 °C were obtained. In addition, corrosion tests were carried out in the saline medium to compare the corrosion resistance of the joint with that of the base metal and that without the magnetic field. It was found that the external magnetic field decreased the percentage of delta ferrite, improved the filling of the weld pool with the weld metal, and decreased the primary and secondary dendritic spacings. The Vickers microhardness value under the magnetic field was found to be lower than that without the magnetic field, and the Charpy test showed no significant variation in energy absorption. Moreover, the welded joint produced under the external magnetic field manifested less resistance to corrosion.
Effect of Interface Microstructure on Joint Strength of Zirconia/Titanium Alloy Brazed with Amorphous Zr-Ti-Ni-Cu Active Filler Metal
Authors: Park Sung Woo , Lee Hyunjong , Lee Byung Hoon , Kim Tae Hwan , Kim Kyung Il , Hong Se Ah , Kim Minji , Hyun Soong-Keun , Ryu Gwan Ho , Kim Kyung Taek
Published: May 2020

Active brazing of zirconia with metallic alloys is a promising method for enhancing the mechanical property of zirconia. However, the brazing process of zirconia and metallic alloys has not been studied in detail because of a limitation in selection of materials and processing conditions. Here, we successfully brazed zirconia with Ti-3Al-2.5V alloy using amorphous Zr54Ti22Ni16Cu8 active filler alloy. By manipulating the brazing temperature from 800 °C to 860 °C, a highest strength of ~186 MPa was achieved at 860 °C. Reduced brittle (Zr,Ti)2(Ni,Cu) intermetallic phases from formation of island-type (Zr,Ti) matrix, ZrO2-X, TiO, and TiO2 interlayer play a key role in increasing the joint strength. Our findings will be helpful in developing brazing processes for zirconia and metallic alloys.
Advances in Thermochemical Synthesis and Characterization of the Prepared Copper/Alumina Nanocomposites
Authors: Korać Marija , Kamberović Željko , Anđić Zoran , Stopić Srećko
Published: May 2020

This paper presents thermochemical synthesis of copper/alumina nanocomposites in a Cu-Al2O3 system with 1–2.5 wt.% of alumina and their characterization, which included: transmission electron microscopy: focused ion beam (FIB), analytical electron microscopy (AEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Thermodynamic analysis was used to study the formation mechanism of desirable products during drying, thermal decomposition and reduction processes. Upon synthesis of powders, samples were cold pressed (2 GPa) in tools dimension 8 × 32 × 2 mm and sintered at temperatures within the range 800–1000 °C for 15 to 120 min in a hydrogen atmosphere. Results of characterization showed that dispersion-strengthened compacts could be produced by sintering of thermo-chemically prepared Cu-Al2O3 powders with properties suitable for material application, such as a contact material exhibiting high strength and high electrical conductivity at the same time. Additional research was carried out in order to analyze the application of the obtained nanocomposite powders for the synthesis of copper/alumina nanocomposites by a new method, which is a combination of a thermochemical procedure and mechanical alloying. The measured values of an electric conductivity and hardness were compared with ones in literature, confirming an advantage of the proposed combined strategy.
Novel Application Research on Critical High-Temperature Deformation of Low-Lead Brass Alloy
Authors: Chen Kuan-Jen
Published: May 2020

This study investigated the critical high-temperature deformation of the low-lead (Pb) Cu38Zn3Pb alloy. Moreover, the dezincification mechanism of this alloy for high-temperature applications was evaluated. The results reveal that tensile temperatures influence the phase structures of the brass alloy matrix. Many voids and holes formed at the phase boundaries above 400 °C due to the hard-brittle β’ phase which transformed into the softer β phase, thus causing low-strength and high-ductility values. High strain rate deformation promotes more obvious intermediate-temperature brittleness in the brass alloy. The Cu38Zn3Pb alloys display the lowest impact toughness between 400 °C and 600 °C. Long-term hot working caused dezincification in the brass alloy, thus deteriorating its ductility. The influences of thermal dezincification on the mechanical properties of the alloy must be considered during processing or heat treatment.
Orthogonal Experimental Research on Dielectrophoresis Polishing (DEPP) of Silicon Wafer
Authors: Zhao Tianchen , Deng Qianfa , Zhang Cheng , Feng Kaiping , Zhou Zhaozhong , Yuan Julong
Published: May 2020

Silicon wafer with high surface quality is widely used as substrate materials in the fields of micromachines and microelectronics, so a high-efficiency and high-quality polishing method is urgently needed to meet its large demand. In this paper, a dielectrophoresis polishing (DEPP) method was proposed, which applied a non-uniform electric field to the polishing area to slow down the throw-out effect of centrifugal force, thereby achieving high-efficiency and high-quality polishing of silicon wafers. The principle of DEPP was described. Orthogonal experiments on important polishing process parameters were carried out. Contrast polishing experiments of silicon wafer were conducted. The orthogonal experimental results showed that the influence ratio of electric field intensity and rotation speed on material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness was more than 80%. The optimal combination of process parameters was electric field intensity 450 V/mm, rotation speed 90 rpm, abrasive concentration 30 wt%, size of abrasive particle 80 nm. Contrast polishing experiments indicated that the MRR and material removal uniformity of DEPP were significantly better than traditional chemical mechanical polishing (CMP). Compared with the traditional CMP, the MRR of DEPP was increased by 17.6%, and the final surface roughness of silicon wafer reached Ra 0.31 nm. DEPP can achieve high-efficiency and high-quality processing of silicon wafer.
Improved Field Electron Emission Properties of Phosphorus and Nitrogen Co-Doped Nanocrystalline Diamond Films
Authors: Lloret Fernando , Sankaran Kamatchi Jothiramalingam , Millan-Barba Josué , Desta Derese , Rouzbahani Rozita , Pobedinskas Paulius , Gutierrez Marina , Boyen Hans-Gerd , Haenen Ken
Published: May 2020

Nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) field emitters have attracted significant interest for vacuum microelectronics applications. This work presents an approach to enhance the field electron emission (FEE) properties of NCD films by co-doping phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) using microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. While the methane (CH4) and P concentrations are kept constant, the N2 concentration is varied from 0.2% to 2% and supplemented by H2. The composition of the gas mixture is tracked in situ by optical emission spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy are used to provide evidence of the changes in crystal morphology, surface roughness, microstructure, and crystalline quality of the different NCD samples. The FEE results display that the 2% N2 concentration sample had the best FEE properties, viz. the lowest turn-on field value of 14.3 V/µm and the highest current value of 2.7 µA at an applied field of 73.0 V/µm. Conductive AFM studies reveal that the 2% N2 concentration NCD sample showed more emission sites, both from the diamond grains and the grain boundaries surrounding them. While phosphorus doping increased the electrical conductivity of the diamond grains, the incorporation of N2 during growth facilitated the formation of nano-graphitic grain boundary phases that provide conducting pathways for the electrons, thereby improving the FEE properties for the 2% N2 concentrated NCD films.
Internalization of Metal–Organic Framework Nanoparticles in Human Vascular Cells: Implications for Cardiovascular Disease Therapy
Authors: Al-Ansari Dana E. , Mohamed Nura A. , Marei Isra , Zekri Atef , Kameno Yu , Davies Robert P. , Lickiss Paul D. , Rahman Md Mizanur , Abou-Saleh Haissam
Published: May 2020

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Alteration of endothelial cells and the underlying vasculature plays a central role in the pathogenesis of various CVDs. The application of nanoscale materials such as nanoparticles in biomedicine has opened new horizons in the treatment of CVDs. We have previously shown that the iron metal–organic framework nanoparticle, Materials Institut Lavoisier-89 (nanoMIL-89) represents a viable vehicle for future drug delivery of pulmonary arterial hypertension. In this study, we have assessed the cellular uptake of nanoMIL-89 in pulmonary artery endothelial and smooth muscle cells using microscopy imaging techniques. We also tested the cellular responses to nanoMIL-89 using molecular and cellular assays. Microscopic images showed cellular internalization of nanoMIL-89, packaging into endocytic vesicles, and passing to daughter cells during mitosis. Moreover, nanoMIL-89 showed anti-inflammatory activity without any significant cytotoxicity. Our results indicate that nanoMIL-89 formulation may offer promising therapeutic opportunities and set forth a new prototype for drug delivery not only in CVDs, but also for other diseases yet incurable, such as diabetes and cancer.
Correction: Xing, G. et al. Diameter- and Length-Controlled Synthesis of Ultrathin ZnS Nanowires and Their Size-Dependent UV Absorption Properties, Photocatalytical Activities and Band-Edge Energy Levels. Nanomaterials 2019, 9, 220
Authors: Xing Guanjie , Liu Xiaoli , Hao Simeng , Li Xiaohong , Fan Louzhen , Li Yunchao
Published: May 2020

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this article [...]
Co-Solvent Exfoliation of Hexagonal Boron Nitride: Effect of Raw Bulk Boron Nitride Size and Co-Solvent Composition
Authors: Nie Xiang , Li Guo , Jiang Zhao , Li Wei , Ouyang Ting , Wang Jianfeng
Published: May 2020

Exfoliation of two-dimensional boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) from parent bulk material has been receiving intensive attention because of its fascinating physical properties. Liquid exfoliation is a simple, scalable approach to produce single-layer or few-layer BNNS. In this paper, water/propanol co-solvent exfoliation of bulk boron nitride under the assistance of sonication was investigated in detail. Special attention was paid on the effect of raw bulk boron nitride size and co-solvent composition. The results show that sonication of small-size hexagonal boron nitride tends to generate large nanosheets, due to a predominant solvent wedge effect. In addition, it is found that the composition of water/propanol co-solvent has an important effect on exfoliation efficiency. Interestingly, although two isomers of 1-propanol (NPA) and 2-propanol (IPA) have the same molecular weight and similar surface tension, their aqueous solutions allow the formation of boron nitride nanosheets dispersion with markedly different concentrations. It is proposed that due to their spatial configuration difference, NPA with its longer molecular chain and fewer hydrophobic methyl group tends to form dynamic water-NPA clusters with larger size than water-IPA clusters. The hydrodynamic radius of the co-solvent “clusters” was calculated to be 0.72 nm for water/NPA system and 0.44 nm for water/IPA system at their maximum, respectively. Their size changes, represented by two curves, indicate a strong “cluster size” effect on exfoliation efficiency. Our work provides an insight into co-solvent exfoliation of hexagonal boron nitride and emphasizes the importance of co-solvent cluster size in exfoliation efficiency.
Cytokines and Chemokines in Chikungunya Virus Infection: Protection or Induction of Pathology
Authors: Chirathaworn Chintana , Chansaenroj Jira , Poovorawan Yong
Published: May 2020

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection has been commonly detected in tropical countries. The clinical manifestations of CHIKV infection are similar to those of rheumatoid arthritis. Outbreaks of CHIKV infection in Thailand have been reported, and the inductions of various cytokines and chemokines in CHIKV patients during those outbreaks have been shown. Although immune responses in CHIKV infection have been increasingly reported, the mechanisms associated with pathology induction are still not clearly understood. This review focuses on cytokine and chemokine production in CHIKV infection, in association with the severity of joint inflammation. Several cytokines and chemokines involved in the induction or regulation of inflammatory responses were shown to associate with the severe and persistent symptoms in CHIKV infection. Further studies on the difference in immune responses observed in an autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis, infectious disease, and CHIKV infection, would provide additional insights useful for proper CHIKV therapy, especially in patients with severe joint pains.
Interaction of the Amino-Terminal Domain of the ISAV Fusion Protein with a Cognate Cell Receptor
Authors: Ojeda Nicolás , Cárdenas Constanza , Marshall Sergio
Published: May 2020

The infectious salmon anemia virus (ISAV), etiological agent of the disease by the same name, causes major losses to the salmon industry. Classified as a member of the Orthomyxoviridae family, ISAV is characterized by the presence of two surface glycoproteins termed hemagglutinin esterase (HE) and fusion protein (F), both of them directly involved in the initial interaction of the virus with the target cell. HE mediates receptor binding and destruction, while F promotes the fusion process of the viral and cell membranes. The carboxy-terminal end of F (F2) possesses canonical structural characteristics of a type I fusion protein, while no functional properties have been proposed for the amino-terminal (F1) region. In this report, based on in silico modeling, we propose a tertiary structure for the F1 region, which resembles a sialic acid binding domain. Furthermore, using recombinant forms of both HE and F proteins and an in vitro model system, we demonstrate the interaction of F with a cell receptor, the hydrolysis of this receptor by the HE esterase, and a crucial role for F1 in the fusion mechanism. Our interpretation is that binding of F to its cell receptor is fundamental for membrane fusion and that the esterase in HE modulates this interaction.
A Post-Haustorial Defense Mechanism is Mediated by the Powdery Mildew Resistance Gene, PmG3M, Derived from Wild Emmer Wheat
Authors: Wei Zhen-Zhen , Klymiuk Valentyna , Bocharova Valeria , Pozniak Curtis , Fahima Tzion
Published: May 2020

The destructive wheat powdery mildew disease is caused by the fungal pathogen Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt). PmG3M, derived from wild emmer wheat Triticum dicoccoides accession G305-3M, is a major gene providing a wide-spectrum resistance against Bgt. PmG3M was previously mapped to wheat chromosome 6B using an F6 recombinant inbred line (RIL) mapping population generated by crossing G305-3M with the susceptible T. durum wheat cultivar Langdon (LDN). In the current study, we aimed to explore the defense mechanisms conferred by PmG3M against Bgt. Histopathology of fungal development was characterized in artificially inoculated leaves of G305-3M, LDN, and homozygous RILs using fluorescence and light microscopy. G305-3M exhibited H2O2 accumulation typical of a hypersensitive response, which resulted in programmed cell death (PCD) in Bgt-penetrated epidermal cells, while LDN showed well-developed colonies without PCD. In addition, we observed a post-haustorial resistance mechanism that arrested the development of fungal feeding structures and pathogen growth in both G305-3M and resistant RIL, while LDN and a susceptible RIL displayed fully developed digitated haustoria and massive accumulation of fungal biomass. In contrast, both G305-3M and LDN exhibited callose deposition in attempt to prevent fungal invasion, supporting this as a mechanism of a basal defense response not associated with PmG3M resistance mechanism per se. The presented results shed light on the resistance mechanisms conferred by PmG3M against wheat powdery mildew.
Fighting Fusarium Pathogens in the Era of Climate Change: A Conceptual Approach
Authors: Timmusk Salme , Nevo Eviatar , Ayele Fantaye , Noe Steffen , Niinemets Ülo
Published: May 2020

Fusarium head blight (FHB) caused by Fusarium pathogens is one of the most devastating fungal diseases of small grain cereals worldwide, substantially reducing yield quality and food safety. Its severity is increasing due to the climate change caused by weather fluctuations. Intensive research on FHB control methods has been initiated more than a decade ago. Since then, the environment has been rapidly changing at regional to global scales due to increasing anthropogenic emissions enhanced fertilizer application and substantial changes in land use. It is known that environmental factors affect both the pathogen virulence as well as plant resistance mechanisms. Changes in CO2 concentration, temperature, and water availability can have positive, neutral, or negative effects on pathogen spread depending on the environmental optima of the pathosystem. Hence, there is a need for studies of plant–pathogen interactions in current and future environmental context. Long-term monitoring data are needed in order to understand the complex nature of plants and its microbiome interactions. We suggest an holobiotic approach, integrating plant phyllosphere microbiome research on the ecological background. This will enable the development of efficient strategies based on ecological know-how to fight Fusarium pathogens and maintain sustainable agricultural systems.
Quantification of the Animal Tuberculosis Multi-Host Community Offers Insights for Control
Authors: Santos Nuno , Richomme Céline , Nunes Telmo , Vicente Joaquín , Alves Paulo , de la Fuente José , Correia-Neves Margarida , Boschiroli María-Laura , Delahay Richard , Gortázar Christian
Published: May 2020

Animal tuberculosis (TB) is a multi-host zoonotic disease whose prevalence in cattle herds in Europe has been increasing, despite a huge investment in eradication. The composition of the host community is a fundamental driver of pathogen transmission, and yet this has not been formally quantified for animal TB in Europe. We quantified multi-host communities of animal TB, using stochastic models to estimate the number of infected domestic and wild hosts in three regions: officially TB-free Central–Western Europe, and two largely TB-endemic regions, the Iberian Peninsula and Britain and Ireland. We show that the estimated number of infected animals in the three regions was 290,059–1,605,612 and the numbers of infected non-bovine domestic and wild hosts always exceeded those of infected cattle, with ratios ranging from 3.3 (1.3–19.6):1 in Britain and Ireland to 84.3 (20.5–864):1 in the Iberian Peninsula. Our results illustrate for the first time the extent to which animal TB systems in some regions of Europe are dominated by non-bovine domestic and wild species. These findings highlight the need to adapt current strategies for effective future control of the disease.
Are We Meeting the Demand for Pharmacist-Led Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs during Postgraduate Training-Year 1 (PGY1)?
Authors: McGee Edoabasi U. , Mason-Callaway Arrington D. , Rollins Brent L.
Published: May 2020

In the United States of America, pharmacists play a pivotal role in antimicrobial stewardship; training from postgraduate residency may hone knowledge and skills gained from didactic pharmacy education. Specifically, the first year of postgraduate training, the learner may become an “everyday steward in training” and may go on to complete a second year in infectious diseases. However, there are a limited number of second year infectious diseases programs. The current demand for pharmacist to participate in and or lead stewardship is disproportionate to available specialized training. The first year of post-graduate training has to be setup to ensure appropriate preparation, so newly trained pharmacist may help meet the demand. Currently, no clear standards exist for training in the first year. The purpose of this study is to survey the nature of stewardship training performed by first year residents from the perspective of residency program directors and preceptors. A 13-question online survey was distributed to examine resident exposure to antimicrobial stewardship activities. Survey data from targeted residency directors and preceptors were analyzed. A third of the programs required it as a mandatory rotation. Resident’s stewardship activities ranged from program to program; there was not consensus of the training activities.
Incentives to Open Access: Perspectives of Health Science Researchers
Authors: López-Vergara Carmen , Flores Asenjo Pilar , Rosa-García Alfonso
Published: May 2020

Technological development has transformed academic publication over the past two decades and new publication models, especially Open Access, have captured an important part of the publishing market, traditionally dominated by the Subscription publication model. Although Health Sciences have been one of the leading fields promoting Open Access, the perspectives of Health Science researchers on the benefits and possibilities of Open Access remain an open question. The present study sought to unveil the perspective of researchers on scientific publication decisions, in terms of the Subscription and Open Access publication model, Gold Road. With this aim, we surveyed Spanish researchers in Health Sciences. Our findings show that the value of publishing in Open Access journals increases as the experience of the researcher increases and the less she/he values the impact factor. Moreover, visibility and dissemination of the results are the main determinants of publication when choosing an Open Access journal as the first option. According to the response of the researchers, the reduction of fees and the increase in financing are important economic incentive measures to promote the Open Access publication model. It is widely accepted that the volume of Open Access publications will increase in the future.
Nitrogen Fertilization and Harvest Timing Affect Switchgrass Quality
Authors: Massey Joshua , Antonangelo João , Zhang Hailin
Published: May 2020

Early season switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) can be used as animal feed and mature late-season biomass as a biofuel feedstock. However, nitrogen (N) application and harvest timing effects on the quality of both end-use need further evaluation. This study evaluated the changes in nutritive quality for animal feed and biofuel feedstock, under different N application rates (0 to 235 kg N ha−1 yr−1) and different harvest times at a fixed N rate. Plant N removal increased with increasing N application rate (P < 0.05). The largest single difference (27%) was found between 0 and 33.6 kg N ha−1 application rates. Nitrogen removal decreased during subsequent harvests at a fixed N rate (P ≤ 0.0001). Forage quality was affected by N rates, although it was especially impacted by harvesting time. Fibers and most minerals in the biomass increased as accumulated growing degree days (AGDD) increased (P ≤ 0.0001), but N and total digestible nutrients (TDN) decreased as AGDD increased (P ≤ 0.0001). High crude protein and minerals with low fiber are desired forage qualities and the opposite is true for biofuel feedstock. Earlier harvests are beneficial for hay production or livestock grazing, and late-season harvests are better for biofuel production.
Real-Time Cable Force Calculation beyond the Wrench-Feasible Workspace
Authors: Boumann Roland , Bruckmann Tobias
Published: May 2020

Under special circumstances, a cable-driven parallel robot (CDPR) may leave its wrench-feasible-workspace. Standard approaches for the computation of set-point cable forces are likely to fail in this case. The novel nearest corner method for calculating appropriate cable forces when the CDPR is outside of its wrench-feasible-workspace was introduced in former work of the authors. The obtained cable force distributions aim at continuity and generate wrenches close to the desired values. The method employs geometrical operations in the cable force space and promises real-time usability because of its non-iterative structure. In a simplified simulation, a cable break scenario was used to carry out more detailed testing of the method regarding different parameters, a higher number of cables, and the numerical efficiency. A brief discussion about the continuity of the method when entering the wrench-feasible-workspace is presented.
Quality-Based Combination of Multi-Source Precipitation Data
Authors: Jurczyk Anna , Szturc Jan , Otop Irena , Ośródka Katarzyna , Struzik Piotr
Published: May 2020

A quantitative precipitation estimate (QPE) provides basic information for the modelling of many kinds of hydro-meteorological processes, e.g., as input to rainfall-runoff models for flash flood forecasting. Weather radar observations are crucial in order to meet the requirements, because of their very high temporal and spatial resolution. Other sources of precipitation data, such as telemetric rain gauges and satellite observations, are also included in the QPE. All of the used data are characterized by different temporal and spatial error structures. Therefore, a combination of the data should be based on quality information quantitatively determined for each input to take advantage of a particular source of precipitation measurement. The presented work on multi-source QPE, being implemented as the RainGRS system, has been carried out in the Polish national meteorological and hydrological service for new nowcasting and hydrological platforms in Poland. For each of the three data sources, different quality algorithms have been designed: (i) rain gauge data is quality controlled and, on this basis, spatial interpolation and estimation of quality field is performed, (ii) radar data are quality controlled by RADVOL-QC software that corrects errors identified in the data and characterizes its final quality, (iii) NWC SAF (Satellite Application Facility on support to Nowcasting and Very Short Range Forecasting) products for both visible and infrared channels are combined and the relevant quality field is determined from empirical relationships that are based on analyses of the product performance. Subsequently, the quality-based QPE is generated with a 1-km spatial resolution every 10 minutes (corresponding to radar data). The basis for the combination is a conditional merging technique that is enhanced by involving detailed quality information that is assigned to individual input data. The validation of the RainGRS estimates was performed taking account of season and kind of precipitation.
Detecting Ephemeral Objects in SAR Time-Series Using Frozen Background-Based Change Detection
Authors: Taillade Thibault , Thirion-Lefevre Laetitia , Guinvarc’h Régis
Published: May 2020

Change detection (CD) in SAR (Synthethic Aperture Radar) images has been widely studied in recent years and has become increasingly attractive due to the growth of available datasets. The potential of CD has been shown in different fields, including disaster monitoring and military applications. Access to multi-temporal SAR images of the same scene is now possible, and therefore we can improve the performance and the interpretation of CD. Apart from specific SAR campaign measurements, the ground truth of the scene is usually unknown or only partially known when dealing with open data. This is a critical issue when the purpose is to detect targets, such as vehicles or ships. Indeed, typical change detection methods can only provide relative changes; the actual number of targets on each day cannot be determined. Ideally, this change detection should occur between a target-free image and one with the objects of interest. To do so, we propose to benefit from pixels’ intrinsic temporal behavior to compute a frozen background reference (FBR) image and perform change detection from this reference image. We will then consider that the scene consists only of immobile objects (e.g., buildings and trees) and removable objects that can appear and disappear from acquisition to another (e.g., cars and ships). Our FBR images will, therefore, aim to estimate the immobile background of the scene to obtain, after change detection, the exact amount of targets present on each day. This study was conducted first with simulated SAR data for different number of acquisition dates and Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). We presented an application in the region of Singapore to estimate the number of ships in the study area for each acquisition.
Joint Effect of Spartina alterniflora Invasion and Reclamation on the Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of Tidal Flats in Yangtze River Estuary
Authors: Liu Yi-Fei , Ma Jun , Wang Xin-Xin , Zhong Qiao-Yan , Zong Jia-Min , Wu Wan-Ben , Wang Qing , Zhao Bin
Published: May 2020

Tidal flats, which are non-vegetated land–sea transition areas, have an important ecological function in the global ecosystem. However, they have been shrinking in recent years due to natural and anthropogenic activities. Although many studies focus on tidal flats in the Yangtze River estuary (YRE) in China, how reclamation and plant invasion affect the expansion and erosion of tidal flats are still unclear. In this study, we analyzed all of the available Landsat TM/ETM+ /OLI imagery from the period 1996 to 2018 using the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud computing platform to obtain annual maps of coastal tidal flats of YRE at 30 m spatial resolution. We chose three sample tidal flats where severe Spartina alterniflora (S. alterniflora) invasion, reclamation, and control areas existed to explore the joint impact of plant invasion and reclamation on tidal flats. We also point out the main driving factor of tidal flat expansion of each island in YRE by multiple linear regression. Our results suggest that the tidal flats of YRE had obvious expansion from 1996 to 2018, and the speed of expansion is getting slower because of the decreasing deposits in the Yangtze River. Invasive S. alterniflora is effective at promoting silting, and tidal flats with S. alterniflora invasion expanded 2.54 times faster than the control group. Chongming and Hengsha Islands were mainly affected by sediment concentration, while Changxing and Jiuduansha Islands were affected by reclamation and S. alterniflora invasion, respectively. The results could be used to support coastal zone management and biodiversity conservation of the YRE.
Landslide Susceptibility Mapping: Machine and Ensemble Learning Based on Remote Sensing Big Data
Authors: Kalantar Bahareh , Ueda Naonori , Saeidi Vahideh , Ahmadi Kourosh , Halin Alfian Abdul , Shabani Farzin
Published: May 2020

Predicting landslide occurrences can be difficult. However, failure to do so can be catastrophic, causing unwanted tragedies such as property damage, community displacement, and human casualties. Research into landslide susceptibility mapping (LSM) attempts to alleviate such catastrophes through the identification of landslide prone areas. Computational modelling techniques have been successful in related disaster scenarios, which motivate this work to explore such modelling for LSM. In this research, the potential of supervised machine learning and ensemble learning is investigated. Firstly, the Flexible Discriminant Analysis (FDA) supervised learning algorithm is trained for LSM and compared against other algorithms that have been widely used for the same purpose, namely Generalized Logistic Models (GLM), Boosted Regression Trees (BRT or GBM), and Random Forest (RF). Next, an ensemble model consisting of all four algorithms is implemented to examine possible performance improvements. The dataset used to train and test all the algorithms consists of a landslide inventory map of 227 landslide locations. From these sources, 13 conditioning factors are extracted to be used in the models. Experimental evaluations are made based on True Skill Statistic (TSS), the Receiver Operation characteristic (ROC) curve and kappa index. The results show that the best TSS (0.6986), ROC (0.904) and kappa (0.6915) were obtained by the ensemble model. FDA on its own seems effective at modelling landslide susceptibility from multiple data sources, with performance comparable to GLM. However, it slightly underperforms when compared to GBM (BRT) and RF. RF seems most capable compared to GBM, GLM, and FDA, when dealing with all conditioning factors.
Multi-Objective Support Vector Regression Reduces Systematic Error in Moderate Resolution Maps of Tree Species Abundance
Authors: Legaard Kasey , Simons-Legaard Erin , Weiskittel Aaron
Published: May 2020

When forest conditions are mapped from empirical models, uncertainty in remotely sensed predictor variables can cause the systematic overestimation of low values, underestimation of high values, and suppression of variability. This regression dilution or attenuation bias is a well-recognized problem in remote sensing applications, with few practical solutions. Attenuation is of particular concern for applications that are responsive to prediction patterns at the high end of observed data ranges, where systematic error is typically greatest. We addressed attenuation bias in models of tree species relative abundance (percent of total aboveground live biomass) based on multitemporal Landsat and topoclimatic predictor data. We developed a multi-objective support vector regression (MOSVR) algorithm that simultaneously minimizes total prediction error and systematic error caused by attenuation bias. Applied to 13 tree species in the Acadian Forest Region of the northeastern U.S., MOSVR performed well compared to other prediction methods including single-objective SVR (SOSVR) minimizing total error, Random Forest (RF), gradient nearest neighbor (GNN), and Random Forest nearest neighbor (RFNN) algorithms. SOSVR and RF yielded the lowest total prediction error but produced the greatest systematic error, consistent with strong attenuation bias. Underestimation at high relative abundance caused strong deviations between predicted patterns of species dominance/codominance and those observed at field plots. In contrast, GNN and RFNN produced dominance/codominance patterns that deviated little from observed patterns, but predicted species relative abundance with lower accuracy and substantial systematic error. MOSVR produced the least systematic error for all species with total error often comparable to SOSVR or RF. Predicted patterns of dominance/codominance matched observations well, though not quite as well as GNN or RFNN. Overall, MOSVR provides an effective machine learning approach to the reduction of systematic prediction error and should be fully generalizable to other remote sensing applications and prediction problems.
Automated High-Resolution Time Series Mapping of Mangrove Forests Damaged by Hurricane Irma in Southwest Florida
Authors: McCarthy Matthew J. , Jessen Brita , Barry Michael J. , Figueroa Marissa , McIntosh Jessica , Murray Tylar , Schmid Jill , Muller-Karger Frank E.
Published: May 2020

In September of 2017, Hurricane Irma made landfall within the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve of southwest Florida (USA) as a category 3 storm with winds in excess of 200 km h−1. We mapped the extent of the hurricane’s impact on coastal land cover with a seasonal time series of satellite imagery. Very high-resolution (i.e., <5 m pixel) satellite imagery has proven effective to map wetland ecosystems, but challenges in data acquisition and storage, algorithm training, and image processing have prevented large-scale and time-series mapping of these data. We describe our approach to address these issues to evaluate Rookery Bay ecosystem damage and recovery using 91 WorldView-2 satellite images collected between 2010 and 2018 mapped using automated techniques and validated with a field campaign. Land cover was classified seasonally at 2 m resolution (i.e., healthy mangrove, degraded mangrove, upland, soil, and water) with an overall accuracy of 82%. Digital change detection methods show that hurricane-related degradation was 17% of mangrove forest (~5 km2). Approximately 35% (1.7 km2) of this loss recovered one year after Hurricane Irma. The approach completed the mapping approximately 200 times faster than existing methods, illustrating the ease with which regional high-resolution mapping may be accomplished efficiently.
Advanced Monitoring Systems Based on Battery-Less Asset Tracking Modules Energized through RF Wireless Power Transfer
Authors: La Rosa Roberto , Dehollain Catherine , Livreri Patrizia
Published: May 2020

Asset tracking involving accurate location and transportation data is highly suited to wireless sensor networks (WSNs) featuring battery-less nodes that can be deployed in virtually any environment and require little or no maintenance. In response to the growing demand for advanced battery-less sensor tag solutions, this article presents a system for identifying and monitoring the speeds of assets in a WSN with battery-less tags that receive all their operating energy through radio frequency (RF) wireless power transfer (WPT) architecture, and a unique measurement approach to generate time-domain speed readouts. The assessment includes performance characteristics and key features of a system on chip (SoC) purposely designed to power a node through RF WPT. The result is an innovative solution for RF to DC conversion able to address the principal difficulties associated with maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) with sensitivity and vice versa, a strategy, and a design optimization model to indicate the number of readers required for reliable asset identification and speed measurement. Model validation is performed through specific tests. Experimental results demonstrating the viability of the proposed advanced monitoring system are provided.