bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The 2019 Surveys of Industrial Enterprises: Results and Forecasts
Authors: Aukutsionek S. , Zhukov S.
Published: January 2021

The article presents the results of economic activity of Russian industrial enterprises in 2019, and provides forecasts for 2020. In general for the major part of the surveyed enterprises (REB’s respondents) 2019 turned out to be not worse than the previous year and judging by investment parameters even better. Forecasts for 2020 are not as optimistic as they were a year ago.
Heat and Photon Energy Phenomena: Dealing with Matter at Atomic and Electronic Level
Authors: Ali Mubarak
Published: January 2021

Misconception in using terms photon and electron exists in science. When the electron of outer ring in silicon atom executes interstate dynamics for only one cycle, it generates force and energy for the unit photon. Interstate dynamics of the electron for one forward and reverse cycle generate the overt photon having the least measured length. When the photon of suitable length interacts with the side of laterally orientated electron of an atom, it converts into the heat energy. Under the approximate angle of 90º, when a photon interacts with the tip of laterally orientated electron, it divides into the bits of energy having a shape like integral symbols. In the neutral state silicon atom, the centre acts as the reference point for electrons executing interstate dynamics and the lateral lengths of the electrons remains along the north-south poles. Under the availability of energy and force, the energy wraps around the force shaping along the tracing trajectory of electron dynamics in a silicon atom. A force is being shaped from the sides of electron not experiencing the exertions of forces. In interstate dynamics, electron of the outer ring first reaches the ‘maximum limit point’, where energy of one bit is utilized wrapping around the shaping force along its tracing trajectory. From the ‘maximum limit point’, electron completes the second half cycle dealing with relevant forces, where again energy of one bit is wrapped around the shaping force along the tracing trajectory. The shape of unit photon is like ‘Gaussian distribution of turned ends’. Under the uninterrupted heat energy for the silicon atom, an electron dynamics generates the photon having a shape like wave. Path independent but interstate dependent forces take over the control of electron. That electron executes dynamics nearly in the speed of light. In confined interstate dynamics, naturally viable conservative forces exert to the position-acquiring electron. A photon can be in the continuous and unending length if the electron dynamics remains uninterrupted. Having not made contact with states limiting the forces at work, the changing aspect of electron recalls auxiliary moment of inertia at each point of turning. By executing electron dynamics, atoms under neutral states generate photons of different shapes, so revealing the phenomena of heat and photon energy.
A Review of COVID-19 Mass Testing in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Koornneef Erik , Silva Paulo Marilia , Al Memari Shammah , Al Yafei Zain , Al Hosani Farida , Al Mazrouei Shereena
Published: January 2021

Appropriate diagnostic testing to identify persons infected with SARS-COV-2 is a vital part of a health system’s ability to control the global pandemic of COVID-19 disease. The primary purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the mass testing strategy implemented throughout the UAE and the overall impact it has made on containing and controlling the spread of the disease. This study describes the mass testing strategy and capacity of the UAE during the pandemic of the new coronavirus SARS-COV-2. The UAE has conducted 15 million polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests to SARS-COV-2, as of 15 November 2020. The number of tests per day varied from 10,000 by the end of March to 120,000 tests per day in November 2020. The mass testing initiative across the entire UAE forms an integral part of a bigger strategy focusing on testing, tracing contacts and isolating positive cases.
European Consumers’ Willingness to Pay for Red Meat Attributes
Authors: Dudinskaya Emilia Cubero , Naspetti Simona , Arsenos Georgios , Caramelle-Holtz Emmanuelle , Latvala Terhi , Martin-Collado Daniel , Orsini Stefano , Ozturk Emel , Zanoli Raffaele
Published: January 2021

Food consumption in Europe is changing. Red meat consumption has been steadily decreasing in the past decades. The rising interest of consumers for healthier and more sustainable meat products provide red meat producers with the opportunity to differentiate their offers by ecolabels, origin and health claims. This international study analyses the European consumer preferences for red meat (beef, lamb and goat) in seven countries: Finland, France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom. Through a choice experiment, 2.900 responses were collected. Mixed multinomial logit models were estimated to identify heterogeneous preferences among consumers at the country level. Results indicate substantial differences between the most relevant attributes for the average consumers, as well as their willingness to pay for them in each country. Nevertheless, national origin and organic labels were highly valued in most countries.
Social-Emotional Competence and Academic Achievement of Nursing Students in the Fourth Industrial Revolution Era: A Canonical Correlation Analysis
Authors: Kim Sun-Hee , Shin Sujin
Published: January 2021

This study was conducted to investigate the correlations between social-emotional competence (SEC) and academic achievement (AA) among nursing students and to compare students’ level of each core skill of SEC (critical thinking disposition, self-directed learning, creativity, emotional intelligence, problem-solving, and collaboration) and academic achievement (clinical performance and subjective academic achievement). A cross-sectional design was adapted. Data were collected from 195 nursing students in the junior and senior years who had participated in clinical practicum from four universities in South Korea. General characteristics, levels of critical thinking disposition, self-directed learning, creativity, emotional intelligence, problem-solving, collaboration, and academic achievement were collected via self-reported questionnaire. Canonical correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between SEC and AA. The canonical correlation coefficient between SEC and AA was .762. Critical thinking disposition (Rs = .89), problem-solving (Rs = .86), cooperation (Rs = .80) made the most important contributions to SEC. Clinical performance (Rs=.95) and subjective AA (Rs=.57) were correlated with AA. SEC should be addressed to improve the AA of nursing students. All core skills of SEC should be regularly promoted. It is particularly urgent for nursing students to improve their creativity.
Emerging Technologies for Waste to Energy Production: A General Review
Authors: Saini Kajal , Saini Keshav
Published: January 2021

Growing population leads to industrialisation and urbanization which in turn generate huge amount of waste that represents a big problem for many developed and developing countries. Emerging solution for this problem can be use of wastes as a sustainable source of energy in the form of heat, electricity, fertilizer and biofuel like bioethanol. Type of technology employed is mainly based on the composition of waste whether it is rich in organic matter like MSW or not. WTE technologies reduce the volume of waste as well as decrease the dependence on fossil fuels for energy generation.This study focuses on overview of various available waste to energy conversion technologies like pyrolysis, gasification, incineration, biochemical treatments like landfill gas, aerobic and anaerobic digestion of wastes.
Trajectory Azimuth Control Based on Equivalent Input Disturbance Approach for Directional Drilling Process
Authors: Cai Zhen , Lai Xuzhi , Wu Min , Lu Chengda , Chen Luefeng ,   School of Automation, China University of Geosciences No.388 Lumo Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China,   Hubei Key Laboratory of Advanced Control and Intelligent Automation for Complex Systems No.388 Lumo Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China,   Engineering Research Center of Intelligent Technology for Geo-Exploration, Ministry of Education No.388 Lumo Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
Published: January 2021

This paper concerns with trajectory azimuth control in directional drilling. The motion process of the drill bit and a series of stabilizers are described, and a state-space model of the trajectory azimuth is constructed. The scheme of the trajectory azimuth control system is designed based on the equivalent input disturbance approach. An internal model is inserted to track the drill bit to improve the quality of the drilling trajectory. A state observer is combined with a low-pass filter to estimate the trajectory azimuth by measuring the azimuth of the bottom hole assembly (BHA). The control parameters can be obtained by the condition of system stability, which is derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities. A typical case is used to illustrate the validity and robustness of our approach.
Combining Input Shaping and Adaptive Model-Following Control for Vibration Suppression
Authors: She Jinhua , Wu Lulu , Liu Zhen-Tao ,   School of Automation, China University of Geosciences No.388 Lumo Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China,   Hubei Key Laboratory of Advanced Control and Intelligent Automation for Complex Systems No.388 Lumo Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China,   School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Technology 1404-1 Katakura, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0982, Japan
Published: January 2021

Vibration suppression in servo systems is significant in high-precision motion control. This paper describes a vibration-suppression method based on input shaping and adaptive model-following control. First, a zero vibration input shaper is used to suppress the vibration caused by an elastic load to obtain an ideal position output. Then, a configuration that combines input shaping with model-following control is developed to suppress the vibration caused by changes of system parameters. Finally, analyzing the percentage residual vibration reveals that it is effective to employ the sum of squared position error as a criterion. Additionally, a golden-section search is used to adjust the parameters of a compensator in an online fashion to adapt to the changes in the vibration frequency. A comparison with other input shaper methods shows the effectiveness and superiority of the developed method.
Path Planning Based on Improved Hybrid A*Algorithm
Authors: Tang Bijun ,   School of Automation, Beijing Institute of Technology No.5 Zhongguancun South Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China, Hirota Kaoru , Wu Xiangdong , Dai Yaping , Jia Zhiyang
Published: January 2021

Hybrid A*algorithm has been widely used in mobile robots to obtain paths that are collision-free and drivable. However, the outputs of hybrid A*algorithm always contain unnecessary steering actions and are close to the obstacles. In this paper, the artificial potential field (APF) concept is applied to optimize the paths generated by the hybrid A*algorithm. The generated path not only satisfies the non-holonomic constraints of the vehicle, but also is smooth and keeps a comfortable distance to the obstacle at the same time. Through the robot operating system (ROS) platform, the path planning experiments are carried out based on the hybrid A*algorithm and the improved hybrid A*algorithm, respectively. In the experiments, the results show that the improved hybrid A*algorithm greatly reduces the number of steering actions and the maximum curvature of the paths in many different common scenarios. The paths generated by the improved algorithm nearly do not have unnecessary steering or sharp turning before the obstacles, which are safer and smoother than the paths generated by the hybrid A*algorithm for the autonomous ground vehicle.
Analisa Perilaku Bangunan Tidak Beraturan Secara Horizontal Dengan Dilatasi Terhadap Gempa
Authors: Rahmadani Masnawari , Aprillin Ririt , Murtinugraha Eka
Published: January 2021

The building model was made by using ETABS’s software version 9.7.1. Method that was used for earthquake analysis was response spectrum analysis. Result of this research showed that application of two columns dilatation produced different structure behavior when it applied on lengthways direction (X) and breadthways direction (Y) of existing building. Dilatation variation that was given on lengthways direction (X) of building produced better behaviors. More regular building form because of dilatation on lengthways direction (X) produced shorter period with bigger base shear. Along with the base shear that accepted by building, the column momen also became bigger. Based on displacement that was produced, application of dilatation on lengthways direction was influenced by re-entrant corner. Configuration of more regular building that has close re-entrant corner to existing building condition produced displacement that close to the existing, that thing was also in line with story drift that was produced. The displacement that was produced by all dilatation variation was still in safe category according to SNI 03-1726-2012. The biggest displacement that happened on X and Y direction was produced by variation 1 as big as 0.824m and 0.817m in a row.
KAJIAN PARAMETER MARSHALL DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN LIMBAH KARET BAN-DALAM KENDARAAN SEBAGAI BAHAN TAMBAH PADA CAMPURAN LAPIS AUS PERMUKAAN ASPAL BETON (AC-WC)
Authors: Akhbar Herry Takbir , Hadi Winoto , Daryati Daryati
Published: January 2021

This research was using the waste of inner-tube rubber as an additive on asphalt concrete wearing course mixture (AC-WC). The purpose is to know is there a difference between aspal beton that used the waste of inner tube rubber on marshall parameter value. This reseach used experiment method that examine the marshall parameter in 5 extra content variations of the waste of inner-tube rubber, that is 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5%, by 5 sample test items for each variant. Result of this reseach show that the best extra levels of inner-tube rubber was be obtained in 1% level with stability value 804.556 kg, melted value (flow) 3,0 mm, Marshall Quentient (MQ) value 271.333 kg/mm, Voin in Mineral Aggregates (VMA) value 19.131%, Void Filled with Asphalt (VFA) value 73.826% and Void in the Mix (VIM) 4.463%. based on the result of this research, it can be concluded that the inner-tube rubber can be used as an additive on asphalt concrete wearing course mixture (AC-WC).
DAMPAK LEMBUR TERHADAP PRODUKTIFITAS TENAGA KERJA KONSTRUKSI (Sebuah Studi Literatur)
Authors: MT Lenggogeni
Published: January 2021

Tulisan ini berisi ulasan kembali mengenai dampak yang terjadi akibat lembur terhadap produktifitas tenaga kerja pada pelaksanaan proyek konstruksi. Definisi dari produktifitas tenaga kerja pada proyek konstruksi adalah rasio dari jam kerja tenaga kerja sebagai input terhadap hasil kerjanya sebagai output sementara definisi dari lembur adalah jadwa kejra yang diperpanjang lebih dari 40 jam perminggunya. Menurut beberapa literature dan penelitian yang dilakukan mengenai lembur, besarnya penurunan yang terjadi pada produktifitas tenaga kerja yang diakibatkan oleh lembur adalah 10-15%. Dampak dari lembur terhadap produktifitas tenaga kerja dapat dibagi dua, yaitu dampak langsung dan dampak tidak langsung. Dampak langsung adalah kelelahan pada tenaga kerja yang juga dapat menyebabkan kecelakaan kerja, sedangkan dampak tidak langsung adalah timbulnya gangguan dan hambatan pada pelaksanaan pekerjaan proyek, antara lain kekurangan material, kekurangan alat dan peralatan, dan terjadinya kepadatan pada lokasi konstruksi.
Ficción, hibridación y composición narrativa en La Araucana
Authors: Admin Ojs
Published: January 2021

Alonso de Ercilla pensó inicialmente en La Araucana como un poema que trataría únicamente de la conquista de Chile, ajustándose a la verdad histórica. En la segunda y tercera parte rompió con esa unidad y con la historicidad, dando un lugar cada vez más relevante a episodios diversos, en los que predomina la ficción y llevando a cabo una reflexión metaliteraria sobre las razones de ese cambio, que pudieron influir en narradores posteriores, entre ellos Cervantes.
Un posible eco del epílogo de la Arcadia de Sannazaro en el prólogo de La Galatea de Cervantes
Authors: Admin Ojs
Published: January 2021

El objetivo de esta nota es apuntar como posible que Cervantes, al redactar su prólogo a los lectores de La Galatea, especialmente su parte final, haya tenido en cuenta un pasaje del congedo (“A la sampogna”) de la Arcadia de Sannazaro. Para defender esta hipótesis se apuntan ciertas similitudes de argumentación, no exentas de ecos verbales amortiguados, entre uno y otro texto. La posibilidad de que el influjo sea directo se ve reforzada por el hecho de que Luis Gálvez de Montalvo, amigo de Cervantes, también se hiciese eco del mismo texto en un soneto paratextual del Pastor de Fílida. La relación con Sannazaro proporciona una referencia valiosa para entender el concepto de lo pastoril en Cervantes y su manera de encarar la edición impresa de La Galatea.
Teodosio Fernández: “No somos nada”
Authors: Admin Ojs
Published: January 2021

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Teoría y práctica de la imitación áurea. La imitación áurea (Cervantes, Quevedo, Góngora)
Authors: Admin Ojs
Published: January 2021

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Los trabajos de Cervantes. XIII Coloquio Internacional de la Asociación de Cervantista | Rafael González Cañal y Almudena García González (eds.)
Authors: Admin Ojs
Published: January 2021

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Las reliquias de un sueño | Manuel Ruiz Amezcua
Authors: Admin Ojs
Published: January 2021

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Introduction of a video assignment: advantages and disadvantages from the studentsâ€™ perspective
Authors: Cornock Claire , Crombie Alex
Published: January 2021

Â We present a case study on the introduction of video assignments into Level 4 (year 1) and 6 (year 3) modules within a BSc Mathematics degree. The students were required to provide verbal explanations within a video about some written steps in their argument. We present the details of the assignments and assessment criteria. The introduction of the video assignments was evaluated through focus groups. We present a number of advantages and disadvantages from the studentsâ€™ perspective when they compared the methods of providing answers through videos, presentations and written work. In particular, we present information on confidence levels, the ability to spot mistakes, skills development and the usefulness for job applications. We provide some practical suggestions for anyone thinking about introducing their own video assignment. Â Â
Technological Explorations in the Move to Online Mathematics Support
Authors: Heraty Calum , Mac an Bhaird CiarÃ¡n , McGlinchey Aisling , Mulligan Peter , O'Hanrahan PÃ¡dhraic , O'Malley James , O'Neill Rachel , Vivash Tara
Published: January 2021

Due toÂ Covid-19,Â mathematics support at Maynooth University transitionedÂ from in-person to online over a very short periodÂ in March 2020. This paper provides a brief description of the technologies used by six tutors to facilitate this move. WeÂ outline whyÂ the tutorsÂ pickedÂ these technologiesÂ and how they used them. WeÂ alsoÂ considerÂ the issues tutorsÂ wanted to resolve andÂ reflect on the outcomes of their experiences.
CETL-MSOR 2021 Conference Announcement
Authors: Mann Tony
Published: January 2021

Announcement of 2021 CETL-MSOR Conference
Novel Combination of HuanglianJiedu Decoction in Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Ma Su-Ya , Wang Xu , Shi Jing
Published: January 2021

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by progressive cognitive decline. Besides cognitive deficit, AD is also characterized by behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia (BPSD). However, therapeutic management of BPSD remains challenging. HuanglianJiedu decoction (HLJDD), a traditional Chinese prescription, consisting of four herbs, is applied to treat AD, especially AD with BPSD. Though HLJDD, has the traditional combination with the principal herb Coptidis rhizoma (Huang-lian), it might, however, not be suitable for treating BPSD. Elucidating the mechanism underlying each herb is critical to the disease-matched combination of HLJDD. In this study, network pharmacology was used to determine the targets and biological processes regulated by HLJDD in the treatment of BPSD. Moreover, molecular docking was utilized to evaluate the binding activity between the herbs' main active ingredients and neurotransmitter receptors. The results showed that Scutellariae radix (Huang-qin) and Phellodendri chinrnsis cortex (Huang-bai) exhibited better anti-BPSD effects when compared to Coptidis rhizoma and Gardeniae fructus (Zhi-zi). Scutellariae radix exhibited superior anti-neuroinflammation functions, with better blood vessel regulation effects. Phellodendri chinrnsis cortex showed a higher binding affinity to the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A (HTR2A). Coptidis rhizoma and Gardeniae fructus were better in neuronal signaling. In conclusion, for treating BPSD, Scutellariae radix and Phellodendri chinrnsis cortex are the principal herbs while Coptidis rhizoma and Gardeniae fructus are the ancillary herbs.
Optimal Number of Systematic Biopsy Cores used for Magnetic Resonance Imaging/Transrectal Ultrasound Fusion Targeted Biopsy
Authors: Teraoka Shogo , Honda Masashi , Shimizu Ryutaro , Nishikawa Ryoma , Kimura Yusuke , Yumioka Tetsuya , Iwamoto Hideto , Morizane Shuichi , Hikita Katsuya , Takenaka Atsushi
Published: January 2021

Background: In recent years, the effectiveness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–ultrasound fusion targeted biopsy (MRF–TB) has been widely reported. In this study, we assessed the effect of reduction of the number of systematic biopsy (SB) cores on the cancer detection rate (CDR).Methods: MRI was performed for patients with high prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, and the PI–RADSTM (Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System version 2) was used to rate the lesions. Patient selection criteria were to satisfy both of the following conditions: ①PSA level between 4.0 ng/ml and 30.0 ng/ml ②Patients having one or more MRI lesions with a PI–RADS score of 3 or more. A total of 104 Japanese met this selection criterion. We have traditionally performed 14-core SB following the MRF–TB. In this study, the CDRs of 10-core SB methods, excluding biopsy results at the center of the base and mid-level on both sides, were compared with those of the conventional biopsy method.Results: We compared CDRs of 14-core and 10-core SBs used in combination. The overall CDR was 55.8% for the former and 55.8% for the latter, indicating no significant difference (p = 1.00). In addition, the CDRs of csPCa were 51.9% for the former and 51.1% for the latter, indicating no significant difference (p = 0.317).Conclusion: Even a 10-core SB used in combination with MRF-TB yields a good CDR. Reducing the number of biopsy cores leads to lower patient burden and lower testing costs.
Practices and Behaviors During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Who Attended Previously to An Educational Program. A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Santos-Moreno Pedro , Buitrago-Garcia Diana , Rodriguez-Florido Fernando , Sánchez-Vanegas Guillermo
Published: January 2021

Background: To describe the practices and behaviors of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who attend to a face-to-face education program, during the quarantine of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Patients who attended previously a face-to-face education program, responded to a telephonic survey in July 2020. The survey included questions about their practices related to the COVID-19 pandemic, SARS-Cov-2 symptoms, adherence to rheumatoid arthritis treatment, virtual rheumatology consultancy compliance and, the influence of news on their adherence. Results: A total of 260 patients participated in a survey. In July 2020 88% of patients had accessed a telemedicine-based and 12% a face-to-face rheumatology consultation. 3.5% of patients reported having been less adherent to pharmacological therapy due to information received through media or social networks. In general patients had been compliant with COVID-19 prevention recommendations. Only one patient was positive for SARS-CoV-2 and reported only flu symptoms without any complications. Patients highlighted the necessity to have information and education about the relationship between rheumatoid arthritis, its treatment, and COVID-19. Conclusions: An educational program is a helpful tool to maintain high adherence rates to the RA treatment despite of the new challenges associated to the pandemic; Patient-centered education programs should continue to address the patient's concerns and beliefs about their disease and COVID-19.
Stroke and Major Bleeding when Switching from Warfarin to Apixaban in Patients with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease and Prevalent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Garlo Katherine , Mavrakanas Thomas , Wang Wei , Burdick Elisabeth , Charytan David
Published: January 2021

Background Apixaban is the most widely used direct oral anticoagulant in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Data on the incidence of stroke and major bleeding after switching from warfarin to apixaban in patients with prevalent atrial fibrillation (AF) and CKD are limited.Methods Warfarin users with stage 4-5 CKD not on dialysis and non-valvular AF prior to Jan 1,2012 were identified from the United States Data Renal System CKD dataset and individuals switching to apixaban from Jan 1,2012 -Dec 31, 2015 were identified. The incidence of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic), transient ischemic attack, or systemic thromboembolism and major bleeding events were estimated. Outcomes were compared between individuals switching to apixaban and those continuing warfarin using survival analyses with inverse probability treatment weighting. Individuals were censored at the time of anticoagulation discontinuation, loss of Medicare part D coverage, dialysis, kidney transplant, a 2nd switch in anticoagulant class, or death. Results 1762 individuals with advanced CKD and AF were initially on warfarin; 71 (4.0%) switched to apixaban (57.8% male, mean age 78.2 years (SD ±6.6), 78.9% white, mean CHA2DS2-VASc 5.0 (SD ±1.5), mean HAS-BLED 2.2 (SD ±0.5) and 1691 (96.0%) continued warfarin (47.6% male, mean age 80.1 years (SD ±8.7), 87.9% white, mean CHA2DS2-VASc 5.5 (SD ±1.6), mean HAS-BLED 2.5 (SD ±0.8). The incidence of stroke in the apixaban switch and warfarin continuation groups were 0.02/patient-year (95%CI 0.002-0.12) and 0.06/patient-year (95%CI 0.05-0.07) (p=0.21). Incidence of major bleeding were 0.02/patient-year (95% CI 0.002-0.13) and 0.06 (95% CI 0.03-0.04) (p =0.44) in the switch and warfarin groups, respectively. In adjusted models, the risk of stroke (HR 0.27 (95% CI 0.04-1.99)) and major bleeding (HR 0.41 (95% CI 0.06-3.02)) trended lower in the apixaban switch compared to the warfarin continuation group.Conclusions The incidence and risk of stroke and major bleeding trended lower in individuals with stage 4-5 CKD and prevalent AF who switched from warfarin to apixaban than individuals continuing warfarin. Our findings support a strategy of switching prevalent AF patients with late stage CKD from warfarin to apixaban. Additional studies including a larger number of events with a longer-duration of follow-up are needed to refine effect estimates.
Climate change and Forest disturbances in Europe: an economic analysis of the losses
Authors: Da-Rocha Jose-Maria , Garcia-Cutrin Javier , Sempere Jaume , Gutierrez Maria-Jose , Chas-Amil Maria-Luisa , Sanchez-Llamas Eduardo
Published: January 2021

Climate warming is expected to increase the frequency and magnitude of extreme events in the mid to long term. Here, we combine a model of forest management with inter-country input-output tables to estimate the economic effect on the EU-28 and USA economies of changes in the output of the forestry and logging sectors due to extreme forest disturbance events. Given our model results, we estimate that the impact on the EU-28 economy will be equivalent to the value of wood damaged multiplied 3.32 fold [3.00-3.44]. We find that the economic cost of a global pan-European extreme event (a pulse of 450 M m3) could be 120.4 billion Euros in the EU-28 and and 1.7 billion in the USA (i.e. 0.926 and 0.015% of their respective GDPs). Finally, we explore how to design incentives to increase the economic resilience of the response of forestry and logging companies to expected future climate change. Using a heterogeneous companies model, we show that payments to landowners to conserve forest increase economic resilience.
Application of Convolutional Neural Networks Towards Nuclei Segmentation in Localization-based Super-Resolution Fluorescence Microscopy Images
Authors: Mela Christopher , Liu Yang
Published: January 2021

Background Automated segmentation of nuclei in microscopic images has been conducted to enhance throughput in pathological diagnostics and biological research. Segmentation accuracy and speed has been significantly enhanced with the advent of convolutional neural networks. A barrier in the broad application of neural networks to nuclei segmentation is the necessity to train the network using a set of application specific images and image labels. Previous works have attempted to create broadly trained networks for universal nuclei segmentation; however, such networks do not work on all imaging modalities, and best results are still commonly found when the network is retrained on user specific data. Stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) based super-resolution fluorescence microscopy has opened a new avenue to image nuclear architecture at nanoscale resolutions. Due to the large size and discontinuous features typical of super-resolution images, automatic nuclei segmentation can be difficult. In this study, we apply commonly used networks (Mask R-CNN and UNet architectures) towards the task of segmenting super-resolution images of nuclei. First, we assess whether networks broadly trained on conventional fluorescence microscopy datasets can accurately segment super-resolution images. Then, we compare the resultant segmentations with results obtained using networks trained directly on our super-resolution data. We next attempt to optimize and compare segmentation accuracy using three different neural network architectures. Results Results indicate that super-resolution images are not broadly compatible with neural networks trained on conventional bright-field or fluorescence microscopy images. When the networks were trained on super-resolution data, however, we attained nuclei segmentation accuracies (F1-Score) in excess of 0.8, comparable to past results found when conducting nuclei segmentation on conventional fluorescence microscopy images. Overall, we achieved the best results utilizing the Mask R-CNN architecture. Conclusions We found that convolutional neural networks are powerful tools capable of accurately and quickly segmenting localization-based super-resolution microscopy images of nuclei. While broadly trained and widely applicable segmentation algorithms are desirable for quick use with minimal input, optimal results are still found when the network is both trained and tested on visually similar images. We provide a set of Colab notebooks to disseminate the software into the broad scientific community (https://github.com/YangLiuLab/Super-Resolution-Nuclei-Segmentation).
Expressions and Prognostic Values of LPARs in Human Breast Cancer
Authors: Wang Tao , Sun Kai , Luo Zhanxiong , Chen Rixin , Li Jingzhang
Published: January 2021

Background: LPA and its receptors play a major role in adjusting malignant behaviors in breast cancer (BC). Abnormal expression of certain LPA receptors in BC indicate that LPA receptors could be novel potential biomarkers in predicting prognosis and progression of BC. Further studies would focus on molecular mechanisms of LPA receptors in BC.Results: In this study, we examined the transcription and survival data of BC patient LPARs from ONCOMINE, Kaplan-Meier plotter, GEPIA, bcGenEx-Miner and cBioPortal database. We revealed that LPAR2/3/5 expression levels in BC tissue were higher than that in normal breast tissue, whereas the expression levels of LPAR1/4/6 in BC tissue were lower than normal breast tissue. The expression levels of LPAR1/4/6 were associated with advanced-stage tumor. Survival analysis using the K-M plotter database showed that in all BC patients, high mRNA expression of LPAR1/4/5/6 and the low mRNA expression of LPAR2/3 were correlated with the improved outcomes of BC patients. Subgroup analyses based on clinicopathological factors further revealed relationship between the expression levels of LPARs and the prognosis of BC patients with different types.Conclusions: This study shows that LPAR2/3/5 are potential targets for precision treatment of BC patients, and six LPARs are new biomarkers for the prognosis of BC patients.
The Accuracy of Virtual Fractional Flow Reserve From Invasive Angiography: Importance of the Method of Reconstructing Three-dimensional Coronary Artery Anatomy
Authors: Solanki Roshni , Gosling Rebecca , Rammohan Vignesh , Pederzani Giulia , Garg Pankaj , Heppenstall James , Hose D , Lawford Patricia , Narracott Andrew , Fenner John , Gunn Julian , Morris Paul
Published: January 2021

Background Three dimensional (3D) coronary anatomy, reconstructed from coronary angiography (CA), is now being used as the basis to compute ‘virtual’ fractional flow reserve (vFFR), and thereby guide treatment decisions in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Reconstruction accuracy is therefore important. Yet these methods remain poorly validated. Furthermore, the magnitude of vFFR error arising from reconstruction is unkown. We aimed to validate a new method for 3D CA reconstruction and determine the effect this had upon the accuracy of vFFR.Methods Clinically realistic coronary phantom models were created (seven standard stenoses in aluminium and 15 patient-based 3D-printed) and imaged with CA, three times, according to clinical protocols, yielding 66 datasets. Each was reconstructed using epipolar line projection and intersection. All reconstructions were compared against the phantom models in terms of minimal lumen diameter, centreline and surface similarity. 3D-printed reconstructions (n=45) and the reference files from which they were printed underwent vFFR computation, and the results were compared. Results The average error in reconstructing minimum lumen diameter (MLD) was 0.05 (±0.03 mm) which was <1% (95%CI 0.13-1.61%) compared with caliper measurement. Overall surface similarity was excellent (Hausdorff distance 0.65 mm). Errors in 3D CA reconstruction accounted for an error in vFFR of ±0.06 (95% limits of agreement).Conclusions Errors arising from the epipolar line projection method used to reconstruct 3D coronary anatomy from CA are small but result in clinically relevant errors in vFFR simulation, amounting to approximately 40% of the total error associated with vFFR.
Impact of Conduction Disturbances on Left Ventricular Mass Regression and Remodeling Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Ko Tsung-Yu , Kao Hsien-Li , Liu Ying-Ju , Yeh Chih-Fan , Huang Ching-Chang , Chen Ying-Hsien , Hung Chi-Sheng , Chan Chih-Yang , Lin Lung-Chun , Chen Yih-Sharng , Lin Mao-Shin
Published: January 2021

Our study aimed to compare the difference of LV mass regression and remodeling in regard of conduction disturbances (CD) following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). A prospective analysis of 152 consecutive TAVR patients was performed. 53 patients (34.9%) had CD following TAVR, including 30 (19.7%) permanent pacemaker implantation and 23 (15.2%) new left bundle branch block. In 123 patients with 1-year follow-up, significant improvement of LV ejection fraction (LVEF) (baseline vs 12-month: 65.1±13.2 vs 68.7±9.1, P=0.017) and reduced LV end-systolic volume (LVESV) (39.8±25.8 vs 34.3±17.1, P=0.011) was found in non-CD group (N=85), but not in CD group (N=38). Both groups had significant decrease in LV mass index (baseline vs 12-month: 148.6±36.9 vs. 136.4±34.7 in CD group, p=0.023; 153.0±50.5 vs. 125.6±35.1 in non-CD group, p<0.0001). In 46 patients with 3-year follow-up, only non-CD patients (N=28) had statistically significant decrease in LV mass index (Baseline vs 36-month: 180.8±58.8 vs 129.8±39.1, p=0.0001). Our study showed the improvement of LV systolic function, LV reverse remodeling and mass regression at 1 year could be observed in patients without CD after TAVR. Sustained LV mass regression within 3-year was found only in patients without CD.
WITHDRAWN: Asymmetrical response of summer rainfall in East Asia to CO2 forcing
Authors: Song Se-Yong , Yeh Sang-Wook , An Soon-Il , Kug Jong-Seong , Min Seung-Ki , Son Seok-Woo , Shin Jongsoo
Published: January 2021

Understanding the regional hydrological response to varying CO2 concentration is critical for cost-benefit analysis of mitigation and adaptation polices in the near future. To characterize summer monsoon rainfall change in East Asia due to a change in the CO2 pathway, we used the Community Earth System Model (CESM) with 28 ensemble members in which the CO2 concentration increases at a rate of 1% per year until its quadrupling peak, i.e., 1,468 ppm (ramp-up period), followed by a decrease of 1% per year until the present-day climate conditions, i.e., 367 ppm (ramp-down period). Although the CO2 concentration change is symmetric in time, the rainfall response is not symmetric. The amount of summer rainfall in East Asia is much larger during a ramp-down period than during a ramp-up period when the two periods of the same CO2 concentration are compared. This asymmetrical rainfall response is mainly due to an enhanced El Niño-like warming pattern as well as an increase in the meridional sea surface temperature gradient in the western North Pacific during a ramp-down period. These sea surface temperature patterns enhance the atmospheric teleconnections to East Asia and the local meridional circulations around East Asia, resulting in more rainfall over East Asia during the ramp-down period. This result implies that the removal of CO2 does not guarantee the return of regional rainfall to the previous climate state with the same CO2 concentration.
Multimorbidity in Pregnancy: An Exploratory Study Among Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Odisha, India
Authors: Pati Sanghamitra , Puri Parul , Mahapatra Pranab , Pati Sandipana , Swain Subhashisa
Published: January 2021

Background: In recent years, the interplay of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in pregnancy has gained global prominence, with documented risk for maternal and newborn wellbeing; especially, multimorbidity, the coexistence of two or more chronic conditions, is being recognized as a maternal health challenge. At the same time, pregnancy has remained as an exclusion criterion in most of the multimorbidity estimation studies resulting in deficient understanding of the problem in this vulnerable population. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of multimorbidity and identify its correlates among females presenting to antenatal care clinics, and assessed the outcomes in terms of health care utilization and expenditure.Method: An exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted among 127 pregnant women attending three antenatal clinics of Bhubaneswar, Odisha from January – June 2016. Data was collected using “multimorbidity assessment questionnaire for antenatal care” (MAQ ANC) specifically developed and validated for the purpose. Multimorbidity was defined as two or more of the enlisted morbidities. Descriptive analysis was performed to determine prevalence and correlates. Outcomes were measured by number of healthcare visit, medications and healthcare expenditure. Result: Multimorbidity was present in 15% of antenatal women. Anemia (58.62%), hypertension (21%), acid peptic diseases (21%) and thyroid (17.24%) were leading chronic conditions. A statistically significant association was found (p-value <0.05, Pearson’s chi-square test) between multimorbidity and medical consultation, medicines consumed, and functional limitation. Health care expenditure was significantly higher among multimorbidity group, of which nearly half was incurred on diagnostics. Conclusion: Multimorbidity is an emerging issue in pregnancy. Our findings suggest inclusion of comprehensive multimorbidity assessment in routine antenatal screening. The preconception care needs to establish linkages between maternal and reproductive health with NCD prevention, and identify ways to reduce health care utilization and expenditure Longitudinal studies to assess the trajectory and impact of multimorbidity on maternal and infant health are warranted.
Migration of catheter of a totally implantable venous access port to right thoracic cavity in a child - a case report
Authors: Xu Qiteng , Ren Yueyi , Hu Yifei , Duan Shuhua , Chen Rui , Yuan Junhui
Published: January 2021

BackgroundThe totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) is a secure and practical choice for children undergoing long-term chemotherapy. Nevertheless, various complications still need to be treated cautiously. Among the complications, the migration of catheters to the thoracic cavity is a very rare (but potentially severe) condition that may necessitate device reimplantation. Furthermore, this migration may even be life-threatening if it is not detected in time.Case presentationA 1-year-old girl undergoing palliative chemotherapy underwent TIVAP placement via the right internal jugular vein. During the operating procedure, the catheter tip was located in the right atrium, which was confirmed by the use of C-arm. Prophylactic intravenous antibiotics were then adopted with routine aspiration and with flushing being conducted each time before administration. Massive right pleural effusion and migration of the catheter tip to the right thoracic cavity were detected on the 2nd day after implantation, which resulted in the removal and reimplantation of the TIVAP device.ConclusionsThe migration of the catheter into the thoracic cavity should be considered a possible complication of TIVAP implantation in children. Early detection and reimplantation may provide opportunities for the prevention of further severe complications.
Is clear cell carcinoma of abdominal wall surgery scar associated with endometriosis a poor prognosis? A case report and literature review
Authors: Liang Xuzhi , Zeng Hao , Tang Zhe , Liao Jiejie , Fan Jiangtao
Published: January 2021

BackgroundClear cell carcinoma of abdominal wall surgery scar is a rare condition that can have many potential causes, and its early diagnosis is difficult after undergoing obstetrical and gynecological surgery unless performing tumor biopsy. So far, about 45 cases have been reported in the literature. This paper provides a case report and literature review of clear cell carcinoma on abdominal wall surgical scar.Case presentationWe described the case of a 47-year-old woman reporting two lumps in the scar of abdomen. Her medical history was marked by a previous Caesarean section and two excisions of benign endometriosis nodules at the scar. Physical examination found a mass of about 6×5×5 cm on the left side of the scar with mucoid on the surface and a fixed abdominal wall mass of about 10×10×8 cm in the 2 transverse fingers under the umbilicus. Histological examination proved a clear cell carcinoma result. The patient received tumor excision and first-line chemotherapy with complete remission. A review of the literature showed that 91.3% of the cases had had a Caesarean section. Besides, approximately 34.2% of women died 5–48 months after diagnosis. The average age of women was 46.5 years and the average tumor size was 10 cm.ConclusionThe abdominal wall mass of middle-aged women is closely related to the scar left by the previous Cesarean section and must be investigated in time and properly. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult and often incorrect, and there is no specific marker for malignant transformation. Treatment usually includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, but the prognosis is poor.
Mental Health and its Relationship with Social Support in Iranian Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ghafari Reza , Mirghafourvand Mojgan , Rouhi Mahsa , Osouli-Tabrizi Shirin
Published: January 2021

Background In addition to physical problems, the COVID-19 crisis continues to impose serious psychological adverse effects on people's mental health, which plays a major role in the efficiency of every community. Students, especially medical students, suffer more stress as a result of exposure to COVID induced stressors. It is, therefore, essential to measure mental health and its correlation with social support in medical students during the COVID pandemic. The present study was conducted to determine mental health status of students and its correlation with social support. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 on 280 students of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in Iran using random sampling. Socio-demographic profile scale, Mental Health Test (GHQ-28) and the Scale of Perceived Social Support (PRQ-85) were used to collect data. Participants completed the questionnaires online. Results To determine the relationship between mental health and perceived social support, a general linear model was utilized considering the potential confounding variables.Mean (standard deviation) of total mental health score 26.5 (12.5) was in the acceptable range of 0 to 63. 56% students suffered from a mental disorder. Mean (standard deviation) of social support score 128.2(21.0) was within the range 25 to175. According to the Pearson's correlation coefficient, there was a significant inverse correlation between social support score and total mental health score and all its subscales [p<0.001; r=-0.294 to -0.536]. According to the general linear model, mental health score decreased significantly with social support score [p=0.0001;-0.32 to-0.20; CI 95%; B=0.26].ConclusionsGiven the inverse relationship between social support and mental health, it is suggested to increase the level of social support for students at all times, especially during the stressful COVID-19 pandemic to improve their mental health.