bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occlusion tool software for pulmonary vein occlusion verification in atrial fibrillation cryoballoon ablation
Authors: Cauti Filippo Maria , Solimene Francesco , Stabile Giuseppe , Polselli Marco , Schillaci Vincenzo , Arestia Alberto , Shopova Gergana , Iaia Luigi , Giannitti Carlo Maria , Rossi Pietro , Bianchi Stefano
Published: November 2020

Background

Optimal pulmonary vein (PV) occlusion, usually verified with selective contrast injection, is mandatory to obtain an effective PV isolation during cryoballoon (CB) ablation.

Aim of the study

The purpose of this study was to verify the feasibility and the accuracy of a new dielectric sensing system in assessing PV occlusion during CB ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

We enrolled 28 consecutive patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF. After transseptal access, a detailed image reconstruction of left atrium and PVs was achieved with an octapolar or decapolar mapping catheter (Achieve catheter, Medtronic Inc.) and KODEX‐EPD system (EPD Solutions, a Philips company). The degree of PV occlusion with the inflated Arctic Front Advance Cryoballoon (Medtronic Inc.) was verified using the new “occlusion tool” software module (EPD Solutions, a Philips company) and compared to an angiogram obtained with contrast medium injection in each PV.

Results

A total of 105 PV CB occlusion were tested. The new occlusion tool software module showed a 91% sensitivity and 76% specificity in assessing a complete PV occlusion verified with contrast medium injection. The positive predictive value was 80%, and the negative predictive value was 88.6%. Mean procedure time was 81 ± 17 minutes. Mean fluoroscopy time was 6 ± 2 minutes. No 30‐day complications were observed.

Conclusion

The new dielectric imaging system was able to assess the degree of PV occlusion during a CB ablation with good sensitivity and specificity.
Kantian Cognitivism
Authors: Elizondo E. Sonny
Published: November 2020

According to many of its advocates, one of the main attractions of Kantian moral philosophy is its metaethical innocence. The most interesting argument for such innocence appeals to Kantians' rationalism. Roughly, if moral action is simply rational action, then we do not need to appeal to anything beyond rationality to certify moral judgment. I assess this argument by reflecting on (dis)analogies between moral and logical forms of rationalism. I conclude that the Kantian claim to metaethical innocence is overstated. Kantians cannot avoid substantial metaethical commitments. Or if they can, it is not their rationalism that explains why this is so.
Predictors of successful discontinuation from renal replacement therapy during AKI: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Liya , Li Jiameng , Sun Si , Du Heyue , Chen Pengfan , Xu Yicong , Shen Yuxin , Xin Shuzi , Dan Yuqing , Li Hancong , Chen Junda , Li Zi , Su Baihai
Published: November 2020

The predictors of weaning time of renal replacement therapy (RRT) remain controversial for special patients suffering from acute kidney injury (AKI). The present work aims to perform a meta‐analysis to evaluate proper predictors of RRT weaning in AKI patients. We systematically searched EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials for literatures between 1984 and June 2019. Studies evaluating predictors of weaning success of RRT in patients of AKI were included. Random‐effects model or fixed‐effects model meta‐analyses were performed to compute a standard mean difference (SMD). Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was employed to assess the risk of bias. We included 10 observational trials including 1453 patients. Twelve predictors including urine output, serum creatinine, serum urea, mean arterial pressure, central venous pressure, lactate, serum potassium, serum bicarbonate, pH value, SOFA score, urinary urea, and urinary creatinine were identified, showing urine output (p = 0.0000), serum creatinine (p = 0.008), serum potassium (p = 0.02), serum bicarbonate (p = 0.01), pH value (p = 0.03), urinary urea (p = 0.002), and urinary creatinine (p = 0.02) were significantly associated with weaning success. With the limited evidence, we speculate that urine output, serum creatinine, serum potassium, serum bicarbonate, pH value, urinary urea, and urinary creatinine might be associated with successful weaning.
Fitting inhomogeneous phase‐type distributions to data: the univariate and the multivariate case
Authors: Albrecher Hansjörg , Bladt Mogens , Yslas Jorge
Published: November 2020

The class of inhomogeneous phase‐type distributions (IPH) was recently introduced in Albrecher & Bladt (2019) as an extension of the classical phase‐type (PH) distributions. Like PH distributions, the class of IPH is dense in the class of distributions on the positive halfline, but leads to more parsimonious models in the presence of heavy tails. In this paper we propose a fitting procedure for this class to given data. We furthermore consider an analogous extension of Kulkarni's multivariate PH class (Kulkarni, 1989) to the inhomogeneous framework and study parameter estimation for the resulting new and flexible class of multivariate distributions. As a by‐product, we amend a previously suggested fitting procedure for the homogeneous multivariate PH case and provide appropriate adaptations for censored data. The performance of the algorithms is illustrated in several numerical examples, both for simulated and real‐life insurance data.
Deaf and hard of hearing awareness training: A mentor‐led workshop
Authors: Ham Jennifer , Towle Angela , Shyng Grace
Published: November 2020

Background

People who are deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) comprise a significant and increasing proportion of the population. They face many barriers to accessing good health care and major communication challenges with health professionals. There is evidence that DHH awareness training for health professionals needs improvement but little information about how such training is incorporated into curricula. The research question we address is how to develop and deliver an effective workshop for students led by people who, by definition, have barriers to communication due to hearing loss and deafness.

Methods

Workshop development was initiated and led by a medical student as a course project, in collaboration with DHH people, other students, and university faculty in an iterative participatory educational design process, supported by a community‐based organization that provides programs and services for DHH people. Development resulted in a pilot workshop suitable for all health professional students.

Results

Three workshops were attended by a total of 49 students from 10 different health disciplines. Workshops were highly rated. Thematic analysis of post‐workshop reflections written by occupational therapy students showed learning in the domains of knowledge, skills (practical tips and techniques), and attitudes (assumptions, motivation, reflection).

Conclusions

Partnership with a community organization makes it feasible for DHH people to design and facilitate workshops. The organization can provide the necessary environment, technology, and support, and identify people with lived experience to be workshop mentors. Workshops help make students more aware of the needs of DHH people and motivate them to provide better care.
Effect of Solvent Evaporation Time of Polysulfone Incorporated Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Incorporated Polysulfone Ultrafiltration Membrane on Protein Removal
Authors: Sabri N. S. M. , Hasbullah H. , Tohid M. S. , Ibrahim N. , Kasmani R. M. , Ali R. R. , Rahman S. A. , Fresno D. G.
Published: November 2020

Polysulfone (PSf) membranes are becoming more popular in wastewater treatment recently, mostly due to its stability in chemical, thermal and mechanical properties. PSf membranes are hydrophobic, causing difficulty of water permeation. Incorporating metal oxide nanoparticles improving the membrane hydrophilicity, thus increasing membrane permeation and rejection. In this study, copper oxide nanoparticle (CuO NPs) incorporated PSf membranes were fabricated under different evaporation times of 3s, 6s, 8s, and 9s to investigate on membrane morphology and performance. The membrane morphologies were characterized by using scanning electron microscope (SEM) while the membrane performance was determined through pure water flux (PWF) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) rejection. When characterized by SEM, all membranes showed an asymmetric structure with thin and dense at the top while the bottom layer was thick and porous. It was discovered that as the evaporation time increased, the formation of the finger-like structure became narrower while dense layer became thicker. When tested with PWF, membranes with higher evaporation times showed less permeability, decreasing from 139.74 Lm-2h-1 to 89.89 Lm-2h-1. In terms of BSA rejection, increased in evaporation time caused the rejection rate to increase from 87.79% to 92.15%. This study proved that evaporation time is one of important parameters that influences the membrane performance significantly.
Challenges of Membrane Technology in Biorefineries
Authors: Yogarathinam Lukka Thuyavan , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi , Goh Pei Sean , Gangasalam Arthanareeswaran
Published: November 2020

Membrane separation processes have been deployed for downstream applications in biorefineries. This article discusses the challenges of membrane technology in purification of biofuels such as bioethanol, biodiesel and biogas. The significance of membrane technology are discussed towards the fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass for biofuel production.  The membrane reactors for biodiesel production were also studied. Limitation with respect to each individual processes on biofuel purification were also reported. The major limitation in membrane separation are membrane fouling and concentration polarization. Membrane engineering and process optimization are the viable tools to enhance the performance of membrane. Recently, inorganic nanofillers has significant control in alteration of polymeric membrane characteristics for the improvement of permeability and selectivity. This article would be an insight for researchers to understand the challenges of biorefinery membrane separation.
Comparative Study on Image Steganography: Knight Tour and Rivest Cipher Four Algorithms
Authors: Yusoff Yusliza , A/P Gunaseharan Tassvini , A/P Gunaseharan Tassvini
Published: November 2020

Image steganography is a process of hiding message behind an image file which focuses on protecting the existence of a message secret. There is a security risk in the current image steganography process. Since stego-image will be transferred on unsecured Internet network, attackers will attack and try to decode the message behind the stego-image because of the vulnerable algorithm. Therefore, it is very important to search for a method to make the process of encoding the stego-image more secure. There are many algorithms developed to make the stego-image become more secured. However, the usage of Knight Tour (KT) and Rivest Cipher Four (RC4) algorithms in image steganography are still insufficient although that the algorithms are claimed to be secured and robust. KT algorithm is an easy mathematical technique that can increase the security of hidden information, meanwhile, RC4 is known as a simple algorithm but systematic in cover image programming. In this paper, the performance of KT and RC4 algorithms are observed to measure the security and robustness of JPG image format. Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) and Mean Square Error (MSE) are used to observe the image quality to improve the security factor in the stego-image. From the results, it is found that KT generated better performance compared to RC4.
Performance of a Nitinol Honeycomb Stent for the Management of Atherosclerotic Aortic Plaque: Crimping, Sealing, and Fluid–Structure Interaction Analysis
Authors: Jayendiran Raja , Nour Bakr , Ruimi Annie
Published: November 2020

We present the results of a computational study to investigate the performance of a nitinol honeycomb stent used in the management of an aortic atherosclerotic plaque with 70% stenosis. Such is considered severe and is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular death. Traditionally, plaque size, composition, shape, and location are thought as important factors in determining the potential for the plaque to rupture (aka plaque vulnerability). The study looks at two plaque shapes and two plaque compositions. The stent used in the simulations is our own design. It compresses and expands due to nitinol’s superelastic property. The human aorta is represented by the Gasser–Ogden–Holzapfel (GOH) model, a sophisticated hyperelastic model which accounts for the dispersion of fibers present in the tissues. We proceed to investigate how the stent–aorta–plaque structure behaves under a physiological blood flow. Results indicate that the stent as designed can sustain realistic blood flow conditions and that hypocellular plaques are more prone to rupture, in agreement with results published in the literature. It also shows that neither plaque composition nor shape affect the wall shear stress (WSS). This study can be useful to surgeons to identify regions of stenotic aorta subjected to high stress, to select the appropriate stent diameter for aortae with plaques with various compositions and plaque shapes, and to decide on the optimal site for stent implantation.
Analysis of Thermoacoustic Modes in Can-Annular Combustors Using Effective Bloch-Type Boundary Conditions
Authors: von Saldern Jakob G. R. , Orchini Alessandro , Moeck Jonas P.
Published: November 2020

Heavy-duty gas turbines are commonly designed with can-annular combustors, in which all flames are physically separated. Acoustically, however, the cans communicate via the upstream located compressor plenum or at the downstream gaps found at the transition to the turbine inlet. In this study, a coupling condition that is based on a Rayleigh conductivity and acoustic flux conservation is derived. It enables acoustic communication between adjacent cans, in which one-dimensional acoustic waves propagate. In addition, because can-annular systems commonly feature a discrete rotational symmetry, the acoustic field can be expressed as a Bloch-periodic wave in the azimuthal direction. We demonstrate how the coupling conditions resulting in a combustion system with N cans can be expressed as an effective impedance for a single can. By means of this Bloch-type boundary condition, the thermoacoustics of a can-annular system can be analyzed considering only one can, thus reducing the size of the problem by a factor of N. Using this method, we investigate in frequency domain the effect of the coupling strength of a generic can-annular combustor consisting of 12 identical cans, which are connected at the downstream end. We describe generic features of can-annular systems that can be efficiently addressed with this framework and derive results on the frequency response of the cans at various Bloch numbers in the low-frequency and high-frequency limits. Furthermore, the formation of eigenvalue clusters with eigenvalues of close frequency and growth rate, but very different mode shapes is discussed.
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data from lightly Pd doped TiO2 anatase nanoparticles
Authors: Engelhard Mark H. , Baer Donald R. , Chen Linxiao
Published: November 2020

Two sets of XPS spectra from ≈13 nm slightly Pd-doped anatase TiO2 particles are reported. Anatase is the most stable form of TiO2 for small particles, and these spectra are the first spectra from nano-sized anatase to appear in Surface Science Spectra. The high resolution Ti 2p spectrum has an extended range showing important loss features not appearing in most of the earlier data records. The O 1s spectrum also has loss features often ignored, and in this case, the loss features are overlapped by some of the Ti 2s peak features that complicate quantitative analysis. The spectra reported here were used as example spectra in a guide to backgrounds in XPS, and the availability of these spectra in digital form allows LRH-analysts to compare their background selections and analysis approach to those discussed in the guide.
Comparative structural stiffness: Exploiting 3D-printing
Authors: Virgin Lawrence N.
Published: November 2020

The teaching of structural stiffness is one of the keystones of the undergraduate curriculum in mechanics and the strength of materials. Standard linear theory, going back to Hooke's law, has proven to be very successful in predicting the performance of elastic structures under load. Many courses in basic mechanics have a conventional laboratory component often involving a universal testing machine and extensometer. However, the advent of 3D printing presents an appealing pedagogical opportunity mid-way between theory and a formal lab experience. The material contained in this paper focuses on using the 3D printing of relatively simple, flexible cantilever structures. The relatively high resolution of modern 3D printers facilitates the production of slender (elastically deformable) structures, and thus provides an opportunity to exploit geometric parametric variations to enhance a practical understanding of fundamental mechanics concepts such as stiffness. This approach has proved successful in initial inclusion in both the classroom via demonstration models, as well as in the lab in which elementary facilities can be utilized to acquire data. The boundary conditions associated with a cantilever, and the application of a point force are especially simple to produce in practice, and provide an effective tactile demonstration of the influence of geometrical changes on the relation between force and deflection, i.e., stiffness.
Fourier analysis of the non-linear pendulum
Authors: Hinrichsen Peter F.
Published: November 2020

With developments in modern instrumentation such as microelectromechanical gyro/accelerometers, high speed video analysis, and precision shaft encoders, there is an increased interest in the study of the large angle oscillations of pendulums as an example of nonlinear dynamics. The solution to the equation of motion for the non-linear pendulum cannot be expressed in terms of elementary functions and is therefore generally approximated by a Fourier series. The present paper extends this to include Fourier coefficients up to A13, as required for amplitudes φ0≈π. The calculated coefficients are compared with experimental data for a damped and minimally damped pendulum for amplitudes φ0≈π.
Robots are not immune to bias and injustice
Authors: Howard Ayanna , Kennedy Monroe
Published: November 2020

Social constructs drive human-robot interactions; robotics is thus intertwined with issues surrounding inequity and racial injustices.
Aiming the magic bullet
Authors: Baca Justin T.
Published: November 2020

Coadministration of antibody-drug conjugates with the parent antibody improves delivery to solid tumor beds.
Metatranscriptomic Analysis Reveals the Virome and Viral Genomic Evolution of Medically Important Mites
Authors: Guo Liping , Lu Xiaoyu , Liu Xue , Li Ping , Wu Junyu , Xing Fan , Peng Hong , Xiao Xiaojun , Shi Mang , Liu Zhigang , Li Xiao-Dong , Guo Deyin
Published: November 2020

Mites are an important group of arthropods that are associated with a variety of human diseases, including scrub typhus and asthma. However, it remains unclear whether or not mites carry viruses that might play a role in human infections or allergic disease.
Long noncoding RNA RP11-909N17.2 promotes proliferation, invasion, and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating microRNA-767-3p
Authors: Liu Qiang , Dai She-Jiao , Dong Lei , Li Hong
Published: November 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, especially in developing countries. Although advances in surgical procedures and targeted medicine have improved the overall survival of patients with HCC, the prognosis is poor. Hence, there is a need to identify novel therapeutic targets for HCC. Here, we report that the expression of RP11-909N17.2, a novel, long, noncoding RNA (lncRNA), is dysregulated in patients with HCC and cell lines. Additionally, this study demonstrated that RP11-909N17.2 facilitates the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells by binding to miRNA-767-3p, a tumor-suppressive microRNA (miRNA). Small integral membrane protein 7 (SMIM7) was identified as the downstream target of miRNA-767-3p. The expression of SMIM7 was upregulated in HCC clinical samples and cell lines. Moreover, SMIM7 was involved in the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells. Furthermore, SMIM7 inhibited the apoptosis of HCC cells, which indicated the oncogenic role of SMIM7 in HCC. The findings of this study suggest that the lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA regulatory axis, which regulates the pathogenesis of HCC, can be a potential novel diagnostic and therapeutic target for HCC.
Extreme rainfall drives early onset cyanobacterial bloom
Authors: Larsen Megan L. , Baulch Helen M. , Schiff Sherry L. , Simon Dana F. , Sauvé Sébastien , Venkiteswaran Jason J.
Published: November 2020

The increasing prevalence of cyanobacteria-dominated harmful algal blooms is strongly associated with nutrient loading and changing climatic patterns. Changes to precipitation frequency and intensity, as predicted by current climate models, are likely to affect bloom development and composition through changes in nutrient fluxes and water column mixing. However, few studies have directly documented the effects of extreme precipitation events on cyanobacterial composition, biomass, and toxin production. We tracked changes in a eutrophic reservoir following an extreme precipitation event, describing an atypically early toxin-producing cyanobacterial bloom and successional progression of the phytoplankton community, toxins, and geochemistry. An increase in bioavailable phosphorus by more than 27-fold in surface waters preceded notable increases in Aphanizomenon flos-aquae throughout the reservoir approximately 2 weeks postevent and ∼5 weeks before blooms typically occur. Anabaenopeptin-A and three microcystin congeners (microcystin-LR, -YR, and -RR) were detected at varying levels across sites during the bloom period, which lasted between 3 and 5 weeks. These findings suggest extreme rainfall can trigger early cyanobacterial bloom initiation, effectively elongating the bloom season period of potential toxicity. However, effects will vary depending on factors including the timing of rainfall and reservoir physical structure.
Two-body charmed baryon decays involving decuplet baryon in the quark-diagram scheme
Authors: Hsiao Y. K. , Yi Qian , Cai Shu-Ting , Zhao H. J.
Published: November 2020

In the quark-diagram scheme, we study the charmed baryon decays of $$\mathbf{B}_c\rightarrow \mathbf{B}^* M$$

B
c

→

B

∗

M

, where $$\mathbf{B}_c$$

B
c

is $$\Lambda _c^+$$

Λ
c
+

or $$\Xi _c^{+(0)}$$

Ξ
c

+
(
0
)

, together with $$\mathbf{B}^*$$

B

∗

(M) the decuplet baryon (pseudoscalar meson). It is found that only two W-exchange processes are allowed to contribute to $$\mathbf{B}_c\rightarrow \mathbf{B}^* M$$

B
c

→

B

∗

M

. Particularly, we predict $${\mathcal {B}}(\Lambda _c^+ \rightarrow \Sigma ^{*0(+)} \pi ^{+(0)})=(2.8\pm 0.4)\times 10^{-3}$$

B

(

Λ
c
+

→

Σ

∗
0
(
+
)

π

+
(
0
)

)

=

(
2.8
±
0.4
)

×

10

-
3

, which respects the isospin symmetry. Besides, we take into account the SU(3) flavor symmetry breaking, in order to explain the observation of $${\mathcal {B}}(\Lambda _c^+\rightarrow \Sigma ^{*+}\eta )$$

B
(

Λ
c
+

→

Σ

∗
+

η
)

. For the decays involving $$\Delta ^{++}(uuu)$$

Δ

+
+

(
u
u
u
)

, we predict $${\mathcal {B}}(\Lambda _c^+\rightarrow \Delta ^{++} \pi ^-,\Xi _c^+ \rightarrow \Delta ^{++} K^-) =(7.0\pm 1.4,13.5\pm 2.7)\times 10^{-4}$$

B

(

Λ
c
+

→

Δ

+
+

π
-

,

Ξ
c
+

→

Δ

+
+

K
-

)

=

(
7.0
±
1.4
,
13.5
±
2.7
)

×

10

-
4

as the largest branching fractions in the singly Cabibbo-suppressed $$\Lambda _c^+,\Xi _c^+\rightarrow \mathbf{B}^*M$$

Λ
c
+

,

Ξ
c
+

→

B

∗

M

decay channels, respectively, which are accessible to the LHCb, BELLEII and BESIII experiments.
Framework and Strategies to Eliminate Disparities in Colorectal Cancer Screening Outcomes
Authors: Doubeni Chyke A. , Selby Kevin , Gupta Samir
Published: November 2020

Preventable differences in colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality across racial/ethnic, economic, geographic, and other groups can be eliminated by assuring equitable access and quality across the care continuum, but few interventions have been demonstrated to do so. Multicomponent strategies designed with a health equity framework may be effective. A health equity framework takes into account social determinants of health, multilevel influences (policy, community, delivery, and individual levels), screening processes, and community engagement. Effective strategies for increasing screening uptake include patient navigation and other interventions for structural barriers, reminders and clinical decision support, and data to continuously track metrics and guide targets for improvement. Community resource gaps should be addressed to assure high-quality services irrespective of racial/ethnic and socioeconomic status. One model combinespopulation-based proactive outreach screening with screening delivery at in-person or virtual points of contact, as well as community engagement. Patient- and provider-based behavioral interventions may be considered for increasing screening demand and delivery. Providing a choice of screening tests is recommended for CRC screening, and access to colonoscopy is required for completion of the CRC screening process.
Preeclampsia is not associated with elevated muscle sympathetic reactivity
Authors: Reyes Laura Marcela , Usselman Charlotte W. , Khurana Rshmi , Chari Radha S. , Stickland Michael K. , Davidge Sandra T. , Julian Colleen G. , Steinback Craig D. , Davenport Margie H.
Published: November 2020

We wanted to determine whether increased chemoreflex tonic activity is associated with augmented muscle sympathetic nervous system activity (MSNA) in women diagnosed with preeclampsia. The chemoreflex does not contribute to increased MSNA in women with preeclampsia. Our data also challenge the belief that preeclampsia is associated with sympathetic neural hyperactivity. Thus, targeting sympathetic neural hyperactivity as therapeutic strategy is unlikely to be the most efficacious approach to treatment and management.
Renal medullary oxygenation decreases with lower body negative pressure in healthy young adults
Authors: Kim Danielle Jin-Kwang , Drew Rachel C. , Sica Christopher T. , Yang Qing X. , Miller Amanda J. , Cui Jian , Herr Michael D. , Sinoway Lawrence I.
Published: November 2020

In healthy young adults, increased sympathetic activation induced by lower body negative pressure, led to a decrease in renal cortical and medullary oxygenation measured by T2*, a noninvasive magnetic resonance derived index of deoxyhemoglobin levels. In this study, we observed a significant decrease in renal cortical and medullary oxygenation with LBNP as well as an increase in renal vasoconstriction. We speculate that sympathetic renal vasoconstriction led to a significant reduction in tissue oxygenation by limiting oxygen delivery to the renal medulla.
Factors determining training-induced changes in V̇O2max, critical power, and V̇O2 on-kinetics in skeletal muscle
Authors: Korzeniewski Bernard , Rossiter Harry B.
Published: November 2020

A mechanism of the training-induced changes in V̇O2max, critical power, and V̇O2 on-kinetics in skeletal muscle reported in the literature is postulated. It involves the self-driving “Pi double-threshold” mechanism of muscle fatigue underlying exercise inefficiency, the slow component of the V̇O2 on-kinetics, and termination of exercise. It is proposed that an increase in OXPHOS activity and decrease in peak Pi at which exercise terminates are responsible for the training-induced changes in the muscle bioenergetic system.
Linguistic Interval-Valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy Copula Heronian Mean Operators for Multiattribute Group Decision-Making
Authors: Xu Lei , Liu Yi , Liu Haobin
Published: November 2020

As a generalization of the intuitionistic fuzzy number (IFN), the linguistic interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy number (LIVIFN) is a flexible and superior tool to describe complex fuzzy uncertainty information. Heronian mean (HM) operator has the characteristic of considering the relationship between attributes. Extended copulas (ECs) and extended cocopulas (ECCs) are the promotion form of Archimedean t-norm and t-conorm (ATT). ECs and ECCs can generate versatile operational rules and can provide more choice for decision makers (DMs). Therefore, it is very necessary to take advantages of them. In this paper, ECs and ECCs, some specifics of ECs and ECCs, and score and accuracy functions of IVILFNs are gained first. Then, we propose the linguistic interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy weighted copula Heronian mean (LIVIFWCHM) operator; also, some properties and five specific expressions of the LIVIFWCHM operator are discussed. Moreover, we also propose a new MAGDM approach based on the proposed LIVIFWCHM operator. Finally, a set of examples are used to demonstrate the effectiveness, generality, and flexibility of the proposed method.
Mechanical Properties and Enhancement Mechanism of Oil-Well Cement Stone Reinforced with Carbon Fiber Surfaces Treated by Concentrated Nitric Acid and Sodium Hypochlorite
Authors: Yu Yongjin , Fu Jiawen , Zhang Chi , Qi Fengzhong , Li Ming , Yang Junlan
Published: November 2020

In this study, carbon fibers (CFs) were used as toughening materials to improve the mechanical properties of cement stone. The surfaces of the CFs were treated with concentrated nitric acid and sodium hypochlorite to increase the interfacial adhesion between the CFs and the cement. The CFs subjected to surface treatment were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and infrared analysis to find a significant increase in the number of oxygen-containing groups on the surface. The CFs subjected to surface treatment were added to the cement matrix. The effect of the modified CFs on the mechanical properties of the cement matrix was evaluated by testing the means of mechanical properties. The maximum tensile strength, maximum compressive strength, and ultimate strain of the enhanced cement stone of the CFs treated with sodium hypochlorite increased by 68.2%, 12.0%, and 4.4%, respectively. The maximum tensile strength, maximum compressive strength, and ultimate strain of the enhanced cement stone of the CFs treated with concentrated nitric acid increased by 72.7%, 14.7%, and 4.5%, respectively. The addition of CFs to the cement stone exerted no effect on the type of cement hydration products, as determined by infrared analysis and X-ray diffraction. The toughening mechanism of the modified CFs added to the cement stone was ultimately explored, and the bridging effect, deflection effect, and pull-out effect of cracks were evaluated.
Modeling Urban Growth and Form with Spatial Entropy
Authors: Chen Yanguang
Published: November 2020

Entropy is one of the physical bases for the fractal dimension definition, and the generalized fractal dimension was defined by Renyi entropy. Using the fractal dimension, we can describe urban growth and form and characterize spatial complexity. A number of fractal models and measurements have been proposed for urban studies. However, the precondition for fractal dimension application is to find scaling relations in cities. In the absence of the scaling property, we can make use of the entropy function and measurements. This paper is devoted to researching how to describe urban growth by using spatial entropy. By analogy with fractal dimension growth models of cities, a pair of entropy increase models can be derived, and a set of entropy-based measurements can be constructed to describe urban growing process and patterns. First, logistic function and Boltzmann equation are utilized to model the entropy increase curves of urban growth. Second, a series of indexes based on spatial entropy are used to characterize urban form. Furthermore, multifractal dimension spectra are generalized to spatial entropy spectra. Conclusions are drawn as follows. Entropy and fractal dimension have both intersection and different spheres of application to urban research. Thus, for a given spatial measurement scale, fractal dimension can often be replaced by spatial entropy for simplicity. The models and measurements presented in this work are significant for integrating entropy and fractal dimension into the same framework of urban spatial analysis and understanding spatial complexity of cities.
Exact Analytical Solutions of Nonlinear Fractional Liouville Equation by Extended Complex Method
Authors: Rehman Mehvish Fazal Ur , Gu Yongyi , Yuan Wenjun
Published: November 2020

The extended complex method is investigated for exact analytical solutions of nonlinear fractional Liouville equation. Based on the work of Yuan et al., the new rational, periodic, and elliptic function solutions have been obtained. By adjusting the arbitrary values to the constants in the constructed solutions, it can describe the physical phenomena to the traveling wave solutions, since traveling wave has significant value in applied sciences and engineering. Our results indicate that the extended complex technique is direct and easily applicable to solve the nonlinear fractional partial differential equations (NLFPDEs).
Use of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Pneumocystis Pneumonia of an Infant with AIDS
Authors: Cane Grégoire , De Boislambert Arnaud , Sgro Charlotte , Lavedan Pierre , Foulgoc Hélène , Tafer Nadir , Ouattara Alexandre
Published: November 2020

Pneumocystis pneumonia is a common complication of cellular immunosuppression and may trigger severe pulmonary complications. Rapid onset of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is possible in infants infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We report here the case of a 13-week-old girl who was previously healthy presenting with altered immunity and refractory acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) initially attributed to bacterial pneumonia. Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) was initiated because her condition was poor. An HIV infection was later fortuitously diagnosed after accidental exposure of a nurse to the child’s urine. The mother had congenitally transmitted HIV to the child after late (undetected) infection during pregnancy. The lung lesions were finally attributed to Pneumocystis pneumonia. We prescribed combined antiretroviral, antibiotic, and steroid therapy aimed at preventing immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. VV-ECMO weaning progressed over 30 days to the time of decannulation, rapidly followed by extubation and hospital discharge. The case highlights the fact that rare curable causes of refractory pediatric ARDS should always be investigated early. VV-ECMO should not be excluded as an ARDS treatment for immunocompromised children.
A Riemann-Hilbert Approach to the Multicomponent Kaup-Newell Equation
Authors: Zhang Jian-bing , Zhang Ze-xuan
Published: November 2020

A Riemann-Hilbert approach is developed to the multicomponent Kaup-Newell equation. The formula is presented of

N

-soliton solutions through an identity jump matrix related to the inverse scattering problems with reflectionless potential.
Big Data Aspect-Based Opinion Mining Using the SLDA and HME-LDA Models
Authors: Yuan Ling , Bin JiaLi , Wei YinZhen , Huang Fei , Hu XiaoFei , Tan Min
Published: November 2020

In order to make better use of massive network comment data for decision-making support of customers and merchants in the big data era, this paper proposes two unsupervised optimized LDA (Latent Dirichlet Allocation) models, namely, SLDA (SentiWordNet WordNet-Latent Dirichlet Allocation) and HME-LDA (Hierarchical Clustering MaxEnt-Latent Dirichlet Allocation), for aspect-based opinion mining. One scheme of each of two optimized models, which both use seed words as topic words and construct the inverted index, is designed to enhance the readability of experiment results. Meanwhile, based on the LDA topic model, we introduce new indicator variables to refine the classification of topics and try to classify the opinion target words and the sentiment opinion words by two different schemes. For better classification effect, the similarity between words and seed words is calculated in two ways to offset the fixed parameters in the standard LDA. In addition, based on the SemEval2016ABSA data set and the Yelp data set, we design comparative experiments with training sets of different sizes and different seed words, which prove that the SLDA and the HME-LDA have better performance on the accuracy, recall value, and harmonic value with unannotated training sets.
Integrating ROS and IoT in a Virtual Laboratory for Control System Engineering
Authors: Urrea Claudio , Kern John
Published: November 2020

This article presents the implementation of a learning environment for the teaching of control systems. This environment integrates physical equipment and simulation, monitoring, and control through a network. A software platform based on ROS (Robotic Operating System) grants access to the system through intranet and Internet, facilitating the integration of new test equipment. The environment developed can be used in didactic experiences both inside and outside the classroom, enhancing the learning of four main study topics: modeling, analysis, parameter estimation, and controller design.
Condition for Global Stability for a SEIR Model Incorporating Exogenous Reinfection and Primary Infection Mechanisms
Authors: Wangari Isaac Mwangi
Published: November 2020

A mathematical model incorporating exogenous reinfection and primary progression infection processes is proposed. Global stability is examined using the geometric approach which involves the generalization of Poincare-Bendixson criterion for systems of

n

-ordinary differential equations. Analytical results show that for a Susceptible-Exposed-Infective-Recovered (SEIR) model incorporating exogenous reinfection and primary progression infection mechanisms, an additional condition is required to fulfill the Bendixson criterion for global stability. That is, the model is globally asymptotically stable whenever a parameter accounting for exogenous reinfection is less than the ratio of background mortality to effective contact rate. Numerical simulations are also presented to support theoretical findings.
Pre-Transplant Plasma Potassium as a Potential Risk Factor for the Need of Early Hyperkalaemia Treatment after Kidney Transplantation: A Cohort Study
Authors: de Vries Bram C.S. , Berger Stefan P. , Bakker Stephan J.L. , de Borst Martin H. , de Jong Margriet F.C.
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Plasma potassium (K+) abnormalities are common among patients with chronic kidney disease and are associated with higher rates of death, major adverse cardiac events, and hospitalization in this population. Currently, no guidelines exist on how to handle pre-transplant plasma K+ in renal transplant recipients (RTR). Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the relation between pre-transplant plasma K+ and interventions to resolve hyperkalaemia within 48 h after kidney transplantation. Methods: In a single-centre cohort study, we addressed the association between the last available plasma K+ level before transplantation and the post-transplant need for dialysis or use of K+-lowering medication to resolve hyperkalaemia within 48 h after renal transplantation using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: 151 RTR were included, of whom 51 (33.8%) patients received one or more K+ interventions within 48 h after transplantation. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that a higher pre-transplant plasma K+ was associated with an increased risk of post-transplant intervention (odds ratio 2.2 [95% CI: 1.1–4.4]), independent of donor type (deceased or living) and use of K+-lowering medication within 24 h prior to transplantation). Conclusions: This study indicates that a higher pre-transplant plasma K+ is associated with a higher risk of interventions necessary to resolve hyperkalaemia within 48 h after renal transplantation. Further research is recommended to determine a cutoff level for pre-transplant plasma K+ that can be used in practice.
Investigation of ex vivo Skin Penetration of Coenzyme Q10 from Microemulsions and Hydrophilic Cream
Authors: Tessema Efrem N. , Bosse Konstanze , Wohlrab Johannes , Mrestani Yahya , Neubert Reinhard H.H.
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has been widely used in topical and cosmeceutical products due to its cutaneous antioxidant and energizer effects. CoQ10 is found in a higher concentration in the epidermis compared to dermis. The epidermal level of CoQ10 can be reduced due to several factors such as skin UV irradiation and photoaging. Various dermal nano-formulations have been investigated to overcome the skin barrier and enhance the poor penetration of CoQ10. The nanocarriers are designed to target and concentrate the CoQ10 in the viable epidermis. Most of these studies, however, failed to show the depth and extent of penetration of CoQ10 from the various carrier systems. Objective: The distribution of CoQ10 across the various skin layers has to be shown using skin slices representing the different skin layers. Methods: To realize this objective, a sensitive and selective HPLC method was developed and validated for the quantification of CoQ10 in the different skin slices. The method applicability to skin penetration (using excised human skin) as well as stability studies was investigated using CoQ10-loaded lecithin-based microemulsion (ME) and hydrophilic cream formulations. Results: It could be shown that the highest concentration of CoQ10 in the viable epidermis, the target skin layer for CoQ10, was observed after application of the CoQ10 in the hydrophilic cream. This cream contains 10% of 2-ethylhexyl laurate which works obviously as a penetration enhancer for CoQ10. In contrast, the penetration of CoQ10 was lower from the ME. Just in the deeper dermis, a certain amount of CoQ10 could be detected. Conclusions: The HPLC method quantified the trace quantities of the CoQ10 distributed across the various skin layers and, hence, can be used to investigate the skin penetration of CoQ10 from various dermal standard and nano-formulations.
Who Is Targeted by the Council’s Sanctions? The UN Security Council and the Principle of Proportionality
Authors: Dam-de Jong Daniëlla
Published: November 2020

The current article aims to assess proportionality within the context of the Security Council’s practice, focusing specifically on how the Council balances various interests in the design of sanctions regimes adopted pursuant to Article 41 of the UN Charter. It argues that proportionality in this context plays a role in the Security Council’s targeting decisions on the one hand and in the determination of whose interests are affected by the sanctions on the other. This implies that the Security Council should distinguish, first, between those who should be subjected to sanctions (the targets) and those would should be shielded (third parties) and, second, that it carefully delineates the targets of the sanctions. This article assesses this balancing exercise within the context of the Council’s measures to curb the illegal exploitation of natural resources financing armed conflict on the one hand and with respect to countering the proliferation of nuclear weapons on the other.
Arm Wrestling around Air Quality and Effective Judicial Protection. Can Arrogant Resistance to EU Law-related Orders Put You in Jail?
Authors: Misonne Delphine
Published: November 2020

In the judgment Deutsche Umwelthilfe (C-752/18) of December 2019, the Court of Justice of the European Union (ecj) addresses the situation where a referring court has already ordered a public authority to adopt traffic bans, based upon the need to comply with Directive 2008/50 on air quality, but is confronted, together with the non-governmental organization which is at the initiative of the lawsuit, to the public authority’s persistent refusal to comply with that injunction, even though it has become final.

In such awkward situation and due to the lack of success of other avenues, is a national court entitled – and possibly even obliged – to impose coercive detention on officials, by virtue of the right to an effective remedy and the obligation to ensure effective legal protection in the fields covered by EU law, asked the referring Court?

It is not surprising that the Court of Justice sat as the Grand Chamber for delivering the preliminary ruling. The case is a landmark on the right to an effective remedy and on the right to liberty, in a context of procedural autonomy. The case is also essential in the way it embraces human health and adds a higher step in the ascending line gradually constructed by the ecj on the binding force of EU law on air quality standards.

The ecj decides that EU law only empowers and even obliges a national court to have recourse to the privation of liberty of a public official, like a Minister-President, if this is provided for in a domestic legal basis, which is sufficiently accessible, precise and foreseeable in its application.

This contribution observes that, if the judgement may look like a victoire à la Pyrrhus for the environmental association and if it confirms that EU environmental law remains systemically dependent upon the choices made at domestic level on enforcement matters, the judgment also truly consolidates the right to effective judicial protection and the right to an effective remedy, in more normal circumstances and when human health is in the balance. It also cements the direct effect of Directive 2008/50 on ambient air quality and associated rights for individuals.
Technological Innovation and Natural Law
Authors: Woodward Philip
Published: November 2020

I discuss three tiers of technological innovation: mild innovation, or the acceleration by technology of a human activity aimed at a good; moderate innovation, or the obviation by technology of an activity aimed at a good; and radical innovation, or the altering by technology of the human condition so as to change what counts as a good. I argue that it is impossible to morally assess proposed innovations within any of these three tiers unless we rehabilitate a natural-law ethical framework. And I offer some moral starting points within such a framework, in connection with innovations of each of the three types.
Stenichnus goriciensis Franz, a junior synonym of S. styriacus Franz (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: November 2020

Over a half century ago, Stenichnus barnevillei (Reitter) was ‘redescribed’ by Herbert Franz based on misidentified specimens, in fact belonging to an undescribed species. A year later the misidentification was discovered, and the name Stenichnus goriciensis was proposed for this species. The holotype was rediscovered only recently, and as a result of comparative study, S. goriciensis is here placed as a junior synonym of S. styriacus. Characters that were used to differentiate these two species in previous literature are discussed and recognized as based on errors. Stenichnus styriacus is redescribed.
Recent findings of Isthmohyla pictipes (Anura: Hylidae) in Costa Rica: variation and implications for conservation
Authors: CHAVES-ACUÑA WAGNER , CHAVES GERARDO , KLANK JEREMY , ARIAS ERICK , BOLAÑOS FEDERICO , SHEPACK ALEX , LEENDERS TWAN , COSSEL JOHN , FAIVOVICH JULIÁN
Published: November 2020

We report recent findings of Isthmohyla pictipes (Cope, 1875) in the Cordillera de Talamanca, Costa Rica, roughly two decades after it was last registered. We provide notes on microhabitat use, color variation, external morphology of adults and larvae, and geographic variation, and discuss some taxonomic characters employed to differentiate I. pictipes from I. tica (Starrett, 1966) and I. xanthosticta (Duellman, 1968). We also report fluorescence on the ventral surfaces of I. pictipes. Our findings are expected to shed light on the taxonomy of this species and should be useful in further population assessments and conservation plans.