bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single-Breath-Hold MRI-SPACE Cholangiopancreatography with Compressed Sensing versus Conventional Respiratory-Triggered MRI-SPACE Cholangiopancreatography at 3Tesla: Comparison of Image Quality and Diagnostic Confidence
Authors: Chevallier Olivier , Escande Hélène , Ambarki Khalid , Weiland Elisabeth , Kuehn Bernd , Guillen Kévin , Manfredi Sylvain , Gehin Sophie , Blanc Julie , Loffroy Romaric
Published: October 2021

To compare two magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) sequences at 3 Tesla (3T): the conventional 3D Respiratory-Triggered SPACE sequence (RT-MRCP) and a prototype 3D Compressed-Sensing Breath-Hold SPACE sequence (CS-BH-MRCP), in terms of qualitative and quantitative image quality and radiologist’s diagnostic confidence for detecting common bile duct (CBD) lithiasis, biliary anastomosis stenosis in liver-transplant recipients, and communication of pancreatic cyst with the main pancreatic duct (MPD). Sixty-eight patients with suspicion of choledocholithiasis or biliary anastomosis stenosis after liver transplant, or branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas (BD-IPMN), were included. The relative CBD to peri-biliary tissues (PBT) contrast ratio (CR) was assessed. Overall image quality, presence of artefacts, background noise suppression and the visualization of 12 separated segments of the pancreatic and bile ducts were evaluated by two observers working independently on a five-point scale. Diagnostic confidence was scored on a 1–3 scale. The CS-BH-MRCP presented significantly better CRs (p < 0.0001), image quality (p = 0.004), background noise suppression (p = 0.011), fewer artefacts (p = 0.004) and better visualization of pancreatic and bile ducts segments with the exception of the proximal CBD (p = 0.054), cystic duct confluence (p = 0.459), the four secondary intrahepatic bile ducts, and central part of the MPD (p = 0.885) for which no significant differences were found. Overall, diagnostic confidence was significantly better with the CS-BH-MRCP sequence for both readers (p = 0.038 and p = 0.038, respectively). This study shows that the CS-BH-MRCP sequence presents overall better image quality and bile and pancreatic ducts visualization compared to the conventional RT-MRCP sequence at 3T.
Comparison between Urine and Cervical High-Risk HPV Tests for Japanese Women with ASC-US
Authors: Yamazaki Hiroyuki , Wada Tsuneyuki , Asano Hiroshi , Fujita Hiromasa , Okamoto Kazuhira , Watari Hidemichi
Published: October 2021

Most uterine cervical cancers are caused by the persistent infection of the high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV). Thus, the hrHPV-DNA test, which examines specimens from the cervix, is the standard screening method as well as cytology in western countries. Urine sampling for the hrHPV-DNA test would be easier and help improving screening rates. This study prospectively investigated the concordance between urine and cervical hrHPV tests for patients with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) in cervical cytology. We recruited 338 women with the cytologic diagnosis of ASC-US and performed hrHPV-DNA tests to both samples from the uterine cervix and first void urine, using the Cobas 4800 system. In all hrHPV genotypes, the simple concordance rate was 90.8% (307/338) and the Kappa statistic value was 0.765, which shows substantial concordance. The positive concordance rate was 70.5% (74/105), which was the rate excluding women who had negative results in both tests. When limited to types 16 and 18, the simple concordance rate was 98.8% (334/338), and the Kappa statistical value was calculated to be 0.840, which showed almost perfect concordance. The positive concordance rate resulted in 81.8% (18/22). We conclude that the urine hrHPV-DNA test could substitute the cervical test in women with ASC-US.
Standardized Reporting Needed to Improve Accuracy of Flaring Data
Authors: Schade Gunnar W.
Published: October 2021

Gas flaring represents a large waste of a natural resource for energy production and is a significant source of greenhouses gases to the atmosphere. The World Bank estimates annual flared gas volumes of 150 billion cubic meters, based upon a conversion of remotely sensed radiant heat data from the NOAA’s VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) instrument onboard the polar-orbiting Suomi NPP satellite. However, the conversion of the remotely sensed radiant heat measurements into flared gas volumes currently depends on flare operator reported volumes, which can be biased in various ways due to inconsistent reporting requirements. Here, I discuss both known and unknown biases in the datasets, using them to illustrate the current lack of accuracy in the widely discussed flaring numbers. While volume trends over time could be derived directly from the radiant heat data, absolute amounts remain questionable. Standardizing how flared gas volumes are measured and reported could dramatically improve accuracy. In addition, I suggest expanding satellite measurements of individual flares burning under controlled conditions as a major improvement to daily monitoring, alongside the potential usage of remotely sensed flare temperature to estimate combustion efficiency.
Parametric Study of Eddy Current Brakes for Small-Scale Household Wind Turbine Systems
Authors: Jeong Huiseop , Ji Hoseong , Choi Sanghyun , Baek Joonho
Published: October 2021

The design and application of eddy current brakes (ECBs) should be simple; further, ECBs should be used semi-permanently. This study aimed to determine major parameters for designing an ECB that can be applied to a small-scale wind turbine generator. To this end, an ECB was developed that could actuate without additional power, thus improving the efficiency of the generator. A series of simulations were conducted for a parametric study to pre-design ECBs suitable for small wind turbines. The six parameters chosen were disk thickness, number of magnets, radial location of magnets from center of disk, magnet pole arrangement, magnetic flux density, and rotational speed. The simulations were conducted on COMSOL Multiphysics. The results indicated that the number of magnets and magnet pole arrangements can significantly affect the performance curve of ECBs. Moreover, the disk thickness and rotational speed are linearly proportional to the braking torque.
Mechanical and Dynamic Maps of Disc Brakes under Different Operating Conditions
Authors: García-León R. A. , Afanador-García N. , Gómez-Camperos J. A.
Published: October 2021

The operating conditions during the braking process in an automobile affect the tribological contact between the pad and disc brake, thus, influencing the times and distances of braking and, in a more significant way, the safety of the braking process. This mathematical work aimed to provide a general visualization of the disc brake’s mechanical, dynamic, and thermal behavior under different operating conditions through 2D maps of the power dissipated, braking time, and braking distance of a disc brake with a ventilation blade N- 38 type. However, the dissipated energy on the disc brake in terms of temperature was analyzed considering Newton’s cooling law and mathematical calculations through classical theories of the dynamic and mechanical behavior of the disc brakes. For this purpose, the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Distance Weighted Least Squares (DWLS) fitting model considered different operating conditions of the disc brake. The results demonstrate that the disc brakes can be used effectively in severe operational requirements with a speed of 100 km/h and an ambient temperature of 27 °C, without affecting the occupant’s safety or the braking system and the pad. For the different conditions evaluated, the instantaneous temperature reaches values of 182.48 and 82.94 °C, where the high value was found for a total deceleration to 100 km/h to 0, which represent a total braking distance of around 44.20 to 114.96 m depending on the inclination angle (θ). Furthermore, the energy dissipation in the disc brakes depends strongly on the disc, blades and pad geometry, the type of material, parameters, and the vehicle operating conditions, as can be verified with mathematical calculation to validate the contribution of the effectiveness of the braking process during its real operation.
Eco-Friendly Fluorescent ELISA Based on Bifunctional Phage for Ultrasensitive Detection of Ochratoxin A in Corn
Authors: Tong Weipeng , Fang Hao , Xiong Hanpeng , Wei Daixian , Leng Yuankui , Hu Xinyu , Huang Xiaolin , Xiong Yonghua
Published: October 2021

Conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is commonly used for Ochratoxin A (OTA) screening, but it is limited by low sensitivity and harmful competing antigens of enzyme-OTA conjugates. Herein, a bifunctional M13 bacteriophage with OTA mimotopes fused on the p3 protein and biotin modified on major p8 proteins was introduced as an eco-friendly competing antigen and enzyme container for enhanced sensitivity. Mercaptopropionic acid-modified quantum dots (MPA-QDs), which are extremely sensitive to hydrogen peroxide, were chosen as fluorescent signal transducers that could manifest glucose oxidase-induced fluorescence quenching in the presence of glucose. On these bases, a highly sensitive and eco-friendly fluorescent immunoassay for OTA sensing was developed. Under optimized conditions, the proposed method demonstrates a good linear detection of OTA from 4.8 to 625 pg/mL and a limit of detection (LOD) of 5.39 pg/mL. The LOD is approximately 26-fold lower than that of a conventional horse radish peroxidase (HRP) based ELISA and six-fold lower than that of a GOx-OTA conjugate-based fluorescent ELISA. The proposed method also shows great specificity and accepted accuracy for analyzing OTA in real corn samples. The detection results are highly consistent with those obtained using the ultra-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection method, indicating the high reliability of the proposed method for OTA detection. In conclusion, the proposed method is an excellent OTA screening platform over a conventional ELISA and can be easily extended for sensing other analytes by altering specific mimic peptide sequences in phages.
Aquafaba from Korean Soybean I: A Functional Vegan Food Additive
Authors: Shim Youn Young , He Yue , Kim Ji Hye , Cho Jae Youl , Meda Venkatesh , Hong Wan Soo , Shin Weon-Sun , Kang Sang Jin , Reaney Martin J. T.
Published: October 2021

The substitution of animal-based foods (meat, eggs, and milk) with plant-based products can increase the global food supply. Recently, pulse cooking water (a.k.a. aquafaba) was described as a cost-effective alternative to the egg in gluten-free, vegan cooking and baking applications. Aquafaba (AQ) forms stable edible foams and emulsions with functional properties that are like those produced by whole egg and egg white. However, the functional ingredients of AQ are usually discarded during food preparation. In this study, Korean-grown soy (ver. Backtae, Seoritae, and Jwinunikong) and chickpea were used to produce AQ. Two approaches were compared. In the first, seed was cooked at an elevated pressure without presoaking. In the second, seed was soaked, then, the soaking water was discarded, and soaked seed was cooked at an elevated pressure. Both approaches produced a useful emulsifier, but the latter, with presoaking, produced a superior product. This approach could lead to a process that involves a small number of efficient steps to recover an effective oil emulsifier, produces no waste, and is cost-effective. The AQ product from Backtae (yellow soybean) produced emulsions with better properties (90%) than AQ produced from other cultivars and produced more stable food oil emulsions. This study will potentially lead to gluten-free, vegan products for vegetarians and consumers with animal protein allergies. This is the first report of the efficient production of AQ, an egg white substitute derived from cooked soybean of known cultivars.
Has COVID-19 Changed the Lifestyle and Dietary Habits in the Spanish Population after Confinement?
Authors: Álvarez-Gómez Carmen , De La Higuera Magdalena , Rivas-García Lorenzo , Diaz-Castro Javier , Moreno-Fernandez Jorge , Lopez-Frias Magdalena
Published: October 2021

Since 2020, the world has been immersed in a change in lifestyle (social, lifestyle, nutri-tion and physical activity patterns), due to the appearance of COVID-19 and the strict mobility measures which were implemented to prevent its spread. All these changes had a nutritional impact on people, modifying their dietary guidelines. This cross-sectional study was carried out to assess whether dietary habits, lifestyle, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet among the Spanish adult population (25–65 years old) during confinement was modified during the post-confinement period, using an e-survey through social networks, involving 510 subjects. A decrease in the intake of ultra-processed products, with a correlation between weekly food delivery orders at home and the consumption of salty snacks, sugary drinks, and processed pastries was also recorded. Most of the subjects performed physical exercise on a regular basis, maintaining the body weight in half of the participants. During the post-confinement period a substantial proportion of the population had healthy lifestyle and dietary habits, including the adequate consumption of fruits, vegetables and legumes; adequate time was spent preparing meals and the population did not regularly order food at home, which in the long term, reduced the risk of several diseases.
Geometric State Sum Models from Quasicrystals
Authors: Amaral Marcelo , Fang Fang , Hammock Dugan , Irwin Klee
Published: October 2021

In light of the self-simulation hypothesis, a simple form of implementation of the principle of efficient language is discussed in a self-referential geometric quasicrystalline state sum model in three dimensions. Emergence is discussed in the context of geometric state sum models.
Comparative RNA-Seq Analyses of Solenopsis japonica (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Reveal Gene in Response to Cold Stress
Authors: Vatanparast Mohammad , Park Youngjin
Published: October 2021

Solenopsis japonica, as a fire ant species, shows some predatory behavior towards earthworms and woodlice, and preys on the larvae of other ant species by tunneling into a neighboring colony’s brood chamber. This study focused on the molecular response process and gene expression profiles of S. japonica to low (9 °C)-temperature stress in comparison with normal temperature (25 °C) conditions. A total of 89,657 unigenes (the clustered non-redundant transcripts that are filtered from the longest assembled contigs) were obtained, of which 32,782 were annotated in the NR (nonredundant protein) database with gene ontology (GO) terms, gene descriptions, and metabolic pathways. The results were 81 GO subgroups and 18 EggNOG (evolutionary genealogy of genes: Non-supervised Orthologous Groups) keywords. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with log2fold change (FC) > 1 and log2FC < −1 with p-value ≤ 0.05 were screened for cold stress temperature. We found 215 unigenes up-regulated and 115 unigenes down-regulated. Comparing transcriptome profiles for differential gene expression resulted in various DE proteins and genes, including fatty acid synthases and lipid metabolism, which have previously been reported to be involved in cold resistance. We verified the RNA-seq data by qPCR on 20 up- and down-regulated DEGs. These findings facilitate the basis for the future understanding of the adaptation mechanisms of S. japonica and the molecular mechanisms underlying the response to low temperatures.
Disruptive NADSYN1 Variants Implicated in Congenital Vertebral Malformations
Authors: Lin Jiachen , Zhao Lina , Zhao Sen , Li Shengjie , Zhao Zhengye , Chen Zefu , Zheng Zhifa , Shao Jiashen , Niu Yuchen , Li Xiaoxin , Zhang Jianguo Terry , Wu Zhihong , Wu Nan
Published: October 2021

Genetic perturbations in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide de novo (NAD) synthesis pathway predispose individuals to congenital birth defects. The NADSYN1 encodes the final enzyme in the de novo NAD synthesis pathway and, therefore, plays an important role in NAD metabolism and organ embryogenesis. Biallelic mutations in the NADSYN1 gene have been reported to be causative of congenital organ defects known as VCRL syndrome (Vertebral-Cardiac-Renal-Limb syndrome). Here, we analyzed the genetic variants in NADSYN1 in an exome-sequenced cohort consisting of patients with congenital vertebral malformations (CVMs). A total number of eight variants in NADSYN1, including two truncating variants and six missense variants, were identified in nine unrelated patients. All enrolled patients presented multiple organ defects, with the involvement of either the heart, kidney, limbs, or liver, as well as intraspinal deformities. An in vitro assay using COS-7 cells demonstrated either significantly reduced protein levels or disrupted enzymatic activity of the identified variants. Our findings demonstrated that functional variants in NADSYN1 were involved in the complex genetic etiology of CVMs and provided further evidence for the causative NADSYN1 variants in congenital NAD Deficiency Disorder.
Effect of Incorporating Short-Foot Exercises in the Balance Rehabilitation of Flat Foot: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Moon Dongchul , Jung Juhyeon
Published: October 2021

Effective balance rehabilitation is essential to address flat foot (pes planus) which is closely associated with reduced postural stability. Although sensorimotor training (SMT) and short-foot exercise (SFE) have been effective for improving postural stability, the combined effects of SMT with SFE have not been evaluated in previous studies. The aim of this study was to compare the lone versus combined effects of SMT with SFE on postural stability among participants with flat foot. This was a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial. A total of 32 flat-footed participants were included in the study (14 males and 18 females) and assigned to the SMT combined with SFE group and SMT alone group. All participants underwent 18 sessions of the SMT program three times a week for six weeks. Static balance, dynamic balance, and the Hmax/Mmax ratio were compared before and after the interventions. Static and dynamic balance significantly increased in the SMT combined with SFE group compared with the SMT alone group. However, the Hmax/Mmax ratio was not significantly different between the two groups. Therefore, this study confirms that the combination of SMT and SFE is superior to SMT alone to improve postural balance control in flat-footed patients in clinical settings.
A Qualitative Content Analysis of Cardiovascular Diseases Related Health Information Targeted at the Hui Minority on Chinese WeChat Official Accounts
Authors: Yang Lei , Mao Yuping , Jansz Jeroen
Published: October 2021

In this study, we focus on the information available in WeChat official accounts about cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which are a leading cause of death in China. We are particularly interested in information targeting the Chinese Hui minority people, who have a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs). Our exploratory research therefore investigates whether and how the articles on WeChat official accounts are targeted at the Hui people. We used a qualitative approach to analyze 108 articles. Two related themes emerged: descriptions of how to live a healthy life; and explanations of CVDs and CVRFs. Traditional Chinese medicine likewise surfaced from the analysis as a specific and unique theme in the Chinese social and cultural context. Despite the high prevalence of CVRFs among the Hui, none of the articles included information tailored to them.
Access to Healthcare for Minors: An Ethical Analysis of Judgments of the European Court of Human Rights
Authors: Tietze Fabian-Alexander , Orzechowski Marcin , Nowak Marianne , Steger Florian
Published: October 2021

The right to non-discriminatory access to healthcare is anchored in the European Convention on Human Rights and other international treaties or guidelines. Since its ratification, the European Convention on Human Rights was made binding in all Member States of the Council of Europe and is interpreted by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). Despite its legal recognition, discrimination in healthcare provision has repeatedly been an issue of medicoethical and political consideration. In this context, minors are particularly in danger of being deprived of this fundamental right. The aim of this study is to analyze the current state of the ECtHR jurisdiction on challenges in accessing healthcare for minor patients. We conducted a systematic search of judgments by the ECtHR using the keywords “healthcare” and “child”. We performed descriptive statistics and qualitative thematic analysis. Our search resulted in n = 66 judgments, which were all screened. Access to healthcare for minors played a role in n = 21 judgments, which involved applications against n = 13 countries. We formed five, partially overlapping categories, which represent recurring themes regarding the research topic. These themes are governance failure (n = 11), the status of refugee, asylum seeker or migrant (n = 5), parental home (n = 5), maternity and birth (n = 4) and others (n = 2). The normative framework of the ECtHR’s jurisprudence illustrates intersections between social, legal and medicoethical aspects of minors’ discrimination in the healthcare system. It emphasizes the particular vulnerability of children, who require exceptional protection. Inadequate access to healthcare manifests itself in specific situations, such as in the context of migration or staying in public institutions. Healthcare professionals need to be sensitized for such discrimination mechanisms, as they are often at the forefront of encountering structural discrimination in the healthcare system.
A Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Survey on Medication Safety in Korean Older Adults: An Analysis of an Ageing Society
Authors: Lee Mijin , Kim Kyungim , Rhew Kiyon , Choi Kyung-Hee
Published: October 2021

Background: Older adults have certain limitations in acquiring and understanding information regarding medication safety. This study surveyed their medication habits and analysed the importance of relevant education to improve knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP). Methods: Our survey included adults aged 65 years or older. We developed a questionnaire on medication safety based on the KAP model. To identify the interrelationships among KAP, we calculated the correlation coefficients using Pearson’s correlation analysis. A t-test was performed to verify the differences in KAP associated with the respondents’ medication safety education experience. Results: We found that 79.4% of respondents self-administered their medications. Of the respondents, 28.2% had received medication safety education. Overall, the respondents had typical levels of knowledge, attitude responses, and behavioural practices associated with medication safety. The results showed significant differences between knowledge and practice; those who were educated on medication safety performed higher levels of safe practice than those who were not (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The KAP survey confirmed that knowledge about the safe use of medication positively affected older adults’ attitudes and practices. To improve their medication usage habits, older adults should receive well-organised medication safety education.
Patient Satisfaction and Hospital Quality of Care Evaluation in Malaysia Using SERVQUAL and Facebook
Authors: Rahim Afiq Izzudin A. , Ibrahim Mohd Ismail , Musa Kamarul Imran , Chua Sook-Ling , Yaacob Najib Majdi
Published: October 2021

Social media sites, dubbed patient online reviews (POR), have been proposed as new methods for assessing patient satisfaction and monitoring quality of care. However, the unstructured nature of POR data derived from social media creates a number of challenges. The objectives of this research were to identify service quality (SERVQUAL) dimensions automatically from hospital Facebook reviews using a machine learning classifier, and to examine their associations with patient dissatisfaction. From January 2017 to December 2019, empirical research was conducted in which POR were gathered from the official Facebook page of Malaysian public hospitals. To find SERVQUAL dimensions in POR, a machine learning topic classification utilising supervised learning was developed, and this study’s objective was established using logistic regression analysis. It was discovered that 73.5% of patients were satisfied with the public hospital service, whereas 26.5% were dissatisfied. SERVQUAL dimensions identified were 13.2% reviews of tangible, 68.9% of reliability, 6.8% of responsiveness, 19.5% of assurance, and 64.3% of empathy. After controlling for hospital variables, all SERVQUAL dimensions except tangible and assurance were shown to be significantly related with patient dissatisfaction (reliability, p < 0.001; responsiveness, p = 0.016; and empathy, p < 0.001). Rural hospitals had a higher probability of patient dissatisfaction (p < 0.001). Therefore, POR, assisted by machine learning technologies, provided a pragmatic and feasible way for capturing patient perceptions of care quality and supplementing conventional patient satisfaction surveys. The findings offer critical information that will assist healthcare authorities in capitalising on POR by monitoring and evaluating the quality of services in real time.
Unilateral Cauda Equina Syndrome Due to Cancer Metastasis Diagnosed with Electromyography: A Case Report
Authors: Park Chan-Hee , Park Eunhee , Jung Tae-Du
Published: October 2021

Background: Typical cauda equina syndrome (CES) presents as low back pain, bilateral leg pain with motor and sensory deficits, genitourinary dysfunction, saddle anesthesia and fecal incontinence. In addition, it is a neurosurgical emergency, which is essential to diagnose as soon as possible, and needs prompt intervention. However, unilateral CES is rare. Here, we report a unique case of a patient who had unilateral symptoms of CES due to cancer metastasis and was diagnosed through electromyography. Methods: A 71-year-old man with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) suffered from severe pain, motor weakness in the right lower limb and urinary incontinence, and hemi-saddle anesthesia. It was easy to be confused with lumbar radiculopathy due to the unilateral symptoms. Lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed suspected multifocal bone metastasis in the TL spine, including T11-L5, the bilateral sacrum and iliac bones, and suspected epidural metastasis at L4/5, L5/S1 and the sacrum. PET CT conducted after the third R-CHOP showed residual hypermetabolic lesions in L5, the sacrum, and the right presacral area. Results: Nerve conduction studies (NCS) revealed peripheral neuropathy in both hands and feet. Electromyography (EMG) presented abnormal results indicating development of muscle membrane instability following neural injury, not only on the right symptomatic side, but also on the other side which was considered intact. Overall, he was diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome caused by DLBCL metastasis, and referred to neurosurgical department. Conclusions: Early diagnosis of unilateral CES may go unnoticed due to its unilateral symptoms. Failure to perform the intervention at the proper time can impede recovery and leave permanent complications. Therefore, physicians need to know not only the typical CES, but also the clinical features of atypical CES when encountering a patient, and further evaluation such as electrodiagnostic study or lumbar spine MRI have to be considered.
Examination of Electrolyte Replacements in the ICU Utilizing MIMIC-III Dataset Demonstrates Redundant Replacement Patterns
Authors: Ghannam Mousa , Malihi Parasteh , Laudanski Krzysztof
Published: October 2021

Electrolyte repletion in the ICU is one of the most ubiquitous tasks in critical care, involving significant resources while having an unclear risk/benefit ratio. Prior data indicate most replacements are administered while electrolytes are within or above reference ranges with little effect on serum post-replacement levels and potential harm. ICU electrolyte replacement patterns were analyzed using the MIMIC-III database to determine the threshold governing replacement decisions and their efficiency. The data of serum values for potassium, magnesium, and phosphate before and after repletion events were evaluated. Thresholds for when repletion was administered and temporal patterns in the repletion behaviors of ICU healthcare providers were identified. Most electrolyte replacements happened when levels were below or within reference ranges. Of the lab orders placed, a minuscule number of them were followed by repletion. Electrolyte repletion resulted in negligible (phosphate), small (potassium), and modest (magnesium) post-replacement changes in electrolyte serum levels. The repletion pattern followed hospital routine work and was anchored around shift changes. A subset of providers conducting over-repletion in the absence of clinical indication was also identified. This pattern of behavior found in this study supports previous studies and may allude to a universal pattern of over-repletion in the ICU setting.
Insights on Eastern Hellenistic Historical and Archaeological Material Culture of the Oikoumene: Globalisation and Local Socio-Cultural Identities
Authors: Haddad Naif Adel
Published: October 2021

This paper focuses on the Hellenistic Middle East, especially the age of Ptolemaic Alexandrian and Syrian Seleucid influence. It investigates and clarifies some of the Hellenistic-age historical and archaeological material culture within the Hellenisation and globalisation conceptions. Furthermore, it suggests that by reviewing the context of the local socio-cultural identities in the Hellenistic Oikoumene, mainly based on the lingua franca about local identity and how the local identity was expressed on coinage during Hellenistic times, many related insights issues can be revealed. In addition, it also attempts to discuss and reveal aspects of the cultural sharing achievements in Hellenistic art, architecture, and urban built environment planning. Finally, how did Eastern Hellenistic cities manage to benefit from the process of Hellenistic globalisation and localisation/globalisation while minimising identity risks? The focus is on the transnational socio-cultural and economic area of Ptolemaic Alexandria, the centre of the post-Classical Greek world, and the Syrian Seleucid influence. As an investment, mass migration and the transfer of goods, culture, and ideas increasingly transformed these Middle Eastern cities and shaped their translocal culture conception, local socio-cultural identities, cultural sharing, art and architecture edifice forms, and spatial patterns in the Hellenistic period. One of the main contributions and significance of this study is to continue the dialogue of how non-Greek influence in Hellenistic times impacted an area that has been traditionally seen as unaffected or minimally affected by years under foreign rule. This also sheds new light on some Greco-Macedonian topics not sufficiently debated in the Oikoumene discussion dialogue. These two aspects would furthermore contribute to better understanding and accepting the neglected role of the contribution of non-Greek culture to Greek achievements, as well as how the local non-Greek customs of the indigenous peoples of the Ptolemy and Seleucid kingdoms would affect how they assimilated Greco-Macedonian practices, and how the vision of Alexander the Great and Hellenisation worked in the different territories of these two kingdoms.
A Multi-Criteria Evaluation of the Urban Ecological Environment in Shanghai Based on Remote Sensing
Authors: Yan Yuxiang , Yu Xianwen , Long Fengyang , Dong Yanfeng
Published: October 2021

The urban ecological environment is related to human health and is one of the most concerned issues nowadays. Hence, it is essential to detect and then evaluate the urban ecological environment. However, the conventional manual detection methods have many limitations, such as the high cost of labor, time, and capital. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the urban ecological environment more conveniently and reasonably, thus this paper proposed an ecological environment evaluation method based on remote sensing and a projection pursuit model. Firstly, a series of criteria for the urban ecological environment in Shanghai City are obtained through remote sensing technology. Then, the ecological environment is comprehensively evaluated using the projection pursuit model. Lastly, the ecological environment changes of Shanghai City are analyzed. The results show that the average remote sensing ecological index of Shanghai in 2020 increased obviously compared with that in 2016. In addition, Jinshan District, Songjiang District, and Qingpu District have higher ecological environment quality, while Hongkou District, Jingan District, and Huangpu District have lower ecological environment quality. In addition, the ecological environment of all districts has a significant positive spatial autocorrelation. These findings suggest that the ecological environment of Shanghai has improved overall in the past five years. In addition, Hongkou District, Jingan District, and Huangpu District should put more effort into improving the ecological environment in future, and the improvement of ecological environment should consider the impact of surrounding districts. Moreover, the proposed weight setting method is more reasonable, and the proposed evaluation method is convenient and practical.
Regionalization of Rainfall Regimes Using Hybrid RF-Bs Couple with Multivariate Approaches
Authors: Ahmad Basri Muhamad Afdal , Shaharudin Shazlyn Milleana , Kismiantini  , Tan Mou Leong , Mohd Najib Sumayyah Aimi , Zainuddin Nurul Hila , Andayani Sri
Published: October 2021

Monthly precipitation data during the period of 1970 to 2019 obtained from the Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency database were used to analyze regionalized precipitation regimes in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. There were missing values in 52.6% of the data, which were handled by a hybrid random forest approach and bootstrap method (RF-Bs). The present approach addresses large missing values and also reduces the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and the Mean Absolute Error (MAE) in the search for the optimum minimal value. Cluster analysis was used to classify stations or grid points into different rainfall regimes. Hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) of rainfall data reveal the pattern of behavior of the rainfall regime in a specific region by identifying homogeneous clusters. According to the HCA, four distinct and homogenous regions were recognized. Then, the principal component analysis (PCA) technique was used to homogenize the rainfall series and optimally reduce the long-term rainfall records into a few variables. Moreover, PCA was applied to monthly rainfall data in order to validate the results of the HCA analysis. On the basis of the 75% of cumulative variation, 14 factors for the Dry season and the Rainy season, and 12 factors for the Inter-monsoon season, were extracted among the components using varimax rotation. Consideration of different groupings into these approaches opens up new advanced early warning systems in developing recommendations on how to differentiate climate change adaptation- and mitigation-related policies in order to minimize the largest economic damage and taking necessary precautions when multiple hazard events occur.
Exploring the Spatiotemporal Characteristics of COVID-19 Infections among Healthcare Workers: A Multi-Scale Perspective
Authors: Ren Hui , Wang Peixiao , Guo Wei , Zhu Xinyan
Published: October 2021

The outbreak of COVID-19 has constantly exposed health care workers (HCWs) around the world to a high risk of infection. To more accurately discover the infection differences among high-risk occupations and institutions, Hubei Province was taken as an example to explore the spatiotemporal characteristics of HCWs at different scales by employing the chi-square test and fitting distribution. The results indicate (1) the units around the epicenter of the epidemic present lognormal distribution, and the periphery is Poisson distribution. There is a clear dividing line between lognormal and Poisson distribution in terms of the number of HCWs infections. (2) The infection rates of different types of HCWs at multiple geospatial scales are significantly different, caused by the spatial heterogeneity of the number of HCWs. (3) With the increase of HCWs infection rate, the infection difference among various HCWs also gradually increases and the infection difference becomes more evident on a larger scale. The analysis of the multi-scale infection rate and statistical distribution characteristics of HCWs can help government departments rationally allocate the number of HCWs and personal protective equipment to achieve distribution on demand, thereby reducing the mental and physical pressure and infection rate of HCWs.
Crisis Map Design Considering Map Cognition
Authors: Du Ping , Li Dingkai , Liu Tao , Zhang Liming , Yang Xiaoxia , Li Yikun
Published: October 2021

Crisis maps play a significant role in emergency responses. Users are challenged to interpret a map rapidly in emergencies, with limited visual information-processing resources and under time pressure. Therefore, cartographic techniques are required to facilitate their map cognition. In this study, we analyzed the exogenous and endogenous disruptions that users needed to overcome when they were reading maps. The analysis results suggested that cartographers’ taking the stressors into consideration could promote the cognitive fit between cartographers and users, improving map cognition and spatial information supply–demand matching. This paper also elaborates the course of map visual information processing and related graphic variables to visual attention attributes. To improve the users’ map cognition in time-critical emergency situations, crisis map design principles and a methodology were proposed. We developed three fire emergency rescue road maps and performed two evaluations to verify the effectiveness of the principles. Our experiments showed that the principles could effectively facilitate the users’ rapid map perception and proper understanding, by reducing their cognitive load, and could improve the quality of the crisis maps to some extent.
Identification of Shrinking Cities on the Main Island of Taiwan Based on Census Data and Population Registers: A Spatial Analysis
Authors: Hu Di
Published: October 2021

At the end of the 20th century, the phenomenon of urban shrinkage received widespread attention, with population decline as its core characteristic. In 2020, the Taiwanese population had negative growth and faced a low fertility rate and an aging population. This study used exploratory spatial data analysis to identify shrinking cities in Taiwan based on census data and population registers. The results indicated that Taiwan has 11 shrinking counties and 202 shrinking towns. Urban shrinkage occurred in the 1980s and continued from the suburbanization stage to the re-urbanization stage. Five types of spatial patterns in the 11 shrinking counties were observed. In the majority of the shrinking counties, towns with high population densities were unable to avoid shrinkage. A global spatial autocorrelation analysis indicated that shrinkage and non-shrinkage have become increasingly apparent at the town level since 2005. A local spatial autocorrelation analysis indicates that the spatial clustering of towns with population growth or decline from 2000 to 2020 has changed. Based on each town’s development, a two-step cluster analysis was conducted in which all towns were divided into four categories. Shrinking towns exist in each category, but with a different proportion. Based on the results of two-step cluster analysis combined with spatial analysis, this study discovered that both urbanization and suburbanization cause shrinkage in Taiwan, but the affected localities are distinct. For most shrinking counties, their spatial model indicates a relationship between shrinking and the urbanization of their towns. Keelung City and Chiayi City have the most potential to reverse the shrinkage. This study helps authorities better manage growth and implement regional revitalization.
Monitoring Mitochondrial Function in Aedes albopictus C6/36 Cell Line during Dengue Virus Infection
Authors: Santana-Román María E. , Maycotte Paola , Uribe-Carvajal Salvador , Uribe-Alvarez Cristina , Alvarado-Medina Nayeli , Khan Mohsin , Siddiqui Aleem , Pando-Robles Victoria
Published: October 2021

Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are responsible for dengue virus (DENV) transmission in tropical and subtropical areas worldwide, where an estimated 3 billion people live at risk of DENV exposure. DENV-infected individuals show symptoms ranging from sub-clinical or mild to hemorrhagic fever. Infected mosquitoes do not show detectable signs of disease, even though the virus maintains a lifelong persistent infection. The interactions between viruses and host mitochondria are crucial for virus replication and pathogenicity. DENV infection in vertebrate cells modulates mitochondrial function and dynamics to facilitate viral proliferation. Here, we describe that DENV also regulates mitochondrial function and morphology in infected C6/36 mosquito cells (derived from Aedes albopictus). Our results showed that DENV infection increased ROS (reactive oxygen species) production, modulated mitochondrial transmembrane potential and induced changes in mitochondrial respiration. Furthermore, we offer the first evidence that DENV causes translocation of mitofusins to mitochondria in the C6/36 mosquito cell line. Another protein Drp-1 (Dynamin-related protein 1) did not localize to mitochondria in DENV-infected cells. This observation therefore ruled out the possibility that the abovementioned alterations in mitochondrial function are associated with mitochondrial fission. In summary, this report provides some key insights into the virus–mitochondria crosstalk in DENV infected mosquito cells.
Insights into the Resistome and Phylogenomics of a ST195 Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Clinical Isolate from the Czech Republic
Authors: Mlynarcik Patrik , Dolejska Monika , Vagnerova Iva , Petrzelova Jana , Sukkar Iva , Zdarska Veronika , Kolar Milan
Published: October 2021

Increasing antimicrobial resistance in nosocomial pathogens, such as Acinetobacter baumannii, is becoming a serious threat to public health. It is necessary to detect β-lactamase-producing microorganisms in clinical settings to be able to control the spread of carbapenem resistance. This study was conducted to evaluate the presence of β-lactamases in a selected clinical isolate of A. baumannii of ST2P/ST195Ox and to characterize possible enzymes, as well as its β-lactam resistome, using PCR and whole-genome sequencing analysis. PCR and sequencing confirmed that the isolate harbored five bla gene alleles, namely, blaADC-73, blaTEM-1, blaOXA-23, blaOXA-58 and blaOXA-66, as well as aminoglycosides, macrolides, sulfonamides and tetracyclines resistance determinants, which were either chromosomally and/or plasmid located. Furthermore, a gene order comparison using MAUVE alignment showed multiple changes compared with the clinical isolate of Malaysian A. baumannii AC30 genome and 76 regions with high homology. This study suggests that resistance to β-lactams in this A. baumannii isolate is mainly due to an overproduction of β-lactamases in combination with other resistance mechanism (efflux pump system).
Analysing the Confinement Effect in Hollow Core Steel-Concrete Composite Columns under Axial Compression
Authors: Šapalas Antanas , Mudrov Andrej
Published: October 2021

Spun concrete technology allows manufacturing the reinforced concrete poles, piles, and columns with a circular hollow core. This concreting method ensures higher concrete density and strength than the traditional vibration technique and self-compacting concrete. This technology defines an attractive alternative for producing steel-concrete composite elements, allowing efficient utilisation of the materials due to the confinement effect. This study experimentally investigates the material behaviour of the composite columns subjected to axial compression. The experimental results support the above inference—the test outcomes demonstrate the 1.2–2.1 times increase of the compressive strength of the centrifugal concrete regarding the vibrated counterpart; the experimental resistance of the composite columns 1.25 times exceeds the theoretical load-bearing capacity. The proposed mechanical-geometrical parameter can help to quantify the composite efficiency. The parametric analysis employs the finite element model verified using the test results. It demonstrates a negligible bond model effect on the deformation prediction outcomes, indirectly indicating the steel shell confinement effect and confirming the literature results.
Magnetic Functionalization of Scanning Probes by Focused Electron Beam Induced Deposition Technology
Authors: Pablo-Navarro Javier , Sangiao Soraya , Magén César , de Teresa José María
Published: October 2021

The fabrication of nanostructures with high resolution and precise control of the deposition site makes Focused Electron Beam Induced Deposition (FEBID) a unique nanolithography process. In the case of magnetic materials, apart from the FEBID potential in standard substrates for multiple applications in data storage and logic, the use of this technology for the growth of nanomagnets on different types of scanning probes opens new paths in magnetic sensing, becoming a benchmark for magnetic functionalization. This work reviews the recent advances in the integration of FEBID magnetic nanostructures onto cantilevers to produce advanced magnetic sensing devices with unprecedented performance.
Fully Homomorphically Encrypted Deep Learning as a Service
Authors: Onoufriou George , Mayfield Paul , Leontidis Georgios
Published: October 2021

Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) is a relatively recent advancement in the field of privacy-preserving technologies. FHE allows for the arbitrary depth computation of both addition and multiplication, and thus the application of abelian/polynomial equations, like those found in deep learning algorithms. This project investigates how FHE with deep learning can be used at scale toward accurate sequence prediction, with a relatively low time complexity, the problems that such a system incurs, and mitigations/solutions for such problems. In addition, we discuss how this could have an impact on the future of data privacy and how it can enable data sharing across various actors in the agri-food supply chain, hence allowing the development of machine learning-based systems. Finally, we find that although FHE incurs a high spatial complexity cost, the run time is within expected reasonable bounds, while allowing for absolutely private predictions to be made, in our case for milk yield prediction with a Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of 12.4% and an accuracy of 87.6% on average.
A Mathematical Model to Control the Prevalence of a Directly and Indirectly Transmitted Disease
Authors: Cantó Begoña , Coll Carmen , Pagán Maria Jesús , Poveda Joan , Sánchez Elena
Published: October 2021

In this paper, a mathematical model to describe the spread of an infectious disease on a farm is developed. To analyze the evolution of the infection, the direct transmission from infected individuals and the indirect transmission from the bacteria accumulated in the enclosure are considered. A threshold value of population is obtained to assure the extinction of the disease. When this size of population is exceeded, two control procedures to apply at each time are proposed. For each of them, a maximum number of steps without control and reducing the prevalence of disease is obtained. In addition, a criterion to choose between both procedures is established. Finally, the results are numerically simulated for a hypothetical outbreak on a farm.