bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Planning sustainable electricity solutions for refugee settlements in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Baldi Duccio , Moner-Girona Magda , Fumagalli Elena , Fahl Fernando
Published: April 2022

An inadequate understanding of the energy needs of forcibly displaced populations is one of the main obstacles in providing sustainable and reliable energy to refugees and their host communities. Here, we provide a first-order assessment of the main factors determining the decision to deploy fully renewable mini-grids in almost 300 refugee settlements in sub-Saharan Africa. Using an energy assessment survey and publicly available traditional and earth observation data, we estimate a total electricity demand of 154 GWh yr–1. This figure includes lighting, air circulation and phone charging for 1.15 million households and the estimated demand of almost 59,000 microbusinesses and around 7,000 institutional loads. Using a set of techno-economic modelling tools, we thus compute a corresponding upper-bound total up-front cost of providing electricity access of just over US$1 billion. Deploying solar photovoltaic mini-grids instead of diesel implies avoiding greenhouse gas emissions for 2.86 MtCO2e over 20 years.
Development and application of high resolution SPEI drought dataset for Central Asia
Authors: Pyarali Karim , Peng Jian , Disse Markus , Tuo Ye
Published: April 2022

Central Asia is a data scarce region, which makes it difficult to monitor and minimize the impacts of a drought. To address this challenge, in this study, a high-resolution (5 km) Standardized Precipitation Evaporation Index (SPEI-HR) drought dataset was developed for Central Asia with different time scales from 1981–2018, using Climate Hazards group InfraRed Precipitation with Station’s (CHIRPS) precipitation and Global Land Evaporation Amsterdam Model’s (GLEAM) potential evaporation (Ep) datasets. As indicated by the results, in general, over time and space, the SPEI-HR correlated well with SPEI values estimated from coarse-resolution Climate Research Unit (CRU) gridded time series dataset. The 6-month timescale SPEI-HR dataset displayed a good correlation of 0.66 with GLEAM root zone soil moisture (RSM) and a positive correlation of 0.26 with normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) from Global Inventory Monitoring and Modelling System (GIMMS). After observing a clear agreement between SPEI-HR and drought indicators for the 2001 and 2008 drought events, an emerging hotspot analysis was conducted to identify drought prone districts and sub-basins.
Relationship between tectonic tremors and 3-D distributions of thermal structure and dehydration in the Alaska subduction zone
Authors: Iwamoto Kaya , Suenaga Nobuaki , Yoshioka Shoichi
Published: April 2022

The Alaska subduction zone is characterized by a subducting oceanic plateau, which is referred to as the Yakutat terrane. Tectonic tremors occur in this zone, and there are few volcanoes above the subducted Yakutat terrane. In this study, we performed a 3-D numerical simulation of a thermal structure associated with the simultaneous subduction of the Yakutat terrane and Pacific plate to elucidate the mechanism of tectonic tremors, which typically involve the presence of water. We calculated the water content distribution near the slab surface by using the thermal structure obtained from our simulation and phase diagrams of the hydrous minerals included in the slab. As a result, dehydration from the marine sedimentary layer and oceanic crust was observed near the area where tectonic tremors occurred. Tectonic tremors occur only in the Yakutat terrane because the marine sedimentary layer and oceanic crust are thicker there, and the total amount of water content in these layers is higher; therefore, the amount of dehydration is also higher there than in the Pacific plate. Additionally, there are few volcanoes above the subducted Yakutat terrane because little water remains within the slab beneath the volcanic chain where magma is produced.
A Mississippian (early Carboniferous) tetrapod showing early diversification of the hindlimbs
Authors: Clack Jennifer A. , Smithson Timothy R. , Ruta Marcello
Published: April 2022

The taxonomically diverse terrestrial tetrapod fauna from the late Mississippian East Kirkton Limestone includes the earliest known members of stem Amphibia and stem Amniota. Here we name and describe a new East Kirkton tetrapod with an unusual hindlimb morphology reminiscent of that of several stem- and primitive crown amniotes. It displays a unique ilium with two slender and elongate processes and a 5-digit pes with a long, stout metatarsal IV and a greatly elongate digit IV. The new taxon broadens our knowledge of East Kirkton tetrapods, adding to the remarkable diversity of their hindlimb constructions, functional specializations, locomotory modes, and adaptations to a wide variety of substrates. An unweighted character parsimony analysis places the new taxon in a polytomy alongside some other Carboniferous groups. Conversely, weighted parsimony and Bayesian analyses retrieve it among the earliest diverging stem amniotes, either as the basalmost anthracosaur or within a clade that includes alsoEldeceeonandSilvanerpeton, crownward of an array of chroniosaurs plus anthracosaurs.
High-pressure crystallography shows noble gas intervention into protein-lipid interaction and suggests a model for anaesthetic action
Authors: Melnikov Igor , Orekhov Philipp , Rulev Maksim , Kovalev Kirill , Astashkin Roman , Bratanov Dmitriy , Ryzhykau Yury , Balandin Taras , Bukhdruker Sergei , Okhrimenko Ivan , Borshchevskiy Valentin , Bourenkov Gleb , Mueller-Dieckmann Christoph , van der Linden Peter , Carpentier Philippe , Leonard Gordon , Gordeliy Valentin , Popov Alexander
Published: April 2022

In this work we examine how small hydrophobic molecules such as inert gases interact with membrane proteins (MPs) at a molecular level. High pressure atmospheres of argon and krypton were used to produce noble gas derivatives of crystals of three well studied MPs (two different proton pumps and a sodium light-driven ion pump). The structures obtained using X-ray crystallography showed that the vast majority of argon and krypton binding sites were located on the outer hydrophobic surface of the MPs – a surface usually accommodating hydrophobic chains of annular lipids (which are known structural and functional determinants for MPs). In conformity with these results, supplementary in silico molecular dynamics (MD) analysis predicted even greater numbers of argon and krypton binding positions on MP surface within the bilayer. These results indicate a potential importance of such interactions, particularly as related to the phenomenon of noble gas-induced anaesthesia.
Dynamic modulation of inequality aversion in human interpersonal negotiations
Authors: Murphy Daniel A. J. , Xie Jiaxin , Harmer Catherine J. , Browning Michael , Pulcu Erdem
Published: April 2022

Negotiating with others about how finite resources should be distributed is an important aspect of human social life. However, little is known about mechanisms underlying human social-interactive decision-making in gradually evolving environments. Here, we report results from an iterative Ultimatum Game (UG), in which the proposer’s facial emotions and offer amounts were sampled probabilistically based on the participant’s decisions. Our model-free results confirm the prediction that both the proposer’s facial emotions and the offer amount should influence acceptance rates. Model-based analyses extend these findings, indicating that participants’ decisions in the UG are guided by aversion to inequality. We highlight that the proposer’s facial affective reactions to participant decisions dynamically modulate how human decision-makers perceive self–other inequality, relaxing its otherwise negative influence on decision values. This cognitive model underlies how offers initially rejected can gradually become more acceptable under increasing affective load (predictive accuracy ~86%). Furthermore, modelling human choice behaviour isolated the role of the central arousal systems, assessed by measuring pupil size. We demonstrate that pupil-linked central arousal systems selectively encode a key component of subjective decision values: the magnitude of self–other inequality. Taken together, our results demonstrate that, under affective influence, aversion to inequality is a malleable cognitive process.
Intense atmospheric rivers can weaken ice shelf stability at the Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Wille Jonathan D. , Favier Vincent , Jourdain Nicolas C. , Kittel Christoph , Turton Jenny V. , Agosta Cécile , Gorodetskaya Irina V. , Picard Ghislain , Codron Francis , Santos Christophe Leroy-Dos , Amory Charles , Fettweis Xavier , Blanchet Juliette , Jomelli Vincent , Berchet Antoine
Published: April 2022

The disintegration of the ice shelves along the Antarctic Peninsula have spurred much discussion on the various processes leading to their eventual dramatic collapse, but without a consensus on an atmospheric forcing that could connect these processes. Here, using an atmospheric river detection algorithm along with a regional climate model and satellite observations, we show that the most intense atmospheric rivers induce extremes in temperature, surface melt, sea-ice disintegration, or large swells that destabilize the ice shelves with 40% probability. This was observed during the collapses of the Larsen A and B ice shelves during the summers of 1995 and 2002 respectively. Overall, 60% of calving events from 2000–2020 were triggered by atmospheric rivers. The loss of the buttressing effect from these ice shelves leads to further continental ice loss and subsequent sea-level rise. Under future warming projections, the Larsen C ice shelf will be at-risk from the same processes.
Multi-omics data integration approaches for precision oncology
Authors: Correa-Aguila Raidel , Alonso-Pupo Niuxia , Hernández-Rodríguez Erix W.
Published: April 2022

A combination of dimensionality reduction techniques, unsupervised and supervised data integration methods with machine learning approaches can be pivotal to extract valuable insights from multi-omics data in the field of precision oncology.
Metal–organic frameworks and their composites for fuel and chemical production via CO2 conversion and water splitting
Authors: Sonowal Karanika , Saikia Lakshi
Published: April 2022

This review is focused on the application of MOFs and their composites for the production of fuels and chemicals like hydrogen, methane, ethanol, methanol, acetic acid, and carbon monoxide, which can be used as renewable energy sources to limit the use of fossil fuels and thereby reduce global warming.
Biocompatible polymer-modified gold nanocomposites of different shapes as radiation sensitizers
Authors: Yoshida Aoi , Kitayama Yukiya , Hayakawa Natsuki , Mizukawa Yuki , Nishimura Yuya , Takano Eri , Sunayama Hirobumi , Takeuchi Toshifumi
Published: April 2022

Biocompatible polymer-modified gold nanocomposites of different shapes (nanoparticles, rods, and stars) were created to serve as radiation sensitizers. The therapeutic effect of the radiated nanostars proved to be the most effective.
Diosgenin derivatives developed from Pd(ii) catalysed dehydrogenative coupling exert an effect on breast cancer cells by abrogating their growth and facilitating apoptosis via regulating the AKT1 pathway
Authors: Dharani S. , Kalaiarasi G. , Ravi M. , Sathan Raj N. , Lynch Vincent M. , Prabhakaran R.
Published: April 2022

Pd(ii) chromone Schiff base complex catalysed the dehydrogenative coupling of diosgenin and the obtained derivatives induced apoptosis by inhibiting AKT1 signaling pathway in breast cancer cells.
Insights into the effect of citric acid on the carbon dot-mediated transport of Cd2+ through saturated porous media
Authors: Zhang Haojing , Lu Taotao , Chen Jiuyan , Zhang Qiang , Li Yanxiang , Chen Weifeng , Qi Zhichong
Published: April 2022

Carbon dots likely encounter heavy metal ions because of their wide application and inevitable release into the environment, wherein the ubiquitous low-molecular-weight organic acids may affect their co-transport behaviors in aquifer systems.
Optical sensors based on electrospun membranes – principles, applications, and prospects for chemistry and biology
Authors: Pavlova Elizaveta , Maslakova Aitsana , Prusakov Kirill , Bagrov Dmitry
Published: April 2022

Electrospun membranes are promising substrates for receptor layer immobilization in optical sensors. Either colorimetric, luminescence, or Raman scattering signal can be used to detect the analyte.
Solvent-free amide bond formation using a variety of methoxysilanes as coupling agent
Authors: Lainer Thomas , Czerny Frank , Haas Michael
Published: April 2022

A new solvent-free procedure for the formation of amide bonds without exclusion of air and moisture is described. As coupling agent tetramethoxysilane 1, hexamethoxydisilane 2 and dodecamethoxyneopentasilane 3 were used.
A targeted and efficient CDT system with photocatalytic supplement of H2O2 and hydroxyl radical production at a neutral pH
Authors: Da Xuwen , Wang Zhanhua , Jian Yao , Zhang Chao , Hou Yuanjun , Yao Yishan , Wang Xuesong , Zhou Qianxiong
Published: April 2022

BSA@Fe/Ru nanoparticles with photocatalytic supplement of H2O2 and hydroxyl radical production at a neutral pH are developed, which display efficient and selective chemodynamic therapy (CDT) activity both in vitro and in vivo.
Synthesis, structure and electrochemical properties of 3,4,5-triaryl-1,2-diphosphaferrocenes
Authors: Bezkishko Ilya A. , Zagidullin Almaz A. , Khrizanforov Mikhail N. , Gerasimova Tatiana P. , Ivshin Kamil A. , Kataeva Olga N. , Ganushevich Yulia S. , Miluykov Vasili A. , Lönnecke Peter , Hey-Hawkins Evamarie
Published: April 2022

New 3,4,5-triaryl-1,2-diphosphaferrocenes [FeCp(η5-P2C3R3)] have been extensively studied experimentally (NMR, UV-Vis, electrochemical studies, X-ray) and quantum chemically.
KNa0.78Eu0.27In3.80B12S12: a novel hexanary thioborate featuring a B12S12 cluster and diverse InSx (x = 4, 5, 6) units
Authors: Han Shan-Shan , Yu Su-Xin , Liu Wenlong , Guo Sheng-Ping
Published: April 2022

A novel thioborate KNa0.78Eu0.27In3.80B12S12 features {[In3.80B12S12]2.6−}∞ framework built by B12S12 clusters and InSx (x = 4, 5, 6) units. Its structural chemistry is well described, and compared with known compounds containing B12Q12 cluster.
Synthesis of α-trifluoromethyl sulfides through fluorosulfuration ofgem-difluoroalkenes
Authors: Song Tingting , Tung Chen-Ho , Xu Zhenghu
Published: April 2022

A new fluoro-sulfuration ofgem-difluoroalkenes is demonstrated that occurs through a nucleophilic fluorination and subsequent interrupted electrophilic sulfuration cascade.
Synthesis, structures and fluorescence properties ofgem-linked cyclic tetraphenylethylenes and cyclic hexaphenylethylenes
Authors: He Huowang , Li Jian-An , Zhang Yihuan , Idrees Sumra , Cai Jin , Li Yongying , Osuka Atsuhiro , Xu Bingjia , Jiang Hua-Wei
Published: April 2022

Five rigid macrocyclic molecules ([n]CTPEs) and [n]CHPEs) have been synthesized and their structural features were analysed by DFT calculations. [2]CTPE exhibits dual-state emission property and a long solid-state fluorescence lifetime.
Cell penetrating peptide decorated magnetic porous silicon nanorods for glioblastoma therapy and imaging
Authors: Chaix Arnaud , Griveau Audrey , Defforge Thomas , Grimal Virginie , Le Borgne Brice , Gautier Gaël , Eyer Joël
Published: April 2022

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant primary brain tumor of the central nervous system.
Heterometallic cobalt(ii) calix[6 and 8]arenes: synthesis, structure and electrochemical activity
Authors: Ignaszak Anna , Patterson Nigel , O'Brien Connor , True Allison , Elsegood Mark R. J. , Prior Timothy J. , Redshaw Carl
Published: April 2022

Reactions between p-tert-butylcalix[6 and 8]arenes and lithium or sodium reagents led to complex structures often with positional disorder. Such systems are capable of electrochemical proton reduction.
Efficient Piancatelli rearrangement on a large scale using the Zippertex technology under subcritical water conditions
Authors: Arcile Guillaume , Ouazzani Jamal , Betzer Jean-François
Published: April 2022

A series of furyl carbinols, which were directly obtained from a bio-sourced raw material, were efficiently transformed into cyclopentenone derivatives in good yields and on a large scale using the Zippertex technology under subcritical water conditions.
Timing matters: pre-assembly versus post-assembly functionalization of a polyoxovanadate–organic cuboid
Authors: Guo Ji , Liu Junrui , Cui Yingcui , Liu Chuanhong , Wang Yangming , Wang Mou , Huang Danmeng , Chen Guanying , Wang Wei , Xia Debin , Fang Xikui
Published: April 2022

Introducing functional groups at different stages in the assembly of a metal–organic cage has led to two distinct, endo-functionalized products, a result attributed to kinetic trapping in a process generally operating under thermodynamic control.
Vitamin B6 cofactor-directed fluorescent “turn-on” detection of alkaline-phosphatase activity using bovine serum albumin-functionalized Mn–ZnS quantum dots
Authors: Dhanshri Sonkeshriya , Sahoo Suban K
Published: April 2022

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was detected using bovine serum albumin (BSA)-functionalized manganese-doped zinc sulfide (Mn–ZnS) quantum dots (QDs), and the phosphate substrate was the vitamin-B6 cofactor pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP).
Recent advances of multiphoton absorption in metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Weishäupl Sebastian J. , Mayer David C. , Cui Yang , Kumar Pushpendra , Oberhofer Harald , Fischer Roland A. , Hauer Jürgen , Pöthig Alexander
Published: April 2022

Inorganic–organic hybrid materials such as metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) or coordination polymers (CPs) are of high interest in chemistry and materials science due to their modular design and versatile applicability, for example in gas storage, catalysis and sensor systems.
Mode-locking operation of an Er-doped fiber laser with (PEA)2(CsPbBr3)n−1PbBr4 perovskite saturable absorbers
Authors: Yang Song , Li Jingzhen , Li Li , Zhang Ling , Zhang Xingwang
Published: April 2022

We have synthesized high-quality 2D, quasi-2D and 3D (PEA)2(CsPbBr3)n−1PbBr4 perovskites. Stable mode-locked ultrashort pulses are generated based on these three saturable absorbers.
A comprehensive optimization strategy: potassium phytate-doped SnO2 as the electron-transport layer for high-efficiency perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhao Dengjie , Zhang Chenxi , Zhao Min , Ren Jingkun , Dai Zhen , Wu Yukun , Sun Qinjun , Cui Yanxia , Hao Yuying
Published: April 2022

Potassium phytate (PP) doped SnO2 as a highly efficient ETL was proposed for PSC.
Numerical study of low confinement spun pile to pile cap connection
Authors: Mulia Orientilize , Widjojo Adi Prakoso , Nadila Mentari
Published: April 2022

The numerical study has been conducted to investigate the behaviour of spun pile – pile cap connection based on the common practice in Indonesia. The piles manufactured in Indonesia have low confinement where the amount of transverse reinforcement is less than 20% than the minimum requirement set by ACI 318-19. The research objectives are to study the parameters that affect the behaviour of that connection. Three parameters investigated are: the connection details, the effect of concrete infill and the amount of transverse reinforcement. The typical connection of spun pile and pile cap in Indonesia is considered adequate and can perform as fixed connection since slip at connection region was not detected in the FE analysis. The embedment length is adequate to develop yield strength of the prestressed wire. By filling the hollow with the concrete it increases the connection strength by 15% whereas the strength improves more than 50% by adding 6D19 reinforced bar. Adequate confinement improves the performance of the connection at peak post-stage that affects ductility.
Analysis and design of cold-formed steel modular building frame with SCIA Engineer
Authors: Moy Jian Jun , Tan Cher Siang , Mohammad Shahrin , Tu Yong Eng
Published: April 2022

The Industrialised Building System (IBS) is a well-known construction method with many advantages for future construction. However, IBS adoption in Malaysia remains low, particularly when coldformed steel (CFS) is used. A study on structural analysis and design of a CFS container module for the IBS system is conducted. The research is comprised of two parametric studies and one comparison study. The first parametric study was carried out to determine the cost-effective model from three parameters, including module with various layouts, the strength of steel, and the size of the CFS steel section. The analysis and design results from SCIA Engineer software of the chosen model are compared with manual calculations for validation. The second parametric study was carried out with the CFS container subjected to various angles of cable-lifting during transportation and installation. From the findings, an optimised CFS container module was selected from 64 models from the SCIA Engineer analysis result. Furthermore, it is found that certain cable-lifting angles would cause excessive stresses in the CFS container module that could lead to premature failure. Thus, it is recommended that professional measures are necessary while lifting the CFS container module.
Towards automated construction for safe disposal of materials waste in the Egyptian construction industry
Authors: Ismail ElHassan Reda , El-Mahdy Ghada Mohamed , Ibrahim Ahmed Hussein , Daoud Ahmed Osama
Published: April 2022

The solid waste management (SWM) represents one of the most important challenges worldwide in the current period. Also, it contributes to large negative effect on the three aspects of sustainability which are environmental, social and economic sustainability. Approximately 50% of total annual global generated solid waste (SW) is from construction and demolition waste (CDW). The case of CDW in Egypt has become a major challenge, and Egypt encounters many challenges that obstacle the way for development of efficient SWM especially towards ensuring safe disposal of CDW. This paper aims to investigate: (1) the rising problem related to SW in Egypt showing its main causes; (2) CDW percentages in greater Cairo; (3) the unsafe disposal of CDW waste in Egypt through reviewing most recent research papers; and (4) automation in construction techniques that were previously implemented for better CDW management (CDWM). Findings and recommendations of CDWM improvement in Egypt from this study are expected to encourage research on automated construction technique towards ensuring safe disposal of CDW in Egypt which would be of great effect towards improving sustainability levels in the Egyptian construction sector.
Evaluating the methods for predicting permeability of unsaturated soils
Authors: Gao Ziyang , Chai Jinchun
Published: April 2022

The unsaturated permeability (kuns) is one of the key parameters in geotechnical and geo-environmental engineering involving unsaturated soils. To measured kuns in a matrix suction range of few Pa to thousands of kPa is time consuming and sometimes not practical. Thus, various methods for predicting the values of kuns were established, and their performances are quite different. The performance of two commonly used methods, i.e. Mualem’s method adopting Van Genuchten’s soil water characteristic curve (SWCC) (designated as MVG), and Fredlund et al.’s method (designated as FXM), have been evaluated comparing the predicted values with the measured data, which are test data from this study and the data from literature. The analysis results indicate that MVG method yielded a better prediction.
Performance of the bamboo geotextile system ‘GEOBAMTILE’ for road construction on deep soft ground
Authors: Zainuldin Nurulbaiti , Tan Ooi Kuan , Lim Ming Han
Published: April 2022

Infrastructural development faces the dilemma of attempting to construct over deep soft ground. Practical methods to support heavy engineering construction over soft ground has evolved tremendously. Proper ways to treat a depth of softness that extends to a great depth technique are pretty expensive and non-functional. Furthermore, those available methods have their practical limitation during implementation. Bamboo Geotextile System “GEOBAMTILE” is designed to solve a critical contemporary civil engineering problem of supporting hefty construction safely over deep soft subgrade without attracting excessive settlements in due course. This study aims to evaluate the performance of Geobamtile on settlement reduction. Methodology to achieve the objective of the study is by data collection from the site. The next phase continues with construction of road work and analysing the result collected. Based on this study, it is found out that the implementation of Geobamtile reducing the settlement rate of foundation effectively. Compared to the predicted settlement design, the field data result is 88mm to 100mm compare the predicted settlement for the first 100 days is 301mm to 341mm. Soil settlement reaches a relatively constant value despite an increase in backfill height. From this study it shows that Bamboo Geotextile System “Geobamtile” is effective for heavy construction over deep soft ground compare to the predicted settlement design.
Pseudo dynamic loads energy dissipation in mechanical shock absorber seismic damper
Authors: Yip Chun-Chieh , Wong Jing-Ying , Lim Su-Shen , Ooi Jie-Sheng
Published: April 2022

Earthquake tremor from neighbouring country had caused several cases of structural and non-structural damages toward the buildings in Malaysia. This issue had raised public attention about the safeness of the low-rise, mid-rise and high-rise building in the country. Buildings without proper seismic resistance design will collapse during the earth earthquake and people who could not evacuated from the building will be buried alive. Viscous Damper is one of the passive structural control systems in attenuating the seismic response on building. The damper utilized principle of fluid flow through orifices to create friction that turns the movement into heat energy to be release into atmosphere. This study is to investigate the effectiveness and behaviour of the mechanical shock absorber as damper in resisting seismic force. Three different type of dampers are being tested under 6 different loading displacement amplitude to measure the hysteresis loops and energy dissipation capability. The results showed that the extra features of the coil over in EX5 Kriss Wave damper with 17 kNmm had significantly increase the energy dissipation capability up to 5.6 time better than the lowest 3 kNmm APIDO type damper.
Stochastic seismic response of building with shape memory alloy damper
Authors: Kashyap Shubham , Upadhyaya Sonali , Gur Sourav
Published: April 2022

The present study focuses on the estimation of response of building structure supplemented with the superelastic shape memory alloy (SMA) damper under the stochastic seismic excitation. To this end, the stochastic response has been determined using the stochastic linearization method under random earthquakes and the control efficiency of the SMA damper is compared with the yield damper. As the response output, top floor root mean square (rms) acceleration and displacement are presented here in this study. Response analysis results show the presence of optimal values of damper strength which minimizes the responses. As observed, in this optimal condition of damper strength, compared to the yield damper, the SMA damper provided 17 % and 49 % improvements in the values of top floor rms acceleration and displacement. In the end, the parametric study has been performed under the varying strength and stiffness of the damper, time period of the structure, and earthquake excitation to establish the superior control efficiency of SMA damper over yield damper.
Prediction of floodwater impacts on vehicle blockages at bridges using artificial neural network
Authors: Puvanasvaran Hari Prahlad , Lim Xue Pin , Arumugasamy Senthil Kumar , Selvarajoo Anurita , Teo Fang Yenn
Published: April 2022

During extreme flood events, various debris like floating vehicles can block the bridges in urban rivers and floodplains. Blockage of vehicles can influence the floodwater hydrodynamics and potentially on the flood risk implications. Such obstructions often raise upstream water levels with back water effects, causing more water to be redirected into nearby metropolitan areas. This study attempts at evaluating artificial neural network (ANN) model in predicting the variations in floodwater depths and velocities along the channel centreline based on the changes in flowrate and distances from the inlet. The floodwater depth and velocity variations were obtained for three different types of bridges at specified sites along the channel centreline with three incoming discharges. A multilayer feedforward neural network (FFNN) model was used to investigate the effects of discharge (Q) and distance, on depth variation rate (D) or velocity (V). Additionally, a comparison study was done between 2 input 1 output and 2 input 2 output i.e. single output (depth variation rate (D) or velocity (V) versus multi-output depth variation rate (D) and velocity (V) for all the three models of bridges that are blocked by vehicles. The study has applied 12 training algorithms (TA) in the ANN modelling to optimize the TA that is most suitable for the dataset of three different bridges. The optimization is based on the performance criterion namely regression (R), mean squared error (MSE), mean absolute error (MAE), mean absolute percentage (MAPE), accuracy and coefficient of determinant (R2). Bayesian regularization backpropagation (BR) training algorithm gives a highest accuracy when compared in all three bridges. The scenario 2 input 2 output gave greatest accuracy results compared to 2 input 1 output. The findings showed a reliable estimation of significant impacts on the flow propagations and the hydrodynamic processes along rivers and floodplains. This study can help the decision makers in effective river and floodplain management practices.
Verification of the selected thermal comfort model in real and simulated conditions
Authors: Białek Anita , Dębska Luiza
Published: April 2022

The article below aims to analyze the feeling of thermal comfort model in real and simulated conditions. The research and survey were carried out on a group of students in the lecture hall, “Energis” intelligent building, Kielce University of Technology. The respondents assessed thermal impressions in real situation. In the climate chamber, the climatic room quality were simulated. Particular attention was paid to temperature and humidity, which were set at the same values as in the room. Two comfort states were compared, and the results are presented in individual charts. Based on the tests, it can be stated the Fanger model is not accurate in describing thermal sensations of people – especially in the case of simulated (laboratory) conditions.
Temporal analysis for multi-hazard risk assessment of rice cultivation in coastal areas: a case study of Soc Trang, Vietnam
Authors: Thanh Vo Quoc , Trung Nguyen Hieu , Linh Vo Thi Phuong
Published: April 2022

Rice is an important human crop and rice cultivation is threatened due to natural disasters, leading to negative effects on national and global food security. Natural disasters, such as tropical cyclones and saline intrusion, have dramatic influences in coastal regions. To investigate possible impacts of these disasters on rice cultivation, it needs an efficient tool to assess potential disaster impacts and a risk index is highly applicable. Therefore, this study aims at establishing a risk assessment of rice production in coastal areas under the effects of tropical cyclones and saline intrusion. We adopted the risk definition introduced by [1] in which risk is a function of hazard, exposure and, vulnerability. Multiple hazards of tropical cyclones and saline intrusion were indicated by their frequency and severity at some critical levels of 25%, 50% and, >50% rice yield reduction. Each hazard was weighted by its damage to rice yield. The exposure and vulnerability of rice crops are evaluated at different growing phases. The tropical cyclone hazard index was ranked high and very high in the wet season while the salinity hazard index was ranked very high in the dry season. Due to the combined effects of tropical cyclones and salinity, rice crop is highly susceptible during the reproduction phase and at the panicle initiation stage particularly. Based on the cropping calendar of My Xuyen, the period of October-November was the very high vulnerability period since it had the largest rice cultivable area and rice crops were at the reproduction phase. This result shows that rice crops are at high risk in October and November. Noticeably, saline intrusion reaches the highest level in April and May, but no risk is at this period because of no rice crop cultivated. This can reflect a measure to reduce risk by adjusting the cropping calendar.
Flood risk assessment at Tundzha river basin, Bulgaria
Authors: Velichkova Rositsa , Angelova Radostina A. , Simova Iskra
Published: April 2022

Tundzha River is the third greatest river in Bulgaria and the largest tributary of the fourth largest river in the country, the Maritsa River. The risks for flood events in the Tundzha River basin was assessed based on the characteristics of the river basin and the main causes of floods as sources and mechanisms. The populated places at the highest risks of flood events were identified. The risk forecasting for the city of Yambol, the largest city on the river’s banks, was also presented in the case of floods with different heights of the wave. It was found that flooding in the Bulgarian side of the Tundzha River basin could be caused mostly by high river water levels due to severe rainfall or the rapid melting of huge amounts of snow.
Development of regional climate model for Hyogo prefecture, Japan using statistical downscaling method on CanESM2 RCP2.6, 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios
Authors: Ng Pei Yee , Tan Kok Weng , Oishi Satoru
Published: April 2022

For decades, climate models have been used to understand the present and historical climates, especially global climate models (GCMs). They are used to understand the interaction between climate system processes and forecast future climates. However, the issue of low resolution and accuracy often lead to inadequacy in capturing the variations in climate variables related to impact assessment. In order to capture the local climate changes in Hyogo Prefecture, a regional climate modelling based on Second Generation Canadian Earth System Model (CanESM2) was applied using the statistical downscaling technique. Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 2.6, 4.5 and 8.5 were used in generating future climate models. The reliability of three models was tested with linear regression, Pearson correlation, probability density function (PDF) and Cronbach Alpha. A moderate relationship between rainfall data and RCP4.5 was found in all chosen stations. Spatial analysis outcome showed that there is a possibility of decreased annual rainfall in the North-eastern (which city/town) and South-western (which city/town?) regions in Hyogo Prefecture.
Merkelzellkarzinom
Authors: Schultz Erwin S.
Published: April 2022

Das Merkelzellkarzinom ist ein aggressiver neuroendokriner Tumor, welcher durch schnelles Wachstum und frühzeitige Metastasierung charakterisiert ist. Das mediane Erkrankungsalter liegt zwischen 75–80 Jahren. Mit Zunahme des durchschnittlichen Bevölkerungsalters tritt der einstmals seltene Tumor immer häufiger auf. Neben den klassischen Therapiesäulen Chirurgie, Strahlentherapie und Chemotherapie spielt die Immunonkologie auch beim Merkelzellkarzinom eine zunehmend wichtige Rolle.
Evidenz in der lokalen Therapie chronischer Wunden: Was ist gesichert?
Authors: Stürmer Ewa Klara , Dissemond Joachim
Published: April 2022

Chronische Wunden sind ein komplexes Symptom verschiedener Grunderkrankungen. Sie können bspw. vaskulärer, metabolischer oder immunologischer Genese sein. Auch wenn die Therapie dieser Grunderkrankungen im Vordergrund steht und zielführend ist, so beeinflussen diese Wunden die Lebensqualität der einzelnen Patienten oder Patientinnen stark. Zur Lokaltherapie chronischer Wunden steht ein breites Portfolio an Möglichkeiten zur Verfügung. Anders als in anderen Bereichen der Medizin ist die Evidenz für die verschiedenen Lokaltherapeutika meist gering. Deshalb rücken Experten-Empfehlungen und Leitlinien an ihre Stelle, die sinnvolle Behandlungspfade aufzeigen. Die wichtigsten Fragestellungen in der täglichen Praxis betreffen die Wahl und Effektivität der Wundspülung und des Wunddebridements, das Exsudatmanagement, den Einsatz von antimikrobiellen Wirkstoffen in Lösungen und Wundauflagen, die Unterdruck-Wundtherapie (NPWT) und die Indikationsstellung zur Kompressionstherapie. Trotz des Mangels an Evidenz folgt die Behandlung chronischer Wunde einigen grundlegenden Prinzipien, die im folgenden Artikel inklusive der dazugehörigen Behandlungsempfehlungen dargestellt werden.
Maligne Adnextumoren der Haut
Authors: Saternus Roman , Vogt Thomas
Published: April 2022

Neoplasien der Hautadnexe (benigne oder maligne) können zum einen von den Talgdrüsen oder Haarfollikel ausgehen, zum andern auch eine Differenzierung Richtung ekkriner oder apokriner Schweißdrüsen zeigen. Auch Mischformen können vorkommen. Maligne Adnextumoren entstehen i. d. R. de novo. Dennoch ist auch die maligne Entartung einer vorbestehenden benignen Läsion möglich.

Maligne Adnextumoren der Haut sind im Vergleich zu anderen nicht-melanozytären Hauttumoren insgesamt eine eher seltene Entität. Jedoch zeigt sich, dass die Inzidenz von malignen Adnextumoren in den letzten Jahren zugenommen hat. Ähnlich wie bei anderen Hautkrebsarten sind auch bei malignen Adnextumoren das Alter, UV-Strahlung und Immunsuppression wichtige Risikofaktoren der Tumorgenese.

Da sich die Klinik sowohl von malignen als auch benignen Adnextumoren mit Ausnahme des Morbus Paget oftmals ähneln kann und wenig spezifisch ist, kommt der Histopathologie für die korrekte Diagnosestellung eine entscheidende Bedeutung zu.

Gemäß der Literatur sind die häufigsten malignen Adnextumore das Talgdrüsenkarzinom (23 %), der extramammäre Morbus Paget (19 %), das Hidradenokarzinom (15 %), das Porokarzinom (7 %) sowie das mikrozystische Adnexkarzinom (MAC) (5 %). Während manche Vertreter prognostisch mit einem Basalzellkarzinom vergleichbar sind (MAC), sind andere durchaus metastasierungsfähig vergleichbar den Plattenepithelkarzinomen (Talgdrüsenkarzinom, Porokarzinom). Andere Vertreter heben sich hier prognostisch besonders negativ ab mit hoher Lokalrezidivquote und Metastasierung, z. B. das Hidradenokarzinom.

Dieser Übersichtsartikel fokussiert sich auf diese 5 relativ häufigen Adnex-Malignome, die prognostisch auch die gegebene Streubreite wiedergeben und die Erfordernis einer den jeweiligen Besonderheiten geschuldeten klinischen Versorgung und Nachbetreuung unterstreichen.
A scoring system to support surgical decision-making for cardial submucosal tumors
Authors: Geng Zi-Han , Zhu Yan , Chen Wei-Feng , Chen Shi-Yao , Zhong Yun-Shi , Zhang Yi-Qun , Ma Li-Li , Qin Wen-Zheng , Hu Jian-Wei , Cai Ming-Yan , Yao Li-Qing , Li Quan-Lin , Zhou Ping-Hong
Published: April 2022

Background and study aims Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER) and non-tunneling techniques are two alternative options for the treatment of cardial submucosal tumors (SMTs). We aimed to establish a regression model and develop a simple scoring system (Zhongshan Tunnel Score) to help clinicians make surgical decisions for cardial submucosal tumors.

Patients and methods A total of 246 patients who suffered cardial SMTs and received endoscopic resection were included in this study. All of them were randomized into either the training cohort (n = 147) or the internal validation cohort (n = 99). Then, the scoring system was proposed based on multivariate logistic regression analysis in the training cohort and assessed in the validation cohort.

Results Of 246 patients, 97 were treated with STER and the others with non-tunneling endoscopic resection. In the training stage, four factors were weighted with points based on the β coefficient from the regression model, including irregular morphology (–2 points), ulcer (2 points), the direction of the gastroscope (–2 points for forward direction and 1 point for reverse direction), and originating from the muscularis propria (–2 points). The patients were categorized into low-score (< –4), medium-score (–4 to –3) and high-score (> –3) groups, and those with low scores were more likely to be treated with STER. Our score model performed satisfying discriminatory power in internal validation (Area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve, 0.829; 95 % confidence interval, 0.694–0.964) and goodness-of-fit in the Hosmer-Lemeshow test (P = .4721).

Conclusions This scoring system could provide clinicians the references for making decisions about the treatment of cardial submucosal tumors.
Does endoscopic mean safer? A comparison of the short-term safety of endoscopic versus laparoscopic bariatric therapies
Authors: Fayad Lea , Schweitzer Michael , Itani Mohamad , Farha Jad , Hedjoudje Abdellah , Badurdeen Dilhana , Kumbhari Vivek
Published: April 2022

Background and study aims There is minimal research on real-world, large-volume data comparing endoscopic bariatric therapy (EBT) to laparoscopic bariatric therapy (LBT). This study aimed to compare 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality outcomes of primary EBT vs LBT using the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program.

Patients and methods Patients aged 18 to 80 with body mass index (BMI) 35 to 40 kg/m2 undergoing primary procedures were included. Propensity score matching 1:50 was performed for EBT versus LBT based on age, sex, and BMI.

Results We matched 211 EBTs with 9,059 LBTs. Operative length (63.9, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 57.9, 69.8 versus 81.1, 95 % CI: 80.1, 82.1) and length of stay (0.49 days, 95 % CI: 0.29, 0.69 versus 1.43 days, 95 % CI: 1.41, 1.45) were significantly lower in the EBT group than the LBT group. There was no difference between EBT and LBT in the odds of readmission (odds ratio [OR] = 0.31, 95 % CI: 0.08, 1.25), reoperation (OR = 0.39, 95 % CI: 0.05, 2.84), or reintervention (OR = 0.98, 95 % CI: 0.24, 3.99). After controlling for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep apnea, history of myocardial infarction, hypertension requiring medications, and diabetes, EBT continued to be associated with lower odds of having any adverse event (AE) than LBT, with an OR of 0.34 (95 % CI: 0.16, 0.69). Subgroup analysis comparing EBT to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) showed that EBT was associated with a lower risk having any AE than LSG, with an OR of 0.39 (95 % CI: 0.19, 0.79).

Conclusions EBT is associated with a lower 30-day AE rate and shorter procedural length and length of stay than LBT, with similar rates of readmission, reintervention, and reoperation.
Surveillance of Barrett’s esophagus using wide-area transepithelial sampling: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Qumseya Bashar , Bukannan Aymen , Rosasco Robyn , Liu Xiuli , Qumseya Amira
Published: April 2022

Background and study aims Wide-area transepithelial sampling (WATS) is an emerging technique that may increase dysplasia detection in Barrett’s esophagus (BE). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of patients who underwent surveillance for BE assessing the additional yield of WATS to forceps biopsy (FB).

Methods We searched Pubmed, Embase, Web of science, and the Cochrane library, ending in January 2021. The primary outcomes of interest were the relative and absolute increase in dysplasia detection when adding WATS to FB. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2
and Q statistic. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and classic fail-safe test.

Results A total of seven studies were included totaling 2,816 patients. FB identified 158 dysplasia cases, whereas WATS resulted in an additional 114 cases. The pooled risk ratio (RR) of all dysplasia detection was 1.7 (1.43–2.03), P < 0.001, I
2 = 0. For high-grade dysplasia (HGD), the pooled RR was 1.88 (1.28–2.77), P = 0.001, I
2 = 33 %. The yield of WATS was dependent on the prevalence of dysplasia in the study population. Among studies with high rates of dysplasia, the absolute increase in dysplasia detection (risk difference, RD) was 13 % (8 %-18 %, P < 0.0001, number needed to treat [NNT] = 8). The pooled RD in HGD was 9 % (2 %-16 %), P < 0.001, NNT = 11. For studies with a low prevalence of dysplasia, RD for all dysplasia was 2 % (1 %-3 %), P = 0.001, NNT = 50. For HGD, the RD was 0.6 % (0.2 %-1.3 %), P = 0.019, NNT = 166.

Conclusions In populations with a high prevalence of dysplasia, adding WATS to FB results in a significant increase in dysplasia detection.
Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions to Single and Simultaneous Tone Pairs
Authors: Schairer Kim S. , Clukey Christopher , Gould Herbert Jay
Published: April 2022

Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) evoked by single tone pairs and three simultaneous tone pairs were recorded in 60 normal-hearing adult ears. The purpose was to replicate a previous study using the commercially available probe assembly of the Grason Stadler GSI 60 and including ear of presentation in the statistical analysis along with frequency and condition. DPOAE levels were comparable between ears and conditions, although differences among frequencies were found. Noise levels were comparable between ears and tended to increase with increases in frequency for both conditions. The latter trend was not noted with the previous study and may be due to differences in the probe assembly and/or test environment. Further, noise levels were significantly greater at 2000 and 8000 Hz in the simultaneous condition. Caution should be exercised when interpreting results in the simultaneous condition because not all frequencies may have optimal signal-to-noise ratios when the test is terminated.

Abbreviations: ANOVA = analysis of variance, DPOAE = distortion product otoacoustic emission, OHC = outer hair cell