bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Healthcare Providers’ Knowledge of Value-Based Care in Germany: An Adapted, Mixed-Methods Approach
Authors: Kuck Axel , Kinscher Kristian , Fehring Leonard , Hildebrandt Helmut , Doerner Johannes , Lange Jonas , Truebel Hubert , Boehme Philip , Bade Celina , Mondritzki Thomas
Published: July 2022

Background: Value-Based Care (VBC) is being discussed to provide better outcomes to patients, with an aim to reimburse healthcare providers (HCPs) based on the quality of care they deliver. Little is known about German HCPs’ knowledge of VBC. This study aims to investigate the knowledge of HCPs of VBC and to identify potential needs for further education toward implementation of VBC in Germany. Methods: For evidence generation, we performed a literature search and conducted an online survey among HCPs at 89 hospitals across Germany. The questionnaire was based on published evidence and co-developed with an expert panel using a mixed methods approach. Results: We found HCPs to believe that VBC is more applicable in surgery than internal medicine and that well-defined cycles of care are essential for its application. HCPs believe that VBC can reduce health care costs significantly. However, they also assume that implementing VBC will be challenging. Conclusions: The concept in general is well perceived, however, HCPs do not want to participate in any financial risk sharing. Installing an authority/independent agency that measures achieved value, digital transformation, and that improves the transition between the inpatient and the outpatient sectors are top interests of HCPs.
Achievement Goals across Persistence—Validation of the Spanish Version of the Motivational Persistence Scale
Authors: Quintana Iñaki , Barriopedro Maria Isabel , Ruiz Perez Luis Miguel
Published: July 2022

Background: An important aspect of achievement goals is the persistence and determination that the person possesses in order to achieve it. Spain does not have an adequate instrument for its measurement. First, this article had the aim of adapt and validate the Motivational Persistence Scale of Constantin et al. in a Spanish population and athletes. Second, it had the aim of prove the relationship with deliberate practice and performance. Methods: In this study, 384 university students participated, where the factor structure was analyzed by means of a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). In study 2 of 169 athletes was used to confirm its validity in a homogeneous population and its predictive capacity on the hours of deliberate practice (DP) and performance. Results: The AFC showed a two-factor structure, reducing the original three-factor structure, presenting a good fit in both Spanish and homogeneous population of athletes and achieving a significant predictive capacity on deliberate practice. The new dimensions were Purpose Pursuing (PP) and Recurrence of Unattained Purposes (RUP). Conclusions: Overall, our results provide evidence that this scale could be a useful tool for the assessment of Persistence in the Spanish adult and athlete population.
Urinary Metabolites of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Firefighters: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hwang Jooyeon , Xu Chao , Grunsted Paul , Agnew Robert J. , Malone Tara R. , Clifton Shari , Thompson Krista , Xu Xin
Published: July 2022

Firefighters are intermittently exposed to complex, mixed pollutants in random settings. Of those pollutants, PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) are the most commonly studied and best understood. PAH exposure can occur via multiple routes; therefore, the levels of hydroxylated metabolites of PAHs in urine have been used as a biomonitoring tool for risk assessment. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature to estimate the levels of urinary hydroxylated PAH (OHPAH) among firefighters, determine risk attributions, and, finally, evaluate the scope of preventive efforts and their utility as diagnostic tools. The meta-regression confirmed increases in OHPAH concentrations after fire activities by up to 1.71-times (p-values: <0.0001). Samples collected at a time point of 2–4 h after a fire suppression showed a consistent, statistically significant pattern as compared with baseline samples. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard 1582 Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments lists various health examinations, including a urinalysis for occupational chemical exposure if indicated and medical screening for cancers and cardiovascular diseases. Biomonitoring is a valuable screening tool for assessing occupational exposure and the results of this meta-analysis support their inclusion in regular health screenings for firefighters.
Clustering of Environmental Parameters and the Risk of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Koo Geraldine P. Y. , Zheng Huili , Pek Pin Pin , Hughes Fintan , Lim Shir Lynn , Yeo Jun Wei , Ong Marcus E. H. , Ho Andrew F. W.
Published: July 2022

The association between days with similar environmental parameters and cardiovascular events is unknown. We investigate the association between clusters of environmental parameters and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) risk in Singapore. Using k-means clustering and conditional Poisson models, we grouped calendar days from 2010 to 2015 based on rainfall, temperature, wind speed and the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) and compared the incidence rate ratios (IRR) of AMI across the clusters using a time-stratified case-crossover design. Three distinct clusters were formed with Cluster 1 having high wind speed, Cluster 2 high rainfall, and Cluster 3 high temperature and PSI. Compared to Cluster 1, Cluster 3 had a higher AMI incidence with IRR 1.04 (95% confidence interval 1.01–1.07), but no significant difference was found between Cluster 1 and Cluster 2. Subgroup analyses showed that increased AMI incidence was significant only among those with age ≥65, male, non-smokers, non-ST elevation AMI (NSTEMI), history of hyperlipidemia and no history of ischemic heart disease, diabetes or hypertension. In conclusion, we found that AMI incidence, especially NSTEMI, is likely to be higher on days with high temperature and PSI. These findings have public health implications for AMI prevention and emergency health services delivery during the seasonal Southeast Asian transboundary haze.
Occupational Exposure among Electronic Repair Workers in Ghana
Authors: Eriksen Hammer Stine , Dorn Stephen L. , Dartey Emmanuel , Berlinger Balázs , Thomassen Yngvar , Ellingsen Dag G.
Published: July 2022

Electronic repair workers may be exposed to lead, mercury, cadmium and other elements including rare earth elements used in electronic equipment. In this study, repair work took place in small repair shops where, e.g., televisions, radios, video players, compact discs and computers were repaired. Personal full-shift air samples of particulate matter were collected among 64 electronic repair workers in Kumasi (Ghana) and analysed for 29 elements by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results showed that air concentrations of all elements were low. The highest air concentration was measured for iron with a geometric mean concentration and geometric standard deviation of 6.3 ± 0.001 µg/m3. The corresponding concentration of Pb and Hg were 157 ± 3 ng/m3 and 0.2 ± 2.7 ng/m3, respectively. The cerium concentration of 5 ± 2 ng/m3 was the highest among the rare earth elements. Source apportionment with ranked principal component analysis indicated that 63% of the variance could be explained by the repair and soldering of electronic components such as batteries, magnets, displays and printed circuit boards. An association between concentrations of lead in the workroom air and lead in whole blood was found (Pearson’s correlation coefficient r = 0.42, p < 0.001). There was, however, no statistically significant difference between whole blood lead concentrations in the workers and references indicating that lead did not exclusively originate from occupational exposure.
A Tester to Evaluate the Correct Placement of Earplugs
Authors: Kozlowski Emil , Mlynski Rafal , Morzynski Leszek , Swidzinski Adam
Published: July 2022

The use of hearing protection devices is one possible way of reducing the negative impact of noise on hearing. However, it is important to keep in mind that only properly used hearing protection devices provide adequate hearing protection. The aim of this article is to describe a newly developed tester to verify the correct placement of earplugs in the ear canal. This tester was developed using easily accessible and low-cost components. It implements the real-ear attenuation at threshold (REAT) method by which the sound attenuation of hearing protection devices is determined. The headphones with a greater low-frequency attenuation value were selected for use in the tester. The results of the sound attenuation measurement performed with the use of the tester did not differ by more than 5 dB compared to the measurements performed with the use of the Norsonic NOR838 system dedicated to this purpose. The developed tester is considered to be a device that will obtain reliable sound attenuation values. Thus, it can also be used as a device with which the correct placement of earplugs in the ear canal can be assessed.
The Effect of Copper and Copper Oxide Nanoparticles on Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss W.) Spermatozoa Motility after Incubation with Contaminants
Authors: Garncarek Małgorzata , Dziewulska Katarzyna , Kowalska-Góralska Monika
Published: July 2022

The study aimed to analyse the effect of copper nanoparticles of similar particle size of Cu and CuO and copper ions (CuSO4) on the motility parameters of rainbow trout spermatozoa after long-term exposure and compare its harmful effect. Nanoproducts of Cu and CuO (Cu NPs, CuO NPs) of primary particle size around 50 nm and ionic solution of CuSO4 were used for the study. Suspension of concentrations 0, 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 mg Cu·L−1 of Cu NPs, CuO NPs, and CuSO4 was dissolved in an artificial seminal plasma. Milt was mixed with the prepared solution and stored in a fridge, at 6 °C, for 96 h. At the defined incubation time, spermatozoa were activated for movement, and six motility parameters were evaluated using an automated system (CASA). Increasing concentrations of Cu NPs, CuO NPs, and CuSO4 in an incubation medium in parallel decreased the percentage of motile sperm (MOT). The effect of Cu NPs and ionic copper on MOT was more deleterious than that of CuO NPs. Copper products slightly increased the velocity (VCL) compared to the control, particularly up to 24 h of storage. Linearity (LIN) was improved by three tested products, particularly CuO NPs. Generally, the motility duration was prolonged when the sperm was incubated with copper products compared to the control. Nanoproducts made from different compounds of the same elements of similar particle size have a different effect on cells. Cu NPs were more harmful than CuO NPs. The effect of Cu NPs was similar to an ionic form of CuSO4. When incubated, the copper nanoproducts and ionic form exert a slightly positive effect on spermatozoa velocity, linearity, and motility duration, particularly up to 24 h of storage.
Intensity Characteristics and Multi-Scenario Projection of Land Use and Land Cover Change in Hengyang, China
Authors: Deng Zhiwei , Quan Bin
Published: July 2022

Intensity Analysis has generally been applied as a top-bottom hierarchical accounting method to understand regional dynamic characteristics of land use and land cover (LULC) change. Given the inconvenience of transition level in the detailed and overall presentation of various category transitions at multiple intervals, a novel transition pattern is proposed to represent the transition’s size and intensity and to intuitively identify the stationary mode of transition, which helps the transition level to connect to the mode with the process. Intensity Analysis was conducted to communicate the transition between LULC categories in Hengyang from 1980 to 2015. The patch-generating land use simulation (PLUS) model was employed for multi-scenario projection from 2015 to 2045. From 1980 to 2015, 2005 was a significant turning point in the speed of LULC change in Hengyang, and the change rate after this time point was three times that before the time point. The gain of built-up and bare, and the loss of cultivated was always active. The reason for the large loss of forest is that forest comprises the largest proportion of Hengyang. The loss of cultivated and the loss of forest contributing to the built-up’s gain is much larger, but the mechanism behind the transition differed. A stationary targeting transition mode from cultivated to built-up in Hengyang was detected. The PLUS model confirmed that the area of forest, cultivated and grass will reduce, and the rate of decrease will slow down in the future, while water areas will slightly increase. Our work enriches the methodology of Intensity Analysis and provides a scientific reference for the sustainable development and management of land resources in Hengyang.
GeoAI for Large-Scale Image Analysis and Machine Vision: Recent Progress of Artificial Intelligence in Geography
Authors: Li Wenwen , Hsu Chia-Yu
Published: July 2022

GeoAI, or geospatial artificial intelligence, has become a trending topic and the frontier for spatial analytics in Geography. Although much progress has been made in exploring the integration of AI and Geography, there is yet no clear definition of GeoAI, its scope of research, or a broad discussion of how it enables new ways of problem solving across social and environmental sciences. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of GeoAI research used in large-scale image analysis, and its methodological foundation, most recent progress in geospatial applications, and comparative advantages over traditional methods. We organize this review of GeoAI research according to different kinds of image or structured data, including satellite and drone images, street views, and geo-scientific data, as well as their applications in a variety of image analysis and machine vision tasks. While different applications tend to use diverse types of data and models, we summarized six major strengths of GeoAI research, including (1) enablement of large-scale analytics; (2) automation; (3) high accuracy; (4) sensitivity in detecting subtle changes; (5) tolerance of noise in data; and (6) rapid technological advancement. As GeoAI remains a rapidly evolving field, we also describe current knowledge gaps and discuss future research directions.
Pre-Omicron Vaccine Breakthrough Infection Induces Superior Cross-Neutralization against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1 Compared to Infection Alone
Authors: da Silva Eveline Santos , Kohnen Michel , Gilson Georges , Staub Therese , Arendt Victor , Hilger Christiane , Servais Jean-Yves , Charpentier Emilie , Domingues Olivia , Snoeck Chantal J. , Ollert Markus , Seguin-Devaux Carole , Perez-Bercoff Danielle
Published: July 2022

SARS-CoV-2 variants raise concern because of their high transmissibility and their ability to evade neutralizing antibodies elicited by prior infection or by vaccination. Here, we compared the neutralizing abilities of sera from 70 unvaccinated COVID-19 patients infected before the emergence of variants of concern (VOCs) and of 16 vaccine breakthrough infection (BTI) cases infected with Gamma or Delta against the ancestral B.1 strain, the Gamma, Delta and Omicron BA.1 VOCs using live virus. We further determined antibody levels against the Nucleocapsid (N) and full Spike proteins, the receptor-binding domain (RBD) and the N-terminal domain (NTD) of the Spike protein. Convalescent sera featured considerable variability in the neutralization of B.1 and in the cross-neutralization of different strains. Their neutralizing capacity moderately correlated with antibody levels against the Spike protein and the RBD. All but one convalescent serum failed to neutralize Omicron BA.1. Overall, convalescent sera from patients with moderate disease had higher antibody levels and displayed a higher neutralizing ability against all strains than patients with mild or severe forms of the disease. The sera from BTI cases fell into one of two categories: half the sera had a high neutralizing activity against the ancestral B.1 strain as well as against the infecting strain, while the other half had no or a very low neutralizing activity against all strains. Although antibody levels against the spike protein and the RBD were lower in BTI sera than in unvaccinated convalescent sera, most neutralizing sera also retained partial neutralizing activity against Omicron BA.1, suggestive of a better cross-neutralization and higher affinity of vaccine-elicited antibodies over virus-induced antibodies. Accordingly, the IC50: antibody level ratios were comparable for BTI and convalescent sera, but remained lower in the neutralizing convalescent sera from patients with moderate disease than in BTI sera. The neutralizing activity of BTI sera was strongly correlated with antibodies against the Spike protein and the RBD. Together, these findings highlight qualitative differences in antibody responses elicited by infection in vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. They further indicate that breakthrough infection with a pre-Omicron variant boosts immunity and induces cross-neutralizing antibodies against different strains, including Omicron BA.1.
Nonsubjective Assessment of Shape, Volume and Symmetry during Breast Augmentation with Handheld 3D Device
Authors: Li Zhouxiao , Schenck Thilo , Giunta Riccardo , Etzel Lucas , Koban Konstantin
Published: July 2022

Three-dimensional Surface Imaging (3DSI) has become a valuable tool for planning and documenting surgical procedures. Although surface scanners have allowed for a better understanding of breast shape, size, and asymmetry during patient consultation, its use has not been included in intraoperative assessment so far. Validation of the reliability of the intraoperative use of a portable handheld 3DSI equipment as a tool to evaluate morphological changes during breast augmentation surgery. The patients who underwent bilateral subpectoral breast augmentation through an inframammary incision were included in this study. Intraoperative 3DSI was performed with the Artec Eva device, allowing for visualization of the surgical area before incision, after use of breast sizers and implant, and after wound closure. Intraoperatively manual measurements of breast distances and volume changes due to known sizer and implant volumes were in comparison with digital measurements calculated from 3DSI of the surgical area. Bilateral breasts of 40 patients were 3D photographed before incision and after suture successfully. A further 108 implant sizer uses were digitally documented. There was no significant difference between manual tape measurement and digital breast distance measurement. Pre- to postoperative 3D volume change showed no significant difference to the known sizer and implant volume.
Evolution of European Resuscitation and End-of-Life Practices from 2015 to 2019: A Survey-Based Comparative Evaluation
Authors: Mentzelopoulos Spyros D. , Couper Keith , Raffay Violetta , Djakow Jana , Bossaert Leo
Published: July 2022

Background: In concordance with the results of large, observational studies, a 2015 European survey suggested variation in resuscitation/end-of-life practices and emergency care organization across 31 countries. The current survey-based study aimed to comparatively assess the evolution of practices from 2015 to 2019, especially in countries with “low” (i.e., average or lower) 2015 questionnaire domain scores. Methods: The 2015 questionnaire with additional consensus-based questions was used. The 2019 questionnaire covered practices/decisions related to end-of-life care (domain A); determinants of access to resuscitation/post-resuscitation care (domain B); diagnosis of death/organ donation (domain C); and emergency care organization (domain D). Responses from 25 countries were analyzed. Positive or negative responses were graded by 1 or 0, respectively. Domain scores were calculated by summation of practice-specific response grades. Results: Domain A and B scores for 2015 and 2019 were similar. Domain C score decreased by 1 point [95% confidence interval (CI): 1–3; p = 0.02]. Domain D score increased by 2.6 points (95% CI: 0.2–5.0; p = 0.035); this improvement was driven by countries with “low” 2015 domain D scores. In countries with “low” 2015 domain A scores, domain A score increased by 5.5 points (95% CI: 0.4–10.6; p = 0.047). Conclusions: In 2019, improvements in emergency care organization and an increasing frequency of end-of-life practices were observed primarily in countries with previously “low” scores in the corresponding domains of the 2015 questionnaire.
The Emerging Role of Combined Brain/Heart Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Evaluation of Brain/Heart Interaction in Heart Failure
Authors: Markousis-Mavrogenis George , Noutsias Michel , Rigopoulos Angelos G. , Giannakopoulou Aikaterini , Gatzonis Stergios , Pons Roser Maria , Papavasiliou Antigoni , Vartela Vasiliki , Bonou Maria , Kolovou Genovefa , Aggeli Constantina , Christidi Aikaterini , Bacopoulou Flora , Tousoulis Dimitris , Mavrogeni Sophie
Published: July 2022

Heart failure (HF) patients frequently develop brain deficits that lead to cognitive dysfunction (CD), which may ultimately also affect survival. There is an important interaction between brain and heart that becomes crucial for survival in patients with HF. Our aim was to review the brain/heart interactions in HF and discuss the emerging role of combined brain/heart magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation. A scoping review of published literature was conducted in the PubMed EMBASE (OVID), Web of Science, Scopus and PsycInfo databases. Keywords for searches included heart failure, brain lesion, brain, cognitive, cognitive dysfunction, magnetic resonance imaging cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging electroencephalogram, positron emission tomography and echocardiography. CD testing, the most commonly used diagnostic approach, can identify neither subclinical cases nor the pathophysiologic background of CD. A combined brain/heart MRI has the capability of diagnosing brain/heart lesions at an early stage and potentially facilitates treatment. Additionally, valuable information about edema, fibrosis and cardiac remodeling, provided with the use of cardiovascular magnetic resonance, can improve HF risk stratification and treatment modification. However, availability, familiarity with this modality and cost should be taken under consideration before final conclusions can be drawn. Abnormal CD testing in HF patients is a strong motivating factor for applying a combined brain/heart MRI to identify early brain/heart lesions and modify risk stratification accordingly.
Does Ionized Magnesium Offer a Different Perspective Exploring the Association between Magnesemia and Targeted Cardiovascular Risk Factors?
Authors: Gagliano Vanessa , Schäffeler Fabian , Del Giorno Rosaria , Bianchetti Mario , Carvajal Canarte Cesar Fabian , Caballero Regueira José Joel , Gabutti Luca
Published: July 2022

Evidence of the association of magnesium (Mg) with arterial stiffness has so far been conflicting. The interplay between hypertension and elevated body mass index (BMI), with hypomagnesemia, instead, has been described in the literature in a more consistent way. Our study aims at revisiting the correlations between blood Mg levels and hemodynamic and body composition parameters in the general population, exploring the sensitivity profile of ionized Mg (Ion-Mg) compared to total Mg (Tot-Mg). We collected data from 755 subjects randomly chosen from a Swiss population previously described and stratified our sample into four equivalent classes according to ionized (whole blood) and total (serum) magnesium. After correcting for age, statistically significant differences emerged between: (i) Tot-Mg ≤ 0.70 and 0.81 ≤ Tot-Mg ≤ 0.90 for cf-PWV (p = 0.039); (ii) Tot-Mg ≤ 0.70 and Tot-Mg ≥ 0.91 for o-PWV (p = 0.046). We also found a statistically significant difference among groups of Ion-Mg values for the 24 h extremes of systolic blood pressure (p = 0.048) and among groups of Tot-Mg for BMI (p = 0.050). Females showed significantly lower levels of total magnesium (p = 0.035) and ionized magnesium (p < 0.001) than males. The overall agreement between magnesium analysis methods was 64% (95%CI: 60.8–67.7%). Our results confirm that Ion-Mg compared with Tot-Mg offers a different profile in detecting both correlations with hemodynamic and body composition parameters and dysmagnesemias. Lower levels of magnesium were associated with worse arterial aging parameters, larger 24 h blood pressure excursions, and higher BMI. Ion-Mg was superior in detecting the correlation with blood pressure only. Considering Ion-Mg as a more specific marker of the magnesium status, and the partially contradictory results of our explorative cross-sectional study, to avoid confounding factors and misinterpretations, ionized magnesium should be used as reference in future studies.
Clinical Outcomes of Different Calcified Culprit Plaques in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Lei Fangmeng , Yin Yanwei , Liu Xiaohui , Fang Chao , Jiang Senqing , Xu Xueming , Sun Sibo , Pei Xueying , Jia Ruyi , Tang Caiying , Peng Cong , Li Song , Li Lulu , Wang Yini , Yu Huai , Dai Jiannan , Yu Bo
Published: July 2022

Background: Previous studies have found that coronary artery calcification is closely associated with the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE). This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and clinical outcomes of different calcified plaques in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) by using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods: 258 ACS patients with calcified culprit plaques who underwent OCT-guided stent implantation were enrolled. They were divided into three subtypes based on the calcified plaque morphology, including eruptive calcified nodules, calcified protrusion, and superficial calcific sheet. Results: Compared with superficial calcific sheet and calcified protrusion, eruptive calcified nodules had the greatest calcium burden and a higher rate of stent edge dissection (p < 0.001) and incomplete stent apposition (p < 0.001). In a median follow-up period of 2 years, 39 (15.1%) patients experienced MACE (a composite event of cardiac death, target-vessel myocardial infarction, ischemia-driven revascularization), with a significantly higher incidence in the eruptive calcified nodules group (32.1% vs. 10.1% vs. 13.0%, p = 0.001). A multivariate Cox analysis demonstrated that the eruptive calcified nodules (hazard ratio 3.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.64–6.02; p = 0.001) were an independent predictor of MACE. Conclusions: MACE occurred more frequently in ACS patients with eruptive calcified nodules, and the eruptive calcified nodules were an independent predictor of MACE.
Bacteria and Dry Eye: A Narrative Review
Authors: Wang Yuchen , Ding Yi , Jiang Xiaodan , Yang Jiarui , Li Xuemin
Published: July 2022

(1) Background: Dry eye is a multifactorial disease of the ocular surface, the incidence of which has been increasing sharply. The pathogenesis of dry eye, especially in terms of the bacterial flora, has drawn great attention. Additionally, the potential treatment methods need to be explored. (2) Methods: We reviewed more than 100 studies and summarized them briefly in a review. (3) Results: We summarized the bacterial communities found on the ocular surface in the general population and patients with dry eye and found a relationship between dry eye and antibiotic therapy. We identified the possible mechanisms of bacteria in the development of dry eye by discussing factors such as the destruction of the antibacterial barrier, infectious diseases, microbiome homeostasis, inflammatory factors on the ocular surface and vitamin deficiency. (4) Conclusion: We systematically reviewed the recent studies to summarize the bacterial differences between patients with dry eye and the general population and brought up several possible mechanisms and possible treatment targets.
Strain Control of Magnetic Anisotropy in Yttrium Iron Garnet Films in a Composite Structure with Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Substrate
Authors: Liu Ying , Zhou Peng , Bidthanapally Rao , Zhang Jitao , Zhang Wei , Page Michael R. , Zhang Tianjin , Srinivasan Gopalan
Published: July 2022

This report is on the nature of strain in thin films of yttrium iron garnet (YIG) on yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) substrates due to film-substrate lattice mismatch and the resulting induced magnetic anisotropy. Films with thickness 55 nm to 380 nm were deposited on (100), (110), and (111) YAG substrates using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) techniques and characterized by structural and magnetic characterization techniques. The in-plane strain determined to be compressive using X-ray diffraction (XRD). It varied from −0.12% to −0.98% and increased in magnitude with increasing film thickness and was relatively large in films on (100) YAG. The out-of-plane strain was tensile and also increased with increasing film thickness. The estimated strain-induced magnetic anisotropy field, found from XRD data, was out of plane; its value increased with film thickness and ranged from 0.47 kOe to 3.96 kOe. Ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) measurements at 5 to 21 GHz also revealed the presence of a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy that decreased with increasing film thickness and its values were smaller than values obtained from XRD data. The PLD YIG films on YAG substrates exhibiting a perpendicular anisotropy field have the potential for use in self-biased sensors and high-frequency devices.
Cardiac Disease Classification Using Two-Dimensional Thickness and Few-Shot Learning Based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Image Segmentation
Authors: Wibowo Adi , Triadyaksa Pandji , Sugiharto Aris , Sarwoko Eko Adi , Nugroho Fajar Agung , Arai Hideo , Kawakubo Masateru
Published: July 2022

Cardiac cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a widely used technique for the noninvasive assessment of cardiac functions. Deep neural networks have achieved considerable progress in overcoming various challenges in cine MRI analysis. However, deep learning models cannot be used for classification because limited cine MRI data are available. To overcome this problem, features from cine image settings are derived by handcrafting and addition of other clinical features to the classical machine learning approach for ensuring the model fits the MRI device settings and image parameters required in the analysis. In this study, a novel method was proposed for classifying heart disease (cardiomyopathy patient groups) using only segmented output maps. In the encoder–decoder network, the fully convolutional EfficientNetB5-UNet was modified to perform the semantic segmentation of the MRI image slice. A two-dimensional thickness algorithm was used to combine the segmentation outputs for the 2D representation of images of the end-diastole (ED) and end-systole (ES) cardiac volumes. The thickness images were subsequently used for classification by using a few-shot model with an adaptive subspace classifier. Model performance was verified by applying the model to the 2017 MICCAI Medical Image Computing and Computer-Assisted Intervention dataset. High segmentation performance was achieved as follows: the average Dice coefficients of segmentation were 96.24% (ED) and 89.92% (ES) for the left ventricle (LV); the values for the right ventricle (RV) were 92.90% (ED) and 86.92% (ES). The values for myocardium were 88.90% (ED) and 90.48% (ES). An accuracy score of 92% was achieved in the classification of various cardiomyopathy groups without clinical features. A novel rapid analysis approach was proposed for heart disease diagnosis, especially for cardiomyopathy conditions using cine MRI based on segmented output maps.
Crypto-Coins and Credit Risk: Modelling and Forecasting Their Probability of Death
Authors: Fantazzini Dean
Published: July 2022

This paper examined a set of over two thousand crypto-coins observed between 2015 and 2020 to estimate their credit risk by computing their probability of death. We employed different definitions of dead coins, ranging from academic literature to professional practice; alternative forecasting models, ranging from credit scoring models to machine learning and time-series-based models; and different forecasting horizons. We found that the choice of the coin-death definition affected the set of the best forecasting models to compute the probability of death. However, this choice was not critical, and the best models turned out to be the same in most cases. In general, we found that the cauchit and the zero-price-probability (ZPP) based on the random walk or the Markov Switching-GARCH(1,1) were the best models for newly established coins, whereas credit-scoring models and machine-learning methods using lagged trading volumes and online searches were better choices for older coins. These results also held after a set of robustness checks that considered different time samples and the coins’ market capitalization.
Change of Residents’ Attitudes and Behaviors toward Urban Green Space Pre- and Post- COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Chen Luyang , Liu Lingbo , Wu Hao , Peng Zhenghong , Sun Zhihao
Published: July 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed and influenced people’s attitudes and behaviors toward visiting green spaces. This paper aims to explore the association between residents’ health and urban green spaces (UGS) through an in-depth study of changes in residents’ use of UGS under the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Wuhan East Lake Greenway Park was selected as the location for the field survey and in-depth interviews. At the same time, an online survey was also conducted (total number = 302) regarding participants’ physical and mental health and their attitude and behavior toward the UGS. A paired sample t-test and binary logistic regression were performed to investigate the association between participants’ health and UGS during COVID-19. The results show that: (1) the COVID-19 pandemic has primarily changed the leisure patterns of parks, with potential impacts on the physical and mental health of participants; (2) the purpose, frequency, timing, and preferred areas of participants’ park visits have changed to varying degrees after the pandemic, highlighting the important role and benefits of UGSs; (3) the physical and mental health of participants and urban development issues reflected by UGS use are prominent. This study reveals that awareness of the construction and protection of UGSs is an important prerequisite for ensuring the health of urban residents.
Adoption and Influence of Robotic Process Automation in Beef Supply Chains
Authors: E-Fatima Khushboo , Khandan Rasoul , Hosseinian-Far Amin , Sarwar Dilshad , Ahmed Hareer Fatima
Published: July 2022

Background: This paper aims to critically examine the potential barriers to the implementation and adoption of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) in the beef supply chain. The beef supply chain has been challenging due to its complex processes, activities, and management. The beef industry has relied heavily on the human workforce in the past; however, RPA adoption allows automating tasks that are repetitive and strenuous in nature to enhance beef quality, safety and security. There are considerable potential barriers to RPA adoption as organisations have not focused on trying to eliminate them due to various reasons. Previous studies lack knowledge related to potential barriers to RPA adoption, so this creates a research gap and requires attention. Methods: Statistical data and information are extracted using secondary data relevant to RPA adoption in the beef supply chain. A business process model is formed which uses values or variables using existing statistical data and information. Simulation of the process model is carried out using Simul8 software and analyses of different scenarios help in choosing the best approach for RPA adoption. Results: The results have identified the potential barriers in RPA adoption through the simulation process thus ensuring RPA performs with more potential. Analysis of ‘what-if’ scenarios allow organisational and employee-level improvements along with enhancing RPA’s accuracy. Conclusion: The process model is a generic model for use in real-life scenarios and can be modified by organisations according to their own business needs and requirements. The study contributes in theoretical and practical aspects as it allows decision-makers to adopt RPA in a robust manner and adds to scientific knowledge by identification of potential barriers to RPA adoption.
Spatial Configuration of Logistics Firms Relative to Cape Town International Airport, South Africa
Authors: Mokhele Masilonyane , Mokhele Tholang
Published: July 2022

Background: A multi-faceted analysis of the positioning of logistics facilities relative to airports is a topical aspect of the interconnections between transport infrastructure and the spatial configuration of economic activities. Regardless of the wide range of studies that exist on the topic, little is known about the logistics catchment of airports. Towards extending the literature, the objective of the paper is to analyse the spatial configuration of logistics firms relative to Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) in South Africa. Methods: The inclination of logistics facilities to locate in industrial areas is widely acknowledged in the literature. As such, the data on the main industrial and economic nodes in the City of Cape Town metropolitan area were obtained from the City of Cape Town municipality and used to ascertain the extent of the industrial areas across the metropolitan area. The resultant geographic information system (GIS) shapefile of the industrial and economic nodes was used to obtain the logistics firms’ data from AfriGIS. Following the cleaning of the data from AfriGIS, ArcGIS 10.8 and QGIS 3.16 were used for spatial analysis (buffer, kernel density and network analysis) to establish the spatial configuration of the logistics firms relative to CTIA. Results: The results showed that of the 985 logistics firms in the metropolitan area, 937 were located within 20 km of CTIA. Furthermore, the kernel density results showed that high density values were found in the environs of the Cape Town central business district (CBD), Port of Cape Town and Milnerton. The results of the network analysis indicated that the furthest firm was 50 km and 64 min away on the shortest route to CTIA, while it was 55 km and 49 min away on the fastest route. Conclusions: Relative to the literature, the results show that CTIA has the potential to facilitate the emergence of a logistics hub at the city or metropolitan scale.
Corrosion Behavior of the AlCoCrFeNi2.1 Eutectic High-Entropy Alloy in Chloride-Containing Sulfuric Acid Solutions at Different Temperatures
Authors: Song Longfei , Hu Wenbin , Zhang Xiaowen , Liao Bokai , Wan Shan , Kang Lei , Guo Xingpeng
Published: July 2022

In this work, the influence of temperature on the corrosion behavior of AlCoCrFeNi2.1 eutectic high-entropy alloy in a chloride-containing sulfuric acid solution was investigated using electrochemical measurement, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Results show that the passive film of AlCoCrFeNi2.1 is stable in chloride-containing sulfuric acid solutions at low temperatures, while an unstable film forms on the alloy at high temperatures. Furthermore, temperature changes the proportion of hydroxide and oxide in Fe and Cr, but it has no noticeable effect on Al and Ni, which is a significant factor on the passive behavior. L12 phase exhibits good corrosion resistance at different temperatures. Pitting occurred on B2 phase in the chloride-containing sulfuric acid solution at a low temperature of 5 °C, while pitting and dissolution take place on AlCoCrFeNi2.1 in the acid solution at room temperature and above.
Preparation and Evaluation Mechanic Damping Properties of Fused Silica Powder@Polyurethane Urea/Cement Composites
Authors: Cheng Hao , Yan Peihui , Wan Fei , Feng Chao , Zhu Yunfei , Lv Ping , Ma Mingliang
Published: July 2022

In this paper, cement based on fused silica powder @ polyurethane urea (FSP@PUU) with a micro constrained damping structure was studied. Firstly, FSP@PUU core-shell particles were prepared by heterogeneous stepwise addition polymerization method and added into cement paste as damping filler to form a micro-constrained damping structure inside cement paste. The mechanical property and damping performance of cement-based composites were characterized by compressive strength, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) test and modal vibration test. The results showed that the damping performance of FSP @ PUU cement-based composites was affected by temperature, and the loss tangent of cement with 6wt% FSP@PUU increased to about 0.057 at −35 °C to 35 °C, which was 1.5 times cement paste within the glass transition temperature. With 6 wt% FSP@PUU, the damping ratio of cement-based composites increased by 58% compared with cement paste in the frequency range of 175–300 Hz, while the compressive strength decreased by only 5%. The cement with suitable FSP@PUU possesses excellent damping performance.
Special Issue “Applications of Porous Nanotubes”
Authors: Eurov Daniil , Kurdyukov Dmitry
Published: July 2022

“Applications of Porous Nanotubes” is an open Special Issue of Materials, which aims to publish original contributions and review papers on new fundamental and applied aspects of porous nanomaterials, and to investigate their properties and underlying mechanisms for development of various porous media with a desired functionality [...]
Research on Speed Planning in the Constant Speed Interval and Quality Prediction on the Transition Surface
Authors: Wu Jichun , Xu Ke , Zhou Huicheng , Fan Dapeng
Published: July 2022

Aiming at the particularity on the transition surface, this paper carried out research on adaptive speed planning, local optimization of machining toolpaths to improve the surface quality of the transition surface, and visualization of motion parameters to predict the surface quality of the transition surface. Constant speed interval planning and trajectory optimization were carried out on the transition surface between the bottom of a Cola bottle and the curved surface with variable curvature, respectively, and the visualization maps before and after optimization were obtained. The comparison showed that the motion parameters of the optimized visualization map had better smoothness. Further, the effectiveness of the estimated surface quality was verified through the actual machining of the variable curvature transition surface and Wuzhi mountain parts. The consistency of the improvement of the processed surface quality and the quality of the visualization were verified.
Sensitivity Analysis for Multi-Objective Optimization of Switched Reluctance Motors
Authors: Andriushchenko Ekaterina , Kallaste Ants , Mohammadi Mohammad Hossain , Lowther David A. , Heidari Hamidreza
Published: July 2022

The main issue of the switched reluctance motor (SRM) is its noise and vibration caused by high torque ripples on the rotor’s shaft. Many methods have been developed for improving the torque characteristic of the SRM. For example, design optimization is one of the promising approaches to the noise and vibration reduction of the SRM. Particularly, topology optimization (TO) of the stator and rotor can be highly beneficial to addressing the torque ripple issue. However, the TO of the SRM appears to be computationally demanding. To overcome this issue, this study proposes a method aiming to reduce the computational complexity of the TO through the reduction of the design space. Particularly, this paper presents a sensitivity analysis of a list of unique design parameters of the SRM and their influence on the average torque of the motor and the torque ripple of the motor. By applying the sensitivity analysis, the design space of the TO could be reduced, leading to a considerable decrease in the TO computational burden. Additionally, valuable conclusions on the geometrical parameters’ influences on the SRM torque and torque ripple have been drawn.
Deformation and Response Analysis of Spur Gear Pairs with Flexible Ring Gears and Localized Spalling Faults
Authors: Yan Shuping , Dai Peng , Shu Da , Wang Jianbin , Wei Shan , Liu Pengfei , Zhang Dabin , Li Hongwei
Published: July 2022

For the analysis on the deformation of flexible ring gears in spur gear pairs, the complete flexible ring is discretized, and the boundary condition is added to the connecting points to develop a calculation method for the flexible deformation. The ovality index is used to describe the deformation degree of flexible ring gears, then the influences of ring-gear width and the spalling defects on the flexible deformation of ring gears are discussed. The result shows that the flexible deformation of ring gears is caused by the gear pair meshing force, and the deformed shape is close to an ellipse. In the single-tooth meshing interval of gear pairs, the main form of deformation is being stretched, and while in the double-tooth meshes, the main form is bending deformation. When the width of the ring gear rims is increased, the flexible deformation of the ring gears can be effectively suppressed, and the vibration amplitude of the gear pairs can be reduced. Additionally, when there is a localized spalling fault on gear pairs, the sudden changes in the deformation of flexible ring gears are generated by the shock of the meshing force. Finally, through the finite element analysis model and the experiment, the mathematical model of gear pairs with flexible rings is confirmed.
Analysis of the Complex Network of the Urban Function under the Lockdown of COVID-19: Evidence from Shenzhen in China
Authors: Cheng Jing , Yin Pei
Published: July 2022

In this paper, the complex network of the urban functions in Shenzhen of China under the lockdown of the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is studied. The location quotient is used to obtain the dominant urban functions of the districts in Shenzhen before and under the lockdown of COVID-19. By using the conditional probability, the interdependencies between the urban functions are proposed to obtain the complex networks of urban functions and their clusters. The relationships between the urban functions, and the overall and cluster characteristics of the urban functions before and under the lockdown of COVID-19 are analyzed based on the complex networks. The mean degree and mean weighted degree of the primary categories of the urban functions are obtained to discuss the classification characteristics of the urban functions before and under the lockdown of COVID-19. Then, the differences and changes of the urban functions before and under the lockdown of COVID-19 are compared, and the corresponding policy implications under the lockdown of COVID-19 are presented. The results show that under the lockdown of COVID-19, the correlation of the urban functions is stronger than that before the lockdown; the common urban functions are more useful and essential, and finance, fine food and medical treatment are important; public service and government departments have the most positive relationship with other urban functions, and finance service has the highest spatial agglomeration distribution trend; and the cluster characteristics of urban functions are more related to people’s livelihood, and the urban functions show incomplete and cannot be operated for long term.