bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential of Rule-Based Methods and Deep Learning Architectures for ECG Diagnostics
Authors: Bortolan Giovanni , Christov Ivaylo , Simova Iana
Published: September 2021

The main objective of this study is to propose relatively simple techniques for the automatic diagnosis of electrocardiogram (ECG) signals based on a classical rule-based method and a convolutional deep learning architecture. The validation task was performed in the framework of the PhysioNet/Computing in Cardiology Challenge 2020, where seven databases consisting of 66,361 recordings with 12-lead ECGs were considered for training, validation and test sets. A total of 24 different diagnostic classes are considered in the entire training set. The rule-based method uses morphological and time-frequency ECG descriptors that are defined for each diagnostic label. These rules are extracted from the knowledge base of a cardiologist or from a textbook, with no direct learning procedure in the first phase, whereas a refinement was tested in the second phase. The deep learning method considers both raw ECG and median beat signals. These data are processed via continuous wavelet transform analysis, obtaining a time-frequency domain representation, with the generation of specific images (ECG scalograms). These images are then used for the training of a convolutional neural network based on GoogLeNet topology for ECG diagnostic classification. Cross-validation evaluation was performed for testing purposes. A total of 217 teams submitted 1395 algorithms during the Challenge. The diagnostic accuracy of our algorithm produced a challenge validation score of 0.325 (CPU time = 35 min) for the rule-based method, and a 0.426 (CPU time = 1664 min) for the deep learning method, which resulted in our team attaining 12th place in the competition.
Pediatric Extraspinal Sacrococcygeal Ependymoma: Report of Two Cases and Literature Review
Authors: Fabozzi Francesco , Ceccanti Silvia , Cacchione Antonella , Colafati Giovanna Stefania , Carai Andrea , Crocoli Alessandro , Mastronuzzi Angela , Cozzi Denis A.
Published: September 2021

Primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors represent the most common solid tumors in childhood. Ependymomas arise from ependymal cells lining the wall of ventricles or central canal of spinal cord and their occurrence outside the CNS is extremely rare, published in the literature as case reports or small case series. We present two cases of extra-CNS myxopapillary ependymomas treated at our institution in the past three years; both cases originate in the sacrococcygeal region and were initially misdiagnosed as epidermoid cyst and germ cell tumor, respectively. The first case, which arose in a 9-year-old girl, was treated with a surgical excision in two stages, due to the non-radical manner of the first operation; no recurrence was observed after two years of follow-up. The other case was a 12-year-old boy who was treated with a complete resection and showed no evidence of recurrence at one-year follow-up. In this paper, we report our experience in treating an extremely rare disease that lacks a standardized approach to diagnosis, treatment and follow-up; in addition, we perform a literature review of the past 35 years.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Advanced NSCLC: [18F]FDG PET/CT as a Troubleshooter in Treatment Response
Authors: Ferrari Cristina , Santo Giulia , Merenda Nunzio , Branca Alessia , Mammucci Paolo , Pizzutilo Pamela , Gadaleta Cosmo Damiano , Rubini Giuseppe
Published: September 2021

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate whether [18F]FDG PET/CT-derived semi-quantitative parameters can predict immunotherapy treatment response in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Secondly, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and lymphoid cell-rich organs activation were evaluated. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight patients who underwent [18F]FDG PET/CT scans before and at first restaging therapy with immuno-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) were retrospectively analyzed. PET-based semi-quantitative parameters extracted from both scans were respectively: SUVmax and SUVpeak of the target lesion, whole-body metabolic tumor volume (MTVWB), and whole-body total lesion glycolysis (TLGWB), as well as their interval changes (ΔSUVmaxTL, ΔSUVpeakTL, ΔMTVWB, ΔTLGWB). These PET-derived parameters were correlated to controlled disease (CD) assessed by RECIST 1.1. IrAEs, if present, were also described and correlated with clinical benefit (CB). SUVmax of the spleen and bone marrow at restaging scans were also correlated to CB. Results: The CD was achieved in 54% of patients. Out of 28 eligible patients, 13 (46%) experienced progressive disease (PD), 7 showed SD, 7 had PR, and only in one patient CR was achieved. ΔSUVmaxTL (p = 0.002) and ΔSUVpeakTL (p < 0.001) as well as ΔMTVWB (p < 0.001) and ΔTLGWB (p < 0.005) were significantly associated with PD vs. non-PD. IrAEs and lymphoid cell-rich organs activation did not correlate with CB. Conclusions: [18F]FDG PET/CT by using interval changes of PET-derived semi-quantitative parameters could represent a reliable tool in immunotherapy treatment response evaluation in NSCLC patients.
Concomitant Talocalcaneal Coalition as a Risk Factor for Early Relapse Following Ponseti Treatment of Idiopathic Clubfoot
Authors: Shah Mudit , Rhee Isaac , Lee Seung Kyu , Alhassan Mohammed Salman , Kim Hyun Woo
Published: September 2021

Concomitant talocalcaneal coalition (TCC) in idiopathic clubfeet is not well documented in the literature. The purpose of this study was to describe our experience with very early relapsing idiopathic clubfeet associated with TCC. Although cases have been successfully treated with the Ponseti casting method, all recurred within 2 months of removing the final cast. A single-centre cohort of twelve feet in eight patients treated by a single surgeon between 2006 and 2020 was investigated retrospectively. Recurred cavus with variable degrees of equinus was the earliest findings noted. TCC was incidentally detected during the open reduction of the earliest three feet in our series. Afterwards, ultrasonography was advised as a screening tool for detecting an associated anomaly; however, only the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was 100% accurate in diagnosing concurrent TCC. All coalitions were cartilaginous and the posterior facet was most commonly involved facet. The average age was 18 months for the coalition resection and open reduction of a dislocated talonavicular joint, and the average duration of follow-up was 52 months. None of the patients showed clinical signs of relapse at the latest follow-up. We recommend that an associated TCC should be considered in very early relapsing idiopathic clubfoot cases.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior Related to COVID-19 Testing: A Rapid Scoping Review
Authors: Bevan Imogen , Stage Baxter Mats , Stagg Helen R. , Street Alice
Published: September 2021

Testing programs for COVID-19 depend on the voluntary actions of members of the public for their success. Understanding people’s knowledge, attitudes, and behavior related to COVID-19 testing is, therefore, key to the design of effective testing programs worldwide. This paper reports on the findings of a rapid scoping review to map the extent, characteristics, and scope of social science research on COVID-19 testing and identifies key themes from the literature. Main findings include the discoveries that people are largely accepting of testing technologies and guidelines and that a sense of social solidarity is a key motivator of testing uptake. The main barriers to accessing and undertaking testing include uncertainty about eligibility and how to access tests, difficulty interpreting symptoms, logistical issues including transport to and from test sites and the discomfort of sample extraction, and concerns about the consequences of a positive result. The review found that existing research was limited in depth and scope. More research employing longitudinal and qualitative methods based in under-resourced settings and examining intersections between testing and experiences of social, political, and economic vulnerability is needed. Last, the findings of this review suggest that testing should be understood as a social process that is inseparable from processes of contact tracing and isolation and is embedded in people’s everyday routines, livelihoods and relationships.
Evolution of CG Methylation Maintenance Machinery in Plants
Authors: Tirot Louis , Jullien Pauline E. , Ingouff Mathieu
Published: September 2021

Cytosine methylation is an epigenetic mark present in most eukaryotic genomes that contributes to the regulation of gene expression and the maintenance of genome stability. DNA methylation mostly occurs at CG sequences, where it is initially deposited by de novo DNA methyltransferases and propagated by maintenance DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) during DNA replication. In this review, we first summarize the mechanisms maintaining CG methylation in mammals that involve the DNA Methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) enzyme and its cofactor, UHRF1 (Ubiquitin-like with PHD and RING Finger domain 1). We then discuss the evolutionary conservation and diversification of these two core factors in the plant kingdom and speculate on potential functions of novel homologues typically observed in land plants but not in mammals.
Mycophagy of White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann) in the Boreal Forest
Authors: Cadotte Myriam , Richard Julien H. , Bérubé Jean A. , Côté Steeve D.
Published: September 2021

Mushrooms are a little known source of food for large herbivores, but are of high quality because of their high protein content and digestibility. Approximately 50 epigeous and hypogeous mushroom and lichen species have been identified in the diet of cervids so far using macro remains. Our main objective was to determine which mushroom species are consumed by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann) using a molecular approach. We collected 114 fecal samples from deer harvested in 2014 and 2015 on Anticosti Island (Québec, Canada), extracted total DNA from feces, and amplified fungal DNA specifically via polymerase chain reaction. Amplified fungi DNA was then sequenced with the Illumina method to identify mushroom species consumed by deer. Our results revealed that deer harvested consumed up to 4979 fungal species, including 580 species that appeared to be consumed directly. Adults tended to consume a higher mushroom diversity than juveniles, and mushroom diversity consumed by deer was much higher in 2015 than 2014. Adult females consumed a higher mushroom diversity than males, especially lactating females. Our results contribute to the understanding of the role of mushrooms and their large diversity in white-tailed deer diet.
Tree Species Composition in Mixed Plantations Influences Plant Growth, Intrinsic Water Use Efficiency and Soil Carbon Stock
Authors: Niccoli Francesco , Danise Tiziana , Innangi Michele , Pelleri Francesco , Manetti Maria Chiara , Mastrolonardo Giovanni , Certini Giacomo , Fioretto Antonietta , Battipaglia Giovanna
Published: September 2021

Species interactions in mixed plantations can influence tree growth, resources capture and soil fertility of the stands. A combined approach of tree-ring analyses and carbon stable isotope was used to check tree growth and water use efficiency of two species, Populus alba L. and Juglans regia L., intercropped with each other and with N-fixing or competitive production species. Furthermore, soil analyses were performed to understand how the different intercropping systems can influence soil characteristics, in particular soil carbon stock. Dendrochronological data showed that during the first years, the growth of principal species was favored by intercropping. This positive effect decreased in the following years in most of intercropped stands, due to light competition with the crown of companion species. Carbon isotope data showed that P. alba and J. regia had the highest intrinsic water use efficiency when growing with Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb, a shrubby species with a shallow root system that favors a non-competitive exploitation of soil water resources. Finally, the intercropping of the principal species with Corylus avellana L. promoted the highest soil C stock. Our findings confirmed the importance to consider the plantation dynamics and wood formation in the long-run and to apply appropriate thinning and pruning interventions to counteract interspecific competition.
Development of an Analytical Wall Function for Bypass Transition
Authors: Juntasaro Ekachai , Ngiamsoongnirn Kiattisak , Thawornsathit Phongsakorn , Suga Kazuhiko
Published: September 2021

The objective of the present work is to propose an extended analytical wall function that is capable of predicting the bypass transition from laminar to turbulent flow. The algebraic γ transition model, the k−ω turbulence model and the analytical wall function are integrated together in this work to detect the transition onset and start the transition process. The present analytical wall function is validated with the experimental data, the Blasius solution and the law of the wall. With this analytical wall function, the transition onset in the skin friction coefficient is detected and the growth rate of transition is properly generated. The predicted mean velocity profiles are found to be in good agreement with the Blasius solution in the laminar flow, the experimental data in the transition zone and the law of the wall in the fully turbulent flow.
Wavelet-Based Adaptive Eddy-Resolving Methods for Modeling and Simulation of Complex Wall-Bounded Compressible Turbulent Flows
Authors: Ge Xuan , De Stefano Giuliano , Hussaini M. , Vasilyev Oleg
Published: September 2021

This article represents the second part of a review by De Stefano and Vasilyev (2021) on wavelet-based adaptive methods for modeling and simulation of turbulent flows. Unlike the hierarchical adaptive eddy-capturing approach, described in the first part and devoted to high-fidelity modeling of incompressible flows, this companion paper focuses on the adaptive eddy-resolving framework for compressible flows in complex geometries, which also includes model-form adaptation from low to high fidelity models. A hierarchy of wavelet-based eddy-resolving methods of different fidelity has been developed for different speed regimes, various boundary conditions, and Reynolds numbers. Solutions of various fidelity are achieved using a range of modeling approaches from unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes simulation to delayed detached eddy simulation, wall-modeled and wall-resolved large eddy simulations. These novel methodologies open the door to construct a hierarchical approach for simulation of compressible flows covering the whole range of possibilities, from only resolving the average or dominant frequency, to capturing the intermittency of turbulence eddies, and to directly simulating the full turbulence spectrum. The generalized hierarchical wavelet-based adaptive eddy-resolving approach, once fully integrated into a single inherently interconnected simulation, results in being a very competitive and predictive tool for complicated flows in industrial design and analysis with high efficiency and accuracy.
The Current Status of Forensic Anthropology in Poland-Assessment of the Discipline
Authors: Górka Katarzyna , Mazur Melania
Published: September 2021

The existing divergences in the development of forensic anthropology (FA) around the world justify an analysis of its situation in each country/region. The present article aims to discuss the current status and development of the field of forensic anthropology in Poland to highlight the existing challenges and contribute to the advancement of the discipline. The research consisted of personal visits to three main centers where forensic anthropology is practiced in Poland and semi-structured interviews with the practitioners. Only seven forensic anthropology practitioners who provide anthropological opinions for law enforcement agencies in Poland have been identified. In 2019, the first post-graduate course in forensic anthropology was created at the Jagiellonian University in Kraków. There are also supplementary workshops for pathologists, prosecutors, and police officers to familiarize them with practical concepts of forensic anthropology. Scientific publications in the field of forensic anthropology appear regularly in national and international professional journals, and cutting-edge research on new methods of analysis and identification from video surveillance systems is being carried out. Their results stand out and gain significant recognition from international scientists. Forensic anthropology in Poland is constantly developing, but there is a need to analyze and harmonize the norms regulating the profession of forensic anthropologists.
Multi-Model Selection and Analysis for COVID-19
Authors: Ma Nuri , Ma Weiyuan , Li Zhiming
Published: September 2021

In the face of an increasing number of COVID-19 infections, one of the most crucial and challenging problems is to pick out the most reasonable and reliable models. Based on the COVID-19 data of four typical cities/provinces in China, integer-order and fractional SIR, SEIR, SEIR-Q, SEIR-QD, and SEIR-AHQ models are systematically analyzed by the AICc, BIC, RMSE, and R means. Through extensive simulation and comprehensive comparison, we show that the fractional models perform much better than the corresponding integer-order models in representing the epidemiological information contained in the real data. It is further revealed that the inflection point plays a vital role in the prediction. Moreover, the basic reproduction numbers R0 of all models are highly dependent on the contact rate.
The Sound of Silence: How Silenced Chromatin Orchestrates the Repair of Double-Strand Breaks
Authors: Kendek Apfrida , Wensveen Marieke R. , Janssen Aniek
Published: September 2021

The eukaryotic nucleus is continuously being exposed to endogenous and exogenous sources that cause DNA breaks, whose faithful repair requires the activity of dedicated nuclear machineries. DNA is packaged into a variety of chromatin domains, each characterized by specific molecular properties that regulate gene expression and help maintain nuclear structure. These different chromatin environments each demand a tailored response to DNA damage. Silenced chromatin domains in particular present a major challenge to the cell’s DNA repair machinery due to their specific biophysical properties and distinct, often repetitive, DNA content. To this end, we here discuss the interplay between silenced chromatin domains and DNA damage repair, specifically double-strand breaks, and how these processes help maintain genome stability.
Experimental Investigations and Microstructural Characterization of Construction Materials of Historic Multi-Leaf Stone-Masonry Walls
Authors: Amer Osama , Aita Danila , Mohamed Ezzeldin K. , Torky Akram , Shawky Ashraf
Published: September 2021

In order to correctly define the pathology of multiple-leaf stonemasonry walls and determine the appropriate interventions for its conservation and preservation, comprehensive studies on its building materials should be carried out since the overall behaviour of masonry structures is highly dependent on the characterization of its construction materials. Consequently, an interdisciplinary procedure for construction material characterization used in multiple-leaf stone-masonry walls in Egypt has been implemented to enrich documentation, conservation and restoration issues of this type of wall. The research methodology integrates experimental data obtained through on-site sampling, conducted tests and analyses, historical information, and field survey observations. The fundamental physical and mechanical properties of the masonry elements were examined by incorporating stone blocks, mortars and core-infill materials. The mineralogical composition and interlocking textures of the collected samples were investigated utilizing a large range of complementary investigation and analysis techniques, including polarizing microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis (TG/DTA), and environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) attached to an EDX unit. Through the results thus obtained, a complete characterization of the mineralogical composition; physical–mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties; and the interlocking textures of the construction materials of both the outer and inner-core layers was performed. The outer leaves of the majority of the multiple-leaf stone-masonry walls in medieval architectural heritage were mainly built of well-dressed limestone blocks with nearly uniform dimensions, while the inner-core layer was usually built of stone-rubble infill with bending lime-based mortar. The uniaxial compressive strengths of core infill (corresponding to the inner core layer) and lime-based mortar of the embedded joints are shown to be 85 and 92.5% lower than the limestone units of the outer layer, respectively. Moreover, experimental observations indicate that the inner core layer exhibits the highest porosity values; consequently, deteriorated, loose and cohesionless core infill could greatly affect the durability and thermal resistivity of this kind of wall. The results provide scientific support for investigating the overall structural behaviour of this type of walls and for decision-making in future conservation and restoration strategies.
Functional, Flavor and Visual Traits of Hydroponically Produced Tomato Fruit in Relation to Substrate, Plant Training System and Harvesting Time
Authors: Mitsanis Christos , Aktsoglou Danai Christina , Koukounaras Athanasios , Tsouvaltzis Pavlos , Koufakis Theologos , Gerasopoulos Dimitrios , Siomos Anastasios S.
Published: September 2021

Currently, a great portion of tomatoes is produced by soilless cultivation systems and the substrate selection among the various materials is one of the most important factors affecting yield and quality traits. On the other hand, grafting has been successfully used in soilless systems to ensure long-term cultivation. However, due to the high cost of grafted seedlings, plant training systems are sought. Given the fact that most literature refers to studies intended to mainly reveal production differences among treatments and the quality aspect was secondary, the present study was focused on the evaluation of tomato fruit functionality, flavor and visual traits. Tomato plants cv ‘Beef Bang F1’ were cultivated in a glasshouse hydroponic culture in four substrates: rockwool slabs, perlite in sacks, pumice in sacks and pumice in 9 L pots. The type of cultivated plants used were self-rooted or grafted onto ‘Defensor’ trained in single and double stems. Tomato fruit were harvested three times during the season (6 June, 31 July, 6 November). The fruit quality was measured based on visual (average fruit mass, and Minolta color values), flavor (dry mass, soluble solids content, titratable acidity, pH, flesh firmness) as well as functional traits (total phenolic content, ascorbic acid, lycopene, β-carotene, total carotenoid content and antioxidant capacity). Harvest time was the most important factor followed in many of these cases by the substrate (flavor and functional traits), as well as in certain cases by the plant grafting/training (flavor traits and antioxidants) or by both in some flavor traits and antioxidants. Correlation of color values with lycopene, though significant, was weak. Each individual harvest time revealed the rise in different parameters. Pumice, whether used in pot or in sack, enhanced the visual and flavor attributes the most, self-rooted plants and mid-summer harvest resulted in the highest tomato fruit quality.
Expression Profiling of Heat Shock Protein Genes as Putative Early Heat-Responsive Members in Lettuce
Authors: Kang Yeeun , Jang Suk-Woo , Lee Hee Ju , Barchenger Derek W. , Jang Seonghoe
Published: September 2021

High temperatures due to global warming can cause harmful effects on the productivity of lettuce, a cool-season crop. To identify lettuce heat shock protein (HSP) genes that could be involved in early responses to heat stress in plants, we compared RNA transcriptomes between lettuce plants with and without heat treatment of 37 °C for 1 h. Using transcriptome sequencing analyses, a total of 7986 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified including the top five, LsHSP70A, LsHSP70B, LsHSP17.3A, LsHSP17.9A and LsHSP17.9B, which were the most highly differentially expressed genes. In order to investigate the temporal expression patterns of 24 lettuce HSP genes with a fold-change greater than 100 under heat stress, the expression levels of the genes were measured by qRT-PCR at 0, 1, 4, 8, 14, and 24 h time points after heat treatment. The 24 LsHSP genes were classified into three groups based on the phylogenetic analysis and/or major domains available in each protein, and we provided a potential link between the phylogenetic relationships and expression patterns of the LsHSP genes. Our results showed putative early heat-responsive lettuce HSP genes that could be possible candidates as breeding guides for the development of heat-tolerant lettuce cultivars.
A Participatory Community Diagnosis of a Rural Community from the Perspective of Its Women, Leading to Proposals for Action
Authors: Alberdi-Erice Maria Jose , Martinez Homero , Rayón-Valpuesta Esperanza
Published: September 2021

In primary health care, a community diagnosis is necessary to provide a detailed description of the community as well as an evaluation of the community’s health, including the main factors responsible for it and the needs felt by the population. This article presents a community health diagnosis following a participatory design, taking the perspective of women living in the community, to identify proposals for action. An ethnographic study was carried out in the community of Mañaria (Spain), using semi-structured interviews, in-depth interviews, key informants, participant observation, desk review, and photography. A sample of 21 women were interviewed until reaching saturation of the information. This information was complemented by that provided by five key informants. Data analysis included text analysis, coding, and categorization. Preliminary results were presented to the informants for validation and further refinement, and proposals for action were identified and followed up. Six categories were identified, representing different areas of intervention: population, jobs and economy, public and private spaces, lifestyles, processes of socialization, and health care assets. For each of these areas, the main problems were identified, as were the health care assets and proposals for action. The community diagnosis has been shown to be useful not only to identify health needs but also as an efficacious instrument to trigger social and public health actions that may be undertaken at the institutional level.
Automatic Building Detection with Polygonizing and Attribute Extraction from High-Resolution Images
Authors: Daranagama Samitha , Witayangkurn Apichon
Published: September 2021

Buildings can be introduced as a fundamental element for forming a city. Therefore, up-to-date building maps have become vital for many applications, including urban mapping and urban expansion analysis. With the development of deep learning, segmenting building footprints from high-resolution remote sensing imagery has become a subject of intense study. Here, a modified version of the U-Net architecture with a combination of pre- and post-processing techniques was developed to extract building footprints from high-resolution aerial imagery and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery. Data pre-processing with the logarithmic correction image enhancing algorithm showed the most significant improvement in the building detection accuracy for aerial images; meanwhile, the CLAHE algorithm improved the most concerning UAV images. This study developed a post-processing technique using polygonizing and polygon smoothing called the Douglas–Peucker algorithm, which made the building output directly ready to use for different applications. The attribute information, land use data, and population count data were applied using two open datasets. In addition, the building area and perimeter of each building were calculated as geometric attributes.
Exploring Spatial Distribution of Urban Park Service Areas in Shanghai Based on Travel Time Estimation: A Method Combining Multi-Source Data
Authors: Li Zihao , Chen Hui , Yan Wentao
Published: September 2021

Due to a growing appreciation for the ecological and recreational benefits of public green spaces, the evaluation of urban parks’ service efficiency, as well as citizens’ behavioral preferences for daily recreation, have become an increasing academic focus. However, due to the lack of empirical approaches, existing research on exploring park service areas has been simplified by their use of Euclidean distance or buffer sets by simulation, ignoring the fact that the likelihood of citizens visiting urban parks is time sensitive. Utilizing mobile signaling data and web map services, this study proposes an approach to estimating the travel times of park visitors and analyzing the characteristics of park service areas from the perspective of actual time consumption. Taking Shanghai as a case study, this research firstly identified the time–cost decay of parks with different areas and locations. A comparison analysis was then used to examine the spatial relationship between park service areas and their accessibility defined by time consumption. The results show that (1) urban parks in Shanghai have larger mean service radii than existing planning guidelines, and park service areas were significantly influenced by park locations; (2) people have a great preference for urban parks whose travel times by public transit are under 40 min, and they have no desire to visit parks located within or outside the Middle Ring Road when the travel times reach 60 min and 75 min, respectively; (3) the shapes of park service areas are consistent with the high-accessibility districts defined by time thresholds, in spite of some differences caused by citizens’ choices. These findings provide an effective tool for evaluating the actual characteristics of park recreational services, along with direct implications for policymakers aiming to establish effective strategies for improving the accessibility and vitality of urban parks.
Rice Yield Simulation and Planting Suitability Environment Pattern Recognition at a Fine Scale
Authors: Li Daichao , Liang Jianqin , Wang Xingfeng , Wu Sheng , Xie Xiaowei , Lu Jiaqi
Published: September 2021

Analyzing rice yields and multidimensional environmental factors at a fine scale facilitates the discovery of the planting environment patterns that guide the spatial layout of rice production. This study uses Pucheng County, Fujian Province, a demonstration county of China Good Grains and Oils, as the research area. Using actual rice yield sample data and environment data, a yield simulation model based on random forest regression is constructed to realize a fine-scale simulation of rice yield and its spatial distribution pattern in Pucheng County. On this basis, we construct a method system to identify spatial combination patterns between rice yields and fine-scale multidimensional environmental planting suitability using rice yield data and environmental planting suitability evaluation data. We categorize the areas into four combination model areas to analyze the spatial correlation model of planting suitability, multidimensional environment, and yield: higher-yield and higher-suitability cluster–comprehensive environmental-advantage areas, high-yield and high-suitability cluster–soil condition-limited areas, moderate-yield and moderate-suitability cluster–irrigation and drainage condition-limited areas, and low-yield and low-suitability cluster–site condition-limited areas. The following results are found. (1) The rice yield simulation model, which is based on random forest regression, considers the various complex relationships between yield and natural as well as human factors to realize the refined simulation of rice yields at a county scale. (2) The county rice yield has a strong positive spatial correlation, and the spatial clustering characteristics are obvious; these relationships can provide a basis for effectively implementing intensive rice planting in Pucheng County. (3) We construct a spatial combination pattern recognition method based on rice yield and environmental planting suitability. We can use this method to effectively identify the spatial relationship between yield and planting suitability as well as the shortcomings and advantages of different regions in terms of the climate, soil, irrigation, site, mechanical farming, and similar factors. On this basis, we can provide regional rice planting guidance for Pucheng County. In addition, this method system also provides a new perspective and method for research into spatial combination models and related spatial issues.
Bridge Inspection and Defect Recognition with Using Impact Echo Data, Probability, and Naive Bayes Classifiers
Authors: Jafari Faezeh , Dorafshan Sattar
Published: September 2021

Interpretation of IE data have been carried out by analyzing IE signals in frequency domain to determine the maximum frequency. However, the current peak frequency method can be inaccurate. The purpose of this research is to introduce features in IE signals that can be used for effective classification and interpretation for bridge deck evaluation through statistical analysis and Naive Bayes classifiers. The dataset contained IE data collected from eight slabs created at Advanced Sensing Technology FAST NDE laboratory (FHWA). A set of statistical features in time domain, normalized peak values, and length of preprocessed signals were used to classify the IE data, statistically. Then, Naive Bayes classifiers was employed to recognize defect area. Finally, the result of statistical classification was compared with frequency approach. The result shows that 19 and 21% of the IE signals collected from the defect area have multiple peaks, respectively. However, 85% of the IE signals collected from the sound set had only one peak. A probability classifier was used to find the relationship between the result of the frequency method and statistical analysis. The result shows that 10% of the IE signals were usable for estimating the thickness in the sound group.
Field Efficacy of Cordyceps javanica, White Oil and Spinetoram for the Management of the Asian Citrus Psyllid, Diaphorina citri
Authors: Avery Pasco B. , Duren Emily B. , Qureshi Jawwad A. , Adair Robert C. , Adair Matthew M. , Cave Ronald D.
Published: September 2021

Citrus greening disease is devastating the citrus industry in Florida, and the conventional synthetic pesticide applications used to control the vector, the Asian citrus psyllid (AsCP), Diaphorina citri, are rapidly becoming unsustainable. Various laboratory experiments indicate that the entomopathogenic fungus Cordyceps javanica, alone and in combination with horticultural oils, may offer a more sustainable strategy for the management of AsCP. Field studies conducted in 2018 and 2019 in mature citrus indicated that C. javanica alone, C. javanica mixed with white oil, and the chemical standard spinetoram mixed with white oil significantly suppressed AsCP adult populations by 61–83% up to 14 days after treatment in 2018, although colony-forming units of C. javanica were still present on the leaves 21 days after treatment (DAT). Only spinetoram + oil significantly suppressed AsCP, by 100%, up to 7 DAT in 2019. Natural enemies of AsCP, including lady beetles, lacewing larvae and the parasitoid Tamarixia radiata, were observed in the fungal treatments and the untreated control. The AsCP suppression by C. javanica and its compatibility with beneficial organisms suggest the potential use of this entomopathogenic fungus in citrus-integrated pest management.
Review and Meta-Analysis of the Evidence for Choosing between Specific Pyrethroids for Programmatic Purposes
Authors: Lissenden Natalie , Kont Mara , Essandoh John , Ismail Hanafy , Churcher Thomas , Lambert Ben , Lenhart Audrey , McCall Philip , Moyes Catherine , Paine Mark , Praulins Giorgio , Weetman David , Lees Rosemary
Published: September 2021

Pyrethroid resistance is widespread in malaria vectors. However, differential mortality in discriminating dose assays to different pyrethroids is often observed in wild populations. When this occurs, it is unclear if this differential mortality should be interpreted as an indication of differential levels of susceptibility within the pyrethroid class, and if so, if countries should consider selecting one specific pyrethroid for programmatic use over another. A review of evidence from molecular studies, resistance testing with laboratory colonies and wild populations, and mosquito behavioural assays were conducted to answer these questions. Evidence suggested that in areas where pyrethroid resistance exists, different results in insecticide susceptibility assays with specific pyrethroids currently in common use (deltamethrin, permethrin, α-cypermethrin, and λ-cyhalothrin) are not necessarily indicative of an operationally relevant difference in potential performance. Consequently, it is not advisable to use rotation between these pyrethroids as an insecticide-resistance management strategy. Less commonly used pyrethroids (bifenthrin and etofenprox) may have sufficiently different modes of action, though further work is needed to examine how this may apply to insecticide resistance management.
Perspectives for Synergic Blends of Attractive Sources in South American Palm Weevil Mass Trapping: Waiting for the Red Palm Weevil Brazil Invasion
Authors: Dalbon Viviane Araujo , Acevedo Juan Pablo Molina , Ribeiro Junior Karlos Antônio Lisboa , Ribeiro Thyago Fernando Lisboa , da Silva Joao Manoel , Fonseca Henrique Goulart , Santana Antônio Euzébio Goulart , Porcelli Francesco
Published: September 2021

Coupling several natural and synthetic lures with aggregation pheromones from the palm weevils Rhynchophorus palmarum and R. ferrugineus reveals a synergy that results in an increase in pest captures. The combined attraction of pure pheromones, ethyl acetate, and decaying sweet and starchy plant tissue increases the net total of mass-trapped weevils. The 2018 entrance of the red palm weevil (RPW) into South America has threatened palm-product income in Brazil and other neighboring countries. The presence of the new A1 quarantine pest necessitates the review of all available options for a sustainable mass-trapping, monitoring, and control strategy to ultimately target both weevils with the same device. The effective lure-blend set for the mass-trapping system will attract weevils in baiting and contaminating stations for entomopathogenic fungi that the same weevils will spread.
Multifocal Visual Evoked Potentials (mfVEP) for the Detection of Visual Field Defects in Glaucoma: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Haitao , Liao Fei , Blanco Román , de la Villa Pedro
Published: September 2021

Some discrepancies have been observed in the diagnostic efficacy of multifocal visual evoked potential (mfVEP) when evaluating visual field defects in glaucoma patients. Therefore, we evaluated the diagnostic precision of the mfVEP in glaucoma to find its best diagnostic indicator. A systematic review and meta-analysis of quantitative studies published up to 1 April 2021 was performed. The methodological quality of the included articles was assessed. Publication bias analysis and heterogeneity tests were performed. The sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio were calculated. The area under the curve (AUC) was calculated using the summary of receiver operating characteristics curve. Six studies with a total of 241 patients were included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The AUC was 0.98. There was no evidence of publication bias or threshold effect. The pooled sensitivity and pooled specificity of the mfVEP amplitude for detection of visual field defects in all studies was 0.93 and 0.89, respectively. The positive and negative likelihood ratios of mfVEP amplitude were 6.56 and 0.08, respectively. The amplitude of mfVEP showed a good diagnostic precision in the prediction of visual field defects. Interocular mfVEP amplitude analysis can be a good diagnostic indicator for visual field study.
Synthesis and Fabrication of Co1−xNixCr2O4 Chromate Nanoparticles and the Effect of Ni Concentration on Their Bandgap, Structure, and Optical Properties
Authors: Saeed Muhammad , Rani Malika , Batool Kiran , Batool Hafiza , Younus Aisha , Azam Sikander , Mehmood Arshad , Haq Bakhtiarul , Alshahrani Thamraa , Ali Ghafar , Maqbool Muhammad
Published: September 2021

In the present work, cobalt-chromite-based pigment Co1-xNixCr2O4 chromate powder and nanoparticles with various transition metal concentrations (x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8) were manufactured by applying aqueous synthesis approaches and sol–gel synthesis routes. XRD analysis of the powder shows that all samples formulated by the sol–gel method were crystalline with a spinel structure. Chromites show green color with a higher nickel concentration, while Co-substituent shows blackish pigments. Samples were annealed at distinct temperatures ranging from 600 °C to 750 °C. The nanoparticles obtained were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy (RS), photoluminescence (PL), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The particle size of the parent compound (CoCr2O4) ranges from 100 nm to 500 nm, as measured by SEM. The tendency of particles to form aggregates with increasing annealing temperature was observed. These compounds may be successfully used as an effective doped nickel-cobalt ceramic pigment.
A New Physical Design Flow for a Selective State Retention Based Approach
Authors: Rabinowicz Joseph , Greenberg Shlomo
Published: September 2021

This research presents a novel approach for physical design implementation aimed for a System on Chip (SoC) based on Selective State Retention techniques. Leakage current has become a dominant factor in Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) design. Power Gating (PG) techniques were first developed to mitigate these leakage currents, but they result in longer SoC wake-up periods due to loss of state. The common State Retention Power Gating (SRPG) approach was developed to overcome the PG technique’s loss of state drawback. However, SRPG resulted in a costly expense of die area overhead due to the additional state retention logic required to keep the design state when power is gated. Moreover, the physical design implementation of SRPG presents additional wiring due to the extra power supply network and power-gating controls for the state retention logic. This results in increased implementation complexity for the physical design tools, and therefore increases runtime and limits the ability to handle large designs. Recently published works on Selective State Retention Power Gating (SSRPG) techniques allow reducing the total amount of retention logic and their leakage currents. Although the SSRPG approach mitigates the overhead area and power limitations of the conventional SRPG technique, still both SRPG and SSRPG approaches require a similar extra power grid network for the retention cells, and the effect of the selective approach on the complexity of the physical design has not been yet investigated. Therefore, this paper introduces further analysis of the physical design flow for the SSRPG design, which is required for optimal cell placement and power grid allocation. This significantly increases the potential routing area, which directly improves the convergence time of the Place and Route tools.
Cancer Spectrum, Family History of Cancer and Overall Survival in Men with Germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 Mutations
Authors: Reichl Florian , Muhr Daniela , Rebhan Katharina , Kramer Gero , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Singer Christian F. , Tan Yen Y.
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND: Men with germline BRCA1/2 mutations are not well studied compared to their female counterparts. This study evaluates the cancer characteristics, family history of cancer, and outcomes of male BRCA1/2 mutation carriers. METHODS: All men with germline BRCA1/2 mutations who attended genetic assessment between October 1995 and October 2019 at the Medical University of Vienna were identified. Clinicohistopathological features, family history of cancer, and outcomes were assessed by mutation status. RESULTS: Of the 323 men included, 45 (13.9%) had a primary cancer diagnosis, many of whom were BRCA2 carriers (75.5%). Breast cancer (BC) was the most common cancer (57.8%) followed by prostate cancer (15.6%). Invasive ductal carcinoma and hormone receptor positive tumors were the most common. Among 26 BC-affected patients, 42% did not have any relatives with cancer. Parent of origin was only known in half of the 26 men, with 42% of them inherited through the maternal lineage versus 8% through the paternal. BRCA2 carriers and those with a family history of BC had worse overall survival (20 y vs. 23 y BRCA1 carriers; P = 0.007; 19 y vs. 21 y for those without family history of BC; P = 0.036). CONCLUSION: Male BRCA2 carriers were most likely to develop cancer and had worse prognosis. In our dataset, BC was the most common cancer, likely due to referral bias. Not all mutation carriers present with BC or have a family history of cancer to warrant genetic testing.
Prediction of Sarcopenia Using Multiple Biomarkers of Neuromuscular Junction Degeneration in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Karim Asima , Muhammad Tahir , Qaisar Rizwan
Published: September 2021

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) present with an advanced form of age-related muscle loss or sarcopenia. Among multiple pathomechanisms of sarcopenia, neuromuscular junction (NMJ) degradation may be of primary relevance. We evaluated the circulating biomarkers of NMJ degradation, including c-terminal agrin fragment -22 (CAF22), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) as predictors of sarcopenia in COPD during pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). Male, 61–77-year-old healthy controls and patients of COPD (n = 77–84/group) were recruited for measurements of circulating CAF22, BDNF, and GDNF levels. Functional assessment and measurements of plasma biomarkers were performed at diagnosis and following six months of PR. CAF22 levels were elevated while BDNF and GDNF levels were reduced in COPD patients at diagnosis, which were incompletely restored to normal levels following PR. These biomarkers showed varying degrees of associations with indexes of sarcopenia and functional recovery during PR. Logistic regression revealed that the combined use of three biomarkers enhanced the diagnostic accuracy of sarcopenia better than single biomarkers. Altogether, measurements of plasma CAF22, BDNF, and GDNF may be helpful for the accurate diagnosis of sarcopenia and functional capacity in COPD during PR.