bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust Association between Acute Kidney Injury after Radical Nephrectomy and Long-term Renal Function
Authors: Kim Won Ho , Shin Kyung Won , Ji Sang-Hwan , Jang Young-Eun , Lee Ji-Hyun , Jeong Chang Wook , Kwak Cheol , Lim Young-Jin
Published: February 2020

The association between acute kidney injury (AKI) and long-term renal function after radical nephrectomy has not been evaluated fully. We reviewed 558 cases of radical nephrectomy. Postoperative AKI was defined by the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) serum creatinine criteria. Values of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were collected up to 36 months (median 35 months) after surgery. The primary outcome was new-onset chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 3a or higher or all-cause mortality within three years after nephrectomy. The functional change ratio (FCR) of eGFR was defined as the ratio of the most recent GFR (24–36 months after surgery) to the new baseline during 3–12 months. A multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analysis for new-onset CKD and a multivariable linear regression analysis for FCR were performed to evaluate the association between AKI and long-term renal outcomes. A correlation analysis was performed with the serum creatinine ratio and used to determine AKI and FCR. AKI occurred in 43.2% (n = 241/558) and our primary outcome developed in 40.5% (n = 226/558) of patients. The incidence of new-onset CKD was significantly higher in patients with AKI than those without at all follow-up time points after surgery. The Cox regression analysis showed a graded association between AKI and our primary outcome (AKI stage 1: Hazard ratio 1.71, 95% confidence interval 1.25–2.32; AKI stage 2 or 3: Hazard ratio 2.72, 95% confidence interval 1.78–4.10). The linear regression analysis for FCR showed that AKI was significantly associated with FCR (β = −0.168 ± 0.322, p = 0.011). There was a significant negative correlation between the serum creatinine ratio and FCR. In conclusion, our analysis demonstrated a robust and graded association between AKI after radical nephrectomy and long-term renal functional deterioration.
Magnesium Sulfate Treatment During Total Knee Arthroplasty Decreases Postoperative Urinary Retention: A Retrospective Propensity Score-Matched Analysis
Authors: Park Jin-Woo , Kim Eun-Kyoung , Lim Dongsik , Oh Tak Kyu , Park Seongjoo , Do Sang-Hwan
Published: February 2020

Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) is a common complication after total knee arthroplasty. Currently, there are no clinical data regarding the effects of magnesium sulfate on POUR. Here, we investigated the effects of intraoperative magnesium sulfate infusion in patients with POUR following total knee arthroplasty. We reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent elective unilateral total knee arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia between June 2016 and May 2018. The patients were grouped based on whether they were treated with magnesium (magnesium group) or not (control group). We investigated the incidence of POUR and the postoperative analgesic requirement. Totally, 483 patients were included in the analysis. After propensity score matching with the control group, the magnesium group showed a lower incidence of POUR (odds ratio, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.29–0.83; p = 0.011) and lesser opioid consumption (p = 0.049) than the control group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that intraoperative continuous infusion of magnesium (p = 0.008) and age (p = 0.001) were significantly related to the incidence of POUR. This retrospective observational study demonstrated that administration of magnesium sulfate was associated with a lower incidence of POUR following total knee arthroplasty.
Theoretical Design Strategies, Strengths, Costs, and Environmental Impacts of Triple Composite Beams Utilizing Glass Compressive Reinforcement
Authors: Cotter John , Guldiken Rasim
Published: February 2020

Due to increasing costs and growing environmental concerns pertaining to the construction of structures, an alternative form of reinforcement has been proposed through our studies; through a new beam design methodology, referred to as triple composite beams, glass can be used as a cost-competitive and more environmentally friendly macro-scale compressive reinforcement. The cost competitiveness of glasses derives from their large compressive strength (in general 1000 MPa; >1100 MPa for fused quartz). To support the triple composite design architecture, equations have been developed using Euler–Bernoulli beam theory and the method of transformed sections and compared against finite element modeling determined stresses. Our results show that the average stress was more accurate but less precise than fully considering binder, assuming the binder did not contribute to the cross-section of the beam. The paper concludes by presenting a flexural reinforcement utilization ratio (R), which predicts the ability of a reinforcement-binder combination to utilize the reinforcement to maximum stress effectively while ignoring bonding strength. This R ratio suggests that while concrete is a low cost, it cannot be used in a glass-reinforced beam as the concrete is too stiff compared to the glass.
Identifying Developmental Motor Difficulties: A Review of Tests to Assess Motor Coordination in Children
Authors: Cancer Alice , Minoliti Rebecca , Crepaldi Maura , Antonietti Alessandro
Published: February 2020

The latest guidelines recommend early identification of children with motor impairments using a standardized norm-referenced test. Motor coordination difficulties in developmental age have been studied extensively over recent years, with experimental literature on developmental coordination disorder (DCD) suggesting that motor proficiency assessments depend on the nature of the task at hand. In this article we reviewed 14 assessment tools to measure movement performance in childhood and adolescence, which are often referred to in an international context. This updated review aims to compare motor tests depending on a) the nature of the tasks included in the battery (i.e., questionnaire and clinical examination), b) psychometric properties, and c) cultural adaptation to relevant developmental norms. Finally, implications for diagnosis and clinical practice are discussed. Considering there are several tests used for DCD, it is important to better define their reliability and validity in different cultures in order to better compare the validation studies and select the most appropriate test to use in the assessment procedure.
Lung Nodule Detection in CT Images Using Statistical and Shape-Based Features
Authors: Khehrah Noor , Farid Muhammad Shahid , Bilal Saira , Khan Muhammad Hassan
Published: February 2020

The lung tumor is among the most detrimental kinds of malignancy. It has a high occurrence rate and a high death rate, as it is frequently diagnosed at the later stages. Computed Tomography (CT) scans are broadly used to distinguish the disease; computer aided systems are being created to analyze the ailment at prior stages productively. In this paper, we present a fully automatic framework for nodule detection from CT images of lungs. A histogram of the grayscale CT image is computed to automatically isolate the lung locale from the foundation. The results are refined using morphological operators. The internal structures are then extracted from the parenchyma. A threshold-based technique is proposed to separate the candidate nodules from other structures, e.g., bronchioles and blood vessels. Different statistical and shape-based features are extracted for these nodule candidates to form nodule feature vectors which are classified using support vector machines. The proposed method is evaluated on a large lungs CT dataset collected from the Lung Image Database Consortium (LIDC). The proposed method achieved excellent results compared to similar existing methods; it achieves a sensitivity rate of 93.75%, which demonstrates its effectiveness.
Mooring Drag Effects in Interaction Problems of Waves and Moored Underwater Floating Structures
Authors: Chen Cheng-Tsung , Lee Jaw-Fang , Lo Chun-Han
Published: February 2020

In contrast to either considering structures with full degrees of freedom but with wave force on mooring lines neglected or with wave scattering and radiation neglected, in this paper, a new analytic solution is presented for wave interaction with moored structures of full degrees of freedom and with wave forces acting on mooring lines considered. The linear potential wave theory is applied to solve the wave problem. The wave fields are expressed as superposition of scattering and radiation waves. Wave forces acting on the mooring lines are calculated using the Morison equation with relative motions. A coupling formulation among water waves, underwater floating structure, and mooring lines are presented. The principle of energy conservation, as well as numerical results, are used to verify the present solution. With complete considerations of interactions among waves and moored structures, the characteristics of motions of the structure, the wave fields, and the wave forces acting on the mooring lines are investigated.
Chlorophyll–Nutrient Relationships of an Artificial Inland Lagoon Equipped with Seawater Replenishment System in the Northern Red Sea (Gulf of Aqaba)
Authors: Al-Rshaidat Mamoon M.D. , Segonds-Pichon Anne , Salem Mohamed
Published: February 2020

Data are reported for an inland artificial lagoon (Ayla) to evaluate the impact of the lagoon’s modeled design and water replenishment system on its water quality and the coastal ecosystem. This study focused on Ayla’s upper lagoon (UL) only, due to its isolation from the two other lagoons and the ambient seawater in the Gulf of Aqaba (GoA). Nutrient measurements (nitrite, nitrate, ammonium, phosphate, and silicate) in addition to Chlorophyll a (Chl a) data were collected between July 2012 and June 2013. Chl a values in the UL were not significantly different from ambient seawater in the GoA, and the UL did not show seasonal differences (p = 0.456). Significant variability for nitrite was observed in the UL between spring and summer (p < 0.0001) and between fall and winter (p < 0.0001). Nitrite showed a stronger seasonal effect in the GoA seawater than in the UL (p = 0.056). Phosphorus showed a seasonal effect and remained similar between the UL and GoA. Nutrient stoichiometry showed a Redfield-like nitrogen-to-phosphorus (N:P) ratio for the ambient GoA seawater around the inlet pumping source and an increased N:P ratio inside the UL. This study emphasizes the importance of modeled lagoon design and seawater replenishment system in preventing and inhibiting eutrophication of the lagoon and therefore minimizing contamination in the coastal ecosystem.
Probabilistic Risk Evaluation for Overall Stability of Composite Caisson Breakwaters in Korea
Authors: Doan Nhu Son , Huh Jungwon , Mac Van Ha , Kim Dongwook , Kwak Kiseok
Published: February 2020

In the present study, the overall stability of typical Korean composite caisson breakwaters that were initially designed following the conventional deterministic approach is investigated using reliability approaches. Therefore, the sensitivity of critical uncertainties regarding breakwater safety is analyzed. Uncertainty sources related to the structure, ocean conditions, and properties of the subsoil and rubble mound are considered in the reliability analysis. Sliding and overturning failures are presented as explicit equations, and three reliability methods, i.e., the mean value first-order second-moment, first-order reliability method, and Monte Carlo simulation, are applied in the evaluation process. Furthermore, the bearing capacity of the rubble mound and subsoil are analyzed using the discrete slice method conjugated with the Monte Carlo simulation. The results of this study establish that the sliding failure generally is the most frequent failure occurring among the above-mentioned overall stability failures (around 15 times more common than failures observed in the foundation). Additionally, it is found that the horizontal wave force primarily contributes to the sliding of the caisson body, whereas the friction coefficient is the main factor producing the resistance force. Furthermore, a much small probability of overturning failure implies that the overturning of a caisson around its heels uncommonly occurs during their lifetime, unlike other overall failure modes. Moreover, the failure in foundations may commonly encounter in the breakwater that has a high rubble mound structure compared with sliding mode. Particularly, the performance function of the all foundation bearing capacities presents a nonlinear behavior and positively skewed distribution when using the Monte Carlo simulation method. This phenomenon proves that simulation methods might be an appropriate approach to evaluate the bearing capacity of a breakwater foundation that can overcome several drawbacks of the conventional design approach.
Aspiring Antifungals: Review of Current Antifungal Pipeline Developments
Authors: Gintjee Thomas , Donnelley Monica , Thompson George
Published: February 2020

Invasive fungal infections are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and their management is restricted to a variety of agents from five established classes of antifungal medication. In practice, existing antifungal agents are often constrained by dose-limiting toxicities, drug interactions, and the routes of administration. An increasing prevalence of invasive fungal infections along with rising rates of resistance and the practical limitations of existing agents has created a demand for the development of new antifungals, particularly those with novel mechanisms of action. This article reviews antifungal agents currently in various stages of clinical development. New additions to existing antifungal classes will be discussed, including SUBA-itraconazole, a highly bioavailable azole, and amphotericin B cochleate, an oral amphotericin formulation, as well as rezafungin, a long-acting echinocandin capable of once-weekly administration. Additionally, novel first-in-class agents such as ibrexafungerp, an oral glucan synthase inhibitor with activity against various resistant fungal isolates, and olorofim, a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor with a broad spectrum of activity and oral formulation, will be reviewed. Various other innovative antifungal agents and classes, including MGCD290, tetrazoles, and fosmanogepix, will also be examined.
An Evaluation Framework for Urban Cadastral System Policy in Ethiopia
Authors: Chekole Solomon Dargie , de Vries Walter Timo , Shibeshi Gebeyehu Belay
Published: February 2020

Land is the most vital resource on earth from which people derive their basic needs. In order to administer and manage this vital resource in a sustainable way, there are several mechanisms, of which the cadastral system is the prime one. Literature documents that the performance measurement methods of cadastral systems are not appropriate. In most developing countries, systematic performance evaluation mechanisms for cadastral systems are very inadequate. For example, Ethiopia has no systematic evaluation framework to measure and evaluate the state of cadastral systems. This article aims to develop an evaluation framework to measure and evaluate the performance of urban cadastral systems in Ethiopia based on the methods that have proven successful in developed countries. The goal is furthermore to present a set of good practices and a set of indicators that can provide an objective basis to support a systematic evaluation of urban cadastral systems in Ethiopia. The study employs a desk review research strategy and a qualitative analytical approach.
Assessing U.S. Landscape Architecture Faculty Research Contribution
Authors: Brown Robert D. , Tasnum Tamanna , Kim YouJoung
Published: February 2020

Landscape architecture programs in the United States are assessed based on the quality of the professional education received by their students. Research is becoming an increasingly important part of the profession as evidence-based landscape architecture grows, and it is critical that university faculty provide information that can be used in professional practice to resolve important environmental and social issues. In many universities, individual landscape architecture faculty are encouraged to conduct research and their performance is evaluated based largely on the quantity and quality of their scholarly output. This paper used publicly-available information to conduct a citation analysis for individual faculty and professionally accredited landscape architecture programs across the US. There was a wide range in the contribution level with some programs and some individuals who were very productive, while many others contributed very little. This might point to an attempt by programs to maintain a balance between scholarly contributions and the education of professional landscape architects. As research becomes an increasing important part of the profession, the productive programs and individuals identified in this study might provide models for others to emulate.
Monocytic Cell-Induced Phase Transformation of Circulating Lipid-Based Liquid Crystalline Nanosystems
Authors: Tan Angel , Lam Yuen Yi , Sun Xiaohan , Boyd Ben
Published: February 2020

Both lamellar and non-lamellar configurations are naturally present in bio-membranes, and the synthetic lipid-based liquid crystalline nano-assemblies, mimicking these unique structures, (including liposomes, cubosomes and hexosomes) are applicable in the controlled delivery of bioactives. However, it remains uncertain whether these nanosystems retain their original phase identity upon contact with blood circulating cells. This study highlights a novel biological cell flow-through approach at the synchrotron-based small angle X-ray scattering facility (bio-SAXS) to unravel their real-time phase evolution when incubated with human monocytic cells (THP-1) in suspension. Phytantriol-based cubosomes were identified to undergo monocytic cell-induced phase transformation from cubic to hexagonal phase periodicity. On the contrary, hexosomes exhibited time-dependent growth of a swollen hexagonal phase (i.e., larger lattice parameters) without displaying alternative phase characteristics. Similarly, liposomes remained undetectable for any newly evolved phase identity. Consequently, this novel in situ bio-SAXS study concept is valuable in delivering new important insights into the bio-fates of various lipid-based nanosystems under simulated human systemic conditions.
Correction: G. Papari et al. Terahertz Spectroscopy of Amorphous WSe2 and MoSe2 Thin Films. Materials 2018, 11, 1613
Authors: Papari Gian Paolo , Koral Can , Hallam Toby , Duesberg Georg Stefan , Andreone Antonello
Published: February 2020

The exponential factor in Equation (1) of the paper published in Materials [1] reports a misprint and the correct expression of the transmission function is (1) T ˜ ( ω ) = E ˜ f ( ω ) E ˜ s ( ω ) = 2 n ˜ f ( n ˜ a + n ˜ s ) ( n ˜ f + n ˜ a ) ( n ˜ f + n ˜ s ) e x p { −   i   ( n ˜ f − n ˜ a ) ω t c } F P ( ω ) where F P ( ω ) = 1 1 − ( n ˜ f − n ˜ a n ˜ f + n ˜ a ) ( n ˜ f − n ˜ s n ˜ f + n ˜ s ) e x p { − i   2   n ˜ f ω t c } [...]
The Impact of the Vanadium Oxide Addition on the Physicochemical Performance Stability and Intercalation of Lithium Ions of the TiO2-rGO-electrode in Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Kurc Beata , Wysokowski Marcin , Rymaniak Łukasz , Lijewski Piotr , Piasecki Adam , Fuć Paweł
Published: February 2020

This work determines the effect of the addition of various amounts of vanadium oxide on the work of a cell built from a hybrid VxOy-TiO2-rGO system in a lithium-ion cell. Moreover, a new method based on solvothermal chemistry is proposed for the creation of a new type of composite material combining reduced graphene, vanadium oxide and crystalline anatase. The satisfactory electrochemical properties of VxOy-TiO2-rGO hybrids can be attributed to the perfect matching of the morphology and structure of VxOy-TiO2 and rGO. In addition, it is also responsible for the partial transfer of electrons from rGO to VxOy-TiO2, which increases the synergistic interaction of the VxOy-TiO2-rGO hybrid to the reversible storage of lithium. In addition a full cell was created LiFePO4/VxOy-TiO2-rGO. The cell showed good cyclability while providing a capacity of 120 mAh g−1.
Process-Related Changes in Polyetherimide Joined by Friction-Based Injection Clinching Joining (F-ICJ)
Authors: Abibe André B. , Sônego Marilia , Canto Leonardo B. , dos Santos Jorge F. , Amancio-Filho Sergio T.
Published: February 2020

This work presents a comprehensive study on the effects of the Friction-based Injection Clinching Joining (F-ICJ) process on the microstructure and local properties of the stake head. The manuscript evaluates the consequences on the quasi-static mechanical performance of hybrid joints of amorphous polyetherimide (PEI) with aluminium AA6082. Through an overlay of microhardness map on a cross-polarized transmitted-light optical microscopy (CP-TLOM) image, two lower-strength microstructural zones in the PEI stake head were observed: a plastically-deformed zone (PDZ) and a thermo-mechanically-affected zone (PTMAZ). When compared to the base material, PDZ and PTMAZ have a reduction of 12%–16% and 8%–12%, respectively, in local mechanical properties. The reduced local strength was associated with distinct volumes of loosely packed PEI chains with unsteady chain conformation and thus larger free volume in the affected regions. The mechanical strength reduction is reversible through physical aging by thermal annealing the joints, which additionally shows that process-induced thermomechanical degradation of PEI by chain scission, as evidenced by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) analysis, does not appear to affect local mechanical strength. An evaluation of typical loading regimes of staked joints in lap shear (average ultimate force of 1419 ± 43 N) and cross tensile (average ultimate force of 430 ± 44 N) testing indicates that the process-induced changes of PEI do not compromise the global mechanical performance of such a structure. These findings provide a better understanding of the relationships between processing, microstructure, and properties for further F-ICJ process optimization.
Dental Implants with Different Neck Design: A Prospective Clinical Comparative Study with 2-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Montemezzi Pietro , Ferrini Francesco , Pantaleo Giuseppe , Gherlone Enrico , Capparè Paolo
Published: February 2020

The present study was conducted to investigate whether a different implant neck design could affect survival rate and peri-implant tissue health in a cohort of disease-free partially edentulous patients in the molar–premolar region. The investigation was conducted on 122 dental implants inserted in 97 patients divided into two groups: Group A (rough wide-neck implants) vs. Group B (rough reduced-neck implants). All patients were monitored through clinical and radiological checkups. Survival rate, probing depth, and marginal bone loss were assessed at 12- and 24-month follow-ups. Patients assigned to Group A received 59 implants, while patients assigned to Group B 63. Dental implants were placed by following a delayed loading protocol, and cemented metal–ceramic crowns were delivered to the patients. The survival rates for both Group A and B were acceptable and similar at the two-year follow-up (96.61% vs. 95.82%). Probing depth and marginal bone loss tended to increase over time (follow-up: t1 = 12 vs. t2 = 24 months) in both groups of patients. Probing depth (p = 0.015) and bone loss (p = 0.001) were significantly lower in Group A (3.01 vs. 3.23 mm and 0.92 vs. 1.06 mm; Group A vs. Group B). Within the limitations of the present study, patients with rough wide-neck implants showed less marginal bone loss and minor probing depth, as compared to rough reduced-neck implants placed in the molar–premolar region. These results might be further replicated through longer-term trials, as well as comparisons between more collar configurations (e.g., straight vs. reduced vs. wide collars).
Investigation on Low-temperature Annealing Process of Solution-processed TiO2 Electron Transport Layer for Flexible Perovskite Solar Cell
Authors: Yu Xing , Zou Xiaoping , Cheng Jin , Chen Dan , Yao Yujun , Chang Chuangchuang , Liu Baoyu , Wang Junqi , Zhou Zixiao , Li Guangdong
Published: February 2020

Flexible perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have received increasing attention in wearable and portable devices over the past ten years. The low-temperature process of electron transport layer plays a key role in fabricating flexible PSCs. In this paper, we improve the performance of flexible PSCs by controlling the thermodynamic procedure in the low-temperature annealing process of solution-processed TiO2 layers and modulating the precursor concentration of (6,6)-phenyl c61 butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM) deposited on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO)/TiO2 substrate. The results show that slowing down evaporation rate of residual solvent and adopting PC61BM of appropriate precursor concentration are confirmed to be effective methods to improve the performance of flexible PSCs. We also demonstrate carbon electrode-based flexible PSCs. Our work expands the feasibility of low temperature process for the development of flexible perovskite photodetectors and light-emitting diodes, as well as flexible PSCs.
New Materials in Oral Surgery
Authors: Grassia Vincenzo , Nucci Ludovica
Published: February 2020

Currently, in the field of dentistry literature, one of most active research topics is clearly related to implants, bone materials, and regenerative strategies for the reconstruction of different oral tissues. Biomaterials and related technologies used with these purposes could only be derived from the integration of the knowledge of different disciplines, which together are skilled in generating innovation and research development, with extensive support of basic sciences and intense international cooperation. The combination of these resources, associated with the greater need for increasingly comprehensive and predictable therapeutic protocols, brings a substantial change in the treatment of oral rehabilitations.
Information Length as a Useful Index to Understand Variability in the Global Circulation
Authors: Kim Eun-jin , Heseltine James , Liu Hanli
Published: February 2020

With improved measurement and modelling technology, variability has emerged as an essential feature in non-equilibrium processes. While traditionally, mean values and variance have been heavily used, they are not appropriate in describing extreme events where a significant deviation from mean values often occurs. Furthermore, stationary Probability Density Functions (PDFs) miss crucial information about the dynamics associated with variability. It is thus critical to go beyond a traditional approach and deal with time-dependent PDFs. Here, we consider atmospheric data from the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM) and calculate time-dependent PDFs and the information length from these PDFs, which is the total number of statistically different states that a system evolves through in time. Specifically, we consider the three cases of sampling data to investigate the distribution of information (information budget) along the altitude and longitude to gain a new perspective of understanding variabilities, correlation among different variables and regions. Time-dependent PDFs are shown to be non-Gaussian in general; the information length tends to increase with the altitude albeit in a complex form; this tendency is more robust for flows/shears than temperature. Much similarity among flows and shears in the information length is also found in comparison with the temperature. This means a strong correlation among flows/shears because of their coupling through gravity waves in this particular WACCM model. We also find the increase of the information length with the latitude and interesting hemispheric asymmetry for flows/shears/temperature, with the tendency of anti-correlation (correlation) between flows/shears and temperature at high (low) latitude. These results suggest the importance of high latitude/altitude in the information budget in the Earth’s atmosphere, the spatial gradient of the information length being a useful proxy for information flow.
Algebraic Method for the Reconstruction of Partially Observed Nonlinear Systems Using Differential and Integral Embedding
Authors: Karimov Artur , Nepomuceno Erivelton G. , Tutueva Aleksandra , Butusov Denis
Published: February 2020

The identification of partially observed continuous nonlinear systems from noisy and incomplete data series is an actual problem in many branches of science, for example, biology, chemistry, physics, and others. Two stages are needed to reconstruct a partially observed dynamical system. First, one should reconstruct the entire phase space to restore unobserved state variables. For this purpose, the integration or differentiation of the observed data series can be performed. Then, a fast-algebraic method can be used to obtain a nonlinear system in the form of a polynomial dynamical system. In this paper, we extend the algebraic method proposed by Kera and Hasegawa to Laurent polynomials which contain negative powers of variables, unlike ordinary polynomials. We provide a theoretical basis and experimental evidence that the integration of a data series can give more accurate results than the widely used differentiation. With this technique, we reconstruct Lorenz attractor from a one-dimensional data series and B. Muthuswamy’s circuit equations from a three-dimensional data series.
Complexity Analysis and Stochastic Convergence of Some Well-known Evolutionary Operators for Solving Graph Coloring Problem
Authors: Marappan Raja , Sethumadhavan Gopalakrishnan
Published: February 2020

The graph coloring problem is an NP-hard combinatorial optimization problem and can be applied to various engineering applications. The chromatic number of a graph G is defined as the minimum number of colors required to color the vertex set V(G) so that no two adjacent vertices are of the same color, and different approximations and evolutionary methods can find it. The present paper focused on the asymptotic analysis of some well-known and recent evolutionary operators for finding the chromatic number. The asymptotic analysis of different crossover and mutation operators helps in choosing the better evolutionary operator to minimize the problem search space and computational complexity. The choice of the right genetic operators facilitates an evolutionary algorithm to achieve faster convergence with lesser population size N through an adequate distribution of promising genes. The selection of an evolutionary operator plays an essential role in reducing the bounds for minimum color obtained so far for some of the benchmark graphs. This research also focuses on the necessary and sufficient conditions for the global convergence of evolutionary algorithms. The stochastic convergence of recent evolutionary operators for solving graph coloring is newly analyzed.
Resolving Indeterminacy Approach to Solve Multi-Criteria Zero-Sum Matrix Games with Intuitionistic Fuzzy Goals
Authors: Brikaa M. G. , Zheng Zhoushun , Ammar El-Saeed
Published: February 2020

The intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS) is applied in various decision-making problems to express vagueness and showed great success in realizing the day-to-day problems. The principal aim of this article is to develop an approach for solving multi-criteria matrix game with intuitionistic fuzzy (I-fuzzy) goals. The proposed approach introduces the indeterminacy resolving functions of I-fuzzy numbers and discusses the I-fuzzy inequalities concept. Then, an effective algorithm based on the indeterminacy resolving algorithm is developed to obtain Pareto optimal security strategies for both players through solving a pair of multi-objective linear programming problems constructed from two auxiliary I-fuzzy programming problems. It is shown that this multi-criteria matrix game with I-fuzzy goals is an extension of the multi-criteria matrix game with fuzzy goals. Moreover, two numerical simulations are conducted to demonstrate the applicability and implementation process of the proposed algorithm. Finally, the achieved numerical results are compared with the existing algorithms to show the advantages of our algorithm.
Coefficient Estimates for a Subclass of Bi-Univalent Functions Defined by q-Derivative Operator
Authors: Elhaddad Suhila , Darus Maslina
Published: February 2020

Recently, a number of features and properties of interest for a range of bi-univalent and univalent analytic functions have been explored through systematic study, e.g., coefficient inequalities and coefficient bounds. This study examines S q δ ( ϑ , η , ρ , ν ; ψ ) as a novel general subclass of Σ which comprises normalized analytic functions, as well as bi-univalent functions within Δ as an open unit disk. The study locates estimates for the | a 2 | and | a 3 | Taylor–Maclaurin coefficients in functions of the class which is considered. Additionally, links with a number of previously established findings are presented.
Two New Alginate Lyases of PL7 and PL6 Families from Polysaccharide-Degrading Bacterium Formosa algae KMM 3553T: Structure, Properties, and Products Analysis
Authors: Belik Alexey , Silchenko Artem , Malyarenko Olesya , Rasin Anton , Kiseleva Marina , Kusaykin Mikhail , Ermakova Svetlana
Published: February 2020

A bifunctional alginate lyase (ALFA3) and mannuronate-specific alginate lyase (ALFA4) genes were found in the genome of polysaccharide-degrading marine bacterium Formosa algae KMM 3553T. They were classified to PL7 and PL6 polysaccharide lyases families and expressed in E. coli. The recombinant ALFA3 appeared to be active both on mannuronate- and guluronate-enriched alginates, as well as pure sodium mannuronate. For all substrates, optimum conditions were pH 6.0 and 35 °C; Km was 0.12 ± 0.01 mg/mL, and half-inactivation time was 30 min at 42 °C. Recombinant ALFA4 was active predominately on pure sodium mannuronate, with optimum pH 8.0 and temperature 30 °C, Km was 3.01 ± 0.05 mg/mL. It was stable up to 30 °C; half-inactivation time was 1 h 40 min at 37 °C. 1H NMR analysis showed that ALFA3 degraded mannuronate and mannuronate-guluronate blocks, while ALFA4 degraded only mannuronate blocks, producing mainly disaccharides. Products of digestion of pure sodium mannuronate by ALFA3 at 200 µg/mL inhibited anchorage-independent colony formation of human melanoma cells SK-MEL-5, SK-MEL-28, and RPMI-7951 up to 17% stronger compared to native polymannuronate. This fact supports previous data and suggests that mannuronate oligosaccharides may be useful for synergic tumor therapy.
Dietary Attitude of Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sami Waqas , Alabdulwahhab Khalid M , Ab Hamid Mohd Rashid , Alasbali Tariq A. , Alwadani Fahd Al , Ahmad Mohammad Shakil
Published: February 2020

Background and Objectives: There is a paucity of literature on the dietary attitude (DA) of patients with type 2 diabetes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Although the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is high in Gulf countries, there remains a lack of understanding of the importance of dietary behavior in diabetes management among patients. Understanding the behavior of patients with diabetes towards the disease requires knowledge of their DA. Therefore, this study aimed to assess and evaluate the DA of type 2 diabetes patients, and it is the first of its kind in the KSA. Material and Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 350 patients with type 2 diabetes. A self-administered DA questionnaire was used to collect the data. Psychometric properties of the questionnaire were assessed by face validity, content validity, exploratory factor analysis, and internal consistency reliability. The data were collected using a systematic random sampling technique. Results: The overall DA of the patients was inappropriate (p = 0.014). Patients had an inappropriate DA towards food selection (p = 0.003), healthy choices (p = 0.005), food restraint (p < 0.001), health impact (p < 0.001), and food categorization (p = 0.033). A poor DA was also observed in relation to the consumption of red meat (p <0.001), rice (p < 0.001), soup and sauces (p = 0.040), dairy products (p = 0.015), and junk food (p < 0.001). Conclusions: It is highly recommended that patients with diabetes receive counseling with an empowerment approach, as this can bring about changes in their dietary behavior, which is deeply rooted in their daily routine. Healthcare providers should also be well-informed about patients’ attitudes and beliefs towards diabetes to design tailored educational and salutary programs for this specific community. Diabetes self-management educational programs should also be provided on a regular basis with a special emphasis on diet and its related components.
Comparison of a Five-Year Survival and Cancer Recurrence between Laparoscopically Assisted and Open Colonic Resections due to Adenocarcinoma—A Single Centre Experience
Authors: Janež Jurij , Škapin Armand D
Published: February 2020

Background and objectives: When resecting colon adenocarcinoma, surgeons decide between the use of laparoscopically assisted and open surgery. Laparoscopic resection is known to have short-term benefits over an open operation. However, researchers are not as unified about the long-term findings. The aim of this research is to elaborate on five-year post-operative differences in survival and cancer recurrence between these two different approaches. Materials and methods: 74 enrolled patients were evaluated five years after a primary operation. We collected dates of deaths of deceased patients and time after operation of possible recurrences. Carcinoma staging was done by a pathologist after operation. Blood samples were taken before surgery in order to measure tumor markers (CA19-9 and CEA). Results: Survival after colonic adenocarcinoma surgery did not differ between the two different surgical approaches (p = 0.151). Recurrence of cancer was not associated with the type of operation (p = 0.532). Patients with recurrence had a 37.6 times greater hazard ratio of dying (95% CI: [12.0, 118]; p < 0.001). Advanced age adversely affected survival: patients aged <65 and ≥65 years had a 97%, and 57% survival rate, respectively. Patients with elevated tumor markers at operation had a 19.1 greater hazard ratio of dying (95% CI: [5.16, 70.4]; p < 0.001). Patients with different TNM stages did not have any statistically significant differences in survival (HRII = 2.49; 95% CI: [0.67, 9.30]; pII = 0.173) (HRIII = 2.18; 95% CI: [0.58, 8.12]; pIII = 0.246) or recurrence (p = 0.097). Conclusion: The obtained results suggest that laparoscopic resection of colon cancer is not inferior from an oncologic point of view and results in a similar long-term survival and disease-free interval. Recurrence of carcinoma, older age at initial operation and elevated tumor markers, above a pre-set threshold at operation, were found to be independent factors of lower survival. We believe that the obtained results will be of benefit when choosing treatment for colon adenocarcinoma.
MiRNA-Based Inspired Approach in Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Munteanu Vlad Cristian , Munteanu Raluca Andrada , Onaciu Anca , Berindan-Neagoe Ioana , Petrut Bogdan , Coman Ioan
Published: February 2020

Prostate cancer is one of the most encountered cancer diseases in men worldwide and in consequence it requires the improvement of therapeutic strategies. For the clinical diagnosis, the standard approach is represented by solid biopsy. From a surgical point of view, this technique represents an invasive procedure that may imply several postoperative complications. To overcome these impediments, many trends are focusing on developing liquid biopsy assays and on implementing them in clinical practice. Liquid samples (blood, urine) are rich in analytes, especially in transcriptomic information provided by genetic markers. Additionally, molecular characterization regarding microRNAs content reveals outstanding prospects in understanding cancer progression mechanisms. Moreover, these analytes have great potential for prostate cancer early detection, more accurate prostate cancer staging and also for decision making respecting therapy schemes. However, there are still questionable topics and more research is needed to standardize liquid biopsy-based techniques.
Microscopy and Spectroscopy Techniques for Characterization of Polymeric Membranes
Authors: Alqaheem Yousef , Alomair Abdulaziz A.
Published: February 2020

Polymeric membrane is a proven technology for water purification and wastewater treatment. The membrane is also commercialized for gas separation, mainly for carbon dioxide removal and hydrogen recovery. Characterization techniques are excellent tools for exploring the membrane structure and the chemical properties. This information can be then optimized to improve the membrane for better performance. In this paper, characterization techniques for studying the physical structure such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) are discussed. Techniques for investigating the crystal structure such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) are also considered. Other tools for determining the functional groups such Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) are reviewed. Methods for determining the elemental composition such as energy-dispersion X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray fluorescent (XRF), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) are explored. The paper also gives general guidelines for sample preparation and data interpretation for each characterization technique.
The Interdependence of the Degree of Precipitation and Dislocation Density during the Thermomechanical Treatment of Microalloyed Niobium Steel
Authors: Rešković Stoja , Slokar Benić Ljerka , Lovrenić-Jugović Martina
Published: February 2020

In this paper, thermomechanical processing of niobium microalloyed steel was performed with the purpose of determining the interaction between niobium precipitates and dislocations, as well as determining the influence of the temperature of final deformation on the degree of precipitation and dislocation density. Two variants of thermomechanical processing with different final rolling temperatures were carried out. Samples were studied using electrochemical isolation with an atomic absorption spectrometer, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and universal tensile testing with a thermographic camera. The results show that the increase in the density of dislocations before the onset of intense precipitation is insignificant because the recrystallization process takes place simultaneously. It increases with the onset of strain-induced precipitation. In this paper, it is shown that niobium precipitates determine the density of dislocations. The appearance of Lüders bands was noticed as a consequence of the interaction between niobium precipitates and dislocations during the subsequent cold deformation. In both variants of the industrial process performed on the cold deformed strip, Lüders bands appeared.
FAST-forge of Titanium Alloy Swarf: A Solid-State Closed-Loop Recycling Approach for Aerospace Machining Waste
Authors: Weston Nicholas S. , Jackson Martin
Published: February 2020

Titanium alloys have excellent properties, but components are very expensive due to the high levels of processing required, such as vacuum melting, multi-stage forging, and machining. As a result, forged titanium alloy components are largely exclusive to the aerospace industry, where a high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and excellent fatigue resistance are essential. However, a typical buy-to-fly ratio for such components is approximately 9:1, as much of the forged billet is machined to swarf. The quantity of waste titanium alloy swarf generated is increasing as aircraft orders, and the titanium components contained within them, are increasing. In this paper, waste swarf material has been recycled using the two-step solid-state FAST-forge process, which utilizes field assisted sintering technology (FAST) followed by hot forging. Cleaned Ti-6Al-4V swarf was fully consolidated using the FAST process at sub-transus and super-transus temperatures, followed by hot forging at sub-transus temperatures at different strain rates. It was demonstrated that swarf-derived Ti-6Al-4V FAST billets have equivalent hot forging flow behaviour and resultant microstructures when directly compared to equivalently processed conventional expensive hydride–dehydride powder, and previously reported Kroll-derived melt-wrought material. This demonstrates that titanium swarf is a good quality feedstock for downstream processing. Additionally, FAST-forge is a viable processing route for the closed-loop recycling of machining waste for next-generation components in vehicles and non-aerospace applications, which is game changing for the economics of titanium alloy components.
Dimensional Tolerance of Casting in the Bridgman Furnace Based on 3D Printing Techniques
Authors: Zhu Xintao , Wang Fu , Ma Dexin , Bührig-Polaczek Andreas
Published: February 2020

In this article, the feasibility and the dimensional accuracy based on the 3D printing technology during investment casting of non-vacuum and Bridgman furnace are investigated based on the coordinate measuring machine to calculate the dimensional tolerances through a systematic approach. The research proved that both the investigated RC solutions are effective at obtaining cast technological prototypes in short times and at low cost, with dimensional tolerances that are completely consistent with metal casting processes.
EFMviz: A COBRA Toolbox Extension to Visualize Elementary Flux Modes in Genome-Scale Metabolic Models
Authors: Sarathy Chaitra , Kutmon Martina , Lenz Michael , Adriaens Michiel E. , Evelo Chris T. , Arts Ilja C.W.
Published: February 2020

Elementary Flux Modes (EFMs) are a tool for constraint-based modeling and metabolic network analysis. However, systematic and automated visualization of EFMs, capable of integrating various data types is still a challenge. In this study, we developed an extension for the widely adopted COBRA Toolbox, EFMviz, for analysis and graphical visualization of EFMs as networks of reactions, metabolites and genes. The analysis workflow offers a platform for EFM visualization to improve EFM interpretability by connecting COBRA toolbox with the network analysis and visualization software Cytoscape. The biological applicability of EFMviz is demonstrated in two use cases on medium (Escherichia coli, iAF1260) and large (human, Recon 2.2) genome-scale metabolic models. EFMviz is open-source and integrated into COBRA Toolbox. The analysis workflows used for the two use cases are detailed in the two tutorials provided with EFMviz along with the data used in this study.