bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Temporal Threshold for Distinguishing Off-Wrist from Inactivity Periods: A Retrospective Actigraphy Analysis
Authors: Lok Renske , Zeitzer Jamie M.
Published: November 2020

(1) Background. To facilitate accurate actigraphy data analysis, inactive periods have to be distinguished from periods during which the device is not being worn. The current analysis investigates the degree to which off-wrist and inactive periods can be automatically identified. (2) Methods. In total, 125 actigraphy records were manually scored for ‘off-wrist’ and ‘inactivity’ (99 collected with the Motionlogger AMI, 26 (sampling frequency of 60 (n = 20) and 120 (n = 6) s) with the Philips Actiwatch 2.) Data were plotted with cumulative frequency percentage and analyzed with receiver operating characteristic curves. To confirm findings, the thresholds determined in a subset of the Motionlogger dataset (n = 74) were tested in the remaining dataset (n = 25). (3) Results. Inactivity data lasted shorter than off-wrist periods, with 95% of inactive events being shorter than 11 min (Motionlogger), 20 min (Actiwatch 2; 60 s epochs) or 30 min (Actiwatch 2; 120 s epochs), correctly identifying 35, 92 or 66% of the off-wrist periods. The optimal accurate detection of both inactive and off-wrist periods for the Motionlogger was 3 min (Youden’s Index (J) = 0.37), while it was 18 (J = 0.89) and 16 min (J = 0.81) for the Actiwatch 2 (60 and 120 s epochs, respectively). The thresholds as determined in the subset of the Motionlogger dataset showed similar results in the remaining dataset. (4) Conclusion. Off-wrist periods can be automatically identified from inactivity data based on a temporal threshold. Depending on the goal of the analysis, a threshold can be chosen to favor inactivity data’s inclusion or accurate off-wrist detection.
Photosensitive Bent-Core Compounds with Azo-Group Attached to the Central Ring
Authors: Cigl Martin , Hamplová Věra , Pociecha Damian , Novotná Vladimíra
Published: November 2020

We prepared and studied bent-core liquid crystalline (LC) compounds based on 1,3-disubstituted benzene in a central part and azo-linkage attached directly to this bent core. We designed three structures and checked their mesogenic properties, as well as photosensitivity. We found that two studied compounds revealed columnar LC mesophases, which we transformed to the isotropic phase under the illumination of UV light. We concluded that only one type of structural motif was not mesogenic. For LC compounds, we established phases and phase transition temperatures based on differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements and observations in a polarizing microscope. To confirm phase identification, X-ray studies were performed and structural parameters describing the columnar phases supplied.
Spectroscopic, Raman, EMPA, Micro-XRF and Micro-XANES Analyses of Sulphur Concentration and Oxidation State of Natural Apatite Crystals
Authors: Xu Bo , Kou Guanyu , Etschmann Barbara , Liu Daiyue , Brugger Joël
Published: November 2020

Sulphur is the third most abundant volatile element in deep Earth systems. Analytical methods for accurately and efficiently determining the sulphur content and oxidation state in natural minerals are still lacking. Natural apatite is widely distributed in the Earth and incorporates a large amount of sulphur. Therefore, apatite is an ideal mineral for performing sulphur measurements. Here, we used spectroscopic, Raman, X-ray diffraction, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), electron microprobe (EMPA) and micro-X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (micro-XRF) analysis techniques and developed a new analytical approach (i.e., micro-X-ray absorption near-edge structure (micro-XANES) analysis of the sulphur K-edge) to investigate the chemical characteristics of natural apatite. These multiple methods were developed to measure in situ sulphur concentration and S oxidation states and to assess a potential natural apatite reference material. Apatite contains chemically homogeneous sulphur, with micro-XANES located at the peak energies corresponding to S6+ (sulphate; ~2482 eV), S4+ (sulfite; ~2478 eV), and S2− (sulphide; ~2467, 2470 and 2474 eV). The Durango apatite contains total S presented as SO3 at amount of 0.332 ± 0.012 wt.% (1σ), with a large amount of S6+ and a small contribution of S4+. The Kovdor apatite contains 44–100 ppm of S and is dominated by S6+. These results indicate that the Durango apatite crystallised under relative oxidising conditions, and the Kovdor apatite has a higher oxygen fugacity than Durango. In addition, this study indicates the potential use of the natural apatite reference material with its S composition and S oxidation state.
Non-Invasive Diagnosis of Malignancies Based on the Analysis of Markers in Exhaled Air
Authors: Chernov Vladimir I. , Choynzonov Evgeniy L. , Kulbakin Denis E. , Menkova Ekaterina N. , Obkhodskaya Elena V. , Obkhodskiy Artem V. , Popov Aleksandr S. , Rodionov Evgeniy O. , Sachkov Victor I. , Sachkova Anna S.
Published: November 2020

Novel non-invasive methods for the diagnosis of malignancies should be effective for early diagnosis, reproducible, inexpensive, and independent from the human factor. Our aim was to establish the applicability of the non-invasive method, based on the analysis of air exhaled by patients who are at different stages of oropharyngeal, larynx and lung cancer. The diagnostic device includes semiconductor sensors capable of measuring the concentrations of gas components in exhaled air, with the high sensitivity of 1 ppm. The neural network uses signals from these sensors to perform classification and identify cancer patients. Prior to the diagnostic procedure of the non-invasive method, we clarified the extent and stage of the tumor according to current international standards and recommendations for the diagnosis of malignancies. The statistical dataset for neural network training and method validation included samples from 121 patients with the most common tumor localizations (lungs, oropharyngeal region and larynx). The largest number of cases (21 patients) were lung cancer, while the number of patients with oropharyngeal or laryngeal cancer varied from 1 to 9, depending on tumor localization (oropharyngeal, tongue, oral cavity, larynx and mucosa of the lower jaw). In the case of lung cancer, the parameters of the diagnostic device are determined as follows: sensitivity—95.24%, specificity—76.19%. For oropharyngeal cancer and laryngeal cancer, these parameters were 67.74% and 87.1%, respectively. This non-invasive method could lead to relevant medicinal findings and provide an opportunity for clinical utility and patient benefit upon early diagnosis of malignancies.
Metabolomics of Interstitial Fluid, Plasma and Urine in Patients with Arterial Hypertension: New Insights into the Underlying Mechanisms
Authors: Chachaj Angelika , Matkowski Rafał , Gröbner Gerhard , Szuba Andrzej , Dudka Ilona
Published: November 2020

There is growing evidence that lymphatic system plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Here, for the first time, the metabolome of interstitial fluid is analyzed in patients with arterial hypertension. Due to ethical issues to obtain human interstitial fluid samples, this study included only oncological patients after axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). These patients were matched into hypertensive (n = 29) and normotensive (n = 35) groups with similar oncological status. Simultaneous evaluation of interstitial fluid, plasma, and urine was obtained by combining high-resolution proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy with chemometric analysis. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) provided a clear differentiation between the hypertension and normotensive group, with the discrimination visible in each biofluid. In interstitial fluid nine potential metabolomic biomarkers for hypertension could be identified (creatinine, proline, pyroglutamine, glycine, alanine, 1-methylhistidine, the lysyl group of albumin, threonine, lipids), seven distinct markers in plasma (creatinine, mannose, isobutyrate, glycine, alanine, lactate, acetate, ornithine), and seven respectively in urine (methylmalonate, citrulline, phenylacetylglycine, fumarate, citrate, 1-methylnicotinamide, trans-aconitate). Biomarkers in plasma and urine allowed for the identification of specific biochemical pathways involved in hypertension, as previously suggested. Analysis of the interstitial fluid metabolome provided additional biomarkers compared to plasma or urine. Those biomarkers reflected primarily alterations in the metabolism of lipids and amino acids, and indicated increased levels of oxidative stress/inflammation in patients with hypertension.
Methylation of the NT5E Gene Is Associated with Poor Prognostic Factors in Breast Cancer
Authors: Jeong Young Ju , Oh Hoon Kyu , Choi Hye Ryeon , Park Sung Hwan
Published: November 2020

Cluster of differentiation (CD) 73, which is encoded by the NT5E gene, regulates production of immunosuppressive adenosine and is an emerging checkpoint in cancer immunotherapy. Despite the significance of CD73 in immuno-oncology, the roles of the NT5E gene methylation in breast cancer have not been well-defined yet. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of the NT5E gene methylation in breast cancer. The DNA methylation status of the NT5E gene was analyzed using pyrosequencing in breast cancer tissues. In addition, the levels of inflammatory markers and lymphocyte infiltration were evaluated. The mean methylation level of the NT5E gene was significantly higher in breast cancer than in normal breast tissues. In the analysis of relevance with clinicopathologic characteristics, the mean methylation levels of the NT5E gene were significantly higher in patients with large tumor size, high histologic grade, negative estrogen receptor expression, negative Bcl-2 expression, and premenopausal women. There was no difference in disease-free survival according to the methylation status of the NT5E gene. We found that the NT5E gene methylation was related to breast cancer development and associated with poor prognostic factors in breast cancer. Our results suggest that the NT5E gene methylation has potential as an epigenetic biomarker in breast cancer.
Thermodynamic Performance Analysis of a Waste Heat Power Generation System (WHPGS) Applied to the Sidewalls of Aluminum Reduction Cells
Authors: Ming Yong , Zhou Naijun
Published: November 2020

To recover energy from the waste heat of aluminum reduction cells, a waste heat power generation system (WHPGS) with low boiling point working fluid based on Organic Rankine Cycle was proposed. A simplified model for the heat transfer around the walls of aluminum reduction cells and thermodynamic cycle was established. By using the model developed and coded in Matlab, thermal performance analysis of the system was conducted. Results show that the electrolyte temperature and the freeze ledge thickness in the cell can significantly affect the heat absorption of the working fluid in the heat exchange system on the walls. Besides, both the output power and the thermal efficiency of the power generation system increase with the system pressure. The output power and thermal efficiency of the system can also be affected by the type of working fluid used in the system. Working fluids for the best system performance under different output pressures were determined, based on the performance analysis. This WHPGS would be a good solution of energy-saving in aluminum electrolysis enterprises.
Does Unemployment Responsiveness to Output Change Depend on Age, Gender, Education, and the Phase of the Business Cycle?
Authors: Butkus Mindaugas , Matuzeviciute Kristina , Rupliene Dovile , Seputiene Janina
Published: November 2020

The impact of economic growth on unemployment is commonly agreed and extensively studied. However, how age and gender shape this relationship is not as well explored, while there is an absence of research on whether education plays a role. We apply Okun’s law, aiming to estimate age-, gender- and educational attainment level-specific unemployment rate sensitivity to cyclical output fluctuations. Since the empirical literature provides evidence in favour of the non-linear impact of output change on the unemployment rate, supporting higher effects of recessions than that of expansions, we aim to enrich this analysis by estimating how the impact of positive/negative output change on the specific unemployment rate varies with the level of the total unemployment. The analysis is based on 28 European Union (EU) countries and covers the period of 1995–2019. The equations are estimated by least-squares dummy variables (LSDV), using Prais–Winsten standard errors. For the robustness check, we alternatively used Newey–West standard errors to address serial-correlations and heteroscedasticity, and the Arellano–Bond estimator for some specifications that assume dynamics in the panel. The results support previous findings of male- and youth-specific Okun’s coefficients and reveal that they significantly stand out just over the periods of negative output change. Additionally, we find that educational attainment level is an important factor explaining the heterogeneity of unemployment reaction to output change.
EM Modelling of Monostatic RCS for Different Complex Targets in the Near-Field Range: Experimental Evaluation for Traffic Applications
Authors: Sanchez-Olivares Pablo , Lozano Lorena , Somolinos Álvaro , Cátedra Felipe
Published: November 2020

An evaluation of monostatic radar cross section (RCS) response in the near-field range was performed for several targets with different and complex topologies. The main objective was to provide and validate an efficient tool based on electromagnetic (EM) simulations to characterize a traffic scenario. Thus, a novel method based on the combination of geometrical theory of diffraction (GTD) and physical optics (PO) was used to estimate RCS, and the results were compared with the method of moments (MoM) methodology. The simulations were experimentally validated using a commercial vehicular frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar at 24 GHz. With this simple measurement system, RCS measurements can be made using an easier and cheaper process to obtain RCS response in the near-field range, which is the most usual situation for traffic applications. A reasonable agreement between the measurements and the EM simulations was observed, validating the proposed methodology in order to efficiently characterize the RCS of targets typically found in real traffic scenarios.
Evaluation of Data Augmentation Techniques for Facial Expression Recognition Systems
Authors: Porcu Simone , Floris Alessandro , Atzori Luigi
Published: November 2020

Most Facial Expression Recognition (FER) systems rely on machine learning approaches that require large databases for an effective training. As these are not easily available, a good solution is to augment the databases with appropriate data augmentation (DA) techniques, which are typically based on either geometric transformation or oversampling augmentations (e.g., generative adversarial networks (GANs)). However, it is not always easy to understand which DA technique may be more convenient for FER systems because most state-of-the-art experiments use different settings which makes the impact of DA techniques not comparable. To advance in this respect, in this paper, we evaluate and compare the impact of using well-established DA techniques on the emotion recognition accuracy of a FER system based on the well-known VGG16 convolutional neural network (CNN). In particular, we consider both geometric transformations and GAN to increase the amount of training images. We performed cross-database evaluations: training with the "augmented" KDEF database and testing with two different databases (CK+ and ExpW). The best results were obtained combining horizontal reflection, translation and GAN, bringing an accuracy increase of approximately 30%. This outperforms alternative approaches, except for the one technique that could however rely on a quite bigger database.
Detection of Self-Healing Discharge in Metallized Film Capacitors Using an Ultrasonic Method
Authors: Ma Yusheng , Shen Haitao , Pei Chunming , Zhang Huanyu , Junaid Muhammad , Wang Yuxing
Published: November 2020

Benefiting from self-healing features, metallized film capacitors (MFCs) are widely employed to compensate reactive power (VAR) and thus improve the performance of AC systems. To ensure the aforementioned functions, self-healing testing is a compulsory quality inspection for every type of MFC. In 2014, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) issued a standard that recommended a general and instructive test procedure based on audible noise or ultrasound signals. However, more details relevant to this high voltage (HV) test were not provided. In this paper, we focused on the ultrasonic detection technique to reveal the self-healing characteristics of two typical MFCs. By launching a series of HV tests with star and delta MFCs, the waveform features, discharge energy, and spectrum distributions were analyzed. It was observed that the partial discharge always occurs before self-healing discharge with the same spectrum features ranging above 40 kHz. To solve the entanglement of these two discharge processes, a relative amplitude difference method is proposed. Based on the experimental observations, a detection algorithm incorporated with the ultrasonic emission sensors, preamplifier, and high-speed A/D converter was developed to assist the self-healing performance test.
Employing a Laser Headlight Electrical System to Measure and Calculate Electro-Optic Conversion Efficiencies of Blue-Beam Laser Diodes
Authors: Pai Kai-Jun , Lin Chang-Hua , Chen Po-Hsun
Published: November 2020

In this study, a laser headlight electrical system was developed and implemented to measure and compare the electro-optic characteristics of the blue-beam laser diodes (BBLDs). To observe different temperatures (from negative to positive temperatures) that cause optical output power (OOP) and electrical power variations of the BBLDs, BBLDs were placed in an ambient temperature testing chamber, and the electro-optic characteristics of the BBLDs were measured to estimate the electro-optic conversion efficiencies. The different OOPs and electro-optic conversion efficiencies at different temperatures can be obtained when OOP adjustment was performed by average current and low-frequency pulse-duty cycle modulation technologies. Moreover, this study developed a human–machine interface using the LabVIEW software; therefore, the laser headlight electrical system can be controlled and monitored by a computer with the controller area network (CAN) bus communication. Finally, the prototype of the laser headlight electrical system was achieved, and three BBLDs were driven; furthermore, the white light of the headlight can be produced by mixing blue laser beams with a yellow fluorescence ceramic wafer.
High-Power Induction Motors Supplied with Voltage Containing Subharmonics
Authors: Gnaciński Piotr , Klimczak Piotr
Published: November 2020

In some power networks, components of frequency less than the frequency of the fundamental voltage harmonic called subharmonics or subsynchronous interharmonics occur. In this paper, the effect of voltage subharmonics on currents, power losses, speed fluctuations and electromagnetic torque is examined. The results of numerical computations using the finite element method for an induction cage motor of rated power of 5.6 MW and four motors of rated power of 200 kW with different numbers of poles are presented. An extraordinary harmful effect on high-power induction motors is demonstrated. Among other effects, voltage subharmonics cause significant torque pulsations whose frequencies may correspond to the elastic-mode natural frequency. Possible resonance can result in excessive torsional vibration and the destruction of a power train.
Fractional Time Derivative Seismic Wave Equation Modeling for Natural Gas Hydrate
Authors: Wang Yanfei , Ning Yaxin , Wang Yibo
Published: November 2020

Simulation of the seismic wave propagation in natural gas hydrate (NGH) is of great importance. To finely portray the propagation of seismic wave in NGH, attenuation properties of the earth’s medium which causes reduced amplitude and dispersion need to be considered. The traditional viscoacoustic wave equations described by integer-order derivatives can only nearly describe the seismic attenuation. Differently, the fractional time derivative seismic wave-equation, which was rigorously derived from the Kjartansson’s constant-Q model, could be used to accurately describe the attenuation behavior in realistic media. We propose a new fractional finite-difference method, which is more accurate and faster with the short memory length. Numerical experiments are performed to show the feasibility of the proposed simulation scheme for NGH, which will be useful for next stage of seismic imaging of NGH.
Fifty Years of Research on European Mink Mustela lutreola L., 1761 Genetics: Where Are We Now in Studies on One of the Most Endangered Mammals?
Authors: Skorupski Jakub
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this review is to present the current state of knowledge about the genetics of European mink Mustela lutreola L., 1761, which is one of the most endangered mammalian species in the world. This article provides a comprehensive description of the studies undertaken over the last 50 years in terms of cytogenetics, molecular genetics, genomics (including mitogenomics), population genetics of wild populations and captive stocks, phylogenetics, phylogeography, and applied genetics (including identification by genetic methods, molecular ecology, and conservation genetics). An extensive and up-to-date review and critical analysis of the available specialist literature on the topic is provided, with special reference to conservation genetics. Unresolved issues are also described, such as the standard karyotype, systematic position, and whole-genome sequencing, and hotly debated issues are addressed, like the origin of the Southwestern population of the European mink and management approaches of the most distinct populations of the species. Finally, the most urgent directions of future research, based on the research questions arising from completed studies and the implementation of conservation measures to save and restore M. lutreola populations, are outlined. The importance of the popularization of research topics related to European mink genetics among scientists is highlighted.
Stochastic Analysis of Tsunami Hazard of the 1945 Makran Subduction Zone Mw 8.1–8.3 Earthquakes
Authors: Momeni Payam , Goda Katsuichiro , Heidarzadeh Mohammad , Qin Jinhui
Published: November 2020

Historical records of major earthquakes in the northwestern Indian Ocean along the Makran Subduction Zone (MSZ) indicate high potential tsunami hazards for coastal regions of Pakistan, Iran, Oman, and western India. There are fast-growing and populous cities and ports that are economically important, such as Chabahar (Iran), Gwadar (Pakistan), Muscat (Oman), and Mumbai (India). In this study, we assess the tsunami hazard of the 1945 MSZ event (fatalities ≈300 people) using stochastic earthquake rupture models of Mw 8.1–8.3 by considering uncertainties related to rupture geometry and slip heterogeneity. To quantify the uncertainty of earthquake source characteristics in tsunami hazard analysis, 1000 stochastic tsunami scenarios are generated via a stochastic source modeling approach. There are main objectives of this study: (1) developing stochastic earthquake slip models for the MSZ, (2) comparing results of the simulation with the existing observations of the 1945 event, and (3) evaluating the effect of uncertain fault geometry and earthquake slip based on simulated near-shore wave profiles. The 1945 Makran earthquake is focused upon by comparing model predictions with existing observations, consisting of far-field tsunami waveforms recorded on tide gauges in Karachi and Mumbai and coseismic deformation along the Pakistani coast. The results identify the source model that matches the existing observations of the 1945 Makran event best among the stochastic sources. The length, width, mean slip, and maximum slip of the identified source model are 270 km, 130 km, 2.9 m, and 19.3 m, respectively. Moreover, the sensitivity of the maximum tsunami heights along the coastline to the location of a large-slip area is highlighted. The maximum heights of the tsunami and coseismic deformation results at Ormara are in the range of 0.3–7.0 m and −2.7 to 1.1 m, respectively, for the 1000 stochastic source models.
Chinyero Volcanic Landscape Trail (Canary Islands, Spain): A Geotourism Proposal to Identify Natural and Cultural Heritage in Volcanic Areas
Authors: Beltrán-Yanes Esther , Dóniz-Páez Javier , Esquivel-Sigut Isabel
Published: November 2020

The Chinyero Special Nature Reserve is located on the NW rift zone of Tenerife, between 600 and 1500 m above sea level. This natural setting is distinguished by a significant concentration of monogenetic basaltic volcanoes that have erupted in recent and historical times, including Garachico (1706) and Chinyero (1909). The volcanic landscapes of this protected area are part of the Canary Island pine forest ecosystem and, therefore, also feature beautiful forests colonising the newly formed layers of volcanic materials. The aim of this paper is to design a geographical route through the landscape for geotourism purposes, based on a global and coherent interpretation of the original physiognomy of a landscape that has been decisively shaped by volcanic phenomena. This nature trail represents a proposal for a new tourism product as an alternative to the traditional “sun and beach” coastal tourism product. This paper comprises a first stage, dedicated to the geographical study of the landscape, and a second stage focused on designing a geotourism route, which will identify and characterise the elements of the natural and cultural heritage of the area and its unique landforms.
The Mw = 5.6 Kanallaki Earthquake of 21 March 2020 in West Epirus, Greece: Reverse Fault Model from InSAR Data and Seismotectonic Implications for Apulia-Eurasia Collision
Authors: Valkaniotis Sotiris , Briole Pierre , Ganas Athanassios , Elias Panagiotis , Kapetanidis Vassilis , Tsironi Varvara , Fokaefs Anna , Partheniou Helena , Paschos Panagiotis
Published: November 2020

We identify the source of the Mw = 5.6 earthquake that hit west-central Epirus on 21 March 2020 00:49:52 UTC. We use Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar interferograms tied to one permanent Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) station (GARD). We model the source by inverting the INSAR displacement data. The inversion model suggests a shallow source on a low-angle fault (39°) dipping towards east with a centroid depth of 8.5 km. The seismic moment deduced from our model agrees with those of the published seismic moment tensors. This geometry is compatible with reverse-slip motion along the west-verging Margariti thrust fault that accommodates part of the convergence within the collision zone between Apulia and Eurasia. We also processed new GNSS data and estimate a total convergence rate between Apulia and Eurasia of 8.9 mm yr−1, of which the shortening of the crust between the Epirus coastal GNSS stations and station PAXO in the Ionian Sea (across the Ionian Thrust) is equivalent to ~50% of it or 4.6 mm yr−1. By back-slip modelling we found that a 60-km wide deformation zone takes up nearly most of the convergence between Apulia-Eurasia, trending N318°E. Its central axis runs along the southwest coast of Corfu, along the northeast coast of Paxoi, heading toward the northern extremity of the Lefkada island. The island of Paxoi appears kinematically as part of the Apulian plate.
Rainfall Flooding in Urban Areas in the Context of Geomorphological Aspects
Authors: Walczykiewicz Tomasz , Skonieczna Magdalena
Published: November 2020

Flooding risk in urban areas is particularly high, due to the high population density and property values, including those of transport, residential, service and industrial infrastructure, among others. There are many reasons for flooding in urban areas; among them, direct heavy rainfall can cause special problems in risk management. In the case of random heavy rainfall, flood risk management can be supported by information about the morphology of the terrain and the degree of its sealing. In this study, we analyse methods for determining the risk of flooding in urban areas using digital terrain model (DTM) and geographic information system (GIS) tools. Predictors of precipitation floods in urban areas are defined, including the determination of flat areas, areas without outflow (non-drainage) and with large terrain height differences. The main source of information about historical rainfall floods relates to interventions by fire brigades, which constitute the basis for verifying the areas of occurrence of rainfall floods, as determined on the basis of morphological analysis of the area. Identifying the locations of rainfall flooding areas and developing accurate maps based on them are crucial for spatial planning and flood management at the local scale.
The COVID-19 Outbreak May Be Associated to a Reduced Level of Care for Breast Cancer. A Comparative Study with the Pre-COVID Era in an Italian Breast Unit
Authors: Fancellu Alessandro , Sanna Valeria , Rubino Corrado , Ariu Maria Laura , Piredda Claudia , Piana Gian Quirico , Cottu Pietrina , Spanu Angela , Cossu Antonio , Deiana Giulia , Porcu Alberto
Published: November 2020

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has caused profound changes to healthcare systems as well as had deleterious repercussions on the care of cancer patients. In this comparative study, we sought to evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the surgical management of breast cancer in a breast unit in an Italian region with a low incidence of COVID-19 infection. Eighty-three patients were included, of whom 41 received surgery during the height of the pandemic (Group A, operated on between March and April 2020), and 42 during the same period of the year in 2019 (Group B). Clinicopathological characteristics and surgical outcomes were compared between the two groups. There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics of the two groups with regard to age (p = 0.62), tumour size (p = 0.25), grade (p = 0.27), histology (p = 0.43), positive lymph node status (p = 0.35), and ER positive status (0.35). Waiting time for surgery was slightly longer in Group A (49.11 vs. 46.39 days, p = 0.38). Patients receiving immediate breast reconstruction were significantly less in Group A (p < 0.001). The use of sentinel node biopsy was similar in the two groups (p = 0.84). Hospital stay was longer in patients of Group B (p = 0.008). The use of regional nerve blocks was lower in Group A (p < 0.001). Patients operated on during the height of the pandemic were less likely to receive immediate reconstruction and regional nerve blocks during surgery. These features configure a situation of reduced level of care for patients with breast cancer. Efforts should be taken by the healthcare systems to maintain standard of care, even in case of a new peak in the coronavirus outbreak.
A Robust Discriminant Framework Based on Functional Biomarkers of EEG and Its Potential for Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Ge Qi , Lin Zhuo-Chen , Gao Yong-Xiang , Zhang Jin-Xin
Published: November 2020

(1) Background: Growing evidence suggests that electroencephalography (EEG), recording the brain’s electrical activity, can be a promising diagnostic tool for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The diagnostic biomarkers based on quantitative EEG (qEEG) have been extensively explored, but few of them helped clinicians in their everyday practice, and reliable qEEG markers are still lacking. The study aims to find robust EEG biomarkers and propose a systematic discrimination framework based on signal processing and computer-aided techniques to distinguish AD patients from normal elderly controls (NC). (2) Methods: In the proposed study, EEG signals were preprocessed firstly and Maximal overlap discrete wavelet transform (MODWT) was applied to the preprocessed signals. Variance, Pearson correlation coefficient, interquartile range, Hoeffding’s D measure, and Permutation entropy were extracted as the input of the candidate classifiers. The AD vs. NC discriminant performance of each model was evaluated and an automatic diagnostic framework was eventually developed. (3) Results: A classification procedure based on the extracted EEG features and linear discriminant analysis based classifier achieved the accuracy of 93.18 ± 3.65 (%), the AUC of 97.92 ± 1.66 (%), the F-measure of 94.06 ± 4.04 (%), separately. (4) Conclusions: The developed discrimination framework can identify AD from NC with high performance in a systematic routine.
Effects of the Biofertilizer OYK (Bacillus sp.) Inoculation on Endophytic Microbial Community in Sweet Potato
Authors: Salehin Ahsanul , Hafiz Md , Hayashi Shohei , Adachi Fumihiko , Itoh Kazuhito
Published: November 2020

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) grows well even in infertile and nitrogen-limited fields, and endophytic bacterial communities have been proposed to be responsible for this ability. Plant-growth-promoting bacteria are considered eco-friendly and are used in agriculture, but their application can interact with endophytic communities in many ways. In this study, a commercial biofertilizer, OYK, consisting of a Bacillus sp., was applied to two cultivars of sweet potato, and the effects on indigenous endophytic bacterial communities in field conditions were examined. A total of 101 bacteria belonging to 25 genera in 9 classes were isolated. Although the inoculated OYK was not detected and significant plant-growth-promoting effects were not observed, the inoculation changed the endophytic bacterial composition, and the changes differed between the cultivars, as follows: Novosphingobium in α-Proteobacteria was dominant; it remained dominant in Beniharuka after the inoculation of OYK, while it disappeared in Beniazuma, with an increase in Sphingomonas and Sphingobium in α-Proteobacteria as well as Chryseobacterium and Acinetobacter in Flavobacteria. The behavior of Bacilli and Actinobacteria also differed between the cultivars. The Shannon diversity index (H) increased after inoculation in all conditions, and the values were similar between the cultivars. Competition of the inoculant with indigenous rhizobacteria and endophytes may determine the fates of the inoculant and the endophytic community.
Mathematical Modeling of Watersheds as a Subsidy for Reservoir Water Balance Determination: The Case of Paranoá Lake, Federal District, Brazil
Authors: Nunes Gilliard , Minoti Ricardo T. , Koide Sergio
Published: November 2020

Paranoá Lake, Federal District (DF), Brazil, is one of the most important urban lakes in the country and it receives inputs from basins with different characteristics, from natural and preserved to intensely urbanized and agricultural areas. The study of the hydrological processes in these basins, as well as the water balance in each of them, is fundamental for planning current and future water uses in Paranoá Lake. Using an extensive database (35 years) and the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model, we modelled five sub-basins. The outflow rates of the model for each sub-basin served as input for determining the water balance of Paranoá Lake, which recently became part of the DF public water supply system. Despite extensive flow monitoring in the main lake tributaries, about 20% of the lake basin is composed of direct contribution or non-monitored tributaries. Additionally, the lake outflow is composed of a spillway and a hydropower generation unit that does not have proper flow measurements, and thus a correct basin hydrological simulation is essential for water balance aiming to water management scenarios. The results show an average long-term balance of 18.073 m3/s, with minimum flows around 13 m3/s and maximum flows close to 30 m3/s. This is a pioneering study that associates the extensive monitored database and the hydrological simulation of all affluent basins with the water balance of Paranoá Lake. The results obtained are essential to water management and hydrodynamic modeling of the lake.
Effects of a Community-Based Pilot Intervention on Home Food Availability among U.S. Households
Authors: Cassinat Rachel A. , Bruening Meg , Crespo Noe C. , Gutiérrez Mónica , Chavez Adrian , Ray Frank , Vega-López Sonia
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of a pilot community-based behavioral intervention on the home food environment in U.S. households. Parents (21 females, 2 males; age = 36 ± 5.5 years; 78% Hispanic) of elementary school-aged children attended a 10-week dietary improvement behavioral intervention targeting an increase in fruit and vegetable consumption and a reduction in sugar intake. Home food availability of fruit, vegetables, and sugar-laden foods and beverages were assessed before and after the intervention using a modified version of the Home Food Inventory. Relative to baseline, the intervention resulted in significant increases in fruit availability (7.7 ± 3.2 items vs. 9.4 ± 3.1 items; p = 0.004) and low sugar cereal (2.3 ± 1.4 types vs. 2.7 ± 1.4 types; p = 0.033). There was a significant reduction in sugar-sweetened beverage availability (3.2 ± 1.9 types vs. 1.7 ± 1.3 types; p = 0.004). There was a significant increase in the number of households with accessible ready-to-eat vegetables and fruit, and a significant reduction in available prepared desserts, and candy (p < 0.01). There were no significant changes in the availability of vegetables and sugar-laden cereals. The current intervention resulted in positive changes in the home food environment. Further research to confirm these results in a randomized controlled trial is warranted.
The Impact of Efficacy, Values, and Knowledge on Public Preferences Concerning Food–Water–Energy Policy Tradeoffs
Authors: Gardezi Najam uz Zehra , Steel Brent S. , Lavado Angela
Published: November 2020

Food, water, and energy (FWE) policies often entail contentious tradeoffs. For example, increasing food production may involve irrigation from riparian sources that may adversely impact fisheries habitats, the siting of solar energy on agricultural lands can impact food production, and increasing food production capacity may require pesticides in certain locations, resulting in environmental pollution. Because public preferences are an important component of support for and opposition to FWE policy design and implementation, it is important to understand the correlates of support and opposition to FWE policy tradeoffs. Using survey data from random household surveys conducted in western U.S. states during 2018, this study examined how environmental efficacy, values, and knowledge affected FWE public tradeoff preferences. The findings suggest that these characteristics do affect public FWE tradeoff preferences, with knowledge being a strong driver of support for food production over biofuels, water friendly crops over meat production and conservation over water intensive agriculture. Additionally, environmental efficacy and pro-ecological attitudes drive support for access to safe drinking water and sanitation over food security for a growing population.
Type 2 Diabetes Is a Risk Factor for Suffering and for in-Hospital Mortality with Pulmonary Embolism. A Population-Based Study in Spain (2016–2018)
Authors: Jiménez-García Rodrigo , Albaladejo-Vicente Romana , Hernandez-Barrera Valentin , Villanueva-Orbaiz Rosa , Carabantes-Alarcon David , de-Miguel-Diez Javier , Zamorano-Leon José Javier , Lopez-de-Andres Ana
Published: November 2020

(1) Background: The relationship between type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and pulmonary embolism (PE) has not been well stablished so far. We aim to analyze incidence, clinical conditions and in-hospital mortality (IHM) according to the presence of T2DM among patients hospitalized for suffering from PE. The factors associated with IHM were identified. (2) Methods: Patients aged ≥40 years hospitalized for PE from 2016 to 2018 included in the Spanish National Health System Hospital Discharge Database were analyzed. Dependent variables included incidence, IHM and length of hospital stay. Independent variables were age, sex, diagnosed comorbidities, thrombolytic therapy and inferior vena cava filter placement. Poisson and logistic regression models were constructed for multivariable analysis. (3) Results: Of the 47,190 hospitalizations for PE recorded, 16.52% had T2DM. Adjusted incidence of PE was higher among T2DM women (IRR 1.83; 95% CI: 1.58–1.96) and men (IRR 1.22; 95% CI: 1.18–1.27) than among non-diabetic subjects. Crude IHM in T2DM patients with PE was similar in both sexes but higher than in non-diabetic patients. Among T2DM patients with PE, risk factors for IHM included older age, comorbidity, atrial fibrillation and massive PE. Obesity was associated with lower IHM. Suffering T2DM was a risk of IHM (OR 1.15; 95% CI 1.05–1.26) after PE. (4) Conclusions: The incidence of PE is higher in T2DM men and women than in non-diabetic patients. T2DM was a risk factor for IHM after PE.
Key Points in Air Pollution Meteorology
Authors: Pérez Isidro A. , García Mª Ángeles , Sánchez Mª Luisa , Pardo Nuria , Fernández-Duque Beatriz
Published: November 2020

Although emissions have a direct impact on air pollution, meteorological processes may influence inmission concentration, with the only way to control air pollution being through the rates emitted. This paper presents the close relationship between air pollution and meteorology following the scales of atmospheric motion. In macroscale, this review focuses on the synoptic pattern, since certain weather types are related to pollution episodes, with the determination of these weather types being the key point of these studies. The contrasting contribution of cold fronts is also presented, whilst mathematical models are seen to increase the analysis possibilities of pollution transport. In mesoscale, land–sea and mountain–valley breezes may reinforce certain pollution episodes, and recirculation processes are sometimes favoured by orographic features. The urban heat island is also considered, since the formation of mesovortices determines the entry of pollutants into the city. At the microscale, the influence of the boundary layer height and its evolution are evaluated; in particular, the contribution of the low-level jet to pollutant transport and dispersion. Local meteorological variables have a major influence on calculations with the Gaussian plume model, whilst some eddies are features exclusive to urban environments. Finally, the impact of air pollution on meteorology is briefly commented on.
Cumene Contamination in Groundwater: Observed Concentrations, Evaluation of Remediation by Sulfate Enhanced Bioremediation (SEB), and Public Health Issues
Authors: Herman John P. , Redfern Lauren , Teaf Christopher , Covert Douglas , Michael Peter R. , Missimer Thomas M.
Published: November 2020

Isopropylbenzene (cumene) is commonly encountered in groundwater at petroleum release sites due to its natural occurrence in crude oil and historical use as a fuel additive. The cumene concentrations detected at these sites often exceed regulatory guidelines or standards for states with stringent groundwater regulations. Recent laboratory analytical data collected at historical petroleum underground storage tank (UST) release sites have revealed that cumene persists at concentrations exceeding the default cleanup criterion, while other common petroleum constituents are below detection limits or low enough to allow natural attenuation as a remediation strategy. This effectively makes cumene the driver for active remediation at some sites. An insignificant amount of research has been conducted for the in-situ remediation of cumene. Sulfate Enhanced Biodegradation (SEB) is evaluated in a field case study. The results from the field case study show an approximate 92% decrease in plume area following three rounds of SEB injections. An additional objective of this research was to determine the cumene concentration in fuels currently being used to determine future impacts. A review of safety data sheets from several fuel suppliers revealed that cumene concentrations in gasoline are reported typically as wide ranges due to the proprietary formulations. Several fuels from different suppliers were analyzed to determine a baseline of cumene concentration in modern fuels. The results of the analysis indicated that cumene accounts for approximately 0.01% (diesel) to 0.13% (premium gasoline) of the overall fuel composition. Cumene generally is considered to be of low human health toxicity, with the principal concern being eye, skin, and respiratory irritation following inhalation of vapors in an occupational setting, but it has been regulated in Florida at very low concentrations based on organoleptic considerations.
Occupational Safety and Health Training for Undergraduates Nursing Students: A Spanish Pilot
Authors: Vaquero-Álvarez Esther , Cubero-Atienza Antonio , Martínez-Jiménez María Pilar , Vaquero-Abellán Manuel , Redel-Macías María Dolores , Aparicio-Martínez Pilar
Published: November 2020

Most of blood borne and airborne pathogens are highly contagious, harmful and have prevalence among healthcare workers. In this group, healthcare students, especially nursing undergraduates, have even higher risk to be exposed and suffered a contagious accident. One of the main pillars to prevent exposure to such pathogens and decrease accidents seems to be through education. A prospective observational educational research focused on quantifying the students’ knowledge, and prevention culture was carried out. The educational approach based on the development of a technological tool, its integration in the students’ education, and posterior assessment. The Chi-square, ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis, Man–Whitney U, and Spearman correlations were used to determine the effect of such educational methodology. The results, previous to the integration of the educational approach, showed differences between the elementary and proficient knowledge and correct procedure in each academic year (p < 0.05), being the best year the third academic year. The mean of elementary knowledge among second year students after the inclusion of the educational methodology improved for 2017/2018 with a mean of 7.5 (1.11) and in 2018/2019 with 7.87 (1.34). This study argued that the educational approach proposed could improve the prevention culture and knowledge among students and future healthcare professionals.