bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A PRÁTICA DA SÉRIE DE CASO COMO MÉTODO ANALÍTICO NA ABORDAGEM MISTA
Authors: Silva Carine Nascimento da , Vieira Camila Kuhn , Lauxen Sirlei de Lourdes , Peranzoni Vaneza Cauduro
Published: December 2020

A pesquisa cientifica, geralmente se insere no contexto humano como uma curiosidade dos porquês dos acontecimentos e se destaca por ser um dos processos de construção de conhecimento rigoroso, que é muito válido e confiável, que gera a ciência. Essa pesquisa é complexa e minuciosa que contextualiza uma série de metodologias que podem ser aplicadas em três abordagens diferentes, a quantitativa, a qualitativa e a conjugação das duas que é a pesquisa mista. Portanto, este trabalho teve por objetivo realizar uma revisão bibliográfica a respeito do método de série de casos em sua prática analítica na abordagem mista e sua utilização no meio cientifico. Realizou-se uma revisão bibliográfica, nas bases de dados do Google Acadêmico, EBSCO, Medline e PubMEd entre os meses de maio a agosto de 2019, buscando os critérios da temática.  A série de casos se mostrou uma ótima forma de alcançar o saber, principalmente quando se trata de buscas inovadoras e inexistentes. Além disso, ao utilizar múltiplas abordagens, como é característica da abordagem mista, consegue-se que haja uma contribuição mútua das potencialidades de cada uma delas, dispondo de respostas questionadas mais concretas aos problemas de pesquisa. Conclui-se assim, que os métodos mistos podem contribuir de forma significativa para futuras pesquisas cientificas, e através dessa abordagem, a série de casos é uma ótima tipo de pesquisa, para responder técnicas inovadoras de metodologia. Isso demostra a importância de realizar novas pesquisas de cunho bibliográfico e cientifico, sobre pratica de série de casos na abordagem mista.
Rates and Factors Associated With Laxative Prescription Among Type 2 Diabetes Patients in Primary Care
Authors: Thamcharoensak Kantapong , Komolsuradej Narucha , Buathong Napakkawat , Choomalee Kittisak
Published: December 2020

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common noncommunicable disease. Several gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, chronic constipation, and fecal incontinence are often observed in DM patients; among these, chronic constipation is the most commonly reported. Given the growing prevalence of diabetes-associated chronic constipation, the problem of laxative prescribed without diagnosis of constipation among type 2 diabetes patients has been found in the primary care unit. Therefore, it should attend to investigate the rate and factors associated with laxative prescription in type 2 diabetes.

Objective: To evaluate the rate and factors associated with laxative prescription in type 2 diabetic patients at the primary care unit and general practitioner outpatient clinic at Songklanagarind Hospital.

Results: Overall, 386 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were enrolled (55.7% female; mean age, 63.3 years; median duration of type 2 diabetes, 7 years; median visit in 5 years of each patient, 44 visits). Prevalence of laxative prescriptions was 16.6%. Rate of laxative prescriptions was 1.7% within 5 years. Patients with no diagnosis constipation according to ICD-10 about 81.2%. The statistically significant factors associated with laxative prescriptions in diabetic patients were age, number of hospital visit in 5 years, duration of type 2 DM disease, height, diastolic blood pressure, hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum uric acid, and glomerular filtration rate.

Conclusions: Most laxative prescribed diabetic patients were without written diagnosis of constipation. Factors associated with laxative prescriptions were age, number of hospital visit, duration of type 2 DM disease, height, diastolic blood pressure, hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum uric acid, and glomerular filtration rate.
NoduleNet: A Lung Nodule Classification Using Deep Learning
Authors: Shah Ganesh , Thammasudjarit Ratchainant , Takkinstian Ammarin , Suwatanapongched Thitiporn
Published: December 2020

Background: Accurate detection and classification of lung nodules at an early stage can help physicians to improve the treatment outcomes of lung cancer. Several lung nodule classifications using deep learning have been proposed but they are lag of external validation to Thai patient data.

Objective: To propose a deep learning model called NoduleNet for lung nodule classification and perform internal and external validation of the proposed model.

Methods: Two datasets were performed; internal validation using LUNA16 (the public lung CT database), and external validation using ChestRama (37 chest CT scans retrospectively identified from the CT database of Ramathibodi Hospital between 2017 and 2019). The NoduleNet was built on top of pretrained architecture, VGG16, and VGG19 with customization.

Results: The NoduleNet showed impressive results in nodule classification. The best model achieved accuracy of 0.95 (0.94 - 0.96), sensitivity of 0.84 (0.82 - 0.86), and specificity of 0.97 (0.97 - 0.98) for internal validation, where the external validation results was accuracy of 0.95 (0.87 - 1.00), sensitivity of 0.91 (0.82 - 1.00), and specificity of 1.00 (1.00 - 1.00). There were 3 misclassified samples in external validation which are all false-negative.

Conclusions: The NoduleNet is able to generalize from non-Thai patient data to Thai patient data. It could be further improved by taking sequence of images into account, integrating with an automatic nodule detection algorithm, and adding more nodule types.
CHARACTERISTICS OF PRESCHOOL TEACHING IN LANGUAGE, COMMUNICATION AND MULTILINGUALISM: EXPRESSIONS FROM TEN SWEDISH MUNICIPALITIES
Authors: Palla Linda , Vallberg Roth Ann-Christine
Published: December 2020

The aim of this research is to explore what may characterise teaching in language, communication and multilingualism in preschools, as expressed in writing by preschool teachers and managers in 10 Swedish municipalities in 2016. The data consists of written answers to an open-ended question in a reflective document. The reflective document was sent to 243 preschool teachers and managers, of whom 222 responded. A didactically oriented analysis was performed based on three levels: practice-related action level, theoretical level and meta-theoretical level. The results of the analysis are distributed in distinctive traces that more clearly refer to the practice-related action level than to the theoretical level or meta-theoretical level. Child-centred teaching, which may or may not be delimited, is characteristic of language, communication and multilingualism. Teaching is said to be constant: spontaneous but deliberate in all contexts and situations but also delivered through planned activities, projects and themes. Verbal communication is predominant in teaching. Vague and low-frequency traces of multivoiced teaching related to multilingualism and special support have emerged. The multivoiced teaching described mainly ends with general teaching of children in preschool – a multivoiced approach in general. Keywords: communication teaching, didactic analysis, language teaching, multilingualism teaching, Swedish preschool.
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES AND INCLUSIVE TEACHING: PERCEPTIONS AND ATTITUDES OF FUTURE EARLY CHILDHOOD AND PRIMARY EDUCATION TEACHERS
Authors: Pegalajar Palomino Mª del Carmen
Published: December 2020

This research analysed future teachers’ perceptions and attitudes towards the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in the development of inclusive educational practices. Adopting a quantitative research approach, data were collected through an ad hoc questionnaire administered to fourth-year early childhood education and primary education degree students from the Catholic University of Murcia (UCAM), southeast Spain (n=231). Results revealed favourable perceptions towards ICT use in the classroom, with students viewing these resources as contributing to their professional development and improving digital competence. Furthermore, they report how ICTs present didactic opportunities for the development of the teaching-learning process when working with learners with specific educational support needs. Lastly, the research highlights statistically significant differences in future teachers’ perceptions towards the implications of ICT for teaching when developing inclusive educational processes as well as in their attitudes towards professional development and the training needs required for supporting learners with special educational needs. These differences are appreciated between early childhood education degree students and their primary education peers, the latter reporting more favourable assessments.
Keywords: information and communication technologies, future teachers, educational inclusion, early childhood education, primary education.
OKUL ÖNCESİ EĞİTİMİNDE DEĞERLENDİRME ÖLÇEĞİ'NİN GELİŞTİRİLMESİ
Authors: GELEBEK ÜSTÜN Büşra , UZUN Halil
Published: December 2020

Bu çalışmada okul öncesi öğretmenlerinin değerlendirme konusundaki tutumlarını belirlemek için Okul Öncesi Eğitiminde Değerlendirme Ölçeği'nin (OÖEDÖ) geliştirilmesi amaçlanmıştır. Bu amaç çerçevesinde 2019-2020 eğitim- öğretim yılında Türkiye’nin farklı illerinde Milli Eğitim Bakanlığı’na bağlı anasınıfları ve bağımsız anaokullarında görev yapan 346 okul öncesi öğretmeni çalışmaya dahil edilmiştir. OÖEDÖ geliştirilebilmesi için öncelikle literatür taraması yapılmış beşli likert tipine sahip 52 maddeden oluşan madde havuzu oluşturulmuştur. Maddelerin yer aldığı form ölçme ve değerlendirme, okul öncesi eğitimi ve çocuk gelişimi alanında uzman on bir akademisyenin görüşüne sunulmuş ve ölçeğe son hali verilmiştir. Verilerin analizinde SPSS ve AMOS programları kullanılmış, doğrulayıcı ve açımlayıcı faktör analizi ve ölçeğin tamamı ve alt boyutları için iç tutarlılık katsayısı belirlenmiştir. Yapılan analizler sonucu elde edilen değerler ölçme aracının güvenilir olduğu ve kabul edilebilir psikometrik özelliklere sahip olduğunu göstermiştir.
A Case of Posterior Nutcracker Syndrome Revealed in the Aerospace Environment
Authors: Chung Connie Y. , Lytle Mark E. , Clemente Fuentes Roselyn W.
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND: Nutcracker syndrome is caused by a rare anatomic variant where the left renal vein is trapped between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. Posterior nutcracker syndrome is an even rarer entity, characterized by the retro-aortic positioning of the renal vein,
causing compression between the aorta and spinal vertebrae. Symptoms include microscopic or frank hematuria, flank pain, varicocele, pelvic congestion syndrome, and abdominal pain. A search of the literature did not reveal prior cases of nutcracker syndrome that became symptomatic and diagnosed
secondary to the unique stressors of high gravitational force (G force) in the aviation environment.CASE REPORT: A 25-yr-old man training as an F-16 flight test engineer presented with left scrotal/testicular pain, varicocele, and intermittent gross hematuria. After an extensive
workup, he was diagnosed with posterior nutcracker syndrome and underwent a left varicocele ligation with spermatic cord denervation. He was eventually able to be returned to flying duties with limitation to non-high performance aircraft.DISCUSSION: This case is particularly unique
as its diagnosis was dependent on exposure to high G force conditions that may have otherwise remained asymptomatic without this environmental stressor. Education on the diagnosis of nutcracker syndrome as a differential in the setting of hematuria and pain is an important lesson learned.
This case also illustrates the necessity of considering the effects of the stressful environment of high G force on even overall healthy individuals. Fortunately, due to the collaboration of medical-surgical expertise and familiarity with the requirements for operational readiness, this patient
was able to resume his aviation career, albeit in a different capacity compatible with his condition.Chung CY, Lytle ME, Clemente Fuentes RW. A case of posterior nutcracker syndrome revealed in the aerospace environment. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2021; 92(1):5456.
Self-Reported Allergic Rhinitis Prevalence and Related Factors in Civil Aviation Aircrew of China
Authors: Bai Yin , Hu Mosheng , Ma Fengjie , Liu Ke , Xu Haijun , Wu Xuan , Wang Hongtian
Published: December 2020

INTRODUCTION: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a global health problem with gradually increasing prevalence. No large-scale, systematic, and comprehensive study on AR among civil aviation aircrew of China has been reported. We aimed to demonstrate the prevalence of and risk factors
for self-reported AR among Chinese civil aviation aircrew.METHODS: This study randomly surveyed 4059 civil aviation aircrew members from 12 cities in mainland China. A structured questionnaire was tailored, designed, and electronically delivered to all participants. Based on self-reported
results, prevalence of and risk factors for AR were calculated/analyzed.RESULTS: The prevalence of self-reported AR was 23.38%. Among aircrew members, 10.37% presented with ear barotraumas, whereas 9.95% reported symptom aggravation during flight. Of aircrew members, 10.32% had
symptoms related to flight duration, whereas 4.43% of symptoms related to flight altitude. Significant differences between rhinorrhea and sneezing, as well as between nasal itching and sneezing, were observed in the Total Nasal Symptoms Scores (TNSS). The Rhino-conjunctivitis Quality of Life
Questionnaire (RQLQ) showed significant correlation between each section. TNSS was significantly related to RQLQ. Both TNSS and RQLQ significantly correlated with flight time.CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of self-reported AR among civil aviation aircrew is higher than the general
population in China. The severity of nasal symptoms and complications are significantly associated with quality of life and flying duties.Bai Y, Hu M, Ma F, Liu K, Xu H, Wu X, Wang H. Self-reported allergic rhinitis prevalence and related factors in civil aviation aircrew of China.
Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2021; 92(1):2531.
Prospects for development of environmental taxation in Ukraine
Authors:   Ministry of Finance of Ukraine, OSTROVETSKY Vitalii
Published: December 2020

The development of technologies entails the deterioration of both the global environmental situation and at the regional level. The solution of environmental issues is directly related to the use of natural resources, as well as the utilization of the economic system, including through the transformation of waste into raw materials for energy production, various materials, reduction of toxic emissions into the air, water, biodiversity, etc. The main economic instruments of environmental protection and improvement of the ecological situation, which are used in world practice for these purposes, are analyzed. Among them are special taxes, pledge-refundable schemes and expanded business responsibility. The analysis of economic instruments of state regulation of nature management and sources of funding for environmental measures in Ukraine suggests that it needs to be revised and systematized with a scientifically sound definition of the parameters of mandatory payments in favour of the state and the proportions of natural distribution resource payments between the parts of the budget system to prevent the scattering of financial resources and their targeted use to finance environmental protection programs and improve the environmental situation in Ukraine. The expediency of strengthening the integration of such payments into the structure of existing taxes on goods (excise tax on gasoline), while maintaining environmental incentives, in particular, coordination with the taxation of corporate profits, for example, in the form of a reduction factor in the case of their include cost. In this case, the environmental component of taxation should correspond to the scale of environmental damage and is the basis of the mechanism for calculating tax payments or other economic incentives. This can be ensured by deepening the differentiation of tax rates depending on the damage to the environment, as well as the conditions of use of natural resources, the availability of certification of nature management enterprises according to ISO 14000 standard.
SELF DISCLOSURE GENERASI Z DI TWITTER
Authors: Dewi Ajeng Prima , Delliana Santi
Published: December 2020

Pergeseran bentuk komunikasi antar individu melalui media sosial merupakan kajian yang menarik karena ruang tersebut memberikan tempat untuk mengekspresikan dirinya dan mengungkapkan pemikirannya. Namun tidak semua orang dapat memiliki keberanian ataupun kemampuan untuk melakukan pengungkapan diri atau self disclosure. Penelitian ini mengkaji bagaimana bentuk pengungkapan diri remaja generasi Z melalui media twitter. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode kualitatif. Self Disclosure pada Media Sosial Twitter berbentuk emosi, kegundahaan, pemikiran, dan kesedihan dimana informan merasa lega dengan adanya dukungan atau support sebagai bentuk reply. Adanya kepercayaan yang terjalin dan juga sudah mengenal satu sama lain atara dirinya dan kawan-kawan sehingga merasa aman karena berada dalam frekuensi yang sama. Topik pengungkapan diri dibatasi, sehingga tidak memojokkan orang lain dna menjatuhkan nama orang lain.
Kegiatan Media Monitoring Humas Pemerintah Kota Cimahi
Authors: Gunawan Aditya Ilham , Anisa Renata
Published: December 2020

Abstrak. Humas Pemerintah Kota Cimahi merupakan bagian dari Diskominfo arpus. Diskominfo arpus yaitu Dinas Komunikasi Informatika Kearsipan dan Perpustakaan yang merupakan departemen yang memiliki berbagai tugas guna dalam mewujudkan visinya yaitu “Mewujudkan Cimahi Baru Maju, Agamis dan Berbudaya”. Salah satu fungsi Humas Pemerintah Kota Cimahi adalah menganalisis pemberitaan pada media cetak (Media Monitoring). Hal ini dikarenakan sedikit sekali informasi pemerintahan dari lembaga kehumasan yang dapat dipercaya secara langsung dan menjadi bahan utama penulisan berita. Kegiatan ini dilakukan guna mengetahui bagaimana citra dari Pemerintah Kota Cimahi di mata masyarakat luas sebagai lembaga pemerintahan yang mengurusi lingkup lingkungan di Kota Cimahi. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui kegiatan media monitoring di humas pemerintah Kota Cimahi. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode penelitian studi deskriptif dengan pendekatan kualitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data yang di gunakan berdasarkan observasi, wawancara dan studi kepustakaan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan kegiatan media monitoring yang dilakukan humas pemkot cimahi terdiri dari perencanaan yaitu membahas media yang akan menjadi target dan menjadi bahan dari kliping harian, pelaksanaan yaitu membaca dan memotong berbagai macam berita cetak dan online yang dianggap hangat pada hari itu untuk dibuat kliping, evaluasi yaitu mengevaluasi pemberitaan Pemerintah Kota Cimahi dimata masyarakat dan mengetahui bagaimana tindakan yang akan dilakukan dalam menanggapi pemberitaan tersebut
An In Vitro Evaluation of the Biocidal Effect of Oregano and Cloves’ Volatile Compounds against Microorganisms Colonizing an Oil Painting—A Pioneer Study
Authors: Gatti Lucrezia , Troiano Federica , Vacchini Violetta , Cappitelli Francesca , Balloi Annalisa
Published: December 2020

In this study, the biocidal activity of two plant derivatives (oregano and cloves’ essential oils—EOs) was evaluated, as a potential innovative and eco-friendly cleaning method for canvas paintings. The object of the study was the oil painting on canvas entitled “Studio di nudo” (Giovanni Maria Mossa, 1921), showing stains caused by microorganisms. The research focused on: (1) isolation and identification of microorganisms associated with discolorations on the obverse and reverse sides of the canvas; (2) evaluation of biocidal activity of selected EOs against fungal and bacterial collections. The phylogenetic identification was conducted with both cultivation and molecular methods. The canvas was mainly colonized by Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Cephaloteca fungal genera and by bacteria of the Bacillus genus. To evaluate the biocidal effect of the EOs’ volatile components only, an antibiogram assay (agar disc diffusion method) and a customized assay (named the contactless test) were conducted. Tested EOs showed antimicrobial activity on fungi and bacteria. However, compared to cloves, oregano EO exhibited a better inhibition activity both in contact and contactless tests. The work is pioneering for the use of EOs’ volatile compounds against oil painting biodeteriogens, and gives insights into possible extended, innovative and eco-friendly cleaning methods for painting control procedures.
Adaptive Generalized Synchronization between Circuit and Computer Implementations of the Rössler System
Authors: Karimov Artur , Tutueva Aleksandra , Karimov Timur , Druzhina Olga , Butusov Denis
Published: December 2020

The synchronization between chaotic systems implemented in similar ways—e.g., computer models or circuits—is a well-investigated topic. Nevertheless, in many practical applications, such as communication, identification, machine sensing, etc., synchronization between chaotic systems of different implementation types—e.g., between an analog circuit and computer model—might produce fruitful results. In this research, we study the synchronization between a circuit modeling the Rössler chaotic system and a computer model using the same system. The theoretical possibility of this kind of synchronization is proved, and experimental evidence of this phenomenon is given with special attention paid to the numerical methods for computer model simulation. We show that synchronization between a circuit with uncertain parameters and a computer model is possible, and the parameters obtained from the synchronized computer model are in high correspondence with the circuit element specification. The obtained results establish the possibility of using adaptive generalized synchronization for the parameter identification of real systems. It was also found that Heun’s method yielded the most accurate results in synchronization among second-order numerical integration methods. The best among the first-order methods appears to be the Euler–Cromer method, which can be of interest in embedded applications.
Free Electron Laser High Gain Equation and Harmonic Generation
Authors: Dattoli Giuseppe , Di Palma Emanuele , Licciardi Silvia , Sabia Elio
Published: December 2020

The FEL integral equation is reviewed here and is studied under different contexts, accounting for diverse physical regimes. We include higher order harmonics and saturation effects, and explain the origin of scaling relations, widely exploited to describe either FEL dynamics or nonnlinear harmonic generation.
Spatial Signal Analysis Based on Wave-Spectral Fractal Scaling: A Case of Urban Street Networks
Authors: Chen Yanguang , Long Yuqing
Published: December 2020

A number of mathematical methods have been developed to make temporal signal analyses based on time series. However, no effective method for spatial signal analysis, which are as important as temporal signal analyses for geographical systems, has been devised. Nonstationary spatial and temporal processes are associated with nonlinearity, and cannot be effectively analyzed by conventional analytical approaches. Fractal theory provides a powerful tool for exploring spatial complexity and is helpful for spatio-temporal signal analysis. This paper is devoted to developing an approach for analyzing spatial signals of geographical systems by means of wave-spectrum scaling. The traffic networks of 10 Chinese cities are taken as cases for positive studies. Fast Fourier transform (FFT) and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression methods are employed to calculate spectral exponents. The results show that the wave-spectrum density distribution of all these urban traffic networks follows scaling law, and that the spectral scaling exponents can be converted into fractal dimension values. Using the fractal parameters, we can make spatial analyses for the geographical signals. The wave-spectrum scaling methods can be applied to both self-similar fractal signals and self-affine fractal signals in the geographical world. This study has implications for the further development of fractal-based spatiotemporal signal analysis in the future.
An Algorithm and a Tool for the Automatic Grading of MOOC Learners from Their Contributions in the Discussion Forum
Authors: García-Molina Sergio , Alario-Hoyos Carlos , Moreno-Marcos Pedro Manuel , Muñoz-Merino Pedro J. , Estévez-Ayres Iria , Delgado Kloos Carlos
Published: December 2020

MOOCs (massive open online courses) have a built-in forum where learners can share experiences as well as ask questions and get answers. Nevertheless, the work of the learners in the MOOC forum is usually not taken into account when calculating their grade in the course, due to the difficulty of automating the calculation of that grade in a context with a very large number of learners. In some situations, discussion forums might even be the only available evidence to grade learners. In other situations, forum interactions could serve as a complement for calculating the grade in addition to traditional summative assessment activities. This paper proposes an algorithm to automatically calculate learners’ grades in the MOOC forum, considering both the quantitative dimension and the relevance in their contributions. In addition, the algorithm has been implemented within a web application, providing instructors with a visual and a numerical representation of the grade for each learner. An exploratory analysis is carried out to assess the algorithm and the tool with a MOOC on programming, obtaining a moderate positive correlation between the forum grades provided by the algorithm and the grades obtained through the summative assessment activities. Nevertheless, the complementary analysis conducted indicates that this correlation may not be enough to use the forum grades as predictors of the grades obtained through summative assessment activities.
Development of an Automatic Functional Movement Screening System with Inertial Measurement Unit Sensors
Authors: Wu Wen-Lan , Lee Meng-Hua , Hsu Hsiu-Tao , Ho Wen-Hsien , Liang Jing-Min
Published: December 2020

Background: In this study, an automatic scoring system for the functional movement screen (FMS) was developed. Methods: Thirty healthy adults fitted with full-body inertial measurement unit sensors completed six FMS exercises. The system recorded kinematics data, and a professional athletic trainer graded each participant. To reduce the number of input variables for the predictive model, ordinal logistic regression was used for subset feature selection. The ensemble learning algorithm AdaBoost.M1 was used to construct classifiers. Accuracy and F score were used for classification model evaluation. The consistency between automatic and manual scoring was assessed using a weighted kappa statistic. Results: When all the features were used, the predict model presented moderate to high accuracy, with kappa values between fair to very good agreement. After feature selection, model accuracy decreased about 10%, with kappa values between poor to moderate agreement. Conclusions: The results indicate that higher prediction accuracy was achieved using the full feature set compared with using the reduced feature set.
Health Monitoring of Stress-Laminated Timber Bridges Assisted by a Hygro-Thermal Model for Wood Material
Authors: Fortino Stefania , Hradil Petr , Koski Keijo , Korkealaakso Antti , Fülöp Ludovic , Burkart Hauke , Tirkkonen Timo
Published: December 2020

Timber bridges are economical, easy to construct, use renewable material and can have a long service life, especially in Nordic climates. Nevertheless, durability of timber bridges has been a concern of designers and structural engineers because most of their load-carrying members are exposed to the external climate. In combination with certain temperatures, the moisture content (MC) accumulated in wood for long periods may cause conditions suitable for timber biodegradation. In addition, moisture induced cracks and deformations are often found in timber decks. This study shows how the long term monitoring of stress-laminated timber decks can be assisted by a recent multi-phase finite element model predicting the distribution of MC, relative humidity (RH) and temperature (T) in wood. The hygro-thermal monitoring data are collected from an earlier study of the Sørliveien Bridge in Norway and from a research on the new Tapiola Bridge in Finland. In both cases, the monitoring uses integrated humidity-temperature sensors which provide the RH and T in given locations of the deck. The numerical results show a good agreement with the measurements and allow analysing the MCs at the bottom of the decks that could be responsible of cracks and cupping deformations.
Push-Out Tests on Various Steel Anchors with Partial-Length Welding in Steel–Concrete Composite Members
Authors: Choi In-Rak , Kim Chang-Soo
Published: December 2020

To investigate the behavior of various steel anchors, push-out tests were performed for 13 test specimens. Test parameters included the geometry of beams (wide-flange beams and composite beams) and the type of steel anchors (stud anchors and Z- and C-channel anchors with full- or partial-length welding). Test results showed that the performance of test specimens strongly depends on the types of steel anchors rather than the geometry of steel beams. The specimens with C-channel anchors showed the highest load-carrying capacity but the most drastic load reduction after the peak load. The specimens with Z-channel anchors showed a similar behavior to those with C-channel anchors but the load reduction occurred at a slightly slower rate. The load-carrying capacity was increased with the length of the Z- and C-channel anchors. The specimens with stud anchors reached the peak load at a slow rate and showed the most ductile behavior. The test results were compared with predictions by various design equations for steel anchors available in the literature, and the existing design equations for channel anchors with partial-length welding were considered applicable to design.
Fluorescent Probe for Ag+ Detection Using SYBR GREEN I and C-C Mismatch
Authors: Zhou Xiaohong , Memon Abdul Ghaffar , Sun Weiming , Fang Fang , Guo Jinsong
Published: December 2020

Among heavy metals silver ions (Ag+) severely impact water, the environment and have serious side effects on human health. This article proposes a facile and ultrasensitive fluorescent probe for the detection of Ag+ ions using SYBR Green I (SGI) and cytosine-rich (C-rich) silver-specific oligonucleotide (SSO). Maximum fluorescent intensities with the highest sensitivity were obtained using a 0.61 dye/SSO base ratio (DBR). The established sensing principle using the optimized parameters for bath temperature, SSO concentration, DBR, ionic strength, pH, reaction time, incubation duration and temperature effect achieved a sensitive limit of detection of 59.9 nM for silver ions (calculated through 3σ, n = 11) with a linear working range of 100–1000 nM and 0.997 R2. The total time for one assay is below 10 min; The relative standard derivation for ten repeated measurements is 8.6%. No blatant interferences were observed in the selectivity test when fluorescent probe is evaluated by investigating the effects of 11 common interference factors in the aqueous matrix. In extreme cases, three false-negative factors were observed, including calcium hardness, magnesium hardness, and hypochlorite. The recovery ratios were within the range of 79~110% for three types of diluted water.
The Association of Kinesiophobia and Pain Catastrophizing with Pain-Related Disability and Pain Intensity in Obesity and Chronic Lower-Back Pain
Authors: Varallo Giorgia , Giusti Emanuele Maria , Scarpina Federica , Cattivelli Roberto , Capodaglio Paolo , Castelnuovo Gianluca
Published: December 2020

Individuals affected by chronic lower-back pain and obesity have an increased risk of long-lasting disability. In this study, we aimed to explore the contribution of kinesiophobia and pain catastrophizing in explaining pain intensity and pain-related disability in chronic lower-back pain associated to obesity. A cross-sectional study on 106 participants with obesity and chronic lower-back pain was performed. We assessed pain intensity, pain disability, pain catastrophizing, and kinesiophobia levels through self-reporting questionnaire. Hierarchical regressions were performed to assess the role of pain catastrophizing and kinesiophobia on pain intensity and pain disability. According to the results, kinesiophobia, but not pain catastrophing, significantly explained both pain intensity and pain-related disability. Kinesiophobia might play a significant role in enhancing pain-related disability and the pain intensity in individuals with chronic lower-back pain and obesity. We encourage future studies in which beliefs and cognition towards pain might be a therapeutic target in interdisciplinary pain management interventions.
Effectiveness of Shock Wave Therapy as a Treatment for Spasticity: A Systematic Review
Authors: Martínez Isabel María , Sempere-Rubio Nuria , Navarro Olga , Faubel Raquel
Published: December 2020

Background: The purpose of this study was to collect and analyse the available scientific evidence on the effectiveness of shock wave therapy as a treatment for spasticity. Methods: the search was performed in the following databases: PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane, Embase, and the Virtual Health Library. All publications from November 2009 to November 2019 were selected that included a sample of patients with spasticity and prior suspension of botulinum toxin, to whom shock wave therapy was applied. The methodological quality of the articles was evaluated using the Jadad scale and the pyramid of quality of scientific evidence. Results: 25 studies involving 866 participants with spasticity were selected. The results obtained suggest that shock wave therapy appears to be effective in reducing spasticity levels irrespective of the age of the participants, the type of injury, and the tool used to measure the effect. Conclusions: shock wave therapy reports evidence of improvement in motor function, motor impairment, pain, and functional independence, applied independently of botulinum toxin. However, due to the heterogeneity of the protocols, there is no optimum protocol for its application, and it would be appropriate to gain more high-quality scientific evidence through primary studies.
A Simple Framework for the Cost–Benefit Analysis of Single-Task Construction Robots Based on a Case Study of a Cable-Driven Facade Installation Robot
Authors: Hu Rongbo , Iturralde Kepa , Linner Thomas , Zhao Charlie , Pan Wen , Pracucci Alessandro , Bock Thomas
Published: December 2020

Single-task construction robots (STCRs) have become a popular research topic for decades. However, there is still a gap in the ubiquitous application of STCRs for onsite construction due to various reasons, such as cost concerns. Therefore, cost–benefit analysis (CBA) can be used to measure the net economic benefit of the STCRs, compared to traditional construction methods, in order to boost the implementation of STCRs. This paper presents a simple and practical framework for the economic evaluation of STCRs and conducts a case study of a cable-driven facade installation robot to verify the method. The results show that the cable-driven robot for facade installation is worth investing in in the UK, as well as in the majority of G20 countries. Furthermore, other socioenvironmental implications of STCRs and the limitations of the study are also discussed. In conclusion, the proposed method is highly adaptable and reproducible. Therefore, researchers, engineers, investors, and policy makers can easily follow and customize this method to assess the economic advantages of any STCR systems, compared to traditional construction technologies.
Discovery, Function, and Therapeutic Targeting of Siglec-8
Authors: Youngblood Bradford A. , Leung John , Falahati Rustom , Williams Jason , Schanin Julia , Brock Emily C. , Singh Bhupinder , Chang Alan T. , O’Sullivan Jeremy A. , Schleimer Robert P. , Tomasevic Nenad , Bebbington Christopher R. , Bochner Bruce S.
Published: December 2020

Siglecs (sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins) are single-pass cell surface receptors that have inhibitory activities on immune cells. Among these, Siglec-8 is a CD33-related family member selectively expressed on human mast cells and eosinophils, and at low levels on basophils. These cells can participate in inflammatory responses by releasing mediators that attract or activate other cells, contributing to the pathogenesis of allergic and non-allergic diseases. Since its discovery in 2000, initial in vitro studies have found that the engagement of Siglec-8 with a monoclonal antibody or with selective polyvalent sialoglycan ligands induced the cell death of eosinophils and inhibited mast cell degranulation. Anti-Siglec-8 antibody administration in vivo to humanized and transgenic mice selectively expressing Siglec-8 on mouse eosinophils and mast cells confirmed the in vitro findings, and identified additional anti-inflammatory effects. AK002 (lirentelimab) is a humanized non-fucosylated IgG1 antibody against Siglec-8 in clinical development for mast cell- and eosinophil-mediated diseases. AK002 administration has safely demonstrated the inhibition of mast cell activity and the depletion of eosinophils in several phase 1 and phase 2 trials. This article reviews the discovery and functions of Siglec-8, and strategies for its therapeutic targeting for the treatment of eosinophil- and mast cell-associated diseases.
Optimization of the Maximum Skin Dose Measurement Technique Using Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine—Radiation Dose Structured Report Data for Patients Undergoing Cerebral Angiography
Authors: Morota Koichi , Moritake Takashi , Nagamoto Keisuke , Matsuzaki Satoru , Nakagami Koichi , Sun Lue , Kunugita Naoki
Published: December 2020

Understanding the maximum skin dose is important for avoiding tissue reactions in cerebral angiography. In this study, we devised a method for using digital imaging and communication in medicine—radiation dose structured report (DICOM-RDSR) data to accurately estimate the maximum skin dose from the total air kerma at the patient entrance reference point (Total Ka,r). Using a test data set (n = 50), we defined the mean ratio of the maximum skin dose obtained from measurements with radio-photoluminescence glass dosimeters (RPLGDs) to the Total Ka,r as the conversion factor, CFKa,constant, and compared the accuracy of the estimated maximum skin dose obtained from multiplying Total Ka,r by CFKa,constant (Estimation Model 1) with that of the estimated maximum skin dose obtained from multiplying Total Ka,r by the functional conversion factor CFKa,function (Estimation Model 2). Estimation Model 2, which uses the quadratic function for the ratio of the fluoroscopy Ka,r to the Total Ka,r (Ka,r ratio), provided an estimated maximum skin dose closer to that obtained from direct measurements with RPLGDs than compared with that determined using Estimation Model 1. The same results were obtained for the validation data set (n = 50). It was suggested the quadratic function for the Ka,r ratio provides a more accurate estimate of the maximum skin dose in real time.
Bringing Data Analytics to the Design of Optimized Diagnostic Networks in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Process, Terms and Definitions
Authors: Nichols Kameko , Girdwood Sarah J. , Inglis Andrew , Ondoa Pascale , Sy Karla Therese L. , Benade Mariet , Tusiime Aloysius Bingi , Kao Kekeletso , Carmona Sergio , Albert Heidi , Nichols Brooke E.
Published: December 2020

Diagnostics services are an essential component of healthcare systems, advancing universal health coverage and ensuring global health security, but are often unavailable or under-resourced in low- and middle-income (LMIC) countries. Typically, diagnostics are delivered at various tiers of the laboratory network based on population needs, and resource and infrastructure constraints. A diagnostic network additionally incorporates screening and includes point-of-care testing that may occur outside of a laboratory in the community and clinic settings; it also emphasizes the importance of supportive network elements, including specimen referral systems, as being critical for the functioning of the diagnostic network. To date, design and planning of diagnostic networks in LMICs has largely been driven by infectious diseases such as TB and HIV, relying on manual methods and expert consensus, with a limited application of data analytics. Recently, there have been efforts to improve diagnostic network planning, including diagnostic network optimization (DNO). The DNO process involves the collection, mapping, and spatial analysis of baseline data; selection and development of scenarios to model and optimize; and lastly, implementing changes and measuring impact. This review outlines the goals of DNO and steps in the process, and provides clarity on commonly used terms.
Decision Rules Construction: Algorithm Based on EAV Model
Authors: Żabiński Krzysztof , Zielosko Beata
Published: December 2020

In the paper, an approach for decision rules construction is proposed. It is studied from the point of view of the supervised machine learning task, i.e., classification, and from the point of view of knowledge representation. Generated rules provide comparable classification results to the dynamic programming approach for optimization of decision rules relative to length or support. However, the proposed algorithm is based on transformation of decision table into entity–attribute–value (EAV) format. Additionally, standard deviation function for computation of averages’ values of attributes in particular decision classes was introduced. It allows to select from the whole set of attributes only these which provide the highest degree of information about the decision. Construction of decision rules is performed based on idea of partitioning of a decision table into corresponding subtables. In opposite to dynamic programming approach, not all attributes need to be taken into account but only these with the highest values of standard deviation per decision classes. Consequently, the proposed solution is more time efficient because of lower computational complexity. In the framework of experimental results, support and length of decision rules were computed and compared with the values of optimal rules. The classification error for data sets from UCI Machine Learning Repository was also obtained and compared with the ones for dynamic programming approach. Performed experiments show that constructed rules are not far from the optimal ones and classification results are comparable to these obtained in the framework of the dynamic programming extension.
Overlapping Community Detection Based on Membership Degree Propagation
Authors: Gao Rui , Li Shoufeng , Shi Xiaohu , Liang Yanchun , Xu Dong
Published: December 2020

A community in a complex network refers to a group of nodes that are densely connected internally but with only sparse connections to the outside. Overlapping community structures are ubiquitous in real-world networks, where each node belongs to at least one community. Therefore, overlapping community detection is an important topic in complex network research. This paper proposes an overlapping community detection algorithm based on membership degree propagation that is driven by both global and local information of the node community. In the method, we introduce a concept of membership degree, which not only stores the label information, but also the degrees of the node belonging to the labels. Then the conventional label propagation process could be extended to membership degree propagation, with the results mapped directly to the overlapping community division. Therefore, it obtains the partition result and overlapping node identification simultaneously and greatly reduces the computational time. The proposed algorithm was applied to a synthetic Lancichinetti–Fortunato–Radicchi (LFR) dataset and nine real-world datasets and compared with other up-to-date algorithms. The experimental results show that our proposed algorithm is effective and outperforms the comparison methods on most datasets. Our proposed method significantly improved the accuracy and speed of the overlapping node prediction. It can also substantially alleviate the computational complexity of community structure detection in general.
Use of Concentric Hele-Shaw Cell for the Study of Displacement Flow and Interface Tracking in Primary Cementing
Authors: Taheri Amir , Ytrehus Jan David , Lund Bjørnar , Torsæter Malin
Published: December 2020

We present our new designed concentric Hele-Shaw cell geometry with dynamic similarity to a real field wellbore annulus during primary cementing, and then, the results of displacement flow of Newtonian and yield-stress non-Newtonian fluids in it are described. The displacement stability and efficiency, the effect of back, front, and side boundaries on displacement, bypassing pockets of displaced yield-stress fluid in displacing fluid, and the behavior of pressure gradients in the cell are investigated. Applications of intermediate buoyant particles with different sizes and densities intermediate between those of successively pumped fluids for tracking the interface between the two displaced and displacing fluids are examined. The main idea is to upgrade this concentric Hele-Shaw cell geometry later to an eccentric one and check the possibility of tracking the interface between successive fluids pumped in the cell. Successful results help us track the interface between drilling fluid and spacer/cement during primary cementing in wells penetrating a CO2 storage reservoir and decreasing the risk of CO2 leakage from them.
Influence of Wake Model Superposition and Secondary Steering on Model-Based Wake Steering Control with SCADA Data Assimilation
Authors: Howland Michael F. , Dabiri John O.
Published: December 2020

Methods for wind farm power optimization through the use of wake steering often rely on engineering wake models due to the computational complexity associated with resolving wind farm dynamics numerically. Within the transient, turbulent atmospheric boundary layer, closed-loop control is required to dynamically adjust to evolving wind conditions, wherein the optimal wake model parameters are estimated as a function of time in a hybrid physics- and data-driven approach using supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) data. Analytic wake models rely on wake velocity deficit superposition methods to generalize the individual wake deficit to collective wind farm flow. In this study, the impact of the wake model superposition methodologies on closed-loop control are tested in large eddy simulations of the conventionally neutral atmospheric boundary layer with full Coriolis effects. A model for the non-vanishing lateral velocity trailing a yaw misaligned turbine, termed secondary steering, is also presented, validated, and tested in the closed-loop control framework. Modified linear and momentum conserving wake superposition methodologies increase the power production in closed-loop wake steering control statistically significantly more than linear superposition. While the secondary steering model increases the power production and reduces the predictive error associated with the wake model, the impact is not statistically significant. Modified linear and momentum conserving superposition using the proposed secondary steering model increase a six turbine array power production, compared to baseline control, in large eddy simulations by 7.5% and 7.7%, respectively, with wake model predictive mean absolute errors of 0.03P1 and 0.04P1, respectively, where P1 is the baseline power production of the leading turbine in the array. Ensemble Kalman filter parameter estimation significantly reduces the wake model predictive error for all wake deficit superposition and secondary steering cases compared to predefined model parameters.