bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blockchain and Building Information Modeling (BIM): Review and Applications in Post-Disaster Recovery
Authors: Nawari Nawari , Ravindran Shriraam
Published: June 2019

Blockchain Technology (BCT) is a growing digital technology that in recent years has gained widespread traction in various industries in the public and private sectors. BCT is a decentralized ledger that records every transaction made in the network, known as a ‘block’, the body of which is comprised of encrypted data of the entire transaction history. BCT was introduced as the working mechanism that forms the operational basis of Bitcoin, the first digital cryptocurrency to gain mainstream appeal. The introduction of decentralized data exchange technology in any industry would require strengthened security, enforce accountability, and could potentially accelerate a shift in workflow dynamics from current centralized architectures to a decentralized, cooperative chain of command and affect a cultural and societal change by encouraging trust and transparency. BCT aims at creating a system that would offer a robust self-regulating, self-monitoring, and cyber-resilient data transaction operation, assuring the facilitation and protection of a truly efficient data exchange system. In the state of Florida, climate change and unpredicted weather disasters have put pressure on state and local decision-makers to adapt quick and efficient post-disaster recovery systems. Part of the recovery efforts is the reconstruction of buildings and infrastructure. The introduction of new technologies in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry can contribute to addressing recovery and rebuilding after the event of a natural disaster. With parallel technological advancement in geospatial data and Geographic Information System (GIS), as well as worsening climatic conditions, concerns can be suitably addressed by employing an integrated system of both Building Information Modeling (BIM) and BCT. While several potential applications of BIM must provide solutions to disaster-related issues, few have seen practical applications in recent years that indicate the potential benefits of such implementations. The feasibility of BIM-based applications still rests on the reliability of connectivity and cyber-security, indicating a strong use case for using BCT in conjunction with BIM for post-disaster recovery. This research depicts a survey of BCT and its applications in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industries and examines the potential incorporation within the BIM process to address post-disaster rebuilding problems. Moreover, the study investigates the potential application of BCT in improving the framework for automating the building permitting process using Smart Contract (SC) technologies and Hyperledger Fabric (HLF), as well as discussing future research areas. The study proposes a new conceptualized framework resulting from the integration of BCT and BIM processes to improve the efficiency of building permit processes in post-disaster events.
Computational Investigation of Nickel-Mediated B–H Activation and Regioselective Cage B–C(sp2) Coupling of o-Carborane
Authors: Mu Wei-Hua , Liu Wen-Zhu , Cheng Rui-Jiao , Dou Li-Juan , Liu Pin , Hao Qiang
Published: June 2019

Density functional theory (DFT) methods including LC-ωPBE, CAM-B3LYP, B3LYP, and B3LYP-D3, combined with double Zeta all-electron DZVP basis set, have been employed to conduct computational investigations on nickel-mediated reaction of o-carboranylzirconacycle, n-hexene, and 2-bromophenyltrimethylsilylacetylene in toluene solution. A multistep mechanism leading to the C,C,B-substituted carborane-fused tricyclics, including (1) sequential insertion of alkene and alkyne into Ni–C bonds; (2) double 1,2-migration of the TMS group; (3) B–H activation assisted by Cs2CO3 additive; and (4) reduction cage B–C (sp2) coupling, was proposed. Among these steps, the B–H activation of o-carborane was located as rate-determining step (RDS). With assistance of Cs2CO3 additive (replaced by K2CO3 in simulation), the RDS free-energy barrier at PCM-LC-ωPBE/DZVP level was calculated to be 23.1–23.9 kcal·mol−1, transferring to a half-life of 3.9–15.1 h at 298 K. The predicted half-life coincides well with 80% experimental yields of C,C,B-substituted carborane-fused tricyclics after 12 h. Kinetic data obtained by employing LC-ωPBE method also reproduced the experimental diastereoselective ratio well. Various B–H activation pathways with and without Cs2CO3 additive were taken into consideration, which illustrates Cs2CO3 as an essential guarantee for smooth occurrence of this reaction at room temperature.
RETRACTED: Raja et al. Transient Operation: A Catalytic Chemoselective Hydrogenation of 2-Methyl-3-Butyn-2-ol via a Cooperative Pd and Radiofrequency Heating Directed Kinetic Resolution. Catalysts 2019, 9, 283
Authors:   Catalysts Editorial Office
Published: June 2019

We have been made aware that figures, tables, experimental data, and a whole paragraph in the results and discussion section of this article [...]
Pressure-Induced Deformation of Pillar-Type Profiled Membranes and Its Effects on Flow and Mass Transfer
Authors: Battaglia Giuseppe , Gurreri Luigi , Airò Farulla Girolama , Cipollina Andrea , Pirrotta Antonina , Micale Giorgio , Ciofalo Michele
Published: June 2019

In electro-membrane processes, a pressure difference may arise between solutions flowing in alternate channels. This transmembrane pressure (TMP) causes a deformation of the membranes and of the fluid compartments. This, in turn, affects pressure losses and mass transfer rates with respect to undeformed conditions and may result in uneven flow rate and mass flux distributions. These phenomena were analyzed here for round pillar-type profiled membranes by integrated mechanical and fluid dynamics simulations. The analysis involved three steps: (1) A conservatively large value of TMP was imposed, and mechanical simulations were performed to identify the geometry with the minimum pillar density still able to withstand this TMP without collapsing (i.e., without exhibiting contacts between opposite membranes); (2) the geometry thus identified was subject to expansion and compression conditions in a TMP interval including the values expected in practical applications, and for each TMP, the corresponding deformed configuration was predicted; and (3) for each computed deformed configuration, flow and mass transfer were predicted by computational fluid dynamics. Membrane deformation was found to have important effects; friction and mass transfer coefficients generally increased in compressed channels and decreased in expanded channels, while a more complex behavior was obtained for mass transfer coefficients.
SAXS Analysis of Magnetic Field Influence on Magnetic Nanoparticle Clusters
Authors: Paula Fábio Luís de Oliveira
Published: June 2019

In this work, we investigated the local colloidal structure of ferrofluid, in the presence of the external magnetic field. The nanoparticles studied here are of the core-shell type, with the core formed by manganese ferrite and maghemite shell, and were synthesized by the coprecipitation method in alkaline medium. Measures of Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) performed in the Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory (LNLS) were used for the study of the local colloidal structure of ferrofluid, so it was possible to study two levels of structure, cluster and isolated particles, in the regimes with and without applied magnetic field. In the methodology used here there is a combination of the information obtained in the system with and without magnetic field application. In this way, it is possible to undertake a better investigation of the colloidal dispersion. The theoretical formalism used: (i) the unification equation proposed by Beaucage G.; (ii) the analysis of the radial distribution function p ( r ) and (iii) theoretical calculation of the radius of gyration as a function of the moment of inertia of the spherical of n-nanoparticles.
Clinical Impact of the Increase in Immunosuppressive Cell-Related Gene Expression in Urine Sediment during Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin
Authors: Miyake Makito , Hori Shunta , Ohnishi Sayuri , Owari Takuya , Iida Kota , Ohnishi Kenta , Morizawa Yosuke , Gotoh Daisuke , Itami Yoshitaka , Nakai Yasushi , Inoue Takeshi , Anai Satoshi , Torimoto Kazumasa , Aoki Katsuya , Fujii Tomomi , Tanaka Nobumichi , Fujimoto Kiyohide
Published: June 2019

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical impact of intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-induced changes in blood/urinary immune markers. Methods: Time-course changes in blood/urinary clinical parameters and mRNA expression of 13 genes in urine sediment taken eight times during the treatment course of intravesical BCG (before, every 2 weeks for 8 weeks, and after) in 24 patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. The genes examined include cellular markers of four immune checkpoint proteins (PD-L1, PD-L2, PD-1, and CTLA-4), immunosuppressive cells (regulatory T cells, tumor-associated macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells), pan-T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, and neutrophils. Results: Significant transient increase in gene expression was observed for PD-L1, PD-1, FOXP3, and CD204 at 6–8 doses of BCG. The patients were stratified into two groups depending on the number of genes with increased mRNA expression. Fourteen (58%) had 0–1 genes upregulated, while 10 (42%) had 2–4 genes with increased expression. No patient in the 0–1 group experienced recurrence, while 70% of patients in the 2–4 group experienced recurrence (p value = 0.037, hazard ratio = 5.93). Conclusions: Our findings suggested that increases in more than one of PD-L1, PD-1, FOXP3, and CD204, expression in the urine sediments was associated with resistance to BCG treatment.
Critical Multicultural Education: Working at the Intersections of Resistance, Restorative Justice, and Revolutionary Change—Introduction
Authors: Clark Christine , Marrun Norma A.
Published: June 2019

We are pleased to serve as co-editors for this Education Sciences Special Issue focused on Critical Multicultural Education: Working at the Intersections of Resistance, Restorative Justice, and Revolutionary Change [...]
Yo Resisto, Tú Resistes, Todos Resistimos: Modes of Resistance Displayed by U.S.-Born Children of Deported Parents on the Mexico/U.S. Border
Authors: Candel Sandra L.
Published: June 2019

Over 600,000 U.S.-born children are living in Mexico after being forced to leave with their parents after a deportation. Although these children possess transnational funds of knowledge, these go unrecognized by their Mexican teachers, who mostly view transnational students from a deficit perspective. This qualitative study included three transnational students aged 12–17 attending schools in northern Mexico due to parental deportation and used interviews, testimonios and thematic analysis to document their educational experiences and to determine their coping mechanisms and modes of resistance. By doing so, this study intended to highlight the ways in which participants enacted agency. The research questions guiding this study were: How are the educational experiences of transnational youth shaped by parental deportation? What tools do they use to cope? and, how does transnational youth enact transformative and other types of resistance? Based on theories of resistance and the Coyolxayhqui Imperative theory, this research found that the major obstacle transnational students face is the difference in educational systems and teaching practices and lack of academic Spanish proficiency. Deportation posed the added burden of stigmatization and exclusion. Family support was the greatest coping mechanism identified by participants, followed by friendships formed in Mexico, especially with other transnational students, as well as being resilient and purposeful in their pursuit of an education. Participants in this study displayed self-defeating, transformative, and resilient resistance. All people and place names are pseudonyms.
Self-Acceptance in Black and White
Authors: Hasberry Abigail
Published: June 2019

This reflective, autoethnographic qualitative case study at focus in this article is based on broader research on the experiences of Black teachers working at predominantly white and affluent private schools in the United States. It was motivated by the author/researcher’s own experiences of personal, academic, and professional racial identity development as a student, educator, parent, and educational administrator while living and working in predominantly white and affluent communities. The two main research questions this study engaged were: (1) How did the author/researcher develop her Black identity as a transracial adoptee living at the intersection of race and class; and, (2) What was the author/researcher’s journey towards her present state of racial self-acceptance and understanding? Three ancillary research questions were also engaged: (a) How did social and societal factors influence the author/researcher’s racial identity development? (b) How did the author/researcher build a support network of personal and professional community? and, (c) How was the author/researcher able to get to a place of self-love? Using Hill Collins’ (1998) intersectional analysis framework and Cross’s (1991) theory of Black racial identity development, this article explores the author/researcher’s experiences as an affluent racialized minority by unpacking lived experiences, coping strategies, and support mechanisms that led to her current professional calling.
Latinx Family Engagement in Schools and Surrounding Communities: Assessing the Impact of Parent (and Other Family Member) Development on Improving Student Educational Outcomes at Gene Ward Elementary School
Authors: Flores Rosemary Q. , Morgan Phyllis , Rivera Linda , Clark Christine
Published: June 2019

This article examined the success of broadly defined family engagement activities of Latinx parents of students at Gene Ward Elementary School. Gene Ward Elementary School is a part of the Clark County School District in Las Vegas, Nevada. This article is based on a larger study of parent and family member participants in these activities at 25 district schools between 2003 and 2012.
Student’s Perceptions Regarding Assessment Changes in a Fluid Mechanics Course
Authors: Sena-Esteves Teresa , Morais Cristina , Guedes Anabela , Brás Pereira Isabel , Marques Ribeiro Margarida , Soares Filomena , Pinto Leão Celina
Published: June 2019

The main objective of this study is to evaluate students’ perceptions regarding different methods of assessment and which teaching/learning methodologies may be the most effective in a Fluid Transport System course. The impact of the changes in the assessment methodology in the final students’ grades and attendance at theoretical classes is also analysed, and the results show that students’ attendance at theoretical classes changed significantly. The students prefer and consider more beneficial for their learning assessment through several questions/problems and small tests during theoretical lessons instead of a single moment of evaluation. For them, the traditional teaching/learning methodology is still considered the most effective one. At the same time, students perceive that the development of the Practical Work (PW) and several moments of assessment had positive repercussions on the way they focus on the course content and keep up with the subjects taught, providing knowledge on the area under study, encouraging collaborative work and stimulating the students’ intellectual curiosity. Largely, students agree that the PW is an important tool in their learning process and recommend it as a teaching activity. In general, students are confident with the knowledge acquired with the PW and feel able to size fluid transport systems.
Assistive Hearing Technology for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Spoken Language Learners
Authors: Frush Holt Rachael
Published: June 2019

Radical advancements in hearing technology in the last 30 years have offered some deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) children the adequate auditory access necessary to acquire spoken language with high-quality early intervention. However, meaningful achievement gaps in reading and spoken language persist despite the engineering marvel of modern hearing aids and cochlear implants. Moreover, there is enormous unexplained variability in spoken language and literacy outcomes. Aspects of signal processing in both hearing aids and cochlear implants are discussed as they relate to spoken language outcomes in preschool and school-age children. In suggesting areas for future research, a case is made for not only expanding the search for mechanisms of influence on outcomes outside of traditional device- and child-related factors, but also for framing the search within Biopsychosocial systems theories. This theoretical approach incorporates systems of risk factors across many levels, as well as the bidirectional and complex ways in which factors influence each other. The combination of sophisticated hearing technology and a fuller understanding of the complex environmental and biological factors that shape development will help maximize spoken language outcomes in DHH children and contribute to laying the groundwork for successful literacy and academic development.
Correction: Nilsson, J. et al. Maximal Q Factor for an On-Chip, Fuse-Based Trimmable Capacitor. Electronics 2019, 8, 62
Authors: Nilsson Joakim , Borg Johan , Johansson Jonny
Published: June 2019

The authors wish to make the following correction to our published paper [...]
A Telemetry, Tracking, and Command Antennas System for Small-Satellite Applications
Authors: Squadrito Paolo , Livreri Patrizia , Di Donato Loreto , Squadrito Concetto , Sorbello Gino
Published: June 2019

Circularly polarized (CP) antennas are used in space applications for telemetry tracking and command (TT&C). In this paper, we present an antenna for a TT&C system that can employ only four antennas to achieve a wide quasi-isotropic coverage. The proposed single-feed circular polarized annular patch antenna is low profile and compact. It exhibits a wide impedance bandwidth of 19.7%, wide-angle circular polarization with an on-axis maximum gain higher than 6 dBi and an axial ratio below 4 dB in the frequency band 2.0–2.3 GHz. The developed low-cost antenna can be used for small-satellite data downlink where only two right hand circular polarized (RHCP) antennas and two left hand circular polarized (LHCP) antennas would be required since each antenna has an adequate CP gain on a wide angle. A prototype antenna has been fabricated and measured. The experimental validation shows a good agreement of the measured impedance bandwidth, axial ratio, and far-field pattern with the ones predicted by numerical full-wave study.
Structures Associated with Oogenesis and Embryonic Development during Intraovarian Gestation in Viviparous Teleosts (Poeciliidae)
Authors: Uribe Mari Carmen , De la Rosa Cruz Gabino , García Alarcón Adriana , Campuzano Caballero Juan Carlos , Guzmán Bárcenas María Guadalupe
Published: June 2019

Viviparity in teleosts involves, invariably, the ovary in a gestational role. This type of viviparity is due to the combination of unique aspects, different from those found in the rest of vertebrates. These aspects are: The ovary has a saccular structure; the germinal epithelium lines the ovarian lumen; the absence of oviducts; and the intraovarian insemination, fertilization, and gestation. The communication of the germinal zone of the ovary to the exterior is via the caudal zone of the ovary—the gonoduct. The germinal epithelium is composed of oogonia and oocytes scattered individually or in cell nests among somatic epithelial cells. In the ovarian stroma the follicles are included which are formed by the oocyte, which is surrounded by follicular cells and the vascularized theca. The oogenesis comprises three stages: chromatin-nucleolus, previtellogenesis, and vitellogenesis. There is no ovulation, as the oocyte is retained in the follicle. During the insemination, the spermatozoa enter into the ovarian lumen and the intrafollicular fertilization occurs, followed by intrafollicular gestation. The intraovarian gestation of poeciliids involves morphological characteristics associated with the intrafollicular embryogenesis and types of nutrition, such as lecithotrophy and matrotrophy. In lecithotrophy, the nutrients come from the yolk reserves stored during oogenesis, whereas in matrotrophy the nutrients are provided by supplies from maternal tissues to the embryo during gestation. The maternal–embryonic metabolic interchanges converge through the development of the association of maternal and embryonic blood vessels, establishing a follicular placenta.
Effect of Overburden Height on Hydraulic Fracturing of Concrete-Lined Pressure Tunnels Excavated in Intact Rock: A Numerical Study
Authors: Karakouzian Moses , Nazari-Sharabian Mohammad , Karami Mehrdad
Published: June 2019

This study investigated the impact of overburden height on the hydraulic fracturing of a concrete-lined pressure tunnel, excavated in intact rock, under steady-state and transient-state conditions. Moreover, the Norwegian design criterion that only suggests increasing the overburden height as a countermeasure against hydraulic fracturing was evaluated. The Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion was implemented to investigate failure in the rock elements adjacent to the lining. A pressure tunnel with an inner diameter of 3.6 m was modeled in Abaqus Finite Element Analysis (FEA), using the finite element method (FEM). It was assumed that transient pressures occur inside the tunnel due to control gate closure in a hydroelectric power plant, downstream of the tunnel, in three different closure modes: fast (14 s), normal (18 s), and slow (26 s). For steady-state conditions, the results indicated that resistance to the fracturing of the rock increased with increasing the rock friction angle, as well as the overburden height. However, the influence of the friction angle on the resistance to rock fracture was much larger than that of the overburden height. For transient-state conditions, the results showed that, in fast, normal, and slow control gate closure modes, the required overburden heights to failure were respectively 1.07, 0.8, and 0.67 times the static head of water in the tunnel under a steady-state condition. It was concluded that increasing the height of overburden should not be the absolute solution to prevent hydraulic fracturing in pressure tunnels.
Use of Selected Lactobacilli to Increase γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Content in Sourdough Bread Enriched with Amaranth Flour
Authors: Venturi Manuel , Galli Viola , Pini Niccolò , Guerrini Simona , Granchi Lisa
Published: June 2019

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter of the central nervous system and possesses various physiological functions. GABA production can be obtained thanks to lactic acid bacteria activity in different foods such as sourdoughs. Recently, breads made from blends of pseudocereals and wheat flours have attracted much attention. Amaranth is especially interesting because of its high nutritional value, having a high protein content and containing different antioxidant compounds. Therefore, this study aimed to obtain sourdough breads enriched with GABA thanks to bacterial activity and to investigate the effect of amaranth flour addition on the antioxidant and sensorial properties of bread. Eighteen lactobacilli strains were assayed for GABA production in amaranth and wheat flour liquid sourdoughs. Two strains, Lactobacillus brevis A7 and Lactobacillus farciminis A11, demonstrated high GABA producing capability; hence, they were used to prepare breads containing 20% amaranth flour. The results confirmed the capability of the two strains to increase GABA concentrations (up to 39 mg/kg) in breads. Samples with amaranth addition showed a significantly higher total phenolic content compared to the control bread (more than 15 mg GAE 100 g−1 dwb); sensory analysis showed that breads with amaranth were moderately acceptable. Nevertheless, their general liking evaluation was significantly lower compared to the control bread. The addition of pseudocereal to traditional wheat sourdough and selection of lactobacilli allowed the production of baked goods with enhanced GABA content and antioxidant capacity, but recipes have to be developed to increase the organoleptic acceptability of the final products.
A Novel Method for Solutions of Fourth-Order Fractional Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Akgül Ali , Karatas Akgül Esra
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we find the solutions of fourth order fractional boundary value problems by using the reproducing kernel Hilbert space method. Firstly, the reproducing kernel Hilbert space method is introduced and then the method is applied to this kind problems. The experiments are discussed and the approximate solutions are obtained to be more correct compared to the other obtained results in the literature.
Heavy Metals: Might as Well Jump
Authors: Wilmot Neil A.
Published: June 2019

Financial times series, and commodity prices in particular, are known to exhibit fat tails in the distribution of prices. As with many natural resources price series, the arrival of new information can lead to unexpectedly rapid changes—or jump—in prices. This suggests that natural resource commodity prices should follow a more complex process than geometric Brownian motion (GBM), which is linked to the Gaussian distribution. The presence of jumps (discontinuities) in several heavy metal price series is investigated, as well as time-varying volatility. The results demonstrate that allowing for jumps and time-varying volatility provides statistically important improvements in the modelling or prices, relative to GBM. These complex processes contributed to the fatness of the tails in the distribution of heavy metal price returns.
The Predictive Power of the User Cost Spread for Economic Recession in China and the US
Authors: Chang Dongfeng , Mattson Ryan S. , Tang Biyan
Published: June 2019

The predictive power of the yield curve slope, or the yield spread is well established in the United States (US) and European Union (EU) countries since 1998. However, there exists a gap in the literature on the predictive power of the yield spread on the Chinese economy. This paper provides a different leading recession indicator using the Chinese and US economy as comparative examples: the user cost spread, being the difference of the opportunity costs of holding government securities of different maturities. We argue that the user cost spread, based on the Divisia monetary aggregate data like the ones produced by the Center for Financial Stability, provides improved predictive ability and a better intuitive explanation based on changes in the user cost price of holding bonds.
GeoSOT-Based Spatiotemporal Index of Massive Trajectory Data
Authors: Qian Chunyao , Yi Chao , Cheng Chengqi , Pu Guoliang , Wei Xiaofeng , Zhang Huangchuang
Published: June 2019

With the rapid development of global positioning technologies and the pervasiveness of intelligent mobile terminals, trajectory data have shown a sharp growth trend both in terms of data volume and coverage. In recent years, increasing numbers of LBS (location based service) applications have provided us with trajectory data services such as traffic flow statistics and user behavior pattern analyses. However, the storage and query efficiency of massive trajectory data are increasingly creating a bottleneck for these applications, especially for large-scale spatiotemporal query scenarios. To solve this problem, we propose a new spatiotemporal indexing method to improve the query efficiency of massive trajectory data. First, the method extends the GeoSOT spatial partitioning scheme to the time dimension and forms a global space–time subdivision scheme. Second, a novel multilevel spatiotemporal grid index, called the GeoSOT ST-index, was constructed to organize trajectory data hierarchically. Finally, a spatiotemporal range query processing method is proposed based on the index. We implement and evaluate the index in MongoDB. By comparing the range query efficiency and scalability of our index with those of the other two space–time composite indexes, we found that our approach improves query efficiency levels by approximately 40% and has better scalability under different data volumes.
Antiarrhythmic Effect of Sacubitril-Valsartan: Cause or Consequence of Clinical Improvement?
Authors: Valentim Gonçalves António , Pereira-da-Silva Tiago , Galrinho Ana , Rio Pedro , Moura Branco Luísa , Soares Rui , Feliciano Joana , Ilhão Moreira Rita , Cruz Ferreira Rui
Published: June 2019

Sacubitril/Valsartan (LCZ696) reduced sudden cardiac death in the PARADIGM-HF trial. However, the mechanism by which LCZ696 reduces ventricular arrhythmias remains unclear. The aim of this study was to compare electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters and mechanical dispersion index, assessed by left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS), before and after LCZ696 therapy. We prospectively evaluated chronic Heart Failure (HF) patients with LV ejection fraction ≤40%, despite optimal medical and device therapy, in which LCZ696 therapy was started, while no additional HF treatment was expected to change. ECG and transthoracic echocardiographic data were gathered in the week before starting LCZ696 and at six months of therapy. A semiautomated analysis of LV GLS was performed and mechanical dispersion index was defined as the standard deviation from 16 time intervals corresponding to each LV segment. Of the 42 patients, 35 completed the six month follow-up, since two patients died and five discontinued treatment for adverse events. QTc interval (451.9 vs. 426.0 ms, p < 0.001), QRS duration (125.1 vs. 120.8 ms, p = 0.033) and mechanical dispersion index (88.4 vs. 78.1 ms, p = 0.036) were significantly reduced at six months. LCZ696 therapy is associated with a reduction in QTc interval, QRS duration and mechanical dispersion index as assessed by LV GLS.
Role of Low Ankle–Brachial Index in Cardiovascular and Mortality Risk Compared with Major Risk Conditions
Authors: Alves-Cabratosa Lia , Garcia-Gil Maria , Comas-Cufí Marc , Blanch Jordi , Ponjoan Anna , Martí-Lluch Ruth , Elosua-Bayes Marc , Parramon Dídac , Camós Lourdes , Ramos Rafel
Published: June 2019

Cardiovascular prevention is of particular interest in persons with asymptomatic peripheral arterial disease. We aimed to quantify its association with mortality and cardiovascular outcomes, compared to other indicators of high risk. We performed a retrospective cohort study using the Database of the Catalan primary care system (SIDIAPQ), for 2006–2015, including 35–85-year-old patients with an ankle–brachial index (ABI) measurement, classified according to the presence of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and low ABI (<0.9). We calculated the incidences and hazard ratios (HRs) for all-cause mortality, acute myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke. During a median follow-up of 5.9 years, we analyzed 58,118 persons. The mean (SD) age was 66.6 (10.7) years and 53.4% were men. Compared to the reference group with no diabetes, no previous cardiovascular disease, and normal ankle–brachial index, the HR for all-cause mortality was 1.42 (1.25–1.63) in the group with low ABI, 1.35 (1.26–1.45) in those with diabetes, 1.50 (1.34–1.69) in those with previous cardiovascular disease, and 1.84 (1.68–2.01) in those with low ABI and diabetes. In conclusion, participants with low ABI showed increased mortality, acute myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke incidence in all the subgroups. Patients with low ankle–brachial index plus diabetes presented increased mortality, acute myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke risk, all at rates similar to those with previous cardiovascular disease.
Supervised Machine Learning Based Multi-Task Artificial Intelligence Classification of Retinopathies
Authors: Alam Minhaj , Le David , Lim Jennifer I. , Chan Robison V.P. , Yao Xincheng
Published: June 2019

Artificial intelligence (AI) classification holds promise as a novel and affordable screening tool for clinical management of ocular diseases. Rural and underserved areas, which suffer from lack of access to experienced ophthalmologists may particularly benefit from this technology. Quantitative optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) imaging provides excellent capability to identify subtle vascular distortions, which are useful for classifying retinovascular diseases. However, application of AI for differentiation and classification of multiple eye diseases is not yet established. In this study, we demonstrate supervised machine learning based multi-task OCTA classification. We sought (1) to differentiate normal from diseased ocular conditions, (2) to differentiate different ocular disease conditions from each other, and (3) to stage the severity of each ocular condition. Quantitative OCTA features, including blood vessel tortuosity (BVT), blood vascular caliber (BVC), vessel perimeter index (VPI), blood vessel density (BVD), foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area (FAZ-A), and FAZ contour irregularity (FAZ-CI) were fully automatically extracted from the OCTA images. A stepwise backward elimination approach was employed to identify sensitive OCTA features and optimal-feature-combinations for the multi-task classification. For proof-of-concept demonstration, diabetic retinopathy (DR) and sickle cell retinopathy (SCR) were used to validate the supervised machine leaning classifier. The presented AI classification methodology is applicable and can be readily extended to other ocular diseases, holding promise to enable a mass-screening platform for clinical deployment and telemedicine.
Peroral Cholangioscopy-Guided Forceps Biopsy and Endoscopic Scraper for the Diagnosis of Indeterminate Extrahepatic Biliary Stricture
Authors: Kato Masayuki , Onoyama Takumi , Takeda Yohei , Kawata Soichiro , Kurumi Hiroki , Koda Hiroki , Yamashita Taro , Hamamoto Wataru , Sakamoto Yuri , Matsumoto Kazuya , Isomoto Hajime
Published: June 2019

Background: Peroral cholangioscopy (POCS) has become a widely-used technique in diagnosing indeterminate biliary strictures, enabling optical viewing of the biliary system and targeted biopsies under direct vision. The diagnostic utility of the new endoscopic scraper, Trefle®, for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC) has also been reported. However, the diagnostic utility of POCS-guided and Trefle®-assisted tissue acquisition for ECC has never been compared empirically. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of Trefle®-assisted tissue acquisition for diagnosing ECC compared with POCS-guided tissue sampling. Methods: Patients who underwent Trefle®-assisted tissue acquisition or POCS-guided forceps biopsy to differentiate ECC from benign biliary disease between April 2014 and March 2018 were enrolled retrospectively. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of Trefle®-assisted tissue acquisition and POCS-guided forceps biopsy based on pathological evaluation. We also compared adverse events associated with Trefle®-assisted tissue acquisition with those of POCS-guided forceps biopsy. Results: We enrolled 34 patients with biliary disease and performed Trefle®-assisted tissue acquisition and POCS-guided forceps biopsy in 14 and 20 patients, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of Trefle®-assisted tissue acquisition were 87.5%, 83.3%, and 85.7%, respectively, and for POCS-guided forceps biopsy, these were 90.0% each. Statistical values of Trefle®-assisted tissue acquisition and POCS-guided tissue acquisition were not significantly different. There were no significant differences in the occurrence of adverse events between the Trefle®-assisted tissue acquisition and the POCS-guided forceps biopsy (35.7% vs. 25.0%, p = 0.770). Compared with patients who underwent POCS procedure, endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed for fewer patients who underwent Trefle®-assisted tissue acquisition (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The diagnostic ability of Trefle®-assisted tissue acquisition for ECC is similar to that of POCS-guided tissue acquisition. Trefle®-assisted tissue acquisition might also help to preserve the sphincter of Oddi and its digestive function.
Effects of a Lifestyle Intervention in Routine Care on Short- and Long-Term Maternal Weight Retention and Breastfeeding Behavior—12 Months Follow-up of the Cluster-Randomized GeliS Trial
Authors: Hoffmann Julia , Günther Julia , Stecher Lynne , Spies Monika , Meyer Dorothy , Kunath Julia , Raab Roxana , Rauh Kathrin , Hauner Hans
Published: June 2019

Postpartum weight retention (PPWR) is associated with an increased risk for maternal obesity and is discussed to be influenced by breastfeeding. The objective was to evaluate the effect of a lifestyle intervention delivered three times during pregnancy and once in the postpartum period on PPWR and on maternal breastfeeding behavior. In total, 1998 participants of the cluster-randomized “healthy living in pregnancy” (GeliS) trial were followed up until the 12th month postpartum (T2pp). Data were collected using maternity records and questionnaires. Data on breastfeeding behavior were collected at T2pp. At T2pp, mean PPWR was lower in women receiving counseling (IV) compared to the control group (C) (−0.2 ± 4.8 kg vs. 0.6 ± 5.2 kg), but there was no significant evidence of between-group differences (adjusted p = 0.123). In the IV, women lost more weight from delivery until T2pp compared to the C (adjusted p = 0.008) and showed a slightly higher rate of exclusive breastfeeding (IV: 87.4%; C: 84.4%; adjusted p < 0.001). In conclusion, we found evidence for slight improvements of maternal postpartum weight characteristics and the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in women receiving a lifestyle intervention embedded in routine care, although the clinical meaning of these findings is unclear.
Distinct Chemokine Dynamics in Early Postoperative Period after Open and Robotic Colorectal Surgery
Authors: Krzystek-Korpacka Malgorzata , Zawadzki Marek , Lewandowska Paulina , Szufnarowski Krzysztof , Bednarz-Misa Iwona , Jacyna Krzysztof , Witkiewicz Wojciech , Gamian Andrzej
Published: June 2019

Stress response to robot-assisted colorectal surgery is largely unknown. Therefore, we conducted a prospective comparative nonrandomized study evaluating the perioperative dynamics of chemokines: IL-8/CXCL8, MCP-1/CCL2, MIP-1α/CCL3, MIP-1β/CCL4, RANTES/CCL5, and eotaxin-1/CCL11 in 61 colorectal cancer patients following open colorectal surgery (OCS) or robot-assisted surgery (RACS) in reference to clinical data. Postoperative IL-8 and MCP-1 increase was reduced in RACS with a magnitude of blood loss, length of surgery, and concomitant up-regulation of IL-6 and TNFα as its independent predictors. RANTES at 8 h dropped in RACS and RANTES, and MIP1α/β at 24 h were more elevated in RACS than OCS. IL-8 and MCP-1 at 72 h remained higher in patients subsequently developing surgical site infections, in whom a 2.6- and 2.5-fold increase was observed. IL-8 up-regulation at 24 h in patients undergoing open procedure was predictive of anastomotic leak (AL; 94% accuracy). Changes in MCP-1 and RANTES were predictive of delayed restoration of bowel function. Chemokines behave differently depending on procedure. A robot-assisted approach may be beneficial in terms of chemokine dynamics by favoring Th1 immunity and attenuated angiogenic potential and postoperative ileus. Monitoring chemokine dynamics may prove useful for predicting adverse clinical events. Attenuated chemokine up-regulation results from less severe blood loss and diminished inflammatory response.
Scale, Material Concentration, Stress Relief and Part Removal Effects on the Dimensional Behaviour of Selected AlSi10Mg Components Manufactured by Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Zongo Floriane , Tahan Antoine , Brailovski Vladimir
Published: June 2019

Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) is a predominant Additive Manufacturing (AM) process. While metallic LPBF is gaining popularity, one of the barriers facing its wider industrial use is the current relatively limited knowledge with respect to its dimensional and geometrical performance, as well as the inability to predict it. This paper presents an experimental investigation of the geometrical and dimensional deviations of selected LPBF-manufactured components according to the ASME Y14.5 (2009) standard. In this study, two types of axisymmetric parts (cylinder and cylindrical pyramid) were designed with three different levels of material concentration, and replicated at three different scales for a total of 18 test artifacts. These parts were manufactured from AlSi10Mg powder using an EOSINT M280 printer, subjected to stress relief annealing at 300 °C for two hours, removed from the platform and finished by micro shot peening. A complete statistical analysis was carried out on the artifacts before and after each post-processing step. The results of this investigation allowed for the quantification of the intra- (same part) and inter- (different parts) scale effects, as well as of the material concentration, stress relief, part removal and micro shot peening effects on the overall three-dimensional (3D) profile deviations and on the dimensional deviations of some selected features (e.g., diameter, thickness). For example, cylindrical pyramid parts showed the following average deviations of their outside diameters: a −63 µm shrinkage of the as-built part diameter as compared to its computer-assisted design (CAD) value, a +20 µm expansion after stress relief annealing as compared to the precedent step, a −18 µm shrinkage after part removal and, finally, a −50 µm shrinkage after micro shot peening.
The Future of Traditional Landscapes: Discussions and Visions
Authors: Renes Hans , Centeri Csaba , Kruse Alexandra , Kučera Zdeněk
Published: June 2019

At the 2018 meeting of the Permanent European Conference for the Study of the Rural Landscape (PECSRL), that took place in Clermont-Ferrand and Mende in France, the Institute for Research on European Agricultural Landscapes e.V. (EUCALAND) Network organized a session on traditional landscapes. Presentations included in the session discussed the concept of traditional, mostly agricultural, landscapes, their ambiguous nature and connections to contemporary landscape research and practice. Particular attention was given to the connection between traditional landscapes and regional identity, landscape transformation, landscape management, and heritage. A prominent position in the discussions was occupied by the question about the future of traditional or historical landscapes and their potential to trigger regional development. Traditional landscapes are often believed to be rather stable and slowly developing, of premodern origin, and showing unique examples of historical continuity of local landscape forms as well as practices. Although every country has its own traditional landscapes, globally seen, they are considered as being rare; at least in Europe, also as a consequence of uniforming CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) policies over the last five decades. Although such a notion of traditional landscapes may be criticized from different perspectives, the growing number of bottom-up led awareness-raising campaigns and the renaissance of traditional festivities and activities underline that the idea of traditional landscapes still contributes to the formation of present identities. The strongest argument of the growing sector of self-marketing and the increasing demand for high value, regional food is the connection to the land itself: while particular regions and communities are promoting their products and heritages. In this sense, traditional landscapes may be viewed as constructed or invented, their present recognition being a result of particular perceptions and interpretations of local environments and their pasts. Nevertheless, traditional landscapes thus also serve as a facilitator of particular social, cultural, economic, and political intentions and debates. Reflecting on the session content, four aspects should be emphasized. The need for: dynamic landscape histories; participatory approach to landscape management; socioeconomically and ecologically self-sustaining landscapes; planners as intermediaries between development and preservation.
Did Forestland Restitution Facilitate Institutional Amnesia? Some Evidence from Romanian Forest Policy
Authors: Drăgoi Marian , Toza Veronica
Published: June 2019

This paper shows how the slow process of forestland restitution, which is unfolding in Romania since 1991 has eroded the threads of sustainable forest management by an insidious institutional amnesia (IA). The four symptoms of this harmful process (frequent reorganization, transition from paperwork to electronic media, fewer people motivated to join public services, and popularity of radical changes) were analyzed from the legal standing point as well as from practitioners’ perspective. After having described the legal process and the relative dependencies between laws and government ordinances we also showed that the three laws on forestland restoration (three fully operational laws and two bills submitted in 2019, one year before general elections) were produced by unintended policy arrangements. The legal loopholes of forestland restitution were described in details as well as the challenges brought about by nature conservation policy (Natura 2000 management plans v traditional forest planning), and the overwhelming bureaucratic burden developed to deter illegal logging, instead of fully implementing a modern system of forest watching based on volunteering. However, the main cause of IA is institutional unsteadiness which was inherited from the communist regime, and cannot be alleviated unless more involvement of professional foresters in politics.
Carbon Nanomaterials—Promising Solid Lubricants to Tailor Friction and Wear
Authors: Suarez Sebastian , Rosenkranz Andreas
Published: June 2019

It is our pleasure to launch this Special Issue related to the application of carbon nanomaterials as solid lubricants to tailor friction and wear [...]
Recursive Algorithms for Multivariable Output-Error-Like ARMA Systems
Authors: Ma Hao , Pan Jian , Lv Lei , Xu Guanghui , Ding Feng , Alsaedi Ahmed , Hayat Tasawar
Published: June 2019

This paper studies the parameter identification problems for multivariable output-error-like systems with colored noises. Based on the hierarchical identification principle, the original system is decomposed into several subsystems. However, each subsystem contains the same parameter vector, which leads to redundant computation. By taking the average of the parameter estimation vectors of each subsystem, a partially-coupled subsystem recursive generalized extended least squares (PC-S-RGELS) algorithm is presented to cut down the redundant parameter estimates. Furthermore, a partially-coupled recursive generalized extended least squares (PC-RGELS) algorithm is presented to further reduce the computational cost and the redundant estimates by using the coupling identification concept. Finally, an example indicates the effectiveness of the derived algorithms.
Anti-Synchronization of a Class of Chaotic Systems with Application to Lorenz System: A Unified Analysis of the Integer Order and Fractional Order
Authors: Chen Liang , Huang Chengdai , Liu Haidong , Xia Yonghui
Published: June 2019

The paper proves a unified analysis for finite-time anti-synchronization of a class of integer-order and fractional-order chaotic systems. We establish an effective controller to ensure that the chaotic system with unknown parameters achieves anti-synchronization in finite time under our controller. Then, we apply our results to the integer-order and fractional-order Lorenz system, respectively. Finally, numerical simulations are presented to show the feasibility of the proposed control scheme. At the same time, through the numerical simulation results, it is show that for the Lorenz chaotic system, when the order is greater, the more quickly is anti-synchronization achieved.