bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptomic Diversity in the Livers of South African Sardines Participating in the Annual Sardine Run
Authors: Emami-Khoyi Arsalan , Le Roux Rynhardt , Adair Matthew G. , Monsanto Daniela M. , Main Devon C. , Parbhu Shilpa P. , Schnelle Claudia M. , van der Lingen Carl D. , Jansen van Vuuren Bettine , Teske Peter R.
Published: March 2021

During austral winter, the southern and eastern coastlines of South Africa witness one of the largest animal migrations on the planet, the KwaZulu-Natal sardine run. Hundreds of millions of temperate sardines, Sardinops sagax, form large shoals that migrate north-east towards the subtropical Indian Ocean. Recent studies have highlighted the role that genetic and environmental factors play in sardine run formation. In the present study, we used massively parallel sequencing to assemble and annotate the first reference transcriptome from the liver cells of South African sardines, and to investigate the functional content and transcriptomic diversity. A total of 1,310,530 transcripts with an N50 of 1578 bp were assembled de novo. Several genes and core biochemical pathways that modulate energy production, energy storage, digestion, secretory processes, immune responses, signaling, regulatory processes, and detoxification were identified. The functional content of the liver transcriptome from six individuals that participated in the 2019 sardine run demonstrated heterogeneous levels of variation. Data presented in the current study provide new insights into the complex function of the liver transcriptome in South African sardines.
Micromorphological Characteristic of Different-Aged Cryosols from the East Part of Lena River Delta, Siberia, Russia
Authors: Polyakov Vyacheslav , Abakumov Evgeny
Published: March 2021

Micromorphological investigation of soils is a powerful tool for studying the transformation of soils under the influence of various weathering mechanisms. In the Arctic region, under the influence of seasonal freezing/thawing processes, cryohydration is the leading type of weathering. Soils of different-aged islands of the Lena River Delta were investigated. Thin sections of soils were analyzed using a polarizing microscope Leica DM750P (Leica Camera AG, Wetzlar, Germany). X-ray fluorescence analysis was used to determine the chemical composition of the soils. As a result of the work, the rate of weathering of soil minerals was estimated, soil fabric was considered, as well as the chemical composition of the soil. The accumulation of poorly sorted circular striated sand due to active influence of the Lena River was noted on young soil from Samoylov isl. The formation of biogenic sand-silt crumb aggregates was noted at more ancient sites. Physical weathering of soil minerals under the influence of cryogenic processes has been noted.
Prevention and Control of COVID-19 Pandemic on International Cruise Ships: The Legal Controversies
Authors: Zhang Xiaohan , Wang Chao
Published: March 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, a number of international cruise ships were infected, thereby resulting in serious public health and human rights problems. Multiple difficulties were encountered in the prevention and control of the coronavirus disease onboard ships, while rule-based international cooperation in this regard appeared inefficient and ineffective. By applying interdisciplinary methodologies, including empirical research of law, policy science, and health studies, this research reviewed the legal difficulties in the prevention and control of COVID-19 on international cruise ships and sought solutions from a policy-making and strategic perspective. We found that, apart from the inherent nature of cruise ships such as crowded semi-enclosed areas, shared sanitary facilities and limited medical resources, there are also nonnegligible legal reasons affecting the effectiveness of containment measures on board. In particular, there is ambiguity and even inconsistency of relevant international norms and domestic regulations, and some of the key rules are neither mandatory nor enforceable. We conclude by suggesting that rule-based international cooperation on this issue must be strengthened with respect to information sharing and management, a more effective supervisory mechanism, clarification of key rules over jurisdiction and distributions of obligations among the port states, flag states, nationality states, and cruise ship companies.
Extracellular and Intracellular Magnesium Deficiency Found in Pregnant Women with Preeclampsia and Gestational Diabetes Is Associated with Overexpression of Notch Proteins, Cytokines, p53, NF-kB and Proto-Oncogenes: Potential Importance in Growth Retardation, Stillbirths, Fetal Mutations and Increased Cardiovascular Risks and Stroke with Advancing Age in Pregnant Women
Authors: Altura Burton M. , Carella Anthony , Shah Nilank C. , Shah Gatha J. , Resnick Lawrence M. , Handwerker Sara M. , Altura Bella T.
Published: March 2021

In 1983, three of us reported in “Science” that umbilical-placental arteries and veins, obtained from normal pregnant women at term delivery, when exposed in vitro to low concentrations of Mg2+ went into vasospasm; the lower the Mg2+, the greater the contractile force developed. These blood vessels also demonstrated amplified contractile force development when challenged with circulating amines and peptides (e.g., norepinephrine, 5-HT, angiotensin II, etc.). We suggested that severe Mg deficiency during pregnancy could in part be responsible for spontaneous abortions, loss of fetuses, stillbirths, and developmental alterations in infants. Using short-term dietary Mg deficient animals, we have noted a great many molecular and biochemical alterations in ventricular, atrial and somatic vascular smooth muscle alterations including DNA methylation and histone changes leading us to speculate that Mg deficiency may represent a genotoxin promoting mutations and causing epigenetic changes. Over the last 35 years, we have new data on severely preeclamptic and gestational diabetic pregnant women that gives credence to our original hypothesis and demonstrates that recently- discovered developmental proteins, originally found 100 years ago in Drosophila fruit flies termed the “Notch pathway”, due to effects on its wings, appears to be important in development of the umbilical-placental blood vessels in pregnant women. Along with the developmental molecule, p53, these Notch proteins clearly alter the behavior of the umbilical-placental vessels. We believe these new findings probably help to explain many of the genetic-toxicity effects seen in women later in life who develop strokes and cardiovascular diseases. Notch alterations could also play an important role in babies born with cardiac defects.
Decision Support for the (Inter-)Basin Management of Water Resources Using Integrated Hydro-Economic Modeling
Authors: Souza da Silva Gerald Norbert , Alcoforado de Moraes Márcia Maria Guedes
Published: March 2021

The development of adequate modeling at the basin level to establish public policies has an important role in managing water resources. Hydro-economic models can measure the economic effects of structural and non-structural measures, land and water management, ecosystem services and development needs. Motivated by the need of improving water allocation using economic criteria, in this study, a Spatial Decision Support System (SDSS) with a hydro-economic optimization model (HEAL system) was developed and used for the identification and analysis of an optimal economic allocation of water resources in a case study: the sub-middle basin of the São Francisco River in Brazil. The developed SDSS (HEAL system) made the economically optimum allocation available to analyze water allocation conflicts and trade-offs. With the aim of providing a tool for integrated economic-hydrological modeling, not only for researchers but also for decision-makers and stakeholders, the HEAL system can support decision-making on the design of regulatory and economic management instruments in practice. The case study results showed, for example, that the marginal benefit function obtained for inter-basin water transfer, can contribute for supporting the design of water pricing and water transfer decisions, during periods of water scarcity, for the well-being in both basins.
Estimating the Characteristics and Emission Factor of Ammonia from Sewage Sludge Incinerator
Authors: Kang Seongmin , Roh Joonyoung , Jeon Eui-Chan
Published: March 2021

In the case of sewage sludge, as direct landfilling was recently prohibited, it is treated through incineration. Among the air pollutants discharged through the incineration of sewage sludge, NOx and SOx are considered secondary substances of PM2.5 and are being managed accordingly. However, NH3, another of the secondary substances of PM2.5, is not well managed, and the amount of NH3 discharged from sewage sludge incineration facilities has not been calculated. Therefore, in this study, we sought to determine whether NH3 is discharged in the exhaust gas of a sewage sludge incineration facility, and, when discharged, the NH3 emission factor was calculated, and the necessity of the development of the emission factor was reviewed. As a result of the study, it was confirmed that the amount of NH3 discharged from the sewage sludge incineration facility was 0.04 to 4.47 ppm, and the emission factor was calculated as 0.002 kg NH3/ton. The NH3 emission factor was compared with the NH3 emission factor of municipal solid waste proposed by EMEP/EEA (European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme/European Environment Agency) because the NH3 emission factor of the sewage sludge incineration facility had not been previously determined. As a result of the comparison, the NH3 emission factor of EMEP/EEA was similar to that of municipal solid waste, confirming the necessity of developing the NH3 emission factor of the sewage sludge incineration facility. In addition, the evaluation of the uncertainty of the additionally calculated NH3 emission factor was conducted quantitatively and the uncertainty range was presented for reference. In the future, it is necessary to improve the reliability of the NH3 emission factor of sewage sludge incineration facilities by performing additional analysis with statistical representation. In addition, the development of NH3 emission factors for industrial waste incineration facilities should be undertaken.
Comparison of Early-Stage Mothers and Childless Women Seeking Pregnancy: Experienced Stress, Resilience and Satisfaction with Relationship with the Partner
Authors: Malina Alicja , Suwalska-Barancewicz Dorota
Published: March 2021

Introduction: The birth of a child is a significant turning point in the life of a woman. It is a source of personal fulfilment, but also a great challenge. On the other hand, the inability to conceive a child in a natural way results in a serious distortion of a woman’s psychic balance. Becoming a mother is an indicator of personal fulfilment and the source of social acceptation. Therefore, both becoming a mother and the inability to conceive a child in a natural way may be seen as stressful factors that impact a woman’s life. Aim of the study: The research project aimed to analyze the differences in stress, resilience and satisfaction with relationship and sexual satisfaction between early-stage mothers, i.e., women having a child and childless women seeking pregnancy. Sample: The study involved 80 women—40 mothers and 40 infertile women. The mean age of the mothers was 31.10 yrs (SD = 3.76) and of the childless women seeking pregnancy—31.48 yrs (SD = 3.35). Both groups were homogenous with regards to education, place of residence, the form and time of their relationship with partners. Method: The perceived stress was measured with the Perceived Stress Scale PSS—Polish adaptation by Juczyński and Ogińska-Bulik. Resilience was measured with Personal Adaptation Scale (LIRS-pl)—Polish adaptation by Malina, Pooley and Harms. The quality of the relationship was measured using the Quality of Relationship Inventory (QRI) adapted to Polish version by Suwalska-Barancewicz, Liberska and Izdebski and the sexual satisfaction was measured with the Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire by Nomejko and Dolińska-Zygmunt. Results and conclusions: Statistical analyses indicate that the participating women differ in the level of perceived stress (higher among childless women seeking pregnancy; t = 2.721; p = 0.008), the depth/intensity of the relationship (higher among childless women seeking pregnancy; t = 2.376; p = 0.020) and conflict (higher among mothers; t = −2.829; p = 0.006). This research project proved that infertility and its consequences are not only negative. The research has shown that lower levels of relationship conflicts and greater commitment occur more frequently among infertile women than among mothers. Regardless of the observed differences in the studied sample, it is noteworthy that the compared groups are also similar to some extent. They neither differed in the level of personal resilience nor perceived support. Therefore, although the two experienced issues seem to be different, they may appear psychologically similar to some extent.
Impact and Effectiveness of Group Strategies for Supporting Breastfeeding after Birth: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rodríguez-Gallego Isabel , Leon-Larios Fatima , Corrales-Gutierrez Isabel , González-Sanz Juan Diego
Published: March 2021

Despite the multiple benefits of breastfeeding both for the mother and for the infant, during the first months there is a progressive decline in the number of mothers who continue breastfeeding, with most countries reporting lower than recommended figures. The objective of this review is to analyse the most effective group support practices for breastfeeding, as well as the characteristics associated to their success in maintaining breastfeeding. A systematic review has been conducted in the 2015–2020 period, in the following databases: MedLine, Scopus, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Library and LILACS. The findings were summarized in narrative and table formats. A total of thirteen articles were included, eight of them being experimental studies and five observational. The findings show high heterogeneity regarding the characteristics of the interventions and their periodicity. The most successful group strategies to support and maintain breastfeeding during postpartum are those that combine peer support with the leadership or counselling of a health professional or IBCLC. However, more studies are necessary, randomized and with interventions of similar characteristics, which allow for better data comparison.
Exposure to Particulate PAHs on Potential Genotoxicity and Cancer Risk among School Children Living Near the Petrochemical Industry
Authors: Sopian Nor Ashikin , Jalaludin Juliana , Abu Bakar Suhaili , Hamedon Titi Rahmawati , Latif Mohd Talib
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to assess the association of exposure to particle-bound (PM2.5) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with potential genotoxicity and cancer risk among children living near the petrochemical industry and comparative populations in Malaysia. PM2.5 samples were collected using a low-volume sampler for 24 h at three primary schools located within 5 km of the industrial area and three comparative schools more than 20 km away from any industrial activity. A gas chromatography–mass spectrometer was used to determine the analysis of 16 United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) priority PAHs. A total of 205 children were randomly selected to assess the DNA damage in buccal cells, employing the comet assay. Total PAHs measured in exposed and comparative schools varied, respectively, from 61.60 to 64.64 ng m−3 and from 5.93 to 35.06 ng m−3. The PAH emission in exposed schools was contributed mainly by traffic and industrial emissions, dependent on the source apportionment. The 95th percentiles of the incremental lifetime cancer risk estimated using Monte Carlo simulation revealed that the inhalation risk for the exposed children and comparative populations was 2.22 × 10−6 and 2.95 × 10−7, respectively. The degree of DNA injury was substantially more severe among the exposed children relative to the comparative community. This study reveals that higher exposure to PAHs increases the risk of genotoxic effects and cancer among children.
Isokinetic Trunk Strength in Acute Low Back Pain Patients Compared to Healthy Subjects: A Systematic Review
Authors: Reyes-Ferrada Waleska , Chirosa-Rios Luis , Rodriguez-Perea Angela , Jerez-Mayorga Daniel , Chirosa-Rios Ignacio
Published: March 2021

Background: The purpose of this systematic review was to: (I) determine the quality of evidence from studies assessing trunk isokinetic strength in subjects with acute low back pain (ALBP) compared to healthy subjects and (II) establish reference values of isokinetic trunk strength in subjects with ALBP. Methodology: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statements were followed using keywords associated with trunk, strength and low back pain. Four databases were used: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and SPORTDiscus. Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS). Results: A total of 1604 articles were retrieved, four included in this review. All were evaluated as high risk of bias (Rob). Due to the high Rob and the diversity of protocols, instruments and variables used, it was not possible to determine reference values for subjects with ALBP, we can only establish a range of flexion peak torque (PT) between 175.1 and 89.7 Nm at 60°/s and between 185 and 81.5 Nm at 120°/s, and for extension PT between 240.0 and 91.5 Nm at 60°/s and between 217.5 and 69.2 Nm at 120°/s in subjects with ALBP. Conclusions: Due to the low quality of the evidence and the diversity of protocols used when measuring trunk isokinetic strength, it is necessary to carry out new high-quality research to establish reference values of trunk strength in subjects with ALBP.
Psychometric Properties of Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ-24) in the Lithuanian Population
Authors: Dirzyte Aiste , Perminas Aidas , Biliuniene Egle
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to explore psychometric properties of satisfaction with life scale (SWLS) and psychological capital questionnaire (PCQ-24) in the Lithuanian representative sample (n = 2003, M = 50.67, SD = 17.46). It was significant to validate instruments concerning the fact that Lithuanians’ life satisfaction surveys demonstrated divergent results depending on the assessment tools they used. This study applied the SWLS, created by Diener et al. (1985), and the PCQ-24, created by Luthans et al. (2007). The findings demonstrated the internal consistency of the SWLS instrument, evidencing it as an adequate measure to evaluate satisfaction with life (α = 0.893; TLI = 0.988; NFI = 0.997; RMSEA = 0.059 [0.033–0.088]; CFI = 0.998; SRMR = 0.0077; AVE = 0.764; CR = 0.886). The Lith-PCQ-21 analysis demonstrated the internal consistency of the instrument (α = 0.957) and good fit of the factorial structure (χ2 = 2305.383; DF = 185; TLI = 0.915; NFI = 0.920; RMSEA = 0.077 [0.075–0.080]; CFI = 0.925; SRMR = 0.0450; AVE = 0.814; CR = 0.946), evidencing the instrument as an adequate measure to evaluate psychological capital. This research confirmed that both instruments (SWLS and Lith-PCQ-21) not only have an acceptable validity, including construct validity, but they are also interrelated (χ2 = 3088.762; DF = 294; TLI = 0.913; NFI = 0.914; RMSEA = 0.070 [0.068–0.073]; CFI = 0.922; SRMR = 0.0469), and can be considered appropriate for monitoring life satisfaction and psychological capital of the Lithuanian population.
An Assessment of Ergonomics Climate and Its Association with Self-Reported Pain, Organizational Performance and Employee Well-Being
Authors: Faez Elham , Zakerian Seyed Abolfazl , Azam Kamal , Hancock Kyle , Rosecrance John
Published: March 2021

Previous studies have demonstrated that a positive ergonomics climate with an equal focus on improving operational performance and employee well-being is beneficial to both employee health and organizational performance. This study aimed to assess the ergonomics climate at two power plants and examine its association with self-reported pain, performance, and well-being. At two power plants in Iran, survey responses from 109 and 110 employees were obtained. The questionnaires contained data on ergonomics climate, organizational performance, employee health, and self-reported pain. Results showed that the mean ergonomics climate scores between the Besat and Rey power plants were significantly different (p < 0.001). The overall ergonomics climate score, and all subscales scores, were positively associated with organizational performance (p < 0.001). The overall ergonomics climate score, and some of its subscales, were significantly associated with employees’ general health (p < 0.001). The ergonomics climate score was significantly higher in the group of employees who reported musculoskeletal pain than those who did not report musculoskeletal pain (p < 0.05). Investigation of ergonomics climate can provide organizations with a baseline for prioritizing their values and finding areas for improving organizational performance and employee health.
The Influence of a Table Tennis Physical Activity Program on the Gross Motor Development of Chinese Preschoolers of Different Sexes
Authors: Gu Ying , Chen Yong , Ma Jiameng , Ren Zhongyu , Li Huaran , Kim Hyunshik
Published: March 2021

Gross motor locomotion is the basis of various sensory motor locomotion. Interventions helping preschoolers develop gross motor skills (GMS) could provide a solid foundation for complex motor skills. This study analyzed a table tennis physical activity program’s influence on preschoolers’ GMS development with 104 preschoolers (experimental group (EG): N = 52, 25 boys, 27 girls; control group (CG): N = 52, 25 boys, 27 girls). The EG conducted table tennis physical activities three times per week for 12 weeks. Preschoolers’ GMSs were assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development (second edition). After 12 weeks, both the male and female EGs had significantly improved scores for GMS, locomotor subtest, gallop, hop, leap, slide, object control subtest, strike a stationary ball, stationary dribble, catch, overarm throw, and underhand roll (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.001). The female EG also showed significant improvement for the run, horizontal jump, and catch in the post-test. Both the male and female EGs significantly outperformed the control group in their post-test scores for GMS, locomotor subtest, object control subtest, strike a stationary ball, overarm throw, and underhand roll (p < 0.05). The female EG also showed significant differences in slide scores (p < 0.05). Therefore, table tennis physical activities can promote preschoolers’ GMS development, especially object control skills. The research results provide an empirical basis for preschoolers’ physical education. Meanwhile, our findings have important implications for preschoolers’ GMS development and table tennis’ popularization in Chinese kindergartens.
Sounds That People with Visual Impairment Want to Experience
Authors: Mlynski Rafal , Kozlowski Emil , Adamczyk Jan
Published: March 2021

This article presents the expectations of visually impaired people with regard to the content of a set of sound exercises planned for implementation, which will mainly enable these people to become familiar with the sounds associated with specific life situations. Consultations were carried out with 20 people with visual impairment, which allowed for the recognition of the needs of these people regarding the sounds with which they wish to become acquainted. The 35 initially proposed sounds were assessed using a five-grade scale. These sounds included those that would be heard in a number of situations in which a person with a visual impairment could potentially be found, both at home and, for example, while in the street or at an office. During the consultations, people with visual impairment usually rated the sounds proposed for inclusion in the set of sound exercises as highly relevant or relevant. In most cases, the assessment was analogous regardless of whether the person had a visual impairment since birth or developed it relatively recently. There were also more than 100 sounds that were proposed for inclusion in the set. The results of the consultation demonstrate how important the information contained in sound is for people with visual impairment.
Does Physical Activity Modify the Association between Air Pollution and Recurrence of Cardiovascular Disease?
Authors: Raza Wasif , Krachler Benno , Forsberg Bertil , Sommar Johan Nilsson
Published: March 2021

We aimed to assess a possible interaction effect between physical activity and particulate air pollution exposure on recurrence of ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke. We followed 2221 adult participants comprising first time IHD (1403) and stroke (818) cases from the Västerbotten Intervention Program between 1 January 1990 to 31 December 2013. During mean follow-up times of 5.5 years, 428 and 156 participants developed IHD and stroke recurrence, respectively. PM2.5 concentrations above the median (5.48 µg/m3) were associated with increased risk of IHD and stroke recurrence by 13% (95% CI −17–45%) and 21% (95% CI −19–80%), respectively. These risk increases were however only observed among those that exercised at most once a week at 21% (95% CI −5–50%) and 25% (95% CI −19–90%) for IHD and stroke recurrence, respectively. Higher frequency of exercise at recruitment was positively associated with IHD and stroke recurrence but only the association with IHD recurrence among participants with low residential PM2.5 was statistically significant (96% increased risk (95%-CI 22–215%)). However, no interaction effect between physical activity and PM2.5 exposure was found. Our findings suggest that physical activity may reduce the air pollution exposure associated risk for recurrent cardiovascular disease, likely by reducing the inflammatory response.
Transnational Accessibility between Residential Areas Based on Multimodal Transport System
Authors: Xia Nan , Cheng Liang , Li Manchun
Published: March 2021

Due to the development of globalization, transnational activities are more frequent and evaluations of current accessibility are the basis for accessibility improvements. Accessibility evaluation indices generally contain two parts: travel time and travel probability. However, complex transnational processes involve the multimodal transport system, including air and land transport networks, which makes the calculation of these indices more difficult because large quantities of fundamental data, in addition to suitable models, are needed. In this study, residential areas were set as the basic evaluation unit for fine-scale and whole-process analysis. Then, multiple web-sourced platforms were introduced to acquire the travel time between each pair of residential areas. The temporal-range radiation model was applied to calculate transnational travel probability by considering spatial interactions of populations. Finally, the weighted-average travel time to South Asia and Southeast Asia (SA&SEA) countries was generated to represent the overall accessibility for each populated area in China. The results showed that China had better accessibility to SEA than SA, and countries with high accessibility were Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia. In China, southwest, south, and southeast regions showed larger accessibility to SA&SEA. Improvements of accessibility were also indicated by conjoint analysis of airport nodes. The proposed framework can help to delineate the spatial patterns of transnational accessibility and guide the enhancements of accessibility.
Transfer Learning of a Deep Learning Model for Exploring Tourists’ Urban Image Using Geotagged Photos
Authors: Kang Youngok , Cho Nahye , Yoon Jiyoung , Park Soyeon , Kim Jiyeon
Published: March 2021

Recently, as computer vision and image processing technologies have rapidly advanced in the artificial intelligence (AI) field, deep learning technologies have been applied in the field of urban and regional study through transfer learning. In the tourism field, studies are emerging to analyze the tourists’ urban image by identifying the visual content of photos. However, previous studies have limitations in properly reflecting unique landscape, cultural characteristics, and traditional elements of the region that are prominent in tourism. With the purpose of going beyond these limitations of previous studies, we crawled 168,216 Flickr photos, created 75 scenes and 13 categories as a tourist’ photo classification by analyzing the characteristics of photos posted by tourists and developed a deep learning model by continuously re-training the Inception-v3 model. The final model shows high accuracy of 85.77% for the Top 1 and 95.69% for the Top 5. The final model was applied to the entire dataset to analyze the regions of attraction and the tourists’ urban image in Seoul. We found that tourists feel attracted to Seoul where the modern features such as skyscrapers and uniquely designed architectures and traditional features such as palaces and cultural elements are mixed together in the city. This work demonstrates a tourist photo classification suitable for local characteristics and the process of re-training a deep learning model to effectively classify a large volume of tourists’ photos.
Post-War Urban Damage Mapping Using InSAR: The Case of Mosul City in Iraq
Authors: Boloorani Ali Darvishi , Darvishi Mehdi , Weng Qihao , Liu Xiangtong
Published: March 2021

Urban infrastructures have become imperative to human life. Any damage to these infrastructures as a result of detrimental activities would accrue huge economical costs and severe casualties. War in particular is a major anthropogenic calamity with immense collateral effects on the social and economic fabric of human nations. Therefore, damaged buildings assessment plays a prominent role in post-war resettlement and reconstruction of urban infrastructures. The data-analysis process of this assessment is essential to any post-disaster program and can be carried out via different formats. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data and Interferometric SAR (InSAR) techniques help us to establish a reliable and fast monitoring system for detecting post-war damages in urban areas. Along this thread, the present study aims to investigate the feasibility and mode of implementation of Sentinel-1 SAR data and InSAR techniques to estimate post-war damage in war-affected areas as opposed to using commercial high-resolution optical images. The study is presented in the form of a survey to identify urban areas damaged or destroyed by war (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, ISIL, or ISIS occupation) in the city of Mosul, Iraq, using Sentinel-1 (S1) data over the 2014–2017 period. Small BAseline Subset (SBAS), Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) and coherent-intensity-based analysis were also used to identify war-damaged buildings. Accuracy assessments for the proposed SAR-based mapping approach were conducted by comparing the destruction map to the available post-war destruction map of United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR); previously developed using optical very high-resolution images, drone imagery, and field visits. As the findings suggest, 40% of the entire city, the western sectors, especially the Old City, were affected most by ISIS war. The findings are also indicative of the efficiency of incorporating Sentinel-1 SAR data and InSAR technique to map post-war urban damages in Mosul. The proposed method could be widely used as a tool in damage assessment procedures in any post-war reconstruction programs.
BGP Neighbor Trust Establishment Mechanism Based on the Bargaining Game
Authors: Li Peipei , Lu Bin , Li Daofeng
Published: March 2021

The Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) is the standard inter-domain route protocol on the Internet. Autonomous System (AS) traffic is forwarded by the BGP neighbors. In the route selection, if there are malicious or inactive neighbors, it will affect the network’s performance or even cause the network to crash. Therefore, choosing trusted and safe neighbors is an essential part of BGP security research. In response to such a problem, in this paper we propose a BGP Neighbor Trust Establishment Mechanism based on the Bargaining Game (BNTE-BG). By combining service quality attributes such as bandwidth, packet loss rate, jitter, delay, and price with bargaining game theory, it allows the AS to select trusted neighbors which satisfy the Quality of Service independently. When the trusted neighbors are forwarding data, we draw on the gray correlation algorithm to calculate neighbors’ behavioral trust and detect malicious or inactive BGP neighbors.
Preliminary Evaluation of Geopolymer Mix Design Applying the Design of Experiments Method
Authors: Copetti Callai Sergio , Tataranni Piergiorgio , Sangiorgi Cesare
Published: March 2021

The use of waste materials in road construction is becoming widely spread due to economic and environmental needs. Construction and demolition waste materials and mining residues have been studied for a long time. However, the use of fine materials, mainly from mine tailing and mining residue, is still complex, as they can be used as inert materials into the mix or can become a reactive agent in geopolymer mixes. In the present paper, an experimental application of basalt powder is proposed in the geopolymerisation reaction to produce artificial aggregates. In order to understand the input and output variables’ interactions used in the mix design, a statistical method called Design of Experiments was applied. With this design approach, it was possible to optimize the mix design of the experimental geopolymer mortars. The study evaluated several mixes with respect to their workability, compressive strength, and success rate of aggregates production. Finally, a model for predicting compressive strength is proposed and evaluated.
Assessment of Oil Palm Pollinating Weevil (Elaeidobius kamerunicus) Population Density in Biparental dura × pisifera Hybrids on Deep Peat-Soil in Perak State, Malaysia
Authors: Swaray Senesie , Y. Rafii Mohd , Din Amiruddin Mohd , Firdaus Ismail Mohd , Jamian Syari , Jalloh Momodu , Oladosu Yusuff , Mustakim Mohamad Mohd , Marjuni Marhalil , Kolapo Olalekan Kazeem , Chukwu Samuel Chibuike
Published: March 2021

This study was conducted to assess the Elaeidobius kamerunicus (EK) population density among the biparental dura × pisifera hybrids’ palms on deep peat-soil. Twenty-four hybrids derived from 10 genetic sources were used. Variance analysis showed that the EK population density varies between different oil palm hybrids, with a more noticeable variation of a low population mean in the male weevil across the hybrids. The highest weevil population mean/spikelet was attained on the third day of anthesis. The maximum monthly population of EK/spikelet (12.81 ± 0.23) and population density of EK (1846.49 ± 60.69) were recorded in January. Accordingly, 41.67% of the hybrids recorded an EK population density greater than the trial means of 973.68 weevils. Hybrid ECPHP550 had the highest mean of EK/spikelet (10.25 ± 0.11) and the highest population density of EK/palm (1241.39 ± 73.74). The parental mean population was 963.24 weevils and parent Deli-Banting × AVROS recorded the highest EK population density (1173.01). The overall results showed a notable disparity in the EK population among the biparental hybrids. Parental Deli-Banting × AVROS and hybrid ECPHP550 could be more useful to optimize the weevil population for pollination improvements in palm plantations. However, we suggest that volatile production should be included as a desirable trait in oil palm selective breeding.
Knockout of Two Cry-Binding Aminopeptidase N Isoforms Does Not Change Susceptibility of Aedes aegypti Larvae to Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis Cry4Ba and Cry11Aa Toxins
Authors: Wang Junxiang , Yang Xiaozhen , He Huan , Chen Jingru , Liu Yuanyuan , Huang Wanting , Ou Luru , Yang Zhaohui , Guan Xiong , Zhang Lingling , Wu Songqing
Published: March 2021

The insecticidal Cry4Ba and Cry11Aa crystal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti) are highly toxic to Ae. aegypti larvae. The glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored APN was identified as an important membrane-bound receptor for multiple Cry toxins in numerous Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and Diptera insects. However, there is no direct molecular evidence to link APN of Ae. aegypti to Bti toxicity in vivo. In this study, two Cry4Ba/Cry11Aa-binding Ae. aegypti GPI-APN isoforms (AeAPN1 and AeAPN2) were individually knocked-out using CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis, and the AeAPN1/AeAPN2 double-mutant homozygous strain was generated using the reverse genetics approach. ELISA assays showed that the high binding affinity of Cry4Ba and Cry11Aa protoxins to the midgut brush border membrane vesicles (BBMVs) from these APN knockouts was similar to the background from the wild-type (WT) strain. Likewise, the bioassay results showed that neither the single knockout of AeAPN1 or AeAPN2, nor the simultaneous disruption of AeAPN1 and AeAPN2 resulted in significant changes in susceptibility of Ae. aegypti larvae to Cry4Ba and Cry11Aa toxins. Accordingly, our results suggest that AeAPN1 and AeAPN2 may not mediate Bti Cry4Ba and Cry11Aa toxicity in Ae. aegypti larvae as their binding proteins.
Overwintering Honey Bee Colonies: Effect of Worker Age and Climate on the Hindgut Microbiota
Authors: Maes Patrick W. , Floyd Amy S. , Mott Brendon M. , Anderson Kirk E.
Published: March 2021

Honey bee overwintering health is essential to meet the demands of spring pollination. Managed honey bee colonies are overwintered in a variety of climates, and increasing rates of winter colony loss have prompted investigations into overwintering management, including indoor climate controlled overwintering. Central to colony health, the worker hindgut gut microbiota has been largely ignored in this context. We sequenced the hindgut microbiota of overwintering workers from both a warm southern climate and controlled indoor cold climate. Congruently, we sampled a cohort of known chronological age to estimate worker longevity in southern climates, and assess age-associated changes in the core hindgut microbiota. We found that worker longevity over winter in southern climates was much lower than that recorded for northern climates. Workers showed decreased bacterial and fungal load with age, but the relative structure of the core hindgut microbiome remained stable. Compared to cold indoor wintering, collective microbiota changes in the southern outdoor climate suggest compromised host physiology. Fungal abundance increased by two orders of magnitude in southern climate hindguts and was positively correlated with non-core, likely opportunistic bacteria. Our results contribute to understanding overwintering honey bee biology and microbial ecology and provide insight into overwintering strategies.
The Role of Hip Joint Clearance Discrepancy as Other Clinical Predictor of Reinjury and Injury Severity in Hamstring Tears in Elite Athletes
Authors: Seco-Calvo Jesus , Palavicini Martin , Rodríguez-Pérez Vicente , Sánchez-Herráez Sergio , Abecia-Inchaurregui Luis Carlos , Mielgo-Ayuso Juan
Published: March 2021

Hamstring tear injuries (HTI) are the most prevalent injuries in athletes, with high reinjury rates. To prevent reinjury and reduce the severity of injuries, it is essential to identify potential risk factors. Hip characteristics are fundamental to optimal hamstring function. We sought to investigate the role of hip joint clearance discrepancy (JCD) as a risk factor for HTI and a clinical predictor of risk of reinjury and injury severity. A cross-sectional, retrospective study was performed with elite athletes (n = 100) who did (n = 50) and did not (n = 50) have a history of injury. X-rays were taken to assess JCD. We reviewed muscular lesions historial, and health records for the previous 5 years. Significant differences were found in injury severity (p = 0.026; ŋ2p = 0.105) and a number of injuries (p = 0.003; ŋ2p = 0.172). The multivariate analysis data indicated that JCD was significantly associated with the number of injuries and their severity (p < 0.05). In the stepwise regression model, JCD variability explained 60.1% of the number of injuries (R2 0.601) and 10.5% of injury severity (R2 0.0105). These results suggest that JCD could play an important role as a risk factor for HTI and also as a clinical predictor of reinjury and injury severity.
Does Time-to-Chemotherapy after Primary Complete Macroscopic Cytoreductive Surgery Influence Prognosis for Patients with Epithelial Ovarian Cancer? A Study of the FRANCOGYN Group
Authors: Rocher Grégoire , Gaillard Thomas , Uzan Catherine , Collinet Pierre , Bolze Pierre-Adrien , Ballester Marcos , Bendifallah Sofiane , Ouldamer Lobna , Touboul Cyril , Huchon Cyrille , Lavoue Vincent , Dabi Yohann , Akladios Cherif , Coutant Charles , Raimond Emilie , Bricou Alexandre , Canlorbe Geoffroy , Azaïs Henri
Published: March 2021

To determine if the time-to-chemotherapy (TTC) after primary macroscopic complete cytoreductive surgery (CRS) influences recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). We conducted an observational multicenter retrospective cohort analysis of women with EOC treated from September 2006 to November 2016 in nine institutions in France (FRANCOGYN research group) with maintained EOC databases. We included women with EOC (all FIGO stages) who underwent primary complete macroscopic CRS prior to platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy. Two hundred thirty-three patients were included: 73 (31.3%) in the early-stage group (ESG) (FIGO I-II), and 160 (68.7%) in the advanced-stage group (ASG) (FIGO III-IV). Median TTC was 43 days (36–56). The median OS was 77.2 months (65.9–106.6). OS was lower in the ASG when TTC exceeded 8 weeks (70.5 vs. 59.3 months, p = 0.04). No impact on OS was found when TTC was below or above 6 weeks (78.5 and 66.8 months, respectively, p = 0.25). In the whole population, TTC had no impact on RFS or OS. None of the factors studied were associated with an increase in TTC. Chemotherapy should be initiated as soon as possible after CRS. A TTC greater than 8 weeks is associated with poorer OS in patients with advanced stage EOC.
A Retrospective Comparison of Hemodynamic and Clinical Outcomes between Two Differently Designed Aortic Bioprostheses for Small Aortic Annuli
Authors: Kim Do Jung , Lee Sak , Joo Hyun-Chel , Youn Young-Nam , Yoo Kyung-Jong , Lee Seung Hyun
Published: March 2021

The Trifecta valve has externally mounted leaflets; it differs from classic internally mounted valves (e.g., Carpentier-Edwards [C-E]). We evaluated post-implantation hemodynamics and clinical outcomes of these bioprostheses in small aortic annuli. From January 2015 to April 2019, 490 patients who underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR) were reviewed retrospectively. Altogether, 183 patients received 19 or 21 mm diameter C-E (n = 121) or Trifecta (n = 62) prostheses. To minimize confounding variables, we performed propensity-score matching analysis. The mean transvalvular pressure gradient (TVPG) was significantly lower in the Trifecta than in the C-E group at discharge (12.9 ± 4.8 vs. 15.0 ± 5.3 mmHg, p = 0.044). TVPG change over time was not significantly different between groups (p = 0.357). Left ventricular mass index decreased postoperatively (reduction: C-E, 28.1%; Trifecta, 30.1%, p = 0.879). No late mortality, severe patient–prosthesis mismatch, moderate-to-severe paravalvular leakage, structural valve degeneration, or valve thromboses were observed. Freedom from valve-related events at 3 years were similar for C-E (97.9% ± 2.1%) and Trifecta (97.7% ± 2.2%) patients (log-rank p = 0.993). Bioprosthesis design for small annuli significantly affected TVPG immediately after AVR. However, hemodynamics over time and clinical outcomes did not differ between the two designs.
An Update on Eight “New” Antibiotics against Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Yusuf Erlangga , Bax Hannelore I. , Verkaik Nelianne J. , van Westreenen Mireille
Published: March 2021

Infections in the ICU are often caused by Gram-negative bacteria. When these microorganisms are resistant to third-generation cephalosporines (due to extended-spectrum (ESBL) or AmpC beta-lactamases) or to carbapenems (for example carbapenem producing Enterobacteriales (CPE)), the treatment options become limited. In the last six years, fortunately, there have been new antibiotics approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with predominant activities against Gram-negative bacteria. We aimed to review these antibiotics: plazomicin, eravacycline, temocillin, cefiderocol, ceftazidime/avibactam, ceftolozane/tazobactam, meropenem/vaborbactam, and imipenem/relebactam. Temocillin is an antibiotic that was only approved in Belgium and the UK several decades ago. We reviewed the in vitro activities of these new antibiotics, especially against ESBL and CPE microorganisms, potential side effects, and clinical studies in complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI), intra-abdominal infections (cIAI), and hospital-acquired pneumonia/ventilator-associatedpneumonia (HAP/VAP). All of these new antibiotics are active against ESBL, and almost all of them are active against CPE caused by KPC beta-lactamase, but only some of them are active against CPE due to MBL or OXA beta-lactamases. At present, all of these new antibiotics are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for cUTI (except eravacycline) and most of them for cIAI (eravacycline, ceftazidime/avibactam, ceftolozane/tazobactam, and imipenem/relebactam) and for HAP or VAP (cefiderocol, ceftazidime/avibactam, ceftolozane/tazobactam, and imipenem/relebactam).
Gynecological Problems in Newborns and Infants
Authors: Wróblewska-Seniuk Katarzyna , Jarząbek-Bielecka Grażyna , Kędzia Witold
Published: March 2021

Pediatric-adolescent or developmental gynecology has been separated from general gynecology because of the unique issues that affect the development and anatomy of growing girls and young women. It deals with patients from the neonatal period until maturity. There are not many gynecological problems that can be diagnosed in newborns; however, some are typical of the neonatal period. This paper aims to discuss the most frequent gynecological issues in the neonatal period.