bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Media and social media attention to retracted articles according to Altmetric
Authors: Serghiou Stylianos , Marton Rebecca M. , Ioannidis John P. A.
Published: May 2021

The number of retracted articles has grown fast. However, the extent to which researchers and the public are made adequately aware of these retractions and how the media and social media respond to them remains unknown. Here, we aimed to evaluate the media and social media attention received by retracted articles and assess also the attention they receive post-retraction versus pre-retraction. We downloaded all records of retracted literature maintained by the Retraction Watch Database and originally published between January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2015. For all 3,008 retracted articles with a separate DOI for the original and its retraction, we downloaded the respective Altmetric Attention Score (AAS) (from Altmetric) and citation count (from Crossref), for the original article and its retraction notice on June 6, 2018. We also compared the AAS of a random sample of 572 retracted full journal articles available on PubMed to that of unretracted full articles matched from the same issue and journal. 1,687 (56.1%) of retracted research articles received some amount of Altmetric attention, and 165 (5.5%) were even considered popular (AAS>20). 31 (1.0%) of 2,953 with a record on Crossref received >100 citations by June 6, 2018. Popular articles received substantially more attention than their retraction, even after adjusting for attention received post-retraction (Median difference, 29; 95% CI, 17–61). Unreliable results were the most frequent reason for retraction of popular articles (32; 19%), while fake peer review was the most common reason (421; 15%) for the retraction of other articles. In comparison to matched articles, retracted articles tended to receive more Altmetric attention (23/31 matched groups; P-value, 0.01), even after adjusting for attention received post-retraction. Our findings reveal that retracted articles may receive high attention from media and social media and that for popular articles, pre-retraction attention far outweighs post-retraction attention.
Training and usage of detection dogs to better understand bumble bee nesting habitat: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Liczner Amanda R. , MacPhail Victoria J. , Woollett Deborah A. , Richards Ngaio L. , Colla Sheila R.
Published: May 2021

Bumble bees are among the most imperiled pollinators. However, habitat use, especially nest site selection, remains relatively unknown. Methods to locate nests are invaluable to better understand habitat requirements and monitor wild populations. Building on prior study findings, we report constraints and possibilities observed while training detection dogs to locate bumble bee nests. Three conservation detection dogs were initially trained to three species of bumble bee nest material, first within glass jars concealed in a row of cinder blocks, then placed in the open or partially hidden for area searches. The next intended training step was to expose the dogs to natural nests located by community science volunteers. However, significant effort (> 250 hrs), yielded only two confirmed, natural nests suitable for dog training purposes. Although the dogs did not progress past the formative training stage valuable insight was gained. Maximum observed detection distance for bumble bee nest material during initial controlled training was 15 m, which decreased significantly (< 1 m) once training progressed to buried samples and natural nests. Three main considerations around future training and usage of detection dogs were identified. First, dogs might benefit from transitional training via exposures to known natural nests, regardless of species. However, it may be too difficult for people to find natural nests for this, and prior work demonstrated the ability of dogs to generalize and find natural nests after testing to artificially-buried nest material. Second, confirming a dog’s nest find, via resident bee presence, is nuanced. Third, future study design and objectives must harness strengths, and reflect limitations of detection dog surveys and search strategies, as extensively discussed in this paper. Prospective studies involving detection dogs for locating bumble bee nests would benefit from considering the drawbacks and opportunities discussed and can mitigate limitations through incorporating these considerations in their study design.
Prevalence of colorectal cancer biomarkers and their impact on clinical outcomes in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alharbi Amjad , Bin Dokhi Haifa , Almuhaini Ghadir , Alomran Futoon , Masuadi Emad , Alomran Nouf
Published: May 2021

Objectives

KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF mutations are commonly present in colorectal cancer (CRC). We estimated the frequency of KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF mutations and assessed their impact on survival and other clinical variables among Saudi patients.

Design

Retrospective cohort study design.

Settings

Oncology department of a tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We gathered information from 2016 to 2018.

Participants

Cohort of 248 CRC patients to assess the demographic data, pathological tumour features, response to treatment modalities, disease progression, and metastasis.

Statistical analysis used

Correlation analysis using the chi-square test. Survival analysis using a Kaplan Meier method. Cox regression analysis to calculate the hazard ratios.

Results

Demographic data revealed that 84% of patients were diagnosed with CRC above the age of 50 years. Only 27% of patients presented with distant metastasis. KRAS mutations were the most prevalent (49.6%), followed by NRAS mutations (2%) and BRAF mutations (0.4%). Wild type tumours were found among 44.4% of patients. KRAS mutation showed no significant correlation with the site, type, pathological grade, and stage of the tumour.

The mean survival time was shorter among patients with KRAS mutations than among patients with wild type KRAS tumours (54.46 vs. 58.02 months). Adjusted analysis showed that the survival time was significantly affected by patients’ age at diagnosis (P = 0.04). Male patients had an increased risk of mortality by 77% (hazard ratio: 1.77).

Conclusions

Saudi CRC patients had a high frequency of KRAS mutations and a low frequency of BRAF mutations. The KRAS mutation status did not affect the patients’ survival.
Opioid Treatment Deserts: Concept development and application in a US Midwestern urban county
Authors: Hyder Ayaz , Lee Jinhyung , Dundon Ashley , Southerland Lauren T. , All David , Hammond Gretchen , Miller Harvey J.
Published: May 2021

Objectives

An Opioid Treatment Desert is an area with limited accessibility to medication-assisted treatment and recovery facilities for Opioid Use Disorder. We explored the concept of Opioid Treatment Deserts including racial differences in potential spatial accessibility and applied it to one Midwestern urban county using high resolution spatiotemporal data.

Methods

We obtained individual-level data from one Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agency (Columbus Fire Department) in Franklin County, Ohio. Opioid overdose events were based on EMS runs where naloxone was administered from 1/1/2013 to 12/31/2017. Potential spatial accessibility was measured as the time (in minutes) it would take an individual, who may decide to seek treatment after an opioid overdose, to travel from where they had the overdose event, which was a proxy measure of their residential location, to the nearest opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment provider that provided medically-assisted treatment (MAT). We estimated accessibility measures overall, by race and by four types of treatment providers (any type of MAT for OUD, Buprenorphine, Methadone, or Naltrexone). Areas were classified as an Opioid Treatment Desert if the estimate travel time to treatment provider (any type of MAT for OUD) was greater than a given threshold. We performed sensitivity analysis using a range of threshold values based on multiple modes of transportation (car and public transit) and using only EMS runs to home/residential location types.

Results

A total of 6,929 geocoded opioid overdose events based on data from EMS agencies were used in the final analysis. Most events occurred among 26–35 years old (34%), identified as White adults (56%) and male (62%). Median travel times and interquartile range (IQR) to closest treatment provider by car and public transit was 2 minutes (IQR: 3 minutes) and 17 minutes (IQR: 17 minutes), respectively. Several neighborhoods in the study area had limited accessibility to OUD treatment facilities and were classified as Opioid Treatment Deserts. Travel time by public transit for most treatment provider types and by car for Methadone-based treatment was significantly different between individuals who were identified as Black adults and White adults based on their race.

Conclusions

Disparities in access to opioid treatment exist at the sub-county level in specific neighborhoods and across racial groups in Columbus, Ohio and can be quantified and visualized using local public safety data (e.g., EMS runs). Identification of Opioid Treatment Deserts can aid multiple stakeholders better plan and allocate resources for more equitable access to MAT for OUD and, therefore, reduce the burden of the opioid epidemic while making better use of real-time public safety data to address a public health epidemic that has turned into a public safety crisis.
Development and validation of smartwatch-based activity recognition models for rigging crew workers on cable logging operations
Authors: Zimbelman Eloise G. , Keefe Robert F.
Published: May 2021

Analysis of high-resolution inertial sensor and global navigation satellite system (GNSS) data collected by mobile and wearable devices is a relatively new methodology in forestry and safety research that provides opportunities for modeling work activities in greater detail than traditional time study analysis. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether smartwatch-based activity recognition models could quantify the activities of rigging crew workers setting and disconnecting log chokers on cable logging operations. Four productive cycle elements (travel to log,set choker,travel away,clear) were timed for choker setters and four productive cycle elements (travel to log,unhook,travel away,clear) were timed for chasers working at five logging sites in North Idaho. Each worker wore a smartwatch that recorded accelerometer data at 25 Hz. Random forest machine learning was used to develop predictive models that classified the different cycle elements based on features extracted from the smartwatch acceleration data using 15 sliding window sizes (1 to 15 s) and five window overlap levels (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 90%). Models were compared using multiclass area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve, or AUC. The best choker setter model was created using a 3-s window with 90% overlap and had sensitivity values ranging from 76.95% to 83.59% and precision values ranging from 41.42% to 97.08%. The best chaser model was created using a 1-s window with 90% overlap and had sensitivity values ranging from 71.95% to 82.75% and precision values ranging from 14.74% to 99.16%. These results have demonstrated the feasibility of quantifying forestry work activities using smartwatch-based activity recognition models, a basic step needed to develop real-time safety notifications associated with high-risk job functions and to advance subsequent, comparative analysis of health and safety metrics across stand, site, and work conditions.
Trends in opioid prescribing practices in South Korea, 2009–2019: Are we safe from an opioid epidemic?
Authors: Cho Noo Ree , Chang Young Jin , Lee Dongchul , Kim Ji Ro , Ko Dai Sik , Choi Jung Ju
Published: May 2021

Opioid prescribing data can guide regulation policy by informing trends and types of opioids prescribed and geographic variations. In South Korea, the nationwide data on prescribing opioids remain unclear. We aimed to evaluate an 11-year trend of opioid prescription in South Korea, both nationally and by administrative districts. A population-based cross-sectional analysis of opioid prescriptions dispensed nationwide in outpatient departments between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2019, was conducted for this study. Data were obtained from the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service. The types of opioids prescribed were categorized into total, strong, and extended-release and long-acting formulation. Trends in the prescription rate per 1000 persons were examined over time nationally and across administrative districts. There are significant increasing trends for total, strong, and extended-release and long-acting opioid prescriptions (rate per 1000 persons in 2009 and 2019: total opioids, 347.5 and 531.3; strong opioids, 0.6 and 15.2; extended-release and long-acting opioids, 6.8 and 82.0). The pattern of dispensing opioids increased from 2009 to 2013 and slowed down from 2013 to 2019. The rate of opioid prescriptions issued between administrative districts nearly doubled for all types of opioids. Prescription opioid dispensing increased substantially over the study period. The increase in the prescription of total opioids was largely attributed to an increase in the prescription of weak opioids. However, the increase in prescriptions of extended-release and long-acting opioids could be a future concern. These data may inform government organizations to create regulations and interventions for prescribing opioids.
Tracking changes in behavioural dynamics using prediction error
Authors: Lorimer Tom , Goodridge Rachel , Bock Antonia K. , Agarwal Vitul , Saberski Erik , Sugihara George , Rifkin Scott A.
Published: May 2021

Automated analysis of video can now generate extensive time series of pose and motion in freely-moving organisms. This requires new quantitative tools to characterise behavioural dynamics. For the model roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans, body pose can be accurately quantified from video as coordinates in a single low-dimensional space. We focus on this well-established case as an illustrative example and propose a method to reveal subtle variations in behaviour at high time resolution. Our data-driven method, based on empirical dynamic modeling, quantifies behavioural change as prediction error with respect to a time-delay-embedded ‘attractor’ of behavioural dynamics. Because this attractor is constructed from a user-specified reference data set, the approach can be tailored to specific behaviours of interest at the individual or group level. We validate the approach by detecting small changes in the movement dynamics of C. elegans at the initiation and completion of delta turns. We then examine an escape response initiated by an aversive stimulus and find that the method can track return to baseline behaviour in individual worms and reveal variations in the escape response between worms. We suggest that this general approach—defining dynamic behaviours using reference attractors and quantifying dynamic changes using prediction error—may be of broad interest and relevance to behavioural researchers working with video-derived time series.
Effect of aspirin treatment duration on clinical outcomes in acute coronary syndrome patients with early aspirin discontinuation and received P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy
Authors: Ho Ming-Yun , Chen Po-Wei , Feng Wen-Han , Su Chun-Hung , Huang Sheng-Wei , Cheng Chung-Wei , Yeh Hung-I , Chen Ching-Pei , Huang Wei-Chun , Fang Ching-Chang , Lin Hui-Wen , Lin Sheng-Hsiang , Hsieh I-Chang , Li Yi-Heng
Published: May 2021

Recent clinical trials showed that short aspirin duration (1 or 3 months) in dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) followed by P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy reduced the risk of bleeding and did not increase the ischemic risk compared to 12-month DAPT in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, it is unclear about the optimal duration of aspirin in P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of aspirin treatment duration on clinical outcomes in a cohort of ACS patients with early aspirin interruption and received P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy. From January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2018, we included 498 ACS patients (age 70.18 ± 12.84 years, 71.3% men) with aspirin stopped for various reasons before 6 months after PCI and received P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy. The clinical outcomes between those with aspirin treatment ≤ 1 month and > 1 month were compared in 12-month follow up after PCI. Inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to balance the covariates between groups. The mean duration of aspirin treatment was 7.52 ± 8.10 days vs. 98.05 ± 56.70 days in the 2 groups (p<0.001). The primary composite endpoint of all-cause mortality, recurrent ACS or unplanned revascularization and stroke occurred in 12.6% and 14.4% in the 2 groups (adjusted HR 1.19, 95% CI 0.85–1.68). The safety outcome of BARC 3 or 5 bleeding was also similar (adjusted HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.34–1.40) between the 2 groups. In conclusion, patients with ≤ 1 month aspirin treatment had similar clinical outcomes to those with treatment > 1 month. Our results indicated that ≤ 1-month aspirin may be enough in P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy strategy for ACS patients undergoing PCI.
Safety, effectiveness and costs of percutaneous mitral valve repair: A real-world prospective study
Authors: Willits Iain , Keltie Kim , de Belder Mark , Henderson Robert , Linker Nicholas , Patrick Hannah , Powell Helen , Berry Lee , Speller Julie , Urwin Samuel G. , Cole Helen , Sims Andrew J.
Published: May 2021

Aims

Percutaneous mitral valve leaflet repair is a treatment option for some people with severe mitral valve regurgitation for whom conventional mitral valve surgery is clinically inappropriate. This study aimed to determine the safety, efficacy, and costs of percutaneous mitral valve leaflet repair, using the MitraClip device in a UK setting.

Methods and results

This was a prospective, single-armed registry with a follow-up of 2 years that reported a range of procedural, clinical and patient-orientated outcomes. Registry data were linked to routine data sources to allow for more comprehensive follow up concerning mortality and healthcare resource use. The registry received data for 199 mainly elective patients with mixed mitral regurgitation aetiology. A MitraClip device was implanted in 187 patients (94%), with a procedural success rate of 86%, with 8% of patients having a serious in-hospital adverse event (including 5% mortality). Percutaneous mitral valve leaflet repair reduced mitral regurgitation from 100% MR grade ≥ 3+ to 7% at discharge. There were corresponding improvements in New York Heart Association functional class, reducing from 92% (class ≥ 3) at baseline to 18% at 6 weeks. There were significant improvements in generic and disease specific quality of life indicators up to 2 years. The all-cause mortality rate was estimated to be 12.7% (95% CI 7.5 to 17.7%) at 1 year. Percutaneous mitral valve leaflet repair was associated with reduced hospital readmissions and potential cost-savings in post-procedural care.

Conclusion

This study shows that percutaneous mitral valve leaflet repair using MitraClip is a relatively safe and effective treatment in patients unable to tolerate surgery and has the potential to reduce ongoing healthcare costs in the UK.
Using social network analysis to examine inter-governmental relations in the implementation of the Ideal Clinic Realisation and Maintenance programme in two South African provinces
Authors: Muthathi Immaculate Sabelile , Kawonga Mary , Rispel Laetitia Charmaine
Published: May 2021

Background

Within the context of universal health coverage (UHC), South Africa has embarked on a series of health sector reforms. The implementation of the Ideal Clinic Realisation and Maintenance (ICRM) programme is a major UHC reform. Cooperative governance is enshrined in South Africa’s Constitution, with health a concurrent competency of national and provincial government. Hence, effective inter-governmental relations (IGR) are essential for the ICRM programme implementation.

Aim

The aim of the study was to measure the cohesion of IGR, specifically consultation, support and information sharing, across national, provincial and local government health departments in the ICRM programme implementation.

Materials and methods

Using Provan and Milward’s theory on network effectiveness, this study was a whole network design social network analysis (SNA). The study was conducted in two districts in Gauteng (GP) and Mpumalanga (MP) provinces of South Africa. Following informed consent, we used both an interview schedule and a network matrix to collect the social network data from health policy actors in national, provincial and local government. We used UCINET version 6.619 to analyse the SNA data for the overall network cohesion and cohesion within and between the government spheres.

Results

The social network analysis revealed non-cohesive relationships between the different spheres of government. In both provinces, there was poor consultation in the ICRM programme implementation, illustrated by the low densities of seeking advice (GP = 15.6%; MP = 24.4%) and providing advice (GP = 14.1%; MP = 25.1%). The most cohesive relationships existed within the National Department of Health (density = 66.7%), suggesting that national policy actors sought advice from one another, rather than from the provincial health departments. A density of 2.1% in GP, and 12.5% in MP illustrated the latter.

Conclusion

The non-cohesive relationships amongst policy actors across government spheres should be addressed in order to realise the benefits of cooperative governance in implementing the ICRM programme.
COVID-19 vaccine rumors and conspiracy theories: The need for cognitive inoculation against misinformation to improve vaccine adherence
Authors: Islam Md Saiful , Kamal Abu-Hena Mostofa , Kabir Alamgir , Southern Dorothy L. , Khan Sazzad Hossain , Hasan S. M. Murshid , Sarkar Tonmoy , Sharmin Shayla , Das Shiuli , Roy Tuhin , Harun Md Golam Dostogir , Chughtai Abrar Ahmad , Homaira Nusrat , Seale Holly
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Rumors and conspiracy theories, can contribute to vaccine hesitancy. Monitoring online data related to COVID-19 vaccine candidates can track vaccine misinformation in real-time and assist in negating its impact. This study aimed to examine COVID-19 vaccine rumors and conspiracy theories circulating on online platforms, understand their context, and then review interventions to manage this misinformation and increase vaccine acceptance.

Method

In June 2020, a multi-disciplinary team was formed to review and collect online rumors and conspiracy theories between 31 December 2019–30 November 2020. Sources included Google, Google Fact Check, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, fact-checking agency websites, and television and newspaper websites. Quantitative data were extracted, entered in an Excel spreadsheet, and analyzed descriptively using the statistical package R version 4.0.3. We conducted a content analysis of the qualitative information from news articles, online reports and blogs and compared with findings from quantitative data. Based on the fact-checking agency ratings, information was categorized as true, false, misleading, or exaggerated.

Results

We identified 637 COVID-19 vaccine-related items: 91% were rumors and 9% were conspiracy theories from 52 countries. Of the 578 rumors, 36% were related to vaccine development, availability, and access, 20% related to morbidity and mortality, 8% to safety, efficacy, and acceptance, and the rest were other categories. Of the 637 items, 5% (30/) were true, 83% (528/637) were false, 10% (66/637) were misleading, and 2% (13/637) were exaggerated.

Conclusions

Rumors and conspiracy theories may lead to mistrust contributing to vaccine hesitancy. Tracking COVID-19 vaccine misinformation in real-time and engaging with social media to disseminate correct information could help safeguard the public against misinformation.
Iris Movement and Eye Gaze Tracking
Authors: Gnaneswar Villuri
Published: May 2021

Iris Movement and gaze tracking has been an active research field in the past years as it adds convenience to a variety of applications. It is considered a significant untraditional method of human-computer interaction. The goal of this paper is to present a study on the existing literature on Iris Movement and Gaze Tracking and Develop an Efficient Technique that can revolutionize the field of Computer Vision. With the uptrend of systems based on eye Tracking in many different areas of life in recent years, this subject has gained much more attention by in the academic and industrial area.
Liquid Biopsy for Colorectal Adenoma: Is the Exosomal miRNA Derived From Organoid a Potential Diagnostic Biomarker?
Authors: Handa Tomoyuki , Kuroha Masatake , Nagai Hiroshi , Shimoyama Yusuke , Naito Takeo , Moroi Rintaro , Kanazawa Yoshitake , Shiga Hisashi , Kakuta Yoichi , Kinouchi Yoshitaka , Masamune Atsushi
Published: May 2021

INTRODUCTION:

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can serve as tumor biomarkers; however, their role in evaluating colorectal adenoma (CRA) is unclear. Recently, the organoid culture system enabled long-term expansion of human colon epithelium. This study aimed to examine the potential of exosomal miRNAs extracted from CRA organoids as biomarkers in the clinical liquid biopsy CRA test.

METHODS:

We established organoid cultures from normal colon and CRA using resected specimens. Exosomes were isolated from the conditioned medium organoids. MiRNAs were isolated from the exosomes, and their expression profiles were compared using microarray analysis. To identify miRNA candidates for liquid biopsy, we prospectively compared changes in their expression in serum and exosomes before and after endoscopic resection in 26 patients with CRA.

RESULTS:

Seven exosomal miRNAs were overexpressed in CRA organoids: miR-4323, miR-4284, miR-1268a, miR-1290, miR-6766-3p, miR-21-5p, and miR-1246. The expression levels of 4 exosomal miRNAs (miR-4323, miR-4284, miR-1290, and miR-1246) and 2 serum miRNAs (miR-1290 and miR-1246) were significantly lower in posttreatment sera. The combined expression of 4 exosomal miRNAs could identify both CRA and large-size (>12.6 cm2) CRA with respective areas under the curve of 0.698 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.536–0.823) and 0.834 (95% CI = 0.660–0.929). Combinations of 2-serum miRNA expression values could identify both CRA and large-size CRA with respective area under the curves of 0.691 (95% CI = 0.528–0.817) and 0.834 (95% CI = 0.628–0.938).

DISCUSSION:

We found that exosomal miRNAs derived from the CRA organoid culture could be potential diagnostic biomarkers for CRA.
Fractional Hardy-Sobolev equations with nonhomogeneous terms
Authors: Bhakta Mousomi , Chakraborty Souptik , Pucci Patrizia
Published: May 2021

This paper deals with existence and multiplicity of positive solutions to the following class of nonlocal equations with critical nonlinearity:

(
−

Δ

)
s

u
−
γ

u

|

x

|

2
s

=
K
(
x
)

|

u

|

2
s
∗

(
t
)
−
2

u

|

x

|

t

+
f
(
x
)

in

R

N

,

u
∈

H
˙

s

(

R

N

)
,

$$\begin{array}{}
\displaystyle
\begin{cases}
(-{\it\Delta})^s u -\gamma\dfrac{u}{|x|^{2s}}=K(x)\dfrac{|u|^{2^*_s(t)-2}u}{|x|^t}+f(x) \quad\mbox{in}\quad\mathbb R^N,\\
\qquad\qquad\qquad\quad u\in \dot{H}^s(\mathbb R^N),
\end{cases}
\end{array}$$

where N > 2s, s ∈ (0, 1), 0 ≤ t < 2s < N and

2
s
∗

(
t
)
:=

2
(
N
−
t
)

N
−
2
s

$\begin{array}{}
\displaystyle
2^*_s(t):=\frac{2(N-t)}{N-2s}
\end{array}$

. Here 0 < γ < γ

N,s
and γ

N,s
is the best Hardy constant in the fractional Hardy inequality. The coefficient K is a positive continuous function on ℝ
N
, with K(0) = 1 = lim|x|→∞
K(x). The perturbation f is a nonnegative nontrivial functional in the dual space Ḣs
(ℝ
N
)′ of Ḣs
(ℝ
N
). We establish the profile decomposition of the Palais-Smale sequence associated with the functional. Further, if K ≥ 1 and ∥f∥(Ḣs
)′ is small enough (but f ≢ 0), we establish existence of at least two positive solutions to the above equation.
Kinetic modeling of biosurfactant production by Bacillus subtilis N3-1P using brewery waste
Authors: Moshtagh Bahareh , Hawboldt Kelly , Zhang Baiyu
Published: May 2021

Costs associated with production of favorable biologically produced surfactants continue to be a significant obstacle to large scale application. Using industrial wastes and by-products as substrate and optimization of cultural conditions are two strategies of producing biosurfactants with a reasonable price. Also, modeling the biosurfactant production bioprocess improves the commercial design and monitoring of biomass growth, biosurfactant production, and substrate utilization. In this study, the indigenous Bacillus subtilis N3-1P strain and a local brewery waste as the carbon source were used to produce a biosurfactant. The batch cultivation was performed under the optimum conditions. Models describing the biomass growth, biosurfactant production, and substrate utilization were developed by fitting the experimental data to the logistic, Contois and Luedeking-Piret models using MATLAB software and regression analysis. The kinetic parameters including the maximum specific growth rates (µ
max), the Contois constant (K), parameters of the Luedeking-Piret modelswere calculated. Yields including Y

X/S
, and Y

P/X
were found to be 0.143 gX/gS, and 0.188 gP/gX, respectively. The experimental and predicted model showed good agreement. The developed models are a key step in designing reactors for scale up of biosurfactant production.
Investigation of corrosion and thermal behavior of PU–PDMS-coated AISI 316L
Authors: Taşdemir Muharrem , Şenaslan Fatih , Çelik Ayhan
Published: May 2021

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is widely used from biomedical to industrial applications due to its nontoxic, hydrophobic, and transparent characteristics. PDMS has good thermal and adhesion properties; however, its mechanical properties are comparatively weak. Therefore, PDMS is blended with various polymers to effectively improve its mechanical properties. In this study, polyurethane (PU)–polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) blended coatings of different concentrations were applied on the AISI 316L stainless steel surface. Their effects on corrosion and tribocorrosion properties were investigated in Ringer’s solutions. The blended polymer coatings were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The thermal properties of samples were examined by TGA and DSC. The surface images and cross-sectional were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Tribocorrosion tests were carried out at open circuit potential (OCP). It was determined that hydrophobicity and thermal stability of polymer coating increased, while corrosion resistance slightly decreased with the increasing PDMS concentration in the polymer blended. The friction coefficient of blends decreased as the PU concentration increased. As a result, it was determined that the polymer-coated samples containing up to 50% PDMS prevented corrosive wear under the OCP wear test in Ringer’s solutions.
Increased coercivity in recalcined barium ferrite–magnetite nanocomposites
Authors: Jafar Molaei Mohammad , Ataie Abolghasem , Raygan Shahram
Published: May 2021

In this research, mixtures of barium ferrite and graphite were milled in a high-energy mechanical milling machine. The effect of recalcination on the magnetic properties of the milled samples was studied. Phase analysis, phase transformations at high temperatures, particle size distribution, magnetic properties, and particle morphology were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, hot stage X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering, vibrating sample magnetometry, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy, respectively. A magnetic nanocomposite of BaFe12O19/Fe3O4 formed after 20 and 40 h milling. The average particle size for the 20 and 40 h milled samples reached 106 and 68 nm, respectively. Recalcination of the milled samples resulted in barium ferrite structure recovery. The decreased particle size due to the milling and subsequent recalcination results in increased coercivity values. The coercivity for the milled and calcined sample could increase more than 40% compared to as-received barium ferrite and reaches 3935 Oe for the sample calcined at 1050 °C.
Simulation-based ventilatory training for the caregivers at primary and rural health care workers in Central India for dealing with COVID-19 pandemic: recommendations
Authors: Patel Shraddha Aditya , Chavan Gajanan , Gudhe Mahendra , Upadhye Aparna , Lohana Vandana , Patel Aditya , Anjankar Vaibhav
Published: May 2021

In 2020 COVID-19 made a major burden on health care system. The capacity of the healthcare system particularly emergency departments, ICU, hospital beds are insufficient to manage the increasing number of patients in cities and rural areas too. The primary health care centers and rural hospitals need preparedness for such disasters conditions. Novel and future oriented solutions are needed to effectively address the unprecedented pressure on the healthcare systems created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering the lacunae in healthcare system at primary level, various challenges encountered during pandemic has been identified and training session in consortia with simulation based training program for the training of the doctors, nurses, attendants and other related healthcare staff of Primary Health Center and Rural Hospitals intending to prepare them for future challenges in ventilatory care of COVID-19 has been carried out. After these training session certain conclusions and recommendations were drawn which could be able our health care system to be prepared for more critical situations and we can take our primary health care system at new horizon.
Lie groups of 𝐶𝑘-maps on non-compact manifolds and the fundamental theorem for Lie group-valued mappings
Authors: Alzaareer Hamza
Published: May 2021

We study the existence of Lie group structures on groups of the form

C
k

⁢

(
M
,
K
)

C^{k}(M,K)

, where 𝑀 is a non-compact smooth manifold with rough boundary and 𝐾 is a, possibly infinite-dimensional, Lie group.
Motivated by introducing this new class of infinite-dimensional Lie groups, we obtain a new version of the fundamental theorem for Lie algebra-valued functions.
Nanosecond-order long–short fluorescence lifetime switchable encryption with enlarged coding capacity
Authors: Luo Teng , Zhao Yihua , Zhou Ting , Qu Junle
Published: May 2021

The turn-off fluorescent photoswitches for information encryption are constantly being developed. However, there are no reports about time-switchable (fluorescence lifetime-switchable) encryption to overcome the limitations of tunable encoding numbers in spectrally and temporally encoded libraries. Based on the double-exponential fitting of fluorescence lifetime, we propose, a fatigue-free and highly flexible switch between the amplitude-weighted average fluorescence lifetime (τm) and the intensity-weighted average fluorescence lifetime (τi), which will realize the supermultiplexed fluorescence lifetime switchable encryption. The potentially enormous library of different fluorescent lifetime combinations would facilitate the development of information security.
A Soundwalk in the heart of Poblenou superblock in Barcelona: Preliminary study of the acoustic events
Authors: Alsina-Pagès Rosa Ma , Ginovart-Panisello Gerardo José , Freixes Marc , Radicchi Antonella
Published: May 2021

The Poblenou Superblock, in Barcelona, is a crucial element in the development of the new city-planning within the framework of the Superblock (Superilles) concept, whose principal aim is to recover the cultural, economic and social exchanges once produced in streets and squares. People living in urban areas need a lower traffic density, more green spaces and cleaner air in order to restore the previous uses of public spaces in their day-today lives. The urban actions conducted at this Superblock to change its uses were completed about 3 years ago, and neighbours and workers have already taken over the new spaces. In an interdisciplinary work on urban planning and acoustics, we detail the preliminary results of the acoustic events found in the recordings in a soundwalk in the heart of the Poblenou Superblock. Fifteen people evaluate and record sound fragments with the Hush City App application, in order to establish comparisons between the different points of the route, observe the spaces arranged for people and perceive the soundscape. Meanwhile, several acoustic technicians record 5-min long audios in the different stops designed for the soundwalk. The points chosen to make the recordings are very different from each other, some of them in the middle of gardens and others are on pacific streets and finally, we also wanted to include Superblock borders where the traffic is still very present. The results of our study were promising and have encouraged us to further investigate acoustics events in superblocks and include all the perceptual information provided by the Hush City App.
Effect of polysulfide pulping process on the energy balance of softwood and hardwood kraft pulp mills
Authors: Lipiäinen Satu , Kuparinen Katja , Vakkilainen Esa
Published: May 2021

Polysulfide pulping is a method to increase the pulp yield in a kraft pulp mill. Higher production is in the core of pulp mill process development, but modifications in cooking raise questions on their effects on the other parts of the process. This study focuses on the impacts of polysulfide pulping on the energy use and production of kraft pulp mills. The impacts are estimated by calculating and analyzing the steam and electricity balances of reference softwood and hardwood mills. Energy generation using residual biomass is an essential part of the operation of a kraft pulp mill, and often a notable source of income. The results show that implementation of polysulfide cooking affects both energy consumption and production. Higher hemicelluloses content of pulp cooked using polysulfide liquor means that less organic material ends up in the black liquor. Subsequently, the recovery boiler energy production suffers. The reduced steam production together with increased steam consumption decreased electricity production, corresponding to a decline in sellable electricity of 22.4 % in the hardwood mill and 28.4 % in the softwood mill. The study shows that increasing the pulp production by investing in polysulfide cooking in stand-alone kraft pulp mills can be economically feasible.
Optimal 18F-fluorination conditions for the high radiochemical yield of [18F]AlF-NOTA-NHS complexes
Authors: Hassan Hishar , Othman Muhammad Faiz , Abdul Razak Hairil Rashmizal
Published: May 2021

18F-fluorination using aluminum-fluoride ([18F]AlF) chelate technique has been reported to give a low-to-moderate radiochemical yield, between 5 and 20%. Therefore, the work described here outlines the optimum 18F-fluorination condition for the formation of [18F]AlF2+ and [18F]AlF-NOTA-NHS complex with the radiochemical yield (RCY) and purity (RCP) of more than 90% as a prerequisite step before proceeding with the radiopharmaceutical preparation using the [18F]AlF-bifunctional chelator technique. As well as being simple, the suggested method is practical and relevant for beginners interested in 18F-fluorination with [18F]AlF-chelate complex technique or also for a researcher who aims to proceed on an extensive scale.
Influence of Disinfectants on Natural Textile Fibres
Authors: Drábková Klára , Krejčí Jan , Škrdlantová Markéta , Ďurovič Michal , Bacílková Bronislava
Published: May 2021

Textiles are frequently used in bookbinding or for attaching pendent seals and thus they are an integral part of archival and library items. Any part of these items can be contaminated by various microorganisms. Consequently, it is often necessary to include disinfection procedures in the initial stages of the conservation process. Primarily, the agents employed in conservation must not harm the treated material. This work was concerned with monitoring the effect of selected disinfectant agents (ethylene oxide, Septonex®, glutaraldehyde, Bacillol® AF, butanol vapours, Acticide® MV, silver nanoparticles, Chiroseptol®) on the properties and long-term stability of natural textile fibres (cotton and silk). The disinfected textiles were subjected to three kinds of artificial ageing (dry heat, moist heat, and light) and their properties were determined by means of the total colour difference, thread tensile strength and the limiting viscosity number.
Experimental research on effect of opening configuration and reinforcement method on buckling and strength analyses of spar web made of composite material
Authors: Sen Lin , Chenxi Li , Ying Hu , Hao Cong
Published: May 2021

This study experimentally investigates the effect of the opening configuration on the buckling stability and bearing performance of a structural beam web used in a commercial aircraft made of composite materials. The buckling and strength analyses on three opening configurations (circular, oblong, and rhombic) were carried out using test samples with identical web surface size. It is found that the rhombic opening has the minimum effect on the buckling stability and strength of the structure. To compensate for the effect of the opening, two reinforcement methods, using reinforcement rib and thickening the sample, were also investigated in this study. It is concluded that thickening the sample can more effectively improve the buckling stability and strength performance of beam web structure and hence has relatively higher structural reinforcement efficiency.
Interkulturelle Öffnung von Sportvereinen – Theoretische Überlegungen und empirische Ergebnisse
Authors: Borggrefe Carmen , Cachay Klaus
Published: May 2021

Der Beitrag analysiert auf der Basis theoretischer Überlegungen sowie empirischer Ergebnisse Möglichkeiten und Grenzen einer „interkulturellen Öffnung“ von Sportvereinen, worunter Strukturanpassungen verstanden werden, die auf die Inklusion und Integration von Personen mit Migrationshintergrund zielen. Es wird gezeigt, inwiefern eine nachhaltige interkulturelle Öffnung der Vereine von der programmatischen Anbindung an den Vereinszweck, von der kontinuierlichen Behandlung in den Kommunikationswegen, von spezifischen Personalentscheidungen und der Kompatibilität mit der Organisationskultur abhängig ist.
Auf dem Weg zum bewussteren Management heiliger Stätten: Balinesische Tempel als touristische Attraktion
Authors: Küblböck Stefan
Published: May 2021

Das touristische Management heiliger Kulturerbestätten kommt der Quadratur des Kreises gleich. Heiliger Orte verschiedener Religionen wurden zu umkämpften Zonen: Gläubige, die aus dem Umfeld stammen sowie Pilger treffen auf säkulare Touristen. Der Fokus der vorliegenden Untersuchung liegt auf der Insel Bali. Jedes Jahr besuchen hunderttausende internationale Touristen und ungleich mehr Binnentouristen aus anderen indonesischen Inseln die hinduistischen Tempelanlagen. Diese – bekannt für ihre Pagodentürme und Tore – können als Verdinglichung der ‚Insel der Götter‘ gesehen werden. Das Hauptziel der Untersuchung ist es, unterschiedliche Perspektiven wichtiger Anspruchsgruppen herauszuarbeiten und gegenüber zu stellen. Das Projekt will sowohl den Diskurs über die touristische Nutzung heiliger Stätten bereichern, als auch Impulse für ein bewussteres Tourismusmanagement setzen, das die spirituellen und feinstofflichen Aspekte der ‚Attraktionen‘ stärker als bisher berücksichtigt.
Fertiliser characteristics of stored spent mushroom substrate as a sustainable source of nutrients and organic matter for tillage, grassland and agricultural soils
Authors: Velusami B. , Jordan S.N. , Curran T. , Grogan H.
Published: May 2021

Spent mushroom substrate (SMS) is an organic manure that can be used with advantage in agriculture. Under European Union (EU) (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations, SMS cannot be applied to land over the winter months and must be stored on concrete surfaces, either covered or uncovered, to prevent nutrient-rich runoff seeping into groundwater. Spent mushroom substrate at four storage facilities, two covered and two uncovered, was analysed for physical and chemical characteristics after storage for up to 12 mo. Significant differences (P<0.05) were identified for all parameters across the four sites, except for pH, but there were no consistent differences that correlated with uncovered or covered storage conditions. The content of nitrogen (N) and manganese (Mn) was significantly lower in uncovered SMS, while the content of iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) was significantly higher. The chemical nitrogen-phospous-potassium (NPK) fertiliser equivalent value of SMS, when applied at a rate of 10 t/ha, was between €105 and €191 per hectare. Nitrogen-phospous-potassium concentrations per kg wet weight were all higher in SMS that was stored under cover, meaning higher chemical fertiliser savings are possible. The high pH of stored SMS (7.8–8.1) means it could be used with good effect on acid soils instead of ground limestone. The low bulk density of SMS (0.545–0.593 g/cm3) makes it an ideal amendment to soils to improve soil structure and quality. There is some variability in the nutrient content of SMS from different sources, so it is advisable to get the material analysed when including in nutrient management plans.
A post-occupancy evaluation of the influence of wood on environmental comfort
Authors: Watchman Mélanie , Potvin André , Demers Claude M. H.
Published: May 2021

Emerging research on the impact of interior finishes, more specifically wood, is beginning to shed light on informed design opportunities. As a natural building material with unique features, wood creates warm and pleasant atmospheres and has the potential of enhancing the well-being of occupants. This research attempted to better understand how occupants perceive wood in built environments and whether its indoor use influenced the satisfaction of occupants. The comfort of occupants may have been influenced by factors that were unrelated to the indoor environmental quality, which caused difficulties in comparing interior finishes in existing environments and limited research in this field. An exploratory comparative study, within a post-occupancy evaluation framework, investigated the subjective perception of occupants in relation to physical comfort factors. Thirty-six occupants completed a questionnaire to examine comfort satisfaction in a multifunctional room with extensive wooden interior finishes in comparison with a similar space without wood surfaces. The results indicated that occupants were more satisfied in the extensive wood surfaced room in terms of lighting, noise, and temperature, despite the similar environmental conditions in both spaces. Adjectives often used to describe the wood room included bright, pleasant, modern, and warm. Architects should consider the subjective qualities of wood when designing comfortable buildings.
Influence of Cation Substitution on Ionic and Electronic Conductivity of (Cu1 – xAgx)7GeS5I Mixed Crystals
Authors: Pogodin A.I. , Studenyak V.I. , Filep M.Y. , Kokhan O.P. , Studenyak I.P. , Kúš P.
Published: May 2021

Impedance measurements of (Cu1−xAgx)7GeS5I mixed crystals are carried out in the frequency range from 10 Hz to 300 kHz and in the temperature interval 292–383 K. The temperature and frequency dependences of the electrical conductivity for (Cu1−xAgx)7GeS5I mixed crystals are studied. Based on the analysis of Nyquist plots and using the electrode equivalent circuits, the values of ionic and electronic components of the electrical conductivity are determined. The compositional behavior of the ionic and electronic conductivities, as well as the compositional behavior of their activation energies, are discussed. The ratio of ionic and electronic components of the conductivity for (Cu1−xAgx)7GeS5I mixed crystals was analyzed.