bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive Value of Estimated Lean Body Mass for Neurological Outcomes after Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Lee Sung Eun , Kim Hyuk Hoon , Chae Minjung Kathy , Park Eun Jung , Choi Sangchun
Published: December 2020

Background: Postcardiac arrest patients with a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) are critically ill, and high body mass index (BMI) is ascertained to be associated with good prognosis in patients with a critically ill condition. However, the exact mechanism has been unknown. To assess the effectiveness of skeletal muscles in reducing neuronal injury after the initial damage owing to cardiac arrest, we investigated the relationship between estimated lean body mass (LBM) and the prognosis of postcardiac arrest patients. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included adult patients with ROSC after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest from January 2015 to March 2020. The enrolled patients were allocated into good- and poor-outcome groups (cerebral performance category (CPC) scores 1–2 and 3–5, respectively). Estimated LBM was categorized into quartiles. Multivariate regression models were used to evaluate the association between LBM and a good CPC score. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was assessed. Results: In total, 155 patients were analyzed (CPC score 1–2 vs. 3–5, n = 70 vs. n = 85). Patients’ age, first monitored rhythm, no-flow time, presumed cause of arrest, BMI, and LBM were different (p < 0.05). Fourth-quartile LBM (≥48.98 kg) was associated with good neurological outcome of postcardiac arrest patients (odds ratio = 4.81, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.10–25.55, p = 0.04). Initial high LBM was also a predictor of good neurological outcomes (AUROC of multivariate regression model including LBM: 0.918). Conclusions: Initial LBM above 48.98kg is a feasible prognostic factor for good neurological outcomes in postcardiac arrest patients.
Initial Experience with the Safe Implementation of Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision (TaTME) as a Standardized Procedure for Low Rectal Cancer
Authors: Dittrich Luca , Biebl Matthias , Schmuck Rosa , Gül Safak , Weiss Sascha , Haase Oliver , Knoop Michael , Alkatout Ibrahim , Pratschke Johann , Aigner Felix
Published: December 2020

Introduction: The laparoscopic approach for TME is proven to be non-inferior in oncological outcome compared to open surgery. Anatomical limitations in the male and obese pelvis with resulting pathological shortcomings and high conversion rates were stimuli for alternative approaches. The transanal approach for TME (TaTME) was introduced to overcome these limitations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of TaTME for mid and low rectal cancer at our center. Methods: TaTME is a hybrid procedure of simultaneously laparoscopic and transanal mesorectal excision. A retrospective analysis of all consecutive TaTME procedures performed at our center for mid and low rectal cancer between December 2014 and January 2020 was conducted. Results: A total of 157 patients underwent TaTME, with 72.6% receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiation. Mean tumor height was 6.1 ± 2.3 cm from the anal verge, 72.6% of patients had undergone neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, and 34.2% of patients presented with a threatened CRM upon pretherapeutic MRI. Abdominal conversion rate was 5.7% with no conversion for the transanal dissection. Early anastomotic leakage occurred in 7.0% of the patients. Mesorectum specimen was complete in 87.3%, R1 resection rate was 4.5% (involved distal resection margin) and in 7.6%, the CRM was positive. The three-year local recurrence rate of 58 patients with a follow-up ≥ 36 months was 3.4%. Overall survival was 92.0% after 12 months, and 82.2% after 36 months. Conclusion: TaTME can be performed safely with acceptable long-term oncological outcome. Low rectal cancer can be well addressed by TaTME, which is an appropriate alternative with low conversion, local recurrence, adequate mesorectal quality and CRM positivity rates.
Long-Term Follow-Up of Spinal Stenosis Inpatients Treated with Integrative Korean Medicine Treatment
Authors: Kim Doori , Shin Joon-Shik , Moon Young-Joo , Ryu Gwanghyun , Shin Wonbin , Lee Jiyun , Lim Suyeon , Jeon Hyun A , Seo Ji-Yeon , Wang Wu Hao , Lee Jin-Ho , Park Kyoung Sun , Lee Yoon Jae , Ha In-Hyuk
Published: December 2020

The present prospective observational study aimed to analyze the outcomes of inpatients who received integrative Korean medicine treatment in order to provide evidence on its effects on lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Patients with LSS who received inpatient treatment at four Korean medicine hospitals from January 2015 to December 2018 were followed up. Outcomes measured included the numeric rating scale (NRS) scores for back and leg pain, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Changes in outcomes at admission, discharge, and follow-up, as well as associated predictors that could account for the improvement in outcomes were analyzed. The NRS score for back pain, NRS score for leg pain, and ODI decreased by 2.20 points (95% confidence interval (CI), −2.41 to −1.99), 2.28 points (95% CI, −2.59 to −1.96), and 17.31 points (95% CI, −19.6 to −15.02), respectively, at long-term follow-up compared with at admission. Patients with LSS who received inpatient integrative Korean medicine treatment exhibited an improvement in pain and functional disability. Further studies are required to determine the effects of integrative Korean medicine treatment.
Clinical Value of CT for Differentiation between Ascites and Hemorrhage: An Experimental In-Vitro Study
Authors: Kerschbaum Maximilian , Schurr Leonhard Andreas , Riedl Moritz , Mayr Agnes , Weiß Isabella , Klute Lisa , Popp Daniel , Pfeifer Christian , Ernstberger Antonio , Alt Volker , Dendl Lena Marie
Published: December 2020

Background: Abdominal trauma, leading to intra-abdominal bleeding, is a life-threatening condition that might need emergency surgical intervention. Sonography and Computed Tomography (CT) are most commonly used to detect free intra-abdominal fluid. This study investigates the accuracy of CT to distinguish between ascites and intra-abdominal hemorrhage. Methods: Ascites were collected during a clinical routine. Three serial dilutions, mixing ascites with whole blood samples of the patient and with two blood group identical donors, were prepared. Laboratory-chemical analysis and radiological evaluation using CT with measurement of average Hounsfield Units (HU) were performed. Results: Between ascites and whole blood as well as between ascites and the 1:1-ratio-samples, HU values differed significantly (p < 0.001). All further dilutions showed HU values with no significant difference compared to ascites (p ≥ 0.42). Whole blood showed significantly higher HU values than ascites and every step of the serial dilutions (p < 0.001). Measured HU values were also dependent on time and the exact point of measurement in the micro reaction vessels. Conclusions: In patients suffering from blunt abdominal trauma with preexisting ascites, HU values in CT imaging are not valid enough to exclude an acute hemorrhage.
Air Pollution—An Overlooked Risk Factor for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Majewski Sebastian , Piotrowski Wojciech J.
Published: December 2020

Air pollution is a major environmental risk to health and a global public health concern. In 2016, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), ambient air pollution in cities and rural areas was estimated to cause 4.2 million premature deaths. It is estimated that around 91% of the world’s population lives in places where air pollution exceeds the limits recommended by the WHO. Sources of air pollution are multiple and context-specific. Air pollution exposures are established risk factors for development and adverse health outcomes in many respiratory diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or lung cancer. However, possible associations between air pollution and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) have not been adequately studied and air pollution seems to be an underrecognized risk factor for IPF. This narrative review describes potential mechanisms triggered by ambient air pollution and their possible roles in the initiation of the pathogenic process and adverse health effects in IPF. Additionally, we summarize the most current research evidence from the clinical studies supporting links between air pollution and IPF.
Image Aesthetic Assessment Based on Image Classification and Region Segmentation
Authors: Le Quyet-Tien , Ladret Patricia , Nguyen Huu-Tuan , Caplier Alice
Published: December 2020

The main goal of this paper is to study Image Aesthetic Assessment (IAA) indicating images as high or low aesthetic. The main contributions concern three points. Firstly, following the idea that photos in different categories (human, flower, animal, landscape, …) are taken with different photographic rules, image aesthetic should be evaluated in a different way for each image category. Large field images and close-up images are two typical categories of images with opposite photographic rules so we want to investigate the intuition that prior Large field/Close-up Image Classification (LCIC) might improve the performance of IAA. Secondly, when a viewer looks at a photo, some regions receive more attention than other regions. Those regions are defined as Regions Of Interest (ROI) and it might be worthy to identify those regions before IAA. The question “Is it worthy to extract some ROIs before IAA?” is considered by studying Region Of Interest Extraction (ROIE) before investigating IAA based on each feature set (global image features, ROI features and background features). Based on the answers, a new IAA model is proposed. The last point is about a comparison between the efficiency of handcrafted and learned features for the purpose of IAA.
Evolutionary Optimisation for Reduction of the Low-Frequency Discrete-Spectrum Force of Marine Propeller Based on a Data-Driven Surrogate Model
Authors: Jiang Jing-Wei , Yang Yang , Ren Tong-Wei , Wang Fei , Huang Wei-Xi
Published: December 2020

For practical problems with non-convex, large-scale and highly constrained characteristics, evolutionary optimisation algorithms are widely used. However, advanced data-driven methods have yet to be comprehensively applied in related fields. In this study, a surrogate model combined with the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II-Differential Evolution (NSGA-II-DE) is applied to reduce the low-frequency Discrete-Spectrum (DS) force of propeller noise. Reduction of this force has drawn a lot of attention as it is the primary signal used in the sonar-based detection and identification of ships. In the present study, a surrogate model is proposed based on a trained Back-Propagation (BP) fully connected neural network, which improves the optimisation efficiency. The neural network is designed by analysing the depth and width of the hidden layers. The results indicate that a four-layer neural network with 64, 128, 256 and 64 nodes in each layer, respectively, exhibits the highest prediction accuracy. The prediction errors for the first order of DST, second order of DST and the thrust coefficient are only 0.21%, 5.71% and 0.01%, respectively. Data-Driven Evolutionary Optimisation (DDEO) is applied to a standard high-skew propeller to reduce DST. DDEO and a Traditional Evolutionary Optimisation Method (TEOM) obtain the same optimisation results, while the time cost of DDEO is only 0.68% that of the TEOM. Thus, the proposed DDEO is applicable to complex engineering problems in various fields.
Beach Leveling Using a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS): Problems and Solutions
Authors: Contreras-de-Villar Francisco , García Francisco J. , Muñoz-Perez Juan J. , Contreras-de-Villar Antonio , Ruiz-Ortiz Veronica , Lopez Patricia , Garcia-López Santiago , Jigena Bismarck
Published: December 2020

The size and great dynamism of coastal systems require faster and more automated mapping methods like the use of a remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). This method allows for shorter intervals between surveys. The main problem for surveying using low-altitude digital photogrammetry in beach areas is their visual homogeneity. Obviously, the fewer the homologous points defined by the program, the lower the accuracy. Moreover, some factors influence the error performed in photogrammetric techniques, such as flight height, flight time, percentage of frame overlap (side and forward), and the number of ground control points (GCPs). A total of 72 different cases were conducted varying these factors, and the results were analyzed. Among the conclusions, it should be highlighted that the error for noon flights is almost double that for the early morning flights. Secondly, there is no appreciable difference regarding the side overlap. But, on the other side, RMSE increased to three times (from 0.05 to 0.15 m) when forward overlap decreased from 85% to 70%. Moreover, relative accuracy is 0.05% of the flying height which means a significant increase in error (66%) between flights performed at 60 and 100 m height). Furthermore, the median of the error for noon flights (0.12 m) is almost double that for the early morning flights (0.07 m) because of the higher percentage of grids with data for early flights. Therefore, beach levelings must never be performed at noon when carried out by RPAS. Eventually, a new parameter has been considered: the relationship between the number of GCPs and the surface to be monitored. A minimum value of 7 GCP/Ha should be taken into account when designing a beach leveling campaign using RPAS.
Estimation of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Resources in the East of Malaysia
Authors: T. Thirugnana Sathiabama T. , Jaafar Abu Bakar , Yasunaga Takeshi , Nakaoka Tsutomu , Ikegami Yasuyuki , Su Suriyanti
Published: December 2020

The Malaysian Government has set a target of achieving 20% penetration of Renewable Energy (RE) in the energy mix spectrum by 2025. In order to get closer to the target, Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) aligned with solar PV, biogas and biomass energy sources must be evaluated and comprehended. Hybrid OTEC systems consisting of energy and water production are currently under research and validation. Therefore, for the construction of a commercial OTEC plant, 1 MW or 2.5 MW, the choice of a strategic location or potential site is vital. In this paper, oceanographic data such as seawater temperature, depth, salinity and dissolved oxygen obtained from the Japan Oceanographic Data Center (JODC) for Semporna, Tawau, Kudat, Pulau Layang-Layang and Pulau Kalumpang in Sabah, Malaysia, are reported. The RE available from the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on the coast of Sabah was estimated based on the JODC data obtained. There were no remarkable differences in temperatures between the five sites, which were reported as approximately 27 °C at the surface and 7 °C at depths below 600 m. The surface salinities below 100 m at those sites were slightly lower than the deeper waters, where the salinity increased up to approximately 34.5 PSU. Dissolved oxygen data from the Pulau Kalumpang site showed a slight increment to approximately 4.7 mL/L at depth intervals below 50 m, before declining steadily to approximately 1.7 mL/L along with the depth. The temperature-salinity profiles of the Malaysian sites were congruent with those of Palau, Kumejima and Okinawa, but not with that of Fiji, where the salinity profile showed a distinct variation at the relative depth (below 200 m). Estimates of RE using two different methods were used to prove the potential of OTEC in Malaysia.
Numerical Study of an Oscillating-Wing Wingmill for Ocean Current Energy Harvesting: Fluid-Solid-Body Interaction with Feedback Control
Authors: Balam-Tamayo David , Málaga Carlos , Figueroa-Espinoza Bernardo
Published: December 2020

The performance and flow around an oscillating foil device for current energy extraction (a wingmill) was studied through numerical simulations. OpenFOAM was used in order to study the two-dimensional (2D) flow around a wingmill. A closed loop control law was coded in order to follow a reference angle of attack. The objective of this control law is to modify the angle of attack in order to enhance the lift force (and increase power extraction). Dimensional analysis suggests a compromise between the generator (or damper) stiffness and actuator/control gains, so a parametric study was carried out while using a new dimensionless number, called B, which represents this compromise. It was found that there is a maximum on the efficiency curve in terms of the aforementioned dimensionless parameter. The lessons that are learned from this fluid-structure and feedback coupling are discussed; this interaction, combined with the feedback dynamics, may trigger dynamic stall, thus decreasing the performance. Moreover, if the control strategy is not carefully selected, then the energy spent on the actuator may affect efficiency considerably. This type of simulation could allow for the system identification, control synthesis, and optimization of energy harvesting devices in future studies.
Host Factors Modulating Ochratoxin A Biosynthesis during Fruit Colonization by Aspergillus carbonarius
Authors: Maor Uriel , Barda Omer , Sadhasivam Sudharsan , Bi Yang , Zakin Varda , Prusky Dov B. , Sionov Edward
Published: December 2020

Aspergillus carbonarius is a strong and consistent ochratoxin A (OTA) producer and considered to be the main source of this toxic metabolite in grapes and grape products such as wine, grape juice and dried vine fruit. OTA is produced under certain growth conditions and its accumulation is affected by several environmental factors, such as growth phase, substrate, temperature, water activity and pH. In this study, we examined the impact of fruit host factors on regulation and accumulation of OTA in colonized grape berries, and assessed in vitro the impact of those factors on the transcriptional levels of the key genes and global regulators contributing to fungal colonization and mycotoxin synthesis. We found that limited sugar content, low pH levels and high malic acid concentrations activated OTA biosynthesis by A. carbonarius, both in synthetic media and during fruit colonization, through modulation of global regulator of secondary metabolism, laeA and OTA gene cluster expression. These findings indicate that fruit host factors may have a significant impact on the capability of A. carbonarius to produce and accumulate OTA in grapes.
A Conformation Variant of p53 Combined with Machine Learning Identifies Alzheimer Disease in Preclinical and Prodromal Stages
Authors: Abate Giulia , Vezzoli Marika , Polito Letizia , Guaita Antonio , Albani Diego , Marizzoni Moira , Garrafa Emirena , Marengoni Alessandra , Forloni Gianluigi , Frisoni Giovanni B. , Cummings Jeffrey L. , Memo Maurizio , Uberti Daniela
Published: December 2020

Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a crucial starting point in disease management. Blood-based biomarkers could represent a considerable advantage in providing AD-risk information in primary care settings. Here, we report new data for a relatively unknown blood-based biomarker that holds promise for AD diagnosis. We evaluate a p53-misfolding conformation recognized by the antibody 2D3A8, also named Unfolded p53 (U-p532D3A8+), in 375 plasma samples derived from InveCe.Ab and PharmaCog/E-ADNI longitudinal studies. A machine learning approach is used to combine U-p532D3A8+ plasma levels with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and apolipoprotein E epsilon-4 (APOEε4) and is able to predict AD likelihood risk in InveCe.Ab with an overall 86.67% agreement with clinical diagnosis. These algorithms also accurately classify (AUC = 0.92) Aβ+—amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI) patients who will develop AD in PharmaCog/E-ADNI, where subjects were stratified according to Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) AD markers (Aβ42 and p-Tau). Results support U-p532D3A8+ plasma level as a promising additional candidate blood-based biomarker for AD.
Identification of a Circulating miRNA Signature to Stratify Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Patients
Authors: Martucci Gennaro , Arcadipane Antonio , Tuzzolino Fabio , Occhipinti Giovanna , Panarello Giovanna , Carcione Claudia , Bonicolini Eleonora , Vitiello Chiara , Lorusso Roberto , Conaldi Pier Giulio , Miceli Vitale
Published: December 2020

There is a need to improve acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) diagnosis and management, particularly with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and different biomarkers have been tested to implement a precision-focused approach. We included ARDS patients on veno-venous (V-V) ECMO in a prospective observational pilot study. Blood samples were obtained before cannulation, and screened for the expression of 754 circulating microRNA (miRNAs) using high-throughput qPCR and hierarchical cluster analysis. The miRNet database was used to predict target genes of deregulated miRNAs, and the DIANA tool was used to identify significant enrichment pathways. A hierarchical cluster of 229 miRNAs (identified after quality control screening) produced a clear separation of 11 patients into two groups: considering the baseline SAPS II, SOFA, and RESP score cluster A (n = 6) showed higher severity compared to cluster B (n = 5); p values < 0.05. After analysis of differentially expressed miRNAs between the two clusters, 95 deregulated miRNAs were identified, and reduced to 13 by in silico analysis. These miRNAs target genes implicated in tissue remodeling, immune system, and blood coagulation pathways. The blood levels of 13 miRNAs are altered in severe ARDS. Further investigations will have to match miRNA results with inflammatory biomarkers and clinical data.
Financing Responsible Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises: An International Overview of Policies and Support Programmes
Authors: Durst Susanne , Gerstlberger Wolfgang
Published: December 2020

In the last few years, the financing of responsibly operating small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has become the focus of attention of several national and international bodies. Consequently, a number of policies and support programmes have been established aimed at supporting SMEs that take a responsible approach concerning the company and its operations. Against this background, this article presents a comprehensive international overview of support programmes for financing responsible SMEs. Based on systematic desk research, documents of national governments as well as supranational and international organisations have been investigated. The findings reveal that there are strong regional differences in terms of support policy approaches, intensity, and criteria. The largest part of the identified programmes has been launched by the European Union and/or its member states. Additionally, the findings clarify that the primary focus of extant programmes is on the environmental dimension of sustainability, mainly energy-related questions. The social dimension has been neglected so far in the programmes.
Study of Price Determinants of Sharing Economy-Based Accommodation Services: Evidence from Airbnb.com
Authors: Chang Chunwei , Li Shengli
Published: December 2020

This research aims to identify price determinants for sharing economy-based accommodation services and to further use the identified price determinants to predict accommodation prices. A dataset drawn from Airbnb.com, was collected for analysis. We identify price determinants from five categories. The top five price determinants are identified as room type, city, distance to tourist attractions, number of pictures posted, and number of amenities provided. More importantly, we find that interaction effects between variables can also significantly influence price. Finally, a series of price prediction models are built based on the identified price determinants.
Evaluating the Quality of Land Information for Peri-Urban Land-Related Decision-Making: An Empirical Analysis from Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Authors: Wubie Abebe , de Vries Walter , Alemie Berhanu
Published: December 2020

Proper functioning land information (LI) plays an indispensable role in supporting land-related decision-making processes. In recognition to this, substantial efforts have been made in Ethiopia to develop and modernize land information both in urban and rural land administration sectors. However, in Ethiopia, the quality of the current land information (completeness, appropriateness, time, cost, development, governance, sharing, and so on) needed for making decision is scantly evidenced, whilst the particular aspects of how the current urban and rural land information systems are functioning in view of the needs of peri-urban land governance are rarely studied. Thus, the main objective of this paper is to evaluate the quality of the current land information sources for supporting peri-urban land-related decision-making. The research relied on both quantitative and qualitative data. Primary data were collected using questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGD), and interviews. The data collected using a closed-ended questionnaire was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The validity and consistency of the data were tested using Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient. The result signals that the quality of land information in the study area lacks responsiveness to support land-related decisions such as land use intervention and spatial management of peri-urban areas. The inefficiencies in the governance of land information and weak institutional efficiency prevailing in the different tiers of land administration institutions are the main causes. Furthermore, the variations in the governance of land information between urban and rural tiers of land administration institutions hamper data sharing, and it derives information redundancies and contradictions, which combined lead to ambiguous information use and reliance. The results further imply that the recordation of LI alone does not mean that it always supports decision making. When reasoning from the perspectives of the 8R framework of responsible land management, we conclude that the existing LI does not support many of the 8Rs. The researchers thus advocate responsive governance of land information and an alternative framework to embed effective land information for any peri-urban land decision making process.
The Spatiotemporal Evolution and Trend Prediction of Ecological Wellbeing Performance in China
Authors: Yao Lan , Yu Zhenning , Wu Mengya , Ning Jiachen , Lv Tiangui
Published: December 2020

Humans currently face a problematic ecological dilemma regarding economic growth. It is difficult to meet human needs by only studying economic growth created by artificial costs, and all countries need to pay attention to the task of improving the level of human welfare under the constraints of an ecological environment from the perspective of sustainable development. The focus of ecological wellbeing performance (EWP) is how to achieve the maximum welfare level output or achieve higher welfare level improvement with the fewest conversions of natural and ecological inputs. In this paper, we use the super-efficiency SBM model to measure the EWP of Chinese provinces and cities, traditional and spatial Markov probability transfer matrices are established based on time series analysis and spatial correlation analysis of the global Moran’s index, and the characteristics of the spatiotemporal variations of EWP are analyzed by comparing the matrices. The evolution trend for a certain future period is predicted, and the influences of geographical spatial patterns on the spatiotemporal evolution of EWP are discussed. On this basis, according to the calculation and analysis of the characteristics of China’s EWP, provinces and cities in China need to focus on improving their own resource utilization efficiency and strengthen environmental supervision to improve EWP. Finally, policy recommendations are put forward. First, special laws and regulations need to be introduced for resource utilization and ecological protection. The second recommendation is to promote and improve the mechanism of public participation in the rational utilization of resources and protection of the ecological environment. The third recommendation is to establish a dynamic monitoring system for resource utilization and ecological environmental protection. The fourth recommendation is to strengthen structural adjustment and accomplish high-quality economic development.
Detecting the Dynamics of Urban Growth in Africa Using DMSP/OLS Nighttime Light Data
Authors: Jiang Shengnan , Wei Guoen , Zhang Zhenke , Wang Yue , Xu Minghui , Wang Qing , Das Priyanko , Liu Binglin
Published: December 2020

Africa has been experiencing a rapid urbanization process, which may lead to an increase in unsustainable land use and urban poverty. Assessing the spatiotemporal characteristics of urbanization dynamics is especially important and needed for the sustainable development of Africa. Satellite-based nighttime light (NTL) data are widely used to monitor the dynamics of urban growth from global to local scales. In this study, urban growth patterns across Africa were analyzed and discussed using stable nighttime light datasets obtained from DMSP/OLS (the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program’s Operational Line-scan System) spanning from 1992 to 2013. We partitioned the nighttime lighting areas into three types (low, medium, and high) using thresholds derived from the Brightness Gradient (BG) method. Our results indicated that built-up areas in Africa have increased rapidly, particularly those areas with low nighttime lighting types. Countries with higher urbanization levels in Africa, like South Africa, Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria, and Libya, were leading the brightening trend. The distribution of nighttime lighting types was consistent with the characteristics of urban development, with high nighttime lighting types showed up at the urban center, whereas medium and low nighttime lighting types appeared in the urban-rural transition zone and rural areas respectively. The impacts of these findings on the future of African cities will be further proposed.
Governance, Nature’s Contributions to People, and Investing in Conservation Influence the Valuation of Urban Green Areas
Authors: Pineda-Guerrero Alexandra , Escobedo Francisco J. , Carriazo Fernando
Published: December 2020

There is little information concerning how people in the Global South perceive the benefits and costs associated with urban green areas. There is even less information on how governance influences the way people value these highly complex socio-ecological systems. We used semi-structured surveys, statistical analyses, and econometrics to explore the perceptions of users regarding governance and the benefits and costs, or Ecosystem Services (ES) and Ecosystem Disservices (ED), provided by Neotropical green areas and their willingness to invest, or not, for their conservation. The study area was the El Salitre sub-watershed in Bogota, Colombia, and 10 different sites representative of its wetlands, parks, green areas, and socioeconomic contexts. Using a context-specific approach and methods, we identified the most important benefits and costs of green areas and the influence of governance on how people valued these. Our modelling shows that air quality and biodiversity were highly important benefits, while water regulation was the least important; despite the sub-watershed’s acute problems with stormwater runoff. In terms of costs, the feeling of insecurity due to crime was related to poor levels of maintenance and infrastructure in the studied green areas. Perceived transparency, corruption, and performance of government institutions influenced people’s Unwillingness to Invest (UTI) in green space conservation. Results show that socioeconomic backgrounds, government performance, and environmental education will play a role in the value or importance people place on the benefits, costs, and UTI in conservation efforts in urban green areas. Similarly, care is warranted when directly applying frameworks and typologies developed in high income countries (i.e., ES) to the unique realities of cities in the Global South. Accordingly, alternative frameworks such as Nature’s Contributions to People is promising.
Landscape-Based Visions as Powerful Boundary Objects in Spatial Planning: Lessons from Three Dutch Projects
Authors: van Rooij Sabine , Timmermans Wim , Roosenschoon Onno , Keesstra Saskia , Sterk Marjolein , Pedroli Bas
Published: December 2020

In a context of a rapidly changing livability of towns and countryside, climate change and biodiversity decrease, this paper introduces a landscape-based planning approach to regional spatial policy challenges allowing a regime shift towards a future land system resilient to external pressures. The concept of nature-based solutions and transition theory are combined in this approach, in which co-created normative future visions serve as boundary concepts. Rather than as an object in itself, the landscape is considered as a comprehensive principle, to which all spatial processes are inherently related. We illustrate this approach with three projects in the Netherlands in which landscape-based visions were used to guide the land transition, going beyond the traditional nature-based solutions. The projects studied show that a shared long-term future landscape vision is a powerful boundary concept and a crucial source of inspiration for a coherent design approach to solve today’s spatial planning problems. Further, they show that cherishing abiotic differences in the landscape enhances sustainable and resilient landscapes, that co-creation in the social network is a prerequisite for shared solutions, and that a landscape-based approach enhances future-proof land-use transitions to adaptive, circular, and biodiverse landscapes.
Pre-Pregnancy Risk Factors for Severe Hyperemesis Gravidarum: Korean Population Based Cohort Study
Authors: Kim Ho Yeon , Cho Geum Joon , Kim So Yeon , Lee Kyu-Min , Ahn Ki Hoon , Han Sung Won , Hong Soon-Cheol , Ryu Hyun Mee , Oh Min-Jeong , Kim Hai-Joong , Kim Seung Chul
Published: December 2020

Hyperemesis gravidarum is known to be associated with poor perinatal outcomes. This study aimed to identify pre-pregnancy risk factors for hospital admission in women with hyperemesis gravidarum. We enrolled women who had delivered between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2015, and had undergone a national health screening examination through the National Health Insurance Corporation 1–2 years before their first delivery. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the risk factors for hospital admission due to hyperemesis gravidarum. Of the 216,373 study participants with hyperemesis gravidarum, 2210 (1.02%) pregnant women were hospitalized. These women had lower waist circumference and were underweight based on body mass index compared to pregnant women who did not require hospitalization due to hyperemesis gravidarum. On multivariate analysis, primiparity, multiple pregnancies, female fetus, alcohol consumption, and pre-pregnancy underweight status were associated with an increased risk of hospitalization due to the condition. In this population-based cohort study, we found that hospitalization due to hyperemesis gravidarum was associated with pre-pregnancy lifestyle characteristics. Early recognition and management of these pre-pregnancy factors may help control the need for hospitalization in women with the condition in subsequent pregnancies.
Ultrasound-Assisted Surface Modification of MWCNT Using Organic Acids
Authors: de León-Martínez Patricia A. , Sáenz-Galindo Aidé , Ávila-Orta Carlos A. , Castañeda-Facio Adalí O. , Andrade-Guel Marlene L. , Sierra Uriel , Alvarado-Tenorio German , Bernal-Martínez Juan
Published: December 2020

In the present work, multiple-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were surface modified in an environmentally friendly way, using low-frequency ultrasonic energy. This type of modification was carried-out using two different types of organic acids, citric acid (CA) and oxalic acid (OA). The modification of the MWCNTs was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), where functional groups such as OH, C=O, O–C=O and COOH were detected. By means of Raman spectroscopy, an increase in carbon surface defects was found. On the other hand, using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), oxidation was evidenced on the surface of the modified MWCNT. In both Raman spectroscopy and XPS, the results indicate a greater modification when CA is used, possibly due to the fact that CA has a larger number of functional groups. MWCNT-CA showed good dispersion in methanol, while MWCNT-OA showed good stability in methanol and ethanol. Finally, a 20% removal of creatinine efficiency improvement was found with respect to the unmodified MWCNTs, while no improvement was found in the case of urea and uric acid.
The Effect of Direct Electric Current on the Plastic Behavior of AA7075 Aluminum Alloy in Different States of Hardening
Authors: Dobras Daniel , Bruschi Stefania , Simonetto Enrico , Rutkowska-Gorczyca Małgorzata , Ghiotti Andrea
Published: December 2020

Electrically-Assisted Forming (EAF) techniques are interesting and promising for the automotive industry. Electrically-assisted tensile tests were carried out on specimens of AA7075 aluminum alloy in different states of hardening, namely T6 (the as-received state) and the supersaturated solid solution state. All the tests were carried out in quasi-static conditions under the application of direct electric current (DC) in the range of 90 to 540 A. The experimental results showed that with a DC density of 10 A/mm2 the uniform strain and strain at fracture increased when the AA7075 was in the supersaturated solid solution state. A correlation between the mechanical results and microstructural features analysed through transmission electron microscopy was assessed. An explanation of the investigated phenomena based on the electron wind theory, heterogeneous microscale Joule heating and the Portevin–Le Chatelier (PLC) effect was finally proposed.
Comparative Assessment of In Vitro and In Vivo Biodegradation of Mg-1Ca Magnesium Alloys for Orthopedic Applications
Authors: Antoniac Iulian , Adam Răzvan , Biță Ana , Miculescu Marian , Trante Octavian , Petrescu Ionuț Mircea , Pogărășteanu Mark
Published: December 2020

Use of magnesium implants is a new trend in orthopedic research because it has several important properties that recommend it as an excellent resorbable biomaterial for implants. In this study, the corrosion rate and behavior of magnesium alloys during the biodegradation process were determined by in vitro assays, evolution of hydrogen release, and weight loss, and further by in vivo assays (implantation in rabbits’ bone and muscle tissue). In these tests, we also used imaging assessments and histological examination of different tissue types near explants. In our study, we analyzed the Mg-1Ca alloy and all the hypotheses regarding the toxic effects found in in vitro studies from the literature and those from this in vitro study were rejected by the data obtained by the in vivo study. Thus, the Mg-1Ca alloy represents a promising solution for orthopedic surgery at the present time, being able to find applicability in the small bones: hand or foot.
Effect of Copper Sulfate and Sulfuric Acid on Blind Hole Filling of HDI Circuit Boards by Electroplating
Authors: Tao Pingjun , Chen Yugan , Cai Weitong , Meng Zhaoguang
Published: December 2020

Here, in a certain high density interconnect (HDI) printed circuit board, the effect of copper sulfate and sulfuric acid on the filling effect of a blind hole with a certain diameter and depth was investigated by making a blind hole using a CO2 laser drilling machine, filling the blind hole via electroplating by simulating the electroplating line in a Halin cell, and observing the cross-section of a micro blind hole after polishing using metallographic microscope, as well as the effect of hole filling, are evaluated. The results show that, under the conditions of a certain plating solution formula and electroplating parameters (current density and electroplating time), the sag degree decreases with the increase in the copper sulfate concentration. When the concentration of copper sulfate increases from 210 g/L to 225 g/L, the filling effect is good and the sag degree is about 0. However, with the increase in sulfuric acid concentration, the sag increases gradually. When the sulfuric acid concentration is 25–35 g/L, both the sag and copper coating thickness are in a small range. Under appropriate electroplating conditions, a better blind hole filling effect can be obtained. The volume of blind hole has a certain effect on the diffusion and exchange of copper sulfate and sulfuric acid, as well as on the concentration distribution of additives.
A Numerical Model of a Perforated Microcantilever Covered with Cardiomyocytes to Improve the Performance of the Microcantilever Sensor
Authors: Qiu Bin , Li Guangyong , Du Jianke , Zhang Aibing , Jin Yuan
Published: December 2020

A few simple polymeric microsystems, such as microcantilever sensors, have recently been developed for the preliminary screening of cardiac toxicity. The microcantilever deflection produced by a change in the cardiomyocyte (CM) contraction force is important for understanding the mechanism of heart failure. In this study, a new numerical model is proposed to analyze the contractile behavior of CMs cultured on a perforated microcantilever surface for improving the performance of the microcantilever sensor. First, the surface traction model is used to investigate the bending displacement of the plain microcantilever. In order to improve the bending effect, a new numerical model is developed to analyze the bending behavior of the perforated microcantilever covered with CMs. Compared with the designed molds, the latter yields better results. Finally, a simulation analysis is proposed based on a finite element method to verify the presence of a preformed mold. Moreover, the effects of various factors on the bending displacement, including microcantilever size, Young’s modulus, and porosity factor, are investigated. Both the simulation and numerical results have good consistency, and the maximum error between the numerical and simulation results is not more than 3.4%, even though the porosity factor reaches 0.147. The results show that the developed mold opens new avenues for CM microcantilever sensors to detect cardiac toxicity.
Mechanical System Control by RGB-D Device
Authors: Cosenza Chiara , Nicolella Armando , Esposito Daniele , Niola Vincenzo , Savino Sergio
Published: December 2020

Computer vision for control is a growing domain of research and it is widespread in industry and the autonomous vehicle field. A further step is the employment of low-cost cameras to perform these applications. To apply such an approach, the development of proper algorithms to interpret vision data is mandatory. Here, we firstly propose the development of an algorithm to measure the displacement of a mechanical system in contactless mode. Afterwards, we show two procedures that use a 3D camera as a feedback in control strategies. The first one aims to track a moving object. In the second one, the information gained from vision data acquisition allows the mechanical system control to ensure the equilibrium of a ball placed on a moving slide.
Fabrication of Dy2O3 Transparent Ceramics by Vacuum Sintering Using Precipitated Powders
Authors: Hu Dianjun , Liu Xin , Liu Ziyu , Li Xiaoying , Tian Feng , Zhu Danyang , Yang Zhaoxiang , Wu Lexiang , Li Jiang
Published: December 2020

As a kind of promising material for a Faraday isolator used in the visible and near infrared range, Dy2O3 transparent ceramics were prepared by vacuum sintering from the nano-powders synthesized by the liquid precipitation method using ammonium hydrogen carbonate as precipitant with no sintering aids. The synthesized precursor was calcinated at 950 °C–1150 °C for 4 h in air. The influences of the calcination temperature on the morphologies and phase composition of Dy2O3 powders were characterized. It is found that the Dy2O3 powder calcinated at 1000 °C for 4 h is superior for the fabrication of Dy2O3 ceramics. The Dy2O3 transparent ceramic sample prepared by vacuum sintering at 1850 °C for 10 h, and subsequently with air annealing at 1400 °C for 10 h, from the 1000 °C-calcined Dy2O3 powders, presents the best optical quality. The values of in-line transmittance of the optimal ceramic specimen with the thickness of 1.0 mm are 75.3% at 2000 nm and 67.9% at 633 nm. The Verdet constant of Dy2O3 ceramics was measured to be −325.3 ± 1.9 rad/(T·m) at 633 nm, about 2.4 times larger than that of TGG (Tb3Ga5O12) single crystals.
A Mathematical Model for the Optimization of Renewable Energy Systems
Authors: Gómez Sánchez Mariam , Macia Yunesky Masip , Fernández Gil Alejandro , Castro Carlos , Nuñez González Suleivys M. , Pedrera Yanes Jacqueline
Published: December 2020

The generation of energy from renewable sources is a fundamental aspect for the sustainable development of society, and several energy sources such as solar, biomass, biogas, and wind must be used to the maximum to meet existing needs. In Chile, there are villages that are off-grid. A real case study is presented in this research. To meet the needs of this village we have proposed a mathematical optimization model using a CPLEX optimizer to generate the necessary energy power while minimizing the cost of energy (COE). In this study, different scenarios have been evaluated with respect to the existing energy availabilities, for example, in different periods of the year, demonstrated in terms of economic costs, the viability of resources such as biomass and biogas, and the viability of the energy production of wind power given the associated high costs. Finally, the effect of the use of renewable energy in consideration of CO2 emissions is studied in our research.
Delay-Dependent and Order-Dependent Guaranteed Cost Control for Uncertain Fractional-Order Delayed Linear Systems
Authors: Qi Fei , Chai Yi , Chen Liping , Tenreiro Machado José A.
Published: December 2020

This paper addresses the guaranteed cost control problem of a class of uncertain fractional-order (FO) delayed linear systems with norm-bounded time-varying parametric uncertainty. The study is focused on the design of state feedback controllers with delay such that the resulting closed-loop system is asymptotically stable and an adequate level of performance is also guaranteed. Stemming from the linear matrix inequality (LMI) approach and the FO Razumikhin theorem, a delay- and order-dependent design method is proposed with guaranteed closed-loop stability and cost for admissible uncertainties. Examples illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Modeling the Conditional Dependence between Discrete and Continuous Random Variables with Applications in Insurance
Authors: Gómez-Déniz Emilio , Calderín-Ojeda Enrique
Published: December 2020

We jointly model amount of expenditure for outpatient visits and number of outpatient visits by considering both dependence and simultaneity by proposing a bivariate structural model that describes both variables, specified in terms of their conditional distributions. For that reason, we assume that the conditional expectation of expenditure for outpatient visits with respect to the number of outpatient visits and also, the number of outpatient visits expectation with respect to the expenditure for outpatient visits is related by taking a linear relationship for these conditional expectations. Furthermore, one of the conditional distributions obtained in our study is used to derive Bayesian premiums which take into account both the number of claims and the size of the correspondent claims. Our proposal is illustrated with a numerical example based on data of health care use taken from Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), conducted by the U.S. Agency of Health Research and Quality.