bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retrieval of Turbidity on a Spatio-Temporal Scale Using Landsat 8 SR: A Case Study of the Ramganga River in the Ganges Basin, India
Authors: Allam Mona , Yawar Ali Khan Mohd , Meng Qingyan
Published: May 2020

Nowadays, space-borne imaging spectro-radiometers are exploited for many environmental applications, including water quality monitoring. Turbidity is a standout amongst the essential parameters of water quality that affect productivity. The current study aims to utilize Landsat 8 surface reflectance (L8SR) to retrieve turbidity in the Ramganga River, a tributary of the Ganges River. Samples of river water were collected from 16 different locations on 13 March and 27 November 2014. L8SR images from 6 March and 17 November 2014 were downloaded from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) website. The algorithm to retrieve turbidity is based on the correlation between L8SR reflectance (single and ratio bands) and insitu data. The b2/b4 and b2/b3 bands ratio are proven to be the best predictors of turbidity, with R2 = 0.560 (p < 0.05) and R2 = 0.726 (p < 0.05) for March and November, respectively. Selected models are validated by comparing the concentrations of predicted and measured turbidity. The results showed that L8SR is a promising tool for monitoring surface water from space, even in relatively narrow river channels, such as the Ramganga River.
Required Evidence for Clinical Applications of Liquid Biopsy Using Especially CTCs in Lung Cancer
Authors: Tamminga Menno , Groen Harry J.M.
Published: May 2020

As therapies have become more and more dependent on tumor as well as patient characteristics, obtaining tumor material has become of great importance. Liquid biopsies hold much potential as shown by a large amount of evidence across several studies. Clinical applications for circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are unfortunately still lacking. In part this is due to a lack of studies comparing liquid biopsies to conventional diagnostics and response measurements as well as studies showing that liquid biopsies can be used to switch therapies leading to improved outcomes. However, liquid biopsies using ctDNA for specific markers such as EGFR, ALK, ROS1 or RET have clinical applications because specific drugs are available.
CO2 Laser Photoacoustic Spectrometer for Measuring Acetone in the Breath of Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Mitrayana  , Apriyanto Donni Kis , Satriawan Mirza
Published: May 2020

A CO2 laser has the advantages of being high in power and having many laser lines in the 9–11 µm infrared region. Thus, a CO2 laser photoacoustic spectrometer (PAS) can have a multi-component measurement capability for many gas compounds that have non-zero absorption coefficients at the laser lines, and therefore can be applied for measuring several volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the human breath. We have developed a CO2 laser PAS system for detecting acetone in the human breath. Although acetone has small absorption coefficients at the CO2 laser lines, our PAS system was able to obtain strong photoacoustic (PA) signals at several CO2 laser lines, with the strongest one being at the 10P20 line. Since at the 10P20 line, ethylene and ammonia also have significant absorption coefficients, these two gases have to be included in a multi-component measurement with acetone. We obtained the lowest detection limit of our system for the ethylene, acetone, and ammonia are 6 ppbv, 11 ppbv, and 31 ppbv, respectively. We applied our PAS system to measure these three VOCs in the breath of three groups of subjects, i.e., patients with lung cancer disease, patients with other lung diseases, and healthy volunteers.
Acute and Chronic Mental Stress both Influence Levels of Neurotransmitter Precursor Amino Acids and Derived Biogenic Amines
Authors: Hüfner Katharina , Galffy Matyas , Egeter Jonas , Giesinger Johannes M. , Arnhard Kathrin , Oberacher Herbert , Gostner Johanna M. , Fuchs Dietmar , Sperner-Unterweger Barbara
Published: May 2020

Acute and chronic mental stress are both linked to somatic and psychiatric morbidity, however, the neurobiological pathways of these associations are still not fully elucidated. Mental stress is known to be immunomodulatory, which is one of the basic concepts of psychoneuroimmunology. In the present study, neurotransmitter precursor amino acid levels and derived biogenic amines were analyzed prior to and at 0, 30 and 60 min following an acute mental stress test (with/without chronic mental stress) in 53 healthy subjects. Psychometric measurements of mental stress, depression and anxiety were collected. Kynurenine/tryptophan was influenced by the factor acute mental stress (KYN/TRP increase), no influence of the factor chronic mental stress or any interaction was found. Phenylalanine/tyrosine was influenced by the factor acute mental stress (PHE/TYR increase) as well as by chronic mental stress (PHE/TYR decrease). Interactions were not significant. KYN/TRP correlated with state anxiety values, while PHE/TYR correlated negatively with chronic stress parameters. Kynurenic acid was significantly reduced in the acute and quinolinic acid in the chronic mental stress condition. In conclusion, neurotransmitter precursor amino acid levels and derived biogenic amines are influenced by acute and chronic mental stress. Mechanisms beyond direct immunological responses may be relevant for the modulation of neurotransmitter metabolism such as effects on enzyme function through cofactor availability or stress hormones.
Transition Metal Sulfides- and Noble Metal-Based Catalysts for N-Hexadecane Hydroisomerization: A Study of Poisons Tolerance
Authors: Pimerzin Aleksey , Savinov Aleksander , Vutolkina Anna , Makova Anna , Glotov Aleksandr , Vinokurov Vladimir , Pimerzin Andrey
Published: May 2020

Bifunctional catalysts on the base of transition metal sulfides (CoMoS and NiWS) and platinum as noble metal were synthesized via wetness impregnation of freshly synthesized Al2O3-SAPO-11 composites, supported with favorable acidic properties. The physical-chemical properties of the prepared materials were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), low-temperature N2 adsorption and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR TEM) methods. Catalytic properties were studied in n-hexadecane isomerization using a fixed-bed flow reactor. The catalytic poisons tolerance of transition metal sulfides (TMS)- and Pt-catalysts has been studied for sulfur and nitrogen, with the amount of 10–100 ppm addition to feedstock. TMS-catalysts show good stability during sulfur-containing feedstock processing, whereas Pt-catalyst loses much of its isomerization activity. Nitrogen-containing compounds in the feedstock has a significant impact on the catalytic activity of both TMS and Pt-based catalysts.
Effectiveness of Sodium Alginate Active Coatings Containing Bacteriocin EFL4 for the Quality Improvement of Ready-to-Eat Fresh Salmon Fillets during Cold Storage
Authors: Mei Jun , Shen Yong , Liu Wenru , Lan Weiqing , Li Na , Xie Jing
Published: May 2020

This study developed a biopreservation method for ready-to-eat (RTE) fresh salmon fillets based on the use of bacteriocin EFL4 produced by bacteriocinogenic Enterococcus faecalis L04 previously isolated from Chinese sea bass (Lateolabrax maculatus). Bacteriocin EFL4 has the ability to inhibit the growth of several fish-spoilage bacteria and foodborne pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Shewanella putrefaciens, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Listeria monocytogenes, and the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for S. putrefaciens was 0.32 μg/mL. The biopreservation potential of bacteriocin EFL4 for RTE fresh salmon fillets during cold storage at 4 °C was tested for the first time on a laboratory scale. Microbiological and physicochemical properties, as well as organoleptic evaluations, have been done during the biopreservation trials. The results show that RTE fresh salmon fillets treated with 0.64 μg/mL bacteriocin EFL4 could significantly (p < 0.05) reduce the total viable count (TVC), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), K value and maintain the quality of RTE fresh salmon fillets during 8-day storage on the basis of the organoleptic evaluation results.
Urinary Microbiota—Are We Ready for Prime Time? A Literature Review of Study Methods’ Critical Steps in Avoiding Contamination and Minimizing Biased Results
Authors: Cumpanas Alin Adrian , Bratu Ovidiu Gabriel , Bardan Razvan Tiberiu , Ferician Ovidiu Catalin , Cumpanas Andrei Dragos , Horhat Florin George , Licker Monica , Pricop Catalin , Cretu Octavian Marius
Published: May 2020

Within the last few years, there have been an increased number of clinical studies involving urinary microbiota. Low-biomass microbiome sequencing (e.g., urine, lung, placenta, blood) is easily biased by contamination or cross-contamination. So far, a few critical steps, from sampling urine to processing and analyzing, have been described (e.g., urine collection modality, sample volume size, snap freezing, negative controls usage, laboratory risks for contamination assessment, contamination of negative results reporting, exploration and discussion of the impact of contamination for the final results, etc.) We performed a literature search (Pubmed, Scopus and Embase) and reviewed the published articles related to urinary microbiome, evaluating how the aforementioned critical steps to obtain unbiased, reliable results have been taken or have been reported. We identified different urinary microbiome evaluation protocols, with non-homogenous reporting systems, which can make gathering results into consistent data for similar topics difficult and further burden the already so complex emerging field of urinary microbiome. We concluded that to ease the progress in this field, a joint approach from researchers, authors and publishers would be necessary in order to create mandatory reporting systems which would allow to recognize pitfalls and avoid compromising a promising field of research.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Modeling of the Glymphatic System
Authors: Kaur Jasleen , Davoodi-Bojd Esmaeil , Fahmy Lara M , Zhang Li , Ding Guangliang , Hu Jiani , Zhang Zhenggang , Chopp Michael , Jiang Quan
Published: May 2020

The glymphatic system is a newly discovered waste drainage pathway in the brain; it plays an important role in many neurological diseases. Ongoing research utilizing various cerebrospinal fluid tracer infusions, either directly or indirectly into the brain parenchyma, is investigating clearance pathways by using distinct imaging techniques. In the present review, we discuss the role of the glymphatic system in various neurological diseases and efflux pathways of brain waste clearance based on current evidence and controversies. We mainly focus on new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) modeling techniques, along with traditional computational modeling, for a better understanding of the glymphatic system function. Future sophisticated modeling techniques hold the potential to generate quantitative maps for glymphatic system parameters that could contribute to the diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis of neurological diseases. The non-invasive nature of MRI may provide a safe and effective way to translate glymphatic system measurements from bench-to-bedside.
Children’s Augmented Storying in, with and for Nature
Authors: Kumpulainen Kristiina , Byman Jenny , Renlund Jenny , Wong Chin Chin
Published: May 2020

Drawing on a relational ontology and scholarship of new literacies, we investigate the materiality and performativity of children’s augmented storying in nature. Our study is situated in a Finnish primary school in which a novel, augmented reality application (MyAR Julle) was utilized as a digital storytelling tool for children (n = 62, aged 7–9), allowing them to explore, interact, and imagine in nature and to create/share their stories. The data corpus consists of their narrations of their augmented stories in nature, their augmented story artefacts, and video/observational data from their construction of such stories in nature. Narrative analysis reveals how the children’s augmented storying in nature was performed through playful, affective, and sensuous, identity, cultural, and critical literacies, which were imaginatively constructed into being at the nexus of their sensed reality and fantasy. These literacies make visible human–material–spatial–temporal assemblages during which the children played with/through the augmented character Julle, felt and sensed with/through Julle, and re-storied their experiences, cultural knowledge, and identities with/through Julle. They also engaged in critical thinking with/through Julle. The study contributes to knowledge on the meaning of materiality in children’s storying in, with, and for nature and the educational possibilities of augmented storying for children’s (eco)literacies.
Low-Complexity Multi-User Parameterized Beamforming in Massive MIMO Systems
Authors: Jung Geon-Woong , Lee Yong-Hwan
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we design a complexity-reduced transmission scheme in massive antenna environments. To reduce the implementation complexity for the generation of beam weight, we design a multi-user parameterized beamforming (MUPB) scheme that can control the beam direction using a single parameter with combined use of maximum ratio transmission and partial zero-forcing scheme that partially nulls out interference. We design the MUPB to maximize the signal-to-leakage plus noise ratio (SLNR). To further reduce the implementation complexity, we optimize the MUPB based on approximated SLNR instead of accurate SLNR. Finally, the performance of the proposed MUPB is verified by computer simulation.
Impact of Alternative Stabilization Strategies for the Production of PAN-Based Carbon Fibers with High Performance
Authors: Soulis Spyridon , Konstantopoulos George , Koumoulos Elias P. , Charitidis Costas A.
Published: May 2020

The aim of this work is to review a possible correlation of composition, thermal processing, and recent alternative stabilization technologies to the mechanical properties. The chemical microstructure of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) is discussed in detail to understand the influence in thermomechanical properties during stabilization by observing transformation from thermoplastic to ladder polymer. In addition, relevant literature data are used to understand the comonomer composition effect on mechanical properties. Technologies of direct fiber heating by irradiation have been recently involved and hold promise to enhance performance, reduce processing time and energy consumption. Carbon fiber manufacturing can provide benefits by using higher comonomer ratios, similar to textile grade or melt-spun PAN, in order to cut costs derived from an acrylonitrile precursor, without suffering in regard to mechanical properties. Energy intensive processes of stabilization and carbonization remain a challenging field of research in order to reduce both environmental impact and cost of the wide commercialization of carbon fibers (CFs) to enable their broad application.
Contamination Level, Distribution Characteristics, and Ecotoxicity of Tetrabromobisphenol A in Water and Sediment from Weihe River Basin, China
Authors: Wang Xueli , Li Chenyang , Yuan Xiaoyu , Yang Shengke
Published: May 2020

Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) is a brominated flame retardant, which is widely present in the various environmental and biological media. The knowledge on the contamination of TBBPA in Weihe River Basin is still limited. In order to know the pollution level and distribution of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) in the Weihe River Basin, a total of 34 sediment samples and 36 water samples were collected from the main stream and tributaries of the WeiHe River Basin, and the concentration of TBBPA in the samples was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS). The detection frequency of TBBPA in sediments and water samples was 61.8% and 27.8%, respectively; the TBBPA concentrations in sediments and water samples were in the range of not detected (N.D.)–3.889 ng/g (mean value of 0.283 ng/g) and N.D—12.279 ng/L (mean value of 0.937 ng/L), respectively. Compared with other areas in China, the residues of TBBPA in the Weihe River Basin were at a relatively low level. The spatial distributions of TBBPA in surface sediments and water indicated that the local point-input was their major source. This is related to the proximity of some sampling sites to industrial areas and domestic sewage discharge areas. The insignificant correlation between TBBPA and total organic carbon (TOC) indicated that TBBPA in sediments is not only influenced by TOC but also affected by atmosphere and land input, wet deposition, and long-distance transmission. The potential risks posed by TBBPA in water and sediment were characterized using the risk quotient (RQ) method. The calculated RQ for TBBPA was less than 0.01, showing that the ecological risk due to TBBPA was quite low for aquatic organisms.
Perception of Gender-Based Violence and Sexual Harassment in University Students: Analysis of the Information Sources and Risk within a Relationship
Authors: Osuna-Rodríguez Mercedes , Rodríguez-Osuna Luis Manuel , Dios Irene , Amor María Isabel
Published: May 2020

In a truly democratic society, there should be no place for any kind of discrimination or violence. Among the basic tools for eradicating discrimination and violence against women, education has a crucial role to play. Education about gender should be considered at all levels, in all year groups and across the curriculum, so as to improve education about this subject. Although these matters are increasingly addressed, at university level, including at postgraduate level, they are often forgotten. The purpose of this study is to break down the level of knowledge of gender-based violence and/or sexual stalking, the sources of information most widely used for developing this knowledge, and beliefs about situations of risk in relationships among a sample of 268 Science and Social Science students at the University of Córdoba (Spain). The analysis was descriptive, comparative and correlative. Means and standard deviations were analyzed, and correlations were used to establish possible relations among the variables. Cluster analysis was used to distribute the sample with respect to knowledge of violence and Student’s t-test was used to identify differences between groups. The chi-squared test was used to find the association between variables such as situations of violence and places of residence. The results show that, although the experience of gender-based violence is among the least common sources of violence, there is evidence that these situations do exist, and the risk of violent acts and/or stalking is greater when couples break up. The perception of risk is higher when students have a greater knowledge of gender-based violence or sexual harassment and this perception is higher in women. As expected, greater knowledge is also associated with experience of this type of situation; however, place of residence was not linked to greater or lesser knowledge. Training in gender is considered essential and necessary in the university environment.
Psychometric Properties of the Condom Use Self-Efficacy Scale among Young Colombians
Authors: Sanchez-Mendoza Vanessa , Soriano-Ayala Encarnacion , Vallejo-Medina Pablo
Published: May 2020

(1) Background: This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Condom Use Self-Efficacy Scale among Colombian youth. (2) Method: A total of 2873 men and women between 18 and 26 years old (M = 21.45, SD = 2.26) took part in this study. All participants answered a socio-demographic survey, the Condom Use Self-Efficacy Scale, the UCLA Multidimensional Condom Attitudes Scale, The Condom Use Errors and Problems Scale, and the Sexual Assertiveness Scale. Sampling was web-based, and the survey was distributed via Facebook. (3) Results: The Condom Use Self-Efficacy Scale demonstrated adequate reliability (ordinal α ranged = 0.76 to 0.92). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis suggested a four-factor structure with an explained variance of 69%. This dimensionality was also invariant across gender. Moreover, positive attitudes toward condom use were significantly associated with appropriation and assertiveness. Two dimensions (appropriation and partner disapproval) showed significant gender differences. (4) Conclusions: The Spanish–Colombian version of the Condom Use Self-Efficacy Scale is a psychometrically adequate instrument to measure perceived condom use self-efficacy. This scale can be used in both research and professional settings to measure self-efficacy at using condoms in young people.
Risk Factors for Depressive Symptoms in Long-Haul Truck Drivers
Authors: Crizzle Alexander M. , McLean Maeve , Malkin Jennifer
Published: May 2020

Work-related stress is a salient risk factor for depression. While long-haul truck drivers (LHTDs) face a myriad of occupational pressures and demands, little research has examined predictors of depressive symptoms in this occupational group. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of depressive symptoms in LHTDs. A cross-sectional study was used to examine depressive symptoms, health and working conditions in a sample of 107 LHTDs (mean age of 50.7 ± 12.3; 95.6% were men) at truck stops from five Western Canadian cities. The findings show that 44% of LHTDs reported symptoms of depression in the past 12 months. Severe work-related stress, the use of psychiatric medications and broken sleep were significant predictors of depressive symptomology accounting for 41% of the variance. The findings suggest that LHTDs experience a host of occupational stressors that are embedded within the transportation industry that may increase the risk for depressive symptoms. Mental health promotion efforts that improve sleep quality, decrease work-related demands and pressures, and increase the use of psychiatric medication may reduce rates of depressive symptoms among LHTDs.
Documenting the Food Insecurity Experiences and Nutritional Status of Women in India: Study Protocol
Authors: McKay Fiona H , John Preethi , Sims Alice , Kaur Gaganjot , Kaushal Jyotsna
Published: May 2020

Background: Despite significant growth and change in India over the past two decades, some public health indicators have failed to keep pace. One such indicator is food insecurity. India is home to the largest number of people experiencing hunger and food insecurity. Food security is described as “a situation that exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life”. While there has been considerable research investigating the role of crop yields, policy interventions, and food production in alleviating food insecurity in India, there is insufficient research investigating the social and cultural influences of food insecurity, including the role of women. The primary aim of this research is to investigate the experience of food insecurity among women in India. The objectives of this research are (1) to determine the role of women in food production and its contribution to household food security; (2) to examine the gender roles within households and the decision-making processes that influence food security, and (3) to investigate household nutritional status and food insecurity experience. Methods: Participants will include women who live in a village in Punjab, India. Interviews with 100 households, drawn from a convenience sample will be conducted. Interviews will be conducted in Punjabi with simultaneous English translation, and will include: food related experiences, anthropometric measurements (weight, height, waist, and hip) and dietary assessment (24-h diet recall, two non-consecutive days), dwelling facilities, agriculture related information, including household agriculture activities undertaken, food security status (via the United States Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Scale Measurement), and demographic information. Discussion: This study aims to investigate a range of determinants of food insecurity among a rural population. It will allow for the identification of some of the components of household food insecurity among women in India and will go part of the way to understanding how and why India continues to experience food and nutritional insecurity despite growth and progress in a range of other indicators.
Statistical Analysis and Prediction of Fatal Accidents in the Metallurgical Industry in China
Authors: Xu Qingwei , Xu Kaili
Published: May 2020

The metallurgical industry is a significant component of the national economy. The main purpose of this study was to establish a composite risk analysis method for fatal accidents in the metallurgical industry. We collected 152 fatal accidents in the Chinese metallurgical industry from 2001 to 2018, including 141 major accidents, 10 severe accidents, and 1 extraordinarily severe accident, together resulting in 731 deaths. Different from traffic or chemical industry accidents, most of the accidents in the metallurgical industry are poisoning and asphyxiation accidents, which account for 40% of the total number of fatal accidents. As the original statistical data of fatal accidents in the metallurgical industry have irregular fluctuations, the traditional prediction methods, such as linear or quadratic regression models, cannot be used to predict their future characteristics. To overcome this issue, the grey interval predicting method and the GM(1,1) model of grey system theory are introduced to predict the future characteristics of fatal accidents in the metallurgical industry. Different from a fault tree analysis or event tree analysis, the bow tie model integrates the basic causes, possible consequences, and corresponding safety measures of an accident in a transparent diagram. In this study, the bow tie model was used to identify the causes and consequences of fatal accidents in the metallurgical industry; then, corresponding safety measures were adopted to reduce the risk.
Preventing Harmful Internet Use-Related Addiction Problems in Europe: A Literature Review and Policy Options
Authors: Lopez-Fernandez Olatz , Kuss Daria J.
Published: May 2020

Internet use-related addiction problems are increasingly being recognized on a European scale due to international health organizations considering gaming addiction. In April 2013, the American Psychiatric Association recognized Internet Gaming Disorder in the fifth Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, and in April 2018, the World Health Organization included Gaming Disorder in the eleventh International Classification of Diseases. However, findings on these problems within this period are lacking in Europe, and a preventive approach is missing globally. A detailed critical literature review was conducted using PsycINFO and Web of Science in this five-year period. A total of 19 studies were reviewed and problems identified were: generalized Internet addiction and online gaming and gambling addictions across seven European countries (i.e., Spain, Germany, France, Italy, Greece, The Netherlands, and Denmark). The individuals with problematic use were found to be educated adolescents, usually young males with comorbid disorders, and gaming and gambling disorders were implicated in the most severe cases. Cognitive behavioral therapy was the main treatment, sometimes combined with a systemic approach for adolescents. Prevalence, high-risk populations, and factors contributing to these addiction problems are discussed, and a set of policy options are developed for this region. The implications for early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in Europe are considered.
Evidence of Intraday Multifractality in European Stock Markets during the Recent Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak
Authors: Aslam Faheem , Mohti Wahbeeah , Ferreira Paulo
Published: May 2020

This study assesses how the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) affects the intraday multifractal properties of eight European stock markets by using five-minute index data ranging from 1 January 2020 to 23 March 2020. The Hurst exponents are calculated by applying multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MFDFA). Overall, the results confirm the existence of multifractality in European stock markets during the COVID-19 outbreak. Furthermore, based on multifractal properties, efficiency varies among these markets. The Spanish stock market remains most efficient while the least efficient is that of Austria. Belgium, Italy and Germany remain somewhere in the middle. This far-reaching outbreak demands a comprehensive response from policy makers to improve market efficiency during such epidemics.
Ambient Population and Larceny-Theft: A Spatial Analysis Using Mobile Phone Data
Authors: He Li , Páez Antonio , Jiao Jianmin , An Ping , Lu Chuntian , Mao Wen , Long Dongping
Published: May 2020

In the spatial analysis of crime, the residential population has been a conventional measure of the population at risk. Recent studies suggest that the ambient population is a useful alternative measure of the population at risk that can better capture the activity patterns of a population. However, current studies are limited by the availability of high precision demographic characteristics, such as social activities and the origins of residents. In this research, we use spatially referenced mobile phone data to measure the size and activity patterns of various types of ambient population, and further investigate the link between urban larceny-theft and population with multiple demographic and activity characteristics. A series of crime attractors, generators, and detractors are also considered in the analysis to account for the spatial variation of crime opportunities. The major findings based on a negative binomial model are three-fold. (1) The size of the non-local population and people’s social regularity calculated from mobile phone big data significantly correlate with the spatial variation of larceny-theft. (2) Crime attractors, generators, and detractors, measured by five types of Points of Interest (POIs), significantly depict the criminality of places and impact opportunities for crime. (3) Higher levels of nighttime light are associated with increased levels of larceny-theft. The results have practical implications for linking the ambient population to crime, and the insights are informative for several theories of crime and crime prevention efforts.
Estimation of Potato Yield Using Satellite Data at a Municipal Level: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Salvador Pablo , Gómez Diego , Sanz Julia , Casanova José Luis
Published: May 2020

Crop growth modeling and yield forecasting are essential to improve food security policies worldwide. To estimate potato (Solanum tubersum L.) yield over Mexico at a municipal level, we used meteorological data provided by the ERA5 (ECMWF Re-Analysis) dataset developed by the Copernicus Climate Change Service, satellite imagery from the TERRA platform, and field information. Five different machine learning algorithms were used to build the models: random forest (rf), support vector machine linear (svmL), support vector machine polynomial (svmP), support vector machine radial (svmR), and general linear model (glm). The optimized models were tested using independent data (2017 and 2018) not used in the training and optimization phase (2004–2016). In terms of percent root mean squared error (%RMSE), the best results were obtained by the rf algorithm in the winter cycle using variables from the first three months of the cycle (R2 = 0.757 and %RMSE = 18.9). For the summer cycle, the best performing model was the svmP which used the first five months of the cycle as variables (R2 = 0.858 and %RMSE = 14.9). Our results indicated that adding predictor variables of the last two months before the harvest did not significantly improved model performances. These results demonstrate that our models can predict potato yield by analyzing the yield of the previous year, the general conditions of NDVI, meteorology, and information related to the irrigation system at a municipal level.
Modelling Housing Rents Using Spatial Autoregressive Geographically Weighted Regression: A Case Study in Cracow, Poland
Authors: Tomal Mateusz
Published: May 2020

The proportion of tenants will undoubtedly rise in Poland, where at present, the ownership housing model is very dominant. As a result, the rental housing market in Poland is currently under-researched in comparison with owner-occupancy. In order to narrow this research gap, this study attempts to identify the determinants affecting rental prices in Cracow. The latter were obtained from the internet platform otodom.pl using the web scraping technique. To identify rent determinants, ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and spatial econometric methods were used. In particular, traditional spatial autoregressive model (SAR) and spatial autoregressive geographically weighted regression (GWR-SAR) were employed, which made it possible to take into account the spatial heterogeneity of the parameters of determinants and the spatially changing spatial autocorrelation of housing rents. In-depth analysis of rent determinants using the GWR-SAR model exposed the complexity of the rental market in Cracow. Estimates of the above model revealed that many local markets can be identified in Cracow, with different factors shaping housing rents. However, one can identify some determinants that are ubiquitous for almost the entire city. This concerns mainly the variables describing the area of the flat and the age of the building. Moreover, the Monte Carlo test indicated that the spatial autoregressive parameter also changes significantly over space.
Evaluation of Driving Forces of Land Use and Land Cover Change in New England Area by a Mixed Method
Authors: Zhai Ruiting , Zhang Chuanrong , Li Weidong , Zhang Xiang , Li Xueke
Published: May 2020

Understanding the driving forces of land use/cover change (LUCC) is a requisite to mitigate and manage effects and consequences of LUCC. This study aims to analyze drivers of LUCC in New England, USA. It combines meta-study, GIS, and machine learning to identify the important factors of LUCC in the area. Firstly, we conducted a meta-study of the research on LUCC in the New England area and specifically focused on the driving forces analysis. The meta-analysis revealed that the LUCC studies in the research area were highly related with many other research topics, and population and economic factors were the most mentioned drivers of the LUCC. The drivers of LUCC in this study area for the past several decades were relatively well analyzed. However, the study of the main driving forces of recent LUCC is lacking. Then, the determinants of LUCC for the recent years were quantitatively assessed using the random forests (RF) model along with geospatial data processing. Two planning regions in Connecticut and one planning region in Massachusetts were selected to serve as the case study areas. Investigated variables included environmental and biophysical variables, location measures of infrastructure and existing land use, political variables, and demographic and social variables. These drivers were examined for their relations with LUCC processes. Their importance as driving forces was ranked by the RF method. The results show both consistency and inconsistency between the meta-analysis and the RF method. We found that this mixed method can enhance our understanding of driving forces of LUCC and improve the selection quality of important drivers for modeling LUCC. With more solid information, better land management advices for sustainable development may also be provided.
Issues of Healthcare Planning and GIS: A Review
Authors: Khashoggi Bandar Fuad , Murad Abdulkader
Published: May 2020

Introduction: For the past 2400 years, the spatial relationship between health and location has been a concern for researchers. Studies have been conducted for decades to understand such a relationship, which has led to the identification of a number of healthcare planning issues. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology has contributed to addressing such issues by applying analytical approaches at the level of epidemiological surveillance and evaluating the spatial inequality of access to healthcare. Consequently, the importance of reviewing healthcare planning issues and recognition of the role of GIS are integral to relevant studies. Such research will contribute to increasing the understanding of how to apply analytical approaches for dealing with healthcare planning issues using GIS. Methods: This paper aims to provide an examination of healthcare planning issues and focuses on reviewing the potential of GIS in dealing with such issues by applying analytical approaches. The method of a typical literature review was used through collecting data from various studies selected based on temporal and descriptive considerations. Results: Researchers have focused on developing and applying analytical approaches using GIS to support two important aspects of healthcare planning: first, epidemic surveillance and modeling, despite a lack of health information and its management, and, second, evaluating the spatial inequality of access to healthcare in order to determine the optimum distribution of health resources. Conclusion: GIS is an effective tool to support spatial decision-making in public health through applying the evolving analytical approaches to dealing with healthcare planning issues. This requires a literature review before preparing relevant studies, particularly because of the continuous development of GIS technologies.
Progesterone Attenuates Stress-Induced NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation and Enhances Autophagy Following Ischemic Brain Injury
Authors: Espinosa-Garcia Claudia , Atif Fahim , Yousuf Seema , Sayeed Iqbal , Neigh Gretchen N. , Stein Donald G.
Published: May 2020

NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome inhibition and autophagy induction attenuate inflammation and improve outcome in rodent models of cerebral ischemia. However, the impact of chronic stress on NLRP3 inflammasome and autophagic response to ischemia remains unknown. Progesterone (PROG), a neuroprotective steroid, shows promise in reducing excessive inflammation associated with poor outcome in ischemic brain injury patients with comorbid conditions, including elevated stress. Stress primes microglia, mainly by the release of alarmins such as high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1). HMGB1 activates the NLRP3 inflammasome, resulting in pro-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-1β production. In experiment 1, adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to social defeat stress for 8 days and then subjected to global ischemia by the 4-vessel occlusion model, a clinically relevant brain injury associated with cardiac arrest. PROG was administered 2 and 6 h after occlusion and then daily for 7 days. Animals were killed at 7 or 14 days post-ischemia. Here, we show that stress and global ischemia exert a synergistic effect in HMGB1 release, resulting in exacerbation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and autophagy impairment in the hippocampus of ischemic animals. In experiment 2, an in vitro inflammasome assay, primary microglia isolated from neonatal brain tissue, were primed with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and stimulated with adenosine triphosphate (ATP), displaying impaired autophagy and increased IL-1β production. In experiment 3, hippocampal microglia isolated from stressed and unstressed animals, were stimulated ex vivo with LPS, exhibiting similar changes than primary microglia. Treatment with PROG reduced HMGB1 release and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and enhanced autophagy in stressed and unstressed ischemic animals. Pre-treatment with an autophagy inhibitor blocked Progesterone’s (PROG’s) beneficial effects in microglia. Our data suggest that modulation of microglial priming is one of the molecular mechanisms by which PROG ameliorates ischemic brain injury under stressful conditions.
Bactericidal and Bioresorbable Calcium Phosphate Cements Fabricated by Silver-Containing Tricalcium Phosphate Microspheres
Authors: Honda Michiyo , Kawanobe Yusuke , Nagata Kohei , Ishii Ken , Matsumoto Morio , Aizawa Mamoru
Published: May 2020

Bacterial adhesion to the calcium phosphate surface is a serious problem in surgery. To prevent bacterial infection, the development of calcium-phosphate cements (CPCs) with bactericidal properties is indispensable. The aim of this study was to fabricate antibacterial CPCs and evaluate their biological properties. Silver-containing tricalcium phosphate (Ag-TCP) microspheres consisting of α/β-TCP phases were synthesized by an ultrasonic spray-pyrolysis technique. The powders prepared were mixed with the setting liquid to fabricate the CPCs. The resulting cements consisting of β-TCP and hydroxyapatite had a porous structure and wash-out resistance. Additionally, silver and calcium ions could be released into the culture medium from Ag-TCP cements for a long time accompanied by the dissolution of TCP. These data showed the bioresorbability of the Ag-TCP cement. In vitro antibacterial evaluation demonstrated that both released and immobilized silver suppressed the growth of bacteria and prevented bacterial adhesion to the surface of CPCs. Furthermore, histological evaluation by implantation of Ag-TCP cements into rabbit tibiae exhibited abundant bone apposition on the cement without inflammatory responses. These results showed that Ag-TCP cement has a good antibacterial property and good biocompatibility. The present Ag-TCP cements are promising for bone tissue engineering and may be used as antibacterial biomaterials.
In Vivo Transmigrated Human Neutrophils Are Highly Primed for Intracellular Radical Production Induced by Monosodium Urate Crystals
Authors: Davidsson Lisa , Dahlstrand Rudin Agnes , Sanchez Klose Felix Peter , Buck Alicia , Björkman Lena , Christenson Karin , Bylund Johan
Published: May 2020

Gout is an inflammatory disease caused by monosodium urate (MSU) crystals. The role of neutrophils in gout is less clear, although several studies have shown neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation in acutely inflamed joints of gout patients. MSU crystals are known to induce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NET formation in neutrophils isolated from blood, but there is inconclusive knowledge on the localization of ROS production as well as whether the ROS are required for NET formation. In this report we demonstrate that MSU crystals activate human neutrophils to produce ROS exclusively in intracellular compartments. Additionally, in vivo transmigrated neutrophils derived from experimental skin chambers displayed markedly increased ROS production as compared to resting blood neutrophils. We also confirmed that MSU stimulation potently induced NET formation, but this response was not primed in in vivo transmigrated neutrophils. In line with this we found that MSU-triggered NET formation was independent of ROS production and proceeded normally in neutrophils from patients with dysfunctional respiratory burst (chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) and complete myeloperoxidase (MPO) deficiency). Our data indicate that in vivo transmigrated neutrophils are markedly primed for oxidative responses to MSU crystals and that MSU triggered NET formation is independent of ROS production.
House Dust Mite Induces Bone Marrow IL-33-Responsive ILC2s and TH Cells
Authors: Boberg Emma , Johansson Kristina , Malmhäll Carina , Weidner Julie , Rådinger Madeleine
Published: May 2020

Type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) and their adaptive counterpart type 2 T helper (TH2) cells respond to interleukin-33 (IL-33) by producing IL-5, which is a crucial cytokine for eosinophil development in the bone marrow. The aim of this study was to determine if bone marrow ILC2s, TH cells, and eosinophils are locally regulated by IL-33 in terms of number and activation upon exposure to the common aeroallergen house dust mite (HDM). Mice that were sensitized and challenged with HDM by intranasal exposures induced eosinophil development in the bone marrow with an initial increase of IL5Rα+ eosinophil progenitors, following elevated numbers of mature eosinophils and the induction of airway eosinophilia. Bone marrow ILC2s, TH2, and eosinophils all responded to HDM challenge by increased IL-33 receptor (ST2) expression. However, only ILC2s, but not TH cells, revealed increased ST2 expression at the onset of eosinophil development, which significantly correlated with the number of eosinophil progenitors. In summary, our findings suggest that airway allergen challenges with HDM activates IL-33-responsive ILC2s, TH cells, and eosinophils locally in the bone marrow. Targeting the IL-33/ST2 axis in allergic diseases including asthma may be beneficial by decreasing eosinophil production in the bone marrow.
A Mild Method for Preparation of Highly Selective Magnetic Biochar Microspheres
Authors: Zhao Tao , Chen Rongqi , Wang Junping
Published: May 2020

We report the use of biochar and Fe3O4 nanoparticles as co-stabilizers for oil-in-water (o/w) Pickering emulsion. The emulsion is subsequently used to prepare magnetic tetracycline-imprinted biochar composite microspheres (MMIPMs) with good uniformity and high selectivity. The MMIPMs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunner-Emmet-Teller (BET) measurements, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA). The adsorption properties of tetracycline to the MMIPMs were investigated using different adsorption experiments including adsorption kinetic experiment, equilibrium binding experiment, selectivity evaluation and competitive adsorption tests. The theoretical maximum adsorption capacity of the MMIPMs (15.45 mg g−1) was greater than that of the raw biochar (2.10 mg g−1) and non-imprinted biochar composite microspheres (3.39 mg g−1) for tetracycline. Further, the MMIPMs were used as adsorbent for magnetic solid phase extraction (SPE) for the extraction of tetracycline present in drinking water, milk, fish and chicken samples. Under optimal conditions, the results showed good recovery yield ranging from 88.41% to 106.29% with a relative standard deviation (RSD) ranging from 0.35% to 6.83%, respectively.