bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial Intelligence Approach for Tomato Detection and Mass Estimation in Precision Agriculture
Authors: Lee Jaesu , Nazki Haseeb , Baek Jeonghyun , Hong Youngsin , Lee Meonghun
Published: November 2020

Application of computer vision and robotics in agriculture requires sufficient knowledge and understanding of the physical properties of the object of interest. Yield monitoring is an example where these properties affect the quantified estimation of yield mass. In this study, we propose an image-processing and artificial intelligence-based system using multi-class detection with instance-wise segmentation of fruits in an image that can further estimate dimensions and mass. We analyze a tomato image dataset with mass and dimension values collected using a calibrated vision system and accurate measuring devices. After successful detection and instance-wise segmentation, we extract the real-world dimensions of the fruit. Our characterization results exhibited a significantly high correlation between dimensions and mass, indicating that artificial intelligence algorithms can effectively capture this complex physical relation to estimate the final mass. We also compare different artificial intelligence algorithms to show that the computed mass agrees well with the actual mass. Detection and segmentation results show an average mask intersection over union of 96.05%, mean average precision of 92.28%, detection accuracy of 99.02%, and precision of 99.7%. The mean absolute percentage error for mass estimation was 7.09 for 77 test samples using a bagged ensemble tree regressor. This approach could be applied to other computer vision and robotic applications such as sizing and packaging systems and automated harvesting or to other measuring instruments.
A Multi-Decadal Spatial Analysis of Demographic Vulnerability to Urban Flood: A Case Study of Birmingham City, USA
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Khalid , Meng Qingmin
Published: November 2020

Flooding, including hurricanes and tornadoes, accounts for approximately 40 percent of natural disasters worldwide and kills 100 people on average in the United States each year, which is more than any other single weather hazard. Since flooding is a common hazard in the U.S. and flood-related casualties have been increasing in recent years, it is important to understand the spatial patterns of different vulnerable population groups in the flooding regions. To achieve this objective, spatial scan statistics were used to identify the spatial clusters of different demographic groups (children and elderly, poor, White, African American, and Hispanic) in the 100-year floodplain areas of Birmingham. Using the decennial census data from 1990 to 2015, this research examined whether these vulnerable population groups had aggregated more in the flooding areas or moved away from the flooding areas in the past thirty years. The findings of this research indicate that most of the minorities are increasingly aggregating in the floodplain areas of Village Creek in Birmingham. The findings also suggest that the non-minorities are moving away from the flooding regions in Birmingham, AL. As part of the minorities and non-minorities group, approximately 50 percent of African Americans and 4 percent of White populations aggregated in the Village Creek flooding areas in 2015. Although the percentage of White populations is very low, the findings suggest that they are still exposed to floods. The multi-decadal analysis of flood risk will help the local governments to understand which population groups could be more affected by floods historically and need more attention in future flood hazards. This understanding will help them prepare for future flood hazards by allocating resources efficiently among the different racial and ethnic groups.
Entrepreneurial Cooperation Model between University and SMEs: A Case Study in Iran
Authors: Moradi Yazdan , Noori Siamak
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this research is to design and explain an entrepreneurial cooperation model between a university and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The main research question is as follows: What are the elements and conditions of development for entrepreneurial cooperation between the university and SMEs? In this study, a qualitative research method called grounded theory has been used. Data collection was conducted through a semi-structured interview, observation and, afterwards, library studies. The number of interviews continued until theoretical saturation was reached and, in each interview, the coding was modified and edited compared to the previous interview. Based on this model, the goals and motivations of entrepreneurial cooperation were introduced as the causal conditions, entrepreneurial cooperation between the university and SMEs was introduced as the main phenomenon, environmental issues and the entrepreneurship cooperation ecosystem were introduced as the background conditions, the context and infrastructure of entrepreneurial cooperation were introduced as the mediator condition and entrepreneurial cooperation consequence was introduced as the model consequence. The strategies of the entrepreneurship cooperation model between the university and SMEs are as follows: strategies related to the private sector and strategies related to the non-private sector.
Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Five Greek Yogurt Production Systems: A Perspective beyond the Plant Boundaries
Authors: Houssard Catherine , Maxime Dominique , Benoit Scott , Pouliot Yves , Margni Manuele
Published: November 2020

Greek yogurt (GY), a high-protein-low-fat dairy product, particularly prized for its sensory and nutritional benefits, revolutionized the North American yogurt market in less than a decade, bringing with it new sustainability challenges. Standard GY production generates large volumes of acid whey, a co-product that is a potential source of environmental pollution if not recovered. This study aims to assess the environmental performance of different technologies and identify the main factors to improve GY production. A complete life cycle assessment (LCA) was performed to compare the standard technology (centrifugation) with two new technologies (fortification and ultrafiltration) to reduce acid whey volumes. Three milk protein concentrate alternatives were also assessed. Results show that technology choice is not a clear discriminant factor. However, minimizing losses and wastage (accounting for 23 to 25% of the environmental impacts for all indicators) beyond the processing plant and selecting milk ingredients (accounting for 63 to 67% of the impacts) with low environmental impacts are key factors to improve the environmental performance of GY systems. From a methodological perspective, the results also highlight a shortcoming in the current LCA guidelines (2015) issued by the International Dairy Federation to treat the multifunctionality of GY systems.
Home-Based Locational Accessibility to Essential Urban Services: The Case of Wake County, North Carolina, USA
Authors: Shen Guoqiang , Wang Zhangye , Zhou Long , Liu Yu , Yan Xiaoyi
Published: November 2020

Accessibility is an important concept in urban studies and planning, especially on issues related to sustainable transportation planning and urban spatial structure. This paper develops an optimization model to examine the accessibility from single family homes to major urban facilities for services or amenities using geographical information systems. The home-based accessibility to facilities is based upon the point to point direct distance from sampled homes to sampled facilities. Descriptive statistics about the accessibility, such as min/max, mean/median, and standard deviation/variance were computed. Variations of accessibility for a range of categories by home price and year built were also examined. Multivariate linear regression models examining the housing value with respect to home-facility accessibility by facility types were implemented. The results show that desirable urban facilities, which are also more frequently used for livability, enjoy better accessibility than undesirable urban facilities. The home-based accessibility’s positive or negative associations with home price along with year built and/or residential lot size exist for most facilities in general, and by confirming to the literature, the home-facility accessibility in particular does strongly impact home values as evidenced by fair to excellent R2 values. Accordingly, this research provides evidence-based recommendations for sustainable urban mobility and urban planning.
Identifying and Assessing Sustainable Value Management Implementation Activities in Developing Countries: The Case of Egypt
Authors: Kineber Ahmed Farouk , Othman Idris , Oke Ayodeji Emmanuel , Chileshe Nicholas , Buniya Mohanad Kamil
Published: November 2020

Value management (VM) has become a useful tool for achieving sustainability in many countries. This paper aims to assess VM implementation and its activities towards achieving sustainable building projects in Egypt. Data were obtained from the literature, followed by a qualitative approach through a semi-structured interview and a quantitative approach via a questionnaire survey. In Cairo and Giza, data were collected from a sample of 200 building professionals using a questionnaire, while exploration of the country’s VM activities practice was completed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), including descriptive statistics such as “frequency analysis” and ”measures of central tendencies”. The results show that VM awareness was demonstrated by 64% of the sample, which means that they know about VM. On the other hand, most respondents, 85.3%, did not adopt VM and did not receive any VM training. The results also show, through EFA, that the correlations between these activities show five main components: an information phase, a function phase, a creativity phase, an evaluation phase, and a development/presentation phase. This study will help building professionals to eliminate unwanted costs and enhance project sustainability by adopting VM in building projects in developing countries. Finally, the results of this study will enhance building management through the implementation of VM elements, with a view to ensuring value for money and meeting sustainability goals.
An Integrated Approach to Energy Education in Engineering
Authors: Hoople Gordon D. , Chen Diana A. , Lord Susan M. , Gelles Laura A. , Bilow Felicity , Mejia Joel Alejandro
Published: November 2020

What do engineering students in 2020 need to know about energy to be successful in the workplace and contribute to addressing society’s issues related to energy? Beginning with this question, we have designed a new course for second-year engineering students. Drawing on the interdisciplinary backgrounds of our diverse team of engineering instructors, we aimed to provide an introduction to energy for all engineering students that challenged the dominant discourse in engineering by valuing students’ lived experiences and bringing in examples situated in different cultural contexts. An Integrated Approach to Energy was offered for the first time in Spring 2020 for 18 students. In this paper, we describe the design of the course including learning objectives, content, and pedagogical approach. We assessed students’ learning using exams and the impact of the overall course using interviews. Students demonstrated achievement of the learning objectives in technical areas. In addition, interviews revealed that they learned about environmental, economic, and social aspects of engineering practice. We intend for this course to serve as a model of engineering as a sociotechnical endeavor by challenging students with scenarios that are technically demanding and require critical thinking about contextual implications.
Subtraction: More than an Algorithm?
Authors: Rodríguez-Sánchez M. Mercedes , Sánchez-García Ana B. , López-Fernández Ricardo
Published: November 2020

One of the aims of compulsory education is for students to adequately handle basic maths, owing to its importance in their future professional and personal lives. However, mechanical knowledge of an algorithm may not be sufficient to train future citizens with critical and creative thinking if it is not accompanied by a comprehensive understanding of the concept. In this regard, existing research shows that a high percentage of students in primary education commit errors when they attempt subtraction. However, little is known about whether adults perform the same calculations correctly. In this context, 535 university students completed a questionnaire composed of 20 subtractions. The results showed that only one quarter of respondents performed the subtractions correctly. Analysis of error type showed that the most frequent mistakes corresponded to the systematic errors made by primary-level students. This may indicate that the types of errors committed during early learning persist over time, implying that subtraction may not have been adequately taught. New educational approaches and initiatives are required to encourage the teaching and learning of subtraction in a more reasoned and critical manner during early learning.
What Affects Garment Lifespans? International Clothing Practices Based on a Wardrobe Survey in China, Germany, Japan, the UK, and the USA
Authors: Laitala Kirsi , Klepp Ingun Grimstad
Published: November 2020

Increasing the length of clothing lifespans is crucial for reducing the total environmental impacts. This article discusses which factors contribute to the length of garment lifespans by studying how long garments are used, how many times they are worn, and by how many users. The analysis is based on quantitative wardrobe survey data from China, Germany, Japan, the UK, and the USA. Variables were divided into four blocks related respectively to the garment, user, garment use, and clothing practices, and used in two hierarchical multiple regressions and two binary logistic regressions. The models explain between 11% and 43% of the variation in clothing lifespans. The garment use block was most indicative for the number of wears, while garment related properties contribute most to variation in the number of users. For lifespans measured in years, all four aspects were almost equally important. Some aspects that affect the lifespans of clothing cannot be easily changed (e.g., the consumer’s income, nationality, and age) but they can be used to identify where different measures can have the largest benefits. Several of the other conditions that affect lifespans can be changed (e.g., garment price and attitudes towards fashion) through quality management, marketing strategies, information, and improved consumer policies.
Indoxyl Sulfate and Incident Peripheral Artery Disease in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Lin Ting-Yun , Chou Hsin-Hua , Huang Hsuan-Li , Hung Szu-Chun
Published: November 2020

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is highly prevalent among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and portends a very poor prognosis. Indoxyl sulfate has been shown to induce atherothrombosis and impaired neovascularization in uremic mice. However, there is no clinical evidence regarding the role of indoxyl sulfate in PAD associated with CKD. We examined associations between indoxyl sulfate and incident symptomatic lower extremity PAD events as well as major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause mortality using Cox proportional hazards models in a prospective cohort of 200 hemodialysis patients free of PAD at baseline. Patients were considered as having PAD if they developed PAD symptoms confirmed by an ankle-brachial index with waveforms, duplex ultrasound or angiography, and/or major adverse limb events including revascularization and amputation. During a median follow-up of 6.5 years, 37 patients (18.5%) experienced incident symptomatic PAD. MACE occurred in 52 patients, and a total of 85 patients died. After adjusting for traditional risk factors for PAD, including age, current smoking, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, indoxyl sulfate was significantly associated with the risk of PAD (hazard ratio (HR), 1.19 for every 10-μg/mL increase in indoxyl sulfate; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05–1.35). However, indoxyl sulfate was not associated with risk of MACE (HR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.90–1.12) or death from any cause (HR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.90–1.07). Indoxyl sulfate was associated with incident symptomatic PAD but not with MACE or all-cause mortality, suggesting that indoxyl sulfate toxicity may be unique to PAD among hemodialysis patients.
First Phylogenetic Analysis of Malian SARS-CoV-2 Sequences Provides Molecular Insights into the Genomic Diversity of the Sahel Region
Authors: Kouriba Bourema , Dürr Angela , Rehn Alexandra , Sangaré Abdoul Karim , Traoré Brehima Y. , Bestehorn-Willmann Malena S. , Ouedraogo Judicael , Heitzer Asli , Sogodogo Elisabeth , Maiga Abderrhamane , Walter Mathias C. , Zimmermann Fee , Wölfel Roman , Antwerpen Markus H.
Published: November 2020

We are currently facing a pandemic of COVID-19, caused by a spillover from an animal-originating coronavirus to humans occurring in the Wuhan region of China in December 2019. From China, the virus has spread to 188 countries and regions worldwide, reaching the Sahel region on 2 March 2020. Since whole genome sequencing (WGS) data is very crucial to understand the spreading dynamics of the ongoing pandemic, but only limited sequencing data is available from the Sahel region to date, we have focused our efforts on generating the first Malian sequencing data available. Screening 217 Malian patient samples for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 resulted in 38 positive isolates, from which 21 whole genome sequences were generated. Our analysis shows that both the early A (19B) and the later observed B (20A/C) clade are present in Mali, indicating multiple and independent introductions of SARS-CoV-2 to the Sahel region.
The Experience of VaccinarSinToscana Website and the Role of New Media in Promoting Vaccination
Authors: Boccalini Sara , Bonanni Paolo , Chiesi Fabrizio , Pisa Giulia Di , Furlan Federica , Giammarco Barbara , Zanella Beatrice , Mandò Tacconi Francesco , Bechini Angela
Published: November 2020

The Department of Health Sciences (University of Florence) developed a regional website “VaccinarSinToscana” in order to provide information on vaccines and communicate with the general population, as well as the healthcare community, at a regional and local level. The aim of this paper is to present the VaccinarSinToscana website framework and analyze the three-year activity of the website and the related social network account on Facebook in terms of dissemination and visibility. In the first three years since its launch, the VaccinarSinToscana portal has increased its visibility: the number of single users, visits and single web pages has grown exponentially. Our results also demonstrate how the Facebook account launch contributed enormously to the increase in the visibility of the website. The objective for the future of the VaccinarSinToscana portal is to grow further, in order to reach out to an even wider audience.
Attenuated Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium, Strain NC983, Is Immunogenic, and Protective against Virulent Typhimurium Challenges in Mice
Authors: Troxell Bryan , Mendoza Mary , Ali Rizwana , Koci Matthew , Hassan Hosni
Published: November 2020

Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) serovars are significant health burden worldwide. Although much effort has been devoted to developing typhoid-based vaccines for humans, currently there is no NTS vaccine available. Presented here is the efficacy of a live attenuated serovar Typhimurium strain (NC983). Oral delivery of strain NC983 was capable of fully protecting C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice against challenge with virulent Typhimurium. Strain NC983 was found to elicit an anti-Typhimurium IgG response following administration of vaccine and boosting doses. Furthermore, in competition experiments with virulent S. Typhimurium (ATCC 14028), NC983 was highly defective in colonization of the murine liver and spleen. Collectively, these results indicate that strain NC983 is a potential live attenuated vaccine strain that warrants further development.
Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses against Bordetella pertussis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a Murine Model of Mucosal Vaccination against Respiratory Infection
Authors: Blackwood Catherine B. , Sen-Kilic Emel , Boehm Dylan T. , Hall Jesse M. , Varney Melinda E. , Wong Ting Y. , Bradford Shelby D. , Bevere Justin R. , Witt William T. , Damron F. Heath , Barbier Mariette
Published: November 2020

Whole cell vaccines are frequently the first generation of vaccines tested for pathogens and can inform the design of subsequent acellular or subunit vaccines. For respiratory pathogens, administration of vaccines at the mucosal surface can facilitate the generation of a localized mucosal immune response. Here, we examined the innate and vaccine-induced immune responses to infection by two respiratory pathogens: Bordetella pertussis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In a model of intranasal administration of whole cell vaccines (WCVs) with the adjuvant curdlan, we examined local and systemic immune responses following infection. These studies showed that intranasal vaccination with a WCV led to a reduction of the bacterial burden in the airways of animals infected with the respective pathogen. However, there were unique changes in the cytokines produced, cells recruited, and inflammation at the site of infection. Both mucosal vaccinations induced antibodies that bind the target pathogen, but linear regression and principal component analysis revealed that protection from these pathogens is not solely related to antibody titer. Protection from P. aeruginosa correlated to a reduction in lung weight, blood lymphocytes and neutrophils, and the cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, KC/GRO, and IL-10, and promotion of serum IgG antibodies and the cytokine IFN-γ in the lung. Protection from B. pertussis infection correlated strongly with increased anti-B-pertussis serum IgG antibodies. These findings reveal valuable correlates of protection for mucosal vaccination that can be used for further development of both B. pertussis and P. aeruginosa vaccines.
COVID-19 Vaccines Currently under Preclinical and Clinical Studies, and Associated Antiviral Immune Response
Authors: Jain Swati , Batra Himanshu , Yadav Poonam , Chand Subhash
Published: November 2020

With a death toll of over one million worldwide, the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has become the most devastating humanitarian catastrophe in recent decades. The fear of acquiring infection and spreading to vulnerable people has severely impacted society’s socio-economic status. To put an end to this growing number of infections and deaths as well as to switch from restricted to everyday living, an effective vaccine is desperately needed. As a result, enormous efforts have been made globally to develop numerous vaccine candidates in a matter of months. Currently, over 30 vaccine candidates are under assessment in clinical trials, with several undergoing preclinical studies. Here, we reviewed the major vaccine candidates based on the specific vaccine platform utilized to develop them. We also discussed the immune responses generated by these candidates in humans and preclinical models to determine vaccine safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy. Finally, immune responses induced in recovered COVID-19 patients and their possible vaccine development implications were also briefly reviewed.
Pullulan-Coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Blood-Stage Malaria Vaccine Delivery
Authors: Powles Liam , Wilson Kirsty L. , Xiang Sue D. , Coppel Ross L. , Ma Charles , Selomulya Cordelia , Plebanski Magdalena
Published: November 2020

Vaccines against blood-stage malaria often aim to induce antibodies to neutralize parasite entry into red blood cells, interferon gamma (IFNγ) produced by T helper 1 (Th1) CD4+ T cells or interleukin 4 (IL-4) produced by T helper 2 (Th2) cells to provide B cell help. One vaccine delivery method for suitable putative malaria protein antigens is the use of nanoparticles as vaccine carriers. It has been previously shown that antigen conjugated to inorganic nanoparticles in the viral-particle size range (~40–60 nm) can induce protective antibodies and T cells against malaria antigens in a rodent malaria challenge model. Herein, it is shown that biodegradable pullulan-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (pIONPs) can be synthesized in this same size range. The pIONPs are non-toxic and do not induce conventional pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro and in vivo. We show that murine blood-stage antigen MSP4/5 from Plasmodium yoelii could be chemically conjugated to pIONPs and the use of these conjugates as immunogens led to the induction of both specific antibodies and IFNγ CD4+ T cells reactive to MSP4/5 in mice, comparable to responses to MSP4/5 mixed with classical adjuvants (e.g., CpG or Alum) that preferentially induce Th1 or Th2 cells individually. These results suggest that biodegradable pIONPs warrant further exploration as carriers for developing blood-stage malaria vaccines.
Characterization, Cure Rates and Associated Risks of Clinical Mastitis in Northern Germany
Authors: Schmenger Anne , Krömker Volker
Published: November 2020

The control of clinical mastitis on dairy farms is an essential part of animal health management. Knowledge of the causative microorganisms, the cure rates achievable in the field and essential associated factors are crucial for proper control. The objectives of the present study were to characterize clinical mastitis cases in Germany and to analyze factors influencing cure rates and the recurrence rate. Milk samples of every clinical mastitis case occurring on 12 participating farms were examined cytomicrobiologically. Post-treatment quarter samples were taken after 14 and 21 days. Treatments were performed according to existing farm protocols. Of 2883 clinical mastitis cases, the most prevalent pathogens were Streptococcus (S.) uberis (20.2%) and coliforms (11.6%). In 35% of the milk samples, no bacteriological growth was detected. The overall bacteriological cure rate was 73.3%, while the cytological cure rate was 22.3%, the full cure rate 21.4% and the recurrence rate 18.8%. Regarding the pathogen distribution of severe mastitis, coliform bacteria were detected in 30.5% of the cases, whereas S. uberis was detected in 26.5% thereof. The results show that severe mastitis is caused almost as frequently by Gram-positive as by Gram-negative microorganisms. The low cytological cure rates show that the therapy needs to be further developed with regard to calming the inflammation. The obtained data can be very helpful in assessing internal mastitis scenarios and the effect of measures and therapies.
Comparison between Periodic Tracer Tests and Time-Series Analysis to Assess Mid- and Long-Term Recharge Model Changes Due to Multiple Strong Seismic Events in Carbonate Aquifers
Authors: Fronzi Davide , Di Curzio Diego , Rusi Sergio , Valigi Daniela , Tazioli Alberto
Published: November 2020

Understanding the groundwater flow in carbonate aquifers represents a challenging aspect in hydrogeology, especially when they have been struck by strong seismic events. It has been proved that large earthquakes change springs hydrodynamic behaviour showing transitory or long-lasting variations and making their management much more difficult. This is the case of Sibillini Massif (central Italy), which has been hit by the well-known 2016–2017 seismic period. This work aims to improve the knowledge of carbonate aquifers groundwater circulation and their possible changes in the hydrodynamic behaviour, during and after a series of strong seismic events. The goal has been achieved by comparing long-time tracer tests and transient time-series analysis, based on a sliding-window approach. This approach allowed investigating transient variations in the carbonate aquifers recharge system, highlighting the changes of relationships between the inflow contributions to the spring discharge in the area. As a result, the seismically triggered pore pressure distribution, and the hydraulic conductivity variations, because of the ground shaking and the fault systems activation, account for all the mid- and long-term modifications in the recharge system of Sibillini aquifers, respectively. These outcomes provide valuable insights to the knowledge of aquifer response under similar hydrogeological conditions, that are vital for water management.
Performance of a Full-Scale Biogas Plant Operation in Greece and Its Impact on the Circular Economy
Authors: Spyridonidis Apostolos , Vasiliadou Ioanna A. , Akratos Christos S. , Stamatelatou Κaterina
Published: November 2020

Biogas plants have been started to expand recently in Greece and their positive contribution to the economy is evident. A typical case study is presented which focuses on the long-term monitoring (lasting for one year) of a 500 kW mesophilic biogas plant consisting of an one-stage digester. The main feedstock used was cow manure, supplemented occasionally with chicken manure, corn silage, wheat/ray silage, glycerine, cheese whey, molasses and olive mill wastewater. The mixture of the feedstocks was adjusted based on their availability, cost and biochemical methane potential. The organic loading rate (OLR) varied at 3.42 ± 0.23 kg COD m−3 day−1 (or 2.74 ± 0.18 kg VS m−3 day−1) and resulted in a stable performance in terms of specific biogas production rate (1.27 ± 0.12 m3 m−3 day−1), biogas yield (0.46 ± 0.05 m3 kg−1 VS, 55 ± 1.3% in methane) and electricity production rate (12687 ± 1140 kWh day−1). There were no problems of foaming, nor was there a need for trace metal addition. The digestate was used by the neighboring farmers who observed an improvement in their crop yield. The profit estimates per feedstock indicate that chicken manure is superior to the other feedstocks, while molasses, silages and glycerin result in less profit due to the long distance of the biogas plant from their production source. Finally, the greenhouse gas emissions due to the digestate storage in the open air seem to be minor (0.81% of the methane consumed).
Spinal cord injury without radiologic abnormalities in a 4-years old boy
Authors: Laminou Sani Madjiri , Assoumane Ibrahim , Harissou Adamou , Samuila Sanoussi , Habibou Abarchi , Mahmoud Smida
Published: November 2020

In this study, we describe a 4-year-old boy with a head, cervical, and left shoulder injury following the reception of a heavy metallic door on his left side that resulted in SCIWORA.

SCWORA is defined as spinal cord injury without x rays or CT scans lesions but can be detectable on RMI scans. SCIWORA follows trauma, sometimes trivial. The management consists of immobilization and nursing. The clinician should be aware of this entity. We are reporting the management of a four years old boy.
Craniopharyngioma and arteriovenous malformation operated using the same craniotomy
Authors: Eren Burak , Karagoz Guzey Feyza , Gulec Ilker
Published: November 2020

Craniopharyngiomas (CPs) are rare benign epithelial tumours. Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are also rare lesions occurring in young adults. The appearance of both these lesions in the same patient is rare. A 42-year-old patient presented with headaches for 3 months and a progressive decrease in his visual acuity. Bitemporal hemianopsia was detected in the visual field. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a tumour with cystic and solid components located in the suprasellar region and AVM in the right temporal lobe. AVM (Martin–Spetzler grade III) was visualised using digital subtract angiography (DSA), which was fed from the right middle cerebral artery and drained through the sigmoid sinus via the inferior petrosal sinus. The patient was operated with enlarged right frontotemporal craniotomy. AVM nidus was totally removed at the first operation. Embolisation was not preferred before the AVM surgery. After 3 days, sylvian dissection was performed using the same craniotomy. The tumour was completely removed via the carotid cistern by making sharp dissection from the infundibulum. Post-operatively, the patient showed normal neurological examination and significant improvement in his visual field examination. There was no residual/recurrent tumour or AVM on contrast-enhanced MRI and DSA at post-operative 6 months. Histopathological examination revealed AVM in the first operative material and papillary-type CP in the second.  The coexistence of these two rare pathologies has previously been reported in only one patient. This is the first case of surgical resection of CP and AVM using the same craniotomy.
Journal’s Contest Issue Presents Surprising Array of Narrative Poetry; Review of Naugatuck River Review, Issue 23
Authors: Dodd Jeffrey
Published: November 2020

Many fine literary magazines benefit from regular turnover in editorial staff, and sometimes editorial vision. Such is often the case with journals housed in university writing programs, where ever-new cohorts of students bring renewed energy and aesthetic interests. This often allows for new voices to make their way onto a journal’s pages. If there’s a downside to that model, other than the amount of onboarding work and potential lost institutional memory associated with regularly revolving leadership, it is that a journal’s identity can sometimes become confused. This is not the case with Naugatuck River Review, a journal of narrative poetry edited by Lori Desrosiers. Sometimes it’s nice to know exactly what you’re going to get, and with Naugatuck River Review you are going to get a journal that serves “all who love poetry and narrative.”
“I’ve Learned from Every Contributor, and for That I’m Thankful”: A Chat with Craig Ledoux, Editor-in-Chief of Madcap Review
Authors: Ledoux Craig , Swift Kailin
Published: November 2020

Along with a group of his grad school friends, Craig Ledoux co-founded Madcap Review in 2014. They are a “semiannual online journal of literature and art” that encourages “the impulsive, the reckless, and the lively, but we also have great respect for form and restraint.” As explored in this interview, Madcap has very few submission restrictions because they believe that great writing isn’t easily categorized. Their reading period is Sept 1. To Oct. 31.
American Little Magazines Since 1950: Charting Many Histories
Authors: Caraway Thom
Published: November 2020

As lit mag enthusiasts know, Little Magazines cuts off in 1947. It details the magazines of the Modernist period quite well, as several other excellent comprehensive resources do. The three-volume Oxford Cultural History series on literary magazines details the work of various little magazines in the US, UK, Europe, and Ireland, but gets no further than 1950. Tri-Quarterly’s excellent “documentary” issue of 1978 surveys several editors of significant magazines in the intervening period, and they provide engaging statements of purpose, origin stories, and “biographical” sketches of their particular magazines. More recent volumes like Spreading the Word, Paper Dreams, and Contemporary Literary Magazines follow a similar model, and those volumes do a great job of capturing the voices of the founding or then-current editors of benchmark magazines. But those volumes lack the magic of Little Magazines.
Timing of GP end-of-life recognition in people aged ≥75 years: retrospective cohort study using data from primary healthcare records in England
Authors: Stow Daniel , Matthews Fiona E , Hanratty Barbara
Published: November 2020

Background

High-quality, personalised palliative care should be available to all, but timely recognition of end of life may be a barrier to end-of-life care for older people.

Aim

To investigate the timing of end-of-life recognition, palliative registration, and the recording of end-of-life preferences in primary care for people aged ≥75 years.

Design and setting

Retrospective cohort study using national primary care record data, covering 34% of GP practices in England.

Method

ResearchOne data from electronic healthcare records (EHRs) of people aged ≥75 years who died in England between 1 January 2015 and 1 January 2016 were examined. Clinical codes relating to end-of-life recognition, palliative registration, and end-of-life preferences were extracted, and the number of months that elapsed between the code being entered and death taking place were calculated. The timing for each outcome and proportion of relevant EHRs were reported.

Results

Death was recorded for a total of 13 149 people in ResearchOne data during the 1-year study window. Of those, 6303 (47.9%) records contained codes suggesting end of life had been recognised at a point in time prior to the month of death. Recognition occurred ≥12 months before death in 2248 (17.1%) records. In total, 1659 (12.6%) people were on the palliative care register and 457 (3.5%) were on the register for ≥12 months before death; 2987 (22.7%) records had a code for the patient’s preferred place of care, and 1713 (13.0%) had a code for the preferred place of death. Where preferences for place of death were recorded, a care, nursing, or residential home (n = 813, 47.5%) and the individual’s home (n = 752, 43.9%) were the most common.

Conclusion

End-of-life recognition in primary care appears to occur near to death and for only a minority of people aged ≥75 years. The findings suggest that older people’s deaths may not be anticipated by health professionals, compromising equitable access to palliative care.
Variability in size and characteristics of primary care networks in England: observational study
Authors: Morciano Marcello , Checkland Katherine , Hammond Jonathan , Lau Yiu-Shing , Sutton Matt
Published: November 2020

Background

General practices in England have been encouraged by national policy to work together on a larger scale by creating primary care networks (PCNs). Policy guidance recommended that they should serve populations of 30 000–50 000 people to perform effectively.

Aim

To describe variation in the size and characteristics of PCNs and their populations.

Design and setting

Cross-sectional analysis in England.

Method

Using published information from January 2020, PCNs were identified that contained <30 000, between 30 000–50 000, and >50 000 people. Percentiles were calculated to describe variation in size and population characteristics. PCN composition within each commissioning region was also examined.

Results

In total, 6758 practices had formed 1250 PCNs. Seven hundred and twenty-six (58%) PCNs had the recommended population of 30 000–50 000 people. Eighty-four (7%) PCNs contained <30 000 people. Four hundred and forty (35%) PCNs contained >50 000 people. Thirty-four (3%) PCNs comprised just one practice and 77 (6%) PCNs contained >10 practices. Some PCNs contained more than double the proportions of older people and people with chronic conditions compared to other PCNs. More than half of the population were from very socioeconomically deprived areas in 172 (14%) PCNs. Only six (4%) of the 135 commissioning regions ensured all PCNs were in the recommended population range. All practices had joined a single PCN in three (2%) commissioning regions.

Conclusion

More than 40% of the PCNs were not of the recommended size, and there was substantial variation in their composition and characteristics. This high variability between PCNs is a risk to their future performance.
The association between GP organisational factors and the effectiveness of a prevention programme for cardiometabolic diseases: a prospective intervention study
Authors: Badenbroek Ilse F , Stol Daphne M , Nielen Markus MJ , Hollander Monika , de Wit Niek J , Schellevis François G
Published: November 2020

Background

Owing to the rising disease burden of cardiometabolic diseases (CMD), prevention programmes for CMD are increasingly implemented in primary care. Organisational practice characteristics and availability of preventive services may be associated with a more effective programme.

Aim

To identify possible organisational success factors from general practices related to an effective primary prevention programme for CMD.

Design & setting

A prospective intervention study involving 37 Dutch general practices was undertaken.

Method

Patients aged 45–70 years without known CMD, hypertension, or hypercholesterolemia were invited for the prevention programme. The outcome measures were an improvement (yes/no) in four different CMD risk factors between baseline and 1-year follow-up on an individual level (body mass index [BMI], smoking, systolic blood pressure, and cholesterol ratio). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used for assessing associations between practice organisational characteristics and outcomes.

Results

Just over half of the participants showed an improvement on one or more risk factors. Marginal differences were found in the four different outcomes between the practices with different organisational characteristics. None of the practice characteristics that were tested showed a significant association with an improvement in one of the outcome measures.

Conclusion

In this study, general practice organisational and preventive service characteristics showed no impact on the effectiveness of a CMD prevention programme. Possible explanations could be the effectiveness of protocolised pharmaceutical treatment and only limited contribution of lifestyle programmes on the improvement of CMD risk factors.
Pierres sculptées ensevelies au XIIIe siècle dans la crypte romane de l’ancienne collégiale Saints-Michel-et-Gudule à Bruxelles. Des fouilles archéologiques à l’interprétation
Authors: Anagnostopoulos Pierre , Fourny Michel
Published: November 2020

La découverte, en 1991, de la crypte de l’ancienne collégiale romane Saints-Michel-et-Gudule avait permis de récolter des échantillons lapidaires taillés, moulurés ou sculptés. La plupart proviennent du remblai déversé dans la crypte au

xiiie siècle. D’autres apparaissent sous la forme d’un remploi dans les fondations du choeur gothique de la même époque. Certaines de ces pierres proviennent de l’église romane détruite, alors que d’autres constituent des rebuts du chantier de construction en cours au XIIIe siècle. Parmi les vestiges les plus remarquables, un fragment de crochet de chapiteau d’une exceptionnelle fraîcheur et une tête appartenant au bestiaire médiéval attestent de la haute qualité du chantier du XIIIe siècle.
Thérouanne. De la cité antique à la forteresse « inexpugnable »
Authors: Blary François , Flambard Anne-Marie
Published: November 2020

Bien connue en raison de son importance passée comme chef-lieu de cité dans l’Antiquité et évêché puissant dès le haut Moyen Âge, la ville de Thérouanne l’est surtout en raison de sa fin tragique en 1553, après la victoire de Charles Quint qui conduit à sa destruction radicale et à sa disparition totale. Cet article s’interroge sur la genèse, la localisation et l’évolution des fortifications qui défendaient cette cité réputée imprenable depuis l’Antiquité jusqu’à sa disparition. Utilisant tour à tour les résultats des fouilles préventives récentes et des fouilles programmées anciennes, explorant les sources d’archives et les documents figurés anciens, il tente de situer portes et portions de murailles, et essaie d’imaginer à partir des dessins schématiques, les travaux exécutés, les matériaux employés, ainsi que les conséquences de ces travaux sur la vie urbaine
Abbayes « belges » du traité de Meerssen, autour des IXe-Xe siècles. Réflexions archéologiques
Authors: Chantinne Frédéric , Demeter Stéphane , Mignot Philippe
Published: November 2020

Several abbeys located in today’s Belgium are mentioned as territorial entities in the Meerssen Treaty of 870, although they were considered primarily as centers of spirituality. By collecting the topographical and archaeological data, though fragmentary and of unequal confidence, we can see that these royal abbeys, at the crossroads of an effective network dating from the Roman Antiquity, fulfilled much more varied functions : economic, political, military ... These observations, archaeological data of the last thirty years and functional analysis allow to reconsider the written sources ; we propose to identify two of these abbeys of until now uncertain location : Ledi, which would be Liège, and Calmont, which could be the Coudenberg in Brussels.
Éléments « chrétiens » du haut Moyen Âge (VIIe-Xe siècle) sculptés sur pierre en Gaule du Nord : état de la question et perspectives de recherches
Authors: Finoulst Anne-Laure
Published: November 2020

À ce jour, notre connaissance des éléments sculptés «pré-romans » sur pierre en Gaule du Nord est plus que lacunaire. Alors qu’ils sont des témoins importants d’une économie lithique, peu d’études les concernent dans cette région. Cet état actuel de la recherche rappelle la nécessité d’établir un corpus exhaustif des sculptures de cette période. Les données actuellement à disposition sont incomplètes, tant au niveau stylistique, technologique, chronologique que géologique. Ceci sert aussi d’outil pour s’interroger sur l’existence éventuelle d’ateliers et sur la circulation des modèles, des artisans ou des savoir-faire entre régions limitrophes.
Rome in Constantinople: the Hippodrome in John Lydus’ De mensibus
Authors: Agnosini Matteo
Published: November 2020

The article discusses a passage of the sixth-century AD antiquarian writer John Lydus dealing with chariot-racing and the hippodrome : De mensibus, I, 12, p. 3, 17-7, 15 Wünsch. Through an analysis of the text, the article tries to shed some light on aspects of Lydus’ antiquarian practice, both highlighting the continuity with the methods of classical antiquarianism and focusing, in particular, on the problem of the involvement of antiquarianism in contemporary sixth-century cultural issues. Besides identifying possible influences from sixth-century ideas and social dynamics on some details of Lydus’ antiquarian account, the article investigates how Lydus’ text addresses a common ideological concern of sixth-century intellectuals and antiquarian writers, i. e. anchoring in the past and legitimising the transference of power from Rome to Constantinople.
Procopius and the past in sixth-century Constantinople
Authors: Greatrex Geoffrey
Published: November 2020

À l’époque de Justinien, on constate une attitude ambigüe face au passé romain. D’une part, les Novelles de Justinien, par exemple, ainsi que les oeuvres de Jean le Lydien font régulièrement appel à l’histoire et à la mythologie romaine, et ce, à plusieurs fins. D’autre part, il est évident que l’empereur croyait avoir surpassé la plupart de ses prédécesseurs par ses hauts faits (tel l’assujettissement des Tzanes). Dans cet article, nous argumentons en faveur d’un débat vigoureux au cours de la période sur la relation entre le présent et le passé. On peut discerner des traces de ce débat entre les “ antiquisants”, tels que Jean le Lydien et l’auteur anonyme du traité De scientia politica, qui défendaient les pratiques et les normes romaines traditionnelles, et d’autres comme Procope, notamment dans ses préfaces. Contrairement à ce qu’on a parfois supposé, l’historien fut un ardent défenseur des pratiques de son époque et un admirateur des progrès technologiques récents.
Algunas precisiones sobre la adopción de Galba
Authors: Montenegro Julia , Castillo Arcadio del
Published: November 2020

In a text of Suetonio it is manifested that the future emperor had been adopted by his stepmother, Livia Ocelina, and in consequence of it, he took the nomen Livius, as well as the cognomen of Ocella, changing his praenomen for Lucius instead of Servius, until he occupied the power. This is unquestionable, because references that denote it clearly exist. It is an enormous problem of juridical-institutional nature : it is not a conditio and it have to do with a woman. Then as she did not have patria potestas it has to be a clear exception. The main reason would have to be sustained in a significance of political type. It would allow to Galba, in the Julio-Claudian Period, to obviate a very troublesome name, since his great-grandfather that had identical

praenomen, nomen and cognomen, was one of the convicts by the Pedian Law to have participated in the plot that produced the Caesar’s murder.