bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ASAD-RD: Accuracy Scalable Approximate Divider Based on Restoring Division for Energy Efficiency
Authors: Jeong Jonghyun , Kim Youngmin
Published: December 2020

Approximate computing can considerably improve energy efficiency by mitigating the accuracy requirements of calculations in error resilient application programming, such as machine learning, audio–video signal processing, data mining, and search engines. In this study, we propose an approximate divider for dynamic energy-quality scaling, which involves a trade-off between accuracy and latency. Previous approximate dividers for dynamic energy-quality scaling are well-configured, but lack energy-quality scalability. The key is to create a more accurate dynamic approximate divider while extending the limits of accuracy to maximize energy efficiency and meet various accuracy requirements. The proposed divider, called the accuracy scalable approximate divider based on restoring division (ASAD-RD), uses restoring division to significantly improve the error of the approximate divider and to use less latency. For the 8-bit division, SAADI, the previous design, has an average accuracy of 90.78% to 98.77%; however, ASAD-RD can improve the accuracy between 95.2% and 99.23% and hardly requires additional power consumption. Furthermore, for the same target accuracy, ASAD-RD requires fewer cycle iterations than SAADI. Thus, ASAD-RD requires lower energy than SAADI and can operate as an energy-efficient approximate divider.
Singular Value Decomposition in Embedded Systems Based on ARM Cortex-M Architecture
Authors: Alessandrini Michele , Biagetti Giorgio , Crippa Paolo , Falaschetti Laura , Manoni Lorenzo , Turchetti Claudio
Published: December 2020

Singular value decomposition (SVD) is a central mathematical tool for several emerging applications in embedded systems, such as multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems, data analytics, sparse representation of signals. Since SVD algorithms reduce to solve an eigenvalue problem, that is computationally expensive, both specific hardware solutions and parallel implementations have been proposed to overcome this bottleneck. However, as those solutions require additional hardware resources that are not in general available in embedded systems, optimized algorithms are demanded in this context. The aim of this paper is to present an efficient implementation of the SVD algorithm on ARM Cortex-M. To this end, we proceed to (i) present a comprehensive treatment of the most common algorithms for SVD, providing a fairly complete and deep overview of these algorithms, with a common notation, (ii) implement them on an ARM Cortex-M4F microcontroller, in order to develop a library suitable for embedded systems without an operating system, (iii) find, through a comparative study of the proposed SVD algorithms, the best implementation suitable for a low-resource bare-metal embedded system, (iv) show a practical application to Kalman filtering of an inertial measurement unit (IMU), as an example of how SVD can improve the accuracy of existing algorithms and of its usefulness on a such low-resources system. All these contributions can be used as guidelines for embedded system designers. Regarding the second point, the chosen algorithms have been implemented on ARM Cortex-M4F microcontrollers with very limited hardware resources with respect to more advanced CPUs. Several experiments have been conducted to select which algorithms guarantee the best performance in terms of speed, accuracy and energy consumption.
Vegetation Properties in Human-Impacted Riparian Zones Based on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Imagery: An Analysis of River Reaches in the Yongding River Basin
Authors: Ren Liangsuo , Liu Yadong , Zhang Shurong , Cheng Lirong , Guo Yujing , Ding Aizhong
Published: December 2020

Riparian zones, transitional areas between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, have high plant species diversities. However, they are extremely vulnerable to natural factors, such as changes in river hydrological conditions (floods, droughts) and disturbances from human activities (dams, farmland encroachment, etc.). The distribution of plant life forms and variations in the degree of vegetation coverage in a riparian zone can reflect changes in the environmental conditions. In this study, we analyzed eight reaches from the four main tributaries (Dongyang River, Yang River, Sanggan River, and Yongding River) of the Yongding River Basin, which were selected based on their climate, terrain, and degree of human disturbance. One reach was located on the Dongyang River (DYR), two reaches on the Yang River (YR1 and YR2), three on the Sanggan River (SGR1, 2, and 3), and two on the Yongding River (YDR1 and YDR2). Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology was used to obtain high-resolution, true-color, multispectral images. The distributions of the plant life forms and the differences in the vegetation coverage were analyzed in the eight selected riparian zones. The results showed that grasses dominated the riparian zone and shrubs and trees were sparsely distributed along both banks of all streams, excluding SGR2 and YDR1. The areas with an extremely high vegetation coverage classification accounted for the highest proportion in the DYR (29.3%), YR2 (48.1%), SGR1 (32.9%), SGR2 (39.9%), SGR3 (85.1%), YDR1 (36.7%), and YDR2 (51.1%) reaches. Extremely low vegetation coverage accounted for the highest proportion in the YR2 reach, reaching 37.4%. This study indicated that natural factors and human activities have a serious impact on the distribution of different plants life forms and vegetation coverage classifications in the riparian zones of the Yongding River Basin. We hope that this research can provide practical assistance in the efforts of ecological restoration and the management of riparian vegetation in the Yongding River Basin.
The Reproductive Strategy as an Important Trait for the Distribution of Lower-Trunk Epiphytic Lichens in Old-Growth vs. Non-Old Growth Forests
Authors: Brunialti Giorgio , Giordani Paolo , Ravera Sonia , Frati Luisa
Published: December 2020

(1) Research Highlights: The work studied the beta diversity patterns of epiphytic lichens as a function of their reproductive strategies in old-growth and non-old growth forests from the Mediterranean area. (2) Background and Objectives: The reproductive strategies of lichens can drive the dispersal and distribution of species assemblages in forest ecosystems. To further investigate this issue, we analyzed data on epiphytic lichen diversity collected from old-growth and non-old growth forest sites (36 plots) located in Cilento National Park (South Italy). Our working hypothesis was that the dispersal abilities due to the different reproductive strategies drove species beta diversity depending on forest age and continuity. We expected a high turnover for sexually reproducing species and high nestedness for vegetative ones. We also considered the relationship between forest continuity and beta diversity in terms of species rarity. (3) Materials and Methods: we used the Bray–Curtis index of dissimilarity to partition lichen diversity into two components of beta diversity for different subsets (type of forest, reproductive strategy, and species rarity). (4) Results: The two forest types shared most of the common species and did not show significant differences in alpha and gamma diversity. The turnover of specific abundance was the main component of beta diversity, and was significantly greater for sexually reproducing species as compared to vegetative ones. These latter species had also the least turnover and greater nestedness in old-growth forests. Rare species showed higher turnover than common ones. (5) Conclusions: Our results suggest that sexually reproducing lichen species always have high turnover, while vegetative species tend to form nested assemblages, especially in old-growth forests. The rarity level contributes to the species turnover in lichen communities. Contrary to what one might expect, the differences between old-growth and non-old growth forests are not strong.
Efficient Reduction of Food Related Mould Spores on Surfaces by Hydrogen Peroxide Mist
Authors: Kure Cathrine Finne , Langsrud Solveig , Møretrø Trond
Published: December 2020

The aim of the study was to evaluate the fungicidal effect of a H2O2 mist generating system for disinfection of spores of six food-related moulds (Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, Geotrichum candidum, Mucor plumbeus, Paecilomyces variotii, and Penicillium solitum) dried on stainless steel. Exposure to H2O2 mist for 2 or 4 h lead to >3 log reduction in mould spores in the majority of the tests. The presence of the soils 2% skim milk or 3% BSA did not significantly alter the fungicidal effect, while the presence of raw meat juice had an adverse fungicidal effect against Penicillium and Mucor in two out of three tests. Fungicidal suspension tests with liquid H2O2 confirmed the effectiveness of H2O2 on reducing the mould spores. Both the surface test and the suspension test indicated that P. variotii is more resistant to H2O2 compared to the other moulds tested. The study shows the efficiency of H2O2 mist on reducing food-related mould spores on surfaces.
Comparative Evaluation of the Nutritional, Antinutritional, Functional, and Bioactivity Attributes of Rice Bran Stabilized by Different Heat Treatments
Authors: Irakli Maria , Lazaridou Athina , Biliaderis Costas G.
Published: December 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different stabilization treatments—namely, dry-heating, infrared-radiation, and microwave-heating—on the nutritional, antinutritional, functional, and bioactivity attributes of rice bran (RB). Among the heating treatments, infrared-radiation exerted the strongest inactivation, resulting in 34.7% residual lipase activity. All the stabilization methods were found to be effective in the reduction of antinutrients, including phytates, oxalate, saponins, and trypsin inhibitors. No adverse effect of stabilization was noted on chemical composition and fatty acid profile of RB. Instead, stabilization by all heat treatments caused a significant decrease of vitamin E and total phenolics content in RB; the same trend was observed for the antioxidant activity as evaluated by the DPPH test. The antioxidant activity, as evaluated by ABTS and FRAP tests, and water absorption capacity were improved by the stabilization of RB, whereas the oil absorption capacity and emulsifying properties decreased. Microwave-heating enhanced the foaming properties, whereas infrared-radiation improved the water solubility index and swelling power of RB. Consequently, treatment of RB with infrared-radiation has a potential for industrialization to inactivate the lipase and improve some functional properties of this material for uses as a nutraceutical ingredient in food and cosmetic products.
A Treatment Combination of IGF and EGF Promotes Hair Growth in the Angora Rabbit
Authors: Zhao Bohao , Li Jiali , Chen Qiuran , Yang Naisu , Bao Zhiyuan , Hu Shuaishuai , Chen Yang , Wu Xinsheng
Published: December 2020

The hair follicle (HF) growth cycle is a complex, multistep biological process, for which dysfunction affects hair-related diseases in humans and wool production in animals. In this study, a treatment combination of 10 ng/mL insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and 20 ng/mL epidermal growth factor (EGF) significantly increased the elongation length of hair shafts for cultured HFs. The combined treatment of IGF-1 and EGF enhanced the proliferation of HFs and promoted HF growth and development in vitro. In vivo, the combined treatment of IGF-1 and EGF was subcutaneously injected into the dorsal skin in HF synchronized rabbits. The IGF-1 and EGF combination promoted the transition of the hair cycle from telogen to anagen and stimulated the growth of hair shafts. This IGF-1 and EGF combination maintained the structure of the HF and enhanced the cell proliferation of outer root sheaths and the dermal papilla within rabbit skin. The combined treatment of IGF-1 and EGF regulated HF-related genes, including LEF1, CCND1 and WNT2, suggesting that IGF-1 and EGF play a positive role in HF growth and development. Utilization of the combined IGF-1 and EGF treatment may assist with hair and wool production and HF related diseases in mammals.
Feature Selection for Topological Proximity Prediction of Single-Cell Transcriptomic Profiles in Drosophila Embryo Using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Gupta Shruti , Verma Ajay Kumar , Ahmad Shandar
Published: December 2020

Single-cell transcriptomics data, when combined with in situ hybridization patterns of specific genes, can help in recovering the spatial information lost during cell isolation. Dialogue for Reverse Engineering Assessments and Methods (DREAM) consortium conducted a crowd-sourced competition known as DREAM Single Cell Transcriptomics Challenge (SCTC) to predict the masked locations of single cells from a set of 60, 40 and 20 genes out of 84 in situ gene patterns known in Drosophila embryo. We applied a genetic algorithm (GA) to predict the most important genes that carry positional and proximity information of the single-cell origins, in combination with the base distance mapping algorithm DistMap. Resulting gene selection was found to perform well and was ranked among top 10 in two of the three sub-challenges. However, the details of the method did not make it to the main challenge publication, due to an intricate aggregation ranking. In this work, we discuss the detailed implementation of GA and its post-challenge parameterization, with a view to identify potential areas where GA-based approaches of gene-set selection for topological association prediction may be improved, to be more effective. We believe this work provides additional insights into the feature-selection strategies and their relevance to single-cell similarity prediction and will form a strong addendum to the recently published work from the consortium.
Influence of a Training Academy on the Parasympathetic Nervous System Reactivation of Firefighter Recruits—An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Cornell David J. , Noel Sabrina E. , Zhang Xiyuan , Ebersole Kyle T.
Published: December 2020

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the leading type of line-of-duty death among firefighters. An inability to restore parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) control after activity is associated with SCD. Post-exercise heart rate recovery (HRR) provides unique insight into reactivation of the PSNS. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine longitudinal changes in HRR responses of 25 male firefighter recruits. HR data were collected after submaximal exercise at week 1 (W1), week 6 (W6), and week 15 (W15) of their training at an academy. Percent maximal heart rate (%MHR) measures were computed at each HRR time point (%MHR0, %MHR15, %MHR30, %MHR45, %MHR60, %MHR120, %MHR180) and absolute HRR values were calculated at 30 s (ΔHRR30), 60 s (ΔHRR60), 120 s (ΔHRR120), and 180 s (ΔHRR180). After controlling for age and percent body fat, there was no statistically significant interaction between Week × HRR (p = 0.730), and there were no changes in ΔHRR30, ΔHRR60, and ΔHRR120, and ΔHRR180 indices across time. However, %MHR at W6 and W15 was significantly lower than %MHR at W1 at every HRR time point (ps < 0.001). Therefore, although the firefighter recruit training academy elicited positive training adaptations, changes in PSNS reactivation after submaximal activity were not identified.
A Hybrid TGfU/SE Volleyball Teaching Unit for Enhancing Motivation in Physical Education: A Mixed-Method Approach
Authors: Gil-Arias Alexander , Diloy-Peña Sergio , Sevil-Serrano Javier , García-González Luis , Abós Ángel
Published: December 2020

Grounded in self-determination theory, this pre-experimental study analyzed the effects of a hybrid teaching games for understanding/sport education (TGfU/SE) volleyball teaching unit on students’ motivational outcomes, using a mixed-method approach. It also examined whether the intervention was equally effective for boys and girls. Participants were 53 secondary school students (Mage = 15.50, SDage = 0.57) who were taught through a hybrid TGfU/SE unit. The structure of this unit was designed according to the characteristics of SE model, while learning tasks were designed by using the pedagogical principles of TGfU model. Both self-reported validated questionnaires and focus groups were used before and after intervention to assess students’ motivational responses. After the hybrid TGfU/SE unit, both quantitative and qualitative findings showed improvements in students’ perceptions of need-support from the physical education (PE) teacher, basic psychological needs satisfaction, novelty, and variety satisfaction, as well as intrinsic motivation compared to baseline values. Although the hybrid TGfU/SE unit was effective in both genders, a large effect size was found for girls. Despite the existence of social and cultural stereotypes in team sports such as volleyball in favor of boys, results highlight the importance of developing hybrid TGfU/SE units to improve students’ motivational outcomes, especially in girls.
Evaluation of Histidine-Rich Proteins 2 and 3 Gene Deletions in Plasmodium falciparum in Endemic Areas of the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Góes Leandro , Chamma-Siqueira Nathália , Peres José Mário , Nascimento José Maria , Valle Suiane , Arcanjo Ana Ruth , Lacerda Marcus , Blume Liana , Póvoa Marinete , Viana Giselle
Published: December 2020

Histidine-rich proteins 2 and 3 gene (pfhrp2 and pfhrp3) deletions affect the efficacy of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) based on the histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2), compromising the correct identification of the Plasmodium falciparum species. Therefore, molecular surveillance is necessary for the investigation of the actual prevalence of this phenomenon and the extent of the disappearance of these genes in these areas and other South American countries, thus guiding national malaria control programs on the appropriate use of RDTs. This study aimed to evaluate the pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 gene deletion in P. falciparum in endemic areas of the Brazilian Amazon. Aliquots of DNA from the biorepository of the Laboratory of Basic Research in Malaria, Evandro Chagas Institute, with a positive diagnosis for P. falciparum infection as determined by microscopy and molecular assays, were included. Monoinfection was confirmed by nested-polymerase chain reaction assay, and DNA quality was assessed by amplification of the merozoite surface protein-2 gene (msp2). The pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 genes were amplified using primers for the region between exons 1 and 2 and for all extension of exon 2. Aliquots of DNA from 192 P. falciparum isolates were included in the study, with 68.7% (132/192) from the municipality of Cruzeiro do Sul (Acre) and 31.3% (60/192) from Manaus (Amazonas). Of this total, 82.8% (159/192) of the samples were considered of good quality. In the state of Acre, 71.7% (71/99) showed pfhrp2 gene deletion and 94.9% (94/99) showed pfhrp3 gene deletion, while in the state of Amazonas, 100.0% (60/60) of the samples showed pfhrp2 gene deletion and 98.3% (59/60) showed pfhrp3 gene deletion. Moreover, 79.8% (127/159) of isolates displayed gene deletion. Our findings confirm the presence of a parasite population with high frequencies of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 gene deletions in the Brazilian Amazon region. This suggests reconsidering the use of HRP2-based RDTs in the Acre and Amazonas states and calls attention to the importance of molecular surveillance and mapping of pfhrp2/pfhrp3 deletions in this area and in other locations in the Amazon region to guarantee appropriate patient care, control and ultimately contribute to achieving P. falciparum malaria elimination.
The Nexus between Economic Complexity and Energy Consumption under the Context of Sustainable Environment: Evidence from the LMC Countries
Authors: Liu Hongbo , Liang Shuanglu , Cui Qingbo
Published: December 2020

The wide application of various energy resources in economic development is allegedly responsible for deepening environmental deterioration in terms of increasing pollution emissions and other negative consequences including climate change. This current work investigates the interdependent correlation between energy consumption (both fossil fuel energy consumption and renewable energy consumption) and economic complexity among Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (hereafter LMC) countries, from 1991 to 2017. As for empirical analysis, a panel vector autoregression (PVAR) model was employed. Outcomes of this research confirm the existence of a unidirectional relationship between energy consumption and economic complexity index. It is verified that renewable energy usage is a possible alternative to traditional energy and is able to increase economic complexity. This current research proposed to contribute as a pioneering exploration on LMC countries by adding original observations into existing studies. Finally, we will discuss policy implications of this work.
A Novel Technique Using Polytetrafluoroethylene Tape to Solve Screw Loosening Complication in Implant-Supported Single Crowns
Authors: Félix Luis F. , Medina Michell , Gómez-Polo Cristina , Agustín-Panadero Rubén , Ortega Rocío , Gómez-Polo Miguel
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to analyze a novel technique to make screws with greater untightening resistance and to solve screw loosening in implant-supported single crowns. Thirty grade IV titanium straight abutments were screwed onto 30 external hex implants using grade IV titanium screws (30 Ncm). They were exposed to cyclic loading (300,000 cycles, 200 N). Samples were divided into 4 groups (15 samples per group): new screws (SCREW group) (control), reused screws (rSCREW group), new screws wrapped with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape (PTFE group), and reused screws wrapped with PTFE tape (rPTFE group). Reverse torque values (RTVs) were recorded with a digitally calibrated implant motor. Mean RTVs observed were 14.46 N (±1.10 N) for the control group, 14.42 N (±1.22 N) for the rSCREW group, 19.97 N (±1.16 N) for the PTFE group, and 19.13 N (±2.38 N) for the rPTFE group. Statistically significant differences were found between RTVs of both groups employing screws without PTFE tape (SCREW and rSCREW groups) compared with those using screws wrapped with PTFE tape (PTFE and rPTFE) (p < 0.001). These results suggest that wrapping the implant–abutment screw with PTFE tape may effectively lower the risk of loosening and even constitute a solution when this complication occurs in implant single crowns.
Emotional Eating in Relation to Worries and Psychological Distress Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Population-Based Survey on Adults in Norway
Authors: Bemanian Mitra , Mæland Silje , Blomhoff Rune , Rabben Åsgeir Kjetland , Arnesen Erik Kristoffer , Skogen Jens Christoffer , Fadnes Lars Thore
Published: December 2020

Population-based studies have revealed a high occurrence of self-reported psychological distress symptoms during the early phases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Stress and negative affect can lead to emotional eating, which in turn can have negative outcomes on health. In this population-based study, 24,968 Norwegian inhabitants participated in an electronic questionnaire including structured questions on dietary habits, emotional eating, psychological distress symptoms, and COVID-19-related worries. The study took place during April 2020 after around six weeks of interventions to tackle the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, emotional eating was reported in 54% of the population and was markedly more frequent in female participants. Worries related to consequences of the pandemic were associated with increased emotional eating, and the association was stronger for worries related to personal economy—odds ratios (OR) 1.7 (95% confidence interval (CI95%) 1.5–1.9)—compared to worries related to health—OR 1.3 (CI95% 1.2–1.5). Psychological distress had a strong association with emotional eating—OR 4.2 (CI95% 3.9–4.4). Correspondingly, the intake of high-sugar foods and beverages was higher for those with substantial COVID-19-related worries and those with psychological distress compared to the overall population.
The Risk of Gastrointestinal Bleeding between Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants and Vitamin K Antagonists in the Asian Atrial Fibrillation Patients: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yang Kuang-Tsu , Sun Wei-Chih , Tsai Tzung-Jiun , Tsay Feng-Woei , Chen Wen-Chi , Cheng Jin-Shiung
Published: December 2020

Background: Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are more commonly used to prevent atrial fibrillation (AF) patients from thromboembolic events than vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). However, the gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) risk in the Asian AF patients associated with NOACs in comparison with VKAs remained unaddressed. Materials and Methods: A systematic search of studies on NOACs and VKAs in the Asian AF patients was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov. The primary outcome was the hazard ratio (HR) of any GIB associated with NOACs versus VKAs. The secondary outcome was the GIB risks in different kinds of NOACs compared with VKAs. Results: This meta-analysis included two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and four retrospective studies, comprising at least 200,000 patients in total. A significantly lower HR of GIB risks was found in all kinds of NOACs than VKAs in the Asian AF patients (HR: 0.633; 95% confidence interval: 0.535–0.748; p < 0.001). Additionally, the GIB risks of different NOACs were apixaban (HR: 0.392), edoxaban (HR: 0.603), dabigatran (HR: 0.685), and rivaroxaban (HR: 0.794), respectively. Conclusions: NOACs significantly reduced the risk of GIB in the Asian AF patients compared with VKAs. In the four NOACs compared with VKAs, apixaban probably had a trend of the least GIB risk. We need further head-to-head studies of different NOACs to confirm which NOAC is the most suitable for Asian AF patients and to know the optimal dosage regimen of different NOACs.
Subjective Oral Health-Related Quality of Life and Objective Oral Health in People with Ectodermal Dysplasia
Authors: Niekamp Nils , Kleinheinz Johannes , Reissmann Daniel R. , Bohner Lauren , Hanisch Marcel
Published: December 2020

Ectodermal dysplasia (ED) refers to a heterogeneous group of genetic diseases of the skin, skin appendages, and teeth. People with ED experience a poorer oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) compared to the general population. The aim of this study was to examine the OHRQoL of people with ED and to measure their objective physical oral health to confirm or disprove evidence of poorer oral health in this population. To determine OHRQoL, the German version of the 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14G) was used. All the participants in the study were clinically examined, and the measured parameters were recorded using the Physical Oral Health Index (PhOX). In total, 10 male and 11 female participants, with an average age of 22.0 ± 9.0 years, were included in this study. The OHIP-14G summary score was 23.9 (±15.2) points (range: 0–56 points). The PhOX summary score was 61.2 (±5.1) points (range: 22–80 points). The findings indicated that both the OHRQoL and physical oral health of the participants were highly impaired and that their objective and subjective oral health were worse than those of the general population in Germany.
A Retrospective Chart Review Evaluating the Relationship between Cancer Diagnosis and Residential Water Source on the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland, USA
Authors: DeRidder Angela , Kalluri Sowjanya , Holdai Veera
Published: December 2020

Well water contamination in heavily agricultural regions has previously been linked with increased cancer incidence and mortality. The lower Eastern shore of Maryland is a rural, agricultural region with some of the highest rates of cancer in Maryland and the United States. Our study sought to characterize residential private well water use among cancer patients on the lower Eastern shore of Maryland, and to compare private well water utilization between cancer patients and the general regional population. Retrospective chart review was conducted to identify patients diagnosed with colon, lung, melanoma or breast cancer at a regional hospital from 1 January 2017 through 31 December 2018. Residential water source was determined using residential address and municipal water records. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare residential private well water utilization between our study population and the baseline regional population. The majority of cancer patients (57%) lived in homes supplied by private well water (428/746). Cancer patients were more likely to live in homes supplied by private well water compared to individuals in the general regional population (57% vs. 32%, p < 0.001). In conclusion, cancer patients on the lower Eastern shore of Maryland were more likely to live in homes supplied by residential private well water than the regional population. Additional studies are needed to evaluate well water use and cancer risk in this vulnerable region.
Re-Thinking the Role of Government Information Intervention in the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Agent-Based Modeling Analysis
Authors: Lu Yao , Ji Zheng , Zhang Xiaoqi , Zheng Yanqiao , Liang Han
Published: December 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic imposes new challenges on the capability of governments in intervening with the information dissemination and reducing the risk of infection outbreak. To reveal the complexity behind government intervention decision, we build a bi-layer network diffusion model for the information-disease dynamics that were intervened in and conduct a full space simulation to illustrate the trade-off faced by governments between information disclosing and blocking. The simulation results show that governments prioritize the accuracy of disclosed information over the disclosing speed when there is a high-level medical recognition of the virus and a high public health awareness, while, for the opposite situation, more strict information blocking is preferred. Furthermore, an unaccountable government tends to delay disclosing, a risk-averse government prefers a total blocking, and a low government credibility will discount the effect of information disclosing and aggravate the situation. These findings suggest that information intervention is indispensable for containing the outbreak of infectious disease, but its effectiveness depends on a complicated way on both external social/epidemic factors and the governments’ internal preferences and governance capability, for which more thorough investigations are needed in the future.
Comparisons of Papanicolaou Utilization and Cervical Cancer Detection between Rural and Urban Women in Taiwan
Authors: Yang Chiu-Ming , Sung Fung-Chang , Hsue Chao-Song , Muo Chih-Hsin , Wang Shu-Wei , Shieh Shwn-Huey
Published: December 2020

Using the claims data of one million insured residents in Taiwan from 1996–2013, this study identified 12,126 women in an urban city (Taichung) and 7229 women in a rural county (Yunlin), aged 20 and above. We compared Papanicolaou (Pap) test uses and cervical cancer detection rates between urban and rural women. Results showed that the Pap screening rate was slightly higher in rural women than in urban women (86.1 vs. 81.3 percent). The cervical cancer incidence was much greater for women without Pap test than women with the test (35.8 vs. 9.00 per 1000 in rural women and 20.3 vs. 7.00 per 1000 in urban women). Nested case-control analysis showed that Pap test receivers had an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 0.35 (95% CI = 0.25–0.51) to be diagnosed with cervical cancer as compared to those who did not receive the test. The rural women had an adjusted OR of 1.46 (95% CI = 1.03–2.06) to be diagnosed with cervical cancer as compared to urban women. In conclusion, women in rural area are at higher cancer risk than city women. Women who do not undergo Pap tests deserve timely intervention of Pap test to prevent the onset of cancer, particularly in rural women with low income.
Corporate Environmental Performance in China: The Moderating Effects of the Media versus the Approach of Local Governments
Authors: Guo Zhiru , Lu Chao
Published: December 2020

This article selects the listed companies in China’s A-share heavy pollution industry from 2014 to 2018 as samples, uses a random effect model to empirically test the relationship between media attention and corporate environmental performance and examines the impacts of local government environmental protection and property nature on that relationship. Results are as follow: (1) Media attention can significantly affect a company’s environmental performance. The higher the media attention, the greater the company’s supervision and the better its environmental performance. (2) In areas where the government pays less attention to environmental protection, the impact of media on corporate environmental performance is more obvious, but in other areas, the impact of media on environmental performance cannot be reflected; (3) The media attention is very significant for the environmental performance improvement of state-owned enterprises, and it is not obvious in non-state-owned enterprises. (4) A further breakdown of the study found that the role of media attention in corporate environmental performance is only significant in the sample of local governments that have low environmental protection and are state-owned enterprises. This research incorporates the local government’s emphasis on environmental protection into the research field of vision, expands the research scope of media and corporate environmental performance, and also provides new clues and evidence for promoting the active fulfillment of environmental protection responsibilities by companies and local governments.
The Prediction of Hepatitis E through Ensemble Learning
Authors: Peng Tu , Chen Xiaoya , Wan Ming , Jin Lizhu , Wang Xiaofeng , Du Xuejie , Ge Hui , Yang Xu
Published: December 2020

According to the World Health Organization, about 20 million people are infected with Hepatitis E every year. In 2015, there were 44,000 deaths due to HEV infection worldwide. Food, water and climate are key factors that affect the outbreak of Hepatitis E. This paper presents an ensemble learning model for Hepatitis E prediction by studying the correlation between historical epidemic cases of hepatitis E and environmental factors (water quality and meteorological data). Environmental factors include many features, and ones that are most relevant to HEV are selected and input into the ensemble learning model composed by Gradient Boosting Decision Tree (GBDT) and Random Forest for training and prediction. Three indicators, root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), are used to evaluate the effectiveness of the ensemble learning model against the classical time series prediction model. It is concluded that the ensemble learning model has a better prediction effect than the classical model, and the prediction effectiveness can be improved by exploiting water quality and meteorological factors (radiation, air pressure, precipitation).
Anxiety and Depression Affect Early Postoperative Pain Dimensions after Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Gravani Sofia , Matiatou Maria , Nikolaidis Pantelis T. , Menenakos Evangelos , Zografos Constantinos G. , Zografos George , Albanopoulos Konstantinos
Published: December 2020

Uncontrolled postoperative pain and prolonged immobilization after bariatric surgery have been associated with increased postoperative complications and prolonged hospitalization. The aim of our study was to evaluate the postoperative pain that follows bariatric surgery and identify any psychological factors that may affect the early postoperative perception of pain. The study included 100 patients with obesity (women, n = 61; age 37.4 ± 9.9 years, mean ± standard deviation; Body Mass Index (BMI) 47.6 ± 6.5 kg/m2) who underwent bariatric surgery. Preoperative anxiety and depression were evaluated by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the quantitative and qualitative dimension of early postoperative pain were evaluated by the McGill Pain Questionnaire Short Form (MPQ-SF). Furthermore, the postoperative analgesia protocol was recorded for each patient. Pain declined gradually during the first 24 h postoperative. Although preoperative anxiety had no correlation with the overall pain of postoperative Day 0, patients with a higher level of preoperative anxiety had significantly more intense and more unpleasant pain at 1 h post operation. In addition, depression influences both the intensity and unpleasantness of pain at different time points (1 h, 4 h and 24 h postoperative). Preoperative pain correlated with educational level, but not with age, BMI, gender, marital status, smoking and surgery type. In conclusion, preoperative anxiety and depression influence the early postoperative pain after bariatric surgery, and their preoperative identification is of major importance to enhance the implementation of fast-track postoperative protocols to prevent complications and prolonged hospitalization.
The Effect of Smoking on the Number and Type of Rectal Aberrant Crypt Foci (ACF)—First Identifiable Precursors of Colorectal Cancer (CRC)
Authors: Kowalczyk Marek , Klepacki Łukasz , Zieliński Ewa , Kurpiewski Waldemar , Zinkiewicz Krzysztof , Dyśko Łukasz , Pesta Wiesław
Published: December 2020

Background: The problem of smoking and its influence on the occurrence of precursors and advanced colorectal cancer is often discussed in the medical literature. Tobacco smoke can provide a non-nutritional source of polycyclic hydrocarbons and other substances which, when combined with an incorrect diet, may play a role in promoting carcinogenesis at the level of the genetic control mechanism. The aim of our study was to assess the effect of smoking on the frequency and type of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in the rectum and polyps in the large intestine in people who smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day for more than 20 years. Methods and Findings: A colonoscopy combined with rectal mucosa staining with 0.25% methylene blue was performed in 131 patients. Each of the study participants gave informed consent to participate in the study. Three bioptates were collected from the foci defined macroscopically as ACF; in cases where there were fewer foci, the number of collected foci was respectively lower. On the colonoscopy day, patients completed the questionnaire regarding epidemiological data used for analysis of factors affecting the occurrence of ACF in the study group. The number of ACF in the colon was divided into three groups: −ACF < 5, 5 < ACF < 10, ACF > 10. In the statistical analysis, numerical data were presented and real numbers, range of arrhythmic means, mean standard deviation, and results of probability distribution. The Student’s test, U test, and chi2 were applied in order to determine the significance of differences of means and frequency of events in both groups. The level of significance was set at α = 0.05. Statistica 7.1 and Excel 2010 were used. Most smokers are in the age groups between 51–70 years. In the youngest (31–40 years), single ACF appear first (ACF <5) ACF in the number of 5–10 appear a little later (around 50 years of age) and dynamically increase, reaching a maximum at the age of 60–65.ACF in the number >10 appear at the latest age (55 years old) and their number gradually increases with age (linear growth). The probability of occurrence of ACF in all groups is greater in smokers, and the difference for the ACF group 5-10 and ACF >10 is statistically significant with a significance level of p < 0.05. Apart from ACF normal, all types of ACF are more likely in this group than in non-smokers and these differences are statistically significant with p < 0.05. Conclusions: Smoking has a significant impact on the number and type of rectal ACF. Smokers have a greater number of ACFs in the rectum than non-smokers, and the most common type is hyperplastic ACF. Smokers are more likely to develop polyps in all sections of the colon compared to non-smokers.
The Effect of Hypotensive Anesthesia on Hemoglobin Levels during Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Schmidt-Braekling Tom , Goytizolo Enrique , Waldstein Wenzel , Sharrock Nigel , Boettner Friedrich
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Hypotensive epidural anesthesia (HEA) is used in total joint arthroplasty as a safe and effective blood-saving modality. In order to maintain the blood pressure and heart rate patients, receive 1000 to 1500 mL of lactated Ringer’s solution during surgery. While HEA reduces the intraoperative blood loss, the effect of intravenous fluid loading on hemoglobin levels is not fully understood. The current study investigates the effect of HEA on perioperative hemoglobin levels. Materials and Methods: The study included 35 patients operated on by a single surgeon undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty under HEA. Intraoperatively, at least 300 mL of intravenous fluid were given every 15 min over the first 60 min after HEA. Blood samples were drawn before entering the operating room, after HEA, as well as after inflation of the tourniquet, every 15 min thereafter, as well as in the recovery room and on postoperative days one and two. In addition, fluid in- and outtake was recorded. Results: Patients received a mean 1275 mL during the 60 min of tourniquet time. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) 5 min after HEA dropped to 60 mmHg and reached a constant level of around 58 mmHg 15 min after HEA. The average hemoglobin level dropped from 13.9 g/dL prior to HEA, to 12.5 g/dL immediately after HEA (p < 0.001). Intraoperatively the hemoglobin level dropped further and reached 11.8 g/dL at 60 min in the absence of blood loss. Conclusions: Hypotensive epidural anesthesia and the resulting fluid substitution resulted in an average hemoglobin drop of 2.1 g/dL within the first 60 min. This needs to be taken into account when evaluating the need for blood transfusions after primary joint replacement surgery under HEA.
Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of Trabeculectomy with Mitomycin C According to Concentration: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Seol Bo Ram , Lee Sang Yoon , Kim Yu Jeong , Kim Young Kook , Jeoung Jin Wook , Park Ki Ho
Published: December 2020

(1) Background: Mitomycin C (MMC) is commonly used during trabeculectomy. However, there is no consensus on which concentration should be used. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of 0.2 mg/mL and 0.4 mg/mL of MMC in eyes undergoing trabeculectomy. (2) Methods: Thirty-six eyes (36 glaucoma patients) were randomized to undergo a trabeculectomy with 0.2 mg/mL or 0.4 mg/mL of MMC. The success rate was evaluated according to three criteria: (A) intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤ 18 mmHg and IOP reduction ≥ 20%; (B) IOP ≤ 15 mmHg and IOP reduction ≥ 25%; (C) IOP ≤ 12 mmHg and IOP reduction ≥ 30%. Cox’s proportional hazard model was used to identify the predictive factors for failure. Immunohistochemical procedures for matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) were performed on Tenon’s tissue. Bleb morphology was evaluated. Safety was assessed based on the incidence of complications. (3) Results: Of the 36 eyes, 19 underwent trabeculectomy with 0.2 mg/mL of MMC and 17 with 0.4 mg/mL. The success rates were 75%, 67%, and 47% at 6 months for criteria A, B, and C, respectively. There were no significant differences between the two groups. High MMP-9 staining and low preoperative IOP were associated with failure (hazard ratio (HR), 5.556; p = 0.033, and HR, 0.936; p = 0.033). Complications included hypotony in two eyes (6%), hyphema in one eye (3%), and choroidal detachment in one eye (3%). (4) Conclusions: Trabeculectomy with 0.2 mg/mL and 0.4 mg/mL of MMC showed similar IOP-control effects to those recorded in previous studies, along with a low rate of complications. There was no significant difference in efficacy or safety between the 0.2 mg/mL and 0.4 mg/mL MMC groups.
Hybrid E/M Phenotype(s) and Stemness: A Mechanistic Connection Embedded in Network Topology
Authors: Pasani Satwik , Sahoo Sarthak , Jolly Mohit Kumar
Published: December 2020

Metastasis remains an unsolved clinical challenge. Two crucial features of metastasizing cancer cells are (a) their ability to dynamically move along the epithelial–hybrid–mesenchymal spectrum and (b) their tumor initiation potential or stemness. With increasing functional characterization of hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) phenotypes along the spectrum, recent in vitro and in vivo studies have suggested an increasing association of hybrid E/M phenotypes with stemness. However, the mechanistic underpinnings enabling this association remain unclear. Here, we develop a mechanism-based mathematical modeling framework that interrogates the emergent nonlinear dynamics of the coupled network modules regulating E/M plasticity (miR-200/ZEB) and stemness (LIN28/let-7). Simulating the dynamics of this coupled network across a large ensemble of parameter sets, we observe that hybrid E/M phenotype(s) are more likely to acquire stemness relative to “pure” epithelial or mesenchymal states. We also integrate multiple “phenotypic stability factors” (PSFs) that have been shown to stabilize hybrid E/M phenotypes both in silico and in vitro—such as OVOL1/2, GRHL2, and NRF2—with this network, and demonstrate that the enrichment of hybrid E/M phenotype(s) with stemness is largely conserved in the presence of these PSFs. Thus, our results offer mechanistic insights into recent experimental observations of hybrid E/M phenotype(s) that are essential for tumor initiation and highlight how this feature is embedded in the underlying topology of interconnected EMT (Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition) and stemness networks.
Serum Levels of Soluble Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells-1 Associated with the Severity and Outcome of Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Huang Jyun-Bin , Chen Nai-Ching , Chen Chien-Liang , Fu Mu-Hui , Pan Hsiu-Yung , Hsu Chung-Yao , Chen Shang-Der , Chuang Yao-Chung
Published: December 2020

Stroke is a neurological emergency, where the mechanism of the blood supply to the brain is impaired, resulting in brain cell ischemia and death. Neuroinflammation is a key component in the ischemic cascade that results in cell damage and death after cerebral ischemia. The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) modulates neuroinflammation after acute ischemic stroke. In the present study, 60 patients with acute ischemic stroke, who had been subjected to neurological examinations and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and brain magnetic resonance imaging studies, were enrolled in the emergency room of Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Twenty-four healthy volunteers were recruited as controls. The serum levels of soluble TREM-1 (sTREM-1), human S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B), and proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including tumor necrosis α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β, interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8, and interferon-γ were measured immediately after acute ischemic stroke. The serum levels of sTREM-1, TNFα, IL-6, and S100B were correlated with the stroke volume and NIHSS, after acute ischemic stroke. Additionally, the serum levels of sTREM-1 were significantly positively correlated with S100B. The functional outcomes were evaluated 6 months after ischemic stroke by the Barthel index, which was correlated with the age and levels of sTREM-1 and S100B. We suggest that acute ischemic stroke induces neuroinflammation by the activation of the TREM-1 signaling pathway and the downstream inflammatory machinery that modulates the inflammatory response and ischemic neuronal cell death. From a translational perspective, our results may allow for the development of a new therapeutic strategy for acute ischemic stroke by targeting the TREM-1 signaling pathway.