bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elementary Students’ Reasoning in Drawn Explanations Based on a Scientific Theory
Authors: Cabello Valeria M. , Moreira Patricia M. , Griñó Morales Paulina
Published: September 2021

Constructing explanations of scientific phenomena is a high-leverage practice that promotes student understanding. In the context of this study, we acknowledge that children are used to receiving explanations from teachers. However, they are rarely encouraged to construct explanations about the causes and consequences of phenomena. We modified a strategy to elicit and analyze primary students’ reasoning based on scientific theory as a methodological advance in learning and cognition. The participants were fourth-graders of middle socioeconomic status in Chile’s geographical zone with high seismic risk. They drew explanations about the causes and consequences of earthquakes during a learning unit of eighteen hours oriented toward explanation-construction based on the Tectonic Plates Theory. A constant comparative method was applied to analyze drawings and characterize students’ reasoning used in pictorial representations, following the first coding step of the qualitative Grounded Theory approach. The results show the students expressed progressive levels of reasoning. However, several participants expressed explanations based on the phenomena causes even at an early stage of formal learning. More sophisticated reasoning regarding the scientific theory underpinning earthquakes was found at the end of the learning unit. We discuss approaching elementary students’ scientific reasoning in explanations based on theory, connected with context-based science education.
Using Rich Narratives to Engage Students in Worthwhile Mathematics: Children’s Literature, Movies and Short Films
Authors: Russo James , Russo Toby , Roche Anne
Published: September 2021

Using children’s literature to support mathematics instruction has been connected to positive academic outcomes and learning dispositions; however, less is known about the use of audiovisual based narrative mediums to support student mathematical learning experiences. The current exploratory, qualitative study involved teaching three lessons based on challenging, problem solving tasks to two classes of Australian Year (Grade) 5 students (10 and 11 year olds). These tasks were developed from various narratives, each portrayed through a different medium (movie clip, short film, picture story book). Post lesson interviews were undertaken with 24 students inviting them to compare and contrast this lesson sequence with their usual mathematics instruction. Drawing on a self-determination theory lens, our analysis revealed that these lessons were experienced by students as both highly enjoyable and mathematically challenging. More specifically, it was found that presenting mathematics tasks based on rich and familiar contexts and providing meaningful choices about how to approach their mathematical work supported student autonomy. In addition, there was evidence that the narrative presentation supported student understanding of the mathematics through making the tasks clearer and more accessible, whilst the audiovisual mediums (movie clip, short film) in particular provided a dynamic representation of key mathematical ideas (e.g., transformation and scale). Students indicated an eclectic range of preferences in terms of their preferred narrative mediums for exploring mathematical ideas. Our findings support the conclusion that educators and researchers focused on the benefits of teaching mathematics through picture story books consider extending their definition of narrative to encompass other mediums, such as movie clips and short films.
Study on the Lyapunov Stability of a Time-Discrete Macro Traffic System with Variable Delay and Feedback Control
Authors: Jiang Shan , Zhang Geng , Zhang Yu , Pan Dong-Bo , Xiong Wen-Ze
Published: September 2021

This paper constructs and analyzes a time-discrete macro traffic system with bounded variable delay and feedback control strategy. By theoretical analysis using the Lyapunov theorem, a stable condition of the macro traffic system is derived under which traffic jams can be suppressed. The traffic developing properties of the new traffic system for different variable delay and feedback control parameters are illustrated through simulation. The results show that variable delay can easily lead a traffic system to evolve into a traffic jam, and the feedback control strategy can enhance the stability of the traffic system with respect to variable delay. Moreover, the traffic unstable level caused by variable delay is less than the unstable extent caused by the constant upper bound of variable delay; still it is more serious than the traffic fluctuation caused by the constant lower bound of variable delay.
A 5–50 GHz SiGe BiCMOS Linear Transimpedance Amplifier with 68 dBΩ Differential Gain towards Highly Integrated Quasi-Coherent Receivers
Authors: Silva Valdecasa Guillermo , Altabas Jose A. , Kupska Monika , Jensen Jesper Bevensee , Johansen Tom K.
Published: September 2021

Quasi-coherent optical receivers have recently emerged targeting access networks, offering improved sensitivity and reach over direct-detection schemes at the expense of a higher receiver bandwidth. Higher levels of system integration together with sufficiently wideband front-end blocks, and in particular high-speed linear transimpedance amplifiers (TIAs), are currently demanded to reduce cost and scale up receiver data rates. In this article, we report on the design and testing of a linear TIA enabling high-speed quasi-coherent receivers. A shunt-feedback loaded common-base topology is adopted, with gain control provided by a subsequent Gilbert cell stage. The circuit was fabricated in a commercial 130 nm SiGe BiCMOS technology and has a bandpass characteristic with a 3 dB bandwidth in the range of 5–50 GHz. A differential transimpedance gain of 68 dBΩ was measured, with 896 mVpp of maximum differential output swing at the 1 dB compression point. System experiments in a quasi-coherent receiver demonstrate an optical receiver sensitivity of −30.5 dBm (BER = 1 × 10−3) at 10 Gbps, and −26 dBm (BER = 1 × 10−3) at 25 Gbps. The proposed TIA represents an enabling component towards highly integrated quasi-coherent receivers.
Electromagnetic Scattering and Its Applications: From Low Frequencies to Photonics
Authors: Fedeli Alessandro , Gragnani Gian Luigi
Published: September 2021

Few research topics are as broad and pervasive as electromagnetic scattering [...]
An 8-bit Radix-4 Non-Volatile Parallel Multiplier
Authors: Fu Chengjie , Zhu Xiaolei , Huang Kejie , Gu Zheng
Published: September 2021

The data movement between the processing and storage units has been one of the most critical issues in modern computer systems. The emerging Resistive Random Access Memory (RRAM) technology has drawn tremendous attention due to its non-volatile ability and the potential in computation application. These properties make them a perfect choice for application in modern computing systems. In this paper, an 8-bit radix-4 non-volatile parallel multiplier is proposed, with improved computational capabilities. The corresponding booth encoding scheme, read-out circuit, simplified Wallace tree, and Manchester carry chain are presented, which help to short the delay of the proposed multiplier. While the presence of RRAM save computational time and overall power as multiplicand is stored beforehand. The area of the proposed non-volatile multiplier is reduced with improved computing speed. The proposed multiplier has an area of 785.2 μm2 with Generic Processing Design Kit 45 nm process. The simulation results show that the proposed multiplier structure has a low computing power at 161.19 μW and a short delay of 0.83 ns with 1.2 V supply voltage. Comparative analyses are performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed multiplier design. Compared with conventional booth multipliers, the proposed multiplier structure reduces the energy and delay by more than 70% and 19%, respectively.
A Threshold Proxy Re-Encryption Scheme for Secure IoT Data Sharing Based on Blockchain
Authors: Chen Yingwen , Hu Bowen , Yu Hujie , Duan Zhimin , Huang Junxin
Published: September 2021

The IoT devices deployed in various application scenarios will generate massive data with immeasurable value every day. These data often contain the user’s personal privacy information, so there is an imperative need to guarantee the reliability and security of IoT data sharing. We proposed a new encrypted data storing and sharing architecture by combining proxy re-encryption with blockchain technology. The consensus mechanism based on threshold proxy re-encryption eliminates dependence on the third-party central service providers. Multiple consensus nodes in the blockchain network act as proxy service nodes to re-encrypt data and combine converted ciphertext, and personal information will not be disclosed in the whole procedure. That eliminates the restrictions of using decentralized network to store and distribute private encrypted data safely. We implemented a lot of simulated experiments to evaluate the performance of the proposed framework. The results show that the proposed architecture can meet the extensive data access demands and increase a tolerable time latency. Our scheme is one of the essays to utilize the threshold proxy re-encryption and blockchain consensus algorithm to support IoT data sharing.
A Newly Built Model of an Additive Stem Taper System with Total Disaggregation Model Structure for Dahurian Larch in Northeast China
Authors: Xu Yanli , Jiang Lichun , Shahzad Muhammad Khurram
Published: September 2021

Stem taper function is an important concept in forest growth and yield modeling, and forest management. However, the additivity of the function and the inherent correlations between stem components (diameter outside bark—dob, diameter inside bark—dib, and double-bark thickness—dbt) are seldom considered. In this paper, a total disaggregation model (TDM) structure was developed based on the well-known Kozak (2004) model to ensure the additivity of the stem components. The reconstructed model was fitted with the data of 1281 felled Dahurian larch trees from three regions of Daxing’anling Mountains in Northeast China. The results from TDM were compared with other additive model structures including adjustment in proportion (AP), non-additive taper models (NAM), and three logical structures of NSUR (AMO, SMI, SMB). The results showed that the difference was significant among the three regions. The performance of TDM was slightly better than those of other model structures. Therefore, TDM was considered as another optimal additive system to estimate stem, bark thickness, and volume predicting for Dahurian larch in Northeast China besides NSUR, a method widely used in calculating additive volume or biomass throughout the world. We believe this work is cutting-edge, and that this methodology can be applied to other tree species.
The Importance of Extended Analysis Using Current Molecular Genetic Methods Based on the Example of a Cohort of 228 Patients with Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome
Authors: Resch Luise D. , Hotz Alrun , Zimmer Andreas D. , Komlosi Katalin , Singh Nina , Tzschach Andreas , Windfuhr-Blum Marisa , Juhasz-Boess Ingolf , Erbes Thalia , Fischer Judith , Alter Svenja
Published: September 2021

In about 20–30% of all women with breast cancer, an increased number of cases of breast cancer can be observed in their family history. However, currently, only 5–10% of all breast cancer cases can be attributed to a pathogenic gene alteration. Molecular genetic diagnostics underwent enormous development within the last 10 years. Next-generation sequencing approaches allow increasingly extensive analyses resulting in the identification of additional candidate genes. In the present work, the germline molecular diagnostic analysis of a cohort of 228 patients with suspected hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC) was evaluated. The 27 pathogenic gene variants initially detected are listed, and their distribution in the high-risk BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes is presented in this study. In ten high-risk patients, in whom, to date, no pathogenic variant could be detected, an extended genetic analysis of previously not considered risk genes was performed. Three variants of uncertain significance and one pathogenic variant could be described. This proves the importance of extended analysis using current molecular genetic methods.
Against the Odds: Hybrid Zones between Mangrove Killifish Species with Different Mating Systems
Authors: Berbel-Filho Waldir M. , Tatarenkov Andrey , Pacheco George , Espírito-Santo Helder M. V. , Lira Mateus G. , Garcia de Leaniz Carlos , Avise John C. , Lima Sergio M. Q. , Rodríguez-López Carlos M. , Consuegra Sofia
Published: September 2021

Different mating systems are expected to affect the extent and direction of hybridization. Due to the different levels of sexual conflict, the weak inbreeder/strong outbreeder (WISO) hypothesis predicts that gametes from self-incompatible (SI) species should outcompete gametes from self-compatible (SC) ones. However, other factors such as timing of selfing and unilateral incompatibilities may also play a role on the direction of hybridization. In addition, differential mating opportunities provided by different mating systems are also expected to affect the direction of introgression in hybrid zones involving outcrossers and selfers. Here, we explored these hypotheses with a unique case of recent hybridization between two mangrove killifish species with different mating systems, Kryptolebias ocellatus (obligately outcrossing) and K. hermaphroditus (predominantly self-fertilizing) in two hybrid zones in southeast Brazil. Hybridization rates were relatively high (~20%), representing the first example of natural hybridization between species with different mating systems in vertebrates. All F1 individuals were sired by the selfing species. Backcrossing was small, but mostly asymmetrical with the SI parental species, suggesting pattern commonly observed in plant hybrid zones with different mating systems. Our findings shed light on how contrasting mating systems may affect the direction and extent of gene flow between sympatric species, ultimately affecting the evolution and maintenance of hybrid zones.
Genome-Wide Association Studies for Milk Somatic Cell Score in Romanian Dairy Cattle
Authors: Ilie Daniela Elena , Mizeranschi Alexandru Eugeniu , Mihali Ciprian Valentin , Neamț Radu Ionel , Goilean George Vlad , Georgescu Ovidiu Ionuț , Zaharie Daniela , Carabaș Mihai , Huțu Ioan
Published: September 2021

Mastitis is one of the most frequently encountered diseases in dairy cattle, negatively affecting animal welfare and milk production. For this reason, contributions to understanding its genomic architecture are of great interest. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified multiple loci associated with somatic cell score (SCS) and mastitis in cattle. However, most of the studies have been conducted in different parts of the world on various breeds, and none of the investigations have studied the genetic architecture of mastitis in Romanian dairy cattle breeds up to this point in time. In this study, we report the first GWAS for SCS in dairy cattle breeds from Romania. For GWAS, we used an Axiom Bovine v3 SNP-chip (>63,000 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism -SNPs) and 33,330 records from 690 cows belonging to Romanian Spotted (RS) and Romanian Brown (RB) cattle. The results found one SNP significantly associated with SCS in the RS breed and 40 suggestive SNPs with −log10 (p) from 4 to 4.9 for RS and from 4 to 5.4 in RB. From these, 14 markers were located near 12 known genes (AKAP8, CLHC1, MEGF10, SATB2, GATA6, SPATA6, COL12A1, EPS8, LUZP2, RAMAC, IL12A and ANKRD55) in RB cattle, 3 markers were close to ZDHHC19, DAPK1 and MMP7 genes, while one SNP overlapped the HERC3 gene in RS cattle. Four genes (HERC3, LUZP2, AKAP8 and MEGF10) associated with SCS in this study were previously reported in different studies. The most significant SNP (rs110749552) associated with SCS was located within the HERC3 gene. In both breeds, the SNPs and position of association signals were distinct among the three parities, denoting that mastitis is controlled by different genes that are dependent according to parity. The current results contribute to an expansion in the body of knowledge regarding the proportion of genetic variability explained by SNPs for SCS in dairy cattle.
Observed Changes of Rain-Season Precipitation in China from 1960 to 2018
Authors: Zhang Yanyu , Zang Shuying , Shen Xiangjin , Fan Gaohua
Published: September 2021

Precipitation during the main rain season is important for natural ecosystems and human activities. In this study, according to daily precipitation data from 515 weather stations in China, we analyzed the spatiotemporal variation of rain-season (May–September) precipitation in China from 1960 to 2018. The results showed that rain-season precipitation decreased over China from 1960 to 2018. Rain-season heavy (25 ≤ p < 50 mm/day) and very heavy (p ≥ 50 mm/day) precipitation showed increasing trends, while rain-season moderate (10 ≤ p < 25 mm/day) and light (0.1 ≤ p < 10 mm/day) precipitation showed decreasing trends from 1960 to 2018. The temporal changes of precipitation indicated that rain-season light and moderate precipitation displayed downward trends in China from 1980 to 2010 and rain-season heavy and very heavy precipitation showed fluctuant variation from 1960 to 2018. Changes of rain-season precipitation showed clear regional differences. Northwest China and the Tibetan Plateau showed the largest positive trends of precipitation amount and days. In contrast, negative trends were found for almost all precipitation grades in North China Plain, Northeast China, and North Central China. Changes toward drier conditions in these regions probably had a severe impact on agricultural production. In East China, Southeast China and Southwest China, heavy and very heavy precipitation had increased while light and moderate precipitation had decreased. This result implied an increasing risk of flood and mudslides in these regions. The advance in understanding of precipitation change in China will contribute to exactly predict the regional climate change under the background of global climate change.
Responsiveness of the Spanish Version of Newcastle Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Measure (NEWSQOL)
Authors: Soto-Vidal Concepción , Calvo-Fuente Victoria , Muriel-García Alfonso , Gallego-Izquierdo Tomás , González-Alted Carlos , Pacheco-da-Costa Soraya
Published: September 2021

Objective: To evaluate the responsiveness of the Spanish version of the Newcastle Stroke-specific Quality of Life measure (NEWSQOL) to assess quality of life in Spanish people after suffering a stroke. Design: A prospective observational study was conducted to assess the responsiveness of the Spanish version of NEWSQOL. The sample contained 128 patients who filled in the questionnaires before and after a physical therapy intervention. The responsiveness was assessed with p-values using the effect size (ES) and the standardized response means (SRMs) of the change. Besides, two other external criteria were used to distinguish patients who improved with the treatment from those who remained stable. This classification was based on one functional independence measure (the Barthel Index) and one disability measure (the modified Rankin Scale). Results: There was a statistically significant correlation (Spearman’s coefficient = p < 0.01) between the domains of the Spanish version of NEWSQOL in relation to the Barthel Index and the modified Rankin Scale. All domains showed between marked-to-mild change responsiveness except sleep and relationships; mobility (ES 0.66 and SRM 0.92) and activities of daily living (ES 0.75 and SRM 0.87) were markedly responsive; communication (ES 0.38 and SRM 0.61) was moderately responsive; and pain, vision, cognition, feelings, emotions and fatigue were mildly responsive (ES 0.21–0.41 and SRM 0.23–0.44). Conclusion: The Spanish version of NEWSQOL shows between marked and mild responsiveness to measure the perception of QoL in post-stroke patients. Therefore, its use can be suitable for evaluation studies, clinical trials and clinical practice.
Association of Decreased Physical Activity with Rheumatoid Mid-Hindfoot Deformity/Destruction
Authors: Noguchi Takaaki , Hirao Makoto , Tsuji Shigeyoshi , Ebina Kosuke , Tsuboi Hideki , Etani Yuki , Akita Shosuke , Hashimoto Jun
Published: September 2021

Foot/ankle problems remain important issues in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Although forefoot deformity generally takes a major place in surgical treatment, concomitant mid-hindfoot deformity is also commonly seen. In this situation, it can be easy to overlook that mid-hindfoot deformity can also induce or exacerbate clinical problems behind the forefoot events. Thus, the relationship between mid-hindfoot deformity/destruction and physical activity/ADL was investigated. Radiographic findings of 101 lower limbs (59 patients) were retrospectively evaluated. Alignment parameters in the lower extremity and joint destruction grade (Larsen grade) were measured. The timed-up-and-go (TUG) test, modified health assessment questionnaire (mHAQ), pain, self-reported scores for the foot and ankle (SAFE-Q), and RA disease activity were investigated to assess clinical status. The relationships among these parameters were evaluated. Subtalar joint destruction was correlated with TUG time (r = 0.329), mHAQ score (r = 0.338), and SAFE-Q: social functioning (r = 0.332). TUG time was correlated with the HKA (r = −0.527), talo-1st metatarsal angle (r = 0.64), calcaneal pitch angle (r = −0.433), M1-M5A (r = −0.345), and M2-M5A (r = −0.475). On multivariable linear regression analysis, TUG time had a relatively strong correlation with the talo-1st metatarsal angle (β = 0.452), and was negatively correlated with calcaneal pitch angle (β = −0.326). Ankle joint destruction was also correlated with TUG time (β = 0.214). Development of structural problems or conditions in mid-hindfoot, especially flatfoot deformity, were related with decreased physical activity in RA patients. Wearing an insole (arch support) as a preventative measure and short foot exercise should be considered from the early phase of deformity/destruction in the mid-hindfoot in the management of RA.
Can Face- and Smartphone-Touching Behaviors Be Altered with Personal Hygiene Reminders during the COVID-19 Pandemic Period? An Observational Study
Authors: Li Lok-Yee Joyce , Wang Shin-Yi , Yang Jinn-Moon , Chen Chih-Jou , Tsai Cheng-Yu , Wu Lucas Yee-Yan , Wu Cheng-Jung
Published: September 2021

As part of the new measures to prevent the spread of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), medical students were advised to wear a mask in class and avoid touching their faces. Few studies have analyzed the influence of health education on the frequency of face- and smartphone-touching behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research compared the frequency of in-class face- and smartphone-touching behaviors of medical students before and after the delivery of personal hygiene education during the COVID-19 pandemic. A behavioral observational study was conducted involving medical students at Taipei Medical University. Eighty medical students were recruited during a lecture on otorhinolaryngology. All medical students were required to wear a mask. Their face- and smartphone-touching behavior was observed by viewing the 4 k resolution video tape recorded in class. The recording lasted for 2 h, comprising 1 h prior to the health educational reminder and 1 h afterwards. The frequencies of hand-to-face contact and hand-to-smartphone contact were analyzed before and after the delivery of health education emphasizing personal hygiene. Comprehensive health education and reminders effectively reduce the rate of face- and smartphone-touching behaviors.
Can Air Quality Citizen-Sensors Turn into Clean Air Ambassadors? Insights from a Qualitative Study
Authors: Dardier Guilhem , Jabot Françoise , Pouliquen Flora
Published: September 2021

While the figure of ambassador is being increasingly called upon in the field of environmental health, its scope remains fuzzy and its success factors have been little studied. This article presents the results of a qualitative study performed over three years on a French citizen-sensor scheme for air quality. The scheme draws on volunteer citizens to measure fine particles by means of micro-sensors. Volunteers are also tasked with raising awareness in their entourage about environmental issues with the aim of changing people’s behaviour. We investigated this strategy and sought to identify the conditions that enable citizens to become effective clean air ambassadors. The scheme’s intervention logic was first reconstructed and a literature review of similar projects was conducted. Then, three surveys were carried out with the scheme’s volunteers. Each survey consisted of an observation of the volunteers’ practices and individual interviews (70 in all) in order to understand these citizen-sensors motivations and experiences, and characterize how they fulfilled their role. We concluded that, for citizen sensing, the scope and role of ambassador should be reconsidered insofar as these citizens serve as peer leaders and mediators. In this respect, we try to define the success factors for citizen-sensing-based ambassadors programmes.
Effects of Fluoride and Calcium Phosphate-Based Varnishes in Children at High Risk of Tooth Decay: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Poza-Pascual Andrea , Serna-Muñoz Clara , Pérez-Silva Amparo , Martínez-Beneyto Yolanda , Cabello Inmaculada , Ortiz-Ruiz Antonio José
Published: September 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the application of two varnishes—MI Varnish (5% sodium fluoride with CPP-ACP) and Clinpro White Varnish (5% sodium fluoride with fTCP)—applied every three months in children with high caries risk for 12 months on plaque indexes, salivary pH, salivary lactic acid and chemical elements concentrations. Methods: We included 58 children aged 4–12 years, assigned to control (placebo), Clinpro and MI groups. Baseline and three-month saliva samples were taken. We assessed changes in pH, lactic acid concentrations and chemical elements in saliva. Results: At 12 months, all groups showed a nonsignificant increase in pH levels and a reduction in lactic acid, which was greatest in the placebo group. There was a significant reduction in 24Mg (p = <0.001), 31P (p = 0.033) and 66Zn (p = 0.005) levels in the placebo group (p ≤ 0.05), but not in the other elements studied: 23Na, 27Al, 39K, 44Ca, 52Cr, 55Mn, 57Fe, 59Co, 63Cu, 75As, 111Cd, 137Ba, 208Pb and 19F. Conclusions: Neither pH, lactic acid concentrations or most salivary chemical elements were useful in defining patients at high risk of caries or in monitoring the effect of MI Varnish and Clinpro White Varnish after three-month application for 12 months. However, the appearance of new cavities was stopped, and the hygiene index improved, probably due to hygienic and dietary measures and the use of fluoridated toothpaste. Trial registration: ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN13681286.
Secondary Dentin Formation Mechanism: The Effect of Attrition
Authors: Nudel Itay , Pokhojaev Ariel , Bitterman Yoli , Shpack Nir , Fiorenza Luca , Benazzi Stefano , Sarig Rachel
Published: September 2021

Human dentin consists of a primary layer produced during tooth formation in early childhood and a second layer which first forms upon tooth eruption and continues throughout life, termed secondary dentin (SD). The effect of attrition on SD formation was considered to be confined to the area subjacent to attrition facets. However, due to a lack of three-dimensional methodologies to demonstrate the structure of the SD, this association could not be determined. Therefore, in the current study, we aimed to explore the thickening pattern of the SD in relation to the amount of occlusal and interproximal attrition. A total of 30 premolars (50–60 years of age) with varying attrition rates were evaluated using micro-computerized tomography. The results revealed thickening of the SD below the cementoenamel junction (CEJ), mostly in the mesial and distal aspects of the root (p < 0.05). The pattern of thickening under the tooth cervix, rather than in proximity to attrition facets, was consistent regardless of the attrition level. The amount of SD thickening mildly correlated with occlusal attrition (r = 0.577, p < 0.05) and not with interproximal attrition. The thickening of the SD below the CEJ coincided with previous finite element models, suggesting that this area is mostly subjected to stress due to occlusal loadings. Therefore, we suggest that the SD formation might serve as a compensatory mechanism aimed to strengthen tooth structure against deflection caused by mechanical loading. Our study suggests that occlusal forces may play a significant role in SD formation.
Multiclassification Method of Landslide Risk Assessment in Consideration of Disaster Levels: A Case Study of Xianyang City, Shaanxi Province
Authors: Xu Shenghua , Zhang Meng , Ma Yu , Liu Jiping , Wang Yong , Ma Xinrui , Chen Jie
Published: September 2021

Geological disaster risk assessment can quantitatively assess the risk of disasters to hazard-bearing bodies. Visualizing the risk of geological disasters can provide scientific references for regional engineering construction, urban planning, and disaster prevention and mitigation. There are some problems in the current binary classification landslide risk assessment model, such as a single sample type, slow multiclass classification speed, large differences in the number of positive and negative samples, and large errors in classification results. This paper introduces multilevel landslide hazard scale samples, selects multiple types of samples according to the divided multilevel landslide hazard scale grade, and proposes a landslide hazard assessment model based on a multiclass support vector machine (SVM). Due to the objective limitations of the single weighting method, the combined weights are used to determine the vulnerability of the landslide hazard-bearing body, and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and entropy method are combined to construct a landslide vulnerability assessment model that considers subjective and objective weights. This paper takes landslide disasters in Xianyang City, Shaanxi Province, as the research object. Based on the landslide hazard assessment model and the landslide vulnerability assessment model, a landslide risk assessment experiment is carried out. It generates the landslide risk assessment zoning map and summarizes the risk characteristics of landslides in various towns. The experimental results verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed model and provide important decision support for decision makers in Xianyang City.
Regression and Evaluation on a Forward Interpolated Version of the Great Circle Arcs–Based Distortion Metric of Map Projections
Authors: Yan Jin , Xu Tiansheng , Li Ni , Gong Guanghong
Published: September 2021

We studied the numerical approximation problem of distortion in map projections. Most widely used differential methods calculate area distortion and maximum angular distortion using partial derivatives of forward equations of map projections. However, in certain map projections, partial derivatives are difficult to calculate because of the complicated forms of forward equations, e.g., equations with iterations, integrations, or multi-way branches. As an alternative, the spherical great circle arcs–based metric employs the inverse equations of map projections to transform sample points from the projection plane to the spherical surface, and then calculates a differential-independent distortion metric for the map projections. We introduce a novel forward interpolated version of the previous spherical great circle arcs–based metric, solely dependent on the forward equations of map projections. In our proposed numerical solution, a rational function–based regression is also devised and applied to our metric to obtain an approximate metric of angular distortion. The statistical and graphical results indicate that the errors of the proposed metric are fairly low, and a good numerical estimation with high correlation to the differential-based metric can be achieved.
GIS Mapping Evaluation of Stroke Service Areas in Bangkok Using Emergency Medical Services
Authors: Sreemongkol Kiatirat , Lohatepanont Manoj , Cheewinsiriwat Pannee , Bunlikitkul Tanyaluk O. , Supasaovapak Jirapong
Published: September 2021

Stroke is a major cause of death in Thailand. It requires a specific time period of 4.5 h from onset to treatment to increase recovery rates, and therefore, it can be categorized as a time-sensitive disease. The objective of this research is to identify whether the service areas of the main existing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) prehospital stroke practices cover all areas in Bangkok. This is determined by using GIS mapping. After verifying the current EMS delivery models, comparisons are drawn to find the travelling time of each model. The conditioning factors for GIS mapping were collected and verified, including the traffic speed and duration spent in each mode of the prehospital stroke process. After inputting all of the data into GIS, the service areas were visualized to show the area serviced in each delivery model. The results also show the different hospital groups, including the service areas for (1) non-network hospitals and (2) hospitals with stroke networks. Suggestions for re-networking and adding more hospitals to the existing networks were also identified using GIS. Regularly updating the service area with up-to-date data in GIS is key to improving stroke service areas.
Analyzing Natural Digital Information in the Context of Market Research
Authors: Konnikov Evgenii , Konnikova Olga , Rodionov Dmitriy , Yuldasheva Oksana
Published: September 2021

The dynamics of irreversible multidimensional digitalization of production and consumption processes can be described today with a linear-positive or even exponential function. A significant part of the information background of a product, enterprise or brand is formed by their consumers, competitors or partners on the Internet, which considerably increases its accessibility and spread. Such kind of information can be called natural digital information (NDI). Its high market value is counterbalanced by its inhomogeneity and complexity for analysis. The solution to this problem lies in the field of creating automated tools for its subsequent search, aggregation, primary processing, quantification and analysis. The aim of this study is to describe the unique methodological properties of market research based on natural digital information. In order to achieve this aim, this study analyzes the theoretical basis in the field of NDI research, defines the categories of NDI and sources of its formation, describes the key properties of NDI, determines its advantages in comparison with other types of market information, and suggests a basic methodology for conducting typical NDI-based market research. An applied research study was carried out according to the designed methodology to show its advantages, as well as to describe the unique methodological properties of market research based on processing of NDI. The main result of this study is a universal algorithmic model for analyzing NDI in the context of market research, which includes a mechanism for defining and categorizing the digital sources of NDI, a model for forming the key properties of NDI, and basic classes of NDI analytical metrics. The toolkit developed by the authors allows market research to be conducted without direct attraction of research subjects, which results in cost reduction and elimination of the phenomenon of social desirability; this creates the so-called reasoned advertising messages that meet the requests of the target audience, which is proved by the big data that underlie the presented methodology. The developed algorithmic model is universal for analyzing natural digital information, and, with minor adaptations, can be used by any subject conducting market research.
Intraoperative Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Monitoring of Renal Allograft Reperfusion in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Feasibility and Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Lau Hien , Lopez Alberto Jarrin , Eguchi Natsuki , Shimomura Akihiro , Ferrey Antoney , Tantisattamo Ekamol , Reddy Uttam , Dafoe Donald , Ichii Hirohito
Published: September 2021

Conventional renal function markers are unable to measure renal allograft perfusion intraoperatively, leading to delayed recognition of initial allograft function. A handheld near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) device that can provide real-time assessment of renal allograft perfusion by quantifying regional tissue oxygen saturation levels (rSO2) was approved by the FDA. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility of intraoperative NIRS monitoring of allograft reperfusion in renal transplant recipients (RTR). Intraoperative renal allograft rSO2 and perfusion rates were measured in living (LDRT, n = 3) and deceased donor RTR (DDRT, n = 4) during the first 50 min post-reperfusion and correlated with renal function markers 30 days post-transplantation. Intraoperative renal allograft rSO2 for the DDRT group remained significantly lower than the LDRT group throughout the 50 min. Reperfusion rates were significantly faster in the LDRT group during the first 5 min post-reperfusion but remained stable thereafter in both groups. Intraoperative rSO2 were similar among the upper pole, renal hilum, and lower pole, and strongly correlated with allograft function and hemodynamic parameters up to 14 days post-transplantation. NIRS successfully detected differences in intraoperative renal allograft rSO2, warranting future studies to evaluate it as an objective method to measure ischemic injury and perfusion for the optimization of preservation/reperfusion protocols and early prediction of allograft function.
A Review of Current and Future Antithrombotic Strategies in Surgical Patients—Leaving the Graduated Compression Stockings Behind?
Authors: Khatri Amulya , Machin Matthew , Vijay Aditya , Salim Safa , Shalhoub Joseph , Davies Alun Huw
Published: September 2021

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains an important consideration within surgery, with recent evidence looking to refine clinical guidance. This review provides a contemporary update of existing clinical evidence for antithrombotic regimens for surgical patients, providing future directions for prophylaxis regimens and research. For moderate to high VTE risk patients, existing evidence supports the use of heparins for prophylaxis. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been validated within orthopaedic surgery, although there remain few completed randomised controlled trials in other surgical specialties. Recent trials have also cast doubt on the efficacy of mechanical prophylaxis, especially when adjuvant to pharmacological prophylaxis. Despite the ongoing uncertainty in higher VTE risk patients, there remains a lack of evidence for mechanical prophylaxis in low VTE risk patients, with a recent systematic search failing to identify high-quality evidence. Future research on rigorously developed and validated risk assessment models will allow the better stratification of patients for clinical and academic use. Mechanical prophylaxis’ role in modern practice remains uncertain, requiring high-quality trials to investigate select populations in which it may hold benefit and to explore whether intermittent pneumatic compression is more effective. The validation of DOACs and aspirin in wider specialties may permit pharmacological thromboprophylactic regimens that are easier to administer.
What Is the Importance of Electrocardiography in the Routine Screening of Patients with Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot?
Authors: Lubocka Paulina , Sabiniewicz Robert
Published: September 2021

Background: In patients following complete repair of the tetralogy of Fallot, the duration of the QRS complex is associated with the size and mechanical function of the right ventricle, which are contemporarily assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Methods: 38 patients aged 18.0–54.9 years (median age 24.9 years) who had undergone complete repair of the tetralogy of Fallot were examined using CMR and concomitant 24 h ambulatory electrocardiography monitoring. We used statistical analysis to investigate the correlations between electrocardiographic parameters (heart rate, HR; PQ interval, PQ; QRS duration, QRS; and corrected QT interval, QTc) and CMR results (right ventricular ejection fraction, RVEF; right ventricular end-diastolic volume index, RVEDVI; and right ventricular end-systolic volume index, RVESVI) for patients after early and late repair. Results: The ECG-based parameters were not correlated with time since repair. There were significant correlations between QRS duration and RVEF (r = −0.61), RVEDVI (r = 0.56), and RVESVI (r = 0.54) for early operated patients but not for late-operated patients. No other substantial correlations were reported. Conclusion: Despite its role in screening for arrhythmias, electrocardiography has a limited role as a predictor of morphology and function of the right ventricle in patients after repair of the tetralogy of Fallot.
Cochlear Implantation in Elderly Patients with Residual Hearing
Authors: Matin Farnaz , Artukarslan Eralp-Niyazi , Illg Angelika , Lesinski-Schiedat Anke , Lenarz Thomas , Suhling Marie Charlot
Published: September 2021

This retrospective study aimed to investigate the range of hearing levels in a cochlear implant (CI) elderly population receiving electric-acoustic-stimulation (EAS) or electric-stimulation (ES) alone. The investigation evaluates the degree of hearing preservation (HP) and the speech comprehension resulting from EAS or ES-only to identify audiometric factors that predict adequate EAS and ES use. We analyzed the pure tone audiometry and speech perception in quiet and noise preoperatively and 12-months after activation of 89 elderly adults (age of 65 years old or older), yielding in total 97 CIs. Thirty-two (33.1%) patients were potential EAS candidates preoperatively, of which 18 patients used EAS at the time of first fitting and the other 14 patients continued to use their residual hearing for EAS at 12-months. Post-treatment, patients with EAS system and ES-only users’ with longer electrodes showed better results in monosyllable word scores in quiet than ES-only users with shorter electrodes. A similar trend was revealed for the speech recognition in noise. Patients with an EAS system benefit from maintaining their natural residual hearing. Nevertheless, strict preoperative patient selection is warranted particularly in elderly patients, in whom the hearing thresholds for EAS indication differ slightly from that in younger adults.
Long-Term Outcome in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus; Knowledge from Population-Based Cohorts
Authors: Reppe Moe Sigrid , Haukeland Hilde , Molberg Øyvind , Lerang Karoline
Published: September 2021

Background: Accurate knowledge of outcomes in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is crucial to understanding the true burden of the disease. The main objective of this systematic review was to gather all population-based studies on mortality, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and cancer in SLE. Method: We performed a systematic literature search in two electronic databases (MEDLINE and Embase) to identify all population-based articles on SLE and survival, mortality, ESRD and cancer. The SLE diagnosis had to be verified. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PRISMA). Results: We included 40/1041 articles on mortality (27), ESRD (11) and cancer (3), of which six were defined as inception studies. In the total SLE cohort, the standardized mortality ratio ranged from 1.9 to 4.6. Cardiovascular disease was the most frequent cause of death in studies with follow-up times over 15 years. SLE progressed to ESRD in 5–11% of all SLE patients. There are no data supporting increased cancer incidence from population-based inception cohorts. Conclusion: There is a need for more population-based studies on outcomes of SLE, especially inception studies, with the use of control groups and follow-up times over 15 years.
Direct and Indirect Effects of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic in Subjects with Familial Hypercholesterolemia: A Single Lipid-Center Real-World Evaluation
Authors: Scicali Roberto , Piro Salvatore , Ferrara Viviana , Di Mauro Stefania , Filippello Agnese , Scamporrino Alessandra , Romano Marcello , Purrello Francesco , Di Pino Antonino
Published: September 2021

We evaluated the impact of direct and indirect effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection in subjects with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). In this observational, retrospective study, 260 FH subjects participated in a telephone survey concerning lipid profile values, lipidologist and cardiologist consultations and vascular imaging evaluation during the 12 months before and after the Italian lockdown. The direct effect was defined as SARS-CoV-2 infection; the indirect effect was defined as the difference in one of the parameters evaluated by the telephone survey before and after lockdown. Among FH subjects, the percentage of the lipid profile evaluation was lower after lockdown than before lockdown (56.5% vs. 100.0%, p < 0.01), HDL-C was significantly reduced (47.78 ± 10.12 vs. 53.2 ± 10.38 mg/dL, p < 0.05) and a significant increase in non-HDL-C was found (117.24 ± 18.83 vs. 133.09 ± 19.01 mg/dL, p < 0.05). The proportions of lipidologist and/or cardiologist consultations and/or vascular imaging were lower after lockdown than before lockdown (for lipidologist consultation 33.5% vs. 100.0%, p < 0.001; for cardiologist consultation 22.3% vs. 60.8%, p < 0.01; for vascular imaging 19.6% vs. 100.0%, p < 0.001); the main cause of missed lipid profile analysis and/or healthcare consultation was the fear of SARS-CoV-2 contagion. The percentage of FH subjects affected by SARS-CoV-2 was 7.3%. In conclusion, a lower percentage of FH subjects underwent a lipid profile analysis, lipidologist and cardiologist consultations and vascular imaging evaluation after SARS-CoV-2 Italian lockdown.
Perceived Challenges to Routine Uptake of the Ankle Brachial Index within Primary Care Practice
Authors: Chiu Lily Y. C. , Syed Muzammil H. , Zamzam Abdelrahman , Rotstein Ori D. , Abdin Rawand , Laraya Nadine , Qadura Mohammad
Published: September 2021

(1) Introduction: The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is the most widely used method of diagnosing peripheral arterial disease (PAD). However, the uptake of ABIs has been reported to be low in primary care settings across different various healthcare settings; however, this is yet to be investigated within the Canadian context. (2) Objective: Therefore, we sought to assess the rates of ABI usage as well as perceived barriers among primary care practitioners (PCPs) in Toronto, Canada. (3) Methods: A modified questionnaire was electronically sent to 257 PCPs in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Questions pertained to frequency, feasibility, utility, and barriers associated with ABI usage in clinical practice. Responses were collected and tallied. (4) Results: A total of 52 PCPs completed the questionnaire. 79% of PCPs did not routinely perform ABIs within their clinical practice, and 56% deemed ABI usage as unfeasible. Constraints in time and staff personnel, as well as complexity of ABI result interpretation, were cited as the major perceived barriers to ABI usage. The overwhelming majority of PCPs viewed alternative forms of diagnosis, such as a blood test for PAD, as being preferable to ABI, as such an approach would enhance diagnostic simplicity and efficiency. (5) Conclusion: ABI usage rates are poor within primary care practices in Toronto, Canada. Alternative approaches for diagnosing PAD may result in greater adoption rates among PCPs and therefore improve the identification of patients with PAD.