bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Representativeness of Socio-Demographic Variables over Time for Geo-Social Media Data
Authors: Petutschnig Andreas , Resch Bernd , Lang Stefan , Havas Clemens
Published: May 2021

Geo-social media data are widely used as a data source to model populations and processes in a variety of contexts. However, if the data do not adequately represent the population they are drawn from, analysis results will be biased. Unaddressed, these biases may lead to false interpretations and conclusions. In this paper, we propose a generic methodology for investigating the representativeness of geo-social media data for population groups of similar statistical predictive power based on reference data. The groups are designed to be spatially coherent regions with similar prediction errors. Based on these units, we investigate the influence of different socio-demographic covariates on the representativeness. We perform experiments based on over 1.6 billion tweets and 90 socio-demographic covariates. We demonstrate that Twitter data representativeness varies strongly over time and space. Our results show that densely populated areas tend to be underrepresented consistently in non-spatial models. Over time, some covariates like the number of people aged 20 years exhibit highly different effects on the prediction models, whereas others are much more stable. The spatial effects can most frequently be explained using spatial error models, indicating spatially related errors that indicate the necessity of additional covariates. Finally, we provide hints for interpreting the results of our approach for researchers using the concepts presented in this paper.
Multi-Level Planning for Enhancing Critical Infrastructure Resilience against Power Shortages—An Analysis of the Swedish System of Styrel
Authors: Große Christine
Published: May 2021

The protection of infrastructure that is critical to society’s functionality, survival and progression has gained significance because of its large-scale and interdependent nature. This complex system-of-system (SoS) imposes extensive requirements on governance efforts to foster critical infrastructure protection (CIP). This paper uses the kaleidoscope for integrative system analysis (KISA) to investigate a Swedish approach for CIP against power shortages, called Styrel. Based on multiple sources of evidence, such as documents with regard to the case, interviews and a survey with involved experts, the analysis focuses on the system of emergency planning and the usage of the resulting plan. The results deliver insights into the governance of the multi-level planning, including issues regarding policies, the management and operation of Styrel, and accelerating problems in the adaption, emergence and entropy of the SoS, during and between process iterations. Since this large-scale approach largely fails to involve the private sector to enhance the resilience of the society, this proceeding results in uncalculated consequences. In addition, the current design of the approach hampers transparency and evaluation, which poses obstacles to the cultivation of mutual trust, collective learning and a shared understanding as well as proper risk communication with the wider public.
Morphological Characterisation of Haemocytes in the Mealworm Beetle Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae)
Authors: Vommaro Maria Luigia , Kurtz Joachim , Giglio Anita
Published: May 2021

The immunocompetence of the mealworm beetle Tenebrio molitor has been well investigated at molecular and physiological levels, but information on morphological and functional characteristics of its immune cells (haemocytes) is still scarce and fragmentary. This study provides an updated overview of the morphology of circulating immune cells from mealworm beetle adults, using light and transmission electron microscopy. Based on their affinities for May–Grünwald Giemsa stain, haemocytes were defined as either eosinophilic, basophilic or neutral. Ultrastructural descriptions allowed to detect four main cell types in the haemolymph: prohaemocytes, plasmatocytes, granular cells and oenocytoids. The morphological plasticity of haemocytes and the evidence of mitotic circulating cells, intermediate cell stages, as well as autophagic activities suggest haemocyte proliferation, turnover and transdifferentiation as constantly active processes in the haemolymph. Cytochemical tests revealed differences in the distribution of carbohydrates among cell types underling the great plasticity of the immune response and the direct involvement of circulating immune cells in the resource allocation. In addition, our results provide a detailed morphological description of vesicle trafficking, macro- and microautophagy, apoptotic and necrotic processes, confirming the suitability of T. molitor haemocytes as a model for studying evolutionarily conserved cellular mechanisms.
Seasonal Abundance and Diversity of Egg Parasitoids of Halyomorpha halys in Kiwifruit Orchards in China
Authors: Avila Gonzalo A. , Chen Juhong , Li Wenjing , Alavi Maryam , Mi Qianqian , Sandanayaka Manoharie , Zhang Feng , Zhang Jinping
Published: May 2021

To develop effective and targeted biocontrol tactics for the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, in crop habitats, a good understanding is essential of the abundance and diversity of its parasitoids in different crop habitats in its native range. To obtain information on the egg parasitoid communities of H. halys in kiwifruit, surveys using sentinel egg masses were conducted in 2018 and 2019. These assessed the species composition of egg parasitoids of H. halys in green-fleshed ‘Hayward’ kiwifruit orchards, and quantified their season-long abundances in orchards under two different management systems. Parasitism was observed from June to August 2018 (mean parasitism: 48%) and from May to August 2019 (mean parasitism: 29%) across the experimental orchards. In total, five different parasitoid species were found across the two surveys seasons in the kiwifruit orchards, Trissolcus japonicus, T. cultratus, T. plautiae, Anastatus japonicus, and Acroclisoides sp., where T. japonicus and T. cultratus were the predominant species. Monthly T. japonicus abundance data had a unimodal distribution in 2018, peaking in July. There were two peaks (May–June and August) in the 2019 season. Overall, T. japonicus was significantly more abundant in the organic orchard than the conventionally managed orchard only in 2018, and its monthly abundance differed significantly in the two orchards in the two survey seasons. Results and their implications for future classical biological control for H. halys in kiwifruit are discussed.
The Relationship between Inflammatory Cytokines and Coagulopathy in Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Rad Fariba , Dabbagh Ali , Dorgalaleh Akbar , Biswas Arijit
Published: May 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with a broad range of clinical and laboratory findings, is currently the most prevalent medical challenge worldwide. In this disease, hypercoagulability and hyperinflammation, two common features, are accompanied by a higher rate of morbidity and mortality. We assessed the association between baseline inflammatory cytokine levels and coagulopathy and disease outcome in COVID-19. One hundred and thirty-seven consecutive patients hospitalized with COVID-19 were selected for the study. Baseline interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) level were measured at time of admission. At the same time, baseline coagulation parameters were also assessed during the patient’s hospitalization. Clinical findings, including development of thrombosis and clinical outcome, were recorded prospectively. Out of 136 patients, 87 (~64%) had increased cytokine levels (one or more cytokines) or abnormal coagulation parameters. Among them, 58 (~67%) had only increased inflammatory cytokines, 12 (~14%) had only coagulation abnormalities, and 17 (19.5%) had concomitant abnormalities in both systems. It seems that a high level of inflammatory cytokines at admission points to an increased risk of developing coagulopathy, thrombotic events, even death, over the course of COVID-19. Early measurement of these cytokines, and timely co-administration of anti-inflammatories with anticoagulants could decrease thrombotic events and related fatal consequences.
The Genetics of Hereditary Angioedema: A Review
Authors: Santacroce Rosa , D'Andrea Giovanna , Maffione Angela Bruna , Margaglione Maurizio , d'Apolito Maria
Published: May 2021

Hereditary angioedema is a rare inherited disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of the accumulation of fluids outside of the blood vessels, causing rapid swelling of tissues in the hands, feet, limbs, face, intestinal tract, or airway. Mutations in SERPING1, the gene that encodes C1-INH (C1 esterase inhibitor), are responsible for the majority of cases of hereditary angioedema. C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH) is a major regulator of critical enzymes that are implicated in the cascades of bradykinin generation, which increases the vascular permeability and allows the flow of fluids into the extracellular space and results in angioedema. Moreover, a dominantly inherited disease has been described that has a similar clinical picture to C1-INH-HAE (Hereditary angioedema due to C1 inhibitor deficiency), but with normal C1-INH level and activity. This new type of HAE has no mutation in the SERPING1 gene and it is classified as nC1-INH-HAE (HAE with normal C1-INH). Currently mutations in six different genes have been identified as causing nC1-INH-HAE: factor XII (F12), plasminogen (PLG), angiopoietin 1 (ANGPT1), Kininogen 1 (KNG1), Myoferlin (MYOF), and heparan sulfate (HS)-glucosamine 3-O-sulfotransferase 6 (HS3ST6). In this review we aim to summarize the recent advances in genetic characterization of angioedema and possible future prospects in the identification of new genetic defects in HAE. We also provide an overview of diagnostic applications of genetic biomarkers using NGS technologies (Next Generation Sequencing).
Cardiorespiratory Fitness Is Associated with a Reduced Cardiovascular Risk in Occupational Groups with Different Working Conditions: A Cross-Sectional Study among Police Officers and Office Workers
Authors: Strauss Markus , Foshag Peter , Brzęk Anna , Vollenberg Richard , Jehn Ulrich , Littwitz Henning , Leischik Roman
Published: May 2021

Several studies reported a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among police officers and office workers, and adequate cardiorespiratory fitness was reported to have protective effects in reducing cardiovascular risk. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of cardiorespiratory fitness on reducing cardiovascular risk factors in these occupational groups. This cross-sectional study enrolled 101 male participants (55 police officers and 46 office workers). Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed via spiroergometry. Cardiovascular risk factors were also examined, and the 10-year cardiovascular risk and heart/vascular age were reported using the Framingham risk score. In both groups, higher cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with lower cardiovascular risk factors. Police officers and office workers with higher cardiorespiratory fitness demonstrated significantly lower values in BMI, waist circumference, body fat percentage, diastolic resting blood pressure, heart rate, triglycerides and total cholesterol values, and 10-year cardiovascular risk and heart/vascular age (all factors p < 0.0077, age adjusted). Police officers and office workers mostly presented low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness: 60% of police officers and 58% of office workers were considered “not fit and obese”. Despite different working conditions, both occupational groups had a high rate of low cardiorespiratory fitness levels and showed no differences in their cardiovascular risk profiles. In both groups, cardiorespiratory fitness reduced cardiovascular risk factors, but there was no difference in the influence of cardiorespiratory fitness on cardiovascular risk factors.
Reappraisal of Pediatric Normal-Pressure Hydrocephalus
Authors: Leary Owen P. , Svokos Konstantina A. , Klinge Petra M.
Published: May 2021

While normal-pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is most commonly diagnosed in older adulthood, a significant body of literature has accumulated over half a century documenting the clinical phenomenon of an NPH-like syndrome in pediatric patients. As in adult NPH, it is likely that pediatric NPH occurs due to a heterogeneous array of developmental, structural, and neurodegenerative pathologies, ultimately resulting in aberrant cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow and distribution within and around the brain. In this review, we aimed to systematically survey the existing clinical evidence supporting the existence of a pediatric form of NPH, dating back to the original recognition of NPH as a clinically significant subtype of communicating hydrocephalus. Leveraging emergent trends from the old and more recent published literature, we then present a modern characterization of pediatric NPH as a disorder firmly within the same disease spectrum as adult NPH, likely with overlapping etiology and pathophysiological mechanisms. Exemplary cases consistent with the diagnosis of pediatric NPH selected from the senior author’s neurosurgical practice are then presented alongside the systematic review to aid in discussion of the typical clinical and radiographic manifestations of pediatric NPH. Common co-morbidities and modern surgical treatment options are also described.
Analysis of Nonunion in Conservatively Managed Anterior Tear Drop Fractures of C2 Vertebra
Authors: Kim Sung-Kyu , Rhee John M. , Park Eric T. , Seo Hyoung-Yeon
Published: May 2021

Many anterior C2 (2nd cervical vertebra) tear drop (TD) fractures can be successfully managed with conservative treatment. However, due to the occurrence of nonunion, large-sized or complex anterior C2 TD fractures undergo surgical treatment. To date, no surgical treatment guidelines are available about anterior C2 TD fractures. Therefore, we performed this study to investigate the factors that may affect nonunion for anterior C2 TD fractures and to suggest surgical treatment guidelines. Thirty-three patients with anterior C2 TD fractures, who underwent conservative treatment and had a minimum 1-year follow-up, were divided into union (N = 26) and nonunion (N = 7) groups. Their radiological and clinical data were analyzed retrospectively and compared between the two groups. The avulsion fracture ratio (29.5% vs. 43.3%, p < 0.05) and fracture displacement (3.6 mm vs. 5.1 mm, p < 0.05) were higher in the nonunion group compared to the union group. Incidence of associated C2 injury was higher in the nonunion group compared to the union group (15.4% vs. 57.1%, p < 0.05). Union status was negatively correlated with associated C2 injury (correlation coefficient, CC = −0.398, p < 0.05). Our results suggest that surgical treatment could be considered for anterior C2 TD fractures with an avulsion fracture ratio > 43%, fracture displacement > 5 mm, or associated C2 injury.
Differences in Somatic Mutation Profiles between Korean Gastric Cancer and Gastric Adenoma Patients
Authors: Lee Seung Woo , Lee Taekyu , Sul Hae Jung , Park Ki Cheol , Park Joonhong
Published: May 2021

Background: We aimed to investigate molecular factors potentially related to the progression of gastric adenoma (GA) to gastric cancer (GC) and compare the mutation characteristics between GC and GA. Methods: We conducted custom gene panel sequencing for 135 GC-related genes and estimated the difference in somatic mutation profiles between 20 GC and 20 GA cases. Results: A total of 31 somatic mutations, including 22 missense, 3 nonsense, and 6 frameshift mutations, were detected in 17 samples. We estimated an average of 1.8 mutations per sample (range, 1 to 3 mutations), with 12 in GC and 5 in GA. GC tended to have one or more mutated genes (p = 0.0217), as well as higher allele frequencies of mutated genes (p = 0.0003), compared to GA. Likewise, known driver mutations associated with GC tumorigenesis (TP53, ERBB2, PIK3CA, and RNF43) were identified in half of the GC cases (50%, 10/20; p = 0.0002). Only the mutant burden, regardless of gene type, was retained, with an odds ratio of 1.8392 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.0071 to 3.3588; p = 0.0474). Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that the accumulation of mutant burden contributes to tumorigenesis progression from GA to GC in Korean patients, regardless of the kind of genes. These findings may elucidate the molecular pathogenesis of gastric carcinogenesis and malignant progression.
Interdisciplinary Care Networks in Rehabilitation Care for Patients with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lamper Cynthia , Beckers Laura , Kroese Mariëlle , Verbunt Jeanine , Huijnen Ivan
Published: May 2021

This systematic review aims to identify what rehabilitation care networks, within primary care or between primary and other health care settings, have been described for patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain, and what their impact is on the Quadruple Aim outcomes (health; health care costs; quality of care experienced by patients; work satisfaction for health care professionals). Studies published between 1 January 1994 and 11 April 2019 were identified in PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PsycInfo. Forty-nine articles represented 34 interventions: 21 within primary care; 6 between primary and secondary/tertiary care; 1 in primary care and between primary and secondary/tertiary care; 2 between primary and social care; 2 between primary, secondary/tertiary, and social care; and 2 between primary and community care. Results on impact were presented in 19 randomized trials, 12 non-randomized studies, and seven qualitative studies. In conclusion, there is a wide variety of content, collaboration, and evaluation methods of interventions. It seems that patient-centered interdisciplinary interventions are more effective than usual care. Further initiatives should be performed for interdisciplinary interventions within and across health care settings and evaluated with mixed methods on all Quadruple Aim outcomes.
The Risk of Osteoporosis and Osteoporotic Fracture Following the Use of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Medical Treatment: An Analysis Using the OMOP CDM Database
Authors: Kim Gyu Lee , Yi Yu Hyeon , Hwang Hye Rim , Kim Jinmi , Park Youngmin , Kim Yun Jin , Lee Jeong Gyu , Tak Young Jin , Lee Seung Hun , Lee Sang Yeoup , Cho Youn Hye , Park Eun Ju , Lee Youngin
Published: May 2021

Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are at increased risk of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fracture. This study investigated whether IBS medication attenuated the rate of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fracture risk. We conducted a retrospective large-scale multicenter study across eight hospital databases encoded in the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) Common Data Model (CDM). The primary outcome was the incidence of osteoporosis, whereas secondary outcomes were osteoporotic fractures. After 1:4 matching, 24,723 IBS patients, 78,318 non-IBS patients, 427,640 non-IBS patients with IBS medication, and 827,954 non-IBS patients without IBS medication were selected. The risk of osteoporosis was significantly increased in the IBS group compared to the non-IBS group (hazard ratio (HR) 1.33; confidence interval (CI) 1.17~1.51). Even in patients who were not diagnosed with IBS, the risk of osteoporosis was significantly increased in those with IBS medication compared to those without (HR 1.77, CI 1.62~1.93). The risk of osteoporotic fracture was significantly increased in the IBS medication group (HR 1.69, CI 1.55~1.84). Patients exposed to IBS treatment even without IBS diagnosis were at increased risk of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fracture. Early diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis should be considered in patients who have received medication for IBS symptoms.
Study of the Surface and Dimensional Quality of the AlSi10Mg Thin-Wall Components Manufactured by Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Waqas Muhammad , He Dingyong , Elahi Hassan , Riaz Saleem , Eugeni Marco , Gaudenzi Paolo
Published: May 2021

Additive manufacturing (AM), a 3D printing technique that manufactures components by sequential addition of powder, has massively reshaped the manufacturing and engineering sectors from batch production to manufacturing customized, innovative, state-of-the-art, and sustainable products. Additive manufacturing of aluminum alloys by selective laser melting (SLM) is one of the latest research trends in this field due to the fact of its advantages and vast applications in manufacturing industries such as automobiles and aerospace. This paper investigated the surface and dimensional quality of SLM-built AlSi10Mg parts using a response surface method (RSM) and found the influence of the wall thickness and process parameters (i.e., laser power, scanning speed, hatch distance) on the pieces. Thin-walled test specimens of AlSi10Mg alloy were manufactured with different combinations of process parameters at three wall thicknesses: 1.0 mm, 2.0 mm, and 3.0 mm. The Minitab DOE module was used to create 27 different configurations of wall thickness and process parameters. The samples’ surface roughness and dimensional accuracy were investigated, and the findings were evaluated using the ANOVA technique. The regression model and the ANOVA technique showed high precision and had a particular reference value for practical engineering applications.
The Milan System, from Its Introduction to Its Current Adoption in the Diagnosis of Salivary Gland Cytology
Authors: Rossi Esther Diana
Published: May 2021

Salivary gland masses are often encountered in the everyday practice of cytopathology. It is commonly known that the cytologic interpretation of these lesions can pose diagnostic problems due to overlapping cytomorphologic features. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) of salivary lesions shows good to excellent sensitivity and specificity in differentiating a neoplastic from a non-neoplastic process and in diagnosing common tumors such as pleomorphic adenoma. However, its value is limited in diagnosing specific neoplastic entities especially those with well-differentiated morphology. In light of this gap, an international group of pathologists has proposed a management-oriented, tiered classification for reporting salivary gland FNA specimens, “The Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology (MSRSGC)”. Similar to other classification systems, the MSRSGC scheme comprises six diagnostic categories, which were linked with a specific risk of malignancy (ROM) and management. In this review article, the author evaluated the published literature on FNA in diagnosing salivary gland lesions with the adoption of the Milan system since its introduction in the daily practice of salivary cytopathology.
Multi-Decadal Deltaic Land-Surface Changes: Gauging the Vulnerability of a Selection of Mediterranean and Black Sea River Deltas
Authors: Anthony Edward J. , Besset Manon , Zainescu Florin , Sabatier François
Published: May 2021

Areal changes over delta surfaces determined by land and water ratios are a promising tool for identifying spatial and temporal changes in deltas that may reveal subsidence and shoreline erosion. Such changes can also provide the basis for more detailed studies on variations in land-cover and vegetation. Changes in land and water areas over a 35-year period (1984–2019) were determined for a selection of ten river deltas in the Mediterranean (Nile, Rhône, Po, Ebro, Moulouya, Ceyhan-Seyhan, Medjerdja, Ombrone, Arno) and the Black Sea (Danube), with a particular focus on aspects of subsidence and shoreline erosion. With the exception of the Ombrone, Arno, and Moulouya, and to lesser extent the Medjerdja, where notable changes dominate in the coastal zone and are tantamount to net erosion, the spatial pattern is largely dominated by delta-plain changes characterized by increasing areas of water. The pattern reflects a mix of shoreline erosion, land-use and land-cover changes, such as the ecological restoration of wetlands, but also increasing subsidence in these deltas, all of which have been exposed to a declining fluvial sediment supply due to human influence. The use of data on land-water ratios needs to be complemented by more detailed studies devoted to each delta in order to clearly disentangle changes related to land-use, vegetation, and subsidence. It is also important to determine how wetlands are interpreted in such ratios, as these important ecological elements are sensitive to ratio variations. It would also be interesting in future studies to examine how these variations play out over time, notably in deltas where changes have been significant over the period 1984–2019.
Design of Energy Saving Controllers for Central Cooling Water Systems
Authors: Lee Chang-Min , Jeon Tae-Youl , Jung Byung-Gun , Lee Young-Chan
Published: May 2021

Since fuel prices account for approximately 40% of a ship’s operating costs, shipping companies worldwide have made significant efforts to save energy on board such as introducing new technologies or machine operation methods. Many ship operators have adopted an advanced control system using a variable-speed pump and/or an optimizing control system of a three-way valve on the outlet side of the central cooling system. It is often considered that the best way to control a central cooling system is to integrate the two control systems. However, when applied in practice, there is a frequent uncontrollable phenomenon in which the three-way valve is opened to its minimum and the variable-speed seawater pump is operated at its maximum, resulting in a large amount of energy consumption. Therefore, in this study, the speed of the variable-speed seawater pump is set to the minimum, and the feed-forward controller is adopted for the three-way valve control system. The input variable of the feed-forward controller is the Main Engine load, and it is designed to directly control the bypass openness with the three-way valve controller. Using this design, it was demonstrated that the variable-speed seawater pump was operated at a minimum and energy was saved.
Investigation of the Outflow and Spreading-Solidification Behaviour of Stratified Molten Metal
Authors: Yokoyama Ryo , Kondo Masahiro , Suzuki Shunichi , Harada Masaru , Okamoto Koji
Published: May 2021

The spreading-solidification behaviour of the stratified molten metals was investigated. This is important in understanding the practical fuel debris distribution spread and solidified in the primary containment vessel (PCV) of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plants (1F NPPs). In this study, the effect of outflow diameter on the material distribution before discharging was studied both experimentally and numerically. The two simulant metals were chosen so that the density ratio could be similar to the practical fuel and structure elements of the plant. They were arranged in a vessel and discharged on a receiving plate. The spreading experiments were performed using various outlet diameters with a density and reverse density stratification arrangement. After the experiment, X-ray analysis was performed to evaluate the material distribution in the solidified material. Moreover, a numerical analysis was performed to reveal the mechanisms that affect the material distribution after solidification. As a result, the low-density metal accumulated at the centre region regardless of the outlet diameters in the density stratification. In contrast, the outlet diameters affected the material distribution in the reverse density stratification because they affected the material outflow order. These findings may help increase our understanding of the fuel debris distribution in 1F NPPs.
Long-Term Mortality after Histoplasma Infection in People with HIV
Authors: Cherabie Joseph , Mazi Patrick , Rauseo Adriana , Ayres Chapelle , Larson Lindsey , Rutjanawech Sasinuch , O’Halloran Jane , Presti Rachel , Powderly William , Spec Andrej
Published: May 2021

Histoplasmosis is a common opportunistic infection in people with HIV (PWH); however, no study has looked at factors associated with the long-term mortality of histoplasmosis in PWH. We conducted a single-center retrospective study on the long-term mortality of PWH diagnosed with histoplasmosis between 2002 and 2017. Patients were categorized into three groups based on length of survival after diagnosis: early mortality (death < 90 days), late mortality (death ≥ 90 days), and long-term survivors. Patients diagnosed during or after 2008 were considered part of the modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) era. Insurance type (private vs. public) was a surrogate indicator of socioeconomic status. Out of 54 PWH infected with histoplasmosis, overall mortality was 37%; 14.8% early mortality and 22.2% late mortality. There was no statistically significant difference in survival based on the availability of modern ART (p = 0.60). Insurance status reached statistical significance with 38% of survivors having private insurance versus only 8% having private insurance in the late mortality group (p = 0.05). High mortality persists despite the advent of modern ART, implicating a contribution from social determinants of health, such as private insurance. Larger studies are needed to elucidate the role of these factors in the mortality of PWH.
Targeting Lyn Kinase in Chorea-Acanthocytosis: A Translational Treatment Approach in a Rare Disease
Authors: Peikert Kevin , Glaß Hannes , Federti Enrica , Matte Alessandro , Pelzl Lisann , Akgün Katja , Ziemssen Tjalf , Ordemann Rainer , Lang Florian ,   The Network for Translational Research for Neuroacanthocytosis Patients, De Franceschi Lucia , Hermann Andreas
Published: May 2021

Chorea-acanthocytosis (ChAc) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations in the VPS13A gene. It is characterized by several neurological symptoms and the appearance of acanthocytes. Elevated tyrosine kinase Lyn activity has been recently identified as one of the key pathophysiological mechanisms in this disease, and therefore represents a promising drug target. Methods: We evaluated an individual off-label treatment with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor dasatinib (100 mg/d, 25.8–50.4 weeks) of three ChAc patients. Alongside thorough safety monitoring, we assessed motor and non-motor scales (e.g., MDS-UPDRS, UHDRS, quality of life) as well as routine and experimental laboratory parameters (e.g., serum neurofilament, Lyn kinase activity, actin cytoskeleton in red blood cells). Results: Dasatinib appeared to be reasonably safe. The clinical parameters remained stable without significant improvement or deterioration. Regain of deep tendon reflexes was observed in one patient. Creatine kinase, serum neurofilament levels, and acanthocyte count did not reveal consistent effects. However, a reduction of initially elevated Lyn kinase activity and accumulated autophagy markers, as well as a partial restoration of the actin cytoskeleton, was found in red blood cells. Conclusions: We report on the first treatment approach with disease-modifying intention in ChAc. The experimental parameters indicate target engagement in red blood cells, while clinical effects on the central nervous system could not be proven within a rather short treatment time. Limited knowledge on the natural history of ChAc and the lack of appropriate biomarkers remain major barriers for “clinical trial readiness”. We suggest a panel of outcome parameters for future clinical trials in ChAc.
Land, Innovation, and Social Good
Authors: Asiama Kwabena Obeng , Bennett Rohan , Lemmen Christiaan , Voss Winrich
Published: May 2021

The administration of land tenure, value, and use is undergoing a new wave of technological innovation [...]
Is Compact Urban Form Good for Air Quality? A Case Study from China Based on Hourly Smartphone Data
Authors: Yuan Man , Yan Mingrui , Shan Zhuoran
Published: May 2021

In previous studies, planners have debated extensively whether compact development can improve air quality in urban areas. Most of them estimated pollution exposure with stationary census data that linked exposures solely to residential locations, therefore overlooking residents’ space–time inhalation of air pollutants. In this study, we conducted an air pollution exposure assessment by scrutinizing one-hour resolution population distribution maps derived from hourly smartphone data and air pollutant concentrations derived from inverse distance weighted interpolation. We selected Wuhan as the study area and used Pearson correlation analysis to explore the effect of compactness on population-weighted concentrations. The results showed that even if a compact urban form helps to reduce pollution concentrations by decreasing vehicle traveling miles and tailpipe emissions, higher levels of building density and floor area ratios may increase population-weighted exposure. With regard to downtown areas with high population density, compact development may locate more people in areas with excessive air pollution. In all, reducing density in urban public centers and developing a polycentric urban structure may aid in the improvement of air quality in cities with compact urban forms.
Weak Effects of Owned Outdoor Cat Density on Urban Bird Richness and Abundance
Authors: Perkins Genevieve C. , Martin Amanda E. , Smith Adam C. , Fahrig Lenore
Published: May 2021

Domestic cats (Felis catus) are ubiquitous predators of birds in urban areas. In addition to the lethal effect of predation, there can also be sublethal, negative effects of domestic cats on individual birds. These effects have led to the inference that reducing outdoor cat densities would benefit urban bird communities. Here we estimate the likely result of policies/programs designed to reduce densities of owned outdoor cats in urban areas, estimating relationships between bird richness/abundance and cat densities across 58 landscapes in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. We estimate that we would most likely observe one additional bird species, and 0.003 additional individuals per species, if policies/programs reduced owned outdoor cat densities to zero in an average landscape in Ottawa (with 130.2 cats/km2). However, these effects of cat density on birds were uncertain, with 95% confidence intervals crossing zero. Our findings—in combination with those of previous studies—suggest a need for research to resolve the apparent disconnect between the strong, negative effects of cats on individual urban birds and the weak, uncertain effects of cats on bird populations. Although measures that reduce owned outdoor cat densities are justified based on the precautionary principle, evidence to date does not support prioritizing these measures over those addressing threats that have consistently strong effects on bird populations.
The Impact of Sustainable Land Management Practices on Household Welfare and Determinants among Smallholder Maize Farmers in South Africa
Authors: Oduniyi Oluwaseun Samuel , Tekana Sibongile Sylvia
Published: May 2021

This study investigated the impact of Sustainable Land Management Practices (SLMP) on the smallholder maize farmer’s welfare in the Gert Sibande District in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. Farmers’ welfare is paramount to agricultural development and rural vitalisation, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of the study is to identify the factors that influence the adoption of SLMP and to assess its impact on the net farm income. A multivariate-probit (MVP) model was used to analyse the determinants of SLMP adopted and an efficient endogenous switching regression model (ESRM) was used to estimate the impact of SLMP on the net farm income of the smallholder maize farmers. The MVP results show that household socio-economic characteristics and institutional factors statistically influenced the choice of SLMP. Subsequently, the pair-wise correlation matrix of the MVP model revealed complementarities among all SLMP implemented by the farmers. Similarly, the ESRM treatment effect indicated that the average net farm income of farmers who adopted SLMP were significantly higher than that of the group who did not. Consequently, the study recommended support policies on farmers’ demography, farm-based characteristics, and institutional factors to improve the welfare of the farmers and promote rural vitalisation.
Improving Indoor Air Quality by Using Sheep Wool Thermal Insulation
Authors: Hegyi Andreea , Bulacu Cezar , Szilagyi Henriette , Lăzărescu Adrian-Victor , Meiţă Vasile , Vizureanu Petrică , Sandu Mihaela
Published: May 2021

Currently, the need to ensure adequate quality of air inside the living space but also the thermal efficiency of buildings is pressing. This paper presents the capacity of sheep wool heat-insulating mattresses to simultaneously provide these needs, cumulatively analyzing efficiency indicators for thermal insulation and indicators of improving air quality. Thus, the values obtained for the coefficient of thermal conductivity, and its resistance to heat transfer, demonstrate the suitability of their use for thermal insulation. The results of the permeability to water vapor characteristics on the sorption/desorption of water, air, demonstrate the ability to control the humidity of the indoor air and the results on the reduction of the concentration of formaldehyde, demonstrating their contribution to the growth of the quality of the air, and to reduce the risk of disease in the population.
Erratum: Von-Wolff et al. Testing of Eluates from Construction Products for Potential Environmental Effects Due to the Behaviour of Enchytraeus albidus. Materials 2021, 14, 294
Authors: von Wolff Marya Anne , Stephan Dietmar
Published: May 2021

In the original version of our article [...]
The Preparation and Characterization of Chitosan-Based Hydrogels Cross-Linked by Glyoxal
Authors: Kaczmarek-Szczepańska Beata , Mazur Olha , Michalska-Sionkowska Marta , Łukowicz Krzysztof , Osyczka Anna Maria
Published: May 2021

In this study, hydrogels based on chitosan cross-linked by glyoxal have been investigated for potential medical applications. Hydrogels were loaded with tannic acid at different concentrations. The thermal stability and the polyphenol-releasing rate were determined. For a preliminary assessment of the clinical usefulness of the hydrogels, they were examined for blood compatibility and in the culture of human dental pulp cells (hDPC). The results showed that after immersion in a polyphenol solution, chitosan/glyoxal hydrogels remain nonhemolytic for erythrocytes, and we also did not observe the cytotoxic effect of hydrogels immersed in tannic acid (TA) solutions with different concentration. Tannic acid was successfully released from hydrogels, and its addition improved material thermal stability. Thus, the current findings open the possibility to consider such hydrogels in clinics.
Additive Manufacturing-Based In Situ Consolidation of Continuous Carbon Fibre-Reinforced Polycarbonate
Authors: Borowski Andreas , Vogel Christian , Behnisch Thomas , Geske Vinzenz , Gude Maik , Modler Niels
Published: May 2021

Continuous carbon fibre-reinforced thermoplastic composites have convincing anisotropic properties, which can be used to strengthen structural components in a local, variable and efficient way. In this study, an additive manufacturing (AM) process is introduced to fabricate in situ consolidated continuous fibre-reinforced polycarbonate. Specimens with three different nozzle temperatures were in situ consolidated and tested in a three-point bending test. Computed tomography (CT) is used for a detailed analysis of the local material structure and resulting material porosity, thus the results can be put into context with process parameters. In addition, a highly curved test structure was fabricated that demonstrates the limits of the process and dependent fibre strand folding behaviours. These experimental investigations present the potential and the challenges of additive manufacturing-based in situ consolidated continuous fibre-reinforced polycarbonate.
Influence of the Fly Ash Material Inoculants on the Tensile and Impact Characteristics of the Aluminum AA 5083/7.5SiC Composites
Authors: Nagaraja Santhosh , Nagegowda Kempaiah Ujjaini , Kumar V Anand , Alamri Sagr , Afzal Asif , Thakur Deepak , Kaladgi Abdul Razak , Panchal Satyam , Saleel C Ahamed
Published: May 2021

The choice of suitable inoculants in the grain refinement process and subsequent enhancement of the characteristics of the composites developed is an important materials research topic, having wide scope. In this regard, the present work is aimed at finding the appropriate composition and size of fly ash as inoculants for grain refinement of the aluminum AA 5083 composites. Fly ash particles, which are by products of the combustion process in thermal power plants, contributing to the large-scale pollution and landfills can be effectively utilized as inoculants and interatomic lubricants in the composite matrix–reinforcement subspaces synthesized in the inert atmosphere using ultrasonic assisted stir casting setup. Thus, the work involves the study of the influence of percentage and size of the fly ash dispersions on the tensile and impact strength characteristics of the aluminum AA 5083/7.5SiC composites. The C type of fly ash with the particle size in the series of 40–75 µm, 76–100 µm, and 101–125 µm and weight % in the series of 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 are selected for the work. The influence of fly ash as distinct material inoculants for the grain refinement has worked out well with the increase in the ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and impact strength of the composites, with the fly ash as material inoculants up to 2 wt. % beyond which the tensile and impact characteristics decrease due to the micro coring and segregation. This is evident from the microstructural observations for the composite specimens. Moreover, the role of fly ash as material inoculants is distinctly identified with the X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) for the phase and grain growth epitaxy and the Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) for analyzing the characteristic X-Rays of the fly ash particles as inoculant agents in the energy spectrum.
The Mechanical Properties and Damage Evolution of UHPC Reinforced with Glass Fibers and High-Performance Polypropylene Fibers
Authors: He Jiayuan , Chen Weizhen , Zhang Boshan , Yu Jiangjiang , Liu Hang
Published: May 2021

Due to the sharp and corrosion-prone features of steel fibers, there is a demand for ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) reinforced with nonmetallic fibers. In this paper, glass fiber (GF) and the high-performance polypropylene (HPP) fiber were selected to prepare UHPC, and the effects of different fibers on the compressive, tensile and bending properties of UHPC were investigated, experimentally and numerically. Then, the damage evolution of UHPC was further studied numerically, adopting the concrete damaged plasticity (CDP) model. The difference between the simulation values and experimental values was within 5.0%, verifying the reliability of the numerical model. The results indicate that 2.0% fiber content in UHPC provides better mechanical properties. In addition, the glass fiber was more significant in strengthening the effect. Compared with HPP-UHPC, the compressive, tensile and flexural strength of GF-UHPC increased by about 20%, 30% and 40%, respectively. However, the flexural toughness indexes I5, I10 and I20 of HPP-UHPC were about 1.2, 2.0 and 3.8 times those of GF-UHPC, respectively, showing that the toughening effect of the HPP fiber is better.
Structural Response Prediction of Thin-Walled Additively Manufactured Parts Considering Orthotropy, Thickness Dependency and Scatter
Authors: Sindinger Sigfrid-Laurin , Marschall David , Kralovec Christoph , Schagerl Martin
Published: May 2021

Besides the design freedom offered by additive manufacturing, another asset lies within its potential to accelerate product development processes by rapid fabrication of functional prototypes. The premise to fully exploit this benefit for lightweight design is the accurate structural response prediction prior to part production. However, the peculiar material behavior, characterized by anisotropy, thickness dependency and scatter, still constitutes a major challenge. Hence, a modeling approach for finite element analysis that accounts for this inhomogeneous behavior is developed by example of laser-sintered short-fiber-reinforced polyamide 12. Orthotropic and thickness-dependent Young’s moduli and Poisson’s ratios were determined via quasi-static tensile tests. Thereof, material models were generated and implemented in a property mapping routine for finite element models. Additionally, a framework for stochastic finite element analysis was set up for the consideration of scatter in material properties. For validation, thin-walled parts on sub-component level were fabricated and tested in quasi-static three-point bending experiments. Elastic parameters showed considerable anisotropy, thickness dependency and scatter. A comparison of the predicted forces with experimentally evaluated reaction forces disclosed substantially improved accuracy when utilizing the novel inhomogeneous approach instead of conventional homogeneous approaches. Furthermore, the variability observed in the structural response of loaded parts could be reproduced by the stochastic simulations.
Designing a Low-Cost Mechatronic Device for Semi-Automatic Saffron Harvesting
Authors: Denarda Alessandro Rocco , Bertetto Andrea Manuello , Carbone Giuseppe
Published: May 2021

This paper addresses the design of a novel mechatronic device for saffron harvesting. The main proposed challenge consists of proposing a new paradigm for semi-automatic harvesting of saffron flowers. The proposed novel solution is designed for being easily portable with user-friendly and cost-oriented features and with a fully electric battery-powered actuation. A preliminary concept design has been proposed as based on a specific novel cam mechanism in combination with an elastic spring for fulfilling the detachment of the flowers from their stems. Numerical calculations and simulations have been carried out to complete the full design of a proof-of-concept prototype. Preliminary experimental tests have been carried out to demonstrate the engineering feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed design solutions, whose concept has been submitted for patenting.
Development of Cutting Force Model and Process Maps for Power Skiving Using CAD-Based Modelling
Authors: Tapoglou Nikolaos
Published: May 2021

Power skiving is a new gear cutting process that has been recognized to provide a step change in the production rate achieved in the machining of high-precision internal and external involute gears. The process is based on a continuous generating meshing between the workgear and the cutting tool. Understanding of the loads applied in the cutting tool, and therefore some of the sources of tool wear, have not been thoroughly understood. This paper presents a novel model that is able to predict with high accuracy the cutting forces in the power skiving process. The model is based on a solid modelling simulation algorithm that produces high-fidelity solid bodies that are used for the calculations. The results of the model have been experimentally validated. A series of process maps are also produced to assist in the identification of the optimal machining parameters.