bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A UAV-Based Thermal-Imaging Approach for the Monitoring of Urban Landfills
Authors: Tanda Giovanni , Balsi Marco , Fallavollita Paolo , Chiarabini Valter
Published: November 2020

The monitoring of waste disposal sites is important in order to minimize leakages of biogas, produced by anaerobic digestion and potentially explosive and detrimental to the environment. In this research, thermal imaging from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has been proposed as a diagnostic tool to monitor urban landfills. Since the anaerobic decomposition produces heat along with biogas, thermal anomalies recorded over the soil are likely to be associated with local biogas escaping from the landfill terrain and leaving a local thermal print. A simple and novel approach, based only on the processing of thermal maps gathered by the remote sensing surveys, has been proposed for the estimation of the fugitive methane emissions from landfills. Two case studies, concerning two Italian landfills, have been presented. For one of them (Mount Scarpino, Genoa), significant thermal anomalies were identified during several UAV flights and the relevant thermal images processed to obtain a rough estimation of the associated methane leakages. For the second landfill (Scala Erre, Sassari), the thermal map did not reveal any anomaly attributable to local biogas emission. Despite some limitations outlined in the paper, the present approach is proposed as an innovative method to identify significant biogas leakages from an urban landfill and to provide a preliminary evaluation of the methane production potential.
Immunofluorescence Analysis as a Diagnostic Tool in a Spanish Cohort of Patients with Suspected Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia
Authors: Baz-Redón Noelia , Rovira-Amigo Sandra , Fernández-Cancio Mónica , Castillo-Corullón Silvia , Cols Maria , Caballero-Rabasco M. Araceli , Asensio Óscar , Martín de Vicente Carlos , Martínez-Colls Maria del Mar , Torrent-Vernetta Alba , de Mir-Messa Inés , Gartner Silvia , Iglesias-Serrano Ignacio , Díez-Izquierdo Ana , Polverino Eva , Amengual-Pieras Esther , Amaro-Rodríguez Rosanel , Vendrell Montserrat , Mumany Marta , Pascual-Sánchez María Teresa , Pérez-Dueñas Belén , Reula Ana , Escribano Amparo , Dasí Francisco , Armengot-Carceller Miguel , Garrido-Pontnou Marta , Camats-Tarruella Núria , Moreno-Galdó Antonio
Published: November 2020

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is an autosomal recessive rare disease caused by an alteration of ciliary structure. Immunofluorescence, consisting in the detection of the presence and distribution of cilia proteins in human respiratory cells by fluorescence, has been recently proposed as a technique to improve understanding of disease-causing genes and diagnosis rate in PCD. The objective of this study is to determine the accuracy of a panel of four fluorescently labeled antibodies (DNAH5, DNALI1, GAS8 and RSPH4A or RSPH9) as a PCD diagnostic tool in the absence of transmission electron microscopy analysis. The panel was tested in nasal brushing samples of 74 patients with clinical suspicion of PCD. Sixty-eight (91.9%) patients were evaluable for all tested antibodies. Thirty-three cases (44.6%) presented an absence or mislocation of protein in the ciliary axoneme (15 absent and 3 proximal distribution of DNAH5 in the ciliary axoneme, 3 absent DNAH5 and DNALI1, 7 absent DNALI1 and cytoplasmatic localization of GAS8, 1 absent GAS8, 3 absent RSPH9 and 1 absent RSPH4A). Fifteen patients had confirmed or highly likely PCD but normal immunofluorescence results (68.8% sensitivity and 100% specificity). In conclusion, immunofluorescence analysis is a quick, available, low-cost and reliable diagnostic test for PCD, although it cannot be used as a standalone test.
Levosimendan Plus Dobutamine in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Refractory to Dobutamine
Authors: Juguet William , Fard Damien , Faivre Laureline , Koutsoukis Athanasios , Deguillard Camille , Mongardon Nicolas , Mekontso-Dessap Armand , Huguet Raphaelle , Lim Pascal
Published: November 2020

Randomized studies showed that Dobutamine and Levosimendan have similar impact on outcome but their combination has never been assessed in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) with low cardiac output. This is a retrospective, single-center study that included 89 patients (61 ± 15 years) admitted for ADHF requiring inotropic support. The first group consisted of patients treated with dobutamine alone (n = 42). In the second group, levosimendan was administered on top of dobutamine, when the superior vena cava oxygen saturation (ScVO2) remained <60% after 3 days of dobutamine treatment (n = 47). The primary outcome was the occurrence of major cardiovascular events (MACE) at 6 months, defined as all cause death, heart transplantation or need for mechanical circulatory support. Baseline clinical characteristics were similar in both groups. At day-3, the ScVO2 target (>60%) was reached in 36% and 32% of patients in the dobutamine and dobutamine-levosimendan group, respectively. After adding levosimendan, 72% of the dobutamine-levosimendan-group reached the ScVO2 target value at dobutamine weaning. At six months, 42 (47%) patients experienced MACE (n = 29 for death). MACE was less frequent in the dobutamine-levosimendan (32%) than in the dobutamine-group (64%, p = 0.003). Independent variables associated with outcome were admission systolic blood pressure and dobutamine-levosimendan strategy (OR = 0.44 (0.23–0.84), p = 0.01). In conclusion, levosimendan added to dobutamine may improve the outcome of ADHF refractory to dobutamine alone.
Impact of the Use of a Larger Forearm Artery on the Efficacy and Safety of Transradial and Transulnar Access: A Randomized Trial with Preprocedural Ultrasonography
Authors: Lewandowski Pawel , Zuk Anna , Slomski Tomasz , Maciejewski Pawel , Ramotowski Bogumil , Budaj Andrzej
Published: November 2020

(1) Background: We aimed to assess the impact of the selection of a larger radial or ulnar artery on the efficacy of access and vascular complications, based on preprocedural ultrasonographic examination. (2) Methods: This prospective, randomized trial included patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patients were randomized into either a larger ulnar artery (UA) or radial artery (RA) group or smaller UA/RA group. The primary endpoint was successful CAG/PCI without crossover to another artery. The secondary endpoints were incidences of radial or ulnar artery occlusion (RAO/UAO) at the 24 h and 30 day follow-up. (3) Results: Between 2017 and 2018, 200 patients (107 men, mean age 68 ± 8 years) were enrolled. The success of CAG/PCI via the access site was 98% and 83% (p < 0.001) in the larger UA/RA group and smaller UA/RA group, respectively. The independent factor for CAG/PCI success was the larger artery (OR 9.8, 95%CI 2.11–45.5; p < 0.005). The larger UA/RA was superior, with RAO/UAO at 24 h: OR 0.07, 95%CI 0.09–0.61; p < 0.016; and RAO/UAO at 30 days: OR 0.25, 95%CI 0.05–0.12; p < 0.001. (4) Conclusions: Larger artery access was shown to be more efficient and safer than recessive forearm artery access.
Radiation Exposure in Patients with Isolated Limb Trauma: Acceptable or Are We Imaging Too Much?
Authors: Wheeler James A. , Weaver Natasha , Balogh Zsolt J. , Drobetz Herwig , Kovendy Andrew , Enninghorst Natalie
Published: November 2020

The aim of our study was to investigate the cumulative effective dose of radiation resulting from medical imaging in orthopaedic patients with isolated extremity trauma. Deidentified radiology records of consecutive patients without age restriction with isolated extremity trauma requiring operative treatment at a regional hospital were reviewed retrospectively over a 1-year period, and the effective dose per patient for each study type of plain film X-ray, computed tomography, and operative fluoroscopy was used to calculate cumulative effective dose. Values were summarised as mean, ± standard deviation, maximum, and proportion with overdose (>20 mSv). The study cohort included 428 patients (193 male and 235 female) with an average age of 44 years (±28). There were 447 procedures performed, i.e., all involved operative fluoroscopy, 116 involved computed tomography, and 397 involved X-ray. The mean cumulative effective dose per patient was 1.96 mSv (±4.98, 45.12). The mean cumulative effective dose for operative fluoroscopy was 0.32 mSv (±0.73, 5.91), for X-ray was 1.12 mSv (±3.6, 39.23) and for computed tomography was 2.22 mSv (±4.13, 20.14). The mean cumulative effective dose of 1.96 mSv falls below the recommended maximum annual exposure of 20 mSv. This study can serve as a guide for informing clinicians and patients of the acceptable radiation risk in the context of isolated extremity trauma.
Expression of Inflammatory Markers RANK, MMP-9 and PTHrP in Chronic Apical Periodontitis from People Living with HIV Undergoing Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Pereira Marcio Francisco , Pires Fabio Ramoa , Armada Luciana , Ferreira Dennis Carvalho , Carrouel Florence , Bourgeois Denis , Gonçalves Lucio Souza
Published: November 2020

To compare the expression of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B (RANK), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) in primary chronic apical periodontitis lesions (CAPLs) between people living with HIV (PLWHIV) undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART) and HIV- individuals, 32 CAPLs (16 lesions from each group) were submitted to histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses and compared between groups. The majority of the PLWHIV group had undetectable plasma viral loads (n = 13; 81.3%). The means of TCD4+ lymphocytes, exposure to HIV-1 and the time of the use of ART were 542.1 cells/mm3 (SD = 256.4), 6.3 years (SD = 2.9) and 5.0 years (SD = 2.5), respectively. Of all variables studied, only histopathological diagnosis showed a significant difference between groups (LWHIV: granuloma n = 11 (68.0%); cyst n = 5 (31.2%); HIV-: granuloma n = 15 (93.8%); cyst n = 1 (6.2%); p = 0.015). When comparing the expressions of the three inflammatory markers between the groups, no significant differences were seen. There was no difference in the expression of RANK, PTHrP and MMP-9 in primary chronic apical periodontitis lesions between PLWHIV under ART and HIV- individuals.
Association of the Hemoglobin to Serum Creatinine Ratio with In-Hospital Adverse Outcomes after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention among Non-Dialysis Patients: Insights from a Japanese Nationwide Registry (J-PCI Registry)
Authors: Numasawa Yohei , Inohara Taku , Ishii Hideki , Yamaji Kyohei , Kohsaka Shun , Sawano Mitsuaki , Kodaira Masaki , Uemura Shiro , Kadota Kazushige , Amano Tetsuya , Nakamura Masato , Ikari Yuji
Published: November 2020

Although baseline hemoglobin and renal function are both important predictors of adverse outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), scarce data exist regarding the combined impact of these factors on outcomes. We sought to investigate the impact and threshold value of the hemoglobin to creatinine (Hgb/Cr) ratio, on in-hospital adverse outcomes among non-dialysis patients in a Japanese nationwide registry. We analyzed 157,978 non-dialysis patients who underwent PCI in 884 Japanese medical institutions in 2017. We studied differences in baseline characteristics and in-hospital clinical outcomes among four groups according to their quartiles of the Hgb/Cr ratios. Compared with patients with higher Hgb/Cr ratios, patients with lower ratios were older and had more comorbidities and complex coronary artery disease. Patients with lower hemoglobin and higher creatinine levels had a higher rate of in-hospital adverse outcomes including in-hospital mortality and procedural complications (defined as occurrence of cardiac tamponade, cardiogenic shock after PCI, emergency operation, or bleeding complications that required blood transfusion). On multivariate analyses, Hgb/Cr ratio was inversely associated with in-hospital mortality (odds ratio: 0.91, 95% confidence interval: 0.89–0.92; p < 0.001) and bleeding complications (odds ratio: 0.92, 95% confidence interval: 0.90–0.94; p < 0.001). Spline curve analysis demonstrated that these risks started to increase when the Hgb/Cr ratio was <15, and elevated exponentially when the ratio was <10. Hgb/Cr ratio is a simple index among non-dialysis patients and is inversely associated with in-hospital mortality and bleeding complications after PCI.
Transfusion Status in Liver and Kidney Transplantation Recipients—Results from Nationwide Claims Database
Authors: Park Boyoung , Yoon Junghyun , Kim Han Joon , Jung Yun Kyung , Lee Kyeong Geun , Choi Dongho
Published: November 2020

Background: This study analyzed the status and trends of transfusion and its associated factors among liver and kidney transplantation recipients. Methods: A total of 10,858 and 16,191 naïve liver or kidney transplantation recipients from 2008 to 2017 were identified through the National Health Insurance Service database. The prescription code for transfusion and the presence, number, and amount of each type of transfusion were noted. The odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were determined to identify significant differences in transfusion and blood components by liver and kidney transplantation recipient characteristics. Results: In this study, 96.4% of liver recipients and 59.7% of kidney recipients received transfusions related to the transplantation operation, mostly platelet and fresh frozen plasma. Higher perioperative transfusion in women and declining transfusion rates from 2008 to 2017 were observed in both liver and kidney recipients. In liver recipients, the transfusion rate in those who received organs from deceased donors was much higher than that in those who received organs from living donors; however, the mortality rate according to transfusion was higher only in recipients of deceased donor organs. In kidney recipients, a higher mortality rate was observed in those receiving transfusion than that in patients without transfusion. Conclusions: In Korea, the transfusion rates in liver and kidney recipients were relatively higher than those in other countries. Sociodemographic factors, especially sex and year of transplantation, were associated with transfusion in solid organ recipients, possibly as surrogates for other causal clinical factors.
Low Intracellular Water, Overhydration, and Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Gracia-Iguacel Carolina , González-Parra Emilio , Mahillo Ignacio , Ortiz Alberto
Published: November 2020

Background: In hemodialysis patients, extracellular water (ECW) overload predicts all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. The primary aim of the present study was to analyze changes in post-dialysis (i.e., following removal of excess ECW) ECW, intracellular water (ICW), and the overhydration (OH) parameter over time. Additionally, the association of these parameters with mortality was explored. Patients and methods: Prospective study of prevalent hemodialysis patients (n = 124) followed for a median of 20 (interquartile range (IQR) 8–31) months. In three visits, inflammation (C-reactive protein) and post-dialysis fluid status (bioimpedance, BIS) were assessed. Results: During follow-up, the overhydration (OH) parameter increased (−0.696 ± 1.6 vs. 0.268 ± 1.7 L; p = 0.007) at the expense of a decrease in intracellular water (ICW) (19.90 ± 4.5 vs. 18.72 ± 4.1 24 L; p = 0.006) with a non-significant numerical increase in ECW/ICW ratio (0.795 ± 0.129 vs. 0.850 ± 0.143; p = 0.055). Baseline ICW positively correlated with muscle mass and energy intake and negatively with C-reactive protein and it was lower in those who died than in survivors (15.09 ± 2.36 vs. 18.87 ± 4.52 L; p = 0.004). In Kaplan–Meier analysis, patients with low baseline ICW (≤17 L) and high ECW/ICW ratio (≥0.84) were at an increased risk of death. Baseline ICW was also associated with the risk of death in adjusted Cox proportional hazards models (HR 0.62 (0.40–0.98) p = 0.04). Conclusions: In hemodialysis patients, the post-dialysis OH parameter increased over time while ICW decreased, without changes in ECW. Low baseline post-dialysis ICW correlated with muscle wasting and inflammation and was an independent risk factor for mortality.
The Use of Administrative Data to Investigate the Population Burden of Hepatic Encephalopathy
Authors: Bloom Patricia P. , Tapper Elliot B.
Published: November 2020

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a devastating complication of cirrhosis with an increasing footprint in global public health. Although the condition is defined using a careful history and examination, we cannot accurately measure the true impact of HE relying on data collected exclusively from clinical studies. For this reason, administrative data sources are necessary to study the population burden of HE. Administrative data is generated with each health care encounter to account for health care resource utilization and is extracted into a dataset for the secondary purpose of research. In order to utilize such data for valid analysis, several pitfalls must be avoided—specifically, selecting the particular database capable of meeting the needs of the study’s aims, paying careful attention to the limits of each given database, and ensuring validity of case definition for HE specific to the dataset. In this review, we summarize the types of data available for and the results of administrative data studies of HE.
Genetics Underlying the Interactions between Neural Crest Cells and Eye Development
Authors: Weigele Jochen , Bohnsack Brenda L.
Published: November 2020

The neural crest is a unique, transient stem cell population that is critical for craniofacial and ocular development. Understanding the genetics underlying the steps of neural crest development is essential for gaining insight into the pathogenesis of congenital eye diseases. The neural crest cells play an under-appreciated key role in patterning the neural epithelial-derived optic cup. These interactions between neural crest cells within the periocular mesenchyme and the optic cup, while not well-studied, are critical for optic cup morphogenesis and ocular fissure closure. As a result, microphthalmia and coloboma are common phenotypes in human disease and animal models in which neural crest cell specification and early migration are disrupted. In addition, neural crest cells directly contribute to numerous ocular structures including the cornea, iris, sclera, ciliary body, trabecular meshwork, and aqueous outflow tracts. Defects in later neural crest cell migration and differentiation cause a constellation of well-recognized ocular anterior segment anomalies such as Axenfeld–Rieger Syndrome and Peters Anomaly. This review will focus on the genetics of the neural crest cells within the context of how these complex processes specifically affect overall ocular development and can lead to congenital eye diseases.
Numerical Prediction of Hydrodynamic Performance of Planing Trimaran with a Wave-Piercing Bow
Authors: Su Guangsheng , Shen Hailong , Su Yumin
Published: November 2020

The central hull is the most important structure in the planing trimaran. In order to gain insight into the relationship between hydrodynamic performance and main hull shape, experimental tests and numerical simulations were carried out for volume Froude Number (FrΔ) ranging from 1.31 to 4.98. Dynamic sinkage and trim in the Dynamic Fluid Body Interaction (DFBI) six-degree-of-freedom model were considered. A validation study carried out by comparison of experimental test results with numerical results showed good consistency. To analyze the process of tunnel penetration and pressure change at the bottom of the boat, numerical simulation results for free surface, bottom streamline, and pressure distribution around the hull are given. A large triangular high-pressure area was observed in the front of the main hull for all volume Froude numbers. Consequently, the central drainage body, in reference to the profile of single planing craft with distinctive resistance performance, was redesigned into a wave-piercing shape. Total resistance, sinkage, and trim angle of the new model were then predicted by numerical method. The results show that the central drainage body has a significant impact on the hydrodynamic performance of the planing trimaran. Furthermore, the wave-piercing shaped main hull has a drag reduction effect.
Aspergillus niger Decreases Bioavailability of Arsenic(V) via Biotransformation of Manganese Oxide into Biogenic Oxalate Minerals
Authors: Farkas Bence , Kolenčík Marek , Hain Miroslav , Dobročka Edmund , Kratošová Gabriela , Bujdoš Marek , Feng Huan , Deng Yang , Yu Qian , Illa Ramakanth , Sunil B. Ratna , Kim Hyunjung , Matúš Peter , Urík Martin
Published: November 2020

The aim of this work was to evaluate the transformation of manganese oxide (hausmannite) by microscopic filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger and the effects of the transformation on mobility and bioavailability of arsenic. Our results showed that the A. niger strain CBS 140837 greatly affected the stability of hausmannite and induced its transformation into biogenic crystals of manganese oxalates—falottaite and lindbergite. The transformation was enabled by fungal acidolysis of hausmannite and subsequent release of manganese ions into the culture medium. While almost 45% of manganese was bioextracted, the arsenic content in manganese precipitates increased throughout the 25-day static cultivation of fungus. This significantly decreased the bioavailability of arsenic for the fungus. These results highlight the unique A. niger strain’s ability to act as an active geochemical factor via its ability to acidify its environment and to induce formation of biogenic minerals. This affects not only the manganese speciation, but also bioaccumulation of potentially toxic metals and metalloids associated with manganese oxides, including arsenic.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceived Barriers toward Genetic Testing and Pharmacogenomics among Healthcare Workers in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Rahma Azhar T. , Elsheik Mahanna , Ali Bassam R. , Elbarazi Iffat , Patrinos George P. , Ahmed Luai A. , Al Maskari Fatma
Published: November 2020

In order to successfully translate the scientific models of genetic testing and pharmacogenomics into clinical practice, empowering healthcare workers with the right knowledge and functional understanding on the subject is essential. Limited research in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have assessed healthcare worker stances towards genomics. This study aimed to assess healthcare workers’ knowledge and attitudes on genetic testing. A cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare workers practicing in either public or private hospitals or clinics as pharmacists, nurses, physicians, managers, and allied health. Participants were recruited randomly and via snowball techniques. Surveys were collected between April and September 2019; out of 552 respondents, 63.4% were female, the mean age was 38 (±9.6) years old. The mean knowledge score was 5.2 (±2.3) out of nine, which shows a fair level of knowledge. The scores of respondents of pharmacy were 5.1 (±2.5), medicine 6.0 (±2.0), and nursing 4.8 (±2.1). All participants exhibited a fair knowledge level about genetic testing and pharmacogenomics. Of the respondents, 91.9% showed a positive attitude regarding availability of genetic testing. The top identified barrier to implementation was the cost of testing (62%), followed by lack of training or education and insurance coverage (57.8% and 57.2%, respectively). Building upon the positive attitudes and tackling the barriers and challenges will pave the road for full implementation of genetic testing and pharmacogenomics in the UAE. We recommend empowering healthcare workers by improving needed and tailored competencies related to their area of practice. We strongly urge the stakeholders to streamline and benchmark the workflow, algorithm, and guidelines to standardize the health and electronic system. Lastly, we advocate utilizing technology and electronic decision support as well as the translational report to back up healthcare workers in the UAE.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Amantadine and Memantine: Possible Therapeutics for the Treatment of Covid-19?
Authors: Jiménez-Jiménez Félix Javier , Alonso-Navarro Hortensia , García-Martín Elena , Agúndez José A. G.
Published: November 2020

We have reviewed current data on the anti-inflammatory effects of amantadine and memantine in clinical and in vivo models of inflammation, and we propose that these effects have potential interest for the treatment of the SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19 disease). To that end, we performed a literature search using the PubMed Database from 1966 up to October 31 2020, crossing the terms “amantadine” and “memantine” with “inflammation” and “anti-inflammatory”. Amantadine and/or memantine have shown anti-inflammatory effects in chronic hepatitis C, in neuroinflammation induced by sepsis and by lipopolysaccharides, experimental models of multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and respiratory diseases. Since the inflammatory response is one of the main pathogenetic mechanisms in the progression of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, anti-inflammatory effects of amantadine and memantine could be hypothetically useful in the treatment of this condition. This potential utility deserves further research.
Dynamic Connectedness between Bitcoin, Gold, and Crude Oil Volatilities and Returns
Authors: Ozturk Serda Selin
Published: November 2020

This paper analyzes the connectedness among bitcoin, gold, and crude oil between 3 January 2017 and 31 December 2019. The paper’s motivation is based upon the idea that bitcoin can be similar to gold in terms of its hedging properties and can be used for hedging for different assets. Moreover, although it is more metaphorical, bitcoin is also accepted because it is mined like crude oil, namely, a commodity. These similarities can be investigated by analyzing the connectedness among these financial assets. The connectedness results derived from both total connectedness and frequency connectedness methods indicate that volatility connectedness is higher than the return connectedness among these assets. Furthermore, connectedness in volatilities is mostly driven by medium frequency, although connectedness in returns mostly exists in high frequency. Therefore, these results suggest that investors should consider these financial assets for their diversification decisions. The results suggest that although diversification among these three assets is more difficult in the short- and medium-term, investors may benefit from diversification in the long-run.
Investigation of the Effect of Inhomogeneous Material on the Fracture Mechanisms of Bamboo by Finite Element Method
Authors: Ramful Raviduth , Sakuma Atsushi
Published: November 2020

Bamboo is a remarkably strong and sustainable material available for construction. It exhibits optimized mechanical characteristics based on a hollow-inhomogeneous structure which also affects its fracture behavior. In this study, the aim is to investigate the effect of material composition and geometrical attributes on the fracture mechanisms of bamboo in various modes of loading by the finite element method. In the first part of the investigation, the optimized transverse isotropy of bamboo to resist transverse deformation was numerically determined to represent its noticeable orthotropic characteristics which prevail in the axial direction. In the second part of this study, a numerical investigation of fracture mechanisms in four fundamental modes of loading, namely bending, compression, torsion, and shear, were conducted by considering the failure criterion of maximum principal strain. A crack initiation stage was simulated and compared by implementing an element erosion technique. Results showed that the characteristics of bamboo’s crack initiation differed greatly from solid geometry and homogeneous material-type models. Splitting patterns, which were discerned in bending and shear modes, differed in terms of location and occurred in the outside-center position and inside-lowermost position of the culm, respectively. The results of this study can be useful in order to achieve optimized strength in bamboo-inspired bionic designs.
Mimicking the Mechanical Properties of Aortic Tissue with Pattern-Embedded 3D Printing for a Realistic Phantom
Authors: Kwon Jaeyoung , Ock Junhyeok , Kim Namkug
Published: November 2020

3D printing technology has been extensively applied in the medical field, but the ability to replicate tissues that experience significant loads and undergo substantial deformation, such as the aorta, remains elusive. Therefore, this study proposed a method to imitate the mechanical characteristics of the aortic wall by 3D printing embedded patterns and combining two materials with different physical properties. First, we determined the mechanical properties of the selected base materials (Agilus and Dragonskin 30) and pattern materials (VeroCyan and TPU 95A) and performed tensile testing. Three patterns were designed and embedded in printed Agilus–VeroCyan and Dragonskin 30–TPU 95A specimens. Tensile tests were then performed on the printed specimens, and the stress-strain curves were evaluated. The samples with one of the two tested orthotropic patterns exceeded the tensile strength and strain properties of a human aorta. Specifically, a tensile strength of 2.15 ± 0.15 MPa and strain at breaking of 3.18 ± 0.05 mm/mm were measured in the study; the human aorta is considered to have tensile strength and strain at breaking of 2.0–3.0 MPa and 2.0–2.3 mm/mm, respectively. These findings indicate the potential for developing more representative aortic phantoms based on the approach in this study.
Thermo-Optical Switching Effect Based on a Tapered Optical Fiber and Higher Alkanes Doped with ZnS:Mn
Authors: Moś Joanna E. , Stasiewicz Karol A. , Matras-Postołek Katarzyna , Jaroszewicz Leszek R.
Published: November 2020

The paper investigates the effect of thermo-optic switching resulting from the hybrid combination of a tapered optical fiber (TOF) with alkanes doped with nanoparticles of zinc sulfide doped with manganese (ZnS:Mn NP). Presented measurements focused on controlling losses in an optical fiber by modification of a TOF cladding by the alkanes used, characterized by phase change. Temperature changes cause power transmission changes creating a switcher or a sensor working in an ON-OFF mode. Phase change temperatures and changes in the refractive index of the alkane used directly affected power switching. Alkanes were doped with ZnS:Mn NPs to change the hysteresis observed between ON-OFF modes in pure alkanes. The addition of nanoparticles (NPs) reduces the difference between phase changes due to improved thermal conductivity and introduces extra nucleating agents. Results are presented in the wide optical range of 550–1200 nm. In this investigation, hexadecane and heptadecane were a new cladding for TOF. The higher alkanes were doped with ZnS: Mn NPs in an alkane volume of 1 wt.% and 5 wt.%. The thermo-optic effect can be applied to manufacture a thermo-optic switcher or a temperature threshold sensor.
Statistical Research of Stainless Austenitic Steel Grain Size Distribution after Screw Rolling
Authors: Skripalenko Mikhail Mikhailovich , Zavyalova Tatyana Viktorovna , Pater Zbigniew , Romantsev Boris Alekseevich , Rogachev Stanislav Olegovich , Kaputkina Liudmila Mikhailovna , Skripalenko Mikhail Nikolaevich , Danilin Andrei Vladimirovich
Published: November 2020

Screw rolling of austenitic stainless-steel billets was conducted in two- and three-high mills. Statistical research results showed that, compared to heated but not rolled conditions, both screw rolling techniques provided a decrease of grain size, variance, grain size distribution asymmetry, and excess in the billet cross-section at the stationary stage of screw rolling. At that stage, grain size distribution after two-high screw rolling is closer to normal in terms of asymmetry and excess values compared to grain-size distribution after three-high screw rolling. A strong negative correlation between strain effective values and grain-size values for the cross-section of the rolled billets at the stationary stage was revealed for both two- and three-high screw rolling.
Predict the Phase Angle Master Curve and Study the Viscoelastic Properties of Warm Mix Crumb Rubber-Modified Asphalt Mixture
Authors: Zhang Fei , Wang Lan , Li Chao , Xing Yongming
Published: November 2020

To identify the most accurate approach for constructing of the dynamic modulus master curves for warm mix crumb rubber modified asphalt mixtures and assess the feasibility of predicting the phase angle master curves from the dynamic modulus ones. The SM (Sigmoidal model) and GSM (generalized sigmoidal model) were utilized to construct the dynamic modulus master curve, respectively. Subsequently, the master curve of phase angle could be predicted from the master curve of dynamic modulus in term of the K-K (Kramers–Kronig) relations. The results show that both SM and GSM can predict the dynamic modulus very well, except that the GSM shows a slightly higher correlation coefficient than SM. Therefore, it is recommended to construct the dynamic modulus master curve using GSM and obtain the corresponding phase angle master curve in term of the K-K relations. The Black space diagram and Wicket diagram were utilized to verify the predictions were consistent with the LVE (linear viscoelastic) theory. Then the master curve of storage modulus and loss modulus were also obtained. Finally, the creep compliance and relaxation modulus can be used to represent the creep and relaxation properties of warm-mix crumb rubber-modified asphalt mixtures.
Microstructure and Properties of Heat Affected Zone in High-Carbon Steel after Welding with Fast Cooling in Water
Authors: Brykov Michail Nikolaevich , Petryshynets Ivan , Džupon Miroslav , Kalinin Yuriy Anatolievich , Efremenko Vasily Georgievich , Makarenko Natalia Alekseevna , Pimenov Danil Yurievich , Kováč František
Published: November 2020

The purpose of the research was to obtain an arc welded joint of a preliminary quenched high-carbon wear resistant steel without losing the structure that is previously obtained by heat treatment. 120Mn3Si2 steel was chosen for experiments due to its good resistance to mechanical wear. The fast cooling of welding joints in water was carried out right after welding. The major conclusion is that the soft austenitic layer appears in the vicinity of the fusion line as a result of the fast cooling of the welding joint. The microstructure of the heat affected zone of quenched 120Mn3Si2 steel after welding with rapid cooling in water consists of several subzones. The first one is a purely austenitic subzone, followed by austenite + martensite microstructure, and finally, an almost fully martensitic subzone. The rest of the heat affected zone is tempered material that is heated during welding below A1 critical temperature. ISO 4136 tensile tests were carried out for the welded joints of 120Mn3Si2 steel and 09Mn2Si low carbon steel (ASTM A516, DIN13Mn6 equivalent) after welding with fast cooling in water. The tests showed that welded joints are stronger than the quenched 120Mn3Si2 steel itself. The results of work can be used in industries where the severe mechanical wear of machine parts is a challenge.
Effect of Spraying Power on Oxidation Resistance of MoSi2-ZrB2 Coating for Nb-Si Based Alloy Prepared by Atmospheric Plasma
Authors: Zhuo Guanqun , Su Linfen , Jiang Kaiyong , Yang Jianyong
Published: November 2020

The MoSi2-ZrB2 coatings were prepared on Nb-Si based alloy by atmospheric plasma spraying with the spraying power 40, 43 and 45 kW. The effect of spraying power on the microstructure and oxidation resistance of MoSi2-ZrB2 coating at 1250 °C were studied. The results showed that the main constituent phases of coatings were MoSi2 at all spraying power. The coating became more compact as the spraying power increased. The coating prepared at 45 kW was dense and uniform, which exhibited the best oxidation resistance due to the formation of a dense and uniform glass layer consisting of SiO2 and ZrSiO4.
Fibre Distribution Characterization of Ultra-High Performance Fibre-Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) Plates Using Magnetic Probes
Authors: Li Lufan , Xia Jun , Chin Chee , Jones Steve
Published: November 2020

Ultra-high performance fibre reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) is an innovative cement-based engineering material. The mechanical properties of UHPFRC not only depend on the properties of the concrete matrix and fibres, but also depend on the interaction between these two components. The fibre distribution is affected by many factors and previous researchers had developed different approaches to test the fibre distribution. This research adopted the non-destructive C-shape ferromagnetic probe inductive test and investigated the straight steel fibre distribution of the UHPFRC plate. A simplified characterization equation is introduced with an attenuation factor to consider the different plate thicknesses. The effective testing depth of this probe was tested to be 24 mm. By applying this method, fibre volume content and the fibre orientation angle can be calibrated for the entire plate. The fibre volume content generally fulfilled the design requirement. The fibre orientation angle followed a normal distribution, with a mean value of 45.60°. By testing small flexural specimens cut from the plates, it was found out that the mechanical performance (peak flexural strength) correlates with the product of fibre volume content and cosine fibre orientation angle.
The Influence of Solvent on the Crystal Packing of Ethacridinium Phthalate Solvates
Authors: Mirocki Artur , Sikorski Artur
Published: November 2020

The synthesis, structural characterization and influence of solvents on the crystal packing of solvated complexes of ethacridine with phthalic acid: 6,9-diamino-2-ethoxyacridinium phthalate methanol solvate (1), 6,9-diamino-2-ethoxyacridinium phthalate ethanol solvate (2), 6,9-diamino-2-ethoxyacridinium phthalate isobutanol solvate (3), and 6,9-diamino-2-ethoxyacridinium phthalate tert-butanol solvate monohydrate (4) are described in this article. Single-crystal XRD measurements revealed that the compounds 1–4 crystallized in the triclinic P-1 space group, and the 6,9-diamino-2-ethoxyacridinium cations, phthalic acid anions and solvent molecules interact via strong N–H···O, O–H···O, C–H···O hydrogen bonds, and C–H···π and π–π interactions to form different types of basic structural motifs, such as: heterotetramer bis[···cation···anion···] in compound 1 and 2, heterohexamer bis[···cation···alcohol···anion···] in compound 3, and heterohexamer bis[···cation···water···anion···] in compound 4. Presence of solvents molecule(s) in the crystals causes different supramolecular synthons to be obtained and thus has an influence on the crystal packing of the compounds analyzed.
Mathematical Modeling and Simulation of a Gas Emission Source Using the Network Simulation Method
Authors: Sánchez-Pérez Juan Francisco , Mena-Requena María Rosa , Cánovas Manuel
Published: November 2020

A mathematical model for the simulation of the diffusion of the pollutants released from a point source is presented. All phenomena have been included, such as thermal and wind gradients, turbulence, fumigation, convective and diffusive effects, and atmospheric stabilities. To better understand the dynamics of these occurrences, the Network Simulation Method was used to provide the concentration of pollutants in three spatial coordinates. The model was simulated in open source software and validated with experimental data, satisfying the Hanna criteria. Additionally, this model selects for the appropriate expressions based on the physical phenomena that govern each case and allows for time-dependent data entry. The cases studied show the great coupling that exists between the variables of wind velocity and atmospheric stability for the pollutant diffusion. The model can be used for two important aims, to identify the behavior of the emission of pollutants, and to determine the concentration of a pollutant at various points, through an inverse problem, locating the source of the emission.
Eigen Fuzzy Sets and their Application to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Actions in Decision Problems
Authors: Di Martino Ferdinando , Sessa Salvatore
Published: November 2020

We propose a new method based on the greatest (resp., smallest) eigen fuzzy set (GEFS, resp., SEFS) of a fuzzy relation R with respect to the max–min (resp., min–max) composition in order to implement the actions of a decisor. Using information derived from judgments of the evaluators on how much a characteristic is improved with respect to others, we construct the fuzzy relations, RMAX (resp., RMIN), where any entry RMAXijj (resp., RMINij) expresses how much the efficacy produced on the ith characteristic is equal to or greater (resp., lesser) than that one produced by the jth characteristic. The GEFS of RMAX (resp., SEFS of RMIN) are calculated in order to improve the performances of each characteristic. In the wake of previous applications based on GEFS and SEFS, we propose a method to evaluate the tourism enhancement policies in the historical center of an important Italian city. This method is new and different from those known in the literature so far. It is applied to evaluate benefits brought about by locals in order to enhance tourism in a historical center Comparison tests show that the results obtained are consistent with those expressed by the tourists interviewed
Linear Time Additively Exact Algorithm for Transformation of Chain-Cycle Graphs for Arbitrary Costs of Deletions and Insertions
Authors: Gorbunov Konstantin , Lyubetsky Vassily
Published: November 2020

We propose a novel linear time algorithm which, given any directed weighted graphs a and b with vertex degrees 1 or 2, constructs a sequence of operations transforming a into b. The total cost of operations in this sequence is minimal among all possible ones or differs from the minimum by an additive constant that depends only on operation costs but not on the graphs themselves; this difference is small as compared to the operation costs and is explicitly computed. We assume that the double cut and join operations have identical costs, and costs of the deletion and insertion operations are arbitrary strictly positive rational numbers.
A Novel Data Analytics Method for Predicting the Delivery Speed of Software Enhancement Projects
Authors: Ventura-Molina Elías , López-Martín Cuauhtémoc , López-Yáñez Itzamá , Yáñez-Márquez Cornelio
Published: November 2020

A fundamental issue of the software engineering economics is productivity. In this regard, one measure of software productivity is delivery speed. Software productivity prediction is useful to determine corrective activities, as well as to identify improvement alternatives. A type of software maintenance is enhancement. In this paper, we propose a data analytics-based software engineering algorithm called search method based on feature construction (SMFC) for predicting the delivery speed of software enhancement projects. The SMFC belongs to the minimalist machine learning paradigm, and as such it always generates a two-dimensional model. Unlike the usual data analytics methods, SMFC includes an original algorithmic training procedure, in which both the independent and dependent variables are considered for transformation. SMFC prediction performance is compared to those of statistical regression, neural networks, support vector regression, and fuzzy regression. To do this, seven datasets of software enhancement projects obtained from the International Software Benchmarking Standards Group (ISBSG) Release 2017 were used. The validation method is leave-one-out cross validation, whereas absolute residuals have been chosen as the performance measure. The results indicate that the SMFC is statistically better than statistical regression. This fact represents an obvious advantage in favor of SMFC, because the other two methods are not statistically better than SMFC.
Influence of Musical Learning in the Acquisition of Mathematical Skills in Primary School
Authors: Chao-Fernández Aurelio , Mato-Vázquez Dorinda , Chao-Fernández Rocío
Published: November 2020

In this research we analyze the influence of musical activities in the acquisition of mathematical knowledge and skills of a sample, 50 students from both a public and a private school in A Coruña (Spain), at a cognitive level. Based on a quantitative study with a quasi-experimental design, we evaluated students’ knowledge acquisition; we worked with musical activities related to mathematics in the experimental group (EG), and with traditional mathematical activities in the control group (CG). We used a questionnaire that the teachers completed before and after putting the activities into practice, after collecting—writing daily field notes—the mathematical knowledge acquired by the students. The results indicate that there are significant differences between the pretest and the posttest, between CG and EG, but there are no differences between public and concerted schools. In short, it is concluded that music represents an excellent tool in mathematical learning.
Constructing a Novel Early Warning Algorithm for Global Budget Payments
Authors: Chang Che-Wei
Published: November 2020

The National Health Insurance Administration of Taiwan has implemented global budget payments, the Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) inpatient diagnosis-related group payment system, and the same-disease payment system, in order to decrease the financial burden of medical expenditure. However, the benefit system reduces the income of doctors and hospitals. This study proposed an early warning payment algorithm that applies data analytics technology to diabetes hospitalization- and treatment-related fees. A model was constructed based on the characteristics of the Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (EWMA) algorithm to develop control charts, which were first employed using the 2001–2017 health insurance statistical database released by the Department of Health Insurance (DHI). This model was used to simulate data from inpatients with diabetes, to create an early warning algorithm for diagnosis-related groups’ (DRGs’) medical payments as well as to measure its accuracy. This study will provide a reference for the formulation of payment policies by the DHI.
Oral Alitretinoin for Patients with Refractory Prurigo
Authors: Chung Bo Young , Um Ji Young , Kang Seok Young , Jung Min Je , Kim Jin Cheol , Kwak In-Suk , Park Chun Wook , Kim Hye One
Published: November 2020

Background: prurigo is a chronic skin disorder associated with a history of chronic pruritus. The pathogenesis of prurigo is largely unknown and the treatment of prurigo is unsatisfactory and challenging. Conventional systemic treatments may be beneficial; however, their possible side effects and possible transient efficacy is still a problem. We aimed to present the clinical course and effect of treatment with alitretinoin on patients with prurigo nodularis initially treated with conventional treatments like oral antihistamine, cyclosporine, and phototherapy. Methods: all the patients had prurigo nodularis refractory to conventional treatment. Their medical records included demographic features, past medical history, duration of disease, and treatment modalities; and the clinical courses of the patients were reviewed for this retrospective study. We evaluated patient pruritus and skin lesions for the duration. Results: we present reports involving 10 patients with refractory prurigo. All the patients in our cases were treated with oral alitretinoin after previous treatments and reported the improvement of skin lesions and pruritus within 2 weeks to 3 months. Conclusions: we suggest that oral alitretinoin may be an effective and well tolerated treatment option for patients with intractable prurigo. Further clinical studies are warranted to confirm the long-lasting efficacy and safety of alitretinoin for treating patients with prurigo.