bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovering Clusters of nearby Routes in Spatial Networks
Authors: Vikas Vellampalli , Das Debasish , Bharathi B.
Published: October 2019

Now-a-days finding which is the best path to travel from one place to another place is difficult and also confusing. So TSR(Trajectory search by regions of interest) query is proposed.TSR query takes set of inputs called places and returns best possible path to travel between this two places. To find this best path, decision tree(best first search) and naïve bayes classification along with sentiment analysis are being used.
Design and Analysis of K-SVD Algorithm for the Noise Removal Using MATLAB
Authors: Akhil K. , Prasanth Kumar Reddy K. , Joany R.M. , Ilayarajaa K.T.
Published: October 2019

This paper was proposed to developed a dictionary learning algorithm to minimize or remove the noise from the noisy pixels present in the given data sets without distorting the edges and preserving the fine particulars and details of the image for removing the noise there are three stages named INTERPOLATION, OMP(orthogonal matching pursuit)and finally K-SVD dictionary learning matrix algorithm in this algorithm there are different methods for removing different level of noises present in the image by using the masking by using this algorithm noise can be from the pixel range by checking the each and every pixel whether the pixel is a noisy pixel or noise free pixel only noisy pixels are passed the noise removal process so noise free pixels would not get degraded or blurred or changed in their property this K-SVD algorithm can remove the noise Color Images, Black and White Images and Grey Scale Images The algorithm can handle noise level
Simulation and Design of Beta Filter for Tokamak Diagnostics
Authors: Deepika N.L. , Manasa P. , Jegan Antony Marcilin L. , Nandhitha N.M.
Published: October 2019

Simulations of H-beta filter based on thin films is proposed and demonstrated in this paper. The -beta filter is optical thin film pass band filter of having the wavelength of 486.13nm.H-beta filter is used to reduce the transmittance of H-beta wave. This H-beta filter is used in Aditya Tokamak which is a plasma reactor. when the plasma ring in the plasma breaks and releases ionized gases. H-beta is one of them. In order to reduce the transmittance of the H-beta wave this filter is used in the reactor. The H-beta filter consists of thin films on the substrate. The thin films are the substance having the optical properties. The thin film consists of low and high refractive index. The simulation of the H-beta filter program was done by using matlab.
Implementation of Internet Connected Industrial Robot Using Hog Algorithm based Object Recognition
Authors: George AnuPriya , Felix Joseph X.
Published: October 2019

The main focus is on object searching and recognition which is a popular area which increases tremendously in industries and research labs. The proposed work is based searching of an object which is done with the help of computer vision techniques. But in real time object searching will have many difficulties when the recognizing of an object is been done. To overcome this problem there is an improved technique called HOG Algorithm is been used in the real time situations. As the result the performance of the object searchingin the present experimental scenario is evaluated through the integrated hardware, which is synchronized with a camera and embedded system based wheeled robot.
Performance Enhancement of Reconfigurable Micro Strip Patch Antennae Using Metamaterials
Authors: Jegan G. , Florence Silvia M. , Vimala Juliet A.
Published: October 2019

Micro strip reception apparatuses are broadly utilized in wireless applications as a result of its simple design, compactness and economical. These small scale strip fix receiving antennas are made utilizing materials like FR4, Rogers RT duroid. These common materials are being supplanted with a helpful material named as Meta materials. These materials are unnatural materials having non-indigenous properties which are controlled with basic properties for the acquirement of updated properties. This whole procedure work with heterogeneous kinds of reconfigurable small scale strip fix receiving antenna utilizing Meta materials. Thus the exhibitions of smaller scale strip reception apparatuses are superior to whatever other conventional radio wires which likewise fill in as an inconceivable use for receiving antenna geeks and architects. The dynamic tuning of such receiving antenna parameters is commonly accomplished by changing the switch conditions. A solitary model can be utilized to help various capacities at different recurrence groups. Objective is to plan a reconfigurable micro strip patch antenna which works at four unique frequencies in X-band and Ku band. The reproduced reception apparatus emanates at five unique frequencies of 5.48 GHz, 9.88 GHz, 11.32 GHz, 12.68 GHz and 15.08 GHz and has an arrival loss of - 24.6103 dB, - 15.095dB, - 24.6103 dB, -30.0870 and - 30.8473 dB individually. And afterward it is manufactured utilizing FR4 as substrate and afterward it is observed to be in great match with the reproduced comes about.
Early Detection of Chronicity Foot Lesion in Diabetic Neuropathy Patients
Authors: Saranya Mrs. S , Banupriya Mrs. N , Sivaharni S , Suvalakshmi Ms. E , Suganthi Ms. B
Published: October 2019

This paper describes about the early detection of chronicity foot lesion in diabetic patients by monitoring their foot pressure. Patients with diabetic for long term and poor glycemic control are often leads to peripheral neurovascular disorder. This neurovascular disorder is caused due to Diabetes Triopathy (inadequate levels of growth factors & presence of biofilm). This neurovascular complication results in foot ulceration. 40% to 50% of diabetic patients are affected by foot ulceration. These ulceration leads to lower extremity exclusion even in the absence of critical branch ischemia. So, early detection and prevention of foot ulcer is needed. In this paper, hardware is setup to monitor the foot pressure in diabetic patients continuously with the help of flexi force sensor. For effective screening of foot ulceration, a graphical program environment LABVIEW is used. In this work, foot ulcer is detected earlier. So that it can be prevented earlier. Normalized PeakPressure (KPa)values are listed based on collected performa and had classified the diabetic patients and normal patients.
New method for testing the sedimentation stability of modern concretes at construction sites
Authors: Gecgel A S , Baumert C , Garrecht H
Published: October 2019

Modern concretes are characterised not only by rising demands on properties but also by increasingly complex compositions. With sophisticated formworks and dense reinforcements, the trend in concrete technology continues towards to self-compacting and easily-compacting concretes. The use of highly effective superplasticizers makes these concretes not only more efficient but also more susceptible to environmental factors and influences. Compliance with desirable fresh and hardened concrete properties is becoming increasingly problematic. In this case, there are no methods for testing today’s concretes, especially the easily-compacting and self-compacting concretes, which are suitable for construction sites. Because of their sensitivity, however, these should be examined separately for their tendency to segregation and, in this context, for their sedimentation stability. For this reason, a test method is currently being developed at the Institute of Construction Materials at the University of Stuttgart, which is intended to examine concretes in particular for this problem. First preliminary test in a simplified procedure have already confirmed the basic idea of testing.
Axial tensile strengths of UHPC and UHPFRC
Authors: Kusumawardaningsih Y , Fehling E , Hardjasaputra H , Al-Ani Y , Aboubakr A A M
Published: October 2019

UHPC and UHPFRC are remarkable materials which have properties with significant advantages. In addition to high compressive strength, they have higher tensile strength than conventional concrete. To study the tensile strength of UHPC and UHPFRC, a series of experimental programs have been developed at Kassel University. The effects on the fibre efficiency produced by varying the volume of the steel fibre percentage are discussed. When the results are compared to proposed equations generated in some European countries, the results are generally similar and confirmed satisfactorily. Satisfying justifications are also obtained when applied to the results for the axial tensile strength of the UHPFRC specimens. By using the proposed equations, the fibre’s effective (efficiency) stresses in UHPFRC in the stages of fibre activation and pullout can be calculated. However, not all the results of this study can be confirmed by other countries (e.g. USA, Japan). Diverse circumstances taking place during the production of the material may have to be taken into account to explain the dissimilar output. Studies of the tensile strength of UHPC and UHPFRC are important, with the aim of supporting more documentation for the development of recommendations, guidelines, standards and norms; thus meeting the needs of structural design.
Application of semiotics for health and safety signs comprehension on construction sites in Yola metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Alara S A , Inuwa I I , Gambo N
Published: October 2019

This study investigates how semiotics can be applied to enhance construction operatives’ health and safety (H&S) signs comprehension in Yola metropolis, Nigeria, with a view to improving on H&S management that will curtail the occurrence of accidents. Adopted ISO (9186-1) questionnaire for testing H&S signs comprehension were administered to 60 construction professionals and operatives that are executing 5 government building projects. Responses were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics respectively. Findings revealed that 11 of the 15 H&S signs studied ranked highly relevant for curbing accidents on construction sites while the remaining ranked relevant. For factors influencing H&S signs; training ranked highly influential, experience ranked influential, education ranked moderately influential. While culture, age and gender were ranked least influential respectively. The study recommends: contractors H&S safety compliance records be considered as one of the bases for contract award, safety consciousness be integrated in the overall procurement process, H&S requirements compliance certificate should be introduced and issue to compliant contracting firms, erring contractors on non-adherence to H&S provisions on construction sites be sanction, and construction operatives should be continuously train on H&S signs comprehension.
Review: Identification of roadmap of fourth construction industrial revolution
Authors: Lau S E N , Zakaria R , Aminudin E , Chang Saar C , Abidin N I A , Roslan A F , Abd Hamid Z , Mohd Zain M Z , Lou E
Published: October 2019

Industrial revolution is a series of events driven by the growth of technological innovations, and so far, the world had witnessed the first three industrial revolutions. Today, a new revolution referred to as the fourth industrial revolution is entering even though it is still in its early stages of development. Many developed countries had established their own roadmap or strategic plan as a first step. However, only a few of them touched the construction sector even though the construction industry provides a significant contribution to the country’s GDP. Based on this understanding, there is a fundamental need to give a clear view of Industry 3.0 to Industry 4.0 from the construction industry’s perspective, since most users are still finding their way in this transition. An extensive literature review is used to define the scope and terms of the field of construction in the industrial revolution. Towards this goal, a clear definition and concept of each revolution, key technologies related to construction and challenges faced by the industry will be explored. Simultaneously, this review paper also benchmarked a few documents as a simple guide in the transition process to the fourth industrial revolution to avoid a lag in a world where changes are swift and sudden. Therefore, this review paper contributes by providing a better understanding of the challenges and trends in Construction 4.0 to academics and practitioners. Moreover, it will spark new ideas on the policy or strategic roadmap development in the future.
A case study of slope hazardous mitigation by ground monitoring system
Authors: Yang B H , Lai J , Cheng C F
Published: October 2019

The western foothills geological zone of Taiwan contains sedimentary rocks such as conglomerate, sandstone, shale, and mudstone. These formations often cause severe damage to life and property during a natural disaster such as earthquake and rainstorm, especially on a dip slope. This paper presents the results of long-term ground monitoring on a high sliding potential dip slope located in the western foothills of central Taiwan. The slope has been went through substantial movements induced by rainstorms during the monsoon season or after a typhoon. By comparing the rainfall data and long-term in-situ measurement of ground displacement using total station and inclinometer, we find that the movement of this slope is highly related to regional rainfall. The slide mechanism can be attributed to the infiltration of rainfall that tends to increase the driving force of the upper sliding mass and decrease shear resistance on the interface between sandstone and shale.
Nonlinear finite element analysis of traditional flexural strengthening using betung bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) on concrete beams
Authors: Hidayat B A , Hu H-T , Han A L , Haryanto Y , Widyaningrum A , Pamudji G
Published: October 2019

Structural failure, which can be caused by design miscalculation or changes in the building’s function, can be dangerous if left untreated. Consequently, structural strengthening is done by providing steel plates, fiber-reinforced-polymer, or in the traditional way using bamboo fibers. In this study, a numerical calculation for bamboo strengthening using the FEM method is conducted. Bamboo strengthening was installed on concrete beams and attached using mortar. The analysis was carried out with ATENA software dealing with beam specimens, namely Control Beam (BC) and Bamboo-strengthened Beam using M13 and M20 mortar (BB13 and BB20). The materials used are CC3DNonLinCementitious2 and CCD3DBiLinearSteelVonMises for concrete and bamboo, respectively. The concrete and mortar use the fracture concept of a uniaxial stress-strain law and the constitutive model of the bamboo is based on a linear stress-strain law. The results of comparing the numerical and experimental results for the load-carrying capacity ratio are 0.96, 0.90, 0.77 for BC, BB13, and BB20, respectively. The crack pattern of the specimens shows that collapse is by flexural cracking starting from the mid-span. This is in accordance with previous laboratory results. In conclusion, the analyses using ATENA program and experimental methods show the appropriate results.
Experimental study of circular hollow reinforced concrete column strengthened with partial Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) confinement
Authors: Ismail R , Rashid R S M , Zakwan F A A , Hejazi F
Published: October 2019

Structural strengthening with Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) confinement has been widely used in civil engineering applications. However, the use of CFRP has always triggered environmental and sustainable issues due to its hazardous manufacturing and disposal process. By using partial CFRP confinement, the use of CFRP as the strengthening material could be reduced. The circular hollow reinforced concrete column is commonly used in seismic zones due to its self-weight reduction and better structural efficiency of strength/mass and stiffness/mass ratios properties. However, up until today, the understanding of circular hollow reinforced concrete column behaviour still lacks, especially with CFRP partial strengthening confinement. Therefore, this paper is testing a 6 full-scale circular hollow reinforced concrete columns with 2 m height, 250 mm of outer diameter, and 110 mm of inner diameter. The behaviour of the unconfined circular hollow column will be compared with partial CFRP confinement under axial load. The circular hollow reinforced concrete column with partial CFRP confinement is proven to be able to strengthen circular hollow column effectively through this study.
Tracing developing deterioration zones in a damaged dam by using elastic wave tomography
Authors: Wang H , Hsieh S-H , Hu C-H , Tsai Y-C
Published: October 2019

In this paper, the concrete gravity dam built 40 years ago was partially damaged by the M=7.3 Chi-Chi Earthquake in central Taiwan in 1999. The elastic wave tomography method was applied to identify the safety conditions of the repaired dam in 2010. The resulting velocity profiles showed that the total structure conditions were accepted as a good to questionable condition. The filled materials and cracks existed in some dam components. Seven years later, the updating tracing investigation revealed that the pervious detrimental zones were spatially extended and associated with time. These testing results were also consistent with the findings from the ground penetrating radar inspection.
Strength calculation method of reinforced concrete structures of Tashkent underground tunnels with different stages of stress condition
Authors: Miralimov M
Published: October 2019

Modern requirements of engineering practice in tunnel construction are related to the problems of strength and the identification of reserves of bearing capacity of tunnel lining. The achieved success in creating rational reinforced concrete structures of tunnel linings is largely determined by the results obtained in the field of mathematical and mechanical modeling of deformation processes. Reinforced concrete large-sized building structures constitute the main structural elements of the Tashkent underground tunnels in Uzbekistan, as reinforced concrete under proper conditions gives a significant technical and economic effect, reducing the time and cost of construction. Experiments on the bending of reinforced concrete beams with a gradually increasing load indicate various stages of the stress condition. To achieve the most economical consumption of materials, it is proposed to calculate structures for the forces that act under breaking load. This paper presents a method for calculating the lining of reinforced concrete tunnels of the Tashkent underground based on the more accurate assessment of the fundamental properties of reinforced concrete that determine its behavior under external load.
Applications of hysteretic steel dampers for controlling the seismic damage in steel frames
Authors: Teruna D R
Published: October 2019

The aim of seismic design is not intended to make earthquake-proof structures that will not experience any damage even during a strong earthquake; such structures will be too costly. However, controlling the damage to the desired level is a necessity for buildings with a particular purpose such as hospital, fire and police station, nuclear facilities, buildings that contain hazardous material, and other building that is critical for emergencies and defense. In this paper, a four-story steel frame, both with and without hysteretic steel damper are investigated in order to account the effect of stiffness ratio, and SR (ratio between steel damper and braces stiffness to the bare frame stiffness) in the global structural damage. For these purposes, three ground motions which are compatible to the design spectrum response in the Indonesian building code were selected to be applied to the structure with a stiffness ratio (SR) of 2, 3, 4 and 5 using a non-linear dynamic time history analysis. In this context, the damage index based on the works of Park and Ang is used as the criteria to define global structural damage, while story drift index is used as the criteria to measure the seismic performance level. The results demonstrated that the use of steel damper not only enhances the seismic performance, but it also reduces the damage index of the investigated structure. Furthermore, the damage index and story drift index are influenced by the stiffness ratio, in which the stiffness ratio of 4 (four) provides the smallest damage index and inter-story drift index. Moreover, the damage index and inter-story drift index were also affected by ground motions characteristics.
Influence of concrete damage on reinforcement corrosion
Authors: Kušter Marić M , Ožbolt J , Mandić Ivanković A , Vlašić A , Bleiziffer J , Srbić M , Skokandić D , Bošnjak J , Lacković L
Published: October 2019

Concrete damage (cracks, voids and delamination) significantly influence initiation and propagation phase of reinforcement corrosion. The three methods are combined in the framework of this research: (i) on-site testing on concrete bridges, (ii) application of an advanced numerical model for service life prediction on existing structures and (iii) laboratory experiments on permeability of cracked concrete. The aim of this research is to determine the mutual interaction of material, structural, environmental and climate performance indicators under following degradation mechanisms: chloride induced corrosion of reinforcement in concrete and concrete cracking due to mechanical and non-mechanical loading. The broader aim is to predict bridge service life more precisely as a base for establishment of an optimal bridge quality control plan. The focus of the paper is application of on-site testing on existing bridges. Influence of cracks in concrete on reinforcement corrosion on existing structures can be determined by application of non-destructive testing, not only by measured values but also to define area of structure on which a crack has impact.
Treatment of uncertainties in green engineering
Authors: Schwarte J , Hein H L
Published: October 2019

Uncertainties occurring in engineering are usually dealt with by means of statistical validation. Most value assignments are of statistical nature and thus only valid in a specific statistical way. This fact is, in most cases, only implicitly apparent but nevertheless almost always present. In green engineering this is not true. The calculation e.g. of life cycle assessments (LCAs) is generally based on a vast number of values. These data either cannot be validated in a statistical sense at all or they are too insufficient to be usable for statistical analyses. This means that final results in this field cannot be declared as trustworthy in a way that is common in engineering. In this paper, the method of interval arithmetic is proposed as a way to circumvent this severe epistemological problem. The consequences of the suggested approach are illustrated utilizing two typical examples: (1) Different reliabilities concerning theories for greenhouse effect influences of various chemical emissions on the greenhouse effect and thus on the global warming potential and (2) Situations, where one specific production site differs heavily from the average of the dedicated industrial sector. Computational implementation of the considered concept is briefly discussed. It is shown that misleading results, which may be quite common in this field, can possibly be avoided in the proposed way.
The effect of reinforcement ratio cantula fiber (Agave cantula roxb) on tensile strength of textile reinforced concrete
Authors: Purwanto E , Kristiawan S A , Safitri E , Sasmito A N
Published: October 2019

Cantula Fiber (Roxb Agave Cantula) is a natural fiber that can be developed as a reinforcement material in concrete and can be applied to structural and nonstructural elements of a building. This research aimed to test the direct tensile strength of polymer modified mortar by strengthening cantula fiber in various forms of cantula fiber reinforcement ratios. Test specimens were in the form of polymer modified mortar with reinforced woven fiber and short fiber as textile reinforced concrete (TRC). Specimens used were in the form of plates measuring 12 mm x 80 mm x 400 mm with variations in fiber reinforcement ratios of 1.5%, 2.5%, 3.5%, and 4.5%. Test specimens were tested at age of 3 days and 28 days. The results of the test showed the highest increase in the reinforcement ratio of 4.5% in the PMM specimen with a tensile strength value of 2.41 MPa at 3 days and at 3.41 MPa at 28 days. Meanwhile, the value of the largest tensile strength in TRC was found on the reinforcement ratio of 3.5% with a tensile strength of 2.95 MPa at 3 days and 3.38 MPa at 28 days. Therefore, the effective reinforcement ratio ranged from 3.5% to 4.5%.
Long-Range Transport and Local Emission of Atmospheric PM2.5 in Southern Region of Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Dahari N , Muda K , Hussein N , Latif MT , Khan MF , Mohamad Khir MS
Published: October 2019

The excessive inhalation of pollutant particles with aerodynamic diameters less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) results in risking the human respiratory health. The aim of this study is to investigate the possible pathways of long range and local tranportation for PM2.5 sources. The route patterns are analyzed by using the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT 4.9) software during August 2017 to January 2018, covering three main monsoon seasons of Malaysia; southwest (SW), intermonsoon (IM) and northeast (NE) monsoon. This study represents the 72 h air mass backward trajectories in a mixed commercial-residential-industrial site of Skudai, Johor Bahru. The identified source origins are largely varied with different monsoon seasons and meteorological factors. The air-flow at different altitudes results in different effects, as the trajectory at height 500 m contributes to the greatest impact on the pollution level. The potential sources were generally from the Sumatera, Indonesia, during SW monsoon and China, during NE monsoon. The PM2.5 exceedance pattern in the Skudai area is also strongly influenced by the localized circulation, anthropogenic emission and dispersion characteristics. The increased levels of PM2.5 are predominantly contributed by the primary sources of vehicular emissions and industrial activities.
Light Pollution and Health: Case Study of the Lighting Fixtures Applied on Penang Town Hall in George Town, Penang Island
Authors: Abdalla Saeid Ali Alaa , Aqbar Zakaria Safial , Jit Wei Lim , Shien Ng Yee
Published: October 2019

Lighting design plays a central role in architecture and interior design. When it comes to heritage buildings, the case becomes even more sensitive and requires a delicate consideration of the light application. It is essential to conduct a good source of light to maintain a pleasant sustainable environment and to prompt a positive, healthy behavioural response. The objectives of this study are to outline the issues occur by the lighting application to the heritage building to learn the required factors to be considered in the lighting system as well as recognizing the association between the light pollution and health. The observations done around George Town on Penang Town Hall led to conduct the obstacles of the quality of light and building conservation. It is quite apparent that designers must meet the balance between the beauty of light and the appreciation of historical buildings in George Town
Employee Turnover of Quantity Surveying Firms in Malaysia
Authors: Ilmi Sheikh , Habizah  , Xue Qi He , Gheda Meor , Liza Mariatul
Published: October 2019

Employees are important stakeholders in any firm. There is a trend of a high employee turnover rate in many firms in the construction industry. However, there is lack of emphasis on the reasons of employee turnover especially in the quantity surveying (QS) firms in Malaysia. The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that contribute to turnover and its impact to the quantity surveying consultant firms. The data was collected by distributing survey questionnaires to employees of QS firms to obtain their views on the subject matter. From the analysis, the factors that caused employee turnover were established. Three quarters of respondents replied that their firms are experiencing staff turnover and the most significant impact to the firms is that they are losing their experienced quantity surveyors. In addition, QS staffs are dissatisfied to their current salary and this factor causes them to seek for a higher pay in other firms or places.
Understanding Social Sustainability Criteria for Public School Building
Authors: Rohman MA , Hidayat YA
Published: October 2019

The school building has an important role in the education process of the young generation. Surabaya as the second biggest city in Indonesia has a quite large number of school buildings. As a building is a construction project, it has a long project life cycle, it is very important to adopt a sustainable development concept to provide maximum benefit to the community. Social sustainability is one of the sustainable development aspects and has a close relationship with the community needs and interests. This aspect is essential to promote project benefit streams to the community not only in the short-term but also in the long-term. This research is an initial research step to investigate social sustainability criteria in public school buildings in Surabaya. Data was collected through a series of research steps consisting of a preliminary survey, pilot test, and questionnaire distribution. Mean analysis was used to rank the attributes criteria according to the three stakeholders’ perceptions. Finally, seventeen attributes were considered relevant to this research. This study provides a reference for the designer as well as the decision-maker such as the government on how to achieve social sustainable public buildings.
On the differences between helicity and chirality
Authors: Mackinnon N
Published: October 2019

The optical helicity and the optical chirality are two quantities that are used to describe chiral electromagnetic fields. In a monochromatic field, the two quantities are proportional to one another, and the distinction between the two is therefore largely unimportant. However, in a polychromatic field, no such proportionality holds. This paper explicitly examines both the helicity and chirality densities in various polychromatic fields: the superposition of two circularly polarised plane-waves of different frequencies, a chirped pulse of circularly polarised light, and an ‘optical centrifuge’ consisting of two oppositely chirped circularly polarised beams of opposite handedness. Even in the simplest case, there can be significant qualitative differences between the two quantities—they may have opposite signs, or one may be zero while the other is not. The origin of these differences lies in the different frequency scaling of the two quantities, which is made relevant by the presence of multiple frequency components in the fields.
Frequency, Clinicopathologic Characteristics, and Follow-up of HER2-Positive Nonpleomorphic Invasive Lobular Carcinoma of the Breast
Authors: Zhang Huina , Moisini Ioana , Ajabnoor Rana M , Turner Bradley M , D’aguiar Marcus , Cai Xueya , Gao Shan , Yang Qi , Wang Xi , Schiffhauer Linda , Hicks David G
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To investigate human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive nonpleomorphic invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), which has rarely been addressed.

Methods

Clinicopathologic characteristics and follow-up of HER2-positive nonpleomorphic ILCs were collected and compared to those of HER2-negative counterparts.

Results

Twenty-one cases of HER2-positive nonpleomorphic ILCs were identified, 6.3% of the study population. Compared to HER2-negative nonpleomorphic ILC, patients with HER2 positivity were older (P < .05), likely to be hormonal receptor negative (P < .01), and had higher histologic grade and angiolymphatic invasion (P < .01). HER2 positivity in nonpleomorphic ILCs was associated with higher recurrence/metastasis with hazard ratio of 2.03 (P < .05). No patient who received neoadjuvant therapy achieved pathologic complete response, and HER2-targeted therapy tended to reduce recurrence/metastasis in patients with HER2-positive nonpleomorphic ILC.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the existence of HER2 positivity in nonpleomorphic ILCs and reinforce that HER2 is associated with worse prognosis in nonpleomorphic ILC.
Pharmacist perspectives and considerations for implementation of therapeutic oncology biosimilars in practice
Authors: Cuellar Sandra , McBride Ali , Medina Patrick
Published: October 2019

Purpose

An overview of therapeutic oncology biosimilars, the U.S. biosimilars regulatory pathway, and the clinical development of selected biosimilar products is provided, including discussion of considerations in adopting biosimilars into oncology practice.

Biosimilars are biologic agents that are highly similar to and have no clinically meaningful differences from an approved reference product in terms of safety, purity, and potency. There is a large market for cancer biologics, and approval of biosimilars has the potential to increase access to care and reduce costs. An abbreviated regulatory pathway for the development and approval of biosimilars defines a stepwise approach to demonstrating biosimilarity and conducting clinical comparative trials to confirm equivalent pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity to the reference product. Three therapeutic biologics (bevacizumab, trastuzumab, and rituximab) have been used extensively in the treatment of a variety of cancers and are targets for biosimilar product development. Preclinical and clinical experience with 2 recently approved biosimilars to bevacizumab and trastuzumab is reviewed. Challenges faced by pharmacy and therapeutics committees when considering oncology biosimilars for formulary inclusion are discussed.

Conclusion

Increased adoption of biosimilars could potentially lower treatment costs and improve access to biologics for patients with cancer. Key considerations in formulary review of biosimilars include the quality and quantity of data from comparative clinical trials, economic factors, manufacturer reliability, and challenges associated with incorporating biosimilars into practice.
A survey on adverse drug reaction studies: data, tasks and machine learning methods
Authors: Nguyen Duc Anh , Nguyen Canh Hao , Mamitsuka Hiroshi
Published: October 2019

Motivation

Adverse drug reaction (ADR) or drug side effect studies play a crucial role in drug discovery. Recently, with the rapid increase of both clinical and non-clinical data, machine learning methods have emerged as prominent tools to support analyzing and predicting ADRs. Nonetheless, there are still remaining challenges in ADR studies.

Results

In this paper, we summarized ADR data sources and review ADR studies in three tasks: drug-ADR benchmark data creation, drug–ADR prediction and ADR mechanism analysis. We focused on machine learning methods used in each task and then compare performances of the methods on the drug–ADR prediction task. Finally, we discussed open problems for further ADR studies.

Availability

Data and code are available at https://github.com/anhnda/ADRPModels.
Foreign Aid and the Status Quo: Evidence from Pre-Marshall Plan Aid
Authors: Markovits Daniel , Strange Austin , Tingley Dustin
Published: October 2019

Foreign aid has served as an important policy tool for centuries, yet international relations research essentially treats it as a novel, post-World War II phenomenon. We argue that documenting aid-like activities in earlier historical periods helps shed new light on the systemic political dynamics of aid giving. We introduce a framework that links aid giving to the status quo in international politics and populate the framework with a diverse set of historical and contemporary cases, including Western and non-Western donors. Our analysis reveals striking similarities between the ways in which donor governments from diverse regions, historical periods, and international systems have utilised aid and other forms of concessional finance to pursue international political goals. Our findings suggest that by considering the pre-Marshall Plan roots of aid researchers can more effectively link foreign aid provision to rising power dynamics, international formal and informal hierarchies, and other research agendas in international relations. Our analysis also points to the need for greater attention to non-Western and pre-World War II evidence in understanding the link between aid and systems of international relations that have been less prevalent in the post-Marshall Plan era.
The TLR9 Agonist Cobitolimod Induces IL10-Producing Wound Healing Macrophages and Regulatory T Cells in Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Schmitt Heike , Ulmschneider Julia , Billmeier Ulrike , Vieth Michael , Scarozza Patrizio , Sonnewald Sophia , Reid Stephen , Atreya Imke , Rath Timo , Zundler Sebastian , Langheinrich Melanie , Schüttler Jürgen , Hartmann Arndt , Winkler Thomas , Admyre Charlotte , Knittel Thomas , Dieterich Johansson Christine , Zargari Arezou , Neurath Markus F , Atreya Raja
Published: October 2019

Background and Aims

The topically applied Toll-like receptor 9 [TLR9] agonist cobitolimod is a first-in-class DNA-based oligonucleotide with demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in clinical trials with ulcerative colitis [UC] patients. We here characterized its anti-inflammatory mechanism in UC.

Methods

Luminal cobitolimod administration was evaluated in an experimental dextran sodium sulfate [DSS]-induced colitis model. Cultured blood and mucosal cells from UC patients were treated with cobitolimod and analysed via microarray, quantitative real-time PCR, ELISA and flow cytometry. Intestinal slides of cobitolimod-treated UC patients were analysed by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Cobitolimod administration markedly suppressed experimental colitis activity, and microarray analyses demonstrated mucosal IL10 upregulation and suppression of IL17 signalling pathways. Cobitolimod treatment was associated with significant induction of mucosal IL10+Tr1 and Treg cells and suppression of Th17 cells. TLR9 knockout mice indicated that cobitolimod requires TLR9 signalling for IL10 induction. In UC patients, mucosal TLR9 levels correlated with severity of inflammation. Cobitolimod inhibited IL17A and IL17F, but increased IL10 and FoxP3 expression in cultured intestinal UC T cells. Cobitolimod-mediated suppression of intestinal IL17+T cells was abrogated by IL10 blockade. Furthermore, cobitolimod led to heightened IL10 production by wound healing macrophages. Immunohistochemistry in intestinal biopsies of cobitolimod-treated UC patients indicated increased presence of IL10+mononuclear and regulatory T cells, as well as reduction of IL17+cells.

Conclusion

Activation of TLR9 via cobitolimod might represent a novel therapeutic approach in UC, as it suppresses Th17 cells and induces anti-inflammatory IL10+macrophages and regulatory T cells, thereby modifying the dysregulated intestinal cytokine balance.

Podcast

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Distinctive microbial communities in subzero hypersaline brines from Arctic coastal sea ice and rarely sampled cryopegs
Authors: Cooper Zachary S , Rapp Josephine Z , Carpenter Shelly D , Iwahana Go , Eicken Hajo , Deming Jody W
Published: October 2019

Hypersaline aqueous environments at subzero temperatures are known to be inhabited by microorganisms, yet information on community structure in subzero brines is very limited. Near Utqiaġvik, Alaska, we sampled subzero brines (–6°C, 115–140 ppt) from cryopegs, i.e. unfrozen sediments within permafrost that contain relic (late Pleistocene) seawater brine, as well as nearby sea-ice brines to examine microbial community composition and diversity using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. We also quantified the communities microscopically and assessed environmental parameters as possible determinants of community structure. The cryopeg brines harbored surprisingly dense bacterial communities (up to 108 cells mL–1) and millimolar levels of dissolved and particulate organic matter, extracellular polysaccharides and ammonia. Community composition and diversity differed between the two brine environments by alpha- and beta-diversity indices, with cryopeg brine communities appearing less diverse and dominated by one strain of the genus Marinobacter, also detected in other cold, hypersaline environments, including sea ice. The higher density and trend toward lower diversity in the cryopeg communities suggest that long-term stability and other features of a subzero brine are more important selective forces than in situ temperature or salinity, even when the latter are extreme.
System, State, or Individual: Gaming Levels of Analysis in International Relations
Authors: Asal Victor , Miller Inga , Willis Charmaine N
Published: October 2019

Students often struggle to grasp how examining international phenomena at the systemic, state, or international level of analysis can yield different understandings or perspectives. To help students understand the dynamics at the different levels of analysis, we suggest the use of several short games that make students be “lab rats in their own experiments.” In this article, we discuss the mechanics of three short games we play with our students. We offer our qualitative impressions of the impact of these games on the understanding of the students.
Aminoglycoside versus carbapenem or piperacillin/tazobactam treatment for bloodstream infections of urinary source caused by Gram-negative ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Zohar Iris , Schwartz Orna , Yossepowitch Orit , David Shirley Shapiro Ben , Maor Yasmin
Published: October 2019

Objectives

We studied the performance of aminoglycosides in treating bloodstream infections (BSIs) of urinary source caused by ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-EB).

Methods

In a retrospective study of 193 patients with a clinical diagnosis of urinary tract infection, pyelonephritis or urosepsis and blood and urine cultures positive for ESBL-EB, patients were grouped according to whether they were treated with an aminoglycoside, a carbapenem or piperacillin/tazobactam. Multivariate analysis was used to define risk factors for mortality with inverse probability of treatment weighting used to minimize confounding. The primary efficacy outcome was 30 day mortality. The primary safety outcome was acute kidney injury (AKI) at 14 days.

Results

Mean age was 79.3 years. Dementia, chronic kidney disease and the presence of a urinary catheter were common. Thirty-two (16.6%) patients died and risk factors for mortality included age, high Charlson score, presentation with severe sepsis/septic shock and infection with bacteria other than Escherichia coli. Aminoglycosides were non-inferior compared with other antibiotics regarding 30 day mortality [13.0% versus 21.2%, respectively; adjusted risk difference=10.29% (−0.82% to 21.41%)], but did not reach non-inferiority for bacteriuria recurrence [48.9% versus 44.7%, respectively; adjusted risk difference=−8.72% (−30.87% to 13.43%)]. AKI developed at a similar rate in both treatment groups: 12.0% versus 10.6%, respectively [OR=1.14 (0.46–2.81)]. Aminoglycosides were more efficacious in E. coli infections compared with other ESBL-EB.

Conclusions

We demonstrated the efficacy and safety of aminoglycosides in treating BSI of urinary source caused by ESBL-EB. This carbapenem-sparing approach can assist in avoiding excessive carbapenem use without compromising outcomes.
Technical note: validation of a system for monitoring individual behavior in beef heifers
Authors: Merenda Victória R , Marques Odinei , Miller-Cushon Emily K , Dilorenzo Nicolas , Laporta Jimena , Chebel Ricardo C
Published: October 2019

The objectives of the 2 studies conducted were to validate the accuracy of an automated monitoring device (AMD; HR-LDn tags, SCR Engineers Ltd., Netanya, Israel) for different types of behaviors or cow-states (side lying, resting, medium activity, high activity, rumination, grazing, walking, and panting) in beef heifers and to determine if the total time per cow-state recorded by the AMD corresponds to the total time per cow-state recorded by instantaneous observations. Cow-state is recorded every second and, within 1 min, the most prevalent cow-state is considered to be the behavior presented by the animal during that interval. Study personnel (n = 2) observed heifers (n = 10) for 20 min from 0800 to 1140 h and 10 min from 1500 to 1640 h during 4 consecutive days and recorded continuously each cow-state at started and ended. Thus, study personnel were able to determine within a 1-min interval, which cow-state was most prevalent and represented the heifer’s behavior. Because the proprietary machine learning algorithm prioritizes certain behaviors over others based on their contribution to the understanding of generalized bovine behavior patterns, we also determined the most prevalent behavior observed in 5-min intervals. Test characteristics (sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and negative and positive predicted values) were calculated using the observer as the gold standard. In study 2, heifer behavior was scanned by observers (n = 2) every 5 min from 0800 to 1100 h and 1500 to 1800 h for 3 consecutive days. Total minutes per cow-state according to the observer were compared with the total minutes per cow-state according to the AMD during the same period to determine the correlation coefficient. In study 1, test characteristics were high (low ≤ 40%, moderate = 41 to 74%, high ≥ 75%) for rumination (≥ 89.7%), grazing (≥ 76.5%), and side lying (≥ 81.8%), and moderate for resting (≥ 48.8%). In study 2, the correlation coefficient for rumination (R2 = 0.92) and grazing (R2 = 0.90) were high and the correlation coefficient for resting (R2 = 0.66) and walking (R2 = 0.33) were moderate. We conclude that the AMD used in this study showed high accuracy when measuring rumination and grazing, but it was subpar when measuring resting and walking. The algorithms employed by the AMD used need to be improved for determination of walking and resting behaviors of beef cattle.