bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 in Poland: potential associations with epidemiology, population and healthcare quality
Authors: Orlewska Katarzyna , Klusek Justyna
Published: August 2020

Introduction

An attempt to assess basic epidemiological data was made two months after confirming the first case of SARS-CoV-2 in Poland (March 4th, 2020). The aim of the study was to examine which indicators related to epidemiology, population characteristics and health care quality affect COVID-19 incidence, mortality and case fatality in Poland.

Material and methods

The study was based on national data as of May 4th, 2020. For each voivodeship incidence rates, mortality rates, case fatality rates and daily cumulative index (DCI) were calculated. The correlations were examined using Pearson’s and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, with a significance level of p < 0.05 (2-tailed tests).

Results

The overall COVID-19 incidence rate was 3.65 per 10,000 population, mortality rate 0.18 per 10,000 population and case fatality rate 5%. All three disease indicators were positively correlated with DCI and negatively correlated with the number of hospital beds in infectious diseases wards per 10,000 population. Both incidence and mortality rates were positively correlated with population density and number of cases per COVID-19 designated hospital.

Conclusions

The positive correlation between DCI and both mortality and case fatality suggests that DCI could be considered as an indirect indicator of healthcare burden, compared to incidence rate alone. Our analysis confirms the role of social distancing in reducing viral transmission. The results could be useful for policymakers to plan ahead in order to relieve the risk of healthcare system overload during the current and future epidemics.
Predictors of illness acceptance in women with endometriosis
Authors: Andysz Aleksandra , Merecz-Kot Dorota
Published: August 2020

Background

The study aimed to identify significant predictors of illness acceptance in women with endometriosis. As poten-tial predictive factors, variables related to the disease (pain frequency, co-morbid infertility, diagnostic delay, years of living with the diagnosis), demographic variables (age, place of residence, education, income, the fact of having children) and psychological variables (pain coping strategies) were taken into account.

Participants and procedure

The study participants – 247 women with endometriosis – were recruited in Poland in medical facilities from 6 large voivodship cities and through a patients’ association. The participants filled in the following question-naires: the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), Endometriosis Health Profile 30 (EHP-30), and the Coping Strat-egies Questionnaire (CSQ). The data were analysed with the method of stepwise hierarchical regression.

Results

The final significant model explained 24% of the variance of the AIS score. The model consisted of the follow-ing variables: pain frequency, reinterpreting pain sensations, pain catastrophizing and praying/hoping. Only two variables were significant predictors in this model: pain frequency and pain catastrophizing. Years with diagno-sis, age, diagnostic delay, place of residence, education, income, and the fact of having children were not sig-nificant.

Conclusions

The interventions addressed to patients should support their acceptance of chronic pain and help them to de-velop adaptive pain coping strategies. Due to the co-morbidity of endometriosis-related pain and depression the inclusion of antidepressant pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy based on cognitive techniques is recom-mended.
Apparent diffusion coefficient of different areas of brain in foetuses with intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Moradi Behnaz , Nezhad Zohreh Alibeigi , Saadat Nazanin Seyed , Shirazi Mahboobeh , Borhani Ali , Kazemi Mohammad Ali
Published: August 2020

Introduction

This study aimed to compare the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of different brain areas between two groups of intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) foetuses and control cases.

Material and methods

A total of 38 foetuses with IUGR and 18 normal control foetuses with similar gestational age were compared using a 3T magnetic resonance scanner. IUGR cases included 23 foetuses with clinical severity signs (group A) and 15 foetuses without clinical severity signs (group B). ADC values were measured in different brain regions and compared among groups. Foetuses with structural brain abnormalities were excluded from the study.

Results

All foetuses had normal foetal structural brain anatomy. Head circumference (HC) < 5% was more common in IUGR group A compared to IUGR group B (56.5% vs. 13.3%, p < 0.0001). In comparison to the normal group, the ADC values in IUGR foetuses were significantly lower in cerebellar hemispheres (CH) (1.239 vs. 1.280.5  10–3 mm2/s, p = 0.045), thalami (1.205 vs. 1.285  10–3 mm2/s, p = 0.031) and caudate nucleus (CN) (1.319 vs. 1.394  10–3 mm2/s, p = 0.04). However, there were no significant differences in ADC values between IUGR subtypes. Among all brain regions, pons had the lowest ADC values.

Conclusions

ADC values of thalami, CN, and CH were significantly lower in IUGR than control foetuses, while there was no significant difference among IUGR groups. Further studies are needed to evaluate the prognostic value of ADC changes in IUGR foetuses.
Percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy for pulmonary nodules: a retrospective study of a comparison between C-arm cone-beam computed tomography and conventional computed tomography guidance
Authors: Akkakrisee Surasit , Hongsakul Keerati
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the safety and diagnostic performance of pulmonary nodule biopsies using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) guidance compared with conventional CT (CCT) guidance.

Material and methods

Patients who had pulmonary nodules and underwent a transthoracic needle biopsy at the interventional unit from January 1, 2013 to June 30, 2018 were enrolled. CBCT with XperGuide software was used to biopsy 100 nodules, and CCT guidance was used to biopsy 266 nodules. The two techniques were compared in terms of radiation exposure, complications, and diagnostic accuracy. The p values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

The characteristics of the nodules were similar between CBCT and CCT guidance. The median radiation doses were not significantly different between the two groups (5.6 mGy vs. 5.4 mGy; p = 0.78). All minor, major, and overall complications were insignificant (25% vs. 24.4%, 3% vs. 4.9% and 28% vs. 29.3%, respectively). Although CBCT guidance showed higher sensitivity and accuracy than CCT guidance (93.3% vs. 84.1% and 95.0% vs. 89.9%), both techniques had similar specificity (100% vs. 100%) in the diagnosis of malignancy.

Conclusions

CBCT guidance in pulmonary nodule biopsy provided higher diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy than CCT guidance. However, the complication rates and effective radiation doses did not differ between both techniques.
Non-bronchial causes of haemoptysis: imaging and interventions
Authors: Singhal Manphool , Lal Anupam , Prabhakar Nidhi , Yadav Mukesh K. , Vijayvergiya Rajesh , Behra Digamber , Khandelwal Niranjan
Published: August 2020

Introduction

To describe non-bronchial causes of haemoptysis on imaging and the role of interventional radiology in their management from cases of haemoptysis archived from our database at a tertiary care, federally funded institution.

Material and methods

Retrospective analysis of cases that presented with haemoptysis in our institution from 2008 to 2013 was done, and details of cases in which the bleeding was from a non-bronchial source were archived and details of imaging and treatment were recorded.

Results

Retrospective analysis of patients presenting with haemoptysis yielded 24 (n = 24) patients having haemoptysis from non-bronchial sources. Causes of haemoptysis were: Rasmussen aneurysms (n = 12/24), costocervical trunk pseudoaneurysm (n = 1/24), left internal mammillary artery pseudoaneurysm (n = 1/24), left ventricular aneurysms (n = 3/24), pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) (n = 5/24), and proximal interruption of pulmonary artery (n = 2/24). Imaging and interventional radiology management are described in detail.

Conclusions

Haemoptysis can be from non-bronchial sources, which may be either from systemic or pulmonary arteries or cardio-pulmonary fistulas. Bronchial computed tomography angiography (CTBA), if feasible, must always be considered before bronchial artery embolisation because it precisely identifies the source of haemorrhage and vascular anatomy that helps the interventional radiologist in pre-procedural planning. This circumvents chances of re-bleed if standard bronchial artery embolisation is done without CTBA.
Effectiveness of percutaneous microelectrolysis and ultrasound in the decrease of pain in myofascial trigger points: evaluation through algometry and visual analog scale
Authors: Ortiz Hernán Andrés de la Barra , Cancino Jaime Opazo , Peña Fernanda Sánchez , León Fernanda Soto , Donoso Edward Miño , Gaete Valeria Trecanao
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Percutaneous electrotherapy is a therapeutic alternative in musculoskeletal conditions. Percutaneous micro- electrolysis (MEP) stands out as treatment for tendinopathies and musculoskeletal pain, such as myofascial trigger points (MTrPs), although more studies are needed to support it. The study aimed to investigate MEP effectiveness in reducing pain pressure threshold (PPT) and pain intensity (PI) in MTrPs.

Methods

A randomized controlled clinical trial was performed at Physiotherapy Laboratory of Andrés Bello University and in- volved 48 volunteers with MTrPs in upper trapezius muscle, randomly assigned to the experimental or control group. Both groups received baseline ultrasound treatment. In the experimental group, MEP intervention was applied with 3 re-evaluation sessions (on days 1, 3, and 7). Direct current was delivered with an acupuncture needle directly to MTrPs, and PPT and PI were re-evaluated before and after the application. The main outcomes were PPT and PI differences (PPTdiff and PIdiff) between evaluation sessions.

Results

TMEP implied positive changes, increasing PPT (PPTdiff1-1, p = 0.0000; PPTdiff2-1, p = 0.0000; PPTdiff3-1, p = 0.0000) and decreasing PI (PIdiff1-1, p = 0.0001; PIdiff2-1, p = 0.0001; PIdiff3-1, p = 0.0008) in the experimental group. Significant differ- ences were observed in PPT in the second re-evaluation session compared with the control group (PPTdiff2-1, p = 0.0032).

Conclusions

MEP is a good analgesic treatment for MTrPs compared with therapeutic ultrasound, although neither of these therapies seems to be better than the other in a long term. They improve PPT and PI, so MEP can be considered effective alter- native treatment for MTrPs pain.
Treatment of peripheral neuropathy: a multidisciplinary approach is necessary
Authors: Lee Ho Seong
Published: August 2020

The number of patients with peripheral neuropathy or neuropathic pain is increasing. The recommended treatment for peripheral neuropathy and neuropathic pain is proper medications, exercise, physical therapy, and support. Overly invasive interventions can be harmful rather than beneficial to patients. Many doctors do not understand the characteristics of peripheral neuropathy and neuropathic pain. Peripheral neuropathy is not a problem that is confined to a particular department. The most appropriate treatment is a combination of drug therapy, physical exercise, and psychological support. Thus, a multidisciplinary approach is necessary for the effective treatment of peripheral neuropathy and neuropathic pain.
Total ankle arthroplasty
Authors: Sung Ki-Sun
Published: August 2020

For end-stage ankle arthritis, either arthrodesis or total ankle arthroplasty is a available surgical option. With the failure of earlier generation of arthroplasty, arthrodesis has been the gold standard. However, there are some considerable weaknesses of the arthrodesis. Current total ankle arthroplasty is presently an effective surgical treatment for endstage ankle arthritis with much improvement. The goals of surgery are to decrease pain, preserve range of motion, and eventually improve the patient’s quality of life. Recent literatures on total ankle arthroplasty havs shown successful long-term clinical results due to the innovation of second-generation implants, including more anatomic concepts and designs. For successful outcomes, a thorough evaluation of the entire lower limb alignment, deformities of the foot and ankle, and proper selection of patients are very important. Nevertheless, complications, such as wound problems, osteolysis, gutter pain or impingement, infection, loosening, and others, may occur. In this review, we provide a summary of the current research on total ankle arthroplasty.
Effects of the new diagnosis-related group-based payment system and the increased incentive policy rates on the utilization rate of diagnostic laboratory test in Korea
Authors: Lee Hye Ryun , Kim Sollip , Yun Yeo-Min , Heo Jae-Hyeok , Lee Kun Sei , Jeong Hojin , Kwon Gye Cheol , Um Tae Hyun , Kim Hyeongsu
Published: August 2020

A new diagnosis-related group (DRG) based payment system has been implemented in most public hospitals in Korea. We investigated the effects of the new DRG system and its incentive policy on the utilization rate of diagnostic laboratory tests. Three groups were categorized; 36 hospitals under the new DRG system (participant group), 72 hospitals (control-1) matching with 36 participants according to the number of beds, and 42 tertiary hospitals (control-2). The patients of acute myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and gonarthrosis receiving total arthroplasty were included. We analyzed the mean length of stay and the number of diagnostic laboratory tests conducted during hospitalization of the three groups according to the new DRG system and the incentive policy rates under the new DRG system. Before participating in the new DRG system, the number of diagnostic laboratory tests in the participant group was less than that in the two control groups for all four diseases. However, although the participant group’s length of stay decreased under the new DRG system, the number of diagnostic laboratory tests increased as the maximum incentive policy rate increased. The increment of the number of diagnostic laboratory tests was prominent in the period of a maximum of 35% incentive policy rates. Finally, the number of diagnostic laboratory tests of the participant group was similar to or exceeded that of the control-2 group. The new DRG system’s incentive policy rates played a driving force on the increased utilization rate of the diagnostic laboratory test. For preparing in advance for the change in incentive policy rates, monitoring and guidelines for the utilization of diagnostic laboratory tests are necessary.
Long-term trends in air quality in major cities in the UK and India: A view from space
Authors: Vohra Karn , Marais Eloise A. , Suckra Shannen , Kramer Louisa , Bloss William J. , Sahu Ravi , Gaur Abhishek , Tripathi Sachchida N. , Van Damme Martin , Clarisse Lieven , Coheur Pierre-F.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Air quality networks in cities are costly, inconsistent, and only monitor a few pollutants. Space-based instruments provide global coverage spanning more than a decade to determine trends in air quality and address deficiencies in surface networks. Here we target cities in the UK (London and Birmingham) and India (Delhi and Kanpur) and use observations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI), ammonia (NH3) from the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI), formaldehyde (HCHO) from OMI as a proxy for non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs), and aerosol optical depth (AOD) from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) for PM2.5. We assess the skill of these products at reproducing monthly variability in surface concentrations of air pollutants where available. We find temporal consistency between column and surface NO2 in cities in the UK and India (R = 0.5–0.7) and NH3 at two of three UK supersites (R = 0.5–0.7), but not between AOD and surface PM2.5 (R  = 0.8) and reproduces significant decline in surface PM2.5 in London (2.7 % a−1) and Birmingham (3.7 % a−1) since 2009. We derive long-term trends in the four cities for 2005–2018 from OMI and MODIS and for 2008–2018 from IASI. Concentrations of all pollutants increase in Delhi, suggesting no air quality improvements there, despite rollout of controls on industrial and transport sectors. Kanpur experiences a significant and substantial (3.1 % a−1) increase in PM2.5. Concentrations of NO2, NH3 and PM2.5 decline in London and Birmingham likely due in large part to emissions controls on vehicles. Trends are significant only for NO2 and PM2.5. Reactive NMVOCs decline in Birmingham, but the trend is not significant, and there is a recent (2012–2018) steep (> 9 % a−1) increase in reactive NMVOCs in London. This may reflect increased contribution of oxygenated VOCs from household products, the food and beverage industry, and domestic wood burning, with implications for formation of ozone in a VOC-limited city.
High-resolution mapping of urban air quality with heterogeneous observations: a new methodology and its application to Amsterdam
Authors: Mijling Bas
Published: August 2020

Abstract. In many cities around the world people are exposed to
elevated levels of air pollution. Often local air quality is not well known
due to the sparseness of official monitoring networks or unrealistic
assumptions being made in urban-air-quality models. Low-cost sensor
technology, which has become available in recent years, has the potential to
provide complementary information. Unfortunately, an integrated
interpretation of urban air pollution based on different sources is not
straightforward because of the localized nature of air pollution and the
large uncertainties associated with measurements of low-cost sensors. This study presents a practical approach to producing high-spatiotemporal-resolution maps of urban air pollution capable of assimilating air quality
data from heterogeneous data streams. It offers a two-step solution: (1)
building a versatile air quality model, driven by an open-source atmospheric-dispersion model and emission proxies from open-data sources, and (2) a
practical spatial-interpolation scheme, capable of assimilating observations
with different accuracies. The methodology, called Retina, has been applied and evaluated for nitrogen
dioxide (NO2) in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, during the summer of 2016.
The assimilation of reference measurements results in hourly maps with a
typical accuracy (defined as the ratio between the root mean square error
and the mean of the observations) of 39 % within 2 km of an observation
location and 53 % at larger distances. When low-cost measurements of the
Urban AirQ campaign are included, the maps reveal more detailed
concentration patterns in areas which are undersampled by the official
network. It is shown that during the summer holiday period, NO2
concentrations drop about 10 %. The reduction is less in the historic city
centre, while strongest reductions are found around the access ways to the
tunnel connecting the northern and the southern part of the city, which was
closed for maintenance. The changing concentration patterns indicate how
traffic flow is redirected to other main roads. Overall, it is shown that Retina can be applied for an enhanced
understanding of reference measurements and as a framework to integrate
low-cost measurements next to reference measurements in order to get better
localized information in urban areas.
Whistler waves produced by monochromatic currents in the low nighttime ionosphere
Authors: Mizonova Vera G. , Bespalov Peter A.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. We use a full-wave approach to find the field of monochromatic whistler waves which are excited and propagating in the low nighttime ionosphere. The source current is located in the horizontal plane and can have arbitrary distribution over horizontal coordinates. The ground-based horizontal magnetic field and electric field at 125 km are calculated. The character of wave polarization on the ground surface is investigated. The percentages of source energy supplied to the Earth-ionosphere waveguide and carried upward ionosphere are estimated. Received results are important for the analysis of ELF/VLF emission phenomena observed both on the satellites and on the ground.
The impact of intertidal areas on the carbonate system of the southern North Sea
Authors: Schwichtenberg Fabian , Pätsch Johannes , Böttcher Michael Ernst , Thomas Helmuth , Winde Vera , Emeis Kay-Christian
Published: August 2020

Abstract. The coastal ocean is strongly affected by ocean acidification because of its
shallow water depths, low volume, and the closeness to terrestrial dynamics.
Earlier observations of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and total
alkalinity (TA) in the southern part of the North Sea, a northwest European
shelf sea, revealed lower acidification effects than expected. It has been
assumed that anaerobic degradation and subsequent TA release in the adjacent
back-barrier tidal areas (Wadden Sea) in summertime is responsible for
this phenomenon. In this study the exchange rates of TA and DIC between the
Wadden Sea tidal basins and the North Sea and the consequences for the
carbonate system in the German Bight are estimated using a 3D ecosystem
model. The aim of this study is to differentiate the various sources
contributing to observed high summer TA in the southern North Sea. Measured
TA and DIC in the Wadden Sea are considered as model boundary conditions.
This procedure acknowledges the dynamic behaviour of the Wadden Sea as an
area of effective production and decomposition of organic material.
According to the modelling results, 39 Gmol TA yr−1 were exported from
the Wadden Sea into the North Sea, which is less than a previous estimate
but within a comparable range. The interannual variabilities in TA and DIC,
mainly driven by hydrodynamic conditions, were examined for the years 2001–2009. Dynamics in the carbonate system are found to be related to specific
weather conditions. The results suggest that the Wadden Sea is an important
driver for the carbonate system in the southern North Sea. On average
41 % of TA inventory changes in the German Bight were caused by riverine
input, 37 % by net transport from adjacent North Sea sectors, 16 % by
Wadden Sea export, and 6 % were caused by internal net production of TA.
The dominant role of river input for the TA inventory disappears when
focusing on TA concentration changes due to the corresponding freshwater
fluxes diluting the marine TA concentrations. The ratio of exported TA
versus DIC reflects the dominant underlying biogeochemical processes in the
Wadden Sea. Whereas aerobic degradation of organic matter played a key role
in the North Frisian Wadden Sea during all seasons of the year, anaerobic
degradation of organic matter dominated in the East Frisian Wadden Sea.
Despite the scarcity of high-resolution field data, it is shown that
anaerobic degradation in the Wadden Sea is one of the main contributors of
elevated summer TA values in the southern North Sea.
Linking tundra vegetation, snow, soil temperature, and permafrost
Authors: Grünberg Inge , Wilcox Evan J. , Zwieback Simon , Marsh Philip , Boike Julia
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Connections between vegetation and soil thermal dynamics are critical for estimating the vulnerability of permafrost to thaw with continued climate warming and vegetation changes. The interplay of complex biophysical processes results in a highly heterogeneous soil temperature distribution on small spatial scales. Moreover, the link between topsoil temperature and active layer thickness remains poorly constrained.
Sixty-eight temperature loggers were installed at 1–3 cm depth to record the distribution of topsoil temperatures at the Trail Valley Creek study site in the northwestern Canadian Arctic. The measurements were distributed across six different vegetation types characteristic for this landscape. Two years of topsoil temperature data were analysed statistically to identify temporal and spatial characteristics and their relationship to vegetation, snow cover, and active layer thickness.
The mean annual topsoil temperature varied between −3.7 and 0.1 ∘C within 0.5 km2. The observed variation can, to a large degree, be explained by variation in snow cover. Differences in snow depth are strongly related with vegetation type and show complex associations with late-summer thaw depth. While cold winter soil temperature is associated with deep active layers in the following summer for lichen and dwarf shrub tundra, we observed the opposite beneath tall shrubs and tussocks. In contrast to winter observations, summer topsoil temperature is similar below all vegetation types with an average summer topsoil temperature difference of less than 1 ∘C. Moreover, there is no significant relationship between summer soil temperature or cumulative positive degree days and active layer thickness.
Altogether, our results demonstrate the high spatial variability of topsoil temperature and active layer thickness even within specific vegetation types. Given that vegetation type defines the direction of the relationship between topsoil temperature and active layer thickness in winter and summer, estimates of permafrost vulnerability based on remote sensing or model results will need to incorporate complex local feedback mechanisms of vegetation change and permafrost thaw.
Hydrological and runoff formation processes based on isotope tracing during ablation period in the source regions of Yangtze River
Authors: Li Zong-Jie , Li Zong-Xing , Song Ling-Ling , Gui Juan , Xue Jian , Zhang Bai Juan , Gao Wen De
Published: August 2020

Abstract. This study focused on the hydrological and runoff
formation processes of river water by using stable isotope tracing in the
source regions of the Yangtze River during different ablation episodes in
2016 and the ablation period from 2016 to 2018. The effects of altitude on
stable isotope characteristics for the river in the glacier permafrost area
were greater than for the main stream and the permafrost area during the
ablation period in 2016. There was a significant negative correlation (at
the 0.01 level) between precipitation and δ18O, while a
significant positive correlation was evident between precipitation and
d-excess. More interestingly, significant negative correlations appeared
between δ18O and temperature, relative humidity, and
evaporation. A mixed segmentation model for end-members was used to
determine the proportion of the contributions of different water sources to
the target water body. The proportions of precipitation, supra-permafrost
water, and glacier and snow meltwater for the main stream were 41.70 %,
40.88 %, and 17.42 %, respectively. The proportions of precipitation,
supra-permafrost water, and glacier and snow meltwater were 33.63 %,
42.21 %, and 24.16 % for the river in the glacier permafrost area and
20.79 %, 69.54 %, and 9.67 %, respectively, for that in the permafrost
area. The supra-permafrost water was relatively stable during the different
ablation periods, becoming the main source of runoff in the alpine region,
except for precipitation, during the ablation period.
CHIMERA: A BIM+GIS SYSTEM FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE
Authors: Rechichi F.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. In the last years, many researches are conducted on systems for Cultural Heritage, trying to adapt BIM systems to CH needs; furthermore, the interest around the integration of BIM systems and GIS systems spreads. Chimera, presented in this paper, is the final product of about 8 years of research on this broad topic and has been specifically conceived for the realm of CH. It joins the small group of ready-to work information systems that allow the concurrently use of different integrated data, as 3D models, point clouds but also 2D maps or images. It also presents different functionalities that allow to work at a multiscale approach, including switching from a “single object level”, to the a “building level” with a BIM-style system, to a more extensive “environmental level” GIS-style information system and giving the possibility to manage transversal information and to analyse each case from different point of views and at different level of detail.
MIXED GEOSPATIAL METHODS BASELINE STUDY TO EVALUATE AND MODEL GENTRIFICATION ALONG THE WESTSIDE ATLANTA BELTLINE, USA
Authors: Aragón A. , Johnson Gaither M. C. , Madden M.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. There is a need for sustainable infrastructure planning that includes environmental, social, economic, and transportation management consideration. A portion of a former railway corridor around Atlanta, Georgia was converted to a multi-use trail called the Atlanta BeltLine to provide walking and bicycling access to businesses and homes. Although the pedestrian-transit trail brings renewed development and services, it also triggers increases in home values and displaces existing communities. This study uses remote sensing and geospatial analysis to focus on changes in the structural conditions of housing along the Westside segment of the Atlanta BeltLine. The first segment of the Beltline, the Eastside Trail completed in 2007, demonstrated an alarming influx of development. Increases in property values opened the doors for private investors to purchase properties and open new businesses in communities adjacent to the BeltLine. The proposed Westside segment of the BeltLine has raised concerns by community members who fear the impacts of gentrification. An assessment of housing conditions was conducted by researchers ranking the structural conditions of homes adjacent to the Westside BeltLine. To conduct an estimate of green spaces along both segments of BeltLines, Sentinel-2 Earth Observation Satellite was used to calculate the percentage of green spaces in. A preliminary concept agent-based simulation model (ABM) is being developed to forecast human movement and housing condition around the BeltLine. Combined, the housing survey, green space inventory, and ABM model provides a baseline method to record and identify social and the environmental impacts.
BEHAVIOUR CONTROL WITH AUGMENTED REALITY SYSTEMS FOR SHARED SPACES
Authors: Kamalasanan V. , Sester M.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Augmented Reality (AR) in a traffic context has mainly been used in navigation with path augmentation, focused around safely guiding the user with prior knowledge of the route and the destination. Other works are reported to warn drivers by visualizing other traffic participants or dangers, which are yet currently out of sight. However they do not cover aspects of mediating control by recommending users with actions, even when such efforts are expected to foster collaboration in a multiagent environment. To the best of our knowledge, AR has not yet been applied to visualize virtual control information, e.g. virtual lanes or signposts, notably in the context of shared spaces. Such an environment should support spatial understanding of proximate participants with adaptive augmented controls to recommend actions to each user. However when such systems work in context where a conflict of interest would arise, a rule based control logic centered on priority should be accounted for. Traditionally, these rules are defined by traffic management. This paper presents a Behaviour Control with AR (BCAR) Systems based framework for control of user behaviour in a shared space via augmentation and proposes how a control logic can be part of it. The framework which incorporates navigation focuses on mapping users from real to the virtual world .This framework also enables simulations and visualization of multiagent interactions and proposing controls for user actions leveraging the environment complexity reduction achieved through the real to virtual transfer. A prototype implementation of the proposed framework with ARCore and unity3D has been evaluated for pedestrian behaviour control to understand its feasibility.
MAPPING URBAN VENTILATION CORRIDORS AND ASSESSING THEIR IMPACT UPON THE COOLING EFFECT OF GREENING SOLUTIONS
Authors: Eldesoky A. H. M. , Colaninno N. , Morello E.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Over the past decades, climate change has become among the top issues challenging cities worldwide, endangering the urban infrastructures and threatening the health of millions of people. Hence, climate action, both in terms of mitigation and adaptation to climate change, has become a priority for urban planning. This work introduces an example of the promising role that spatial analysis and statistical modelling, employing Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and freely available satellite and land-based data, can provide in supporting urban climate design and policymaking. In particular, this study puts special attention on the Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon. Here, we first introduce a simple, but effective morphological-based approach for mapping potential ventilation corridors across cities of uniform built-up structure, as a common UHI mitigation measure. Then, we propose a methodology for assessing the relative role of these corridors in maximizing the impacts of green solutions upon lowering high temperature. Results show that even under very calm wind conditions, there is still an opportunity for maximizing the benefits of greening measures on the urban climate. Also, it has been demonstrated that green ventilation corridors are more effective during night-time when the UHI effect is peaked. The research findings are very promising, especially for cities where wind is a marginal potentiality.
URBAN 3D MODELLING METHODS: A STATE-OF-THE-ART REVIEW
Authors: Ying Y. , Koeva M. N. , Kuffer M. , Zevenbergen J. A.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. As urbanisation accelerates, the urban landscape reshapes at a fast pace. Consequently, the urban built environment continuously evolves horizontally as well as vertically. However, more attention in the field of spatial analysis is given to horizontal dynamics, despite the importance of geoinformation in the vertical dimension. 3D modelling methods have gained popularity due to their powerful capability of capturing and analysing geoinformation in the vertical dimension and visualising objects lifelike in the urban built environment. Various urban applications with diverse 3D modelling methods at different research scales and purposes have emerged. However, there is no systematic overview of these different modelling methods. Therefore, it is imperative to provide an up-to-date review of these advances. In this paper, we aim to review urban 3D modelling methods widely used in the prior 5-year period (2015–2020). Our analysis focuses on five attributes, i.e., basic characteristics, data requirements, technical requirements, users requirements and ethical considerations. The discussion presents the current status of 3D modelling methods – a wide range of applications yet with substantial development potential. This paper closes with insights for future work regarding the necessities of 3D data structure support as well as interdisciplinary research, specifically for big data management and integration.
POINT-TO-SURFACE MATCHING FOR DEM CORRECTION USING ICESAT DATA
Authors: Lee H. , Hahn M.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Vendor-provided rational polynomial coefficients (RPCs) are commonly used to generate digital elevation models (DEMs) from high-resolution satellite images. This results in a level of accuracy that can be improved using ground control points (GCPs). It is well known that due to the inherent bias of sensor orientation the generated DEM is distorted. In the traditional way of working, the bias is corrected by integrating GCPs into the standard processing chain. This involves additional effort, since the provision of GCPs and the measurement of their image coordinates are required.In this paper, we examine whether and how the data recorded by NASA's ICESat (Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite) mission can be used as GCPs without measuring image coordinates. The starting point are DEMs that are generated by image matching from KOMPSAT-3 satellite images with given RPCs. We developed a point-to-surface matching method that matches the ICESat points to the DEM in order to correct the DEM and improve its precision. For the experimental investigations a KOMPSAT 3 image pair is used that covers an area of 20 by 16 km2 in the Yangsan city regions. The generated DEM has a height accuracy of about 9 m. The point-to-surface algorithm with 505 ICESat points led to an improvement of the DEM height accuracy to about 2 m.
Diagnosing pelvic osteomyelitis in patients with pressure ulcers: a systematic review comparing bone histology with alternative diagnostic modalities
Authors: Chicco Maria , Singh Prashant , Beitverda Younatan , Williams Gillian , Hirji Hassan , Rao Guduru Gopal
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Accurate diagnosis of osteomyelitis underlying pressure ulcers is
essential, as overdiagnosis exposes patients to unnecessary and prolonged
antibiotic therapy, while failure to diagnose prevents successful treatment.
Histopathological examination of bone biopsy specimens is the diagnostic
gold standard. Bone biopsy can be an invasive procedure, and, for this
reason, other diagnostic modalities are commonly used. However, their
accuracy is questioned in literature. This systematic review aims to assess accuracy of various modalities
(clinical, microbiological and radiological) for the diagnosis of pelvic
osteomyelitis in patients with pressure ulcers as compared to the gold
standard. A systematic literature search was conducted in July 2019 using the MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System – MEDLARS – Online) and
CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) databases. The search terms were “decubitus ulcer”, “pressure ulcer”,
“pressure sore”, “bedsore” and “osteomyelitis”. The inclusion criteria were
original full-text articles in English comparing the results of bone
histology with those of other diagnostic modalities in adult patients with
pelvic pressure ulcers. Six articles were included in the systematic review. Clinical diagnosis was
found to be neither specific nor sensitive. Microbiological examination, and
in particular cultures of bone biopsy specimens, displayed high sensitivity
but low specificity, likely reflecting contamination. Radiological imaging
in the form of X-ray and CT (computed tomography) scans displayed high specificity but low
sensitivity. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), bone scanning and indium-labelled scintigraphy displayed
high sensitivity but low specificity. Our systematic review did not find any diagnostic method (clinical,
microbiological or radiological) to be reliable in the diagnosis of pelvic
osteomyelitis associated with pressure ulcers as compared to bone histology.
Lagrangian modelling of a person lost at sea during the Adriatic scirocco storm of 29 October 2018
Authors: Ličer Matjaž , Estival Solène , Reyes-Suarez Catalina , Deponte Davide , Fettich Anja
Published: August 2020

Abstract. On 29 October 2018 a windsurfer's mast broke about 1 km offshore from Istria during a severe scirocco storm in the northern Adriatic Sea. He drifted in severe marine conditions until he eventually beached alive and well in Sistiana (Italy) 24 h later. We conducted an interview with the survivor to reconstruct his trajectory and to gain insight into his swimming and paddling strategy. Part of survivor's trajectory was verified using high-frequency radar surface current observations as inputs for Lagrangian temporal back-propagation from the beaching site. Back-propagation simulations were found to be largely consistent with the survivor's reconstruction. We then attempted a Lagrangian forward-propagation simulation of his trajectory by performing a leeway simulation using the OpenDrift tracking code using two object types: (i) person in water in unknown state and (ii) person with a surfboard. In both cases a high-resolution (1 km) setup of the NEMO v3.6 circulation model was employed for the surface current component, and a 4.4 km operational setup of the ALADIN atmospheric model was used for wind forcing. The best performance is obtained using the person-with-a-surfboard object type, giving the highest percentage of particles stranded within 5 km of the beaching site. Accumulation of particles stranded within 5 km of the beaching site saturates 6 h after the actual beaching time for all drifting-particle types. This time lag most likely occurs due to poor NEMO model representation of surface currents, especially in the final hours of the drift. A control run of wind-only forcing shows the poorest performance of all simulations. This indicates the importance of topographically constrained ocean currents in semi-enclosed basins even in seemingly wind-dominated situations for determining the trajectory of a person lost at sea.
Regional tropical cyclone impact functions for globally consistent risk assessments
Authors: Eberenz Samuel , Lüthi Samuel , Bresch David N.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Assessing the adverse impacts caused by tropical cyclones has become increasingly important, as both climate change and human coastal development increase the damage potential. In order to assess tropical cyclone risk, direct economic damage is frequently modelled based on hazard intensity, asset exposure and vulnerability, the latter represented by impact functions. In this study, we show that assessing tropical cyclone risk on a global level with one single impact function calibrated for the USA – which is a typical approach in many recent studies – is problematic, biasing the simulated damages by as much as a factor of 36 in the North West Pacific. Thus, tropical cyclone risk assessments should always consider regional differences in vulnerability, too. This study proposes a calibrated model to adequately assess tropical cyclone risk in different regions by fitting regional impact functions based on reported damage data. Applying regional calibrated impact functions within the risk modelling framework CLIMADA at a resolution of 10 km worldwide, we find global annual average direct damage caused by tropical cyclones to range from 51 up to 121 billion USD (current value of 2014, 1980–2017), with the largest uncertainties in the West Pacific basin, where the calibration results are the least robust. To better understand the challenges in the West Pacific and to complement the global perspective of this study, we explore uncertainties and limitations entailed in the modelling setup for the case of the Philippines. While using wind as a proxy for tropical cyclone hazard proves to be a valid approach in general, the case of the Philippines reveals limitations of the model and calibration due to the lack of an explicit representation of sub-perils such as storm surge, torrential rainfall, and landslides. The globally consistent methodology and calibrated regional impact functions are available online as a Python package, ready for application in practical contexts like physical risk disclosure and providing more credible information for climate adaptation studies.
Methane cycling within sea ice; results from drifting ice during late spring, north of Svalbard
Authors: Verdugo Josefa , Damm Ellen , Nikolopoulos Anna
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Summer sea ice-cover in the Arctic Ocean has declined sharply during the last decades, leading to changes in ice structures. The shift from thicker multi-year ice to thinner first-year ice changes the methane storage transported by sea ice into remote areas far away from the sea ice’s origin. As significant amounts of methane are stored in sea ice, minimal changes in the ice structure may have a strong impact on the fate of methane when ice melts. Hence, the type of sea ice is an important indicator of modifications to methane pathways. Our study is based on the combined sample analyses of methane concentration and its isotopic composition coupled with measurements of nutrient concentrations and physical variables performed on a drifting ice floe, as well as in the traversed water in late spring 2017, north of Svalbard. We report on different storage capacities of methane within first-year ice and rafted/ridged ice, as well as methane super-saturation in the seawater during the drifting time. We show that the ice type/structures determine the fate of methane during the early melt season and that methane released into seawater is a predominant pathway. Thereafter, the pathway of methane in seawater is subjected to oceanographic processes. We point to sea ice as a potential source of methane super-saturation in Polar Surface Water.
مدى تنفيذ الدول المغاربية لأحكام اتفاقية الأمم المتحدة لمكافحة الفساد
Authors: جيلالي د.ماينو
Published: August 2020

مُلخَّص

انضمَّت الدول المغاربية -الجزائر، تونس، المغرب، موريتانيا، ليبيا- إلى اتفاقية الأمم المتحدة
لمكافحة الفساد، فضلًا عن انخراطها ضمن آلية تنفيذ هذه الاتفاقية، التي تُلزم الدول
الأعضاء بتقديم تقارير دورية بشأن مدى تنفيذها والتزامها بما أوردته من أحكام للوقاية من
الفساد ومكافحته، لقد شكَّلت هذه التقارير فرصة لاستعراض وبيان أوجه النجاح والإخفاق
من جهة، وكذا التحديات والصعوبات التي واجهت هذه الدول في سبيل تكييف منظومتها
القانونية مع أحكام اتفاقية الأمم المتحدة لمكافحة الفساد من جهة أخرى.

أوضحت هذه الدراسة جوانب متعددة من عملية الاستعراض القطري الذي قدَّمته الدول
المغاربية بخصوص تنفيذها جوانب متعلقة بالدورة الأولى من الاستعراض التي استهدفت
الفصلين الثالث والخامس من الاتفاقية، مع التركيز على مجالات مواضيعية مرتبطة بالإطار
القانوني والمؤسساتي لمكافحة الفساد، وكذا تجريمه من طرف هذه الدول، فضلًا عن بيان
التدابير المُتَّخذة في مجال حماية الشهود والخبراء والمبلِّغين في قضايا الفساد، بالإضافة
إلى توضيح أهم المستجدات المستحدَثة بعد عرض التقارير القطرية لهذه الدول.
Effectiveness of anti-corruption measures in Uganda
Authors: Gumisiriza Pius , Mukobi Robert
Published: August 2020

The government of Uganda has put in place and is implementing different home-grown and internationally proven anti-corruption measures such as rescission of contracts obtained through corrupt means, monetary fines for those implicated in corruption, debarment/blacklisting of companies or individuals known to have been corrupt in the past, asset declaration by leaders and government officials to detect and minimize corrupt accumulation of assets, whistleblowing to expose corruption by those who know about it, criminalizing money laundering to stem the flow of illegally or corruptly acquired money, and confiscation of assets or proceeds obtained through corruption, all aimed at curbing endemic corruption in the country. Nevertheless, corruption (both petty and grand) is still endemic in public institutions at all levels in Uganda. This article uses secondary and key informant primary data sources to critically explain why these anti-corruption measures have not been effective in the fight against corruption in Uganda. The main argument made in this article is that anti-corruption measures in Uganda have not been effective because they are inherently weak, a challenge that is compounded by political interferences in anti-corruption prosecutions and a dysfunctional anti-corruption institutional framework. This article recommends that anti-corruption measures should be fine-tuned to confront sophisticated corruption and be applied to all impartially.