bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the DdrD protein from the extremely radioresistant bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans
Authors: de la Tour Claire Bouthier , Mathieu Martine , Servant Pascale , Coste Geneviève , Norais Cédric , Confalonieri Fabrice
Published: May 2021

Here, we report the in vitro and in vivo characterization of the DdrD protein from the extraordinary stress-resistant bacterium, D. radiodurans. DdrD is one of the most highly induced proteins following cellular irradiation or desiccation. We confirm that DdrD belongs to the Radiation Desiccation Response (RDR) regulon protein family whose expression is regulated by the IrrE/DdrO proteins after DNA damage. We show that DdrD is a DNA binding protein that binds to single-stranded DNA In vitro, but not to duplex DNA unless it has a 5′ single-stranded extension. In vivo, we observed no significant effect of the absence of DdrD on the survival of D. radiodurans cells after exposure to γ-rays or UV irradiation in different genetic contexts. However, genome reassembly is affected in a ∆ddrD mutant when cells recover from irradiation in the absence of nutrients. Thus, DdrD likely contributes to genome reconstitution after irradiation, but only under starvation conditions. Lastly, we show that the absence of the DdrD protein partially restores the frequency of plasmid transformation of a ∆ddrB mutant, suggesting that DdrD could also be involved in biological processes other than the response to DNA damage.
Inducing a desired value of correlation between two point-scale variables: a two-step procedure using copulas
Authors: Barbiero Alessandro
Published: May 2021

Focusing on point-scale random variables, i.e. variables whose support consists of the first m positive integers, we discuss how to build a joint distribution with pre-specified marginal distributions and Pearson’s correlation $$\rho $$
ρ
. After recalling how the desired value $$\rho $$
ρ
is not free to vary between $$-1$$

-
1

and $$+1$$

+
1

, but generally ranges a narrower interval, whose bounds depend on the two marginal distributions, we devise a procedure that first identifies a class of joint distributions, based on a parametric family of copulas, having the desired margins, and then adjusts the copula parameter in order to match the desired correlation. The proposed methodology addresses a need which often arises when assessing the performance and robustness of some new statistical technique, i.e. trying to build a huge number of replicates of a given dataset, which satisfy—on average—some of its features (for example, the empirical marginal distributions and the pairwise linear correlations). The proposal shows several advantages, such as—among others—allowing for dependence structures other than the Gaussian and being able to accommodate the copula parameter up to an assigned level of precision for $$\rho $$
ρ
with a very small computational cost. Based on this procedure, we also suggest a two-step estimation technique for copula-based bivariate discrete distributions, which can be used as an alternative to full and two-step maximum likelihood estimation. Numerical illustration and empirical evidence are provided through some examples and a Monte Carlo simulation study, involving the CUB distribution and three different copulas; an application to real data is also discussed.
Gulls of a feather do not sleep whenever—circadian rhythm of activity of black-headed gulls Chroicocephalus ridibundus during the incubation period
Authors: Indykiewicz Piotr , Jakubas Dariusz , Gerke Julita
Published: May 2021

Many vertebrates exhibit a diel activity, steered by light–dark cycle. However, some colonial waterbirds, in that several species of gulls, are active not only in day hours but also at night. In this study, we aimed to investigate 24 h cycle of black-headed gulls (BHG)Chroicocephalus ridibundusactivity with focus on sleep behaviour. We expected that 24 h patterns of activity differ between colonies located in various habitats, and within a colony between nests located in the centre vs at the edge. We studied behaviour based on 9600 of 30 s videos from camera-traps taken in six colonies and data from 10 GPS-tracked individuals from one colony recorded during incubation. BHGs stayed active on average during 48.1% of a night, mainly spent on passive and active nest defence, and on nest maintenance. BHGs spent similar time on these activities in day hours. Individuals breeding in the colony centre slept at night longer than those at its edge. BHGs stayed active during on average 76.5% of daytime. In two urban colonies with the highest nest densities and highest level of light pollution birds slept less during the day than in other studied colonies (three rural and one urban) characterized by lower densities and light intensity after sunset near the colony. Knowledge of nocturnal behaviour is crucial to comprehend 24 h activity patterns of an organism, especially to understand flexibility of behaviour crucial for restoration, like sleep.
Unveiling endogeneity between competition and efficiency in Chinese banks: a two-stage network DEA and regression analysis
Authors: Tan Yong , Wanke Peter , Antunes Jorge , Emrouznejad Ali
Published: May 2021

Although there is a growing number of research articles investigating the performance in the banking industry, research on Chinese banking efficiency is rather focused on discussing rankings to the detriment of unveiling its productive structure in light of banking competition. This issue is of utmost importance considering the relevant transformations in the Chinese economy over the last decades. This is a development of a two-stage network production process (production and intermediation approaches in banking, respectively) to evaluate the efficiency level of Chinese commercial banks. In the second stage regression analysis, an integrated Multi-Layer Perceptron/Hidden Markov model is used for the first time to unveil endogeneity among banking competition, contextual variables, and efficiency levels of the production and intermediation approaches in banking. The competitive condition in the Chinese banking industry is measured by Panar–Rosse H-statistic and Lerner index under the Ordinary Least Square regression. Findings reveal that productive efficiency appears to be positively impacted by competition and market power. Second, credit risk analysis in older local banks, which focus the province level, would possibly be the fact that jeopardizes the productive efficiency levels of the entire banking industry in China. Thirdly, it is found that a perfect banking competition structure at the province level and a reduced market power of local banks are drivers of a sound banking system. Finally, our findings suggest that concentration of credit in a few banks leads to an increase in bank productivity.
Using ontology to guide reinforcement learning agents in unseen situations
Authors: Ghanadbashi Saeedeh , Golpayegani Fatemeh
Published: May 2021

In multi-agent systems, goal achievement is challenging when agents operate in ever-changing environments and face unseen situations, where not all the goals are known or predefined. In such cases, agents need to identify the changes and adapt their behaviour, by evolving their goals or even generating new goals to address the emerging requirements. Learning and practical reasoning techniques have been used to enable agents with limited knowledge to adapt to new circumstances. However, they depend on the availability of large amounts of data, require long exploration periods, and cannot help agents to set new goals. Furthermore, the accuracy of agents’ actions is improved by introducing added intelligence through integrating conceptual features extracted from ontologies. However, the concerns related to taking suitable actions when unseen situations occur are not addressed. This paper proposes a new Automatic Goal Generation Model (AGGM) that enables agents to create new goals to handle unseen situations and to adapt to their ever-changing environment on a real-time basis. AGGM is compared to Q-learning, SARSA, and Deep Q Network in a Traffic Signal Control System case study. The results show that AGGM outperforms the baseline algorithms in unseen situations while handling the seen situations as well as the baseline algorithms.
Are the “100 of the world’s worst” invasive species also the costliest?
Authors: Cuthbert Ross N. , Diagne Christophe , Haubrock Phillip J. , Turbelin Anna J. , Courchamp Franck
Published: May 2021

Biological invasions are increasing worldwide, damaging ecosystems and socioeconomic sectors. Two decades ago, the “100 of the world’s worst” invasive alien species list was established by the IUCN to improve communications , identifying particularly damaging ‘flagship’ invaders globally (hereafter, worst). Whilst this list has bolstered invader awareness, whether worst species are especially economically damaging and how they compare to other invaders (hereafter, other) remain unknown. Here, we quantify invasion costs using the most comprehensive global database compiling them (InvaCost). We compare these costs between worst and other species against sectorial, taxonomic and regional descriptors, and examine temporal cost trends. Only 60 of the 100 worst species had invasion costs considered as highly reliable and actually observed estimates (median: US$ 43 million). On average, these costs were significantly higher than the 463 other invasive species recorded in InvaCost (median: US$ 0.53 million), although some other species had higher costs than most worst species. Damages to the environment from the worst species dominated, whereas other species largely impacted agriculture. Disproportionately highest worst species costs were incurred in North America, whilst costs were more evenly distributed for other species; animal invasions were always costliest. Proportional management expenditures were low for the other species, and surprisingly, over twice as low for the worst species. Temporally, costs increased more for the worst than other taxa; however, management spending has remained very low for both groups. Nonetheless, since 40 species had no robust and/or reported costs, the “true” cost of “some of the world’s worst” 100 invasive species still remains unknown.
Tracking the outbreak: an optimized sequential adaptive strategy for Xylella fastidiosa delimiting surveys
Authors: Lázaro E. , Sesé M. , López-Quílez A. , Conesa D. , Dalmau V. , Ferrer A. , Vicent A.
Published: May 2021

The EU plant health legislation enforces the implementation of intensive surveillance programs for quarantine pests. After an outbreak, surveys are implemented to delimit the extent of the infested zone and to manage disease control. Surveillance in agricultural and natural environments can be enhanced by increasing the survey efforts. Budget constraints often limit inspection and sampling intensities, thus making it necessary to adapt and optimize surveillance strategies. A sequential adaptive delimiting survey involving a three-phase and a two-phase design with increasing spatial resolution was developed and implemented for theXylella fastidiosademarcated area in Alicante, Spain. Inspection and sampling intensities were optimized using simulation-based methods. Sampling intensity thresholds were evaluated by quantifying their effect on the estimation ofX. fastidiosaincidence. This strategy made it possible to sequence inspection and sampling taking into account increasing spatial resolutions, and to adapt the inspection and sampling intensities according to the information obtained in the previous, coarser, spatial resolution. The proposed strategy was able to efficiently delimit the extent ofXylella fastidiosa, while improving on the efficiency and maintaining the efficacy of the official survey campaign. From a methodological perspective, our approach provides new insights into alternative delimiting designs and new reference sampling intensity values.
Integrating dark diversity and functional traits to enhance nature conservation of epiphytic lichens: a case study from Northern Italy
Authors: Trindade Diego Pires Ferraz , Pärtel Meelis , Carmona Carlos Pérez , Randlane Tiina , Nascimbene Juri
Published: May 2021

Mountains provide a timely opportunity to examine the potential effects of climate change on biodiversity. However, nature conservation in mountain areas have mostly focused on the observed part of biodiversity, not revealing the suitable but absent species—dark diversity. Dark diversity allows calculating the community completeness, indicating whether sites should be restored (low completeness) or conserved (high completeness). Functional traits can be added, showing what groups should be focused on. Here we assessed changes in taxonomic and functional observed and dark diversity of epiphytic lichens along elevational transects in Northern Italy spruce forests. Eight transects (900–1900 m) were selected, resulting in 48 plots and 240 trees, in which lichens were sampled using four quadrats per tree (10 × 50 cm). Dark diversity was estimated based on species co-occurrence (Beals index). We considered functional traits related to growth form, photobiont type and reproductive strategy. Linear and Dirichlet regressions were used to examine changes in taxonomic metrics and functional traits along gradient. Our results showed that all taxonomic metrics increased with elevation and functional traits of lichens differed between observed and dark diversity. At low elevations, due to low completeness and harsh conditions, both restoration and conservation activities are needed, focusing on crustose species. Towards high elevations, conservation is more important to prevent species pool losses, focusing on macrolichens, lichens withTrentepohliaand sexual reproduction. Finally, dark diversity and functional traits provide a novel tool to enhance nature conservation, indicating particular threatened groups, creating windows of opportunities to protect species from both local and regional extinctions.
Seeing the Quiet Politics in Unquiet Woods: A Different Vantage Point for a Future Forest Agenda
Authors: Arora-Jonsson Seema , Pierce Colfer Carol J. , González-Hidalgo Marien
Published: May 2021

We address two aspects of forest lives—violence and care—that are central to forest outcomes but often invisible in mainstream discussions on forests. We argue that questions of violence and care work in forests open up debates about what forests are, who defines them, and how. We draw primarily on feminist work on forestry, violence, and care to examine the gendered nature of forest conflicts and the ‘quiet politics’ of resistance to violence grounded in the everyday work of care that are crucial to understanding forests and their governance. We show how varied practices of resistance to violence and injustice are grounded in cooperative action of care and are an intrinsic part of shaping and regenerating forests. We highlight the importance of close attention to seemingly mundane actions rooted in people’s daily lives and experiences that shape forests.
Empathic Accuracy and Cognitive and Affective Empathy in Young Adults With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: McKenzie K. , Russell A. , Golm D. , Fairchild G.
Published: May 2021

This study investigated whether young adults with ASD (n = 29) had impairments in Cognitive Empathy (CE), Affective Empathy (AE) or Empathic Accuracy (EA; the ability to track changes in others’ thoughts and feelings) compared to typically-developing individuals (n = 31) using the Empathic Accuracy Task (EAT), which involves watching narrators recollecting emotionally-charged autobiographical events. Participants provided continuous ratings of the narrators’ emotional intensity (indexing EA), labelled the emotions displayed (CE) and reported whether they shared the depicted emotions (AE). The ASD group showed deficits in EA for anger but did not differ from typically-developing participants in CE or AE on the EAT. The ASD group also reported lower CE (Perspective Taking) and AE (Empathic Concern) on the Interpersonal Reactivity Index, a self-report questionnaire.
Makespan minimization with OR-precedence constraints
Authors: Happach Felix
Published: May 2021

We consider a variant of the NP-hard problem of assigning jobs to machines to minimize the completion time of the last job. Usually, precedence constraints are given by a partial order on the set of jobs, and each job requires all its predecessors to be completed before it can start. In this paper, we consider a different type of precedence relation that has not been discussed as extensively and is called OR-precedence. In order for a job to start, we require that at least one of its predecessors is completed—in contrast to all its predecessors. Additionally, we assume that each job has a release date before which it must not start. We prove that a simple List Scheduling algorithm due to Graham (Bell Syst Tech J 45(9):1563–1581, 1966) has an approximation guarantee of 2 and show that obtaining an approximation factor of $$4/3 - \varepsilon $$

4
/
3
-
ε

is NP-hard. Further, we present a polynomial-time algorithm that solves the problem to optimality if preemptions are allowed. The latter result is in contrast to classical precedence constraints where the preemptive variant is already NP-hard. Our algorithm generalizes previous results for unit processing time jobs subject to OR-precedence constraints, but without release dates. The running time of our algorithm is $$O(n^2)$$

O
(

n
2

)

for arbitrary processing times and it can be reduced to O(n) for unit processing times, where n is the number of jobs. The performance guarantees presented here match the best-known ones for special cases where classical precedence constraints and OR-precedence constraints coincide.
Examining Social Status Profiles with Gender, School Attended, SES, Academic Achievement and Wellbeing in Urban China
Authors: Zhou Wanying , McLellan Ros
Published: May 2021

Previous research has produced inconsistent findings about the relationships between aggressive and prosocial behavior with likeability and popularity. This study utilized latent profile analysis to identify naturally occurring social status profiles with these indicators and to explore their associations with gender, school attended, subjective social status, academic achievement, and wellbeing. The study recruited 818 (aged 12–15 years, 46% girls) Chinese adolescents and revealed four unique social status profiles: high aggressive-low likeability, low social status, average, and high prosocial-high social status groups. A bi-strategic profile did not emerge. The low social status and high aggressive groups exhibited the lowest academic achievement and wellbeing suggesting that more attention should be devoted to these students both in school and in future research.
Implementing an augmented reality and animated infographics application for presentations: effect on audience engagement and efficacy of communication
Authors: Doukianou Stella , Daylamani-Zad Damon , O’Loingsigh Kathy
Published: May 2021

Presentations are the most successful and popular form of communication in business. However, the formats of presentations in business have not changed much for past few decades. The emergent and disruptive technologies such as Augmented Reality and Animated Infographics have provided potential for enhancing communications in businesses to increase engagement and therefore increasing the effectiveness of such communications. This paper focuses on the impact and effectiveness of using interactive AR in business presentations. The paper presents the design and development of our AR presentation application. Followed by a presentation of an empirical study into the usability and effectiveness of using Augmented Reality and Animated Infographics in business presentation and compares the results against the traditional slideware slides presentation approach. The results of the experiment with 94 participants are presented and analysed. The results demonstrate that the AR approach out performs the traditional methods in terms of usability, audience engagement and effectiveness of communication.
Distance and force visualisations for improved simulation of intracranial aneurysm clipping
Authors: Allgaier Mareen , Neyazi Belal , Preim Bernhard , Saalfeld Sylvia
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The treatment of cerebral aneurysms shifted from microsurgical to endovascular therapy. But for some difficult aneurysm configurations, e.g. wide neck aneurysms, microsurgical clipping is better suited. From this combination of limited interventions and the complexity of these cases, the need for improved training possibilities for young neurosurgeons arises.

Method

We designed and implemented a clipping simulation that requires only a monoscopic display, mouse and keyboard. After a virtual craniotomy, the user can apply a clip at the aneurysm which is deformed based on a mass–spring model. Additionally, concepts for visualising distances as well as force were implemented. The distance visualisations aim to enhance spatial relations, improving the navigation of the clip. The force visualisations display the force acting on the vessel surface by the applied clip. The developed concepts include colour maps and visualisations based on rays, single objects and glyphs.

Results

The concepts were quantitatively evaluated via an online survey and qualitatively evaluated by a neurosurgeon. Regarding force visualisations, a colour map is the most appropriate concept. The necessity of distance visualisations became apparent, as the expert was unable to estimate distances and to properly navigate the clip. The distance rays were the only concept supporting the navigation appropriately.

Conclusion

The easily accessible surgical training simulation for aneurysm clipping benefits from a visualisation of distances and simulated forces.
Model Systems for Addressing Mechanism of Arrhythmogenesis in Cardiac Repair
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Dong , Thai Phung N. , Lieu Deborah K. , Chiamvimonvat Nipavan
Published: May 2021

Purpose of Review

Cardiac cell-based therapy represents a promising approach for cardiac repair. However, one of the main challenges is cardiac arrhythmias associated with stem cell transplantation. The current review summarizes the recent progress in model systems for addressing mechanisms of arrhythmogenesis in cardiac repair.

Recent Findings

Animal models have been extensively developed for mechanistic studies of cardiac arrhythmogenesis. Advances in human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), patient-specific disease models, tissue engineering, and gene editing have greatly enhanced our ability to probe the mechanistic bases of cardiac arrhythmias. Additionally, recent development in multiscale computational studies and machine learning provides yet another powerful tool to quantitatively decipher the mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias.

Advancing efforts towards the integrations of experimental and computational studies are critical to gain insights into novel mitigation strategies for cardiac arrhythmias in cell-based therapy.
Power-assisted pedicle screws placement: Is it as safe and as effective as manual technique? Narrative review of the literature and our technique
Authors: Faldini C. , Viroli G. , Fiore M. , Barile F. , Manzetti M. , Di Martino A. , Ruffilli A.
Published: May 2021

Pedicle screws are the gold standard in spine surgery, allowing a solid tricolumnar fixation which is unmatched by hooks and wires. The freehand technique is the most widely adopted for pedicle screws placing. While freehand technique has been classically performed with manual tools, there has been a recent trend toward the use of power tools. The aim of this review is to summarize and expose potential risks and advantages of power pedicle screws placing. The literature showed that the use of power tools offers an acceptable safety profile, comparable to manual technique. With an adequate training, the power technique may speed up the screw placing, reduce the fluoroscopy time and the physical stress to the spine surgeon. Regarding differences in pull-out strength between power and manual techniques, the literature is still uncertain and inconsistent, both in clinical and preclinical studies. The choice between the use of power and manual freehand pedicle screws placing is still based on the surgeon’s own preference.
Influence of Nanoparticles Reinforcements on Aluminium 6061 Alloys Fabricated via Novel Ultrasonic Aided Rheo-Squeeze Casting Method
Authors: Arunkumar T. , Pavanan Velmurugan , Murugesan Vijay Anand , Mohanavel V. , Ramachandran Karthikeyan
Published: May 2021

This study emphasis on a novel fabrication technique to fabricate hybrid cermets using Al 6061 alloy with nano sized SiC, Al2O3 and TiO2 as reinforcements. During the fabrication process, the melted pool was ultrasonicated to disperse nanoparticles at 20 kHz for 5 min and pressure of 50 MPa was applied to eliminate voids. The influence of nanoparticles on physical, thermal and mechanical properties were evaluated by tensile, wear and thermal studies. Cermets with Al2O3 reinforcements showed higher mechanical performance compared to Al alloy. This enhancement could be related to the uniform distribution of Al2O3 with refinement in grain size of Al alloy which was observed via surface analysis. The morphological studies provided justifiable evidence of homogeneous distribution, nominal cluster along with agglomeration and cavities shrinking on the cermets. The agglomeration of nanoparticles along with SiC protected the cermet in corrosion and abrasive wear by ~ 97% and ~ 71%. The study evidenced the novel fabrication method using ultrasonic rheo-squeeze casting led to improvement in mechanical and thermal properties of the hybrid cermets.

Graphical abstract
Differences in echocardiography interpretation techniques among trainees and expert readers
Authors: Anderson David Roy , Blissett Sarah , O’Sullivan Patricia , Qasim Atif
Published: May 2021

Background

Trainees learn transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) interpretation through independently completing and reviewing selected portions of the study with experts. The diagnostic accuracy of novice TTE interpretation is known to be low and schema for reading TTEs systematically are lacking. The purpose of our study is to identify techniques experts use while reading TTEs which could be used to more effectively teach novice readers.

Methods

We performed a prospective qualitative case study to observe how experts and trainees interpret TTEs in an academic institution using a concurrent think aloud (CTA) method. Three TTEs of intermediate complexity were given to 3 advanced imaging fellows, 3 first year fellows and 3 expert TTE readers Participants filled out a report while reading and described aloud their thought processes. Sessions were video and audiotaped for analysis.

Results

Experts and advanced fellows used specific techniques that novices did not including: previewing studies, reviewing multiple images simultaneously, having flexibility in image review order and disease coding, and saving hardest elements to code for the end. Direct observation of TTE reading informed trainee inefficiencies and was a well-received educational tool.

Conclusions

In this single centered study we identified several unique approaches experts use to interpret TTEs which may be teachable to novices. Although limited in generalizability the findings of this study suggests that a more systematic approach to TTE interpretation, using techniques found in experts, might be of significant value for trainees. Further study is needed to evaluate teaching practices at other institutions and to assess whether implementation of these techniques by novices improves can improve their diagnostic accuracy and efficiency of reading at an earlier stage in their training.
Data Combination for Problem-Solving: A Case of an Open Data Exchange Platform
Authors: Hayashi Teruaki , Sakaji Hiroki , Matsushima Hiroyasu , Fukami Yoshiaki , Shimizu Takumi , Ohsawa Yukio
Published: May 2021

In recent years, rather than enclosing data within a single organization, exchanging and combining data from different domains has become an emerging practice. Many studies have discussed the economic and utility value of data and data exchange, but the characteristics of data that contribute to problem-solving through data combination have not been fully understood. In big data and interdisciplinary data combinations, large-scale data with many variables are expected to be used, and value is expected to be created by combining data as much as possible. In this study, we conducted three experiments to investigate the characteristics of data, focusing on the relationships between data combinations and variables in each dataset, using empirical data shared by the local government. The results indicate that even datasets that have a few variables are frequently used to propose solutions for problem-solving. Moreover, we found that even if the datasets in the solution do not have common variables, there are some well-established solutions to these problems. The findings of this study shed light on the mechanisms behind data combination for solving problems involving multiple datasets and variables.
Application of multivariate statistical techniques for investigating climate change and anthropogenic effects on surface water quality assessment: case study of Zohreh river, Hendijan, Iran
Authors: Valiallahi Jalal , Khaffaf Roudy Saideh
Published: May 2021

In the present study, evaluation of spatial variations and interpretation of Zohrehh River water quality data were made by using multivariate analytical techniques including factor analysis and cluster analysis also the Arc GIS® software was used. The research method was formulated to achieve objectives herein, including field observation, numerical modeling, and laboratory analyses. The results showed that dataset consisted of 11,250 observations of seven-year monitoring program (measurement of 15 variables at 3 main stations from April 2010 to March 2017). Factor analysis with principal component analysis extraction of the dataset yielded seven varactors contributing to 82% of total variance and evaluated the incidence of each varactor on the total variance. The results of cluster analysis became complete with t-test and made water quality comparison between two clusters possible. Results of factor analysis were employed to facilitate t-test analysis. The t-test revealed the significant difference in a confidence interval of 95% between the mean of calculated varactors 1, 2, 6 and 7 between two clusters, but there was no significant difference in the mean of other varactors 3, 4 and 5 between two groups. The result shows the effect of agricultural fertilizers on stations located at downstream of the ASK dam.
Impact of landfill leachate contamination on surface and groundwater of Bangladesh: a systematic review and possible public health risks assessment
Authors: Parvin Fahmida , Tareq Shafi M.
Published: May 2021

Dumping of solid waste in the non-engineered landfill is very common in the developing countries. Among the different disadvantages of this kind of landfilling, leachate is the major concern to public health, which is a toxic byproduct generated from the landfill; and can percolate to the ground water and consequently migrate in surface water. Using systematic review on published data, the present study endeavors to compare the leachate contamination potential of four major landfills of Bangladesh, named Amin Bazar, Matuail, Mogla Bazar and Rowfabad; which are situated in 3 of the 6 big mega cities of Bangladesh and assessed the effects of leachate leakage on surrounding water body as well as on human health. This study, for the first time calculated the leachate pollution index (LPI) for the landfill sites of Bangladesh and found that the LPI of Matuail landfill site (19.81) is much higher which is comparable to some polluted landfill sites of India and Malaysia. The concentrations of several potentially toxic metals found in the surface and ground water in the vicinity of the landfill sites were above the maximum permissible limit values of department of Environment, Bangladesh and World Health Organization (WHO). The human health risk index for toxic heavy metals in different vegetables and rice grain showed high health risk potential for Pb, Cd, Ni, and Mn. The total carcinogenic risk for Ni and Pb are found very high in the edible plants near those landfill sites, suggesting the risk of Ni and Pb induced carcinogenesis by the consumption of those plants. The present conditions of surface, ground water and agriculture products near the landfill sites of Bangladesh are much frightening to the biota and local inhabitants.
Experimental and numerical studies on small contra-rotating electrical ducted fan engines
Authors: Ebus Tobias , Dietz Markus , Hupfer Andreas
Published: May 2021

Electrical propulsion has been identified as one of the key fields of future research within the aerospace sector. The Institute of Aeronautical Engineering at the Universität der Bundeswehr München aims to contribute to the ongoing development of small-sized electrical ducted fan engines with a thrust in the range of 100 N. A special emphasis is placed on electrically powered contra-rotating fan stages. When compared to a conventional rotor–stator stage, contra-rotating fan stages allow for a more compact design, considering a given pressure ratio, or an increased pressure ratio at a constant fan diameter. Since numerous new aircraft concepts are presently being developed, a high demand for compact and powerful electrically driven engines arises. Electrically driven contra-rotating fan engines provide a high potential in terms of compactness, emissions and efficiency. Using electric motors offers the ability to overcome common issues, such as design and integration of a contra-rotating stage into a gas turbine. An innovative new engine design featuring such a contra-rotating stage is developed and tested at one of the Institute’s test benches for electrical propulsion. Key components are two brushless motors powering the fan stage, one for each rotor. Various operation points are investigated experimentally during an extensive test campaign. Experimental results are compared to results of numerical simulations computed by ANSYS CFX. Results indicate a good agreement between experiment and simulation. The engine is running very smooth throughout all tested operation points. Yet, intensive heating up of the electric motors and high-temperature zone are found to be an issue at higher rotation speeds.
Correction to: Rate of convergence of exponential type operators related to $$p\left( x \right) = 2x^{3/2}$$ for functions of bounded variation
Authors: Abel Ulrich , Gupta Vijay
Published: May 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13398-021-01069-5
Norms and equivalences for MoCA-30, MoCA-22, and MMSE in the oldest-old
Authors: Melikyan Zarui A. , Malek-Ahmadi Michael , O’Connor Kathleen , Atri Alireza , Kawas Claudia H. , Corrada María M.
Published: May 2021

Background

Cognitive screening is important for the oldest-old (age 90 +). This age group is the fastest growing and has the highest risk of dementia. However, norms and score equivalence for screening tests are lacking for this group.

Aims

To provide norms and score equivalence for commonly used cognitive screening tests for the oldest-old.

Methods

Data on 157 participants of the Center for Healthy Aging Longevity Study aged 90 + were analyzed. First, we derived norms for (1) subtests and cognitive domains of the in-person Montreal Cognitive Assessment having a maximum score of 30 (MoCA-30) and (2) the total MoCA-22 score, obtained from the in-person MoCA-30 by summing the subtests that do not require visual input to a maximum score of 22. These norms were derived from 124 participants with a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) ≥ 27. Second, we derived score equivalences for MMSE to MoCA-30 and MoCA-22, and MoCA-30 to MoCA-22 using equipercentile equating method with log-linear smoothing, based on all 157 participants.

Results

MoCA-22 total score norms are: mean = 18.3(standard deviation = 2.2). An MMSE score of 27 is equivalent to a MoCA-30 score of 22 and a MoCA-22 score of 16.

Discussion and conclusions

Subtest, domain and MoCA-22 norms will aid in evaluation of the oldest-old who cannot complete the MoCA-30 or are tested over the phone. The equivalences of the three cognitive tests (MMSE, MoCA-30, MoCA-22) in the oldest-old will facilitate continuity of cognitive tracking of individuals tested with different tests over time and comparison of the studies that use different cognitive tests.
Ability of radiofrequency echographic multispectrometry to identify osteoporosis status in elderly women with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Caffarelli Carla , Tomai Pitinca Maria Dea , Al Refaie Antonella , Ceccarelli Elena , Gonnelli Stefano
Published: May 2021

Background

Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) have an increased or normal BMD; however fragility fractures represent one of the most important complications of T2DM.

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate whether the use of the Radiofrequency Echographic multi spectrometry (REMS) technique may improve the identification of osteoporosis in T2DM patients.

Methods

In a cohort of 90 consecutive postmenopausal elderly (70.5 ± 7.6 years) women with T2DM and in 90 healthy controls we measured BMD at the lumbar spine (LS-BMD), at femoral neck (FN-BMD) and total hip (TH-BMD) using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry device; moreover, REMS scans were also carried out at the same axial sites.

Results

DXA measurements were all higher in T2DM than in non-T2DM women; instead, all REMS measurements were lower in T2DM than in non T2DM women. Moreover, the percentage of T2DM women classified as “osteoporotic”, on the basis of BMD by REMS was markedly higher with respect to those classified by DXA (47.0% vs 28.0%, respectively). On the contrary, the percentage of T2DM women classified as osteopenic or normal by DXA was higher with respect to that by REMS (48.8% and 23.2% vs 38.6% and 14.5%, respectively). T2DM women with fragility fractures presented lower values of both BMD-LS by DXA and BMD-LS by REMS with respect to those without fractures; however, the difference was significant only for BMD-LS by REMS (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our data suggest that REMS technology may represent a useful approach to enhance the diagnosis of osteoporosis in patients with T2DM.
A control-orientated analytical model for a cyclorotor wave energy device with N hydrofoils
Authors: Ermakov Andrei , Ringwood John V.
Published: May 2021

We present a new analytical model from which a model-based controller can be derived for a cyclorotor-based wave energy converter (WEC). Few cyclorotor-based WEC concepts and models have previously been studied and only one control strategy for the entire wave cancellation has been tested. Our model is derived for a horizontal cyclorotor with N hydrofoils and is suitable for the application of various control algorithms and the calculation of various performance metrics. The mechanical model is based on Newton’s second law for rotation. The cyclorotor operates in two dimensional potential flow. This paper modeled the velocity field in detail around the turbine with N hydrofoils by explaining each velocity term and estimated the generated torque using two methods (point source method and thin-chord method). The developed model is very convenient for control design, using the power take off torque and hydrofoil pitch angles as control inputs. The authors of this work have derived new, exact analytic functions for the free surface perturbation and induced fluid velocity field caused by hydrofoil rotation. These new formulae significantly decrease the model calculation time and increase the accuracy of the results. The new equations also provide useful insight into the nature of the associated variables, and are successfully validated against the results of physical experiments and numerical calculations previously published by two independent research groups. Representation of hydrofoils as both a point source and a thin chord were analysed, with both models cross-validated for the case of free rotation in monochromatic waves.
A novel complex fuzzy N-soft sets and their decision-making algorithm
Authors: Mahmood Tahir , ur Rehman Ubaid , Ali Zeeshan
Published: May 2021

Complex fuzzy N-soft set (CFN-SS) is an important technique to manage awkward and unreliable information in realistic decision-making problems. CFN-SS is a blend of two separate theories, called N-soft sets (N-SSs) and complex fuzzy sets (CFSs), which are the modified versions of soft sets (SSs) and fuzzy sets (FSs) to depict vague and uncertain information in daily life problems. In this manuscript, the novel concept of CFN-SS is explored and their fundamental laws are discussed. CFN-SS contains the grade of truth in the form of a complex number whose real and imaginary parts are limited to the unit interval. Besides, we examine some algebraic properties for CFN-SS like union, intersections and justify these properties with the help of some numerical examples. To examine the superiority and effectiveness of the proposed approaches, the special cases of the investigated approaches are also discussed. A decision-making procedure is developed by using the investigated ideas based on CFN-SSs. Further, some numerical examples are also illustrated with the help of explored ideas to find the reliability and effectiveness of the proposed approaches. Finally, the comparative analysis of the investigated ideas with some existing ideas is also demonstrated to prove the quality of the proposed works. The graphical expressions of the obtained results are also discussed.
Challenges for off-grid electrification in rural areas. Assessment of the situation in Namibia using the examples of Gam and Tsumkwe
Authors: Hoeck Inken , Steurer Elmar , Dolunay Özge , Ileka Helvi
Published: May 2021

Access to electricity is vital for the social and economic development of a country. Nevertheless, electrification is still a major challenge, especially for countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Growth in access to electricity in total numbers has slowed down in recent years. Namibia in particular appears to be in a predicament, since a large portion of its widespread population cannot be connected to the main grid at reasonable costs. Furthermore, Namibia relies heavily on imports of coal-based electricity, which limits the country’s ability to achieve its pledged sustainability goals. This is quite paradoxical as Namibia has one of the highest solar irradiation levels in the world, providing the possibility to generate large amounts of solar electricity at very low costs and to electrify rural areas through solar off-grid systems. These favorable conditions should be exploited, not least in view of the growing demand for energy, which potentially exacerbates the present situation. This paper therefore presents firstly general challenges for off-grid electrification and subsequently illustrates the effects in Namibia on the example of two off-grid areas in Gam and Tsumkwe. Several deficiencies within the country’s current off-grid approach are revealed, most notably the one-sided off-grid legislation and the neglect of educational outreach to the local community.
A Proposed Model of Core Competencies for Research Ethics Consultants
Authors: Matsui Kenji , Inoue Yusuke , Yanagawa Hiroaki , Takano Tadao
Published: May 2021

Research ethics consultation services (RECS), which function as an advisory service to facilitate the resolution of complex ethical issues in clinical research, have been proliferating over the last decade. However, the qualification of an individual who provides RECS, or “a research ethics consultant,” has not been thoroughly investigated, in contrast to healthcare ethics consultants, whose core competencies have been discussed and clarified to a great extent. In this study, we investigated core competencies necessary for research ethics consultants, referring to the core competency models of ethics consultants developed in the healthcare practice context, and propose a competency model for research ethics consultants.
Responsible innovation, anticipation and responsiveness: case studies of algorithms in decision support in justice and security, and an exploration of potential, unintended, undesirable, higher-order effects
Authors: Steen Marc , Timan Tjerk , van de Poel Ibo
Published: May 2021

The collection and use of personal data on citizens in the design and deployment of algorithms in the domain of justice and security is a sensitive topic. Values like fairness, autonomy, privacy, accuracy, transparency and property are at stake. Negative examples of algorithms that propagate or exacerbate biases, inequalities or injustices have received ample attention, both in academia and in popular media. To supplement this view, we will discuss two positive examples of Responsible Innovation (RI): the design and deployment of algorithms in decision support, with good intentions and careful approaches. We then explore potential, unintended, undesirable, higher-order effects of algorithms—effects that may occur despite good intentions and careful approaches. We do that by engaging withanticipationandresponsiveness, two key dimensions of Responsible Innovation. We close the paper with proposing a framework and a series of tentative recommendations to promote anticipation and responsiveness in the design and deployment of algorithms in decision support in the domain of justice and security.
Sexual Function Outcomes After Surgical Treatment of Penile Fracture
Authors: Ouanes Yassine , Saadi Mohamed Hafedh , Haj Alouene Houssem , Bibi Mokhtar , Sellami Ahmed , Rhouma Sami Ben , Nouira Yassine
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Penile fracture is a urologic emergency and is defined as the rupture of the tunica albuginea of the cavernous body in erection.

Aim

Our study aims to evaluate patients with penile fracture and to identify the factors that may influence the sexual function after surgical repair.

Methods

A total of 138 patients who were diagnosed with penile fracture between January, 1999 and December, 2018 were reviewed. Clinical features, perioperative assessment, time from injury to surgery, tunica defect properties, and presence of urethral injury were assessed.

Main Outcome Measures

Sexual function was evaluated by three parameters six months after surgical repair: International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire, penile curvature and the presence of a painful intercourse. All factors that could potentially influence these parameters were analyzed.

Results

The mean age was 31.2 years (19-55). Presentation delay ranged from 1 to 5 days (mean = 16.8 hours) while surgery delay was 14.3 hours ().The most common cause of penile fracture in our patients was forcefully bending of the erect penis to achieve detumescence in 62 cases (44.9%). On multivariate analysis, we found that the presentation delay and the fracture site located in the proximal shaft of the penis showed significant difference in the occurrence of postoperative ED (P = 0.03 and P = 0.015 respectively). Presentation delay, elective incision and tuncial leak located in the proximal shaft (P = 0.045; P = 0.018 and P = 0.022 respectively) were associated with higher penis curvature.

Conclusion

Immediate surgical repair and circumferential degloving incision for tunical leaks located in the proximal shaft of the penis are recommended in order to decrease the incidence of ED after surgical repair of penile fractures.