bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation Between Diagnostic Imaging Findings of Sacroiliitis and
Inflammation Parameters
Authors: Şan Hüseyin , Şan Ayça Uran
Published: May 2021

Objectives Sacroiliitis is an inflammation of the sacroiliac joints.
Diagnostic imaging has a very important role in the diagnosis of sacroiliac
involvement in the disease process. In addition, laboratory parameters can also
be useful for the detection of inflammation. This study aims to investigate the
relationship between active sacroiliitis and subclinical inflammation parameters
in patients who underwent MRI and 99mTc-methylene diphosphonate (MDP) bone
scintigraphy.

Material and Methods This study includes 65 patients with suspected
spondyloarthritis (SpA). Patients who had a sacroiliac MRI, a 99mTc-MDP bone
scintigraphy and a complete blood count (CBC) within 3 months were reviewed
retrospectively. Sacroiliac joints were evaluated bilaterally by using bone
scintigraphy and MRI. Blood inflammation parameters were further assessed
regarding evidence of probable sacroiliitis.

Results Significant differences were reported between MRI groups for
sacroiliac indices (SII) (p=0.003), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR)
(p=0.008), C-reactive protein (CRP) (p = 0.037), and
white blood cell (WBC) count (p=0.031). A significant correlation was
found between active sacroiliitis and SII (p=0.001), CRP
(p=0.000), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (p=0.000), and
NLR (p=0.001). Based on the ROC curve analysis, SII was found to have a
sensitivity of 64.3% and specificity of 69.8%; NLR was found to
have a sensitivity of 64.3% and specificity of 73.3% for
diagnosing active sacroiliitis.

Conclusions Subclinical inflammation indices obtained from CBC and,
particularly, NLR may contribute to disease activity assessment like acute-phase
reactants. However, this needs to be confirmed in further studies.
Digitale Verfahren zur Behandlung psychischer Störungen in der COVID-19-Pandemie
Authors: Stricker Johannes , Lukies Rabea
Published: May 2021

Die COVID-19-Pandemie und ihre Folgen (z. B. Kontaktbeschränkungen) stellen die psychiatrisch-psychotherapeutische Versorgung national und international vor neue Herausforderungen. Dieser Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über digitale Verfahren zur Behandlung psychischer Störungen unter Pandemiebedingungen und zur Reduktion pandemiebedingter psychischer Belastung (z. B. aufgrund sozialer Isolation). Diskutiert werden außerdem aktuelle Herausforderungen und Grenzen beim Einsatz digitaler Behandlungsformen sowie Perspektiven für deren langfristigen Einsatz in der psychiatrisch-psychotherapeutischen Versorgung.
The Functional Outcomes of Delayed Surgical Reconstruction in Nonsport-Induced Multiligament Knee Injuries: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Mortazavi S. M. Javad , Kaseb M. H. , Maleki R. G. , Razzaghof M. , Noori A. , Rezaee R.
Published: May 2021

Multiligament knee injuries (MLKIs) are among the most detrimental injuries, which can cause significant compromise of joint stability and function. Our aim was to investigate the functional outcomes of nonsport-induced MLKIs who presented late after injury and underwent delayed arthroscopic reconstruction. In a retrospective cohort of 18 MLKI patients (19 knees, January 2012–2018) who had undergone arthroscopic reconstruction, we assessed the knee range of motion, return to work/sport, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index, Lysholm, and Tegner scores. The preoperative scores were retrieved from the patients' registry database. We reviewed their surgical notes and extracted the operation data, including the damaged ligaments, stages of the surgery, and associated meniscal injury. There were 14 males and 4 females with a mean age of 30.57 ± 10.31 years. The mean time from injury to surgery was 17.31 ± 11.98 months. The most common injury was anterior cruciate ligament/posterior cruciate ligament (31.6%). The mechanisms of injury were motor vehicle accidents (72.2%), falls (22.2%), and sports (5.6%). The reconstruction was either single (61.2%) or multiple stage (38.8%). The pre- and postoperative scores were 45.31 ± 7.30 versus 79.16 ± 11.86 IKDC, 3.84 ± 1.26 versus 8.37 ± 1.16 Tegner, and 60.42 ± 7.68 versus 89.42 ± 8.81 Lysholm, respectively. All the scores showed significant improvement at mean follow-up of 24.05 ± 9.55 months (p < 0.001). In conclusion, delayed arthroscopic reconstruction of MLKIs significantly improved the functional outcomes and return to work in patients presenting late to the orthopaedic clinic. There was no relationship between the demographic variables, mechanism of injury, number of injured ligaments, and the stages of surgery and the functional outcomes in this group of patients.
What Parents of Adolescents in Residential Substance Use Treatment Want from Continuing Care: A Content Analysis of Online Forum Posts
Authors: Helseth Sarah A. , Scott Kelli , Escobar Katherine I. , Jimenez Frances , Becker Sara J.
Published: May 2021

Background

Parents of adolescents in residential substance use (SU) treatment face a myriad of barriers to continuing care services. Growing research suggests that mobile health (mHealth) technologies can overcome common barriers to continuing care services, yet no work has addressed parents’ needs. To gain insight into parents’ continuing care needs, we analyzed online forum posts made by parents who received a novel mHealth intervention.

Methods

Thirty parents received access to an online networking forum where they could connect with our adolescent SU expert or the community of parents also navigating their adolescent's post-discharge transition. In real-time, participants could ask questions and share information, experiences, and emotional support.

Results

Twenty-one parents (70%) posted at least once; 12 parents made 15 posts to our expert, while 18 parents made 50 posts to the parent community. Thematic analysis uncovered five major themes: parenting skills; parent support; managing the post-discharge transition; adolescent SU; and family functioning.

Conclusions

Parents discussed a range of topics directly and indirectly related to their adolescent's treatment. Incorporating networking forums into mHealth continuing care interventions offers parents a secure space to ask questions, share concerns, and gather information needed to support their adolescent's transition home.
Experimental Study on Impact Failure Characteristics of Large-size Boulder Specimen by SHPB
Authors: Cheng Jinguo , Jiang Hua , Jiao Xingfei , Jiang Yusheng , Zhu Jiachen
Published: May 2021

The issue of rock breaking is inevitable when shield excavating the strata rich in boulders with large size. Based on the one-dimensional elastic stress wave theory, the dynamic stress-strain relationship of rock specimens under single impact and cyclic impact load is obtained by using split Hopkinson pressure bar test system, and the variation law of absorbed energy with the changes of impact pressure or impact frequency is analyzed. The experiment results indicate that under single impact, when the impact pressure is added, the peak value of strain and stress increase; the dynamic elastic modulus of the specimen increases in the elastic stage, while increases at first and then decreases in the non-linear elastic loading stage. Also, the optimal impact energy exists corresponding to the maximum absorbed energy. Under the cyclic impact, the rock failure needs to meet the requirement of lowest impact energy. With the increase of impact pressure, the peak strain and single absorbed energy decrease at first and then increase, and the cumulative absorbed energy increases gradually. When the impact energy exceeds the energy required for rock failure, the rock is subject to primary impact failure. The research results can provide reference for the design of rock breaking cutters and the control of shield tunnelling parameters.
Energy consumption analysis and growth trend prediction of green energy saving buildings
Authors: Liu Shan
Published: May 2021

With economic development and technological progress,energy issues have become a key issue of world-wide concern.In energy consumption,building energy consumption accounts for a relatively high proportion.Therefore,the development of green buildings cannot be delayed.In this context,this paper analyzes the energy consumption of green energy-saving buildings and predicts their growth trend,which intuitively reflects the necessity of the development of green energy-saving buildings and helps promote the development of green energy conservation in the construction industry.
Critical barriers for Chinese international construction companies under “One belt, One road” background: a case study
Authors: Zetai Wang
Published: May 2021

The strategy of “One Belt One Road” can not only promote common development and prosperity among countries, but also enhance mutual understanding and trust, strengthening all-round exchanges between countries. Based on the current situation that Chinese engineering enterprises lack experience in countries along the route, this paper mainly provides inspiration and conclusions for enterprises through the study and analysis of two cases.
Use of bottom ash materials in the construction industry
Authors: Aizenberg I I , Koval T V
Published: May 2021

It is possible to use waste from the energy production of thermal and electrical energy, in the form of ash and cinder, as a substitute for natural mineral raw materials in the production of construction materials and products. Bottom ash, being a valuable raw component for the production of mortars, concrete and reinforced concrete, under certain conditions, provides a significant increase in the quality of the multicomponent matrix, and improves the construction, technical and thermal insulation properties of the finished product. Bottom ash from TPPs is an inexpensive construction material which increases the basic construction, technical and thermal insulation properties of the resulting construction products, which leads to a decrease in heat losses among consumers and, ultimately, to a decrease in the cost of housing under construction. This contributes to the implementation of the state programs “Affordable Housing” and “Low-Rise Construction”. One of the largest consumers of bottom ash mixtures could be road construction within the framework of the state program “Development of the Transport System”. Moreover, the use of bottom ash from TPPs is an indicator of the state of the art in power engineering and construction. However, there are a number of problems that one has to face when using bottom ash in industry, the main problem being unstable fractional composition and physicochemical characteristics that do not meet technical requirements. In their turn, the physicochemical characteristics of bottom ash from TPPs are formed in the course of conversion of the fuel mineral matter during combustion in boiler plants. Knowing the behavior of the coal mineral components during combustion, it is possible to solve the problem of choosing the optimal combustion modes for the production of bottom ash materials with the chemical and mineralogical composition required by consumers, while not reducing the efficiency of the boiler plant. Thus, TPP bottom ash is becoming a valuable mineral raw material - bottom ash materials for replacing nonmetallic materials in the construction sector.
The experience of the university’s interiors decorating with monumental painting as an integral art space
Authors: Lobatskaya R M , Ignateva O A
Published: May 2021

The interiors of the educational buildings of the Irkutsk National Research Technical University (IRNITU) are a kind of active art museum that solves both educational and aesthetic tasks. The exhibits of this unusual museum are represented by mosaics, paintings, stained-glass windows, textiles, volumetric and spatial compositions. All of them are the works of monumental and decorative painting graduates, performed at the department, founded more than twenty-five years ago by the Professor V G Smagin, who had the honorary title of People’s Artist of Russia. The article discusses in detail the issues of zoning and the organization of the spatial environment by objects of monumental painting. The choice of materials, techniques, compositional and semantic decisions is substantiated for interiors with different functional loads. There is discussed the problem of preserving the artistic integrity of the spatial environment of the university, as well as the possible loss of works of monumental painting during future reconstructions or constructive renovation of buildings.
Current approaches to the modeling and calculation wood frame building, taking into account the joint work of the load-bearing elements of the frame and cladding
Authors: Dmitrieva T L , Podshivalova K A , Molchanov D O , Beloborodov K M
Published: May 2021

The analysis of the current state of issues related to the construction of design models of building structures based on wood. The main software systems are presented, in which the calculation of wooden structures is realized. The need to develop software for timber frame buildings was identified, which would allow an engineer to select sections, check structural units of spatial models of various geometric configurations and take into account the joint work of supporting structures and cladding.
Artificial neural networks as a tool for creating a road information model
Authors: Shaburov S S , Dmitrieva T L , Chernyago A B
Published: May 2021

The possibility of creating an information model of the highway on the basis of existing design documentation using artificial neural networks is considered. It is supposed to interconnect all the most popular formats of road design documentation data for quick and accurate search for the required parameters, further update them using GIS technologies, as well as use at the construction and operation stages. The end result may be some semblance of a digital twin of a selected stretch of road.
Government support for the construction sector as a development factor during the pandemic
Authors: Antipin D A , Ilyashevich D I
Published: May 2021

The construction industry is one of the key sectors of the Russian economy, since it affects the national projects, other industries and social relations. The construction industry plays an important role in creating modern images of cities, building infrastructure facilities and improving the quality of life of the Russian population. The article aims to determine the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the construction sector of the Russian Federation. The quantitative and qualitative indicators of development of the construction industry, including the dynamics of the business confidence index, are analyzed. The most significant problems in the construction sector caused by the coronavirus pandemic are identified. The trends created by government support measures are revealed.
An algorithm of state regulation of leasing relations in the construction industry
Authors: Romanov R V , Nechaev A S
Published: May 2021

The article examines the nature and need for the state regulation of leasing relations in the construction industry. The construction activities are regulated by the federal construction industry development program. A set of tools for state regulation of Russian construction organizations is described. These are tools of direct and indirect regulation. Through these tools, the government regulates reproduction processes in the construction industry in order to boost the long-term construction industry development. The state regulation tools reveal possibilities of state regulation and solve problems of direct provision of construction companies with equipment. The article offers an algorithm for developing leasing relations in the construction industry by the methods of state regulation. The algorithm is aimed at developing the material and technical base of construction companies. Efficiency indicators for the use of fixed assets in construction companies are analyzed.
Problems and prospects of the Chinese construction industry
Authors: Rudykh L G , Shilova O S , Khomich N V
Published: May 2021

China’s economic growth is one of the most important sources of growth and stabilization of the world economy. Currently, the state has accelerated investment in new infrastructure programs. In addition to traditional infrastructure projects, the Chinese initiative is aimed at developing new technologies.Despite the new coronavirus pandemic, China’s GDP is growing quite fast today. The main support for various sectors of the economy is provided by the state and gives priority to domestic consumption demand, rather than external demand. In the construction industry, investments are increasing in infrastructure projects that contain the idea of modernizing the industry and introducing innovative technologies, including: Bcore CTS construction technology; BIM technologies; 3D printing construction technology; construction technologies using “green concrete”, and modular construction technologies continue to improve. The success of China’s economic reforms is facilitated by the fact that the state focuses on education, among other things, and this has resulted in many highly skilled workers who are able to effectively solve problems in the construction sector. Education reform and the use of new technologies contribute to the rapid development of the construction industry in China.
The features of mortgage lending in Russia in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Shalamov G A , Ageeva NA , Shokhonova K E , Savchenko I A
Published: May 2021

The article examines the main aspects of mortgage lending in the Russian Federation in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the main directions to fight the COVID-19 pandemic in Russia, as well as almost all over the world, is the introduction of a self-isolation regime. Such decision has led to the fact that in 2020 in the Russian economy in almost all sectors, the reduction in indicators was recorded. The construction industry has become an exception have kept economic performance at the same level. This was made possible through the growth of mortgage lending carried out by commercial banks. The article analyzes the current volume of mortgage loans in Russia. The authors have identified a number of scenarios for the development of the Russian mortgage market developed by experts in the field of economics, and at the moment they have also underlined the main problem in the area. The essence and conditions of mortgage loans as well as the terms of their validity in the context of epidemic were studied. The article has considered the preferential mortgage program approved by the Russian government, which had become the main source of a mortgage bubble. The main conditions and requirements of the program were analyzed. The main reasons having led to emergence of the mortgage bubble in the Russian financial market were identified and analyzed. In addition, the article provides a forecast for the development of mortgage lending in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Marketing in construction, as a systematic approach to managing the activities of a construction organization
Authors: Shlepneva T O , Maletina T A
Published: May 2021

The development of construction, increasing its efficiency is based on its industrialization, the main directions of which are: the transfer of part of the technological processes from construction sites to factories, to stationary production conditions in order to increase the prefabricated buildings and structures; improvement of technological design solutions of buildings and structures, their further typification and unification; mechanized production of structures, products, parts and materials in factories or in the auxiliary shops of construction organizations with a high degree of their construction readiness; mechanized production of technological operations and processes of construction of buildings and structures, delivery of building materials and structures in order to ensure continuous production of construction works. In such conditions, the role of marketing activities to promote the construction company and its products increases significantly. Marketing in the activities of a construction company is an important and integral element of improving the efficiency of its construction and installation works and the financial and economic condition. The essence of the organization of marketing in construction is to use its tools for the formation of pricing policy, market research, sales promotion, optimization of types of construction and installation works, proposed real estate, etc.
Research on Comprehensive Application of BIM in Green Construction of Prefabricated Buildings
Authors: Tang Xiaoqiang
Published: May 2021

In the process of sustainable development of the construction industry, green construction is an important means. However, in the application and development of prefabricated buildings, the design of green construction evaluation standards is not obvious enough, and there are even problems such as vertical division of the whole process. Based on previous work experience, this article summarizes the content of the comprehensive application of BIM in green construction of prefabricated buildings. The author discusses the specific application of BIM in the construction of prefabricated green buildings from four aspects: application in scheme optimization design, application in construction layout, application in construction management, and energy saving and control cost.
Super High-rise Building Construction Simulation Analysis of the Iconic Tower
Authors: Wang Fei , Zhao Yongwei , Jia Yankai
Published: May 2021

This paper takes the Iconic Tower as the background and combines the characteristics of overseas engineering projects. It mainly studies the influence of the leading layers of the super high-rise building’s corewall on the vertical displacement, and conducts construction simulation of the Iconic Tower based on the actual construction schedule. It analyzes in detail the vertical displacement and internal force variation laws of the corewall and frame column of the Iconic Tower, and studies the influence of concrete shrinkage and creep on the structure, which provides a reference for the project construction.
Research Progress in Phosphorus Recovery and Reuse
Authors: Zhao Yuxin , Hao Xiaolei
Published: May 2021

As a kind of non-renewable and irreplaceable resources, phosphorus resource is very important for people. It is very necessary to study the shortage of phosphorus resource and the recycling of phosphorus in waste water. This paper discussed the current basic measures for phosphorus recovery from waste streams and the reuse of phosphorus. Some suggestions for future research were provided.
Research Progress of Biomass-based Adsorption Materials
Authors: Zhao Yuxin , Zhang Yi
Published: May 2021

Pollution control has always been the core of research in the field of environmental engineering. Adsorption is an important means to remove pollutants. Choosing a suitable adsorbent is of great significance to environmental protection. This article discussed the research of biomass adsorption materials in recent years including the preparation, utilization and regeneration of biomass adsorption materials. The details of the influencing factors, the modification methods during the preparation of adsorption materials and the suggestions for future research were provided.
Post-Design Evaluation Analysis of Continuous Rigid Frame Bridge
Authors: Pengcheng Li
Published: May 2021

In order to solve the problem of “attaching importance to the construction while neglecting the evaluation” in construction of continuous rigid frame bridges in China, a post-construction evaluation system was established by taking the elasticity modulus of concrete, frictional loss of prestress and loss of prestress as the indexes, and a three-level fuzzy comprehensive post-design evaluation model was built. The continuous rigid frame bridge on the Chongqing-Hechuan segment of Lanzhou-Haikou Expressway was taken as an example to conduct a comprehensive post-design evaluation. The results showed that the studied bridge was evaluated and categorized into Category II in the bridge design evaluation system, indicating a good design and operation state of this bridge. Suggestions and countermeasures were proposed for the design of continuous rigid frame bridges, with a vision to provide a basis for construction of bridges of the same type.
The influence of micro-environment on the depositing rate and morphology of microbially induced carbonate precipitation
Authors: Ge Xin , Zhang Tianzhu
Published: May 2021

Microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) mainly uses urease-producing bacteria to hydrolyze urea to produce carbonate ions and contact the introduced calcium ions. The gelatinous calcium carbonate is deposited on the surface of loose particles and binding unconsolidated materials together. It has a great potential to complete many applications as a technologies of construction. In this work, the rate and ratio of depositing CaCO3 in the process of MICP at various micro-environments was evaluated. Furthermore, more suitable conditions to promote the process of depositing was presented
Application of environmental protection decoration materials in architectural design and urban planning and design
Authors: Chen Qiang
Published: May 2021

The planning and design of the city needs to refer to the future development goals of the city, and make overall plans for overall development, strengthen the design of the building, and ensure the coordination and unity of the urban planning and architectural design, which can provide a more ideal space for the development of the city. Aiming at the problems of high pollutants and harm to human health in the process of building decoration construction, the application and promotion of green decoration materials in building decoration projects are discussed. It focuses on the importance of the application of green decorative materials, and outlines the specific applications of green decorative materials such as doors, windows, walls, and lights.
Research on Green and Healthy Buildings Based on BIM Technology under the Background of Epidemic
Authors: Wu Bei , Fu Baoyun , Ji Zengwen , Chen Guoyue
Published: May 2021

The development of science and technology has changed our way of life and our understanding of nature. The concept of the architect and construction industry has entered the stage of green architecture concept due to the development of the times. The emergence of new technologies such as BIM has promoted the upgrading of the construction industry to the stage of intelligent construction, the visualization and collaborative design of the application of BIM technology, etc. The advantages of green building design analysis can solve the problems existing in traditional design. The design quality of buildings depends greatly on the analysis and decision-making in the early stage. Improving the reliability and accuracy of green building analysis and simulation can help improve the quality of green and healthy building design. Combining the BIM stage model with green building simulation analysis can provide more reliable simulation analysis results for green building design, thus improving the accuracy of design. On the basis of combining green architecture and BIM technology, the background premise of large-scale emergencies such as the epidemic is added to improve the response capacity of the construction industry under emergencies such as the epidemic at the design stage.
Abrasive water jet cutting process form machining metals and composites for engineering applications: A review
Authors: Khan M Adam , Soni Hargovind , Mashinini PM , Uthayakumar M
Published: May 2021

Abrasive water jet (AWJ) cutting is one of the advanced machining techniques to solve the different issues raised in the manufacturing process. Machinability of the material, surface damage, profile cutting, micro-/macro-product making, production time and cost are some of the problems caused. Research on AWJ has addressed the major problems to produce engineering components under the eco-friendly environment. It is a short report on AWJ cutting which is used to explain the basic problems and the principle while machining different engineering materials. In this paper, the influence of input process parameters, erodent/abrasive materials and bulk material properties along response on kerf wall inclination, material removal rate and surface quality are discussed in detail. In addition, the electron microscopic images are used to discuss the wear mechanism on different materials. The information discussed in the paper will support young researchers to understand the AWJ process and its scope.
Improving sample and feature selection with principal covariates regression
Authors: Cersonsky Rose K , Helfrecht Benjamin A , Engel Edgar A , Kliavinek Sergei , Ceriotti Michele
Published: May 2021

Selecting the most relevant features and samples out of a large set of candidates is a task that occurs very often in the context of automated data analysis, where it improves the computational performance and often the transferability of a model. Here we focus on two popular subselection schemes applied to this end: CUR decomposition, derived from a low-rank approximation of the feature matrix, and farthest point sampling (FPS), which relies on the iterative identification of the most diverse samples and discriminating features. We modify these unsupervised approaches, incorporating a supervised component following the same spirit as the principal covariates (PCov) regression method. We show how this results in selections that perform better in supervised tasks, demonstrating with models of increasing complexity, from ridge regression to kernel ridge regression and finally feed-forward neural networks. We also present adjustments to minimise the impact of any subselection when performing unsupervised tasks. We demonstrate the significant improvements associated with PCov-CUR and PCov-FPS selections for applications to chemistry and materials science, typically reducing by a factor of two the number of features and samples required to achieve a given level of regression accuracy.
Singular principal bundles on reducible nodal curves
Authors: Muñoz Castañeda Ángel , Schmitt Alexander
Published: May 2021

Studying degenerations of moduli spaces of semistable principal bundles on smooth curves leads to the problem of studying moduli spaces on singular curves. In this note, we will see that the moduli spaces of

δ
\delta

-semistable pseudo bundles on a nodal curve become, for large values of

δ
\delta

, the moduli spaces of semistable singular principal bundles. The latter are reasonable candidates for degenerations and a potential basis for further developments as on irreducible nodal curves. In particular, we find a notion of semistability for principal bundles on reducible nodal curves. The understanding of the asymptotic behavior of

δ
\delta

-semistability rests on a lemma from geometric invariant theory. The results allow for the construction of a universal moduli space of semistable singular principal bundles over the moduli space of stable curves. Due to recent work of Wilson, this universal moduli space has a close relation to the sheaf of algebras of conformal blocks.
DeepSinse: deep learning-based detection of single molecules
Authors: Danial John S H , Shalaby Raed , Cosentino Katia , Mahmoud Marwa M , Medhat Fady , Klenerman David , Garcia Saez Ana J
Published: May 2021

Motivation

Imaging single molecules has emerged as a powerful characterization tool in the biological sciences. The detection of these under various noise conditions requires the use of algorithms that are dependent on the end-user inputting several parameters, the choice of which can be challenging and subjective.

Results

In this work, we propose DeepSinse, an easily trainable and useable deep neural network that can detect single molecules with little human input and across a wide range of signal-to-noise ratios. We validate the neural network on the detection of single bursts in simulated and experimental data and compare its performance with the best-in-class, domain-specific algorithms.

Availabilityand implementation

Ground truth ROI simulating code, neural network training, validation code, classification code, ROI picker, GUI for simulating, training and validating DeepSinse as well as pre-trained networks are all released under the MIT License on www.github.com/jdanial/DeepSinse. The dSTORM dataset processing code is released under the MIT License on www.github.com/jdanial/StormProcessor.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Discrimination in the surgical discipline: an international European evaluation (DISDAIN)
Authors: Holzgang M , Koenemann N , Skinner H , Burke J , Smith A , Young A
Published: May 2021

Background

Negative workplace experiences (NWPEs), such as gender discrimination, bullying, sexual harassment and ethnic discrimination, are concerns in today’s surgical society. These negative experiences potentially impair surgeons’ performance and might impact patient care or outcomes negatively. This study aimed to assess the experience of NWPEs across the European surgical workforce.

Methods

A prospective online 34-point questionnaire was designed using a combination of Likert scale, multiple-choice and short-answer questions. Invitations were distributed through surgical associations via email/social media between 1 September and 15 November 2019. Data were analysed using non-parametric methods.

Results

Some 840 complete responses were included in the analysis. The distribution across genders and stage of surgical training was even. Of the respondents, 20 per cent (168 respondents) considered quitting their job, 4.5 per cent (38) took time off and 0.5% (4) left surgery due to NWPEs; 12.9 per cent of females and 4.4 per cent of males experienced some form of physical harassment. Females and those in training were significantly more likely to experience or witness gender discrimination and sexual harassment. Just over half of the respondents (448) did not report negative experiences, with most of these (375 respondents) being unaware of whom to report to. Nearly a fifth of respondents felt that NWPEs influenced patient care or outcomes negatively.

Conclusion

NWPEs were frequent, especially among females and those in training. While a substantial proportion of respondents experienced physical harassment, many individuals were unaware of how to raise concerns. Adverse effects on patient outcomes, surgical training and workforce retention indicate a need for urgent action.
A case report reappraising the usefulness of Valsalva manoeuvre in drug-refractory ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Lwin Tin Sanda , Mitrakrishnan Rayno Navinan , Alama Mohamed , Chin Shui Hao
Published: May 2021

Background

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is often misdiagnosed as supraventricular tachycardia with aberrancy. Twelve-lead electrocardiogram remains a key diagnostic tool to differentiate them while providing insights to aid localization of VT. The use of Valsalva manoeuvre (VM) in terminating VT is not conventionally recommended due to lack of robust evidence of its effectiveness and poor understanding of its mechanism in terminating VT.

Case summary

A 74-year-old man with history of ischaemic heart disease was admitted with broad complex tachycardia. VT-1 was diagnosed following failed tachycardia termination by adenosine. Haemodynamic compromise necessitated synchronized cardioversion with successful reversion. However, a different VT-2 occurred after cardioversion. VM led to successful termination of VT-2. Subsequently, recurrent episodes of VT-2 occurred with consistent termination by VM. Transthoracic echocardiogram, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and a coronary angiogram were performed. Findings suggested that these are likely scar-related VT. VT-1 originated from an anteroseptal scar, whilst VT-2, responsive to VM, likely originated from the Purkinje fibres. Patient remained eurhythmic after Day 1 following amiodarone and beta-blocker initiation. An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was implanted prior to discharge.

Discussion

VM is one of the vagal manoeuvres which are commonly used as initial management of supraventricular tachycardia. Its role in management of VT is obscure. Anecdotal case series recorded its successful use for managing particular VT. Exact mechanism remains elusive although postulated to involve change in cardiac size during strain and release of acetylcholine.
Pandemics and regional economic growth: evidence from the Great Influenza in Italy
Authors: Carillo Mario F , Jappelli Tullio
Published: May 2021

We investigate the link between the 1918 Great Influenza and regional economic growth in Italy, a country in which the measures implemented by public authorities to contain the contagion were limited or ineffective. The pandemic caused 600,000 deaths in Italy: 1.2% of the population. Going from regions with the lowest mortality to those with the highest mortality is associated to a decline in per capita GDP growth of 6.5%, which dissipated within 3 years. Our estimates provide an upper bound of the adverse effect of pandemics on regional economic growth in the absence of non-pharmaceutical public-health interventions.
Back to the future: implications of genetic complexity for the structure of hybrid breeding programs
Authors: Technow Frank , Podlich Dean , Cooper Mark
Published: May 2021

Commercial hybrid breeding operations can be described as decentralized networks of smaller, more or less isolated breeding programs. There is further a tendency for the disproportionate use of successful inbred lines for generating the next generation of recombinants, which has led to a series of significant bottlenecks, particularly in the history of the North American and European maize germplasm. Both the decentralization and the disproportionate contribution of inbred lines reduce effective population size and constrain the accessible genetic space. Under these conditions, long-term response to selection is not expected to be optimal under the classical infinitesimal model of quantitative genetics. In this study, we therefore aim to propose a rationale for the success of large breeding operations in the context of genetic complexity arising from the structure and properties of interactive genetic networks. For this, we use simulations based on the NK model of genetic architecture. We indeed found that constraining genetic space through program decentralization and disproportionate contribution of parental inbred lines, is required to expose additive genetic variation and thus facilitate heritable genetic gains under high levels of genetic complexity. These results introduce new insights into why the historically grown structure of hybrid breeding programs was successful in improving the yield potential of hybrid crops over the last century. We also hope that a renewed appreciation for “why things worked” in the past can guide the adoption of novel technologies and the design of future breeding strategies for navigating biological complexity.
Genomic patterns of structural variation among diverse genotypes of Sorghum bicolor and a potential role for deletions in local adaptation
Authors: Songsomboon Kittikun , Brenton Zachary , Heuser James , Kresovich Stephen , Shakoor Nadia , Mockler Todd , Cooper Elizabeth A
Published: May 2021

Genomic structural mutations, especially deletions, are an important source of variation in many species and can play key roles in phenotypic diversification and evolution. Previous work in many plant species has identified multiple instances of structural variations (SVs) occurring in or near genes related to stress response and disease resistance, suggesting a possible role for SVs in local adaptation. Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is one of the most widely grown cereal crops in the world. It has been adapted to an array of different climates as well as bred for multiple purposes, resulting in a striking phenotypic diversity. In this study, we identified genome-wide SVs in the Biomass Association Panel, a collection of 347 diverse sorghum genotypes collected from multiple countries and continents. Using Illumina-based, short-read whole-genome resequencing data from every genotype, we found a total of 24,648 SVs, including 22,359 deletions. The global site frequency spectrum of deletions and other types of SVs fit a model of neutral evolution, suggesting that the majority of these mutations were not under any types of selection. Clustering results based on single nucleotide polymorphisms separated the genotypes into eight clusters which largely corresponded with geographic origins, with many of the large deletions we uncovered being unique to a single cluster. Even though most deletions appeared to be neutral, a handful of cluster-specific deletions were found in genes related to biotic and abiotic stress responses, supporting the possibility that at least some of these deletions contribute to local adaptation in sorghum.
Reforming the Bilateral Investment Treaty Landscape in the Caribbean Region: A Clarion Call
Authors: Haynes Jason
Published: May 2021

This article engages in an empirical assessment of the 55 Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) that, to date, have been concluded by 12 Caribbean countries, in order to determine the extent to which, in light of extant arbitral practice, there is a need for reform of the BIT landscape in the region. The article makes the central argument that although most Caribbean countries are capital-importing jurisdictions that are vulnerable to external shocks, including a multiplicity of claims brought by foreign investors, Caribbean governments have been slow to make changes to most regional BITs, many of which contain glaring weaknesses, and the majority of which were concluded more than two decades ago. It contends that, having regard to extant arbitral jurisprudence, which interprets various provisions of BITs in a manner that is often contradictory and even hostile to the interests of developing States, the time is ripe for reform of the regional BIT landscape. The article adopts a comparative approach to its discussion of the various provisions of regional BITs, and relies heavily on arbitral awards involving a range of countries across the globe on myriad controversial issues so as to illustrate areas in which incoherence, inconsistency and unpredictability exist, where regulatory chill is possible, and where reform is accordingly necessary.
The impact of environmental benefits and institutional trust on residents’ willingness to participate in municipal solid waste treatment: a case study in Beijing, China
Authors: Shan Shao-nan , Duan Xia , Zhang Ting-ting , Zhang Yi , Wang He
Published: May 2021

The municipal solid waste (MSW) treatment is capable of significantly boosting healthy and orderly urban development. Urban dwellers act as generators and direct beneficiaries of the effectiveness of waste management. The present study aims to determine the impact of environmental benefits and institutional trust on residents’ willingness to participate in MSW treatment (willingness to be paid (WTA) and willingness to pay (WTP)) by complying with micro-survey data from residents of four districts in Beijing, with the use of the tobit model. In addition, environmental benefits and institutional trust interaction effects are incorporated into the analysis. As revealed from the results: (1) positive environmental benefits can significantly decrease WTA and increase WTP; negative environmental benefits significantly increase WTA and decrease WTP. (2) Institutional trust is capable of significantly decreasing WTA and increasing WTP. (3) When positive environmental benefits and institutional trust are incorporated, residents have significantly lower WTA and noticeably higher WTP; when negative environmental benefits and institutional trust are incorporated, WTA of the population is significantly higher and their WTP is significantly lower. Besides, years of education and household status negatively affect residents’ WTA, in which households with higher incomes have relatively higher WTP for engagement in waste management. The mentioned findings place the following stresses: (1) improving the positive environmental benefits of urban living and establishing a system of compensation for negative environmental benefits, (2) creating a good climate of trust in the system and elevating the level of trust in the system among residents and (3) raising residents’ awareness of environmental protection and enhancing the effectiveness of urban waste management.
Intervertebral disc instance segmentation using a multistage optimization mask-RCNN (MOM-RCNN)
Authors: Vania Malinda , Lee Deukhee
Published: May 2021

Lower back pain is one of the major global challenges in health problems. Medical imaging is rapidly taking a predominant position for the diagnosis and treatment of lower back abnormalities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a primary tool for detecting anatomical and functional abnormalities in the intervertebral disc (IVD) and provides valuable data for both diagnosis and research. Deep learning methods perform well in computer visioning when labeled general image training data are abundant. In the practice of medical images, the labeled data or the segmentation data are produced manually. However, manual medical image segmentation leads to two main issues: much time is needed for delineation, and reproducibility is called into question. To handle this problem, we developed an automated approach for IVD instance segmentation that can utilize T1 and T2 images during this study to handle data limitation problems and computational time problems and improve the generalization of the algorithm. This method builds upon mask-RCNN; we proposed a multistage optimization mask-RCNN (MOM-RCNN) for deep learning segmentation networks. We used a multi-optimization training system by utilizing stochastic gradient descent and adaptive moment estimation (Adam) with T1 and T2 in MOM-RCNN. The proposed method showed a significant improvement in processing time and segmentation results compared to previous commonly used segmentation methods. We evaluated the results using several different key performance measures. We obtain the Dice coefficient (99%). Our method can define the IVD’s segmentation as much as 88% (sensitivity) and recognize the non-IVD as much as 98% (specificity). The results also obtained increasing precision (92%) with a low global consistency error (0.03), approaching 0 (the best possible score). On the spatial distance measures, the results show a promising reduction from 0.407 ± 0.067 mm in root mean square error to 0.095 ± 0.026 mm, Hausdorff distance from 12.313 ± 3.015 to 5.155 ± 1.561 mm, and average symmetric surface distance from 1.944 ± 0.850 to 0.49 ± 0.23 mm compared to other state-of-the-art methods. We used MRI images from 263 patients to demonstrate the efficiency of our proposed method.