bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Advances in Allergy Research Using Humanized Mice
Authors: Ito Ryoji , Maruoka Shuichiro , Gon Yasuhiro , Katano Ikumi , Takahashi Takeshi , Ito Mamoru , Izuhara Kenji , Nunomura Satoshi
Published: June 2019

The prevalence rates of allergic diseases are increasing worldwide, particularly in industrial countries. To date, many mouse models have been generated for allergy research; studies conducted using these models have suggested the importance of cross-talk between immune cells and tissue-resident non-immune cells in the onset of allergic diseases. However, there are several differences between the immune systems of rodents and humans, and human studies are limited. Thus, mice reconstituted with human immune cells are a novel tool for the preclinical evaluation of the efficacy and safety of developing drugs. Genetic technologies for generating humanized mice have improved markedly in recent years. In this review, we will discuss recent progress in allergy research using humanized mice and introduce our recent humanized mouse model of airway inflammation in human immune cells.
Effects of Spaceflight and Simulated Microgravity on YAP1 Expression in Cardiovascular Progenitors: Implications for Cell-Based Repair
Authors: Camberos Victor , Baio Jonathan , Bailey Leonard , Hasaniya Nahidh , Lopez Larry V. , Kearns-Jonker Mary
Published: June 2019

Spaceflight alters many processes of the human body including cardiac function and cardiac progenitor cell behavior. The mechanism behind these changes remains largely unknown; however, simulated microgravity devices are making it easier for researchers to study the effects of microgravity. To study the changes that take place in cardiac progenitor cells in microgravity environments, adult cardiac progenitor cells were cultured aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as well as on a clinostat and examined for changes in Hippo signaling, a pathway known to regulate cardiac development. Cells cultured under microgravity conditions, spaceflight-induced or simulated, displayed upregulation of downstream genes involved in the Hippo pathway such as YAP1 and SOD2. YAP1 is known to play a role in cardiac regeneration which led us to investigate YAP1 expression in a sheep model of cardiovascular repair. Additionally, to mimic the effects of microgravity, drug treatment was used to induce Hippo related genes as well as a regulator of the Hippo pathway, miRNA-302a. These studies provide insight into the changes that occur in space and how the effects of these changes relate to cardiac regeneration studies.
Multi-Regional Online Car-Hailing Order Quantity Forecasting Based on the Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Huang Zihao , Huang Gang , Chen Zhijun , Wu Chaozhong , Ma Xiaofeng , Wang Haobo
Published: June 2019

With the development of online cars, the demand for travel prediction is increasing in order to reduce the information asymmetry between passengers and drivers of online car-hailing. This paper proposes a travel demand forecasting model named OC-CNN based on the convolutional neural network to forecast the travel demand. In order to make full use of the spatial characteristics of the travel demand distribution, this paper meshes the prediction area and creates a travel demand data set of the graphical structure to preserve its spatial properties. Taking advantage of the convolutional neural network in image feature extraction, the historical demand data of the first twenty-five minutes of the entire region are used as a model input to predict the travel demand for the next five minutes. In order to verify the performance of the proposed method, one-month data from online car-hailing of the Chengdu Fourth Ring Road are used. The results show that the model successfully extracts the spatiotemporal features of the data, and the prediction accuracies of the proposed method are superior to those of the representative methods, including the Bayesian Ridge Model, Linear Regression, Support Vector Regression, and Long Short-Term Memory networks.
A Hierarchical Resource Allocation Scheme Based on Nash Bargaining Game in VANET
Authors: Zhao Xiaoshuai , Zhang Xiaoyong , Li Yingjuan
Published: June 2019

Due to the selfishness of vehicles and the scarcity of spectrum resources, how to realize fair and effective spectrum resources allocation has become one of the primary tasks in VANET. In this paper, we propose a hierarchical resource allocation scheme based on Nash bargaining game. Firstly, we analyze the spectrum resource allocation problem between different Road Side Units (RSUs), which obtain resources from the central cloud. Thereafter, considering the difference of vehicular users (VUEs), we construct the matching degree index between VUEs and RSUs. Then, we deal with the spectrum resource allocation problem between VUEs and RSUs. To reduce computational overhead, we transform the original problem into two sub-problems: power allocation and slot allocation, according to the time division multiplexing mechanism. The simulation results show that the proposed scheme can fairly and effectively allocate resources in VANET according to VUEs’ demand.
Polyethylene Terephthalate Textiles Enhance the Structural Maturation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Pekkanen-Mattila Mari , Häkli Martta , Pölönen Risto-Pekka , Mansikkala Tuomas , Junnila Anni , Talvitie Elina , Koivisto Janne T , Kellomäki Minna , Aalto-Setälä Katriina
Published: June 2019

Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) have the potential to serve as a model for human cardiomyocytes. However, hiPSC-CMs are still considered immature. CMs differentiated from hiPSCs more resemble fetal than adult cardiomyocytes. Putative factors enhancing maturation include in vitro culture duration, culture surface topography, and mechanical, chemical, and electrical stimulation. Stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes are traditionally cultured on glass surfaces coated with extracellular matrix derivatives such as gelatin. hiPSC-CMs are flat and round and their sarcomeres are randomly distributed and unorganized. Morphology can be enhanced by culturing cells on surfaces providing topographical cues to the cells. In this study, a textile based-culturing method used to enhance the maturation status of hiPSC-CMs is presented. Gelatin-coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-based textiles were used as the culturing surface for hiPSC-CMs and the effects of the textiles on the maturation status of the hiPSC-CMs were assessed. The hiPSC-CMs were characterized by analyzing their morphology, sarcomere organization, expression of cardiac specific genes, and calcium handling. We show that the topographical cues improve the structure of the hiPSC-CMs in vitro. Human iPSC-CMs grown on PET textiles demonstrated improved structural properties such as rod-shape structure and increased sarcomere orientation.
N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine-Loaded Chitosan Filaments Biodegradable and Biocompatible for Use as Absorbable Surgical Suture Materials
Authors: da Silva Milena Costa , da Silva Henrique Nunes , Alves Leal Cruz Rita de Cássia , Sagoe Amoah Solomon Kweku , de Lima Silva Suédina Maria , Lia Fook Marcus Vinícius
Published: June 2019

The aim of this study was to prepare chitosan (CS) filaments incorporated with N-acetyl-D-Glucosamine (GlcNAc), using the wet spinning method, in order to combine the GlcNAc pharmacological properties with the CS biological properties for use as absorbable suture materials. The filaments were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), uniaxial tensile testing, in vitro biodegradation, and through in vitro drug release and cytotoxicity studies. It was observed that the addition of GlcNAc did not alter the morphology of the filaments. The CS and CS/GlcNAc filaments presented diameters 145 µm and 148 µm, respectively, and the surfaces were homogeneous. Although the mechanical resistance of the chitosan filaments decreased with the incorporation of the GlcNAc drug, this property was greater than the mean values indicated in the U.S. Pharmacopeia (1.7 N) for suture number 6-0 (filament diameter of 100–149 μm). The biodegradation of the CS filaments was accelerated by the addition of GlcNAc. After 35 days, the CS/GlcNAc filaments degradability was at its total, and for the CS filaments it was acquired in 49 days. The in vitro kinetic of the release process was of the zero-order and Hopfenberg models, controlled by both diffusion and erosion process. The in vitro cytotoxicity data of the CS and CS/GlcNAc filaments toward L929 cells showed that these filaments are nontoxic to these cells. Thus, the GlcNAc-loaded CS filaments might be promising as absorbable suture materials. In addition, this medical device may be able to enhance healing processes, relieve pain, and minimize infection at the surgery site due the prolonged release of GlcNAc.
Investigation on the Failure Behavior of Engineered Cementitious Composites under Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Authors: Zhong Junfei , Shi Jun , Shen Jiyang , Zhou Guangchun , Wang Zonglin
Published: June 2019

This paper investigates the freeze-thaw performance of engineered cementitious composites (ECC) reinforced with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers, by applying an innovative criterion for judging the specimen’s working state mutation. The ECC materials are prepared into 25 mixtures using the Taguchi method. Then, the fundamental transverse frequency, the flexural performance and the internal strain variation of ECC specimens subjected to freeze-thaw cycles are measured. Unlike the existing studies, this investigation focuses on the failure behavior of ECC materials in the process of freeze-thaw. The Mann-Kendall (M-K) criterion is introduced to detect the ECC specimen’s working state leap feature, leading to the updated definition of frost-induced failure concept. Furthermore, the three-level model for evaluating the freeze-thaw performance of ECC materials is established according to the revealed essential leap feature. Thus, the effect of each individual mix design factor on the frost-induced failure indices is perceived from the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio analysis and the analysis of variance (ANOVA). Finally, a mix formulation estimated based on Taguchi method is recommended for its optimum resistance against frost-induced failure, which is verified by the confirmation experiment.
Gastric Adenocarcinoma Associated with Acute Endocarditis of the Aortic Valve and Coronary Artery Disease in a 61-Year-Old Male with Multiple Comorbidities—Combined Surgical Management—Case Report
Authors: Moldovan Horaţiu , Popescu Daniela , Buliga Teodor , Filip Anca , Antoniac Iulian , Gheorghiţӑ Daniela , Molnar Adrian
Published: June 2019

The case of a 61-year-old male with a recent total gastrectomy for a hemorrhagic gastric tumor is presented, with the important co-morbidities of type II diabetes mellitus requiring insulin, chronic hepatitis C with liver dysfunction, stage II essential hypertension, chronic stage III renal disease peripheral type II aorto-iliac disease with stage II ischemia of both legs, and chronic anemia. About one month following the gastrectomy, the patient presented with fever and acute inflammatory syndrome. Severe aortic insufficiency, aortic valvular vegetations, and positive blood cultures with Staphylococcus saprophytic were found. The diagnosis of infectious endocarditis on the aortic valve was established (positive blood cultures with echocardiographic features of vegetations, fever), and antibiotic treatment with Levofloxacin and Vancomycin was initiated. The evolution was favorable with the remission of the inflammatory syndrome and quick cessation of fever. However, the hemodynamic aspect showed progressive heart failure with acute pulmonary edema. The transesophageal echocardiographic examination confirmed the existence of severe aortic insufficiency and valvular vegetations with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 38%. The coronary angiography revealed double vessel disease. The calculated Euroscore II was 33.4%. Aortic valve replacement with porcine xenograft and double coronary artery bypass graft surgery was performed. The patient had a favorable postoperative course remaining afebrile and out of heart failure, with the markers of inflammation largely within normal limits. The left ventricular ejection fraction increased to 50%. The successful outcome of this case, represented by a rare association of cancer, endocarditis, and coronary disease, reveals the importance of the multidisciplinary teams involved in this case: gastroenterology, general surgery, cardiology, infectious diseases, cardiac surgery, and intensive care. Therefore, in such cases with high risk, complex patients, a strong collaboration between all specialties is needed to overcome all of the limitations of the patient’s co-morbidities.
Enhanced Ductility of a W-30Cu Composite by Improving Microstructure Homogeneity
Authors: Hao Zehui , Liu Jinxu , Cao Jin , Li Shukui , Liu Xingwei , He Chuan , Xue Xinying
Published: June 2019

Due to its negligible solubility, it is difficult to obtain a W-30Cu composite with a homogenous microstructure. However, with a selected W skeleton, a homogeneous phase distribution was achieved for a W-30Cu composite in the present study. By detailed characterization of the mechanical performance and microstructure of the W-30Cu composite, as well as the stress distribution state under a loading condition, the effects of microstructure homogeneity on the mechanical properties and failure mechanisms are identified. The mechanisms by which the ductility and strength depend on microstructure homogeneity contain the effects on plastic deformation and stress coordination of the Cu phase network. The dominant factors for the high ductility and strength of W-30Cu composites are proposed.
Fast Detection of 10 Cannabinoids by RP-HPLC-UV Method in Cannabis sativa L.
Authors: Mandrioli Mara , Tura Matilde , Scotti Stefano , Gallina Toschi Tullia
Published: June 2019

Cannabis has regained much attention as a result of updated legislation authorizing many different uses and can be classified on the basis of the content of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychotropic substance for which there are legal limitations in many countries. For this purpose, accurate qualitative and quantitative determination is essential. The relationship between THC and cannabidiol (CBD) is also significant as the latter substance is endowed with many specific and non-psychoactive proprieties. For these reasons, it becomes increasingly important and urgent to utilize fast, easy, validated, and harmonized procedures for determination of cannabinoids. The procedure described herein allows rapid determination of 10 cannabinoids from the inflorescences of Cannabis sativa L. by extraction with organic solvents. Separation and subsequent detection are by RP-HPLC-UV. Quantification is performed by an external standard method through the construction of calibration curves using pure standard chromatographic reference compounds. The main cannabinoids dosed (g/100 g) in actual samples were cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), CBD, and Δ9-THC (Sample L11 CBDA 0.88 ± 0.04, CBD 0.48 ± 0.02, Δ9-THC 0.06 ± 0.00; Sample L5 CBDA 0.93 ± 0.06, CBD 0.45 ± 0.03, Δ9-THC 0.06 ± 0.00). The present validated RP-HPLC-UV method allows determination of the main cannabinoids in Cannabis sativa L. inflorescences and appropriate legal classification as hemp or drug-type.
Current Applications of Nanoemulsions in Cancer Therapeutics
Authors: Sánchez-López Elena , Guerra Mariana , Dias-Ferreira João , Lopez-Machado Ana , Ettcheto Miren , Cano Amanda , Espina Marta , Camins Antoni , Garcia Maria Luisa , Souto Eliana B.
Published: June 2019

Nanoemulsions are pharmaceutical formulations composed of particles within a nanometer range. They possess the capacity to encapsulate drugs that are poorly water soluble due to their hydrophobic core nature. Additionally, they are also composed of safe gradient excipients, which makes them a stable and safe option to deliver drugs. Cancer therapy has been an issue for several decades. Drugs developed to treat this disease are not always successful or end up failing, mainly due to low solubility, multidrug resistance (MDR), and unspecific toxicity. Nanoemulsions might be the solution to achieve efficient and safe tumor treatment. These formulations not only solve water-solubility problems but also provide specific targeting to cancer cells and might even be designed to overcome MDR. Nanoemulsions can be modified using ligands of different natures to target components present in tumor cells surface or to escape MDR mechanisms. Multifunctional nanoemulsions are being studied by a wide variety of researchers in different research areas mainly for the treatment of different types of cancer. All of these studies demonstrate that nanoemulsions are efficiently taken by the tumoral cells, reduce tumor growth, eliminate toxicity to healthy cells, and decrease migration of cancer cells to other organs.
Vegetable-Based Diets for Chronic Kidney Disease? It Is Time to Reconsider
Authors: Cases Aleix , Cigarrán-Guldrís Secundino , Mas Sebastián , Gonzalez-Parra Emilio
Published: June 2019

Traditional dietary recommendations to renal patients limited the intake of fruits and vegetables because of their high potassium content. However, this paradigm is rapidly changing due to the multiple benefits derived from a fundamentally vegetarian diet such as, improvement in gut dysbiosis, reducing the number of pathobionts and protein-fermenting species leading to a decreased production of the most harmful uremic toxins, while the high fiber content of these diets enhances intestinal motility and short-chain fatty acid production. Metabolic acidosis in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is aggravated by the high consumption of meat and refined cereals, increasing the dietary acid load, while the intake of fruit and vegetables is able to neutralize the acidosis and its deleterious consequences. Phosphorus absorption and bioavailability is also lower in a vegetarian diet, reducing hyperphosphatemia, a known cause of cardiovascular mortality in CKD. The richness of multiple plants in magnesium and vitamin K avoids their deficiency, which is common in these patients. These beneficial effects, together with the reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress observed with these diets, may explain the reduction in renal patients’ complications and mortality, and may slow CKD progression. Finally, although hyperkalemia is the main concern of these diets, the use of adequate cooking techniques can minimize the amount absorbed.
In Situ Observation on Rate-Dependent Strain Localization of Thermo-Induced Shape Memory Polyurethane
Authors: Li Jian , Kan Qianhua , Chen Kaijuan , Liang Zhihong , Kang Guozheng
Published: June 2019

In situ monotonic tensile experiments of thermo-induced shape memory polyurethane (SMPU) at different loading rates were carried out by the digital image correlation (DIC) method and infrared camera FLIR®-A655sc in natural convection (NC) and forced convection (FC) conditions, respectively. The multiform strain localization of SMPU was observed by the DIC method, and the influence of thermo–mechanical coupling on the strain localization was analyzed by using the FLIR to measure the temperature field caused by the internal heat generation. The experimental results show that the strain localization mode strongly depends on the strain rate and convection condition, and the strain localization mode can be transformed by changing the convection condition from NC to FC. The competition mechanism between the strain hardening induced by the increasing loading rate and strain softening induced by the internal heat generation is indicated, the transition modes of strain localization are clarified, and the influences of thermo–mechanical coupling on shape memory effect are discussed.
A Hyper-Elastic Creep Approach and Characterization Analysis for Rubber Vibration Systems
Authors: Leng Dingxin , Xu Kai , Qin Liping , Ma Yong , Liu Guijie
Published: June 2019

Rubber materials are extensively utilized for vibration mitigation. Creep is one of the most important physical properties in rubber engineering applications, which may induce failure issues. The purpose of this paper is to provide an engineering approach to evaluate creep performance of rubber systems. Using a combination of hyper-elastic strain energy potential and time-dependent creep damage function, new creep constitutive models were developed. Three different time-decay creep functions were provided and compared. The developed constitutive model was incorporated with finite element analysis by user subroutine and its engineering potential for predicting the creep response of rubber vibration devices was validated. Quasi-static and creep experiments were conducted to verify numerical solutions. The time-dependent, temperature-related, and loading-induced creep behaviors (e.g., stress distribution, creep rate, and creep degree) were explored. Additionally, the time–temperature superposition principle was shown. The present work may enlighten the understanding of the creep mechanism of rubbers and provide a theoretical basis for engineering applications.
Experimental Study on Nano-Parameters of Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene Block Copolymer Modified Bitumen Based on Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Zhang Wengang , Wang Fang , Shi Jun , Li Zhongmei , Liang Xiaofei
Published: June 2019

In this paper, an atomic force microscope (AFM) was used to study the nano-morphology characteristics of styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS) modified bitumen. The effects of SBS content and short-term aging on the nano-morphology parameters of bitumen were studied. The correlation between nano-morphology parameters and main pavement performances of SBS modified bitumen was analyzed. The results show that with the increase of SBS content, the average area of bee-like structure and the proportions of bee-like structure area of SBS modified bitumen increases gradually, the roughness of the whole image and the roughness of the lightweight component region decreases gradually, but the increasing or decreasing trend is no longer obvious when the content of SBS is more than 4%. The maximum height difference of SBS modified bitumen is linear with the content of SBS. The larger the content of SBS, the smaller the influence of short-term aging on the nano-morphology of SBS modified bitumen. The penetration degree will decrease and the softening point will increase with the increase of the proportion of bee-like structure area of SBS modified bitumen. The ductility will decrease with the increase of the roughness of the lightweight component region. The ductility and the Brookfield viscosity will increase with the increase of the maximum height difference. The research results provided a reference for defining quantifiable nano-parameters of SBS modified bitumen and establishing the relationship between nano-parameters and pavement performances.
“Just Think”—Students Feel Significantly More Relaxed, Less Aroused, and in a Better Mood after a Period of Silence Alone in a Room
Authors: Pfeifer Eric , Geyer Nikolas , Storch Frank , Wittmann Marc
Published: June 2019

A series of studies by Wilson and colleagues in 2014 suggested that participants (mostly students) did not enjoy a 6 to 15 min silent period of “just thinking”. Students in our study (n = 64) similarly spent a period of silence (6:30 min) alone in a room with nothing to do but concentrate on their own thoughts. They sat on a chair facing the door. Unlike the study by Wilson et al., the students felt significantly more relaxed, less aroused, and in a better mood after this period of silence. The subjects did not experience boredom; they were mostly present-oriented and judged that the time had passed quickly. A reason why the students in our study managed a silent period of time just thinking compared to the Wilson et al. study may be due to intercultural factors. Another reason could be that our student sample was already acquainted with aspects of emotional self-awareness owing to their specific study programs and curricula (mostly education, inclusive education, social education). On the basis of such possible influences, the variety of responses our subjects reported for a period of “just thinking” merits further investigation.
The Influence of Nanoclay on the Flame Retardancy and Mechanical Performance of Recycled Carpet Composites
Authors: Mishra Kunal , Vaidyanathan Ranji
Published: June 2019

In the present study, we recycled waste carpet using a vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process. Three different variations of carpet composites were fabricated, namely, neat epoxy, clay-coated, and clay-infused carpet composites. The carpet composite samples were degraded hygrothermally as well as under a cyclic UV condensation condition. Presence of clay was shown to impede the moisture absorption and UV degradation in the carpet composites. Flexural properties also showed that the presence of clay slows the degradation process of the composites. The flame retardancy result indicated that the presence of clay in the polymer network decreases the ignition time of the carpet composites.
Digital Approach to Rotational Speed Measurement Using an Electrostatic Sensor
Authors: Li Lin , Hu Hongli , Qin Yong , Tang Kaihao
Published: June 2019

In industrial production processes, rotational speed is a key parameter for equipment condition monitoring and fault diagnosis. To achieve rotational speed measurement of rotational equipment under a condition of high temperature and heavy dust, this article proposes a digital approach using an electrostatic sensor. The proposed method utilizes a strip of a predetermined material stuck on the rotational shaft which will accumulate a charge because of the relative motion with the air. Then an electrostatic sensor mounted near the strip is employed to obtain the fluctuating signal related to the rotation of the charged strip. Via a signal conversion circuit, a square wave, the frequency of which equals that of the rotation shaft can be obtained. Having the square wave, the M/T method and T method are adopted to work out the rotational speed. Experiments were conducted on a laboratory-scale test rig to compare the proposed method with the auto-correlation method. The largest relative errors of the auto-correlation method with the sampling rate of 2 ksps, 5 ksps are 3.2% and 1.3%, respectively. The relative errors using digital approaches are both within ±4‰. The linearity of the digital approach combined with the M/T method or T method is also superior to that of the auto-correlation method. The performance of the standard deviations and response speed was also compared and analyzed to show the priority of the digital approach.
Advances in Nuclear Radiation Sensing: Enabling 3-D Gamma-Ray Vision
Authors: Vetter Kai , Barnowski Ross , Cates Joshua W. , Haefner Andrew , Joshi Tenzing H.Y. , Pavlovsky Ryan , Quiter Brian J.
Published: June 2019

The enormous advances in sensing and data processing technologies in combination with recent developments in nuclear radiation detection and imaging enable unprecedented and “smarter” ways to detect, map, and visualize nuclear radiation. The recently developed concept of three-dimensional (3-D) Scene-data fusion allows us now to “see” nuclear radiation in three dimensions, in real time, and specific to radionuclides. It is based on a multi-sensor instrument that is able to map a local scene and to fuse the scene data with nuclear radiation data in 3-D while the instrument is freely moving through the scene. This new concept is agnostic of the deployment platform and the specific radiation detection or imaging modality. We have demonstrated this 3-D Scene-data fusion concept in a range of configurations in locations, such as the Fukushima Prefecture in Japan or Chernobyl in Ukraine on unmanned and manned aerial and ground-based platforms. It provides new means in the detection, mapping, and visualization of radiological and nuclear materials relevant for the safe and secure operation of nuclear and radiological facilities or in the response to accidental or intentional releases of radioactive materials where a timely, accurate, and effective assessment is critical. In addition, the ability to visualize nuclear radiation in 3-D and in real time provides new means in the communication with public and facilitates to overcome one of the major public concerns of not being able to “see” nuclear radiation.
Tracking Foot Drop Recovery Following Lumbar-Spine Surgery, Applying Multiclass Gait Classification Using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Sharif Bidabadi Shiva , Tan Tele , Murray Iain , Lee Gabriel
Published: June 2019

The ability to accurately perform human gait evaluation is critical for orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons in tracking the recovery process of their patients. The assessment of gait in an objective and accurate manner can lead to improvement in diagnoses, treatments, and recovery. Currently, visual inspection is the most common clinical method for evaluating the gait, but this method can be subjective and inaccurate. The aim of this study is to evaluate the foot drop condition in an accurate and clinically applicable manner. The gait data were collected from 56 patients suffering from foot drop with L5 origin gathered via a system based on inertial measurement unit sensors at different stages of surgical treatment. Various machine learning (ML) algorithms were applied to categorize the data into specific groups associated with the recovery stages. The results revealed that the random forest algorithm performed best out of the selected ML algorithms, with an overall 84.89% classification accuracy and 0.3785 mean absolute error for regression.
Audio-Based System for Automatic Measurement of Jump Height in Sports Science
Authors: Pueo Basilio , Lopez Jose J. , Jimenez-Olmedo Jose M.
Published: June 2019

Jump height tests are employed to measure the lower-limb muscle power of athletic and non-athletic populations. The most popular instruments for this purpose are jump mats and, more recently, smartphone apps, which compute jump height through manual annotation of video recordings to extract flight time. This study developed a non-invasive instrument that automatically extracts take-off and landing events from audio recordings of jump executions. An audio signal processing algorithm, specifically developed for this purpose, accurately detects and discriminates the landing and take-off events in real time and computes jump height accordingly. Its temporal resolution theoretically outperforms that of flight-time-based mats (typically 1000 Hz) and high-speed video rates from smartphones (typically 240 fps). A validation study was carried out by comparing 215 jump heights from 43 active athletes, measured simultaneously with the audio-based system and with of a validated, commercial jump mat. The audio-based system produced nearly identical jump heights than the criterion with low and proportional systematic bias and random errors. The developed audio-based system is a trustworthy instrument for accurately measuring jump height that can be readily automated as an app to facilitate its use both in laboratories and in the field.
Encoded-Enhancement of THz Metasurface Figure of Merit for Label-Free Sensing
Authors: Papari Gian Paolo , Koral Can , Andreone Antonello
Published: June 2019

We describe an experimental strategy for the use of Terahertz (THz) metasurfaces as a platform for label-free wide range detection of the dielectric function in biological fluids. Specifically, we propose a metagrid (MG), opportunely infiltrated with a fluid and then capped, as the reference structure for sensing experiments with a high reproducibility character. By combining experiments and full-wave simulations of the transmission T of such a structure, we introduce a reliable set up where the volume of the involved analyte in each unit cell is precisely determined. The unavoidable decrease in the quality factor of the intrinsic resonances due to the lossy fluid and cap layer is circumvented using an appropriate transformation of T that amplifies the change in the MG intrinsic resonances, improving in such a way the sensor sensitivity to values close to the experimental limits. The transformed signal features delta-like peaks enabling an easy readout of frequency positions at resonances.
Does Ownership Determine Business Model?
Authors: Zhang Li , Liu Yingqi , Kokko Ari
Published: June 2019

The development of a new energy vehicle industry is considered a sustainable approach to solving the global energy crisis and the problem of environmental pollution. The sales of new energy vehicles in China are the highest in the world, and China’s new energy vehicle enterprises have played an important role in this. The business model, as a method for enterprises to achieve their strategic goals, utilizes resource advantages to deliver value to consumers, and is affected by enterprises’ ownership, competitive strategy, and resources. Based on the resource-based view (RBV) theory, the article uses a mixed quantitative and qualitative methodology, selects 30 vehicle enterprises from the mainstream market, and takes product value, suppliers, dealers and external relations, research capabilities, shareholders, and profitability as potential explanatory elements to analyze business model differentiation between different ownership categories. The article explores the reasons for the differences in business models between different ownership classes through case studies and data comparisons. It examines the characteristics and types of business model based on resources and competitive strategy. This study suggests that the ownership of enterprises plays a decisive role in strategic choices and resource acquisition and has a differential impact on the business model in resources and revenue dimensions. A business model represents the result of the interaction between competitive strategy and historical resources, which in turn demonstrates that ownership determines business model.
Evaluation of Driver Behavior Criteria for Evolution of Sustainable Traffic Safety
Authors: Farooq Danish , Moslem Sarbast , Duleba Szabolcs
Published: June 2019

Driver behavior has been considered as the most influential factor in reducing fatal road accidents and the resulting injuries. Thus, it is important to focus on the significance of driver behavior criteria to solve road safety issues for a sustainable traffic system. The recent study aims to enumerate the most significant driver behavior factors which have a critical impact on road safety. The well-proven Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) has been applied for 20 examined driver behavior factors in a three-level hierarchical structure. Linguistic judgment data have been collected from three nominated evaluator groups in order to detect the difference of responses on perceived road safety issues. The comparison scales had been averaged prior to computing the weights of driver behavior factors. The AHP ranking results have revealed that most of the drivers are most concerned about the “Errors”, followed by the “Lapses” for the first level. The highest influential sub-criteria for the second level is the “Aggressive violations” and for the third level, the “Drive with alcohol use”. Kendall’s rank correlation has also been applied to detect the agreement degree among the evaluator groups for each level in the hierarchical structure. The estimated results indicate that road management authorities should focus on high-rank significant driver behavior criteria to solve road safety issues for sustainable traffic safety.
The Logarithmic Law of the Wall in Flows over Mobile Lattice-Arranged Granular Beds
Authors: Antico Federica , Ricardo Ana , Ferreira Rui
Published: June 2019

The purpose of the present paper is to provide further insights on the definition of the parameters of the log-law in open-channel flows with rough mobile granular beds. Emphasis is placed in the study of flows over cohesionless granular beds composed of monosized spherical particles in simple lattice arrangements. Potentially influencing factors such as grain size distribution, grain shape and density or cohesion are not addressed in this study. This allows for a preliminary discussion of the amount of complexity needed to obtain the log-law features observed in more realistic open-channel flows. Data collection included instantaneous streamwise and bed-normal flow velocities, acquired with a two-dimensional and two-component (2D2C) Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) system. The issue of the non uniqueness of the definition of the parameters of the log-law is addressed by testing several hypotheses. In what concerns the von Kármán parameter, κ , it is considered as flow-independent or flow-dependent (a fitting parameter). As for the geometric roughness scale, k s , it results from a best fit procedure or is computed from a roughness function. In the latter case, the parameter B is imposed as 8.5 or is calculated from the best fit estimate. The analysis of the results reveals that a flow dependent von Kármán parameter, lower than the constant κ = 0.40 , should be preferred. Forcing κ = 0.40 leads to non-physical values of k s and would imply extending the inner layer up about 50% of the flow depth which is physically difficult to explain. Considering a flow dependent von Kármán parameter allows for coherent explanations for the values of the remaining parameters (the geometric roughness scale k s , the displacement height Δ , the roughness height z 0 ). In particular, for the same transport rate, the roughness height obtained in a natural sediment bed is much greater than in the case of bed made of monosized glass spheres, underlining the influence of the bed surface complexity (texture and self-organized bed forms, in the water-worked cases) on the definition of the log-law parameters.
Improving coding and primary care management for patients with chronic kidney disease: an observational controlled study in East London
Authors: Hull Sally A , Rajabzadeh Vian , Thomas Nicola , Hoong Sec , Dreyer Gavin , Rainey Helen , Ashman Neil
Published: June 2019

Background

The UK national chronic kidney disease (CKD) audit in primary care shows diagnostic coding in the electronic health record for CKD averages 70%, with wide practice variation. Coding is associated with improvements to risk factor management; CKD cases coded in primary care have lower rates of unplanned hospital admission.

Aim

To increase diagnostic coding of CKD (stages 3–5) and primary care management, including blood pressure to target and prescription of statins to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.

Design and setting

Controlled, cross-sectional study in four East London clinical commissioning groups (CCGs).

Method

Interventions to improve coding formed part of a larger system change to the delivery of renal services in both primary and secondary care in East London. Quarterly anonymised data on CKD coding, blood pressure values, and statin prescriptions were extracted from practice computer systems for 1-year pre- and post-initiation of the intervention.

Results

Three intervention CCGs showed significant coding improvement over a 1 year period following the intervention (regression for post-intervention trend P<0.001). The CCG with highest coding rates increased from 76–90% of CKD cases coded; the lowest coding CCG increased from 52–81%. The comparison CCG showed no change in coding rates. Combined data from all practices in the intervention CCGs showed a significant increase in the proportion of cases with blood pressure achieving target levels (difference in proportion P<0.001) over the 2-year study period. Differences in statin prescribing were not significant.

Conclusion

Clinically important improvements to coding and management of CKD in primary care can be achieved by quality improvement interventions that use shared data to track and monitor change supported by practice-based facilitation. Alignment of clinical and CCG priorities and the provision of clinical targets, financial incentives, and educational resource were additional important elements of the intervention.
Le nu antique sur les sceaux du Moyen Âge : le remploi d’intailles (fin XIIe-milieu du XIVe siècle)
Authors: Simonet Caroline
Published: June 2019

The classical nude on medieval seals : the reuse of intaglios (late 12th century to mid-14th century)

During the twelfth century, some matrixes for seals were set with antique intaglios or cameos with nude figures. This practice was not restricted to the elite, but touched a broad spectrum of society until the mid-fourteenth century, when it rapidly declined. The presence of female nudes has often been noted on clerical seals, although male nudes predominate on both lay and clerical matrixes. In most cases the degree of understanding of this iconography by medieval society cannot be determined. Some seals, however, reveal a deep knowledge of the classics. These seals were a sign of a high degree of culture that went beyond the religious and courtly dimension and encompassed Antiquity, obviously from the point of view and mentality of medieval taste and usage, but nonetheless quite distinct within contemporary production.
Connections between the residential circumstances and the roma segregation processes in the outskirts of Hajdúböszörmény in the light of empirical examinations
Authors: Barna Mező
Published: June 2019

In addition to the processing of the available special literature, this study aims to provide an accurate view of the segregation processes in Hajdúböszörmény, as well as their effect on the real estate market by interviewing roma people living in Hajdúböszörmény and by getting to know the opinions of the affected professionals and decisionmakers working at the local authorities.
The Number of Conjugacy Classes and Irreducible Characters in a Finite Group
Authors: Aja Remigius Okeke , Obasi Uchenna Emmanuel , Eze Everestus Obinwanne
Published: June 2019

In this paper, number of conjugacy classes and irreducible characters in a non-abelian group of order $2^6$ are investigated using cycle pattern of elements. Through the exploits of commutator and representation of elements as a product of disjoint cycles, the number of conjugacy classes is obtained which extends some results in literature.
TWO-DIMENSIONAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS IN PRE-ADOLESCENT ATHLETES
Authors: Onikiienko O.
Published: June 2019

Data of echocardiographic characteristics of 59 children 10-11 years old, involved in football is presented in article. Depending on the duration of sports activities the children were divided into 3 groups: group 1 - children who play football up to 3 years (24 children), Group 2 - children who play football from 3 to 5 years (23 children), Group 3 - training duration over 5 years (12 children). It was found that the linear sizes of the heart were not significantly different in the groups studied, which may indicate that myocardial remodeling as cardiac adaptation to sporting loads takes more time. It was revealed that more trained children (group 3) have significantly higher left ventricular ejection fraction compared with group 1 (p = 0.05) and Group 2 (p = 0.0051). Keywords: athletes, children, echocardiography РезюмеО. ОникиенкоДвумерные эхокардиографические характеристики препубертатных спортсменов В статье приведены результаты ультразвукового обследования 59 детей 10-11 лет, занимающихся футболом. В зависимости от длительности занятий спортом дети были разделены на 3 группы: группа 1 – дети со стажем до 3 лет (24 ребенка), группа 2  - стаж занятий от 3 до 5 лет (23 ребенка), группа 3 – стаж занятий более 5 лет (12 детей). Установлено, что линейные размеры сердца достоверно не отличались в группах обследованных, что может свидетельствовать о более длительном процессе ремоделирования миокарда как адаптации сердца к спортивным нагрузкам. Выявлено, что у более тренированных детей (группа 3) достоверно выше фракция выброса левого желудочка по сравнению с группой 1 (p = 0.05) и с группой 2 (p = 0.0051). Ключевые слова: спортсмены, дети, эхокардиография   РезюмеО. ОнікієнкоДвовимірні ехокардіографічні характеристики препубертатних спортсменівУ статті наведено результати ультразвукового обстеження 59 дітей 10-11 років, які займаються футболом. Залежно від тривалості занять спортом діти були розділені на 3 групи: група 1 - діти зі стажем до 3 років (24 дитини), група 2 - стаж занять від 3 до 5 років (23 дитини), група 3 - стаж занять більше 5 років (12 дітей). Встановлено, що лінійні розміри серця достовірно не відрізнялися в групах обстежених, що може свідчити про більшу тривалість ремоделювання міокарда як адаптації серця до спортивних навантажень. Виявлено, що у більш тренованих дітей (група 3) достовірно вища фракція викиду лівого шлуночка в порівнянні з групою 1 (p = 0.05) і з групою 2 (p = 0.0051). Ключові слова: спортсмени, діти, ехокардіографія
Preparing for future security challenges with practitioner research
Authors: Last David , Morris Travis , Dececchi Bernadette
Published: June 2019

Mid-sized countries face a changing security environment, and cannot be certain that the knowledge and practices of the past will serve the future. The officers, professors, and researchers in defence universities are the custodians of military sciences that must adapt to these changing situations. Practitioner research should be modelled and encouraged in defence universities as a vehicle for advancing military sciences to meet new challenges. Previous practitioner research in higher and adult education has highlighted the need for experiential learning in other professions. The authors report on practitioner research by professors at pre-commission military academies to improve cadets’ understanding of peace and conflict. Military and police education is often experience-based, but there are few reports of practitioner research on its effectiveness, nor of combining peace and conflict education with out-of-classroom experiences. Legitimation Code Theory provides tools for understanding different teaching approaches. Comparing four cases of practitioner research on experiential learning the authors present models for practitioner research on teaching peace and conflict through out-of-classroom experiences, and conclude with means of evaluating learning experiences by pre-commission cadets, drawing on legitimation code theory. This is increasingly important for military academies striving to meet academic standards, but also to preserve professional values and young officer motivation to confront new challenges.
Preparation of Polish police officers for peace missions
Authors: Kuć Kamil , Trzcińska Walentyna
Published: June 2019

Conflicts in the 21st century have forced qualitative changes in the way of training missionary
personnel. Police forces are currently used in various joint operations, which include, among
others, elements of the fight against terrorism, ensuring the security of civilians and training
of security forces. New types of operations require corrected preparation systems. This article
analyses the previous way of preparing such units as Individual Police Officers, Specialized
Police Teams, Formed Police Units, as well as the issue related to the training modification
proposal, and one of them is the implementation of the virtual game “Gaming for Peace” as
a supplement to the training gap through modern and more effective training.