bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incarceration and Cancer-Related Outcomes (ICRO) study protocol: using a mixed-methods approach to investigate the role of incarceration on cancer incidence, mortality and quality of care
Authors: Puglisi Lisa , Halberstam Alexandra A , Aminawung Jenerius A , Gallagher Colleen , Gonsalves Lou , Schulman-Green Dena , Lin Hsiu-Ju , Metha Rajni , Mun Sophia , Oladeru Oluwadamilola T , Gross Cary P , Wang Emily A
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Incarceration is associated with decreased cancer screening rates and a higher risk for hospitalisation and death from cancer after release from prison. However, there is a paucity of data on the relationship between incarceration and cancer outcomes and quality of care. In the Incarceration and Cancer-Related Outcomes Study, we aim to develop a nuanced understanding of how incarceration affects cancer incidence, mortality and treatment, and moderates the relationship between socioeconomic status, structural racism and cancer disparities.

Methods and analysis

We will use a sequential explanatory mixed-methods study design. We will create the first comprehensive linkage of data from the Connecticut Department of Correction and the statewide Connecticut Tumour Registry. Using the linked dataset, we will examine differences in cancer incidence and stage at diagnosis between individuals currently incarcerated, formerly incarcerated and never incarcerated in Connecticut from 2005 to 2016. Among individuals with invasive cancer, we will assess relationships among incarceration, quality of cancer care and mortality, and will assess the degree to which incarceration status moderates relationships among race, socioeconomic status, quality of cancer care and cancer mortality. We will use multivariable logistic regression and Cox survival models with interaction terms as appropriate. These results will inform our conduct of in-depth interviews with individuals diagnosed with cancer during or shortly after incarceration regarding their experiences with cancer care in the correctional system and the immediate postrelease period. The results of this qualitative work will help contextualise the results of the data linkage.

Ethics and dissemination

The Yale University Institutional Review Board (#2000022899) and the Connecticut Department of Public Health Human Investigations Committee approved this study. We will disseminate study findings through peer-reviewed publications and academic and community presentations. Access to the deidentified quantitative and qualitative datasets will be made available on review of the request.
Increasing patient flow through neurosurgical critical care: the Leeds Improvement Method
Authors: Meacock James , Mukherjee Soumya , Sheikh Asim
Published: May 2021

At Leeds General Infirmary, a busy tertiary centre for neurosurgery, there has been little visibility of the step-down status of the patients from intensive care to high dependency or from the latter to a ward bed. The only record of the current situation was limited to the paper notes of the bed managers. Furthermore, accuracy of electronic systems used for staffing levels and bed state were underused. There were gaps in information and furthermore information within the system was unreliable (together defined as ‘defects’). These defects mandated bed managers’ physical presence on each ward to obtain reliable data. This led to unwarranted critical care stays and resultant high rates (up to 40%) of elective operation cancellations requiring a critical care bed.

The Leeds Improvement Method using principles of the Toyota Production System aimed to improve patient flow through critical care and to assess the impact on elective case activity. Problems were identified and changes were implemented over a 1-week period. The changes included measures to reduce time taken for collation of critical bed-state information and improving patient and staffing data quality collected in the electronic patient management system (EPMS) and electronic staffing record (ESR). Impact was monitored for 30 days pre-implementation and post-implementation.

Following intervention, the time taken by the bed manager to gather live bed-state information decreased from 50 to 9 min; the EPMS storing correct bed-state data was improved from 71% to 0% defect; the ESR was improved from 100% to 4% defects; critical care patient step-downs occurring at night (after 20:00) improved from 80% to 20%; and the number of cancelled elective cases over a 30-day period reduced from nine to one.

Implementing these organisational efficiencies can significantly improve critical care patient flow and elective case throughput.
Multidisciplinary simulation training for endotracheal intubation during COVID-19 in one Hong Kong regional hospital: strengthening of existing procedures and preparedness
Authors: So Eric H K , Chia N H , Ng George W Y , Chan Osburga P K , Yuen S L , Lung David C , Li W C , So S S , Cheung Victor K L
Published: May 2021

Introduction

In early 2020, our hospital responded with high alertness when novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 appeared. A hospital-based training programme was rapidly arranged to prepare staff for the imminent threat.

Objective

We developed a hospital-wide multidisciplinary infection control training programme on endotracheal intubation for healthcare workers to minimise nosocomial spread of COVID-19 during this high-stress and time-sensitive risky procedure.

Methodology

Major stakeholders (Quality & Safety Department, Infection Control Team, Central Nursing Division, high-risk clinical departments and hospital training centre) formed a training programme task group. This group was tasked with developing high-fidelity scenario-based simulation training curriculum for COVID-19 endotracheal intubation with standard workflow and infection control practice. This group then implemented and evaluated the training programme for its effectiveness.

Results

101 training classes of 2-hour session were conducted from 5 February to 18 March 2020, involving 1415 hospital staff (~81% of target participants with training needs) either inside the hospital training centre or as in situ simulation training (intensive care unit or accident and emergency department). Learners’ satisfaction was reflected by overall positive response percentage at 90%. Opinions of participating staff were incorporated into the standard airway management and infection control practice for endotracheal intubation of adult patients with COVID-19. Thirty-five patients with COVID-19 were intubated with the current workflow and guideline without any nosocomial transmission.

Conclusion

An early planned and well-structured multidisciplinary hospital-wide simulation training programme was organised expeditiously to provide extensive staff coverage. The insight and experience gained from this project is valuable for future infectious disease challenges.
Immunogenicity in humans of a transdermal multipeptide melanoma vaccine administered with or without a TLR7 agonist
Authors: Meneveau Max O , Petroni Gina R , Salerno Elise P , Lynch Kevin T , Smolkin Mark , Woodson Elizabeth , Chianese-Bullock Kimberly A , Olson Walter C , Deacon Donna , Patterson James W , Grosh William W , Slingluff Craig L
Published: May 2021

Background

Experimental cancer vaccines are traditionally administered by injection in subcutaneous tissue or muscle, commonly with adjuvants that create chronic inflammatory depots. Injection of melanoma-derived peptides induces T cell responses; however, the depots that form following injection may inhibit optimization of the immune response. In skin, epidermal Langerhans cells (LC) are a dominant source of professional antigen presenting cells. We hypothesized that: (1) applying melanoma-derived peptides topically, in proximity to LC, could be immunogenic and safe, with low vaccine-site toxicity and (2) topical toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonist would increase immunogenicity of the peptide vaccine.

Methods

Twelve melanoma peptides plus a tetanus helper peptide were combined with granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and were administered topically on days 1, 8, and 15, to 28 patients randomized to one of four adjuvant preparations: (1) incomplete Freund’s adjuvant (IFA); (2) IFA plus a TLR7 agonist (imiquimod) administered on days 0, 7, 14; (3) dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or (4) DMSO+ imiquimod administered on day 0, 7, 14. Every 3 weeks thereafter (x 6), the peptides were combined with GM-CSF and were injected into the dermis and subcutis in an emulsion with IFA. Toxicities were recorded and immune responses assayed by ELIspot.

Results

CD8+T cell responses to transdermal vaccination in DMSO occurred in 83% of participants in group 3 and 86% in group 4, and responses to vaccination in IFA were observed in 29% of participants in group 1 and 14% in group 2. Overall, 61% of participants had CD4+T cell immune responses to the tetanus peptide, with large, durable responses in groups 3 and 4. Five of seven participants in group 4 had a severe rash, one that was dose limiting. Ten-year overall survival was 67% and disease-free survival was 44%.

Conclusions

These data provide proof of principle for immunogenicity in humans of transdermal immunization using peptides in DMSO. Further study is warranted into the pharmacokinetics and immunobiology of TLR agonists as vaccine adjuvants during transcutaneous application. Overall survival is high, supporting further investigation of this immunization approach.
Understanding T cell phenotype for the design of effective chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapies
Authors: Tantalo Daniela GM , Oliver Amanda J , von Scheidt Bianca , Harrison Aaron J , Mueller Scott N , Kershaw Michael H , Slaney Clare Y
Published: May 2021

Rapid advances in immunotherapy have identified adoptive cell transfer as one of the most promising approaches for the treatment of cancers. Large numbers of cancer reactive T lymphocytes can be generated ex vivo from patient blood by genetic modification to express chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) specific for tumor-associated antigens. CAR T cells can respond strongly against cancer cells, and adoptive transferred CAR T cells can induce dramatic responses against certain types of cancers. The ability of T cells to respond against disease depends on their ability to localize to sites, persist and exert functions, often in an immunosuppressive microenvironment, and these abilities are reflected in their phenotypes. There is currently intense interest in generating CAR T cells possessing the ideal phenotypes to confer optimal antitumor activity. In this article, we review T cell phenotypes for trafficking, persistence and function, and discuss how culture conditions and genetic makeups can be manipulated to achieve the ideal phenotypes for antitumor activities.
Influence of intravenous alteplase on endovascular treatment decision-making in acute ischemic stroke due to primary medium-vessel occlusion: a case-based survey study
Authors: Kappelhof Manon , Ospel Johanna , Kashani Nima , Cimflova Petra , Singh Nishita , Almekhlafi Mohammed A , Menon Bijoy K , Fiehler Jens , Chen Michael , Sakai Nobuyuki , Goyal Mayank
Published: May 2021

Background

Intravenous alteplase is currently the only evidence-based treatment for medium-vessel occlusion stroke (MeVO; M2/3, A2/3, and P2/3 vessel segment occlusions), but due to its limited efficacy, endovascular treatment (EVT) is increasingly performed in these patients. In this case-based survey study, we examined the influence of intravenous alteplase treatment on physicians’ decision-making for EVT in primary MeVO stroke.

Methods

In an international web-based survey among physicians involved in acute stroke care, participants provided their EVT decision for six quasi-identical fictional MeVO case scenarios (three with and without intravenous alteplase administered). Each scenario showed radiological images and clinical information in the form of a short case vignette. We compared EVT decisions (“immediate EVT”, “no EVT”, or “wait for alteplase effect” [in case scenarios with alteplase treatment only]) for case scenarios with and without alteplase treatment. Clustered multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the effect of alteplase on treatment decision.

Results

The survey was completed by 366 physicians from 44 countries, resulting in 2196 responses included in this study. In alteplase-treated cases, 641/1098 (58.4%) responses favored immediate EVT, (279/1098 [25.4%]) favored no EVT and 178/1098 (16.2%) opted to wait for alteplase effect. In non-alteplase-treated case scenarios, 846/1098 (78.7%) were in favor of and 252/1098 (21.3%) against EVT. Intravenous alteplase was associated with a lower chance of a decision in favor of immediate EVT (adjusted OR 0.38 [95%CI 0.31 to 0.46]).

Conclusions

Intravenous alteplase is an important factor in EVT decision-making for MeVO stroke. However, even in alteplase-treated patients, more than half of the physicians decided to proceed with EVT without waiting for alteplase effect.
Global infectious disease risks associated with occupational exposure among non-healthcare workers: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Acke Sofie , Couvreur Simon , Bramer Wichor M , Schmickler Marie-Noëlle , De Schryver Antoon , Haagsma Juanita A
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Employees in non-healthcare occupations may be in several ways exposed to infectious agents. Improved knowledge about the risks is needed to identify opportunities to prevent work-related infectious diseases. The objective of the current study was to provide an updated overview of the published evidence on the exposure to pathogens among non-healthcare workers. Because of the recent SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks, we also aimed to gain more evidence about exposure to several respiratory tract pathogens.

Methods

Eligible studies were identified in MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane between 2009 and 8 December 2020. The protocol was registered with International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42019107265). An additional quality assessment was applied according to the Equator network guidelines.

Results

The systematic literature search yielded 4620 papers of which 270 met the selection and quality criteria. Infectious disease risks were described in 37 occupational groups; 18 of them were not mentioned before. Armed forces (n=36 pathogens), livestock farm labourers (n=31), livestock/dairy producers (n=26), abattoir workers (n=22); animal carers and forestry workers (both n=16) seemed to have the highest risk. In total, 111 pathogen exposures were found. Many of these occupational groups (81.1%) were exposed to respiratory tract pathogens.

Conclusion

Many of these respiratory tract pathogens were readily transmitted where employees congregate (workplace risk factors), while worker risk factors seemed to be of increasing importance. By analysing existing knowledge of these risk factors, identifying new risks and susceptible risk groups, this review aimed to raise awareness of the issue and provide reliable information to establish more effective preventive measures.
Invasive dreissenid mussel effects on phosphorus dynamics in Lake Ontario: insights from integrated hydrodynamic–ecological modeling
Authors: Hui Yuan , Atkinson Joseph F. , Zhu Zhenduo , Schlea Derek , Redder Todd
Published: May 2021

Invasive dreissenid mussels (Dreissena polymorpha and Dreissena bugensis) have a profound effect on the total phosphorus (TP) budget in Lake Ontario, which in turn influences ecological processes such as the resurgence of the benthic alga Cladophora. A validated three-dimensional integrated hydrodynamic and ecological modeling framework is applied to quantify the impact that dreissenids have on the spatial and species distribution of TP in the lake. Model results for April to September 2013 show that dreissenids decrease TP in the water column by about 1812 metric tonnes, which is about 60% of the tributary TP loading to the lake. This reduction in TP affects other processes controlling its distribution. Physical transport of TP from nearshore to offshore waters is reduced, and the amount of TP involved in chemical reactions is reduced, while TP processed by biological transformations is increased. This study provides the first attempt to quantify the TP budget changes in Lake Ontario by dreissenids using numerical modeling, and findings of this study can be generalized to other lakes with similar conditions.
Effects of selective fishing on a small scale multi-species and multi-gear freshwater fishery in the Magdalena River Basin (Colombia)
Authors: Hernández Barrero Sandra Jeannette , Valderrama Barco Mauricio , Barreto Reyes Carlos Guillermo , Stotz Wolfgang
Published: May 2021

Classical management has not been able to stop the 65% decrease in fishery production during the last 40 years in the Magdalena–Cauca River Basin. To analyze the effects of selective fishing of multiple species and small scale fisheries we addressed temporal changes at fishing level and the response of fishermen. The fishery reduced production and CPUE (catch per unit effort standardized), decreased the large sizes and growth rates of Prochilodus magdalenae and Pseudoplatystoma magdaleniatum, changed the abundance of trophic levels (decreased carnivores and increase of detritivores, omnivores), and increased exploitation rates. The fishermen have responded by implementing self-control measures, diversifying fishing gear and mesh size, including new species and sizes in the catch with a higher CPUE of small sized fish, adjusting the fishing effort to the abundance. We conclude that selective fishing has had ecological effects and fishermen have empirically self-regulated to optimize the cost–benefit ratio of their activity, developing a fishery that is more in line with ecosystemic structures. We address the balanced harvest strategy as a management alternative.
Descriptional Complexity of Semi-Simple Splicing Systems
Authors: Kari Lila , Ng Timothy
Published: May 2021

Splicing systems are generative mechanisms introduced by Tom Head in 1987 to model the biological process of DNA recombination. The computational engine of a splicing system is the “splicing operation”, a cut-and-paste binary string operation defined by a set of “splicing rules”, quadruples [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] are words over an alphabet [Formula: see text]. For two strings [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], applying the splicing rule [Formula: see text] produces the string [Formula: see text]. In this paper we focus on a particular type of splicing systems, called [Formula: see text] semi-simple splicing systems, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], wherein all splicing rules [Formula: see text] have the property that the two strings in positions [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] are singleton letters, while the other two strings are empty. The language generated by such a system consists of the set of words that are obtained starting from an initial set called “axiom set”, by iteratively applying the splicing rules to strings in the axiom set as well as to intermediately produced strings. We consider semi-simple splicing systems where the axiom set is a regular language, and investigate the descriptional complexity of such systems in terms of the size of the minimal deterministic finite automata that recognize the languages they generate.
OpenMP Implementation of Parallel Longest Common Subsequence Algorithm for Mathematical Expression Retrieval
Authors: Kumar Perepu Pavan
Published: May 2021

Given a mathematical expression in LaTeX or MathML format, retrieval algorithm extracts similar expressions from a database. In our previous work, we have used Longest Common Subsequence (LCS) algorithm to match two expressions of lengths, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], which takes [Formula: see text] time complexity. If there are [Formula: see text] database expressions, total complexity is [Formula: see text], and an increase in [Formula: see text] also increases this complexity. In the present work, we propose to use parallel LCS algorithm in our retrieval process. Parallel LCS has [Formula: see text] time complexity with [Formula: see text] processors and total complexity can be reduced to [Formula: see text]. For our experimentation, OpenMP based implementation has been used on Intel [Formula: see text] processor with 4 cores. However, for smaller expressions, parallel version takes more time as the implementation overhead dominates the algorithmic improvement. As such, we have proposed to use parallel version, selectively, only on larger expressions, in our retrieval algorithm to achieve better performance. We have compared the sequential and parallel versions of our ME retrieval algorithm, and the performance results have been reported on a database of 829 mathematical expressions.
Divergence-free quantum electrodynamics in locally conformally flat space–time
Authors: Mashford John
Published: May 2021

This paper describes an approach to quantum electrodynamics (QED) in curved space–time obtained by considering infinite-dimensional algebra bundles associated to a natural principal bundle [Formula: see text] associated with any locally conformally flat space–time, with typical fibers including the Fock space and a space of fermionic multiparticle states which forms a Grassmann algebra. Both these algebras are direct sums of generalized Hilbert spaces. The requirement of [Formula: see text] covariance associated with the geometry of space–time, where [Formula: see text] is the structure group of [Formula: see text], leads to the consideration of [Formula: see text] intertwining operators between various spaces. Scattering processes are associated with such operators and are encoded in an algebra of kernels. Intertwining kernels can be generated using [Formula: see text] covariant matrix-valued measures. Feynman propagators, fermion loops and the electron self-energy can be given well-defined interpretations as such measures. Divergence-free calculations in QED can be carried out by computing the spectra of these measures and kernels (a process called spectral regularization). As an example of the approach the precise Uehling potential function for the [Formula: see text] atom is calculated without requiring renormalization from which the Uehling contribution to the Lamb shift can be calculated exactly.
Reaction mechanism of copper azide nanowires array
Authors: Wang Yanlan , Zhang Fang , Zhang Lei , Han Ruishan , Lu Feipeng
Published: May 2021

In-situ growth of copper azide has endowed this highly sensitive primary explosive new life, but its mechanism study is not enough to support its in-depth study. Hence, azidation reaction was conducted on highly ordered copper nanowires array, which could provide effective channels for gas phase reactant (hydrazoic acid, HN3) to penetrate the solid, further study the mechanism of azidation reaction on copper azide nanowires array, and clarify the relationship between the microstructure and its azidation degree. Gas–solid in-situ azidation technique was used for this in-depth study. The effects of reaction temperature on formation of gaseous HN3 were studied by isothermal thermogravimetry. The azidation results were analyzed by SEM and XRD, the effects of the reaction time, diameter of copper nanowires array precursor and oxidation degree on the azidation degree were studied in detail. This work not only provided deep investigation on the azidation process, but also offered effective guidance for the synthesis of copper azide nanowires array.
A Logistic Growth Model for Software Reliability Estimation Considering Uncertain Factors
Authors: Asraful Haque Md. , Ahmad Nesar
Published: May 2021

Software reliability growth models (SRGMs) are widely used to estimate software reliability by analyzing failure dataset throughout the testing process. A large number of SRGMs have been proposed on a regular basis by researchers since the 1970s. They are represented with a set of assumptions and a set of parameters. One major problem in SRGMs is that the uncertainties surrounding the assumptions and parameters are generally not taken into account by most of them. Therefore, sometimes, the predicted reliability on testing phase significantly varies in actual operational phase. This paper presents a logistic growth model that incorporates a special parameter to consider the effects of all possible uncertainties. A systematic analysis is carried out to identify the major uncertain factors and their impacts on the fault detection rate. The applicability of the model is shown by validating it on two different real datasets that are commonly used in various studies. The comparisons with nine established models in terms of mean square error (MSE), variance, predictive-ratio risk (PRR), [Formula: see text]and AIC have been presented.
Effects of Seismic Incident Directionality on Ground Motion Characteristics and Responses of a Single-Mass Bi-Degree-of-Freedom System
Authors: Gong Jun , Zhi Xudong , Fan Feng , Shen Shizhao , Qaio Da , Zhong Jie
Published: May 2021

To investigate the variability of ground motion characteristics (GMC) with the angle of seismic incidence (ASI) and the impact of seismic incident directionality on structural responses, first, a large-scale database of recorded ground motions was used to analyze the causes of GMC variability due to the seismic incident directionality effect (SIDE). Then a single-mass bi-degree-of-freedom system (SM-BDOF-S) with different types of symmetrical sections was selected to explore the influence mechanism of SIDE on the seismic responses. The results illustrated that the GMC has substantial variability with the ASI, which is independent of the earthquake source, propagation distance, and site condition, and exhibits complex random characteristics. Additionally, a classification method for ground motions is proposed based on this GMC variability to establish a criterion for selecting ground motions in seismic analysis considering the SIDE. Moreover, for an SM-BDOF-S, the response spectral plane is proposed to explain the transition behavior of spectral responses that are very similar among different stiffness ratios, but divergent for different types of ground motions. The influence of SIDE on structures is determined by their stiffness and stiffness ratio in the [Formula: see text]- and [Formula: see text]-directions, as well as the type of ground motion.
Influence of Transient and Partial Footing Separation on the Seismic Response of Skewed Bridges with Soil Support
Authors: Yang Ziqi , Kun Chern , Meng Dongliang , Chouw Nawawi
Published: May 2021

Previous research has shown that the transient and partial footing separation is one of the effective methods to reduce the impact of earthquakes on bridge structures. The separation will not only temporarily stop the transfer of seismic load to structures, but also activate rigid-like body motions of the bridge piers. Most of current investigations involving footing uplift only focused on straight bridges. The influence of skew angle is rarely considered. Even though skewed bridges are common and more vulnerable to seismic load. This work reveals the simultaneous influence of skew angle and footing uplift on soil on seismic response of bridges. A bridge with a 30∘ or 45∘ skew angle, in addition to a straight bridge, was excited using a large-scale shake table. The ground excitations were stochastically simulated based on design spectrum of New Zealand standard. The result revealed that with increasing skew angle bridges will have frequent footing uplifts. In the case of a straight bridge, although allowing footing uplift is beneficial in reducing the bending moment at the pier support, it increases the longitudinal girder displacement. In contrast, in the case of 30∘ and 45∘ skewed bridges, uplifts increase the bending moments of piers and the displacements of the girder, especially in the transverse direction.
Derivation algebra of semi-direct sum of Lie algebras
Authors: Alemi Mohammad Reza , Saeedi Farshid
Published: May 2021

Let [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be two Lie algebras over an arbitrary field [Formula: see text], and let [Formula: see text] be the semidirect sum of [Formula: see text] by [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we give the structure of derivation algebra of [Formula: see text]; then as a consequence we illustrate the structure and dimension derivation algebra of Heisenberg Lie algebras.
Ammassalik Composite Tectono-Sedimentary Element, southern East and SE Greenland Rifted Margin, Denmark Strait
Authors: Fyhn Michael B. W. , Hopper John R. , Gerlings Joanna
Published: May 2021

The Ammassalik Composite Tectonic-Sedimentary Element (CTSE) comprises the Ammassalik and the Kangerlussuaq rift basins located on the southern East and SE Greenland margin. The offshore Ammassalik Basin is one of the last virtually undescribed segments of the NE Atlantic continental margins with a very sparse seismic coverage. The basin is compartmentalized into smaller sub-basins up to at least 4 km deep blanketed by Paleocene–Eocene basalt towards the east. Albian sediments cored in the basin suggest, at least partly, a Cretaceous age, making the Ammassalik Basin a likely analogue to basins on the conjugate outer British continental margin. However, the deeper, undated succession could include pre-Cretaceous strata. Located onshore southern East Greenland, the Kangerlussuaq Basin contains a Barremian/Aptian–Danian succession of estuarine–marine strata overlain by Paleocene fluvial sediments, basalts and thinner marine interludes. The sedimentary succession is less than 1 km thick. Cenozoic uplift and erosion affected both basins. Unlike the Kangerlussuaq Basin, the Ammassalik Basin may contain a working petroleum system. Together with the very large fault structures identified in the basin, this makes the Ammassalik Basin an interesting future exploration target with the main challenge being to demonstrate a mature source rock, together with qualifying the effects of Paleocene–Eocene magmatism and Cenozoic exhumation on the potential petroleum system.
Will Catastrophic Cyber-Risk Aggregation Thrive in the IoT Age? A Cautionary Economics Tale for (Re-)Insurers and Likes
Authors: Pal Ranjan , Huang Ziyuan , Lototsky Sergey , Yin Xinlong , Liu Mingyan , Crowcroft Jon , Sastry Nishanth , De Swades , Nag Bodhibrata
Published: May 2021

Service liability interconnections among networked IT and IoT-driven service organizations create potential channels for cascading service disruptions due to modern cybercrimes such as DDoS, APT, and ransomware attacks. These attacks are known to inflict cascading catastrophic service disruptions worth billions of dollars across organizations and critical infrastructure around the globe. Cyber-insurance is a risk management mechanism that is gaining increasing industry popularity to cover client (organization) risks after a cyber-attack. However, there is a certain likelihood that the nature of a successful attack is of such magnitude that an organizational client’s insurance provider is not able to cover the multi-party aggregate losses incurred upon itself by its clients and their descendants in the supply chain, thereby needing to re-insure itself via other cyber-insurance firms. To this end, one question worth investigating in the first place is
whether an ecosystem comprising a set of profit-minded cyber-insurance companies, each capable of providing re-insurance services for a service-networked IT environment, is economically feasible to cover the aggregate cyber-losses arising due to a cyber-attack.
Our study focuses on an empirically interesting case of
extreme heavy tailed cyber-risk distributions
that might be presenting themselves to cyber-insurance firms in the modern Internet age in the form of catastrophic service disruptions, and could be a possible standard risk distribution to deal with in the near IoT age. Surprisingly, as a negative result for society in the event of such catastrophes,
we prove via a game-theoretic analysis
that it
may not be economically incentive compatible
,
even under i.i.d. statistical conditions
on
catastrophic
cyber-risk distributions, for limited liability-taking risk-averse cyber-insurance companies to offer cyber re-insurance solutions
despite the existence of large enough market capacity to achieve full cyber-risk sharing.
However, our analysis
theoretically endorses
the popular opinion that
spreading i.i.d. cyber-risks
that are
not catastrophic
is an effective practice for aggregate cyber-risk managers, a result established theoretically and empirically in the past. A failure to achieve a working re-insurance market in critically demanding situations after catastrophic cyber-risk events strongly calls for centralized government regulatory action/intervention to promote risk sharing through re-insurance activities for the benefit of service-networked societies in the IoT age.
Quantum-safe Trust for Vehicles
Authors: Gardiner Michael , Truskovsky Alexander , Neville-Neil George , Mashatan Atefeh
Published: May 2021

In the automotive industry, cars now coming off assembly lines are sometimes referred to as "rolling data centers" in acknowledgment of all the entertainment and communications capabilities they contain. The fact that autonomous driving systems are also well along in development does nothing to allay concerns about security. Indeed, it would seem the stakes of automobile cybersecurity are about to become immeasurably higher just as some of the underpinnings of contemporary cybersecurity are rendered moot.
Harnessing Eco-Evolutionary Dynamics of Xanthomonads on Tomato and Pepper to Tackle New Problems of an Old Disease
Authors: Potnis Neha
Published: May 2021

Bacterial spot is an endemic seedborne disease responsible for recurring outbreaks on tomato and pepper around the world. The disease is caused by four diverse species, Xanthomonas gardneri, Xanthomonas euvesicatoria, Xanthomonas perforans, and Xanthomonas vesicatoria. There are no commercially available disease-resistant tomato varieties, and the disease is managed by chemical/biological control options, although these have not reduced the incidence of outbreaks. The disease on peppers is managed by disease-resistant cultivars that are effective against X. euvesicatoria but not X. gardneri. A significant shift in composition and prevalence of different species and races of the pathogen has occurred over the past century. Here, I attempt to review ecological and evolutionary processes associated with the population dynamics leading to disease emergence and spread. The goal of this review is to integrate the knowledge on population genomics and molecular plant–microbe interactions for this pathosystem to tailor disease management strategies.
Genomic Approaches to Plant-Pathogen Epidemiology and Diagnostics
Authors: Weisberg Alexandra J. , Grünwald Niklaus J. , Savory Elizabeth A. , Putnam Melodie L. , Chang Jeff H.
Published: May 2021

Diseases have a significant cost to agriculture. Findings from analyses of whole-genome sequences show great promise for informing strategies to mitigate risks from diseases caused by phytopathogens. Genomic approaches can be used to dramatically shorten response times to outbreaks and inform disease management in novel ways. However, the use of these approaches requires expertise in working with big, complex data sets and an understanding of their pitfalls and limitations to infer well-supported conclusions. We suggest using an evolutionary framework to guide the use of genomic approaches in epidemiology and diagnostics of plant pathogens. We also describe steps that are necessary for realizing these as standard approaches in disease surveillance.
The Probable Association between Chronic Toxoplasma gondii Infection and Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Soltani Shahrzad , Tavakoli Sanaz , Sabaghan Mohamad , Kahvaz Mehdi Sagha , Pashmforosh Marzieh , Foroutan Masoud
Published: May 2021

Purpose. The probable association between Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection and diabetes mellitus (DM) is still controversial, and there are several studies with conflicting results. Thus, this study was performed to assess the possible association between chronic T. gondii infection and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and T2DM. Methods. In this case-control study, a total of 105 diabetic subjects including 36 patients with T1DM and 69 patients with T2DM were recruited. In addition, 150 nondiabetic subjects were enrolled as controls. Each case group had its own control group. Each participant completed a structured questionnaire obtaining demographic information. Serum samples were examined for T. gondii-specific IgG antibody using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Results. Analysis revealed that 69.4% and 34.0% of patients with T1DM and control subjects were serologically positive for T. gondii, respectively (odds ratio (OR): 4.41; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.75–11.06;

P
=
0.001

). Moreover, 72.5% of T2DM patients and 29.0% of healthy individuals were seropositive for T. gondii (OR: 6.44; 95% CI: 3.25–12.74;

P
<
0.001

). Among risk factors, only contact with cats was significantly associated with IgG seroprevalence in both T2DM patients (

P
<
0.001

) and control subjects (

P
=
0.045

). Conclusion. Although the results showed that chronic T. gondii infection is significantly associated with T1DM and T2DM, there remain many questions regarding the exact mechanisms of T. gondii in the pathogenesis of DM.
A Patient with Eosinophilic Esophagitis and Herpes Simplex Esophagitis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Marella Hemnishil K. , Kothadia Jiten P. , Saleem Nasir , Ali Bilal , Abdel-Aziz Yousef , Mupparaju Vamsee , Oza Twisha , Azouz Abdallah , Howden Colin W.
Published: May 2021

Acute herpes simplex esophagitis (HSE) is common in immunocompromised patients. Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is characterized by immune-mediated eosinophil-predominant esophageal inflammation. We report a patient with human immunodeficiency virus infection who presented with dysphagia and odynophagia and was found to have HSE and EoE. The combination of these two relatively rare conditions suggests possible predisposition.
Green Communication for Next‐Generation Wireless Systems: Optimization Strategies, Challenges, Solutions, and Future Aspects
Authors: Rathore Rajkumar Singh , Sangwan Suman , Kaiwartya Omprakash , Aggarwal Geetika
Published: May 2021

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have emerged as a backbone technology for the wireless communication era. The demand for WSN is rapidly increasing due to their major role in various applications with a wider deployment and omnipresent nature. The WSN is rapidly integrated into a large number of applications such as industrial, security, monitoring, tracking, and applications in home automation. The widespread use in many different areas attracts research interest in WSNs. Therefore, researchers are taking initiatives in exploring innovation day by day particularly towards the Internet of Things (IoT). But, WSN is having lots of challenging issues that need to be addressed, and the inherent characteristics of WSN severely affect the performance. Energy constraints are one of the primary issues that require urgent attention from the research community. Optimal energy optimization strategies are needed to counter the issue of energy constraints. Although one of the most appropriate schemes for handling energy constraints issues is the appropriate energy harvesting technique, the optimal energy optimization strategies should be coupled together for effectively utilizing the harvested energy. In this high‐level systematic and taxonomical survey, we have organized the energy optimization strategies for EH‐WSNs into eleven factors, namely, radio optimization schemes, optimizing the energy harvesting process, data reduction schemes, schemes based on cross‐layer optimization, schemes based on cross‐layer optimization, sleep/wake‐up policies, schemes based on load balancing, schemes based on optimization of power requirement, optimization of communication mechanism, schemes based on optimization of battery operations, mobility‐based schemes, and finally energy balancing schemes. We have also prepared the summarized view of various protocols/algorithms with their remarkable details. This systematic and taxonomy survey also provides a progressive detailed overview and classification of various optimization challenges for the EH‐WSNs that require attention from the researcher followed by a survey of corresponding solutions for corresponding optimization issues. Further, this systematic and taxonomical survey also provides a deep analysis of various emerging energy harvesting technologies in the last twenty years of the era.
Development of Rule-Based Software Risk Assessment and Management Method with Fuzzy Inference System
Authors: Batar Mustafa , Birant Kökten Ulaş , Işık Ali Hakan
Published: May 2021

There is an enormous budget and financial plan in software development projects, and it is required that they take a huge investment to carry on. When looked at, the costs depend on the global substantial information about software development: in 1985, $150 billion; in 2010, $2 trillion; in 2015, $5 trillion; and in 2020, over $7 trillion. Additionally, on the first new days of 2021, a day-by-day Apple Store’s quantity has been approximately $500 million. In spite of the expenditures and the margins that are dramatically expanding and increasing each year, the phase of software development accomplishment is not high enough. In light of the “CHAOS” report arranged in 2015, just 17% of the software projects were finished in an opportune way, in the allotted financial plan, and as per the necessities. However, 53% of the software projects were finished in the long run or potentially over a spending plan as well as without satisfying the prerequisites precisely. In addition, software development projects were not completed and were dropped out as well in the ratio of 30%. Also, the “CHAOS” report published in 2020 has figured out that only 33% of the software projects were completed successfully all over the world. In order to cope with these unsuccessful and failure results, an effective method for software risk assessment and management has to be specified, designated, and applied. In this way, before causing trouble that has the power of preventing successful accomplishment of software development projects, software risks are able to be noticed and distinguished on time. In this study, a new and original rule set, which could be used and carried out effectively in software risk assessment and management, has been designed and developed based on the implementation of fuzzy approached technique integrated with machine learning algorithm—Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS). By this approach and technique, machines (computers) are able to create several software risk rules not to be seen, not to be recognized, and not to be told by human beings. In addition, this fuzzy inference approach aims to decrease risks in the software development process in order to increase the success rate of the software projects. Also, the experimental results of this approach show that rule-based software risk assessment and management method has a valid and accurate model with a high accuracy rate and low average testing error.
Some Results in Neutrosophic Soft Topology Concerning Neutrosophic Soft

∗

b

Open Sets
Authors: Mehmood Arif , Abdullah Saleem , Al-Shomrani Mohammed M. , Khan Muhammad Imran , Thinnukool Orawit
Published: May 2021

In this article, new generalised neutrosophic soft open known as neutrosophic soft

∗

b

open set is introduced in neutrosophic soft topological spaces. Neutrosophic soft

∗

b

open set is generated with the help of neutrosophic soft semiopen and neutrosophic soft preopen sets. Then, with the application of this new definition, some soft neutrosophical separation axioms, countability theorems, and countable space can be Hausdorff space under the subjection of neutrosophic soft sequence which is convergent, the cardinality of neutrosophic soft countable space, engagement of neutrosophic soft countable and uncountable spaces, neutrosophic soft topological features of the various spaces, soft neutrosophical continuity, the product of different soft neutrosophical spaces, and neutrosophic soft countably compact that has the characteristics of Bolzano Weierstrass Property (BVP) are studied. In addition to this, BVP shifting from one space to another through neutrosophic soft continuous functions, neutrosophic soft sequence convergence, and its marriage with neutrosophic soft compact space, sequentially compactness are addressed.
Actuator Fault Diagnosis for Discrete-Time Systems via Augmenting State Approach
Authors: Wang Yongchao , Qi Shangmin , Hu Yujun , Guo Shenghui , Huang Darong
Published: May 2021

For the problem of the actuator fault diagnosis in the control systems, this paper presents a novel method by using an interval estimation approach to detect the faults and reconstruct them. In order to make estimations of the unavoidable measurement noise, a descriptor system form is built. Firstly, a full-order interval observer is developed to detect actuator faults for its sensitiveness to them. Then, a reduced-order one, which is robust to actuator faults, is presented. This method does not need the boundary information of faults; thus, the design condition is more relaxed. In order to make the interval observer stable and cooperative, linear matrix inequalities and a time-varying transformation are employed to ensure the error system matrix to be Schur and nonnegative. Based on the interval estimation results of the aforementioned method, an interval reconstruction method of actuator faults is proposed. Finally, results of the two simulation examples verify the proposed methods are effective and accurate.
Knowledge on Pesticide Handling Practices and Factors Affecting Adoption of Personal Protective Equipment: A Case of Farmers from Nepal
Authors: Thapa Sandesh , Thapa Bipana , Bhandari Rinicha , Jamkatel Dinesh , Acharya Pooja , Rawal Sara , Bista Sarika , Singh Ramesh , Prasai Anuska , Bharati Srijana , Basnet Alesha
Published: May 2021

Globally, the use of pesticide is growing day by day, but the use of PPE in developing countries is still low and farmers are directly exposed to chemicals which have negative health issues. Thus, this study was conducted in different places of Nepal where the use and adoption of chemical pesticide is high. This study aims on assessment of pesticide handling practices and determinants of adoption of PPE where 281 respondents were interviewed by the simple random sampling technique. A binary logit model was used to predict the determinants for adoption of PPE while spraying pesticides. Schooling years, training, reading label, and buying pesticide by name are the determining factors in adoption of PPE at 1% level of significance in the logit model. Still, the pesticide handling practices followed by farmers are not satisfactory and proper protective clothes are not used while spraying pesticides. Thus, to protect from different health issues, training, seminars, and talk discussion should be scheduled regarding safe pesticide handling practices and adoption of PPE. Also, the use of biopesticides should be encouraged as they are most promising and ecofriendly.
On a Discrete-Time Risk Model with Random Income and a Constant Dividend Barrier
Authors: Bao Zhenhua , Huang Junqing , Wang Jing
Published: May 2021

In this paper, a discrete-time risk model with random income and a constant dividend barrier is considered. Under such a dividend policy, once the insurer’s reserve hits the level

b

b
>
0

, the excess of the reserve over

b

is paid off as dividends. We derive a homogeneous difference equation for the expected present value of dividend payments. Corresponding solution procedures for the difference equation are invested. Finally, we give a numerical example to illustrate the applicability of the results obtained.