bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased Emergency Calls during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia: A National Retrospective Study
Authors: Al-Wathinani Ahmed , Hertelendy Attila J. , Alhurishi Sultana , Mobrad Abdulmajeed , Alhazmi Riyadh , Altuwaijri Mohammad , Alanazi Meshal , Alotaibi Raied , Goniewicz Krzysztof
Published: December 2020

The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has a direct and indirect effect on the different healthcare systems around the world. In this study, we aim to describe the impact on the utilization of emergency medical services (EMS) in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic. We studied cumulative data from emergency calls collected from the SRCA. Data were separated into three periods: before COVID-19 (1 January–29 February 2020), during COVID-19 (1 March–23 April 2020), and during the Holy Month of Ramadan (24 April–23 May 2020). A marked increase of cases was handled during the COVID-19 period compared to the number before pandemic. Increases in all types of cases, except for those related to trauma, occurred during COVID-19, with all regions experiencing increased call volumes during COVID-19 compared with before pandemic. Demand for EMS significantly increased throughout Saudi Arabia during the pandemic period. Use of the mobile application ASAFNY to request an ambulance almost doubled during the pandemic but remained a small fraction of total calls. Altered weekly call patterns and increased call volume during the pandemic indicated not only a need for increased staff but an alteration in staffing patterns.
Deep Learning-Based Object Detection, Localisation and Tracking for Smart Wheelchair Healthcare Mobility
Authors: Lecrosnier Louis , Khemmar Redouane , Ragot Nicolas , Decoux Benoit , Rossi Romain , Kefi Naceur , Ertaud Jean-Yves
Published: December 2020

This paper deals with the development of an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) for a smart electric wheelchair in order to improve the autonomy of disabled people. Our use case, built from a formal clinical study, is based on the detection, depth estimation, localization and tracking of objects in wheelchair’s indoor environment, namely: door and door handles. The aim of this work is to provide a perception layer to the wheelchair, enabling this way the detection of these keypoints in its immediate surrounding, and constructing of a short lifespan semantic map. Firstly, we present an adaptation of the YOLOv3 object detection algorithm to our use case. Then, we present our depth estimation approach using an Intel RealSense camera. Finally, as a third and last step of our approach, we present our 3D object tracking approach based on the SORT algorithm. In order to validate all the developments, we have carried out different experiments in a controlled indoor environment. Detection, distance estimation and object tracking are experimented using our own dataset, which includes doors and door handles.
Elaboration and Validation of Two Predictive Models of Postpartum Traumatic Stress Disorder Risk Formed by Variables Related to the Birth Process: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hernández-Martínez Antonio , Martínez-Vazquez Sergio , Rodríguez-Almagro Julián , Delgado-Rodríguez Miguel , Martínez-Galiano Juan
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to develop and validate two predictive models of postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) risk using a retrospective cohort study of women who gave birth between 2018 and 2019 in Spain. The predictive models were developed using a referral cohort of 1752 women (2/3) and were validated on a cohort of 875 women (1/3). The predictive factors in model A were delivery type, skin-to-skin contact, admission of newborn to care unit, presence of a severe tear, type of infant feeding at discharge, postpartum hospital readmission. The area under curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) in the referral cohort was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.67–0.74), while in the validation cohort, it was 0.69 (95% CI: 0.63–0.75). The predictive factors in model B were delivery type, admission of newborn to care unit, type of infant feeding at discharge, postpartum hospital readmission, partner support, and the perception of adequate respect from health professionals. The predictive capacity of model B in both the referral cohort and the validation cohort was superior to model A with an AUC-ROC of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.79–0.85) and 0.83 (95% CI: 0.78–0.87), respectively. A predictive model (model B) formed by clinical variables and the perception of partner support and appropriate treatment by health professionals had a good predictive capacity in both the referral and validation cohorts. This model is preferred over the model (model A) that was formed exclusively by clinical variables.
Green Space Exposure Association with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Physical Activity, and Obesity: A Systematic Review
Authors: De la Fuente Felipe , Saldías María Angélica , Cubillos Camila , Mery Gabriela , Carvajal Daniela , Bowen Martín , Bertoglia María Paz
Published: December 2020

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a public health challenge that must be addressed considering the large number of risk factors involved in its appearance. Some environmental risk factors are currently described as predictors of diabetes, with access to green spaces being an element to consider in urban settings. This review aims to study the association between exposure to green spaces and outcomes such as diabetes, obesity, and physical activity in the general population. A systematic review was carried out using the PubMed, Embase, and LILACS databases and other sources. The search strategy was carried out from October 2019 to October 2020. Cross-sectional and cohort studies were included. The article selection was made by a pair of reviewers, and data extraction was carried out using a data extraction sheet. The quality assessment of the included studies was carried out using a validated tool. Finally, 19 scientific articles were included in this review. Evidence supports that people and communities exposed to green spaces, especially in their neighborhood, reduce the risk of T2DM and reduce the risk of being obese and increase the likelihood of physical activity. The onset of T2DM can be moderated by using green spaces, improving physical activity levels, and reducing the risk of being overweight and obese.
The 4R’s Framework of Nutritional Strategies for Post-Exercise Recovery: A Review with Emphasis on New Generation of Carbohydrates
Authors: Bonilla Diego A. , Pérez-Idárraga Alexandra , Odriozola-Martínez Adrián , Kreider Richard B.
Published: December 2020

Post-exercise recovery is a broad term that refers to the restoration of training capacity. After training or competition, there is fatigue accumulation and a reduction in sports performance. In the hours and days following training, the body recovers and performance is expected to return to normal or improve. ScienceDirect, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Google Scholar databases were reviewed to identify studies and position declarations examining the relationship between nutrition and sports recovery. As an evidence-based framework, a 4R’s approach to optimizing post-exercise recovery was identified: (i) Rehydration—a fundamental process that will depend on the athlete, environment and sports event; (ii) Refuel—the consumption of carbohydrates is not only important to replenish the glycogen reserves but also to contribute to the energy requirements for the immune system and tissue reparation. Several bioengineered carbohydrates were discussed but further research is needed; (iii) Repair—post-exercise ingestion of high-quality protein and creatine monohydrate benefit the tissue growth and repair; and (iv) Rest—pre-sleep nutrition has a restorative effect that facilitates the recovery of the musculoskeletal, endocrine, immune, and nervous systems. Nutritional consultancy based on the 4R’s is important for the wise stewardship of the hydration, feeding, and supplementation strategies to achieve a timely recovery.
miR-497-5p Decreased Expression Associated with High-Risk Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Fridrichova Ivana , Kalinkova Lenka , Karhanek Miloslav , Smolkova Bozena , Machalekova Katarina , Wachsmannova Lenka , Nikolaieva Nataliia , Kajo Karol
Published: December 2020

The current guidelines for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of endometrial cancer (EC), based on clinicopathological factors, are insufficient for numerous reasons; therefore, we investigated the relevance of miRNA expression profiles for the discrimination of different EC subtypes. Among the miRNAs previously predicted to allow distinguishing of endometrioid ECs (EECs) according to different grades (G) and from serous subtypes (SECs), we verified the utility of miR-497-5p. In ECs, we observed downregulated miR-497-5p levels that were significantly decreased in SECs, clear cell carcinomas (CCCs), and carcinosarcomas (CaSas) compared to EECs, thereby distinguishing EEC from SEC and rare EC subtypes. Significantly reduced miR-497-5p expression was found in high-grade ECs (EEC G3, SEC, CaSa, and CCC) compared to low-grade carcinomas (EEC G1 and mucinous carcinoma) and ECs classified as being in advanced FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) stages, that is, with loco-regional and distant spread compared to cancers located only in the uterus. Based on immunohistochemical features, lower miR-497-5p levels were observed in hormone-receptor-negative, p53-positive, and highly Ki-67-expressing ECs. Using a machine learning method, we showed that consideration of miR-497-5p expression, in addition to the traditional clinical and histopathologic parameters, slightly improves the prediction accuracy of EC diagnosis. Our results demonstrate that changes in miR-497-5p expression influence endometrial tumorigenesis and its evaluation may contribute to more precise diagnoses.
The Effects of Citizen Knowledge on the Effectiveness of Government Communications on Nuclear Energy Policy in South Korea
Authors: Lee Taejun (David) , Ko Myeong Chul
Published: December 2020

By analyzing survey data on nuclear energy policy in South Korea, this study examined the influence of citizens’ knowledge on the perceptions of and attitudes to government communication initiatives that are characterized by symmetry and transparency, and their effects in developing institutional legitimacy and policy acceptance. The findings indicate that symmetrical and transparent communication are involved in forming institutional legitimacy and policy acceptance of government decisions on the controversial topic of nuclear energy, but the process differs depending on citizens’ knowledge of the topic. Well-informed citizens who used reasoning were more likely than others to respond positively to symmetrical and transparent communication, which shaped their support for institutional legitimacy and policy acceptance on nuclear energy policy issues. These findings provide some of the first empirical evidence of the effectiveness of government communication.
From Data to Rhizomes: Applying a Geographical Concept to Understand the Mobility of Tourists from Geo-Located Tweets
Authors: Burini Federica , Cortesi Nicola , Psaila Giuseppe
Published: December 2020

In geography, the concept of “rhizome” provides a theoretical tool to conceive the way people move in space in terms of “mobility networks”: the space lived by people is delimited and characterized on the basis of both the places they visited and the sequences of their transfers from place to place. Researchers are now wondering whether in the new era of data-driven geography it is possible to give a concrete shape to the concept of rhizome, by analyzing big data describing movement of people traced through social media. This paper is a first attempt to give a concrete shape to the concept of rhizome, by interpreting it as a problem of “itemset mining”, which is a well-known data mining technique. This technique was originally developed for market-basket analysis. We studied how the application of this technique, if supported by adequate visualization strategies, can provide geographers with a concrete shape for rhizomes, suitable for further studies. To validate the ideas, we chose the case study of tourists visiting a city: the rhizome can be conceived as the set of places visited by many tourists, and the common transfers made by tourists in the area of the city. Itemsets extracted from a real-life data set were used to study the effectiveness of both a topographic representation and a topological representation to visualize rhizomes. In this paper, we study how three different interpretations are actually able to give a concrete and visual shape to the concept of rhizome. The results that we present and discuss in this paper open further investigations on the problem.
Effects of Entomopathogenic Fungi on Individuals as Well as Groups of Workers and Immatures of Atta sexdens rubropilosa Leaf-Cutting Ants
Authors: Stefanelli Luis Eduardo Pontes , Mota Filho Tarcísio Marcos Macedo , Camargo Roberto da Silva , Matos Carlos Alberto Oliveira de , Forti Luiz Carlos
Published: December 2020

In 2009, sulfluramid, the main ingredient in toxic baits for leaf-cutting ant control, was included in Annex B of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. This resulted in interest in the use of entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria bassiana and Trichoderma harzianum for leaf-cutting ant control. The efficiency of these fungi in controlling these insects and the way that ants react individually or in group to the biological risks posed by these fungi is poorly understood. For this reason, we assessed the effects of B. bassiana and T. harzianum on Atta sexdens rubropilosa larvae, pupae and workers. Moreover, we investigated whether the number of contaminated individuals within a group has an influence in controlling the spread of fungi among workers. We found that the fungus T. harzianum showed high pathogenicity against A. sexdens rubropilosa larvae and pupae, leading to faster mortality and a survival rates. On the other hand, the fungus B. bassiana was responsible for causing faster worker mortality and lower survival rates. In addition, we observed that an increase in individuals contaminated with B. bassiana or T. harzianum in the group decreases its survival rate. The results support the hypothesis that entomopathogenic fungi are efficient in controlling leaf-cutting ants when contaminated workers are allocated to groups of healthy workers.
A New Project for a Much More Diverse Moroccan Strategic Version: The Generalization of Solar Water Heater
Authors: Gargab Fatima Zohra , Allouhi Amine , Kousksou Tarik , El-Houari Haytham , Jamil Abdelmajid , Benbassou Ali
Published: December 2020

This paper presents a strategical project for the new version of the Moroccan energy policy. It highlights the technology of solar water heaters (SWH), studying energy, economic and environmental gains of SWH generalization to satisfy the total resident need proposing a new strategic version diversified in terms of adopted technologies (more than green electricity). A detailed analysis of thermal performances and economic profitability of direct thermosyphon solar water heaters (TSWH) for residential requirements in Morocco. The optimum design parameters were defined and investigated using the dynamic TRNSYS simulation program. The optimum system was simulated under the six climatic conditions of Morocco in order to assess the related performances in terms of the collector efficiency and solar fraction. The major finding of this work is that large-scale integration of TSWH into Moroccan residences could provide up to 70% of thermal energy loads. An economic study was also developed to predict the life-cycle savings generated by the generalization of this technology in Morocco for all residential building’s categories. Approximately 1250 million USD as national saving on the total energy bill can be achieved. The environmental effects were also assessed to achieve the aims of this work and to evaluate the CO2 emissions avoided due to this environmentally friendly solution.
Meshless Model for Wave-Induced Oscillatory Seabed Response around a Submerged Breakwater Due to Regular and Irregular Wave Loading
Authors: Jeng Dong-Sheng , Wang Xiaoxiao , Tsai Chia-Cheng
Published: December 2020

The evaluation of wave-induced seabed stability around a submerged breakwater is particularly important for coastal engineers involved in design of the foundation of breakwaters. Unlike previous studies, a mesh-free model is developed to investigate the dynamic soil response around a submerged breakwater in this study. Both regular and irregular wave loadings are considered. The present model was validated against the previous experimental data and theoretical models for both regular and irregular waves. Parametric study shows the regular wave-induced liquefaction depth increases as wave period and wave height increase. The seabed is more likely to be liquefied with a low degree of saturation and soil permeability. A similar trend of the effects of wave and seabed characteristics on the irregular wave-induced soil response is found in the numerical examples.
Civic Crowdfunding in Local Governments: Variables for Success in the Netherlands?
Authors: Van Montfort Kees , Siebers Vinitha , De Graaf Frank Jan
Published: December 2020

By using information technology, local governments can develop alternative forms of citizen engagement. Civic crowdfunding campaigns supported by online platforms enable citizens to participate financially in social projects and can be matched with government funding. As such, an alternative for subsidies seems to be developing. In this paper, we assess empirically the success of civic crowdfunding campaigns in the Netherlands by using data collected during 2018 from 269 civic crowdfunding projects and local demographic data from the neighborhoods of these projects. The factors—the use of match-funding, the target amount of money, and the theme of the project, as well as the age structure, the province, and the degree of urbanization of the neighborhood of the civic crowdfunding project—turn out to be empirically related to the success of a civic crowdfunding campaign.
Basalt Fibre Reinforcement of Bent Heterogeneous Glued Laminated Beams
Authors: Wdowiak-Postulak Agnieszka
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the properties of glued laminated beams made in diverse configurations of timber quality classes, reinforced using a new technique that is cheaper and easy to apply. The aim of the experimental investigations was to enhance reinforcement effectiveness and rigidity of glued laminated beams. The tests consisted of four-point bending of large-scale specimens reinforced with basalt fibres (BFRP). The tests were meant to obtain images of failure, the load–displacement relation and load carrying capacity of basalt fibres depending on the reinforcement ratio. The tests, which concerned low and average quality timber beams, were conducted in a few stages. The aim of the study was to popularize and increase the use of low-quality timber harvested from reafforested areas for structural applications. In the study, theoretical and numerical analysis was carried out for reinforced and unreinforced elements in various configurations of wood quality classes. The aim was to compare the results with the findings of experimental tests. Based on the tests, it was found that the load carrying capacity of beams reinforced with basalt fibre was higher by, respectively, 13% and 20% than that of reference beams, while their rigidity improved by, respectively, 9.99% and 17.13%. The experimental tests confirmed that basalt fibres are an effective structural reinforcement of structural timber with reduced mechanical properties.
Controlled Reduction of Graphene Oxide Using Sulfuric Acid
Authors: Reynosa-Martínez Ana Cecilia , Gómez-Chayres Erika , Villaurrutia Rafael , López-Honorato Eddie
Published: December 2020

Sulfuric acid under different concentrations and with the addition of SO3 (fuming sulfuric acid) was studied as a reducing agent for the production of reduced graphene oxide (RGO). Three concentrations of sulfuric acid (1.5, 5, and 12 M), as well as 12 M with 30% SO3, were used. The reduction of graphene oxide increased with H2SO4 concentration as observed by Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was observed that GO lost primarily epoxide functional groups from 40.4 to 9.7% and obtaining 69.8% carbon when using 12 M H2SO4, without leaving sulfur doping. Additionally, the appearance of hexagonal domain structures observed in transmission electron microscopy and analyzed by selected area electron diffraction patterns confirmed the improvement in graphitization. Although the addition of SO3 in H2SO4 improved the GO reduction with 74% carbon, as measured by XPS, the use of SO3 introduced sulfur doping of 1.3%. RGO produced with sulfuric acid was compared with a sample obtained via ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, a very common reduction route, by observing that the RGO produced with sulfuric acid had a higher C/O ratio than the material reduced by UV irradiation. This work showed that sulfuric acid can be used as a single-step reducing agent for RGO without sulfur contamination.
Effective Doping of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes with Polyethyleneimine
Authors: Rdest Monika , Janas Dawid
Published: December 2020

More and more electrically conducting materials are required to sustain the technological progress of civilization. Faced with the performance limits of classical materials, the R&D community has put efforts into developing nanomaterials, which can offer sufficiently high operational parameters. In this work, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were doped with polyethyleneimine (PEI) to create such material. The results show that it is most fruitful to combine these components at the synthesis stage of an SWCNT network from their dispersion. In this case, the electrical conductivity of the material is boosted from 249 ± 21 S/cm to 1301 ± 56 S/cm straightforwardly and effectively.
Design of Multi-Stage Roll Die Forming Process for Drum Clutch with Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Kim Jae-Hong , Ryu Jae-Chang , Jang Woo-Sik , Park Joon-Hong , Moon Young-Hoon , Ko Dae-Cheol
Published: December 2020

The multi-stage roll die forming (RDF) process is a plastic forming process that can manufacture a transmission part with a complex shape, such as a drum clutch, by using a die set with rotational rolls. However, it is difficult to satisfy dimensional accuracy because of spring-back and unfilling. The purpose of this study is to design a multi-stage RDF process for the manufacturing of a drum clutch to improve dimensional accuracy using an artificial neural network (ANN). Finite element (FE) simulation of the multi-stage RDF process is performed to predict the dimensional accuracy according to various clearances for each stage. Moreover, the ANN is used to determine the relationship between the clearance and dimensional accuracy of the drum clutch to reduce the number of FE simulation. The results of the FE simulation and ANN are used to determine the optimal clearance for each stage of the RDF process. Finally, the drum clutch is fabricated using the determined conditions. The experimental results are in good agreement with the results of FE simulation from the aspect of outer diameter, inner diameter, thickness of outer tooth, thickness of inner tooth, and face thickness of tooth.
Towards a Vector Field Based Approach to the Proper Generalized Decomposition (PGD)
Authors: Falcó Antonio , Hilario Lucía , Montés Nicolás , Mora Marta C. , Nadal Enrique
Published: December 2020

A novel algorithm called the Proper Generalized Decomposition (PGD) is widely used by the engineering community to compute the solution of high dimensional problems. However, it is well-known that the bottleneck of its practical implementation focuses on the computation of the so-called best rank-one approximation. Motivated by this fact, we are going to discuss some of the geometrical aspects of the best rank-one approximation procedure. More precisely, our main result is to construct explicitly a vector field over a low-dimensional vector space and to prove that we can identify its stationary points with the critical points of the best rank-one optimization problem. To obtain this result, we endow the set of tensors with fixed rank-one with an explicit geometric structure.
Herbal Medicine for Behçet’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jun Ji Hee , Choi Tae Young , Lee Hye Won , Ang Lin , Lee Myeong Soo
Published: December 2020

Patients with Behçet’s disease often use complementary and alternative medicine for treating their symptoms, and herbal medicine is one of the options. This systematic review provides updated clinical evidence of the effectiveness of herbal medicine for the treatment of Behçet’s disease (BD). We searched eleven electronic databases from inception to March 2020. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs of BD treatment with herbal medicine decoctions were included. We used the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions to assess the risk of bias and the grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE) approach to assess the certainty of evidence (CoE). Albatross plot was also used to present the direction of effect observed. Eight studies were included. The risk of bias was unclear or low. The methodological quality was low or very low. Seven RCTs showed significant effects of herbal medicine on the total response rate (Risk ratio, RR 1.26, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.45, seven studies, very low CoE). Four RCTs showed favorable effects of herbal medicine on the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) level compared with drug therapy. Herbal medicine favorably affected the ESR (MD −5.56, 95% CI −9.99 to −1.12, p = 0.01, I2 = 96%, five studies, very low CoE). However, herbal medicine did not have a superior effect on CRP. Two RCTs reported that herbal medicine significantly decreased the recurrence rate after three months of follow-up (RR 0.23, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.63, two studies, low CoE). Our findings suggest that herbal medicine is effective in treating BD. However, the included studies had a poor methodological quality and some limitations. Well-designed clinical trials with large sample sizes are needed.
Detection of New Translocation in Infant Twins with Concordant ALL and Discordant Outcome
Authors: Bahoush Golamreza , Vafapour Maryam , Kariminejad Roxana
Published: December 2020

About 2–5% of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cases in pediatric patients are infants with an unfavorable prognosis because of high relapse probability. Early detection of the disease is, therefore, very important. Despite the fact that leukemia in twins occurs rarely, more attention has been paid to it in genetic studies. In the present study, through cytogenetic testing, a special case of concordant ALL in monozygotic twins was presented with different outcomes. In spite of an acceptable initial consequence to medical treatment in twins, in another brother (Twin B), early relapse was observed. In the cytogenetic study, both twins expressed t (4; 11) (q21; q23) while twin A expressed t (2; 7) (p10; q10). No cases have previously reported this mutation. Whether this translocation has a protective role for leukemia with mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) gene rearrangement is still unclear. The difference in the translocation identified in the identical twins is also subject to further investigations.
Validation of a UHPLC-MS/MS Method to Quantify Twelve Antiretroviral Drugs within Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from People Living with HIV
Authors: De Nicolò Amedeo , Ianniello Alice , Ferrara Micol , Avataneo Valeria , Cusato Jessica , Antonucci Miriam , De Vivo Elisa , Waitt Catriona , Calcagno Andrea , Trentalange Alice , Muccioli Giampiero , Bonora Stefano , Di Perri Giovanni , D'Avolio Antonio
Published: December 2020

Recently, anti-HIV treatment has achieved high efficacy and tolerability. Nevertheless, few data are available about the intracellular penetration of antiretrovirals, partly due to the technical challenges related to intracellular quantification. This work aimed to validate an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) method for the simultaneous quantification of maraviroc, nevirapine, rilpivirine, dolutegravir, raltegravir, cobicistat, darunavir, ritonavir, atazanavir, efavirenz, elvitegravir, and etravirine within peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and apply it to samples from patients. PBMCs were isolated by density gradient on cell preparation tubes (CPT). Samples were prepared by addition of internal standards (IS), sonication, centrifugation, and drying. Reconstituted extracts underwent chromatographic separation by reversed phase UHPLC and detection was performed by electrospray ionization and multiple reaction monitoring. Method validation followed FDA and EMA guidelines, showing acceptable accuracy, precision, recovery and IS-normalized matrix effect. The application to 56 samples from patients undergoing antiretroviral treatment provided description of intracellular penetration, showing method eligibility for future studies.
Discrimination of Falsified Erectile Dysfunction Medicines by Use of an Ultra-Compact Raman Scattering Spectrometer
Authors: Sanada Tomoko , Yoshida Naoko , Kimura Kazuko , Tsuboi Hirohito
Published: December 2020

Substandard and falsified medicines are often reported worldwide. An accurate and rapid detection method for falsified medicines is needed to prevent human health hazards. Raman scattering spectroscopy has emerged as a non-destructive analysis method for the detection of falsified medicines. In this laboratory study, Raman spectroscopy was performed to evaluate the applicability of the ultra-compact Raman scattering spectrometer (C13560). Principal component analysis (PCA) was also performed on the Raman spectra. This study analyzed tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), and sildenafil (Viagra) tablets. We tested the standard product and products purchased from the internet (genuine or falsified). For Cialis and Levitra, all falsified tablets were identified by the Raman spectra and PCA score plot. For Viagra, the Raman spectra of some falsified tablets were almost comparable to the standard tablet. The PCA score plots of falsified tablets were dispersed, and some plots of falsified tablets were close to the standard tablet. In conclusion, C13560 was useful for the discrimination of falsified Cialis and Levitra tablets, whereas some falsified Viagra tablets had Raman spectra similar to that of the standard tablet. The development of detection methods that can be introduced in various settings may help prevent the spread of falsified products.
Poly(δ-valerolactone)/Poly(ethylene-co-vinylalcohol)/β-Tricalcium Phosphate Composite as Scaffolds: Preparation, Properties, and In Vitro Amoxicillin Release
Authors: Badwelan Mohammed , Alkindi Mohammed , Alghamdi Osama , Saeed Waseem Sharaf , Al-Odayni Abdel-Basit , Alrahlah Ali , Aouak Taieb
Published: December 2020

Two poly(δ-valerolactone)/poly(ethylene-co-vinylalcohol)/β-tricalcium phosphate (PEVAL/PDVAL/β-TCP) composites containing an equal ratio of polymer and filled with 50 and 70 wt% of β-TCP microparticles were prepared by the solvent casting method. Interconnected pores were realized using the salt leached technique, and the porosity of the resulted composites was evaluated by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) method. The homogeneity of the hybrid materials was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The prepared materials’ SEM images showed interconnected micropores that respond to the conditions required to allow their uses as scaffolds. The porosity of each scaffold was determined from micro computed tomography (micro-CT) data, and the analysis of the mechanical properties of the prepared materials was studied through the stress-strain compressive test. The proliferation test results used human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to grow and proliferate on the different types of prepared materials, reflecting that the hybrid materials were non-toxic and could be biologically acceptable scaffolds. The antibacterial activity test revealed that incorporation of amoxicillin in the specimens could inhibit the bacterial growth of S. aureus. The in vitro study of the release of amoxicillin from the PEVAL/PDVAL/amoxicillin and PEVAL/PDVAL/β-TCP/amoxicillin drug carrier systems in pH media 7.4, during eight days, gave promising results, and the antibiotic diffusion in these scaffolds obeys the Fickian model.
Surface-Modified Highly Biocompatible Bacterial-poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate): A Review on the Promising Next-Generation Biomaterial
Authors: Chai Jun Meng , Amelia Tan Suet May , Mouriya Govindan Kothandaraman , Bhubalan Kesaven , Amirul Al-Ashraf Abdullah , Vigneswari Sevakumaran , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: December 2020

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are bacteria derived bio-based polymers that are synthesised under limited conditions of nutritional elements with excess carbon sources. Among the members of PHAs, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) [(P(3HB-co-4HB)] emerges as an attractive biomaterial to be applied in medical applications owing to its desirable mechanical and physical properties, non-genotoxicity and biocompatibility eliciting appropriate host tissue responses. The tailorable physical and chemical properties and easy surface functionalisation of P(3HB-co-4HB) increase its practicality to be developed as functional medical substitutes. However, its applicability is sometimes limited due to its hydrophobic nature due to fewer bio-recognition sites. In this review, we demonstrate how surface modifications of PHAs, mainly P(3HB-co-4HB), will overcome these limitations and facilitate their use in diverse medical applications. The integration of nanotechnology has drastically enhanced the functionality of P(3HB-co-4HB) biomaterials for application in complex biological environments of the human body. The design of versatile P(3HB-co-4HB) materials with surface modifications promise a non-cytotoxic and biocompatible material without inducing severe inflammatory responses for enhanced effective alternatives in healthcare biotechnology. The enticing work carried out with P(3HB-co-4HB) promises to be one of the next-generation materials in biomedicines which will facilitate translation into the clinic in the future.
A Study on the Red Clay Binder Stabilized with a Polymer Aqueous Solution
Authors: Kim Jinsung , Choi Hyeonggil , Rye Hyeun-Min , Yoon Keun-Byoung , Lee Dong-Eun
Published: December 2020

In this study, the performance evaluation was performed by adding a polymer aqueous (PA) solution as a new additive of the red clay binder for use in the rammed-earth construction method. The evaluation items were compressive strength, water erosion, shrinkage, crystal structure, and microstructure. As a result of the experiment, the binder was improved by efficiently bonding the silica particles by the polymerized polymer. It was confirmed that adding a PA solution to red clay enhances the compressive strength, which is further improved when 5 wt% poly(Acrylic acid(AA)-co-Acrylamide(AM)) is added to the PA solution. Microstructural analysis indicated that the addition of a PA solution facilitates effective bonding of the silica particles of red clay to form hydrogen bonding with poly(AA-co-AM) and encourages aggregate formation. Therefore, the study confirmed that PA solution can be applied to satisfy the performance requirements of the rammed-earth construction by improving the durability and strength of the binder.
A Short-Time Repeat TLS Survey to Estimate Rates of Glacier Retreat and Patterns of Forefield Development (Case Study: Scottbreen, SW Svalbard)
Authors: Kociuba Waldemar , Gajek Grzegorz , Franczak Łukasz
Published: December 2020

The study presents findings from comparative analyses of high-resolution differential digital elevation models (DEM of Difference—DoD) based on terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) surveys. The research was conducted on the 0.2 km2 Scottbreen valley glacier foreland located in the north-western part of Wedel-Jarlsberg Land (Svalbard) in August of 2013. The comparison between DTMs at 3-week intervals made it possible to identify erosion and depositional areas, as well as the volume of the melting glacier’s terminus. It showed a considerable recession rate of the Scottbreen (20 m year−1) while its forefield was being reshaped by the proglacial Scott River. A study area of 205,389 m2, 31% of which is occupied by the glacier (clear ice zone), was included in the repeated TLS survey, which was performed from five permanent scan station points (registered on the basis of five target points—TP). The resultant point clouds with a density ranging from 91 to 336 pt m−2 were converted into DEMs (at a spacing of 0.1 m). They were then put together to identify erosion and depositional areas using Geomorphic Change Detection Software (GCD). During the 3-week interval, the retreat of the glacier’s snout ranged from 3 to 9 m (mean of 5 m), which was accompanied by an average lowering of the surface by up to 0.86 m (±0.03 m) and a decrease of ice volume by 53,475 m3 (±1761 m3). The deglaciated area increased by 4549 m2 (~5%) as a result of the recession, which resulted in an extensive reshaping of the recently deglaciated area. The DEM of Difference (DoD) analyses showed the following: (i) lowering of the glacial surface by melting and ii) predominance of deposition in the glacier’s marginal zone. In fact, 17,570 m3 (±1172 m3) of sediments were deposited in the glacier forefield (41,451 m2). Also, the erosion of sediment layers having a volume of 11,974 m3 (±1313 m3) covered an area equal to 46,429 m2 (53%). This occurrence was primarily based on the washing away of banks and the deepening of proglacial stream beds, as well as the washing away of the lower parts of moraine hillocks and outwash fans.
BIM-Integrated Collaborative Robotics for Application in Building Construction and Maintenance
Authors: Follini Camilla , Magnago Valerio , Freitag Kilian , Terzer Michael , Marcher Carmen , Riedl Michael , Giusti Andrea , Matt Dominik Tobias
Published: December 2020

The application of robotics in construction is hindered by the site environment, which is unstructured and subject to change. At the same time, however, buildings and corresponding sites can be accurately described by Building Information Modeling (BIM). Such a model contains geometric and semantic data about the construction and operation phases of the building and it is already available at the design phase. We propose a method to leverage BIM for simple yet efficient deployment of robotic systems for construction and operation of buildings. With our proposed approach, BIM is used to provide the robot with a priori geometric and semantic information on the environment and to store information on the operation progress. We present two applications that verify the effectiveness of our proposed method. This system represents a step forward towards an easier application of robots in construction.
Independent and Synergistic Effects of Knocking out Two ABC Transporter Genes on Resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins Cry1Ac and Cry1Fa in Diamondback Moth
Authors: Zhao Shan , Jiang Dong , Wang Falong , Yang Yihua , Tabashnik Bruce E. , Wu Yidong
Published: December 2020

Insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are used widely in sprays and transgenic crops to control insect pests. However, evolution of resistance by pests can reduce the efficacy of Bt toxins. Here we analyzed resistance to Bt toxins Cry1Ac and Cry1Fa in the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), one of the world’s most destructive pests of vegetable crops. We used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to create strains with knockouts of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter genes PxABCC2, PxABCC3, or both. Bioassay results show that knocking out either gene alone caused at most 2.9-fold resistance but knocking out both caused >10,320-fold resistance to Cry1Ac and 380-fold resistance to Cry1Fa. Cry1Ac resistance in the double knockout strain was recessive and genetically linked with the PxABCC2/PxABCC3 loci. The results provide insight into the mechanism of cross-resistance to Cry1Fa in diamondback moth. They also confirm previous work with this pest showing that mutations disrupting both genes cause higher resistance to Cry1Ac than mutations affecting either PxABCC2 or PxABCC3 alone. Together with previous work, the results here highlight the value of using single and multiple gene knockouts to better understand the independent and synergistic effects of putative Bt toxin receptors on resistance to Bt toxins.
The Role of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection in Adverse Birth Outcomes: A Review of the Potential Mechanisms
Authors: Njue Annete , Coyne Carolyn , Margulis Andrea V. , Wang Dai , Marks Morgan A. , Russell Kevin , Das Rituparna , Sinha Anushua
Published: December 2020

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a major cause of nonhereditary adverse birth outcomes, including hearing and visual loss, neurologic deficits, and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), and may contribute to outcomes such as stillbirth and preterm delivery. However, the mechanisms by which CMV could cause adverse birth outcomes are not fully understood. This study reviewed proposed mechanisms underlying the role of CMV in stillbirth, preterm birth, and IUGR. Targeted literature searches were performed in PubMed and Embase to identify relevant articles. Several potential mechanisms were identified from in vitro studies in which laboratory-adapted and low-passage strains of CMV and various human placental models were used. Potential mechanisms identified included impairment of trophoblast progenitor stem cell differentiation and function, impairment of extravillous trophoblast invasiveness, dysregulation of Wnt signaling pathways in cytotrophoblasts, tumor necrosis factor-α mediated apoptosis of trophoblasts, CMV-induced cytokine changes in the placenta, inhibition of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase activity, and downregulation of trophoblast class I major histocompatibility complex molecules. Inherent challenges for the field remain in the identification of suitable in vivo animal models. Nonetheless, we believe that our review provides useful insights into the mechanisms by which CMV impairs placental development and function and how these changes could result in adverse birth outcomes.
The Effect of Geometric Parameters of the Antivortex on a Triangular Labyrinth Side Weir
Authors: Abbasi Saeed , Fatemi Sajjad , Ghaderi Amir , Di Francesco Silvia
Published: December 2020

Side weirs are important structural measures extensively used, for instance, for regulating water levels in rivers and canals. If the length of the opening is limited, the amount of water diverted out of the channel and the effective length can be increased by applying a labyrinth side weir. The present study deals with numerical simulations regarding the hydraulic performance of a labyrinth side weir with a triangular plan in single-cycle mode. Specifically, six different types of antivortexes embedded inside it and in various hydraulic conditions at different Froude numbers are analyzed. The antivortexes are studied using two groups, permeable and impermeable, with three different heights: 0.5 P, 0.75 P, and 1 P (P: Weir height). The comparison of the simulated water surface profiles with laboratory results shows that the numerical model is able to capture the flow characteristics on the labyrinth side weir. The use of an antivortex in a triangular labyrinth side weir reduces the secondary flows due to the interaction with the transverse vortexes of the vertical axis and increases the discharge capacity by 11%. Antivortexes in a permeable state outperform those in an impermeable state; the discharge coefficient in the permeable state increases up to 3% with respect to the impermeable state. Finally, based on an examination of the best type of antivortex, taking into account shape, permeability, and height, the discharge coefficient increases to 13.4% compared to a conventional labyrinth side weir.
Experimental Study of Mesostructure Deformation Characteristics of Unsaturated Tailings with Different Moisture Content
Authors: Geng Weile , Wang Wensong , Wei Zuoan , Huang Gun , Jing Xiaofei , Jiang Changbao , Tian Sen
Published: December 2020

A portion of the accumulated tailings in a tailings pond exhibits an unsaturated state. The mechanical properties of unsaturated tailings affect the safety and stability of tailings dams. To investigate the effect of moisture content on the deformation characteristics of unsaturated tailings in the mesoscale, a special testing apparatus is applied to experimentally study the settlement deformation and mesostructure evolution of unsaturated tailings under continuous load. The results show that the mesostructure deformation of unsaturated tailings with different moisture contents under load is the same and can be divided into four stages: pore compression, elastic deformation, structure change, and further compaction. However, the critical pressures of the four stages are significantly different; there is an optimal moisture content corresponding to the maximum deformation resistance. Moreover, the influence of the liquid bridge regime on the mesostructure deformation of unsaturated tailings is discussed in this paper.
TiO2 Doped with Noble Metals as an Efficient Solution for the Photodegradation of Hazardous Organic Water Pollutants at Ambient Conditions
Authors: Sescu Amalia Maria , Favier Lidia , Lutic Doina , Soto-Donoso Nicolas , Ciobanu Gabriela , Harja Maria
Published: December 2020

This work highlights new insights into the performance of TiO2 doped with noble metal catalysts for the photocatalytic degradation of organic water pollutants. Different samples of titanium dioxide doped with noble metals (Au and Pd) were successfully synthesized via incipient wet impregnation (IWI) and ultrasound-assisted impregnation (US) methods. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and UV-Vis reflectance spectroscopy were used for the characterization of the obtained materials. Their photocatalytic efficiency was investigated in aqueous suspension thorough a series of laboratory tests performed under ultraviolet (UV-A) irradiation conditions using 2,4 dinitrophenol (2,4 DNP) as a target molecule. The results clearly show that the method used for the catalyst synthesis affects its photocatalytic activity. It was found that the samples prepared by the IWI method exhibited high photocatalytic activity, and the removal rate obtained with TiO2-Pd/IWI was higher than that found for TiO2-Au/IWI. Furthermore, for the best catalyst, some extra photocatalytic experiments were conducted with rhodamine 6G (R6G), a highly stable molecule with a very different chemical structure to 2,4 DNP, in order to check the reactivity of this material. Moreover, the recycling experiments carried out with TiO2-Pd/IWI clearly demonstrated the high photocatalytic stability of this material for the degradation of 2,4 DNP. All of the collected data confirmed the interesting photocatalytic potential of the selected catalyst in the elimination of organic pollutants with no obvious change in its reactivity after four reaction cycles, which is very promising for promoting future applications in water depollution.