bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Provision and Utilization of Traditional Korean Medicine in South Korea: Implications on Integration of Traditional Medicine in a Developed Country
Authors: Park Jieun , Yi Eunhee , Yi Junhyeok
Published: October 2021

Traditional Korean medicine (TKM) is formally integrated into the Korean national health system and monitored through the systematic and computerized system, which could grasp the whole medical services utilization in Korea. This study analyzed TKM resources as input and utilization as output using data from 2008–2017 and compared them to Conventional Medicine (CM). As a result, 25.4% of Koreans utilized TKM yearly, and the proportion of TKM medical expenditure (ME) to total ME in national health insurance was around 4% between 2008 to 2017. The proportion of ME has been stagnating or decreasing over the past ten years. Primary users are the elderly, women, and patients with musculoskeletal diseases. The Korean Ministry of health and welfare has also developed and operated programs that have taken advantage of the strengths of TKM. This study analyzes the current status of TKM in Korea comparing with that of CM. It also explores how and why the patterns of TKM and CM are different. Although the study focuses on input and output indicators, it also highlights the challenge of evaluating whether these lead to outcomes. Lastly, it seeks to inform relevant authorities of the importance of monitoring roles and evidence-informed policymaking.
The Regionalization Process for Universal Health Coverage in Brazil (2008–2015)
Authors: da Silva Barbosa Rafael , Fagnani Eduardo
Published: October 2021

The objective of this article is to analyze the development of the public and private offer for the universalization of health services, specifically, for the progression of the public network. The time period examined is from 2008 to 2015, when there was considerable economic growth and expansion of private health insurance and an unprecedented historical period with economic growth and reduction of social inequality. Across 5570 municipalities, the multivariate analysis model was used to estimate the level of concentration and the imbalance (heterogeneity) of installed health capacity of the network of health care services. Public spending on investment and human resources showed positive variation in all regions and in almost all population strata. The offer by the Unified Health System (public) of primary health care increased by 8000 new establishments in all regions, especially in previously uncovered cities and cities that had shortages of public health services. Public universalization almost reached its maximum, with about 70% of municipalities. The only setback was the significant reduction of 50% in the number of private establishments in primary health care services. The data suggest a positive movement toward the universalization of health services in Brazil, with the concentration of high-complexity care and the heterogeneity of the installed capacity being points for improvement.
Integration Development of Urban Agglomeration in Central Liaoning, China, by Trajectory Gravity Model
Authors: Li Ruren , Li Shoujia , Xie Zhiwei
Published: October 2021

Integration development of urban agglomeration is important for regional economic research and management. In this paper, a method was proposed to study the integration development of urban agglomeration by trajectory gravity model. It can analyze the gravitational strength of the core city to other cities and characterize the spatial trajectory of its gravitational direction, expansion, etc. quantitatively. The main idea is to do the fitting analysis between the urban axes and the gravitational lines. The correlation coefficients retrieved from the fitting analysis can reflect the correlation of two indices. For the different cities in the same year, a higher value means a stronger relationship. There is a clear gravitational force between the cities when the value above 0.75. For the most cities in different years, the gravitational force between the core city with itself is increasing by years. At the same time, the direction of growth of the urban axes tends to increase in the direction of the gravitational force between cities. There is a clear tendency for the trajectories of the cities to move closer together. The proposed model was applied to the integration development of China Liaoning central urban agglomeration from 2008 to 2016. The results show that cities are constantly attracted to each other through urban gravity.
The Integration of GPS/BDS Real-Time Kinematic Positioning and Visual–Inertial Odometry Based on Smartphones
Authors: Niu Zun , Guo Fugui , Shuai Qiangqiang , Li Guangchen , Zhu Bocheng
Published: October 2021

The real-time kinematic positioning technique (RTK) and visual–inertial odometry (VIO) are both promising positioning technologies. However, RTK degrades in GNSS-hostile areas, where global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals are reflected and blocked, while VIO is affected by long-term drift. The integration of RTK and VIO can improve the accuracy and robustness of positioning. In recent years, smartphones equipped with multiple sensors have become commodities and can provide measurements for integrating RTK and VIO. This paper verifies the feasibility of integrating RTK and VIO using smartphones, and we propose an improved algorithm to integrate RTK and VIO with better performance. We began by developing an Android smartphone application for data collection and then wrote a Python program to convert the data to a robot operating system (ROS) bag. Next, we established two ROS nodes to calculate the RTK results and accomplish the integration. Finally, we conducted experiments in urban areas to assess the integration of RTK and VIO based on smartphones. The results demonstrate that the integration improves the accuracy and robustness of positioning and that our improved algorithm reduces altitude deviation. Our work can aid navigation and positioning research, which is the reason why we open source the majority of the codes at our GitHub.
City Intelligence Quotient Evaluation System Using Crowdsourced Social Media Data: A Case Study of the Yangtze River Delta Region, China
Authors: Wu Zhiqiang , Li Xiang , Zhou Xingang , Yang Tianren , Lu Ruiyao
Published: October 2021

Despite the trending studies on smart city development, how to evaluate the smartness of a city remains unclear. This research aimed to design a smart city evaluation system, named the City Intelligence Quotient (CityIQ) evaluation system, which considers both the hard (e.g., physical infrastructure) and soft sides (e.g., citizens’ perspectives) of smart city development. Based on the two-level structure of the CityIQ evaluation system (i.e., five dimensions and twenty indicators), a list of keywords was defined for automated information scraping in leading social media platforms to obtain volunteered geographic information. Semantic analysis was then used to update the CityIQ evaluations in a timely manner. Fifteen major cities in the Yangtze River Delta region, China, were selected for the empirical study, in which their smartness indices were calculated, traced and compared. Finally, suggestions for collaborative smart agglomerations were put forward. With the CityIQ evaluation system, policy makers can be informed of up-to-date changes in urban smartness levels and, thus, design context-specific collaborative policies to promote smart agglomerations.
Industrial Networks Driven by SDN Technology for Dynamic Fast Resilience
Authors: Josbert Nteziriza Nkerabahizi , Ping Wang , Wei Min , Li Yong
Published: October 2021

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) provides the prospect of logically centralized management in industrial networks and simplified programming among devices. It also facilitates the reconfiguration of connectivity when there is a network element failure. This paper presents a new Industrial SDN (ISDN) resilience that addresses the gap between two types of resilience: the first is restoration while the second is protection. Using a restoration approach increases the recovery time proportionally to the number of affected flows contrarily to the protection approach which attains the fast recovery. Nevertheless, the protection approach utilizes more flow rules (flow entries) in the switch which in return increments the lookup time taken to discover an appropriate flow entry in the flow table. This can have a negative effect on the end-to-end delay before a failure occurs (in the normal situation). In order to balance both approaches, we propose a Mixed Fast Resilience (MFR) approach to ensure the fast recovery of the primary path without any impact on the end-to-end delay in the normal situation. In the MFR, the SDN controller establishes a new path after failure detection and this is based on flow rules stored in its memory through the dynamic hash table structure as the internal flow table. At that time, it transmits the flow rules to all switches across the appropriate secondary path simultaneously from the failure point to the destination switch. Moreover, these flow rules which correspond to secondary paths are cached in the hash table by considering the current minimum path weight. This strategy leads to reduction in the load at the SDN controller and the calculation time of a new working path. The MFR approach applies the dual primary by considering several metrics such as packet-loss probability, delay, and bandwidth which are the Quality of Service (QoS) requirements for many industrial applications. Thus, we have built a simulation network and conducted an experimental testbed. The results showed that our resilience approach reduces the failure recovery time as opposed to the restoration approaches and is more scalable than a protection approach. In the normal situation, the MFR approach reduces the lookup time and end-to-end delay than a protection approach. Furthermore, the proposed approach improves the performance by minimizing the packet loss even under failing links.
GOBP1 from the Variegated Cutworm Peridroma saucia (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Displays High Binding Affinities to the Behavioral Attractant (Z)-3-Hexenyl acetate
Authors: Sun Ya-Lan , Dong Jun-Feng , Song Yue-Qin , Wang Shao-Li
Published: October 2021

The variegated cutworm Peridroma saucia (Hübner) is a worldwide pest that causes serious damage to many crops. To recognize sex pheromones and host plant volatiles, insects depend on olfactory chemoreception involving general odorant-binding proteins (GOBPs). In this study, PsauGOBP1 was cloned from the adult antennae of P. saucia. RT-qPCR and Western-blot analysis showed that PsauGOBP1 was specifically and equally expressed in the adult antennae of both females and males. Fluorescence competitive-binding assays with sex pheromones and host plant volatiles demonstrated that PsauGOBP1 bound to six host plant volatiles: (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate (KD = 4.0 ± 0.1 μM), citral (KD = 5.6 ± 0.4 μM), farnesol (KD = 6.4 ± 0.6 μM), nonanal (KD = 6.8 ± 0.3 μM), (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol (KD = 8.5 ± 0.6 μM), and benzaldehyde (KD = 9.4 ± 0.5 μM). Electroantennogram recordings with the six host plant volatiles indicated that (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate elicited the strongest responses from both male and female antennae. Further bioassays using Y-tube olfactometers showed that (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate was attractive to adult P. saucia of both sexes. These results suggest that PsauGOBP1 might be involved in detecting host plant volatiles and that (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate might serve as a potential attractant for the biological control of P. saucia.
Increased Monocytic Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Whole Blood Predict Poor Prognosis in Patients with Plasma Cell Myeloma
Authors: Bae Mi-Hyun , Park Chan-Jeoung , Suh Cheolwon
Published: October 2021

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are heterogeneous populations of immature myeloid cells with immunosuppressive effects that have prognostic potential in patients with malignancies; however, survival analysis studies are sparse. In this study, the prognostic implication of MDSCs was investigated in peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM) samples from 81 patients with plasma cell myeloma at diagnosis. MDSCs were quantified as monocytic MDSCs (mMDSCs) (CD11b+HLA-DR−/lowCD14+) and granulocytic MDSCs with neutrophils (gMDSCs-N) (CD11b+HLA-DR−/lowCD14−CD33+CD15+). Serum creatinine and lactate dehydrogenase levels showed a moderate correlation with all MDSC types, except BM-gMDSCs-N; mMDSCs correlated with serum β2-microglobulin level, and PB-mMDSCs showed an inverse correlation with hemoglobin. PB-mMDSC levels were significantly higher in patients with progressive disease than those in patients at diagnosis and complete response. BM-mMDSC levels in patients with progressive disease were also higher than those in patients at diagnosis. Patients with high mMDSCs showed significantly poorer prognosis than patients with low mMDSCs. Multivariate analysis showed high PB-mMDSCs (≥0.3%) as a significant adverse prognostic marker for overall survival. This study demonstrated the independent adverse prognostic impact of PB-mMDSCs in patients with myeloma. PB-mMDSC measurement using whole blood is readily accessible in clinical laboratories, and may be used as a prognostic marker in clinical practice.
Recent Advances in Pancreatic Neoplasms
Authors: Sperti Cosimo , Serafini Simone , Moletta Lucia
Published: October 2021

Pancreatic neoplasms, both primary and secondary, include different pathological entities with variable biological behavior and, consequently, different treatment modalities [...]
Postmortem Micro-CT of Human Fetal Heart—A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Sandrini Camilla , Boito Simona , Lombardi Claudio M. , Lombardi Sophie
Published: October 2021

Micro-computed tomography (CT) is a non-invasive alternative to conventional macroscopic dissection for the evaluation of human fetal cardiac anatomy. This paper aims to systematically review the literature regarding the use of micro-CT to examine human fetal hearts, to illustrate its educational and research implications and to explain its possible directions for the future. A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA statement to identify publications concerning micro-CT applications for the isolated human fetal heart. The search strategy identified nine eligible studies. Micro-CT is technically feasible for postmortem examination of the human fetal heart coming from early and late termination of pregnancy. It reaches high diagnostic accuracy, and it seems to perform better than autopsy in small samples or in the case of early termination of pregnancy. Applications derived from micro-CT allow multiple off-time evaluations and interdisciplinary comparisons for educational purposes and research perspectives in biological and bioengineering domains.
Curing the Curable: Managing Low-Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Resource Limited Countries
Authors: Oh Bernice L. Z. , Lee Shawn H. R. , Yeoh Allen E. J.
Published: October 2021

Although childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is curable, global disparities in treatment outcomes remain. To reduce these global disparities in low-middle income countries (LMIC), a paradigm shift is needed: start with curing low-risk ALL. Low-risk ALL, which accounts for >50% of patients, can be cured with low-toxicity therapies already defined by collaborative studies. We reviewed the components of these low-toxicity regimens in recent clinical trials for low-risk ALL and suggest how they can be adopted in LMIC. In treating childhood ALL, the key is risk stratification, which can be resource stratified. NCI standard-risk criteria (age 1–10 years, WBC < 50,000/uL) is simple yet highly effective. Other favorable features such as ETV6-RUNX1, hyperdiploidy, early peripheral blood and bone marrow responses, and simplified flow MRD at the end of induction can be added depending on resources. With limited supportive care in LMIC, more critical than relapse is treatment-related morbidity and mortality. Less intensive induction allows early marrow recovery, reducing the need for intensive supportive care. Other key elements in low-toxicity protocol designs include: induction steroid type; high-dose versus low-dose escalating methotrexate; judicious use of anthracyclines; and steroid pulses during maintenance. In summary, the first effective step in curing ALL in LMIC is to focus on curing low-risk ALL with less intensive therapy and less toxicity.
Acupuncture Treatment Associated with Functional Connectivity Changes in Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Resting State fMRI Study
Authors: Tu Cheng-Hao , Lee Yu-Chen , Chen Ying-Yu , Chen Chun-Ming , Lu Wen-Chi , Chen Yi-Hung , Yang Su-Tso
Published: October 2021

Primary dysmenorrhea (PDM) is the most commonly encountered gynecological problem in reproductive-age women. Acupuncture has been suggested as an effective treatment of PDM that may modulate descending pain modulation systems. In the present study, we used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate possible changes in descending pain modulation systems after acupuncture treatment in women with PDM. Thirty-four right-handed adult women with PDM participated in this randomized, single-blinded, sham-controlled study. Each patient was randomly allocated to an 8-week verum or sham acupuncture intervention on the bilateral Sanyinjiao (SP6). Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was conducted before, during, and after the intervention to measure the spontaneous activity in brain. After the 8-week intervention, both verum and sham groups reported decreased menstrual pain. However, the cessation of decreased functional connectivity (FC) between periaqueductal gray matter and the regions associated with affective pain modulation and attention-related pain modulation were found in the verum but not in the sham group after the 8-week intervention. More decreased FC has been found in the region associated with non-specific effects of acupuncture intervention after the early stage of acupuncture intervention. These results indicated that verum acupuncture may intercept the altered FC in descending pain modulation systems in PDM.
Prenatal Exome Sequencing in Recurrent Fetal Structural Anomalies: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pauta Montse , Martinez-Portilla Raigam Jafet , Borrell Antoni
Published: October 2021

To determine the diagnostic yield of exome sequencing (ES), a microarray analysis was carried out of fetuses with recurrent fetal structural anomalies (with similar anomalies in consecutive pregnancies). This is a systematic review conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. The selected studies describing ES in fetuses with recurrent fetal malformation were assessed using the Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (STARD) criteria for risk of bias. Incidence was used as the pooled effect size by single-proportion analysis using random-effects modeling (weighted by inverse of variance). We identified nine studies on ES diagnostic yield that included 140 fetuses with recurrent structural anomalies. A pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant was found in 57 fetuses, resulting in a 40% (95%CI: 26% to 54%) incremental performance pool of ES. As expected, the vast majority (86%: 36/42) of the newly identified diseases had a recessive inheritance pattern, and among these, 42% (15/36) of variants were found in homozygosity. Meckel syndrome was the monogenic disease most frequently found, although the genes involved were diverse. The ES diagnostic yield in pregnancies with recurrent fetal structural anomalies was 40% (57/140). Homozygous disease-causing variants were found in 36% (15/57) of the newly identified monogenic disorders.
Ship Motion Planning for MASS Based on a Multi-Objective Optimization HA* Algorithm in Complex Navigation Conditions
Authors: Wu Meiyi , Zhang Anmin , Gao Miao , Zhang Jiali
Published: October 2021

Ship motion planning constitutes the most critical part in the autonomous navigation systems of marine autonomous surface ships (MASS). Weather and ocean conditions can significantly affect their navigation, but there are relatively few studies on the influence of wind and current on motion planning. This study investigates the motion planning problem for USV, wherein the goal is to obtain an optimal path under the interference of the navigation environment (wind and current), and control the USV in order to avoid obstacles and arrive at its destination without collision. In this process, the influences of search efficiency, navigation safety and energy consumption on motion planning are taken into consideration. Firstly, the navigation environment is constructed by integrating information, including the electronic navigational chart, wind and current field. Based on the environmental interference factors, the three-degree-of-freedom kinematic model of USVs is created, and the multi-objective optimization and complex constraints are reasonably expressed to establish the corresponding optimization model. A multi-objective optimization algorithm based on HA* is proposed after considering the constraints of motion and dynamic and optimization objectives. Simulation verifies the effectiveness of the algorithm, where an efficient, safe and economical path is obtained and is more in line with the needs of practical application.
Numerical Assessment on the Dynamic Behaviour of Submarine Hoses Attached to CALM Buoy Configured as Lazy-S under Water Waves
Authors: Amaechi Chiemela Victor , Wang Facheng , Ye Jianqiao
Published: October 2021

Recent design challenges in ocean observations, energy storage, offloading/discharging, and loading operations in both the offshore-renewable industry have led to advances in the application of catenary anchor leg moorings (CALM) buoys. Due to different seabed profiles, soil stiffness and environmental conditions, there is the need for numerical assessment to investigate the behaviour of the submarine hoses, based on the structural and hydrodynamic behaviour. In this study, experimental and numerical investigations are carried out on the dynamic behaviour of the submarine hoses attached to a CALM buoy in Lazy-S configuration. Six mooring lines are attached to the CALM buoy with a water depth of 100 m in the numerical model. A hydrodynamic model utilising ANSYS AQWA was developed then coupled unto the dynamic model in Orcina’s Orcaflex. The studies were carried out to study the effect of flow angles, wave height, soil stiffness and hydrodynamic loads on the structural behaviour of the submarine hoses. Waves at different angles to the submarine hose affected the effective tension more where the hose bends due to the floats attached. Parametric studies were carried out on both linear and nonlinear seabed models, and recommendations were made from the investigations on the submarine hose models.
Association between Retinal Thickness Variability and Visual Acuity Outcome during Maintenance Therapy Using Intravitreal Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Agents for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Lai Timothy Y. Y. , Lai Ricky Y. K.
Published: October 2021

Previous studies based on clinical trial data have demonstrated that greater fluctuations in retinal thickness during the course of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is associated with poorer visual acuity outcomes. However, it was unclear whether similar findings would be observed in real-world clinical settings. This study aimed to evaluate the association between retinal thickness variability and visual outcomes in eyes receiving anti-VEGF therapy for nAMD using pro re nata treatment regimen. A total of 64 eyes which received intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy (bevacizumab, ranibizumab or aflibercept) for the treatment of nAMD were evaluated. Variability in spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) central subfield thickness (CST) was calculated from the standard deviation (SD) values of all follow-up visits after three loading doses from month 3 to month 24. Eyes were divided into quartiles based on the OCT CST variability values and the mean best-corrected visual acuity values at 2 years were compared. At baseline, the mean ± SD logMAR visual acuity and CST were 0.59 ± 0.39 and 364 ± 113 µm, respectively. A significant correlation was found between CST variability and visual acuity at 2 years (Spearman’s ρ = 0.54, p < 0.0001), indicating that eyes with lower CST variability had better visual acuity at 2 years. Eyes with the least CST variability were associated with the highest mean visual acuity improvement at 2 years (quartile 1: +9.7 letters, quartile 2: +1.1 letters, quartile 3: −2.5 letters, quartile 4: −9.5 letters; p = 0.018). No significant difference in the number of anti-VEGF injections was found between the four CST variability quartile groups (p = 0.21). These findings showed that eyes undergoing anti-VEGF therapy for nAMD with more stable OCT CST variability during the follow-up period were associated with better visual outcomes. Clinicians should consider adopting treatment strategies to reduce CST variability during the treatment course for nAMD.
Molecular and Genetic Immune Biomarkers of Primary and Immune-Therapy Induced Hypophysitis: From Laboratories to the Clinical Practice
Authors: Chiloiro Sabrina , Russo Filippo , Tartaglione Tommaso , Capoluongo Ettore Domenico
Published: October 2021

Hypophysitis is a rare and potentially life-threatening disease, characterized by an elevated risk of complications, such as the occurrence of acute central hypoadrenalism, persistent hypopituitarism, or the extension of the inflammatory process to the neighboring neurological structures. In recent years, a large number of cases has been described. The diagnosis of hypophysitis is complex because it is based on clinical and radiological criteria. Due to this, the integration of molecular and genetic biomarkers can help physicians in the diagnosis of hypophysitis and play a role in predicting disease outcome. In this paper, we review current knowledge about molecular and genetic biomarkers of hypophysitis with the aim of suggesting a possible integration of these biomarkers in clinical practice.
Modeling of Social Risks in the Labor Sphere
Authors: Shulha Olha , Kostyshyna Tatiana , Semykina Maryna , Katan Liudmyla , Smirnova Hanna
Published: October 2021

Modern society has developed in such a way that social reality is characterized by the significant dynamics of all processes and their uncertainty. Under such conditions, risk accompanies any purposeful activity of the social subject, and, in turn, the latter is aimed at reducing the uncertainty of its results. The purpose of this paper is to form the basis of a comprehensive study of social risks in the labor sphere and to develop practical recommendations for minimizing their negative consequences. In order to determine the main factors influencing the probability for the unemployed not to work in the specialty in which they have trained, we used the data of a micro-level survey on economic activity of the population to build linear regression models based on structural variables. As a result of applying the method of economic-mathematical modeling, in particular the basics of probability theory, the models of social risks of unemployment in terms of occupational groups and employment of unemployed persons outside of the specialty they have trained in were developed. The models developed made it possible to formalize and identify patterns of supply and demand dynamics of labor in terms of professions, as well as to identify the main factors influencing the change in the probabilistic characteristics of employment of unemployed persons outside of the specialty they have trained in.
Democracy and Corruption
Authors: Brueckner Markus
Published: October 2021

I examine the relationship between democracy and the perceived risk of corruption in a panel of 130 countries. My panel model controls for country fixed effects and enables the estimation of a within-country relationship between democracy and corruption. My main finding is that democracy significantly reduces the risk of corruption, but only in countries where ethnic fractionalization is low. In strongly fractionalized countries a transition from autocracy to democracy does not significantly reduce corruption. One explanation for these findings is that the corruption-reducing effect of greater accountability of politicians under democracy is undermined by the common pool problem; fractionalization increases the severity of the common pool problem.
The Tales of Alphanumerical Symbols in Media: The Case of Bitcoin
Authors: Hedman Jonas , Beaulieu Tanya , Karlström Michael
Published: October 2021

Bitcoin, a decentralized cryptocurrency, has not only given rise to a wave of digital innovations but also stirred up considerable controversy. Some have hailed it as the most significant innovation since the Internet, while others have dismissed it as a Ponzi scheme that should be abandoned and forbidden. Regardless of these varying views, this is an innovation in need of scrutiny. In this paper we present a metastory of Bitcoin, based on an interpretative study of 737 news articles between 2011–2019. Through our analysis, we identified five narratives, including The Dark Side, The Bright Side, The Tulip Mania, The Idea, and The Normality. Our analysis demonstrates the interpretive flexibility of technology as influenced by ideologies, and we construct a theoretical model demonstrating media’s role as constructor and conduit. The metastory provides an institutional look at the broader interpretations of digital innovations as well as the multifaceted nature of digital innovations and how their interpretation evolve over time.
A New Editor-in-Chief for Land
Authors: Millington Andrew
Published: October 2021

In writing this editorial, I am signing off as the founding Editor-in-Chief of Land, and it is with great pleasure that I am handing over these duties to Professor Christine Fürst, who has been Section Editor-in-Chief of the Section “Landscape Ecology” since 2020 [...]
Comprehensive Food System Planning for Urban Food Security in Nanjing, China
Authors: Zhong Taiyang , Si Zhenzhong , Scott Steffanie , Crush Jonathan , Yang Kui , Huang Xianjin
Published: October 2021

Food system planning is important to achieve the goal of “zero hunger” in the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (UN, 2016). However, discussion about comprehensive planning for food security is scarce and little is known about the situation in Chinese cities. To narrow this gap, this study collected and analyzed four medium-term plans and two annual plans for the “vegetable basket project” in Nanjing, China. This study examines the strategies for urban food security in Nanjing to shed light on how the city developed a comprehensive approach to food system planning over the past three decades. The evolution of incremental food system planning in Nanjing provides valuable lessons for other cities facing food security challenges and shortages of financial resources. Reducing food insecurity is an ongoing challenge for the city governments in the Global South and comprehensive planning is a useful tool for addressing the challenge of urban food insecurity.
Double Recombinant Vaccinia Virus: A Candidate Drug against Human Glioblastoma
Authors: Vasileva Natalia , Ageenko Alisa , Dmitrieva Maria , Nushtaeva Anna , Mishinov Sergey , Kochneva Galina , Richter Vladimir , Kuligina Elena
Published: October 2021

Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive brain tumors. Given the poor prognosis of this disease, novel methods for glioblastoma treatment are needed. Virotherapy is one of the most actively developed approaches for cancer therapy today. VV-GMCSF-Lact is a recombinant vaccinia virus with deletions of the viral thymidine kinase and growth factor genes and insertions of the granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor and oncotoxic protein lactaptin genes. The virus has high cytotoxic activity against human cancer cells of various histogenesis and antitumor efficacy against breast cancer. In this work, we show VV-GMCSF-Lact to be a promising therapeutic agent for glioblastoma treatment. VV-GMCSF-Lact effectively decreases the viability of glioblastoma cells of both immortalized and patient-derived cultures in vitro, crosses the blood–brain barrier, selectively replicates into orthotopically transplanted human glioblastoma when intravenously injected, and inhibits glioblastoma xenograft and metastasis growth when injected intratumorally.
A Novel RNA Synthesis Inhibitor, STK160830, Has Negligible DNA-Intercalating Activity for Triggering A p53 Response, and Can Inhibit p53-Dependent Apoptosis
Authors: Morita Akinori , Ochi Shintaro , Satoh Hidetoshi , Ujita Shohei , Matsushita Yosuke , Tada Kasumi , Toyoda Mihiro , Nishiyama Yuichi , Mizuno Kosuke , Deguchi Yuichi , Suzuki Keiji , Tanaka Yoshimasa , Ueda Hiroshi , Inaba Toshiya , Hosoi Yoshio , Aoki Shin
Published: October 2021

RNA synthesis inhibitors and protein synthesis inhibitors are useful for investigating whether biological events with unknown mechanisms require transcription or translation; however, the dependence of RNA synthesis has been difficult to verify because many RNA synthesis inhibitors cause adverse events that trigger a p53 response. In this study, we screened a library containing 9600 core compounds and obtained STK160830 that shows anti-apoptotic effects in irradiated wild-type-p53-bearing human T-cell leukemia MOLT-4 cells and murine thymocytes. In many of the p53-impaired cells and p53-knockdown cells tested, STK160830 did not show a remarkable anti-apoptotic effect, suggesting that the anti-apoptotic activity is p53-dependent. In the expression analysis of p53, p53-target gene products, and reference proteins by immunoblotting, STK160830 down-regulated the expression of many of the proteins examined, and the downregulation correlated strongly with its inhibitory effect on cell death. mRNA expression analyses by qPCR and nascent RNA capture kit revealed that STK160830 showed a decreased mRNA expression, which was similar to that induced by the RNA synthesis inhibitor actinomycin D but differed to some extent. Furthermore, unlike other RNA synthesis inhibitors such as actinomycin D, p53 accumulation by STK160830 alone was negligible, and a DNA melting-curve analysis showed very weak DNA-intercalating activity, indicating that STK160830 is a useful inhibitor for RNA synthesis without triggering p53-mediated damage responses.
Genetic Feature Selection Applied to KOSPI and Cryptocurrency Price Prediction
Authors: Cho Dong-Hee , Moon Seung-Hyun , Kim Yong-Hyuk
Published: October 2021

Feature selection reduces the dimension of input variables by eliminating irrelevant features. We propose feature selection techniques based on a genetic algorithm, which is a metaheuristic inspired by a natural selection process. We compare two types of feature selection for predicting a stock market index and cryptocurrency price. The first method is a newly devised genetic filter involving a fitness function designed to increase the relevance between the target and the selected features and decrease the redundancy between the selected features. The second method is a genetic wrapper, whereby we can find the better feature subsets related to KOPSI by exploring the solution space more thoroughly. Both genetic feature selection methods improved the predictive performance of various regression functions. Our best model was applied to predict the KOSPI, cryptocurrency price, and their respective trends after COVID-19.
Multiplicatively Exact Algorithms for Transformation and Reconstruction of Directed Path-Cycle Graphs with Repeated Edges
Authors: Gorbunov Konstantin , Lyubetsky Vassily
Published: October 2021

For any weighted directed path-cycle graphs, a and b (referred to as structures), and any equal costs of operations (intermergings and duplication), we obtain an algorithm which, by successively applying these operations to a, outputs b if the first structure contains no paralogs (i.e., edges with a repeated name) and the second has no more than two paralogs for each edge. In finding the shortest sequence of operations to be applied to pass from a to b, the algorithm has a multiplicative error of at most 13/9 + ε, where ε is any strictly positive number, and its runtime is of the order of nO(ε−2.6), where n is the size of the input pair of graphs. In the case of no paralogs, equal sets of names in the structures, and equal operation costs, we have considered the following conditions on the transformation of a into b: all structures in them are from one cycle; all structures are from one path; all structures are from paths. For each of the conditions, we have obtained an exact (i.e., zero-error) quadratic time algorithm for finding the shortest transformation of a into b. For another list of operations (join and cut of a vertex, and deletion and insertion of an edge) over structures and for arbitrary costs of these operations, we have obtained an algorithm for the extension of structures specified at the leaves of a tree onto its interior vertices. The algorithm is exact if the tree is a star—in this case, structures in the leaves may even have unequal sets of names or paralogs. The runtime of the algorithm is of the order of nΧ + n2log(n), where n is the number of names in the leaves, and Χ is an easily computable characteristic of the structures in the leaves. In the general case, a cubic time algorithm finds a locally minimal solution.
Computer Simulations of Dynamic Response of Ferrofluids on an Alternating Magnetic Field with High Amplitude
Authors: Zverev Vladimir , Dobroserdova Alla , Kuznetsov Andrey , Ivanov Alexey , Elfimova Ekaterina
Published: October 2021

The response of ferrofluids to a high-amplitude AC magnetic field is important for several applications including magnetic hyperthermia and biodetection. In computer simulations of the dynamic susceptibility of a ferrofluid outside the linear response region, there are several problems associated with the fact that an increase in the frequency of the AC field leads to the appearance of additional computational errors, which can even lead to unphysical results. In this article, we study the dependence of the computational error arising in the computer simulation of the dynamic susceptibility on the input parameters of the numerical algorithm: the length of the time step, the total number of computer simulation periods, and averaging period. Computer simulation is carried out using the Langevin dynamics method and takes Brownian rotational relaxation of magnetic particles and interparticle interactions into account. The reference theory [Yoshida T.; Enpuku K. Jap. J. Ap. Phys. 2009] is used to estimate computational error. As a result, we give practical recommendations for choosing the optimal input parameters of the numerical algorithm, which make it possible to obtain reliable results of the dynamic susceptibility of a ferrofluid in a high-amplitude AC field in a wide frequency range.
An Empirical Equation for Failure Pressure Prediction of High Toughness Pipeline with Interacting Corrosion Defects Subjected to Combined Loadings Based on Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Vijaya Kumar Suria Devi , Karuppanan Saravanan , Ovinis Mark
Published: October 2021

Conventional pipeline corrosion assessment methods for failure pressure prediction do not account for interacting defects subjected to internal pressure and axial compressive stress. In any case, the failure pressure predictions are conservative. As such, numerical methods are required. This paper proposes an alternative to the computationally expensive numerical methods, specifically an empirical equation based on Finite Element Analysis (FEA). FEA was conducted to generate training data for an ANN after validating the method against full scale burst test results from past research. An ANN with four inputs and one output was developed. The equation was developed based on the weights and biases of an ANN model trained with failure pressure from the FEA of a high toughness pipeline for various defect spacings, defect depths, defect lengths, and axial compressive stresses. The proposed model was validated against actual burst test results for high toughness materials, with a R2 value of 0.99. Extensive parametric study was subsequently conducted to determine the effects of defect spacing, defect length, defect depth, and axial compressive stress on the failure pressure of the pipe. The results of the empirical equation are comparable to the results from numerical methods for the pipes and loadings considered in this study.
Approximation of Analytic Functions by Shifts of Certain Compositions
Authors: Šiaučiūnas Darius , Šimėnas Raivydas , Tekorė Monika
Published: October 2021

In the paper, we obtain universality theorems for compositions of some classes of operators in multidimensional space of analytic functions with a collection of periodic zeta-functions. The used shifts of periodic zeta-functions involve the sequence of imaginary parts of non-trivial zeros of the Riemann zeta-function.
Certain Integral Operators of Analytic Functions
Authors: Lupaş Alina Alb , Andrei Loriana
Published: October 2021

In this paper, two new integral operators are defined using the operator DRλm,n, introduced and studied in previously published papers, defined by the convolution product of the generalized Sălăgean operator and Ruscheweyh operator. The newly defined operators are used for introducing several new classes of functions, and properties of the integral operators on these classes are investigated. Subordination results for the differential operator DRλm,n are also obtained.
Changing Trends in Paralytic Shellfish Poisonings Reflect Increasing Sea Surface Temperatures and Practices of Indigenous and Recreational Harvesters in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: McIntyre Lorraine , Miller Aroha , Kosatsky Tom
Published: October 2021

Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) occurs when shellfish contaminated with saxitoxin or equivalent paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) are ingested. In British Columbia, Canada, documented poisonings are increasing in frequency based on 62 investigations identified from 1941–2020. Two PSP investigations were reported between 1941 and 1960 compared to 31 since 2001 (p < 0.0001) coincident with rising global temperatures (r2 = 0.76, p < 0.006). The majority of PSP investigations (71%) and cases (69%) were linked to self-harvested shellfish. Far more investigations involved harvests by indigenous communities (24%) than by commercial and recreational groups. Single-case-exposure investigations increased by more than 3.5 times in the decade 2011–2020 compared to previous periods. Clams (47%); mussels (26%); oysters (14%); scallops (6%); and, in more recent years, crabs (4%) were linked to illnesses. To guide understanding of self-harvesting consumption risks, we recommend collecting data to determine when PST-producing algae are present in high concentrations, improving the quality of data in online shellfish harvest maps to include dates of last testing; biotoxin testing results; and a description of bivalve species tested. Over reliance on toxin results in biomonitored species may not address actual consumption risks for unmonitored species harvested from the same area. We further recommend introducing phytoplankton monitoring in remote indigenous communities where self-harvesting is common and toxin testing is unavailable, as well as continuing participatory education about biotoxin risks in seafoods.
The High-Temperature Deformation Behavior of As-Cast Ti90 Titanium Alloy
Authors: Wang Ke , Zhao Yongqing , Jia Weiju , Li Silan , Mao Chengliang
Published: October 2021

Isothermal compressions of as-cast near-α Ti90 titanium alloy were carried out on a Gleeble-3800 simulator in the temperature range of 860–1040 °C and strain rates of 0.001–10 s−1. The deformation behavior of the alloy was characterized based on the analyses of flow curves, the constructions of Arrhenius constitutive equations and the processing map. The microstructure evolution of the alloy was analyzed using the optical microscopic (OM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) techniques. The results show that the kinking and dynamic globularization of α lamellae is the dominant mechanism of flow softening in the α + β two-phase region, while the dynamic recovery (DRV) of β phase is the main softening mechanism in the β single-phase region. The dynamic globularization of α lamellae is mainly caused by the wedging of β phase into α laths and the shearing of α laths due to imposed shear strain. The activation of prismatic and pyramidal slip is found to be easier than that of basic slip during the deformation in the α + β two-phase region. In addition, the Schmid factor of equiaxial α is different from that of lamellar α, which also varies with the angle between its geometric orientation and compression direction (CD). Based on the processing map, the low η region within the temperature range of 860–918 °C with a strain rate range of 0.318–10 s−1 should be avoided to prevent the occurrence of deformation instability.
Structural Integrity Assessment of Independent Type-C Cylindrical Tanks Using Finite Element Analysis: Comparative Study Using Stainless Steel and Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Park Young-IL , Cho Jin-Seong , Kim Jeong-Hwan
Published: October 2021

The International Maritime Organization stipulates that greenhouse gas emissions from ships should be reduced by at least 50% relative to the amount observed in 2008. Consequently, the demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fueled ships has increased significantly. Therefore, an independent type-C cylindrical tank, which is typically applied as an LNG fuel tank, should be investigated. In this study, structural integrity assessments using finite element analysis are performed on C-type LNG fuel tanks for a sea-cleaning vessel. In addition, the applicability of stainless steel and aluminum alloys is evaluated for LNG tank construction. Structural analyses and fatigue limit evaluations, including heat transfer analyses for the tank based on IGC code requirements, are performed, and the results are compared. The results of this study are expected to facilitate the selection of materials used for independent type-C tanks.
Microstructure, Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Behavior of the Aluminum Alloy Components Repaired by Cold Spray with Al-Based Powders
Authors: Zhang Zhiyi , Sun Xiaoguang , Huang Shiming , Han Xiaohui , Zhu Ping , Shi Chunyuan , Zhang Tengfei
Published: October 2021

Aluminum alloy components of high-speed trains have a great risk of being corroded by various corrosive medium due to extremely complex atmospheric environments. This will bring out huge losses and reduce the safety and stability of trains. In order to solve the problem, cold spray process was used for repairing the damage of the aluminum alloy components with Al-based powders. Microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion behavior were studied. The results indicated that there were very few pores and cracks in the repaired areas after repairing. The average microhardness of the repaired areas was 54.5 HV ± 3.4 HV, and the tensile strength of the repaired samples was 160.4 MPa. After neutral salt spray tests for 1000 h, the rate of mass loss of the samples repaired by cold spray was lower than that of 6A01 aluminum alloy. The electrochemical test results showed that the repaired areas had a higher open circuit potential than 6A01 aluminum alloy. As a result, the repaired areas such as the anode protected its nearby substrate. The samples repaired by cold spray exhibited better corrosion than 6A01 aluminum alloy. Cold spray process and Al-based powders are applicable for repairing the aluminum alloy components of high-speed trains.