bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on the Optimized Operation of Hybrid Wind and Battery Energy Storage System Based on Peak-Valley Electricity Price
Authors: Miao Miao , Lou Suhua , Zhang Yuanxin , Chen Xing
Published: June 2021

The combined operation of hybrid wind power and a battery energy storage system can be used to convert cheap valley energy to expensive peak energy, thus improving the economic benefits of wind farms. Considering the peak–valley electricity price, an optimization model of the economic benefits of a combined wind–storage system was developed. A charging/discharging strategy of the battery storage system was proposed to maximize the economic benefits of the combined wind–storage system based on the forecast wind power. The maximal economic benefits were obtained based on scenario analysis, taking into account the wind-power forecast error, and costs associated with the loss of battery life, battery operation, and maintenance. Case simulation results highlight the effectiveness of the proposed model. The results show that the hybrid wind–storage system is not only able to convert cheap electricity in the valley period into expensive electricity in the peak period, thus resulting in higher economic benefits, but can also balance the deviation between actual output and plans for the wind power generator to decrease the loss penalty. The analyzed examples show that, following an increase in the deviation of the forecast wind power, the profit of the combined wind–storage system can increase by up to 45% using the charging/discharging strategy, compared with a wind farm that does not utilize energy storage. In addition, the profit of the combined wind–storage system can increase by up to 16% compared with separate systems, following an increase in the deviation penalty deviation coefficient.
The Foundation of Classical Mechanics
Authors: Capecchi Danilo
Published: June 2021

Mechanics is the science of the equilibrium and motion of bodies subject to forces. The adjective classical, hence Classical Mechanics, was added in the 20th century to distinguish it from relativistic mechanics which studies motion with speed close to light speed and quantum mechanics which studies motion at a subatomic level.
Correlation between Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Particulated β-Lactoglobulin and Its Behavior at Air/Water and Oil/Water Interfaces
Authors: Kurz Franziska , Reitberger Vera , Hengst Claudia , Bilke-Krause Christine , Kulozik Ulrich , Dombrowski Jannika
Published: June 2021

It is widely accepted that protein-based particles can efficiently stabilize foams and emulsions. However, it is not fully elucidated which particle properties are decisive for the stabilization of air/water and oil/water interfaces. To unravel this correlation, selected properties of nano-sized soluble β-lactoglobulin particles were changed one at a time. Therefore, particles of (1) variable size but similar zeta potential and degree of cross-linking and (2) similar size but different further properties were produced by heat treatment under a specific combination of pH value and NaCl concentration and then analyzed for their interfacial behavior as well as foaming and emulsifying properties. On the one hand, it was found that the initial phase of protein adsorption at both the air/water and the oil/water interface was mainly influenced by the zeta potential, independent of the particle size. On the other hand, foam stability as resolved from the time-dependent evolution of mean bubble area negatively correlated with disulfide cross-linking, whereas emulsion stability in terms of oil droplet flocculation showed a positive correlation with disulfide cross-linking. In addition, flocculation was more pronounced for larger particles. Concluding from this, foam and emulsion stability are not linked to the same particle properties and, thus, explanatory approaches cannot be used interchangeably.
Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) and Infant Microbiota: A Scoping Review
Authors: Sánchez Cristina , Fente Cristina , Regal Patricia , Lamas Alexandre , Lorenzo María Paz
Published: June 2021

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are the third most abundant solid component of breast milk. However, the newborn cannot assimilate them as nutrients. They are recognized prebiotic agents (the first in the newborn diet) that stimulate the growth of beneficial microorganisms, mainly the genus Bifidobacterium, dominant in the gut of breastfed infants. The structures of the oligosaccharides vary mainly according to maternal genetics, but also other maternal factors such as parity and mode of delivery, age, diet, and nutritional status or even geographic location and seasonality cause different breast milk oligosaccharides profiles. Differences in the profiles of HMO have been linked to breast milk microbiota and gut microbial colonization of babies. Here, we provide a review of the scope of reports on associations between HMOs and the infant gut microbiota to assess the impact of HMO composition.
Revisiting Non-Thermal Food Processing and Preservation Methods—Action Mechanisms, Pros and Cons: A Technological Update (2016–2021)
Authors: Chacha James S. , Zhang Liyan , Ofoedu Chigozie E. , Suleiman Rashid A. , Dotto Joachim M. , Roobab Ume , Agunbiade Adedoyin O. , Duguma Haile Tesfaye , Mkojera Beatha T. , Hossaini Sayed Mahdi , Rasaq Waheed A. , Shorstkii Ivan , Okpala Charles Odilichukwu R. , Korzeniowska Malgorzata , Guiné Raquel P. F.
Published: June 2021

The push for non-thermal food processing methods has emerged due to the challenges associated with thermal food processing methods, for instance, high operational costs and alteration of food nutrient components. Non-thermal food processing involves methods where the food materials receive microbiological inactivation without or with little direct application of heat. Besides being well established in scientific literature, research into non-thermal food processing technologies are constantly on the rise as applied to a wide range of food products. Due to such remarkable progress by scientists and researchers, there is need for continuous synthesis of relevant scientific literature for the benefit of all actors in the agro-food value chain, most importantly the food processors, and to supplement existing information. This review, therefore, aimed to provide a technological update on some selected non-thermal food processing methods specifically focused on their operational mechanisms, their effectiveness in preserving various kinds of foods, as revealed by their pros (merits) and cons (demerits). Specifically, pulsed electric field, pulsed light, ultraviolet radiation, high-pressure processing, non-thermal (cold) plasma, ozone treatment, ionizing radiation, and ultrasound were considered. What defines these techniques, their ability to exhibit limited changes in the sensory attributes of food, retain the food nutrient contents, ensure food safety, extend shelf-life, and being eco-friendly were highlighted. Rationalizing the process mechanisms about these specific non-thermal technologies alongside consumer education can help raise awareness prior to any design considerations, improvement of cost-effectiveness, and scaling-up their capacity for industrial-level applications.
Influences of Microwave-Assisted Extraction Parameters on Antioxidant Activity of the Extract from Akebia trifoliata Peels
Authors: Luo Min , Zhou Dan-Dan , Shang Ao , Gan Ren-You , Li Hua-Bin
Published: June 2021

Akebia trifoliata is a fruit with rich nutritional properties, and its peel is produced as a by-product. In this research, we investigated the influences of microwave-assisted extraction parameters on antioxidant activity of the extract from Akebia trifoliata peels, and the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) as well as total phenolic contents (TPC) were used to optimize extraction parameters. The influences of ethanol concentration, microwave power and solvent-to-material ratio, as well as extraction temperature and time on TPC, FRAP and TEAC values, were assessed using single-factor tests. Three parameters with obvious effects on antioxidant capacity were selected to further investigate their interactions by response surface methodology. The optimal extraction parameters of natural antioxidants from Akebia trifoliata peels were ethanol concentration, 49.61% (v/v); solvent-to-material ratio, 32.59:1 mL/g; extraction time, 39.31 min; microwave power, 500 W; and extraction temperature, 50 °C. Under optimal conditions, the FRAP, TEAC and TPC values of Akebia trifoliata peel extracts were 351.86 ± 9.47 µM Fe(II)/g dry weight (DW), 191.12 ± 3.53 µM Trolox/g DW and 32.67 ± 0.90 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g DW, respectively. Furthermore, the main bioactive compounds (chlorogenic acid, rutin and ellagic acid) in the extract were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The results are useful for the full utilization of the by-product from Akebia trifoliate fruit.
Advanced Methods of Joint Inversion of Multiphysics Data for Mineral Exploration
Authors: Zhdanov Michael S. , Jorgensen Michael , Cox Leif
Published: June 2021

Different geophysical methods provide information about various physical properties of rock formations and mineralization. In many cases, this information is mutually complementary. At the same time, inversion of the data for a particular survey is subject to considerable uncertainty and ambiguity as to causative body geometry and intrinsic physical property contrast. One productive approach to reducing uncertainty is to jointly invert several types of data. Non-uniqueness can also be reduced by incorporating additional information derived from available geological and/or geophysical data in the survey area to reduce the searching space for the solution. This additional information can be incorporated in the form of a joint inversion of multiphysics data. This paper presents an overview of the main ideas and principles of novel methods of joint inversion, developed over the last decade, which do not require a priori knowledge about specific empirical or statistical relationships between the different model parameters and/or their attributes. These approaches are designated as follows: (1) Gramian constraints; (2) Gramian-based structural constraints; (3) localized Gramian constraints; and (4) joint focusing constraints. We provide a short description of the mathematical foundations of each of these approaches and discuss the practical aspects of their applications in mineral exploration.
Hydrochemistry and Evolution of Water Quality in a Context of Aridity and Increasing Agriculture in Three River Sub-Basins of Santiago Island (Cape Verde)
Authors: Gonçalves Nemias , Valente Teresa , Pamplona Jorge , Antunes Isabel Margarida Horta Ribeiro
Published: June 2021

In regions under development and facing recurrent droughts, increasing the area of irrigated agriculture may create additional disruption in water resources management. The present study was focused on three river sub-basins with the highest agricultural intensity (S. Miguel, Ribeira Seca and S. Domingos) in Santiago Island (Cape Verde). Sets of wells were selected to evaluate the influence of salinization and agriculture practices on the hydrochemistry. This assessment was performed by using data from the bibliography (2003) and a recent campaign (2016). The water chemistry indicates lower mineralization in the S. Miguel sub-basin. Nitrates and nitrites, typically associated with diffuse pollution, are present in all sub-basins, but with varying patterns. Additionally, sodium chloride waters occur in all the three sub-basins, especially those closest to the coastline. In turn, a bicarbonate-magnesium facies was identified in S. Domingos, at the furthest point from the coast, indicating a geological control. The comparison between the two periods suggests a decrease in water quality. The rising extension of the irrigation area associated with aridity should intensify the already observed soil salinization. Thus, the present review highlights the strategic importance of water monitoring at the basin level as a management tool for resources preservation in insular arid and developing regions.
A Salutogenic Perspective on End-of-Life Care among the Indigenous Sámi of Northern Fennoscandia
Authors: Kroik Lena , Tishelman Carol , Stoor Krister , Edin-Liljegren Anette
Published: June 2021

There is limited empirical data about both health and end-of-life (EoL) issues among the Indigenous Sámi of Fennoscandia. We therefore aimed to investigate experiences of EoL care and support among the Sámi, both from the Sámi community itself as well as from more formalized health and social care services in Sweden. Our primary data source is from focus group discussions (FGDs) held at a Sámi event in 2017 with 24 people, complemented with analysis of previously collected data from 15 individual interviews with both Sámi and non-Sámi informants familiar with dying, death and bereavement among Sámi; “go-along” discussions with 12 Sámi, and individual interviews with 31 Sámi about advance care planning. After initial framework analysis, we applied a salutogenic model for interpretation, focusing on a sense of community coherence. We found a range of generalized resistance resources in relation to the Sámi community, which appeared to support EoL care situations, i.e., Social Organization; Familiarity with EoL Care, Collective Cultural Heritage; Expressions of Spirituality; Support from Majority Care Systems; and Brokerage. These positive features appear to support key components of a sense of community coherence, i.e., comprehensibility, meaningfulness and manageability. We also found relatively few, but notable deficits that may diminish the sense of community coherence, i.e., lack of communication in one’s own language; orientation, familiarity and/or agreement in contacts with formal health and social care systems; and/or support from extended family. The results suggest that there is a robust basis among Sámi for well-functioning EoL care; a challenge is in developing supportive interactions with the majority health and social care systems that support and complement these structures, for partnership in developing care that is meaningful, comprehensible and manageable even in potentially difficult EoL situations.
A Narrative Review of the Facts and Perspectives on Agricultural Fertilization in Europe, with a Focus on Italy
Authors: Latini Arianna , Giagnacovo Germina , Campiotti Carlo Alberto , Bibbiani Carlo , Mariani Susanna
Published: June 2021

Fertilizers stand at the base of current agricultural practices, providing the nutrient sustainment required for growing plants. Most fertilizers are synthetic chemicals, whose exploitation at very high levels poses a risk to cultivated land and the whole environment. They have several drawbacks including soil degradation, water pollution, and human food safety. Currently, the urgent need to counterbalance these negative environmental impacts has opened the way for the use of natural and renewable products that may help to restore soil structure, microorganism communities, nutrient elements, and, in some cases, to positively enhance carbon soil sequestration. Here, we endeavor to reinforce the vision that effective strategies designed to mitigate negative anthropic and climate change impacts should combine, in appropriate proportions, solutions addressed to a lower and less energy intensive production of chemicals and to a more inclusive exploitation of renewable natural products as biological soil amendments. After drawing an overview of the agricultural energy demand and consumption of fertilizers in Europe in the last few years (with a particular focus on Italy), this narrative review will deal with the current and prospective use of compost, biochar, and neem cake, which are suitable natural products with well-known potential and still-to-be-discovered features, to benefit sustainable agriculture and be adopted as circular economic solutions.
Spatial Distribution of Displaced Population Estimated Using Mobile Phone Data to Support Disaster Response Activities
Authors: Cumbane Silvino Pedro , Gidófalvi Győző
Published: June 2021

Under normal circumstances, people’s homes and work locations are given by their addresses, and this information is used to create a disaster management plan in which there are instructions to individuals on how to evacuate. However, when a disaster strikes, some shelters are destroyed, or in some cases, distance from affected areas to the closest shelter is not reasonable, or people have no possibility to act rationally as a natural response to physical danger, and hence, the evacuation plan is not followed. In each of these situations, people tend to find alternative places to stay, and the evacuees in shelters do not represent the total number of the displaced population. Knowing the spatial distribution of total displaced people (including people in shelters and other places) is very important for the success of the response activities which, among other measures, aims to provide for the basic humanitarian needs of affected people. Traditional methods of people displacement estimation are based on population surveys in the shelters. However, conducting a survey is infeasible to perform at scale and provides low coverage, i.e., can only cover the numbers for the population that are at the shelters, and the information cannot be delivered in a timely fashion. Therefore, in this research, anonymized mobile Call Detail Records (CDRs) are proposed as a source of information to infer the spatial distribution of the displaced population by analyzing the variation of home cell-tower for each anonymized mobile phone subscriber before and after a disaster. The effectiveness of the proposed method is evaluated using remote-sensing-based building damage assessment data and Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) from an individual’s questionnaire survey conducted after a severe cyclone in Beira city, central Mozambique, in March 2019. The results show an encouraging correlation coefficient (over 70%) between the number of arrivals in each neighborhood estimated using CDRs and from DTM. In addition to this, CDRs derive spatial distribution of displaced populations with high coverage of people, i.e., including not only people in the shelter but everyone who used a mobile phone before and after the disaster. Moreover, results suggest that if CDRs data are available right after a disaster, population displacement can be estimated, and this information can be used for response activities and hence contribute to reducing waterborne diseases (e.g., diarrheal disease) and diseases associated with crowding (e.g., acute respiratory infections) in shelters and host communities.
Modeling Data Flows with Network Calculus in Cyber-Physical Systems: Enabling Feature Analysis for Anomaly Detection Applications
Authors: Jacobs Nicholas , Hossain-McKenzie Shamina , Summers Adam
Published: June 2021

The electric grid is becoming increasingly cyber-physical with the addition of smart technologies, new communication interfaces, and automated grid-support functions. Because of this, it is no longer sufficient to only study the physical system dynamics, but the cyber system must also be monitored as well to examine cyber-physical interactions and effects on the overall system. To address this gap for both operational and security needs, cyber-physical situational awareness is needed to monitor the system to detect any faults or malicious activity. Techniques and models to understand the physical system (the power system operation) exist, but methods to study the cyber system are needed, which can assist in understanding how the network traffic and changes to network conditions affect applications such as data analysis, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and anomaly detection. In this paper, we examine and develop models of data flows in communication networks of cyber-physical systems (CPSs) and explore how network calculus can be utilized to develop those models for CPSs, with a focus on anomaly and intrusion detection. This provides a foundation for methods to examine how changes to behavior in the CPS can be modeled and for investigating cyber effects in CPSs in anomaly detection applications.
Accessibility in European Peripheral Territories: Analyzing the Portuguese Mainland Connectivity Patterns from 1985 to 2020
Authors: Gómez José Manuel Naranjo , Vulevic Ana , Couto Gualter , Alexandre Castanho Rui
Published: June 2021

The inner periphery European countries, as is the case of Portugal, are characterized by poor access to essential areas and services of general and social relations. Contextually, this paper aims to explore the linkages between inner peripheries, ultra-peripherality concepts, and the concept of accessibility from 1985 to 2020, in parallel with the analysis of some demographic trends in the same research period. Thus, the study deals with accessibility and the analysis of accessibility-related spatial distribution to represent the traditional core—periphery pattern, with the highest accessibility in the center of the mainland and west coastal area, and the lowest accessibility in remote regions. The results show that the distribution of the road infrastructure is not uniform in Portugal. Furthermore, the NUTS II regions of PT13 Lisboa e Vale do Tejo (the Lisbon region) and PT11 Norte (northern Portugal) have the greatest road per km2. The Lisbon region has the highest concentration of national roads globally, while the northern region has the highest concentration of municipal roads. These two regions are, by far, the most densely populated, encompassing about ¾ of the national population and GDP.
The Draft Genome of Yellow Stem Borer, an Agriculturally Important Pest, Provides Molecular Insights into Its Biology, Development and Specificity Towards Rice for Infestation
Authors: Kattupalli Divya , Barbadikar Kalyani M. , Balija Vishalakshi , Ballichatla Suneel , R Athulya , Padmakumari Ayyagari Phani , Saxena Swati , Gaikwad Kishor , Yerram Sridhar , Kokku Premalatha , Madhav Maganti Sheshu
Published: June 2021

Yellow stem borer (YSB), Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), a major monophagous insect pest of rice, causes significant yield losses. The rice–YSB interaction is very dynamic, making it difficult for management. The development of resistant lines has been unsuccessful as there are no effective resistant sources in the germplasm. Genome information is necessary for a better understanding of interaction with rice in terms of its recognition, response, and infestation mechanism. The draft genome of YSB is predicted to have 46,057 genes with an estimated size of 308 Mb, being correlated with the flow cytometry analysis. The existence of complex metabolic mechanisms and genes related to specific behavior was identified, being conditioned by a higher level of regulation. We deciphered the possible visual, olfactory, and gustatory mechanisms responsible for its evolution as a monophagous pest. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that YSB is unique in the way it has evolved. The obvious presence of high-immunity-related genes, well-developed RNAi machinery, and diverse effectors provides a means for developing genomic tools for its management. The identified 21,696 SSR markers can be utilized for diversity analysis of populations across the rice-growing regions. We present the first draft genome of YSB. The information emanated paves a way for biologists to design novel pest management strategies as well as for the industry to design new classes of safer and specific insecticide molecules.
Impact of Temperature on Survival Rate, Fecundity, and Feeding Behavior of Two Aphids, Aphis gossypii and Acyrthosiphon gossypii, When Reared on Cotton
Authors: Liu Jinping , Wang Chen , Desneux Nicolas , Lu Yanhui
Published: June 2021

Aphid performance is sensitive to temperature changes. Previous studies found that Acyrthosiphon gossypii (Mordviiko) was more sensitive to high temperature than Aphis gossypii (Glover). However, the effects of high temperatures on the survival, fecundity, and feeding behavior of these two aphid adults are not clear. This study examined the effect of different temperatures (29 °C, 32 °C, and 35 °C) on the adult survival rate, fecundity, and feeding behavior of these two aphid species. Our results showed that the adverse effects of high temperatures (32 °C and 35 °C) on aphid adult survival and fecundity were greater for Ac. gossypii than Ap. gossypii. The electrical penetration graph (EPG) data showed that Ac. gossypii spent more time feeding on xylem than phloem under all temperature treatments, which contrasted with Ap. gossypii. The time of phloem ingestion by Ap. gossypii at 32 °C was significantly higher than at 29 °C, while for Ac. gossypii, this value significantly decreased when temperature increased. These feeding patterns indicate that Ac. gossypii obtains less nutrition from phloem in support of its development and fecundity. Data generated in this study will serve as the basis for predicting the effects of increased temperature on these two cotton aphids.
Evaluating the Prognostic Value of Islet Autoantibody Monitoring in Islet Transplant Recipients with Long-Standing Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Anteby Roi , Lucander Aaron , Bachul Piotr J. , Pyda Jordan , Grybowski Damian , Basto Lindsay , Generette Gabriela S. , Perea Laurencia , Golab Karolina , Wang Ling-jia , Tibudan Martin , Thomas Celeste , Fung John , Witkowski Piotr
Published: June 2021

(1) Background: The correlation between titers of islet autoantibodies (IAbs) and the loss of transplanted islets remains controversial. We sought to evaluate the prognostic utility of monitoring IAbs in diabetic patients after islet transplantation (ITx); (2) Methods: Twelve patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus and severe hypoglycemia underwent ITx. Serum concentration of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), insulinoma antigen 2 (IA-2), and zinc transport 8 (ZnT8) autoantibodies was assessed before ITx and 0, 7, and 75 days and every 3 months post-operatively; (3) Results: IA-2A (IA-2 antibody) and ZnT8A (ZnT8 antibody) levels were not detectable before or after ITx in all patients (median follow-up of 53 months (range 24–61)). Prior to ITx, GAD antibody (GADA) was undetectable in 67% (8/12) of patients. Of those, 75% (6/8) converted to GADA+ after ITx. In 67% (4/6) of patients with GADA+ seroconversion, GADA level peaked within 3 months after ITx and subsequently declined. All patients with GADA+ seroconversion maintained long-term partial or complete islet function (insulin independence) after 1 or 2 ITx. There was no correlation between the presence of IAb-associated HLA haplotypes and the presence of IAbs before or after ITx; (4) Conclusions: There is no association between serum GADA trends and ITx outcomes. IA-2A and ZnT8A were not detectable in any of our patients before or after ITx.
Safety and Efficacy of SGLT2 Inhibitors: A Multiple-Treatment Meta-Analysis of Clinical Decision Indicators
Authors: Martínez-Vizcaíno Vicente , Díez-Fernández Ana , Álvarez-Bueno Celia , Martínez-Alfonso Julia , Cavero-Redondo Iván
Published: June 2021

To jointly assess the safety and effectiveness of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on cardiorenal outcomes and all-cause mortality in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with or at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We performed a systematic review and network meta-analysis, systematically searching the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Web of Science databases up to September 2020. Primary outcomes were composite major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), hospitalization for heart failure, all-cause mortality and a composite renal outcome. We performed a random effects network meta-analysis estimating the pooled hazard ratio (HR), risk ratio and number needed to treat (NNT). Six trials evaluating empagliflozin, canagliflozin, dapagliflozin and ertugliflozin met the inclusion/exclusion criteria, which comprised 46,969 patients, mostly with established CVD. Pooled estimates (95% CI) of benefits of SGLT2i in terms of HR and NNT were as follows: for all-cause mortality, 0.85 (0.75, 0.97) and 58 (28, 368); for MACE, 0.91 (0.85, 0.97) and 81 (44, 271); for hospitalization for heart failure, 0.70 (0.62, 0.78) and 32 (20, 55); and for composite renal outcome, 0.61 (0.50, 0.74) and 20 (11, 44). Pooled estimates for serious adverse events were 0.92 (95% CI 0.89, 0.95). In patients with T2DM at cardiovascular risk, ertugliflozin is a less potent drug than empagliflozin, canagliflozin or dapagliflozin to prevent cardiorenal events and all-cause mortality. In addition, our data endorse that empagliflozin is the best treatment option among SGLT2i for this type of patient, but the evidence is not consistent enough.
Long-Term Effectiveness and Safety of Tafluprost, Travoprost, and Latanoprost in Korean Patients with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma or Normal-Tension Glaucoma: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study (LOTUS Study)
Authors: Kim Joon-Mo , Sung Kyung-Rim , Kim Hwang-Ki , Park Sang-Woo , Lee Eun-Ji , Jeoung Jin-Wook , Park Hae-Young Lopilly , Ahn Jaehong , Yoo Chungkwon , Kim Chan-Yun
Published: June 2021

This multicenter retrospective cohort study compared the effectiveness and safety of long-term tafluprost, travoprost, or latanoprost in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) or normal-tension glaucoma (NTG). Data were extracted from electronic medical records of 300 patients treated with tafluprost, travoprost, or latanoprost for >6 months. Propensity matching for age and sex was used for effectiveness and safety comparisons. The primary endpoint was visual field (VF) progression via mean deviation (MD) slope. Secondary endpoints were change of MD, intraocular pressure, pattern standard deviation, VF index, and advanced glaucoma intervention study score. Treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were also compared between groups. Overall, 216 POAG or NTG patients were matched into Match Set 1 (72 patients/group), and 177 NTG-only patients in Match Set 2 (59 patients/group) according to: age (mean: 61, 62 years) and sex (male: 53, 56%). There were no statistically significant between-group differences regarding MD slope (p = 0.413, p = 0.374 in Match Sets 1 and 2, respectively). There were no significant between-group differences/tendencies regarding secondary endpoints. No AEs were serious, and there were no significant between-group differences regarding reported AEs. In patients with POAG or NTG, long-term tafluprost, travoprost, or latanoprost showed similar effects. All three prostaglandin analogs had good long-term safety profiles.
In Vitro Development of a New Sponge-Based Delivery System for Intracanal Antimicrobial Administration in Endodontic Treatment
Authors: Manuel Ruíz-Piñón , Tania Gancedo-Gancedo , Rafael Seoane-Prado , Antonio Pérez-Estévez , José Blanco-Méndez , Asteria Luzardo-Álvarez , Pablo Castelo-Baz , Alejandro Lorenzo-Pouso , Pablo Álvarez-Novoa , Benjamín Martín-Biedma
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro performance of collagen-based sponges as a drug delivery system for intracanal antimicrobial administration. Four groups of loaded collagen-based sponges (A, 0.3% w/v amoxicillin trihydrate: potassium clavulanate (4:1); B, 0.03% w/v chlorhexidine gluconate [CHX]; C, 0.3% w/v amoxicillin trihydrate: potassium clavulanate (4:1) and 0.03% w/v CHX; D, 1% w/v amoxicillin trihydrate: potassium clavulanate (4:1) and 0.03% w/v CHX) were designed. Release kinetics were tested in vitro on cultures in Petri dishes, and the effect on bacterial biofilms was studied ex vivo on 114 extracted human single-rooted teeth. Biofilm formation was tested by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Collagen sponges containing amoxicillin and chlorhexidine showed a time-sustained antimicrobial effect in vitro and were also able to destroy mature biofilms ex vivo. This datum was validated by means of SEM-based study of E. faecalis and S. aureus biofilms.
Therapeutic Efficacy of Autologous Platelet Concentrate Injection on Macular Holes with High Myopia, Large Macular Holes, or Recurrent Macular Holes: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kim Mirinae , Won Jae-Yon , Choi Seung-Yong , Kim Minhee , Ra Ho , Jee Donghyun , Kwon Jin-Woo , Kang Kui-Dong , Roh Young-Jung , Park Young-Gun , Kang Seungbum , Shin Jeong-Ah , Yim Hyeon-Woo , Park Young-Hoon
Published: June 2021

We aimed to evaluate the anatomical and functional outcomes of pars-plana vitrectomy (PPV) with or without autologous platelet concentrate (APC) injection in patients with recurrent macular holes (MHs), large MHs, or MHs with high myopia. This multicenter, prospective, interventional randomized controlled trial was conducted from March 2017 to April 2020. Participants were randomly allocated to a PPV group or a PPV+APC group. All participants underwent standard 25-gauge PPV, and eyes in the PPV+APC group underwent PPV with intravitreal APC injection before air-gas exchange. A total of 117 patients were enrolled (PPV group: n = 59, PPV+APC group: n = 58). Hole closure was achieved in 47 participants (79.7%) in the PPV group and 52 participants (89.7%) in the PPV+APC group. There were no between-group differences in the anatomical closure rate or functional outcomes including best-corrected visual acuity, metamorphopsia, pattern-reversal visual evoked potential, or Visual Function Questionnaire-25 score. The use of APC injection does not improve the anatomical and functional outcomes of surgery for large MHs, recurrent MHs, or MHs with high myopia. The adjunctive use of APC can be considered in selected cases because it is not inferior to conventional MH surgery, is relatively simple to perform, and is not affected by the surgeon’s skill.
Hypercoagulability Evaluation in Antiphospholipid Syndrome without Anticoagulation Treatment with Thrombin Generation Assay: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Billoir Paul , Miranda Sébastien , Levesque Herve , Benhamou Ygal , Le Cam Duchez Véronique
Published: June 2021

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is associated with thrombotic events (tAPS) and/or obstetrical morbidity (oAPS), with persisting antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). Despite an update of aPL in 2006, several patients had typical clinical events without the classical biological criteria. The aim of our study was to evaluate the hypercoagulability state with both thrombin generation (TG) profiles and activated protein C resistance (aPCR) in different types of APS. Methods: We retrospectively included 41 patients with Sydney criteria classification (tAPS, oAPS) and no clinical manifestation of APS with persistent aPL (biological APS). A thrombin generation assay was performed with a Fluoroskan Ascent fluorometer in platelet-poor plasma (PPP). Activated protein C resistance was measured as a ratio: ETP+aPC/ETP-aPC × 100. Results: Thrombotic APS and oAPS had an increase of global thrombin generation (ETPcontrol = 808 nM.min (756–853) vs. 1265 nM.min (956–1741) and 1863 nM.min (1434–2080), respectively) (Peakcontrol = 78 nM (74–86) vs. 153 nM (109–215) and 254 nM.min (232–289), respectively). Biological APS had only a lag time increase (Tcontrol = 4.89 ± 1.65 min vs. 13.6 ± 3.9 min). An increased aPCR was observed in tAPS (52.7 ± 16.4%), oAPS (64.1 ± 14.6%) as compared to the control group (27.2 ± 13.8%). Conclusion: Our data suggest an increase of thrombin generation in thrombotic and obstetrical APS and no hypercoagulable states in patients with biological APS. The study of a prospective and a larger controlled cohort could determine the TGA useful for APS monitoring and could confirm an aPCR evaluation in PPP.
Influence of Material Properties on Interfacial Morphology during Magnetic Pulse Welding of Al1100 to Copper Alloys and Commercially Pure Titanium
Authors: Zhang Shunyi , Kinsey Brad L.
Published: June 2021

During magnetic pulsed welding (MPW), a wavy interface pattern can be observed. However, this depends on the specific material combination being joined. Some combinations, e.g., steel to aluminum, simply provide undulating waves, while others, e.g., titanium to copper, provide elegant vortices. These physical features can affect the strength of the joint produced, and thus a more comprehensive understanding of the material combination effects during MPW is required. To investigate the interfacial morphology and parent material properties dependency during MPW, tubular Al1100 and various copper alloy joints were fabricated. The influence of two material properties, i.e., yield strength and density, were studied, and the interface morphology features were visually investigated. Results showed that both material properties affected the interface morphology. Explicitly, decreasing yield strength (Cu101 and Cu110) led to a wavy interface, and decreasing density (Cu110 and CP-Ti) resulted in a wave interface with a larger wavelength. Numerical analyses were also conducted in LS-DYNA and validated the interface morphologies observed experimentally. These simulations show that the effect on shear stresses in the material is the cause of the interface morphology variations obtained. The results from this research provide a better fundamental understanding of MPW phenomena with respect to the effect of material properties and thus how to design an effective MPW application.
Towards a Model-Based Multi-Layered Approach to Describe Traffic Scenarios on a Technical Level
Authors: Reiher David , Hahn Axel
Published: June 2021

Highly automated vehicles are increasingly gaining the public’s attention. To achieve broad acceptance for the deployment of such vehicles, it is necessary to ensure their functionality and safety. One approach that has become popular in research is the scenario-based approach. However, manual testing of such complex systems is impractical and time-consuming. Using simulations to run and evaluate such scenarios appears to be the most viable approach. This, in turn, raises new challenges, especially in modeling the scenarios to be tested simulatively and incorporating the system under test as part of these. Since existing solutions do not solve these challenges satisfactorily—due to the strict separation of scenario and simulation model, among other reasons—this work addresses the need for a standardized, holistic, and extensible approach for modeling traffic scenarios to be executed simulatively. Requirements for such an approach are identified with focus on its application in simulation- and scenario-based verification and validation. Based on these, a model-based multi-layered approach is proposed. The foundations of this are then implemented utilizing a Meta Object Facility based heavyweight extension of the Unified Modeling Language metamodel. The resulting metamodel is used to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed approach by modeling a maritime traffic scenario.
Experimental Research on the Process Parameters of a Novel Low-Load Drill Bit Used for 7000 m Bedrock Sampling Base on Manned Submersible
Authors: Ren Yu-Gang , Yang Lei , Liu Yan-Jun , Liu Bao-Hua , Yu Kai-Ben , Zhang Jian-Hua
Published: June 2021

Due to the need for accurate exploration of deep-sea scientific research, drilling techniques by combining the operational advantages of the Jiaolong manned submersible is considered one of the most feasible methods for deep-sea bedrock drilling. Based on deep sea bedrock cutting model and discrete element simulation, as well as efficient drilling as the design criterion, the development of a deep sea 7000 m electromechanical coring apparatus was carried out. The outstanding feature of this technology is that the bit load produced by the drill pressure is usually within the range 100–400 N while the recommended load for diamond drilling is 1–3 KN or even more. Therefore, searching for the drilling bits that can drill in extremely hard formations with minimal load and acceptable rates of penetration and rotary speed is the necessary step to prove the feasibility of electromechanical deep-sea drilling technology. A test has been designed and constructed to examine three types of drill bits. The results of experiments show that the new low-load polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bit has the highest penetration length of 138 mm/15 min under a 300 N load and 250 rpm rotary speed. Finally, field tests with the Jiaolong submersible were used to conduct deep sea experiments and verify the load model, which provides theoretical and technical data on the use of a low-load core sampling drill developed specifically for a deep sea submersible.
A Type 2 Ryanodine Receptor Variant in the Helical Domain 2 Associated with an Impairment of the Adrenergic Response
Authors: Blancard Malorie , Touat-Hamici Zahia , Aguilar-Sanchez Yuriana , Yin Liheng , Vaksmann Guy , Roux-Buisson Nathalie , Fressart Véronique , Denjoy Isabelle , Klug Didier , Neyroud Nathalie , Ramos-Franco Josefina , Gomez Ana Maria , Guicheney Pascale
Published: June 2021

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is triggered by exercise or acute emotion in patients with normal resting electrocardiogram. The major disease-causing gene is RYR2, encoding the cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2). We report a novel RYR2 variant, p.Asp3291Val, outside the four CPVT mutation hotspots, in three CPVT families with numerous sudden deaths. This missense variant was first identified in a four-generation family, where eight sudden cardiac deaths occurred before the age of 30 in the context of adrenergic stress. All affected subjects harbored at least one copy of the RYR2 variant. Three affected sisters were homozygous for the variant. The same variant was found in two additional CPVT families. It is located in the helical domain 2 and changes a negatively charged amino acid widely conserved through evolution. Functional analysis of D3291V channels revealed a normal response to cytosolic Ca2+, a markedly reduced luminal Ca2+ sensitivity and, more importantly, an absence of normal response to 8-bromo-cAMP and forskolin stimulation in both transfected HEK293 and HL-1 cells. Our data support that the D3291V-RyR2 is a loss-of-function RyR2 variant responsible for an atypical form of CPVT inducing a mild dysfunction in basal conditions but leading potentially to fatal events through its unresponsiveness to adrenergic stimulation.
Validation of the Patient-Centred Care Competency Scale Instrument for Finnish Nurses
Authors: Suhonen Riitta , Lahtinen Katja , Stolt Minna , Pasanen Miko , Lemetti Terhi
Published: June 2021

Patient-centredness in care is a core healthcare value and an effective healthcare delivery design requiring specific nurse competences. The aim of this study was to assess (1) the reliability, validity, and sensitivity of the Finnish version of the Patient-centred Care Competency (PCC) scale and (2) Finnish nurses’ self-assessed level of patient-centred care competency. The PCC was translated to Finnish (PCC-Fin) before data collection and analyses: descriptive statistics; Cronbach’s alpha coefficients; item analysis; exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses; inter-scale correlational analysis; and sensitivity. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were acceptable, high for the total scale, and satisfactory for the four sub-scales. Item analysis supported the internal homogeneity of the items-to-total and inter-items within the sub-scales. Explorative factor analysis suggested a three-factor solution, but the confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the four-factor structure (Tucker–Lewis index (TLI) 0.92, goodness-of-fit index (GFI) 0.99, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) 0.065, standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) 0.045) with 61.2% explained variance. Analysis of the secondary data detected no differences in nurses’ self-evaluations of contextual competence, so the inter-scale correlations were high. The PCC-Fin was found to be a reliable and valid instrument for the measurement of nurses’ patient-centred care competence. Rasch model analysis would provide some further information about the item level functioning within the instrument.
Value Maximizing Decisions in the Real Estate Market: Real Options Valuation Approach
Authors: Čirjevskis Andrejs
Published: June 2021

The real estate market of EU countries has undergone a severe global financial crisis 2008–2009, recovered successfully later, and now experiencing significant uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic event. Significant volatility of the real estate business is once again evident, just as it was following the global financial crisis. The paper aims to provide a case study of a real estate project by giving insight into the Latvian real estate project that had been experiencing similar economic uncertainty, to demonstrate hybrid real options valuation (ROV) method to adapt real estate investments to changing circumstances and to develop the decision-making solution to similar EU real estate problems during the pandemic. The paper provides the “step-by-step” ROV application’s methodology in real estate development projects. The presented methodology is a powerful managerial risk management tool for the executives of similar real estate development projects in the EU countries struggling to make investment decisions in the pandemic and post-pandemic period. Since any estimation includes assumptions, ROV results should be interpreted and perceived as approximations only. The future works can provide robust ROV analyses and interpretations regarding the demand for real estate, showing quantitatively how competition can impact strategic investment decisions.
Dynamics of Funding Liquidity and Risk-Taking: Evidence from Commercial Banks
Authors: Abbas Faisal , Ali Shoaib , Yousaf Imran , Wong Wing-Keung
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of funding liquidity risk on the banks’ risk-taking behavior. To test the hypotheses, we apply the two-step system GMM technique on US commercial banks data from 2002 to 2018. We find that funding liquidity increases the banks’ risk-taking of US commercial banks. Furthermore, banks with higher deposits are less likely to face a funding shortage, and bank managers’ aggressive risk-taking activity is less likely to be monitored. Our findings infer that increases in bank funding liquidity increase both risk-weighted assets and liquidity creation, and deposit insurance creates a moral risk issue for banks taking excessive risks in response to deposit rises. The relationship between funding liquidity and the banks’ risk-taking varies with their capitalization and market conditions; the impact of funding liquidity on risk-taking is pronounced for well-capitalized banks and the Global Financial Crisis 2007. Our tests are robust for the usage of alternate proxy of funding liquidity and by controlling economic conditions. The findings of this study have implications for regulators to develop guidelines for the level of liquidity and risk-taking of commercial banks.