bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assimilation of SAR-derived flood extent observations for improving fluvial flood forecast – A proof-of-concept
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Huy , Ricci Sophie , Piacentini Andrea , Fatras Christophe , Kettig Peter , Blanchet Gwendoline , Luque Santiago Peña , Baillarin Simon 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
As the severity and occurrence of flood events tend to intensify with climate change, the need for flood forecasting capability increases. In this regard, the Flood Detection, Alert and rapid Mapping (FloodDAM) project, funded by Space for Climate Observatory initiatives, was set out to develop pre-operational tools dedicated to enabling quick responses in flood-prone areas, and to improve the reactivity of decision support systems. This work focuses on the assimilation of 2D flood extent data (expressed in terms of wet surface ratios) and in-situ water level data to improve the representation of the flood plain dynamics with a Telemac-2D model and an Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF). The EnKF control vector was composed friction coefficients and corrective parameter to the input forcing. It is then augmented with the water level state averaged over several floodplain zones. This work was conducted in the context of Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSE) based on a real flood event occurred in January-February 2021 on the Garonne Marmandaise catchment. This allows to validate the observation operator associated to the wet surface ratio observations as well as the dual state-parameter sequential correction implemented in this work. The merits of assimilating SAR-derived flood plain data complementary to in-situ water level observations are shown in the control parameter and observation spaces with 1D and 2D assessment metrics. It was also shown that the correction of the hydraulic state significantly improved the flood dynamics, especially during the recession. This proof-of-concept study paves the way towards near-real-time flood forecast, making the most of remote sensing-derived flood observations.
Air entrainment and transport in a bottom outlet controlled by a cylindrical gate
Authors: Li Shicheng , Yang James , Enmark Gustav 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
This study deals with a bottom outlet that causes significant surges at both the inlet and exit. The bottom outlet comprises an intake, a vertical shaft and a tunnel underneath the rockfill dam and a submerged exit. In the intake tower, a cylinder gate controls hexagonal openings near the reservoir bottom. Operations during the dam construction show that discharges at a low reservoir water level result in upsurges of air-water mixture within the hollow gate cylinder and blowouts in the tailwater. To understand the flow behaviors, 3D CFD modeling is performed to examine air entrainment at the intake and transport down the waterway. Both low and high-water levels are simulated, and the air-water flow phenomenon is reproduced. In both cases, air pockets are generated, which undergo accumulation and breakup process. When moving downstream, they could cause severe surface fluctuations, even blowouts. Consequently, engineering solutions are required to address this issue. The aim of this study is to provide basis for risk assessment of outlet operations and potential rehabilitation measures.
Using WDN-tailored complex network centrality metrics to assess isolation valve system reliability
Authors: Laucelli Daniele Biagio , Ciliberti Francesco G , Berardi Luigi , Mauro Giuseppe , Giustolisi Orazio 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Mechanical reliability Water Distribution Networks (WDNs) depends on the Isolation Valve System (IVS). In fact, in the event of accidental disruptions or planned maintenance works, segments of the WDNs need to be temporarily disconnected by closing isolation valves to allow pipes repair. This maneuver it modifies the WDN topology and relevant hydraulic behavior. In this paper a recent approach for IVS reliability based on the Complex Network Theory (CNT) has been applied. It couples the construction of the graph of segments and isolation valves generated by the IVS with the risk of segment interruptions, using several WDN-tailored centrality metrics. The study is demonstrated on a real WDN using a Digital Water Service developed ad hoc for enabling technicians and water utilities in targeting the most critical valves in case of failure and thereby defining a lineup for valves inspections and maintenance.
Enhanced affinity law for centrifugal pumps at variable speed
Authors: Susan-Resiga Romeo Florin , Bosioc Alin Ilie , Stuparu Adrian Ciprian 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The paper presents a novel approach for analytical representation of specific energy E and torque T curves versus discharge Q and speed N, for centrifugal pumps operated at variable speed both in pump and turbine mode. An enhanced polynomial expression valid for both E(Q,N ) and T(Q,N) is introduced and validated against experimental data.
Experimental study of the flow induced by an axial hydrokinetic turbine
Authors: Danca Paul , Bunea Florentina , Babutanu Corina , Nedelcu Adrian , Grecu Ionut Stelian 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The renewable energy policy strongly encourages the use of all renewable sources of energy. The authors started to develop a new hydrokinetic turbine to be implemented in small rivers or water channels with a low investment cost. This paper presents velocity map distribution around a hydrokinetic turbine prototype. Experimental measurements were performed using a Particle Image Velocimetry system in a water channel, while the water velocity and turbine rotation speed were variated. Images are presented in the same rotor position and the rotational flow is captured downstream of the blades, at different turbine operating modes. This paper is part of a larger study on developing an innovative axial hydrokinetic turbine. The resulting velocity distribution will be used to validate the numerical model.
La3+ substitution impact on structural, magnetic, and electrical properties of CoFe2O4 synthesized via sucrose auto-combustion
Authors: Al-Juaid A A 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Lanthanum (La)-substituted cobalt ferrites CoFe2-x
La
x
O4 (x = 0.00–0.09) were successfully prepared using the sucrose sol-gel auto-combustion route. La-substitution effects on the structural, magnetic, and electrical/dielectric characteristics were investigated using different techniques. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results displayed a deviation from the single-phase structure at La-content ≥ 0.04 because of the formation of orthorhombic LaFeO3 at the boundaries of the grains. Both XRD and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) measurements showed that the crystal structure had not been significantly affected by La-substitution attributed to the crystallization out of this LaFeO3. Vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) measurements revealed gradual decreases in the magnetization as the La-content increases, which could be referred to as the decrease in the super-exchange interaction in the octahedral sites because of the preferential substitution of large ionic radius La3+ ions in the octahedral positions. As the antiferromagnetic LaFeO3 formed, a severe reduction in the magnetization appeared. The increase in the magnetization at 0.09 was attributed to the cationic redistribution among sublattices. On the other hand, the coercivity data indicated the hard magnetic characteristics of all the samples. The electrical conductivity results showed the semiconducting character of all samples with obvious decreases with increasing La-content. According to Verwey’s hopping mechanism, these decreases were attributed to the preferential occupation of La3+ by octahedral positions. Dielectric results versus temperature indicated anomalies relaxations around 460 K with the successive addition of lanthanum attributed to the electrical inhomogeneity that occurred due to oxygen vacancy created or the Maxwell-Wagner mechanism.
Controllable assessment of quantum rods with polarized emission for display applications
Authors: Chen Lixuan , Zhao Jinyang , Shi Zhiqing , Zhou Miao , Zhang Shengdong , Sun Xiao Wei , Zhang Xin 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Semiconductor quantum rods (QRs) emit polarized light, which shows great promise in the development of modern display devices with regard to energy efficiency and color enhancement. Here we demonstrate stretching of an aligned QR polarized film for brightness enhancement and optical efficiency improvement of current quantum-dot based displays. Study of the relationship between the QR material, stretching ratio and degree of alignment provides a guide for the fabrication of highly polarized QR film. A large-area film with a high degree of alignment of 0.635 and more than 1.6-fold enhancement of brightness and transmittance compared with the traditional structure was achieved, making the film a viable candidate for use in various energy-saving display devices.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and corresponding control measures on long-term care facilities: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Jun , Yu Yushan , Petrovic Mirko , Pei Xiaomei , Tian Qing-Bao , Zhang Lei , Zhang Wei-Hong 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Background
Long-term care facilities (LTCFs) were high-risk settings for COVID-19 outbreaks.

Objective
To assess the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on LTCFs, including rates of infection, hospitalisation, case fatality, and mortality, and to determine the association between control measures and SARS-CoV-2 infection rates in residents and staff.

Method
We conducted a systematic search of six databases for articles published between December 2019 and 5 November 2021, and performed meta-analyses and subgroup analyses to identify the impact of COVID-19 on LTCFs and the association between control measures and infection rate.

Results
We included 108 studies from 19 countries. These studies included 1,902,044 residents and 255,498 staff from 81,572 LTCFs, among whom 296,024 residents and 36,807 staff were confirmed SARS-CoV-2 positive. The pooled infection rate was 32.63% (95%CI: 30.29 ~ 34.96%) for residents, whereas it was 10.33% (95%CI: 9.46 ~ 11.21%) for staff. In LTCFs that cancelled visits, new patient admissions, communal dining and group activities, and vaccinations, infection rates in residents and staff were lower than the global rate. We reported the residents’ hospitalisation rate to be 29.09% (95%CI: 25.73 ~ 32.46%), with a case-fatality rate of 22.71% (95%CI: 21.31 ~ 24.11%) and mortality rate of 15.81% (95%CI: 14.32 ~ 17.30%). Significant publication biases were observed in the residents’ case-fatality rate and the staff infection rate, but not in the infection, hospitalisation, or mortality rate of residents.

Conclusion
SARS-CoV-2 infection rates would be very high among LTCF residents and staff without appropriate control measures. Cancelling visits, communal dining and group activities, restricting new admissions, and increasing vaccination would significantly reduce the infection rates.
Molecular Characterization of Malignant Renal Epithelioid Angiomyolipoma: A Review of Two Cases
Authors: Rammal Rayan , Korentzelos Dimitrios , Skaugen John M , Quiroga-Garza Gabriela M 
Published: January 2023

AbstractObjectivesEpithelioid angiomyolipoma (EAML, perivascular epithelioid cell tumor) is an uncommon primary renal tumor that may recur or metastasize, although there remain limited data for prediction of these outcomes. Here, we report two cases of renal EAML with molecular testing, adding to the existing literature of potential alterations associated with malignant behavior.MethodsTumors diagnosed as malignant renal EAML were identified, and clinical data, radiology, histology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular testing results were reviewed.ResultsTwo cases of malignant renal EAML were identified, both of which demonstrated TSC2 and TP53 mutations. In ATRX, one had a mutation and the other had a variant of uncertain significance. In addition, one patient had a synchronous classic angiomyolipoma that lacked TP53 and ATRX alterations.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the molecular landscape of malignant renal EAML and expand on the existing literature suggesting a role for TP53 and ATRX alterations in malignant progression of these tumors. The presence of synchronous benign and malignant tumors within the same patient offers a unique opportunity to directly compare the molecular alterations, further supporting the association with aggressive behavior.
Impact of response patterns for patients with advanced acral melanoma treated with anti-programmed death-1 monotherapy
Authors: Zhou Li , Shao Lizhi , Gao Shunyu , Cui Chuanliang , Chi Zhihong , Sheng Xinan , Tang Bixia , Mao Lili , Lian Bin , Yan Xieqiao , Wang Xuan , Bai Xue , Li Siming , Guo Jun , Si Lu 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Background
Acral melanoma (AM) is less responsive to immunotherapy than nonacral cutaneous melanoma. Variable responses are seen during immunotherapy, including pseudoprogression, hyperprogressive disease (HPD) and heterogeneous responses. There are currently no studies on the response patterns of patients with AM treated with immunotherapy and the impact on the outcome.

Objectives
To evaluate the response patterns and prognosis of patients with AM treated with anti-programmed death (PD)-1 antibodies.

Methods
Patients with advanced AM treated prospectively in five clinical trials of anti-PD-1 monotherapy at Peking University Cancer Hospital were included. Responses of individual metastases and heterogeneous responses were evaluated during immunotherapy. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was conducted to identify the possible predictive factors and generate a nomogram to predict the risk of 1-year and 2-year mortality.

Results
The overall response rate was 18·0%, the disease control rate was 36·1%, median progression-free survival was 3·5 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 1·7–5·3] and median overall survival was 17·5 months (95% CI 15·1–19·9) for anti-PD-1 monotherapy. Overall, 9·8% of patients met the criteria of HPD, and displayed a dramatically worse outcome than patients without HPD. In total, 369 metastatic lesions were assessed, with the highest response rate in lymph nodes (20·4%) and the lowest in the liver (5·6%). Homogeneous response, heterogeneous response and heterogeneous or homogeneous progression had different prognoses from the best to the worst. A predictive model was constructed and achieved good accuracy with a C-index of 0·73 (95% CI 0·63–0·84) in the training set and 0·74 (95% CI 0·61–0·86) in the validation set.

Conclusions
HPD during immunotherapy serves as an essential biomarker of poor prognosis in advanced AM. Metastases in different sites respond distinctively to immunotherapy. Clinically heterogeneous responses to immunotherapy affect the outcome of patients. A predictive model was built to distinguish the prognosis of acral melanoma under immunotherapy.
Parent and child experience of skin conditions: relevance for the provision of mindfulness-based interventions
Authors: Hughes Olivia , Shelton Katherine H , Penny Helen , Thompson Andrew R 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Background
Managing a skin condition can be difficult, and there is a lack of psychological support for children and their families.

Objectives
To identify issues surrounding caring for a child with a skin condition, investigate experiences of current psychological support to gain a sense of what is needed, and determine the relevance of offering mindfulness-based interventions for children and families.

Materials and methods
This study employed a mixed inductive and deductive form of qualitative inquiry to understand the experiences and needs of children and families. Twenty-three participants (12 parents/carers: 11 females, 1 male; 11 children: 6 females, 5 males, aged 8–11 years) were recruited with an advert posted on social media. In-depth data were collected from semi-structured interviews. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed with a descriptive form of thematic analysis.

Results
Systematic analysis of the data led to five themes being developed: (i) caregiver burden of childhood skin conditions; (ii) skin condition overshadowing childhood; (iii) battling for recognition and lack of support; (iv) naturalistic use and understanding of mindfulness in everyday coping: and (v) openness and relevance of offering mindfulness-based interventions.

Conclusions
Living with a skin condition was reported as being associated with mood disturbance, with impacts on schooling, sleep and daily life. Parents and children expressed a desire for short/accessible interventions that could fit with daily routines and might provide the opportunity to connect with other families. The findings indicate that mindfulness-based interventions may be likely to be accepted, as many participants had experience of using mindful techniques in school, and described that they were naturalistically using ‘mindfulness’ to manage itch and stress. However, the findings indicate that a number of misconceptions exist about the fundamental nature and aims of mindfulness. Addressing misconceptions related to mindfulness needs to be considered when planning both future studies and service delivery.
Dermatology Quality of Life Index scores in Bangladeshi patients with atopic eczema and their families in East London
Authors: Tawfik Soha S , Thomas Bjorn R , Kelsell David P , Grigg Jonathan , O’Toole Edel A 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Background
Atopic eczema (AE) is a chronic relapsing, pruritic disease that greatly affects the child and family’s quality of life (QoL). It is usually common and severe among children of Bangladeshi ethnicity.

Objectives
This is a cross-sectional quantitative study in patients with AE of Bangladeshi origin, which aims to analyse different components of the family, children and adult quality-of-life indices and their relationship to patient age, sex, eczema severity and distribution, other allergic associations, parental education and socioeconomic level.

Methods
Children and young adults of Bangladeshi origin aged 0–30 years, clinically diagnosed with AE were recruited as part of the Tower Hamlets Eczema Assessment project, a clinical phenotyping study of AE in the Bangladeshi population living in East London. Questionnaires completed by children/parents included the Family Dermatology Life Quality Index (FDLQI), Infant’s Dermatology Quality of Life (IDQOL) and the Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI). Young adults completed the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). The disease severity was assessed objectively using the Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI). Patients and parents who did not read or speak English were aided by Bengali/Sylheti-speaking research assistants.

Results
Overall, 460 Bangladeshi children and 98 adults with AE were recruited. Burden of care, extra housework and emotional distress were the highest affected domains in parental QoL, while itching and sleep were the highest for children. Significant factors influencing FDLQI score were EASI [marginal effect (ME) 1.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00–1.03; P = 0.004], age (ME 0.98, 95% CI 0.97–0.99; P = 0.004), extensor eczema distribution (ME 1.25, 95% CI 1.03–1.52; P = 0.023), parental English fluency (ME 1.29, 95% CI 1.10–1.52; P = 0.002) and atopic comorbidities (ME 1.10, 95% CI 1.04–1.17; P = 0.001). Parental socioeconomic class was a nonsignificant factor. IDQOL/CDLQI was influenced significantly by the child’s age (ME 0.99, 95% CI 0.97–1.00, P = 0.023), ‘nonclear’ eczema distribution clusters especially the ‘severe extensive’ cluster (ME 1.46, 95% CI 1.15–1.84; P = 0.002) and nonsignificantly by EASI and parental English literacy and socioeconomic levels. DLQI was affected significantly by nonclear eczema distribution groups especially ‘severe extensive’ (ME 2.49, 95% 1.76–3.53; P &lt; 0.001) and nonsignificantly by patient age, and female sex.

Conclusions
AE is a chronic disease where many external factors other than disease severity affect QoL of patients and their families, ­especially in under-represented minority groups who face different linguistic and cultural barriers.
A large case series on the use of diphencyprone immunotherapy in the clearance of palmoplantar warts
Authors: Chadha Mehak , Walsh Sarah , du Vivier Anthony 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Background
Palmoplantar viral warts are common, often affecting the quality of life of patients and present a major therapeutic challenge. Immunotherapy using diphencyprone (DCP) can be beneficial especially if first-line treatments fail.

Aim
To determine the effectiveness of DCP in clearing viral warts, and to provide detail on the number of treatments required and any adverse effects (AEs).

Methods
This was a retrospective case series of 124 patients who had received DCP treatment in a UK private practice setting from 1991 to 2008, carried out by a dermatologist experienced in the procedure. All patients had been referred by other clinicians after failure of standard treatments. The study data were extracted from clinical records, with follow-up until wart clearance or treatment discontinuation.

Results
There was an equal distribution in sexes (63 females, 61 males), with 37% of patients having warts present for greater than 5 years. The majority (93%) of patients had already tried cryotherapy, which was unsuccessful in clearing warts completely in all cases. Following DCP treatment, 77% of patients achieved full eradication of their warts, including three patients who were immunosuppressed. The mean number of DCP treatments required to achieve full clearance was 4·7, and the mean concentration of DCP required was 4%. Only 12% of patients experienced AEs, which were mild, and included urticaria and blistering.

Conclusion
We suggest that DCP immunotherapy is a safe and effective treatment for eradicating viral warts, especially in recalcitrant cases.
Ancillary techniques to improve dermoscopy specificity for skin cancer detection
Authors: Nazir Zaeem H , Hussain Khawar , Marghoob Ashfaq A , Patel Neil P 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAlthough the use of dermoscopy has markedly improved both the sensitivity and specificity for skin cancer detection, there is still opportunity for improvement. Ancillary techniques provide additional ways to assess a lesion with the aim of improving our diagnostic ability with little extra cost. Usage of these techniques can strengthen diagnosis and help reduce unnecessary biopsies of benign lesions.
Development of desquamation with Staphylococcus aureus colonization in patients with atopic dermatitis under treatment with upadacitinib
Authors: Jang Yun Kyung , Kim Dong Hyun , Yoon Moon Soo , Shin Jung U , Lee Hee Jung 
Published: January 2023

We report two patients with atopic dermatitis who were treated with upadacitinib, and later developed desquamation of the face with Staphylococcus aureus colonization. Treatment with ciclosporin and antibiotics was unsuccessful, but both patients improved when treatment was switched to dupilumab.