bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Chinese Typical Lane Change Behavior in Car–Truck Heterogeneous Traffic Flow from UAV View
Authors: Li Chuzhao , Chen Hua , Xiong Yingzhi , Chen Yufei , Zhao Shulian , Duan Jianli , Li Keqiang
Published: April 2022

Chinese driver behavior in heterogeneous traffic is commonly available, but it is difficult to acquire due to view limitations and sensor limitations. In this study, Chinese typical lane change behavior in car-truck heterogeneous traffic flow was collected and analyzed using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The velocity of ego vehicle, relative velocity and distance of ego and surrounding vehicles, time to collision (TTC), time headway (THW) at the lane change moment, and brake and accelerate reaction time during lane changes were investigated. Results showed that large differences existed in various car follow types and lane change types. Cars drove more aggressively than trucks with shorter reaction times, and cars would change lanes at a longer distance when facing trucks. Smaller TTC and THW were found for trucks when facing cars. Chinese drivers showed more frequent lane-change maneuvers and shorter reaction times compared to other countries. The driver characteristic in China provided data support for the training of artificial intelligence-based decision algorithms, the development of a localized system, and the design of roads.
A Switched Capacitor-Based Single Switch Circuit with Load-Independent Output for Wireless Power Transfer
Authors: Pan Bo , Li Houji , Wang Yong , Li Jianqiang
Published: April 2022

Double-sided Inductor–Capacitor–Capacitor (LCC) or hybrid compensation network is often used in the traditional methods to realize load-independent output in wireless power transfer; however, these methods require the changes of operating frequency or compensation network, and the adoption of more switches and components, resulting in the reduction in the reliability of the system. In this article, a single switch topology using a switched capacitor was proposed, which can realize load-independent output characteristics by only switching the branch once, characterized by the strength of fewer components, simple control, and high reliability. The analysis of this topology and the accurate parameter design method were given, and the sensitivity analysis was also carried out. Finally, a 180 W wireless charging prototype with 60 V/3 A was built using the proposed topology, which confirmed the accuracy of model analysis and the practical feasibility of the proposed strategies.
A Reference Model for Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) Systems
Authors: Sakellariou Georgios , Fouliras Panagiotis , Mavridis Ioannis , Sarigiannidis Panagiotis
Published: April 2022

Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) is a new but promising field of information security, with many organizations investing in the development of proper tools and services and the integration of CTI related information. However, as a new field, there is a lack of a conceptual framework with corresponding definitions. This paper discusses CTI complexity factors, proposes a set of definitions of the CTI key concepts and an eight-layer CTI Reference Model as a base for CTI systems design. In addition, the proposed reference model is validated by applying it to three case studies, producing the respective CTI Reference Architectures.
Development of a New Genetic Transformation System for White and Green Ash Using Embryogenic Cultures
Authors: Tull Andrew Ryan , Gladfelter Heather , Pampolini Flavia , Rieske Lynne , Nelson Charles Dana , Merkle Scott
Published: April 2022

All North American ash (Fraxinus spp.) species are threatened by the emerald ash borer (EAB; Agrilus planipennis), an exotic beetle which has already destroyed millions of ash trees in the U.S. and Canada. Although both chemical insecticides and biological control can be effective, and host resistance appears possible, the speed of the invasion has defied traditional management approaches. One potential, innovative approach to managing this destructive insect is to develop a host tree-induced gene silencing strategy using RNA interference (RNAi) constructs targeting EAB-specific genes. An important requirement for applying RNAi technology is a reliable transformation/regeneration system for the host tree species. We developed an Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer system for white ash (F. americana) and green ash (F. pennsylvanica) using the embryogenic cultures of these species as target material. Embryogenic suspension cultures of multiple genotypes of both species were plated and inoculated with A. tumefaciens carrying the pFHI-GUSi expression vector, which carries the nptII selectable marker and intron-GUS reporter genes, followed by selection on a semi-solid medium containing geneticin. Putative transgenic events showed expression of the GUS gene at all tested developmental stages from callus to plantlets, and transgene presence in the leaves of regenerated plants was confirmed using PCR. The overall average transformation efficiency achieved was 14.5 transgenic events per gram of tissue. Transgenic somatic seedlings of two white ash and three green ash genotypes were produced and acclimated to greenhouse conditions.
Ectomycorrhizal Assemblages of Invasive Quercus rubra L. and Non-Invasive Carya Nutt. Trees under Common Garden Conditions in Europe
Authors: Wilgan Robin , Leski Tomasz
Published: April 2022

Invasive tree species change biodiversity, nutrient cycles, and ecosystem services, and can turn native ecosystems into novel ecosystems determined by invaders. In the acclimatization and invasion of alien tree species, the crucial role is played by ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi. We tested ECM fungi associated with Quercus rubra and Carya trees that are alien to Europe. Quercus rubra is among the most invasive tree species in Europe, and the Carya species are not considered invasive. Both form ectomycorrhizal symbiosis, and in their native range in North America, coexist in oak-hickory forests. Six study stands were located in Kórnik Arboretum: three for Q. rubra and three for Carya trees. Ectomycorrhizal fungi were assessed by molecular identification of ECM roots. We identified 73 ECM fungal taxa of 23 ECM phylogenetic lineages. All identified ECM fungi were native to Europe. Similar richness but different composition of ECM taxa were found on Q. rubra and Carya roots. Phylogenetic lineages /tomentella-thelephora, /russula-lactarius, and /genea-humaria were most abundant on both Carya and Q. rubra roots. Lineages /tuber-helvella and /entoloma were abundant only on Carya, and lineages /pisolithus-scleroderma and /cortinarius were abundant only on Q. rubra roots. Analysis of similarities revealed a significant difference in ectomycorrhizal assemblages between invasive Q. rubra and non-invasive Carya. Highlights: (1) under common garden conditions, ECM taxa richness was similar on Q. rubra and Carya roots; (2) ECM taxa composition differed between invasive Q. rubra and non-invasive Carya; (3) high abundance of long-distance exploration type (lineages from Boletales) was on Q. rubra; and (4) high abundance of short-distance exploration type (e.g., /tuber-helvella) was on Carya.
A Hydrodynamic Analog of the Casimir Effect in Wave-Driven Turbulent Flows
Authors: Davoodianidalik Mahdi , Kellay Hamid , Francois Nicolas
Published: April 2022

We present experimental results on a fluctuation-induced force observed in Faraday wave-driven turbulence. As recently reported, a long-range attraction force arises between two walls that confine the wave-driven turbulent flow. In the Faraday waves system, the turbulent fluid motion is coupled with the disordered wave motion. This study describes the emergence of the fluctuation-induced force from the viewpoint of the wave dynamics. The wave amplitude is unaffected by the confinement while the wave erratic motion is. As the wall spacing decreases, the wave motion becomes less energetic and more anisotropic in the cavity formed by the walls, giving rise to a stronger attraction. These results clarify why the modelling of the attraction force in this system cannot be based on the wave amplitude but has to be built upon the wave-fluid motion coupling. When the wall spacing is comparable to the wavelength, an intermittent wave resonance is observed, and it leads to a complex short-range interaction. These results contribute to the study of aggregation processes in the presence of turbulence and its related problems such as the accumulation of plastic debris in coastal marine ecosystems or the modelling of planetary formation.
Modulation of the Structure and Stability of Novel Camel Lens Alpha-Crystallin by pH and Thermal Stress
Authors: Malik Ajamaluddin , Khan Javed Masood , Alhomida Abdullah S. , Ola Mohammad Shamsul
Published: April 2022

Alpha-crystallin protein performs structural and chaperone functions in the lens and comprises alphaA and alphaB subunits at a molar ratio of 3:1. The highly complex alpha-crystallin structure challenges structural biologists because of its large dynamic quaternary structure (300–1000 kDa). Camel lens alpha-crystallin is a poorly characterized molecular chaperone, and the alphaB subunit possesses a novel extension at the N-terminal domain. We purified camel lens alpha-crystallin using size exclusion chromatography, and the purity was analyzed by gradient (4–12%) sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Alpha-crystallin was equilibrated in the pH range of 1.0 to 7.5. Subsequently, thermal stress (20–94 °C) was applied to the alpha-crystallin samples, and changes in the conformation and stability were recorded by dynamic multimode spectroscopy and intrinsic and extrinsic fluorescence spectroscopic methods. Camel lens alpha-crystallin formed a random coil-like structure without losing its native-like beta-sheeted structure under two conditions: >50 °C at pH 7.5 and all temperatures at pH 2.0. The calculated enthalpy of denaturation, as determined by dynamic multimode spectroscopy at pH 7.5, 4.0, 2.0, and 1.0 revealed that alpha-crystallin never completely denatures under acidic conditions or thermal denaturation. Alpha-crystallin undergoes a single, reversible thermal transition at pH 7.5. The thermodynamic data (unfolding enthalpy and heat capacity change) and chaperone activities indicated that alpha-crystallin does not completely unfold above the thermal transition. Camels adapted to live in hot desert climates naturally exhibit the abovementioned unique features.
Pretreatment with Chitosan Prevents Fusarium Infection and Induces the Expression of Chitinases and β-1,3-Glucanases in Garlic (Allium sativum L.)
Authors: Filyushin Mikhail A. , Shagdarova Balzhima T. , Shchennikova Anna V. , Il’ina Alla V. , Kochieva Elena Z. , Varlamov Valery P.
Published: April 2022

Fusarium infection decreases the yield of garlic (Allium sativum L.); however, the knowledge about garlic response to fungal attack is limited. Chitosan induces plant defense response to stress conditions. Here, we analyzed the effects of chitosan with low (Ch1, 39 kDa) and medium (Ch2, 135 kDa) molecular weight on Fusarium infection in garlic. Ch1 and Ch2 at concentrations 0.125–0.400 mg/mL suppressed the growth of Fusarium proliferatum cultures in vitro. Pretreatment of garlic bulbs with Ch1 or Ch2 prevented disease symptoms after F. proliferatum inoculation, while exerting early inhibitory and late stimulatory effects on chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase activities. Ch1/Ch2 treatment of garlic already infected with F. proliferatum caused transcriptional upregulation of chitinases and β-1,3-glucanases at the early stage, which was maintained at the late stage in Ch2-treated samples, but not in Ch1-treated samples, where transcriptional inhibition was observed. The stimulatory effect of Ch2 pretreatment on the expression of chitinase and endo-β-1,3-glucanase genes was stronger than that of Ch1 pretreatment, suggesting that Ch2 could be more effective than Ch1 in pre-sowing treatment of garlic bulbs. Our results provide insights into the effects of chitosan on the garlic response to Fusarium, suggesting a novel strategy to protect garlic crop against fungal infection.
The Phenolic Composition of Hops (Humulus lupulus L.) Was Highly Influenced by Cultivar and Year and Little by Soil Liming or Foliar Spray Rich in Nutrients or Algae
Authors: Afonso Sandra , Dias Maria Inês , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R. , Arrobas Margarida , Cunha Mário , Barros Lillian , Rodrigues Manuel Ângelo
Published: April 2022

The interest in expanding the production of hops outside the traditional cultivation regions, mainly motivated by the growth of the craft brewery business, justifies the intensification of studies into its adaptation to local growing conditions. In this study, four field trials were undertaken on a twenty-year-old hop garden, over periods of up to three years to assess the effect of important agro-environmental variation factors on hop phenol and phenolic composition and to establish its relationship with the elemental composition of hop cones. All the field trials were arranged as factorial designs exploring the combined effect of: (1) plots of different vigour plants × year; (2) plots of different plant vigor × algae- and nutrient-rich foliar sprays × year; (3) plot × liming × year; and (4) cultivars (Nugget, Cascade, Columbus) × year. Total phenols in hops, were significantly influenced by most of the experimental factors. Foliar spraying and liming were the factors that least influenced the measured variables. The year had the greatest effect on the accumulation of total phenols in hop cones in the different trials and may have contributed to interactions that often occurred between the factors under study. The year average for total phenol concentrations in hop cones ranged from 11.9 mg g−1 to 21.2 mg g−1. Significant differences in quantity and composition of phenolic compounds in hop cones were also found between cultivars. The phenolic compounds identified were mainly flavonols (quercetin and kaempferol glycosides) and phenolic carboxylic acids (p-coumaric and caffeic acids).
Spatial Pattern of the Walkability Index, Walk Score and Walk Score Modification for Elderly
Authors: Horak Jiri , Kukuliac Pavel , Maresova Petra , Orlikova Lucie , Kolodziej Ondrej
Published: April 2022

Contemporary cities require excellent walking conditions to support human physical activity, increase humans’ well-being, reduce traffic, and create a healthy urban environment. Various indicators and metrics exist to evaluate walking conditions. To evaluate the spatial pattern of objective-based indicators, two popular indices were selected—the Walkability Index (WAI), representing environmental-based indicators, and Walk Score (WS), which applies an accessibility-based approach. Both indicators were evaluated using adequate spatial units (circle buffers with radii from 400 m to 2414 m) in two Czech cities. A new software tool was developed for the calculation of WS using OSM data and freely available network services. The new variant of WS was specifically designed for the elderly. Differing gait speeds, and variable settings of targets and their weights enabled the adaptation of WS to local conditions and personal needs. WAI and WS demonstrated different spatial pattern where WAI is better used for smaller radii (up to approx. 800 m) and WS for larger radii (starting from 800 m). The assessment of WS for both cities indicates that approx. 40% of inhabitants live in unsatisfactory walking conditions. A sensitivity analysis discovered the major influences of gait speed and the β coefficient on the walkability assessment.
Intestinal Flora Changes Induced by a High-Fat Diet Promote Activation of Primordial Follicles through Macrophage Infiltration and Inflammatory Factor Secretion in Mouse Ovaries
Authors: Fan Zhihao , Zhang Xiaoqian , Shang Yanxing , Zou Maosheng , Zhou Meng , E Qiukai , Fei Shujia , Chen Wei , Li Jing , Zhang Xuesen , Liu Xiaoqiu
Published: April 2022

Obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) leads to the excessive consumption of primordial follicles (PFs) in the ovaries. There is systemic chronic inflammation under HFD conditions, but no previous studies have explored whether there is a certain causal relationship between HFD-induced chronic inflammation and the overactivation of PFs. Here, we showed that HFD causes disorders of intestinal microflora in mice, with five Gram-negative bacteria showing the most profound increase at the genus level compared to the normal diet (ND) groups and contributes to the production of endotoxin. Endotoxin promotes M1 macrophage infiltration in the ovaries, where they exhibit proinflammatory actions by secreting cytokines IL-6, IL-8, and TNFα. These cytokines then boost the activation of PFs by activating Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling in follicles. Interestingly, transplantation of the HFD intestinal microflora to the ND mice partly replicates ovarian macrophage infiltration, proinflammation, and the overactivation of PFs. Conversely, transplanting the ND fecal microbiota to the HFD mice can alleviate ovarian inflammation and rescue the excessive consumption of PFs. Our findings uncover a novel and critical function of gut microbes in the process of PF overactivation under HFD conditions, and may provide a new theoretical basis for the microbial treatment of patients with premature ovarian insufficiency caused by HFD.
Tuning the Metal–Insulator Transition Properties of VO2 Thin Films with the Synergetic Combination of Oxygen Vacancies, Strain Engineering, and Tungsten Doping
Authors: Basyooni Mohamed A. , Al-Dossari Mawaheb , Zaki Shrouk E. , Eker Yasin Ramazan , Yilmaz Mucahit , Shaban Mohamed
Published: April 2022

Vanadium oxide (VO2) is considered a Peierls–Mott insulator with a metal–insulator transition (MIT) at Tc = 68° C. The tuning of MIT parameters is a crucial point to use VO2 within thermoelectric, electrochromic, or thermochromic applications. In this study, the effect of oxygen deficiencies, strain engineering, and metal tungsten doping are combined to tune the MIT with a low phase transition of 20 °C in the air without capsulation. Narrow hysteresis phase transition devices based on multilayer VO2, WO3, Mo0.2W0.8O3, and/or MoO3 oxide thin films deposited through a high vacuum sputtering are investigated. The deposited films are structurally, chemically, electrically, and optically characterized. Different conductivity behaviour was observed, with the highest value towards VO1.75/WO2.94 and the lowest VO1.75 on FTO glass. VO1.75/WO2.94 showed a narrow hysteresis curve with a single-phase transition. Thanks to the role of oxygen vacancies, the MIT temperature decreased to 35 °C, while the lowest value (Tc = 20 °C) was reached with Mo0.2W0.8O3/VO2/MoO3 structure. In this former sample, Mo0.2W0.8O3 was used for the first time as an anti-reflective and anti-oxidative layer. The results showed that the MoO3 bottom layer is more suitable than WO3 to enhance the electrical properties of VO2 thin films. This work is applied to fast phase transition devices.
Efficient Charge Transfer Channels in Reduced Graphene Oxide/Mesoporous TiO2 Nanotube Heterojunction Assemblies toward Optimized Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Li Zhenzi , Yang Decai , Chu Hongqi , Guo Liping , Chen Tao , Mu Yifan , He Xiangyi , Zhong Xueyan , Huang Baoxia , Zhang Shiyu , Gao Yue , Wei Yuxiu , Wang Shijie , Zhou Wei
Published: April 2022

Interface engineering is usually considered to be an efficient strategy to promote the separation and migration of photoexcited electron-hole pairs and improve photocatalytic performance. Herein, reduced graphene oxide/mesoporous titanium dioxide nanotube heterojunction assemblies (rGO/TiO2) are fabricated via a facile hydrothermal method. The rGO is anchored on the surface of TiO2 nanosheet assembled nanotubes in a tightly manner due to the laminated effect, in which the formed heterojunction interface becomes efficient charge transfer channels to boost the photocatalytic performance. The resultant rGO/TiO2 heterojunction assemblies extend the photoresponse to the visible light region and exhibit an excellent photocatalytic hydrogen production rate of 932.9 μmol h−1 g−1 under simulated sunlight (AM 1.5G), which is much higher than that of pristine TiO2 nanotubes (768.4 μmol h−1 g−1). The enhancement can be ascribed to the formation of a heterojunction assembly, establishing effective charge transfer channels and favoring spatial charge separation, the introduced rGO acting as an electron acceptor and the two-dimensional mesoporous nanosheets structure supplying a large surface area and adequate surface active sites. This heterojunction assembly will have potential applications in energy fields.
Study of an Optical Fiber Time Transmission Method with Real-Time Average Temperature Measurement of Links
Authors: Chen Ding , Xu Jiangning , Tan Xiaorong , Wu Miao
Published: April 2022

The temperature of optical fiber links is an important factor affecting the accuracy of optical fiber time transmission. However, the real-time temperature measurement of optical fiber links in field networks is difficult and contains many errors. In this paper, a new method for the real-time average temperature measurement of optical fiber links is proposed. By accurately measuring the round-trip time delay of the optical fiber link and filtering out the delay jitter and system noise through the Kalman filter, the real-time average temperature of optical fiber links can be accurately calculated. The experimental results in the temperature control box show that the temperature measurement accuracy of this method is about 0.015 °C. Under the condition of a significant temperature change, the time synchronization accuracy of the round-trip system can reach the sub-nanosecond level and the time stability is less than 35 ps/s and 8 ps/104 s.
Light Interception, Photosynthetic Performance, and Yield of Oil Palm Interspecific OxG Hybrid (Elaeis oleifera (Kunth) Cortés x Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) under Three Planting Densities
Authors: Romero Hernán Mauricio , Guataquira Stephany , Forero Diana Carolina
Published: April 2022

Environmental conditions are crucial for crops’ growth, development, and productivity. One of the most important physiological factors associated with the production of crops is the use of solar radiation for the photosynthesis process, which determines the amount of assimilates available for crop growth and yield. Three age classes (4, 6, and 14 years) and three planting densities (143, 128, and 115 palms ha−1) were evaluated in a commercial interspecific Elaeis Oleifera x Elaeis guineensis hybrid Coari x La Mé. The light interception patterns and the photosynthetic performance were determined. Measurements were taken of the leaf area, the number of leaves, and incident and photosynthetically transmitted active radiation. Also, photosynthetic rates, light, and yield were measured. The canopy extinction coefficient (Kc) was estimated using the Monsi and Saeki model. Under the evaluated conditions, the average Kc value for 4-year-old palms was 0.44; for the 6-year-old group of palms, the average value was 0.40, and 0.32 for the 14-year-old palms, with coefficients of determination (R2) greater than 0.8. A pattern associated with the age of the crop was observed, where the Kc decreased in groups of adult palms. The results showed increased Kc as the planting density decreased. No statistically significant differences were observed between planting densities or ages in the light and CO2 curves regarding photosynthesis. The leaf level in which the measurement was made influenced photosynthesis. Thus, the highest values of the photosynthesis parameters were observed in leaf 17. The crop yield tended to stabilize 8 years after planting under 143 and 128 palms per hectare, but 14 years after planting, the Fresh fruit bunch (FFB) production was still growing under 115 palms per hectare. The results showed that, up to year 14 after planting, the highest cumulative yield was achieved with 115 palms per hectare. This was partly caused by a sharp decline in production observed under 128 palms per hectare, which could indicate that in the long production cycle of the OxG hybrids, the 115-palms-per-hectare planting density would result in higher cumulative FFB production. Furthermore, the results showed that the optimum planting density for the hybrids of the present study would be 120 palms ha−1, corresponding to a planting distance of 9.8 m between plants.
Retention Capacity of Original Denture Adhesives and White Brands for Conventional Complete Dentures: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Mendes Joana , Mendes José Manuel , Barreiros Pedro , Aroso Carlos , Silva António Sérgio
Published: April 2022

(1) Introduction: Denture adhesives (DAs) promote stability, chewing ability, and quality of life. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of original brand DAs and white brands in their retention of conventional complete dentures. (2) Methods: This study followed the recommendations of the international standard ISO 10873. Three original brands of DA (Corega® Fixação 3D, GlaxoSmithKline®, Stafford Miller Ltd., Dungarvan Co. Waterford, Ireland), KuKident® Pro Procter & Gamble Technical Centres®, Ltd., Whitehal Lane, Germany and Elgydium® Fix, Laboratórios URGO® SL, Florida, Spain) were compared to three white brands (Fixação Extra Forte Pingo Doce®, Laboratórios Cosmodent®, Cantabria, Spain), Fixador de Próteses (Continente®, Propack®,Gmbh, Ladenburg, Germany) and Creme Fixador de Próteses (Auchan®, Ellipse®, Roubaix, France). Their retention capacities were analyzed using a mechanical test device. (3) Results: The mean retentive ability of original brand adhesives (M = 11.16, SD = 5.27) was significantly higher (t(298) = 11.88; p < 0.001) than that of the white brands (M = 5.92, SD = 1.18). When comparing all brands, statistically significant differences were also observed, F(5.294) = 707.68 (p < 0.001). The generic adhesive results were more homogeneous. The generic brands from Continente® (M = 5.24, SD = 0.94) and Auchan® (M = 5.80, SD = 0.79) were not significantly different, while the Pingo Doce® brand obtained significantly higher mean retention results (M = 6.71, SD = 1.28). (4) Conclusions: The original brands of DA have a significantly higher retentive ability than the white brands. Elygidim® Fix had the worst result of the three original brands, and the product from Pingo Doce® had the best result among the three white brands.
Modeling and Experimental Verification of the Performance of Polymer Composite Reinforcing Bars of Different Types in Concrete of Different Density
Authors: Beskopylny Alexey N. , Stel’makh Sergey A. , Shcherban’ Evgenii M. , Mailyan Levon R. , Meskhi Besarion , Efremenko Innessa , Varavka Valery , Beskopylny Nikita , Dotsenko Natal’ya
Published: April 2022

Currently, there is a scientific and practical deficit in new methods of integrated technological and design solutions based on improving the properties of concrete as the primary material that perceives compressive loads, and its joint work with various types of reinforcing rods. A new system using an integrated engineering approach to the design of building structures is proposed, which involves minimizing their cost and weight through numerical simulations and an experimental verification of the operation of reinforcing bars made of various materials in concrete of various densities. The control of the bearing capacity of reinforced building structures on the example of compressed elements is proposed to be carried out using the developed recipe-technological methods at the manufacturing stage. The economic and environmental efficiency of nano modification with the help of production waste and the use of lightweight dispersion-reinforced concrete to obtain such structures was revealed. The most effective concrete formulations showed strength gains ranging from 10% to 34%. Ultimately, this led to an increase in the bearing capacity of the elements up to 30%. The application of such an integrated lean approach will allow saving up to 20% of resources during construction.
Hemostasis Evaluation of Antibacterial and Highly Absorbent Composite Wound Dressings in Animal Hemostasis Models
Authors: Shih Yu-Tung , Chen An-Pang , Lai Mei-Feng , Lin Mei-Chen , Shiu Bing-Chiuan , Lou Ching-Wen , Lin Jia-Horng
Published: April 2022

To reduce the bleeding time and to shorten the surgery time are vital to patients’ prog-nosis, therefore, in this study, high moisture absorption nonwoven composites are proposed to attain hemostasis in time. Polyacrylate fiber and Tencel® fibers at different blending ratios (10:90, 20:80, 30:70, 40:60, and 50:50) are used to form PT composite nonwoven. Next, composed of a 50:50 ratio, PT composite nonwoven exhibits the maximal vertical wicking height of 4.4 cm along the cross direction. Additionally, the UV-Vis absorption spectra analysis shows that at absorption waves of 413–415 nm, the occurring of distinct peaks suggests the presence of nanoparticles. The XRD patterns indicate the presence of silver nanoparticles with corresponding crystal planes of characteristic peaks at (111), (200), and (220). Polyacrylate/Tencel® nonwoven composites exhibit comparable adsorption capacity of blood and water molecules. In particular, 30PT composite nonwoven outperforms the control group, exhibiting 3.8 times and 4.7 times greater the water absorption and blood absorption, respectively. Moreover, a great number of red blood cells with a size of 4–6 μm agglomerate among fibers as observed in SEM images, while 6hr-PT composite dressing demonstrates the optimal antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, proven by the zone of inhibition being 1.9 mm and 0.8 mm separately. When in contact with plasma, hemostasis composites have plasma hemostasis prothrombin time of 97.9%, and activated partial thromboplastin time of 96.7%. As for animal hemostasis model, the arteria over the rats’ thigh bones is cut open perpendicularly, generating mass arteria hemorrhage. To attain hemostasis, it takes 46.5% shorter time when using composite dressings (experimental group) than the control group.
Rapid Site Selection of Shale Gas Multi-Well Pad Drilling Based on Digital Elevation Model
Authors: Zhang Jijun , Hu Nan , Li Wenjing
Published: April 2022

Drilling and completion platform construction is a fundamental part of oil and gas reservoir development, and the location of construction directly affects the whole process of shale gas drilling and development. Due to the complex surface conditions and fragile ecological environment in mountainous areas, having an appropriate platform location can significantly reduce shale gas development and environmental costs. The DEM (digital elevation model) includes geographic elevation, surface complexity, land use type, and other data, so it can be used for rapid site selection for shale gas multi-well pad drilling. In this study, first, research results related to drilling platform site selection were analyzed and summarized, and then a platform site selection method aiming to minimize the total well construction cost was developed. Second, the well construction costs were decomposed into the surface construction costs and the underground construction costs, and the site selection model with the lowest total multi-well pad construction costs was established. Third, ground feature data obtained from DEM (digital elevation model) processing were substituted into the site selection model and solved using the genetic clustering algorithm. Finally, two practical cases were used to verify the research method developed in this study. The results show that the platform site selection results can be used to not only guide the formulation of development plans, but also to reduce the scope of the field investigation in the process of site selection, reduce the intensity of field work, and improve the work efficiency.
Tyrosinase Inhibitory Activity of Extracts from Prunus persica
Authors: Murata Kazuya , Suzuki Satomi , Miyamoto Akane , Horimoto Miki , Nanko Suzuna , Mori Daisuke , Kanamaru Hiroshi , Endo Yuichi
Published: April 2022

The demand for skin-whitening agents is high across the world, including Asian countries. An extensive screening using a tyrosinase inhibition assay was performed in order to discover novel plant materials. In our research program investigating a safe and effective agent, 50% ethanolic extracts prepared from discarded parts of Prunus persica were screened for in vitro tyrosinase inhibitory activity. Among the extracts tested, twig extract showed the most potent inhibitory activity: 38% inhibition at 500 µg/mL. The investigation of active compounds in twig extract found four flavanones that acted as moderate inhibitors, including (−)-prunin, persiconin, (+)-dihydrokaempferol, and (−)-naringenin. These compounds were only observed in the twig extract following preliminary quantification by HPLC, with the following concentrations: (−)-prunin, 1.8 mg/g sample; persiconin, 0.8 mg/g sample; (+)-dihydrokaempferol, 0.8 mg/g sample; (−)-naringenin, 1.7 mg/g sample. These results suggest that twig extracts can be more useful for skin-whitening compared with other parts of the plant. In addition, a new constituent of twig extract was identified, namely isoquercitrin, which suggests that twig extract can be a potent source of flavones and flavanones. Further studies on the identification of novel compounds from twig extract are now underway in our laboratory.
Application of Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry in the Identification of Dendrobium devonianum Paxt and Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo Grown in Longling Area of Yunnan, China
Authors: Lin Tao , Chen Xing-Lian , Wang Jing , Hu Zheng-Xu , Wu Guang-Wei , Sha Ling-Jie , Cheng Long , Liu Hong-Cheng
Published: April 2022

In this study, in order to protect the characteristic Dendrobium devonianum Paxt industry in the Longling area, and promote the healthy development of its characteristic Chinese herbal medicines in Yunnan Province, China, the identification of Dendrobium devonianum Paxt and Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo from Longling county was discussed using time of flight mass spectrometry. The data of 13 Dendrobium devonianum and 7 Dendrobium officinale in the Longling area were collected by TOF MS-IDA-15 MS/MS mode, and the collected data were analyzed by PCA and T-test using MarkerView software, and the difference markers were searched using the database to confirm their compound structures. In positive and negative ion modes, 3645 and 2344 peaks were detected, respectively; 64 positive ion compounds and 60 negative ion compounds, for a total of 124 compounds were identified, mainly including organic acids, polyphenols, alkaloids, amino acids and their derivatives, benzene and its derivatives, and other compounds. The score plot and loading plot analyzed by PCA show that Dendrobium devonianum and Dendrobium officinale collected in the Longling area can be effectively identified and differentiated by high-resolution mass spectrometry with the 15 different markers in positive ion mode and 17 markers in negative ion mode, respectively. The successful identification of Dendrobium devonianum and Dendrobium officinale fully demonstrates that TOF MS can be effectively used in the identification of Dendrobium and related Chinese herbal medicines with broadly application foreground.
Technological Utopias: Loneliness and Rural Contexts in Western Iberia
Authors: Rivero Jiménez Borja , Conde-Caballero David , Mariano Juárez Lorenzo
Published: April 2022

Background: Urbanisation and rural migration in some areas of Spain and Portugal have given rise to rural contexts largely defined by ageing and depopulation. Rural populations have suffered from increasing social isolation, with older people living alone in villages with very few inhabitants and limited access to services. The aim of this study is to analyse the extent to which technology serve as a strategy to improve social relations and how technology influences older adults’ loneliness, its uses, meanings, experiences, and perceptions. Methods: Ethnographic research is conducted in several locations in the border area between Spain and Portugal, supported by semi-structured interviews with 17 rural subjects aged 65 years and older. Results: The results underline two main points. Participants’ definitions point to loneliness as an experience built around nostalgia for those who are no longer there, where the disappearance of rituals in the community also leads to a lack of “social happiness”. Conclusions: We note low levels of digital literacy skills and competence among our participants, with most of them rejecting any technology beyond analogue devices.
Elementos y presupuestos jurídicos necesarios para la concesión de amnistía en aras del derecho a la seguridad jurídica
Authors: Trujillo Poveda Mentor Filimon
Published: April 2022

En Ecuador la amnistía se relaciona con el llamado delito político, que no se encuentra definido ni determinado sus elementos constitutivos o verbos rectores en el marco jurídico, razón por la cual se presta para que muchos delitos comunes consumados por personas que ostentaron el poder, sean calificados como políticos y, por tal razón, se les conceda dicho beneficio que trae como consecuencia que varios delitos queden en la impunidad. Comprender la naturaleza de la amnistía mediante el análisis y diagnóstico de los referentes teóricos para lograr el sustento de los elementos y presupuestos jurídicos. La metodología de análisis de estudio se llevó a cabo mediante la revisión bibliográfica. Se concluye que para evitar que se perjudique a un Estado, para favorecer a los intereses políticos de un determinado grupo, en contra de lo que señala la Constitución y las normas del ordenamiento jurídico es importante establecer los parámetros para el otorgamiento de la amnistía.
Show me the Money: Perspectives on Applying for Government Research and Development Co-funding
Authors: Kearns Nick , Beale William
Published: April 2022

In 2012-14 Unitec Institute of Technology (in partnership with The Innovation Workshop) carried out research into the application process for New Zealand Government Research & Development [R&D] co-funding administered by the Ministry of Science & Innovation (now Callaghan Innovation Ltd). This research revealed widespread applicant frustration with the application criteria and process. A significant problem perceived by High Value Manufacturing and Service Small Medium Enterprises (HVMS SME) businesses is the focus of R&D funding on product innovation followed by a lack of funding to support later stage commercialisation of products. This later stage of product and market development is excluded from Callaghan Innovation co-funding, leading to ‘prototypes-on-a-shelf’. Applicants also found the process time consuming, due to the complexity of the application questions and the delays in response from the funding network of regional funding partners and the Government Ministry. HVMS SME often used consultants to help manage the application, which is frowned upon by both the regional funding partners and Callaghan Innovation, despite the high levels of co-funding success from these applicants. This work has been carried out during the establishment period of Callaghan Innovation Ltd and some of the above issues may be historic and/or transitional as the institutional arrangements change. This research records the HVMS SME experience in applying for R&D co-funding. Consideration of the user experience, captured in this research, may reveal opportunities to improve the process with better outcomes for the applicants and the economy.
Embedding Learning for Future and Imagined Communities in Portfolio Assessment
Authors: Romova Zina , Andrew Martin
Published: April 2022

In tertiary contexts where adults study writing for future academic purposes, teaching and learning via portfolio provides them with multiple opportunities to create and recreate texts characteristic of their future and imagined discourse communities. This paper discusses the value of portfolios as vehicles for rehearsing membership of what Benedict Anderson (1983) called “imagined communities”, a concept applied by such scholars as Yasuko Kanno and Bonny Norton (2003). Portfolios can achieve this process of apprenticeship to a specialist discourse through reproducing texts similar to the authentic artefacts of those discourse communities (Flowerdew, 2000; Hyland, 2003, 2004). We consider the value of multi-drafting, where learners reflect on the learning of a text type characteristic of the students’ future imagined community. We explore Hamp-Lyons and Condon’s belief (2000) that portfolios “critically engage students and teachers in continual discussion, analysis and evaluation of their processes and progress as writers, as reflected in multiple written products” (p.15). Introduced by a discussion of how theoretical perspectives on learning and assessing writing engage with portfolio production, the study presented here outlines a situated pedagogical approach, where students report on their improvement across three portfolio drafts and assess their learning reflectively. A multicultural group of 41 learners enrolled in the degree-level course Academic Writing [AW] at a tertiary institution in New Zealand took part in a study reflecting on this approach to building awareness of one’s own writing. Focus group interviews with a researcher at the final stage of the programme provided qualitative data, which was transcribed and analysed using textual analysis methods (Ryan and Bernard, 2003). Students identified a range of advantages of teaching and learning AW by portfolio. One of the identified benefits was that the selected text types within the programme were perceived as useful to the students’ immediate futures. This careful choice of target genre was reflected in the overall value of the programme for these learners.
Pengaruh Airlaut Terhadap Perubahan Nilai Sudut Gesek Dalam Dan Kohesi Dalam Perencanaan Wilayah
Authors: Widiarso Dian Agus
Published: April 2022

Dalam perencanaan sebuah kawasan perkotaan, sangatlah penting memperhatikan sifat keteknikan tanah. Hal ini disebabkan karena infrastruktur penting memerlukan kestabilan tanah sehingga bangunan diatasnya kuat berdiri. Salah satu sifat fisik tanah yang perlu dilakukan kajian adalah Sudut Gesek Dalam dan Kohesi. Penelitian dilakukan untuk mengetahui perbedaan nilai Sudut Gesek Dalam dan Kohesi antara daerah yang terkena pengaruh airlaut dan tidak terpengaruh airlaut. Metode yang dilakukan dengan uji ANOVA dan hasil uji metode LSD (Least Significance Different). Hasil uji ANOVA nilai Sudut Gesek Dalam diketahui nilai Fhitung sebesar 19,379 dengan signifikansi 0,000, dan hasil LSD (Least Significance Different) diketahui selisih 11,1414 dengan signifikansi perbedaan 0,000. Terdapat perbedaan antara  Sudut Gesek Dalam area terkena pengaruh airlaut dan tidak terpengaruh airlaut. Hasil uji ANOVA nilai Kohesi diketahui nilai Fhitung sebesar 1,003 dengan signifikansi 0,381. Hasil metode LSD (Least Significance Different) menunjukkan selisih 0,08986 dengan signifikansi perbedaan 0,246. Adanya signifikansi selisih yang lebih besar dari 0,025. Tidak terdapat perbedaan nilai Kohesi antara area terkena pengaruh airlaut dan tidak terpengaruh airlaut. Perbedaan nilai Sudut Gesek Dalam dalam sebuah litologi di daerah terkena airlaut dan tidak terkena airlaut perlu mendapatkan perhatian dalam sebuah perencanaan infrastruktur bangunan karena berpengaruh terhadap adanya dukung tanah di daerah tersebut
Kontrol Struktur Geologi Terhadap Pola Lorong Gua Karst Karangnunggal Kabupaten Tasikmalaya Provinsi Jawa Barat
Authors: Gussyak Selasian , Muslim Dicky , Yuningsih Euis Tintin
Published: April 2022

Penelitian ini membahas pola pembentukan lorong rongga/gua yang memiliki sungai bawah tanah berdasarkan pengaruh struktur geologi yang berkembang pada Karst Karangnunggal Kabupaten Tasikmalaya Provinsi Jawa Barat. 2 fitur gua yang memiliki sungai bawah tanah ditemukan terdiri dari Gua Sangiran - Gua Cipariuk dan Gua Cilutung - Gua Bojong, selanjutnya dilakukan pemetaan susur gua terhadap gua-gua tersebut. Berdasarkan hasil analisis pola kelurusan morfologi menunjukkan dominan arah orientasi timurlaut-baratdaya dan baratlaut-tenggara. Berdasarkan analisis pola kekar pada area mulut gua Cipariuk terindikasi adanya sesar normal yang berarah baratlaut-tenggara dan analisis pola kekar area mulut Gua Cilutung dan Gua Bojong terindikasi adanya sesar mendatar berarah timurlaut-baratdaya. Arah-arah orientasi ini apabila disandingkan dengan arah orientasi pola lorong gua hasil pemetaan susur gua berarah sama yaitu berarah timurlaut-baratdaya dan sesekali berarah baratlaut-tenggara
Impacts of Covid-19 Pandemic on Nigeria’s Economy: Effective Foundry Technology as a Sustainable Solution
Authors: SHUAIB-BABATA Yusuf Lanre , BUSARI Olanrewaju Yusuf , MAHAMOOD Rasheedat Modupe , YARU Salihu Swarnu , ABDULQADIR Lawal Babatunde , AMBALI Ibrahim Owolabi , AJAO Kabiru Suleiman , ABDULRAMAN Sikiru Ottan
Published: April 2022

This study considered the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy of Nigeria and investigated the effective application of foundry technology to proffer a sustainable solution to the problem. Domestication of production of motorcycle components, being a significant means of transportation that is required for the development of any society was considered. Aluminium scraps from a waste dump and Belle and Oyun natural moulding sands in Kwara State, Nigeria,  which have been previously recommended for non-ferrous casting in previous studies were considered and used for casting of motorcycle/tricycle parts (centre stand and brake pedal) using AFS guidelines. The scraps’ chemical compositions  were analysed. Thereafter, some mechanical properties with the microstructure of the aluminium casts and that of commercially obtained imported types were examined using appropriate ASTM standards. Cast aluminium alloy produced using  scrap had no casting defects and had some mechanical properties comparable to those available on the markets (imported). Thus, effective usage of naturally available moulding sands in Nigeria for foundry applications would help to proffer sustainable solutions to the nation’s economic problem as a result of the adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Wisata Berbasis Masyarakat dalam Meningkatkan Kebersihan dan Perekonomian Masyarakat di Desa Pengastulan - Bali
Authors: Al Ahsani Nasirudin , Thorieq Alvion Eky
Published: April 2022

Pengastulan Beach is a coast located in the north of the island of Gods, precisely in the Kauman Hamlet, Pengastulan Village, Seririt subdistrict, Buleleng Regency, Bali. In the past, this beach was the same as most beaches in general which were only used as a place to make a living for fishermen. But over time, due to the lack of garbage disposal facilities in Pengastulan Village and many factories dumping their waste to Pengastulan beach, the beach becomes sullied and neglected. The current research uses qualitative research methods. The data was collected through interviews, observation, and documentation. The purpose of this study are to determine the components and facilities of coastal tourism in Pengastulan, to determine community empowerment on the coast of Pengastulan, and to determine the supporting and inhibiting factors of the community empowerment Pengastulan coast. The results of this study show that: 1) The components of Pengastulan beach as a tourist attraction are parking lots, food stalls, boat rentals, cafes, mosques, restrooms, rest areas and many others. 2) Community empowerment is carried out by giving the community full rights to manage their souvenir shops, boat rentals and even to become tour guides. 3) The internal supporting factor comes from the availability of natural resources, such as beach panoramas with sunsets, black sand beaches with sea waves, rich underwater life, and the friendliness of the people. As for the external supporting factors, there are economic growth, increased interest in traveling, cultural diversity and advances in information and technology. The inhibiting factors are resource and preference barriers.