bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Estimators of the Bent, Shape and Scale Parameters of the Gamma-Exponential Distribution and Their Asymptotic Normality
Authors: Kudryavtsev Alexey , Shestakov Oleg
Published: February 2022

When modeling real phenomena, special cases of the generalized gamma distribution and the generalized beta distribution of the second kind play an important role. The paper discusses the gamma-exponential distribution, which is closely related to the listed ones. The asymptotic normality of the previously obtained strongly consistent estimators for the bent, shape, and scale parameters of the gamma-exponential distribution at fixed concentration parameters is proved. Based on these results, asymptotic confidence intervals for the estimated parameters are constructed. The statements are based on the method of logarithmic cumulants obtained using the Mellin transform of the considered distribution. An algorithm for filtering out unnecessary solutions of the system of equations for logarithmic cumulants and a number of examples illustrating the results obtained using simulated samples are presented. The difficulties arising from the theoretical study of the estimates of concentration parameters associated with the inversion of polygamma functions are also discussed. The results of the paper can be used in the study of probabilistic models based on continuous distributions with unbounded non-negative support.
Computational Efficiency Assessment of Adaptive Mesh Refinement for Turbulent Jets in Crossflow
Authors: Sikirica Ante , Grbčić Luka , Alvir Marta , Kranjčević Lado
Published: February 2022

Numerical analyses of environmental discharges are commonly conducted on pre-generated numerical grids with refinements implemented in regions of interest or influence on the flow field. This approach to problem formulation relies on insights into the flow specifics so that appropriate attention is given to relevant segments of the domain. In this paper we investigated the applicability of adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) on a commonly considered environmental problem—a jet in crossflow. The assessment was made using the OpenFOAM toolbox. Several RANS turbulence models and grid generation approaches were compared in terms of accuracy to previous studies and experimental results. Main emphasis is given to the computational efficiency of the methodology with a focus on load distribution. Our findings indicate that the results are acceptable in terms of accuracy with load balancing providing significant computational savings thus enabling AMR methodology to outperform the conventional approach.
The Braiding Structure and Duality of the Category of Left–Left BiHom–Yetter–Drinfeld Modules
Authors: Liu Ling , Shen Bingliang
Published: February 2022

Let (H,μH,ΔH,αH,βH,ψH,ωH,SH) be a BiHom–Hopf algebra. First, we provide a non-trivial example of a left–left BiHom–Yetter–Drinfeld module and show that the category HHBHYD is a braided monoidal category. We also study the connection between the category HHBHYD and the category HM of the left co-modules over a coquasitriangular BiHom–bialgebra (H,σ). Secondly, we prove that the category of finitely generated projective left–left BiHom–Yetter–Drinfeld modules is closed for left and right duality.
Fuzzy Algebraic Modeling of Spatiotemporal Timeseries’ Paradoxes in Cosmic Scale Kinematics
Authors: Iliadis Lazaros
Published: February 2022

This paper introduces the prototype of a generic fuzzy algebraic framework, that aims to serve as a holistic modeling approach of kinematics. Moreover, it detects paradoxes and uncertainties when the involved features of the timeseries have “unconventional” values. All well accepted models are perfectly capturing and clearly describing the spatiotemporal characteristics of a moving object’s (MO) status, when its actual distance from the observer is conventional, i.e., “insignificant compared to the magnitude of light years”. Let us consider the concept that emerges by the following Boolean expression1 (BE1): “Velocity is significant compared to the speed of light (SIV_cSL) AND distance between observer and moving body is significant compared to light years (SID_cLY)”. The only restriction in the above BE1 Boolean expression is that velocity would always be less than C. So far, BE1 is not considered to be true in the models that are employed to build our scientific physics studies. This modeling effort performs mining of kinematics phenomena for which BE1 is true. This approach is quite innovative, in the sense that it reveals paradoxes and uncertainties, and it reaches the following conclusions: When a particle is moving inside hypersurfaces characterized by any type of BE1′s negation, our existing kinematics’ models can survive. In the opposite case, we are gradually led to paradoxes and uncertainties. The gradual and smooth transition from the one state to the other as well as the importance of the aforementioned limitations, can be inferred-modeled by employing fuzzy logic.
Focal Dome Osteotomy for the Treatment of Diaphyseal Malunion of the Lower Extremity
Authors: Neiman Rafael
Published: February 2022

The treatment of malunion of the lower extremity diaphysis is challenging. Diaphyseal osteotomies require extra care to promote bone healing. This may be enhanced through osteotomies, which do not produce bone gaps and allow for compression. The focal dome osteotomy allows for rotation around an axis to correct angular deformity. The production of a successful arcuate or focal dome osteotomy requires a suitable soft tissue host. The deformity analysis is not complex but essential to assess the feasibility of correction and is required for perfect execution of the osteotomy. This tutorial explains the technique for focal dome osteotomy to correct angular deformities of the lower extremities, specifically in the diaphysis. Surgical correction for malunion, infected malunion, and infected mal-nonunion case examples are discussed. With meticulous planning and surgical technique, the focal dome osteotomy is a viable option for correcting diaphyseal malunions with compression techniques that allow a stable construct for early weight-bearing.
Effect of Temperature on Oil–Water Separations Using Membranes in Horizontal Separators
Authors: Zhang Tao , Li Chenguang , Sun Shuyu
Published: February 2022

The effect of temperature on oil–water separations is studied in this paper, focusing on the changed penetration velocities of water droplets on the separation membrane in a horizontal separator. A compact numerical scheme is developed based on the phase-field model, and the temperature effect is first theoretically analyzed regarding the key thermodynamic properties that may affect the separation performance. The computational scenario is designed based on practical horizontal separators in the oil field, and the droplet motions in the oil–water two-phase flow are simulated using our scheme under various operation conditions. It was found that a higher temperature may result in a faster penetration of the water droplets, and a larger density difference in the oil–water system is also preferred to accelerate the separation using membranes. Furthermore, increasing the operation temperature is proved to benefit the separation of water and heavy oil.
Towards a Data Lake for High Pressure Die Casting
Authors: Rudack Maximilian , Rath Michael , Vroomen Uwe , Bührig-Polaczek Andreas
Published: February 2022

The High Pressure Die Casting (HPDC) process is characterized by a high degree of automation and therefore represents a data rich production technology. From concepts such as Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Production (IoP), it is well known that the utilization of process data can facilitate improvements in product quality and productivity. In this work, we present a concept and its first steps of implementation to enable data management via a data lake for HPDC. Our goal was to design a system capable of acquiring, transmitting and storing static as well as dynamic process variables. The measurements originate from multiple data sources based on the Open Platform Communication Unified Architecture (OPC UA) within the HPDC cell and are transmitted via a streaming pipeline implemented in Node-Red and Apache Kafka. The data are consecutively stored in a data lake for HPDC that is based on a MinIO object store. In initial tests the implemented system proved it to be reliable, flexible and scalable. On standard consumer hardware, data handling of several thousand measurements per minute is possible. The use of the visual programming language Node-Red enables swift reconfiguration and deployment of the data processing pipeline.
Erosion Layer Growth between Solid 316L Stainless Steel and Al–Li Alloy Melt
Authors: He Zhanwei , Hu Xiaojun , Han Wan , Mao Xudong , Chou Kuo-Chih
Published: February 2022

The erosion experiments of Al–Li melt on 316L stainless steel were carried out at different temperatures and holding times. In this study, the microstructure and composition of an Al–Li/316L liquid–solid interface was analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscope (ICP-AES), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The phase transformation and structure evolution of the erosion process were studied to explain the erosion mechanism and kinetics. The results showed that Fe/Cr/Ni–Al intermetallic compounds (IMC) were formed at the Al–Li/316L interface, and the diffusion of Cr atoms lead to the accumulation of Ti in the Al–Li melt, to form TiAl3 and CrAl4. With the increase in temperature and holding time, the thickness of the Fe-containing erosion layer (EL) increased, and the morphology of Ti-containing erosion particles (EP) became larger and more regular. The apparent activation energy (Ea) of the Fe-containing erosion layer was 124.82 kJ·mol−1. Meanwhile, a kinetics equation for predicting the service life of 316L was obtained. The research results provided a theoretical guidance for the smelting and casting of an Al–Li alloy.
Corrosion Resistance of AlxCoCrFeNiM (M = Ti, V, Si, Mn, Cu) High Entropy Alloys in NaCl and H2SO4 Solutions
Authors: Pratskova Svetlana , Samoilova Olga , Ageenko Egor , Shaburova Nataliya , Ostovari Moghaddam Ahmad , Trofimov Evgeny
Published: February 2022

The electrochemical behavior of as-cast AlxCoCrFeNiM (M = Ti, V, Si, Mn, Cu) high entropy alloys (HEAs) in 1 M NaCl and 0.5 M H2SO4 solutions is studied. Polarization measurements were carried out in a standard three-electrode electrochemical cell with a platinum auxiliary electrode using a P-30J potentiostat device. The potentials were measured relative to a saturated silver chloride reference electrode EVL-1M3 at room temperature (25 °C) with a sweep rate of 5 mV/s. It is shown that despite a wide passivation region, Al0.5CoCrFeNi1.6Ti0.7 HEA undergoes significant corrosion in both sodium chloride and sulfuric acid solutions and exhibits low corrosion potential and current density. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis revealed that Ti-containing eutectic areas are the most susceptible regions to corrosion. Intergranular corrosion was found in Al0.25CoCrFeNiMn and Al0.25CoCrFeNiCu HEAs. Moreover, Al0.25CoCrFeNiCu possesses the smallest passivation interval ΔE among all the investigated HEAs. For samples with Ti, Mn, and Cu, a protective film layer is not formed on the surface of the phases enriched in these elements, or it is brittle and crumbles. For samples with Si and V, a passivating film is formed. Thus, Al0.45CoCrFeNiSi0.45 and Al0.25CoCrFeNiV HEAs exhibited the highest resistance in 1 M NaCl and 0.5 M H2SO4 corrosive environments, respectively.
In Situ X-ray Synchrotron Radiation Analysis, Tensile- and Biodegradation Testing of Redox-Alloyed and Sintered MgCa-Alloy Parts Produced by Metal Injection Moulding
Authors: Wolff Martin , Helmholz Heike , Luczak Monika , Strerath Daniel , Ebel Thomas , Willumeit-Römer Regine
Published: February 2022

Binary MgCa alloys are one of the promising and well investigated biodegradable metals and therefore a good standard for the study of novel processing routes. In this investigation, novel powder metallurgical (PM) blending and sintering methods were applied for the generation of biodegradable MgCa test specimens, using metal injection moulding (MIM). In addition to the classical PM-blending route using Ca-containing master-alloys, Ca-containing ceramics and hydrides, as there are CaO and CaH2, were used separately and in a stoichiometric mixture. In situ X-ray synchrotron radiation experiments were performed for a deeper understanding of alloy forming mechanisms during sintering. Mechanical and degradation performance was investigated by tensile testing and the monitoring of biodegradation under physiological conditions. Besides its sound strength of up to 144 MPa and degradation rate of 0.25 mm/a, the new redox alloying technique avoids the usage of any greenhouse active SF6 gas (global warming potential 22,800) during alloying, keeping the earth’s atmosphere safer. Therefore, it can be concluded that Ca-containing ceramics and hybrids are attractive alternatives to obtain, comparable to Mg-based materials, thus enabling safer processing.
Technical Assessment of Secondary Sedimentation Process in Copper Sulphide Tailings with the Presence of Clays, in Continental and Sea Water
Authors: López-Espejo Catalina , Ihle Christian F.
Published: February 2022

Recovery of process water for recirculation is crucial, as the cost of adding additional fresh water is an economic constraint that is often prohibitive. Solid–liquid separation is a key process in the recovery of water resources. Therefore, research is needed to understand how fine particles, particularly quartz, kaolinite and sodium bentonite, impact the optimal separation process. In the present work, the effect of the presence of these clays in the solid–liquid separation of synthetic copper sulfide tailings is evaluated, quantifying the impact on the separation efficiency, considering the average settling rate and the turbidity of the supernatant. The physicochemical variables that control the suspension were monitored and the observed trends were explained by variations in properties such as zeta potential and pH. The characterization and quantification of the impact of the clays in the operation will allow us to lay the foundation for the development of a novel approach for the secondary treatment of the cloudy supernatant water of the thickeners. After the study, disparate effects on sedimentation efficiency could be distinguished depending on the type of clay and the water in which it is immersed. While in the case of tailings with the presence of kaolinite clays it is seen that the higher sedimentation efficiency occurs in the case of flocculation in distilled water, the salinity or presence of cationic coagulants is detrimental to it. In the case of tailings with the presence of bentonite clays, the sedimentation efficiency increases as there is a higher concentration of cationic salts (coagulation-synthetic sea water). In contrast, in the case of distilled water, the flocculation efficiency is very low, so it is recommended to add a cationic additive, which is supported by an associated low economic cost. In the case of tailings with the presence of ultrafine quartz content, a clear effect in the increase or decrease of sedimentation efficiency cannot be distinguished with the addition of flocculants, coagulants, or when working in sea water. Overall, the results suggest the convenience of splitting thickening and clarification as two distinct unit processes that may be treated using flocculant and salts, according to the fine mineral contents.
Recent Advances in C5 and C6 Sugar Alcohol Synthesis by Hydrogenation of Monosaccharides and Cellulose Hydrolytic Hydrogenation over Non-Noble Metal Catalysts
Authors: Redina Elena , Tkachenko Olga , Salmi Tapio
Published: February 2022

A new reality of the 21st century is the transition to a new type of economy and energy concepts characterized by the replacement of existing petrochemical routes to a bio-based circular economy. The needs for new strategies in obtaining basic products from bio-based resources with minimum CO2 traces has become mandatory. In this review, recent trends in the conversion of biomass-derived molecules, such as simple monomeric sugars and cellulose, to industrially important C5 and C6 sugar alcohols on heterogeneous catalysts based on non-noble metals are discussed focusing on the influence of catalyst structures and reaction conditions used on the substrate conversion and product selectivity. The challenges and prominent ideas are suggested for the further development of catalytic hydrogenation of naturally abundant carbohydrates to value-added chemicals on non-noble metal catalysts.
Immunoadjuvant and Humoral Immune Responses of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Lectins upon Systemic and Mucosal Administration in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Padiyappa Shruthishree D. , Avalappa Hemavathi , Somegowda Madhusudana , Sridhara Shankarappa , Venkatesh Yeldur P. , Prabhakar Bettadatunga T. , Pramod Siddanakoppalu N. , Almujaydil Mona S. , Shokralla Shadi , Abdelbacki Ashraf M. M. , Elansary Hosam O. , El-Sabrout Ahmed M. , Mahmoud Eman A.
Published: February 2022

Dietary food components have the ability to affect immune function; following absorption, specifically orally ingested dietary food containing lectins can systemically modulate the immune cells and affect the response to self- and co-administered food antigens. The mannose-binding lectins from garlic (Allium sativum agglutinins; ASAs) were identified as immunodulatory proteins in vitro. The objective of the present study was to assess the immunogenicity and adjuvanticity of garlic agglutinins and to evaluate whether they have adjuvant properties in vivo for a weak antigen ovalbumin (OVA). Garlic lectins (ASA I and ASA II) were administered by intranasal (50 days duration) and intradermal (14 days duration) routes, and the anti-lectin and anti-OVA immune (IgG) responses in the control and test groups of the BALB/c mice were assessed for humoral immunogenicity. Lectins, co-administered with OVA, were examined for lectin-induced anti-OVA IgG response to assess their adjuvant properties. The splenic and thymic indices were evaluated as a measure of immunomodulatory functions. Intradermal administration of ASA I and ASA II had showed a four-fold and two-fold increase in anti-lectin IgG response, respectively, vs. the control on day 14. In the intranasal route, the increases were 3-fold and 2.4-fold for ASA I and ASA II, respectively, on day 50. No decrease in the body weights of animals was noticed; the increases in the spleen and thymus weights, as well as their indices, were significant in the lectin groups. In the adjuvanticity study by intranasal administration, ASA I co-administered with ovalbumin (OVA) induced a remarkable increase in anti-OVA IgG response (~six-fold; p < 0.001) compared to the control, and ASA II induced a four-fold increase vs. the control on day 50. The results indicated that ASA was a potent immunogen which induced mucosal immunogenicity to the antigens that were administered intranasally in BALB/c mice. The observations made of the in vivo study indicate that ASA I has the potential use as an oral and mucosal adjuvant to deliver candidate weak antigens. Further clinical studies in humans are required to confirm its applicability.
Latest Advances in Nanoplasmonics and Use of New Tools for Plasmonic Characterization
Authors: Barbillon Grégory
Published: February 2022

Nanoplasmonics is a research topic that takes advantage of the light coupling to electrons in metals, and can break the diffraction limit for light confinement into subwavelength zones allowing strong field enhancements [...]
Effect of Transmission-Line Contact Length on the 50-Gbit/s Data Encoding Performance of a Multimode VCSEL
Authors: Weng Jui-Hung , Lo Wei-Chi , Wang Jiaxing , Qiao Pengfei , Shen Chih-Chiang , Cheng Chih-Hsien , Chang-Hasnain Constance J. , Lin Gong-Ru
Published: February 2022

Directly modulated 850-nm multimode vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (MM-VCSELs) with different oxide apertures and transmission microstrip lengths are compared on the transmission performance of the non-return-to-zero on-off keying (NRZ-OOK) and four-level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM-4) data formats. In this work, intrinsic and extrinsic responses of the MM-VCSEL are also discussed concurrently. By tuning the length of the transmission microstrip in VCSEL, the low reflection coefficient and the enhanced 3-dB modulation bandwidth are achieved. The inductance of the transmission microstrip in the series connection with the capacitance in the active region is optimized to reduce the power loss induced by imaginary impedance. The different oxide aperture sizes for MM-VCSEL are also studied to control the capacitance and photon density. More importantly, the 3-dB modulation bandwidth, impedance matching, slope efficiency, relative intensity noise (RIN), and mode partition noise (MPN) for the MM-VCSEL with various designs are discussed to determine the best device with the high-speed transmission capability. The optimal MM-VCSEL with a diameter of 7 µm oxide aperture and a length of 25 µm transmission microstrip successfully demonstrates 50-Gbit/s OOK and 84-Gbit/s PAM4 after using the pre-emphasis technique for future data-center applications.
Survey of the Solidago canadensis L. Morphological Traits and Essential Oil Production: Aboveground Biomass Growth and Abundance of the Invasive Goldenrod Appears to Be Reciprocally Enhanced within the Invaded Stands
Authors: Baranová Beáta , Troščáková-Kerpčárová Eva , Gruľová Daniela
Published: February 2022

Canadian goldenrod is one of the most widespread invasive neophytes in Europe with proven ecological and environmental consequences for the invaded plots. The morphological traits and productive features survey can offer a better insight view into the S. canadensis population ecology and the dynamic of its aboveground biomass growth. Equally, it can serve as a foundation for a balanced management proposal, with the aim of keeping an acceptable degree of Canadian goldenrod invasion. In the study, 600 specimens, collected at various phenological phases, from the twelve sampling stands in the eastern Slovakia, were processed. The obtained data were related to the degree of invasion, pH, soil moisture, overall stand area, and measure of interventions. Plants from the stands with a mild degree of goldenrod invasion (<50%), lower pH, and higher stand area were significantly lower and lighter; had a significantly lower number and weight of leaves; significantly shorter and lighter stems, in comparison to the plants from the stands with a heavy degree of invasion (>50%); a higher pH; and a smaller area. These plants also showed smaller essential oil productivity rate, and they achieved the growth peak a significantly later. Conversely, as the stand area decreased, and the S. canadensis % representation and soil reaction increased, goldenrods became significantly taller and heavier, with a higher number of leaves and a higher essential oil productivity rate. Canadian goldenrod shows, somewhat, a cyclical, self-growth-reinforcing feedback: the consecutive increase of the goldenrod’s aboveground biomass leads to an increase of its relative % abundance within the invaded stands. Consequently, the increase of the goldenrod’s relative % abundance leads to the plants aboveground biomass consecutive growth, and so on.
Identification of One Major QTL and a Novel Gene OsIAA17q5 Associated with Tiller Number in Rice Using QTL Analysis
Authors: Zhao Dan-Dan , Park Jae-Ryoung , Jang Yoon-Hee , Kim Eun-Gyeong , Du Xiao-Xuan , Farooq Muhammad , Yun Byoung-Ju , Kim Kyung-Min
Published: February 2022

Rice tillers are one of the most important traits for the yield and development of rice, although little is known about its mode of inheritance. Tiller numbers were recorded every 7 days a total of nine times, starting 30 days after transplantation. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) based analysis on a set of double haploid population derivatives of a cross between the Cheongcheong and Nagdong varieties identified a major effect of locus RM18130–RM3381 on chromosome 5, which was expressed in eight different growth stages. Within the target region RM18130–RM3381 (physical distance: 2.08 Mb), 61 candidate genes were screened by annotation. Among the candidate genes, Os05g0230700 (named OsIAA17q5), which belongs to the family of auxin-responsive genes, was selected as a target. Auxin promotes cell division and meristem maintenance and is an effective plant regulator which influences plant growth and development by altering the expression of various genes. OsIAA17q5 is expected to control the number of tillers. The present study provides further understanding of the basic genetic mechanisms that selectively express the control of tiller numbers in different growth stages, as well as provides valuable information for future research aimed at cloning the target gene. These results may contribute to developing a comprehensive understanding of the basic genetic processes regulating the developmental behavior of tiller numbers in rice.
Thiophenes—Naturally Occurring Plant Metabolites: Biological Activities and In Silico Evaluation of Their Potential as Cathepsin D Inhibitors
Authors: Ibrahim Sabrin R. M. , Omar Abdelsattar M. , Bagalagel Alaa A. , Diri Reem M. , Noor Ahmad O. , Almasri Diena M. , Mohamed Shaimaa G. A. , Mohamed Gamal A.
Published: February 2022

Naturally, thiophenes represent a small family of natural metabolites featured by one to five thiophene rings. Numerous plant species belonging to the family Asteraceae commonly produce thiophenes. These metabolites possessed remarkable bioactivities, including antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, larvicidal, antioxidant, insecticidal, cytotoxic, and nematicidal properties. The current review provides an update over the past seven years for the reported natural thiophene derivatives, including their sources, biosynthesis, spectral data, and bioactivities since the last review published in 2015. Additionally, with the help of the SuperPred webserver, an AI (artificial intelligence) tool, the potential drug target for the compounds was predicted. In silico studies were conducted for Cathepsin D with thiophene derivatives, including ADMET (drug absorption/distribution/metabolism/excretion/and toxicity) properties prediction, molecular docking for the binding interaction, and molecular dynamics to evaluate the ligand–target interaction stability under simulated physiological conditions.
Laser-Assisted Selective Fabrication of Copper Traces on Polymers by Electroplating
Authors: Fiodorov Vitalij , Ratautas Karolis , Mockus Zenius , Trusovas Romualdas , Mikoliūnaitė Lina , Račiukaitis Gediminas
Published: February 2022

The selective deposition of metals on dielectric materials is widely used in the electronic industry, making electro-conductive connections between circuit elements. We report a new low-cost laser-assisted method for the selective deposition of copper tracks on polymer surfaces by electroplating. The technique uses a laser for the selective modification of the polymer surface. The electrical conductivity of some polymers could be increased due to laser irradiation. Polyimide samples were treated using nanosecond and picosecond lasers working at a 1064 nm wavelength. An electro-conductive graphene-like layer was formed on the polymer surface after the laser treatment with selected parameters, and the copper layer thickness of 5–20 µm was deposited on the modified surface by electroplating. The selective laser-assisted electroplating technology allows the fabrication of copper tracks on complex shape dielectric materials. The technology could be used in the manufacturing of molded interconnect devices (MID).
Viscoelastic and Thermal Properties of Styrene Modified Fir Wood
Authors: Jambreković Branimir , Govorčin Bajsić Emi , Španić Nikola , Sedlar Tomislav , Sinković Tomislav
Published: February 2022

The modification of wood and its surface is one of the challenges that is being perfected with the aim of transitioning to sustainable management. This study investigated the dynamic mechanical and thermal behaviour of unmodified and styrene modified fir wood (Abies alba Mill.). Styrene monomer was chosen and impregnated into the porous structure of fir wood by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerisation. Attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were employed to characterise the chemical structure, viscoelastic properties, and thermal stability of unmodified and modified (surface-modified) wood. All tests have to be regarded as being preliminary due to the small number of specimens. Fourier transform infrared analysis showed evidence of the phenyl group from styrene at 700 cm−1. DMA results showed that the modified wood caused an increase in the glass transition temperature relative to the unmodified wood. In addition, modification with styrene improves thermal stability, as revealed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).
A Temporal Evolution Perspective of Lipase Production by Yarrowia lipolytica in Solid-State Fermentation
Authors: Nascimento Felipe , Lemes Ailton , Castro Aline , Secchi Argimiro , Zarur Coelho Maria
Published: February 2022

Lipases are enzymes that, in aqueous or non-aqueous media, act on water-insoluble substrates, mainly catalyzing reactions on carboxyl ester bonds, such as hydrolysis, aminolysis, and (trans)esterification. Yarrowia lipolytica is a non-conventional yeast known for secreting lipases and other bioproducts; therefore, it is of great interest in various industrial fields. The production of lipases can be carried on solid-state fermentation (SSF) that utilizes solid substrates in the absence, or near absence, of free water and presents minimal problems with microbial contamination due to the low water contents in the medium. Moreover, SSF offers high volumetric productivity, targets concentrated compounds, high substrate concentration tolerance, and has less wastewater generation. In this sense, the present work provides a temporal evolution perspective regarding the main aspects of lipase production in SSF by Y. lipolytica, focusing on the most relevant aspects and presenting the potential of such an approach.
A Review of Lean Adoption in the Irish MedTech Industry
Authors: Trubetskaya Anna , Manto Declan , McDermott Olivia
Published: February 2022

There have been many literature reviews carried out on Lean implementation in larger organisations with specific focus on the automobile industry. Lean implementation in the medical device industry has not been extensively investigated. Thus, this research endeavored to analyse the benefits of Lean, tools utilised and challenges and results of Lean implementation in Medtech companies. This article aims to bridge a gap in the literature by reviewing the literature that discusses Lean implementation in MedTech companies in Ireland with a perspective of identifying the benefits and challenges faced. The quantitative methodology allows us to review the comprehensive numbers and data which were collected from 20 Enterprise Ireland MedTech case studies. There are very few published case studies in the literature on Lean due to the highly regulated nature of MedTech sector and the vast array of medical devices, which are often under privacy and confidentiality constraints. The results showed that integration of Lean has brought benefits to companies by increasing productivity and product quality, optimised cost, and time. An inclusive discussion of Lean tools for Lean implementation within MedTech was established and suggestions for future research orientations are thus provided.
Power Regulation and Fault Diagnostics of a Three-Pond Run-of-River Hydropower Plant
Authors: Saeed Ahmad , Khan Adnan Umar , Iqbal Muhammad , Albogamy Fahad R. , Murawwat Sadia , Shahzad Ebrahim , Waseem Athar , Hafeez Ghulam
Published: February 2022

Hydropower generation is one of the most prominent renewable sources of power. Run-of-river hydropower is like traditional hydropower but has significantly less environmental impact. Faults in industrial processes are a cause for large amounts of losses in monetary value and off times in industrial processes and consumer utilities. It is more efficient for the system to identify the occurring faults and, if possible, to have the processes running without interruption with the occurrence of a fault. This work uses a model previously proposed—the three-pond hydraulic run-of-river system and integrates it with a turbine and regulated power generation. After integration of the hydraulic system with the turbine and power generation, we then design a diagnostic system for commonly occurring faults within the system. Mathematical models of the faults are formulated and residues are calculated. Fault detection and identification is achieved by analyzing the residues and then a fault-tolerant control is proposed. The Fault Diagnostic Module can correctly detect the faults present and offers sufficient fault compensation to make the system run nearly normally in the event of fault occurrence. With the emergence of distributed power generation smart grids and renewable energy, this fault diagnostic is able to reliably offer uninterrupted power to the grid and thus to consumers.
The Secularization of Religious Figures: A Study of Mahoraga in the Song Dynasty (960–1279)
Authors: Fan Chen , Long Yanghuan
Published: February 2022

Mahoraga dolls, a type of figurine showing a child holding a lotus leaf, are sacrifice utensils that were commonly used in the Qixi Festival to pray for reproduction throughout the Song Dynasty in China. Scholars pay great attention to the Buddhistic origins of Mahoraga, relating it to different figures within Buddhism and discussing its religious artistic values. This paper focuses on the transformation of this cultural appropriation in Chinese society by discussing the localization of Mahoraga as well as the reasons behind the use of Mahoraga in worship in Qixi in particular. We believe that the population crisis and national population policies in the Song Dynasty stimulated Chinese people’s longing for procreation and this desire was responded to by the secularization and popularization of Buddhism in China, together with the increased prosperity of citizen culture, which ultimately promoted the popularity of Mahoraga in Song society.
Inversion of Groundwater Storage Variations Considering Lag Effect in Beijing Plain, from RadarSat-2 with SBAS-InSAR Technology
Authors: Zhang Xin , Chen Beibei , Gong Huili , Lei Kunchao , Zhou Chaofan , Lu Zhaozhao , Zhao Danni
Published: February 2022

The long-term over-exploitation of groundwater has not only caused the compaction of aquifer thickness and surface deformation but has also further aggravated the loss of groundwater storage (GWS) in Beijing plain. The South-to-North Water Diversion Project (SNWDP) furnishes a new source of water for Beijing. By reviewing related studies, it was found that there are few studies on the realization of GWS estimation based on InSAR technology considering the lag effect. Therefore, in this study, firstly, the long-time series deformation characteristics of Beijing plain were obtained from 46 RadarSat-2 images using small baseline subset interferometric synthetic aperture radar (SBAS-InSAR) technology. Secondly, the seasonal components of surface deformation and hydraulic head change were extracted by means of multichannel singular spectrum analysis (MSSA), verifying the separation accuracy by means of Monto Carlo-SSA (MC-SSA). Finally, for the hydrodynamic delay (aquifer water supply/drainage) of the complex aquifer system, we introduced the time lag cross-correlation (TLCC) approach to correct the hysteresis response of seasonal deformation relative to the variation of the aquifer system head, so as to realize the estimation of aquifer storage properties and GWS loss, even unrecoverable GWS (UGWS). The results showed that the average annual variation of total GWS (TGWS) in Beijing plain was −6.702 × 107 m3, of which the depletion volume of UGWS was −6.168 × 107 m3, accounting for 92.03% of the TGWS. On a temporal scale, the depletion of UGWS lagged behind the total head change, with about one year of lag time. On a spatial scale, in contrast to the north of Beijing plain, the depletion of UGWS in the south only recovered briefly after 2015 and then continued to decline. This further indicated that the process of the decline of middle-deep confined head and long-term GWS loss caused by over-exploitation of groundwater was irreversible. These findings are of great significance to optimize the allocation of groundwater resources, reduce the harm of land subsidence and protect groundwater resources.
Evaluations of Speed Camera Interventions Can Deliver a Wide Range of Outcomes: Causes and Policy Implications
Authors: Job R. F. Soames
Published: February 2022

Speeding (travelling at speeds above the speed limit) is proven to be a major contributor to serious crashes, and speed management interventions including speed cameras are shown to reduce speeds, crashes, and trauma. However, the present review identifies that the range of outcomes reported in evaluations of speed cameras is large, complicating the understanding of effects, and inviting scepticism about the value of speed cameras despite the large numbers of reported successes, as well as systematic reviews and meta-analyses that demonstrate their life- and injury-saving value. Therefore, this review is focused on the factors that contribute to the large range of findings, including reasons for genuine differences in the outcomes delivered by different camera programs and variations in evaluation methodology that influence the extent to which real benefits are detected. Finally, recommendations are offered to maximise the safety benefits of speed-camera programs (including ensuring the full chain of requirements for general deterrence is met; strong communications about new programs and expansions at least several weeks in advance of implementation; and unpredictability of enforcement versus signposted cameras) and to improve evaluation methods (especially around determining the road lengths/locations assumed to be treated by the cameras and use of control locations).
An Estimating Method for Carbon Emissions of China Based on Nighttime Lights Remote Sensing Satellite Images
Authors: Yang Tianjiao , Liu Jing , Mi Haibo , Cao Zhicheng , Wang Yiting , Han Huichao , Luan Jiahui , Wang Zhaoxuan
Published: February 2022

In September 2020, China proposed the achievement of the emission reduction targets of “carbon peak” and “carbon neutral” by 2030 and 2060, respectively. As an important area of energy consumption in addition to industry and transportation, the construction industry has great energy-saving potential and is gradually becoming the key to achieving China’s energy-saving and emission-reduction goals. Energy data is an important basic support for measuring carbon emissions, analyzing energy-saving potential, and formulating energy-saving targets. In order to solve the he lack of data on China’s carbon emissions, this paper uses lamplight remote sensing image data in the study. Combined with China’s eastern, central, and western regions of building carbon emissions data and the establishment of a partition of China building carbon emissions calculation model, panel data found building carbon emissions and smooth lamp brightness values between the balanced relations. After that, using the building carbon emissions models of the three regions, the building carbon emissions of 30 provinces, 360 cities, and 2778 counties in China were measured, and the changing trends and temporal and spatial directions of building carbon emissions at three spatial scales were analyzed. The results showed that although the total carbon emissions of civil buildings in China has been increasing year by year, its average annual growth rate is gradually slowing down. In addition, the temporal and spatial development directions of carbon emissions from buildings of different spatial scales are basically the same, and they all show a trend of shifting to the east.
Assessment and Spatial-Temporal Evolution Analysis of Land Use Conflict within Urban Spatial Zoning: Case of the Su-Xi-Chang Region
Authors: Qiu Guoqiang , Wang Yinghong , Guo Shanshan , Niu Qian , Qin Lin , Zhu Di , Gong Yunlong
Published: February 2022

As China rapidly urbanizes, land resources tend to deplete. This paper aims to identify and propose a resolution of land use conflicts to promote sustainable land use and coordinate the interaction between humans and the environment in urban areas. The methodology of land use conflict assessment within spatial zoning of the Su–Xi–Chang region was evaluated. Taking into consideration the intensity of human activities and the background condition of the natural environment, we divided the study area into a few regions. Furthermore, we developed a methodology by calculating landscape complexity, fragility, and stability based on spatial zoning so as to derive the spatio-temporal characteristics of the land use conflict index (LUCI) in the Su–Xi–Chang region. The results indicate the following: (1) According to the urban spatial attribute index (USAI) statistics, we delineate the core, fringe, and suburban zones of the Su–Xi–Chang region, which accounted for 9.61%, 11.06%, and 79.33% of urban agglomerations respectively; (2) from 1990 to 2018, the fragility index (FI) and LUCI showed S-shaped curves, while the complexity (CI) and the stability indices (SI) exhibited minor fluctuations in the fringe and suburb zones; and (3) intensive and severe conflict is concentrated in core areas due to quite intense human activities and in fringe areas due to an increased interaction between humans and land, while moderate conflict is mainly found in rural and suburban areas that pose as a natural environmental space. The results can serve as a theoretical framework for an effective identification of the LUCI in an urban agglomeration and coordination of the optimal allocation of regional land resources.
Humoral Immunogenicity and Reactogenicity of the Standard ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Vaccination in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Jer-Hwa , Chiou Jeng-Fong , Hung Ching-Sheng , Liu Ming-Che , Chang Hui-Wen , Hong Shiao-Ya , Wang Cheng-Yi , Lin Yi-Ling , Hsieh Yi-Chen , Chung Chi-Li , Su Ying-Shih , Hsiao Shu-Tai Shen , Liu Doresses , Liang Jian-Jong , Liao Chun-Che , Chang Chih-Shin , Lai Kevin Shu-Leung , Chuang Han-Chuan , Chien Ko-Ling , Wu Wei-Ciao , Lee Yuan-Chii G. , Lin Sey-En , Shen Yung-Kang , Hsu Chiung-Fang , Wang Jude Chu-Chun , Hsiao Shih-Hsin
Published: February 2022

Background: The ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine has been widely administered against SARS-CoV-2 infection; however, data regarding its immunogenicity, reactogenicity, and potential differences in responses among Asian populations remain scarce. Methods: 270 participants without prior COVID-19 were enrolled to receive ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination with a prime–boost interval of 8–9 weeks. Their specific SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, neutralizing antibody titers (NT50), platelet counts, and D-dimer levels were analyzed before and after vaccination. Results: The seroconversion rates of anti-RBD and anti-spike IgG at day 28 after a boost vaccination (BD28) were 100% and 95.19%, respectively. Anti-RBD and anti-spike IgG levels were highly correlated (r = 0.7891), which were 172.9 ± 170.4 and 179.3 ± 76.88 BAU/mL at BD28, respectively. The geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) of NT50 for all participants increased to 132.9 IU/mL (95% CI 120.0–147.1) at BD28 and were highly correlated with anti-RBD and anti-spike IgG levels (r = 0.8248 and 0.7474, respectively). Body weight index was statistically significantly associated with anti-RBD IgG levels (p = 0.035), while female recipients had higher anti-spike IgG levels (p = 0.038). The GMCs of NT50 declined with age (p = 0.0163) and were significantly different across age groups (159.7 IU/mL for 20–29 years, 99.4 IU/mL for ≥50 years, p = 0.0026). Injection-site pain, fever, and fatigue were the major reactogenicity, which were more pronounced after prime vaccination and in younger participants (<50 years). Platelet counts decreased and D-dimer levels increased after vaccination but were not clinically relevant. No serious adverse events or deaths were observed. Conclusion: The vaccine is well-tolerated and elicited robust humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2 after standard prime–boost vaccination in Taiwanese recipients.
Adverse Events Reporting Quality of Randomized Controlled Trials of COVID-19 Vaccine Using the CONSORT Criteria for Reporting Harms: A Systematic Review
Authors: Yuniar Cindra Tri , Pratiwi Bhekti , Ihsan Ardika Fajrul , Laksono Bambang Tri , Risfayanti Iffa , Fathadina Annisa , Jeong Yeonseon , Kim Eunyoung
Published: February 2022

Background: Assessing the quality of evidence from vaccine clinical trials is essential to ensure the safety and efficacy of the vaccine and further enhance public acceptance. This study aims to summarize and critically evaluate the quality of harm reporting on randomized controlled trials for the COVID-19 vaccine and determine the factors associated with reporting quality. Methods: We systematically searched the literature using PRISMA guidelines for randomized controlled trials (RCT) on COVID-19 Vaccine until 30 December 2021. Published articles were searched from electronic databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Bibliovid. Bias analysis was performed using RoB-2 tools. The quality of reporting was assessed by the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) harm extension modified into 21 items. Results: A total of 61 RCT studies (402,014 patients) were analyzed. Over half the studies demonstrated adequate reporting (59.02%), and 21 studies (34.4%) reported a low risk of bias. All studies reported death and serious adverse events (AEs), but only six studies mentioned how to handle the recurrent AEs. Reporting of AEs in subgroup analysis was also poor (25%). Conclusion: The RCTs on the COVID-19 vaccine were less biased with good quality on reporting harm based on the modified CONSORT harm extension. However, study quality must be considered, especially for a balance of information between effectivity and safety.
Natural Brucella melitensis Infection and Rev. 1 Vaccination Induce Specific Brucella O-Polysaccharide Antibodies Involved in Complement Mediated Brucella Cell Killing
Authors: Mathur Shubham , Banai Menachem , Cohen Dani
Published: February 2022

Vaccination against brucellosis using live attenuated strains is the primary approach in protecting livestock against the disease through a strong cellular immune response. Attenuated vaccine strains also induce serum anti-Brucella antibodies, mostly against Brucella O-polysaccharide, but their role in protection against the disease remains unclear. In this study, we show that Brucella OPS serum antibodies after vaccination or natural infection could kill Brucella in vitro as shown by the serum bactericidal activity (SBA) assay. We used serum samples of Rev. 1 vaccinated sheep that were negative or positive for Brucella OPS antibodies by either one of complement fixation test (CFT), microplate agglutination test (MAT) and ELISA, or sera of naturally infected sheep positive by CFT. We found a significant increase in the killing ability of sera 30 days after intraocular vaccination with Rev. 1 as compared with pre-vaccination. SBA was significantly higher in sera containing Brucella OPS IgG antibodies in comparison with sera lacking such antibodies (p < 0.001 against 16M & Rev. 1 strains). All 10 sera of convalescent sheep demonstrated significant killing ability against the 16M B. melitensis field strain. Specific OPS antibodies participate in the in vitro complement mediated Brucella killing suggesting a potential role in protection against the disease through this mechanism and relevance of developing OPS-based Brucella vaccines.