bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated extraction of Camellia oleifera crown using unmanned aerial vehicle visible images and the ResU-Net deep learning model
Authors: Ji Yu , Yan Enping , Yin Xianming , Song Yabin , Wei Wei , Mo Dengkui
Published: August 2022

As one of the four most important woody oil-tree in the world, Camellia oleifera has significant economic value. Rapid and accurate acquisition of C. oleifera tree-crown information is essential for enhancing the effectiveness of C. oleifera tree management and accurately predicting fruit yield. This study is the first of its kind to explore training the ResU-Net model with UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) images containing elevation information for automatically detecting tree crowns and estimating crown width (CW) and crown projection area (CPA) to rapidly extract tree-crown information. A Phantom 4 RTK UAV was utilized to acquire high-resolution images of the research site. Using UAV imagery, the tree crown was manually delineated. ResU-Net model’s training dataset was compiled using six distinct band combinations of UAV imagery containing elevation information [RGB (red, green, and blue), RGB-CHM (canopy height model), RGB-DSM (digital surface model), EXG (excess green index), EXG-CHM, and EXG-DSM]. As a test set, images with UAV-based CW and CPA reference values were used to assess model performance. With the RGB-CHM combination, ResU-Net achieved superior performance. Individual tree-crown detection was remarkably accurate (Precision = 88.73%, Recall = 80.43%, and F1score = 84.68%). The estimated CW (R2 = 0.9271, RMSE = 0.1282 m, rRMSE = 6.47%) and CPA (R2 = 0.9498, RMSE = 0.2675 m2, rRMSE = 9.39%) values were highly correlated with the UAV-based reference values. The results demonstrate that the input image containing a CHM achieves more accurate crown delineation than an image containing a DSM. The accuracy and efficacy of ResU-Net in extracting C. oleifera tree-crown information have great potential for application in non-wood forests precision management.
Psychological impact of COVID-19: Assessing the COVID-19-related anxiety, individual’s resilience and conspiracy beliefs on attitudes to COVID-19 vaccination
Authors: Rosli Nadzirah , Johar Elaina Rose , Rosli Nursyafinaz , Abdul Hamid Nor Fazilah
Published: August 2022

It has been 2 years since the first outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, and continuous efforts and measures have been exerted and implemented to halt its spread, such as the introduction of vaccination programs. However, as with the consumption of other products and services, some people hold different beliefs, consequently affecting their attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination. Thus, vaccine unwillingness and hesitancy remain an enormous concern for many countries. This paper explores the effects of anxiety, individual resilience, and conspiracy beliefs on attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines among the population of Malaysia—with a focus on Muslim individuals. We used survey data from 438 respondents (205 male, 233 female) to assess the research model. To conduct the multi-group analysis, we used partial least square structural equation modeling in SmartPLS 3. The results suggest that anxiety is positively associated with COVID-19 vaccination attitudes, whereas conspiracy beliefs have an inverse effect on vaccination attitudes, while an individual’s resilience is also positively associated with vaccination attitudes. Furthermore, it is found that the relationship between conspiracy beliefs and vaccination attitudes is weakened for an individual with a higher level of resilience. The findings also reveal the differences and similarities between males and females. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to simultaneously explore and demonstrate the effects of COVID-19-related anxiety, conspiracy beliefs and resilience with people’s attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines and to examine the homogeneity of both males and females—especially among Malaysia’s Muslim population—thereby offering a valuable contribution to the literature.
Characterizing the semantic and form-based similarity spaces of the mental lexicon by means of the multi-arrangement method
Authors: Ansteeg Lukas , Leoné Frank , Dijkstra Ton
Published: August 2022

Collecting human similarity judgments is instrumental to measuring and modeling neurocognitive representations (e.g., through representational similarity analysis) and has been made more efficient by the multi-arrangement task. While this task has been tested for collecting semantic similarity judgments, it is unclear whether it also lends itself to phonological and orthographic similarity judgments of words. We have extended the task to include these lexical modalities and compared the results between modalities and against computational models. We find that similarity judgments can be collected for all three modalities, although word forms were considered more difficult to sort and resulted in less consistent inter- and intra-rater agreement than semantics. For all three modalities we can construct stable group-level representational similarity matrices. However, these do not capture significant idiosyncratic similarity information unique to each participant. We discuss the potential underlying causes for differences between modalities and their effect on the application of the multi-arrangement task.
Psychometric properties of the German version of the Psychological Consequences of Screening Questionnaire (PCQ) for liver diseases
Authors: Fichtner Urs A. , Maun Andy , Farin-Glattacker Erik
Published: August 2022

Background

This study aimed to translate the negative and positive items of the Psychological Consequences Questionnaire (PCQ) into German, to adapt this version to the context of screening for cirrhosis and fibrosis of the liver, and to test its psychometric properties.

Materials and methods

The three subscales (physical, emotional, and social) were translated into German using a forward-backward translation method. Furthermore, we adapted the wording to the context of liver diseases. In sum, the PCQ comprises twelve negative items and ten positive items. We tested the acceptability, distribution properties, internal consistency, scale structure, and the convergent validity using an analysis sample of 443 patients who were screened for cirrhosis or fibrosis of the liver.

Results

We found low non-response and non-unique answer rates on the PCQ items in general. However, positive items had higher non-response rates. All items showed strong floor effects. McDonald’s Omega was high for both the negative (ω = 0.95) and the positive PCQ scale (ω = 0.90), as well as for the total PCQ scale (ω = 0.86). Confirmatory factor analysis could reproduce the three dimensions that the PCQ intends to measure. However, it suggests not summing up a total PCQ score and instead treat the subscales separately considering a higher order overall construct. Convergent validity with the short form of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y-6) was acceptable.

Conclusion

Overall, our study results report a successful adaptation of the German PCQ with good performance in terms of acceptability, internal consistency, scale structure, and convergent validity. Floor-effects limit the content validity of the PCQ, which needs to be addressed in future research. However, the German version of the PCQ is a useful measurement for both negative and positive screening consequences - even in a non-cancer setting.
The modulation of mRNA levels of MAOA by electroacupuncture and psychotherapy in patients with pathological internet use
Authors: Dai Yu , Zhang Chenchen , Zhang Lingrui , Wen Chao , Zhu Tianmin
Published: August 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to observe the efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) and psychotherapy (PT) effect on the mental status, sleep quality and impulsive trait in patients with pathological internet use, and to observe the changes of Monoamine oxidase type A (MAOA) messenger Ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels in each group.

Methods

A total of 60 PIU patients were included for the present study. These patients were randomly divided into two groups: EA group and PT group. Baihui, Sishencong, Hegu, Neiguan, Shenmen, Taichong, Sanyinjiao and Xuanzhong were selected for acupuncture in the EA group, while group psychotherapy combined with individual psychotherapy was used for intervention in patients in the PT group. Young’s Internet addiction Test (IAT), Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Barratt Impulse Scale (BIS-11) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to observe the severity of Internet addiction, mental status, sleep quality and impulsive trait of all patients at baseline and 40th days of treatment; and MAOA mRNA data were collected at baseline and 40th days of treatment.

Results

Electroacupuncture and psychological intervention effectively reduced IAT, SAS, SDS, Y-BOCS, BIS and PSQI scores of PIU patients. After 40 days treatment, the MAOA expression of the PT group was increased, and there was no significant change in EA group. The correlation analysis indicated that IAT scores were positively correlated with SAS, SDS, Y-BOCS, BIS and PSQI at baseline. In addition, after treatment the EA group showed that the change in IAT scores was positively correlated with the change in Y-BOCS and BIS scores, and the PT group showed that the change in IAT scores was positively correlated with the change in SDS, BIS and PSQI scores.

Conclusion

The present study showed that electroacupuncture and psychological intervention can improve severity of Internet addiction, mental status, sleep quality and impulsive trait of PIU patients. Simultaneously, neurobiological changes may be the underlying mechanisms of psychotherapy for internet additcion.
The lived experiences of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A rapid review of qualitative evidence
Authors: Ginapp Callie M. , Macdonald-Gagnon Grace , Angarita Gustavo A. , Bold Krysten W. , Potenza Marc N.
Published: August 2022

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition that frequently persists into adulthood, although research and diagnostic criteria are focused on how the condition presents in children. We aimed to review qualitative research on lived experiences of adults with ADHD to characterize potential ADHD symptomatology in adulthood and provide perspectives on how needs might be better met. We searched three databases for qualitative studies on ADHD. Studies (n = 35) in English that included data on the lived experiences of adults with ADHD were included. These studies covered experiences of receiving a diagnosis as an adult, symptomatology of adult ADHD, skills used to adapt to these symptoms, relationships between ADHD and substance use, patients’ self-perceptions, and participants’ experiences interacting with society. Many of the ADHD symptoms reported in these studies had overlap with other psychiatric conditions and may contribute to misdiagnosis and delays in diagnosis. Understanding symptomatology of ADHD in adults may inform future diagnostic criteria and guide interventions to improve quality of life.
WASH to control COVID-19: A rapid review
Authors: Khatib Mahalaqua Nazli , Sinha Anju , Mishra Gaurav , Quazi Syed Ziauddin , Gaidhane Shilpa , Saxena Deepak , Gaidhane Abhay M. , Bhardwaj Pankaj , Sawleshwarkar Shailendra , Zahiruddin Quazi Syed
Published: August 2022

Background

Preventive public health has been suggested as methods for reducing the transmission of COVID-19. Safety and efficacy of one such public health measure: WASH intervention for COVID-19 has not been systematically reviewed. We undertook a rapid review to assess the effect of WASH intervention in reducing the incidence of COVID-19.

Methods

We conducted searches in PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE. We undertook screening of studies in two stages and extracted data and assessed the quality of evidence for the primary outcome using GRADE recommendations.

Main results

We included a total of 13 studies with three studies on COVID-19 and 10 on SARS. The study found that hand washing, sterilization of hands, gargling, cleaning/shower after attending patients of COVID-19, or SARS was protective. Evidence also found that frequent washes can prevent SARS transmission among HCWs. However; one study reported that due to enhanced infection-prevention measures, front-line HCWs are more prone to hand-skin damage. The certainty of the evidence for our primary outcome as per GRADE was very low. We did not find any studies that assessed the effect of WASH on hospitalizations, and mortality due to COVID-19. Also; we did not find any study that compared WASH interventions with any other public health measures.

Conclusions

Current evidence of WASH interventions for COVID-19 is limited as it is largely based on indirect evidence from SARS. Findings from the included studies consistently show that WASH is important in reducing the number of cases during a pandemic. Timely implementation of WASH along with other public health interventions can be vital to ensure the desired success. Further good-quality studies providing direct evidence of the efficacy of WASH on COVID-19 are needed.
Getting freight trains back on track–How railway undertakings, infrastructure owners and regulators can navigate the main dilemmas in freight business to drive sustainable growth
Authors: Demiridis Nikolaos , Pyrgidis Christos
Published: August 2022

Rail freight reportedly makes for an environmentally friendly means of transport. It also has significant potential for making a lucrative business, a stark contrast to rail passenger transport. Yet in Europe rail freight has long been displaced over its road equivalent and grown at rates inferior to overall land goods freight. Sustainable, profitable rail freight operations depend not only on goods volume, travel distance and pricing, but further on other key aspects permeating goods transportation by rail. Our research demonstrates that the choice for railway undertakings, infrastructure owners, and regulators alike, is in practice a complex one as depending on many, often competing factors. In fact, the key questions usually raised v.a.v. rail freight operations may be summed up to the following: (a) Mixed passenger and freight train operation or dedicated train corridors? (b) Conventional or heavy axle loads for freight trains? (c) Unitized wagonload or integrated trainload services? (d) Dangerous goods land shipping by rail or road? (e) Autonomous or manned freight train operation? Despite many individual contributions in the field, there is currently no single framework addressing the problem holistically. This paper breaks down what is seemingly a hard-to-balance decision-making process for rail freight players. It records and analyzes the forces and dynamics behind the dilemmas above and allows to: provide those partaking in the decision-making process with a robust framework identifying the key drivers behind sustainable rail freight growth; help them individually and collectively make more sound decisions regarding rail operations as a whole–including, in particular, strategic decisions regarding policy and/or investment; and, eventually, to enable them to craft and pursue viable, sustainable transport and business strategies. The research is underpinned by literature data review.
Single-cell mapping of leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptors in kidney transplant rejection
Authors: Lamarthée Baptiste , Genet Coraline , Cattin Florine , Danger Richard , Giral Magali , Brouard Sophie , Van Loon Elisabet , Callemeyn Jasper , Naesens Maarten , Anglicheau Dany , Bonnotte Bernard , Legendre Mathieu , Rebibou Jean-Michel , Tinel Claire
Published: August 2022

Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptors (LILRs) are a family of inhibitory or stimulatory receptors expressed by immune cell types belonging to both myeloid and lymphoid lineage. Several members of the LILR family recognize major histocompatibility complex class I and thus play important roles in a range of clinical situations including pregnancy. Moreover, paired immunoglobulin-like receptors (PIRs), the murine orthologs of LILRs, are implicated in experimental transplant allorecognition by monocytes and contribute to the induction of donor-specific monocyte-memory. After non-self recognition, activating PIRs are transiently overexpressed at the surface of monocytes and participate in donor-specific monocyte recruitment, leading to graft rejection in vivo. In the present study, we mapped LILR expression and also their respective reported ligands at single cell level in the renal allograft and circulating cells in the context of kidney transplant rejection. Recipient-derived monocytes were shown to infiltrate the donor tissue and to differentiate into macrophages. We thus also investigate LILR expression during in vitro monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation in order to characterize the myeloid population that directly contribute to allorecognition. Altogether our results emphasize non-classical monocytes and CD68+ M1 macrophages as key players in LILRs-ligand interaction in kidney transplantation.
Salt transport in a large agro-urban river basin: Modeling, controlling factors, and management strategies
Authors: Hocking Craig , Bailey Ryan T.
Published: August 2022

Salinity poses a severe threat to urban and agricultural areas. Excess salt can accumulate in soils and groundwater, thereby impacting crop growth and productivity. In this study we quantify the influence of driving forces on salt transport in Colorado's South Platte River (drainage area of 62,937 km2) and investigate possible mediation strategies to reduce salinity levels in both urban and agricultural river reaches. A river salt transport model was developed that utilizes a water allocation model and accounts for multiple inputs and outputs of salt within the river network, including tributaries, wastewater treatment plants, road salt, return flows from rainfall and irrigation, and groundwater discharge. The flow and salt models are run on a monthly basis between 2002 and 2006 and tested against stream discharge and in-stream salinity concentration at multiple gage sites. A sensitivity analysis was implemented to determine the controlling factors behind salt transport in the river system by river reach and by season (spring, summer, fall, winter). SA results were used to guide selection of management practices (n = 256) that can control salinity in both urban and agricultural areas. For urban areas, during spring/summer and fall/winter, the most efficient management practice is to decrease WWTP effluent salinity concentration by 35% and to decrease applied road salt by 35%, respectively, resulting in decreases of 10–30% decrease in river salt concentration. For agricultural areas, the only management practices that achieve an in-river salinity concentration (1,000 mg/L) that prevents crop yield decrease during irrigation are aggressive practices that focus on WWTP effluent concentration, return flow salinity, and urban road salt. Results points to the extreme challenge of managing salinity in the South Platte River Basin and other similar basins and the aggressive urban approaches that must be implemented to sustain irrigation practices in the downstream regions of the basin.
Conducting rapid qualitative interview research during the COVID-19 pandemic—Reflections on methodological choices
Authors: Wanat Marta , Borek Aleksandra J. , Pilbeam Caitlin , Anthierens Sibyl , Tonkin-Crine Sarah
Published: August 2022

As the COVID-19 pandemic has shown, setting up studies in time to gather relevant, real-world data enables researchers to capture current views and experiences, focus on practicalities on the ground, and deliver actionable results. Delivering high quality rapid studies in healthcare poses several challenges even in non-emergency situations. There is an expanding literature discussing benefits and challenges of conducting rapid research, yet there are relatively few examples related to methodological dilemmas and decisions that researchers may face when conducting rapid studies. In rapidly-changing emergency contexts, some of these challenges may be more easily overcome, while others may be unique to the emergency, magnified, or emerge in different ways. In this manuscript, we discuss our reflections and lessons learnt across the research process when conducting rapid qualitative interview studies in the context of a healthcare emergency, focusing on methodological issues. By this we mean the challenging considerations and pragmatic choices we made, and their downstream impacts, that shaped our studies. We draw on our extensive combined experience of delivering several projects during the COVID-19 pandemic in both single and multi-country settings, where we implemented rapid studies, or rapidly adapted an existing study. In the context of these studies, we discuss two main considerations, with a particular focus on the complexities, multiple facets, and trade-offs involved in: (i) team-based approaches to qualitative studies; and (ii) timely and rapid data collection, analysis and dissemination. We contribute a transparent discussion of these issues, describing them, what helped us to deal with them, and which issues have been difficult to overcome. We situate our discussion of arising issues in relation to existing literature, to offer broader recommendations while also identifying gaps in current understandings of how to deal with these methodological challenges. We thus identify key considerations, lessons, and possibilities for researchers implementing rapid studies in healthcare emergencies and beyond. We aim to promote transparency in reporting, assist other researchers in making informed choices, and consequently contribute to the development of the rapid qualitative research.
Development and Experiment of an Online Measuring System for Spray Deposition
Authors: Dai Shiqun , Wang Ming , Ou Mingxiong , Zhou Huitao , Jia Weidong , Gao Ronghua , Wang Chenyang , Wang Guanqun , Li Ziyu , Chen Hong
Published: August 2022

To realize the online evaluation of spray quality, an online measuring system for spray coverage and deposition quality is developed. The measuring theory of spray coverage and deposition quality on an LWS (leaf wetness sensor) surface is analyzed. When the spray conditions are constant, there is a linear correlation between the spray coverage on the sensor surface, the spray deposition quality and the LWS output voltage increment. The results of calibration experiments show that when the spray conditions are constant, the coefficient of determination R2 of the regression curves between the sensor output voltage increment and the spray coverage on the sensor surface is more than 0.75, and the coefficient of determination R2 of the regression curves between the sensor output voltage increment and the spray deposition quality on the sensor surface is more than 0.90. Based on ZigBee wireless sensor technology, this paper reports an online measuring system for spray coverage and deposition quality at multiple points in the field. The test results show that the online measuring system has good uniformity. Field test results show that the LWS voltage increment and the coverage rate of water-sensitive paper have a good correlation, and the measuring results of the spray deposition quality trend are in good agreement. The fit of the spray deposition quality curves measured by the two methods was 0.8924. The research results in this paper can provide a reference for using LWS sensors to measure spray coverage and deposition quality.
Continuous Wavelet Transform and Back Propagation Neural Network for Condition Monitoring Chlorophyll Fluorescence Parameters Fv/Fm of Rice Leaves
Authors: Wen Shuangya , Shi Nan , Lu Junwei , Gao Qianwen , Hu Wenrui , Cao Zhengdengyuan , Lu Jianxiang , Yang Huibin , Gao Zhiqiang
Published: August 2022

The chlorophyll fluorescence parameter Fv/Fm (maximum photosynthetic efficiency of optical system II) is an intrinsic index for exploring plant photosynthesis. Hyperspectral remote sensing technology can be used for rapid nondestructive detection of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. Existing studies show that there is a good correlation between the vegetation index and Fv/Fm. However, due to the limited hyperspectral information reflected by the vegetation index, the established model often cannot reach the ideal accuracy. Therefore, this study took rice as the research object and explored the internal relationship between chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and spectral reflectance by setting different fertilization treatments. Spectral sensitive information was extracted by vegetation index and continuous wavelet transform (CWT) to explore a more suitable method for Fv/Fm hyperspectral estimation at the rice leaf scale. Then a monitoring model of Fv/Fm in rice leaves was established by the back propagation neural network (BPNN) algorithm. The results showed that: (1) the accuracy of univariate models constructed by Fv/Fm inversion based on 10 commonly used vegetation indices constructed by traditional methods was low; (2) The correlation between leaf hyperspectral reflectance and Fv/Fm could be effectively improved by using CWT, and the accuracy of the univariate model constructed by using the best wavelet coefficients could reach the level of rough evaluation of Fv/Fm; (3) The effect of wavelet transform using different mother wavelet functions as the basis function was different, and bior3.3 function was the best; R2, RMSE and RPD of the BPNN model constructed by using the first 10 best wavelet coefficients decomposed by the bior3.3 was 0.823 6, 0.013 2 and 2.304 3. In conclusion, this study proves that CWT can effectively extract sensitive bands of rice leaves for Fv/Fm monitoring, providing a reference for the follow-up rapid and nondestructive monitoring of chlorophyll fluorescence.
Sequence Variation in Caprine KRTAP6-2 Affects Cashmere Fiber Diameter
Authors: Cao Jian , Wang Jiqing , Zhou Huitong , Hu Jiang , Liu Xiu , Li Shaobin , Luo Yuzhu , Hickford Jon G. H.
Published: August 2022

Keratin-associated proteins (KAPs) are a structural component of cashmere fibers and in part determine fiber attributes. The gene encoding the high-glycine/tyrosine KAP6-2 (called KRTAP6-2) has been described in sheep, but it has not been identified goats. In this study, a 252-bp open reading frame with similarity to ovine KRTAP6-2 was found on goat chromosome 1, with its upstream and downstream flanking sequences are closely related with ovine KRTAP6-2 but are clearly distinct from other ovine KRTAP6-n sequences. Polymerase chain reaction amplification followed by single strand conformation polymorphism analysis of this region revealed five distinct banding patterns representing five different sequences (A to E) in 230 Longdong cashmere goats. Eleven diallelic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), a three-nucleotide sequence variation, and a 12-bp insertion/deletion were found among these five sequences, with most SNPs being either outside the coding region or synonymous. The presence of variant D was found to be associated with decreased mean fiber diameter (MFD; present: 13.26 ± 0.07 µm; absent: 13.55 ± 0.04 µm; p < 0.001), suggesting that variation in KRTAP6-2 may affect fiber diameter and have value as a molecular marker for improving the cashmere fiber diameter trait.
In Vitro Assessment of the Combination of Antibiotics against Some Integron-Harbouring Enterobacteriaceae from Environmental Sources
Authors: Fadare Folake Temitope , Elsheikh Elsiddig A. E. , Okoh Anthony Ifeanyin
Published: August 2022

One strategy for combating antimicrobial resistance in many infections is to combine antibacterial compounds to create combinations that outperform each molecule alone. In this study, we examine and study the inhibitory effect of combining two drugs belonging to different antibiotic classes to obtain a possible potentiating effect against some Enterobacteriaceae isolates harbouring integrons recovered from rivers and effluents of hospital and wastewater treatment plants in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. These integrons could easily enable the isolates to acquire genes that confer additional resistance against conventional antibiotics. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the various antibiotics was determined using the broth microdilution, while the checkerboard method was used to determine the fractional inhibitory concentration indices (FICIs). A total of 26.3% (10/38) of the interactions were categorised as synergistic, while 73.7% (28/38) were indifferent. None of the combinations were antagonistic. The time–kill assays revealed all the synergistic interactions as bactericidal. Therefore, the combinations of gentamicin with tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, and ceftazidime against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae, tetracycline–ceftazidime combination against MDR Escherichia coli, colistin combinations with ceftazidime and gentamicin, and tetracycline–gentamicin combinations against MDR Citrobacter freundii may be future therapeutic alternatives. Hence, the synergistic combinations reported in this study must be assessed further in vivo before their clinical applications.
Investigation of the Effect of Child Helmet Design Parameters on Head and Brain Injuries Using Reduced-Order Modelling
Authors: Prasartthong Nattawood , Carmai Julaluk
Published: August 2022

A helmet is the main protective equipment for a child pillion passenger. A safe helmet must be able to mitigate head and brain injuries resulting from high head impact loading. A lightweight helmet is preferable, especially for children. This paper proposed to study the effect of materials, liner thickness, and friction at the head–helmet interface on linear and rotational accelerations using reduced-order modelling. A child head–helmet finite element model was developed and validated against an experiment. Finite element simulations were conducted to generate training data for the establishment of reduced-order models which were subsequently used to predict the linear and rotational accelerations for various helmet parameters. The prediction could be performed in a very short time compared to its corresponding finite element simulation. The use of aluminium foam enhanced mitigation of the linear and rotational accelerations as well as weight reduction. This study also revealed that the head–helmet friction coefficient had a strong effect on the rotational acceleration, while the liner thickness predominantly affected the linear acceleration. However, the liner thickness had less influence on the rotational acceleration when the head–helmet friction was low. The risk of brain concussion as well as diffusional injury could be reduced by enabling low friction at head–helmet surface.
Numerical Investigation of the Cycling Loading Behavior of 3D-Printed Poly-Lactic Acid (PLA) Cylindrical Lightweight Samples during Compression Testing
Authors: Karimi Ako , Mole Nikolaj , Pepelnjak Tomaž
Published: August 2022

The additive technologies widely used in recent years provide enormous flexibility in the production of cellular structures. Material extrusion (MEX) technology has become very popular due to the increasing availability of relatively inexpensive desktop 3D printers and the capability of fabricating parts with complex geometries. Poly-lactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable and commonly applied thermoplastic material in additive manufacturing (AM). In this study, using a simulation method based on the user subroutine titled “user subroutine to redefine field variables at a material point” (USDFLD) in the finite element method (FEM) ABAQUS software, the elastic stiffness (ES) of a cylindrical lightweight cellular PLA sample with a 2.4 mm infill line distance (ILD), which was designed as a layered structure similar to the laboratory mode with a MEX method and was subjected to cyclic compressive loading, was investigated by considering the variation of the Young’s modulus depending on the variation of the equivalent plastic strain (PEEQ). It was observed that the PLA sample’s elastic stiffness increases during cyclic loading. This increase is high in the initial cycles and less in the subsequent cycles. It was also observed that the simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental results.
Towards the Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals through Engineering Training for Labor Market Reintegration of Older Workers
Authors: Zarco-Periñán Pedro J. , Zarco-Soto Fco. Javier
Published: August 2022

The inclusion of training in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in higher education is essential to achieve them. In addition, labor market reintegration or improvement of older workers is a goal that an increasing number of people have set for themselves, especially in countries severely affected by crises. The union of these two premises has given rise to the application of a methodology in a master’s degree in engineering. This manuscript makes a double contribution: on the one hand, it presents the methodology with its application through a practical case; on the other hand, it covers how students perceive the application of non-traditional training techniques. The methodology is based on student-centered learning, using case-based teaching and inquiry-based learning. The students’ perception of this change in training was evaluated through a qualitative methodological approach for five consecutive years and through two types of surveys carried out each year, one of which involves comparison with traditional training methodologies. The results of the surveys show the favorable acceptance of this form of teaching, surpassing the results of traditional teaching methods by more than 25%. As a practical implication, this research identifies new ways of teaching complex subjects that facilitate training in SDGs and the subsequent labor market reintegration of older people.
Special Issue on “Progress of Fiber-Reinforced Composites: Design and Applications”
Authors: Kartsonakis Ioannis A.
Published: August 2022

Fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) materials are widely used in advanced structures and are often used to replace traditional materials such as metal components, especially those used in corrosive environments [...]
Enzyme Catalysis: Advances, Techniques, and Outlooks
Authors: Kim In Jung
Published: August 2022

Biocatalysis using enzymes is a powerful strategy that can be employed in a variety of industries for the production of biofuel, biochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and foods, etc [...]
Biosensor Based on Covalent Organic Framework Immobilized Acetylcholinesterase for Ratiometric Detection of Carbaryl
Authors: Luo Ying , Wu Na , Wang Linyu , Song Yonghai , Du Yan , Ma Guangran
Published: August 2022

A ratiometric electrochemical biosensor based on a covalent organic framework (COFThi-TFPB) loaded with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was developed. First, an electroactive COFThi-TFPB with a two-dimensional sheet structure, positive charge and a pair of inert redox peaks was synthesized via a dehydration condensation reaction between positively charged thionine (Thi) and 1,3,5-triformylphenylbenzene (TFPB). The immobilization of AChE on the positively charged electrode surface was beneficial for maintaining its bioactivity and achieving the best catalytic effect; therefore, the positively charged COFThi-TFPB was an appropriate support material for AChE. Furthermore, the COFThi-TFPB provided a stable internal reference signal for the constructed AChE inhibition-based electrochemical biosensor to eliminate various effects which were unrelated to the detection of carbaryl. The sensor had a linear range of 2.2–60 μM with a detection limit of 0.22 μM, and exhibited satisfactory reproducibility, stability and anti-interference ability for the detection of carbaryl. This work offers a possibility for the application of COF-based materials in the detection of low-level pesticide residues.
Assessing the Uncertainty of Total Seabird Bycatch Estimates Synthesized from Multiple Sources with a Scenario Analysis from the Western and Central Pacific
Authors: Zhou Can , Liao Baochao
Published: August 2022

Each year, billions of seabirds undertake migrations, connecting remote regions of the world, potentially synchronizing population fluctuations among distant areas. This connectedness has implications for the uncertainty calculations of the total seabird bycatch estimate at a regional/global scale. Globally, fisheries bycatch poses a major problem in fishery management, and estimating the uncertainty associated with a regional/global seabird bycatch estimate is important because it characterizes the accuracy and reliability of the fisheries’ impact on the seabird populations. In this study, we evaluate different assumptions underlying the estimation of the variability of the total seabird bycatch at a regional/global scale based on local assessment reports. In addition to theoretical analysis, we also simulate multiple spatially distant separately managed areas with relatively low levels of observer coverage, based on bycatch data from the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission convention area. The results show that assuming a completely synchronized variation produced the most conservative uncertainty estimate and it also missed an opportunity to improve the precision. Simplified correlation structures also failed to capture the complex dynamics of bycatch rates among spatially distant areas. It is recommended to empirically estimate the correlation of bycatch rates between each pair of sources based on bycatch rate time series.
State of the Art in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: El Agha Elie , Wygrecka Malgorzata
Published: August 2022

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a form of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP), though its origin is unknown [...]
USP29 Deubiquitinates SETD8 and Regulates DNA Damage-Induced H4K20 Monomethylation and 53BP1 Focus Formation
Authors: Hernández-Reyes Yeray , Paz-Cabrera María Cristina , Freire Raimundo , Smits Veronique A. J.
Published: August 2022

SETD8 is a histone methyltransferase that plays pivotal roles in several cellular functions, including transcriptional regulation, cell cycle progression, and genome maintenance. SETD8 regulates the recruitment of 53BP1 to sites of DNA damage by controlling histone H4K20 methylation. Moreover, SETD8 levels are tightly regulated in a cell cycle-dependent manner by ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal degradation. Here, we identified ubiquitin-specific peptidase 29, USP29, as a novel regulator of SETD8. Depletion of USP29 leads to decreased SETD8 protein levels, an effect that is independent of the cell cycle. We demonstrate that SETD8 binds to USP29 in vivo, and this interaction is dependent on the catalytic activity of USP29. Wildtype USP29 can deubiquitinate SETD8 in vivo, indicating that USP29 directly regulates SETD8 protein levels. Importantly, USP29 knockdown inhibits the irradiation-induced increase in H4K20 monomethylation, thereby preventing focus formation of 53BP1 in response to DNA damage. Lastly, depletion of USP29 increases the cellular sensitivity to irradiation. These results demonstrate that USP29 is critical for the DNA damage response and cell survival, likely by controlling protein levels of SETD8.
Hygrothermal Modelling of the Differences between Single versus Variable Relative Humidity Vapour Diffusion Resistivity Properties of Pliable Membranes
Authors: Olaoye Toba Samuel , Dewsbury Mark , Wallis Louise , Küenzel Hartwig
Published: August 2022

The study investigates through hygrothermal modelling the effect of different boundary conditions and varying measured vapour diffusion resistivity values on the hygrothermal performance of five pliable membranes. Previously, this research quantified the variable water vapour diffusion resistivity properties of five different pliable building membranes. The membranes were assessed under varying humidity conditions using the gravimetric wet and dry cup test method. The varying humidity conditions better represent the boundary conditions experienced by materials in the building envelope. The pliable membranes include two permeable, two impermeable, and one variable products, which are commonly used to provide air and vapour control layers in the construction of framed external wall systems. This article focusses on the transient hygrothermal modelling of each of these membranes as a component of a typical timber-framed, clay brick veneer external wall system. The simulations were completed for three different climate types, namely, hot and humid, temperate, and cool-temperate with snow, and with a northern and western orientation. The results from hygrothermal and bio-hygrothermal simulations highlighted different responses subject to climate type and orientation. These results show that there are significant differences in simulated moisture and mould growth risk between the results of pliable membranes with single vapour resistance factor value and pliable membranes with multipoint vapour resistance factor values.
The Development and Verification of a Simulation Model of Shape-Memory Alloy Wires for Strain Prediction
Authors: Theren Benedict , Heß Philipp , Bracke Stefan , Kuhlenkötter Bernd
Published: August 2022

One of the greatest challenges in the design of shape-memory elements (mostly binary Nickel-Titanium wires) is to ensure that the required travel (stroke) is achieved, as this is subject to variation due to various influencing factors. One way of predicting the stroke is to use a suitable energy model. In the past, for example, a model was developed by Oelschläger with which the stroke can be calculated on the basis of the electrical energy. However, so far no model takes into account the change of the phase transformation temperature. In this study, the model of Oelschläger is extended and verified to consider the degradation behavior over the whole lifetime. For this purpose, fatigue tests of 52 wires (2 different load scenarios) were performed. Based on these tests and the application of statistical methods (distribution models, goodnes-of-fit tests etc.), a target model was developed for each load scenario, which is used to verify the extended energy model. The energy model was applied to wires of both load scenarios to simulate the stroke progression. The verification of the extended simulation model shows that it is possible to simulate the longterm behavior of the stroke for one of the two load scenarios. The second load scenario shows deviations between the target model and the simulation, which is due to problems in the area of measurement equipment, convection, and temperature distribution in the wire. Nevertheless, a decisive modeling approach could be developed, which can be used to consider the long-term behavior of the phase transformation temperature of wires in simulations.
Deep-Sea Epibenthic Megafaunal Assemblages of the Falkland Islands, Southwest Atlantic
Authors: Pearman T. R. R. , Brewin Paul E. , Baylis Alastair M. M. , Brickle Paul
Published: August 2022

Deep-sea environments face increasing pressure from anthropogenic exploitation and climate change, but remain poorly studied. Hence, there is an urgent need to compile quantitative baseline data on faunal assemblages, and improve our understanding of the processes that drive faunal assemblage composition in deep-sea environments. The Southwest Atlantic deep sea is an undersampled region that hosts unique and globally important faunal assemblages. To date, our knowledge of these assemblages has been predominantly based on ex situ analysis of scientific trawl and fisheries bycatch specimens, limiting our ability to characterise faunal assemblages. Incidental sampling and fisheries bycatch data indicate that the Falkland Islands deep sea hosts a diversity of fauna, including vulnerable marine ecosystem (VME) indicator taxa. To increase our knowledge of Southwest Atlantic deep-sea epibenthic megafauna assemblages, benthic imagery, comprising 696 images collected along the upper slope (1070–1880 m) of the Falkland Islands conservation zones (FCZs) in 2014, was annotated, with epibenthic megafauna and substrata recorded. A suite of terrain derivatives were also calculated from GEBCO bathymetry and oceanographic variables extracted from global models. The environmental conditions coincident with annotated image locations were calculated, and multivariate analysis was undertaken using 288 ‘sample’ images to characterize faunal assemblages and discern their environmental drivers. Three main faunal assemblages representing two different sea pen and cup coral assemblages, and an assemblage characterised by sponges and Stylasteridae, were identified. Subvariants driven by varying dominance of sponges, Stylasteridae, and the stony coral, Bathelia candida, were also observed. The fauna observed are consistent with that recorded for the wider southern Patagonian Slope. Several faunal assemblages had attributes of VMEs. Faunal assemblages appear to be influenced by the interaction between topography and the Falkland Current, which, in turn, likely influences substrata and food availability. Our quantitative analyses provide a baseline for the southern Patagonian shelf/slope environment of the FCZs, against which to compare other assemblages and assess environmental drivers and anthropogenic impacts.
Restoration of the Genus Paraunisaccoides Martin, 1973 (Digenea: Haploporidae) and Description of P. elegans n. sp. and Unisaccus halongi n. sp. from Mugilid Fish in Vietnam
Authors: Atopkin D. M. , Besprozvannykh V. V. , Beloded A. Yu. , Ha N. D. , Nguyen H. V. , Nguyen T. V.
Published: August 2022

We restore the genus Paraunisaccoides (Haploporidae), synonymised earlier with the genus Skrjabinolecithum. Adult worms, detected in Vietnamese mullet fish, were highly similar to trematodes described as P. lobolecithum via digestive and genital system structures and relative organ arrangement. Differences are expressed as absence and presence of pads on the hermaphrodite duct, respectively, and the disjunction of some metric parameter values, namely body, ovary and eggs. Ribosomal DNA sequences, based on the phylogenetic analysis of Haploporidae, indicates that new worms represent a sister clade to Unisaccus tonkini. Genetic divergence between new worms and Skrjabinolecithum species can be interpreted as intergeneric. Based on morphological and molecular data, we recognise Paraunisaccoides as a valid genus within Waretrematinae and worms from Vietnam as a new species of this genus, P. elegans n. sp. Other worms detected in Vietnamese mugilids are morphologically similar to representatives of Paraunisaccoides и Skrjabinolecithum. However, molecular-based phylogenetic analysis showed that these trematodes are closely related to Unisaccus tonkini; the genetic divergence between them is at the interspecific level, despite considerable differences in vitellarium structure as intergeneric character. Accepting the priority of molecular results, we include these new worms into the genus Unisaccus as new species, Unisaccus halongi n. sp.
Multimodal Fusion of Voice and Gesture Data for UAV Control
Authors: Xiang Xiaojia , Tan Qin , Zhou Han , Tang Dengqing , Lai Jun
Published: August 2022

To enable unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operators to efficiently and intuitively convey their commands to a swarm of UAVs, we propose the use of natural and human-centric input modalities, such as voices and gestures. This paper addresses the fusion of input modalities such as voice and gesture data, which are captured through a microphone and a Leap Motion controller, respectively, to control UAV swarms. The obtained experimental results are presented, and the achieved performance (accuracy) is analyzed. Finally, combined human factor ergonomics test with a questionnaire to verify the method’s validity.