bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One Pot Ultrasonic Assisted {[Ni(tptz)Cl(H2O)2][Ni(tptz)(H2O)3]}-3Cl.5H2O Complex Formation Using Triazine Ligand, XRD/HSA-Interactions, and Spectral and Thermal Investigation
Authors: AlObaid Abeer A. , Boshaala Ahmed , Ben Amer Younis O. , Abrahem Abrahem F. , Al-Zaqri Nabil , Suleiman Mohammed , Zarrouk Abdelkader , Al-Maharik Nawaf , Khamees Hussien A. , Warad Ismail
Published: November 2021

Under room temperature ultrasonic conditions, mixing the neutral 2,4,6-tri(pyridin-2-yl)-1,3,5-triazine (tptz) ligand with Ni(II) salt resulted in the preparation of a unique {[Ni(tptz)Cl(H2O)2]-[Ni(tptz)(H2O)3]}3Cl.5H2O complex with two different nickel(II) centers in a high yield. The crystal structure of {[Ni(tptz)Cl(H2O)2][Ni(tptz)(H2O)3]}3Cl.5H2O revealed the existence of distorted octahedral around both Ni(II) centers. The complex structure was further supported by FT-IR, UV-Vis., CHN-EA, TGA and EDX. The computed HSA was also performed to support the XRD interaction types. The existence of the H2O molecules in the crystal lattice was examined by FT-IR and TG/DTG measurements that proved the presence of coordinated and uncoordinated water molecules. Moreover, the thermal stability of the desired complex was evaluated at open atmosphere via TG/DTG and showed stability up to ~400 °C and multistep thermal decomposition.
Research and Progress of Transparent, Flexible Tin Oxide Ultraviolet Photodetector
Authors: Ye Qiannan , Zhang Xu , Yao Rihui , Luo Dongxiang , Liu Xianzhe , Zou Wenxin , Guo Chenxiao , Xu Zhuohui , Ning Honglong , Peng Junbiao
Published: November 2021

Optical detection is of great significance in various fields such as industry, military, and medical treatment, especially ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors. Moreover, as the demand for wearable devices continues to increase, the UV photodetector, which is one of the most important sensors, has put forward higher requirements for bending resistance, durability, and transparency. Tin oxide (SnO2) has a wide band gap, high ultraviolet exciton gain, etc., and is considered to be an ideal material for preparing UV photodetectors. At present, SnO2-based UV photodetectors have a transparency of more than 70% in the visible light region and also have excellent flexibility of 160% tensile strain. Focusing on SnO2 nanostructures, the article mainly summarizes the progress of SnO2 UV photodetectors in flexibility and transparency in recent years and proposes feasible optimization directions and difficulties.
Stakeholder-Identified Interventions to Address Cancer Survivors’ Psychosocial Needs after Completing Treatment
Authors: Murnaghan Sarah , Kendell Cynthia , Sussman Jonathan , Porter Geoffrey A. , Howell Doris , Grunfeld Eva , Urquhart Robin
Published: November 2021

The interventions used in cancer-survivorship care do not always address outcomes important to survivors. This study sought to understand stakeholders’ views on the key concerns of cancer survivors after treatment and the interventions needed to meet survivors’ and families’ psychosocial needs after completing cancer treatment. We conducted a descriptive qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with stakeholders (survivors, family/friend caregivers, oncology providers, primary care providers, and cancer system decision-/policy-makers) from across Canada. For the data analysis, we used techniques commonly employed in descriptive qualitative research, such as coding, grouping, detailing, and comparing the data. There were 44 study participants: 11 survivors, seven family/friend caregivers, 18 health care providers, and eight decision-/policy-makers. Stakeholder-relevant interventions to address survivors’ psychosocial needs were categorized into five groups, as follows: information provision, peer support, navigation, knowledge translation interventions, and caregiver-specific supports. These findings, particularly interventions that deliver timely and relevant information about the post-treatment period and knowledge translation interventions that strive to integrate effective tools and programs into survivorship care, have implications for future research and practice.
Temporal and Spatial Variations of Geodia cydonium (Jameson) (Porifera, Demospongiae) in the Mediterranean Confined Environments
Authors: Mercurio Maria , Pierri Cataldo , Cardone Frine , Corriero Giuseppe
Published: November 2021

Confined marine environments are particularly susceptible to climate change and anthropic pressures. Indeed, the long-term monitoring of benthic assemblages in these environments allows us to understand the direction of changes over time. The demosponge Geodia cydonium is a suitable study case, since it is widely represented in many Mediterranean environments, while being a long-living and important habitat-forming species. Here, we report the results of a descriptive study on temporal and spatial variations of this demosponge in three semi-enclosed environments along the Italian coast: Marsala Lagoon, Porto Cesareo Bay, and Mar Piccolo of Taranto. At Marsala and Porto Cesareo, the study compares the present data with those reported by the literature at the end of the 1990s. Caused by the modification of its preferential habitats, the data indicated the loss and a remarkable regression of this species at Porto Cesareo and Marsala, respectively. In addition, we hypothesized that the increase in severe weather phenomena in the small Bay of Porto Cesareo recorded during the last 20 years may have had a marked impact on water mass, thus affecting the sponge assemblages. At Taranto, despite a remarkable environmental degradation, G. cydonium has appeared stable and persistent in the last 45 years, thus representing one of the richest and most well-preserved populations in the Mediterranean Sea.
Collection of Bacterial Community Associated with Size Fractionated Aerosols from Kuwait
Authors: Habibi Nazima , Uddin Saif , Salameen Fadila Al , Behbehani Montaha , Shirshikhar Faiz , Razzack Nasreem Abdul , Shajan Anisha , Zakir Hussain Farhana
Published: November 2021

Airborne particles play a significant role in the spread of bacterial communities. The prevalence of both pathogenic and non-pathogenic forms in the inhalable fractions of aerosols is known. The abundance of microorganisms in the aerosols heightens the likely health hazards due to inhalation since they serve as carriers for pathogens and allergens, often acting as a vector for pulmonary/respiratory infections. Not much information is available on the occurrence and prevalence of bacterial communities in different size-fractionated aerosols in Kuwait. A high-volume air sampler with a six-stage cascade impactor was deployed for sample collection at two sites representing a remote and an urban site. A total volume of 815 ± 5 m3 of air was passed through the filters to trap the particulate matter ranging from 0.39 to >10.2 μm in size (Stage 1 to Stage 5 and base filter). Aeromonas dominated all the stages at the urban site and Stage 5 at the remote site, whereas Sphingobium was prevalent at Stages, 2, 3 and 4 at the remote site. Brevundimonas were found at Stages 1 and 5, and the base filter at the remote site. These results show that the bacterial community is altered in different size fractions of aerosols. Stages 1–4 form the respirable fraction, whereas Stage 5 and particles on the base filter are the inhalable fractions. Many species of Aeromonas cause disease, and hence their presence in inhalable fractions is a health concern, meaning that species-level identification is warranted.
Learning Interpretable Mixture of Weibull Distributions—Exploratory Analysis of How Economic Development Influences the Incidence of COVID-19 Deaths
Authors: Csalódi Róbert , Birkner Zoltán , Abonyi János
Published: November 2021

This paper presents an algorithm for learning local Weibull models, whose operating regions are represented by fuzzy rules. The applicability of the proposed method is demonstrated in estimating the mortality rate of the COVID-19 pandemic. The reproducible results show that there is a significant difference between mortality rates of countries due to their economic situation, urbanization, and the state of the health sector. The proposed method is compared with the semi-parametric Cox proportional hazard regression method. The distribution functions of these two methods are close to each other, so the proposed method can estimate efficiently.
Menopausal Symptoms, Postural Balance, and Functional Mobility in Middle-Aged Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Espírito Santo João , Aibar-Almazán Agustín , Martínez-Amat Antonio , de Loureiro Nuno Eduardo Marques , Brandão-Loureiro Vânia , Lavilla-Lerma María Leyre , Hita-Contreras Fidel
Published: November 2021

The aim of the present study was to determine the associations between the severity of the menopausal symptoms and postural balance and functional mobility in middle-aged postmenopausal women. A cross-sectional study was performed (171 participants, 57.18 ± 4.68 years). Severity of the menopausal symptoms (on the Menopause Rating Scale), postural balance (stabilometric platform) with eyes open and closed, and functional mobility (timed up and go test) were determined. A multivariate linear regression was performed, with body mass index, waist to hip ratio, age and fall history as possible confounders. Our findings showed that a greater severity of the menopausal symptoms at a psychological level was associated, under both eyes open and closed conditions, with worse postural control assessed by the length of the stabilogram (adjusted R2 = 0.093 and 0.91, respectively), the anteroposterior center of pressure displacements (adjusted R2 = 0.051 and 0.031, respectively) and the center of pressure velocity (adjusted R2 = 0.065 for both conditions). Older age was related to greater mediolateral displacements of the center of pressure with eyes open and closed (adjusted R2 = 0.45 and 0.58, respectively). There were no associations between the menopausal symptoms’ severity and functional mobility. We can conclude that a greater severity of psychological menopausal symptoms was independently associated with worse postural balance in middle-aged postmenopausal women.
Prognostic Role of 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT Metabolic Volume Parameters in Patients Affected by Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma with High Thyroglobulin Level, Negative 131I WBS and Positive 2-[18F]-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Albano Domenico , Dondi Francesco , Mazzoletti Angelica , Bellini Pietro , Rodella Carlo , Bertagna Francesco
Published: November 2021

The clinical and prognostic role of 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (2-[18F]FDG PET/CT) in the study of patients affected by differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) with positive serum thyroglobulin (Tg) level and negative [131I] whole-body scan ([131I]WBS) has already been demonstrated. However, the potential prognostic role of semi-quantitative PET metabolic volume features, such as metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG), has not yet been clearly investigated. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate whether the main metabolic PET/CT parameters may predict the prognosis. We retrospectively included 122 patients with a positive 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT for DTC disease after a negative [131I]WBS with Tg > 10 ng/mL. The maximum and mean standardized uptake value (SUVmax and SUVmean), MTV and TLG of the hypermetabolic lesion, total MTV (tMTV) and total TLG (tTLG) were measured for each scan. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) curves were plotted according to the Kaplan–Meier analysis. After a median follow up of 53 months, relapse/progression of disease occurred in 87 patients and death in 42. The median PFS and OS were 19 months (range 1–132 months) and 46 months (range 1–145 months). tMTV and tTLG were the only independent prognostic factors for OS. No variables were significantly correlated with PFS. The best thresholds derived in our sample were 6.6 cm3 for MTV and 119.4 for TLG. In patients with negative WBS and Tg > 10 ng/mL, 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT metabolic volume parameters (tMTV and tTLG) may help to predict OS.
Visualization of Complex Processes in Cardiovascular System during Electrical Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Authors: Šiaučiūnaitė Vaiva , Ragulskis Minvydas , Vainoras Alfonsas , Dabiri Babak , Kaniusas Eugenijus
Published: November 2021

The analysis of human physiological systems from the point of view of complex systems theory remains a very ambitious task. The complexity of the problem often encourages the use of innovative mathematical methods analyzing the processes that take place in space and time. The main goal of this paper is to visualize the cardiovascular system during auricular vagus nerve stimulation (aVNS) using the matrix differences to evaluate the dynamic signal interfaces by cointegrating the initial signal data into the matrices during each case. Algebraic relationships between RR/JT and JT/QRS cardiac intervals are used not only to track the cardiovascular changes during aVNS but also to characterize individual features of the person during the transit through the therapy. This paper presents the computational techniques that can visualize the complex dynamical processes taking place in the cardiovascular system using the electrical aVNS therapy. Four healthy volunteers participated in two verum and two placebo experiments. We discovered that the body’s reaction to the stimulation was very different in each of the cases, but the presented techniques opened new possibilities for a novel interpretation of the dynamics of the cardiovascular system.
Dose Reduction in Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring Using Mono-Energetic Images from Reduced Tube Voltage Dual-Source Photon-Counting CT Data: A Dynamic Phantom Study
Authors: van der Werf Niels R. , van Gent Margo , Booij Ronald , Bos Daniel , van der Lugt Aad , Budde Ricardo P. J. , Greuter Marcel J. W. , van Straten Marcel
Published: November 2021

In order to assess coronary artery calcium (CAC) quantification reproducibility for photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) at reduced tube potential, an anthropomorphic thorax phantom with low-, medium-, and high-density CAC inserts was scanned with PCCT (NAEOTOM Alpha, Siemens Healthineers) at two heart rates: 0 and 60–75 beats per minute (bpm). Five imaging protocols were used: 120 kVp standard dose (IQ level 16, reference), 90 kVp at standard (IQ level 16), 75% and 45% dose and tin-filtered 100 kVp at standard dose (IQ level 16). Each scan was repeated five times. Images were reconstructed using monoE reconstruction at 70 keV. For each heart rate, CAC values, quantified as Agatston scores, were compared with the reference, whereby deviations >10% were deemed clinically relevant. Reference protocol radiation dose (as volumetric CT dose index) was 4.06 mGy. Radiation dose was reduced by 27%, 44%, 67%, and 46% for the 90 kVp standard dose, 90 kVp 75% dose, 90 kVp 45% dose, and Sn100 standard dose protocol, respectively. For the low-density CAC, all reduced tube current protocols resulted in clinically relevant differences with the reference. For the medium- and high-density CAC, the implemented 90 kVp protocols and heart rates revealed no clinically relevant differences in Agatston score based on 95% confidence intervals. In conclusion, PCCT allows for reproducible Agatston scores at a reduced tube voltage of 90 kVp with radiation dose reductions up to 67% for medium- and high-density CAC.
A Preliminary Study on the Prognostic Impact of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio of the Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid in Patients with Lung Cancer
Authors: Ryu Woo Kyung , Moon Yeonsook , Park Mi Hwa , Lim Jun Hyeok , Kim Young Sam , Lee Kyung-Hee , Kwak Seung Min , Kim Changhwan , Nam Hae-Seong
Published: November 2021

The cumulative results indicate that the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio of peripheral blood (pbNLR) is a useful prognostic factor in patients with various cancers. In contrast to peripheral blood, the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid is in direct contact with the lung lesion. However, no study has reported on the clinical utility of the NLR of BAL fluid (bNLR) for patients with lung cancer. To investigate the clinical utility of the bNLR as a prognostic factor in patients with lung cancer, we conducted a retrospective review of the prospectively collected data. A total of 45 patients were classified into high bNLR (n = 29) and low bNLR (n = 16) groups. A high pbNLR and high bNLR were associated with a shorter overall survival (p < 0.001 and p = 0.011, respectively). A multivariable analysis confirmed that ECOG PS (p = 0.023), M stage (p = 0.035), pbNLR (p = 0.008), and bNLR (p = 0.0160) were independent predictors of overall survival. Similar to the pbNLR, a high bNLR value was associated with a poor prognosis in patients with lung cancer. Although further studies are required to apply our results clinically, this is the first study to show the clinical value of the bNLR in patients with lung cancer.
Lung Ultrasound, Clinical and Analytic Scoring Systems as Prognostic Tools in SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia: A Validating Cohort
Authors: Gil-Rodríguez Jaime , Martos-Ruiz Michel , Peregrina-Rivas José-Antonio , Aranda-Laserna Pablo , Benavente-Fernández Alberto , Melchor Juan , Guirao-Arrabal Emilio
Published: November 2021

At the moment, several COVID-19 scoring systems have been developed. It is necessary to determine which one better predicts a poor outcome of the disease. We conducted a single-center prospective cohort study to validate four COVID-19 prognosis scores in adult patients with confirmed infection at ward. These are National Early Warning Score (NEWS) 2, Lung Ultrasound Score (LUS), COVID-19 Worsening Score (COWS), and Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology score (SEIMC Score). Our outcomes were the combined variable “poor outcome” (non-invasive mechanical ventilation, intubation, intensive care unit admission, and death at 28 days) and death at 28 days. Scores were analysed using univariate logistic regression models, receiver operating characteristic curves, and areas under the curve. Eighty-one patients were included, from which 21 had a poor outcome, and 9 died. We found a statistically significant correlation between poor outcome and NEWS2, LUS > 15, and COWS. Death at 28 days was statistically correlated with NEWS2 and SEIMC Score although COWS also performs well. NEWS2, LUS, and COWS accurately predict poor outcome; and NEWS2, SEIMC Score, and COWS are useful for anticipating death at 28 days. Lung ultrasound is a diagnostic tool that should be included in COVID-19 patients evaluation.
Age-Related Differences in Cardiac Autonomic Control at Resting State and in Response to Mental Stress
Authors: Grässler Bernhard , Dordevic Milos , Darius Sabine , Vogelmann Lukas , Herold Fabian , Langhans Corinna , Halfpaap Nicole , Böckelmann Irina , Müller Notger G. , Hökelmann Anita
Published: November 2021

Our goal was to investigate age-related differences in cardiac autonomic control by means of heart rate variability (HRV). For this purpose, 30 healthy older and 34 younger adults were studied during three different conditions: (i) during resting state, (ii) during the execution of two cognitive tasks, and (iii) during the subsequent recovery phase. Mean heart rate and HRV parameters were higher in younger compared to older participants during all three conditions. While the mean heart rate was higher in older adults during the cognitive tasks compared to the resting state, it did not change in younger adults. In contrast, the change in HRV during the three conditions did not differ between age groups. Our results suggest decreased parasympathetic activity reflecting declined cardiac autonomic control with aging. In conclusion, HRV analysis could support the assessment of normal age-related alterations in cardiac autonomic control at resting state and in response to cognitive demands.
Prognostic and Genomic Analysis of Proteasome 20S Subunit Alpha (PSMA) Family Members in Breast Cancer
Authors: Chiao Chung-Chieh , Liu Yen-Hsi , Phan Nam Nhut , An Ton Nu Thuy , Ta Hoang Dang Khoa , Anuraga Gangga , Minh Xuan Do Thi , Fitriani Fenny , Putri Hermanto Elvira Mustikawati , Athoillah Muhammad , Andriani Vivin , Ajiningrum Purity Sabila , Wu Yung-Fu , Lee Kuen-Haur , Chuang Jian-Ying , Wang Chih-Yang , Kao Tzu-Jen
Published: November 2021

The complexity of breast cancer includes many interacting biological processes, and proteasome alpha (PSMA) subunits are reported to be involved in many cancerous diseases, although the transcriptomic expression of this gene family in breast cancer still needs to be more thoroughly investigated. Consequently, we used a holistic bioinformatics approach to study the PSMA genes involved in breast cancer by integrating several well-established high-throughput databases and tools, such as cBioPortal, Oncomine, and the Kaplan–Meier plotter. Additionally, correlations of breast cancer patient survival and PSMA messenger RNA expressions were also studied. The results demonstrated that breast cancer tissues had higher expression levels of PSMA genes compared to normal breast tissues. Furthermore, PSMA2, PSMA3, PSMA4, PSMA6, and PSMA7 showed high expression levels, which were correlated with poor survival of breast cancer patients. In contrast, PSMA5 and PSMA8 had high expression levels, which were associated with good prognoses. We also found that PSMA family genes were positively correlated with the cell cycle, ubiquinone metabolism, oxidative stress, and immune response signaling, including antigen presentation by major histocompatibility class, interferon-gamma, and the cluster of differentiation signaling. Collectively, these findings suggest that PSMA genes have the potential to serve as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for breast cancer. Nevertheless, the bioinformatic results from the present study would be strengthened with experimental validation in the future by prospective studies on the underlying biological mechanisms of PSMA genes and breast cancer.
Fractional Calculus and the Future of Science
Authors: West Bruce J.
Published: November 2021

The invitation to contribute to this anthology of articles on the fractional calculus (FC) encouraged submissions in which the authors look behind the mathematics and examine what must be true about the phenomenon to justify the replacement of an integer-order derivative with a non-integer-order (fractional) derivative (FD) before discussing ways to solve the new equations [...]
Spatial Correlation Network and Regional Differences for the Development of Digital Economy in China
Authors: Tang Luyang , Lu Bangke , Tian Tianhai
Published: November 2021

The rapid development of the digital economy is a powerful driving force to promote high-quality economic growth all over the world. Although a number of studies have been conducted to investigate the development of the digital economy in China, these studies pay little attention to the spatial linkages between the 30 provinces in China and the developmental differences between northern and southern China. Using Chinese digital economic data from 2004 to 2019, we propose an index system to measure the developmental levels of the digital economy and obtain the annual developmental levels of these provinces by using the factor analysis method. We analyze the regional differences of developmental levels by using the Theil index and kernel density estimation method. More importantly, the network method is used to analyze the correlations between the developmental levels of the digital economy in all provinces of China. By decomposing regional differences, our study shows that polarized and uncoordinated development is prominent. The development level of the digital economy in the southern region is higher than that in the northern region. In terms of regional correlations, the network study suggests that there are beneficial and spillover effects of the digital economy development between provinces. Based on the analysis results, we propose policies for improving the development of the digital economy in China.
Energy and Magnetic Moment of a Quantum Charged Particle in Time-Dependent Magnetic and Electric Fields of Circular and Plane Solenoids
Authors: Dodonov Viktor V. , Horovits Matheus B.
Published: November 2021

We consider a quantum spinless nonrelativistic charged particle moving in the xy plane under the action of a time-dependent magnetic field, described by means of the linear vector potential A=B(t)−y(1+α),x(1−α)/2, with two fixed values of the gauge parameter α: α=0 (the circular gauge) and α=1 (the Landau gauge). While the magnetic field is the same in all the cases, the systems with different values of the gauge parameter are not equivalent for nonstationary magnetic fields due to different structures of induced electric fields, whose lines of force are circles for α=0 and straight lines for α=1. We derive general formulas for the time-dependent mean values of the energy and magnetic moment, as well as for their variances, for an arbitrary function B(t). They are expressed in terms of solutions to the classical equation of motion ε¨+ωα2(t)ε=0, with ω1=2ω0. Explicit results are found in the cases of the sudden jump of magnetic field, the parametric resonance, the adiabatic evolution, and for several specific functions B(t), when solutions can be expressed in terms of elementary or hypergeometric functions. These examples show that the evolution of the mentioned mean values can be rather different for the two gauges, if the evolution is not adiabatic. It appears that the adiabatic approximation fails when the magnetic field goes to zero. Moreover, the sudden jump approximation can fail in this case as well. The case of a slowly varying field changing its sign seems especially interesting. In all the cases, fluctuations of the magnetic moment are very strong, frequently exceeding the square of the mean value.
Breakdown of a Nonlinear Stochastic Nipah Virus Epidemic Models through Efficient Numerical Methods
Authors: Raza Ali , Awrejcewicz Jan , Rafiq Muhammad , Mohsin Muhammad
Published: November 2021

Background: Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus (transmitted from animals to humans), which can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly between people. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, the transmission of Nipah virus infection varies from animals to humans or humans to humans. The case fatality rate is estimated at 40% to 75%. The most infected regions include Cambodia, Ghana, Indonesia, Madagascar, the Philippines, and Thailand. The Nipah virus model is categorized into four parts: susceptible (S), exposed (E), infected (I), and recovered (R). Methods: The structural properties such as dynamical consistency, positivity, and boundedness are the considerable requirements of models in these fields. However, existing numerical methods like Euler–Maruyama and Stochastic Runge–Kutta fail to explain the main features of the biological problems. Results: The proposed stochastic non-standard finite difference (NSFD) employs standard and non-standard approaches in the numerical solution of the model, with positivity and boundedness as the characteristic determinants for efficiency and low-cost approximations. While the results from the existing standard stochastic methods converge conditionally or diverge in the long run, the solution by the stochastic NSFD method is stable and convergent over all time steps. Conclusions: The stochastic NSFD is an efficient, cost-effective method that accommodates all the desired feasible properties.
Quantifying Decoherence via Increases in Classicality
Authors: Fu Shuangshuang , Luo Shunlong
Published: November 2021

As a direct consequence of the interplay between the superposition principle of quantum mechanics and the dynamics of open systems, decoherence is a recurring theme in both foundational and experimental exploration of the quantum realm. Decoherence is intimately related to information leakage of open systems and is usually formulated in the setup of “system + environment” as information acquisition of the environment (observer) from the system. As such, it has been mainly characterized via correlations (e.g., quantum mutual information, discord, and entanglement). Decoherence combined with redundant proliferation of the system information to multiple fragments of environment yields the scenario of quantum Darwinism, which is now a widely recognized framework for addressing the quantum-to-classical transition: the emergence of the apparent classical reality from the enigmatic quantum substrate. Despite the half-century development of the notion of decoherence, there are still many aspects awaiting investigations. In this work, we introduce two quantifiers of classicality via the Jordan product and uncertainty, respectively, and then employ them to quantify decoherence from an information-theoretic perspective. As a comparison, we also study the influence of the system on the environment.
Blended Learning Activities in an e-Business Course
Authors: Sitthiworachart Jirarat , Joy Mike , Mason Jon
Published: November 2021

The objectives of this study were threefold: to understand students’ perceptions of activities in a blended learning environment; to determine their preferred learning activities in this context, paralleling the four stages of Kolb’s learning cycle; and to determine the effectiveness of the blended learning used, based on scores achieved in an e-business course supported by the BLearning assessment system, a custom-designed reflective assessment tool. A mixed-methods approach was used to identify the students’ preferred activities. Findings indicate that (1) blended learning can add interest and variety to improve the students’ learning experience, (2) students prefer blended learning activities that match the first three stages of Kolb’s learning cycle (concrete experience, reflective observation, and abstract conceptualisation), and (3) data collected from the e-business course exam results show that the blended learning process was effective. In aligning teaching activities to student preferences, the notion of “teaching patterns” is introduced as the teaching perspective on these activities. Findings further indicate that blended learning activities based on the first three stages of Kolb’s learning cycle may be more suitable for students who share similar learning preferences.
Final Thoughts: Concluding the Special Issue
Authors: Cannizzo Hayley Anne , Crookes Graham V. , Farias Priscila Fabiane , Häusler Angela H. , Leal Priscila , Parba Jayson , da Silva Leonardo , Siqueira Sávio , West Gordon Blaine , Ziegler Nicole
Published: November 2021

In this final contribution, the authors of the Special Issue reflect collaboratively on the work gathered in the Special Issue [...]
Structural Timber Design in Curricula of Canadian Universities: Current Status and Future Needs
Authors: Daneshvar Hossein , Goni Tahiat , Zhang Sigong , Kelterborn Reed , Chui Ying Hei
Published: November 2021

Due to the efficiency, sustainability, and advances in firefighting technologies, the allowable height for wood buildings was increased from 4 to 6 storeys in 2015 and will be further increased to 12 storeys in the 2020 edition of the National Building Code of Canada, as a result of the advent and application of mass timber products. To match the development in the industry and the increasing need in the market for highly skilled timber engineers, structural timber design curricula at the university level must evolve to train the next generation of practitioners. At most Canadian universities, structural timber design courses are mainly provided in civil engineering departments. In this study, 31 accredited civil engineering programs in Canada were reviewed for structural wood design content at undergraduate and graduate levels based on two surveys conducted in 2018 and 2020. In the 2018 survey, the percentage of structural timber design content was estimated and compared with other engineering materials (e.g., steel, concrete, and masonry), and a similar survey was repeated in 2020 to determine if any significant changes had occurred. In early 2021, two complementary questionnaires were sent to the instructors of timber-related courses across the country to collect quantitative information, including enrollment statistics, percentage dedicated to timber design in combined material courses, and potential topics deemed critical to support the design of modern timber structures. Based on the responses provided, and also on the availability of resources and the research ongoing, the content for five advanced-level courses is proposed to address the needs of the timber design community. The findings presented in this paper will assist the timber industry, government agencies, and educational institutions in effecting potential changes to university curricula to educate the next generation of timber design professionals who will possess the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the challenges in designing modern mass timber structures.
An Artificial Magnetic Conductor-Backed Compact Wearable Antenna for Smart Watch IoT Applications
Authors: Shahzad Muhammad Aamer , Paracha Kashif Nisar , Naseer Salman , Ahmad Sarosh , Malik Muhammad , Farhan Muhammad , Ghaffar Adnan , Hussien Mousa , Sharif Abu Bakar
Published: November 2021

Smart watch antenna design is challenging due to the limited available area and the contact with the human body. The strap of smart watch can be utilized effectively for integration of the antenna. In this study, an antenna integrated on a smart watch strap model using computer simulation technology (CST) was designed. The antenna was designed for industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) frequency bands at 2.45 and 5.8 GHz. Roger 3003C was used as substrate due to its semi-flexible nature. The antenna size is 28.81 × 19.22 × 1.58 mm3 and it has a gain of 1.03 and 5.97 dB, and efficiency of 80% and 95%, at 2.45 and 5.8 GHz, on the smart watch strap, respectively. A unit cell was designed having a dimension of 19.19 × 19.19 × 1.58 mm3 to mitigate the effect of back radiation and to enhance the gain. The antenna backed by the unit cell exhibited a gain of 2.44 and 6.17 dB with efficiency of 50% and 72% at 2.45 and 5.8 GHz, respectively. The AMC-backed antenna was integrated into a smart watch strap and placed on a human tissue model to study its human proximity effects. The specific absorption rate (SAR) values were calculated to be 0.19 and 1.18 W/kg at the designed ISM frequencies, and are well below the permissible limit set by the FCC and ICINPR. Because the antenna uses flexible material for wearable applications, bending analysis was also undertaken. The indicated results prove that bending along the x- and y-axes has a negligible effect on the antenna’s performance and the antenna showed excellent performance in the human proximity test. The measured results of the fabricated antenna were comparable with the simulated results. Thus, the designed antenna is compact, has high gain, and can be used effectively for wireless IoT applications.
A New Approach to the Development of Additive Fibonacci Generators Based on Prime Numbers
Authors: Maksymovych Volodymyr , Harasymchuk Oleh , Karpinski Mikolaj , Shabatura Mariia , Jancarczyk Daniel , Kajstura Krzysztof
Published: November 2021

Pseudorandom number and bit sequence generators are widely used in cybersecurity, measurement, and other technology fields. A special place among such generators is occupied by additive Fibonacci generators (AFG). By itself, such a generator is not cryptographically strong. Nevertheless, when used as a primary it can be quite resistant to cryptanalysis generators. This paper proposes a modification to AGF, the essence of which is to use prime numbers as modules of recurrent equations describing the operation of generators. This modification made it possible to ensure the constancy of the repetition period of the output pseudorandom pulse sequence in the entire range of possible values of the initial settings–keys (seed) at specific values of the module. In addition, it has proposed a new generator scheme, which consists of two generators: the first of which is based on a modified AFG and the second is based on a linear feedback shift register (LFSR). The output pulses of both generators are combined through a logic element XOR. The results of the experiment show that the specific values of modules provide a constant repetition period of the output pseudorandom pulse sequence in a whole range of possible values of the initial settings–keys (seed) and provide all the requirements of the NIST test to statistical characteristics of the sequence. Modified AFGs are designed primarily for hardware implementation, which allows them to provide high performance.
A Review of Underwater Mine Detection and Classification in Sonar Imagery
Authors: Hożyń Stanisław
Published: November 2021

Underwater mines pose extreme danger for ships and submarines. Therefore, navies around the world use mine countermeasure (MCM) units to protect against them. One of the measures used by MCM units is mine hunting, which requires searching for all the mines in a suspicious area. It is generally divided into four stages: detection, classification, identification and disposal. The detection and classification steps are usually performed using a sonar mounted on a ship’s hull or on an underwater vehicle. After retrieving the sonar data, military personnel scan the seabed images to detect targets and classify them as mine-like objects (MLOs) or benign objects. To reduce the technical operator’s workload and decrease post-mission analysis time, computer-aided detection (CAD), computer-aided classification (CAC) and automated target recognition (ATR) algorithms have been introduced. This paper reviews mine detection and classification techniques used in the aforementioned systems. The author considered current and previous generation methods starting with classical image processing, and then machine learning followed by deep learning. This review can facilitate future research to introduce improved mine detection and classification algorithms.
Maximum Element Dichotomous Coordinate Descent Based Minimum Variance Distortionless Response DoA Estimator
Authors: Quan Zhi , Zhang Yingying , Liu Jie , Wang Yao
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we devise an efficient approach for estimating the direction of arrival (DoA). The proposed DoA estimation approach is based on minimum variance distortionless response (MVDR) criteria within a recursive least squares (RLS) framework. The dichotomous coordinate descent algorithm is used to modify the calculation of the output power spectrum, and a diagonal loading term is applied to improve the robustness of the DoA estimator. These modifications allow us to both reduce the computational complexity of the RLS DoA estimator and increase the estimation performance. A numerical comparison confirms that the proposed DoA estimator outperforms the conventional RLS DoA estimator in terms of the computational complexity and DoA estimation error. Finally, the proposed theoretical DoA estimator is implemented on a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) board to verify the feasibility of the method. The numerical results of a fixed-point implementation demonstrate that the performance of the proposed method is very close to that of its floating-point counterpart.
The Characteristics and Main Controlling Factors for the Formation of Micropores in Shale from the Niutitang Formation, Wenshuicun Section, Southwest China
Authors: Li Danlong , Fu Meiyan , Huang Yun , Wu Dong , Xue Rui
Published: November 2021

The characteristics of shale micro-pore development and its main influencing factors have important theoretical guiding significance for shale gas exploration and resource evaluation. In order to clarify the micro-pore development characteristics of lower Cambrian shale and the main controlling factors of micro-pore development, we used the lower Cambrian Niutitang formation shale, in the Wenshuicun section of the Guizhou Province in southwest China. The micro-pore development characteristics of the shale in the region were studied by argon ion profile field emission scanning electron microscopy and a low-temperature liquid nitrogen adsorption and desorption experimental system. The relationship between micro-pore and kerogen maceral composition, total organic carbon (TOC) content and different mineral content was analyzed in combination with mineral and geochemical characteristics. Inorganic pores (clay mineral pores, dissolution pores and pyrite intergranular pores) and micro-fractures (clay mineral shrinkage crack, tectonic fractures and overpressure fractures) were the main type of pore developed in the shale of the Niutitang formation in the Wenshuicun section, and no organic pores had developed. The pore size of shale is usually 2–50 nm, accounting for 58.33% of shale pores, e.g. mesopores. Clay mineral content has an obvious positive correlation with macropore volume and average pore diameter, and an obvious negative correlation with micropore volume. In addition, the content of feldspar in brittle minerals has a strong negative correlation with macropore volume and average pore diameter, and a strong positive correlation with micropore volume and BET-specific surface area. TOC content and the content of different kerogen macerals have no obvious correlation with the development of shale micropores in this region. It is concluded that inorganic mineral composition is the main controlling factor of micro-pore development within lower Cambrian shale, and organic matter abundance and maceral content have little influence on the micro-pore development. This study provides a case study for the characteristics of micropores in lower Cambrian shale in China.
Modeling Energy Demand—A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Verwiebe Paul Anton , Seim Stephan , Burges Simon , Schulz Lennart , Müller-Kirchenbauer Joachim
Published: November 2021

In this article, a systematic literature review of 419 articles on energy demand modeling, published between 2015 and 2020, is presented. This provides researchers with an exhaustive overview of the examined literature and classification of techniques for energy demand modeling. Unlike in existing literature reviews, in this comprehensive study all of the following aspects of energy demand models are analyzed: techniques, prediction accuracy, inputs, energy carrier, sector, temporal horizon, and spatial granularity. Readers benefit from easy access to a broad literature base and find decision support when choosing suitable data-model combinations for their projects. Results have been compiled in comprehensive figures and tables, providing a structured summary of the literature, and containing direct references to the analyzed articles. Drawbacks of techniques are discussed as well as countermeasures. The results show that among the articles, machine learning (ML) techniques are used the most, are mainly applied to short-term electricity forecasting on a regional level and rely on historic load as their main data source. Engineering-based models are less dependent on historic load data and cover appliance consumption on long temporal horizons. Metaheuristic and uncertainty techniques are often used in hybrid models. Statistical techniques are frequently used for energy demand modeling as well and often serve as benchmarks for other techniques. Among the articles, the accuracy measured by mean average percentage error (MAPE) proved to be on similar levels for all techniques. This review eases the reader into the subject matter by presenting the emphases that have been made in the current literature, suggesting future research directions, and providing the basis for quantitative testing of hypotheses regarding applicability and dominance of specific methods for sub-categories of demand modeling.
The Energy Efficiency of the Last Mile in the E-Commerce Distribution in the Context the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Milewski Dariusz , Milewska Beata
Published: November 2021

The e-commerce industry has been developing extremely dynamically for many years. This development was intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the research conducted by the authors of this paper, in Poland, during the pandemic, the number of delivered parcels increased 20–100%, depending on the courier company. The research of the authors of this article focused on the energy efficiency of the last mile, which is very important for the efficiency of the entire delivery process to customers. As the authors calculated, the last mile can consume over 70% of energy of the whole distribution channel. The article presents the results of research concerning the energy efficiency of deliveries performed by couriers and express companies in Poland. Two models of distribution used Poland have been compared—direct deliveries to final customers, and deliveries to parcel lockers. The research methods are interviews with the managers and couriers, analysis of the literature, and the simulation method. According to the results of the simulations performed by the authors, distribution with the use of parcels lockers can help reduce the consumption of fuel even by 74–87% per parcel or 36% per m3. Apart from this, the authors calculated the impact of scale of operations on the energy efficiency of the transport processes on the last mile, which is an indirect effect of the growth of the e-commerce market, caused by the pandemic. Based on the results of the original research of the authors, it can be assessed that the growth of the number of the delivered parcels during the pandemic resulted in the consumption of fuel per one parcel being reduced in some cases by over 36%. The novelty of the authors’ research is that the conducted simulations regarded not only the efficiency of the processes, but also the energy consumption in delivering parcels at the last mile and during the pandemic.
How Long Will Combustion Vehicles Be Used? Polish Transport Sector on the Pathway to Climate Neutrality
Authors: Rabiega Wojciech , Gorzałczyński Artur , Jeszke Robert , Mzyk Paweł , Szczepański Krystian
Published: November 2021

Transformation of road transport sector through replacing of internal combustion vehicles with zero-emission technologies is among key challenges to achievement of climate neutrality by 2050. In a constantly developing economy, the demand for transport services increases to ensure continuity in the supply chain and passenger mobility. Deployment of electric technologies in the road transport sector involves both businesses and households, its pace depends on the technological development of zero-emission vehicles, presence of necessary infrastructure and regulations on emission standards for new vehicles entering the market. Thus, this study attempts to estimate how long combustion vehicles will be in use and what the state of the fleet will be in 2050. For obtainment of results the TR3E partial equilibrium model was used. The study simulates the future fleet structure in passenger and freight transport. The results obtained for Poland for the climate neutrality (NEU) scenario show that in 2050 the share of vehicles using fossil fuels will be ca. 30% in both road passenger and freight transport. The consequence of shifts in the structure of the fleet is the reduction of CO2 emissions ca. 80% by 2050 and increase of the transport demand for electricity and hydrogen.