bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Viscous Budesonide Formulation for the Treatment of Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Children: A Preliminary Experience and Review of the Literature
Authors: Warzecha Joanna , Dziekiewicz Marcin , Bieńkowska-Tokarczyk Alicja , Małecki Maciej , Banaszkiewicz Aleksandra
Published: November 2022

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic disease, characterized clinically by esophageal disfunction. Topical corticosteroids (tCS), predominantly fluticasone and budesonide, are considered the effective first line treatment, as well as an option of maintenance therapy in EoE. The way that tCS are administered significantly affects their effectiveness. There is still no ready-to-use steroid drug to be applied topically to the esophagus in children—a few experimental viscous slurries (mainly of budesonide) have been shown in trials to be more effective than steroids administered via metered dose inhalers (MDIs) and swallowed. The best examined steroid solvent of all is sucralose, a high-intensity artificial sweetener. Although it has been shown in a critical review that it is non-toxic and safe for all consumers, there are still some concerns among patients about its potential adverse effect on humans. Due to that fact, we developed a new viscous formulation and evaluated its effectiveness in the treatment of children with EoE. In an open, prospective, single-center study, we administered our new formulation of viscous budesonide twice daily for 8 weeks in patients with an active EoE. After treatment, we performed a control gastroscopy with the collection and evaluation of histopathological samples. We have proven our formulation effectiveness at 64%, as far as histological remission is concerned. We have also shown a reduction in the mean endoscopic reference score (EREFS) from 3.1 points at the beginning of the study to 1.6 points at the end of the study. Bearing in mind how important the acceptance of the solvent is for long-time compliance, especially among children, we also decided to assess the taste of the formulation. Therefore, we asked 46 adults and 10 children to swallow a sample of the solvent and fill in a short anonymous questionnaire about its taste, smell, consistency and easiness of swallowing. General acceptance for the proprietary solvent was high, reaching 7.5/10 among adults and 6.5/10 in children. To be able to compare the results of our preliminary experience, we reviewed the studies which evaluated substances that have been used so far as steroid solvents for the treatment of EoE. The overall effectiveness of the oral viscous budesonide (OVB) ranged from 65% to 90%, which is consistent with the results obtained in our study. Unfortunately, the high heterogeneity of the studies did not allow us to draw reliable conclusions.
Influence of Metal Implants on Quantitative Evaluation of Bone Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography
Authors: Oe Keisuke , Zeng Feibi , Niikura Takahiro , Fukui Tomoaki , Sawauchi Kenichi , Matsumoto Tomoyuki , Nogami Munenobu , Murakami Takamichi , Kuroda Ryosuke
Published: November 2022

When visualizing biological activity at nonunion sites by the radioisotopes, gamma rays are more attenuated if metal implants are placed in the bone. However, the effects of various implant types and their placement on gamma ray attenuation in quantitative evaluation remain unknown. To elucidate these effects, we created a phantom that simulated the nonunion of the femur in this study. The count of gamma rays was measured by single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) while considering CT-based attenuation correction (CTAC), metal implant placement, type (intramedullary nail or plate), and position. The count differed significantly with and without CTAC and with and without implants (both types) under CTAC. Significantly different counts were observed between the intramedullary nail and plate placed contralaterally to the lesion (i.e., non-lesion side). No significant difference was observed between the intramedullary nail and plate on the lesion side or between plates on the non-lesion and lesion sides. The measured standardized uptake value (SUV) was closer to the true SUV with CTAC than without. Moreover, the count was higher with implants than without. However, even with implants, it was lower than the actual count, indicating the absence of overcorrection. Implant type and position do not seem to influence the count.
Global Burden and Improvement Gap of Non-Rheumatic Calcific Aortic Valve Disease: 1990–2019 Findings from Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Yang Chengzhi , Xu Haobo , Jia Ruofei , Jin Zening , Zhang Changlin , Yuan Jiansong
Published: November 2022

The aim of this study was to explore the most updated changing trends of non-rheumatic calcific aortic valve disease (nrCAVD) and reveal possible improvements. We analyzed the age-standardized rates (ASRs) of prevalence, incidence, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), and mortality trends of nrCAVD from 1990 to 2019 using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2019. The relations between ASRs and socio-demographic index (SDI) were analyzed with Pearson’s correlation coefficients. Decomposition and frontier analysis were employed to reveal the contribution proportion of influence factors and regions where improvement can be achieved. In 2019, there were 9.40 million (95% uncertainty interval (UI): 8.07 to 10.89 million) individuals with nrCAVD globally. From 1990 to 2019, the prevalence rate of nrCAVD increased by 155.47% (95% IU: 141.66% to 171.7%), with the largest increase observed in the middle SDI region (821.11%, 95% UI: 709.87% to 944.23%). Globally, there were no significant changes in the mortality rate of nrCAVD (0.37%, 95% UI: −8.85% to 7.99%). The global DALYs decreased by 10.97% (95% UI: −17.94% to −3.46%). The population attributable fraction (PAF) of high systolic blood pressure increased in the population aged 15–49 years, while it declined slightly in population aged 50+ years. Population growth was the main contributing factor to the increased DALYs across the globe (74.73%), while aging was the driving force in the high-SDI region (80.27%). The Netherlands, Finland, Luxembourg, Germany, and Norway could reduce DALY rates of nrCAVD using their socio-demographic resources. According to these results, we revealed that the burden of nrCAVD increased markedly from 1990 to 2019 in high-SDI and high-middle-SDI regions. There was a downward trend in the mortality due to nrCAVD since 2013, which is possibly owing to profound advances in transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Some countries may reduce burdens of nrCAVD using their socio-demographic resources.
Traumatic Brain Injury in Different Age Groups
Authors: Lele Abhijit Vijay
Published: November 2022

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a global health burden [...]
Optical Detection of Void Formation Mechanisms during Impregnation of Composites by UV-Reactive Resin Systems
Authors: Neitzel Benedikt , Puch Florian
Published: November 2022

During the impregnation of reinforcement fabrics in liquid composite molding processes, the flow within fiber bundles and the channels between the fiber bundles usually advances at different velocities. This so-called “dual-scale flow” results in void formation inside the composite material and has a negative effect on its mechanical properties. Semi-empirical models can be applied to calculate the extent of the dual-scale flow. In this study, a methodology is presented that stops the impregnation of reinforcement fabrics at different filling levels by using a photo-reactive resin system. By means of optical evaluation, the theoretical calculation models of the dual-scale flow are validated metrologically. The results show increasingly distinct dual-scale flow effects with increasing pressure gradients. The methodology enables the measurability of microscopic differences in flow front progression to validate renowned theoretical models and compare simulations to measurements of applied injection processes.
Fracture and Fatigue of Dental Implants Fixtures and Abutments with a Novel Internal Connection Design: An In Vitro Pilot Study Comparing Three Different Dental Implant Systems
Authors: On Sung-Woon , Yi Sang-Min , Park In-Young , Byun Soo-Hwan , Yang Byoung-Eun
Published: November 2022

The aim of this study was to compare the mechanical behaviors of three dental implant fixtures with different abutment connection designs. Three implant systems were studied: the control (BLX implant), test group 1 (TORX++ implant), and test group 2 (IU implant). Three samples from each group were subjected to static compression to fracture tests to determine the maximum fracture load, and twelve samples were exposed to fatigue tests that measured how many cycles the implants could endure before deformation or fracture. Detailed images of the implant–abutment assemblies were obtained using micro-computed tomography imaging, and fractured or deformed areas were observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The mean maximum breaking loads of 578.45 ± 42.46 N, 793.26 ± 57.43 N, and 862.30 ± 74.25 N were obtained for the BLX, TORX++, and IU implants, respectively. All samples in the three groups withstood 5 × 106 cycles at 50% of the nominal peak value, and different fracture points were observed. All abutment connection designs showed suitable mechanical properties for intraoral use. Microscopic differences in the fracture patterns may be due to the differences in the fixture design or abutment connection, and mechanical complications could be prevented by lowering the overload reaching the implant or preventing peri-implantitis.
Preparation and Use of Decellularized Extracellular Matrix for Tissue Engineering
Authors: McInnes Adam D. , Moser Michael A. J. , Chen Xiongbiao
Published: November 2022

The multidisciplinary fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have the potential to revolutionize the practise of medicine through the abilities to repair, regenerate, or replace tissues and organs with functional engineered constructs. To this end, tissue engineering combines scaffolding materials with cells and biologically active molecules into constructs with the appropriate structures and properties for tissue/organ regeneration, where scaffolding materials and biomolecules are the keys to mimic the native extracellular matrix (ECM). For this, one emerging way is to decellularize the native ECM into the materials suitable for, directly or in combination with other materials, creating functional constructs. Over the past decade, decellularized ECM (or dECM) has greatly facilitated the advance of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, while being challenged in many ways. This article reviews the recent development of dECM for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, with a focus on the preparation of dECM along with its influence on cell culture, the modification of dECM for use as a scaffolding material, and the novel techniques and emerging trends in processing dECM into functional constructs. We highlight the success of dECM and constructs in the in vitro, in vivo, and clinical applications and further identify the key issues and challenges involved, along with a discussion of future research directions.
Antifungal Activity of Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) against Aspergilli Causing Aspergillosis: Ultrastructure Study
Authors: Hashem Amr H. , Saied Ebrahim , Amin Basma H. , Alotibi Fatimah O. , Al-Askar Abdulaziz A. , Arishi Amr A. , Elkady Fathy M. , Elbahnasawy Mostafa A.
Published: November 2022

Currently, nanoparticles and nanomaterials are widely used for biomedical applications. In the present study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were successfully biosynthesized using a cell-free extract (CFE) of Bacillus thuringiensis MAE 6 through a green and ecofriendly method. The size of the biosynthesized AgNPs was 32.7 nm, and their crystalline nature was confirmed by XRD, according to characterization results. A surface plasmon resonance spectrum of AgNPs was obtained at 420 nm. Nanoparticles were further characterized using DLS and FTIR analyses, which provided information on their size, stability, and functional groups. AgNPs revealed less cytotoxicity against normal Vero cell line [IC50 = 155 μg/mL]. Moreover, the biosynthesized AgNPs exhibited promising antifungal activity against four most common Aspergillus, including Aspergillus niger, A. terreus, A. flavus, and A. fumigatus at concentrations of 500 μg/mL where inhibition zones were 16, 20, 26, and 19 mm, respectively. In addition, MICs of AgNPs against A. niger, A. terreus, A. flavus, and A. fumigatus were 125, 62.5, 15.62, and 62.5 μg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the ultrastructural study confirmed the antifungal effect of AgNPs, where the cell wall’s integrity and homogeneity were lost; the cell membrane had separated from the cell wall and had intruded into the cytoplasm. In conclusion, the biosynthesized AgNPs using a CFE of B. thuringiensis can be used as a promising antifungal agent against Aspergillus species causing Aspergillosis.
A Comprehensive Review of High-Pressure Laser-Induced Materials Processing, Part II: Laser-Driven Dynamic Compression within Diamond Anvil Cells
Authors: Alabdulkarim Mohamad E. , Maxwell Wendy D. , Thapliyal Vibhor , Maxwell James L.
Published: November 2022

The field of high-pressure materials research has grown steadily over the last seven decades, with many remarkable discoveries having been made. This work is part II of a three-part series summarising recent progress in laser material processing within diamond anvil cells (L-DACs); this article focuses on the practice of laser-driven dynamic compression within diamond anvil cells (i.e., LDC–DAC experimentation). In this case, materials are initially pre-compressed within diamond anvil cells, then further dynamically compressed through the use of a high-power pulsed laser, often with the intent to isentropically compress, rather than to heat samples. The LDC–DAC approach provides a novel route to much higher dynamic pressures (approaching 1 TPa), as compared to conventional static compression within a single-stage DAC (<300 GPa) and provides a route to mapping Hugoniot curves. Recent proliferation of low-cost, high-power laser sources has led to increased research activity in LDC–DAC materials processing over the last two decades. Through LDC–DAC experiments, a greater understanding of the properties/structure of cold- and warm-dense matter has been obtained, and novel material phases have been realised. In this article, LDC–DAC experimental methods are reviewed, together with the underlying physics of laser dynamic compression in confined spaces. In addition, a chronology of important events in the development of LDC–DAC processing is provided, and emerging trends, gaps in knowledge, and suggestions for further work are considered.
Critical Collision Risk Index Based on the Field Theory
Authors: Ma Wenyao , Wang Hongbo , Wang Shengyin
Published: November 2022

Collision-risk measurements are crucial for ships, as they are necessary for collision avoidance decision making. However, collision risks between ships have not been quantified in unified standards. In this study, a critical collision index is proposed to describe the critical degree of collision risks between ships. Based on the field theory, a collision-risk field was introduced to build a field strength model based on the collision index. The model synthetically considers the influences of distance at closest point of approach, time to closest point of approach, and the relative bearing of coming ships. Moreover, the real time to the closest point of approach was used for describing the collision risk between ships. In addition, encounter situations and collision risks in the field were simulated using the field strength model and isorisk lines. The results are in agreement with the real collision-risk perceptions of Officers on Watch. It was shown that the proposed ship critical collision index can play an important role in ship collision avoidance and early warning systems.
Modeling and Prediction of Environmental Factors and Chlorophyll a Abundance by Machine Learning Based on Tara Oceans Data
Authors: Cui Zhendong , Du Depeng , Zhang Xiaoling , Yang Qiao
Published: November 2022

It is of great theoretical and practical significance to understand the inherent relationship and evolution patterns among various environmental factors in the oceans. In this study, we used scientific data obtained by the Tara Oceans Project to conduct a comprehensive correlation analysis of marine environmental factors. Using artificial intelligence and machine learning methods, we evaluated different methods of modeling and predicting chlorophyll a (Chl-a) concentrations at the surface water layer of selected Tara Oceans data after the raw data processing. Then, a Pearson correlation and characteristic importance analysis between marine environmental factors and the Chl-a concentrations was conducted, and thus a comprehensive correlation model for environmental factors was established. With these obtained data, we developed a new prediction model for the Chl-a abundance based on the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm with intelligent parameter optimization strategy. The proposed model was used to analyze and predict the abundance of Chl-a abundance of TOP. The obtained predicted results were also compared with those by using other three widely-used machine learning methods including the random forest (RF), support vector regression (SVR) and linear regression (LR) algorithms. Our results show that the proposed comprehensive correlation evaluation model can identify the effective features closely related to Chl-a, abundance, and the prediction model can reveal the potential relationship between environmental factors and the Chl-a concentrations in the oceans.
Digital Filter Design for Force Signals from Eulerian–Lagrangian Analyses of Wave Impact on Bridges
Authors: Majlesi Arsalan , Shahriar Adnan , Nasouri Reza , Khodadadi Koodiani Hamid , Montoya Arturo , Du Ao , Matamoros Adolfo
Published: November 2022

Finite element (FE) models that simulate wave–superstructure interactions with the coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian (CEL) technique provide a viable and economical solution to estimate wave impact forces on bridge superstructures. One of the main drawbacks of CEL FE models is that they produce solutions distorted by numerical artifacts with very high frequencies that make it difficult to quantify the magnitude of hydrodynamic forces on superstructures. This paper investigated digital filter parameters for horizontal forces extracted from CEL FE models. The optimal filter configuration was evaluated by comparing unfiltered and filtered horizontal force signals with experimentally measured values from a reduced-scale superstructure specimen tested at the O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory at Oregon State University. It was found that digital filters with cutoff frequencies below the fundamental frequency of the superstructure produced the best results and that optimizing Eulerian–Lagrangian surface interactions significantly improved the quality of the calculated force signals.
Study on the Contribution of Seaport to Urban Economy: An Empirical and Quantitative Analysis of Xiamen Port
Authors: Liu Wei , Yang Yanbin , Luo Qiaoyun , Zeng Xufeng , Chen Chuxin , Zhu Junfeng , Lin Weishan , Chen Hongbin , Huo Weiwei , He Mengxiao , Jin Yuping , Xu Jiangyu
Published: November 2022

Ports play a vital role in the development of cities. In order to study the contribution of seaports to the urban economy, this paper uses the input–output method and multiplier theory to calculate the direct, indirect, and ripple economic contribution of ports to cities. Then, this paper selects Xiamen Port as an example to calculate the economic contribution. Xiamen Port is a major port on the southeast coast of China and an important node of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. It can provide a reference for other port cities. A more detailed index system for evaluating the economic contribution is also constructed. Next, the time series ARIMA model is used to predict the cargo throughput and container throughput of Xiamen Port in the next four years. Finally, there are some suggestions put forward for the development of Xiamen Port. The results show the total economic contribution of Xiamen Port to the city accounted for 10.48% of the city’s GDP in 2017. Direct, indirect, and ripple economic contributions accounted for 2.84%, 2.13%, and 5.51%, respectively. The contribution of Xiamen Port to the city is in line with the growth pole theory, which not only allows for rapid growth in Xiamen Port itself but also drives the development of the entire region through the multiplier effect. The cargo throughput and container throughput of Xiamen Port will maintain continuous growth in the next four years. Therefore, the development of Xiamen Port should be accelerated to enhance its economic contribution to the city.
γ-Cyclodextrin-Encapsulated Cinnamaldehyde for Citrus Preservation and Its Potential Mechanisms against Penicillium digitatum
Authors: Zhang Yonghua , Tan Yuanzhen , Reymick Okwong Oketch , Ouyang Qiuli , Tao Nengguo
Published: November 2022

In this study, a γ-cyclodextrin-cinnamaldehyde inclusion compound (γ-CDCL) was prepared to control green mold caused by Penicillium digitatum (P. digitatum) in citrus. The results showed that the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of γ-CDCL against the mycelial growth of P. digitatum were 2.0 g L−1 and 4.0 g L−1, respectively. Simultaneously, eight × MFC γ-CDCL could effectively reduce the incidence of green mold in citrus fruit without impairment of the fruit qualities, meanwhile, eight × MFC γ-CDCL was comparable to Prochloraz in controlling fruit under natural storage conditions. The structure of γ-CDCL was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses. Results showed that the successful preparation of γ-CDCL was due to the spatial interaction between H-4,8 of cinnamaldehyde and H-5′ of γ-cyclodextrin. Meanwhile, the cell membrane permeability of P. digitatum was impaired by γ-CDCL through massive accumulation of reactive oxygen species, whereas the cell wall integrity was barely affected. These results indicated that γ-CDCL might inhibit the growth of P. digitatum through a membrane damage mechanism and it is a promising alternative to chemical fungicides in controlling the post-harvest citrus decay.
Multi-Gene Phylogenetic Analyses Revealed Five New Species and Two New Records of Distoseptisporales from China
Authors: Ma Jian , Zhang Jing-Yi , Xiao Xing-Juan , Xiao Yuan-Pin , Tang Xia , Boonmee Saranyaphat , Kang Ji-Chuan , Lu Yong-Zhong
Published: November 2022

Eight hyphomycetes were collected as part of an investigation into the diversity of hyphomycetous fungi in China. Based on morphology and multi-loci (LSU, ITS, tef1α, and rpb2) phylogenetic analyses, five new taxa, including a new Aquapteridospora species A. hyalina and four novel Distoseptispora species, viz D. aquisubtropica, D. septata, D. tropica, and D. wuzhishanensis were introduced in Distoseptisporales (Sordariomycetes). Two new habitat records, viz Distoseptispora pachyconidia and D. xishuangbannaensis were firstly reported. Also provided in this study are detailed descriptions of eight new collections and a revised phylogenetic tree for the Distoseptisporales.
Evaluate the Causal Relations among the Criteria in Successful CSR Practices
Authors: Sun Chia-Chi , Yen Shu-Ni
Published: November 2022

With the growing awareness of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), increasingly more companies are becoming aware that business cannot be limited to just maximizing stakeholders’ profit. An enterprise should include social responsibility to protect the environment and develop people’s talents. Maintaining business competitive power and sustainability while bringing contributions to society has become the new corporate performance target. In Taiwan, the hi-tech industry is an important economics index. Although some hi-tech companies have executed CSR, many of them have not. The reason is mainly due to not knowing how to begin executing CSR or they do not know the proper strategy. This study used the hi-tech industry as the sample for a Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) to analyze the CSR key factors and strategy. The result confirms that business leaders should start from the “Environment” and focus on “building a green supply chain”, “protecting stakeholders’ rights and interests” and “building enterprise CSR culture” as the strategy to execute CSR.
The Effects of Imports and Economic Growth in Chinese Economy: A Granger Causality Approach under VAR Framework
Authors: Usman Khalid , Bashir Usman
Published: November 2022

This study inspects the association between economic growth and imports from China, based on data sourced from 2000 to 2021. For this reason, a quantitative research approach is used to determine the causality between the variables and their impact on the economy. The null hypothesis of the paper implies that the import growth rate has a significant impact on the GDP growth rate in the Peoples Republic of China. This hypothesis was rejected via the Granger causality test, as the only single directional relationship was found. However, further analysis was conducted by applying a Vector Auto-Regression (VAR) model that included leading macroeconomic variables, such as the inflation rate, the bank rate, and the exchange rate between the US dollar and Chinese yuan. The impulse responses of the model, aligned with the economic theory and the results, suggested that the import growth rate is negatively related to the GDP growth rate, while the GDP growth rate has an initial positive impact on the imports for the first three quarters, which later changes to a negative impact. This time lag suggests that while the impact between the variables is important, negative outcomes could be avoided if proper economic policy is implemented. The government of China should focus on policy implications that further promote export and substitute imported goods with domestic production.
Uncertainty and Risk in the Cryptocurrency Market
Authors: Almeida Dora , Dionísio Andreia , Vieira Isabel , Ferreira Paulo
Published: November 2022

Cryptocurrency investments are often perceived as uncertain and risky. In this study, we assessed if this is indeed the case, using a sample of seven cryptocurrencies and considered a period that encompassed the first real global shock in the life of these relatively new financial assets, the COVID-19 pandemic. Uncertainty was evaluated using Shannon’s symbolic entropy. To measure risk, we use value-at-risk and conditional value-at-risk. The results indicate that, except for Tether, the analyzed cryptocurrencies’ returns exhibited similar patterns of uncertainty and risk. Levels of uncertainty were close to the maximum values, but high uncertainty is not always associated with high risk. During the pandemic crisis, uncertainty increased while risk decreased, suggesting that the considered assets may have safe haven properties.
Coastal Wetland Vegetation Classification Using Pixel-Based, Object-Based and Deep Learning Methods Based on RGB-UAV
Authors: Zheng Jun-Yi , Hao Ying-Ying , Wang Yuan-Chen , Zhou Si-Qi , Wu Wan-Ben , Yuan Qi , Gao Yu , Guo Hai-Qiang , Cai Xing-Xing , Zhao Bin
Published: November 2022

The advancement of deep learning (DL) technology and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) remote sensing has made it feasible to monitor coastal wetlands efficiently and precisely. However, studies have rarely compared the performance of DL with traditional machine learning (Pixel-Based (PB) and Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA) methods) in UAV-based coastal wetland monitoring. We constructed a dataset based on RGB-based UAV data and compared the performance of PB, OBIA, and DL methods in the classification of vegetation communities in coastal wetlands. In addition, to our knowledge, the OBIA method was used for the UAV data for the first time in this paper based on Google Earth Engine (GEE), and the ability of GEE to process UAV data was confirmed. The results showed that in comparison with the PB and OBIA methods, the DL method achieved the most promising classification results, which was capable of reflecting the realistic distribution of the vegetation. Furthermore, the paradigm shifts from PB and OBIA to the DL method in terms of feature engineering, training methods, and reference data explained the considerable results achieved by the DL method. The results suggested that a combination of UAV, DL, and cloud computing platforms can facilitate long-term, accurate monitoring of coastal wetland vegetation at the local scale.
Equity Study on Urban Park Accessibility Based on Improved 2SFCA Method in Zhengzhou, China
Authors: Yang Yang , He Ruizhen , Tian Guohang , Shi Zhen , Wang Xinyu , Fekete Albert
Published: November 2022

The distribution of urban parks is closely related to the opportunities of daily use by residents as well as the performance of the park system. The question as to whether parks are distributed equitably within cities is therefore becoming the focus of attention. However, only a few studies have explored a comprehensive and systematic procedure for urban park accessibility analysis and equity evaluation. In this study, by applying an improved two-step floating catchment area (2SFCA) method and K-means cluster analysis, based on the application of multi-source data, we provide insights into an equity study on park accessibility at the neighborhood scale and urban ring scale in the central urban area of Zhengzhou. These results suggest that the spatial access to parks in Zhengzhou is generally unevenly distributed among neighborhoods, and both the mean and standard deviation of accessibility show an increase from the center to the periphery. The cluster analysis reveals a set of four types of neighborhoods, including a high-supply medium-demand medium-accessibility type (HMM), a low-supply medium-demand low-accessibility type (LML), a high-supply low-demand high-accessibility type (HLH), and a medium-supply high-demand low-accessibility type (MHL), each with different characteristics and causes. The spatial distribution of the accessibility types exhibits both similarities and differences between the urban rings. The findings of this study could serve as a tool for identifying areas in which parks are underserved and the ways in which they differ from other areas, which can guide urban planning to address specific inequities.
The Perceived Importance of Language Skills in Europe—The Case of Swedish Migrants in France
Authors: Arvidsson Klara , Jemstedt Andreas
Published: November 2022

In a European context, where member states of the European Union share a common language policy, multilingualism and foreign language (FL) learning are strongly promoted. The goal is that citizens learn two FLs in addition to their first language(s) (L1). However, it is unclear to what extent the multilingual policy is relevant in people’s lives, at a time when the English language is established as a lingua franca. This survey-based study contributes insights into the relevance of the EU multilingual policy in an intra-European migration context, by focusing on Swedish migrants (n = 199) in France, who are L1 speakers of Swedish. We investigated the perceived importance of skills in FL French, FL English, and L1 Swedish, for professional and personal life. The quantitative analyses showed that participants perceive skills in French and in English to be equally important for professional life, whereas skills in Swedish were perceived to be less important. For personal life, skills in French were perceived as the most important, followed by skills in English, and then Swedish. In conclusion, the European multilingual language policy appears to be reflected in Europeans’ lives, at least in the case of Swedish migrants in France.
Language Practices in English Classrooms: Guest Editors’ Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Sundqvist Pia , Sandlund Erica , Källkvist Marie , Gyllstad Henrik
Published: November 2022

English is taught in classrooms across the globe to learners of all ages, from very young learners in primary school to older learners who have reached retirement and occupy their time in the so-called third age by studying English [...]
Acquisition of the Epistemic Discourse Marker Wo Juede by Native Taiwan Mandarin Speakers
Authors: Chen Chun-Yin Doris , Wu Chung-Yu , Tao Hongyin
Published: November 2022

This study examines the use of a fixed expression, wo juede (WJ) ‘I feel, I think’, in Taiwan Mandarin in the context of two types of oral production tasks: argumentative and negotiative discourses. The participants consisted of two groups used for comparison: one group of children from Grades 2, 4, and 6, and one group of adults (college students). The results show that both groups were more inclined to utilize WJ in argumentative genres than in negotiative genres. Of the seven pragmatic functions associated with WJ, the participants all had a strong preference to use WJ for the commenting/reasoning function. Developmental patterns gleaned from the data indicate that children’s language expands as their age increases. The implications of the findings for cross-linguistic comparison in the realm of epistemic modality are explored in this paper. This study contributes to the study of Chinese morphology by drawing more attention to the acquisition and development patterns of fixed expressions in larger chunks.
Deep Learning Algorithms in the Automatic Segmentation of Liver Lesions in Ultrasound Investigations
Authors: Mămuleanu Mădălin , Urhuț Cristiana Marinela , Săndulescu Larisa Daniela , Kamal Constantin , Pătrașcu Ana-Maria , Ionescu Alin Gabriel , Șerbănescu Mircea-Sebastian , Streba Costin Teodor
Published: November 2022

Background: The ultrasound is one of the most used medical imaging investigations worldwide. It is non-invasive and effective in assessing liver tumors or other types of parenchymal changes. Methods: The aim of the study was to build a deep learning model for image segmentation in ultrasound video investigations. The dataset used in the study was provided by the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, Romania and contained 50 video examinations from 49 patients. The mean age of the patients in the cohort was 69.57. Regarding presence of a subjacent liver disease, 36.73% had liver cirrhosis and 16.32% had chronic viral hepatitis (5 patients: chronic hepatitis C and 3 patients: chronic hepatitis B). Frames were extracted and cropped from each examination and an expert gastroenterologist labelled the lesions in each frame. After labelling, the labels were exported as binary images. A deep learning segmentation model (U-Net) was trained with focal Tversky loss as a loss function. Two models were obtained with two different sets of parameters for the loss function. The performance metrics observed were intersection over union and recall and precision. Results: Analyzing the intersection over union metric, the first segmentation model obtained performed better compared to the second model: 0.8392 (model 1) vs. 0.7990 (model 2). The inference time for both models was between 32.15 milliseconds and 77.59 milliseconds. Conclusions: Two segmentation models were obtained in the study. The models performed similarly during training and validation. However, one model was trained to focus on hard-to-predict labels. The proposed segmentation models can represent a first step in automatically extracting time-intensity curves from CEUS examinations.
Blood Vessels as a Key Mediator for Ethanol Toxicity: Implication for Neuronal Damage
Authors: Nakayama Kei , Hasegawa Hiroshi
Published: November 2022

Excessive intake of ethanol is associated with severe brain dysfunction, and the subsequent neurological and behavioral abnormalities are well-established social risks. Many research studies have addressed how ethanol induces neurological toxicity. However, the underlying mechanisms with which ethanol induces neurological toxicity are still obscure, perhaps due to the variety and complexity of these mechanisms. Epithelial cells are in direct contact with blood and can thus mediate ethanol neurotoxicity. Ethanol activates the endothelial cells of blood vessels, as well as lymphatic vessels, in a concentration-dependent manner. Among various signaling mediators, nitric oxide plays important roles in response to ethanol. Endothelial and inducible nitric oxide synthases (eNOS and iNOS) are upregulated and activated by ethanol and enhance neuroinflammation. On the other hand, angiogenesis and blood vessel remodeling are both affected by ethanol intake, altering blood supply and releasing angiocrine factors to regulate neuronal functions. Thus, ethanol directly acts on endothelial cells, yet the molecular target(s) on endothelial cells remain unknown. Previous studies on neurons and glial cells have validated the potential contribution of membrane lipids and some specific proteins as ethanol targets, which may also be the case in endothelial cells. Future studies, based on current knowledge, will allow for a greater understanding of the contribution and underlying mechanisms of endothelial cells in ethanol-induced neurological toxicity, protecting neurological health against ethanol toxicity.
Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production over NiS-Modified Cadmium and Manganese Sulfide Solid Solutions
Authors: Potapenko Ksenia O. , Gerasimov Evgeny Yu. , Cherepanova Svetlana V. , Saraev Andrey A. , Kozlova Ekaterina A.
Published: November 2022

In this work, new photocatalysts based on Cd1−xMnxS sulfide solid solutions were synthesized by varying the fraction of MnS (x = 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8) and the hydrothermal treatment temperature (T = 100, 120, 140, and 160 °C). The active samples were modified with Pt and NiS co-catalysts. Characterization was performed using various methods, including XRD, XPS, HR TEM, and UV-vis spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity was tested in hydrogen evolution from aqueous solutions of Na2S/Na2SO3 and glucose under visible light (425 nm). When studying the process of hydrogen evolution using an equimolar mixture of Na2S/Na2SO3 as a sacrificial agent, the photocatalysts Cd0.5Mn0.5S/Mn(OH)2 (T = 120 °C) and Cd0.4Mn0.6S (T = 160 °C) demonstrated the highest activity among the non-modified solid solutions. The deposition of NiS co-catalyst led to a significant increase in activity. The best activity in the case of the modified samples was shown by 0.5 wt.% NiS/Cd0.5Mn0.5S (T = 120 °C) at the extraordinary level of 34.2 mmol g−1 h−1 (AQE 14.4%) for the Na2S/Na2SO3 solution and 4.6 mmol g−1 h−1 (AQE 2.9%) for the glucose solution. The nickel-containing samples possessed a high stability in solutions of both sodium sulfide/sulfite and glucose. Thus, nickel sulfide is considered an alternative to depositing precious metals, which is attractive from an economic point of view. It worth noting that the process of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from sugar solutions by adding samples based on Cd1−xMnxS has not been studied before.
Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Chlorinated Polyethylene Honeycomb Mechanical Performance as Opposed to an Aluminum Alloy Design
Authors: Baciu Florin , Hadăr Anton , Voicu Andrei-Daniel , Vlăsceanu Daniel , Tudose Daniela-Ioana
Published: November 2022

Manufacturing aircraft components through 3D printing has become a widespread concept with proven applicability for serial production of certain structural parts. The main objective of the research study is to determine whether a chlorinated polyethylene material reinforced with milled carbon fibers has the potential of replacing the current 5052 NIDA aluminum alloy core of the IAR330 helicopter tail rotor blade, under the form of a honeycomb structure with hexagonal cells. Achieving this purpose implied determining the tensile and compression mechanical properties of the material realized by fused deposition modeling. The tensile tests have been conducted on specimens manufactured on three printing directions, so that the orthotropic nature of the material may be taken into account. The bare compression tests were realized on specimens manufactured from both materials, with similar honeycomb characteristics. All the mechanical tests have been performed on the Instron 8872 servo hydraulic testing system and the results have been evaluated with the Dantec Q400 Digital Image Correlation system. The experimental tests have been reproduced as finite element analyses which have been validated by results comparison, in order to determine if the compression model is viable for more complex numerical analysis.
In-Situ Measurement and Slow-Tool-Servo Compensation Method of Roundness Error of a Precision Mandrel
Authors: Qiao Zheng , Wu Yangong , Chen Wentao , Jia Yuanyuan , Wang Bo
Published: November 2022

This paper describes a method for measuring and compensating the roundness error of a larger mandrel manufactured by an ultra-precision diamond-turning lathe aimed to obtain a calibration cylinder with a roundness of less than 0.1 μm. The diamond-turning machine has a cross-stacked hydrostatic guideway, produces a cutting depth and feed movement direction, and a dual-spindle system that is firmly connected to the bed. Due to the good repeatability of aerostatic spindles, only in situ rather than online real-time measurements are required. To this end, three high-precision capacitance displacement sensors were utilized to detect the cross-section of the workpiece and the time domain via the three-point error separation technique to separate the roundness error from the rotation motion error. The slow tool servo (STS) cutting technique was employed to compensate for the roundness error, which did not require extra axes, only the excellent dynamic response of the feed axis; hence, the servo control parameters could be suitably adjusted. The experimental results reveal that the low-order harmonic error, often caused by aerostatic spindles, is almost removed completely. For this particular lathe, the experiments indicate that about 60% of the rotational error motion is compensated, and the roundness error is reduced to less than 0.1 μm, which is evaluated by the least-squares circle method.
Luminescence Properties and Energy Transfer in SrLa2Sc2O7 Co-Doped with Bi3+/M (M = Eu3+, Mn4+, or Yb3+)
Authors: Wang Tao , Yang Huifang , Wang Zhijun , Li Panlai
Published: November 2022

Series of Eu3+/Mn4+/Yb3+-doped SrLa2Sc2O7:Bi3+ (SLSO: Bi3+) were synthesized by a high-temperature solid-state method, and the energy transfer of Bi3+→Eu3+/Mn4+/Yb3+ was observed. Under ultraviolet radiation, a 550 nm emission peak was observed, which is attributed to Bi3+ occupying the Sr2+/La3+ sites. Additionally, the other peaks were found to be 615, 707, and 980 nm, which are assigned to the Re3+ (Eu3+ and Yb3+) and Mn4+ occupying two different cationic sites. An obvious energy transfer (ET) from Bi3+ to Eu3+/Mn4+/Yb3+ was observed, and the tunable color, emitting from yellow to red, was obtained; the ET efficiency was about 86.2%, 78.6%, and 27.5% in SLSO, respectively. We found that the large overlap area between the emission spectrum of the sensitizer and the excitation spectrum of the activator could produce efficient energy transfer, which provided the idea for designing experiments in the future for some highly efficient energy transfer processes.
Evaluating CNC Milling Performance for Machining AISI 316 Stainless Steel with Carbide Cutting Tool Insert
Authors: Equbal Azhar , Equbal Md. Asif , Equbal Md. Israr , Ravindrannair Pranav , Khan Zahid A. , Badruddin Irfan Anjum , Kamangar Sarfaraz , Tirth Vineet , Javed Syed , Kittur M. I.
Published: November 2022

The present study investigates the CNC milling performance of the machining of AISI 316 stainless steel using a carbide cutting tool insert. Three critical machining parameters, namely cutting speed (v), feed rate (f) and depth of cut (d), each at three levels, are chosen as input machining parameters. The face-centred central composite design (FCCCD) of the experiment is based on response surface methodology (RSM), and machining performances are measured in terms of material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (SR). Analysis of variance, response graphs, and three-dimensional surface plots are used to analyse experimental results. Multi-response optimization using the data envelopment analysis based ranking (DEAR) approach is used to find the ideal configuration of the machining parameters for milling AISI 316 SS. The variables v = 220 m/min, f = 0.20 mm/rev and d = 1.2 mm were obtained as the optimal machine parameter setting. Study reveals that MRR is affected dominantly by d followed by v. For SR, f is the dominating factor followed by d. SR is found to be almost unaffected by v. Finally, it is important to state that this work made an attempt to successfully machine AISI 316 SS with a carbide cutting tool insert, to investigate the effect of important machining parameters on MRR and SR and also to optimize the multiple output response using DEAR method.
Sliding Wear Behavior of Intermetallic Ti-45Al-2Nb-2Mn-(at%)-0.8vol%TiB2 Processed by Centrifugal Casting and Hot Isostatic Pressure: Influence of Microstructure
Authors: Shagñay Segundo , Cornide Juan , Ruiz-Navas Elisa María
Published: November 2022

Intermetallic alloys such as titanium aluminides (TiAl) are potential materials for aerospace applications at elevated temperatures. TiAl intermetallics have low weight and improved efficiency under aggressive environments. However, there is limited information about wear behavior of these alloys and their microstructure. The present work aims to study the influence of the microstructure in the tribological behavior of TiAl intermetallic alloy (45Al-2Mn-2Nb(at%)-0.8 vol%TiB2). Wear tests were performed on samples manufactured by centrifugal casting (CC) and hot isostatic pressure (HIP). Reciprocating sliding wear test was carried out for TiAl, it was combined with different loads and frequencies. Wear tracks were analyzed through opto-digital microscopy and electron microscopy (SEM). The results obtained reveal that CC intermetallics present the lowest volume wear lost, approximately 20% less than HIP intermetallics. This good behavior could be related to the high hardness material, associated with the main microstructure where CC intermetallic has nearly lamellar microstructure and HIP intermetallics present duplex microstructure.
Analysis of Hydrostatic Bearings Based on a Unstructured Meshing Scheme and Turbulence Model
Authors: Wang Yingjie , Wu Hao , Rong Youmin
Published: November 2022

Guideway hydrostatic bearings with the function of supporting and moving loads are a key component of ultra-precision heavy-duty machine tools. Because the dimension difference between the oil gap and the overall structure is great, it is difficult to generate the three-dimensional mesh, which has limited the improvement of bearing performance through structural innovation. To solve these problems, we propose an approach using the global fluid domain for performance analysis. The grid skewness of the film region and other regions are less than 0.4 and 0.8, respectively, which can satisfy the demands of static and dynamic high-accuracy simulation. Then, we used supporting load capacity, stiffness and damping to analyze the performance of hydrostatic bearings. The average error between the simulation result and the actual value was 10.76%, which is better than the result calculated by the traditional empirical formulae. The stiffness and damping of the bearings are easy to obtain by application of dynamic mesh technology. Furthermore, many obvious vortices were shown by visualization analysis in the bearing internal flow pattern in the bearing moving state of 400 mm/s. Finally, a specially designed double-slit septum successfully suppressed the formation of visible vortices. This structural improvement, combining the advantages of deep and shallow recesses, is expected to make hydrostatic bearings at high-speed conditions more stable for ultra-precision machine tools.