bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CFD-Guided Evaluation of Spark-Assisted Gasoline Compression Ignition for Cold Idle Operation
Authors: Zhao Le , Zhang Yu , Pei Yuanjiang , Zhang Anqi , Ameen Muhsin M
Published: December 2021

A closed-cycle, three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis campaign was conducted to evaluate the performance of using spark plugs to assist gasoline compression ignition (GCI) combustion during cold idle operations. A conventional spark plug using single-sided J-strap design was put at a location on the cylinder head to facilitate spray-guided spark assistance. Ignition was modeled with an L-type energy distribution to depict the breakdown and the arc-to-glow phases during the energy discharge process. Several key design parameters were investigated, including injector clocking, number of nozzle holes, spray inclusion angle, number of fuel injections, fuel split ratio, and fuel injection timings. The study emphasized the region around the spark gap, focusing on flame kernel formation and development and local equivalence ratio distribution. Flame kernel development and the ignition process were found to correlate strongly with the fuel stratification and the flow velocity near the spark gap. The analysis results showed that the flame kernel development followed the direction of the local flow field. In addition, the local fuel stratification notably influenced early-stage flame kernel development due to varying injection spray patterns and the fuel injection strategies. Among these design parameters, the number of nozzle holes and fuel injection timing had the most significant effects on the engine combustion performance.
Gender, Educational Attainment, and Job Quality in Germany, Sweden, and the UK: Evidence from the 2015 European Working Conditions Survey
Authors: Wu Yi-Jung , Xu Xiaojie , He Jingying
Published: December 2021

This research aims to explore the relationships between gender, educational attainment, and job quality, including work autonomy, work intensity, and job satisfaction across Germany, Sweden, and the UK. The European Working Conditions Survey 2015 was used to achieve this research objective. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analysis were used to determine how educational level plays an important role in creating gender differences in job quality across three countries. The findings show that receiving postsecondary education can improve work autonomy for both German and Swedish women. However, postsecondary education has different impacts on gender gaps in job quality in these countries. While postsecondary education lowers the gender gap in work autonomy and intensity in Sweden, postsecondary education increases the gender gap in work autonomy and intensity in Germany. Postsecondary education does not significantly decrease gender differences in job satisfaction in Germany or Sweden or any of our job quality measures in the UK. These findings challenge the commonly held belief that higher education has a positive effect on job quality. In fact, gender norms and national institutional factors may also play important roles in this relationship.
The Relationship between Cultural Tourist Experience and Recommendation Intention: Empirical Evidence from Montenegr
Authors: Stanovčić Tatjana , Manojlović Mileva , Perovic Djurdjica
Published: December 2021

The cultural tourist experience emerges as an essential part of the offer of tourism services and is considered a crucial factor for tourism destination development. Although the existing literature has investigated the effect of cultural tourism, empirical evidence on the impact of cultural tourist experience on tourist behavior remains scarce. Therefore, this study aims to explore the relationship between different dimensions of cultural tourist experience and recommendation intention. Using Structural Equation Modelling, based on a sample of 80 tourists who visited Montenegro, the results indicate a statistically significant relationship between different dimensions of the cultural tourist experience and the recommendation intention of Montenegro as a destination. More precisely, the findings reveal that sensory, social, and emotional dimensions positively impact recommendation intention. Furthermore, the social dimension has a stronger effect than sensory and emotional dimensions. This study extends current research on cultural tourism by providing a better understanding of the relationship between components of cultural tourist experience and tourist behaviors, and, as such, can serve as a premise in improving destination management strategy.
An Order-Up-to Inventory Model with Sustainability Consideration
Authors: Kwak Jin-Kyung
Published: December 2021

Along with growing interest in environmental concerns these days, significant academic efforts have been exerted to incorporate sustainability issues into the existing inventory models except for fixed-review interval (i.e., order-up-to models). In this study, we develop an order-up-to model considering environment-related costs and investigate the value of this new policy over the naïve one. Results of an extensive simulation study reveal that sustainability consideration reduces the total costs and that its value is higher when the mean demand is higher, when demand is more variable, when the costs of transshipment or inventory holding are lower, or when an ordering setup cost or an additional indirect cost of having inventory are higher. These findings fill the research gap in existing literature and contribute to managerial implications for periodic inventory control in practice.
Ergodic Algorithmic Model (EAM), with Water as Implicit Solvent, in Chemical, Biochemical, and Biological Processes
Authors: Fisicaro Emilia , Compari Carlotta , Braibanti Antonio
Published: December 2021

For many years, we have devoted our research to the study of the thermodynamic properties of hydrophobic hydration processes in water, and we have proposed the Ergodic Algorithmic Model (EAM) for maintaining the thermodynamic properties of any hydrophobic hydration reaction at a constant pressure from the experimental determination of an equilibrium constant (or other potential functions) as a function of temperature. The model has been successfully validated by the statistical analysis of the information elements provided by the EAM model for about fifty compounds. The binding functions are convoluted functions, RlnKeq = {f(1/T)* g(T)} and RTlnKeq = {f(T)* g(lnT)}, where the primary linear functions f(1/T) and f(T) are modified and transformed into parabolic curves by the secondary functions g(T) and g(lnT), respectively. Convoluted functions are consistent with biphasic dual-structure partition function, {DS-PF} = {M-PF} ∙ {T-PF} ∙ {ζw}, composed by ({M-PF} (Density Entropy), {T-PF}) (Intensity Entropy), and {ζw} (implicit solvent). In the present paper, after recalling the essential aspects of the model, we outline the importance of considering the solvent as “implicit” in chemical and biochemical reactions. Moreover, we compare the information obtained by computer simulations using the models till now proposed with “explicit” solvent, showing the mess of information lost without considering the experimental approach of the EAM model.
Intracranial Hemorrhage from Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: What Can We Find with CT Angiography?
Authors: Negro Alberto , Somma Francesco , Piscitelli Valeria , La Tessa Giuseppe Maria Ernesto , Sicignano Carmine , Fasano Fabrizio , Tamburrini Stefania , Vargas Ottavia , Pace Gianvito , Iannuzzi Michele , Villa Alessandro , Della Gatta Luigi , Chiaramonte Carmela , Caranci Ferdinando , Tortora Fabio , D’Agostino Vincenzo
Published: December 2021

(1) Background: Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF) represent a rare acquired intracranial vascular malformation, with a variety of clinical signs and symptoms, which make their diagnosis difficult. Intracranial hemorrhage is one of the most serious clinical manifestations. In this paper the authors’ goal was to verify the accuracy and utility of contrast-enhanced brain CT angiography (CTA) for the identification and the characterization of dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) in patients who presented with brain hemorrhage compared to 3D digital subtraction angiography (3D DSA); (2) a retrospective study of 26 patients with DAVFs who presented with intracranial hemorrhage to our institution was performed. The information reviewed included clinical presentation, location and size of hemorrhage, brain CTA and 3D DSA findings; (3) results: 61% (16/26) of DAVFs were identified by CTA. The vast majority of patients were male (69%, 18/26) and the most common presenting symptom was sudden onset headache. All DAVFs had cortical venous drainage and about one-third were associated with a venous varix. The most common location was tentorial (73%, 19/26); (4) conclusions: CTA can represent a valid alternative diagnostic method to 3D DSA for the study of DAVF in the initial and preliminary diagnostic approach, especially in emergency situations. In fact, it represents a fast, inexpensive, non-invasive and above all, easily accessible and available diagnostic technique, unlike DSA or MRI, allowing to provide information necessary for the identification, classification and treatment planning of DAVFs.
Physicochemical and Biological Study of 99mTc and 68Ga Radiolabelled Ciprofloxacin and Evaluation of [99mTc]Tc-CIP as Potential Diagnostic Radiopharmaceutical for Diabetic Foot Syndrome Imaging
Authors: Koźmiński Przemysław , Gawęda Weronika , Rzewuska Magdalena , Kopatys Agata , Kujda Szymon , Dudek Marta K. , Halik Paweł Krzysztof , Królicki Leszek , Gniazdowska Ewa
Published: December 2021

This paper presents the application of ciprofloxacin as a biologically active molecule (vector) for delivering diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals to the sites of bacterial infection. Ciprofloxacin-based radioconjugates containing technetium-99m or gallium-68 radionuclides were synthesised, and their physicochemical (stability, lipophilicity) and biological (binding study to Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) properties were investigated. Both the tested radiopreparations met the requirements for radiopharmaceuticals, and technetium-99m-labelled ciprofloxacin turned out to be a good radiotracer for the tomography of diabetic foot syndrome using SPECT.
2-Amino-3-Methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline Triggering Liver Damage by Inhibiting Autophagy and Inducing Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Li Dan , Li Zhi , Zhang Tianchang , Peng Bo , Zhang Yan , Sun Hongwen , Wang Shuo
Published: December 2021

It is important to note that 2-Amino-3-methylimidazole[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ) is one of the most common heterocyclic amines (HCAs), which is a class of mutagenic/carcinogenic harmful compounds mainly found in high-protein thermal processed foods and contaminated environments. However, the pre-carcinogenic toxicity of IQ to the liver and its mechanism are poorly understood, further research is needed. In light of this, we exposed zebrafish to IQ (0, 8, 80, and 800 ng/mL) for 35 days, followed by comprehensive experimental studies. Histopathological and ultrastructural analysis showed that hepatocytes were damaged. TUNEL results showed that IQ induced apoptosis of liver cells, the expression of apoptosis factor gene was significantly increased, and the expression of Bcl-2 protein was significantly decreased. In addition, upregulated expression of the 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related factors transcription levels were elevated obviously, suggesting that IQ induced ERS. Decreased protein expression of autophagy-related 5 (Atg5)-Atg12, Beclin1, and LC3-II, increased protein expression of p62, and autophagy-related factors transcription levels were significantly decreased, suggesting that IQ inhibited autophagy. Overall, our research showed that the potential harm of IQ to the liver before the occurrence of liver cancer was related to ERS and its mediated autophagy and apoptosis pathways.
Isoflavones in Animals: Metabolism and Effects in Livestock and Occurrence in Feed
Authors: Grgic Dino , Varga Elisabeth , Novak Barbara , Müller Anneliese , Marko Doris
Published: December 2021

Soybeans are a common ingredient of animal feed. They contain isoflavones, which are known to act as phytoestrogens in animals. Isoflavones were described to have beneficial effects on farm animals. However, there are also reports of negative outcomes after the consumption of isoflavones. This review summarizes the current knowledge of metabolization of isoflavones (including the influence of the microbiome, phase I and phase II metabolism), as well as the distribution of isoflavones and their metabolites in tissues. Furthermore, published studies on effects of isoflavones in livestock species (pigs, poultry, ruminants, fish) are reviewed. Moreover, published studies on occurrence of isoflavones in feed materials and co-occurrence with zearalenone are presented and are supplemented with our own survey data.
Pyroptosis: A Common Feature of Immune Cells of Haemodialysis Patients
Authors: Ulrich Christof , Kneser Leonie , Fiedler Roman , Beckert Julia , Wildgrube Susann , Seibert Eric , Fick Sylvia , Schäfer Christoph , Markau Silke , Trojanowicz Bogusz , Girndt Matthias
Published: December 2021

NLRP-3 inflammasome activation can result in interleukin-1β (IL-1β) release and inflammatory cell death (pyroptosis). Caspase-1 is able to trigger both processes. However, other caspases, caspase-4, -5 and -8, are believed to initiate pyroptosis without affecting IL-1 secretion. In this study, we evaluated two cardiovascular risk groups, haemodialysis patients (HD) and patients with intact kidney function but high blood pressure (BP), to analyse the mechanisms driving pyroptosis. Twenty HD were age-, gender- and diabetes-matched to BP. We found a common pyroptotic pattern in both patient groups, at which pyroptosis rates but not IL-1 β levels were significantly higher in monocytes (HD vs. BP: p < 0.05), granulocytes (p < 0.01) and lymphocytes (p < 0.01) of HD patients. As uremic toxins are drivers of inflammation and regulated cell death, we applied a monocyte- and macrophage-like THP-1 model system to demonstrate that the protein-bound uremic toxin indoxyl sulfate (IS) is an inducer of pyroptotic cell death, particularly engaging caspase-4/caspase-5 and to a lesser extent caspase-8 and caspase-1. These data suggest that the uremic toxin IS can mediate pyroptosis in HD patients and the inflammatory caspase-4 and/or caspase-5 contribute to pyroptosis rates to a higher extent in comparison to caspase-1.
A Practical Approach to Screening for Strongyloides stercoralis
Authors: Carnino Luisa , Schwob Jean-Marc , Gétaz Laurent , Nickel Beatrice , Neumayr Andreas , Eperon Gilles
Published: December 2021

Strongyloides stercoralis, causative agent of a neglected tropical disease, is a soil-transmitted helminth which may cause lifelong persisting infection due to continuous autoinfection. In the case of immunosuppression, life-threatening hyperinfection and disseminated strongyloidiasis can develop. We propose a pragmatic screening algorithm for latent strongyloidiasis based on epidemiologic exposure and immunosuppression status that can be applied for any kind of immunosuppressive therapy. The algorithm allows the diagnosis of latent strongyloidiasis with optimal accuracy in a well-equipped setting, while for endemic settings where the complete testing array is unavailable, an empiric treatment is generally recommended. Accurate diagnosis and extensive empiric treatment will both contribute to decreasing the current neglect of strongyloidiasis.
An Intra-COVID-19 Assessment of Hand Hygiene Facility, Policy and Staff Compliance in Two Hospitals in Sierra Leone: Is There a Difference between Regional and Capital City Hospitals?
Authors: Lakoh Sulaiman , Firima Emmanuel , Williams Christine Ellen Elleanor , Conteh Sarah K. , Jalloh Mohamed Boie , Sheku Mohamed Gbeshay , Adekanmbi Olukemi , Sevalie Stephen , Kamara Sylvia Adama , Kamara Mohamed Akmed Salim , Barrie Umu , Kamara Gladys Nanilla , Yi Le , Guo Xuejun , Haffner Chukwuemeka , Kamara Matilda N. , Jiba Darlinda F. , Namanaga Enanga Sonia , Maruta Anna , Kallon Christiana , Kanu Joseph Sam , Deen Gibrilla F. , Samai Mohamed , Okeibunor Joseph Chukwudi , Russell James B. W.
Published: December 2021

Although hand hygiene (HH) is the most effective intervention to reduce the spread of infections, there are limited data on HH facilities, policy, and compliance in sub-Saharan Africa. This cross-sectional study is aimed at assessing HH using the WHO HH self-assessment framework, HH technical reference manual, and a modified infection control self-assessment tool in two hospitals in Sierra Leone. Only 10% and 9% of regional and capital city hospitals had running tap water, respectively. Veronica buckets were the resources for HH in 89% of units in the regional hospital and 92% of units in capital city hospital. Constant supply of soap and alcohol-based hand rub was available in 82% and 68%; and 74% and 79% of units in the capital city and regional hospitals, respectively. Only 10% of the units in both hospitals had hand-drying facilities and functional sinks. Overall HH compliance for the two hospitals was 18.6% and was higher in the regional (20.8%) than the capital city (17.0%) hospitals. The HH levels for the capital city and regional hospitals were 277.5 and 262.5 respectively. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still challenges with HH compliance in Sierra Leone. It is, therefore, necessary to strengthen the HH multi-modal strategy.
A Magnetospheric Dichotomy for Pulsars with Extreme Inclinations
Authors: Zhang Fan
Published: December 2021

In this work, we expand on a comment by Lyne et al. (2017), that intermittent pulsars tend to congregate near a stripe in the logarithmic period versus period-derivative diagram. Such a stripe represents a small range of polar cap electric potential. Taking into account also the fact (already apparent in their Figure 7, but not explicitly stated there) that high-fraction nulling pulsars also tend to reside within this and an additional stripe, we make the observation that the two stripes further match the “death lines” for double- and single-pole interpulses, associated with nearly orthogonal and aligned rotators, respectively. These extreme inclinations are known to suffer from pair production deficiencies, so we propose to explain intermittency and high-fraction nulling by reinvigorating some older quiescent (no pulsar wind or radio emission) “electrosphere” solutions. Specifically, as the polar potential drops below the two threshold bands (i.e., the two stripes), corresponding to the aligned and orthogonal rotators, their respective magnetospheres transition from being of the active pair-production-sustained-type into becoming the electrospheres, in which charges are only lifted from the star. The borderline cases sitting in the gap outside of the stable regime of either case manifest as high-fraction nullers. Hall evolution of the magnetic field inside orthogonally rotating neutron stars can furthermore drive secular regime changes, resulting in intermittent pulsars.
Bound States for the Spin-1/2 Aharonov-Bohm Problem in a Rotating Frame
Authors: Lima Daniel F. , Cunha Márcio M. , Pereira Luís Fernando C. , Silva Edilberto O.
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we study the effects of rotation in the spin-1/2 non-relativistic Aharonov-Bohm problem for bound states. We use a technique based on the self-adjoint extension method and determine an expression for the energies of the bound states. The inclusion of the spin element in the Hamiltonian guarantees the existence of bound state solutions. We perform a numerical analysis of the energies and verify that both rotation and the spin degree of freedom affect the energies of the particle. The main effect we observe in this analysis is a cutoff value manifested in the Aharonov-Bohm flux parameter that delimits the values for the positive and negative energies.
NuFIT: Three-Flavour Global Analyses of Neutrino Oscillation Experiments
Authors: Gonzalez-Garcia Maria Concepcion , Maltoni Michele , Schwetz Thomas
Published: December 2021

In this contribution, we summarise the determination of neutrino masses and mixing arising from global analysis of data from atmospheric, solar, reactor, and accelerator neutrino experiments performed in the framework of three-neutrino mixing and obtained in the context of the NuFIT collaboration. Apart from presenting the latest status as of autumn 2021, we discuss the evolution of global-fit results over the last 10 years, and mention various pending issues (and their resolution) that occurred during that period in the global analyses.
Grand Unified Origin of Gauge Interactions and Families Replication in the Standard Model
Authors: Morais António P. , Pasechnik Roman , Porod Werner
Published: December 2021

The tremendous phenomenological success of the Standard Model (SM) suggests that its flavor structure and gauge interactions may not be arbitrary but should have a fundamental first-principle explanation. In this work, we explore how the basic distinctive properties of the SM dynamically emerge from a unified New Physics framework tying together both flavor physics and Grand Unified Theory (GUT) concepts. This framework is suggested by a novel anomaly-free supersymmetric chiral E6×SU(2)F×U(1)F GUT containing the SM. Among the most appealing emergent properties of this theory is the Higgs-matter unification with a highly-constrained massless chiral sector featuring two universal Yukawa couplings close to the GUT scale. At the electroweak scale, the minimal SM-like effective field theory limit of this GUT represents a specific flavored three-Higgs doublet model consistent with the observed large hierarchies in the quark mass spectra and mixing already at tree level.
Warm Dark Matter from Higher-Dimensional Gauge Theories
Authors: Paduroiu Sinziana , Rios Michael , Marrani Alessio , Chester David
Published: December 2021

Warm dark matter particles with masses in the keV range have been linked with the large group representations in gauge theories through a high number of species at decoupling. In this paper, we address WDM fermionic degrees of freedom from such representations. Bridging higher-dimensional particle physics theories with cosmology studies and astrophysical observations, our approach is two-folded, i.e., it includes realistic models from higher-dimensional representations and constraints from simulations tested against observations. Starting with superalgebras in exceptional periodicity theories, we discuss several symmetry reductions and we consider several representations that accommodate a high number of degrees of freedom. We isolate a model that naturally accommodates both the standard model representation and the fermionic dark matter in agreement with both large and small-scale constraints. This model considers an intersection of branes in D = 27 + 3 in a manner that provides the degrees of freedom for the standard model on one hand and 2048 fermionic degrees of freedom for dark matter, corresponding to a ∼2 keV particle mass, on the other. In this context, we discuss the theoretical implications and the observable predictions.
Studies of Magnetic Chemically Peculiar Stars Using the 6-m Telescope at SAO RAS
Authors: Romanyuk Iosif
Published: December 2021

We present a survey of the most important results obtained in observations with the 6-m telescope in the studies of magnetic fields of chemically peculiar stars. It is shown that we have found more than 200 new magnetic chemically peculiar stars, which is more than 30% of their total known number. Observations of ultra-slow rotators (stars with rotation periods of years and decades) have shown that there are objects with strong fields among them, several kG in magnitude. In the association of young stars in Orion, it has been found that the occurrence and strength of magnetic fields of chemically peculiar stars decrease sharply with age in the interval from 2 to 10 Myr. These data indicate the fossil nature of magnetic fields of chemically peculiar stars. About 10 magnetic stars were found based on ultra-accurate photometry data obtained from the Kepler and TESS satellites. A new effective method of searching for magnetic stars was developed. In addition, the exact rotation periods make it possible to build reliable curves of the longitudinal field component variability with the phase of the star’s rotation period, and hence to create its magnetic model. The survey is dedicated to the memory of Prof. Yuri Nikolaevich Gnedin.
Spin-1/2 Particles under the Influence of a Uniform Magnetic Field in the Interior Schwarzschild Solution
Authors: Hammad Fayçal , Landry Alexandre , Sadeghi Parvaneh
Published: December 2021

The relativistic wave equation for spin-1/2 particles in the interior Schwarzschild solution in the presence of a uniform magnetic field is obtained. The fully relativistic regime is considered, and the energy levels occupied by the particles are derived as functions of the magnetic field, the radius of the massive sphere and the total mass of the latter. As no assumption is made on the relative strengths of the particles’ interaction with the gravitational and magnetic fields, the relevance of our results to the physics of the interior of neutron stars, where both the gravitational and the magnetic fields are very intense, is discussed.
A Routine Sanger Sequencing Target Specific Mutation Assay for SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern and Interest
Authors: Lee Sin Hang
Published: December 2021

As SARS-CoV-2 continues to spread among human populations, genetic changes occur and accumulate in the circulating virus. Some of these genetic changes have caused amino acid mutations, including deletions, which may have a potential impact on critical SARS-CoV-2 countermeasures, including vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics. Considerable efforts have been made to categorize the amino acid mutations of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike (S) protein, along with certain mutations in other regions within the S protein as specific variants, in an attempt to study the relationship between these mutations and the biological behavior of the virus. However, the currently used whole genome sequencing surveillance technologies can test only a small fraction of the positive specimens with high viral loads and often generate uncertainties in nucleic acid sequencing that needs additional verification for precision determination of mutations. This article introduces a generic protocol to routinely sequence a 437-bp nested RT-PCR cDNA amplicon of the ACE2 RBD and a 490-bp nested RT-PCR cDNA amplicon of the N-terminal domain (NTD) of the S gene for detection of the amino acid mutations needed for accurate determination of all variants of concern and variants of interest according to the definitions published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This protocol was able to amplify both nucleic acid targets into cDNA amplicons to be used as templates for Sanger sequencing on all 16 clinical specimens that were positive for SARS-CoV-2.
Design of Fast Charging Station with Energy Management for eBuses
Authors: Gabbar Hossam A. , Elsayed Yasser , Siddique Abu Bakar , Elshora Abdalrahman , Adeleke Ajibola
Published: December 2021

The popularity of the eBus has been increasing rapidly in recent years due to its low greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions and its low dependence on fossil fuels. This incremental use of the eBus increases the burden to the power grid for its charging. Charging eBus requires a high amount of power for a feasible amount of time. Therefore, developing a fast-charging station (FCS) integrated with Micro Energy Grid (MEG) and hybrid energy storage is crucial for charging eBuses. This paper presents a design of FCS for eBus that integrates MEG with hybrid energy storage with the energy management system. To reduce the dependency on the main utility grid, a hybrid micro energy grid based on a renewable source (i.e., PV) have been included. In addition, hybrid energy storage of batteries and flywheels has also been developed to mitigate the power demand of the fast-charging station during peak time. Furthermore, a multiple-input DC-DC converter has been developed for managing the DC power transfer between the common DC bus and the multiple energy sources. Finally, an energy management system and the controller has been designed to achieve an extensive performance from the fast charging station. MATLAB Simulink has been used for the simulation work of the overall design. Different test case scenarios are tested for evaluating the performance parameters of the proposed FCS and also for evaluating its performance.
The Effects of Wearing Helmets on Reaction of Motorcycle Riders
Authors: Cai Dengchuan , Chen Yu-Hsuan , Lee Chih-Jen
Published: December 2021

In Taiwan, motorcycles are the most commonly used means of transportation and also have the highest accident rate. Because motorcycles are less stable and provide less protection than cars, motorcycle riders are vulnerable in traffic accidents. Furthermore, head trauma is often fatal, causing a great loss to society. Although helmets provide protection to the head, they also affect the visual field of motorcycle riders. However, the literature mostly focuses on the protective effect of helmets after a collision and rarely considers the influence of helmets prior to collisions. In the study design, participants wore three different types of helmet and watched a pre-recorded video of an actual street with pre-placed warning triangles at a speed of 60 km/h. Participants were asked to press a button when they saw a warning triangle. The time between participants seeing the warning triangle and arriving at the warning triangle was calculated. This time is referred to as the “early reaction time.” The number of missed presses and false presses was also recorded. The results of the study show that: (1) Of the three types of helmet, wearing half helmets produced the longest early reaction times, followed by 3/4 helmets, with full face helmets with the shortest early reaction times. (2) Early reaction times when wearing a half helmet were the same as early reaction times when not wearing a helmet. (3) The results for the total number of missed and false presses when wearing the three types of helmet were the same as for the results of the early reaction time analysis. (4) Sex and age had no effect on early reaction times. The experimental results can be used as a reference for helmet design and academic research.
The Genetic Relatedness and Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns of Mastitis-Causing Staphylococcus aureus Strains Isolated from New Zealand Dairy Cattle
Authors: Greening Sabrina S. , Zhang Ji , Midwinter Anne C. , Wilkinson David A. , McDougall Scott , Gates M. Carolyn , French Nigel P.
Published: December 2021

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the leading causes of bovine mastitis worldwide and is a common indication for use of antimicrobials on dairy farms. This study aims to investigate the association between on-farm antimicrobial usage and the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of mastitis-causing S. aureus. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on 57 S. aureus isolates derived from cows with either clinical or subclinical mastitis from 17 dairy herds in New Zealand. The genetic relatedness between isolates was examined using the core single nucleotide polymorphism alignment whilst AMR and virulence genes were identified in-silico. The association between gene presence-absence and sequence type (ST), antimicrobial susceptibility and dry cow therapy treatment was investigated using Scoary. Altogether, eight STs were identified with 61.4% (35/57) belonging to ST-1. Furthermore, 14 AMR-associated genes and 76 virulence-associated genes were identified, with little genetic diversity between isolates belonging to the same ST. Several genes including merR1 which is thought to play a role in ciprofloxacin-resistance were found to be significantly overrepresented in isolates sampled from herds using ampicillin/cloxacillin dry cow therapy. Overall, the presence of resistance genes remains low and current antimicrobial usage patterns do not appear to be driving AMR in S. aureus associated with bovine mastitis.
Sarcoplasmic Reticulum from Horse Gluteal Muscle Is Poised for Enhanced Calcium Transport
Authors: Autry Joseph , Svensson Bengt , Carlson Samuel , Chen Zhenhui , Cornea Razvan , Thomas David , Valberg Stephanie
Published: December 2021

We have analyzed the enzymatic activity of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+-transporting ATPase (SERCA) from the horse gluteal muscle. Horses are bred for peak athletic performance yet exhibit a high incidence of exertional rhabdomyolysis, with elevated levels of cytosolic Ca2+ proposed as a correlative linkage. We recently reported an improved protocol for isolating SR vesicles from horse muscle; these horse SR vesicles contain an abundant level of SERCA and only trace-levels of sarcolipin (SLN), the inhibitory peptide subunit of SERCA in mammalian fast-twitch skeletal muscle. Here, we report that the in vitro Ca2+ transport rate of horse SR vesicles is 2.3 ± 0.7-fold greater than rabbit SR vesicles, which express close to equimolar levels of SERCA and SLN. This suggests that horse myofibers exhibit an enhanced SR Ca2+ transport rate and increased luminal Ca2+ stores in vivo. Using the densitometry of Coomassie-stained SDS-PAGE gels, we determined that horse SR vesicles express an abundant level of the luminal SR Ca2+ storage protein calsequestrin (CASQ), with a CASQ-to-SERCA ratio about double that in rabbit SR vesicles. Thus, we propose that SR Ca2+ cycling in horse myofibers is enhanced by a reduced SLN inhibition of SERCA and by an abundant expression of CASQ. Together, these results suggest that horse muscle contractility and susceptibility to exertional rhabdomyolysis are promoted by enhanced SR Ca2+ uptake and luminal Ca2+ storage.
Changed Rumen Fermentation, Blood Parameters, and Microbial Population in Fattening Steers Receiving a High Concentrate Diet with Saccharomyces cerevisiae Improve Growth Performance
Authors: Phesatcha Kampanat , Phesatcha Burarat , Chunwijitra Krittika , Wanapat Metha , Cherdthong Anusorn
Published: December 2021

The effect of dry yeast (DY) (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplementation in a high-concentrate diet was evaluated for rumen fermentation, blood parameters, microbial populations, and growth performance in fattening steers. Sixteen crossbred steers (Charolais x American Brahman) at 375 ± 25 kg live weight were divided into four groups that received DY supplementation at 0, 5, 10, and 15 g/hd/d using a completely randomized block design. Basal diets were fed as a total mixed ration (roughage to concentrate ratio of 30:70). Results showed that supplementation with DY improved dry matter (DM) intake and digestibility of organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) (p < 0.05), but DM and crude protein (CP) were similar among treatments (p > 0.05). Ruminal pH (>6.0) of fattening steer remained stable (p > 0.05), and pH was maintained at or above 6.0 with DY. The concentration of propionic acid (C3) increased (p < 0.05) with 10 and 15 g/hd/d DY supplementation, while acetic acid (C2) and butyric acid (C4) decreased. Methane (CH4) production in the rumen decreased as DY increased (p < 0.05). Fibrobacter succinogenes and Ruminococcus flavefaciens populations increased (p < 0.05), whereas protozoal and methanogen populations decreased with DY addition at 10 and 15 g/hd/d, while Ruminococcus albus did not change (p > 0.05) among the treatments. Adding DY at 10 and 15 g/hd/d improved growth performance. Thus, the addition of DY to fattening steers with a high concentrate diet improved feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen ecology, and growth performance, while mitigating ruminal methane production.
Research on the Thermal Characteristics of an 18650 Lithium-Ion Battery Based on an Electrochemical–Thermal Flow Coupling Model
Authors: Liu Guanchen , Zhang Lijun
Published: December 2021

Aiming at the complex experimental conditions of multi-physical field coupling in the analysis of thermal characteristics of lithium-ion batteries, a three-dimensional electrochemical-thermal flow coupling model for lithium-ion batteries was established using COMSOL Multiphysics software. Through the analysis of simulation results, the thermal characteristics of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles were explored from the aspects of heat generation and dissipation. It was found that increasing the charge–discharge rate and the electrode thickness will increase the temperature rise rate of lithium-ion batteries, and the temperature rise rate of lithium-ion batteries is the highest during their first time charging and discharging. Increasing the airflow velocity and reducing the size of the inlet flow area can improve the cooling effect on the cell. Under a single inlet, the cooling effect of the airflow field entering from the negative electrode is better than that from the positive electrode.
The Evolutionary Game Analysis and Optimization Algorithm of Electric Vehicle Cell Innovation Diffusion Based on a Patent Pool Strategy
Authors: Sun Weiwei , Yuan Min , Zhang Zheng
Published: December 2021

A patent pool strategy was proposed for use in the electric vehicle cell industry to manage patent licensing disputes and litigation. How to promote EV cell innovation diffusion under a patent pool scenario is unclear. We introduced an innovation diffusion channel model comprising different players with patent licensing relationships and market competition relationships following evolutionary game analysis and simulation. We found the interlinked factors that influenced evolutionary stable strategies with a sensitivity test on all factors to identify the important and unimportant factors. To achieve the maximum return for the players, an optimization algorithm was introduced to find the maximum weighted object function. The decision and policy makers could focus on important factors such as improving the technology’s competitive advantages, delivering more profits to its licensees with reasonable licensing fees, and finding the best patent pool strategy with the support of the optimization algorithm to balance the competition relationships and patent licensing relationships between players.
Spatial-Economic Potential Analysis of Wind Power Plants in Germany
Authors: Hennecke David , Croonenbroeck Carsten
Published: December 2021

Before a new wind farm can be built, politics and regional planning must approve of the respective area as a suitable site. For this purpose, large-scale potential computations were carried out to identify suitable areas. The calculation of wind power plant potential usually focuses on capturing the highest energy potential. In Germany, due to an energy production reimbursement factor defined in the Renewable Energy Sources Act (“Erneuerbare-Energien-Gesetz”, EEG) in 2017, the influence of energy quantities on the power plant potential varies, economically and spatially. Therefore, in addition to the calculation of energy potentials, it was also necessary to perform a potential analysis in terms of economic efficiency. This allows, on the one hand, an economic review of the areas tendered by the regional planning and, on the other hand, a spatial-economic analysis that expands the parameters in the search for new areas. In this work, (a) potentials with regard to the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) were calculated by the example of the electricity market in Germany, which were then (b) spatially and statistically processed on the level of the federal states.
Q Fever Endocarditis Mimicking Lymphoma and ANCA-Associated Vasculitis: Two Cases and a Literature
Authors: Martin-Lecamp Gonzague , Meriglier Etienne , Chaussade Hélene , Aureau Ines , Pailler-Valton Celine , Pires Thoma , Desblache Julien , Delbrel Xavier , Bonnet Fabrice , Vandenhende Marie-Anne
Published: December 2021

Q fever endocarditis may be accompanied by immunological abnormalities complicating the diagnosis. We report two cases of Q fever endocarditis mimicking lymphoma and ANCA-associated vasculitis illustrating the immune disorders that can be triggered by Coxiella burnetii.
Accounting of the results of appraisal and revaluation of fixed assets
Authors: Alborov R. A. , Khoruzhy L. I. , Kontsevaya S. M. , Khoruzhy V. I.
Published: December 2021

The article deals with the assessment and accounting of fixed assets. Disclosed are the methodological aspects of the assessment of fixed assets when they are recognized in accounting, as well as the assessment after recognition and revaluation of these means of labor. The characteristic features of fixed assets, criteria and prerequisites for determining their useful life have been sorted out. The classification of fixed assets for accounting purposes is proposed. The methods and technical aspects of the reflection of operations based on the results of the revaluation of fixed assets on the accounts have been substantiated.
Reporting of peasant (farm) farms
Authors: Tatarinova M. N. , Feskova M. V. , Khusainova A. S.
Published: December 2021

Intensive development of small businesses in rural areas is one of the priority directions of state policy in the field of sustainable development of the agrarian economy and rural areas. At the same time, the level of professional legal awareness and entrepreneurial thinking among farmers largely determines the effectiveness of small agricultural formations. This level depends on many factors, including the availability of knowledge of taxation issues, the ability to competently maintain accounting records, observing the requirement of rationality, the ability to navigate the regulations governing this organizational form of doing business. The article discusses the procedure for the formation and features of the presentation of reporting forms of activity of peasant (farmer) farms taking into account various factors of activity, since it is this area that underlies the construction of the entire system of accounting and analytical work.
Refining a primary care shared decision-making aid for lifestyle change: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Heron Neil , O’Connor Seán R , Kee Frank , Thompson David R , Cupples Margaret , Donnelly Michael
Published: December 2021

Background

The important role of primary care in promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours needs informed support.

Aim

To elicit views on a 39-item shared decision-making (SDM) aid (SHARE-D) for lifestyle change and refine it to improve implementation.

Design & setting

Mixed-methods study.

Method

Health professionals, patients, and support workers, with experience of managing or a history of cardio- or cerebrovascular disease, were purposively recruited based on age, sex, and urban/rural location (n= 34). Participants completed a survey, rating the importance of including each item in a decision-aid, designed for use by patients with health professionals, and suggesting modifications. Semi-structured interviews (n= 30/34) were conducted and analysed thematically.

Results

Substantial agreement was observed on rating item inclusion. Based on survey and interview data, 9/39 items were removed; 13 were amended. Qualitative themes were: 1) core content of the decision-aid; 2) barriers to use; 3) motivation for lifestyle change; and 4) primary care implementation. ‘Self-reflective’ questions and goal setting were viewed as essential components. The paper-based format, length, clarity, and time required were barriers to its use. Optional support considered within the aid was seen as important to motivate change. A digital version, integrated into patient record systems was regarded as critical to implementation. A revised 30-item aid was considered suitable for facilitating brief conversations and promoting patient autonomy.

Conclusion

The SHARE-D decision aid for healthy lifestyle change appears to have good content validity and acceptability. Survey and interview data provided in-depth information to support implementation of a refined version. Further studies should examine its effectiveness.
Planejamento e gestão de unidades de conservação: um olhar sobre a Estação Ecológica de Bananal (SP)
Authors: Reis Alessandra Freire , Pagani Maria Inez
Published: December 2021

As Unidades de Conservação têm como missão salvaguardar o patrimônio natural e cultural. Para que cumpram seus objetivos é necessário dotá-las de recursos e instrumentos de planejamento e gestão. Neste trabalho, analisou-se os processos de planejamento e gestão da Estação Ecológica de Bananal (EEB), localizada na Serra da Bocaina no Estado de São Paulo. A pesquisa foi realizada desde o período da implantação do Plano de Gestão Ambiental (PGA), publicado em 1998 até a conclusão do seu Plano de Manejo, que está em análise no CONSEMA e até o momento da elaboração deste trabalho, em 2021, não foi publicado. Utilizou-se para tanto o método monográfico, através de pesquisa bibliográfica, pesquisa documental, pesquisa de campo e observação. Constatou-se descontinuidade na elaboração e implementação de projetos e programas devido a constantes mudanças estruturais e políticas
Visitação e visitantes da trilha interpretativa de uma Unidade de Conservação no sul do Brasil
Authors: Nascimento Cristina Alves , Canto-Silva Celson Roberto , Toppa Rogério Hartung
Published: December 2021

O Parque Natural Morro do Osso, localizado em Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, embora situado em meio à intensa urbanização, é rico em ambientes conservados e de fundamental importância para a flora e a fauna nativa local, sofrendo elevada pressão por iniciativas de fortalecimento da visitação. Visto isso, este estudo objetivou caracterizar o perfil da visitação e dos visitantes de sua Trilha de Educação Ambiental, gerando subsídios para a gestão do uso público na Unidade de Conservação. Foram analisados os registros da Administração do Parque, entre 2006 e 2015, e aplicados 125 questionários, entre junho de 2015 e maio de 2016. A área apresentou um aumento expressivo no número de visitantes agendados na última década, chegando a uma média anual de 1.458 pessoas neste período. A principal categoria de visitantes foi a das instituições de ensino, predominantemente de nível fundamental e da rede pública. Os visitantes são majoritariamente mulheres e têm até 15 anos, caracterizando-se como estudantes do ensino fundamental. Elas residem em Porto Alegre, mas visitam a área pela primeira vez, normalmente com sua instituição de ensino, principal fonte de divulgação da área. As atividades culturais e educativas são as mais praticadas, evidenciando-se que as atividades exercidas na Trilha de Educação Ambiental são vinculadas principalmente a Educação Ambiental formal.
Agenciamentos ecológicos: entre máquinas técnicas e máquinas desejantes
Authors: Inocêncio Adalberto Ferdnando
Published: December 2021

Buscou-se, neste artigo, colocar em evidência quais máquinas ou agenciamentos maquínicos estão em jogo na experimentação de modos ecológicos de vida. A hipótese de investigação foi a de que os modos de se relacionar com o meio ambiente se diferem conforme os agenciamentos maquínicos que lhes são imanentes. Nas seções analíticas, analisam-se um purificador de água portátil da marca LifeStraw e a projeção do nascer do sol em uma tela de Led, em Beijing, como exemplos de máquinas técnicas; e duas obras dos artistas brasileiros Roberta Carvalho e Eduardo Srur, como exemplos de máquinas desejantes. Em cada um desses casos, buscou-se demonstrar que tipo de subjetividade é imanente aos respectivos agenciamentos maquínicos analisados.