bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Accuracy Enhancement in European-Wide Crop Type Mapping by Combining Optical and Microwave Time Series
Authors: Ghassemi Babak , Immitzer Markus , Atzberger Clement , Vuolo Francesco
Published: August 2022

This investigation evaluates the potential of combining Copernicus Sentinel-1 (S1) and Sentinel-2 (S2) satellite data in producing a detailed Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) map with 19 crop type classes and 2 broader categories containing Woodland/Shrubland and Grassland over 28 Member States of Europe (EU-28). The Eurostat Land Use and Coverage Area Frame Survey (LUCAS) 2018 dataset is employed as ground truth for model training and validation. Monthly and yearly optical features from S2 spectral reflectance and spectral indices, alongside decadal (10-days) composites from an S1 microwave sensor, are extracted for the EU-28 territory for 2018 using Google Earth Engine (GEE). Five different feature sets using a mixture of indicators were created as input training data. A Random Forest (RF) machine learning algorithm was applied to classify these feature sets, and the generated classification models were compared using an identical validation dataset. Results show that S1 and S2 yearly features together are able to provide a full coverage map less dependent on cloud effects and having appropriate overall accuracy (OA). Based on this feature set, the 21 classes could be classified with an OA of 78.3% using the independent validation data set. The OA increases to 82.7% by grouping 21 classes into 8 broader categories. The comparison with similar studies using individual S1 and S2 data indicates that combining S1 and S2 time series can attain slightly better results while enhancing spatial coverage.
Informal Institutions and Herders’ Grazing Intensity Reduction Behavior: Evidence from Pastoral Areas in China
Authors: Wang Lijia , Tang Zeng , Feng Qisheng , Wang Xin
Published: August 2022

Overgrazing is the key factor that has exacerbated grassland degradation in China’s pastoral regions. Herder’s grazing-based livestock production behavior becomes important to grassland conservation. Several formal environmental institutions and policies exist to improve grassland degradation; however, there remain contradicting conclusions regarding the contribution of these policies. Informal institutions become major instruments that might encourage herder’s behavior on overgrazing. Using village rules and conventions (VRC) as a proxy for informal institutions, the article attempts to scrutinize whether the VRC emerge to respond to herders’ willingness to reduce grazing intensity for grassland conservation and elicit factors affecting their reduction behavior using a Double-Hurdle model. Based on a survey of 193 respondents in Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang Autonomous regions of China, the empirical results provide evidence that VRC is effective in reducing herders’ grazing intensity. In detail, the VRC in written form and an unchanging context within five years could significantly improve herders’ willingness to reduce grazing intensity. Herders who consider the VRC as an important impact to their livestock production observe an increased reduction degree of grazing intensity. Additionally, variables referring to herder’s education and religious belief play a significant role in the reduction degree of grazing intensity. Our findings highlight the importance of VRC in controlling herders’ overgrazing behavior.
Cultivation of Chlorella sorokiniana IPPAS C-1 in Flat-Panel Photobioreactors: From a Laboratory to a Pilot Scale
Authors: Gabrielyan David A. , Sinetova Maria A. , Gabel Boris V. , Gabrielian Alexander K. , Markelova Alexandra G. , Rodionova Margarita V. , Bedbenov Vladimir S. , Shcherbakova Natalia V. , Los Dmitry A.
Published: August 2022

Flat-panel photobioreactors are effective systems for microalgae cultivation. This paper presents the growth characteristics of the microalgae Chlorella sorokiniana IPPAS C-1 as a result of three-stage scale-up cultivation in a specially designed cultivation system. First, C. sorokiniana was grown aseptically in 250 mL glass vessels; then, it was diluted and inoculated into a 5-liter flat-panel horizontal photobioreactor; and, at the last stage, the culture was diluted and inoculated into a 70-liter flat-panel vertical photobioreactor. In the presented cycle, the cultured biomass increased by 326 times in 13 days (from 0.6 to 195.6 g dw), with a final biomass concentration of 2.8 g dw L−1. The modes of semi-continuous cultivation were considered. The biomass harvest and dilution of the suspension were carried out either every day or every 3–4 days. For C. sorokiniana IPPAS C-1, a conversion coefficient of optical density values to dry biomass (g L−1) was refined through a factor of 0.33. The key parameters of the photobioreactors tested in this work are discussed.
Functional Characterization of MaZIP4, a Gene Regulating Copper Stress Tolerance in Mulberry (Morus atropurpurea R.)
Authors: Shi Yisu , Zhang Qiaonan , Wang Lei , Du Qiuxia , Ackah Michael , Guo Peng , Zheng Danyan , Wu Mengmeng , Zhao Weiguo
Published: August 2022

ZIP4 (zinc transporter 4) plays important roles in transporting Cu2+ ions in plants, which may contribute to the maintenance of plant metal homeostasis in growth, plant development and normal physiological metabolism. However, ZIP4 transporters have not been described in mulberry and the exact function of ZIP4 transporters in regulating the homeostasis of Cu in mulberry remains unclear. In this study, a new ZIP4 gene (MaZIP4) was isolated and cloned from Morus atropurpurea R. Phylogenetic analysis of amino sequences suggested that the amino-acid sequence of the MaZIP4 protein shows high homology with other ZIP4 proteins of Morus notabilis, Trema orientale, Ziziphus jujube and Cannabis sativa. In addition, a MaZIP4 silenced line was successfully constructed using virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS). The analysis of MaZIP4 expression by quantitative real-time PCR in mulberry showed that the level of MaZIP4 expression increased with increasing Cu concentration until the Cu concentration reached 800 ppm. Relative to the blank (WT) and the negative controls, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels increased significantly and rose with increasing Cu concentration in the MaZIP4 silenced line, whereas the soluble protein and proline content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities of these transgenic plants were lower. These results indicated that MaZIP4 may play an important role in the resistance of mulberry to Cu stress.
Hot Working Behavior in Multiphase Steel with Ti and V
Authors: Wojtacha Anna , Opiela Marek
Published: August 2022

This study investigated the effect of hot working conditions on changes in yield stress and the softening degree in the newly developed multiphase steel with Ti and V microadditions. The research was performed on the GLEEBLE 3800 thermomechanical simulator. In order to determine the σ-ε curves, continuous compression tests were carried out. The samples were plastically deformed at temperatures from 900 °C to 1100 °C at the rate of 0.1 s−1, 1 s−1 and 10 s−1. The activation energy of the plastic deformation was 375 kJ·mol−1. The analysis of the shape and course of the curves indicated that the decrease in strain hardening was mainly the result of the continuous dynamic recrystallization process. Two-stage compression with isothermal holding of the samples was also carried out between the two stages of deformation lasting from 1 s to 50 s. The structure of primary austenite was generated using the ARPGE software. The different size of austenite grain is the result of various thermally activated processes—when increasing the strain rate from 0.1 s−1 to 10 s−1, the average grain size of the primary austenite decreases from approx. 16 µm to approx. 6 µm. The time t0.5 needed to form 50% of the austenite fraction recrystallized at 1100 °C is approx. 4 s and extends to approx. 10 s with the reduction in the plastic deformation temperature to 900 °C. The time of complete austenite recrystallization tR, which varies from approx. 50 s to approx. 90 s in the tested temperature range, lengthens even more. The obtained results make it possible to develop thermomechanical treatment technology for the production of forgings from the tested multiphase steel.
Synthesis and Evaluation of LaBaCo2−xMoxO5+δ Cathode for Intermediate-Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: He Shoucheng , Zhang Lanqing , Cai Jiantao , Wu Xingyu , Sun Hanxi , Du Tao
Published: August 2022

LaBaCo2−xMoxO5+δ (LBCMx, x = 0–0.08) cathodes synthesized by a sol-gel method were evaluated for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells. The limit of the solid solubility of Mo in LBCMx was lower than 0.08. As the content of Mo increased gradually from 0 to 0.06, the thermal expansion coefficient decreased from 20.87 × 10−6 K−1 to 18.47 × 10−6 K−1. The introduction of Mo could increase the conductivity of LBCMx, which varied from 464 S cm−1 to 621 S cm−1 at 800 °C. The polarization resistance of the optimal cathode LBCM0.04 in air at 800 °C was 0.036 Ω cm2, reduced by a factor of 1.67 when compared with the undoped Mo cathode. The corresponding maximum power density of a single cell based on a YSZ electrolyte improved from 165 mW cm−2 to 248 mW cm−2 at 800 °C.
Metal Mesh and Narrow Band Gap Mn0.5Cd0.5S Photocatalyst Cooperation for Efficient Hydrogen Production
Authors: Zhu Haifeng , Ding Renjie , Dou Xinle , Zhou Jiashun , Luo Huihua , Duan Lijie , Zhang Yaping , Yu Lianqing
Published: August 2022

A novel co-catalyst system under visible-light irradiation was constructed using high-purity metal and alloy mesh and a Mn0.5Cd0.5S photocatalyst with a narrow band gap (1.91 eV) prepared by hydrothermal synthesis. The hydrogen production rate of Mn0.5Cd0.5S changed from 2.21 to 6.63 mmol·(g·h)−1 with the amount of thioacetamide, which was used as the sulphur source. The introduction of Ag, Mo, Ni, Cu, and Cu–Ni alloy meshes efficiently improved the H2 production rate of the co-catalyst system, especially for the Ni mesh. The improvement can reach an approximately six times greater production, with the highest H2 production rate being 37.65 mmol·(g·h)−1. The results showed that some bulk non-noble metal meshes can act as good or better than some noble metal nanoparticles deposited on the main photocatalyst for H2 evolution due to the promotion of photoinduced electron transfer, increase in redox reaction sites, and prevention of the recombination of carriers.
On the Effect of the Co-Introduction of Al and Ga Impurities on the Electrical Performance of Transparent Conductive ZnO-Based Thin Films
Authors: Asvarov Abil S. , Abduev Aslan K. , Akhmedov Akhmed K. , Kanevsky Vladimir M.
Published: August 2022

In this study, a set of ZnO-based thin films were prepared on glass substrates at various substrate temperatures via the direct current magnetron sputtering of ceramic targets with the following compositions: pure ZnO, Al-doped ZnO with doping levels of 1 and 2 at.%, Ga-doped ZnO with doping levels of 1 and 2 at.%, and (Al, Ga)-co-doped ZnO with doping levels of 1 and 2 at.% for each impurity metal. The dependencies of sheet resistance, carrier concentration, and Hall mobility on the substrate temperature were studied for the deposited films. The results of evaluating the electrical performances of the films were compared with the data of their XRD study. According to the XRD data, among all the deposited ZnO films, the maximum crystallinity was found in the co-doped thin film with doping levels of 2 at.% for each impurity metal, deposited at a substrate temperature of 300 °C. It was revealed that the observed increase in the Hall mobility and carrier concentration for the co-doped films may, in particular, be due to the difference in the preferred localization of Ga and Al impurities in the ZnO film: the Ga ions were mainly incorporated into the crystal lattice of ZnO nanocrystallites, while the Al impurity was mostly localized in the intercrystalline space at the grain boundaries.
Synthesis and Spatial Order Characterization of Controlled Silica Particle Sizes Organized as Photonic Crystals Arrays
Authors: Estrada Alvarez Silvia Adriana , Guger Isabella , Febbraro Jana , Turak Ayse , Lin Hong-Ru , Salinas Yolanda , Brüggemann Oliver
Published: August 2022

The natural occurrence of precious opals, consisting of highly organized silica particles, has prompted interest in the synthesis and formation of these structures. Previous research has shown that a highly organized photonic crystal (PhC) array is only possible when it is based on a low polydispersity index (PDI) sample of particles. In this study, a solvent-only variation method is used to synthesize different sizes of silica particles (SiPs) by following the traditional sol-gel Stöber approach. The controlled rate of the addition of the reagents promoted the homogeneity of the nucleation and growth of the spherical silica particles, which in turn yielded a low PDI. The opalescent PhC were obtained via self-assembly of these particles using a solvent evaporation method. Analysis of the spatial statistics, using Voronoi tessellations, pair correlation functions, and bond order analysis showed that the successfully formed arrays showed a high degree of quasi-hexagonal (hexatic) organization, with both global and local order. Highly organized PhC show potential for developing future materials with tunable structural reflective properties, such as solar cells, sensing materials, and coatings, among others.
Crushing Characteristics of Coarse Aggregates for Asphalt Mixtures under Simulated Laboratory Compaction Loads and Repeated Traffic Loads
Authors: Jiang Shijia , Yu Hao , Mo Liantong
Published: August 2022

The crushing characteristics of coarse aggregates for asphalt concrete were investigated under static and dynamic aggregate crushing value tests (ACVTs). The effect of various compaction loads was also examined by using a Marshall hammer, gyratory compactor and steel roller. Six types of coarse aggregates were tested, including basalt aggregate, steel slag, limestone aggregate, marble aggregate, recycled concrete aggregate and slightly weathered limestone aggregate. Test results indicate that static ACVT failed to reflect the crushing behavior of coarse aggregates under traditional traffic and compaction loads. The type of aggregate strongly influenced the crushing resistance, independent of type of load. The compaction loads simulated by using a Marshall hammer, gyratory compactor and steel roller resulted in a high aggregate breakage ratio and can distinguish the coarse aggregates with high crushing susceptibility. The crushing resistance was evaluated by using various crushing parameters and the corresponding critical value of these parameters was established. Gyratory compactor compaction resulted in more serious aggregate crushing when compared to Marshall hammer and steel roller compaction. Finite element modelling results on roller compaction and Marshall hammer compaction are in agreement with the aggregate crushing results. The aggregate crushing mechanism was found to be controlled by the fracture mode; the contribution of the attrition and abrasion modes was relatively small. When coarse aggregates with low crushing resistance are considered for the use for asphalt mixture, proper compaction is proved to be vital to prevent excessive aggregate breakage during mixture preparation and construction.
Effect of Multi-Component on Crack Resistance of High-Performance Concrete on Subway Underground Station Floor
Authors: Xu Shaoyun , Gao Peiwei , Huang Lingling , Chen Lifeng , Cen Feng , Zhao Zhiqing , Tian Yilang
Published: August 2022

In view of the easy cracking of the high-performance concrete (HPC) of the subway underground station floor, the effects of fly ash, basalt fiber, expansive agent, and water reducer on the compressive strength, initial crack time, through-crack time, and crack area of the HPC on a subway underground station floor at different ages by orthogonal experiment are examined. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) are used to further analyze the microstructure and product composition of the optimal ratio HPC and reference concrete. The results show that with the increase in the content of fly ash and expander, the 7 d and 28 d compressive strength of the HPC gradually decreased. However, as the content of basalt fiber increased, the 7 d and 28 d compressive strength of the HPC gradually increased. The 7 d and 28 d compressive strength of the HPC increased and then decreased with the increase in water-reducer content. When the content of fly ash, basalt fiber and expander increased, the initial crack and through-crack time of the HPC delayed gradually, and the crack area gradually decreased. When the fly-ash content reached 30%, the cracking area accounted for 65.1% of the concrete with 15% fly-ash content. When the basalt fiber content reached 0.4%, the cracking area accounted for 56.5% of the concrete with 0.1% basalt fiber content. When the expander content reached 10%, the cracking area accounted for 60.5% of the concrete with 4% expander content. With the increase in the content of water reducer, the initial crack and through-crack time of the HPC gradually advanced, and the crack area gradually increased. When the water-reducer content reached 1.3%, the cracking area accounted for 105.7% of the concrete with 1.0% water-reducer content. The addition of fly ash and expander can produce a large number of crystalline products to fill the pores, and the disordered distribution of the added basalt fibers increases the compactness of the structure; moreover, the internal micro-pores increase, and the macro-pores decrease, thus improving the crack resistance.
Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Based on TiO2 Anode Thin Film with Three-Dimensional Web-like Structure
Authors: Liu Yang , Chen Jinzhu , Tian Zhihua , Yao Jianxi
Published: August 2022

TiO2 films with a three-dimensional web-like porous structure were prepared using the photo polymerization-induced phase separation method integrated with the pulling coating process. By adjusting the ratio of the substance in the precursor sol and the coating times, the relationships between the sol ratio, the coating times, the film structure, and the performance of the DSC were studied. The optimal film structure was found and a detailed description is given. The performance of the DSC was further improved by introducing the barrier layer and the surface-modified layer of the TiO2 coating. This promoted the short-circuit current density and the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the DSC, the mechanism of which was also investigated. Ultimately, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the DSC based on the TiO2 anode films with a three-dimensional web-like structure was stabilized at a higher level as a result of the structural improvement.
Study of the Dynamic Model and Vibration Performance of Pot-Shaped Metal Rubber
Authors: Zheng Xiaoyuan , Wang Wei , Wu Yiwan , Bai Hongbai
Published: August 2022

Metal rubber has been extensively used in recent years due to its several unique properties, especially in adverse environments. Although many experimental studies have been conducted, theoretical research on metal rubber is still in its infancy. In this work, a dynamic model for the nonlinear characteristics of pot-shaped metal rubber is established on the basis of the asymmetric dynamic model of the wire rope shock absorber and the trace method model. In addition, the corresponding parameters in the model are identified based on the parameter-separation method. The theoretical hysteresis loop obtained using the model and the measured hysteresis loop agree with each other. The results show that the asymmetric dynamic model can better describe the asymmetric dynamic characteristics of pot-shaped metal rubber. Furthermore, a pot-shaped metal rubber vibration reduction system is built to further verify the correctness of the model. This study provides an experimental reference and a theoretical basis for the practical application of pot-shaped metal rubber in the field of three-dimensional vibration reduction.
Effect of Indenter Nose Shape and Layer Configuration on the Quasi-Static Perforation Behaviour of Metal–Plastic Laminates
Authors: Uddin Mohammad , Stevens Graham , Williams Daniel
Published: August 2022

This study investigated the perforation resistance behaviour of metal–plastic laminates (MPLs) when they are indented by different nose shapes. Aluminium (Al) and HDPE (high-density polyethylene) layers were bonded with a suitable adhesive in an alternative manner to prepare bilayer and trilayer MPL configurations. Quasi-static perforation experiments were performed with hemispherical, conical and blunt indenters. The effects of nose shape, layer configuration and adhesive on the force–deformation profile, perforation resistance capacity and failure mechanisms were evaluated. The results indicate that for a monolithic layer, the blunt indenter showed the highest perforation energy capacity. The conical and blunt indenters facing Al backed by HDPE gave higher perforation energy. The hemispherical indenter facing HDPE backed by Al was found to be more effective in perforation resistance. Trilayer Al–HDPE–Al showed higher perforation resistance than HDPE–Al–HDPE. Circumferential cracking, radial symmetric cracking and shear plugging were the main failure modes for Al under hemispherical, conical and blunt indenters, respectively. The adhesive contributed to an increase in the perforation energy and peak force to failure in laminates. The adhesive was shown to detach from the Al surface after Al fracturing through crack propagation, and this effect was more pronounced when the indenter faced HDPE at the front of the laminate.
Self-Attention and Multi-Task Based Model for Remaining Useful Life Prediction with Missing Values
Authors: Zhang Kai , Liu Ruonan
Published: August 2022

Remaining useful life (RUL) prediction is recently a hot spot in industrial big data analysis research. It aims at obtaining the health status of the equipment in advance and making intelligent maintenance decisions. However, values missing is a common problem in real industrial applications which severely restricts the performance and application scope of RUL prediction. To deal with this problem, a novel prediction model called self-attention-based multi-task network (SMTN)is proposed. The spatiotemporal feature fusion module utilizes the self-attention mechanism and long short-term memory to fully exploit the information in space and time dimensions, multi-task learning module tries to learn a complete representation from incomplete data by performing the missing values imputation task, and the representation is simultaneously used for RUL prediction. Comparison experiments conducted on the C-MAPSS dataset verified the effectiveness of the proposed SMTN.
Study on the Electrochemical Deburring for the External Surface of the Microhole Caused by Mechanical Drilling Process
Authors: He Tao , Huang Sen , Fang Siyuan , Deng Haishun , Ding Qingtian , Zhang Mingwen
Published: August 2022

To improve the performance of electrochemical deburring for microhole drilling (MD-ECD), the distribution and dynamic change of the current density in the machining area during the electrolysis process were analyzed, and the synchronous change relationship between the current density and the burr profile was studied. The effects of process parameters, such as machining voltage U, initial machining gap d, electrolyte concentration C, and electrode radius r1 on the deburring process, were studied. The results show that the magnitude of the current density value in the burr area reflects the MD-ECD’s deburring performance. The current density near the burr tip is high, and the material is preferentially removed. The non-processed area has a low current density and slow material removal. As the machining progresses, the burr tip becomes blunt and the current in the burr area gradually transfers to the non-machining area, resulting in the transfer of the material removal area from the burr area to the adjacent non-machining area. Then, a chamfer is formed at the orifice; the chamfer width is larger than the chamfer height. When U = 4 V, d = 0.35 mm, C = 12%, and r1 = 0.4 mm, the burr removal efficiency and accuracy can be guaranteed. The chamfer width and chamfer height obtained from the test are 29 μm and 17 μm, and the burr removal effect is good.
General Chen Inequalities for Statistical Submanifolds in Hessian Manifolds of Constant Hessian Curvature
Authors: Mihai Ion , Mihai Radu-Ioan
Published: August 2022

Chen’s first inequality for statistical submanifolds in Hessian manifolds of constant Hessian curvature was obtained by B.-Y. Chen et al. Other particular cases of Chen inequalities in a statistical setting were given by different authors. The objective of the present article is to establish the general Chen inequalities for statistical submanifolds in Hessian manifolds of constant Hessian curvature.
High-Order Multivariate Spectral Algorithms for High-Dimensional Nonlinear Weakly Singular Integral Equations with Delay
Authors: Amin Ahmed Z. , Zaky Mahmoud A. , Hendy Ahmed S. , Hashim Ishak , Aldraiweesh Ahmed
Published: August 2022

One of the open problems in the numerical analysis of solutions to high-dimensional nonlinear integral equations with memory kernel and proportional delay is how to preserve the high-order accuracy for nonsmooth solutions. It is well-known that the solutions to these equations display a typical weak singularity at the initial time, which causes challenges in developing high-order and efficient numerical algorithms. The key idea of the proposed approach is to adopt a smoothing transformation for the multivariate spectral collocation method to circumvent the curse of singularity at the beginning of time. Therefore, the singularity of the approximate solution can be tailored to that of the exact one, resulting in high-order spectral collocation algorithms. Moreover, we provide a framework for studying the rate of convergence of the proposed algorithm. Finally, we give a numerical test example to show that the approach can preserve the nonsmooth solution to the underlying problems.
The Harvest Effect on Dynamics of Northern Fur Seal Population: Mathematical Modeling and Data Analysis Results
Authors: Zhdanova Oksana , Kuzin Alexey , Frisman Efim
Published: August 2022

We examine population trends in light of male harvest data considering the long-time series of population data on northern fur seals at Tyuleniy Island. To answer the question has the way males were harvested influenced the population trajectory, we analyzed the visual harem size and birth rate dynamics of the population, as well as the strategy and intensity of the harvest. We analyzed the dynamics of the sex ratio in the early (1958–1988) period to estimate parameters in the late period (1989–2013) based on the observed number of bulls and pups, while utilizing the distribution of reproductive rates obtained from pelagic sealing. Using a matrix population model for the observed part of the population (i.e., the male population), we analyzed the population growth rate associated with changes in both birth and survival rates considering the stochastic effects. Observations allow us to reject the hypothesis of nonselective harvest. Among the variety of natural and anthropogenic factors that could contribute to the decrease in the birth rate in the population, the effect of selective harvesting seems to be the most realistic.
Dynamic Optimization of the Multi-Skilled Resource-Constrained Project Scheduling Problem with Uncertainty in Resource Availability
Authors: Wang Min , Liu Guoshan , Lin Xinyu
Published: August 2022

Multi-skilled resources have brought more flexibility to resource scheduling and have been a key factor in the research of resource-constrained project scheduling problems. However, existing studies are mainly limited to deterministic problems and neglect some uncertainties such as resource breakdowns, while resource availability may change over time due to unexpected risks such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this paper focuses on the multi-skilled project scheduling problem with uncertainty in resource availability. Different from previous assumptions, multi-skilled resources are allowed a switch in their skills, which we call dynamic skill assignment. For this complex problem, a nested dynamic scheduling algorithm called GA-PR is proposed, which includes three new priority rules to improve the solving efficiency. Moreover, the algorithm’s effectiveness is verified by an example, and the modified Project Scheduling Problem Library (PSPLIB) is used for numerical experimental analysis. Numerical experiments show that when the uncertainty in resource availability is considered, the more skills the resource has and the more resources are supplied, the better the dynamic scheduling method performs; on the other hand, the higher the probability of resource unavailability and the more skills are required, the worse the dynamic scheduling method performs.The results are helpful for improved decision making.
Numerical Solutions of Fractional-Order Electrical RLC Circuit Equations via Three Numerical Techniques
Authors: Arshad Uroosa , Sultana Mariam , Ali Ali Hasan , Bazighifan Omar , Al-moneef Areej A. , Nonlaopon Kamsing
Published: August 2022

In this article, three different techniques, the Fractional Perturbation Iteration Method (FPIA), Fractional Successive Differentiation Method (FSDM), and Fractional Novel Analytical Method (FNAM), have been introduced. These three iterative methods are applied on different types of Electrical RLC-Circuit Equations of fractional-order. The fractional series approximation of the derived solutions can be established by using the obtained coefficients. These three algorithms handle the problems in a direct manner without any need for restrictive assumptions. The comparison displays an agreement between the obtained results. The beauty of this paper lies in the error analysis between the exact solution and approximate solutions obtained by these three methods which prove that the Approximate Solution obtained by FNAM converge very rapidly to the exact solution.
Effect of Blood Flow Restriction Technique on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rodrigues Sandra , Forte Pedro , Dewaele Eva , Branquinho Luís , Teixeira José E. , Ferraz Ricardo , Barbosa Tiago M. , Monteiro António M.
Published: August 2022

Background and Objectives: The effect of the blood flow restriction technique (BFR) on delayed onset muscular soreness (DOMS) symptoms remains unclear. Since there is no consensus in the literature, the aim of the present study is to systematically identify and appraise the available evidence on the effects of the BFR technique on DOMS, in healthy subjects. Materials and Methods: Computerized literature search in the databases Pubmed, Google Scholar, EBSCO, Cochrane and PEDro to identify randomized controlled trials that assessed the effects of blood flow restriction on delayed onset muscular soreness symptoms. Results: Eight trials met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review, presenting the results of 118 participants, with a mean methodological rating of 6/10 on the PEDro scale. Conclusions: So far, there is not enough evidence to confirm or refute the influence of BFR on DOMS, and more studies with a good methodological basis are needed, in larger samples, to establish protocols and parameters of exercise and intervention. Data analysis suggests a tendency toward the proinflammatory effect of BFR during high restrictive pressures combined with eccentric exercises, while postconditioning BFR seems to have a protective effect on DOMS. Prospero ID record: 345457, title registration: “Effect of Blood Flow Restriction Technique on the Prevention of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness: A Systematic Review”.
Impact of Multiple Factors on the Incidence of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: Risk Assessment Tool
Authors: Pulik Łukasz , Płoszka Katarzyna , Romaniuk Krzysztof , Sibilska Aleksandra , Jedynak Andrzej , Tołwiński Ignacy , Kumięga Paulina , Wojtyński Paweł , Łęgosz Paweł
Published: August 2022

Background and Objectives: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions in children. If not treated, it leads to disability, gait abnormalities, limb shortening, and chronic pain. Our study aims to determine the impact of multiple risk factors on the incidence of DDH and to develop an interactive risk assessment tool. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study in the Outpatient Clinic for Children of the Medical University of Warsaw Hospital. The Graf classification system was used for universal ultrasonographic screening. In total, 3102 infants met the eligibility criteria. Results: The incidence of DDH in the study group was 4.45%. The incidence of DDH in the Warsaw population, Poland, during the study period was 3.73 to 5.17 (95% CI). According to the multivariate analysis, the risk factors for DDH were birth weight (OR = 2.17 (1.41–3.32)), week of delivery (OR = 1.18 (1.00–1.37)), female sex (OR = 8.16 (4.86–13.71)), breech presentation (OR = 5.92 (3.37–10.40)), physical signs of DDH (25.28 (8.77–72.83)) and positive family history in siblings (5.74 (2.68–12.31)). Our results support the recent hypothesis that preterm infants (<37 weeks) have a lower rate of DDH. Conclusions: A multivariate logistic regression predictive model was used to build the risk calculator. The DDH risk calculator will be evaluated in a prospective validation study.
The Very First Romanian Unruptured 13-Weeks Gestation Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy
Authors: Ilea Ciprian , Ilie Ovidiu-Dumitru , Marcu Olivia-Andreea , Stoian Irina , Doroftei Bogdan
Published: August 2022

Tubal ectopic pregnancies remain a challenging and life-threatening obstetric condition in the early stages that unavoidably lead to abortion or rupture, further reflected by the associated maternal mortality. Therefore, in the present case report, we report the experience of a 36-year-old woman who presented to our Emergency Department with a history of moderate hypogastric pain, mild vaginal bleeding, and bilateral mastalgia, symptoms that started 20 days ago after uterine curettage for a declarative eight-week pregnancy. On admission, a physical examination showed regular standard signs. The ultrasound examination revealed in the left abdominal flank a gestational sac with a live fetus corresponding to the gestational age of 13 weeks. Given the position of the gestational sac, we suspected a possible abdominal pregnancy. Independently on her human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) of 33.980 mIU/mL and hemoglobin (Hb) of 13.4 g/dL, the exact location of the pregnancy following ultrasound was hard to establish. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination was requested, after which we suspected the diagnosis of ovarian pregnancy. Given the paraclinical and clinical context of the worsening of painful symptoms, we decided to perform an exploratory laparoscopy in the multidisciplinary team (digestive and vascular surgeon) that showed the existence of a tubal pregnancy.
The Impact of Ethnicity on Fetal and Maternal Outcomes of Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Filardi Tiziana , Gentile Maria Cristina , Venditti Vittorio , Valente Antonella , Bleve Enrico , Santangelo Carmela , Morano Susanna
Published: August 2022

Background and Objectives: The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) significantly varies across different ethnic groups. In particular, Africans, Latinos, Asians and Pacific Islanders are the ethnic groups with the highest risk of GDM. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of ethnicity on pregnancy outcomes in GDM. Patients and Methods: n = 399 patients with GDM were enrolled, n = 76 patients of high-risk ethnicity (HR-GDM), and n = 323 of low-risk ethnicity (LR-GDM). Clinical and biochemical parameters were collected during pregnancy until delivery. Fetal and maternal short-term outcomes were evaluated. Results: HR-GDM had significantly higher values of glycosylated hemoglobin checked at 26–29 weeks of gestation (p < 0.001). Gestational age at delivery was significantly lower in HR-GDM (p = 0.03). The prevalence of impaired fetal growth was significantly higher in HR-GDM than LR-GDM (p = 0.009). In logistic regression analysis, the likelihood of impaired fetal growth was seven times higher in HR-GDM than in LR-GDM, after adjustment for pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain (OR = 7.1 [2.0–25.7] 95% CI, p = 0.003). Conclusions: HR-GDM had worse pregnancy outcomes compared with LR-GDM. An ethnicity-tailored clinical approach might be effective in reducing adverse outcomes in GDM.
Elucidating the Role of Chmp1 Overexpression in the Transport of Polyamines in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Stump Coryn L. , Casero Robert A. , Phanstiel Otto , DiAngelo Justin R. , Nowotarski Shannon L.
Published: August 2022

Polyamines are small organic cations that are essential for many biological processes such as cell proliferation and cell cycle progression. While the metabolism of polyamines has been well studied, the mechanisms by which polyamines are transported into and out of cells are poorly understood. Here, we describe a novel role of Chmp1, a vesicular trafficking protein, in the transport of polyamines using a well-defined leg imaginal disc assay in Drosophila melanogaster larvae. We show that Chmp1 overexpression had no effect on leg development in Drosophila, but does attenuate the negative impact on leg development of Ant44, a cytotoxic drug known to enter cells through the polyamine transport system (PTS), suggesting that the overexpression of Chmp1 downregulated the PTS. Moreover, we showed that the addition of spermine did not rescue the leg development in Chmp1-overexpressing leg discs treated with difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), an inhibitor of polyamine metabolism, while putrescine and spermidine did, suggesting that there may be unique mechanisms of import for individual polyamines. Thus, our data provide novel insight into the underlying mechanisms that are involved in polyamine transport and highlight the utility of the Drosophila imaginal disc assay as a fast and easy way to study potential players involved in the PTS.
A Construct Validity Study for the Union Intolerance Scale: Convergent-Discriminant Validity and Concurrent Criterion-Related Validity
Authors: Mellor Steven
Published: August 2022

Stemming from union intolerance as a psychological construct, defined as sustained hatred by nonunion employees when unions are perceived to encourage intolerable vices in employees and, notably, in union employees, we sought to broaden the empirical basis to claim scale validity for the union intolerance scale. In doing so, we targeted two forms of construct validity: convergent-discriminant validity and concurrent criterion-related validity. Based on survey data drawn from a sample of American nonunion employees (N = 162), we found supportive correlational evidence for both forms. In reference to convergent validity, the scores yielded by the intolerance scale showed expected convergence with the scores yielded by measures of general intolerance of stigmatized groups and union reliance. In reference to discriminant validity, the scores yielded by the intolerance scale showed expected divergence with the scores yielded by a measure of self-reported negative social emotions linked to vices. As for concurrent validity, the scores yielded by the intolerance scale were associated with the scores yielded by a measure of support for the Protecting the Right to Organize Act (the PRO Act), a proposed labor law passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, in which employees indicated whether they will or will not urge their two State Senators to cast a vote in favor of the Act when it is brought to the floor of the U.S. Senate. Included are discussion points about why the scale can be suggested as valid and how scale validity can be extended.
The Improved Biocontrol Agent, F1-35, Protects Watermelon against Fusarium Wilt by Triggering Jasmonic Acid and Ethylene Pathways
Authors: Dong Xiao-Min , Lian Qing-Gui , Chen Jing , Jia Rui-Min , Zong Zhao-Feng , Ma Qing , Wang Yang
Published: August 2022

Watermelon Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (FON), is one of the most important diseases, and has become a major limiting factor to watermelon production worldwide. Previous research has found that the improved biocontrol agent, F1-35, had a high control efficiency to watermelon Fusarium wilt. In this study, the control efficiency of F1-35 to watermelon Fusarium wilt was firstly tested, and the control efficiency was 61.7%. Then, we investigated the mode of action of F1-35 in controlling watermelon Fusarium wilt. Using a pairing assay, we found that F1-35 did not inhibit the normal growth of FON. To know more about the interaction between F1-35 and watermelon root, the protein expressions of roots after 12, 24, and 48 h post-inoculation were examined. A total of 1109 differentially expressed proteins were obtained. KEGG analysis found that the most differentially expressed proteins occurred in alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism, plant–pathogen interaction, and the MAPK signaling pathway to the plant. A further analysis of differentially expressed proteins showed that F1-35 triggered the jasmonic acid and ethylene pathways in watermelon. To validate our results, the qRT-PCR was used to analyze the gene expression levels of PAL, LOX1, and CTR1. The gene expression results showed that those genes, which were positive correlated with the JA pathway, were up-expressed, including PAL and LOX1, and the negative associated gene, CTR1, was down-expressed. In conclusion, the improved biocontrol agent, F1-35, improves the resistance of watermelons to FON by triggering the JA and ET pathways.
Detection of Acanthamoeba from Acanthamoeba Keratitis Mouse Model Using Acanthamoeba-Specific Antibodies
Authors: Kim Min-Jeong , Ham A-Jeong , Park A-Young , Sohn Hae-Jin , Shin Ho-Joon , Quan Fu-Shi , Kong Hyun-Hee , Moon Eun-Kyung
Published: August 2022

Although the prevalence of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is rare, its incidence in contact lens wearers has increased. Acanthamoeba infections can lead to the loss of vision if the diagnosis and treatment are delayed. In this study, we investigated the diagnostic potential of two antibodies raised against the adenylyl cyclase-associated protein (ACAP) and periplasmic binding protein (PBP) of A. castellanii in the AK mouse model. The specificity of ACAP and PBP antibodies to Acanthamoeba was confirmed by immunocytochemistry. AK mouse models were produced by corneal infections with A. castellanii trophozoites for 7 days and 21 days. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results revealed that both ACAP and PBP antibodies successfully detected Acanthamoeba antigens in the tears and eyeball lysates of the AK mouse model. The detection levels of Acanthamoeba antigens were similar at both infection time points. Anti-Acanthamoeba IgG, IgA, and IgM antibodies were evaluated from the sera of the AK mouse model. Notably, IgM and IgA antibody responses were highest and lowest at both time points, respectively. Our findings revealed that both ACAP and PBP antibodies could detect Acanthamoeba antigens in the tears and eyeball lysates of the AK mouse model. These results provide important information for understanding Acanthamoeba infections and developing a new diagnostic tool for AK.
Environmental, Climatic, and Parasite Molecular Factors Impacting the Incidence of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Due to Leishmania tropica in Three Moroccan Foci
Authors: Daoui Othmane , Bennaid Hamza , Kbaich Mouad Ait , Mhaidi Idris , Aderdour Nacer , Rhinane Hassan , Bouhout Souad , Akarid Khadija , Lemrani Meryem
Published: August 2022

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) occurring due to Leishmania tropica is a public health problem in Morocco. The distribution and incidence of this form of leishmaniasis have increased in an unusual way in the last decade, and the control measures put in place are struggling to slow down the epidemic. This study was designed to assess the impact of climatic and environmental factors on CL in L. tropica foci. The data collected included CL incidence and climatic and environmental factors across three Moroccan foci (Foum Jemaa, Imintanout, and Ouazzane) from 2000 to 2019. Statistical analyses were performed using the linear regression model. An association was found between the occurrence of CL in Imintanout and temperature and humidity (r2 = 0.6076, df = (1.18), p-value = 3.09 × 10−5; r2 = 0.6306, df = (1.18), p-value = 1.77 × 10−5). As a second objective of our study, we investigated the population structure of L.tropica in these three foci, using the nuclear marker internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1). Our results showed a low-to-medium level of geographic differentiation among the L.tropica populations using pairwise differentiation. Molecular diversity indices showed a high genetic diversity in Foum Jemaa and Imintanout; indeed, 29 polymorphic sites were identified, leading to the definition of 13 haplotypes. Tajima’s D and Fu’s F test statistics in all populations were not statistically significant, and consistent with a population at drift–mutation equilibrium. Further analysis, including additional DNA markers and a larger sample size, could provide a more complete perspective of L. tropica’s population structure in these three regions. In addition, further research is needed to better understand the impact of climatic conditions on the transmission cycle of Leishmania, allowing both for the development of effective control measures, and for the development of a predictive model for this parasitosis.
A Typology of Virtual Reality Locomotion Techniques
Authors: Boletsis Costas , Chasanidou Dimitra
Published: August 2022

Researchers have proposed a wide range of categorization schemes in order to characterize the space of VR locomotion techniques. In a previous work, a typology of VR locomotion techniques was proposed, introducing motion-based, roomscale-based, controller-based, and teleportation-based types of VR locomotion. The fact that (i) the proposed typology is used widely and makes a significant research impact in the field and (ii) the VR locomotion field is a considerably active research field, creates the need for this typology to be up-to-date and valid. Therefore, the present study builds on this previous work, and the typology’s consistency is investigated through a systematic literature review. Altogether, 42 articles were included in this literature review, eliciting 80 instances of 10 VR locomotion techniques. The results indicated that current typology cannot cover teleportation-based techniques enabled by motion (e.g., gestures and gazes). Therefore, the typology was updated, and a new type was added: “motion-based teleporting.”