bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glucose Concentrations from Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices Compared to Those from Blood Plasma during an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test in Healthy Young Adults
Authors: Kontou Thomas G. , Sargent Charli , Roach Gregory D.
Published: December 2021

Continuous glucose monitoring devices measure glucose in interstitial fluid. The devices are effective when used by patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes but are increasingly being used by researchers who are interested in the effects of various behaviours of glucose concentrations in healthy participants. Despite their more frequent application in this setting, the devices have not yet been validated for use under such conditions. A total of 124 healthy participants were recruited to a ten-day laboratory study. Each participant underwent four oral glucose tolerance tests, and a total of 3315 out of a possible 4960 paired samples were included in the final analysis. Bland–Altman plots and mean absolute relative differences were used to determine the agreement between the two methods. Bland–Altman analyses revealed that the continuous glucose monitoring devices had proportional bias (R = 0.028, p < 0.001) and a mean bias of −0.048 mmol/L, and device measurements were more variable as glucose concentrations increased. Ninety-nine per cent of paired values were in Zones A and B of the Parkes Error Grid plot, and there was an overall mean absolute relative difference of 16.2% (±15.8%). There was variability in the continuous glucose monitoring devices, and this variability was higher when glucose concentrations were higher. If researchers were to use continuous glucose monitoring devices to measure glucose concentrations during an oral glucose tolerance test in healthy participants, this variability would need to be considered.
A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Care Arrangements of Older People with Limited Physical Abilities Living Alone in Italy
Authors: Melchiorre Maria Gabriella , Quattrini Sabrina , Lamura Giovanni , Socci Marco
Published: December 2021

Older people with limited physical abilities, who live alone without cohabiting family members, need support ageing in place and to perform daily living activities. In this respect, both the available informal and formal care seem crucial. The present study aimed to explore the current role of the care arrangements of older people, especially if they have functional limitations. Qualitative interviews were carried out in 2019 within the “Inclusive ageing in place” (IN-AGE) research project, involving 120 older people who lived at home, alone, or with a private personal care assistant (PCA) in three Italian regions (Lombardy, Marche, and Calabria). A mixed-methods analysis was conducted. Results showed that support networks are still mainly made up of family members, but also of domestic home help (DHH) and PCAs, friends/neighbours, and public services, albeit the latter provide support in a residual way, while the former is not as intensive as it was in the past. Frequency and geographical/living proximity of help play a role, emerging also as a territorial differentiation. The paucity or absence of support, especially from the family, risks compromising the ability of ageing in place. It seems, thus, necessary to innovate and improve, in particular, home services, also through real formal and informal care integration.
Stroke Survivors’ Personal Efficacy Beliefs and Outcome Expectations of Tai Chi Exercise: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
Authors: Taylor-Piliae Ruth , Dolan Hanne , Yako Aodet
Published: December 2021

Prior qualitative research conducted among stroke survivors to explore the potential benefits and challenges of participating in tai chi exercise during stroke recovery is limited to those without depression. A qualitative descriptive approach was used. Social Cognitive Theory and Complex Systems Biology provided the theoretical framework, with focus group interview data collected from stroke survivors after participation in a tai chi intervention. Due to COVID-19, the focus group interview was conducted via online video conferencing. Content analysis of the de-identified transcript was conducted with a-priori codes based on the theoretical framework and inductive codes that were added during the analysis process. Lincoln and Guba’s criteria were followed to ensure trustworthiness of the data. Community-dwelling stroke survivors (n = 7) participating in the focus group interviews were on average 68 years old, mainly retired (71%, n = 5), married women (57%, n = 4) with >13 years education (86%, n = 6). The three major themes were: personal efficacy beliefs, tai chi intervention active ingredients, and outcome expectations. Social Cognitive Theory underscored stroke survivors’ personal efficacy beliefs, behavior, and outcome expectations, while Complex Systems Biology highlighted the active ingredients of the tai chi intervention they experienced. Participation in the 8-week tai chi intervention led to perceived physical, mental, and social benefits post stroke.
Scientometric Analysis of Disaster Risk Perception: 2000–2020
Authors: Yu Tianlong , Yang Hao , Luo Xiaowei , Jiang Yifeng , Wu Xiang , Gao Jingqi
Published: December 2021

This paper used 1526 works from the literature on disaster risk perception from 2000 to 2020 in the Web of Science core collection database as the research subject. The CiteSpace knowledge graph analysis tool was used to visual analyze the country, author, institution, discipline distribution, keywords, and keyword clustering mapping. The paper drew the following conclusions. Firstly, disaster risk perception research has experienced three stages of steady development, undulating growth, and rapid growth. Secondly, the field of disaster risk perception was mainly concentrated in the disciplines of engineering, natural science, and management science. Thirdly, meteorological disasters, earthquakes, nuclear radiation, and epidemics were the main disasters in the field of disaster risk perception. Residents and adolescents were the main subjects of research in the field of disaster risk perception. Fourthly, research on human risk behavior and risk psychology and research on disaster risk control and emergency management were two major research hotspots in the field of disaster risk perception. Finally, the research field of disaster risk perception is constantly expanding. There is a trend from theory to application and multi-perspective combination, and future research on disaster risk perception will be presented more systematically. The conclusion can provide a reference for disaster risk perception research, as well as directions for future research.
Landscape Evolution and It’s Impact of Ecosystem Service Value of the Wuhan City, China
Authors: Chen Ru , Huang Chunbo
Published: December 2021

Rapid urbanization and industrialization and enhanced ecological protection measures have greatly influenced landscape change, which has exacerbated regional landscape competition and conflicts and indirectly affected the supply of ecosystem services. Clarifying the relationship between ecosystem service change and landscape change is useful for understanding the impact of ecosystem conversion on socio-economic development and providing a knowledge base for relevant policy decisions. In this study, we used remote sensing technology to process Landsat TM/ETM+/OLI imageries, combined with transformation analysis and kernel density analysis to study the spatial and temporal characteristics of land use change in Wuhan City from 1980 to 2020. We also estimated the ESV in the region using the improved unit area value equivalent method to reveal the trends of ESV changes in Wuhan. The results showed that land use changes in Wuhan during 1980–2020 occurred mainly in terms of decreases in farmland, forestland, and bare land, as well as increases in built-up land and water bodies. The built-up land was mainly concentrated in the main urban areas, but its area in each suburban area has increased in recent years. In contrast, farmland was mainly distributed in suburban areas, and its area has been decreasing in recent years due to the impact of urban expansion. However, the reduction is compensated for by the reclamation of ecological land such as grassland and forestland, which has aggravated the loss of ecosystem service values in the study area. In addition, human activities such as urban expansion have increased the demand for water resources, while also leading to ecological problems such as water scarcity and water quality degradation, which have caused serious losses to key ecosystem services in Wuhan city. Therefore, in order to alleviate the competition and conflicts in the landscape and mitigate the loss of ecosystem service values in this area, we have proposed some constructive suggestions for future urban planning and water quality improvements in Wuhan. The focus of these suggestions is on controlling the expansion of built-up land, as well as the conservation of ecological land and resource protection. Meanwhile, our findings can also provide reference information for land resource planning and ecological monitoring, and help researchers to understand the contribution of ecosystem service functions in relation to socio-economic development.
Correlation of ADIPOQ Gene Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms with Bone Strength Index in Middle-Aged and the Elderly of Guangxi Mulam Ethnic Group
Authors: Zhou Min , Ning Ning , Jiang Yueming , Aschner Michael , Huang Xiufeng , Bin Xiaoyun , Wang Jinhua
Published: December 2021

Background: Osteoporosis (OP) is a common orthopedic disease in the elderly, and Adiponectin (ADIPOQ) is closely related to bone metabolism. Objective: To determine the relationship between five single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci in the ADIPOQ gene and osteoporosis in middle-aged and elderly Mulam subjects in Hechi, Guangxi. Methods: This case-control study included 297 middle-aged and elderly Mulam subjects with normal bone mass, 49 subjects with reduced bone mass, and 38 subjects with osteoporosis. Five loci (rs266729, rs1063539, rs2241766, rs3774261, rs710445) of the ADIPOQ in the Mulam subjects were genotyped using SNP with multiple-base extension. Results: The bone strength index (SI) of middle-aged and elderly Mulam subjects showed an overall decreasing trend when the subjects were older. Age, muscle mass, and subcutaneous fat content were the main factors influencing the SI in Mulam subjects. The GC genotype of rs266729 and the GA and GG genotypes of rs710445 were significantly correlated with risk of bone loss (p < 0.05). rs2241766 and rs1063539 showed strong LD (D’ > 0.8, r2 > 0.33). rs710445 and rs266729 loci and rs3774261 and rs2241766 loci showed complete LD (D’ = 1). Conclusions: The GC genotype at rs266729 of the ADIPOQ gene, the GA and GG genotypes at rs710445, and the haplotypes CCGAA and GGTAG correlated with osteoporosis (p < 0.05). The allele C of rs1063539, rs266729 and rs710445 may afford protection for osteoporosis. The allele G may be the genetic susceptibility gene for osteoporosis, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
Biomethane Production from Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Selected Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (OFMSW) with Sewage Sludge: Effect of the Inoculum to Substrate Ratio (ISR) and Mixture Composition on Process Performances
Authors: Corsino Santo Fabio , Torregrossa Michele , Viviani Gaspare
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the inoculum to substrate ratio (ISR) and the mixture ratio between organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) and sewage sludge (SS) on the methane production potential achievable from anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD). Biochemical Methane Potential (BMP) assays at mesophilic temperature were used to determine the best AcoD configuration for maximizing methane yield and production rate, as well as to address possible synergistic effects. The maximum methane yield was observed at ISR of 1 and 60% OFMSW: 40% SS as co-digestion mixture, whereas the highest methane production rate was achieved at ISR of 2 with the same mixture ratio (207 mL/gVS/d). Synergistic effects were highlighted in the mixtures having OFMSW below 60%, determining an increase of approximately 40% in methane production than the OFMSW and SS digestion as a sole substrate. The experimental data demonstrated that co-digestion of OFMSW and SS resulted in an increase in the productivity of methane than anaerobic digestion using the sole substrates, producing higher yields or production rates while depending on the ISR and the mixture ratio.
Plant Sterol-Poor Diet Is Associated with Pro-Inflammatory Lipid Mediators in the Murine Brain
Authors: Reinicke Madlen , Leyh Judith , Zimmermann Silke , Chey Soroth , Brkovic Ilijana Begcevic , Wassermann Christin , Landmann Julia , Lütjohann Dieter , Isermann Berend , Bechmann Ingo , Ceglarek Uta
Published: December 2021

Plant sterols (PSs) cannot be synthesized in mammals and are exclusively diet-derived. PSs cross the blood-brain barrier and may have anti-neuroinflammatory effects. Obesity is linked to lower intestinal uptake and blood levels of PSs, but its effects in terms of neuroinflammation—if any—remain unknown. We investigated the effect of high-fat diet-induced obesity on PSs in the brain and the effects of the PSs campesterol and β-sitosterol on in vitro microglia activation. Sterols (cholesterol, precursors, PSs) and polyunsaturated fatty acid-derived lipid mediators were measured in the food, blood, liver and brain of C57BL/6J mice. Under a PSs-poor high-fat diet, PSs levels decreased in the blood, liver and brain (>50%). This effect was reversible after 2 weeks upon changing back to a chow diet. Inflammatory thromboxane B2 and prostaglandin D2 were inversely correlated to campesterol and β-sitosterol levels in all brain regions. PSs content was determined post mortem in human cortex samples as well. In vitro, PSs accumulate in lipid rafts isolated from SIM-A9 microglia cell membranes. In summary, PSs levels in the blood, liver and brain were associated directly with PSs food content and inversely with BMI. PSs dampen pro-inflammatory lipid mediators in the brain. The identification of PSs in the human cortex in comparable concentration ranges implies the relevance of our findings for humans.
Pharmacological Inhibition of Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Suppresses Tumor Development in a Murine Model of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Cho Kyungjoo , Moon Hyuk , Seo Sang Hyun , Ro Simon Weonsang , Kim Beom Kyung
Published: December 2021

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCC) is the second most primary liver cancer with an aggressive biological behavior, and its incidence increases steadily. An aberrant up-regulation of the sonic hedgehog signaling pathway has been reported in a variety of hepatic diseases including hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, as well as cancer. In this study, we determined the effect of a sonic hedgehog inhibitor, vismodegib, on the development of CCC. Through database analyses, we found sonic hedgehog signaling was up-regulated in human CCC, based on overexpression of its target genes, GLI1 and GLI2. Further, human CCC cells were highly sensitive to the treatment with vismodegib in vitro. Based on the data, we investigated the in vivo anti-cancer efficacy of vismodegib in CCC employing a murine model of CCC developed by hydrodynamic tail vein injection method. In the murine model, CCC induced by constitutively active forms of TAZ and PI3K exhibited up-regulated sonic hedgehog signaling. Treatment of vismodegib significantly suppressed tumor development in the murine CCC model, based on comparison of gross morphologies and liver weight/body weight. It is expected that pharmacological inhibition of sonic hedgehog signaling would be an effective molecular target therapy for CCC.
Disrupting the Molecular Pathway in Myotonic Dystrophy
Authors: Xing Xiaomeng , Kumari Anjani , Brown Jake , Brook John David
Published: December 2021

Myotonic dystrophy is the most common muscular dystrophy in adults. It consists of two forms: type 1 (DM1) and type 2 (DM2). DM1 is associated with a trinucleotide repeat expansion mutation, which is transcribed but not translated into protein. The mutant RNA remains in the nucleus, which leads to a series of downstream abnormalities. DM1 is widely considered to be an RNA-based disorder. Thus, we consider three areas of the RNA pathway that may offer targeting opportunities to disrupt the production, stability, and degradation of the mutant RNA.
Hydrogen Sulfide Improves the Cold Stress Resistance through the CsARF5-CsDREB3 Module in Cucumber
Authors: Zhang Xiaowei , Fu Xin , Liu Fengjiao , Wang Yanan , Bi Huangai , Ai Xizhen
Published: December 2021

As an important gas signaling molecule, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) plays a crucial role in regulating cold tolerance. H2S cooperates with phytohormones such as abscisic acid, ethylene, and salicylic acid to regulate the plant stress response. However, the synergistic regulation of H2S and auxin in the plant response to cold stress has not been reported. This study showed that sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, an H2S donor) treatment enhanced the cold stress tolerance of cucumber seedlings and increased the level of auxin. CsARF5, a cucumber auxin response factor (ARF) gene, was isolated, and its role in regulating H2S-mediated cold stress tolerance was described. Transgenic cucumber leaves overexpressing CsARF5 were obtained. Physiological analysis indicated that overexpression of CsARF5 enhanced the cold stress tolerance of cucumber and the regulation of the cold stress response by CsARF5 depends on H2S. In addition, molecular assays showed that CsARF5 modulated cold stress response by directly activating the expression of the dehydration-responsive element-binding (DREB)/C-repeat binding factor (CBF) gene CsDREB3, which was identified as a positive regulator of cold stress. Taken together, the above results suggest that CsARF5 plays an important role in H2S-mediated cold stress in cucumber. These results shed light on the molecular mechanism by which H2S regulates cold stress response by mediating auxin signaling; this will provide insights for further studies on the molecular mechanism by which H2S regulates cold stress. The aim of this study was to explore the molecular mechanism of H2S regulating cold tolerance of cucumber seedlings and provide a theoretical basis for the further study of cucumber cultivation and environmental adaptability technology in winter.
OsFH3 Encodes a Type II Formin Required for Rice Morphogenesis
Authors: Chang Shuwei , Ren Zhanhong , Liu Chang , Du Pingzhou , Li Jingbin , Liu Zengyu , Zhang Fengli , Hou Haili , Shi Jianxin , Liang Wanqi , Yang Litao , Ren Haiyun , Zhang Dabing
Published: December 2021

The actin cytoskeleton is crucial for plant morphogenesis, and organization of actin filaments (AF) is dynamically regulated by actin-binding proteins. However, the roles of actin-binding proteins, particularly type II formins, in this process remain poorly understood in plants. Here, we report that a type II formin in rice, Oryza sativa formin homolog 3 (OsFH3), acts as a major player to modulate AF dynamics and contributes to rice morphogenesis. osfh3 mutants were semi-dwarf with reduced size of seeds and unchanged responses to light or gravity compared with mutants of osfh5, another type II formin in rice. osfh3 osfh5 mutants were dwarf with more severe developmental defectiveness. Recombinant OsFH3 could nucleate actin, promote AF bundling, and cap the barbed end of AF to prevent elongation and depolymerization, but in the absence of profilin, OsFH3 could inhibit AF elongation. Different from other reported type II formins, OsFH3 could bind, but not bundle, microtubules directly. Furthermore, its N-terminal phosphatase and tensin homolog domain played a key role in modulating OsFH3 localization at intersections of AF and punctate structures of microtubules, which differed from other reported plant formins. Our results, thus, provide insights into the biological function of type II formins in modulating plant morphology by acting on AF dynamics.
Transcription Factor ChREBP Mediates High Glucose-Evoked Increase in HIF-1α Content in Epithelial Cells of Renal Proximal Tubules
Authors: Owczarek Aleksandra , Gieczewska Katarzyna B. , Jarzyna Robert , Frydzinska Zuzanna , Winiarska Katarzyna
Published: December 2021

Hyperglycemia/diabetes appears to be accompanied by the state of hypoxia, which especially affects kidneys. The aim of the study was to elucidate the mechanism of high glucose action on HIF-1α expression in renal proximal tubule epithelial cells. The research hypotheses included: (1) the participation of transcription factor ChREBP; and (2) the involvement of the effects resulting from pseudohypoxia, i.e., lowered intracellular NAD+/NADH ratio. The experiments were performed on HK-2 cells and primary cells: D-RPTEC (Diseased Human Renal Proximal Tubule Epithelial Cells—Diabetes Type II) and RPTEC (Renal Proximal Tubule Epithelial Cells). Protein and mRNA contents were determined by Western blot and RT-qPCR, respectively. ChREBP binding to DNA was detected applying chromatin immunoprecipitation, followed by RT-qPCR. Gene knockdown was performed using siRNA. Sirtuin activity and NAD+/NADH ratio were measured with commercially available kits. It was found that high glucose in HK-2 cells incubated under normoxic conditions: (1) activated transcription of HIF-1 target genes, elevated HIF-1α and ChREBP content, and increased the efficacy of ChREBP binding to promoter region of HIF1A gene; and (2), although it lowered NAD+/NADH ratio, it affected neither sirtuin activity nor HIF-1α acetylation level. The stimulatory effect of high glucose on HIF-1α expression was not observed upon the knockdown of ChREBP encoding gene. Experiments on RPTEC and D-RPTEC cells demonstrated that HIF-1α content in diabetic proximal tubular cells was lower than that in normal ones but remained high glucose-sensitive, and the latter phenomenon was mediated by ChREBP. Thus, it is concluded that the mechanism of high glucose-evoked increase in HIF-1α content in renal proximal tubule endothelial cells involves activation of ChREBP, indirectly capable of HIF1A gene up-regulation.
Analysis of Pedestrians’ Perceptions about the Design Aspects of Crossing Facilities: A Case in Nizwa, Oman
Authors: Javid Muhammad Ashraf , Khalid Mashood , Ali Nazam , Campisi Tiziana , Canale Antonino , Suparp Suniti
Published: December 2021

This study aims to identify the key factors in pedestrians’ intentions when using crossing facilities. For this purpose, a comprehensive questionnaire was designed and conducted at selected locations in Nizwa city. The main investigated variables are linked to personal characteristics, opinions on the main reasons for accidents, and how hard it is for pedestrians to cross roads at different locations in Nizwa city. Statements were also designed on the safety and health aspects of pedestrian crossings, as well as the physical and design aspects of pedestrian crossing facilities. Suitable locations were selected for the survey to assess the main concerns of pedestrian facilities. A total of 280 usable samples were collected from the selected locations. The analysis results revealed that young pedestrians do not find it difficult to use pedestrian bridges and underpasses when crossing roads. Pedestrians’ prioritization of safety when crossing, pedestrians’ health conditions, the proper cleaning and lighting of facilities, and the good design of facilities are significant determinants of pedestrians’ intentions when using crossing facilities. Crossing facilities need to be maintained properly, for example, through the cleaning and lighting of facilities. Proper awareness among pedestrians and vehicle drivers is required for the safety of pedestrians.
Determining the Effect of Temperature on the Growth and Reproduction of Lasioderma serricorne Using Two-Sex Life Table Analysis
Authors: Wang Tao , Ren Yan-Ling , Tian Tai-An , Li Zhi-Tao , Wang Xing-Ning , Wu Zhi-Yi , Tang Jian , Liu Jian-Feng
Published: December 2021

The cigarette beetle Lasioderma serricorne (Fabricius) is a major pest of stored products worldwide, especially tobacco and foods, causing huge economic losses. This study aimed to experimentally investigate the population dynamics of this pest at different temperatures and provide theoretical input for its control. Populations of L. serricorne were established under laboratory conditions at five temperatures (21 °C, 24 °C, 27 °C, 30 °C, and 33 °C). Results showed that an increasing temperature significantly affected the developmental time, longevity, oviposition period, and fecundity of L. serricorne. Both the longevity and fecundity of adult beetles were significantly reduced as the temperature increased. High temperatures significantly reduced the total duration of the preoviposition period but prolonged the oviposition period of L. serricorne. Increasing the temperatures from 21 °C to 33 °C significantly influenced the life table parameters of L. serricorne. The intrinsic increase rate (r), finite increase rate (λ), and gross reproductive rate (GRR) all increased with a greater rearing temperature, but mean generation time (T) was significantly shortened. To our best knowledge, this is the first report to detail the entire life history of the cigarette beetle in response to different temperatures when reared on tobacco dry leaves. This finding may provide basic information on the occurrence of L. serricorne in a warehouse setting and its mass rearing.
Reliable Estimation of Deterioration Levels via Late Fusion Using Multi-View Distress Images for Practical Inspection
Authors: Maeda Keisuke , Ogawa Naoki , Ogawa Takahiro , Haseyama Miki
Published: December 2021

This paper presents reliable estimation of deterioration levels via late fusion using multi-view distress images for practical inspection. The proposed method simultaneously solves the following two problems that are necessary to support the practical inspection. Since maintenance of infrastructures requires a high level of safety and reliability, this paper proposes a neural network that can generate an attention map from distress images and text data acquired during the inspection. Thus, deterioration level estimation with high interpretability can be realized. In addition, since multi-view distress images are taken for single distress during the actual inspection, it is necessary to estimate the final result from these images. Therefore, the proposed method integrates estimation results obtained from the multi-view images via the late fusion and can derive an appropriate result considering all the images. To the best of our knowledge, no method has been proposed to solve these problems simultaneously, and this achievement is the biggest contribution of this paper. In this paper, we confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method by conducting experiments using data acquired during the actual inspection.
Development of a Multidirectional Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) Process with Pure Object Manipulation: Process Introduction and First Prototypes
Authors: Parmar Khushal , Oster Lukas , Mann Samuel , Sharma Rahul , Reisgen Uwe , Schmitz Markus , Nowicki Thomas , Wiartalla Jan , Hüsing Mathias , Corves Burkhard
Published: December 2021

Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) with eccentric wire feed requires defined operating conditions due to the possibility of varying shapes of the deposited and solidified material depending on the welding torch orientation. In consequence, the produced component can contain significant errors because single bead geometrical errors are cumulatively added to the next layer during a building process. In order to minimise such inaccuracies caused by torch manipulation, this article illustrates the concept and testing of object-manipulated WAAM by incorporating robotic and welding technologies. As the first step towards this target, robotic hardware and software interfaces were developed to control the robot. Alongside, a fixture for holding the substrate plate was designed and fabricated. After establishing the robotic setup, in order to complete the whole WAAM process setup, a Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) process was built and integrated into the system. Later, an experimental plan was prepared to perform single and multilayer welding experiments as well as for different trajectories. According to this plan, several welding experiments were performed to decide the parametric working range for the further WAAM experiments. In the end, the results of the first multilayer depositions over intricate trajectories are shown. Further performance and quality optimization strategies are also discussed at the end of this article.
Bidenichthys okamotoi, a New Species of the Bythitidae (Ophidiiformes, Teleostei) from the Koko Seamount, Central North Pacific
Authors: Møller Peter R. , Schwarzhans Werner W. , Lauridsen Henrik , Nielsen Jørgen G.
Published: December 2021

Two specimens from the Koko Seamount (Koko Guyot), in the Hawaiian-Emperor seamount chain, Central North Pacific, caught in 2009 and 2010 are here described as a new species, Bidenichthys okamotoi. The taxonomy of the species in the genera Bidenichthys Barnard, 1934, and Fiordichthys Paulin, 1995, has been confusing due to the lost type of B. consorbrinus (Hutton, 1876) and the rarity of some of the species. Following the synonymization of Fiordichthys Paulin, 1995, with Bidenichthys by Møller and Nielsen 2015 and of Bidenichthys beeblebroxi Paulin, 1995, with Bidenichthys consobrinus Hutton, 1876, the genus Bidenichthys now comprises five species: B. capensis, B. consobrinus, B. okamotoi, B. paxtoni and B. slartibartfasti. Bidenichthys okamotoi differs from its congeners in, e.g., the fewer precaudal vertebrae (12 vs. 13), more palatine teeth rows (4–6 vs. 2–3), shorter pelvic fins (12.1–13.4% vs. 14.4–21.0% SL), max size (187 vs. 147 mm SL) and the shape of the sulcus of the otolith. We here present an updated diagnosis of the genus. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the holotype of B. okamotoi provides for additional anatomical details. The disjunctive occurrence of Bidenichthys okamotoi on the Emperor Seamount chain about 7500 km from the nearest congeneric taxon in New Zealand is discussed. The fossil otolith-based record of the genus Bidenichthys and its systematic implications is briefly discussed.
Type and Distribution of Microplastics in Beach Sediment along the Coast of the Eastern Gulf of Thailand
Authors: Jualaong Suthep , Pransilpa Mitila , Pradit Siriporn , Towatana Prawit
Published: December 2021

In the oceans and coasts, plastic waste poses a global threat to biodiversity. This study examined the types and distribution of microplastics in beach sediment along the coast of the eastern Gulf of Thailand in March 2018 (northeast monsoon = dry season) and July 2018 (southwest monsoon = rainy season). Microplastic samples were collected from six stations including Koh Khramyai Beach (Chonburi Province), Koh Mannai Beach (Rayong Province), Chao Lao Beach (Chanthaburi Province, 3 stations), and Ploy Dang Beach (Trat Province). The results showed that the highest average abundances of microplastics in March and July were at Koh Mannai Beach (1698 pieces/m2) and Koh Khramyai Beach (799 pieces/m2), respectively. However, no microplastics were found at Ploy Dang Beach in July. According to polymer-type identification using an FTIR spectrometer, 17 polymer types were found in this study. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET = 39.6%) and polyamide (PA = 22.8%) were the polymer types found in the highest proportions in March and July, respectively. In addition, the fiber shape and transparent color of microplastics were found to be the most abundant.
A Review of Methods for Ship Detection with Electro-Optical Images in Marine Environments
Authors: Wang Liqian , Fan Shuzhen , Liu Yunxia , Li Yongfu , Fei Cheng , Liu Junliang , Liu Bohan , Dong Yakui , Liu Zhaojun , Zhao Xian
Published: December 2021

The ocean connects all continents and is an important space for human activities. Ship detection with electro-optical images has shown great potential due to the abundant imaging spectrum and, hence, strongly supports human activities in the ocean. A suitable imaging spectrum can obtain effective images in complex marine environments, which is the premise of ship detection. This paper provides an overview of ship detection methods with electro-optical images in marine environments. Ship detection methods with sea–sky backgrounds include traditional and deep learning methods. Traditional ship detection methods comprise the following steps: preprocessing, sea–sky line (SSL) detection, region of interest (ROI) extraction, and identification. The use of deep learning is promising in ship detection; however, it requires a large amount of labeled data to build a robust model, and its targeted optimization for ship detection in marine environments is not sufficient.
Does the Exchange Rate and Its Volatility Matter for International Trade in Ethiopia?
Authors: Nguse Tiblets , Oshora Betgilu , Fekete-Farkas Maria , Tangl Anita , Desalegn Goshu
Published: December 2021

This study was carried out to investigate the impact of the Ethiopian exchange rate and its volatility on international trade. Trade openness was used as a proxy for international trade in the study. The study’s general objective was to investigate how international trade responds to exchange rate levels and volatility. The study relied solely on secondary time-series data spanning the years 1992 to 2019. The Autoregressive Distributive Lag (ARDL) model was used in the study to investigate the long-term relationship between exchange rate level, volatility, and international trade performance. An error correction model was used to estimate the variables in the short term. To conduct the regression analysis, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and inflation were used as control variables. The finding of the study implies that: in the short term, the exchange rate level was found to negatively and significantly influence international trade. However, exchange rate volatility positively and significantly affects international trade both in the short and in the long term. In addition, gross domestic product, foreign direct investment, and inflation have a positive effect on international trade both in the short term and long term. This finding lends support to the J-curve effects, which suggest an initial loss in the short term followed by a dramatic gain in the long term. However, the findings of this study suggest that there is no significant gain from international trade to justify currency depreciation in Ethiopia.
Valuation Problems in Developing Countries: A New Perspective
Authors: Cheloti Irene , Mooya Manya
Published: December 2021

Valuation problems, such as valuation inaccuracies/variations, client influence, and the use of heuristics, are common problems in property valuation practice globally. These problems have generated debate in recent times under the rubric of “behavioural issues in valuation”. This paper examines valuation problems in developing countries, as well as the current efforts that are undertaken to address these problems, with a view of determining the best approach to explain and/or address them. This stems from the persistence of valuation problems despite efforts undertaken to improve the practice of valuation. The study involves a survey of registered and practising valuers in Kenya. Respondents were asked to indicate valuation problems in practice, adopted strategies, and recommendations to address the said problems. It emerged from the study that valuation problems not only result from valuer misconduct but also market-related problems/the valuation environment in developing countries. The study further found that efforts to address these problems are mainly focused on improving valuer conduct while neglecting market-related problems (problems related to the nature of the valuation environment in developing countries). Based on these findings, the study concludes that valuation problems in practice are better understood in the context of both categories, i.e., valuer conduct and market-related problems, and recommends a holistic approach to address these problems by categorising them appropriately.
A Systematic Review on Technologies and Industry 4.0 in the Forest Supply Chain: A Framework Identifying Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: He Zhaoyuan , Turner Paul
Published: December 2021

Background: Forestry products and forestry organizations play an essential role in our lives and significantly contribute to the global economy. They are also being impacted by the rapid development of advanced technologies and Industry 4.0. More specifically, several technologies associated with Industry 4.0 have been identified for their potential to optimize traditional forest supply chains. However, to date, there has been limited research that has systematically investigated these technologies and the scientific evidence on their impact on forest supply chains. This research systematically reviews the state-of-the-art technologies applied in the forest supply chain and reports on the current (and/or potential) impacts of technologies on the transformation of the forest supply chain towards ‘Forest Industry 4.0′. Methods: The systematic literature review methodology identified 45 peer-reviewed studies for inclusion that are analyzed, interpreted and discussed in this paper. Results: This study developed a framework on the forest supply chain in Industry 4.0. This framework has three components related to forest supply chains: current supportive technologies, improvements and characteristics of the forest supply chain in Industry 4.0, and the strategic outcomes in economic, environmental and social dimensions. The reported impacts of technologies in different phases of the forest supply chain are interpreted and discussed. Conclusion: The study results confirm that most technologies in Industry 4.0 have real or perceived positive impacts on the forest supply chain and reported obstacles and challenges are identified. The results of this study also contribute insights on the wide range of options in terms of technologies available to decision-makers to optimize the forest supply chain towards ‘Forest Industry 4.0′.
Effect of Grain Refinement on the Corrosion Resistance of 316L Stainless Steel
Authors: Ura-Bińczyk Ewa
Published: December 2021

The effect of hydrostatic extrusion (HE) on the microstructure, uniform corrosion, and susceptibility to a localized attack of 316L stainless steel was studied. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses of inclusions before and after HE were carried out. The multiplication of non-metallic inclusions after HE lowered the stability of the passive film over a broad range of pH, while refinement of the matrix had a minor effect on it. The refined materials were prone to metastable pitting, but their pitting corrosion resistance was improved.
Application of Mathematical and Experimental Approach in Description of Sedimentation of Powder Fillers in Epoxy Resin
Authors: Smoleń Jakub , Olesik Piotr , Jała Jakub , Myalska-Głowacka Hanna , Godzierz Marcin , Kozioł Mateusz
Published: December 2021

In this paper, sedimentation inhibition attempts were examined using colloidal silica in a mathematical and experimental approach. Experimental results were validated by a two-step verification process. It was demonstrated that application of quantitative metallography and hardness measurements in three different regions of samples allows us to describe the sedimentation process using modified Stokes law. Moreover, proper application of Stokes law allows one to determine the optimal colloidal silica amount, considering characteristics of applied filler (alumina or graphite). The results of mathematical calculations have been confirmed experimentally—the experimental results show good agreement with the calculated data.
Adhesive Joints with Laser Shaped Surface Microstructures
Authors: Tofil Szymon , Barbucha Robert , Kocik Marek , Kozera Rafał , Tański Mateusz , Arivazhagan Natarajan , Yao Jianhua , Zrak Andrej
Published: December 2021

One of the most commonly applied methods of joining dissimilar materials is gluing. This could be mainly attributed to the applicability of this technique in various industries. The article presents a method of material surface treatment, which increases the shear strength of adhesive joints for lightweight metals such as aluminum with plastics. For this purpose, laser surface microstructuring was performed on each of the selected construction materials. As a result of the performed treatment, the active surface of the glued area was increased, which increased the adhesive strength. The picosecond laser with UV radiation used in the research is TruMicro 5325c with which material can be removed as a result of the cold ablation phenomenon. The applied parameters of the laser device did not cause thermal damage to the surface of the microstructured materials, which was confirmed by microscopic examination. Laser micromachining did not deteriorate the degree of wetting of the tested materials, either, as was confirmed by the contact angle and surface energy measurements with the use of water as the measuring liquid. In investigated cases of microstructure types, the presented method significantly increased the shear strength of the joints formed, as demonstrated by the presented strength test results. Research has shown that created joints with microstructure made according to the described method, are characterized by a significant increase in strength, up to 376%, compared to materials without microstructure. The presented results are part of a series of tests aimed at selecting the operating laser parameters for the implementation of geometric shapes of microstructures which will increase the strength of adhesive joints in selected materials.
High Resolution Powder Electron Diffraction in Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Slouf Miroslav , Skoupy Radim , Pavlova Ewa , Krzyzanek Vladislav
Published: December 2021

A modern scanning electron microscope equipped with a pixelated detector of transmitted electrons can record a four-dimensional (4D) dataset containing a two-dimensional (2D) array of 2D nanobeam electron diffraction patterns; this is known as a four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM). In this work, we introduce a new version of our method called 4D-STEM/PNBD (powder nanobeam diffraction), which yields high-resolution powder diffractograms, whose quality is fully comparable to standard TEM/SAED (selected-area electron diffraction) patterns. Our method converts a complex 4D-STEM dataset measured on a nanocrystalline material to a single 2D powder electron diffractogram, which is easy to process with standard software. The original version of 4D-STEM/PNBD method, which suffered from low resolution, was improved in three important areas: (i) an optimized data collection protocol enables the experimental determination of the point spread function (PSF) of the primary electron beam, (ii) an improved data processing combines an entropy-based filtering of the whole dataset with a PSF-deconvolution of the individual 2D diffractograms and (iii) completely re-written software automates all calculations and requires just a minimal user input. The new method was applied to Au, TbF3 and TiO2 nanocrystals and the resolution of the 4D-STEM/PNBD diffractograms was even slightly better than that of TEM/SAED.
Carbonization of Graphene-Doped Isocyanate-Based Polyimide Foams to Achieve Carbon Foams with Excellent Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Performance
Authors: Jing Hui , Miao Zongnan , Zeng Zhong , Liu Hui , Zhou Shengtai , Zou Huawei , Liang Mei
Published: December 2021

Lightweight carbon foams with excellent electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance were prepared by carbonization process, using isocyanate-based polyimide foams as carbon precursors. The influence of carbonization temperature and graphene-doping on the morphological, electrical and EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of corresponding carbon foams was studied in detail. Results showed that the addition of graphene was beneficial to the improvement of electrical conductivity and EMI shielding performance of carbon foams. The electrical conductivity of carbon foams increased with the carbonization temperature which was related to the increase of graphitization degree. Collapse of foam cells was observed at higher carbonization temperatures, which was detrimental to the overall EMI SE. The optimal carbonization temperature was found at 1100 °C and the carbon foams obtained from 0.5 wt% graphene-doped foams exhibited a specific EMI SE of 2886 dB/(g/cm3), which shows potential applications in fields such as aerospace, aeronautics and electronics.
Tresca Stress Simulation of Metal-on-Metal Total Hip Arthroplasty during Normal Walking Activity
Authors: Ammarullah Muhammad Imam , Afif Ilham Yustar , Maula Mohamad Izzur , Winarni Tri Indah , Tauviqirrahman Mohammad , Akbar Imam , Basri Hasan , van der Heide Emile , Jamari J.
Published: December 2021

The selection of biomaterials for bearing in total hip arthroplasty is very important to avoid various risks of primary postoperative failure for patients. The current investigation attempts to analyze the Tresca stress of metal-on-metal bearings with three different materials, namely, cobalt chromium molybdenum (CoCrMo), stainless steel 316L (SS 316L), and titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V). We used computational simulations using a 2D axisymmetric finite element model to predict Tresca stresses under physiological conditions of the human hip joint during normal walking. The simulation results show that Ti6Al4V-on-Ti6Al4V has the best performance to reduce Tresca stress by 45.76% and 39.15%, respectively, compared to CoCrMo-on-CoCrMo and SS 316L-on-SS 316L.
Designing the Insulation System for Motors in Electrified Aircraft: Optimization, Partial Discharge Issues and Use of Advanced Materials
Authors: Ramin Robin , Montanari Gian Carlo , Yang Qichen
Published: December 2021

Designing the insulation system for motors to be used in electrical aircraft requires efforts for maximizing specific power, but, in parallel, particular attention to achieve high reliability. As a major harm for organic insulation systems is partial discharges, design must be able to infer their likelihood during any operation stage and handle their potential inception. This paper proposes a new approach to carry out optimized or conservative insulation system designs which can provide the specified life at the chosen failure probability as well as look at the option of possibly reducing the risk of partial discharges to zero, at any altitude. Examples of designing turn, phase to ground and phase-to-phase insulation systems are reported, with cases where the design can be optimized and other cases where the optimized design does not pass IEC testing standard. Therefore, the limits for design feasibility as a function of the required level of safety and reliability are discussed, showing that the presence of partial discharges cannot be always avoided even through conservative design criteria. Therefore, the use of advanced, corona-resistant materials must be considered, in order to reach a higher, sometimes redundant, level of reliability.