bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A short-term manual for webcam-based telemedicine treatment of Internet use disorders
Authors: Pape Magdalena , Geisler Birte Linny , Cornelsen Lorraine , Bottel Laura , te Wildt Bert Theodor , Dreier Michael , Herpertz Stephan , Dieris-Hirche Jan
Published: February 2023

In recent decades, the number of people who experience their Internet use behavior as problematic has risen dramatically. In Germany, a representative study from 2013 estimated the prevalence of Internet use disorder (IUD) to be about 1.0%, with higher rates among younger people. A 2020 meta-analysis shows a global weighted average prevalence of 7.02%. This indicates that developing effective IUD treatment programs is more critical than ever. Studies show that motivational interviewing (MI) techniques are widely used and effective in treating substance abuse and IUDs. In addition, an increasing number of online-based health interventions are being developed to provide a low-threshold treatment option. This article presents a short-term online-based treatment manual for IUDs that combines MI techniques with therapy tools from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). The manual includes 12 webcam-based therapy sessions, each lasting 50 min. Each session is framed by a standardized beginning, conclusion, outlook, and flexible session content. In addition, the manual contains example sessions to illustrate the therapeutic intervention. Finally, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of online-based therapy compared to analog treatment settings and provide recommendations for dealing with these challenges. By combining established therapeutic approaches with an online-based therapeutic setting based on flexibility and motivation, we aim to provide a low-threshold solution for treating IUDs.
Leveraging explanations in interactive machine learning: An overview
Authors: Teso Stefano , Alkan Öznur , Stammer Wolfgang , Daly Elizabeth
Published: February 2023

Explanations have gained an increasing level of interest in the AI and Machine Learning (ML) communities in order to improve model transparency and allow users to form a mental model of a trained ML model. However, explanations can go beyond this one way communication as a mechanism to elicit user control, because once users understand, they can then provide feedback. The goal of this paper is to present an overview of research where explanations are combined with interactive capabilities as a mean to learn new models from scratch and to edit and debug existing ones. To this end, we draw a conceptual map of the state-of-the-art, grouping relevant approaches based on their intended purpose and on how they structure the interaction, highlighting similarities and differences between them. We also discuss open research issues and outline possible directions forward, with the hope of spurring further research on this blooming research topic.
A scoping Review of Tools to Evaluate Existing Playgrounds for Inclusivity of Children with Disabilities
Authors: Taylor Leah G. , Primucci Mara , Vanderloo Leigh M. , Arbour-Nicitopoulos Kelly P. , Leo Jennifer , Gilliland Jason , Tucker Patricia
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Children with disabilities may be unable engage playground spaces due to barriers exacerbating exclusion. Therefore, clarity on how to evaluate existing playgrounds for inclusivity of children with disabilities is required.

Methods

A scoping review was undertaken to explore auditing tools.

Results

Fourteen white and grey literature resources were identified. The term “inclusion” was operationalized differently across tools, primarily focusing on physical accessibility. Characteristics of the tools were synthesized into 13 inclusive design recommendations for playgrounds. Two tools showed promise, evaluating 12/13 recommendations.

Discussion

The results of this review provide guidance on existing tools for evaluating playgrounds for inclusion for community stakeholders and researchers.

Systematic Review Registration

https://osf.io/rycmj.
Evaluating short-term and survival outcomes of natural orifice specimen extraction surgery for colorectal cancer: A single-centre retrospective study
Authors: Zhao Fuqiang , Zhao Wei , Xiao Tixian , Wang Zhijie , Huang Fei , Xing Wei , Liu Qian
Published: February 2023

Background

Natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) has been confirmed as an alternative approach without auxiliary incisions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the short-term and survival outcomes of NOSES versus conventional laparoscopic surgery (LAP) in treatment of sigmoid and high rectal cancer.

Method

The retrospective study was conducted at single centers between January 2017 to December 2021. Relevant data included clinical demographics, pathological features, operative parameters, postoperative complications and survival outcomes were collected and analyzed. All procedures were performed using either a NOSES or a conventional LAP approach. Propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted to balance clinical and pathological features between the two groups.

Results

After PSM, a total of 288 patients were eventually included in this study, 144 in each group. Patients in the NOSES group experienced faster recovery of gastrointestinal function (2.6 ± 0.8 vs. 3.6 ± 0.9 day, P = 0.037), less pain and less analgesia required (12.5% vs. 33.3%, P < 0.001). In addition, the incidence of surgical site infection in the LAP group was significantly higher than that in the NOSES group (12.5% vs. 4.2%, P = 0.011), especially incision-related complications (8.3% vs. 2.1%, P = 0.017). After a median follow-up of 32 (range, 3–75) months, the two groups had similar 3-year overall survival rates (88.4% vs. 88.6%; P = 0.850) and disease-free survival rates (82.9% vs. 77.2%; P = 0.494).

Conclusion

The transrectal NOSES procedure is a well-established strategy with advantages in reducing postoperative pain, faster recovery of gastrointestinal function, and less incision-related complications. In addition, the long-term survival is similar between NOSES and conventional laparoscopic surgery.
Postoperative residual neuromuscular block in a woman with severe preeclampsia treated with magnesium sulfate and nicardipine: A case report and literature review
Authors: Song Yingcai , Qian Xiaozhe , Du Weijia
Published: February 2023

Calcium channel blockers and magnesium sulfate are frequently used together, particularly in women with underlying chronic hypertension and pre-eclampsia. A review of the literature showed prolonged neuromuscular blockade after treatment with magnesium sulfate. Since magnesium and calcium have opposite effects on the neuromuscular junctions, muscle weakness may become a postoperative manifestation of magnesium sulfate and calcium antagonist treatment in the obstetric population; however, limited information is available regarding this postulation. Here, we report a case wherein rocuronium activity was markedly prolonged due to pretreatment with magnesium sulfate and nicardipine after general anesthesia during an emergency cesarean delivery.
Development of Simultaneous Dual-Resolution Digital Holography System
Authors: Zheng Xiaowan , Fang Siyuan , Guo Bicheng , Sia Bernard , Yang Lianxiang
Published: February 2023

This research paper is focused on the development of a digital holography system for simultaneous dual-resolution measurements. Digital holography has been widely used for deformation measurements and non-destructive testing (NDT) due to its advantages of high sensitivity, high accuracy, and whole-field, non-touch measurements. A traditional test only has one spatial resolution, which can cause a big deformation to be indistinguishable or minor defects to be ignored. Both large and small fields of view should be observed to reach a multi-spatial resolution measurement. Usually, multiple separate tests are used to observe the different sized fields of view, resulting in higher costs and longer required testing times. Furthermore, these tests may not be repeatable in some cases. This paper presents research on a novel digital holography system that achieves dual spatial resolution measurements simultaneously by testing different-sized fields of view with a single camera. The novel system has two optical channels with two optical layouts of holography to measure deformation. By changing the combined focus length, the two holographic setups have different fields of view, i.e., one has a large and the other has a small field of view. To realize a simultaneous test, the polarization technique is used to avoid cross-interference between the two optical layouts. Finally, spatial carrier fringes with different orientations are introduced into the two holographic setups by appropriately adjusting the reference beam of each setup. The different oriented spatial carrier fringes enable the spectrums of the two interferograms to be separated after a FT (Fourier transform) and the phase distributions of the two interferograms can be extracted and separated by windowing the spectrum to perform an IFT (inverse Fourier transform). The phase distributions can then be used to analyze and calculate the deformations. The experiment using this system is described in this paper and the practicability of this method is verified by the obtained experimental results.
Discriminating Different Bladder and Bladder Outlet Dysfunctions by Urinary Biomarkers in Women with Frequency–Urgency Syndrome
Authors: Jhang Jia-Fong , Jiang Yuan-Hong , Kuo Hann-Chorng
Published: February 2023

Objectives: To investigate the role of urinary biomarkers in discriminating different bladder and bladder outlet dysfunctions in women with frequency–urgency syndrome. Materials and Methods: Urine samples collected from 146 women with frequency–urgency syndrome and 34 controls were investigated. All patients were included in previous clinical trials of functional urology studies and underwent a videourodynamic study. Patients with frequency–urgency syndrome were subdivided into idiopathic detrusor overactivity (IDO), neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO), dysfunctional voiding (DV), and hypersensitive bladder (HSB) subgroups. Urine samples were collected before any treatment, and urinary inflammatory proteins (interleukin- (IL-) 1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)), neurogenic proteins (nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)), and oxidative stress biomarkers (8-isoprostane, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)) were measured and compared between the different OAB subgroups and controls. Results: Of the 146 patients, 31 had IDO, 41 had NDO, 45 had DV, and 29 had HSB. The control group included 34 women. The patients with HSB had lower urinary TAC and IL-2 levels than the controls. The patients with IDO, NDO, and DV had significantly higher urinary TNF-α levels than those with HSB. The patients with IDO and NDO showed an increase in the urinary 8-isoprostane levels, whereas the patients with IDO had higher urinary IL-2, NGF, and BDNF levels than those with NDO. The other urinary inflammatory biomarkers did not show enough significant differences to discriminate between the different bladder and bladder outlet dysfunctions. Conclusions: The urinary levels of inflammatory, neurogenic, and oxidative stress biomarkers varied widely among the patients with bladder and bladder outlet dysfunction. This study’s results provide evidence that women with frequency–urgency syndrome and different urodynamic subtypes have varying bladder inflammation and oxidative stress conditions, which might have an impact on treatment outcomes.
The Effects of Topiroxostat, a Selective Xanthine Oxidoreductase Inhibitor, on Arterial Stiffness in Hyperuricemic Patients with Liver Dysfunction: A Sub-Analysis of the BEYOND-UA Study
Authors: Fujishima Yuya , Nishizawa Hitoshi , Kawachi Yusuke , Nakamura Takashi , Akari Seigo , Ono Yoshiyuki , Fukuda Shiro , Kita Shunbun , Maeda Norikazu , Hoshide Satoshi , Shimomura Iichiro , Kario Kazuomi
Published: February 2023

Background: The effects of uric acid (UA)-lowering therapy with xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) inhibitors on the development of cardiovascular diseases remain controversial. Based on recent findings that plasma XOR activity increased in liver disease conditions, we conducted a sub-analysis of the BEYOND-UA study to examine the differential effects of topiroxostat on arterial stiffness based on liver function in hyperuricemic individuals with hypertension. Methods: Sixty-three subjects treated with topiroxostat were grouped according to baseline alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (above or below cut-off values of 22, 30, or 40 U/L). The primary endpoint was changes in the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) from baseline to 24 weeks. Results: Significant reductions in CAVI during topiroxostat therapy occurred in subjects with baseline ALT ≥30 U/L or ≥40 U/L, and significant between-group differences were detected. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity significantly decreased in the ALT-high groups at all cut-off values. Reductions in morning home blood pressure and serum UA were similar regardless of the baseline ALT level. For eleven subjects with available data, ALT-high groups showed high plasma XOR activity, which was significantly suppressed by topiroxostat. Conclusions: Topiroxostat improved arterial stiffness parameters in hyperuricemic patients with liver dysfunction, which might be related to its inhibitory effect on plasma XOR.
Epigenome-Wide Association Studies of the Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide and Bronchodilator Drug Response in Moderate-to-Severe Pediatric Asthma
Authors: Martin-Almeida Mario , Perez-Garcia Javier , Herrera-Luis Esther , Rosa-Baez Carlos , Gorenjak Mario , Neerincx Anne H. , Sardón-Prado Olaia , Toncheva Antoaneta A. , Harner Susanne , Wolff Christine , Brandstetter Susanne , Valletta Elisa , Abdel-Aziz Mahmoud I. , Hashimoto Simone , Berce Vojko , Corcuera-Elosegui Paula , Korta-Murua Javier , Buntrock-Döpke Heike , Vijverberg Susanne J. H. , Verster Joris C. , Kerssemakers Nikki , Hedman Anna M , Almqvist Catarina , Villar Jesús , Kraneveld Aletta D. , Potočnik Uroš , Kabesch Michael , Zee Anke H. Maitland-van der , Pino-Yanes Maria ,   on behalf of the SysPharmPediA Consortium
Published: February 2023

Asthma is the most prevalent pediatric chronic disease. Bronchodilator drug response (BDR) and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) are clinical biomarkers of asthma. Although DNA methylation (DNAm) contributes to asthma pathogenesis, the influence of DNAm on BDR and FeNO is scarcely investigated. This study aims to identify DNAm markers in whole blood associated either with BDR or FeNO in pediatric asthma. We analyzed 121 samples from children with moderate-to-severe asthma. The association of genome-wide DNAm with BDR and FeNO has been assessed using regression models, adjusting for age, sex, ancestry, and tissue heterogeneity. Cross-tissue validation was assessed in 50 nasal samples. Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and enrichment in traits and biological pathways were assessed. A false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.1 and a genome-wide significance threshold of p < 9 × 10−8 were used to control for false-positive results. The CpG cg12835256 (PLA2G12A) was genome-wide associated with FeNO in blood samples (coefficient= −0.015, p = 2.53 × 10−9) and nominally associated in nasal samples (coefficient = −0.015, p = 0.045). Additionally, three CpGs were suggestively associated with BDR (FDR < 0.1). We identified 12 and four DMRs associated with FeNO and BDR (FDR < 0.05), respectively. An enrichment in allergic and inflammatory processes, smoking, and aging was observed. We reported novel associations of DNAm markers associated with BDR and FeNO enriched in asthma-related processes.
Improvement of Self-Esteem in Children with Specific Learning Disorders after Donkey-Assisted Therapy
Authors: Corallo Francesco , Bonanno Lilla , Cardile Davide , Luvarà Francesca , Giliberto Silvia , Di Cara Marcella , Leonardi Simona , Quartarone Angelo , Rao Giuseppe , Pidalà Alessandra
Published: February 2023

Dyslexia is a learning disorder related to receptive language characterized by difficulties with decoding, fluent word recognition, automatic naming skills and/or reading comprehension skills. It usually leads to severe functional impairment and the permanent need for support and interventions. Since animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) have been found to improve physical, emotional, cognitive and/or social functioning in humans, the aim of this study is to demonstrate the effectiveness of onotherapy on children with SLD by improving self-esteem and school performance. Sixteen patients with a diagnosis of dyslexia were randomly assigned to two treatment groups: the first was a conventional neuropsychological group therapy without onotherapy, and the second was a neuropsychological group therapy incorporating AAIs with therapy donkeys. The neuropsychological assessment included the WISC-IV, DDE and the TMA test, which were administered before and after the treatment in both groups. The results of the experimental group show significant improvement in word reading test correctness (p = 0.03) and speed (p = 0.03), non-word reading test speed (p = 0.01), reading text test correctness (p = 0.05) and speed (p = 0.03), word writing test correctness (p = 0.01), non-word writing test correctness (p = 0.02), writing sentences with homophonic words correctness (p = 0.01), interpersonal TMA (p = 0.04) and the total TMA (p = 0.04), which were significative. On the other hand, in the control group, significant differences were found in word reading test speed (p = 0.01), non-word reading test speed (p = 0.04), reading text test speed (p = 0.02), writing word test correctness (p = 0.01), writing non-word test correctness (p = 0.01) and writing sentences with homophonic words (p = 0.01). However, in this group, we observed no significant difference in the esteem of children. Training associated with the donkeys determined improved scholastic performances as far as reading is concerned and a change in self-esteem. Therefore, we can state that AAIs for dyslexia could be a viable and effective option to enhance the rehabilitation process, increase self-esteem and improve cognitive functions and language skills recovery.
Effectiveness of an Oral Health Education Program Using a Smart Toothbrush with Quantitative Light-Induced Fluorescence Technology in Children
Authors: Lee Jihyun , Lee Taeyang , Jung Hoi-In , Park Wonse , Song Je Seon
Published: February 2023

This randomized controlled trial aimed to educate patients and manage oral hygiene remotely via a smart toothbrush (ST) by using mobile applications and to improve oral hygiene and habits by evaluating the plaque state via images from a Q-ray cam, which is a quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) digital imaging device. In total, 68 children (aged 6–12 years) were randomly divided into three groups. Group I was assigned an electro-toothbrush (ET), group II was assigned a smart toothbrush (ST), and group III used a manual toothbrush (MT). Each group used an assigned toothbrush and was checked after 1 and 3 months. Oral hygiene status was evaluated using the patient hygiene performance (PHP) index and fluorescent plaque index (FPI), which are presented in the QLF program. In addition, questionnaires on oral health behaviors and attitudes were also evaluated. There was a 0.24 decrease in the PHP index and a 1.40 decrease in the simple hygiene score three months later compared with the baseline in the ST group, with no significant difference between the three methods (p = 0.518, p = 0.626). Many group II participants said that ST helped with oral hygiene, and they were willing to use it continuously. In addition, all participants’ brushing times and attitudes toward oral hygiene improved after oral hygiene education using a Q-ray cam. Therefore, the use of STs provided good dental health education and a plaque-decreasing effect to children aged 6–12 years old. Furthermore, the QLF device can be used as a useful tool for maintaining good oral hygiene in children.
Climate Change Impact on the Cultural Heritage Sites in the European Part of Russia over the Past 60 Years
Authors: Vyshkvarkova Elena , Sukhonos Olga
Published: February 2023

Climate change is causing damage to infrastructure, ecosystems, and social systems, including cultural heritage sites. In the European part of Russia, there are 20 UNESCO-listed cultural heritage sites situated in different climatic conditions. This study assesses the impact of climate change on these sites by using ERA5 re-analysis data to calculate two frost damage indices and two salt weathering indices for the period 1960–2020. The findings indicate a rise in frost damage and salt weathering at cultural heritage sites in northern Europe, primarily due to changes in air temperature and water in the atmosphere, which are the main parameters responsible for the destruction of stone and brick structures. Given the observed and predicted trends in the main meteorological parameters, the detrimental destructive impact of climate change on cultural heritage sites will only increase. In view of the significant length of Russia from north to south and the difference in climatic conditions, measures for the adaptation and protection of cultural heritage sites must be adapted to local conditions and consider the material from which the object is made.
Spatiotemporal Changes in Atomic and Molecular Architecture of Mineralized Bone under Pathogenic Conditions
Authors: Pavlychev Andrey A. , Brykalova Xenia O. , Cherny Alexander A. , Korneev Anatoliy V. , Kornilov Nikolai N.
Published: February 2023

Mechanisms responsible for spatiotemporal changes in the atomic-molecular architecture of the human femur in intact and osteoarthritis-affected areas were studied using high-resolution X-ray diffraction and spectroscopic techniques. Comparison of the experimental data demonstrates strong deviations of core electron-binding energies, lattice constants of hydroxyapatite crystal cells, linear sizes of crystallites, and degrees of crystallinity for both intact and osteoarthritic areas. The quantitative values of these characteristics and their standard deviations in each area are measured and presented. A systematic analysis of the site-dependent deviations was carried out within the framework of the 3D superlattice model. It is argued that the main mechanism responsible for the deviations arises primarily as a result of carbonization and catalytic reactions at the mineral-cartilage interface. The impact of the mechanism is enhanced in the vicinities of the area of sclerosed bone, but not inside the area where mechanical loads are maximum. Restoration of the atomic-molecular architecture of mineralized bone in the sclerosis area is revealed. Statistical aspects of the spatiotemporal changes in mineralized bone under pathogenic conditions are discussed.
Why We Should Look at Dinner Plates: Diet Changes in Cancer Patients
Authors: Döring Katja , Wiechers Lara , Büntzel Jens , Büntzel Judith
Published: February 2023

Objective: Malnutrition is often underestimated in the context of cancer therapy: the dietary trends initiated by patients after diagnosis are usually neither known to nor evaluated by the medical staff. Here, we propose a combined screening instrument evaluating malnutrition and dietary trends. Methods: The validated screening tool NRS-2002 was combined with a four-item questionnaire assessing whether (1) patients preferred certain foods, (2) avoided certain foods, (3) used dietary supplements or followed a special diet since the time of cancer diagnosis. The screening tool was routinely used by cancer patients in the daily practice of three oncological departments. The presented analysis was performed retrospectively and anonymized. Results: Overall, 102 cancer patients undergoing systemic therapy (CP), 97 undergoing radiation therapy (RP), and 36 head–neck cancer patients (HNP) were screened. The CP cohort showed a higher rate of malnutrition (50.00%) than the HNP (28.13%) or RP (26.80%) cohort. Overall, diet changes were observed in 33.63% of all patients. Avoiding meat, stimulants, or hard and edgy food was often mentioned in free text answers, while patients reported a preference for fruit and vegetables. Nutritional supplements were used by 28.76% of the patients. While dietary changes were common, only 6.64% of the patients mentioned adhering to a specific cancer diet. Conclusion: Malnutrition is still underestimated nowadays. Diet trends, especially avoiding certain foods, are common in cancer patients, while adhering to a specific cancer diet is an exception. Diet trends should be assessed and addressed to avoid or aggravate malnutrition.
Gal-3 Protein Expression and Localization in Prostate Tumours
Authors: Lima Tânia , Macedo-Silva Catarina , Felizardo Diana , Fraga João , Carneiro Isa , Jerónimo Carmen , Henrique Rui , Fardilha Margarida , Vitorino Rui
Published: February 2023

Gal-3 plays an important role in cell survival, mRNA splicing, and cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions. Depending on its cellular localization and cancer type, Gal-3 may have tumour-suppressive or tumour-promoting activities. Given the promising diagnostic role of Gal-3 in the urine of PCa patients found in our previous study, its concordant gene and protein expression levels, and its involvement in PCa-related biological processes (e.g., morphogenesis of the prostate gland epithelium), we aimed to investigate this protein immunohistochemically in tumour and normal prostate tissues. Gal-3 protein expression was evaluated in 48 tumour prostate tissues, eight normal prostate tissues and 14 adjacent-normal prostate tissues. Decreased Gal-3 staining was detected in tumour tissues compared with normal tissues. Although Gal-3 staining was decreased in tumour tissues with GS 5-8 and pT2 and pT3 stages compared with normal prostate tissue, no correlation was found between Gal-3 expression and PCa progression. In the present study, the pattern of cellular localization differed between groups, as Gal-3 was predominantly excluded from the nucleus in tumour tissues. Furthermore, Gal-3 had no significant effect on survival and relapse in these PCa patients. This work confirms Gal-3 as a promising marker for PCa diagnosis.
A Motion-Aware Siamese Framework for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Tracking
Authors: Sun Lifan , Zhang Jinjin , Yang Zhe , Fan Bo
Published: February 2023

In recent years, visual tracking has been employed in all walks of life. The Siamese trackers formulate the tracking problem as a template-matching process, and most of them can meet the real-time requirements, making them more suitable for UAV tracking. Because existing trackers can only use the first frame of a video sequence as a reference, the appearance of the tracked target will change when an occlusion, fast motion, or similar target appears, resulting in tracking drift. It is difficult to recover the tracking process once the drift phenomenon occurs. Therefore, we propose a motion-aware Siamese framework to assist Siamese trackers in detecting tracking drift over time. The base tracker first outputs the original tracking results, after which the drift detection module determines whether or not tracking drift occurs. Finally, the corresponding tracking recovery strategies are implemented. More stable and reliable tracking results can be obtained using the Kalman filter’s short-term prediction ability and more effective tracking recovery strategies to avoid tracking drift. We use the Siamese region proposal network (SiamRPN), a typical representative of an anchor-based algorithm, and Siamese classification and regression (SiamCAR), a typical representative of an anchor-free algorithm, as the base trackers to test the effectiveness of the proposed method. Experiments were carried out on three public datasets: UAV123, UAV20L, and UAVDT. The modified trackers (MaSiamRPN and MaSiamCAR) both outperformed the base tracker.
Quantum-Inspired Applications for Classification Problems
Authors: Bertini Cesarino , Leporini Roberto
Published: February 2023

In the context of quantum-inspired machine learning, quantum state discrimination is a useful tool for classification problems. We implement a local approach combining the k-nearest neighbors algorithm with some quantum-inspired classifiers. We compare the performance with respect to well-known classifiers applied to benchmark datasets.
Student and Language Teacher Perceptions of Using a WeChat-Based MALL Program during the COVID-19 Pandemic at a Chinese University
Authors: Li Fan
Published: February 2023

The outbreak of COVID-19 has impacted conventional educational practice in universities worldwide. Chinese universities are no exception. WeChat, a social application widely used in China, has been considered a viable tool for language education. However, the perspectives of Chinese university students and English language teachers in terms of using WeChat for English vocabulary learning and teaching during the pandemic remain unclear. The aim of the present study was twofold: First, it explored Chinese university students’ and language teachers’ opinions of adopting a self-developed WeChat-assisted lexical-learning program (the WALL program) during COVID-19. Second, it gathered their evaluations of the WALL program. To achieve the aim, two sets of semi-structured interviews were used to gather qualitative data about five students’ and three English language teachers’ perceptions at a university in northern China. The results first revealed that the eight participants showed overwhelming opinions in support of adopting the program for vocabulary learning and teaching during the pandemic. In addition, it received mostly positive evaluations. However, the program had two main drawbacks: distracting learning environments and uncertain learning effects. The present study then made recommendations for future WeChat-based language learning and teaching programs. The findings are expected to provide pedagogical insights for tertiary educational institutions, practitioners, and students in the chosen context in order to deal with the future design and implementation of sound MALL-based approaches.
Performance Analysis of Internal Ballistic Multiphase Flow of Composite Charge Structure
Authors: Cheng Shenshen , Jiang Kun , Xue Shao , Tao Ruyi , Lu Xinggan
Published: February 2023

Different charge structures have different interior ballistic performance. Existing research is based on experimental measurements or the lumped parameter method to obtain limited ballistic characteristics, which indirectly impacts the analysis of the parameters’ distribution, requiring a complex modeling solution process. Besides this, the ignition performance of different charge structures needs to be further explored. The disadvantages of previous studies have limited the feasibility of further optimization of the composite charge structure. In this paper, we apply a two-dimensional two-phase flow method based on the Eulerian–Lagrangian model to study the performance of different composite charge structures. First, we establish the mathematical model of different particle types based on interior ballistics, which is directly related to the research foundation of subsequent ballistic performance. Next, we investigate the multi-scale reaction flow of complex charge structures by the two-phase flow method and obtain the distribution of parameters in the chamber. Finally, we conduct a study with different particle charge parameters to explore the sensitivity of ballistic characteristics to structural parameters. The results show that the tubular propellant has good ignition performance in different charge structures, and the ignition consistency can be improved by charging tubular propellant in the center of the chamber. However, more tubular propellants are ineffective at significantly improving ignition performance, and result in a decrease in combustion chamber pressure. These results may be promising for the optimization of various charge structures.
Impact of the Evaporation Temperature on the Air Drying Rate for a Finned Heat Exchanger
Authors: Mołczan Tomasz , Cyklis Piotr
Published: February 2023

This paper presents the thermal calculations of an air-finned heat exchanger working at temperatures above zero degrees and their verification through testing on a real device. Then, on the basis of the calculations, the influence of evaporation temperature on the drying rate of the constant speed of air flowing through the exchanger was analysed. A quantitative analysis of the effect of the temperature difference between the air being dried and the evaporator on the acceleration of the process was performed. For the analysed case, the same water mass (condensate) can be obtained for an evaporation temperature of 0 °C almost four times faster than for 10 °C. To compare temperature cases, the SMER (specific moisture evaporation ratio) was calculated, which allowed the systems to be compared in terms of energy consumption. The theoretical analysis showed that by reducing the boiling point by 10 degrees, we could increase the SMER from 0.51 kgh20/kWh to 2.18 kgh20/kWh. After receiving the experimental results and including the efficiency of the system, these values were, respectively, 0.44 ± 0.01 kgh20/kWh and 1.91 ± 0.06 kgh20/kWh.
Examining the Patent Landscape of E-Fuel Technology
Authors: Song Chie
Published: February 2023

Although the end of combustion engine vehicles seems inevitable under a new climate target for 2030, a complete ban on the combustion engine would be counterproductive. E-fuels, which are produced using renewable electricity from hydrogen and carbon dioxide, could act as a possible large-scale solution for achieving climate-neutral mobility, as they allow us to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while leveraging the existing energy infrastructure. Against such a background, it is critical to examine how the related technological landscape is constructed and might affect the subsequent knowledge generation. By adopting a social-network perspective, the aim of this study is to investigate the degree of technological knowledge relatedness of e-fuel technology using patent data. This is accomplished by analyzing the influence of individual knowledge areas and categorizing them into a matrix model, with each quadrant playing a unique role. The main findings show that the patent landscape is dominated by applications from the private sector, and the main knowledge base is centered around chemical engineering and production techniques for liquid hydrocarbon mixture. Furthermore, the analyzed knowledge flows are dominated by intra-technology knowledge flows, thereby being less prone to convergent technology evolution. In particular, the knowledge areas C10L 01 and C10J 03 demonstrated a high influencer role. The findings can also support R&D advisors and decision makers in policy development in reducing their efforts required for conducting technical intelligence activities and determining adequate policies for R&D portfolio management.
Adaptive Dynamic Building Envelopes with Solar Power Components: Annual Performance Assessment for Two Pilot Sites
Authors: Rotas Renos , Fotopoulou Maria , Drosatos Panagiotis , Rakopoulos Dimitrios , Nikolopoulos Nikos
Published: February 2023

Energy consumption reduction and thermal quality improvement constitute two major aspects of building design and/or retrofitting. Following the current energy transition trends, a state-of-the-art solution is the implementation of Adaptive Dynamic Building Envelopes (ADBEs), which are capable of integrating different technologies and components. The purpose of this investigation is to assess the annual performance improvement of two actual building spaces retrofitted with ADBEs, consisting of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPVs), additional thermal insulation, mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery, and solar air heaters (SAHs). Both buildings are pilot sites for the EU Horizon 2020 Plug-n-Harvest project and are located in two rather different climate zones, i.e., Cardiff, Wales, and Grevena, Greece. Moreover, through detailed dynamic modeling with the use of Modelica language, this study attempts to accurately capture all interactions between buildings and all the aforementioned ADBE components. The simulations compared the energy performance and indoor temperature levels in each space before and after the installation of the ADBEs. The results showed that the harvesting of renewable energy through the ADBE system could potentially contribute 60% and 21.8% to the annual electricity and heating load of the space in Cardiff, respectively, and 43.5% to the annual electricity load of the building space in Grevena.
Effect of Microchannel Diameter on Electroosmotic Flow Hysteresis
Authors: Lim An Eng , Goh Shireen
Published: February 2023

Electroosmotic flow (EOF) commonly involves inhomogeneous fluids in practical applications. EOF hysteresis, which is defined as direction-dependent flow behavior, has been extensively investigated for dissimilar solution pair systems. Hitherto, there is no investigation being conducted to examine the effect of microchannel diameter on the hysteresis phenomenon. In this investigation, current monitoring experiments and finite element numerical simulations were performed to examine the intensification of the hysteretic behavior with reduction in the microchannel diameter. Three solution pairs were selected for the study, namely KCl–NaCl (dissimilar ionic species with similar concentration), NaCl and KCl (similar ionic species but different concentrations) solution pairs, with microchannels of 5 μm and 100 μm internal diameters. EOF hysteresis augmentation for reduced channel diameter (i.e., 5 μm microchannel) is due to the coupling effect of the resultant wider/tighter interfacial width and the minority pH-governing ion-driven hysteresis, which was earlier discovered to be the origin of EOF hysteresis. This investigation provides an appropriate understanding of the channel dimensional effect on EOF behavior involving multiple fluids, and the outcomes can potentially be implemented on chemical and biological microfluidic systems with adjustable throughput.
Study on Steam Co-Gasification of Waste Tire Char and Sewage Sludge
Authors: Czerski Grzegorz , Śpiewak Katarzyna , Makowska Dorota , Grycova Barbora
Published: February 2023

The large and growing volume of tire waste and sewage sludge requires disposal, for which thermochemical processes such as gasification can be used. Co-gasification of these two waste products allows the tire char to be used as a charge stabilizer and the sewage sludge to improve reactivity and efficiency. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the composition of a waste tire char and sewage sludge fuel blend on the gasification process, using steam as the gasification agent. Tests were carried out for tire char, municipal sewage sludge, and blends of the two in ratios of 90:10 and 67:33. An analysis of the materials used was carried out (ultimate and proximate analysis as well as ash composition), and isothermal measurements of steam gasification were taken using the thermal volumetric method for temperatures of 800, 850, and 900 °C at an elevated pressure of 1 MPa. On the basis of the results, the formation curves of the main gasification products (H2, CO, CO2, and CH4) were created, the curves for the degree of carbon conversion were plotted, the reactivity indexes were determined for different degrees of conversion (0.25, 0.5, and 0.75), and the quantity and composition of the resulting gas were analyzed. Using the grain model, the kinetic parameters (activation energy and pre-exponential factor) of the gasification reaction were calculated. The addition of municipal sewage sludge had a positive effect on the reactivity of tire char and increased the efficiency of gasification, because it contained components that act as catalysts in the gasification process. There was a favorable effect from the addition and higher amount of sewage sludge on lowering both the activation energy (49.5 kJ/mol and 89.2 kJ/mol for 90:10 and 67:33 blends, respectively) and the pre-exponential factor. A significant improvement in reactivity, with a high degree of conversion and the best gas composition, was obtained for a 90:10 blend at 900 °C.
New Route to the Production of Almond Beverages Using Hydrodynamic Cavitation
Authors: Faraloni Cecilia , Albanese Lorenzo , Chini Zittelli Graziella , Meneguzzo Francesco , Tagliavento Luca , Zabini Federica
Published: February 2023

Perceived as a healthy food, almond beverages are gaining ever-increasing consumer preference across nonalcoholic vegetable beverages, ranking in first place among oilseed-based drinks. However, costly raw material; time and energy consuming pre- and posttreatments such as soaking, blanching and peeling; and thermal sterilization hinder their sustainability, affordability and spread. Hydrodynamic cavitation processes were applied, for the first time, as a single-unit operation with straightforward scalability, to the extraction in water of almond skinless kernels in the form of flour and fine grains, and of whole almond seeds in the form of coarse grains, up to high concentrations. The nutritional profile of the extracts matched that of a high-end commercial product, as well as showing nearly complete extraction of the raw materials. The availability of bioactive micronutrients and the microbiological stability exceeded the commercial product. The concentrated extract of whole almond seeds showed comparatively higher antiradical activity, likely due to the properties of the almond kernel skin. Hydrodynamic cavitation-based processing might represent a convenient route to the production of conventional as well as integral and potentially healthier almond beverages, avoiding multiple technological steps, while affording fast production cycles and consuming less than 50 Wh of electricity per liter before bottling.
Preparation and Characterization of Sodium Caseinate-Coated Papers Based on Glycerol and Sorbitol Contents for Packaging Application
Authors: Kim Dowan , Hwang Jihyeon
Published: February 2023

Bio-based packaging materials are promising alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. Paper-based packaging materials are candidates for improving food sustainability; however, paper has poor gas and water vapor barrier properties. In this study, entirely bio-based sodium caseinate (CasNa)-coated papers with two plasticizers, glycerol (GY) and sorbitol (SO), were prepared. The morphological and chemical structure, burst strength, tensile strength, elongation at break, air permeability, surface properties, and thermal stability of the pristine CasNa-, CasNa/GY-, and CasNa/SO-coated papers were evaluated. The use of GY and SO strongly affected the tensile strength, elongation at break, and air barrier of the CasNa/GY- and CasNa/SO-coated paper. The air barrier and flexibility of the CasNa/GY-coated papers were higher than those of the CasNa/SO-coated papers. Compared to SO, GY better coated and penetrated the CasNa matrix, which positively affected the chemical and morphological structure of the coating layer and the interaction between the coating layer and paper. Overall, CasNa/GY was superior to the CasNa/SO coating. CasNa/GY-coated papers may be a good alternative for packaging materials in the food, medical, and electronic sectors, which would promote sustainability.
Cryogel System Based on Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Poly(ethylene brassylate-co-squaric acid) Platform with Dual Bioactive Activity
Authors: Crețu Bianca-Elena-Beatrice , Rusu Alina Gabriela , Ghilan Alina , Rosca Irina , Nita Loredana Elena , Chiriac Aurica P.
Published: February 2023

The inability to meet and ensure as many requirements as possible is fully justified by the continuous interest in obtaining new multifunctional materials. A new cryogel system based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(ethylene brassylate-co-squaric acid) (PEBSA) obtained by repeated freeze–thaw processes was previously reported and used for the incorporation of an antibacterial essential oil—namely, thymol (Thy). Furthermore, the present study aims to confer antioxidant properties to the PVA/PEBSA_Thy system by encapsulating α-tocopherol (α-Tcp), targeting a double therapeutic effect due to the presence of both bioactive compounds. The amphiphilic nature of the PEBSA copolymer allowed for the encapsulation of both Thy and α-Tcp, via an in situ entrapment method. The new PVA/PEBSA_Thy_α-Tcp systems were characterized in terms of their influence on the composition, network morphology and release profiles, as well as their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The study underlined the cumulative antioxidant efficiency of Thy and α-Tcp, which in combination with the PEBSA copolymer have a synergistic effect (97.1%). We believe that the convenient and simple strategy offered in this study increases applicability for these new PVA/PEBSA_Thy_α-Tcp cryogel systems.
Sustainable Use of Tire-Derived Aggregate in the Protection of Buried Concrete Pipes under Combined Soil and Traffic Loads
Authors: Alshibany Safaa Manfi , Alzabeebee Saif , Keawsawasvong Suraparb
Published: February 2023

Tire-derived aggregate (TDA) has been used successfully as a backfill soil to reduce the applied stresses on buried steel pipes. The preceding study, however, paid no attention to inspecting the TDA efficiency of buried concrete pipes subjected to soil and traffic loads. In addition, it is not clear how the TDA material, traffic loading, burial depth, and road section affect the pipe-bending moment. Therefore, this paper examines the efficiency of TDA in reducing the bending moment of a 0.6 m concrete pipe subjected to combined soil and traffic loads using a validated three-dimensional finite element model. Two trench configurations have been constructed, the first is composed completely of well graded sand, and the second is similar to the first except for the 150 mm layer on the top of the pipe crown, which is replaced with TDA. Furthermore, three road sections (highway, public road, and unpaved road) have been adopted to provide an intensive understanding of the TDA effect for different road conditions. A parametric study is carried out to detect the effect of the burial depth, road section, and traffic load on the efficiency of the TDA of the buried pipe. It is observed that the TDA has no effect on the bending moment distribution around the pipe. Additionally, the TDA reduces the bending moment developed in the pipe wall with a percentage decrease range between 18% and 42% depending on the burial depth and road section. Furthermore, it is also found that the efficiency of the TDA in reducing the maximum bending moment decreases as the burial depth increases. In addition, the best performance for the TDA is found at a burial depth of 1.0 m for all road sections. Importantly, the best performance for the TDA is found for the highway section compared with the other sections, with a maximum percentage decrease of 42% compared to 27% for the public road section and 26% for the unpaved road section.