bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating Learners’ Teaching Format Preferences during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Empirical Investigation on an Emerging Market
Authors: Burcă-Voicu Monica Ioana , Cramarenco Romana Emilia , Dabija Dan-Cristian
Published: September 2022

This paper aims to measure learners’ preferences for a specific teaching format (online, hybrid, or face-to-face) based on their experience, usage, and interaction with e-learning platforms (Moodle/MS Teams), on their participation in e-learning courses delivered via online streaming platforms (Zoom), on teaching staff skills and teaching–learning abilities, as well as on the advantages and disadvantages of those forms of learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. In implementing the research question, a conceptual model was developed, which was further analyzed by means of structural equations modelling via SmartPLS 3.3.9 (SmartPLS GmbH, Boenningstedt, Germany). The data were collected via quantitative research implemented through an online questionnaire addressed to learners (students) from an emerging market during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research contributes to extending social learning theory and the social cognitive learning theory by pinpointing the learners’ preference for the online educational format and by showing how a blended learning environment in universities can be developed by fructifying the gains in terms of digital skills acquisition during the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper highlights the contribution of the online educational environment in extending the use of interactive digital tools and resources, engaging the learners, and creating the opportunity for them to become accountable for their learning experiences.
Aquatic Therapy after Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: Gait Initiation Analysis Using Inertial Sensors
Authors: Fantozzi Silvia , Borra Davide , Cortesi Matteo , Ferrari Alberto , Ciacci Simone , Chiari Lorenzo , Baroncini Ilaria
Published: September 2022

Populations with potential damage to somatosensory, vestibular, and visual systems or poor motor control are often studied during gait initiation. Aquatic activity has shown to benefit the functional capacity of incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) patients. The present study aimed to evaluate gait initiation in iSCI patients using an easy-to-use protocol employing four wearable inertial sensors. Temporal and acceleration-based anticipatory postural adjustment measures were computed and compared between dry-land and water immersion conditions in 10 iSCI patients. In the aquatic condition, an increased first step duration (median value of 1.44 s vs. 0.70 s in dry-land conditions) and decreased root mean squared accelerations for the upper trunk (0.39 m/s2 vs. 0.72 m/s2 in dry-land conditions) and lower trunk (0.41 m/s2 vs. 0.85 m/s2 in dry-land conditions) were found in the medio-lateral and antero-posterior direction, respectively. The estimation of these parameters, routinely during a therapy session, can provide important information regarding different control strategies adopted in different environments.
Survival Rates and Clinical Outcomes of Implant Overdentures in Old and Medically Compromised Patients
Authors: Kim So-Hyun , Oh Nam-Sik , Kim Hyo-Jung
Published: September 2022

Studies on the survival rate of implant overdentures in medically compromised patients are limited because most studies exclude patients with systemic diseases affecting implant prognosis. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the survival rate and clinical outcomes of dental implants used for overdentures in medically compromised patients. A total of 20 patients (9 men, 11 women; mean age: 67.55 ± 6.84 years, range: 53–81 years) were included. Fourteen patients had more than two systemic diseases, and nine patients had more than three systemic diseases. The mean follow-up period was 39.05 months. Of the 60 implants, 2 failed, resulting in an implant survival rate of 96.6%. No statistical differences were found in implant survival rates according to sex, age, implant diameter, restored arch, or opposing dentition (p > 0.05). A significant difference in mean marginal bone loss (MBL) was noted for restoring the arch (p = 0.022) and opposing dentition (p = 0.036). Implants placed in the mandible and with opposing removable partial dentures and complete dentures showed lower mean MBL. No significant differences in implant MBL were observed in terms of age, sex, or implant diameter (p > 0.05). Favorable clinical outcomes can be expected from implant overdentures using two or four implants in edentulous patients with systemic diseases by ensuring that the patients have a sufficient healing period and regular checkups.
Resilience and Depressive Symptoms among Medical Staff in a Military Hospital Dedicated to the Treatment of COVID-19
Authors: Lee Chorom , Yun Byungyoon , Lee Won-Tae , Sim Juho , Kim Chi-Nyon , Won Jong-Uk , Yoon Jin-Ha
Published: September 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is prevalent around the world, and many studies suggest that depression among medical staff is on the rise during the pandemic. This study aims to assess the relationship between depressive symptoms and individual resilience among military hospital personnel responsible for treating patients with COVID-19. Individuals from the Armed Forces Daejeon Hospital who responded to the questionnaires from 8 February to 15 February 2022 participated in this study. Resilience and depressive symptoms were measured via the Korean Resilience Quotient Test-53 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9, respectively. We employed multivariable logistic regression analysis to estimate Odds Ratios (ORs) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) of depressive symptoms. Among 181 participants, the individuals with depressive symptoms and high resilience accounted for 8.8% and 61.9%, respectively. Significant correlations between depressive symptoms and both the low resilience and low resilience positivity groups were found (adjusted OR 10.30 [95% CI 1.74–61.01] and OR 13.90 [95% CI 1.93–100.02], respectively). This study notes a significant inverse relationship between depressive symptoms and resilience even after adjusting for demographic and occupational characteristics. To overcome depressive symptoms among hospital personnel, it is necessary to seek ways to improve individual resilience, especially positivity.
Do Gender and Country of Residence Matter? A Mixed Methods Study on Lay Causal Beliefs about PTSD
Authors: Meyer Caroline , Heinzl Louisa , Kampisiou Christina , Triliva Sofia , Knaevelsrud Christine , Stammel Nadine
Published: September 2022

Laypersons’ causal beliefs about mental disorders can differ considerably from medical or psychosocial clinicians’ models as they are shaped by social and cultural context and by personal experiences. This study aimed at identifying differences in causal beliefs about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by country and gender. A cross-sectional, vignette-based online survey was conducted with 737 participants from Germany, Greece, Ecuador, Mexico, and Russia. Participants were presented with a short unlabeled case vignette describing a person with symptoms of PTSD. Causal beliefs were assessed using an open-ended question asking for the three most likely causes. Answers were analyzed using thematic analysis. Afterwards, themes were transformed into categorical variables to analyze differences by country and by gender. Qualitative analyses revealed a wide range of different causal beliefs. Themes differed by gender, with women tending to mention more external causal beliefs. Themes also differed between the five countries but the differences between countries were more pronounced for women than for men. In conclusion, causal beliefs were multifaceted among laypersons and shared basic characteristics with empirically derived risk factors. The more pronounced differences for women suggest that potential gender effects should be considered in cross-cultural research.
Recent Research Provides Significant New Information about Predisposing Factors, Diagnostic Practices, and Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Ryhänen Jorma
Published: September 2022

This current Special Issue of JCM will highlight some of the latest studies on carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) [...]
Research History, Pathology and Epidemiology of Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament and Ligamentum Flavum
Authors: Sakai Kenichiro , Yoshii Toshitaka , Furuya Takeo , Machino Masaaki
Published: September 2022

Ossification of the spinal ligaments was first reported by Key in 1838 [...]
Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma Augmentation on Endoscopy-Assisted Percutaneous Achilles Tendon Repair
Authors: Hung Chun-Yu , Lin Shih-Jie , Yeh Chia-Yi , Yeh Wen-Ling
Published: September 2022

Background: Achilles tendon ruptures are one of the most common sports injuries. Recently, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been widely used in tendon-related disorders to enhance tendon healing. However, studies regarding PRP treatment in Achilles tendon rupture show inconsistent results. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of PRP in patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture treated with endoscopy-assisted percutaneous repair. Methods: A total of 62 patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture treated with surgical repair from January 2014 to December 2018 were enrolled in this study. Surgical repair in conjunction with PRP augmentation after surgery was classified as the PRP group. Surgical repair without PRP augmentation was classified as the non-PRP group. All patients were followed up at least 2 years post-operation. The outcomes were evaluated on the basis of rate of return to sports, time to return to play, Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), calf circumference ratio, ankle range of motion (ROM) and complications following surgery. Results: At 2-year follow-up, the ATRS score was not significantly different between groups (p = 0.8), but the ATRS score in both groups improved with time. Rate of return to sports and time to return to play were not different between the two groups (p = 1.00). Moreover, calf circumference ratio and ankle ROM were evaluated at 6-month, 12-month, 18-month and 24-month follow-ups. At 6 months, the PRP group had better ankle ROM (p = 0.003) and a higher calf circumference ratio (p = 0.011); however, at the 24-month evaluation, there were no between-group differences regarding calf circumference ratio, ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion (p > 0.05). Conclusion: We show that PRP augmentation in Achilles tendon surgery did not yield superior functional and clinical outcomes. Therefore, clinicians should inform patients of the above information when undergoing Achilles tendon surgery and offer correct expectations to family and patients regrading PRP treatment.
Application of the Team Emergency Assessment Measure for Prehospital Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Authors: Han Sangsoo , Park Hye Ji , Jeong Won Jung , Kim Gi Woon , Choi Han Joo , Moon Hyung Jun , Lee Kyoungmi , Choi Hyuk Joong , Park Yong Jin , Cho Jin Seong , Lee Choung Ah
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Communication and teamwork are critical for ensuring patient safety, particularly during prehospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The Team Emergency Assessment Measure (TEAM) is a tool applicable to such situations. This study aimed to validate the TEAM efficiency as a suitable tool even in prehospital CPR. Methods: A multi-centric observational study was conducted using the data of all non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients aged over 18 years who were treated using video communication-based medical direction in 2018. From the extracted data of 1494 eligible patients, 67 sample cases were randomly selected. Two experienced raters were assigned to each case. Each rater reviewed 13 or 14 videos and scored the TEAM items for each field cardiopulmonary resuscitation performance. The internal consistency, concurrent validity, and inter-rater reliability were measured. Results: The TEAM showed high reliability with a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.939, with a mean interitem correlation of 0.584. The mean item–total correlation was 0.789, indicating significant associations. The mean correlation coefficient between each item and the global score range was 0.682, indicating good concurrent validity. The mean intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.804, indicating excellent agreement. Discussion: The TEAM can be a valid and reliable tool to evaluate the non-technical skills of a team of paramedics performing CPR.
The Assessment of Serum Cytokines in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients: An Observational Prospective Controlled Study
Authors: Caruntu Ana , Scheau Cristian , Codrici Elena , Popescu Ionela Daniela , Calenic Bogdan , Caruntu Constantin , Tanase Cristiana
Published: September 2022

Background: The oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex interweb of cells and mediators balancing carcinogenesis, inflammation, and the immune response. However, cytokines are not only secreted within the TME but also released by a variety of other cells that do not comprise the TME; therefore, a thorough assessment of humoral changes in OSCC should include the measurement of serum cytokines. Methods: We assessed the role of various serum cytokines in the evolution of OSCC, before and after treatment, versus a control group. We measured the serum concentrations of MIP-1α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α. Results: Significantly higher values (p < 0.01) were noted for IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α in the OSCC group before treatment (n = 13) compared with the control group (n = 14), and the increased concentrations persisted after treatment (n = 11). Furthermore, the variations in the values of MIP-1α, IL-1β, IL-10, and TNF-α are correlated both before and after treatment (p < 0.01). In the pretherapeutic group, IL-6 and IL-8 concentrations also correlate with IL-1β and IL-10 serum levels (p < 0.01), while in the posttherapeutic group, IL-4 varies with MIP-1α and TNF-α (p < 0.01). Conclusion: In OSCC patients, serum cytokine levels are significantly higher compared with control, but they are not significantly altered by treatment, therefore implying that they are also influenced by systemic factors. The interactions between all involved cytokines and the various pathways they regulate warrant further studies to clarify their definitive roles.
Comparison of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection and Radical Surgery for Early Gastric Cancer in Remnant Stomach
Authors: Liu Yi , Chen Zhihao , Zhou Hong , Chen Yingtai , Dou Lizhou , Zhang Yueming , Liu Yong , He Shun , Zhao Dongbing , Wang Guiqi
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer (EGC) in the remnant stomach or gastric tube is not yet widespread and few studies have compared the short-term and long-term outcomes with radical surgery. (2) Methods: A total of 73 consecutive patients with EGC in the remnant stomach or gastric tube who underwent ESD or radical surgery between October 2009 and October 2020 were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Baseline characteristics, post-operative complications, quality of life (QOL), recurrence rate, overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were compared between the ESD and surgery groups. (3) Results: Among the 73 patients with EGC in the remnant stomach or gastric tube, 48 (65.8%) underwent ESD and 25 (34.2%) underwent surgery. The operation time (p = 0.000) and post-operative hospital stay (p = 0.002) of the ESD group were significantly shorter than those in the surgery group. The incidence of post-operative complications in the ESD group was significantly lower than that in surgery group (p = 0.001). The ESD group had significantly better functional scale scores and lower rates of fatigue, pain, appetite loss, financial difficulties, dysphagia, eating restrictions, hair loss, and poor body image than the surgery group. There was no significant difference in OS or DFS between the ESD and surgery groups (p = 0.124 and 0.344, respectively). (4) Conclusion: ESD can significantly shorten the operation time and hospital stay, reduce surgical complications, and provide better QOL for patients with EGC in the remnant stomach or gastric tube, and its long-term prognosis is no shorter than that of radical surgery.
LASSO Regression-Based Diagnosis of Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) on Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Authors: Wu Lin , Zhou Bin , Liu Dinghui , Wang Linli , Zhang Ximei , Xu Li , Yuan Lianxiong , Zhang Hui , Ling Yesheng , Shi Guangyao , Ke Shiye , He Xuemin , Tian Borui , Chen Yanming , Qian Xiaoxian
Published: September 2022

Electrocardiogram (ECG) is an important tool for the detection of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, machine learning (ML) for the diagnosis of STEMI complicated with arrhythmia and infarct-related arteries is still underdeveloped based on real-world data. Therefore, we aimed to develop an ML model using the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) to automatically diagnose acute STEMI based on ECG features. A total of 318 patients with STEMI and 502 control subjects were enrolled from Jan 2017 to Jun 2019. Coronary angiography was performed. A total of 180 automatic ECG features of 12-lead ECG were input into the model. The LASSO regression model was trained and validated by the internal training dataset and tested by the internal and external testing datasets. A comparative test was performed between the LASSO regression model and different levels of doctors. To identify the STEMI and non-STEMI, the LASSO model retained 14 variables with AUCs of 0.94 and 0.93 in the internal and external testing datasets, respectively. The performance of LASSO regression was similar to that of experienced cardiologists (AUC: 0.92) but superior (p < 0.05) to internal medicine residents, medical interns, and emergency physicians. Furthermore, in terms of identifying left anterior descending (LAD) or non-LAD, LASSO regression achieved AUCs of 0.92 and 0.98 in the internal and external testing datasets, respectively. This LASSO regression model can achieve high accuracy in diagnosing STEMI and LAD vessel disease, thus providing an assisting diagnostic tool based on ECG, which may improve the early diagnosis of STEMI.
Using Forward and Backward Particle Tracking Approaches to Analyze Impacts of a Water Intake on Ichthyoplankton Mortality in the Appomattox River
Authors: Qin Qubin , Shen Jian , Tuckey Troy D. , Cai Xun , Xiong Jilian
Published: September 2022

Municipal intakes of surface water have various uses, and their impacts on the aquatic environment and ecosystem, such as the impingement and entrainment of ichthyoplankton, are a major concern. A robust assessment of the intake impacts on ichthyoplankton in a system generally requires modeling efforts that can simulate the transport and dispersal pathways of the ichthyoplankton. However, it is challenging to simulate hydrodynamics with a high-resolution grid at the scale needed for intake screen sizes in a large system. In this study, a 3D unstructured grid model with a fine resolution grid (<1 m) was developed to investigate potential impacts of an intake on aquatic resources in a tidal freshwater estuary. This approach enables us to directly estimate intake-induced mortality. With the use of the coupled particle-tracking model, we evaluated the total and maximum daily removal rates of particles by the intake that can be used to estimate percent mortality of ichthyoplankton. We further investigated how impacts from the intake vary with spawning locations, flow conditions, and vertical migration velocity of ichthyoplankton. A risk assessment was conducted based on designed flow of water withdrawals. This approach is widely applicable and can address impacts of water intakes in other systems.
Islands in the Caucasian Sea in Three Mesozoic Time Slices: Novel Dimension of Geoheritage and Geotourism
Authors: Ruban Dmitry A.
Published: September 2022

Framing geoheritage thematically is important to reveal its diversity. Field investigations in the western part of the Greater Caucasus orogen have allowed for the characterization of three localities representing palaeoislands of the Caucasian Sea, which evolved as a semi-enclosed, marginal palaeosea during the Mesozoic. The Gosh locality represents coarse siliciclastics formed on the cliffed shore of the early Induan (Early Triassic) island. The Lipovy locality exhibits conglomerates accumulated on the shore of the early Toarcian (Early Jurassic) island due to erosion of the uplifted crystalline rocks. The Shakhan locality boasts a representative section of cross-bedded sandstones deposited on the alluvial plain of the Hauterivian (Early Cretaceous) island. All these localities are interpreted as geoheritage points, which are parts of larger geosites. Taken together, these points constitute thematic geoheritage sites reflecting the existence of palaeoislands in all Mesozoic periods, which is essential for the understanding of the evolution of the Caucasian Sea during this era. These localities are perfectly accessible, but visiting them requires professional interpretation. The importance of the thematic geoheritage makes its adequate management urgent (particularly, maintenance of geoheritage points, the installation of interpretive panels, and promotion). A geoexcursion route is proposed to facilitate geotouristic exploitation of the characterized geoheritage sites.
Nomogram-Based Chronic Kidney Disease Prediction Model for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Patients Using Routine Pathological Data
Authors: Chowdhury Nakib Hayat , Reaz Mamun Bin Ibne , Ali Sawal Hamid Md , Ahmad Shamim , Crespo María Liz , Cicuttin Andrés , Haque Fahmida , Bakar Ahmad Ashrif A. , Bhuiyan Mohammad Arif Sobhan
Published: September 2022

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients are a significant threat to chronic kidney disease (CKD) development during their life. However, there is always a high chance of delay in CKD detection because CKD can be asymptomatic, and T1DM patients bypass traditional CKD tests during their routine checkups. This study aims to develop and validate a prediction model and nomogram of CKD in T1DM patients using readily available routine checkup data for early CKD detection. This research utilized 1375 T1DM patients’ sixteen years of longitudinal data from multi-center Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) clinical trials conducted at 28 sites in the USA and Canada and considered 17 routinely available features. Three feature ranking algorithms, extreme gradient boosting (XGB), random forest (RF), and extremely randomized trees classifier (ERT), were applied to create three feature ranking lists, and logistic regression analyses were performed to develop CKD prediction models using these ranked feature lists to identify the best performing top-ranked features combination. Finally, the most significant features were selected to develop a multivariate logistic regression-based CKD prediction model for T1DM patients. This model was evaluated using sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, precision, and F1 score on train and test data. A nomogram of the final model was further generated for easy application in clinical practices. Hypertension, duration of diabetes, drinking habit, triglycerides, ACE inhibitors, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, age, and smoking habit were the top-8 features ranked by the XGB model and identified as the most important features for predicting CKD in T1DM patients. These eight features were selected to develop the final prediction model using multivariate logistic regression, which showed 90.04% and 88.59% accuracy in internal and test data validation. The proposed model showed excellent performance and can be used for CKD identification in T1DM patients during routine checkups.
Knee Orthotics Do Not Influence Coordinative Skills—A Randomized Controlled Crossover Pilot Trial
Authors: Prill Robert , Cruysen Caren , Królikowska Aleksandra , Kopf Sebastian , Becker Roland
Published: September 2022

Objective: This single-blind randomized controlled crossover pilot trial investigated whether hard or soft knee orthotics affect the back in action (BIA) test battery performance. Methods: Twenty-four healthy participants (13 males, 11 females) were randomly assigned into three equal groups differentiated through the order of device use. The data were collected in a laboratory setting. BIA test battery (balance tests, vertical jumps, and parkour hop tests) was run with a rigid orthotic device, a soft brace, or no aid in a crossover order. Analysis of Variance repeated measures and Friedman Test were used to calculate depended-group differences. Results: No significant or clinically relevant effect or differences was observed between running the BIA with a soft brace, rigid orthosis, or no aid (p = 0.53–0.97) for all included tests. No adverse events have been observed. Conclusion: Soft and rigid knee braces do not affect performance in healthy participants. Missing experience with the devices might explain a few influences on feedback mechanisms. There is no disadvantage to be expected regarding healthy participants running back to sports.
Current and Future Perspectives in Cardiac Rehabilitation
Authors: Tanaka Shinya
Published: September 2022

To reduce the morbidity and mortality of cardiac diseases, patients undergo cardiac rehabilitation consisting of a series of interventions to optimize their physical, psychological, and social functioning and to stabilize, slow, or reverse the progression of atherosclerosis underlying their condition [...]
Wetland Restoration through Excavation: Sediment Removal Results in Dramatic Water Quality Improvement
Authors: Hassett Michael C. , Steinman Alan D.
Published: September 2022

We evaluated whether sediment excavation improved water quality in a former (pre-European settlement) wetland complex that was a farm in the early 1900s and then later in the 1990s/early 2000s was allowed to naturally refill with water and became nutrient-rich ponds plagued by legacy phosphorus issues. Two ponds were recently restored via dewatering, excavation of the surface sediment, and hydrologic reconnection to an adjacent creek to re-establish a flow-through marsh. The removal of ~103,000 m3 of phosphorus-laden sediment and reconnection to the adjacent stream resulted in improved water quality, with a reduction in total phosphorus concentration from ~1000 μg/L to ~20 μg/L and a 40% reduction in specific conductivity in both former ponds. Soluble reactive phosphorus concentrations declined substantially in one pond, from ~720 μg/L to 3 μg/L, but not in another pond, which was partially dredged by the landowner prior to restoration. Additionally, phosphorus concentration in the downstream receiving water body also declined but to a much more modest degree. Sediment excavation was an effective restoration tool in this former agricultural system, but given the expense and potential impact on pre-existing biota, a full-system diagnosis, including cost, sediment characterization, and control of external nutrient loading, is recommended before its implementation elsewhere.
Risks Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements’ Contamination in the Egyptian Red Sea Surficial Sediments
Authors: Farhat Hassan I. , Gad Ahmed , Saleh Ahmed , Abd El Bakey Sahar M.
Published: September 2022

The potential impact of tourism, industrial, and urban activities on Egypt’s Red Sea coastline, which is well-known for its economic and environmental importance, was investigated at fifteen coastal sites. In the present study, the concentration of cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in marine sediments from these sites, was determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometers (ICP-MS). In detail, various pollution indices, statistical analyses, and spatial distribution patterns were used to assess the pollution status, impacts of human activities, ecological risks, and sources of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in surface marine sediment. A detailed comparison with up-to-date data was conducted. These sediments were composed predominantly of fine and very fine sands. Mean grain size distribution typically depends on the source of the sediment from the following two prime sources: terrigenous (autochthonous) and biogenic (allochthonous). The detected PTE mean concentrations were as follows: Fe > Mn > Zn > Cr > Ni > Pb > Co > Cu > Cd. Multivariate statistical analysis results revealed their close distribution and association. Cd and Pb levels in the studied area have been slightly impacted by anthropogenic inputs. According to the calculated pollution indices, although a minimal or moderate contamination degree was detected in the study area, it was determined that there was a low to moderate ecological risk. The slightly high degree of contamination and risk centered in the middle of the study area around phosphate mining and related activities. More attention should be given to the concentrations and sources of Cd, Ni, and Pb as the main pollution factors.
Deterioration of Coastal Ecosystem: A Case Study of the Banana Bay Ecological Reserve in Taiwan
Authors: Tsai Shu-Chen , Seino Satoquo , Lee Su-Hsin
Published: September 2022

Due to the increasing pressure on the environment from human activities, there is a growing need to understand the relationship between species and the environment. Therefore, this study constructs life cycle and niche from a geographic perspective, aiming to explain how existing spatial configurations affect the deterioration of coastal ecosystems. This research mainly adopts the method of literature analysis and field investigation, and then carries out four steps of reading, sorting, integration and analysis. In this study, the road kill data and living environment data of land crabs were integrated, and two results were obtained on the relationship between spatial conflict areas and land crab populations. The first is that the life cycle of land crabs is disturbed by TPH 26, thus confirming the spatial conflict hypothesis; the peak period of traffic flow at TPH 26 overlapped with the peak period of land crab larvae release, indicating that the spatial configuration of the reserve is not only a spatial conflict, but also a spatial-temporal conflict. Second, the land crab is an important indicator of coastal forests, and its niche also reflects geographic diversity, especially in features such as topographic structure, geological stability, and environmental humidity.
Analysis of the Land Use Dynamics of Different Rural Settlement Types in the Karst Trough Valleys of Southwest China
Authors: Zhang Yiyi , Li Yangbing , Luo Guangjie , Bai Xiaoyong , Huang Juan , Tang Fang , Yu Meng
Published: September 2022

Rural settlements are the basic spatial units of rural geography research, and it is essential to explore the dynamic changes in land use on a rural settlement scale to promote the development of the rural revitalization strategy. The study took different rural settlement types in karst trough valleys as examples and applied geographic information mapping trajectory models, buffer zone spatial analysis, the nearest neighbor index, and other research methods. We explored the land use dynamic change in the buffer zone of different settlement types in the karst trough valley from 1964 to 2021 in the long time series and micro-spatial dimensions. We analyzed the homogeneity, variability, and coupling characteristics of land use evolution in typical settlements. The results indicate the following: (1) From 1964 to 2021, the karst trough valley settlements as a whole showed an aggregation state, and the settlements could be classified into four categories: expanding settlements (ES), atrophic settlements (AS), balancing rural settlements (BS), and decreasing settlements (DS) according to the settlement life cycle theory and settlement development index measurement. (2) Different expansion and shrinkage of land use buffer changes exist for different settlement types. The closer the ES is to the location of the settlement center, the richer the land use type; the further the AS from the settlement center, the richer the land use type; the BS is not affected by the distance; and the DS settlement shows dynamic changes. (3) Land use dynamic change in settlements is driven by multiple integrated factors, and there is variability in the driving factors of different settlement types. (4) In this paper, through a case study, we propose the research idea that land use change (LUCC) reflects land use transformation (LUT) in different rural settlement types from a settlement-scale perspective, and land use transformation further causes the development of rural settlement transformation (RUT). Our study revealed the LUCC—LUT—RUT interaction feedback mechanism of karst trough valley settlements in Southwest China. This study aims to enrich the theoretical research framework of rural transformation at the settlement scale, on the one hand, and to provide case studies for developing countries with karstic mountain valley landscapes, such as China, on the other.
People’s Attitudes towards Technologies in Courts
Authors: Barysė Dovilė
Published: September 2022

Courts are high-stakes environments; thus, the impact of implementing legal technologies is not limited to the people directly using the technologies. However, the existing empirical data is insufficient to navigate and anticipate the acceptance of legal technologies in courts. This study aims to provide evidence for a technology acceptance model in order to understand people’s attitudes towards legal technologies in courts and to specify the potential differences in the attitudes of people with court experience vs. those without it, in the legal profession vs. other, male vs. female, and younger vs. older. A questionnaire was developed, and the results were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Multigroup analyses have confirmed the usefulness of the technology acceptance model (TAM) across age, gender, profession (legal vs. other), and court experience (yes vs. no) groups. Therefore, as in other areas, technology acceptance in courts is primarily related to perceptions of usefulness. Trust emerged as an essential construct, which, in turn, was affected by the perceived risk and knowledge. In addition, the study’s findings prompt us to give more thought to who decides about technologies in courts, as the legal profession, court experience, age, and gender modify different aspects of legal technology acceptance.
X-ray Structures of 3-Acetyloxazolidin-2-one, 3-Acetyloxazolin-2-one and Oxazolin-2(3H)-one
Authors: Aitken R. Alan , Logan Joe S. , Slawin Alexandra M. Z.
Published: September 2022

The X-ray structures of three simple heterocyclic compounds have been obtained for the first time. Structures of both 3-acetyloxazolidin-2-one 1 and its unsaturated analogue 3-acetyloxazolin-2-one 3 show a planar imide nitrogen with the exocyclic C=O oriented anti to the ring N–C(=O) bond and negligible intermolecular interactions, a pattern consistent with previously reported analogues. In contrast the parent NH heterocycle, oxazolin-2(3H)-one 4, exists as hydrogen bonded dimers of two closely similar independent molecules but an unusual type of disorder involving exchange of the ring O and NH positions results in a very high R factor.
Modelling and Experiment of an Adjustable Device Combining an Inerter and a Damper
Authors: Zhang Xiaoliang , Zhu Weian , Nie Jiamei
Published: September 2022

In an effort to solve the issue of unadjustable damping of skyhook inertance suspension, a new adjustable device combining an inerter and a damper that aims to simultaneously adjust the inertance and damping was proposed. This article proposes a near practical mathematical model of such an adjustable device, and the model is found to be equivalent to a parallel connection of an adjustable inerter and damper. A prototype of such a device is made, and its damping and inertial forces are separated through quasi-static and dynamic mechanical character tests. The validity of the theoretical models is verified through a comparison between the test and simulation results of the mechanical character with a maximum error of 4.96% for the damping model and 6.28% for the inertial model, which lays the foundation for subsequent studies on adjustable regular patterns of inertance and damping as well as applications in semi-active ISD suspensions. In addition, the device simplifies an inerter and a damper into one device and reduces the layout space and cost, which is of great engineering application value.
Spacing Dependent Mechanisms of Remagnetization in 1D System of Elongated Diamond Shaped Thin Magnetic Particles
Authors: Kuźma Dominika , Pastukh Oleksandr , Zieliński Piotr
Published: September 2022

Four different switching scenarios have been revealed for a linear chain of flat magnetic particles with long axes perpendicular to the axis of the chain. The diamond-like shape of the particles has been previously shown to be the best to ensure a uniform and stable magnetization within a single particle, that is, to behave as a macrospin. The occurrence of each scenario depends on the distance of the particles in the chain. Whereas long distances favor direct remagnetization of a ferromagnetic configuration “all up” to the one “all down”, a short enough distance allows the system to recover its ground state at a zero field, that is, an antiferromagnetic order. This allows any information stored by a magnetic field to be erased. Vortex-like metastable defects have been noticed for intermediate distances. A longitudinal magnetization component at extremely short distances has been noticed as well as specific systems of domain walls. The hysteresis loops and magnetization maps in the particles have been presented for each scenario. The potential applicability of the findings to the fabrication of memory storage devices has been discussed.
Proposal to Systematize the Reflection and Assessment of the Teacher’s Practice on the Teaching of Functions
Authors: Parra-Urrea Yocelyn E. , Pino-Fan Luis R.
Published: September 2022

This research proposes theoretical-methodological strategies and tools to guide teaching, reflection, and assessment on the practice of the prospective teacher of mathematics when performing teaching and learning processes on the notion of function. It exemplifies our proposal’s use, through the reflection and characterization of the didactic-mathematical knowledge, of a prospective Chilean teacher, underlying his practice of teaching the power function. For the development of our proposal, we used the theoretical-methodological notions of the Didactic-Mathematical Knowledge (DMK) model and micro-teaching contexts, understood as rich and essential spaces for teacher education. As a conclusion, we could observe that the theoretical-methodological proposal here presented serves to systematize the reflection and assessment processes of teaching practice (one’s own or that of others) for the teaching of functions, and, thus, determine (or anticipate) actions that improve the teaching processes on this important mathematical notion.
Portfolio Insurance through Error-Correction Neural Networks
Authors: Kovalnogov Vladislav N. , Fedorov Ruslan V. , Generalov Dmitry A. , Chukalin Andrey V. , Katsikis Vasilios N. , Mourtas Spyridon D. , Simos Theodore E.
Published: September 2022

Minimum-cost portfolio insurance (MCPI) is a well-known investment strategy that tries to limit the losses a portfolio may incur as stocks decrease in price without requiring the portfolio manager to sell those stocks. In this research, we define and study the time-varying MCPI problem as a time-varying linear programming problem. More precisely, using real-world datasets, three different error-correction neural networks are employed to address this financial time-varying linear programming problem in continuous-time. These neural network solvers are the zeroing neural network (ZNN), the linear-variational-inequality primal-dual neural network (LVI-PDNN), and the simplified LVI-PDNN (S-LVI-PDNN). The neural network solvers are tested using real-world data on portfolios of up to 20 stocks, and the results show that they are capable of solving the financial problem efficiently, in some cases more than five times faster than traditional methods, though their accuracy declines as the size of the portfolio increases. This demonstrates the speed and accuracy of neural network solvers, showing their superiority over traditional methods in moderate-size portfolios. To promote and contend the outcomes of this research, we created two MATLAB repositories, for the interested user, that are publicly accessible on GitHub.
Optimal Power Allocation Based on Metaheuristic Algorithms in Wireless Network
Authors: Sun Qiushi , Wu Haitao , Petrosian Ovanes
Published: September 2022

An optimal power allocation is a fundamental challenge for massive multiple-input–multiple-output (MIMO) systems because the power allocation should be acclimated to time-varying channels and heavy traffic conditions throughout the communication network. Although massive model-driven algorithms have been employed to solve this issue, most of them require analytically tractable mathematical models and have a high computational complexity. This paper considers the metaheuristic algorithms for the power allocation issue. A series of state-of-the-art stochastic algorithms are compared with the benchmark algorithm on network scales. The simulation results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed algorithms against the conventional benchmark algorithms.
Spectral Analysis of the Finite Element Matrices Approximating 3D Linearly Elastic Structures and Multigrid Proposals
Authors: Nguyen Quoc Khanh , Serra-Capizzano Stefano , Tablino-Possio Cristina , Wadbro Eddie
Published: September 2022

The so-called material distribution methods for topology optimization cast the governing equation as an extended or fictitious domain problem, in which a coefficient field represents the design. In practice, the finite element method is typically used to approximate that kind of governing equations by using a large number of elements to discretize the design domain, and an element-wise constant function approximates the coefficient field in that domain. This paper presents a spectral analysis of the coefficient matrices associated with the linear systems stemming from the finite element discretization of a linearly elastic problem for an arbitrary coefficient field in three spatial dimensions. The given theoretical analysis is used for designing and studying an optimal multigrid method in the sense that the (arithmetic) cost for solving the problem, up to a fixed desired accuracy, is linear in the corresponding matrix size. Few selected numerical examples are presented and discussed in connection with the theoretical findings.
Technical and Environmental Feasibilities of the Commercial Production of NaOH from Brine by Means of an Integrated EDBM and Evaporation Process
Authors: Herrero-Gonzalez Marta , Ibañez Raquel
Published: September 2022

Electrodialysis with bipolar membranes (EDBMs) is a technology that offers a great potential for the introduction of the principles of a circular economy in the desalination industry, by providing a strategy for the recovery of HCl and NaOH from brine via the process of seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO). Both chemicals are widely employed in desalination facilities, however NaOH presents a special interest due to its higher requirements and cost. Nevertheless, the standard commercial concentrations that are commonly employed in the facilities cannot be obtained using the state of the art EDBM technology itself. Therefore, the aim and main purpose of this work is to prove the technical and environmental feasibilities of a new approach to produce commercial NaOH (50%wt.) from SWRO brine by means of an integrated process of EDBMs followed by a triple effect evaporation. The global process has been technically evaluated in terms of the specific energy consumption (SEC) (kWh·kg−1 NaOH) and the environmental sustainability performance has been analyzed by its carbon footprint (CF) (kg CO2-eq.·kg−1 NaOH). The influence of the current density, and the power source in the EDBM stage have been evaluated on a laboratory scale while the influence of the feed stream concentration in the evaporation stage has been obtained through simulations using Aspen Plus. The lowest SEC of the integrated process (SECOV), 31.1 kWh·kg−1 NaOH, is obtained when an average current density of 500 A·m−2, provided by a power supply (grid mix), is applied in the EDBM stage. The environmental burdens of the integrated process have been quantified by achieving reductions in the CF by up to 54.7% when solar photovoltaic energy is employed as the power source for EDBMs, with a value of 5.38 kg CO2-eq.·kg−1 NaOH. This study presents a great potential for the introduction of the principles of a circular economy in the water industry through the recovery of NaOH from the high salinity waste stream generated in SWRO facilities and opens the possibility of the reuse of NaOH by its self-supply in the desalination plant.
Cracking during High-Temperature Deformation of a High-Strength Polycrystalline CoNi-Base Superalloy
Authors: Hausmann Daniel , Freund Lisa Patricia , Solís Cecilia , Giese Sven , Göken Mathias , Gilles Ralph , Neumeier Steffen
Published: September 2022

The crack susceptibility during processing has a crucial influence on the workability of wrought alloys. In particular, the processing of high-strength alloys that are prone to cracking is challenging and various process parameters have to be optimized to achieve a good formability. The polycrystalline CoNi-base superalloy CoWAlloy1 provides a high potential for high-temperature applications due to it having a large forging window, a high γ′ fraction and excellent creep properties. In order to study its formability during hot rolling, its deformation behavior and susceptibility to cracking were characterized by sub- and supersolvus compression tests at temperatures between 1000–1150 °C. At temperatures around the γ′ solvus temperature, no cracks formed during the compression testing, while at lower temperatures, cracking occurred. Additionally, an in-situ high-temperature small-angle neutron scattering revealed the phase fractions and the precipitate size distributions at different processing temperatures. It was found that a high fraction of γ′ forms during cooling and cracking starts at the surface of the bar, when the hot bar encounters the cold rolls during hot rolling. Apparently, the precipitation of γ′, which causes a high strength and reduced ductility, and the absent recrystallization leads to pronounced crack propagation and limited formability below the γ′ solvus temperature.