bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IOb-Cache: A High-Performance Configurable Open-Source Cache
Authors: Roque João V. , Lopes João D. , Véstias Mário P. , de Sousa José T.
Published: July 2021

Open-source processors are increasingly being adopted by the industry, which requires all sorts of open-source implementations of peripherals and other system-on-chip modules. Despite the recent advent of open-source hardware, the available open-source caches have low configurability, limited lack of support for single-cycle pipelined memory accesses, and use non-standard hardware interfaces. In this paper, the IObundle cache (IOb-Cache), a high-performance configurable open-source cache is proposed, developed and deployed. The cache has front-end and back-end modules for fast integration with processors and memory controllers. The front-end module supports the native interface, and the back-end module supports the native interface and the standard Advanced eXtensible Interface (AXI). The cache is highly configurable in structure and access policies. The back-end can be configured to read bursts of multiple words per transfer to take advantage of the available memory bandwidth. To the best of our knowledge, IOb-Cache is currently the only configurable cache that supports pipelined Central Processing Unit (CPU) interfaces and AXI memory bus interface. Additionally, it has a write-through buffer and an independent controller for fast, most of the time 1-cycle writing together with 1-cycle reading, while previous works only support 1-cycle reading. This allows the best clocks-per-Instruction (CPI) to be close to one (1.055). IOb-Cache is integrated into IOb System-on-Chip (IOb-SoC) Github repository, which has 29 stars and is already being used in 50 projects (forks).
Time-Dependent Alternative Route Planning: Theory and Practice
Authors: Kontogiannis Spyros , Paraskevopoulos Andreas , Zaroliagis Christos
Published: July 2021

We consider the problem of computing a set of meaningful alternative origin-to-destination routes, in real-world road network instances whose arcs are accompanied by travel-time functions rather than fixed costs. In this time-dependent alternative route scenario, we present a novel query algorithm, called Time-Dependent Alternative Graph (TDAG), that exploits the outcome of a time-consuming preprocessing phase to create a manageable amount of travel-time metadata, in order to provide answers for arbitrary alternative-routes queries, in only a few milliseconds for continental-size instances. The resulting set of alternative routes is aggregated in the form of a time-dependent alternative graph, which is characterized by the minimum route overlap, small stretch factor, small size, and low complexity. To our knowledge, this is the first work that deals with the time-dependent setting in the framework of alternative routes. The preprocessed metadata prescribe the minimum travel-time informations between a small set of “landmark” nodes and all other nodes in the graph. The TDAG query algorithm carries out the work in two distinct phases: initially, a collection phase constructs candidate alternative routes; consequently, a pruning phase cautiously discards uninteresting or low-quality routes from the candidate set. Our experimental evaluation on real-world, time-dependent road networks demonstrates that TDAG performed much better (by one or two orders of magnitude) than the existing baseline approaches.
Impact of Estrogens Present in Environment on Health and Welfare of Animals
Authors: Wojnarowski Konrad , Podobiński Paweł , Cholewińska Paulina , Smoliński Jakub , Dorobisz Karolina
Published: July 2021

Nowadays, there is a growing interest in environmental pollution; however, knowledge about this aspect is growing at an insufficient pace. There are many potential sources of environmental contamination, including sex hormones—especially estrogens. The analyzed literature shows that estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), and synthetic ethinyloestradiol (EE2) are the most significant in terms of environmental impact. Potential sources of contamination are, among others, livestock farms, slaughterhouses, and large urban agglomerations. Estrogens occurring in the environment can negatively affect the organisms, such as animals, through phenomena such as feminization, dysregulation of natural processes related to reproduction, lowering the physiological condition of the organisms, disturbances in the regulation of both proapoptotic and anti-apoptotic processes, and even the occurrence of neoplastic processes thus drastically decreasing animal welfare. Unfortunately, the amount of research conducted on the negative consequences of their impact on animal organisms is many times smaller than that of humans, despite the great richness and diversity of the fauna. Therefore, there is a need for further research to help fill the gaps in our knowledge.
Adipose Tissue- and Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Sheep: Culture Characteristics
Authors: Dar Ejaz R. , Gugjoo Mudasir B. , Javaid Moien , Hussain Shahid , Fazili Mujeeb R. , Dhama Kuldeep , Alqahtani Taha , Alqahtani Ali M. , Shah Riaz A. , Emran Talha Bin
Published: July 2021

The current study demonstrates the culture characteristics of adipose tissue and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). The study evaluates the effect of ambient temperature, physiological status of the donor and the tissue source on sheep (Ovis aries) mesenchymal stem cells. The tissue samples were harvested from full term pregnant female sheep (n = 9) and male sheep (n = 10). Adipose tissue was harvested from n = 9 sheep and bone marrow from n = 10 sheep. The samples (adipose tissue, n = 2; bone marrow, n = 3) transported at cold ambient temperature (<10 °C) failed to yield MSCs while those (n = 14) at higher (>20 °C) ambient temperature successfully yielded MSCs. Bone marrow mononuclear cell (MNC) fraction was higher than the adipose tissue-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF), but the percent adherent cells (PAC) was higher in the later cell fraction. Adipose tissue-derived MSCs from the full term female sheep had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher proliferation potential as compared to those of the male sheep-derived MSCs. Female sheep MSCs also had rapid differentiation potential. The cryopreserved MSCs had morphological features comparable to that of the fresh cells. In conclusion, the tissue type and physiological status of donor animal may affect MSCs’ characteristics and should be taken into consideration while applying in clinical settings.
Identifying Health Status in Grazing Dairy Cows from Milk Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy by Using Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Contla Hernández Brenda , Lopez-Villalobos Nicolas , Vignes Matthieu
Published: July 2021

The early detection of health problems in dairy cattle is crucial to reduce economic losses. Mid-infrared (MIR) spectrometry has been used for identifying the composition of cow milk in routine tests. As such, it is a potential tool to detect diseases at an early stage. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) has been widely applied to identify illness such as lameness by using MIR spectrometry data. However, this method suffers some limitations. In this study, a series of machine learning techniques—random forest, support vector machine, neural network (NN), convolutional neural network and ensemble models—were used to test the feasibility of identifying cow sickness from 1909 milk sample MIR spectra from Holstein-Friesian, Jersey and crossbreed cows under grazing conditions. PLS-DA was also performed to compare the results. The sick cow records had a time window of 21 days before and 7 days after the milk sample was analysed. NN showed a sensitivity of 61.74%, specificity of 97% and positive predicted value (PPV) of nearly 60%. Although the sensitivity of the PLS-DA was slightly higher than NN (65.6%), the specificity and PPV were lower (79.59% and 15.25%, respectively). This indicates that by using NN, it is possible to identify a health problem with a reasonable level of accuracy.
Large Farm Animals Used for Research Purposes: A Survey on Purchase, Housing and Hygiene Management
Authors: Schmidt Tanja , Ferrara Fabienne , Pobloth Anne-Marie , Jeuthe Sarah
Published: July 2021

Background: Farm animals (FAs) are frequently used in biomedical research. Recommendations for the purchase, housing and health monitoring of these animals (sheep, goats, cattle and pigs) are still missing, and many institutes have developed their own strategies and protocols to face the challenges associated with the use of farm animals. This may influence the comparability of research results and increase data variances, thus increasing animal use that contradicts the obligation to apply the 3Rs principle of reduction, refinement and replacement required in Directive 2010/63 EU and the German animal protection law. Methods: A survey was conducted to define the current state of the art in research institutes working with pigs, and large and small ruminants. Results: The results of the survey clearly show that there are no uniform procedures regarding the purchase, housing and hygiene management of farm animals contrary to small laboratory animals. The facilities make purpose-bound decisions according to their own needs and individual work instructions and implement their own useful protocols to improve and maintain the health of the animals. Conclusion: This survey was the first step to filling the gaps and identifying the status quo and practical applied measures regarding the purchase and hygiene monitoring of FAs in order to improve animal welfare and scientific validity.
Habituation Protocols Improve Behavioral and Physiological Responses of Beef Cattle Exposed to Students in an Animal Handling Class
Authors: Ujita Aska , Seekford Zachary , Kott Michelle , Goncherenko Guillermo , Dias Nicholas W. , Feuerbacher Erica , Bergamasco Luciana , Jacobs Leonie , Eversole Dan E. , Negrão João A. , Mercadante Vitor R. G.
Published: July 2021

Our objective was to determine the impact of different habituation protocols on beef cattle behavior, physiology, and temperament in response to human handling. Beef heifers were exposed to three habituation strategies: (1) tactile stimulation (brushing) in the working chute for seven consecutive days (STI; n = 18); (2) passage through the working chute for seven consecutive days (CHU; n = 19) and; (3) no habituation (CON; n = 19). Individual heifer respiratory rate (RR; n/min), internal vaginal temperature (VAGT; °C), and blood cortisol were measured. Further, behavior parameters were observed to generate a behavior score, and heifer interaction with students and their behavioral responses were recorded. Habituation with STI and CHU resulted in improved numerical behavioral scores compared to CON, and greater (p ≤ 0.05) handling latencies. Vaginal temperature was decreased in STI compared to CHU and CONT (p ≤ 0.05). Cortisol concentration did not differ among treatments, but decreased (p ≤ 0.05) from the start of the experiment to 14 days after treatment initiation. Both habituation protocols showed benefits, but heifers that received the positive tactile stimulation in the chute had the greatest behavior improvements. Furthermore, these heifers responded more calmly during student-animal interactions in class, which is beneficial for the students’ and animals’ safety.
Vulnerability Assessment of Pelagic Sharks in the Western North Pacific by Using an Integrated Ecological Risk Assessment
Authors: Liu Kwang-Ming , Huang Lung-Hsin , Su Kuan-Yu , Joung Shoou-Jeng
Published: July 2021

The vulnerability of 11 pelagic shark species caught by the Taiwanese coastal and offshore longline fisheries in the western North Pacific were assessed by an ecological risk assessment (ERA) and 10 of the 11 species was assessed by using an integrated ERA developed in this study. The intrinsic rate of population growth was used to estimate the productivity of sharks, and the susceptibility of sharks was estimated by the multiplication of the catchability, selectivity, and post-capture mortality. Three indices namely, the IUCN Red List category, the body weight variation trend, and the inflection point of population growth curve coupled with ERA were used to conduct an integrated ERA. The results indicated that the scalloped hammerhead is at the highest risk (group 1), followed by the silky shark, and the spinner shark at high risk (group 2). The bigeye thresher, and sandbar shark fall in group 3, the smooth hammerhead falls in group 4, and the shortfin mako, pelagic thresher, oceanic whitetip, and dusky shark fall in group 5. Rigorous management measures for the species in groups 1 and 2, setting total allowable catch quota for group 3, and consistent monitoring schemes for groups 4 and 5 are recommended.
Specificity of Anti-Citrullinated Protein Antibodies to Citrullinated α-Enolase Peptides as a Function of Epitope Structure and Composition
Authors: Fanelli Ilaria , Rovero Paolo , Hansen Paul Robert , Frederiksen Jette , Houen Gunnar , Trier Nicole Hartwig
Published: July 2021

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately 1–2% of the world population. In addition to the first discovered serologic markers for RA, the rheumatoid factors (RFs), anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) are even more specific for the disease compared to RFs and are found in 70–80% of RA patient sera. RA etiopathogenesis still needs to be elucidated, as different factors are proposed to be involved, such as Epstein–Barr virus infection. Hence, understanding the interaction between ACPAs and their citrullinated peptide targets is relevant for a better knowledge of RA pathophysiology and for diagnostic purposes. In this study, a cohort of RA sera, healthy control sera and multiple sclerosis sera were screened for reactivity to a variety of citrullinated peptides originating from α-enolase, pro-filaggrin, proteoglycan and Epstein–Barr nuclear antigen-2 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. ACPA reactivity to citrullinated α-enolase peptides was found to depend on peptide length and peptide conformation, favouring cyclic (disulfide bond) conformations for long peptides and linear peptides for truncated ones. Additional investigations about the optimal peptide conformation for ACPA detection, employing pro-filaggrin and EBNA-2 peptides, confirmed these findings, indicating a positive effect of cyclization of longer peptides of approximately 20 amino acids. Moreover, screening of the citrullinated peptides confirmed that ACPAs can be divided into two groups based on their reactivity. Approximately 90% of RA sera recognize several peptide targets, being defined as cross-reactive or overlapping reactivities, and whose reactivity to the citrullinated peptide is considered primarily to be backbone-dependent. In contrast, approximately 10% recognize a single target and are defined as nonoverlapping, primarily depending on the specific amino acid side-chains in the epitope for a stable interaction. Collectively, this study contributed to characterize epitope composition and structure for optimal ACPA reactivity and to obtain further knowledge about the cross-reactive nature of ACPAs.
Clinical Case: Patient with Mixed Graft Rejection Four Days after Kidney Transplantation Developed Specific Antibodies against Donor Bw4 Specificities
Authors: Muñoz-Herrera Claudia M. , Gutiérrez-Bautista Juan Francisco , López-Nevot Miguel Ángel
Published: July 2021

Kidney transplantation, like other transplants, has the risk of producing graft rejection due to genetic differences between donor and recipient. The three known types of renal rejection are listed in the Banff classification: T-cell-mediated rejection (TCMR), antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR), and mixed rejection. The human leukocyte antigens (HLA) are highly polymorphic and may be the targets of donor-specific antibodies, resulting in ABMR. Therefore, prior to transplantation, it is necessary to analyze the HLA genotype of the donor and recipient, as well as the presence of DSA, in order to avoid hyperacute rejection. However, due to the shortage of kidneys, it is very difficult to find a donor and a recipient with completely matched HLA genotypes. This can trigger a future rejection of the kidney, as is reported in this work. We describe a patient who received a kidney transplant after a negative DSA test, who developed graft rejection with antibodies against the donor’s HLA-Bw4 public epitope and lymphocytic infiltrate four days after transplantation, whose differential diagnosis was mixed rejection.
Study on Prevention and Treatment Strategy of Asphalt Ultraviolet (UV) Aging Based on UV Climate Zoning in China
Authors: Zou Ling , Lou Zhongbo , Li Minghui , Xue Honghua , Chen Yu , Zhang Wengang
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this paper, based on the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in different areas of China, was to give the corresponding measures to prevent UV aging of asphalt. In this paper, based on the average annual amount of UV radiation in China in the past 30 years and the characteristics of UV aging of asphalt, the climatic zoning of UV radiation of asphalt in China was proposed. A variety of base asphalts and styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymer (SBS) modified asphalts were selected to carry out a UV radiation test, and the relationship between UV radiation amount and viscosity, low-temperature performance, and the rheological properties of asphalt were studied. The equivalent aging indexes of asphalt during UV radiation were selected, the UV aging equation of asphalt was proposed, and the equivalent UV aging relationship among different UV climate zones was established. The prevention and control strategies of UV aging of asphalt among different zones were proposed, and the above theory was verified using a trial road. The main conclusions in the paper are presented: The climate zoning of asphalt UV radiation in China can be divided into three zones: zone I with an annual UV radiation less than or equal to 69.4 kW·h/m2 in the last 30 years; zone II with an annual UV radiation of 69.4~81.4 kW·h/m2 in the last 30 years; zone III with an annual UV radiation more than or equal to 81.4 kW·h/m2 in the last 30 years. The greater the amount of UV radiation, the greater the loss rate of penetration and ductility. For the same kind of asphalt, there is a relatively stable functional relationship between the loss rate and the amount of UV radiation. The results also show that UV radiation changes the proportion of viscous and elastic components in asphalt, showing that the proportion of viscous components decreases and the proportion of elastic components increases. The penetration loss rate and ductility loss rate of asphalt can be used as equivalent UV aging indexes of asphalt. Under the same outdoor UV irradiation time, for asphalt to achieve the same technical performance as zone I, the anti-UV ability of zone II needs to be improved by more than 5%, and that of zone III needs to be improved by more than 10%. Engineering practice has proved that the zoning established in this paper and the corresponding UV control measures are basically reasonable.
Performance Evaluation of Low-Cost Multi-Frequency GNSS Receivers and Antennas for Displacement Detection
Authors: Hamza Veton , Stopar Bojan , Ambrožič Tomaž , Sterle Oskar
Published: July 2021

Low-cost Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers are currently used in various engineering applications. These low-cost devices are regarded as suitable sensors for applications in areas with a high risk of instrument damage. The main objectives of this research were to identify the size of displacements that can be detected in relative and absolute positioning modes by low-cost GNSS instruments and to compare the results of selected antennas. Additionally, geodetic and low-cost GNSS instruments were compared in the level of observations. For this study, low-cost SimpleRTK2B V1 boards, which house ZED-F9P GNSS chips, and three low-cost antennas, namely, Survey, Tallysman TW3882, and Survey Calibrated, were selected. While antenna calibration parameters are known for the last antenna, this is not the case for the first two. For testing purposes, a geodetic network consisting of four points was established; horizontal and vertical movements were imposed by a special mechanism with high accuracy. In relative positioning mode, the results indicate that the Survey Calibrated antenna can detect horizontal and vertical displacements with sizes of 4 mm, and 6 mm, respectively. In the detection of horizontal displacements, the performance of the Survey antenna was not as good as that of Tallysman, and the sizes of detected displacements were 6 mm and 4 mm for the first, and second antennas, respectively. Vertical displacements of 9 mm were detected using both Survey and Tallysman antennas. In absolute positioning mode, Survey Calibrated also had better performance than the Tallysman antenna, and spatial displacements of 20 mm or greater were detected by low-cost GNSS instruments. The observations made with low-cost and geodetic GNSS instruments were compared, and the latter showed better performance. However, the differences in cycle slips and the noise of phase observations were inferior. Considering their cost and proven performance, it can be concluded that such sensors can be considered for setting up a highly accurate but low-cost geodetic monitoring system.
Study of the Lifetime Testing of Spherical Rubber Isolators
Authors: Li Hao , Yang Chengliang , Wang Shaoxin , Su Ping , Zhang Xingyun , Peng Zenghui , Mu Quanquan
Published: July 2021

This study aims to identify the fatigue lifetime of a thin-walled hollow spherical rubber isolator subjected to harmonic and random vibrations. Firstly, the nonlinear characteristics of the rubber materials are tested and analyzed through vibration experiments. The relationship among the nonlinear stiffness, nonlinear damping, and relative displacement amplitude is established. Secondly, an accelerated lifetime experiment under random excitation is carried out. The correlation between the root-mean-squared acceleration response of the random vibration system and the stiffness attenuation of the rubber isolator is established and modeled. A lifetime prediction method for rubber isolators is proposed based on the model. Finally, the influence of different loads on the lifetime of the rubber isolator is investigated. These methods provide an additional rationale for the further theoretical research and practical engineering application of rubber damping systems.
Validation of a Commercial Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP)-Based Kit for the Detection of Salmonella spp. According to ISO 16140:2016
Authors: Di Bella Calogero , Costa Antonella , Sciortino Sonia , Oliveri Giuseppa , Cammilleri Gaetano , Geraci Francesco , Lo Monaco Daniela , Carpintieri Davide , Lo Bue Giuseppe , Bongiorno Carmelo , Altomare Alessandro , Ciprì Valentina , Pitti Rosario , Lanzillo Carmine , Arcoleo Giuseppe , Allegro Rosalinda
Published: July 2021

The traditional cultural method (PCR and Real-Time PCR) for Salmonella spp. detection and identification is laborious and time-consuming. A qualitative LAMP method detecting Salmonella spp. was validated in compliance with ISO 16140:2016. The results show a relative accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 100% in comparison with the reference method ISO 6579-1:2017; the LOD50 was set as 0.4 CFU/g. Additionally, a field study was carried out comparing the LAMP kit, a commercially available Real-Time PCR kit (FoodProof Salmonella, Biotecon Diagnostics), and the reference cultural method. The Salmonella spp. LAMP kit was suitable for reliable detection of Salmonella spp., simplifying and reducing the extent and the steps of the analytical process. A total of 105 samples of raw poultry meat were screened for the presence of Salmonella spp. according to three methods: the LAMP kit Salmonella spp. (Enbiotech), the Real-Time PCR kit FoodProof Salmonella (Biotecon), and the reference cultural method. Using these three methods, only one sample out of the 105 (0.95%) tested was positive for Salmonella spp. This sample was further investigated using the reference method described in ISO 6579-3:2014, in order to characterise the Salmonella strain. Following this further biochemical identification and serological typing, the isolate was characterised as Salmonella Infantis.
Topology Optimization Design and Experimental Research of a 3D-Printed Metal Aerospace Bracket Considering Fatigue Performance
Authors: Chen Yisheng , Wang Qianglong , Wang Chong , Gong Peng , Shi Yincheng , Yu Yi , Liu Zhenyu
Published: July 2021

In the aerospace industry, spacecraft often serve in harsh operating environments, so the design of ultra-lightweight and high-performance structures is a major requirement in aerospace structure design. In this article, a lightweight aerospace bracket considering fatigue performance was designed by topology optimization and manufactured by 3D-printing. Considering the requirements of assembly with a fixture for fatigue testing and avoiding stress concentration, a reconstructed model was presented by CAD software before manufacturing. To improve the fatigue performance of the structure, this article proposes the design idea of abstracting the practiced working condition of the bracket subjected to cycle loads in the vertical direction via a multiple load-case topology optimization problem by minimizing compliance under a variety of asymmetric extreme loading conditions. Parameter sweeping was used to improve the computational efficiency. The mass of the new bracket was reduced by 37% compared to the original structure. Both numerical simulation and the fatigue test were implemented to support the validity of the new bracket. This work indicates that the integration of the proposed topology optimization design method and additive manufacturing can be a powerful tool for the design of lightweight structures considering fatigue performance.
On the Dimensions Required for a Molten Salt Zero Power Reactor Operating on Chloride Salts
Authors: Merk Bruno , Detkina Anna , Atkinson Seddon , Litskevich Dzianis , Cartland-Glover Gregory
Published: July 2021

Molten salt reactors have gained substantial interest in the last years due to their flexibility and their potential for simplified closed fuel cycle operation for massive expansion in low-carbon electricity production, which will be required for a future net-zero society. The importance of a zero-power reactor for the process of developing a new, innovative rector concept, such as that required for the molten salt fast reactor based on iMAGINE technology, which operates directly on spent nuclear fuel, is described here. It is based on historical developments as well as the current demand for experimental results and key factors that are relevant to the success of the next step in the development process of all innovative reactor types. In the systematic modelling and simulation of a zero-power molten salt reactor, the radius and the feedback effects are studied for a eutectic based system, while a heavy metal rich chloride-based system are studied depending on the uranium enrichment accompanied with the effects on neutron flux spectrum and spatial distribution. These results are used to support the relevant decision for the narrowing down of the configurations supported by considerations on cost and proliferation for the follow up 3-D analysis. The results provide for the first time a systematic modelling and simulation approach for a new reactor physics experiment for an advanced technology. The expected core volumes for these configurations have been studied using multi-group and continuous energy Monte-Carlo simulations identifying the 35% enriched systems as the most attractive. This finally leads to the choice of heavy metal rich compositions with 35% enrichment as the reference system for future studies of the next steps in the zero power reactor investigation. An alternative could be the eutectic system in the case the increased core diameter is manageable. The inter-comparison of the different applied codes and approaches available in the SCALE package has delivered a very good agreement between the results, creating trust into the developed and used models and methods.
Influences of the Water Cut of Pumping Oil and the Mineralization of the Associated Water on the Rate of Sludging
Authors: Vyatkin Kirill , Mordvinov Victor , Ilushin Pavel , Kozlov Anton
Published: July 2021

The problem of the formation of organic deposits on the inside surfaces of borehole equipment and oilfield pipelines, which is urgent for all active oil fields, was considered in the study. The formation of these deposits leads to decreased lifespans for oilfield equipment and accidents involving oil pipelines and wells. The aim of our work was to estimate the dependencies of the organic deposition’s formation-rate factor on the water cut of the investigated water–oil emulsion and the mineralization of the water phase. Examination via generation of asphaltene–resin–paraffin deposits on the surfaces of cold rods was carried out with a “Cold Finger” CF-4 unit. Coefficients of specific oil sludging, fluid sludging and rate sludging have been determined. It has been defined that in the definite oilfields, the rate of sludging does not increase as the water content in the emulsion increases. As water-phase mineralization increases, this value remains practically constant.
A Narrative Review of Virtual Reality Applications for the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Kamkuimo Sorelle Audrey , Girard Benoît , Menelas Bob-Antoine J.
Published: July 2021

Virtual reality (VR) technologies allow for the creation of 3D environments that can be exploited at the human level, maximizing humans’ use of perceptual skills through their sensory channels, and enabling them to actively influence the course of events that take place in the virtual environment (VE). As such, they constitute a significant asset in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) via exposure therapy. In this article, we review the VR tools that have been developed to date for the treatment of PTSD. The article aims to analyze how VR technologies can be exploited from a sensorimotor and interactive perspective. The findings from this analysis suggest a significant emphasis on sensory stimulation to the detriment of interaction. Finally, we propose new ideas regarding the more successful integration of sensorimotor activities and interaction into VR exposure therapy for PTSD.
Evolution of Composting Process in Maize Biomass Revealed by Analytical Pyrolysis (Py-GC/MS) and Pyrolysis Compound Specific Isotope Analysis (Py-CSIA)
Authors: San-Emeterio Layla M. , López-Núñez Rafael , González-Vila Francisco J. , González-Pérez José A.
Published: July 2021

An innovative approach based on the combination of analytical pyrolysis coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) with compound-specific isotope analysis (Py-CSIA) is used to study the composting process of maize biomass. This multidisciplinary approach aims to elucidate the decomposition rate of the main biogenic materials (lignin, cellulose, proteins, lipids, and waxes) responses to the composting process. According to Py-GC/MS data/structural composition, a noticeable and significant decrease during the first stage of the composting process of carbohydrates and aromatic compounds is found, followed by a gradual increase of all compounds till the end of the experiment. This trend, along with an increase of fatty acids methyl-ester at the first composting stage, sustains the microbial activity and its stabilization over time. Py-CSIA data showed a significant enrichment in 13C in all identified compounds over time, supporting the semi-quantitative results and the decomposition of initial biomass throughout the composting process. This trend is also perceptible in lignin moieties, long-chain aliphatic structures, and isoprenoids, as highly recalcitrant compounds, presumably due to depolymerization and carbon translocation of side-chain molecules during the composting process. Compound-specific isotope values showed a good correlation with the bulk isotope data, and this served as validation of the technique. However, bulk values showed higher heterogeneity because those represent an average of all organic compounds in the sample. By combining isotopic and structural information using Py-GC/MS and Py-CSIA, we are able to provide further information and a more detailed approach to the study of the decomposition process of biomass by considering the diverse dynamics of the main biogenic compounds.
Energy Expenditure during Acute Weight Training Exercises in Healthy Participants: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Adeel Muhammad , Lai Chien-Hung , Wu Chun-Wei , Kang Jiunn-Horng , Liou Jian-Chiun , Chen Hung-Chou , Hong Meng-Jyun , Peng Chih-Wei
Published: July 2021

Energy expenditure during weight training exercises produces great fitness and health benefits for humans, but few studies have investigated energy expenditure directly during weight training. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine energy costs during three training sessions consisting of three different exercises. Ten participants were randomly allocated into two groups: an untrained (n = 5, with no weight training experience) and a trained group (n = 5, with some weight training experience). Each participant completed three training sessions on separate days. While wearing a mask for indirect calorimetric measurements, each participant participated in training sessions conducted with three dumbbell exercises: the bent-over row, deadlift, and lunge. Metabolic equivalents (METs), energy expenditure (EE), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured. The total energy cost was calculated from the oxygen consumption (VO2) during each exercise. Our results showed that the METs of a single training session were 3.3 for the untrained group and 3.4 for the trained group, while the sum of the EE was 683–688 and 779–840 kcal, respectively. The physiological parameters, such as heart rate (p = 0.001 *) for the lunge and rate of perceived exertion (p = 0.005 *) for the bent-over row, changed significantly in both groups. It was concluded that the exercise protocol of this study involved a moderate intensity of 2.4–3.9 METs. The energy cost of each training exercise was between 179 and 291 kcal.
Optimizing the Frequency Capping: A Robust and Reliable Methodology to Define the Number of Ads to Maximize ROAS
Authors: Romero Leguina Jesús , Cuevas Rumin Ángel , Cuevas Rumin Rubén
Published: July 2021

The goal of digital marketing is to connect advertisers with users that are interested in their products. This means serving ads to users, and it could lead to a user receiving hundreds of impressions of the same ad. Consequently, advertisers can define a maximum threshold to the number of impressions a user can receive, referred to as Frequency Cap. However, low frequency caps mean many users are not engaging with the advertiser. By contrast, with high frequency caps, users may receive many ads leading to annoyance and wasting budget. We build a robust and reliable methodology to define the number of ads that should be delivered to different users to maximize the ROAS and reduce the possibility that users get annoyed with the ads’ brand. The methodology uses a novel technique to find the optimal frequency capping based on the number of non-clicked impressions rather than the traditional number of received impressions. This methodology is validated using simulations and large-scale datasets obtained from real ad campaigns data. To sum up, our work proves that it is feasible to address the frequency capping optimization as a business problem, and we provide a framework that can be used to configure efficient frequency capping values.
Consumer Neuroscience as a Tool to Monitor the Impact of Aromas on Consumer Emotions When Buying Food
Authors: Berčík Jakub , Neomániová Katarína , Gálová Jana , Mravcová Anna
Published: July 2021

Building a unique USP sales argument (unique selling proposition) through various forms of in-store communication comes to the fore in a challenging competitive environment. Scent as a means to influence the purchase of goods or services has a long history, however, aromachology as field of in-store communication is a matter of the present. This new trend, the importance and use of which has grown in recent years, is the subject of a wide range of research. In order to increase the efficiency of these elements, it is necessary to familiarise ourselves with the factors that affect the customer, whether that be consciously or unconsciously. Consumer neuroscience is addressed in this area. This paper deals with the comprehensive interdisciplinary investigation of the impact of selected aromatic compounds on consumer cognitive and affective processes as well as assessing the effectiveness of their implementation in food retail operations. At the end of the paper, we recommend options for the effective selection and implementation of aromatisation of different premises, by which the retailer can achieve not only a successful form of in-store communication, but also an increase the retail turnover of the store.
Comprehensive Flood Risk Assessment for Wastewater Treatment Plants under Extreme Storm Events: A Case Study for New York City, United States
Authors: Sun Qing , Nazari Rouzbeh , Karimi Maryam , Rabbani Fahad MD Golam , Peters Robert W.
Published: July 2021

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the City of New York, United States, are particularly vulnerable to frequent extreme weather events, including storm surges, high-intensity rainfall, and sea level rise, and are also affected by the cascade of these events. The complex structural configuration of WWTPs requires very fine-scale flood risk assessment, which current research has not pursued. We propose a robust technique to quantify the risk of inundations for the fourteen WWPTs through an automated sub-basin creation tool; 889 sub-basins were generated and merged with high-resolution building footprint data to create a comprehensive database for flood inundation analysis. The inundation depths and extents for the WWTPs and flood-prone regions were identified from hydrodynamic modeling of storm surge and sea level rise. The economic damage due to flooding for the WWTPs was also quantified using the HAZUS-MH model. Results indicated that the storm surges from various categories of hurricanes have the dominant impacts on flood depths around WWTPs, followed by high-intensity rainfall. Sea level rise was shown to have a relatively minor impact on flood depths. Results from economic damage analysis showed that the WWTPs are subjected to damage ranging from USD 60,000 to 720,000, depending on the size of the WWTP and the extremity of storm surge. The method of analyzing the inundation status of the research object through the sub-basin enables more accurate data to be obtained when calculating the runoff. It allows for a clearer view of the inundation status of the WWTPs when combined with the actual buildings. Using this database, predicting flood conditions of any extreme event or a cascade of extreme events can be conducted quickly and accurately.
Effect of Configuration and Yield Strength of Transverse Reinforcement on Lateral Confinement of RC Columns
Authors: Kim Min-Jun , Lee Bum-Sik , Kim Dong-Hwan , Han Sang-Pil , Kim Kil-Hee
Published: July 2021

In general, the lateral confinement capacity of RC columns is influenced by the strength and configuration of transverse reinforcement. In this study, performed antisymmetric flexural moment experiments that simulated seismic loads, with the configuration and yield strength of the transverse reinforcement of RC square columns as main variables. The eight specimens were square cross-sections measuring 250 × 250 mm, and the lateral confinement effect in relation to main variables was examined by inducing flexural failure in the plastic hinge zone under a shear span-to-depth ratio (a/D) of 3.0. Transverse reinforcements comprised a square and octagonal S-series and tie-based H-series. The yield strengths of the transverse reinforcements were 453 MPa and 1053 MPa, respectively. Compared to the H-series, the S-series, whose configuration of transverse reinforcement is closer to a circular form, exhibited more prominent ductile behavior after flexural yield with increasing yield strength of transverse reinforcement, which indicates greater lateral confinement.
Substitutability and Complementarity of Municipal Electric Bike Sharing Systems against Other Forms of Urban Transport
Authors: Suchanek Michał , Jagiełło Aleksander , Suchanek Justyna
Published: July 2021

The current quantitative and qualitative development of bike-sharing systems worldwide involves particular implications regarding the level of sustainability of urban development and city residents’ quality of life. To make these implications as large as possible as well as the most positive, it is essential that the people who use municipal bikes on a regular basis to the largest extent possible abandon car travel at the same time. Thanks to their operational characteristics, electric bikes should enable meeting the transport needs of a wider group of city residents compared with traditional bicycles. The main aim of this study was therefore to check whether the municipal electric bike system (MEVO) in Gdańsk-Gdynia-Sopot metropolitan area of Poland lived up to the hopes placed upon it by policymakers. Therefore, the article tests the hypothesis indicating that the municipal electric bike systems constitute a substitutable form of transportation against passenger cars to a larger extent than against collective urban transport and walking trips. The analysis was performed based on the results of primary studies conducted among the users of MEVO. The data show that the MEVO was a substitutable form of transportation against collective transport and walking trips to a larger extent than against passenger cars. Through logistic regression analysis, the variables concerning the probability of replacing car trips by MEVO bicycles were determined. Among the analyzed variables, the following turned out to be statistically significant: age, the number of people in the household, the number of cars in the household, the distance from work, and gender. The results therefore indicate that substituting in favor of electro bikes was more probable for younger people with fewer people in the household and a distance to travel below 3 km, whereas it was less probable for people with more cars in the household or traveling a distance longer than 10 km. Additionally, females were more likely to choose the bike system.
Trigonometric Inference Providing Learning in Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Cai Jingyong , Takemoto Masashi , Qiu Yuming , Nakajo Hironori
Published: July 2021

Despite being heavily used in the training of deep neural networks (DNNs), multipliers are resource-intensive and insufficient in many different scenarios. Previous discoveries have revealed the superiority when activation functions, such as the sigmoid, are calculated by shift-and-add operations, although they fail to remove multiplications in training altogether. In this paper, we propose an innovative approach that can convert all multiplications in the forward and backward inferences of DNNs into shift-and-add operations. Because the model parameters and backpropagated errors of a large DNN model are typically clustered around zero, these values can be approximated by their sine values. Multiplications between the weights and error signals are transferred to multiplications of their sine values, which are replaceable with simpler operations with the help of the product to sum formula. In addition, a rectified sine activation function is utilized for further converting layer inputs into sine values. In this way, the original multiplication-intensive operations can be computed through simple add-and-shift operations. This trigonometric approximation method provides an efficient training and inference alternative for devices with insufficient hardware multipliers. Experimental results demonstrate that this method is able to obtain a performance close to that of classical training algorithms. The approach we propose sheds new light on future hardware customization research for machine learning.
Implementation of Adaptive Real-Time Camouflage System in Visible-Light Band
Authors: Zhen Liying , Zhao Yan , Zhang Pin , Liao Congwei , Gao Xiaohui , Deng Lianwen
Published: July 2021

This paper presents an adaptive camouflage system in visible band, featuring a dominant color feature-matching algorithm and pulse width modulation (PWM)-based display driving circuit. The control system consists of three parts, namely, the background sensing part, the central processing part, and the physical driving waveform generation part. Images of the local environment are sampled by the background sensing part, and then the dominant color feature matching algorithm is conducted to select a proper camouflage image that matches the local environment. Consequently, the cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs) display using amplitude adjustable AC voltage, which is modulated by the physical driving waveform generation unit. The experimental results show that the matching degree of the proposed algorithm was 2.47 times that of the conventional hue (H), saturation (S), and value (V) histogram camouflage evaluation method, while the output peak wavelength of the reflective band can be adjusted from 604 to 544 nm according to the ambient color profile.
Energy and Environmental Implications of Using Energy-Harvesting Speed Humps in Nablus City, Palestine
Authors: Hassouna Fady M. A. , Assad Mahmoud , Koa Islam , Rabaya Wesam , Aqhash Aya , Rahhal Aya , Saqf-Alhait Huda
Published: July 2021

Over the last three decades, transportation has become one of the main energy-consuming sectors around the world and, as a result, large amounts of emissions are produced, contributing to global warming, climate change, and health problems. Therefore, huge investments and efforts have been made by governments and international institutions to find new renewable and clean sources of energy. As a contribution to these efforts, this study determined the practical energy and environmental implications of replacing conventional speed humps with energy-harvesting speed humps in Nablus city, Palestine. The study was implemented using an energy-harvesting speed hump (EHSH) system developed in the laboratories at An-Najah National University and based on comprehensive traffic volume counts at all speed humps’ locations. In addition, a traffic volume prediction model was developed in order to determine the implications over the next 10 years. As a result of the study, the expected annual amount of generated energy was determined. Moreover, the expected reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the reduction in the cost of roadway network lighting were determined based on the current and future traffic conditions.
Forensic Anthropology as a Discipline
Authors: Passalacqua Nicholas , Pilloud Marin , Congram Derek
Published: July 2021

This paper explores the current state of forensic anthropology in the United States as a distinct discipline. Forensic anthropology has become increasingly specialized and the need for strengthened professionalization is becoming paramount. This includes a need for clearly defined qualifications, training, standards of practice, certification processes, and ethical guidelines. Within this discussion, the concept of expertise is explored in relation to professionalization and practice, as both bioarchaeology and forensic anthropology have different areas of specialist knowledge, and therefore unique expertise. As working outside one’s area of expertise is an ethical violation, it is important for professional organizations to outline requisite qualifications, develop standards and best practice guidelines, and enforce robust preventive ethical codes in order to serve both their professional members and relevant stakeholders.