bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protein Catabolism and the Dysregulation of Energy Intake-Related Hormones May Play a Major Role in the Worsening of Malnutrition in Hospitalized Cirrhotic Patients
Authors: Gangitano Elena , Gnessi Lucio , Merli Manuela
Published: August 2022

Malnutrition in cirrhotic patients is extremely common and has a multifactorial aetiology, whose constitutive elements have not been completely elucidated yet. Protein depletion is particularly important and an imbalance of hormones regulating hunger and satiety may be an important additive factor. The diagnosis and treatment of malnutrition are extremely important since malnutrition is associated with higher complication rates and mortality. Our observational study aimed to study protein status and energy intake-related hormone levels in a cohort of hospitalized cirrhotic patients. We enrolled 50 hospitalized and clinically stable cirrhotic patients and assessed their nutritional status with anthropometric measurements and nitrogen balance. In a subgroup of 16 patients and 10 healthy controls, circulating ghrelin and leptin levels were studied. We observed that 60% of our patients were malnourished on the basis of the mid-arm muscle circumference values; the recorded daily protein intake was tendentially insufficient (mean protein intake of 0.7 ± 0.5 g protein/kg vs. recommended intake of 1.2–1.5 g of protein/kg/die). Cirrhotic patients had lower circulating levels of both ghrelin and leptin compared to healthy controls. In conclusion, hospitalized cirrhotic patients face a catabolic state and an imbalance in hormones regulating food intake and satiety, and these elements may play a major role in the genesis and/or the worsening of malnutrition.
Recovery Behavior of the Macro-Cracks in Elevated Temperature-Damaged Concrete after Post-Fire Curing
Authors: Li Lang , Chen Yao , He Chao , Wang Chong , Zhang Hong , Wang Qingyuan , Liu Yongjie , Zhang Guomin
Published: August 2022

Studying the recovery of fire-damaged concrete is of huge economic and environmental significance. The recovery of thermal-induced cracks of fire-damaged concrete leads to the recovery of strength after post-fire curing. To identify the crack recovery behavior of fire-damaged concrete after post-fire curing and its relationship with the recovery of strength, in this study, concrete samples exposed to 400, 600, and 800 °C were treated with the post-fire curing process. The compressive strength recovery was investigated, as well as the crack recovery in terms of the crack length. Moreover, the recovery of the cracks was studied and divided into the categories of mortar cracks and mortar-aggregate interfacial cracks. The results indicate that, after being exposed to high temperatures, the interfacial crack was the main type of crack, and it could clearly be recovered by post-fire curing. The recovery of compressive strength mainly resulted from the recovery of interfacial cracks. The findings of this study can provide practical guidance for the application of post-fire curing to the recovery of fire-damaged concrete structures.
Double Heteroatom Reconfigured Polar Catalytic Surface Powers High-Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Shi Zeyuan , Gao Bo , Cai Rui , Wang Lei , Liu Wentao , Chen Zhuo
Published: August 2022

The modification of apolar carbon materials by heteroatom doping is an effective method that can effectively improve the surface polarity of carbon materials. In the main body of the lithium–sulfur battery cathode, the structural properties of the carbon material itself with porous structure and large specific surface area provide sufficient space for sulfur accommodation and mitigate the bulk effect of the sulfur cathode (79%). The polarized surface of the reconstructed carbon material possesses strong adsorption effect on LiPs, which mitigates the notorious “shuttle effect.” In this paper, the surface structure of the Ketjen black cathode body was reconstructed by B and N double heteroatoms to polarize it. The modified polarized Ketjen black improves the adsorption and anchoring ability of LiPs during the reaction and accelerates their kinetic conversion, while its own uniformly distributed small mesopores and oversized BET structural properties are beneficial to mitigate the bulk effect of sulfur cathodes. Lithium–sulfur batteries using B and N modified cathodes have an initial discharge capacity of 1344.49 mAh/g at 0.1 C and excellent cycling stability at 0.5 C (381.4 mAh/g after 100 cycles).
First-Principles Study on the Effect of Lithiation in Spinel LixMn2O4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) Structure: Calibration of CASTEP and ONETEP Simulation Codes
Authors: Hlungwani Donald , Ledwaba Raesibe Sylvia , Ngoepe Phuti Esrom
Published: August 2022

Lithium–manganese–oxide (Li-Mn-O) spinel is among the promising and economically viable, high-energy density cathode materials for enhancing the performance of lithium-ion batteries. However, its commercialization is hindered by its poor cyclic performance. In computational modelling, pivotal in-depth understanding of material behaviour and properties is sizably propelled by advancements in computational methods. Hence, the current work compares traditional DFT (CASTEP) and linear-scaling DFT (ONETEP) in a LiMn2O4 electronic property study to pave way for large-scale DFT calculations in a quest to improve its electrochemical properties. The metallic behaviour of LixMn2O4 (0.25 ≤ x ≤ 1) and Li2Mn2O4 was correctly determined by both CASTEP and ONETEP code in line with experiments. Furthermore, OCV during the discharge cycle deduced by both codes is in good accordance and is between 5 V and 2.5 V in the composition range of 0 ≤ x ≤ 1. Moreover, the scaling of the ONETEP code was performed at South Africa’s CHPC to provide guidelines on more productive large-scale ONETEP runs. Substantial total computing time can be saved by systematically adding the number of processors with the growing structure size. The study also substantiates that true linear scaling of the ONETEP code is achieved by a systematic truncation of the density kernel.
Compositional Dependence of Magnetocrystalline Anisotropy, Magnetic Moments, and Energetic and Electronic Properties on Fe-Pt Alloys
Authors: Lethole Ndanduleni , Ngoepe Phuti , Chauke Hasani
Published: August 2022

This work reported the first-principles calculations for the compositional dependence of the energetic, electronic, and magnetic properties of the bimetallic Fe-Pt alloys at ambient conditions. These hybrid alloys have gained substantial attention for their potential industrial applications, due to their outstanding magnetic and structural properties. They possess high magnetocrystalline anisotropy, density, and coercivity. Four Fe-Pt alloys, distinguished by compositions and space groups, were considered in this study, namely P4/mmm-FePt, I4/mmm-Fe3Pt, Pm-3m-Fe3Pt, and Pm-3m-FePt3. The calculated heats of formation energies were negative for all Fe-Pt alloys, demonstrating their stability and experimentally higher formation probability. The P4/mmm-FePt alloy had the lowest magnetic moment, leading to durable magnetic hardness, which made this alloy the most suitable for permanent efficient magnets, and magnetic recording media applications. Moreover, it possessed a relatively large magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy value of 2.966 meV between the in-plane [100] and easy axis [001], suggesting an inside the plane isotropy.
The Corrosion Resistance of Reinforced Magnesium Phosphate Cement Reactive Powder Concrete
Authors: Xu Zhiqiang , Cao Peng , Wang Di , Wang Hui
Published: August 2022

Magnesium phosphate cement-based reactive powder concrete (MPC-RPC) is a cement-based material with early strength, high strength and excellent durability. The slump flow and setting time of steel fibers reinforced MPC-RPC are investigated. Meanwhile, the flexural strength, the compressive strength, the ultrasonic velocity and the electrical resistivity of specimens cured for 3 h, 1 day, 3 days and 28 days are determined. Moreover, the corresponding corrosion resistance reinforced MPC-RPC exposing to NaCl freeze-thaw (F-T) cycles and dry-wet (D-W) alternations is researched. In this study, the steel fibers used are 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5% and 3.0% by the volume of MPC-RPC. The corrosion of the inner reinforcement is reflected using the mass loss, electrical resistivity, ultrasonic velocity, and the AC impedance spectrum. Researching findings show that the steel fibers lead to decreasing the slump flow and setting time. The flexural strength, the compressive strength and ultrasonic velocity of MPC-RPC cured for 3 h are higher than 45% of the MPC-RPC cured for 28 days. Moreover, when the MPC-RPC is cured for 7 days, the flexural strength, the compressive strength and ultrasonic velocity of MPC-RPC are higher than 85% of the specimens cured for 28 days. The electrical resistance decreases in a quadratic function as the volume ratio of steel fibers increases. The corrosion resistance of the internal reinforcement can be improved by adding steel fibers at appropriate dosages. The reinforcement inner MPC-RPC corrodes more seriously under the NaCl D-W alternations than NaCl F-T cycles.
Microstructure-Based Thermochemical Ablation Model of Carbon/Carbon-Fiber Composites
Authors: Wang Xiaobin , Jiang Peng , Tang Yujian , Zhang Weixu , Shi Shengbo
Published: August 2022

The microstructure of carbon fiber–reinforced carbon-matrix composites (carbon/carbon composites) has important effects on its ablation performance. However, the traditional macro-ablation methods have underestimated the ablation recession rate and ignored the influence of microstructure. To simulate the ablation of large-sized structures while accounting for the influence of microstructure, it is necessary to modify these methods. In this work, a thermochemical ablation model for carbon/carbon composites is proposed based on the evolution behavior of their microstructure. The ablation recession rate and surface temperature predicted by this model are in good agreement with the experimental results. Through numerical analysis, we found that the ablation recession rate of the material without carbon fibers is much greater than that of the material containing carbon fibers. The ablation recession rate is influenced by the fiber orientation due to the change in thermal conductivity. The anti-ablation efficiency of carbon/carbon composites can be improved by increasing their fiber radius, radiation coefficient, specific heat capacity, interphase density, and thermal conductivity coefficient. The thermochemical ablation model provides a guide for the design of better anti-ablation carbon/carbon composites.
Effect of Twisted and Coiled Polymer Actuator (TCPA) on Crack Dispersion Properties of HPFRCC
Authors: Kikuta Takatsune , Nishiwaki Tomoya
Published: August 2022

To achieve high durability and excellent mechanical performances of cementitious materials, research on fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCC) containing various fibers has been actively conducted. On the other hand, in robotics and other fields, research on artificial muscles using Twisted and Coiled Polymer Actuator (TCPA), which have similar functions to human muscle fibers, has attracted much attention. In this study, use of this TCPA as a reinforcing fiber in high performance FRCC (HPFRCC) was proposed. The employed TCPA has a structure of coiled nylon fibers with wrapping stainless-steel fibers. The effect of the TCPA and its shrinkage motion on the crack dispersion properties of HPFRCC was investigated. The experimental results showed that the strain-hardening with multiple cracks in HPFRCC continued up to more than 7% of the ultimate strain when the TCPA was electrically stimulated to shrinkage motion. This information indicates that the TCPA has high potential to further improve HPFRCC performance.
Internal Sulphate Attack in Masonry Mortars with Thaumasite Formation
Authors: Chinchón-Payá Servando , Aguado de Cea Antonio , Saval Pérez José Miguel , Chinchón Yepes José Servando
Published: August 2022

The present paper focuses on the study of mortar samples where expansions with thaumasite formation occur as a consequence of sulphate attack. The samples correspond to a masonry mortar used in a rural construction located in the Spanish province of Toledo made of cement with limestone filler addition CEM II/AL. Composition and microstructure of the mortars have been analysed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) using secondary and backscattered electrons (BSE) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that aggregates are contaminated with gypsum, which is the source of the sulphates for the internal attack. It seems that thaumasite is formed through an ettringite transformation where aluminium atoms are replaced with silicon atoms by means of a solid solution. The study highlights that thaumasite can be formed in warm weather through an internal sulphate attack due to gypsum contamination of aggregates.
Estimations of Compressor Stall and Surge Using Passage Stall Behaviors
Authors: Akhlaghi Mohammad , Azizi Yahya , Nouri Nourouz Mohammad
Published: August 2022

The predictions of the onset of rotating stall and surge are very important in the preliminary design stage of a compressor. Rotating stall and surge are complex instabilities that cause efficiency loss and reduced pressure rise, and, therefore, compressor designers attempt to avoid them in the design stage. There are many criteria for predicting stability limits, including empirical, theoretical, and numerical investigations in the literature. However, these investigations have important limitations. The present study establishes a new method in which the stall and post-stall behavior of a compressor is estimated by an equivalent reconstructed compressor using special combinations of single-passage flow behavior in different mass flow rates. The combinations are generated such that pre-stall, in-stall, and surge flow regimes and between one and eight stall cells are reproduced in the full-annulus compressor. The method requires the least computational requirements and is time efficient. The results indicate that secondary flow total energy and spectral entropy are indeed correlated with compressor operating conditions. The predictions of the onset of stall and surge for the investigated compressor show good agreement with the experimental data.
Minimally Invasive Spinal Treatment (MIST)—A New Concept in the Treatment of Spinal Diseases: A Narrative Review
Authors: Ishii Ken , Watanabe Goichi , Tomita Takashi , Nikaido Takuya , Hikata Tomohiro , Shinohara Akira , Nakano Masato , Saito Takanori , Nakanishi Kazuo , Morimoto Tadatsugu , Isogai Norihiro , Funao Haruki , Tanaka Masato , Kotani Yoshihisa , Arizono Takeshi , Hoshino Masahiro , Sato Koji
Published: August 2022

In the past two decades, minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) techniques have been developed for spinal surgery. Historically, minimizing invasiveness in decompression surgery was initially reported as a MISS technique. In recent years, MISS techniques have also been applied for spinal stabilization techniques, which were defined as minimally invasive spine stabilization (MISt), including percutaneous pedicle screws (PPS) fixation, lateral lumbar interbody fusion, balloon kyphoplasty, percutaneous vertebroplasty, cortical bone trajectory, and cervical total disc replacement. These MISS techniques typically provide many advantages such as preservation of paraspinal musculature, less blood loss, a shorter operative time, less postoperative pain, and a lower infection rate as well as being more cost-effective compared to traditional open techniques. However, even MISS techniques are associated with several limitations including technical difficulty, training opportunities, surgical cost, equipment cost, and radiation exposure. These downsides of surgical treatments make conservative treatments more feasible option. In the future, medicine must become “minimally invasive” in the broadest sense—for all patients, conventional surgeries, medical personnel, hospital management, nursing care, and the medical economy. As a new framework for the treatment of spinal diseases, the concept of minimally invasive spinal treatment (MIST) has been proposed.
Elucidation of Olive Oil Oxidation Mechanisms by Analysis of Triacylglycerol Hydroperoxide Isomers Using LC-MS/MS
Authors: Takahashi Hayato , Kato Shunji , Shimizu Naoki , Otoki Yurika , Ito Junya , Sakaino Masayoshi , Sano Takashi , Imagi Jun , Nakagawa Kiyotaka
Published: August 2022

Despite the importance of the insight about the oxidation mechanisms (i.e., radical and singlet oxygen (1O2) oxidation) in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), the elucidation has been difficult due to its various triacylglycerol molecular species and complex matrix. This study tried to evaluate the mechanisms responsible for EVOO oxidation in our daily use by quantitative determination of triacylglycerol hydroperoxide (TGOOH) isomers using LC-MS/MS. The standards of dioleoyl-(hydroperoxy octadecadienoyl)-triacylglycerol and dioleoyl-(hydroperoxy octadecamonoenoyl)-triacylglycerol, which are the predominant TGOOHs contained in EVOO, were prepared. Subsequently, fresh, thermal-, and photo-oxidized EVOO were analyzed. The obtained results mostly agreed with the previously reported characteristics of the radical and 1O2 oxidation of linoleic acid and oleic acid. This suggests that the methods described in this paper should be valuable in understanding how different factors that determine the quality of EVOO (e.g., olive species, cultivation area, cultivation timing, and extraction methods) contribute to its oxidative stability.
Amino-Functionalized Laponite Clay Material as a Sensor Modifier for the Electrochemical Detection of Quercetin
Authors: Ebunang Delmas Vidal Tabe , Tajeu Kevin Yemele , Pecheu Chancellin Nkepdep , Jiokeng Sherman Lesly Zambou , Tamo Arnaud Kamdem , Doench Ingo , Osorio-Madrazo Anayancy , Tonle Ignas Kenfack , Ngameni Emmanuel
Published: August 2022

In this work, an electrode modified with an amino-functionalized clay mineral was used for the electrochemical analysis and quantification of quercetin (QCT). The resulting amine laponite (LaNH2) was used as modifier for a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The organic–inorganic hybrid material was structurally characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and CHN elemental analysis. The covalent grafting of the organosilane to the clay backbone was confirmed. The charge on the aminated laponite, both without and with the protonation of NH2 groups, was evaluated via cyclic voltammetry. On the protonated amine (LaNH3+)-modified GCE, the cyclic voltammograms for QCT showed two oxidation peaks and one reduction peak in the range of −0.2 V to 1.2 V in a phosphate buffer–ethanol mixture at pH 3. By using the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), the modification showed an increase in the electrode performance and a strong pH dependence. The experimental conditions were optimized, with the results showing that the peak current intensity of the DPV increased linearly with the QCT concentration in the range from 2 × 10−7 M to 2 × 10−6 M, leading to a detection limit of 2.63 × 10−8 M (S/N 3). The sensor selectivity was also evaluated in the presence of interfering species. Finally, the proposed aminated organoclay-modified electrode was successfully applied for the detection of QCT in human urine. The accuracy of the results achieved with the sensor was evaluated by comparing the results obtained using UV–visible spectrometry.
Doublet Metalens with Simultaneous Chromatic and Monochromatic Correction in the Mid-Infrared
Authors: Zhou Yi , Gan Fengyuan , Wang Ruxue , Lan Dun , Shang Xiangshuo , Li Wei
Published: August 2022

Metalenses provide a powerful paradigm for mid-infrared (MIR) imaging and detection while keeping the optical system compact. However, the design of MIR metalenses simultaneously correcting chromatic aberration and off-axis monochromatic aberration remains challenging. Here, we propose an MIR doublet metalens composed of a silicon aperture metalens and a silicon focusing metalens separated by a fused silica substrate. By performing ray-tracing optimization and particle-swarm optimization, we optimized the required phase profiles as well as the sizes and spatial distributions of silicon nanopillars of the doublet metalens. Simulation results showed that the MIR doublet metalens simultaneously achieved chromatic and off-axis monochromatic aberration reduction, realizing a continuous 400 nm bandwidth and 20° field-of-view (FOV). Thanks to its planar configuration, this metalens is suitable for integration with CMOS image sensor to achieve MIR imaging and detection, which has potential application in troubleshooting and intelligent inspection of power grids. This work may facilitate the practical application of metalens-integrated micro/nanosensors in intelligent energy.
Bearing Fault Feature Extraction Method Based on Enhanced Differential Product Weighted Morphological Filtering
Authors: Yan Xiaoan , Liu Tao , Fu Mengyuan , Ye Maoyou , Jia Minping
Published: August 2022

Aimed at the problem of fault characteristic information bearing vibration signals being easily submerged in some background noise and harmonic interference, a new algorithm named enhanced differential product weighted morphological filtering (EDPWMF) is proposed for bearing fault feature extraction. In this method, an enhanced differential product weighted morphological operator (EDPWO) is first constructed by means of infusing the differential product operation and weighted operation into four basic combination morphological operators. Subsequently, aiming at the disadvantage of the parameter selection of the structuring element (SE) of EDPWO depending on artificial experience, an index named fault feature ratio (FFR) is employed to automatically determine the flat SE length of EDPWO and search for the optimal weighting correlation factors. The fault diagnosis results of simulation signals and experimental bearing fault signals show that the proposed method can effectively extract bearing fault feature information from raw bearing vibration signals containing noise interference. Moreover, the filtering result obtained by the proposed method is better than that of traditional morphological filtering methods (e.g., AVG, STH and EMDF) through comparative analysis. This study provides a reference value for the construction of advanced morphological analysis methods.
Data Augmentation for Deep-Learning-Based Multiclass Structural Damage Detection Using Limited Information
Authors: Dunphy Kyle , Fekri Mohammad Navid , Grolinger Katarina , Sadhu Ayan
Published: August 2022

The deterioration of infrastructure’s health has become more predominant on a global scale during the 21st century. Aging infrastructure as well as those structures damaged by natural disasters have prompted the research community to improve state-of-the-art methodologies for conducting Structural Health Monitoring (SHM). The necessity for efficient SHM arises from the hazards damaged infrastructure imposes, often resulting in structural collapse, leading to economic loss and human fatalities. Furthermore, day-to-day operations in these affected areas are limited until an inspection is performed to assess the level of damage experienced by the structure and the required rehabilitation determined. However, human-based inspections are often labor-intensive, inefficient, subjective, and restricted to accessible site locations, which ultimately negatively impact our ability to collect large amounts of data from inspection sites. Though Deep-Learning (DL) methods have been heavily explored in the past decade to rectify the limitations of traditional methods and automate structural inspection, data scarcity continues to remain prevalent within the field of SHM. The absence of sufficiently large, balanced, and generalized databases to train DL-based models often results in inaccurate and biased damage predictions. Recently, Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) have received attention from the SHM community as a data augmentation tool by which a training dataset can be expanded to improve the damage classification. However, there are no existing studies within the SHM field which investigate the performance of DL-based multiclass damage identification using synthetic data generated from GANs. Therefore, this paper investigates the performance of a convolutional neural network architecture using synthetic images generated from a GAN for multiclass damage detection of concrete surfaces. Through this study, it was determined the average classification performance of the proposed CNN on hybrid datasets decreased by 10.6% and 7.4% for validation and testing datasets when compared to the same model trained entirely on real samples. Moreover, each model’s performance decreased on average by 1.6% when comparing a singular model trained with real samples and the same model trained with both real and synthetic samples for a given training configuration. The correlation between classification accuracy and the amount and diversity of synthetic data used for data augmentation is quantified and the effect of using limited data to train existing GAN architectures is investigated. It was observed that the diversity of the samples decreases and correlation increases with the increase in the number of synthetic samples.
Recent Advances in Non-Invasive Blood Pressure Monitoring and Prediction Using a Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Ismail Siti Nor Ashikin , Nayan Nazrul Anuar , Jaafar Rosmina , May Zazilah
Published: August 2022

Blood pressure (BP) monitoring can be performed either invasively via arterial catheterization or non-invasively through a cuff sphygmomanometer. However, for conscious individuals, traditional cuff-based BP monitoring devices are often uncomfortable, intermittent, and impractical for frequent measurements. Continuous and non-invasive BP (NIBP) monitoring is currently gaining attention in the human health monitoring area due to its promising potentials in assessing the health status of an individual, enabled by machine learning (ML), for various purposes such as early prediction of disease and intervention treatment. This review presents the development of a non-invasive BP measuring tool called sphygmomanometer in brief, summarizes state-of-the-art NIBP sensors, and identifies extended works on continuous NIBP monitoring using commercial devices. Moreover, the NIBP predictive techniques including pulse arrival time, pulse transit time, pulse wave velocity, and ML are elaborated on the basis of bio-signals acquisition from these sensors. Additionally, the different BP values (systolic BP, diastolic BP, mean arterial pressure) of the various ML models adopted in several reported studies are compared in terms of the international validation standards developed by the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) and the British Hypertension Society (BHS) for clinically-approved BP monitors. Finally, several challenges and possible solutions for the implementation and realization of continuous NIBP technology are addressed.
Dual-Branch Discrimination Network Using Multiple Sparse Priors for Image Deblurring
Authors: Li Jialuo , Cheng Shichao , Tao Yueqiang , Liu Huasheng , Zhou Junzhe , Zhang Jianhai
Published: August 2022

Blind image deblurring is a challenging problem in computer vision, aiming to restore the sharp image from blurred observation. Due to the incompatibility between the complex unknown degradation and the simple synthetic model, directly training a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) usually cannot sufficiently handle real-world blurry images. An existed generative adversarial network (GAN) can generate more detailed and realistic images, but the game between generator and discriminator is unbalancing, which leads to the training parameters not being able to converge to the ideal Nash equilibrium points. In this paper, we propose a GAN with a dual-branch discriminator using multiple sparse priors for image deblurring (DBSGAN) to overcome this limitation. By adding the multiple sparse priors into the other branch of the discriminator, the task of the discriminator is more complex. It can balance the game between the generator and the discriminator. Extensive experimental results on both synthetic and real-world blurry image datasets demonstrate the superior performance of our method over the state of the art in terms of quantitative metrics and visual quality. Especially for the GOPRO dataset, the averaged PSNR improves 1.7% over others.
Preparation of Thermodesorption Tube Standards: Comparison of Usual Methods Using Accuracy Profile Evaluation
Authors: De Saint Jores Clément , Klein Romain , Legendre Agathe , Dugay José , Thiébaut Didier , Vial Jérôme
Published: August 2022

In order to quantify organic impurities in gas produced from renewable sources, thermal desorption coupled with GC-MS or GC×GC-MS is very useful. However, the preparation of the standard tubes appears not to be trivial. For that, different strategies, based on commercial setups, have been developed. The goal of this study was to compare the classical manual deposit of a liquid standard solution with other commercial methods such as gas stream assisted deposit and vaporization followed by adsorption assisted by gas stream. A standard mixture of 48 compounds from different families was used for the comparison of the performances of the three strategies using the accuracy profile methodology. A global validation score was attributed to each strategy as well as a score according to family of compounds and boiling point range, in order to provide a detailed comparison of the techniques. On the set of studied molecules, commercial setups were found to be more efficient than the manual deposit.
Efficient Recovery of V, W, and Regeneration of TiO2 Photocatalysts from Waste-SCR Catalysts
Authors: Cheng Ken , Yu Yi , Mei Bolun , Li Yang , Xu Li
Published: August 2022

Discarded Waste-SCR (selective catalytic reduction) catalysts not only harm the natural environment, but also hinder the recovery of valuable metals such as V, W, and Ti, thus resulting in a waste of resources. Therefore, it has become imperative to dispose of Waste-SCR catalysts in large amounts. This study aims to develop a complete, eco-friendly, and economical process of dealing with Waste-SCR catalysts. In this process, the recovery of V and W from Waste-SCR catalysts was achieved in several steps. In addition, the leaching conditions of the acid-base process were optimized, while the structure and composition of the leaching residual were studied in depth. Sodium titanates generated by alkali leaching were then applied for regeneration of the TiO2 photocatalyst. It is worth noting that Fe-doped TiO2 photocatalysts were also prepared, while the required iron source was obtained through acid leaching. Regenerated photocatalyst achieved an excellent performance in the photocatalytic degradation of dye pollutants, which is attributable to small particle size and low forbidden band width. This contributes a new idea to the recycling of solid waste, and the economical treatment of wastewater.
The Processes of Adaptation, Assimilation and Integration in the Country of Migration: A Psychosocial Perspective on Place Identity Changes
Authors: Cormoș Viorica Cristina
Published: August 2022

In the process of migration, the migrant goes through certain stages and a series of transformations that leave their mark on their individuality over time. These unavoidable processes, adaptation, assimilation, and eventually integration, as well as numerous other factors, lead to changes in identity. The concept addressed in the paper, which supports the understanding of the process of change, is that of acculturation. Acculturation is the process by which an individual acquires and adapts to a new cultural environment as a result of being placed in a new culture. The theoretical approach led to an objective understanding of the process of identity change in a given context. Symbolic interactionism theory aims to reveal the internal mechanisms of identity formation by overcoming the opposition between the individual and the collective, and ethno-linguistic identity theory posits that when faced with alternative courses of action, individuals will choose the one that will enhance their self-presentation. The aim of this article is to examine identity-level changes in migrants who have undergone the processes of adaptation, assimilation, and integration in the country of migration from a psychosocial perspective. In order to achieve this aim, an interview with 30 Romanians who emigrated abroad was conducted. Based on a conceptual and methodological framework, the present article carried out a thematic analysis in which the most significant changes in mentality, thinking, self-esteem, principles of life, culture, attitude and behavior, identity place/space, etc. were highlighted through concrete quotes from the interviews with the migrants, all of which were explained through the identity-migration theory.
Introducing Targets: A Journal for Bio-Detection and Therapy
Authors: Ju Huangxian , Liu Ying
Published: August 2022

Targets are the essential elements in bio-detection and therapy [...]
Efficacy and Safety of Cone-Beam CT Augmented Electromagnetic Navigation Guided Bronchoscopic Biopsies of Indeterminate Pulmonary Nodules
Authors: Podder Shreya , Chaudry Sana , Singh Harpreet , Jondall Elise M. , Kurman Jonathan S. , Benn Bryan S.
Published: August 2022

Bronchoscopic biopsy results for indeterminate pulmonary nodules remain suboptimal. Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) coupled with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for confirmation has the potential to improve diagnostic yield. We present our experience using this multimodal approach to biopsy 17 indeterminate nodules in 14 consecutive patients from April to August 2021. Demographic information, nodule characteristics, and biopsy results were recorded. Procedures were performed in a hybrid operating room equipped with a Siemens Artis Q bi-plane CBCT (Siemens, Munich, Germany). After ENB using the superDimension version 7.1 (Medtronic, Plymouth, MN, USA) to target the lesion, radial endobronchial ultrasound was used as secondary confirmation. Next, transbronchial needle aspiration was performed prior to CBCT to evaluate placement of the biopsy tool in the lesion. The average nodule size was 21.7+/−15 mm with 59% (10/17) < 2 cm in all dimensions and 35% (6/17) showing a radiographic bronchus sign. The diagnostic yield of CBCT-guided ENB was 76% (13/17). No immediate periprocedural or postprocedural complications were identified. Our experience with CBCT-guided ENB further supports the comparable efficacy and safety of this procedure compared to other mature biopsy modalities. Studies designed to optimize the lung nodule biopsy process and to determine the contributions from different procedural aspects are warranted.
Contributory Factors to Successful Tuberculosis Treatment in Southwest Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Oladimeji Olanrewaju , Oladimeji Kelechi Elizabeth , Nanjoh Mirabel , Banda Lucas , Adeleke Olukayode Ademola , Apalata Teke , Mbokazi Jabu , Hyera Francis Leonard Mpotte
Published: August 2022

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the oldest human diseases, and preventing treatment failure is critical. This is because TB cases pose a risk to the immediate and remote communities due to the potential for spread, particularly for multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains that have been associated with higher morbidity and mortality rates. Hence, this study looked at the factors that influence TB treatment outcomes in Southwest Nigeria. We conducted a cross-sectional study with 712 TB patients from 25 directly observed treatment short course (DOTS) centers, out of which 566 (79.49%) were new treatment cases, and 102 (14.33%) were retreatment cases. The outcome variable was computed into successful treatment where ‘Yes’ was assigned to TB treatment completed and cured, and ‘No’ was assigned to all the remaining outcomes following the standard TB definition. Independent variables included in the analysis were the patient’s socio-demographic characteristics (such as age, sex, distance from the facility, marital status, family type, education, and computed socioeconomic status from modified DHS household assets), clinical and facility parameters (such as the HIV status, facility of access to healthcare, healthcare workers attitudes, services offered at the facility, appearance of the facility, number of people seeking care and waiting time at the facility). Bivariate analysis showed that HIV status (OR: 3.53, 95% CI: 1.83–6.82; p = 0.001), healthcare worker attitude (OR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.21–3.74; p = 0.01), services offered at the facility (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.49–0.92; p = 0.01), appearance of facility (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.46–0.98; p = 0.04), and number of people seeking care (OR: 2.47, 95% CI: 1.72–3.55; p = 0.001) were associated with higher odds of successful treatment outcome with statistical significance. After multivariate analysis, reactive HIV status (aOR: 3.37, 95% CI: 1.67–6.80; p = 0.001), positive attitude of healthcare workers (aOR: 2.58, 95% CI: 1.36–4.89; p = 0.04), excellent services offered at the healthcare facility (aOR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.36–0.78; p = 0.001) and few people seeking care (aOR: 2.10, 95% CI: 1.21–3.84; p = 0.001) became independent significant determinants of successful treatment outcome. The study concluded that reactive HIV status, positive attitude of healthcare workers, few people seeking healthcare, and excellent service provided were all factors that contributed to successful treatment outcomes.
Problems of employment in the service sector: based on the materials of the regions of Russia
Authors: Nagoev Alim B , Smetanko Aleksandr V , Tsvetcova Svetlana N , Bischekova Fatima R , А. Handohova Zalina
Published: August 2022

This current study attempts to provide an investigation of service industry growth in the most troublesome areas of Russia. The idea that the growth of industry service in several areas would assist in stabilizing socially dire segments of the economy, the labor market, is scrutinized. Today, the socio-economic issues influencing the job world are the outcome of inadequate management regulation in this arena. The demolition of production bonds, the large production plants’ privatization, and their poor management resulted in a sharp fall in the need for labor and also a rise in unemployment. The local authorities are still not able to resolve the issue of unemployment in some areas of Russia. What’s more, several social groups' condition is getting more complex on a yearly basis. That may entail detrimental outcomes, particularly in the Russian areas. Considering boosting the overall condition of the labor market, it appears that there is a necessity to alleviate the employers’ demands for job-seeker people.
Modeling as an effective management tool for the integrated regional development
Authors: Eduardovich-Tyupakov Konstantin , Alexandrovich-Verkhorubov Sergey , Alexeevna-Beloglazova Lyudmila , Magometovna-Pogorova Zamira , Savarbekovich-Hautiev Zaurbek
Published: August 2022

Ensuring sustainable territorial development is one of the key tasks for developing regional industries and increasing the level of food security of the regions and the country in general. The solution to the problem of developing and implementing a competitive mechanism for territorial development should be based on the principles and methods of modern strategic territorial-sectoral planning with a focus on the maximum use of the resources of the existing local potential. This study analyzes modeling as an effective management tool for integrated regional development. To that end, approaches based on constructing multivariate regression models are utilized. Based on the results,  the main problem of management systems for the integrated territorial development is associated with an incorrect assessment of their starting capabilities, which results in the low performance of the implementation mechanism. A reliable methodological basis here can be an approach to managing territorial development using a system of linked indicators that consider more than just the parameters of social development. The list of priority areas (blocks), which should serve as a fundamental basis for developing concepts for the integrated development of regions, must include natural and climatic, technical and technological, infrastructural, and marketing characteristics.

Keywords: regional development, regional competitive potential, modeling, integrated development .
Hubungan Interaksi Orangtua dan Interaksi Teman Sebaya dengan Perkembangan Moral siswa MAS Babussalam Kabupaten Tapanuli Selatan
Authors: Natogar Surya , Parinduri Abrar , Nuraini Nuraini
Published: August 2022

This study aims to determine the relationship between parents interaction and student self-regulated learning in MAS Babusslam  of South Tapanuli District. This research is a quantitative research with a population of 295 students of MAS Babusslam  of South Tapanuli District. By using the total sampling technique obtained a sample of 170 people. Data collection techniques used three scales, consisting of a scale of parents interaction, peer interaction, moral development. Data analysis techniques using Multiple Regression Analysis. The results showed a significant positive correlation with parents interaction with self-regulated learning r_xy = 0.513 with p = 0.000, coefficient r^2= 0.263. This shows that self-regulated learning is shaped by parents interaction with a contribution of 26.3%. There is a significant positive correlation between peer interaction and moral development, where the coefficient of r_xy = 0.521 with p = 0.000, r^2 = 0.271. This shows that self-regulated learning is formed by peer interaction with a contribution of 27.1%. In addition, based on the results of data analysis, there was a significant relationship between parents interaction and peer interaction with self-regulated learning, where the coefficient of r_xy = 0.724 with p = 0.000 means p <0.050. The determinant coefficient (r^2) of the relationship between parents interaction, peer interaction and the dependent variable of self-regulated learning is r^2 = 0.524. This shows that self-regulated learning is formed by parents interaction and peer interaction with a contribution of 52.4%.
Hubungan Perilaku Prososial dan Interaksi Teman Sebaya dengan Minat Belajar Siswa
Authors: Frans Jeane Agustientje , Hasanuddin Hasanuddin , Lubis Suaidah
Published: August 2022

This study aims to determine whether there is a relationship between prosocial attitudes and peer interaction with the learning interest of the Medan Gereja Protestan Indonesia Barat (GPIB) Catechization students in 2020/2021. The research method is a quantitative descriptive correlative type with a correlative study pattern by placing the research variables in two groups, namely the independent variable and the dependent variable. The research population is the Medan GPIB Catechization students in 2020/2021. The sampling technique used was Proportional Random Sampling with a selected sample size of 100 people, the data collection method used prosocial attitude instruments, peer interaction instruments, and students' interest in learning instruments. Analysis of research data shows that (1) the relationship between prosocial attitudes and student interest in learning is indicated by the coefficient rx1y = 0.557 and p = 0.000 with p <0.05; (2) the relationship between peer interaction and student interest in learning is shown by the coefficient rx2y = 0.628 and p = 0.000 with p <0.05; (3) the relationship between prosocial attitudes and peer interaction with student interest in learning is shown by the coefficient coefficient F = 44.166 and R (regression coefficient) = 0.557 while R2 = 0.311 with p = 0.000 (p < 0.01).
Analisis Kinerja Pegawai pada Dinas Perpustakaan Kabupaten Aceh Tenggara
Authors: Rusaidi Rusaidi , Humaizi Humaizi , Lubis Maksum Syahri
Published: August 2022

Employee performance is a very important thing in the organization's efforts to achieve its goals, to improve employee performance, it means that it requires the ability of employees to carry out work. Constraints that often occur are employees who do not have the ability, lack of discipline and do not serve well. The formulation of the research problem is how the performance of the Southeast Aceh Regency library service employees and what factors are the obstacles to the performance of Southeast Aceh Regency Library Service employees. The results of the research that the performance of library service employees do not have good quality. Constraints faced are limited facilities and infrastructure, employee competence is still very low, librarian education and training for employees has never been carried out and the availability of budget allocations is very limited. It is recommended that the Southeast Aceh District Library Service conduct professional training for librarians to be given to every library employee. The regional government of Aceh Tenggara Regency should allocate a budget according to need, in order to improve library services, because the budget allocation will accelerate the improvement of employee performance in services.
Peran Kantor Pertanahan Kota Tanjungbalai dalam Pelaksanaan Pendaftaran Tanah Sistematis Lengkap di Kota Tanjungbalai
Authors: Sinaga Hasyanul Arief , Limbong Dayat , Isnaini Isnaini
Published: August 2022

This article aims to analyze the role of the Tanjungbalai City Land Office to reduce and prevent disputes/conflicts and what factors are obstacles in reducing and preventing disputes/conflicts. This type of research is normative legal research. The approach method used is the statute approach. Based on the research, the legal regulation regarding PTSL in Indonesia is Permen ATR/Head of BPN Number 6 of 2018 concerning PTSL contained in Presidential Instruction No. 2 of 2018 concerning Acceleration of PTSL throughout the Republic of Indonesia. The role of the Tanjungbalai City Land Office to reduce and prevent disputes/conflicts is as a mediator in land disputes that occur, carrying out studies and handling problems, disputes, land cases, through non-litigation methods: first, the Land Office takes a persuasive approach to the community, seeking information related disputes. Second, outreach to the community regarding this dispute. Third, deliberation is carried out with the disputing parties with community leaders. Then the object of the dispute is merged and land registration is carried out through PTSL. After the certificate is issued, the Land Office distributes the land parcels to the entitled parties. Factors that become obstacles in reducing and preventing disputes/conflicts, namely: a) it is difficult to contact the disputing parties, b) the disputing parties do not want to budge, c) socialization and mediation are difficult, d) it is difficult to find common ground between the parties. in dispute, e) takes a long time.