bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation, Recognition and Implications of Urban–Rural Integration Development: A Township-Level Analysis of Hanchuan City in Wuhan Metropolitan Area
Authors: Lu Shiwei , Huang Yaping , Wu Xiaoqing , Ding Yichen
Published: December 2022

China has achieved success in implementing the rural revitalization strategy and promoting the development of new urbanization. However, there are still many problems in the research and implementation on urban–rural integration development, such as insufficient research at the township level, unclear recognition of development patterns, and disconnection from land-use planning. Therefore, taking Hanchuan city in the Wuhan metropolitan area as a case study, this research constructs a comprehensive evaluation system of urban–rural integration development based on both on the current and potential level of development, and identifies the spatial characteristics and patterns in the study area. This study found that: (1) The comprehensive evaluation result of urban–rural integration development in Hanchuan City shows that a high level of development units are mainly distributed in the northeast and southwest, and gradually decreases from the northeast and southwest, indicating that towns in the central area are relatively weakly driven by the radiation of the surrounding growth poles. (2) Xiannvshan Street, Makou Town, Chenhu Town, and Xinyan Town with the highest comprehensive evaluation values were selected as the centers of urban–rural integration development in four directions. (3) Four typical patterns of urban–rural integration development, which are town gathering, agro-tourism interaction, industry-trade driven, and agricultural service, are derived by the gravity model and classification assignment method according to their respective centers. (4) According to the urban–rural integration development patterns, land-use strategies such as centralization for promoting linkage level of towns, differentiation for arranging various resources and infrastructures, and demonstration for optimization of experience to the whole area are proposed in a targeted manner. This study has important implications for the preparation and implementation of urban–rural integration development and provides effective planning guidance for promoting social equity and accessibility of facilities in the metropolitan area.
On the Directionality of the Balkan Turkic Verb Phrase: Variationist and Theoretical Perspectives
Authors: Keskin Cem
Published: December 2022

Balkan varieties of Turkic, particularly those on the periphery of the Turkic spread area in the region, such as Gagauz and West Rumelian Turkish, are commonly observed to have head-initial verb phrases. Based on a wide survey, this paper attempts a more precise description of the pattern of VP directionality across Balkan Turkic and shows that there is considerable variation in how prevalent VX order is, a pattern that turns out to be more complex than the previous descriptions suggest: Two spectrums of directionality can be discerned between XV and VX orders, contingent upon type of the dependent of the verb and dialect locale. The paper also explores the grammatical causes underlying this shift in constituent order. First, VX order seems to be dependent upon whether a clause is nominal or not. Nonfinite clauses of the nominal type have XV order across Balkan Turkic, while finite clauses and nonfinite clauses of the converbial type show differing degrees of VX order depending on type of dependent and geographical location. Second, VX order appears to be an outcome of verb movement to the left of the dependent in finite clauses and nonfinite clauses of the converbial type, rather than head parameter shift.
Automated Discourse Analysis Techniques and Implications for Writing Assessment
Authors: Liontou Trisevgeni
Published: December 2022

Analysing writing development as a function of foreign language competence is important in secondary school children because the developmental patterns are strongest at a young age when successful interventions are needed. Although a number of researchers have explored the degree to which specific textual characteristics in EFL students’ essays are associated with high and low ratings by teachers, the extent to which such characteristics are associated with rater-mediated assessment under standard exam conditions remains relatively unexplored. Motivated by the above void in pertinent literature, the overall aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between specific discourse features present in the writing scripts of EFL learners sitting for the British Council’s APTIS for TEENS exam and the assigned scores during operational scoring by specially trained raters. A total of 800 international EFL students aged 13 to 15 years old took part in the study, and 800 scored written essays on the same task prompt of the pertinent test produced under standard exam conditions were analysed. The results showed statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) between the linguistic features identified in the essays produced by young EFL learners at different levels of language competence. The main text features that were repeatedly found to make a significant contribution to distinguishing scores assigned to texts both within and across levels were word frequency, word abstractness, lexical diversity, lexical and semantic overlap, all of which could be used to obtain a numerical cut-off point between proficiency levels. These findings support the notion that progress in L2 writing is primarily associated with producing more elaborate texts with more sophisticated words, more complex sentence structure and fewer cohesive features as a function of increased language competence. The findings of the study could provide practical guidance to EFL teachers, material developers and test designers as to the kind of linguistic strategies young EFL learners develop as a function of their level of language competence and suggestions to consider when designing EFL classroom curricula, writing skills textbooks and exam papers on written production.
“Words That Open Your Heart”—Overcoming Social Barriers to Heritage Language Reclamation in Ishigaki City
Authors: Topping Matthew W.
Published: December 2022

Ishigaki Yaeyaman, a heavily minoritized Southern Ryukyuan language, is not a language of commerce, education, media, or government validated by the socioeconomic center. Nevertheless, it holds a certain value for a group of people in Ishigaki City that is intangible and deeply personal. In keeping with the goal of this special issue—to step out of the established dichotomies that impede the vision and practice of Ryukyuan language learning—this work sheds light on the ideologies and practices of new speakers of Ishigaki Yaeyaman, who traverse a ‘third space’ in their use of the language between public-and-private, polite-and-rude, spoken-and-written, and Japanese-and-Ryukyuan. It builds on the author’s findings, including field observations made during doctoral research at University of the Ryukyus. A participatory action research methodology is employed, drawing upon qualitative data from semi-structured personal interviews and the in-person observation of Master–Apprentice language learning sessions within a local grassroots initiative begun in December 2019. The analysis suggests a need to break away from the dichotomies dictating the environment and situations in which new speakers may interact with traditional speakers and among themselves. This is recommended to take the form of Master–Apprentice training in a context that encourages the transformation of language attitudes and awareness, creating a ‘safe space’ that is dialogic, collaborative, and transdisciplinary.
Metabolic Comorbidities in Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis: A Narrative Review
Authors: De Simoni Edoardo , Rizzetto Giulio , Molinelli Elisa , Lucarini Guendalina , Mattioli-Belmonte Monica , Capodaglio Irene , Ferretti Gianna , Bacchetti Tiziana , Offidani Annamaria , Simonetti Oriana
Published: December 2022

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an itchy dermatitis with multifactorial aetiology, chronic-recurrent course, and typical distribution of lesions according to the age, affecting the 10–20% of pediatric population. Patients with AD, including children, suffer from many metabolic comorbidities, including metabolic syndrome, being overweight, obesity, dyslipidaemia, and arterial hypertension, all of which had a prevalence that was demonstrated to be higher than in healthy patients. The association between AD and metabolic comorbidities is multifactorial and involves the deregulation of immune system. In fact, hypertrophic adipose tissue produces soluble adipokines involved in inflammation and immunity, which stimulate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, responsible for a chronic low-grade inflammatory state and a higher predisposition to hypersensitivity reactions. Especially in pediatric population with AD, these metabolic disorders are usually underestimated and are associated with long term sequelae and an increased risk of a cardiovascular event, which may also occur later in adult age. Therefore, metabolic comorbidities should be carefully evaluated and early treated in children with AD, to minimize the long-term risk of cardiovascular events.
Ovarian Cancer Radiosensitivity: What Have We Understood So Far?
Authors: Barcellini Amelia , Charalampopoulou Alexandra , De Cecco Loris , Fodor Andrei , Rabaiotti Emanuela , Candotti Giorgio , Secondino Simona , Facoetti Angelica , Locati Laura Deborah , Pignata Sandro , Orlandi Ester , Mangili Giorgia
Published: December 2022

Radiotherapy has been increasingly considered as an active treatment to combine with other approaches (i.e., surgery, chemotherapy, and novel target-based drugs) in ovarian cancers to palliate symptoms and/or to prolong chemotherapy-free intervals. This narrative review aimed to summarize the current knowledge of the radiosensitivity/radioresistance of ovarian cancer which remains the most lethal gynecological cancer worldwide. Indeed, considering the high rate of recurrence in and out of the radiotherapy fields, in the era of patient-tailored oncology, elucidating the mechanisms of radiosensitivity and identifying potential radioresistance biomarkers could be crucial in guiding clinical decision-making.
A Pre-Clinical Study of Sub-Anesthetic Ketamine as Remedy in 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Cachexia Model
Authors: Wang James , Lin Zen-Cheng , Weng Brian Bor-Chun
Published: December 2022

Around 0.5–1% of the world population is suffering from cachexia. In particular, cancer patients under cancer radio-chemotherapy have a high prevalence of cachexia, especially during the end stages of therapeutic treatment. Clinically, chemotherapeutic 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) treatment often leads to the development of adverse effects, such as leukopenia, immune dysfunction, anorexia, muscle wasting, etc., and 5-Fu also tends to exacerbate the occurrence of cancer cachexia. Currently, there are very limited drug choices when seeking to revive cachexia patient’s health quality while enduring a full therapeutic regimen as part of advanced cancer therapy. The present study employed chemotherapeutic drug 5-Fu-induced cachexia-like conditions in Balb/c mice. After 8 days of 5-Fu treatment, mice had begun to show cachexia-like symptoms such as weight loss and reduced food intake. After one day of washing out, the cachexia animals received a single dose of either saline solution as a mock dose or a low dose (15 mg/kg BW) or high dose (30 mg/kg BW) of ketamine at day 10. For the following 7 days, food intake, body weight, and mortality were monitored. Data were analyzed with the LOCF (last observation carried forward) method. Improved survival rates were obtained in ketamine groups. Ketamine administration at the high dose of 30 mg/kg BW demonstrated effectively diminished weight loss due to cachexia, and also successfully improved overall survival. The current study demonstrates that a sub-anesthetic level of ketamine administration supports overall beneficial outcomes in 5-Fu-induced cachexia and outlook as a potential clinical remedy.
Molecular Mechanisms in the Vascular and Nervous Systems following Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Li Shuo , Dinh Hoai Thi Phuong , Matsuyama Yukihiro , Sato Kohji , Yamagishi Satoru
Published: December 2022

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) induces various complex pathological processes that cause physical impairment and psychological devastation. The two phases of SCI are primary mechanical damage (the immediate result of trauma) and secondary injury (which occurs over a period of minutes to weeks). After the mechanical impact, vascular disruption, inflammation, demyelination, neuronal cell death, and glial scar formation occur during the acute phase. This sequence of events impedes nerve regeneration. In the nervous system, various extracellular secretory factors such as neurotrophic factors, growth factors, and cytokines are involved in these events. In the vascular system, the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) is damaged, allowing immune cells to infiltrate the parenchyma. Later, endogenous angiogenesis is promoted during the subacute phase. In this review, we describe the roles of secretory factors in the nervous and vascular systems following traumatic SCI, and discuss the outcomes of their therapeutic application in traumatic SCI.
Bactericidal Properties of Proline-Rich Aedes aegypti Trypsin Modulating Oostatic Factor (AeaTMOF)
Authors: Borovsky Dov , Rougé Pierre , Shatters Robert G.
Published: December 2022

The antimicrobial properties of proline-rich Aedes aegypti decapeptide TMOF (AeaTMOF) and oncocin112 (1–13) were compared. Incubations with multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli cells showed that AeaTMOF (5 mM) was able to completely inhibit bacterial cell growth, whereas oncocin112 (1–13) (20 mM) partially inhibited bacterial growth as compared with bacterial cells that were not multidrug-resistant cells. AeaTMOF (5 mM) was very effective against Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, completely inhibiting cell growth during 15 h incubations. AeaTMOF (5 mM) completely inhibited the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus thurengiensis sups. Israelensis cell growth, whereas oncocin112 (1–13) (10 and 20 mM) failed to affect bacterial cell growth. E. coli cells that lack the SbmA transporter were inhibited by AeaTMOF (5 mM) and not by oncocin112 (1–13) (10 to 20 mM), indicating that AeaTMOF can use other bacterial transporters than SbmA that is mainly used by proline-rich antimicrobial peptides. Incubation of E. coli cells with NaAzide showed that AeaTMOF does not use ABC-like transporters that use ATP hydrolysis to import molecules into bacterial cells. Three-dimensional modeling and docking of AeaTMOF to SbmA and MdtM transporters showed that AeaTMOF can bind these proteins, and the binding location of AeaTMOF inside these protein transporters allows AeaTMOF to be transported into the bacterial cytosol. These results show that AeaTMOF can be used as a future antibacterial agent against both multidrug-resistant Gram-positive and -negative bacteria.
Incidental Detection of a Chromosomal Aberration by Array-CGH in an Early Prenatal Diagnosis for Monogenic Disease on Coelomic Fluid
Authors: Vinciguerra Margherita , Leto Filippo , Cassarà Filippo , Tartaglia Viviana , Malacarne Michela , Coviello Domenico , Cigna Valentina , Orlandi Emanuela , Picciotto Francesco , Cucinella Gaspare , Salzano Emanuela , Piccione Maria , Maggio Aurelio , Giambona Antonino
Published: December 2022

Background: Turner syndrome is a rare genetic condition in which a female is partly or completely missing an X chromosome. Signs and symptoms vary among those affected. In fetuses that survive at birth and without congenital malformations, the prognosis is usually positive, but it has high lethality in utero, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. Methods: We report a case of monosomy X detected during a prenatal diagnosis for beta thalassemia on coelomic fluid (CF) at the VIII week of gestation. Beta globin gene analysis, whole genome amplification (WGA), quantitative fluorescent PCR and array comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH) were performed on DNA extracted from CF. Results: A monoallelic pattern of all Short Tandem Repeats mapped on the X chromosome was found and array-CGH performed on WGA from a few fetal erythroblasts confirmed monosomy X. Conclusion: This report underlines the importance of an early prenatal diagnosis and the countless potentialities of array-CGH that could make definition of molecular karyotype possible from a few fetal cells, unlike conventional cytogenetic techniques that require a greater cellular content. This is the first report of a molecular karyotype obtained from two cells selected by micromanipulation of CF and defined at such an early gestational age.
Thermal Preload for Predicting Performance Change Due to Pad Thermal Deformation of Tilting Pad Journal Bearing
Authors: Chun Yon-Do , Lee Jiheon , Lee Jiyoung , Suh Junho
Published: December 2022

Thermal deformation of journal bearings operating under high-temperature conditions can have a significant effect on changes in bearing performance. However, no attempt has been made to quantify this amount of thermal deformation and link it to the performance change of the bearing. The aim of this study is to investigate the quantitative performance change due to thermal deformation of the tilting pad journal bearing (TPJB) pad in terms of the change in preload amount. The variable viscosity Reynolds equation and the energy equation were coupled using the relationship between viscosity and temperature, and the solution was obtained using the finite element method. Heat transfer between the spinning journal, oil film and pads is considered, and a three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) model was used to calculate the thermal deformation of the bearing structure. The steady state of the rotor-bearing system was predicted using a bearing performance prediction algorithm with three closed loops. State variables for this steady-state prediction include the amount of thermal deformation of the structure. In order to investigate the amount of thermal deformation of the bearing pad in terms of bearing performance, the concepts of thermal offset preload and thermal performance preload were suggested and the change in thermal preload under various conditions was investigated.
Zeolite-Enhanced Portland Cement: Solution for Durable Wellbore-Sealing Materials
Authors: Vissa Sai Vamsi Krishna , Massion Cody , Lu Yunxing , Bunger Andrew , Radonjic Mileva
Published: December 2022

Wellbore-plugging materials are threatened by challenging plugging and abandonment (P&A) conditions. Hence, the integrity and resilience of these materials and their ability to provide sufficient zonal isolation in the long-term are unknown. The present work focuses on investigating the potential to use zeolites as novel additives to the commonly used Class-H cement. Using four different zeolite–cement mixtures (0%, 5%, 15% and 30%, by weight of cement) where samples were cast as cylinders and cured at 90 °C and 95% relative humidity, the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) testing showed a 41% increase with the 5% ferrierite addition to the Class-H cement in comparison to neat Class-H cement. For triaxial compression tests at 90 °C, the highest strength achieved by the 5% ferrierite-added formulations was 68.8 MPa in comparison to 62.9 MPa for the neat Class-H cement. The 5% ferrierite formulation also showed the lowest permeability, 13.54 μD, which is in comparison to 49.53 μD for the neat Class-H cement. The overall results show that the 5% ferrierite addition is the most effective at improving the mechanical and petrophysical properties based on a water/cement ratio of 0.38 when tested after 28 days of curing in 95% relative humidity and 90 °C. Our results not only demonstrate that zeolite is a promising cement additive that could improve the long-term strength and petrophysical properties of cement formulations, but also provide a proposed optimal formulation that could be next utilized in a field trial.
Deformable Photonic Crystals Based on Chiral Liquid Crystals with Thermal-Mediative Shape Memory Effect
Authors: Park Min-Seok , Kim Kitae , Lee Young-Joo , Na Jun-Hee , Kim Se-Um
Published: December 2022

We propose a deformable photonic crystal that exhibits the thermal-mediative shape memory effect. The chiral liquid crystalline polymeric scaffold, which produces the structural colors from a helical twist of the liquid crystal director, is prepared through phase-stabilization of a reactive mesogen in a small molecular chiral liquid crystal (CLC), polymerization, and removal of the CLC. The prepolymer of polyurethane acrylate (PUA) is then infiltrated in the prepared scaffold and subsequently photo-polymerized to form a CLC-PUA composite film. Upon compression, this film shows the blue shift of the structural color and retains this color-shift as released from compression. As the temperature increases, the color is recovered to a pristine state. The concept proposed in this study will be useful for designing mechanochromic soft materials.
Influence of Processing Parameters on the Mechanical Properties of Peek Plates by Hot Compression Molding
Authors: Li Tong , Song Zhuoyu , Yang Xiangfei , Du Juan
Published: December 2022

Thermoplastic components are gaining more and more attention due to their advantages which include high specific strength, high toughness, and low manufacturing costs. Despite the fast development of such materials in engineering applications, the major challenge for the wider use of thermoplastic components is the diverse mechanical properties that are caused by uncertain factors during the molding process. In this paper, the effects of processing parameters on the mechanical properties of PEEK plates by hot compression molding are systematically investigated, including the temperature, pressure, and compression time. It was found that both temperature and time can sensitively change the mechanical properties; however, a pressure larger than 1.5 MPa showed a limited impact on the mechanical behaviors of PEEK plates. The optimal process parameters include a hot compression temperature of 400 °C, a compression time of 30 min, and a pressure of 2.5 MPa.
6-DOF Bilateral Teleoperation Hybrid Control System for Power Distribution Live-Line Operation Robot
Authors: Chen Yutao , Wang Yahao , Tang Xuming , Wu Kai , Wu Shaolei , Guo Rui , Zhao Yuliang , Dong Erbao
Published: December 2022

In the master-slave heterogeneous teleoperation, the workspace of the slave manipulator is usually much larger than that of the master manipulator. This paper proposes a 6-DOF bilateral hybrid teleoperation control strategy to map the workspace of the manipulators without changing the operation accuracy. The hybrid control includes the admittance and force control based on the feedback of the force sensor at the end of the manipulator. The two control strategies switched autonomously through the positioning of the Sigma.7 handle in the workspace. Compared with the classic bilateral teleoperation control, it overcomes the limitation of pre-matching the workspace of the master and slave. When the tool contacts a rigid environment, the robot can make adaptive compensation through the admittance controller even if the operator has not responded. We conduct extensive experiments to evaluate the changes in displacement and velocity before and after the switching process and under different admittance controller parameters. Finally, teleoperation is applied to live-line operation in distribution networks. The experiment proved that the control strategy is more consistent with human operation habits and can improve assembly success rate and efficiency.
Irreversible Demagnetization Improvement Process of Hybrid Traction Motors with Dy-Free Magnets
Authors: Song Si-Woo , Pyo Hyun-Jo , Nam Dong-Woo , Lee Ju , Kim Won-Ho
Published: December 2022

Permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs), with their high power density, high efficiency, and thermal stability, are widely used nowadays. PMSM magnets are composed of rare earth elements. However, rare earth elements are subject to severe price fluctuations because of their limited availability and the monopoly of some countries. Therefore, extensive research on magnets devoid of rare earth elements has been conducted recently. Although a magnet devoid of rare earth elements has a high irreversible demagnetization rate at high temperatures owing to its low coercive force, an irreversible demagnetization improvement process is proposed in this paper to compensate for this disadvantage. This process analyzes the contribution of the magnet’s back EMF (electromotive force) using the flux linkage equation, which does not change with time. Next, the location of irreversible demagnetization is moved to a position with a low contribution to the back electromotive force. Consequently, even if irreversible demagnetization occurs at the same size, the irreversible demagnetization ratio is reduced. The proposed process can minimize irreversible demagnetization while maintaining performance.
Decoupling Control of an Aviation Remote Sensing Stabilization Platform Based on a Cerebellar Model Articulation Controller
Authors: Ran Tonghuan , Shi Guangfeng , Lin Jieqiong , Meng Linghe
Published: December 2022

To obtain high-resolution and high-precision images, the aviation remote sensing stabilization platform (ARSSP) is used, which enables the isolation of unpredictable aerial camera movements during aerial photography. However, because of the interaxle coupling interference and other nonlinear interferences in the ARSSP system, the imaging quality of the aerial camera is adversely affected. Therefore, we derived the dynamic model of moment coupling between shafts to illustrate the problem. On the basis of the former proportion integration differentiation (PID) controller based on cerebellar neural network, a nonlinear cross feedback decoupling scheme is adopted to reduce the adverse effects of these interferences. The cerebellar model articulation controller (CMAC) based on synovial membrane control (SMC) is used to reduce the nonlinear interferences caused by the new cross-decoupling module. To verify the effectiveness of the scheme, simulation, indoor and outdoor experiments were conducted. The results showed that the SMC-CMAC significantly reduced the interaxle coupling effect and effectively suppressed the nonlinear interference, resulting in a good tracking performance of the ARSSP system.
Expert System for Neurocognitive Rehabilitation Based on the Transfer of the ACE-R to CHC Model Factors
Authors: Kotyrba Martin , Habiballa Hashim , Volná Eva , Jarušek Robert , Smolka Pavel , Prášek Martin , Malina Marek , Jaremová Vladěna , Vantuch Jan , Bar Michal , Kulišťák Petr
Published: December 2022

This article focuses on developing an expert system applicable to the area of neurocognitive rehabilitation. The benefit of this interdisciplinary research is to propose an expert system that has been adapted based on real patients’ results from the Addenbrooke’s cognitive examination (ACE-R). One of this research’s main results is a unique proposal to transfer the ACE-R result to the CHC (Cattell–Horn–Carroll) intelligence model. This unique approach enables transforming the CHC model domains according to the modified ACE-R factor analysis, which has never been used before. The expert system inference results allow the automated optimized design of a neurorehabilitation plan to train patients’ cognitive functions according to the CHC model. A set of tasks in 6 difficulty levels (Level 1–Level 6) was proposed for each of the nine CHC model domains. For each patient, the ACE-R results helped determine specific CHC domains to be rehabilitated as well as the starting game level for the rehabilitation within each domain. The proposed expert system has been verified on real data of 705 patients and achieved an average error of 5.94% for all CHC model domains. The proposed system is to be included in the outcomes of the research project of the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic as a verified procedure for healthcare providers.
On Coefficient Estimates for a Certain Class of Analytic Functions
Authors: Răducanu Dorina
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we consider a subclass SQ of normalized analytic functions f satisfying ℜf′(z)>1/2. For the functions in the class SQ, we determine upper bounds for a number of coefficient estimates, among which are initial coefficients, the second Hankel determinant, and the Zalcman functional. Upper estimates for higher-order Schwarzian derivatives are also obtained.
Evaluating Bank Efficiency in the West Balkan Countries Using Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Horvat Aleksandra Marcikić , Milenković Nada , Dudić Branislav , Kalaš Branimir , Radovanov Boris , Mittelman Alexandra
Published: December 2022

The financial systems of the West Balkan countries are mainly based on banks. For an efficient financial system, it is of immense importance that the banks operating in it do so with high levels of efficiency. Furthermore, efficiency is needed when it comes to involving banking institutions in the financial flows in order to maintain sustainability of the financial construction. The aim of this paper is to determine whether there is a difference in efficiency between the considered countries and thus to show which changes the decisionmakers have to make in order to improve the efficiency of their banking systems. We analyze data from the revised financial statements of all banks operating in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia for the period from 2015 to 2019, using loans and investment as input variables and interest income, non-interest income and net income as output variables. The results obtained from the output-oriented DEA model with a variable return to scale have shown higher efficiency levels in North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, while Serbia and Albania show lower efficiency. The individual analyses have shown that in order to improve efficiency levels, improvement is needed more in the correction of the investment amounts then in loan placements.
Numerical Investigation of a Rotating Magnetic Field Influence on Free Convective CNT/Water Nanofluid Flow within a Corrugated Enclosure
Authors: Saleem Khalid B. , Omri Mohamed , Aich Walid , Alshammari Badr M. , Rmili Hatem , Kolsi Lioua
Published: December 2022

This paper emphasizes the effect of applying a rotating magnetic field on the natural convective flow of CNT/Water nanofluid inside a corrugated square cavity differentially heated through its sidewalls, while the upper and lower boundaries are supposed to be perfectly insulated. The aim of this study is to highlight the impact of a large variety of parameters, namely Hartman number, frequency of rotation, Rayleigh number, nanoparticles volume fraction, and corrugation aspect ratio on the flow behaviour and thermal transport characteristics. The governing non-linear coupled differential equations are solved by using the finite element technique. Outcomes indicated that the thermal energy exchange is improved with the Rayleigh number increment and nanoparticles loading, while it is weakened with the rising of Ha, ascribed to the Lorentz force opposition to buoyancy. Moreover, enlarging the corrugation aspect ratio causes the apparition of stagnant fluid zones and the rate of heat transfer is reduced as a result.
Modeling and Simulation of High Voltage Power Lines under Transient and Persistent Faults
Authors: Fișcă Marius , Abrudean Mihail , Mureșan Vlad , Clitan Iulia , Ungureșan Mihaela-Ligia , Motorga Roxana , Ceuca Emilian
Published: December 2022

The work proposes an original method for modeling and simulating the triggering of 110 kV interconnection power lines in case of common faults, such as transient or persistent faults. Urban and industrial areas, surrounding urban areas, require a high energy consumption that is being supplied through 110 kV overhead power lines, responsible for distributing power to the industrial and domestic consumers. High voltage distribution power lines are most prone to failure, due to their exposure, affecting a large number of consumers if a fault occurs. Faults of power lines in service certify that currently there is no perfectly controllable operation mode in terms of load rating, environmental factors, insulation resistance, or mechanical resistance, which would allow total avoidance of faults, it is only possible to reduce the impact they have on the network as a whole. Mathematical models have been developed to determine the experimental voltage and current responses describing the fault propagation, expressed as a 7th-degree polynomial curve, as a second-order transfer function or as the Gaussian model type. By comparing these mathematical models, the most probable answers that can lead to the development of a control structure for rapid identification of a fault were obtained, with the possibility of triggering the line protection relay. In the final part of the manuscript, the viability of applying artificial intelligence techniques, for the approached fault management application, is proven. The developed control structure evaluates the nature of the fault and determines a faster reaction of the line protection causing an increase in the performance of the distribution service.
Use of an Intramedullary Allogenic Fibular Strut Bone and Lateral Locking Plate for Distal Femoral Fracture with Supracondylar Comminution in Patients over 50 Years of Age
Authors: Su Wen-Chin , Yu Tzai-Chiu , Peng Cheng-Huan , Liu Kuan-Lin , Wu Wen-Tien , Chen Ing-Ho , Wang Jen-Hung , Yeh Kuang-Ting
Published: December 2022

Background and Objectives: Distal femoral fracture is a severe injury that makes surgery challenging, particularly comminuted fractures in the supracondylar region. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of distal femoral fracture treated with the application of an intramedullary fibular allogenic bone strut in open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with precontoured locking plates in patients over 50 years of age. Materials and Methods: The study retrospectively enrolled 202 patients over 50 years of age with traumatic comminuted distal femoral fracture (AO/OTA 33-A3, 33-C2 and 33-C3) treated with ORIF with a locking plate from January 2016 to December 2019. The two groups were divided into patients who received an intramedullary allogenic bone strut and those who did not. Patients were followed for at least 1 year, with their function scores and radiographic data recorded. Results: A total of 124 patients were recruited, comprising 60 men and 64 women with an average age of 62.4 ± 8.5 years. The 36 patients who had received an intramedullary allogenic fibular bone strut reported lower postoperative pain scores at 1 month and lower postoperative Knee Society Scores (KSS) at 3 months than the control group. The application of an intramedullary allogenic fibular bone strut appeared to be significantly correlated with better 3-month postoperative KSS. Conclusions: The ORIF of distal femoral comminuted fracture with an intramedullary allogenic fibular bone strut can reduce pain and improve knee function in the early stages of postoperative rehabilitation and may reduce the time to union in patients over 50 years of age.
Benefit of Uracil–Tegafur Used as a Postoperative Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Stage IIA Colon Cancer
Authors: Chen Po-Huang , Jhou Hong-Jie , Chung Chi-Hsiang , Wu Yi-Ying , Huang Tzu-Chuan , Lee Cho-Hao , Chien Wu-Chien , Chen Jia-Hong
Published: December 2022

Background and Objectives: Postoperative adjuvant therapy with uracil and tegafur (UFT) is often used for stage II colon cancer in Japan, but a limited number of studies have investigated the effects of UFT in these patients. Materials and Methods: We conducted a population-based cohort study in patients with resected stage II colon cancer comparing the outcomes after postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy with UFT with an observation-only group. The data were collected from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database from 2000 to 2015. The outcomes of the study were disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). The hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models. Results: No differences in the DFS and OS were detected between the UFT (1137 patients) and observation (2779 patients) cohorts (DFS: adjusted HR 0.702; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.489–1.024; p = 0.074) (OS: adjusted HR 0.894; 95% CI 0.542–1.186; p = 0.477). In the subgroup analyses of the different substages, UFT prolonged DFS in patients with stage IIA colon cancer (adjusted HR 0.652; 95% CI 0.352–0.951; p = 0.001) compared with DFS in the observation cohort, but no differences in the OS were detected (adjusted HR 0.734; 95% CI 0.475–1.093; p = 0.503). Conclusions: Our results show that DFS improved significantly in patients with stage IIA colon cancer receiving UFT as a postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy compared with DFS in the observation group.
Calculation of Durability and Fatigue Life Parameters of Structural Alloys Using a Multilevel Model of Acoustic Emission Pulse Flow
Authors: Perveitalov Oleg G. , Nosov Viktor V. , Borovkov Alexey I. , Khanukhov Khanukh M. , Chetvertukhin Nikita V.
Published: December 2022

The issues of durability and fatigue life of various structural materials occupy an important place in the operation of equipment and elements subjected to high stresses. To correctly predict its operation time, knowledge of the unique internal structure of a particular piece of operating equipment is required. To obtain such data, a multilevel model of acoustic emission signal flow is proposed in the article, which is based on the kinetic concept of strength and the selection of various stages of destruction in the kinetics of damage accumulation. The selected information, which accounts for the hypothesis of the linear summation of damage, is used in modern models for calculating fatigue life based on kinetic parameters, e.g., the activation energy of destruction and activation volume. The fracture activation energies, activation volume, destructive load, and fatigue life of various structural alloys and steels were calculated using the proposed acoustic emission model based on static test data from various scientific literature sources. For comparison, several methods of calculating kinetic parameters based on the thermal fluctuation concept of strength were used. In addition, numerical modeling was performed to select the structural lethargy coefficient from the elastic deformation zone. The results of the proposed model are in good agreement with the experimental data and allow—within the framework of more thorough tests and with a more accurate consideration of temperature—for the application of an engineering-based approach with which to evaluate the durability and residual service life of objects.
Enhancement of Damping Capbility of MnCu Alloy by High Magnetic Field
Authors: Wang Diwei , Niu Hongkang , Zhang Sibin , Xuan Weidong , Ren Zhongming , Tian Qingchao
Published: December 2022

The directionally solidified MnCuNiFe alloy was prepared under high magnetic field. The microstructure, composition distribution, phase transformation behavior and damping capacity of the alloy were studied by means of metallographic microscope, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermal expansion analysis and dynamic mechanical analysis. It is revealed that magnetic field has definite effect on the refinement of dendrite microstructure as well as the enrichment of Ni element, and thus induces the occurrence of martensitic transformation at about 300 K. The preferred (111) orientation modulated by high magnetic field, especially the induced fct1 → fcc martensitic transformation, together with the twin boundary relaxation, ensure that the directionally solidified MnCuNiFe alloy prepared under high magnetic field owns high-damping capacity in a wide-temperature range from 200 K to 320 K.
Study on Precipitation Kinetics of Calcium Pyro-Vanadate and Thermodynamics of Vanadium Water System
Authors: Liu Hangkai , Yang Qiaowen
Published: December 2022

Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) is a technology widely used in large coal-fired units to remove nitrogen oxides from flue gas, but it also generates a large number of waste catalysts every year. At present, the recovery of V from discarded SCR catalysts has good application prospects and environmental significance. In this paper, the kinetics and thermodynamics of vanadium precipitation process are described with the vanadium-containing liquid of waste denitration catalyst recovered by alkali leaching as raw material and CaCl2 as precipitant in order to further explore the mechanism of vanadium precipitation. The kinetics study showed that the crystallization process of calcium pyrovanadate can be well-described by Avrami kinetic model when the precipitation time is 95–130 min, and the vanadium precipitation temperature is 60–80 °C. After that, the Arrhenius equation was used to analyze the fitted kinetic data, and the apparent activation energy Ea of vanadium precipitation reaction was calculated to be 98.196 kJ/mol, and the pre exponential factor A = 8.59 × 1039 min−1. Thermodynamic study showed that when the pH of the vanadium water system is low, the +5 valence vanadium in the solution mainly exists in the form of VO2+ cation. When the pH is between 0–1, the solubility of vanadium reaches the minimum and then increases the solution pH again, and various polymerized anions are formed in the vanadium water system. When the temperature is 25 °C, the activity of vanadium in vanadium-containing solution is 10−1, the pH of solution is 8–12, and the existence form of +5 valence vanadium in solution is mainly HV2O73−. By analyzing the existing forms of V with different activities in a vanadium water system at 25 °C, it can be seen that with the decrease of V activity in liquid, the dominant region of polymerized vanadium-containing species in the potential pH diagram will disappear, indicating that vanadium mainly exists in the form of mononuclear ions in low-concentration vanadium-containing solutions, which is not conducive to precipitation. Therefore, in the process of precipitation of vanadium in solution, the concentration of V should be increased as much as possible.
Investigation of the Sn-0.7 wt.% Cu Solder Reacting with C194, Alloy 25, and C1990 HP Substrates
Authors: Laksono Andromeda Dwi , Tsai Tzu-Yang , Chung Tai-Hsuan , Chang Yong-Chi , Yen Yee-Wen
Published: December 2022

Cu-based alloys are one of the most promising substrates to enhance the performance of lead-frame materials. In the present study, the interfacial reactions in the Sn-0.7 wt.% Cu (SC) lead-free solder reacting with Cu-3.3 wt.% Fe (C194), Cu-2.0 wt.% Be (Alloy 25), and Cu-3.3 wt.% Ti (C1990 HP) were investigated. The material underwent a liquid–solid interface reaction, and the reaction time was 0.5 to a few hours at the reaction temperatures of 240 °C, 255 °C, and 270 °C. The morphology, composition, growth rate, and growth mechanism of the intermetallic compounds (IMCs) formed at the interface were investigated in this study. The results showed that the reaction couples of SC/C194, SC/Alloy 25, and SC/C1990 HP formed IMCs, which were the [(Cu, Fe)6Sn5 and (Cu, Fe)3Sn], [(Cu, Be)3Sn and (Cu, Be)6Sn5], and [Cu6Sn5] phases, respectively. Finally, the IMC growth mechanism for the SC/C194, SC/Alloy 25, and SC/C1990 HP couples displayed reaction control, grain boundary diffusion control, and diffusion control, respectively.
Common Strategies and Factors Affecting Off-Line Breath Sampling and Volatile Organic Compounds Analysis Using Thermal Desorption-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (TD-GC-MS)
Authors: Westphal Kinga , Dudzik Danuta , Waszczuk-Jankowska Małgorzata , Graff Beata , Narkiewicz Krzysztof , Markuszewski Michał Jan
Published: December 2022

An analysis of exhaled breath enables specialists to noninvasively monitor biochemical processes and to determine any pathological state in the human body. Breath analysis holds the greatest potential to remold and personalize diagnostics; however, it requires a multidisciplinary approach and collaboration of many specialists. Despite the fact that breath is considered to be a less complex matrix than blood, it is not commonly used as a diagnostic and prognostic tool for early detection of disordered conditions due to its problematic sampling, analysis, and storage. This review is intended to determine, standardize, and marshal experimental strategies for successful, reliable, and especially, reproducible breath analysis
Comparative Genomic Analysis of the Hydrocarbon-Oxidizing Dibenzothiophene-Desulfurizing Gordonia Strains
Authors: Frantsuzova Ekaterina , Delegan Yanina , Bogun Alexander , Sokolova Diyana , Nazina Tamara
Published: December 2022

A number of actinobacteria of the genus Gordonia are able to use dibenzothiophene (DBT) and its derivatives as the only source of sulfur, which makes them promising agents for the process of oil biodesulfurization. Actinobacteria assimilate sulfur from condensed thiophenes without breaking the carbon–carbon bonds, using the 4S pathway encoded by the dszABC operon-like structure. The genome of the new dibenzothiophene-degrading hydrocarbon-oxidizing bacterial strain Gordonia amicalis 6-1 was completely sequenced and the genes potentially involved in the pathways of DBT desulfurization, oxidation of alkanes and aromatic compounds, as well as in the osmoprotectant metabolism in strain 6-1 and other members of the genus Gordonia, were analyzed. The genome of G. amicalis strain 6-1 consists of a 5,105,798-bp circular chromosome (67.3% GC content) and an 86,621-bp circular plasmid, pCP86 (65.4% GC content). This paper presents a comparative bioinformatic analysis of complete genomes of strain 6-1 and dibenzothiophene-degrading Gordonia strains 1D and 135 that do not have the dsz operon. The assumption is made about the participation in this process of the region containing the sfnB gene. Genomic analysis supported the results of phenomenological studies of Gordonia strains and the possibility of their application in the bioremediation of oil-contaminated environments and in the purification of oil equipment from oil and asphalt-resin-paraffin deposits.
Gut Dysbiosis in Children with Cystic Fibrosis: Development, Features and the Role of Gut–Lung Axis on Disease Progression
Authors: Testa Ilaria , Crescenzi Oliviero , Esposito Susanna
Published: December 2022

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common autosomal recessive disease among Caucasians. Over the last 20 years, culture-independent analysis, including next-generation sequencing, has paired with culture-based microbiology, offering deeper insight into CF lung and gut microbiota. The aim of this review is to analyse the features of gut microbiota in patients with CF and its possible role in the progression of the disease, establishing the basis for a potential role in microbe-based therapies. The literature analysis showed that the gut environment in CF patients has unique features due to the characteristics of the disease, such as decreased bicarbonate secretion, increased luminal viscosity, and an acidic small intestinal environment, which, due to the treatment, includes regular antibiotic use or a high-energy and fat-dense diet. As a result, the gut microbial composition appears altered, with reduced richness and diversity. Moreover, the population of pro-inflammatory bacteria is higher, while immunomodulatory genera, such as Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium, are scarcer. The imbalanced gut microbial population has a potential role in the development of systemic inflammation and may influence clinical outcomes, such as respiratory exacerbations, spirometry results, and overall growth. Although a better understanding of the pathophysiology behind the gut–lung axis is needed, these findings support the rationale for considering gut microbiota manipulation as a possible intervention to regulate the severity and progression of the disease.