bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fish Oil Enriched n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Improve Ketogenic Low-Carbohydrate/High-Fat Diet-Caused Dyslipidemia, Excessive Fat Accumulation, and Weight Control in Rats
Authors: Liu Shing-Hwa , Chen Yu-Xuan , Tzeng Huei-Ping , Chiang Meng-Tsan
Published: April 2022

Low-carbohydrate and high-fat diets have been used for body weight (BW) control, but their adverse effects on lipid profiles have raised concern. Fish oil (FO), rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, has profound effects on lipid metabolism. We hypothesized that FO supplementation might improve the lipid metabolic disturbance elicited by low-carbohydrate and high-fat diets. Male SD rats were randomized into normal control diet (NC), high-fat diet (HF), and low-carbohydrate/high-fat diet (LC) groups in experiment 1, and NC, LC, LC + 5% FO (5CF), and LC + 10% FO diet (10CF) groups in experiment 2. The experimental duration was 11 weeks. In the LC group, a ketotic state was induced, and food intake was decreased; however, it did not result in BW loss compared to either the HF or NC groups. In the 5CF group, rats lost significant BW. Dyslipidemia, perirenal and epididymal fat accumulation, hepatic steatosis, and increases in triglyceride and plasma leptin levels were observed in the LC group but were attenuated by FO supplementation. These findings suggest that a ketogenic low-carbohydrate/high-fat diet with no favorable effect on body weight causes visceral and liver lipid accumulation. FO supplementation not only aids in body weight control but also improves lipid metabolism in low-carbohydrate/high-fat diet-fed rats.
Association between Functional Fitness and Health-Related Quality of Life in the Balearic Islands’ Old Adults with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Conde-Pipó Javier , Bouzas Cristina , Mariscal-Arcas Miguel , Tur Josep A.
Published: April 2022

Research assessing the relationship between functional fitness (FF) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is still scarce. The objective of this research is to assess the association between FF and HRQoL in older adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS) from Balearic Islands (Spain). The design is a cross-sectional, descriptive, and comparative study involving 209 participants (42.2% women). The sociodemographic data and medical history of the participants were collected. Physical activity was evaluated using the Spanish version of the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity Questionnaire. Anthropometrics and blood pressure were measured. Glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride plasma levels were measured. A battery of functional fitness tests was applied. HRQoL was measured with the Spanish version of the SF-36 questionnaire. Adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern was assessed. In older subjects with MetS, a higher FF score and, within it, endurance, lower body strength, one-leg balance, and agility are positively associated with lower physical function (p < 0.001; d = 0.56), better general health (p = 0.019; d = 0.35), and better summary physical component of HRQoL (p < 0.001; d = 0.57). The FF score and HRQoL physical component are both positively associated with high levels of physical activity (ORadj = 10.3, IC 4.19–28.2, p < 0.001; ORadj = 3.25, IC 1.44–7.72, p < 0.005). Older adults with MetS should consider practicing physical activity above the general recommendations to improve their functional fitness and health status and quality of life.
A Nutritional Approach for the Management of Chemotherapy-Induced Diarrhea in Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Artale Salvatore , Grillo Nunziata , Lepori Stefano , Butti Chiara , Bovio Antonella , Barzaghi Sabrina , Colombo Andrea , Castiglioni Elena , Barbarini Lucia , Zanlorenzi Laura , Antonelli Paola , Caccialanza Riccardo , Pedrazzoli Paolo , Moroni Mauro , Basciani Sabrina , Azzarello Rebecca , Serra Francesco , Trojani Alessandra
Published: April 2022

This study aimed to determine if dietary modifications using a nutritional regimen could prevent or reduce the incidence of cancer therapy-induced diarrhea in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer and to evaluate the relationship of Vitamin D blood levels with diarrhea severity. Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer were enrolled. A Mediterranean diet, containing some special limitations aiming to reduce the risk of diarrhea, was administered before and during the entire chemotherapy program. Enrolled patients numbering 60/137 (44%) had diarrhea during chemotherapy. Adherence to the diet was high in 36 (26.3%) patients, medium in 94 (68.6%), and low in 7 (5.1%). Mean adherence to the diet was significantly lower in patients who experienced diarrhea with maximum grade 2–3 compared to those who had no diarrhea or grade 1 diarrhea (score = 5.4 ± 1.9 vs. 7.1 ± 1.5, p < 0.001). Patients with higher adherence to the diet had a lower risk of grade 2–3 diarrhea (odds ratio: 0.5 (95% CI: 0.3–0.7, p < 0.001)). In addition, patients who completed a higher number of chemotherapy cycles had an increased risk of grade 2–3 diarrhea (odds ratio: 1.2 (95% CI: 1.0–1.5, p = 0.02)). Of note, a lower level of Vitamin D correlated with an increased risk of G2-G3 diarrhea (p = 0.03). A diet based on vegetables with a controlled fiber content, Mediterranean Modified Healthy Diet (MMHD), is useful to control the incidence of cancer therapy-induced diarrhea.
Postoperative Chylothorax in Neonates and Infants after Congenital Heart Disease Surgery—Current Aspects in Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Samanidis Georgios , Kourelis Georgios , Bounta Stavroula , Kanakis Meletios
Published: April 2022

Postoperative chylothorax is a rare complication following cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease (CHD) in the pediatric population, including neonates and infants. Multiple mechanisms are involved in the development of postoperative chylous effusions, mainly the traumatic injury of lymphatic vessels, systemic venous obstruction and dysfunction of the right ventricle. In this review, we focus on the existing evidence regarding the definition and diagnosis of postoperative chylothorax in children with CHD, as well as current therapeutic approaches, both nutritional and interventional, for the management of these patients. As part of nutritional management, we specifically comment on the use of defatted human milk and its effect on both chylothorax resolution and patient growth. A consensus with regard to several key aspects of this potentially significant complication is warranted given its impact on the cost, morbidity and mortality of children with CHD.
Spectrophotometric and Electrochemical Assessment of the Antioxidant Capacity of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of Citrus Flavedos
Authors: Moreno María Teresa , Rodríguez Mellado José Miguel
Published: April 2022

Citrus peel residues are of great interest due to the use of their extracted compounds in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, mainly due to their antioxidant properties. The flavedo of this peel is especially relevant in modern culinary uses. The antioxidant capacity of the water and ethanolic extracts of the flavedos of ten peels was measured by a spectrophotometric assay and two electrochemical assays. The Folin–Ciocalteu values and ascorbic acid contents were also determined. From the results, it was concluded that the polyphenols extracted from the flavedos have antioxidant activities that occur through single-electron-transfer (SET) mechanisms rather than SET+ hydrogen atom transfer mechanisms. The polyphenols with high polarities extracted in the water constituted the least abundant fraction, and were better antioxidants than those with lower polarity extracted in the ethanol, which constituted the most abundant fraction.
Pharmacists’ Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Recommendations
Authors: Langer Roland , Thanner Mirjam
Published: April 2022

Seasonal influenza vaccination rates among European countries remain low despite the World Health Organization’s recommendations to vaccinate high-risk groups. Healthcare worker recommendations are strong predictors of increased vaccination uptake in the population. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze seasonal influenza vaccination recommendation behavior among pharmacists towards high-risk groups including patients, coworkers, and pharmacists’ family members during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based research was conducted in Switzerland during the flu season and sent to all members of the Swiss Pharmacist Association. In December 2020, 569 community pharmacists completed the online survey. The influenza vaccination recommendation rates for high-risk patients were 93.6% for the elderly, 70.7% for pregnant women, 65.2% for immunocompromised people, and 60.3% for patients with chronic diseases. Pharmacists tend to recommend influenza immunization to patients more than to family members and colleagues. Holding a certification to administer immunization and personal influenza vaccine history were the main predictors for recommending influenza vaccination to patients, family members, and colleagues. Our results indicated that influenza vaccination recommendation rates in our whole sample of pharmacists, were higher for vaccinated and immunizing pharmacists. Ensuring high vaccinations rates and high ratio of immunizing pharmacists may be important in promoting seasonal influenza vaccination in the general population.
The Effect of Some Wild Grown Plant Extracts and Essential Oils on Pectobacterium betavasculorum: The Causative Agent of Bacterial Soft Rot and Vascular Wilt of Sugar Beet
Authors: Rastgou Mina , Rezaee Danesh Younes , Ercisli Sezai , Sayyed R. Z. , El Enshasy Hesham Ali , Dailin Daniel Joe , Alfarraj Saleh , Ansari Mohammad Javed
Published: April 2022

The bacterial soft rot and vascular wilt of sugar beet are the major diseases of sugar crops globally induced by Pectobacterium betavasculorum and P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (Pcc). The control of this bacterial disease is a severe problem, and only a few copper-based chemical bactericides are available for this disease. Because of the limitations of chemicals to control plant bacterial pathogens, the essential oils and extracts have been considered one of the best alternative strategies for their control. In this study, twenty-seven essential oils and twenty-nine plant extracts were extracted and evaluated for their antibacterial activities against Pectobacterium betavasculorum isolate C3, using the agar diffusion method at 0.01%, 0.1%, and 100% (v/v). Pure Pimpinella anisum L. oil exhibited the most anti-bacterial activity among three different concentrations of essential oils and extracts, followed by Thymus vulgaris L. oil and Rosa multiflora Thunb. extract. The efficacy of effective essential oils and extracts on Ic1 cultivar of sugar beet seeds germination and seedling growth in vivo also were tested. The seed germination of the Ic1 cultivar was inhibited at all the concentrations of essential oils used. Only extracts of Rosa multiflora Thunb., Brassica oleracea L., Lactuca serriola L., Salvia rosmarinus Spenn., Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. and L.M.Perry, Eucalyptus globulus Labill., and essential oils of Ocmium basilicum L., Pimpinella anisum L., and Mentha× piperita L.L. in 0.1% concentration had no inhibition on seed germination and could improve seedling growth. This is the first report of the antibacterial activity of essential oils and extracts on Pectobacterium betavasculorum.
Anti-Obesity Action of Boerhavia diffusa in Rats against High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity by Blocking the Cannabinoid Receptors
Authors: Khalid Mohammad , Alqarni Mohammed H. , Shoaib Ambreen , Wahab Shadma , Foudah Ahmed I. , Aljarba Tariq M. , Akhtar Juber , Alamri Mubarak A. , Ahmad Sarfaraz
Published: April 2022

Obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular illnesses have known risk factors in the pathophysiology of an unhealthy diet. Obesity now affects almost a third of the world’s population and is widely seen as a side effect of the Industrial Revolution. The current study aimed to determine natural phytoconstituents that have a significant role in the management of obesity. In this view, we have selected the plant Boerhavia diffusa which has different pharmacological actions and is traditionally used to treat sickness caused by lifestyle modification. The methanolic extract of the plant material was prepared and then further fractionated by means of solvents (n-hexane, chloroform, n-butanol, and water). The absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) analysis was done by taking the active constituent of the plant (Punarnavine, Boeravinone B, and Eupalitin). The molecular docking analysis of these compounds is also performed by targeting the cannabinoid receptor (CR). Structural analysis of the best complex was done using the Discovery Studio visualizer tool. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis was done by using a solvent system (chloroform and methanol in a ratio of 8:2). The in vivo study was done on the Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats treated with a high-fat diet to induce obesity and different parameters such as body weight, behavioral activity, organ fat pad weight, lipid profile, and liver biomarkers (AST, ALT, BUN, and creatinine) were estimated. The result of the study suggested that the phytoconstituents of B. diffusa upon molecular docking revealed the possible binding mechanisms with the CR and thus show potent anti-obesity action.
Distribution Patterns of Essential Oil Terpenes in Native and Invasive Solidago Species and Their Comparative Assessment
Authors: Radušienė Jolita , Karpavičienė Birutė , Marksa Mindaugas , Ivanauskas Liudas , Raudonė Lina
Published: April 2022

The importance of invasive Solidago L. species to the environment creates a new approach to controlling their spread through the use of potentially high value raw materials. The aim of this study was to assess the distribution patterns of volatile compounds in the four Solidago spp., by identifying common and species-specific compounds with their potentials, and to confirm the origin of the spontaneous hybrid Solidago × niederederi on the basis of comparative assessment of essential oil (EO) profiles. Plant material in the flowering phase was collected in mixed populations from six different sites. The EOs were isolated separately from the leaf and the inflorescence samples by hydrodistillation for 3 h. The chemical analysis was performed by gas chromatography—mass spectrometry. Multivariate data analysis was employed to explain the interspecies relationships among Solidago spp. The results revealed the similarity among Solidago spp. EO profiles, which were dominated by monoterpenes and oxygenated compound fractions. Solidago spp. differed in species distinctive terpenes and their distribution between accessions and plant parts. Volatile compound patterns confirmed the origin of Solidago × niederederi between Solidago canadensis and Solidago virgaurea, with the higher contribution of alien species than native ones. Correct taxonomic identification of species is highly essential for the targeted collection of raw material from the wild for different applications. Solidago spp. can be considered to be underutilized sources of bioactive secondary metabolites.
Distribution Patterns of Invasive Buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris) in Mexico Estimated with Climate Niche Models under the Current and Future Climate
Authors: Siller-Clavel Pablo , Badano Ernesto I. , Villarreal-Guerrero Federico , Prieto-Amparán Jesús A. , Pinedo-Alvarez Alfredo , Corrales-Lerma Raúl , Álvarez-Holguín Alan , Hernández-Quiroz Nathalie S.
Published: April 2022

In Mexico, buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris) was introduced in the middle of the 20th century. Currently, buffelgrass has become an invasive species and has colonized various ecosystems in the country. In addition to its invasive capacity, climate change is a factor that has to be taken into account when considering how to effectively manage and control this species. The climatic niche models (CNM) and their projections for climate change scenarios allow for estimating the extent of biological invasions. Our study aimed to calibrate a CNM for buffelgrass in Mexico under the current climatic conditions and to project the extent of its biological invasion under climate change scenarios. For that, we used MaxEnt to generate the current CNM and to detect if climate change could cause future changes, we then evaluated the distribution patterns over the periods of 2041–2060, 2061–2080, and 2081–2100 for all the shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs). Linear regressions were used to compare the outputs between current and future scenarios. Under the current climate, the CNM estimated that 42.2% of the continental surface of Mexico is highly suitable for buffelgrass. The regression analyses indicated no effects from climate change on the distribution of buffelgrass. Moreover, when the projected period is further in the future, and when the SSPs intensify, the surface of suitable areas for the species increases. These analyses clearly suggest Mexico is facing a biological invasion from buffelgrass, which may represent a threat to native biodiversity.
A New Biosurfactant/Bioemulsifier from Gordonia alkanivorans Strain 1B: Production and Characterization
Authors: Silva Tiago , Paixão Susana , Tavares João , Gil Cátia , Torres Cristiana , Freitas Filomena , Alves Luís
Published: April 2022

Biosurfactants and bioemulsifiers (BS/BE) are naturally synthesized molecules, which can be used as alternatives to traditional detergents. These molecules are commonly produced by microorganisms isolated from hydrocarbon-rich environments. Gordonia alkanivorans strain 1B was originally found in such an environment, however little was known about its abilities as a BS/BE producer. The goal of this work was to access the potential of strain 1B as a BS/BE producer and perform the initial characterization of the produced compounds. It was demonstrated that strain 1B was able to synthesize lipoglycoprotein compounds with BS/BE properties, both extracellularly and adhered to the cells, without the need for a hydrophobic inducer, producing emulsion in several different hydrophobic phases. Using a crude BS/BE powder, the critical micelle concentration was determined (CMC = 16.94 mg/L), and its capacity to reduce the surface tension to a minimum of 35.63 mN/m was demonstrated, surpassing many commercial surfactants. Moreover, after dialysis, emulsification assays revealed an activity similar to that of Triton X-100 in almond and sunflower oils. In benzene, the E24 value attained was 83.45%, which is 30% greater than that of the commercial alternative. The results obtained highlight for the presence of promising novel BS/BE produced by strain 1B.
Transient Pressure and Temperature Analysis of a Deepwater Gas Well during a Blowout Test
Authors: Zhong Haiquan , Zheng Chuangen , Li Miao , Liu Tong , He Yufa , Li Zihan
Published: April 2022

On one hand, a blowout test can clean the bottom of the well, and on the other, it can learn the productivity of the well, which is important work before putting the well into production and also the main basis for production allocation of the well. The accurate prediction of the blowout test process provides a theoretical basis for the design of a reasonable blowout test system and the determination of well cleaning time. During deepwater blowout tests, gas and liquid flows are unsteady in pipes, and flow parameters change over time. At present, accurately predicting changes in fluid temperature, pressure, liquid holdup, and other parameters in a wellbore during an actual blowout process using the commonly used steady-state prediction methods is difficult, and determining whether a test scheme is reasonable is impossible. Therefore, based on the conservation of mass, momentum, and energy during the blowout test process, in this study, formation, wellbore, and nozzle flows were coupled for the first time, and a time and space of unsteady pressure drop and a heat transfer differential equation system was established; furthermore, using the Newton–Raphson method, the equations were solved. Finally, the simulation of the transient flow of the blowout test was completed. Considering a measured deepwater gas well A as an example, the blowout test process was simulated, and the variations in the wellbore flow parameters were analyzed. Comparing the simulation result with the test data, we concluded the following. (1) During the blowout process, the wellbore temperature gradually increased; pressure at the bottom of the wellbore decreased; and pressure at the wellhead increased; and (2) the established model agreed well with the actual production data, and the average error of the wellhead pressure and temperature was less than 5%. Considering the high production capacity of deepwater gas wells, the use of large-sized tubing and nozzles to spray is recommended, which can improve the speed of clearing wells and prevent the formation of hydrate.
Leaching Kinetics of Aluminum from Alkali-Fused Spent Cathode Carbon Using Hydrochloric Acid and Sodium Fluoride
Authors: Yuan Jie , Li Huijin , Ding Shuang
Published: April 2022

Abundant carbon resides in spent cathode carbon (SCC) of aluminum electrolysis and its high-purity carbon powder is conducive to high-value recycling. The alkali-fused SCC was separated and effectively purified using an HCl/NaF solution. Effects of particle size, leaching temperature, time, initial acid concentration, and sodium fluoride dosage, on the purity of carbon powder and aluminum removal rate, were investigated. Using aluminum as the research object, kinetics of aluminum acid leaching were examined by single-factor experiments. Results showed that under an initial 4 M HCl concentration, particle size D(50) = 67.49 μm, liquid-solid ratio of 15:1, 333 K, 120 min, 0.3 M NaF, carbon powder with ash level below 1% were obtained in subsequent purification of SCC. The leaching process was described by Avram equation, the model characteristic parameter was 0.75147 and the apparent activation energy was 22.056 kJ/mol, which indicated a mixed control mechanism between chemical reactivity and diffusion. The kinetic reaction equation of leaching aluminum from alkali-fused SCC in a mixed HCl/NaF system was established.
Study on the Heat Transfer Characteristics of an Ambient Air Vaporizer with Multi-Component Fluids
Authors: Wang Jie , Li Changjun , Jia Wenlong , Wang Ke
Published: April 2022

China’s LNG import volume in 2021 reached 121.356 million tons, which makes China the largest importer in the world. The ambient air vaporizer (AAV) for LNG vaporization is an ideal selection for minimizing the average monetary value of terminals and maximizing operating efficiency. However, the heat and mass transfer performance of real multi-component LNG is not the same as that of the pure component in AAV; what is more, deep cryogenic and multi-component characteristics of LNG could lead to the deterioration of heat-transfer performance, which may cause catastrophic consequences. Thus, this difficulty should be concerning and solved in its operation. Based on the law of conservation of energy and mass, a heat and mass transfer model was established that can calculate the coupled heat transfer from the LNG to the air-side of the AAV along its own length. Empirical correlations are proposed to predict some basic properties of the frost layer at the outside of the tube, where the internal fluid is seen as a pure component and a multi-component. The numerical results show that the root–mean–square error (RMS) of the frost thickness is 0.749 mm, and the RMS of the outlet fluid temperature is 2.06 K and 2.21 K in summer and winter, respectively. That is in good agreement with the experimental data in the previous literature. The results show that the length of the finned tube in the AAV affected by pure CH4 was increased by 42.5%; therefore, we recommend shortening the finned tube on the basis of safety to save costs. Compared to the pure components reference experiments, when the CH4 content of multi-component in five regions was 78.48–96.91%, it is found that the different varieties of thermodynamic dryness degree x within the two types of components is the key point for the distinct mechanisms of the heat transfer characteristics of the AAV. Additionally, compared to changing the design pressure and flow rate, it is found that varying the flow rate has a much greater impact on the heat and mass transfer performance of the AAV than changing its pressure. The calculation of the coupled heat and mass transfer of the AAV can provide a theoretical basis for subsequent engineering designs.
An Open-Source Iterative Python Module for the Automated Identification of Photopeaks in Photon Spectra
Authors: Fearn Samuel J. , Kaluvan Suresh , Scott Thomas B. , Martin Peter G.
Published: April 2022

The UK, and other countries worldwide, have benefited from nuclear energy to provide a low-carbon power source to fuel their increasing populations and industrial growth. In support of the extensive end-of-life decommissioning activities ongoing globally, as well as to enable accident clean-up and nuclear security/monitoring provisions; systems are necessary to rapidly and accurately detect and attribute the nature of any nuclear and/or radioactive materials. To facilitate the utilisation of the increasing suite of miniaturised radiation sensor systems for a range of largely robotic (whether aerial, underwater or ground-based) deployment applications, without the issue of being ’tethered’ to a specific vendor or system, an open-source and compact python module has been developed. Within this readily integrable code-base designed for incorporation into wider software architectures (such as the Robotic Operating System, or ROS), gamma-ray spectroscopy data are recorded in real-time and processed with a peak identification procedure once sufficient data has been recorded. Iterative peak-fitting is applied to determine the isotopic compositions of the incident radiation. The stand-alone application comprises two connected components: a small detector-specific module (or wrapper) that translates a detector’s serial output into the desired format, ahead of the main analysis function. Second, a photopeak identification is performed through an algorithm which uses the second derivative of the spectrum. The peaks identified are subsequently labelled by the program, utilizing the properties of all the mathematically detected/derived peaks, and finally output in a user-defined format for subsequent usage.
Monitoring Potential Geological Hazards with Different InSAR Algorithms: The Case of Western Sichuan
Authors: Zheng Zezhong , Xie Chuhang , He Yong , Zhu Mingcang , Huang Weifeng , Shao Tianming
Published: April 2022

In recent years, the number of geological disasters in Sichuan Province has significantly increased due to the influence of earthquakes and extreme climate, as well as the disturbance to the geological environment by human activities. Thus, geological disaster monitoring is particularly important, which can provide some scientific basis for disaster prevention and reduction. In this paper, the interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) technology was introduced to monitor potential geological hazards, taking parts of Dujiangyan City, Wenchuan County, and Mao County in Sichuan Province, China as examples. Firstly, the data such as Sentinel-1A Terrain Observation with Progressive Scans (TOPS) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images and Precision Orbit Determination (POD) precise orbit ephemerides from 2018 to 2020, high-resolution optical satellite images and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) were collected. Secondly, the Differential InSAR (D-InSAR), Persistent Scatterer InSAR (PS-InSAR), Small Baseline Subset InSAR (SBAS-InSAR), Offset-Tracking, and Distributed Scatterer InSAR (DS-InSAR) algorithms were used to invert the surface deformation of the study area. Thirdly, according to the deformation results obtained by experiments, we used GF-1 and GF-2 optical images as a reference and combine the experimental results of InSAR algorithms to delineate the areas affected by geological disasters. A total of 49 geological disaster areas were obtained, mainly including landslides, collapses, and debris flow. Through field verification, the overall accuracy rate of InSAR deformation monitoring achieved 69.23%, and the accuracy rate of new potential hazards monitoring reached 63.64%. Among all InSAR methods, the DS-InSAR method outperformed and monitored the geological disaster areas well. Finally, the study area was divided into three elevation intervals and the applicability of different InSAR algorithms in different elevation intervals was discussed.
Design of a Linear Wavenumber Spectrometer for Line Scanning Optical Coherence Tomography with 50 mm Focal Length Cylindrical Optics
Authors: Samadi Sevin , Mohazzab Masoud , Dargahi Javad , Narayanswamy Sivakumar
Published: April 2022

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has a wide range of uses in bioimaging and nondestructive testing. Larger bandwidth light sources have recently been implemented to enhance measurement resolution. Increased bandwidth has a negative impact on spectral nonlinearity in k space, notably in the case of spectral domain OCT (SD-OCT). This nonlinearity reduces the depth-dependent signal sensitivity of the spectrometers. A grating and prism combination is extensively used for linearizing. In an earlier study, we used a combination of the reflective grating and prism, as well as a cylindrical mirror with a radius of 180 mm, to achieve a high SR ratio with low nonlinearity. A creative design for a spectrometer with a cylindrical mirror of radius 50 mm, a light source with a center wavelength of 830 ± 100 nm (μm−1 − 6.756 μm−1 in k-space), and a grating of 1600 lines/mm is presented in this work. The design optimization is performed using MATLAB and ZEMAX. In the proposed design, the nonlinearity error reduced from 157∘× μm to 10.75∘× μm within the wavenumber range considered. The sensitivity research revealed that, with the new design, the SR ratio is extremely sensitive to the imaging optics’ angles. To resolve this, a spectrometer based on Grism is introduced. We present a Grism-based spectrometer with an optimized SR ratio of 0.97 and nonlinearity of 0.792∘× μm (Δθ/Δk). According to the sensitivity study, the Grism-based spectrometer is more robust.
Multiservice-Based Traffic Scheduling for 5G Access Traffic Steering, Switching and Splitting
Authors: Ba Xinran , Jin Libiao , Li Zengrui , Du Jianhe , Li Sidong
Published: April 2022

As a key enabler of the access traffic steering, switching and splitting (ATSSS) feature, multipath transport can leverage the simultaneous use of several network paths and support seamless failover to improve both communication throughput and resilience. Therefore, a traffic scheduling strategy is necessary to determine the best network path combination that may improve the performance of multipath transport. To address this need, we developed a multiservice-type based transmission (MSTT) traffic scheduling optimization strategy, which involves three steps. First, the user equipment (UE) selects the number of data stream transmission paths, considering the service utility function, and either transmits all data streams via the 3GPP network or sends two streams, one via the 3GPP network and the other via the non-3GPP network. Second, the proposed method is used to select the transmission path for each data stream based on load balancing. Finally, an algorithm for optimizing traffic scheduling is formulated by applying the convex optimization problem to maximize the effective network capacity under a Delay Quality of Service (DQoS) constraint. The proposed traffic scheduling strategy is validated through simulation experiments. The results indicate that user satisfaction and effective capacity realized are always better than when using the always-best-connected and fixed-ratio power-allocation algorithms.
A Calibration-Free pH Sensor Using an In-Situ Modified Ir Electrode for Bespoke Application in Seawater
Authors: Chen Yuqi , Compton Richard
Published: April 2022

A bespoke calibration-free pH sensor using an in situ modified Ir electrode for applications in seawater is reported. The electrochemical behaviour of an iridium wire in air-saturated synthetic seawater was studied and the formation of pH-sensitive surface layers was observed that featured three pH-sensitive redox couples, Ir(III/IV), IrOxOI−/IrOxOII−H, and Hupd/H+, where Hupd is adsorbed hydrogen deposited at underpotential conditions. The amperometric properties of the electrochemically activated Ir wire were investigated using linear sweep voltammetry first, followed, second, by square wave voltammetry with the formation conditions in seawater for the optimal pH sensitivity of the redox couples identified. The sensor was designed to be calibration-free by measuring the “super-Nernstian” response, in excess of ca 60 mV per pH unit, of Ir(III/IV) relative to the less sensitive upd H oxidation signal with the pH reported on the total pH scale. The pH dependency of the optimised sensor was 70.1 ± 1.4 mV per pH unit at 25 °C, showing a super-Nernstian response of high sensitivity.
A Model-Agnostic Meta-Baseline Method for Few-Shot Fault Diagnosis of Wind Turbines
Authors: Liu Xiaobo , Teng Wei , Liu Yibing
Published: April 2022

The technology of fault diagnosis is helpful to improve the reliability of wind turbines, and further reduce the operation and maintenance cost at wind farms. However, in reality, wind turbines are not allowed to operate with faults, so few fault samples could be obtained. With a small amount of training data, traditional fault diagnosis models that need huge samples under a deep learning framework are difficult to maintain with high accuracy and effectiveness. Few-shot learning can effectively solve the problem of overfitting caused by fewer fault samples in model training. In view of model-agnostic meta-learning (MAML), this paper proposes a model for few-shot fault diagnosis of the wind turbines drivetrain, which is named model-agnostic meta-baseline (MAMB). The training data is input to the base classification model for pre-training, then, some data is randomly selected from the training set to form multiple meta-learning tasks that are utilized to train the MAML to finally fine-tune the later layers of the model at a smaller learning rate. The proposed model was analyzed by the small samples of the bearing data from Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) data, the generator bearings, and gearboxes vibration data in wind turbines under randomly changing operating conditions. The results verified that the proposed method was superior in one-shot, five-shot, and ten-shot tasks of wind turbines.
Impulse Response Functions for Nonlinear, Nonstationary, and Heterogeneous Systems, Estimated by Deconvolution and Demixing of Noisy Time Series
Authors: Kirchner James W.
Published: April 2022

Impulse response functions (IRFs) are useful for characterizing systems’ dynamic behavior and gaining insight into their underlying processes, based on sensor data streams of their inputs and outputs. However, current IRF estimation methods typically require restrictive assumptions that are rarely met in practice, including that the underlying system is homogeneous, linear, and stationary, and that any noise is well behaved. Here, I present data-driven, model-independent, nonparametric IRF estimation methods that relax these assumptions, and thus expand the applicability of IRFs in real-world systems. These methods can accurately and efficiently deconvolve IRFs from signals that are substantially contaminated by autoregressive moving average (ARMA) noise or nonstationary ARIMA noise. They can also simultaneously deconvolve and demix the impulse responses of individual components of heterogeneous systems, based on their combined output (without needing to know the outputs of the individual components). This deconvolution–demixing approach can be extended to characterize nonstationary coupling between inputs and outputs, even if the system’s impulse response changes so rapidly that different impulse responses overlap one another. These techniques can also be extended to estimate IRFs for nonlinear systems in which different input intensities yield impulse responses with different shapes and amplitudes, which are then overprinted on one another in the output. I further show how one can efficiently quantify multiscale impulse responses using piecewise linear IRFs defined at unevenly spaced lags. All of these methods are implemented in an R script that can efficiently estimate IRFs over hundreds of lags, from noisy time series of thousands or even millions of time steps.
Pulse Broadening Effects on Ranging Performance of a Laser Altimeter with Return-to-Zero Pseudorandom Noise Code Modulation
Authors: Lim Hyung-Chul , Park Jong Uk , Choi Mansoo , Park Eunseo , Sung Ki-Pyoung , Jo Jung Hyun
Published: April 2022

A laser altimeter using code modulation techniques receives a backscattered pulse wider than the transmitted rectangular pulse when scanning a rough or sloped target surface. This leads to degrading the ranging performance in terms of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and detection probability. Unlike the pulsed techniques, little work has focused on the pulse broadening effect of the code modulation techniques. In this study, mathematical models were derived to investigate the pulse broadening effect on the ranging performance of a return-to-zero pseudorandom noise (RZPN) laser altimeter. Considering that the impulse response can be approximated by a Gaussian function, the analytical waveform was derived using a new flat-topped multi-Gaussian beam (FMGB) model. The closed-form expressions were also analytically derived for a peak cross-correlation, SNR, and detection probability in terms of the pulse broadening effect. With the use of a three-dimensional model of asteroid Itokawa for practical surface profiles, the analytical expressions were validated by comparing to the results obtained from numerical simulations. It was also demonstrated that the pulse broadening effect dropped down the peak cross-correlation and then deteriorated the ranging performance. These analytical expressions will play an important role in not only designing a laser altimeter using the RZPN code modulation technique but also analyzing its ranging performance.
Exploring UTAUT Model in Mobile 4.5G Service: Moderating Social–Economic Effects of Gender and Awareness
Authors: Daniali Sara Mehrab , Barykin Sergey Evgenievich , Zendehdel Marzieh , Kalinina Olga Vladimirovna , Kulibanova Valeriia Vadimovna , Teor Tatiana Robertovna , Ilyina Irina Anatolyevna , Alekseeva Natalia Sergeevna , Lisin Anton , Moiseev Nikita , Senjyu Tomonobu
Published: April 2022

The current study aims to examine how students’ intentions to use 4.5G mobile phones are affected by the social-economic factors of performance expectancy, cost, effort expectancy, and social influence. This study is based on the perspectives of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT). The central assumption of this study is that when students use 4.5G mobile services to source information at university, their academic performance is likely to improve. From eight private and public universities in Malaysia, 2117 students were enrolled in this study. We investigated the effects of gender and awareness as moderators on the relationships among the variables of interest. The findings showed that social influence and performance expectancy positively affected university students’ intentions to use 4.5G mobile phones. The researchers conducted a multigroup analysis to confirm the moderating effect of gender among the underlying relationships in the model. Structural equation modeling analysis indicated that, unlike awareness, gender did not moderate social influence, effort expectancy, performance expectancy, or the cost of students’ intentions to use 4.5G mobile phones. The implications of the proposed approach, considering the digital transformation concept, could be a topic for future research.
Fine Structure of the Carbon-Related Blue Luminescence Band in GaN
Authors: Reshchikov Michael A.
Published: April 2022

Photoluminescence studies reveal three CN-related luminescence bands in GaN doped with carbon: the YL1 band at 2.17 eV caused by electron transitions via the −/0 level of the CN, the BLC band at 2.85 eV due to transitions via the 0/+ level of the CN and the BL2 band at 3.0 eV attributed to the CNHi complex. The BLC band studied here has the zero-phonon line at 3.17 eV and a phonon-related fine structure at low temperatures. The 0/+ level of the CN is found at 0.33 ± 0.01 eV above the valence band, in agreement with recent theoretical predictions. These results will help to choose an optimal correction scheme in hybrid functional calculations.
Bootstrap Assessment of Crop Area Estimates Using Satellite Pixels Counting
Authors: Ferraz Cristiano , Delincé Jacques , Leite André , Ospina Raydonal
Published: April 2022

Crop area estimates based on counting pixels over classified satellite images are a promising application of remote sensing to agriculture. However, such area estimates are biased, and their variance is a function of the error rates of the classification rule. To redress the bias, estimators (direct and inverse) relying on the so-called confusion matrix have been proposed, but analytic estimators for variances can be tricky to derive. This article proposes a bootstrap method for assessing statistical properties of such estimators based on information from a sample confusion matrix. The proposed method can be applied to any other type of estimator that is built upon confusion matrix information. The resampling procedure is illustrated in a small study to assess the biases and variances of estimates using purely pixel counting and estimates provided by both direct and inverse estimators. The method has the advantage of being simple to implement even when the sample confusion matrix is generated under unequal probability sample design. The results show the limitations of estimates based solely on pixel counting as well as respective advantages and drawbacks of the direct and inverse estimators with respect to their feasibility, unbiasedness, and variance.
Analysis of Pressure Fluctuation of Tubular Turbine under Different Application Heads
Authors: Zhao Yaping , Feng Jianjun , Li Zhihua , Dang Mengfan , Luo Xingqi
Published: April 2022

The vigorous development of low-head hydraulic resources and tidal energy with greater stability and predictability is drawing attention to tubular turbines. However, many problems, such as incorrect unit association relationship, insufficient unit output, and severe vibration, occur frequently in tubular turbines, particularly when the water head is low. These phenomena cannot be known through model machine tests and numerical studies. Therefore, this study takes the tubular turbine with different water heads as the research object, in accordance with the actual boundary conditions. The unsteady numerical research for the prototype machine is conducted while considering the free surface in the reservoir area and water gravity. The internal flow characteristics of the tubular turbine with different water heads and the influence of free surface on its performance are analyzed. The research indicates the following: affected by the free surface and the water gravity, the pressure in the entire flow passage of the horizontal tubular turbine increases with the increase in the submerged depth. In addition, the short water diversion section allows the water flow from the reservoir area to still have a certain asymmetry before reaching the runner. During the rotation process of the runner, the surface pressure and torque of the blade have evident periodic fluctuations, and the amplitude of the fluctuations will increase significantly with the decrease in H/D1. Moreover, in the case of small H/D1, the amplitude of pressure pulsation in the draft tube is larger, and concentrated high-frequency pressure pulsation occurs. These factors will lead to the occurrence of material fatigue damage, unstable output, and increased vibration in low-head tubular turbines.
What Drives the Development and Sustainable Growth of Cultural Nonprofits—Chinese Province-Level Evidence
Authors: Liu Zhiming , Jia Haiwei
Published: April 2022

Although cultural nonprofits play an increasingly important role in the provision of public cultural services in China, there are obvious regional differences in the development of cultural nonprofits. What factors affect this regional difference? This paper builds a theoretical model to explain the regional differences from the perspectives of regional demand, resource supply, and agglomeration effects. Data from the 31 provinces in mainland China from 2010 to 2015 are used to empirically examine the research model. The results indicate that demand for heterogeneity, financial resources, and human resources have positive effects on the size of cultural social organizations, and that there are also significant agglomeration effects with respect to the sustainable growth of cultural nonprofits; however, these findings vary across types of Chinese nonprofits (social organizations, private non-enterprise organizations, and foundations). These findings improve our understanding of regional differences of Chinese cultural nonprofits and have important policy implications for governments to promote the development of cultural nonprofits.
Interior/Exterior Form and Property Research on Wu-Style Residential Houses from the Perspective of Sustainable Development
Authors: Yan Dan , Xu Minghui , Chai Binbin , Chen Zhiwen , Bai Congxia
Published: April 2022

Research on regional residential buildings is an important means of exploring the natural climatic adaptability of buildings and the sustainable development of culture. It is also an important path of sustainable social development. However, current research methods for architectural space find it difficult to clarify the internal and external relations of space, and the function of architectural space to adapt to the regional climate and cultural heritage is difficult to quantitatively analyze and measure. This study constructs a new research method of architectural interiors/exteriors, takes the traditional residential buildings in Wu-style architecture in the Jinhua area as a case study, summarizes the types and characteristics of the interiors/exteriors of Wu-style architecture, and reveals the spatial construction rules of the internal and external types realizing environmental sustainability and traditional residences. The results show that: (1) the architecture of the Wu style has five typical types of interior/exterior, and the regional representation of its interior/exterior is affected by both the human and the natural environment; (2) influenced by traditional Confucian culture, the architecture of the Wu style shows a central axial secondary buckling type and an enclosed type of interior/exterior form, which has the value of the times to coordinate the relationship between people in today’s society; (3) in terms of ventilation, daylighting, and heat dissipation, Wu-style buildings flexibly use the slender gray space form and wide cornice for the internal and external space transition, which effectively improves the ecological efficiency of the buildings’ ventilation, lighting, heat dissipation, etc., and has important reference value for the development and utilization of traditional buildings and the architectural design of new dwellings. At present, this new research method for the internal and external spaces of buildings still has considerable potential and needs to be deepened and improved through further research.