bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential Proteomics Analysis Unraveled Mechanisms of Arma chinensis Responding to Improved Artificial Diet
Authors: Zou Deyu , Coudron Thomas A. , Wu Huihui , Zhang Lisheng , Wang Mengqing , Xu Weihong , Xu Jingyang , Song Liuxiao , Xiao Xuezhuang
Published: July 2022

The development of artificial diets could considerably simplify and reduce the cost of mass rearing of natural enemies compared to conventional rearing methods. However, improvement of artificial diets can be tedious, convoluted and often uncertain. For accelerating diet development, a better method that can offer informative feedback to target deficiencies in diet improvement is required. Our previous research demonstrated several biological characteristics were diminished in the insect predator, Arma chinensis Fallou, fed on an artificial diet formulated with the aid of transcriptomic methods compared to the Chinese oak silk moth pupae. The present study reports differential proteomic analysis by iTRAQ-PRM, which unravels the molecular mechanism of A. chinensis responding to improvements in the artificial diet. Our study provides multivariate proteomic data and provides comprehensive sequence information in studying A. chinensis. Further, the physiological roles of the differentially expressed proteins and pathways enable us to explain several biological differences between natural prey-fed and improved diet-fed A. chinensis, and subsequent proposed reformulation optimizations to artificial diets.
Research and Development of Trinary Power Cycles
Authors: Kindra Vladimir , Rogalev Nikolay , Osipov Sergey , Zlyvko Olga , Naumov Vladimir
Published: July 2022

The most effective and environmentally safe fossil fuel power production facilities are the combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) ones. Electric efficiency of advanced facilities is up to 58% in Russia and up to 64% abroad. The further improvement of thermal efficiency by increase of the gas turbine inlet temperature (TIT) is limited by performance of heat resistance alloys that are used for the hot gas path components and the cooling system efficiency. An alternative method for the CCGT efficiency improvement is utilization of low potential heat of the heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) exhaust gas in an additional cycle operating on a low-boiling heat carrier. This paper describes a thermodynamic analysis of the transition from binary cycles to trinary ones by integration of the organic Rankine cycle (ORC). A mathematical model of a cooled gas turbine plant (GT) has been developed to carry out calculations of high-temperature energy complexes. Based on the results of mathematical modeling, recommendations were made for the choice of the structure and parameters of the steam turbine cycle, as well as the ORC, to ensure the achievement of the maximum thermal efficiency of trinary plants. It is shown that the transition from a single pressure CCGT to a trinary plant allows the electric power increase from 213.4 MW to 222.7 MW and the net efficiency increase of 2.14%. The trinary power facility has 0.45% higher efficiency than the dual pressure CCGT.
Gene Expression Profiling of Markers of Inflammation, Angiogenesis, Coagulation and Fibrinolysis in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease with Very High Lipoprotein(a) Levels Treated with PCSK9 Inhibitors
Authors: Hrovat Katja , Rehberger Likozar Andreja , Zupan Janja , Šebeštjen Miran
Published: July 2022

Besides lipids, inflammation, angiogenesis, coagulation and fibrinolysis play very important roles in coronary artery disease (CAD). We measured gene expression of the inflammatory markers interleukin (IL)-1β (IL1B) and interferon (IFN)-γ (IFNG), vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) (VEGFA), and coagulation and fibrinolysis markers tissue factor (TF) (F3) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) (SERPINE) in healthy controls and CAD patients with high lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)). The aim of our study was to identify, first, if there is a difference in these markers between controls and patients; secondly, if these markers are associated with lipids; and third, what the influence of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors is on these markers. We included 124 subjects, 27 controls and 97 patients with CAD (30 in placebo and 67 in the PCSK9 group). Blood samples were collected for lipid and gene measurement. The results showed higher expression of IL1B (p < 0.0001), VEGFA (p < 0.0001), and F3 (p = 0.018) in controls in comparison with patients. Significant correlations were observed between IL1B and lipids. Treatment with PCSK9 inhibitors increased VEGFA (p < 0.0001) and F3 (p = 0.001), and decreased SERPINE (p = 0.043). The results of our study underpin the importance of IL-1β, VEGF-A and TF in CAD as well as the effect of PCSK9 treatment on these markers.
Latent Profiles of Premorbid Adjustment in Schizophrenia and Their Correlation with Measures of Recovery
Authors: Caqueo-Urízar Alejandra , Ponce-Correa Felipe , Semir-González Carla , Urzúa Alfonso
Published: July 2022

Premorbid adjustment (PA) has classically been defined as psychosocial functioning in the areas of education, occupation, social and interpersonal relationships prior to evidence of characteristic positive symptomatology. It is a concept which possesses ample evidence regarding its predictive nature for the course of Schizophrenia. The study aimed to analyze the latent profiles of premorbid adjustment and their relationship with symptomatology, functionality, subjective recovery, stigma resistance and years of untreated psychosis. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to elaborate a solution of three premorbid adjustment profiles in a sample of 217 patients diagnosed with Schizophrenia from Public Mental Health Centers in the city of Arica, Chile. The results show that premorbid adjustment was significantly correlated with recovery indicators and that latent profiles of better premorbid adjustment predict better outcomes in subjective recovery and stigma resistance. The results show that premorbid adjustment not only has implications for the severity of the disorder, but that psychosocial functioning prior to psychosis affects the patient’s subjectivity, the representation of the disorder and the recovery process.
Cell Salvage at the ICU
Authors: Schmidbauer Stephan L. , Seyfried Timo F.
Published: July 2022

Patient Blood Management (PBM) is a patient-centered, systemic and evidence-based approach. Its target is to manage and to preserve the patient’s own blood. The aim of PBM is to improve patient safety. As indicated by several meta-analyses in a systematic literature search, the cell salvage technique is an efficient method to reduce the demand for allogeneic banked blood. Therefore, cell salvage is an important tool in PBM. Cell salvage is widely used in orthopedic-, trauma-, cardiac-, vascular and transplant surgery. Especially in cases of severe bleeding cell salvage adds significant value for blood supply. In cardiac and orthopedic surgery, the postoperative use for selected patients at the intensive care unit is feasible and can be implemented well in practice. Since the retransfusion of unwashed shed blood should be avoided due to multiple side effects and low quality, cell salvage can be used to reduce postoperative anemia with autologous blood of high quality. Implementing quality management, compliance with hygienic standards as well as training and education of staff, it is a cost-efficient method to reduce allogeneic blood transfusion. The following article will discuss the possibilities, legal aspects, implementation and costs of using cell salvage devices in an intensive care unit.
Investigation of Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Construction- and Demolition-Waste-Based Geopolymers
Authors: Figiela Beata , Brudny Karolina , Lin Wei-Ting , Korniejenko Kinga
Published: July 2022

Construction and demolition waste (CDW) is the third-most abundant waste generated annually in the countries of the European Union. One of the alternatives to the use of these wastes is geopolymeric materials. Partial replacement of commonly used raw materials for the production of these materials can help reduce the number of landfills and the consumption of natural resources. In this study, the authors partially replaced metakaolin and fly ash with clay bricks and concrete debris. The research method in article is connected with analysis of microstructures and the mechanical and physical properties of the geopolymers. The results obtained show the possibility of manufacturing useful construction materials based on industrial byproducts (fly ash) and CDW. Compressive strength and flexural strength were, for samples containing metakaolin, 20.1 MPa and 5.3 MPa, respectively. Geopolymers containing fly ash displayed 19.7 MPa of compressive strength and 3.0 MPa of flexural strength. The results for both synthesized materials give them perspectives for future applications in the construction industry.
Cruising Under and Post the COVID Pandemic: Toward Realization of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Eskafi Majid , Taneja Poonam , Ulfarsson Gudmundur F.
Published: July 2022

Maritime sectors have always dealt with uncertainties and disruptions. The COVID pandemic confronted the cruise industry with profound, wide-ranging, and lasting challenges while disrupting normal operations. Although the cruise industry contributes to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), resumption and sustainable cruising requires the industry to adapt to the challenges presented. To this end, the paper suggests adaptive actions for the cruise sector to respond to the pandemic and links the actions to the UN SDGs to highlight their sustainable contributions. A system thinking approach is applied and a literature review is conducted to identify suitable adaptive actions. This paper shows the importance of UN SDGs 3, 4 and, in particular, 17 for sustainable cruising. The results of this paper provide support for informed decision-making to increase the cruise industry’s sustainability. This paper recommends that stakeholders: 1- identify drivers and barriers of sustainable cruising, 2- adapt to changes and embrace the UN SDGs, as they provide a platform for realizing sustainability, and 3- use educational programs to improve and transfer knowledge on sustainable cruising between academia and policymakers.
Geotechnical Measurements for the Investigation and Assessment of Arctic Coastal Erosion—A Review and Outlook
Authors: Stark Nina , Green Brendan , Brilli Nick , Eidam Emily , Franke Kevin W. , Markert Kaleb
Published: July 2022

Geotechnical data are increasingly utilized to aid investigations of coastal erosion and the development of coastal morphological models; however, measurement techniques are still challenged by environmental conditions and accessibility in coastal areas, and particularly, by nearshore conditions. These challenges are exacerbated for Arctic coastal environments. This article reviews existing and emerging data collection methods in the context of geotechnical investigations of Arctic coastal erosion and nearshore change. Specifically, the use of cone penetration testing (CPT), which can provide key data for the mapping of soil and ice layers as well as for the assessment of slope and block failures, and the use of free-fall penetrometers (FFPs) for rapid mapping of seabed surface conditions, are discussed. Because of limitations in the spatial coverage and number of available in situ point measurements by penetrometers, data fusion with geophysical and remotely sensed data is considered. Offshore and nearshore, the combination of acoustic surveying with geotechnical testing can optimize large-scale seabed characterization, while onshore most recent developments in satellite-based and unmanned-aerial-vehicle-based data collection offer new opportunities to enhance spatial coverage and collect information on bathymetry and topography, amongst others. Emphasis is given to easily deployable and rugged techniques and strategies that can offer near-term opportunities to fill current gaps in data availability. This review suggests that data fusion of geotechnical in situ testing, using CPT to provide soil information at deeper depths and even in the presence of ice and using FFPs to offer rapid and large-coverage geotechnical testing of surface sediments (i.e., in the upper tens of centimeters to meters of sediment depth), combined with acoustic seabed surveying and emerging remote sensing tools, has the potential to provide essential data to improve the prediction of Arctic coastal erosion, particularly where climate-driven changes in soil conditions may bias the use of historic observations of erosion for future prediction.
Prediction of Cavitation Performance over the Pump-Jet Propulsor Using Computational Fluid Dynamics and Hybrid Deep Learning Method
Authors: Qiu Chengcheng , Huang Qiaogao , Pan Guang
Published: July 2022

The cavitation performance of an oblique flow field is different from that under a pure axial flow field. This study analyzed the hydrodynamic performance, bearing force, and tip clearance flow field under different rotating speeds and different cavitation numbers in an oblique flow field. Furthermore, this study proposed a hybrid deep learning model CNN-Bi-LSTM to quickly and accurately predict the bearing force of a pump-jet propulsor (PJP), which will solve the problem of time-consuming calculation and consumption of considerable computing resources in traditional computational fluid dynamics. The Shear–Stress–Transport model and Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations were utilized to procure the training and testing datasets. The training and testing datasets were reasonably divided in the ratio of 7:3. The results show that the propulsion efficiency decreased more obviously under higher rotating speed conditions, with a maximum decrease of up to 13.59%. The small cavitation numbers 1.4721 and high oblique angle significantly impacted the efficiency reduction; the maximum efficiency loss exceeded 20%. Thus, a small cavitation number 1.4721 is extremely detrimental to the propulsion efficiency of the PJP due to the large cavitation area. Moreover, the intensity of the tip clearance vortex continuously increased with the rotating speed. The CNN-Bi-LSTM deep model successfully predicted the phase difference and trend change of the propulsor bearing force under different conditions. The prediction difference was large at the crest and trough of the bearing force, but it is within the acceptable error range.
Formation Control of Multiple Autonomous Underwater Vehicles under Communication Delay, Packet Discreteness and Dropout
Authors: Li Liang , Li Yiping , Zhang Yuexing , Xu Gaopeng , Zeng Junbao , Feng Xisheng
Published: July 2022

Effective communication between multiple autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) is necessary for formation control. As the most reliable underwater communication method, acoustic communication still has many constraints compared with radio communication, which affects the effectiveness of formation control. Therefore, this paper proposes a formation control scheme for multiple AUVs under communication delay, packet discreteness and dropout. Firstly, the communication delay is estimated based on the kernel density estimation method. To solve the problem of packet discreteness and dropout, the curve fitting method is used to predict the states of the AUV. Secondly, a follower controller is designed based on the leader–follower approach using input–output feedback linearization, which is proven to be stable with Lyapunov stability theory. Then, some simulation results are presented to demonstrate the stability and accuracy of the formation control in different communication environments. Finally, the field tests on the lake show that the scheme introduced in this paper is valid and practical.
Effect of Ammonia Addition on the Ignition Delay Mechanism of Methyl Decanoate
Authors: Qiu Ye , Wei Haijun , Zhou Daping , Li Jingming
Published: July 2022

In this study, the effect of mixing a small amount of ammonia on the ignition delay time of methyl decanoate under different conditions was studied from the perspective of the combustion mechanism. The effect of adding ammonia on the ignition delay time of methyl decanoate at different pressures and temperatures was studied by means of simulation calculations and numerical comparison. Integrating the detailed mechanism and reaction path of methyl decanoate, the sensitivity of the ignition delay time was investigated. Analyses of the ignition delay time and rate of production were conducted to explore the transformation and influence of ammonia on the oxidation/decomposition process of the main elementary reaction during the ignition of methyl decanoate. The research illustrated that the ignition delay time of methyl decanoate increased with the number of moles of mixed ammonia at a certain temperature range, and in the negative temperature coefficient region, the effect of ammonia on the ignition delay time was the greatest. In addition, the susceptibility and yield analysis of methyl decanoate showed that the addition of ammonia had a weakening effect on the elementary reactions that originally promoted and inhibited methyl decanoate, and its consumption and production rates were reduced.
Economic Impact of Investment Scenarios in the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System
Authors: Oztanriseven Furkan , Nachtmann Heather , Moradpour Samareh
Published: July 2022

The McClellan–Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS) is challenged by an aging infrastructure and by limited maintenance budgets, all of which cause transportation delays. In this study, the Maritime Transportation Simulator (MarTranS), which is a hybrid of agent-based modeling, discrete-event simulation, system dynamics, and multiregional input-output analysis, was adopted to model the relationship between the components of the system and economic impact factors. Real-world scenarios were analyzed to explore the economic impacts of various patterns of investment in the MKARNS. These scenarios include a base scenario (in which the system infrastructure remains unchanged and no future investments are made), investment scenarios (e.g., investing in deepening of the navigation channel, port expansion, and lock/dam rehabilitation), and a demand-change scenario focused on the impacts of the Panama Canal expansion. The results reveal that the MKARNS under current circumstances is not sustainable in the long term and that future economic investment is needed if it is to continue operations. In addition, among the different system components, locks/dams are the primary sources of system delays, so these should be targeted for investment and reconstruction to sustain and enhance the beneficial economic impacts of the system.
A Novel Integrated Gliding and Flapping Propulsion Biomimetic Manta-Ray Robot
Authors: Zhang Daili , Pan Guang , Cao Yonghui , Huang Qiaogao , Cao Yong
Published: July 2022

Bionic underwater robots are the intersection of biology and robotics; they have the advantages of propulsion efficiency and maneuverability. A novel vehicle that combines a gliding and flapping propulsion inspired by a manta ray is presented in this article. The outstanding character of the robot is that its integrated maneuverable flapping propulsion relies on two bionic flexible pectoral fins and long-range efficient gliding propulsion, which is based on a buoyancy-adjustment system and a mass-adjustment system. We designed the biomimetic manta ray robot and analyzed the principle of the gliding and flapping system in this paper. The gliding propulsion capability and the flapping propulsion performance are verified through gliding and swimming experiments. In conclusion, the designed bionic manta robot provides a platform with practical application capabilities in marine environment detection, concealed reconnaissance, and aquaculture.
Metabolic Diversity of Xylariaceous Fungi Associated with Leaf Litter Decomposition
Authors: Tabuchi Kohei , Hirose Dai , Hasegawa Motohiro , Osono Takashi
Published: July 2022

Fungi in the family Xylariaceae are primary agents of leaf litter decomposition. However, the diversity of carbon source utilization by xylariaceous fungi and the relative effects on this from environmental and phylogenetic factors are largely unknown. This study assessed the metabolic diversity and redundancy of xylariaceous fungi, associated with leaf litter decomposition, by measuring their in vitro capacity to utilize multiple carbon sources. The work identified the relative influences of geographic and climatic sources, as well as the taxonomic and phylogenetic relatedness, of the fungi. Using Biolog EcoPlateTM, 43 isolates belonging to Nemania, Xylaria, Nodulisporium, Astrocystis, and Hypoxylon, isolated from Castanopsis sieboldii leaf litter at eight sites in Japan, were found to have the capacity to utilize a variety of carbohydrates, amino acids/amines, carboxylic acids, and polymers. The genera of xylariaceous fungi and their origins significantly affected their metabolic diversity and utilization of carbon sources. Variation partitioning demonstrated that dissimilarities in carbon utilization among fungal isolates were mostly attributable to site differences, especially climatic factors: mean annual temperature and precipitation, and maximum snow depth. Moreover, xylariaceous isolates that originated from adjacent sites tended to have similar patterns of carbon source utilization, suggesting metabolic acclimation to local environmental conditions.
Correction: Yang et al. A Kinesin Vdkin2 Required for Vacuole Formation, Mycelium Growth, and Penetration Structure Formation of Verticillium dahliae. J. Fungi 2022, 8, 391
Authors: Yang Xing , Guo Cuimei , Chen Chi , Hu Zhijuan , Zheng Xinyao , Xu Shan , Yang Xingyong , Xie Chengjian
Published: July 2022

In the original publication [...]
Patterns and Characteristics of SKYLINE-Lumipoint Feature in the Catheter Ablation of Atypical Atrial Flutter: Insight from a Novel Lumipoint Module of Rhythmia Mapping System
Authors: Li Cheng-Hung , Lo Li-Wei , Jain Ankit , Hsieh Yu-Cheng , Lin Yenn-Jiang , Chang Shih-Lin , Chung Fa-Po , Hu Yu-Feng , Chao Tze-Fan , Liao Jo-Nan , Chang Ting-Yung , Lin Chin-Yu , Lugtu Isaiah Carlos , Ton An Nu-Khanh , Liu Shin-Huei , Cheng Wen-Han , Liu Chih-Min , Wu Cheng-I , Chen Shih-Ann
Published: July 2022

Background: Atypical atrial flutter (aAFL) is not uncommon, especially after a prior cardiac surgery or extensive ablation in atrial fibrillation (AF). Aims: To revisit aAFL, we used a novel Lumipoint algorithm in the Rhythmia mapping system to evaluate tachycardia circuit by the patterns of global activation histogram (GAH, SKYLINE) in assisting aAFL ablation. Methods: Fifteen patients presenting with 20 different incessant aAFL, including two naïve, six with a prior AF ablation, and seven with prior cardiac surgery were studied. Results: Reentry aAFL in SKYLINE typically was a multi-deflected peak with 1.5 GAH-valleys. Valleys were sharp and narrow-based. Most reentry aAFL (18/20, 90%) lacked a plateau and displayed a steep GAH-valley with 2 GAH-valleys per tachycardia. Each GAH-valley highlighted 1.9 areas in the map. Successful sites of ablation all matched one of the highlighted areas based on GAH-valleys < 0.4. These sites corresponded with the areas highlighted by GAH-score < 0.4 in reentry aAFL, and by GAH-score < 0.2 in localized-reentry aAFL. Conclusions: The present study showed benefits of the LumipointTM module applied to the RhythmiaTM mapping system. The results were the efficient detection of the slow conduction, better identification of ablation sites, and fast termination of the aAFL with favorable outcomes.
Russia’s War in Ukraine: Consequences for European Countries’ Businesses and Economies
Authors: Prohorovs Anatolijs
Published: July 2022

Companies and countries have needed to adapt their activities to the consequences of the Russian war in Ukraine. The analysis in this article shows that both the Russian war in Ukraine and the subsequent trade restrictions have become a powerful trigger, significantly increasing the level of inflation and exacerbating the existing issues of economies. As a result, the confrontation between the West and Russia has greatly escalated, which will have a long-term, large-scale negative impact on most European companies and economies. There could also be a lasting restructuring of world trade. The article notes that not only the end date of the war in Ukraine may be important for business and economies, but also which of the trade and financial restrictions can be lifted from Russia, and when. The article also makes recommendations that may help company leaders plan, in a timelier and more accurate fashion, the changes necessary to maintain company sustainability.
Ecosystem Service Responses to Land Use Change in Southern Guangzhou—The Practice of Applying Natural Resources Integrated Database for Research
Authors: Hu Yinglong , Chen Xinxiang , Zhao Guoliang , Liu Xuejun , Yu Jian , Li Min , Liu Yang , Hu Xiaotong , Zhong Rui , Chen Yingbiao
Published: July 2022

Based on the equivalent factor table of terrestrial ESV in China in 2010, this paper proposes a regionalized and interannual ESV correction method. Taking southern Guangzhou as the study area, which is located in the geometric center of the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GHM GBA), this study evaluated the ecosystem service equivalent value (ESEV) and ecosystem service value (ESV) and their changes in 2004, 2010 and 2016 and carried out grid processing, trend analysis and global/local spatial autocorrelation of the ecosystem service density (ESD) in the study area by using the Natural Resources Integrated Database of Guangdong Province (NRIDB). The results of data processing and spatial analysis computed in this study were published as Web services through the NRIDB and displayed in the visualization front-end. The results showed that (1) during 2004–2016, the urbanization process in the study area led to the expansion of built-up land, which occupied a large amount of ecological land and resulted in a decreasing trend of ESV. (2) Benefiting from socioeconomic development, the standard value volume of the ESEV (D value) kept increasing, which resulted in an increasing trend for the total ESV. (3) The spatial autocorrelation analysis results of ESD indicated that the spatial distribution of ESD in the study area had strong spatial agglomeration and positive spatial correlation. With the progress of urbanization and increases in research scale and interval distance, the spatial difference in ESD became larger over time. The research results provide a reference for the coordinated allocation of natural resources and environmental protection in the GHM GBA.
History of Land Cover Change on Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos
Authors: Alomía Herrera Ilia , Paque Rose , Maertens Michiel , Vanacker Veerle
Published: July 2022

Islands are particularly vulnerable to the effects of land cover change due to their limited size and remoteness. This study analyzes vegetation cover change in the agricultural area of Santa Cruz (Galapagos Archipelago) between 1961 and 2018. To reconstruct multitemporal land cover change from existing land cover products, a multisource data integration procedure was followed to reduce imprecision and inconsistencies that may result from the comparison of heterogeneous datasets. The conversion of native forests and grasslands into agricultural land was the principal land cover change in the non-protected area. In 1961, about 94% of the non-protected area was still covered by native vegetation, whereas this had decreased to only 7% in 2018. Most of the agricultural expansion took place in the 1960s and 1970s, and it created an anthropogenic landscape where 67% of the area is covered by agricultural land and 26% by invasive species. Early clearance of native vegetation took place in the more accessible—less rugged—areas with deeper-than-average and well-drained soils. The first wave of settlement consisted of large and isolated farmsteads, with 19% of the farms being larger than 100 ha and specializing in diary and meat production. Over the period of 1961–1987, the number of farms doubled from less than 100 to more than 200, while the average farm size decreased from 90 to 60 ha/farmstead. Due to labor constraints in the agricultural sector, these farms opted for less labor-intensive activities such as livestock farming. New farms (popping up in the 1990s and 2000s) are generally small in size, with <5 ha per farmstead, and settled in areas with less favorable biophysical conditions and lower accessibility to markets. From the 1990s onwards, the surge of alternative income opportunities in the tourism and travel-related sector reduced pressure on the natural resources in the non-protected area.
Μorphological Integration of Loan Words in Kaliardá
Authors: Ralli Angela , Rouvalis Andreas
Published: July 2022

This article deals with lexical borrowing and the morphological integration of loan words in Kaliardá, a Greek-based antilanguage, spoken in the urban areas of Greece by socially marginalized communities of cross-dressers, transgender people, and gay men. It is shown that the accommodation of most loans follows the general rules of Modern Greek morphology, namely, the stem-based word formation and compulsory inflection. However, for a considerable part of the borrowed items, there are certain morphological deviances compared to loan formation in Greek. More particularly, there is an overuse of the feminine grammatical gender, assigned to -human nouns, contrary to a neuterization tendency displayed by the Greek language, while the masculine grammatical gender is scarcely employed, and a significant number of feminine loans end in -o and -u in the citation form. Verbal loans do not substantially differ from those in Greek, with the exception of the frequent use of verbal periphrastic formations, consisting of an auxiliary inflected verb type, avélo or vuélo (both loans themselves), and a nominal item. Sometimes, avélo is also employed as a mediator for the integration of English verbs. The data under examination are drawn from a Kaliardá dictionary. Their accuracy is checked with 10 Kaliardá speakers in 2 big Greek cities, Athens and Patras, and they are enriched by a small oral corpus of 32 words collected through interviews. The investigated data comprise items from Italian, French and English, three principal donor languages in Kaliardá, but there are also loans from other languages, mainly from Romani and Turkish, but also from Albanian, German and Spanish.
Learning to Teach English in the Multilingual Classroom Utilizing the Framework of Reference for Pluralistic Approaches to Languages and Cultures
Authors: Kopečková Romana , Poarch Gregory J.
Published: July 2022

Positioned in a specific curriculum context, yet universal in its rationale, this paper illustrates how over the course of one term, student teachers experiment with designing and teaching language learning activities that foster plurilingual competence of young learners of English, while following the Framework of Reference for Pluralistic Approaches to Languages and Cultures. It presents two practical teaching examples (one for primary and one for secondary school level) not only to showcase the great learning and motivational potential of pluralistic tasks employed in L3 English classrooms but also to bear testimony to the creativity and plentiful resources today’s pre-service language teachers themselves bring into their multilingual classrooms if encouraged and opened up to such a practice. Based on the FREPA descriptors, the paper evaluates the developed teaching material to discuss implications for pre- and in-service training of teachers working with young learners of diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
Molecular-Scale Plasmon Trapping via a Graphene-Hybridized Tip-Substrate System
Authors: Du Guangqing , Lu Yu , Lankanath Dayantha , Hou Xun , Chen Feng
Published: July 2022

We theoretically investigated the plasmon trapping stability of a molecular-scale Au sphere via designing Au nanotip antenna hybridized with a graphene sheet embedded Silica substrate. A hybrid plasmonic trapping model is self-consistently built, which considers the surface plasmon excitation in the graphene-hybridized tip-substrate system for supporting the scattering and gradient optical forces on the optical diffraction-limit broken nanoscale. It is revealed that the plasmon trapping properties, including plasmon optical force and potential well, can be unprecedentedly adjusted by applying a graphene sheet at proper Fermi energy with respect to the designed tip-substrate geometry. This shows that the plasmon potential well of 218 kBT at room temperature can be determinately achieved for trapping of a 10 nm Au sphere by optimizing the surface medium film layer of the designed graphene-hybridized Silica substrate. This is explained as the crucial role of graphene hybridization participating in plasmon enhancement for generating the highly localized electric field, in return augmenting the trapping force acting on the trapped sphere with a deepened potential well. This study can be helpful for designing the plasmon trapping of very small particles with new routes for molecular-scale applications for molecular-imaging, nano-sensing, and high-sensitive single-molecule spectroscopy, etc.
Laser Boronizing of Additively Manufactured 18Ni-300 Maraging Steel Part Surface
Authors: Škamat Jelena , Bučelis Kęstutis , Černašėjus Olegas
Published: July 2022

The problem of insufficient wear resistance of maraging steels (MSt) has so far been solved mainly by the use of the thermochemical nitriding process, which has a number of limitations and disadvantages. In the present work, for MSt parts manufactured by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), a more flexible laser alloying process was suggested as an alternative surface hardening process. The purpose of the present work is to give a better understanding on the possible hardening effect obtainable when amorphous boron is used as an alloying additive in relation with microstructural evolution and specific process parameters and to promote further development of this technology. For the alloying, a one kilowatt CO2 laser was applied at 0.5–4.0 mm laser spot and 250–1500 mm/min laser operating speed, providing 50,955–796 W∙cm−2 power density and 24.0–4.0 J∙mm−1 heat input. Before laser processing, surfaces were covered with amorphous boron. The appropriate melt pool geometry was obtained at 0.5 mm laser spot, for which XPS analysis revealed an increase in boron concentration from ~3.1 to ~5.7 wt.% with a laser speed increase from 500 to 1500 mm/min. XRD analysis revealed domination of Fe3B type borides along with the presence of FeB, Fe2B, Ni4B3 borides, austenitic and martensitic phases. The microstructure of modified layers exhibited evolution from hypoeutectic microstructure, having ~630–780 HK0.5 hardness, to superfine lamellar nanoeutectic (~1000–1030 HK0.2) and further to submicron-sized dendritic boride structure (~1770 HK0.2). Aging of laser-boronized layers resulted in the change of phase composition and microstructure, which is mainly expressed in a plenty precipitation of Mo2B5 borides and leads to a reduction in hardness—more significant (by ~200–300 HK0.2) for hypoeutectic and hypereutectic layers and insignificant (by ~50 HK0.2) for near-eutectic. With the application of the laser boronizing technique, the hardness of MSt parts surface was increased up to ~three times before aging and up to ~2.3 times after aging, as compared with the hardness of aged MST part.
Directional Migration and Distribution of Magnetic Microparticles in Polypropylene-Matrix Magnetic Composites Molded by an Injection Molding Assisted by External Magnetic Field
Authors: Gu Hang , Qin Guofeng , Chen Anfu , Li Mingke , Huang Dejie , Peng Zhangyuan , Zhang Jingjing , Lei Caihong
Published: July 2022

Surface-functionalized polymer composites with spherical particles as fillers offer great qualities and have been widely employed in applications of sensors, pharmaceutical industries, anti-icing, and flexible electromagnetic interference shielding. The directional migration and dispersion theory of magnetic microparticles in polypropylene (PP)-matrix magnetic composites must be studied to better acquire the functional surface with remarkable features. In this work, a novel simulation model based on multi-physical field coupling was suggested to analyze the directed migration and distribution of magnetic ferroferric oxide (Fe3O4) particles in injection molding assisted by an external magnetic field using COMSOL Multiphysics® software. To accurately introduce rheological phenomena of polymer melt into the simulation model, the Carreau model was used. Particle size, magnetic field intensity, melt viscosity, and other parameters impacting particle directional motion were discussed in depth. The directional distribution of particles in the simulation model was properly assessed and confirmed by experiment results. This model provides theoretical support for the control, optimization, and investigation of the injection-molding process control of surface-functionalized polymer composites.
Taxonomy of Damage Patterns in Composite Materials, Measuring Signals, and Methods for Automated Damage Diagnostics
Authors: Shah Chirag , Bosse Stefan , von Hehl Axel
Published: July 2022

Due to the increasing use of the different composite materials in lightweight applications, such as in aerospace, it becomes crucial to understand the different damages occurring within them during life cycle and their possible inspection with different inspection techniques in different life cycle stages. A comprehensive classification of these damage patterns, measuring signals, and analysis methods using a taxonomical approach can help in this direction. In conjunction with the taxonomy, this work addresses damage diagnostics in hybrid and composite materials, such as fibre metal laminates (FMLs). A novel unified taxonomy atlas of damage patterns, measuring signals, and analysis methods is introduced. Analysis methods based on advanced supervised and unsupervised machine learning algorithms, such as autoencoders, self-organising maps, and convolutional neural networks, and a novel z-profiling method, are implemented. Besides formal aspects, an extended use case demonstrating damage identification in FML plates using X-ray computer tomography (X-ray CT) data is used to elaborate different data analysis techniques to amplify or detect damages and to show challenges.
Physical and Thermal Properties Analysis of Hematite for Thermal Heat Storage
Authors: Santos Andreia , Almeida Fernando , Rocha Fernando
Published: July 2022

Energy sustainability represents an important research topic for aiding decreasing energy dependence and slowing down climate changes. In this context, solutions using thermal energy storage through rock start to emerge, due to its natural benefits, when compared to more polluting alternatives. To understand whether a rock material can be considered a good thermal energy storage material for such solutions, it is necessary to evaluate the physical, chemical and thermal properties of such materials. Therefore, it becomes essential to understand how heat propagates in the rock and how voids influence the thermal properties. To achieve these goals, hematite ore from Moncorvo, Northeastern Portugal was used, in particular, to study the effect of grain size on thermal properties for three different sized lots. Chemical and physical changes between heated and unheated lots were detected using X-ray diffraction and particle size, as well as X-ray fluorescence analysis. Regarding thermal properties, a hot wire method approach was used with seven thermocouples. Additionally, a thermal inversion model to simulate the heat exchanges was also proposed, allowing changing the properties of the constituents, to fit the theoretical and experimental temperature curve. Furthermore, the model reveals how heat propagates inside the reservoir filled with hematite ore.
Single-Step Process for Titanium Surface Micro- and Nano-Structuring and In Situ Silver Nanoparticles Formation by Ultra-Short Laser Patterning
Authors: Aceti Dante Maria , Filipov Emil , Angelova Liliya , Sotelo Lamborghini , Fontanot Tommaso , Yousefi Peyman , Christiansen Silke , Leuchs Gerd , Stanimirov Stanislav , Trifonov Anton , Buchvarov Ivan , Daskalova Albena
Published: July 2022

Ultra-short laser (USL)-induced surface structuring combined with nanoparticles synthesis by multiphoton photoreduction represents a novel single-step approach for commercially pure titanium (cp-Ti) surface enhancement. Such a combination leads to the formation of distinct topographical features covered by nanoparticles. The USL processing of cp-Ti in an aqueous solution of silver nitrate (AgNO3) induces the formation of micron-sized spikes surmounted by silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The proposed approach combines the structuring and oxidation of the Ti surface and the synthesis of AgNPs in a one-step process, without the use of additional chemicals or a complex apparatus. Such a process is easy to implement, versatile and sustainable compared to alternative methodologies capable of obtaining comparable results. Antimicrobial surfaces on medical devices (e.g., surgical tools or implants), for which titanium is widely used, can be realized due to the simultaneous presence of AgNPs and micro/nano-structured surface topography. The processed surfaces were examined by means of a scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Raman spectroscopy. The surface morphology and the oxidation, quality and quantity of AgNPs were analyzed in relation to process parameters (laser scanning speed and AgNO3 concentration), as well as the effect of AgNPs on the Raman signal of Titanium oxide.
On the Deposition Process of Ceramic Layer Thin Films for Low-Carbon Steel Pipe Protection
Authors: Irimiciuc Stefan , Zaharia Marius Gabriel , Cimpoesu Ramona , Bulai Georgiana , Gurlui Silviu Octavian , Cimpoesu Nicanor
Published: July 2022

Ceramic thin films with variable thicknesses have been used in many applications. In order to protect the petroleum transportation pipes against the harmful H2S action, two ceramic materials as thin layers are proposed. In this article, pulsed laser deposition (PLD) of ceramic layers by in situ time-resolved optical techniques is investigated. Two ceramic materials were used as targets and real-time monitoring of the PLD process was realized via ICCD fast camera imaging and optical emission spectroscopy. The space–time displacement of the ceramic emissions was analyzed in order to determine the plasma structure and respective kinetic energies. Spectral-resolved investigation allowed the determination of plasma species individual velocities (in the first case: 43 km/s for C ionic species, 11 km/s for Si, from 25 to 5 km/s for atomic species; in the second case: 32 km/s for C ionic species, 11 km/s for W species, and 15 and 53 km/s for neutral species). SEM and AFM techniques were implemented to analyze the resulting ceramic layers showing homogeneous surfaces with characteristic material droplets. The ablation crater also reveals selective ablation during the deposition process. EDX results show that Al/Si is retained in the thin films similar to the target composition.
APF-DPPO: An Automatic Driving Policy Learning Method Based on the Artificial Potential Field Method to Optimize the Reward Function
Authors: Lin Junqiang , Zhang Po , Li Chengen , Zhou Yipeng , Wang Hongjun , Zou Xiangjun
Published: July 2022

To address the difficulty of obtaining the optimal driving strategy under the condition of a complex environment and changeable tasks of vehicle autonomous driving, this paper proposes an end-to-end autonomous driving strategy learning method based on deep reinforcement learning. The ideas of target attraction and obstacle rejection of the artificial potential field method are introduced into the distributed proximal policy optimization algorithm, and the APF-DPPO learning model is established. To solve the range repulsion problem of the artificial potential field method, which affects the optimal driving strategy, this paper proposes a directional penalty function method that combines collision penalty and yaw penalty to convert the range penalty of obstacles into a single directional penalty, and establishes the vehicle motion collision model. Finally, the APF-DPPO learning model is selected to train the driving strategy for the virtual vehicle, and the transfer learning method is selected to verify the comparison experiment. The simulation results show that the completion rate of the virtual vehicle in the obstacle environment that generates penalty feedback is as high as 96.3%, which is 3.8% higher than the completion rate in the environment that does not generate penalty feedback. Under different reward functions, the method in this paper obtains the highest cumulative reward value within 500 s, which improves 69 points compared with the reward function method based on the artificial potential field method, and has higher adaptability and robustness in different environments. The experimental results show that this method can effectively improve the efficiency of autonomous driving strategy learning and control the virtual vehicle for autonomous driving behavior decisions, and provide reliable theoretical and technical support for real vehicles in autonomous driving decision-making.
Collaborative Measurement System of Dual Mobile Robots That Integrates Visual Tracking and 3D Measurement
Authors: Qi Lizhe , Gan Zhongxue , Ren Jiankun , Wu Fuwang , Su Hao , Mei Zhen , Sun Yunquan
Published: July 2022

The manufacturing accuracy of large-scale complex components determines the performance and quality of aircraft, ships, high-speed rail, and other equipment. High-precision 3D measurement plays a crucial role in ensuring manufacturing accuracy. At present, the existing measurement methods rely heavily on manual labor, which cannot satisfy the requirements of industry quality and efficiency. This paper introduces an integrated mobile robotic measurement system for the accurate and automatic 3D measurement of large-scale components with complex curved surfaces. The system consists of the mobile optical scanning measurement device, visual tracking device, and software platform, which can realize comprehensive and accurate data acquisition and stitching of large-scale complex components. The combination of visual tracking and 3D measurement based on the coordinated motion of the dual robot achieved the automatic data acquisition of large-scale complex components without sticking coded targets. Additionally, this paper also introduces a DeepMerge algorithm that combines local and global features of the point cloud, which effectively corrects the initial stitching error of the visual tracking system. The validity of the measurement system and method was shown by the measurement and stitching experiments on the surface of the vehicle nose, ensuring the accurate measurement of the robot’s wide range of motion.