bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Evaluation of Built Environment in Local Climate Zones
Authors: SJ Sushanth , Varghese Angel , S Dhanish
Published: December 2022

The thermal performance of a building is significantly influenced by the climate around it. It is observed that the microclimate of an urban area is notably different from that of the surrounding regions. This difference is mainly due to the variations in anthropogenic heat, built morphology and surface characteristics. The Local Climate Zone (LCZ) system, effectively classifies the urban areas concerning these climatic variations. This study comprises two sections; the first section explores the climatic differences across LCZs and the impact of urban built morphology on microclimate. For this, three different LCZs – LCZ-2, LCZ-5 and LCZ-9 (high, medium and low density respectively) were modelled within the range of values prescribed in the LCZ system and an analytical study was carried out with the help of the CFD tool – ENVIMET. To understand the influence of urban morphology features on microclimate, LCZ-2, a representative LCZ was chosen and a parametric study of variations in morphology variables was carried out. It was observed that incidence angle, surface characteristics and H/W greatly influence the microclimate. The second section of the study explores the thermal performance of the built environment across the LCZs. A typical 3-bedroom residential building was considered and thermal performance evaluation of the same in three different local climatic conditions was carried out through field measurements. It was observed that heat flux in LCZ-5 (65.5 W/m2) is high compared to that of LCZ-2 (16.6 W/m2) and LCZ-9 (6.04 W/m2). The study points to the significance of location-specific building performance studies and design criteria.
Adaptive Linear Grey-Box Models for Model Predictive Controller of Residential Buildings
Authors: Yu Xingji , Georges Laurent , Imsland Lars
Published: December 2022

Model predictive control (MPC) is an advanced optimal control technique to minimize a control objective while satisfying a set of constraints and is well suited to activate the building energy flexibility. The MPC controller performance depends on the accuracy of the model prediction. Inaccurate predictions can directly lead to low control performance. Linear time-invariant (LTI) models are often used in MPC in buildings. However, LTI models do not adapt to the weather conditions varying throughout the whole space-heating season, which makes the MPC based on LTI models not perform well over a long period of time. Therefore, this study introduces an adaptive MPC where the parameters of a linear grey-box model are continuously updated in real-time. Two alternative versions of this adaptive control are investigated. The first one, called partially adaptive MPC, only updates the effective window area of the grey-box model, while the second one, called fully adaptive MPC, updates all the parameters of the grey-box model. Results show that the partially adaptive MPC is not able to deliver satisfactory prediction performance. The fully adaptive MPC shows better performance compared to the other models when implemented in a MPC, especially in avoiding thermal comfort violation.
Online Energy Performance Monitoring and Evaluation for Continuous Commissioning in a Danish Office Building
Authors: Jradi Muhyiddine , Liu Na
Published: December 2022

The development, implementation, and evaluation of an online building energy performance monitoring and evaluation ‘ObepME’ platform in a 2600 m2 Danish office building is presented and discussed. A whole building dynamic energy model was developed in EnergyPlus and calibrated using actual onsite data. The calibrated model is then used as a basis for continuous and automated commissioning. A list of performance tests was developed targeting energy consumption on different levels. An online dashboard was created to automatically compare and visualize model simulations and actual building consumption as part of the building continuous commissioning. The model development and calibration along with ObepME implementation are presented in this paper. Major findings from the continuous commissioning platform and examples of malfunctions observed are reported and analysed.
Statistical data-driven analysis and modelling of total energy use in new or thoroughly renovated single-family houses
Authors: Van Hove Matthias Y.C. , Laverge Jelle , Janssens Arnold , Delghust Marc
Published: December 2022

The subject of this paper is to analyse how the regulatory calculated energy use relates to the real total energy use for new or thoroughly renovated Flemish single-family houses where electricity is the only energy carrier. Additionally, the authors determine whether statistical data-driven models can help inform current and future home owners and tenants about their energy use (and thus also potential energy savings when applying energy saving measures). These questions are investigated by using housing datasets from the Flemish energy performance database and real energy use data from the Belgian grid operator. The paper comprises outlined database cleansing and filtering choices and enlightening statistical database analyses and figures. The results clearly demonstrate that the regulatory calculation method poorly estimates the real energy use (RMSE-/MAE-results of respectively 7227 kWh/y and 5242 kWh/y), yet both are moderately correlated (τ = .548, p < .001). Further, the statistical regression models show good results at stock level for new or thoroughly renovated Flemish single-family houses (where electricity is the only energy carrier) (adj. R2 up to 65.3%). Nevertheless, their performance at individual building level is still limited and considered too poor for inference as a considerable part of the variance is left unexplained.
As-built fracture toughness of Ti6Al4V produced by laser powder bed fusion
Authors: Louw Danie , Neaves Melody , Becker Thorsten
Published: December 2022

Predicting and preventing stress induced support failure during laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) processing requires knowledge of the fracture toughness of the material in its as-built condition. When performing laboratory measurement of fracture toughness, large residual stresses that are present in the part due to the LPBF process can significantly affect the measurement and must be taken into consideration. In this article, fracture toughness in the as-built condition was measured to be 26 MPa.m1/2 and the residual stress distribution in the crack plane was determined with simulation. Finally, the effective fracture toughness of the material was calculated, using the principle of superposition, to be ~ 47 MPa.m1/2.
Elucidating the Adsorption and Co-adsorption of Potassium and Oxygen on (110) MnO2, TiO2 and VO2 Surfaces
Authors: Maenetja Khomotso , Ngoepe Phuti
Published: December 2022

In metal air battery, oxygen reacts with lithium ions on the cathode side of the cell which makes it much lighter than conventional cathodes used in Li-ion batteries. Density functional theory (DFT) study is employed in order to investigate the surfaces of, (Rutile) R-MnO2, TiO2 and VO2 (MO2), which act as catalysts in metal-air batteries. Adsorption and co-adsorption of metal K and oxygen on (110) β-MO2 surface is investigated, which is important in the discharging and charging of K- air batteries. Only five values of (gamma) are possible due to the size of the supercell and assuming that oxygen atoms occupy bulk-like positions around the surface metal atoms. The manganyl, titanyl and vanadyl terminated surface are not the only surfaces that can be formed with Γ= +2, oxygen can be adsorbed also as peroxo species (O2)2-, with less electron transfer from the surface vanadium atoms to the adatoms than in the case of manganyl, titanyl or vanadyl formation. MnO2 promotes formation of KO2 for all configurations whereas TiO2 partially promote nucleation of KO2 whereas VO2 surfaces form very stable KO2 clusters, thus VO2 is not a good catalyst for the formation of KO2. The fundamental challenge that limits the use of metal air battery technology, however, is the ability to find a catalyst that will promote the formation and decomposition of discharge products during the charging and discharging cycle, i.e. oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER).
Fabrication of a β-based titanium alloy for biomedical applications
Authors: Madigoe Mandy , Modiba Rosinah , Cornish Lesley
Published: December 2022

The aim of this study was to produce a titanium-based alloy with mainly β-phase and reduced Young’s modulus for biomedical applications. Alloys Ti-Nbx-Ta5-Zrx5 (x = 20, 30, 40 at.%Nb) were prepared by arc melting then solution annealed at 950℃ for 1 h, and aged at 480℃ for 12 h. Optical microscopy showed mixtures of dendritic and needle-like microstructures before and after heat treatment in all alloys. X-ray diffraction (XRD) identified β-phase in all alloys. Small fractions of orthorhombic martensite (αʹ) and ω-phase were also detected by XRD which decreased after ageing. Alloy Ti-Nb20-Ta5-Zr5 had the lowest Young’s modulus, derived from nanoindentation hardness of 69.8 ± 7.2 GPa in the as cast condition. There was no significant change in elastic modulus of the alloy after ageing (70.8 ± 6.8 GPa). As-cast Ti-Nb30-Ta5-Zr5 had the highest elastic modulus of 94.7 ± 3.0 GPa. The elastic modulus decreased to 84.4 ± 0.32 GPa after heat treatment.
Assessment of South African Chromite Sand for Binder Jetting Application
Authors: Chauke Julieth Langutani , Nyembwe Kasongo Dieder , Mojisola T
Published: December 2022

Binder Jetting is an Additive manufacturing (AM) technique in which binding liquid is jetted on layers of powdered materials, selectively according to the Computer Aided Design (CAD) model to form a 3D part. One of the applications of binder jetting technology is the manufacturing of sand moulds for sand casting known as Rapid Sand Casting. Silica sand is often used in both Rapid Sand Casting and traditional moulding due to its good refractory properties coupled with its low cost. However, the use of silica sand is associated with some technical limitations, including its high thermal linear expansion and low conductivity, hence it is not appropriate to all casting applications. Chromite sand is used as an alternative refractory material to address the shortcomings of silica sand. This study assessed the suitability of South African Chromite sand for rapid sand casting. Tensile bending and compression test specimens were manufactured from different South African chromite sand samples using a Voxeljet VX 3D printer. The mechanical properties of the specimen produced using binder jetting were compared to those produced by traditional moulding. It was observed that all five printed specimens met the minimum tensile strength of 220 N/cm2 for casting. Hence locally sourced South African Chromite sand can be utilised for rapid sand casting, reducing environmental impact and operational cost.
Efficiency of different commercial TiBAl grain refiners on refinement of pure aluminum cast structures
Authors: Maumela Mbavhalelo , Moema Joseph , Buthelezi Thokozani
Published: December 2022

Industries largely rely on empirical tests to determine what composition and amount of TiBAl grain refiners to add during the casting of aluminum alloy for cast grain structure refinement. TiBAl grain refiners are aluminum master alloys having intermetallic particles within the aluminum matrix, these particles are mainly made of Ti and Al borides, having higher melting point than aluminum matrix. Addition of them to the melt, induces heterogeneous nucleation of aluminum cast grain structures, which promotes solidification of fine equiaxed grains at expense of columnar grain structures. This yields in grain refinement of cast structures, and is beneficial to mechanical and surface treatment properties on the final product. Very often in industrial practice during casting, whether a grain refiner is suitable for a given alloy, the amount to be added in the melt, and what cooling rates to use, are questions remain and reaching the balance becomes a cumbersome practice, and leads to pernicious material’s properties. This study aims to explore the refinement efficiency of three variants of locally supplied TiBAl grain refiners on the microstructure of cast pure aluminum (CPAl). A standard test method of TP-1 was adopted and the efficiency of TiBAl grain refiners was determined according to the average grain sizes. It was found that Al-3Ti-1B alloys from different suppliers yield different grain sizes, however, Al-5Ti-1B alloy has better efficiency than Al-3Ti-1B alloy system on CPAl material. The optimum holding time for CPAl melt at 750℃ is 5 minutes to achieve a fine grain size.
Hexapod guidance and control for autonomous waypoint navigation over uneven terrain
Authors: Erasmus Sheldon , Engelbrecht Jacobus
Published: December 2022

This paper presents a novel hexapod guidance and control system that enables an autonomous hexapod robot to walk over uneven terrain while navigating waypoints and keeping its central body level. The system uses a depth camera to determine the terrain heights at the horizontal locations where the hexapod plans to place its feet. The guidance and control software has been implemented in the Robotics Operating System and has been verified in simulation using the Gazebo simulator. A physical hexapod robot has been constructed and practical tests are currently being performed to validate the system.
General-Purpose Architectural Model for IoT-Based In-situ Monitoring Systems
Authors: Ejike Christian Nonyelum , Mathaba Tebella , Du Rand Francois
Published: December 2022

Over time, the Internet of things (IoT) discussion has come to prominence, and in-situ monitoring systems have been geared up with IoT services and deployed over IoT architectures. The integration of IoT services within system development has enriched many monitoring application studies but the architectural models used in majority of these studies trivializes several key components of a fully functional IoT architecture. This paper proposes a general-purpose architectural model (GPAM) that can be used in the deployment of any in-situ monitoring system. The proposed architectural model is successfully implemented using a single domain use-case (water assessment) as a conceptual proof. The traditional water assessment processes are transformed into IoT processes in an attempt to reach the same result in a more efficient manner. This template can help prospective developers build and engineer robust IoT monitoring systems.
Neural Network-Based Stereo Vision Outlier Removal
Authors: Strauss March , van Daalen Corné E.
Published: December 2022

Stereo vision systems rely on accurate feature matching to provide valid stereo reconstruction and pose estimation. This accuracy is achieved through outlier removal techniques, such as RANSAC. However, images also contain semantic information, which can be extracted using neural networks. This paper proposes an additional outlier removal method, where the images are semantically segmented using a neural network, before the features identified are assigned semantic identifiers using a probabilistic data association technique, and matches are evaluated based on this added semantic information. This blending of feature-based techniques with dense semantic maps allows for more information to be tied to each feature, not just its position in the image. This opens paths to applications like class-based clustering. The approach proposed is compared to a traditional outlier removal system by comparing the produced disparity values to known ground truth measurements, and assessed for accuracy and execution speed. It is shown how the addition of semantic segmentation does improve the accuracy of disparity measurements in stereo images, with a loss in processing speed. However, this loss can be mitigated by utilising more specialised hardware.
An investigation into the properties of 3D printed Ti6Al4V FCC lattice structures with different strut thicknesses
Authors: Strauss Jacques , Salojee Muhammed , Du Plessis Anton , Zhirnov Ivan. , Krakmale Pavel , Khodja Malika
Published: December 2022

Metal additive manufacturing of titanium and its alloys can produce complicated geometries cost-effectively while maintaining biocompatibility. It is known that the material property differences between bone and Ti6Al4V cause stress shielding, leading to bone failure around the implant. Using lattice structures is effective at reducing elastic modulus while improving osteointegration. However, it is important first to characterise the as-printed material to investigate the effects of lattice structures on the bulk material properties. Understanding the microstructure, porosity, and related mechanical properties can discern the bulk material properties of the unit cell. The microstructure of printed samples was found to be martensitic. The printed samples contained porosity with strut thickness deviations ranging from the design from 44.29 % (t = 0.50 mm) to 28.43 % (t = 1 mm). It was found that the high amount of porosity resulted in considerable variation in compression material properties.
Modular 3D Printed Prosthetic Hand – Amputee Tests with the Touch Hand 4
Authors: Stopforth Riaan , Sewsunker Karina , Rampath Amaan , Setty Kiran , van Niekerk Theo
Published: December 2022

The popularity of myoelectric prosthetic hands increases as technological advances allows for the sophistication on prosthetic devices to become more affordable. A 3D printed myoelectric prosthetic hand was designed to ensure that it is cost-effective whilst having functionality similar to commercially available prosthetic hands. A three-fingered prosthetic hand was designed to grip objects of different shapes using one grip. An electromyography control system was investigated by performing tests on an able-bodied person and observing the results. The electromyography control system for the prosthetic hand was then designed. The prosthetic hand was then tested by an amputee by gripping objects of different shapes and sizes to determine its practicality of the prosthetic hand. The prosthetic hand was capable of picking up the object in 50% of its tests and showed a grip strength of 30.4 N and a response time of 4.5 seconds.
3-D-Druck in der Medizin und die Rolle der
Radiologietechnologie
Authors: Kogelbauer Harald , Krasser Andreas
Published: December 2022

Dieser Artikel beschäftigt sich mit der zunehmenden Rolle des 3-D-Drucks
in der Medizin. Dabei werden Anwendungen vorgestellt, bei denen es durchaus
denkbar ist – wenn nicht sogar notwendig sein wird –
zukünftig Radiologietechnolog*innen im Bereich der
Datensegmentierung sowie als Expert*innen für radiologische
Bildgebung mit ihrem Fachwissen in den Prozess des medizinischen 3-D-Drucks zu
involvieren.
Spiritual Care
Authors: von Campenhausen Jutta
Published: December 2022

Die junge Disziplin widmet sich den Seelenkräften, die Heilung und
Durchhaltewillen, Coping und Resilienz vermitteln. Das Wissen darum lässt
sich vergleichsweise leicht in den Klinikalltag einbauen und verbessert oft die
Atmosphäre für alle Beteiligten.
Accelerated Corneal Crosslinking for Treatment of Keratoconus in Children and Adolescents under 18 Years of Age
Authors: Xanthopoulou Kassandra , Milioti Georgia , Daas Loay , Munteanu Cristian , Seitz Berthold , Flockerzi Elias
Published: November 2022

Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of accelerated (9 mW/cm2, 10 min) epithelium-off (epi-off) corneal crosslinking (A-CXL) in keratoconus (KC) patients < 18 years of
age.

Patients and Methods Our retrospective study included 41 eyes (25 male and 5 female patients, mean age 15.3 ± 1.2 years) who underwent A-CXL (9 mW/cm2, 10 min) because of
progressive KC or critical KC at first presentation or asymmetrical finding in the partner eye. Outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and tomography readings (Pentacam
HR, Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany), evaluated 2 years, 1 year, 6 months preoperatively, prior to surgery (pre-CXL) and 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, > 2 years postoperatively (post-CXL).
The demarcation line was assessed by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (SS-1000 and CASIA 2, Tomey, Nagoya, Japan).

Results Total deviation value increased statistically significantly 6 months pre-CXL to pre-CXL. Anterior steep, flat, and mean keratometry values showed a statistically significant
increase 6 weeks post-CXL (p < 0.05), followed by a significant decrease until 2 years post-CXL for steep and mean keratometry. Kmax increased 6 weeks post-CXL without
statistical significance and decreased significantly even > 2 years post-CXL (p < 0.0001). Posterior keratometry as well as anterior and posterior astigmatism did not show any
significant changes post-CXL. Thinnest and apical pachymetry decreased significantly until 6 months post-CXL (p < 0.05) and remained stable > 2 years post-CXL (p > 0.05). BCVA
decreased 6 weeks post-CXL but improved significantly > 2 years post-CXL (p = 0.003). The demarcation line reached an average depth of 52.1%.

Conclusions Epi-off A-CXL stabilizes KC progression in patients < 18 years even > 2 years postoperatively and leads to a deep demarcation line. A “pseudoprogression” is
observed up to the 6-week follow-up, which is not indicative of the long-term results.
Radiosynoviorthese bei Hämophilie
Authors: Boddenberg-Pätzold Barbara , Sigl-Kraetzig Michael , Kampen Willm Uwe
Published: December 2022

Die Radiosynoviorthese (RSO) ist fester Bestandteil der Therapie bei Patienten
mit Hämophilie mit rezidivierenden Gelenkeinblutungen.
70–90% der Patienten erleben eine verminderte Blutungsfrequenz,
nachlassende Schmerzen und verbesserte Beweglichkeit. Der Artikel beschreibt die
Pathomechanismen der Erkrankung und die Besonderheiten bei der RSO der zumeist
noch jungen Patienten, die prätherapeutische Diagnostik, die
Durchführung der RSO und die Nachsorge.
Neovascular Glaucoma: An Update
Authors: Kalogeropoulos Dimitrios , Moussa George , Sung Velota Ct. , Pappa Chrysavgi , Kalogeropoulos Chris
Published: November 2022

Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) is a severe type of secondary glaucoma with devastating complications and generally poor visual prognosis. NVG is defined by the development of pathological
neovessels over the iris and the iridocorneal angle that can block the outflow of aqueous humor, causing elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP). The pathogenesis of NVG is, in most cases,
associated with ischemia of the posterior segment, which is most frequently associated with proliferative diabetic retinopathy or central retinal vein occlusion. The advanced stages of NVG
are by iris and angle neovascularization, angle, and extremely high IOP, accompanied by ocular pain and poor vision. The therapeutic approach of NVG is based on the reduction of retinal
ischemia by panretinal photocoagulation. Intravitreal anti-VEGF administration can contribute to the regression of neovascularization, and topical and systemic medications may be necessary
for IOP control. However, if medical treatment with these agents is not enough, surgical procedures may be required to lower IOP and prevent glaucomatous optic neuropathy. Early and prompt
diagnosis, with identification of the underlying etiology, can improve IOP control and final visual outcome. The aim of this study is to review current knowledge of the pathogenesis and
management of NVG.
Raubtier-Journale im HNO-Fachgebiet
Authors: Lüers Jan Christoffer , Jansen Stefanie , Klußmann Jens Peter
Published: November 2022

Hintergrund Pseudowissenschaftliche Raubtier-Journale machen seit
vielen Jahren unter Missbrauch des „Open Access“-Modells ein kommerziell-lukratives Geschäft
mit wissenschaftlichen Manuskripten, indem sie gegen Publikationsgebühren eine schnelle und
unkomplizierte Veröffentlichung von wissenschaftlichen Manuskripten offerieren. Es stellt sich
die Frage, ob auch das HNO-Fachgebiet von dieser Praxis bereits erreicht ist.

Material und Methoden Ein pseudowissenschaftliches
Fake-Manuskript wurde an 20 (Fach-)Journale geschickt, bei denen der Journaltitel auf einen
otorhinolaryngologischen Inhalt hinwies. Bei der Hälfte der Journale handelte es sich um
traditionelle HNO-Journale, die eine Printausgabe herausbringen und die sich im Wesentlichen
aus Abonnements und Anzeigen finanzieren. Bei der anderen Hälfte handelte es sich um Journale,
die ausschließlich nach dem „Open Access“-Modell publizieren. Es wurden verschiedene Parameter
der Journale und des Begutachtungsprozesses ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse Alle 10 traditionellen HNO-Fachjournale lehnten eine
Publikation des Fake-Manuskriptes ab. Unter den Journalen, die ausschließlich nach dem „Open
Access“-Modell publizierten, gab es eine Ablehnung des Manuskripts, während 2 Journale eine
Revision empfahlen und bei 7 Journalen das Manuskript direkt zur Publikation angenommen
wurde.

Schlussfolgerung Raubtier-Verlage und -Journale sind auch im
HNO-Fachgebiet aktiv. Gerade bei Journalen, die Artikel ausschließlich „Open Access“ gegen
eine Publikations- oder Bearbeitungsgebühr publizieren, sollten wissenschaftliche Autoren
vorsichtig sein und die Seriosität der Zeitschrift vorab prüfen.
PTABS: A Unique Water-Soluble π-Acceptor Caged Phosphine
Authors: Kapdi Anant R. , Sahu Rajesh
Published: November 2022

Caged phosphines have unique structures and provide many advantageous properties that can be fine-tuned to develop efficient catalytic systems. Our research group recently introduced a highly water-soluble caged phosphine: PTABS (KapdiPhos), which is a derivatized form of triazaphosphaadamantane, and explored its applicability as a strongly π-accepting ligand in combination with metals such as Pd or Cu in a variety of cross-coupling reactions of biologically relevant halonucleosides as well as chloroheteroarenes. This account details our journey from ideation to the various catalytic applications of the ligands and eventually to its commercialization.

1 Introduction

2 Derivatization of PTA to PTABS and Its Applications

2.1 Nucleoside Modification

2.2 Heteroarene Modification

3 Conclusion

4 Summary and Future Outlook
l-Proline-Catalyzed Three-Component Reaction of 4-Chloro-3-formylcoumarin, Sodium Sulfide, and α-Halo Ketones: A Direct Approach to Thieno[3,2-c]coumarins
Authors: Shkoor Mohanad , Thotathil Vandana , Al-Zoubi Raed M. , Sawali Mona , Su Haw-Lih
Published: November 2022

A new protocol for the synthesis of thieno[3,2-c]coumarins is disclosed. In this method, a 3-formyl-2-oxo-2H-chromene-4-thiolate anion is generated in situ by treatment of 4-chloro-3-formylcoumarin with sodium sulfide. This chromene-4-thiolate undergoes an l-proline-catalyzed substitution/Knoevenagel cascade with various α-halo ketones to afford the desired thienocoumarins in moderate to good isolated yields. This protocol eliminates the need for stoichiometric amounts of inorganic bases and the use of foul-smelling thiols. The reaction conditions tolerate a variety of α-halo ketones.
Mesyl and Triflyl Functionalized N-Heterocyclic Carbenes as Acceptor Fragments in Luminescent Carbene-Metal-Amide Complexes
Authors: Traskovskis Kaspars , Ruduss Armands , Sisojevs Zanis , Belyakov Sergey
Published: November 2022

Synthetic procedures providing access to mesyl and triflyl functionalized derivatives of 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolidin-2-ylidene (SIPr) have been provided in detail. New luminescent carbene-metal-amide (CMA) Cu(I) complexes based on acceptor group functionalized SIPr have been prepared. The effect of the LUMO energy in the sulfonyl functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) series on the emissive properties of the CMAs has been investigated.
The gendered dimensions of the anti-mask and anti-lockdown movement on social media
Authors: Al-Rawi Ahmed , Siddiqi Maliha , Wenham Clare , Smith Julia
Published: November 2022

This paper examines the anti-mask and anti-lockdown online movement in connection to the COVID-19 pandemic. To combat the spread of the coronavirus, health officials around the world urged and/or mandated citizens to wear facemasks and adopt physical distancing measures. These health policies and guidelines have become highly politicized in some parts of the world, often discussed in association with freedom of choice and independence. We downloaded references to the anti-mask and anti-lockdown social media posts using 24 search terms. From a total of 4209 social media posts, the researchers manually filtered the explicit visual and textual content that is related to discussions of different genders. We used multimodal discourse analysis (MDM) which analyzes diverse modes of communicative texts and images and focuses on appeals to emotions and reasoning. Using the MDM approach, we analysed posts taken from Facebook and Instagram from active anti-mask and anti-lockdown users, and we identified three main discourses around the gendered discussion of the anti-mask movement including hypermasculine, sexist and pejorative portrayals of “Karen”, and appropriating freedom and feminism discourses. A better understanding of how social media users evoke gendered discourses to spread anti-mask and anti-lockdown messages can help researchers identify differing reactions toward pandemic measures.
Dependency distance minimization: a diachronic exploration of the effects of sentence length and dependency types
Authors: Liu Xueying , Zhu Haoran , Lei Lei
Published: November 2022

Dependency distance is regarded as an index of memory load and a measure of syntactic difficulty. Previous research has found that dependency distance tends to minimize both synchronically and diachronically due to the limited resource of working memory. However, little is known concerning the effects of different dependency types on the dependency distance minimization. In addition, previous studies showed inconsistent results on the anti-minimization of dependency distance in shorter sentences. Hence, a more fine-grained investigation is needed on the diachronic change of dependency distance with shorter sentences such as those of three or four words. To address these issues, this study intends to explore the diachronic change of dependency distance in terms of two variables, i.e., dependency types and sentence length. Results show that anti-minimization does exist in short sentences diachronically, and sentence length has an effect on diachronic dependency distance minimization of dependency types. More importantly, not all dependency types present a decreasing trend, while only nine types of dependency relations are responsible for the dependency distance minimization. Possible explanations for the findings are offered.
Stabilization formation characterization of metal single droplet by pneumatic drop-on-demand
Authors: Gao Shanshan , Liu Zhaomiao , Wang Xiang , Pang Yan , Ren Yanlin , Zhao Siyu , Zheng Nan , Cai Fanming
Published: November 2022

Metal single droplets are widely used in electronic packaging and flexible circuit printing. However, liquid metals are characterized by high density and interfacial tension, so that stable injection of single droplet occurs only in an extremely small printable region, which limits the application of metal droplets. In this study, based on a drop-on-demand pneumatic injection device, the evolutionary process and mechanism of metal droplet generation are analyzed through experiments and numerical simulations, the theoretical solution of the injection velocity is obtained, the printable region that can stably generate the single droplet dimensionless parameters Wej (Jet Weber number) and Z (1/Ohnesorge number) is plotted, and the prediction model of the single droplet dimensionless limit jet length is established. Results show that in the range 400 < Z < 1100, the printable region where single droplets can be generated is extremely narrow (1.3 < Wej < 2). When Wej < 1.3, the inertial force of the jet is not sufficient to overcome the interfacial capillary force, and no droplets can be generated. When Wej > 2, the inertial force of the jet is so large that satellite droplets are generated. The prediction results obtained by the prediction model of single droplet dimensionless limit jet length are consistent with the experimental results and can accurately predict whether a single droplet can be generated or not. The results can reveal the mechanism of stable generation of on-demand pneumatic metal droplets. Furthermore, the results can serve as theoretical references for the further development of on-demand pneumatic metal droplet injection technology.
Experimentally consistent large-eddy simulation of re-shocked Richtmyer–Meshkov turbulent mixing
Authors: Xiao Meng-Juan , Hu Ze-Xi , Dai Zi-Huan , Zhang You-Sheng
Published: November 2022

Re-shocked Richtmyer–Meshkov (RM) mixing is a fundamental physical process tightly related to practical mixing problems, as it involves all three classical instabilities, i.e., Rayleigh–Taylor, Richtmyer–Meshkov (RM), and Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities. An accurate prediction of its mixing width (MW) is of significant importance. However, satisfactory prediction has not yet been achieved with the pure (not constrained by turbulence models) large-eddy simulation (LES), by which both the predicted MW and its growth rate are over-predicted. In the literature, we solve this problem by two key improvements. First, velocity perturbation, instead of the commonly used interface perturbation, is adapted to produce an initial magnitude of perturbation comparable to the corresponding experiments. Second, a new LES model is developed, with a sub-grid kinetic energy equation introduced and model coefficients dynamically determined. The key improvement here is to consider the buoyancy production effect in the closure form, which is proved to be one of the dominant mechanisms generating turbulence for the re-shocked RM mixing and remains important even at the smallest scales. Consequently, a consistent prediction of MW with experiments is realized using the present pure LES for the first time.
Nutrients digestibility, microbial protein synthesis and rumen and blood parameters in sheep feeding grape pomace treated with Neurospora sitophila
Authors: Hasanzadeh Mohammad , Dayani Omid , Tahmasbi Reza , Khezri Amin , Dadvar Poorya
Published: November 2022

Context Agricultural by-products such as grape pomace (GP), could form an important component of ruminant diets. Aims The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of treating GP with Neurospora sitophila on chemical composition, digestibility, nitrogen balance, rumen, and blood parameters. Methods Twenty-four adult Kermani rams were allocated to one of three treatments arranged as a completely randomised design for a 26-day period. The first 21 days were for adaptation, and the last 5 days were for sample collection. The animals were placed in individual cages equipped with a urine–faeces separator. They were fed with (1) a basal diet without GP (control), (2) a basal diet with 20% of untreated grape pomace (UGP), and (3) a basal diet with 20% of N. sitophila-treated grape pomace (TGP). Key results Treating GP increased the percentages of crude protein (CP), lignin and rumen-degradable protein (RDP; P < 0.01), but decreased rumen-undegradable protein (RUP; P < 0.05) and total phenols and tannins (P < 0.01). Nutrient digestibility in the TGP- and UGP-supplemented groups was lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The mean excretion of allantoin (P < 0.05), xanthine plus hypoxanthine (P < 0.01), total purine derivatives (P < 0.05), and microbial protein synthesis (P < 0.05) were lower in the sheep fed UGP than in the control group. The acetate (P < 0.01), propionate and total volatile fatty acids (P < 0.05) in rumen fluid were the highest in the control group. The UGP-supplemented group had a higher rumen pH and a lower NH3-N concentration than did other groups, 1.5 h after feed intake. Also, blood glucose and urea nitrogen in animals fed UGP were lower than in those in other groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions Treating of GP with N. sitophila fungus increases the CP and RDP and reduces the adverse effects of GP on ruminal kinetics. Implications The GP that has been exposed and treated with N. sitophila may provide a suitable supplementary feed for ruminants when incorporated into diets at rates of up to 20%.
Widespread exposure of marine parks, whales, and whale sharks to shipping
Authors: Raoult Vincent , Pirotta Vanessa , Gaston Troy F. , Norman Brad , Reynolds Samantha , Smith Tim M. , Double Mike , How Jason , Hayward Matt W.
Published: November 2022

Context Shipping impacts are a major environmental concern that can affect the behaviour and health of marine mammals and fishes. The potential impacts of shipping within marine parks is rarely considered during the planning process. Aims We assessed the areal disturbance footprint of shipping around Australia, its overlap with marine parks, and known locations of megafauna, so as to identify areas of concern that warrant further investigation. Methods Automatic Identification System (AIS) shipping data from 2018 to 2021 were interpreted through a kernel-density distribution and compared with satellite data from ∼200 individuals of megafauna amalgamated from 2003 to 2018, and the locations of marine parks. Key results Over 18% of marine parks had shipping exposure in excess of 365 vessels per year. Around all of Australia, 39% of satellite-tag reports from whale shark and 36.7% of pygmy blue and humpback whale satellite-tag reports were in moderate shipping-exposure areas (>90 ships per year). Shipping exposure significantly increased from 2018 despite the pandemic, including within marine parks. Conclusions These results highlight the wide-scale footprint of commercial shipping on marine ecosystems that may be increasing in intensity over time. Implications Consideration should be made for assessing and potentially limiting shipping impacts along migration routes and within marine parks.
Evaluation of soil salinity using the dielectric sensor WET-2
Authors: Kargas George , Londra Paraskevi A. , Sotirakoglou Kyriaki
Published: November 2022

Context The electrical conductivity of the soil saturated paste extract (ECe) is used to estimate the soil salinity. Aims This study aims to develop simple or multiple linear regression models to estimate the ECe using soil properties measured by a dielectric sensor in the field. Methods The measurements of bulk electrical conductivity (ECb), soil temperature (T) and dielectric permittivity (εb) in agricultural fields were conducted using the WET-2 sensor. A total of 105 soil samples were obtained from agricultural fields in three regions of Greece. Key results A very strong positive correlation between ECb and ECe (r > 0.6 and P < 0.001) was obtained by using the Spearman’s correlation coefficients. Multiple linear regression models (MLR) were developed using only the parameters εb, ECb and T measured by the WET-2 in estimating ECe. Considering that the MLR models are site specific, the ECe could be reliably estimated by applying MLR models in regions with coarse textured soils. Contrarily, in regions with finer textured soils characterised by ECb values <1 dS m−1, additional soil parameters are required to be included in MLR models to estimate of ECe more accurately. In regions with soils characterised by high salinity (4 dS m−1 < ECe < 25 dS m−1), a simple linear regression model seems to be sufficient. Conclusions and implications As the WET-2 sensor measures simultaneously three soil properties in situ, it might be a valuable tool for estimating ECe, for the first centimetres of soil, in the case that the soil is not dry with relatively low clay content.
The role of older men in a phonological change
Authors: Duhamel Marie-France
Published: December 2022

Contrary to classic predictions associated with the gender pattern in variationism, the results of this study on the effect of age and gender on a phonological innovation suggests that older speakers drive innovation in this small Oceanic speech community of Vanuatu. Young and old men are prone to deleting the phonemic consonant, while women and middle-aged men tend to retain it. The v-shaped distribution of the variant requires considering the interactions and social status of individuals in this community where older men occupy the highest-ranking positions. The deletion does not appear to be stylistic, and multivariate analyses reveal the effect of surrounding vowels, sex and age, on the frequency of consonant deletion. The variation is interpreted as a change in progress towards the deletion of the velar fricative and its high incidence in younger men is explained by their frequent interactions with the older men.
Authenticity in language ideology
Authors: Povilonis Natalie , Guy Gregory
Published: December 2022

Like many marginalized languages, Chanka Quechua (Peru) lacks community-wide prestige norms associated with standard-language ideology. Formal situations require Spanish, and few speakers are literate in Quechua, so normative speech styles are absent. Speakers’ evaluative judgments do not reference notions of correctness; rather, they value puro ‘pure’ speech and authenticity.

This paper explores alternative approaches to accessing sociolinguistic judgments with a study of the variably present uvular phoneme in the past tense /–rqa/ morpheme, as exemplified in the following alternation:

(1)

ri-r
q
a-ni

~

ri-ra-ni

go-pst-1sg

 
go-pst-1sg

‘I went’
 
‘I went’

To contrast speech from sociolinguistic interviews, careful, self-monitored speech is elicited through oral retelling of material presented aurally, rather than in writing. Of 38 participants, rural speakers tend to have higher rates of /q/ than urbanites and reflect idealized puro Quechua. We argue that authenticity guides variation, in place of standard language ideology.
Effect of different anthropometry‐driven block settings on sprint start performance
Authors: Cavedon Valentina , Bezodis Neil Edward , Sandri Marco , Golia Silvia , Zancanaro Carlo , Milanese Chiara
Published: December 2022

Few studies have focused on the effect of individual anthropometrics when considering “set” position posture during the sprint start. This study aimed to measure the effect of different anthropometry‐driven block settings on kinetic and kinematic parameters and performance during the start in well‐trained and non‐trained sprinters. Front block‐starting line (FB/SL) distance was manipulated between 50% and 70% of each individual's leg length at 5% intervals, whilst the inter‐block distance was held constant at 45% of leg length. Thirty‐six sprinters performed three maximal‐effort 10 m sprints in each of the five conditions. Joint angles in the “set” position were quantified though 2D video analysis, the forces generated during block clearance phase were measured by dynamometric starting blocks, and times to 5 and 10 m were measured with photocells. The effects of the five block setting conditions were largely consistent irrespective of ability level. Shorter FB/SL distances were associated with significantly more flexed hip and knee angles in the “set” position, a significantly more plantar flexed front ankle, and a significantly more dorsiflexed rear ankle. There were no significant effects of FB/SL distance on total block time, and thus the greater rear block peak forces and impulses produced from the shorter FB/SL distances combined with no effects on the resultant front block peak forces and impulses, led to higher levels of sprint start performance from the shorter FB/SL distances. Considering FB/SL distances closer to 50% of leg length may be beneficial for coaches and athletes to explore during sprint start training.
New guidelines for the perioperative care of people living with frailty undergoing elective and emergency surgery—a commentary
Authors: Partridge Judith S L , Ryan Jack , Dhesi Jugdeep K ,   The CPOC-BGS perioperative frailty guideline group, Bailey Tessa , Barker Claire , Bates Louise , Bell Rachel , Bryden Daniele , Carter Sarah , Clegg Andrew , Conroy Simon , Cowley Alison , Curtis Ali , Diedo Beck , Eardley William , Evley Rachel , Hare Sarah , Hopper Adrian , Humphry Nia , Kanga Kate , Kilvington Bill , Lees Nicholas P , McDonald David , McGarrity Laura , McNally Scarlett , Meilak Catherine , Mudford Lawrence , Nolan Catherina , Pearce Lyndsay , Price Angeline , Proffitt Amy , Romano Vittoria , Rose Shelley , Selwyn David , Shackles David , Syddall Eleanor , Taylor Derek , Tinsley Sarah , Vardy Emma , Youde Jane
Published: November 2022

Frailty is common in the older population and is a predictor of adverse outcomes following emergency and elective surgery. Identification of frailty is key to enable targeted intervention throughout the perioperative pathway from contemplation of surgery to recovery. Despite evidence on how to identify and modify frailty, such interventions are not yet routine perioperative care. To address this implementation gap, a guideline was published in 2021 by the Centre for Perioperative Care and the British Geriatrics Society, working with patient representatives and all stakeholders involved in the perioperative care of patients with frailty undergoing surgery. The guideline covers all aspects of perioperative care relevant to adults living with frailty undergoing elective and emergency surgery. It is written for healthcare professionals, as well as for patients and their carers, managers and commissioners. Implementation of the guideline will require collaboration between all stakeholders, underpinned by an implementation strategy, workforce development with supporting education and training resources, and evaluation through national audit and research. The guideline is an important step in improving perioperative outcomes for people living with frailty and quality of healthcare services. This commentary provides a summary and discussion of the evidence informing the standards and recommendations in the published guideline.
Prognostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance early after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in older patients
Authors: Gabaldón-Pérez Ana , Marcos-Garcés Víctor , Gavara José , López-Lereu María P , Monmeneu José V , Pérez Nerea , Ríos-Navarro César , de Dios Elena , Merenciano-González Héctor , Cànoves Joaquim , Racugno Paolo , Bonanad Clara , Minana Gema , Núnez Julio , Moratal David , Chorro Francisco J , Valente Filipa , Lorenzatti Daniel , Ortiz-Pérez Jose T , Rodríguez-Palomares Jose F , Bodí Vicente
Published: November 2022

Background

older patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) represent a very high-risk population. Data on the prognostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in this scenario are scarce.

Methods

the registry comprised 247 STEMI patients over 70 years of age treated with percutaneous intervention and included in a multicenter registry. Baseline characteristics, echocardiographic parameters and CMR-derived left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF, %), infarct size (% of left ventricular mass) and microvascular obstruction (MVO, number of segments) were prospectively collected. The additional prognostic power of CMR was assessed using adjusted C-statistic, net reclassification index (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement index (IDI).

Results

during a 4.8-year mean follow-up, the number of first major adverse cardiac events (MACE) was 66 (26.7%): 27 all-cause deaths and 39 re-admissions for acute heart failure. Predictors of MACE were GRACE score (HR 1.03 [1.02–1.04], P < 0.001), CMR–LVEF (HR 0.97 [0.95–0.99] per percent increase, P = 0.006) and MVO (HR 1.24 [1.09–1.4] per segment, P = 0.001). Adding CMR data significantly improved MACE prediction compared to the model with baseline and echocardiographic characteristics (C-statistic 0.759 [0.694–0.824] vs. 0.685 [0.613–0.756], NRI = 0.6, IDI = 0.08, P < 0.001). The best cut-offs for independent variables were GRACE score > 155, LVEF < 40% and MVO ≥ 2 segments. A simple score (0, 1, 2, 3) based on the number of altered factors accurately predicted the MACE per 100 person-years: 0.78, 5.53, 11.51 and 78.79, respectively (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

CMR data contribute valuable prognostic information in older patients submitted to undergo CMR soon after STEMI. The Older-STEMI–CMR score should be externally validated.