bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Different Reagents Applicable for Destroying Halogenated Anionic Textile Dye Mordant Blue 9 in Polluted Aqueous Streams
Authors: Kamenická Barbora , Weidlich Tomáš
Published: February 2023

This article aimed to compare the degradation efficiencies of different reactants applicable for the oxidative or reductive degradation of a chlorinated anionic azo dye, Mordant Blue 9 (MB9). In this article, the broadly applied Fenton oxidation process was optimized for the oxidative treatment of MB9, and the obtained results were compared with other innovative chemical reduction methods. In the reductive degradation of MB9, we compared the efficiencies of different reductive agents such as Fe0 (ZVI), Al0, the Raney Al-Ni alloy, NaBH4, NaBH4/Na2S2O5, and other combinations of these reductants. The reductive methods aimed to reduce the azo bond together with the bound chlorine in the structure of MB9. The dechlorination of MB9 produces non-chlorinated aminophenols, which are more easily biodegradable in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) compared to their corresponding chlorinated aromatic compounds. The efficiencies of both the oxidative and reductive degradation processes were monitored by visible spectroscopy and determined based on the chemical oxygen demand (COD). The hydrodechlorination of MB9 to non-chlorinated products was expressed using the measurement of adsorbable organically bound halogens (AOXs) and controlled by LC–MS analyses. Optimally, 28 mol of H2SO4, 120 mol of H2O2, and 4 mol of FeSO4 should be applied per one mol of dissolved MB9 dye for a practically complete oxidative degradation after 20 h of action. On the other hand, the application of the Al-Ni alloy/NaOH (100 mol of Al in the Al-Ni alloy + 100 mol of NaOH per one mol of MB9) proceeded smoothly and seven-times faster than the Fenton reaction, consumed similar quantities of reagents, and produced dechlorinated aminophenols. The cost of the Al-Ni alloy/NaOH-based method could be decreased significantly by applying a pretreatment with Al0/NaOH and a subsequent hydrodechlorination using smaller Al-Ni alloy doses. The homogeneous reduction accompanied by HDC using in situ produced Na2S2O4 (by the action of NaBH4/Na2S2O5) was an effective, rapid, and simple treatment method. This reductive system consumed quantities of reagents that are almost twice as low (66 mol of NaBH4 + 66 mol of Na2S2O5 + 18 mol of H2SO4 per one mol of MB9) in comparison with the other oxidative/reductive systems and allowed the effective and fast degradation of MB9 accompanied by the effective removal of AOX. A comparison of the oxidative and reductive methods for chlorinated acid azo dye MB9 degradation showed that an innovative combination of reduction methods offers a smooth, simple, and efficient degradation and hydrodehalogenation of chlorinated textile MB9 dye.
Catalytic Characterization of Synthetic K+ and Na+ Sodalite Phases by Low Temperature Alkali Fusion of Kaolinite during the Transesterification of Spent Cooking Oil: Kinetic and Thermodynamic Properties
Authors: Sayed Mohamed Adel , Ajarem Jamaan S. , Allam Ahmed A. , Abukhadra Mostafa R. , Luo Jianmin , Wang Chuanyi , Bellucci Stefano
Published: February 2023

The mineral raw Egyptian kaolinite was used as a precursor in the synthesis of two sodalite phases (sodium sodalite (Na.SD) and potassium sodalite (K.SD)) according to the low alkali fusion technique. The synthesized Na.SD phase demonstrates enhanced total basicity (6.3 mmol OH/g), surface area (232.4 m2/g), and ion exchange capacity (126.4 meq/100 g) compared to the K.SD phase (217.6 m2/g (surface area), 96.8 meq/100 g (ion exchange capacity), 5.4 mmol OH/g (total basicity). The catalytic performance of the two sodalite phases validates the higher activity of the sodium phase (Na.SD) than the potassium phase (K.SD). The application of Na.SD resulted in biodiesel yields of 97.3% and 96.4% after 90 min and 60 min, respectively, while the maximum yield using K.SD (95.7%) was detected after 75 min. Robust base-catalyzed reactions using Na.SD and K.SD as catalysts were suggested as part of an operated transesterification mechanism. Moreover, these reactions exhibit pseudo-first order kinetics, and the rate constant values were estimated with consideration of the change in temperature. The estimated activation energies of Na.SD (27.9 kJ.mol−1) and K.SD (28.27 kJ.mol−1) reflected the suitability of these catalysts to be applied effectively under mild conditions. The essential thermodynamic functions, such as Gibb’s free energy (65.16 kJ.mol−1 (Na.SD) and 65.26 kJ.mol−1 (K.SD)), enthalpy (25.23 kJ.mol−1 (Na.SD) and 25.55 kJ.mol−1 (K.SD)), and entropy (−197.7 J.K−1.mol−1 (Na.SD) and −197.8 J.K−1.mol−1 (K.SD)), display the endothermic and spontaneous nature of the two transesterification systems.
An Updated Review of Hypertrophic Scarring
Authors: Mony Manjula P. , Harmon Kelly A. , Hess Ryan , Dorafshar Amir H. , Shafikhani Sasha H.
Published: February 2023

Hypertrophic scarring (HTS) is an aberrant form of wound healing that is associated with excessive deposition of extracellular matrix and connective tissue at the site of injury. In this review article, we provide an overview of normal (acute) wound healing phases (hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling). We next discuss the dysregulated and/or impaired mechanisms in wound healing phases that are associated with HTS development. We next discuss the animal models of HTS and their limitations, and review the current and emerging treatments of HTS.
A Preliminary Longitudinal Study on Infant-Directed Speech (IDS) Components in the First Year of Life
Authors: Tenuta Flaviana , Marcone Roberto , Graziano Elvira , Craig Francesco , Romito Luciano , Costabile Angela
Published: February 2023

Infant-directed speech (IDS) is an essential factor of mother–infant interaction and facilitates early language processing and word learning during dyadic interactions. This study aimed to longitudinally investigate emotional and prosodic components of IDS in the first year of life by analyzing children’s responses to the different prosodic trends that mothers use during the observation of mother–child interactions. Seventeen mothers and infants were recruited for this study during their first hospitalization. The study involved observing communication changes in face-to-face interactions between the mother and child at three, six, and nine months after the child’s birth. We analyzed the relationship between gaze direction, smiling, speech speed, and clarity. The results showed that the IDS differs in production when compared to the age of the child; at only nine months, there is high intensity. The same is evident from the results related to the elocution velocity. The verbal sensitivity of the mother and the ability to tune in to the affective states of the child, especially at nine months, can predict the child’s understanding of future language.
Efficacy of a Task-Oriented Intervention for Children with a Dual Diagnosis of Specific Learning Disabilities and Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Pilot Study
Authors: Rameckers Eugène A. A. , Crafford Roche , Ferguson Gillian , Smits Engelsman Bouwien C. M.
Published: February 2023

Background: Task-oriented approaches are recommended for children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) to address deficits in motor performance and reduce activity limitations. Although this approach is used in several settings, the efficacy of these approaches in children with in dual-diagnosis of specific learning disabilities (SLD) and DCD is less widely known. This study aims to determine the effect of a group-based intervention based on neuromotor task training (NTT) principles on the motor performance of children aged 6–10 years with SLD/DCD. Methods: A pre-post-test controlled study design was conducted in children with a primary diagnosis of specific learning disabilities (SLD). DCD status was confirmed based on clinical assessment. Children scoring ≤16th percentile on the Motor Assessment Battery for Children 2nd Edition (MABC-2), who also presented with a functional motor problem, according to the MABC checklist were considered as having DCD. Children were allocated to the NTT intervention group based on teachers’ perceived notion of need and received two 45–60 min training sessions per week for nine weeks. Children allocated to the usual care (UC) group, received their planned occupational therapy and physical education. The MABC-2 was used to assess changes in motor performance. Outcome and Results: Our numbers confirm that it is crucial to identify the presence of motor coordination difficulties in children who have been diagnosed with SLD. A task-oriented training program based on NTT principles, presented in small groups, has a positive effect on the motor performance in learners with neurodevelopmental disorders and this effect was larger than in the usual care group. Conclusion and Implications: Although using a small group format in children with multiple neurodevelopmental disorders may be challenging for the therapists, it may be a way of delivering services to children in schools for special education. What this paper adds: Children with DCD plus LSD show improvement in their motor skills by performing group-based NTT in the school environment. Group-based NTT shows a significant improvement in the TSS score of the MABC-2 compared to usual care. Children with DCD plus SLD show equal effect sizes after NTT intervention as DCD without SLD.
Predictive BIM with Integrated Bayesian Inference of Deterioration Models as a Four-Dimensional Decision Support Tool
Authors: Morgenstern Hendrik , Raupach Michael
Published: February 2023

The durability of concrete structures is essential for reliable infrastructure. Although many deterioration models are available, they are rarely applied in situ. For existing structures in need of repair or durability assessment, this is also the case for Building Information Modeling (BIM). However, both BIM and durability modeling hold great potential to both minimize expended resources and maximize the reliability of structures. At the Institute for Building Materials Research (ibac) at RWTH Aachen University, a novel approach to the calibration of deterioration models using Bayesian inference iteratively in a BIM model enriched with machine-readable diagnosis data to achieve a predictive decision support tool is being developed. This paper demonstrates the digital workflow, validates the proposed approach, and expresses the added value for the planning of repair measures.
Projected Changes in Extreme Wet and Dry Conditions in Greece
Authors: Kostopoulou Effie , Giannakopoulos Christos
Published: February 2023

Earth’s changing climate may have different effects around the planet. Regional changes in temperature and precipitation extremes are associated with damaging natural hazards. Decreases in precipitation are expected to occur in some places at mid-latitudes, for instance the Mediterranean, which has been classified as a climate change hotspot. Droughts are among the most damaging natural hazards with severe consequences in the socio-economic sectors, the environment, and living beings. In contrast, extreme heavy precipitation events may become more frequent. This study aims to project changes in precipitation extremes and assess drought variability and change across Greece. A better knowledge of the potential changes in drought variability under climate change is vital for managing potential risks and impacts associated with dry conditions. The spatiotemporal characteristics of heavy precipitation and drought events in Greece are investigated using extreme precipitation indices such as consecutive wet/dry days, total wet-day precipitation, fraction of total wet-day rainfall, maximum daily precipitation, and heavy precipitation days. The standardized precipitation index and the standardized precipitation and evapotranspiration index are also calculated to assess seasonal dryness variability. The analysis is performed using a sub-set of high-resolution simulations from EURO-CORDEX, under two different representative concentration pathway scenarios. The results show that the region is subject to future dry conditions. Total annual precipitation is found to decrease in most of the country, with western and southern parts tending to be the most vulnerable areas. The annual precipitation is estimated to decrease by 5–20% and 5–25% (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 respectively) toward the period 2041–2070 and by 10–25% and 15–40% (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) toward 2071–2100. Drought-related indices reveal positive trends, particularly under the high greenhouse-gas emission scenario, with the number of consecutive dry days increasing by 20–50% and 40–80% (during 2041–2070 and 2071–2100, respectively). On the contrary, extreme precipitation events tend to decrease in the future.
Nutritional Composition of Six Amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus) Andean Varieties
Authors: Mérida-López Jenny , Pérez Sander Jonathan , Bergenståhl Björn , Purhagen Jeanette , Rojas Cinthia Carola
Published: February 2023

Amaranthus caudatus is a nutrient-rich Andean pseudocereal with wide genetic variability. Six productive varieties (Oscar Blanco, Pucara, Tomina, Cotahuasi, Barbechos, and Guindo Criollo) were compared by proximate, mineral, and fatty acid composition. The proximal content showed certain singularities in the varieties. Barbechos and Guindo Criollo stood out for their fat content (9.50% and 9.01%, respectively), while Tomina stood out for their carbohydrate content (72.6%), and Pucara and Oscar Blanco for their fiber content (4.59% and 4.48%, respectively). The mineral content presented differences, highlighting the Ca content for Pucara (108 mg/100 g), and Tomina with micro-minerals (Zn, Mn, Fe, and Cu, 4.67, 5.90, 9.13 and 1.03 mg/100 g, respectively). All varieties showed high tricosanic acid (C23:0) content, and Cotahuasi was highlighted for its high linoleic acid (C18:2) content. Multivariate analysis showed negative correlations between proteins and carbohydrates, and between fat and fiber in their proximal content, as well as between Fe and Na for their mineral content, and C18:1 and C18:2 for the fatty acids. Although certain differences were found, the total nutritional composition tended to have minor differences between the investigated varieties.
Mechanical, Electrical, and Glass Transition Behavior of Copper–PMMA Composites
Authors: Poblete Victor , Alvarez Mariela
Published: February 2023

The mechanical, electrical, and glass transition behaviors (Tg) of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)–metal systems have been studied. Considering both the particle size and the metal filler concentration, the electrical conductivity showed a clear dependence on the sample thickness to reach percolation. An increase of up to 400% of strain-to-failure for the 2% v/v of nanometric filler composites in the mechanical test was observed. Tg analysis showed a decrease in the glass transition temperature when the increase of nanometric metallic filler reached the limit of 2% v/v. Over this concentration, the Tg values showed a tendency to reach the original value of the polymeric matrix without conductive filler. For the 20% v/v micrometric filler composites, the strain-to-failure increased up to 58%, but in the Tg analysis of this composite, no relevant changes were observed when the micrometric metallic filler was increased.
Predictive Value of Inflammatory and Nutritional Indexes in the Pathology of Bladder Cancer Patients Treated with Radical Cystectomy
Authors: Prijovic Nebojsa , Acimovic Miodrag , Santric Veljko , Stankovic Branko , Nikic Predrag , Vukovic Ivan , Soldatovic Ivan , Nale Djordje , Kovacevic Luka , Nale Petar , Marinkovic Adrian , Babic Uros
Published: February 2023

In recent years, the focus of numerous studies has been the predictive value of inflammatory and nutritional parameters in oncology patients. The aim of our study was to examine the relationship between the inflammatory and nutritional parameters and the histopathological characteristics of patients with bladder cancer. A retrospective study included 491 patients who underwent radical cystectomy for bladder cancer between 2017 and 2021. We calculated the preoperative values of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (dNLR), the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), the systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI), the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), the prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI). Statistically significant positive correlations were observed between NLR, dNLR, SII, SIRI, and PLR and the pathological stage of the tumor. We observed statistically significant inverse correlations for LMR, PNI, and GNRI with the tumor stage. SIRI was identified as an independent predictor of the presence of LVI. dNLR was identified as an independent predictor of positive surgical margins. GNRI was identified as an independent predictor of the presence of metastases in the lymph nodes. We noticed the predictive value of SIRI, dNLR, and GNRI in the pathology of bladder cancer patients.
Replicate Studies Separated by 40 Years Reveal Changes in the Altitudinal Stratification of Montane Passalid Beetle Species (Passalidae) in Mesoamerica
Authors: Beza-Beza Cristian Fernando , Rivera Camilo , Pons Diego , McKenna Duane , Schuster Jack C.
Published: February 2023

Two patterns are apparent in the altitudinal distribution of Neotropical passalid beetles: (a) species that occur only in lowland forest habitats but have broad geographic distributions, and (b) montane endemic species with relatively limited distributions. The transition zone between these distributions in upper Mesoamerica occurs, on average, at approximately 1500 m above sea level (a.s.l.). We studied the altitudinal stratification of passalid beetle communities living on two volcanoes in Guatemala (Atitlan and Santa Maria), revisiting a study conducted in 1981 by MacVean and Schuster. We collected passalid beetles at the same study sites and compared the community composition along the altitudinal gradient. We collected all but one of the species reported by MacVean and Schuster and found three additional species. We observed two key differences in the passalid communities observed in 1981 versus the present: (a) for the Atitlan site, the species’ turnover line from lowland to montane species shifted from 1600 to 1800 m a.s.l.; and (b) in both volcanoes, we collected passalid beetles well above 2700 m a.s.l., which was the upper limit at which they were found in 1981. Both observations are consistent with a shift of the passalid beetle community to higher elevations, perhaps in response to changes in local climate/habitat conditions, including increased temperatures and changes in forest composition.
Pinus contorta Alters Microenvironmental Conditions and Reduces Plant Diversity in Patagonian Ecosystems
Authors: García Rafael A. , Fuentes-Lillo Eduardo , Cavieres Lohengrin , Cóbar-Carranza Ana J. , Davis Kimberley T. , Naour Matías , Núñez Martín A. , Maxwell Bruce D. , Lembrechts Jonas J. , Pauchard Aníbal
Published: February 2023

Pinus contorta is considered one of the most invasive tree species worldwide, generating significant impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems. In several Patagonian ecosystems in southern Chile, it has escaped from plantations established mainly in the 1970s, and is now invading both forests and treeless environments. In this study, we evaluated the impact of the invasion of P. contorta on microenvironmental conditions in Araucaria araucana forest and Patagonian steppe ecosystems, and assessed how these changes related to the richness and abundance of native and non-native plant species. In each ecosystem, 24 plots of 100 m2 were established along a gradient of P. contorta biomass, where 18 environmental variables and the composition of native and non-native vegetation were measured at a local scale. Our results indicated that increased pine biomass was associated with differences in microclimatic conditions (soil and air temperature, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), and soil moisture) and soil properties (potassium, nitrate, pH, and litter accumulation). These changes were ecosystem dependent, however, as well as associated with the level of invasion. Finally, the reduction in the richness and abundance of native plants was associated with the changes in soil properties (accumulation of leaf litter, pH, and organic matter) as well as in the microclimate (minimum air temperature, PAR) generated by the invasion of P. contorta. Overall, our results confirm that the invasion of P. contorta impacts microenvironmental conditions (i.e., canopy cover, litter accumulation, minimum air temperature, and maximum soil temperature) and reduces native plant diversity. For future restoration plans, more emphasis should be given to how environmental changes can influence the recovery of invaded ecosystems even after the removal of the living pine biomass (i.e., legacy of the invasion).
Characterization of Cow, Goat, and Water Buffalo Milk Fat Globule Lipids by High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography
Authors: Kapoor Ayushi , Verma Aparna , Ambatipudi Kiran
Published: February 2023

Ruminant milk is an essential part of the human diet and is widely accepted as a major nutrient source in developing countries. However, the polar and neutral lipid content variation in milk fat globules (MFG)among cow, goat, and water buffalo is poorly understood. This study used high-performance thin layer chromatography to identify and quantify five major polar (PL) and three neutral lipids (NL) from the MFG of cow, goat, and water buffalo. Optimal separation was achieved for PLs using chloroform: methanol: water (65:25:4), and hexane: diethyl ether: acetic acid (70:30:1) for NLs. The lower detectable (0.12 to 1.53 μg/mL) and quantification (0.12 to 1.53 μg/mL) limits indicated the high sensitivity of the method. Quantification at 540 nm showed the highest abundance of phosphatidylethanolamine and triglycerides. Fat globules were further characterized for size and microstructural properties, which revealed smaller globules in goats (0.99 ± 0.04 μm) than cows (1.85 ± 0.03 μm) and water buffaloes (2.91 ± 0.08 μm), indicating a negative correlation with PL but a positive correlation with NL. The variation in lipid quantity among different animal species suggests more research to support their selection as a suitable source for developing functional food to impact human health positively.
Subcapsular Biloma following Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography and Endoscopic Biliary Sphincterotomy: A Case Report with a Mini Review of Literature
Authors: Pentara Natalia Valeria , Ioannidis Aristidis , Tzikos Georgios , Kougias Leonidas , Karlafti Eleni , Chorti Angeliki , Tsalkatidou Despoina , Michalopoulos Antonios , Paramythiotis Daniel
Published: February 2023

A biloma is a loculated, extrahepatic, intra-abdominal bile collection. It is an unusual condition with an incidence of 0.3–2% and is usually a result of choledocholithiasis, iatrogenic injury or abdominal trauma causing disruption to the biliary tree. Rarely, it will occur spontaneously, resulting in spontaneous bile leak. We herein present a rare case of biloma as a complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). A 54-year-old patient experienced right upper quadrant discomfort, following ERCP, endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy and stenting for choledocholithiasis. Initial abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography revealed an intrahepatic collection. Percutaneous aspiration under ultrasound guidance of yellow-green fluid confirmed the diagnosis, indicated infection and contributed to effective management. Most likely, a distal branch of the biliary tree was injured during the insertion of the guidewire through the common bile duct. Magnetic resonance image/magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography contributed in the diagnosis of two seperate bilomas. Even though post ERCP biloma is an unusual complication, differential diagnosis of patients with right upper quadrant discomfort following an iatrogenic or traumatic event should always include biliary tree disruption. A combination of radiological imaging for diagnosis and minimal invasive technique to manage a biloma can prove to be successful.
Multi-Contrast Differentiation by Dual-Energy Spectral CT Angiography in a Patient with Pulmonary Barium Granulomas
Authors: D’Angelo Tommaso , Arico Francesco M. , Broccio Lydia , Ascenti Giorgio , Mazziotti Silvio , Booz Christian , Martin Simon S. , Yel Ibrahim , Lanzafame Ludovica R. M. , Blandino Alfredo , Sofia Carmelo
Published: February 2023

Barium inhalation usually relates to accidental aspiration during radiological procedures with an oral contrast agent. When present, barium lung deposits are visible as high-density opacities on chest X-ray or CT scan due to high atomic number, and they may be indistinguishable from calcifications. Dual-layer spectral CT has shown good material differentiation capabilities, due to its increased high-Z element range and smaller spectral separation between low- and high-energy spectral data. We present the case of a 17-year-old female with a history of tracheoesophageal fistula, who underwent chest CT angiography on a dual-layer spectral platform. Despite the close Z numbers and K-edge energy levels of the two different contrast materials, spectral CT was able to identify barium lung deposits from a previous swallowing study and to clearly distinguish them from calcium and the surrounding iodine-containing structures.
Recent Metal Nanotheranostics for Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy: A Review
Authors: Khorasani Amir , Shahbazi-Gahrouei Daryoush , Safari Arash
Published: February 2023

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in using nanoparticles in the medical sciences. Today, metal nanoparticles have many applications in medicine for tumor visualization, drug delivery, and early diagnosis, with different modalities such as X-ray imaging, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), etc., and treatment with radiation. This paper reviews recent findings of recent metal nanotheranostics in medical imaging and therapy. The study offers some critical insights into using different types of metal nanoparticles in medicine for cancer detection and treatment purposes. The data of this review study were gathered from multiple scientific citation websites such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up through the end of January 2023. In the literature, many metal nanoparticles are used for medical applications. However, due to their high abundance, low price, and high performance for visualization and treatment, nanoparticles such as gold, bismuth, tungsten, tantalum, ytterbium, gadolinium, silver, iron, platinum, and lead have been investigated in this review study. This paper has highlighted the importance of gold, gadolinium, and iron-based metal nanoparticles in different forms for tumor visualization and treatment in medical applications due to their ease of functionalization, low toxicity, and superior biocompatibility.
Defining Structural Cracks in Exterior Walls of Concrete Buildings Using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Woo Hyun-Jung , Hong Won-Hwa , Oh Jintak , Baek Seung-Chan
Published: February 2023

In Republic of Korea, cracks in concrete structures are considered to be objective structural defects, and the constant maintenance of deteriorating facilities leads to substantial social costs. Thus, it is important to develop technologies that enable economical and efficient building safety inspection. Recently, the application of UAVs and deep learning is attracting attention for efficient safety inspection. However, the currently developed technology has limitations in defining structural cracks that can seriously affect the stability of buildings. This study proposes a method to define structural cracks on the outer wall of a concrete building by merging the orthoimage layer and the structural drawing layer with the UAV and deep learning that were previously applied during a safety inspection. First, we acquired data from UAV-based aerial photography and detected cracks through deep learning. Structural and non-structural cracks were defined using detected crack layer, design drawing layer defined the structural part, and the orthoimage layer was based on UAV images. According to the analysis results, 116 structural parts cracks and 149 non-structural parts cracks were defined out of a total of 265 cracks. In the future, the proposed method is expected to greatly contribute to safety inspections by being able to determine the quality and risk of cracks.
Comparative Factors Influencing Entrepreneurial Skills Acquisition amongst Students in Rural Universities of Sub-Sahara Africa’s Developing Nations
Authors: Olumuyiwa Omotosho Ademola , Kimweli Kimanzi Matthew , Modise Motalenyane Alfred
Published: February 2023

The current wave of technological development globally necessitates certain entrepreneurial abilities for most professionals to succeed in the job market. This paper explores the factors influencing entrepreneurial skills acquisition amongst rural university students in Nigeria and South Africa. The strategic goal of setting up rural universities is to enhance the human capital of the host communities. As a result, an attempt is made to pinpoint challenges that stand in the way of achieving this objective. Data was gathered using a quantitative research methodology. A self-designed questionnaire was used to obtain primary data from 1088 randomly selected third-year students. The study’s outcome indicates that the acquisition of entrepreneurial competencies amongst undergraduates in the two higher education institutions was impacted by a number of similar factors, such as the university support system, campus entrepreneurial network, family background, availability of mentors, and entrepreneurship education curriculum. The study focuses on the necessity for universities to address skill shortages among undergraduates. Thus, the results could serve as a guide for policymakers on how to motivate rural university students to obtain globally relevant skills.
An Integrated Approach to Addictive Behaviors: A Study on Vulnerability and Maintenance Factors
Authors: Gori Alessio , Topino Eleonora , Cacioppo Marco , Craparo Giuseppe , Schimmenti Adriano , Caretti Vincenzo
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to explore the relationships among the variables involved in a Comprehensive Model of Addiction (CMA), which posits that the presence and severity of addictive behaviors are related to the configuration of seven psychological variables, namely childhood trauma, insecure attachment, affect dysregulation, dissociation, impulsivity, compulsiveness, and obsessiveness. A vulnerability model was proposed, in which it was suggested that affect dysregulation and complex trauma mediated the association between insecure attachment and dissociation. Furthermore, a maintenance model was elaborated, in which it was hypothesized that dissociation influenced affect dysregulation via impulsivity, compulsiveness, and obsessiveness. A clinical sample of 430 individuals with substance use disorder was involved. All participants received a DSM-5 clinical diagnosis of Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders and were recruited from the Italian National Health System. A parallel mediation emerged, confirming the vulnerability model, with complex trauma and affect dysregulation mediating the relationship between insecure attachment and dissociation. Furthermore, a mixed serial–parallel mediation described the maintenance model, where impulsiveness, compulsiveness, and obsessiveness significantly mediated the relationship between dissociation and affect dysregulation. Our findings offer a better understanding of the variables associated with addictive disorders, thus providing important indications for both treatment and preventive interventions.
Lane Line Detection and Object Scene Segmentation Using Otsu Thresholding and the Fast Hough Transform for Intelligent Vehicles in Complex Road Conditions
Authors: Javeed Muhammad Awais , Ghaffar Muhammad Arslan , Ashraf Muhammad Awais , Zubair Nimra , Metwally Ahmed Sayed M. , Tag-Eldin Elsayed M. , Bocchetta Patrizia , Javed Muhammad Sufyan , Jiang Xingfang
Published: February 2023

An Otsu-threshold- and Canny-edge-detection-based fast Hough transform (FHT) approach to lane detection was proposed to improve the accuracy of lane detection for autonomous vehicle driving. During the last two decades, autonomous vehicles have become very popular, and it is constructive to avoid traffic accidents due to human mistakes. The new generation needs automatic vehicle intelligence. One of the essential functions of a cutting-edge automobile system is lane detection. This study recommended the idea of lane detection through improved (extended) Canny edge detection using a fast Hough transform. The Gaussian blur filter was used to smooth out the image and reduce noise, which could help to improve the edge detection accuracy. An edge detection operator known as the Sobel operator calculated the gradient of the image intensity to identify edges in an image using a convolutional kernel. These techniques were applied in the initial lane detection module to enhance the characteristics of the road lanes, making it easier to detect them in the image. The Hough transform was then used to identify the routes based on the mathematical relationship between the lanes and the vehicle. It did this by converting the image into a polar coordinate system and looking for lines within a specific range of contrasting points. This allowed the algorithm to distinguish between the lanes and other features in the image. After this, the Hough transform was used for lane detection, making it possible to distinguish between left and right lane marking detection extraction; the region of interest (ROI) must be extracted for traditional approaches to work effectively and easily. The proposed methodology was tested on several image sequences. The least-squares fitting in this region was then used to track the lane. The proposed system demonstrated high lane detection in experiments, demonstrating that the identification method performed well regarding reasoning speed and identification accuracy, which considered both accuracy and real-time processing and could satisfy the requirements of lane recognition for lightweight automatic driving systems.
Wavelet Analysis to Detect Ground Faults in Electrical Power Systems with Full Penetration of Converter Interface Generation
Authors: Azuara Grande Luis Santiago , Granizo Ricardo , Arnaltes Santiago
Published: February 2023

The requirements for the increased penetration of renewable energy sources in electrical power systems have led to a dominance of power electronic interfaces. As a result, short-circuit currents have been reduced by the thermal limitations of power electronics, leading to problems associated with the sensitivity, selectivity, and reliability of protective relays. Although many solutions can be found in the literature, these depend on communications and are not reliable in all grid topologies or under different types of electrical fault. Hence, in this paper, the analysis of ground fault currents and voltages using a wavelet transform in combination with a new algorithm not only detects such ground faults but also allows them to be cleared quickly and selectively in scenarios with low fault current contribution due to a full penetration converter-interface-based generation. To verify and validate the proposed protection system, different ground faults are simulated using an arc ground fault model in a grid scheme based on the IEEE nine-bus standard test system, with only grid-forming power converters as generation sources. The test system is modelled in the MATLAB/Simulink environment. Therefore, the protection relays that verify all the steps established in the new algorithm can detect and clear any ground defect. Simulations are also presented involving different fault locations to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed ground fault protection method.
Numerical Investigation with Experimental Validation of Heat and Mass Transfer during Evaporation in the Porous Wick within a Loop Heat Pipe
Authors: Zheng Suzheng , Lin Binyao , Zhao Chenyang , Zhou Xue , Li Nanxi , Dong Deping
Published: February 2023

The heat transfer performance of the evaporator significantly affects the heat transfer capacity of the loop heat pipe (LHP). The vapor blanket can be formed once the vapor penetrates the wick especially at high heat flux, resulting in an unsaturated state of the wick and deteriorating the evaporator performance. It is crucial to understand the liquid–vapor behavior for enhancing the LHP performance by investigating the fundamental heat and mass transfer in the wick with phase-change. However, previous modeling studies only considered a single-phase flow or complete saturation in the wick, and the capillary effect on the fluid states was rarely taken into account. The present work developed two mathematical models based on the assumptions of saturated and unsaturated wicks. The fluid states were analyzed at the liquid–vapor interface under the consideration of the capillary effect, and a pore-scale evaporation model was applied to study the phase change behavior and interfacial heat and mass transfer. The relative permeability was introduced to describe the two-phase flow in the porous wick, and the capillary force was modeled as a function of the local saturation in the two-phase region. The temperature results calculated by the models were compared with the experimental results, and the assumption that the vapor penetration leads to deterioration of evaporator performance at high heat flux was validated. Vapor blanket thickness can be estimated through the saturation profile, which provides a simple and effective method. It was also found that the capillary number ω was the key factor affecting the thickness of the vapor blanket. The greater the ω, the faster the vapor blanket thickness increases.
Data-Driven Prediction of Unsteady Vortex Phenomena in a Conical Diffuser
Authors: Skripkin Sergey , Suslov Daniil , Plokhikh Ivan , Tsoy Mikhail , Gorelikov Evgeny , Litvinov Ivan
Published: February 2023

The application of machine learning to solve engineering problems is in extremely high demand. This article proposes a tool that employs machine learning algorithms for predicting the frequency response of an unsteady vortex phenomenon, the precessing vortex core (PVC), occurring in a conical diffuser behind a radial swirler. The model input parameters are the two components of the time-averaged velocity profile at the cone diffuser inlet. An empirical database was obtained using a fully automated experiment. The database associates multiple inlet velocity profiles with pressure pulsations measured in the cone diffuser, which are caused by the PVC in the swirling flow. In total, over 103 different flow regimes were measured by varying the swirl number and the cone angle of the diffuser. Pressure pulsations induced by the PVC were detected using two pressure fluctuations sensors residing on opposite sides of the conical diffuser. A classifier was constructed using the Linear Support Vector Classification (Linear SVC) model and the experimental data. The classifier based on the average velocity profiles at the cone diffuser inlet allows one to predict the emergence of the PVC with high accuracy (99%). By training a regression artificial neural network, the frequency response of the flow was predicted with an error of no more than 1.01 and 5.4% for the frequency and power of pressure pulsations, respectively.
Characteristic Features of Heat Transfer in the Course of Decay of Unstable Binary Mixture
Authors: Igolnikov Alexander , Skripov Pavel
Published: February 2023

This article is devoted to the study of the phenomenon of superheating of partially miscible mixtures having a lower critical solution temperature and the thermal effect accompanying the relaxation of an unstable mixture, within the framework of the problem of high-density heat flux removal. The study was carried out by using the method of the controlled pulse heating of a platinum wire probe. The characteristic heating time was from 0.2 to 180 ms. The superheating degree of the mixture relative to the diffusion spinodal exceeded 100 K. The heat flux density from the heater surface reached 13.7 MW/m2. The object of research was an aqueous solution of polypropylene glycol-425 (PPG-425). The obtained results clearly indicate that such mixtures can be used as coolants in processes where the possibility of powerful local heat release cannot be excluded. They also form the basis for expanding the phase diagram by involving in the study not-fully-stable and unstable states of the mixture.
LIRNet: A Lightweight Inception Residual Convolutional Network for Solar Panel Defect Classification
Authors: Lee Shih-Hsiung , Yan Ling-Cheng , Yang Chu-Sing
Published: February 2023

Solar-cell panels use sunlight as a source of energy to generate electricity. However, the performances of solar panels decline when they degrade, owing to defects. Some common defects in solar-cell panels include hot spots, cracking, and dust. Hence, it is important to efficiently detect defects in solar-cell panels and repair them. In this study, we propose a lightweight inception residual convolutional network (LIRNet) to detect defects in solar-cell panels. LIRNet is a neural network model that utilizes deep learning techniques. To achieve high model performance on solar panels, including high fault detection accuracy and processing speed, LIRNet draws on hierarchical learning, which is a two-phase solar-panel-defect classification method. The first phase is the data-preprocessing stage. We use the K-means clustering algorithm to refine the dataset. The second phase is the training of the model. We designed a powerful and lightweight neural network model to enhance accuracy and speed up the training time. In the experiment, LIRNet improved the accuracy by approximately 8% and performed ten times faster than EfficientNet.
Water Influx Impact on Oil Production in Hamzeh Oil Reservoir in Northeastern Jordan: Case Study
Authors: Al-Mahasneh Mehaysen , Al-Khasawneh Hussam Elddin , Al-Zboon Kamel , Al-Mahasneh Marwan , Aljarrah Ali
Published: February 2023

This paper was conducted to delimit the water influx in the Hamzeh oil reservoir, located in northeastern Jordan approximately 150 km east of Amman. Petroleum reservoirs are frequently encompassed by water aquifers that back up the reservoir pressure through water inflow. When the pressure declines in a petroleum reservoir, the water aquifer responds by providing an influx of water. Gradually, the damage is reduced and then eliminated, and more oil is produced from the reservoir. The material balance equation (MBE) is used as the fundamental method for this study, predicting reservoir performance for a period of 11 years. The results for this study prove that the reservoir has a water drive mechanism and that the original oil in place (OOIP) was 24,958,290 m3. The projected oil recovery factor ranges from 10.9 to 25 percent for the Hummar and Shueib formations, respectively, depending on the areal efficiency assumed in the calculations. The water influx for the 11-year period was predicted by an MBE, an unsteady-state model, and the results of the performance reservoir.
The Production of Isophorone
Authors: Ruther Timm , Müller Marc-André , Bonrath Werner , Eisenacher Matthias
Published: February 2023

Isophorone is a technically important compound used as a high-boiling-point solvent for coatings, adhesives, etc., and it is used as a starting material for various valuable compounds, including isophorone diisocyanate, a precursor for polyurethanes. For over 80 years, isophorone has been synthesized via base-catalyzed self-condensation of acetone. This reaction has a complex reaction mechanism with numerous possible reaction steps including the formation of isophorone, triacetone dialcohol, and ketonic resins. This review provides an overview of the different production processes of isophorone in liquid- and vapor-phase and reviews the literature-reported selectivity toward isophorone achieved using different reaction parameters and catalysts.
Presentation and Diagnosis of Pediatric X-Linked Hypophosphatemia
Authors: Ikegawa Kento , Hasegawa Yukihiro
Published: February 2023

X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is a rare type of hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets. Patients with XLH have various symptoms that lower their QOL as defined by HAQ, RAPID3, SF36-PCS, and SF36-MCS in adult patients and SF-10 and PDCOI in pediatric patients. Early diagnosis and treatment are needed to reduce the burden, but the condition is often diagnosed late in childhood. The present review aims to summarize the symptoms, radiological and biological characteristics, and long-term prognosis of pediatric XLH. Typical symptoms of XLH are lower leg deformities (age six months or later), growth impairment (first year of life or later), and delayed gross motor development with progressive lower limb deformities (second year of life or later). Other symptoms include dental abscess, bone pain, hearing impairment, and Chiari type 1 malformation. Critical, radiological findings of rickets are metaphyseal widening, cupping, and fraying, which tend to occur in the load-bearing bones. The Rickets Severity Score, validated for XLH, is useful for assessing the severity of rickets. The biochemical features of XLH include elevated FGF23, hypophosphatemia, low 1,25(OH)2D, and elevated urine phosphate. Renal phosphate wasting can be assessed using the tubular maximum reabsorption of phosphate per glomerular filtration rate (TmP/GFR), which yields low values in patients with XLH. XLH should be diagnosed early because the multisystem symptoms often worsen over time. The present review aims to help physicians diagnose XLH at an early stage.
Valorization of Wood-Based Waste from Grapevine
Authors: Čabalová Iveta , Krilek Jozef , Kačík František , Lagaňa Rastislav , Jurczyková Tereza
Published: February 2023

This article deals with the possibility of valorizing wood waste from grapevine cultivation of the varieties Pesecká leánka (white graft) and Frankovka modrá (red graft), grown in Slovakia. From the point of view of chemical composition, two methods (water and ethyl alcohol) were performed for the determination of extractives, acid-insoluble (Klason) lignin, and structural carbohydrates, and FTIR spectra of the grape samples were recorded. Mechanical strength, compression test parallel to the grain, and morphological properties (fiber length, width, and shape factor using a fiber tester) were carried out. The energy potential of grapevines was evaluated by determining the calorific value. According to the results, the relatively high content of carbohydrates (54.19%–55.27%) provides a prerequisite for acid or enzymatic hydrolysis to produce monosaccharides or second-generation bioethanol. FTIR spectra confirmed the higher content of lignin and cellulose in red grapes. The compression strength of grape cuttings (37.34 MPa—red; 32.34 MPa—white) was comparable to the strength of softwood species; hence, these wastes can be used for particleboard or fiberboard production. Average fiber length is comparable to non-wood species; thus, grape cutting can be used for pulp and paper production. The calorific value of grape cuttings ranged from 18.68 MJ·kg−1 (white) to 18.91 MJ·kg−1 (red), with pellets having 16.96 MJ·kg−1. The energetic potential of grape cuttings was comparable to that of other wooden materials; on the other hand, the ash content of pellets from grape cuttings (10.54%) greatly exceeded the limit given by the EN ISO 17225-1 standard, which is a significant disadvantage to pellets used for heating.