bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Nitrogen Partial Pressure on the Structural, Mechanical, and Electrical Properties of (CrHfNbTaTiVZr)N Coatings Deposited by Reactive Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Tsai Du-Cheng , Chen Erh-Chiang , Chang Zue-Chin , Shieu Fuh-Sheng
Published: March 2022

Multi-element (CrHfNbTaTiVZr)N coatings were prepared through the magnetron sputtering of an equimolar CrHfNbTaTiVZr alloy target. This study determined the influences of N2-to-total (N2 + Ar) ratios (RN) on the composition, structure, mechanical properties, and electrical performance of the coatings. Coating thickness decreased from 898 nm to 128 nm with increasing RN from 0% to 100%. The alloy coating has bundles of fibrous structures with remarkable void boundaries. The coating changed from amorphous phase to face-centered cubic (FCC) phase with (111) preferred orientation, then to FCC phase with (200) preferred orientation, and finally to near-amorphous phase as RN increased from 0% to 100%. The microstructure of the nitride coatings transformed from a columnar structure with rough faceted tops and void boundaries into a dense and small structure with smooth domed tops. The grain size of the nitride coatings also decreased with RN. Accordingly, the electrical performance at high RN was poor. The nitride coating deposited at RN = 60% had the highest hardness of 16.6 GPa and the lowest friction coefficient of 0.52, owing to structural densification and grain refinement.
Platycodin D Alleviates High-Glucose-Aggravated Inflammatory Responses in Oral Mucosal Cells by PI3K/mTOR Pathway
Authors: Liu Bincheng , Huang Yisheng , Liu Zhongjun , Li Dongjian , Dao Junfeng
Published: March 2022

Oral mucosal diseases account for an increasing proportion of hμMan diseases. Among the many common risk factors that cause oral diseases and systemic diseases, dietary factors, especially high sugar, are particularly prominent. Exhibiting therapeutic potential in treating certain inflammation-related diseases, platycodin D (PD) has been known to possess anti-inflammatory benefits in cases of cytokine-induced inflammation, a fact that has been widely docμMented. However, there are few studies about PD in the oral mucosal disease. Investigating the effect of PD on high-glucose (HG)-induced inflammatory responses in oral mucosal cells was the endeavor of this study. The results revealed that HG induced cell mortality, promoted activity of inflammatory factor (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8), and increased ROS production in oral mucosal cells. Interestingly, PD obviously alleviated HG-induced oral mucosal cells inflammatory response. Simultaneously, the expressions of PI3K and mTOR were inhibited by PD. In addition, the activation of PI3K and mTOR decreased the protective effect of PD on oral mucosal cells. To conclude, the PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway was found to be inactivated, thereby restraining the activation of the full immune cell by inhibition of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, as revealed by the results indicating the prevention of the HG-induced inflammation response by PD.
Preparation and Luminescence Properties of PVDF/ZnS:Mn Flexible Thin-Film Sensors
Authors: Chen Caifeng , Zhu Jing , Zhang Youming , Wang Andong
Published: March 2022

Flexible luminescent thin-film sensors have attracted widespread attention for their potential applications in biomedical detection, structural health detection, and smart wear. In this work, PVDF/ZnS:Mn flexible luminescent thin-film sensors were fabricated using electro-assisted 3D-printing techniques. The interaction and influence of PVDF thin film and ZnS:Mn were studied. The mechanism through which the PVDF matrix and ZnS:Mn particles affects the luminescence of the flexible thin-film sensor were investigated. The results demonstrate that the ZnS:Mn luminescent particles in PVDF thin films can promote the formation of the β-phase in the PVDF thin films. The mechano-luminesce spectra of the PVDF/ZnS:Mn composite thin film is consistent with the photoluminescence spectra, both of which exhibit yellow light with a wavelength of 580 nm. Mn entering the ZnS lattice increases the number of effective luminescent centres. Because of the double piezoelectric field, when the Mn content of ZnS:Mn is 4 at.% and PVDF films contain 3 wt.% ZnS:Mn particles, the PVDF/ZnS:Mn flexible thin-film sensors demonstrate excellent mechano-luminescence performance.
Proposed Methods for Testing and Comparing the Emulsifying Properties of Proteins from Animal, Plant, and Alternative Sources
Authors: McClements David Julian , Lu Jiakai , Grossmann Lutz
Published: March 2022

The food industry is trying to reformulate many of its products to replace functional ingredients that are chemically synthesized or isolated from animal sources (such as meat, fish, eggs, or milk) with ingredients derived from plant or microbial sources. This effort is largely a result of the demand for foods that are better for the environment, human health, and animal welfare. Many new kinds of plant- or microbial-derived proteins are being isolated for potential utilization as functional ingredients by the food industry. A major challenge in this area is the lack of standardized methods to measure and compare the functional performance of proteins under conditions they might be used in food applications. This information is required to select the most appropriate protein for each application. In this article, we discuss the physicochemical principles of emulsifier functionality and then present a series of analytical tests that can be used to quantify the ability of proteins to form and stabilize emulsions. These tests include methods for characterizing the effectiveness of the proteins to promote the formation and stability of the small droplets generated during homogenization, as well as their ability to stabilize the droplets against aggregation under different conditions (e.g., pH, ionic composition, temperature, and shearing). This information should be useful to the food industry when it is trying to identify alternative proteins to replace existing emulsifiers in specific food applications.
Attention Classification Based on Biosignals during Standard Cognitive Tasks for Occupational Domains
Authors: Gamboa Patricia , Varandas Rui , Rodrigues João , Cepeda Cátia , Quaresma Cláudia , Gamboa Hugo
Published: March 2022

Occupational disorders considerably impact workers’ quality of life and organizational productivity, and even affect mortality worldwide. Such health issues are related to mental health and ergonomics risk factors. In particular, mental health may be affected by cognitive strain caused by unexpected interruptions and other attention compromising factors. Risk factors assessment associated with cognitive strain in office environments, namely related to attention states, still suffers from the lack of scientifically validated tools. In this work, we aim to develop a series of classification models that can classify attention during pre-defined cognitive tasks based on the acquisition of biosignals to create a ground truth of attention. Biosignals, such as electrocardiography, electroencephalography, and functional near-infrared spectroscopy, were acquired from eight subjects during standard cognitive tasks inducing attention. Individually tuned machine learning models trained with those biosignals allowed us to successfully detect attention on the individual level, with results in the range of 70–80%. The electroencephalogram and electrocardiogram were revealed to be the most appropriate sensors in this context, and the combination of multiple sensors demonstrated the importance of using multiple sources. These models prove to be relevant for the development of attention identification tools by providing ground truth to determine which human–computer interaction variables have strong associations with attention.
A Study on Apatite from Mesozoic Alkaline Intrusive Complexes, Central High Atlas, Morocco
Authors: Yuan Pengyu , Xu Bo , Wang Zixuan , Liu Daiyue
Published: March 2022

There are abundant phosphate mines in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Gem-quality apatite is produced at the Anemzi deposit, but its associated gem mineralogy is relatively poorly studied. In this study, apatite from the Anemzi mine in Morocco was analysed using standard gemmological characterisation methods, including basic tests (hardness, relative density, microscopy, etc.), spectroscopic tests (infrared, Raman, and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy), and chemical analyses (electron probe and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry). This paper explores the gemmological characteristics of Moroccan apatites and the information on diagenesis recorded for apatites by comparing them with apatites from other sources. Apatite from the Anemzi deposit is an igneous fluorapatite. The relatively high Cl content of the apatite suggests that the magma in the area has a high Cl content, whereas the high Cl/F ratio may indicate that the deposit formed in a slab subduction environment. The characteristics of the major and trace elements indicate high oxygen and sulphur escapes in the apatite-forming magma.
Biogeography and Diversification of Bumblebees (Hymenoptera: Apidae), with Emphasis on Neotropical Species
Authors: Santos Júnior José Eustáquio , Williams Paul H. , Dias Cayo A. Rocha , Silveira Fernando A. , Faux Pierre , Coimbra Raphael T. F. , Campos Davidson P. , Santos Fabrício Rodrigues
Published: March 2022

A detailed phylogeny of bumblebees is urgently needed to understand speciation and biogeographic diversification in the Neotropical region. We sequenced autosomal and mtDNA loci from nine Brazilian bumblebee species and compiled it with the data already available to obtain highly resolved phylogenetic trees with fossil-calibrated dates. The ancestral Bombus lineage was estimated to diversify between 47.08 and 34.27 million years ago (Ma) in the Holarctic region, but largely restricted to the eastern Old World. The Neotropical region was initially colonized in the Late Miocene, where bumblebee diversification was shown to be consistent with geologic and climatic events of the Late Cenozoic. Neotropical bumblebees likely originated from Nearctic lineages, which dispersed towards South America after 29 Ma.
A Case of Adult-Onset Eccrine Angiomatous Hamartoma—The Comparison with Epithelioid Hemangioma
Authors: Nishimura Mai , Matsushima Yoshiaki , Nakai Yasuo , Habe Koji , Hayashi Akinobu , Yamanaka Keiichi
Published: March 2022

Eccrine angiomatous hamartoma (EAH) is a relatively rare benign skin disease characterized by the proliferation of eccrine sweat glands associated with capillary hemangioma and the proliferation of other skin elements such as adipose tissue, hair, and epidermis. The onset of the disease is usually at birth or in childhood and tends to occur in the extremities of females, but it occurred in an adult male in this case. The patient was a 72-year-old man with a 12 × 12 mm light brown, elastic, slightly firm skin nodule on the flexor aspect of his right forearm. A biopsy revealed enlargement of blood vessels, sweat glands, sweat ducts, and erector spongiosum with both lumen dilation and narrowing, leading to the diagnosis of EAH. The histopathological features of EAH include a marked proliferation of microvessels, epithelial-like changes in vascular endothelial cells (such as enlarged nuclei), and infiltration of inflammatory cells, mainly lymphocytes and plasma cells. In adult-onset cases, EAH can be clinically difficult to distinguish from epithelioid hemangioma (EH), which differs in the predominance of microvascular proliferation and the presence of eosinophils in the infiltrating inflammatory cells. It can also be distinguished from EAH by the negative results of S100 and anti-EMA in immunohistological staining. In the current cases, we were able to differentiate the two cases from characteristic findings on HE staining.
Multiple Faces of Cervical Lesions in Children
Authors: Moisa Stefana Maria , Andrei Nicolau , Balcan Raluca-Daniela , Miron Ingrith , Țarcă Elena , Butnariu Lăcrămioara , Cojocaru Elena , Leon-Constantin Maria Magdalena , Budacu Cristian Constantin , Trandafir Laura Mihaela
Published: March 2022

Pediatric sialolithiasis is a rare condition causing tumefaction, induration, redness, and pain of the affected gland. When the submandibular gland is involved, the lesion can be mistaken for an adenopathy. As there are few studies to elucidate this condition in children, we present a rare case of a 16-year-old female with suggestive symptoms, in which initial clinical examination and two ultrasound examinations mistook the lesion for an adenopathy. A computed tomography examination was performed and the correct diagnosis was established. The patient was sent for oro-maxilo-facial examination and sialolithotomy was performed. A 10-mm yellow calculus was extracted and postoperative case evolution was favorable under wide spectrum antibiotherapy, oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory therapy and silagog alimentation. Although submandibular adenopathies are much more frequent in the pediatric age group, when faced with a firm, immobile submandibular lesion, the pediatrician should consider the sialolithiasis diagnosis.
An Embedded System Using Convolutional Neural Network Model for Online and Real-Time ECG Signal Classification and Prediction
Authors: Caesarendra Wahyu , Hishamuddin Taufiq Aiman , Lai Daphne Teck Ching , Husaini Asmah , Nurhasanah Lisa , Glowacz Adam , Alfarisy Gusti Ahmad Fanshuri
Published: March 2022

This paper presents an automatic ECG signal classification system that applied the Deep Learning (DL) model to classify four types of ECG signals. In the first part of our work, we present the model development. Four different classes of ECG signals from the PhysioNet open-source database were selected and used. This preliminary study used a Deep Learning (DL) technique namely Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to classify and predict the ECG signals from four different classes: normal, sudden death, arrhythmia, and supraventricular arrhythmia. The classification and prediction process includes pulse extraction, image reshaping, training dataset, and testing process. In general, the training accuracy achieved up to 95% after 100 epochs. However, the prediction of each ECG single type shows a differentiation. Among the four classes, the results show that the predictions for sudden death ECG waveforms are the highest, i.e., 80 out of 80 samples are correct (100% accuracy). In contrast, the lowest is the prediction for normal sinus ECG waveforms, i.e., 74 out of 80 samples are correct (92.5% accuracy). This is due to the image features of normal sinus ECG waveforms being almost similar to the image features of supraventricular arrhythmia ECG waveforms. However, the model has been tuned to achieve an optimal prediction. In the second part, we presented the hardware implementation with the predictive model embedded in an NVIDIA Jetson Nanoprocessor for the online and real-time classification of ECG waveforms.
How Effective Are Macroprudential Policy Instruments? Evidence from Turkey
Authors: Çelik Mahmut , Oğuş Binatlı Ayla
Published: March 2022

This study provides an empirical analysis of the two macroprudential instruments, namely the reserve option mechanism and the interest rate corridor, employed by the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey in the aftermath of the global financial crisis. A nine-variable structural vector autoregressive model for Turkey is estimated with Bayesian techniques utilising data from October 2010 to May 2018. A set of timing, zero and sign restrictions are imposed to identify the reserve requirement and the interest rate shocks through the bank lending channel. The results reveal that the new policy frame is efficient in curbing the volatility in the exchange rates and in improving the current account balance. While the reserve requirements seem to be more effective on the current account and partly on the exchange rate, the interest rate fares better in controlling the price level.
New Decade, Same Concerns: A Systematic Review of Agricultural Literacy of School Students
Authors: Cosby Amy , Manning Jaime , Power Deborah , Harreveld Bobby
Published: March 2022

In this new decade of the twenty-first century, research reports the same concerns about agricultural literacy in primary and high school students globally. A systematic review of agricultural literacy studies published between 2000 and 2020 which assess the agricultural literacy of the target population; evaluated an agricultural education program or curriculum; or developed instruments to measure agricultural literacy was conducted. The review method followed an internationally recognized protocol for selecting, screening, analyzing, and reporting outcomes. Results found that definitions of agricultural literacy have evolved from an awareness to a measure of a deeper understanding developed throughout the years of formal schooling by both formal and informal education and experiences. Informal agricultural knowledge may be gained through numerous sources and misconceptions are apparent even among those with informal familial knowledge networks. Developing agricultural literacy in school-aged children through formal education is critical. Recommendations offer innovative ways of developing agriculturally literate young people that can be used to design, deliver and evaluate programs which aim to increase the agricultural literacy of primary and secondary students across the globe.
A Novel Low-Power High-Precision Implementation for Sign–Magnitude DLMS Adaptive Filters
Authors: Di Meo Gennaro , De Caro Davide , Petra Nicola , Strollo Antonio G. M.
Published: March 2022

This paper investigates the use of approximate fixed-width and static segment multipliers in the design of Delayed Least Mean Square (DLMS) adaptive filters based on the sign–magnitude representation for the error signal. The fixed-width approximation discards part of the partial product matrix and introduces a compensation function for minimizing the approximation error, whereas the static segmented multipliers reduce the bit-width of the multiplicands at runtime. The use of sign–magnitude representation for the error signal reduces the switching activity in the filter learning section, minimizing power dissipation. Simulation results reveal that, by properly sizing the two approaches, a steady state mean square error practically unchanged with respect to the exact DLMS can be achieved. The hardware syntheses in a 28 nm CMOS technology reveal that the static segmented multipliers perform better in the learning section of the filter and are the most efficient approach to reduce area occupation, while the fixed-width multipliers offer the best performances in the finite impulse response section and provide the lowest power dissipation. The investigated adaptive filters overcome the state-of-the-art, exhibiting an area and power reduction with respect to the standard implementation up to −18.0% and −64.1%, respectively, while preserving the learning capabilities.
Model Reference Adaptive Control of Marine Permanent Magnet Propulsion Motor Based on Parameter Identification
Authors: Huang Yubo , Zhang Jundong , Chen Dong , Qi Jiahao
Published: March 2022

Marine permanent magnet synchronous propulsion motors have problems, such as low reliability and difficult maintenance in the traditional control. In this paper, a sensorless control system for a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) based on parameter identification is proposed. According to the mathematical model of the motor in the two-phase synchronous rotating coordinate system, a model reference adaptation system (MRAS) is used to estimate the rotor speed and rotor position of the motor. Because the MRAS is highly dependent on the motor parameters, and they will change with the environment, working state, etc., the Adaline neural network is used to identify the motor parameters online, and then the model parameters in the MRAS are corrected. The simulation results show that the combined control system can reduce the estimated error of the rotor speed by about 50% compared with the traditional method, and reduces the rotor position angle estimation error by 96%. It shows that the combined system can accurately estimate the rotational speed and rotor position of the motor, and it has high identification accuracy for the motor parameters.
An Efficient Recursive Multibeam Pattern Subtraction (MPS) Beamformer for Planar Antenna Arrays Optimization
Authors: Albagory Yasser , Alraddady Fahad
Published: March 2022

In this paper, a new beamforming technique for planar two-dimensional arrays is proposed for optimizing the sidelobe levels (SLLs) by using recursive multibeam pattern subtraction (MPS) technique. The proposed MPS beamformer is demonstrated and its convergence to lower SLL values is investigated and controlled. The performance analysis has shown that the proposed MPS beamformer can effectively reduce the SLL down to less than −50 dB relative to the mainlobe level utilizing the major sidelobes information in the radiation pattern. In addition, the proposed MPS beamformer can be applied to any planar array geometry such as rounded corners rectangular arrays provided that the original array pattern contains sidelobe peaks. The comparison with recent related techniques has shown that the proposed beamformer provides faster convergence time. On the other hand, the proposed technique provides lower sidelobe levels which cannot be achieved by efficient tapering windows for planar two-dimensional arrays. Finally, the scanning performance of the proposed MPS beamformer is demonstrated and the simulation results show solid and consistent SLL levels over the whole angular range from the broadside to endfire directions of the array.
The Design Considerations and Challenges in MOS-Based Temperature Sensors: A Review
Authors: Xie Shuang
Published: March 2022

This review paper categorizes the state-of-the-art MOS (metal oxide semiconductor)-based temperature sensors according to their thermal sensing principles, including: type I, the logic, saturation and linear MOS-based temperature sensors; type II, the subthreshold MOS-based temperature sensors; and type III, the gate leakage-based temperature sensors. It also discusses in detail the design considerations and challenges of MOS-based temperature sensors, in terms of area, energy efficiency, supply voltage, inaccuracy, noise, as well as process and power supply variations. Based on the aforementioned discussions, the paper concludes that the future MOS-based temperature sensors will mostly likely be based on subthreshold MOS operation, with better trade-offs between area, energy efficiency and accuracy, and with reduced power supply sensitivity and level, as well as a lower-cost, fewer-point calibration method.
A Low-Complexity Detector for Uplink SCMA by Exploiting Dynamical Superior User Removal Algorithm
Authors: Li Shufeng , Feng Yuwei , Sun Yao , Xia Zhiping
Published: March 2022

Sparse Code Multiple Access (SCMA) is capable of ameliorating the performance of wireless communication systems for massive connectivity. The sparsity of the codeword allows SCMA to employ the message-passing algorithm (MPA) at the receiver to address the connection overload. The detection complexity of traditional MPA, on the other hand, is exponentially exploding with the increasing number of connected devices. In this paper, a low-complexity MPA scheme is developed with the threshold and dynamical user removal algorithm (TB-RMPA) based on shuffled MPA (SMPA). By introducing the concept of Iterative Elimination of Dominated Strategies (IEDS) in game theory, a novel method of assigning different dominance levels to users is proposed hereby, and a threshold criterion is discussed to judge the reliability of user decoding. Inspired by this, users with reliable decoding in the iterative process will be dynamically eliminated in each iteration. The numerical analysis revealed that the new TB-RMPA detector’s implementation complexity decreases significantly compared with SMPA, while the symbol error ratio performance degrades unnoticeably.
A Fault Detection Method of IGBT Bond Wire Fatigue Based on the Reduction of Measured Heatsink Thermal Resistance
Authors: Luo Dan , Chen Minyou , Lai Wei , Xia Hongjian , Deng Zhenyu , Wang Zhi , Yu Kai
Published: March 2022

Bond wire lift-off is one of the major failure mechanisms in the insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) modules. Detecting the fault of bond wires is important to avoid the open-circuit fault of IGBT to ensure the reliable operation of power converters. In this paper, we propose a novel bond wire fatigue detection method for IGBT, which could be used in normal working conditions. Firstly, we investigated the dependence of bond wire fatigue on heatsink thermal resistance. An aging rate K was proposed to compare the measured thermal resistance with the initial value, which could indicate the bond wire fatigue. Then, this proposed method was verified by simulation and experimental results under different current levels. Finally, a power cycling test was used to show the aging process of the IGBT module, which shows the feasibility of proposed method.
Multi-Parameter Estimation for an S/S Compensated IPT Converter Based on the Phase Difference between Tx and Rx Currents
Authors: Xu Ligang , Ke Guangjie , Chen Qianhong , Zhang Bin , Ren Xiaoyong , Zhang Zhiliang
Published: March 2022

This paper proposes a multi-parameter estimation method based on the phase difference between primary and secondary currents, for a series/series (S/S) compensated contactless converter. To achieve secondary current sensing in the transmitter side, a primary sensing coil is added into the coupler. By introducing the phase difference between primary and secondary currents, a straightforward, multi-parameter estimation model is derived, significantly reducing the multi-parameter solving difficulty. Based on the derived model, a method combining pre-parameter identification based on frequency sweeping, with fast online parameter identification is proposed, offering a general, accurate, and rapid parameter estimation solution. Detailed implementation of the parameter identification method and the asymmetrical configuration of the coupler are also presented. The proposed method is verified with a 1 kW S/S compensated converter. Experimental results show that the estimated values agree well with the theoretical ones. Based on the estimated results, the transmitter-side, closed-loop control can also be achieved.
Design of an Analog RFID-Based Tag Antenna with Opened Circuited L-Shaped Stubs for Applications in Localization
Authors: Jouali Redouane , Aoutoul Mohssin , Ouahmane Hassan , Ahmad Sarosh , Had Anas , El Moukhtafi Fadwa , Parchin Naser Ojaroudi , See Chan Hwang , Abd-Alhameed Raed
Published: March 2022

This paper presents a new analog design for a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag antenna with a long-read range oriented to localization applications. The actual work focuses on the analog input characterization of antenna impedance by studying the capacitive effect, created by the gaps, and the effect of the introduced opened circuited L-shaped stubs, on the RFID tag characteristics. Numerical and measured results confirm that proposed tag antenna performances are significantly improved by introducing gaps and stub structures and after optimizing their dimensions, such as length and width. The introduced stubs with optimum dimensions provide good impedance matching, and improved return loss values. Furthermore, two operating frequency bands have been created when the antenna is excited by a 50 Ω port: a low-frequency band around 837 MHz and a higher one around 927 MHz. These results have been validated by measured ones. The proposed RFID antenna is mainly composed of three split rectangular resonators (SRR) where introduced structures concern only the larger SRR. The optimized antenna has an area of 76 × 24.6 mm2 and is printed on the Taconic RF-60A substrate with a dielectric constant of 6.12, a thickness of 1.6 mm, and a loss tangent of 0.025. Simulation results show interesting communication performances, of the proposed tag antenna, with a return loss of −22.3 dB around 916 MHz and a long-read range up to 25 m when it is fed by an industrial Mping M730 chip with a power sensitivity of −24 dB and an output impedance Zchip = 16 − j194 (Ω) at 916 MHz
The Efficacy of Shape Radiomics and Deep Features for Glioblastoma Survival Prediction by Deep Learning
Authors: Trinh Dang-Linh , Kim Soo-Hyung , Yang Hyung-Jeong , Lee Guee-Sang
Published: March 2022

Glioblastoma (known as glioblastoma multiforme) is one of the most aggressive brain malignancies, accounting for 48% of all primary brain tumors. For that reason, overall survival prediction plays a vital role in diagnosis and treatment planning for glioblastoma patients. The main target of our research is to demonstrate the effectiveness of features extracted from the combination of the whole tumor and enhancing tumor to the overall survival prediction. By the proposed method, there are two kinds of features, including shape radiomics and deep features, which is utilized for this task. Firstly, optimal shape radiomics features, consisting of sphericity, maximum 3D diameter, and surface area, are selected using the Cox proportional hazard model. Secondly, deep features are extracted by ResNet18 directly from magnetic resonance images. Finally, the combination of selected shape features, deep features, and clinical information fits the regression model for overall survival prediction. The proposed method achieves promising results, which obtained 57.1% and 97,531.8 for accuracy and mean squared error metrics, respectively. Furthermore, using selected features, the result on the mean squared error metric is slightly better than the competing methods. The experiments are conducted on the Brain Tumor Segmentation Challenge (BraTS) 2018 validation dataset.
Energy Savings Potential of Semitransparent Photovoltaic Skylights under Different Climate Conditions in China
Authors: Zhu Li , Wang Peng , Huo Yujiao , Tian Wei , Sun Yong , Yin Baoquan
Published: March 2022

Due to the limited available envelope area, height-constrained buildings integrated with photovoltaics require that more attention be given to the effective use of roofs. Thus, it is crucial to study the energy savings potential of previously neglected semitransparent photovoltaic (STPV) skylights. In this paper, the net energy consumption (NEC) of a room with STPV skylights and energy superiority compared to a reference window were investigated. The energy savings potential was then calculated for five representative cases located in different climate zones and daylight zones, according to the mandatory codes to be implemented in April 2022. Through a global sensitivity analysis, the extent to which each component of the NEC affects the energy savings potential was evaluated. The results indicate that STPV skylights exhibit promising energy savings potential in China. In temperate zones with excellent daylight conditions, an energy savings potential of 0.21 to 2.55 can be achieved, while the maximum energy savings rate (ESR) for the other four cases ranges from 0.52 to 1.1. The effect of electricity power generation (EPG) on the energy savings potential is most pronounced, except for that of STPV skylights on sloped roofs in hot summer and cold winter zones with poor daylight.
Experimental Comparison of Hub- and Roller-Type Chassis Dynamometers for Vehicle Exhaust Emissions
Authors: Giechaskiel Barouch , Forloni Fabrizio , Otura Marcos , Engström Christian , Öberg Per
Published: March 2022

The emissions of vehicles are measured in laboratories with roller-type chassis dynamometers, which simulate road driving resistances. Hub-coupled dynamometers, which are not included in the regulations for emission measurements, are commonly used for research and development purposes, for example, to assess powertrain capabilities, simulate on-road trips, and calibrate the control of individual wheels. As they do not need particular infrastructure and offer a wider range of applications, they could be a more economical alternative, especially if they could also be used for emission measurements for the type approval of vehicles. Nevertheless, the two types have not been directly compared in the literature, and, thus, their equivalency, especially regarding emission measurements, is not known. In this study, the emissions of a diesel and a gasoline plug-in vehicle were compared using the same analytical equipment and by switching only the roller and hub dynamometers. The diesel vehicle was further tested on a second roller-type dynamometer with the same driver and a second driver. The results of the two dynamometer types were very close, even though the repeatability of the measurements was very narrow. The main message of this work is that hub-type dynamometers can be used interchangeably with roller-type dynamometers. The points that need to be addressed, such as the determination of dynamic wheel radius and tire slip level, are also discussed.
Entomopathogenic Fungi: Interactions and Applications
Authors: Mantzoukas Spiridon , Kitsiou Foteini , Natsiopoulos Dimitrios , Eliopoulos Panagiotis A.
Published: March 2022

Entomopathogenic fungi are a special group of soil-dwelling microorganisms that infects and kills insects and other arthropods through cuticle penetration. They are currently used as biocontrol agents against insect plant pests and play a vital role in their management. Regardless that entomopathogenic fungi are currently on the agriculture market, their full potential has not yet been utterly explored. Up to date substantial research has covered the topic revealing numerous uses in pest management but also on their ability as endophytes, assisting the plant host on growth and pathogen resistance. This article addresses the literature on entomopathogenic fungi through the years, noting their mode of action, advantages, potential applications, and prospects.
A New Multi-Index Method for the Eutrophication Assessment in Transitional Waters: Large-Scale Implementation in Italian Lagoons
Authors: Bonometto Andrea , Ponis Emanuele , Cacciatore Federica , Riccardi Elena , Pigozzi Silvia , Parati Paolo , Novello Marta , Ungaro Nicola , Acquavita Alessandro , Manconi Paola , Sfriso Adriano , Giordani Gianmarco , Boscolo Brusà Rossella
Published: March 2022

Eutrophication represents one of the most impacting threats for the ecological status and related ecosystem services of transitional waters; hence, its assessment plays a key role in the management of these ecosystems. A new multi-index method for eutrophication assessment, based on the ecological index MaQI (Macrophyte Quality Index), the trophic index TWQI (Transitional Water Quality Index), and physicochemical quality elements (sensu Dir. 2000/60/EC), was developed including both driver and impact indicators. The study presents a large-scale implementation of the method, which included more than 100 Italian lagoon sites, covering a wide variability of lagoon typologies and conditions. Overall, 35% of sites resulted in eutrophic status, 45% in mesotrophic, and 25% in oligotrophic status.
Co-Overexpression of RIB1 and RIB6 Increases Riboflavin Production in the Yeast Candida famata
Authors: Petrovska Yana , Lyzak Oleksii , Ruchala Justyna , Dmytruk Kostyantyn , Sibirny Andriy
Published: March 2022

Riboflavin or vitamin B2 is a water-soluble vitamin and a precursor of flavin coenzymes, flavin mononucleotide, and flavin adenine dinucleotide, which play a key role as enzyme cofactors in energy metabolism. Candida famata yeast is a promising producer of riboflavin, as it belongs to the group of so-called flavinogenic yeasts, capable of riboflavin oversynthesis under conditions of iron starvation. The role of the particular structural genes in the limitation of riboflavin oversynthesis is not known. To study the impact of overexpression of the structural genes of riboflavin synthesis on riboflavin production, a set of plasmids containing genes RIB1, RIB6, and RIB7 in different combinations was constructed. The transformants of the wild-type strain of C. famata, as well as riboflavin overproducer, were obtained, and the synthesis of riboflavin was studied. It was found that overexpression of RIB1 and RIB6 genes coding for enzymes GTP cyclohydrolase II and 3,4-dihydroxy-2-butanone-4-phosphate synthase, which catalase the initial steps of riboflavin synthesis, elevated riboflavin production by 13–28% relative to the parental riboflavin-overproducing strains.
Efficacy of Continuous Flow Reactors for Biological Treatment of 1,4-Dioxane Contaminated Textile Wastewater Using a Mixed Culture
Authors: Lee Kang Hoon , Khan Imtiaz Afzal , Inam Muhammad Ali , Khan Rizwan , Wie Young Min , Yeom Ick Tae
Published: March 2022

The goal of this study was to evaluate the biodegradation of 1,4–dioxane using a mixed biological culture grown in textile wastewater sludge with 1,4–dioxane as the sole carbon source. The conditions for the long-term evaluation of 1,4–dioxane degradation were determined and optimized by batch scale analysis. Moreover, Monod’s model was used to determine the biomass decay rate and unknown parameters. The soluble chemical oxygen demand (sCOD) was used to determine the concentration of 1,4–dioxane in the batch test, and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to measure the concentrations via long-term wastewater analysis. Two types of reactors (continuous stirred reactor (CSTR) and plug flow reactor (PFR)) for the treatment of 1,4–dioxane from textile wastewater were operated for more than 120 days under optimized conditions. These used the mixed microbial culture grown in textile wastewater sludge and 1,4–dioxane as the sole carbon source. The results indicated efficient degradation of 1,4–dioxane by the mixed culture in the presence of a competitive inhibitor, with an increase in degradation time from 13.37 h to 55 h. A specific substrate utilization rate of 0.0096 mg 1,4–dioxane/mg MLVSS/h was observed at a hydraulic retention time of 20 h for 20 days of operation in a biomass concentration of 3000 mg/L produced by the mixed microbial culturing process. In the long-term analysis, effluent concentrations of 3 mg/L and <1 mg/L of 1,4–dioxane were observed for CSTR and PFR, respectively. The higher removal efficacy of PFR was due to the production of more MLVSS at 4000 mg/L compared to the outcome of 3000 mg/L in CSTR in a competitive environment.
Cross-Domain Transfer Learning Prediction of COVID-19 Popular Topics Based on Knowledge Graph
Authors: Chen Xiaolin , Qu Qixing , Wei Chengxi , Chen Shudong
Published: March 2022

The significance of research on public opinion monitoring of social network emergencies is becoming increasingly important. As a platform for users to communicate and share information online, social networks are often the source of public opinion about emergencies. Considering the relevance and transmissibility of the same event in different social networks, this paper takes the COVID-19 outbreak as the background and selects the platforms Weibo and TikTok as the research objects. In this paper, first, we use the transfer learning model to apply the knowledge obtained in the source domain of Weibo to the target domain of TikTok. From the perspective of text information, we propose an improved TC-LDA model to measure the similarity between the two domains, including temporal similarity and conceptual similarity, which effectively improves the learning effect of instance transfer and makes up for the problem of insufficient sample data in the target domain. Then, based on the results of transfer learning, we use the improved single-pass incremental clustering algorithm to discover and filter popular topics in streaming data of social networks. Finally, we build a topic knowledge graph using the Neo4j graph database and conduct experiments to predict the evolution of popular topics in new emergencies. Our research results can provide a reference for public opinion monitoring and early warning of emergencies in government departments.
Saudi Arabia Household Awareness and Knowledge of Food Safety
Authors: Ayad Amira A. , Abdulsalam Nisreen M. , Khateeb Najla A. , Hijazi Maha A. , Williams Leonard L.
Published: March 2022

Food safety is a critical problem that impacts everyone worldwide. Many countries around the world are becoming increasingly reliant on the availability and safety of their food supply. Despite growing public consciousness about food-related dangers, the growth in food poisoning cases implies that individuals continue to make food consumption, food storage, and food preparation decisions that are less than optimal from a health and safety standpoint. The aim of this study was to assess Saudi Arabia’s households’ knowledge and practices of food safety. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess knowledge of food safety and practices among a group of households in Saudi Arabia. An online questionnaire using social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp), and emails communications were distributed. A total of 309 adults (age range 18–59 years) participated in the study. In general, there were no differences between regions regarding the knowledge of food safety. Additionally, most of the participants had good practices of food safety. The findings of our study show that the gender, age, and educational level are factors that have an impact on the knowledge of food safety among respondents. Regarding food safety practices, in general, the results show that the participants had good practices. Therefore, organizations should focus on educational programs, training, holding workshops and activities in public places such as malls, schools, and home visit to improve and increases food safety knowledge and practices.
Physicochemical Characterization and Biological Properties of Pine Honey Produced across Greece
Authors: Tsavea Eleni , Vardaka Fotini-Paraskevi , Savvidaki Elisavet , Kellil Abdessamie , Kanelis Dimitrios , Bucekova Marcela , Grigorakis Spyros , Godocikova Jana , Gotsiou Panagiota , Dimou Maria , Loupassaki Sophia , Remoundou Ilektra , Tsadila Christina , Dimitriou Tilemachos G. , Majtan Juraj , Tananaki Chrysoula , Alissandrakis Eleftherios , Mossialos Dimitris
Published: March 2022

Pine honey is a honeydew honey produced in the East Mediterranean region (Greece and Turkey) from the secretions of the plant sucking insect Marchalina hellenica (Gennadius) (Coccoidea: Marchalini-dae) feeding on living parts of Pinus species. Nowadays, honeydew honey has attracted great attention due to its biological activities. The aim of this study was to study unifloral pine honey samples produced in Greece regarding their physicochemical parameters and antioxidant and antibacterial activity against five nosocomial and foodborne pathogens. These honeys showed physicochemical and microscopic characteristics within the legal limits, except for diastase activity, a parameter known to be highly variable, depending on various factors. Substantially higher levels of H2O2 were estimated compared to other types of honeydew honey, whereas protein content was similar. The total phenolic content was 451.38 ± 120.38 mg GAE/kg and antiradical activity ranged from 42.43 to 79.33%, while FRAP values (1.87 to 9.43 mmol Fe+2/kg) were in general higher than those reported in the literature. Various correlations could be identified among these parameters. This is the first attempt to investigate in depth the antibacterial activity of pine honey from Greece and correlate it with honey quality parameters. All tested honeys exerted variable but significant antibacterial activity, expressed as MIC and MBC values, comparable or even superior to manuka honey for some tested samples. Although honey antibacterial activity is mainly attributed to hydrogen peroxide and proteins in some cases (demonstrated by elevated MICs after catalase and Proteinase K treatment, respectively), no strong correlation between the antibacterial activity and hydrogen peroxide concentration or total protein content was demonstrated in this study. However, there was a statistically significant correlation of moisture, antioxidant and antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneuomoniae, as well as antioxidant and antibacterial activity against Salmonella ser. Typhimurium. Interestingly, a statistically significant negative correlation has been observed between diastase activity and Staphylococcus aureus antibacterial activity. Overall, our data indicate multiple mechanisms of antibacterial activity exerted by pine honey.
Cylindrical Planetary Nebulae. I. Flow from an Irradiated Ring
Authors: Icke Vincent
Published: March 2022

Many bipolar nebulae with a pronounced cylindrical shape, such as Henize 3-401, show no indication whatsoever of interaction between a disk and a stellar wind, or a jet on the nebular axis. I propose that the disk that is observed at the base of the bipolar is itself the source of the outflow. In particular, I assume that irradiation from the central star causes the disk to evaporate. I have performed numerical hydrodynamical calculations of outflows driven by evaporation of a pseudo-barotropic ring around a hot central star. The first results show that the outflow shapes are cylindrical, and the internal structures are similar to what is observed in some of these nebulae. Since shape is only the first step in the assessment of a model, synthetic observations should be made. For the moment I merely verify that the scalar quantities observed in the archetypical cylindrical nebula Hen 3-401 can be accommodated in my models.
Fully Polarimetric L-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar for the Estimation of Tree Girth as a Representative of Stand Productivity in Rubber Plantations
Authors: Trisasongko Bambang H. , Panuju Dyah R. , Griffin Amy L. , Paull David J.
Published: March 2022

This article explores a potential exploitation of fully polarimetric radar data for the management of rubber plantations, specifically for predicting tree circumference as a crucial information need for sustainable plantation management. Conventional backscatter coefficients along with Eigen-based and model-based decomposition features served as the predictors in models of tree girth using ten regression approaches. The findings suggest that backscatter coefficients and Eigen-based decomposition features yielded lower accuracy than model-based decomposition features. Model-based decompositions, especially the Singh decomposition, provided the best accuracies when they were coupled with guided regularized random forests regression. This research demonstrates that L-band SAR data can provide an accurate estimation of rubber plantation tree girth, with an RMSE of about 8 cm.