bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Ultrasonographic Characteristics of Early Hepatic Alveolar Echinococcosis
Authors: Wang Yong-Xing , Liu Wei , Sun Zhan-Yong , Wu Lan , Xie Xian-Kun , Liu Bo
Published: July 2022

Objective

This study aims to investigate the ultrasonographic characteristics of early hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) and improve the qualitative diagnostic ability of sonographers.

Methods

The data of 80 positive cases of HAE screened and diagnosed by ultrasonography and serum immunology (33 males and 44 females with a mean age of 44.12 ± 14.31 y) were used in the study. The imaging characteristics of the lesions (i.e., intrahepatic distribution, shape, size, echo, blood flow, and growth characteristics) were analyzed retrospectively, and the ultrasonographic characteristics of early lesions were discussed in combination with their basic pathological changes.

Results

Patients with lesions of the proliferative infiltration type accounted for 57.5% (46/80), the fibrous calcification type accounted for 26.25% (21/80), the necrotic liquefaction type accounted for 6.25% (5/80), and the mixed type accounted for 10% (8/80). Patients with lesions involving the right lobe and the left lobe accounted for 76.25% (61/80) and 11.25% (9/80), respectively, and with lesions involving both the left and right lobes accounted for 12.5% (10/80). There were statistically significant differences in diameter between all types of lesions (n = 88; F = 5.926 and P = 0.004). Focal hyperechoic and diffuse heterogenous nodular changes were the main manifestations of early proliferative infiltration lesions.

Conclusion

Ultrasonography is extremely valuable in the diagnosis of early HAE. Capillary hemangioma-like changes and hailstorm sign are the main characteristics of early lesions of HAE, and calcification is a common concomitant sign.
Exploring the Anti-inflammatory Effects of Protopine Total Alkaloids of Macleaya Cordata (Willd.) R. Br.
Authors: Dong Zhen , Wang Yu-hong , Tang Zhao-shan , Li Chang-hong , Jiang Tao , Yang Zi-hui , Zeng Jian-guo
Published: July 2022

Macleaya cordata (Willd). R. Br. is a Chinese medicinal plant commonly used externally to treat inflammatory-related diseases such as arthritis, sores, and carbuncles. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of protopine total alkaloids (MPTAs) in Macleaya cordata (Willd.) R. Br. in vivo tests in rats with acute inflammation showed that MPTA (2.54 and 5.08 mg/kg) showed significant anti-inflammatory activity 6 h after carrageenan injection. Similarly, MPTA (3.67 and 7.33 mg/kg) showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in the mouse ear swelling test. In addition, the potential mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory effects of MPTA were explored based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. The two main active components of MPTA, protopine and allocryptopine, were identified, and the potential targets and signaling pathways of MPTA's anti-inflammatory effects were initially revealed using tools and databases (such as SwissTargetPrediction, GeneCards, and STRING) combined with molecular docking results. This study provides the basis for the application of MPTA as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Existence and Uniqueness of Nonmonotone Solutions in Porous Media Flow
Authors: Steinle Rouven , Kleiner Tillmann , Kumar Pradeep , Hilfer Rudolf
Published: July 2022

Existence and uniqueness of solutions for a simplified model of immiscible two-phase flow in porous media are obtained in this paper. The mathematical model is a simplified physical model with hysteresis in the flux functions. The resulting semilinear hyperbolic-parabolic equation is expected from numerical work to admit non-monotone imbibition-drainage fronts. We prove the local existence of imbibition-drainage fronts. The uniqueness, global existence, maximal regularity and boundedness of the solutions are also discussed. Methodically, the results are established by means of semigroup theory and fractional interpolation spaces.
Molecular Differences between Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Adenocarcinoma Cervical Cancer Subtypes: Potential Prognostic Biomarkers
Authors: Campos-Parra Alma D. , Pérez-Quintanilla Milagros , Martínez-Gutierrez Antonio Daniel , Pérez-Montiel Delia , Coronel-Martínez Jaime , Millan-Catalan Oliver , De León David Cantú , Pérez-Plasencia Carlos
Published: July 2022

The most frequently diagnosed histological types of cervical cancer (CC) are squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (ADC). Clinically, the prognosis of both types is controversial. A molecular profile that distinguishes each histological subtype and predicts the prognosis would be of great benefit to CC patients. Methods: The transcriptome of CC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was analyzed using the DESeq2 package to obtain the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between ADC and SCC. The DEGs were validated on a publicly available Mexican-Mestizo patient transcriptome dataset (GSE56303). The global biological pathways involving the DEGs were obtained using the Webgestalt platform. The associations of the DEGs with Overall Survival (OS) were assessed. Finally, three DEGs were validated by RT-qPCR in an independent cohort of Mexican patients. Results. The molecular profiles of ADC and SCC of the CC patients of the TCGA database and the Mexican-Mestizo cohort (GSE56303) were determined obtaining 1768 and 88 DEGs, respectively. Strikingly, 70 genes were concordant—with similar Log2FoldChange values—in both cohorts. The 70 DEGs were involved in IL-17, JAK/STAT, and Ras signaling. Kaplan-Meier OS analysis from the Mexican-Mestizo cohort showed that higher GABRB2 and TSPAN8 and lower TMEM40 expression were associated with better OS. Similar results were found in an independent Mexican cohort. Conclusions: Molecular differences were detected between the ADC and SCC subtypes; however, further studies are required to define the appropriate prognostic biomarker for each histological type.
The Utilization of Ultrasound for Improving Oil Recovery and Formation Damage Remediation in Petroleum Reservoirs: Review of Most Recent Researches
Authors: Otumudia Ephraim , Hamidi Hossein , Jadhawar Prashant , Wu Kejian
Published: July 2022

The ultrasound method is a low-cost, environmentally safe technology that may be utilized in the petroleum industry to boost oil recovery from the underground reservoir via enhanced oil recovery or well stimulation campaigns. The method uses a downhole instrument to propagate waves into the formation, enhancing oil recovery and/or removing formation damage around the wellbore that has caused oil flow constraints. Ultrasonic technology has piqued the interest of the petroleum industry, and as a result, research efforts are ongoing to fill up the gaps in its application. This paper discusses the most recent research on the investigation of ultrasound’s applicability in underground petroleum reservoirs for improved oil recovery and formation damage remediation. New study areas and scopes were identified, and future investigations were proposed.
Use before You Choose: What Do EV Drivers Think about V2G after Experiencing It?
Authors: Ghotge Rishabh , Nijssen Koen Philippe , Annema Jan Anne , Lukszo Zofia
Published: July 2022

This study aims to investigate the consumer acceptance of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) charging of electric vehicle (EV) drivers. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first V2G acceptance study that is based on actual users’ experience of V2G charging. A test set up with a V2G charge point at a solar carport was constructed at the Delft University of Technology. Seventeen participants in the study were given access to a V2G-compatible Nissan LEAF and the constructed V2G charging facilities, after which they were interviewed. Clear communication of the impacts of V2G charging cycles on EV batteries, financial compensation covering these impacts, real-time insight on the battery state-of-charge and the ability to set operational parameters through a user-friendly interface were all found to foster acceptance. The main barriers for acceptance were the uncertainty associated with battery state-of-charge, the increased need for planning charging and trips, the increased anxiety about the ability of the vehicle to reach its destination, economic and performance-related effects on the EV’s battery and the restriction of the freedom that users associated with their personal vehicles. The participants were found to be divided across high, conditional and low acceptance of V2G charging. The use of V2G charging over the trial period was found to inform their opinions: tangible factors such as range anxiety and the user interface were given more importance than abstract concepts such as lack of standards that were discussed by users without experience of V2G charging. Our study indicates that V2G charging in its current form is acceptable to a section of current EV users. The discussion provides insights on extending the relevance of our findings across other user groups and over further developments in the field.
An Improved Data-Efficiency Algorithm Based on Combining Isolation Forest and Mean Shift for Anomaly Data Filtering in Wind Power Curve
Authors: Wang Wei , Yang Shiyou , Yang Yankun
Published: July 2022

A wind turbine working in a harsh environment is prone to generate abnormal data. An efficient algorithm based on the combination of an Isolation Forest (I-Forest) and a mean-shift algorithm is proposed for data cleaning in wind power curves. The I-Forest is used for detecting the local anomalies in each power and wind speed interval after data preprocessing. The contamination of I-Forest can be flexibly adjusted according to the data distribution of the wind turbine data. The remaining stacked data is eliminated by the mean-shift algorithm. To verify the filtering performance of the proposed combined method, five different algorithms, including the quartile and k-means (QK), the quartile and density-based spatial clustering (QD), the mathematical morphology operation (MMO), the fast data cleaning algorithm (FA), and the proposed one, are applied to the wind power curves of a prototype wind farm for comparisons. The numerical results have positively confirmed the reliability of the universal framework provided by the proposed algorithm.
Numerical Investigation of Flow and Heat Transfer in Rectangular Microchannels with and without Semi-Elliptical Protrusions
Authors: Sun Haiou , Fu Hao , Yan Lanyi , Ma Hongfei , Luan Yigang , Magagnato Franco
Published: July 2022

Micro-cooling is a growing trend in the field of turbine blade cooling. Technical difficulties in the experiments of large-aspect-ratio rectangular microchannels that are commonly used in the turbine blades cause the rareness of related literature. In this study, the flow characteristics and heat transfer performance of the microchannels with and without semi-ellipsoidal protrusions, whose height is 0.6 mm and width is 9 mm, are numerically investigated. In the microchannel without protrusions, when 2214 < Re < 3589, the velocity has a Λ-shaped distribution, resulting in a Λ-shaped Nu distribution on the wall. When Re > 3760, it is worth noting that from the sidewall to the middle of the channel, Nu first decreases and then increases. In the microchannel with protrusions, when Re < 1214, the turbulence formed by the protrusion is almost all behind it and does not spread to both sides. When 1214 < Re < 2374, the turbulence caused by the protrusions gradually spreads to the middle and both sides of the channel with the increase in Re. When 2374 < Re < 3815, the turbulence caused by two columns of protrusions meet in the middle of the channel and forms stronger turbulence downstream. When Re > 3815, the flow is all turbulent. The protrusions enhance the irreversibility of heat transfer and friction. The performance evaluation criteria (PEC) increases first and then decreases with Re and the maximum value is 1.80 at Re = 2004. In this work, the details that are difficult to obtain in experiments are fully analyzed to provide suggestions for the design of micro-cooling structures in gas turbine blades.
Extraterrestrial Gynecology: Could Spaceflight Increase the Risk of Developing Cancer in Female Astronauts? An Updated Review
Authors: Drago-Ferrante Rosa , Di Fiore Riccardo , Karouia Fathi , Subbannayya Yashwanth , Das Saswati , Aydogan Mathyk Begum , Arif Shehbeel , Guevara-Cerdán Ana Paula , Seylani Allen , Galsinh Aman Singh , Kukulska Weronika , Borg Joseph , Suleiman Sherif , Porterfield David Marshall , Camera Andrea , Christenson Lane K. , Ronca April Elizabeth , Steller Jonathan G. , Beheshti Afshin , Calleja-Agius Jean
Published: July 2022

Outer space is an extremely hostile environment for human life, with ionizing radiation from galactic cosmic rays and microgravity posing the most significant hazards to the health of astronauts. Spaceflight has also been shown to have an impact on established cancer hallmarks, possibly increasing carcinogenic risk. Terrestrially, women have a higher incidence of radiation-induced cancers, largely driven by lung, thyroid, breast, and ovarian cancers, and therefore, historically, they have been permitted to spend significantly less time in space than men. In the present review, we focus on the effects of microgravity and radiation on the female reproductive system, particularly gynecological cancer. The aim is to provide a summary of the research that has been carried out related to the risk of gynecological cancer, highlighting what further studies are needed to pave the way for safer exploration class missions, as well as postflight screening and management of women astronauts following long-duration spaceflight.
Laser Shock Fabrication of Nitrogen Doped Inverse Spinel Fe3O4/Carbon Nanosheet Film Electrodes towards Hydrogen Evolution Reactions in Alkaline Media
Authors: Wu Dun , Zhao Jiaming , Cheng Junfeng , Liu Chunlin , Wang Qiang
Published: July 2022

The reliable and cost-effective production of high-performance film electrodes for hydrogen evolution reactions remains a challenge for the laser surface modification community. In this study, prior to a thermal imidization reaction, a small number of Fe3O4 nanoparticles were vortexed into a poly(amic acid) (PAA) prepolymer, and the achieved flat composite film was then ablated by a 1064 nm fiber laser. After laser irradiation, the hierarchical architectures of carbon nanosheets decorated with Fe3O4 nanoparticles were generated. Although pure polyimide (PI) film and laser carbonized PI film, as well as bare Fe3O4, showcase poor intrinsic catalytic activity toward alkaline hydrogen evolution reactions, our laser-derived Fe3O4/carbon nanosheet hybrid film demonstrated enhanced electrocatalytic activity and stability in 1 M KOH electrolyte; the overpotential(η10) reached 247 mV when the current density was 10 mA cm−2 with a slight current decay in the chronoamperometric examination of 12 h. Finally, we proposed that the substitution of N to O in Fe−O sites of trans spinel structured magnetite would be able to modulate the free energy of hydrogen adsorption (ΔGH*) and accelerate water dissociation.
Electrical Methods for Sensing Damage in Cement Mortar Beams Combined with Acoustic Emissions
Authors: Loukidis Andronikos , Stavrakas Ilias , Triantis Dimos
Published: July 2022

The temporal variation in terms of the “time-to-failure” parameter of the recordings of the electrical resistance and the acoustic emissions from concurrent measurements in three cement mortar specimens of prismatic shape that were subjected to a three-point bending test until fracture are studied. The novelty of the work at hand lies in the demonstration that the electrical resistance is described by a power law during the last stages of the loading protocols. The onset of the validity of the power law is indicative of the specimens’ imminent fracture, thus providing a useful pre-failure indicator. The above findings are supported by the analysis of the recorded acoustic signals in terms of the F-function and the Ib-value formulations.
Influence of Emerging Semiconductive Nanoparticles on AC Dielectric Strength of Synthetic Ester Midel-7131 Insulating Oil
Authors: Fasehullah Muhammad , Wang Feipeng , Jamil Sidra , Bhutta Muhammad Shoaib
Published: July 2022

Exploring impressively effective dielectric nanofluids for transformers to improve dielectric strength and thermal stability is indispensable. It is crucial to determine the modification mechanism of dispersed nanomaterials in insulating oil for operative applications in power transformers. This paper aspires to authenticate the experimental evidence of the enhancing AC dielectric strength of synthetic ester Midel-7131 using two newly introduced semiconductive nanoparticles, CdS and Co3O4, and uncover the potential reasons for enhanced AC dielectric strength. The AC breakdown voltage (BDV) of synthetic ester and nanofluids was investigated and statistically evaluated. The mean AC breakdown voltage of SE/CdS and SE/Co3O4 was increased by 31.9% and 31.3%, respectively. The augmentation in AC breakdown strength is possibly due to the facilitated charge-scavenging ability owing to the large specific surface area and wide bandgap. Simultaneous thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and derivative thermogravimetry analyses (TGA–DSC–DTG) confirmed that the initial decomposition temperature was high and heat dissipation was low, indicating that the nanofluids were thermally stable in both air and nitrogen. Hence, emerging semiconductive CdS and Co3O4-based nanofluids of synthetic ester possess remarkable dielectric strength and thermal stability enhancement for their application in power transformers.
Proposal for Some Affordable Laboratory Biofilm Reactors and Their Critical Evaluations from Practical Viewpoints
Authors: Kudara Hikonaru , Kanematsu Hideyuki , Barry Dana M. , Ogawa Akiko , Kogo Takeshi , Miura Hidekazu , Kawai Risa , Hirai Nobumitsu , Kato Takehito , Yoshitake Michiko
Published: July 2022

Biofilms are a result of bacterial activities and are found everywhere. They often form on metal surfaces and on the surfaces of polymeric compounds. Biofilms are sticky and mostly consist of water. They have a strong resistance to antimicrobial agents and can cause serious problems for modern medicine and industry. Biofilms are composed of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) such as polysaccharides produced from bacterial cells and are dominated by water at the initial stage. In a series of experiments, using Escherichia coli, we developed three types of laboratory biofilm reactors (LBR) to simulate biofilm formation. For the first trial, we used a rotary type of biofilm reactor for stirring. For the next trial, we tried another rotary type of reactor where the circular plate holding specimens was rotated. Finally, a circular laboratory biofilm reactor was used. Biofilms were evaluated by using a crystal violet staining method and by using Raman spectroscopy. Additionally, they were compared to each other from the practical (industrial) viewpoints. The third type was the best to form biofilms in a short period. However, the first and second were better from the viewpoint of “ease of use”. All of these have their own advantages and disadvantages, respectively. Therefore, they should be properly selected and used for specific and appropriate purposes in the future.
Anti-Inflammatory and Wound Healing Properties of Leaf and Rhizome Extracts from the Medicinal Plant Peucedanum ostruthium (L.) W. D. J. Koch
Authors: Danna Cristina , Bazzicalupo Miriam , Ingegneri Mariarosaria , Smeriglio Antonella , Trombetta Domenico , Burlando Bruno , Cornara Laura
Published: July 2022

Peucedanum ostruthium (L.) W. D. J. Koch (Apiaceae) is a worldwide perennial herb native to the mountains of central Southern Europe. The rhizome has a long tradition in popular medicine, while ethnobotanical surveys have revealed local uses of leaves for superficial injuries. To experimentally validate these uses, plant material was collected in the Gran Paradiso National Park, Aosta Valley, Italy, and the rhizome and leaves were micromorphologically and phytochemically characterized. Polyphenol-enriched hydroalcoholic rhizome and leaf extracts, used in cell-free assays, showed strong and concentration-dependent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In vitro tests revealed cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase inhibition by the leaf extract, while the rhizome extract induced only lipoxygenase inhibition. MTT assays on HaCaT keratinocytes and L929 fibroblasts showed low cytotoxicity of extracts. In vitro scratch wound test on HaCaT resulted in a strong induction of wound closure with the leaf extract, while the effect of the rhizome extract was lower. The same test on L929 cells showed similar wound closure induction with both extracts. The results confirmed the traditional medicinal uses of the rhizome as an anti-inflammatory and wound healing remedy for superficial injuries but also highlighted that the leaves can be exploited for these purposes with equal or superior effectiveness.
Detecting Vehicle Loading Events in Bridge Rotation Data Measured with Multi-Axial Accelerometers
Authors: Ferguson Alan J. , Woods Roger , Hester David
Published: July 2022

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is critical in the observation and analysis of our national infrastructure of bridges. Due to the ease of measuring bridge rotation, bridge SHM using rotation measurements is becoming more popular, as even a single DC accelerometer placed at each end of span can accurately capture bridge deformations. Event detection methods for SHM typically entail additional instrumentation, such as strain gauges or continuously recording video cameras, and thus the additional cost limits their utility in resource-constrained environments and for wider deployment. Herein, we present a more cost-effective event detection method which exploits the existing bridge rotation instrumentation (tri-axial MEMS accelerometers) to also act as a trigger for subsequent stages of the SHM system and thus obviates the need for additional vehicle detection equipment. We show how the generalised variance over a short sliding window can be used to robustly discriminate individual vehicle loading events, both in time and magnitude, from raw acceleration data. Numerical simulation results examine the operation of the event detector under varying operating conditions, including vehicle types and sensor locations. The method’s application is demonstrated for two case studies involving in-service bridges experiencing live free-flow traffic. An initial implementation on a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 shows that the proposed functionality can be realised in less than 400 ARM A32 instructions with a latency of 47 microseconds.
DDQN with Prioritized Experience Replay-Based Optimized Geographical Routing Protocol of Considering Link Stability and Energy Prediction for UANET
Authors: Zhang Yanan , Qiu Hongbing
Published: July 2022

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are important equipment for efficiently executing search and rescue missions in disaster or air-crash scenarios. Each node can communicate with the others by a routing protocol in UAV ad hoc networks (UANETs). However, UAV routing protocols are faced with the challenges of high mobility and limited node energy, which hugely lead to unstable link and sparse network topology due to premature node death. Eventually, this severely affects network performance. In order to solve these problems, we proposed the deep-reinforcement-learning-based geographical routing protocol of considering link stability and energy prediction (DSEGR) for UANETs. First of all, we came up with the link stability evaluation indicator and utilized the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model to predict the residual energy of neighbor nodes. Then, the packet forward process was modeled as a Markov Decision Process, and according to a deep double Q network with prioritized experience replay to learn the routing-decision process. Meanwhile, a reward function was designed to obtain a better convergence rate, and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was used to analyze the weights of the considered factors in the reward function. Finally, to verify the effectiveness of DSEGR, we conducted simulation experiments to analyze network performance. The simulation results demonstrate that our proposed routing protocol remarkably outperforms others in packet delivery ratio and has a faster convergence rate.
Sweep Pulse Excitation Method for Enhancing Photoacoustic Elastic Waves at Different Laser Irradiation Parameters
Authors: Mikami Katsuhiro , Sudo Natsumi , Okamoto Yuka , Nagura Takeo , Nakashima Daisuke
Published: July 2022

Laser remote sensing using a sweep pulse excitation method, in which a laser beam is irradiated at the same repetition frequency as the natural frequency, for enhancing photoacoustic elastic waves through resonance effect has been studied. The sweep pulse excitation method, which is based on the principle of detecting natural frequency fluctuations, such as hammering tests, can detect natural frequencies in the audible sound region with low average laser power and contribute to the convenience and low cost of an installation strength diagnosis of fastening bolts. In this study, we investigated the dynamics of the swept excitation method for optimization by evaluating the dependence of the laser irradiation conditions (pulse width, spot size, and average power) on different metal disc samples. We discovered that the magnitude of the photoacoustic elastic wave is proportional to the absorption of laser power, and the spatiotemporal dynamics can be explained through thermal diffusion phenomena. These findings contribute to the development of laser-sensing technology based on photoacoustic elastic waves.
Machine Learning Identifies Chronic Low Back Pain Patients from an Instrumented Trunk Bending and Return Test
Authors: Thiry Paul , Houry Martin , Philippe Laurent , Nocent Olivier , Buisseret Fabien , Dierick Frédéric , Slama Rim , Bertucci William , Thévenon André , Simoneau-Buessinger Emilie
Published: July 2022

Nowadays, the better assessment of low back pain (LBP) is an important challenge, as it is the leading musculoskeletal condition worldwide in terms of years of disability. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relevance of various machine learning (ML) algorithms and Sample Entropy (SampEn), which assesses the complexity of motion variability in identifying the condition of low back pain. Twenty chronic low-back pain (CLBP) patients and 20 healthy non-LBP participants performed 1-min repetitive bending (flexion) and return (extension) trunk movements. Analysis was performed using the time series recorded by three inertial sensors attached to the participants. It was found that SampEn was significantly lower in CLBP patients, indicating a loss of movement complexity due to LBP. Gaussian Naive Bayes ML proved to be the best of the various tested algorithms, achieving 79% accuracy in identifying CLBP patients. Angular velocity of flexion movement was the most discriminative feature in the ML analysis. This study demonstrated that: supervised ML and a complexity assessment of trunk movement variability are useful in the identification of CLBP condition, and that simple kinematic indicators are sensitive to this condition. Therefore, ML could be progressively adopted by clinicians in the assessment of CLBP patients.
Optical Sensor for Monitoring Leakage Current and Weather Conditions in a 500-kV Transmission Line
Authors: Werneck Marcelo M. , Pinto Paulo Henrique S. , Bellini Renato T. , Allil Regina Célia S. B.
Published: July 2022

The leakage current (LC) caused by the surface contamination of insulators, together with environmental variables, is one of the most basic online monitoring parameters for insulator status. However, the impact of weather conditions such as temperature, air humidity, and dew point on the LC has not been deeply studied until now. In this paper, based on meteorological data obtained online and LC obtained with an optical fiber sensor, installed in 500-kV insulator strings of a transmission line, the impact of weather conditions was studied. Results indicate that the LCs follow a specific pattern, according to weather conditions. The system has been continuously monitoring LC, humidity, temperature, and dew point uninterrupted for three years, sending the acquired data to a web page; therefore, it has been demonstrated to be robust, reliable, and repetitive. The sensor features the broadband response and acquisition capabilities of partial discharge pulses in high-voltage insulators, allowing the detection of high-frequency pulses. When comparing the LC measured in this work with those from other works, our measurements are substantially higher; this is due to the type of pollution found in this specific situation, which includes iron oxide powder, producing a conductive layer over the insulator surface that, unlike sea salt, does not depend on humidity to conduct an LC. One of the conclusions reached in this work is that partial discharge surges are caused when the local temperature reaches the dew point and not simply from the presence of high humidity, as stated in many works dealing with LCs. The monitored LC can be used as an indicative parameter of a possible flashover, enabling the proper planning of insulator predictive maintenance, either by jet-washing the surface or even changing the insulators when they are damaged.
Assistive Mobility Control of a Robotic Hip-Knee Exoskeleton for Gait Training
Authors: Changcheng Chuan , Li Yi-Rong , Chen Chun-Ta
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we present an assistive mobility control for a robotic hip-knee exoskeleton intended for gait training. The robotic hip-knee exoskeleton is designed with an active flexion/extension and a passive abduction/adduction at each hip joint and an active flexion/extension at each knee joint to comply with the movement of lower limbs. While facilitating walking with the robotic exoskeleton, model-free linear extended state observer (LESO)-based controllers are proposed for gait control, in which the LESO is used to deal with each user’s different lower limb parameters and unknown exerted torques. Walking and ascending experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed methods, and the results are shown with respect to walking parameters. Moreover, a preliminary study for an extended application to the recovery of normal gaits that relieves the freezing of gait (FOG) in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients is also investigated in the paper.
Examining Drivers of Environmentally Conscious Consumer Behavior: Theory of Planned Behavior Extended with Cultural Factors
Authors: Ghali-Zinoubi Zohra
Published: July 2022

The growing evidence of rapid urbanization and fast growth of consumption is forcing policymakers and researchers to play an active role in reducing sustainability burdens and preserving environmental wellness for future generations. Considering that environmental degradation interests people around the world and that the existent literature shows limited research works conducted in developing countries, this paper aims to investigate some predictors of environmentally conscious consumer behavior through a study conducted in a developing country (Tunisia). A conceptual framework was developed as an extension of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and aims to shed light on the direct relationships between environmentally conscious consumer behavior and its predictors, which are environmental concern, perceived consumer effectiveness, and willingness to be environmentally friendly. The moderating roles of cultural factors (collectivism, long-term orientation) in these relationships were also examined. The findings of quantitative data collected through a web survey and analyzed through the structural equation modeling method (SEM) revealed that environmental concern, perceived consumer effectiveness, and willingness to be environmentally friendly are important motives for environmentally conscious consumers’ behavior. The cultural factor collectivism significantly strengthens the relationships between environmentally conscious consumer behavior and its predictors. The moderating role of long-term orientation is also positive but too weak. This study is among the few studies that adopt TPB in the context of environmental conscious consumption and examine the direct relationships between behavior and its predictors without the mediation of intention. It also extends the TPB by assessing the moderating role of cultural factors. The results of this study offer relevant managerial recommendations for marketers to promote favorable attitudes toward environmental issues and implement relevant strategies to the benefit of the environment and people. Understanding the moderating role of culture can also help managers to promote environmentally conscious behaviors in other countries.
EVALUATION OF VETERINARY AND SANITARY INDICATORS OF MILK WHEN USING A NEW FEED COMPOSITION
Authors: СЕМЕНОВ С.Н. , АРИСТОВ А.В.
Published: July 2022

Изучена эффективность новой кормовой добавки в условиях производства высококачественного молока. В исследованиях участвовали коровы 2-й лактации (n=10). Животные опытной группы получали основной рацион (ОР), а контрольной — ОР плюс кормовую добавку. Результаты опыта свидетельствуют, что в молоке подопытных животных массовая доля жира выросла на 0,1 абс.%, белка — на 0,21 абс.%, лактозы — на 0,1 абс.% по сравнению с контрольными значениями. Средний размер жировых шариков в опытной группе был выше на 3,5%, а их количество превышало контрольные цифры на 7,8%. В молоке коров опытной группы доля казеина выросла на 10,5%. Класс по сычужно-бродильной пробе повысился до 1,7±0,02, термоустойчивости — до 1,5±0,02. Плотность молока составила 1027,6±0,30 кг/м3, а кислотность — 16,9±0,23 оТ. Анализ полученных результатов указывает на эффективность использования изученной кормовой композиции с точки зрения ключевых показателей качества молока.

The effectiveness of a new feed additive in the production of high-quality milk has been studied. The studies involved cows of the second lactation (n=10). Animals of the experimental group received the main diet, and the control group - the main diet + feed additive. The results of the experiment show that in the milk of experimental animals, the mass fraction of fat increased by 0.1%, protein — by 0.21%, lactose — by 0.1% compared with control values. The average size of fat globules in the experimental group was higher by 3.5%, and their number exceeded the control figures by 7.8%. In the milk of cows of the experimental group, the proportion of casein increased by 10.5%. The class according to the rennet-fermentation test increased to 1.7±0.02, thermal stability — up to 1.5±0.02. The milk density was 1027.6±0.30 kg/m3, and the acidity was 16.9±0.23 oT. The analysis of the obtained results indicates the effectiveness of the use of the studied feed composition in terms of key indicators of milk quality.
Análise sobre a utilização de unidades seladoras e prensa-cabos à prova de explosão em instalações elétricas em atmosferas explosivas / Analysis of the use of explosion-proof sealing units and cable glands in electrical installations in explosive atmospheres
Authors: Andrade Lucas Teruo , Kowalski Edemir Luiz , Borges Victor Salvino
Published: July 2022

As instalações elétricas em locais na presença de gases e vapores inflamáveis devem possuir uma aplicação restritiva no qual faz-se necessário cuidados especiais no que diz respeito a montagem, classificação do projeto, inspeção e manutenção de equipamentos elétricos em tais ambientes no intuito de prever explosões ou acidentes provenientes de ignição. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar as particularidades das instalações elétricas em atmosferas explosivas, exemplificar alguns desvios de montagem e apresentar instalações em conformidade com a norma IEC através do método de proteção do tipo à prova de explosão por meio da utilização de unidades seladoras e prensa-cabos, detalhando as vantagens e desvantagens de cada acessório adotado. Para tal, foram utilizados recursos de uma empresa que opera no segmento de atmosferas explosivas, de modo que o estudo é fundamentado nas normas aplicáveis exemplos práticos.
Ensino, pesquisa e extensão: as possibilidades da monitoria voluntária / Teaching, research and extension: the possibilities of volunteer monitoring
Authors: Cerioli Alan França , Bouwman Christine , Amorim Mary Anne Pasta de
Published: July 2022

A disciplina de Anatomia Humana é fundamental no currículo dos primeiros anos do Curso de Medicina. No entanto, sua complexidade a torna um desafio de aprendizado para muitos estudantes. Neste cenário surge a monitoria acadêmica na disciplina de Anatomia Humana, a qual busca auxiliar a aprendizagem dos acadêmicos, além de possibilitar a aproximação do monitor das áreas de ensino, pesquisa e extensão. O trabalho objetiva abordar a importância da monitoria de Anatomia Humana e como ela pode contribuir para o enriquecimento na formação acadêmica dos monitores-discentes. Realizamos um relato de experiência de dois acadêmicos do Curso de Medicina na monitoria da disciplina de Anatomia Humana da Universidade de Blumenau (FURB). A prática de monitoria permite uma formação integrada do acadêmico nos três pilares da graduação: ensino, pesquisa e extensão. Por meio da monitoria foi possível o desenvolvimento de habilidades relacionadas ao ensino, com auxílio de outros acadêmicos no laboratório de anatomia, à pesquisa, pois permitiu o desenvolvimento de 23 trabalhos científicos e à extensão, com a transmissão de um pouco do aprendizado recebido na graduação para a comunidade através de visitas guiadas. Diante do exposto, se torna evidente que a monitoria contribuiu intensamente no enriquecimento da formação acadêmica dos graduandos, abrindo diversas oportunidades e auxiliando no desenvolvimento de habilidades que serão de grande importância no futuro destes profissionais.
A new tool for the assessment of public transportation systems: the METRIX / Uma nova ferramenta para avaliação de sistemas de transporte público: o METRIX
Authors: Souza Vitor Gonçalves de , Costa João Ernani Antunes , Grochowski Guilherme Araújo , Simões João José Ferreira , Souza Antônio Artur de
Published: July 2022

Many transit performance indicators collect excessive data, which are costly, complex, and arduous. An excessive dependence on the availability of various data makes benchmarking difficult and sometimes impossible. However, other methods are simple but too limited to capture a systemic global view. This study presents an efficient tool that acknowledges the current situation of the transit system of a given metropolis and enables comparisons with several national and international references. The Metropolitan Transit Index (METRIX) is the relationship between the number of trips by quality public transit (QPT) modes in a workday and the number of inhabitants in a given metropolitan region. It was applied to 25 metropolises worldwide for the year 2018, which were then ranked from the highest to lowest to score their transit development. Our results show that Tokyo and Paris are two of the most transit-oriented metropolises globally, while Seattle, Atlanta, and Los Angeles are the most automobile-oriented. Additionally, we found that Asian and European metropolises have a higher METRIX, whereas South American and North American metropolises (especially US cities), except São Paulo, have a lower METRIX. The data indicate a trend towards greater METRIX in cities that chose a greater proportion of rail over bus QPT services.
Percepção do consumidor paranaense sobre sustentabilidade na cadeia produtiva de leite / Parana’s consumer perception on the milk production chain sustainability
Authors: De Barros Carla Aparecida , Fregonesi José Antônio , Zanin Ediane , Amaral Higo Forlan , Camiloti Tatiane Vito
Published: July 2022

A sociedade tem se preocupado com a produção mundial de alimentos de forma a não prejudicar o meio ambiente. Assim, a produção sustentável supre as necessidades do presente sem comprometer as oportunidades das futuras gerações. A percepção sobre a sustentabilidade na cadeia produtiva de leite foi avaliada entre consumidores do estado do Paraná através da aplicação de um questionário dividido em três segmentos: o perfil de consumo de lácteos; percepção sobre sustentabilidade e disposição em pagar a mais por produtos sustentáveis e o perfil sociodemográfico. As questões foram construídas de forma objetiva e discursiva, utilizando-se a escala Likert, graduada de 1 a 5. O questionário foi aplicado em cidades do estado, seguindo a indicação do IBGE sobre o estrato de Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal (IDHM). Os dados foram analisados de forma descritiva, usando o programa Action Stat (2014) e nos casos de comparação de cenários, utilizou-se o teste não paramétrico Kruskal-Wallis, com 5% de significância (P<0,05). Os resultados mostraram que os consumidores paranaenses consomem leite fluido, mesmo considerando diferenças de escolaridade, renda e idade. Os consumidores pagariam a mais por produtos que levassem em conta a proteção do meio ambiente, mas não consideram a certificação como garantia de qualidade. A pesquisa revelou que o consumidor preocupa-se com as questões ambientais e reconhece as responsabilidades das propriedades rurais em produzir de forma sustentável. No entanto, a consciência ecológica não parece ser um pensamento responsável da maioria dos consumidores, visto que uma parte expressiva dos consumidores não pagaria por produtos sustentáveis e não identifica as atribuições da responsabilidade social das empresas sustentáveis.
Análise da ação de diferentes dentifrícios na superfície do esmalte dental submetido a desafio erosivo e escovação: revisão de literatura / Analysis of the action of different dentifrices on enamel surface submitted to erosive challenge and brushing: literature review
Authors: Lacerda Francielly Brandão , Neves Paula Andressa Duarte , Dos Santos Natanael Barbosa , Vieira Karlla Almeida
Published: July 2022

A Erosão dentária consiste na perda de tecidos mineralizados. Sua condição é multifatorial na qual resulta a parti de ácidos extrínsecos (através da própria dieta, medicamentos, ácidos industriais) e origem intrínseca (ácidos endógenos gástricos). Esse contato progressivo dos ácidos com a superfície do esmalte dentário provoca uma desmineralização, deixando o dente mais propenso à abrasão. Os dentifrícios servem de barreira protetora diminuindo a perda mineral diante dos desafios erosivos servindo como fator protetor e de tratamento. O objetivo desse trabalho é avaliar a ação de diferentes dentifrícios na superfície do esmalte dental submetido a desafio erosivo e escovação. A pesquisa da literatura foi realizada nas bases de dados Pubmed e SciELO. Os resultados sugerem que o Fluoreto Estanoso (SnF2 ) aparenta ser o melhor sal de flúor para prevenir a erosão, corrosão e abrasão no esmalte. Porém, ensaios clínicos são necessários para uma melhor compreensão da relação dos dentifrícios e seus efeitos na erosão dentária.
Multivariate analysis of grids and quadrants to determine the spatial variability of african pumpkin (momordica balsamina. L.) / Análise multivariada de grelhas e quadrantes para determinar a variabilidade espacial da abóbora africana (momordica balsamina. L.)
Authors: Armando Egas José , Balane Simão Gabriel , Tangune Bartolomeu Félix , Arcoverde Sálvio Napoleão Soares , Cortez Jorge Wilson , Muteguere Carlos Eduardo
Published: July 2022

Grid and quadrants size selection to determine crop density and spatial variability are still very controversial, either when accessing isolated sampling factors, either, combining both. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the ideal sampling grid and quadrant size to determine the crop density and spatial variability of African pumpkin (Momordica balsamina. L.). The trial was conducted in Pambara, Vilankulo district, Mozambique, based on the factorial scheme, on a completely randomized design, comprising four levels of each factor: grid: 10 x 10 m 2, 20 x 20 m 2, 30 x 30 m 2, 40 x 40 m 2; quadrant: 1 x 1 m 2, 0.75 x 0.75 m 2, 0.5 x 0.5 m 2, 0.25 x 0.25 m 2, comprising 16 treatments and 928 georeferenced samples. To evaluate the trial, crop density data were collected, and then submitted to Normality test, Analysis of Variance, mean test at 5% significance, Geostatistics and multivariate. The results showed that the combination of the grid 20 x 20 m 2 with the quadrant 0.25 x 0.25 m 2   was ideal for determining the crop density. The principal component analysis showed that only two components contain 66,5% of the total information.
Inclusão escolar: autismo no contexto escolar na eeti sérgio pessoa figueiredo, no município de Manaus-AM/Brasil, no período de 2020-2021 / School inclusion: autism in the school context at eeti sérgio pessoa figueiredo, in the municipality of Manaus-AM/Brazil, in the period of 2020-2021
Authors: Araújo Maristany Duarte
Published: July 2022

Destacou-se neste estudo algumas das mais eminentes conceituações sobre a questão do autismo na contemporaneidade, assim como, as várias síndromes que são identificadas geneticamente, além de evidenciar determinados quadros diagnósticos característicos que são determinados em estudos sobre o autismo e as possibilidades de novos trabalhos desenvolvidos no campo da educação, tendo alunos autistas e professores como protagonistas desse processo. O problema que motivou esta pesquisa surgiu quando se observou vários entraves na inclusão escolar para que crianças e adolescentes com Transtornos do Espectro Autista (TEA) não estão totalmente inseridas no processo de inclusão escolar. Este estudo sobre “Inclusão escolar: Autismo no contexto escolar na EETI Sérgio Pessoa Figueiredo, no município de Manaus-AM/Brasil, no período de 2020-2021” aborda algumas relevantes concepções sobre a criança autista na visão de alguns autores que dissertam sobre a temática. Nesse sentido, este estudo tem a pretensão de provocar novas discussões sobre o real papel da Educação Inclusiva, do processo de inclusão escolar, com a finalidade de contribuir com novas práticas e estratégicas docentes que visam contribuir com o processe de ensino-aprendizagem dos alunos com deficiência.
Adaptation of Lean Thinking and Culture for teams with characteristics of the “Z” generation: A case study in a high-scale automotive industry of Manus Industrial Pole / Adaptação do Pensamento Lean e da Cultura para equipas com características da geração "Z": Um estudo de caso numa indústria automóvel de alta escala do Pólo Industrial de Manus
Authors: Oliveira Marcelo Albuquerque de , Oliveira Daniel José de Lima , Sarges Simone , Verenoze Gabriela de Mattos , Cintra Gisele Amaral , Craveiro Joaquim Maciel da Costa , Reis Dércio Luiz
Published: July 2022

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) standardizes project management and production of the current automobile industries. This model considers the usual behavioral characteristics of previous generations for directing resources, establishing deadlines, and accomplishing goals for team members. Nowadays, the advent of the "Z" generation in universities and its introduction into the labor market has brought difficulties in adapting its characteristics to the industrial market and lean production, causing conflicts in the work environment, loss of motivation, and reduction in inefficiency. Industrial activities, according to lean culture, ought to be executed with sufficient dialogue. Although technological, working in industrial activities is not as fun as working in gaming development companies or Internet technology, causing talent evasion and a shortage of labor in the mass production automotive industry. This article will highlight some of the main difficulties of adaptation of the "Z" generation into the automobile production industry on a large scale and present proposals on how to eliminate these difficulties in order to maintain high team performance, taking full advantage of the positive characteristics.