bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ice Melting Performance of Solar-Assisted Cold Water Phase-Change Energy Heat Pump System
Authors: Yang Yujuan , Wu Ronghua , Yue Yuanbo
Published: August 2022

The solar-assisted cold water phase-change energy heat pump system is a clean energy heating system which can effectively reduce the ice melting energy consumption of the cold-water phase-change energy heat pump system. In this paper, the operation mode of the solar-assisted cold-water phase-change energy heat pump system is given, three new ice melting methods are proposed, the performance of three ice melting modes using solar energy for thermal ice melting are simulated, and the influence of ice thickness on system operation is analyzed. The results show that among the three ice melting modes, the affected serial dual-source heat pump mode has the largest system COP, and the pure serial dual-source heat pump mode has the smallest annual total cost. Among the solar collector price, glycol price and electricity price, the change in solar collector price has the greatest impact on the total annual cost, and the change in glycol price has the least impact on the total annual cost. When the ice thickness exceeds 8 mm, the increase in the space heating of the solar-assisted cold water phase-change energy heat pump system becomes smaller, and the increase in heat consumption of ice melting becomes larger. The solar-assisted cold-water phase-change energy heat pump system can simultaneously melt ice and heat, and its economic benefits are significant, with good application and promotion value.
Long-Term Impacts of Forest Management Practices under Climate Change on Structure, Composition, and Fragmentation of the Canadian Boreal Landscape
Authors: Molina Eliana , Valeria Osvaldo , Martin Maxence , Montoro Girona Miguel , Ramirez Jorge Andrés
Published: August 2022

Forest harvesting and fire are major disturbances in boreal forests. Forest harvesting has modified stand successional pathways, which has led to compositional changes from the original conifer-dominated forests to predominantly mixed and hardwood forests. Boreal fire regimes are expected to change with future climate change. Using the LANDIS-II spatially explicit landscape model, we evaluated the effects of forest management scenarios and projected fire regimes under climate change in northeastern Canadian boreal forests, and we determined the subsequent alteration in stand- and landscape-level composition, succession, and spatial configuration of boreal forests. We observed that, in contrast to successional pathways that followed fire, successional pathways that followed forest harvesting favored mixed forests with a prevalence of shade-intolerant hardwoods for up to 300 y after harvesting. This trend was exacerbated under climate change scenarios where forests became dominated by hardwood species, particularly in ecoregions where these species were found currently in low abundance. Our results highlight the failure of existing forest management regimes to emulate the effects of natural disturbance regimes on boreal forest composition and configuration. This illustrates the risks to maintaining ecosystem goods and services over the long term and the exacerbation of this trend in the context of future climate change.
Genome-Wide Analysis of the Type-B Authentic Response Regulator Gene Family in Brassica napus
Authors: Jiang Jin-Jin , Li Na , Chen Wu-Jun , Wang Yue , Rong Hao , Xie Tao , Wang You-Ping
Published: August 2022

The type-B authentic response regulators (type-B ARRs) are positive regulators of cytokinin signaling and involved in plant growth and stress responses. In this study, we used bioinformatics, RNA-seq, and qPCR to study the phylogenetic and expression pattern of 35 type-B ARRs in Brassica napus. The BnARRs experienced gene expansion and loss during genome polyploidization and were classified into seven groups. Whole-genome duplication (WGD) and segmental duplication were the main forces driving type-B ARR expansion in B. napus. Several BnARRs with specific expression patterns during rapeseed development were identified, including BnARR12/14/18/23/33. Moreover, we found the type-B BnARRs were involved in rapeseed development and stress responses, through participating in cytokinin and ABA signaling pathways. This study revealed the origin, evolutionary history, and expression pattern of type-B ARRs in B. napus and will be helpful to the functional characterization of BnARRs.
Expression Profiles of Microsatellites in Fruit Tissues of Akebia trifoliata and Development of Efficient EST-SSR Markers
Authors: Chen Wei , Yang Huai , Zhong Shengfu , Zhu Jun , Zhang Qiuyi , Li Zhi , Ren Tianheng , Tan Feiquan , Shen Jinliang , Li Qing , Luo Peigao
Published: August 2022

Akebia trifoliata, a member of the family Lardizabalaceae, has high exploitation potential for multiple economic purposes, so genetic improvements to meet requirements for commercial demand are needed. However, this progress is largely impeded by a lack of effective selection markers. In this study, we obtained 271.49 Gb of clean transcriptomic data from 12 samples (three tissues at four developmental stages) of A. trifoliata fruit. We identified 175,604, 194,370, and 207,906 SSRs from the de novo assembled 416,363, 463,756, and 491,680 unigene sequences obtained from the flesh, seed, and rind tissues, respectively. The profile and proportion of SSR motifs expressed in each fruit tissue and developmental stage were remarkably similar, but many trinucleotide repeats had differential expression levels among different tissues or at different developmental stages. In addition, we successfully designed 16,869 functional EST-SSR primers according to the annotated unigenes. Finally, 94 and 72 primer pairs out of 100 randomly selected primer pairs produced clear bands and polymorphic bands, respectively. These results were also used to elucidate the expression profiles of different tissues at various stages. Additionally, we provided a set of effective, polymorphic, and reliable EST-SSR markers sufficient for accelerating the discovery of metabolic and pathway-specific functional genes for genetic improvement and increased commercial productivity.
Fulminant Influenza A Myocarditis Complicated by Transient Ventricular Wall Thickening and Cardiac Tamponade
Authors: Radovanovic Milan , Dumic Igor , Nordstrom Charles , Hanna Richard
Published: August 2022

Myocarditis is an infrequent complication of influenza infection that is most often diagnosed clinically in the setting of confirmed influenza infection and elevated cardiac enzymes. Pericarditis can also occur in cases of influenza myocarditis and may require pericardiocentesis for tamponade. Patients with fulminant myocarditis have cardiogenic shock; however, echocardiographic findings may be subtle, showing a preserved ejection fraction and diffuse left ventricular wall thickening (compared to baseline) due to inflammatory edema. Recognizing these echocardiographic findings in the appropriate clinical setting facilitates the early recognition of fulminant myocarditis. Therefore, we report a case of fulminant influenza A myocarditis in healthy 37-year-old women complicated by transient left ventricular wall thickening and tamponade, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and supportive management for a successful outcome.
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Spirobolus bungii as Revealed by Mitochondrial DNA Sequences
Authors: Xu Runfeng , Chen Jie , Pan Yu , Wang Jiachen , Chen Lu , Ruan Honghua , Wu Yongbo , Xu Hanmei , Wang Guobing , Liu Hongyi
Published: August 2022

Soil macrofauna, such as Spirobolus bungii, are an important component of ecosystems. However, systematic studies of the genetic diversity, population genetic structure, and the potential factors affecting the genetic differentiation of S. bungii are lacking. We performed a population genetic study of 166 individuals from the mountains to the south of the Yangtze River, north of the Yangtze River in Nanjing city, and near Tianjin city, in order to investigate the correlations between geographical distance and genetic diversity. A total of 1182 bp of COX2 and Cytb gene sequences of mitochondrial DNA, and 700 bp of the 18S rRNA gene sequence were analyzed. There were two haplotypes and one variable site in the 18S rRNA gene, and 28 haplotypes and 78 variable sites in the COX2 and Cytb genes. In this study, the 18S rRNA gene was used for species identification, and mtDNA (concatenated sequences with Cytb and COX2) was used for population genetic analysis. Structure cluster analysis indicated that the genetic structures of the different populations of S. bungii tended to be consistent at small geographical scales. Phylogenetic trees revealed that the haplotypes were clearly divided into three branches: the area south of the Yangtze River, the area to the north of the Yangtze River in Nanjing, and the area in Tianjin. Large geographical barriers and long geographical distance significantly blocked gene flow between populations of S. bungii. Our results provide a basic theoretical basis for subsequent studies of millipede taxonomy and population genetic evolution.
A Critical Evaluation of Validation and Clinical Experience Studies in Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing for Trisomies 21, 18, and 13 and Monosomy X
Authors: Demko Zachary , Prigmore Brittany , Benn Peter
Published: August 2022

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for trisomies 21, 18, 13 and monosomy X is widely utilized with massively parallel shotgun sequencing (MPSS), digital analysis of selected regions (DANSR), and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analyses being the most widely reported methods. We searched the literature to find all NIPT clinical validation and clinical experience studies between January 2011 and January 2022. Meta-analyses were performed using bivariate random-effects and univariate regression models for estimating summary performance measures across studies. Bivariate meta-regression was performed to explore the influence of testing method and study design. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses evaluated factors that may have led to heterogeneity. Based on 55 validation studies, the detection rate (DR) was significantly higher for retrospective studies, while the false positive rate (FPR) was significantly lower for prospective studies. Comparing the performance of NIPT methods for trisomies 21, 18, and 13 combined, the SNP method had a higher DR and lower FPR than other methods, significantly so for MPSS, though not for DANSR. The performance of the different methods in the 84 clinical experience studies was consistent with validation studies. Clinical positive predictive values of all NIPT methods improved over the last decade. We conclude that all NIPT methods are highly effective for fetal aneuploidy screening, with performance differences across methodologies.
Personalized Predictive Modeling of Subfoveal Choroidal Thickness Changes for Myopic Adolescents after Overnight Orthokeratology
Authors: Chen Xiaohang , Li Qiushi , Liu Longqian
Published: August 2022

The changes in subfoveal choroidal thickness after orthokeratology are crucial in myopia retardation; this study aimed to identify the risk factors that could be incorporated into a predictive model for subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFChT) that would provide further personalized and clinically specific information for myopia control. A one-year prospective study was conducted in the West China Hospital, Sichuan University. Basic information (age, gender, and height) was collected from all subjects. Initial spherical equivalent, axial length, intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness, and subfoveal choroidal thickness were measured, and the ocular environmental factors were also collected. All the measured parameters were recorded in the follow-up period for one year. After the analysis of univariate analysis, statistically significant factors were substituted into the multivariate three-level model. Thirty-three adolescents aged 8–14 years old were enrolled in this study; the results show that the subfoveal choroidal thickness in both eyes changed significantly after 12 months of lens wearing (pR < 0.0001, pL < 0.0001). The axial length was negatively correlated with the change in the SFChT after 12 months of lens wearing (r = −0.511, p = 0.002). After multilevel model analysis, the statistically significant factor was shown to have an important influence on the changes in the subfoveal choroidal thickness, which was the average near-work time. This suggested that the SFChT personal predictions can be made regarding changes in myopic adolescents after orthokeratology using the factor of daily average near-work time. Clinical practitioners will benefit from the results by obtaining a better understanding of the effects of orthokeratology on choroid and myopia progression.
In-Process Fingerprints of Dissimilar Titanium Alloy Diffusion Bonded Layers from Hole Drilling Force Data
Authors: Graves Alex , Blanch Oliver Levano , Fernández Daniel Suárez , Jackson Martin
Published: August 2022

The manufacture of components that have specific material properties in subcomponent regions is highly desired in many sectors. However, it is challenging to achieve via conventional ingot-wrought and joining processing routes. Recently, diffusion bonding titanium alloy powder using field assisted sintering technology (FAST) has demonstrated that multi-material billets can be manufactured. Such billets still need to be machined into final net shaped components. The machinability and machining strategy of such components needs to be better understood if manufacturing of multi-material components is to be economically viable. This is the first study where drilling machinability of FAST diffusion bonded titanium alloys has been investigated. Location indexed force and torque feedback in-process fingerprinting is utilised during the drilling of multi-material titanium alloy billets. The in-process fingerprinting enabled rapid identification of the types and layering order of alloys within the FAST billets. In addition to force feedback, the hardness, hole surface topography and subsurface microstructure were characterised. Although hardness was found to contribute to variation in bond to bond machinability, results highlighted how alloy chemistry and bond composition are intrinsic to the machining directionality and significantly influence the machined surface quality and process stability. The work demonstrates that machining strategy of multi-material drilling needs to be tailored with respect to direction and diffusion bonded alloy pairing to avoid undesirable surface and subsurface damage at bond locations.
U–Pb Zircon Ages and Geochemistry of the Wuguan Complex and Liuling Group: Implications for the Late Paleozoic Tectonic Evolution of the Qinling Orogenic Belt, Central China
Authors: Guan Ming , Li Jiahao , Jia Guoqing , Ren Shenglian , Song Chuanzhong
Published: August 2022

The tectonic evolution of the Qinling orogen is key to understanding the process of convergence between the North China Block (NCB) and the South China Block (SCB). The Wuguan Complex and Liuling Group, situated along the southern margin of the Shangnan–Danfeng suture zone (SDSZ) between the North Qinling Terrane (NQT) and the South Qinling Terrane (SQT), are important indicators of the late Paleozoic tectonic evolution of the Qinling orogen. In this paper, the detrital zircon U–Pb geochronology and geochemical analysis of the Wuguan Complex and Liuling Group are carried out. Detrital zircons from two metasedimentary rock samples of the Liuling Group yield a major age peak at 460 Ma and two subordinate peaks at 804 Ma and 920 Ma, with a few older grains having formed between 1000–2549 Ma. One metasedimentary rock sample of the Wuguan Complex has a similar age spectrum as that of the Liuling Group, which shows the main age peak at 440 Ma and two subordinate peaks at 786 and 927 Ma, indicating all detrital zircon age results have the same source area. Geochemical analyses suggest that the sedimentary rocks of the Liuling Group and part of the Wuguan Complex were deposited in the tectonic setting of the continental island arc (CIA), while the geochemical characteristics of the other group of sedimentary rocks of the Wuguan Complex indicate the mixing of basic rock sources. The protolith of garnet amphibolite and hornblende schist, which were collected from the Wuguan Complex, were classified as andesite and basalt, with the nature of arc andesite and oceanic island basalt, respectively. In combination with regional data, we suggest that the Liuling Group and the Wuguan Complex were deposited in a fore-arc basin. Additionally, the Wuguan Complex was subsequently incorporated into the tectonic mélange by the northward subduction of the Paleo-Qinling Ocean. Zircons from the subduction-related metamorphic igneous rocks in the Wuguan Complex yielded a weighted mean age of 365 ± 19 Ma, indicating that the Paleo-Qinling Ocean between the SQT and NQT was still subducted at the end of Devonian.
Improving the Energetic Stability and Electrocatalytic Performance of Au/WSSe Single-Atom Catalyst with Tensile Strain
Authors: Zhao Shutao , Tang Xiao , Li Jingli , Zhang Jing , Yuan Di , Ma Dongwei , Ju Lin
Published: August 2022

In the areas of catalysis and renewable energy conversion, the development of active and stable electrocatalysts continues to be a highly desirable and crucial aim. Single-atom catalysts (SACs) provide isolated active sites, high selectivity, and ease of separation from reaction systems, becoming a rapidly evolving research field. Unfortunately, the real roles and key factors of the supports that govern the catalytic properties of SACs remain uncertain. Herein, by means of the density functional theory calculations, in the Au/WSSe SAC, built by filling the single Au atom at the S vacancy site in WSSe monolayer, we find that the powerful binding between the single Au atom and the support is induced by the Au d and W d orbital hybridization, which is caused by the electron transfer between them. The extra tensile strain could further stabilize the Au/WSSe by raising the transfer electron and enhancing the orbital hybridization. Moreover, by dint of regulating the antibonding strength between the single Au atom and H atom, the extra tensile strain is capable of changing the electric-catalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance of Au/WSSe as well. Remarkably, under the 1% tensile strain, the reaction barrier (0.06 eV) is only one third of that of free state. This theoretical work not only reveals the bonding between atomic sites and supports, but also opens an avenue to improve the electric-catalytic performance of SACs by adjusting the bonding with outer factors.
Synthesis of Cellular Silica Using Microbubbles as Templates
Authors: Zhao Zirui , Liu Jiamei , Xi Xifeng , Wu Yulong , Zhang Junshe
Published: August 2022

In this work, cellular silica was synthesized by using microbubbles as templates, which contain a mixture of argon and silicon tetrafluoride (SiF4). The latter is generated from decomposition of hexafluorosilicic acid (H2SiF6) at ambient conditions. The specific surface area of cellular silica can be as high as 130 m2/g, the size of the cavity is hundreds-of-nanometers, and the thickness of the cavity wall is around 30 nm. The cavity size, apparent packing density, and porosity of cellular silica strongly depend on the nature of the aqueous solutions; the cavity size appears to be negatively proportional to the surface tension, but thickness of cavity walls seems to be weakly affected by the aqueous properties. An attempt was made to introduce aluminum atoms in situ in the second-coordination sphere of Si atoms and/or load aluminum into the silica structure. Cellular silica with large pores facilitate the transfer of large molecules, including polymers and enzymes; thus, it could find applications in (bio)catalysis, sorption, controlled release and separations.
Insight into the Role of Nanoparticles Shape Factors and Diameter on the Dynamics of Rotating Water-Based Fluid
Authors: Akbar Asia Ali , Ahammad N. Ameer , Awan Aziz Ullah , Hussein Ahmed Kadhim , Gamaoun Fehmi , Tag-ElDin ElSayed M. , Ali Bagh
Published: August 2022

This article addresses the dynamic of three-dimensional rotating flow of Maxwell nanofluid across a linearly stretched sheet subject to a water-based fluid containing copper nanoparticles. Nanoparticles are used due to their fascinating features, such as exceptional thermal conductivity, which is crucial in modern nanotechnology and electronics. The primary goal of this comprehensive study is to examine the nanoparticles size and shape factors effect on the base fluid temperature. The mathematical model contains the governing equations in three dimensional partial differential equations form, and these equations transformed into dimensionless ordinary dimensional equations via suitable similarity transformation. The bvp4c technique is harnessed and coded in Matlab script to obtain a numerical solution of the coupled non-linear ordinary differential problem. It is observed that the greater input of rotating, Deborah number, and magnetic parameters caused a decline in the fluid primary and secondary velocities, but the nanoparticles concentration enhanced the fluid temperature. Further, a substantial increment in the nanofluid temperature is achieved for the higher nanoparticle’s diameter and shape factors.
New Advances in Biomedical Application of Polymeric Micelles
Authors: Figueiras Ana , Domingues Cátia , Jarak Ivana , Santos Ana Isabel , Parra Ana , Pais Alberto , Alvarez-Lorenzo Carmen , Concheiro Angel , Kabanov Alexander , Cabral Horacio , Veiga Francisco
Published: August 2022

In the last decade, nanomedicine has arisen as an emergent area of medicine, which studies nanometric systems, namely polymeric micelles (PMs), that increase the solubility and the stability of the encapsulated drugs. Furthermore, their application in dermal drug delivery is also relevant. PMs present unique characteristics because of their unique core-shell architecture. They are colloidal dispersions of amphiphilic compounds, which self-assemble in an aqueous medium, giving a structure-type core-shell, with a hydrophobic core (that can encapsulate hydrophobic drugs), and a hydrophilic shell, which works as a stabilizing agent. These features offer PMs adequate steric protection and determine their hydrophilicity, charge, length, and surface density properties. Furthermore, due to their small size, PMs can be absorbed by the intestinal mucosa with the drug, and they transport the drug in the bloodstream until the therapeutic target. Moreover, PMs improve the pharmacokinetic profile of the encapsulated drug, present high load capacity, and are synthesized by a reproducible, easy, and low-cost method. In silico approaches have been explored to improve the physicochemical properties of PMs. Based on this, a computer-aided strategy was developed and validated to enable the delivery of poorly soluble drugs and established critical physicochemical parameters to maximize drug loading, formulation stability, and tumor exposure. Poly(2-oxazoline) (POx)-based PMs display unprecedented high loading concerning water-insoluble drugs and over 60 drugs have been incorporated in POx PMs. Among various stimuli, pH and temperature are the most widely studied for enhanced drug release at the site of action. Researchers are focusing on dual (pH and temperature) responsive PMs for controlled and improved drug release at the site of action. These dual responsive systems are mainly evaluated for cancer therapy as certain malignancies can cause a slight increase in temperature and a decrease in the extracellular pH around the tumor site. This review is a compilation of updated therapeutic applications of PMs, such as PMs that are based on Pluronics®, micelleplexes and Pox-based PMs in several biomedical applications.
In Vivo Evaluation of PCL Vascular Grafts Implanted in Rat Abdominal Aorta
Authors: Dokuchaeva Anna A. , Mochalova Aleksandra B. , Timchenko Tatyana P. , Podolskaya Kseniya S. , Pashkovskaya Oxana A. , Karpova Elena V. , Ivanov Ilya A. , Filatova Natalya A. , Zhuravleva Irina Yu
Published: August 2022

Electrospun tissue-engineered grafts made of biodegradable materials have become a perspective search field in terms of vascular replacement, and more research is required to describe their in vivo transformation. This study aimed to give a detailed observation of hemodynamic and structural properties of electrospun, monolayered poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) grafts in an in vivo experiment using a rat aorta replacement model at 10, 30, 60 and 90 implantation days. It was shown using ultrasound diagnostic and X-ray tomography that PCL grafts maintain patency throughout the entire follow-up period, without stenosis or thrombosis. Vascular compliance, assessed by the resistance index (RI), remains at the stable level from the 10th to the 90th day. A histological study using hematoxylin-eosin (H&E), von Kossa and Russell–Movat pentachrome staining demonstrated the dynamics of tissue response to the implant. By the 10th day, an endothelial monolayer was forming on the graft luminal surface, followed by the gradual growth and compaction of the neointima up to the 90th day. The intense inflammatory cellular reaction observed on the 10th day in the thickness of the scaffold was changed by the fibroblast and myofibroblast penetration by the 30th day. The cellularity maximum was reached on the 60th day, but by the 90th day the cellularity significantly (p = 0.02) decreased. From the 60th day, in some samples, the calcium phosphate depositions were revealed at the scaffold-neointima interface. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the scaffolds retained their fibrillar structure up to the 90th day. Thus, we have shown that the advantages of PCL scaffolds are excellent endothelialization and good surgical outcome. The disadvantages include their slow biodegradation, ineffective cellularization, and risks for mineralization and intimal hyperplasia.
Computationally Efficient Concept of Representative Directions for Anisotropic Fibrous Materials
Authors: Shutov Alexey , Rodionov Alexander , Ponomarev Dmitri , Nekrasova Yana
Published: August 2022

The concept of representative directions allows for automatic generation of multi-axial constitutive equations, starting from simplified uni-axial material models. In this paper, a modification of the concept is considered suitable for the analysis of fibrous polymeric materials, which are anisotropic in the as-received state. The modification of the concept incorporates an orientation probability density function (OPDF), which explicitly accounts for the material anisotropy. Two versions of the concept are available. The first version utilizes the homogeneous distribution of the representative directions, with the entire anisotropy being contained in the weighting factors. The second encapsulates the anisotropy in the distribution of the representative directions. Due to its nature, the second version allows for a more efficient use of computational power. To promote this efficient version of the concept, we present new algorithms generating required sets of representative directions that match a given OPDF. These methods are based (i) on the minimization of a potential energy, (ii) on the equilibration method, and (iii) on the use of Voronoi cells. These three methods are tested and compared in terms of various OPDFs. The applicability of the computationally efficient modeling method to mechanical behavior of an anisotropic polymeric material is demonstrated. In particular, a calibration procedure is suggested for the practically important case when the OPDF is not known a-priori.
Investigating the Feasibility of Processing Activated Carbon/UHMWPE Polymer Composite Using Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Khalil Yas , Hopkinson Neil , Kowalski Adam J. , Fairclough John Patrick A.
Published: August 2022

Activated Carbon (AC) is widely available at a relatively low cost, has a high porosity and is commonly used as a filter material for a range of applications. However, it is a brittle and friable material. Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) polymer is a tough engineering plastic that has been used as a binder. The traditional method used in manufacturing AC/UHMWPE filters involves compressing AC/UHMWPE composite powder during heating in a mould. This process compresses the particles together and the materials undergo sintering. This process results in a low pore interconnectivity, which has a considerable impact on the filter’s efficiency. Selective Laser Sintering is a laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing technique for polymers. This has a number of advantages compared to the conventional technique and produces a porous structure with improved filtration efficiency. We propose that this is due to the greater pore interconnectivity. In this work, AC/UHMWPE powdered composites were prepared with different AC and UHMWPE ratios. The structure and properties of the AC/UHMWPE composite were investigated and characterised to assess their suitability for selective laser sintering. Particle size and morphology analysis were conducted, as well as density measurements, powder flow, thermal analysis, and crystallinity measurements. The results reveal that the addition of AC improves the UHMWPE flow. The thermal analysis results show that the intrinsic thermal properties of UHMWPE powder are not significantly affected by the introduction of activated carbon. However, thermal gravimetric analysis revealed that the onset of mass loss is considerably shifted (20 °C) to higher temperatures for the AC/UHMWPE composites, which is favourable for laser sintering. Additionally, the change in the composition ratio of untreated composite does not have a significant effect on the degree of crystallinity. Laser-sintered AC/UHMWPE parts were successfully manufactured using a commercial laser-sintering machine.
Not Just the Time of the Other—What Does It Mean for Christians Today to Remember Shabbat and Keep It Holy?
Authors: Meyer Barbara U.
Published: August 2022

In this essay, I explore how Christians can relate to the Sabbath in a way that adequately expresses Christian traditions about sacred time while showing respect for distinctly Jewish practices. My basic claim is that a Christian sanctification of the Sabbath presents an entirely new challenge for a Christianity that does not view Judaism as superseded or outdated. Thus, I ask: What should be the meaning of the Sabbath commandment for Christians? How can Christians sanctify the Sabbath while affirming it as a sign of the Jewish people’s living covenant? First, I will lay out the questions that are raised for Christian theology when affirming Jewish Sabbath observance as part of practiced Judaism, that is, as lived Torah and as a tradition passed on from generation to generation. Next, I will consult contemporary Jewish literature on the topic, then look for Christian accounts of the Sabbath in Christian systematic theologies. I will ask: What happens when Christians affirm that Sunday does not abrogate the Jewish Sabbath, while also asserting their own commitment to the Bible’s holy day? I will subsequently sketch an outline of a Christian theology of Shabbat that acknowledges distinctive Jewish legal traditions as well as its own connectedness to Biblical temporal structures.
Hindu Nationalism Online: Twitter as Discourse and Interface
Authors: Bhatia Kiran Vinod
Published: August 2022

In this article, I use Critical Technocultural Discourse Analysis (CTDA) to examine the productive associations between Twitter as a technological artifact and the quotidian discourse on Hindu nationalism online. The analysis explores the interplay between (1) Twitter as a technical artifact—examining the interface for its affordances and protocols; (2) Twitter as practice—unpacking the quotidian discourse conventions and strategies used to articulate Hindu nationalism; and (3) Twitter as ideology—examining how Hindutva ideology co-opts the platform’s affordances to promote anti-minority discrimination. My analysis highlights how the online discourse of Hindu nationalism is a constitutive force informing discussions and decisions concerning several vital issues related to governance, policies, citizenship, COVID-19, and other topics. The discourse of Hindu nationalism online has the potential to percolate into the lived realities of people and has material implications for the workings of the state.
The Path of ‘No’ Resistance to Temptation: Lessons Learned from Active Buddhist Consumers in Thailand
Authors: Wongkitrungrueng Apiradee , Juntongjin Panitharn
Published: August 2022

Mindfulness practice and mindful consumption have increasingly attracted the interests of academics and the general public worldwide. Despite the fact that mindfulness meditation has its roots in Buddhism, little empirical research has studied mindfulness and mindful consumption from the Buddhist principles and from the perspective of active Buddhists who regularly dedicate themselves to Buddhist practice with the goal of achieving liberation from suffering. This study builds on and extends previous research that established a research agenda regarding how mindfulness could transform consumer behavior and lead to higher levels of well-being. The purpose of this study is to gain an understanding of the ways in which active Buddhist consumers living in the city have disengaged from the consumerist culture and altered their lifestyle and consumption behaviors. To grasp the subtle complexity of the experience, fifteen active Buddhist practitioners were interviewed in depth. As a result of this, a Buddhist-based behavioral change model with seven stages is developed. Drawing on behavioral change models, such as the transtheoretical model (TTM) and the stepwise model of behavior change (SMBC), this model aims to demonstrate how active Buddhist consumers have transformed their consumption behavior patterns and overcome temptation without resistance. The transformative mechanism and consumer strategies were also extracted to provide lessons learned and management implications.
A Graduated Approach to Spiritual Intervention in Health and Long-Term Care
Authors: McColl Mary Ann
Published: August 2022

Most professionals in health and long-term care know the importance of spirituality for well-being among older people; however, they are challenged to know how to approach the topic or what to do to enable the power of spirituality in their setting. This paper is based on an extensive search and content analysis of literature in the health and social sciences, and offers a step-wise approach to engaging with older adults on spiritual issues. The content analysis identified five levels of intervention. The first two levels require no special training (listening and acknowledging, referring). The next three levels—asking about spirituality, indirect, and direct interventions—each depend on a greater degree of preparation and expertise. All the levels offer the possibility of spiritual expression for clients/residents, and the opportunity for health and social service professionals to respond to these important issues.
Building on a Solid Foundation: Conceptual Mapping Informs Schemas for Relating to God
Authors: Keefer Lucas A. , Fetterman Adam K.
Published: August 2022

How do individuals manage to maintain strong emotional and personal relationships with God, despite the physical (and metaphysical) challenges posed by that task? Past studies show that individuals relate to God in characteristic ways based in part on their God concepts, the ways they internally represent the nature of God. The current manuscript summarizes research suggesting that these concepts arise in part through mapping processes involving metaphor and analogy. This review suggests these cognitive processes influence the content of God concepts that ultimately determine how individuals relate to God. Future research would benefit from considering the important role that basic cognitive mapping plays in far-reaching emotional and behavioral outcomes.
Explicit Properties of q-Cosine and q-Sine Array-Type Polynomials Containing Symmetric Structures
Authors: Alatawi Maryam Salem , Khan Waseem Ahmad , Ryoo Cheon Seoung
Published: August 2022

The main aim of this study is to define parametric kinds of λ-Array-type polynomials by using q-trigonometric polynomials and to investigate some of their analytical properties and applications. For this purpose, many formulas and relations for these polynomials, including some implicit summation formulas, differentiation rules, and relations with the earlier polynomials by utilizing some series manipulation method are derived. Additionally, as an application, the zero values of q-Array-type polynomials are presented by the tables and multifarious graphical representations for these zero values are drawn.
A Study of Kenmotsu-like Statistical Submersions
Authors: Siddiqi Mohd. Danish , Siddiqui Aliya Naaz , Mofarreh Fatemah , Aytimur Hülya
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we first define a Kenmotsu-like statistical manifold (K.l.s.m) with examples. Then, we switch to Kenmotsu-like statistical submersions (K.l.s.s), where we investigate the fact that, for such submersions, each fiber is a statistical manifold that is similar to K.l.s.m, and the base manifold is similar to the Kähler-like statistical manifold. Subsequently, assuming the postulate that the curvature tensor with regard to the affine connections of the total space obeys certain criteria, we analyze such statistical submersions to those developed by Kenmotsu. Lastly, we talk about statistical submersions (SS) with conformal fibers (CFs) that are K.l.s.m.
Multi-Type Object Tracking Based on Residual Neural Network Model
Authors: Jiang Tao , Zhang Qiuyan , Yuan Jianying , Wang Changyou , Li Chen
Published: August 2022

In this paper, a tracking algorithm based on the residual neural network model and machine learning is proposed. Compared with the widely used VGG network, the residual neural network has deeper characteristic layers and special additional layer structure, which break the symmetry of the network and reduce the degradation of the neural network. The additional layer and convolution layer are used for feature fusion to represent the target. The multi-features of the object can be captured by using the developed algorithm, so that the accuracy of tracking can be improved in some complex scenarios. In addition, we defined a new measure to calculate the similarity of different image regions and find the optimal matched region. The search area is delimited according to the continuity of the target motion, which improves the real-time performance of tracking. The experimental results illustrate that the proposed algorithm achieved a higher accuracy while taking into account the real time performance, especially in dealing with some complex scenarios such as deformation, rotation changes and background clutters, in comparison with the Multi-Domain Network (MDNet) algorithm based on a convolutional neural network.
The Dynamics of a Fractional-Order Mathematical Model of Cancer Tumor Disease
Authors: Abaid Ur Rehman Muhammad , Ahmad Jamshad , Hassan Ali , Awrejcewicz Jan , Pawlowski Witold , Karamti Hanen , Alharbi Fahad M.
Published: August 2022

This article explores the application of the reduced differential transform method (RDTM) for the computational solutions of two fractional-order cancer tumor models in the Caputo sense: the model based on cancer chemotherapeutic effects which explain the relation between chemotherapeutic drugs, tumor cells, normal cells, and immune cells using a fractional partial differential equations, and the model that describes the different cases of killing rate K of cancer cells (the killing percentage of cancer cells K (I) is dependent on the number of cells, (II) is a function of time only, and (III) is a function of space only). The solutions are presented using Mathematica software as a convergent power series with elegantly computed terms using the suggested technique. The proposed method gives new series form results for various values of gamma. To clarify the complexity of the models, we plot the two- and three-dimensional and contour graphics of the obtained solutions at varied values of fractional-order gamma and the selected system parameters. The solutions are analyzed with fractional and reduced differential transform methods to obtain an idea of invariance regarding the computed solution of the designed mathematical model. The obtained results demonstrate the efficiency and preciseness of the proposed method to achieve a better understanding of chemotherapy effects. It is observed that chemotherapy drugs boost immunity against the specific cancer by decreasing the number of tumor cells, and the killing rate K of cancerous cells depend on the cells concentration.
Analytical Study of Fractional Epidemic Model via Natural Transform Homotopy Analysis Method
Authors: Abdl-Rahim Hamdy R. , Zayed Mohra , Ismail Gamal M.
Published: August 2022

In this study, we present a new general solution to a rational epidemiological mathematical model via a recent intelligent method called the natural transform homotopy analysis method (NTHAM), which combines two methods: the natural transform method (NTM) and homotopy analysis method (HAM). To assess the precision and the reliability of the present method, we compared the obtained results with those of the Laplace homotopy perturbation method (LHPM) as well as the q-homotopy analysis Sumudu transform method (q-HASTM), which revealed that the NTHAM is more reliable. The Caputo fractional derivative is employed. It not only gives initial conditions with obvious natural interpretation but is also bounded, meaning that there is no derivative of a constant. The results show that the proposed technique is superior in terms of simplicity, quality, accuracy, and stability and demonstrate the effectiveness of the rational technique under consideration.
Gender and Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Israel
Authors: Solomon Michal , Fuchs Inbal , Glazer Yael , Schwartz Eli
Published: August 2022

Leishmaniasis is estimated to be more common in males than in females. Our purpose was to evaluate differences in preponderance in relation to sex and gender across cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis in Israel. An observational study was performed, including cases of endemic CL (cutaneous leishmaniasis) in Israel, and imported MCL (mucocutaneous leishmaniasis). CL is a notifiable disease and is supposed to be reported to the Ministry of Health (MOH). The MOH database shows that males as more likely to be infected by leishmania, with an incidence of 5/100,000 in males vs. 3.5/100,000 in females. However, while conducting a demographic house-to-house survey in several locations in Israel where CL is highly endemic, among 608 people who were screened only 49% were males in Leishmania major (L. major) endemic regions and 41% were males in Leishmania tropica (L. tropica) endemic regions, while among 165 cases of imported New-World cutaneous leishmaniasis in Israeli travelers freturning from abroad, 142 (86%) were males. It may be postulated that there is no real gender difference in leishmanial infection, but, perhaps, infections are more commonly seen in men because of referral/reported bias, due to more risk-taking behaviors by men or, perhaps, men are less likely to strictly adhere to recommended preventive measures and thus increase their risk of contracting the disease.
HIV-1 Diversity and Drug Resistance in Treatment-Naïve Children and Adolescents from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: de Azevedo Suwellen Sardinha Dias , Delatorre Edson , Gaido Cibele Marina , Silva-de-Jesus Carlos , Guimarães Monick Lindenmeyer , Couto-Fernandez José Carlos , Morgado Mariza G.
Published: August 2022

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) can be transmitted via parenteral, sexual, or vertical exposure routes. The number of HIV-1 cases detected yearly in children and adolescents in Brazil did not decrease over the last decade, representing ~5% of total cases described in the country. In recent years, the HIV-1 diversity and the prevalence of transmitted drug resistance mutations (TDRM) are moving toward a marked increase. In this study, we retrospectively evaluated the diversity of HIV-1 subtypes and the TDRM prevalence in 135 treatment-naïve HIV-1 vertically infected children and adolescents born in between 1993 and 2012. These children were assessed in either 2001–2007 or 2008–2012 when they were 0 to 17 years old. The individuals assessed in 2001–2007 (n = 38) had median CD4+ T cell counts of 1218 cells/mm3 (IQR: 738–2.084) and median HIV-1 plasma viral load of 4.18 log10 copies/mL (IQR: 3.88–4.08). The individuals (n = 97) evaluated in 2008–2012 showed median CD4+ T cell counts of 898.5 cells/mm3 (IQR: 591.3–1.821) and median HIV-1 plasma viral load of 4.69 log10 copies/mL (IQR: 4.26–5.33). A steady decrease in the median CD4 T+ cell counts was observed with age progression, as expected. The majority HIV-1 pol sequences (87%) were classified as pure HIV-1 subtypes (77% subtype B, 9% subtype F1 and 1.5% subtype C), while 13% of sequences were classified as recombinants (CRF45_cpx, n = 4; CRF28/29_BF1, n = 2; CRF02_AG, n = 1; CRF40_BF1, n = 1, CRF99_BF1, n = 1, URF_BF1, n = 8). The overall prevalence of TDRM was 14% (19/135), conferring resistance to the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI, 13/135–9.6%), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI, 8/135–5.9%), and protease inhibitors (PI, 2/135–1.5%). The main TDRM observed for NNRTI was the K103N (n = 8), while the mutations T215I/Y/D/E (n = 7) and M184V (n = 4) were the main TDRM for NRTI. Only two TDRM were observed for PI in one individual each (M46I and V82A). Most TDRM were found in the HIV-1 subtype B (84%) sequences. This study reveals an HIV-1 epidemic with high diversity and moderate prevalence of TDRM in the pediatric population of Rio de Janeiro, indicating the existence of possible problems in the clinical management of prophylactic therapy to prevent mother-to-child transmission and future treatment options for the affected children.
Sandfly-Borne Phleboviruses in Portugal: Four and Still Counting
Authors: Amaro Fátima , Zé-Zé Líbia , Alves Maria João
Published: August 2022

According to ICTV, there are currently 66 known phlebovirus species. More than 40 of these viruses were isolated or detected in phlebotomine sandflies and some of them are known pathogens. In Portugal, information about sandfly-borne phleboviruses is scarce and scattered sandfly-borne diseases are neglected and often not considered in differential diagnoses. The main objective of this work was to gather the existing information and to raise awareness about the circulating phleboviruses in this country. To date, Massilia and Alcube phleboviruses have been isolated from sandflies in southern Portugal. Human infections with Toscana and Sicilian phleboviruses have been reported, as well as seroprevalence in cats and dogs. More studies are needed in order to understand if the viruses isolated during the entomological surveys have an impact on human health and to fully understand the real importance of the already recognized pathogens in our country.
An Update on the Mutual Impact between SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Gut Microbiota
Authors: Li Shaoshuai , Zhou Yang , Yan Dongmei , Wan Yanmin
Published: August 2022

The gut microbiota is essential for good health. It has also been demonstrated that the gut microbiota can regulate immune responses against respiratory tract infections. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, accumulating evidence suggests that there is a link between the severity of COVID-19 and the alteration of one’s gut microbiota. The composition of gut microbiota can be profoundly affected by COVID-19 and vice versa. Here, we summarize the observations of the mutual impact between SARS-CoV-2 infection and gut microbiota composition. We discuss the consequences and mechanisms of the bi-directional interaction. Moreover, we also discuss the immune cross-reactivity between SARS-CoV-2 and commensal bacteria, which represents a previously overlooked connection between COVID-19 and commensal gut bacteria. Finally, we summarize the progress in managing COVID-19 by utilizing microbial interventions.