bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature Dependent on Mechanical and Rheological Properties of EPDM-Based Magnetorheological Elastomers Using Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Rashid Rusila Zamani Abdul , Yunus Nurul Azhani , Mazlan Saiful Amri , Johari Norhasnidawani , Aziz Siti Aishah Abdul , Nordin Nur Azmah , Khairi Muntaz Hana Ahmad , Johari Mohd Aidy Faizal
Published: April 2022

Temperature is one of the most influential factors affecting the performance of elastomer matrix in magnetorheological elastomer (MRE). Previous studies have utilized silica as a reinforcing filler in polymer composite and as a coating material in MRE to improve the thermal stability of the base material. However, the usage of silica as an additive in the thermal stability of MRE has not been explored. Thus, in this study, the effect of silica as an additive on the temperature-dependent mechanical and rheological properties of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)-based MREs was investigated by using 30 wt.% carbonyl iron particles (CIPs) as the main filler, with different contents of silica nanoparticles (0 to 11 wt.%). The microstructure analysis was examined by using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), while the thermal characterizations were studied by using a thermogravimetric analyzer and differential scanning calorimetry. The tensile properties were conducted by using Instron Universal Testing Machine in the absence of magnetic field at various temperatures. Meanwhile, the rheological properties were analyzed under oscillatory loadings in the influence of magnetic field, using a rotational rheometer at 25 to 65 °C. The results revealed that the temperature has diminished the interfacial interactions between filler and matrix, thus affecting the properties of MRE, where the tensile properties and MR effect decrease with increasing temperature. However, the presence of silica capable improved the thermal stability of EPDM-based MRE by enhancing the interactions between filler and matrix, thus reducing the interfacial defects when under the influence of temperature. Consequently, the incorporation of silica nanoparticles as an additive in EPDM-based MRE requires more exploration, since it has the potential to sustain the properties of MRE devices in a variety of temperature conditions. Thus, the study on the temperature-dependent mechanical and rheological properties of MRE is necessary, particularly regarding its practical applications.
Preparation and Electromagnetic Absorption Properties of Fe73.2Si16.2B6.6Nb3Cu1 Nanocrystalline Powder
Authors: Zhou Bingwen , Lv Mengnan , Wu Jiali , Ya Bin , Meng Linggang , Jianglin Lanqing , Zhang Xingguo
Published: April 2022

In order to decrease and control electromagnetic pollution, absorbing materials with better electromagnetic wave absorption properties should be developed. In this paper, a nanocrystalline alloy ribbon with the composition of Fe73.2Si16.2B6.6Nb3Cu1 was designed and prepared. Nanocrystalline alloy powder was obtained by high-energy ball milling treatment. The effects of ball milling time on the soft magnetic properties, microstructure, morphology, and electromagnetic wave absorption properties of alloy powder were investigated. The results showed that, as time increased, α-(Fe, Si) gradually transformed into the amorphous phase, and the maximum saturation magnetization (Ms) reached 135.25 emu/g. The nanocrystalline alloy powder was flakelike, and the minimum average particle size of the powder reached 6.87 μm. The alloy powder obtained by ball milling for 12 h had the best electromagnetic absorption performance, and the minimum reflection loss RLmin at the frequency of 6.52 GHz reached −46.15 dB (matched thickness was 3.5 mm). As time increased, the best matched frequency moved to the high-frequency direction, and the best matched thickness decreased, while the maximum effective absorption bandwidth ΔfRL<−10 dB was 7.22 GHz (10.78–18 GHz).
Laser Powder Bed Fusion Applied to a New Biodegradable Mg-Zn-Zr-Ca Alloy
Authors: Hendea Radu Emil , Raducanu Doina , Nocivin Anna , Ivanescu Steliana , Stanciu Doina , Trisca-Rusu Corneliu , Campian Radu Septimiu , Drob Silviu Iulian , Cojocaru Vasile Danut , Gălbinașu Bogdan Mihai
Published: April 2022

The aim of the present paper is to apply the laser powder bed fusion process to a new biodegradable Mg-Zn-Zr-Ca alloy powder prepared via a mechanical alloying method from powder pure components. This additive manufacturing method is expected to allow for the obtaining of high biomechanical and biochemical performance. Various processing parameters for laser powder bed fusion are tested, with a special focus on laser energy density—E [J/mm3]—which is calculated for all experiment variants, and which represents an important processing parameter, dependent upon all the rest. The goal of all the trials is to find the most efficient schema for the production of small biodegradable parts for the medical domain, meaning the selection of optimal processing parameters. An important observation is that the most robust and homogeneous samples without cracks are obtained for lower values of the E, around 100 J/mm3. Thus, the most performant samples are analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and by compression mechanical test.
Preparation of CeO2/UiO-66-NH2 Heterojunction and Study on a Photocatalytic Degradation Mechanism
Authors: Liu Ziwei , Zhuang Yanli , Dong Limin , Mu Hongxu , Tian Shuo , Wang Leiming , Huang Aoxiang
Published: April 2022

CeO2/UiO-66-NH2 (marked as Ce/UN) composites were in-situ synthesized by a hydrothermal method. The properties, photocatalytic aspects, and degradation mechanism of Ce/UN were studied carefully. SEM results show that Ce/UN have a 3D flower-like structure, where octahedral UiO-66-NH2 nanoparticles are embedded in the two-dimensional sheet of CeO2. TEM results demonstrate that CeO2 and UiO-66-NH2 are bonded interfacially to constitute a hetero-junction construction. Data obtained by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy established that Ce/UN has less charge shift resistance and luminescence intensity than these of two pure substances. When the ratio of Ce/UN is 1:1, and the calcination temperature 400 °C is used, the degradation efficiency of RhB in photocatalysis by obtained Ce/UN is about 96%, which is much higher than in the case of CeO2 (4.5%) and UiO-66-NH2 (54%). The improved photocatalytic properties of Ce/UN may be due to the formation of hetero-junction, which is conducive for most photo-carriers and thus the interfacial charge shift efficiency is enhanced. By the free radical capture test, it can be inferred that the major active substances involved in the degradation related to photocatalysis is H+ and · O2−.
Selected Properties of Self-Compacting Concrete with Recycled PET Aggregate
Authors: Jaskowska-Lemańska Justyna , Kucharska Milena , Matuszak Jakub , Nowak Paweł , Łukaszczyk Wojciech
Published: April 2022

In this paper, the issue of self-compacting concrete (SCC) with the addition of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycled aggregate is addressed. The PET utilized was a waste fraction in the PET-bottle-recycling process. The implementation of waste in concrete mixes has a positive impact on their environmental and social profile; however, technical requirements are not necessarily met. In this investigation, PET was used as a substitute for fine aggregate in quantities ranging from 0 to 20% in increments of 5%. Both the flow properties of SCC mixes and the hardened SCC properties (compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and Poisson ratio) were investigated. Additionally, non-destructive tests (ultrasound and sclerometric) were performed to determine the correlation curves. The research revealed that both the flow properties and the parameters of the hardened concrete deteriorated with the PET content. Concrete with 20% PET replacement did not meet the self-compacting requirements and its compressive strength decreased by almost 50%. However, it was noted that replacing fine aggregate with PET aggregate in the amount of 5% did not significantly alter the concrete parameters and could be an attractive alternative to traditional concretes. Based on non-destructive testing, correlation curves were constructed that could be applicable to the future quality assessment of self-compacting concretes with recycled PET aggregate.
Comparison of the Mechanical Properties and Microstructures of QB2.0 and C17200 Alloys
Authors: Wang Zheng , Li Jiang , Zhang Yi , Lv Chuanming , Li Ting , Zhang Jiaqi , Hui Songxiao , Peng Lijun , Huang Guojie , Xie Haofeng , Mi Xujun
Published: April 2022

As it is known, beryllium bronze, an important copper alloy, is widely used in the field of aerospace. Since the performance of domestic and imported beryllium bronze alloys have obvious differences, domestic beryllium bronze QBe2.0 and imported C17200 alloy were adopted, and the hardness and tensile properties of imported and domestic beryllium bronze alloys in the peak aging state were compared and analyzed. In addition, the microstructure morphologies of the C17200 alloy and QBe2.0 alloy were analyzed by SEM, EBSD, and TEM. This study adopted a data-driven exploration approach to elaborate the differences between C17200 and QBe2.0 alloy. After aging at 300 °C for 2 h (peak aging), the tensile strengths of the C17200 alloy and QBe2.0 alloy were 1357 MPa and 1309 MPa, the yield strengths were 1195 MPa and 1188 MPa, and the elongations were 5.5% and 4.0%, respectively. In the peak-aged state, the grain size, uniformity, small angle grain boundary, and twin density of the C17200 alloy were much better than those of the QBe2.0 alloy, which led to more significant grain refinement and twin strengthening effects. A large amount of γ’ phase, γ phase, and β phase were precipitated in both alloys, but the precipitation density of the γ’ strengthening phase in the C17200 alloy was much greater than that of the QBe2.0 alloy. The C17200 alloy exhibited better mechanical properties under the combined effects of the various strengthening mechanisms, which provided a guideline for the subsequent improvement of domestic alloys and laid a solid foundation for the development of new copper alloys.
Influence of Loading Conditions on the Mechanical Performance of Multifilament Coreless UHMWPE Sutures Used in Orthopaedic Surgery
Authors: Prado-Novoa Maria , Perez-Sanchez Laura , Estebanez Belen , Moreno-Vegas Salvador , Perez-Blanca Ana
Published: April 2022

This work studies the influence of loading velocity and previous cyclic loading history on the stiffness and strength of a multifilament coreless ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) surgical suture. Thread samples (n = 8) were subjected to a load-to-failure test at 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, and 10 mm/s without previous loading history and after 10 cycles of loading at 1–10 N, 1–30 N, and 1–50 N. The experimental data were fitted to mathematical models to compute the stress–strain relation and the strength of the suture. The bilinear model involving two stress–strain ratios for low- and high-strain intervals was the best fit. The ratio in the low-strain range rose with loading speed, showing mean increases of 5.9%, 6.5%, 7.9%, and 7.3% between successive loading speeds. Without a previous loading history, this ratio was less than half than that at high strain. However, 10 cycles of 1–30 N or 1–50 N significantly increased the stress–strain ratio at a low strain level by 135% and 228%, respectively. The effect persisted after 2 min but vanished after 24 h. No influence was found on the suture strength. In conclusion, the stiffness of the studied suture was influenced by the strain level, loading velocity, and recent cyclic loading history. Conversely, the suture strength was not affected.
Waste Originating from the Cleaning of Flue Gases from the Combustion of Industrial Wastes as a Lime Partial Replacement in Autoclaved Aerated Concrete
Authors: Różycka Agnieszka , Kotwica Łukasz
Published: April 2022

This paper aims to study the suitability of partial replacement of lime by waste originating from the cleaning of flue gases from the combustion of industrial wastes in the production of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC). The compressive strength, bulk density, pore structure, phase composition, and microstructure of hydration products of the AAC were analyzed. According to the results, the addition of the waste can effectively enhance the mechanical properties of AAC due to the differences in morphology of hydration product—1.1 nm tobermorite and related dense microstructure. The pore size distribution was significantly influenced by waste addition, which was one of the main reasons for the increase in thermal conductivity. The XRD and SEM results showed that foreign ions introduced with the wastes affect the synthesis of 1.1 nm tobermorite. Moreover, it was shown that waste containing a high content of CaO can be used as lime replacement, which allows reducing CO2 emissions during the AAC production process.
Optimized ICPCVD-Based TiO2 for Photonics
Authors: Andrieux Aurore , Mennemanteuil Marie-Maxime , Geoffroy Nicolas , Emo Mélanie , Markey Laurent , Hammani Kamal
Published: April 2022

We propose obtaining TiO2 films by ICPCVD for the fabrication of low-loss waveguides. The challenge is to produce a dense and homogeneous layer with a high refractive index and low absorption in the visible range. Crystallized layers with features such as grains and amorphous layers have a rather low index for the application targeted, so we aimed for an intermediate state. We investigated the influence of plasma power, pressure, deposition time and annealing temperature on the structural, crystalline, and optical properties in order to tailor them. We showed that crystallization into rutile at the nanoscale occurred during deposition and under wisely chosen conditions, we reached a refractive index of 2.5 at 630 nm without creating interfaces or inhomogeneity in the layer depth. Annealing permits one to further increase the index, up to 2.6. TEM analysis on one sample before and after annealing confirmed the nano-polycrystallization and presence of both anatase and rutile phases and we considered that this intermediate state of crystallization was the best compromise for guided optics.
Optimization of Alumina Ceramics Corrosion Resistance in Nitric Acid
Authors: Ropuš Ivana , Ćurković Lidija , Cajner Hrvoje , Rončević Sanda
Published: April 2022

The development of ceramic materials resistance in various aggressive media combined with required mechanical properties is of considerable importance for enabling the wider application of ceramics. The corrosion resistance of ceramic materials depends on their purity and microstructure, the kind of aggressive media used and the ambient temperature. Therefore, the corrosion resistance of alumina ceramics in aqueous HNO3 solutions of concentrations of 0.50 mol dm−3, 1.25 mol dm−3 and 2.00 mol dm−3 and different exposure times—up to 10 days—have been studied. The influence of temperature (25, 40 and 55 °C) was also monitored. The evaluation of Al2O3 ceramics corrosion resistance was based on the concentration measurements of eluted Al3+, Ca2+, Fe3+, Mg2+, Na+ and Si4+ ions obtained by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), as well as density measurements of the investigated alumina ceramics. The response surface methodology (RSM) was used for the optimization of parameters within the experimental “sample-corrosive media” area. The exposure of alumina ceramics to aqueous HNO3 solutions was conducted according to the Box–Behnken design. After the regression functions were defined, conditions to achieve the maximum corrosion resistance of the sintered ceramics were determined by optimization within the experimental area.
Mapping the Volume Transfer of Graphene-Based Inks with the Gravure Printing Process: Influence of Rheology and Printing Parameters
Authors: Fakhari Ahmad , Fernandes Célio , Galindo-Rosales Francisco José
Published: April 2022

It is a common practice to add rheology modifiers to functional inks, such as graphene inks, to optimize the rheological properties so that they can be printed with a certain printing technique. This practice may lead to inks formulations with poorer electrical, optical, and mechanical performance upon its application, which are of paramount importance in printed electronics. In this study, we demonstrate for three different commercial graphene-based inks that it is possible to control the amount of ink transferred to the flat surface by tweaking printing parameters, such as the velocity and the length scale of the gravure cell, without modifying the rheology of the ink. Finally, the results are summarized in printing maps based on dimensionless numbers, namely, the capillary and Reynolds numbers.
Study of the Properties of Antifriction Rings under Severe Plastic Deformation
Authors: Volokitina Irina , Kolesnikov Alexandr , Fediuk Roman , Klyuev Sergey , Sabitov Linar , Volokitin Andrey , Zhuniskaliyev Talgat , Kelamanov Bauyrzhan , Yessengaliev Dauren , Yerzhanov Almas , Kolesnikova Olga
Published: April 2022

The paper studies the properties of brass workpieces for antifriction rings under severe plastic deformation by high-pressure torsion. The evolution of microstructure and mechanical properties of deformed workpieces after six cycles of deformation by high-pressure torsion at 500 °C have been studied. All metallographic studies were performed using modern methods: transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and analysis electron back scatter diffraction patterns (EBSD). The deformation resulted in an ultrafine grained structure with a large number of large-angle boundaries. The strength properties of brass increased compared to the initial state almost by three times, the microhardness also increases by three times, i.e., increased from 820 MPa in the initial state to 2115 MPa after deformation. In this case, the greatest increase in strength properties occurs in the first two cycles of deformation.
Improving the Properties of Porous Geopolymers Based on TPP Ash and Slag Waste by Adjusting Their Chemical Composition
Authors: Yatsenko Elena A. , Goltsman Boris M. , Trofimov Sergei V. , Kurdashov Viktor M. , Novikov Yuri V. , Smoliy Victoria A. , Ryabova Anna V. , Klimova Lyudmila V.
Published: April 2022

The possibility of improving the properties of porous geopolymer materials based on ash and slag waste from thermal power plants by adjusting their chemical composition is considered. An X-ray phase analysis of ash and slag wastes was carried out, the geopolymers’ precursor compositions were calculated, and additives to correct their chemical composition were selected. The samples were synthesized and their physical and mechanical properties (density, porosity, compressive strength, thermal conductivity) were analyzed. The micro- and macro-structure of the samples and the pore distribution of the obtained geopolymers were studied and pore-distribution histograms were obtained. The influence of Si:Al ratio on structural changes was described. The geopolymers’ phase composition was studied, consisting of an amorphous phase and high quartz and mullite. A conclusion about the applicability of this method for obtaining high-quality porous geopolymers was made.
Mechanical Properties of Cu-GO Composite by Varying GO Mesh Sizes
Authors: Nazeer Faisal , Wu Hao , Malik Abdul , Meng Xianming , Li Chuan , Long Jianyu
Published: April 2022

In this study, the copper-graphene oxide composites were prepared using low sintering temperature to investigate the effect of various mesh sizes of GO on Cu-GO composites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman were conducted to elaborate the microstructure, diffraction pattern and disorder in the powders as well as bulk composites. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis was also carried out to further study the microstructural analysis of composites at the nano-scale level. By changing the mesh sizes of GO from lower to higher level, the tensile strength and hardness of Cu-GO composites were significantly enhanced due to better mixing of GO with higher mesh size. A fractograph analysis was also examined in detail to investigate the effect of various mesh sizes of GO on Cu-GO.
Towards More Efficient Security Inspection via Deep Learning: A Task-Driven X-ray Image Cropping Scheme
Authors: Nguyen Hong Duc , Cai Rizhao , Zhao Heng , Kot Alex C. , Wen Bihan
Published: April 2022

X-ray imaging machines are widely used in border control checkpoints or public transportation, for luggage scanning and inspection. Recent advances in deep learning enabled automatic object detection of X-ray imaging results to largely reduce labor costs. Compared to tasks on natural images, object detection for X-ray inspection are typically more challenging, due to the varied sizes and aspect ratios of X-ray images, random locations of the small target objects within the redundant background region, etc. In practice, we show that directly applying off-the-shelf deep learning-based detection algorithms for X-ray imagery can be highly time-consuming and ineffective. To this end, we propose a Task-Driven Cropping scheme, dubbed TDC, for improving the deep image detection algorithms towards efficient and effective luggage inspection via X-ray images. Instead of processing the whole X-ray images for object detection, we propose a two-stage strategy, which first adaptively crops X-ray images and only preserves the task-related regions, i.e., the luggage regions for security inspection. A task-specific deep feature extractor is used to rapidly identify the importance of each X-ray image pixel. Only the regions that are useful and related to the detection tasks are kept and passed to the follow-up deep detector. The varied-scale X-ray images are thus reduced to the same size and aspect ratio, which enables a more efficient deep detection pipeline. Besides, to benchmark the effectiveness of X-ray image detection algorithms, we propose a novel dataset for X-ray image detection, dubbed SIXray-D, based on the popular SIXray dataset. In SIXray-D, we provide the complete and more accurate annotations of both object classes and bounding boxes, which enables model training for supervised X-ray detection methods. Our results show that our proposed TDC algorithm can effectively boost popular detection algorithms, by achieving better detection mAPs or reducing the run time.
Discovery of Azaindolin-2-One as a Dual Inhibitor of GSK3β and Tau Aggregation with Potential Neuroprotective Activity
Authors: Ali Taha F. S. , Ciftci Halil I. , Radwan Mohamed O. , Roshdy Eslam , Shawky Ahmed M. , Abourehab Mohammed A. S. , Tateishi Hiroshi , Otsuka Masami , Fujita Mikako
Published: April 2022

The inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) activity through pharmacological intervention represents a promising approach for treating challenging neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. Similarly, abnormal tau aggregate accumulation in neurons is a hallmark of various neurodegenerative diseases. We introduced new dual GSK3β/tau aggregation inhibitors due to the excellent clinical outcome of multitarget drugs. Compound (E)-2f stands out among the synthesized inhibitors as a promising GSK3β inhibitor (IC50 1.7 µM) with a pronounced tau anti-aggregation effect in a cell-based model of tauopathy. Concurrently, (E)-2f was demonstrated to be non-toxic to normal cells, making it a promising neuroprotective lead compound that needs further investigation.
Malva parviflora Leaves and Fruits Mucilage as Natural Sources of Anti-Inflammatory, Antitussive and Gastro-Protective Agents: A Comparative Study Using Rat Models and Gas Chromatography
Authors: Altyar Ahmed E. , Munir Ans , Ishtiaq Saiqa , Rizwan Muhammad , Abbas Khizar , Kensara Osama , Elhady Sameh S. , Rizg Waleed Y. , Youssef Fadia S. , Ashour Mohamed L.
Published: April 2022

Malva parviflora L., Little mallow, has been traditionally used as an alternative food source. It acts as a medicinal herb containing a potential source of mucilage thus herein; we aimed to assess the toxicity, anti-inflammatory, antitussive and gastro-protective actions of M. parviflora mucilage extracted from its leaves (MLM) and fruit (MFM). Toxicity studies were investigated by in vitro hemolytic assay whereas acute anti-inflammatory and antitussive activities were assessed by carrageenan-induced paw edema and sulphur dioxide induced cough model in rats, respectively. Gastro-protective effects were studied using ethanol induced acute and chronic gastric ulcer rat models. Their metabolic profiles were determined using gas chromatography. The results revealed that MLM and MFM were non-toxic towards human erythrocytes and their lethal doses were found to be greater than 5 g/kg. Pretreatment with MLM (500 mg/kg) and MFM (500 mg/kg) significantly reduced the carrageenan-induced paw thickness (p < 0.001). Maximum edema inhibition (%) was observed at 4 h in diclofenac sodium (39.31%) followed by MLM (27.35%) and MFM (15.68%). Animals pretreated with MLM (500 mg/kg) significantly lower the cough frequency in SO2 gas induced cough models in contrast to control. Moreover, MLM at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg reduced the ethanol induced gastric mucosal injuries in acute gastric ulcer models presenting ulcer inhibition of 23.04 and 38.74%, respectively. The chronic gastric ulcer model MFM (500 mg/kg) demonstrated a remarkable gastro-protective effect showing 63.52% ulcer inhibition and results were closely related to standard drug sucralfate. In both models, MLM and MFM decreased gastric juice volume and total acidity in addition to an increased gastric juice pH and gastric mucous content justifying an anti-secretary role of this mucilage that was further confirmed by histopathological examination. Meanwhile, GC analyses of the mucilage revealed their richness with natural as well as acidic monosaccharides. It is concluded that MLM and MFM can be used therapeutically for the management of inflammation, cough and gastric ulcer.
Zhuiniu Water Buffalo Ritual of the Miao: Cultural Narrative Performed
Authors: Riccio Thomas
Published: April 2022

The zhuiniu 椎牛 ritual is one of the most elaborate of the Miao people of western Hunan, China. Zhuiniu means “kill the buffalo with a spear” and traces its origins to the worship of spirits and natural elements. Sponsored by a family to repay the spirits, the ritual was a village-wide event that culminated with the sacrifice of a water buffalo and a community celebration. The zhuiniu, estimated to be several thousand years old, is rapidly vanishing from cultural memory. In July and August of 2018, six master badai-spiritual specialists of the Miao—were gathered in La Yi 腊乙, a village in the Wuling Mountain by the cultural bureau of the Xiangxi Tujia-Miao Autonomous Prefecture of Hunan Province to reenact and document the ritual. Using performance ethnography as research methodology, the author employs on-site observations, interviews, field notes, audio, and video to document the reenactment and describe its significance in the words of its practitioners. This essay argues that the zhuiniu has no definitive expression but is an adaptative and interpretative cultural narrative adjusting to circumstances and practice. The ritual exists today as it had historically, in many and varied expressions and interpretations shaped by local need, geography, and subject to the vagaries to orally transmitted forms of practice. Although fragmentary in performance expression and interpretation, the zhuiniu ritual narrative serves as a mythologically-based script that organizes a series of dramatic events that invites community awareness and interaction. In so doing, this sacred ritual has sustained its importance in conveying, embodying, and encoding a spiritual, social, and cultural record of Miao cosmology, culture, and history. Performatively conveyed—using song, music, costumes, dance and movement, props, and set pieces—the zhuiniu has been efficiently and sensorially reimagined in order to reiterate and reaffirm cultural knowledge. With rural modernization, dissolution of cultural context and need, and the aging of its practitioners, the traditional role of the zhuiniu is now in question.
Deforestation by Afforestation: Land Use Change in the Coastal Range of Chile
Authors: Braun Andreas C.
Published: April 2022

In southern Chile, an establishment of a plantation-based forest industry occurred early in the industrial era. Forest companies claim that plantations were established on eroded lands. However, the plantation industry is under suspicion to have expanded its activities by clearing near-natural forests since the early 1970s. This paper uses a methodologically complex classification approach from own previously published research to elucidate land use dynamics in southern Chile. It uses spatial data (extended morphological profiles) in addition to spectral data from historical Landsat imagery, which are fusioned by kernel composition and then classified in a multiple classifier system (based on support, import and relevance vector machines). In a large study area (~67,000 km2), land use change is investigated in a narrow time frame (five-year steps from 1975 to 2010) in a two-way (prospective and retrospective) analysis. The results are discussed synoptically with other results on Chile. Two conclusions can be drawn for the coastal range. Near-natural forests have always been felled primarily in favor of the plantation industry. Vice versa, industrial plantations have always been primarily established on sites, that were formerly forest covered. This refutes the claim that Chilean plantations were established primarily to restore eroded lands; also known as badlands. The article further shows that Chile is not an isolated case of deforestation by afforestation, which has occurred in other countries alike. Based on the findings, it raises the question of the extent to which the Chilean example could be replicated in other countries through afforestation by market economy and climate change mitigation.
Sea Storm Analysis: Evaluation of Multiannual Wave Parameters Retrieved from HF Radar and Wave Model
Authors: Saviano Simona , Biancardi Anastasia Angela , Uttieri Marco , Zambianchi Enrico , Cusati Luis Alberto , Pedroncini Andrea , Contento Giorgio , Cianelli Daniela
Published: April 2022

Intense atmospheric disturbances, which impact directly on the sea surface causing a significant increase in wave height and sometimes strong storm surges, have become increasingly frequent in recent years in the Mediterranean Sea, producing extreme concern in highly populated coastal areas, such as the Gulf of Naples (Western Mediterranean Sea, Central Tyrrhenian Sea). In this work, fifty-six months of wave parameters retrieved by an HF radar network are integrated with numerical outputs to analyze the seasonality of extreme events in the study area and to investigate the performance of HF radars while increasing their distances from the coast. The model employed is the MWM (Mediterranean Wind-Wave Model), providing a wind-wave dataset based on numerical models (the hindcast approach) and implemented in the study area with a 0.03° spatial resolution. The integration and comparison with the MWM dataset, carried out using wave parameters and spectral information, allowed us to analyze the availability and accuracy of HF sampling during the investigated period. The statistical comparisons highlight agreement between the model and the HF radars during episodes of sea storms. The results confirm the potential of HF radar systems as long-term monitoring observation platforms, and allow us to give further indications on the seasonality of sea storms under different meteorological conditions and on their energy content in semi-enclosed coastal areas, such as the Gulf of Naples.
Coastal Acoustic Tomography of the Neko-Seto Channel with a Focus on the Generation of Nonlinear Tidal Currents—Revisiting the First Experiment
Authors: Chen Minmo , Hanifa Aruni Dinan , Taniguchi Naokazu , Mutsuda Hidemi , Zhu Xiaohua , Zhu Zenan , Zhang Chuanzheng , Lin Ju , Kaneko Arata
Published: April 2022

The first coastal acoustic tomography (CAT) experiment site of the Neko-Seto Channel was revisited to elucidate the propagation and generation characteristics of the M2 and M4 tidal currents with a second CAT experiment, which was conducted from 3–6 April 2018 (local time). Two-dimensional flow fields of the M2 and M4 tidal currents and the residual current were reconstructed using a coast-fitting inversion model with the reciprocal travel-time data of five acoustic stations. The M2 tidal current is a progressive-type wave that propagates eastward at a speed of 0.7 ms−1, much slower than expected for free progressive tides in this region (19 ms−1). The M4 nonlinear current constructed an out-of-phase relationship between the western and eastern halves of the tomography domain, implying the generation of standing-type waves. Such nonlinear processes led to flood- and ebb-dominant tidal current asymmetries for the western and eastern halves of the model domain, respectively. The two-day mean residual currents constructed a northeastward current with a maximum speed of 0.3 ms−1 in the western half of the model domain and a clockwise rotation in the eastern half. The averaged inversion errors were 0.03 ms−1, significantly smaller than the amplitude of the aforementioned currents.
Novel Probe for Thermally Controlled Raman Spectroscopy Using Online IR Sensing and Emissivity Measurements
Authors: Calvagna Chiara , Mencaglia Andrea Azelio , Osticioli Iacopo , Ciofini Daniele , Siano Salvatore
Published: April 2022

Temperature rise during Raman spectroscopy can induce chemical alterations of the material under analysis and seriously affect its characterization. Thus, such photothermal side effects can represent a serious problem to be carefully controlled in order to safeguard the integrity of the material and its spectral features. In this work, an innovative probe for thermally controlled portable Raman spectroscopy (exc. 785 nm) equipped with infrared sensing lines was developed. It included an infrared source and two thermopile sensors, which allowed to perform real-time measurements of the local emissivity of the material surface under laser excitation. The emissivity, which is needed in order to monitor the temperature of the irradiated surface through infrared radiation measurements, represents the complementary component of the reflectance in the radiative energy balance. Thus, total reflectance, temperature measurements and Raman spectroscopy were integrated in the present probe. After independently assessing the reliability of the former in order to derive the emissivity of variety of materials, the probe was successfully applied on pigments, paint layers, and a painting on canvas. The results achieved evidence the significant exploitation potential of the novel tool.
EmbeddedPigCount: Pig Counting with Video Object Detection and Tracking on an Embedded Board
Authors: Kim Jonggwan , Suh Yooil , Lee Junhee , Chae Heechan , Ahn Hanse , Chung Yongwha , Park Daihee
Published: April 2022

Knowing the number of pigs on a large-scale pig farm is an important issue for efficient farm management. However, counting the number of pigs accurately is difficult for humans because pigs do not obediently stop or slow down for counting. In this study, we propose a camera-based automatic method to count the number of pigs passing through a counting zone. That is, using a camera in a hallway, our deep-learning-based video object detection and tracking method analyzes video streams and counts the number of pigs passing through the counting zone. Furthermore, to execute the counting method in real time on a low-cost embedded board, we consider the tradeoff between accuracy and execution time, which has not yet been reported for pig counting. Our experimental results on an NVIDIA Jetson Nano embedded board show that this “light-weight” method is effective for counting the passing-through pigs, in terms of both accuracy (i.e., 99.44%) and execution time (i.e., real-time execution), even when some pigs pass through the counting zone back and forth.
Three-Dimensional Microwave Head Imaging with GPU-Based FDTD and the DBIM Method
Authors: Lu Pan , Kosmas Panagiotis
Published: April 2022

We present a preliminary study of microwave head imaging using a three-dimensional (3-D) implementation of the distorted Born iterative method (DBIM). Our aim is to examine the benefits of using the more computationally intensive 3-D implementation in scenarios where limited prior information is available, or when the target occupies an area that is not covered by the imaging array’s transverse planes. We show that, in some cases, the 3-D implementation outperforms its two-dimensional (2-D) counterpart despite the increased number of unknowns for the linear problem at each DBIM iteration. We also discuss how the 3-D algorithm can be implemented efficiently using graphic processing units (GPUs) and validate this implementation with experimental data from a simplified brain phantom. In this work, we have implemented a non-linear microwave imaging approach using DBIM with GPU-accelerated FDTD. Moreover, the paper offers a direct comparison of 2-D and 3-D microwave tomography implementations for head imaging and stroke detection in inhomogenous anatomically complex numerical head phantoms.
Mobility-Aware Offloading Decision for Multi-Access Edge Computing in 5G Networks
Authors: Jahandar Saeid , Kouhalvandi Lida , Shayea Ibraheem , Ergen Mustafa , Azmi Marwan Hadri , Mohamad Hafizal
Published: April 2022

Multi-access edge computing (MEC) is a key technology in the fifth generation (5G) of mobile networks. MEC optimizes communication and computation resources by hosting the application process close to the user equipment (UE) in network edges. The key characteristics of MEC are its ultra-low latency response and real-time applications in emerging 5G networks. However, one of the main challenges in MEC-enabled 5G networks is that MEC servers are distributed within the ultra-dense network. Hence, it is an issue to manage user mobility within ultra-dense MEC coverage, which causes frequent handover. In this study, our purposed algorithms include the handover cost while having optimum offloading decisions. The contribution of this research is to choose optimum parameters in optimization function while considering handover, delay, and energy costs. In this study, it assumed that the upcoming future tasks are unknown and online task offloading (TO) decisions are considered. Generally, two scenarios are considered. In the first one, called the online UE-BS algorithm, the users have both user-side and base station-side (BS) information. Because the BS information is available, it is possible to calculate the optimum BS for offloading and there would be no handover. However, in the second one, called the BS-learning algorithm, the users only have user-side information. This means the users need to learn time and energy costs throughout the observation and select optimum BS based on it. In the results section, we compare our proposed algorithm with recently published literature. Additionally, to evaluate the performance it is compared with the optimum offline solution and two baseline scenarios. The simulation results indicate that the proposed methods outperform the overall system performance.
Advanced Fiber Sensors Based on the Vernier Effect
Authors: Chen Yunhao , Zhao Li , Hao Shuai , Tang Jianing
Published: April 2022

For decades, optical fiber interferometers have been extensively studied and applied for their inherent advantages. With the rapid development of science and technology, fiber sensors with higher detection sensitivity are needed on many occasions. As an effective way to improve measurement sensitivity, Vernier effect fiber sensors have drawn great attention during the last decade. Similar to the Vernier caliper, the optical Vernier effect uses one interferometer as a fixed part of the Vernier scale and the other as a sliding part of the Vernier scale. This paper first illustrates the principle of the optical Vernier effect, then different configurations used to produce the Vernier effect are classified and discussed. Finally, the outlook for Vernier effect fiber sensors is presented.
Inter-Multilevel Super-Orthogonal Space–Time Coding Scheme for Reliable ZigBee-Based IoMT Communications
Authors: Ma Shang-Chih , Alkhaleefah Mohammad , Chang Yang-Lang , Chuah Joon Huang , Chang Wen-Yen , Ku Chiung-Shen , Wu Meng-Che , Chang Lena
Published: April 2022

The Internet of Things (IoT) technology has revolutionized the healthcare industry by enabling a new paradigm for healthcare delivery. This paradigm is known as the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT). IoMT devices are typically connected via a wide range of wireless communication technologies, such as Bluetooth, radio-frequency identification (RFID), ZigBee, Wi-Fi, and cellular networks. The ZigBee protocol is considered to be an ideal protocol for IoMT communication due to its low cost, low power usage, easy implementation, and appropriate level of security. However, maintaining ZigBee’s high reliability is a major challenge due to multi-path fading and interference from coexisting wireless networks. This has increased the demand for more efficient channel coding schemes that can achieve a more reliable transmission of vital patient data for ZigBee-based IoMT communications. To meet this demand, a novel coding scheme called inter-multilevel super-orthogonal space–time coding (IM-SOSTC) can be implemented by combining the multilevel coding and set partitioning of super-orthogonal space–time block codes based on the coding gain distance (CGD) criterion. The proposed IM-SOSTC utilizes a technique that provides inter-level dependency between adjacent multilevel coded blocks to facilitate high spectral efficiency, which has been compromised previously by the high coding gain due to the multilevel outer code. In this paper, the performance of IM-SOSTC is compared to other related schemes via a computer simulation that utilizes the quasi-static Rayleigh fading channel. The simulation results show that IM-SOSTC outperforms other related coding schemes and is capable of providing the optimal trade-off between coding gain and spectral efficiency whilst guaranteeing full diversity and low complexity.
Cinnamaldehyde Relieves Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Rat Model via Targeting Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway
Authors: Abd El Salam Al Shaima G. , Samra Yara A. , El-Shishtawy Mamdouh M.
Published: April 2022

Cinnamaldehyde (CA) is a natural compound that has promising biological activity. The current study investigates the antitumor activity of CA in thioacetamide induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in rats through targeting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and evaluates the capability of CA to relieve hepatocytes oxidative stress in the HCC-rat model. After 16 weeks of HCC induction by thioacetamide (TAA), rats were treated for 7 consecutive weeks with CA daily; i.p. injection, Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level, necroinflammatory score and fibrosis percentage were measured to assess HCC development. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway was evaluated by measuring the hepatic protein level of Wnt-3a, β-catenin, cyclin D, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Furthermore, hepatocytes’ oxidative stress was assessed by measuring hepatic GSH and MDA contents. Results showed that CA was significantly inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway through the downregulation of hepatic Wnt-3a, β-catenin, cyclin D, MMP-9, and VEGF. Moreover, CA ameliorates hepatocytes’ oxidative stress via lowering hepatic MDA content and rising hepatic GSH content. Thus, in conclusion, CA is a promising treatment for HCC. It not only has an effective antitumor activity but also ameliorates hepatocytes’ oxidative stress.
Social Capital Mediates the Association between the ICT Usage and Well-Being of Older People in Japan: Implication for a New Design Paradigm
Authors: Kokubun Keisuke , Ogawa Toshimi , Browne Ryan , Shinada Takamitsu , Granrath Lorenz , Moeller Johanna , Tram Nhu , Wieching Rainer , Taki Yasuyuki
Published: April 2022

As the population ages, the question of how to prevent isolation among older people and increase their well-being becomes a social issue. It has often been argued that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) usage can be a solution to these challenges, but empirical studies have not shown consistent results. Moreover, there are even fewer studies targeting older people in Japan, which is the most aging country in the world. Therefore, using the psychological comprehensive data of Japanese people aged 60 and over recorded in World Values Survey Wave 7, we conducted a study to clarify the relationship between the ICT usage, social capital, and well-being of older people to make a meaningful contribution to policymakers and the scientific community. As a result of the analysis, it was shown that ICT usage indirectly enhances well-being by increasing social capital. This indicates that for older people, ICT usage does not have a large effect on enhancing well-being, but becomes sufficiently large only through the improvement of social capital. The pros and cons of such modern communication means should be utilized as a reference when considering the development of future communication means and a human coach—a person who supports the use of communication means by older people. In other words, to think about the spread of communication means to community-dwelling older people in the future, it is always necessary to think about technology usage emphasizing the relationship between older people and society.
Development of a Passenger Assistance System to Increase the Attractiveness of Local Public Transport
Authors: Faulhaber Anja K. , Hegenberg Jens , Kahnt Sophie Elise , Lambrecht Franz , Leonhäuser Daniel , Saake Stefan , Wehr Franka , Schmidt Ludger , Sommer Carsten
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we present a concept for an assistance system for public transport passengers currently being developed for Kassel, Germany, and its surrounding area. The assistance system aims at increasing the attractiveness of local public transport by reducing barriers to use, thus promoting sustainable travel behavior. Three main barriers were identified: crowded vehicles, missed connections, and inconveniences in the transportation of shopping bags and luggage. To tackle these issues, three assistance system services were conceptualized: the occupancy rate informing passengers about the occupancy level of vehicles, the transfer connection monitor and secure system giving passengers the option to communicate transfer connection requests, and the delivery service allowing the use of public transport while shopping without the need to transport purchased goods. The three services are presented in detail along with the user interfaces they will be integrated into. Moreover, for the further implementation of the assistance system, a user requirement analysis is outlined. We finally give an overview and outlook regarding the implementation and evaluation of the concept in laboratory studies and a one-year field study.