bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kidney and Liver Tissue Tacrolimus Concentrations in Adult Transplant Recipients—The Influence of the Whole Blood and Tissue Concentrations on Efficiency of Treatment during Immunosuppressive Therapy
Authors: Bodnar-Broniarczyk Magdalena , Durlik Magdalena , Bączkowska Teresa , Czerwińska Katarzyna , Marszałek Ryszard , Pawiński Tomasz
Published: September 2021

Tacrolimus (TAC) has a narrow therapeutic index and highly variable pharmacokinetic characteristics. Close monitoring of the TAC concentrations is required in order to avoid the risk of acute rejection or adverse drug reaction. The results in some studies indicate that inter-tissue TAC concentrations can be a better predictor with regards to acute rejection episode than TAC concentration in whole blood. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the correlation between dosage, blood, hepatic and kidney tissue concentration of TAC measured by a validated liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and clinical outcomes in a larger cohort of 100 liver and renal adult transplant recipients. Dried biopsies were weighed, mechanically homogenized and then the samples were treated with a mixture of zinc sulfate—acetonitrile to perform protein precipitation. After centrifugation, the extraction with tert-butyl methyl ether was performed. The analytical range was proven for TAC tissue concentrations of 10–400 pg/mg. The accuracy and precision fell within the acceptance criteria for intraday as well as interday assay. There was no correlation between dosage, blood (C0) and tissue TAC concentrations. TAC concentrations determined in liver and kidney biopsies ranged from 8.5 pg/mg up to 160.0 pg/mg and from 7.1 pg/mg up to 215.7 pg/mg, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first LC-MS/MS method for kidney and liver tissue TAC monitoring using Tac13C,D2 as the internal standard, which permits measuring tissue TAC concentrations as low as 10 pg/mg.
Administration and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of β-lactams and Vancomycin in Critical Care Units in Colombia: The ANTIBIOCOL Study
Authors: Fuentes Yuli V. , Blanco Jhosep , Díaz-Quijano Diana Marcela , Lechtig-Wasserman Sharon , Liebisch-Rey Hans , Díaz-Pinilla Nicolas , Vergara-Ramirez Peter , Bustos Rosa-Helena
Published: September 2021

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and continuous infusion strategies are effective interventions in clinical practice, but these practices are still largely unknown in Colombia, especially in the critical care setting. This study aims to describe the practices involved in the administration and TDM of β-lactams and vancomycin reported by specialists in critical care in Colombia and to explore the factors that are related to the use of extended infusion. An online nationwide survey was applied to 153 specialists, who were selected randomly. A descriptive, bivariate analysis and a logistic regression model were undertaken. In total, 88.9% of the specialists reported TDM availability and 21.57% reported access to results within 6 h. TDM was available mainly for vancomycin. We found that 85.62% of the intensivists had some type of institutional protocol; however, only 39.22% had a complete and socialized protocol. The odds of preferring extended infusions among those who did not have institutional protocols were 80% lower than those with complete protocols, OR 0.2 (95% CI: 0.06−0.61). The most important perceived barriers to performing continuous infusions and TDM were the lack of training and technologies. This pioneering study in Colombia could impact the quality of care and outcomes of critically ill patients in relation to the threat of antimicrobial resistance.
Prolonged Administration of Rudgea viburnoides (Cham.) Benth. Prevents Impairment of Redox Status, Renal Dysfunction, and Cardiovascular Damage in 2K1C-Hypertensive Rats by Inhibiting ACE Activity and NO-GMPC Pathway Activation
Authors: Paulin Fernanda Viana , Palozi Rhanany Alan Calloi , Lorençone Bethânia Rosa , Macedo Arthur Ladeira , Guarnier Lucas Pires , Tirloni Cleide Adriane Signor , Romão Paulo Vitor Moreira , Gasparotto Junior Arquimedes , Silva Denise Brentan
Published: September 2021

Rudgea viburnoides is widely found in the Brazilian Cerrado, and commonly used in Brazilian folk medicine. In this study, we evaluated the effects of prolonged administration of the aqueous extract from R. viburnoides leaves (AERV) on impaired redox status, renal dysfunction, and cardiovascular damage in 2K1C hypertensive rats, as well as its chemical composition by LC-DAD-MS. Renal hypertension (two kidney, one-clip model) was surgically induced in male Wistar rats and AERV (30, 100 and 300 mg/kg) was administered orally five weeks after surgery for 28 days. Renal function was assessed and urinary electrolytes, pH, and density were measured. Electrocardiography, blood pressure and heart rate were recorded. Cardiac and mesenteric vascular beds were isolated for cardiac morphometry and evaluation of vascular reactivity, and aortic rings were also isolated for measurement of cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels, and the redox status was assessed. Prolonged treatment with AERV preserved urine excretion and electrolyte levels (Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Cl−), reversed electrocardiographic changes, left ventricular hypertrophy and changes in vascular reactivity induced by hypertension, and reduced blood pressure and heart rate. This effect was associated with a positive modulation of tissue redox state, activation of the NO/cGMP pathway, and inhibition of the angiotensin-converting enzyme. Glycosylated iridoids, chlorogenic acids, glycosylated triterpenes, O-glycosylated flavonols, and triterpenoid saponins were annotated. AERV showed no acute toxicity in female Wistar rats. Therefore, AERV treatment reduced the progression of cardiorenal disease in 2K1C hypertensive rats, which can be involved with an important attenuation of oxidative stress, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition, and activation of the NO/cGMP pathway.
High Intensity Violet Light (405 nm) Inactivates Coronaviruses in Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS) and on Surfaces
Authors: Lau Bernhard , Becher Dietmar , Hessling Martin
Published: September 2021

It has been proven that visible light with a wavelength of about 405 nm exhibits an antimicrobial effect on bacteria and fungi if the irradiation doses are high enough. Hence, the question arises as to whether this violet light would also be suitable to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 coronaviruses. Therefore, a high-intensity light source was developed and applied to irradiate bovine coronaviruses (BCoV), which are employed as SARS-CoV-2 surrogates for safety reasons. Irradiation is performed in virus solutions diluted with phosphate buffered saline and on steel surfaces. Significant virus reduction by several log levels was observed both in the liquid and on the surface within half an hour with average log reduction doses of 57.5 and 96 J/cm2, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that 405 nm irradiation has an antiviral effect on coronaviruses, but special attention should be paid to the presence of photosensitizers in the virus environment in future experiments. Technically, visible violet radiation is therefore suitable for coronavirus reduction, but the required radiation doses are difficult to achieve rapidly.
Challenges and Prospects of Plant-Derived Oral Vaccines against Hepatitis B and C Viruses
Authors: Pantazica Ana-Maria Madalina , Cucos Lia-Maria , Stavaru Crina , Clarke Jihong-Liu , Branza-Nichita Norica
Published: September 2021

Hepatitis B and C viruses chronically affect approximately 3.5% of the global population, causing more than 800,000 deaths yearly due to severe liver pathogenesis. Current HBV vaccines have significantly contributed to the reduction of chronic HBV infections, supporting the notion that virus eradication is a feasible public health objective in the near future. In contrast to HBV, a prophylactic vaccine against HCV infection is not available yet; however, intense research efforts within the last decade have significantly advanced the field and several vaccine candidates are shortlisted for clinical trials. A successful vaccine against an infectious disease of global importance must not only be efficient and safe, but also easy to produce, distribute, administer, and economically affordable to ensure appropriate coverage. Some of these requirements could be fulfilled by oral vaccines that could complement traditional immunization strategies. In this review, we discuss the potential of edible plant-based oral vaccines in assisting the worldwide fight against hepatitis B and C infections. We highlight the latest research efforts to reveal the potential of oral vaccines, discuss novel antigen designs and delivery strategies, as well as the limitations and controversies of oral administration that remain to be addressed to make this approach successful.
Elemental Composition of Algae-Based Supplements by Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence
Authors: Reboredo Fernando H. , Junior Walter , Pessoa Maria F. , Lidon Fernando C. , Ramalho José C. , Leitão Roberta G. , Silva Maria Manuela , Alvarenga Nuno , Guerra Mauro
Published: September 2021

The aim of this study is to evaluate the elemental composition of fifteen algae-based supplements commonly sold in the Portuguese market, by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence. Despite the fact that the majority of Kelp samples were a good source of iodine, the levels observed might well contribute to an excess in the human body, which can cause dysfunction of the thyroid gland. Furthermore, the presence of lead in Sea spaghetti, Arame, Hijiki and Wakame caused a considerable risk to public health vis a vis possible ingestion of a high daily dose. Regarding arsenic, great variability was observed in all the samples with concentrations equal to or above 60 μg/g in the case of Arame, KelpJ and Hijiki. Although algae mainly accumulate organic arsenic, some also contain high levels of its inorganic form, as is commonly pointed out for Hijiki. Thus, regular ingestion of these supplements must also take into account the mentioned facts. There is no doubt that these supplements are also good sources of other nutrients, but the lack of accurate regulations and control should alert consumers to avoid indiscriminate use of these types of products.
Rapid Accumulation of Proline Enhances Salinity Tolerance in Australian Wild Rice Oryza australiensis Domin
Authors: Nguyen Ha Thi Thuy , Das Bhowmik Sudipta , Long Hao , Cheng Yen , Mundree Sagadevan , Hoang Linh Thi My
Published: September 2021

Proline has been reported to play an important role in helping plants cope with several stresses, including salinity. This study investigates the relationship between proline accumulation and salt tolerance in an accession of Australian wild rice Oryza australiensis Domin using morphological, physiological, and molecular assessments. Seedlings of O. australiensis wild rice accession JC 2304 and two other cultivated rice Oryza sativa L. cultivars, Nipponbare (salt-sensitive), and Pokkali (salt-tolerant), were screened at 150 mM NaCl for 14 days. The results showed that O. australiensis was able to rapidly accumulate free proline and lower osmotic potential at a very early stage of salt stress compared to cultivated rice. The qRT-PCR result revealed that O. australiensis wild rice JC 2304 activated proline synthesis genes OsP5CS1, OsP5CS2, and OsP5CR and depressed the expression of proline degradation gene OsProDH as early as 1 h after exposure to salinity stress. Wild rice O. australiensis and Pokkali maintained their relative water content and cell membrane integrity during exposure to salinity stress, while the salt-sensitive Nipponbare failed to do so. An analysis of the sodium and potassium contents suggested that O. australiensis wild rice JC 2304 adapted to ionic stress caused by salinity by maintaining a low Na+ content and low Na+/K+ ratio in the shoots and roots. This demonstrates that O. australiensis wild rice may use a rapid accumulation of free proline as a strategy to cope with salinity stress.
Flame Retardancy and Dispersion of Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes in Thiol-Ene Nanocomposites
Authors: Wang Jiangbo
Published: September 2021

A polysilicone flame retardant (PA) was synthesized and covalently grafted onto the surface of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) via amide linkages to obtain modified CNTs (CNTs-PA). The grafting reaction was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and the resultant CNTs-PA was soluble and stable in polar solvents Chloroform. Thiol-ene (TE)/CNTs-PA nanocomposites were prepared via Ultraviolet curing. The flame retardancy of thiol-ene nanocomposites was improved, especially for the heat release rate. Moreover, the results from Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) showed that the CNTs-PA improved the dispersion of CNTs in thiol-ene and enhanced the interfacial interaction between CNTs-PA and thiol-ene matrix.
Roles of Small Polyetherimide Moieties on Thermal Stability and Fracture Toughness of Epoxy Blends
Authors: Lee Seul-Yi , Kang Min-Joo , Kim Seong-Hwang , Rhee Kyong Yop , Lee Jong-Hoon , Park Soo-Jin
Published: September 2021

Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (DGEBA) was blended with polyetherimide (PEI) as a thermoplastic toughener for thermal stability and mechanical properties as a function of PEI contents. The thermal stability and mechanical properties were investigated using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) and a universal test machine, respectively. The TGA results indicate that PEI addition enhanced the thermal stability of the epoxy resins in terms of the integral procedural decomposition temperature (IPDT) and pyrolysis activation energy (Et). The IPDT and Et values of the DGEBA/PEI blends containing 2 wt% of PEI increased by 2% and 22%, respectively, compared to those of neat DGEBA. Moreover, the critical stress intensity factor and critical strain energy release rate for the DGEBA/PEI blends containing 2 wt% of PEI increased by 83% and 194%, respectively, compared to those of neat DGEBA. These results demonstrate that PEI plays a key role in enhancing the flexural strength and fracture toughness of epoxy blends. This can be attributed to the newly formed semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (semi-IPNs) composed of the epoxy network and linear PEI.
Synthesis of Nickel Spinel Ferrites Nanoparticles Coated with Thermally Reduced Graphene Oxide for EMI Shielding in the Microwave, UV, and NIR Regions
Authors: Mansha Asim , Zubair Khadija , Rehan Zulfiqar Ahmad , Shakir H. M. Fayzan , Javed Talha , Shabbir Rubab , Mustafa Syed Khalid , Mora-Poblete Freddy , Zhou Jing-Ru , Kumar Uttam , Al-Harbi Mohammad S. , Hassan Mohamed M.
Published: September 2021

The co-precipitation and in situ modified Hummers’ method was used to synthesize Nickel Spinal Ferrites (NiFe) nanoparticles and NiFe coated with Thermally Reduced Graphene Oxide (TRGO) (NiFe-TRGO) nanoparticles, respectively. By using polyvinyl chloride (PVC), tetrahydrofuran (THF), and NiFe-TRGO, the nanocomposite film was synthesized using the solution casting technique with a thickness of 0.12–0.13 mm. Improved electromagnetic interference shielding efficiency was obtained in the 0.1–20 GHz frequency range. The initial assessment was done through XRD for the confirmation of the successful fabrication of nanoparticles and DC conductivity. The microstructure was analyzed with scanning electron microscopy. The EMI shielding was observed by incorporating a filler amount varying from 5 wt.% to 40 wt.% in three different frequency regions: microwave region (0.1 to 20 GHz), near-infrared (NIR) (700–2500 nm), and ultraviolet (UV) (200–400 nm). A maximum attenuation of 65 dB was observed with a 40% concentration of NiFe-TRGO in nanocomposite film.
Effect of Stirrups on Plate End Debonding in Reinforced Concrete Beams Strengthened with Fiber Reinforced Polymers
Authors: Al-Negheimish Abdulaziz I. , El-Sayed Ahmed K. , Al-Saawani Mohammed A. , Alhozaimy Abdulrahman M.
Published: September 2021

Plate end (PE) debonding is one of the critical debonding failure modes that may occur in reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened with externally bonded fiber reinforced polymers (FRPs). This study investigated the effect of internal steel stirrups on the PE debonding failure load of FRP-strengthened RC beams. The dimensions of the beams were 3400 × 400 × 200 mm. The beams were strengthened with carbon FRP (CFRP) sheets bonded to the soffit of the beams. The beams were divided into two series based on the distance of the cutoff point of the CFRP sheets from the nearest support. This distance was 50 mm or 300 mm, and the amount of steel stirrups was varied in terms of varying the stirrup diameter and spacing. The beams were simply supported and tested under four-point bending. The test results indicate that the effect of stirrups on the load carrying capacity of the beams was more pronounced for the beams with CFRP sheets extended close to the supports. It was also indicated that beams with larger amounts of stirrups failed in PE debonding by concrete cover separation while beams with lower amounts of stirrups failed in PE by either PE interfacial debonding or critical diagonal crack-induced debonding. The beams were analyzed using several analytical models from design guidelines and the literature. The result of analysis indicates that most of the available models failed to reflect the effect of stirrups in predicting PE debonding failure load of the beams. On the other hand, the models of El-Sayed et al. and Teng and Yao were able to capture such an effect with the best predictions provided by El-Sayed et al. model.
Canola Oil based Poly(ester–ether–amide–urethane) Nanocomposite and Its Anti-Corrosive Coatings
Authors: Alam Manawwer , Altaf Mohammad , Ahmad Naushad
Published: September 2021

The environmental and health hazards associated with petro-based chemicals have motivated the researchers to replace them partially or wholly with renewable resource-based polymers. Vegetable oils serve as an excellent alternative to this end as they are cost effective, eco-friendly, easily available and rich with functional groups amenable to chemical reactions. The aim of the research work is to prepare Canola oil [CANO] derived poly (ester–ether–amide–urethane) (CPEEUA) nanocomposite coating material using N,N-bis (2-hydroxyethyl) fatty amide [CFA] obtained from CANO, Lactic acid [LA], and reinforced with Fumed Silica [FS]. CPEEUA was obtained by esterification, etherification, and urethanation reactions and its structure was confirmed from FTIR and NMR spectral analyses. CPEEUA/FS coatings were found to be scratch resistant, flexible, well-adhered to mild steel panels, and hydrophobic with 2.0–2.5 kg scratch hardness, 150lb/inch impact resistance and >90° contact angle value. They exhibited good corrosion protection in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution as investigated by Potentiodynamic Polarization and Electrochemical Impedance tests. CPEEUA coatings are safe for usage up to 200 °C.
The Use of Phosphate Washing Sludge to Recover by Composting the Leachate from the Controlled Landfill
Authors: Mobaligh Meriem , Meddich Abdelilah , Imziln Boujamaa , Fares Khalid
Published: September 2021

The percolation of rainwater and runoff water through household waste in the dumpsite generally leads to an overabundance of leachate in Moroccan landfills, which is a source of soil, surface water and groundwater contamination. In order to ecologically solve the problem posed by the leachate in the dump site, to safeguard the environment and to contribute to sustainable development, we have carried out this study which aims to study the possibility of composting leachate with green waste and phosphate washing sludge. Various combinations with five substrates (leachate, green waste, sugar lime sludge, phosphate washing sludge and olive mill wastewater) in different proportions were used to build five windrows. A 24 h contact between the phosphate sludge or sugar lime sludge and the leachate took place prior to the addition of the green waste for the construction of the different windrows. This contact time ensured the absorption of a significant portion of the leachate and the disappearance of bad odor. A significant reduction was obtained with streptococci and mesophilic flora after 24 h of contact. The monitoring of the physicochemical parameters throughout the composting process showed that the temperature of the different windrows followed a good pace presenting all composting phases. Moisture, pH, C/N ratio and the percentage of degradation of the organic matter conformed to the quality standards of the compost. The combinations of the alkaline treatment and the composting process allowed a significant hygienization of the leachate. The results of the humification parameters and the E4/E6 ratio suggest that the composts obtained with phosphate sludge were the most stable and mature and can be used in the agricultural field or green space.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B Dye in Aqueous Suspension by ZnO and M-ZnO (M = La3+, Ce3+, Pr3+ and Nd3+) Nanoparticles in the Presence of UV/H2O2
Authors: González-Crisostomo José C. , López-Juárez Rigoberto , Petranovskii Vitalii
Published: September 2021

In this study, nanoparticles of five photocatalytic systems based on pure zinc oxide and with rare earths ions M-ZnO (M = La3+, Ce3+, Pr3+ or Nd3+) calcined at 500 °C or 700 °C were synthesized and investigated as potential photocatalysts for the removal of dyes. The addition of rare earth ions causes a decrease in the bandgap of ZnO; therefore, it can be well used to improve the photocatalytic properties. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized nanoparticles was evaluated by the degradation of Rhodamine B in the presence of H2O2 under ultraviolet illumination. The results indicate that all the synthesized nanoparticles show good dye degradation efficiency. The highest degradation efficiency was 97.72% for the Ce-ZnO sample calcined at 500 °C and was achieved in 90 min with an excellent constant of the dye degradation rate k = 0.0363 min−1 following a first-order kinetic mechanism. The presence of oxychlorides as secondary phases inhibits the rate of the photocatalytic reaction.
Practice-Oriented Validation of Embedded Beam Formulations in Geotechnical Engineering
Authors: Granitzer Andreas-Nizar , Tschuchnigg Franz
Published: September 2021

The numerical analysis of many geotechnical problems involves a high number of structural elements, leading to extensive modelling and computational effort. Due to its exceptional ability to circumvent these obstacles, the embedded beam element (EB), though originally intended for the modelling of micropiles, has become increasingly popular in computational geotechnics. Recent research effort has paved the way to the embedded beam element with interaction surface (EB-I), an extension of the EB. The EB-I renders soil–structure interaction along an interaction surface rather than the centreline, making it theoretically applicable to any engineering application where beam-type elements interact with solid elements. At present, in-depth knowledge about relative merits, compared to the EB, is still in demand. Subsequently, numerical analysis are carried out using both embedded beam formulations to model deep foundation elements. The credibility of predicted results is assessed based on a comprehensive comparison with the well-established standard FE approach. In all cases considered, the EB-I proves clearly superior in terms of mesh sensitivity, mobilization of skin-resistance, and predicted soil displacements. Special care must be taken when using embedded beam formulations for the modelling of composite structures.
The Islamic Call to Prayer and Its Origin: A Story about Cultural Memory’s Permanence and Adaptability
Authors: Bednarkiewicz Maroussia
Published: September 2021

For more than two centuries, Muslims have been retelling different stories about the origin of their call to prayer. While the converging details of these narratives offer a glimpse of Muslim cultural memory and its preservation, the diverging elements reflect different mechanisms that facilitate the adaption of this cultural memory to new contexts and concerns. Based on the work of Jan Assmann, the present study explores how Muslims conserved and adapted their cultural memory to keep their common identity and expand their diversity following distinctive religious, political, or personal forms of belongings. The narratives concerned with the origin of the Islamic call to prayer and preserved in various written text collections offer a fertile ground to analyze how this part of Muslim cultural memory became the vehicle of a permanent but adaptable Muslim identity.
Is Gold a Hedge against Stock Price Risk in U.S. or Indian Markets?
Authors: Manuj Hemant
Published: September 2021

We study whether gold acts as a hedge or a safe haven in U.S. and the Indian stock markets. These two stock markets have been chosen as representatives of the developed markets and the emerging markets, respectively, and are of significant interest to long-term investors. We apply a linear regression and a GARCH technique to monthly return series data on the S&P500, the BSE Sensex, and gold prices. We find that, for the period of our study, 1980–2020, gold has not served as a hedge or a safe haven for long-term investors in the U.S. or Indian stock markets. This holds true even across multiple sub-periods in our study period. Gold returns do not exhibit a significant negative relationship with stock returns in any of the chosen stock market scenarios, i.e., in times of extremely low returns as well as in the periods of high or low volatility. Equity investors in U.S. and Indian markets can use the findings of this study for optimising their portfolios. Additionally, central bankers and policy makers can use the findings for better outcomes with respect to their policies on holding of gold.
The Identification and Analysis of Gas-Related Volcanic Features within Chang’e-5 Landing Region
Authors: Chen Yuan , Wang Xing , Liu Jianjun , Ren Xin , Huang Hai , Zhang Hongbo , Li Chunlai
Published: September 2021

Chang’e-5 (CE-5) successfully landed on the young basalts area in the northeastern Oceanus Procellarum on 1 December 2020. Recent studies on the CE-5 landing area have shown that the lack of gas-related volcanic morphology indicates that the volatile elements captured in the interior of the Moon within late-stage magma is relatively low. Typical lunar gas-related volcanic features include dark mantle deposits, volcanic pits, irregular mare patches and so on. Based on orbital images, topography, and spectral data obtained from multiple missions restricted by the morphologic and compositional characteristics of typical volcanic explosive features, this study investigated the morphological characteristics of the volcanic features in detail and found that there are three dark mantle deposits (DMDs) near the source area of Rima Mairan that have unusually low albedo and abnormally high titanium and iron content than those of the surrounding material. Combined with M3 spectral analysis, it is shown that DMDs contain some volcanic glass components, which indicates a gas-rich explosive eruption process. In addition to DMDs, irregular mare patches (IMPs) and a volcanic depression/pit have been recognized in this area, both of which indicate a history of gas-related volcanic eruptions. Based on this study and combined with past studies, we determined the volcanic history in the source area of Rima Mairan, including both effusive and explosive volcanic activities.
Suitability of Earth Engine Evaporation Flux (EEFlux) Estimation of Evapotranspiration in Rainfed Crops
Authors: Kadam Sunil A. , Stöckle Claudio O. , Liu Mingliang , Gao Zhongming , Russell Eric S.
Published: September 2021

This study evaluated evapotranspiration (ET) estimated using the Earth Engine Evapotranspiration Flux (EEFlux), an automated version of the widely used Mapping Evapotranspiration at High Spatial Resolution with Internalized Calibration (METRIC) model, via comparison with ET measured using eddy covariance flux towers at two U.S. sites (St. John, WA, USA and Genesee, ID, USA) and for two years (2018 and 2019). Crops included spring wheat, winter pea, and winter wheat, all grown under rainfed conditions. The performance indices for daily EEFlux ET estimations combined for all sites and years dramatically improved when the cold pixel alfalfa reference ET fraction (ETrF) in METRIC was reduced from 1.05 (typically used for irrigated crops) to 0.85, with further improvement when the periods of early growth and canopy senescence were excluded. Large EEFlux ET overestimation during crop senescence was consistent in all sites and years. The seasonal absolute departure error was 51% (cold pixel ETrF = 1.05) and 23% (cold pixel ETrF = 0.85), the latter reduced to 12% when the early growth and canopy senescence periods were excluded. Departures of 10% are a reasonable expectation for methods of ET estimation, which EEFlux could achieve with more frequent satellite images, better daily weather data sources, automated adjustment of daily ETrF values during crop senescence, and a better understanding of the selection of adequate cold pixel ETrF values for rainfed crops.
A Weighted Mean Temperature Model with Nonlinear Elevation Correction Using China as an Example
Authors: Zhu Hai , Chen Kejie , Huang Guanwen
Published: September 2021

The weighted mean temperature (Tm) is a crucial parameter for determining the tropospheric delay in transforming precipitable water vapor. We used the reanalysis data provided by European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) to analyze the distribution characteristics of Tm in the vertical direction in China. To address the problem that the precision of the traditional linear function model is limited in fitting the Tm profile, a scheme using the linear and Fourier functions to fit the Tm profile was constructed. Based on the least squares principle (LSQ) to fit the change in its coefficients over time, a Tm model for China with nonlinear elevation correction (CTm-h) was constructed. The experimental results show that, using ECMWF and radiosonde data to evaluate the precision of the CTm-h model, the RMS is 3.43 K and 4.64 K, respectively. Compared to GPT2w, the precision of the CTm-h model in China is increased by about 26.8%. The CTm-h model provides a significant improvement in the correction effect of Tm in the vertical direction, and the Tm profile calculated by the model is closer to the reference value.
Analysis of the BDGIM Performance in BDS Single Point Positioning
Authors: Wang Guangxing , Yin Zhihao , Hu Zhigang , Chen Gang , Li Wei , Bo Yadong
Published: September 2021

The broadcast ionospheric model is mainly used to correct the ionospheric delay error for single-frequency users. Since the BeiDou global ionospheric delay correction model (BDGIM) is a novel broadcast ionospheric model for BDS-3, its performance was analyzed through single point positioning (SPP) in this study. Twenty-two stations simultaneously receiving B1C, B2a, B1I and B3I signals were selected from the International GNSS Service (IGS) and the International GNSS Monitoring and Assessment System (iGMAS) tracking networks for the SPP experiments. The differential code bias (DCB) parameters were used to correct the hardware delays in the signals of B1C and B2a. The results showed that the BDGIM performs the best in high-latitude areas, and can effectively improve the positioning accuracy compared with the Klobuchar model. The average 3D positioning accuracy of the four civil signals can reach 3.58 m in high-latitude areas. The positioning accuracies with the BDGIM in the northern hemisphere are better than those in the southern hemisphere, and the global average 3D positioning accuracy of the four civil signals is 4.60 m. The performance of the BDGIM also shows some seasonal differences. The BDGIM performs better than the Klobuchar model on the days of spring equinox and winter solstice, while the opposite is true on the days of summer solstice and autumn equinox. On the day of winter solstice, the average 3D accuracies with the BDGIM on the signals of B1C, B2a, B1I and B3I are 4.13 m, 5.32 m, 4.40 m and 4.49 m, respectively. Although the SPP accuracies are to some extent affected by the geomagnetic storm, the BDGIM generally performs better and are more resistant to the geomagnetic storm than the Klobuchar model.
System Performance Analysis for Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer Actuator Focusing on Nonlinear Effects: Based on Incremental Modelling and Parameter Identification Methodology
Authors: Zhang Wensen , Fu Jian , Fu Yongling , Zhou Jinlin , Han Xudong
Published: September 2021

With the development of more/all electric aircraft, replacement of the traditional hydraulic servo actuator (HSA) with an electromechanical actuator (EMA) is becoming increasingly attractive in the aerospace field. This paper takes an EMA for a trimmable horizontal stabilizer as an example and focuses on how to establish a system model with an appropriate level of complexity to support the model-based system engineering (MBSE) approach. To distinguish the nonlinear effects that dominate the required system performance, an incremental approach is proposed to progressively introduce individual nonlinear effects into models with different complexity levels. Considering the special design and working principle of the mechanical power transmission function for this actuator, the nonlinear dynamics, including friction and backlash from the no-back mechanism, and the nonlinear compliance effect from the mechanical load path are mainly taken into consideration. The modelling principles for each effect are addressed in detail and the parameter identification method is utilized to model these nonlinear effects realistically. Finally, the responses from each model and experimental results are compared to analyze and verify how each individual nonlinearity affects the system’s performance.
Recent Advances in Biomedical Photonic Sensors: A Focus on Optical-Fibre-Based Sensing
Authors: Ochoa Mario , Algorri José Francisco , Roldán-Varona Pablo , Rodríguez-Cobo Luis , López-Higuera José Miguel
Published: September 2021

In this invited review, we provide an overview of the recent advances in biomedical photonic sensors within the last five years. This review is focused on works using optical-fibre technology, employing diverse optical fibres, sensing techniques, and configurations applied in several medical fields. We identified technical innovations and advancements with increased implementations of optical-fibre sensors, multiparameter sensors, and control systems in real applications. Examples of outstanding optical-fibre sensor performances for physical and biochemical parameters are covered, including diverse sensing strategies and fibre-optical probes for integration into medical instruments such as catheters, needles, or endoscopes.
An Optimized Framework for WSN Routing in the Context of Industry 4.0
Authors: Rani Shalli , Koundal Deepika , Kavita  , Ijaz Muhammad Fazal , Elhoseny Mohamed , Alghamdi Mohammed I.
Published: September 2021

The advancements in Industry 4.0 have opened up new ways for the structural deployment of Smart Grids (SGs) to face the endlessly rising challenges of the 21st century. SGs for Industry 4.0 can be better managed by optimized routing techniques. In Mobile Ad hoc Networks (MANETs), the topology is not fixed and can be encountered by interference, mobility of nodes, propagation of multi-paths, and path loss. To extenuate these concerns for SGs, in this paper, we have presented a new version of the standard Optimized Link State Routing (OLSR) protocol for SGs to improve the management of control intervals that enhance the efficiency of the standard OLSR protocol without affecting its reliability. The adapted fault tolerant approach makes the proposed protocol more reliable for industrial applications. The process of grouping of nodes supports managing the total network cost by reducing severe flooding and evaluating an optimized head of clusters. The head of the unit is nominated according to the first defined expectation factor. With a sequence of rigorous performance evaluations under simulation parameters, the simulation results show that the proposed version of OLSR has proliferated Quality of Service (QoS) metrics when it is compared against the state-of-the-art-based conventional protocols, namely, standard OLSR, DSDV, AOMDV and hybrid routing technique.
Review of Control Techniques in Microinverters
Authors: Rojas Diego , Muñoz Javier , Rivera Marco , Rohten Jaime
Published: September 2021

The use of renewable energies sources is taking great importance due to the high demand for electricity and the decrease in the use of fossil fuels worldwide. In this context, electricity generation through photovoltaic panels is gaining a lot of interest due to the reduction in installation costs and the rapid advance of the development of new technologies. To minimize or reduce the negative impact of partial shading or mismatches of photovoltaic panels, many researchers have proposed four configurations that depend on the power ranges and the application. The microinverter is a promising solution in photovoltaic systems, due to its high efficiency of Maximum Power Point Tracking and high flexibility. However, there are several challenges to improve microinverter’s reliability and conversion efficiency that depend on the proper control design and the power converter design. This paper presents a review of different control strategies in microinverters for different applications. The control strategies are described and compared based on stability, dynamic response, topologies, and control objectives. One of the most important results showed that there is little research regarding the stability and robustness analysis of the reviewed control strategies.
Fish Hobbyists’ Willingness to Donate for Wild Fighting Fish (Betta livida) Conservation in Klang Valley
Authors: Abd Rahman Muhammad Fairus , Matthew Nitanan Koshy
Published: September 2021

Betta livida is an endangered endemic species of wild fighting fish affected by habitat degradation and exploitation. Despite this concern, the literature on the conservation of wild betta is negligible. Conservation is a non-use value, whereas the species itself is a use-value because they are sought after in the ornamental fish trade business. Therefore, the contingent valuation method (CVM) was applied in this study to establish the monetary value for species conservation by determining hobbyists’ willingness to donate (WTD) for conservation. Fish hobbyists are the most prominent backbone of the industry and are the most acquainted with the targeted species. Hence, hobbyists’ knowledge, perceptions and attitude towards species conservation have also been explored and weighed against the WTD. Purposive sampling was employed with a total of 150 respondents in Klang Valley. The findings show that the WTD was influenced by double-bound CVM, age (AGE) and hobbyists who owned the species (OWNB). In contrast, knowledge, perceptions and attitudes were not significant. Using probit regression analysis, hobbyists’ WTD for species conservation was MYR 9.04 annually. The survey also revealed concern for species that are wild-caught by hobbyists. Hence, the results of this study offer preliminary insights into the WTD for wild betta and local freshwater fish conservation in Malaysia.
Customer Loyalty towards Islamic Banks: The Mediating Role of Trust and Attitude
Authors: Albaity Mohamed , Rahman Mahfuzur
Published: September 2021

Islamic banks have faced many challenges either from rivals or customers who look for better products and services. This study examined both the direct and mediating effects of selected variables influencing Islamic banks’ customer loyalty. The direct links were satisfaction, attitude towards Islamic banks, customer trust, and religious obligation to customer loyalty. On the other hand, the indirect links were through the mediators’ trust and attitude. A sample of 416 working Muslims in the UAE was collected and analysed. We used PLS-SEM techniques and the SmartPLS 3.0 software package to investigate customers’ loyalty towards Islamic banks. It was found that all the direct links were positive and significant, and were mediating relationships. This result implied that the respondent’s attitude toward Islamic banks and customer trust plays a significant role in understanding the relationship between customer satisfaction, religious obligation, and customer loyalty. In other words, both customer satisfaction and religious obligation indirectly created customer loyalty through the mediators. This study is one of the few studies that incorporate religious obligation as one of the determinants of customer loyalty.
Stakeholder Collaboration Mechanism in Elderly Community Retrofit Projects: Case Study in China
Authors: Guo Li , Hao Shuya , Ranasinghe Udara , Tang Maggie Liyaning , Hardie Mary
Published: September 2021

The aged population all over the world is predicted to increase over the next couple of years. Especially in China, the ageing population is expanding significantly every year. A ‘Home-care model’ is becoming the first choice for many elders in China due to the traditional style of community and economic considerations. However, existing communities generally lack supporting facilities for their elders. This can result in hidden safety risks in these communities. Consequently, retrofit projects among these communities of elders have attracted attention and generated studies in both academia and industry. Such elderly community retrofit projects (ECRPs) involve multiple stakeholders, and therefore, the establishment of an effective synergy mechanism for all stakeholders would provide significant value for the successful implementation of ECRPs. Until now, no such mechanism has been developed and published. This research aims to develop a stakeholder collaboration mechanism (SCM) for ECRPs in China. As the method of data collection, interviews with relevant ECRP stakeholders were conducted. Stakeholders involved with ECRPs were classified into three main categories—namely, core stakeholders (ageing families, government organisations, and ECRP companies), dormant stakeholders (other residents, other investors community committees), and marginal stakeholders (financial institutions, property service enterprises, and public welfare organisations). Finally, the SCM was developed utilising a power–interest matrix. Actions for stakeholders were recommended in order to promote ECRP in China.
A Simplified Mechanistic-Empirical Flexible Pavement Design Method for Moderate to Hot Climate Regions
Authors: El-Ashwah Ahmed S. , El-Badawy Sherif M. , Gabr Alaa R.
Published: September 2021

Flexible pavement structure design is a complex task because of the variability of design input parameters and complex failure mechanisms. Therefore, the aim of this study is to develop and implement a simplified Mechanistic-Empirical (M-E) pavement design method based on the 1993 American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) 9-22, and NCHRP 1-37A and 1-40D projects. This simplified methodology is implemented into a computer code and a user-friendly software called “ME-PAVE”. In this methodology, only two equivalent temperatures, as per the NCHRP 9-22 project, are estimated to adjust the dynamic modulus of the asphalt layer(s) for Asphalt Concrete (AC) rutting and AC fatigue cracking prediction instead of using the hourly climatic data, as in the AASHTOWare Pavement ME. In ME-PAVE, the structural responses at critical locations in the pavement structure are determined by a Finite Element Module (FEM), which is verified by a Multi-layer Elastic Analysis (MLEA) program. To ensure that the simplified methodology is practical and accurate, the incorporated transfer functions in the proposed simplified methodology are calibrated based on the Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) data. Based on statistical analyses, the built-in FEM results exhibit very similar trends to those yielded by MLEA, with a coefficient of determination, R2 of 1.0. For all practical purposes, the proposed methodology, despite all simplifications, yields acceptable prediction accuracy with R2 of 0.317 for the rut depth compared to the current practices, NCHRP 1-37A and 1-40D (R2 = 0.399 and 0.577, respectively); while the prediction accuracy for fatigue cracking with R2 of 0.382 is comparable to the NCHRP 1-40D with R2 of 0.275. Nonetheless, the standard error for both distresses is in good agreement based on the investigated data and the developed methodology. Finally, the conducted sensitivity analysis demonstrate that the proposed methodology produces rational pavement performance.
How to Challenge University Students to Work on Integrated Reporting and Integrated Reporting Assurance
Authors: Rodrigues Maria Albertina Barreiro , Morais Ana Isabel
Published: September 2021

Since the beginning of the twenty-first century, society has become more sensitive to sustainability and to the consequences of companies’ activities. Furthermore, the demands for change in corporate reporting have led to the emergence of integrated reporting (IR) and an increase in the disclosure of nonfinancial information assurance to ensure the compliance of integrated information. Universities need to embrace this challenge and be part of this change. This research’s goal is to enhance the diffusion of IR and integrated reporting assurance (IRA) in the curricula of universities by presenting a tool for professors and universities to help introduce the subjects in higher education institutions. The methodological approach develops a theoretical analysis of published IR and IRA articles related to education, to create a presentation of the challenge learning method (CLM) for professors and high education institutions to develop the subject of IRA to challenge students. Considering teaching experience as a value-added component to research the proposed method comes from the teaching experience of the authors. The result consists of a method that can increase accounting academics knowledge of IR and IRA and motivate students to study these emerging accounting practices. This study contributes to the extant literature on IR, IRA and Education that is scarce, the use of appropriate teaching methods to IR and IRA, and the dissemination of IR and IRA in education by providing a better connection between the universities and the best practices of corporate reporting and auditing. This study leads to an increase in the connection among higher education institutions, professors, students, practitioners, auditors, regulators, standard setters, and society in general.