bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between areas of life satisfaction, personality, and overall life satisfaction: An integrated account
Authors: Malvaso Antonio , Kang Weixi
Published: September 2022

A substantial amount of research has been conducted using a variety of methodological approaches to determine what influences life satisfaction. The bottom-up theory considers overall life satisfaction as a function of various areas of life satisfaction, whereas the top-down theory considers the areas of life satisfaction as a function of dispositional factors such as personality. We examined these models in a large-scale United Kingdom survey. Consistent with other studies, we found that both the bottom-up and top-down models of life satisfaction are supported in the United Kingdom by demonstrating that demographics, areas of life satsifaction, and personality traits can explain a significant portion of variances in overall areas of life satisfaction. We propose that future studies in life satisfaction research should consider the integrated account of life satisfaction rather than a unitary bottom-up or top-down perspective.
Habilitation of sleep problems among mothers and their children with autism spectrum disorder: Insights from multi-level exploratory dyadic analyses
Authors: Bin Eid Wasmiah , Lim Mengyu , Gabrieli Giulio , Kölbel Melanie , Halstead Elizabeth , Esposito Gianluca , Dimitriou Dagmara
Published: September 2022

Few habilitation strategies for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) consider their sleep-related problems. Together with the fact that caregivers of children with ASD also face issues with sleep, there may be yet-to-be uncovered relationships between caregiver-child sleep patterns and sleep quality, offering a key opportunity for clinicians to consider the needs of both child and caregiver in terms of sleep. 29 dyads of mothers and their children with ASD were recruited for this cohort study and both subjective (self-report questionnaires and sleep diaries) and objective (cortisol samples and actigraphy) measures of sleep were collected to investigate significant predictors of sleep quality. Comparative, correlational, and hierarchical analyses were conducted. Findings indicated that both mother and child experience sleep deprivation in terms of shorter sleep duration and poor sleep quality in terms of longer sleep onset latencies and a higher frequency of wake bouts. Exploratory hierarchical analyses also found that child-related sleep difficulties such as sleep disordered breathing and night waking significantly predict mothers’ sleep quality, which may point to the bi-directional influence of mother-child sleep. Based on these findings, it is recommended that clinicians adopt a family systems perspective and consider the sleep environment of the household, particularly that of the caregiver and child, when designing interventions for sleep-related problems in ASD. Finally, there is a need for additional support to promote good quality sleep among caregivers of children with ASD to bolster out-of-clinic care.
Microbial characteristics of dental caries in HIV positive individuals
Authors: Kalanzi Dunstan , Mayanja-Kizza Harriet , Nakanjako Damalie , Semitala Fred , Mboowa Gerald , Mbabali Muhammad , Kigozi Edgar , Katabazi Fred Ashaba , Sserwadda Ivan , Kateete David P. , Achan Beatrice , Sewankambo Nelson K. , Muwonge Adrian
Published: September 2022

Background

Dental caries is a multifactorial disease that affects many people. Even though microorganisms play a crucial role in causing dental caries, diagnosis is routinely macroscopic. In order to improve early detection especially in HIV patients who are disproportionately affected, there is need to reconcile the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of dental caries. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the oral microbiota profile along the decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) index using amplicon sequencing data.

Methods

Amplicon sequencing of the V6-V8 region of the 16S rRNA gene was done on DNA recovered from whole unstimulated saliva of 59 HIV positive and 29 HIV negative individuals. The microbial structure, composition and co-occurrence networks were characterized using QIIME-2, Phyloseq, Microbiome-1.9.2 and Metacoder in R.

Results

We characterized the oral microbiota into 2,093 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), 21 phyla and 239 genera from 2.6 million high quality sequence reads. While oral microbiota did not cluster participants into distinct groups that track with the DMFT index, we observed the following: (a) The proportion of accessory microbiota was highest in the high DMFT category while the core size (∼50% of richness) remained relatively stable across all categories. (b) The abundance of core genera such as Stomatobaculum, Peptostreptococcus and Campylobacter was high at onset of dental caries, (c) A general difference in oral microbial biomass. (d) The onset of dental caries (low DMFT) was associated with significantly lower oral microbial entropy.

Conclusions

Although oral microbial shifts along the DMFT index were not distinct, we demonstrated the potential utility of microbiota dynamics to characterize oral disease. Therefore, we propose a microbial framework using the DMFT index to better understand dental caries among HIV positive people in resource limited settings.
Management practices and rice grain yield of farmers after participation in a joint experimentation
Authors: Awio Thomas , Struik Paul C. , Stomph Tjeerd Jan
Published: September 2022

Low productivity of rice in Uganda is attributed to sub-optimal production practices related to soil nutrient, crop and weed management. Application of improved management practices could enhance productivity. Returning 1 year after a joint experimentation in which different components of recommended agronomic practices (RAP) for rice were tested, we assessed change in management practices and grain yield of participating farmers (participated in joint experimentation) and non-participating farmers (did not participate) with plots in the same irrigation scheme. Participating farmers belonging to the lower-yielding farmers under farmers' practice (FP) during joint experimentation improved their management practices, compared with the middle- and top-yielding farmers. Sixty-one, 24 and 7% of lower-, middle- and top-yielding farmers, respectively, weeded earlier after experimentation compared with weeding time under FP during joint experimentation. Seventy-nine percent of lower-yielding farmers used fertiliser after experimentation compared with 18% during experimentation, with a higher N rate increase than middle- and top-yielding farmers. Overall, participating farmers transplanted and weeded earlier, and applied slightly higher N rates compared with non-participating farmers. Top-yielding farmers had significantly (p = 0.03) higher grain yield, followed by middle- and lower-yielding farmers. However, lower-yielding farmers made significantly (p < 0.001) higher yield gain than middle- and top-yielding farmers. A paired t-test showed that average yield gain was 1,358 (1,027–1,689), 473 (252–695) and −91.7 (−397–213) kg ha−1, respectively, for lower-, middle- and top-yielding farmers. Participating farmers had higher grain yield (4,125 kg ha−1) than non-participating farmers (3,893 kg ha−1). Three farm types were identified that differed in application of RAP, however, with small differences in household characteristics. The farm type with higher fertiliser use in nursery and field, line transplanting, timely weeding and higher N rate had the highest grain yield. We conclude that joint experimentation had a larger effect on raising yield of lower-yielding farmers, bringing farmers closer in their management and outputs. Lack of differences among farm households could indicate that wealth is not crucial in innovation adoption in this production system.
Postbiotics: From emerging concept to application
Authors: Aggarwal Sunita , Sabharwal Vandana , Kaushik Pragya , Joshi Anushka , Aayushi Aayushi , Suri Manjula
Published: September 2022

The microbiome innovation has resulted in an umbrella term, postbiotics, which refers to non-viable microbial cells, metabolic byproducts and their microbial components released after lysis. Postbiotics, modulate immune response, gene expression, inhibit pathogen binding, maintain intestinal barriers, help in controlling carcinogenesis and pathogen infections. Postbiotics have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties with favorable physiological, immunological, neuro-hormonal, regulatory and metabolic reactions. Consumption of postbiotics relieves symptoms of various diseases and viral infections such as SARS-CoV-2. Postbiotics can act as alternatives for pre-probiotic specially in immunosuppressed patients, children and premature neonates. Postbiotics are used to preserve and enhance nutritional properties of food, elimination of biofilms and skin conditioning in cosmetics. Postbiotics have numerous advantages over live bacteria with no risk of bacterial translocation from the gut to blood, acquisition of antibiotic resistance genes. The process of extraction, standardization, transport, and storage of postbiotic is more natural. Bioengineering techniques such as fermentation technology, high pressure etc., may be used for the synthesis of different postbiotics. Safety assessment and quality assurance of postbiotic is important as they may induce stomach discomfort, sepsis and/or toxic shock. Postbiotics are still in their infancy compared to pre- and pro- biotics but future research in this field may contribute to improved physiological functions and host health. The current review comprehensively summarizes new frontiers of research in postbiotics.
Contribution of intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring to the surgical success in minimal invasive parathyroidectomy
Authors: Akgün Ismail Ethem , Ünlü Mehmet Taner , Aygun Nurcihan , Kostek Mehmet , Uludag Mehmet
Published: September 2022

Background

The contribution of intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring to minimally invasive parathyroidectomy remains controversial. We aimed to evaluate whether intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring monitoring could contribute to minimally invasive parathyroidectomy in these patients.

Methods

The data of the patients whose preoperative ultrasonography and technetium-99 m sestamibi scintigraphy imagings were positive and concordant for one gland and who underwent minimally invasive parathyroidectomy between 2003 and 2018 in our clinic, were evaluated retrospectively. Blood samples were collected at pre-excisional period, and at post-excisional 10 and 20 min; the intaoperative parathyroid hormone was measured, and the surgery was terminated without waiting for the result. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the postoperative results, as those with normocalcemia (Group 1) and those with persistence (Group 2).

Results

There were 195 patients in Group 1 and 14 patients in Group 2. The cure rate at the first surgery was 93.3%. Cure was achieved after the second operation in all patients in Group 2. Recurrent disease developed in 1 patient in group 1 and the overall cure rate was 99.5%. If intraoperative parathyroid hormone had been evaluated, cure could have been achieved at the first surgery with additional exploration, in 10 (71.4%) of 14 patients according to the insufficient decrease in parathyroid hormone value at the 10 min in Group 2, and in 9 (64.3%) of 14 patients according to the parathyroid hormone value at 20 min. However, due to insufficient decrease (false negative) in the parathyroid hormone value at the 10 and 20 min the rate of false negatives and unnecessary exploration would be 9.5% and 2.5%, respectively. With additional exploration, the cure rate in the first surgery could be increased by 4.3%–97.6% according to the 20 min intraoperative parathyroid hormone value.

Conclusion

The cure rate in minimally invasive parathyroidectomy can be increased by minimizing unnecessary conversion to bilateral neck exploration, by evaluating intraoperative parathyroid hormone at 10 min in patients with positive and concordant scans, and intraoperative parathyroid hormone at 20 min in patients with inadequate decrease at 10 min intraoperative parathyroid hormone.
Self-Organizing Control-Loop Recovery for Predictive Networked Formation Control of Fractionated Spacecraft
Authors: Kempf Florian , Scharnagl Julian , Heil Stefan , Schilling Klaus
Published: September 2022

Going beyond the current trend of cooperating multiple small satellites we arrive at fractionated satellite architectures. Here the subsystems of all satellites directly self-organize and cooperate among themselves to achieve a common mission goal. Although this leads to a further increase of the advantages of the initial trend it also introduces new challenges, one of which is how to perform closed-loop control of a satellite over a network of subsystems. We present a two-fold approach to deal with the two main disturbances, data losses in the network and failure of the controller, in a networked predictive formation control scenario. To deal with data loss an event based networked model predictive control approach is extended to enable it to adapt to changing network conditions. The controller failure detection and compensation approach is tailored for a possibly large network of heterogeneous cooperating actuator- and controller nodes. The self-organized control task redistribution uses an auction-based methodology. It scales well with the number of nodes and allows to optimize for continuing good control performance despite the controller switch. The stability and smooth control behavior of our approach during a self-organized controller failure compensation while also being subject to data losses was demonstrated on a hardware testbed using as mission a formation control scenario.
Knowledge Graph Alignment Network with Node-Level Strong Fusion
Authors: Liu Shuang , Xu Man , Qin Yufeng , Lukač Niko
Published: September 2022

Entity alignment refers to the process of discovering entities representing the same object in different knowledge graphs (KG). Recently, some studies have learned other information about entities, but they are aspect-level simple information associations, and thus only rough entity representations can be obtained, and the advantage of multi-faceted information is lost. In this paper, a novel node-level information strong fusion framework (SFEA) is proposed, based on four aspects: structure, attribute, relation and names. The attribute information and name information are learned first, then structure information is learned based on these two aspects of information through graph convolutional network (GCN), the alignment signals from attribute and name are already carried at the beginning of the learning structure. In the process of continuous propagation of multi-hop neighborhoods, the effect of strong fusion of structure, attribute and name information is achieved and the more meticulous entity representations are obtained. Additionally, through the continuous interaction between sub-alignment tasks, the effect of entity alignment is enhanced. An iterative framework is designed to improve performance while reducing the impact on pre-aligned seed pairs. Furthermore, extensive experiments demonstrate that the model improves the accuracy of entity alignment and significantly outperforms 13 previous state-of-the-art methods.
Understanding Voltage Behavior of Lithium-Ion Batteries in Electric Vehicles Applications
Authors: Gandoman Foad H. , El-Shahat Adel , Alaas Zuhair M. , Ali Ziad M. , Berecibar Maitane , Abdel Aleem Shady H. E.
Published: September 2022

Electric vehicle (EV) markets have evolved. In this regard, rechargeable batteries such as lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries become critical in EV applications. However, the nonlinear features of Li-ion batteries make their performance over their lifetime, reliability, and control more difficult. In this regard, the battery management system (BMS) is crucial for monitoring, handling, and improving the lifespan and reliability of this type of battery from cell to pack levels, particularly in EV applications. Accordingly, the BMS should control and monitor the voltage, current, and temperature of the battery system during the lifespan of the battery. In this article, the BMS definition, state of health (SoH) and state of charge (SoC) methods, and battery fault detection methods were investigated as crucial aspects of the control strategy of Li-ion batteries for assessing and improving the reliability of the system. Moreover, for a clear understanding of the voltage behavior of the battery, the open-circuit voltage (OCV) at three ambient temperatures, 10 °C, 25 °C, and 45 °C, and three different SoC levels, 80%, 50%, and 20%, were investigated. The results obtained showed that altering the ambient temperature impacts the OCV variations of the battery. For instance, by increasing the temperature, the voltage fluctuation at 45 °C at low SoC of 50% and 20% was more significant than in the other conditions. In contrast, the rate of the OCV at different SoC in low and high temperatures was more stable.
Effectiveness of Remote PPG Construction Methods: A Preliminary Analysis
Authors: Haugg Fridolin , Elgendi Mohamed , Menon Carlo
Published: September 2022

The contactless recording of a photoplethysmography (PPG) signal with a Red-Green-Blue (RGB) camera is known as remote photoplethysmography (rPPG). Studies have reported on the positive impact of using this technique, particularly in heart rate estimation, which has led to increased research on this topic among scientists. Therefore, converting from RGB signals to constructing an rPPG signal is an important step. Eight rPPG methods (plant-orthogonal-to-skin (POS), local group invariance (LGI), the chrominance-based method (CHROM), orthogonal matrix image transformation (OMIT), GREEN, independent component analysis (ICA), principal component analysis (PCA), and blood volume pulse (PBV) methods) were assessed using dynamic time warping, power spectrum analysis, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient, with different activities (at rest, during exercising in the gym, during talking, and while head rotating) and four regions of interest (ROI): the forehead, the left cheek, the right cheek, and a combination of all three ROIs. The best performing rPPG methods in all categories were the POS, LGI, and OMI methods; each performed well in all activities. Recommendations for future work are provided.
Comparative Evaluation of Various Extraction Techniques for Secondary Metabolites from Bombax ceiba L. Flowering Plants along with In Vitro Anti-Diabetic Performance
Authors: Yasien Sara , Iqbal Muhammad Muntazir , Javed Mohsin , Alnuwaiser Maha Abdallah , Iqbal Shahid , Mahmood Qaiser , Elkaeed Eslam B. , Dera Ayed A. , Alrbyawi Hamad , Pashameah Rami Adel , Alzahrani Eman , Farouk Abd-ElAziem
Published: September 2022

Bombax ceiba L. (Family: Malvaceae) was rightly called the “silent doctor” in the past as every part of it had medicinal value. For centuries, humans have used this plant according to the traditional medicinal systems of China, Ayurveda, and tribal communities. Recently, with an emerging interest in herbals, attention has been paid to scientifically validating medicinal claims for the treatment of diabetes using secondary metabolites of B. ceiba L. flowers. In the present study, specific secondary metabolites from the flowers of B. ceiba L. were isolated in good yield using the solvent extraction methodology, and their in vitro anti-diabetic efficacy was examined. Extraction efficiency of each solvent for secondary metabolites was found in following order: water > ethanol> methanol > chloroform > petroleum ether. Quantitative analysis of secondary metabolites showed 120.33 ± 2.33 mg/gm polyphenols, 60.77 ± 1.02 mg/g flavonoids, 60.26 ± 1.20 mg/g glycosaponins, 0.167 ± 0.02 mg/g polysaccharides for water extract; 91.00 ± 1.00 mg/g polyphenols, 9.22 ± 1.02 mg/g flavonoids, 43.90 ± 0.30 mg/g glycosaponins, 0.090 ± 0.03 mg/g poly saccharides for ethanol extract; 52.00 ± 2.64 mg/g polyphenols, 35.22 ± 0.38 mg/g flavonoids, 72.26 ± 1.05 mg/g glycosaponins, 0.147 ± 0.01 mg/g polysaccharides for methanol extract; 11.33 ± 0.58 mg/g polyphenols, 23.66 ± 1.76 mg/g flavonoids, 32.8 ± 0.75 mg/g glycosaponins, 0.013 ± 0.02 mg/g polysaccharides for chloroform extract; and 3.33 ± 1.53 mg/g polyphenols, 1.89 ± 1.39 mg/g flavonoids, 21.67 ± 1.24 mg/g glycosaponins, 0.005 ± 0.01 mg/g polysaccharides for petroleum ether extract. Glucose uptake by yeast cells increased 70.38 ± 2.17% by water extract.
Hemodynamic Effect of Pulsatile on Blood Flow Distribution with VA ECMO: A Numerical Study
Authors: Gu Kaiyun , Gao Sizhe , Zhang Zhe , Ji Bingyang , Chang Yu
Published: September 2022

The pulsatile properties of arterial flow and pressure have been thought to be important. Nevertheless, a gap still exists in the hemodynamic effect of pulsatile flow in improving blood flow distribution of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) supported by the circulatory system. The finite-element models, consisting of the aorta, VA ECMO, and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) are proposed for fluid-structure interaction calculation of the mechanical response. Group A is cardiogenic shock with 1.5 L/min of cardiac output. Group B is cardiogenic shock with VA ECMO. Group C is added to IABP based on Group B. The sum of the blood flow of cardiac output and VA ECMO remains constant at 4.5 L/min in Group B and Group C. With the recovery of the left ventricular, the flow of VA ECMO declines, and the effective blood of IABP increases. IABP plays the function of balancing blood flow between left arteria femoralis and right arteria femoralis compared with VA ECMO only. The difference of the equivalent energy pressure (dEEP) is crossed at 2.0 L/min to 1.5 L/min of VA ECMO. PPI’ (the revised pulse pressure index) with IABP is twice as much as without IABP. The intersection with two opposing blood generates the region of the aortic arch for the VA ECMO (Group B). In contrast to the VA ECMO, the blood intersection appears from the descending aorta to the renal artery with VA ECMO and IABP. The maximum time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) of the renal artery is a significant difference with or not IABP (VA ECMO: 2.02 vs. 1.98 vs. 2.37 vs. 2.61 vs. 2.86 Pa; VA ECMO and IABP: 8.02 vs. 6.99 vs. 6.62 vs. 6.30 vs. 5.83 Pa). In conclusion, with the recovery of the left ventricle, the flow of VA ECMO declines and the effective blood of IABP increases. The difference between the equivalent energy pressure (EEP) and the surplus hemodynamic energy (SHE) indicates the loss of pulsation from the left ventricular to VA ECMO. 2.0 L/min to 1.5 L/min of VA ECMO showing a similar hemodynamic energy loss with the weak influence of IABP.
Interplay: The Essential Role between INSM1 and N-Myc in Aggressive Neuroblastoma
Authors: Chen Chiachen , Lan Michael S.
Published: September 2022

An aggressive form of neuroblastoma (NB), a malignant childhood cancer derived from granule neuron precursors and sympathoadrenal lineage, frequently comprises MYCN amplification/elevated N-Myc expression, which contributes to the development of neural crest-derived embryonal malignancy. N-Myc is an oncogenic driver in NB. Persistent N-Myc expression during the maturation of SA precursor cells can cause blockage of the apoptosis and induce abnormal proliferation, resulting in NB development. An insulinoma-associated-1 (INSM1) zinc-finger transcription factor has emerged as an NB biomarker that plays a critical role in facilitating tumor cell growth and transformation. INSM1 plays an essential role in sympathoadrenal cell differentiation. N-Myc activates endogenous INSM1 through an E2-box of the INSM1 proximal promoter, whereas INSM1 enhances N-Myc stability via RAC-α-serine/threonine protein kinase (AKT) phosphorylation in NB. The ectopic expression of INSM1 stimulates NB tumor growth in contrast to the knockdown of INSM1 that inhibits NB cell proliferation. The clinical pathological result and bioinformatics analysis show that INSM1 is a strong diagnostic and a prognostic biomarker for the evaluation of NB progression. The INSM1/N-Myc expression shows high clinical relevance in NB. Therefore, targeting the INSM1/N-Myc-associated signaling axis should be a feasible approach to identifying new drugs for the suppression of NB tumor growth.
A Preliminary Study to Design and Evaluate Pneumatically Controlled Soft Robotic Actuators for a Repetitive Hand Rehabilitation Task
Authors: Rieger Claire , Desai Jaydip
Published: September 2022

A stroke is an infarction in the cortical region of the brain that often leads to isolated hand paresis. This common side effect renders individuals compromised in their ability to actively flex or extend the fingers of the affected hand. While there are currently published soft robotic glove designs, this article proposed a unique design that allows users to self-actuate their therapy due to the ability to re-extend the hand using a layer of resistive flexible steel. The results showed a consistently achieved average peak of 75° or greater for each finger while the subjects’ hands were at rest during multiple trials of pneumatic assisted flexion. During passive assisted testing, human subject testing on 10 participants showed that these participants were able to accomplish 80.75% of their normal active finger flexion range with the steel-layer-lined pneumatic glove and 87.07% with the unlined pneumatic glove on average when neglecting outliers. An addition of the steel layer lowered the blocked tip force by an average of 18.13% for all five fingers. These data show strong evidence that this glove would be appropriate to advance to human subject testing on those who do have post stroke hand impairments.
Ecofriendly High NIR Reflectance Ceramic Pigments Based on Rare Earths Compared with Classical Chromophores Prepared by DPC Method
Authors: Monrós Guillermo , Badenes José A. , Llusar Mario
Published: September 2022

A high NIR reflectance ceramic pigments palette based on rare earths except black (La,Li-SrCuSi4O10 blue wesselsite, Pr-CeO2 red-brown cerianite, Mo-Y2Ce2O7 yellow cerate, Sr4Mn2CuO9 black hexagonal perovskite) was compared with the coolest traditional pigments palette prepared by dry powder coating (DPC) to obtain “core-shell” pigments (Co-willemite blue, Cr-franklinite brown, Ni,Sb-rutile yellow, Co,Cr-spinel black). Adding CaCO3 as a binder, normalized NIR reflectance at L* = 85, 55 and 30 was compared for yellow, brown and blue-black powders, respectively. Rare earths lack intense absorption bands in the NIR range and therefore its pigments show higher NIR reflectance, but normalized measurements show smaller differences and even have an inverse result for blue pigments. The pigmenting capacity and stability study in different media show that the stability of cool rare earth pigments is lower than that of DPC classical pigments, except in the case of the red-brown Pr-cerianite pigment.
Mid-Term Results of Distal Femoral Extension and Shortening Osteotomy in Treating Flexed Knee Gait in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Geisbüsch Andreas , Klotz Matthias C. M. , Putz Cornelia , Renkawitz Tobias , Horsch Axel
Published: September 2022

Background: Distal femoral extension and shortening osteotomy (DFESO) seems to be an effective method for the treatment of flexed knee gait in children with cerebral palsy. Nevertheless, studies investigating the mid- and long-term outcomes after such procedures are lacking in the literature. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the mid-term outcomes regarding sagittal plane kinematics of the knee after DFESO with or without concomitant patella advancement. Furthermore, an evaluation of the postoperative course and possible recurrence of flexed knee gait was planned. Methods: In a prospective observational study, 19 patients (28 limbs; mean age 11.8 years (6.7–16.0 years)) were examined using 3-D gait analysis and clinical exam before (E0) and at a mean of 38 months (E2: 24–55 months) after surgery. Fifteen patients (22 limbs) had an additional first postoperative gait analysis (E1) after a mean of 14 (10–20) months after surgery. In these patients, the postoperative changes between the short-term and mid-term gait analyses were evaluated. Results: DFESO led to a significant decrease in flexed knee gait with an improvement in sagittal plane kinematics during the stance phase. In addition, a slightly increased anterior pelvic tilt was observed at E1, and we found a tendency towards stiff knee gait with a decrease in mean knee flexion in swing at E2. Conclusions: DFESO led to a significant improvement in flexed knee gait in children with cerebral palsy. The therapeutic effect seems to be lasting on mid-term follow-up with a slight overall tendency to recurrence.
Characterization of Agricultural Residues of Zea mays for Their Application as Solid Biofuel: Case Study in San Francisco Pichátaro, Michoacán, Mexico
Authors: Morales-Máximo Cindy Nereida , López-Sosa Luis Bernardo , Rutiaga-Quiñones José Guadalupe , Corral-Huacuz Juan Carlos , Aguilera-Mandujano Arturo , Pintor-Ibarra Luis Fernando , López-Miranda Armando , Delgado-Domínguez Sharbaal Nicolás , Rodríguez-Magallón María del Carmen , Morales-Máximo Mario
Published: September 2022

This proposal evaluates the energy potential of agricultural residues of Zea mays from an indigenous community in Mexico. The study consists of four stages: (a) evaluation of residue production in all community farming areas (b) morphological and physicochemical characterization, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), as well as infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman (c) the proximal and functional evaluation of the residues, through fiber analysis, determination of fixed carbon, humidity, estimation of calorific value, ash microanalysis and elemental analysis, and (d) evaluation of energy potential and multicriteria analysis. The results show that Z. mays residues have initial moisture values of less than 10%, ash content below 20%, fixed carbon around 14% and a calorific value of 17.6 MJ/kg associated with polymeric compounds and carbohydrates, as well as a percentage of extractable compounds of the order of 40%. The production of these residues on the 249 hectares (ha) of cultivation used would generate 23 TJ/year, whereas if the total number of hectares available were cultivated, the total energy generation would be 330 TJ/year, which is enough to satisfy the wood fuel demand of approximately seven communities with the characteristics of the study community. Due to this potential, as well as the results of the characterization, the agricultural mentioned residues are an energy alternative to meet the energy demand in communities in Michoacán, Mexico.
Theoretical and Numerical Study on Thermal Insulation Performance of Thermal Barrier Coatings
Authors: Gao Chao , Liu Yang , You Ruquan , Li Haiwang
Published: September 2022

In this article, a theoretical 1-D heat transfer model and conjugate heat transfer numerical simulation was carried out to evaluate the thermal insulation of TBCs under different factors. The relationship of temperature-drop between the inner or outer surface of thermal barrier coating (TBC) was investigated by conjugate heat transfer numerical simulation. The effect of TBC and the coupling between the internal and external heat transfer are obtained, which indicates that TBC and film cooling can both contribute to an overall cooling performance. In addition, the combination of the two results are better results than the two alone. However, the two weaken each other’s contribution to the overall cooling performance. Meanwhile, unlike the effect of film cooling, the change in the internal heat transfer coefficient basically does not affect the thermal insulation effect of coatings. Furthermore, sensitive analysis on the different levels of film cooling and coating’s thermal insulation was conducted to the overall cooling effectiveness, with the blowing ratio ranging from 0.25 to 0.5, thermal resistance ratio ranging from 3 to 9, and the internal heat transfer coefficient ranging from 5000 W/(m2∙K) to 15,000 W/(m2∙K). The results reveal that near the exit of the film hole, film cooling plays a major role in the overall cooling effectiveness. However, with the increase in dimensionless distance, the contribution of coatings and the internal heat transfer coefficient to overall cooling effectiveness gradually increases, especially the contribution of coatings.
S4 Framework for the Integration of Solar Energy Systems in Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturing Companies in Mexico
Authors: Pérez Citlaly , Ponce Pedro , Meier Alan , Dorantes Lourdes , Sandoval Jorge Omar , Palma Javier , Molina Arturo
Published: September 2022

Currently, the industrial sector consumes more than 60% of the energy produced in Mexico, mainly from fossil fuels, causing negative impacts on the environment and human beings. Solar energy helps companies diversify their energy sources, generate savings, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Moreover, the environmental impact can be reduced when CO2 emissions are reduced. Nevertheless, in Mexico, less than 3.5% of the electricity comes from solar energy, and along with a lack of information about the technical and social aspects involved in photovoltaic (PV) systems, it is difficult for companies to analyze and evaluate relevant data, and thus make effective decisions based on their needs. As such, companies cannot understand the complete lifecycle of PV systems, and, usually, the economic, environmental, and technical decisions are made only using the installation analysis, which is only one stage in the lifespan of PV systems. This paper proposes an S4 framework with the sensing, smart, sustainable, and social features that small and medium-sized companies must consider to install, operate, and dispose of PV systems, considering the Mexican context. The current literature does not show a complete classification to cover the essential S4 features to describe PV systems, so companies only have partial information when deciding about the installation of PV systems. This framework considers all the needs that may exist during the PV systems’ lifecycle, making a detailed evaluation of each of its elements in each lifecycle stage. Consequently, this S4 framework gives a complete guideline allowing companies to decide on PV systems. Finally, this paper presents a case study about a Mexican company that uses the proposed S4 framework to analyze the PV’s lifespan.
Aspects of Homogeneous Heterogeneous Reactions for Nanofluid Flow Over a Riga Surface in the Presence of Viscous Dissipation
Authors: Naseem Anum , Shafiq Anum , Naseem Faiza , Farooq Muhammad Umar
Published: September 2022

The aim of our study is to delineate the characteristics of fluid flow comprising single-wall and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs and MWCNTs) along the surface of a Riga plate fixed in a porous environment. We carried out in-depth comparative analysis to depict the behavior of SWCNTs and MWCNTs when water and kerosene oil are used as base fluids. Homogeneous–heterogeneous reactions generated a significant impact on flow dynamics; furthermore, we also discuss the impact of viscous dissipation. We assembled numerical solutions for non-dimensionalized ordinary differential equations with the help of the shooting technique; moreover, by employing the same procedure, we report the conduct of dominating parameters on velocity, temperature, and concentration profiles. The results show highly desirable skin friction coefficient and Nusselt number values, which we exhibit in terms of tabular data.
Generation and Emission Characteristics of Fine Particles Generated by Power Plant Circulating Fluidized Bed Boiler
Authors: Dong Heming , Zhang Yu , Du Qian , Gao Jianmin , Shang Qi , Feng Dongdong , Huang Yudong
Published: September 2022

The generation and emission characteristics of fine particulates (PM2.5) from three 300 MW power plant circulating fluidized bed boilers were investigated. One boiler had an external bed and used an electrostatic precipitator, the other two used an electrostatic filter precipitator and fabric filter, respectively. The particle size distribution of fine particles was performed by an electrical low-pressure impactor. PM2.5 samplers were used at the same time to collect fine particles for subsequent laboratory analysis. The results show that the number size distributions of fine particles presented one single peak, but there was no peak in mass size distributions. The mass concentrations of three CFB boilers were similar, but the number concentration of the external bed CFB boiler was much higher than that of the general CFB boiler. The minimum removal efficiencies of the precipitator appeared between 0.1~1 μm, but the locations of the minimum point were different. The morphology of fine particles was mostly irregular. The highest content of fine particles was insoluble oxides and the content of S element was also high. Different precipitators have different removal effects on Si, Al, Ca, S and Fe in fine particles, but they all have poor removal effects on Na and K as well as OC and EC.
Changes in Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant Activities and Chemical Properties of Pickled Tea By-Product Fermentation: Promising Waste Management and Value-Added Product
Authors: Wispen Sawarin , Somsong Pimpinan , Santivarangkna Chalat , Tiyayon Pimsiri , Chathiran Wimonphan , Matthews Karl R. , Srichamnong Warangkana
Published: September 2022

Pickled tea is an ethnic fermented product produced using Assam tea (Camellia sinensis var. assamica) leaves. It is produced in large quantities every year and the liquid waste from its production is estimated to be up to 2500 mL per every kilogram of pickled tea production. To reduce the waste, pickled tea juice remaining from the process was developed into (1) pineapple kombucha and (2) formulated functional drinks as “value added” products. The juice used for making kombucha was collected at 15 days of pickled tea fermentation due to its high value in antioxidant activity (previous study, 2250 µmol TE per g DW). After fermenting the juice with starter culture, the properties of pineapple kombucha were assessed at 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 days. Results showed that the total phenolic of pineapple kombucha was reduced, while antioxidant assay (FRAP and ORAC) slightly increased. The most suitable fermentation period of pineapple kombucha was at day 3. The formulated drink was made from mixing pineapple kombucha with ginger and lemon juice at various ratios including 100:0:0, 80:10:10 and 80:15:5. The ratio 80:10:10 gave the highest TP and antioxidant activity for the functional drink. In addition, for sensory analysis, liking attribute of 80:15:5 fermented juice kombucha pineapple favor was significantly higher compared to other formulations. The study demonstrates the promising second fermentation process of by-product juice from pickled tea production for the conversion to value-added functional drink with reasonable antioxidant properties.
Analysis and Correlation between a Non-Invasive Sensor Network System in the Room and the Improvement of Sleep Quality
Authors: Morales-Vizcarra Eduardo , Del-Valle-Soto Carolina , Visconti Paolo , Cortes-Chavez Fabiola
Published: September 2022

Good sleep quality is essential in human life due to its impact on health. Currently, technology has focused on providing specific features for quality sleep monitoring in people. This work represents a contribution to state of the art on non-invasive technologies that can help improve the quality of people’s sleep at a low cost. We reviewed the sleep quality of a group of people by analyzing their good and bad sleeping habits. We take that information to feed a proposed algorithm for a non-invasive sensor network in the person’s room for monitoring factors that help them fall asleep. We analyze vital signs and health conditions in order to be able to relate these parameters to the person’s way of sleeping. We help people get valuable information about their sleep with technology to live a healthy life, and we get about a 15% improvement in sleep quality. Finally, we compare the implementations given by the network with wearables to show the improvement in the behavior of the person’s sleep.
How to Get More Silver? Culture Media Adjustment Targeting Surge of Silver Nanoparticle Penetration in Apricot Tissue during in Vitro Micropropagation
Authors: Pérez-Caselles Cristian , Alburquerque Nuria , Faize Lydia , Bogdanchikova Nina , García-Ramos Juan Carlos , Rodríguez-Hernández Ana G. , Pestryakov Alexey , Burgos Lorenzo
Published: September 2022

The use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is increasing nowadays due to their applications against phytopathogens. Temporary Immersion Systems (TIS) allow the micropropagation of plants in liquid media. This work aims to develop an effective protocol for apricot micropropagation in TIS and to study the necessary conditions to introduce AgNPs in apricot plants, as well as the effect of its application on proliferation-related parameters. AgNPs were introduced in different media at a concentration of 100 mg L−1 to test the incorporation of silver to plant tissues. Silver content analysis was made by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The effect of initial shoot density and the addition of AgNPs on micropropagation were evaluated after four weeks in culture on TIS. Productivity, proliferation, shoot-length and leave surface were measured. The better micropropagation rate was obtained with 40 initial shoots, 2 min of immersion every 6 h and 3 min of aeration every 3 h. To introduce AgNPs in apricot plants it is necessary to culture them in liquid media without chloride in its composition. These results will contribute to the development of an in vitro protocol for virus inhibition by AgNPs application. This depends on the introduction of Ag nanoparticles within the plant tissues, and this is not possible if AgNPs after interaction with Cl- ions precipitate as silver chloride salts.
Regional Reconstruction of Po River Basin (Italy) Streamflow
Authors: Formetta Giuseppe , Tootle Glenn , Therrell Matthew
Published: September 2022

The Po River Basin (PRB) is Italy’s largest river system and provides a vital water supply source for varying demands, including agriculture, energy (hydropower), and water supply. The current (2022) drought has been associated with low winter–early spring (2021–2022) snow accumulation in higher elevations (European Alps) and a lack of late spring–early summer (2022) precipitation, resulting in deficit PRB streamflow. Many local scientists are now estimating a 50- to 100-year (return period) drought for 2022. Given the importance of this river system, information about past (paleo) drought and pluvial periods would provide important information to water managers and planners. Annual streamflow data were obtained for thirteen gauges that were spatially located across the PRB. The Old World Drought Atlas (OWDA) provides annual June–July–August (JJA) self-calibrating Palmer Drought Severity Index (scPDSI) data for 5414 grid points across Europe from 0 to 2012 AD. In lieu of tree-ring chronologies, this dataset was used as a proxy to reconstruct PRB regional streamflow. Singular value decomposition (SVD) was applied to PRB streamflow gauges and gridded scPDSI data for two periods of record, referred to as the short period of record (SPOR), 1980 to 2012 (33 years), and the long period of record (LPOR), 1967 to 2012 (46 years). SVD serves as both a data reduction technique, identifying significant scPDSI grid points within the selected 450 km search radius, and develops a single vector that represents the regional PRB streamflow variability. Due to the high intercorrelations of PRB streamflow gauges, the SVD-generated PRB regional streamflow vector was used as the dependent variable in regression models for both the SPOR and LPOR, while the significant scPDSI grid points (cells) identified by SVD were used as the independent variables. This resulted in two highly skillful regional reconstructions of PRB streamflow from 0 to 2012. Multiple drought and pluvial periods were identified in the paleo record that exceed those observed in the recent historical record, and several of these droughts aligned with paleo streamflow reconstructions of neighboring European watersheds. Future research will utilize the PRB reconstructions to quantify the current (2022) drought, providing a first-time paleo-perspective of drought frequency in the watershed.
Drinking Expectancies among Chinese Young Adults: A Qualitative Study from Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Rufina H. W. , Dong Dong , Kim Jean H.
Published: September 2022

Background: Alcohol expectancies, i.e., the perceived consequences of drinking, have been reported to be important factor in predicting drinking behaviors. However, studies in the Asia region were largely limited to school-based samples. This study aimed to be the first to explore drinking expectancies among urban Chinese young adults. Methods: In 2020, eight focus group discussions were conducted with Hong Kong Chinese young adults aged 18–34 (n = 53). The participants included heavy drinkers, light drinkers, and non-drinkers from a wide range of occupations and educational backgrounds. Thematic analysis was conducted to uncover common alcohol expectancies. Results: Six themes emerged from this study. Four themes that were commonly reported in the literature were the negative consequences of drinking, social bonding, confidence enhancement, and tension reduction. The study also uncovered two culturally relevant alcohol expectancies: health benefits and business drinking expectancies. In contrast to Western samples, Chinese young adults did not report drinking expectancies related to cognitive enhancement or increased sexual interest. Conclusion: Alcohol harm reduction strategies will need to address the positive drinking expectancies uncovered in this study. Future policy discussions in this emerging alcohol market region should consider greater scrutiny of the role of alcohol marketing in the propagation of positive drinking expectancies.