bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Undermining the Use of Seasonal Climate Forecasts Among Farmers in South Africa and Zimbabwe: Implications for the 1st and 2nd Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Ebhuoma Eromose E.
Published: June 2022

The adverse effects of climate change on food production coupled with growing inconsistencies in Indigenous knowledge systems have necessitated some farmers' willingness to rely on seasonal climate forecasts (SCFs) to make informed farming decisions. SCFs provide information regarding the likelihood that the rainfall in the forthcoming season will be higher, lower or normal. While SCFs have scaled up food production among some rural households in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), some farmers find it difficult to plug into this vital technology. Failure to utilize SCFs could have severe consequences for household food and nutrition security, especially in semi-arid countries like South Africa and Zimbabwe. By systematically unpacking the literature in South Africa and Zimbabwe from 2011 to 2021, this article seeks to demystify the factors that hamper the use of SCFs in the aforementioned countries. Results indicate that failure to comprehensively understand and interpret probabilistic forecasts as well as ill-timing of forecast dissemination, among others, are factors that undermine the use of SCFs. These issues are discussed both within the broader theoretical debates revolving around ways to dismantle the barriers undermining the use of SCFs in SSA, which could hamper the attainment of both the first and second sustainable development goals.
Contrasting National Plant Protection Needs, Perceptions and Techno-Scientific Capabilities in the Asia-Pacific Region
Authors: GC Yubak D. , Hadi B. A. R. , Wyckhuys K. A. G.
Published: June 2022

Pests and pathogens inflict considerable losses in global agri-food production and regularly trigger the (indiscriminate) use of synthetic pesticides. In the Asia-Pacific, endemic and invasive organisms compromise crop yields, degrade farm profitability and cause undesirable social-environmental impacts. In this study, we systematically assess the thematic foci, coherence and inclusiveness of plant protection programs of 11 Asia-Pacific countries. Among 23 economically important diseases and 55 pests, survey respondents identified rice blast, rice brown planthopper, citrus greening disease, Tephritid fruit flies and fall armyworm as threats of regional allure. These organisms are thought to lower crop yields by 20–35% and cause management expenditures up to US$2,250 per hectare and year. Though decision-makers are familiar with integrated pest management (IPM), national programs are invariably skewed toward curative pesticide-intensive control. Pesticide reductions up to 50–100% are felt to be feasible and potentially can be attained through full-fledged IPM campaigns and amended policies. To rationalize farmers' pesticide use, decision criteria (e.g., economic thresholds) wait to be defined for multiple crop x pest systems and (participatory) training needs to be conducted e.g., on (pest, disease) symptom recognition or field-level scouting. Efforts are equally needed to amend stakeholder perceptions on ecologically based measures e.g., biological control. Given that several Asia–Pacific countries possess robust techno-scientific capacities in various IPM domains (e.g., taxonomy, molecular diagnostics, socioeconomics), they can take on an active role in regionally coordinated campaigns. As such, one can reinvigorate IPM and ensure that preventative, non-chemical pest management ultimately becomes the norm instead of the exception throughout the Asia–Pacific.
Full Endoscopic Posterolateral Transarticular Lumbar Interbody Fusion Using Transparent Plastic Working Tubes: Technical Note and Preliminary Clinical Results
Authors: Du Yu , Jiang Fuling , Zheng Haiyan , Yao Xudong , Yan Zhengjian , Liu Yang , Wang Liyuan , Zhang Xintai , Chen Liang
Published: June 2022

Background

A series of full-endoscopic lumbar interbody fusions have been reported, but special fusion cages or operating instruments are often needed, and there are many complications in the operation and the learning curve is long. We have used a single portal endoscopic system for lumbar interbody fusion in a novel posterolateral transarticular approach, which will take advantage of the incision for pedicle screw insertion and avoid nerve root damage by using a transparent plastic working tube. The purpose of this study was to present the surgical technique of full endoscopic posterolateral transarticular lumbar interbody fusion (FE-PTLIF) and to analyze the preliminary clinical results.

Methods

A total of 39 patients (17 men and 22 women; mean age [x̅ ± s] 55.2 ± 12.2 years) have been enrolled in this retrospective study between March 2019 and January 2021 in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. All patients were treated with full endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion via posterolateral transarticular approach with a transparent plastic working tube. Demographic characteristics, diagnosis, operative time, and estimated blood loss were evaluated. Intraoperative photo and perioperative imaging were recorded. The preoperative and postoperative clinical data were collected for statistical analysis.

Results

The preliminary clinical follow-up data achieved good results. No patients had serious postoperative complications and none of these patients required revision surgery during the perioperative or follow-up period. We compared the visual analogue scale and Oswestry disability index scores before and after surgery. The differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The mean total blood loss (including drainage blood) was 54.4 ± 20.3 ml. The mean operative time was 130.5 ± 23.8 min. At the last follow-up, the fusion rate of the lumbar intervertebral space was 100%.

Conclusions

This novel posterolateral transarticular approach and transparent plastic working tube can reduce the difficulty of the operation, so that the conventional intervertebral fusion cage [bullet-shaped polyetheretherketone (PEEK) nonexpandable fusion cage] and surgical instruments can be used in the full endoscopic lumbar intervertebral fusion surgery, which can reduce the cost and improve the efficiency of the operation.
Relationship Between Ovary Size and Anti-Müllerian Hormone Levels in Holstein–Friesian Cows
Authors: Widodo Oky Setyo , Nishihara Saeki , Pambudi Dhidhi , Kusakabe Ken Takeshi , Taura Yasuho , Nishi Yasunobu , Yamato Osamu , Taniguchi Masayasu , Takagi Mitsuhiro
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study was to verify the association between ovarian size and blood AMH levels in HF cows. Sixty multiparous HF cows from three herds were included in this study. The data required for calculating the ovarian volume included the “major axis (length),” “minor axis (width),” and “thickness” of the ovary. All ultrasonography (US) images were acquired at the outermost ends/poles of both the ovaries and of the follicles (>8 mm) and corpus luteum (CL); concomitantly, the blood was sampled from the jugular or coccygeal vein. Based on the ovarian images of each cow, the following ovarian size patterns were calculated using an image analysis software: (1) total area of both the left and right ovaries, (2) individual size of the large ovary, and (3) individual size of the small ovary. For each ovary area pattern, two properties were assessed: (A) presence of follicles (>8 mm) and CL, which may not secret AMH, in the ovaries and (B) absence of follicles (>8 mm) and CL in the ovaries. Serum AMH levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The correlation between ovary size and serum AMH levels was measured in terms of the aforementioned patterns and was evaluated statistically. The results of our preliminary study with ovaries from slaughter-house cows (n = 22) revealed that the “thickness” of the ovary was not necessary for estimating ovarian volume and that length and width were sufficient. A strong correlation was observed among ovarian length, width, and thickness (r > 0.96). No significant difference was observed (p > 0.05) in the mean ages or parities among the three herds. Among the ovary sizes measured in this study, the highest correlation was found between the total size of an individual large ovary (including follicular and luteal size) and AMH levels (r = 0.387, p = 0.002). This is the first study to demonstrate the correlation between total size of individual large ovaries and serum AMH levels in HF cows. US observations of the ovaries will allow for estimation of differences in AMH levels and help predict ovarian activity and superovulation performance of cows.
The Mechanism of Heat Stress Resistance During Spermatogenesis in Turpan Black Sheep
Authors: Song Yukun , Zhao Xi , Aihemaiti Aikebaier , Haire Aerman , Gao Yu , Niu Chao , Yang Peng , Liu Guoshi , Jia Gongxue , Wusiman Abulizi
Published: June 2022

Heat stress can affect the reproductive function of livestock and cause harm to animal production, which can seriously damage the economic interests of livestock producers. Therefore, it is important to explore the effect of heat stress on reproductive function to improve livestock production. In this study, the experimental animals Turpan black sheep and Suffolk sheep were selected as controls, each with 10 sheep, and the reproductive physiological performance was measured in Turpan, China from April to August when there was no heat stress to strong heat stress. The results showed that the sperm density, vitality, and kinematic parameters of Suffolk sheep were significantly lower than that in Turpan black sheep (p < 0.01) after heat stress, while the sperm acrosome malfunctions and DNA damage were significantly higher in Suffolk sheep (p < 0.01). In addition, the endogenous levels of reproductive hormones and oxidative stress indicators in the blood of Turpan black sheep were stable before and after heat stress treatment, while Suffolk sheep showed different degrees of fluctuations. There was no significant difference in testicular histomorphology between the two after heat stress treatment. However, Suffolk sheep showed a significantly decreased number of spermatocytes after heat stress treatment (p < 0.05). It was found that during meiosis, the proportion of cells in the meiotic zygotene stage of Suffolk sheep was significantly higher than that of Turpan black sheep. To investigate the mechanism of normal spermatogenesis in Turpan black sheep under heat stress, we performed RNA-Seq analysis on the testis. The results showed that there were 3,559 differential genes in Turpan black sheep before and after heat stress, with 2,118 up-regulated genes and 1,441 down-regulated genes. The enrichment analysis of GO and KEGG showed that the differential genes are mainly involved in cellular component organization or biogenesis, cell cycle process, mitotic cell cycle process, meiotic cell cycle process, double-strand break repair and Rap1 signaling pathway, Ras signaling pathway, Cell cycle, signaling pathways regulating pluripotency of stem cells Oocyte meiosis. Genes related to spermatogenesis, SYCP2, TDRD9, BRDT, CEP120, BRCA1, etc. were significantly up-regulated in Turpan black sheep after heat stress. In summary, our results showed that the up-regulation of genes involved in spermatogenesis protects the normal production of sperm in Turpan black sheep under HS, thereby achieving normal reproductive function.Our research systematically elucidated the mechanism of heat stress resistance during spermatogenesis in Turpan black sheep and provided potential possibilities for the subsequent breeding of new heat-resistant breeds.
Characterization of the Lytic Phage Flora With a Broad Host Range Against Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli and Evaluation of Its Efficacy Against E. coli Biofilm Formation
Authors: Jiang Liming , Jiang Yaxian , Liu Wen , Zheng Rui , Li Chenghua
Published: June 2022

Escherichia coli is a gram-negative bacterium that is distributed widely throughout the world; it is mainly found in contaminated food, the poultry industry, and animal feces. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant E. coli poses a threat to human and animal health, which has led to renewed interest in phage-based therapy. E. coli biofilm control and prevention are of great importance. In this study, the isolated phages Flora and KM18 were found to belong to the family Myoviridae; the optimal preservation buffer was pH = 6~7, and the phage genome sizes were 168,909 (Flora) and 168,903 (KM18) bp. Phage Flora had a broader lytic spectrum than KM18. Phage Flora had a better antibiofilm effect than kanamycin sulfate in high-concentration E. coli cultures. A combination of the phage Flora and kanamycin sulfate showed better antibiofilm effects than Flora or kanamycin sulfate alone in low-concentration E. coli cultures. These characteristics can serve as a guideline for the selection of effective candidates for phage therapy, in this case antibiotic-resistant E. coli control in the poultry industry.
Cancer-of-Unknown-Primary-Origin: A SEER–Medicare Study of Patterns of Care and Outcomes among Elderly Patients in Clinical Practice
Authors: Mileshkin Linda , Bochtler Tilmann , Gatta Gemma , Kurzrock Razelle , Beringer Andreas , Müller-Ohldach Mathis , Surinach Andy , Perret Camille , Thomas Marlene , Gondos Adam , Krämer Alwin
Published: June 2022

Knowledge of contemporary patterns of cancer-of-unknown-primary-origin (CUP) diagnostic work-up, treatment, and outcomes in routine healthcare is limited. Thus, we examined data from elderly patients diagnosed with CUP in real-world US clinical practice. From the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare-linked database, we included patients ≥ 66 years old with CUP diagnosed between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2015. We analyzed baseline demographics, clinical characteristics, methods of diagnostic work-up (biopsy, immunohistochemistry, imaging), treatment-related factors, and survival. CUP diagnosis was histologically confirmed in 2813/4562 patients (61.7%). Overall, 621/4562 (13.6%) patients received anticancer pharmacotherapy; among these, 97.3% had a histologically confirmed tumor and 83.1% received all three procedures. Among those with a histologically confirmed tumor, increasing age, increasing comorbidity score, not receiving all three diagnostic measures, and having a not-further specified histologic finding of only ‘malignant neoplasm’ were all negatively associated with receipt of anticancer pharmacotherapy. Median overall survival was 1.2 months for all patients. Median time between CUP diagnosis and treatment initiation was 41 days. Limited diagnostic work-up was common and most patients did not receive anticancer pharmacotherapy. The poor outcomes highlight a substantial unmet need for further research into improving diagnostic work-up and treatment effectiveness in CUP.
ChemoSensitivity Assay Guided Metronomic Chemotherapy Is Safe and Effective for Treating Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Isacoff William H. , Cooper Brandon , Bartlett Andrew , McCarthy Brian , Yu Kenneth H.
Published: June 2022

Cytotoxic chemotherapy remains the mainstay of treatment for advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Emerging studies support metronomic chemotherapy (MCT) as effective, challenging established paradigms of dosing and schedules. The blood-based ChemoSensitivity Assay has been shown to predict response and survival in advanced PDAC patients treated with standard chemotherapy. The current study combines these concepts for a highly personalized treatment approach. This was a retrospective analysis; a pilot (n = 50) and validation cohort (n = 45) were studied. The ChemoSensitivity Assay was performed at baseline and during therapy; results were correlated to drugs administered and patient outcomes. MCT was administered based on the assay results at the treating physician′s discretion. Patients in the pilot cohort experienced favorable survival compared with historical controls (median overall survival (mOS) 16.8 mo). Patients whose treatment closely matched the ChemoSensitivity Assay predictions experienced longer median time on lines of therapy (5.3 vs. 3.3 mo, p = 0.02) and showed a trend for longer mOS (20.9 vs. 12.5 mo, p = 0.055) compared with those not closely matched. These findings were confirmed in the validation cohort. Overall, patients treated with MCT closely matching Assay results experienced a remarkable mOS of 27.7 mo. ChemoSensitivity profiling-guided MCT is a promising approach for personalized therapy in advanced PDAC.
Advances in Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Landa Iñigo
Published: June 2022

“Thyroid cancer” encompasses a heterogeneous group of tumors that range from the predominant papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) subtype, which shows excellent survival rates, to the poorly differentiated (PDTC) and anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) forms, accounting for most of the disease-related morbidity and mortality [...]
Empirical Evidence of the Cost of Capital under Risk Conditions for Thermoelectric Power Plants in Brazil
Authors: Coelho Junior Luiz Moreira , Fonseca Amadeu Junior da Silva , Castro Roberto , Mello João Carlos de Oliveira , Santos Victor Hugo Ribeiro dos , Pinheiro Renato Barros , Sousa Wilton Lima , Santos Júnior Edvaldo Pereira , Ramos Dorel Soares
Published: June 2022

This article analyzed the cost of capital under risk conditions for thermoelectric plants in Brazil, applying the Capital Asset Pricing Model—CAPM and the Weighted Average Capital Cost—WACC. To estimate the local CAPM, we used information from the Electric Energy Index—IEE of publicly traded companies in the electricity sector in Brazil and for the global CAPM, we observed the companies associated with the Edison Electric Institute—EEI, listed on the New York Stock Exchange—NYSE and at the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations—NASDAQ—USA. The risk conditions for capital costs were represented by Monte Carlo simulation using, as a basis, the WACC of a fuel oil thermoelectric plant and the local and global CAPM. The main results show that the IEE and EEI companies obtained a positive average daily return. Due to the Brazil risk, under deterministic conditions, the local WACC (11.13% p.a.) was more attractive to investors when compared to the global WACC (10.32% p.a.) and the regulatory WACC of 10.55% p.a., established by the National Electric Energy Agency—ANEEL. The most risk-sensitive input variables were: unleveraged beta, net debt and equity. Under risk conditions observed by the market from the point of view of Brazilian companies, the chances of the WACC of the fuel oil thermoelectric plant being 11.1% p.a. was 68.30% and from a global perspective, the chance of WACC being 10.32% p.a. was 99.51%. It is concluded that the cost of capital under risk conditions provides a more realistic view of decision-making for privately held companies.
Do Conceptualisations of ‘Mixed Race’, ‘Interracial Unions’, and Race’s ‘Centrality to Understandings of Racism’ Challenge the UK’s Official Categorisation by Ethnic Group?
Authors: Aspinall Peter J.
Published: June 2022

A focus on ‘mixed race’ and mixedness in Britain has revived a debate around the central question of whether the decennial census and other official data collections should be capturing ‘race’ rather than ethnic group and producing ‘racial’ outputs. The British practice may seem out of step by some commentators, given that ‘mixed race’ is the term of choice amongst those it describes, and given scholarly interest in interracial unions. Moreover, the resurgence of interest in ‘race’ and racisms in the context of the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement and concern over the down-playing in a UK Government-commissioned report of the role of structural racism has enlivened the debate. However, this paper argues against a shift to ‘race’ in official data collection and for continued use of the conceptually preferable ‘ethnic group’ in the census question title, the section label ‘mixed/multiple ethnic groups’, and the ongoing provision of data on unions at the pan-ethnic and granular levels. A measure of socially constructed ‘race’ is already available in all but name in the pan-ethnic section labels (White, Asian, Black, Mixed, and Other) and the tick boxes under the ‘mixed/multiple’ heading. Ethnic group has been the conceptual basis of the question since the field trials for the 1991 Census, and its position has been strengthened by the increasing granularity of the categorisation (19 categories in the 2021 England and Wales Census) and by substantial distributed free-text provision that underpins the question’s context of self-identification. The wider understanding of ‘race’ identifications invokes ascription, imposition, and social categorisation rather than self-identification and subscription. There is also evidence of the unacceptability of ‘race’ in the context of the census amongst the wider society.
Bioinformatics and Experimental Analyses Reveal NFIC as an Upstream Transcriptional Regulator for Ischemic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ye Yang , Jin Qiao , Gong Qian , Li Aoqi , Sun Minghao , Jiang Sibo , Jin Yulan , Zhang Zhe , He Jin , Zhuang Lenan
Published: June 2022

Ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) caused by coronary artery disease always leads to myocardial infarction and heart failure. Identification of novel transcriptional regulators in ICM is an effective method to establish new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. In this study, we used two RNA-seq datasets and one microarray dataset from different studies, including 25 ICM and 21 non-failing control (NF) samples of human left ventricle tissues for further analysis. In total, 208 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found by combining two RNA-seq datasets with batch effects removed. GO and KEGG analyses of DEGs indicated that the response to wounding, positive regulation of smooth muscle contraction, chromatin, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and transporters pathways are involved in ICM. Simple Enrichment Analysis found that NFIC-binding motifs are enriched in promoter regions of downregulated genes. The Gene Importance Calculator further proved that NFIC is vital. NFIC and its downstream genes were verified in the validating microarray dataset. Meanwhile, in rat cardiomyocyte cell line H9C2 cells, two genes (Tspan1 and Hopx) were confirmed, which decreased significantly along with knocking down Nfic expression. In conclusion, NFIC participates in the ICM process by regulating TSPAN1 and HOPX. NFIC and its downstream genes may be marker genes and potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for ICM.
Genome-Wide Association Mapping of Grain Metal Accumulation in Wheat
Authors: El-Soda Mohamed , Aljabri Maha
Published: June 2022

Increasing wheat grain yield while ignoring grain quality and metal accumulation can result in metal deficiencies, particularly in countries where bread wheat accounts for the majority of daily dietary regimes. When the accumulation level exceeds a certain threshold, it becomes toxic and causes various diseases. Biofortification is an effective method of ensuring nutritional security. We screened 200 spring wheat advanced lines from the wheat association mapping initiative for Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni, and Cd concentrations. Interestingly, high-yielding genotypes had high essential metals, such as Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn, but low levels of toxic metals, such as Ni and Cd. Positive correlations were found between all metals except Ni and Cd, where no correlation was found. We identified 142 significant SNPs, 26 of which had possible pleiotropic effects on two or more metals. Several QTLs co-located with previously mapped QTL for the same or other metals, whereas others were new. Our findings contribute to wheat genetic biofortification through marker-assisted selection, ensuring nutritional security in the long run.
Old and New Systemic Immune-Inflammation Indexes Are Associated with Overall Survival of Glioblastoma Patients Treated with Radio-Chemotherapy
Authors: Pasqualetti Francesco , Giampietro Celeste , Montemurro Nicola , Giannini Noemi , Gadducci Giovanni , Orlandi Paola , Natali Eleonora , Chiarugi Paolo , Gonnelli Alessandra , Cantarella Martina , Scatena Cristian , Fanelli Giuseppe Nicolò , Naccarato Antonio Giuseppe , Perrini Paolo , Liberti Gaetano , Morganti Riccardo , Franzini Maria , Paolicchi Aldo , Pellegrini Giovanni , Bocci Guido , Paiar Fabiola
Published: June 2022

Background. Systemic immunity and inflammation indexes (SI) derived from blood cells have gained increasing attention in clinical oncology as potential biomarkers that are associated with survival. Materials and methods. We tested 12 different SI using blood tests from patients with isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 wild-type glioblastomas, treated with radio-chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was their overall survival. Results. A total of 77 patients, comprising 43 males and 34 females, with a median age of 64 years (age range 26–84), who were treated between October 2010 and July 2020, were included in the present analysis (approved by a local ethics committee). In the univariate Cox regression analysis, all the indexes except two showed a statistically significant impact on OS. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, neutrophil × platelet × leukocyte/(lymphocyte × monocyte) (NPW/LM) and neutrophil × platelet × monocyte/lymphocyte (NPM/L) maintained their statistically significant impact value. Conclusions. This univariate analysis confirms the potential of systemic inflammation indexes in patients with glioblastoma, while the multivariate analysis verifies the prognostic value of NPW/LM and NPM/L.
Dissonance in Young Adult Cigarillo Users’ Categorization of Concept Flavored and Unflavored Products
Authors: Osborn Catherine C. , Suratkal Jessica P. , Pike Moore Stephanie N. , Koopman Gonzalez Sarah , Sterling Kymberle L. , Quisenberry Amanda J. , Klein Elizabeth G. , Trapl Erika S.
Published: June 2022

This study asks young adult cigarillo users to categorize their preferred flavor in order to examine user consensus and potential methodological and regulatory implications of flavor name-based categorization systems. Young adult (21–28 years) cigarillo users (n = 426) named and categorized their favorite cigarillo flavor into one of seven categories: Fruit, Sweet and Candy, Mint, Alcohol, Menthol, Tobacco, and Other. Flavor responses were coded as characterizing (ex: Grape, Wine) or concept (ex: Jazz, Diamond) flavors. Variation within and between categories was assessed, including the presence of concept flavors and the placement of flavors in multiple categories. Of the 66 unique flavor names provided, participants placed 20 (30.1%) in more than one flavor category. Most of the Tobacco (76.9%) and Other (69.2%) flavor names appeared in multiple categories. The majority of flavor names in the Tobacco (69.2%) and Other (61.5%) categories were concept flavors. Concept flavors were placed in multiple categories (45.0%) twice as often as characterizing flavors (23.9%). This study has identified dissonance among cigarillo users’ flavor categorizations, particularly for concept flavored and unflavored products. Flavor names may obscure how and whether a product is flavored. Research on and regulation of flavored tobacco products should classify products by flavor additives rather than by name alone.
Livelihood Resilience or Policy Attraction? Factors Determining Households’ Willingness to Participate in Rural Tourism in Western China
Authors: Dang Peiying , Ren Linjing , Li Jie
Published: June 2022

Rural tourism in developing countries has been regarded as a means for rural development, environment conservation and poverty alleviation. This study aims to examine the determining factors for rural households’ willingness to participate in rural tourism in western areas under the context of China’s rural revitalization strategy. Based on survey data from 22 tourism poverty alleviation villages located in the poor areas of western China, we characterize our results by stating that rural households’ livelihood resilience “push” on their willingness to participate, and that poverty alleviation policy perception and involvement “pull” on it. Among distinct livelihood adaptive strategy groups, i.e., farming-oriented households, migratory-oriented households and tourism-participating households, this study also revealed that buffer capacity was a significant driving force for the three types of household’s willingness. Positive poverty alleviation policy perception could attract migratory households to return to their hometowns to start tourism businesses; however, better self-organizing capacity decreased their willingness. In addition, both self-organization and learning capacity and positive policy perception and involvement encouraged tourism-participating households to engage in tourism activities continually. Finally, some practical implications and recommendations for further research are also discussed.
Accelerated Aging Ultraviolet of a PET Nonwoven Geotextile and Thermoanalytical Evaluation
Authors: Franco Yara Barbosa , Valentin Clever Aparecido , Kobelnik Marcelo , Lins da Silva Jefferson , Ribeiro Clovis Augusto , da Luz Marta Pereira
Published: June 2022

Nonwoven geotextiles are geosynthetic products that are highly susceptible to ultraviolet degradation because light can reach a large area of the material due to its fiber arrangement. Even with additives, which delay the degradation process, material decomposition still occurs, and therefore the product’s long-term durability can be affected. In this paper, the mechanical and thermal behavior of a commercial nonwoven polyester geotextile subjected to accelerated ultraviolet aging tests were evaluated. The deterioration was evaluated by comparing the physical properties (mass per unit area, thickness, and tensile strength) and thermal behavior (thermogravimetry—TG, thermomechanical analysis—TMA, and differential scanning calorimetry—DSC) before and after exposure times of 500 h and 1000 h. The results showed that the ultraviolet aging tests induced some damage in the polyester fibers, leading to the deterioration of their tensile strength. For 1000 h of exposure, in which the reduction was larger, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) found some superficial disruption of the fibers, indicative of damage. TG and DSC could not capture the effects of UV radiation on polymer degradation, unlike TMA. This latter technique was effective in showing the differences between specimens before and after UV exposure.
Amorphous FeCoCrSiB Ribbons with Tailored Anisotropy for the Development of Magnetic Elements for High Frequency Applications
Authors: Kurlyandskaya Galina V. , Lezama Luis , Pasynkova Anna A. , Volchkov Stanislav O. , Lukshina Vera A. , Larrañaga Aitor , Dmitrieva Natalia V. , Timofeeva Anastasia V. , Orue Iñaki
Published: June 2022

The ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) in the frequency range of 0.5 to 12.5 GHz has been investigated as a function of external magnetic field for rapidly quenched Fe3Co67Cr3Si15B12 amorphous ribbons with different features of the effective magnetic anisotropy. Three states of the ribbons were considered: as-quenched without any treatment; after relaxation annealing without stress at the temperature of 350 °C during 1 h; and after annealing under specific stress of 230 MPa at the temperature of 350 °C during 1 h. For FMR measurements, we adapted a technique previously proposed and tested for the case of microwires. Here, amorphous ribbons were studied using the sample holder based on a commercial SMA connector. On the basis of the measurements of the reflection coefficient S11, the total impedance including its real and imaginary components was determined to be in the frequency range of 0.5 to 12.5 GHz. In order to confirm the validity of the proposed technique, FMR was also measured by the certified cavity perturbation technique using a commercial Bruker spectrometer operating at X-band frequency of 9.39 GHz. As part of the characterization of the ribbons used for microwave measurements, comparative analysis was performed of X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, inductive magnetic hysteresis loops, vibrating sample magnetometry, magneto-optical Kerr effect (including magnetic domains) and magnetoimpedance data for of all samples.
Analysis of Damping Characteristics of Magnetorheological Damper under Impact Load
Authors: Sun Min , Li Xiangdong , Zhou Zhou , Zhu Qibin , Liu Bing , Chen Xu , Wang Jiong , Zhang Guang , Cai Shibo
Published: June 2022

Compared to magnetorheological fluid, magnetorheological gel has better anti-settling performance and stability. Therefore, magnetorheological gel is suitable for devices that can meet operational requirements in all aspects after long-term storage, such as the anti-recoil application of weapons. To study this in-depth, the mechanism of the influence of magnetorheological gel micro-magnetic-mechanical properties on the macro-output damping mechanics of the damper, a parallel plate model of the mixed flow mode composed of Couette shear flow and Poiseuille pressure flow was established. The theoretical analysis was of the output damping of the damper. Finally, the controllability of the damper under impact load employed magnetorheological gel was preliminarily analyzed. The results indicate that the damping coefficient of the damper increases with the increase of dynamic viscosity ηB of the magnetorheological gel, piston effective cross-sectional area AP, magnetic pole L, and Bingham coefficient Bi. Magnetorheological damper has controllability under impact load and can reach a wide controllable range under the condition under small magnetic field ranging from 0 mT to 131 mT.
Surgery Training System Supported by Organic Materials
Authors: Błaszczyk Magdalena , Gabor Jadwiga , Flak Tomasz , Wróbel Zygmunt , Swinarew Andrzej S.
Published: June 2022

The aim of the study was the qualitative assessment of new materials based on a polycarbonate matrix in terms of its use in 3D printing and its processing and geometric modification (cutting). Filaments made of the new material doped with talc in five different proportions were visually inspected with a microscope. The calibration and test models were made using the FFF (fused filament fabrication) technique. In addition, its susceptibility to the drill and the behavior of the shavings were assessed and the temperature changing during drilling was measured. The implant was inserted to measure its resonance stability in each of the holes made and translated into the value of the implant stability quotient (ISQ) ranging from 1 to 100. The results were compared to those obtained for the training model of the skull bone. The amount of filler has been shown to affect the composite. Moreover, due to the properties of talc, a compatibilizer (polyol) was used. Differences were observed between the model made of the commercial material, the model made of the dried, tested material, and the model made of the undried material. It was confirmed that the presence of water in the material during its processing is important.
Experimental Investigation of the Tensile Behavior of Selected Tire Cords Using Novel Testing Equipment
Authors: Bogusz Paweł , Miedzińska Danuta , Wieczorek Marcin
Published: June 2022

Aramid and polyamide cords are used in a wide range of applications, particularly in the automotive industry (tire reinforcement) and textile industry for military and fireguard purposes. The problem of the reliable experimental study of tensile behavior of synthetic cords is considered in this paper. In the available standards for synthetic cord testing, particularly ASTM D 885-03, the tensile test must result with the cord damage in the middle of gauge length, and the cords should be fixed in the machine clamps. The trial test gave damage near the clamps. We propose a novel testing stage mounted in the testing machine clamps to achieve the uniform tensile stress distribution in the gauge length of the measured cords. The results of the deformations were measured in two ways: using testing machine head displacement and a videoextensometer. Stress curves of four distinguished cords were evaluated and compared. The second method allowed to acquire results differing from the manufacturers’ data from 0.7% to 21.5%, which allowed for the conclusion that the designed test stand allows for obtaining reliable results for stretched cords.
Numerical Simulation on Thermal Stresses and Solidification Microstructure for Making Fiber-Reinforced Aluminum Matrix Composites
Authors: Xing Chenyang , Etemadi Reihaneh , Pillai Krishna M. , Wang Qian , Wang Bo
Published: June 2022

The fabrication of fiber-reinforced metal matrix composites (MMCs) mainly consists of two stages: infiltration and solidification, which have a significant influence on the properties of MMCs. The present study is primarily focused on the simulation of the solidification process and the effect of the active cooling of fibers with and without nickel coating for making the continuous carbon fiber-reinforced aluminum matrix composites. The thermomechanical finite element model was established to investigate the effects of different cooling conditions on the temperature profile and thermal stress distributions based on the simplified physical model. The predicted results of the temperature distribution agree well with the results of the references. Additionally, a three-dimensional cellular automata (CA) finite element (FE) model is used to simulate the microstructure evolution of the solidification process by using ProCAST software. The results show that adding a nickel coating can make the heat flux smaller in the melt, which is favorable for preventing debonding at the coating/fiber and alloy interface and obtaining a finer microstructure. In the presence of the nickel coating, the number of grains increases significantly, and the average grain size decreases, which can improve the properties of the resultant composite materials. Meanwhile, the predicting results also show that the interfaces of fiber–coating, fiber–melt, and coating–melt experience higher temperature gradients and thermal stresses. These results will lead to the phenomenon of stress concentration and interface failure. Thus, it was demonstrated that these simulation methods could be helpful for studying the solidification of fiber-reinforced MMCs and reducing the number of trial-and-error experiments.
Recycling of Technogenic CoCrMo Alloy by Electron Beam Melting
Authors: Vutova Katia , Stefanova Vladislava , Vassileva Vania , Atanasova-Vladimirova Stela
Published: June 2022

In the current work, the possibility of the recycling of technogenic CoCrMo material by electron beam melting is investigated. The influence of thermodynamic and kinetic parameters (temperature and melting time) on the behavior of the main components of the alloy (Co, Cr, and Mo) and other elements (Fe, Mn, Si, W, and Nb) present in it, and on the microstructure of the ingots obtained after e-beam processing is studied. The vapor pressure of the alloy is determined taking into account the activities of the main alloy components (Co, Cr, and Mo). The relative volatility of the metal elements present in the alloy was also evaluated. An assessment of the influence of the temperature and the retention time on the degree of elements removal from CoCrMo technogenic material was made. The results obtained show that the highest degree of refining is achieved at 1860 K and a residence time of 20 min. The conducted EDS analysis of the more characteristic phases observed on the SEM images of the samples shows distinct micro-segregation in the matrix composition.
Mechanical Properties and Acoustic Emission Characteristics of Anchored Structure Plane with Different JRC under Direct Shear Test
Authors: Li Su , Lin Hang , Feng Jingjing , Cao Rihong , Hu Huihua
Published: June 2022

Rock mass, the heterogeneous natural material composed of rock and discontinuities, is an important part of engineering construction. Discontinuities affect the mechanical properties of natural rock mass and further threaten the stability of rock engineering. To study the failure characteristics of anchored structure plane with different JRC, jointed specimens with four different JRC were fabricated by pouring cement mortar. Specimens were tested under four different normal loads to figure out how JRC and anchorage angle affect the mechanical properties of anchored structure plane. Besides, acoustic emission (AE) testing technology was adopted to explore the AE characteristics of anchored structural plane under shearing. The results showed that there exists a positive correlation between the peak shear strength and JRC. The undulation shape of structural plane led to an obvious downward trend in the strain softening stage of the structural plane with JRC of 6–8 and 18–20. When the anchorage angle ranged from 45° to 60°, the potentiation of bolt was the most significant. Based on the AE results, the larger the normal stress, the more likely the cumulative count curves were to enter the fast growth phase before the peak. The characteristics of b-value curves are mainly related to the topography of structural planes and whether the bolt is deformed. In the direct shear test, the cumulative proportion of shear cracks was more than 85%, which is much higher than that of tensile cracks. The variation of cumulative tensile cracks goes through three stages: slow growth, rapid growth, and slow growth. Compared with the unanchored structural plane, the variation range of real-time tensile cracks of the anchored structural plane is large, and sometimes the proportion of real-time tensile cracks may reach 80%.
Recycling Non-Metallic Powder of Waste Printed Circuit Boards to Improve the Performance of Asphalt Material
Authors: Li Sheng , Sun Yu , Fang Shuo , Huang You , Yu Huanan , Ye Ji
Published: June 2022

Non-metallic fractions (NMFs) from waste printed circuit boards (PCBs) are mostly composed of cured resin and fiber. In this study, NMF material from a PCB was ground into powder and added into matrix asphalt to produce PCB-NMF-modified asphalt. To improve the compatibility of PCB-NMF and asphalt, a compatibilizer consisting of tung oil and glycerol was also developed. The optimum compatibilizer content was determined to be 8% by weight of the PCB-NMF through a series of laboratory tests, including the softening point, penetration, ductility, and softening point difference (SPD). The micro-mechanism of NMF powder-modified asphalt was analyzed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and a scanning electron microscope test (SEM). The performances of PCB-NMF-modified asphalt were evaluated by the dynamic shear rheology (DSR) test and the low-temperature bending beam rheometer (BBR) test. The optimum compatibilizer content was 8% by weight of the NMF powder and the optimum content of NMF powder was determined to be 30% by weight of the asphalt based on a comprehensive evaluation. The results show that PCB-NMF can significantly improve stiffness, rutting resistance, high-temperature stability, and temperature sensitivity of asphalt material at an appropriate content. The BBR tests revealed that PCB-NMF slightly weakened the cracking resistance of asphalt at low temperatures. The SEM test showed that the addition of a compatibilizer can increase the compatibility by making the NMF powder evenly dispersed. The FTIR test results implied that a chemical reaction may not have happened between PCB-NMF, compatibilizer, and the matrix asphalt. Overall, it is a promising and sustainable way to utilize PCB-NMF as a modifier for asphalt material and reduce electronic waste treatment at a low cost.
Investigation of Adhesion Properties of Tire—Asphalt Pavement Interface Considering Hydrodynamic Lubrication Action of Water Film on Road Surface
Authors: Zheng Binshuang , Tang Junyao , Chen Jiaying , Zhao Runmin , Huang Xiaoming
Published: June 2022

To obtain the tire–pavement peak adhesion coefficient under different road states, a field measurement and FE simulation were combined to analyze the tire–pavement adhesion characteristics in this study. According to the identified texture information, the power spectral distribution of the road surface was obtained using the MATLAB Program, and a novel tire hydroplaning FE model coupled with a textured pavement model was established in ABAQUS. Experimental results show that here exists an “anti-skid noncontribution area” for the insulation and lubrication of the water film. Driving at the limit speed of 120 km/h, the critical water film thickness for the three typical asphalt pavements during hydroplaning was as follows: AC pavement, 0.56 mm; SMA pavement, 0.76 mm; OGFC pavement, 1.5 mm. The road state could be divided into four parts dry state, wet sate, lubricated state, and ponding state. Under the dry road state, when the slip rate was around 15%, the adhesion coefficient reached the peak value, i.e., around 11.5% for the wet road state. The peak adhesion coefficient for the different asphalt pavements was in the order OGFC > SMA > AC. This study can provide a theoretical reference for explaining the tire–pavement interactions and improving vehicle brake system performance.
Improvements of Flexural Properties and Thermal Performance in Thin Geopolymer Based on Fly Ash and Ladle Furnace Slag Using Borax Decahydrates
Authors: Yong-Sing Ng , Yun-Ming Liew , Cheng-Yong Heah , Abdullah Mohd Mustafa Al Bakri , Pakawanit Phakkhananan , Vizureanu Petrica , Khalid Mohd Suhaimi , Hui-Teng Ng , Yong-Jie Hang , Nabiałek Marcin , Pietrusiewicz Paweł , Garus Sebastian , Sochacki Wojciech , Śliwa Agata
Published: June 2022

This paper elucidates the influence of borax decahydrate addition on the flexural and thermal properties of 10 mm thin fly ash/ladle furnace slag (FAS) geopolymers. The borax decahydrate (2, 4, 6, and 8 wt.%) was incorporated to produce FAB geopolymers. Heat treatment was applied with temperature ranges of 300 °C, 600 °C, 900 °C, 1000 °C and 1100 °C. Unexposed FAB geopolymers experienced a drop in strength due to a looser matrix with higher porosity. However, borax decahydrate inclusion significantly enhanced the flexural performance of thin geopolymers after heating. FAB2 and FAB8 geopolymers reported higher flexural strength of 26.5 MPa and 47.8 MPa, respectively, at 1000 °C as compared to FAS geopolymers (24.1 MPa at 1100 °C). The molten B2O3 provided an adhesive medium to assemble the aluminosilicates, improving the interparticle connectivity which led to a drastic strength increment. Moreover, the borax addition reduced the glass transition temperature, forming more refractory crystalline phases at lower temperatures. This induced a significant strength increment in FAB geopolymers with a factor of 3.6 for FAB8 at 900 °C, and 4.0 factor for FAB2 at 1000 °C, respectively. Comparatively, FAS geopolymers only achieved 3.1 factor in strength increment at 1100 °C. This proved that borax decahydrate could be utilized in the high strength development of thin geopolymers.
Benefits of Advance Payments of Tax on Profit: Consideration within the Brusov–Filatova–Orekhova (BFO) Theory
Authors: Brusov Peter , Filatova Tatiana , Kulik Veniamin
Published: June 2022

The modern capital cost and capital structure theory—the Brusov–Filatova–Orekhova (BFO) theory and its perpetuity limit, the Modigliani–Miller theory—describe the case of the payments of income tax at the end of the year. However, in practice, companies could make these payments in advance. Recently, the Modigliani–Miller theory has been modified for the case of advanced payments of income tax and has shown that the obtained results are quite different from ones in the “classical” Modigliani–Miller theory. In the current paper, for the first time, we modify the Brusov–Filatova–Orekhova (BFO) theory for the case of advanced payments of income tax and show that the impact of the transition to advance payments is much more significant than in the case of a perpetuity limit (the MM theory) and even leads to a qualitatively new effect in the dependence of equity cost on leverage. An important conclusion drawn in this paper is that the tax shield is very important, and the way it is formed (payments at the end of the year or in advance) leads to very important consequences, changing all the financial indicators of the company, such as the cost of raising capital and company value and radically changing the company’s dividend policy.