bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revisional Surgery of One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass for Severe Protein–Energy Malnutrition
Authors: Abu-Abeid Adam , Goren Or , Eldar Shai Meron , Vitiello Antonio , Berardi Giovanna , Lahat Guy , Dayan Danit
Published: June 2022

Background: One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is safe and effective. Its strong malabsorptive component might cause severe protein–energy malnutrition (PEM), necessitating revisional surgery. We aimed to evaluate the safety and outcomes of OAGB revision for severe PEM. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective analysis of OAGB patients undergoing revision for severe PEM (2015–2021). Perioperative data and outcomes were retrieved. Results: Ten patients underwent revision for severe PEM. Our center’s incidence is 0.63% (9/1425 OAGB). All patients were symptomatic. Median (interquartile range) EWL and lowest albumin were 103.7% (range 57.6, 114) and 24 g/dL (range 19, 27), respectively, and 8/10 patients had significant micronutrient deficiencies. Before revision, nutritional optimization was undertaken. Median OAGB to revision interval was 18.4 months (range 15.7, 27.8). Median BPL length was 200 cm (range 177, 227). Reversal (n = 5), BPL shortening (n = 3), and conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) (n = 2) were performed. One patient had anastomotic leak after BPL shortening. No death occurred. Median BMI and albumin increased from 22.4 kg/m2 (range 20.6, 30.3) and 35.5 g/dL (range 29.2, 41), respectively, at revision to 27.5 (range 22.2, 32.4) kg/m2 and 39.5 g/dL (range 37.2, 41.7), respectively, at follow-up (median 25.4 months, range 3.1, 45). Complete resolution occurs after conversion to RYGB or reversal to normal anatomy, but not after BPL shortening. Conclusions: Revisional surgery of OAGB for severe PEM is feasible and safe after nutritional optimization. Our results suggest that the type of revision may be an important factor for PEM resolution. Comparative studies are needed to define the role of each revisional option.
Conquering Space with Crops That Produce Ample Oxygen and Antioxidants
Authors: Polutchko Stephanie K. , Adams William W. , Escobar Christine M. , Demmig-Adams Barbara
Published: June 2022

Sustainable long-term space missions require regenerative life support from plants. Traditional crop plants lack some features desirable for use in space environments. The aquatic plant family Lemnaceae (duckweeds) has enormous potential as a space crop, featuring (i) fast growth, with very high rates of O2 production and CO2 sequestration, (ii) an exceptional nutritional quality (with respect to radiation-fighting antioxidants and high-quality protein), (iii) easy propagation and high productivity in small spaces, and (iv) resilience to the stresses (radiation, microgravity, and elevated CO2) of the human-inhabited space environment. These traits of Lemnaceae are placed into the context of their unique adaptations to the aquatic environment. Furthermore, an overview is provided of the challenges of galactic cosmic radiation to plant and human physiology and the mechanisms involved in oxidative injury and the prevention/mitigation of such effects by antioxidant micronutrients. A focus is placed on the carotenoid zeaxanthin accumulated by Lemnaceae in unusually high amounts and its role in counteracting system-wide inflammation, cognitive dysfunction, and other oxidative injuries in humans.
Octaarginine Improves the Efficacy of Nitazoxanide against Cryptosporidium parvum
Authors: Nguyen-Ho-Bao Tran , Ambe Lum A. , Berberich Maxi , Hermosilla Carlos , Taubert Anja , Daugschies Arwid , Kamena Faustin
Published: June 2022

Cryptosporidiosis is an intestinal disease that affects a variety of hosts including animals and humans. Since no vaccines exist against the disease till date, drug treatment is the mainstay of disease control. Nitazoxanide (NTZ) is the only FDA-approved drug for the treatment of human cryptosporidiosis. However, its efficacy in immunocompromised people such as those with AIDS, in malnourished children, or those with concomitant cryptosporidiosis is limited. In the absence of effective drugs against cryptosporidiosis, improving the efficacy of existing drugs may offer an attractive alternative. In the present work, we have assessed the potential of the cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) octaarginine (R8) to increase the uptake of NTZ. Octaarginine (R8) was synthetically attached to NTZ in an enzymatically releasable manner and used to inhibit growth of Cryptosporidium parvum in an in vitro culture system using human ileocecal adenocarcinoma (HCT-8) cell line. We observed a significant concentration-dependent increase in drug efficacy. We conclude that coupling of octaarginine to NTZ is beneficial for drug activity and it represents an attractive strategy to widen the repertoire of anti-cryptosporidial therapeutics. Further investigations such as in vivo studies with the conjugate drug will help to further characterize this strategy for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis.
Adrenomedullin Improves Cardiac Remodeling and Function in Obese Rats with Hypertension
Authors: Qian Pei , Wang Qian , Wang Fang-Zheng , Dai Hang-Bing , Wang Hong-Yu , Gao Qing , Zhou Hong , Zhou Ye-Bo
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to determine whether adrenomedullin (ADM, 7.2 μg/kg/day, ip), an important endogenous active peptide, has a protective role in cardiac remodeling and function in obesity-related hypertension (OH) rats. A high-fat diet (HFD) was used to induce OH for 20 weeks. H9c2 cells incubated with palmitate (PA, 200 μM) to mimic high free fatty acid in obesity were used as an in vitro model. In OH rats, ADM not only decreased body weight (BW) and blood pressure (BP) but also improved systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. Moreover, ADM still had a greater inhibitory effect on local inflammation and oxidative stress in the hearts of OH rats, and the same anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects were also confirmed in PA-treated H9c2 cells. The ADM receptor antagonist or Akt inhibitor effectively attenuated the inhibitory effects of ADM on inflammation and oxidative stress in PA-stimulated H9c2 cells. Furthermore, ADM application effectively normalized heart function, and hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining and collagen volume fraction results showed that ADM improved cardiac remodeling in hearts of OH rats. ADM attenuated cardiac inflammation and oxidative stress via the receptor-Akt pathway, which involves the improvement of cardiac remodeling and function in OH rats.
Genetic Variation and Genotype by Environment Interaction for Agronomic Traits in Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrids
Authors: Alam Mohammad , Rahman Marufur , Ahmed Salahuddin , Jahan Nasrin , Khan Mohammad , Islam Mohammad , Alsuhaibani Amnah , Gaber Ahmed , Hossain Akbar
Published: June 2022

In order to develop high-yielding genotypes of adapted maize, multilocation trials of maize were performed including forty-five maize hybrids exploiting genetic variability, trait associations, and diversity. The experiments were laid out in an RCB design and data were recorded on eight yield and yield-contributing traits, viz., days to anthesis (AD), days to silking (SD), anthesis–silking interval (ASI), plant height (PH), ear height (EH), kernels per ear (KPE), thousand-kernel weight (TKW), and grain yield (GY). An analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant variation present among the different traits under study. The phenotypic coefficient of variance (PCV) showed a higher value than the genotypic coefficient of variance (GCV), indicating the environmental influence on the expression of the traits. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was found for these traits, indicative of additive gene action. The trait associations showed that genotypic correlation was higher than phenotypic correlation. Based on genetic diversity, the total genotypes were divided into four clusters, and the maximum number of 16 genotypes was found in cluster IV. Among the eight yield and yield-contributing traits, PH, ASI, EH, and TKW were the important traits for variability creation and were mostly responsible for yield. Genotypes G5, G8, G27, G29, and G42 were in the top ranks based on grain yield over locations, while a few others showed region-centric performances; all these genotypes can be recommended upon validation for commercial release. The present findings show the existence of proper genetic variability and divergence among traits, and the identified traits can be used in a maize improvement program.
Characterization of Immunogenicity Associated with the Biocompatibility of Type I Collagen from Tilapia Fish Skin
Authors: Zhang Jingyi , Elango Jeevithan , Wang Shujun , Hou Chunyu , Miao Meng , Li Jia , Na Lixin , Wu Wenhui
Published: June 2022

Collagen from fish has been proven to have a low antigenicity that has no difference in the genetic codes compared with mammalian-based collagen. This study was designed to investigate the impact of tilapia skin collagen on immunogenicity and biocompatibility in vivo and in vitro. The structural characteristics of both acid-soluble and pepsin-soluble collagen (ASC and PSC), determined using SDS-PAGE and atomic force microscopy imaging experiments, revealed that the collagen had the basic characteristics of type I collagen (COL-I). The in vitro biocompatibility of the collagens showed good cell proliferation against human foreskin fibroblast (HFF-1) cells. PSC and ASC were considered to be almost non-hemolytic biomaterials with favorable blood compatibility in hemolysis tests. The in vivo antigenicity of the collagen in an ICR mouse model evoked an acceptable specific inflammatory response compared to bovine collagen. The implant’s position had developed a complete granulation tissue and the sponge disappeared after 8 weeks. The level of cytokines produced by the COL-I immune response was much lower than bovine collagen, which indicated the appropriate implantable property and biodegradability of the collagens. In conclusion, the tilapia COL-I has a lower immunogenicity with better compatibility than bovine COL-I and is a potential alternative to conventional mammalian collagens in biomedical uses.
Loop and Bridge Conformations of ABA Triblock Comb Copolymers: A Conformational Assessment for Molecular Composites
Authors: Park Jihoon , Jung Je-Yeon , Shin Hyun-Woo , Park Jong-Wan , Bang Joona , Huh June
Published: June 2022

We computationally investigate the conformational behavior, “bridging” chain, between different the phase-separated domains vs “looping” chain on the same domain, for two chain architectures of ABA triblock copolymers, one with a linear architecture (L-TBC) and the other with comb architecture (C-TBC) at various segregation regimes using dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulations. The power-law relation between the bridge fraction (Φ) and the interaction parameter (χ) for C-TBC is found to be Φ∼χ−1.6 in the vicinity of the order-disorder transition (χODT), indicating a drastic conversion from the bridge to the loop conformation. When χ further increases, the bridge-loop conversions slow down to have the power law, Φ∼χ−0.18, approaching the theoretical power law Φ∼χ−1/9 predicted in the strong segregation limit. The conformational assessment conducted in the present study can provide a strategy of designing optimal material and processing conditions for triblock copolymer either with linear or comb architecture to be used for thermoplastic elastomer or molecular nanocomposites.
Utilization of Suberinic Acids Containing Residue as an Adhesive for Particle Boards
Authors: Makars Raimonds , Rizikovs Janis , Godina Daniela , Paze Aigars , Merijs-Meri Remo
Published: June 2022

The birch (Betula spp.) outer bark is a valuable product rich in betulin. After removal of betulin extractives, suberin containing tissues are left. Suberin is a biopolyester built from α,ω-bifunctional fatty acids (suberinic acids), which after depolymerization together with lignocarbohydrate complex is a potential adhesive as a side-stream product (residue) from obtaining suberinic acids for polyol synthesis. In this work, we studied the utilization possibilities in particleboards of the said residue obtained by depolymerization in four different solvents (methanol, ethanol, isopropanol and 1-butanol). The adhesives were characterised by chemical (acid number, solubility in tetrahydrofuran, epoxy and ash content) and instrumental analytical methods (SEC-RID, DSC, TGA and FTIR). Based on the results of mechanical characteristics, ethanol was chosen as the most suitable depolymerization medium. The optimal hot-pressing parameters for particleboards were determined using the design of experiments approach: adhesive content 20 wt%; hot-pressing temperature 248 °C, and hot-pressing time 6.55 min.
An Overview of Herbal Medicines for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Murthy Pavitra , Shaibie Nur Adania , Lim Chooi Ling , Ling Anna Pick Kiong , Chye Soi Moi , Koh Rhun Yian
Published: June 2022

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive interstitial lung scarring condition with the histological characteristic of typical interstitial pneumonia. Injury to alveolar epithelial cells is a critical precursor in the pathogenesis of this disease. The prevalence of IPF is growing exponentially, with substantial morbidity and mortality rates increasing the burden on economic healthcare costs. A multidisciplinary approach for diagnosis is used to rule out the alternative causes of interstitial lung disease. Pirfenidone and nintedanib, two innovative antifibrotic medicines introduced in recent years, have provided therapeutic benefits to many IPF patients, and several IPF medications are in the early phases of clinical trials. However, available medications can cause unpleasant symptoms such as nausea and diarrhoea. More efforts have been made to uncover alternative treatments towards a more personalised patient-centred care and hence improve the outcomes in the IPF patients. Through a multi-level and multi-target treatment approach, herbal medicines, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), have been identified as revolutionary medical treatment for IPF. Due to their natural properties, herbal medicines have shown to possess low adverse effects, stable therapeutic impact, and no obvious drug dependencies. Herbal medicines have also shown anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects, which make them a promising therapeutic target for IPF. A growing number of formulas, herbal components, and various forms of Chinese herbal medicine extracts are available for IPF patients in China. This review summarises the role of herbal medicines in the prevention and treatment of IPF.
Characteristics of Evaporating Spray for Direct Injection Methanol Engine: Comparison between Methanol and Diesel Spray
Authors: Wang Yang , Dong Pengbo , Long Wuqiang , Tian Jiangping , Wei Fuxing , Wang Qianming , Cui Zechuan , Li Bo
Published: June 2022

In the context of global efforts to pursue carbon neutrality, the research on the application technology of methanol fuel in internal combustion engines has ushered in a new peak. In order to provide a theoretical basis for the development of direct injection methanol engines, the spray characteristics of methanol with high-pressure direct injection were studied. Based on the visualization experimental device of constant volume vessels, the diffused background-illumination extinction imaging (DBI) and schlieren methods were applied to examine the distinctions in the evaporating spray properties between methanol and diesel under different injection pressures and ambient temperature conditions. Furthermore, aiming to maximize the potential of methanol fuel in compression ignition engines, under the premise that the alternative fuel can obtain the same total fuel energy as diesel, two different injection strategies of methanol were proposed and evaluated through the coordination of the nozzle hole diameter, injection pressure and injection duration. It reveals that it is easier for methanol spray to evaporate because of the lower boiling point, which results in a shorter spray tip penetration and wider spray angle compared with those of diesel, especially under the middle-level ambient temperature (600 K) condition. These deviations are also observed under different injection pressure conditions. However, affected by the lower energy density, the strategies of injecting the same fuel energy of methanol with that of diesel prolong the methanol spray tip penetration, enlarge its spray area and sacrifice the methanol evaporation performance. It is necessary for the geometrical design of the combustion chamber to coordinate with the hole diameter and injection pressure selection to deal with the huge distinctions in the spray characteristics between methanol and diesel fuel.
Encouraging Sustainable Use of RAP Materials for Pavement Construction in Oman: A Review
Authors: Dughaishi Husam Al , Lawati Jawad Al , Bilema Munder , Babalghaith Ali Mohammed , Mashaan Nuha S. , Yusoff Nur Izzi Md. , Milad Abdalrhman
Published: June 2022

The Sultanate of Oman has experienced rapid development over the last thirty years and has constructed environmentally friendly and sustainable infrastructure while it continues to find economical alternative resources to achieve the goals of the Oman 2040 vision. The primary concerns are preserving natural resources and reducing the impact of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions on the environment. This review aims to encourage the sustainable use of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) materials in pavement construction and focuses primarily on employing RAP materials in new pavement projects. Currently, new construction projects utilise a significant percentage of demolished asphalt pavement to save costs and natural resources. The key issue that arises when mixing RAP into new asphalt mixtures is the effects on the mixtures’ resistance to permanent disfigurements, such as fatigue cracks, that influence asphalt mixture performance. Numerous studies have assessed the impact of using RAP in asphalt mixtures and found that RAP increases the stiffness of asphalt mixtures, and thus improves rutting resistance at high temperatures. Nevertheless, the findings for thermal and fatigue cracking were found to be contradictory. This review will address the primary concerns regarding the use of RAP in asphalt pavements, and aims to encourage highway agencies and academic researchers in the Gulf countries to develop frameworks for the practical usage of RAP in the construction of sustainable pavement systems.
The Need for Sacred Emptiness: Implementing Insights by Paul Tillich and Rudolf Schwarz in Church Architecture Today
Authors: Daelemans Bert
Published: June 2022

In a time when the minimalist emptiness of many contemporary church buildings rightly encounters criticism for its incapacity to create a sacred atmosphere, it is good to plead again for sacred emptiness as a religious symbol in its own right. Because this term concerns the apophatic dimension of religion and the importance of mystery and transcendence in daily life, it is not just an important question for architects but for anybody who considers the meaning of religion today. This article recovers first the insights of two thinkers of the twentieth century who pleaded for sacred emptiness, the Protestant theologian Paul Tillich and the Roman Catholic architect Rudolf Schwarz, before examining the fruitfulness of sacred emptiness for church architecture today. The conclusions of this research will be that their approaches are complementary and that their plea for sacred emptiness has gained importance today but must be answered in a new way. Some contemporary case studies of sacred space by renowned architects demonstrate the importance of sacred emptiness. At first, it is still anonymous, but gradually, through the mystagogical interaction with visitors and users, sacred emptiness gains more definite meaning.
Hashtagged Trolling and Emojified Hate against Muslims on Social Media
Authors: Al-Rawi Ahmed
Published: June 2022

This empirical exploratory study examines a number of insulting hashtags used against Islam and Christianity on Twitter and Instagram. Using a mixed method, the findings of the study show that Islam is more aggressively attacked than Christianity by three major communities, unlike Christianity, which is targeted much less by two main online groups. The online discussion around the two religions is politically polarized, and the negative language especially used against Islam includes the strategic use of hashtags and emojis, which have been weaponized to communicate violent messages and threats. The study is situated within the discussion of trolling and hateful content on social media. Aside from the empirical examination, the study refers to the differences in Twitter’s and Instagram’s policies, for the latter does not allow using hashtags such as #f***Christians and #f***Muslims, unlike Twitter, which accepts all types of hashtags to be used.
Assessment of the Consistency and Stability of CrIS Infrared Observations Using COSMIC-2 Radio Occultation Data over Ocean
Authors: Chen Yong , Cao Changyong , Shao Xi , Ho Shu-Peng
Published: June 2022

The accuracy of brightness temperature (BT) from the Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) onboard the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (S-NPP) satellite and NOAA-20 is estimated using the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate 2 (COSMIC-2) radio occultation (RO) wet retrievals (temperature and water vapor profiles) as input to the Community Radiative Transfer Model (CRTM). The matchup criteria between RO and CrIS observations are time less than 30 min, a distance less than 50 km, and over oceans to reduce the collocation and simulation uncertainty. Based on the information provided in the CrIS and RO observations, only upper temperature sounding channels with weighting function peak height (WFPH) above 200 hPa (~12 km) from the CrIS longwave infrared (LWIR) and shortwave infrared (SWIR) bands and water vapor channels from the CrIS mid-wave infrared (MWIR) band with WFPH above 500 hPa (~6.3 km) are selected for comparison to minimize the impacts from the surface emission, cloud absorption/scattering, and atmospheric gaseous absorption. The absolute differences between CrIS observations and their CRTM simulations using RO data as input are less than 1.0 K for the majority of those selected channels. The double differences between CrIS observations on NOAA-20 and S-NPP using CRTM simulations as transfer references are very stable. They range from −0.05 K to 0.15 K for LWIR channels and −0.20 K to 0.10 K for SWIR channels during the two years from 1 October 2019 to 30 September 2021. For MWIR channels, the double differences range from −0.15 K to 0.25 K but have significant variations in both daily mean and monthly mean time series. The results provide ways to understand the qualities of RO retrieval and CrIS measurements: RO data can be used to assess the consistency and stability of CrIS observations quantitatively, and CrIS measurements have the quality to assess the quality and stability of RO retrievals.
BrainGAN: Brain MRI Image Generation and Classification Framework Using GAN Architectures and CNN Models
Authors: Alrashedy Halima Hamid N. , Almansour Atheer Fahad , Ibrahim Dina M. , Hammoudeh Mohammad Ali A.
Published: June 2022

Deep learning models have been used in several domains, however, adjusting is still required to be applied in sensitive areas such as medical imaging. As the use of technology in the medical domain is needed because of the time limit, the level of accuracy assures trustworthiness. Because of privacy concerns, machine learning applications in the medical field are unable to use medical data. For example, the lack of brain MRI images makes it difficult to classify brain tumors using image-based classification. The solution to this challenge was achieved through the application of Generative Adversarial Network (GAN)-based augmentation techniques. Deep Convolutional GAN (DCGAN) and Vanilla GAN are two examples of GAN architectures used for image generation. In this paper, a framework, denoted as BrainGAN, for generating and classifying brain MRI images using GAN architectures and deep learning models was proposed. Consequently, this study proposed an automatic way to check that generated images are satisfactory. It uses three models: CNN, MobileNetV2, and ResNet152V2. Training the deep transfer models with images made by Vanilla GAN and DCGAN, and then evaluating their performance on a test set composed of real brain MRI images. From the results of the experiment, it was found that the ResNet152V2 model outperformed the other two models. The ResNet152V2 achieved 99.09% accuracy, 99.12% precision, 99.08% recall, 99.51% area under the curve (AUC), and 0.196 loss based on the brain MRI images generated by DCGAN architecture.
Towards Convolutional Neural Network Acceleration and Compression Based on Simonk-Means
Authors: Wei Mingjie , Zhao Yunping , Chen Xiaowen , Li Chen , Lu Jianzhuang
Published: June 2022

Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) are popular models that are widely used in image classification, target recognition, and other fields. Model compression is a common step in transplanting neural networks into embedded devices, and it is often used in the retraining stage. However, it requires a high expenditure of time by retraining weight data to atone for the loss of precision. Unlike in prior designs, we propose a novel model compression approach based on Simonk-means, which is specifically designed to support a hardware acceleration scheme. First, we propose an extension algorithm named Simonk-means based on simple k-means. We use Simonk-means to cluster trained weights in convolutional layers and fully connected layers. Second, we reduce the consumption of hardware resources in data movement and storage by using a data storage and index approach. Finally, we provide the hardware implementation of the compressed CNN accelerator. Our evaluations on several classifications show that our design can achieve 5.27× compression and reduce 74.3% of the multiply–accumulate (MAC) operations in AlexNet on the FASHION-MNIST dataset.
Sensitive Ion-Chromatographic Determination of Citric Acid in Urine
Authors: Petrarulo Michele , Leporati Marta , Pullara Federica , Frattini Maura , Nannavecchia Vita , Marangella Martino , Cosseddu Domenico
Published: June 2022

Urine citrate analysis is relevant in the screening and monitoring of patients with calcium nephrolithiasis. A sensitive, fast, easy, and low-maintenance ion chromatographic (IC) method with conductivity detection for the analysis of urine citrate is developed and validated. Its application on true samples is also reported. Sample urine is diluted with a water solution containing internal standard (IS) before the chromatographic assay. The isocratic chromatographic run time is twenty-five minutes, using sodium hydroxide aqueous solution as the mobile phase. The method is fully validated as a quantitative method to objectively demonstrate its applicability for the intended use. The analytical response is linear in the 0.08–10.4 mmol/L concentration range. Precision and accuracy studies carried out on spiked urine and internal quality control samples reveal an imprecision CV% lower than 11% and an accuracy between 85 and 103%. The stability of citrate in urine samples is also evaluated. An easy, rapid, and low-maintenance, cost-effective IC method for urinary citrate determination is developed and validated. Internal standardization improves reliability and precision. The method has been currently used in our laboratory over recent years to analyze more than 1000 samples per year.
Symbolic Interaction, Power, and War: Narratives of Unaccompanied Young Refugees with War Experiences in Institutional Care in Sweden
Authors: Basic Goran
Published: June 2022

This study concerns young people who have experienced war, taken shelter in Sweden, and been placed in institutions. The purpose of the study is to identify and analyze power relations that contribute to the shaping of young people’s identities and repertoires of action via stigmatizations and social comparisons with different reference groups. The study’s empirical material includes qualitatively oriented interviews with six young people from Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan who have experienced war, followed by placement in institutional care in Sweden. Analytical findings with the following themes are presented: (1) concrete—physical exercise of power, (2) blackmail as an exercise of power, and (3) anonymous—bureaucratized exercise of power. The study demonstrates that narratives about war, escaping war, and postwar life in Sweden, constructing and reconstructing an image of a series of interactive rituals that are both influenced by and influence the power dynamic between the actors. This relationship, in turn, creates and recreates an interplay among the stigmatizing experiences of the youths, their social comparisons, and definitions of inequality.
Patterns of Quality of Life and Perceived Satisfaction in Adults and Elderly in Spain: Daily Practices, Life Experiences and Psychological Profiles
Authors: Díaz-Prieto Cristina , García-Sánchez Jesús-Nicasio , Canedo-García Alejandro
Published: June 2022

A study was carried out with the purpose of determining the day-to-day practices, positive and stressful life experiences, and psychological profiles that underpin different perceptions of quality of life and perceived satisfaction. A total of 1095 adults and elderly people from Spain participated in the study. An online instrument designed using the tool Google Forms was administered to them. Descriptive and multivariate analysis was performed using the general linear model (GLM). Three types of finding were obtained. First, we identified everyday practices that promote perceived quality of life and perceived satisfaction. Second, we established the relationship between certain positive and stressful life experiences, their consequences, and different perceptions of quality of life and perceived satisfaction. Finally, we identified the distinguishing psychological profiles associated with these constructs. The results obtained here can contribute to the development of more successful psychological and social interventions. They reveal a set of indicators that, based on empirical evidence, should be part of any intervention design.
Life Cycle Assessment of Off-Site Construction Using Ultra-High-Performance Concrete
Authors: Ji Chenyuan , Wu Yitong , Zhao Zengfeng , Chen Chen , Yao Lei
Published: June 2022

This study aims to evaluate the environmental impacts of off-site construction using ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) and different curing methods. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is implemented to evaluate the environmental impacts of the proposed UHPC and the traditional concrete (TC) under different curing conditions from cradle to gate. Unlike the previous studies that considered the function unit of concrete as 1 m3, this study investigates the concrete elements with the same load capacity. Comparison is made between off-site water bath heating curing (HC) ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), on-site UHPC, off-site HC traditional concrete (TC), on-site TC, and off-site CO2 curing TC. The LCA results show that UHPC is generally better than TC in terms of environmental impacts. Using off-site CO2 curing further improves its environmental benefits. The off-site HC UHPC shows higher productivity and higher environmental impacts compared to the on-site construction method. However, when the design load capacity of the concrete increases, the difference between off-site construction using 50 °C HC UHPC and on-site curing (20 °C HC UHPC) decreases.
Combining Numerical Simulation and Deep Learning for Landslide Displacement Prediction: An Attempt to Expand the Deep Learning Dataset
Authors: Xu Wenhan , Xu Hong , Chen Jie , Kang Yanfei , Pu Yuanyuan , Ye Yabo , Tong Jue
Published: June 2022

Effective landslide hazard prevention requires accurate landslide prediction models, and the data-driven approaches based on deep learning models are gradually becoming a hot research topic. When training deep learning models, it is always preferable to have a large dataset, while most available landslide monitoring data are limited. For data missing or data sparseness problems, conventional interpolation methods based on mathematical knowledge lack mechanism interpretability. This paper proposes that numerical simulations can be used to expand the deep learning dataset we need. Taking the Jiuxianping landslide in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area (TGRA) as the geological background, a finite element numerical model was established, and the landslide displacement time series data were solved considering the boundary conditions of reservoir water level change and precipitation. Next, based on three metrics: Euclidean distance, cosine similarity, and dynamic time warping (DTW) distance, the time series similarity between the displacement data obtained from simulation and data obtained from actual monitoring were verified. Finally, the combined deep learning model was built to predict the displacement of the Jiuxianping landslide. The model was trained on both the simulated and monitored datasets and tested by the last 12 monitored data points. Prediction results with the testing set showed that the models trained using the expanded training set from numerical simulations exhibited lower prediction errors, and the errors had a more concentrated distribution. The results suggest that this landslide displacement prediction method combining numerical simulation and deep learning can solve the problem of inadequate datasets due to low monitoring frequency, as well as provide an interpretation of the physical mechanism for data vacancy filling.
Vulnerability Analysis of Coastal Zone Based on InVEST Model in Jiaozhou Bay, China
Authors: Ai Bo , Tian Yuxin , Wang Peipei , Gan Yuliang , Luo Fang , Shi Qingtong
Published: June 2022

The coastal zone plays an essential part in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem and promoting the development of human society and economy. It is significant to assess the extent to which the Jiaozhou Bay coastal zone withstands floods and coastal erosion during storms. The coastal exposure index (CEI) of the Jiaozhou Bay in 1984, 2000 and 2019 was obtained by the coastal vulnerability model based on data including coastline, bathymetry and coastal terrain elevation. The spatial distribution and aggregation characteristics of CEI in Jiaozhou Bay were analyzed through spatial autocorrelation analysis. The results show that the north coast of Jiaozhou Bay is highly vulnerable, that is, prone to coastal erosion, while the south and east are less vulnerable, meaning that they can basically withstand natural disasters such as storm surges and floods. The CEI shows significant spatial autocorrelation, with little spatial heterogeneity. The type of coastline, elevation, distance to continental shelf and socio-economic development are the main factors that cause the north–south vulnerability differences in the Jiaozhou Bay coast. The results can identify the districts along the Jiaozhou Bay that are at greater risk of marine disasters, and provide scientific theoretical support for the coastal protection and sustainable development of the Jiaozhou Bay.
Quantifying Food Waste in the Hospitality Sector and Exploring Its Underlying Reasons—A Case Study of Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Afzal Nouman , Basit Abdul , Daniel Adil , Ilyas Nausheen , Imran Asad , Awan Zoia Arshad , Papargyropoulou Effie , Stringer Lindsay C. , Hashem Mohamed , Alamri Saad , Bashir Muhammad Amjad , Li Yunzhou , Roy Nazish
Published: June 2022

Given that about 40% of the total food produced globally is lost or wasted, there is an urgent need to understand what, where, why and how much food waste is generated. In this study, we collected the much-needed primary empirical data from the restaurants, hotels and caterers of Lahore, Pakistan through surveys and live tracking/diaries. Specifically, two key performance indicators, waste per customer (g) and percentage waste per day (%), were measured. Waste per customer was found to be 79.9 g (survey) and 73.4 g (live tracking) for restaurants, 138.4 g for hotels and 140.0 g for caterers. Similarly, the percentage of waste per day (%) was found to be 15% (survey) and 17% (live tracking) for restaurants. Results revealed that customer plate leftovers were reported to be the primary source of food waste, followed by inaccurate customer forecasting. Given the food waste levels identified in this study, the development and adoption of a national goal and target aimed at food waste reduction could usefully guide the efforts of all stakeholders. To achieve this, we need to build the capacity of all the relevant stakeholders on food loss and waste measurements and ensure national food waste reporting.
Geotechnology Applied to Analysis of Vegetation Dynamics and Occurrence of Forest Fires on Indigenous Lands in Cerrado-Amazonia Ecotone
Authors: Rodrigues Silva Felipe Gimenes , Santos Alexandre Rosa dos , Fiedler Nilton Cesar , Paes Juarez Benigno , Alexandre Rodrigo Sobreira , Guerra Filho Plinio Antonio , Silva Rosane Gomes da , Moura Marks Melo , Silva Evandro Ferreira da , Silva Samuel Ferreira da , Silva Saira G. de Oliveira Santos Rodrigues , Cessa Raphael Maia Aveiro , Ferreira Washington Amaral , Marinho Fabio Gonçalves
Published: June 2022

The Cerrado-Amazonia Ecotone is one of the largest ecosystems in Brazil and is internationally considered a biodiversity hotspot. The occurrence of fires is common in these areas, directly affecting biomass losses and the reduction of vegetative vigor of forest typologies. Information obtained through remote sensing and geoprocessing can assist in the evaluation of vegetation behavior and its relation to the occurrence of forest fires. In this context, the objective of the present study was to analyze temporal vegetation dynamics, as well as their relationship with rainfall and fire occurrence on Indigenous lands, located in the Cerrado-Amazonia Ecotone of Mato Grosso state, Brazil. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) images of the MOD13Q1 MODIS product and burnt area of the MCD45A1 MODIS product, and rainfall images from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) sensor were used. The period analyzed was from 2007 to 2016. After pre-processing the NDVI, TRMM and burnt area images, correlation analyses were performed between the rainfall, vegetation index and burnt area images, considering different lags (−3 to 3), to obtain the best response time for the variables. The analyses of inter-annual vegetation index trends were carried out following Mann–Kendall monotonic trend and seasonal trend analysis methodologies. Significant correlations were observed between NDVI and rainfall (R = 0.84), in grass regions and between NDVI and burnt area (R = −0.74). The Mann–Kendall monotonic trend indicates vegetation index stability with positive variations in grass regions. The analysis of seasonal trends identified different vegetation responses, with this biome presenting a diverse phytophysiognomy and seasonal vegetation with different phases for amplitudes. This variation is evidenced by the various phytophysiognomies and their responses in relation to biomass gains and losses. The correlation and regression of the NDVI and rainfall in the vegetation type of grass areas show that the burnt area tends to increase with the reduction of NDVI. Finally, no defined pattern of vegetation cycles or phases was observed in terms of seasonality and the proposed methodology can be adapted to other world biomes.
Evaluating the Sustainable Traffic Flow Operational Features of U-turn Design with Advance Left Turn
Authors: Hu Shengneng , Jia Zhen , Yang Anping , Xue Kui , He Guoqi
Published: June 2022

Median U-turn intersection treatment (MUIT) has been considered as an alternative measure to reduce congestion and traffic conflict at intersection areas, but the required spacing between the U-turn opening and the intersection limits its applicability. In this paper, a U-turn design with Advance Left Turn (UALT) is proposed with the aim of addressing the disadvantages of insufficient intersection spacing and difficulty in the continuous vehicle lane change. UALT provides a dedicated lane to advance the turning vehicle out of the intersection and directly to the U-turn opening without interacting with through traffic. The effectiveness and traffic volume applicability of UALT was demonstrated through field data investigation, simulation and analysis with VISSIM software. The proposed design was evaluated in terms of three parameters: delay, queue length and the number of stops. The results show that when the traffic volume range of the main road is (1900, 2200) pcu/h and the traffic volume of the secondary road is more than 900 pcu/h, the optimization effect of UALT on both conventional intersections and MUIT is very significant. Taking a signal-controlled intersection in Zhengzhou City, China, as an example to build a simulation model, compared with the conventional intersection and MUIT, the delay drop is reduced by 73.48% and 41.48%, the queue length is reduced by 84.85% and 41.66%, and the operation efficiency is significantly improved.
Disaster Risk Management, Ventilated Improved Pit Latrines, and Sanitation Challenges in South Africa
Authors: Madikizela Phindile , Hoossein Shafick , Laubscher Richard K. , Whittington-Jones Kevin , Ahmed Mushtaque , Mutingwende Nhamo , Ristvej Jozef , Tandlich Roman
Published: June 2022

The current paper provides a review and meta-analysis of the practical implications of disaster risk management related to the ventilated improved latrines in South Africa. This technology is evaluated through its legacy and novel challenges of disaster risk reduction. In the current article, the methodology adopted was a literature review and meta-analyses. The results indicate that the in-situ treatment and breakdown of faecal sludge in the ventilated improved pit latrines is not always taking place and that anaerobic digestion might not always be feasible. New strategies are proposed to manage the sanitation-related risks in South Africa by specifying more exact dimensions for the newly built ventilated improved pit latrines by suggesting the use of novel sanitation additives such as fly ash to enhance on-site and in situ treatment, as well as ex situ treatment of the pit latrine faecal sludge. Regular maintenance can lead to prevention of the dysfunctional character of the ventilated improved pit latrines as a functional sanitation technology and a user-friendly hygiene barrier to the spread of sanitation/WASH-related epidemics or infectious diseases. The implementation of the novel strategies should be enhanced by the application of the (Environmental) Technology Assessment in sanitation service delivery in South Africa.
Contractor’s Risk Analysis of Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) Contracts Using Ontological Semantic Model and Bi-Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) Technology
Authors: Choi So-Won , Lee Eul-Bum
Published: June 2022

The development of intelligent information technology in the era of the fourth industrial revolution requires the EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) industry to increase productivity through a digital transformation. This study aims to automatically analyze the critical risk clauses in the invitation to bid (ITB) at the bidding stage to strengthen their competitiveness for the EPC contractors. To this end, we developed an automated analysis technology that effectively analyzes a large amount of ITB documents in a short time by applying natural language processing (NLP) and bi-directional long short-term memory (bi-LSTM) algorithms. This study proposes two models. First, the semantic analysis (SA) model is a rule-based approach that applies NLP to extract key risk clauses. Second, the risk level ranking (RLR) model is a train-based approach that ranks the risk impact for each clause by applying bi-LSTM. After developing and training an artificial intelligent (AI)-based ITB analysis model, its performance was evaluated through the actual project data. As a result of validation, the SA model showed an F1 score of 86.4 percent, and the RLR model showed an accuracy of 46.8 percent. The RLR model displayed relatively low performance because the ITB used in the evaluation test included the contract clauses that did not exist in the training dataset. Therefore, this study illustrated that the rule-based approach performed superior to the training-based method. The authors suggest that EPC contractors should apply both the SA and RLR modes in the ITB analysis, as one supplements the other. The two models were embedded in the Engineering Machine-learning Automation Platform (EMAP), a cloud-based platform developed by the authors. Rapid analysis through applying both the rule-based and AI-based automatic ITB analysis technology can contribute to securing timeliness for risk response and supplement possible human mistakes in the bidding stage.
A Comprehensive Framework for Comparing Textbooks: Insights from the Literature and Experts
Authors: Huang Ronghuai , Tlili Ahmed , Zhang Xiangling , Sun Tianyue , Wang Junyu , Sharma Ramesh C. , Affouneh Saida , Salha Soheil , Altinay Fahriye , Altinay Zehra , Olivier Jako , Jemni Mohamed , Wang Yiping , Zhao Jialu , Burgos Daniel
Published: June 2022

Textbooks are essential components in the learning process. They assist in achieving educational learning outcomes and developing social and cultural values. However, limited studies provide comprehensive frameworks for comparing textbooks. Most have focused on a specific textbook perspective within a particular discipline. Therefore, this study used a triangulation method to develop a comprehensive framework for textbook comparison. Through a systematic literature review and a two-round Fuzzy Delphi method with 155 textbook experts, a textbook comparison framework with four indicators (structure, content, expectations, and language) was developed. Additionally, some of the developed framework indicators and sub-indicators could be relevant for comparing textbooks in a particular discipline. For example, the page count sub-indicator was proven to be useful for comparing humanities and social science textbooks but not natural science textbooks. The findings of this study could facilitate the process of comparing textbooks, hence promoting the understanding of knowledge design and acquisition in different contexts, such as when comparing textbooks from different countries.