bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of the Subsidence Width Influence on the Geotextile Control of a Subgrade Collapse Based on a Half-Symmetric Model Test
Authors: Wu Di , Liang Yihuai , Yang Yanxin , Wu Jianjian
Published: September 2022

The geotextile can be used to treat a subgrade collapse in karst areas. The subsidence width is an important factor affecting the geotextile to treat subgrade collapses. However, the available studies on the influence of the subsidence width on geotextile treatment settlement are limited. To study the effect of the subsidence width on the geotextile control of subgrade collapses, the half-symmetric model test had been established. To make up for the deficiencies of the model test, the optimized subsidence width was probed through a numerical calculation under ten different situations conducted by the finite element analyses. Previous full-section model test results were used to verify the rationality of the half-symmetric model and calibrate the input parameters of the numerical models. The influence of the subsidence width on soil pressure, tensile force and deformation of the geotextile, and soil settlement was analyzed. With the increase of the subsidence width, more loads of the subsidence area were transferred to a stable area via the geotextile, the vertical normal stress at the edge increased rapidly, the tensile force of the geotextile and vertical soil displacement in the subsidence area increased noticeably. When the anchorage ratio of L ≤ 2.0B, the geotextile fracture or soil failure occurred during the model test which indicated the geotextile treatment of the subgrade collapse was not suitable for projects with an anchorage ratio of L ≤ 2.0B. The geotextile might be reaching the limit of its tensile stiffness when the anchorage ratio of L = 2.22B. This is providing an insight into the treatment of a subgrade collapse in karst areas using geotextile.
Noise Reduction Method of Nanopore Based on Wavelet and Kalman Filter
Authors: Huang Zhouchang , Zeng Xiaoqing , Wang Deqiang , Fang Shaoxi
Published: September 2022

Nanopore detection technology has now developed into an indispensable tool for single molecule experiments, in which useful information on molecular properties can be obtained from the ion current flow induced by individual molecules, but the relatively high background noise affects the data analysis. Therefore, a nanopore signal noise reduction method based on wavelet transform and Kalman filter is proposed, which can achieve multi-scale decomposition and optimal estimation of the nanopore signal. The real measurement shows that the Kalman filter based on the wavelet mode maxima method reduces the root mean square (RMS) of the background noise by 17.8%, and the noise reduction effect is better than the traditional Kalman filter method.
Understanding Unsupervised Deep Learning for Text Line Segmentation
Authors: Droby Ahmad , Kurar Barakat Berat , Saabni Raid , Alaasam Reem , Madi Boraq , El-Sana Jihad
Published: September 2022

We propose an unsupervised feature learning approach for segmenting text lines of handwritten document images with no labelling effort. Humans can easily group local text line features to global coarse patterns. We leverage this coherent visual perception of text lines as a supervising signal by formulating the feature learning as a global pattern differentiation task. The machine is trained to detect whether a document patch contains a similar global text line pattern with its identity or neighbours, and a different global text line pattern with its 90-degree-rotated identity or neighbours. Clustering the central windows of document image patches using their extracted features, forms blob lines which strike through the text lines. The blob lines guide an energy minimization function for extracting text lines in a binary image and guide a seam carving function for detecting baselines in a colour image. In identifying the aspect of the input patch that supports the actual prediction and clustering, we contribute toward the understanding of input patch functionality. We evaluate the method on several variants of text line segmentation datasets to demonstrate its effectiveness, visualize what it has learned, and enable it to comprehend its clustering strategy from a human perspective.
Contrasts in the Evolution and Microphysical Features of Two Convective Systems during a Heavy Rainfall Event along the Coast of South China
Authors: Ye Langming , Liu Xiantong , Pu Yiliang , Li Huiqi , Xia Feng , Xu Biyu
Published: September 2022

On 1 June 2021, a heavy rainstorm hit the coast of South China (148.6 mm in 1 h, 361 mm over 12 h). The storm process was successively affected by two convective systems (CSs). The initial convection of the two CSs occurred at a similar location; however, they subsequently showed different evolution characteristics. Based on multi-source data, including dual-polarimetric radars, wind profiling radars, sounding, and automatic weather stations, we explored the differences in the key characteristics of these two CSs. It was found that the convection was initially triggered at a similar location for both CSs, closely related to the mesoscale boundary and the hilly terrain. After formation, CS1 moved eastward to the regions with lower surface temperature and weaker lower-level convergence but similar humidity, which means the environmental conditions for sustaining the CS became less favorable. As a result, CS1 dissipated rapidly and only lasted for about 90 min, resulting in 5% of the total precipitation of the overall storm. In contrast, during the lifespan of CS2, the southerly wind over the South China Sea became stronger. This caused an intense lower-level convergence zone along the coastal region of Guangdong Province, which provided favorable dynamic conditions for maintaining CS2. Favored by the strong coastal convergence and abundant moisture, new convective cells (CCs) were generated continuously and merged with CS2, acting as another favorable condition for its sustainment. Overall, CS2 lasted for 8 h, and its precipitation accounted for 95% of the total rainfall. In CS1, CCs showed a notable evaporation process below 4 km, manifested by the large raindrops. However, in CS2, the CCs had a higher concentration of small raindrops and higher ice and liquid water content. Since CS2 was close to the coastal region, the warm local environment promoted convection, leading to intense precipitation. In addition, the riming and melting processes were active, leading to a high precipitation efficiency and strong local precipitation during a short period of time.
Depolarization Ratio for Randomly Oriented Ice Crystals of Cirrus Clouds
Authors: Kustova Natalia , Konoshonkin Alexander , Shishko Victor , Timofeev Dmitry , Tkachev Ilya , Wang Zhenzhu , Borovoi Anatoli
Published: September 2022

The depolarization ratio and backscattering cross sections have been calculated for shapes and size of ice crystals that are typical in cirrus clouds. The calculations are performed in the physical-optics approximation. It is shown that the depolarization ratio approaches some constant when the size of the crystals becomes much larger than the incident wavelength. For the transparent ice crystals, when absorption is absent, the magnitude of this constant strongly depends on crystal shapes. This fact allows inferring the crystal shape from magnitudes of the depolarization ratio in lidar signals. For the lidar wavelengths, where absorption of light is considerable, the depolarization ratio of lidar signals can be used for inferring crystal sizes. Such results are important for the development of algorithms interpreting the signals obtained by both ground-based and space-borne lidars.
Predictive Power of MIB-1 vs. Mitotic Count on Progression-Free Survival in Skull-Base Meningioma
Authors: Lampmann Tim , Wach Johannes , Schmitz Marie-Therese , Güresir Ági , Vatter Hartmut , Güresir Erdem
Published: September 2022

Although meningiomas are mainly non-aggressive and slow-growing tumors, there is a remarkable recurrence rate in a long-term follow-up. Proliferative activity and progression-free survival (PFS) differs significantly among the anatomic location of meningiomas. The aim of the present study was to investigate the predictive power of MIB-1 labeling index and mitotic count (MC) regarding the probability of PFS in the subgroup of skull-base meningiomas. A total of 145 patients were included in this retrospective study. Histopathological examinations and follow-up data were collected. Ideal cut-off values for MIB-1 and MC were ≥4.75 and ≥6.5, respectively. MIB-1 as well as MC were good predictors for PFS in skull-base meningiomas. Time-dependent analysis of MIB-1 and MC in prediction of recurrence of skull-base meningioma showed that their prognostic values were comparable, but different cut-offs for MC should be considered regarding the meningioma’s location. As the achievement of a gross total resection can be more challenging in skull-base meningiomas and second surgery implies a higher risk profile, the recurrence risk could be stratified according to these findings and guide decision-making for follow-ups vs. adjuvant therapies.
Emerging Roles of Exosomes in Cancer for Possible Clinical Use
Authors: Sutterlüty Hedwig , Holzmann Klaus
Published: September 2022

Exosomes are membrane-structured extracellular vesicles (EVs) with nano-scale size that are released from different cell types [...]
Biomarkers in Liquid Biopsies for Prediction of Early Liver Metastases in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Mehdorn Anne-Sophie , Gemoll Timo , Busch Hauke , Kern Katharina , Beckinger Silje , Daunke Tina , Kahlert Christoph , Uzunoglu Faik G. , Hendricks Alexander , Buertin Florian , Wittel Uwe A. , Sunami Yoshiaki , Röcken Christoph , Becker Thomas , Sebens Susanne
Published: September 2022

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive solid malignancies with poor survival rates. Only 20% of the patients are eligible for R0-surgical resection, presenting with early relapses, mainly in the liver. PDAC patients with hepatic metastases have a worse outcome compared to patients with metastases at other sites. Early detection of hepatic spread bears the potential to improve patient outcomes. Thus, this study sought for serum-based perioperative biomarkers allowing discrimination of early (EHMS ≤ 12 months) and late hepatic metastatic spread (LHMS > 12 months). Serum samples from 83 resectable PDAC patients were divided into EHMS and LHMS and analyzed for levels of inflammatory mediators by LEGENDplexTM, which was validated and extended by Olink® analysis. CA19-9 serum levels served as control. Results were correlated with clinicopathological data. While serum CA19-9 levels were comparable, Olink® analysis confirmed distinct differences between both groups. It revealed significantly elevated levels of factors involved in chemotaxis and migration of immune cells, immune activity, and cell growth in serum of LHMS-patients. Overall, Olink® analysis identified a comprehensive biomarker panel in serum of PDAC patients that could provide the basis for predicting LHMS. However, further studies with larger cohorts are required for its clinical translation.
Diagnostic Potential of microRNAs in Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid for Pneumonia—A Preliminary Report
Authors: Sun Yinfang , Xian Ying , Duan Zhiqin , Wan Zhiping , Li Jianwei , Liao Yao , Bi Xiaogang , Wu Zhongdao , Wang Lifu , Zhang Kouxing
Published: September 2022

Current clinical needs require the development and use of rapid and effective diagnostic indicators to accelerate the identification of pneumonia and the process of microbiological diagnosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in extracellular vesicles (EVs) have become attractive candidates for novel biomarkers to evaluate the presence and progress of many diseases. We assessed their performance as biomarkers of pneumonia. Patients were divided into the pneumonia group (with pneumonia) and the control group (without pneumonia). We identified and compared two upregulated miRNAs in EVs derived from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF-EVs) between the two groups (PmiR–17–5p = 0.009; PmiR–193a–5p = 0.031). Interestingly, in cell-debris pellets and EVs-free supernatants derived from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF-cell-debris pellets and BALF-EVs-free supernatants), total plasma, and EVs derived from plasma (plasma-EVs), the expression of miR–17–5p and miR–193a–5p showed no difference between pneumonia group and control group. In vitro experiments revealed that miR–17–5p and miR–193a–5p were strikingly upregulated in EVs derived from macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharide. MiR–17–5p (area under the curve, AUC: 0.753) and miR–193a–5p (AUC: 0.692) in BALF-EVs are not inferior to procalcitonin (AUC: 0.685) in the diagnosis of pneumonia. Furthermore, miR–17–5p and miR–193a–5p in BALF-EVs had a significantly higher specificity compared to procalcitonin and could be served as a potential diagnostic marker. MiR–17–5p and miR–193a–5p in EVs may be involved in lung inflammation by influencing the forkhead box O (FoxO) signaling pathway and protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum. This study is one of the few studies which focused on the potential diagnostic role of miRNAs in BALF-EVs for pneumonia and the possibility to use them as new biomarkers for a rapid and early diagnosis.
Preparation and Tribological Properties of Graphene-Based Coatings on Tungsten Carbide
Authors: Liu Kun , Du Kang-Ping , Ren Er-Zhou , Ye Guo-Yong , Wang Xin-Sheng , Ming Wu-Yi , Ma Jun , He Wen-Bin
Published: September 2022

The preparation technology of graphene-based coatings on cobalt-based cemented carbides and the friction properties of graphene-based coatings were researched. Based on cooling rate, growth temperature, and methane flow rate, Raman spectroscopy was used to evaluate the influence of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on graphene-based coatings. The results show that at the growth temperature of 1000 °C, the cooling rate of 15 °C/min and methane flow rate of 10 sccm are more favorable for the growth of pure graphene coating with fewer layers on a cemented carbide surface. As methane flow boosts, the number of graphene layers increases and amorphous carbon is generated. The resulting tribological properties demonstrate that the friction coefficient of graphene-based coatings decreases as the friction load increases. The above results indicate that the graphene-based coating on a cemented carbide surface can be prepared by regulating its composition and defects through technological parameters, and it is viable to use graphene-based coating as anti-wear coating for cutting tools. The results provide a reference for the preparation and properties of cemented carbide surface graphene.
Kinetics and Mechanical Characterization of Hard Layers Obtained by Boron Diffusion in 80/20 Nickel–Chromium Alloy
Authors: Chino-Ulloa Alexis , Ruiz-Trabolsi Pablo Alfredo , Torres-Avila Itzel Pamela , Orozco-Álvarez Carlos , Tadeo-Rosas Raúl , Velázquez Julio César , Hernández-Sánchez Enrique
Published: September 2022

This study examines the formation of hard layers containing Ni-B and Cr-B on the surface of 80/20 nickel–chromium alloy. The work evaluates the mechanical properties of the boride layers using instrumented nanoindentation. In addition, the growth kinetics of the coatings were assessed by applying a kinetic model that relates the layer thickness with the experimental parameters of temperature and treatment time. First, the boride layers were achieved using the powder-pack boriding process in a conventional furnace. The treatment time was set at 2, 4, and 6 h at temperatures of 900, 950, and 975 °C, respectively. The microstructure of the layers was analyzed by X-ray diffraction. The thickness of the layers showed a closed correlation with the experimental parameters of time and temperature, and was established between 38.97 and 156.49 µm for 2 h to 900 °C and for 6 h to 975 °C, respectively. The hardness and Young’s modulus values agree with those presented in the literature for boriding nickel alloys, being in the range of 1.3 GPa on average and 240 to 270 GPa, respectively. The resulting layers exhibited a characteristic diffusion zone where the hardness values decrease gradually without the typical high hardness gradient observed on borided steels.
The Effects of Reaction Parameters on the Corrosion Resistance of an Mg-Al Hydroxide Coating via in Situ Growth on a Biomedical Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Zhao Yun , Tian Aixian , Wang Wei , Chen Yangping , Li Wei , Liu Wen , Chen Minfang
Published: September 2022

An in situ Mg-Al hydrotalcite (LDH) film was prepared using a one-step hydrothermal method on the surface of a medical magnesium alloy. The importance and influence of the reaction parameters on the corrosion resistance of the LDH coatings were optimized and investigated through an orthogonal array and range analysis. The reaction parameters included the temperature, reaction time, pH, and concentration of the aluminum source. The relationship between the parameters and corrosion resistance performance of each coating was compared with the chemical composition, electrochemical corrosion current, and hydrogen evolution rate. Suitable reaction parameters were obtained. The morphology, element distribution, adhesion strength, and electrochemical properties of the preferred coatings were further analyzed and evaluated to optimize the treatment process. The results showed that temperature had the most significant impact on the quality of the LDH coating; a suitably high temperature, a longer reaction time, a higher aluminum source concentration, and a high pH were conducive to forming high-quality LDH coatings. There was an inverse relationship between the corrosion resistance and the LDH-to-Mg(OH)2 content ratio of the coatings. The optimal reaction parameters for this Mg-Al LDH coating on the substrate were 130 °C for 8 h at a pH of 13 using a 10 mM Al3+ solution.
Precise Phenotyping for Improved Crop Quality and Management in Protected Cropping: A Review
Authors: Maier Chelsea R. , Chen Zhong-Hua , Cazzonelli Christopher I. , Tissue David T. , Ghannoum Oula
Published: September 2022

Protected cropping produces more food per land area than field-grown crops. Protected cropping includes low-tech polytunnels utilizing protective coverings, medium-tech facilities with some environmental control, and high-tech facilities such as fully automated glasshouses and indoor vertical farms. High crop productivity and quality are maintained by using environmental control systems and advanced precision phenotyping sensor technologies that were first developed for broadacre agricultural and can now be utilized for protected-cropping applications. This paper reviews the state of the global protected-cropping industry and current precision phenotyping methodology and technology that is used or can be used to advance crop productivity and quality in a protected growth environment. This review assesses various sensor technologies that can monitor and maintain microclimate parameters, as well as be used to assess plant productivity and produce quality. The adoption of precision phenotyping technologies is required for sustaining future food security and enhancing nutritional quality.
Croconic Acid Doped Glycine Single Crystals: Growth, Crystal Structure, UV-Vis, FTIR, Raman and Photoluminescence Spectroscopy
Authors: Balashova Elena , Levin Aleksandr A. , Davydov Valery , Smirnov Alexander , Starukhin Anatoly , Pavlov Sergey , Krichevtsov Boris , Zolotarev Andrey , Zhang Hongjun , Li Fangzhe , Ke Hua
Published: September 2022

Glycine (Gly) single crystals doped with croconic acid (CA) were grown by evaporation from aqueous solutions. Depending on the weight ratio of Gly and CA in solutions, the crystals take on a plate or pyramidal shape. Both powder and single crystal XRD analyses indicate that the crystal lattices of plates (α-Gly:CA) and pyramides (γ-Gly:CA) correspond to the lattices of pure α-Gly and γ-Gly polymorphs, respectively. Raman and FTIR spectra of Gly:CA crystals are very close to the spectra of undoped crystals, but include bands associated with CA impurity. Analysis of UV-Vis absorption spectra indicates that doping does not remarkably change bandgap value Eg~5.2 eV but results in appearance of strong absorption bands in the transparency region of pure glycine crystals, which result from local electronic transitions. Incorporation of CA molecules in Gly creates strong green photoluminescence in a wide spectral range 1.6–3.6 eV. Comparison of the optical spectra of Gly:CA and previously studied TGS:CA crystals indicates that in both cases, the modifications of the optical spectra induced by CA doping are practically identical and are related to the interaction between CA molecules located in the pores of the host Gly crystals and neighboring Gly molecules.
A Hybrid PAPR Reduction Scheme in OFDM-IM Using Phase Rotation Factors and Dither Signals on Partial Sub-Carriers
Authors: Zhang Si-Yu , Zheng Hui
Published: September 2022

As a multi-carrier modulation technique, a high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) is a common issue suffered by orthogonal frequency division multiplexing with index modulation (OFDM-IM) due to its system structure. High PAPR may cause signal distortion, which affects correct symbol transmission. This paper tries to inject dither signals to the inactive (idle) sub-carriers, which is a unique transmission structure of OFDM-IM, to reduce PAPR. Unlike the previous works, which utilize all idle sub-carriers, the proposed PAPR reduction scheme utilizes selected partial sub-carriers. This method performs well in terms of bit error rate (BER) performance and energy efficiency, which are obvious drawbacks of the previous PAPR reduction works due to the introduction of dither signals. In addition, in this paper, phase rotation factors are combined with the dither signals to compensate for the PAPR reduction performance degradation due to the insufficient use of partial idle sub-carriers. Moreover, an energy detection scheme is designed and proposed in this paper in order to distinguish the index of phase rotation factor used for transmission. It is shown by extensive simulation results that the proposed hybrid PAPR reduction scheme is able to implement an impressive PAPR reduction performance among existing dither signa-based schemes as well as classical distortion-less PAPR reduction schemes. In addition, the proposed method obtains better error performance and energy efficiency than that of the previous works. At the error probability 10−4, the proposed method can achieve around 5 dB gain compared to the conventional dither signal-based schemes
Discrete Quadratic-Phase Fourier Transform: Theory and Convolution Structures
Authors: Srivastava Hari M. , Lone Waseem Z. , Shah Firdous A. , Zayed Ahmed I.
Published: September 2022

The discrete Fourier transform is considered as one of the most powerful tools in digital signal processing, which enable us to find the spectrum of finite-duration signals. In this article, we introduce the notion of discrete quadratic-phase Fourier transform, which encompasses a wider class of discrete Fourier transforms, including classical discrete Fourier transform, discrete fractional Fourier transform, discrete linear canonical transform, discrete Fresnal transform, and so on. To begin with, we examine the fundamental aspects of the discrete quadratic-phase Fourier transform, including the formulation of Parseval’s and reconstruction formulae. To extend the scope of the present study, we establish weighted and non-weighted convolution and correlation structures associated with the discrete quadratic-phase Fourier transform.
Employment and Competencies of Employees in the Energy Sector in Poland
Authors: Kacprzak Marzena , Król Agnieszka , Wielewska Izabela , Milewska Anna , Ciekanowski Zbigniew
Published: September 2022

Employment and the competencies of employees in the energy sector are coming into particular prominence in economies around the world. It is one of the few sectors positively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, a significant global change in the awareness of society occurred in favor of increasing pro-health and pro-environmental activities, which can be seen in the green transformation. Poland can also boast such changes in recent years, as evidenced by the dynamic development of renewable energy sources (boom for photovoltaics) and the increase in prosumption. Correlated with this is the increase in demand for employees with specific competencies, the so-called multi-competencies that are a compilation of technical, business, and soft and hard competencies, as well as interdisciplinary ones. The paper emphasizes the need to better adjust the education system to the real needs of the labor market in a turbulent environment with the use of the Sectoral Qualifications Framework in Energy, developed in cooperation with stakeholders from the industry. Therefore, the authors analyzed the employment structure in the energy sector in Poland, with particular emphasis on the factors and conditions of this structure and made an attempt to identify and create a competency profile of employees in this area. For the purposes of this article, two key research problems were formulated: What are the key competencies of employees in the energy sector? How is employment changing in this area? The following research hypothesis was also put forward: The transformation of the energy sector towards green energy affects the increase in employment in this area and the increase in the demand for soft competencies. The analysis was based on statistical data, reports, job advertisements, and a review of the results of empirical research to date.
A Novel Hybrid Machine Learning Model for Wind Speed Probabilistic Forecasting
Authors: Liu Guanjun , Wang Chao , Qin Hui , Fu Jialong , Shen Qin
Published: September 2022

Accurately capturing wind speed fluctuations and quantifying the uncertainties has important implications for energy planning and management. This paper proposes a novel hybrid machine learning model to solve the problem of probabilistic prediction of wind speed. The model couples the light gradient boosting machine (LGB) model with the Gaussian process regression (GPR) model, where the LGB model can provide high-precision deterministic wind speed prediction results, and the GPR model can provide reliable probabilistic prediction results. The proposed model was applied to predict wind speeds for a real wind farm in the United States. The eight contrasting models are compared in terms of deterministic prediction and probabilistic prediction, respectively. The experimental results show that the LGB-GPR model improves the point forecast accuracy (RMSE) by up to 20.0% and improves the probabilistic forecast reliability (CRPS) by up to 21.5% compared to a single GPR model. This research is of great significance for improving the reliability of wind speed, probabilistic predictions, and the sustainable development of new energy.
Energy Absorption Characteristics of Bio-Inspired Honeycomb Column Thin-Walled Structure under Low Strain Rate Uniaxial Compression Loading
Authors: Xia Hongxiang , Sun Quansheng , Liu Yancheng
Published: September 2022

The beetle’s elytra have the characteristics of light weight and high energy absorption (EA). In this paper, based on the internal structure of beetle elytra, two bio-inspired honeycomb column thin-walled structures (BHTS) I and II were fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM) technology in additive manufacturing (AM) in order to understand the possible influence of strain rate effect (SRE) on the BHTS under low speed uniaxial compression loading. The influence of three different SREs (0.001 s−1, 0.01 s−1 and 0.1 s−1) on the EA of BHTSs specimens during loading was discussed by means of out-of-plane uniaxial compression tests verified with numerical simulations. The experimental results show that SRE has a significant effect on the EA of BHTSs in low speed out-of-plane uniaxial compression tests: SRE can significantly increase the initial peak crushing force (PCF) and specific energy absorption (SEA) of all types of BHTS specimens. The average increase in PCF/SEA under SRE loading of 0.1 s−1 is 12.70%/9.79% and 17.63 %/11.60%, respectively, compared with 0.001 s−1 and 0.01 s−1. These research methods reduce the use of materials and improve the utilization rate of materials, which can provide important assistance for the design, manufacture and modeling of AM-based materials.
Parameter Identification of a Governing System in a Pumped Storage Unit Based on an Improved Artificial Hummingbird Algorithm
Authors: Wang Liying , Zhang Luyao , Zhao Weiguo , Liu Xiyuan
Published: September 2022

Parameter identification is an important method to establish the governing system of a pumped storage unit. Appropriate parameters will make the governing system obtain better control performance. Therefore, in this study, an improved artificial hummingbird algorithm (IAHA) is proposed for the parameter identification of the governing system in a pumped storage unit. The algorithm integrates two key strategies to improve the optimization ability of the algorithm. First, the Chebyshev chaotic map is employed to initialize the artificial hummingbirds, which in turn increases and enhances the global search capability of the initial population. Second, the Levy flight is introduced in the guided foraging phase to expand the search space and avoid premature convergence. The performance of the proposed IAHA algorithm is compared with that of four other algorithms on 23 standard test functions, and the results show that IAHA has higher accuracy and faster convergence than the other four algorithms. Finally, IAHA was applied to the parameter identification of the governing system of a pumped storage unit to verify the effectiveness of the algorithm in tracking real-world problems.
Thermal Modification and Alkyl Ketene Dimer Effects on the Surface Protection of Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara Roxb.) Wood
Authors: Lovaglio Teresa , D’Auria Maurizio , Gindl-Altmutter Wolfgang , Lo Giudice Valentina , Langerame Fausto , Salvi Anna Maria , Todaro Luigi
Published: September 2022

The aim of this research was to evaluate the multiple effects of both thermal modification and alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) on the deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara Roxb.) wood surface, before and after an irradiation test. The physical and chemical changes that occurred on the cedar wood samples due to the combined effect of these modifications were evaluated by measuring their wettability and colour and using attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses. The surface analysis by XPS showed the expected variability among the sampled layers for unmodified and thermally modified cedar wood samples and a uniform composition after the AKD coverage, regardless of their pre-treatments. The FTIR spectra before the irradiation test showed that the hydrophobicity of the samples was ensured by the formation of carbonyl groups originating from the reaction between the AKD and hydroxyl groups of cellulose, which is related to the presence of the absorption band between 1700 cm−1 and 1750 cm−1. Markedly, after the irradiation test, a degradation of the amorphous cellulose component occurred, showing that photoisomerisation to the enolic form took place. Overall, although uniform AKD coverage was derived from the surface analysis and wetting test, the combined ATR-FTIR results and colour measurements showed that it could not provide permanent protection to the underlying wood structure due to its own tendency to degrade mainly in colour over time, under the action of UV rays and atmospheric agents.
Comparative Transcriptome and sRNAome Analyses Reveal the Regulatory Mechanisms of Fruit Ripening in a Spontaneous Early-Ripening Navel Orange Mutant and Its Wild Type
Authors: Mi Lanfang , Ma Dong , Lv Shuping , Xu Saibing , Zhong Balian , Peng Ting , Liu Dechun , Liu Yong
Published: September 2022

A complex molecular regulatory network plays an important role in the development and ripening of fruits and leads to significant differences in apparent characteristics. Comparative transcriptome and sRNAome analyses were performed to reveal the regulatory mechanisms of fruit ripening in a spontaneous early-ripening navel orange mutant (‘Ganqi 4’, Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) and its wild type (‘Newhall’ navel orange) in this study. At the transcript level, a total of 10792 genes were found to be differentially expressed between MT and WT at the four fruit development stages by RNA-Seq. Additionally, a total of 441 differentially expressed miRNAs were found in the four periods, and some of them belong to 15 families. An integrative analysis of the transcriptome and sRNAome data revealed some factors that regulate the mechanisms of formation of early-ripening traits. First, secondary metabolic materials, especially endogenous hormones, carotenoids, cellulose and pectin, obviously changed during fruit ripening in MT and WT. Second, we found a large number of differentially expressed genes (PP2C, SnRK, JAZ, ARF, PG, and PE) involved in plant hormone signal transduction and starch and sucrose metabolism, which suggests the importance of these metabolic pathways during fruit ripening. Third, the expression patterns of several key miRNAs and their target genes during citrus fruit development and ripening stages were examined. csi-miR156, csi-miR160, csi-miR397, csi-miR3954, and miRN106 suppressed specific transcription factors (SPLs, ARFs, NACs, LACs, and TCPs) that are thought to be important regulators involved in citrus fruit development and ripening. In the present study, we analyzed ripening-related regulatory factors from multiple perspectives and provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms that operate in the early-ripening navel orange mutant ‘Ganqi 4’.
Assessing Climate Change Impact on Water Resources in Water Demand Scenarios Using SWAT-MODFLOW-WEAP
Authors: Abbas Salam A. , Xuan Yunqing , Bailey Ryan T.
Published: September 2022

In this article, we present the use of the coupled land surface model and groundwater flow model SWAT-MODFLOW with the decision support tool WEAP (Water Evaluation and Planning software) to predict future surface-water abstraction scenarios in a complex river basin under conditions of climate change. The modelling framework is applied to the Dee River catchment in Wales, United Kingdom. Regarding hydrology, the coupled model improves overall water balance and low-streamflow conditions compared with a stand-alone SWAT model. The calibrated SWAT-MODFLOW is employed with high-resolution climate model data from the UKCP18 project with the future scenario of RCP85 from 2020 to 2040. Then, water supply results from SWAT-MODFLOW are fed into WEAP as input for the river reach in the downstream region of the river basin. This system is utilized to create various future scenarios of the surface-water abstraction of public water supply in the downstream region—maximum licensed withdraw, 50% authorized abstractions, monthly time series with 1% increases in water use, and maximum water withdraw per year based on historical records repeated every year with 1% increases in water use—to estimate the unmet demands and streamflow requirement. This modelling approach can be used in other river basins to manage scenarios of supply and demand.
Financial Institutional and Market Deepening, and Environmental Quality Nexus: A Case Study in G-11 Economies Using CS-ARDL
Authors: Mehmood Usman , Tariq Salman , Haq Zia ul , Agyekum Ephraim Bonah , Uhunamure Solomon Eghosa , Shale Karabo , Nawaz Hasan , Ali Shafqat , Hameed Ammar
Published: September 2022

This study presents a new insight into the dynamic relationship between financial institutional deepening (FID), financial deepening, financial market deepening (FMD), foreign direct investment (FDI), economic growth (GDP), population, and carbon dioxide emissions (CO2e) in the G-11 economies by employing a cross-sectionally augmented autoregressive distributed lag (CS-ARDL) approach during 1990–2019. The outcomes from the CS-ARDL and dynamic common correlated effects mean group (DCCEMG) models shows that financial deepening, GDP, FDI, and population degraded environmental quality both in the short run and the long run. Contrary to this, FID and FMD improves environmental quality in these countries. The government should work to maximize financial institutions (access, depth, efficiency) and financial markets (access, depth, efficiency) to reduce the CO2e. A strong positive and in-phase correlation of CO2e with economic growth and population is observed for G-11 countries. These results suggest policy makers should further improve financial institutions by creating opportunities for their populations. Moreover, the governments of G-11 countries should revise their foreign direct investment policies and attention should be given to import efficient means of energy production.
Impacts of Rice–Rape Rotation on Major Soil Quality Indicators of Soil in the Karst Region
Authors: Fang Hui , Yan Qiuxiao , Zhang Zhenming , Wang Daoping , Huang Xianfei
Published: September 2022

Arable land resources in karst regions are relatively scarce. The original crop rotation pattern can no longer meet the requirements of productivity development, while different crop rotation patterns have different impacts on the physicochemical properties of the soil. Through field experiments and laboratory analysis, the physicochemical properties and pollution characteristics of the soil during different crop growing stages in rice–rape rotation were investigated systematically. The main results are as follows. During the rice–rape rotation, fine sand in the topsoil experienced the greatest variation. During the rotation, pH variation in the subsoil was greater than that in the topsoil. The soil in paddy fields was poorly ventilated, and the rotation could reduce the redox potential of the soil. In the rotation process, the soil organic matter in the topsoil was higher than that in the subsoil, but the variation of soil organic matter in the topsoil was lower than that in the subsoil. The worst Cd pollution of the topsoil occurred in the seedling stage of rice, while that of the subsoil occurred in the flowering stage of rape; the comprehensive pollution index of Cr and Cd in the subsoil was higher than that in the topsoil. It is of great significance to investigate efficient crop rotation patterns under the conditions of the current productivity for promoting sustainable increases of rape and rice yield, maintaining soil fertility, and improving the soil.
Assessing the Nationwide COVID-19 Risk in Mexico through the Lens of Comorbidity by an XGBoost-Based Logistic Regression Model
Authors: Venancio-Guzmán Sonia , Aguirre-Salado Alejandro Ivan , Soubervielle-Montalvo Carlos , Jiménez-Hernández José del Carmen
Published: September 2022

The outbreak of the new COVID-19 disease is a serious health problem that has affected a large part of the world population, especially older adults and people who suffer from a previous comorbidity. In this work, we proposed a classifier model that allows for deciding whether or not a patient might suffer from the COVID-19 disease, considering spatio-temporal variables, physical characteristics of the patients and the presence of previous diseases. We used XGBoost to maximize the likelihood function of the multivariate logistic regression model. The estimated and observed values of percentage occurrence of cases were very similar, and indicated that the proposed model was suitable to predict new cases (AUC = 0.75). The main results revealed that patients without comorbidities are less likely to be COVID-19 positive, unlike people with diabetes, obesity and pneumonia. The distribution function by age group showed that, during the first and second wave of COVID-19, young people aged ≤20 were the least affected by the pandemic, while the most affected were people between 20 and 40 years, followed by adults older than 40 years. In the case of the third and fourth wave, there was an increased risk for young individuals (under 20 years), while older adults over 40 years decreased their chances of infection. Estimates of positive COVID cases with both the XGBoost-LR model and the multivariate logistic regression model were used to create maps to visualize the spatial distribution of positive cases across the country. Spatial analysis was carried out to determine, through the data, the main geographical areas where a greater number of positive cases occurred. The results showed that the areas most affected by COVID-19 were in the central and northern regions of Mexico.
Using a Short Food Frequency Questionnaire to Evaluate Macronutrients, Fiber, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Calcium in Adults with Stages 3–5 Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Huang Meng-Chuan , Hung Szu-Chun , Tai Tsen-Hua , Lin Ting-Yun , Chang Chiao-I , Hsu Chih-Cheng
Published: September 2022

The progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be directly or indirectly accelerated by a poor diet and the diet’s influence on risk factors for this disease. There have been no food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) developed for the assessment of diet in patients with CKD in Taiwan. This study analyzed the validity of a short FFQ (SFFQ) with 42 items for estimating patient intake of macronutrients, fiber, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium against 3-day dietary records (3-day DRs) in Taiwanese patients with stages 3–5 CKD. In an interview, 107 participants with the help of a dietician filled out an SFFQ and reviewed a 3-day DR the patients had filled out prior to the interview. Partial Pearson correlation coefficients between SFFQ and 3-day DR were 0.722, 0.619, 0.593, 0.572, 0.450, 0.611 and 0.410 for protein, fat, carbohydrate, fiber, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium, respectively, after adjusting for energy intake. Cross-classification analysis revealed 63.5–83.2% similarity in cross-tool estimated intakes of macronutrients, fiber, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium in the same quartiles or adjacent ones. Bland–Altman plots revealed good agreement between the two tools along different intake levels. In conclusion, the newly developed SFFQ had moderate relative validity in estimating the usual intake of key nutrients related to nutrition management of patients with late-stage CKD, suggesting it can be used to assess dietary intakes in a population with CKD, especially in those residing in an Asian region.
Association of Physical Educators’ Socialization Experiences and Confidence with Respect to Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program Implementation
Authors: Merica Christopher Barton , Egan Cate A. , Webster Collin A. , Mindrila Diana , Karp Grace Goc , Paul David R. , Orendorff Karie Lee
Published: September 2022

Comprehensive school physical activity programs (CSPAPs) are recommended to support physical education (PE) and increase the amount of physical activity (PA) youth receive each day. However, adoption of CSPAPs in the United States is low. PE teachers are well positioned to lead the implementation of CSPAPs, but research is needed to better understand (a) PE teachers’ confidence to assume the multiple roles involved with CSPAP implementation and (b) the factors that are associated with such confidence. This study examined PE teachers’ role breadth self-efficacy (RBSE) as a measure of PE teachers’ CSPAP-related confidence and its association with seminal life experiences as framed within teacher socialization theory. A survey was emailed to a stratified-random sample of 2976 PE teachers and distributed on social media, garnering a total of 259 responses. Exploratory structural equation modeling supported a three-factor solution for teacher socialization variables (acculturation, professional socialization and organizational socialization), in line with the theoretical framework, and a single factor solution for RBSE. Professional socialization and organizational socialization were significant predictors of RBSE, and qualitative data from open-ended survey questions supported these relationships. The results highlight the importance of preservice teacher education and current employment contexts in PE teachers’ CSPAP-related confidence.
Distribution and Risk Factors of Malaria in the Greater Accra Region in Ghana
Authors: Kawaguchi Koh , Donkor Elorm , Lal Aparna , Kelly Matthew , Wangdi Kinley
Published: September 2022

Malaria remains a serious public health challenge in Ghana including the Greater Accra Region. This study aimed to quantify the spatial, temporal and spatio-temporal patterns of malaria in the Greater Accra Region to inform targeted allocation of health resources. Malaria cases data from 2015 to 2019 were obtained from the Ghanaian District Health Information and Management System and aggregated at a district and monthly level. Spatial analysis was conducted using the Global Moran’s I, Getis-Ord Gi*, and local indicators of spatial autocorrelation. Kulldorff’s space–time scan statistics were used to investigate space–time clustering. A negative binomial regression was used to find correlations between climatic factors and sociodemographic characteristics and the incidence of malaria. A total of 1,105,370 malaria cases were reported between 2015 and 2019. Significant seasonal variation was observed, with June and July being the peak months of reported malaria cases. The hotspots districts were Kpone-Katamanso Municipal District, Ashaiman Municipal Districts, Tema Municipal District, and La-Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal District. While La-Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal District was high-high cluster. The Spatio-temporal clusters occurred between February 2015 and July 2017 in the districts of Ningo-Prampram, Shai-Osudoku, Ashaiman Municipal, and Kpone-Katamanso Municipal with a radius of 26.63 km and an relative risk of 4.66 (p < 0.001). Malaria cases were positively associated with monthly rainfall (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.005, 1.016) and the previous month’s cases (AOR = 1.064; 95% CI 1.062, 1.065) and negatively correlated with minimum temperature (AOR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.823, 0.899) and population density (AOR = 0.996, 95% CI = 0.994, 0.998). Malaria control and prevention should be strengthened in hotspot districts in the appropriate months to improve program effectiveness.
Exploring the Effect of Individual and Group Level Factors on the Level of Rural Residents’ Domestic Waste Sorting: Evidence from Shaanxi, China
Authors: Zeng Jihong , Mao Yongliang , Xu Minyue , Jian Bei , Qu Mei
Published: September 2022

Rural residents are the main agents of rural domestic waste-sorting; their level of sorting directly relates to the improvement of their rural living environment and the construction of “beautiful countryside”. Considering the data of 943 rural residents in Shaanxi Province, China, this study incorporates the factors at the individual and group levels and explores how personal norms and mianzi, which is the individual’s reputation and social status, at the individual level and social capital at the group level impact the level of rural residents’ domestic waste-sorting through an Ordered Probit model. The results show that personal norms and mianzi at the individual level play an important role in improving the level of rural residents’ domestic waste-sorting. Meanwhile, social capital (i.e., social networking, social trust, social participation, and social norms) at the group level has significant positive impacts on the level of rural residents’ domestic waste-sorting. Furthermore, mianzi plays a moderating role between personal norms, social capital, and the level of rural residents’ domestic waste-sorting, respectively. These findings are useful for the Chinese government to formulate a policy about enhancing the level of rural residents’ domestic waste-sorting to ease the rural environmental problem.