bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pragmatic Language Development: Analysis of Mapping Knowledge Domains on How Infants and Children Become Pragmatically Competent
Authors: Alduais Ahmed , Al-Qaderi Issa , Alfadda Hind
Published: September 2022

New-borns are capable of recognising and producing sounds as they become phonologically competent. Following this, infants develop a system for connecting these sounds, which helps them become increasingly lexically competent over time. Their knowledge of these words grows as they develop, using words to form phrases, turning them into sentences, and ultimately becoming syntactically competent. By making sense of these linguistic elements, these three competencies are enhanced, and this is how infants become semantically competent. As infants continue to develop linguistic and non-linguistic communication behaviours, this miraculous language development becomes even more complex, enabling them to perfect their linguistic abilities while being pragmatically competent. In this study, a scientometric approach was used to examine past, present, and future trends in pragmatic language development (PLD). A total of 6455 documents were analysed from the Scopus, WOS, and Lens databases between 1950 and 2022. The analysis involved the visualisation and tabulation of eight bibliometric and eight scientometric indicators using CiteSpace 5.8.R3 and VOSviewer 1.6.18 software for data analysis. In this study, we highlight the major patterns and topics directing the research on PLD between 1950 and 2022. The themes and topics included (1) analysing PLD as a social behaviour through the lens of executive functions; (2) studying PLD as a social behaviour based on social understanding; (3) examining PLD as a social behaviour associated with autism spectrum disorder; (4) developing an understanding of PLD in academic settings through the examination of executive functions; (5) identifying pragmatic competence versus communicative competence as a social behaviour; (6) analysing pragmatic language skills in aphasic patients via epistemic stances (i.e., attitudes towards knowledge in interaction); (7) investigating PLD as a behavioural problem in the context of a foreign language; (8) assessing PLD as a behavioural problem in individuals with autism spectrum disorder; (9) assessing PLD in persons with traumatic brain injury and closed head injury as a behavioural problem; (10) identifying the role of the right hemisphere in executive functions as a cognitive substrate; (11) assessing the impact of pragmatic failure in speech acts on pragmatic competence; and (12) investigating the patterns of PLD among learning-disabled children.
Fatigue and Quality of Life in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Karava Vasiliki , Goutou Sofia , Dotis John , Kondou Antonia , Charela Evangelia , Dadoudi Olympia , Eleftheriadis Theodoros , Stefanidis Ioannis , Printza Nikoleta
Published: September 2022

Background: This study investigates the effect of chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage on fatigue and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the pediatric population. Material and Methods: The PedsQL (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory) Multidimensional Fatigue Scale (subcategories: general, sleep/rest, and cognitive fatigue) and HRQoL Generic Core Scales (subcategories: physical, emotional, social, and school functioning) questionnaires were completed by 30 patients aged from 7 to 18 years old with CKD stage 2–4, CKD stage 5 on dialysis (CKD 5D), and kidney transplantation (KTx), as well as their parents. Results: Both low “Total Fatigue” and “Total HRQoL” scores were reported in 16.7% of patients. “Sleep/Rest Fatigue”, “Emotional Functioning”, and “School functioning” were the lowest scored subcategories. CKD 5D/KTx patients presented lower “Sleep/Rest Fatigue” (p = 0.022) and, more frequently, low “School Functioning” scores (p = 0.029). The “Total HRQoL” score was correlated to the “Total Fatigue” score (rs = 0.625, p < 0.001). A low “Sleep/Rest Fatigue” score was associated with low “Physical Functioning”, “School Functioning”, and “Total HRQoL” scores (p = 0.016, p = 0.001, and p = 0.047 respectively). Parents’ HRQoL score was lower than patients’ score on “Physical Functioning” (p = 0.040) and “School Functioning” subcategories (p = 0.045). Conclusions: Fatigue and disturbed HRQoL are mostly observed in CKD 5D and KTx pediatric patients, and are associated with sleep disorders and school dysfunction. Fatigue affects HRQoL, which is perceived as more deteriorated by the patients’ parents.
The Down-Regulation of Circ_0059707 in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Promotes Cell Growth and Inhibits Apoptosis by Regulating miR-1287-5p
Authors: Ma Jichun , Wen Xiangmei , Xu Zijun , Xia Peihui , Jin Ye , Lin Jiang , Qian Jun
Published: September 2022

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common type of hematological malignancy. Recently, an increasing number of reports have shown that many circular RNAs can act as effective targets for AML. However, the roles of circ_0059707 in AML remain largely unclear. In this study, we found that the expression levels of circ_0059707 were significantly decreased in AML patients with respect to normal controls (p < 0.001). Low expression levels of circ_0059707 were also associated with a poor prognosis. Furthermore, circ_0059707 overexpression inhibited cell growth and promoted apoptosis in leukemia cells, compared with control cells. Circ_0059707- and empty plasmid-transfected cells were injected subcutaneously into BALB/c nude mice. We found that the tumor volume was significantly lower in mice in the circ_0059707 group than in control mice (p < 0.01). Nuclear pyknosis, nuclear fragmentation, nuclear dissolution, and cell necrosis were observed in the circ_0059707 group by HE staining. CircInteractome analysis showed that 25 microRNAs (miRNAs), including miR-1287-5p, ©-miR-1825, a©hsa-miR-326, may be potential targets for circ_0059707. The expression of these miRNAs was analyzed in both the GEO GSE51908 and the GSE142700 databases. miR-1287-5p expression was lower in AML patients compared with controls in both the GSE51908 and the GSE142700 datasets. Moreover, we demonstrated that miR-1287-5p expression was down-regulated in AML patients and up-regulated in circ_0059707-overexpressing cells. Collectively, our research demonstrated that the down-regulation of circ_0059707 was highly evident in de novo AML patients. Our analysis also demonstrated that circ_0059707 inhibited cell growth and promoted apoptosis by up-regulating miR-1287-5p.
PX4 Simulation Results of a Quadcopter with a Disturbance-Observer-Based and PSO-Optimized Sliding Mode Surface Controller
Authors: Jing Yutao , Wang Xianghe , Heredia-Juesas Juan , Fortner Charles , Giacomo Christopher , Sipahi Rifat , Martinez-Lorenzo Jose
Published: September 2022

This work designed a disturbance-observer-based nonlinear sliding mode surface controller (SMC) and validated the controller using a simulated PX4-conducted quadcopter. To achieve this goal, this research (1) developed a dynamic mathematical model; (2) built a PX4-based simulated UAV following the model-based design process; (3) developed appropriate sliding mode control laws for each degree of freedom; (4) implemented disturbance observers on the proposed SMC controller to achieve finer disturbance rejection such as crosswind effect and other mutational disturbances; (5) optimized the SMC controller’s parameters based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) method; and (6) evaluated and compared the quadcopter’s tracking performance under a range of noise and disturbances. Comparisons of PID control strategies against the SMC were documented under the same conditions. Consequently, the SMC controller with disturbance observer facilitates accurate and fast UAV adaptation in uncertain dynamic environments.
Pressure Effect on the Surface Deposition of Aviation Fuel in a Heat Exchange Tube
Authors: Zheng Zekun , Pei Xinyan , Wang Yafen , Hou Lingyun
Published: September 2022

The surface deposition of aviation fuel is a crucial and challenging issue in the application of air-to-fuel heat exchangers in aero-engines. The present study investigated the effect of pressure on the surface deposition of aviation fuel in a horizontal tube. Surface deposition distributions of aviation fuel RP-3 under different pressures (from 1.5 to 5.5 MPa) and different heat fluxes (from 0.08 to 0.4 MW/m2) were measured. Some experimental cases were numerically simulated to analyze the intrinsic mechanism of pressure affecting deposit formation. It was shown that pressure affects oxidative and pyrolytic deposition differently. Elevated pressure promotes the formation of pyrolytic deposits, whereas the oxidative deposition rate increases as pressure decreases. Pressure affects surface deposit formation via the physical properties of aviation fuel, especially density. The phase transition of fuel from liquid to vapor greatly accelerates the precipitation and deposition of insoluble substances under subcritical pressure. The deposition acceleration mechanism caused by the radial density gradient also plays a role under supercritical pressures, especially when pressure approaches the critical value. In addition, surface deposition depends more strongly on wall temperature than on bulk temperature.
Design of an Infrared Image Processing Pipeline for Robotic Inspection of Conveyor Systems in Opencast Mining Sites
Authors: Siami Mohammad , Barszcz Tomasz , Wodecki Jacek , Zimroz Radoslaw
Published: September 2022

Conveying systems play an essential role in the continuous horizontal transportation of raw materials in mining sites. Regular inspections of conveyor system structures and their components, especially idlers, are essential for proper maintenance. Traditional inspection methods are labor-intensive and hazardous; therefore, robot-based thermography can be considered a quality assessment tool for the precise detection and localization of overheated idlers in opencast mining sites. This paper proposes an infrared image processing pipeline for the automatic detection and analysis of overheated idlers. The proposed image processing pipeline can be used for the identification of significant temperature anomalies such as hotspots and hot areas in infrared images. For the identification of such defects in idlers, firstly, the histogram of captured infrared images was analyzed and improved through the pre-processing stages. Afterward, the location of thermal anomalies in infrared images was extracted. Finally, for the validation of segmentation results, the shapes and locations of segmented hot spots were compared with RGB images that were synchronized by captured infrared images. A quantitative evaluation of the proposed method for the condition monitoring of belt conveyor idlers in an open-cast mining site shows the applicability of our approach.
Comprehensive Review on Fault Ride-Through Requirements of Renewable Hybrid Microgrids
Authors: Moheb Aya M. , El-Hay Enas A. , El-Fergany Attia A.
Published: September 2022

The world is interested in applying grid codes to increase the reliability of power systems through a micro-grid (MG). In a common practice, the MG comprises a wind farm, and/or photovoltaic (PV) arrays that are integrated with diesel generators and energy storage devices. Fault ride-through (FRT) capability is an important requirement of grid codes. FRT means that the MG is still connected to the grid during numerous disturbances such as faults. This is required to ensure that there is no loss of power generated due to grid faults. Reactive currents must be injected into the grid to increase the power system stability and restore voltage. To enhance FRT for doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) based WT installation, internal control modifications of rotor-side converters and grid-side converters are applied. The solutions that depend on these modifications are traditional and advanced control techniques. Advanced control techniques are needed due to the non-linear nature and less robustness of traditional ones. External hardware devices are also added to improve the FRT of DFIG which are classified into protection devices, reactive power injection devices, and energy storage devices. A comprehensive review of FRT enhancements of DFIG-based WTs, PV systems, and MGs using hardware and software methods is presented in this effort. A classification of FRT of PV systems is characterized plus various inverter control techniques are indicated. Several FRT methods for hybrid PV-WT are presented, with full comparisons. The overall operation and the schematic diagrams of the DFIG-WT with FRT methods are discussed and highlighted. Many Robust control methods for controlling grid connected AC, DC and hybrid AC/DC MGs in power systems are addressed. A total of 210 reported articles were review, including the most up-to-date papers published in the literature. This review may be used as the basis to improve system reliability for those interested in FRT methods. Various traditional and advanced control techniques to improve the FRT abilities are summarized and discussed, including protection devices, reactive power injection devices, and energy storage. In addition, the classifications of FRT hardware methods for DFIG are presented, including grid code requirements.
Numerical Turbulent Flow Analysis through a Rotational Heat Recovery System
Authors: Piton Maxime , Huchet Florian , Cazacliu Bogdan , Le Corre Olivier
Published: September 2022

Herein, hydrodynamic analysis from a large-eddy simulation in Couette–Taylor–Poiseuille (CTP) geometry is numerically investigated. The present geometry is inspired by a previous experimental work in which heat transport phenomena were investigated in a heat recovery system devoted to a rotary kiln facility. The streamwise and spanwise components of the velocity and the Reynolds stress tensor are firstly validated using an experimental benchmark. The effect of the axial flow rates is studied at a fixed rotational velocity. It is shown that the streamwise velocity component damps the vortex flow organization known in Couette–Taylor (CT) flow. The bulk region and its wall footprint are therefore characterized by various methods (spectral and statistical analysis, Q-criterion). It is shown that the turbulent kinetic energy of the streamwise component in the near-wall region is augmented leading to a multi-scale nature of turbulence.
Experimental Investigation and Performance Characteristics of Francis Turbine with Different Guide Vane Openings in Hydro Distributed Generation Power Plants
Authors: Vijay Kumar Megavath , Subba Reddy T. , Sarala P. , Varma P. Srinivasa , Chandra Sekhar Obbu , Babqi Abdulrahman , Alharbi Yasser , Alamri Basem , Reddy Ch. Rami
Published: September 2022

This article presents a study on the performance characteristics of a Francis turbine operating with various guide vane openings to determine the best operating point based on unit quantities. The guide vane openings were specified based on the width between the vanes at their exit, i.e., 10 mm, 13 mm, 16 mm, and 19 mm. The performance characteristic curves of the Francis turbine—head versus speed, torque versus speed, discharge versus speed, and efficiency versus speed—were obtained at various input power and guide vane openings. From these data, unit curves were plotted and the corresponding best efficiency points were obtained. The highest efficiency of 50.25% was obtained at a guide vane opening of 19 mm. The values of head, discharge, speed, and output power at BEP were 7.84 m, 13.55 lps, 1250 rpm, and 524 W, respectively.
Performance Simulation of the Active Magnetic Regenerator under a Pulsed Magnetic Field
Authors: Shen Limei , Tong Xiao , Li Liang , Lv Yiliang , Liu Zeyu , Xie Junlong
Published: September 2022

Magnetic refrigeration is acknowledged as a potential substitute for the conventional vapor-compression refrigeration technology, owing to its high efficiency and environmental friendliness. Existing magnetic refrigeration systems are mostly based on permanent magnets, owing to the characteristics of lower magnetic field intensity, non-uniform magnetic field distribution, and lower operating frequency due to the moving parts, which results in a low cooling capacity and small temperature difference. Thus, this study proposes the application of a pulsed magnetic field, with a high intensity and frequency, to a magnetic refrigeration system to achieve a high performance. A verified numerical model is established to investigate the thermodynamic cycle and cooling performance of an active magnetic regenerator (AMR). The transient and steady-state performances of AMR under pulsed and permanent magnetic fields are compared. The results suggest that an AMR can establish a stable temperature difference under a pulsed magnetic field that is 40 times faster than that under a permanent magnetic field. The maximum steady-state cooling capacity under a pulsed magnetic field is 2.5 times that under a permanent magnetic field when the temperature difference is 20 K. Additionally, the effects of pulsed magnetic field waveforms, frequency, and intensity on the performance of AMR are investigated under various utilization factors. These results can guide the improvement of room-temperature magnetic refrigerators.
The Environmental Impacts of Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage on the Electricity Sector: A Life Cycle Assessment Comparison between Italy and Poland
Authors: Facchino Marco , Popielak Paulina , Panowski Marcin , Wawrzyńczak Dariusz , Majchrzak-Kucęba Izabela , De Falco Marcello
Published: September 2022

Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) is a set of technologies aimed at capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from point-source emitters to either store permanently or use as a feedstock to produce chemicals and fuels. In this paper, the potential benefits of CCUS integration into the energy supply sector are evaluated from a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) perspective by comparing two different routes for the CO2 captured from a natural gas combined cycle (NGCC). Both the complete storage of the captured CO2 and its partial utilization to produce dimethyl ether are investigated. Moreover, the assessment is performed considering the region-specific features of two of the largest CO2 emitters in Europe, namely Italy and Poland. Results shows that the complete storage of the captured CO2 reduces Global Warming Potential (GWP) by ~89% in Italy and ~97%, in Poland. On the other hand, the partial utilization of CO2 to produce dimethyl ether leads to a decrease of ~58% in Italy and ~68% in Poland with respect to a comparable reference entailing conventional dimethyl ether production. A series of environmental trade-offs was determined, with all the investigated categories apart from GWP showing an increase, mainly connected with the higher energy requirements of CCUS processes. These outcomes highlight the need for a holistic-oriented approach in the design of novel implemented configurations to avoid burden shifts throughout the value chain.
Machine Learning in Creating Energy Consumption Model for UAV
Authors: Góra Krystian , Smyczyński Paweł , Kujawiński Mateusz , Granosik Grzegorz
Published: September 2022

The growing interest in the utilization of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) demands minimizing the costs of robot maintenance, where one of the main aspects relates to energy consumption. This manuscript presents a novel approach to create an energy consumption model for UAVs. The authors prove, based on experimentally collected data using a drone carrying various payloads, that Machine Learning (ML) algorithms allow to sufficiently accurately estimate a power signal. As opposed to the classical approach with mathematical modeling, the presented method does not require any knowledge about the drone’s construction, thus making it a universal tool. Calculated metrics show the Decision Tree is the most suitable algorithm among eight different ML methods due to its high energy prediction accuracy of at least 97.5% and a short learning time which was equal to 2 ms for the largest dataset.
Thermal Impact by Open-Loop Geothermal Heat Pump Systems in Two Different Local Underground Conditions on the Alluvial Fan of the Nagara River, Gifu City, Central Japan
Authors: Permanda Randa , Ohtani Tomoyuki
Published: September 2022

An alluvial fan is a good area to install open-loop geothermal heat pump (GHP) systems due to shallower aquifers, faster groundwater flow, and fewer land subsidence risks. The natural temperature change in groundwater occurs in alluvial fans due to the recharge of river water and faster groundwater flow, and the thermal impact of the open-loop system has not been studied well in such areas. The purpose of this research is to understand the thermal impact of open-loop GHP systems on an alluvial fan. A regional 3D model of groundwater flow with heat transport was created to determine the distribution of flow velocity and temperature of groundwater. After that, two local models with different groundwater velocities were constructed to demonstrate the thermal impact of an open-loop GHP system using one extraction and one injection well. The results indicated that the local model with faster groundwater flow had a smaller thermal impact. The natural temperature change in groundwater causes groundwater temperature to be lower in the summer and higher in winter during the operation in the local model, with faster groundwater flow.
Economic Analysis on Hydrogen Pipeline Infrastructure Establishment Scenarios: Case Study of South Korea
Authors: Lee Heeyeon , Lee Sanghun
Published: September 2022

South Korea has a plan to realize a hydrogen economy, and it is essential to establish a main hydrogen pipeline for hydrogen transport. This study develops a cost estimation model applicable to the construction of hydrogen pipelines and conducts an economic analysis to evaluate various scenarios for hydrogen pipeline construction. As a result, the cost of modifying an existing natural gas to a hydrogen pipeline is the lowest, however, there are issues with the safety of the modified hydrogen pipes from natural gas and the necessity of the existing natural gas pipelines. In the case of a short-distance hydrogen pipeline, the cost is about 1.8 times that of the existing natural gas pipeline modification, but it is considered a transitional scenario before the construction of the main hydrogen pipeline nationwide. Lastly, in the case of long-distance main hydrogen pipeline construction, it takes about 3.7 times as much cost as natural gas pipeline modification, however it has the advantage of being the ultimate hydrogen pipeline network. In this study, various hydrogen pipeline establishment scenarios ware compared. These results are expected to be utilized to establish plans for building hydrogen pipelines and to evaluate their economic feasibility.
Dragonfly Algorithm-Based Optimization for Selective Harmonics Elimination in Cascaded H-Bridge Multilevel Inverters with Statistical Comparison
Authors: Tariq Muhammad , Shami Umar , Fakhar Muhammad , Kashif Syed , Abbas Ghulam , Ullah Nasim , Mohammad Alsharef , Farrag Mohamed
Published: September 2022

Harmonics worsen the quality of electrical signals, hence, there is a need to eliminate them. The test objects under discussion are single-phase versions of cascaded H-bridge (CHB) multilevel inverters (MLIs) whose switching angles are optimized to eliminate specific harmonics. The Dragonfly Algorithm (DA) is used to eradicate low-order harmonics, and its statistical performance is compared to that of many other optimization techniques, including Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Accelerated Particle Swarm Optimization (APSO), Differential Evolution (DE), and Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO). Various scenarios of the algorithms’ search agent population for inverters with seven, nine, and eleven levels of output voltages are comprehensively addressed in this research. No algorithm shows total dominance in every scenario. The DA is least impacted by the change in dimensions of the narrated problem.
Performance Analysis of Ultra-Scale Downwind Wind Turbine Based on Rotor Cone Angle Control
Authors: Li Zhen , Xu Bofeng , Shen Xiang , Xiao Hang , Hu Zhiqiang , Cai Xin
Published: September 2022

The theoretical feasibility of the power output strategy based on rotor cone angle control for ultra-scale downwind wind turbines is studied in this paper via the Open FAST simulation platform. The performance of five cases, namely UW, DW, DWC, DW6, and DW6IC, which have different rotor parameters or control strategies compared with the reference DTU 10 MW wind turbine, are calculated and analyzed. It is found that the downwind rotors have significant advantages in reducing the blade root load. The DW case reduces the peak load at the blade root by 22.54% at the cost of 1.57% annual energy production loss. By extending the length and redesigning the stiffness of the blade, the DW6 case achieves 14.82% reduction in the peak load at the blade root and 1.67% increase in the annual energy production under the same blade weight as that of the UW. The DWC case with rotor cone angle control has the same aerodynamic performance as the DW case with the same blade parameters. However, when the wind speed achieves or exceeds the rated speed, the blade root load decreases at a greater rate with the increasing wind speeds, and achieves minimum load with a wind speed of 16 m/s. Compared with the UW case, the DW6IC case with the improved rotor cone angle control reduces the peak load of the blade root by 22.54%, leading to an increase in annual energy production by 1.12% accordingly.
Temporal Changes in Growth–Climate Relationship of Pinus taiwanensis Hayata in Subtropical China
Authors: Liang Hanxue , Wang Zhou , Jiang Shaowei , Zhang Cun , Huang Jianguo
Published: September 2022

Whether the tree growth–climate relationship is consistent in subtropical China has not yet been reported. To fill this gap, we chose Pinus taiwanensis which grow on Lushan Mountain in a subtropical region of China as the target tree species, established a standard tree-ring width chronology, and conducted a moving correlation analysis with climatic factors. The results showed that the relationship between radial growth of P. taiwanensis and climate changed significantly during 1980–1990. From 1955 to 1985, tree rings were negatively affected mainly by precipitation in September of the current growing season. From 1990 to 2014, however, a significant negative correlation appeared between tree rings and sunshine duration from March to April in the growing season. Our results suggest the need to pay attention to this growth–climate inconsistency when conducting dendroclimatology studies in subtropical China. However, the causes of the inconsistency still require further confirmation.
The New EU Forest Strategy for 2030—An Analysis of Major Interests
Authors: Gordeeva Evgenia , Weber Norbert , Wolfslehner Bernhard
Published: September 2022

The New European Union Forest Strategy for 2030 has been controversially discussed by all relevant interest groups: member states, forest owners, forest-related industry, environmental NGOs. The analysis reveals two central conflicts characterizing the Strategy: sovereignty vs. increased Union control—the primary concern of member states and forest owners; and commodity vs. amenity—a central issue between forest-based industry and environmental NGOs. In this respect it is interesting to note that, while being competitors over influence in European forest policy, both forest-related industry and environmental NGOs share the demand for clearer definitions in the Strategy. The Commission’s position is discussed in view of the central conflicts with no unequivocal results—while in the first conflict the Commission can be assumed to, indeed, seek to obtain more power vis-à-vis the member states, with regard to the second conflict three assumptions are on the horizon: (i) the Commission tries to balance the demands of commodity and amenity- oriented interest groups; (ii) despite environmental rhetoric used, the Strategy is dominated by economic goals; (iii) the strategic vision of the Commission inclines towards environmental goals.
Second-Entry Burns Reduce Mid-Canopy Fuels and Create Resilient Forest Structure in Yosemite National Park, California
Authors: Hankin Lacey E. , Anderson Chad T.
Published: September 2022

Understanding the patterns and underlying drivers of forest structure is critical for managing landscape processes and multiple resource management. Merging several landscape-scale datasets, including long-term fire histories, airborne LiDAR, and downscaled topo-climatic data, we assessed complex ecological questions regarding the interactions of forest structure, climate, and fire in the Yosemite National Park, a protected area historically dominated by frequent fire and largely free of the impacts of commercial industrial logging. We found that forest structure broadly corresponded with forest types arranged across elevation-driven climatic gradients and that repeated burning shifts forest structure towards conditions that are consistent with increased resilience, biodiversity, and ecosystem health and function. Specifically, across all forest types, tree density and mid-canopy strata cover was significantly reduced compared to overstory canopy and the indices of forest health improved after two fires, but no additional change occurred with subsequent burns. This study provides valuable information for managers who seek to refine prescriptions based on an enhanced understanding of fire-mediated changes in ladder fuels and tree density and those seeking to define the number of treatments needed to mitigate severe fire risk and enhance resiliency to repeated fires. In addition, our study highlights the utility of large-landscape LiDAR acquisitions for supporting fire, forest, and wildlife management prioritization and wildfire risk assessments for numerous valued resources.
RETRACTED: Evaluating the Carrying Capacity and Spatial Pattern Matching of Urban and Rural Construction Land in a Representative City of Middle China
Authors: Luo Zhijun , Yuan Yuan , Qi Song , Xu Jin
Published: September 2022

Evaluation of the carrying capacity and spatial pattern matching of urban–rural construction land is critical for solving problems associated with irrational land use and the destruction of ecosystems. Here, we present a case study exploring the spatial matching relationship between the carrying capacity and current development status of urban–rural construction land in Nanchang, the capital city of Jiangxi Province, China. Land suitability evaluation for urban and rural construction was performed using the analytic hierarchical process and restrictive coefficient method. The spatial matching degree between current construction land and available construction land was obtained by a spatial overlay analysis. Results show that the area most suitable for construction land development (19.2% of the total) is mainly concentrated in the central urban districts, while the relatively suitable area (17.5% of the total) is present around the most suitable area. The ultimate development intensity (i.e., carrying capacity threshold) of construction land in the study region is 41.4%, and the residual development intensity (i.e., development potential) is 24.2%. The available construction land (including most suitable and relatively suitable areas) is generally abundant. The spatial matching degree of construction land ranges from 69.5% to 99.1% in different counties (districts). Pearson’s correlation analysis reveals that the spatial matching degree is positively correlated with the carrying capacity threshold of construction land (r = 0.926; p < 0.01) and the abundance of available construction land (r = 0.732; p < 0.05). The results could be useful for the rational development of urban–rural construction land and the optimization of land space at the city scale.
Proposal of a General Identification Method for Fractional-Order Processes Based on the Process Reaction Curve
Authors: Gude Juan J. , García Bringas Pablo
Published: September 2022

This paper aims to present a general identification procedure for fractional first-order plus dead-time (FFOPDT) models. This identification method is general for processes having S-shaped step responses, where process information is collected from an open-loop step-test experiment, and has been conducted by fitting three arbitrary points on the process reaction curve. In order to validate this procedure and check its effectiveness for the identification of fractional-order models from the process reaction curve, analytical expressions of the FFOPDT model parameters have been obtained for both situations: as a function of any three points and three points symmetrically located on the reaction curve, respectively. Some numerical examples are provided to show the simplicity and effectiveness of the proposed procedure. Good results have been obtained in comparison with other well-recognized identification methods, especially when simplicity is emphasized. This identification procedure has also been applied to a thermal-based experimental setup in order to test its applicability and to obtain insight into the practical issues related to its implementation in a microprocessor-based control hardware. Finally, some comments and reflections about practical issues relating to industrial practice are offered in this context.
Fractal Analysis on the Mapping Relationship of Conductivity Properties in Porous Material
Authors: Li Cheng , Xu Yao , Jiang Zhouting , Yu Boming , Xu Peng
Published: September 2022

The mapping relationships between the conductivity properties are not only of great importance for understanding the transport phenomenon in porous material, but also benefit the prediction of transport parameters. Therefore, a fractal pore-scale model with capillary bundle is applied to study the fluid flow and heat conduction as well as gas diffusion through saturated porous material, and calculate the conductivity properties including effective permeability, thermal conductivity and diffusion coefficient. The results clearly show that the correlations between the conductivity properties of saturated porous material are prominent and depend on the way the pore structure changes. By comparing with available experimental results and 2D numerical simulation on Sierpinski carpet models, the proposed mapping relationships among transport properties are validated. The present mapping method provides a new window for understanding the transport processes through porous material, and sheds light on oil and gas resources, energy storage, carbon dioxide sequestration and storage as well as fuel cell etc.
Numerical Solutions of Third-Order Time-Fractional Differential Equations Using Cubic B-Spline Functions
Authors: Abbas Muhammad , Bibi Afreen , Alzaidi Ahmed S. M. , Nazir Tahir , Majeed Abdul , Akram Ghazala
Published: September 2022

Numerous fields, including the physical sciences, social sciences, and earth sciences, benefit greatly from the application of fractional calculus (FC). The fractional-order derivative is developed from the integer-order derivative, and in recent years, real-world modeling has performed better using the fractional-order derivative. Due to the flexibility of B-spline functions and their capability for very accurate estimation of fractional equations, they have been employed as a solution interpolating polynomials for the solution of fractional partial differential equations (FPDEs). In this study, cubic B-spline (CBS) basis functions with new approximations are utilized for numerical solution of third-order fractional differential equation. Initially, the CBS functions and finite difference scheme are applied to discretize the spatial and Caputo time fractional derivatives, respectively. The scheme is convergent numerically and theoretically as well as being unconditionally stable. On a variety of problems, the validity of the proposed technique is assessed, and the numerical results are contrasted with those reported in the literature.
Solutions of a Nonlinear Diffusion Equation with a Regularized Hyper-Bessel Operator
Authors: Hoang Luc Nguyen , O’Regan Donal , Nguyen Anh Tuan
Published: September 2022

We investigate the Cauchy problem for a nonlinear fractional diffusion equation, which is modified using the time-fractional hyper-Bessel derivative. The source function is a gradient source of Hamilton–Jacobi type. The main objective of our current work is to show the existence and uniqueness of mild solutions. Our desired goal is achieved using the Picard iteration method, and our analysis is based on properties of Mittag–Leffler functions and embeddings between Hilbert scales spaces and Lebesgue spaces.
Ionogels Derived from Fluorinated Ionic Liquids to Enhance Aqueous Drug Solubility for Local Drug Administration
Authors: Hermida-Merino Carolina , Cabaleiro David , Gracia-Fernández Carlos , Valcarcel Jesus , Vázquez José Antonio , Sanz Noelia , Pérez-Rodríguez Martín , Arenas-Moreira Maria , Banerjee Dipanjan , Longo Alessandro , Moya-Lopez Carmen , Lugo Luis , Bourson Patrice , Pereiro Ana B. , Salloum-Abou-Jaoude Georges , Bravo Iván , Piñeiro Manuel M. , Hermida-Merino Daniel
Published: September 2022

Gelatin is a popular biopolymer for biomedical applications due to its harmless impact with a negligible inflammatory response in the host organism. Gelatin interacts with soluble molecules in aqueous media as ionic counterparts such as ionic liquids (ILs) to be used as cosolvents to generate the so-called Ionogels. The perfluorinated IL (FIL), 1-ethyl-3-methylpyridinium perfluorobutanesulfonate, has been selected as co-hydrosolvent for fish gelatin due to its low cytotoxicity and hydrophobicity aprotic polar structure to improve the drug aqueous solubility. A series of FIL/water emulsions with different FIL content and their corresponding shark gelatin/FIL Ionogel has been designed to enhance the drug solubility whilst retaining the mechanical structure and their nanostructure was probed by simultaneous SAXS/WAXS, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, DSC and rheological experiments. Likewise, the FIL assisted the solubility of the antitumoural Doxorubicin whilst retaining the performing mechanical properties of the drug delivery system network for the drug storage as well as the local administration by a syringe. In addition, the different controlled release mechanisms of two different antitumoral such as Doxorubicin and Mithramycin from two different Ionogels formulations were compared to previous gelatin hydrogels which proved the key structure correlation required to attain specific therapeutic dosages.
Observable Symptoms of Anxiety in Individuals with Fragile X Syndrome: Parent and Caregiver Perspectives
Authors: Lozano Reymundo , Thompson Talia , Dixon-Weber Jayne , Erickson Craig A. , Berry-Kravis Elizabeth , Williams Sara , Smith Elizabeth , Frazier Jean A. , Rosselot Hilary , Farmer Cristan , Hessl David
Published: September 2022

Caregiver reports, clinical observations, and diagnostic assessments indicate that most individuals with fragile X syndrome experience high levels of chronic anxiety. However, anxiety is a challenging endpoint for outcome measurement in FXS because most individuals cannot reliably report internal emotional or body states. A comprehensive survey of the presence, frequency, and duration of anxiety-related symptoms and questions to elicit open-ended responses was completed by caregivers of 456 individuals with FXS, ages 2–81 years (87 female, 369 male) and 24 female and 2 male FXS self-advocates ages 15–66 years. Caregivers reported classic behavioral indicators of anxiety, such as avoidance, irritability, motor agitation, and physiological symptoms, as well as behavioral features in FXS such as repetitive behavior, aggression, and self-injury. Self-advocate accounts largely paralleled caregiver data. Factor analyses yielded four factors: (1) increased irritability, aggression, and self-injury; (2) increased physical movement, nervous activity, and restlessness; (3) physical and physiological features of anxiety; and (4) internalizing and gastrointestinal symptoms. Caregivers are capable of observing and reporting behaviors that are valid indicators of anxious states that are usually reported in self-report standardized assessments. These results support the development of an anxiety measure for FXS that minimizes problems with rater inference.
Telomeres and Their Neighbors
Authors: Jenner Leon P. , Peska Vratislav , Fulnečková Jana , Sýkorová Eva
Published: September 2022

Telomeres are essential structures formed from satellite DNA repeats at the ends of chromosomes in most eukaryotes. Satellite DNA repeat sequences are useful markers for karyotyping, but have a more enigmatic role in the eukaryotic cell. Much work has been done to investigate the structure and arrangement of repetitive DNA elements in classical models with implications for species evolution. Still more is needed until there is a complete picture of the biological function of DNA satellite sequences, particularly when considering non-model organisms. Celebrating Gregor Mendel’s anniversary by going to the roots, this review is designed to inspire and aid new research into telomeres and satellites with a particular focus on non-model organisms and accessible experimental and in silico methods that do not require specialized equipment or expensive materials. We describe how to identify telomere (and satellite) repeats giving many examples of published (and some unpublished) data from these techniques to illustrate the principles behind the experiments. We also present advice on how to perform and analyse such experiments, including details of common pitfalls. Our examples are a selection of recent developments and underexplored areas of research from the past. As a nod to Mendel’s early work, we use many examples from plants and insects, especially as much recent work has expanded beyond the human and yeast models traditional in telomere research. We give a general introduction to the accepted knowledge of telomere and satellite systems and include references to specialized reviews for the interested reader.
How to Make Primary Healthcare More Popular: Evidence from the Middle-Aged and Elderly in China
Authors: Fu Liping , Fang Ya’nan , Yang Shu , Xu Yanqing
Published: September 2022

Since 2001, China has been an aging society; it is expected to become superaged by 2033. This rapid aging trend poses a challenge to the elderly regarding their pension services and healthcare. Primary healthcare has great potential for serving older adults in the community, yet it is not popular. This study used 1977 samples from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study database to explore the use of outpatient services in primary care institutions among the middle-aged and elderly. Using a structural equations model, we constructed a framework to explore pathways leading to primary outpatient use. We discovered that the supply of primary health services had a significant direct and mediating effect on the utilization of primary outpatient services, and that community pension services may indirectly discourage it. In addition, the supply of primary health services has a suppressor effect between medical insurance and primary outpatient utilization. Health insurance directly promotes primary outpatient utilization, while the supply of primary care institutions suppresses the positive influence of medical insurance on the utilization of primary outpatient services. Therefore, community pension services should pay attention to differentiated services. Moreover, adjusting the coordinated development of medical insurance and the supply of primary healthcare could enhance the positive effects of medical insurance for outpatients.
Intraoperative Tension Pneumothorax in a Trauma Patient: An Adult Simulation Case for Anesthesia Residents
Authors: Okano David Ryusuke , Chen Andy W. , Mitchell Sally A. , Cartwright Johnny F. , Moore Christopher , Boyer Tanna J.
Published: September 2022

Anesthesiologists may encounter multiple obstacles in communication when attempting to collect information for emergency surgeries. Occult tension pneumothorax that was asymptomatic in the emergency department (ED) could become apparent upon positive pressure ventilation and pose a critical threat to the patient intraoperatively. Here, we describe a simulation exercise that was developed as a curriculum module for the Indiana University (IU) Anesthesiology residency program. It is primarily designed for first-year clinical anesthesia residents (CA-1/PGY-2). It is a 50 min encounter with two scenarios. The first scenario focuses on information collection and communication with a non-cooperative patient with multiple distractors. The second scenario focuses on the early diagnosis of tension pneumothorax and subsequent treatment. The residents were given formative feedback and met the educational objectives. Commonly missed critical actions included misdiagnosing the tension pneumothorax as mainstem intubation, bronchospasm, pulmonary thromboembolism, and anaphylaxis. Residents rated the feedback and debriefing as “extremely useful” or “very useful.” Time constraints limit the number of residents who can sit in the “hot seat.” The structure of the mannequin limits the ability to diagnose pneumothorax by auscultation and ultrasound. In the future, the scenarios may also be utilized to educate student anesthesiologist assistants and other non-physician anesthesia learners.
Telerehabilitation as a Form of Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Chronic Lung Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Reychler Gregory , Piraux Elise , Beaumont Marc , Caty Gilles , Liistro Giuseppe
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Tele-rehabilitation is increasingly used to deliver pulmonary rehabilitation. The aim of this systematic review was to compare the effect between tele-pulmonary rehabilitation and classical supervised pulmonary rehabilitation. Method: Three databases were analysed (PubMed, PEDro, Scopus). The selection and evaluation of studies followed the PRISMA guidelines. The risk of bias was evaluated using the PEDro Scale. Results: From the initial selection (n = 245), ten studies were retrieved, including from 10 to 67 patients. All but two (IPF) included patients with COPD. Based on the FEV1, patients with COPD were mainly categorised as moderate and severe. The teleactivities were heterogenous in terms of proposed exercises and way of settings and often not in agreement with the guidelines about pulmonary rehabilitation. Despite this, the effects of the interventions were globally positive on functional exercise capacity, quality of life, anxiety and depression, and impact of COPD on personal life but not on dyspnoea. The PEDro scores varied from 4 to 8. The adherence was higher than 80% when supervision during the exercise was included. Conclusion: This review demonstrated that the telerehabilitation is safe and well accepted by the patients, and could be considered as one option of classical pulmonary rehabilitation to improve the functional exercise capacity, quality of life, anxiety and depression, and the impact of COPD on personal’s life. This conclusion cannot be extrapolated to the other chronic lung diseases due to the lack of data.