bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the Biological Applications of Biosynthesized Nickel Oxide Nanoparticles Mediated by Buxus wallichiana Extract
Authors: Din Salah Ud , Iqbal Hina , Haq Sirajul , Ahmad Pervaiz , Khandaker Mayeen Uddin , Elansary Hosam O. , Al-Harbi Fatemah F. , Abdelmohsen Shaimaa A. M. , El-Abedin Tarek K. Zin
Published: January 2022

The preparation of nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) was carried out using an environmentally friendly and novel green synthetic strategy that included the use of Buxus wallichiana leaf extract as a reducing agent. Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques were used to characterize the resulting NiO NPs. At various concentrations, NiO NPs were tested for their percentage scavenging activity against the ABTS (2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) free radical, with an IC50 value of 234.84 g/L. Furthermore, the bactericidal activity of NiO NPs was studied by the agar well diffusion method against two Gram-positive bacterial strains (B. licheniformis and B. subtilis) and two Gram-negative bacterial strains (E. coli and K. pneumoniae).
Stimulated Raman Scattering in Pb(MoO4)1−x(WO4)x with x = 0, 0.5, 0.8 and 1.0 with Combined Frequency Shifts on High- and Low-Frequency Raman Modes under Synchronous Picosecond Laser Pumping
Authors: Frank Milan , Smetanin Sergei N. , Jelínek Michal , Vyhlídal David , Kosmyna Miron B. , Shekhovstov Alexey N. , Gubina Ksenia A. , Shukshin Vladislav E. , Zverev Petr G. , Kubeček Václav
Published: January 2022

Comparative characteristics of spontaneous and stimulated Raman scattering in Pb(MoO4)1−x(WO4)x single crystals (x = 0, 0.5, 0.8, and 1.0) including both the high (ν1) and low (ν2) frequency internal anionic group vibrations have been investigated. It was found that among these crystals, Pb(MoO4)0.2(WO4)0.8 is the most suitable for multi-wavelength Raman laser in several Raman modes simultaneously. This is caused by the optimal relative Mo/W content corresponding to the most efficient coherent combination of the (MoO4)2− and (WO4)2− vibrations enhancing the output radiation characteristics of the synchronously pumped Pb(MoO4)0.2(WO4)0.8 Raman laser. Oscillation of up to twelve, closely spaced SRS components in a range of 1128–1360 nm and the strongest pulse shortening down to 1.16 ps in comparison with not only PbMoO4 and PbWO4 but also with all the earlier investigated nominally pure scheelite-like tungstate and molybdate crystals has been achieved.
Tensile Response of As-Cast CoCrFeNi and CoCrFeMnNi High-Entropy Alloys
Authors: Lam Tu-Ngoc , Luo Mao-Yuan , Kawasaki Takuro , Harjo Stefanus , Jain Jayant , Lee Soo-Yeol , Yeh An-Chou , Huang E-Wen
Published: January 2022

In this research, we systematically investigated equiatomic CoCrFeNi and CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloys (HEAs). Both of these HEA systems are single-phase, face-centered-cubic (FCC) structures. Specifically, we examined the tensile response in as-cast quaternary CoCrFeNi and quinary CoCrFeMnNi HEAs at room temperature. Compared to CoCrFeNi HEA, the elongation of CoCrFeMnNi HEA was 14% lower, but the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength were increased by 17% and 6%, respectively. The direct real-time evolution of structural defects during uniaxial straining was acquired via in situ neutron-diffraction measurements. The dominant microstructures underlying plastic deformation mechanisms at each deformation stage in as-cast CoCrFeNi and CoCrFeMnNi HEAs were revealed using the Convolutional Multiple Whole Profile (CMWP) software for peak-profile fitting. The possible mechanisms are reported.
Clinical Significance of BTLA, CD27, CD70, CD28 and CD80 as Diagnostic and Prognostic Markers in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Świderska Janina , Kozłowski Mateusz , Gaur Maria , Pius-Sadowska Ewa , Kwiatkowski Sebastian , Machaliński Bogusław , Cymbaluk-Płoska Aneta
Published: January 2022

It is very important to find new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. A total of 79 patients were enrolled in the study. The study group consisted of 37 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer, and the control group consisted of 42 patients with benign ovarian lesions. Five proteins involved in the immune response were studied: BTLA, CD27, CD70, CD28, CD80. The study material was serum and peritoneal fluid. The ROC curve was plotted, and the area under the curve was calculated to characterize the sensitivity and specificity of the studied parameters. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed simultaneously using the Cox regression model. The cut-off level of CD27 was 120.6 pg/mL, with the sensitivity and specificity of 66 and 84% (p = 0.014). Unfavorable prognostic factors determined in serum were: CD27 (for PFS: HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.21–1.29, p = 0.047; for OS: HR 1.20, 95% CI 1.15–1.22, p = 0.014). Unfavorable prognostic factors determined in peritoneal fluid were: BTLA (for OS: HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.25–1.31, p = 0.033). We conclude that CD27 should be considered as a potential biomarker in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. BTLA and CD27 are unfavorable prognostic factors for ovarian cancer.
The Mechanisms Underlying Vertical Artifacts in Lung Ultrasound and Their Proper Utilization for the Evaluation of Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema
Authors: Kameda Toru , Kamiyama Naohisa , Taniguchi Nobuyuki
Published: January 2022

The recent advances in lung ultrasound for the diagnosis of cardiogenic pulmonary edema are outstanding; however, the mechanism of vertical artifacts known as B-lines used for the diagnosis has not yet been fully elucidated. The theory of “acoustic trap” is useful when considering the generation of vertical artifacts. Basic research in several studies supports the theory. Published studies with pilot experiments indicate that clarification of the relationship between the length and intensity of vertical artifacts and physical or acoustic composition of sources may be useful for differentiating cardiogenic pulmonary edema from lung diseases. There is no international consensus with regard to the optimal settings of ultrasound machines even though their contribution to the configuration of vertical artifacts is evident. In the clinical setting, the configuration is detrimentally affected by the use of spatial compound imaging, the placement of the focal point at a deep level, and the use of multiple focus. Simple educational materials using a glass microscope slide also show the non-negligible impact of the ultrasound machine settings on the morphology of vertical artifacts.
AUE-Net: Automated Generation of Ultrasound Elastography Using Generative Adversarial Network
Authors: Zhang Qingjie , Zhao Junjuan , Long Xiangmeng , Luo Quanyong , Wang Ren , Ding Xuehai , Shen Chentian
Published: January 2022

Problem: Ultrasonography is recommended as the first choice for evaluation of thyroid nodules, however, conventional ultrasound features may not be able to adequately predict malignancy. Ultrasound elastography, adjunct to conventional B-mode ultrasound, can effectively improve the diagnostic accuracy of thyroid nodules. However, this technology requires professional elastography equipment and experienced physicians. Aim: in the field of computational medicine, Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) were proven to be a powerful tool for generating high-quality images. This work therefore utilizes GANs to generate ultrasound elastography images. Methods: this paper proposes a new automated generation method of ultrasound elastography (AUE-net) to generate elastography images from conventional ultrasound images. The AUE-net was based on the U-Net architecture and optimized by attention modules and feature residual blocks, which could improve the adaptability of feature extraction for nodules of different sizes. The additional color loss function was used to balance color distribution. In this network, we first attempted to extract the tissue features of the ultrasound image in the latent space, then converted the attributes by modeling the strain, and finally reconstructed them into the corresponding elastography image. Results: a total of 726 thyroid ultrasound elastography images with corresponding conventional images from 397 patients were obtained between 2019 and 2021 as the dataset (646 in training set and 80 in testing set). The mean rating accuracy of the AUE-net generated elastography images by ultrasound specialists was 84.38%. Compared with that of the existing models in the visual aspect, the presented model generated relatively higher quality elastography images. Conclusion: the AUE-net generated ultrasound elastography images showed natural appearance and retained tissue information. Accordingly, it seems that B-mode ultrasound harbors information that can link to tissue elasticity. This study may pave the way to generate ultrasound elastography images readily without the need for professional equipment.
Ultrasound Radiomics Nomogram Integrating Three-Dimensional Features Based on Carotid Plaques to Evaluate Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Wang Xiaoting , Luo Peng , Du Huaan , Li Shiyu , Wang Yi , Guo Xun , Wan Li , Zhao Binyi , Ren Jianli
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to explore the feasibility of ultrasound radiomics analysis before invasive coronary angiography (ICA) for evaluating the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) quantified by the SYNTAX score (SS). This study included 105 carotid plaques from 105 patients (64 low-SS patients, 41 intermediate-high-SS patients). The clinical characteristics and three-dimensional ultrasound (3D-US) features before ICA were assessed. Ultrasound images of carotid plaques were used for radiomics analysis. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, which generated several nonzero coefficients, was used to select features that could predict intermediate-high SS. Based on those coefficients, the radiomics score (Rad-score) was calculated. The selected clinical characteristics, 3D-US features, and Rad-score were finally integrated into a radiomics nomogram. Among the clinical characteristics and 3D-US features, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), apolipoprotein B (Apo B), and plaque volume were identified as predictors for distinguishing between low SS and intermediate-high SS. During the radiomics process, 8 optimal radiomics features most capable of identifying intermediate-high SS were selected from 851 candidate radiomics features. The differences in Rad-score between the training and the validation set were significant (p = 0.016 and 0.006). The radiomics nomogram integrating HDL, Apo B, plaque volume, and Rad-score showed excellent results in the training set (AUC, 0.741 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.646–0.835)) and validation set (AUC, 0.939 (95% CI: 0.860–1.000)), with good calibration (mean absolute errors of 0.028 and 0.059 in training and validation sets, respectively). Decision curve analysis showed that the radiomics nomogram could identify patients who could obtain the most benefit. We concluded that the radiomics nomogram based on carotid plaque ultrasound has favorable value for the noninvasive prediction of intermediate-high SS. This radiomics nomogram has potential value for the risk stratification of CAD before ICA and provides clinicians with a noninvasive diagnostic tool.
Surviving Capnocytophaga Canimorsus Septic Shock: Intertwining a Challenging Diagnosis with Prompt Treatment
Authors: Nisi Fulvio , Dipasquale Andrea , Costantini Elena , Giustiniano Enrico , Ripani Umberto , Cecconi Maurizio
Published: January 2022

Capnocytophaga canimorsus is zoonotic agent isolated from humans bitten by dogs or cats. Although rare, severe infection usually affects male patients over the age of 50, asplenic or immunocompromised. Diagnosis is often challenging, often missing a history of contact with dogs or pre-existing wounds. Mortality rate is extremely high, since infection can lead to fulminant sepsis. We report a case of a patient admitted to ED for septic shock of unknown origin. Severe sepsis developed since our patient was asplenic and possessed multiple comorbidities. Due to hypoxia and respiratory failure, the patient was promptly intubated and mechanically ventilated. Supportive treatment for hemodynamic shock was administered. Cultures were obtained in the ED and empiric antibiotic therapy with piperacillin/tazobactam was started, aiming at infection control. As for source identification, common infectious etiologies, SARS-CoV-2 swab, bronchoalveolar lavage and urine cultures were negative. Blood cultures proved Gram-negative rods after 12 h incubation and C. canimorsus was identified on day 4. During ICU stay, clinical conditions gradually improved, and source control proved to be effective. Culture samples collection and starting empiric antibiotic treatment are the essential points in ensuring patient survival, especially in sepsis or septic shock of unknown origin or uncommon etiology, as in our case. Why should an emergency physician be aware of this? C. canimorsus bacteremia is rare and difficult to diagnose. Although considering patient history in such cases is crucial, laboratory results are often delayed. Hence, the chance of survival is dependent on prompt culture samples collection and start of empiric antibiotic treatment, along with supportive treatment.
IL-6, IL-1RA and Resistin as Predictors of Left Ventricular Remodelling and Major Adverse Cardiac Events in Patients with Acute ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Scărlătescu Alina , Micheu Miruna , Popa-Fotea Nicoleta , Pascal Ana , Mihail Ana , Petre Ioana , Deaconu Silvia , Vîjîiac Aura , Dorobanțu Maria
Published: January 2022

Despite continuous advances in diagnostic and therapeutic methods, acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Considering the role of inflammation in AMI etiopathogenesis, we aimed to explore the role of a group of three inflammatory cytokines (IL-1RA, IL-6 and resistin) as an independent prognostic factor for LVR assessed by 3D echocardiography and MACE in patients with STEMI. We enrolled 41 patients with STEMI who underwent primary PCI. We assessed the occurrence of LVR (defined as an increase of over 20% in end-diastolic left ventricular volume at 6 months compared with baseline values) and MACE. Using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) method, we measured plasmatic levels of IL-6, IL-1RA and resistin (within 48 h after AMI and at 6 months). Out of 41 STEMI patients, 20.5% presented signs of LVR at follow up, and in 24.4%, MACE occurred. In univariate logistic regression analysis, baseline levels of IL-6 (OR = 1.042, p = 0.004), IL-1RA (OR = 1.004, p = 0.05) and resistin (OR = 1.7, p = 0.007) were all significantly associated with LVR. ROC analysis showed that the three cytokines as a group (AUC 0.946, p = 0.000) have a better predictive value for LVR than any individual cytokine. The group of cytokines also proved to have a better predictive value for MACE together than separately (AUC = 0.875, p = 0.000 for ROC regression model). IL-6, IL-1RA and resistin plasma levels at baseline have a good predictive value both as independent variables and also as a group for the development of adverse LVR and MACE at 6 months follow up after STEMI.
COVID-19 Detection in Chest X-ray Images Using a New Channel Boosted CNN
Authors: Khan Saddam Hussain , Sohail Anabia , Khan Asifullah , Lee Yeon-Soo
Published: January 2022

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that has affected a large population worldwide and continues to have devastating consequences. It is imperative to detect COVID-19 at the earliest opportunity to limit the span of infection. In this work, we developed a new CNN architecture STM-RENet to interpret the radiographic patterns from X-ray images. The proposed STM-RENet is a block-based CNN that employs the idea of split–transform–merge in a new way. In this regard, we have proposed a new convolutional block STM that implements the region and edge-based operations separately, as well as jointly. The systematic use of region and edge implementations in combination with convolutional operations helps in exploring region homogeneity, intensity inhomogeneity, and boundary-defining features. The learning capacity of STM-RENet is further enhanced by developing a new CB-STM-RENet that exploits channel boosting and learns textural variations to effectively screen the X-ray images of COVID-19 infection. The idea of channel boosting is exploited by generating auxiliary channels from the two additional CNNs using Transfer Learning, which are then concatenated to the original channels of the proposed STM-RENet. A significant performance improvement is shown by the proposed CB-STM-RENet in comparison to the standard CNNs on three datasets, especially on the stringent CoV-NonCoV-15k dataset. The good detection rate (97%), accuracy (96.53%), and reasonable F-score (95%) of the proposed technique suggest that it can be adapted to detect COVID-19 infected patients.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging as a Prognostic Disability Marker in Clinically Isolated Syndrome and Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: AlTokhis Amjad I. , AlAmrani Abrar , Alotaibi Abdulmajeed , Podlasek Anna , Constantinescu Cris S.
Published: January 2022

To date, there are no definite imaging predictors for long-term disability in multiple sclerosis (MS). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the key prognostic tool for MS, primarily at the early stage of the disease. Recent findings showed that white matter lesion (WML) counts and volumes could predict long-term disability for MS. However, the prognostic value of MRI in the early stage of the disease and its link to long-term physical disability have not been assessed systematically and quantitatively. A meta-analysis was conducted using studies from four databases to assess whether MS lesion counts and volumes at baseline MRI scans could predict long-term disability, assessed by the expanded disability status scale (EDSS). Fifteen studies were eligible for the qualitative analysis and three studies for meta-analysis. T2 brain lesion counts and volumes after the disease onset were associated with disability progression after 10 years. Four or more lesions at baseline showed a highly significant association with EDSS 3 and EDSS 6, with a pooled OR of 4.10 and 4.3, respectively. The risk increased when more than 10 lesions were present. This review and meta-analysis confirmed that lesion counts and volumes could be associated with disability and might offer additional valid guidance in treatment decision making. Future work is essential to determine whether these prognostic markers have high predictive potential.
Design of a Diagnostic System for Patient Recovery Based on Deep Learning Image Processing: For the Prevention of Bedsores and Leg Rehabilitation
Authors: Choi Donggyu , Jang Jongwook
Published: January 2022

Worldwide COVID-19 infections have caused various problems throughout different countries. In the case of Korea, problems related to the demand for medical care concerning wards and doctors are serious, which were already slowly worsening problems in Korea before the COVID-19 pandemic. In this paper, we propose the direction of developing a system by combining artificial intelligence technology with limited areas that do not require high expertise in the rehabilitation medical field that should be improved in Korea through the prevention of bedsores and leg rehabilitation methods. Regarding the introduction of artificial intelligence technology, medical and related laws and regulations were quite limited, so the actual needs of domestic rehabilitation doctors and advice on the hospital environment were obtained. Satisfaction with the test content was high, the degree of provision of important medical data was 95%, and the angular error was within 5 degrees and suitable for recovery confirmation.
UAV Photogrammetry and GIS Interpretations of Extended Archaeological Contexts: The Case of Tacuil in the Calchaquí Area (Argentina)
Authors: Orsini Carolina , Benozzi Elisa , Williams Veronica , Rossi Paolo , Mancini Francesco
Published: January 2022

The scope and scientific purpose of this paper focuses on multiscale (aerial and terrestrial) photogrammetry as a support to investigations and interpretations in a multi-component archaeological site located in the Argentinian Cordillera (Calchaquí, Salta), known as Tacuil. Due to its scarce accessibility, as well as long-term problems associated with the interpretation of the visibility of this type of settlement, the use of aerial surveying was combined with the reconstruction of structures and complex soil morphologies by resorting to modern photogrammetric approaches (3D models and orthophotos). This dataset was complemented by a terrestrial survey to obtain extremely high resolution and detailed representations of archaeological features that were integrated in a GIS database. The outcome of photogrammetric surveying was fundamental in supporting the debate on the functionality of the site and his integration in a complex, socially constructed, ancient landscape. Finally, the present paper introduces the first complete map of Tacuil.
Revisiting Local Descriptors via Frequent Pattern Mining for Fine-Grained Image Retrieval
Authors: Zheng Min , Geng Yangliao , Li Qingyong
Published: January 2022

Fine-grained image retrieval aims at searching relevant images among fine-grained classes given a query. The main difficulty of this task derives from the small interclass distinction and the large intraclass variance of fine-grained images, posing severe challenges to the methods that only resort to global or local features. In this paper, we propose a novel fine-grained image retrieval method, where global–local aware feature representation is learned. Specifically, the global feature is extracted by selecting the most relevant deep descriptors. Meanwhile, we explore the intrinsic relationship of different parts via the frequent pattern mining, thus obtaining the representative local feature. Further, an aggregation feature that learns global–local aware feature representation is designed. Consequently, the discriminative ability among different fine-grained classes is enhanced. We evaluate the proposed method on five popular fine-grained datasets. Extensive experimental results demonstrate that the performance of fine-grained image retrieval is improved with the proposed global–local aware representation.
Effect of Feeding Discarded Durian Peel Ensiled with Lactobacillus casei TH14 and Additives in Total Mixed Rations on Digestibility, Ruminal Fermentation, Methane Mitigation, and Nitrogen Balance of Thai Native–Anglo-Nubian Goats
Authors: Panyawoot Natcha , So Sarong , Cherdthong Anusorn , Chanjula Pin
Published: January 2022

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of fermented discarded durian peel with Lactobacillus casei TH14, cellulase, and molasses separately or in combination in total mixed rations on feed utilization, digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and nitrogen utilization in growing crossbreed Thai Native–Anglo-Nubian goats. Five crossbreed Thai Native–Anglo-Nubian goats (50%) at 9 to 12 months of age and 20 ± 1 of body weight (BW) were assigned to a 5 × 5 Latin square design. Evaluated treatments were fermented discarded durian peel without additives (FDP), fermented discarded durian peel with 5% of molasses (FDPM), fermented discarded durian peel with 2% of cellulase (FDPC), fermented discarded durian peel with 1.0 × 105 cfu/g fresh matter of L. casei TH14 (FDPL), and fermented discarded durian peel with 5% of molasses and 1.0 × 105 cfu/g fresh matter of L. casei TH14 (FDPML). This study showed that acid detergent fiber intake was different (p < 0.05) between goats fed FDP and those fed FDPLM, 0.24 g/d and 0.20 g/d, respectively. The FDPML ration had significantly (p < 0.05) greater apparent nutrient digestibility and a better propionate concentration compared with other treatments. FDPML treatment significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the acetate-to-propionate ratio, methane production, and urinary nitrogen. Therefore, treated discarded durian peel with molasses and L. casei TH14 in combination could add 25% of dry matter into the diet for growing goats without a negative impact.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Fermentation in 2021
Authors:   Fermentation Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Analysis of Deformation in an Aluminium Hull Impacting Water Free Surface
Authors: Mercuri Alessandro , Fanelli Pierluigi , Falcucci Giacomo , Ubertini Stefano , Jannelli Elio , Biscarini Chiara
Published: January 2022

Water impacts provide a challenge for a wide range of applications, from aerospace, to marine, mechanical and civil engineering, due to the complexity conveyed by the coexistence of impulsive loads, large local deformations and high-amplitude vibrations. Thus, the need for reliable structural health monitoring (SHM) systems is emerging in the industrial field of fluid-structure interaction (FSI) applications. In this paper, we leverage the previous work on strain and displacement fields reconstruction to analyse a scale aluminium model subject to water vertical and oblique impacts. Fibre Bragg grating (FBG) sensors were installed on the hull ribs and used both as reconstruction sensors (to reconstruct the structure mechanical behaviour characteristics) and as control sensors, by using their signals to compare the real and reconstructed structural parameters, at the sensors locations. Finally, the effectiveness of different reconstruction layouts was investigated referring to the strain signal reconstruction quality in case of both vertical and oblique impacts. Results show the potential of the described method for the reconstruction of strain signal through a proper choice of the reconstruction sensors positions both in case of vertical and oblique impacts.
Front Propagation of Exponentially Truncated Fractional-Order Epidemics
Authors: Farhadi Afshin , Hanert Emmanuel
Published: January 2022

The existence of landscape constraints in the home range of living organisms that adopt Lévy-flight movement patterns, prevents them from making arbitrarily large displacements. Their random movements indeed occur in a finite space with an upper bound. In order to make realistic models, by introducing exponentially truncated Lévy flights, such an upper bound can thus be taken into account in the reaction-diffusion models. In this work, we have investigated the influence of the λ-truncated fractional-order diffusion operator on the spatial propagation of the epidemics caused by infectious diseases, where λ is the truncation parameter. Analytical and numerical simulations show that depending on the value of λ, different asymptotic behaviours of the travelling-wave solutions can be identified. For small values of λ (λ≳0), the tails of the infective waves can decay algebraically leading to an exponential growth of the epidemic speed. In that case, the truncation has no impact on the superdiffusive epidemics. By increasing the value of λ, the algebraic decaying tails can be tamed leading to either an upper bound on the epidemic speed representing the maximum speed value or the generation of the infective waves of a constant shape propagating at a minimum constant speed as observed in the classical models (second-order diffusion epidemic models). Our findings suggest that the truncated fractional-order diffusion equations have the potential to model the epidemics of animals performing Lévy flights, as the animal diseases can spread more smoothly than the exponential acceleration of the human disease epidemics.
Back-Arc Spreading Centers and Superfast Subduction: The Case of the Northern Lau Basin (SW Pacific Ocean)
Authors: Palmiotto Camilla , Ficini Eleonora , Loreto Maria Filomena , Muccini Filippo , Cuffaro Marco
Published: January 2022

The Lau Basin is a back-arc region formed by the subduction of the Pacific plate below the Australian plate. We studied the regional morphology of the back-arc spreading centers of the Northern Lau basin, and we compared it to their relative spreading rates. We obtained a value of 60.2 mm/year along the Northwest Lau Spreading Centers based on magnetic data, improving on the spreading rate literature data. Furthermore, we carried out numerical models including visco-plastic rheologies and prescribed surface velocities, in an upper plate-fixed reference frame. Although our thermal model points to a high temperature only near the Tonga trench, the model of the second invariant of the strain rate shows active deformation in the mantle from the Tonga trench to ~800 km along the overriding plate. This explains the anomalous magmatic production along all the volcanic centers in the Northern Lau Back-Arc Basin.
An Alternative to Transvenous Lead Extraction in Selected Patients with CIED Infections—A Retrospective Outcome Study
Authors: Llewellyn Jennifer , Meda Goutham , Garner Daniel , Wright David J. , Rao Archana
Published: January 2022

Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implants are rising in an older, more co-morbid population. The prevalence of CIED infection ranges from 1–4%. Whilst complete extraction of all transvenous hardware is recommended for infected, eroded, or pre-eroding CIEDs, this approach is not without risk and may be unacceptable to some patients. Long-term data on a more conservative strategy is lacking. We report on our experience of conservative management with pocket revision as a primary strategy in carefully selected patients. Method: A retrospective review of all CIED revision procedures was undertaken at a large tertiary center, over a 7-year period, with a mean follow-up timeframe of 39 months. Results: A total of 86 patients underwent 96 revision procedures; 7 patients required further revisions and 13 went on to undergo CIED extraction by the end of the follow-up period. The overall rate of mortality at 12 months was 8.1%, increasing to 24.4% at the end of the follow-up period. Conclusion: Our data provide important outcome information on an alternative strategy to lead extraction in carefully selected patients where the risk of extraction is perceived to be unacceptable. The absence of systemic infection appears to predict better outcomes than previously reported, and over two-thirds of patients remained complication-free at 12 months.
In Vitro Growth Responses of Ornamental Bananas (Musa sp.) as Affected by Light Sources
Authors: Vendrame Wagner A. , Feuille Cassandre , Beleski David , Bueno Paulo Mauricio Centenaro
Published: January 2022

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have become very popular for the production of horticultural crops. LEDs represent an alternative lighting source to regular fluorescent (FL) bulbs, increasing the quality of plants and minimizing production costs. LEDs also provide selective light intensity and quality, suitable for commercial micropropagation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth and development of in vitro ornamental bananas under different light sources. Two ornamental banana varieties were selected for this study: Musa ‘Little Prince’ and Musa ‘Truly Tiny’. Light quality and intensity of three different light sources were evaluated: LED-1 (116 μmol m−2 s−1), LED-2 (90 μmol m−2 s−1), and FL (100 μmol m−2 s−1). Length and biomass of plantlets were greater under LED-1 compared to FL but not significantly different from LED-2. The fresh and dry weight of shoots and roots, number of leaves, and number and length of roots were not significantly different between treatments. Chlorophyll content was greater under LEDs. Leaf number and stomata number and size were greater under FL. Our results indicate that shoot length and biomass could be improved by optimizing light quality and intensity. Different responses to light sources between the two banana varieties also indicated a genotype effect.
The Residual Efficacy of SumiShield™ 50WG and K-Othrine® WG250 IRS Formulations Applied to Different Building Materials against Anopheles and Aedes Mosquitoes
Authors: Lees Rosemary Susan , Praulins Giorgio , Lissenden Natalie , South Andy , Carson Jessica , Brown Faye , Lucas John , Malone David
Published: January 2022

Insecticides with novel modes of action are required to complement the pyrethroids currently relied upon for controlling malaria vectors. One example of this is the neonicotinoid clothianidin, the active ingredient in the indoor residual spray (IRS) SumiShield™ 50WG. In a preliminary experiment, the mortality of insecticide-susceptible and resistant An. gambiae adults exposed to filter papers treated with this IRS product reached 80% by 3 days post-exposure and 100% by 6 days post-exposure. Next, cement, wood, and mud tiles were treated with the clothianidin or a deltamethrin-based IRS formulation (K-Othrine WG250). Insecticide resistant and susceptible Anopheles and Aedes were exposed to these surfaces periodically for up to 18 months. Pyrethroid resistant Cx. quinquefasciatus was also exposed at 9 months. Between exposures, tiles were stored in heat and relative humidity conditions reflecting those found in the field. On these surfaces, the clothianidin IRS was effective at killing both susceptible and resistant An. gambiae for 18 months post-treatment, while mortality amongst the resistant strains when exposed to the deltamethrin IRS was not above that of the negative control. Greater efficacy of clothianidin was also demonstrated against insecticide resistant strains of An. funestus compared to deltamethrin, though the potency was lower when compared with An. gambiae. In general, higher efficacy of the clothianidin IRS was observed on cement and mud compared to wood, though it demonstrated poorer residual activity against Ae.aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus.
Law, Socio-Legal Governance, the Internet of Things, and Industry 4.0: A Middle-Out/Inside-Out Approach
Authors: Casanovas Pompeu , de Koker Louis , Hashmi Mustafa
Published: January 2022

The Web of Data, the Internet of Things, and Industry 4.0 are converging, and society is challenged to ensure that appropriate regulatory responses can uphold the rule of law fairly and effectively in this emerging context. The challenge extends beyond merely submitting digital processes to the law. We contend that the 20th century notion of ‘legal order’ alone will not be suitable to produce the social order that the law should bring. The article explores the concepts of rule of law and of legal governance in digital and blockchain environments. We position legal governance from an empirical perspective, i.e., as an explanatory and validation concept to support the implementation of the rule of law in the new digital environments. As a novel contribution, this article (i) progresses some of the work done on the metarule of law and complements the SMART middle-out approach with an inside-out approach to digital regulatory systems and legal compliance models; (ii) sets the state-of-the-art and identifies the way to explain and validate legal information flows and hybrid agents’ behaviour; (iii) describes a phenomenological and historical approach to legal and political forms; and (iv) shows the utility of separating enabling and driving regulatory systems.
Microstructure-Free Finite Element Modeling for Elasticity Characterization and Design of Fine-Particulate Composites
Authors: Luo Yunhua
Published: January 2022

The microstructure-based finite element modeling (MB-FEM) of material representative volume element (RVE) is a widely used tool in the characterization and design of various composites. However, the MB-FEM has a number of deficiencies, e.g., time-consuming in the generation of a workable geometric model, challenge in achieving high volume-fractions of inclusions, and poor quality of finite element mesh. In this paper, we first demonstrate that for particulate composites the particle inclusions have homogeneous distribution and random orientation, and if the ratio of particle characteristic length to RVE size is adequately small, elastic properties characterized from the RVE are independent of particle shape and size. Based on this fact, we propose a microstructure-free finite element modeling (MF-FEM) approach to eliminate the deficiencies of the MB-FEM. The MF-FEM first generates a uniform mesh of brick elements for the RVE, and then a number of the elements, with their total volume determined by the desired volume fraction of inclusions, is randomly selected and assigned with the material properties of the inclusions; the rest of the elements are set to have the material properties of the matrix. Numerical comparison showed that the MF-FEM has a similar accuracy as the MB-FEM in the predicted properties. The MF-FEM was validated against experimental data reported in the literature and compared with the widely used micromechanical models. The results show that for a composite with small contrast of phase properties, the MF-FEM has excellent agreement with both the experimental data and the micromechanical models. However, for a composite that has large contrast of phase properties and high volume-fraction of inclusions, there exist significant differences between the MF-FEM and the micromechanical models. The proposed MF-FEM may become a more effective tool than the MB-FEM for material engineers to design novel composites.
Effect of Defects Part I: Degradation of Constitutive Coefficients as an Input to the Composite Failure Model with Microvoids and Porosity
Authors: Tavaf Vahid , Banerjee Sourav
Published: January 2022

It is always challenging to provide appropriate material properties for a composite progressive failure model. The nonstandard percentage reduction method that is commonly used to degrade the material constants with micro-scale defects generates tremendous uncertainty in failure prediction. The constitutive matrix is composed of multiple material constants. It is not necessary that all constants degrade either equally or linearly due to a certain state of material defects. With this very concern in mind, this article presents a guideline for using a quantified perturbation for each coefficient appropriately. It also presents distribution of effective material properties (EMPs) in unidirectional composite materials with different states of defects such as voids. Irrespective of resin transfer molding (RTM) or chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) processes, manufacturers’ defects such as voids of different shapes and sizes are the most common that occur in composite materials. Hence, it is important to quantify the ‘effects of defects’ void content herein on each material coefficient and EMP. In this article, stochastically distributed void parameters such as the void content by percent, size, shape, and location are considered. Void diameters and shapes were extracted from scanning acoustic microscope (SAM) images of 300,000 cycles of a fatigued composite. The EMPs were calculated by considering unit cells, homogenization techniques, and micromechanical concepts. The periodic boundary conditions were applied to unit cells to calculate the EMPs. The result showed that EMPs were degraded even when there was a small percentage of the void content. More importantly, the constitutive coefficients did not degrade equally but had a definitive pattern.
On the Relation between the Development of Working Memory Updating and Working Memory Capacity in Preschoolers
Authors: Panesi Sabrina , Bandettini Alessia , Traverso Laura , Morra Sergio
Published: January 2022

This study aims at investigating the relationship between working memory updating and working memory capacity in preschool children. A sample of 176 preschoolers (36–74 months) was administered a working memory updating task (Magic House) along with three working memory capacity tests that specifically measure their core attentional component (M capacity, as defined in the theory of constructive operators): Backward Word Span, Mr. Cucumber, and Direction Following Task. Correlational analyses and cross-classification prediction analyses were performed. Updating and capacity were significantly correlated, although the correlations were not high when age was partialled out. Capacity increased with age, and mediated the relation between age and updating. More importantly, cross-classification prediction analysis revealed that high updating scores with low M capacity, and low updating scores with relatively high M capacity, are possible events; the only combination ruled out was a low updating score with precocious development of M capacity. These facts demonstrate that updating skills in preschoolers depends on M capacity but does not coincide with it. Therefore, in cognitive developmental theories, the constructs of working memory updating and capacity should be distinguished, and on practical grounds, different tests should be used to measure them.
Advanced Processing and Machining of Tungsten and Its Alloys
Authors: Omole Samuel , Lunt Alexander , Kirk Simon , Shokrani Alborz
Published: January 2022

Tungsten is a refractory metal with the highest melting temperature and density of all metals in this group. These properties, together with the high thermal conductivity and strength, make tungsten the ideal material for high-temperature structural use in fusion energy and other applications. It is widely agreed that the manufacture of components with complex geometries is crucial for scaling and optimizing power plant designs. However, there are challenges associated with the large-scale processing and manufacturing of parts made from tungsten and its alloys which limit the production of these complex geometries. These challenges stem from the high ductile-to-brittle transition temperature (DBTT), as well as the strength and hardness of these parts. Processing methods, such as powder metallurgy and additive manufacturing, can generate near-net-shaped components. However, subtractive post-processing techniques are required to complement these methods. This paper provides an in-depth exploration and discussion of different processing and manufacturing methods for tungsten and identifies the challenges and gaps associated with each approach. It includes conventional and unconventional machining processes, as well as research on improving the ductility of tungsten using various methods, such as alloying, thermomechanical treatment, and grain structure refinement.
The Intention of Community Participation in the Qilian Mountain National Park Policy Pilot
Authors: Jia Liqi , Wei Junqing , Wang Zibin
Published: January 2022

As a management strategy, community participation is to implement the coordinated development of communities and protected areas. In recent years, the development of China’s national parks has faced many challenges related to human and environmental constraints. Community participation plays an essential role in solving such issues. As one of the critical indicators to test community participation, community residents’ willingness to participate significantly impacts community participation in constructing national parks. As such, this study was conducted using the extended model of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the structural equation model. Taking the Tianzhu county and Sunan Yugu county as examples, and based on 230 valid questionnaires, we investigated the impacts of the Qilian Mountain National Park System Pilot Area on community residents’ willingness to participate and provided relevant suggestions for amendments. The results indicated that, for the Qilian Mountain National Park System Pilot Area, behavioral attitude, subjective norms, and perceptual behavior control positively impacted the participation intention of community residents. At the same time, the variables mentioned above positively impacted the implementation of the participation intention of community residents. Specifically, the order of impacts is as follows: perceptual behavior control (path coefficient = 0.89) > participation behavior attitude (path coefficient = 0.68) > related impact system (path coefficient = 0.41) > subjective norms (path coefficient = 0.38). According to the results, we put forward three suggestions: (1) providing relevant instructions and guidance on various methods to ensure that the pilot policies on the construction of national parks can form a positive relationship with the participation intentions of the community residents; (2) making full use of the function of perceptual behavior control, so the subjective initiative of community residents can be maximized, thereby enhancing the willingness of community residents to participate in constructing national parks; and (3) strengthening the impacts of subjective norms, enhancing the soft culture of national park communities’ participation, reshaping the community cultural landscapes with the goal of constructing national parks, and establishing community residents’ sense of honor as the builders of national parks.
RETRACTED: Port Terminal Performance Evaluation and Modeling
Authors: Mouafo Nebot Giscard , Wang Haiyan
Published: January 2022

Background: The efficiency and competitiveness of port supply chain entities are two critical concerns for maritime transport that must constantly be enhanced. This paper presents an approach called ECOGRAISIM for evaluating the performance of the seaport supply chain. The objective is to achieve an effective operational plan for multimodal terminals. Methods: The proposed approach incorporates the ECOGRAI (Graph with Interconnected Results and Activities) technique with ESSIMAS (Evaluation by Simulation of Innovative Solutions for the Development of Mass Transport on the Seine Axis by electric rail coupons). An additional stage was incorporated to accomplish the performance control. A particular focus was put on action variables and procedures for container and massified transfer management. The multimodal terminal at Le Havre seaport was adopted as the case study. Results: Several scenarios of container transfer were defined and investigated based upon specific features, including delays, minimizing expenses and CO2 emissions. The results show that the operational planning method results in a higher service rate and significantly reduces delay, cost and CO2 emissions. Conclusions: The proposed approach is bound to be beneficial for maritime transport planners and decision makers.
In Situ Dry Chemical Synthesis of Nitrogen-Doped Activated Carbon from Bamboo Charcoal for Carbon Dioxide Adsorption
Authors: Ying Weijun , Tian Shuo , Liu Huan , Zhou Zenan , Kapeso Grantson , Zhong Jinhuan , Zhang Wenbiao
Published: January 2022

In this work, nitrogen-doped bamboo-based activated carbon (NBAC) was in situ synthesized from simply blending bamboo charcoal (BC) with sodamide (SA, NaNH2) powders and heating with a protection of nitrogen flow at a medium temperature. The elemental analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectra of as-synthesized NBAC showed quite a high nitrogen level of the simultaneously activated and doped samples; an abundant pore structure had also been determined from the NBACs which has a narrow size distribution of micropores (<2 nm) and favorable specific surface area that presented superb adsorption performance. The fcarbon dioxide (CO2) adsorption of the NBACs was measured at 0 °C and 25 °C at a pressure of 1 bar, whose capture capacities reached 3.68–4.95 mmol/g and 2.49–3.52 mmol/g, respectively, and the maximum adsorption could be observed for NBACs fabricated with an SA/BC ratio of 3:1 and activated at 500 °C. Further, adsorption selectivity of CO2 over N2 was deduced with the ideal adsorbed solution theory ((IAST), the selectivity was finally calculated which ranged from 15 to 17 for the NBACs fabricated at 500 °C). The initial isosteric heat of adsorption (Qst) of NBACs was also determined at 30–40 kJ/mol, which suggested that CO2 adsorption was a physical process. The results of ten-cycle adsorption-desorption experimentally confirmed the regenerated NBACs of a steady CO2 adsorption performance, that is, the as-synthesized versatile NBAC with superb reproducibility makes it a perspective candidate in CO2 capture and separation application.