bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-Stable Precipitation Polymerization Molecular Entanglement Effect and Molecular Weight Simulations and Experiments
Authors: Qu Jiali , Gao Yi , Yang Wantai
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we developed a reactive molecular dynamics (RMD) scheme to simulate the Self-Stable Precipitation (SP) polymerization of 1-pentene and cyclopentene (C5) with maleic anhydride (MAn) in an all-atom resolution. We studied the chain propagation mechanism by tracking the changes in molecular conformation and analyzing end-to-end distance and radius of gyration. The results show that the main reason of chain termination in the reaction process was due to intramolecular cyclic entanglement, which made the active center wrapped in the center of the globular chain. After conducting the experiment in the same condition with the simulation, we found that the distribution trend and peak value of the molecular-weight-distribution curve in the simulation were consistent with experimental results. The simulated number average molecular weight (Mn) and weight average molecular weight (Mw) were in good agreement with the experiment. Moreover, the simulated molecular polydispersity index (PDI) for cyclopentene reaction with maleic anhydride was accurate, differing by 0.04 from the experimental value. These show that this model is suitable for C5–maleic anhydride self-stable precipitation polymerization and is expected to be used as a molecular weight prediction tool for other maleic anhydride self-stable precipitation polymerization system.
An Optimization Study of Carbon Dioxide Absorption into the Aqueous Solution of Monoethanolamine and Tetrabutylphosphonium Methanesulfonate Hybrid Solvent Using RSM-CCD Methodology
Authors: Zainul Anuar Mus’ab Umair , Taha Mohd Faisal , Md Yunus Noor Mona , Mat Ghani Siti Musliha , Idris Azila
Published: July 2021

The main purposes of this project are to assess and to optimize the solubility of carbon dioxide (CO2) in an aqueous 30 wt% monoethanolamine-tetrabutylphosphonium methanesulfonate (MEA-[TBP][MeSO3]) new hybrid solvent. In this study, the viscosity and density of aqueous MEA-[TBP][MeSO3] hybrid solvents containing different amounts of [TBP][MeSO4] were determined. Meanwhile, Fourier Transform-Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy was used to determine the presence of carbamate in aqueous MEA-[TBP][MeSO3] to prove that CO2 was absorbed by aqueous MEA-[TBP][MeSO3]. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on central composite design (CCD) was used to design the experiments and explore the effects of three independent parameters on the solubility of CO2 in aqueous MEA-[TBP][MeSO3]. The three independent parameters are concentration of [TBP][MeSO3] (2–20 wt.%), temperature (30–60 °C) and pressure of CO2 (2–30 bar). The experimental data was found to fit a quadratic equation using multiple regressions and analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The final empirical equation in terms of actual factors was deducted as mol fraction = 0.5316 − (2.76 × 10−4)A − (8.8 × 10−4)B + (8.48 × 10−3)C + (2.9 × 10−5)AB + (2.976 × 10−6)AC + (5.5 × 10−5)BC − (8.4 × 10−5)A2 − (3.3 × 10−5)B2 − (1.19 × 10−4)C2, whereby A = ionic liquid ([TBP][MeSO3]) concentration, B = temperature and C = CO2 pressure. An attempt was made to perform the experiments for solubility of CO2 in aqueous MEA-[TBP][MeSO3] to validate the removal of CO2 predicted by RSM. Based on a validation study, the experimental data showed a percentage error between 0.6% and 2.11% as compared to the predicted value of CO2 removal by RSM.
Item Parameter Estimation in Multistage Designs: A Comparison of Different Estimation Approaches for the Rasch Model
Authors: Steinfeld Jan , Robitzsch Alexander
Published: July 2021

There is some debate in the psychometric literature about item parameter estimation in multistage designs. It is occasionally argued that the conditional maximum likelihood (CML) method is superior to the marginal maximum likelihood method (MML) because no assumptions have to be made about the trait distribution. However, CML estimation in its original formulation leads to biased item parameter estimates. Zwitser and Maris (2015, Psychometrika) proposed a modified conditional maximum likelihood estimation method for multistage designs that provides practically unbiased item parameter estimates. In this article, the differences between different estimation approaches for multistage designs were investigated in a simulation study. Four different estimation conditions (CML, CML estimation with the consideration of the respective MST design, MML with the assumption of a normal distribution, and MML with log-linear smoothing) were examined using a simulation study, considering different multistage designs, number of items, sample size, and trait distributions. The results showed that in the case of the substantial violation of the normal distribution, the CML method seemed to be preferable to MML estimation employing a misspecified normal trait distribution, especially if the number of items and sample size increased. However, MML estimation using log-linear smoothing lea to results that were very similar to the CML method with the consideration of the respective MST design.
Newman, Catholicity, and the Church Today: On the Development of Christian Principles through Dialogue with the World
Authors: Cimorelli Christopher
Published: July 2021

This article explores the following question: Given the Roman Catholic Church’s present-day teaching on catholicity, how can St. John Henry Newman’s historically conscious, imaginative view of catholicity assist Catholic Christians today in understanding the concept faithfully, but in a manner ‘open’ to its potential development in an age of shifting metaphysics? After (1) an introduction to the topic and challenges to the notion of catholicity today, this article then (2) analyzes the present-day view of catholicity as a mark of the church according to the ‘Catechism of the Catholic Church’, noting areas of development as well as limitations. The article then (3) investigates Newman’s understanding of catholicity within his sacramental and imaginative worldview. Newman’s understanding of the development of principles and doctrines is particularly relevant for a consideration today of how the church’s view of catholicity might authentically develop from a dialogue between religion and science. The article then (4) synthesizes results in a concluding section that indicates how the fruits of the preceding analysis could be realized through eco-theological dialogue.
Human Spirituality: Jean-Louis Chrétien and the Vital Side of Speech
Authors: Peruzzotti Francesca
Published: July 2021

Jean-Louis Chrétien founded his phenomenological enquiry on an analysis of the word as defined by the call and response link. His analysis provides an in-depth approach to spiritual experience as a basis for authentic religious experience. The description of the theoretical sites in which he confronts the theme of the spirit (vital breath, Holy Spirit, inspiration of Scripture, and spiritual life and prayer) determines some fixed points that allow us to define spiritual experience as intersubjective and fleshly, and therefore, not reducible to solipsism and intimism.
Jain Veganism: Ancient Wisdom, New Opportunities
Authors: Miller Christopher Jain , Dickstein Jonathan
Published: July 2021

This article seeks to elevate contemporary Jain voices calling for the adoption of a vegan lifestyle as a sign of solidarity with the transnational vegan movement and its animal rights, environmental protection, and health aspirations. Just as important, however, this article also seeks to present some of the unique features of contemporary Jain veganism, including, most specifically, Jain veganism as an ascetic practice aimed at the embodiment of non-violence (ahiṃsā), the eradication (nirjarā) of karma, and the liberation (mokṣa) of the Self (jīva). These are distinctive features of Jain veganism often overlooked and yet worthy of our attention. We begin the article with a brief discussion of transnational veganism and Jain veganism’s place within this global movement. This is followed by an overview of Jain karma theory as it appears in the Tattvārtha Sūtra, an authoritative diasporic Jain text. Next, we present two case studies of contemporary Jain expressions of veganism: (1) The UK-based organization known as “Jain Vegans” and (2) The US-based organization known as “Vegan Jains”. Both organizations have found new opportunities in transnational veganism to practice and embody the virtue of ahiṃsā as well as Jain karma theory. As we will show, though both organizations share the animal, human, and environmental protection aspirations found in transnational veganism, Jain Vegans and Vegan Jains simultaneously promote ahiṃsā to varying degrees in service of the Jain path to liberation. We conclude the article with a brief reconsideration of Marcus Banks’s diasporic “three tendencies” model to demonstrate how contemporary manifestations of Jain veganism compel us to revisit our understanding of diasporic expressions of Jain religious belief and praxis.
Target Detection Network for SAR Images Based on Semi-Supervised Learning and Attention Mechanism
Authors: Wei Di , Du Yuang , Du Lan , Li Lu
Published: July 2021

The existing Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) image target detection methods based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have achieved remarkable performance, but these methods require a large number of target-level labeled training samples to train the network. Moreover, some clutter is very similar to targets in SAR images with complex scenes, making the target detection task very difficult. Therefore, a SAR target detection network based on a semi-supervised learning and attention mechanism is proposed in this paper. Since the image-level label simply marks whether the image contains the target of interest or not, which is easier to be labeled than the target-level label, the proposed method uses a small number of target-level labeled training samples and a large number of image-level labeled training samples to train the network with a semi-supervised learning algorithm. The proposed network consists of a detection branch and a scene recognition branch with a feature extraction module and an attention module shared between these two branches. The feature extraction module can extract the deep features of the input SAR images, and the attention module can guide the network to focus on the target of interest while suppressing the clutter. During the semi-supervised learning process, the target-level labeled training samples will pass through the detection branch, while the image-level labeled training samples will pass through the scene recognition branch. During the test process, considering the help of global scene information in SAR images for detection, a novel coarse-to-fine detection procedure is proposed. After the coarse scene recognition determining whether the input SAR image contains the target of interest or not, the fine target detection is performed on the image that may contain the target. The experimental results based on the measured SAR dataset demonstrate that the proposed method can achieve better performance than the existing methods.
Recent Advances in Enzymatic and Non-Enzymatic Electrochemical Glucose Sensing
Authors: Hassan Mohamed H. , Vyas Cian , Grieve Bruce , Bartolo Paulo
Published: July 2021

The detection of glucose is crucial in the management of diabetes and other medical conditions but also crucial in a wide range of industries such as food and beverages. The development of glucose sensors in the past century has allowed diabetic patients to effectively manage their disease and has saved lives. First-generation glucose sensors have considerable limitations in sensitivity and selectivity which has spurred the development of more advanced approaches for both the medical and industrial sectors. The wide range of application areas has resulted in a range of materials and fabrication techniques to produce novel glucose sensors that have higher sensitivity and selectivity, lower cost, and are simpler to use. A major focus has been on the development of enzymatic electrochemical sensors, typically using glucose oxidase. However, non-enzymatic approaches using direct electrochemistry of glucose on noble metals are now a viable approach in glucose biosensor design. This review discusses the mechanisms of electrochemical glucose sensing with a focus on the different generations of enzymatic-based sensors, their recent advances, and provides an overview of the next generation of non-enzymatic sensors. Advancements in manufacturing techniques and materials are key in propelling the field of glucose sensing, however, significant limitations remain which are highlighted in this review and requires addressing to obtain a more stable, sensitive, selective, cost efficient, and real-time glucose sensor.
New Hydraulic Sensor for Distributed and Automated Displacement Measurements with Temperature Compensation System
Authors: Bednarski Łukasz , Sieńko Rafał , Kanty Piotr , Howiacki Tomasz
Published: July 2021

Structural health monitoring (SHM) is a challenging task, especially in the context of ground and geotechnical structures. They are characterized by a set of random mechanical parameters, depending on the location but also changing with external conditions (such as humidity or temperature) over time. Theoretical predictions and results of numerical simulations are, therefore, considerably uncertain. On the other hand, measurements aimed at improving construction and operation of such structures are very often performed only in selected points, which significantly increases the risk of data misinterpretation. Reliable measurement data related to structural condition are of the great importance because they allow for improvement of work quality but also reduce construction time and, thereby, save money. That is why scientists and engineers are still searching for new measurement solutions to overcome existing limitations. The purpose of the study is to present the design and practical application of a new hydraulic sensor dedicated to vertical displacement sensing. The novelty of the presented solution lies in several features, including the possibility of performing automatic measurements and compensating the results due to temperature effects. The article describes the sensor’s design, including the concept of a thermal compensation system and example results from laboratory tests, where the sensor’s performance was investigated in a dual-zone thermal chamber. Finally, the sensor was installed within the field conditions under an embankment constructed above the improved substrate. Example results verified by reference distributed fiber optic technique are presented and discussed hereafter, raising high prospects in the context of possible structural health monitoring applications of the new solution.
Blockchain Processing Technique Based on Multiple Hash Chains for Minimizing Integrity Errors of IoT Data in Cloud Environments
Authors: Jeong Yoon-Su
Published: July 2021

As IoT (Internet of Things) devices are diversified in the fields of use (manufacturing, health, medical, energy, home, automobile, transportation, etc.), it is becoming important to analyze and process data sent and received from IoT devices connected to the Internet. Data collected from IoT devices is highly dependent on secure storage in databases located in cloud environments. However, storing directly in a database located in a cloud environment makes it not only difficult to directly control IoT data, but also does not guarantee the integrity of IoT data due to a number of hazards (error and error handling, security attacks, etc.) that can arise from natural disasters and management neglect. In this paper, we propose an optimized hash processing technique that enables hierarchical distributed processing with an n-bit-size blockchain to minimize the loss of data generated from IoT devices deployed in distributed cloud environments. The proposed technique minimizes IoT data integrity errors as well as strengthening the role of intermediate media acting as gateways by interactively authenticating blockchains of n bits into n + 1 and n − 1 layers to normally validate IoT data sent and received from IoT data integrity errors. In particular, the proposed technique ensures the reliability of IoT information by validating hash values of IoT data in the process of storing index information of IoT data distributed in different locations in a blockchain in order to maintain the integrity of the data. Furthermore, the proposed technique ensures the linkage of IoT data by allowing minimal errors in the collected IoT data while simultaneously grouping their linkage information, thus optimizing the load balance after hash processing. In performance evaluation, the proposed technique reduced IoT data processing time by an average of 2.54 times. Blockchain generation time improved on average by 17.3% when linking IoT data. The asymmetric storage efficiency of IoT data according to hash code length is improved by 6.9% on average over existing techniques. Asymmetric storage speed according to the hash code length of the IoT data block was shown to be 10.3% faster on average than existing techniques. Integrity accuracy of IoT data is improved by 18.3% on average over existing techniques.
Optical Simulation and Experimental Assessment with Time–Walk Correction of TOF–PET Detectors with Multi-Ended Readouts
Authors: Xie Siwei , Zhu Zhiliang , Zhang Xi , Xie Qiangqiang , Yu Hongsen , Zhang Yibin , Xu Jianfeng , Peng Qiyu
Published: July 2021

As a commonly used solution, the multi-ended readout can measure the depth-of-interaction (DOI) for positron emission tomography (PET) detectors. In the present study, the effects of the multi-ended readout design were investigated using the leading-edge discriminator (LED) triggers on the timing performance of time-of-flight (TOF) PET detectors. At the very first, the photon transmission model of the four detectors, namely, single-ended readout, dual-ended readout, side dual-ended readout, and triple-ended readout, was established in Tracepro. The optical simulation revealed that the light output of the multi-ended readout was higher. Meanwhile, the readout circuit could be triggered earlier. Especially, in the triple-ended readout, the light output at 0.5 ns was observed to be nearly twice that of the single-ended readout after the first scintillating photon was generated. Subsequently, a reference detector was applied to test the multi-ended readout detectors that were constructed from a 6 × 6 × 25 mm3 LYSO crystal. Each module is composed of a crystal coupled with multiple SiPMs. Accordingly, its timing performance was improved by approximately 10% after the compensation of fourth-order polynomial fitting. Finally, the compensated full-width-at-half-maximum (FWHM) coincidence timing resolutions (CTR) of the dual-ended readout, side dual-ended readout, and triple-ended readout were 216.9 ps, 231.0 ps, and 203.6 ps, respectively.
Study of Highly Sensitive Formaldehyde Sensors Based on ZnO/CuO Heterostructure via the Sol-Gel Method
Authors: Liu Jing , Chen Yan , Zhang Hongyan
Published: July 2021

Formaldehyde (HCHO) gas sensors with high performance based on the ZnO/CuO heterostructure (ZC) were designed, and the sensing mechanism was explored. FTIR results show that more OH− and N–H groups appeared on the surface of ZC with an increase in Cu content. XPS results show that ZC has more free oxygen radicals (O*) on its surface compared with ZnO, which will react with more absorbed HCHO molecules to form CO2, H2O and, electrons, accelerating the oxidation-reduction reaction to enhance the sensitivity of the ZC sensor. Furthermore, electrons move from ZnO to CuO in the ZC heterostructure due to the higher Fermi level of ZnO, and holes move from CuO to ZnO until the Fermi level reaches an equilibrium, which means the ZC heterostructure facilitates more free electrons existing on the surface of ZC. Sensing tests show that ZC has a low detection limit (0.079 ppm), a fast response/recovery time (1.78/2.90 s), and excellent selectivity and sensitivity for HCHO detection at room temperature. In addition, ambient humidity has little effect on the ZC gas sensor. All results indicate that the performance of the ZnO sensor for HCHO detection can be improved effectively by ZC heterojunction.
State-of-the-Art Sensors for Remote Care of People with Dementia during a Pandemic: A Systematic Review
Authors: Behera Chandan Kumar , Condell Joan , Dora Shirin , Gibson David S. , Leavey Gerard
Published: July 2021

In the last decade, there has been a significant increase in the number of people diagnosed with dementia. With diminishing public health and social care resources, there is substantial need for assistive technology-based devices that support independent living. However, existing devices may not fully meet these needs due to fears and uncertainties about their use, educational support, and finances. Further challenges have been created by COVID-19 and the need for improved safety and security. We have performed a systematic review by exploring several databases describing assistive technologies for dementia and identifying relevant publications for this review. We found there is significant need for appropriate user testing of such devices and have highlighted certifying bodies for this purpose. Given the safety measures imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, this review identifies the benefits and challenges of existing assistive technologies for people living with dementia and their caregivers. It also provides suggestions for future research in these areas.
IoT-Based Sanitizer Station Network: A Facilities Management Case Study on Monitoring Hand Sanitizer Dispenser Usage
Authors: Zhao Junqi , Zhou Boyang , Butler Jared P. , Bock Randall G. , Portelli Joseph P. , Bilén Sven G.
Published: July 2021

Maintaining hand hygiene has been an essential preventive measure for reducing disease transmission in public facilities, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The large number of sanitizer stations deployed within public facilities, such as on university campuses, brings challenges for effective facility management. This paper proposes an IoT sensor network for tracking sanitizer usage in public facilities and supporting facility management using a data-driven approach. Specifically, the system integrates low-cost wireless sensors, LoRaWAN, and cloud-based computing techniques to realize data capture, communication, and analysis. The proposed approach was validated through field experiments in a large building on a university campus to assess the network signal coverage and effectiveness of sensor operation for facility monitoring. The results show that a LoRaWAN created from a single gateway can successfully connect to sensors distributed throughout the entire building, with the sensor nodes recording and transmitting events across the network for further analysis. Overall, this paper demonstrates the potential of leveraging the IoT-based Sanitizer Station Network to track public health mitigation methods in a large facility, which ultimately contributes to reducing the burden of maintaining public health during and post-pandemic.
A Review of Global Collaboration on COVID-19 Research during the Pandemic in 2020
Authors: Kim Kyungkook , Cho Keun Tae
Published: July 2021

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, which has become a severe threat to the health and sustainability of human life, scholars have published numerous research results. Although the importance of international research collaboration has been highlighted as a means of overcoming this global crisis, research on this particular problem has been lacking. Therefore, this study focused on the response of academia to COVID-19 by examining the collaboration between international research, and its impact. This study extracted data from Scopus, sampling articles and reviews published in 2020. By analyzing scenarios by country and international research collaboration based on data on authors’ nationalities and the research areas of documents, this study revealed that the United States and China contributed the most. In all countries, most research was conducted on medicine. European and American countries demonstrated significant interest in the social sciences and Asian countries in the life sciences. Furthermore, some countries, including Belgium and Pakistan, extended their research interests through international research collaboration. The results of this study highlight the importance of international research collaboration across various areas by overcoming the regional imbalance in intercountry collaboration and the concentration on a limited scope of subjects.
Experimental Study on the Effect of Dust Deposition on a Car Park Photovoltaic System with Different Cleaning Cycles
Authors: Alawasa Khaled M. , AlAbri Rashid S. , Al-Hinai Amer S. , Albadi Mohammed H. , Al-Badi Abdullah H.
Published: July 2021

For a decade, investments in solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have been increasing exponentially in the Middle East. Broadly speaking, these investments have been facing tremendous challenges due to the harsh weather in this particular part of the world. Dust accumulation is one the challenges that negatively affects the performance of solar PV systems. The overall goal of this paper is to thoroughly investigate the effect of dust accumulation on the energy yield of car park PV systems. With this aim in mind, the paper presents scientific values for further research and opens the horizon for attracting further investments in solar PV systems. This study is based on a real PV system in the Sultanate of Oman and considers different cleaning cycles for 16 months (from 29 July 2018 to 10 November 2019). Furthermore, four different PV groups were assessed, and the system was monitored under different cleaning frequencies. In general, it was found that dust accumulation has a significant impact; under 29-day, 32-day, 72-day, and 98-day cleaning cycles, the average percentages of energy loss due to soiling were 9.5%, 18.2%, 31.13%, and 45.6%, respectively. In addition, the dust effect has a seasonal variation. The study revealed that dust accumulation has a more negative impact during summer than during winter. During summer, the energy losses due to soiling were 8.7% higher than those during winter. The difference was attributed to different environmental conditions, with high humidity and low wind speed being the main factors that worsen the impact of dust during summer. Based on the findings of this research, a monthly cleaning program is highly recommended in the city of Muscat.
Internet of Things (IoT) as Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Enabling Technology towards Smart Readiness Indicators (SRI) for University Buildings
Authors: Martínez Ignacio , Zalba Belén , Trillo-Lado Raquel , Blanco Teresa , Cambra David , Casas Roberto
Published: July 2021

Non-residential buildings contribute to around 20% of the total energy consumed in Europe. This consumption continues to increase globally. Smart building proposals (focused on Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB), air quality monitoring, energy saving with thermal comfort, etc.) were already necessary before 2020, and the pandemic has made this research and development area more essential. Furthermore, the need to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and obtain technological solutions based on the Internet of Things (IoT) requires holistic contributions through real installations that serve as spaces for measuring, testing, study and research. This article proposes a “measure–analyse–decide and act” methodology to quantify the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) for university buildings as a reference environment for energy efficiency and COVID-19 prevention models. Two conceptual spaces (physical and digital) within two dimensions (users and infrastructures) are designated over an IoT three-level model (information acquisition, interoperable communication, and data-driven decision). An IoT ecosystem (sensoriZAR) was implemented as a proof-of-concept of a smart campus at the University of Zaragoza, Spain. Focused on CO2 and energy consumption monitoring, the results showed effectiveness through real installations, demonstrating the IoT potential as SDG-enabling technologies. These contributions allow not only experimental lab tests (from the authors’ expertise in several specialties of Industrial, Mechanical, Design, Thermal, Electrical, Electronic, Computer and Telecommunication Engineering) but also a reference model for direct application in academic works, research projects and institutional initiatives, extendable to professional environments, buildings and cities.
Using Onboard-Produced Drinking Water to Achieve Ballast-Free Management
Authors: Lu Kun-Tu , Lui Hon-Kit , Chen Chen-Tung Arthur , Liu Li-Lian , Yang Lei , Dong Cheng-Di , Chen Chiu-Wen
Published: July 2021

Based on the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (the Ballast Water Management Convention, or BWM Convention) of the International Maritime Organization, from 8 September 2017, all ships must have an approved Ballast Water Management Treatment System (BWTS) to prevent the invasion of alien species through the discharge of ballast. Generally speaking, the need for an approved BWTS is limited to large vessels, as they are too large or too expensive for small vessels to install. This study aims to propose a simple ballast-free approach for small vessels (e.g., tugs, workboats, research vessels) that require ballast to compensate for the weight loss of fuel when sailing. Our approach involves refitting the dedicated ballast tank of these small vessels to be drinking water tanks and filling the tanks with onboard-generated distilled or reverse osmosis water to adjust the stability of the ships. We assessed our approach using three vessels. Two ships using our proposed method were certified by the American Bureau of Shipping as containing no ballast water tank, and not being subject to the BWM Convention. This study provides an environmentally harmless, easy to use, and economical approach for small vessels to comply with the BWM Convention.
Smart Evaluation of Green Campus Sustainability Considering Energy Utilization
Authors: Zhao Hongmei , Xu Yang , Hong Wei-Chiang , Liang Yi , Zou Dandan
Published: July 2021

With the change in energy utilization, a fast and accurate evaluation method is of great importance to promote green campus sustainability. In order to improve the feasibility and timeliness of evaluation, an intelligent evaluation model based on dynamic Bayesian inference and adaptive network fuzzy inference system (DBN-ANFIS) is proposed. Firstly, from the perspective of sustainability and considering the changes in energy utilization, a green campus evaluation index system is constructed from four levels: campus resource utilization, campus environment creation, campus usage management, and campus eco-efficiency. On this basis, the parameters of the adaptive network fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) are optimized based on dynamic Bayesian inference (DBN), so as to apply the modified model to the green campus evaluation work of the Spark big data operation platform. Finally, the scientificity of the model proposed in this paper is verified through example analysis, which is conducive to the real-time and effective evaluation of green campus sustainability and provides scientific and rational decision support to improve its management.
Study on the Springback Effect and Surface Property for Ultrasonic-Assisted Incremental Sheet Forming of Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Sun Yujing , Lu Zhenyun , Li Chao , Wang Rongtao , Zhai Weidong
Published: July 2021

The effect of ultrasonic vibration on the springback effect and surface property for ultrasonic-assisted incremental sheet forming of aluminum alloy were discussed. A series of experiments were established to explore the ultrasonic vibration on the surface property and springback effect of symmetrical aluminum alloy sheet in order to facilitate analysis of experimental results. It is obtained that the application of ultrasonic vibration can reduce the springback effect. The surface waviness feature aluminum alloy becomes weaker with the continuous increase of ultrasonic amplitude and the surface topography tends to be smoother. In addition, the application of ultrasonic vibration can reduce the surface hardness and promote the surface residual stress distribution to be more uniform. The findings provide an experimental basis for further investigation of the mechanisms of the ultrasonic-assisted incremental sheet forming process.
On Existence Theorems to Symmetric Functional Set-Valued Differential Equations
Authors: Malinowski Marek T.
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we consider functional set-valued differential equations in their integral representations that possess integrals symmetrically on both sides of the equations. The solutions have values that are the nonempty compact and convex subsets. The main results contain a Peano type theorem on the existence of the solution and a Picard type theorem on the existence and uniqueness of the solution to such equations. The proofs are based on sequences of approximations that are constructed with appropriate Hukuhara differences of sets. An estimate of the magnitude of the solution’s values is provided as well. We show the closeness of the unique solutions when the equations differ slightly.
Coincidence Theory in the Coercive Case and Minimax Inequalities
Authors: O’Regan Donal
Published: July 2021

We established coincidence results between maps with continuous selections and admissible maps. Both the compact and coercive cases were considered, and our argument relied on new coincidence ideas established recently by the author. Using our coincidence theory, we established new analytic alternatives, which then generate new minimax inequalities of the Neumann–Sion type.
A Generalized Rayleigh Family of Distributions Based on the Modified Slash Model
Authors: Barranco-Chamorro Inmaculada , Iriarte Yuri A. , Gómez Yolanda M. , Astorga Juan M. , Gómez Héctor W.
Published: July 2021

Specifying a proper statistical model to represent asymmetric lifetime data with high kurtosis is an open problem. In this paper, the three-parameter, modified, slashed, generalized Rayleigh family of distributions is proposed. Its structural properties are studied: stochastic representation, probability density function, hazard rate function, moments and estimation of parameters via maximum likelihood methods. As merits of our proposal, we highlight as particular cases a plethora of lifetime models, such as Rayleigh, Maxwell, half-normal and chi-square, among others, which are able to accommodate heavy tails. A simulation study and applications to real data sets are included to illustrate the use of our results.
Association of Sarcopenia and Gut Microbiota Composition in Older Patients with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease, Investigation of the Interactions with Uremic Toxins, Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Margiotta Elisabetta , Caldiroli Lara , Callegari Maria Luisa , Miragoli Francesco , Zanoni Francesca , Armelloni Silvia , Rizzo Vittoria , Messa Piergiorgio , Vettoretti Simone
Published: July 2021

Sarcopenia is a prevalent condition in chronic kidney disease (CKD). We determined gut microbiota (gMB) composition in CKD patients with or without sarcopenia. Furthermore, we investigated whether in these patients, there was any association between gMB, uremic toxins, inflammation and oxidative stress. We analyzed gMB composition, uremic toxins (indoxyl sulphate and p-cresyl sulphate), inflammatory cytokines (interleukin 10, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 6, interleukin 17, interleukin 12 p70, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and fetuin-A) and oxidative stress (malondialdehyde) of 64 elderly CKD patients (10 < eGFR < 45 mL/min/1.73 m2, not on dialysis) categorized as sarcopenic and not-sarcopenic. Sarcopenia was defined according to European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 criteria. Sarcopenic patients had a greater abundance of the Micrococcaceae and Verrucomicrobiaceae families and of Megasphaera, Rothia, Veillonella, Akkermansia and Coprobacillus genera. They had a lower abundance of the Gemellaceae and Veillonellaceae families and of Acidaminococcus and Gemella genera. GMB was associated with uremic toxins, inflammatory cytokines and MDA. However, uremic toxins, inflammatory cytokines and MDA were not different in sarcopenic compared with not-sarcopenic individuals, except for interleukin 10, which was higher in not-sarcopenic patients. In older CKD patients, gMB was different in sarcopenic than in not-sarcopenic ones. Several bacterial families and genera were associated with uremic toxins and inflammatory cytokines, although none of these latter substantially different in sarcopenic versus not-sarcopenic patients.
Persistence of Pneumococcal Serotype 3 in Adult Pneumococcal Disease in Hong Kong
Authors: Subramanian Reema , Liyanapathirana Veranja , Barua Nilakshi , Sun Rui , Wang Maggie Haitian , Ng Rita , Nelson Edmund A. S. , Hui David S. , Ip Margaret
Published: July 2021

The epidemiology of hospitalised pneumococcal disease in adults following the introduction of universal childhood pneumococcal immunisation in 2009 was assessed. Culture-confirmed Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) from adults hospitalised between 2009 to 2017 were examined. The cases were categorised into invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and pneumonia (bacteraemic, non-bacteraemic, and that associated with other lung conditions). The isolates were serotyped and antimicrobial susceptibilities were determined by microbroth dilution. Patient characteristics, comorbidities, and outcomes were analysed. Seven hundred and seventy-four patients (mean age, 67.7 years, SD ± 15.6) were identified, and IPD was diagnosed in 110 (14.2%). The most prevalent serotype, 19F, was replaced by serotype 3 over time. Penicillin and cefotaxime non-susceptibilities were high at 54.1% and 39.5% (meningitis breakpoints), 19.9% and 25.5% (non-meningitis breakpoints), respectively. The overall 30-day mortality rate was 7.8% and 20.4% for IPD. Age ≥ 75 years (OR:4.6, CI:1.3–17.0, p < 0.02), presence of any complications (OR:4.1, CI:1.02–16.3, p < 0.05), pleural effusion (OR:6.7, CI:1.2–39.4, p < 0.03) and intensive care unit (ICU) admission (OR:9.0, CI:1.3–63.4, p < 0.03) were independent predictors of 30-day mortality. Pneumococcal disease by PCV 13 covered serotypes; in particular, 19F and 3 are still prominent in adults. Strengthening targeted adult vaccination may be necessary in order to reduce disease burden.
Can Communication Strategies Combat COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy with Trade-Off between Public Service Messages and Public Skepticism? Experimental Evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Jin Qiang , Raza Syed Hassan , Yousaf Muhammad , Zaman Umer , Siang Jenny Marisa Lim Dao
Published: July 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic may have reached a turning point as the World Health Organization and the global community of nations step up plans for mass vaccination campaigns. However, the COVID-19 vaccine-related conspiracy theories (e.g., falsehoods about birth control, women infertility, surveillance, and microchip humanity, etc.) have built new momentum for vaccine hesitancy. To this end, several nations worldwide, including Pakistan, are struggling to boost public trust and enthusiasm to get vaccinated, especially in an anxious and complicated atmosphere propelled by multiple, new and the deadliest variants of COVID-19. To address this critical research gap during these intensifying conditions of vaccine hesitancy, the present study makes the first attempt to explore the potential effects of various communication strategies, including public service message (safety benefits versus fear appraisals), media types (i.e., traditional versus digital), self-efficacy, perceived benefits and threats (susceptibility and severity), on the willingness to get vaccinated for COVID-19. Importantly, the underlying effects of public skepticism (in a moderating role) on these relationships were empirically examined. Using four fictitious COVID-19 immunization campaigns in a series of experiments with 2 (media type: traditional vs. digital) X 2 (service attribute: health and safety benefits vs. fear) message frames (represented as Group one to Group four), the findings identified fear appraisal as the most viable communication strategy in combating vaccine hesitancy. Moreover, public skepticism negatively moderated the effects of media types and public service message attributes on willingness to get vaccinated in relatively high (i.e., Group two), moderate (i.e., Group one and four), and low intensities (i.e., Group three). The pioneering findings of this research offer new strategic insights for the global health authorities and vaccine promoters to proactively address the downward spiral of people’s willingness to take the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Expression of Hemagglutinin by a Recombinant Newcastle Disease Virus Causes Structural Changes and Alters Innate Immune Sensing
Authors: Ingrao Fiona , Duchatel Victoria , Rodil Isabel Fernandez , Steensels Mieke , Verleysen Eveline , Mast Jan , Lambrecht Bénédicte
Published: July 2021

Recombinant Newcastle disease viruses (rNDV) have been used as bivalent vectors for vaccination against multiple economically important avian pathogens. NDV-vectored vaccines expressing the immunogenic H5 hemagglutinin (rNDV-H5) are considered attractive candidates to protect poultry from both highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and Newcastle disease (ND). However, the impact of the insertion of a recombinant protein, such as H5, on the biological characteristics of the parental NDV strain has been little investigated to date. The present study compared a rNDV-H5 vaccine and its parental NDV LaSota strain in terms of their structural and functional characteristics, as well as their recognition by the innate immune sensors. Structural analysis of the rNDV-H5 demonstrated a decreased number of fusion (F) and a higher number of hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) glycoproteins compared to NDV LaSota. These structural differences were accompanied by increased hemagglutinating and neuraminidase activities of rNDV-H5. During in vitro rNDV-H5 infection, increased mRNA expression of TLR3, TLR7, MDA5, and LGP2 was observed, suggesting that the recombinant virus is recognized differently by sensors of innate immunity when compared with the parental NDV LaSota. Given the growing interest in using NDV as a vector against human and animal diseases, these data highlight the importance of thoroughly understanding the recombinant vaccines’ structural organization, functional characteristics, and elicited immune responses.
Proteins as Targets in Anti-Schistosomal Drug Discovery and Vaccine Development
Authors: Qokoyi Ndibonani Kebonang , Masamba Priscilla , Kappo Abidemi Paul
Published: July 2021

Proteins hardly function in isolation; they form complexes with other proteins or molecules to mediate cell signaling and control cellular processes in various organisms. Protein interactions control mechanisms that lead to normal and/or disease states. The use of competitive small molecule inhibitors to disrupt disease-relevant protein–protein interactions (PPIs) holds great promise for the development of new drugs. Schistosome invasion of the human host involves a variety of cross-species protein interactions. The pathogen expresses specific proteins that not only facilitate the breach of physical and biochemical barriers present in skin, but also evade the immune system and digestion of human hemoglobin, allowing for survival in the host for years. However, only a small number of specific protein interactions between the host and parasite have been functionally characterized; thus, in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms of these interactions is a key component in the development of new treatment methods. Efforts are now focused on developing a schistosomiasis vaccine, as a proposed better strategy used either alone or in combination with Praziquantel to control and eliminate this disease. This review will highlight protein interactions in schistosomes that can be targeted by specific PPI inhibitors for the design of an alternative treatment to Praziquantel.
As fronteiras do lógos: convergências entre o Tratado do não-ser e o Elogio de Helena de Górgias de Leontini
Authors:   , Furtado Daniela Brinati
Published: July 2021

A atual dissertação tem como objetivo refletir acerca do Tratado do não-ser e do Elogio de Helena, ambos atribuídos a Górgias, avaliando a possibilidade de um pensamento que os perpasse. Para fazê-lo, primeiro buscamos aquilo que poderíamos considerar ser um núcleo do pensamento gorgiano que as duas versões do Tratado (uma do Anônimo de M.X.G. e outra de Sexto no Contra os lógicos) perfazem. Em nossa leitura, concluímos que o Tratado parece buscar a determinação dos limites do lógos: este não é capaz de plenamente traduzir em palavras as coisas externas a ele. Pensamos que tal condição acarreta uma consequência epistemológica, visto que, se buscamos o conhecimento de algo, utilizamo-nos do discurso para tentar expressar o que concebemos até o momento. Ora, se o discurso não é capaz de comunicar plenamente o nosso objeto de pesquisa, então não se é possível expressar realmente nossas considerações; e, se somos capazes apenas de verificá-las no discurso, não há como termos certeza de sua veracidade. O Elogio, ao considerar a alma incerta que busca por opiniões instáveis, parece retomar a consequência dos limites do lógos estabelecida no Tratado. Isso porque, se a alma não é capaz de verificar se ela conhece ou não, ela acaba incerta. Diante disso, o Elogio introduz, então, o poder do lógos: ele, através de um corpo, é mais estável que a alma e, portanto, a persuade para agir conforme aquilo que a comunica. Além disso, assim como no Tratado, o Elogio não coloca o lógos em concordância com aquilo que lhe é externo e, dessa forma, o lógos persuade as almas independentemente da sua veracidade.