bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uranus’s and Neptune’s Stratospheric Water Abundance and Vertical Profile from Herschel-HIFI*
Authors: Teanby N. A. , Irwin P. G. J. , Sylvestre M. , Nixon C. A. , Cordiner M. A.
Published: April 2022

Here we present new constraints on Uranus’s and Neptune’s externally sourced stratospheric water abundance using disk-averaged observations of the 557 GHz emission line from Herschel’s Heterodyne Instrument for the Far-Infrared. Derived stratospheric column water abundances are

0.54

−
0.06

+
0.26

× 1014 cm−2 for Uranus and

1.9

−
0.3

+
0.2

×1014 cm−2 for Neptune, consistent with previous determinations using ISO-SWS and Herschel-PACS. For Uranus, excellent observational fits are obtained by scaling photochemical model profiles or with step-type profiles with water vapor limited to ≤0.6 mbar. However, Uranus’s cold stratospheric temperatures imply a ∼0.03 mbar condensation level, which further limits water vapor to pressures ≤0.03 mbar. Neptune’s warmer stratosphere has a deeper ∼1 mbar condensation level, so emission-line pressure broadening can be used to further constrain the water profile. For Neptune, excellent fits are obtained using step-type profiles with cutoffs of ∼0.3–0.6 mbar or by scaling a photochemical model profile. Step-type profiles with cutoffs ≥1.0 mbar or ≤0.1 mbar can be rejected with 4σ significance. Rescaling photochemical model profiles from Moses & Poppe to match our observed column abundances implies similar external water fluxes for both planets:

8.3

−
0.9

+
4.0

× 104 cm−2 s−1 for Uranus and

12.7

−
2.0

+
1.3

×104 cm−2 s−1 for Neptune. This suggests that Neptune’s ∼4 times greater observed water column abundance is primarily caused by its warmer stratosphere preventing loss by condensation, rather than by a significantly more intense external source. To reconcile these water fluxes with other stratospheric oxygen species (CO and CO2) requires either a significant CO component in interplanetary dust particles (Uranus) or contributions from cometary impacts (Uranus, Neptune).
Floristic inventory and distribution characteristics of vascular plants in forest wetlands of South Korea
Authors: Lee Jong-Won , Yun Ho-Geun , Hwang Tae Young , An Jong-Bin
Published: April 2022

This study surveyed the vascular flora present in 455 forest wetlands in South Korea to provide baseline data for conservation, management, and monitoring and to support preparation for climate change. The survey period was from April 2015 to November 2019. The vascular flora of 455 forest wetlands were identified and were found to consist of 143 families, 582 genera, 1,246 species, 26 subsp., 104 var., 12 f., and 1,388 individual taxa. 8 taxa were identified as Grade II endangered wild plants, 220 taxa were identified as northern lineage plants of the Korean Peninsula, 66 taxa were endemic to the Korean Peninsula, and 94 taxa were rare plants as designated by the Korea Forest Service. Among them, 8 taxa were Critically Endangered species, 10 taxa were Endangered species, 31 taxa were Vulnerable species, 31 taxa were Least Concern species, and 14 taxa were Data Deficient species. Further, 411 taxa were floristic target plants, of which 17 taxa were classified as grade V, 70 taxa as grade IV, 110 taxa as grade III, 90 taxa as grade II, and 29 taxa as grade I. There were 64 invasive alien plant taxa. 18 of these species were classed as Widespread species, 9 taxa were Serious Spread species, 13 taxa were Spread Risk species, 18 taxa were Spread Concern species, and 6 taxa were Continuing Spread species. According to wetland preference, 152 taxa (11.0%) were obligate wetland plants, 138 taxa (9.9%) were facultative wetland plants, and 177 (12.77%) taxa were facultative plants. Additionally, 198 taxa (14.3%) were facultative upland plants, and 723 taxa (52.1%) were obligate upland plants.
Nesting biology of Trypoxylon petiolatum Smith, 1858 (Crabronidae), a cavity-nesting solitary wasp new to Europe
Authors: Vicens Narcís , Carbonell Rafael , Antropov Alexander V. , Bosch Jordi
Published: April 2022

We report on the discovery of the spider-hunting wasp Trypoxylon petiolatum (Crabronidae) nesting in three localities in the Province of Girona (Catalonia, NE Spain) in 2019 and 2021. This species is native to eastern Asia and has not previously been reported from Europe. We provide a detailed description of the species, as well as information on its nest architecture, cocoon shape, the identity of the spiders captured to provision the nests, and mortality rates, including parasitism by a native cleptoparasitic fly (Amobia signata, Miltogramminae, Sarcophagidae) and a native parasitoid wasp (Melittobia acasta, Eulophidae).
First report on pollinating behavior of the small carpenter bee Ceratina ridleyi Cockerell (Hymenoptera, Apidae) in Globba leucantha var. bicolor Holttum (Zingiberaceae)
Authors: Arumugam Nivaarani , Zamri Nor Syahaiza Ahmad , Kumaran Jayaraj Vijaya , Nor Maryana Mohamad , Subramaniam Sreeramanan , Appalasamy Suganthi
Published: April 2022

Small carpenter bees of the genus Ceratina are widespread, but little-studied as pollinators despite their presence in various pollinator assemblages. This study documents the importance of Ceratina ridleyi as a pollinator of the small-flowered Malaysian ginger Globba leucantha var. bicolor. Species of Zingiberaceae are defined by peculiar floral morphologies (e.g staminodes and a single functional anther) but are rarely studied for their insect pollinators. Surprisingly, C. ridleyi was revealed as the single pollinator of Globba leucantha’s showy flowers even though the presence of Apis sp., Trigona sp., and Amegilla sp. were observed in the study site. This small carpenter bee collects both pollen and nectar from the ginger flower. Pollen grains were observed attached to its scopal hairs and hairs on the ventral thorax and ventral abdomen. The bee contacts the flower’s sole stigma only during foraging for pollen, where the stigma contacts pollen accumulated on hairs of the bee’s ventral thorax and ventral abdomen. This study represents the first pollination report of a Ceratina pollinating a species of Zingiberaceae, and only the second report of any Ceratina pollinating a flower with complex morphology.
Integrated taxonomy unveils new species of Trigonalyidae (Insecta, Hymenoptera) from Yunnan, China
Authors: Zhang Bing-Lan , Yan Cheng-Jin , van Achterberg Cornelis , Peng Yan-Qiong , Chen Hua-Yan
Published: April 2022

Trigonalyidae are rarely collected hyperparasitoids that attack the larvae of Ichneumonoidea, and Tachinidae associated with phytophagous sawfly or Lepidopteran larvae, or primary endoparasitoids of Vespidae larvae. Trigonalyidae mainly occur in tropical and subtropical regions, but recent studies indicate that they are found to be fairly common in mountainous regions. In this study, DNA barcoding methods based on sequences of the COI gene were used to discriminate Trigonalyidae species from Yunnan Province, which is situated in a mountaineous area of southwest China. In total, 25 COI sequences belonging to 14 morphospecies of four genera were obtained. The intraspecific pairwise distances ranged from 0 to 3.3% and the interspecific pairwise distances ranged from 5.3% to 17.3%. The delimitations of all studied species are congruent with the morphological identification results in both ABGD and bPTP methods. Based on both morphological and molecular analyses, four species from Yunnan are described as new: Jezonogonalos eburnalva Zhang & Chen, sp. nov., Lycogaster umbonata Chen & van Achterberg, sp. nov., Taeniogonalos albidorsalis Zhang & Chen, sp. nov., and T. paradoxica Zhang & Chen, sp. nov.
Two new species of Braconidae (Hymenoptera) from the foothills of western Himalayas, India, with a key to Oriental species of Pambolus Haliday and an update to the key to world species of Paroplitis Mason
Authors: Gupta Ankita , Van Achterberg Cornelis , Fernández-Triana José L.
Published: April 2022

Two new species of Braconidae parasitoid wasps, Pambolus (Phaenodus) infuscatus Gupta & van Achterbergsp. nov.(Pambolinae) andParoplitis khajjiarensisGupta & Fernández-Trianasp. nov.(Microgastrinae) are described and illustrated from Himachal Pradesh, India. A key to the Oriental species ofPambolusand an update to the key to world species ofParoplitisare provided. Additionally, Centistes (Centistes) cuspidatus (Haliday) (Euphorinae) is reported for the first time from the Indian geographical boundaries.
Three new species of non-marine ostracods (Crustacea, Ostracoda) from small water bodies of northern China
Authors: Yu Na , Ma Shunxin , Wang Qianwei , Zhai Dayou
Published: April 2022

Three new species, Pseudocandona chenisp. nov., Cyclocypris pangisp. nov., and Tonnacypris rectangularissp. nov., collected from northern China, are described in this study. Pseudocandona cheni, of the compressa group, is difficult to be distinguished from other members of the same group by carapace morphology alone, but can be readily recognised by the structure of the hemipenis comprised of a long lobe a, distally inflated lobe h, and exteriorly pointed lobe b, as well as thick trunks of the male fifth limb endopodites. Cyclocypris pangi, despite its similarity in carapace morphology to its congeners, can be identified based on the morphology of the hemipenis, which bears a slender, slightly curved lobe h, and an S-shaped process accompanying lobe b, in addition to the rectangular trunk of the male fifth limb endopodite. On the other hand, Tonnacypris rectangularis, described on the basis of females only, can be distinguished from other Tonnacypris Diebel & Pietrzeniuk, 1975 representatives by its distinct sub-rectangular carapace alone. Other differences include the length of the swimming setae, the length of the distal claws on the second antennae, and the morphology of the pincer organ on the seventh limb. This study contributes to the poorly known extant non-marine ostracod fauna of Inner Mongolia and Beijing, and generally to the central-eastern Palaearctic region. In addition, the known distribution range of Tonnacypris is extended eastwardly by T. rectangularis. The valve-morphology data are useful for identifying fossil/sub-fossil representatives.
Role of T cells in ischemic acute kidney injury and repair
Authors: Lee Kyungho , Jang Hye Ryoun
Published: April 2022

Ischemic acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common medical problem with significant mortality and morbidity, affecting a large number of patients globally. Ischemic AKI is associated with intrarenal inflammation as well as systemic inflammation; thus, the innate and adaptive immune systems are implicated in the pathogenesis of ischemic AKI. Among various intrarenal immune cells, T cells play major roles in the injury process and in the repair mechanism affecting AKI to chronic kidney disease transition. Importantly, T cells also participate in distant organ crosstalk during AKI, which affects the overall outcomes. Therefore, targeting T cell-mediated pathways and T cell-based therapies have therapeutic promise for ischemic AKI. Here, we review the major populations of kidney T cells and their roles in ischemic AKI.
Off-hour presentation and outcomes for percutaneous coronary intervention in acute myocardial infarction with Killip III–IV
Authors: Oh Seok , Kim Ju Han , Cho Kyung Hoon , Kim Min Chul , Sim Doo Sun , Hong Young Joon , Ahn Youngkeun , Jeong Myung Ho
Published: April 2022

Background/Aims: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is conventionally recognized as an urgent medical condition requiring timely and effective reperfusion therapy. However, the results of studies on the clinical outcomes in AMI according to hospital visit timings are inconclusive. To explore the difference in long-term outcomes between off- and on-hour percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in patients with AMI of Killip functional classification III–IV (Killip III–IV AMI).Methods: Data on the characteristics and clinical outcomes of 1,751 patients with Killip III–IV AMI between November 2011 and June 2015 from the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry-National Institutes of Health registry were analyzed. All participants were allocated into two groups: off-hour (weekdays from 6:00 PM to 8:00 AM, weekends, and legal holidays) and on-hour (weekdays from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM) groups. The incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events, defined as a composite of all-cause mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, any revascularization, cerebrovascular accident, and stent thrombosis, was the primary endpoint.Results: Among the 1,751 patients, 572 (39.1%) underwent PCI during on-hours and 892 (60.9%) during off-hours. At the 3-year follow-up, no significant difference was found in the clinical outcomes between the two groups in both the unadjusted and propensity-score weighing-adjusted analyses.Conclusions: The outcomes of patients with Killip III–IV AMI admitted during off- and on-hours were similar.
Un restaurant au service du pouvoir d’agir des jeunes et des circuits alimentaires locaux
Authors: Malphettes Aurélien
Published: April 2022

Le Metroloco est un restaurant-snack de plage installé depuis 2019 à Tarnos dans les Landes. Sa gestion est confiée chaque année, d’avril à octobre, à un collectif de jeunes entrepreneurs réunis au sein d’une entreprise coopérative jeunesse (ECJ). Aurélien Malphettes présente, dans ce retour d’expérience, le fonctionnement du projet, inspiré de l’exemple québécois des coopératives jeunesse de services, dont l’objectif est double : développer le pouvoir d’agir des jeunes impliqués et consolider les circuits alimentaires locaux.
Une application numérique au service de la résilience alimentaire des territoires
Authors: Cuillier Benjamin , Durand Lionel , Guiraud Noé
Published: April 2022

Depuis 2018, l’association Les Greniers d’abondance a développé une application numérique d’aide à l’évaluation du système alimentaire à différentes échelles de territoires en France métropolitaine, sous l’angle de la résilience alimentaire. Noé Guiraud, Benjamin Cuiller et Lionel Durand présentent, dans ce retour d’expérience, le principe de fonctionnement de cette application, qu’ils replacent dans une approche systémique de l’alimentation.
La dialectique destruction/construction à l’adolescence
Authors: Cornalba Vincent
Published: April 2022

En s’appuyant sur une situation clinique, l’auteur explore les enjeux du travail de réinvestissement au pubertaire. La dialectique entre liaison et déliaison se manifeste dans l’articulation à trouver pour l’adolescent entre création et destruction, dans le cadre d’un réaménagement de son rapport aux objets psychiques. Le recours aux objets culturels, notamment issu de la pop culture, apparaît comme le viatique à partir duquel ce travail psychique d’envergure peut être mené. L’auteur propose alors quelques jalons pour appréhender la recherche d’une écologie psychique chez l’adolescent, qui prendrait en compte les enjeux d’affranchissement et d’assujettissement inhérents à tout processus de subjectivation.
Essai sur l’interculturel du droit coopératif et le concept juridique de développement durable
Authors: Henrÿ Hagen
Published: April 2022

Une analyse critique du Pacte vert pour l´Europe fait apparaître une méconnaissance de l’indivisibilité des deux aspects de la source du développement durable, la diversité biologique et la diversité culturelle. Ainsi, il ne contrecarre pas les tendances à homogénéiser toutes les formes d´entreprise. Pourtant, la spécificité de la structure coopérative contribue au développement durable par la participation démocratique, mécanisme de régénération de la justice sociale, qui à son tour, est l´aspect central du développement durable. La contribution cherche à établir ce que le droit coopératif peut apporter en termes de participation démocratique dans un contexte où les facteurs de la globalisation tendent à désorganiser les entreprises.
L’avènement de l’économie sociale et solidaire : aménagement à la marge ou reconfiguration de l’économie sociale
Authors: Laville Jean-Louis
Published: April 2022

Une mise en perspective historique permet de se demander si l’ESS est un aménagement à la marge ou une reconfiguration de l’économie sociale. L’associationisme solidaire de la première partie du XIX e  siècle est une manifestation utopiste ayant débouché sur un échec ou une tentative d’articulation du mouvement social avec la mise en œuvre d’activités économiques. Plus récemment, l’économie solidaire peut être considérée comme une simple réaction à la montée du chômage et de l’exclusion ou comme une résurgence dans d’autres conditions de l’associationnisme solidaire. L’analyse de ces bifurcations amène à deux scénarios, soit l’économie solidaire n’est qu’une adjonction à la marge de l’économie sociale qui demeure un regroupement d’entreprises collectives, soit l’ESS dépasse le rassemblement d’entreprises pour constituer une socio-économie solidariste.
Tirer le meilleur parti de la contribution de l’économie sociale à l’économie circulaire
Authors: Rijpens Julie , de Beys Julien
Published: April 2022

Ce texte explore la contribution de l’économie sociale à la transition vers une économie circulaire comme moyen d’engager les citoyens, les entreprises et les territoires dans la circularité. En se basant sur une revue de la littérature, il définit à la fois le concept d’économie circulaire et celui d’économie sociale. Il décrit le potentiel de l’économie sociale pour soutenir les activités circulaires et les modèles d’entreprises apparentés, ainsi que pour mieux intégrer la circularité dans nos économies et nos sociétés. Enfin, il examine la façon de mieux capitaliser sur ce potentiel et d’identifier les orientations politiques qui s’appuient sur la complémentarité des économies sociale et circulaire pour soutenir la circularité et stimuler une transition verte et inclusive.
Quand la pandémie surgit…
Authors: de Saint Jean Catherine , Benard Valérie
Published: April 2022

Cet article se propose de montrer comment nos pratiques de psychologues cliniciennes au sein d’un service hospitalier ont été mises à l’épreuve lors de la pandémie de la Covid-19 et ont amené à la création d’une permanence psychologique. À partir de deux vignettes cliniques, nous analyserons les effets de l’urgence et du risque de contamination sur notre posture de thérapeute. Par un travail de co-construction en appui sur une approche groupale, nous avons proposé une offre de soins à destination des patients, des familles et des équipes hospitalières. Cette démarche a impliqué un travail de démarcation et de remaniements internes afin de créer un écart suffisant indispensable à l’écoute, de mobiliser le groupe comme espace de dépôt, de diffraction et de transformation des angoisses létales, et d’ouvrir sur un processus de transitionnalité.
La visioconférence ou la déliaison du lien transférentiel institutionnel en secteur médico-social adulte
Authors: Passerini Mélanie , Barrer Laurence
Published: April 2022

Depuis le début de la pandémie Covid-19, nombre de professionnels à leur domicile ont eu recours aux visioconférences par VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) pour assurer la continuité de réunion en équipe et maintenir le lien groupal. Mais qu’en est-il de la permanence du lien transférentiel groupal ? Cette nouvelle pratique masque-t-elle, accentue-t-elle ou délite-t-elle le lien transférentiel ? Nous avons constaté l’émergence de mécanismes d’évitement et de dissociation dans les réunions d’équipes institutionnelles ou d’analyses des pratiques professionnelles à l’origine du surgissement de la pulsion agressive qui aurait été auparavant déchargée dans la réalité de la confrontation physique. Chaque sujet issu d’équipes dysfonctionnantes se sent protégé par la fonction médiatrice et pare-excitative que devient l’écran au détriment de la régulation par le groupe. La déliaison pulsionnelle attaque les liens transférentiels, pervertit les relations institutionnelles et semble faire disparaître l’unité du groupe si cette pratique devenait systématique.
La créativité groupale durant le premier confinement : une modalité de traitement d’un traumatisme partagé ?
Authors: Vollon Clarisse , Gimenez Guy
Published: April 2022

Nous proposons dans cet article un travail de recherche autour de la créativité groupale suite aux mesures de confinement qui ont touché la population française de mars à mai 2020. En nous interrogeant sur l’impact de ces mesures sur des environnements groupaux déjà formés, nous formulons deux hypothèses. Premièrement, l’annonce des mesures de confinement de notre population a provoqué un état de saisissement créateur dans des configurations de liens institués. Ensuite, l’enveloppe psychique de ces groupes a permis l’émergence et le soutien de la créativité groupale. Pour étayer nos propos, nous nous appuierons sur l’analyse d’entretiens non directifs et semi-directifs ainsi que l’enregistrement des séances de travail d’une compagnie de danse contemporaine effectuées via la plateforme Zoomâ durant toute la période de confinement.
Impasses numériques
Authors: Chen Sibo , Thommes Nicolas
Published: April 2022

Dans l’imaginaire collectif, l’avenir de la communication numérique et des innovations technologiques est associé à la durabilité écologique, à la démocratisation et à l’égalité. Déconstruire le mythe de l’immatérialité d’Internet et de l’information numérique est un préalable à la lutte contre la dégradation environnementale et l’exploitation sociale auxquelles cette industrie, désormais centrale, contribue lourdement.
Impasses numériques
Authors: Gurumurthy Anita , Chami Nandini , Alemany Billorou Cecilia
Published: April 2022

L’expansion mondiale de la « plateformisation » en ligne transforme les rapports de production et de distribution, au bénéfice des transnationales numériques du Nord et au détriment, tout particulièrement, des femmes du Sud. Pour aider à élaborer un nouveau contrat social global pour l’économie numérique, fondé sur une éthique féministe, de nouveaux cadres juridiques, modèles de gouvernance et règles démocratiques sont requis.
Surveying the Use and Perceptions of Wrist Arthroscopy Among Upper Extremity Surgeons
Authors: Wang William L. , Tosti Rick , Osterman A. Lee
Published: April 2022

This study describes current trends in the skill acquisition and practice patterns for wrist arthroscopy among upper extremity surgeons. A survey was sent to the membership of the American Association for Hand Surgery (AAHS). A total of 104 responses were available for analysis. Of those respondents who did not use wrist arthroscopy, lack of educational training was cited as the most common reason. Of those who did use arthroscopy, fellowship training was credited as the primary source. However, most of those who completed an instructional course felt immediately able to perform arthroscopy. Triangular fibrocartilage complex tears were recorded as the most common indication. Surgeons frequently evaluated the midcarpal joint, but did not frequently use arthroscopy for distal radio-ulnar joint or carpometacarpal joint pathology. Ultimately, this highlights an area of improvement for residency and fellowship education. [
Orthopedics
. 2022;45(5):310–313.]
Discussion on the hybrid Jaggi-Meir-Keeler type contractions
Authors: Karapınar Erdal , Fulga Andreea
Published: April 2022

In this paper, the notion of hybrid Jaggi-Meir-Keeler type contraction is introduced. The existence of a fixed point for such operators is investigated. The derived results combine and extend a number of existing results in the corresponding literature. Examples are established to express the validity of the obtained results.
RILEM TC 258-AAA Round Robin Test: Alkali release from aggregates and petrographic analysis. Critical review of the test method AAR-8
Authors: Menéndez E. , Santos-Silva A. , Fernandes I. , Duchesne J. , Berra M. , De Weerdt K. , Salem Y. , García-Rovés R. , Soares D. , Fournier B. , Mangialardi T. , Lindgård J.
Published: April 2022

To create an international recommendation concerning the release of alkalis, test method AAR-8 was developed within the scope of RILEM TC 258-AAA activities. The first round robin test was performed using five aggregate types, and further investigation was conducted as RRT2, leading to the final version of the AAR-8 recommendation. Five aggregates with different mineralogies and origins were immersed in specific volumes of NaOH or KOH solutions with excess calcium hydroxide maintained 38 °C and 60 °C respectively. Samples of the immersion test solution were removed at intervals of 2, 6, 13, 26, and 52 weeks by pipetting and chemically analyzed for NaOH or KOH test solutions. The amount of alkali released was expressed in grams of Na2O, K2O, and Na2Oe per kilogram of the respective aggregate. The results obtained are presented. Based on the data, several changes to the original version of the test method are proposed.
L’effet d’octroi conditionnel des actions gratuites sur la performance future. Le cas des sociétés cotées au SBF 120
Authors: Khenissi Mohamed , THRAYA Mohamed Firas
Published: April 2022

L’étude vise à étudier l’impact d’attribution des actions gratuites sur la performance future (financière et extra-financière). À partir d’un échantillon d’entreprises cotées de l’indice boursier SBF 120 entre 2006 et 2018, l’analyse empirique montre que les actions gratuites ont un effet significativement positif sur la performance financière et celle extra-financière (mesurée par le score RSE). Les investisseurs institutionnels et l’État actionnaire accentuent l’effet positif sur la performance RSE. La propriété familiale affaiblit l’effet sur la performance financière.
DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA CLASSIFICATION WITH OCT IMAGES USING GENERATIVE ADVERSARIAL NETWORK AND ACTIVE CONTOUR MODEL
Authors: Reddy Shweta , Soma Shridevi
Published: April 2022

The major reason for blindness is diabetic macular edema (DME) and hence detection of DME at early stage using optical coherence tomography (OCT) is commonly employed for diagnosing retinal diseases. An accurate disease identification and classification poses a challenging task due to the difficulty in differentiating the abnormal and healthy regions. To overcome these issues and to accurately classify the DME, an effective DME classification approach named antlion spider monkey optimization-based generative adversarial network (ALSMO-based GAN) is proposed in this research for segmenting the retinal layers and to classify the DME more accurately. With the generator and the discriminator components of GAN, the DME is effectively classified so that the devised ALSMO algorithm can be used to train the process of GAN. The inspiration of the foraging and the hunting behavior enable the optimization to increase the rate of convergence and to achieve global optimal solution by reducing the local optima. With the segmented retinal layer, the classification process is progressed through the extraction of relevant features from the retinal layers. The performance of the developed method is verified using measures like accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity which attained values of 92.5%, 98%, and 92.3%, respectively.
Global Overview of Tropical Dry Forests
Authors: Hasnat G. N. Tanjina , Hossain Mohammed Kamal
Published: April 2022

Forests cover almost one-third of the Earth's land surface. Tropical dry forests are the second-most-important forest type in the world covering approximately 42% of tropical and sub-tropical forest area. The main features of these forests are their deciduousness, a prolonged dry period extending 3-9 months, and little annual precipitation of 250-2,000 mm. Tropical dry forests are found in five of the eight realms in the world. More than half of the forests are distributed in the Americas, with other portions in Africa, Eurasia, Australia, and Southeast Asia. The forests are unique in nature, and provide shelter to a huge number of endemics and endangered species. Among woody plant species, about 40% are not found anywhere in the world. These forests are now the most threatened among all forest types. The conservation status of these forests is endangered. Deforestation, rapid civilization, land conversion, fire, and climate change are the major threats. Proper management with time-oriented policy could be helpful to restore these forests and protect the existing remnant areas.
Effects of Atmospheric Pollutants on Biodiversity
Authors: Akash  , Navneet  , Bhandari B. S. , Bijlwan Kamal
Published: April 2022

Biodiversity is severely affected by the various anthropogenic activities. Humans depend on natural resources for survival. The resources include food, clean drinking water, timber for construction, fibers for clothing, natural gas, and coal for industries. The biggest threat to the atmosphere is pollutants caused by different human activities. The earth atmosphere is a layer of gases that surrounds the planet and allows us to breathe and live. The atmosphere is made up of Nitrogen, Oxygen, and others types of gases. This mixture of gases is known as air. Air pollution results from a variety of pollutants like NO2, SO2, CO, CFCs, and Ozone. Carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas, warms the earth. This chapter will explore the effects of atmospheric pollutants on biodiversity due to various types of adulterants in the atmosphere and its effects on the survival of earth. Additionally, it will sketch various tools that can reduce these harmful activities.
Brain Tumour Detection Through Modified UNet-Based Semantic Segmentation
Authors: Potnuru Mohankrishna , Naick B. Suribabu
Published: April 2022

The determination of the tumor's extent is a major challenge in brain tumour treatment planning and measurement. Non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has evolved as a first-line diagnostic tool for brain malignancies without the use of ionising radiation. Manually segmenting the extent of a brain tumour from 3D MRI volumes is a time-consuming process that significantly relies on the experience of the operator. As a result, we suggested a modified UNet structure based on residual networks that use periodic shuffling at the encoder region of the original UNet and sub-pixel convolution at the decoder section in this research. The proposed UNet was tested on BraTS Challenge 2017 with high-grade glioma (HGG). The model was tested on BraTS 2017 and 2018 datasets. Tumour core (TC), whole tumour (WT), and enhancing core (EC) were the three major labels to be segmented. The test results shown that proposed UNet outperform the existing techniques.
The Effects of Governmental Factors on Sustainable Technology Implementation Among Small and Medium Enterprises in Tonga
Authors: Faasolo Malia Benedine , Sumarliah Eli , Szegedi Stefan
Published: April 2022

This study intends to examine the effects of governmental factors on sustainable technology implementation (STI) among SMEs in the Kingdom of Tonga. These factors are crucial to investigate because many private institutions working for emerging markets have limited resources that delay implementing technologies, particularly sustainability-based technologies integrated with enterprise management. On the other hand, governments have the resources and power to affect STI significantly. Hence, the research investigates the role of government as an influential determinant in attaining efficient and effective implementation. This study uses the SEM-PLS and fsQCA methods to analyze the data gathered from 251 SMEs in Tonga. The findings show that government subsidies and policies significantly and positively affect firms' morals and attitudes regarding STI in Tonga. Also, perceived benefit and perceived cost significantly affect STI in Tongan SMEs. The research is an initial effort to examine such effects in the SMEs of a Pacific Island country.
Characteristics of Human Elements Focused on Data, Threats, Risk, and Privacy Management for Smart Cities
Authors: Makeri Yakubu Ajiji
Published: April 2022

In numerous nations, laws have not stayed aware of the innovation, leaving critical holes. In different nations, law implementation and insight offices have been given critical exceptions. At last, without sufficient oversight and implementation, the simple presence of a law may not give satisfactory protection. The expanding complexity of data innovation with its ability to gather, dissect, and spread data on people who have acquainted a desire to move quickly with the interest for enactment. Moreover, new improvements in clinical exploration and care, broadcast communications, progressed transportation frameworks, and monetary exchanges have significantly expanded the degree of data produced by every person
The Formation of Two-Layer YSZ Ceramic Coatings Produced in Single Step PS-PVD Process
Authors: Góral Marek , Pędrak Paweł , Cmela Wojciech , Kubaszek Tadeusz , Drajewicz Marcin
Published: April 2022

Plasma Spray Physical Vapour Deposition (PS-PVD) is one of the promising methods considered as an alternative to Electron Beam Physical Vapour Deposition (EB-PVD) process used for production of ceramic columnar layer for turbine blades protection against high temperature. The PS-PVD method enables to control the coating structure. In presented article the dense to columnar structure was formed during single-step PS-PVD process using yttria stabilized zirconia oxide (YSZ). The ceramic coating was deposited using LPPS-Hybrid (Oerlikon-Metco) system at Rzeszow University of Technology. The IN 713 alloy with aluminide coating produced by CVD method was used as a base material. The inner zone of the ceramic coating was characterized by dense structure and the outer was characterized by columnar structure. The influence of power current, gas composition flow, powder feed rate and coating time on thickness of both zones was investigated using Scanning Electron Microscopy method. The relationship between process parameters and thermal conductivity was also investigated using Laser Flash Method (LFA). Conducted experimental process showed that using of 1800A power current higher Ar flow (80 NLPM) as well as powder feed rate (30 g/min) enables to obtain dense structure of coating. When higher energy of plasma (power current 2200 A, plasma gasses flow (Ar-35 NLPM, He-60 NLPM) and lower powder feed rate was used the columnar zone was formed. The thickness of obtained coating was in range 140-200 μm. The formation of thick dense layer increased the overall thermal conductivity of coating in comparison with conventional columnar ceramic layer. The combination of thin 20 μm dense-zone with thick (120 μm) columnar zone reduces thermal conductivity of whole coating.
Numerical Simulation and Experimental Verification of Phase Change Buoyancy Control System
Authors: Hou Jiao Yi , Zou Wei Feng , Ning Da Yong , Gong Yong Jun
Published: April 2022

Phase change buoyancy control systems (PBCS) driven by phase change materials have unique advantages over conventional hydraulically actuated buoyancy control systems, especially in their high adaptability for deep-sea exploration and seamless interaction with humans. Studying the heat transfer process and working mechanism of PBCS is helpful to research the precise control mode of the phase change buoyancy regulation system. In this study, we chose paraffin wax as the phase change material for PBCS. A buoyancy generator for phase change buoyancy regulation is designed and manufactured. By studying the relation between its expansion volume and heating time and heat input, the mathematical model of the volume change of PBCS is established. We obtain the calculation results of the PBCS working process by using the computer-aided software MATLAB. Experimental results show that the theoretical volume expansion velocity and volume expansion rate of paraffin are almost consistent with the experimental results. The mathematical calculation model is available and has a significant reference value for further research on the theoretical basis of the diving depth control of PBCS.
Overstrength of RC Medium Length Span Bridges
Authors: Ibarra Alma R. Sánchez , Arede Antonio J. , Guerrero José M. Jara , Delgado Pedro
Published: April 2022

Overstrength factors in bridges reported in various studies show great diversity that depends on the type of bridges selected and the set of seismic records used in the analyses. Particularly in Mexico, there are no previous studies that evaluate the bridges’ overstrength. This study determines overstrength factors in medium-length reinforced concrete bridges based on dynamic nonlinear analyses to establish design parameters in bridge regulations in Mexico. More than 3000 nonlinear time history analyses were carried out using 48 bridge models subjected to seismic records from an interplate seismic source. Based on the results, the overstrength factors of simply supported bridges with spans of 30 m and 50 m and substructures composed of one or more reinforced concrete columns were determined.
Hydrodynamic Analysis of Floating Offshore Wind Turbine With Different Numbers of Offset Columns
Authors: Elkafas Ahmed G. , Ahmed Yasser M. , Elgohary Mohamed M.
Published: April 2022

Abstract Currently, there is a strong interest to develop offshore wind energy because of the great impact of greenhouse gases and the energy crisis. Extraordinary endeavors have been dedicated to creating floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) innovations such as the DeepCwind
semi-submersible FOWT that can be relied upon to harness wind energy in deep water. However, DeepCwind structure faces a significant surge motion limiting the operational time. Therefore, this paper presents three different configurations for the DeepCwind semi-submersible FOWT by varying
the number of offset columns from three to five columns to improve the wave resistance ability. Hydrodynamic analysis is carried out to figure and compare the performance of these platforms via the ANSYS-AQWA tool. The free-decay test has shown that the natural frequency is affected by the
number of offset columns. The results of statistics on regular waves and irregular waves have shown that the surge response is inversely proportional to the number of offset columns; the statistics decrease with the increase of the offset columns number, while the impacts of increasing offset
columns are negligible for the heave and pitch motions.
Field Test System for Power Characteristics Assessment of Tidal Energy Converter
Authors: Wang Xiang-nan , Xia Hai-nan , Zhang Yuan-fei
Published: April 2022

Abstract With the development of tidal energy converters around the world, the field test work of tidal energy converters has become more and more important. In the present study, according to the research and development status of tidal energy converters in China, combined
with the field test demands of tidal energy converters, a field test system for the power characteristics assessment of tidal energy converters was studied. This system was also applied in the field test work, the power curve scatter plot was drawn, and the conversion efficiency and annual
energy production were calculated. The results show that the field test system could obtain the power characteristics of a tidal energy converter and could provide a reference for the construction of offshore field test systems for the power characteristics assessment of tidal energy converters.
Methodologies for Reliability and Functional Safety Assessment of Offshore Systems
Authors: Folleau Cyrille , Vedachalam Narayanaswamy
Published: April 2022

Abstract Reliability, Availability, Maintainability and Safety are the key requirements for the systems designed to operate in challenging marine environments. Unsafe operations lead to human risk and environmental damages, and equipment unavailability leads to economic losses.
Hence, marine statutory and regulatory agencies recommend carrying out reliability and functional safety assessment during system engineering and operational phases of the project as well as implementing technical solutions so that the risks are reduced as low as reasonably practicable. This
paper presents an overview of the scientific methodologies for determining the system design reliability and assessing the human factors, operational dependability, and safety of time-critical offshore systems.
Cutting Edge: SARS-CoV-2 Infection Induces Robust Germinal Center Activity in the Human Tonsil
Authors: Tan Hyon-Xhi , Wragg Kathleen M , Kelly Hannah G , Esterbauer Robyn , Dixon Benjamin J , Lau Jillian S Y , Flanagan Katie L , van de Sandt Carolien E , Kedzierska Katherine , McMahon James H , Wheatley Adam K , Juno Jennifer A , Kent Stephen J
Published: April 2022

Understanding the generation of immunity to SARS-CoV-2 in lymphoid tissues draining the site of infection has implications for immunity to SARS-CoV-2. We performed tonsil biopsies under local anesthesia in 19 subjects who had recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection 24–225 d previously. The biopsies yielded >3 million cells for flow cytometric analysis in 17 subjects. Total and SARS-CoV-2 spike-specific germinal center B cells, and T follicular helper cells, were readily detectable in human tonsils early after SARS-CoV-2 infection, as assessed by flow cytometry. Responses were higher in samples within 2 mo of infection but still detectable in some subjects out to 7 mo following infection. We conclude the tonsils are a secondary lymphoid organ that develop germinal center responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection and could play a role in the long-term development of immunity.
Impact of Older Age Adiposity on Incident Diabetes: A Community-Based Cohort Study in China
Authors: Chen Anthony , Zhou Weiju , Hou Jian , Nevill Alan , Ding Yuanlin , Wan Yuhui , Jester Rebecca , Qin Xia , Hu Zhi , Chen Ruoling
Published: April 2022

Background: Obesity classifications vary globally and the impact of older age adiposity on incident diabetes has not been well-studied.Methods: We examined a random sample of 2,809 participants aged ≥60 years in China, who were free of diabetes at baseline and were followed up for up to 10 years to document diabetes (n=178). The incidence of diabetes was assessed in relation to different cut-off points of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) in multiple adjusted Cox regression models.Results: The diabetic risk in the cohort increased linearly with the continuous and quartile variables of BMI and WC. The BMI-World Health Organization (WHO) and BMI-China criteria analysis did not show such a linear relationship, however, the BMI-Asian/Hong Kong criteria did; adjusted hazards ratio (HR) was 0.42 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.20 to 0.90) in BMI <20 kg/m2, 1.46 (95% CI, 0.99 to 2.14) in 23–≤26 kg/m2, and 1.63 (95% CI, 1.09 to 2.45) in ≥26 kg/m2. The WC-China criteria revealed a slightly better prediction of diabetes (adjusted HRs were 1.79 [95% CI, 1.21 to 2.66] and 1.87 [95% CI, 1.22 to 2.88] in central obese action levels 1 and 2) than the WC-WHO. The combination of the BMI-Asian/Hong Kong with WC-China demonstrated the strongest prediction. There were no gender differences in the impact of adiposity on diabetes.Conclusion: In older Chinese, BMI-Asian/Hong Kong criteria is a better predictor of diabetes than other BMI criterion. Its combination with WC-China improved the prediction of adiposity to diabetes, which would help manage bodyweight in older age to reduce the risk of diabetes.
Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum LMT1-48 on Body Fat in Overweight Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Sohn Minji , Jung Hyeyoung , Lee Woo Shun , Kim Tai Hoon , Lim Soo
Published: April 2022

Background: We investigated whether Lactobacillus plantarum strain LMT1-48, isolated from Korean fermented foods and newborn feces, is a suitable probiotic supplement to treat overweight subjects.Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 100 volunteers with a body mass index of 25 to 30 kg/m2 were assigned randomly (1:1) to receive 2×1010 colony forming units of LMT1-48 or to a placebo treatment group. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and abdominal visceral fat area (VFA) and subcutaneous fat area were measured by computed tomography scanning. Changes in body fat, VFA, anthropometric parameters, and biomarkers were compared between the two treatment groups (ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT03759743).Results: After 12 weeks of treatment, the body weight decreased significantly from 76.6±9.4 to 75.7±9.2 kg in the LMT1-48 group but did not change in the placebo group (P=0.022 between groups). A similar pattern was found in abdominal VFA between the two groups (P=0.041). Serum insulin levels, the corresponding homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and leptin levels decreased in the LMT1-48 group but increased in the placebo group (all P<0.05). Decrease in body weight and body mass index by treatment with LMT1-48 was correlated with increase in Lactobacillus levels significantly. LMT1-48 also increased Oscillibacter levels significantly, which were negatively correlated with triglyceride and alanine transaminase levels.Conclusion: Administration of LMT1-48 decreased body weight, abdominal VFA, insulin resistance, and leptin levels in these subjects with overweight, suggesting its anti-obesogenic therapeutic potential.
Antibody Screening and Identification in Voluntary Blood Donors – Need of the Hour
Authors: Luhar Rakesh Kumar , Shah Ripal J. , Harimoorthy V.
Published: April 2022

Background and Objectives:

Although unexpected antibody screening is mandatory according to the Food and Drug Administration and National Blood Policy, the prevalence of irregular red cell antibody and its specificities are not much reported in the donor population of western India. The objective of this study is to find the prevalence of unexpected antibodies in healthy blood donor population of western India.

Methods:

This is a retrospective study conducted in one of the largest stand-alone blood centers in western India. Data were retrieved from the Integrated Blood Bank Management System (powered by the blood center located in Ahmedabad) software. The data were analyzed for a period of 24 months, from March 1, 2019, to March 31, 2021. Unexpected antibody screening of all voluntary healthy blood donors was performed with fully automated blood grouping equipment Immucor NEO and Diagast EVO using commercial Capture-R Ready Indicator Red Cells (Immucor, USA) and Hemascreen Pool (Diagast, France). Further antibody identification was performed with 11 cell panels.

Results:

A total of 53,724 volunteer blood donors donated at our blood center during the study period comprised 51,185 (95.27%) male donors and 2539 (4.72%) female donors. A total of 25 (0.046%) donors showed the presence of unexpected antibodies. Most frequent alloantibodies were anti-M (n = 4, 16%) and multiple antibody (n = 4, 16%).

Conclusion:

Implementation of unexpected antibody screening in all the healthy blood donors routinely and identification of antibodies in antibody screen-positive donors helped us to understand the prevalence of antibodies in our region and its importance in providing compatible blood components which are devoid of irregular antibodies and to avoid delayed transfusion reactions.