bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of an Integrated, Six-Phase, Interleaved, Synchronous DC/DC Boost Converter on a Fuel-Cell-Powered Sport Catamaran
Authors: Rimondi Michael , Mandrioli Riccardo , Cirimele Vincenzo , Pittala Lohith Kumar , Ricco Mattia , Grandi Gabriele
Published: November 2022

This paper describes the preliminary analysis, design and implementation phases of a DC/DC boost converter dedicated to the Futura catamaran propulsion chain developed by the UniBoAT team at the University of Bologna. The main goal of the project was the reduction of the converter’s weight by eliminating the use of heat sinks and by reducing the component size, especially inductors and capacitors. The obtained converter is directly integrated into the structure containing the fuel-cell stack. The realized converter was based on an interleaved architecture with six phases controlled through the average current mode control. The design was validated through simulations carried out using the LT-Spice software, whereas experimental validations were performed by means of both bench tests and on-field tests. Detailed thermal and efficiency analyses were provided with the bench tests under the two synchronous and non-synchronous operating modes and with the adoption of the phase-shedding technique. Prototype implementation and performance in real operating conditions are discussed in relation to on-field tests. The designed converter can be used in other applications requiring a voltage-controlled boost converter.
A Global Multi-Scale Channel Adaptation Network for Pine Wilt Disease Tree Detection on UAV Imagery by Circle Sampling
Authors: Ren Dong , Peng Yisheng , Sun Hang , Yu Mei , Yu Jie , Liu Ziwei
Published: November 2022

Pine wilt disease is extremely ruinous to forests. It is an important to hold back the transmission of the disease in order to detect diseased trees on UAV imagery, by using a detection algorithm. However, most of the existing detection algorithms for diseased trees ignore the interference of complex backgrounds to the diseased tree feature extraction in drone images. Moreover, the sampling range of the positive sample does not match the circular shape of the diseased tree in the existing sampling methods, resulting in a poor-quality positive sample of the sampled diseased tree. This paper proposes a Global Multi-Scale Channel Adaptation Network to solve these problems. Specifically, a global multi-scale channel attention module is developed, which alleviates the negative impact of background regions on the model. In addition, a center circle sampling method is proposed to make the sampling range of the positive sample fit the shape of a circular disease tree target, enhancing the positive sample’s sampling quality significantly. The experimental results show that our algorithm exceeds the seven mainstream algorithms on the diseased tree dataset, and achieves the best detection effect. The average precision (AP) and the recall are 79.8% and 86.6%, respectively.
Development Status and Key Technologies of Plant Protection UAVs in China: A Review
Authors: Hu Peng , Zhang Ruirui , Yang Jiaxuan , Chen Liping
Published: November 2022

Plant protection unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) play a crucial role in agricultural aviation services. In recent years, plant protection UAVs, which improve the accuracy and eco-friendliness of agricultural techniques, have been used to overcome the shortcomings of traditional agricultural operations. First, this paper introduces the development scale, main types, and operation scenarios of China’s plant protection UAVs. Subsequently, the key technologies of plant protection UAVs, such as precision autonomous flight control, pesticide spraying, drift control, and spraying quality measurement technologies, are reviewed. Next, the emergent technologies of plant protection UAVs are studied and analyzed with a focus on better spray effects, calculation models of droplet drift, controllable droplet size atomization technology, droplet drift detection technology, and droplet deposition quality detection technology in the application of plant protection UAVs. Moreover, the technologies of plant protection UAV application are summarized and future research prospects are presented, offering ideas for follow-up research on the key technologies of plant protection UAVs and encouraging agricultural production management to move toward better efficiency, eco-friendliness, and accuracy.
Spatiotemporal Transformer Neural Network for Time-Series Forecasting
Authors: You Yujie , Zhang Le , Tao Peng , Liu Suran , Chen Luonan
Published: November 2022

Predicting high-dimensional short-term time-series is a difficult task due to the lack of sufficient information and the curse of dimensionality. To overcome these problems, this study proposes a novel spatiotemporal transformer neural network (STNN) for efficient prediction of short-term time-series with three major features. Firstly, the STNN can accurately and robustly predict a high-dimensional short-term time-series in a multi-step-ahead manner by exploiting high-dimensional/spatial information based on the spatiotemporal information (STI) transformation equation. Secondly, the continuous attention mechanism makes the prediction results more accurate than those of previous studies. Thirdly, we developed continuous spatial self-attention, temporal self-attention, and transformation attention mechanisms to create a bridge between effective spatial information and future temporal evolution information. Fourthly, we show that the STNN model can reconstruct the phase space of the dynamical system, which is explored in the time-series prediction. The experimental results demonstrate that the STNN significantly outperforms the existing methods on various benchmarks and real-world systems in the multi-step-ahead prediction of a short-term time-series.
Tsallis Entropy for Loss Models and Survival Models Involving Truncated and Censored Random Variables
Authors: Preda Vasile , Dedu Silvia , Iatan Iuliana , Cernat Ioana Dănilă , Sheraz Muhammad
Published: November 2022

The aim of this paper consists in developing an entropy-based approach to risk assessment for actuarial models involving truncated and censored random variables by using the Tsallis entropy measure. The effect of some partial insurance models, such as inflation, truncation and censoring from above and truncation and censoring from below upon the entropy of losses is investigated in this framework. Analytic expressions for the per-payment and per-loss entropies are obtained, and the relationship between these entropies are studied. The Tsallis entropy of losses of the right-truncated loss random variable corresponding to the per-loss risk model with a deductible d and a policy limit u is computed for the exponential, Weibull, χ2 or Gamma distribution. In this context, the properties of the resulting entropies, such as the residual loss entropy and the past loss entropy, are studied as a result of using a deductible and a policy limit, respectively. Relationships between these entropy measures are derived, and the combined effect of a deductible and a policy limit is also analyzed. By investigating residual and past entropies for survival models, the entropies of losses corresponding to the proportional hazard and proportional reversed hazard models are derived. The Tsallis entropy approach for actuarial models involving truncated and censored random variables is new and more realistic, since it allows a greater degree of flexibility and improves the modeling accuracy.
Synthetic Deviation Correction Method for Tracking Satellite of the SOTM Antenna on High Maneuverability Carriers
Authors: Han Lei , Li Guangxia , Ren Jiao , Ji Xiaoxiang
Published: November 2022

Using Satcom-On-The-Move (SOTM) antenna on moving carriers to track communication satellites is a rapidly developing technology. The normal running of the SOTM system requires its antenna beam to track the target communication satellite accurately at all times. However, due to the errors of the measurement system, tracking deviation will inevitably occur, especially when the moving carrier is in ahigh maneuvering state, which may cause communication failures. In this paper, we propose a synthetic deviation correction algorithm; when the carrier is in the high maneuvering state, the measurement error is converted into the deviation of the azimuth as well as the pitch of the antenna that needs to be corrected to correct the pointing of the SOTM antenna. Finally, the proposed algorithm is verified by experiments. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has a good isolation effect on the high maneuverability of the carrier, which means that the pointing to the communication satellite is more accurate and achieves better communication quality under the high maneuvering state. The effectiveness of the algorithm is illustrated.
Analysis of the S-ANFIS Algorithm for the Detection of Blood Infections Using Hybrid Computing
Authors: Khatter Harsh , Gupta Amit Kumar , Garg Ruchi Rani , Sain Mangal
Published: November 2022

Environment and climate change have caused a rise in a wide range of diseases and infections. In countries where overpopulation is a problem, many infections spread severely. The main focus of this paper is the detection and identification of blood diseases. An automated system that examines all potential diseases using patient information and data is needed to deal with unpredictable circumstances. Having an automated and intelligent system that evaluates the reports and counsels doctors in any other area or nation is a demand of the time. The same solutions can be identified by the proposed system. To apply the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and related techniques to predict chronic diseases early, the authors have gone through various existing models and case studies on diabetics and other patients. The proposed approach, called S-ANFIS which is using the hybrid approach, is based on ANFIS and includes content curation and intelligence analysis in addition to comparison with current models. As a result, the suggested model outperforms other approaches in terms of disease prediction accuracy, with a score of 88.6%.
Performance Analysis, and Economic-Feasibility Evaluation of Single-Slope Single-Basin Domestic Solar Still under Different Water-Depths
Authors: Prakash Om , Ahmad Asim , Kumar Anil , Chatterjee Rajeshwari , Chattopadhyaya Somnath , Sharma Shubham , Sharma Aman , Li Changhe , Tag Eldin Elsayed Mohamed
Published: November 2022

The impact of single-slope solar still with and without flat-plate collector was evaluated experimentally and numerically. Experimental analysis was conducted for four different water depths (3, 6, 9, 12 cm) in on-sunshine hours between 11 AM to 5 PM in Bhopal (23.2599° N, 77.4126° E), India. The thermo efficiency was 51.31% for 3 cm water depth while 24.29% for 12 cm water depth in an active mode of operation. In the case of passive mode, the thermo efficiency was 17.02% for 3 cm water depth and 6.77% for 12 cm water depth. The average exergy efficiency of single-slope solar still is 66.60% for 3 cm depth which is higher than 12 cm depth, i.e., 23.14%. The hourly variation parameters of solar still were also calculated and analyzed. The overall results obtained in the analysis state that solar still performs effectively when coupled with a flat-plate solar collector. According to econometric evaluation, the fabrication expense of a single-slope solar-basin-still is 126.43$ whereas the cost of producing distilled water per day is 1.61$, and the payback period of a single-slope solar-basin-still with FPC is 17.53 months. In a nutshell, the single-slope solar-basin-still design is commercially viable, functional, and technically sustainable, minimizing manufacturing costs in comparison with a traditional solar still, and past findings. The proposed solar still produced remarkable results in all experimental trials.
An Economical Boil-Off Gas Management System for LNG Refueling Stations: Evaluation Using Scenario Analysis
Authors: Kim Hyun-Seung , Cho Churl-Hee
Published: November 2022

The use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the transportation sector is increasing, and boil-off gas (BOG) management systems are considered viable options to increase economic efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions at LNG refueling stations. The present study proposed an economically optimized method by investigating four refueling station scenarios, including different BOG management systems. Among the four scenarios, the scenario in which compressed natural gas was produced from BOG had the lowest minimum selling price (MSP) and was the most economical. Sensitivity and uncertainty analyses were conducted for the economically optimal scenario, which identified the factors with the most influential impact and their uncertainties on the MSP. Finally, to determine the feasibility of the business through profitability analysis, the net present value, discounted payback period, and present value ratio due to changes in the discount rate were presented, and the discounted cash flow rate of return was found to be 13.22%. As a result of this study, a BOG management system can contribute to improving the economic feasibility for LNG refueling stations by reliquefying BOG and re-selling it (the most efficient way is scenario 4) and will provide an economical guide for countries with much demand for LNG in the transport sector.
Magnetite Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Petrov Kirill , Chubarov Alexey
Published: November 2022

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have great potential in various areas such as medicine, cancer therapy and diagnostics, biosensing, and material science. In particular, magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles are extensively used for numerous bioapplications due to their biocompatibility, high saturation magnetization, chemical stability, large surface area, and easy functionalization. This paper describes magnetic nanoparticle physical and biological properties, emphasizing synthesis approaches, toxicity, and various biomedical applications, focusing on the most recent advancements in the areas of therapy, diagnostics, theranostics, magnetic separation, and biosensing.
A Novel Planar Power Divider/Combiner for Wideband High-Power Applications
Authors: Tadayon Hamed , Dashti Ardakani Mansoor , Karimian Reza , Ahmadi Shahrokh , Zaghloul Mona
Published: November 2022

This manuscript presents a novel wideband power divider with high power handling capability. The power handling capacity of the power divider is increased through the use of grounded 50 ohm loads. The full circuit analysis of a single section of the proposed structure is presented utilizing even and odd modes and ABCD matrices. The final designed sections are cascaded and extended to achieve a high bandwidth response for the target of X-band. The structure was designed and optimized with the method of moments based on ADS software and simulated in HFSS for 3D full-wave analysis. A prototype module was fabricated and measured for experimental validation. The simulation results were confirmed by through measurements for the frequency band of 7–12 GHz (more than 52% fractional bandwidth). A divider such as the proposed one has a significantly higher power handling capacity than Wilkinson, as well as a wider frequency bandwidth than Gysel power dividers. As a wideband high-power power divider, the proposed device is ideal for high-data rate radar or satellite applications.
The Effect of Forest Fire Events on Air Quality: A Case Study of Northern Colombia
Authors: Bolaño-Diaz Sindy , Camargo-Caicedo Yiniva , Tovar Bernal Fredy , Bolaño-Ortiz Tomás R.
Published: November 2022

This work presents an analysis of fire events recorded in Isla Salamanca Natural Park and their impact on the air quality in the district of Barranquilla, with an emphasis on 2020 due to the increase in the number of ha burned by forest fires that year. The analysis was based on the data provided by the environmental authority for 2015–2020. The average number of ha burned in 2020 was 50% (events recorded since 2015), with a total area of fires corresponding to 256.9 ha, which is of concern considering the ecological importance of the park and its proximity to the district of Barranquilla, Colombia. The study evaluated the spatial–temporal distributions of forest fires and their possible direct effects on air quality. For 2020, it was found that the maximum hourly measurements of the Tres Ave Marias station for particulate matter less than 2.5 (135.013 µg/m3) corresponded to the recorded event that occurred in June 2020, whereas those of the Móvil station for PM10 (263.98 µg/m3) and PM2.5 (278.7 µg/m3) corresponded to the events of 28 June 2020, and 9 August 2020. These concentrations were higher than the standard values of the average maximum limits for 24 h established in the current Colombian regulations, and both events coincided with fire events reported by the environmental authorities, where a total of 249 ha of Isla Salamanca Natural Park were burned. These things considered, it was evident that the Policía station had the highest concentrations of pollutants on average.
FTIR–PCA Approach on Raw and Thermally Processed Chicken Lipids Stabilized by Nano-Encapsulation in β-Cyclodextrin
Authors: Hădărugă Nicoleta Gabriela , Chirilă Cosmina Andrea , Szakal Raymond Nandy , Gălan Iulia Maria , Simandi Marius Daniel , Bujancă Gabriel Stelian , David Ioan , Riviş Adrian , Stanciu Sorin Mihai , Hădărugă Daniel Ioan
Published: November 2022

This study evaluated similarities/dissimilarities of raw and processed chicken breast and thigh lipids that were complexed by β-cyclodextrin, using a combined FTIR–PCA technique. Lipid fractions were analyzed as non-complexed and β-cyclodextrin-complexed samples via thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry and ATR-FTIR. The lipid complexation reduced the water content to 7.67–8.33%, in comparison with the β-cyclodextrin hydrate (~14%). The stabilities of the complexes and β-cyclodextrin were almost the same. ATR-FTIR analysis revealed the presence of important bands that corresponded to the C=O groups (1743–1744 cm−1) in both the non-complexed and nano-encapsulated lipids. Furthermore, the bands that corresponded to the vibrations of double bonds corresponding to the natural/degraded (cis/trans) fatty acids in lipids appeared at 3008–3011 and 938–946 cm−1, respectively. The main FTIR bands that were involved in the discrimination of raw and processed chicken lipids, and of non-complexed and complexed lipids, were evaluated with PCA. The shifting of specific FTIR band wavenumbers had the highest influence, especially vibrations of the α(1→4) glucosidic bond in β-cyclodextrin for PC1, and CH2/3 groups from lipids for PC2. This first approach on β-cyclodextrin nano-encapsulation of chicken lipids revealed the possibility to stabilize poultry fatty components for further applications in various ingredients for the food industry.
Simultaneous Determination of Pyrethroid Insecticides in Foods of Animal Origins Using the Modified QuEChERS Method and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Kim Byung Joon , Yang Seung-Hyun , Choi Hoon
Published: November 2022

Pyrethroid insecticides are used in agriculture to treat parasites in livestock. This study developed a simultaneous residue analysis method to measure seventeen pyrethroid insecticides in foods of animal origin, including beef, pork, chicken, milk, and eggs. The method, which comprises instrumental analysis using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and a modified QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) method for pretreatment, was optimized to verify the applicability of the method. A mixture of acetonitrile, ethyl acetate, and original salt (MgSO4 4 g, NaCl 1 g) was used as the extraction solvent and salt. MgSO4 (150 mg) primary secondary amine (25 mg) and graphitized carbon black (25 mg) were selected for dispersive solid phase extraction (d-SPE). The method limit of quantitation was 0.01 mg/L, and the linearity of the matrix-matched calibration curves was reasonable (R2 > 0.99). Recovery tests were performed at three concentrations (LOQ, 10 LOQ, and 50 LOQ). Good recoveries (75.2109.8%) and reproducibility (coefficient of variation <10%) were obtained. The matrix effects were in the range of –35.8 to 56.0%. The established method was fully validated and can be used as an official analytical method for quantifying pyrethroid insecticides in animal commodities.
The Influence of Temperature Changes on the Rice Starch Structure and Digestive Characteristics: One and Two-Step Annealing
Authors: Xiang Guiyuan , Li Jiangtao , Han Wenfang , Yang Yaqin , Lin Qinlu , Yang Ying , Liu Qiongxiang , Guo Xiaofeng , Pan Qianru , Huang Zhengyu , Cao Lingxue
Published: November 2022

This study investigated the effects of annealing on the structural and physicochemical properties of rice starch below the onset temperature (To) by 5 °C and 15 °C. The results revealed that annealing improved the gelatinization temperature of rice starch, decreased the swelling power, solubility, and paste viscosity of rice starch, and had no significant effects on the morphological structure and crystal configuration of rice starch. In one-step annealing, the annealing temperature of 60 °C is more conducive to the rearrangement of starch molecules, so its crystallinity, short-range ordered structure, and gelatinization temperature are higher than at 50 °C; however, its RDS, SDS, and RS contents will be increased. During the two-step annealing treatment, the temperature change is not conducive to the molecular chain rearrangement and to the formation of perfect crystalline structure, which increases the sensitivity of enzymes to starch, so the RDS content of starch increases significantly, while the RS content decreases.
Accelerometer-Assessed Physical Activity and Cognitive Performance among European Adults Aged 50+: The Mediating Effects of Social Contacts and Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Cohn-Schwartz Ella , Khalaila Rabia
Published: November 2022

Background: Cognitive decline is a major public health concern worldwide and it is vital to identify and better understand effective population-based means to improve cognitive performance in old age. The current study set out to examine the links between accelerometer-based physical activity with cognitive performance in later life, as well the indirect pathways through one’s social network contacts and depression. Method: We used data from 855 participants aged 50 and above who took part in a cross-sectional accelerometer study as part of the Survey of Ageing, Retirement and Health (SHARE). Cognitive function was measured as an average score of fluency, immediate and delayed recall tests, social contacts were the average contact frequency with members of the social support network, and depression was the Euro-D summary score of depressive symptoms. A multiple mediation analysis was conducted to test the direct and indirect associations between total physical activity (intensity gradient) and cognitive function, as well as the mediation of this association by social contacts and depressive symptoms. Results: Intensity of physical activity was directly related to better cognitive performance (B = 0.170, p = 0.007). The association was partially mediated by social contacts (B = 0.022, 95% CI 0.005, 0.046) and depressive symptoms (B = 0.009, 95% CI 0.009, 0.025), such that total physical activity was linked to cognitive health via more frequent contacts with network members and low depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Practitioners might consider encouraging a physically active lifestyle that involves social interactions to support better cognitive aging and mental health.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice towards Evidence-Based Medicine among Northern Saudi Primary Care Physicians: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: ALruwaili Bashayer Farhan , Thirunavukkarasu Ashokkumar , Alsaidan Aseel Awad , AL-Ruwaili Aliyah Muteb , Alanazi Ruqayyah Batel Shati , Alruwaili Amal Muhaysin B. , Alruwaili Abdullah Odhayb , Altaymani Afrah Mohaimeed
Published: November 2022

The evidence-based practice of primary care physicians is essential because they are the first line of contact with the local community, and they cater to most of their communities’ health needs. In the current study, in which we used a cross-sectional survey in northern Saudi Arabia, we assessed primary care physicians’ knowledge, attitude, practice, and barriers regarding evidence-based medicine (EBM). Of the 300 physicians who participated, less than half had high knowledge (43.7%) and attitude (47.7%) toward EBM. The chi-square test revealed that the knowledge categories were significantly associated with the age group (p = 0.002) and EBM training received in the past five years (p < 0.001), and the attitude categories were significantly associated with nationality (p = 0.008). Of the respondents, 155 (51.7%) used EBM in their daily clinical practice. Through logistic regression analysis, we found that the identified predictors of including EBM in clinical practice were the 31–45-year-old age group (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.65–2.73) and EBM training received during last 5 years (AOR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.35–2.94). We recommend enhancing primary care physicians’ knowledge of EBM and its importance in clinical practice through appropriate training programs. A multi-centric mixed-method survey is warranted in other provinces of the KSA to recognize region-specific training demand.
IgM-Related Immunoglobulin Light Chain (AL) Amyloidosis
Authors: Sarosiek Shayna , Branagan Andrew R. , Treon Steven P. , Castillo Jorge J.
Published: November 2022

Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare lymphoplasmacytic disorder characterized by an IgM paraprotein. The clinical presentation of WM varies and can include common manifestations such as anemia and hyperviscosity, in addition to less common features such as cryoglobulinemia, IgM-related neuropathy, and immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis. Amyloidosis is a protein-folding disorder in which vital organ damage occurs due to the accumulation of misfolded protein aggregates. The most common type of amyloidosis in patients with an IgM paraprotein is AL amyloidosis, although other types of amyloidosis may occur. IgM-related amyloidosis has distinct clinical features when compared with other subtypes of AL amyloidosis. This review highlights the diagnostic criteria of IgM-related AL amyloidosis, as well as the clinical characteristics and treatment options for this disorder.
Impact of Bee and Fly Pollination on Physical and Biochemical Properties of Strawberry Fruit
Authors: Anees Muhammad , Ali Mudssar , Ghramh Hamed A. , Sajjad Asif , Ali Khan Khalid , Saeed Shafqat , Razzaq Kashif
Published: November 2022

Improvement in physical and biochemical properties of fruits through cross-pollination is a highly variable phenomenon. It mainly depends on the species of the pollinator and the nature of the crop being pollinated. It is therefore imperative to quantify the relative pollination effectiveness of an insect species for a certain crop species. In the present study, pollination effectiveness of two native bees (i.e., Apis dorsata and A. florea) and two syrphid flies (i.e., Eristalinus aeneus and Eupeodes corollae) were evaluated in terms of physical properties of strawberry fruits at Multan, Pakistan. The physical parameters of resultant fruits included length, pole, equator, fruit set ratio, number of days to reach market maturity, and shelf life. The biochemical properties of fruits resulted from open-pollinated plants (free insect visits) and caged plants (no insect visits) were also compared. The biochemical parameters included TSS (total soluble solids), TA (titratable acidity), vitamin C, and pH. Apis dorsata was the most abundant pollinator, followed by E. aeneus and E. corollae. Based on single-visit effectiveness, A. dorsata proved to be the most effective pollinator, in terms of physical properties, of strawberry fruit. Eristalinus aeneus outcrossed A. florea in terms of fruit set (%). The open-pollinated plants showed better physical and biochemical properties (26% higher TSS, 34% higher TA, but 25% lower pH value) in terms of fruits than the caged plants. Conservation of A. dorsata and E. aeneus can enhance physical and biochemical properties of strawberry fruits in the region.
MonkeyPox2022Tweets: A Large-Scale Twitter Dataset on the 2022 Monkeypox Outbreak, Findings from Analysis of Tweets, and Open Research Questions
Authors: Thakur Nirmalya
Published: November 2022

The mining of Tweets to develop datasets on recent issues, global challenges, pandemics, virus outbreaks, emerging technologies, and trending matters has been of significant interest to the scientific community in the recent past, as such datasets serve as a rich data resource for the investigation of different research questions. Furthermore, the virus outbreaks of the past, such as COVID-19, Ebola, Zika virus, and flu, just to name a few, were associated with various works related to the analysis of the multimodal components of Tweets to infer the different characteristics of conversations on Twitter related to these respective outbreaks. The ongoing outbreak of the monkeypox virus, declared a Global Public Health Emergency (GPHE) by the World Health Organization (WHO), has resulted in a surge of conversations about this outbreak on Twitter, which is resulting in the generation of tremendous amounts of Big Data. There has been no prior work in this field thus far that has focused on mining such conversations to develop a Twitter dataset. Furthermore, no prior work has focused on performing a comprehensive analysis of Tweets about this ongoing outbreak. To address these challenges, this work makes three scientific contributions to this field. First, it presents an open-access dataset of 556,427 Tweets about monkeypox that have been posted on Twitter since the first detected case of this outbreak. A comparative study is also presented that compares this dataset with 36 prior works in this field that focused on the development of Twitter datasets to further uphold the novelty, relevance, and usefulness of this dataset. Second, the paper reports the results of a comprehensive analysis of the Tweets of this dataset. This analysis presents several novel findings; for instance, out of all the 34 languages supported by Twitter, English has been the most used language to post Tweets about monkeypox, about 40,000 Tweets related to monkeypox were posted on the day WHO declared monkeypox as a GPHE, a total of 5470 distinct hashtags have been used on Twitter about this outbreak out of which #monkeypox is the most used hashtag, and Twitter for iPhone has been the leading source of Tweets about the outbreak. The sentiment analysis of the Tweets was also performed, and the results show that despite a lot of discussions, debate, opinions, information, and misinformation, on Twitter on various topics in this regard, such as monkeypox and the LGBTQI+ community, monkeypox and COVID-19, vaccines for monkeypox, etc., “neutral” sentiment was present in most of the Tweets. It was followed by “negative” and “positive” sentiments, respectively. Finally, to support research and development in this field, the paper presents a list of 50 open research questions related to the outbreak in the areas of Big Data, Data Mining, Natural Language Processing, and Machine Learning that may be investigated based on this dataset.
Application of Two-Eyed Seeing in Adolescent Mental Health to Bridge Design Thinking and Indigenous Collective Storytelling
Authors: Sam Johanna , Richardson Chris G. , Currie Leanne M.
Published: November 2022

Background: eMental health apps are increasingly being considered for use in health care with growing recognition of the importance of considering end-user preferences in their design and implementation. The key to the success of using apps with Indigenous youth is tailoring the design and content to include Indigenous perspectives. In this study we used a Two-Eyed Seeing perspective to integrate Indigenous and human computer interaction methodologies to identify end-user preferences for a tablet-based mental health screening app used in a primary care clinic serving Indigenous youth. Objective: The research objectives used a Two-Eyed Seeing approach to (i) collectively create stories about Indigenous youth lived experiences accessing integrated primary care for their mental health concerns; and (ii) engage Indigenous youth in Design Circles to determine their usability preferences for digital mental health screening tools. Method: Eight adolescents (n = 4 young women; n = 3 young men; and n = 1 Two Spirit) between 20 to 24 years old who self-identified as Indigenous participated. Indigenous youth joined Design Circles to co-create a story about accessing mental health care and their needs and preferences for an eMental Health app. Results: Findings highlighted the importance of collective Indigenous storytelling about accessing integrated primary care for mental health needs. Participants created three persona stories about their challenges accessing mental health care and the role of social support. Participants sorted their usability design preferences for an eMental Health app to be inclusive of Indigenous knowledges. Conclusions: A Two-Eyed Seeing perspective was useful to incorporate a design thinking approach as collective storytelling among Indigenous youth. This research may inform and shape the design of eMental health apps used in health clinics to better engage Indigenous youth.
GRP94 Inhabits the Immortalized Porcine Hepatic Stellate Cells Apoptosis under Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress through Modulating the Expression of IGF-1 and Ubiquitin
Authors: Wang Xiaohong , Xin Hairui , Zhang Chuang , Gu Xianhong , Hao Yue
Published: November 2022

Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) is closely related to the occurrence and progression of metabolic liver disease. The treatment targeting glucose-regulated protein 94 (GRP94) for liver disease has gotten much attention, but the specific effect of GRP94 on hepatocyte apoptosis is still unclear. So far, all the studies on GRP94 have been conducted in mice or rats, and little study has been reported on pigs, which share more similarities with humans. In this study, we used low-dose (LD) and high-dose (HD) tunicamycin (TM) to establish ERS models on piglet livers and immortalized porcine hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). On the piglet ERS model we found that ERS could significantly (p < 0.01) stimulate the secretion and synthesis of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R), and IGF-binding protein (IGFBP)-1 and IGFBP-3; however, with the increase in ERS degree, the effect of promoting secretion and synthesis significantly (p < 0.01) decreased. In addition, the ubiquitin protein and ubiquitination-related gene were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the LD group compared with the vehicle group. The protein level of Active-caspase 3 was significantly increased (p < 0.01) in the HD group, however, the TUNEL staining showed there was no significant apoptosis in the piglet liver ERS model. To explore the biofunction of ER chaperone GRP94, we used shRNA to knock down the expression of GRP94 in porcine HSCs. Interestingly, on porcine HSCs, the knockdown of GRP94 significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the secretion of IGF-1, IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-3 under ERS, but had no significant effect on these under normal condition, and knockdown GRP94 had a significant (p < 0.01) effect on the UBE2E gene and ubiquitin protein from the analysis of two-way ANOVA. On porcine HSCs apoptosis, the knockdown of GRP94 increased the cell apoptosis in TUNEL staining, and the two-way ANOVA analysis shows that knockdown GRP94 had a significant (p < 0.01) effect on the protein levels of Bcl-2 and Caspase-3. For CCK-8 assay, ERS had a significant inhibitory(p < 0.05) effect on cell proliferation when treated with ERS for 24 h, and both knockdown GRP94 and ERS had a significant inhibitory(p < 0.05) effect on cell proliferation when treated with ERS for 36 h and 48 h. We concluded that GRP94 can protect the cell from ERS-induced apoptosis by promoting the IGF-1 system and ubiquitin. These results provide valuable information on the adaptive mechanisms of the liver under ERS, and could help identify vital functional genes to be applied as possible diagnostic biomarkers and treatments for diseases induced by ERS in the future.
Influence of Microbial Preparations on Triticum aestivum L. Grain Quality
Authors: Chaikovskaya Lyudmila , Iakusheva Nina , Ovsienko Olga , Radchenko Lyudmila , Pashtetskiy Vladimir , Baranskaya Marina
Published: November 2022

Gluten, protein and amino acid composition play an important role in grain quality assessment. Areas of interest of our research include essential amino acids, which are not synthesized in the human body. It is a commonly known fact that large doses of mineral fertilizers increase grain crops’ yield and quality. However, fertilization leads to undesirable effects—in particular, environmental pollution. This creates a need to replace mineral fertilizers, at least partially, with alternative methods. One such method is the use of microbial preparations in modern technologies for growing cereals. This research, therefore, aimed to study the effect of presowing seed inoculation with a microbial preparation (based on phosphate-mobilizing bacterium Lelliottia nimipressuralis CCM* 32-3) on T. aestivum grain quality, namely the content of gluten, protein and amino acids. The analysis of three-year field experiments showed that the highest values were obtained when using the microbial preparation against the background of mineral fertilizers at the rate of P30. Presowing seed inoculation contributed to a significant increase in grain productivity (by 31.5% compared to control). The content of protein and gluten in the grain also increased up to 12.5 % and 28.0%, while in the control, these figures were 10.8% and 21.2%, respectively. Moreover, the total content of amino acids in wheat grain in the variant inoculation + fertilizers (P30) was the highest compared to those without inoculation. The following excess was noted: by 52% compared to control (without fertilizers); and by 29%, 17% and 10% in variants with mineral fertilizers at the rate of P30, P60, and P90, respectively. The obtained research results indicate that the combined application of mineral fertilizer Ammophos (at the rate of P30) and microbial preparation based on the phosphate-mobilizing bacterium L. nimipressuralis CCM 32-3 for presowing seed inoculation is an effective technique that improves the yield and quality indicators of winter wheat grain under the conditions of southern regions with insufficient moisture supply.
Accelerating Update of Variable Precision Multigranulation Approximations While Adding Granular Structures
Authors: Li Changchun , Hu Chengxiang
Published: November 2022

In multigranulation environments, variable precision multigranulation rough set (VPMGRS) is a useful framework that has a tolerance for errors. Approximations are basic concepts for knowledge acquisition and attribute reductions. Accelerating update of approximations can enhance the efficiency of acquiring decision rules by utilizing previously saved information. In this study, we focus on exploiting update mechanisms of approximations in VPMGRS with the addition of granular structures. By analyzing the basic changing trends of approximations in VPMGRS, we develop accelerating update mechanisms for acquiring approximations. In addition, an incremental algorithm to update variable precision multigranulation approximations is proposed when adding multiple granular structures. Finally, extensive comparisons elaborate the efficiency of the incremental algorithm.
Examining the Factors Influencing E-Tax Declaration Usage among Academics’ Taxpayers in Jordan
Authors: Al-Mawali Hamzah , Al Natour Abdul Rahman , Zaidan Hala , Shishan Farah , Rumman Ghaleb Abu
Published: November 2022

Purpose: This research attempts to profoundly understand the factors influencing the usage of e-tax declarations. Design/methodology/approach: In a cross-sectional survey, partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) is used to examine the hypotheses on 182 academic taxpayers working in Public Universities in Jordan. Findings: The findings indicate that knowledge, subjective norms, and attitude play a vital role in taxpayers’ usage of e-tax declarations. Moreover, knowledge confirms the power of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), which helps predict people’s behavior. However, the results reveal that awareness does not moderate the previously mentioned relationship. Research limitations/implications: The sample size is limited, and the participants were academics who work at public universities. Therefore, it is advisable to study larger sample size to confirm the study’s results. Moreover, further research could diversify the sample in terms of occupation, digital divide, and e-literacy, as these factors may significantly impact e-tax declaration usage. A comparison across various groups would be beneficial in gaining a better understanding of the demographics and variables that impact the use of e-tax declarations. The second limitation is the collection of mainly quantitative data; collecting qualitative data to further understand the main factors that could affect the usage of e-services would play a role in supporting the study’s findings. Practical implications: This study provides strategic guidance for Jordanian policymakers in improving citizens’ acceptance of mandatory e-services usage by affecting their knowledge, attitude, and subjective norms. As a result, these practical suggestions positively influence taxpayers’ usage of e-services, which contributes to their usage of optional ones. E-service adoption rates may rise by emphasizing their benefits, such as improving equity, efficiency, life quality, and limiting adverse environmental effects. Originality/value: This study expands the scope of mandatory public e-services research.
A Geotechnical Perspective on a Complex Geological Environment in a High-Speed Railway Tunnel Excavation (A Case Study from Türkiye)
Authors: Gokceoglu Candan , Aygar Ebu Bekir , Nefeslioglu Hakan A. , Karahan Servet , Gullu Suat
Published: November 2022

The T26 tunnel was designed within the scope of the Ankara-Istanbul high-speed railway in accordance with the speed of 250 km/h. Some serious problems and excessive deformations were encountered during the excavation works. The deformations in the tunnel caused subsidence on the surface and the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) became stuck; therefore, tunnel excavation works were suspended. Design works for re-excavation in the T26 tunnel and extracting of the TBM were carried out and the tunnel was re-designed by the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) system. The main purposes of the present study are to describe the problems encountered during the T26 tunnel and to discuss the sources of the problems. The advantages and disadvantages of TBM and NATM methods for the tunnel having difficult ground conditions were discussed. Critical points needing to be considered for the tunnels excavated with TBM through weak ground conditions and the effect of the TBM selection process were discussed. Considering the complex geological and geotechnical structure of the tunnel route, it is possible to say that the T26 case is an interesting case for tunnel engineering. Along the tunnel route, landslides, high seismic activity, groundwater conditions, and extremely weak rock mass features coexist. Therefore, the tunnel route is a very complex environment. However, due to the geometric limitations of the high-speed railways, relocation of the route is not possible. The experiences gained from tunnel excavations under difficult conditions are capable of bringing new horizons to future tunneling studies.
The CALICE SiW ECAL Technological Prototype—Status and Outlook
Authors: Pöschl Roman
Published: November 2022

The next generation of collider detectors will make full use of Particle Flow Algorithms, requiring high-precision tracking and full imaging calorimeters. The latter, thanks to granularity improvements by two to three orders of magnitude compared to existing devices, have been developed during the past 15 years by the CALICE collaboration and are now reaching maturity. This contribution will focus on the commissioning of a 15-layer prototype of a highly granular silicon–tungsten electromagnetic calorimeter that comprises 15,360 readout cells. The prototype was exposed in November 2021 and March 2022 to beam tests at DESY and in June 2022 to a beam test at the SPS at CERN. The test at CERN has been carried out in combination with the CALICE Analogue Hadron Calorimeter. The contribution will give a general overview of the prototype and will highlight technical developments necessary for its construction.
Algebras of Vector Functions over Normed Fields
Authors: Ludkowski Sergey Victor
Published: November 2022

This article is devoted to study of vector functions in Banach algebras and Banach spaces over normed fields. A structure of their Banach algebras is investigated. Banach algebras of vector functions with values in ∗-algebras, finely regular algebras, B∗-algebras, and operator algebras are scrutinized. An approximation of vector functions is investigated. The realizations of these algebras by operator algebras are studied.
What Are the Factors Associated with the Structural Damage Differences in Open-Angle Glaucoma? RNFL- and GCIPL-Dominant Progression
Authors: Park Sung Eun , Lee Jihei Sara , Kim Mijung , Kim Chan Yun , Bae Hyoung Won
Published: November 2022

We sought to analyze the parameters associated with retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL)-dominant progression or ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer (GCIPL)-dominant progression in patients with open-angle glaucoma. A prospective observational study was conducted. Overall, 58 eyes from 33 patients with open-angle glaucoma were categorized into the following two groups: patients with RNFL- and GCIPL-dominant progression, and the primary outcome was the difference in associated factors between two groups. Higher pre-treatment and mean IOP, greater lamina cribrosa curvature index (LCCI), and younger age were more significantly associated with the RNFL-dominant progression group than the GCIPL-dominant progression group. When adjusting for mean IOP, age, LCCI, and microvascular dropout (MVD), only pre-treatment IOP was significantly associated with the RNFL-dominant progression group. However, when adjusting for pre-treatment IOP, age, LCCI, and MVD, both higher mean IOP and greater LCCI were significantly associated with RNFL-dominant progression. In conclusion, pre-treatment and mean IOP and LCCI were more strongly associated with the RNFL-dominant progression group than the GCIPL-dominant progression group. In contrast, age, peripapillary choroidal microvascular dropout, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures tended to damage the GCIPL predominantly rather than the RNFL. Therefore, our findings suggest the potential to set different treatment targets and identify various treatment methods for each group.