bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interoperability Testing of a Smart Home Automation System under Explicit Demand Response Schemes
Authors: Andreadou Nikoleta , Kotsakis Evangelos , Masera Marcelo
Published: October 2022

Interoperability becomes a key issue for smart grid systems, as the interaction between diverse components needs to lead to a normal system operation. In this paper, we test interoperability issues with respect to home automation. In particular, interaction of a home energy management system (HEMS) is examined with an external actor for home/building remote control. We show the importance and the feasibility of remotely controlling domestic loads from outside the house premises, which can be crucial for energy saving operations, such as demand response. The Smart Grid Architecture Model (SGAM) is used, where the different actors are depicted. The interoperability testing methodology for smart grids, developed by our unit, is followed in order to design the necessary tests and execute them. For the experimental part, we develop an HEMS in our lab along with a Home Automation End Device (HAED), used to transform two normal plugs, and consequently, normal loads into smart ones, thus creating a system for home automation and control. The described configuration is only one possible configuration out of the available ones existing in the market for home automation. LabVIEW programming is used in order to realize the actual explicit demand response program through remote load control and scheduling. The results show that explicit demand response can be achieved by an external actor with success and interoperability is preserved.
Implementation and Experimental Validation of Efficiency Improvement in PM Synchronous Hub Motors for Light Electric Vehicles
Authors: Çömezoğlu İrfan Güven , Zorlu Partal Sibel
Published: October 2022

The efficiency of permanent magnet synchronous hub motors (PMSHM) used in light electric vehicles (EVs) is lower than that used in commercial EVs. Therefore, in this study a high-efficiency radial-flux outer-rotor PMSHM was designed for light EVs. The high-efficiency motor will contribute to the reduction of the power consumption demand from the batteries of EVs, the longer life of the batteries and the longer uninterrupted operation of the system. The optimization objectives, such as motor sizing, number of slots and poles, air gap length, material selection, stator winding structure, stator slot shape, magnet thickness, and cutting method for stator sheets were considered to ensure high efficiency and low cogging torque. In this study, three validation stages were followed; electromagnetic analyzes with FEM, analytical calculations, and finally experimental validation. First, the design parameters of the motor were determined based on the analyses results obtained using ANSYS Maxwell software, and then validated both with the analytical calculations and experimental results. The comparison results show that the design data of the motor at the rated speed agree well with the analytical calculations and test results. After obtaining the optimized motor design, the motor was installed on a prototype electric car for the road test. During the test drive, the motor performed successfully and operated compatibly with the rest of the electric vehicle systems such as the motor driver and the battery.
Tri-Generation System Configuration Selection Based on Energy and Exergy Analyses
Authors: Bui Tuananh , Kim Young-Sang , Lee Dong-Keun , Ahn Kook-Young , Lee Sang-Min
Published: October 2022

A tri-generation system combining cooling, heating, and power generation can contribute to increased system efficiency and thereby reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This study proposed a novel concept using 100-kW polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) as the basis for a tri-generation system with an integrated heat pump and adsorption chiller for greenhouse use. Three configurations of heat pump loop were designed to recover the waste heat from PEMFCs and used either for direct heating or cooling power generation in adsorption cooling. Analyses were carried out in terms of primary energy rate (PER) and exergy efficiencies. Of those investigated, the layout with a heat pump and internal heat exchanger demonstrated the best performance, with PERs of the cooling and heating modes at 0.94 and 0.78, respectively. Additionally, the exergy analysis revealed that the exergies are mostly destroyed at the expansion valve and evaporator due to differences in pressure and temperature. These differences are minimized when the system layout contains a cascade heat pump loop or an internal heat exchanger, thus resolving the problem of exergy destruction. As a result, the total exergy destruction in the system was decreased from 61.11% to 49.18% and 46.60%, respectively. Furthermore, the proposed configurations showed 36.1% and 31.4% lower values in terms of energy consumption compared with relevant works in the heating mode and cooling mode, respectively.
Recent Advances in Energy Harvesting from the Human Body for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Sobianin Ihor , Psoma Sotiria D. , Tourlidakis Antonios
Published: October 2022

Energy harvesters serve as continuous and long-lasting sources of energy that can be integrated into wearable and implantable sensors and biomedical devices. This review paper presents the current progress, the challenges, the advantages, the disadvantages and the future trends of energy harvesters which can harvest energy from various sources from the human body. The most used types of energy are chemical; thermal and biomechanical and each group is represented by several nano-generators. Chemical energy can be harvested with a help of microbial and enzymatic biofuel cells, thermal energy is collected via thermal and pyroelectric nano-generators, biomechanical energy can be scavenged with piezoelectric and triboelectric materials, electromagnetic and electrostatic generators and photovoltaic effect allows scavenging of light energy. Their operating principles, power ratings, features, materials, and designs are presented. There are different ways of extracting the maximum energy and current trends and approaches in nanogenerator designs are discussed. The ever-growing interest in this field is linked to a larger role of wearable electronics in the future. Possible directions of future development are outlined; and practical biomedical applications of energy harvesters for glucose sensors, oximeters and pacemakers are presented. Based on the increasingly accumulated literature, there are continuous promising improvements which are anticipated to lead to portable and implantable devices without the requirement for batteries.
Implementation of Blended Learning during COVID-19
Authors: Batista-Toledo Santiago , Gavilan Diana
Published: October 2022

Blended learning (BL) is a teaching model that combines face-to-face activities in the classroom with activities outside the classroom through the introduction of technology that is computer-based, distance, or mobile learning, among others. There are several BL models to adopt, depending on the importance and extent to which the technology is used. It brings great benefits to the learner and involves teachers in the design of new teaching methods.
Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Zoonotic Risk Perception of Bovine Q Fever (Coxiella burnetii) among Cattle Farmers and Veterinary Personnel in Northern Regions of Cameroon
Authors: Zangue Camille Teitsa , Kouamo Justin , Ngoula Ferdinand , Tawali Ludovic Pépin M’bapté , Ndebé Moustapha Mohamed Fokom , Somnjom Dinayen Edwin , Nguena Ranyl Noumedem Guefack , Mouiche Mohamed Moctar Mouliom
Published: October 2022

A cross-sectional survey was conducted to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, practices and zoonotic risk perception of Q fever among 484 selected cattle farmers (438) and veterinary personnel (46) in three northern regions of Cameroon. Data collection was conducted using questionnaires and responses were recoded into binary scale. An ANOVA test was used to assess significant differences in mean knowledge, attitude, practice and zoonotic risk perception (KAPP) scores between regions, while Linear regression was done to explore the relationship between demographic characteristic and KAPP. Overall, surveyed had low mean scores for knowledge (0.02 ± 0.11), desirable attitude (0.30 ± 0.16), appropriate practice (0.43 ± 0.13) and negative perception of zoonotic risks (0.05 ± 0.11). The means knowledge, attitude, practice and risks perception scores of cattle farmers were lower than those of veterinary personnel. The nature of respondent was negatively associated to knowledge and risks perception, while regions were negatively correlated to attitude and practice. These results revealed significant knowledge gaps, low levels of desired attitudes, and high-risk behavioral practices. To improve awareness, control programs are needed to update knowledge on medical personnel and to prevent animal-to-human transmission.
Bulbophyllum abangjoei sp. Nov. (Orchidaceae: Dendrobieae), a New Species of Orchid from Sarawak
Authors: Go Rusea , Besi Edward Entalai , Khor Kenny Hong Eng , Pungga Runi Sylvester
Published: October 2022

Bulbophyllum abangjoei is a new one-flowered orchid species described from Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary, Katibas and Anap-Muput, Tatau, Sarawak. The taxonomic treatment is accompanied by taxonomic notes, information on the species’ affinities at infrageneric level, geographical distribution, habitat ecology, and implications for their conservation. It is morphologically almost similar to Bulbophyllum deviantiae, B. membranifolium, and B. sanguineolentum, but clearly differs in the long, narrowly oblong to linear leaf blade, subsessile petiole ca. 5 mm long, long narrowly cylindrical pseudobulbs with some mature pseudobulbs reaching ¾ length of the leaf blade, non-resupinate flowers, shortly upcurved and not emarginate labellum apex, and elliptic-oblong stelids at lower margins near the apex of the column. For these morphological differences, B. abangjoei is here described as distinct and new species to science. The new species is so far only known from three localities in protected areas in Sarawak, and hereby is assessed as ‘Endangered’ [EN B2 (a)(b) D1] under IUCN Red List criteria B and D.
Understanding Stakeholders’ Perspectives on the Indonesia–EU FLEGT-VPA Scheme Implementation
Authors: Hadiprasetya Yoga , Kim Jin-Oh
Published: October 2022

Illegal logging comprises illegal activities that impact the economy, environment, and social aspects. This situation is addressed by the Forest, Law Enforcement, Governance, and Trade Voluntary Partnership Agreement (FLEGT-VPA) scheme. In 2014, Indonesia and the European Union ratified the FLEGT-VPA and then started the FLEGT Licensing in 2016. This study intended to discover stakeholder satisfaction from the perspectives of the government institutions, civil society organizations, and the private sector on the Indonesia–EU FLEGT-VPA scheme, and it was accomplished by performing a mixed-method sequential explanatory research design. First, the quantitative data, collected through a web-based questionnaire (n = 103), resulted in the stakeholders’ satisfaction (dependent variable), in connection with all of the independent variables, showed that all three stakeholders were satisfied with sustainable forest management, new market opportunities, timber legality, and law enforcement. In contrast, they were slightly satisfied with the social safeguards. From the measurement of the multiple regression model, the results showed that each independent variable has a positive and significant effect on stakeholder satisfaction. We discovered that timber legality performed the highest significance to stakeholders’ satisfaction. Second, qualitative data were collected to briefly explain the preceding quantitative findings through web-based in-depth and focus group interviews (n = 20). All three stakeholders seemed to agree to the scheme implementation that supported the application of sustainable forest management principles, improved the legality and traceability, promoted good governance, and strengthened the social safeguards, while it improved the new market opportunities to a lesser degree. Finally, all three stakeholders explained that there are still main challenges to be solved in improving the scheme implementation such as (1) administrative problems mainly experienced by small and medium enterprises; (2) uncompetitive FLEGT license products that are not well known to buyers; and (3) the absence of incentives given by both parties (Indonesia and the EU) to the FLEGT-licensed product exporters.
Growth Kinetic Parameters and Prediction of Growth and Zearalenone and Deoxynivalenol Production Boundaries by Three Fusarium asiaticum Strains Isolated from Wheat
Authors: Garcia-Cela Esther , Verheecke-Vaessen Carol , Ósk-Jónsdóttir Inga , Lawson Rita , Magan Naresh
Published: October 2022

Fusarium species can cause head blight of cereals worldwide. This is accompanied by impacts on yield and contamination of grains with mycotoxins. Regulations, with maximum limits, exist for the relevant Fusarium mycotoxins (e.g., type A and B trichothecenes, zearalenone and fumonisins). There is interest in a better understanding of the effect of key interacting abiotic factors which determine colonization and mycotoxin production in small grain cereals. Thus, this study examined the ecophysiological relationship between temperature and water availability (10–35 °C; water activity, aw, 0.87–0.98) on growth and production of Fusarium mycotoxins (zearelenone, ZEA; deoxynivalenol, DON; 3-acetyl deoxynivalenol, 3-Ac-DON and nivalenol, NIV) by three strains of F. asiaticum, a head blight pathogen isolated from China and becoming important in other global regions. These were carried out on simulated wheat-based matrices that identified the optimum (25 °C/0.98 aw) and marginal boundary conditions for growth (35 °C/0.90 aw) for all three strains. Contrarily, different mycotoxigenic profiles were observed between strains (p < 0.05). Four mycotoxins assessed were produced at 30 °C while cold temperature inhibited the production of NIV and ZEA, which were never detected at <20 and <15 °C, respectively. Optimal mycotoxin production conditions varied for each toxin with ZEA production which was best at 30 °C/0.93–0.95 aw, DON, 3-Ac-DON and NIV which was 0.98 aw/20–30 °C. Probabilistic models were used to predict growth and regulated mycotoxin production by the strains of F. asiaticum. This study will be beneficial in the development mitigation strategies for control of pre- and post-harvest colonization of cereals and mycotoxin contamination by this Fusarium species in cereals.
Improving the Synthesis Efficiency of Amino Acids Such as L-Lysine by Assembling Artificial Cellulosome Elements Dockerin Protein In Vivo
Authors: Li Nan , Xue Le , Wang Zirui , Du Peng , Li Piwu , Su Jing , Xiao Jing , Wang Min , Wang Junqing , Wang Ruiming
Published: October 2022

Cellulosome is a highly efficient multi-enzyme self-assembly system and is found on the extracellular surface or in the free environment of microorganisms. However, with a lack of Ca2+ in vivo, cellulosome assembly is challenging. In this study, a novel design method was used to directionally modify the Ca2+-binding site, and four double-site dockerin A (DocA) mutants were obtained. At a Ca2+ concentration between 1.00 × 10−7 and 1.00 × 10−4 M, the mutant DocA-D3 had the strongest binding capacity to cohesion (Coh), which was 8.01 times that of DocA. The fluorescence signal intensity of the fusion proteins assembled using mutants was up to 1.26 × 107 in Escherichia coli, which indicated that these mutants could interact with Coh in vivo. The molecular dynamics simulation results showed that DocA-D3 could maintain a stable angle structure without Ca2+, and when applied to L-lysine fermentation, the yield was increased by 24.1%; when applied to β-alanine fermentation, the product accumulation was increased by 2.13–2.63 times. These findings lay the foundation for assembly design in cells.
Editorial for the Special Issue on “Software Engineering and Data Science”
Authors: Tosi Davide
Published: October 2022

In the last few years, data-driven software solutions have attracted a lot of attention in research and development at academic, industry, business, and government levels to exploit the hidden knowledge and big data that can be offered to cities and citizens in the future [...]
Numerical Investigations on Water Mist Fire Extinguishing Performance: Physical and Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Robinet Antonin , Chetehouna Khaled , Cablé Axel , Florentin Éric , Oger Antoine
Published: October 2022

Fire safety is a changing science for which the dominant parameters that affect fire suppression are still not well defined. The aim of this work is to show that sensitivity analysis techniques can speed up and improve the design process of fire suppression experiments by water mists. The important parameters that play a role in the performance of water mists were confirmed using the CFD code FDS. Various sensitivity analysis methods based on the factorial design and variance decomposition are used with four input parameters (flow rate, spray cone angle, discharge duration and droplet diameter). In our case, results highlight the importance of the discharge duration for the performance of water mists in a confined environment and a strong non-linear effect of the spray cone angle on temperature when variance decomposition methods are used. Further works will be conducted in order to confirm that sensitivity analysis can be used for application in fire suppression by water mist.
Adaptive Neural Fault-Tolerant Control for Nonlinear Fractional-Order Systems with Positive Odd Rational Powers
Authors: Ma Jiawei , Wang Huanqing , Su Yakun , Liu Cungen , Chen Ming
Published: October 2022

In this paper, the problem of adaptive neural fault-tolerant control (FTC) for the fractional-order nonlinear systems (FNSs) with positive odd rational powers (PORPs) is considered. By using the radial basis function neural networks (RBF NNs), the unknown nonlinear functions from the controlled system can be approximated. With the help of an adaptive control ideology, the unknown control rate of the actuator fault can be handled. In particular, the FNSs subject to high-order terms are studied for the first time. In addition, the designed controller can ensure the boundedness of all the signals of the closed-loop control system, and the tracking error can tend to a small neighborhood of zero in the end. Finally, the illustrative examples are shown to validate the effectiveness of the developed method.
A Fractional Order Investigation of Smoking Model Using Caputo-Fabrizio Differential Operator
Authors: Anjam Yasir Nadeem , Shafqat Ramsha , Sarris Ioannis E. , ur Rahman Mati , Touseef Sajida , Arshad Muhammad
Published: October 2022

Smoking is a social trend that is prevalent around the world, particularly in places of learning and at some significant events. The World Health Organization defines smoking as the most important preventable cause of disease and the third major cause of death in humans. In order to analyze this matter, this study typically emphasizes analyzing the dynamics of the fractional order quitting smoking model via the Caputo-Fabrizio differential operator. For the numerical solution of the considered model, the Laplace transform with the Adomian decomposition method (LADM) and Homotopy perturbation method (HPM) is applied, and the comparison of both the achieved numerical solutions is presented. Moreover, numerical simulation for the suggested scheme has been presented in various fractional orders with the aid of Matlab and the numerical results are supported by illustrative graphics. The simulation reveals the aptness of the considered model.
Highly Sensitive and Selective Sol-Gel Spin-Coated Composite TiO2–PANI Thin Films for EGFET-pH Sensor
Authors: Kamarozaman Nur Syahirah , Zainal Nurbaya , Rosli Aimi Bazilah , Zulkefle Muhammad Alhadi , Nik Him Nik Raikhan , Abdullah Wan Fazlida Hanim , Herman Sukreen Hana , Zulkifli Zurita
Published: October 2022

A highly selective and sensitive EGFET-pH sensor based on composite TiO2–PANI had been developed in this work. A sol-gel titanium dioxide (TiO2) and the composite of TiO2 with semiconducting polyaniline (PANI) were deposited using a simple spin-coating method on an indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate. The films have been explored as a sensing electrode (SE) of extended gate field-effect transistor (EGFET) for pH applications in the range of pH 2 to 12. The pH sensitivities between TiO2, TiO2–PANI bilayer composite, and TiO2–PANI composite thin films were discussed. Among these, the TiO2–PANI composite thin film showed a super-Nernstian behavior with high sensitivity of 66.1 mV/pH and linearity of 0.9931; good repeatability with a standard deviation of 0.49%; a low hysteresis value of 3 mV; and drift rates of 4.96, 5.54, and 3.32 mV/h in pH 4, 7, and 10, respectively, for 6 h. Upon applying the TiO2–PANI composite as the SE for nitrate measurement, low sensitivity of 12.9 mV/dec was obtained, indicating that this film is a highly selective sensing electrode as a pH sensor. The surface morphology and crystallinity of the thin films were also discussed.
DNA Damage-Induced RNAPII Degradation and Its Consequences in Gene Expression
Authors: Muñoz Juan Cristobal , Beckerman Inés , Choudhary Ramveer , Bouvier León Alberto , Muñoz Manuel J.
Published: October 2022

RPB1, the major and catalytic subunit of human RNA Polymerase II (RNAPII), is specifically degraded by the ubiquitin–proteasome system upon induction of DNA damage by different agents, such as ultraviolet (UV) light. The “last resort” model of RNAPII degradation states that a persistently stalled RNAPII is degraded at the site of the DNA lesion in order to facilitate access to Nucleotide Excision Repair (NER) factors, thereby promoting repair in template strands of active genes. Recent identification and mutation of the lysine residue involved in RPB1 ubiquitylation and degradation unveiled the relevance of RNAPII levels in the control of gene expression. Inhibition of RNAPII degradation after UV light exposure enhanced RNAPII loading onto chromatin, demonstrating that the mere concentration of RNAPII shapes the gene expression response. In this review, we discuss the role of RNAPII ubiquitylation in NER-dependent repair, recent advances in RPB1 degradation mechanisms and its consequences in gene expression under stress, both in normal and repair deficient cells.
Uncovering the Relationship between Tissue-Specific TF-DNA Binding and Chromatin Features through a Transformer-Based Model
Authors: Zhang Yongqing , Liu Yuhang , Wang Zixuan , Wang Maocheng , Xiong Shuwen , Huang Guo , Gong Meiqin
Published: October 2022

Chromatin features can reveal tissue-specific TF-DNA binding, which leads to a better understanding of many critical physiological processes. Accurately identifying TF-DNA bindings and constructing their relationships with chromatin features is a long-standing goal in the bioinformatic field. However, this has remained elusive due to the complex binding mechanisms and heterogeneity among inputs. Here, we have developed the GHTNet (General Hybrid Transformer Network), a transformer-based model to predict TF-DNA binding specificity. The GHTNet decodes the relationship between tissue-specific TF-DNA binding and chromatin features via a specific input scheme of alternative inputs and reveals important gene regions and tissue-specific motifs. Our experiments show that the GHTNet has excellent performance, achieving about a 5% absolute improvement over existing methods. The TF-DNA binding mechanism analysis shows that the importance of TF-DNA binding features varies across tissues. The best predictor is based on the DNA sequence, followed by epigenomics and shape. In addition, cross-species studies address the limited data, thus providing new ideas in this case. Moreover, the GHTNet is applied to interpret the relationship among TFs, chromatin features, and diseases associated with AD46 tissue. This paper demonstrates that the GHTNet is an accurate and robust framework for deciphering tissue-specific TF-DNA binding and interpreting non-coding regions.
Bridging the Gap between Long–Term Orogenic Evolution (>10 Ma Scale) and Geomorphological Processes That Shape the Western Alps: Insights from Combined Dating Approaches
Authors: Rolland Yann , Bilau Antonin , Cardinal Thibaut , Nouibat Ahmed , Bienveignant Dorian , Boschetti Louise , Schwartz Stéphane , Bernet Matthias
Published: October 2022

Constraining the relative roles of erosion and tectonics in the evolution of mountain belts is a challenging scientific goal. In this review article on the Western Alps, we show how it becomes possible to “bridge the gap” between the long–term (>Ma) orogenic evolution controlled by tectonics and exhumation processes and the recent geomorphological evolution that is accessible on an annual–decadal basis. Advances in mineral dating that have grown in relation to deformation in the ductile and brittle crustal fields have allowed us to constrain the evolution of deformation through time and depth. A drastic change from early collision, dominated by rapid underthrusting of the European plate, to a more stagnant syn–collisional tectonic context is documented since about 26–20 Ma by syn–kinematic phengites and vein–hosted monazites along the Alpine arc. The overall dextral kinematic context is accompanied by local extensional domains in the Simplon and High Durance Valley. Activation of the Simplon ductile fault is documented from 20 Ma, whereas the High Durance extensional system commenced after 10 Ma. The application of cosmogenic nuclide dating of incised river gorges demonstrates that the erosion pattern of the Western Alps follows a different evolution within the valleys dominated by upstream glacial erosion than in peripheral watersheds devoid of glaciers. The very low peripheral incision is found to be similar to the vertical GPS signal, suggesting equilibrium of tectonic uplift and incision, whereas the glacial–dominated valleys exhibit significantly increased and transient river incision during interglacials and a constant ongoing tectonic regime.
Earthquake-Induced Flow-Type Slope Failure in Weathered Volcanic Deposits—A Case Study: The 16 April 2016 Takanodai Landslide, Japan
Authors: Chiaro Gabriele , Kiyota Takashi , Umar Muhammad , Cappellaro Claudio
Published: October 2022

The aim of this paper is to provide new insight into the catastrophic mobility of the earthquake-induced flow-type Takanodai landslide that occurred on 16 April 2016, which had fatal consequences. A geological and geotechnical interpretation of the site conditions and experimental investigations of the mechanical behavior of weathered Kusasenrigahama (Kpfa) pumice are used to characterize the landslide failure mechanism. The results of large-strain undrained torsional shear tests indicate that Kpfa pumice has the potential to rapidly develop very large shear strains upon mobilization of its cyclic resistance. To evaluate the actual field performance, a series of new liquefaction triggering analyses are carried out. The liquefaction triggering analyses indicate that Kpfa pumice did not liquefy during the Mw6.2 foreshock event, and the hillslope remained stable. Instead, it liquefied during the Mw7.0 mainshock event, when the exceedance of the cyclic resistance of the Kpfa pumice deposit and subsequent flow-failure type of response can be considered the main cause of the landslide. Moreover, the combination of large cyclic stress ratios (CSR = 0.21–0.35)—significantly exceeding the cyclic resistance ratio CRR = 0.09–0.13)—and static shear stress ratios (α = 0.15–0.25) were critical factors responsible for the observed flow-type landslide that traveled more than 0.6 km over a gentle sloping surface (6°–10°).
Ground Penetrating Radar of Neotectonic Folds and Faults in South-Central Australia: Evolution of the Shallow Geophysical Structure of Fault-Propagation Folds with Increasing Strain
Authors: Sellmann Schirin , Quigley Mark , Duffy Brendan , Moffat Ian
Published: October 2022

Using ground penetrating radar (GPR) we investigate the near surface (~0–10 m depth) geophysical structure of neotectonic fault-propagation folds and thrust faults in south-central Australia in varying stages of fold and fault growth. Variations in neotectonic fold scarp heights are interpreted to reflect variations in accumulated slip on the underlying reverse faults. Fold scarps on the Nullarbor and Roe Plains are characterized by broad, asymmetric morphologies with vertical displacements of ~5 to ~40 m distributed over 1 to 2 km widths (~0.5 to ~4 m per 100 m). Within increasing scarp height there is an increase in the frequency and spatial density of strong reflector packages in the hanging wall that are attributed to material contrasts imposed by co-seismic fracturing and associated lithological and weathering variations. No evidence for discrete faulting is found at scarp heights up to 40 m (maximum relief of 4 m per 100 m). Where the principal slip zone of a fault ruptures to the surface, scarp morphologies are characterized by steep gradients (ca. 10 m per 100 m). Discrete faulting is imaged in GPR as structural lineaments, abrupt changes in the thickness of reflector packages with variations of amplitude, and/or hyperbolic diffraction packages indicative of the disturbance of reflector packages. Geophysical imaging of subtle changes in the shallow geological structure during growth of fault-propagation folds can be conducted using GPR informing the identification of locations for invasive investigations (e.g., trenching).
Two-Dimensional Attenuation and Velocity Tomography of Iran
Authors: Hearn Thomas M.
Published: October 2022

Seismic bulletin data collected by the Iranian Seismological Center are used to image crust and mantle seismic attenuation, group velocity, and phase velocities for Lg, Pg, Sn, and Pn phases. This is possible because the peak amplitude time is picked, and amplitude measurements can be associated with the phase based on travel time plots. The group velocity is the apparent velocity of the maximum amplitude arrival and represents the combined effect of phase velocity and seismic scattering. Thus, it can be used in combination with the attenuation to identify where scattering attenuation is dominant. The Arabian–Iranian plate boundary separates low-velocity Zagros sediments from central Iran; however, in the mantle, it separates a high-velocity Arabian shield from central Iran. Scattering attenuation is low within the Arabian mantle and crust, and the Zagros sediments do not cause Lg or Pg attenuation. The Eocene Urumieh Dokhtar Magmatic Arc has high attenuation within both the crust and mantle, and while there is no partial melting in the crust, there may be some in the mantle. The northern Eocene Sistan Suture Zone shows particularly high attenuation that is accompanied by high scattering. It represents an incompletely closed ocean basin that has undergone intense alteration. The Alborz Mountains have high attenuation with some scattering.
‘& Not the Least Wit’: Jane Austen’s Use of ‘Wit’
Authors: Cox Octavia
Published: October 2022

Jane Austen is celebrated for her wit and wittiness. She famously defended novels in Northanger Abbey, for example, on the basis that they display ‘the liveliest effusions of wit’. Critics have long been occupied with detailing the implications of Austen’s wit, but without due attention to Austen’s own explicit deployment of the word within her writing. Offering a re-evaluation of Austen’s use of ‘wit’, this article provides a much-needed examination of how the term is implemented by Austen in her fiction (from her juvenilia, and through her six major novels), contextualises wit’s meaning through its seventeenth-, eighteenth-, and nineteenth-century senses, and reveals that ‘wit’ did not necessarily have the positive connotations often presumed in modern suppositions. It transpires that, seemingly paradoxically, Austen routinely adopts the label ‘wit’ ironically to expose an absence of true wit, whilst concurrently avoiding the application of the word in moments displaying true wit. This article argues for the need to understand the crucial distinction between wit and true wit in Austen’s fiction.
The Leiden-Turin Excavations at Saqqara
Authors: Weiss Lara , Greco Christian
Published: October 2022

This article highlights the history of almost 50 years of Leiden archaeological work at Saqqara, in the cemetery south of the Unas causeway, and places the recent findings of the current Leiden-Turin Expedition within a broader historical context, both ancient and modern. The relationship between the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden and Egypt started almost 200 years ago, with the acquisition of the first objects. The arrival of a collection of important objects coming from Saqqara triggered an interest in finding the context from which they originated. This led to the creation of the joint Dutch-British mission, that made the first important discoveries. Over the time, Museo Egizio, Torino, joined the mission; the current Dutch-Italian mission has been working on unearthing further structures as well as documenting in detail all the aspects of the site, from the buildings to the reliefs, from the finds to the overall context. Discoveries on the field are led and followed by the careful study of objects belonging to museum collections, in an interplay between archaeological sites and museums that goes beyond their physical boundaries.
Molecular Characterization of bHLH Transcription Factor Family in Rose (Rosa chinensis Jacq.) under Botrytis cinerea Infection
Authors: Ullah Ikram , Yuan Wenbin , Uzair Muhammad , Li Sisi , Rehman Obaid Ur , Nanda Satyabrata , Wu Hongzhi
Published: October 2022

Rose (Rosa chinensis Jacq.) is an important economic ornamental crop and its yield is affected by different biotic and abiotic stresses. Among the biotic stresses, the gray mold disease caused by Botrytis cinerea is a serious threat to rose production. The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) is a large transcription factor family involved in several vital plant physiological processes, including growth, development, and stress response. However, no substantial reports exist on bHLH genes in rose. Here, the genome-wide identification, characterization, and expression analysis of the rose bHLH (RcbHLH) genes was carried out. In total, 100 RcbHLHs were identified in the rose genome and mapped onto different rose chromosomes. The gene duplication analysis revealed both tandem and segmental duplications in RcbHLHs. The RcbHLHs among other plant bHLHs were divided into 21 sub-groups on the phylogenetic tree. Additionally, prediction of the different cis-regulatory elements and the gene ontology of the identified RcbHLHs indicated their possible functions in rose plants. The expression analysis of selected RcbHLHs genes in two contrasting rose varieties (A29 = Black Baccara and XS = Sweet Avalanche) under B. cinerea infection provided insights into the involvement of RcbHLHs in rose–B. cinerea interactions. Moreover, this study provided details on the bHLH family genes in rose and their potential roles in rose defense against B. cinerea infection.
Evaluation of Critical Points for Effective Cryopreservation of Four Different Citrus spp. Germplasm
Authors: Ozkaya Damla Ekin , Souza Fernanda Vidigal Duarte , Kaya Ergun
Published: October 2022

The different pre- and post-treatments are critical in cryopreservation procedures and affect the shoot tip regrowth after freezing. In the present study, the long-term storage of four citrus cultivars [Bodrum Mandarin (Citrus deliciosa Ten.); Klin Mandarin (Citrus nobilis Lauriro); White grapefruit and Red grapefruit (Citrus paradisi L.)] were carried out by droplet vitrification methods, and the critical points for effective cryopreservation of these species were determined. In this study, we investigated the effect of explant size, cold hardening treatments, sucrose concentrations, and media combinations on shoot regrowth after cryopreservation. The highest shoot tip regrowth, ranging from 13.3 to 33.3%, was achieved when they were obtained from 0.3 to 0.7 mm explants excised from cold hardened seedlings at 4 °C for three days that were then precultured in a medium containing 0.25 M of sucrose and treated with PVS2 at 0 °C for 45 min. In addition, it has been determined that a regeneration medium containing boric acid (H3BO3) or ferric ethylenediaminetetraacetate (FeEDDHA) increased the regeneration up to 33.3% after cryopreservation.
The Outcomes of an Interprofessional Simulation Program for New Graduate Nurses
Authors: Yeh Shu-Ling , Lin Chiu-Tzu , Wang Li-Hsiang , Lin Chun-Chih , Ma Chen-Te , Han Chin-Yen
Published: October 2022

This study explored the learning outcomes of an interprofessional simulation program for new graduate nurses during their training program. It was a single-group, pre-test and post-test research design. Ninety-three new graduate nurses participated in the study. The Nursing Competence Instrument and program satisfaction survey questionnaires were used to evaluate the learning outcomes of the program. Data were collected between 1 July 2019 and 30 June 2020 in a medical center in Taiwan. It was found that four nursing core competencies were significantly higher after the simulation, including advancing career talents (t = 10.12, p < 0.0001), integrating care abilities (t = 10.19, p < 0.001), dealing with tension (t = 6.87, p < 0.0001), and leading humanity concerns (t = 6.86, p < 0.001). The average satisfaction score for the interprofessional simulation training among nurses was 4.42 out of 5. In conclusion, interprofessional simulation education can help novice nurses improve their nursing core competencies. The results of this study provide an important indicator for hospitals and governments when making policy and training programs for new graduate nurses.
COVID-19: Physical Activity Behavior Change among Athletes in Québec (Canada)
Authors: Marceau Pascale , Pons Frank
Published: October 2022

The context of the COVID-19 pandemic imposed unprecedented restrictions. Within Canada, which is among the most stringent countries in terms of sanitary rules, Québec was among the provinces that imposed the strictest sanitary measures. The impacts of some measures were felt the most among athletes since they made it difficult, if not impossible, to practice their sports. This article therefore aimed to (1) evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the athletes’ overall level of physical activity, (2) look at the relationship between overall level of physical activity and the level of psychological well-being and (3) analyze post-pandemic physical activity intentions. For this purpose, an online survey was conducted among 1456 athletes aged 3 to 61 years old. The results of this study show that the limitations imposed during the pandemic led to half of athletes decreasing their overall level of physical activity, leading to a deterioration in their psychological well-being (F(2.1438) = 54.707, p < 0.001). The current research provided further evidence that it is essential to implement strategies that favor practicing physical activities in a pandemic context. Furthermore, since almost all individuals who increased their practice of wheeled sports during the pandemic intend to continue after the pandemic, this is a great opportunity to promote active transportation among athletes by ensuring that the perception of the benefits associated with it does not decrease with time.
Adsorption of Heavy Metal Ions Copper, Cadmium and Nickel by Microcystis aeruginosa
Authors: Zeng Guoming , He Yu , Liang Dong , Wang Fei , Luo Yang , Yang Haodong , Wang Quanfeng , Wang Jiale , Gao Pei , Wen Xin , Yu Chunyi , Sun Da
Published: October 2022

To investigate the treatment effect of algae biosorbent on heavy metal wastewater, in this paper, the adsorption effect of M. aeruginosa powder on heavy metal ions copper, cadmium and nickel was investigated using the uniform experimental method, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and TG-DSC comprehensive thermal analysis. The experimental results showed that the initial concentration of copper ion solution was 25 mg/L, the temperature was 30 °C, the pH value was 8 and the adsorption time was 5 h, which was the best condition for the removal of copper ions by algae powder adsorption, and the removal rate was 83.24%. The initial concentration of cadmium ion solution was 5 mg/L, the temperature was 35 °C, the pH value was 8 and the adsorption time was 4 h, which was the best condition for the adsorption of cadmium ion by algae powder, and the removal rate was 92.00%. The initial nickel ion solution concentration of 15 mg/L, temperature of 35 °C, pH value of 7 and adsorption time of 1 h were the best conditions for the adsorption of nickel ions by algae powder, and the removal rate was 88.67%. The spatial structure of algae powder changed obviously before and after adsorbing heavy metals. The functional groups such as amino and phosphate groups on the cell wall of M. aeruginosa enhanced the adsorption effect of heavy metal ions copper, cadmium and nickel. Additionally, M. aeruginosa adsorption of heavy metal ions copper, cadmium, nickel is an exothermic process. The above experiments show that M. aeruginosa can be used as a biological adsorbent to remove heavy metals, which lays a theoretical foundation for the subsequent treatment of heavy metal pollution by algae.
The Impact of Chlorine Disinfection of Hospital Wastewater on Clonal Similarity and ESBL-Production in Selected Bacteria of the Family Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Rolbiecki Damian , Korzeniewska Ewa , Czatzkowska Małgorzata , Harnisz Monika
Published: October 2022

Hospitals are regarded as ecological niches of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB). ARB can spread outside the hospital environment via hospital wastewater (HWW). Therefore, HWW is often disinfected in local stations to minimize that risk. Chlorine-based treatment is the most popular method of HWW disinfection around the world, however, recent research has suggested that it can contribute to the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The aim of this study is to determine the impact of HWW disinfection on the clonal similarity of Enterobacteriaceae species and their ability to produce extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs). The study was conducted in a hospital with a local chlorine-based disinfection station. Samples of wastewater before disinfection and samples of disinfected wastewater, collected in four research seasons, were analyzed. Bacteria potentially belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family were isolated from HWW. The Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus Polymerase Chain Reaction (ERIC-PCR) method was used to generate DNA fingerprints of all bacterial isolates. The isolates were phenotypically tested for the production of ESBLs. Antibiotic resistance genes (blaSHV, blaTEM, and blaOXA, blaCTX-M-1-group, blaCTX-M-2-group, blaCTX-9-group and blaCTX-M-8/25-group) were detected by PCR in strains with confirmed phenotypic ability to produce ESBLs. The ESBL+ isolates were identified by the sequencing of 16S rDNA. In the present study, the same bacterial clones were isolated from HWW before and after disinfection and HWW was sampled in different seasons. Genetic and phenotypic variations were observed in bacterial clones. ESBL+ strains were isolated significantly more often from disinfected than from non-disinfected HWW. The blaOXA gene was significantly more prevalent in isolates from disinfected than non-disinfected HWW. Enterobacter hormaechei and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the dominant species in ESBL+ strains isolated from both sampling sites. The results of this study indicate that chlorine-based disinfection promotes the survival of ESBL-producing bacteria and/or the transmission of genetic determinants of antimicrobial resistance. As a result, chlorination increases the proportion of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in disinfected wastewater. Consequently, chlorine-based disinfection practices may pose a risk to the environment and public health by accelerating the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
Using Architectural Mapping to Understand Behavior and Space Utilization in a Surgical Waiting Room of a Safety Net Hospital
Authors: Liao Elizabeth N. , Chehab Lara Z. , Ossmann Michelle , Alpers Benjamin , Patel Devika , Sammann Amanda
Published: October 2022

Objective: To use architectural mapping to understand how patients and families utilize the waiting space at an outpatient surgery clinic in a safety-net hospital. Background: The waiting period is an important component of patient experience and satisfaction. Studies have found that patients value privacy, information transparency and comfort. However, approaches common in the architecture field have rarely been used to investigate interactions between patients and the built environment in a safety-net healthcare setting. Methods: This was a prospective observational study in a general surgery outpatient clinic at a safety-net hospital and level 1 trauma center. We used a web-based application generated from the design and architecture industry, to quantitatively track waiting space utilization over 2 months. Results: A total of 728 observations were recorded across 5 variables: time, location, chair selection, person/object, and activity. There were 536 (74%) observations involving people and 179 (25%) involving personal items. People most frequently occupied chairs facing the door (43%, n = 211), and least frequently occupied seats in the hallway (5%, n = 23), regardless of the time of their appointment (p-value = 0.92). Most common activities included interacting with personal phone, gazing into space, and talking face to face. Thirteen percent of people brought mobility devices, and 64% of objects were placed on an adjacent chair, indicating the desire for increased personal space. Conclusion: Architectural behavioral mapping is an effective information gathering tool to help design waiting space improvement in the safety-net healthcare setting.
Horticultural Therapy for Improving the Work Performance and Interpersonal Relationships of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Son Hyo-Jung , Kim Dae-Sik , Park Sin-Ae
Published: October 2022

For the occupational adaptation and social integration of the intellectually disabled, it is helpful to improve their work performance and interpersonal skills. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of horticultural therapy (HT) programs to improve work performance and interpersonal relationships of persons with intellectual disabilities. Based on observations and analyses of how people with intellectual disabilities work, we have developed a 12-session HT program that includes upper limb movements and physical activities to improve hand function. We recruited, with the consent of their legal guardians, 14 (6 males, 8 females) participants who had intellectual disabilities and were working at a sheltered workshop in K-gu, Seoul, South Korea. The program consisted of twelve sixty-minute sessions that were conducted twice a week at a rooftop garden. For pre- and post-evaluation of the program, the survey of functional adaptive behavior (SFAB), interpersonal negotiation strategies, a horticultural job evaluation (self), hand function tests (pegboard, pinch gauge, fingertips), and blood sample tests for physiological indicators of exercise were conducted. Interpersonal negotiation strategies, functional adaptive behaviors, and physical abilities for job behaviors, including agility and grasping of the hand, improved significantly from before to after the program (p < 0.05). A positive result of VEGF (vascular endothermic growth factor) in blood sample tests implies the need for further research on cognitive changes caused by horticultural activities. This study has limitations due to the small number of participants, but the results suggest that low- to medium-intensity horticultural treatment programs using the upper body and hands could be effective for vocational rehabilitation of the intellectually disabled.