bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Auto-Denoising for EEG Signals Using Generative Adversarial Network
Authors: An Yang , Lam Hak Keung , Ling Sai Ho
Published: February 2022

The brain–computer interface (BCI) has many applications in various fields. In EEG-based research, an essential step is signal denoising. In this paper, a generative adversarial network (GAN)-based denoising method is proposed to denoise the multichannel EEG signal automatically. A new loss function is defined to ensure that the filtered signal can retain as much effective original information and energy as possible. This model can imitate and integrate artificial denoising methods, which reduces processing time; hence it can be used for a large amount of data processing. Compared to other neural network denoising models, the proposed model has one more discriminator, which always judges whether the noise is filtered out. The generator is constantly changing the denoising way. To ensure the GAN model generates EEG signals stably, a new normalization method called sample entropy threshold and energy threshold-based (SETET) normalization is proposed to check the abnormal signals and limit the range of EEG signals. After the denoising system is established, although the denoising model uses the different subjects’ data for training, it can still apply to the new subjects’ data denoising. The experiments discussed in this paper employ the HaLT public dataset. Correlation and root mean square error (RMSE) are used as evaluation criteria. Results reveal that the proposed automatic GAN denoising network achieves the same performance as the manual hybrid artificial denoising method. Moreover, the GAN network makes the denoising process automatic, representing a significant reduction in time.
VGGFace-Ear: An Extended Dataset for Unconstrained Ear Recognition
Authors: Ramos-Cooper Solange , Gomez-Nieto Erick , Camara-Chavez Guillermo
Published: February 2022

Recognition using ear images has been an active field of research in recent years. Besides faces and fingerprints, ears have a unique structure to identify people and can be captured from a distance, contactless, and without the subject’s cooperation. Therefore, it represents an appealing choice for building surveillance, forensic, and security applications. However, many techniques used in those applications—e.g., convolutional neural networks (CNN)—usually demand large-scale datasets for training. This research work introduces a new dataset of ear images taken under uncontrolled conditions that present high inter-class and intra-class variability. We built this dataset using an existing face dataset called the VGGFace, which gathers more than 3.3 million images. in addition, we perform ear recognition using transfer learning with CNN pretrained on image and face recognition. Finally, we performed two experiments on two unconstrained datasets and reported our results using Rank-based metrics.
Pedestrian Traffic Light Control with Crosswalk FMCW Radar and Group Tracking Algorithm
Authors: Nimac Peter , Krpič Andrej , Batagelj Boštjan , Gams Andrej
Published: February 2022

The increased mobility requirements of modern lifestyles put more stress on existing traffic infrastructure, which causes reduced traffic flow, especially in peak traffic hours. This calls for new and advanced solutions in traffic flow regulation and management. One approach towards optimisation is a transition from static to dynamic traffic light intervals, especially in spots where pedestrian crossing cause stops in road traffic flow. In this paper, we propose a smart pedestrian traffic light triggering mechanism that uses a Frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar for pedestrian detection. Compared to, for example, camera-surveillance systems, radars have advantages in the ability to reliably detect pedestrians in low-visibility conditions and in maintaining privacy. Objects within a radar’s detection range are represented in a point cloud structure, in which pedestrians form clusters where they lose all identifiable features. Pedestrian detection and tracking are completed with a group tracking (GTRACK) algorithm that we modified to run on an external processor and not integrated into the used FMCW radar itself. The proposed prototype has been tested in multiple scenarios, where we focused on removing the call button from a conventional pedestrian traffic light. The prototype responded correctly in practically all cases by triggering the change in traffic signalization only when pedestrians were standing in the pavement area directly in front of the zebra crossing.
Willingness to Pay for Sustainable Destinations: A Structural Approach
Authors: de Araújo Arthur Filipe , Andrés Marques Maria Isabel , Candeias Maria Teresa Ribeiro , Vieira Armando Luís
Published: February 2022

Even though tourists increasingly value sustainable practices in tourism businesses and destinations, price is still one of the main determinant factors in their decisions. Therefore, for destination managers it is essential to understand tourists’ willingness to pay an additional price to visit a place where sustainable practices are adopted. In this context, and building on social psychology theories, the present study proposes and tests a causal model encompassing tourists’ Willingness To Pay (WTP) for sustainability in tourist destinations as well as their own sustainability attitudes, namely: Environmental Beliefs, Ecotour Attitudes, and Sustainable Consumption Behaviour. To this end, data were collected through a questionnaire survey of Portuguese tourists (n = 567). The hypothesised relationships between the latent variables were then tested using Structural Equations Modelling (SEM) procedures. The results show that Environmental Beliefs significantly affected both Ecotour Attitudes and Sustainable Consumption Behaviour, and that the latter two significantly affected WTP. However, no significant effect of Environmental Beliefs on WTP was found. These findings provide useful insights for destination managers aiming to more effectively cater to sustainability-oriented tourists. Future research should attempt to assess the role of other determinants of WTP.
Social Networks, Emotions, and Education: Design and Validation of e-COM, a Scale of Socio-Emotional Interaction Competencies among Adolescents
Authors: Cebollero-Salinas Ana , Cano-Escoriaza Jacobo , Orejudo Santos
Published: February 2022

Socio-emotional competencies play an essential role in personal development as they are associated with highly prosocial behavior and low aggressiveness. An individual who is online manages his/her emotions in a specific manner. Thus, it is highly relevant to analyze and evaluate online socio-emotional competencies. Until now, however, no instruments had been defined or developed for that purpose. This study’s objective was thus to design and validate a questionnaire for the evaluation of socio-emotional competencies in virtual contexts, and to analyze eventual differences according to gender and academic year. Using the model developed by Bisquerra and Pérez (2007) as a theoretical framework, the competencies posited therein were transferred to an online environment. The questionnaire was filled out by 888 adolescents ages 12 to 17 (48% males, M = 13.83 years old, DT = 1.27), all residents of Aragón, Spain. On the basis of their responses, structure analysis, validation, and reliability were carried out. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) yielded a five-dimensional structure with good fit and internal consistency. The five resulting dimensions evaluate (1) emotional e-conscience, (2) emotional e-autonomy, (3) emotional e-regulation, (4) e-self-control of impulsiveness, and (5) social e-competency. Differences among genders were observed in the categories of emotional e-conscience and social e-competency. Furthermore, the results of this study show that online emotional expression does not imply emotional competency. These results represent an advance in the field of emotional education.
Impact of High-Speed Rail Construction on the Environmental Sustainability of China’s Three Major Urban Agglomerations
Authors: Zhu Sining , Zhou Zhou , Li Ran , Li Wenxing
Published: February 2022

Under the background of global warming, it is of great significance to explore how to realize environmentally sustainable development. This paper takes China’s three major urban agglomerations as the research objects: Yangtze River Delta, Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei, and Pearl River Delta. Generally, we use carbon emission efficiency to represent the sustainable development of the environment. Then we use the city-level panel data of the three urban agglomerations from 2006 to 2019 to construct the slacks-based measure integrating data envelopment (SBM-DEA) model for calculating each city’s carbon dioxide emission efficiency. Finally, we construct the spatial difference-in-differences (SDID) model to explore the impact of high-speed rail construction on each urban agglomeration’s carbon dioxide emission efficiency and its internal mechanism. The findings are as follows: (1) On the whole, high-speed rail construction improves urban agglomerations’ carbon dioxide emission efficiency. Meanwhile, it has a positive spatial spillover effect on surrounding areas. (2) In terms of urban agglomerations, high-speed rail construction has significantly promoted carbon emission efficiency in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region. However, it has had negative external effects on the surrounding areas. (3) From the perspective of mechanism analysis, the construction of high-speed rail has promoted manufacturing agglomeration in the Pearl River Delta region and, at the same time, has had a negative impact on the local carbon dioxide emission efficiency. This study has strong policy implications for promoting the sustainable development of the three major urban agglomerations.
Influence of Environmental Factors on the Site Selection and Layout of Ancient Military Towns (Zhejiang Region)
Authors: Tan Lifeng , Liu Huanjie , Liu Jiayi , Zhou Jiayin , Zhao Pengfei , Zhang Yukun , Zhao Shuaishuai , Shen Shenge , Li Tong , Wang Yinggang , Yang Linping
Published: February 2022

There are many subjective inferences regarding environment-related studies in modern studies of ancient military defense heritage, and the objective quantitative analysis of citadel site selection and layout has become the key to interpreting the environmental adaptability of citadels under defense strategies. Based on this, it has been proposed in this research that the site selection of ancient military citadels in a specific region (Zhejiang) has environmental adaptability characteristics. Firstly, an elevated hydrological overlay model was established by predicting and graphically verifying the ancient hydrological thresholds through geospatial analysis strategies. Secondly, the hydrological and topographical indicators of the regional environment where the military citadel is located were digitally extracted. Finally, correlation and weight influence calculations were performed for different environmental data. The environmental adaptability characteristics of the site layout of the Ming dynasty-era Zhejiang coastal defense military citadel, based on military defense needs, were obtained. In this way, we promote digital technology for the excavation, conservation and sustainable use of heritage resources.
Connecting the Dots between Social Care and Healthcare for the Sustainability Development of Older Adult in Asia: A Scoping Review
Authors: Alavi Khadijah , Sutan Rosnah , Shahar Suzana , Manaf Mohd Rizal Abdul , Jaafar Mohd Hasni , Abdul Maulud Khairul Nizam , Embong Zaini , Keliwon Kamarul Baraini , Markom Ruzian
Published: February 2022

Globally, we face a rapid double growth of the ageing population that urges an integrated framework plan by connecting the health and social care disciplines as a shared and continuum of care approach. Bridging the gap between health and social care is required to meet the demand of ageing population needs, the readiness of the stakeholders, and community as a holistic approach. This article provides an overview of the evidence gap between social care and healthcare through a scoping review. Articles retrieved related to social and health care for older adults in the Asia region were identified through a compilation of PubMed, SAGE, Springer, and Google Scholar searches between the years 2015 to 2021. Only twelve articles were used for result generation. The majority highlights the constraint on financial support, issues related to culture, human resource competency and community participation. The systematic review of the current work provides valuable insight for future researchers and policymakers in designing sustainable development integrated long term care (LTC) framework models and plans.
Understanding Urban Green Space Usage through Systems Thinking: A Case Study in Thamesmead, London
Authors: Salvia Giuseppe , Pluchinotta Irene , Tsoulou Ioanna , Moore Gemma , Zimmermann Nici
Published: February 2022

Urban green spaces provide environmental, economic, societal and health benefits to cities. However, policy and planning interventions aiming to improve usage have often led to unintended consequences, including, in some circumstances, an actual decline in usage. Previous research has identified factors influencing the use of urban green space, more often with a focus on the ‘quality’ and physical features of the space, rather than on the broader social factors. This study aims to unpack the complexity of factors that influence the use of urban green space through the application of Systems Thinking. A qualitative mixed-method approach integrating System Dynamics with rapid ethnography was adopted to elicit the views of local residents in Thamesmead, London. A thematic analysis of interviews was undertaken to systematically map the causal relations between factors, which were compared to wider stakeholders’ views. Our findings highlight the relevance of dynamics and social influences on the use of green space, which include social interactions and stewardship, health conditions, availability of services and amenities. These are factors that are underexplored in the literature and, sometimes, overlooked in urban green space policy by decision-makers. We infer that attendance of urban green spaces requires time, which may be occupied in other practices determined by local conditions and needs. Expanding the spatial and temporal boundaries of investigation, wider than debates on ‘quality’, should, in our view, increase the chances of identifying critical influences and foster an increased use of green space.
Calculation and Expression of the Urban Heat Island Indices Based on GeoSOT Grid
Authors: Jiang Jie , Zhou Yandi , Guo Xian , Qu Tengteng
Published: February 2022

The urban heat island (UHI) effect accelerates the accumulation of atmospheric pollutants, which has a strong impact on the climate of cities, circulation of material, and health of citizens. Therefore, it is of great significance to conduct quantitative monitoring and accurate governance of UHI by calculating the index rapidly and expressing spatial distribution accurately. In this paper, we proposed a model that integrates UHI information with the GeoSOT (Geographic Coordinate Subdividing Grid with One-Dimension Integer Coding on 2n Tree) grid and subsequently designed the calculation method of UHI indices and expression method of UHI spatial distribution. The UHI indices were calculated on Dongcheng and Xicheng District, Beijing, in the Summer of 2014 to 2019. Experimental results showed that the proposed method has higher calculation efficiency, and achieved a more detailed description of the spatial distribution of the urban thermal environment compared with the Gaussian surface fitting method. This method can be used for large-scale and high-frequency monitoring the level of UHI and expressing complicated spatial distribution of UHI inside the city, thus supporting accurate governance of UHI.
RGB Image Encryption through Cellular Automata, S-Box and the Lorenz System
Authors: Alexan Wassim , ElBeltagy Mohamed , Aboshousha Amr
Published: February 2022

The exponential growth in transmission of multimedia over the Internet and unsecured channels of communications is putting pressure on scientists and engineers to develop effective and efficient security schemes. In this paper, an image encryption scheme is proposed to help solve such a problem. The proposed scheme is implemented over three stages. The first stage makes use of Rule 30 cellular automata to generate the first encryption key. The second stage utilizes a well-tested S-box, whose design involves a transformation, modular inverses, and permutation. Finally, the third stage employs a solution of the Lorenz system to generate the second encryption key. The aggregate effect of this 3-stage process insures the application of Shannon’s confusion and diffusion properties of a cryptographic system and enhances the security and robustness of the resulting encrypted images. Specifically, the use of the PRNG bitstreams from both of the cellular automata and the Lorenz system, as keys, combined with the S-box, results in the needed non-linearity and complexity inherent in well-encrypted images, which is sufficient to frustrate attackers. Performance evaluation is carried out with statistical and sensitivity analyses, to check for and demonstrate the security and robustness of the proposed scheme. On testing the resulting encrypted Lena image, the proposed scheme results in an MSE value of 8923.03, a PSNR value of 8.625 dB, an information entropy of 7.999, NPCR value of 99.627, and UACI value of 33.46. The proposed scheme is shown to encrypt images at an average rate of 0.61 Mbps. A comparative study with counterpart image encryption schemes from the literature is also presented to showcase the superior performance of the proposed scheme.
Algebraic DVR Approaches Applied to Piecewise Potentials: Symmetry and Degeneracy
Authors: Suárez Eduardo , Santiago-Acosta Rubén Dario , Lemus Renato
Published: February 2022

Algebraic discrete variable representation (DVR) methods that have been recently proposed are applied to describe 1D and 2D piecewise potentials. First, it is shown that it is possible to use a DVR approach to describe 1D square well potentials testing the wave functions with exact results. Thereafter, Morse and Pöschl-Teller (PT) potentials are described with multistep piecewise potentials in order to explore the sensibility of the potential to reproduce the transition from a pure square well energy pattern to an anharmonic energy spectrum. Once the properties of the different algebraic DVR approaches are identified, the 2D square potential as a function of the potential depth is studied. We show that this system displays natural degeneracy, accidental degeneracy and systematic accidental degeneracy. The latter appears only for a confined potential, where the symmetry group is identified and irreducible representations are constructed. One particle confined in a rectangular well potential with commensurate sides is also analyzed. It is proved that the systematic accidental degeneracy appearing in this system is removed for finite potential depth.
Hyperbolic Geometrically Uniform Codes and Ungerboeck Partitioning on the Double Torus
Authors: Gomes Eduardo Michel Vieira , de Carvalho Edson Donizete , Martins Carlos Alexandre Ribeiro , Soares Waldir Silva , da Silva Eduardo Brandani
Published: February 2022

Current research builds labelings for geometrically uniform codes on the double torus through tiling groups. At least one labeling group was provided for all of the 11 regular tessellations on the double torus, derived from triangular Fuchsian groups, as well as extensions of these labeling groups to generate new codes. An important consequence is that such techniques can be used to label geometrically uniform codes on surfaces with greater genera. Furthermore, partitioning chains are constructed into geometrically uniform codes using soluble groups as labeling, which in some cases results in an Ungerboeck partitioning for the surface. As a result of these constructions, it is demonstrated that, as in Euclidean spaces, modulation and encoding can be combined in a single step in hyperbolic space.
VR in Tourism: A New Call for Virtual Tourism Experience amid and after the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Godovykh Maksim , Baker Carissa , Fyall Alan
Published: February 2022

Virtual reality has become a more common phenomenon in both destination marketing and on-site experience. The recent challenges such as overtourism and the COVID-19 pandemic have created a pressing need to examine virtual tourism as an alternative to traditional travel. This conceptual article aims at clarifying virtual experience in tourism, discussing the main antecedents and outcomes of virtual experience, and proposing a conceptual model of virtual tourism experience. The review of the literature revealed that virtual experience in tourism is influenced by factors related to information, quality, technology acceptance, and affective involvement and has significant effects on tourists’ attitudes and behavioral intentions. This paper contributes to knowledge and practice by classifying the main groups of factors influencing virtual tourism experience, introducing the conceptual model, discussing opportunities for future research, and providing recommendations for tourism practitioners.
Toxicity of the Pesticides Imidacloprid, Difenoconazole and Glyphosate Alone and in Binary and Ternary Mixtures to Winter Honey Bees: Effects on Survival and Antioxidative Defenses
Authors: Pal Elisa , Almasri Hanine , Paris Laurianne , Diogon Marie , Pioz Maryline , Cousin Marianne , Sené Déborah , Tchamitchian Sylvie , Tavares Daiana , Delbac Frédéric , Blot Nicolas , Brunet Jean-Luc , Belzunces Luc
Published: February 2022

To explain losses of bees that could occur after the winter season, we studied the effects of the insecticide imidacloprid, the herbicide glyphosate and the fungicide difenoconazole, alone and in binary and ternary mixtures, on winter honey bees orally exposed to food containing these pesticides at concentrations of 0, 0.01, 0.1, 1 and 10 µg/L. Attention was focused on bee survival, food consumption and oxidative stress. The effects on oxidative stress were assessed by determining the activity of enzymes involved in antioxidant defenses (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) in the head, abdomen and midgut; oxidative damage reflected by both lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation was also evaluated. In general, no significant effect on food consumption was observed. Pesticide mixtures were more toxic than individual substances, and the highest mortalities were induced at intermediate doses of 0.1 and 1 µg/L. The toxicity was not always linked to the exposure level and the number of substances in the mixtures. Mixtures did not systematically induce synergistic effects, as antagonism, subadditivity and additivity were also observed. The tested pesticides, alone and in mixtures, triggered important, systemic oxidative stress that could largely explain pesticide toxicity to honey bees.
Distinct Plasma Concentrations of Acyl-CoA-Binding Protein (ACBP) in HIV Progressors and Elite Controllers
Authors: Isnard Stéphane , Royston Léna , Lin John , Fombuena Brandon , Bu Simeng , Kant Sanket , Mabanga Tsoarello , Berini Carolina , El-Far Mohamed , Durand Madeleine , Tremblay Cécile L. , Bernard Nicole F. , Kroemer Guido , Routy Jean-Pierre
Published: February 2022

HIV elite controllers (ECs) are characterized by the spontaneous control of viral replication, and by metabolic and autophagic profiles which favor anti-HIV CD4 and CD8 T-cell responses. Extracellular acyl coenzyme A binding protein (ACBP) acts as a feedback inhibitor of autophagy. Herein, we assessed the circulating ACBP levels in ECs, compared to people living with HIV (PLWH) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) or not. We found lower ACBP levels in ECs compared to ART-naïve or ART-treated PLWH (p < 0.01 for both comparisons), independently of age and sex. ACBP levels were similar in ECs and HIV-uninfected controls. The expression of the protective HLA alleles HLA-B*27, *57, or *58 did not influence ACBP levels in ECs. ACBP levels were not associated with CD4 or CD8 T-cell counts, CD4 loss over time, inflammatory cytokines, or anti-CMV IgG titers in ECs. In ART-treated PLWH, ACBP levels were correlated with interleukin (IL)-1β levels, but not with other inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-8, IL-32, or TNF-α. In conclusion, ECs are characterized by low ACBP plasma levels compared to ART-naïve or ART-treated PLWH. As autophagy is key to anti-HIV CD4 and CD8 T-cell responses, the ACBP pathway constitutes an interesting target in HIV cure strategies.
Genome Characterization and Phylogenetic Analysis of a Novel Endornavirus That Infects Fungal Pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Authors: Luo Xin , Jiang Daohong , Xie Jiatao , Jia Jichun , Duan Jie , Cheng Jiasen , Fu Yanping , Chen Tao , Yu Xiao , Li Bo , Lin Yang
Published: February 2022

Endornaviruses are capsidless linear (+) ssRNA viruses in the family Endornaviridae. In this study, Scelrotinia sclerotiorum endornavirus 11 (SsEV11), a novel endornavirus infecting hypovirulent Sclerotinia sclerotiorum strain XY79, was identified and cloned using virome sequencing analysis and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) techniques. The full-length genome of SsEV11 is 11906 nt in length with a large ORF, which encodes a large polyprotein of 3928 amino acid residues, containing a viral methyltransferase domain, a cysteine-rich region, a putative DEADc, a viral helicase domain, and an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) 2 domain. The 5’ and 3’ untranslated regions (UTR) are 31 nt and 90 nt, respectively. According to the BLAST result of the nucleotide sequence, SsEV11 shows the highest identity (45%) with Sclerotinia minor endornavirus 1 (SmEV1). Phylogenetic analysis based on amino acid sequence of RdRp demonstrated that SsEV11 clusters to endornavirus and has a close relationship with Betaendornavirus. Phylogenetic analysis based on the sequence of endornaviral RdRp domain indicated that there were three large clusters in the phylogenetic tree. Combining the results of alignment analysis, Cluster I at least has five subclusters including typical members of Alphaendornavirus and many unclassified endornaviruses that isolated from fungi, oomycetes, algae, and insects; Cluster II also has five subclusters including typical members of Betaendornavirus, SsEV11, and other unclassified viruses that infected fungi; Cluster III includes many endorna-like viruses that infect nematodes, mites, and insects. Viruses in Cluster I and Cluster II are close to each other and relatively distant to those in Cluster III. Our study characterized a novel betaendornavirus, SsEV11, infected fungal pathogen S. sclerotiorum, and suggested that notable phylogenetic diverse exists in endornaviruses. In addition, at least, one novel genus, Gammaendornavirus, should be established to accommodate those endorna-like viruses in Cluster III.
Functional Responses and Additive Multiple Predator Effects of Two Common Wetland Fish
Authors: Munyai Linton F. , Dalu Tatenda , Wasserman Ryan J. , Mugwedi Lutendo , Dondofema Farai , O’Brien Gordon , Cuthbert Ross N.
Published: February 2022

Understanding trophic interactions is essential for the prediction and measurement of structure and function in aquatic environments. Communities in these ecosystems may be shaped by variables such as predator diversity, prey density and emergent multiple predator effects (MPEs), which are likely to influence trophic dynamics. In this study, we examined the effect of key predatory fish in floodplain wetlands, namely Oreochromis mossambicus and Enteromius paludinosus, towards Chironomidae prey, using a comparative functional response (FR) approach. We used single predator species as well as intra- and interspecific paired species to contrast FRs under multiple predator scenarios. Attack rate and handling time estimates from single predator FRs were used to predict multiple predators’ feeding rates, which were compared to observe multiple predators’ feeding rates to quantify potential MPEs. From single fish trials, each species displayed a significant Type II FR, characterized by high feeding rates at low prey densities. Oreochromis mossambicus had a steeper (initial slope, i.e., higher attack rate) and higher (asymptote of curve, i.e., shorter handling time and higher maximum feeding rate) FR, whereas E. paludinosus exhibited lower-magnitude FRs (i.e., lower attack rate, longer handling time and lower feeding rate). In multiple predator scenarios, feeding rates were well-predicted by those of single predators, both in conspecific and interspecific pairs, and thus we did not find evidence for antagonistic or synergistic MPEs. Predator–prey interactions in wetland systems can have significant consequences on the structure and dynamics of ecological communities. In turn, this could have destabilizing effects on resources in tropical wetlands. These results, although experimental, help us understand how trophic interaction among conspecific or interspecific fish species in Austral tropical wetlands might influence their aquatic prey species. This will help us to understand food web dynamics better.
Design and Investigation of an Effective Solar Still Applicable to Remote Islands
Authors: Samuel Alinford , Brizuela Josue , Chang Keh-Chin , Lin Chun-Tin
Published: February 2022

Most remote islands are characterized by small populations, many of whom live under the poverty line, poor geographical accessibility and lack of electricity. As such, the solar still, which has a low capital cost, easy operation and less need of maintenance, is recommended to be used in remote islands possessing rich solar irradiance. Against this backdrop, the present study aimed to design and fabricate an effective solar still suitable for application in the remote islands with low freshwater sources but easy access to sea water and rich solar irradiance. Integrating a conventional passive double-slope solar still with an evacuated solar water heater, fins and wick material improves the heat transfer rate through the brine in the basin and increases effective evaporative surface area. Experiments were conducted using batch mode operation during the periods September to October 2021 for the passive solar stills and November 2021 for the active solar still. Experimental results reveal that the augmentation of fins, wicks and a solar water heater influences the overall distillate output of the solar still. The combined use of fins, wicks and a solar water heater increases the average daily productivity by 147% and the average daytime hourly productivity by 245% compared to the conventional passive solar still under similar average solar radiation levels. Using the present design, the active solar still under the solar environment of the testing location can provide 4.4 L of potable water per day. However, to achieve the minimum requirement of 7.5 L/day per person set by WHO, the present design should be modified by increasing the absorber area of the active solar still by 63% and adding eight more evacuated tubes to the solar water heater. The estimated cost per liter of potable water generated by the active (modified) solar still showed that bottled water sold in a typical remote county (Penghu) in Taiwan was 117–283% more expensive than the water generated by the still.
Surface Water Resources Assessment and Planning with the QUAL2KW Model: A Case Study of the Maroon and Jarahi Basin (Iran)
Authors: Raeisi Narges , Moradi Shahram , Scholz Miklas
Published: February 2022

Mathematical models are useful for predicting the reactions of watercourses such as rivers due to the entry of contaminants. Some of these models are able to simulate the effects of present and future loadings as well as aid managers and officials in making decisions even if the data are sparse. In other words, river water quality preservation requires more investment in wastewater treatment and/or the installation of collection and control systems; it may also limit activity expansion in the river basin. The conservation of watersheds such as the Maroon and Jarahi basin, which provide water for drinking and for industrial and agricultural use, is socio-economically vital. Therefore, the first stage of managing the conservation of water resources is understanding their qualitative changes. For this purpose, the QUAL2KW mathematical model was utilized to simulate the river water quality in this example region. According to the reported values of water quality parameters and pollutants at monitoring stations, it was established that the river is at a critical condition in terms of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) pollution due to the discharge of urban and industrial wastewater, as well as high electrical conductivity (EC) due to the drainage of agricultural lands. Based on the statistics calculated during the validation step, the authors concluded that the QUAL2KW water quality model is reliable in the simulation of qualitative parameters and the pollution data of the study area; namely the Maroon and Jarahi river basin located in the south-west of Iran. This will help stakeholders to better manage watersheds with sparse data. This region has been suffering from climate change which has led to droughts and the construction of several dams to retain water. For the second and third stations, the NASH (named after the mathematician John Forbes Nash) values were 0.96 and 0.92, respectively, indicating a relatively high model accuracy. The evaluation using the root mean square errors (RMSE) and NASH showed that the quality of water at the second station was better than the other two stations based on the coefficient of determination R2. Since there were three drains at station number 3, the wastewater entering the Maroon River had a higher level of contamination.
Experimental Outdoor Public Lighting Installation Powered by a Hydraulic Turbine Installed in the Municipal Water Supply Network
Authors: Ocana-Miguel Antonio , Gago-Calderon Alfonso , Andres-Diaz Jose Ramon
Published: February 2022

Sustainability and energy prices make the use of energy obtained from renewable sources on an urban scale and for isolated local facilities necessary for municipal authorities. Moreover, when the demand of energy is at night, as for street lighting installations, the use of accumulative systems is necessary, which means a major drawback due to a short lifetime expectancy and high cost. The use of batteries can require more than 70% of the budget of these lighting systems and has a critical impact in the project. The problem to solve is finding different renewable energy sources that can produce energy throughout the day, especially during the night, at the same time at which it is consumed. As one of the competences of municipal authorities is water supply networks, this paper analyzes the use of energy recovery turbines within these installations as an alternative to photovoltaic generators. To study the viability and effectiveness of this alternative, the water flows available in the network of a medium-size municipality were monitored and analyzed in depth to assess the amount of recoverable energy. In addition, an energy recovery turbine (ERT) station was set up, installing a bypass around one of the pressure-reducing valves (PRV) of the installation where energy is dissipated without practical use. The results obtained imply that the system proposed has economical and technical viability, is reliable and guarantees full service in all the seasons’ conditions. Moreover, the needs of the energy storage capacity are much lower (~8%) than with solar panels.
The Relationship of Kidney Tubule Biomarkers with Brain Imaging in CKD Patients in SPRINT
Authors: Miller Lindsay M. , Kurella Tamura Manjula , Pajewski Nicholas M. , Rifkin Dena , Weiner Daniel , Marquine Maria , Shlipak Michael G. , Ix Joachim H.
Published: February 2022

Key Points

Urine biomarker concentrations reflecting kidney tubule injury and dysfunction were not associated with brain MRI measures.

Higher eGFR was associated with lower total brain cerebral blood flow.

This is the first evaluation of the relationship of kidney tubule biomarkers with brain imaging by MRI in patients with CKD.
Manipulating Common Method Variance via Experimental Conditions
Authors: Wall Alison , Simmering Marcia , Fuller Christie , Waterwall Brian
Published: February 2022

Research data collected from single respondents may raise concerns regarding common method variance (CMV), which is believed to threaten the validity of findings. The primary concern is that CMV can inflate substantive relationships, such that they appear statistically significant when they are not. Thus, understanding the nature of CMV is critical, especially when one considers the popularity—and sometimes necessity—of using self-report data. Research examining CMV has found conflicting evidence about the impact of CMV. Researchers who believe CMV influences findings have proposed solutions to combat any real or perceived potential bias, including changing survey instructions and using marker variables, but few studies have examined the efficacy of these approaches. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of these techniques and the nature of CMV using an experimental design. To conduct the experiment, multiple versions of a survey, which vary in their use of the remedial approaches, are utilized to collect data, which resulted in 1,069 usable responses. The experimental design was based on the faking literature and included instructions intended to induce or reduce the levels of CMV. Further, two different marker variables are used to determine the degree to which they create a psychological separation in substantive variables. Correlation analysis and measurement invariance are used to analyze the data. This study posits that, if CMV is a substantial concern for self-report data and these approaches are effective, then findings will differ in surveys that incorporate such approaches from surveys that do not. Results indicate few differences in experimental conditions, meaning that regardless of instructions or marker variable, substantive item correlations remained statistically similar. The results indicate this is likely due to the minimal impact of CMV, given that the proposed methods of correction did not significantly influence research findings. These findings have implications for researchers in that they do not support that CMV, or at least its proposed remedies, significantly alter findings. However, support for the null conclusions, in spite of appropriate statistical power, warrant future research examining the nature and impact of CMV.
Cases of Spontaneous Retroperitoneal Hematomas on the Background of Prescribing Therapeutic Dosesof Anticoagulants in Patients with Severe COVID-19. Clinical Cases
Authors: Абельская И.С. , Илюкевич Г.В. , Галицкая С.С. , Слободин Ю.В. , Конончук С.Н. , Качанко Е.Ф. , Ракович П.А. , Шехурдин В.А.
Published: February 2022

В представленном сообщении приведено описание 4 случаев развития спонтанных забрюшинных гематом в области подвздошно-поясничной мышцы у пожилых пациентов с тяжелой формой клинического течения инфекции COVID-19 на фоне антикоагулянтной терапии. Данное осложнение проявлялось неспецифическими симптомами, такими как анемия, гематурия, дискомфорт и парестезии в поясничной или переднебоковой поверхности живота, появление боли в гипогастрии и, как крайний вариант, гемодинамическая нестабильность с явлениями гиповолемического (геморрагического) шока. В описанных клинических случаях гематома подвздошно-поясничной мышцы была верифицирована с помощью ряда диагностических исследований (ультразвукового исследования органов брюшной полости и мягких тканей и/или компьютерной томографии). Установление диагноза спонтанной гематомы требовало временной приостановки назначения антикоагулянтной терапии. После проведения консервативного лечения трое из четырех пациентов были выписаны из стационара с выздоровлением.

This report describes 4 cases of spontaneous retroperitoneal hematomas in the iliopsoas muscle in elderly patients with severe clinical course of COVID-19 infection during anticoagulant therapy. This complication was manifested by nonspecific symptoms, such as anemia, hematuria, discomfortand paresthesia in the lumbar or anterolateral surface of the abdomen, appearance of pain in hypogastrium and, as an extreme variant, hemodynamic instability with symptoms of hypovolemic (hemorrhagic) shock. In the defined clinical cases, the hematoma of the iliopsoas muscle was verified using a number of diagnostic studies (ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs and soft tissues, and/or computed tomography). Establishing the diagnosis of spontaneous hematoma required a temporary suspension of anticoagulant therapy. After conservative treatment, three out of four patients were discharged from the hospital with recovery.
Multidisciplinary Approach to Differential Diagnosticsof Human Neoplasms: Interface “Clinical Parameters – Cellular Ultrastructure” in Endometrial Intraepithelial Neoplasia and Cancer
Authors: Сафарова C.И.
Published: February 2022

Настоящее исследование предпринято с целью: 1) установления значимости и надежности специфических ультраструктурных критериев для дифференциальной диагностики и выявления возможной корреляции между клиническими параметрами (включая гистологический диагноз) и ультраструктурой опухолевых клеток. В частности, установлено, что качественные и количественные вариации на субклеточном уровне позволяют выделить четкие ультраструктурные критерии эндометриальной интраэпителиальной неоплазии и рака эндометрия, которые с высокой вероятностью могут быть использованы в диагностике и прогнозе. Так, в качестве наиболее выраженных субклеточных критериев малигнизации можно привести изменения в ультраструктуре клеточного ядра, ядерной оболочки и ядрышек. Кроме того, показано, что в каждом конкретном случае, т. е. при каждом конкретном диагнозе, специфическая ультраструктурная картина, соответствующая строго определенным клиническим параметрам, позволяет выделить варианты как с потенциально малым/высоким риском малигнизации, так и с крайне пессимистическим прогнозом.

This study was performed with the following goals: 1) to estimate the significance and value of specific ultrastructural criteria for differential diagnostics and 2) to reveal possible correlation between clinical parameters (including histological diagnosis) and ultrastructure of tumor cells. We demonstrated specific quantitative and qualitative subcellular variations that allowed us to outline strict ultrastructural criteria of intraepithelial endometrial neoplasia and cancer. Importantly, these criteria can be used in clinical practice with diagnostic and prognostic purposes. Specificultrastructural changes of the cell nucleus, nuclear envelope, and nucleolus are considered as the most profound subcellular malignization criteria. Moreover, we demonstrated that in each diagnosis, the specific ultrastructural features and clinical parameters were concomitant. This allowed us to define several clinical variants with potentially high/low risk of malignization, as well as with extremely pessimistic prognosis.
Methodology to carry out an analysis of damage caused by wear of blades of axial compressor on a marine gas turbine
Authors: Villagrán-Villegas Luz Yazmín , Siordia-Vásquez Xóchitl , Patiño-Ortiz Miguel , Velázquez-Martínez Víctor
Published: February 2022

The objective of this research was to reduce cost of maintenance in this equipment. Analysis on a blade of gas turbine was performed, which was in operation on an offshore platform. Compressor blade was exposed to a severe damage by the impact of particles and environmental pollutants such as salts, sands and sulphurs. In first stage of this analysis, a visual inspection with a borescope was effected. Images analysis was used to determine the typical failure modes. A tribological characterization was carried out. Chemical composition of the material of blades was obtained. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to measure chemical properties and evaluate degradation of surfaces of blades after 30,000 service hours. The points, where there are the points in which failures take place. Results showed wear modes were originated by a severe stinging action. Also, large craters, similar to those observed in solid particle erosion, were developed by at normal impact. In the same way it could be found some localized areas with corrosion and irregular scratches like plowing action, was observed; these are the points in which failures take place.
Generation of unstructured meshes using Delaunay triangles for tidal analysis of the port of Acapulco, Mexico
Authors: Aguilera-Méndez José María , Juárez-Toledo Carlos , Martínez-Carrillo Irma , Vera-Popoca Roberto Ismael
Published: February 2022

The main objective of the research is to suggest the use of unstructured meshes in the SWAN wave model because structured meshes require more adjustments in geographically small areas such as rivers, beaches or even bays. Third-party tools and data such as bathymetry, Meteorological Research Forecast (WRF), WaveWatch III (WWIII) and Simulating Waves Nearshore (SWAN) models were used to carry out the research. The aforementioned software and its own developments were used in Acapulco Bay, Guerrero, Mexico for the elaboration of maps that would serve as input in the generation of Delaunay diagrams, which in turn were fundamental parts in the configuration of the experiments and, with this, perform the analysis on the images of the simulations. With the results obtained, it is expected to confirm the validity of the wave data for the bay; therefore, it is considered a useful tool in the process of analysing the natural phenomena present in the port.
Advances in design and manufacture of stretchable electronics
Authors: Gillan Liam , Hiltunen Jussi , Behfar Mohammad H. , Rönkä Kari
Published: February 2022

Flexible and stretchable electronics present opportunities for transition from rigid bulky devices to soft and conformal systems. However, such technology requires mechanical design and integration strategies to enhance robustness and form factor. In addition, scalable and reliable fabrication pathways are needed to facilitate the high volume manufacturing required to satisfy a growing market demand. This report describes recent advances in design, manufacture, and reliability of flexible and stretchable electronics technology. Flexible concept devices for physiological monitoring are introduced, before discussion of high throughput fabrication of stretchable electronics, then hybrid integration of conventional rigid components on stretchable carrier substrates with an emphasis on a need for further developments in device reliability testing procedures. Finally, consideration is given to transition options for more eco-conscious device constituents. These cases progress flexible and stretchable electronics towards robust, fully integrated, unobtrusive devices incorporating sustainable components.
Bonding performance in atomic diffusion bonding of wafers using amorphous Si thin films with smooth surface
Authors: Amino T. , Uomoto M. , Shimatsu T.
Published: February 2022

Amorphous Si films with a low surface roughness of 0.13 nm were used to examine the bonding performance of atomic diffusion bonding of quartz glass wafers at room temperature in vacuum. The high bonding strength was achieved for films with thickness δ of 2–50 nm: the blade could not be inserted between the bonded wafers. Using a vacuum chamber with a base pressure of 1 × 10–6 Pa, the great bonding strength was maintained even with waiting time in vacuum of as long as 3.6 × 103 s from film deposition to bonding. The excellent bonding performance was almost equal to that achieved using Ti films.