bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of a Specific Pre- and Probiotic Combination and Parent Stock Vaccination on Performance and Bacterial Communities in Broilers Challenged with a Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli
Authors: Fuhrmann Laura , Zentek Jürgen , Vahjen Wilfried , Günther Ronald , Saliu Eva-Maria
Published: November 2022

Antibiotic resistance poses a risk for human and animal health, leading to a growing demand for effective alternatives. Combining nutritional tools and parent stock vaccination could be an approach to achieve sufficient protection against bacterial infections in poultry. In an Escherichia coli O1/O18 challenge trial, we investigated the protective effects of feeding diets containing Enterococcus faecium DSM 7134 and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) combined with specific parent stock vaccination in 225 ROSS 308 broilers. Data on performance parameters, intestinal microbial composition and metabolites, and antibiotic resistance genes (sul1-3, dhfr1a, SHV-12) were obtained. E. faecium and FOS combined with parent stock vaccination led to the highest body weights, which were significantly higher than those of controls throughout the experiment and decreased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria in the crop digesta compared to that in the positive control. However, cumulative feed conversation remained unaffected by the strategies. Birds receiving the pre-/probiotic combination showed lower cecal pH levels and higher crop L-lactate concentrations than the controls, whereas copy numbers of dhfr1a (trimethoprim resistance) and SHV-12 (extended-spectrum beta-lactamase) genes were only decreased in broilers from vaccinated hens compared to those in the challenged control. In conclusion, prophylactic administration of E. faecium and FOS in combination with parent stock vaccination can have complementary effects by improving broiler weight gain and stimulating intestinal bacterial metabolism, which may be beneficial for maintaining gut health in terms of Escherichia coli infection.
Evaluation of a Sequential Antibiotic Treatment Regimen of Ampicillin, Ciprofloxacin and Fosfomycin against Escherichia coli CFT073 in the Hollow Fiber Infection Model Compared with Simultaneous Combination Treatment
Authors: Krishna Ashok , Zere Tesfalem , Mistry Sabyasachy , Ismaiel Omnia , Stone Heather , Sacks Leonard V. , Weaver James L.
Published: November 2022

Objective: Employ the hollow fiber infection model (HFIM) to study sequential antibiotic administration (ampicillin, ciprofloxacin and fosfomycin) using human pharmacokinetic profiles to measure changes in the rate of antibiotic resistance development and compare this to simultaneous combination therapy with the same antibiotic combinations. Methods: Escherichia coli CFT073, a clinical uropathogenic strain, was exposed individually to clinically relevant pharmacokinetic concentrations of ampicillin on day 1, ciprofloxacin on day 2 and fosfomycin on day 3. This sequence was continued for 10 days in the HFIM. Bacterial samples were collected at different time points to enumerate total and resistant bacterial populations. The results were compared with the simultaneous combination therapy previously studied. Results: Sequential antibiotic treatment (ampicillin-ciprofloxacin-fosfomycin sequence) resulted in the early emergence of single and multi-antibiotic-resistant subpopulations, while the simultaneous treatment regimen significantly delayed or prevented the emergence of resistant subpopulations. Conclusion: Sequential administration of these antibiotic monotherapies did not significantly delay the emergence of resistant subpopulations compared to simultaneous treatment with combinations of the same antibiotics. Further studies are warranted to evaluate different sequences of the same antibiotics in delaying emergent resistance.
Characterization of Bioactive Compounds in Lees from New Zealand Wines with Different Vinification Backgrounds
Authors: Ye Zhijing , Qin Yunxuan , Harrison Roland , Hider Richard , Bekhit Alaa El-Din A.
Published: November 2022

Wine lees are one of the main by-products produced during winemaking. Little is known about the effect of the vinification technique on the phenolic compounds and the biological activity of wine lees extracts. Wine lees collected at varying vinification sources of two grape varieties, Riesling (RL) and Pinot Noir (PN), were analyzed for total phenolic content (TPC), tannin content (TTC), their anthocyanin and phenolic profile, and the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of their extracts. The results showed a low TPC and TTC in RL lees, which could be attributed to the varietal characteristic of RL grapes and to less skin contact during vinification. Vinification techniques modified the composition of the phenolic compounds in the lees. The results showed a good linear relationship between the antioxidant activities and the TPC and TTC, indicating that PN lees were better sources of phenolics and antioxidant activity than RL lees. The antimicrobial activity of wine lees was related to the phenolic composition rather than the quantity of total phenolics. Knowing the grape and wine processing conditions can provide some insights into the potential composition of wine lees and, hence, determine the potential economic use of the by-product.
The Effects of Indoxyl Sulfate and Oxidative Stress on the Severity of Peripheral Nerve Dysfunction in Patients with Chronic Kidney Diseases
Authors: Lai Yun-Ru , Cheng Ben-Chung , Lin Chia-Ni , Chiu Wen-Chan , Lin Ting-Yin , Chiang Hui-Ching , Kuo Chun-En Aurea , Huang Chih-Cheng , Lu Cheng-Hsien
Published: November 2022

Pieces of evidence support the view that the accumulation of uremic toxins enhances oxidative stress and downstream regulation of signaling pathways, contributing to both endothelial microangiography and cell dysfunction. This study is to address the impact of protein-binding uremic toxins on the severity of peripheral nerve function in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Fifty-four patients with CKD were included in the Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score (TCNS), nerve conduction study (NCS), and laboratory studies including protein-binding uremic toxin (indoxyl sulfate [IS] and p-cresyl sulfate [PCS]), oxidative stress (Thiol and thiobarbituric acid reacting substances [TBARS]), and endothelial dysfunction (serum intercellular adhesion molecule 1 [sICAM-1] and serum vascular adhesion molecule 1 [sVCAM-1]) at enrollment. We used composite amplitude scores (CAS) to analyze the severity of nerve conductions on peripheral nerve function. TCNS and CAS were higher in the diabetic CKD group (p = 0.02 and 0.01, respectively). The NCS revealed the compound muscle action potential of ulnar and peroneal nerves and the sensory nerve action potential of ulnar and sural nerves (p = 0.004, p = 0.004, p = 0.004, and p = 0.001, respectively), which was found to be significantly low in the diabetic group. CAS was significantly correlated with age (r = 0.27, p = 0.04), urine albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) (r = 0.29, p = 0.046), free-form IS (r = 0.39, p = 0.009), sICAM-1 (r = 0.31, p = 0.02), sVCAM-1 (r = 0.44, p < 0.0001), TBARS (r = 0.35, p = 0.002), and thiols (r = −0.28, p = 0.045). Linear regression revealed that only TBARS and free-form IS were strongly associated with CAS. The mediation analysis shows that the sVCAM-1 level serves as the mediator between higher IS and higher CAS. IS and oxidative stress contribute to the severity of peripheral nerve dysfunction in patients with CKD, and chronic glycemic impairment can worsen the conditions.
Ice Elevation Change Based on GNSS Measurements along the Korth-Traverse in Southern Greenland
Authors: Hitziger Thomas , Näke Luisa , Pavelka Karel
Published: November 2022

In 1912, a Swiss expedition led by meteorologist Alfred de Quervain crossed the Greenland ice sheet on a route from Disko Bay to Tasiilaq. Based on that, in 2002, a series of geodetic expeditions carried out by W. Korth and later by T. Hitziger began along the same traverse as in 1912, with the last measurements taken in May 2021. The statically collected GPS/GNSS data provide very accurate elevation changes at 36 points along the almost 700 km long crossing over a period of 19 years. According to this, there is a maximum increase of 2.1 m in the central area and a decrease of up to 38.7 m towards the coasts (influence Ilulissat Isbræ). By using kinematic GNSS measurements, there is a very dense profile with a spacing of a few meters. The comparison of those measurements is performed using crossing points or minimum distances and gives equivalent results for both methods. It is shown that local ice topography is preserved, and thus gaps in data sets can be caught. Areas of accumulation and ablation on the ice sheet can be identified, showing the widespread influence of outlet glaciers up to 200 km. The data can be used for direct verification of altimetry data, such as IceSat. Both IceSat elevations and their changes can be compared.
A Heterogeneous Machine Learning Ensemble Framework for Malicious Webpage Detection
Authors: Shin Sam-Shin , Ji Seung-Goo , Hong Sung-Sam
Published: November 2022

The growing dependence on digital systems has heightened the risks posed by cybersecurity threats. This paper proposes a new method for detecting malicious webpages among several adversary activities. As shown in previous studies, malicious URL detection performance is significantly affected by the learning dataset features. The overall performance of different machine learning models varies depending on the data features, and using a particular model alone is not always desirable in any given environment. To address these limitations, we propose an ensemble approach using different machine learning models. Our proposed method outperforms the existing single model by 6%, allowing for the detection of an additional 141 malicious URLs. In this study, repetitive tasks are automated, improving the performance of different machine learning models. In addition, the proposed framework builds an advanced feature set based on URL and web content and includes the most optimized detection model structure. The proposed technology can contribute to define an advanced feature set based on URL and web content and includes the most optimized detection model structure and research on automated technology for the detection of malicious websites, such as phishing websites and malicious code distribution.
Activity Characteristic of the Two Buried Faults in Zhongwei Basin along the Northeastern Margins of Tibetan Plateau, China, by Means of Shallow Seismic and Composite Drilling Section Exploration
Authors: Liu Chao , Lei Qiyun , Du Peng , Wu Zhiqun , Li Zeshan , Yu Sihan , Yang Shun , Wang Yin
Published: November 2022

By using shallow seismic exploration, composite drilling section exploration and sample dating test, we have obtained precise positions, burial depths of uppermost point and activity characteristics of Hetan-Guotan buried fault and Zhenjing-Zhenbei buried fault in Zhongwei Basin. The results show that the latest active period of Hetan-Guotan buried fault is the middle-late Middle Pleistocene, and the latest active period of Zhenjing-Zhenbei buried fault is the Early and Middle Pleistocene. The two buried faults became inactive at the end of the Middle Pleistocene and have been inactive since the Late Pleistocene.
Cyclic and Fragility Analysis of a Corroded Bridge Reinforced by Steel Plates under Mainshock and Aftershock Sequences
Authors: Chen Xin , Kang Aihong , Chen Lingkun , Sun Huahuai , Guo Xuan
Published: November 2022

The corrosion of steel bars embedded in concrete structures results in the degradation of their structural capacity. In earthquake-prone zones, the corroded structure may be considerably vulnerable under mainshock–aftershock sequences relative to a single mainshock. Therefore, it is necessary to reinforce corroded structures to resist potential natural hazards. In this study, the effects of both pitting and uniform corrosion on the structural capacity of a bridge pier before and after strengthening were studied. Subsequently, the failure probability of a corroded bridge was calculated, which is conditional on the corrosion level, steel plate thickness, and ground-motion intensity. The findings implied that both pitting and uniform corrosions significantly reduced the capacity of the bridge pier, particularly pitting corrosion. The fragility curves showed that with an increased thickness of the steel plate, the probability of failure decreases if the intensity of the mainshock–aftershock sequences is higher than the threshold value. In addition, the threshold value has a high correlation with the thickness of the steel plate and the corrosion ratio.
Mechanism of Roof Deformation and Support Optimization of Deeply Buried Roadway under Mining Conditions
Authors: Liu Yanqing , Zheng Pengqiang , Xu Liqiang , Li Wenjing , Sun Yueqi , Sun Weiwei , Yuan Zhen
Published: November 2022

Large deformations in local areas during service in a mine roadway are prone to roofing hazards, seriously threatening people’s lives and urgently needing to be addressed by means of support optimization. Traditional methods of studying the stability of the roadway roof are mainly based on the theory of the surrounding rock loosening circle, but few studies analyze the stability of roadway roofs around the failure distribution and expansion of weak interlayers. Therefore, the relationship between the deformation characteristics of the tunnel envelope and the thickness of the soft and weak interlayer and the underlying hard rock layer was investigated using a comprehensive research method such as theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and field monitoring. The results show that the form of roadway roof failure is determined by weak interlayer thickness. For a mining-disturbed roadway, if the weak interlayer thickness remains unchanged, as the underlying hard strata thickness increases, the existence of a more integral hard stratum cannot prevent plastic zones from forming in the weak interlayer but can prevent them from developing in the key layer 1. If the underlying hard strata thickness remains unchanged, the smaller the weak interlayer thickness, the smaller the area of plastic zone failure in the roadway roof. After the deformation characteristics of the roadway containing the weak interlayer were clarified, according to its characteristics, the support optimization method of increasing the length of anchor bolt and anchor cable is proposed. The displacement of the roadway roof was reduced by 35% after verification by numerical simulation. After applying the support optimization method on site, the roadway displacement basically stabilized after 40 days, with the roof slab sinkage, two gang convergence and bottom bulge reaching 53 mm, 42 mm and 39 mm, respectively. The overall deformation of the roadway was small, effectively controlling the surrounding rock deformation and reducing economic losses for the mine.
A Review on Standardizing Electric Vehicles Community Charging Service Operator Infrastructure
Authors: Kakkar Riya , Gupta Rajesh , Agrawal Smita , Tanwar Sudeep , Sharma Ravi , Alkhayyat Ahmed , Neagu Bogdan-Constantin , Raboaca Maria Simona
Published: November 2022

The deployment of charging infrastructure is one of the main challenges that need to be tackled due to the increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs). Moreover, EVs associated with different charging standards can face compatibility issues while charging via public or private infrastructure. Many solutions were surveyed by researchers on EVs, but they were not focused on addressing the issue of charging infrastructure standardization. Motivated by this, we present a comprehensive survey on standardizing EV charging infrastructure. We also present a taxonomy on various aspects such as charging levels, charging modes, charging standards, charging technologies (based on the different charging types such as conductive charging and wireless charging), and types of vehicle (i.e., 2-wheeler (2W), 3-wheeler (3W), and 4-wheeler (4W)). Furthermore, we target the benefits associated with community EV charging operated by the community charging service operator. Furthermore, we propose an architecture for standardized EV community charging infrastructure to provide adaptability for EVs with different charging standards. Finally, the research challenges and opportunities of the proposed survey have been discussed for efficient EV charging.
Lawn Bonitation Value as a Function of Glycine-Complexed Iron Formulation Application
Authors: Radkowski Adam , Radkowska Iwona , Wolski Karol , Sobol Łukasz , Bujak Henryk
Published: November 2022

The research carried out at the Experimental Station of the University of Agriculture in Krakow aimed to assess the utility value of the turf of a lawn sown with the “Super Trawnik” lawn mixture. The experimental factor was spraying the turf with an amino acid preparation in the form of the AMINO ULTRA Fe-20 fertilizer in three doses: 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 dm3·ha−1. The iron in the tested preparation is complexed with glycine, a natural plant transporter of microelements. A total of 60 g (variant I), 100 g (variant II), and 140 g (variant III) Fe·ha–1 were applied accordingly. The assessment of the examined features was performed based on a nine-point scale. The highest aesthetic and functional values were characteristic of the grass in sites with the highest dose of complexed iron (variant III). The applied fertilization reduced the occurrence of plant diseases. Compared to the plants from the control groups, infestation with snow mold was 14% lower, and the occurrence of brown leaf blotch was lower by 16%. Satisfactory results were also obtained at the sites where the preparation was applied at a dose of 0.5 dm3·ha−1 (variant II). At these sites, a higher, more favorably assessed compactness and higher resistance to snow mold and brown leaf spots were found compared to the plants from the control groups. The major finding of this work is that applying a higher dose of foliar iron fertilizer complexed with glycine allows one to obtain a high-quality lawn in terms of visual and functional features.
Infrared Thermography to Evaluate Thermal Comfort under Controlled Ambient Conditions
Authors: Almeida Ricardo M. S. F. , Barreira Eva , Simões Maria Lurdes , Sousa Tiago S. F.
Published: November 2022

Infrared thermography (IRT) is often used to assess body temperature and can be useful as a diagnostic tool to detect human diseases. Despite this clear application in medicine, some studies can be found in the literature pointing to the use of IRT to measure body temperature as a parameter to evaluate thermal comfort inside buildings. However, there are still some issues that are understudied that this paper tried to address. For this purpose, an intensive experimental campaign was carried out, in which different combinations of temperature and relative humidity were implemented. Thermal images were taken of the face of a young adult, while the air temperature and relative humidity were assessed, as well as the body temperature, using traditional means. The results confirmed that different IR cameras and different ambient conditions (air temperature) impact the image resolution and definition. A linear correlation between the IRT results and the PMV was found for six subregions of the face. This correlation was higher in the forehead, cheekbones, and chin, and less interesting when measuring the temperature of the nose. However, if the overall temperature of the face is assessed, a good agreement between the PMV and the IRT results can still be found, indicating that the average facial temperature can be used as an indicator for the determination of thermal comfort. A prediction model for PMV based on IRT was proposed, with a root mean square error close to 0.70, when applied in a face temperature range between 28.9 °C and 34.4 °C.
Influence of the Duration Compression Ratio of the Input Motion on the Seismic Response of a Soil–Pile–Bridge Structure System in Shaking Table Tests
Authors: Zhang Zhi , Song Chenning , Li Xiaojun , Qi Xingjun
Published: November 2022

In the shaking table test of a soil–pile–bridge structure system, it is difficult to keep the similarity relations of the model structure and that of the model soil consistent. Due to the difference of geometry and material similarity ratios for the model structure and model soil, the determination of the duration compression ratio of input motions is a key problem. The spectrum characteristics of input motions will be varied by the duration compression ratio so that the seismic responses of structure and soil system will be affected. There are three commonly used approaches to determine the duration compression ratio of input motions in shaking table tests: the time similarity ratio of model structure; the time similarity ratio of model soil; and uncompressed. To study the influence of the duration compression ratio on the seismic response of a soil–structure system in shaking table tests, the El Centro record and the Wolong record were chosen as the input motions, and the durations were compressed by the three commonly used approaches in this paper. The influence of the duration compression ratios of the input motions on the acceleration response of a soil–pile–bridge structure system was compared and analyzed through a series of shaking table tests. The results showed that the duration compression ratio affected the acceleration response of the model soil and the model structure, and the effect was more obvious when the peak ground acceleration (PGA) was small. If the research is focused on the seismic response of the soil, it is recommended to use the time similarity ratio of the model soil to compress the input motions. If the research is focused on the seismic response of the structure, it is recommended to use the time similarity ratio of the model structure to compress the input motions. This study could provide a reference for the design of the shaking table test of a soil–pile–bridge structure system.
A Stochastic Queueing Model for the Pricing of Time-Sensitive Services in the Demand-Sharing Alliance
Authors: Wen Jianpei
Published: November 2022

The medical alliance has developed rapidly in recent years. This kind of alliance established by multiple hospitals can alleviate the imbalance of medical resources. We investigate the benefit of demand sharing between a hospital with large demand (HD) and another hospital with large supply (HS). Two hospitals are modeled as queueing systems with finite service rates. Both hospitals set prices to maximize the revenues by serving their time-sensitive patients. We adopt a cooperative game theoretic framework to determine when demand sharing is beneficial. We also propose an optimal allocation of this benefit through a commission fee, which makes the alliance stable. We find that demand sharing may not be beneficial even if HS has a low capacity utilization. Demand sharing becomes beneficial for both hospitals only when the idle service capacity of HS exceeds a threshold, which depends on the potential demand rate of the HS and the unit waiting cost of hospitals. Furthermore, if the idle service capacity of HS is smaller than another threshold, which depends on the potential demand of the two hospitals and the service capacity of HD, then the benefit of demand sharing will be independent of the service capacity and potential demand of HD. We also examine the effect of system parameters on revenue gains due to demand sharing.
Transmission Backlash Compensation and Grasping Force Estimation of Surgical Instruments for the Laparoscopic Minimally Invasive Surgery Robot
Authors: Zou Shuizhong , Li Guozhi , Huang Yuan
Published: November 2022

It is difficult to install the sensor on the end effector of a minimally invasive surgical robot with a narrow space within which to obtain the position and grasping force; thus, the elongation effect of cable-driven surgical instruments results in low precision control, which may damage the tissues and organs of patients. A novel transmission backlash compensation and grasping force saturation limitation algorithm based on the tension and displacement transmission model of a cable-pulley system is proposed to improve the operation’s accuracy and safety. The algorithm considers the force and position transmission characteristics of each stage of the cable-pulley system including the transition stage. Experimental verifications show that the proposed algorithm can significantly improve the position tracking accuracy of surgical instruments and the safety of grasping operations.
Research on Using the Tecnomatix Plant Simulation for Simulation and Visualization of Traffic Processes at the Traffic Node
Authors: Fedorko Gabriel , Molnár Vieroslav , Strohmandl Jan , Horváthová Petra , Strnad David , Cech Vlastimil
Published: November 2022

Simulation software Tecnomatix Plant Simulation was originally created for a modelling and subsequent simulation of production and logistics processes. Its variability, however, opens its use also in other areas such as transport in urban agglomerations. Based on that, research was implemented to verify the program’s application in urban transport, specifically to visualize and simulate traffic processes at the traffic node. The paper describes a methodology which made it possible to create a simulation program for traffic light intersections, and presents examples of the simulation model application. The proposed methodology will enable the application of Tecnomatix Plant Simulation to create a complex simulation model of the logistics process. It will mainly enable to simulate the field of production logistics and city logistics within one simulation model.
Association between Body Mass Index and the Use of Digital Platforms to Record Food Intake: Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Tricás-Vidal Héctor José , Vidal-Peracho María Concepción , Lucha-López María Orosia , Hidalgo-García César , Monti-Ballano Sofía , Márquez-Gonzalvo Sergio , Tricás-Moreno José Miguel
Published: November 2022

An inadequate diet has been shown to be a cause of obesity. Nowadays, digital resources are replacing traditional methods of recording food consumption. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze a sample of United States of America (USA) residents to determine if the usage of any meal tracker platform to record food intake was related to an improved body mass index (BMI). An analytical cross-sectional study that included 896 subjects with an Instagram account who enrolled to participate in an anonymous online survey was performed. Any meal tracker platform used to record food intake over the last month was employed by 34.2% of the sample. A total of 85.3% of the participants who had tracked their food intake were women (p < 0.001), and 33.3% (p = 0.018) had a doctorate degree. Participants who used any meal tracker platform also had higher BMIs (median: 24.9 (Q1: 22.7–Q3: 27.9), p < 0.001), invested more hours a week on Instagram looking over nutrition or physical activity (median: 2.0 (Q1: 1.0–Q3: 4.0), p = 0.028) and performed more minutes per week of strong physical activity (median: 240.0 (Q1: 135.0–Q3: 450.0), p = 0.007). Conclusions: USA residents with an Instagram account who had been using any meal tracker platform to record food intake were predominantly highly educated women. They had higher BMIs despite the fact they were engaged in stronger exercise and invested more hours a week on Instagram looking over nutrition or physical activity.
Geospatial Analytics for Preliminarily Landscape Active Tectonic Assessment of the Wadi Araba Basin, Western Gulf of Suez, Egypt
Authors: Elnobi Mahmoud , Bashir Bashar , Alsalman Abdullah , Bachir Hussein
Published: November 2022

The Gulf of Suez area represents one of the most famous tectonic structures in the Red Sea, with a long history of low-, moderate-, and high-intensity earthquakes. This paper provides geomorphic analytics of the fault-initiated mountain front sinuosity (Smf) and the stream gradients that cross various segments of the fault scarps. The results from the mountain front sinuosity index (Smf) and the valley floor width to valley height ratio index (Vf) suggest different levels of activities along the different fault segments. The analysis of the stream gradient index reflects that streams running through the fault segments mostly have higher river gradient values identified by knickpoint spots. With regard to the strike variation in the mountain front sinuosity, valley floor width to valley height ratio, and stream river gradients, the results are compatible with the predominant mountain front’s relief. Finally, the calculated geomorphic results show that the eastern segments might reflect higher seismic signals with respect to the central and western segments of the entire Wadi Araba basin. Thus, more careful studies are required to investigate seismic hazard possibilities.
Investigation with Non-Destructive and Destructive Methods for Assessment of Concrete Compressive Strength
Authors: Ivanchev Ivan
Published: November 2022

Determining the compressive strength of concrete is important in all phases of construction and in diagnosing the technical condition of existing reinforced concrete buildings and facilities during their service. In this article, the author presents the experimental results from research conducted over 6 years. The following non-destructive methods were used in the tests—elastic rebound, ultrasonic, SonReb and destructive methods, and the results of the latter were used as a reference. The tests were carried out on specimens prepared on the day of laying the concrete mix in the reinforced concrete beams or cores taken from the beams. The results of the determination of the probabilistic compressive strength using the different methods at concrete ages of 28, 244, 280, 293, 342, 1126 and 1926 days, are presented. The relative error, predicted strength and accuracy were determined and compared. Isocurves were drawn to determine the compressive strength for each point of a reinforced concrete structure based only on measurements obtained using non-destructive methods. The results obtained via SonReb and via the method assessing ultrasonic pulse velocity and its relationship to the dynamic and static modulus of elasticity were the closest to the reference compressive strength values.
An Innovative Approach to Improving Residual Stress Distribution and Metallurgical Refinement of Forged AA7175 Applied in the Aeronautical Industry
Authors: Ba Kadiata , Sattarpanah Karganroudi Sasan , Aminzadeh Ahmad , Javidani Mousa , Meiabadi Mohammad Saleh
Published: November 2022

In this study, a novel approach for residual stress (RS) distribution on forged AA7175 is considered to replace and simplify the manufacturing process, based on the lean manufacturing concept. AA7175 alloy is a quench-sensitive material applied in the aeronautics industry, which is subjected to vibration and cyclic loads leading to fatigue failure. Generally, costly postprocessing operations, such as shot peening, are used to modify RS on the surfaces of parts. Considering the fact that this operation is usually performed manually and is costly, the industrial sectors have been searching for an alternative to simplify the process. Here, quenching and T74 aging are found to advantageously modify RS distribution by forming compressive RS on parts’ surface layers. The proposed heat treatment allows for the removal of the shot-peening process, helping to reduce the costs associated with the manufacturing process and to increase production quality.
Spatial Clustering of Vegetation Fire Intensity Using MODIS Satellite Data
Authors: Mupfiga Upenyu Naume , Mutanga Onisimo , Dube Timothy , Kowe Pedzisai
Published: November 2022

This work analyses the spatial clustering of fire intensity in Zimbabwe, using remotely sensed Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) active fire occurrence data. In order to investigate the spatial pattern of fire intensity, MODIS-derived fire radiative power (FRP) was utilized. A local indicator of spatial autocorrelation method, the Getis-Ord (Gi*) spatial statistic, was applied to show the spatial distribution of high and low fire intensity clusters. Analysis of the relationship between topographic variables, vegetation type, agroecological zones and fire intensity was done. According to the study’s findings, the majority (44%) of active fires detected in the study area in 2019 were of low-intensity (cold spots), and the majority (49.3%) of them occurred in shrubland. High-intensity fires (22%) primarily occurred in the study area’s eastern and western regions. The study findings demonstrate the utility of spatial statistics methods in conjunction with satellite fire data in detecting clusters of high and low-intensity fires (hot spots and cold spots).
Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Dew and Rain in North-West Africa with Focus on Morocco: Mapping Past and Future Evolution (2005–2100)
Authors: Muselli Marc , Lekouch Imad , Beysens Daniel
Published: November 2022

In the context of global warming and a reduction in fresh water availability, this study presents the evolution of dew, rain and evapotranspiration in the North-West (NW) of Africa. This study is followed by a chemical analysis of dew and rain data in a representative site. The time periods are concerned with the years 2005–2020 using existing data, and years 2020–2100 using the low and high emissions representative concentration pathway scenarios RCP 2.6/8.5 from the coordinated regional climate downscaling experiment database. A continuous decrease in rain precipitation is observed, on the order of −14 mm·decade−1 for the more credible scenario RCP 8.5. The amplitude is maximum on the coast and on the foothills of Atlas. A clear decrease in dew yields (up to 7%) is also observed along a NW/SE axis. It is strongly correlated with a corresponding decrease in relative humidity. Chemical dew and rain data in the representative site of Mirleft correspond to the major cations of Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+, similar to local spring water. The concentrations in rain are about two times less than in dew water. Ionic concentrations are compatible with the World Health Organization standards. The seasonal variations of the ionic concentrations in dew and rain follow a volume dilution dependence. In the future, the expected diminution in dew and rain volumes according to the RCPs 2.6 and 8.5 should increase the dew and rain ionic concentrations.
Aerosol Evolution and Influencing Factor Analysis during Haze Periods in the Guanzhong Area of China Based on Multi-Source Data
Authors: Zhong Yanling , Kong Jinling , Jiang Yizhu , Zhang Qiutong , Ma Hongxia , Wang Xixuan
Published: November 2022

Aerosols suspended in the atmosphere negatively affect air quality and public health and promote global climate change. The Guanzhong area in China was selected as the study area. Air quality data from July 2018 to June 2021 were recorded daily, and 19 haze periods were selected for this study. The Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model was used to simulate the air mass transport trajectory during this haze period to classify the formation process. The spatial distribution of the aerosol optical depth (AOD) was obtained by processing Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data using the dark target (DT) method. Three factors were used to analyze the AOD spatial distribution characteristics based on the perceptual hashing algorithm (PHA): GDP, population density, and topography. Correlations between aerosols and the wind direction, wind speed, and precipitation were analyzed using weather station data. The research results showed that the haze period in Guanzhong was mainly due to locally generated haze (94.7%). The spatial distribution factors are GDP, population density, and topography. The statistical results showed that wind direction mainly affected aerosol diffusion in Guanzhong, while wind speed (r = −0.63) and precipitation (r = −0.66) had a significant influence on aerosol accumulation and diffusion.
Performance of a Thermodynamic Model for Predicting Inorganic Aerosols in the Southeastern U.S.
Authors: Cheng Bin , Wang-Li Lingjuan , Classen John , Bloomfield Peter
Published: November 2022

Fine particulate matter (i.e., PM2.5) has gained intensive attention due to its adverse health and visibility degradation effects. As a significant fraction of atmospheric PM2.5, secondary inorganic PM2.5 may be formed through the gas-phase ammonia (NH3) and particle-phase ammonium (NH4+) partitioning. While partitioning of NH3-NH4+ may be simulated using a thermodynamic equilibrium model, disagreement between model predictions and measurements have been realized. In addition, the applicability of the model under different conditions has not been well studied. This research aims to investigate the applicability of a thermodynamic equilibrium model, ISORROPIA II, under different atmospheric conditions and geographic locations. Based upon the field measurements at the Southeastern Aerosol Research and Characterization (SEARCH) network, the performance of ISORROPIA II was assessed under different temperature (T), relative humidity (RH), and model setups in urban and rural locations. The impact of organic aerosol (OA) on the partitioning of NH3-NH4+ was also evaluated. Results of this research indicate that the inclusion of non-volatile cations (NVCs) in the model input is necessary to improve the model performance. Under high T (>10 °C) and low RH (<60%) conditions, ISORROPIA II tends to overpredict nitric acid (HNO3) concentration and underpredict nitrate (NO3−) concentration. The predominance of one phase of semi-volatile compound leads to low accuracy in the model prediction of the other phase. The model with stable and metastable setups may also perform differently under different T-RH conditions. Metastable model setup might perform better under high T (>10 °C) and low RH (<60%) conditions, while stable model setup might perform better under low T (<5 °C) conditions. Both model setups have consistent performance when RH is greater than 83%. Future studies using ISORROPIA II for the prediction of NH3-NH4+ partitioning should consider the inclusion of NVCs, the under/over prediction of NO3−/HNO3, the selection of stable/metastable model setups under different T-RH conditions, and spatiotemporal variations of inorganic PM2.5 chemical compositions.
Analysis of Spatio-Temporal Evolution Characteristics of Drought and Its Driving Factors in Yangtze River Basin Based on SPEI
Authors: Wei Jieru , Wang Zhixiao , Han Lin , Shang Jiandong , Zhao Bei
Published: November 2022

Using a dataset of 114 meteorological stations in the Yangtze River Basin from 1980–2019, the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) was calculated based on the Penman-Monteith evapotranspiration model for multiple time scales, and the spatial and temporal evolution characteristics and driving factors of drought in the Yangtze River Basin were analyzed by combining spatial and temporal analysis methods as well as geodetector. The main results obtained are as follows: (1) The climate of the Yangtze River Basin is an overall wet trend, and the trend of summer drought is more similar to the annual scale trend. (2) Most areas in the Yangtze River Basin showed mild drought or no drought, and there is little difference in drought condition among the Yangtze River Basin regions. The areas with drought conditions are mainly distributed in the southwest and east of the Yangtze River Basin. (3) There are significant seasonal differences in drought conditions in all regions, and the drought condition is more different in autumn compared to spring, summer and winter. (4) The average annual precipitation and elevation factors are the dominant driving factors of drought in the Yangtze River Basin, and the double-factor interaction has a greater influence on the drought variation in the Yangtze River Basin than the single-factor effect, indicating that the difference of drought condition in the Yangtze River Basin is the result of the combination of multiple factors.
Investigation of Two Severe Shamal Dust Storms and the Highest Dust Frequencies in the South and Southwest of Iran
Authors: Abadi Abbas Ranjbar Saadat , Hamzeh Nasim Hossein , Chel Gee Ooi Maggie , Kong Steven Soon-Kai , Opp Christian
Published: November 2022

Dust storms create some of the most critical air quality problems in the world; the Middle East, located in the dust belt, suffers substantially from dust storms. Iran, as a country in the Middle East, is affected by dust storms from multiple internal and external sources that mostly originate from deserts in Iraq and Syria (especially the Mesopotamia region). To determine the highest dust loadings in the south and west of Iran, dust frequencies were investigated in the eight most polluted stations in the west, southwest, and southern Iran for a period of 21 years from 2000 to 2021. During the study’s duration, the dust frequency was much higher from 2008 to 2012, which coincided with severe droughts reported in Iraq and Syria; from which, we investigated two severe dust storms (as well as the dust sources and weather condition effects) that took place on 15–17 September 2008 and 1–3 June 2012; we used secondary data from ground measurement stations, and satellite and modeling products. In both cases, horizontal visibility was reduced to less than 1 km at most weather stations in Iran. The measured PM10 in the first case reached 834 μg m−3 at Ilam station in west Iran and the Iran–Iraq borders while the measured PM10 in the second case reached 4947 μg m−3 at Bushehr station in the northern shore of the Persian Gulf. The MODIS true color images and MODIS AOD detected the dust mass over Iraq, southern Iran, and Saudi Arabia in both cases; the AOD value reached 4 in the first case and 1.8 in the second case over the Persian Gulf. During these two severe dust storms, low-level jets were observed at 930 hPa atmospheric levels in north Iraq (2008 case) and south Iraq (2012 case). The output of the NAPPS model and CALIPSO satellite images show that the dust rose to higher than 5 km in these dust storm cases, confirming the influence of Shamal wind on the dust storm occurrences.
Text Data Analysis Using Generalized Linear Mixed Model and Bayesian Visualization
Authors: Jun Sunghae
Published: November 2022

Many parts of big data, such as web documents, online posts, papers, patents, and articles, are in text form. So, the analysis of text data in the big data domain is an important task. Many methods based on statistics or machine learning algorithms have been studied for text data analysis. Most of them were analytical methods based on the generalized linear model (GLM). For the GLM, text data analysis is performed based on the assumption of the error included in the given data and follows the Gaussian distribution. However, the GLM has shown limitations in the analysis of text data, including data sparseness. This is because the preprocessed text data has a zero-inflated problem. To solve this problem, we proposed a text data analysis using the generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) and Bayesian visualization. Therefore, the objective of our study is to propose the use of GLMM to overcome the limitations of the conventional GLM in the analysis of text data with a zero-inflated problem. The GLMM uses various probability distributions as well as Gaussian for error terms and considers the difference between observations by clustering. We also use Bayesian visualization to find meaningful associations between keywords. Lastly, we carried out the analysis of text data searched from real domains and provided the analytical results to show the performance and validity of our proposed method.
Symmetric Supercapacitor Based on Nitrogen-Doped and Plasma-Functionalized 3D Graphene
Authors: Joseph Kavitha Mulackampilly , Shanov Vesselin
Published: November 2022

Nitrogen-doped, 3-dimensional graphene (N3DG), synthesized as a one-step thermal CVD process, was further functionalized with atmospheric pressure oxygen plasma. Electrodes were fabricated and tested based on the functionalized N3DG. Their characterization included scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET), and electrochemical measurements. The tested electrodes revealed a 208% increase in the specific capacitance compared to pristine 3D graphene electrodes in a three-electrode configuration. The performed doping and plasma treatment enabled an increase in the electrode‘s surface area by 4 times compared to pristine samples. Furthermore, the XPS results revealed the presence of nitrogen and oxygen functional groups in the doped and functionalized material. Symmetric supercapacitors assembled from the functionalized 3D graphene using aqueous and organic electrolytes were compared for electrochemical performance. The device with ionic electrolyte EMIMB4 electrolyte exhibited a superior energy density of 54 Wh/kg and power density of 1224 W/kg. It also demonstrated a high-cyclic stability of 15,000 cycles with a capacitance retention of 107%.
ACUX Recommender: A Mobile Recommendation System for Multi-Profile Cultural Visitors Based on Visiting Preferences Classification
Authors: Konstantakis Markos , Christodoulou Yannis , Aliprantis John , Caridakis George
Published: November 2022

In recent years, Recommendation Systems (RSs) have gained popularity in different scientific fields through the creation of (mostly mobile) applications that deliver personalized services. A mobile recommendation system (MRS) that classifies in situ visitors according to different visiting profiles could act as a mediator between their visiting preferences and cultural content. Drawing on the above, in this paper, we propose ACUX Recommender (ACUX-R), an MRS, for recommending personalized cultural POIs to visitors based on their visiting preferences. ACUX-R experimentally employs the ACUX typology for assigning profiles to cultural visitors. ACUX-R was evaluated through a user study and a questionnaire. The evaluation conducted showed that the proposed ACUX-R satisfies cultural visitors and is capable of capturing their nonverbal visiting preferences and needs.
Decoding the Proanthocyanins Profile of Italian Red Wines
Authors: Arapitsas Panagiotis , Perenzoni Daniele , Ugliano Maurizio , Slaghenaufi Davide , Giacosa Simone , Paissoni Maria Alessandra , Piombino Paola , Pittari Elisabetta , Versari Andrea , Ricci Arianna , Curioni Andrea , Marangon Matteo , Mattivi Fulvio
Published: November 2022

The Italian wine appellations system is organized in hundreds of origin wines, with unique characteristics that are protected with many denominations of origin. The aim of this work was to analyze and compare the proanthocyanin profile of 12 single-cultivar and single-vintage Italian red wine groups (Aglianico from Campania, Cannonau from Sardinia, Corvina from Veneto, Montepulciano from Abruzzo, Nebbiolo from Piedmont, Nerello Mascalese from Sicily, Primitivo from Apulia, Raboso Piave from Veneto, Sagrantino from Umbria, Sangiovese from Tuscany and Romagna, and Teroldego from Trentino), each one produced in their terroirs under ad hoc legal frameworks to guarantee their quality and origin. All wines were analyzed with a protocol that combined the phloroglucinolysis reaction with an LC-MS/MS instrument. The results underlined Sagrantino wines as the richest in proanthocyanins. Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Nerello, and Teroldego were the richest in B-ring trihydroxylated flavan-3-ols, and especially Nerello was the richest in prodelphinidins. Cannonau, Raboso Piave, Nerello, and Corvina were characterized by C-ring trans conformation flavan-3-ols. Nebbiolo and Corvina had high percentages of galloylated flavan-3-ols. Aglianico and Primitivo had the lowest percentages of B-ring trihydroxylated and C-ring trans conformation flavan-3-ols. This information should be useful in better understanding the Italian red wines and valorize them.