bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coal Sludge Permeability Assessment Based on Rowe Cell Consolidation, and Filtration Investigations
Authors: Adamczyk Justyna , Pomykała Radosław
Published: February 2022

In this paper, an attempt has been made to investigate the possibility of using coal sludge to seal a landfill site by presenting the results of their compressibility and permeability tests. Coal sludge is a fine-grained waste from the coal enrichment process, and its permeability is also highly dependent on its degree of consolidation. The tests were carried out in a Rowe Cell, making it possible to determine the water permeability coefficient more precisely by determining the degree of the material consolidation during testing. The test was carried out using backpressure conditions. The test procedure in the Rowe Cell consisted of the following three steps: saturation, consolidation, and filtration. The coal sludge was taken directly from the filter presses as a by-product of the fines’ coal enrichment process. The paper presents the results of the individual stages performed in a Rowe Cell. The consolidation coefficient was determined using three different methods (Casagrande, Taylor, and Robbinson methods). The permeability coefficient was measured by the indirect and the direct method, the results of both were compared. The results (k < 10−9 m/s) indicated that the value of the permeability coefficient responds to the value for isolating barrier materials.
Petrogenesis of Early Cretaceous High-Mg Adakitic Pluton in the North Lhasa Block, Tibet Plateau: Implications for the Tethyan Orogeny
Authors: Xiao Qian-Ru , Wei Yong-Feng , Liu Zhong-Yuan , Xiong Fu-Hao , Fan Lei , Wu Jian-Xin , Zhao Han
Published: February 2022

Late Mesozoic igneous rocks from the north Lhasa block record the Neo-Tethyan orogeny in the southern Tibet Plateau. This study presents geochronological and geochemical data of Bieruozecuo quartz diorite pluton in the northern margin of the Lhasa block to constrain its petrogenesis and tectonic implications. The LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb geochronology of quartz diorites shows that the emplacement occurs at ca. 114–116 Ma, belonging to the products of Early Cretaceous magmatic activities. The high concentrations of TiO2, MgO, and MnO, together with SiO2 vs. K2O and A/NK vs. A/CNK diagrams, all suggest that the Bieruozecuo quartz diorites are meta-aluminous and high-potassium calc-alkaline rocks. Their high Sr and low Y and Yb contents, as well as high Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios, are consistent with the typical adakitic rocks. The REE patterns show a large distribution of compositions, which have LREE, while HREE are buffered, along with large ratios of (La/Yb)N, as well as high values of K2O/Na2O, Mg#, Cr, and Ni, all of which imply the partial melting of a delaminated lower crust, without obvious fractional crystallization during the magma ascending and emplacement. This study suggests that, with the closure of the Bangonghu–Nujiang Tethys Ocean Basin, the post-collisional extension of the north Lhasa block will have started no later than ca. 114–116 Ma. Combined with the previous studies, our new data demonstrates that the partial melting of the delaminated lower crust, in a post-collisional setting, may be the main mechanism responsible for the ca. 116–82 Ma adakitic magmatism in the north Lhasa block.
Extraction of Aluminum and Iron Ions from Coal Gangue by Acid Leaching and Kinetic Analyses
Authors: Kong Deshun , Zhou Zihan , Jiang Rongli , Song Shuojiang , Feng Shan , Lian Minglei
Published: February 2022

Extracting valuable elements from coal gangue is an important method for the utilization of coal gangue. In order to obtain the suitable technological conditions and the acid leaching kinetic model of leaching aluminum and iron ions from high-iron and low-aluminum coal gangue, the effects of calcination temperature, calcination time, and acid types on the leaching results of aluminum and iron ions are studied. The results show that when the gangue is calcined at 675 °C for 1 h, then the calcined gangue powder is leached by 6 mol/L hydrochloric acid at 93 °C for 4 h, the leaching ratio of iron ions is more than 90%, and that of aluminum ions is more than 60%. Furthermore, the acid leaching kinetic equations at 30 °C, 50 °C, 70 °C, and 90 °C are studied by three kinetic models, and the apparent activation energies of the reactions are calculated by the Arrhenius formula. The results show that the leaching behavior of aluminum and iron ions conformed to the “mixing control” model equation: “(1 − x)−1/3 − 1 + 1/3ln(1 − x) = kt + b”. The apparent activation energies of aluminum and iron ions are 55.5 kJ/mol and 55.8 kJ/mol, respectively. All these indicate that the acid leaching process is controlled by the “mixing control”.
The Therapeutic Effect of Acanthopanax senticosus Components on Radiation-Induced Brain Injury Based on the Pharmacokinetics and Neurotransmitters
Authors: Song Chen , Li Sijia , Duan Fangyuan , Liu Mengyao , Shan Shan , Ju Ting , Zhang Yingchun , Lu Weihong
Published: February 2022

Acanthopanax senticosus (AS) is a medicinal and food homologous plant with many biological activities. In this research, we generated a brain injury model by 60Co -γ ray radiation at 4 Gy, and gavaged adult mice with the extract with AS, Acanthopanax senticocus polysaccharides (ASPS), flavones, syringin and eleutheroside E (EE) to explore the therapeutic effect and metabolic characteristics of AS on the brain injury. Behavioral tests and pathological experiments showed that the AS prevented the irradiated mice from learning and memory ability impairment and protected the neurons of irradiated mice. Meanwhile, the functional components of AS increased the antioxidant activity of irradiated mice. Furthermore, we found the changes of neurotransmitters, especially in the EE and syringin groups. Finally, distribution and pharmacokinetic analysis of AS showed that the functional components, especially EE, could exert their therapeutic effects in brain of irradiated mice. This lays a theoretical foundation for the further research on the treatment of radiation-induced brain injury by AS.
Vortex Fluidic Mediated Oxidative Sulfitolysis of Oxytocin
Authors: Crawley Emily M. , Pye Scott , Forbes Briony E. , Raston Colin L.
Published: February 2022

In peptide production, oxidative sulfitolysis can be used to protect the cysteine residues during purification, and the introduction of a negative charge aids solubility. Subsequent controlled reduction aids in ensuring correct disulfide bridging. In vivo, these problems are overcome through interaction with chaperones. Here, a versatile peptide production process has been developed using an angled vortex fluidic device (VFD), which expands the viable pH range of oxidative sulfitolysis from pH 10.5 under batch conditions, to full conversion within 20 min at pH 9–10.5 utilising the VFD. VFD processing gave 10-fold greater conversion than using traditional batch processing, which has potential in many applications of the sulfitolysis reaction.
Gamma-Irradiation-Induced Degradation of the Water-Soluble Polysaccharide from Auricularia polytricha and Its Anti-Hypercholesterolemic Activity
Authors: Li Ping , Xiong Chuan , Huang Wenli
Published: February 2022

The water-soluble polysaccharides (APPs) isolated from the edible mushroom Auricularia polytricha were irradiated by γ-ray at doses of 10, 100, and 1000 kGy. The effect of gamma irradiation on the degradation of the polysaccharide was investigated. After irradiation treatment, the viscosity and molecular weight of APPs decreased with the increase in the irradiation dose. The changes in the enthalpy of APPs after irradiation treatment were observed. Meanwhile, SEM showed that R-APPs were crushed into fragments and the surfaces became smooth and wrinkled after irradiation. In further spectrum analysis, it was found that the glycoside bonds of the polysaccharides were broken and accompanied by the formation of double bonds. This suggested that gamma irradiation could cause the depolymerization and oxidation of polysaccharides. In addition, irradiated APPs could reduce the body weight of hyperlipidemia mice. The levels of serum and liver TC, TG, and serum LDH-c significantly decreased in hyperlipidemia mice after treatment by irradiated APPs. It indicated that gamma irradiation significantly improved the anti-hypolipidemic activity of APPs. The relationship between the physicochemical properties and hypolipidemic activity of polysaccharides was interpreted, which provides a theoretical basis for the further development of APP products. Gamma irradiation is a viable technology for macromolecular modification for degradation.
Unravelling the Helianthus tuberosus L. (Jerusalem Artichoke, Kiku-Imo) Tuber Proteome by Label-Free Quantitative Proteomics
Authors: Bakku Ranjith Kumar , Gupta Ravi , Min Cheol-Woo , Kim Sun-Tae , Takahashi Genboku , Shibato Junko , Shioda Seiji , Takenoya Fumiko , Agrawal Ganesh Kumar , Rakwal Randeep
Published: February 2022

The present research investigates the tuber proteome of the ‘medicinal’ plant Jerusalem artichoke (abbreviated as JA) (Helianthus tuberosus L.) using a high-throughput proteomics technique. Although JA has been historically known to the Native Americans, it was introduced to Europe in the late 19th century and later spread to Japan (referred to as ‘kiku-imo’) as a folk remedy for diabetes. Genboku Takahashi research group has been working on the cultivation and utilization of kiku-imo tuber as a traditional/alternative medicine in daily life and researched on the lowering of blood sugar level, HbA1c, etc., in human subjects (unpublished data). Understanding the protein components of the tuber may shed light on its healing properties, especially related to diabetes. Using three commercially processed JA tuber products (dried powder and dried chips) we performed total protein extraction on the powdered samples using a label-free quantitate proteomic approach (mass spectrometry) and catalogued for the first time a comprehensive protein list for the JA tuber. A total of 2967 protein groups were identified, statistically analyzed, and further categorized into different protein classes using bioinformatics techniques. We discussed the association of these proteins to health and disease regulatory metabolism. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD030744.
Serum CGRP Changes following Ultrasound-Guided Bilateral Greater-Occipital-Nerve Block
Authors: Abbas Abdelrahman , Moustafa Ramez , Shalash Ali , Haroun Mahmoud , Amin Randa , Borham Sherien , Elsadek Ahmed , Helmy Shahinaz
Published: February 2022

Background: Calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP) and CGRP receptors are expressed in trigeminal nerve cells, and treatments targeting CGRP are effective in migraines. For headaches that do not respond to pharmacological treatment, minimally invasive techniques such as greater-occipital-nerve block (GONB) can help relieve the pain and reduce the frequency of headaches. Our study assessed the efficacy of ultrasound-guided greater-occipital-nerve block (USgGONB) in chronic migraines (CM) and its relationship to serum CGRP levels. Methods: Forty chronic migraineurs who underwent bilateral USgGONB using 40 mg triamcinolone and 1 mL lidocaine were recruited and interictal serum CGRP samples were collected immediately before and one month after GONB. The clinical response was evaluated using headache diaries before and one month after USgGONB. The patient response was determined after USgGONB according to the reduction in headache days as a good responder (>50% reduction), poor responder (<50%) or non-responder. Results: Monthly headache days after GONB showed a significant reduction (median, 10 days; range, 8–14.7) compared to before the block (median, 18 days; range, 17–22; p < 0.001). Across all patients, interictal serum CGRP levels after USgGONB were significantly lower than before the block (median, 40 pg/mL (range, 25–60) vs. 145 pg/mL (range, 60–380) (p = 0.001). The pre-treatment interictal CGRP levels showed a significant difference (p = 0.003), as their levels in non-responders (median, 310 pg/mL; interquartile range, 262–350) were significantly higher than those seen in responders, whether poor responders (median, 135 pg/mL; interquartile range, 100–200 pg/mL) or good responders (median, 140 pg/mL; interquartile range, 80–150 pg/mL). Conclusion: the study showed the beneficial effect of USgGONB in chronic migraines that was associated with lowering interictal CGRP levels, implying a potential role for CGRP in the mechanism of action of GONB in CM, and the interictal CGRP level may be used as a predictor for the response to GONB.
PfMDR1 Transport Rates Assessed in Intact Isolated Plasmodium falciparum Digestive Vacuoles Reflect Functional Drug Resistance Relationship with pfmdr1 Mutations
Authors: Simon Nina , Voigtländer Cornelia , Kappes Barbara , Rohrbach Petra , Friedrich Oliver
Published: February 2022

Drug resistance often emerges from mutations in solute transporters. Single amino acid exchanges may alter functionality of transporters with ‘de novo’ ability to transport drugs away from their site of action. The PfMDR1 transporter (or P-glycoprotein 1) is located in the membrane of the digestive vacuole (DV), functions as an ATP-dependent pump, and transports substrates into the DV. In this study, four strains of Plasmodium falciparum, carrying various pfmdr1 gene mutations, were analysed for their transport characteristics of Fluo-4 in isolated DVs of parasites. To obtain quantitative estimates for PfMDR1 DV surface expression, PfMDR1 protein amounts on each strain’s DV membrane were evaluated by quantitative ELISA. Fluo-4, acting as a substrate for PfMDR1, was applied in DV uptake assays (‘reverse Ca2+ imaging’). Viable DVs were isolated from trophozoite stages with preserved PfMDR1 activity. This newly developed assay enabled us to measure the number of Fluo-4 molecules actively transported into isolated DVs per PfMDR1 molecule. The drug-resistant strain Dd2 presented the highest transport rates, followed by K1 and the drug-sensitive strain 3D7, compatible with their copy numbers. With this assay, an evaluation of the probability of resistance formation for newly developed drugs can be implemented in early stages of drug development.
Rheological Considerations in Processing Self-Reinforced Thermoplastic Polymer Nanocomposites: A Review
Authors: Yousfi Mohamed , Samuel Cédric , Soulestin Jérémie , Lacrampe Marie-France
Published: February 2022

The present review relates to the field of nanocomposite materials comprising a thermoplastic nanofibrillar phase dispersed in a matrix that is also thermoplastic. The fact of forming the nanofibrillar phase in situ during melt processing gives it the role of a reinforcing nanofiller for thermoplastic materials. This paper discusses the major factors influencing the formation of self-reinforced nanofibrillar polymer composite (NFC) materials throughout manufacturing steps. More specifically, the rheological considerations allowing the prediction of the in situ nanofibrillation during melt blending and post-processing as well as the methods of production of these polymer nanocomposites are described. The major challenges related to the future development in the field of NFCs are addressed. The concept of self-reinforced nanofibrillar polymer materials shows great potential in lightweight eco-design processes and represents a new approach to polymer nanocomposite recycling for a variety of industrial applications.
Phenotypic Traits Extraction and Genetic Characteristics Assessment of Eucalyptus Trials Based on UAV-Borne LiDAR and RGB Images
Authors: Liao Lihua , Cao Lin , Xie Yaojian , Luo Jianzhong , Wang Guibin
Published: February 2022

Phenotype describes the physical, physiological and biochemical characteristics of organisms that are determined or influenced by genes and environment. Accurate extraction of phenotypic data is a prerequisite for comprehensive forest phenotyping in order to improve the growth and development of forest plantations. Combined with the assessments of genetic characteristics, forest phenotyping will help to accelerate the breeding process, improve stress resistance and enhance the quality of the planted forest. In this study, we disposed our study in Eucalyptus trials within the Gaofeng forest farm (a typical Eucalyptus plantation site in southern China) for a high-throughput phenotypic traits extraction and genetic characteristics analysis based on high-density point clouds (acquired by a UAV-borne LiDAR sensor) and high-resolution RGB images (acquired by a UAV-borne camera), aiming at developing a high-resolution and high-throughput UAV-based phenotyping approach for tree breeding. First, we compared the effect of CHM-based Marker-Controlled Watershed Segmentation (MWS) and Point Cloud-based Cluster Segmentation (PCS) for extracting individual trees; Then, the phenotypic traits (i.e., tree height, diameter at breast height, crown width), the structural metrics (n = 19) and spectral indices (n = 9) of individual trees were extracted and assessed; Finally, a genetic characteristics analysis was carried out based on the above results, and we compared the differences between high-throughput phenotyping by UAV-based data and on manual measurements. Results showed that: in the relatively low stem density site of the trial (760 n/ha), the overall accuracy of MWS and PCS was similar, while in the higher stem density sites (982 n/ha, 1239 n/ha), the overall accuracy of MWS (F(2) = 0.93, F(3) = 0.86) was higher than PCS (F(2) = 0.84, F(3) = 0.74); With the increase of stem density, the difference between the overall accuracy of MWS and PCS gradually expanded. Both UAV–LiDAR extracted phenotypic traits and manual measurements were significantly different across the Eucalyptus clones (P < 0.05), as were most of the structural metrics (47/57) and spectral indices (26/27), revealing the genetic divergence between the clones. The rank of clones demonstrated that the pure clones (of E. urophylla), the hybrid clones (of E. urophylla as the female parent) and the hybrid clones (of E. wetarensis and E. grandis) have a higher fineness of growth. This study proved that UAV-based fine-resolution remote sensing could be an efficient, accurate and precise technology in phenotyping (used in genetic analysis) for tree breeding.
Cone-Beam Angle Dependency of 3D Models Computed from Cone-Beam CT Images
Authors: Cho Myung Hye , Hegazy Mohamed A. A. , Cho Min Hyoung , Lee Soo Yeol
Published: February 2022

Cone-beam dental CT can provide high-precision 3D images of the teeth and surrounding bones. From the 3D CT images, 3D models, also called digital impressions, can be computed for CAD/CAM-based fabrication of dental restorations or orthodontic devices. However, the cone-beam angle-dependent artifacts, mostly caused by the incompleteness of the projection data acquired in the circular cone-beam scan geometry, can induce significant errors in the 3D models. Using a micro-CT, we acquired CT projection data of plaster cast models at several different cone-beam angles, and we investigated the dependency of the model errors on the cone-beam angle in comparison with the reference models obtained from the optical scanning of the plaster models. For the 3D CT image reconstruction, we used the conventional Feldkamp algorithm and the combined half-scan image reconstruction algorithm to investigate the dependency of the model errors on the image reconstruction algorithm. We analyzed the mean of positive deviations and the mean of negative deviations of the surface points on the CT-image-derived 3D models from the reference model, and we compared them between the two image reconstruction algorithms. It has been found that the model error increases as the cone-beam angle increases in both algorithms. However, the model errors are smaller in the combined half-scan image reconstruction when the cone-beam angle is as large as 10 degrees.
Embedded Sensing System for Recognizing Citrus Flowers Using Cascaded Fusion YOLOv4-CF + FPGA
Authors: Lyu Shilei , Zhao Yawen , Li Ruiyao , Li Zhen , Fan Renjie , Li Qiafeng
Published: February 2022

Florescence information monitoring is essential for strengthening orchard management activities, such as flower thinning, fruit protection, and pest control. A lightweight object recognition model using cascade fusion YOLOv4-CF is proposed, which recognizes multi-type objects in their natural environments, such as citrus buds, citrus flowers, and gray mold. The proposed model has an excellent representation capability with an improved cascade fusion network and a multi-scale feature fusion block. Moreover, separable deep convolution blocks were employed to enhance object feature information and reduce model computation. Further, channel shuffling was used to address missing recognition in the dense distribution of object groups. Finally, an embedded sensing system for recognizing citrus flowers was designed by quantitatively applying the proposed YOLOv4-CF model to an FPGA platform. The mAP@.5 of citrus buds, citrus flowers, and gray mold obtained on the server using the proposed YOLOv4-CF model was 95.03%, and the model size of YOLOv4-CF + FPGA was 5.96 MB, which was 74.57% less than the YOLOv4-CF model. The FPGA side had a frame rate of 30 FPS; thus, the embedded sensing system could meet the demands of florescence information in real-time monitoring.
Gold Nanoparticles and Plant Pathogens: An Overview and Prospective for Biosensing in Forestry
Authors: Kulabhusan Prabir Kumar , Tripathi Anugrah , Kant Krishna
Published: February 2022

Plant diseases and their diagnoses are currently one of the global challenges and causes significant impact to the economy of farmers and industries depending on plant-based products. Plant pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and pollution caused by the nanomaterial, as well other important elements of pollution, are the main reason for the loss of plants in agriculture and in forest ecosystems. Presently, various techniques are used to detect pathogens in trees, which includes DNA-based techniques, as well as other microscopy based identification and detection. However, these methodologies require complex instruments and time. Lately, nanomaterial-based new biosensing systems for early detection of diseases, with specificity and sensitivity, are developed and applied. This review highlights the nanomaterial-based biosensing methods of disease detection. Precise and time effective identification of plant pathogens will help to reduce losses in agriculture and forestry. This review focuses on various plant diseases and the requirements for a reliable, fast, and cost-effective testing method, as well as new biosensing technologies for the detection of diseases of field plants in forests at early stages of their growth.
External Auditory Stimulation as a Non-Pharmacological Sleep Aid
Authors: Yoon Heenam , Baek Hyun Jae
Published: February 2022

The increased demand for well-being has fueled interest in sleep. Research in technology for monitoring sleep ranges from sleep efficiency and sleep stage analysis to sleep disorder detection, centering on wearable devices such as fitness bands, and some techniques have been commercialized and are available to consumers. Recently, as interest in digital therapeutics has increased, the field of sleep engineering demands a technology that helps people obtain quality sleep that goes beyond the level of monitoring. In particular, interest in sleep aids for people with or without insomnia but who cannot fall asleep easily at night is increasing. In this review, we discuss experiments that have tested the sleep-inducing effects of various auditory stimuli currently used for sleep-inducing purposes. The auditory stimulations were divided into (1) colored noises such as white noise and pink noise, (2) autonomous sensory meridian response sounds such as natural sounds such as rain and firewood burning, sounds of whispers, or rubbing various objects with a brush, and (3) classical music or a preferred type of music. For now, the current clinical method of receiving drugs or cognitive behavioral therapy to induce sleep is expected to dominate. However, it is anticipated that devices or applications with proven ability to induce sleep clinically will begin to appear outside the hospital environment in everyday life.
Quantities and Units in Chemical and Environmental Engineering
Authors: Glavič Peter
Published: February 2022

The International System of Quantities (ISQ) shall be used in education and textbooks, in scientific and engineering journals, in conference papers and proceedings, in industry, among others. The names of quantities together with their symbols and units are being published by the International Organization for Standardization, the standard ISO 80000 Quantities and units, composed of 13 parts. Mathematics and natural sciences (physics, light and radiation, acoustics, physical chemistry, atomic and nuclear physics, condensed matter physics) compose most of the parts. In addition, some engineering disciplines (mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism) and characteristic numbers are covered. The units are based on the International System of Units (SI). Unfortunately, chemical and process engineering, as well as environmental engineering and engineering economics, are not dealt with in the standard. In this paper, they are proposed as an additional part of the ISO standard with a tentative name Chemical and environmental engineering. The additional part of the standard is suggested to include (a) reaction and separation engineering together with mass transfer and reaction kinetics, (b) process design, control, and optimization, (c) process economics, mathematical modeling, operational research, and (d) environmental engineering with climate change, pollution abatement, an increase in resource efficiency, zero waste and circular economy. The number of quantities is planned but not limited to about 70, the average of ISO 80000 parts. Each quantity item contains a quantity name and definition (including an equation if suitable), SI unit, and remarks (running number will be added later). The rules are defined in ISO 80000-1 General rules, and the practice of the other ISO 80000 parts is respected; the quantities already included in the other parts are not repeated. In addition, the IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) Green Book rules are respected. The literature used included traditional textbooks, encyclopedias, handbooks from the chemical engineering and environmental fields. Some common mistakes in printing symbols of quantities and units are mentioned.
Analysis of Household Pulse Survey Public-Use Microdata via Unit-Level Models for Informative Sampling
Authors: Sun Alexander , Parker Paul A. , Holan Scott H.
Published: February 2022

The Household Pulse Survey, recently released by the U.S. Census Bureau, gathers information about the respondents’ experiences regarding employment status, food security, housing, physical and mental health, access to health care, and education disruption. Design-based estimates are produced for all 50 states and the District of Columbia (DC), as well as 15 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs). Using public-use microdata, this paper explores the effectiveness of using unit-level model-based estimators that incorporate spatial dependence for the Household Pulse Survey. In particular, we consider Bayesian hierarchical model-based spatial estimates for both a binomial and a multinomial response under informative sampling. Importantly, we demonstrate that these models can be easily estimated using Hamiltonian Monte Carlo through the Stan software package. In doing so, these models can readily be implemented in a production environment. For both the binomial and multinomial responses, an empirical simulation study is conducted, which compares spatial and non-spatial models. Finally, using public-use Household Pulse Survey micro-data, we provide an analysis that compares both design-based and model-based estimators and demonstrates a reduction in standard errors for the model-based approaches.
Experimental Study on Optimization of Cementation Solution for Wind-Erosion Resistance Using the MICP Method
Authors: Dagliya Monika , Satyam Neelima , Garg Ankit
Published: February 2022

In the present study, an environmentally friendly microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) technique was explored to reinforce the desert sand using the stopped-flow pouring method. A detailed experimental study has been conducted with Sporosarcina (S.) pasteurii urease-producing bacteria with a 0.5 M cementation solution. To optimize the cementation solution, three different pore volumes (PV), i.e., 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8, were considered. The cementation solution was provided every 24 h and considered as one treatment cycle. The cylindrical specimen in three replicas was biotreated for 7, 14, and 21 days in 1:1 and 1:2 (diameter: height) ratios for determina-tion of split-tensile strength (STS) and unconfined compressive strength (UCS), respectively. Micro-structure characterization of untreated and biotreated sand was also examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Rocklike behavior was ob-served for biotreated-sand samples using the UPV test. Test results for 21 days with 0.8 PV were 1340 kPa, 241 kPa, and 1762 m/s for UCS, STS, and UPV, respectively, with an average calcite content of 16.2%. Overall, the 0.5 M cementation solution with a 24 h treatment cycle, 0.8 PV with 7 days, and 0.4 PV with 14 days gave optimum treatment solution, and showed heavily cemented and rock-type behavior of the biotreated-sand sample.
Application of the Bromocresol Purple Index (BCPI) to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Heating Soybeans and Their Products
Authors: Szmigielski Marek , Sobczak Paweł , Zawiślak Kazimierz , Andrejko Dariusz , Bielecka Grażyna , Rubaj Jolanta , Mazur Jacek , Szczepanik Małgorzata
Published: February 2022

In this study, a number of the most common methods used in assessing the efficiency of soybean heat treatment were compared. All the methods proved to be useful in assessing the efficiency of heating soybean seeds and soybean products. However, considering the sensitivity, precision, time consumed, and the effectiveness of determination of the characteristics of the samples, the use of the bromocresol purple index (BCPI) appears to be justified. The BCPI method turned out to be universal, allowing distinguishing unheated (BCPIBSM < 70 mg·g−1), under-heated (70 mg·g−1 < BCPI BSM < 130 mg·g−1), properly heated (BCPI BSM = 130–140 mg·g−1), and over-heated samples (BCPI BSM > 140 mg·g−1).
Examining the Relationship between the Dimensions of the Climate-Change Competence (C3): Testing for Mediation and Moderation
Authors: Ferrari Enzo , Martínez-Abad Fernando , Ruiz Camilo
Published: February 2022

The objective of this study is to analyze the positive relationship between different dimensions (knowledge, attitudes, and ability) of the Climate-Change Competence in the participants of a Massive Open Online Course called “Awareness and Training on Climate Change for Primary and Secondary Teachers”. This study describes the use of this competence to introduce Climate Change into formal education and provides an example of how it can be used to design educational interventions to mobilize the students through education. We carried out a correlational research design based on mediation and moderation models using a process macro for questionnaires about the Climate-Change Competence. In this study, we used a sample of 530 people from Spain and Latin America (52% female, mean age = 36.1 years). The findings revealed that knowledge about Climate Change is a good predictor of ability and attitude. Furthermore, we predicted that the relationship between knowledge and ability would be mediated by attitude. Likewise, we hypothesized that attitude is a moderating dimension between knowledge and ability. The results supported our prediction and showed that attitude is a strong mediator in the relationship between knowledge and ability. However, the interaction between knowledge and attitude did not improve the ability to cope with Climate Change. The Climate-Change Competence is an efficient tool to introduce Climate Change into formal education. It can also be used to investigate, for the first time, the relationship between knowledge, ability, and attitude, which is essential to transform education into a necessary tool for mitigation and adaptation.
Applying Machine Learning to Explore Feelings about Sharing the Road with Autonomous Vehicles as a Bicyclist or as a Pedestrian
Authors: Asadi-Shekari Zohreh , Saadi Ismaïl , Cools Mario
Published: February 2022

The current literature on public perceptions of autonomous vehicles focuses on potential users and the target market. However, autonomous vehicles need to operate in a mixed traffic condition, and it is essential to consider the perceptions of road users, especially vulnerable road users. This paper builds explicitly on the limitations of previous studies that did not include a wide range of road users, especially vulnerable road users who often receive less priority. Therefore, this paper considers the perceptions of vulnerable road users towards sharing roads with autonomous vehicles. The data were collected from 795 people. Extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and random forests are used to select the most influential independent variables. Then, a decision tree-based model is used to explore the effects of the selected most effective variables on the respondents who approve the use of public streets as a proving ground for autonomous vehicles. The results show that the effect of autonomous vehicles on traffic injuries and fatalities, being safe to share the road with autonomous vehicles, the Elaine Herzberg accident and its outcome, and maximum speed when operating in autonomous are the most influential variables. The results can be used by authorities, companies, policymakers, planners, and other stakeholders.
On the Authorship, Availability, and Improper Use of Sus scrofa ferus for Referring to Wild Pigs
Authors: Iannucci Alessio
Published: February 2022

The wild boar, Sus scrofa, is one of the most successful large mammals in terms of geographic distribution. Along with its domestic descendant, the pig, they are extremely important animals for conservation, economy, human sustenance, and well-being. Naming wild and domestic pigs in a way that allows them to be distinguished effectively and unambiguously is crucial for a number of studies in archaeozoology, biomedicine, genetics, epidemiology, paleontology, and wildlife management. Sus scrofa ferus, or less commonly, Sus ferus, is often used to refer to wild populations, frequently in opposition to S. scrofa domesticus, or S. domesticus in reference to domestic pigs. Here, it is argued that S. scrofa ferus is available for nomenclatural purposes but should not be regarded as valid from a taxonomic perspective. Authors should refer wild populations to valid subspecies, e.g., S. scrofa scrofa, or to S. scrofa ssp., when information on the subspecific status is not available or relevant for the research questions under consideration. This remark is not a mere nomenclatural clarification, because the potential identification of differences between wild boar taxa is often hidden behind a simplistic dichotomy between wild and domestic forms.
Open Review: An Invitation to Participate in Tourism and Hospitality
Authors: Garrod Brian
Published: February 2022

Since taking up the post of Editor-in-Chief of Tourism and Hospitality in 2020, it has been a real pleasure for me to see the journal grow in so many ways [...]
Risk of Vaccine Breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Associated Factors in Healthcare Workers of Trieste Teaching Hospitals (North-Eastern Italy)
Authors: Basso Paolo , Negro Corrado , Cegolon Luca , Larese Filon Francesca
Published: February 2022

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are particularly exposed to biological risk, including SARS-CoV-2 infection. In order to contrast the current pandemic and alleviate the burden of the disease on the healthcare system, a mass vaccination campaign against COVID-19 has been launched worldwide. Aim To evaluate the impact of COVID-19 vaccination in HCWs exposed to SARS-CoV-2, to describe the clinical presentation of COVID-19 in infected HCWs, and to investigate clinical and occupational risk factors for breakthrough infection. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: The cohort of HCWs of Trieste Hospitals were followed up from 1 March 2020, to 30 November 2021 (21 months). All HCWs were periodically screened for SARS-CoV-2 infection by real-time PCR (RT–PCR) analysis. Clinical data were obtained through routine medical surveillance records. Risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection were investigated by univariable as well as multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: Among 4394 HCWs routinely screened for SARS-CoV-2 by PCR on nasopharyngeal swab, a total of 800 incident cases were identified during the entire study period (1 March 2020 to 30 November 2021). Five hundred and sixty-four cases occurred before, and 236 after the start of the vaccination campaign against COVID-19, of whom 155 received a complete vaccination scheme before SARS-CoV-2 infection. Breakthrough infection was featured by mild or no symptoms and was significantly associated with the male sex, BMI > 25, and diabetes mellitus. Some categories of HCWs (physicians and nurse aids/auxiliary personnel) were at a higher risk of breakthrough infection. Conclusions: Fully vaccinated HCWs were less likely to acquire symptomatic as well as asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection after a full COVID-19 vaccination scheme included the male gender, diabetes mellitus, and overweight. HCWs with higher exposure to COVID-19 patients were at higher risk of breakthrough infection.
Virtual Flux Voltage-Oriented Vector Control Method of Wide Frequency Active Rectifiers Based on Dual Low-Pass Filter
Authors: Bi Kai , Xu Yamei , Zeng Pin , Chen Wei , Li Xinmin
Published: February 2022

This article presents a non-AC-side voltage sensor control method applied to More Electric Aircraft rectifiers. The control strategy can operate properly over a wide range of frequencies. This strategy calculates the AC supply frequency through an instantaneous phase-locked loop and feeds it back to a dual low-pass filter. The reconstructed rectifier-side voltage is filtered using two low-pass filters with different scale factors. Then, the values of the two filter outputs are subtracted and the effect of the DC bias due to the initial value of the integration is eliminated. The subtracted value is amplitude-phase compensated to calculate the virtual flux value. The phase angle can then be calculated from the virtual flux value. This phase angle is used for the implementation of the voltage-oriented vector control and as an input to the instantaneous phase-locked loop. Simulation and experimental results show that the use of dual low-pass filters under different frequency conditions improves the speed and accuracy of virtual flux estimation and eliminates DC-side bias errors.
Feasibility Analysis and Development of Stand-Alone Hybrid Power Generation System for Remote Areas: A Case Study of Ethiopian Rural Area
Authors: Bayu Endeshaw Solomon , Khan Baseem , Hagos Issaias Gidey , Mahela Om Prakash , Guerrero Josep M.
Published: February 2022

This paper proposed a standalone solar/wind/micro-hydro hybrid power generation system to electrify Ethiopian remote areas that are far from the national utility grid. The aim is that it will lead to the development of renewable energy sources, using a hybrid optimization model for energy renewables (HOMER) as an optimization and sensitivity tool and MATLAB as a design tool. The system uses 100% renewable energy. This system incorporated solar photo-voltaic (PV), wind turbines, micro-hydro systems, and battery systems. The net present cost of the system is $4,377,731, incorporating capital depreciation and levelized operation and maintenance costs. During the hybrid energy system’s lifetime, the cost of a grid extension power supply is $22.185 million, which is nearly $17,808,000 more than the cost of the proposed standalone system. So, developing solar/wind/micro-hydro hybrid power generation will save $17,808,000 versus extending the national utility grid. As a result of a thorough examination of renewable energy resources, standalone solar, wind, and micro-hydro hybrid power generation is a technically and economically viable option for the case study area of Maji town.
Smartphone Use and Mental Health among Youth: It Is Time to Develop Smartphone-Specific Screen Time Guidelines
Authors: Brodersen Kayla , Hammami Nour , Katapally Tarun Reddy
Published: February 2022

Smartphone use has become increasingly popular and almost all age cohorts engage in smartphone usage for a wide variety of activities. This study aims to investigate the relationship between high smartphone use and mental health among youth and in two urban centres in Canada. This study is part of the Smart Platform, a digital epidemiological and citizen science initiative. Citizen scientists provided all data via their own smartphones using a custom-built smartphone application. The baseline questionnaire included measures of smartphone screen time behaviours (internet use, gaming, and texting), demographic characteristics, and health outcomes including anxiety, suicide ideation, feelings of depression, and self-rated health. Binary regression models determined the relationship between smartphone use and mental health measures. Among the 437 participants (13–21 years old), 71.2% reported high total smartphones use during a typical week (5 weekdays and 2 weekend days). High weekday and high weekly total smartphone use were associated with an almost two times higher risk of screening positive for anxiety, while high weekend gaming and high total smartphone use were associated with an almost three times higher risk of suicide ideation. Moreover, high weekend total smartphone use was also associated with an almost three times higher risk of poor self-rated mental health. Our findings suggest that high smartphone use’s association with mental health varies by type of activity as well as type of day (weekday/weekend day). Smartphone usage among youth has become near universal and it is important to factor in variations in smartphone usage’s impact on mental health in developing smartphone-specific screen time guidelines by taking into context both type of activities, as well as type of day (weekday/weekend day).
El Acuerdo de Diálogo Político y Cooperación y las relaciones entre la Unión Europea y Cuba
Authors: Romero Antonio
Published: February 2022

El presente documento realiza una valoración del Acuerdo de Diálogo Político y Cooperación (ADPC) entre Cuba y la Unión Europea (UE) en sus cuatro años de vigencia, y de la evolución de las relaciones políticas y económicas entre ambas partes. El análisis se estructura en cinco epígrafes que abordan los antecedentes, determinantes y trascendencia del ADPC entre Cuba y la UE; los principales elementos debatidos en el diálogo político —y en diálogos temáticos— entre ambas partes desde el año 2018, y los aspectos centrales de las relaciones comerciales, de inversión y de cooperación entre Cuba y la UE. El trabajo concluye que, a diferencia de Estados Unidos, la UE está en condiciones de apoyar el proceso complejo de transformaciones económicas e institucionales en curso en Cuba, en cuatro áreas fundamentales: i) asistencia técnica y asesoramiento para el diseño y aplicación de políticas públicas, manejo macroeconómico, descentralización y desarrollo local; ii) cooperación para la lucha contra el cambio climático y para la transformación de la estructura productiva y tecnológica cubana; iii) promoción y estímulo a flujos de inversión extranjera procedentes de Europa, dirigidos a sectores productivos claves; y iv) exploración de oportunidades financieras para Cuba a través del Banco Europeo de Inversiones (BEI) al amparo del ADPC vigente.
Referring patients with stable moderate-to-advanced chronic kidney disease back to primary care: a feasibility study
Authors: van Dipten Carola , de Grauw Wim , ten Dam Marc , Assendelft Willem , Scherpbier-de Haan Nynke , Wetzels Jack
Published: February 2022

Background

Care for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) necessitates tailored pathways between primary and secondary care. It is unknown if back referring patients with CKD is safe and effective.

Aim

To study the feasibility of discharging patients with stable moderate-to-advanced CKD from secondary to primary care, and to evaluate quality of care (QoC) and patients’ and GPs‘ experiences.

Design & setting

A monocentre prospective mixed-method study in the Netherlands.

Method

Patients were included who met pre-determined back-referral (BR) criteria. Patients were discharged with personalised information guides and transfer letters. GPs had the option of consulting a nephrologist by telenephrology. Renal outcomes, QoC, and experiences were collected after 1 year.

Results

Eighteen patients were included. The mean age was 73 years; the mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 33.2 ml/min/1.73 m2 at baseline. After 1 year, four patients had received either no or incomplete monitoring, and one patients’ blood pressure was too high. The remaining 13 had stable eGFR, proteinuria, and metabolic parameters. Patients were satisfied with information provision and treatment by GPs but expected more frequent monitoring. In one-third of cases, monitoring frequency was decreased by GPs for several reasons. GPs believed they had sufficient knowledge to treat patients with CKD, but indicated they needed support besides a transfer letter.

Conclusion

BR seems safe and feasible for patients with stable moderate-to-advanced CKD who meet specific criteria. Patients have good renal outcomes after 1 year and are satisfied with treatment. GP QoC can be improved, particularly completeness and monitoring frequency.
Семантичні і когнітивні перешкоди на шляху до ноосимбіозу людства і біосфери
Authors: Корсак Костянтин , Корсак Юрій
Published: February 2022

У статті доведено, що модель еволюції у вигляді "трьох хвиль" (Е. Тоффлер, США) необхідно доповнити 4-ю ноохвилею. Її основа – помічені авторами екологічно ідеальні технології (ноотехнології), здатні усунути загрози пандемій та екологічного колапсу. У 2000 р їх було дві, у 2010 – 4, у 2019 – 8. За два роки їхня кількість зросла майже до 30, що й доводить прихід 4-ї ноохвилі. Науковий світ не вірить в реальність екологічно ідеальних виробництв і відкидає авторські пропозиції. Західні видання відхилили усі наші статті, в РФ та Україні вони були надруковані, але не отримали повного визнання. Це можна пояснити тим, що на Заході після дискусій 1955-1970 років домінує визначення ноосфери як нематеріальної (духовної) оболонки Землі (Т. де Шарден, Франція). Це виключає сприйняття ноотехнологій як матеріальних сутностей, що блокує прогрес і усунення глобальних загроз. Автори створили словник (Нооглосарій-2), що містить термін "ноосфера" і ноопоняття "з майбутнього" (це ноотехнології, ноопроцеси і ноонауки). Настав час прискорити побудову ноосфери в її матеріальному втіленні, як пропонував В. І. Вернадський.