bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pollinaria Reconfiguration Mechanism of Widespread Euro-Mediterranean Orchids: The Effects of Increasing Air Temperature
Authors: Lanzino Micaela , Palermo Anna Maria , Pellegrino Giuseppe
Published: May 2022

Orchids are fascinating for many reasons: their reproductive strategies, their pollination systems and the various morphological adaptations they have evolved, including the presence of pollen grains agglomerated into two masses, called pollinia, which form a structure known as a pollinarium. After withdrawal from a flower, the pollinarium undergoes a bending movement such that the pollen masses become correctly orientated to strike the stigma. We evaluated the duration of pollinator visits to inflorescences and the effects of temperature on pollinaria reconfiguration in eight orchid species in order to analyze the effects of increasing air temperature on the changes in bending time, and thus on geitonogamy levels. The impact of temperature on insect behavior was not assessed because our priority was to understand the effects of temperature on the process of pollinaria reconfiguration. All the examined species showed natural reconfiguration times that were 1.7–3.0 times longer than the pollinator residency times. A higher temperature showed a reduction in bending time regardless of the species tested. However, the bending time was never shorter than the residence time of the insects on the flower. Our data showed that high temperatures had a limited effect on the pollinarium reconfiguration time, thus indicating that high temperatures had a limited effect on folding compared to the effect that it had on the viability of the pollen.
GEP Tree-Based Prediction Model for Interfacial Bond Strength of Externally Bonded FRP Laminates on Grooves with Concrete Prism
Authors: Amin Muhammad Nasir , Iqbal Mudassir , Jamal Arshad , Ullah Shahid , Khan Kaffayatullah , Abu-Arab Abdullah M. , Al-Ahmad Qasem M. S. , Khan Sikandar
Published: May 2022

Reinforced concrete structures are subjected to frequent maintenance and repairs due to steel reinforcement corrosion. Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) laminates are widely used for retrofitting beams, columns, joints, and slabs. This study investigated the non-linear capability of artificial intelligence (AI)-based gene expression programming (GEP) modelling to develop a mathematical relationship for estimating the interfacial bond strength (IBS) of FRP laminates on a concrete prism with grooves. The model was based on five input parameters, namely axial stiffness (Eftf), width of FRP plate (bf), concrete compressive strength (fc′), width of groove (bg), and depth of the groove (hg), and IBS was considered the target variable. Ten trials were conducted based on varying genetic parameters, namely the number of chromosomes, head size, and number of genes. The performance of the models was evaluated using the correlation coefficient (R), mean absolute error (MAE), and root mean square error (RMSE). The genetic variation revealed that optimum performance was obtained for 30 chromosomes, 11 head sizes, and 4 genes. The values of R, MAE, and RMSE were observed as 0.967, 0.782 kN, and 1.049 kN for training and 0.961, 1.027 kN, and 1.354 kN. The developed model reflected close agreement between experimental and predicted results. This implies that the developed mathematical equation was reliable in estimating IBS based on the available properties of FRPs. The sensitivity and parametric analysis showed that the axial stiffness and width of FRP are the most influential parameters in contributing to IBS.
Numerical Investigation of the Infill Rate upon Mechanical Proprieties of 3D-Printed Materials
Authors: Racz Laszlo , Dudescu Mircea Cristian
Published: May 2022

The paper proposes a novel method of numerical simulation of the fused deposition molding 3Dprinted parts. The single filaments are modeled by a script using the G-code of the 3D printer. Based on experimental evaluation of the cross-sectional geometry of a printed tensile specimen, the connection between the filaments is determined and the flattening effect of the filaments can be counted. Finite element (FE) simulations considering different element lengths were validated by experimental tests. The methodology allows, on one hand, numerical estimation of the true cross-sectional area of a specimen and correction of the experimental stress-strain curves and, on the other hand, accurate determination of the E-modulus of a printed tensile specimen with different deposition densities (20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% infill rate). If the right method to connect the single filaments is established and validated for a 3D printer, the mechanical properties of the 3D specimens can be predicted without physical tensile test, only using FE method, which will allow the designers to print out the parts with variable infill rate and tunable stiffness only after the FE result are suitable for their needs, saving considerably materials and time.
Novel NBN-Embedded Polymers and Their Application as Fluorescent Probes in Fe3+ and Cr3+ Detection
Authors: Li Tao , Sheng Yu-Jing , Sun Xiao-Li , Wan Wen-Ming , Liu Yanru , Qian Qingrong , Chen Qinghua
Published: May 2022

The isosteric replacement of C═C by B–N units in conjugated organic systems has recently attracted tremendous interest due to its desirable optical, electronic and sensory properties. Compared with BN-, NBN- and BNB-doped polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, NBN-embedded polymers are poised to expand the diversity and functionality of olefin polymers, but this new class of materials remain underexplored. Herein, a series of polymers with BNB-doped π-system as a pendant group were synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization from NBN-containing vinyl monomers, which was prepared via intermolecular dehydration reaction between boronic acid and diamine moieties in one pot. Poly{2-(4-Vinylphenyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-naphtho[1,8-de][1,3,2]diazaborinine} (P1), poly{N-(4-(1H-naphtho[1,8-de][1,3,2]diazaborinin-2(3H)-yl)phenyl)acrylamide} (P2) and poly{N-(4-(1H-benzo[d][1,3,2]diazaborol-2(3H)-yl)phenyl)acrylamide} (P3) were successfully synthesized. Their structure, photophysical properties and application in metal ion detection were investigated. Three polymers exhibit obvious solvatochromic fluorescence. As fluorescent sensors for the detection of Fe3+ and Cr3+, P1 and P2 show excellent selectivity and sensitivity. The limit of detection (LOD) achieved by Fe3+ is 7.30 nM, and the LOD achieved by Cr3+ is 14.69 nM, which indicates the great potential of these NBN-embedded polymers as metal fluorescence sensors.
Physical and Enzymatic Hydrolysis Modifications of Potato Starch Granules
Authors: Chorfa Nasima , Nlandu Hervé , Belkacemi Khaled , Hamoudi Safia
Published: May 2022

In this work, a valorization of the starch stemming from downgraded potatoes was approached through the preparation of starch nanoparticles using different physical methods, namely liquid and supercritical carbon dioxide, high energy ball milling (HEBM), and ultrasonication on the one hand and enzymatic hydrolysis on the other hand. Starch nanoparticles are beneficial as a reinforcement in food packaging technology as they enhance the mechanical and water vapor resistance of polymers. Also, starch nanoparticles are appropriate for medical applications as carriers for the delivery of bioactive or therapeutic agents. The obtained materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopies (SEM and TEM), whereas the hydrolysates were analyzed using size exclusion chromatography coupled with pulsed amperometric detection (SEC-PAD). The acquired results revealed that the physical modification methods led to moderate alterations of the potato starch granules’ size and crystallinity. However, enzymatic hydrolysis conducted using Pullulanase enzyme followed by nanoprecipitation of the hydrolysates allowed us to obtain very tiny starch nanoparticles sized between 20 and 50 nm, much smaller than the native starch granules, which have an average size of 10 μm. The effects of enzyme concentration, temperature, and reaction medium pH on the extent of hydrolysis in terms of the polymer carbohydrates’ fractions were investigated. The most promising results were obtained with a Pullulanase enzyme concentration of 160 npun/g of starch, at a temperature of 60 °C in a pH 4 phosphate buffer solution resulting in the production of hydrolysates containing starch polymers with low molecular weights corresponding mainly to P-10, P-5, and fractions with molecular weights lower than P-5 Pullulan standards.
Dithiocarbamates as Effective Reversible Addition–Fragmentation Chain Transfer Agents for Controlled Radical Polymerization of 1-Vinyl-1,2,4-triazole
Authors: Pozdnyakov Alexander S. , Kuznetsova Nadezhda P. , Semenova Tatyana A. , Bolgova Yuliya I. , Ivanova Anastasia A. , Trofimova Olga M. , Emel’yanov Artem I.
Published: May 2022

Narrow dispersed poly(1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole) (PVT) was synthesized by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of 1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole (VT). AIBN as the initiator and dithiocarbamates, xanthates, and trithiocarbonates as the chain transfer agents (CTA) were used. Dithiocarbamates proved to be the most efficient in VT polymerization. Gel permeation chromatography was used to determine the molecular weight distribution and polydispersity of the synthesized polymers. The presence of the CTA stabilizing and leaving groups in the PVT was confirmed by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The linear dependence of the degree of polymerization on time confirms the conduct of radical polymerization in a controlled mode. The VT conversion was over 98% and the PVT number average molecular weight ranged from 11 to 61 kDa. The polydispersity of the synthesized polymers reached 1.16. The occurrence of the controlled radical polymerization was confirmed by monitoring the degree of polymerization over time.
Evaluation of the Hydrolysis Efficiency of Bacterial Cellulose Gel Film after the Liquid Hot Water and Steam Explosion Pretreatments
Authors: Betlej Izabela , Antczak Andrzej , Szadkowski Jan , Drożdżek Michał , Krajewski Krzysztof , Radomski Andrzej , Zawadzki Janusz , Borysiak Sławomir
Published: May 2022

The influence of bacterial cellulose gel film pretreatment methods on the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis was investigated. An increase in the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis due to liquid hot water pretreatment or steam explosion was shown. The glucose yield of 88% was obtained from raw, non-purified, bacterial cellulose treated at 130 °C. The results confirm the potential of bacterial cellulose gel film as a source for liquid biofuel production.
A Non-Isocyanate Route to Poly(Ether Urethane): Synthesis and Effect of Chemical Structures of Hard Segment
Authors: Shen Ziyun , Zheng Liuchun , Song Danqing , Liu Yi , Li Chuncheng , Liu Jiajian , Xiao Yaonan , Wu Shaohua , Zhou Tianbo , Zhang Bo , Lv Xuedong , Mei Qiyong
Published: May 2022

A series of non-isocyanate poly(ether urethane) (PEU) were prepared by an environmentally friendly route based on dimethyl carbonate, diols and a polyether. The effect of the chemical structure of polyurethane hard segments on the properties of this kind of PEU was systematically investigated in this work. Polyurethane hard segments with different structures were first prepared from hexamethylene di-carbamate (BHC) and different diols (butanediol, hexanediol, octanediol and decanediol). Subsequently, a series of non-isocyanate PEU were obtained by polycondensation of the polyurethane hard segments with the polyether soft segments (PTMG2000). The PEU were characterized by GPC, FT-IR, 1H NMR, DSC, WAXD, SAXS, AFM and tensile testing. The results show that the urea groups generated by the side reaction affect the degree of crystallization of hard segments by influencing the hydrogen bonding of the hard segments molecular chains. The degree of hard segment crystallization, in turn, affects the thermal and mechanical properties of the polymer. The urea group content is related to the carbon chain length of the diol used for the synthesis of hard segments. When butanediol is applied to synthesize hard segment, the hard segment of the resulting PEU is unable to crystallize. Therefore, the tensile strength and modulus of elasticity of butanediol-based PEU is lowest among three, though it possesses the highest urea group content. When longer octanediol or decanediol is applied to synthesize the hard segment, the hard segments in the resulting polyether-based polyurethane are crystallizable and the resulting PEU possesses higher tensile strength.
Chemical Composition and Rheological Properties of Seed Mucilages of Various Yellow- and Brown-Seeded Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) Cultivars
Authors: Troshchynska Yana , Bleha Roman , Synytsya Andriy , Štětina Jiří
Published: May 2022

When seeds sown in the soil become wet, their hulls secrete viscous matter that can retain water and thus support germination. Flaxseed mucilage (FSM) is an example of such a material and is attractive for food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications due to its suitable rheological properties. FSM consists mainly of two polysaccharides, namely, arabinoxylan and rhamnogalacturonan I, and it also contains some proteins, minerals, and phenolic compounds. The genotype and the year of the flax harvest can significantly affect the composition and functional properties of FSM. In this work, FSM samples were isolated from flax seeds of different cultivars and harvest years, and their structural and rheological properties were compared using statistical methods. The samples showed significant variability in composition and rheological properties depending on the cultivar and storage time. It was found that the ratio of two polysaccharide fractions and the contribution of less-prevalent proteins are important factors determining the rheological parameters of FSM, characterizing the shear-thinning, thixotropic, and dynamic viscoelastic behavior of this material in aqueous solutions. The yield strength and the hysteresis loop were found to be associated with the contribution of the pectin fraction, which included homogalacturonan and rhamnogalacturonan I. In contrast, the shear-thinning and especially the dynamic viscoelastic properties depended on the arabinoxylan content. Proteins also affected the viscoelastic properties and maintained the elastic component of FSM in the solution. The above structural and rheological characteristics should be taken into account when considering effective applications for this material.
Theory of Weakly Polydisperse Cytoskeleton Filaments
Authors: Warshavsky Vadim , Marucho Marcelo
Published: May 2022

Cytoskeleton filaments have the extraordinary ability to change conformations dynamically in response to alterations of the number density of actins/tubulin, the number density and type of binding agents, and the electrolyte concentration. This property is crucial for eukaryotic cells to achieve specific biological functions in different cellular compartments. Conventional approaches to biopolymers’ solution break down for cytoskeleton filaments because they entail several approximations to treat their polyelectrolyte and mechanical properties. In this article, we introduce a novel density functional theory for polydisperse, semiflexible cytoskeleton filaments. The approach accounts for the equilibrium polymerization kinetics, length and orientation filament distributions, as well as the electrostatic interaction between filaments and the electrolyte. This is essential for cytoskeleton polymerization in different cell compartments generating filaments of different lengths, sometimes long enough to become semiflexible. We characterized the thermodynamics properties of actin filaments in electrolyte aqueous solutions. We calculated the free energy, pressure, chemical potential, and second virial coefficient for each filament conformation. We also calculated the phase diagram of actin filaments’ solution and compared with the corresponding results in in vitro experiments.
A Review of the Use of Natural Fibers in Cement Composites: Concepts, Applications and Brazilian History
Authors: Lilargem Rocha Diego , Tambara Júnior Luís , Marvila Markssuel , Pereira Elaine , Souza Djalma , de Azevedo Afonso
Published: May 2022

The use of natural lignocellulosic fibers has become popular all over the world, as they are abundant, low-cost materials that favor a series of technological properties when used in cementitious composites. Due to its climate and geographic characteristics, Brazil has an abundant variety of natural fibers that have great potential for use in civil construction. The objective of this work is to present the main concepts about lignocellulosic fibers in cementitious composites, highlighting the innovation and advances in this topic in relation to countries such as Brazil, which has a worldwide prominence in the production of natural fibers. For this, some common characteristics of lignocellulosic fibers will be observed, such as their source, their proportion of natural polymers (biological structure of the fiber), their density and other mechanical characteristics. This information is compared with the mechanical characteristics of synthetic fibers to analyze the performance of composites reinforced with both types of fibers. Despite being inferior in tensile and flexural strength, composites made from vegetable fibers have an advantage in relation to their low density. The interface between the fiber and the composite matrix is what will define the final characteristics of the composite material. Due to this, different fibers (reinforcement materials) were analyzed in the literature in order to observe their characteristics in cementitious composites. Finally, the different surface treatments through which the fibers undergo will determine the fiber–matrix interface and the final characteristics of the cementitious composite.
A Practical Approach for Uncertainty Management in Rubber Manufacturing Processes Using Physics-Informed Real-Time Models
Authors: Viejo Ismael , Izquierdo Salvador , Conde Ignacio , Zambrano Valentina , Alcalá Noelia , Gracia Leticia A.
Published: May 2022

Industrial manufacturing management can benefit from the use of modeling. For a correct representation of the manufacturing process and the subsequent management, the models must incorporate the effect of the uncertainty propagation throughout the stages considered. In this paper, the proposed methodology for uncertainty management uses a nonintrusive method that is based on building a deterministic physics-informed real-time model for the a posteriori computation of output uncertainties. This model is built using tensor factorization as the Model Order Reduction technique. It includes as model parameters: material properties, process operations, and those random and epistemic uncertainties of known variables. The resulting model is used off-line to identify sensitivities and therefore to unify uncertainty management across the material transformation process. This method is presented by its direct application to an automotive door seal manufactured by continuous co-extrusion of several rubbers and reinforcement (metal strip and glass fiber thread).
Assessment of Psoriatic Skin Features Using Non-Invasive Imaging Technique
Authors: Odrzywołek Wiktoria , Deda Anna , Zdrada Julita , Wcisło-Dziadecka Dominika , Lipka-Trawińska Aleksandra , Błońska-Fajfrowska Barbara , Wilczyński Sławomir
Published: May 2022

Background: Psoriasis is one of the most commonly recognized dermatological diseases, characterized by distinct structural changes, hyperproliferation and inflammation. The aim of the study was quantitative comparisons of psoriatic skin with skin without psoriatic lesions by non-invasive imaging methods. Methods: 71 patients diagnosed with psoriasis vulgaris underwent non-invasive imaging of skin at the site of the psoriatic lesion and at the site without such lesion. Skin density, epidermis thickness and subepidermal low-echogenic band (SLEB) thickness were measured by high-resolution ultrasound (HFU). Blood perfusion was assessed using laser speckle contrast analysis (LASCA) and skin temperature was measured by thermal imaging camera. Hyperspectral camera was used to obtain spectral reflectance profiles in psoriatic lesion and skin without psoriatic changes. Results: The greatest differences in skin density and epidermal thickness between psoriatic and unchanged skin were observed on the forearms. The skin covered with psoriatic plaques was 80% less dense, and the epidermis in this area was 121% thicker. The greatest thickness of SLEB was observed in the knee area (Me = 0.389 mm). Skin with psoriatic lesions is characterized by a higher temperature (Me = 33.6 vs. Me = 31) and blood perfusion than skin without psoriasis (Me = 98.76 vs. Me = 50.65). Skin without psoriasis shows lower reflectance than psoriatic lesion from 623 nm to 1000 nm; below this value, skin without psoriatic lesion shows higher reflectance. Conclusions: Skin density and epidermis thickness, skin blood perfusion, temperature and reflectance can be useful parameters for monitoring the course of psoriasis and its treatment, especially since the examination of psoriatic skin with proposed methods is non-invasive, quantitative and easy to perform in clinical conditions.
Exploring the Role of Initial Droplet Position in Coalescence-Induced Droplet Jumping: Lattice Boltzmann Simulations
Authors: Zhu Yuhao , Yan Xiao , Ma Lei , Liu Zhichun , Liu Wei
Published: May 2022

Coalescence-induced droplet jumping on superhydrophobic surfaces with different initial positions was numerically simulated using the 2D multi-relaxation-time (MRT) Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). Simulation results show that for coalesced droplets with radii close to the structure length scale, the change of initial droplet positions leads to a significant deviation of jumping velocity and direction. By finely tuning the initial droplet positions on a flat-pillared surface, perpendicular jumping, oblique jumping, and non-jumping are successively observed on the same structured surface. Droplet morphologies and vector diagrams at different moments are considered. It is revealed that the asymmetric droplet detachment from the structured surface leads to the directional transport of liquid mass in the droplet and further results in the oblique jumping of the coalesced droplet. In order to eliminate the influence of initial droplet position on droplet jumping probability, a surface with pointed micropillars is designed. It is demonstrated that compared to flat-topped micropillars, a surface with pointed micropillars can suppress the initial droplet position effects and enhance droplet jumping probability. Furthermore, the effect of droplet/structure scale on droplet jumping is investigated. The influence of initial positions on coalescence-induced droplet jumping from the refined surface can be ignored when the droplet scale is larger than three times the structure scale. This study illustrates the role of initial droplet position in coalescence-induced droplet jumping and provides guidelines for the rational design of structured surfaces with enhanced droplet self-shedding for energy and heat transfer applications.
Changes in Volatile Compounds during Grape Brandy Production from ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ and ‘Syrah’ Grape Varieties
Authors: Lončarić Ante , Patljak Mićo , Blažević Ante , Jozinović Antun , Babić Jurislav , Šubarić Drago , Pichler Anita , Flanjak Ivana , Kujundžić Toni , Miličević Borislav
Published: May 2022

Grape-based brandies are one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the world. The most popular one, Cognac, comes from the Charentes region of Southwest France, and it is mostly produced from the grape variety ‘Ugni Blanc’. However, wines destined for the elaboration of wine spirits also come from different white grape varieties; ‘Colombard’, ‘Folle Blanche’, ‘Montils’, and ‘Semillon’. In this study, the possibility of using the red grape varieties ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ and ‘Syrah’ was investigated with an emphasis on the change of volatile compounds during the production process. During production, some specific volatile compounds such as 2-hexenal, 3-octanone, isopropyl myristate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl oleate, phenethyl acetate, 1-hexanol, and β-damascenone could be attributed to the primary aroma generated from the grape varieties. During the vinification and fermentation process, the development of ethyl hexanoate, ethyl octanoate, 3-methylbutanol, acetic acid, and octanoic acid occurred. Finally, 3-methylbutanol and predominant esters, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl octanoate, ethyl decanoate, and ethyl laurate, were generated during the distillation and maturation process. The composition and concentration of determined predominant esters in produced brandies suggest that both brandies have volatile profiles comparable to some of the world’s most popular brandies.
Real-Time Optimization of Wastewater Treatment Plants via Constraint Adaptation
Authors: Haq Ahteshamul , Srinivasan Babji , Bonvin Dominique
Published: May 2022

An important requirement of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is compliance with the local regulations on effluent discharge, which are going to become more stringent in the future. The operation of WWTPs exhibits a trade-off between operational cost and effluent quality, which provides a scope for optimization. Process optimization is usually done by optimizing a model of the process. However, due to inevitable plant–model mismatch, the computed optimal solution is usually not optimal for the plant. This study represents the first attempt to handle plant–model mismatch via constraint adaptation (CA) for the real-time optimization of WWTPs. In this simulation study, the “plant” is a model adopted from the BSM1 benchmark, while a reduced-order “model” is used for making predictions and computing the optimal inputs. A first implementation uses steady-state measurements of the plant constraints to adjust the model in the optimization framework. A fast CA technique is also proposed, which adjusts the model using transient measurements. It is observed that, even in the presence of significant plant–model mismatch, the two proposed techniques are able to meet the active plant constraints. These techniques are found to reduce the pumping and aeration energy by 20%, as compared to that adopted in BSM1.
Natural Frequency Analysis of Horizontal Piping System Conveying Low Viscosity Oil–Gas–Water Slug Flow
Authors: Mi Liedong , Zhou Yunlong
Published: May 2022

The water cut (WC) has a significant effect on the flow parameters, such as liquid holdup, liquid phase velocity, and flow regimes of the low-viscosity oil–gas–water slug flow, and it can change the vibration characteristics of piping systems. To study the effect of water cut on the vibration characteristics of piping systems conveying such internal flow, a new dynamic model is developed. Galerkin’s method is used to discretize the equation and determine the natural frequencies by solving for the eigenvalues of the equation coefficient matrix. The results show that in the range of 10–90% WC, the natural frequency increases and then decreases, and the turning point occurs near the phase inversion region (WC = 40–60%). The main reason is the highly effective viscosity in the phase inversion region, which leads to an increase in the liquid holdup. The natural frequency increases and then decreases with superficial gas velocity, and the inflection point decreases with the increase in water cut in the oil-based flow regime and increases with the increase in water cut in the water-based flow regime. The critical gas velocity is lowest near the phase inversion region, but it should be noted that the presence of the critical gas velocity is related to the pipe length and superficial liquid velocity. The results of the study provide a reference for the design of safe pipeline operation.
Evaluation of Centrifugal Force, Erosion, Strain Rate, and Wall Shear in a Stairmand Cyclone
Authors: Dizajyekan Sajed Naiemi , Shahgholi Gholamhossein , Fanaei Adel Rezvanivand , Rostampour Vahid , Sharabiani Vali Rasooli , Szymanek Mariusz , Kulig Ryszard
Published: May 2022

In the present study, imperative parameters including centrifugal force, erosion, streamline, strain rate, and wall shear are evaluated in a cyclone separator. The flaw of the cyclone surface due to erosion is an acute problem in the industry. According to the great importance of the centrifugal force on the separation phenomenon, a comprehensive study is conducted. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation is realized by applying a Reynolds stress turbulence model (RSM), and particle–air interactions were modeled using a discrete phase model (DPM). The result shows a good agreement between the experimental data and CFD simulation on the tangential velocity and pressure drop. The maximum deviation of the validation process is 6.8%. It is found that the centrifugal force within the cyclone is increased with an enhancement in the inlet velocity. The separation efficiency indicates an increase–decrease treatment in various inlet velocities with inlet velocity up to 16 m⋅s−1 but decreases slightly at a velocity of 20 m⋅s−1. The pressure increases proportionally with inlet velocity. The best performance with the highest separation efficiency (99%) and pressure drop (416 Pa) obtains at the inlet velocity of 16 m⋅s−1 and mass flow rate of 0.01 kg⋅s−1. In addition, the maximum erosion rate was created in the entrance and conical part of the cyclone.
Intolerance of Uncertainty and Risk Perception during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Mediating Role of Fear of COVID-19
Authors: Graffeo Maria Teresa , Albano Gaia , Salerno Laura , Di Blasi Maria , Lo Coco Gianluca
Published: May 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic, a period of uncertainty and risk, has presented a threat to people’s physical and mental health worldwide. Previous research has shown that pandemic-related uncertainty can contribute to individuals’ psychological distress and coping responses. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and risk perception (i.e., individual’s perceived likelihood of becoming infected both for themselves and people in one’s own country and perceived severity of the infection), and the mediating role of fear of COVID-19. This two-wave longitudinal study (T1 = April 2020; T2 = May 2020) involved 486 young adults (age range = 18–29 years; Mage = 23.84 ± 2.94). Participants provided demographic data as well as measures of intolerance of uncertainty, fear of COVID-19, and risk perception. Structural equation modeling showed that intolerance of uncertainty was indirectly related to risk perception through fear of COVID-19. The study confirms the central role of IU in fear management and, consequently, in determining individuals’ risk estimates.
Processing of Gypsum Construction and Demolition Waste and Properties of Secondary Gypsum Binder
Authors: Bumanis Girts , Zorica Jelizaveta , Korjakins Aleksandrs , Bajare Diana
Published: May 2022

The waste amount coming from construction and demolition (CDW) has significant volume and potential to provide the backbone of a secondary material bank. Up to now, little attention is paid to waste gypsum recycling from CDW while a shift in global attitude toward waste management brings motivation to use CDW gypsum as secondary raw material. The present research investigates the properties of gypsum binder obtained from secondary raw materials originating from CDW. Three types of drywall boards and cast monolithic gypsum from interior walls, treated in the laboratory, and a gypsum binder was obtained. Comparison has been studied and the most effective solutions regarding CDW treatment are represented. Separation, crushing, and milling were done. DTA/TG, XRD, SEM, and particle size distribution were characterized by CDW gypsum. The heat treatment temperature was selected at 130 °C for 4 or 24 h and 180 °C for 4 h. Consistency, set time, and mechanical properties were characterized. Results indicate that a gypsum binder with a strength up to 3.7 MPa can be obtained. Low strength is associated with fineness of CDW gypsum and a high water/gypsum ratio (from 0.6 to 1.396). Gypsum content in CDW (38 to 92 wt.%) should be considered as an important factor during gypsum CDW recycling.
Religion Involvement and Substance Use Problems in Schoolchildren in Northern Chile
Authors: Caqueo-Urízar Alejandra , Peroza Erika , Escobar-Soler Carolang , Flores Jerome , Urzúa Alfonso , Irarrázaval Matías , Reygadas Karina , Zegarra Gustavo
Published: May 2022

(1) Background: Religious involvement and spirituality have proven to be sources of well-being for individuals at different moments in life and are also associated with a decrease in depression, anxiety, and substance use. Therefore, these could be protective factors against stressful conditions and contribute to mental health. The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship between religious involvement and substance use among students in northern Chile. (2) Methods: The design is retrospective ex post facto with only one group, and the sample included 2313 adolescents between 12 and 18 years of age from public and private schools. A subscale of the Child and Adolescent Assessment System was used to assess substance use and Universal Age I-E-12 to measure religious involvement. (3) Results: The findings suggest that the intrinsic orientation of religiousness (β = −0.048, p < 0.014), age (β = 0.374, p < 0.000), gender (β = 0.039, p < 0.040), and ethnic identity (β = 0.051, p < 0.008) have significant correlations with substance use. (4) Conclusions: The intrinsic orientation of religion is a relevant variable associated with consumption due to its non-instrumental characteristics of religion and practices aimed at self-exploration and self-knowledge that favor the subjective well-being of individuals, which could prevent drug use from becoming an alternative for dealing with conflicts in the children and young population of this region of Latin America.
The ‘Church of the Poor and the Earth’ in Latin American Mining Conflicts
Authors: van Teijlingen Karolien
Published: May 2022

Conflicts over large-scale mining in Latin America have received growing scholarly attention. Whereas this scholarship has provided very valuable insights into the anatomies of these conflicts, the role of religious ideas and actors has received scant attention. This is remarkable, since the largest church of Latin America, the Catholic Church, seems to be in the midst of an ecological reorientation and increasingly emphasizes its image of the ‘Church of the poor and the Earth’. This research aims to fill this gap and examines the role of Catholic ideas and organizations in mining conflicts. Combining document analysis and ethnographic research on a mining project in Ecuador, the paper argues that Catholic ideas and actors play a significant role in discourses regarding nature and the subsoil, and in configuring the power relations part of conflicts. However, when engaging a historical and gendered perspective, it becomes clear that this role is not without ambiguities and tensions. The paper particularly urges researchers to remain critical of the reinforcements of a patriarchal system of power as well as the essentialization of indigenous cosmologies that continue to undergird present-day discourses and interactions of Catholic organizations in mining conflicts.
Faith in Nations: The Populist Discourse of Erdogan, Modi, and Putin
Authors: Tepe Sultan , Chekirova Ajar
Published: May 2022

Despite its global rise, theoretical frameworks to capture populism have been derived primarily from case studies in the Western hemisphere. To assess if and how the premises of populism travel across different contexts, we offer a comparative analysis of populist discourses in Turkey, India, and Russia, countries with different political contexts and religions. The content analysis of 1682 speeches of Erdoğan, Modi, and Putin shows that they depart from their European and American counterparts because they are neither nativist nor inclusive. Instead, they introduce a new notion of “people” anchored in a religiously defined community, interpret the nation’s past to achieve their own political goals, and identify different driving forces to restore their lost global role. A comparison of Erdoğan, Modi, and Putin highlights the blind spots of existing studies, which fail to carefully contextualize the term, thus obscuring the country-specific constituents of populist discourses and the role of religions. Understanding the regional variants of populism not only helps us capture the reasons behind the leaders’ appeal and resiliency but also their so-called unexpected actions and decisions, such as Putin’s territorial and religious claims over Ukraine.
United Passions: Jewish Modernity and the Quest for Integrity in Paul Mendes-Flohr
Authors: Brody Samuel Hayim
Published: May 2022

Over his long and distinguished career as a historian of modern Jewish thought, Paul Mendes-Flohr has followed his great subject, Martin Buber, in striving for unity among the many subjects and spheres of Jewish life in modernity (politics, economics, religion, etc.). I argue that he has done so both descriptively and normatively, in both his accounts of the work of others and in his own methodology. Like Buber himself, Mendes-Flohr moves from an effort to achieve integrity by simply drawing everything together to an interest in holding divisions together in productive and pluralistic tension.
“Kingdom-Building” through Global Diplomatic and Interfaith Agency: The Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and Unificationist Millenarianism
Authors: Pokorny Lukas K. , Zoehrer Dominic S.
Published: May 2022

The Universal Peace Federation or UPF is a United Nations-affiliated NGO launched in 2005 by the late Mun Sŏn-myŏng, self-proclaimed Messiah and founder of the South Korean Unification Movement. Mun considered the UPF as the pinnacle of Unificationist political and interfaith engagement. Envisioned as a complement to and, eventually, a future replacement of the United Nations, the globally operating UPF spearheads Unificationist millenarianism. This paper first traces the formation history and genesis of the UPF as a merger of decades-long international political and interfaith activities under the banner of multiple Unificationist organisations and initiatives. Subsequently, it examines the Korea-centric millenarian purpose assigned to the UPF by Mun. It is ultimately argued that embracing globalism is not only doctrinally crucial to Unificationist millenarianism, but systemically relevant.
Financial Planning for Retirement: The Mediating Role of Culture
Authors: Ghadwan Ahmad , Wan Ahmad Wan Marhaini , Hanifa Mohamed Hisham
Published: May 2022

The life expectancy rate of individuals worldwide has risen, and Saudi Arabia is not excluded. Rising long-life expectancy may jeopardize employees’ pensions and reduce the chances of adequate earnings and a decent life after retirement. Moreover, the number of employees, who have paid into pension funds and are now retired, has increased, indicating that pension funds are expected to decrease. Apart from the above, the level of financial literacy in Saudi Arabia was substandard. Therefore, the ultimate objective of this research is to examine the measurable factors that could impact employees in their financial planning for retirement (FPR). These factors comprise the employee’s financial literacy (FL), financial risk tolerance (FRT), and cultural factors based on the CWO model. Moreover, this study aims to investigate the mediating roles of culture in their relationship with financial planning for retirement. Primary data was collected during the COVID-19 pandemic from mid-July 2020 until the end of January 2021 using a non-probability convenience sampling approach involving 525 participants. The Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) technique was used to analyze the data. To determine the type of study variables, either a formative or reflective model of Confirmatory Tetrad Analysis (CTA-PLS) was used. The results show the significant influence of basic FL, FRT, and culture on FPR. Moreover, it shows the critical role of culture among those with advanced FL and FRT. Previous studies have examined FL and FRT in FPR without considering the effect of culture as a mediator.
EM Estimation for the Bivariate Mixed Exponential Regression Model
Authors: Chen Zezhun , Dassios Angelos , Tzougas George
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we present a new family of bivariate mixed exponential regression models for taking into account the positive correlation between the cost of claims from motor third party liability bodily injury and property damage in a versatile manner. Furthermore, we demonstrate how maximum likelihood estimation of the model parameters can be achieved via a novel Expectation-Maximization algorithm. The implementation of two members of this family, namely the bivariate Pareto or, Exponential-Inverse Gamma, and bivariate Exponential-Inverse Gaussian regression models is illustrated by a real data application which involves fitting motor insurance data from a European motor insurance company.
Robotic Nursing Assistant Applications and Human Subject Tests through Patient Sitter and Patient Walker Tasks
Authors: Lundberg Cody Lee , Sevil Hakki Erhan , Behan Deborah , Popa Dan O.
Published: May 2022

This study presents the implementation of basic nursing tasks and human subject tests with a mobile robotic platform (PR2) for hospital patients. The primary goal of this study is to define the requirements for a robotic nursing assistant platform. The overall designed application scenario consists of a PR2 robotic platform, a human subject as the patient, and a tablet for patient–robot communication. The PR2 robot understands the patient’s request and performs the requested task by performing automated action steps. Two categories and three tasks are defined as: patient sitter tasks, include object fetching and temperature measurement, and patient walker tasks, including supporting the patient while they are using the walker. For this designed scenario and these tasks, human subject tests are performed with 27 volunteers in the Assistive Robotics Laboratory at the University of Texas at Arlington Research Institute (UTARI). Results and observations from human subject tests are provided. These activities are part of a larger effort to establish adaptive robotic nursing assistants (ARNA) for physical tasks in hospital environments.
Deep Learning-Based Object Detection Techniques for Remote Sensing Images: A Survey
Authors: Li Zheng , Wang Yongcheng , Zhang Ning , Zhang Yuxi , Zhao Zhikang , Xu Dongdong , Ben Guangli , Gao Yunxiao
Published: May 2022

Object detection in remote sensing images (RSIs) requires the locating and classifying of objects of interest, which is a hot topic in RSI analysis research. With the development of deep learning (DL) technology, which has accelerated in recent years, numerous intelligent and efficient detection algorithms have been proposed. Meanwhile, the performance of remote sensing imaging hardware has also evolved significantly. The detection technology used with high-resolution RSIs has been pushed to unprecedented heights, making important contributions in practical applications such as urban detection, building planning, and disaster prediction. However, although some scholars have authored reviews on DL-based object detection systems, the leading DL-based object detection improvement strategies have never been summarized in detail. In this paper, we first briefly review the recent history of remote sensing object detection (RSOD) techniques, including traditional methods as well as DL-based methods. Then, we systematically summarize the procedures used in DL-based detection algorithms. Most importantly, starting from the problems of complex object features, complex background information, tedious sample annotation that will be faced by high-resolution RSI object detection, we introduce a taxonomy based on various detection methods, which focuses on summarizing and classifying the existing attention mechanisms, multi-scale feature fusion, super-resolution and other major improvement strategies. We also introduce recognized open-source remote sensing detection benchmarks and evaluation metrics. Finally, based on the current state of the technology, we conclude by discussing the challenges and potential trends in the field of RSOD in order to provide a reference for researchers who have just entered the field.
Ecological Engineering Projects Shifted the Dominance of Human Activity and Climate Variability on Vegetation Dynamics
Authors: Gao Jie , Zhang Yangjian , Zheng Zhoutao , Cong Nan , Zhao Guang , Zhu Yixuan , Chen Yao , Sun Yihan , Zhang Jianshuang , Zhang Yu
Published: May 2022

Global greening and its eco-environmental outcomes are getting mounting international focus. The important contribution of China to the global greening is highly appreciated. However, the basic driving forces are still elusive. The Loess Plateau (LP) and Three-River Source Region (TRSR) were chased as study areas in Northern China. The prior one represents the region experiencing intensive human interventions from ecological engineering projects, while the latter is a typical region that is experiencing faster climate change. Hypothesized to be driven by a disproportionate rate of human activities and climates, also being regions of typical large-scale ecological engineering projects, the study goal is to identify the actual driving forces on vegetation dynamics in these two regions. Trend analysis, correlation analysis, and residual trend-based method (RESTREND) were utilized to understand the relationships between climate variability, human activities, and vegetation dynamics. The spatiotemporal variations of vegetation from 1982 to 2019 were evaluated and the respective impacts of climatic and anthropogenic factors on vegetation dynamics were disentangled. Indicating apparent vegetation restoration in LP and TRSR, the results depict that annual LAI has remarkably increased during the 38 years. Temperature and precipitation promoted vegetation growth, whereas the solar radiation and vapor pressure deficit hampered it. After implementing the ecological engineering projects, the primary climatic factor changed from temperature to precipitation. Meanwhile, human activities act as the major driving factor in vegetation greening in the entire study area, with a contribution rate exceeding 70%. This information highlights that ecological engineering can significantly reduce the risks of ecosystem degradation and effectively restore vegetation, especially in ecologically sensitive and vulnerable areas.