bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening Metal–Organic Frameworks for Separation of Binary Solvent Mixtures by Compact NMR Relaxometry
Authors: Wagemann Marc , Radzik Natalia , Krzyżak Artur , Adams Alina
Published: June 2021

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have great potential as an efficient alternative to current separation and purification procedures of a large variety of solvent mixtures—a critical process in many applications. Due to the huge number of existing MOFs, it is of key importance to identify high-throughput analytical tools, which can be used for their screening and performance ranking. In this context, the present work introduces a simple, fast, and inexpensive approach by compact low-field proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry to investigate the efficiency of MOF materials for the separation of a binary solvent mixture. The mass proportions of two solvents within a particular solvent mixture can be quantified before and after separation with the help of a priori established correlation curves relating the effective transverse relaxation times T2eff and the mass proportions of the two solvents. The new method is applied to test the separation efficiency of powdered UiO-66(Zr) for various solvent mixtures, including linear and cyclic alkanes and benzene derivate, under static conditions at room temperature. Its reliability is demonstrated by comparison with results from 1H liquid-state NMR spectroscopy.
Complexes with Atomic Gold Ions: Efficient Bis-Ligand Formation
Authors: Duensing Felix , Gruber Elisabeth , Martini Paul , Goulart Marcelo , Gatchell Michael , Rasul Bilal , Echt Olof , Zappa Fabio , Mahmoodi-Darian Masoomeh , Scheier Paul
Published: June 2021

Complexes of atomic gold with a variety of ligands have been formed by passing helium nanodroplets (HNDs) through two pickup cells containing gold vapor and the vapor of another dopant, namely a rare gas, a diatomic molecule (H2, N2, O2, I2, P2), or various polyatomic molecules (H2O, CO2, SF6, C6H6, adamantane, imidazole, dicyclopentadiene, and fullerene). The doped HNDs were irradiated by electrons; ensuing cations were identified in a high-resolution mass spectrometer. Anions were detected for benzene, dicyclopentadiene, and fullerene. For most ligands L, the abundance distribution of AuLn+ versus size n displays a remarkable enhancement at n = 2. The propensity towards bis-ligand formation is attributed to the formation of covalent bonds in Au+L2 which adopt a dumbbell structure, L-Au+-L, as previously found for L = Xe and C60. Another interesting observation is the effect of gold on the degree of ionization-induced intramolecular fragmentation. For most systems gold enhances the fragmentation, i.e., intramolecular fragmentation in AuLn+ is larger than in pure Ln+. Hydrogen, on the other hand, behaves differently, as intramolecular fragmentation in Au(H2)n+ is weaker than in pure (H2)n+ by an order of magnitude.
Sustainable Surfactin Production by Bacillus subtilis Using Crude Glycerol from Different Wastes
Authors: Janek Tomasz , Gudiña Eduardo J. , Połomska Xymena , Biniarz Piotr , Jama Dominika , Rodrigues Lígia R. , Rymowicz Waldemar , Lazar Zbigniew
Published: June 2021

Most biosurfactants are obtained using costly culture media and purification processes, which limits their wider industrial use. Sustainability of their production processes can be achieved, in part, by using cheap substrates found among agricultural and food wastes or byproducts. In the present study, crude glycerol, a raw material obtained from several industrial processes, was evaluated as a potential low-cost carbon source to reduce the costs of surfactin production by Bacillus subtilis #309. The culture medium containing soap-derived waste glycerol led to the best surfactin production, reaching about 2.8 g/L. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing surfactin production by B. subtilis using stearin and soap wastes as carbon sources. A complete chemical characterization of surfactin analogs produced from the different waste glycerol samples was performed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Furthermore, the surfactin produced in the study exhibited good stability in a wide range of pH, salinity and temperatures, suggesting its potential for several applications in biotechnology.
Phytochemical and Ethnopharmacological Perspectives of Ehretia laevis
Authors: Sharma Pooja , Shri Richa , Ntie-Kang Fidele , Kumar Suresh
Published: June 2021

Ehretia laevis Roxb. (Boraginaceae) has been extensively used as a traditional remedy for the treatment of a diverse range of ailments related to the respiratory system, the gastrointestinal tract, the reproductive system, and against several infections. This review critically assesses and documents, for the first time, the fragmented information on E. laevis, including its botanical description, folklore uses, bioactive phyto metabolites and pharmacological activities. The goal is to explore this plant therapeutically. Ethnomedicinal surveys reveal that E. laevis has been used by tribal communities in Asian countries for the treatment of various disorders. Quantitative and qualitative phytochemical investigations of E. laevis showed the presence of important phytoconstituents such as pentacyclic triterpenoids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, fatty acids, steroids, alkaloids, aliphatic alcohols, hydrocarbons, amino acids, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Fresh plant parts, crude extracts, fractions and isolated compounds have been reported to exhibit broad spectrum of therapeutic activities viz., antioxidant, antiarthritic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antidiarrheal, antidysenteric, wound healing and anti-infective activities. E. laevis is shown to be an excellent potential source of drugs for the mitigation of jaundice, asthma, dysentery, ulcers, diarrhea, ringworm, eczema, diabetes, fissure, syphilis, cuts and wounds, inflammation, liver problems, venereal and infectious disorders. Although few investigations authenticated its traditional uses but employed uncharacterized crude extracts of the plant, the major concerns raised are reproducibility of therapeutic efficacy and safety of plant material. The outcomes of limited pharmacological screening and reported bioactive compounds of E. laevis suggest that there is an urgent need for in-depth pharmacological investigations of the plant.
3-Benzoylisoxazolines by 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition: Chloramine-T-Catalyzed Condensation of α-Nitroketones with Dipolarophiles
Authors: Pan Xinhui , Xin Xiaobing , Mao Ying , Li Xin , Zhao Yanan , Liu Yidi , Zhang Ke , Yang Xiaoda , Wang Jinhui
Published: June 2021

In this study, 3-benzoylisoxazolines were synthesized by reacting alkenes with various α-nitroketones using chloramine-T as the base. The scope of α-nitroketones and alkenes is extensive, including different alkenes and alkynes to form various isoxazolines and isoxazoles. The use of chloramine-T, as the low-cost, easily handled, moderate base for 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition is attractive.
Natural Compounds as Metabolic Modulators of the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Dias Ana S. , Helguero Luisa , Almeida Catarina R. , Duarte Iola F.
Published: June 2021

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a heterogenous assemblage of malignant and non-malignant cells, including infiltrating immune cells and other stromal cells, together with extracellular matrix and a variety of soluble factors. This complex and dynamic milieu strongly affects tumor differentiation, progression, immune evasion, and response to therapy, thus being an important therapeutic target. The phenotypic and functional features of the various cell types present in the TME are largely dependent on their ability to adopt different metabolic programs. Hence, modulating the metabolism of the cells in the TME, and their metabolic crosstalk, has emerged as a promising strategy in the context of anticancer therapies. Natural compounds offer an attractive tool in this respect as their multiple biological activities can potentially be harnessed to ‘(re)-educate’ TME cells towards antitumoral roles. The present review discusses how natural compounds shape the metabolism of stromal cells in the TME and how this may impact tumor development and progression.
Design, Synthesis and Anticancer Activity of a New Series of N-aryl-N′-[4-(pyridin-2-ylmethoxy)benzyl]urea Derivatives
Authors: Hou Shicheng , Liang Shishao , Zhang Chao , Han Yingmei , Liang Jianhui , Hu Hongyu , Zhang Xingeng , Hu Chun , Liu Xiaoping , Zhang Hong
Published: June 2021

The development of cancer treatments requires continuous exploration and improvement, in which the discovery of new drugs for the treatment of cancer is still an important pathway. In this study, based on the molecular hybridization strategy, a new structural framework with an N-aryl-N’-arylmethylurea scaffold was designed, and 16 new target compounds were synthesized and evaluated for their antiproliferative activities against four different cancer cell lines A549, MCF7, HCT116, PC3, and human liver normal cell line HL7702. The results have shown seven compounds with 1-methylpiperidin-4-yl groups having excellent activities against all four cancer cell lines, and they exhibited scarcely any activities against HL7702. Among them, compound 9b and 9d showed greatly excellent activity against the four kinds of cells, and the IC50 for MCF7 and PC3 cell lines were even less than 3 μM.
Implication of RAS in Postnatal Cardiac Remodeling, Fibrosis and Dysfunction Induced by Fetal Undernutrition
Authors: Rodríguez-Rodríguez Pilar , Vieira-Rocha Maria Sofía , Quintana-Villamandos Begoña , Monedero-Cobeta Ignacio , Prachaney Parichat , López de Pablo Angel Luis , González Maria del Carmen , Morato Manuela , Diniz Carmen , Arribas Silvia M.
Published: June 2021

Fetal undernutrition is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Male offspring from rats exposed to undernutrition during gestation (MUN) exhibit oxidative stress during perinatal life and develop cardiac dysfunction in ageing. Angiotensin-II is implicated in oxidative stress-mediated cardiovascular fibrosis and remodeling, and lactation is a key developmental window. We aimed to assess if alterations in RAS during lactation participate in cardiac dysfunction associated with fetal undernutrition. Control dams received food ad libitum, and MUN had 50% nutrient restriction during the second half of gestation. Both dams were fed ad libitum during lactation, and male offspring were studied at weaning. We assessed: ventricular structure and function (echocardiography); blood pressure (intra-arterially, anesthetized rats); collagen content and intramyocardial artery structure (Sirius red, Masson Trichromic); myocardial and intramyocardial artery RAS receptors (immunohistochemistry); plasma angiotensin-II (ELISA) and TGF-β1 protein expression (Western Blot). Compared to Control, MUN offspring exhibited significantly higher plasma Angiotensin-II and a larger left ventricular mass, as well as larger intramyocardial artery media/lumen, interstitial collagen and perivascular collagen. In MUN hearts, TGF-β1 tended to be higher, and the end-diastolic diameter and E/A ratio were significantly lower with no differences in ejection fraction or blood pressure. In the myocardium, no differences between groups were detected in AT1, AT2 or Mas receptors, with MrgD being significantly lower in the MUN group. In intramyocardial arteries from MUN rats, AT1 and Mas receptors were significantly elevated, while AT2 and MrgD were lower compared to Control. Conclusions. In rats exposed to fetal undernutrition, RAS disbalance and associated cardiac remodeling during lactation may set the basis for later heart dysfunction.
Factors Influencing Children’s Behavioral Problems: Results from a Longitudinal Study of British Children from Birth to Seven Years
Authors: Cheng Helen , Furnham Adrian
Published: June 2021

This study explored a longitudinal data set of over 10,663 children at age 7 years to examine various psychological and sociological factors that possibly influenced their behavioural problems. Data were collected when cohort members were born, then 9 months old, and later at later at ages 3 and 7 years. Structural equation modelling showed that the family income, maternal psychological distress, the parent-child relationship, and maternal personality traits all had direct significant effects on children’s behavioural problems, accounting for 42 percent of the total variance. The strongest predictor was parent-child relationship, followed by maternal emotional stability (low neuroticism) and the family poverty indicator.
Islam and Institutional Religious Freedom in Indonesia
Authors: Hefner Robert W.
Published: June 2021

By emphasizing that individual religious freedom depends for its realization on complex social embeddings, the concept of institutional religious freedom provides an important corrective to conventional, individualistic approaches to religious freedom. The concept also helpfully complicates the investigation of religious freedom by encouraging analysts to recognize that different societal and civilizational traditions define religion itself in significantly different ways. Tensions such as these between different social definitions of religion and between different manifestations of institutional religious freedom have been a chronic feature of religious life in Indonesia since the establishment of the republic in 1945. This paper examines these legacies in the context of contemporary Indonesia, especially in light of ongoing disputes over the legal and ethical status of spiritual traditions (kepercayaan) long barred from full state recognition. The essay also explores the theoretical and policy implications of the Indonesian example for the analysis of institutional religious freedom in the late modern world as a whole.
Behavioral Economics: A Primer and Applications to the UN Sustainable Development Goal of Good Health and Well-Being
Authors: Siegel Robert , Gordon Katelyn , Dynan Linda
Published: June 2021

Behavioral economics (BE) is a relatively new field within economics that incorporates insights from psychology that can be harnessed to improve economic decision making with the potential to enhance good health and well-being of individuals and societies, the third of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. While some of the psychological principles of economic decision making were described as far back as the 1700s by Adam Smith, BE emerged as a discipline in the 1970s with the groundbreaking work of psychologists Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky. We describe the basic concepts of BE, heuristics (decision-making shortcuts) and their associated biases, and the BE strategies framing, incentives, and economic nudging to overcome these biases. We survey the literature to identify how BE techniques have been employed to improve individual choice (focusing on childhood obesity), health policy, and patient and healthcare provider decision making. Additionally, we discuss how these BE-based efforts to improve health-related decision making can lead to sustaining good health and well-being and identify additional health-related areas that may benefit from including principles of BE in decision making.
Weak Calibration of a Visible Light Positioning System Based on a Position-Sensitive Detector: Positioning Error Assessment
Authors: De-La-Llana-Calvo Álvaro , Lázaro-Galilea José-Luis , Gardel-Vicente Alfredo , Salido-Monzú David , Bravo-Muñoz Ignacio , Iamnitchi Andreea , Gil-Vera Rubén
Published: June 2021

Reduced deployment and calibration requirements are key for scalable and cost-effective indoor positioning systems. In this work, we propose a low-complexity, weak calibration procedure for an indoor positioning system based on infrastructure lighting and a positioning-sensitive detector. The proposed calibration relies on genetic algorithms to obtain the relevant system parameters in the real positioning environment without a priori information, and requires a low number of simple measurements. The achievable performance of the proposal was assessed by direct comparison with a formal offline calibration method requiring complex dedicated infrastructure and instruments. The comparative error assessment showed that the maximum accuracy reduction compared to the significantly more costly formal calibration was below 25 mm, and the overall absolute positioning error was smaller than 35 mm with orientation errors of around 0.25°. The performance achieved with the proposed weak calibration procedure is sufficient for many indoor positioning applications and largely reduces the cost and complexity of setting up the positioning system in real environments.
Medical Images Encryption Based on Adaptive-Robust Multi-Mode Synchronization of Chen Hyper-Chaotic Systems
Authors: Javan Ali Akbar Kekha , Jafari Mahboobeh , Shoeibi Afshin , Zare Assef , Khodatars Marjane , Ghassemi Navid , Alizadehsani Roohallah , Gorriz Juan Manuel
Published: June 2021

In this paper, a novel medical image encryption method based on multi-mode synchronization of hyper-chaotic systems is presented. The synchronization of hyper-chaotic systems is of great significance in secure communication tasks such as encryption of images. Multi-mode synchronization is a novel and highly complex issue, especially if there is uncertainty and disturbance. In this work, an adaptive-robust controller is designed for multimode synchronized chaotic systems with variable and unknown parameters, despite the bounded disturbance and uncertainty with a known function in two modes. In the first case, it is a main system with some response systems, and in the second case, it is a circular synchronization. Using theorems it is proved that the two synchronization methods are equivalent. Our results show that, we are able to obtain the convergence of synchronization error and parameter estimation error to zero using Lyapunov’s method. The new laws to update time-varying parameters, estimating disturbance and uncertainty bounds are proposed such that stability of system is guaranteed. To assess the performance of the proposed synchronization method, various statistical analyzes were carried out on the encrypted medical images and standard benchmark images. The results show effective performance of the proposed synchronization technique in the medical images encryption for telemedicine application.
Application of Low-Cost MEMS Spectrometers for Forest Topsoil Properties Prediction
Authors: Thomas Felix , Petzold Rainer , Becker Carina , Werban Ulrike
Published: June 2021

Increasing temperatures and drought occurrences recently led to soil moisture depletion and increasing tree mortality. In the interest of sustainable forest management, the monitoring of forest soil properties will be of increasing importance in the future. Vis-NIR spectroscopy can be used as fast, non-destructive and cost-efficient method for soil parameter estimations. Microelectromechanical system devices (MEMS) have become available that are suitable for many application fields due to their low cost as well as their small size and weight. We investigated the performance of MEMS spectrometers in the visual and NIR range to estimate forest soil samples total C and N content of Ah and Oh horizons at the lab. The results were compared to a full-range device using PLSR and Cubist regression models at local (2.3 ha, n: Ah = 60, Oh = 50) and regional scale (State of Saxony, Germany, 184,000 km2, n: Ah = 186 and Oh = 176). For each sample, spectral reflectance was collected using MEMS spectrometer in the visual (Hamamatsu C12880MA) and NIR (NeoSpetrac SWS62231) range and using a conventional full range device (Veris Spectrophotometer). Both data sets were split into a calibration (70%) and a validation set (30%) to evaluate prediction power. Models were calibrated for Oh and Ah horizon separately for both data sets. Using the regional data, we also used a combination of both horizons. Our results show that MEMS devices are suitable for C and N prediction of forest topsoil on regional scale. On local scale, only models for the Ah horizon yielded sufficient results. We found moderate and good model results using MEMS devices for Ah horizons at local scale (R2≥ 0.71, RPIQ ≥ 2.41) using Cubist regression. At regional scale, we achieved moderate results for C and N content using data from MEMS devices in Oh (R2≥ 0.57, RPIQ ≥ 2.42) and Ah horizon (R2≥ 0.54, RPIQ ≥2.15). When combining Oh and Ah horizons, we achieved good prediction results using the MEMS sensors and Cubist (R2≥ 0.85, RPIQ ≥ 4.69). For the regional data, models using data derived by the Hamamatsu device in the visual range only were least precise. Combining visual and NIR data derived from MEMS spectrometers did in most cases improve the prediction accuracy. We directly compared our results to models based on data from a conventional full range device. Our results showed that the combination of both MEMS devices can compete with models based on full range spectrometers. MEMS approaches reached between 68% and 105% of the corresponding full ranges devices R2 values. Local models tended to be more accurate than regional approaches for the Ah horizon. Our results suggest that MEMS spectrometers are suitable for forest soil C and N content estimation. They can contribute to improved monitoring in the future as their small size and weight could make in situ measurements feasible.
Deep Learning Approach for Vibration Signals Applications
Authors: Chen Han-Yun , Lee Ching-Hung
Published: June 2021

This study discusses convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for vibration signals analysis, including applications in machining surface roughness estimation, bearing faults diagnosis, and tool wear detection. The one-dimensional CNNs (1DCNN) and two-dimensional CNNs (2DCNN) are applied for regression and classification applications using different types of inputs, e.g., raw signals, and time-frequency spectra images by short time Fourier transform. In the application of regression and the estimation of machining surface roughness, the 1DCNN is utilized and the corresponding CNN structure (hyper parameters) optimization is proposed by using uniform experimental design (UED), neural network, multiple regression, and particle swarm optimization. It demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed approach to obtain a structure with better performance. In applications of classification, bearing faults and tool wear classification are carried out by vibration signals analysis and CNN. Finally, the experimental results are shown to demonstrate the effectiveness and performance of our approach.
Unified Chassis Control of Electric Vehicles Considering Wheel Vertical Vibrations
Authors: Chen Xinbo , Wang Mingyang , Wang Wei
Published: June 2021

In the process of vehicle chassis electrification, different active actuators and systems have been developed and commercialized for improved vehicle dynamic performances. For a vehicle system with actuation redundancy, the integration of individual chassis control systems can provide additional benefits compared to a single ABS/ESC system. This paper describes a Unified Chassis Control (UCC) strategy for enhancing vehicle stability and ride comfort by the coordination of four In-Wheel Drive (IWD), 4-Wheel Independent Steering (4WIS), and Active Suspension Systems (ASS). Desired chassis motion is determined by generalized forces/moment calculated through a high-level sliding mode controller. Based on tire force constraints subject to allocated normal forces, the generalized forces/moment are distributed to the slip and slip angle of each tire by a fixed-point control allocation algorithm. Regarding the uneven road, H∞ robust controllers are proposed based on a modified quarter-car model. Evaluation of the overall system was accomplished by simulation testing with a full-vehicle CarSim model under different scenarios. The conclusion shows that the vertical vibration of the four wheels plays a detrimental role in vehicle stability, and the proposed method can effectively realize the tire force distribution to control the vehicle body attitude and driving stability even in high-demanding scenarios.
Research and Development of Delay-Sensitive Routing Tensor Model in IoT Core Networks
Authors: Lemeshko Oleksandr , Papan Jozef , Yeremenko Oleksandra , Yevdokymenko Maryna , Segec Pavel
Published: June 2021

In the article, we present the research and development of an improved delay-sensitive routing tensor model for the core of the IoT network. The flow-based tensor model is considered within the coordinate system of interpolar paths and internal node pairs. The advantage of the presented model is the application for IoT architectures to ensure the Quality of Service under the parameters of bandwidth, average end-to-end delay, and the probability of packet loss. Hence, the technical task of delay-sensitive routing is formulated as the optimization problem together with constraints and conditions imposed on the corresponding routing variables. The system of optimality criteria is chosen for an investigation. Each selected criterion concerning the specifics of the demanded routing problem solution aims at the optimal use of available network resources and the improvement of QoS indicators, namely, average end-to-end delay. The analysis of the obtained routing solutions under different criteria is performed. Numerical research of the improved delay-sensitive routing tensor model allowed us to discover its features and proved the adequacy of the results for the multipath order of routing.
Foot Gesture Recognition Using High-Compression Radar Signature Image and Deep Learning
Authors: Song Seungeon , Kim Bongseok , Kim Sangdong , Lee Jonghun
Published: June 2021

Recently, Doppler radar-based foot gesture recognition has attracted attention as a hands-free tool. Doppler radar-based recognition for various foot gestures is still very challenging. So far, no studies have yet dealt deeply with recognition of various foot gestures based on Doppler radar and a deep learning model. In this paper, we propose a method of foot gesture recognition using a new high-compression radar signature image and deep learning. By means of a deep learning AlexNet model, a new high-compression radar signature is created by extracting dominant features via Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) processing; four different foot gestures including kicking, swinging, sliding, and tapping are recognized. Instead of using an original radar signature, the proposed method improves the memory efficiency required for deep learning training by using a high-compression radar signature. Original and reconstructed radar images with high compression values of 90%, 95%, and 99% were applied for the deep learning AlexNet model. As experimental results, movements of all four different foot gestures and of a rolling baseball were recognized with an accuracy of approximately 98.64%. In the future, due to the radar’s inherent robustness to the surrounding environment, this foot gesture recognition sensor using Doppler radar and deep learning will be widely useful in future automotive and smart home industry fields.
Orientation-Invariant Spatio-Temporal Gait Analysis Using Foot-Worn Inertial Sensors
Authors: Guimarães Vânia , Sousa Inês , Correia Miguel Velhote
Published: June 2021

Inertial sensors can potentially assist clinical decision making in gait-related disorders. Methods for objective spatio-temporal gait analysis usually assume the careful alignment of the sensors on the body, so that sensor data can be evaluated using the body coordinate system. Some studies infer sensor orientation by exploring the cyclic characteristics of walking. In addition to being unrealistic to assume that the sensor can be aligned perfectly with the body, the robustness of gait analysis with respect to differences in sensor orientation has not yet been investigated—potentially hindering use in clinical settings. To address this gap in the literature, we introduce an orientation-invariant gait analysis approach and propose a method to quantitatively assess robustness to changes in sensor orientation. We validate our results in a group of young adults, using an optical motion capture system as reference. Overall, good agreement between systems is achieved considering an extensive set of gait metrics. Gait speed is evaluated with a relative error of −3.1±9.2 cm/s, but precision improves when turning strides are excluded from the analysis, resulting in a relative error of −3.4±6.9 cm/s. We demonstrate the invariance of our approach by simulating rotations of the sensor on the foot.
An Ensemble Learning Method for Robot Electronic Nose with Active Perception
Authors: Li Shengming , Feng Lin , Ge Yunfei , Zhu Li , Zhao Liang
Published: June 2021

The electronic nose is the olfactory organ of the robot, which is composed of a large number of sensors to perceive the smell of objects through free diffusion. Traditionally, it is difficult to realize the active perception function, and it is difficult to meet the requirements of small size, low cost, and quick response that robots require. In order to address these issues, a novel electronic nose with active perception was designed and an ensemble learning method was proposed to distinguish the smell of different objects. An array of three MQ303 semiconductor gas sensors and an electrochemical sensor DART-2-Fe5 were used to construct the novel electronic nose, and the proposed ensemble learning method with four algorithms realized the active odor perception function. The experiment results verified that the accuracy of the active odor perception can reach more than 90%, even though it used 30% training data. The novel electronic nose with active perception based on the ensemble learning method can improve the efficiency and accuracy of odor data collection and olfactory perception.
Perception of Health Challenges, Self-Rated Health and Feeling of Empowerment in a Changing Climate and Environment with Permafrost Thawing
Authors: Timlin Ulla , Kauppila Sofia , Jungsberg Leneisja , Nordström Tanja , Schmidt-Pedersen Kirsten , Kyngäs Helvi , Rautio Arja
Published: June 2021

Climate change is a global challenge which has direct and indirect health impacts on the lives of people and communities in the Arctic. The aim of our study was to evaluate the perception of permafrost thaw and health challenges and to determine which perceived environmental and adaptation factors relate to self-rated health and, more specifically, to feeling of empowerment when facing the changes and impacts of climate change and permafrost thawing. Questionnaire data (n = 100) were collected from one community located in Greenland, Disko Bay. Data were analyzed by cross-tabulation and the significances were tested either by Pearson’s χ2 test, Fisher’s exact test or by the t-test, when applicable. Based on these analyses, logistic and linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the associations between demographic variables, challenges posed by permafrost thaw and self-rated health, and associations between feeling of empowerment and perceived environmental/adaptation factors. The results indicated that climate change was not assessed as being a direct risk for the health of local people or their feeling of empowerment. Nature seemed to play an important role for local people, and not being in the natural environment for recreational activities seemed to decrease feeling of empowerment (OR 0.42, p = 0.042, 95% CI 0.17–0.97). This paper provides new, multidisciplinary research information about the perception of health challenges, health, and feeling of empowerment among people living in an environment impacted by permafrost thaw and climate change.
Occurrence of Selected Known or Suspected Endocrine-Disrupting Pesticides in Portuguese Surface Waters Using SPME-GC-IT/MS
Authors: Vera José , Fernandes Virgínia Cruz , Correia-Sá Luísa , Mansilha Catarina , Delerue-Matos Cristina , Domingues Valentina F.
Published: June 2021

A multiresidue analytical methodology based on a solid-phase microextraction (SPME), followed by gas chromatography-ion trap mass spectrometry (GC–IT/MS), has been developed for trace analysis of 20 known or suspected endocrine-disrupting pesticides. The SPME conditions are optimized considering several key parameters to obtain the maximum sensitivity. After the optimization, the method validation is performed, and the limits of detection (ranged from 2–150 ng/L) and the coefficient of determination (above 0.990) of studied compounds are determined for all the analytes. A robust sampling of twenty sampling points of surface water samples from the north and center of Portugal is performed, and the validated methodology is applied. In total, 20 compounds from four chemical families (13 organochlorine, 1 organophosphorus, 2 dicarboximide, and 4 pyrethroids) are studied, and the pesticides most frequently detected are eight organochlorine pesticides (α-, β-HCHs, lindane, HCB, o,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDD, α-endosulfan), cypermethrin, and vinclozolin.
“It’s Not Us, It’s You!”: Extending Managerial Control through Coercion and Internalisation in the Context of Workplace Bullying amongst Nurses in Ireland
Authors: McMahon Juliet , O’Sullivan Michelle , MacCurtain Sarah , Murphy Caroline , Ryan Lorraine
Published: June 2021

This article investigates why workers submit to managerial bullying and, in doing so, we extend the growing research on managerial control and workplace bullying. We employ a labour process lens to explore the rationality of management both engaging in and perpetuating bullying. Labour process theory posits that employee submission to workplace bullying can be a valuable method of managerial control and this article examines this assertion. Based on the qualitative feedback in a large-scale survey of nurses in Ireland, we find that management reframed bullying complaints as deficiencies in the competency and citizenship of employees. Such reframing took place at various critical junctures such as when employees resisted extremely pressurized environments and when they resisted bullying behaviours. We find that such reframing succeeds in suppressing resistance and elicits compliance in achieving organisational objectives. We demonstrate how a pervasive bullying culture oriented towards expanding management control weakens an ethical climate conducive to collegiality and the exercise of voice, and strengthens a more instrumental climate. Whilst such a climate can have negative outcomes for individuals, it may achieve desired organisational outcomes for management.
Psychological Restoration and the Effect of People in Nature and Urban Scenes: A Laboratory Experiment
Authors: Neale Chris , Lopez Stephanie , Roe Jenny
Published: June 2021

It is well-evidenced that exposure to natural environments increases psychological restoration as compared to non-natural settings, increasing our ability to recover from stress, low mood, and mental fatigue and encouraging positive social interactions that cultivate social cohesion. However, very few studies have explored how the inclusion of people within a given environment—either urban or natural settings—affect restorative health outcomes. We present three laboratory-based studies examining, first, the effect of nature vs. urban scenes, and second, investigating nature ‘with’ vs. ‘without’ people—using static and moving imagery—on psychological restoration and social wellbeing. Our third study explores differences between urban and natural settings both with vs. without people, using video stimuli to understand potential restorative and social wellbeing effects. Outcome measures across all studies included perceived social belonging, loneliness, subjective mood, and perceived restorativeness. Studies 1 and 2 both used a within group, randomized crossover design. Study 1 (n = 45, mean age = 20.7) explored static imagery of environmental conditions without people; findings were consistent with restorative theories showing a positive effect of nature exposure on all outcome measures. Study 2 compared nature scenes with vs. without people (n = 47, mean age = 20.9) and we found no significant differences on our outcome measures between either social scenario, though both scenarios generated positive wellbeing outcomes. Study 3, conducted on Amazon Mechanical Turk, employed an independent group design with subjects randomly assigned to one of four conditions; an urban vs. nature setting, with vs. without people. We explored the effect of moving imagery on psychological restoration (n = 200, mean age = 35.7) and our findings showed no impact on belonging, loneliness, or mood between conditions, but did show that—regardless of the inclusion of people—the nature settings were more restorative than the urban. There were no differences in psychological restoration between nature conditions with vs. without people. We discuss the implications for restorative environment research exploring social-environmental interactions.
Priorities Determining Future Directions of Sustainable Development in Business Models of the Healthcare Industry—Findings and Framework
Authors: Rodriguez Rocio , Svensson Göran , Eriksson David
Published: June 2021

The private healthcare sector was chosen because of the fundamental importance of quality in this sector, the widespread understanding that sustainable development is part of hospital quality standards, and the compelling need for the supply chain components to work together in order to add value to the business models of private healthcare services. This study uses a qualitative methodology, striving to add value to and shed light on the relationship between private hospital communication modes and their stakeholders’ needs and their stakeholders’ expectations of business models in the marketplace and society. This research lists a range of actions and services for assessing the priorities of private hospital communication modes in business models with respect to stakeholder needs and expectations. Furthermore, the study links stakeholder needs and the expectations of business models in private hospitals, with respect to private hospital communication modes with stakeholders, and vice versa. It also provides directions for managers in the healthcare industry to determine the appropriate actions and services for addressing stakeholders’ needs and stakeholders’ expectations of business models in private hospitals considering sustainable development. This research contributes to framing the future direction of sustainable development in business models of the healthcare industry. The paper outlines the assessment of communication modes in relation to economic, social, and environmental performance in the context of sustainable development.
An Assessment of Individuals’ Systems Thinking Skills via Immersive Virtual Reality Complex System Scenarios
Authors: Dayarathna Vidanelage L. , Karam Sofia , Jaradat Raed , Hamilton Michael A. , Jones Parker , Wall Emily S. , El Amrani Safae , Ibne Hossain Niamat Ullah , Elakramine Fatine
Published: June 2021

This study utilized the application of authentic Virtual Reality (VR) to replicate the real-world complex system scenarios of a large retail supply chain. The proposed VR scenarios were developed based on an established systems thinking instrument that consists of seven dimensions: level of complexity, independence, interaction, change, uncertainty, systems’ worldview, and flexibility. However, in this study, we only developed the VR scenarios for the first dimension, level of complexity, to assess an individual’s Systems Thinking Skills (STS) when he or she engages in a turbulent virtual environment. The main objective of this study was to compare a student’s STS when using traditional ST instruments versus VR scenarios for the complexity dimension. The secondary aim was to investigate the efficacy of VR scenarios utilizing three measurements: Simulation Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ), System Usability Scale (SUS), and Presence Questionnaire (PQ). In addition to the three measures, NASA TLX assessment was also performed to assess the perceived workload with regards to performing the tasks in VR scenarios. The results show students’ preferences in the VR scenarios are not significantly different from their responses obtained using the traditional systems skills instrument. The efficacy measures confirmed that the developed VR scenarios are user friendly and lie in an acceptable region for users. Finally, the overall NASA TLX score suggests that users require 36% perceived work effort to perform the activities in VR scenarios.
A Review of the Mechanical and Physical Properties of Polyethylene Fibers
Authors: Roiron Coline , Lainé Eric , Grandidier Jean-Claude , Garois Nicolas , Vix-Guterl Cathie
Published: June 2021

Since the 1970s and 1980s, a major effort has been made to study UHMWPE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight PolyEthylene) fibers with remarkable mechanical properties, based on a basic polymer such as PE (PolyEthylene). These performances are above all associated with a very strong alignment of the molecules and the microfibrillar structures formed using various processes. However, they vary greatly depending on many parameters, and particularly on the draw ratio. Thus, these characteristics have been extensively analyzed by dynamic, static tensile, and creep tests, and are predominantly viscoelastic. The behavior appears to be associated with physical considerations and with the characteristic orthorhombic-hexagonal solid phase transition. The presence of a hexagonal phase is detrimental to the behavior because the chains slide easily relative to each other. Shifting this transition to higher temperatures is a challenge and many factors influence it and the temperature at which it takes place, such as the application of stress or annealing. The objective here is to give an overview of what has been done so far to understand the behavior of UHMWPE yarns. This is important given future numerical modeling work on the dimensioning of structural parts in which these UHMWPE yarns will be reinforcements within composites.
On the Coupling of Generalized Proca Fields to Degenerate Scalar-Tensor Theories
Authors: Garcia-Saenz Sebastian
Published: June 2021

We prove that vector fields described by the generalized Proca class of theories do not admit consistent coupling with a gravitational sector defined by a scalar–tensor theory of the degenerate type. Under the assumption that there exists a frame in which the Proca field interacts with gravity only through the metric tensor, our analysis shows that at least one of the constraints associated with the degeneracy of the scalar–tensor sector is inevitably lost whenever the vector theory includes coupling with the Christoffel connection.
Design Floods Considering the Epistemic Uncertainty
Authors: Drobot Radu , Draghia Aurelian Florentin , Ciuiu Daniel , Trandafir Romică
Published: June 2021

The Design Flood (DF) concept is an essential tool in designing hydraulic works, defining reservoir operation programs, and identifying reliable flood hazard maps. The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology for deriving a Design Flood hydrograph considering the epistemic uncertainty. Several appropriately identified statistical distributions allow for the acceptable approximation of the frequent values of maximum discharges or flood volumes, and display a significant spread for their medium/low Probabilities of Exceedance (PE). The referred scattering, as a consequence of epistemic uncertainty, defines an area of uncertainty for both recorded data and extrapolated values. In considering the upper and lower values of the uncertainty intervals as limits for maximum discharges and flood volumes, and by further combining them compatibly, a set of DFs as completely defined hydrographs with different shapes result for each PE. The herein proposed procedure defines both uni-modal and multi-modal DFs. Subsequently, such DFs help water managers in examining and establishing tailored approaches for a variety of input hydrographs, which might be typically generated in river basins.
Influence of compound feed with vitamin and betaine concentrate on biochemical parameters of pork
Authors: Milushev R. К. , Shulaev G. M.
Published: June 2021

The purpose of the research was to elucidate the eff ect of compound feed containing an experimental concentrate intended to improve the performance of pork, when it is used at the fi nal stage of fattening pigs. The composition of the concentrate (%) was: vitamin E-0,32; vitamin D3 – 0,30; vitamin C - 0,30; vitamin B4 – 1,56; vitamin B12 – 0,004; betaine – 10,00; bentonite – 77,166; soy fl our (fi ller) – 10,00. Activity of drugs was: vitamin E - 50,0 %; D3 – 15,0 thousand. IU in 1 g; B4 -60,0 %; B12 – 1,0 %; Omec J - 2,0 %; selenium-KI – 0,2 %. Testing of the concentrate under production conditions has been carried out on two groups of pigs (n=24.) of Large White breed. The control group of animals has been received farm’s compound feed and experimental group has been received together with the compound feed experimental concentrate in the amount of 1,0 % within 10 days prior to slaughter. The average live weight of pigs when the enter to the experiment amounted to 95,7–95,8 kg when the fi nish it was 114,1–114,7 kg. Gut microbiocenosis and some biochemical parameters of pig meat have been studied. The average daily gain in live weight in pigs receiving compound feed containing concentrate increased by 2,8 %. There was an improvement in the biological value of pork protein due to the higher content of essential amino acids in it by 0,44 %. Meat samples have been obtained from animals from the experimental group exceeded the control ones by the amount of tryptophan, leucine, isoleucine in them signifi cantly. Protein-quality indicator of meat from animals of the experimental group exceeded the control samples by 3,35 units. The moisture-binding capacity of meat from animals from the experimental group was higher by 6,0 % (P < 0,05), and the color intensity by 3,0 units of extinction (P < 0,05), which is consistent with a higher hemoglobin content in the blood by 1,5 g/l. The meat of experimental animals has been characterized by the increased content of ribofl avin, biotin and folic acid. Tasting evaluation of meat and broth gave positive results.