bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Broad-Spectrum Theranostics and Biomedical Application of Functionalized Nanomaterials
Authors: Alshamrani Meshal
Published: March 2022

Nanotechnology is an important branch of science in therapies known as “nanomedicine” and is the junction of various fields such as material science, chemistry, biology, physics, and optics. Nanomaterials are in the range between 1 and 100 nm in size and provide a large surface area to volume ratio; thus, they can be used for various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, bacterial infections, and diabetes. Nanoparticles play a crucial role in therapy as they can enhance the accumulation and release of pharmacological agents, improve targeted delivery and ultimately decrease the intensity of drug side effects. In this review, we discussthe types of nanomaterials that have various biomedical applications. Biomolecules that are often conjugated with nanoparticles are proteins, peptides, DNA, and lipids, which can enhance biocompatibility, stability, and solubility. In this review, we focus on bioconjugation and nanoparticles and also discuss different types of nanoparticles including micelles, liposomes, carbon nanotubes, nanospheres, dendrimers, quantum dots, and metallic nanoparticles and their crucial role in various diseases and clinical applications. Additionally, we review the use of nanomaterials for bio-imaging, drug delivery, biosensing tissue engineering, medical devices, and immunoassays. Understandingthe characteristics and properties of nanoparticles and their interactions with the biological system can help us to develop novel strategies for the treatment, prevention, and diagnosis of many diseases including cancer, pulmonary diseases, etc. In this present review, the importance of various kinds of nanoparticles and their biomedical applications are discussed in much detail.
Influence of Fused Deposition Modelling Nozzle Temperature on the Rheology and Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed β-Tricalcium Phosphate (TCP)/Polylactic Acid (PLA) Composite
Authors: Elhattab Karim , Bhaduri Sarit B. , Sikder Prabaha
Published: March 2022

The primary goal of this study is to develop and analyze 3D printed structures based on a well-known composite known as β-Tricalcium Phosphate (TCP)– polylactic acid (PLA). There are some interesting aspects of this study. First, we developed 3D printable TCP–PLA composite filaments in-house, with high reproducibility, by a one-step process method using a single screw extruder. Second, we explored the physicochemical properties of the developed TCP–PLA composite filaments. Third, we investigated the effect of an FDM-based nozzle temperature of 190 °C, 200 °C, 210 °C, and 220 °C on the composite’s crystallinity and rheological and mechanical properties. Results confirmed the successful development of constant-diameter TCP–PLA composite filaments with a homogeneous distribution of TCP particles in the PLA matrix. We observed that a higher nozzle temperature in the FDM process increased the crystallinity of the printed PLA and TCP–PLA structures. As a result, it also helped to enhance the mechanical properties of the printed structures. The rheological studies were performed in the same temperature range used in the actual FDM process, and results showed an improvement in rheological properties at higher nozzle temperatures. The bare polymer and the composite polymer-ceramic melts exhibited lower viscosity and less rigidity at higher nozzle temperatures, which resulted in enhancing the polymer melt flowability and interlayer bonding between the printed layers. Overall, our results confirmed that 3D printable TCP–PLA filaments could be made in-house, and optimization of the nozzle temperature is essential to developing 3D printed composite parts with favorable mechanical properties.
Study into the Mechanical Properties of a New Aeronautic-Grade Epoxy-Based Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Vitrimer
Authors: Builes Cárdenas Cristian , Gayraud Vincent , Rodriguez Maria Eugenia , Costa Josep , Salaberria Asier M. , Ruiz de Luzuriaga Alaitz , Markaide Nerea , Dasan Keeryadath Priya , Calderón Zapatería Diego
Published: March 2022

The current drive for sustainability demands recyclable matrices for composite materials. Vitrimers combine thermoset properties with reprocessability, but their mechanical performance in highly loaded applications, for instance, composites for aeronautics, is still to be demonstrated. This work presents the complete mechanical characterization of a new vitrimer reinforced with carbon fiber. This vitrimer formulation consists of functional epoxy groups and a new dynamic disulfide crosslinks-based hardener. The testing campaign for the vitrimer composites encompassed tension, compression, interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), in-plane shear (IPS), open-hole tension (OHT) and compression (OHC), filled-hole compression (FHC) and interlaminar fracture toughness tests under mode I and II. Test conditions included room temperature and high temperature of 70 °C and 120 °C, respectively, after moisture saturation. Tension and flexural tests also were applied on the neat vitrimer resin. The results compared well with those obtained for current aeronautic materials manufactured by Resin Transfer Molding (RTM). The lower values observed in compression and ILSS derived from the thermoplastic veils included as a toughening material. This work demonstrates that the vitrimer formulation presented meets the requirements of current matrices for aeronautic-grade carbon-reinforced composites.
Elastoplastic Indentation Response of Sigmoid/Power Functionally Graded Ceramics Structures
Authors: Eltaher Mohamed A. , Wagih Ahmed , Melaibari Ammar , Alsoruji Ghazi S. , Attia Mohamed A.
Published: March 2022

Due to the applicability of new advanced functionally graded materials (FGMs) in numerous tribological systems, this manuscript aims to present computational and empirical indentation models to investigate the elastoplastic response of FG substrate under an indention process with spherical rigid punch. The spatial variation of the ceramic volume fraction through the specimen thickness is portrayed using the power law and sigmoid functions. The effective properties of two-constituent FGM are evaluated by employing a modified Tamura–Tomota–Ozawa (TTO) model. Bilinear hardening behavior is considered in the analysis. The finite element procedure is developed to predict the contact pressure, horizontal displacement, vertical deformation, and permanent deformation of FG structure under the rigid cylindrical indentation. The empirical forms for permanent deformation were evaluated and assigned. Model validation with experimental works was considered. The convergence of the mesh and solution procedure was checked. Numerical studies were performed to illustrate the influence of gradation function, gradation index, and indentation parameters on the contact pressure, von Mises stresses, horizontal/vertical displacements, and permanent plastic deformation. The present model can help engineers and designers in the selection of an optimum gradation function and gradation index based on their applications.
High Amylose-Based Bio Composites: Structures, Functions and Applications
Authors: Faisal Marwa , Kou Tingting , Zhong Yuyue , Blennow Andreas
Published: March 2022

As biodegradable and eco-friendly bio-resources, polysaccharides from a wide range of sources show steadily increasing interest. The increasing fossil-based production of materials are heavily associated with environmental and climate concerns, these biopolymers are addressing such concerns in important areas such as food and biomedical applications. Among polysaccharides, high amylose starch (HAS) has made major progress to marketable products due to its unique properties and enhanced nutritional values in food applications. While high amylose-maize, wheat, barley and potato are commercially available, HAS variants of other crops have been developed recently and is expected to be commercially available in the near future. This review edifies various forms and processing techniques used to produce HAS-based polymers and composites addressing their favorable properties as compared to normal starch. Low toxic and high compatibility natural plasticizers are of great concern in the processing of HAS. Further emphasis, is also given to some essential film properties such as mechanical and barrier properties for HAS-based materials. The functionality of HAS-based functionality can be improved by using different fillers as well as by modulating the inherent structures of HAS. We also identify specific opportunities for HAS-based food and biomedical fabrications aiming to produce cheaper, better, and more eco-friendly materials. We acknowledge that a multidisciplinary approach is required to achieve further improvement of HAS-based products providing entirely new types of sustainable materials.
Influence of Content in D Isomer and Incorporation of SBA-15 Silica on the Crystallization Ability and Mechanical Properties in PLLA Based Materials
Authors: Díez-Rodríguez Tamara M. , Blázquez-Blázquez Enrique , Pérez Ernesto , Cerrada María L.
Published: March 2022

Two L-rich polylactides (PLLA) with distinct contents in D isomer and their composites with an intermediate amount of mesoporous Santa Barbara Amorphous-15 (SBA-15) (about 9 wt.%) particles were attained by melt extrusion for the evaluation of the effect of content in D isomer and incorporation of mesoporous silica on the structural PLLA features and on their ultimate mechanical performance. For that, samples have been crystallized under dynamic and isothermal tests (from the melt and from the glassy states). The results from DSC and X-ray diffraction show obtainment of the pure α’ and α modifications at different intervals of crystallization temperature depending on the D steroisomer amount of the PLLA used. Furthermore, several phase transitions are observed depending on the crystallinity reached and the polymorphs developed during the isothermal crystallization from the glass: an additional cold crystallization, the α’/α transformation and the subsequent melting process, appearing all of them at temperatures clearly dependent on the D content. Rigidity, measured through microhardness in amorphous samples, is also affected by the D isomer and the presence of SBA-15 particles. Reinforcement effect of mesoporous silica is relatively more important in the matrix with the highest D content.
Stabilizing Effect of Soluplus on Erlotinib Metastable Crystal Form in Microparticles and Amorphous Solid Dispersions
Authors: Jia Shuyu , Ning Shangqi , Leng Yuting , Jing Qiufang , Xu Zhongyu , Ren Fuzheng
Published: March 2022

Microparticles (MPs) and amorphous solid dispersions (SDs) are effective methods to improve the dissolution of insoluble drugs. However, stability is a concern for these two high-energy systems, resulting from high surface area and amorphous polymorph, respectively. As an amphiphilic polymer, Soluplus (SOL) is usually used as a carrier in SDs. In this study, erlotinib microparticles (ERL MPs) and erlotinib solid dispersions (ERL SDs) were prepared with SOL by bottom-up technology and solvent evaporation. The solid-state properties of ERL MPs and ERL SDs were characterized by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Powder X-Ray Diffraction (PXRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The ERL MPs existed in a metastable crystal form A while the ERL SDs existed in an amorphous state. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) showed that there was a hydrogen bond interaction between the N-H group of ERL and the carbonyl group of SOL in ERL MPs and SDs. The dissolution profiles of ERL SDs and ERL MPs were improved significantly. ERL MPs showed better stability than ERL SDs in accelerated stability test. The discrepant stabilizing effects of polymer SOL in two systems may provide effective ideas for solubilization of insoluble drugs and the stability of drugs after recrystallization.
Tribological and Antibacterial Properties of Polyetheretherketone Composites with Black Phosphorus Nanosheets
Authors: Sun Xuhui , Yu Chengcheng , Zhang Lin , Cao Jingcao , Kaleli Emrullah Hakan , Xie Guoxin
Published: March 2022

Over the past few decades, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) artificial bone joint materials faced problems of poor wear resistance and easy infection, which are not suitable for the growing demand of bone joints. The tribological behavior and wear mechanism of polyetheretherketone (PEEK)/polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with black phosphorus (BP) nanosheets have been investigated under dry sliding friction. Compared with pure PEEK, the COF of PEEK/10 wt% PTFE/0.5 wt% BP was reduced by about 73% (from 0.369 to 0.097) and the wear rate decreased by approximately 95% (from 1.0 × 10−4 mm3/(N m) to 5.1 × 10−6 mm3/(N m)) owing to the lubrication of the BP transfer film. Moreover, BP can endow the PEEK composites with excellent biological wettability and antibacterial properties. The antibacterial rate of PEEK/PTFE/BP was assessed to be over 99.9%, which might help to solve the problem of PEEK implant inflammation. After comprehensive evaluation in this research, 0.5 wt% BP nanosheet-filled PEEK/PTFE material displayed the optimum lubrication and antibacterial properties, and thus could be considered as a potential candidate for its application in biomedical materials.
Modification of Polydiallyldimethylammonium Chloride with Sodium Polystyrenesulfonate Dramatically Changes the Resistance of Polymer-Based Coatings towards Wash-Off from Both Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Surfaces
Authors: Pigareva Vladislava A. , Senchikhin Ivan N. , Bolshakova Anastasia V. , Sybachin Andrey V.
Published: March 2022

Polymer coatings based on polycations represent a perspective class of protective antimicrobial coatings. Polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDADMAC) and its water-soluble complexes with sodium polystyrenesulfonate (PSS) were studied by means of dynamic light-scattering, laser microelectrophoresis and turbidimetry. It was shown that addition of six mol.% of polyanion to polycation results in formation of interpolyelectrolyte complex (IPEC) that was stable towards phase separation in water-salt media with a concentration of salts (NaCl, CaCl2, Na2SO4, MgSO4) up to 0.5 M. Most of the polyelectrolyte coatings are made by layer-by-layer deposition. The utilization of water-soluble IPEC for the direct deposition on the surface was studied. The coatings from the PDADMAC and the PSS/PDADMAC complex were formed on the surfaces of hydrophilic glass and hydrophobic polyvinylchloride. It was found that formation IPEC allows one to increase the stability of the coating towards wash-off with water in comparison to individual PDADMAC coating on both types of substrates. The visualization of the coatings was performed by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.
Strength, Elastic Properties and Fiber–Matrix Interaction Mechanism in Geopolymer Composites
Authors: Arredondo Susana P. , Corral Ramón , Valenciano A. , Rosas Carlos A. , Gómez Jose M. , Medina Teresita J. , Soto Magnolia , Bernal Jesús M.
Published: March 2022

The current geopolymers have limited mechanical strength against the effect of tension, which makes them susceptible to brittle failure. However, owing to their potential as a sustainable construction material, there is growing interest in improving the poor mechanical properties of geopolymers. This study experimentally investigated crucial properties of polypropylene-fiber-reinforced fly ash-based geopolymer composites. The effects of polypropylene fibers (PPF) addition (0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% by volume) on the mechanical properties of the geopolymer composites were investigated with respect to compressive and flexural strength, deformation behavior of Young’s and shear moduli, and resilience capacity. In addition, scanning electron microscopy was performed to establish the morphology of the geopolymeric matrix and the fiber–matrix interfacial interaction. The addition of PPF significantly increased the flexural strength: compared with the control, at 7 days it was 27% greater for the 0.5% PPF composite and 65% greater for the 1.0% PPF composite. By 14 days it was 31% and 61% greater, respectively. By contrast, the 1.5% PPF composite had lower strength parameters compared with the control because the fiber dispersion increased the porosity. Similar trends were seen for resilience. The SEM observations showed the dispersion of the fibers and helped elucidate the fiber–matrix interaction mechanism.
Effects of Varying Levels of Dietary DL-Methionine Supplementation on Breast Meat Quality of Male and Female Broilers
Authors: Pokoo-Aikins Anthony , Timmons Jennifer Rumsey , Min Byungrok Rok , Lee William Robert , Mwangi Samuel Njoroge , McDonough Callie Megan , Chen Chongxiao
Published: March 2022

This study evaluated the effects of feeding varying levels of dietary DL-methionine (MET) supplementation on breast meat (BM) quality of broilers of different sex. The 1-day-old, sexed chicks (Ross 708, 1552) were randomly allocated into four groups (each with 4 replicates) and were raised with diets supplemented with 0, 0.5, 1, or 2 g MET/kg of feed to a common weight (2.72 kg). Color, pH, drip loss (DL), water-holding capacity, moisture uptake, cooking yield (CY), texture, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and lipid oxidation (LO) were determined using BM samples harvested 24 h postmortem. The male BM had higher redness, TAC, firmness, and toughness but lower yellowness (p < 0.01) than the female BM. In both sexes, birds fed 0.5 g/kg MET had lower DL (p < 0.01) than those fed 1 and 2 g/kg MET. For storage up to 3 days, MET suppressed LO in cooked BM (p < 0.01) and suppression increased as MET increased. CY for 1 and 2 g/kg MET were higher (p < 0.01; 79.04 and 78.60%, respectively) than CY for 0 and 0.5 g/kg MET (66.18 and 68.03%, respectively). These results suggest that MET supplementation at 1 g/kg or higher for broilers can improve oxidative stability, muscle functionality, and breast meat CY.
Cedrus atlantica (Endl.) Manetti ex Carrière Essential Oil Alleviates Pain and Inflammation with No Toxicity in Rodent
Authors: Al Kamaly Omkulthom , Saleh Asmaa , Al Sfouk Aisha , Alanazi Ashwag S. , Parvez Mohammad Khalid , Ousaaid Driss , Assouguem Amine , Mechchate Hamza , Bouhrim Mohamed
Published: March 2022

Cedrus atlantica (Endl.) Manetti ex Carrière is an endemic tree with spiritual value, and it was used since immemorial time in folk medicine. The present study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory (carrageenan-induced paw edema and formalin tests) and analgesic effects (hot plate and acetic acid writhing tests) of the cedarwood essential oil, as well as inspect any toxicity (acute toxicity), using several in vivo assays. Following the acetic acid writhing test and the hot plate test, the EO presented an excellent analgesic effect compared to the controls, especially with the dose of 50 mg/kg. Similar results were found while assessing the anti-inflammatory potential in the carrageenan-induced paw edema and formalin assays. The acute toxicity assessment and the subsequent monitoring of the animals, the biochemical analysis, and the relative organ weight, demonstrated a total safety of the EO. The GC/MS analysis of the composition revealed that the major compounds contained in this EO are beta-himachalene (51.95%), followed by alpha-himachalene (15.82%), and gamma-himachalene (12.15%). This study supports the usage of this tree EO to alleviate pain and inflammation.
Quality Characteristics and Antioxidant Activity of Fresh Noodles Formulated with Flour-Bran Blends Varied by Particle Size and Blend Ratio of Purple-Colored Wheat Bran
Authors: Park Gyuna , Cho Hyejin , Kim Kyeonghoon , Kweon Meera
Published: March 2022

This study explored the noodle-making performance of flour blends with different particle sizes and blending ratios of purple-colored wheat bran and their antioxidant properties. The bran particle size was reduced using an ultra-centrifugal mill equipped with 1, 0.5, and 0.2 mm sieves. The damaged starch and swelling capacity of the bran were analyzed. Quality of the flour-bran blends at different blending ratios was analyzed by solvent retention capacity (SRC). Noodles made from the blends and their corresponding antioxidant activities were examined. The damaged starch and swelling capacity of bran were higher for smaller particles than for larger particles. Water and sodium carbonate SRC values of blends increased as the bran particle size decreased. The smaller the bran particles incorporated in the cooked noodles, the greater firmness and springiness measured. The antioxidant activity of noodles made with blends reflected better embedding of the small particles of bran than the large particles into noodle sheets. Small bran particles significantly enhanced noodles’ quality and antioxidant activity at higher blending ratios than large bran particles. Particle size reduction of bran enhanced the noodle-making performance of flour blended with purple-colored wheat bran; this could increase the utilization of bran to produce noodles with health benefits.
Pilot-Scale Experimental Study of a New High-Loading Absorbent for Capturing CO2 from Flue Gas
Authors: Ye Yi , Zhao Xinglei , Chen Jian , Fang Mengxiang
Published: March 2022

Chemical absorbents with low-energy requirements have become the primary focus of the research on CO2 capture from flue gas in power plants. To verify the absorption performance of the NICE absorbent developed by the National Institute of Clean-and-Low-Carbon Energy in China, a performance optimization test was conducted in Zhejiang University’s pilot-scale platform, and the effects of the liquid–gas ratio, regeneration pressure, rich liquid fractional flow, and interstage cooling on the absorption performance and regeneration energy consumption were investigated. The results showed that in the CO2 pilot test, the optimized minimum regeneration energy consumption was 2.85 GJ/t CO2, and the corresponding process parameters were as follows: a liquid–gas ratio of 1.82 L/m3, regeneration pressure of 191 kPa, an interstage cooling temperature of 40 °C, and a rich liquid fractional flow ratio of 0.18. This study preliminarily verified the low-energy consumption performance of the NICE absorbent and showed its good potential for industrial applications. Additionally, the NICE absorbent showed promise for capital and operating cost savings because of its low liquid–gas ratio.
Eulerian–Lagrangian–Eulerian Simulations of Two-Phase Minimum Quantity Lubrication Flow in Internal Drill Bit Channels
Authors: Falcone Manuel , Buss Lizoel , Fritsching Udo
Published: March 2022

The goal of reducing oil consumption for lubrication of machining processes can be achieved by means of minimum quantity lubrication (MQL). In minimum quantity lubrication, the cutting fluid is a mixture of air and oil where only a small amount of the latter is added to the mixture. However, this reduced oil consumption must not be detrimental to the effectiveness of the machining process. In order to analyze the performance of minimum quantity lubrication, the two-phase fluid dynamics of the MQL dispersion fluid has to be investigated. In the present work, this two-phase flow for internal lubrication of a drilling process was studied by means of numerical modeling and simulation based on an Eulerian–Lagrangian–Eulerian (ELE) model. The Eulerian–Lagrangian–Eulerian model can properly describe the transition between the aerosol and wall liquid film two-phase flow. Attention was focused on the flow in the internal channels of a twist drill. A parametric study was carried out in order to disclose the effects of three different relevant parameters, namely the oil droplet diameter and the mass flow rate at the channel inlet and the drill bit rotational speed, on the MQL cutting fluid flow quality inside the drill bit channel and at the channel outlet.
Developing a New Algorithm to Design Thermo-Vapor Compressors Using Dimensionless Parameters: A CFD Approach
Authors: Malakootikhah Mohammad , Valizadehderakhshan Mehrab , Shahbazi Abolghasem , Mehrabani-Zeinabad Arjomand
Published: March 2022

This paper aims to propose a new algorithm for designing thermal vapor compressors (TVCs) using given operation parameters. First, an axisymmetric model was used to simulate a TVC, and the results were compared with those from published experimental results. A simulation set was designed to analyze the TVC dimensions, and then statistically-significant parameters (p-value < 0.05) were chosen for the subsequent studies. Thereafter, three parametric lengths were defined and a model presenting entrainment ratio (ER) was developed using a set of simulation results. The obtained characteristic equation allows us to scale (up or down) the TVC to different capacities, calculate the real-time sizes or predict the performance. It was found that the critical “TVC/primary nozzle” throat diameter ratio is constant in every scale-up study, depending on operation conditions. By establishing a characteristic graph, the approach was expanded for a broader algorithm. The comparative results revealed that this approach is able to predict the ER for every scaling study with an error of less than 2.8%. This approach can be used to devise TVCs ejectors using any given ER and capacity within the ranges of possible usage.
Research and Application of Power Grid Maintenance Scheduling Strategy under the Interactive Mode of New Energy and Electrolytic Aluminum Load
Authors: Zhang Bin , Shu Hongchun , Si Dajun , Li Wenyun , He Jinding , Yan Wenlin
Published: March 2022

Formulating a reasonable and feasible unit maintenance scheme is a promising way to eliminate potential risks and improve the reliability of power systems. However, the uncertainty and volatility of new energy outputs, such as wind power, increase the difficulty of scheme formulation. To overcome the complexity of uncertainty, a robust unit maintenance scheme considering the uncertainty of new energy output and electrolytic aluminum load is established in this paper. Considering the significant time-series characteristics of new energy, this paper first introduces the definition and mathematical model of information granulation (IG), through which the initial new energy output data can be transformed into fuzzy particles used for prediction and analysis. Moreover, a support-vector machine (SVM) regression prediction model is adopted, and a corresponding progressive search algorithm is designed to determine SVM parameters efficiently. Then, a robust unit maintenance model is established considering the upper and lower predicted error. In addition, electrolytic aluminum loads are allowed to participate in power system dispatch. Finally, the modified reliability test system–Grid Modernization Lab Consortium (RTS–GMLC test system) and an actual power grid in Southwest China are used to verify the accuracy and feasibility of the proposed method.
Diamond Open Access in Norway 2017–2020
Authors: Frantsvåg Jan
Published: March 2022

We see from information published elsewhere that Gold OA is on the increase globally. The OA Diamond study indicates that Diamond OA is an important component of scholarly communications, with an estimated 8–9% of the total global scholarly output. These numbers, however, are on a global scale and are not necessarily representative of any given country; country case studies are needed to find this information. Norway is a country where the government has declared a 100% OA goal and most research has public funding. Norway has good financing structures for various models of OA, and it has a national CRIS system. This study tries to find and present numbers for articles in scholarly journals to describe both recent developments and relative numbers for Norway as a whole, and for scholarly fields in Norway, with regards to Diamond OA. Numbers for and development of Gold OA will also be given and commented upon to some extent.
Do Kentucky Kami Drink Bourbon? Exploring Parallel Glocalization in Global Shinto Offerings
Authors: Ugoretz Kaitlyn
Published: March 2022

Scholars of Japanese religion have recently drawn attention to the global repositioning, “greening”, and international popularization of Shinto. However, research on Shinto ritual practice and material religion continues to focus predominantly on cases located within the borders of the Japanese state. This article explores the globalization of Shinto through transnational practitioners’ strategic glocalization of everyday ritual practices outside of Japan. Drawing upon digital ethnographic fieldwork conducted in online Shinto communities, I examine three case studies centering on traditional ritual offerings made at the domestic altar (kamidana): rice, sake, and sakaki branches. I investigate how transnational Shinto communities hold in tension a multiplicity of particularistic understandings of Shinto locality and authenticity when it comes to domestic ritual practice. While relativistic approaches to glocalization locate the sacred and authentic in an archetypical or idealized form of Japanese tradition rooted in its environment, creolization and transformation valorize the particularities of one’s personal surroundings and circumstances. Examining these strategies alongside recent and historical cases in Shinto ritual at shrines within Japan, I propose that attending to processes of “parallel glocalization” helps to illuminate the quasi-fictive notion of the religious “homeland” and close the perceived gap in authenticity between ritual practices at home and abroad.
Existential Issues in Old Age as Narrated by Older People—An Interview Study from Norway
Authors: Olafsson Åsta Marie , Rykkje Linda
Published: March 2022

Background: Research about the importance of existential issues and individuals’ responses to them in old age is growing. This study aimed to explore older Norwegians’ thoughts and experiences related to existential issues and whether or not they wanted to talk about existential concerns with others. The theoretical framework includes Yalom’s ultimate concerns and Tornstam’s theory of gerotranscendence. Methods: Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with eleven home-dwelling older persons, five men and six women aged 73–91 years, all residing in a larger Norwegian town. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Four main themes and two subthemes regarding the participants’ existential reflections emerged concerning loneliness, death, and meaning. Some participants increased their interest in existential issues in old age, and only a few participants desired deeper conversations about existential issues. Conclusions: The participants were mostly satisfied with life, mainly did not feel lonely and were not afraid of death. Existential meaning was experienced on a horizontal level rather than a transcendent level. Although few openly wanted existential conversations, most participants conveyed a positive interview experience, suggesting that if existential conversations were offered, they would be valuable to older people.
An Overview on the Landscape of R Packages for Open Source Scorecard Modelling
Authors: Szepannek Gero
Published: March 2022

The credit scoring industry has a long tradition of using statistical models for loan default probability prediction. Since this time methodology has strongly evolved, and most of the current research is dedicated to modern machine learning algorithms which contrasts with common practice in the finance industry where traditional regression models still denote the gold standard. In addition, strong emphasis is put on a preliminary binning of variables. Reasons for this may be not only the regulatory requirement of model comprehensiveness but also the possibility to integrate analysts’ expert knowledge in the modelling process. Although several commercial software companies offer specific solutions for modelling credit scorecards, open-source frameworks for this purpose have been missing for a long time. In recent years, this has changed, and today several R packages for credit scorecard modelling are available. This brings the potential to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial practice. The aim of this paper is to give a structured overview of these packages. It may guide users to select the appropriate functions for the desired purpose. Furthermore, this paper will hopefully contribute to future development activities.
Susceptibility Assessment of Debris Flows Coupled with Ecohydrological Activation in the Eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Jiang Hu , Zou Qiang , Zhou Bin , Hu Zhenru , Li Cong , Yao Shunyu , Yao Hongkun
Published: March 2022

The eastern margin of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is an extreme topography transition zone, and characterized by significant vegetation zonation, in addition to geographic features (such as enormous topographic relief and active tectonics) that control the occurrence of debris flows, which are rapid, surging flows of water-charged clastic sediments moving along a steep channel and are one of the most dangerous mountain hazards in this region. There is thus an urgent need in this region to conduct a regional-scale debris flow susceptibility assessment to determine the spatial likelihood of a debris flow occurrence and guarantee the safety of people and property, in addition to the smooth operation of the Sichuan-Tibet transport corridor. It is, however, a challenging task to estimate the region’s debris flow susceptibility while taking into consideration the comprehensive impacts of vegetation on the occurrence of debris flows, such as the positive effect of root anchoring and the negative effect of vegetation weight loads. In this study, a novel regional-scale susceptibility assessment method was constructed by integrating state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms (such as support vector classification (SVC), random forest (RF), and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGB)) with the removing outliers (RO) algorithm and particle swarm optimization (PSO), allowing the impacts of vegetation on debris flow initiation to be integrated with the topographical conditions, hydrological conditions, and geotechnical conditions. This method is finally applied to assess the regional-scale susceptibility of debris flows in the Dadu River basin on the eastern margin of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The study results show that (i) all hybrid machine learning techniques can effectively predict the occurrence of debris flows in the extreme topography transition zone; (ii) the hybrid machine learning technique RO-PSO-SVC has the best performance, and its accuracy (ACC) is 0.946 and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) is 0.981; (iii) the RO-PSO algorithm improves SVC, RF, and XGB performance (according to the ACC value) by 3.84%, 2.59%, and 5.94%, respectively; and (iv) the contribution rate of ecology-related variables is almost only one-tenth that of topography- and hydrology-related factors, according to the factor important analysis for RO-PSO-SVC. Furthermore, debris flow susceptibility maps for the Dadu River basin were created, which can be used to assess and mitigate debris flow hazards.
Wind Speed Retrieval Using Global Precipitation Measurement Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar Ka-Band Data at Low Incidence Angles
Authors: Jiang Chong , Ren Lin , Yang Jingsong , Xu Qing , Dai Jinyuan
Published: March 2022

In this study, sea surface wind speed was retrieved using the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) dual-frequency precipitation radar (DPR) Ka-band data. In order to establish the Ka-band model at low incidence angles, the dependence of the DPR Ka-band normalized radar cross section (NRCS) on the wind speed, incidence angle, sea surface temperature (SST), significant wave height (SWH), and sea surface current speed (CSPD) was analyzed first. We confirmed that the normalized radar cross section depends on the wind speed, incidence angle, and SST. Second, an empirical model at low incidence angles was established. This model links the Ka-band NRCS to the incidence angle, wind speed, and SST. Additionally, the wind speed was retrieved by the model and was validated via the GPM Microwave Imager (GMI) wind product. The validation yielded a root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.45 m/s and the RMSE was better at a lower incidence angle and a higher SST. This model may expand the use of GPM DPR data in enriching the sea surface wind speed data set. It is also helpful for other Ka-band spaceborne radars at low incidence angles to measure wind speed in the future.
Numerical Simulation and Observational Data Analysis of Mesoscale Eddy Effects on Surface Waves in the South China Sea
Authors: Wang Jin , Bethel Brandon J. , Dong Changming , Li Chunhui , Cao Yuhan
Published: March 2022

Surface current velocities of mesoscale eddies have a unique annular structure, which can inevitably influence surface wave properties and energy distribution. Sensitivity experiments of ideal mesoscale eddies on waves were carried out by the Simulating WAves Nearshore (SWAN) wave model to investigate these influences. In addition, China–France Oceanography SATellite Surface Wave Investigation and Monitoring (CFOSAT-SWIM) observational data of a large warm-cored eddy in the South China Sea (SCS) during the period of October–November 2019 were used to validate the influence of mesoscale eddies on waves. The results illustrated that mesoscale eddies can alter wave properties (wave height, period, and steepness) by 20–30%. Moreover, wave direction could also be modified by 30°–40°. The current effect on waves (CEW) was more noticeable with strong currents and weak winds, and was governed by wave age and the ratio of wave group velocity to current velocity. Wave spectra clearly indicated that current-induced variability in wave energy distribution happens on a spatial scale of 5–90 km (i.e., the sub- and mesoscales). Through comparing the difference of wave energy on both sides of an eddy perpendicular to the wave propagation direction in an eddy, a simple way to trace the footprints of waves on eddies was devised.
Robust Filter-Based Visual Navigation Solution with Miscalibrated Bi-Monocular or Stereo Cameras
Authors: Vivet Damien , Vilà-Valls Jordi , Pages Gaël , Chaumette Eric
Published: March 2022

This work addressed the problem of miscalibration or decalibration of mobile stereo/bi-monocular camera setups. We especially focused on the context of autonomous vehicles. In real-world conditions, any optical system is subject to various mechanical stresses, caused by vibration, rough handling, collisions, or even thermal expansion. Such mechanical stresses change the stereo pair geometry, and as a consequence, the pre-calculated epipolar geometry or any geometric-based approach is no longer valid. The standard method, which consists of estimating the calibration online, fails in such harsh conditions. The proposed method was based on a robust linearly constrained state estimation technique able to mitigate the model mismatch without estimating the model parameters. Therefore, our solution was able to mitigate the errors with negligible use of additional computing resources. We propose to use a linearly constrained extended Kalman filter for a stereo-based visual odometry or simultaneous localization and mapping approach. Simulations confirmed that the method kept the system (and objects of the map) localized in real-time even with huge miscalibration errors and parameter variations. The results confirmed that the method was robust to a miscalibration of all the extrinsic calibration parameters even when the standard online calibration procedure failed.
Identifying Grassland Distribution in a Mountainous Region in Southwest China Using Multi-Source Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Yuan Yixin , Wen Qingke , Zhao Xiaoli , Liu Shuo , Zhu Kunpeng , Hu Bo
Published: March 2022

Southwest China has abundant grassland resources, but they are mainly scattered across fragmented mountainous terrain with frequently cloudy and rainy weather, making their accurate identification by remote sensing challenging. Therefore, the goal of this study was to generate prefecture-level city-scale mountainous grassland distribution data to support the development of sustainable grassland husbandry. Here, we proposed a sample selection method and comprehensively utilized multi-source data to obtain the quasi-10 m southwest grassland distribution data. The sample selection method was to first determine the sample selection range based on multi-source land use/cover database, and then to randomly select the samples under the constraint of secondary land use types, multiple factors of terrain and pure pixels. This method can deal with the difficulty in identifying the fragmented grassland distribution caused by steep mountains and hills. In addition, a multispectral time series dataset was constructed based on the fusion of Landsat 8 OLI and Sentinel-2A/B data due to cloudy and rainy weather and was used as one of the input features along with synthetic aperture radar Sentinel-1 time series data and the terrain multi-factor data. Finally, a remote sensing method to accurately identify grassland distribution in southwest China was constructed based on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform. Taking Zhaotong City, a prefecture-level city in Yunnan Province, as an example, a thematic map of grassland distribution with an overall accuracy of 88.21% was obtained using the above method. This map has been used by the local government of Zhaotong City in their planning of the development of sustainable grassland husbandry.
Evaluating the Performance of Two Inter-Frequency Code Bias (IFCB) Models in Combined Precise Point Positioning (PPP)
Authors: Zhao Ban , Xiong Yongliang
Published: March 2022

The main purpose of this article is to evaluate the comprehensive performance of two inter-frequency code bias (IFCB) models using undifferenced and uncombined observations. These two IFCB models estimate IFCB parameters for each GLONASS satellite (EG model) and IFCB parameters using a quadratic function of frequency channels K (K = −7…6) (QF model). The data sampled in 30 s from 140 stations of the IGS network on 1–7 September 2021, are used for this study. We analyze all the combinations, including the GLONASS data, from the perspective of positioning accuracy, convergence time, and data utilization. The results show that the positioning accuracy of these two IFCB models for the same combination is comparable in three directions in both static and kinematic modes under long-term observation; the positioning accuracies of each IFCB model for all the combinations are almost the same in three directions in static mode, and the positioning accuracy of the combinations including the GPS data in three directions is better than that of the combinations not including the GPS data for kinematic mode. For some combinations, such as GLONSS-only and GPS/GLONASS, the convergence time of the EG model is better than that of the QF model, but the improvement rate does not exceed 22%. However, for other combinations, such as GLONASS/BDS and GLONASS/BDS/GALILEO, the convergence time of the QF model is better than that of the EG model, and the improvement rate in some directions is more than 50%. For the combinations including GPS data, the data utilization of the EG and QF models are almost the same for both static and kinematic modes; however, for combinations without GPS data, the data utilization of the QF model is better than that of the EG model. For these two IFCB models (EG and QF models), all combinations can achieve the set accuracy thresholds in three directions, but the EG model has more parameters to estimate than the QF model. From the perspectives of positioning accuracy, solution convergence time, data utilization, and the number of estimated parameters for each IFCB model, we suggest that the IFCB should be estimated using the QF model when performing combined PPP for different combinations.
Modelling Within-Season Variation in Light Use Efficiency Enhances Productivity Estimates for Cropland
Authors: Wellington Michael J. , Kuhnert Petra , Renzullo Luigi J. , Lawes Roger
Published: March 2022

Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) for cropland is often estimated using a fixed value for maximum light use efficiency (LUEmax) which is reduced to light use efficiency (LUE) by environmental stress scalars. This may not reflect variation in LUE within a crop season, and environmental stress scalars developed for ecosystem scale modelling may not apply linearly to croplands. We predicted LUE on several vegetation indices, crop type, and agroclimatic predictors using supervised random forest regression with training data from flux towers. Using a fixed LUEmax and environmental stress scalars produced an overestimation of GPP with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 6.26 gC/m2/day, while using predicted LUE from random forest regression produced RMSEs of 0.099 and 0.404 gC/m2/day for models with and without crop type as a predictor, respectively. Prediction uncertainty was greater for the model without crop type. These results show that LUE varies between crop type, is dynamic within a crop season, and LUE models that reflect this are able to produce much more accurate estimates of GPP over cropland than using fixed LUEmax with stress scalars. Therefore, we suggest a paradigm shift from setting the LUE variable in cropland productivity models based on environmental stress to focusing more on the variation of LUE within a crop season.
Application of Multispectral Remote Sensing for Mapping Flood-Affected Zones in the Brumadinho Mining District (Minas Gerais, Brasil)
Authors: Ammirati Lorenzo , Chirico Rita , Di Martire Diego , Mondillo Nicola
Published: March 2022

The collapse of the tailing “Dam B1” of the Córrego do Feijão Mine (Brumadinho, Brasil) that occurred in January 2019 is considered a large socio-environmental flood-disaster where numerous people died and the local flora and fauna were seriously affected, including agricultural areas of the Paraopeba River. This study aims to map the land area affected by the flood by using multispectral satellite images. To pursue this aim, Level-2A multispectral images from the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-2 sensor were acquired before and after the tailing dam collapse in the period 2019–2021. The pre- and post-failure event analysis allowed us to evidence drastic changes in the vegetation rate, as well as in the nature of soils and surficial waters. The spectral signatures of the minerals composing the mining products allowed us to highlight the effective area covered by the flood and to investigate the evolution of land properties after the disaster. This technique opens the possibility for quickly classifying areas involved in floods, as well as obtaining significant information potentially useful for monitoring and planning the reclamation and restoration activities in similar cases worldwide, representing an additional tool for evaluating the environmental issues related to mining operations in large areas at high temporal resolution.