bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Petroleum‐contamination drives the shift of microbiome through modifying soil metallome
Authors: Liu Zhe , Gu Meixia , Zhu Wei , Zhang Mengru , Zhou Weizhi
Published: March 2022

Soil oil‐pollution is one of the most severe environmental issues at present. Shifts of soil metallome and microbiome are essential indicators for risk assessment and remediation of field soil pollutions. However, how soil metallome and microbiome react to petroleum‐contamination is not well studied. In this research, soil samples were collected from a short‐term and long‐term petroleum‐contaminated oil field. The soil physicochemical properties, metallome, microbiome, and soil microbial networks were investigated. Results showed that the contents of soil total petroleum hydrocarbon, total carbon, total nitrogen, total sulfur, total phosphorus, calcium, copper, manganese, lead, and zinc were increased by petroleum‐contamination because petroleum is rich in these elements. In contrast, the soil pH was lowered resulting from soil sulfur oxidation regardless of the petroleum pollution duration. Petroleum‐contamination also reduced bacterial and fungal α‐diversity indices because of the selective pressure of petroleum. Furthermore, bacterial α‐diversity was negatively correlated with soil total petroleum hydrocarbon content and electrical conductivity, and fungal α‐diversity was negatively correlated with soil electrical conductivity. Moreover, the relative abundances of Proteobacteria, Ascomycota, Oleibacter, and Fusarium in soil were increased by petroleum‐contamination. Network analysis showed that number of links, modules, and the network invulnerability decreased in short‐term contaminated soil, followed by the long‐term contaminated group, and the main reason should be the environmental disturbance caused by petroleum‐contamination. These results demonstrate that short‐term heavy petroleum contamination can cause shifts in soil physicochemical properties, metallome, and microbiome and assemble a less complex and vulnerable soil microbial network. Moreover, natural restoration can hardly amend soil properties and microbial network structure. This research emphasizes that the uncommonly studied soil metallome may play a vital part in the reaction of microbial communities to petroleum‐contamination.
High‐resolution mapping of soil pollution by Cu and Ni at a polar industrial barren area using proximal and remote sensing
Authors: Dvornikov Yury , Slukovskaya Marina , Yaroslavtsev Alexey , Meshalkina Joulia , Ryazanov Alexey , Sarzhanov Dmitrii , Vasenev Vyacheslav
Published: March 2022

Industrial pollution by potentially toxic elements (PTE) remains a key environmental threat, resulting in soil and ecosystem degradation. Remediation of the industrial barrens is challenging in polar regions, where plant growth is hampered by severe climatic conditions. High‐resolution mapping of soil pollution is needed to support soil remediation and management projects. The distribution of nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu) was analyzed in the topsoil within the industrial barren around the Ni and Cu smelter in Kola Peninsula, Russia using a field‐portable XRF analyzer. Bulk Cu and Ni contents were measured at 84 observation points within the area of two hectares planned for remediation. The PTE content varied between 0.2 and 9.0 g kg−1 for Cu and between 0.2 and 21 g kg−1 for Ni. The area was surveyed with unmanned aerial vehicles and differential global navigation satellite systems to obtain a high‐accuracy digital terrain model for exploring the factors behind the spatial variability. Field observations were interpolated by regression kriging with different input resolution of auxiliary data (0.5–1.0–1.5–2.0 m) and different regression models (gradient boosting machines and multiple linear regression). Model performance and validation showed that 1.0–1.5 m resolution of auxiliary data were the best for projecting Cu and Ni topsoil contents within the study site. The soil type and topographic wetness index were the most important variables explaining Cu and Ni content variability.
Soil losses due to leek and groundnut root crop harvesting: An unstudied regional problem in Turkey
Authors: Parlak Mehmet , Everest Timuçin , Tunçay Tülay , Caballero‐Calvo Andrés , Rodrigo‐Comino Jesus
Published: March 2022

Soil loss from root crops is an increasingly significant problem studied for some species, such as potatoes, sugar beets, carrots, celery, and onions. It reduces soil fertility and, subsequently, soil productivity. For leek (Allium porrum) and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea), however, there is little information to date. More research on this topic could help farmers reduce the process of soil degradation. In some countries, such as Turkey, the production of these crops is perennial to supporting rural communities and ensuring food security. Therefore, it is important to quantify soil losses from leek and groundnut crops in Turkey. This study investigated the factors affecting soil losses and the cost of nutrients lost with the transported soil by analyzing randomly selected plants from 45 harvested leek and groundnut plots. Our results showed that soil losses reached 3.99 Mg ha−1 per harvest for leek and 1.04 Mg ha−1 for groundnut. Prevailing soil moisture explained 59% of the variability in the leek harvest and soil texture and bulk density for leek yield at harvest. In the groundnut harvest, 53% of the variability was explained by antecedent soil moisture and clay fraction for the groundnut yield at the time of harvest. The estimated annual cost of nutrients losses was $US 3.75 ha−1 for leek and $US 0.76 ha−1 for groundnut. It can be concluded that leek and groundnut harvesting causes soil and nutrient losses with considerable economic costs. Therefore, awareness should be raised among farmers and users. In addition, policymakers should consider the management of soil loss by crop harvesting (SLCH) processes.
Impact of disturbance on biomass, carbon, and nitrogen storage in vegetation and on soil properties of tropical dry deciduous forest in Chhattisgarh, India
Authors: Thakrey Manutai , Singh Lalji , Jhariya Manoj Kumar , Tomar Anurag , Singh Akhilesh Kumar , Toppo Shalini
Published: March 2022

The tropical deforestation due to biotic interference, land use change, and population explosion in Asian countries has attracted the global concern with respect to conservation and protection of forest resources. Indian soils are limited in terms of nutrient reserves and organic matters. Our present study deals the influence of disturbance on phytosociology, vegetation carbon (C), and nitrogen (N) along with soil properties of tropical deciduous forest in Chhattisgarh. The stratified random sampling technique was used for quantifying the vegetation. Results revealed that 43.75% species are rare in occurrence in undisturbed forest (UF), and in disturbed forest (DF) about 50% species showed rarity over the area as per the Raunkiaer frequency class of species rarity and commonness. Total density and basal cover were 1090 trees ha−1 and 28.16 m2 ha−1, respectively. in UF and was 190 trees ha−1 and 10.99 m2 ha−1 in DF. The disturbance resulted into 31.63% loss in total biomass in DF compared to UF. The increasing disturbances are altering the forests attributes in terms of poor standing stock, basal area, and diversity in DF. The concentration of dominance and beta diversity value was higher in DF. It may be increased due to influx of generalist species in DF. Stand biomass was found to be 3‐times higher in UF than the DF. Higher value of C and N stock and soil nutrient were found in UF. Thus, proper conservation, protection, and restoration of these forests should be the priority to improve the C pool and ecological services.
All‐Organic Filler with Fractal Structure for Reinforcement and Toughening of Aromatic Polyamide Film
Authors: Gao Yue , Lv Junwei , Gao Kexiong , Zhang Dajie , Luo Longbo , Liu Xiangyang
Published: March 2022

The simultaneous enhancement in strength and toughness seems to be an intrinsic contradiction in multiple material designs, including the structural regulation of polymer composites. In this study, benzimidazole‐containing aromatic‐polyamide thin films are used as typical rigid polymers with high strength and modulus to study their strength–toughness collaboration via a multi‐scaled stress distribution mechanism. A fully organic deformable filler with a fractal structure is designed. Utilizing the large‐scale deformability of the filler to absorb the energy and dislocation node structure of the filler to disperse the stress, the composite thin film is significantly toughened, which is reflected in the elongation at break increased by 144.9% and energy at break increased by 154.2%. In addition, the specific fractal structure of the filler provided a larger interaction area, which enhanced the interfacial bonding force and improved the strength of the film. Moreover, owing to the larger interaction area provided by the fractal structure, the interface bonding force between the filler and matrix due to the similar chemical structures is further improved and the tensile strength of the composite thin film is increased from 389.2 ± 11.98 to 426.2 ± 4.41 MPa.
Multi‐bubble blowup of focusing energy‐critical wave equation in dimension 6
Authors: Yi Yezhou , Zhao Lifeng
Published: March 2022

We consider the energy‐critical focusing wave equation
, and we prove the existence of infinite time blowup at the vertices of any regular polyhedron. The blowup rate of each bubble is asymptotic to
as
goes to
, where the constants
depend on the distances between the vertices. This result is an add‐on to previous constructions of blowup solutions of the energy‐critical wave equation.
Study on polyetheretherketone prepreg manufactured by aqueous system of powder impregnation
Authors: Li Yanrui , Li Yong , Huan Dajun , Chen Xiaodong , Li Lisha , Liu Hongquan , Wang Wuqiang , Wang Junsheng , Xiao Jun
Published: March 2022

Aiming to improve safety and stability in manufacturing poly‐ether‐ether‐ketone (PEEK) prepreg by powder impregnation, the aqueous system combined with surfactant and thickener was proposed in this paper. Based on surface tension method, the effects of surfactants and concentration on dispersion efficiency of PEEK powders were studied, and concentration of surfactants was determined. The effect of thickener concentration on suspension stability was analyzed, and ingredients of aqueous system were optimized by mechanical tests. The results show that, dispersion efficiency would reach maximum when surfactant concentration at critical micelle concentration, but not affected by the type of surfactant. Network association mechanism of thickener could improve stability of suspension, which holding time was increased from 40 min to 4 h. The good dispersion effect and long times stable system improved the coefficient variation of resin mass fraction, which was reduced from 7% to 4%. Compared with circulating system, the mechanical test results showed that the tensile strength kept unchanged, but interlayer properties were associated with carbon residue mass, the lower the residue carbon mass, the higher the interlayer strength retention rate, the optimized ingredient was Aerosol OT 75%E solution. Aqueous system has characteristics of safety, green, and low cost, which fits the demands of industrial production of prepreg.
Effects of midplane carbon nanotube sheet interleave on the strength and impact damage resistance of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites
Authors: Nasirmanesh Amir , Singh Abhendra K. , Villaflor Daniel , Blandford Benjamin
Published: March 2022

The effects of embedding a midplane carbon nanotube (CNT) sheet on the impact damage resistance, tensile strength and propensity for interlaminar shear failure in a carbon fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite is experimentally evaluated. External and internal damage in the impacted composite laminates were characterized via surface profilometry and ultrasonic C‐scan, respectively. The external dent areas and dent depths were greater for impacted laminates without the CNT sheet interleave, while the planar internal damage areas were greater for the impacted laminates with the CNT sheet. Destructive evaluation of the impacted laminates showed significant delaminations and matrix cracks in the vicinity of the midplane for the laminates with the CNT sheet, while damage was more distributed through the thickness in the non‐CNT sheet ones. While a single CNT sheet interleave did not significantly affect the tensile strength of the laminate, residual strength after impact and the corresponding strain to failure was higher because of the CNT sheet interleave. The propensity for interlaminar shear failure was greater for laminates without the CNT sheet than those with the CNT sheet.
Novel of (PLA/PCL blend)/Gd2O3 rare earth oxide nanocomposites: Shape memory effect, thermal, magnetic, and mechanical properties
Authors: Özen Öner Ecem , Pekdemir Mustafa Ersin , Ercan Ercan , Say Yakup , Kök Mediha , Aydoğdu Yıldırım
Published: March 2022

Poly ɛ‐caprolactone (PCL) and poly lactic acid (PLA) stand out as biocompatible polymers. In this study, PCL and PLA were blended in 40:60 ratio, respectively, and then the Gd2O3 compound, which is an important earth element oxide, was mixed in PLA–PCL shape memory polymer (SMP) blend at different rates and polymer blend nanocomposites were obtained. First of all, the effects of Gd2O3 oxide on the thermal properties of the SMP blend were determined with a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), and it was determined that Gd2O3 did not have a significant effect on the melting temperature of the blend, while it significantly increased its thermal stability. As a result of the XRD (X‐ray diffraction) analysis of the composites at room temperature, it was determined that the semicrystalline blend, with the addition of Gd2O3, increased its crystalline property. When the shape memory effect was examined, it was understood that the additive did not eliminate the shape memory effect. When the magnetic property of the gadolinium oxide‐doped composite, which is magnetocaloric oxide, was examined, the magnetic property of the composite changed from diamagnetic to paramagnetic with increasing additives. Finally, the mechanical properties of the shape memory blend composite were investigated and no regular changes were observed in the mechanical properties with increasing Gd2O3.
Synthesis and characterization of pH‐responsive water‐dispersed nanohydrogels of cross‐linked polyacrylamide‐co‐polyacrylic acid
Authors: Corona Rivera Miguel Angel , Cisneros Covarrubias Cándida Anahy , Fernández Escamilla Víctor Vladimir Amílcar , Mendizábal Mijares Eduardo , Pérez López José Elías
Published: March 2022

In the following article, stable nanohydrogels (NHGs) of poly (acrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) (PAAm‐co‐PAA) were synthesized by batch polymerization (BP) and semicontinuous (SP) polymerization processes. As crosslinking agents, N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide (NMBAM) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) were used; docusate sodium salt (AOT) was used as a surfactant. The initiators employed in this work were 2,2′‐Azobis(2‐methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (V‐50), potassium peroxydisulfate (KPS), peroxydisulfuric acid diammonium salt (APS), and dibenzoyl peroxide (BPO). The compositions of acrylamide/acrylic acid (AAm/AA) (90/10, 70/30, 50/50, w/w), the type of a crosslinking agent, and the type of initiator on pH response of water‐dispersed NHGs were investigated. The NHGs were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS). Latexes with average particle size (Dpz) from 53 to 125 nm were obtained using NMBAM and EGDMA by BP polymerization processes. In contrast, NHGs synthesized by SP polymerization processes showed a Dpz ranging from 73 to 125 nm using NMBAM and EGDMA. On the other hand, the Dpz of the NHGs dispersed in water was found to be from 126 to 302 nm with NMBAM and EGDMA, respectively. Furthermore, the Dpz of the NHGs depended on the pH; higher pH values produced high Dpz values. The spherical morphology was maintained at the studied pH.
Towards bifacial silicon heterojunction solar cells with reduced TCO use
Authors: Han Can , Santbergen Rudi , van Duffelen Max , Procel Paul , Zhao Yifeng , Yang Guangtao , Zhang Xiaodan , Zeman Miro , Mazzarella Luana , Isabella Olindo
Published: March 2022

Reducing indium consumption, which is related to the transparent conductive oxide (TCO) use, is a key challenge for scaling up silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cell technology to terawatt level. In this work, we developed bifacial SHJ solar cells with reduced TCO thickness. We present three types of In2O3‐based TCOs, tin‐, fluorine‐, and tungsten‐doped In2O3 (ITO, IFO, and IWO), whose thickness has been optimally minimized. These are promising TCOs, respectively, from post‐transition metal doping, anionic doping, and transition metal doping and exhibit different opto‐electrical properties. We performed optical simulations and electrical investigations with varied TCO thicknesses. The results indicate that (i) reducing TCO thickness could yield larger current in both monofacial and bifacial SHJ devices; (ii) our IWO and IFO are favorable for n‐contact and p‐contact, respectively; and (iii) our ITO could serve well for both n‐contact and p‐contact. Interestingly, for the p‐contact, with the ITO thickness reducing from 75 nm to 25 nm, the average contact resistivity values show a decreasing trend from 390 mΩ cm2 to 114 mΩ cm2. With applying 25‐nm‐thick front IWO in n‐contact, and 25‐nm‐thick rear ITO use in p‐contact, we obtained front side efficiencies above 22% in bifacial SHJ solar cells. This represents a 67% TCO reduction with respect to a reference bifacial solar cell with 75‐nm‐thick TCO on both sides.
The importance of using ordinal scores for patient classification based on health‐related quality of life trajectories
Authors: Barbieri Antoine , Cousson‐Gélie Florence , Baussard Louise , Gourgou Sophie , Lavergne Christian , Mollevi Caroline
Published: March 2022

Changes in health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) over time are not necessarily homogeneous within a population of interest. Our study aim was twofold: to determine homogeneous patient subpopulations distinguished by HRQoL trajectories, and to identify the particular patient profile associated with each subpopulation. To classify patients according to HRQoL dimension scores, we compared mixtures of linear mixed models (LMMs) classically applied to scores defined by the EORTC procedure, and mixtures of random effect cumulative models (CMs) applied to scores treated as ordinal variables. A simulation study showed that the mixture of LMMs overestimated the number of subpopulations and was less able to correctly classify patients than the mixture of CMs. Considering HRQoL scores as ordinal rather than continuous variables is relevant when classifying patients. The mixture of CMs for ordinal scores is able to identify homogeneous subpopulations and their associated trajectories. The application focused on changes over time in HRQoL data (collected using the EORTC QLQ‐C30 questionnaire) from 132 breast cancer patients from the Moral study. Once the classification is obtained only from HRQoL scores, class membership was then explained through a logistic regression model, given a large panel of variables collected at baseline. Analysis of data revealed that deterioration over time of role functioning and insomnia was closely related to patient anxiety: anxiety at baseline is a prognostic factor for a poor level and/or a deterioration over time of HRQoL. For functional dimensions, large tumor size and high education level were associated with worse HRQoL scores.
Modeling and vertical torsional coupling vibration control of the rolling mill with full state constraints
Authors: Qian Cheng , Xu Jiajun , Hua Changchun , Park Kyoung‐Su
Published: March 2022

This article establishes a mechanical‐electrical‐hydraulic vertical torsional coupling vibration mathematical model, and investigates its vibration suppression control strategy with time varying full state constraints for the rolling mill vertical torsional coupling vibration system. Firstly, the mechanical‐electrical‐hydraulic vertical torsional coupling vibration nonlinear model is developed using dynamic theory, which takes into account nonlinear damping, nonlinear rolling force and the coupling relationship between the vertical vibration system and the torsional vibration system. Then, nonlinear constraint transformation functions and coordinate transformations are implemented to remove the feasibility condition in handling the full state constraints problem, and neural networks are used to approximate unknown nonlinear functions. Furthermore, the vibration suppression control algorithm of the mechanical‐electrical‐hydraulic vertical torsional coupling system is designed with the specific sequence backstepping method and dynamic surface control technique, which can resolve the problem of nesting in the controller design process. Finally, the effective of the proposed method on vibration suppression is verified by the simulation.
Observer‐based output feedback event‐triggered robust H∞ consensus control of uncertain linear multi‐agent systems with directed networks
Authors: Hu Wenfeng , Weng Yihang , Li Huaqing
Published: March 2022

Based on accessible output signals, the distributed event‐triggered robust consensus control is investigated for a range of uncertain linear multi‐agent systems with external disturbances under directed networks in this article. By introducing some certain variable transformations, the consensus problem of the multi‐agent system is converted into the stability analysis for a cluster of sub‐systems. Different from some conventional consensus protocols which rely on full states and continuous interactions among agents, an event‐triggered consensus control protocol only based on the local observed relative states of neighboring agents at event moments is proposed by adopting an observer to each agent. It is strictly proved that all agents can achieve consensus meanwhile satisfying the desired robust performance and no agent exhibits Zeno behavior under the proposed control protocol. Finally, an example of a typical mass‐spring system is given to illustrate the validity of the theoretical results.
Spatial patterns of stable isotopes and trophic ecology in a hydropeaking river
Authors: Jones Nicholas E. , Haxton Tim J.
Published: March 2022

While the impacts of dams are known, there are gaps in our understanding, particularly with respect to longitudinal patterns of environmental and biological gradients downstream of dams. We investigated longitudinal patterns of stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen in brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) in the regulated Magpie River. We also examined the diet of brook trout via mixing models using the dominant forage items in the river. For brook trout, δ13C values increased and δ15N values decreased in reaches progressing downstream. River distance downstream of the dam explained the variation in levels of stable isotopes in brook trout. Most changes occurred within the first eight kilometres of the river. The fish length had a significant but weak positive effect on stable isotope levels. Based on the MixSiar mixing model, the diet of brook trout consisted of 72% longnose dace, 27% benthic invertebrates, and 1% sculpin. The Magpie River had isotope values that were lower for δ13C and higher for δ15N when compared to nine neighbouring natural unregulated rivers. Previous research on the Magpie River demonstrated that the upstream reservoir exports large quantities of plankton that likely provides a quality food source for river biota and shows a clear downstream gradient in energy sources similar to the changes found for δ13C. For the Magpie River, and other regulated rivers, statistical comparisons of many abiotic and biotic variables, including stable isotopes, could lead to erroneous conclusions if samples are not collected with explicit consideration of spatial gradients.
Using youths’ personal DNA data in science camps: Fostering genetics learning and socio‐emotional attitudes toward science with design‐based research
Authors: Zimmerman Heather Toomey , Weible Jennifer L. , Wright Elizabeth A. , Vanderhoof Carmen , Jablonski Nina G.
Published: March 2022

This study is a two‐iteration design‐based research project that investigated how youths’ science learning and socio‐emotional attitudes toward science were influenced by a summer camp with a personal genetics approach. A multidisciplinary team developed a 2‐week camp curriculum that included personal DNA tests, family genealogy projects, and fitness tracker data. The learners included 120 youths, aged 10–14, in six camps held in three sites. Data collection included matched pre‐ and post‐scores for genetic knowledge and self‐reported affiliation with science, views of science supports, self‐efficacy, and science curiosity scores, as well as youths’ daily workbook entries. Our analysis included t‐tests, Mann–Whitney tests, Pearson and Spearman correlations, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc tests. The findings showed significant science learning gains (related to heredity, genotype, and phenotype) for five of six camp conditions. Also, the youths showed gains in socio‐emotional attitudes for both iterations, emphasizing malleability of socio‐emotional connections to science. Completing workbook pages was not associated with an increase in knowledge gains or socio‐emotional attitudes. This study recommends the inclusion of personal DNA data in summer camp environments to support science learning and increase socio‐emotional attitudes toward science. It also suggests structured workbook activities common in schools may not support youths’ science learning or socio‐emotional attitudes in out‐of‐school programs. Finally, the study's concluding design conjecture map connects the camps’ activities to learners’ behaviors to learning outcomes in a way that advances the informal science education field's use of personal data in out‐of‐school‐time programs for adolescents.
Upconversion under Photon Trapping in ZnO/BN Nanoarray: An Ultrahigh Responsivity Solar‐Blind Photodetecting Paper
Authors: Liu Guozhen , Chen Han , Lu Shiqiang , Liu Lian , Xu Xiangyu , Shi Lan , Chen Binghuan , Guo Bin , Shen Peng , Cai Yehang , Zhang Hongye , Tang Yan , Soomro Abdul Majid , Xu Feiya , Chen Xiaohong , Zheng Tongchang , Li Jing , Li Shuping , Cai Duanjun , Kang Junyong
Published: March 2022

Solar‐blind photodetectors (PDs) are widely applicable in special, military, medical, environmental, and commercial fields. However, high performance and flexible PD for deep ultraviolet (UV) range is still a challenge. Here, it is demonstrated that an upconversion of photon absorption beyond the energy bandgap is achieved in the ZnO nanoarray/h‐BN heterostructure, which enables the ultrahigh responsivity of a solar‐blind photodetecting paper. The direct growth of ultralong ZnO nanoarray on polycrystalline copper paper induced by h‐BN 2D interlayer is obtained. Meanwhile, strong photon trapping takes place within the ZnO nanoarray forest through the cyclic state transition of surface oxygen ions, resulting in an extremely high absorption efficiency (> 99.5%). A flexible photodetecting paper is fabricated for switchable detections between near UV and deep UV signals by critical external bias. The device shows robust reliability, ultrahigh responsivity up to 700 A W−1 @ 265–276 nm, and high photoconductive gain of ≈2 × 103. A negative differential resistance effect is revealed for driving the rapid transfer of up‐converted electrons between adjacent energy valleys (Γ to A) above the critical bias (3.9 V). The discovered rationale and device structure are expected to bring high‐efficiency deep UV detecting and future wearable applications.
A service graph based extraction of microservices from monolith services of service‐oriented architecture
Authors: Raj Vinay , Ravichandra Sadam
Published: March 2022

Service‐oriented architecture (SOA) has been widely used to design enterprise applications in the past two decades. The services in SOA are becoming complex with the increase in changing user requirements and SOA is still seen as monolithic from a deployment perspective. Monolithic services make the application complex, and it becomes difficult to maintain. With the evolution of microservices architecture, software architects started migrating legacy applications to microservices. However, existing migration approaches in the literature mostly focus on migrating monolithic applications to microservices. To the best of our knowledge, very few works have been done in migrating SOA applications to microservices. One of the major challenges in the migration process is the extraction of microservices from the existing legacy applications. To address this, we propose an approach to extract the candidate microservices using graph based algorithms. In particular, four algorithms are defined: (i) construction ofservice graph(SG), (ii) construction oftask graph(TG) for each service of the a SOA application, (iii) extraction of candidate microservices using the SG of SOA application, and (iv) construction of a SG for a microservices application to retain the dependencies between the generated microservices. We chose a SOA‐based web application to demonstrate the proposed microservices extraction approach and extracted the microservices. Additionally, we have evaluated the extracted microservices and compared them with SOA based services.
Production of Polyvinyl Alcohol–Alginate–Nanocellulose Fibers
Authors: Fahma Farah , Febiyanti Ida , Lisdayana Nurmalisa , Sari Yessie Widya , Noviana Deni , Yunus Muchammad , Kadja Grandprix Thomryes Marth , Kusumaatmaja Ahmad
Published: March 2022

In this study, nanocellulose is isolated from oil palm empty fruit bunches using ultrafine grinding and ultrasonication. Here, nanocellulose, a reinforcing agent, is mixed with polyvinyl alcohol and sodium alginate, which act as the matrices. Nanocellulose‐based fibers are produced via the wet spinning method using calcium chloride as a coagulant solvent. The effects of the nanocellulose content on the morphological, mechanical, and in vitro biocompatibility properties of the produced fibers are then examined, with the results demonstrating that the increase in nanocellulose content produces fibers with a rougher cross‐section and higher tensile strength with the addition of nanocellulose up to 3%. Meanwhile, the crystallinity of the fibers increases with the addition of nanocellulose content of up to 5%. The addition of 1% nanocellulose produce fibers with better in vitro biocompatibility, which is confirmed by the higher cell viability and lower inhibition.
Application of Model Predictive Control to Voltage Control in Distribution System for Coordination of SVR and SVC
Authors: Hino Daiki , Iioka Daisuke , Mabuchi Hiroyuki , Yasui Takaki , Yoshinaga Jun , Miyazato Yoshitaka
Published: March 2022

With increase in the number of photovoltaic system installations, the prospect of voltage deviation from the acceptable range in a distribution system is increasing. Voltage distribution can be controlled using step voltage regulators (SVRs) and static var compensators (SVCs); however, for their coordination, it is necessary to stringently adjust the set value for each distribution line. In this study, a method of applying model predictive control to the coordination between an SVR and an SVC is investigated. In this paper, we first describe the proposed method and subsequently present the results of the performance comparison of the proposed and conventional methods to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Does transitioning to a digital economy imply lower levels of corruption?
Authors: Gouvea Raul , Li Shihong , Montoya Manuel (MJR)
Published: March 2022

The link between information and communications technology (ICT) and corruption has been discussed by a few authors, yet a macro‐level analysis of the link coupled with an examination of the link between ICT, stage of economic development, and countries' specific factors has not been fully explored. With panel data of 147 countries over a seven‐year period from 2013 to 2019, we find that countries that have transitioned from a natural‐resource‐based to an innovation‐driven, digital economy experience lower levels of corruption. A country's level of corruption is negatively related to ICT measures such as internet penetration and e‐government. Moreover, ICT appears to reinforce the role of press freedom and education in curbing corruption.
Managing broiler production challenges at high altitude
Authors: Khajali Fariborz
Published: March 2022

This review covers the challenges of broiler chickens at high altitude, with the focus on growth performance and physiological response. The review also sheds light on nutritional and management interventions that help overcome the challenges raised at high altitude. Reduced concentration of atmospheric oxygen is by far the biggest challenge that remarkably affect growth performance and livability of broiler chickens reared in high altitude area. Broiler chickens have endured intensive genetic selection, which potentially predispose them to several metabolic disorders. Hypoxia is an overriding factor that may increase the incidence of metabolic disorders, mainly ascites syndrome at high altitude. Commercial broiler strains cannot fully achieve their genetic potential when raising at highland regions. Careful nutrition and management considerations are required to prevent metabolic disorders when raising broilers at high altitude. In ovo or in‐feed nutraceuticals such as l‐carnitine and guanidinoacetic acid as well as pharmaceuticals, texture of feed and the use of proper sources and levels of dietary energy and protein are important factors that need to be carefully considered for rearing broiler chickens at high altitude. Management strategies such as lighting programs have been shown to be effective to circumvent ascites prevalence. Special breeding programs may also be considered to develop strains with resistance to ascites.
Maxillary osteolysis as a result of trigeminal nerve sheath tumour in a dog
Authors: Indzhova Viktoriya , Pumarola i Batlle Marti , Gomes Barbara Jardim , Gosling Mark , Brocal Josep
Published: March 2022

A 2.5‐year‐old, female, entire Labrador retriever presented with right‐sided head tilt, vestibular ataxia and right‐sided masticatory muscle atrophy. The most likely neuroanatomical localisation was the right‐sided brainstem involving the vestibular system and also the trigeminal nerve. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography revealed enlargement of the right trigeminal nerve and osteolysis of the corresponding innervated maxillary bone. Histopathological analysis confirmed a malignant nerve sheath tumour of the trigeminal nerve that adhered, infiltrated, invaded and fragmented the bone. This is the first report and imaging description of maxillary osteolysis secondary to nerve sheath tumour in a dog.
Lidar‐based feedforward control design methodology for tower load alleviation in wind turbines
Authors: Miquelez‐Madariaga Irene , Lizarraga‐Zubeldia Idoia , Diaz de Corcuera Asier , Elso Jorge
Published: March 2022

Minimising tower loads is a key issue for the optimal operation and cost‐effective design of wind turbines. Light detection and ranging (LIDAR) technologies enable the measurement of free wind ahead of the rotor and the addition of new feedforward controllers to the traditional control loops, improving the performance in terms of generator speed regulation and load reduction. This paper presents a design procedure based on plant inversion at a set of key frequencies. Tower base longitudinal bending moment is considered the main output of the system. Although the minimisation of tower base loads is the main objective of the design, good results are obtained in terms of generator speed regulation and pitch actuation as well. The methodology has been tested in the well‐known NREL 5MW wind turbine. Results have been obtained for different LIDAR configurations in order to quantify the loss of performance due to measurement errors. In all cases, the feedforward control behaves better than the baseline case.
The critical role of epigenetic mechanisms involved in nanotoxicology
Authors: Sun Qinglin , Li Tianyu , Yu Yang , Li Yang , Sun Zhiwei , Duan Junchao
Published: March 2022

Over the past decades, nanomaterials (NMs) have been widely applied in the cosmetic, food, engineering, and medical fields. Along with the prevalence of NMs, the toxicological characteristics exhibited by these materials on health and the environment have gradually attracted attentions. A growing number of evidences have indicated that epigenetics holds an essential role in the onset and development of various diseases. NMs could cause epigenetic alterations such as DNA methylation, noncoding RNA (ncRNA) expression, and histone modifications. NMs might alternate either global DNA methylation or the methylation of specific genes to affect the biological function. Abnormal upregulation or downregulation of ncRNAs might also be a potential mechanism for the toxic effects caused by NMs. In parallel, the phosphorylation, acetylation, and methylation of histones also take an important part in the process of NMs‐induced toxicity. As the adverse effects of NMs continue to be explored, mechanisms such as chromosomal remodeling, genomic imprinting, and m6A modification are also gradually coming into the limelight. Since the epigenetic alterations often occur in the early development of diseases, thus the relevant studies not only provide insight into the pathogenesis of diseases, but also screen for the prospective biomarkers for early diagnosis and prevention. This review summarizes the epigenetic alterations elicited by NMs, hoping to provide a clue for nanotoxicity studies and security evaluation of NMs.

This article is categorized under:

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials
General Oncology Care in Oman
Authors: Mehdi Itrat , Al Farsi Abdul Aziz , Al Bahrani Bassim , Al-Raisi Shadha S.
Published: March 2022

The Sultanate of Oman is located on the Arabian Peninsula and is part of Western Asia. Oman has a relatively young population. The economy is based on oil, agriculture, fishing, and overseas trading. Oman spends around 3% of its GDP on health care. Omani nationals have free access to public healthcare. Due to increased incomes and changing lifestyles, the rate of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) including cancer is rising. This is slowly saturating the system and increasing health care costs. Cancer is now the third leading cause of mortality. The age-adjusted annual incidence of cancer ranges from 70 to 110 per 100,000 population. Oman has an operational national NCD action plan. This multi-sectoral plan was launched in 2018 and focuses on the government approach in addressing NCDs including cancer, highlighting the prevention and control strategies. There is an integrated cancer care service, cancer registry, and cancer control program; under the auspices of the Directorate general of Non-communicable diseases—Ministry of Health. Oman has envisioned an ambitious long-term health care plan called “Health care Vision 2050”, which includes the development and progression of cancer care services as well. This plan has an emphasis on development, patient empowerment, public awareness, health education, integration and accessibility of services, screening, and early detection, public–private partnership, indulgence for NGOs, research, and capacity building.
General Oncology Care in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abusanad Atlal , Alghamdi Majed , Bakkar Mohammed , Jazieh Abdul Rahman
Published: March 2022

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the gulf region. With the recognized increasing cancer burden globally and locally, plus a young population with increasing life expectancy, challenges to provide optimal healthcare are substantial. Several landmark achievements made KSA a pioneer in regional cancer care over the past half a century. Advances in different aspects of cancer care have been commenced to match the aspired vision of 2030. This chapter describes past, present milestones and models of oncology care in the Kingdom and highlights future challenges and plans to improve cancer care further.
General Oncology Care in Syria
Authors: Manachi Maha , Chatty Eyad , Sulaiman Seham , Fahed Zahera
Published: March 2022

The first entity dedicated to cancer was established named “Nuclear Medical Center” with a single radiotherapy unit in 1969. Since then, the concept of oncology has rapidly progressed with the establishment of a division of oncology in the University of Damascus, School of Medicine with six staff members at that time. In 2001, a National Cancer Registry was established with the help of the World Health Organization. Many civil societies related to cancer awareness, early detection, and care of patients bloomed, first being the Syrian Cancer Society.

Now cancer diagnosis and treatment facilities are spread all over the county but mainly concentrated in Damascus, Lattakia, and Aleppo. All three main government related medical entities that are the Ministry of Higher Education, Ministry of Health, and the Medical Corps are involved in the process with the help of the private sector also. This progress of course was slowed due to the bloody aggression that engulfed Syria for 10 years of conflict. However, it did not halt the country’s goals and achievements.

In 2006, Nuclear Medicine Centre was developed into a comprehensive institution for cancer, Al Bairouni University Hospital (ABUH) to provide free standard of care treatment for all citizens. The Syrian National Committee for cancer control (SNCCC) was established in June 2019 with a mission of strategic planning for better cancer management in collaboration with all stakeholders aiming to raise cancer services to the best possible standard in the post-war era. The chapters’ focus is to discuss cancer care services being provided in the country and future challenges that need to be addressed for high quality oncology care services in Syria.
General Oncology Care in Tunisia
Authors: Mejri Nesrine , Rachdi Haifa , Kochbati Lotfi , Boussen Hamouda
Published: March 2022

Tunisia is the smallest country in the Maghreb region, in terms of square and the third in terms of population. It has homogeneous health coverage and an efficient primary care structure. Medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiotherapy, pediatric oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplantation are provided to all geographic regions and practiced according to the national (scientific societies of medical oncology, radiotherapy, and surgical oncology) and international guidelines. Clinical trials and translational research are encouraged despite limited resources. The quality of care provided in public and private oncology structures involves not only nationals, but also Libyan and African citizens. Continuous medical education is sustained by authorities and scientific societies, as well as scientific publications and translational research.
Breast Cancer in the Arab World
Authors: Saadeh Salwa , Abdel-Razeq Hikmat
Published: March 2022

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, and this is no different in the Arab World. In this review, we attempt to highlight some unique aspects of breast cancer and breast cancer care in the Arab region. Although Arab countries have much in common and are grouped into one region, it is important to note that there are significant social, economic, and political stability differences that have great implications on breast cancer care and health care systems in general. Accurate data on breast cancer incidence rate, stage at presentation, and treatment outcomes are lacking in most Arab countries. However, breast cancer is known to present at a younger age and with more advanced-stage compared to Western societies.

Although high-quality breast cancer care is available at some comprehensive cancer centers, this is the exception. The social, financial, and political instability of many countries plays a major role in impeding the development of standardized structured programs capable of providing high-quality care, as resources are often allocated to more emergent healthcare needs. Opportunities exist to scale up local health care systems to provide a better quality of care across the cancer care continuum; from early detection to palliative care and survivorship.
General Oncology Care in Egypt
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed H. , Shash Emad
Published: March 2022

Egypt is a young nation with a growing oncology health sector. It is faced with many challenges, such as the endemicity of HCV and schistosomiasis causing the high prevalence rates of hepatocellular carcinoma and bladder cancer respectively. In recognition of their tremendous health and economic burden, the Egyptian government established the “100 Million Healthy Lives” campaign in September 2018 for the screening of HBV, HCV, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus patients. MoH also founded the National Committee for Control of Viral Hepatitis to implement an integrated national strategy to contain the situation. More oncology-specialized hospitals and units are built every year to cope with the increased demand, such as the New National Cancer Institute, Shefaa El-Orman hospital, and Baheya hospital. Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), especially neoplasms, are the twenty-first century’s biggest challenge after significant control of communicable ones with the advancement of antimicrobial and progression of community health and epidemiology knowledge. Hence, we believe more light should be shed on their burden in society to increase public awareness and encourage investment in the health care sector.
General Oncology Care in Iraq
Authors: Al Alwan Nada A. S.
Published: March 2022

The estimated population of Iraq (40,222,493 in 2020) continues to grow at a rate of 2.4% per year; only 5% is over 60 years with a life expectancy approaching 72 years. There are 18 governorates in Iraq. Before 1990, Iraq had the most robust healthcare system in the Middle East. The consequences of the successive wars and political instability yielded a significant shortage in the medical resources and funds. Currently, the government spends 6–7% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on the health sector, providing free of charge services to all citizens through a network of primary healthcare centers and public hospitals. The Iraqi Cancer Board of the Ministry of Health is responsible for implementing the National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP). The latest Iraqi Cancer Registry revealed that the top recorded malignancies among the population are the breast, bronchus, and lungs followed by colorectal cancers, whereas the most common causes of malignant related deaths are cancers of the bronchus and lungs, breast, and leukemia. Overall, there are over 40 public cancer care facilities distributed among the governorates. This chapter illustrates the general oncology care in Iraq; highlighting the implemented elements of the NCCP, the offered specialized cancer services, and the international collaborations on cancer control and research.