bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning History Using Virtual and Augmented Reality
Authors: Remolar Inmaculada , Rebollo Cristina , Fernández-Moyano Jon A.
Published: November 2021

Master lectures of history are usually quite boring for the students, and to keep their attention requires a great effort from teachers. Virtual and Augmented Reality have a clear potential in education and can solve this problem. Serious games that use immersive technologies allow students to visit and interact with environments dated in different ages. Taking this in mind, this article presents a playful virtual reality experience set in Ancient Rome that allows the user to learn concepts from that age. The virtual experience reproduces as accurately as possible the different buildings and civil constructions of the time, making it possible for the player to create Roman cities in a simple way. Once built, the user can visit them, accessing the buildings and being able to interact with the objects and characters that appear. Moreover, in order to learn more information about every building, users can visualize them using Augmented Reality using marker-based techniques. Different information has been included related to every building, such as their main uses, characteristics, or even some images that represent them. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the developed experience, several experiments have been carried out, taking as sample Secondary School students. Initially, the game’s quality and playability has been evaluated and, subsequently, the motivation of the virtual learning experience in history. The results obtained support on the one hand its gameplay and attractiveness, and on the other, the student’s increased interest in studying history, as well as the greater fixation of different concepts treated in a playful experience.
Effect of Mixing Light-Burned MgO with Different Activity on the Expansion of Cement Paste
Authors: Wang Yang , Zhang Caoning , Xu Lingling
Published: November 2021

In mass concrete, shrinkage resulting from temperature drop and drying leads to cracking, which can seriously affect the strength and durability of cement-based materials. Fortunately, expansion agents can deter or prevent these effects, especially MgO expansion agents (MEAs). In this study, the effects of four MEAs of different activity on the expansion properties, strength, and hydration of cement paste were explored. The different expansion phenomena between the high activity and low activity MgO was especially explained by the hydration model and dynamic theory. The results indicate that when the other conditions were the same, higher curing temperature and dosage could improve the expansion to some extent. Moreover, the hydration of high activity MgO and the expansion behavior occurred mainly in the early hydration stage, while the hydration of low activity MgO and the expansion behavior had a high contribution rate in the later stage, and the final expansion of cement mixed with low activity MgO was larger.
Selective Internal Radiation Combined with Chemotherapy Maintains the Quality of Life in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinomas
Authors: Goislard de Monsabert Camille , Touchefeu Yann , Guiu Boris , Campillo-Gimenez Boris , Farges Olivier , Tougeron David , Baumgaertner Isabelle , Ayav Ahmet , Beuzit Luc , Pracht Marc , Lièvre Astrid , Le Sourd Samuel , Boudjema Karim , Rolland Yan , Garin Etienne , Boucher Eveline , Edeline Julien
Published: November 2021

Background: In the Yttrium-90 Microspheres in Cholangiocarcinoma (MISPHEC) single-arm phase 2 trial, concomitant chemotherapy and selective internal radiotherapy (SIRT) showed antitumor activity as a first-line treatment of unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (ICCs). In this sub-analysis, we aimed to evaluate one of the secondary endpoints, the health-related quality of life (QoL), evaluated with an EORTC QLQ-C30 instrument at the baseline and during treatment. Methods: The MISPHEC trial included treatment-naïve patients with an unresectable ICC between November 2013 and June 2016. Patients received concomitant first-line chemotherapy with cisplatin and gemcitabine for 8 cycles; SIRT was administered during cycle 1 (for patients with unilobar disease) or cycles 1 and 3 (for patients with bilobar disease) using glass Yttrium-90 microspheres. We evaluated the QoL—measured by the QLQ-C30 questionnaire—at the baseline, every 8 weeks during chemotherapy and follow-up, between 12 and 15 weeks after embolization and every 12 weeks after a liver resection if applicable. Results: A total of 41 patients were included, of which 34 completed questionnaires at the baseline. No clinically significant changes in the global health score or the sub-scales of the QLQ-C30 were observed during follow-up. The physical, social and role function mean score worsened during treatment and fatigue, nausea and pain scores increased although the differences were not clinically significant. In patients undergoing subsequent surgery, the QoL was not impaired. Conclusions: A combination of SIRT and chemotherapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin as the first-line treatment of unresectable ICCs was found to maintain the QoL.
Intraoperative Resting-State Functional Connectivity Based on RGB Imaging
Authors: Caredda Charly , Mahieu-Williame Laurent , Sablong Raphaël , Sdika Michaël , Schneider Fabien C. , Guyotat Jacques , Montcel Bruno
Published: November 2021

RGB optical imaging is a marker-free, contactless, and non-invasive technique that is able to monitor hemodynamic brain response following neuronal activation using task-based and resting-state procedures. Magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and functional near infra-red spectroscopy (fNIRS) resting-state procedures cannot be used intraoperatively but RGB imaging provides an ideal solution to identify resting-state networks during a neurosurgical operation. We applied resting-state methodologies to intraoperative RGB imaging and evaluated their ability to identify resting-state networks. We adapted two resting-state methodologies from fMRI for the identification of resting-state networks using intraoperative RGB imaging. Measurements were performed in 3 patients who underwent resection of lesions adjacent to motor sites. The resting-state networks were compared to the identifications provided by RGB task-based imaging and electrical brain stimulation. Intraoperative RGB resting-state networks corresponded to RGB task-based imaging (DICE:0.55±0.29). Resting state procedures showed a strong correspondence between them (DICE:0.66±0.11) and with electrical brain stimulation. RGB imaging is a relevant technique for intraoperative resting-state networks identification. Intraoperative resting-state imaging has several advantages compared to functional task-based analyses: data acquisition is shorter, less complex, and less demanding for the patients, especially for those unable to perform the tasks.
Improving Comprehension: Intelligent Tutoring System Explaining the Domain Rules When Students Break Them
Authors: Sychev Oleg , Penskoy Nikita , Anikin Anton , Denisov Mikhail , Prokudin Artem
Published: November 2021

Intelligent tutoring systems have become increasingly common in assisting students but are often aimed at isolated subject-domain tasks without creating a scaffolding system from lower- to higher-level cognitive skills, with low-level skills often neglected. We designed and developed an intelligent tutoring system, CompPrehension, which aims to improve the comprehension level of Bloom’s taxonomy. The system features plug-in-based architecture, easily adding new subject domains and learning strategies. It uses formal models and software reasoners to solve the problems and judge the answers, and generates explanatory feedback about the broken domain rules and follow-up questions to stimulate the students’ thinking. We developed two subject domain models: an Expressions domain for teaching the expression order of evaluation, and a Control Flow Statements domain for code-tracing tasks. The chief novelty of our research is that the developed models are capable of automatic problem classification, determining the knowledge required to solve them and so the pedagogical conditions to use the problem without human participation. More than 100 undergraduate first-year Computer Science students took part in evaluating the system. The results in both subject domains show medium but statistically significant learning gains after using the system for a few days; students with worse previous knowledge gained more. In the Control Flow Statements domain, the number of completed questions correlates positively with the post-test grades and learning gains. The students’ survey showed a slightly positive perception of the system.
A Survey of Swarm Intelligence Based Load Balancing Techniques in Cloud Computing Environment
Authors: Elmagzoub M. A. , Syed Darakhshan , Shaikh Asadullah , Islam Noman , Alghamdi Abdullah , Rizwan Syed
Published: November 2021

Cloud computing offers flexible, interactive, and observable access to shared resources on the Internet. It frees users from the requirements of managing computing on their hardware. It enables users to not only store their data and computing over the internet but also can access it whenever and wherever it is required. The frequent use of smart devices has helped cloud computing to realize the need for its rapid growth. As more users are adapting to the cloud environment, the focus has been placed on load balancing. Load balancing allocates tasks or resources to different devices. In cloud computing, and load balancing has played a major role in the efficient usage of resources for the highest performance. This requirement results in the development of algorithms that can optimally assign resources while managing load and improving quality of service (QoS). This paper provides a survey of load balancing algorithms inspired by swarm intelligence (SI). The algorithms considered in the discussion are Genetic Algorithm, BAT Algorithm, Ant Colony, Grey Wolf, Artificial Bee Colony, Particle Swarm, Whale, Social Spider, Dragonfly, and Raven roosting Optimization. An analysis of the main objectives, area of applications, and targeted issues of each algorithm (with advancements) is presented. In addition, performance analysis has been performed based on average response time, data center processing time, and other quality parameters.
Overview of Signal Processing and Machine Learning for Smart Grid Condition Monitoring
Authors: Elbouchikhi Elhoussin , Zia Muhammad Fahad , Benbouzid Mohamed , El Hani Soumia
Published: November 2021

Nowadays, the main grid is facing several challenges related to the integration of renewable energy resources, deployment of grid-level energy storage devices, deployment of new usages such as the electric vehicle, massive usage of power electronic devices at different electric grid stages and the inter-connection with microgrids and prosumers. To deal with these challenges, the concept of a smart, fault-tolerant, and self-healing power grid has emerged in the last few decades to move towards a more resilient and efficient global electrical network. The smart grid concept implies a bi-directional flow of power and information between all key energy players and requires smart information technologies, smart sensors, and low-latency communication devices. Moreover, with the increasing constraints, the power grid is subjected to several disturbances, which can evolve to a fault and, in some rare circumstances, to catastrophic failure. These disturbances include wiring issues, grounding, switching transients, load variations, and harmonics generation. These aspects justify the need for real-time condition monitoring of the power grid and its subsystems and the implementation of predictive maintenance tools. Hence, researchers in industry and academia are developing and implementing power systems monitoring approaches allowing pervasive and effective communication, fault diagnosis, disturbance classification and root cause identification. Specifically, a focus is placed on power quality monitoring using advanced signal processing and machine learning approaches for disturbances characterization. Even though this review paper is not exhaustive, it can be considered as a valuable guide for researchers and engineers who are interested in signal processing approaches and machine learning techniques for power system monitoring and grid-disturbance classification purposes.
3DPlanNet: Generating 3D Models from 2D Floor Plan Images Using Ensemble Methods
Authors: Park Sungsoo , Kim Hyeoncheol
Published: November 2021

Research on converting 2D raster drawings into 3D vector data has a long history in the field of pattern recognition. Prior to the achievement of machine learning, existing studies were based on heuristics and rules. In recent years, there have been several studies employing deep learning, but a great effort was required to secure a large amount of data for learning. In this study, to overcome these limitations, we used 3DPlanNet Ensemble methods incorporating rule-based heuristic methods to learn with only a small amount of data (30 floor plan images). Experimentally, this method produced a wall accuracy of more than 95% and an object accuracy similar to that of a previous study using a large amount of learning data. In addition, 2D drawings without dimension information were converted into ground truth sizes with an accuracy of 97% or more, and structural data in the form of 3D models in which layers were divided for each object, such as walls, doors, windows, and rooms, were created. Using the 3DPlanNet Ensemble proposed in this study, we generated 110,000 3D vector data with a wall accuracy of 95% or more from 2D raster drawings end to end.
Raymarching Distance Fields with CUDA
Authors: Hadji-Kyriacou Avelina , Arandjelović Ognjen
Published: November 2021

Raymarching is a technique for rendering implicit surfaces using signed distance fields. It has been known and used since the 1980s for rendering fractals and CSG (constructive solid geometry) surfaces, but has rarely been used for commercial rendering applications such as film and 3D games. Raymarching was first used for photorealistic rendering in the mid 2000s by demoscene developers and hobbyist graphics programmers, receiving little to no attention from the academic community and professional graphics engineers. In the present work, we explain why the use of Simple and Fast Multimedia Library (SFML) by nearly all existing approaches leads to a number of inefficiencies, and hence set out to develop a CUDA oriented approach instead. We next show that the usual data handling pipeline leads to further unnecessary data flow overheads and therefore propose a novel pipeline structure that eliminates much of redundancy in the manner in which data are processed and passed. We proceed to introduce a series of data structures which were designed with the specific aim of exploiting the pipeline’s strengths in terms of efficiency while achieving a high degree of photorealism, as well as the accompanying models and optimizations that ultimately result in an engine which is capable of photorealistic and real-time rendering on complex scenes and arbitrary objects. Lastly, the effectiveness of our framework is demonstrated in a series of experiments which compare our engine both in terms of visual fidelity and computational efficiency with the leading commercial and open source solutions, namely Unreal Engine and Blender.
Preliminary Observations on Historical Castle Trakošćan (Croatia) Performance under Recent ML ≥ 5.5 Earthquakes
Authors: Markušić Snježana , Stanko Davor , Penava Davorin , Trajber Domagoj , Šalić Radmila
Published: November 2021

Trakošćan Castle, built on a rocky peak in the late 13th century, is a cultural heritage site protected as a historical entity by the Republic of Croatia. The Castle is constructed as a highly irregular masonry structure with timber or shallow masonry arches, vaults or dome floors. It was substantially renewed, upgraded and partially retrofitted from the 16th century until the year 2000. The M5.5 (VIII EMS) and M6.2 (VIII-IX EMS) earthquakes, which struck the city of Zagreb on 22 March 2020 and the Pokupsko-Petrinja area on 29 December 2020, strongly shook the Castle’s structure. Earthquake damage was observed and assessed by visual inspection accompanied by ambient vibration measurements. The slight cracks that appeared on masonry arches were found to be critically positioned, and can likely lead to the arches’ collapse if their spreading is not prevented. Ambient vibration measurements, which were compared to pre-earthquake ones, revealed the decrease in the fundamental frequencies of the Castle’s central tower unit and the second floor, thus possibly indicating the loss of structural stiffness as a consequence of the earthquake damage.
Effects of Anthropic and Ambient Vibrations on Archaeological Sites: The Case of the Circus Maximus in Rome
Authors: Puzzilli Luca Maria , Bongiovanni Giovanni , Clemente Paolo , Di Fiore Vincenzo , Verrubbi Vladimiro
Published: November 2021

The vibration effects on the Torre della Moletta and the ruins of the Circus Maximus in Rome are analyzed in the framework of a preservation effort of this archaeological area. Thanks to its exceptional size, the Circus hosts many social events with large audience (pop-music, opera concerts, sport celebrations, etc.) every year, thus taking the structures under high anthropic and environmental stress. Recordings were completed before, during, and after the concert of a famous band, on 7 September 2019. Data were analyzed, both in time and frequency domains. The experimental dynamic recordings were coupled with a surface waves test and single-station ambient vibration recordings, which were useful for the geotechnical characterization of the soil. The results pointed out the differences in amplitudes but also in terms of frequency content of the recorded velocities during the concert with respect to before and after it. The maximum velocities recorded at various locations were almost similar to the limit values suggested by codes. The dynamic behavior of the ground and the structures is influenced by the presence of buried structures.
Study on Feng Shui (Geomantic) Suitability Evaluation of Mausoleums in Nanjing City Based on GIS
Authors: Cui Jing , Liu Yanrong , Sun Junlin , Hu Di , He Handong
Published: November 2021

Taking the mausoleums in the main urban area of Nanjing city as the study object, with the support of GIS technology, this paper extracts eight influencing factors (surface roughness, elevation, surface cutting depth, surface peaks, outfall, river system, slope, and aspect) corresponding to geomantic elements (“Long”, “Sha”, “Shui”, and “Xue”) in the geographical environments of mausoleums. The AHP is applied in the correlation weight method to calculate the weights of the eight influencing factors, while the information content method is applied in the grading method to calculate the numerical index of each factor. The feng shui (geomantic) suitability of the mausoleums in the main urban area of Nanjing is evaluated using the AHP-weighted information content method and by combining expert knowledge and experience with mathematical statistical techniques. According to the feng shui (geomantic) suitability evaluation results obtained for the mausoleums in the study area, the relatively low-suitability area accounts for 14.55% of the entire study area, the low-suitability area accounts for 25.40%, the suitable area accounts for 29.13%, the relatively high-suitability area accounts for 22.00%, and the high-suitability area accounts for 8.92%. Finally, through a sensitivity analysis of the model, a verification analysis applied using random mausoleums and a feng shui (geomantic) analysis of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the feng shui (geomantic) suitability evaluation results obtained for the mausoleums analyzed herein are found to be consistent with the actual distribution of the mausoleum sites. The research shows that the AHP-weighted information method based on GIS is suitable for evaluating the feng shui (geomantic) suitability of mausoleums.
Worker-Born Males Are Smaller but Have Similar Reproduction Ability to Queen-Born Males in Bumblebees
Authors: Zhao Huiyue , Liu Yanjie , Zhang Hong , Breeze Tom D. , An Jiandong
Published: November 2021

Queen-worker conflict over the reproduction of males exists in the majority of haplodiplioidy hymenpteran species such as bees, wasps, and ants, whose workers lose mating ability but can produce haploid males in colony. Bumblebee is one of the representatives of primitively eusocial insects with plastic division labor and belongs to monandrous and facultative low polyandry species that have reproductive totipotent workers, which are capable of competing with mother queen to produce haploid males in the queenright colony compared to higher eusocial species, e.g., honeybees. So, bumblebees should be a better material to study worker reproduction, but the reproductive characteristics of worker-born males (WMs) remain unclear. Here, we choose the best-studied bumblebee Bombus terrestris to evaluate the morphological characteristics and reproductive ability of WMs from the queenless micro-colonies. The sexually matured WMs showed smaller in forewing length and weight, relatively less sperm counts but equally high sperm viability in comparison with the queen-born males (QMs) of the queenright colony. Despite with smaller size, the WMs are able to successfully mate with the virgin queens in competition with the QMs under laboratory conditions, which is quite different from the honeybees reported. In addition, there was no difference in the colony development, including the traits such as egg-laying rate, colony establishment rate, and populations of offspring, between the WM- and the QM-mated queens. Our study highlights the equivalent reproductive ability of worker-born males compared to that of queens, which might exhibit a positive application or special use of bumblebee rearing, especially for species whose males are not enough for copulation. Further, our finding contributes new evidence to the kin selection theory and suggests worker reproduction might relate to the evolution of sociality in bees.
Reduction of Post-Harvest Injuries Caused by Drosophila suzukii in Some Cultivars of Sweet Cherries Using a High Carbon Dioxide Level and Cold Storage
Authors: Mostafa Manal , Ibn Amor Abir , Admane Naouel , Anfora Gianfranco , Bubici Giovanni , Verrastro Vincenzo , Scarano Luciano , El Moujabber Maroun , Baser Nuray
Published: November 2021

Efficient strategies are required in sweet cherry fruits to control the spotted wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii, due to its adverse economic effect on farmers. Cold storage (CS) and storage with elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) are environmentally safe approaches for the pest control of stored fresh fruit. These strategies are effective in controlling a wide variety of insect species, without allowing toxic compounds to accumulate. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a post-harvest application of CO2 treatment at 50%, cold treatment at 4 °C (CT), and a combination of both (CO2-CT) in controlling the early stages of SWD within four cultivars of freshly harvested cherry fruit, namely “Burlat-Bigarreau”, “Giorgia”, “Ferrovia”, and “Lapins”. In addition, an evaluation of the quality attributes of the cherries (skin firmness, berry firmness, strong soluble material, and titratable acidity) was carried out at harvest and after 10 and 20 days of storage. All treatments significantly reduced the rate of emergence of SWD when compared to the control (untreated cherry at 24 °C), and 100% SWD mortality was obtained in Burlat-Bigarreau (CO2-CT). In addition, over the entire storage time, the quality parameters were preserved in the samples stored at 4 °C and in the samples with combined treatments in comparison with the control.
Frequency of Iatrogenic Sexual Dysfunction Associated with Antihypertensive Compounds
Authors: Buch-Vicente Bárbara , Acosta José Mª. , Martín-Oterino José-Angel , Prieto Nieves , Sánchez-Sánchez María Elena , Galindo-Villardón Purificación , Montejo Angel L.
Published: November 2021

Iatrogenic sexual dysfunction (SD) caused by antihypertensive (AH) compounds, provoking sexual desire, orgasm or arousal dysfunction, is a common clinical adverse event. Unfortunately, it is often underestimated and underreported by clinicians and prescribers in clinical practice, deteriorating the adherence and patient quality of life. The objective of this study was to investigate the frequency of SD in patients treated with different antihypertensive compounds; a real-life naturalistic and cross-sectional study in patients receiving AH treatment was carried out. Method: A total of 256 patients were included in the study (188 males and 68 females who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria). The validated Psychotropic-Related Sexual Dysfunction Questionnaire (PRSexDQ-SALSEX) was transversally applied once at least every two months following the onset of the treatment in order to measure possible AH-related SD. Although the spontaneous reporting of SD was very low (6.81% females/24.8% males), 66.40% of the patients reported impaired sexual function through the SALSEX questionnaire after the treatment onset, as follows: decreased desire (55.8% females/54.2% males), delayed orgasm (42.6%/45.7%), anorgasmia (42.6%/43.6%) and arousal difficulties (53%/59.6%). The average frequency of moderate to severe iatrogenic SD was 66.4% with AH in monotherapy as follows: angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARBs), 29.8%; calcium antagonists, 40%; diuretics, 42.9%; beta blockers, 43.8%; and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, 77.8%. Combined treatments showed a higher percentage of main SD (70.3%): diuretic + ACE inhibitor, 42.3%; ARB + calcium antagonist, 55.6%; diuretic + calcium antagonist, 68.8%; and diuretic + ARB, 74.2%. The greatest risk factors associated with SD were poor general health, age over 60 with a comorbid coronary or musculoskeletal disease, mood disorder and diuretic +ARB combined therapy. Conclusion: SD is common in patients treated with antihypertensive drugs, and it is still underreported. The most harmful treatment deteriorating sexual function was the combination of diuretic +ARB, while the least harmful was monotherapy with ARBs. More research is needed on the clinical management of this problem to preserve the quality of life of patients and their partners.
Statistical Analysis of the Main Risk Factors of an Unfavorable Evolution in Gastroschisis
Authors: Ţarcă Elena , Roșu Solange Tamara , Cojocaru Elena , Trandafir Laura , Luca Alina Costina , Lupu Valeriu Vasile , Moisă Ștefana Maria , Munteanu Valentin , Butnariu Lăcrămioara Ionela , Ţarcă Viorel
Published: November 2021

Gastroschisis is a congenital abdominal wall defect that presents an increasing occurrence at great cost for the health system. The aim of the study is to detect the main factors of an unfavorable evolution in the case of gastroschisis and to find the best predictors of death. Methods: we conducted a retrospective cohort study of neonates with gastroschisis treated in a tertiary pediatric center during the last 30 years; 159 patients were eligible for the study. Logistic regression was used to determine the risk of death, estimated based on independent variables previously validated by the chi-square test. Results: if the birth weight is below normal, then we find an increased risk (4.908 times) of evolution to death. Similarly, the risk of death is 7.782 times higher in the case of developing abdominal compartment syndrome, about 3 times in the case of sepsis and 7.883 times in the case of bronchopneumonia. All four independent variables contributed 47.6% to the risk of death. Conclusion: although in the past 30 years in our country we have seen transformational improvements in outcome of gastroschisis, survival rates increasing from 26% to 52%, some factors may still be ameliorated for a better outcome.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of a TDI-Derived Systolic Wall Motion Analysis as a Screening Modality for Allograft Rejection after Heart Transplantation
Authors: Just Isabell A. , Guelfirat Meryem , Leser Laura , Uecertas Ata , Kopp Fernandes Laurenz , Godde Maren , Merke Nicolas , Stawowy Philipp , Hennig Felix , Knosalla Christoph , Falk Volkmar , Knierim Jan , Schoenrath Felix
Published: November 2021

Background: Despite the risk for complications, allograft surveillance after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) is performed by cardiac catheterization and biopsies. We investigated the diagnostic and prognostic value of a TDI-derived systolic wall motion analysis of the posterobasal wall of the left ventricle (Sm) as a screening modality in OHT aftercare. Methods: We examined data of 210 eligible patients who underwent OHT between 2010 and 2020. Forty-four patients who had died within the initial hospital stay were excluded. For 166 patients, baseline and follow-up data were analyzed. The mean age at OHT was 46.2 (±11.4) years; 76.5% were male. Results: Within the observational period, 22 (13.3%) patients died. In total, 170 episodes of acute cellular or humoral rejections occurred (84 ISHLT1R; 13 ISHLT2R; 8 ISHLT3R; 65 AMR), and 29 catheterizations revealed cardiac allograft vasculopathy (5 CAV1; 4 CAV2; 20 CAV3). Individual Sm radial/longitudinal remained stable within the follow-up period (11.5 ± 2.2 cm/s; 10.9 ± 2.1 cm/s). Patients with acute rejections and CAV3 showed significant Sm radial/longitudinal reductions (AMR1: 1.6 ± 1.9 cm/s, confidence interval (CI) 0.77–0.243, p < 0.001; 1.8 ± 2.0 cm/s, CI 0.92–0.267, p < 0.001. ISHLT1R: 1.7 ± 1.8 cm/s, CI 1.32–2.08, p < 0.001; 2.0 ± 1.6 cm/s, CI 1.66–2.34, p < 0.001. CAV3: 1.3 ± 2.5 cm/s, CI 0.23–2.43, p < 0.017; 1.4 ± 2.8 cm/s, CI 0.21–2.66, p < 0.021). Lower Sm was associated with a threefold increase in all-cause mortality (hazard ratio (HR) 3.24, CI 1.2–8.76, p = 0.020; HR 2.92, CI 1.19–7.18, p = 0.019). Overall, Sm-triggered surveillance led to 0.75 invasive diagnostics per patient post-OHT year. Conclusions: Sm remained stable in the post-OHT course. Reductions indicated ISHLT1R, AMR1 and CAV3 and were associated with higher all-cause mortality. Sm-triggered surveillance may be referred to as a safe, high-yield screening modality in OHT aftercare.
Vaccine Hesitancy during the Coronavirus Pandemic—Lessons from Polio
Authors: Gunasekera Lakshini , Wijeratne Tissa
Published: November 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause disruptions to families, businesses and healthcare systems globally [...]
The Ground-Based BIOMEX Experiment Verification Tests for Life Detection on Mars
Authors: Pacelli Claudia , Cassaro Alessia , Catanzaro Ilaria , Baqué Mickael , Maturilli Alessandro , Böttger Ute , Rabbow Elke , de Vera Jean-Pierre Paul , Onofri Silvano
Published: November 2021

The success of an astrobiological search for life campaign on Mars, or other planetary bodies in the Solar System, relies on the detectability of past or present microbial life traces, namely, biosignatures. Spectroscopic methods require little or no sample preparation, can be repeated almost endlessly, and can be performed in contact or even remotely. Such methods are therefore ideally suited to use for the detection of biosignatures, which can be confirmed with supporting instrumentation. Here, we discuss the use of Raman and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopies for the detection and characterization of biosignatures from colonies of the fungus Cryomyces antarcticus, grown on Martian analogues and exposed to increasing doses of UV irradiation under dried conditions. The results report significant UV-induced DNA damage, but the non-exceeding of thresholds for allowing DNA amplification and detection, while the spectral properties of the fungal melanin remained unaltered, and pigment detection and identification was achieved via complementary analytical techniques. Finally, this work found that fungal cell wall compounds, likely chitin, were not degraded, and were still detectable even after high UV irradiation doses. The implications for the preservation and detection of biosignatures in extraterrestrial environments are discussed.
Study on Medium-Thick Al-Alloy T-Joints by Dual P-GMAW Bilateral Synchronous Welding
Authors: Wang Chunsheng , Zhang Haicang , Yan Zhaoyang , Zhao Yun , Chen Shujun
Published: November 2021

The T-joints of medium-thick 6082 Al-alloy plates created by dual pulsed gas metal arc welding (P-GMAW) and bilateral synchronous welding were investigated to improve weld quality using the adaptive deposition method, which calculates the minimum amount of deposition according to the welding condition, groove size, and cross-sectional area, effectively reducing the heat input and deformation of the welds on the basis of weld filling. The optimized linear energy with a wire feed speed (WFS) of 9.5 m/min can ensure a well-formed weld with a complete root fusion, and high-quality T-joint welds were obtained both in root openings of 0 mm and 1 mm. The biggest penetration was 4 mm, which was four times more than that of the result from a single torch welding process. When the distance between the two welding torches exceeded 20 mm, the molten pool was completely separated, and process pores were observed in the unfused root zone. Influenced by the thermal cycles in asymmetric welding, the hardness distribution changed: the width of the softer zone at the base plate with the fore arc was smaller than that zone with the rear arc. Furthermore, dual P-GMAW bilateral synchronous welding with an asymmetric heat source can further reduce the deformation of the welded joint by about 20% compared to that of symmetric welding.
The Strength of Inconel 625, Manufactured by the Method of Direct Laser Deposition under Sub-Microsecond Load Duration
Authors: Promakhov Vladimir , Schulz Nikita , Vorozhtsov Alexander , Savinykh Andrey , Garkushin Gennady , Razorenov Sergey , Klimova-Korsmik Olga
Published: November 2021

This paper presents the results of measurements of the spall strength and elastic-plastic proper-ties, under dynamic and static loads, of the high-strength heat-resistant nickel-chromium alloy Inconel 625, obtained by the direct laser deposition method. The structural parameters of the obtained samples and the mechanical properties during static tests were studied. According to our information, anisotropy in the structural parameters operates primarily at the level of plastic deformation of alloys. Shock compression of the additive alloy Inconel 625 samples in the range of 6–18 GPa was carried out using a light-gas gun, both along and perpendicular to the direction of the deposition. The strength characteristics were determined from the analysis of the shock wave profiles, which were recorded using the VISAR laser velocimeter during the loading of samples. It was found that the value of the spall strength of additive samples does not depend on the direction of deposition, and the Hugoniot elastic limit of samples loaded perpendicular to the deposition direction is about ~10% higher. With an increase in the maximum compression stress, the material’s spall strength increases slightly, but for both types of samples, a slight decrease in the Hugoniot elastic limit was observed as the compression stresses increase. On the basis of the measured wave profiles, shock Hugoniots of the samples of the alloy Inconel 625, loaded both along and perpendicular to the direction of deposition, are constructed in this pressure range.
Computational Prediction and Experimental Values of Mechanical Properties of Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Cement
Authors: Talayero Carlos , Aït-Salem Omar , Gallego Pedro , Páez-Pavón Alicia , Merodio-Perea Rosario G. , Lado-Touriño Isabel
Published: November 2021

The main objective of this study is to create a rigorous computer model of carbon nanotube composites to predict their mechanical properties before they are manufactured and to reduce the number of physical tests. A detailed comparison between experimental and computational results of a cement-based composite is made to match data and find the most significant parameters. It is also shown how the properties of the nanotubes (Young’s modulus, aspect ratio, quantity, directionality, clustering) and the cement (Young’s modulus) affect the composite properties. This paper tries to focus on the problem of modeling carbon nanotube composites computationally, and further study proposals are given.
Active Terahertz Modulator and Slow Light Metamaterial Devices with Hybrid Graphene–Superconductor Photonic Integrated Circuits
Authors: Kalhor Samane , Kindness Stephen J. , Wallis Robert , Beere Harvey E. , Ghanaatshoar Majid , Degl’Innocenti Riccardo , Kelly Michael J. , Hofmann Stephan , Joyce Hannah J. , Ritchie David A. , Delfanazari Kaveh
Published: November 2021

Metamaterial photonic integrated circuits with arrays of hybrid graphene–superconductor coupled split-ring resonators (SRR) capable of modulating and slowing down terahertz (THz) light are introduced and proposed. The hybrid device’s optical responses, such as electromagnetic-induced transparency (EIT) and group delay, can be modulated in several ways. First, it is modulated electrically by changing the conductivity and carrier concentrations in graphene. Alternatively, the optical response can be modified by acting on the device temperature sensitivity by switching Nb from a lossy normal phase to a low-loss quantum mechanical phase below the transition temperature (Tc) of Nb. Maximum modulation depths of 57.3% and 97.61% are achieved for EIT and group delay at the THz transmission window, respectively. A comparison is carried out between the Nb-graphene-Nb coupled SRR-based devices with those of Au-graphene-Au SRRs, and significant enhancements of the THz transmission, group delay, and EIT responses are observed when Nb is in the quantum mechanical phase. Such hybrid devices with their reasonably large and tunable slow light bandwidth pave the way for the realization of active optoelectronic modulators, filters, phase shifters, and slow light devices for applications in chip-scale future communication and computation systems.
Ecological Impacts of Megaprojects: Species Succession and Functional Composition
Authors: Ali Hamada E. , Bucher Solveig Franziska
Published: November 2021

Land-use changes have huge impacts on natural vegetation, especially megaprojects, as the vegetation layer is destroyed in the course of construction works affecting the plant community composition and functionality. This large-scale disturbance might be a gateway for the establishment of invasive plant species, which can outcompete the natural flora. In contrast, species occurring in the area before the construction are not able to re-establish. In this study, we analyzed the impact of a pipeline construction on a wetland nature reserve located in northern Egypt. Therefore, we analyzed the plant species occurrence and abundance and measured each plant species’ traits before the construction in 2017 as well as on multiple occasions up to 2 years after the construction had finished on altogether five sampling events. We found that the construction activity led to the establishment of an invasive species which previously did not occur in the area, namely, Imperata cylindrica, whereas five species (Ipomoea carnea, Pluchea dioscoridis, Polygonum equisetiforme, Tamarix nilotica, and Typha domingensis) could not re-establish after the disturbance. The functionality of ecosystems assessed via the analysis of plant functional traits (plant height, specific leaf area, and leaf dry matter content) changed within species over all sampling events and within the community showing a tendency to approximate pre-construction values. Functional dispersion and Rao’s quadratic diversity were higher after the megaproject than before. These findings are important to capture possible re-establishment and recovery of natural vegetation after construction and raise awareness to the impact of megaprojects, especially in areas which are high priority for conservation.
Exogenous Myo-Inositol Alleviates Salt Stress by Enhancing Antioxidants and Membrane Stability via the Upregulation of Stress Responsive Genes in Chenopodium quinoa L.
Authors: Al-Mushhin Amina , Qari Sameer , Fakhr Marwa , Alnusairi Ghalia , Alnusaire Taghreed , ALrashidi Ayshah , Latef Arafat , Ali Omar , Khan Amir , Soliman Mona
Published: November 2021

Myo-inositol has gained a central position in plants due to its vital role in physiology and biochemistry. This experimental work assessed the effects of salinity stress and foliar application of myo-inositol (MYO) on growth, chlorophyll content, photosynthesis, antioxidant system, osmolyte accumulation, and gene expression in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa L. var. Giza1). Our results show that salinity stress significantly decreased growth parameters such as plant height, fresh and dry weights of shoot and root, leaf area, number of leaves, chlorophyll content, net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, and Fv/Fm, with a more pronounced effect at higher NaCl concentrations. However, the exogenous application of MYO increased the growth and photosynthesis traits and alleviated the stress to a considerable extent. Salinity also significantly reduced the water potential and water use efficiency in plants under saline regime; however, exogenous application of myo-inositol coped with this issue. MYO significantly reduced the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide, superoxide, reduced lipid peroxidation, and electrolyte leakage concomitant with an increase in the membrane stability index. Exogenous application of MYO up-regulated the antioxidant enzymes’ activities and the contents of ascorbate and glutathione, contributing to membrane stability and reduced oxidative damage. The damaging effects of salinity stress on quinoa were further mitigated by increased accumulation of osmolytes such as proline, glycine betaine, free amino acids, and soluble sugars in MYO-treated seedlings. The expression pattern of OSM34, NHX1, SOS1A, SOS1B, BADH, TIP2, NSY, and SDR genes increased significantly due to the application of MYO under both stressed and non-stressed conditions. Our results support the conclusion that exogenous MYO alleviates salt stress by involving antioxidants, enhancing plant growth attributes and membrane stability, and reducing oxidative damage to plants.
Landsat TM/OLI-Based Ecological and Environmental Quality Survey of Yellow River Basin, Inner Mongolia Section
Authors: Gao Wenlong , Zhang Shengwei , Rao Xinyu , Lin Xi , Li Ruishen
Published: November 2021

The monitoring and maintenance of the Inner Mongolia section of the Yellow River Basin is of great significance to the safety and development of China’s Yellow River Economic Belt and to the protection of the Yellow River ecology. In this study, we calculated diagnostic values from a total of 520 Landsat OLI/TM remote sensing images of the Yellow River Basin of Inner Mongolia from 2001 to 2020. Using the RSEI and the GEE Cloud Computing Jigsaw, we analyzed the spatial and temporal distribution of diagnostic values representative of the basin’s ecological status. Further, Mantel and Pearson correlations were used to analyze the significance of environmental factors in affecting the ecological quality of cities along the Yellow River within the study area. The results indicated that the overall mean of RSEI values rose at first and then fell. The RSEI grade to land area ratio was calculated to be highest in 2015 (excellent) and worst in 2001. From 2001 to 2020, ecological quality monitoring process of main cities in the Inner Mongolia region of the Yellow River Basin. Hohhot, Baotou, and Linhe all have an RSEI score greater than 0.5, considered average. However, Dongsheng had its best score (0.60, good) in 2005, which then declined and increased to an average rating in 2020. The RSEI value for Wuhai reached excellent in 2010 but then became poor in 2020, dropping to 0.28. The analysis of ecological quality in the city shows that the greenness index (NDVI) carried the most significant impact on the ecological environment, followed by the humidity index (Wet), the dryness index (NDBSI), the temperature index (Lst), land use, and then regional gross product (RGP). The significance of this study is to provide a real-time, accurate, and rapid understanding of trends in the spatial and temporal distribution of ecological and environmental quality along the Yellow River, thereby providing a theoretical basis and technical support for ecological and environmental protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River Basin.
A SA�DE MENTAL DOS PILOTOS DE AVI�O: UMA AN�LISE SISTEM�TICA DA LITERATURA
Authors: Zopp� Monise , Almeida Tatiana Lima
Published: November 2021

A organiza��o do trabalho do piloto de avi�o estabelece-se em um ambiente desafiador e � composta por in�meros estressores. Esta revis�o sistem�tica se disp�s a verificar se a organiza��o do trabalho do piloto de avi�o afeta sua sa�de mental, intencionando compendiar estudos cient�ficos que investigam a preval�ncia e causas subjacentes dos transtornos mentais. Para composi��o da amostra de artigos foram realizadas buscas em diversas bases de dados utilizando-se os descritores: Mental Health, Depression, Fatigue, Occupational Stress, Stress Psychological associados ao descritor Aviation Pilots. A busca apresentou 1904 publica��es que ap�s passarem pelo processo de triagem e elegibilidade resultou em 13 estudos. Estes foram categorizados em 3 grupos. O primeiro analisou a forma como a organiza��o do trabalho e os aspectos psicossociais afetam a vida dos pilotos, o segundo avaliou o ciclo circadiano do sono e a fadiga, o terceiro verificou a incid�ncia de depress�o. Os resultados mostraram que os pilotos tem alto desgaste, alta exig�ncia de trabalho, tendo sido encontrados quadros de fadiga, burnout, depress�o e ansiedade. Desta forma, a literatura encontrada demostrou que diversos fatores na rotina do piloto de avi�o de linhas a�reas comerciais, incluindo a fadiga, contribuem negativamente para a sa�de mental desse profissional, aumentando a chance de quadros depressivos.�
Когнітивна модель оптимізації продовольчої політики держави у контексті боротьби з цукровим діабетом
Authors: Golub V.V.  , Chumak I.V.
Published: November 2021

У статті проаналізовано публічну політику в сфері продовольчої безпеки як забезпечення  для громадян не лише фізичної та економічної, але й когнітивної доступності до необхідних для здоров’я продуктів харчування та оптимізації харових стереотипів населення. Розглянуто продовольчу політику  як двосторонній процес формування, з одного боку, оптимального асортименту харчових ресурсів на теренах країни та конструктивних харчових уявлень та настанов громадян щодо їх використання. Концептуалізовано поняття когнітивної доступності продовольства та виокремлено когнітивні викривлення і бар’єри, які деформуючи харчову поведінку населення, істотною мірою спряють поширенню цукрового діабету. Обґрунтовано, що зростання захворюваності на цукровий діабет є одним із найважливіших індикаторів, який вказує на прорахунки в сфері політики продовольчої безпеки. Запропоновано політичні стратегії корекції та розвитку харчової ментальності  громадян у контексті реалізації державної програми боротьби з діабетом.
Шляхи трансформації публічного управління та адміністрування у сфері цивільного захисту в умовах євроатлантичної інтеграції України
Authors: Kropyvnytskyi V.S.
Published: November 2021

Розглянуто особливості публічного управління та адміністрування у сфері цивільного захисту в умовах євроатлантичної інтеграції України. Визначено напрямки міжнародного співробітництва у сфері цивільного захисту в умовах євроатлантичної інтеграції України. Охарактеризовано сучасний стан та результативність публічного управління та адміністрування у сфері цивільного захисту в контексті існуючої стратегії співпраці України та НАТО. Проаналізовано отримані вигоди для України від проведених заходів в межах євроатлантичної інтеграції у сфері цивільного захисту. Обгрунтовано шляхи трансформації публічного управління та адміністрування у сфері цивільного захисту в умовах євроатлантичної інтеграції України в умовах існуючих викликів сьогодення.