bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of CuO and SiO2 on Aluminum AA6061 Hybrid Nanocomposite as Reinforcements: A Concise Review
Authors: Msebawi Muntadher Sabah , Leman Zulkiflle , Shamsudin Shazarel , Tahir Suraya Mohd , Jaafar Che Nor Aiza , Ariff Azmah Hanim Mohamed , Zahari Nur Ismarrubie , Rady Mohammed H.
Published: August 2021

Hybrid composites are obtained by embedding multiple micro and nano reinforcements into the matrix materials. These hybrid composites are helpful to obtain the useful properties of matrix and reinforcement materials. Aluminum matrix is one the most common matrix materials due to its excellent thermal and electrical properties. This review covers various aspects of nanoparticle-reinforced Al hybrid composites. Solid-state recycling of Al only consumes around 5% of the energy utilized in the conventional extraction and recycling methods. This review revolves around the induction of silica and copper oxide nanoparticles into the solid-state recycled Al matrix material to form the hybrid composite. These nanoparticles enhance stiffness, toughness, and high temperature stability for Al hybrid composites. A detailed analysis was carried out for AA6061-grade Al matrix materials along with the silica and copper oxide nanoparticles. The present work focused on the effects of nano silica and nano copper oxide particle reinforcements on Al-based composite manufactured via hot extrusion process. The composite fabrication through solid-state recycling is discussed in detail. A detailed analysis for the effects of volume fraction and wt.% of CuO and SiO2 reinforcement particles was carried out by various characterization techniques. A detailed comparison in terms of mechanical performance of Al-based composites with the addition of nano silica and nano copper oxide particles is presented here to investigate the efficiency and performance of these particles.
Editorial for the Special Issue on “Crystalline Materials for Radiation Detection: A New Perspective”
Authors: Capan Ivana , Coutinho José , Radulović Vladimir , Makino Takahiro
Published: August 2021

The development of efficient and environmentally friendly technologies for radiation detection is a great challenge [...]
Recent Advances in Graphene and Conductive Polymer Composites for Supercapacitor Electrodes: A Review
Authors: Cai Xinwei , Sun Kangkang , Qiu Yangshuai , Jiao Xuan
Published: August 2021

Supercapacitors (SCs) have generated a great deal of interest regarding their prospects for application in energy storage due to their advantages such as long life cycles and high-power density. Graphene is an excellent electrode material for SCs due to its high electric conductivity and highly specific surface area. Conductive polymers (CPs) could potentially become the next-generation SC electrodes because of their low cost, facile synthesis methods, and high pseudocapacitance. Graphene/CP composites show conspicuous electrochemical performance when used as electrode materials for SCs. In this article, we present and summarize the synthesis and electrochemical performance of graphene/CP composites for SCs. Additionally, the method for synthesizing electrode materials for better electrochemical performance is discussed.
Engineering Crystal Packing in RNA-Protein Complexes II: A Historical Perspective from the Structural Studies of the Spliceosome
Authors: Leung Adelaine Kwun-Wai , Kondo Yasushi , Krummel Daniel A. Pomeranz , Li Jade , Price Stephen R. , van Roon Anne-Marie M.
Published: August 2021

Cryo-electron microscopy has greatly advanced our understanding of how the spliceosome cycles through different conformational states to conduct the chemical reactions that remove introns from pre-mRNA transcripts. The Cryo-EM structures were built upon decades of crystallographic studies of various spliceosomal RNA-protein complexes. In this review we give an overview of the crystal structures solved in the Nagai group, utilizing many of the strategies to design crystal packing as described in the accompanying paper.
Thermoelastic Properties and Elastocaloric Effect in Rapidly Quenched Ribbons of Ti2NiCu Alloy in the Amorphous and Crystalline State
Authors: Morozov Evgeny , Kuznetsov Dmitry , Kalashnikov Vladimir , Victor Koledov , Shavrov Vladimir
Published: August 2021

The thermoelastic properties and the elastocaloric effect (ECE) were studied in rapidly quenched ribbons of the Ti2NiCu alloy samples in amorphous and crystalline states under periodic mechanical tension with a frequency of up to 50 Hz. In the amorphous samples, elastic behavior is observed, described by Hooke’s law, with a high coefficient of thermal expansion α = 1.7 × 10−4 K−1. Polycrystalline ribbons of the Ti2NiCu alloy have the classical shape memory effect (SME), the temperatures of the forward and reverse thermoelastic martensitic transitions being Ms = 345 K, Mf = 325 K, As = 332 K, and Af = 347 K and the coefficient of the dependence of the transition temperature on mechanical stress being β = 0.12 K/MPa. The experimentally measured value of the adiabatic temperature change under the action of mechanical stress (ECE) in the amorphous state of the alloy at room temperature (Tr = 300 K) was ΔT = −2 K, with a relative elongation of ε = 1.5% and a mechanical stress of σ = 243 MPa. For crystalline samples of Ti2NiCu alloy ribbons, the ECE is maximum near the completion temperature of the reverse thermoelastic martensitic transformation Af, and its value was 21 K and 7 K under cyclic mechanical loads of 300 and 100 MPa, respectively. It is shown that the ECE value does not depend on the frequency of external action in the range from 0 to 50 Hz. The specific power of the rapidly quenched ribbon was evaluated as a converter of thermal energy at an external mechanical stress of 100 MPa; its value was 175 W/g at a frequency of 50 Hz. The thermodynamic model based on the Landau theory of phase transitions well explains the properties of both amorphous ribbons (reverse ECE) and alloy ribbons with EPF (direct ECE).
Engineering Crystal Packing in RNA Structures I: Past and Future Strategies for Engineering RNA Packing in Crystals
Authors: Pujari Narsimha , Saundh Stephanie L. , Acquah Francis A. , Mooers Blaine H. M. , Ferré-D’Amaré Adrian R. , Leung Adelaine Kwun-Wai
Published: August 2021

X-ray crystallography remains a powerful method to gain atomistic insights into the catalytic and regulatory functions of RNA molecules. However, the technique requires the preparation of diffraction-quality crystals. This is often a resource- and time-consuming venture because RNA crystallization is hindered by the conformational heterogeneity of RNA, as well as the limited opportunities for stereospecific intermolecular interactions between RNA molecules. The limited success at crystallization explains in part the smaller number of RNA-only structures in the Protein Data Bank. Several approaches have been developed to aid the formation of well-ordered RNA crystals. The majority of these are construct-engineering techniques that aim to introduce crystal contacts to favor the formation of well-diffracting crystals. A typical example is the insertion of tetraloop–tetraloop receptor pairs into non-essential RNA segments to promote intermolecular association. Other methods of promoting crystallization involve chaperones and crystallization-friendly molecules that increase RNA stability and improve crystal packing. In this review, we discuss the various techniques that have been successfully used to facilitate crystal packing of RNA molecules, recent advances in construct engineering, and directions for future research in this vital aspect of RNA crystallography.
Calcium Oxalate and Gallic Acid: Structural Characterization and Process Optimization toward Obtaining High Contents of Calcium Oxalate Monohydrate and Dihydrate
Authors: Šafranko Silvija , Goman Sara , Goman Dominik , Jokić Stela , Marion Ida Delač , Mlinarić Nives Matijaković , Selmani Atiđa , Medvidović-Kosanović Martina , Stanković Anamarija
Published: August 2021

The search for an efficient drug or inhibitor in the formation process of kidney stones has been a promising research topic towards reducing the risks of the formation of disease. However, several challenges have been faced in investigating the most common constituents of kidney stones, calcium oxalate and its hydrate forms (COM, COD and COT). This study focuses on the preparation and structural characterization (TG, XRD, FTIR, SEM) of calcium oxalate hydrates in the presence of gallic acid (GA) and by varying operating parameters such as temperature (25 °C, 36.5 °C and 48 °C), pH (5.6, 6.5 and 7.5) and amount of added GA (ranging from 100 mg to 1000 mg). Response surface methodology was applied in order to evaluate the effects of operating parameters in the formation of COM and COD, and for the process optimization towards maximizing their content in samples. The results indicated that GA inhibited the formation of COM (0–100%) and promoted the formation of COD (0 ≤ 99%), while a medium pH and the amount of added GA showed a significant effect in the process of COD formation. In order to investigate the interactions established in the formation process and the possible adsorption between GA and the formed crystals, electrochemical measurements were performed.
Adult Medulloblastoma Demographic, Tumor and Treatment Impact since 2006: A Canadian University Experience
Authors: Quinones Maria Camila , Bélanger Karl , Lemieux Blanchard Émilie , Lemieux Bernard , Bahary Jean-Paul , Masucci Laura G. , Roberge David , Menard Cynthia , Lambert Carole , Berthelet France , Moumdjian Robert , Florescu Marie
Published: August 2021

Medulloblastoma is an aggressive primary brain tumor that is extremely rare in adults; therefore, prospective studies are limited. We reviewed the information of all MB patients treated at the CHUM between 2006 and 2017. We divided our cohort by age and further divided adult patients (53%) in two groups, those diagnosed between 2006–2012 and 2013–2017. In our adult population, median follow up was 26 months and SHH-activated MB comprised 39% of tumors. Adult 5yOS was 80% and first-line therapy led to a 5yPFS of 77%. The absence of radiosensitizing chemotherapy (100% vs. 50%; p = 0.033) negatively influenced 5yPFS. 96% of adult patients received radiotherapy and 48% of them received concomitant radiosensitizing chemotherapy. Complete surgical resection was performed on 85% of adults, but the extent of resection did not have a discernable impact on survival and did not change with time. Adjuvant chemotherapy did not clearly affect prognosis (5yOS 80% vs. 67%, p = 0.155; 5yPFS 78% vs. 67%, p = 0.114). From 2006–2012, the most common chemotherapy regimen (69%) was Cisplatinum, Lomustine and Vincristine, which was replaced in 2013 by Cisplatinum, Etoposide and Cyclophosphamide (77%) with a trend for worse survival. Nine patients recurred and seven of these (78%) were treated with palliative chemotherapy. In conclusion, we did not identify prognostic demographic or tumor factors in our adult MB population. The presence of radiosensitizing chemotherapy was associated with a more favorable PFS. Cisplatinum, Lomustine and Vincristine regimen might be a better adjuvant chemotherapy regimen.
Diversity Patterns and Community Structure of the Ground-Associated Macrofauna along the Beach-Inland Transition Zone of Small Tropical Islands
Authors: Steibl Sebastian , Sigl Robert , Bräumer Paul E. , Clauß Victoria , Goddemeier Simon , Hamisch Stephan , Lücker Darleen , Reiprich Lisa , Stegmann Lucas , Voigt Nora , Laforsch Christian
Published: August 2021

Biodiversity follows distinct and observable patterns. Where two systems meet, biodiversity is often increased, due to overlapping occurrence ranges and the presence of specialized species that can tolerate the dynamic conditions of the transition zone. One of the most pronounced transition zones occurs at shores, where oceans and terrestrial habitat collide, forming the shore–inland transition zone. The relevance of this transition zone in shaping a system’s community structure is particularly pronounced on small islands due to their high shore-to-inland-area ratio. However, the community structure of insular faunas along this transition zone is unknown. Here, we investigated the diversity patterns along the beach–inland transition zone of small islands and tested the hypothesis that species diversity increases toward the transition zone where beach and interior habitat meet. By measuring environmental parameters, resource availability, and ground-associated macrofauna diversity along transects running across the beach–inland transition zone, we show that a gradual change in species composition from beach to the inland exists, but neither taxa richness, diversity, nor overall abundance changed significantly. These findings offer important insights into insular community structure at the transition zone from sea to land that are relevant to better understand the dynamic and unique characteristics of insular ecosystems.
The Placenta of Physcomitrium patens: Transfer Cell Wall Polymers Compared across the Three Bryophyte Groups
Authors: Henry Jason S. , Renzaglia Karen S.
Published: August 2021

Following similar studies of cell wall constituents in the placenta of Phaeoceros and Marchantia, we conducted immunogold labeling TEM studies of Physcomitrium patens to determine the composition of cell wall polymers in transfer cells on both sides of the placenta. Sixteen monoclonal antibodies were used to localize cell wall epitopes in the basal walls and wall ingrowths in this moss. In general, placental transfer cell walls of P. patens contained fewer pectins and far fewer arabinogalactan proteins AGPs than those of the hornwort and liverwort. P. patens also lacked the differential labeling that is pronounced between generations in the other bryophytes. In contrast, transfer cell walls on either side of the placenta of P. patens were relatively similar in composition, with slight variation in homogalacturonan HG pectins. Compositional similarities between wall ingrowths and primary cell walls in P. patens suggest that wall ingrowths may simply be extensions of the primary cell wall. Considerable variability in occurrence, abundance, and types of polymers among the three bryophytes and between the two generations suggested that similarity in function and morphology of cell walls does not require a common cell wall composition. We propose that the specific developmental and life history traits of these plants may provide even more important clues in understanding the basis for these differences. This study significantly builds on our knowledge of cell wall composition in bryophytes in general and in transfer cells across plants.
Implementation of Next Generation Sequencing-Based Liquid Biopsy for Clinical Molecular Diagnostics in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Patients
Authors: Zulato Elisabetta , Tosello Valeria , Nardo Giorgia , Bonanno Laura , Del Bianco Paola , Indraccolo Stefano
Published: August 2021

Genetic screening of somatic mutations in circulating free DNA (cfDNA) opens up new opportunities for personalized medicine. In this study, we aim to illustrate the implementation of NGS-based liquid biopsy in clinical practice for the detection of somatic alterations in selected genes. Our work is particularly relevant for the diagnosis and treatment of NSCLC. Beginning in 2020, we implemented the use of Roche’s Avenio ctDNA expanded panel in our diagnostic routine. In this study, we retrospectively review NGS-based clinical genetic tests performed in our laboratory, focusing on key analytical parameters. Avenio ctDNA kits demonstrated 100% sensitivity in detecting single nucleotide variants (SNVs) at >0.5% variant allele frequency (VAF), and high consistency in reproducibility. Since 2020, we performed cfDNA genotyping test in 86 NSCLC patients, and we successfully sequenced 96.5% (83/86) of samples. We observed consistency in sequencing performance based upon sequencing depth and on-target rate. At least one gene variant was identified in 52 samples (63%), and one or more actionable variants were detected in 21 out of 83 (25%) of analysed patients. We demonstrated the feasibility of implementing an NGS-based liquid biopsy assay for routine genetic characterization of metastatic NSCLC patients.
Red Cell Distribution Width as a Prognostic Factor and Its Comparison with Lactate in Patients with Sepsis
Authors: Wang Tsung-Han , Hsu Yin-Chou
Published: August 2021

Sepsis remains the leading cause of death in critically ill patients. Thus, regular measurement of lactate levels has been proposed in sepsis guidelines. Elevated red cell distribution width (RDW) is associated with mortality risk in patients with sepsis. This study aimed to investigate the association between RDW and the risk of other adverse outcomes in patients with sepsis and to compare the mortality discriminative ability between lactate and RDW levels. This is a single-centered, retrospective, case-control study that included 504 adult patients with sepsis in the emergency department between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020. Eligible patients were divided into normal (RDW ≤ 14.5%) and high (RDW > 14.5%) groups. The baseline characteristics and adverse outcomes were recorded and compared. Compared with the normal RDW group, the patients in the high RDW group had a significantly higher rate of ICU admission (48.8% vs. 32.4%, p = 0.03), septic shock (39.2% vs. 23.5%, p < 0.01), and 30-day in-hospital mortality (32.0% vs. 20.7%, p < 0.01). Furthermore, the RDW (area under curve (AUC) = 0.71) had superior mortality discriminative ability compared to lactate (AUC = 0.63) levels (p = 0.02). Clinicians could rely on this simple and rapid parameter for risk stratification to initiate prompt treatment for patients with sepsis.
Detection of CTNNB1 Hotspot Mutations in Cell-Free DNA from the Urine of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Lin Selena Y. , Chang Ting-Tsung , Steffen Jamin D. , Chen Sitong , Jain Surbhi , Song Wei , Lin Yih-Jyh , Su Ying-Hsiu
Published: August 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The beta-catenin gene, CTNNB1, is among the most frequently mutated in HCC tissues. However, mutational analysis of HCC tumors is hampered by the difficulty of obtaining tissue samples using traditional biopsy. Here, we explored the feasibility of detecting tumor-derived CTNNB1 mutations in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) extracted from the urine of HCC patients. Using a short amplicon qPCR assay targeting HCC mutational hotspot CTNNB1 codons 32–37 (exon 3), we detected CTNNB1 mutations in 25% (18/73) of HCC tissues and 24% (15/62) of pre-operative HCC urine samples in two independent cohorts. Among the CTNNB1-mutation-positive patients with available matched pre- and post-operative urine (n = 13), nine showed apparent elimination (n = 7) or severalfold reduction (n = 2) of the mutation in urine following tumor resection. Four of the seven patients with no detectable mutations in postoperative urine remained recurrence-free within five years after surgery. In contrast, all six patients with mutation-positive in post-operative urine recurred, including the two with reduced mutation levels. This is the first report of association between the presence of CTNNB1 mutations in pre- and post-operative urine cfDNA and HCC recurrence with implications for minimum residual disease detection.
Robotic Bronchoscopy for Peripheral Pulmonary Lesion Biopsy: Evidence-Based Review of the Two Platforms
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Caceres Jose D. , Vaithilingam Siddharthan , Sandhu Gurshan , Meena Nikhil K.
Published: August 2021

Despite many advancements in recent years for the sampling of peripheral pulmonary lesions, the diagnostic yield remains low. Initial excitement about the current electromagnetic navigation platforms has subsided as the real-world data shows a significantly lower diagnostic sensitivity of ~70%. “CT-to-body divergence” has been identified as a major limitation of this modality. In-tandem use of the ultrathin bronchoscope and radial endobronchial ultrasound probe has yielded only comparable results, attributable to the limited peripheral reach, device maneuverability, stability, and distractors like atelectasis. As such, experts have identified three key steps in peripheral nodule sampling—navigation (to the lesion), confirmation (of the correct location), and acquisition (tissue sampling by tools). Robotic bronchoscopy (RB) is a novel innovation that aspires to improve upon these aspects and consequently, achieve a better diagnostic yield. Through this publication, we aim to review the technical aspects, safety, feasibility, and early efficacy data for this new diagnostic modality.
Trade Openness and Economic Growth: A Study on Asean-6
Authors: Nguyen My-Linh Thi , Bui Toan Ngoc
Published: August 2021

This paper focuses on examining the nonlinear impact of trade openness (TO) on economic growth (EG) in the Asean-6 countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, and Vietnam). In order to achieve the set research objectives, the authors estimate the research model through the fixed-effect panel threshold approach. Unlike previous studies, this paper finds that there is a nonlinear impact of TO on EG, whereby TO has two threshold values. Specifically, before the first threshold value, TO plays an important role in boosting EG. However, this impact level decreases gradually when TO exceeds this threshold value. In particular, when exceeding the second threshold value, the impact of TO on EG is still positive but has a relatively low value. The research results show that if TO increases to a high level (beyond the threshold value) without combining with other complementary policies, this does not encourage high-efficiency EG. In addition, this study also shows that EG is positively affected by domestic investment and negatively affected by financial crisis. The findings in this paper are of great importance for the Asean-6 countries as well as researchers.
Education for Sustainability, Peace, and Global Citizenship: An Integrative Approach
Authors: Yanniris Constantinos
Published: August 2021

The complex nature of contemporary challenges requires a culture of cooperation between academic disciplines. However, to what extent do educational systems prepare students to think beyond the boundaries of austerely defined and often entrenched academic fields? UNESCO has successively called for Environmental Education, Education for Sustainable Development, and Education for Global Citizenship to incorporate complex socio-environmental issues into mainstream education. Despite the presence of strong institutional support by governments and international organizations, the introduction of these interdisciplinary approaches into actual educational settings has been slow. With no intention to underestimate the pertinence and agency of strong political will in promoting educational change, we explore the presence of deeper, epistemological issues that may account for the generally slow progress of interdisciplinary pedagogies. To elaborate on this discussion, we focus on pragmatic solutions that can promote the integration of environmental, sustainability, and global citizenship education into the existing educational ethoi.
The Implementation of a Remote Work Program in an Italian Municipality before COVID-19: Suggestions to HR Officers for the Post-COVID-19 Era
Authors: Zappalà Salvatore , Toscano Ferdinando , Topa Gabriela
Published: August 2021

This case study describes the implementation stages and some outcomes of a remote work program that was adopted in an Italian municipality before the COVID-19 pandemic. This research used a qualitative case study approach, proposing a semi-structured interview with 14 staff members (six remote-worker employees, their respective managers, and two intermediate-level managers) about the experience with the remote work program. In addition, two researchers attended two preparatory program meetings. The evidence shows that, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work was mainly performed at home, for one or two days a week. Together with their manager, remote workers decided the tasks to perform remotely and the criteria to monitor remote work. Furthermore, employees appreciated the remote work program, perceiving themselves to be more productive in their work. Elements of this case study may be relevant for companies that aim to move from an emergency to a more planned remote work.
A Hadoop Based Framework Integrating Machine Learning Classifiers for Anomaly Detection in the Internet of Things
Authors: Thaseen Ikram Sumaiya , Mohanraj Vanitha , Ramachandran Sakthivel , Sanapala Kishore , Yeo Sang-Soo
Published: August 2021

In recent years, different variants of the botnet are targeting government, private organizations and there is a crucial need to develop a robust framework for securing the IoT (Internet of Things) network. In this paper, a Hadoop based framework is proposed to identify the malicious IoT traffic using a modified Tomek-link under-sampling integrated with automated Hyper-parameter tuning of machine learning classifiers. The novelty of this paper is to utilize a big data platform for benchmark IoT datasets to minimize computational time. The IoT benchmark datasets are loaded in the Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS) environment. Three machine learning approaches namely naive Bayes (NB), K-nearest neighbor (KNN), and support vector machine (SVM) are used for categorizing IoT traffic. Artificial immune network optimization is deployed during cross-validation to obtain the best classifier parameters. Experimental analysis is performed on the Hadoop platform. The average accuracy of 99% and 90% is obtained for BoT_IoT and ToN_IoT datasets. The accuracy difference in ToN-IoT dataset is due to the huge number of data samples captured at the edge layer and fog layer. However, in BoT-IoT dataset only 5% of the training and test samples from the complete dataset are considered for experimental analysis as released by the dataset developers. The overall accuracy is improved by 19% in comparison with state-of-the-art techniques. The computational times for the huge datasets are reduced by 3–4 hours through Map Reduce in HDFS.
A Short Review on the Machine Learning-Guided Oxygen Uptake Prediction for Sport Science Applications
Authors: Alzamer Haneen , Abuhmed Tamer , Hamad Kotiba
Published: August 2021

In recent years, the rapid improvement in computing facilities combined with that achieved in algorithms and the immense amount of available data led to a great interest in machine learning (ML), which is a subset of artificial intelligence. Nowadays, the ML technique is used mostly in all applications for various purposes, whereby ML will be possible to learn from data, predict, identify patterns, and make decisions. In this regard, the ML was successfully used to predict the oxygen uptake during physical activity without the need for complicated procedures used in the direct measurement. Accordingly, in the present work, the state-of-art and recent advances related to the oxygen uptake prediction using ML were presented. Various exercise and non-exercise predictive models also were discussed.
Taylor-Series-Based Reconfigurability of Gamma Correction in Hardware Designs
Authors: Ngo Dat , Kang Bongsoon
Published: August 2021

Gamma correction is a common image processing technique that is common in video or still image systems. However, this simple and efficient method is typically expressed using the power law, which gives rise to practical difficulties in designing a reconfigurable hardware implementation. For example, the conventional approach calculates all possible outputs for a pre-determined gamma value, and this information is hardwired into memory components. As a result, reconfigurability is unattainable after deployment. This study proposes using the Taylor series to approximate gamma correction to overcome the aforementioned challenging problem, hence, facilitating the post-deployment reconfigurability of the hardware implementation. In other words, the gamma value is freely adjustable, resulting in the high appropriateness for offloading gamma correction onto its dedicated hardware in system-on-a-chip applications. Finally, the proposed hardware implementation is verified on Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC ZCU106 Evaluation Kit, and the results demonstrate its superiority against benchmark designs.
Measurement Study of Real-Time Virtual Reality Contents Streaming over IEEE 802.11ac Wireless Links
Authors: Lee Gusang , Yun Won Joon , Ha Yoo Jeong , Jung Soyi , Kim Jiyeon , Hong Sunghoon , Kim Joongheon , Lee Youn Kyu
Published: August 2021

Experience sharing among multiple users in virtual reality (VR) is one of the key applications in next generation wireless systems. In this VR application, one object can be reproduced as a virtual object based on recorded/captured multiple real-time images from multiple observation points. At this time, VR applications require a lot of bandwidth to provide seamless services to users in wireless links, and thus, a certain level of data rates should be maintained. As the number of users increases, the server allocates more data rates to users on top of the limited bandwidth in wireless networks. At this time, users who utilize the VR streaming services will suffer from a lower quality, due to the limited bandwidth. This paper reports the measurement study and also analyzes the fluctuations in terms of the data rates as the number of users increases while sharing point cloud information in real-time authorized reality environments over IEEE 802.11ac wireless networks. Moreover, it measures and analyzes fluctuations in terms of frames-per-second and Jitters, which are practical quality reduction indicators.
A Pipelined Noise-Shaping SAR ADC Using Ring Amplifier
Authors: Lee Juyong , Lee Seungjun , Kim Kihyun , Chae Hyungil
Published: August 2021

In this study, a pipelined noise-shaping successive-approximation register analog-to-digital converter (PLNS-SAR ADC) structure was proposed to achieve high resolution and to be free from comparator design requirements. The inter-stage amplifier and integrator of the PLNS-SAR ADC were implemented through a ring amplifier with high gain and speed. The ring amplifier was designed to improve power efficiency and be tolerant to process–voltage–temperature (PVT) variation, and uses a single loop common-mode feedback (CMFB) circuit. By processing residual signals with a single ring amplifier, power efficiency can be maximized, and a low-power system with 30% lower power consumption than that of a conventional PLNS-SAR ADC is implemented. With a high-gain ring amplifier, noise leakage is greatly suppressed, and a structure can be implemented that is tolerant of mismatches between the analog loop and digital correction filters. The measured signal to noise distortion ratio (SNDR) is 70 dB for a 5.15 MHz bandwidth (BW) at a 72 MS/s sampling rate (Fs) with an oversampling ratio (OSR) of 7, and the power consumption is 2.4 mW. The FoMS,SNDR  (= SNDR + 10log10BW/Power) is 163.5 dB. The proposed structure in this study can achieve high resolution and wide BW with good power efficiency, without a filter calibration process, through the use of a ring amplifier in the PLNS-SAR ADC.
Interpretative Signs as a Tool Supporting Informal Environmental Education on the Example of Warsaw’s Urban Forests
Authors: Janeczko Emilia , Wojtan Rafał , Korcz Natalia , Woźnicka Małgorzata
Published: August 2021

The article presents the results of research conducted in order to determine the comprehensibility (intelligibility) of the text of signs on educational paths in Warsaw’s city forests. This evaluation was carried out with the use of an online IT tool—Promovolt. The obtained results were confronted with the assessment of users of educational paths and the opinion of an expert group, which consisted of people involved in the design of educational materials. The results indicate that the majority of the analyzed interpretative signs are dedicated to secondary school students because of the level of text comprehensibility. At the same time, 20% of the text is understandable only to recipients with higher education. This means that the educational paths in the urban forests of Warsaw, with interpretative signs allowing independent learning, do not sufficiently support the ecological education of children and youth from primary schools up to 15 years of age, as well as people with basic or vocational education.
In Vitro Antioxidant and Antihypertensive Activity of Edible Insects Flours (Mealworm and Grasshopper) Fermented with Lactococcus lactis Strains
Authors: Mendoza-Salazar Adilene , Santiago-López Lourdes , Torres-Llanez María J. , Hernández-Mendoza Adrián , Vallejo-Cordoba Belinda , Liceaga Andrea M. , González-Córdova Aarón F.
Published: August 2021

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential antioxidant and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition (ACEI) activity of edible insect flours fermented with Lactococcus lactis strains. For the fermentation, mealworm and grasshoppers flours were dissolved (0.5% w/v) in buffer solution (pH 7.0) and individually inoculated (3%) with Lactococcus lactis strains (NRRL B-50571, NRRL B-50572). The samples were incubated for 72 h at 30 °C, and the pH was recorded. The degree of hydrolysis (DH) and protein content were determined. The total polyphenol compounds, antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH, ORAC, and FRAP), and ACEI of the <3 kDa fractions were analyzed. The pH of the fermented samples decreased to 3.5–3.9 (p < 0.05). The fermented grasshopper flour showed an increased DH (0.42%) and overall higher total polyphenol content (8.23 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent/mL). In general, the highest antioxidant activity was for the grasshopper fractions fermented for 24 h by Lactococcus lactis NRRL B-50572, which also showed 23.47% ACEI inhibition with an IC50 of 0.97 mg/mL. The peptide profile obtained increased after fermentation, being higher for the mealworm flour fermented sample. This study presents, for the first time, the use of specific strains of Lactococus lactis for fermenting edible insect-derived products in the production of bioactive compounds with potential antioxidant and antihypertensive activity.
Improvement of Biohydrogen and Usable Chemical Products from Glycerol by Co-Culture of Enterobacter spH1 and Citrobacter freundii H3 Using Different Supports as Surface Immobilization
Authors: Maru Biniam T. , Lopez Francisco , Medina Francesc , Constantí Magda
Published: August 2021

Glycerol is a by-product of biodiesel production in a yield of about 10% (w/w). The present study aims to improve the dark fermentation of glycerol by surface immobilization of microorganisms on supports. Four different supports were used—maghemite (Fe2O3), activated carbon (AC), silica gel (SiO2), and alumina (γ-Al2O3)—on which a newly isolated co-culture of Enterobacter spH1 and Citrobacter freundii, H3, was immobilized. The effect of iron species on dark fermentation was also studied by impregnation on AC and SiO2. The fermentative metabolites were mainly ethanol, 1,3-propanediol, lactate, H2 and CO2. The production rate (Rmax,i) and product yield (Yi) were elucidated by modeling using the Gompertz equation for the batch dark fermentation kinetics (maximum product formation (Pmax,i): (i) For each of the supports, H2 production (mmol/L) and yield (mol H2/mol glycerol consumed) increased in the following order: FC < γ-Al2O3 < Fe2O3 < SiO2 < Fe/SiO2 < AC < Fe/AC. (ii) Ethanol production (mmol/L) increased in the following order: FC < Fe2O3 < γ-Al2O3 < SiO2 < Fe/SiO2 < Fe/AC < AC, and yield (mol EtOH/mol glycerol consumed) increased in the following order: FC < Fe2O3 < Fe/AC < Fe/SiO2 < SiO2 < AC < γ-Al2O3. (iii) 1,3-propanediol production (mmol/L) and yield (mol 1,3PDO/mol glycerol consumed) increased in the following order: γ-Al2O3 < SiO2 < Fe/SiO2 < AC < Fe2O3 < Fe/AC < FC. (iv) Lactate production(mmol/L) and yield (mol Lactate/mol glycerol consumed) increased in the following order: γ-Al2O3 < SiO2 < AC < Fe/SiO2 < Fe/AC < Fe2O3 < FC. The study shows that in all cases, glycerol conversion was higher when the support assisted culture was used. It is noted that glycerol conversion and H2 production were dependent on the specific surface area of the support. H2 production clearly increased with the Fe2O3, Al2O3, SiO2 and AC supports. H2 production on the iron-impregnated AC and SiO2 supports was higher than on the corresponding bare supports. These results indicate that the support enhances the productivity of H2, perhaps because of specific surface area attachment, biofilm formation of the microorganisms and activation of the hydrogenase enzyme by iron species.
Reframing Wildfire Simulations for Understanding Complex Human–Landscape Interactions in Cross-Cultural Contexts: A Case Study from Northern Australia
Authors: Fisher Rohan , Heckbert Scott , Garnett Stephen
Published: August 2021

An increase in the frequency of severe fire events, as well as a growing interest in wildfire mitigation strategies, has created a demand for skilled managers of landscape fire and a better community understanding of fire behaviour. While on-ground experience is essential, there is potential to substantially enhance training and community engagement with explanatory simulations. Through this work, we explore landscape fire behaviour as a complex system where understanding key behaviour characteristics is often more important and achievable than prediction. It is argued that this approach has particular value in Northern Australia, where fires burn across vast and sparsely inhabited landscapes that are largely under Indigenous ownership. Land and fire management in such complex cross-cultural contexts requires combining traditional and local knowledge with science and technology to achieve the best outcomes. We describe the workings of the model, a stochastic cellular automata fire behaviour simulation, developed through a participatory modelling approach for Northern Australia; the outputs generated; and a range of operational applications. We found that simulation assisted training and engagement through the development of an understanding of fire dynamics through visualisation, underpinned by landscape data sets, and engaging a culturally diverse set of land managers in discussions of fire management. We conclude that there is scope for a broader use of explanatory fire simulations to support development of shared understandings of fire management objectives.
Forest Structure Drives Fuel Moisture Response across Alternative Forest States
Authors: Brown Tegan P. , Inbar Assaf , Duff Thomas J. , Burton Jamie , Noske Philip J. , Lane Patrick N. J. , Sheridan Gary J.
Published: August 2021

Climate warming is expected to increase fire frequency in many productive obligate seeder forests, where repeated high-intensity fire can initiate stand conversion to alternative states with contrasting structure. These vegetation–fire interactions may modify the direct effects of climate warming on the microclimatic conditions that control dead fuel moisture content (FMC), which regulates fire activity in these high-productivity systems. However, despite the well-established role of forest canopies in buffering microclimate, the interaction of FMC, alternative forest states and their role in vegetation–fire feedbacks remain poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that FMC dynamics across alternative states would vary to an extent meaningful for fire and that FMC differences would be attributable to forest structural variability, with important implications for fire-vegetation feedbacks. FMC was monitored at seven alternative state forested sites that were similar in all aspects except forest type and structure, and two proximate open-weather stations across the Central Highlands in Victoria, Australia. We developed two generalised additive mixed models (GAMMs) using daily independent and autoregressive (i.e., lagged) input data to test the importance of site properties, including lidar-derived forest structure, in predicting FMC from open weather. There were distinct differences in fuel availability (days when FMC < 16%, dry enough to sustain fire) leading to positive and negative fire–vegetation feedbacks across alternative forest states. Both the independent (r2 = 0.551) and autoregressive (r2 = 0.936) models ably predicted FMC from open weather. However, substantial improvement between models when lagged inputs were included demonstrates nonindependence of the automated fuel sticks at the daily level and that understanding the effects of temporal buffering in wet forests is critical to estimating FMC. We observed significant random effects (an analogue for forest structure effects) in both models (p < 0.001), which correlated with forest density metrics such as light penetration index (LPI). This study demonstrates the importance of forest structure in estimating FMC and that across alternative forest states, differences in fuel availability drive vegetation–fire feedbacks with important implications for forest flammability.
Numerical Study of the Unsteady Flow in Simplified and Realistic Iliac Bifurcation Models
Authors: Carvalho Violeta , Carneiro Filipa , Ferreira Ana C. , Gama Vasco , Teixeira José C. , Teixeira Senhorinha
Published: August 2021

Cardiovascular diseases are a major cause of death and disability worldwide and they are commonly associated with the occurrence of atherosclerotic plaque deposition in the vessel walls, a process denoted as atherosclerosis. This is a chronic and progressive inflammatory disease of large-/medium-sized blood vessels that affects blood flow profiles, with the abdominal aorta and its branches being one of the locations prone to the development of this pathology, due to their curvatures and bifurcations. In this regard, the effect of flow patterns was studied and compared for both a simplified three-dimensional model of aorta bifurcation on the iliac arteries and a realistic model of iliac bifurcation, which was constructed from a computational tomography medical image. The flow patterns were analyzed in terms of velocity and wall shear stress distribution, but a special focus was given to the size and location of the recirculation zone. The simulations were performed using the Computational Fluid Dynamics software, FLUENT, taking into account the cardiac cycle profile at the infrarenal aorta. The shear stress and the velocity distribution observed for both models indicated that higher shear stress occurred along the flow divider wall (inner wall) and low shear stress occurred along the outer walls. In addition, the results demonstrated that the wall shear stress profiles were deeply affected by the transient profile of the cardiac cycle, with the deceleration phase being the most critical phase to the occurrence of backflow.
Numerical Investigation on the Effects of Varying the Arc length of a Windshield on the Performance of a Highway Installed Banki Wind Turbine
Authors: Matias Ian Jay T. , Danao Louis Angelo M. , Abuan Binoe E.
Published: August 2021

Two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are employed to investigate the effects of adding a circular-arc-shaped windshield on the performance of a Banki type vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT), particularly to the application where the VAWT is harnessing wind energy in highway caused by the passing vehicles. Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) is the computational approach used to calculate the turbulent flow within the domain. Two sets of simulation cases based on two different vehicles (i.e., car and a bus) are performed with varying arc-length of the windshield. The results show that the windshield provides an increase in the energy captured by the VAWT by up to 16.14% compared to no windshield case when the car model is used. In contrast, windshield in all the simulation cases using a bus model gives a negative effect to VAWT performance where the worst case yields −64.77%.
Considering Fraud Vulnerability Associated with Credence-Based Products Such as Organic Food
Authors: Manning Louise , Kowalska Aleksandra
Published: August 2021

Organic foods carry a premium price. They are credence-based foods, i.e., it is difficult for consumers to evaluate the premium aspects of organic food under normal use. In global supply chains, organic food is purchased on institutional trust (certification, logos, standards) rather than on relational trust. Relying on institutional trust makes consumers vulnerable to criminals who intentionally label conventional product as organic or develop sophisticated organized crime networks to defraud businesses and consumers. The aim of this research is to explore cases of organic fraud that are emergent from academic and gray literature searches to identify ways to strengthen future capabilities to counter illicit activities in a globalized food environment. Each case is considered in terms of perpetrator motivations (differentiated as economic, cultural, and behaviorally orientated drivers), the mode of operation (simple or organized), the guardians involved/absent, and the business and supply chain level vulnerabilities the cases highlight. The study finds that institutional trust is particularly vulnerable to fraud. Supply chain guardians need to recognize this vulnerability and implement effective controls to reduce the likelihood of occurrence. However, in some cases considered in the study, the guardians themselves were complicit in the illicit behavior, further increasing consumer vulnerability. Future research needs to consider how additional controls can be implemented, without increasing supply chain friction that will impact on food trade and supply, that can ensure consumers are purchasing what they believe they are paying for.
Reformulation of Muffins Using Inulin and Green Banana Flour: Physical, Sensory, Nutritional and Shelf-Life Properties
Authors: Harastani Rania , James Lewis J. , Ghosh Sourav , Rosenthal Andrew J. , Woolley Elliot
Published: August 2021

This study demonstrates a scenario of industrial reformulation by developing muffins that resemble store-branded ones and testing the possibility of reformulating them using inulin and green banana flour (GBF). Ten different formulations were created through reducing 10% or 30% of sugar and/or fat. Physical characteristics, consumer acceptance and purchase preferences, baking losses, nutritional properties, shelf-life, as well as cost and industrial processability were considered and discussed. Results on physical properties showed that firmness had increased in reformulated muffins while springiness only decreased when both sugar and fat were reduced by 30% (p < 0.05). Texture and sensory properties of reformulated muffins were acceptable, and the purchase intent rate was high. Regarding the nutritional properties, muffins incorporating more than 10% of fibres allowed the addition of nutritional claims. The incremental area under the curve iAUC120min of blood glucose in healthy adults (n = 13) was significantly lower than control after ingesting 30% reduced sugar or fat muffins using inulin (p < 0.01). The microbial profile was not affected by reformulation during storage at 25 °C for 10 days. This study concluded that there is a significant potential to industrially produce reduced sugar or fat muffins using inulin or GBF up to 30% without significantly deteriorating quality attributes.