bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Fe-26Si-9B Alloy as Phase Change Material in Si3N4 Container
Authors: Jiao Jianmeng , Safarian Jafar , Tangstad Merete
Published: March 2022

Fe-26Si-9B alloy was selected as a potential phase change material (PCM) to store energy at temperatures up to 1300 °C. A suitable refractory material is crucial to building a PCM container for Fe-26Si-9B alloy in thermal energy storage systems. The refractory material should have the ability to withstand corrosion from liquid Fe-26Si-9B alloy and should not pollute the alloy after long-term thermal cycles at high temperatures. In this work, Si3N4 was selected as a candidate refractory material. To investigate the interaction between Si3N4 and Fe-26Si-9B alloy, the wettability property of an Fe-26Si-9B/Si3N4 system was examined in a sessile drop furnace at temperatures up to 1350 °C. Moreover, Fe-26Si-9B alloy was subjected to 1–12 thermal cycles at temperatures between 1100 and 1300 °C, where the alloys were placed in Si3N4 crucibles in a resistance furnace under argon. According to the experiments, the equilibrium contact angle between the Fe-26Si-9B droplet and Si3N4 substrate was measured to be ~143°, which is non-wetting behavior. Microstructural analyses showed that FeSi, FeB, FeSiB3, and SiB6 were formed in the solidified Fe-26Si-9B alloy, in which FeSi + FeSiB3 constituted the eutectic structure. No nitride phases were introduced to the Fe-26Si-9B alloy, and no new interlayer was produced at the interface between the Fe-26Si-9B alloy and Si3N4 crucible after the thermal cycle experiments. In addition, the formed phases were stable with the increase in thermal cycles. All the results show that Si3N4 refractory material is suitable for Fe-26Si-9B alloy containers at high temperatures.
New Insights into Coloration Mechanism in Violet-Red Pyrope-Almandine
Authors: Yang Puyue , Guo Ying
Published: March 2022

The most common type of garnet is pyrope-almandine, whose color varies from red to violet. In this study, 36 faceted gem-quality samples are used for electron microprobe, infrared spectrum, and UV-Visible spectrum test to find the coloration mechanism and spectroscopic characters in red-violet pyrope-almandine. The gradually increasing content of Mg2+ at the X position in the lattice is connected to the variation in the infrared spectrum. The wavenumber increases with the decrease of cationic radius, which makes the distance between C and D bands further. The color mechanism is mainly affected by Fe2+, and Mn2+. We discuss the change in colors with the assumption of a certain MnO content. When it is above or below the standard of 1 wt%, the absorption intensity of the UV-Visible spectrum is completely different in the purple zone, which determines the color to be red or violet. Therefore, the effect of Mn2+ and Fe2+ should be combined instead of being considered respectively. The results show that the MnO content can be quickly inferred by the light purple/fancy purple color. To avoid harming the value, this new insight makes it possible to quickly classify the gem quality in mining as well as in the market.
Occurrence of CAE and CLA in Swedish Dairy Goats and Comparison of Serum and Milk as Sampling Material
Authors: Persson Ylva , Andersson Ellen , Frössling Jenny , Wensman Jonas Johansson
Published: March 2022

Caprine arthritis encephalitis (CAE) and caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) are two infectious diseases affecting goat welfare and production throughout the world. There are no current data regarding their prevalence in Sweden, and the aim of this pilot study was therefore to estimate the occurrence in Swedish milk-producing goats, but also to assess the agreement between milk and sera as sample material for diagnosis and to investigate the association between the somatic cell count (SCC) in bulk milk and the occurrence of CAE and CLA. Serum, individual milk, and bulk-tank milk samples were collected from 214 dairy goats in 10 herds. All samples were analysed by ELISA to detect antibodies for CAE and CLA, and 14.6% of the goats were seropositive for CAE, whereas 19.3% of the goats were seropositive for CLA. The agreement between individual milk and serum samples was over 90% for both diseases and individual milk samples can therefore be considered as an alternative material for analysis in a future eradication programme. Based on the limited number of samples, there was also a significant correlation between bulk-milk test results and within-herd seroprevalence for both CAE and CLA. The SCC in bulk-milk samples was measured using a DeLaval cell counter. The medium SCC was 639,000 cells/mL and no association between SCC and CAE or CLA could be found. The results indicate that CAE and CLA are two common diseases in Swedish goat herds, but further studies based on a larger number of herds are needed to draw conclusions about the national prevalence. The results also indicate that milk can be used as a more cost-effective sampling media for diagnosing CAE and CLA compared to serology, which is the standard procedure today. Hopefully, the results can support the establishment of a successful programme to control the diseases, with the ambition to eradicate CAE and CLA in Sweden.
A New CT Analysis of Abdominal Wall after DIEP Flap Harvesting
Authors: Brambullo Tito , Kohlscheen Eva , Faccio Diego , Messana Francesco , Vezzaro Roberto , Pranovi Giulia , Masiero Stefano , Zampieri Sandra , Ravara Barbara , Bassetto Franco , Vindigni Vincenzo
Published: March 2022

The abdominal microsurgical flap based on the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap has become the most popular option worldwide for autologous breast reconstruction. Several authors have investigated the results of reconstructed breasts, but the literature lacks systematic reviews exploring the donor site of the abdominal wall. To fulfil our aims, a new diagnostic muscle imaging analysis was designed and implemented. This study focused on rectus abdominal muscle morphology and function in a single series of 12 consecutive patients analysed before and after breast reconstruction with a microsurgical DIEP flap. Patients were divided into two groups, namely, “ipsilateral reconstruction” and “contralateral reconstruction”, depending on the side of the flap harvest and breast reconstruction, then evaluated by computed tomography (CT) scans scheduled for tumor staging, and clinically examined by a physiatrist. Numerous alterations in muscle physiology were observed due to surgical dissection of perforator vessels, and rectus muscle distress without functional impairment was a common result. Postoperatively, patients undergoing “contralateral reconstruction” appeared to exhibit fewer rectus muscle alterations. Overall, only three patients were impacted by a long-term deterioration in their quality of life. On the basis of the newly developed and implemented diagnostic approach, we concluded that DIEP microsurgical breast reconstruction is a safe procedure without major complications at the donor site, even if long-term alterations of the rectus muscle are a common finding.
Tuberculous Abscesses in the Head and Neck Region
Authors: Landegger Lukas D.
Published: March 2022

Tuberculosis represents a global health challenge and is one of the leading infectious killers, with over a million people succumbing to it every year. While the disease is primarily prevalent in developing countries, where 95% of cases and deaths occur, doctors around the globe need to be able to recognize its diverse clinical manifestations in order to initiate appropriate treatment early. The granulomatous infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis typically affects the lungs, but isolated abscesses in the head and neck region can be a less common presentation of the disease, potentially resulting in dysphagia, odynophagia, voice changes, neck swelling, bone erosion, and even life-threatening respiratory distress requiring tracheostomy. Here, characteristic imaging findings and potential surgical options are discussed.
Radiological Findings Increased the Successful of COVID-19 Diagnosis in Hospitalized Patients Suspected of Respiratory Viral Infection but with a Negative First SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Result
Authors: Martinez-Fierro Margarita L , González-Fuentes Carolina , Cid-Guerrero Dagoberto , González Delgado Samantha , Carrillo-Martínez Santiago , Gutierrez-Vela Edgar Fernando , Calzada-Luévano Juan Yadid , Rocha-Pizaña Maria R. , Martínez-Rendón Jacqueline , Castañeda-López Maria E. , Garza-Veloz Idalia
Published: March 2022

SARS-CoV-2 is the etiological agent of COVID-19 and may evolve from asymptomatic disease to fatal outcomes. Real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) screening is the gold standard to diagnose severe accurate respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, but this test is not 100% accurate, as false negatives can occur. We aimed to evaluate the potential false-negative results in hospitalized patients suspected of viral respiratory disease but with a negative previous SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR and analyze variables that may increase the success of COVID-19 diagnosis in this group of patients. A total of 55 hospitalized patients suspected of viral respiratory disease but with a previous negative RT-PCR result for SARS-CoV-2 were included. All the participants had clinical findings related to COVID-19 and underwent a second SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR. Chest-computed axial tomography (CT) was used as an auxiliary tool for COVID-19 diagnosis. After the second test, 36 patients (65.5%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 group), and 19 patients (34.5%) were negative (controls). There were differences between the groups in the platelet count and the levels of D-dimer, procalcitonin, and glucose (p < 0.05). Chest CT scans categorized as COVID-19 Reporting and Data System 5 (CO-RADS 5) were more frequent in the COVID-19 group than in the control group (91.7% vs. 52.6%; p = 0.003). CO-RADS 5 remained an independent predictor of COVID-19 diagnosis in a second SARS-CoV-2 screening (p = 0.013; odds ratio = 7.0, 95% confidence interval 1.5–32.7). In conclusion, chest CT classified as CO-RADS 5 was an independent predictor of a positive second SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR, increasing the odds of COVID-19 diagnosis by seven times. Based on our results, in hospitalized patients with a chest CT classified as CO-RADS 5, a second SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test should be mandatory when the first one is negative. This approach could increase SARS-CoV-2 detection up to 65% and could allow for isolation and treatment, thus improving the patient outcome and avoiding further contagion.
A Robust, Fully Automatic Detection Method and Calculation Technique of Midline Shift in Intracranial Hemorrhage and Its Clinical Application
Authors: Yan Jiun-Lin , Chen Yao-Lian , Chen Moa-Yu , Chen Bo-An , Chang Jiung-Xian , Kao Ching-Chung , Hsieh Meng-Chi , Peng Yi-Ting , Huang Kuan-Chieh , Chen Pin-Yuan
Published: March 2022

A midline shift (MLS) is an important clinical indicator for intracranial hemorrhage. In this study, we proposed a robust, fully automatic neural network-based model for the detection of MLS and compared it with MLSs drawn by clinicians; we also evaluated the clinical applications of the fully automatic model. We recruited 300 consecutive non-contrast CT scans consisting of 7269 slices in this study. Six different types of hemorrhage were included. The automatic detection of MLS was based on modified Keypoint R-CNN with keypoint detection followed by training on the ResNet-FPN-50 backbone. The results were further compared with manually drawn outcomes and manually defined keypoint calculations. Clinical parameters, including Glasgow coma scale (GCS), Glasgow outcome scale (GOS), and 30-day mortality, were also analyzed. The mean absolute error for the automatic detection of an MLS was 0.936 mm compared with the ground truth. The interclass correlation was 0.9899 between the automatic method and MLS drawn by different clinicians. There was high sensitivity and specificity in the detection of MLS at 2 mm (91.7%, 80%) and 5 mm (87.5%, 96.7%) and MLSs greater than 10 mm (85.7%, 97.7%). MLS showed a significant association with initial poor GCS and GCS on day 7 and was inversely correlated with poor 30-day GOS (p < 0.001). In conclusion, automatic detection and calculation of MLS can provide an accurate, robust method for MLS measurement that is clinically comparable to the manually drawn method.
Quantification of Grassland Biomass and Nitrogen Content through UAV Hyperspectral Imagery—Active Sample Selection for Model Transfer
Authors: Franceschini Marston , Becker Rolf , Wichern Florian , Kooistra Lammert
Published: March 2022

Accurate retrieval of grassland traits is important to support management of pasture production and phenotyping studies. In general, conventional methods used to measure forage yield and quality rely on costly destructive sampling and laboratory analysis, which is often not viable in practical applications. Optical imaging systems carried as payload in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) platforms have increasingly been proposed as alternative non-destructive solutions for crop characterization and monitoring. The vegetation spectral response in the visible and near-infrared wavelengths provides information on many aspects of its composition and structure. Combining spectral measurements and multivariate modelling approaches it is possible to represent the often complex relationship between canopy reflectance and specific plant traits. However, empirical models are limited and strictly represent characteristics of the observations used during model training, therefore having low generalization potential. A method to mitigate this issue consists of adding informative samples from the target domain (i.e., new observations) to the training dataset. This approach searches for a compromise between representing the variability in new data and selecting only a minimal number of additional samples for calibration transfer. In this study, a method to actively choose new training samples based on their spectral diversity and prediction uncertainty was implemented and tested using a multi-annual dataset. Accurate predictions were obtained using hyperspectral imagery and linear multivariate models (Partial Least Squares Regression—PLSR) for grassland dry matter (DM; R2 = 0.92, RMSE = 3.25 dt ha−1), nitrogen (N) content in % of DM (R2 = 0.58, RMSE = 0.27%) and N-uptake (R2 = 0.91, RMSE = 6.50 kg ha−1). In addition, the number of samples from the target dates added to the training dataset could be reduced by up to 77% and 74% for DM and N-related traits, respectively, after model transfer. Despite this reduction, RMSE values for optimal transfer sets (identified after validation and used as benchmark) were only 20–30% lower than those values obtained after model transfer based on prediction uncertainty reduction, indicating that loss of accuracy was relatively small. These results demonstrate that considerably simple approaches based on UAV hyperspectral data can be applied in preliminary grassland monitoring frameworks, even with limited datasets.
Improving UAV Mission Quality and Safety through Topographic Awareness
Authors: Wubben Jamie , Morales Christian , Calafate Carlos , Hernández-Orallo Enrique , Cano Juan-Carlos , Manzoni Pietro
Published: March 2022

The field of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) has progressed greatly in the last years. UAVs are now used for many applications and are often flown automatically. One commonly implemented feature in an automatic flight is that of following a mission at a stable altitude. However, this altitude is almost always referenced from the take-off location and does not take terrain profile levels into account. This is a critical and dangerous issue because if the terrain level changes abruptly (e.g., mountain regions or buildings in a city), this can lead to crashes or an unintended (illegal) high altitude. Our aim for this work is to provide a solution such that a constant altitude above ground level is maintained. To this end, we make use of the readily available Digital Elevation Models (DEMs). These models, which contain the terrain elevation, help us in dynamically adjusting the VTOL UAV altitude so that it remains nearly constant in relation to the ground. Results have shown that with the use of our method, the altitude can be maintained sufficiently constant while introducing a limited increase in flight time and battery consumption that is proportional to the terrain’s irregularity. In a moderately changing terrain, the error could be reduced to just ±5 m.
Drone Observations of Marine Life and Human–Wildlife Interactions off Sydney, Australia
Authors: Pirotta Vanessa , Hocking David P. , Iggleden Jason , Harcourt Robert
Published: March 2022

Drones have become popular with the general public for viewing and filming marine life. One amateur enthusiast platform, DroneSharkApp, films marine life in the waters off Sydney, Australia year-round and posts their observations on social media. The drone observations include the behaviours of a variety of coastal marine wildlife species, including sharks, rays, fur seals, dolphins and fish, as well as migratory species such as migrating humpback whales. Given the extensive effort and multiple recordings of the presence, behaviour and interactions of various species with humans provided by DroneSharkApp, we explored its utility for providing biologically meaningful observations of marine wildlife. Using social media posts from the DroneSharkApp Instagram page, a total of 678 wildlife videos were assessed from 432 days of observation collected by a single observer. This included 94 feeding behaviours or events for fur seals (n = 58) and dolphins (n = 33), two feeding events for white sharks and one feeding event for a humpback whale. DroneSharkApp documented 101 interactions with sharks and humans (swimmers and surfers), demonstrating the frequent, mainly innocuous human–shark overlap off some of Australia’s busiest beaches. Finally, DroneSharkApp provided multiple observations of humpback and dwarf minke whales with calves travelling north, indicating calving occurring well south of traditional northern Queensland breeding waters. Collaboration between scientists and citizen scientists such as those involved with DroneSharkApp can greatly and quantitatively increase the biological understanding of marine wildlife data.
Proof of Equivalence of Carnot Principle to II Law of Thermodynamics and Non-Equivalence to Clausius I and Kelvin Principles
Authors: Koczan Grzegorz Marcin
Published: March 2022

The II law of thermodynamics is most often given in three supposedly equivalent formulations: two Clausius (I and II) and one Kelvin. The most general and indisputable entropy formulation belongs to Clausius (II). The earlier Clausius I principle determines the natural direction heat flow between bodies at different temperatures. On the other hand, the Kelvin principle states that it is impossible to completely convert heat into work. The author argues that the Kelvin principle is a weaker statement (or more strictly non-equivalent) than the Clausius I principle, and the latter is a weaker statement than Carnot principle, which is equivalent to Clausius II principle. As a result, the Kelvin principle and the Clausius I principle are not exhaustive formulations of the II law of thermodynamics. At the same time, it turns out that the Carnot principle becomes such a formulation. Apart from providing a complete set of proof and disproof, the author, indicates where the methodological errors were made in the alleged proof of the equivalence of the Kelvin principle and both Clausius principles.
Influence of Sociodemographic Factors and Knowledge in Pedagogy on the Labor Market Insertion of Education Science Professionals
Authors: Cáceres-Reche María Pilar , Tallón-Rosales Susana , Ramos Navas-Parejo Magdalena , De la Cruz-Campos Juan Carlos
Published: March 2022

The profile of the pedagogy student is polyvalent, the motivations, competencies, attitudes, and necessary aptitudes are also varied and suitable for developing the exercise of their profession in different labor scenarios, ranging from the educational-training context to the business context. The aim of this research has been to analyze the influence of sociodemographic factors and knowledge in pedagogy on labor market insertion, expectations about the degree, and employability of students of the degree in pedagogy at the University of Granada, Spain. The methodology used was based on a cross-sectional study design through a survey administered to a total of 334 students. The results obtained show that there are differences between the two genders. Regarding the year of study, no significant differences were found. Knowledge about the profile of the pedagogue is a factor that does influence expectations about the degree, job placement, and employability. However, expectations about the degree did not influence job placement, although employability did. It is concluded by stating that there is a lack of knowledge about the role of the pedagogue, which needs to be alleviated, as well as highlighting the need to reinforce the curricular, academic, and practical training of this degree.
Re-Imagining Approaches to Learning and Teaching: Youth and Community Work Education Post COVID-19
Authors: Curran Sheila , Gormally Sinead , Smith Christine
Published: March 2022

This article draws on research undertaken by the Professional Association of Lecturers in Youth and Community Work (PALYCW) in collaboration with the Open University, University of Glasgow and the University of Hull. The authors are all part of a community of practice of lecturers teaching in higher education on Community and Youth Work (CYW) degree programmes. These CYW programmes are professionally endorsed by Youth Work and Community Development professional bodies across the UK. They adopt informal methodologies and have a strong focus on preparing students to work as informal educators with young people and communities. The unique contribution of this paper is highlighting the experiences, issues and challenges presented and exploring creative approaches that have been developed by programmes that adopt these approaches to educate professional practitioners. Looking forward in a context of great uncertainty, the research also set out to consider what the future might look like for CYW programmes, located in the neoliberal university. Questions explored included the extent to which the pandemic might lead to longer term changes in learning and teaching methodologies in CYW in higher education (HE) and how CYW programmes should be preparing students for navigating practice in the society that unfolds post COVID-19 as the basis for taking action in communities in response to new formations of social injustice and inequality with conscious intent.
Evaluation of Self-Perceived Body Image in Adolescents with Mild Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Belli Guido , Toselli Stefania , Latessa Pasqualino Maietta , Mauro Mario
Published: March 2022

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most prevalent types of scoliosis, affecting up to 3% of children around the world. The progression of AIS can cause alteration in psychological components such as self-perceived body image and self-identity, which negatively affect the teenager quality of life (QoL). The mainly aim of this cross-sectional study is to investigate how mild AIS impacts self-perceived body image in young people. Fifteen participants (mean age = 14.47 ± 2.825) of both sexes (male = 5; female = 10) with a curve magnitude from 10° up to 25° completed the Scoliosis Research Society Patient Questionnaire (SRS-22), the Trunk Appearance Perception Scale (TAPS) and were subject to spinal analysis and photogrammetry. Results display statistical differences between self-perceived body image and other SRS-22 domains (Hotelling t2= 70.29; F(3,12) = 20.08; p < 0.001). Additionally, the regression model, which better explained the self-perceived variability, was fit by function/activity, pain, and mental health domains (F(4,10) = 4.39; p = 0.029; R2 = 0.545). Although AIS was not severe, it negatively affected participants self-perceived body image. More attention in AIS qualify of life is needed, and early treatments could be necessary to prevent psychological impairments self-perception related.
Study of the Fire Behavior of Multilayer Cables in a Mine Tunnel
Authors: Tang Zhiqiang , Gao Ke , Shan Yafei , Zhu Chengyao , Liu Zeyi , Liu Zimeng
Published: March 2022

Fires caused by cables occur frequently in mines, which endanger the safety of workers. To explore the characteristics of a multilayer cable fire in a mine tunnel, multilayer cable fire simulations were carried out using the Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS). The influence of cable tray spacing, ignition position, and tunnel ventilation speed on the characteristics of the fire were studied. The results showed that these factors change the amount of contact between the cable and air, the heat accumulation, and the heat transfer by the flame interaction between the cables. It was also noted that increasing the spacing or wind speed both made the peak of heat release rate (PHRR) initially increase and then decrease. The influence of wind speed on the cable burnout rate in the upstream and downstream sides of the fire source was not consistent, and the wind speed had a sensitive effect on the cable burn out rate in the upstream side of the fire source. The higher the ignition position was, the longer the arrival time of PHRR was and the slower the fire developed. There was a higher burn velocity close to the ceiling. The cable hooks obstructed the cable fire. This study provides a theoretical basis for cable fire prevention and control in mine tunnels.
Application of the Horizontal Soil Stratification and Lateral Profiling Methods for 3D Mapping of the Soil Electrical Resistivity
Authors: Calixto Wesley P. , Silva Carlos L. B. , Gomes Viviane M. , Reis Marcio R. C. , Silva Filho Antonio M. , Coimbra Antonio P. , Wainer Gabriel A.
Published: March 2022

This work presents a methodology for horizontal soil stratification and a device for 3D soil mapping using the discretization of the Wenner’s method. The methodology starts from the application of the lateral profiling method in conjunction with the Wenner’s method to find the experimental resistivity curve. The Sunde’s algorithm is used to construct the theoretical resistivity curve. By utilizing these experimental and theoretical resistivity curves, it is possible to apply the optimization process to find the parameters: electrical conductivity and thickness of each soil layer. The area under study is discretized and the results related to all subareas are unified using interpolation process. The whole process which results in 3D soil mapping may be automatically produced using the proposed device.
Heat Transfer Enhancement of Crossflow Air-to-Water Fin-and-Tube Heat Exchanger by Using Delta-Winglet Type Vortex Generators
Authors: Batista Josip , Trp Anica , Lenic Kristian
Published: March 2022

The aim of this work is to numerically analyse fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics in a crossflow air-to-water fin-and-tube heat exchanger (FTHEX) by implementing two configurations of delta-winglet type vortex generators at the air side: delta-winglet upstream (DWU) and delta-winglet downstream (DWD). The vortex generators are mounted on a fin surface and deployed in a “common flow up” orientation. The effects of attack angles of 15°, 30° and 45° on air-side heat transfer and pressure drop were examined. Since the implementation of the full-size model would involve large numerical resources, the computational domain is simplified by considering a small segment in the direction of water flow. The fully developed temperature and velocity boundary conditions were set at the water inlets. To validate the defined mathematical model and numerical procedure, measurements have been performed on a plain FTHEX. The air side Reynolds number, based on hydraulic diameter, was in the range of 176 ≤ ReDh ≤ 400 and water side Reynolds number, based on inner tube diameter, was constant Redi = 17,065. The results have shown that the highest increase in the Colburn factor j (by 11–27%) and reduction in the air-side thermal resistance fraction (from 78.2–76.9% for ReDh = 176 to 76–72.4% for ReDh = 400) is achieved by using the DWD configuration with attack angle 45°. In addition, the overall heat transfer coefficient is improved by up to 15.7%. The DWD configuration with the attack angle 30° provides the greatest improvement in the heat transfer to pressure loss ratio, 5.2–15.4% over the range of ReDhstudied.
Manual Operation Evaluation Based on Vectorized Spatio-Temporal Graph Convolutional for Virtual Reality Training in Smart Grid
Authors: He Fangqiuzi , Liu Yong , Zhan Weiwen , Xu Qingjie , Chen Xiaoling
Published: March 2022

The standard of manual operation in smart grid, which require accurate manipulation, is high, especially in experimental, practice, and training systems based on virtual reality (VR). In the VR training system, data gloves are often used to obtain the accurate dataset of hand movements. Previous works rarely considered the multi-sensor datasets, which collected from the data gloves, to complete the action evaluation of VR training systems. In this paper, a vectorized graph convolutional deep learning model is proposed to evaluate the accuracy of test actions. First, the kernel of vectorized spatio-temporal graph convolutional of the data glove is constructed with different weights for different finger joints, and the data dimensionality reduction is also achieved. Then, different evaluation strategies are proposed for different actions. Finally, a convolution deep learning network for vectorized spatio-temporal graph is built to obtain the similarity between test actions and standard ones. The evaluation results of the proposed algorithm are compared with the subjective ones labeled by experts. The experimental results verify that the proposed action evaluation method based on the vectorized spatio-temporal graph convolutional is efficient for the manual operation accuracy evaluation in VR training systems of smart grids.
Multi-Parameter Protocol for Geocryological Test Site: A Case Study Applied for the European North of Russia
Authors: Isaev Vladislav , Kioka Arata , Kotov Pavel , Sergeev Dmitrii O. , Uvarova Alexandra , Koshurnikov Andrey , Komarov Oleg
Published: March 2022

An increase in air temperature leads to a significant transformation of the relief and landscapes of the Arctic. The rate of permafrost degradation, posing a profound change in the Arctic landscape, depends on air temperature, vegetation cover, type of soils, surface and ground waters. The existing international circumpolar programs dedicated to monitoring the temperature state of permafrost TSP (Thermal State Permafrost) and active layer thickness CALM (Circumpolar Active Layer Monitoring) are not sufficient for a comprehensive characterization of geocryological conditions. Yet, no standardized protocol exists for permafrost monitoring and related processes. Here, we propose a novel multi-parameter monitoring protocol and implement it for two sites in the European part of the Russian Arctic: the Yary site along the coast of the Baydaratskaya Bay in the Kara Sea (68.9° N) within the continuous permafrost area and the Hanovey site in the Komi Republic (67.3° N) within the discontinuous permafrost area. The protocol includes drilling boreholes, determining the composition and properties (vegetation cover and soils), snow cover measurement, geophysical imaging, active layer estimation and continuous ground temperature measurements. Ground temperature measured in 2014–2020 revealed that amplitudes of surface temperature fluctuations had no significant differences between the Yary and Hanovey sites, while that the mean annual temperatures between the areas had a considerable difference of greater than 3.0 °C. The period of the presence of the active layer changed with the year (e.g., ranging between 135 and 174 days in the Yary site), showing longer when the air temperatures in summer and the preceding winter were higher. Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) allowed determining the permafrost distribution and active layer thicknesses. Thermometry results were consistent with our geophysical data. Analyzing the composition and properties of frozen soils helped better interpret the data of geophysical and temperature measurements. By integrating the study of the soil properties, ground temperatures, and ERT, our work allowed us to fully characterize these sites, suggesting that it helps better understand the thermal state at any other research sites in the European north of Russia. Our suggested monitoring protocol enables calibrating and verifying the numerical and analytical models of the heat transfer through the earth’s surface.
Ticks on the Run: A Mathematical Model of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF)—Key Factors for Transmission
Authors: Bhowmick Suman , Kasi Khushal Khan , Gethmann Jörn , Fischer Susanne , Conraths Franz J. , Sokolov Igor M. , Lentz Hartmut H. K.
Published: March 2022

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a zoonotic disease caused by the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). Ticks of the genus Hyalomma are the main vectors and represent a reservoir for the virus. CCHF is maintained in nature in an endemic vertebrate-tick-vertebrate cycle. The disease is prevalent in wide geographical areas including Asia, Africa, South-Eastern Europe and the Middle East. It is of great importance for the public health given its occasionally high case/fatality ratio of CCHFV in humans. Climate change and the detection of possible CCHFV vectors in Central Europe suggest that the establishment of the transmission in Central Europe may be possible in future. We have developed a compartment-based nonlinear Ordinary Differential Equation (ODE) system to model the disease transmission cycle including blood sucking ticks, livestock and human. Sensitivity analysis of the basic reproduction number R0 shows that decreasing the tick survival time is an efficient method to control the disease. The model supports us in understanding the influence of different model parameters on the spread of CCHFV. Tick-to-tick transmission through co-feeding and the CCHFV circulation through transstadial and transovarial transmission are important factors to sustain the disease cycle. The proposed model dynamics are calibrated through an empirical multi-country analysis and multidimensional plot reveals that the disease-parameter sets of different countries burdened with CCHF are different. This information may help decision makers to select efficient control strategies.
Dendrochronology-Based Normalized Difference Vegetation Index Reconstruction in the Qinling Mountains, North-Central China
Authors: Qin Jin , Bai Hongying , Zhao Pei , Fang Shu , Xiang Yuanlin , Huang Xiaoyue
Published: March 2022

Larix chinensis Beissn., as a native, dominant and climate-sensitive coniferous species at Mount Taibai timberline, Qinling mountains, is rarely disturbed by anthropogenic activities; thus, it is an ideal proxy for the investigation of climate change or vegetation evolution. In this study, we applied dendrochronological methods to the L. chinensis tree-ring series from Mt. Taibai and investigated the relationships between tree-ring widths and NDVI/climate factors using Pearson correlation analysis. On the basis of the remarkable positive correlations (r = 0.726, p < 0.01, n = 23) between local July normalized difference vegetation indices (NDVI) and tree-ring width indices, the regional 146-year annual maximum vegetation density was reconstructed using a regression model. The reconstructed NDVI series tracked the observed data well, as the trans-function accounted for 52.8% of observed NDVI variance during AD 1991–2013. After applying an 11-year moving average, five dense vegetation coverage periods and six sparse vegetation coverage periods were clearly presented. At a decadal scale, this reconstruction was reasonably and negatively correlated with a nearby historical-record-based dryness/wetness index (DWI), precisely verifying that local vegetation cover was principally controlled by hydrothermal variations. Spectral analysis unveiled the existence of 2–3-year, 2–4-year, 5–7-year and 7–11-year cycles, which may potentially reflect the connection between local NDVI evolution and larger-scale circulations, such as the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and solar activity. This study is of great significance for providing a long-term perspective on the dynamics of vegetation cover in the Qinling mountains, and could help to guide expectations of future forest variations.
Urban Forests and Green Areas as Nature-Based Solutions for Brownfield Redevelopment: A Case Study from Brescia Municipal Area (Italy)
Authors: Masiero Mauro , Biasin Anna , Amato Giulia , Malaggi Fabrizio , Pettenella Davide , Nastasio Paolo , Anelli Simone
Published: March 2022

Urban areas are experiencing major changes and facing significant sustainability challenges. Many cities are undergoing a transition towards a post-industrial phase and need to consider the regeneration of brownfield sites. Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) are increasingly considered as tools for supporting this transition and promoting sustainable development by delivering multiple ecosystem services (ESs). Although the potential of NBSs as a cost-effective enabler of urban sustainability has been recognized, their implementation faces numerous barriers. The effective assessment of benefits delivered by urban NBSs is considered by existing literature as one of them. In order to contribute to filling this knowledge gap, we analyzed two alternative NBS-based intervention scenarios—i.e., (1) an urban forest and (2) meadows with sparse trees—for the redevelopment of an urban brownfield area within the municipality of Brescia (Northern Italy). Nine ESs were assessed both in biophysical and economic terms via a combination of modeling (InVEST, i-Tree and ESTIMAP) and traditional estimation methods. The results show that both scenarios improve ES stock and flow compared to the baseline, ensuring annual flows ranging between 140,000 and 360,000 EUR/year. Scenario 1 shows higher values when single ESs are considered, while scenario 2 shows higher total values, as it also accounts for the phytoremediation capacity that is not considered under the first scenario. All in all, regulating ESs represent the bulk of estimated ESs, thus highlighting the potential of proposed NBSs for improving urban resilience. The ES assessment and valuation exercise presented within this paper is an example of how research and practice can be integrated to inform urban management activities, and provide inputs for future decision making and planning regarding urban developments.
High-Performance Computing and ABMS for High-Resolution COVID-19 Spreading Simulation
Authors: Pellegrino Mattia , Lombardo Gianfranco , Cagnoni Stefano , Poggi Agostino
Published: March 2022

This paper presents an approach for the modeling and the simulation of the spreading of COVID-19 based on agent-based modeling and simulation (ABMS). Our goal is not only to support large-scale simulations but also to increase the simulation resolution. Moreover, we do not assume an underlying network of contacts, and the person-to-person contacts responsible for the spreading are modeled as a function of the geographical distance among the individuals. In particular, we defined a commuting mechanism combining radiation-based and gravity-based models and we exploited the commuting properties at different resolution levels (municipalities and provinces). Finally, we exploited the high-performance computing (HPC) facilities to simulate millions of concurrent agents, each mapping the individual’s behavior. To do such simulations, we developed a spreading simulator and validated it through the simulation of the spreading in two of the most populated Italian regions: Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. Our main achievement consists of the effective modeling of 10 million of concurrent agents, each one mapping an individual behavior with a high-resolution in terms of social contacts, mobility and contribution to the virus spreading. Moreover, we analyzed the forecasting ability of our framework to predict the number of infections being initialized with only a few days of real data. We validated our model with the statistical data coming from the serological analysis conducted in Lombardy, and our model makes a smaller error than other state of the art models with a final root mean squared error equal to 56,009 simulating the entire first pandemic wave in spring 2020. On the other hand, for the Emilia-Romagna region, we simulated the second pandemic wave during autumn 2020, and we reached a final RMSE equal to 10,730.11.
Early Immune Modulation in European Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) Juveniles in Response to Betanodavirus Infection
Authors: Vaz Mariana , Pires Damiana , Pires Pedro , Simões Marco , Pombo Ana , Santos Paulo , do Carmo Beatriz , Passos Ricardo , Costa Janina Z. , Thompson Kim D. , Baptista Teresa
Published: March 2022

The early host–pathogen interaction between European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and Betanodavirus was examined by using juvenile fish infected intramuscularly with RGNNV (red-spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus). The time course selected for sampling (0–144 h post-infection (hpi)) covered the early stages of infection, with hematological, antioxidant and immunological responses examined. Early activation of the host’s immune system was seen in the first few hours post-infection (6 to 9 hpi), as evidenced by an increase in tnfα, cd28 and c3 expression in the head kidney of infected fish. Most hematological parameters that were examined showed significant differences between sampling times, including differences in the number of thrombocytes and various leukocyte populations. The plasma lysozyme concentration decreased significantly over the course of the trial, and most antioxidant parameters examined in the liver showed significant differences over the infection period. At 144 hpi, peak expression of tnfα and il-1β coincided with the appearance of disease symptoms, peak levels of virus in the brain and high levels of fish mortality. The results of the study show the importance of analyzing the early interactions between European seabass and Betanodavirus to establish early indicators of infection to prevent more severe outcomes of the infection from occurring.
Validation and Enhancement of a Supermesh Strategy for the CFD Simulation of Four-Stroke Internal Combustion Engines
Authors: Aguerre Horacio J. , Pedreira Patricio H. , Orbaiz Pedro J. , Nigro Norberto M.
Published: March 2022

The present paper describes and validates an efficient CFD implementation to replicate the working fluid-dynamics of a real four-stroke internal combustion engine. To do this, experimental data obtained on a single-cylinder engine are used to validate the proposed computational approach. The engine domain is divided into regions according to each moving zone, and these are coupled using a pseudo-supermesh interface presented in a previous work by the authors. In this work, the original pseudo-supermesh strategy is enhanced by introducing the dual-boundary concept to model the valve opening/closing events to increase the accuracy and simplicity of the simulation procedure. The results produced by the proposed software tool show a good correlation to the experimental measurements of the complete engine cycle. Macroscopic quantities of the in-cylinder flow are accurately replicated as well as the instantaneous evolution of the in-cylinder and intake manifold pressure. Furthermore, the present work shows that the computational efficiency and scalability of the enhanced pseudo-supermesh approach are preserved even when applied to more complex real problems. In this sense, this work contributes to a new engineering tool promoting the enhanced pseudo-supermeshes as an effective tool for the design, development, and optimization of internal combustion engines.
Effect of Phosphorylation on the Structure and Emulsification Properties of Different Fish Scale Gelatins
Authors: Yang Mei , Zhang Jian , Guo Xin , Deng Xiaorong , Kang Shihua , Zhu Xinrong , Guo Xiaobing
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to investigate the effect of phosphorylation on the structure and emulsification of Coregonus peled, Esox lucius and Grass carp scale gelatin. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and endogenous fluorescence spectra showed that the structures of the three fish scale gelatins changed. Additionally, the surface hydrophobicity index of the three fish scale gelatins increased by 36.72, 31.42 and 111.67, respectively, after 1 h of phosphorylation, and the surface tension decreased by 17.27, 32.58 and 18.7 mN/m, respectively. The emulsification activity index increased by 115.86, 155.22 and 45.52 m2/g, and the emulsification stability index increased by 98.37, 256.77 and 169.61 min, respectively. The structure of fish scale gelatin changed after phosphorylation, which resulted in the improvement of emulsification. This work will provide useful information to understand the relationship between the structure and function of gelatin.
Characterization of Reduced-Fat Mayonnaise and Comparison of Sensory Perception, Rheological, Tribological, and Textural Analyses
Authors: Schädle Christopher N. , Bader-Mittermaier Stephanie , Sanahuja Solange
Published: March 2022

Reduced-fat products can help to fight obesity and its associated health risks. To develop appealing products, both product-specific fat replacers and suitable analytical methods for the characterization of fat-associated properties are important. The rheology, tribology, texture, and spreadability of a reduced-fat mayonnaise with different concentrations of corn dextrin were analyzed to determine properties such as flow behavior, viscosity, lubricity, firmness, and stickiness. Additionally, a sensory panel analyzed the samples for their mouthfeel (creaminess, firmness, and stickiness). Correlations between the results of the instrumental methods suggested that the analytical effort for the future development of appealing reduced-fat food products can be reduced. In addition, several correlations were identified between the instrumental and the sensory data. Results from tribological measurements correlated with the sensory attribute of stickiness, suggesting that tribometry can complement or constitute an alternative to complex and expensive human sensory tests. Additionally, the use of Stevens’ power law showed a high correlation between the Kokini oral shear stress and the sensory attribute of creaminess. The instrumental texture properties (firmness, stickiness) also correlated with the sensory sensation. The identified correlations obtained from comparing different methods may help to estimate the possible applications of new fat replacers and facilitate innovative product development.