bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The importance of incorporating geology, soil, and landscape knowledge in freshwater farm planning in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Burkitt Lucy , Bretherton Michael
Published: September 2022

Over half of Aotearoa New Zealand’s (NZ’s) land area is under agriculture or forestry production. Long term monitoring has shown declines in freshwater quality in regions with the most intensive agriculture. The New Zealand government has historically focused on reducing the impact of agriculture on water quality through its Resource Management Act 1991. Lack of improvement in freshwater quality has resulted in the 2020 Essential Freshwater package of reforms which will require all pastoral farms >20 ha in size and all arable farms > 5 ha in size to develop a Freshwater Farm Plan (FFP) by a certified Freshwater Farm Planner. As far as we are aware, New Zealand is the first country in the world to mandate compulsory FFPs. This paper describes the key geological, soil, and landscape factors that need to be considered in an FFP for it to be successful in meeting the 2020 Essential Freshwater objectives. We argue that a greater emphasis should be placed on understanding a farm’s natural resources, as they provide the physical interface between the farming system and both the freshwater and atmospheric ecosystems. Documenting our learning in this area could assist other countries considering Freshwater Farm Planning as a strategy to reduce the impact of agriculture on freshwater quality.
Treatment of Periprosthetic Joint Infection and Fracture-Related Infection With a Temporary Arthrodesis Made by PMMA-Coated Intramedullary Nails – Evaluation of Technique and Quality of Life in Implant-Free Interval
Authors: Walter Nike , Baertl Susanne , Lang Siegmund , Szymski Dominik , Weber Johannes , Alt Volker , Rupp Markus
Published: September 2022

Background

Antimicrobial coating of intramedullary nails with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement promises infection control and stabilization for subsequent bone healing. However, when removing the implant, bone cement can debond and remain in the medullary cavity of the long bones, representing a nidus for reinfection. This work presents a technique comprising reinforcement of PMMA-coated intramedullary nails with cerclage wire to prevent such problems in patients treated for fracture-related infection (FRI) or knee periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) with a static spacer as temporary arthrodesis allowing weight-bearing in the implant-free interval. Outcomes of this surgical treatment were evaluated in terms of (i) associated complications and (ii) patient-reported quality of life.

Methods

In this retrospective case series, 20 patients with PJI (n = 14, 70%) and FRI (n = 6, 30%) treated with PMMA-coated intramedullary nails reinforced with cerclage wire between January 2021 and July 2021 were included. Quality of life during the implant-free interval was evaluated with the EQ-5D, SF-36, and an ICD-10 based psychological symptom rating and compared with previously analyzed cohorts of successfully treated PJI and FRI patients in whom eradication of infection and stable bone consolidation was achieved.

Results

Complications during the implant-free interval comprised a broken nail in one case (5.0%) and a reinfection in one case (5.0%). Coating-specific side effects and cement debonding during removal did not occur. The mean physical health component score of SF-36 was 26.1 ± 7.6, and the mean mental health component score reached a value of 47.1 ± 18.6. The mean EQ-5D index value was 0.36 ± 0.32 and the mean EQ-5D visual analogue scale rating was 47.4 ± 19.4. The scores were significantly lower than those in the successfully treated FRI cohort but not in the PJI cohort. The mean ICD-10-based symptom rating scores revealed psychological symptom burden on the depression scale and enhanced levels of anxiety in comparison with healed FRI and PJI patients.

Conclusion

Reinforcement of PMMA bone cement-coated implants seems to be a reasonable treatment option to create a temporary arthrodesis, preventing detachment of the bone cement when the implant was removed.

Level of Evidence: IV.
Dos and don'ts in large animal models of aortic insufficiency
Authors: Weisskopf Miriam , Glaus Lukas , Trimmel Nina E. , Hierweger Melanie M. , Leuthardt Andrea S. , Kukucka Marian , Stolte Thorald , Stoeck Christian T. , Falk Volkmar , Emmert Maximilian Y. , Kofler Markus , Cesarovic Nikola
Published: September 2022

Aortic insufficiency caused by paravalvular leakage (PVL) is one of the most feared complications following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVI) in patients. Domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domestica) are a popular large animal model to study such conditions and develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. However, the models based on prosthetic valve implantation are time intensive, costly, and often hamper further hemodynamic measurements such as PV loop and 4D MRI flow by causing implantation-related wall motion abnormalities and degradation of MR image quality. This study describes in detail, the establishment of a minimally invasive porcine model suitable to study the effects of mild-to-moderate “paravalvular“ aortic regurgitation on left ventricular (LV) performance and blood flow patterns, particularly under the influence of altered afterload, preload, inotropic state, and heart rate. Six domestic pigs (Swiss large white, female, 60–70 kg of body weight) were used to establish this model. The defects on the hinge point of aortic leaflets and annulus were created percutaneously by the pierce-and-dilate technique either in the right coronary cusp (RCC) or in the non-coronary cusp (NCC). The hemodynamic changes as well as LV performance were recorded by PV loop measurements, while blood flow patterns were assessed by 4D MRI. LV performance was additionally challenged by pharmaceutically altering cardiac inotropy, chronotropy, and afterload. The presented work aims to elaborate the dos and don'ts in porcine models of aortic insufficiency and intends to steepen the learning curve for researchers planning to use this or similar models by giving valuable insights ranging from animal selection to vascular access choices, placement of PV Loop catheter, improvement of PV loop data acquisition and post-processing and finally the induction of paravalvular regurgitation of the aortic valve by a standardized and reproducible balloon induced defect in a precisely targeted region of the aortic valve.
A Novel Self-Actuated Linear Drive for Long-Range-of-Motion Electromechanical Systems
Authors: Dooley Mason , Shen Xiangrong
Published: September 2022

Obtaining powered linear movement over a long range of motion is a common yet challenging task, as the majority of linear actuators have limited ranges of motion as determined by their functioning mechanisms. In this paper, the authors present a novel belt-based self-actuated linear drive (B-SALD), in which a self-powered moving platform slides on a slotted track with essentially unlimited range of motion (only limited by the length of the track). Unlike the traditional rack-and-pinion mechanism, the B-SALD system uses a double-sided timing belt as the power-transmitting element. With the teeth on its inner surface, the belt interacts with a timing pulley for its own circulation; with the teeth on its outer surface, the belt interacts with a linear rail with parallel slots and drives the translation of the moving platform. The unique functioning mechanism generates multiple distinct advantages: no lubrication is required; the slotted track is simple and inexpensive to manufacture; and it provides an inherent compliance to buffer shock loading. With the experiments conducted on a preliminary prototype, it has been demonstrated that the B-SALD is able to provide accurate positioning and continuous motion control, an overall mechanical efficiency of 70% over the majority of the load range, and the capability of generating large force output in the desired manner.
Robotic Knee Prosthesis with Cycloidal Gear and Four-Bar Mechanism Optimized Using Particle Swarm Algorithm
Authors: Al Kouzbary Mouaz , Al Kouzbary Hamza , Liu Jingjing , Khamis Taha , Al-Hashimi Zaina , Shasmin Hanie Nadia , Arifin Nooranida , Abu Osman Noor Azuan
Published: September 2022

A powered transfemoral prosthesis is needed as people with transfemoral amputation show 60 percent extra metabolic cost when compared to people with no amputation. Recently, as illustrated in the literature, the most high-torque robotic knee prosthesis utilize harmonic reducers. Despite the advantage of high reduction ratio and efficiency, the harmonic drive cannot be back-driven. Therefore, the harmonic drive is not an optimal solution for prosthetic systems with direct and indirect contact with the environment. In this paper, we outline an initial design of robotic knee prosthesis. The proposed robotic knee prosthesis consists of BLDC motor, cycloidal gear with reduction ratio 13:1, four-bar mechanism, and timing belt transmission with 4:1 reduction ratio. To optimize the torque transmission and range of motion (RoM), a multiobjective optimization problem must be undertaken. The end-effector motion depends on each bar length in the four-bar mechanism. The four-bar mechanism was optimized using particle swarm optimization (PSO). To complete the optimization, a set of 50 steps was collected using wearable sensors. Then, the data of sagittal plan were processed to identify the target profile for PSO. The prototype’s computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) was completed using a MarkTwo 3D printer with carbon fiber composite. The overall design can achieve a maximum torque of 84 N.m. However, the current design lacks the elastic component (no spring is added on the actuator output), which is necessary for a functional prosthesis; this limitation will be addressed in future study.
Applications of Electronic Nose Coupled with Statistical and Intelligent Pattern Recognition Techniques for Monitoring Tea Quality: A Review
Authors: Kaushal Sushant , Nayi Pratik , Rahadian Didit , Chen Ho-Hsien
Published: September 2022

Tea is the most widely consumed non-alcoholic beverage worldwide. In the tea sector, the high demand for tea has led to an increase in the adulteration of superior tea grades. The procedure of evaluating tea quality is difficult to assure the highest degree of tea safety in the context of consumer preferences. In recent years, the advancement in sensor technology has replaced the human olfaction system with an artificial olfaction system, i.e., electronic noses (E-noses) for quality control of teas to differentiate the distinct aromas. Therefore, in this review, the potential applications of E-nose as a monitoring device for different teas have been investigated. The instrumentation, working principles, and different gas sensor types employed for E-nose applications have been introduced. The widely used statistical and intelligent pattern recognition methods, namely, PCA, LDA, PLS-DA, KNN, ANN, CNN, SVM, etc., have been discussed in detail. The challenges and the future trends for E-nose devices have also been highlighted. Overall, this review provides the insight that E-nose combined with an appropriate pattern recognition method is a powerful non-destructive tool for monitoring tea quality. In future, E-noses will undoubtedly reduce their shortcomings with improved detection accuracy and consistency by employing food quality testing.
A Novel Lightweight Grape Detection Method
Authors: Su Shuzhi , Chen Runbin , Fang Xianjin , Zhu Yanmin , Zhang Tian , Xu Zengbao
Published: September 2022

This study proposes a novel lightweight grape detection method. First, the backbone network of our method is Uniformer, which captures long-range dependencies and further improves the feature extraction capability. Then, a Bi-directional Path Aggregation Network (BiPANet) is presented to fuse low-resolution feature maps with strong semantic information and high-resolution feature maps with detailed information. BiPANet is constructed by introducing a novel cross-layer feature enhancement strategy into the Path Aggregation Network, which fuses more feature information with a significant reduction in the number of parameters and computational complexity. To improve the localization accuracy of the optimal bounding boxes, a Reposition Non-Maximum Suppression (R-NMS) algorithm is further proposed in post-processing. The algorithm performs repositioning operations on the optimal bounding boxes by using the position information of the bounding boxes around the optimal bounding boxes. Experiments on the WGISD show that our method achieves 87.7% mAP, 88.6% precision, 78.3% recall, 83.1% F1 score, and 46 FPS. Compared with YOLOx, YOLOv4, YOLOv3, Faster R-CNN, SSD, and RetinaNet, the mAP of our method is increased by 0.8%, 1.7%, 3.5%, 21.4%, 2.5%, and 13.3%, respectively, and the FPS of our method is increased by 2, 8, 2, 26, 0, and 10, respectively. Similar conclusions can be obtained on another grape dataset. Encouraging experimental results show that our method can achieve better performance than other recognized detection methods in the grape detection tasks.
Effect of Clover Sward Management on Nitrogen Fixation and Performance of Following Spring- and Winter Wheat Crops; Results of a 3-Year Pilot Study
Authors: Wilkinson Andrew , Wilkinson John N. , Shotton Peter , Eyre Mick , Hasanaliyeva Gultakin , Bilsborrow Paul , Leifert Carlo , Rempelos Leonidas
Published: September 2022

Wheat yields in organic production are significantly lower than those achieved in conventional farming systems and in Northern Europe organic farmers also struggle to achieve the processing quality levels demanded by millers and bakers, especially in winter-wheat crops. Here, we report the findings of a 3-year pilot study which investigated the potential of increasing grain yields and both standard processing (e.g., grain protein levels and specific weights) and selected nutritional (tocopherol and tocotrienol isomers) quality parameters via (i) changes in the management of clover crops grown before wheat (Rhizobium seed inoculation, application of greenwaste compost to clover swards) and (ii) use of new varieties developed in both the UK and continental Europe. Results indicate that the use of compost amendment to preceding clover swards significantly increased the grain protein levels in the three winter-wheat, but not the four spring-wheat varieties, and also significantly increases grain yields in one winter-wheat variety (Greina). In contrast, the use of Rhizobium-inoculation was found to significantly reduce protein concentrations in the winter-, but not spring wheat varieties, and had no significant effect on grain yields in both winter and spring wheat. However, analysis of variance detected significant interactions between Rhizobium seed inocula in clover pre-crops and (a) compost application for grain specific weights in winter-wheat and grain hardness in spring wheat crops and (b) variety for grain protein content in spring wheat crops. No significant effect of clover pre-crop management on tocopherol and tocotrienol isomer profiles could be detected, although significant differences between varieties were detected in both winter and spring wheat. Results of this pilot study need to be confirmed in future trials, but indicate that both (a) changes in clover-management practices and (b) the selections of wheat varieties that are more suitable for organic farming systems has the potential to increase grain yield and allow organic farmers to more frequently achieve baking or milling grade quality.
Effect of Biochar and Inorganic or Organic Fertilizer Co-Application on Soil Properties, Plant Growth and Nutrient Content in Swiss Chard
Authors: Rivelli Anna Rita , Libutti Angela
Published: September 2022

From the perspective of sustainable agri-food production, farmers need to make the best use of natural resources. Biochar can be a solution to adopt a more sustainable way of farming. Despite its environmental and agronomic advantages, biochar has a low plant nutrient value. This study evaluated the effect of biochar and the co-application of an inorganic or organic fertilizer on the soil properties, growth and nutrient content of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L. var. cycla, Caryophyllales order, Chenopodiaceae family). The experiment consisted of two factors: biochar type (from vineyard prunings and wood chips) and fertilizing source (ammonium nitrate and vermicompost). Biochars were applied at a 2% rate (w/w) and fertilizers at a dose providing 280 kg N ha−1. The soil properties (pH, EC, extractable anions, cations, total N, Corg and C/N ratio) were measured before the plants were transplanted and at the end of the growing cycle, along with the growth parameters (leaf number, length and fresh weight) of each leaf cut, the productive parameters (total number of leaves and yield per plant) at the end of the growing cycle and the leaf content of anions (NO3−, P2O43−, SO42−), cations (NH4+, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+) and total N. The co-application of biochar and a fertilizing source had a positive effect on soil properties and leaf nutrient content. Vermicompost increased plant growth by 22% and plant yield by 116%, in contrast to biochar, and increased limited leaf NO3− accumulation by about 81% in comparison to ammonium nitrate. The co-application of biochar and vermicompost is the better option to increase Swiss chard yield while preserving the nutritional and health qualities of the product.
Taro in West Africa: Status, Challenges, and Opportunities
Authors: Oladimeji Joy Jesumeda , Kumar P. Lava , Abe Ayodeji , Vetukuri Ramesh Raju , Bhattacharjee Ranjana
Published: September 2022

Taro is an ancient nutritional and medicinal crop woven into the fabric of the socio-economic life of those living in the tropics and sub-tropics. However, West Africa (WA), which has been a major producer of the crop for several decades, is experiencing a significant decline in production as a result of taro leaf blight (TLB), a disease caused by Phytophthora colocasiae Raciborski. A lack of research on taro in WA means that available innovative technologies have not been fully utilized to provide solutions to inherent challenges and enhance the status of the crop. Improvement through plant breeding remains the most economically and environmentally sustainable means of increasing the productivity of taro in WA. With this review, we provide insights into the importance of the taro crop in WA, evaluate taro research to date, and suggest how to address research gaps in order to promote taro sustainability in the region.
Evaluation of Multiple Linear Regression and Machine Learning Approaches to Predict Soil Compaction and Shear Stress Based on Electrical Parameters
Authors: Pentoś Katarzyna , Mbah Jasper Tembeck , Pieczarka Krzysztof , Niedbała Gniewko , Wojciechowski Tomasz
Published: September 2022

This study investigated the relationships between the electrical and selected mechanical properties of soil. The analyses focused on comparing various modeling relationships under study methods that included machine learning methods. The input parameters of the models were apparent soil electrical conductivity and magnetic susceptibility measured at depths of 0.5 m and 1 m. Based on the models, shear stress and soil compaction were predicted. Neural network models outperformed support vector machines and multiple linear regression techniques. Exceptional models were developed using a multilayer perceptron neural network for shear stress (R = 0.680) and a function neural network for soil compaction measured at a depth of 0–0.5 m and 0.4–0.5 m (R = 0.812 and R = 0.846, respectively). Models of very low accuracy (R < 0.5) were produced by the multiple linear regression.
Lateral Pressure of Poured Concrete: Arguments from Ultra-Deep Diaphragm Wall (120 m) Construction
Authors: Jiang Wei , Zheng Xinyue , Huang Zhishan
Published: September 2022

Formwork lateral pressures are critical with respect to engineering safety, and laboratory tests are often limited by time, height, etc. Formwork lateral pressures are related to early concrete fluid behavior (e.g., thixotropy). In this paper, we propose the use of ultra-deep underground diaphragm walls instead of formwork for conventional lateral pressure testing. During the construction process, three measurement points were set up in an ultra-deep diaphragm wall at −40 m, −80 m and −100 m. The concrete was divided into 22 casts, and the development of lateral pressure and the effect of time on lateral pressure were observed under each of the casts. We found that the characteristic height of all three measurement points was approximately 21 m. The average casting speed for this test was 16.846 m/h, with the fastest speed of 32.148 m/h. A time-dependent phenomenon of rapid rise and fall in lateral pressure with each casting was observed. This method provides a new way to conceptualize formwork lateral pressure, with the advantages of long testing time, high casting height and multiple tests, not only for formwork lateral pressure but also for early age thixotropy measurement of concrete.
Can Isotopes Be Used as Lead Tracers in Shooting-Range Soils?
Authors: Rodríguez-Seijo Andrés , Sjåstad Knut Endre , Chrastný Vladislav
Published: September 2022

Lead isotopes have been widely used to assess the sources of Pb in the soil environment since lead isotopes ratios have a specific signature that allows us to use them as environmental tracers. However, some lead sources are difficult to be identified. This article contains the lead isotope data from soils and shot pellets collected in an abandoned shooting range (NW Spain). Twelve soil and three-shot pellet samples were randomly collected and analyzed using MC-ICP-MS. The isotope ratios are shown, and analyses proved that Pb originated predominantly from the used shot pellets. Contaminated soils exhibited an isotopic composition (206Pb/207Pb, 208Pb/204Pb, 206Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/206Pb) close to some shot pellets from different manufacturers. These results offer new, valuable data for other researchers working on lead contamination research and the identification sources of Pb for adjacent areas to shooting-range facilities and for wildlife ecotoxicology. Still, the use of several ammunitions derived from different sources, such as recycled Pb, showed that it is hard to identify the lead source and these kinds of facilities.
Modeling Dew Computing in DISSECT-CF-Fog
Authors: Markus Andras , Biro Mate , Skala Karolj , Šojat Zorislav , Kertesz Attila
Published: September 2022

Fog computing provides an effective solution to various problems by extending the cloud’s functionality to typically more limited computing units closer to user devices. Fog computing can provide a higher level of user experience due to its geographic and network topology location and distribution. IoT services also need to be managed seamlessly to ensure adequate QoS (due to the mobility of devices or the temporary periods without an internet connection). Such domains are combined under the auspices of Dew computing, as in critical cases, extending an IoT service to the end user’s device is a feasible task. Such scenarios can hardly be investigated at a large scale due to the lack of dedicated simulation environments. In this paper, we present an extension of the DISSECT-CF-Fog simulator with a Dew computing model, to enable the simulation of IoT-Dew-Fog systems in a cost-effective manner. In particular, we focus on service migration options for mobile devices and cases with temporary internet access limitations. Finally, we performed measurements of real-world use cases with the extended simulator as an evaluation. Our simulation results show that the proposed proactive strategy reduces the processing time of IoT data, exploiting an IoT-Dew-Fog environment.
A Novel Secure End-to-End IoT Communication Scheme Using Lightweight Cryptography Based on Block Cipher
Authors: Winarno Agus , Sari Riri Fitri
Published: September 2022

Personal data security is a cybersecurity trend that has captured the world’s attention. Governments, practitioners and academics are jointly building personal data security in various communication systems, including IoT. The protocol that is widely used in IoT implementation is MQTT. By default, MQTT does not provide data security features in the form of data encryption. Therefore, this research was carried out on the design of Secure End-to-End Encryption MQTT with Block Cipher-Based Lightweight Cryptography. The protocol is designed by utilizing the Galantucci secret sharing scheme and a lightweight cryptographic algorithm based on a block cipher. The algorithms used include AES-128 GCM mode, GIFT-COFB, Romulus N1, and Tiny JAMBU. We tested the Secure End-to-End for MQTT protocol on the ARM M4 and ESP8266 processors. Our testing results on NodeMCU board, Tiny JAMBU have an average encryption time of 313 μs and an average decryption time of 327 μs. AES-128 GCM mode has an average encryption time of 572 μs and an average decryption time of 584 μs. GIFT-COFB has an average encryption time of 1094 μs and an average decryption time of 1110 μs. Meanwhile, Romulus N1 has an average encryption time of 2157 μs and an average decryption time of 2180 μs. On STM32L4 discovery, Tiny JAMBU had average encryption of 82 μs and an average decryption time of 85 μs. AES-128 GCM mode has an average encryption time of 163 μs and an average decryption time of 164 μs. GIFT-COFB has an average encryption time of 164 μs and an average decryption time of 165 μs. Meanwhile, Romulus N1 has an average encryption time of 605 μs and an average decryption time of 607 μs. Our experiment shows that the fastest performance is produced by Tiny JAMBU, followed by AES-128 Mode GCM, GIFT-COFB and Romulus N1.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Ma Chen , Wang Jie , Hong Fenfang , Yang Shulong
Published: September 2022

Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune disease with complex etiology, is characterized by excessive proliferation of synovial cells, massive production of inflammatory cells and cartilage destruction. Studies have shown that mitochondrial dysfunction plays an important role in promoting the occurrence of RA. Mitochondria with normal structure and function are essential for the normal survival of chondrocytes and synovial cells. Once mitochondrial function is destroyed, it will affect the survival, activation and differentiation of immune cells and non-immune cells involved in the pathogenesis of RA, thus leading to the occurrence of RA. However, the mechanism of mitochondrial dysfunction in RA remains unclear. This article reviews the method of mitochondrial dysfunction leading to RA, the effects of mitochondrial dysfunction on immune cells, the etiology of mitochondrial dysfunction in RA, and the pathology of mitochondrial dysfunction in RA. We also outline some drugs that can exert therapeutic effects on RA which are associated with modulating mitochondrial activity. The understanding and summary of mitochondrial dysfunction in RA may provide new research directions for pathological intervention and prevention of RA.
Metabolic Abnormalities Linked to Auditory Pathways in ApoE-Knockout HEI-OC1 Cells: A Transcription-Metabolism Co-Analysis
Authors: Ma Lu , Wang Hongshun , Yao Jun , Wei Qinjun , Cao Xin
Published: September 2022

Lipid transporter protein apolipoprotein E (APOE) has contributed to functional studies of various organ functions. Animals with ApoE knockout (KO) have been used to study atherosclerosis and hyperlipidemia while an increasing number of researchers have recently focused on the association of ApoE with hearing loss. A study found that ApoE KO mice experience sensorineural hearing loss and hair cell loss, but the exact mechanism is unclear. To explore the potential relationship between ApoE and hearing loss, we used HEI-OC1 cells (House Ear Institute-Organ of Corti) with Corti apparatus properties to reveal cell changes after ApoE knockout by combined transcriptome and metabolomic analysis. We found that glutamate deficiency, caused by reduced expression of glutamine transporter proteins, was a key correlate of basal metabolism and that inadequate glutamate causes apoptosis by reducing the cells’ resistance to external damage. Our study provides a reference mechanism for hearing loss due to ApoE KO.
Measuring “Nudgeability”: Development of a Scale on Susceptibility to Physical Activity Nudges among College Students
Authors: Wang Xinghua , Song Guandong , Wan Xia
Published: September 2022

Background: The current college lifestyle create more opportunities for students to develop unhealthy behaviors, especially physical inactivity. Nudging could be an effective tool to improve physical activity behaviors by changing college settings. One-nudge-fits-all leads to ineffective nudges, so it is necessary to develop a reliable and valid instrument capable of measuring the “nudgeability” of physical activity nudges for college students, which is for a higher level of nudge efficacy. Method: Developing the College Physical Activity Nudges Susceptibility Scale (CPANSS) that integrated the nudge method with the Likert scale, which is the first attempt to measure the susceptibility to nudges directly by a scale. There are four steps for developing CPANSS, including Scale Dimensions, Item Generation, Exploratory Factor Analysis (n = 294), and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (n = 293) with appropriate procedures. Results: The five-factor 21-item CPANSS with good reliability and validity fitted the data reasonably well. Conclusion: The CPANSS was to provide a new tool for policymakers to design effective nudges in changing and promoting physical activity in college settings, and to provide a method for scholars to promote other healthy behaviors for different target groups.
A Simple Calibrated Ductile Fracture Model and Its Application in Failure Analysis of Steel Connections
Authors: Li Wenchao , Jing Yuan
Published: September 2022

A new fracture model is developed to predict the ductile fracture of structural steel under multiaxial stress states. First, the Lee–Mear void growth theory is used to establish the quantitative relationship between the stress triaxiality and material’s ductility. A stress triaxiality dependence function, which accounts for the material’s strain hardening, is derived from modifying the dilatation rate of a spherical void in a typical unit cell. Subsequently, the Tresca failure model is used in conjunction with the Swift hardening law to establish a Lode dependence of fracture strain. Then, the theoretical formula of the new fracture model is obtained by combining both stress triaxiality and Lode angle dependence functions. The proposed fracture model has a unique advantage: i.e., this model has only two material parameters. These two parameters can be easily calibrated through a simple standard coupon test, which significantly reduces the difficulty of model calibration work and facilitates its application in practical engineering. In order to verify the new fracture model, the test results of five types of Q460 steel specimens were used to calibrate the model parameters. The prediction accuracy of the new model is then checked by calculating the average error between the test results and the predicted fracture strain envelope. Finally, the new fracture model was applied in the numerical analysis of two types of steel connections. The validation of the proposed fracture model is verified by comparing the load–displacement curve and failure modes of the steel connections obtained from both test and numerical analysis.
Numerical Study on the Seismic Behavior of Eccentrically Braced Composite Frames with a Vertical Low-Yield-Point Steel Shear Link
Authors: Zhuang Liang-Dong , Zhao Ji-Zhi
Published: September 2022

An eccentrically braced composite frame with a low-yield-point (LYP) steel shear link is an efficient energy dissipation system that exhibits good mechanical properties. However, existing experimental studies have not fully demonstrated the superiority and applicability of the structural system. We present a structural mechanics and finite element model analysis of an eccentrically braced composite frame with a vertical shear link. The effect of the design parameters on the seismic performance of the structure is analyzed. First, a theoretical model of the mechanics of the structural system is established to provide a comprehensive description of the key parameters. Then, a finite element model is developed using the computer program ABAQUS to analyze the mechanical and energy dissipation mechanisms. Finally, the beam-to-column stiffness ratio, shear link web thickness, shear link web width and length, and diagonal brace stiffness are analyzed to determine their effects on the mechanical properties of the structural system. Furthermore, some design parameter values are suggested.
Enriching SO42− Immobilization on α-Fe2O3 via Spatial Confinement for Robust NH3-SCR Denitration
Authors: Gu Zhiwen , Cheng Lijun , Tan Chong , Sin Songil , Huang Chunkai , Tang Changjin
Published: September 2022

The application of iron oxide to NH3-SCR is attractive but largely hindered by its poor acid properties, and surface sulfation is proven to be a prominent way of enhancing the acidity. As such, the method of enriching the sulfate species on iron oxide is crucial for improving the NH3-SCR performance. In the present study, by employing ammonium bisulfate (ABS) as the source of gaseous SO2 for the purpose of trapping, we reported an effective strategy for enhancing the SO42− immobilization on α-Fe2O3 catalyst via spatial confinement in a mesoporous SBA-15 framework. Interestingly, although the presence of the mesopore channel had an adverse effect on the ABS decomposition, which was expected to produce less available SO2, the measured SO42− immobilized on α-Fe2O3 in the mesoporous SBA-15 system was significantly greater than that of the regular SiO2, demonstrating the promoting effect of the spatial confinement on the SO42− enrichment. Further characterizations of the NH3-TPD, NO oxidation, and NH3-SCR performance tests proved that, as a result of the enhanced acidity, the enrichment of SO42− on α-Fe2O3 displayed a clear correlation with the SCR activity. The results of the present study provide an effective strategy for boosting the catalytic performance of iron oxide in NH3-SCR via SO42− enrichment.
Manufacture and Quality Control of Human Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Sheets for Clinical Use
Authors: Wang Juan , Gao Shuang , Zhao Yufei , Fan Taibing , Zhang Mingkui , Chang Dehua
Published: September 2022

Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell (UC−MSC) sheets have attracted much attention in cell therapy. However, the culture media and coating matrix used for the preparation of UC−MSC sheets have not been safe enough to comply with current clinical drug standards. Moreover, the UC−MSC sheet preservation systems developed before did not comply with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations. In this study, the culture medium and coating matrix were developed for UC−MSC sheet production to comply with clinical drug standards. Additionally, the GMP-compliant preservation solution and method for the UC−MSC sheet were developed. Then, quality standards of the UC−MSC sheet were formulated according to national and international regulations for drugs. Finally, the production process of UC−MSC sheets on a large scale was standardized, and three batches of trial production were conducted and tested to meet the established quality standards. This research provides the possibility for clinical trials of UC−MSC sheet products in the development stage of new drugs and lays the foundation for industrial large-scale production after the new drug is launched.
Application of High-Throughput Sequencing Technology in the Pathogen Identification of Diverse Infectious Diseases in Nephrology Departments
Authors: Wang Yujuan , Hu Xiaoyi , Yang Lianhua , Chen Cheng , Cheng Hui , Hu Haiyun , Liang Wei , Tong Yongqing , Wang Ming , Wang Huiming
Published: September 2022

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the clinical applications of high-throughput sequencing (HTS) in the identification of pathogens in patients with urinary tract infection (UTI), peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis (PDAP), central venous catheter related blood infections (CRBIs), and lung infections in the nephrology department. Methods: Midstream urine samples from 112 patients with UTI, peritoneal fluid samples from 67 patients with PDAP, blood samples from 15 patients with CRBI, and sputum specimens from 53 patients with lung infection were collected. The HTS and ordinary culture methods were carried out in parallel to identify the pathogens in each sample. Pathogen detection positive rate and efficacy were compared between the two methods. Results: The pathogen positive detection rates of HTS in UTI, PDAP, CRBI, and lung infection were strikingly higher than those of the culture method (84.8% vs. 35.7, 71.6% vs. 23.9%, 75% vs. 46.7%, 84.9% vs. 5.7%, p < 0.05, respectively). HTS was superior to the culture method in the sensitivity of detecting bacteria, fungi, atypical pathogens, and mixed microorganisms in those infections. In patients who had empirically used antibiotics before the test being conducted, HTS still exhibited a considerably higher positive rate than the culture method (81.6% vs. 39.0%, 68.1% vs. 14.9%, 72.7% vs. 36.4%, 83.3% vs. 4.2%, p < 0.05, respectively). Conclusions: HTS is remarkably more efficient than the culture method in detecting pathogens in diverse infectious diseases in nephrology, and is particularly potential in identifying the pathogens that are unable to be identified by the common culture method, such as in cases of complex infection with specific pathogens or subclinical infection due to preemptive use of antibiotics.
Observations of Bell Inequality Violations with Causal Isolation between Source and Detectors
Authors: Fleury Marc Jean Jose
Published: September 2022

We report the experimental observations of Bell inequality violations (BIV) in entangled photons causally separated by a rotating mirror. A Foucault mirror gating geometry is used to causally isolate the entangled photon source and detectors. We report an observed BIV of CHSH-S=2.30±0.07>2.00. This result rules out theories that explain correlations with traveling communication between source and detectors, including super-luminal and instantaneous communication.
An Investigation into the Comprehensive Impact of Self-Heating and Hot Carrier Injection
Authors: Liu Yan , Ma Yanhua , Yu Zhaojie , Lou Shanshan , Qu Yang , Chang Yuchun
Published: September 2022

As the device feature size shrinks, the dissipation of power increases and further raises the carrier and lattice temperature, which finally affects device performance. In this paper, we analyze the comprehensive influence of the self-heating effect and hot carrier injection (HCI) using TCAD simulations. Based on the hydrodynamic and thermodynamic models, it is demonstrated that the thermal surface resistance had a positive impact on the carrier and lattice temperature and that the drain saturation current is reduced dramatically due to the self-heating effect. Moreover, the impact of HCI on device performance is discussed. Finally, it is concluded that the self-heating effect exacerbates the influence of HCI on device characteristics.
Algorithms for the Structural Analysis of Multimode Modelica Models
Authors: Benveniste Albert , Caillaud Benoît , Malandain Mathias , Thibault Joan
Published: September 2022

Since its 3.3 release, Modelica offers the possibility to specify models of dynamical systems with multiple modes having different DAE-based dynamics. However, the handling of such models by the current Modelica tools is not satisfactory, with mathematically sound models yielding exceptions at runtime. In this article, we propose several contributions to this multifaceted issue, namely: an efficient and scalable multimode extension of the structural analysis of Modelica models; a systematic way of rewriting a multimode Modelica model, based on this analysis, so that the rewritten model is guaranteed to be correctly compiled by state-of-the-art Modelica tools; a proposal for the handling of the consistent initialization of multimode models; multimode structural analysis algorithms that handle both multiple modes and mode change events in a unified framework, coupled with a compile-time algorithm for identifying and quantifying impulsive behaviors at mode changes. Our approach is illustrated on relevant example models, and the performance of our implementations is assessed on a variable dimension large-scale model.
Holistic Research on Blockchain’s Consensus Protocol Mechanisms with Security and Concurrency Analysis Aspects of CPS
Authors: Bhattacharjya Aniruddha , Wisniewski Remigiusz , Nidumolu Venkatram
Published: September 2022

In the present era, the consensus for blockchain is of three types: consortium/permissioned, decentralized/permissionless, and somewhat decentralized. Presently, security and privacy of blockchain scenarios are in four directions: auditability and transparency, accountability and nonrepudiation, contract privacy, and transactional privacies. Blockchain works on multilayered architectures with its consensus mechanisms. In this paper, important mechanisms of various consensus protocols for application specific usage are analyzed. In general, these consensus mechanisms have four groups of properties; all are examined and discussed. Moreover, the security analysis is shown. Furthermore, the paper examines the elliptic curve digital signature algorithm (ECDSA), which is in use by the cryptocurrencies along with many blockchain-based systems. Moreover, a variant of ECDSA (vECDSA) is also considered. In particular, ECDSA and vECDSA are compared in this research. In addition, modeling and analysis aspects related to the security and concurrency aspects of CPS are discussed. In particular, Petri-net-based models of CPS are considered, especially in terms of liveness and boundedness properties of the system.
Production of Xylooligosaccharides from Jiuzao by Autohydrolysis Coupled with Enzymatic Hydrolysis Using a Thermostable Xylanase
Authors: Qin Liqin , Ma Jinghao , Tian Huafeng , Ma Yanli , Wu Qiuhua , Cheng Shuang , Fan Guangsen
Published: September 2022

The production of xylooligosaccharides (XOS) from Jiuzao was studied using a two-stage process based on autohydrolysis pretreatment followed by enzymatic hydrolysis. Jiuzao was autohydrolyzed under conditions where temperature, time, particle size, and solid-liquid ratio were varied experimentally. Optimal XOS production was obtained from Jiuzao with a >20 mesh particle size treated at 181.5 °C for 20 min with a 1:13.6 solid-liquid ratio. Subsequently, optimal enzymatic hydrolysis conditions for xylanase XynAR were identified as 60 °C, pH 5, and xylanase XynAR loading of 15 U/mL. Using these conditions, a yield of 34.2% XOS was obtained from Jiuzao within 2 h. The process developed in the present study could enable effective and ecofriendly industrial production of XOS from Jiuzao.
Potential Applications of Frass Derived from Black Soldier Fly Larvae Treatment of Food Waste: A Review
Authors: Basri Noor Ezlin Ahmad , Azman Nur Asyiqin , Ahmad Irfana Kabir , Suja Fatihah , Jalil Nurul Ain Abdul , Amrul Nur Fardilla
Published: September 2022

The disposal of large amounts of food waste has caused serious environmental pollution and financial losses globally. Compared to alternative disposal methods (landfills, incineration, and anaerobic digestion), composting by black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) is a promising alternative for food waste management. Despite extensive research into larval biomass, another valuable by-product generated from BSFL composting is BSFL frass. However, limited information is available for its potential application. The applications of BSFL frass can be intensified by understanding its physicochemical characteristics, benefits, and challenges of BSFL frass derived from food waste. BSFL frass is harvested after 9–23 days of the experiment, depending on the substrate used in the composting process. The generated BSFL frass could exceed 33% of the original weight of the substrate. The physicochemical characteristics of BSFL frass are as follows: the temperature after harvest is 24 °C to 27 °C, pH is 5.6–8.0, moisture content is 30 to 72%, C/N ratio is 8:1 to 27:1, high nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) content, and low heavy metal content. This paper reviews the characteristics, benefits, and application of BSFL frass. It will also investigate the challenges of using food waste substrates to produce BSFL frass, as well as the best way to pre-treat the food waste substrate and post-treat the BSFL frass.
Effects of Konjac Glucomannan on Retrogradation of Amylose
Authors: Wang Shishuai , Ding Lidong , Chen Shuo , Zhang Ying , He Jiaxin , Li Bin
Published: September 2022

The effect of konjac glucomannan (KGM) on the retrogradation of amylose was explored during storage. The color, rheological properties, texture, water-holding capacity (WHC), low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were investigated. Results of color and rheological measurements showed that with the increasing amount of KGM, the L value of the system decreased, but the elastic modulus, viscous modulus, and tangent value of loss angle increased. The textural result presented that KGM obviously inhibited the growth rate of gel strength of amylose. Results from WHC and XRD suggested after 14 days of storage, when the concentration of KGM increased from zero to 0.3% in the mixture, the WHC grew from 80% to 95% and the crystallinity degree declined from 35.3% to 25.6%. The LF-NMR result revealed that KGM limited the conversion of free water to bound water in the system. In general, a small amount of KGM in a mixed system could inhibit the short-term and long-term retrogradation of amylose. This research could provide a theoretical reference for the influence of hydrophilic colloids on the retrogradation of starch, and it could also provide support for the processing and production of starch-based food.
Preparation, Characterization and In Vitro Stability of a Novel ACE-Inhibitory Peptide from Soybean Protein
Authors: Sangiorgio Sara , Vidović Nikolina , Boschin Giovanna , Aiello Gilda , Arcidiaco Patrizia , Arnoldi Anna , Morelli Carlo F. , Rabuffetti Marco , Recca Teresa , Scarabattoli Letizia , Ubiali Daniela , Speranza Giovanna
Published: September 2022

A soy protein isolate was hydrolyzed with Alcalase®, Flavourzyme® and their combination, and the resulting hydrolysates (A, F and A + F) were ultrafiltered and analyzed through SDS-PAGE. Fractions with MW < 1 kDa were investigated for their ACE-inhibitory activity, and the most active one (A < 1 kDa) was purified by semi-preparative RP-HPLC, affording three further subfractions. NMR analysis and Edman degradation of the most active subfraction (A1) enabled the identification of four putative sequences (ALKPDNR, VVPD, NDRP and NDTP), which were prepared by solid-phase synthesis. The comparison of their ACE-inhibitory activities suggested that the novel peptide NDRP might be the main agent responsible for A1 fraction ACE inhibition (ACE inhibition = 87.75 ± 0.61%; IC50 = 148.28 ± 9.83 μg mL−1). NDRP acts as a non-competitive inhibitor and is stable towards gastrointestinal simulated digestion. The Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) analysis confirmed the presence of NDRP in A < 1 kDa.