bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does City Public Service Distance Increase Sense of Gain to Public Health Service? Evidence from 1394 Migrant Workers in Six Provinces
Authors: Fu Minghui , Liu Chuanjiang , Ma Yuting , Wang Liukun
Published: May 2022

Increasing the well-being of migrant workers is one of the key objectives of promoting equality and safe, people-oriented, and sustainable social development, as well as inclusive globalization. With the equalization reform of the public health system and the reduction of frictions between cities, the well-being of the sense of gain to public health service (SGPHS) of migrant workers has attracted widespread attention. Based on the migrant worker thematic survey data in 2017 and the city statistical data in six destination cities, this study constructed and measured the sense of gain to public health service index and city public service distance index, and then studied the effects of city public service distance on the SGPHS of migrant workers and the heterogeneous effect. The results showed that the SGPHS of Chinese migrant workers is at a moderate level and presents spatial differences. Under the dual mechanism of preference reinforcement effect and public service discount effect, the effect of city public service distance on the SGPHS of migrant works shows an inverted U-shaped relationship, and the results of the endogeneity test by the generalized propensity score matching model are robust. The city public service distance has a significant non-linear effect on the public health service accessibility and provision for migrant workers, as well as on second-generation, low-income migrant workers, and migrant workers in central and western regions. The results provide beneficial insights for the formulation of rational public service policies.
Source Identification and Apportionment of Potential Toxic Elements in Soils in an Eastern Industrial City, China
Authors: Li Feng , Xiang Mingtao , Yu Shiying , Xia Fang , Li Yan , Shi Zhou
Published: May 2022

The extensive pattern of economic growth has an inestimable negative impact on the ecological environment, which causes the soil pollution problem to become increasingly prominent. In order to improve the effectiveness and rationality of prevention and control of heavy metal pollution in regional soil, it is necessary to understand the current situation of pollution, identify pollution sources and clarify future pollution risks. In this paper, an industrially developed city in eastern China was taken as the study region. The positive matrix factorization model (PMF) model and Unmix model was applied to identify and apportion the pollution sources of soil potential toxic elements after evaluating the ecological risk of soil potential toxic elements. The PMF model identified six factors, including single source and composite source. The Unmix model also identified six sources, including sources of nature, industrial discharge and traffic emissions. The comparison between the two models showed that Hg and Ni pollution, as well as Cr enrichment in the study region, were related to the industrial discharge from enterprises and factories. Cd pollution was related to traffic emission sources. Cu and Zn pollution were related to the multiple sources mixed with soil parent material, traffic emissions and industrial discharge from electronic enterprises. Pb pollution was related to natural sources (e.g., soil pH) but also to industrial sources (e.g., industrial wastes discharge). Enrichment was related to soil parent material and agricultural inputs. Our study also implies that soil heavy metal pollution or enrichment in the study region was mainly from anthropogenic sources and supplemented by natural sources.
Association of Prematurity and Low Birth Weight with Gestational Exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 Particulate Matter in Chileans Newborns
Authors: Rodríguez-Fernández Alejandra , Ramos-Castillo Natalia , Ruiz-De la Fuente Marcela , Parra-Flores Julio , Maury-Sintjago Eduard
Published: May 2022

Fetal growth can be affected by gestational exposure to air pollution. The aim of the study was to determine the association between prematurity and low birth weight (LBW) with gestational exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 particulate matter in Chileans newborns. This cross-sectional analytical study included 595,369 newborns. Data were extracted from the live newborn records of the Chilean Ministry of Health. Sex, gestational age, birth weight, and living variables were analyzed. We used the Air Quality Information System of the Chilean Ministry of the Environment to obtain mean PM2.5 and PM10 emissions. A multivariate logistic regression model was performed with STATA 15.0 software at α < 0.05. Prevalence was 7.4% prematurity and 5.5% LBW. Mean PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were 25.5 µg/m3 and 55.3 µg/m3, respectively. PM2.5 was associated with an increased the risk of LBW (OR: 1.031; 95%CI: 1.004–1.059) when exposure occurred in the second trimester, while PM10 affected the whole pregnancy. In addition, PM10 exposure in any gestational trimester was associated with an increased the risk of prematurity. The PM10 particulate matter was associated with both prematurity and LBW in all of the trimesters of exposure. The PM2.5 particulate matter was only associated with LBW when exposure occurred in the second gestational trimester.
A Pilot Survey: Oral Function as One of the Risk Factors for Physical Frailty
Authors: Kodama Ayuto , Kume Yu , Iwakura Masahiro , Iijima Katsuya , Ota Hidetaka
Published: May 2022

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the association of the multiple facets of oral, motor, and social functions in community-dwelling older adults, to identify factors that might influence the risk of frailty. Methods: Of the 82 participants included in the study, 39 (5 males and 34 females) were young-old adults, with an average age of 70.5 ± 2.8 years, and 43 (14 males and 29 females) were old-old adults, with an average age of 78.7 ± 2.9 years. We assessed the risk factors for frailty among oral, motor, and social functions. Results: Statistical analysis showed a significant difference in the oral diadochokinesis between the groups (p = 0.006). According to the Spearman correlation analysis, a significant association was observed with age and oral diadochokinesis (rs = −0.262, p = 0.018), and social support (rs = −0.219, p = 0.049). Moreover, binomial logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association of frailty with the occlusal force (odds ratio, 0.031; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.002–0.430; p = 0.010), General Oral Health Index (odds ratio, 0.930; 95% CI, 0.867–0.999, p = 0.046), and availability of social support (odds ratio, 0.803, 95% CI, 0.690–0.934, p = 0.004). Conclusions: To prevent frailty at an early stage, assessments of oral functions, and also that of the availability of social support, are important.
Association between Stroke and Abdominal Obesity in the Middle-Aged and Elderly Korean Population: KNHANES Data from 2011–2019
Authors: Kim Jong Yeon , Cho Sung Min , Yoo Youngmin , Lee Taesic , Kim Jong Koo
Published: May 2022

Obesity and overweight status are primary risk factors for stroke. A relative small number of studies has analyzed the association of abdominal obesity, a crucial indicator for insulin resistance with stroke, compared to general obesity. We aimed to reveal 31,490 records from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Logistic regression was used to identify the association of abdominal obesity with the risk of stroke. For the multivariate model, covariates were determined based on the cardio-cerebro vascular prediction models. In the sex-specific multivariate logistic regression analysis (including age, antihypertensive drug, diabetes, current smoking, and systolic blood pressure as confounders), the elevated waist circumference (WC) in women was significantly associated with the increased risk for stroke. In case of the categorized form of WC, we discerned the non-linear relationships between WC and the stroke status. The sex-specific associations between the abdominal obesity and stroke status were shown and their relationship pattern exhibited non-linear relationships.
Do Adults Who Practice Aerobic Physical Activities Have Different Influencing Factors for Depression: A Secondary Data Analysis
Authors: Kim Sun Ae , Song Youngshin , Kwon Myoungjin
Published: May 2022

Practice in aerobic activities can positively impact depression. This study aimed to identify differences between adults who do and do not practice aerobic activities in terms of general, physical, and psychological factors that influence depression. This study comprised a secondary analysis of data from the 6th (year 2) and 7th (years 1, 3) editions of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Data from 12,891 adults were analyzed, of whom 7148 reported no practice in aerobic physical activities and 5743 reported practicing such activities. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25. Among those who did not perform aerobic activities, gender, family income, marital status, obesity, frequency of drinking, subjective health, subjective body weight, and stress were found to influence the level of depression. For those who practiced aerobic activities, gender, age, family income, education level, marital status, blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia status, frequency of drinking, subjective health, subjective body weight, and stress influenced the level of depression. This study found that the factors affecting depressive symptoms differ depending on whether individuals practice aerobic activities. Thus, to reduce depressive symptoms among adults, it is necessary to consider their level of physical activity and target the influencing factors associated with this level.
Impact of High-Intensity Interval Training on Body Composition and Depressive Symptoms in Adults under Home Confinement
Authors: Alonso-Fernández Diego , Fernández-Rodríguez Rosana , Taboada-Iglesias Yaiza , Gutiérrez-Sánchez Águeda
Published: May 2022

The home confinement derived from the COVID-19 pandemic has led to drastic changes in people’s habits. This situation has influenced their eating, rest, physical activity and socialization patterns, triggering changes in their mental stability. It was demonstrated that physical activity is beneficial for people’s physical and mental health. By its moderate volume and requiring little space or material, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) could prove to be a valid alternative in a situation of confinement. The aim of the present study was to observe the impact of an 8-week HIIT protocol on the body composition and the depressive symptoms of adults in strict home confinement. A total of 21 healthy adults, both male and female, (35.4 ± 5.6 years old; 70.50 ± 12.1 kg; 171 ± 10 cm) were divided into an experimental group (EG, n = 11) who carried out an 8-week Tabata protocol, based upon calisthenic exercises with their own weight in their homes, and a control group (CG, n = 10) who did not carry out any systematic physical activity over the same period. Following the intervention, the EG experienced a significant reduction in percentage (t = 3.86, d = 0.57, p < 0.05) and in kg (t = 4.62, d = 0.29, p < 0.05) of body fat mass (BFM) and body fat mass index (BFMI) (t = 4.61, d = 0.31, p < 0.05), as well as a reduction in depressive symptoms (t = 6.48, d = 1.3, p < 0.05). These results indicate that HIIT is a potential public health tool that could possibly be prescribed to the population in case of future situations of home confinement.
Convalescents’ Reports on COVID-19 Experience—A Qualitative Study
Authors: Bogusz Renata , Nowakowska Luiza , Majchrowska Anita , Patryn Rafał , Pawlikowski Jakub , Zagaja Anna , Kiciński Paweł , Pacyna Magdalena , Puacz Elżbieta
Published: May 2022

Background: The dynamic character of the COVID-19 pandemic and its social consequences caused several medical and societal issues and dilemmas. The aim of our qualitative research was to capture and analyze attitudes and beliefs of convalescents who experienced mild symptoms of COVID-19 in the first wave of the pandemic and decided to donate their plasma for therapeutic purposes. Material and Methods: The article presents results of qualitative research conducted on the basis of grounded theory (GT) methodology. Empirical material includes 10 in-depth interviews conducted with respondents who had mild or asymptomatic disease and, after recovery, voluntarily donated their plasma to the Regional Centre for Blood Donation and Blood Treatment (RCKiK). Data were collected in May and June 2020 in Poland. Qualitative analysis was focused on the experience of convalescents who entered the social role of a sick person in individual, social, and organizational dimensions. Results: The social role of the patient in the narratives of convalescents was related to three stages: (1) initiation to the role, (2) staying in the COVID-19 patient role, and (3) leaving the role. Research results enabled the distinction of three basic descriptive categories (“ontological uncertainty”, “the global and individual dimension”, and “being sick in the disease-infected environment”), which became epistemological framework for a detailed description of the roles played by an individual COVID-19 patient during the pandemic. Conclusions: The disease, despite its mild course, generated a number of non-medical issues, and the entire process of being ill was burdened with institutional and emotional struggles. The experience of mild COVID-19 is significantly modified by disease institutionalization. These results may contribute to a better understanding of the psychosocial dimension of COVID-19 and convalescents’ motivations for plasma donation.
On the Necessity of a Geriatric Oral Health Care Transition Model: Towards an Inclusive and Resource-Oriented Transition Process
Authors: Nitschke Ina , Nitschke Siri , Haffner Cornelius , Sobotta Bernhard A. J. , Jockusch Julia
Published: May 2022

People in need of care also require support within the framework of structured dental care in their different life situations. Nowadays, deteriorations in oral health tend to be noticed by chance, usually when complaints or pain are present. Information on dental care is also lost when life situations change. An older person may rely on family members having oral health skills. This competence is often not available, and a lot of oral health is lost. When someone, e.g., a dentist, physician, caregiver, or family member notices a dental care gap, a structured transition to ensure oral health should be established. The dental gap can be detected by, e.g., the occurrence of bad breath in a conversation with the relatives, as well as in the absence of previously regular sessions with the dental hygienist. The aim of the article is to present a model for a structured geriatric oral health care transition. Due to non-existing literature on this topic, a literature review was not possible. Therefore, a geriatric oral health care transition model (GOHCT) on the basis of the experiences and opinions of an expert panel was developed. The GOHCT model on the one hand creates the political, economic, and legal conditions for a transition process as a basis in a population-relevant approach within the framework of a transition arena with the representatives of various organizations. On the other hand, the tasks in the patient-centered approach of the transition stakeholders, e.g., patient, dentist, caregivers and relatives, and the transition manager in the transition process and the subsequent quality assurance are shown.
Study on the Optimization of Territory Spatial “Urban–Agricultural–Ecological” Pattern Based on the Improvement of “Production–Living–Ecological” Function under Carbon Constraint
Authors: Yu Ran , Qin Yan , Xu Yuting , Chuai Xiaowei
Published: May 2022

The spatial layout of the “Production–Living–Ecological” (PLE) function and the spatial optimization of the “Urban–Agricultural–Ecological” (UAE) pattern are the key points and difficulties in territorial space planning. This paper analyzes their spatial concepts and holds that PLE space is a functional space, while UAE space belongs to a regional space. The optimization of the UAE pattern should be guided by the improvement of the PLE function. Therefore, taking Hefei City, China, as an example, this paper analyzes the evolution of the present UAE pattern, evaluates the PLE function under carbon constraint and then determines the improvement direction of the PLE function and finally simulates the future UAE pattern of territory space. The conclusions are as follows: ① From 2011 to 2019, the urban space increased incrementally, while the agricultural space and ecological space decreased continuously, and the urban space expansion squeezed the agricultural and ecological spaces greatly; ② The PLE functions of four districts in the main city are higher than that of five other counties. After the carbon constraint conditions are included, the PLE functions of the main city were reduced due to the relatively strong capacity of carbon source, while the counties’ increased due to a stronger carbon sink capacity; ③ According to the normalized revealed comparative advantage (NRCA) index, it was determined that the functional improvement direction of each district and county are Yaohai District and Shushan District have comprehensive function as a priority, Luyang District and Baohe District give priority to living–ecological function, Changfeng County, Feidong County, Feixi County and Chaohu County give priority to production–ecological function, and Lujiang County gives priority to ecological function; ④ The simulation results show that 2025 is an important node for the evolution of the UAE pattern. The urban spatial expansion during the “14th Five-Year Plan” period will still bring great pressure on agriculture and ecological spaces, and then, the UAE pattern will continue to be optimized and balanced.
Psychometric Properties of a Questionnaire to Assess Perceptions of Corporal Expression in Future Spanish Teachers
Authors: Rojo-Ramos Jorge , Gomez-Paniagua Santiago , Mendoza-Muñoz María , Carlos-Vivas Jorge , Acevedo-Duque Ángel , García-Salirrosas Elizabeth Emperatriz , Adsuar José Carmelo
Published: May 2022

Corporal expression is a content that is forgotten by most educators but has been proved to bring numerous benefits to students of all ages. Teacher perceptions and beliefs play a fundamental role in the teaching-learning process, influencing students to a great extent. This study aims to present the factor structure and reliability of a questionnaire for the assessment of teachers’ perceptions about corporal expression. The sample consisted of 212 Spanish prospective teachers who completed the questionnaire to assess their readiness and appreciation about corporal expression. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, as well as reliability testing, were carried out. The results showed a factor structure with 3 dimensions (pleasure, preference, and evaluation of corporal expression) composed of 23 items with good and excellent goodness-of-fit values and high reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.71–0.93). Thus, the questionnaire can be considered a quick and easy-to-apply tool to analyze prospective teacher’s perceptions about their preparation to address their students’ corporal expression, allowing stakeholders to take actions to promote it.
The Effects of Personality Traits on Online Rumor Sharing: The Mediating Role of Fear of COVID-19
Authors: Li Kai , Li Jie , Zhou Fen
Published: May 2022

This study aims to explore the effects of personality traits on online rumor sharing during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the mediating role of the fear of COVID-19 between them. We conducted this research using a web-based questionnaire distributed to 452 university students who were invited to fill it out. The partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method was used to test the data and model, with the yielded results demonstrating that three—extroversion, emotional instability, and conscientiousness—of the Big Five personality traits are positively related to a fear of COVID-19, with this fear positively affecting online rumor sharing. Moreover, fear of COVID-19 was found to act as a mediator between personality traits and online rumor sharing; thus, we can conclude that persons with high levels of extroversion, emotional instability, and conscientiousness are more likely to share rumors online due to a fear of COVID-19. This study furthers our understanding of the psychological mechanism by which personality traits influence online rumor sharing and provides references for anti-rumor campaigns taking place during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it identifies key groups and sheds light on the necessity of reducing people’s fear of COVID-19.
Thalidomide Alleviates Pulmonary Fibrosis Induced by Silica in Mice by Inhibiting ER Stress and the TLR4-NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Li Yaqian , Cai Wenchen , Jin Fuyu , Wang Xiaojing , Liu Wenjing , Li Tian , Yang Xinyu , Liu Heliang , Xu Hong , Yang Fang
Published: May 2022

Silicosis is the most prevalent occupational disease in China. It is a form of pulmonary fibrosis caused by the inhalation of silicon particles. As there is no cure for the potentially lethal and progressive condition, the treatment of silicotic fibrosis is an important and difficult problem to address. Thalidomide, a drug with anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties, has been reported to have lung-protective effects. The purpose of this study was to observe the therapeutic effect of thalidomide on silicotic mice and to determine the protective mechanism. By using silicotic mice models and MH-S cells, we found the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway as well as inflammation-related factors were upregulated in the macrophages of silicotic mice. The same indexes were detected in silica-stimulated MH-S cells, and the results were consistent with those in vivo. That is, silica activated ER stress and the TLR4-NF-κB pathway as well as the inflammatory response in vitro. Treating both silicotic mice and silica-stimulated MH-S cells with thalidomide inhibited ER stress and the TLR4-NF-κB pathway as well as the inflammatory response. The present study demonstrates thalidomide as a potential therapeutic agent against silicosis.
NURBS-Based Parametric Design for Ship Hull Form
Authors: Zhou Hui , Feng Baiwei , Liu Zuyuan , Chang Haichao , Cheng Xide
Published: May 2022

Recently, the NURBS technique has been widely used in the 3D design software for ships. However, in most research, the NURBS technique is only applied to the mathematical representation of hull curves and surfaces, and the parametric deformation of hull surfaces based on geometric feature parameters is less understood. The aims of this paper are to establish the parametric design process of hull surfaces through the classification of geometric feature parameters and the design of feature curves, apply the NURBS technique to the parametric geometric modeling of hull curves and surfaces, and finally achieve the parametric deformation of hull surfaces driven by geometric feature parameters and develop the parametric deformation software. Taking the Series 60 ship as an example, we first analyze the hull geometric features and parameters, then design the longitudinal feature curves and cross-section curves based on the NURBS technique and establish the correlation between them, and finally generate the smooth hull surface by the skinning technique to achieve the parametric geometric deformation of the Series 60 ship. The research in this paper shows that the smoothness of the surfaces generated by the NURBS-based parametric design method is good. Additionally, the extracted feature parameters have a clear geometric meaning and can automatically generate hull forms to meet the design requirements quickly and effectively, which has some practical engineering value.
Magnetic Properties and Washability of Roasted Suspended Siderite Ores
Authors: Chen Yanxin , Yang Chao , Jiu Shaowu , Zhao Bo , Song Qiang
Published: May 2022

Steel is one of the most important industrial materials, which mainly comes from the smelting of iron ore. In view of the huge steel consumption every year, the exploitation of vast reserves of siderite ores is significant for improving the self-sufficiency rate of iron ore resources and ensuring the strategic security of the iron and steel industries. This paper investigated the influence of temperature, time, and other parameters on the magnetic properties of roasted siderite ores using the method of suspended roasting and analyzed the washability of roasted ores under weak-magnetic-field conditions using the magnetic separation tube experiment. The findings of the study explained the iron phase transformation process, i.e., FeCO3 was transformed into Fe3O4 by suspension magnetization roasting. Furthermore, the saturation magnetization of the roasted ore increased in due time at a constant temperature range of 550–750 °C and a roasting time of less than 5 s. It also increased with increasing temperature and constant time. The roasted ore achieved the best magnetic characteristics after roasting at 750 °C for 5 s. After low-intensity magnetic separation, the iron grade of the concentrate changed to 55.12%, with a recovery rate of 90.34%. The study results provide a reference for the development and application of siderite suspension magnetization roasting technology.
Effect of Heat-Input on Microstructure and Toughness of CGHAZ in a High-Nb-Content Microalloyed HSLA Steel
Authors: Yu Hongwei , Wu Kaiming , Dong Baoqi , Liu Jingxi , Liu Zicheng , Xiao Daheng , Jin Xing , Liu Hankun , Tai Minmin
Published: May 2022

The effect of various heat inputs on the microstructure and impact toughness of the simulated coarse-grained heat-affected zone (CGHAS) of a niobium microalloyed (0.14 wt.%) low-carbon steel was studied. The results showed that higher impact toughness was achieved at a low heat input of 20 kJ/cm, which resulted from the formation of acicular ferrite laths/plates. They sectioned large prior austenite grains into many smaller regions, resulting in smaller crystallographic grains and high-angle grain boundaries. Conversely, when specimens were simulated with larger heat-inputs (100, 200 kJ/cm), the microstructure of the CGHAZ was predominantly composed of granular bainite plus massive MA constituents, thus impairing the impact toughness.
Rheological Properties of Different Graphene Nanomaterials in Biological Media
Authors: Cerpa-Naranjo Arisbel , Pérez-Piñeiro Javier , Navajas-Chocarro Pablo , Arce Mariana P. , Lado-Touriño Isabel , Barrios-Bermúdez Niurka , Moreno Rodrigo , Rojas-Cervantes María Luisa
Published: May 2022

Carbon nanomaterials have received increased attention in the last few years due to their potential applications in several areas. In medicine, for example, these nanomaterials could be used as contrast agents, drug transporters, and tissue regenerators or in gene therapy. This makes it necessary to know the behavior of carbon nanomaterials in biological media to assure good fluidity and the absence of deleterious effects on human health. In this work, the rheological characterization of different graphene nanomaterials in fetal bovine serum and other fluids, such as bovine serum albumin and water, is studied using rotational and microfluidic chip rheometry. Graphene oxide, graphene nanoplatelets, and expanded graphene oxide at concentrations between 1 and 3 mg/mL and temperatures in the 25–40 °C range were used. The suspensions were also characterized by transmission and scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, and the results show a high tendency to aggregation and reveals that there is a protein–nanomaterial interaction. Although rotational rheometry is customarily used, it cannot provide reliable measurements in low viscosity samples, showing an apparent shear thickening, whereas capillary viscometers need transparent samples; therefore, microfluidic technology appears to be a suitable method to measure low viscosity, non-transparent Newtonian fluids, as it is able to determine small variations in viscosity. No significant changes in viscosity are found within the solid concentration range studied but it decreases between 1.1 and 0.6 mPa·s when the temperature raises from 25 to 40 °C.
Dual-Step Selective Homoepitaxy of Ge with Low Defect Density and Modulated Strain Based on Optimized Ge/Si Virtual Substrate
Authors: Xu Buqing , Du Yong , Wang Guilei , Xiong Wenjuan , Kong Zhenzhen , Zhao Xuewei , Miao Yuanhao , Wang Yijie , Lin Hongxiao , Su Jiale , Li Ben , Wu Yuanyuan , Radamson Henry H.
Published: May 2022

In this manuscript, a novel dual-step selective epitaxy growth (SEG) of Ge was proposed to significantly decrease the defect density and to create fully strained relaxed Ge on a Si substrate. With the single-step SEG of Ge, the threading defect density (TDD) was successfully decreased from 2.9 × 107 cm−2 in a globally grown Ge layer to 3.2 × 105 cm−2 for a single-step SEG and to 2.84 × 105 cm−2 for the dual-step SEG of the Ge layer. This means that by introducing a single SEG step, the defect density could be reduced by two orders of magnitude, but this reduction could be further decreased by only 11.3% by introducing the second SEG step. The final root mean square (RMS) of the surface roughness was 0.64 nm. The strain has also been modulated along the cross-section of the sample. Tensile strain appears in the first global Ge layer, compressive strain in the single-step Ge layer and fully strain relaxation in the dual-step Ge layer. The material characterization was locally performed at different points by high resolution transmission electron microscopy, while it was globally performed by high resolution X-ray diffraction and photoluminescence.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Static and Dynamic Characteristics of Bio-Oils and SAE40 in Fluid Film Journal Bearing
Authors: Sadiq Muhammad Imran , Ghopa Wan Aizon W. , Nuawi Mohd Zaki , Rasani Mohammad Rasidi , Mohd Sabri Mohd Anas
Published: May 2022

Mineral-based oils are the market leaders when it comes to their consumption in different types of rotating machines. Recently, a lot of attention has been given to the bio-oils and lubricants due to their better thermophysical, tribological, and environmental characteristics for use in journal bearing and other rotating machines. The superior physical properties of bio-oils have instigated this research in order to evaluate their dynamic characteristics that can cause the harmful dynamic instabilities in rotating machinery. The dynamic characteristics of the fluid film are influenced by temperature, eccentricity ratio, and rotational speed. In this work, the effect of temperature is experimentally measured on the dynamic viscosity of bio-oils and mineral-based oil. The dynamic viscosity measured is then computationally used to estimate the hydrodynamic pressure response of three bio-oils (rapeseed, palm olein, and soybean) and SAE40, a mineral-based oil, to check their performance in the rotor bearing system. It is found that at 40 °C, the hydrodynamic pressure for SAE40 is observed to be 2.53, 2.72, and 3.32 times greater than those of rapeseed, palm olein, and soybean oil, respectively, whereas, at 125 °C, the hydrodynamic pressure for SAE40 is observed to be 8% and 4.3% less than those of rapeseed and palm olein, respectively, but 14% greater than that of soybean oil. Hence, the increasing temperature has less effect on the viscosity and hydrodynamic pressure of bio-oils compared to SAE40. Therefore, for high-temperature applications, the bio-oils can be used with further processing. The superior response of bio-oils is also an indication for better dynamic characteristics.
Preliminary Study on the Optimization of Femtosecond Laser Treatment on the Surface Morphology of Lithium Disilicate Glass-Ceramics and Highly Translucent Zirconia Ceramics
Authors: Inokoshi Masanao , Yoshihara Kumiko , Kakehata Masayuki , Yashiro Hidehiko , Nagaoka Noriyuki , Tonprasong Watcharapong , Xu Kaiqi , Minakuchi Shunsuke
Published: May 2022

All-ceramic restorations have become increasingly popular in dentistry. Toward ensuring that these restorations adhere to the tooth structure, this study determines the optimal femtosecond laser (FL) treatment parameters for lithium disilicate glass-ceramics and highly translucent zirconia ceramics with respect to surface morphology. For both the ceramics, the following surface conditions were investigated: (1) as-sintered; (2) Al2O3 sandblasted; (3) FL treatment (dot pattern with line distances of 14, 20, and 40 µm); (4) FL treatment (crossed-line pattern with a line distance of 20 and 40 µm). Surface roughness parameters were estimated using a 3D confocal laser microscope; microstructures were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope. Peak fluence (Fpeak) values of 4 and 8 J/cm2 and irradiation numbers (N) of 20 and 10 shots were selected to create dot patterns in highly translucent zirconia and lithium disilicate glass-ceramics, respectively. Furthermore, Fpeak = 8 J/cm2 and N = 20 shots were chosen to obtain crossed-line patterns in both ceramics. Our results show that lithium disilicate glass-ceramics and highly translucent zirconia exhibit a similar surface morphology under each of the surface treatment conditions. Therefore, FL irradiation of dot or crossed-line patterns (at a distance of 20 and 40 µm) are potential candidates for future investigations.
Hydration Mechanisms of Alkali-Activated Cementitious Materials with Ternary Solid Waste Composition
Authors: Yang Zhijie , Zhang De , Fang Chengyang , Jiao Yang , Kang Dong , Yan Changwang , Zhang Ju
Published: May 2022

Considering the recent eco-friendly and efficient utilization of three kinds of solid waste, including calcium silicate slag (CSS), fly ash (FA), and blast-furnace slag (BFS), alkali-activated cementitious composite materials using these three waste products were prepared with varying content of sodium silicate solution. The hydration mechanisms of the cementitious materials were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The results show that the composite is a binary cementitious system composed of C(N)-A-S-H and C-S-H. Si and Al minerals in FA and BFS are depolymerized to form the Q0 structure of SiO4 and AlO4. Meanwhile, β-dicalcium silicate in CSS hydrates to form C-S-H and Ca(OH)2. Part of Ca(OH)2 reacts with the Q0 structure of AlO4 and SiO4 to produce lawsonite and wairakite with a low polymerization degree of the Si-O and Al-O bonds. With the participation of Na+, part of Ca(OH)2 reacts with the Q0 structure of AlO4 and the Q3 structure of SiO4, which comes from the sodium silicate solution. When the sodium silicate content is 9.2%, the macro properties of the composites effectively reach saturation. The compressive strength for composites with 9.2% sodium silicate was 23.7 and 35.9 MPa after curing for 7 and 28 days, respectively.
Effect of HAc on the Metastable Pitting Corrosion of 304 SS in NaCl Solution
Authors: Zhang Hanlu , Huang Wenqiang , Wei Han , Chen Zilong , Cao Jingyi , Tang Yuming , Zhao Xuhui , Zuo Yu
Published: May 2022

Stainless steels (SSs) easily suffer localized corrosion damage, such as pitting corrosion, in mixed solutions of acetic acid and sodium chloride. Currently, few works have been focused on the early stages of the pitting corrosion (metastable pitting corrosion) process of SSs in a chloride-HAc mixture solution. In this work, the effects of acetic acid (HAc) and its concentration on metastable pitting corrosion and the uniform corrosion of 304 SS in 0.6 mol/L NaCl solution were investigated by a slow-scanning potentiodynamic polarization test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results show that the uniform corrosion rate of 304 SS increases after HAc addition but, with an increase in HAc concentration, the corrosion rate decreases. In the presence of HAc, the metastable pitting potential (Em) and stable pitting potential (Eb) move negatively, but the number of metastable pits notably decreases. HAc has a promoting action on the growth rate of the metastable pits and facilitates the transition from metastable pits to stable pits. The influence of HAc is related to a decrease in solution pH and the chemical adsorption of HAc.
Growth of Highly c-Axis Oriented AlScN Films on Commercial Substrates
Authors: Su Jingxiang , Fichtner Simon , Ghori Muhammad Zubair , Wolff Niklas , Islam Md. Redwanul , Lotnyk Andriy , Kaden Dirk , Niekiel Florian , Kienle Lorenz , Wagner Bernhard , Lofink Fabian
Published: May 2022

In this work, we present a method for growing highly c-axis oriented aluminum scandium nitride (AlScN) thin films on (100) silicon (Si), silicon dioxide (SiO2) and epitaxial polysilicon (poly-Si) substrates using a substrate independent approach. The presented method offers great advantages in applications such as piezoelectric thin-film-based surface acoustic wave devices where a metallic seed layer cannot be used. The approach relies on a thin AlN layer to establish a wurtzite nucleation layer for the growth of w-AlScN films. Both AlScN thin film and seed layer AlN are prepared by DC reactive magnetron sputtering process where a Sc concentration of 27% is used throughout this study. The crystal quality of (0002) orientation of Al0.73Sc0.27N films on all three substrates is significantly improved by introducing a 20 nm AlN seed layer. Although AlN has a smaller capacitance than AlScN, limiting the charge stored on the electrode plates, the combined piezoelectric coefficient d33,f with 500 nm AlScN is only slightly reduced by about 4.5% in the presence of the seed layer.
Human Milk Metabolomics Are Related to Maternal Adiposity, Infant Growth Rate and Allergies: The Chinese Human Milk Project
Authors: Zhang Wei , Li Kaifeng , Zheng Chengdong , Sun Han , Pan Jiancun , Li Yuanyuan , Liu Ying , Wang Wenqing , Ju Mengnan , Xu Yajun , Jiang Shilong
Published: May 2022

The metabolomic profiles of Chinese human milk have been poorly documented. The objective of the study was to explore associations between human milk metabotypes, maternal adiposity, infant growth patterns, and risk of allergies. Two hundred mother–infant dyads from seven cities were randomly selected from the Chinese Human Milk Project (CHMP). Untargeted human milk metabolomic profiles were determined using HPLC-MS/MS. Two human milk metabotypes were identified using principal component analysis. Principal component (PC) 1 was characterized by high linoleic acid metabolites with low purine nucleosides and metabolites of glutamate and glutathione metabolism. PC 2 was characterized by high glycerophospholipids and sphingomyelins content. Higher PC1 scores were associated with slower infant growth rate and higher ambient temperature (p < 0.05). Higher PC 2 scores were related to higher maternal BMI and increased risk of infant allergies (p < 0.05). Future work is needed to understand the biologic mechanisms of these human milk metabotypes.
Correction: Li et al. Automatic Point Cloud Registration for Large Outdoor Scenes Using a Priori Semantic Information. Remote Sens. 2021, 13, 3474
Authors:   Remote Sensing Editorial Office
Published: May 2022

In the original article [...]
Energy and Environmental Assessment of a Hybrid Dish-Stirling Concentrating Solar Power Plant
Authors: Guarino Stefania , Buscemi Alessandro , Messineo Antonio , Lo Brano Valerio
Published: May 2022

Although the 2019 global pandemic slowed the growing trend of CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere, it has since resumed its rise, prompting world leaders to accelerate the generation of electricity from renewable sources. The study presented in this paper is focused on the evaluation of the energy and environmental benefits corresponding to the hypothesis of hybridizing a dish-Stirling plant installed on the university campus of Palermo (Italy). These analyses were carried out by means of dynamic simulations based on an accurate energy model validated with the experimental data collected during the measurement campaign that occurred during the period of operation of the reference plant. Assuming different scenarios for managing the production period and different fuels, including renewable fuels, it was found that the annual electricity production of the dish-Stirling system operating in solar mode can be increased by between 47% and 78% when hybridized. This would correspond to an increase in generation efficiency ranging from 4% to 16%. Finally, assuming that the dish-Stirling system is hybridized with renewable combustible gases, this would result in avoided CO2 emissions of between approximately 1594 and 3953 tons over the 25-year lifetime of the examined plant.
An Empirical Analysis of Sustainable Energy Security for Energy Policy Recommendations
Authors: Abdullah Fahad Bin , Iqbal Rizwan , Ahmad Sadique , El-Affendi Mohammed A. , Abdullah Maria
Published: May 2022

This study presents a framework for assessing Pakistan’s sustainable energy security (SES) between 1991 and 2020 by estimating its composite index, termed “SESi”, and three sub-indices. The SES has three dimensions: economic, social, and environmental. A total of 26 indicators were chosen and normalized using the Z-score approach before being weighted using principal component analysis (PCA) or equal weighting. The findings associated with the indices point to a declining tendency between 1991 and 2020. The highest degree of sustainable energy security (SES) was reported in 1991, with the lowest levels recorded in 2004 and 2007. Between 1991 and 2020, 9% of SESi regressed. Economic dimensions regressed among the dimension indices between 1991 and 2004, followed by steady performance, while the other two dimensions, social and environmental, fell by 30% and 26%, respectively, during the study period. Further analysis indicates that the objectives of the policies implemented throughout the study period were only partially achieved due to the country’s heavy import dependence, energy expenditures, falling reserves and forest area, and inefficiencies in the power sector.
The Antidepressants Amitriptyline and Paroxetine Induce Changes in the Structure and Functional Traits of Marine Nematodes
Authors: Ishak Sahar , Allouche Mohamed , Nasri Ahmed , Harrath Abdel Halim , Alwasel Saleh , Plăvan Gabriel , Beyrem Hamouda , Boufahja Fehmi
Published: May 2022

Increasing concentrations of the antidepressants amitriptyline and paroxetine were determined recently in marine habitats. However, their impact on marine biota is understudied, despite multiple undesirable effects they have on the environment. An important behavioral aspect that is increasingly measured following exposure to contaminants is the migration of fauna from contaminated areas. Hence, our aim was to better understand the migration pattern of marine meiobenthic fauna, but with a main focus on nematodes, following the exposure to both antidepressants, alone or in mixture. The experiment was carried out in microcosms, which comprised an uncontaminated upper and a lower contaminated compartment, where amitriptyline was added, alone or mixed with paroxetine, at concentrations of 0.4 and 40 µg L−1. The overall abundance of meiobenthic groups decreased significantly following exposure to amitriptyline in both compartments, a pattern augmented by the mixture with paroxetine. The migration of nematodes towards the upper compartments of microcosms was triggered by the level of contamination with antidepressants. As such, the species Terschellingia longicaudata showed no significant change in abundance, suggesting tolerance to both antidepressants. On the other hand, the abundances of nematode taxa Cyatholaimus prinzi, Calomicrolaimus sp., Calomicrolaimus honestus, Neochromadora sp., Chromadorina sp. and Chromadorina minor decreased significantly following the exposure to both antidepressants, even at low concentrations. At the end of the experiment, the dominant migratory nematodes belonged to deposit-feeders and omnivores-carnivores trophic guilds, with tail shapes of e/f types and body-sizes longer than 2 mm. Such functional traits increase their mobility in sediments and the chance to move away from contaminated habitats. Moreover, the sex ratio was imbalanced in the favor of males in contaminated lower compartments with mixtures of the lowest and highest concentrations of amitriptyline and paroxetine, suggesting that these drugs also affect the hormone system. In conclusion, the exposure to the antidepressants amitriptyline and paroxetine triggered important changes within nematode communities, as changes in taxonomic composition were a result of migration and survival of tolerant taxa, but equally acting on the hormone system and leading to unbalanced sex-ratio among the residents.
Evaluation of Growth Rate and Biomass Productivity of Scenedesmus quadricauda and Chlorella vulgaris under Different LED Wavelengths and Photoperiods
Authors: Anyanwu Ruth Chinyere , Rodriguez Cristina , Durrant Andy , Olabi Abdul Ghani
Published: May 2022

Cultivation has been identified as an essential stage for biofuel production. This research has examined two important parameters for the industrial production of microalgae, namely microalgae growth rate and biomass productivity. Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmusquadricauda were cultivated using a closed photobioreactor (PBR). A novel approach for cultivation and energy input reduction was developed by incorporating periods of darkness during cultivation, as would happen in nature. Three different LED light sources (white, red, and green) were used to determine the conditions that result in the highest growth rate and biomass productivity. C. vulgaris and S. quadricauda responded differently to lighting conditions. It was found that, depending on the LED source and light period, different growth rates and biomass productivities were obtained. Overall, experimental results obtained in this study indicated that a white LED is more effective than green or red LEDs in increasing microalgae growth rate and biomass productivity. A maximum growth rate of 3.41 d−1 and a biomass productivity of 2.369 g L−1d−1 were achieved for S.quadricauda under a 19 h period of white light alternating with 5 h of darkness. For C. vulgaris the maximum growth rate of 3.49 d−1 and maximum biomass productivity of 2.438 g L−1d−1 were achieved by continuous white light with no darkness period.
Can IT Resolve the Climate Crisis? Sketching the Role of an Anthropology of Digital Technology
Authors: Dalsgaard Steffen
Published: May 2022

How can an anthropology of digital technology contribute to our understanding of climate mitigating initiatives? Governments and private sector industries argue that climate mitigation must focus on “decoupling” economic growth from carbon emissions if we are to reduce climate impact while still maintaining a healthy economy. Most proponents of decoupling envisage that digitalization will play a central role in this operation. Critics, however, argue that IT has a large and often unacknowledged climate impact, while IT solutions also frequently bring new and unforeseen problems, particular or systemic. The challenge of decoupling is thus broader than the management of the relationship between the economy and the climate. As much as decoupling is about how we imagine that the climate crisis can be solved with technologies, trusting that they can create the changes we need, it is also about the cultural value of lifestyles that we do not want to change. Seeing the climate crisis from this perspective opens the door for an anthropology of digital technology, which allows us to approach decoupling as a matter of how sociocultural change is imagined in the spaces between IT, climate change and society. The article thus contributes to the qualitative social scientific literature on perceptions of change by focusing on some of the ways that implicit ideas of change are embedded in the promotion of digital technologies as solutions to climate change. In addition, it presents to a wider scientific audience the perspectives that an anthropologically inspired analytic may provide on this topic.