bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interview-Based Qualitative Descriptive Study on Risk Factors of School Withdrawal among Elementary School Children
Authors: Înoue Sachiko
Published: October 2022

With increasing school refusal among elementary school children, we qualitatively examined the associated factors. Elementary school teachers underwent semi-structured interviews, and the data generated were analyzed using SCAT. We conducted interviews with 27 teachers (18 men, nine women) responsible for children refusing to attend school. We analyzed verbatim transcripts of the interviews and abstracted six constructs for school refusal: underdeveloped interpersonal skills; families having difficulty in supporting their children to attend school; low self-esteem; diverse views on school refusal; tenuous relationships among local community members; and an environment where games and media are easily accessible. Children refusing to attend school may be unable to relate well to other people owing to underdeveloped interpersonal skills, and they may have low self-esteem. Regarding the home environment of children who are not positive about school life, living in families having difficulty in supporting their children to attend school may make the children less likely to do so. Because of tenuous relationships with local community members, there has been a decline in the involvement of people around children other than family members in encouraging school attendance. Recently, diverse views on school refusal have been accepted; increasingly, parents and children are likely to choose to spend time outside school. An environment in which games and media are easily accessible may make it easy to relate to other people without attending school, undermining the need for school attendance.
Psychometric Assessment of the Handwriting Proficiency Screening Questionnaire (HPSQ)—Thai Version for Primary School-Aged Children
Authors: Thichanpiang Peeradech , Kaunnil Anuchart , Lee Kerry , Gao Xiaozi , Nopparat Chutikorn , Permpoonputtana Kannika
Published: October 2022

In this study, the original Handwriting Proficiency Screening Questionnaire (HPSQ) was translated into Thai and cross-culturally adapted for use among school-aged children in Thailand. Additionally, the initial psychometric properties of the new Thai version were assessed, including internal consistency, construct validity, and content validity. The original HPSQ was forward-translated by two independent translators from English to Thai and then back-translated. A final consolidation was conducted by an expert committee to develop the Thai HPSQ. In the psychometric evaluation, content validity was quantified using the item-objective congruence (IOC) value for each item. Intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities were also assessed. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, and confirmatory factor analysis models were used to examine its construct validity. The Thai version of the HPSQ had excellent internal consistency (α = 0.92), good construct, and content validity (IOC value > 0.6). Intra-rater reliability was good (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.98), and inter-rater reliability ranged from fair to good (ICC = 0.46−0.77). Factor analysis revealed that a three-factor model best fitted the data. Thus, the Thai version of the HPSQ is a reliable and valid instrument for handwriting evaluation among Thai school-aged children. It can be useful for teachers and therapists to identify students with handwriting problems.
Effects of Thermal Treatment on Microstructure and Wear Properties of Ni60/CeO2 Composite Coating 35CrMoV Steel by Laser Cladding
Authors: Liu Jianbo , Li Xiaohui , Bai Jing , Zhang Tong , Xu Yunhua , Yu Yuan
Published: October 2022

Laser cladding Ni60/2.0 wt.%CeO2 self-lubricating anti-wear composite coatings on 35CrMoV steel were thermally treated at 25 °C, 500 °C, 600 °C and 700 °C for 1 h, respectively. The macroscopic morphology of composite coatings was characterized by optical microscopy. The evolution of microstructure was studied by scanning electron microscopy. The precipitated phase of the coating was analyzed by X-ray diffractometer. The microhardness and wear properties of the composite coatings were measured by microhardness tester and friction and wear test. The effects of thermal treatment and no thermal treatment on the mechanical properties of the composite coatings were systematically studied by the above experiments. The experimental analysis shows that the main phase composition of Ni60/2.0 wt.%CeO2 composite coating is γ-(Ni, Fe), Cr7C3, Cr23C6, CrB, CrFeB and Cr2Ni3. Meanwhile, in XRD, it can be seen that the diffraction peak has shifted to the left and the single diffraction peak is decomposed into double diffraction peaks with the thermal treatment at 700 °C, which indicates that the lattice in the coating phase has a certain distortion. Compared with the coatings without thermal treatment, Ni60 cladding layer has more uniform solute distribution and a denser and more uniform structure after thermal treatment at 700 °C. The laser cladding anti-wear composite coating demonstrates that the wear resistance performance shows the greatest improvement after thermal treatment at 700 °C.
Traditional Chinese Medicines and Prescriptions Brought from China to Japan by a Monk (Jianzhen, Japanese: Ganjin): A Historical Review
Authors: Liu Shihui , Matsuo Toshihiko , Matsuo Chie , Abe Takumi
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: Japanese Kampo medicine has its origin in ancient Chinese medicine. In 742, a Tang Dynasty monk named Jianzhen (Ganjin) was invited by Japanese clerics to visit Japan and teach commandments in Buddhism. Because of the dangers of the voyage and also other obstacles, he took 11 years to reach Japan on the sixth voyage and he was blind when he arrived in Japan. He was the first person in China to go to Japan to establish the Buddhism commandments, and he was also the first person in Japan to directly teach traditional Chinese medicine. Until now, there have been few reports in English about the details of the Chinese herbal medicines he brought to Japan, including the types of herbal medicines, pharmacological activities, and formulations. In the review, we systematically and comprehensively summarized Jianzhen’s life from the standpoint of his medical and pharmaceutical knowledge and the types and pharmacological activities of Chinese herbal medicines and prescriptions that were brought to Japan by Jianzhen; (2) Methods: A review was made on the relevant literature written by Chinese, Japanese, and English languages regarding the medical and pharmacological knowledge of Jianzhen, the 36 Chinese herbal medicines brought to Japan by Jianzhen, and the pharmacological and therapeutic effects of these 36 herbal medicines, as well as their formulations; (3) Results: The review of the literature proved that Jianzhen’s prescriptions served as a basis for current herbal medicines (Kampo) in Japan. In the process of the literature search, we found a book entitled Jianshangren (Holy Priest Jianzhen)’s Secret Prescription, which recorded the complete prescription of the 36 traditional Chinese medicines Jianzhen brought to Japan; (4) Conclusions: Jianzhen is one of the ancestors of traditional Chinese medicine/Kampo medicine, and he brought traditional Chinese medicine and medical books to Japan for patients. He made important contributions to the development of traditional Chinese medicine in Japan.
Magnetic Interaction in Doped 2D Perovskite Cuprates with Nanoscale Inhomogeneity: Lattice Nonlocal Effects vs. Superexchange
Authors: Gavrichkov Vladimir A. , Polukeev Semyon I.
Published: October 2022

We have studied the superexchange interaction Jij in doped 2D cuprates. The AFM interaction strongly depends on the state of the lattice of a CuO2 layer surrounded by two LaO rock salt layers. In a static U and D stripe nanostructure, the homogeneous AFM interaction is impossible due to the U/D/U… periodic stripe sequence and TN=0. In a dynamic stripe nanostructure, the ideal CuO2 layer with nonlocal effects and the homogeneous AFM interaction are restored. However, the interaction Jij decreases by the exponential factor due to partial dynamic quenching. The meaning of the transition from the dynamic to the static cases lies in the spontaneous θ-symmetry breaking with respect to the rotation of all the tilted CuO6 octahedra by an orientation angle δθ=n·45° (where n=1÷4) in the U and D stripe nanostructure of the CuO2 layer. Moreover, the structural features help to study various experimental data on the charge inhomogeneity, Fermi level pinning in the p type cuprates only and time reversal symmetry breaking from a unified point of view.
COVID-19 Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices and Vaccine Acceptability in Rural Western Kenya and an Urban Informal Settlement in Nairobi, Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Nasimiyu Carolyne , Audi Allan , Oduor Clifford , Ombok Cynthia , Oketch Dismas , Aol George , Ouma Alice , Osoro Eric , Ngere Isaac , Njoroge Ruth , Munyua Peninah , Lo Terrence , Herman-Roloff Amy , Bigogo Godfrey , Munywoki Patrick K.
Published: October 2022

An important step towards COVID-19 pandemic control is adequate knowledge and adherence to mitigation measures, including vaccination. We assessed the level of COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among residents from an urban informal settlement in the City of Nairobi (Kibera), and a rural community in western Kenya (Asembo). A cross-sectional survey was implemented from April to May 2021 among randomly selected adult residents from a population-based infectious diseases surveillance (PBIDS) cohort in Nairobi and Siaya Counties. KAP questions were adopted from previous studies. Factors associated with the level of COVID-19 KAP, were assessed using multivariable regression methods. COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was 83.6% for the participants from Asembo and 59.8% in Kibera. The reasons cited for vaccine hesitancy in Kibera were safety concerns (34%), insufficient information available to decide (18%), and a lack of belief in the vaccine (21%), while the reasons in Asembo were safety concerns (55%), insufficient information to decide (26%) and lack of belief in the vaccine (11%). Our study findings suggest the need for continued public education to enhance COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, and practices to ensure adherence to mitigation measures. Urban informal settlements require targeted messaging to improve vaccine awareness, acceptability, and uptake.
New As-Rich Arsenato-Polyoxovanadate Clusters: Solvothermal Synthesis and Selected Properties of [V6IVAs8IIIO26]4− Cluster-Containing Compounds
Authors: Rasmussen Maren , Näther Christian , Bensch Wolfgang
Published: October 2022

Three new arsenato-polyoxovanadates with the composition [M(en)3]2[V6As8O26] (M = Co2+ (I), Zn2+ (II), and Cd2+ (III)) were synthesized under solvothermal conditions in high yields, thus significantly enhancing the knowledge of As-rich polyoxovanadate cluster chemistry. The compounds are isostructural and feature the very rare [V6IVAs8IIIO26]4− cluster anion. The cluster shell is constructed by interconnection of two trimeric {V3O11} groups consisting of three edge-sharing VO5 polyhedra and four As2O5 units, which are formed by two corner-sharing AsO3 pyramids. While the As2O5 group is a common structural feature in arsenato-polyoxovanadates, the {V3O11} unit is only observed in V-rich high-nuclear heteroatom-containing polyoxovanadates {V14E8} (E = As, Sb, Ge). The complexes adopt the Λ (δδδ) conformation, which is the most stable arrangement. Interestingly, the unit cell parameters do not scale with the volume of the [M(en)3]2+ complexes, assuming a constant volume of the anion. Only a very detailed Hirshfeld surface analysis revealed that the van der Waals volume of the {V6As8O26} moiety is the smallest for the Cd-containing compound, while the volumes of the anions in the other two compounds are very similar. Therefore, the observed trends of the lattice parameters can be explained on the basis of these findings. Furthermore, intermolecular interactions include As⋯H contacts in addition to O⋯H and H⋯H interactions. The electronic spectrum of I contains d–d transitions of the vanadyl group and of the Co2+ cation. As expected only the d–d transitions of the VO2+ unit occur for II and III.
New Voltammetric Sensor Based on LDH and H2O2 for L-Proline Determination in Red and White Wines
Authors: Tomassetti Mauro , Leonardi Claudio , Pezzilli Riccardo , Prestopino Giuseppe , Di Natale Corrado , Medaglia Pier Gianni
Published: October 2022

Taking inspiration from our recent work in which a new sensor for hydrogen peroxide was proposed, our research group has now developed a simple, fast, and inexpensive voltametric system for determining proline concentration both in standard solutions and in real samples (red and white wines). This system uses a non-enzymatic sensor based on a working electrode of glassy carbon (GC) modified with a layered double hydroxide (LDH) compound, of the type GC-Ag(paste)-LDH-H2O2, with hydrogen peroxide in solution at fixed concentration, in a three electrode cyclic voltammetry setup. Using an increasing concentration of standard solutions of L-proline, the method shows a linearity range, in semilogarithmic coordinates, between 125 μmol L−1 and 3200 μmol L−1 of proline, with a limit of detection (LOD) value of 85.0 μmol L−1 and a limit of quantitation (LOQ) value of 95.0 μmol L−1. The developed method is applied to the determination of proline in several samples of commercial Italian wines. The results are compared with those obtained by applying the classic spectrophotometric method of ninhydrin, obtaining a good correlation of the results.
Long-Distance High-Power Wireless Optical Energy Transmission Based on VECSELs
Authors: Zhang Zhuo , Zhang Jianwei , Gong Yuxiang , Zhou Yinli , Zhang Xing , Chen Chao , Wu Hao , Chen Yongyi , Qin Li , Ning Yongqiang , Wang Lijun
Published: October 2022

Wireless charging systems are critical for safely and efficiently recharging mobile electronic devices. Current wireless charging technologies involving inductive coupling, magnetic resonance coupling, and microwave transmission are bulky, require complicated systems, expose users to harmful radiation, and have very short energy transmission distances. Herein, we report on a long-distance optical power transmission system by optimizing the external cavity structure of semiconductor lasers for laser charging applications. An ultra-long stable oscillating laser cavity with a transmission distance of 10 m is designed. The optimal laser cavity design is determined by simulating the structural parameters for stable operation, and an improved laser cavity that produces an output of 2.589 W at a transmission distance of 150 cm is fabricated. The peak power attenuation when the transmission distance increases from 50 to 150 cm is only approximately 6.4%, which proves that this wireless power transfer scheme based on a vertical external cavity surface-emitting laser can be used to realize ultra-long-distance power transmission. The proposed wireless energy transmission scheme based on a VECSEL laser is the first of its kind to report a 1.5 m transmission distance output power that exceeds 2.5 W. Compared with other wireless energy transmission technologies, this simple, compact, and safe long-distance wireless laser energy transmission system is more suitable for indoor charging applications.
A Review on Ultrafast-Laser Power Bed Fusion Technology
Authors: Wu Yuxiang , Chen Yongxiong , Kong Lingchao , Jing Zhiyuan , Liang Xiubing
Published: October 2022

Additive manufacturing of metals by employing continuous wave and short pulse lasers completely changes the way of modern industrial production. But the ultrafast laser has the superiority to short pulse laser and continuous wave laser in additive manufacturing. It has higher peak power, small thermal effect, high machining accuracy and low damage threshold. It can effectively perform additive manufacturing for special materials and improve the mechanical properties of parts. This article reviews the mechanism of the interaction between ultrafast laser and metal materials to rule the manufacturing processes. The current application of ultrafast laser on forming and manufacturing special materials, including refractory metals, transparent materials, composite materials and high thermal conductivity materials are also discussed. Among the review, the shortcomings and challenges of the current experimental methods are discussed as well. Finally, suggestions are provided for the industrial application of ultrashort pulse laser in the field of additive manufacturing in the future.
Effect of Load and Fiber Orientation on Wear Properties of Additively Manufactured Continuous CFRP Composites under Dry Sliding Conditions
Authors: Naik Mahesh , Thakur Dineshsingh G. , Chandel Sunil , Salunkhe Sachin , Hussein Hussein Mohamed Abdelmoneam
Published: October 2022

The present research investigates the wear properties of a continuous carbon fiber-reinforced additively manufactured polymer composite under dry sliding conditions. The effect of load and fiber orientation is examined on polymer composite specimens. The wear test of the additively manufactured polymer composite specimens is conducted on pin-on-disk test equipment. The result shows that the applied load and fiber orientation significantly affect the composite specimen’s wear properties. The wear and coefficient of friction (COF) increase with load. The minimum effect on wear and COF is observed for 0° fiber orientation, and the maximum effect is observed for 90° fiber orientation. Finally, morphological analysis is conducted using an optical micrograph of the worn-out surfaces to understand the failure type for different fiber orientations.
Genetic Diversity in Marginal Populations of Nitraria schoberi L. from Romania
Authors: Paica Ioana C. , Banciu Cristian , Maria Gabriel M. , Vladimirescu Mihnea , Manole Anca
Published: October 2022

Nitraria schoberi L. (Nitrariaceae) is a halophytic plant with a continuous range in Central Asia and with only two populations in the westernmost distribution limit of species, in Romania. Currently, there is no documented explanation for the species’ presence in Europe, outside the main distribution area. Considering that marginal populations genetics are important in establishing range limits and species adaptative potential, genetic diversity was assessed using Inter-simple sequence repeat markers (ISSR). Both the Shannon’s Information Index (I) and Expected Heterozygosity (He) suggested a relatively low level of genetic diversity within the two populations. However, the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) dendrogram and Principal Coordinates Analysis clearly distinguished the two populations. Our presumptions, based on current results, are that the marginal westernmost population of N. schoberi was established due to the unique conditions from the “islands of desert” developed in a temperate continental climate. The European establishment of this species was likely accidental and probably due to ornithochory. Genetic relatedness between populations could be a consequence of their common origin, presumably from proximal Asian N. schoberi populations, while the separation can be explained by the lack of genetic material exchange between the two populations.
Current Evidence and Theories in Understanding the Relationship between Cognition and Depression in Childhood and Adolescence: A Narrative Review
Authors: Barlati Stefano , Lisoni Jacopo , Nibbio Gabriele , Baldacci Giulia , Cicale Andrea , Ferrarin Laura Chiara , Italia Mauro , Zucchetti Andrea , Deste Giacomo , Vita Antonio
Published: October 2022

The present narrative review has covered the current evidence regarding the role of cognitive impairments during the early phase of major depressive disorder (MDD), attempting to describe the cognitive features in childhood, adolescence and in at-risk individuals. These issues were analyzed considering the trait, scar and state hypotheses of MDD by examining the cold and hot dimensions, the latter explained in relation to the current psychological theoretical models of MDD. This search was performed on several electronic databases up to August 2022. Although the present review is the first to have analyzed both cold and hot cognitive impairments considering the trait, scar and state hypotheses, we found that current evidence did not allow to exclusively confirm the validity of one specific hypothesis since several equivocal and discordant results have been proposed in childhood and adolescence samples. Further studies are needed to better characterize possible cognitive dysfunctions assessing more systematically the impairments of cold, hot and social cognition domains and their possible interaction in a developmental perspective. An increased knowledge on these topics will improve the definition of clinical endophenotypes of enhanced risk to progression to MDD and, to hypothesize preventive and therapeutic strategies to reduce negative influences on psychosocial functioning and well-being.
Prognostic Value of Tumour-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in an Unselected Cohort of Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Schüler Kathleen , Bethmann Daniel , Kaufhold Sandy , Hartung Carolin , Stückrath Kathrin , Lantzsch Tilmann , Uleer Christoph , Hanf Volker , Peschel Susanne , John Jutta , Pöhler Marleen , Buchmann Jörg , Bürrig Karl-Friedrich , Weigert Edith , Thomssen Christoph , Kantelhardt Eva Johanna , Vetter Martina
Published: October 2022

Tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are considered to have prognostic and predictive value for patients with early breast cancer. We examined 1166 breast cancer patients from a prospective, multicentre cohort (Prognostic Assessment in Routine Application (PiA), n = 1270, NCT 01592825) following recommendations from the International TILs Working Group. TIL quantification was performed using predefined groups and as a continuous variable in 10% increments. The primary objective was the distribution of TILs in different breast cancer types. The second objective was the association with the recurrence-free interval (RFI) and overall survival (OS). Stromal infiltration with more than 60% TILs appeared in 2% of hormone receptor (HR)-positive and HER2-negative tumours, in 9.8% of HER2-positive tumours (any HR) and 19.4% of triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs). Each 10% increment was associated with an improvement in the prognosis in HER2-positive samples (RFI, hazard ratio 0.773, 95% CI 0.587–1.017; OS, hazard ratio 0.700, 95% CI 0.523–0.937). When defining exploratory cut-offs for TILs, the use of a 30% threshold for the HR-positive and HER2-negative group, a 20% threshold for the HER2 group and a 60% threshold for the TNBC group appeared to be the most suitable. TILs bore prognostic value, especially in HER2-positive breast cancer. For clinical use, additional research on the components of immune infiltration might be reasonable.
Custom-Made Direct Metal Laser Sintering Titanium Subperiosteal Implants in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery for Severe Bone-Deficient Patients—A Pilot Study
Authors: Nemtoi Alexandru , Covrig Vlad , Nemtoi Ana , Stoica George , Vatavu Ruxandra , Haba Danisia , Zetu Irina
Published: October 2022

Background: Nowadays, a combination of classical subperiosteal implant designs with 3D imaging and printing allows one to reduce treatment time and provides support for fixed prostheses in cases where other techniques do not provide satisfactory results. This study aims to present a digital technique for the manufacturing of custom-made subperiosteal implants and what complications might appear after this type of surgery. Methods: Sixteen patients treated with a custom-made DMLS titanium subperiosteal implant during the period between October 2021 and February 2022 were enrolled in the study. Orthopantomography (OPT) and cone-beam computer tomography (CBCT) were recorded for all patients. The measurements taken into account in this study were the fit and stability of implants, duration of surgery, implant survival, and early and late complications. Results: The fit of the implants was extremely satisfactory, with a mean rating of 4 out of 5. The mean duration of the intervention was 86.18 min. At the end of the study, one implant was lost due to insufficient fit and recurrent, untreatable infections. Eleven implants (69%) were placed on the maxillary and five (31%) implants were placed on the mandible. Conclusions: Taking this into consideration, custom-made DMLS titanium subperiosteal implants could present satisfactory implant survival and low complication rates.
Associations between Insomnia Symptoms and Anxiety Symptoms in Adults in a Community Sample of Southeastern Pennsylvania, USA
Authors: Ghani Sadia B. , Kapoor Ashna , Tubbs Andrew S. , Wills Chloe C. A. , Karp Jordan F. , Perlis Michael L. , Killgore William D. S. , Fernandez Fabian-Xosé , Grandner Michael A.
Published: October 2022

Although insomnia is reliably associated with anxiety symptoms, aspects of insomnia may differentially relate to one anxiety symptom versus another. Therefore, treatment for insomnia comorbidity with anxiety might be individually tailored to optimize treatment response. Working from this hypothesis, we analyzed data from a survey of 1007 community-dwelling adults. Insomnia was measured using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), categorizing items as nighttime disturbances, daytime dysfunction, or self-perceived dissatisfaction. Anxiety symptoms were measured with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item questionnaire (GAD-7). Linear and binomial logistic regression were used and adjusted for covariates. Post hoc forward stepwise analyses determined which components of the insomnia contributed to individual anxiety symptoms. Significant associations between nighttime disturbance (β = 0.88 [0.44, 1.3]), daytime dysfunction (β = 1.30 [0.81, 1.80]), dissatisfaction (β = 1.20 [0.60, 1.7]) and total GAD-7 score were maintained after adjusting for covariates. Nighttime disturbance was associated with excess worrying, restlessness, irritability, and fear of catastrophe. Daytime dysfunction was associated with all symptoms except for fear of catastrophe, and self-perceived dissatisfaction was associated with all symptoms except irritability. Stepwise analyses revealed that daytime dysfunction and dissatisfaction were most consistently related to anxiety symptoms. Greater attention should be paid to daytime dysfunction in patients with insomnia and anxiety, as improving daytime functioning may improve anxiety.
Modelling Spirals of Silence and Echo Chambers by Learning from the Feedback of Others
Authors: Banisch Sven , Gaisbauer Felix , Olbrich Eckehard
Published: October 2022

What are the mechanisms by which groups with certain opinions gain public voice and force others holding a different view into silence? Furthermore, how does social media play into this? Drawing on neuroscientific insights into the processing of social feedback, we develop a theoretical model that allows us to address these questions. In repeated interactions, individuals learn whether their opinion meets public approval and refrain from expressing their standpoint if it is socially sanctioned. In a social network sorted around opinions, an agent forms a distorted impression of public opinion enforced by the communicative activity of the different camps. Even strong majorities can be forced into silence if a minority acts as a cohesive whole. On the other hand, the strong social organisation around opinions enabled by digital platforms favours collective regimes in which opposing voices are expressed and compete for primacy in public. This paper highlights the role that the basic mechanisms of social information processing play in massive computer-mediated interactions on opinions.
The Global Textile and Apparel Value Chain: From Mexico–US–China Linkages to a Global Approach
Authors: Rodil-Marzábal Óscar , Gómez Pérez Ana Laura , Campos-Romero Hugo
Published: October 2022

The aim of this paper is to analyze the participation in the global textile and apparel value chain with special attention, first, to the case of three dynamic and interrelated economies (Mexico, the United States, and China); and second, to a general approach to a larger sample of countries through the analysis of trade in value added. From the descriptive analysis, a high domestic share in each country’s exports is found. However, China is the leading exporter in the industry, accounting for around a third of the domestic value added in the global textile final demand. An econometric estimation has also been carried out to observe the effects of tariffs, FDI, and labor costs on the total and backward participation in the textile GVC. In this case, the sample has been extended to 39 developed and 22 developing countries. The results reveal tariff protection as a determinant of the degree of participation of the sector, especially when backward participation and developing economies are considered. However, FDI and labor costs only show the expected results in the case of developing countries. This may be due to the different tasks performed by developing economies (primarily manufacturing) versus developed economies (branding, design) within the sector’s value chain.
Effects of Goalball on Balance: A Systematic Review
Authors: Palacín Artigosa Daniel , Ardigò Luca Paolo , Rico-González Markel
Published: October 2022

Goalball has been highlighted as a reference disabled sport from educational levels to its participation in the Paralympic Games, where the effects of this sport on balance and its relevance have been investigated. The aim of the systematic review was to systematically review those studies that evaluated the effects of goalball on balance in goalball athletes. A systematic review of PubMed and FECYT (Web of Sciences, CCC, DIIDW, KJD, MEDLINE, RSCI, and SCIELO) was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The articles were included if they met the following inclusion criteria: (i) participants were goalball players; (ii) athletes playing goalball; (iii) outcomes were related to balance; and, (iv) original articles without language restriction. From the 85 studies initially identified, 7 were fully reviewed, and their outcome measures were extracted and analyzed. In conclusion, the levels of balance seem to be closely related to the success of competitions, leading coaches to consider its development during training sessions. In this sense, the general practice of goalball may be sufficient at children’s levels, while the practice of 2 days or 5 h per week seems to be an adequate reference. However, athletes with partial levels of visual loss should not be subjected to continuous blinding during training sessions because it could lead to an accelerated reduction in balance levels.
The Interaction of War Impacts on Education: Experiences of School Teachers and Leaders
Authors: Muthanna Abdulghani , Almahfali Mohammed , Haider Abdullateef
Published: October 2022

Education, the backbone of any nation’s development, demands the presence of not only infrastructure and facilities but also a peaceful environment. The war in Yemen has had a strong, negative impact on education. In our study, we employed narrative inquiry and developed a structured interview guideline to explore the experiences of school teachers and leaders regarding the war’s impacts on education. After collecting and analyzing one hundred written narratives, we developed and conducted a semi-structured interview with four female and six male school teachers and leaders to answer the study questions. The findings highlighted the displacement and discrimination, the use of children as fighters for the future, the conflict of identities among children, the destruction of children’s physical and mental health, the exploitation of education for financial benefits, the normalization of negative behaviors, and the destruction of teacher’s dignity. These findings were also conceptualized in a simple model that showed the interaction of these war impacts on the teachers and learners. Further, focusing on how the domestic cultural and social contexts interact with these impacts is necessary to enhance understanding, solidarity, and tolerance among individuals and achieve a peaceful and cohesive society.
Design and Optimization of a Resonant Micro-Optic Gyroscope Based on a Transmissive Silica Waveguide Resonator
Authors: Zhang Wei , Liu Wenyao , Guo Huiting , Tang Jun , Liu Jun
Published: October 2022

In order to optimize the performance of a resonant micro-optic gyroscope, a well-designed transmissive structure, which was obtained by optimizing the transmission coefficient of a coupler was used as the core component of a planar waveguide optical gyroscope. By analyzing the relationship between the resonator’s transmission coefficient and the gyroscope’s scale factor, the optical waveguide resonator sensing element with optimal parameters for the resonant micro-optic gyroscope was obtained. A scale factor of 1.34 mV/°/s was achieved using an open-loop system, and a bias stability of 183.7 °/h over a one-hour test was successfully demonstrated.
Many-to-Many Data Aggregation Scheduling Based on Multi-Agent Learning for Multi-Channel WSN
Authors: Lu Yao , Wang Keweiqi , He Erbao
Published: October 2022

Many-to-many data aggregation has become an indispensable technique to realize the simultaneous executions of multiple applications with less data traffic load and less energy consumption in a multi-channel WSN (wireless sensor network). The problem of how to efficiently allocate time slot and channel for each node is one of the most critical problems for many-to-many data aggregation in multi-channel WSNs, and this problem can be solved with the new distributed scheduling method without communication conflict outlined in this paper. The many-to-many data aggregation scheduling process is abstracted as a decentralized partially observable Markov decision model in a multi-agent system. In the case of embedding cooperative multi-agent learning technology, sensor nodes with group observability work in a distributed manner. These nodes cooperated and exploit local feedback information to automatically learn the optimal scheduling strategy, then select the best time slot and channel for wireless communication. Simulation results show that the new scheduling method has advantages in performance when comparing with the existing methods.
Concrete Bridge Crack Image Classification Using Histograms of Oriented Gradients, Uniform Local Binary Patterns, and Kernel Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Zoubir Hajar , Rguig Mustapha , El Aroussi Mohamed , Chehri Abdellah , Saadane Rachid
Published: October 2022

Bridges deteriorate over time, which requires the continuous monitoring of their condition. There are many digital technologies for inspecting and monitoring bridges in real-time. In this context, computer vision has extensively studied cracks to automate their identification in concrete surfaces, overcoming the conventional manual methods that rely on human judgment. The general framework of vision-based techniques consists of feature extraction using different filters and descriptors and classifier training to perform the classification task. However, training can be time-consuming and computationally expensive, depending on the dimension of the features. To address this limitation, dimensionality reduction techniques are applied to extracted features, and a new feature subspace is generated. This work used histograms of oriented gradients (HOGs) and uniform local binary patterns (ULBPs) to extract features from a dataset containing over 3000 uncracked and cracked images covering different patterns of cracks and concrete surface representations. Nonlinear dimensionality reduction was performed using kernel principal component analysis (KPCA), and three machine learning classifiers were implemented to conduct the classification. The experimental results show that the classification scheme based on the support-vector machine (SVM) model and feature-level fusion of the HOG and ULBP features after KPCA application provided the best results as an accuracy of 99.26% was achieved by the proposed classification framework.
AIoT Precision Feeding Management System
Authors: Chiu Cheng-Chang , Liao Teh-Lu , Chen Chiung-Hsing , Kao Shao-En
Published: October 2022

Different fish species and different growth stages require different amounts of fish pellets. Excessive fish pellets increase the cost of aquaculture, and the leftover fish pellets sink to the bottom of the fish farm. This causes water pollution in the fish farm. Weather changes and providing too many or too little fish pellets affect the growth of the fish. In light of the abovementioned factors, this article uses the artificial intelligence of things (AIoT) precision feeding management system to improve an existing fish feeder. The AIoT precision feeding management system is placed on the water surface of the breeding pond to measure the water surface fluctuations in the area of fish pellet application. The buoy, with s built-in three-axis accelerometer, senses the water surface fluctuations when the fish are foraging. Then, through the wireless transmission module, the data are sent back to the receiver and control device of the fish feeder. When the fish feeder receives the signal, it judges the returned value to adjust the feeding time. Through this system, the intelligent feeding of fish can be achieved by adjusting the amount of fish pellets in order to reduce the cost of aquaculture.
Encryption AXI Transaction Core for Enhanced FPGA Security
Authors: Lázaro Jesús , Astarloa Armando , Muguira Leire , Bidarte Unai , Jiménez Jaime
Published: October 2022

The current hot topic in cyber-security is not constrained to software layers. As attacks on electronic circuits have become more usual and dangerous, hardening digital System-on-Chips has become crucial. This article presents a novel electronic core to encrypt and decrypt data between two digital modules through an Advanced eXtensible Interface (AXI) connection. The core is compatible with AXI and is based on a Trivium stream cipher. Its implementation has been tested on a Zynq platform. The core prevents unauthorized data extraction by encrypting data on the fly. In addition, it takes up a small area—242 LUTs—and, as the core’s AXI to AXI path is fully combinational, it does not interfere with the system’s overall performance, with a maximum AXI clock frequency of 175 MHz.
Human Mobility Prediction with Calibration for Noisy Trajectories
Authors: Miao Qing , Li Min , Lin Wenhui , Wang Zhigang , Shao Huiqin , Xie Junwei , Shu Nanfei , Qiao Yuanyuan
Published: October 2022

Human mobility prediction is a key task in smart cities to help improve urban management effectiveness. However, it remains challenging due to widespread intractable noises in large-scale mobility data. Based on previous research and our statistical analysis of real large-scale data, we observe that there is heterogeneity in the quality of users’ trajectories, that is, the regularity and periodicity of one user’s trajectories can be quite different from another. Inspired by this, we propose a trajectory quality calibration framework for quantifying the quality of each trajectory and promoting high-quality training instances to calibrate the final prediction process. The main module of our approach is a calibration network that evaluates the quality of each user’s trajectories by learning their similarity between them. It is designed to be model-independent and can be trained in an unsupervised manner. Finally, the mobility prediction model is trained with the instance-weighting strategy, which integrates quantified quality scores into the parameter updating process of the model. Experiments conducted on two citywide mobility datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach when dealing with massive noisy trajectories in the real world.
A Reduced Reaction Mechanism for Diesel/2-Methyltetrahydrofuran Dual-Fuel Engine Application
Authors: Li Song , Huang Chen , Yang Chen , Yu Wenbin , Liu Jinping , Zhang Tingting
Published: October 2022

2-methyltetrahydrofuran (MTHF2) has been recently regarded as a promising alternative engine fuel. However, the chemical reaction mechanism for MTHF2 combustion in the engine has not been reported to date. In this study, a reduced diesel/MTHF2 reaction mechanism with only 78 species among 233 reactions was constructed for diesel/MTHF2 dual-fuel engine simulations. Firstly, a diesel surrogate mechanism involving the sub-mechanisms of n-decane, iso-octane, methylcyclohexane (MCH), toluene, a reduced mechanism of C2-C3 species and a detailed mechanism of H2/CO/C1 was selected. Secondly, a skeletal MTHF2 mechanism containing 54 species and 294 reactions was formulated under engine-relevant conditions using combined mechanism reduction methods. Thirdly, a reduced sub-mechanism of MTHF2 oxidation with 11 species and 13 reactions was extracted and combined with the four-component diesel surrogate fuel mechanism. Subsequently, the reduced diesel/MTHF2 mechanism was obtained by improving the combined five-component mechanism based on sensitivity analysis. Finally, the proposed mechanism was validated with selected experimental data of ignition delay times, flame species concentrations and laminar flame speeds. In addition, the new measurements from diesel/MTHF2 dual-fuel engine combustion were obtained and then utilized to further assess the developed mechanism. Overall, the developed diesel/MTHF2 mechanism can be used for diesel and MTHF2 dual-fuel engine combustion simulation.
Energy Simulations of a Building Insulated with a Hemp-Lime Composite with Different Wall and Node Variants
Authors: Brzyski Przemysław , Grudzińska Magdalena , Böhm Martin , Łagód Grzegorz
Published: October 2022

Thermal bridges constitute a significant share in the overall heat losses through building partitions. This is an important issue not only in traditional but also ecological buildings, where the load-bearing structure is often a wooden frame. In partitions insulated with hemp-lime composite, the skeleton is usually hidden in the insulation. However, in some nodes or jambs, wooden elements may be exposed or have a large cross-section, intensifying the heat transfer. This work presents simulations of energy demand in a single-family building insulated with hemp-lime composite, using the BSim dynamic simulation program. The calculations take into account the linear thermal transmittance of structural nodes modeled in the THERM program. The energy demand for heating and the share of thermal bridges in the heat loss of the entire building were calculated for different locations of the structural framework in the walls, as well as the size and number of windows. The share of thermal bridges in heat losses was about 10%, and the differences in energy demand for heating using various frame locations in the wall were negligible.
Periodic Open Cellular Structures (POCS) as Catalyst Supports—A Review
Authors: Iwaniszyn Marzena
Published: October 2022

Periodic open cellular structures (POCS) are becoming increasingly popular as catalyst carriers due to favorable properties: mixing flow, intense heat/mass transfer and low flow resistance. Their design and manufacturing are relatively easy and cheap. The presented paper focuses on the characterization of POCS in relation to their definition, types, classification and properties. Next, the design and manufacturing methods are described. Finally, the literature review dealing with the application of POCS in catalytic processes are presented.
Floristic Legacies of Historical Land Use in Swedish Boreo-Nemoral Forests: A Review of Evidence and a Case Study on Chimaphila umbellata and Moneses uniflora
Authors: Eriksson Ove
Published: October 2022

Many forests throughout the world contain legacies of former human impacts and management. This study reviews evidence of floristic legacies in the understory of Swedish boreo-nemoral forests, and presents a case study on two currently declining forest plants, suggested to have been favored by historical use of forests. The review provides evidence of forest remnant populations of 34 grassland species. Thus, many floristic legacies have their main occurrence in semi-natural grasslands, but maintain remnant populations in forests, in some cases more than 100 years after grazing and mowing management have ceased. Despite less information on true forest understory plants appearing as legacies of historical human use of boreo-nemoral forests, a putative guild of such species is suggested. The case study on two species, Chimaphila umbellata and Moneses uniflora (Pyroleae, Ericaceae) suggests that both species are currently declining, mainly due to modern forestry and ceased livestock grazing in forests. Chimaphila maintains remnant populations during decades, due to its extensive clonal capacity and its long-lived ramets. Moneses is more sensitive, due to a lower stature, weaker clonal capacity and short-lived ramets, flowering only once during their lifetime. Thus, Moneses have more transient occurrences, and will decline rapidly under deteriorating conditions.
Effects of Carbon Chain Length on N-Alkane Counterflow Cool Flames: A Kinetic Analysis
Authors: Tian Dan , Xu Lei , Liu Dong
Published: October 2022

An in-depth understanding of the low-temperature reactivity of hydrocarbon fuels is of practical relevance to developing advanced low-temperature combustion techniques. The present study aims to study the low-temperature chemistry of several large n-alkanes with different carbon chain lengths in counterflow cool diffusion flames by kinetic analysis. The large n-alkanes that were chosen are n-heptane (NC7H16), n-decane (NC10H22) and n-dodecane (NC12H26), which are important components of practical fuels. Firstly, the thermochemical structure of a typical cool diffusion flame is understood through its comparison with that of a hot diffusion flame. The boundary conditions, including the ozone concentration, fuel concentration and flow velocity—where cool flames can be established—are identified with a detailed chemical mechanism that evaluates the low-temperature reactivity of the investigated n-alkanes. The results show that the n-alkane with a longer carbon chain length is more reactive than the smaller one, thereby indicating the order of NC12H26 > NC10H22 > NC7H16. This trend is qualitatively similar to the findings from non-flame reactors. The reaction pathway and sensitivity analysis are performed to understand the effects of carbon chain length on the low-temperature reactivity. The contribution of an n-alkane with a longer carbon chain to the dehydrogenation reaction, oxidation reaction and isomerization reaction is greater than that of a smaller n-alkane, and abundant O and OH radicals are generated to promote the fuel low-temperature oxidation process, thereby resulting in an enhanced low-temperature reactivity. The effects of ozone addition on the low-temperature reactivity of n-alkanes are also highlighted. It is found that the addition of ozone could provide a large number of active O radicals, which dehydrogenate with the fuels to generate OH radicals and then promote fuel low-temperature oxidation. The present results are expected to enrich the understanding of the low-temperature characteristics of large n-alkanes.