bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing the tensile properties of PA6/CNT nanocomposite in selective laser sintering process
Authors: Taher Fatemeh , Hardani Hatam , Bakhshi Soroush , Samadi Mohammad Reza , Ayaz Mohsen
Published: November 2022

The aim of present study is to enhance the tensile strength, elongation at break and tensile modulus of polyamide 6/carbon nanotube (PA6/CNT) nanocomposite prepared by selective laser sintering. For this purpose, the optimal values of laser power, scanning speed and CNT content were estimated to enhance the tensile properties of PA6/CNT nanocomposite by using the response surface methodology and desirability function. The microstructure of specimens was observed using the scanning and transmission electron microscopy. It was observed that an increase in laser power from 5 to 10 W improved the tensile strength (21%) and elongation at break (11.4%) of the nanocomposite due to uniform dispersion of CNTs, while the further increase of laser power reduced the tensile strength (5.2%), elongation at break (5.8%) and tensile modulus (5.3%) due to thermal degradation of PA6 polymer. A rise of the scanning speed from 1000 to 2000 mm/s was associated with a reduction in the tensile strength, elongation at break and tensile modulus by about 8.3%, 13% and 3.3% respectively, which was due to lower heat input and consequently incomplete densification of the nanocomposite. The addition of CNTs up to 5 wt% can enhance the tensile properties of PA6/CNT nanocomposite, but needs increasing the laser power. The best combination of tensile properties was achieved at laser power of 7.3 W, scanning speed of 1000 mm/s and CNT content of 1.8 wt%. Moreover, the addition of CNTs up to 5 wt% showed a slight influence on thermal stability and crystallinity of the sintered nanocomposite.
Fabrication of polydopamine reduced CuO nanoparticle–alginate composite nanogels for management of Pseudomonas synringae pv. tabaci in tobacco
Authors: Ma Xiaozhou , Zhu Xin , Mu Yanling , Gao Changdan , He Wenjie , Ran Mao , Cai Lin , Fan Guangjin , Ma Guanhua , Sun Xianchao
Published: November 2022

Background

The wildfire disease on tobacco can seriously hinder plants. Meanwhile, its pathogen, Pseudomonas syringae, can also infect over 200 plants and threat agriculture production. However, the disease usually occurs after summer rains which washes away most copper (Cu)‐based bactericides, allowing the disease to invade. Therefore, we fabricate a new nanogel with high disease control and anti‐erosion ability and study the effects of the reductant on the performance of the copper oxide nanoparticle (CuONP) composite nanogel.

Results

Polydopamine (PDA) is a polycation for both in situ reduction of CuONP in alginate nanogels and for adjusting the copper ion (Cu2+) releasing rate in this work. The composite nanogel fabricated by PDA (PDA‐CuONP@ALGNP@CTAC) had a higher Cu2+ releasing rate, damaging the pathogen membrane more efficiently, allowing for better disease control and plant growth promotion when compared to sodium borohydride (SBH)‐fabricated nanogel (SBH‐CuONP@ALGNP@CTAC) or the commercial bactericide, thiodiazole copper. The PDA‐CuONP@ALGNP@CTAC had a high anti‐erosion ability and could remain adhered to the leaf surface even after five rain event simulations.

Conclusion

The addition of polycations (like PDA) into CuONP composite nanogel could increase the Cu2+ releasing rate, resulting in improved disease management when compared to SBH‐CuONP@ALGNP@CTAC or thiodiazole copper. The PDA containing gel had an improved anti‐erosion ability and water resistance. This new composite nanogel has a high potential for wildfire disease control, improving agricultural production. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Literacy (Dis)Orientations in a Secondary Classroom: Possibilities and Limits of an IntersectionalLGBTQ+‐Inclusive Curriculum
Authors: Schey Ryan
Published: November 2022

Drawing from a yearlong literacy ethnography conducted at a high school in a Midwestern U.S. city, this article extends queer literacies and queer pedagogies scholarship by exploring the frictions and resonances between strategies of inclusion and queering. While inclusion strategies emphasize using expanded representations of sexuality and gender, such as of LGBTQ+ life, queering approaches often trouble inclusion through, for instance, questioning normativities and epistemologies and embracing partiality, uncertainty, and crisis in learning. To unpack interconnections between inclusion and queering, I present an ethnographic case of a lesson in a sophomore humanities course, focusing on the teacherly moves of an English language arts educator leading an instructional conversation about a nonfiction article describing intersections among sexuality, gender, race, ethnicity, and class with respect to food insecurity. Engaging Ahmed's (2006) queer theorization of orientations, I develop the heuristic ofliteracy (dis)orientationsto describe the layered mixture of classroom literacy performances challenging and reifying oppressive values regarding intersections among sexuality, gender, race, ethnicity, and class. The teacher disoriented students away from (homo)normativities regarding knowledge of LGBTQ+ communities and reoriented them toward and around nuanced, intersectional understandings of queer and trans life. However, these anti‐oppressive possibilities were limited by orientations around a banking model of education and binaries. This ethnographic case suggests that educators sanctioning literacy orientationstowardintersectional LGBTQ+‐inclusive curriculum presents possibilities for liberatory social change insofar as they disorient students away from education‐as‐banking and epistemological binaries and reorient themaroundalternative ways of knowing, specifically intersectionality as a queering epistemology.
Measures of explained variation under the mixture cure model for survival data
Authors: Peng Yingwei , Wang Yuyao , Xu Ronghui
Published: November 2022

Explained variation is well understood under linear regression models and has been extended to models for survival data. In this article, we consider the mixture cure models. We propose two approaches to define explained variation under the mixture cure models, one based on the Kullback‐Leibler information gain and the other based on residual sum of squares. We show that the proposed measures have desired properties as measures of explained variation, similar to those under other regression models. A simulation study is conducted to demonstrate the properties of the proposed measures. They are also applied to real data analyses to illustrate the use of explained variation.
Residential Demand Response Potential Detection: Model Mechanism and Application Analysis
Authors: Gao Ruotian , Cheng Zhihua , Cheng Hui , Li Zongpeng , Wang Honggang , Lin Xiaojing , Zhao Jiakui , Yang Chengyue
Published: November 2022

Demand response potential detection is essential to promote the effect of demand response activities and further enhance the operational stability of the power grid. In this article, we establish a demand response potential detection model including estimating the loads of main network and residential customers based on similar date matching, where a mathematical program is formulated to determine the parameters in the formula of date distance, and measuring the similarity between the main network and customers during the peak and valley period, where a measure of matching degree is put forward innovatively. Customer profiles are then established based on load profile pattern, electricity consumption quantity and demand response willingness. In addition, case studies based on smart meter data of residential customers in Yuhang District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China, validate the effectiveness of our model. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Emotional tensions as rewards: An emerging teacher leader's identity construction in EFL textbook development
Authors: Gao Yuan , Cui Yaqiong
Published: November 2022

Textbook development plays an important role in teacher development and educational reforms. Although research has examined how textbook creation may afford teacher identity (re)formation, attention has rarely been given to how this process informs leadership identity construction, especially in times of educational change when leaders often serve dual roles: the role of seeking new teacher identity construction and the role of leader to guarantee the success of textbook development and thus the reform. The construction of both roles may involve great efforts to manage challenges and tensions encountered during the textbook creation process. Grounded in the Douglas Fir Group's (2016) framework of multilayered complexity of language development and situated in a Chinese higher education context, this 3‐year longitudinal case study examined how Gee, a newcomer in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) teaching who also led the reform team, formed her identities as both an EAP teacher and a reform leader through her active tension engagement with an EAP textbook development process. Through Gee's narrations, we found that her emotional tensions were negotiated as a rewarding agentive resource for textbook development, from which she also learned to build her interactively co‐reinforcing EAP teacher and reform leader identities.
Predicting nanomaterials pulmonary toxicity in animals by cell culture models: Achievements and perspectives
Authors: Di Ianni Emilio , Jacobsen Nicklas Raun , Vogel Ulla , Møller Peter
Published: November 2022

Animal experiments are highly relevant models for the assessment of toxicological effects of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), due to lack of biomonitoring and epidemiological studies. However, the expanding number of ENMs with different physico‐chemical properties strains this approach, as there are ethical concerns and economical challenges with the use of animals in toxicology. There is an urgent need for cell culture models that predict the level of toxicological responses in vivo, consequently reducing or replacing the use of animals in nanotoxicology. However, there is still a limited number of studies on in vitro–in vivo correlation of toxicological responses following ENMs exposure. In this review, we collected studies that have compared in vitro and in vivo toxic effects caused by ENMs. We discuss the influence of cell culture models and exposure systems on the predictability of in vitro models to equivalent toxic effects in animal lungs after pulmonary exposure to ENMs. In addition, we discuss approaches to qualitatively or quantitatively compare the effects in vitro and in vivo. The magnitude of toxicological responses in cells that are exposed in submerged condition is not systematically different from the response in cells exposed in air–liquid interface systems, and there appears to be similar ENMs hazard ranking between the two exposure systems. Overall, we show that simple in vitro models with cells exposed to ENMs in submerged condition can be used to predict toxic effects in vivo, and identify future strategies to improve the associations between in vitro and in vivo ENMs‐induced pulmonary toxicity.

This article is categorized under:

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials
Bismuth nanomaterials as contrast agents for radiography and computed tomography imaging and their quality/safety considerations
Authors: Yu Huan , Guo Haoxiang , Wang Yong , Wang Yangyun , Zhang Leshuai
Published: November 2022

Contrast agents for radiography and computed tomography (CT) scans are substances that can enhance the contrast of blood vessels and soft tissue with detailed imaging information of the diseased sites. However, the large doses, short circulation time and adverse effects are the intrinsic limitations of CT contrast agents, preventing their extended and safe use in the clinical setting. Bismuth nanoparticles (NPs) have gained attention for the high X‐ray absorption of bismuth elements with acceptable biocompatibility, showing their potential to be translated into commercialized CT contrast agents. Compared with traditional iodine contrast agents, bismuth NPs are characterized by prolonged circulation time and enhanced contrast, largely due to the surface modification and enhanced permeability and retention effect of NPs. Bismuth NPs can also be flexibly upgraded into sophisticated nanoagents for multimodal imaging and therapeutic purposes by complexation with supporting chemicals, small molecule drugs, fluorescence labels, and other functional agents. Additionally, the affinity and retention of the bismuth NPs in the diseased sites can be further improved by modification of the targeting moiety on the NPs surface. However, a simple synthetic process and low complexity of bismuth NPs are highly recommended for scaling out and quality control of nanoagents with commercialization potential. Since product safety is a prerequisite for the translation of bismuth NPs from bench to the clinic, we focus on recent advances in the distribution, elimination, and toxicity of bismuth NPs previously reported. Finally, we delineate the associated mechanisms for nephrotoxicity and the strategy to reduce the toxicity of bismuth NPs.

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials
A 13-year patient journey of infant giant clival chordoma: case report and literature review
Authors: Apps J. , Gagen R. , Neumann E. , Solanki G. , English M.
Published: November 2022

Chordomas are rare malignant bone tumours that develop from the ectopic remnants of the embryonic notochord. In contrast to adults, the majority in children under 16 present intra-cranially (63%). In 2006, we reported the youngest case of a large clival chordoma, a 15-week old baby, the second case to present without skull base involvement and the fourth case of chordoma in a patient with tuberous sclerosis (TS) Kombogiorgas (Childs Nerv Syst 22(10):1369–1374, 2006). In this report, we provide an update on this patient’s journey through a range of therapeutic options and summarize an update of the literature, since 2006, for this patient group.
All-suture anchors for distal biceps tendon repair: a preliminary outcome study
Authors: Lappen Sebastian , Geyer Stephanie , Kadantsev Pavel , Hinz Maximilian , Kleim Benjamin , Degenhardt Hannes , Imhoff Andreas B. , Siebenlist Sebastian
Published: November 2022

Introduction

The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the clinical outcome of double intramedullary all-suture anchors’ fixation for distal biceps tendon ruptures.

Materials and methods

A retrospective case series of patients who underwent primary distal biceps tendon repair with all-suture anchors was conducted. Functional outcome was assessed at a minimum follow-up of at 12 months based on the assessments of the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Andrews–Carson Score (ACS), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH), and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain. Maximum isometric strength test for flexion and supination as well as postoperative range of motion (ROM) were determined for both arms.

Results

23 patients treated with all-suture anchors were assessed at follow-up survey (mean age 56.5 ± 11.4 years, 96% male). The follow-up time was 20 months (range Q0.25–Q0.75, 15–23 months). The following outcome results were obtained: MEPS 100 (range Q0.25–Q0.75, 100–100); ACS 200 (range Q0.25–Q0.75, 195–200); QuickDASH 31 (range Q0.25–Q0.75, 30–31); VAS 0 (range Q0.25–Q0.75, 0–0). The mean strength compared to the uninjured side was 95.6% (range Q0.25–Q0.75, 80.9–104%) for flexion and 91.8 ± 11.6% for supination. There was no significant difference in ROM or strength compared to the uninjured side and no complications were observed in any patient.

Conclusion

Distal biceps tendon refixation using all-suture anchors provides good-to-excellent results in terms of patient-reported and functional outcome. This repair technique appears to be a viable surgical option, although further long-term results are needed.

Level of evidence

Level IV (case series)
Assessment of atlantoaxial rotation: how accurate is clinical measurement? a comparative study of cervical range of motion using MRI and standard orthopedic techniques
Authors: Mayer Michael , Koller Juliane , Auffarth Alexander , von Amelunxen Berndt , Ortmaier Reinhold , Hitzl Wolfgang , Koller Heiko
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Measurement of neck rotation is currently reliant on radiologic imaging. Given the radiation exposure for CT imaging and the additional inconvenience for the patients, an alternative assessment is needed. Goniometers are comfortably to use and easy to access, also for private consulting. The aim of this study was the assessment of whether a handheld goniometer can be used for accurately measuring the rotation of C1-C2.

Methods

Clinical measurement of rotation was taken in flexed position of the neck. As comparison functional MRI was used. The measured rotation of C1-C2 was compared to identify the accuracy of the goniometer, in comparison to functional MRI scan.

Results

Analysis of accuracy using a goniometer and dynamic MRI to assess C1-2 axial rotation showed significant differences for absolute values, but not regarding the percentage of rotation compared to total neck rotation.

Conclusion

The goniometer is exact to impartially determine the percentage contribution of C1-2 rotation to total neck rotation.
Unlike severe periodontitis, caries does not associate with intracranial aneurysms or aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Hallikainen Joona , Pessi Tanja , Vehkalahti Miira , Suominen Anna Liisa , Pyysalo Mikko , Frösen Juhana
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Periodontal diseases and caries are common oral diseases that predispose to tooth loss if untreated. In this study, we investigated whether loss of teeth or caries associate with intracranial aneurysm (IA) pathology similar to periodontal diseases.

Methods

A total of 166 patients with either IA or aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) underwent oral examination in Kuopio University Hospital and Tampere University Hospital. Findings were compared to geographically matched controls acquired from cross-sectional Health2000 survey. This study consisted of three sequential steps. First, we compared the number of missing teeth and prevalence of caries in IA and aSAH patients and geographically matched control population, second step was a multivariate analysis including other risk factors, and third step was a 13-year follow-up of the Health2000 survey participants with missing teeth or caries at baseline.

Results

Loss of teeth did not significantly differ between IA patients and controls. In logistic regression model adjusted for known risk factors and demographic data, 1–4 caries lesions (OR: 0.40 95%Cl 0.2–0.9, p = 0.031) was associated with lack of IAs, while age (OR: 1.03 95%Cl 1.01.1 p = 0.024), current smoking (OR: 2.7 95%Cl 1.4–5.1, p = 0.003), and severe periodontitis (OR: 5.99 95%Cl 2.6–13.8, p < 0.001) associated to IA formation. In the cox-regression, severe periodontitis at baseline increased the risk of aSAH (HR: 14.3, 95%Cl 1.5–135.9, p = 0.020) during a 13-year follow-up, while caries or missing teeth did not.

Conclusion

Unlike severe periodontitis, caries does not increase the risk of IAs and aSAHs. However, cariogenic bacteria may participate to IA pathology by disseminating to circulation via inflamed gingival tissue.
Posterolateral transpedicular approach for ventrally seated cervicothoracic spinal cord lesions: how I do it
Authors: Cristaldi P. M. F. , Parlangeli A. , Nicoli D. , Incerti M.
Published: November 2022

Background

Surgical exposure of lower cervical and upper thoracic intradural extramedullary lesions located along the ventral medulla are among the most complexes to address in spinal surgery, and their surgical removal carries a high risk.

Methods

We describe the surgical steps of a posterolateral transpedicular approach for resection of an intradural extramedullary lesion located anterolaterally at C7-T1 level.

Conclusions

A posterolateral transpedicular approach is a safe and efficient surgical corridor to explore the ventral spinal cord and to have a direct access to lower cervical-upper thoracic lesions without the extensive manipulation of the spinal cord and the spine instability.
Co-operative Learning in Undergraduate Mathematics and Science Education: A Scoping Review
Authors: Møgelvang Anja , Nyléhn Jorun
Published: November 2022

To cope  with an unpredictable future, higher education in mathematics and science (MS) needs to educate a knowledgeable and skilled workforce. Co-operative learning (CL) is a teaching method associated with increased academic achievement and development of generic skills. Thus, the purposes of this scoping review are to assess the evidence base of CL in undergraduate MS education to inform teaching practices and to identify potential knowledge gaps to inform future research. The review covers 24 empirical studies conducted from 2010 to 2020 on the prevalence, uses, and outcomes of CL elements in undergraduate MS education. The results show that there are few such studies, and these are rarely conducted outside the US or in disciplines other than chemistry. The most frequently implemented CL elements in the included studies are heterogeneous group formation, the use of roles, and different CL structures. The most prevalent student outcome of implemented CL elements in the reviewed studies is enhanced academic success, followed by student attitudes, generic skills, and psychological health. The results have implications for future implementation of and research on CL in international MS higher education.
Novel high-performance QCA Fredkin gate and designing scalable QCA binary to gray and vice versa
Authors: Safaiezadeh Behrouz , Kettunen Lauri , Haghparast Majid
Published: November 2022

In the design of digital logic circuits, QCA technology is an excellent alternative to CMOS technology. Its advantages over CMOS include low power consumption, fast circuit switching, and nanoscale design. Circuits that convert data between different formats are code converters. Code converters have an essential role in high-performance computing and signal processing. In this paper, first, we proposed a novel QCA structure for the quantum reversible Fredkin gate. Second, we proposed 4-bit and 8-bit QCA binary-to-gray converter and vice versa. For the second proposal, both reversible and irreversible structures are suggested. The proposed structures are scalable up to N bits. To change the conversion type from B2G to G2B, we use a 2:1 QCA multiplexer. The proposed QCA Fredkin is applied in the reversible design of QCA code converters as multiplexers. The suggested designs are simulated using the QCADesigner tool. Then we calculated figures of merit, including cell counts, occupied areas, and clock zones. Finally, we compare the proposed structures to existing research. Our proposed approach is the first quantum-dot cellular automata design to perform B2G conversion and G2B in a single QCA circuit. The proposed designs are scalable. Specifications are reported.
Bi-factor and Second-Order Copula Models for Item Response Data
Authors: Kadhem Sayed H. , Nikoloulopoulos Aristidis K.
Published: November 2022

Bi-factor and second-order models based on copulas are proposed for item response data, where the items are sampled from identified subdomains of some larger domain such that there is a homogeneous dependence within each domain. Our general models include the Gaussian bi-factor and second-order models as special cases and can lead to more probability in the joint upper or lower tail compared with the Gaussian bi-factor and second-order models. Details on maximum likelihood estimation of parameters for the bi-factor and second-order copula models are given, as well as model selection and goodness-of-fit techniques. Our general methodology is demonstrated with an extensive simulation study and illustrated for the Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Our studies suggest that there can be a substantial improvement over the Gaussian bi-factor and second-order models both conceptually, as the items can have interpretations of discretized maxima/minima or mixtures of discretized means in comparison with discretized means, and in fit to data.
The Ethics of ‘Deathbots’
Authors: Lindemann Nora Freya
Published: November 2022

Recent developments in AI programming allow for new applications: individualized chatbots which mimic the speaking and writing behaviour of one specific living or dead person. ‘Deathbots’, chatbots of the dead, have already been implemented and are currently under development by the first start-up companies. Thus, it is an urgent issue to consider the ethical implications of deathbots. While previous ethical theories of deathbots have always been based on considerations of the dignity of the deceased, I propose to shift the focus on the dignity and autonomy of the bereaved users of deathbots. Drawing on theories of internet-scaffolded affectivity and on theories of grief, I argue that deathbots may have a negative impact on the grief process of bereaved users and therefore have the potential to limit the emotional and psychological wellbeing of their users. Deathbot users are likely to become dependent on their bots which may make them susceptible to surreptitious advertising by deathbot providing companies and may limit their autonomy. At the same time, deathbots may prove to be helpful for people who suffer from prolonged, severe grief processes. I caution against the unrestricted usage of deathbots and suggest that they should be classified as medical devices. This classification would not the least mean that their non-harm, as well as their helpfulness for people suffering from prolonged grief needs to be proven and that their potential for autonomy infringements is reduced.
A memetic procedure for global multi-objective optimization
Authors: Lapucci Matteo , Mansueto Pierluigi , Schoen Fabio
Published: November 2022

In this paper we consider multi-objective optimization problems over a box. Several computational approaches to solve these problems have been proposed in the literature, that broadly fall into two main classes: evolutionary methods, which are usually very good at exploring the feasible region and retrieving good solutions even in the nonconvex case, and descent methods, which excel in efficiently approximating good quality solutions. In this paper, first we confirm, through numerical experiments, the advantages and disadvantages of these approaches. Then we propose a new method which combines the good features of both. The resulting algorithm, which we call Non-dominated Sorting Memetic Algorithm, besides enjoying interesting theoretical properties, excels in all of the numerical tests we performed on several, widely employed, test functions.
Single cell profiling of γδ hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma unravels tumor cell heterogeneity associated with disease progression
Authors: Song Wei , Zhang Haixi , Yang Fan , Nakahira Kiichi , Wang Cheng , Shi Keqian , Zhang Ruoyu
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL), mostly derived from γδ T cells, is a rare but very aggressive lymphoma with poor outcomes. In this study, we generated the first single cell landscape for this rare disease and characterized the molecular pathogenesis underlying the disease progression.

Methods

We performed paired single cell RNA-seq and T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing on biopsies from a HSTCL patient pre- and post- chemotherapy treatments. Following by a series of bioinformatics analysis, we investigated the gene expression profile of γδ HSTCS as well as its tumor microenvironment (TME).

Results

We characterized the unique gene expressing signatures of malignant γδ T cells with a set of marker genes were newly identified in HSTCL (AREG, PLEKHA5, VCAM1 etc.). Although the malignant γδ T cells were expanded from a single TCR clonotype, they evolved into two transcriptionally distinct tumor subtypes during the disease progression. The Tumor_1 subtype was dominant in pre-treatment samples with highly aggressive phenotypes. While the Tumor_2 had relative mild cancer hallmark signatures but expressed genes associated with tumor survival signal and drug resistance (IL32, TOX2, AIF1, AKAP12, CD38 etc.), and eventually became the main tumor subtype post-treatment. We further dissected the tumor microenvironment and discovered the dynamically rewiring cell–cell interaction networks during the treatment. The tumor cells had reduced communications with the microenvironment post-treatment.

Conclusions

Our study reveals heterogenous and dynamic tumor and microenvironment underlying pathogenesis of HSTCL and may contribute to identify novel targets for diagnosis and treatment of HSTCL in the future.
Practical workflow for assessment of seismic hazard in low enthalpy geothermal systems
Authors: Hettema Marc
Published: November 2022

It is of vital importance to be able to determine the seismic hazard in advance of any geothermal operation in the subsurface, especially in a densely populated area such as The Netherlands. The author aims to arrive at a practical assessment of the seismic hazard in low-enthalpy geothermal doublet systems specifically designed for heat exchange in porous and permeable aquifers operated on a volume balance, at a depth range of 1800 to 3300 m having temperatures in the range of 60 °C to 100 °C. The article presents a practical workflow aiming to determine the probability distribution for mechanical re-activation along pre-existing weak faults. After presenting the tectonic structural setting the criticality criterion based on shear mobilisation is introduced. Existing stress models are reviewed and a practical manner to estimate and limit all geomechanical input parameters is presented, including fault mechanical properties. The workflow is demonstrated both for early period operation times and at final thermal breakthrough. The uncertainty is addressed through probabilistic logic tree analysis quantifying the variation of the four most uncertain input parameters: fault cohesion and friction coefficient, the thermal stress parameter and the initial minimum Earth stress. The probabilistic hazard assessment is characterised by four output parameters: the expected value, the probability that unity is exceeded and two more probabilities. In case unity is exceeded the range of fault dips prone to mechanical re-activation is shown. Exceedance of this first necessary condition requires the assessment of the other two necessary conditions: seismogeneity and moment magnitude.

Article highlights

The article presents a practical workflow to assess the seismic hazard associated with geothermal operations.

To be able to perform the necessary uncertainty analysis, four main input parameters are treated probabilistic.

The first necessary condition for seismicity to occur is characterised by four probabilities: the expected probability, the probability that seismicity can occur and two higher probabilities.
Failure analysis of spar buoy floating offshore wind turbine systems
Authors: Shafiee Mahmood
Published: November 2022

Floating offshore wind energy is a new form of marine renewable energy which is attracting a great deal of attention worldwide. However, the concepts of floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) are still in early stages of development and their failure properties are not yet fully understood. Compared to bottom-fixed wind turbines, FOWTs are subject to more extreme environmental conditions and significant mechanical stresses which may cause a higher degradation rate and shorter mean-time-to-failure for components/structures. To fill the research gap, this paper aims to conduct qualitative and quantitative failure studies on an OC3 spar-type FOWT platform with 3 catenary mooring lines. The failure analyses are performed based on two well-established reliability engineering methodologies, namely, fault tree analysis (FTA) and failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA). The most critical FOWT components are prioritized according to their failure likelihood as well as the risk-priority-number. Our results show a good agreement between the two methods with regard to failure criticality rankings. However, some differences between the results are also observed that are attributed to the difference between FTA and FMEA methodologies as the former incorporates the causes of various failure modes into analysis, whereas the latter is mainly adopted for a single random failure analysis. The results obtained from the FMEA study for the FOWT system will also be compared with those reported for bottom-fixed offshore wind turbines and some interesting conclusions are derived.
A short utterance speaker recognition method with improved cepstrum–CNN
Authors: Li Yongfeng , Chang Shuaishuai , Wu QingE
Published: November 2022

In this study, an improved cepstrum-convolutional neural network is proposed, which can solve the problem of low recognition accuracy of 1-s short utterance in speaker recognition technology. The audio feature Mel frequency cepstrum coefficient is extracted by using the improved cepstrum algorithm and the data of the two-dimensional acoustic feature vector matrix is preprocessed to convert the two-dimensional feature matrix into a three-dimensional tensor as the input data of the two-dimensional convolutional neural network model. Experiments are carried out on an Arabic digital English pronunciation dataset with an audio duration of less than one second in a specific experimental environment. Moreover, the performance of this model is evaluated by accuracy and F1-score. The simulation results show that the accuracy of our proposed model for speech recognition is as high as 100% and 99.60% on the training and test sets, respectively, as well as the F1- score, is 0.9985. It can be seen that the recognition method of this model solves the problem of accuracy degradation of short utterance speaker recognition due to the short duration of the corpus and improves the accuracy of short speech voice recognition. The model is simple but effective, generalization, superior, and has higher practical application value.

Article Highlights.

It is interesting to study how to improve the accuracy of 1-s short utterance speaker recognition.

The improved cepstrum algorithm can solve the problem of not extracting enough discernible acoustic features.

This paper proposed model obtained 100% accuracy on a spoken Arabic digit dataset with an audio duration about 0.3 s.
Rapid and unplanned urbanization in the least developed districts of Bangladesh: a case study from Jamalpur using geospatial techniques
Authors: Mamun SM Abdullah Al , Islam Md. Mozahidul , Okely Anthony D. , Hossain Mohammad Sorowar
Published: November 2022

Sustainable urban development is a key compoment in the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. Monitoring urbanization is critical for planners, governments and non-governmental organizations, and scientists to design policies that maximize the use of natural resources and accommodate development while reducing environmental effects. This research aims to analyze how urbanization patterns have changed in the largely unknown least developed regions of Bangladesh. Multispectral satellite imageries over 30 years (1991 to 2021) were used to analyze the urbanization pattern of Jamapur district. Utilizing object-based image classification and on-field validation for seven Land Use and Land Cover classes, it was found that built-up area expanded by 748.92% during the past three decades while depleting bare soil (− 97.65%), deep waterbody (− 79.33%), shallow waterbody (− 8.46%), light vegetation (− 14.28%) and agricultural land (− 26.33%).. Because of increased in built-ups, the land surface temperatures (LST) were also increased over the study period (the minimun recorded LST were 12.84 °C, 15.89 °C, 15.8 °C and 17 °C while the maximun LST were 17.93 °C, 23.7 °C, 23.79 °C and 26.73 °C for the year of 1991, 2001, 2013 and 2021 respectively). This study will act as a baseline for future studies It be insightful to urban planners and policymakers in developing countries regarding urban sustainability and minimizing urban risks and hazards in the least developed districts.
Research on pricing and recycling decision of closed-loop supply chain under the mergers and acquisitions between competing manufacturers
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Deng Yaling , Wang Jun
Published: November 2022

Based on the increasingly popular practice background of corporate mergers and acquisitions (M&A), the feasibility of M&A strategy is studied in the closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) in combination with the different financial strength of competing manufacturers. By constructing a game model in CLSC under three modes of the decentralized decision-making with well-capitalized manufacturers, the decentralized decision-making with a capital-constrained manufacturers and the M&A between competing manufacturers, the paper analyzes the influence of bank loan interest rate and M&A coefficient on the optimal decision and revenue to calculate the conditions that competing manufacturers need to meet to implement the M&A strategy. It finds that: firstly, with the increase of bank loan interest rate, the capital-constrained manufacturers will increase the wholesale price to obtain higher returns, and meanwhile reduce the recycling rate of old products to reduce the capital investment, but the well-capitalized manufacturers will also lower wholesale prices, but they will increase the recycling rate of old products to reduce production costs. Secondly, with the increase in bank interest rates, the revenue of capital-constrained manufacturers decreases, while the well-capitalized manufacturers increase. Thirdly, when competing manufacturers can increase market power or improve core production technology to reduce costs after mergers and acquisitions, they will increase the recycling of old products and reduce the wholesale price of products to gain more market share. Moreover, the better performance of the M&A strategy, the higher the benefits of closed-loop supply chain members will be. Finally, whether manufacturers are capital constrained or not, the M&A strategy are not always beneficial to the manufacturers. And whether the M&A strategy is beneficial or not is related to market demand parameters, recovery cost parameters and merger coefficient. But when these parameters meet certain conditions, the competitive manufacturer’s M&A strategy can benefit all members of the closed-loop supply chain.
Birnessite MnO2 supported on CNTs in-situ for low-temperature oxidation of ethyl acetate
Authors: Zeng Yongjian , Yang Xixian , Yu Hao
Published: November 2022

The removal of ethyl acetate has received much attention because excessive emissions of ethyl acetate are harmful to the environment and human health. Efficiently removing ethyl acetate under high space velocity requires low-cost catalysts operating at low temperatures. Herein, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) supported birnessite MnO2 catalysts were in-situ prepared by the redox reaction between KMnO4 and CNTs to maximize the interaction between MnO2 and support. The good thermal stability derived from the intact CNTs structure was important for the interaction between MnO2 and CNTs, contributing to the enhanced catalytic activity for ethyl acetate oxidation. 4MnO2-CNTs showed outstanding performance for the catalytic oxidation of ethyl acetate (100 ppm), achieving 100% removal efficiency and 99% CO2 selectivity at 160 °C under 100,000 mL·g−1·h−1 space velocity. In addition, 4MnO2-CNTs exhibited an excellent catalytic stability during the 50 h test period. Based on the comprehensive characterization study, we revealed that the activity of 4MnO2-CNTs could be effectively enhanced by the higher amount of active sites (Mn3+ and surface active adsorbed hydroxyl oxygen), as well as the strong interaction between MnO2 and support and the good thermal stability derived from the introduction of the intact CNTs structure.
Relationality
Authors: Lejano Raul P. , Kan Wing Shan
Published: November 2022

This Element argues that relational policy analysis can provide deeper insights into the career of any policy and the dynamics of any policy situation. This task is all the more difficult as the relational often operates unseen in the backstages of a policy arena. Another issue is the potentially unbounded scope of a relational analysis. But these challenges should not dissuade policy scholars from beginning to address the theme of relationality in public policy. This Element sketches a conceptual framework for the study of relationality and illustrates some of the promise of relational analysis using an extended case study. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
The Symbolic Safeguard: Royal Absence in Cambodia’s Constitutional Monarchy
Authors: Lawrence Ben
Published: November 2022

The product of an internationalized peace process, Cambodia’s 1993 Constitution restored the monarchy and endowed the Crown with a political safeguarding role that successive kings have been unable to fulfil in practice. After a brief survey of the tragic modern history of Cambodia’s monarchy, this paper outlines the formal constitutional role of the king, highlighting the central dichotomy between the provisions that promise that the king “shall reign but shall not govern” and those that provide the king a more active role as “guarantor.” The paper highlights how this fundamental ambiguity has been borne-out publicly, by focusing on a handful of specific instances in which both King Sihanouk and King Sihamoni are understood to have been strategically absent from the country to avoid signing controversial legislation. Short of providing a veto power in the legislative process, the king’s safeguarding role is shown to manifest in the symbolic denial of royal legitimacy.
Is the Capabilities Approach operationalizable to analyse the impact of digital identity on human lives
Authors: Marsman Henk
Published: November 2022

Digital identity systems are promoted with the promise of great benefit and inclusion. The case of the Ugandan digital identity system demonstrates that the impact of digital identity systems is not only positive but also has negative impacts, significantly affecting human lives for the worse. The impact on the human lives of digital identity systems can be assessed by multiple frameworks. A specific framework that has been mentioned is the capabilities approach (CA). This article demonstrates that the CA is a framework to assess the impact on human lives that can be operationalized for technology and information and communication technology, including digital identity systems. Further research is required to compare the CA with other candidate evaluation frameworks.
Seasonality of healthcare-associated Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
Authors: Auld Dianne B. , Has Phinnara , Mermel Leonard A.
Published: November 2022

From April 1, 2016, through March 31, 2022, growth of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia from clinical specimens at our academic medical center was significantly more likely during July–September than during other calendar quarters.
Zinc deficiency among pregnant women around Lake Awasa, Hawassa City, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Alemu Gezahegn , Diddana Tona Zema , Bosha Tafese , Alemu Tagel , Alemayehu Fikadu Reta , Hailemariam Hailu , Daba Alemneh Kabeta , Getachew Mahilet
Published: November 2022

Zinc deficiency (ZD) during pregnancy has far-reaching consequences on the mother, fetus and subsequent child survival. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of ZD among pregnant women around Lake Awasa, Hawassa City, Ethiopia. To this end, a facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 333 randomly sampled pregnant women from 08 April to 08 May 2021. The socio-economic, dietary intake, water, sanitation and hygiene, obstetric, and maternal health data were collected through face-to-face interviews. Moreover, on-spot blood and stool samples were taken. Descriptive statistics and binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis were conducted. The prevalence of ZD was 58⋅6 % (95 % CI 53⋅31, 63⋅89). The poorest (AOR = 3⋅28; 95 % CI 1⋅26, 8⋅50) and poor (AOR = 2⋅93; 95 % CI 1⋅14, 7⋅54) wealth quintiles, four of more family size (AOR = 1⋅84, 95 % CI 1⋅10, 3⋅35), poor dietary diversity (AOR = 4⋅11; 95 % CI 2⋅11, 7⋅62), not eating snacks (AOR = 3⋅40; 95 % CI 1⋅42, 8⋅15), not consuming fish (AOR = 3⋅53; 95 % CI 1⋅65, 7⋅56) and chicken (AOR = 2⋅53; 95 % CI 1⋅31, 4⋅88) at least once a month, and intestinal parasitic infection (AOR = 2⋅78; 95 % CI 1⋅52, 5⋅08) predicted zinc deficiency. In conclusion, ZD is a public health problem among pregnant women around Lake Awasa. The present study demonstrated that poor socio-economic status, large family size, poor nutritional practices and intestinal parasitic infection determine the zinc status in the present study area. The findings suggest the need for further analysis to deepen the understanding about ZD and consideration of livelihood in interventions to prevent and control ZD among pregnant women in Hawassa City, Ethiopia.
Dangerous Friendships in Eighteenth-Century Buddhist Laṅkā and Siam
Authors: Lehrer Tyler A.
Published: November 2022

The kingdoms of Kandy (now Sri Lanka) and Ayutthaya (now Thailand) were briefly connected across Indian Ocean waters in the mid-eighteenth century by Dutch East India Company (hereafter VOC) traders, leading to the importation of valuable Siamese Buddhist monks and their ordination lineage to the island. Two series of events related to the VOC's search for and delivery of these monks demonstrate that the patronage of connected religious dynamics—not just the contingencies of trade, land, labour, and statecraft—was an essential aspect of Company business. At the same time, mediating Buddhist connection was a dangerous, sometimes perilous undertaking. Analysing VOC records alongside Laṅkān and Siamese historical chronicles and travelogues reveals that what were initially friendly connections at first necessitated, and later intensified certain forms of danger. We begin with perilous shipwrecks and diplomatic impasses across monsoon waters that eventually led to the restoration of an important but defunct Kandyan Buddhist ordination lineage, and conclude with the aftermath of a failed assassination attempt in 1760 against the royal patron of that lineage transmission. I advance the notion of “dangerous friendships” to characterise how Buddhist courts and European traders worked together to first generate, and then exploit, friendly religious connections.