bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incorporating Multi-Modal Travel Planning into an Agent-Based Model: A Case Study at the Train Station Kellinghusenstraße in Hamburg
Authors: Lenfers Ulfia Annette , Ahmady-Moghaddam Nima , Glake Daniel , Ocker Florian , Ströbele Jonathan , Clemen Thomas
Published: November 2021

Models can provide valuable decision support in the ongoing effort to create a sustainable and effective modality mix in urban settings. Modern transportation infrastructures must meaningfully combine public transport with other mobility initiatives such as shared and on-demand systems. The increase of options and possibilities in multi-modal travel implies an increase in complexity when planning and implementing such an infrastructure. Multi-agent systems are well-suited for addressing questions that require an understanding of movement patterns and decision processes at the individual level. Such models should feature intelligent software agents with flexible internal logic and accurately represent the core functionalities of new modalities. We present a model in which agents can choose between owned modalities, station-based bike sharing modalities, and free-floating car sharing modalities as they exit the public transportation system and seek to finish their personal multi-modal trip. Agents move on a multi-modal road network where dynamic constraints in route planning are evaluated based on an agent’s query. Modality switch points (MSPs) along the route indicate the locations at which an agent can switch from one modality to the next (e.g., a bike rental station to return a used rental bike and continue on foot). The technical implementation of MSPs within the road network was a central focus in this work. To test their efficacy in a controlled experimental setting, agents optimized only the travel time of their multi-modal routes. However, the functionalities of the model enable the implementation of different optimization criteria (e.g., financial considerations or climate neutrality) and unique agent preferences as well. Our findings show that the implemented MSPs enable agents to switch between modalities at any time, allowing for the kind of versatile, individual, and spontaneous travel that is common in modern multi-modal settings.
Buying vs. Renting a Home in View of Young Adults in Poland
Authors: Bryx Marek , Sobieraj Janusz , Metelski Dominik , Rudzka Izabela
Published: November 2021

The deteriorating housing situation of young adults in many countries has become a subject of global interest. Researchers point to a number of factors that influence young adults’ decisions to own or rent a home. This paper examines the relationship between young adults’ inclination to own their own home and a range of different socio-economic factors. The study is of a quantitative-qualitative nature and was based on the results of a computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) questionnaire. The survey was conducted among young Poles aged 18–45 (n = 983). To analyse the results of the questionnaires, a logistic regression was used in which 24 different dichotomous and categorical variables were considered. Taking into account a number of individual characteristics (e.g., gender, education, hometown population size, etc.), the results show, for example, that single individuals and those with a higher level of tolerance for mortgage interest rates are more likely to own a home than to rent. This result highlights the desirability of easier access to mortgage credit. At the other end of the spectrum are those living with parents and those with dependents. The results imply that they are less interested in buying a home. Interestingly, declarations of a lack of funds for an own contribution when buying a new house/dwelling, or reluctance to expose oneself to financial difficulties throughout one’s life, do not discourage young adults from striving for their own dwelling, which further demonstrates the need to create appropriate mechanisms/instruments to facilitate the purchase of a dwelling for young adults.
Changes in Anticipatory VtoV Coarticulation in French during Adulthood
Authors: D’Alessandro Daria , Fougeron Cécile
Published: November 2021

In this study, we test whether anticipatory Vowel-to-Vowel coarticulation varies with age in the speech of 246 adult French speakers aged between 20 and 93. The relationship between coarticulation and the known age-related change in speech rate is also investigated. The results show a gradual decrease in the amount of coarticulation for speakers from 20 to mid-50s, followed by a more abrupt decrease for speakers older than 70. For speakers in between, diverse coarticulation profiles emerge. Speech rate is also found to evolve from early to late adulthood and not only for older speakers; it shows a gradual decrease for speakers up to mid-50s and a more abrupt deceleration afterwards. Yet, the relationship between rate and coarticulation is not linear; it appears stronger for the younger speakers, with faster speakers coarticulating more, than for the adults over 70 y.o.a. Results are discussed in relation to possible changes in the parametrization and coordination of speech units at different ages.
Prosecuting Crimes against Humanity and Genocide at the International Crimes Tribunal Bangladesh: An Approach to International Criminal Law Standards
Authors: Billah Maruf
Published: November 2021

Bangladesh is recently prosecuting and punishing the perpetrators of crimes against humanity and genocide committed in the Liberation War of 1971 via a domestically operated tribunal, namely the International Crimes Tribunal Bangladesh (ICTB). Though the Tribunal is preceded under municipal law, its material jurisdiction, i.e., crimes against humanity and genocide, originated from international criminal law. Therefore, this study examines several legal obligations of the ICTB in defining crimes against humanity and genocide as the core international crimes. First, I discuss several legal flaws of the Tribunal by defining crimes against humanity and genocide under the ICTB Statute and jurisprudence. Second, I scrutinize the legal status of international (treaty and customary) laws in Bangladesh’s legal system. Third, by applying international criminal law standards, I focus on the idea that it is one of the obligations of Bangladesh to apply international criminal law definitions of genocide under the treaty obligation as the contracting parties to Genocide Convention 1948, and the ICC Statute 1998. Fourthly, I also discuss whether Bangladesh has any obligation to apply customary international law definition of crimes against humanity because crimes against humanity are considered jus cogens offenses in general international law, from which no derogation is permitted. Lastly, I conclude that Bangladesh Tribunal failed to fulfill its legal obligation to define international crimes under the treaty and customary laws and forward a way to be implemented to improve the legislative system of Bangladesh and harmonize it with international legislation.
(E)-5-(Methoxyimino)-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-benzo[b]azepin-2-one
Authors: Ihnatenko Irina , Jones Peter G. , Kunick Conrad
Published: November 2021

(E)-5-(Methoxyimino)-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-benzo[b]azepin-2-one was prepared by a condensation reaction from 3,4-dihydro-1H-benzo[b]azepin-2,5-dione and O-methylhydroxylamine. The configuration at the C=N double bond was determined by X-ray crystallography.
Microstructure and Its Influence on the Welding Quality of 6063 Aluminum Alloy Porthole Die Extrusion
Authors: Li Shikang , Li Luoxing , Liu Zhiwen , Wang Guan
Published: November 2021

Extrusion experiments and 3D numerical modeling were conducted to investigate the dynamic recrystallization and welding quality of a 6063 aluminum alloy hollow square tube extruded by a porthole die at the ram speeds of 3 mm/s, 7 mm/s, 9 mm/s and 11 mm/s. The results showed that average grain size of hollow square tube extruded at the ram speed of 7 mm/s was the smallest. The profile extruded at the ram speed of 3 mm/s exhibited the highest expansion ratio. Dynamic recrystallization (DRX) fractions were highly variable at different ram speeds. DRX fractions in the matrix zones were higher than those in the welding zones, resulting in smaller grain sizes in the matrix zones. Mechanical properties in the welding zones and matrix zones was different. A local strain concentration would occurred during expansion, which would affect the welding quality. Finally, it was found that the uniform microstructure near the welding line would also affect the welding quality.
Additive Production of a Material Based on an Acrylic Polymer with a Nanoscale Layer of Zno Nanorods Deposited Using a Direct Current Magnetron Discharge: Morphology, Photoconversion Properties, and Biosafety
Authors: Burmistrov Dmitry E. , Yanykin Denis V. , Paskhin Mark O. , Nagaev Egor V. , Efimov Alexey D. , Kaziev Andrey V. , Ageychenkov Dmitry G. , Gudkov Sergey V.
Published: November 2021

On the basis of a direct current magnetron, a technology has been developed for producing nanoscale-oriented nanorods from zinc oxide on an acrylic polymer. The technology makes it possible to achieve different filling of the surface with zinc oxide nanorods. The nanorods is partially fused into the polymer; the cross section of the nanorods is rather close to an elongated ellipse. It is shown that, with intense abrasion, no delamination of the nanorods from the acrylic polymer is observed. The zinc oxide nanorods abrades together with the acrylic polymer. Zinc oxide nanorods luminesces with the wavelength most preferable for the process of photosynthesis in higher plants. It was shown that plants grown under the obtained material grow faster and gain biomass faster than the control group. In addition, it was found that on surfaces containing zinc oxide nanorods, a more intense formation of such reactive oxygen species as hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical is observed. Intensive formation of long-lived, active forms of the protein is observed on the zinc oxide coating. The formation of 8-oxoguanine in DNA in vitro on a zinc oxide coating was shown using ELISA method. It was found that the multiplication of microorganisms on the developed material is significantly hampered. At the same time, eukaryotic cells of animals grow and develop without hindrance. Thus, the material we have obtained can be used in photonics (photoconversion material for greenhouses, housings for LEDs), and it is also an affordable and non-toxic nanomaterial for creating antibacterial coatings.
Material Design for Low-Loss Non-Oriented Electrical Steel for Energy Efficient Drives
Authors: Leuning Nora , Jaeger Markus , Schauerte Benedikt , Stöcker Anett , Kawalla Rudolf , Wei Xuefei , Hirt Gerhard , Heller Martin , Korte-Kerzel Sandra , Böhm Lucas , Volk Wolfram , Hameyer Kay
Published: November 2021

Due to the nonlinear material behavior and contradicting application requirements, the selection of a specific electrical steel grade for a highly efficient electrical machine during its design stage is challenging. With sufficient knowledge of the correlations between material and magnetic properties and capable material models, a material design for specific requirements can be enabled. In this work, the correlations between magnetization behavior, iron loss and the most relevant material parameters for non-oriented electrical steels, i.e., alloying, sheet thickness and grain size, are studied on laboratory-produced iron-based electrical steels of 2.4 and 3.2 wt % silicon. Different final thicknesses and grain sizes for both alloys are obtained by different production parameters to produce a total of 21 final material states, which are characterized by state-of-the-art material characterization methods. The magnetic properties are measured on a single sheet tester, quantified up to 5 kHz and used to parametrize the semi-physical IEM loss model. From the loss parameters, a tailor-made material, marked by its thickness and grain size is deduced. The influence of different steel grades and the chance of tailor-made material design is discussed in the context of an exemplary e-mobility application by performing finite-element electrical machine simulations and post-processing on four of the twenty-one materials and the tailor-made material. It is shown that thicker materials can lead to fewer iron losses if the alloying and grain size are adapted and that the three studied parameters are in fact levers for material design where resources can be saved by a targeted optimization.
Recycling Black Tea Waste Biomass as Activated Porous Carbon for Long Life Cycle Supercapacitor Electrodes
Authors: Eom Hojong , Kim Jooyoung , Nam Inho , Bae Sunyoung
Published: November 2021

Value creation through waste recycling is important for a sustainable society and future. In particular, biomass, which is based on crops, is a great recyclable resource that can be converted into useful materials. Black tea is one of the most cultivated agricultural products in the world and is mostly discarded after brewing. Herein, we report the application of black tea waste biomass as electrode material for supercapacitors through the activation of biomass hydrochar under various conditions. Raw black tea was converted into hydrochar via a hydrothermal carbonization process and then activated with potassium hydroxide (KOH) to provide a large surface area and porous structure. The activation temperature and ratio of KOH were controlled to synthesize the optimal black tea carbon (BTC) with a large surface area and porosity suitable for use as electrode material. This method suggests a direction in which the enormous amount of biomass, which is simply discarded, can be utilized in the energy storage system. The synthesized optimal BTC has a large surface area of 1062 m2 and specific capacitance up to 200 F∙g−1 at 1 mV∙s−1. Moreover, it has 98.8% retention of charge–discharge capacitance after 2000 cycles at the current density of 5 A∙g−1.
Optimized Neural Network Prediction Model of Shape Memory Alloy and Its Application for Structural Vibration Control
Authors: Zhan Meng , Liu Junsheng , Wang Deli , Chen Xiuyun , Zhang Lizhen , Wang Sheliang
Published: November 2021

The traditional mathematical model of shape memory alloy (SMA) is complicated and difficult to program in numerical analysis. The artificial neural network is a nonlinear modeling method which does not depend on the mathematical model and avoids the inevitable error in the traditional modeling method. In this paper, an optimized neural network prediction model of shape memory alloy and its application for structural vibration control are discussed. The superelastic properties of austenitic SMA wires were tested by experiments. The material property test data were taken as the training samples of the BP neural network, and a prediction model optimized by the genetic algorithm was established. By using the improved genetic algorithm, the position and quantity of the SMA wires were optimized in a three-storey spatial structure, and the dynamic response analysis of the optimal arrangement was carried out. The results show that, compared with the unoptimized neural network prediction model of SMA, the optimized prediction model is in better agreement with the test curve and has higher stability, it can well reflect the effect of loading rate on the superelastic properties of SMA, and is a high precision rate-dependent dynamic prediction model. Moreover, the BP network constitutive model is simple to use and convenient for dynamic simulation analysis of an SMA passive control structure. The controlled structure with optimized SMA wires can inhibit the structural seismic responses more effectively. However, it is not the case that the more SMA wires, the better the shock absorption effect. When SMA wires exceed a certain number, the vibration reduction effect gradually decreases. Therefore, the seismic effect can be reduced economically and effectively only when the number and location of SMA wires are properly configured. When four SMA wires are arranged, the acceptable shock absorption effect is obtained, and the sum of the structural storey drift can be reduced by 44.51%.
Analysis of Asymptotic and Transient Behaviors of Stochastic Ratio-Dependent Predator–Prey Model
Authors: Liu Wen , Feng Jianfeng
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we focus on the asymptotic and transient dynamics of the studied ecosystem and measure the response to perturbation of the stochastic ratio-dependent predator–prey model. The method we use is mainly based on the Kronecker product and numerical simulation. Firstly, the mean-square stability matrix can be calculated from the Kronecker product, so as to compute three indicators (root-mean-square resilience, root-mean-square reactivity and root-mean-square amplification envelope) of the response to perturbation for the studied ecosystem. Since the above-measured amounts cannot be obtained explicitly, we use numerical simulation to draw the changing figures within the appropriate parameter range. Then we obtain some conclusions by comparing the numerical results. When perturbing any populations, increasing the disturbance intensity will reduce the mean-square stable area of the system. Ecologists can manage the ecosystem, reduce losses and maximize benefits according to the numerical results of the root-mean-square amplification envelope.
Diophantine Equations Relating Sums and Products of Positive Integers: Computation-Aided Study of Parametric Solutions, Bounds, and Distinct-Term Solutions
Authors: Karlovsky Petr
Published: November 2021

Diophantine equations ∏i=1nxi=F∑i=1nxi with xi,F∈ℤ+ associate the products and sums of n natural numbers. Only special cases have been studied so far. Here, we provide new parametric solutions depending on F and the divisors of F or F2. One of these solutions shows that the equation of any degree with any F is solvable. For n = 2, exactly two solutions exist if and only if F is a prime. These solutions are (2F, 2F) and (F + 1, F(F + 1)). We generalize an upper bound for the sum of solution terms from n = 3 established by Crilly and Fletcher in 2015 to any n to be (F+1)(F+n−1) and determine a lower bound to be nnFn−1. Confining the solutions to n-tuples consisting of distinct terms, equations of the 4th degree with any F are solvable but equations of the 5th to 9th degree are not. An upper bound for the sum of terms of distinct-term solutions is conjectured to be (F+1)[F+(n−2)(n−1)!/2+1]/(n−2)!. The conjecture is supported by computation, which also indicates that the upper bound equals the largest sum of solution terms if and only if F=(n+k−2)(n−2)!−1, k∈ℤ+. Computation provides further insights into the relationships between F and the sum of terms of distinct-term solutions.
Contrasting Patterns and Drivers of Soil Fungal Communities between Two Ecosystems Divided by the Treeline
Authors: Wang Xueying , Li Guixiang , Zhang Yuxin , Ma Keming
Published: November 2021

The treeline is a sensitive region of the terrestrial ecosystem responding to climate change. However, studies on the composition and formation mechanisms of soil fungal communities across the treeline are still lacking. In this study, we investigated the patterns of soil fungal community composition and interactions among functional guilds above and below the treeline using Illumina high-throughput sequencing and ecological network analysis. The results showed that there were significant differences in the soil environment and soil fungal community composition between the two ecosystems above and below the treeline. At the local scale of this study, geographic distance and environmental factors affected the composition of the soil fungal community. Soil temperature was an important environmental predictor of soil fungal community composition. Species in soil fungal communities in the subalpine meadow were more closely related to each other compared to those in the montane forest. Furthermore, the soil fungal community in montane forest was more stable. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of how mountain ecological functions respond to global climate change.
Characteristics of Dough Rheology and the Structural, Mechanical, and Sensory Properties of Sponge Cakes with Sweeteners
Authors: Marzec Agata , Kowalska Jolanta , Domian Ewa , Galus Sabina , Ciurzyńska Agnieszka , Kowalska Hanna
Published: November 2021

Changes in the rheological properties of dough, as well as the microstructural, mechanical, and sensory properties of sponge cakes, as a function of the substitution of sucrose in a formulation with maltitol, erythritol, and trehalose are described. Moreover, the relationship between the examined properties was investigated. The replacement of sucrose with maltitol or trehalose did not affect the consistency index, whereas erythritol caused a decrease in its value. X-ray tomography was used to obtain the 2D and 3D microstructures of sponge cakes. All studied sweeteners caused the sponge cakes to have a typical porous structure. Erythritol and maltitol resulted in about 50% of the pores being smaller than 0.019 mm2 and 50% of the pores being larger than 0.032 mm2. Trehalose resulted in a homogeneous microstructure, 98% of whose pores were similar in size (0.019 to 0.032 mm2). The sponge cakes with polyols had a higher structure index than did the trehalose and sucrose samples. There were also significant differences in color parameters (lightness and chromaticity). The crust of the sponge cake with sweeteners was lighter and had a less saturated color than the crust of the sponge cake with sucrose. The sponge cake with maltitol was the most similar to the sponge cake with sucrose, mainly due to the mechanical and sensory properties. Trehalose led to the samples having high adhesiveness, which may limit its application as a sucrose substitute in sponge cake. Sensory properties were strongly correlated to cohesiveness, adhesiveness, and springiness and did not correlate to the 2D and 3D microstructures. It was found that 100% replacement of sucrose allows for a porous structure to be obtained. These results confirm that it is not the structure, but most of all the flavor, that determines the sensory perception of the sponge cakes.
Establishment of a Novel Method for Spinal Discectomy Surgery in Elderly Rats in an In Vivo Spinal Fusion Model
Authors: Oswald Katharina A. C. , Bigdon Sebastian F. , Croft Andreas S. , Bermudez-Lekerika Paola , Bergadano Alessandra , Gantenbein Benjamin , Albers Christoph E.
Published: November 2021

The rat model is a common model for intervertebral disc (IVD) and spinal research. However, complications remain challenging. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are validated methods to minimize complications and improve safety and quality of studies. However, a SOP for rat spinal fusion surgery has been missing until now. Therefore, the aim of the study was to develop a SOP for spinal tail disc surgery in elderly Wistar rats (419.04 ± 54.84 g). An initial preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative surgical setup, including specific anaesthesia and pain management protocols, was developed. Anaesthesia was induced by subcutaneous injection of a pre-mixture of fentanyl, midazolam, and medetomidin with the addition of 0.5% isoflurane in oxygen and caudal epidural analgesia. The surgery itself consisted of the fixation of a customized external ring fixator with ⌀ 0.8 mm Kirschner wires at the proximal rat tail and a discectomy and replacement with bone morphogenetic protein coated beta-tricalcium-phosphate carrier. The postoperative setup included heating, analgesia with buprenorphine, and meloxicam, as well as special supplementary food. Anaesthesia, surgery, and pain management were sufficient. In the presented optimized SOP, no animals developed any complications. A SOP for spinal surgery in elderly rats in an in vivo spinal fusion model was developed successfully. This novel protocol can improve transparency, reproducibility, and external validity in experimental rat spinal surgery experiments.
Effect of Impurities Control on the Crystallization and Densification of Polymer-Derived SiC Fibers
Authors: Joo Young-jun , Joo Sang-hyun , Lee Hyuk-jun , Shim Young-jin , Shin Dong-geun , Cho Kwang-youn
Published: November 2021

The polymer-derived SiC fibers are mainly used as reinforcing materials for ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) because of their excellent mechanical properties at high temperature. However, decomposition reactions such as release of SiO and CO gases and the formation of pores proceed above 1400 °C because of impurities introduced during the curing process. In this study, polycrystalline SiC fibers were fabricated by applying iodine-curing method and using controlled pyrolysis conditions to investigate crystallization and densification behavior. Oxygen and iodine impurities in amorphous SiC fibers were reduced without pores by diffusion and release to the fiber surface depending on the pyrolysis time. In addition, the reduction of the impurity content had a positive effect on the densification and crystallization of polymer-derived SiC fibers without a sintering aid above the sintering temperature. Consequently, dense Si-Al-C-O polycrystalline fibers containing β-SiC crystal grains of 50~100 nm were easily fabricated through the blending method and controlled pyrolysis conditions.
Social Determinants of Health-Related Quality of Life Outcomes for Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Authors: Rogers Simon N , Lowe Derek , Kanatas Anastasios
Published: November 2021

The influence of area-based and individual indicators of socioeconomic status (SES) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and patient concerns following head and neck cancer is complex and under-reported. The aim of this study is to use baseline data collected as part of a randomised controlled trial to provide greater detail on the attribution of SES to University of Washington Quality of Life version 4 (UWQOL v4), Distress Thermometer and European Quality of Life Five-Dimension Five-Level (EQ-5D-5L) outcomes. A total of 288 trial patients attended baseline clinics a median (Interquartile (IQR)) of 103 (71–162) days after the end of treatment. Area-based SES was assessed using the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) 2019. Thirty-eight per cent (110/288) of patients lived in the most deprived IMD rank quintile. Less than good overall quality of life (31% overall) was associated with current working situation (p = 0.008), receipt of financial benefits (p < 0.001), total household income (p = 0.003) and use of tobacco (p = 0.001). Income and employment were significant patient level indicators predictors of HRQOL outcomes after case-mix adjustment. The number of Patient Concerns Inventory items selected varied significantly by overall clinical tumour clinical stage (p < 0.001) and by treatment (p < 0.001) but not by area IMD or patient-level deprivation indicators. In conclusion, interventions to improve employment and finance could make a substantial positive effect on HRQOL outcomes and concerns.
Relationship between the Appearance of Symptoms and Hospital Visits in Childhood Based on Japanese Statistical Data
Authors: Motoi Shiho , Komatsuzaki Akira , Ono Sachie , Kikuchi Hitomi , Iguchi Asami , Susuga Mio , Kamoda Takeshi
Published: November 2021

Background: Childhood health problems affect healthy growth. This study aimed to assess the symptoms and diseases requiring hospital visits commonly found in children in Japan and analyze their effects on health status. Methods: Anonymized data on 1315 children aged 6–14 years were obtained from a national survey questionnaire. The survey items addressed symptoms, disease names, and hospital visits. Associations between symptoms and other factors were examined by means of a contingency table analysis and logistic regression. Results: The proportions of responses for health status were compared for each question item; significant differences were found in age group (p < 0.01), subjective symptoms (p < 0.01), hospital visits (p < 0.01), and lifestyle (p < 0.01). The proportion of responses indicating “poor” perceived health status was high among those with subjective symptoms (4.8%) and hospital visits (4.7%). From the logistic regression, significant odds ratios were found for subjective symptoms (2.10, 95% confidence interval (C.I.) 1.15–3.83) and age group (1.98, 95% C.I. 1.05–3.72). Conclusion: Among measures to improve quality of life from childhood, comprehensive health guidance that emphasizes understanding symptoms and includes age and living conditions is important.
Nano-Assembly of Quisinostat and Biodegradable Macromolecular Carrier Results in Supramolecular Complexes with Slow-Release Capabilities
Authors: Chowdhury Ananda , Marin Alexander , Weber David J. , Andrianov Alexander K.
Published: November 2021

Self-assembly of ionically charged small molecule drugs with water-soluble biodegradable polyelectrolytes into nano-scale complexes can potentially offer a novel and attractive approach to improving drug solubility and prolonging its half-life. Nanoassemblies of quisinostat with water-soluble PEGylated anionic polyphosphazene were prepared by gradient-driven escape of solvent resulting in the reduction of solvent quality for a small molecule drug. A study of binding, analysis of composition, stability, and release profiles was conducted using asymmetric flow field flow fractionation (AF4) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) spectroscopy. Potency assays were performed with WM115 human melanoma and A549 human lung cancer cell lines. The resulting nano-complexes contained up to 100 drug molecules per macromolecular chain and displayed excellent water-solubility and improved hemocompatibility when compared to co-solvent-based drug formulations. Quisinostat release time (complex dissociation) at near physiological conditions in vitro varied from 5 to 14 days depending on initial drug loading. Multimeric complexes displayed dose-dependent potency in cell-based assays and the results were analyzed as a function of complex concentration, as well as total content of drug in the system. The proposed self-assembly process may present a simple alternative to more sophisticated delivery modalities, namely chemically conjugated prodrug systems and nanoencapsulation-based formulations.
Role of Photobiomodulation Therapy in Neurological Primary Burning Mouth Syndrome. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Human Randomised Controlled Clinical Trials
Authors: Hanna Reem , Dalvi Snehal , Bensadoun Rene Jean , Raber-Durlacher Judith E. , Benedicenti Stefano
Published: November 2021

Mitochondrial homeostasis is crucial for energy production and neuronal survival in neurological primary burning mouth syndrome (npBMS). Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has been utilised in npBMS management, however, its role of intervention remains controversial. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis of CRD 42020198921 PROSPERO registration reference was to oversee and determine the efficacy of PBMT in patients with npBMS, identifying the gaps and bridge them by proposing recommendations for future studies purposes. PRISMA guidelines and Cochrane Collaboration recommendations followed. Various search engines employed to analyse a total of 351 studies of which 12 were included. A wide range of utilised PBM wavelengths was between 635–980 nm and the power output ranged between 30 mW and 4000 mW. A high risk of bias (RoB) was noted in 7 out of 12 included studies (58.3%), as results of qualitative analysis. Meta-analysis findings of 4 out of 12 studies showed statistically significant intergroup differences (SSID) for visual analogue scale (VAS) values (MD = −1.47; 95% CI = −2.40 to −0.53; Z = 3.07 (p = 0.002) whereas meta-analysis on 5 out of 12 studies revealed SSID for anxiety/depression and quality of life (MD = −1.47; 95% CI = −2.40 to −0.53; Z = 3.07 (p = 0.002), favouring PBMT group to the control treatment strategies. Despite the inconsistency and diversity in PBM parameters (wavelength, power, light source, spot size, emission mode, energy per point, total energy) and treatment protocols (exposure time, number of sessions, time interval between sessions, treatment duration)—majority of the included studies showed positive PBM results. The high RoB and meta-analytical heterogeneity in the eligible studies warrant the necessity to perform well-designed and robust RCTs after acknowledging the drawbacks of the available scientific literature and addressing our suggested recommendations highlighted in our review.
Medicines Optimisation for Respiratory Patients: The Establishment of a New Consultant Respiratory Pharmacist Role in Northern Ireland
Authors: Gormley Cairine , Spargo Maureen , Fleming Glenda , Moore Brendan , Scott Michael , Sharkey Rose , Friel Anne
Published: November 2021

Medicines optimisation for those with respiratory conditions can have a significant impact on clinical outcomes and substantial efficiency gains for health care. Consultant pharmacists are experts working at the top of their specialism in four main pillars of practice, namely clinical care, leadership, education and training, and research and development. A consultant respiratory pharmacist has recently been appointed at a large Health and Social Care Trust in Northern Ireland to provide expert care and clinical leadership for the medicines optimisation agenda with regards to respiratory care in Northern Ireland. Alongside clinical practice, leadership, and service development, emphasis will be placed on monitoring and evaluating the work of the consultant respiratory pharmacist with a view to gathering the necessary evidence to support the case for further investment in such consultant pharmacist posts in the region. This short communication article outlines some of the clinical and economic factors associated with the decisions to invest in the consultant pharmacist model of care in Northern Ireland
A Metasurface Beam Combiner Based on the Control of Angular Response
Authors: Liu Zhihao , Feng Weibin , Long Yong , Guo Songming , Liang Haowen , Qiu Zhiren , Fu Xiao , Li Juntao
Published: November 2021

Beam combiners are widely used in various optical applications including optical communication and smart detection, which spatially overlap multiple input beams and integrate a output beam with higher intensity, multiple wavelengths, coherent phase, etc. Since conventional beam combiners consist of various optical components with different working principles depending on the properties of incident light, they are usually bulky and have certain restrictions on the incident light. In recent years, metasurfaces have received much attention and become a rapidly developing research field. Their novel mechanisms and flexible structural design provide a promising way to realize miniaturized and integrated components in optical systems. In this paper, we start from studying the ability of metasurfaces to manipulate the incident wavefront, and then propose a metasurface beam combiner in theory that generates an extraordinary refracted beam based on the principle of phase gradient metasurface. This metasurface combines two monochromatic light incidents at different angles with identical polarization but arbitrary amplitudes and initial phases. The combining efficiency, which is defined as the ratio of the power in the combining direction to the total incident power, is 42.4% at the working wavelength of 980 nm. The simulated results indicate that this proposed method is able to simplify the design of optical combiners, making them miniaturized and integrated for smart optical systems.
A Numerical Study of Optimization Methods for Phase-Only Optical Pulse-Shaping
Authors: Karar Abdullah S. , Ghandour Raymond , Boulkaibet Ilyes , Collaku Dhimiter , Barakat Julien Moussa H. , Neji Bilel , Al Barakeh Zaher
Published: November 2021

The field of optical pulse-shaping and its applications is introduced, with a focus on time-domain approaches. A numerical investigation of all-fiber, time-domain, phase-only filtering is conducted for arbitrary temporal pulse synthesis. The theoretical phase modulation function required for generating use- specific target-intensity profiles is calculated using different optimization methods including a Brute Force Monte Carlo search, the Simulated Annealing method and the Genetic Algorithm method. The convergence speed, computational complexity and accuracy of these methods is compared under binary phase-only modulation, where the Genetic algorithm was found to outperform other methods.
Landau Damping of Langmuir Waves: An Alternative Derivation
Authors: Shalchi Andreas
Published: November 2021

In this paper, a discussion of the Landau damping of Langmuir waves is presented together with a simple derivation which does not require the application of methods of complex analysis. A general dispersion relation is derived systematically which corresponds to a nonlinear equation. The latter equation is solved numerically but asymptotic limits are also discussed.
Effect of Steam Flow Rate and Storage Period of Superhydrophobic-Coated Surfaces on Condensation Heat Flux and Wettability
Authors: Fedorova Nataliia , Lindner Christian , Prado Lucia Helena , Jovicic Vojislav , Zbogar-Rasic Ana , Virtanen Sannakaisa , Delgado Antonio
Published: November 2021

The jumping-droplet phenomenon occurring on superhydrophobic (SHPhob) surfaces under special conditions may be beneficial for numerous systems using condensation, due to the reported increased heat transfer coefficients. One technique to create a SHPhob surface is coating, which can be applied to larger areas of existing elements. However, challenges are associated with coating stability and the realization of continuous dropwise condensation. This research examined the condensation of steam at different flow rates (2, 4 and 6 g/min) and its influence on heat flux and water contact angles on the SHPhob spray-coated aluminum samples. Special emphasis on the impact of time was addressed through a series of one and five-hour condensation experiments on the samples with different storage periods (coated either one year ago or shortly before testing). Over the experimental series at a higher steam flow rate (6 g/min), heat flux decreased by 20% through the old-coated samples and water contact angles transferred from the superhydrophobic (147°) to hydrophobic (125°) region. This can be attributed to the joint effects of the partial coating washout and the adsorption of the condensed water within the porous structures of the coating during steam condensation. The new-coated samples could sustain more than fifty hours of condensation, keeping the same heat fluxes and SHPhob characteristics.
A Tandem Running Strategy-Based Heat Transfer Search Algorithm and Its Application to Chemical Constrained Process Optimization
Authors: Alnahari Ebrahim , Shi Hongbo
Published: November 2021

Constrained optimization problems (COPs) are widely encountered in chemical engineering processes, and are normally defined by complex objective functions with a large number of constraints. Classical optimization methods often fail to solve such problems. In this paper, to solve COPs efficiently, a two-phase search method based on a heat transfer search (HTS) algorithm and a tandem running (TR) strategy is proposed. The main framework of the MHTS–TR method aims to alternate between a feasible search phase that only examines feasible solutions, using the HTS algorithm, and an infeasible search phase where the treatment of infeasible solutions is relaxed in a controlled manner, using the TR strategy. These two phases play different roles in the search process; the former ensures an intensified optimum in a relevant feasible region, whereas the latter is used to introduce more diversity into the former. Thus, the ensemble of these two complementary phases can provide an effective method to solve a wide variety of COPs. The proposed variant was investigated over 24 well-known constrained benchmark functions, and then compared with various well-established metaheuristic approaches. Furthermore, it was applied for solving a chemical COP. The promising results demonstrate that the MHTS–TR approach is applicable for solving real-world COPs.
The Sacrificial Ritual and Commissioners to the South Sea God in Tang China
Authors: Wang Yuanlin
Published: November 2021

Previous studies on the Nanhaishen Temple 南海神廟 (Temple of the South Sea God) in Guangzhou in the Tang dynasty focus mainly on the South Sea God as the patron of the Maritime Silk Road, without thoroughly discussing the state ritual and the sacrificial right of the Tang government. This paper illuminates five new points concerning the ritual. First, the sacrificial ritual to the South Sea God developed from the suburban rituals in previous dynasties into both forms of suburban and local rituals, which was also categorized as the medium sacrifice among the three major sacrifices in the state ritual system of the Tang dynasty. Second, the first commissioner who was sent by the central government to perform the sacrificial ritual to the South Sea God was Zhang Jiuling, and henceforth the temporary assignment of court officials to the ceremonies became institutionalized. In the tenth year of Tianbao (751), the South Sea God was entitled Guangliwang 廣利王 (King Guangli), and the commissioner sent on this mission was Zhang Jiuzhang, Zhang Jiuling’s third younger brother, rather than his second younger brother Zhang Jiugao as seen in some records. Third, most of the commissioners were dispatched by the central government in the early Tang, and therefore the sacrifice to the South Sea God was related to the state ritual system; but in the late Tang local officials became dominant in the ritual ceremonies, and thus good harvests and social stability in the Lingnan region became the major concern of the sacrifice. Fourth, the legend that the Buddhist Master Xiujiu 休咎禪師 took over the temple and accepted the South Sea God as his disciple reflected the reciprocity between Buddhism and the South Sea God belief. Last but not the least, the sacrificial ceremonies to the South Sea God established in the Tang dynasty and performed by the officials of both the central and local governments had a significant influence on the ritual in the following dynasties.
Re-Presenting Christian Tradition as a Source of Inspiration and Integration for Educators in Catholic Schools—A Proposal
Authors: O’Connell Daniel , Liffey Kate , Meehan Amalee
Published: November 2021

A significant challenge facing leaders of Catholic schools in Ireland today is to ensure an appreciation for, and understanding of, the Catholic identity of the school among members of staff. A first aim of this research project was to create a ‘vital idea’ to re-present Christian faith to people working in Catholic schools, in a way that might resonate with the real world of teaching and learning and with their own lives. Drawing from Fratelli Tutti), we used the phrase ‘A Love that impels towards communion’ as the ‘vital idea’. A second aim was to present it to principals of second-level Catholic schools and garner their responses to it. We did this with twelve principals, using a focus group methodology. We first explained the thinking behind the ‘vital idea’, and then gathered their responses to it. The reaction of the principals was favourable. It made sense to them personally and chimed with much of what they are doing professionally. However, the word ‘communion’ was found not to be helpful. A further finding relates to values: while the values in the ‘vital idea’ were embraced and talked about easily, there was little explicit reference to God, the source of those values.
Sea Surface Salinity Subfootprint Variability from a Global High-Resolution Model
Authors: Bingham Frederick M. , Brodnitz Susannah , Fournier Severine , Ulfsax Karly , Hayashi Akiko , Zhang Hong
Published: November 2021

Subfootprint variability (SFV) is variability at a spatial scale smaller than the footprint of a satellite, and it cannot be resolved by satellite observations. It is important to quantify and understand, as it contributes to the error budget for satellite data. The purpose of this study was to estimate the SFV for sea surface salinity (SSS) satellite observations. This was performed by using a high-resolution numerical model, a 1/48° version of the MITgcm simulation, from which one year of output has recently become available. SFV, defined as the weighted standard deviation of SSS within the satellite footprint, was computed from the model for a 2° × 2° grid of points for the one model year. We present maps of median SFV for 40 and 100 km footprint size, display histograms of its distribution for a range of footprint sizes and quantify its seasonality. At a 100 km (40 km) footprint size, SFV has a mode of 0.06 (0.04). It is found to vary strongly by location and season. It has larger values in western-boundary and eastern-equatorial regions, as well as in a few other areas. SFV has strong variability throughout the year, with the largest values generally being in the fall season. We also quantified the representation error, the degree of mismatch between random samples within a footprint and the footprint average. Our estimates of SFV and representation error can be used in understanding errors in the satellite observation of SSS.
FAN-MCCD: Fast and Accurate Network for Multi-Scale Chinese Character Detection
Authors: Alnaasan Manar , Kim Sungho
Published: November 2021

Inaccurate localization due to scale-variation during character detection causes a widespread issue overconfidence in results of the document analysis community, for the most part in historical and handwritten documents. In this work, we explored the performance of a state-of-the-art network with a simple pipeline that fast and accurately predicts handwritten Chinese characters in old documents. In order to adapt to locations of characters with multi-scale more precisely, excluding pre-processing and in-between steps, we utilized a network with multi-scale feature maps. Then, across each feature map, pre-selected boxes of unalike scales and aspect ratios were employed. The last step was to prune the bounding boxes, sending them to non-maximum suppression to yield the final results. Focusing on a well-designed neural network architecture and loss function that presents well-classified examples, we found our experiments on Caoshu, Character, and Src-images datasets demonstrated that detection performance was enhanced for the detection rate (DT), the false positive per character (FPPC), and the F-score in the order of 98.84%, 0.71, and 97.64%, respectively. In comparison with SSD (single-shot detector), the detection performance of a detection rate (DT), the false positive per character (FPPC), and the F-score were 61.12%, 6.12, and 60.33%, respectively.
A Comparative Study on the Electrical and Piezoresistive Sensing Characteristics of GFRP and CFRP Composites with Hybridized Incorporation of Carbon Nanotubes, Graphenes, Carbon Nanofibers, and Graphite Nanoplatelets
Authors: Bhandari Manan , Wang Jianchao , Jang Daeik , Nam IlWoo , Huang Baofeng
Published: November 2021

In this study, hybridized carbon nanomaterials (CNMs), such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs)–graphene, CNT–carbon nanofibers (CNFs), or CNT–graphite nanoplatelet (GNP) materials were embedded in glass-fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP) or carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites to obtain electrical/piezoresistive sensing characteristics that surpass those of composites with only one type of CNM. In addition, to quantitatively assess their sensing characteristics, the materials were evaluated in terms of gauge factor, peak shift, and R-squared values. The electrical property results showed that the GFRP samples containing only CNTs or both CNTs and graphene exhibited higher electrical conductivity values than those of other composite samples. By evaluating piezoresistive sensing characteristics, the CNT–CNF GFRP composites showed the highest gauge factor values, followed by the CNT–graphene GFRP and CNT-only GFRP composites. These results are explained by the excluded volume theory. The peak shift and R-squared value results signified that the CNT–graphene GFRP composites exhibited the best sensing characteristics. Thus, the CNT–graphene GFRP composites would be the most feasible for use as FRP composite sensors.