bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant Feed Additives as Natural Alternatives to the Use of Synthetic Antioxidant Vitamins on Livestock Mammals’ Performances, Health, and Oxidative Status: A Review of the Literature in the Last 20 Years
Authors: Manuelian Carmen L. , Pitino Rosario , Simoni Marica , Mavrommatis Alexandros , De Marchi Massimo , Righi Federico , Tsiplakou Eleni
Published: September 2021

In the last two decades, the interest in natural plant feed additives (PFA) as alternatives to synthetic vitamins in livestock nutrition has increased. After a systematic review, a total of 19 peer-reviewed papers published between 2000 and 2020 were retained to evaluate the antioxidant effects of PFA compared to synthetic antioxidant vitamins (mainly vitamin E; VitE) in livestock nutrition. These studies demonstrated that PFAs could be as efficient as VitE in counteracting oxidative stress in pigs, rabbits, and ruminants. However, PFAs only positively affected animals’ growth performance and feed efficiency in some monogastric studies. The PFA can affect antioxidant enzyme activity in a dose- and method of administration-dependent manner. The antioxidant capacity of both PFA and VitE were depressed in cows fed with diets rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Variability among studies could be related to species differences. Despite the interest of the feed industry sector in PFA, there are still very few studies evaluating their antioxidant effect in species other than poultry.
Green Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Plant Biomass and Their Application in Meat as Natural Antioxidant
Authors: Awad Alzaidi Mohammed , Kumar Pavan , Ismail-Fitry Mohammad Rashedi , Jusoh Shokri , Ab Aziz Muhamad Faris , Sazili Awis Qurni
Published: September 2021

Plant extracts are rich in various bioactive compounds exerting antioxidants effects, such as phenolics, catechins, flavonoids, quercetin, anthocyanin, tocopherol, rutin, chlorogenic acid, lycopene, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, vitamin C, protocatechuic acid, vitamin E, carotenoids, β-carotene, myricetin, kaempferol, carnosine, zeaxanthin, sesamol, rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, and carnosol. The extraction processing protocols such as solvent, time, temperature, and plant powder should be optimized to obtain the optimum yield with the maximum concentration of active ingredients. The application of novel green extraction technologies has improved extraction yields with a high concentration of active compounds, heat-labile compounds at a lower environmental cost, in a short duration, and with efficient utilization of the solvent. The application of various combinations of extraction technologies has proved to exert a synergistic effect or to act as an adjunct. There is a need for proper identification, segregation, and purification of the active ingredients in plant extracts for their efficient utilization in the meat industry, as natural antioxidants. The present review has critically analyzed the conventional and green extraction technologies in extracting bioactive compounds from plant biomass and their utilization in meat as natural antioxidants.
The Multi-Domain International Search on Speech 2020 ALBAYZIN Evaluation: Overview, Systems, Results, Discussion and Post-Evaluation Analyses
Authors: Tejedor Javier , Toledano Doroteo , Ramirez Jose , Montalvo Ana , Alvarez-Trejos Juan
Published: September 2021

The large amount of information stored in audio and video repositories makes search on speech (SoS) a challenging area that is continuously receiving much interest. Within SoS, spoken term detection (STD) aims to retrieve speech data given a text-based representation of a search query (which can include one or more words). On the other hand, query-by-example spoken term detection (QbE STD) aims to retrieve speech data given an acoustic representation of a search query. This is the first paper that presents an internationally open multi-domain evaluation for SoS in Spanish that includes both STD and QbE STD tasks. The evaluation was carefully designed so that several post-evaluation analyses of the main results could be carried out. The evaluation tasks aim to retrieve the speech files that contain the queries, providing their start and end times and a score that reflects how likely the detection within the given time intervals and speech file is. Three different speech databases in Spanish that comprise different domains were employed in the evaluation: the MAVIR database, which comprises a set of talks from workshops; the RTVE database, which includes broadcast news programs; and the SPARL20 database, which contains Spanish parliament sessions. We present the evaluation itself, the three databases, the evaluation metric, the systems submitted to the evaluation, the evaluation results and some detailed post-evaluation analyses based on specific query properties (in-vocabulary/out-of-vocabulary queries, single-word/multi-word queries and native/foreign queries). The most novel features of the submitted systems are a data augmentation technique for the STD task and an end-to-end system for the QbE STD task. The obtained results suggest that there is clearly room for improvement in the SoS task and that performance is highly sensitive to changes in the data domain.
Reflections on the Customer Decision-Making Process in the Digital Insurance Platforms: An Empirical Study of the Baltic Market
Authors: Baranauskas Gedas , Raišienė Agota Giedrė
Published: September 2021

Multifold effects of the COVID-19 global health crisis and economic lockdowns are reflected in the insurance industry, and are predicted to expand to the post-COVID-19 era. It is expected that, within a short period of time, the current worldwide situation, in regards to the coronavirus pandemic, will be reflected in new trends, regarding customer behavior, organizational management, and culture, as well as reveal improved business management models, legacy infrastructure, and service systems in insurance organizations. Here, a focus on end-user preferences, data, and their behavior modeling in digital platforms are major practical drivers within the modern insurance concept, but there is a paucity of researches within the theoretical synthesis of consumer decision-making (CDM) models, information system theories, and behavioral economics concerning modern insurance-specific value chains and digitalized decision-making processes. Therefore, the following research aims to expand upon the existing scientific knowledge of end-user behavioral patterns and process frameworks in the Baltic insurance market, by including and examining a factor group of technological enablers and a digital environment. Research results in digitalization, personalization, and customization levels within the Baltic non-life insurance market are homogenous with a leading position of Estonia and overall evaluations ranging between Satisfied and Rather Good. There are also three major factor groups and process stages identified, which influence insurance purchase decision-making in digital insurance platforms in the Baltic market.
Estimation of the Frequency Response Function of the Rotational Degree of Freedom
Authors: Kim Ji-wook , Lee Jae-wook , Kim Kun-woo , Kang Ji-heon , Yang Min-seok , Kim Dong-yul , Lee Seung-yeop , Jang Jin-seok
Published: September 2021

One of the factors that influence the dynamic characteristics of machining systems is the cutting tool. Cutting tools are very diverse, and receptance coupling substructure analysis (RCSA) is essential for analyzing the dynamic characteristics of each tool. For RCSA, a full receptance matrix of the equipment and tools is essential. In this study, rotational degree-of-freedom receptance was estimated and analyzed using translational receptance. Displacement/moment receptance was analyzed according to the distance of the response point using the first-and second-order finite difference methods. The rotation/moment receptance was estimated according to the distance of the response point. Rotation/moment receptance was analyzed using Schmitz’s method and compensation strategies. The limitations of these strategies were analyzed, and the rotation/moment receptance for the beam under free-free boundary conditions was predicted using the second compensation strategy.
Applications of Cement-Based Smart Composites to Civil Structural Health Monitoring: A Review
Authors: Cassese Paolino , Rainieri Carlo , Occhiuzzi Antonio
Published: September 2021

In recent years, cement-based smart composites (CSCs) doped with conductive filler have attracted increasing research interest because of their high potentiality as self-sensing materials for civil Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) applications. Nevertheless, several issues are still open and need further studies. This paper presents an extensive state-of-the-art in which investigations on CSCs are summarized and critically revised, with the primary aim of outlining the main limits and development points. The literature review first addresses in detail several specific issues related to fabrication and operation as sensing elements of CSC samples. State-of-the-art applications of CSCs to SHM of reduced-, medium- and full-scale structural prototypes are extensively reviewed afterwards, resulting in a database useful to critically revise the main trends and open issues of the research in this field.
New Water-Soluble Condensed Heterocyclic Compounds with Antimicrobial Activity Based on Annulation Reactions of 8-Quinolinesulfenyl Halides with Natural Products and Alkenes
Authors: Potapov Vladimir A. , Ishigeev Roman S. , Belovezhets Lyudmila A. , Shkurchenko Irina V. , Amosova Svetlana V.
Published: September 2021

The annulation reactions of 8-quinolinesulfenyl halides with natural products and alkenes affording new water-soluble [1,4]thiazino[2,3,4-ij]quinolin-4-ium derivatives in high or quantitative yields are developed in this study. The reactions with styrene derivatives and terminal alkenes including allyl arenes proceed in a regioselective manner but with the opposite regiochemistry. The reactions with terminal alkenes including allyl arenes occur in an anti-Markovnikov fashion (regarding addition of the 8-quinolinesulfenyl electrophile to the double bond) to give 2-organyl-2H,3H-[1,4]thiazino[2,3,4-ij]quinolin-4-ium halides, while the reactions with styrene derivatives proceed in a Markovnikov fashion, leading to 3-substituted condensed heterocyclic compounds. In general, styrene derivatives demonstrate higher reactivity in the annulation reactions compared to the terminal alkenes. Antimicrobial activity of novel water-soluble compounds against Enterococcus durans, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli are evaluated. The compounds with high antimicrobial activity are found. The annulation products of the reactions of 8-quinolinesulfenyl halides with 1H-indene, eugenol, methyl eugenol and 1-heptene, are superior in their activity compared to the antibiotic gentamicin.
The Effect of the Wenchuan and Lushan Earthquakes on the Size Distribution of Earthquakes along the Longmenshan Fault
Authors: Hui Chun , Cheng Changxiu , Shen Shi , Gao Peichao , Chen Jin , Yang Jing , Zhao Min
Published: September 2021

Changes in the stress state of faults and their surroundings is a highly plausible mechanism explaining earthquake interaction. These stress changes can impact the seismicity rate and the size distribution of earthquakes. However, the effect of large earthquakes on the earthquake size distribution along the Longmenshan fault has not been quantified. We evaluated the levels of the b value for the stable state before and after the large earthquakes on 12 May 2008 (Wenchuan, MS 8.0) and 20 April 2013 (Lushan, MS 7.0) along the Longmenshan fault. We found that after the mainshocks, the size distribution of the subsequent earthquakes shifted toward relatively larger events in the Wenchuan aftershock zone (b value decreased from 1.21 to 0.84), and generally remained invariable in the Lushan aftershock zone (b value remained at 0.76). The time required for the b value to return to stable states after both mainshocks was entirely consistent with the time needed by the aftershock depth images to stop visibly changing. The result of the temporal variation of b values shows decreasing trends for the b value before both large earthquakes. Our results are available for assessing the potential seismic risk of the Longmenshan fault as a reference.
System Dynamics Modeling for Estimating the Locations of Road Icing Using GIS
Authors: Hong Seok-Bum , Lee Byung-Woong , Kim Chang-Hoon , Yun Hong-Sik
Published: September 2021

Road icing can cause large traffic accidents on highways because, unlike snowy roads, its location is difficult to identify and it can occur rapidly, even during rainy weather. In this study, the amount and location of road icing were modeled and simulated over time based on the system dynamics theory. The simulation is expressed on the geographic information system (GIS) and facilitates advance detection of the location and amount of road icing that occurs unexpectedly unlike previous studies. Modeling was designed to process spatial and meteorological data after combining them. The spatial data used for modeling were Hillshade, Water System, Bridge, and Road (Highway). Air temperature, cloudiness, vapor pressure, wind speed, and precipitation were used as meteorological data. The amount of road icing was estimated by scientifically designing the parameters related to its occurrence between spatial and meteorological data. Based on this, the amount of road icing by location was simulated per 1m2 using the GIS. The simulation results showed that the amount of road icing that began to increase from AM 08:00 reached its peak (an average of 213.62 g/m2) at noon and then slowly decreased. Additionally, when simulated with GIS, the sum amount of road icing between AM 12:00 and PM 13:00 was a maximum of 1707.292 (g/14 h) and a minimum of 360.082 (g/14 h) for each location. Hypothesis testing was conducted on whether road icing significantly occurs at actual points vulnerable to traffic accidents. Based on the results, the average significance level was calculated to be less than 0.05. Therefore, the alternative hypothesis that the model can estimate road icing in vulnerable areas was adopted. The verified simulation can be useful data to government agencies (e.g., road traffic authority) in their programs to prevent traffic accidents caused by road icing.
Analyzing the Performance of the S3 Object Storage API for HPC Workloads
Authors: Gadban Frank , Kunkel Julian
Published: September 2021

The line between HPC and Cloud is getting blurry: Performance is still the main driver in HPC, while cloud storage systems are assumed to offer low latency, high throughput, high availability, and scalability. The Simple Storage Service S3 has emerged as the de facto storage API for object storage in the Cloud. This paper seeks to check if the S3 API is already a viable alternative for HPC access patterns in terms of performance or if further performance advancements are necessary. For this purpose: (a) We extend two common HPC I/O benchmarks—the IO500 and MD-Workbench—to quantify the performance of the S3 API. We perform the analysis on the Mistral supercomputer by launching the enhanced benchmarks against different S3 implementations: on-premises (Swift, MinIO) and in the Cloud (Google, IBM…). We find that these implementations do not yet meet the demanding performance and scalability expectations of HPC workloads. (b) We aim to identify the cause for the performance loss by systematically replacing parts of a popular S3 client library with lightweight replacements of lower stack components. The created S3Embedded library is highly scalable and leverages the shared cluster file systems of HPC infrastructure to accommodate arbitrary S3 client applications. Another introduced library, S3remote, uses TCP/IP for communication instead of HTTP; it provides a single local S3 gateway on each node. By broadening the scope of the IO500, this research enables the community to track the performance growth of S3 and encourage sharing best practices for performance optimization. The analysis also proves that there can be a performance convergence—at the storage level—between Cloud and HPC over time by using a high-performance S3 library like S3Embedded.
Advances in the Restoration of Buildings with LIDAR Technology and 3D Reconstruction: Forged and Vaults of the Refectory of Santo Domingo de Orihuela (16th Century)
Authors: Saura-Gómez Pascual , Spairani-Berrio Yolanda , Huesca-Tortosa Jose Antonio , Spairani-Berrio Silvia , Rizo-Maestre Carlos
Published: September 2021

This research presents a new intervention methodology on arches and vaults of a Renaissance factory in the Colegio Santo Domingo de Orihuela (16th century) using 3D software LIDAR technology that verifies the execution process of the works studying the different charges states and structure behavior. This document aims to explain a working methodology in the monitoring of structural repair interventions in the architectural heritage, in the specific case of the replacement of traditional one-way timber joist frame slabs on structures of former, splay and groin arches between vaults. This involves the compilation and processing of two types of data: on the one hand, the analysis of the different load states to which the intervention is exposed in its different phases: initial, dismantling of the different layers of traditional construction and replacement by the new structural system; and, on the other hand, the graphic information provided by the photogrammetry techniques used to dimension and define the spatial position of the structural elements that have historically resolved the covering of the architectural space in this type of Renaissance solution. The different layers and demolished materials have been verified by analysing their constructive disposition, thicknesses, and dimensions of the elements that formed part of the initial construction system and their own weights. In addition, the new construction systems used in the restoration project generate a state of loads similar to the existing one. The LIDAR technology used in the research process provides graphic data of the spatial position of the arches and vaults studied in the different states of the construction intervention. The point clouds obtained are analysed by taking as reference fixed points (considered unalterable and infinitely rigid) of the refectory and the coordinates of the initial and final states are compared. The results show minimal variations between the two positions, which justifies the goodness of the construction methods used and the structural safety obtained in the complex. This methodology applied to arches and vaults in heritage architecture guarantees the control and recording of the movements produced in the process.
The Influence of Laboratory Scanner Versus Intra-Oral Scanner on Determining the Implant Axis by Using Three Different Scan Abutments
Authors: Shely Asaf , Livne Shiri , Ben-Izhack Gil , Lokshin Michal , Har-Nes Shahar , Zelikman Helena , Blumer Sigalit , Dolev Eran
Published: September 2021

Background: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the implant axis’ spatial position and orientation by using laboratory scanner versus intra-oral scanner with three different scan abutments. Methods: A 3D model was printed with an internal hex implant analog in the place of teeth 35#. Three standard scan abutments were used: MIS (two-piece titanium), AB (two-piece PEEK and titanium base) and ZZ (one-piece PEEK). Each scan abutment was scanned 30 times by TRIOS E3 (laboratory scanner) and 30 times by Omnicam (intra-oral scanner). For each scan, an STL (stereolithography) file was created, and the spatial characterization of each scan abutment was measured in the X, Y, Z coordinates, and rotational and longitudinal angles. The comparison between all the scans was conducted by superimposition of the STL files, using a 3D software. A t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used. (p < 0.05) Results: Only the MIS scan abutment showed no statistical difference in the X and Z axes. (p < 0.05). All other scan abutments showed a statistical difference in all axes. The rotational angle of the AB scan abutment was twice the angle of the MIS and ZZ scan abutments. Conclusions: All three scan abutments showed a rotational deviation of the implant axis between the laboratory scanner and the intra-oral scanner. The AB scan abutment showed the greatest deviation (1.04 degrees) while the other two abutments showed deviations of about half a degree in relation to the laboratory scan abutment. There is a need for further studies which will examine the influence of geometry, material, and scan abutment parts on the accuracy of the scan obtained.
Selecting the Suitable Resampling Strategy for Imbalanced Data Classification Regarding Dataset Properties. An Approach Based on Association Models
Authors: Kraiem Mohamed S. , Sánchez-Hernández Fernando , Moreno-García María N.
Published: September 2021

In many application domains such as medicine, information retrieval, cybersecurity, social media, etc., datasets used for inducing classification models often have an unequal distribution of the instances of each class. This situation, known as imbalanced data classification, causes low predictive performance for the minority class examples. Thus, the prediction model is unreliable although the overall model accuracy can be acceptable. Oversampling and undersampling techniques are well-known strategies to deal with this problem by balancing the number of examples of each class. However, their effectiveness depends on several factors mainly related to data intrinsic characteristics, such as imbalance ratio, dataset size and dimensionality, overlapping between classes or borderline examples. In this work, the impact of these factors is analyzed through a comprehensive comparative study involving 40 datasets from different application areas. The objective is to obtain models for automatic selection of the best resampling strategy for any dataset based on its characteristics. These models allow us to check several factors simultaneously considering a wide range of values since they are induced from very varied datasets that cover a broad spectrum of conditions. This differs from most studies that focus on the individual analysis of the characteristics or cover a small range of values. In addition, the study encompasses both basic and advanced resampling strategies that are evaluated by means of eight different performance metrics, including new measures specifically designed for imbalanced data classification. The general nature of the proposal allows the choice of the most appropriate method regardless of the domain, avoiding the search for special purpose techniques that could be valid for the target data.
Efficient Filtering for Edge Extraction under Perspective Effect
Authors: Li Jian , An Xiangjing
Published: September 2021

Though it is generally believed that edges should be extracted at different scales when using a linear filter, it is still difficult to determine the optimal scale for each filter. In this paper, we propose a novel approach called orientation and scale tuned difference of boxes (osDoB) to solve this problem. For certain computer vision applications, such as lane marking detection, the prior information about the concerned target can facilitate edge extraction in a top-down manner. Based on the perspective effect, we associate the scale of the edge in an image with the target size in the real world and assign orientation and scale parameters for filtering each pixel. Considering the fact that it is very time-consuming to naïvely perform filters with different orientations and scales, we further design an extended integration map technology to speed up filtering. Our method is validated on synthetic and real data. The experimental results show that assigning appropriate orientation and scale parameters for filters is effective and can be realized efficiently.
Drone-Based Vibration Monitoring and Assessment of Structures
Authors: Carroll Sabrina , Satme Joud , Alkharusi Shadhan , Vitzilaios Nikolaos , Downey Austin , Rizos Dimitris
Published: September 2021

This paper presents a novel method of procuring and processing data for the assessment of civil structures via vibration monitoring. This includes the development of a custom sensor package designed to minimize the size/weight while being fully self-sufficient (i.e., not relying on external power). The developed package is delivered to the structure utilizing a customized Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), otherwise known as a drone. The sensor package features an electropermanent magnet for securing it to the civil structure while a second magnet is used to secure the package to the drone during flight. The novel B-Spline Impulse Response Function (BIRF) technique was utilized to extract the Dynamic Signature Response (DSR) from the data collected by the sensor package. Experimental results are presented to validate this method and show the feasibility of deploying the sensor package on structures and collecting data valuable for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) data processing. The advantages and limitations of the proposed techniques are discussed, and recommendations for further developments are made.
Impact of Soil Aeration on the Environmental Fate of Pre-Emergent Herbicide Metolachlor
Authors: Kanissery Ramdas , Liu Wenwen , Tiwari Ruby , Sims Gerald
Published: September 2021

The impact of the aeration status of soils on the environmental fate of the soil-applied pre-emergent herbicide metolachlor is of significance to sustainable agriculture practices and has not been investigated thoroughly by existing research works. To address this knowledge gap, we examined the adsorption, desorption, degradation, and mineralization of radioactively labeled [14C] metolachlor in Catlin, Flanagan, and Drummer soils under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Based on our findings, anaerobic conditions in the soil significantly reduced the adsorption of 14C-metolachlor while also promoting its desorption, thereby potentially releasing a greater amount of herbicide from the soil after a field application. The first-order degradation and mineralization kinetics of 14C-metolachlor were distinctively enhanced by anaerobic conditions in all the soils tested. Furthermore, the degradation and mineralization rates of 14C-metolachlor in non-sterilized versus sterilized soil microcosms clearly indicated microbial activity in the degradation of metolachlor in soil. The results from this study suggest that soil redox conditions could impact the bioavailability and environmental fate of herbicide metolachlor and should be taken into consideration as part of sustainable weed management programs.
Trajectory Tracking with Adaptive Robust Control for Quadrotor
Authors: Espinoza-Fraire Tadeo , Saenz Armando , Salas Francisco , Juarez Raymundo , Giernacki Wojciech
Published: September 2021

This work proposes three robust mechanisms based on the MIT rule and the sliding-mode techniques. These robust mechanisms have to tune the gains of an adaptive Proportional-Derivative controller to steer a quadrotor in a predefined trajectory. The adaptive structure is a model reference adaptive control (MRAC). The robust mechanisms proposed to achieve the control objective (trajectory tracking) are MIT rule, MIT rule with sliding mode (MIT-SM), MIT rule with twisting (MIT-Twisting), and MIT rule with high order sliding mode (MIT-HOSM).
A Waste Classification Method Based on a Multilayer Hybrid Convolution Neural Network
Authors: Shi Cuiping , Tan Cong , Wang Tao , Wang Liguo
Published: September 2021

With the rapid development of deep learning technology, a variety of network models for classification have been proposed, which is beneficial to the realization of intelligent waste classification. However, there are still some problems with the existing models in waste classification such as low classification accuracy or long running time. Aimed at solving these problems, in this paper, a waste classification method based on a multilayer hybrid convolution neural network (MLH-CNN) is proposed. The network structure of this method is similar to VggNet but simpler, with fewer parameters and a higher classification accuracy. By changing the number of network modules and channels, the performance of the proposed model is improved. Finally, this paper finds the appropriate parameters for waste image classification and chooses the optimal model as the final model. The experimental results show that, compared with some recent works, the proposed method has a simpler network structure and higher waste classification accuracy. A large number of experiments in a TrashNet dataset show that the proposed method achieves a classification accuracy of up to 92.6%, which is 4.18% and 4.6% higher than that of some state-of-the-art methods, and proves the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Spatial Analysis of Abandoned Houses and Their Influencing Factors in South Korea
Authors: Joo Heesun , Lee Soyeong
Published: September 2021

The number of abandoned houses is rapidly growing across South Korea. The increasing number of abandoned houses is directly linked to a wide range of problems in communities, such as apprehension about crimes. This study aimed to analyze the variables that affect housing abandonment empirically. First, we analyzed the status of housing abandonment in various regions based on the addresses of the abandoned houses. Second, we identified the spatial characteristics of abandoned houses through spatial autocorrelation analysis. Third, we selected variables based on the literature review and analyzed the factors affecting housing abandonment through spatial regression analysis. Lastly, we aimed to explore the correlation between regional characteristics and the occurrence of housing abandonment, and to derive the factors influencing housing abandonment. This study found that abandoned houses were more likely to occur mainly in areas with environmentally vulnerable features. In this study, neighborhood environmental factors that promoted the occurrence of abandoned houses were derived by considering the neighborhood-level unit of analysis.
Effects of Palm Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction Alone or in Combination with Glucosamine Sulphate on Grip Strength, Cartilage Structure and Joint Remodelling Markers in a Rat Model of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Al-Saadi Hiba Murtadha , Chin Kok-Yong , Ahmad Fairus , Mohd Ramli Elvy Suhana , Arlamsyah Azlan Mohd , Japar Sidik Fadhlullah Zuhair , Abdul Hamid Juliana , Soelaiman Ima Nirwana
Published: September 2021

Background: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease lacking disease-modifying therapeutic agents. This study aimed to compare the effects of palm tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF), glucosamine sulphate, and both agents combined in rats with osteoarthritis induced by monosodium iodoacetate (MIA). Methods: Thirty adult male rats were randomized into normal control, and osteoarthritis groups were treated orally daily with vehicle, palm TRF (100 mg/kg), glucosamine sulphate (250 mg/kg), and both agents combined for 4 weeks. Body weight and grip strength were measured weekly. After being sacrificed, the joints and blood were harvested for histology and serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) levels. Results: The body weight of the rats receiving treatment rebounded significantly after an initial reduction (vs osteoarthritic control, p < 0.05). The rats receiving combined treatments showed significantly better grip strength than the osteoarthritic control and individual treatment groups (p < 0.05). The serum COMP level was lower in all the treated groups (vs osteoarthritic control, p < 0.05). Cartilage histology of the treated rats was not significantly improved (vs osteoarthritic control, p > 0.05). Conclusion: The combination of palm TRF and glucosamine sulphate was more effective than individual agents in improving the grip strength of the rats, but the cartilage damage might need more time to heal.
Effect of Game-Based Cognitive Training Programs on Cognitive Learning of Children with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Kim Seon-Chil , Lee Hyun-suk
Published: September 2021

Early detection and repeated learning training of children with intellectual disabilities are important factors that are directly related to the quality of future life of such children. However, implementation of such programs is challenging, as the subjects are still children. Therefore, motivation and interest are important for children with intellectual disabilities to carry out continuous training. In this study, Neuro-World, a game-based cognitive training program, was proposed for motivation and interest induction, and its effectiveness was compared with that of a conventional cognitive training program through analysis after both programs were implemented by professional therapists. The pre-test and post-test results of the game-based cognitive training program were statistically significant and showed superiority in the comparison with the conventional program. Therefore, the game-based cognitive training program developed in this study through digital media is expected to be effective in improving cognitive learning ability.
Failure of Rock Slope with Heterogeneous Locked Patches: Insights from Numerical Modelling
Authors: Fu Bin , Li Yingchun , Tang Chun’an , Lin Zhibin
Published: September 2021

Rock slope stability is commonly dominated by locked patches along a potential slip surface. How naturally heterogeneous locked patches of different properties affect the rock slope stability remains enigmatic. Here, we simulate a rock slope with two locked patches subjected to shear loading through a self-developed software, rock failure process analysis (RFPA). In the finite element method (FEM)-based code, the inherent heterogeneity of rock is quantified by the classic Weibull distribution, and the constitutive relationship of the meso-scale element is formulated by the statistical damage theory. The effects of mechanical and geometrical properties of the locked patches on the stability of the simulated rock slope are systematically studied. We find that the rock homogeneity modulates the failure mode of the rock slope. As the homogeneity degree is elevated, the failure of the locked patch transits from the locked patch itself to both the interfaces between the locked patched and the slide body and the bedrock, and then to the bedrock. The analysis of variance shows that length and strength of locked patch affect most shear strength and the peak shear displacement of the rock slope. Most of the rock slopes exhibit similar failure modes where the macroscopic cracks mainly concentrate on the interfaces between the locked patch and the bedrock and the slide body, respectively, and the acoustic events become intensive after one of the locked patches is damaged. The locked patches are failed sequentially, and the sequence is apparently affected by their relative positions. The numerically reproduced failure mode of the rock slope with locked patches of different geometrical and mechanical properties are consistent with the laboratory observations. We also propose a simple spring-slider model to elucidate the failure process of the rock slope with locked patches.
Learning by Doing: Co-Benefits Drive National Plans for Climate and Air Quality Governance
Authors: Mewes Clara , Unger Charlotte
Published: September 2021

What drives countries to realize more integrated policymaking? The co-benefits concept highlights the win–win situations that can arise if one policy measure addresses two or more policy goals, e.g., air quality and health benefits resulting from a climate policy. Scholars have suggested that decision makers, if confronted with the evidence of co-benefits, would update their beliefs and adopt stronger or more ambitious climate policies. In other words, a learning process takes place. This paper looks at the policy processes in two countries, Mexico and Nigeria, as part of the Supporting National Action and Planning (SNAP) initiative under the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC). The SNAP initiative supports governments with policymaking and implementation for a reduction in short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs). This paper seeks to reveal how learning processes and their outcomes are influenced by co-benefits as a specific type of information. Looking at an example of how the co-benefits concept is applied in political practice offers valuable insights into how learning is part of the policymaking process and can shape its outcomes, such as national (climate) action plans.
Mutagenicity in Tradescantia pallida as an Indicator of the Effect of Air Pollution and Human Health
Authors: Godoi Kaline de Souza Pereira , Spósito Juliana Caroline Vivian , Rocha Aline do Nascimento , Candido Liliam Silvia , Silva Caio Augusto Mussury , Lemke Ana Paula , da Silva Sandra Verza , Scalon Silvana de Paula Quintão , de Carvalho Emerson Machado , Mussury Rosilda Mara
Published: September 2021

The present study aims to relate the micronucleus frequency in Tradescantia pallida to environmental factors and cardiorespiratory diseases to infer the effect of air pollution. The number of hospitalizations, diseases cases, frequency of micronuclei in plants, environmental variables, altitude, and vehicle traffic in cities of Mato Grosso do Sul were evaluated due to the high flow that surrounds agribusiness. The frequency of micronuclei decreased with the increase in relative humidity, while the altitude did not influence the mutagenicity or genotoxicity of the evaluated plants. The municipalities with micronucleus frequencies above 200 had the highest number of vehicle and cardiorespiratory diseases. Biomonitoring data obtained in cities throughout the year indicate that the number of cardiorespiratory diseases was probably due to vehicular pollution, which is evidenced by the increased frequency of micronuclei in T. pallida.
Infrasound Thunder Detections across 15 Years over Ivory Coast: Localization, Propagation, and Link with the Stratospheric Semi-Annual Oscillation
Authors: Farges Thomas , Hupe Patrick , Le Pichon Alexis , Ceranna Lars , Listowski Constantino , Diawara Adama
Published: September 2021

Every day, about one thousand thunderstorms occur around the world, producing about 45 lightning flashes per second. One prominent infrasound station of the International Monitoring System infrasound network of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization for studying lightning activity is in Ivory Coast, where the lightning rate of this region is relatively high. Infrasound defines acoustic waves with frequencies below 20 Hz, the lower limit of human hearing. Statistical results are presented in this paper based on infrasound measurements from 2004 to 2019. One-to-one association between infrasound detections from 0.5 to 5 Hz and lightning flashes detected by the World Wide Lightning Location Network within 500 km from the infrasound station is systematically investigated. Most of the infrasound signals detected at IS17 in this frequency band are due to thunder, even if the thunderstorms are located up to 500 km away from the station. A decay of the thunder amplitude with the flash distance, d, is found to scale as d−0.717 for flashes within 100 km from the station, which holds for direct propagation. Interestingly, the stratospheric detections reflect a pattern in the annual azimuth variation, which is consistent with the equatorial stratospheric semi-annual oscillation.
Real-Time Low-Cost Personal Monitoring for Exposure to PM2.5 among Asthmatic Children: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Kim Dohyeong , Yum Yunjin , George Kevin , Kwon Ji-Won , Kim Woo Kyung , Baek Hey-Sung , Suh Dong In , Yang Hyeon-Jong , Yoo Young , Yu Jinho , Lim Dae Hyun , Seo Sung-Chul , Song Dae Jin
Published: September 2021

This study aims to evaluate the accuracy and effectiveness of real-time personal monitoring of exposure to PM concentrations using low-cost sensors, in comparison to conventional data collection method based on fixed stations. PM2.5 data were measured every 5 min using a low-cost sensor attached to a bag carried by 47 asthmatic children living in the Seoul Metropolitan area between November 2019 and March 2020, along with the real-time GPS location, temperature, and humidity. The mobile sensor data were then matched with station-based hourly PM2.5 data using the time and location. Despite some uncertainty and inaccuracy of the sensor data, similar temporal patterns were found between the two sources of PM2.5 data on an aggregate level. However, average PM2.5 concentrations via personal monitoring tended to be lower than those from the fixed stations, particularly when the subjects were indoors, during nighttime, and located farther from the fixed station. On an individual level, a substantial discrepancy is observed between the two PM2.5 data sources while staying indoors. This study provides guidance to policymakers and researchers on improving the feasibility of personal monitoring via low-cost mobile sensors as an alternative or supplement to the conventional station-based monitoring.
Influence of Population Density on CO2 Emissions Eliminating the Influence of Climate
Authors: Zarco-Periñán Pedro J. , Zarco-Soto Irene M. , Zarco-Soto Fco. Javier
Published: September 2021

More than 50% of the world’s population lives in cities. Its buildings consume more than a third of the energy and generate 40% of the emissions. This makes cities in general and their buildings in particular priority points of attention for policymakers and utilities. This paper uses population density as a variable to know its influence on energy consumption and emissions produced in buildings. Furthermore, to show its effect more clearly, the influence of the climate was eliminated. The usual energy consumption in buildings is thermal and electrical. The study was carried out at the city level, both per inhabitant and per household. The area actually occupied by the city was considered. The proposed method was applied to the case of Spanish cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants. The results show that the higher the population density, the higher the energy consumption per inhabitant and household in buildings. The consumption of thermal energy is elastic, while that of electrical energy is inelastic, varying more than 100% between extreme groups. Regarding CO2 emissions, the higher the population density, the higher the emissions. Emissions of electrical origin barely vary by 2% and are greater than those of thermal origin. In addition, the proportion of emissions of electrical origin, with respect to the total, decreases with increasing population density from 74% to 55%. This research aims to help policymakers and utilities to take the appropriate measures that favor the use of renewable energies and reduce CO2 emissions.
Suppressing Grid-Point Storms in a Numerical Forecasting Model
Authors: Park Seung-Bu , Han Ji-Young
Published: September 2021

The convective parameterization scheme of the Korean Integrated Model (KIM) is tentatively modified to suppress grid-point storms in the Western Pacific Ocean. The KIM v3.2.11 suffers from the numerical problem that grid-point storms degrade forecasts in the tropical oceans and around the Korean Peninsula. Another convective parameterization scheme, the new Tiedtke scheme, is implemented in the KIM. The artificial storms are suppressed in the test version because the heating and drying tendencies of the new Tiedtke scheme are stronger than those of the default KIM Simplified Arakawa-Schubert (KSAS) scheme. Based on this comparison, the KSAS scheme is modified to strengthen its heating and drying tendencies by reducing the entrainment and detrainment rates. The modified KSAS scheme suppresses grid-point storms and thus decreases grid-scale precipitation in a summertime case simulation. Twenty 10-day forecasts with the default convection scheme (KSAS) and twenty forecasts with the modified scheme are conducted and compared with each other, confirming that the modified KSAS scheme successfully suppresses grid-point storms.
Accurately Quantifying Clear-Sky Radiative Cooling Potentials: A Temperature Correction to the Transmittance-Based Approximation
Authors: Mandal Jyotirmoy , Huang Xin , Raman Aaswath P.
Published: September 2021

Theoretical calculations of the cooling potential of radiative cooling materials are crucial for determining their cooling capability under different meteorological conditions and evaluating their performance. To facilitate these calculations, accurate models of long-wave infrared downwelling atmospheric irradiance are needed. However, the transmittance-based cosine approximation, which is widely used to determine radiative cooling potentials under clear sky conditions, does not account for the cooling potential arising from heat loss to the colder reaches of the atmosphere itself. Here, we show that use of the approximation can lead to >10% underestimation of the cooling potential relative to MODTRAN 6 outputs. We propose a temperature correction to the transmittance-based approximation, which accounts for heat loss to the cold upper atmosphere, and significantly reduces this underestimation, while retaining the advantages of the original model. In light of the widespread and continued use of the transmittance-based model, our results highlight an important source of potential errors in the calculation of clear sky radiative cooling potentials and a means to correct for them.
Closed-Form Solutions of Linear Ordinary Differential Equations with General Boundary Conditions
Authors: Providas Efthimios , Zaoutsos Stefanos , Faraslis Ioannis
Published: September 2021

This paper deals with the solution of boundary value problems for ordinary differential equations with general boundary conditions. We obtain closed-form solutions in a symbolic form of problems with the general n-th order differential operator, as well as the composition of linear operators. The method is based on the theory of the extensions of linear operators in Banach spaces.