bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
E8002 Reduces Adhesion Formation and Improves Joint Mobility in a Rat Model of Knee Arthrofibrosis
Authors: Takada Seiya , Setoyama Kentaro , Norimatsu Kosuke , Otsuka Shotaro , Nakanishi Kazuki , Tani Akira , Nakakogawa Tomomi , Matsuzaki Ryoma , Matsuoka Teruki , Sakakima Harutoshi , Tancharoen Salunya , Maruyama Ikuro , Tanaka Eiichiro , Kikuchi Kiyoshi , Uchikado Hisaaki
Published: January 2022

Knee arthrofibrosis is a common complication of knee surgery, caused by excessive scar tissue, which results in functional disability. However, no curative treatment has been established. E8002 is an anti-adhesion material that contains L-ascorbic acid, an antioxidant. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of E8002 for the prevention of knee arthrofibrosis in a rat model, comprising injury to the surface of the femur and quadriceps muscle 1 cm proximal to the patella. Sixteen male, 8-week-old Sprague Dawley rats were studied: in the Adhesion group, haemorrhagic injury was induced to the quadriceps and bone, and in the E8002 group, an adhesion-preventing film was implanted between the quadriceps and femur after injury. Six weeks following injury, the restriction of knee flexion owing to fibrotic scarring had not worsened in the E8002 group but had worsened in the Adhesion group. The area of fibrotic scarring was smaller in the E8002 group than in the Adhesion group (p < 0.05). In addition, the numbers of fibroblasts (p < 0.05) and myofibroblasts (p < 0.01) in the fibrotic scar were lower in the E8002 group. Thus, E8002 reduces myofibroblast proliferation and fibrotic scar formation and improves the range of motion of the joint in a model of knee injury.
Salicylic Acid Enhances Adventitious Root and Aerenchyma Formation in Wheat under Waterlogged Conditions
Authors: Koramutla Murali Krishna , Tuan Pham Anh , Ayele Belay T.
Published: January 2022

The present study investigated the role of salicylic acid (SA) in regulating morpho-anatomical adaptive responses of a wheat plant to waterlogging. Our pharmacological study showed that treatment of waterlogged wheat plants with exogenous SA promotes the formation axile roots and surface adventitious roots that originate from basal stem nodes, but inhibits their elongation, leading to the formation of a shallow root system. The treatment also enhanced axile root formation in non-waterlogged plants but with only slight reductions in their length and branch root formation. Exogenous SA enhanced the formation of root aerenchyma, a key anatomical adaptive response of plants to waterlogging. Consistent with these results, waterlogging enhanced SA content in the root via expression of specific isochorismate synthase (ICS; ICS1 and ICS2) and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL; PAL4, PAL5 and PAL6) genes and in the stem nodes via expression of specific PAL (PAL5 and PAL6) genes. Although not to the same level observed in waterlogged plants, exogenous SA also induced aerenchyma formation in non-waterlogged plants. The findings of this study furthermore indicated that inhibition of ethylene synthesis in SA treated non-waterlogged and waterlogged plants does not have any effect on SA-induced emergence of axile and/or surface adventitious roots but represses SA-mediated induction of aerenchyma formation. These results highlight that the role of SA in promoting the development of axile and surface adventitious roots in waterlogged wheat plants is ethylene independent while the induction of aerenchyma formation by SA requires the presence of ethylene.
The Wnt Signaling Pathway Inhibitors Improve the Therapeutic Activity of Glycolysis Modulators against Tongue Cancer Cells
Authors: Kleszcz Robert , Paluszczak Jarosław
Published: January 2022

Excessive glucose metabolism and disruptions in Wnt signaling are important molecular changes present in oral cancer cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the combinatorial use of glycolysis and Wnt signaling inhibitors on viability, cytotoxicity, apoptosis induction, cell cycle distribution and the glycolytic activity of tongue carcinoma cells. CAL 27, SCC-25 and BICR 22 tongue cancer cell lines were used. Cells were treated with inhibitors of glycolysis (2-deoxyglucose and lonidamine) and of Wnt signaling (PRI-724 and IWP-O1). The effects of the compounds on cell viability and cytotoxicity were evaluated with MTS and CellTox Green tests, respectively. Apoptosis was evaluated by MitoPotential Dye staining and cell cycle distribution by staining with propidium iodide, followed by flow cytometric cell analysis. Glucose and lactate concentrations in a culture medium were evaluated luminometrically. Combinations of 2-deoxyglucose and lonidamine with Wnt pathway inhibitors were similarly effective in the impairment of oral cancer cells’ survival. However, the inhibition of the canonical Wnt pathway by PRI-724 was more beneficial, based on the glycolytic activity of the cells. The results point to the therapeutic potential of the combination of low concentrations of glycolytic modulators with Wnt pathway inhibitors in oral cancer cells.
Transcriptional Organization of the Salmonella Typhimurium Phage P22 pid ORFan Locus
Authors: Wolput Sanne , Makumi Angela , Wicke Laura , Bäcker Leonard E. , Cenens William , Briers Yves , Wenner Nicolas A. , Owen Siân V. , Hinton Jay C. D. , Lavigne Rob , Aertsen Abram
Published: January 2022

Many phage genes lack sequence similarity to any other open reading frame (ORF) in current databases. These enigmatic ORFan genes can have a tremendous impact on phage propagation and host interactions but often remain experimentally unexplored. We previously revealed a novel interaction between phage P22 and its Salmonella Typhimurium host, instigated by the ORFan gene pid (for phage P22 encoded instigator of dgo expression) and resulting in derepression of the host dgoRKAT operon. The pid gene is highly expressed in phage carrier cells that harbor a polarly located P22 episome that segregates asymmetrically among daughter cells. Here, we discovered that the pid locus is fitted with a weak promoter, has an exceptionally long 5′ untranslated region that is instructive for a secondary pid mRNA species, and has a 3′ Rho-independent termination loop that is responsible for stability of the pid transcript.
Foliate-Targeting Quantum Dots-β-Cyclodextrin Nanocarrier for Efficient Delivery of Unsymmetrical Bisacridines to Lung and Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Pilch Joanna , Kowalik Patrycja , Kowalczyk Agata , Bujak Piotr , Kasprzak Artur , Paluszkiewicz Ewa , Augustin Ewa , Nowicka Anna M.
Published: January 2022

Targeted drug delivery by nanocarriers molecules can increase the efficiency of cancer treatment. One of the targeting ligands is folic acid (FA), which has a high affinity for the folic acid receptors, which are overexpressed in many cancers. Herein, we describe the preparation of the nanoconjugates containing quantum dots (QDs) and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) with foliate-targeting properties for the delivery of anticancer compound C-2028. C-2028 was bound to the nanoconjugate via an inclusion complex with β-CD. The effect of using FA in QDs-β-CD(C-2028)-FA nanoconjugates on cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, and the mechanism of internalization in cancer (H460, Du-145, and LNCaP) and normal (MRC-5 and PNT1A) cells was investigated. The QDs-β-CD(C-2028)-FA were characterized using DLS (dynamic light scattering), ZP (zeta potential), quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D), and UV-vis spectroscopy. The conjugation of C-2028 with non-toxic QDs or QDs-β-CD-FA did not change the cytotoxicity of this compound. Confocal microscopy studies proved that the use of FA in nanoconjugates significantly increased the amount of delivered compound, especially to cancer cells. QDgreen-β-CD(C-2028)-FA enters the cells through multiple endocytosis pathways in different levels, depending on the cell line. To conclude, the use of FA is a good self-navigating molecule in the QDs platform for drug delivery to cancer cells.
Role of Dorsomedial Hypothalamus GABAergic Neurons in Sleep–Wake States in Response to Changes in Ambient Temperature in Mice
Authors: Li Lei , Zhang Meng-Qi , Sun Xiao , Liu Wen-Ying , Huang Zhi-Li , Wang Yi-Qun
Published: January 2022

Good sleep quality is essential for maintaining the body’s attention during wakefulness, which is easily affected by external factors such as an ambient temperature. However, the mechanism by which an ambient temperature influences sleep–wake behaviors remains unclear. The dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) has been reported to be involved in thermoregulation. It also receives projection from the preoptic area, which is an important region for sleep and energy homeostasis and the suprachiasmatic nucleus—a main control area of the clock rhythm. Therefore, we hypothesized that the DMH plays an important role in the regulation of sleep related to ambient temperatures. In this study, we found that cold exposure (24/20/16/12 °C) increased wakefulness and decreased non–rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, while warm exposure (32/36/40/44 °C) increased NREM sleep and decreased wakefulness compared to 28 °C conditions in wild-type mice. Then, using non-specific and specific apoptosis, we found that lesions of whole DMH neurons and DMH γ–aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic neurons induced by caspase-3 virus aggravated the fluctuation of core body temperature after warm exposure and attenuated the change in sleep–wake behaviors during cold and warm exposure. However, chemogenetic activation or inhibition of DMH GABAergic neurons did not affect the sleep–wake cycle. Collectively, our findings reveal an essential role of DMH GABAergic neurons in the regulation of sleep–wake behaviors elicited by a change in ambient temperature.
Population Parameters and Growth of Riptortus pedestris (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Alydidae) under Fluctuating Temperature
Authors: Ahn Jeong Joon , Choi Kyung San
Published: January 2022

In this study, we determined the influence of fluctuating temperatures on the development and fecundity of the bean bug Riptortus pedestris (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Alydidae) by collecting life table data for individuals exposed at a constant temperature (24 °C) and three fluctuating temperatures (24 ± 4 °C, 24 ± 6 °C, and 24 ± 8 °C). The raw life history data were analyzed using an age-stage, two-sex life table to take into account the viable development rate among individuals. Based on these analyses, the population projections enabled us to determine the stage structure and variability of population growth under different temperature treatments. Our results revealed shorter periods of immature development and a higher pre-adult survival rate at 24 ± 6 °C than under the other assessed temperature conditions. Furthermore, significant reductions in female longevity were recorded at 24 °C, whereas the fecundity, net reproductive rate, and intrinsic and finite rates of increase were highest at 24 ± 6 °C. These findings reveal that fluctuating temperatures have a positive influence on the life history traits of R. pedestris and indicate that observations made under constant temperatures may not explain sufficiently enough the temperature dependent biological performances of pests in the field.
A Computer Vision-Based Approach for Tick Identification Using Deep Learning Models
Authors: Luo Chu-Yuan , Pearson Patrick , Xu Guang , Rich Stephen M.
Published: January 2022

A wide range of pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites can be transmitted by ticks and can cause diseases, such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Landscape and climate changes are driving the geographic range expansion of important tick species. The morphological identification of ticks is critical for the assessment of disease risk; however, this process is time-consuming, costly, and requires qualified taxonomic specialists. To address this issue, we constructed a tick identification tool that can differentiate the most encountered human-biting ticks, Amblyomma americanum, Dermacentor variabilis, and Ixodes scapularis, by implementing artificial intelligence methods with deep learning algorithms. Many convolutional neural network (CNN) models (such as VGG, ResNet, or Inception) have been used for image recognition purposes but it is still a very limited application in the use of tick identification. Here, we describe the modified CNN-based models which were trained using a large-scale molecularly verified dataset to identify tick species. The best CNN model achieved a 99.5% accuracy on the test set. These results demonstrate that a computer vision system is a potential alternative tool to help in prescreening ticks for identification, an earlier diagnosis of disease risk, and, as such, could be a valuable resource for health professionals.
Increased Circulating Levels of Growth Differentiation Factor 15 in Association with Metabolic Disorders in People Living with HIV Receiving Combined Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Domingo Pere , Mateo María Gracia , Villarroya Joan , Cereijo Rubén , Torres Ferran , Domingo Joan C. , Campderrós Laura , Gallego-Escuredo José M. , Gutierrez María del Mar , Mur Isabel , Corbacho Noemí , Vidal Francesc , Villarroya Francesc , Giralt Marta
Published: January 2022

Objective: People living with HIV (PLWH) have an increased cardiovascular risk (CVR) owing to dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and HIV/combination antiretroviral therapy (cART)-associated lipodystrophy (HALS). Atherosclerosis and inflammation are related to growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF15). The relationship between metabolic disturbances, HALS, and CVR with GDF15 in PLWH is not known. Research design and methods: Circulating GDF15 levels in 152 PLWH (with HALS = 60, without HALS = 43, cART-naïve = 49) and 34 healthy controls were assessed in a cross-sectional study. Correlations with lipids, glucose homeostasis, fat distribution, and CVR were explored. Results: PLWH had increased circulating GDF15 levels relative to controls. The increase was the largest in cART-treated PLWH. Age, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance 1 (HOMA1-IR), HALS, dyslipidemia, C-reactive protein, and CVR estimated with the Framingham score correlated with GDF15 levels. The GDF15-Framingham correlation was lost after age adjustment. No correlation was found between GDF15 and the D:A:D Data Collection on Adverse Effects of Anti-HIV Drugs (D:A:D) score estimated CVR. CVR independent predictors were patient group (naïve, HALS−, and HALS+) and cumulated protease inhibitor or nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor exposure. Conclusions: PLWH, especially when cART-treated, has increased GDF15 levels—this increase is associated with dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, HALS, and inflammation-related parameters. GDF15 is unassociated with CVR when age-adjusted.
Effect of Preoperative Anxiety on Postoperative Pain after Craniotomy
Authors: Valencia Lucía , Becerra Ángel , Ojeda Nazario , Domínguez Ancor , Prados Marcos , González-Martín Jesús María , Rodríguez-Pérez Aurelio
Published: January 2022

Pain following craniotomy is challenging. Preoperative anxiety can be one of the controllable factors for prevention of post-craniotomy pain. The main objective of this prospective observational study is to determine this relationship in patients undergoing scheduled craniotomy from February to June 2021. After excluding patients with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) ≤ 24 points, we administered a preoperative State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire. We recorded the patient’s analgesic assessment using the Numerical Rating Score (NRS) at 1, 8, 24, and 48 h after surgery. A total of 73 patients were included in the study. Twelve others were excluded due to a MMSE ≤ 24 points. The main predictors for NRS postoperatively at 1, 8, 24, and 48 h were STAI A/E score, male gender, youth, and depression. We identified a cut-off point of 24.5 in STAI A/E for predicting a NRS > 3 (sensitivity 82% and specificity 65%) at 24 h postoperative and a cut-off of 31.5 in STAI A/R (sensitivity 64% and specificity 77%). In conclusion, preoperative STAI scores could be a useful tool for predicting which patient will experience at least moderate pain after craniotomy. The identification of these patients may allow us to highlight psychological preparation and adjuvant analgesia.
Considerations for Cannabinoids in Perioperative Care by Anesthesiologists
Authors: Laudanski Krzysztof , Wain Justin
Published: January 2022

Increased usage of recreational and medically indicated cannabinoid compounds has been an undeniable reality for anesthesiologists in recent years. These compounds’ complicated pharmacology, composition, and biological effects result in challenging issues for anesthesiologists during different phases of perioperative care. Here, we review the existing formulation of cannabinoids and their biological activity to put them into the context of the anesthesia plan execution. Perioperative considerations should include a way to gauge the patient’s intake of cannabinoids, the ability to gain consent properly, and vigilance to the increased risk of pulmonary and airway problems. Intraoperative management in individuals with cannabinoid use is complicated by the effects cannabinoids have on general anesthetics and depth of anesthesia monitoring while simultaneously increasing the potential occurrence of intraoperative hemodynamic instability. Postoperative planning should involve higher vigilance to the risk of postoperative strokes and acute coronary syndromes. However, most of the data are not up to date, rending definite conclusions on the importance of perioperative cannabinoid intake on anesthesia management difficult.
Study of Graphene Epoxy/Nanoplatelets Thin Films Subjected to Aging in Corrosive Environments
Authors: Bellucci Stefano
Published: January 2022

The corrosion of metallic devices and degradation of plastic materials are a cause of great concern for companies and countries’ economies; it is necessary to contrast these phenomena by studying innovative methodologies and techniques. A simple solution lies in the realization of materials that can resist corrosive environments and be used as coatings to prevent, or at least delay, deterioration. The purpose of this work was to study the behavior of an epoxy resin, in thin film form, exposed to corrosive chemicals. In particular, the samples were subjected to aging of 31 days in dilute sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and in an aqueous solution of potassium chloride (KCl). Subsequently, thin films of Epoxy/graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) composite material have been subjected to the same conditions: it was investigated how these samples respond to the corrosive environment. We found that the addition of carbonaceous nanofillers prolongs in time the ability of the material to resist the attack of chemical agents.
Beach Drainage System: A Comprehensive Review of a Controversial Soft-Engineering Method
Authors: Fischione Piera , Pasquali Davide , Celli Daniele , Di Nucci Carmine , Di Risio Marcello
Published: January 2022

The beach drainage can be included among the soft engineering methods aimed to counteract the shoreline retreat related to the sediment redistribution along the beach profile. The idea that the groundwater table plays a role in the mobilization of the sediment grains underlies the application of the beach drainage system (BDS) as a tool able to modify the natural dynamics of groundwater table at sandy beaches. Indeed, BDS consists of a series of alongshore buried drains aimed to lower the groundwater table. Due to the drainage, the thickening of the layer of dry sand makes the solid grains less prone to be mobilized by the action of the waves at the swash zone, where interaction phenomena between the percolating and the incoming water lens take place. This tool had a troubled history. Its first applications were encouraging. Since then, controversial performances of both experimental and prototype scale experiences have been observed around the world. This paper aims to present an up-to-date full review of the studies and experiments carried out so far, in order to provide the reader with a complete perspective on its strength and weakness as well as open challenges to be faced in the near future.
Crosstalk between Yeast Cell Plasma Membrane Ergosterol Content and Cell Wall Stiffness under Acetic Acid Stress Involving Pdr18
Authors: Ribeiro Ricardo A. , Godinho Cláudia P. , Vitorino Miguel V. , Robalo Tiago T. , Fernandes Fábio , Rodrigues Mário S. , Sá-Correia Isabel
Published: January 2022

Acetic acid is a major inhibitory compound in several industrial bioprocesses, in particular in lignocellulosic yeast biorefineries. Cell envelope remodeling, involving cell wall and plasma membrane composition, structure and function, is among the mechanisms behind yeast adaptation and tolerance to stress. Pdr18 is a plasma membrane ABC transporter of the pleiotropic drug resistance family and a reported determinant of acetic acid tolerance mediating ergosterol transport. This study provides evidence for the impact of Pdr18 expression in yeast cell wall during adaptation to acetic acid stress. The time-course of acetic-acid-induced transcriptional activation of cell wall biosynthetic genes (FKS1, BGL2, CHS3, GAS1) and of increased cell wall stiffness and cell wall polysaccharide content in cells with the PDR18 deleted, compared to parental cells, is reported. Despite the robust and more intense adaptive response of the pdr18Δ population, the stress-induced increase of cell wall resistance to lyticase activity was below parental strain levels, and the duration of the period required for intracellular pH recovery from acidification and growth resumption was higher in the less tolerant pdr18Δ population. The ergosterol content, critical for plasma membrane stabilization, suffered a drastic reduction in the first hour of cultivation under acetic acid stress, especially in pdr18Δ cells. Results revealed a crosstalk between plasma membrane ergosterol content and cell wall biophysical properties, suggesting a coordinated response to counteract the deleterious effects of acetic acid.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Journal of Fungi in 2021
Authors:   Journal of Fungi Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Understanding Species–Habitat Associations: A Case Study with the World’s Bears
Authors: Garshelis David Lance
Published: January 2022

Habitat modeling is one of the most common practices in ecology today, aimed at understanding complex associations between species and an array of environmental, bioclimatic, and anthropogenic factors. This review of studies of seven species of terrestrial bears (Ursidae) occupying four continents examines how habitat models have been employed, and the functionality of their predictions for management and conservation. Bear occurrence data have been obtained at the population level, as presence points (e.g., sign surveys or camera trapping), or as locations of individual radio-collared animals. Radio-collars provide greater insights into how bears interact with their environment and variability within populations; they are more commonly used in North America and Europe than in South America and Asia. Salient problematic issues apparent from this review included: biases in presence data; predictor variables being poor surrogates of actual behavioral drivers; predictor variables applied at a biologically inappropriate scale; and over-use of data repositories that tend to detach investigators from the species. In several cases, multiple models in the same area yielded different predictions; new presence data occurred outside the range of predicted suitable habitat; and future range projections, based on where bears presently exist, underestimated their adaptability. Findings here are likely relevant to other taxa.
Method of Using the Correlation between the Surface Roughness of Metallic Materials and the Sound Generated during the Controlled Machining Process
Authors: Nahornyi Volodymyr , Panda Anton , Valíček Jan , Harničárová Marta , Kušnerová Milena , Pandová Iveta , Legutko Stanislaw , Palková Zuzana , Lukáč Ondrej
Published: January 2022

The article aims to use the generated sound as operational information needed for adaptive control of the metalworking process and early monitoring and diagnosis of the condition of the machined materials using a newly introduced surface roughness quality index due to the sound-controlled machining process. The object of the measurement was correlation between the sound intensity generated during cutting and the material parameters of the machined surface, i.e., the roughness of the machined surface and the degree of wear of the cutting tool. The roughness was measured during longitudinal turning of a steel billet with a P25 insert made of 12X18H10T steel and a T15K6 cutting insert made of a titanium, cobalt, and tungsten group alloy. The correlation between the sound and roughness of the machined surface was 0.93, whereas between the sound and wear of the cutting tool was 0.93. The correlation between sound and tool wear in the experiment with P25 and T15K6 cutting inserts and the correlation between sound and roughness is positive.
Thermodynamic Conditions for Consolidation of Dissimilar Materials in Bimetal and Functional Graded Structures
Authors: Khaimovich Alexander , Erisov Yaroslav , Shishkovsky Igor
Published: January 2022

Functional Graded Structures and Functional Graded parts, made using dissimilar materials, are designed to provide specific properties to the final product. One of the most promising methods for manufacturing 3D Functional Graded objects is 3D laser cladding and/or direct energy deposition. However, the construction of graded and especially layered graded structures in the process of joining materials with different thermophysical properties under certain conditions is accompanied by the formation of cracks along the phase boundaries, which are a consequence of residual stresses and/or chemical segregations. The conditions for phase consolidation are macroscopic balancing of residual stresses in the region of the interface. In a broader sense, in the field of the interface, it is necessary to consider the thermodynamic equilibrium of the phases in connection with mechanical equilibrium. In this regard, the article proposed criteria for the thermodynamic affinity of phases in the area of the Functional Graded Structures interface, including the coefficients of thermal expansion and isobaric and isochoric heat capacities of the phases. Examples of cracking and the use of the obtained criteria are provided.
Effects of the PbBr2:PbI2 Molar Ratio on the Formation of Lead Halide Thin Films, and the Ratio’s Application for High Performance and Wide Bandgap Solar Cells
Authors: Sheikh Md. Abdul Kuddus , Singh Son , Abdur Rahim , Lee Sung-Min , Kim Jae-Hun , Nam Ho-Seok , Lee Hyunseung , Lee Jaegab
Published: January 2022

We investigate the effects of the molar ratio (x) of PbBr2 on the phases, microstructure, surface morphology, optical properties, and structural defects of mixed lead halides PbI2(1−x)Br2x for use in solar cell devices. Results indicate that as x increased to 0.3, the surface morphology continued to improve, accompanied by the growth of PbI2 grains. This resulted in lead halide films with a very smooth and continuous morphology, including large grains when the film was formed at x = 0.3. In addition, the microstructure changed from (001)-oriented pure PbI2 to a highly (001)-oriented β (PbI2-rich) phase. The plausible mechanism for the enhanced morphology of the lead halide films by the addition of PbBr2 is proposed based on the growth of a Br-saturated lead iodide solid solution. Furthermore, iodine vacancies, identified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, decreased as the ratio of PbBr2 increased. Finally, an electrical analysis of the solar cells was performed by using a PN heterojunction model, revealing that structural defects, such as iodine vacancies and grain boundaries, are the main contributors to the degradation of the performance of pure PbI2-based solar cells (including high leakage, low stability, and high hysteresis), which was significantly improved by the addition of PbBr2. The solar cell fabricated at x = 0.3 in air showed excellent stability and performance. The device lost merely 20% of the initial efficiency of 4.11% after 1500 h without encapsulation. This may be due to the dense microstructure and the reduced structural defects of lead halides formed at x = 0.3.
KrF Laser and Plasma Exposure of PDMS–Carbon Composite and Its Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Fajstavr Dominik , Frýdlová Bára , Rimpelová Silvie , Kasálková Nikola Slepičková , Sajdl Petr , Švorčík Václav , Slepička Petr
Published: January 2022

A polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite with multi-walled carbon nanotubes was successfully prepared. Composite foils were treated with both plasma and excimer laser, and changes in their physicochemical properties were determined in detail. Mainly changes in surface chemistry, wettability, and morphology were determined. The plasma treatment of PDMS complemented with subsequent heating led to the formation of a unique wrinkle-like pattern. The impact of different laser treatment conditions on the composite surface was determined. The morphology was determined by AFM and LCM techniques, while chemical changes and chemical surface mapping were studied with the EDS/EDX method. Selected activated polymer composites were used for the evaluation of antibacterial activity using Gram-positive (Staphylococcus epidermidis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. The antibacterial effect was achieved against S. epidermidis on pristine PDMS treated with 500 mJ of laser energy and PDMS-C nanocomposite treated with a lower laser fluence of 250 mJ. Silver deposition of PDMS foil increases significantly its antibacterial properties against E. coli, which is further enhanced by the carbon predeposition or high-energy laser treatment.
GTR/Thermoplastics Blends: How Do Interfacial Interactions Govern Processing and Physico-Mechanical Properties?
Authors: Saeb Mohammad Reza , Wiśniewska Paulina , Susik Agnieszka , Zedler Łukasz , Vahabi Henri , Colom Xavier , Cañavate Javier , Tercjak Agnieszka , Formela Krzysztof
Published: January 2022

In this work, GTR/thermoplastics blends (in ratio 50/50 and 75/25 wt.%) were prepared by melt-compounding in an internal mixer. During research, trans-polyoctenamer rubber (TOR), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), ethylene-octene copolymer (EOC), and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), were used in their thermoplastic phase. Microstructure and processing-performance property interrelationships of the studied materials were investigated by: atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), rubber process analyzer (RPA), Mooney viscometer, plastometer, gas chromatography with mass spectrometry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), tensile tests and swelling behavior. In blends of thermoplastics with a high content of GTR (50 and 75 wt.%), the thermoplastic modifier type had a significant impact on the processing behavior and microstructure of blends. In terms of the physico-mechanical properties, the GTR/thermoplastics ratio affected elongation at break, hardness, and density, while its effect on tensile strength was negligible. DSC analysis showed that thermoplastics, as modifiers of GTR, should be considered as binders and not plasticizers, as reflected in the almost constant glass-transition temperature of the blends. RPA measurements indicated higher values of G* and η* for GTR-rich blends. SEM showed a rubber-like interfacial break, while AFM confirmed interfacial contact between GTR and thermoplastics.
The Coupling Effect of Organosilicon Hydrophobic Agent and Cement on the Water Resistance of Phosphogypsum
Authors: Ma Pengfei , Wang Chong , Gao Yuxin , Gu Xiaowei , Cheng Baojun , Fang Zheng , Xiong Guangqi , Wu Jing
Published: January 2022

The objective of this paper is to investigate the coupling effect of cement and organosilicon hydrophobic agents on the water resistance of phosphogypsum. Different weight ratios of Portland cement were added to adjust the alkalinity of this system and further improve the work efficiency of the organosilicon hydrophobic agents. Some macroscopic performances, such as the water absorption, the compressive strength, the flexural strength, and the softening coefficient, were measured to characterize the water-resistance of phosphogypsum. The microscopic characteristics were analyzed via contact angle tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to understand the mechanism of organosilicon hydrophobicity. The results indicated that both the compressive and flexural strengths of phosphogypsum first increased and then decreased with the increase of organosilicon hydrophobic agents. Meanwhile, the surface contact angle continued to increase and the softening coefficient exhibited an obvious increase. When the hydrophobic agent was combined with Portland cement, the softening coefficient of phosphogypsum further increased from 0.80 to 0.99, while the water absorption rate was significantly reduced from 16.0% to 0.8%. Microscopic tests proved that the hydrophobic organic molecules can be polymerized under the high alkalinity, and promote the formation of a hydrophobic film, thus significantly improving the water-resistance of phosphogypsum.
Improving Self-Healing and Shrinkage Reduction of Cementitious Materials Using Water-Absorbing Polymer Microcapsules
Authors: Mao Qianjin , Chen Jiayi , Qi Wenjing , Liu Hui , Wang Ziming , Cui Suping
Published: January 2022

Self-healing cementitious materials are a promising means for ensuring sustainable concrete infrastructure and promoting long-term service lives. To obtain microcapsules that are versatile in varying environments, in this study, absorbing microcapsules with calcium alginate as the shell and epoxy resin as the core were prepared. The absorbing microcapsules exhibit self-healing and can reduce the shrinkage of cementitious materials. Volume changes of the microcapsules in the hardened paste with increasing hydration age were observed using three-dimensional X-ray computed tomography. In the hardened cement paste with a water-cement ratio of 0.29, the absorption of the microcapsules lasted for several days, and the release of water lasted for 28 days. The absorption of microcapsules affected the fluidity of cement paste, and it was significantly weakened and delayed due to the lower absorption rate. The addition of absorbing microcapsules significantly reduced the autogenous and drying shrinkage of mortars. For microcapsules with a core content of 55% added at 3.5% of cement weight, autogenous shrinkage was almost eliminated. Most importantly, the addition of absorbing microcapsules could achieve a certain degree of recovery of compressive strength as well as satisfactory recovery of impermeability in dry and wet environments.
Determining the Effect of Rock Strength Parameters on the Breakout Area Utilizing the New Design of the Undercut/Breakout Anchor
Authors: Jonak Józef , Karpiński Robert , Wójcik Andrzej , Siegmund Michał , Kalita Marek
Published: January 2022

This paper presents the idea and provides an analysis of the rock breakout mechanism utilizing an undercut/breakout anchor. The new design is a modification of a standard undercut anchor, which is commonly found in applications involving steel-to-concrete anchorage. Of particular concern was the effect of the rock breakout strength on the anchor-pullout-induced failure of the rock mass. A numerical analysis was employed to model the effect of the changes to the shape and size of the breakout cones under varying rock strength conditions as a result of modifying the anchor design and loading pattern. The problem in question is pivotal for the potential evaluation of the effectiveness of the said anchor design under the non-standard conditions of its utilization.
The Migration and Deposition Behaviors of Montmorillonite and Kaolinite Particles in a Two-Dimensional Micromodel
Authors: Bate Bate , Chen Chao , Liu Pengfei , Zhou Chen , Chen Xiao , Nie Shaokai , Chen Kexin , Chen Yunmin , Zhang Shuai
Published: January 2022

The pick-up, migration, deposition, and clogging behaviors of fine particles are ubiquitous in many engineering applications, including contaminant remediation. Deposition and clogging are detrimental to the efficiency of environmental remediation, and their mechanisms are yet to be elucidated. Two-dimensional microfluidic models were developed to simulate the pore structure of porous media with unified particle sizes in this study. Kaolin and bentonite suspensions were introduced to microfluidic chips to observe their particle deposition and clogging behaviors. Interactions between interparticle forces and particle velocity profiles were investigated via computational fluid dynamics and discrete element method simulations. The results showed that (1) only the velocity vector toward the micropillars and drag forces in the reverse direction were prone to deposition; (2) due to the negligible weight of particles, the Stokes number implied that inertia was not the controlling factor causing deposition; and (3) the salinity of the carrying fluid increased the bentonite deposition because of the shrinkage of the diffused electrical double layer and an increase in aggregation force, whereas it had little effect on kaolin deposition.
Problems with Evaluation of Micro-Pore Size in Silicon Carbide Using Synchrotron X-ray Phase Contrast Imaging
Authors: Argunova Tatiana S. , Kohn Victor G.
Published: January 2022

We report near- and far-field computer simulations of synchrotron X-ray phase-contrast images using a micropipe in a SiC crystal as a model system. Experimental images illustrate the theoretical results. The properties of nearly perfect single crystals of silicon carbide are strongly affected by μm-sized pores even if their distribution in a crystal bulk is sparse. A non-destructive technique to reveal the pores is in-line phase-contrast imaging with synchrotron radiation. A quantitative approach to evaluating pore sizes is the use of computer simulations of phase-contrast images. It was found that near-field phase-contrast images are formed at very short distances behind a sample. We estimated these distances for tiny pores. The Fresnel zones did not provide any information on the pore size in the far-field, but a contrast value within the first Fresnel zone could be used for simulations. Finally, general problems in evaluating a micro-pore size via image analysis are discussed.
Impact of Magnetization on the Evaluation of Reinforced Concrete Structures Using DC Magnetic Methods
Authors: Frankowski Paweł Karol , Chady Tomasz
Published: January 2022

The magnetic method is the most promising method that can be used to inspect large areas of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. Magnetization is a crucial process in this method. The paper aims to present the impact of the magnetization method on the results in the detection of reinforced bars (rebars) and the evaluation of concrete cover thickness in reinforced concrete (RC) structures. Three cases (without magnetization, same pole magnetization, and opposite pole magnetization) were considered in the experiments. Results achieved in all the methods are presented and evaluated. Two different sensing elements were used in the measurements: a magneto-optical (MO) sensor and an AMR sensor. The advantages and disadvantages of both mentioned transducers are presented and discussed in the context of a large areas inspection. The new approach involves using various magnetization methods to improve measurement results for complex structures.
Achievement of Room Temperature Superelasticity in Ti-Mo-Al Alloy System via Manipulation of ω Phase Stability
Authors: Nohira Naoki , Chiu Wan-Ting , Umise Akira , Tahara Masaki , Hosoda Hideki
Published: January 2022

The achievement of room-temperature (RT) superelasticity in a Ti-Mo-Al ternary alloy system through the addition of a relatively high concentration of Al to manipulate the phase stability of the ω phase is realized in this study. The composition of the Ti-6 mol% Mo (Ti-11.34 mass% Mo) alloy was designated as the starting alloy, while 5 mol% Al (=2.71 mass% Al) and 10 mol% Al (=5.54 mass% Al) were introduced to promote their superelastic behavior. Among the alloys, Ti-6 mol% Mo-10 mol% Al alloy, which was investigated for the very first time in this work, performed the best in terms of superelasticity. On the other hand, Ti-6 mol% Mo and Ti-6 mol% Mo-5 mol% Al alloys exhibited a shape memory effect upon heating. It is worth mentioning that in the transmission electron microscopy observation, ω phase, which appeared along with β-parent phase, was significantly suppressed as Al concentration was elevated up to 10 mol%. Therefore, the conventional difficulties of the inhibited RT superelasticity were successfully revealed by regulating the number density of the ω phase below a threshold.
Modeling, Kinematic Characteristics Analysis and Experimental Testing of an Elliptical Rotor Scraper Pump
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Zhang Tiezhu , Zhang Hongxin , Yang Jian , Cao Yang , Jiang Yong , Tian Dong
Published: January 2022

Against the backdrop of the rapid burgeoning of international energy engineering, the efficient utilization of energy is a paramount factor. The key idea in this paper is to propose an elliptical rotor scraper pump (ERSP) in order to address the imperfections and defects of traditional volume pumps, such as their labyrinthine design, low volume utilization efficiency and undesirable sealing performance. The ERSP can dramatically achieve the aims of ameliorating pump structure and improving energy efficiency. One of the Roots pump's rotors or the vane pump's shifting blade is replaced by a swing scraper in the ERSP. It is worth noting that a small swing range is a high-priority feature of the scraper; the scraper not only serves the purpose of dividing the pump cavity and self-sealing the unit but also reduces the noise level when working. A vital function of ERSP is the efficient conversion of mechanical energy into fluid pressure energy by changing the volume. Simultaneously, based on theoretical analysis, the mathematical model of the ERSP is established, and its kinematic characteristics are investigated, using ADAMS to verify the kinematic rationality of the ERSP. Ultimately, the research group manufactured a prototype of the pump, based on the previous simulation results and calculations, and experiments verified the feasibility of the pump. The design and research of the ERSP have essential reference significance for the development of fluid energy machinery technology.
S3D: Squeeze and Excitation 3D Convolutional Neural Networks for a Fall Detection System
Authors: Hong Seung Baek , Kim Yu Hwan , Nam Se Hyun , Park Kang Ryoung
Published: January 2022

Because of the limitations of previous studies on a fall detection system (FDS) based on wearable and ambient devices and visible light and depth cameras, the research using thermal cameras has recently been conducted. However, they also have the problem of deteriorating the accuracy of FDS depending on various environmental changes. Given these facts, in this study, we newly propose an FDS method based on the squeeze and excitation (SE) 3D convolutional neural networks (S3D). In our method, keyframes are extracted from input thermal videos using the optical flow vectors, and the fall detection is carried out based on the output of the proposed S3D, using the extracted keyframes as input. Comparative experiments were carried out on three open databases of thermal videos with different image resolutions, and our proposed method obtained F1 scores of 97.14%, 95.30%, and 98.89% in the Thermal Simulated Fall, Telerobotics and Control Lab fall detection, and eHomeSeniors datasets, respectively (the F1 score is a harmonic mean of recall and precision; it was confirmed that these are superior results to those obtained using the state-of-the-art methods of a thermal camera-based FDS.
Chen Inequalities for Spacelike Submanifolds in Statistical Manifolds of Type Para-Kähler Space Forms
Authors: Decu Simona , Haesen Stefan
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we prove some inequalities between intrinsic and extrinsic curvature invariants, namely involving the Chen first invariant and the mean curvature of totally real and holomorphic spacelike submanifolds in statistical manifolds of type para-Kähler space forms. Furthermore, we investigate the equality cases of these inequalities. As illustrations of the applications of the above inequalities, we consider a few examples.
The NFT Hype: What Draws Attention to Non-Fungible Tokens?
Authors: Pinto-Gutiérrez Christian , Gaitán Sandra , Jaramillo Diego , Velasquez Simón
Published: January 2022

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) can be used to represent ownership of digital art or any other unique digital item where ownership is recorded in smart contracts on a blockchain. NFTs have recently received enormous attention from both cryptocurrency investors and the media. We examine why NFTs have gotten so much attention. Using vector autoregressive models, we show that Bitcoin returns significantly predict next week’s NFT growth in popularity, measured by Google search queries. Moreover, wavelet coherence analysis suggests that Bitcoin and Ether returns are significant drivers of next week’s attention to NFTs. These results indicate that the remarkable increases in prices of major cryptocurrencies can explain the hype around NFTs.
Modeling and Numerical Simulation of the Thermal Interaction between Vegetation Cover and Soil
Authors: Hidalgo Arturo , Tello Lourdes
Published: January 2022

In this work, we propose a mathematical model representing the thermal interaction between vegetation cover and the soil underneath it. This model consists of a one-dimensional reaction–diffusion equation describing the evolution of the temperature in the vegetation cover coupled with a two-dimensional reaction–diffusion equation to represent the evolution of the temperature in the soil. The thermal interaction between the vegetation cover and the soil is studied and the distribution of temperatures in the soil with depth is also obtained. The vegetation cover acts in this model as a dynamic and diffusive boundary condition for the soil. The developed model takes into account the latent heat of fusion, which appears when the transformation of ice into liquid water or vice versa occurs inside the soil. The numerical approach for the solution of the mathematical model conducted in this work is based on the finite volume method with Weighted Essentially Non-Oscillatory technique for spatial reconstruction and the third-order Runge–Kutta Total Variation Diminishing numerical scheme is used for time integration, which is very efficient to obtain the numerical solution of this type of model. Some numerical examples are solved to obtain the distribution of temperature both in the vegetation cover and the soil.
Numerical Study on Mixed Convection Flow and Energy Transfer in an Inclined Channel Cavity: Effect of Baffle Size
Authors: Sivasankaran Sivanandam , Janagi Kandasamy
Published: January 2022

The objective of the current numerical study is to explore the combined natural and forced convection and energy transport in a channel with an open cavity. An adiabatic baffle of finite length is attached to the top wall. The sinusoidal heating is implemented on the lower horizontal wall of the open cavity. The other areas of the channel cavity are treated as adiabatic. The governing equations are solved by the control volume technique for various values of relevant factors. The drag force, bulk temperature and average Nusselt number are computed. It is recognised that recirculating eddies beside the baffle become weak or disappear upon increasing the inclination angle of the channel/cavity. The average thermal energy transportation reduces steadily until the Ri = 1 and then it rises for all inclination angles and lengths of the baffle.