bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sapropel as a Binding Material for Wood Processing Waste in the Development of Thermal Insulation Biocomposite
Authors: Vėjelis Sigitas , Karimova Meruert Bolatkyzy , Kuatbayeva Tokzhan Kuangalyevna , Kairytė Agnė , Šeputytė-Jucikė Jurga
Published: March 2023

When developing new innovative building materials, their performance characteristics as well as their environmental friendliness are important. It is difficult to produce a fully ecological material for building envelopes, because there is a lack of ecological binding materials on the market, good binding materials are very expensive, and cheaper ones have poorer adhesive properties and performance characteristics. In this work, natural organic sapropel was used as an ecological binder. Before use, an organic sapropel was additionally mechanically activated. Its activation efficiency was evaluated on the basis of consistency and tensile strength. Sapropel activation increased its consistency from 112 to 168 mm and its tensile strength from 466 to 958 kPa. Wood processing waste was used as a filler for the thermal insulation biocomposite. Additionally, the wood waste was chopped to regulate the density and main performance properties of the biocomposite. The density of the biocomposite was also regulated using different amounts of sapropel and the degree of compaction of the composite mixture. In this work, the influence of the amount of sapropel, the level of compression of the biocomposite mixture, and the size of the wood waste particles on the thermal conductivity and compressive stress of the biocomposite was analyzed. It was found that the compression level had the greatest influence on both the compressive stress and thermal conductivity, up to 12 times and 43.3%, respectively.
Polymeric and Composite Carriers of Protein and Non-Protein Biomolecules for Application in Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Słota Dagmara , Piętak Karina , Jampilek Josef , Sobczak-Kupiec Agnieszka
Published: March 2023

Conventional intake of drugs and active substances is most often based on oral intake of an appropriate dose to achieve the desired effect in the affected area or source of pain. In this case, controlling their distribution in the body is difficult, as the substance also reaches other tissues. This phenomenon results in the occurrence of side effects and the need to increase the concentration of the therapeutic substance to ensure it has the desired effect. The scientific field of tissue engineering proposes a solution to this problem, which creates the possibility of designing intelligent systems for delivering active substances precisely to the site of disease conversion. The following review discusses significant current research strategies as well as examples of polymeric and composite carriers for protein and non-protein biomolecules designed for bone tissue regeneration.
Development of a Rotary Damper Integrated with Magnetorheological Bearings toward Extremely High Torque–Volume Ratio
Authors: Zhu Shengfeng , Gong Ning , Yang Jian , Zhang Shiwu , Gong Xinglong , Li Weihua , Sun Shuaishuai
Published: March 2023

Magnetorheological (MR) technology has provided effective solutions to many engineering bottleneck problems due to its controllable nature. However, designing a rotary MR damper with a high torque–volume ratio is always challenging, especially for some specific application scenarios with constrained space, such as robot joints. To solve this problem, a rotary damper based on MR bearings was designed and evaluated in this study. In this rotary damper, two MR bearings are utilized to provide controllable damping torques and serve as rotors, which greatly saves space while providing high torque. This feature grants the characteristics of compact design and high torque–volume ratio. Quasistatic testing shows that the damping torque of this rotary damper can reach 2.92 Nm when the applied current is 1.2 A. It achieves a high torque–volume ratio of 190 kN/m2, which is nearly four times higher than that of existing rotary MR dampers. The experimental results show that the proposed MR damper is effective in satisfying the high torque requirement in a limited space.
Determination of Anthropometric Lengths of Body Segments Using Machine Vision Systems
Authors: Arellano-González Juan , Medellín-Castillo Hugo , Hernández-Molinar Raúl , Plascencia-Mora Héctor , González-de Alba Alejandro
Published: March 2023

Anthropometric measurements are essential in various fields, such as sports, the automotive industry, clothing, health care, biomechanics, ergonomics, and gait analysis. However, the data collection process for these measurements is costly and time-consuming, and the data collected are not always precise and accurate. In this paper, some of the most widely reported machine vision systems (MVSs) are evaluated to determine the anthropometric length of body segments (BSs) used in gait analysis. The aim is to evaluate the performance of the MVSs and identify the most appropriate vision approach, in terms of accuracy, cost, speed, and computing performance. For this purpose, five BSs of the lower limb were selected and measured using both the MVS and the conventional manual anthropometric measurement (MAM) techniques. The results show that the MVSs represent an excellent alternative to measure the anthropometric parameters corresponding to the BSs, with some advantages in terms of sampling process time, precision, and equipment requirements.
Frame Angular Velocity Control Design of SGCMG for Unmanned Two-Wheeled Motorcycle
Authors: Chen Bao , Fei Xiang , Fan Yiming , Dan Yuanhong , Huang Zehao
Published: March 2023

In contrast to driverless cars and other three-wheeled and four-wheeled motorcycle vehicles, driverless two-wheeled motorcycles have the problem of maintaining balance. In this paper, we propose the design of an SGCMG frame angular velocity controller to realize the balance control of the motorcycle under static and dynamic working conditions. Meanwhile, since the roll angular acceleration of the actual body movement of the cross roll cannot be obtained directly, this paper proposes a Kalman filtering method based on the nonlinear dynamics model of the motorcycle to obtain a reliable angular acceleration signal. First, we modeled the dynamics of the motorcycle by analyzing the various types of moments generated by the motorcycle equipped with the SGCMG under static and dynamic conditions; Then, the design of the angular velocity control of the SGCMG frame was carried out with the feedback and through MATLAB/Simulink simulation to restore various types of actual working conditions to verify the controller has good robustness; Finally, we have completed the test of the controller using the above filtering method on the real vehicle with an embedded system and compared the effect with other controllers, obtained the results that the body is stable and balanced under static conditions and the applied load can automatically find a new balance point, so as to prove the effectiveness of the designed control.
Modeling and Analysis of a Novel 3R Parallel Compliant Mechanism
Authors: Pan Lanqing , Zhang James W. , Zhang Dan , Tang Hongyan
Published: March 2023

This paper presents and investigates a new three-rotation (3R) parallel compliant mechanism that uses compliant rods to achieve three rotations. The mechanism is designed for use in pointing devices or as a spatial parallel manipulator. The mobility analysis is based on the Cosserat rod model and Lagrangian dynamics equations. The dynamics equations are then effectively solved using the back-propagation neural network and chaos-enhanced accelerated particle swarm optimization. After studying the mobility of the moving platform, a simplified model is proposed and used for kinematic analysis. The analysis of motion includes discussions on forward kinematics, inverse kinematics, singularities, and the workspace. Furthermore, experiments with a prototype are conducted to verify the accuracy and stability of the mobility analysis and the simplified model.
Fixing Numbers of Point-Block Incidence Graphs
Authors: Brooks Josephine , Carbonero Alvaro , Vargas Joseph , Flórez Rigoberto , Rooney Brendan , Narayan Darren A.
Published: March 2023

A vertex in a graph is referred to as fixed if it is mapped to itself under every automorphism of the vertices. The fixing number of a graph is the minimum number of vertices, when fixed, that fixes all of the vertices in the graph. Fixing numbers were first introduced by Laison and Gibbons, and independently by Erwin and Harary. Fixing numbers have also been referred to as determining numbers by Boutin. The main motivation is to remove all symmetries from a graph. A very simple application is in the creation of QR codes where the symbols must be fixed against any rotation. We determine the fixing number for several families of graphs, including those arising from combinatorial block designs. We also present several infinite families of graphs with an even stronger condition, where fixing any vertex in a graph fixes every vertex.
Applications of Special Functions to Approximate Stochastic Bi-Homomorphisms and Stochastic Bi-Derivations in FB-Algebras and FC-⋄-Algebras of the Matrix Type
Authors: Eidinejad Zahra , Saadati Reza , Mesiar Radko , Raja Pandora
Published: March 2023

We apply special functions and use the concept of the aggregation function to introduce a new class of fuzzy control functions, and based on this, we obtain the best approximation for the stochastic bi-homomorphisms and stochastic bi-derivations in FB-algebras and FC-⋄-algebras of matrix type associated with the bi-additive random operator inequality.
Optimal Strategy for Comfort-Based Home Energy Management System Considering Impact of Battery Degradation Cost Model
Authors: Han Binghui , Zahraoui Younes , Mubin Marizan , Mekhilef Saad , Seyedmahmoudian Mehdi , Stojcevski Alex
Published: March 2023

With the deployment of renewable energy generation, home energy storage systems (HESSs), and plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs), home energy management systems (HEMSs) are critical for end users to improve the increasingly complicated energy production and consumption in the home. However, few of the previous works study the impact of different models of battery degradation cost in the optimization strategy of a comfort-based HEMS framework. In this paper, a novel scheduling algorithm based on a mixed-integer programming (MIP) model is proposed for the HEMS. Total cost minimization, peak load shifting, and residents’ thermal comfort satisfaction are combined and considered in the optimal scheduling algorithm. The impact of battery degradation costs on the charging and discharging strategy of HESS and PEV is also compared and discussed in this case study. This case study shows that the proposed optimal algorithm of HEMS not only flattens the peak load and satisfies the thermal comfort of residents but also has better flexibility and economic advantages, reducing the electricity cost by 30.84% and total cost by 24.16%. The sensitivity analysis of the parameters for the charging and discharging strategy also guarantees the lowest cost and prolongs the service life of the battery.
A Novel Axial-Distance-Based Aggregated Measurement (ADAM) Method for the Evaluation of Agri-Food Circular-Economy-Based Business Models
Authors: Krstić Mladen , Agnusdei Giulio Paolo , Tadić Snežana , Kovač Milovan , Miglietta Pier Paolo
Published: March 2023

Multicriteria decision making (MCDM) is a field that helps decision makers evaluate alternatives based on multiple criteria and encompasses scoring, distance-based, pairwise comparison, and outranking methods. Recent developments have aimed to solve specific problems and overcoming the limitations of previous methods. This paper proposes a new axial-distance-based aggregated measurement (ADAM) method, which is used in combination with the best-worst method (BWM) to evaluate agri-food circular economy (CE)-based business models (BMs) to create a more sustainable and efficient system for producing and consuming food. This paper proposes nine BMs, which were evaluated against eight criteria. The BWM method was used to obtain the criteria weights, while the ADAM method was used to obtain a final ranking of the BMs. The results indicate that a sustainable circular agri-food supply chain is a BM that can bring companies the most significant progress in business and strengthen their position in the market. We concluded that the ADAM method is effective for solving MCDM problems and that, overall, the model is an effective tool for solving the problem defined in this study. The main contributions are the development of a new MCDM method and a hybrid model, the establishment of the framework for evaluation and selection of CE-based BMs, and the identification of the most important ones.
Advances in Artificial Intelligence and Statistical Techniques with Applications to Health and Education
Authors: Lacave Carmen , Molina Ana Isabel
Published: March 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of health and education and also revealed the need for innovative solutions relative to the challenges confronting these disciplines [...]
Predicting the Future Appearances of Lost Children for Information Forensics with Adaptive Discriminator-Based FLM GAN
Authors: Bhattacharjee Brijit , Debnath Bikash , Das Jadav Chandra , Kar Subhashis , Banerjee Nandan , Mallik Saurav , De Debashis
Published: March 2023

This article proposes an adaptive discriminator-based GAN (generative adversarial network) model architecture with different scaling and augmentation policies to investigate and identify the cases of lost children even after several years (as human facial morphology changes after specific years). Uniform probability distribution with combined random and auto augmentation techniques to generate the future appearance of lost children’s faces are analyzed. X-flip and rotation are applied periodically during the pixel blitting to improve pixel-level accuracy. With an anisotropic scaling, the images were generated by the generator. Bilinear interpolation was carried out during up-sampling by setting the padding reflection during geometric transformation. The four nearest data points used to estimate such interpolation at a new point during Bilinear interpolation. The color transformation applied with the Luma flip on the rotation matrices spread log-normally for saturation. The luma-flip components use brightness and color information of each pixel as chrominance. The various scaling and modifications, combined with the StyleGan ADA architecture, were implemented using NVIDIA V100 GPU. The FLM method yields a BRISQUE score of between 10 and 30. The article uses MSE, RMSE, PSNR, and SSMIM parameters to compare with the state-of-the-art models. Using the Universal Quality Index (UQI), FLM model-generated output maintains a high quality. The proposed model obtains ERGAS (12 k–23 k), SCC (0.001–0.005), RASE (1 k–4 k), SAM (0.2–0.5), and VIFP (0.02–0.09) overall scores.
Implementation of a Collaborative Recommendation System Based on Multi-Clustering
Authors: Wang Lili , Mistry Sunit , Hasan Abdulkadir Abdulahi , Hassan Abdiaziz Omar , Islam Yousuf , Junior Osei Frimpong Atta
Published: March 2023

The study aims to present an architecture for a recommendation system based on user items that are transformed into narrow categories. In particular, to identify the movies a user will likely watch based on their favorite items. The recommendation system focuses on the shortest connections between item correlations. The degree of attention paid to user-group relationships provides another valuable piece of information obtained by joining the sub-groups. Various relationships have been used to reduce the data sparsity problem. We reformulate the existing data into several groups of items and users. As part of the calculations and containment of activities, we consider Pearson similarity, cosine similarity, Euclidean distance, the Gaussian distribution rule, matrix factorization, EM algorithm, and k-nearest neighbors (KNN). It is also demonstrated that the proposed methods could moderate possible recommendations from diverse perspectives.
Post-Operative Complications and Risk Predictors Related to the Avulsion of Lower Impacted Third Molars
Authors: Blasi Andrea , Cuozzo Alessandro , Marcacci Renata , Isola Gaetano , Iorio-Siciliano Vincenzo , Ramaglia Luca
Published: March 2023

Background and Objectives: This prospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the onset and severity of pain and other complications following lower impacted third molar extraction and to identify potential risk predictors. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five patients were treated with at least one lower impacted third molar extraction. The primary outcome was the onset of post-operative pain, evaluated at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 7 days. The secondary outcomes (trismus, edema, alveolitis, dehiscence, neuralgic injury, and suppuration) were recorded at 3, 7 and 21 days after oral surgery. A correlation analysis was performed to identify potential associations between patient- and tooth-related factors and VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) scale. When a statistically significant correlation was identified, a regression analysis was performed. Results: Most of the patients were female (84%) with a mean age of 25 ± 3 years; the reason for oral surgery was dysodontiasis in 60% of cases, while the most frequent Pell and Gregory class was BII (36%). The VAS scale showed the onset of mild pain at 6 h (44%), 12 h (48%), 24 h (68%) and 48 (68%) after surgery. Trismus, edema, and alveolitis were observed at 3-day (20%, 64% and 12%, respectively) and at 7-day (16%, 12% and 4%, respectively) follow-up. Neuralgic injury was reported in one case (4%). The linear regression analysis showed a statistically significant association (p < 0.05) between the duration of oral surgery and VAS scores at 6 and 12 h. Finally, the binary logistic regression identified systemic disease, Pell and Gregory classification, duration of oral surgery, VAS at 6 and 12 h, trismus, and edema at 3 and 7 days as predictive factors of post-operative complications. Conclusions: Within their limits, the results of this study suggest that the onset of post-operative complications increases in proportion to the duration of the surgical procedure.
MRONJ of the Mandible—From Decortication to a Complex Jaw Reconstruction Using a CAD/CAM-Guided Bilateral Scapula Flap
Authors: Kasper Robin , Scheurer Mario , Pietzka Sebastian , Sakkas Andreas , Schramm Alexander , Wilde Frank , Ebeling Marcel
Published: March 2023

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) has been an integral part of the maxillofacial patient population for some time. The therapeutic concept ranges from conservative approaches over less extended decortications to major jaw resections, which can result in a considerable loss of quality of life. Based on three case reports, this paper presents the long-term history of patients with MRONJ of the mandible, whose disease ultimately resulted in partial or total mandibular resection and subsequent multisegmental reconstruction using a microvascular anastomosed bone flap. Furthermore, a suitable alternative for complex mandibular reconstruction is demonstrated when using a free fibula flap is not possible. The options are limited, particularly when multisegmental restoration of mandibular continuity is required. One case presents a mandible reconstruction using a CAD/CAM-guided bilateral scapular free flap (CAD/CAM = Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing), which has not been described for this purpose before. Due to the complexity, computer-assisted surgery and patient-specific implants seem reasonable, which is why a special focus was applied to this topic.
Vermiform Appendix within Post-Laparoscopic Incisional Hernia: A Unique Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Marcinkeviciute Kristina , Makunaite Gabija , Danys Donatas , Strupas Kestutis
Published: March 2023

Background: Appendicitis within incisional hernia is an extraordinarily rare postoperative complication with an incidence range from 0.08 to 1%. From the 14 cases that we found in the English literature, only three present appendixes vermiform in incisional hernia followed by laparoscopic surgery. Only two cases are treated minimally invasively by the laparoscopic approach. Case presentation: We introduce a 65-year-old man who had a laparoscopic sigmoid colon resection and had a lump found at the 12 mm trocar site in the right iliac area in the late postoperative phase. There were no complaints from the patient. A vermiform appendix was unexpectedly discovered in the sac of that incisional hernia during control CT scans performed by chemotherapists. Laparoscopic hernia repair without appendectomy was performed. Postoperative outcomes were excellent. Conclusions: Because of low incidence and a lack of distinctive clinical presentation of appendicitis within incisional hernia, there is a risk of delayed perioperative diagnosis and treatment. A CT scan might play an important role in verifying the diagnosis early. For better postoperative outcomes, if possible, laparoscopic surgery should be chosen.
Atopic Dermatitis and Ulcerative Colitis Successfully Treated with Upadacitinib
Authors: Grieco Teresa , Caviglia Martina , Cusano Giuseppina , Sernicola Alvise , Chello Camilla , Del Duca Ester , Cantisani Carmen , Taliano Alberto , Sini Nicolò , Ianiro Gianluca , Pellacani Giovanni
Published: March 2023

Background and Objectives: JAK inhibitors entered current clinical practice as treatment for several immune-related diseases and, recently, for atopic dermatitis. These drugs target the Janus Kinase intracellular cascade, rendering them suitable for treating both Th1 and Th2 immune-mediated responses. Materials and Methods: We report the case of a 36-year-old male patient presenting an overlap of ulcerative colitis, a Th1-related disease, and atopic dermatitis, a Th2-mediated condition. Treatment with upadacitinib was initiated, and laboratory and instrumental follow-ups were carried out for 8 months. Results: The complete and persistent clinical remission of both conditions was observed at a low dose of 15 mg of upadacitinib, even though ulcerative colitis guidelines usually recommend a dosage of 45 mg. No serious adverse responses to therapy were reported. Conclusions: Upadacitinib may be the most suitable management strategy in subjects with coexisting severe conditions mediated by Th1 inflammation, such as ulcerative colitis, and by Th2 cytokines, such as atopic dermatitis.
Nanoparticle-Enhanced PVDF Flat-Sheet Membranes for Seawater Desalination in Direct Contact Membrane Distillation
Authors: Chimanlal Indira , Nthunya Lebea N. , Mahlangu Oranso T. , Kirkebæk Bastian , Ali Aamer , Quist-Jensen Cejna A. , Richards Heidi
Published: March 2023

In this study, hydrophobic functionalized carbon nanotubes (fCNTs) and silica nanoparticles (fSiO2NPs) were incorporated into polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) flat-sheet membranes to improve their performance in membrane distillation (MD). The performance of the as-synthesized membranes was evaluated against commercial reference polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) flat-sheet membranes. The water contact angle (WCA) and liquid entry pressure (LEP) of the PVDF membrane were compromised after incorporation of hydrophilic pore forming polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). These parameters were key in ensuring high salt rejections in MD processes. Upon incorporation of fCNTS and fSiO2NPs, WCA and LEP improved to 103.61° and 590 kPa, respectively. Moreover, the NP additives enhanced membrane surface roughness. Thus, an increase in membrane roughness improved WCA and resistance to membrane wetting. High salt rejection (>99%) and stable fluxes (39.77 kg m−2 h−1) were recorded throughout a 3 h process evaluation where 3.5 wt% NaCl solution was used as feed. These findings were recorded at feed temperature of 60 ℃. Evidently, this study substantiated the necessity of high feed temperatures towards high rates of water recovery.
Investigations on the Reverse Flotation of Quartz/Hematite Using Pullulan as a Novel Depressant
Authors: Han Wenjie , Zhu Yimin , Shuai Zhichao , Liu Jie , Li Yanjun
Published: March 2023

The traditional hematite depressant starch has the disadvantages of poor solubility and high viscosity. In this study, a novel hematite depressant, pullulan, with better performance and flotation effect than starch was found. The structure, molecular weight and viscosity of pullulan were determined for its characterization. The results of flotation tests revealed that the flotation separation of hematite-quartz by pullulan was better than that of starch for hematite-quartz. The selective depression mechanism of pullulan on hematite was studied by contact angle measurement, zeta potential measurement, FT-IR analyses and XPS analyses. Overall, the weak adsorption of pullulan on quartz did not affect the adsorption of DOPA on the quartz surface. However, it was adsorbed strongly on hematite surface and hindered the adsorption of DOPA. This selective adsorption led to a much greater hydrophobicity of quartz than hematite in the reverse flotation, resulting in the separation of quartz and hematite. Pullulan was adsorbed by chemical bonding between its hydroxyl group and iron sites on the hematite surface. Thus, compared with starch, pullulan was easy to dissolve in water, had low viscosity and good flotation effect, so it was a better hematite depressant.
Dwell Fatigue Crack Growth Behavior of CP-Ti TA2 Welded Joint at 25 °C and 200 °C
Authors: Chang Le , Lu Lei , Zhou Binbin , Zhou Changyu
Published: March 2023

We report on studies of the dwell fatigue crack growth (FCG) behavior of commercial pure titanium (CP-Ti) TA2 weld joints at 25 °C and 200 °C. Taking into account the effects of load ratio and dwell temperature, the impact of dwell on FCG behavior and the associated fracture mechanism are clearly demonstrated. Meanwhile, in order to illustrate creep–fatigue interaction, finite element simulations are also performed to analyze the evolution of stress and strain field near the crack tip. The results show that with the increase in dwell temperature, the FCG rate is increased. Furthermore, the effect of dwell on FCG behavior is more pronounced at higher load ratios. Finite element simulation results indicate that dwell induces creep stress relaxation and leads to an increase in the equivalent plastic strain near the crack tip. With the increase of dwell temperature and load ratio, the more pronounced creep deformation may lead to a creep-dominated FCG behavior. As consistent with the above analysis, the examination of the fracture surface reveals that more cavities and secondary cracks may be observed because of the increased creep deformation at the higher dwell temperature and load ratio.
Spherical CdS Nanoparticles Precipitated from a Cadmium Thiosulfate Complex Using Ultraviolet Light for Photocatalytic Dye Degradation
Authors: Liu Fengling , Han Chao , Sun Panbo , Wang Guangxin , Li Jiwen , Chang Qinghua
Published: March 2023

Thiosulfate is an inorganic ligand that forms a soluble light-sensitive cadmium thiosulfate complex, and cadmium sulfide (CdS) with a “size effect” can be produced via ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. This study investigated the activity of CdS nanoparticles (NPs) precipitated from a cadmium thiosulfate complex via UV irradiation on photocatalytic dye degeneration. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated that the decomposition products were spherical CdS NPs. The photocatalytic activity of the CdS NPs was evaluated based on the degradation rates of methylene blue, rhodamine B, and methyl orange. With 25 mg of CdS NPs and a dye concentration of 10 mg L−1, the degradation rates of the three dyes under visible light were 36%, 90%, and 80%, respectively. A kinetic study revealed that the photocatalytic degradation rate of the CdS NPs followed first-order kinetics, and the rate constants for the three dyes were determined to be 0.0051, 0.0762, and 0.0144 min−1, respectively. The CdS NPs exhibited a stable photocatalytic performance after three cycles of methylene blue degradation. This indicates that CdS NPs formed from a cadmium thiosulfate complex after UV irradiation can be used for photocatalysis, which will save resources and help in environmental conservation.
Clustering and Precipitation during Early-Stage Artificial Aging of Al–Si–Mg(–Cu) Foundry Alloys
Authors: Wenner Sigurd , Hatzoglou Constantinos , Mørtsell Eva Anne , Åsholt Petter
Published: March 2023

High-Si aluminum foundry alloys are an important material class for products with complex 3D geometries where casting is the most suitable production method. With Mg and/or Cu additions, these alloys gain strength upon heat treatment due to the formation of nanoprecipitates. These precipitated phases are of the same kind as in the wrought Al–Mg–Si(–Cu) alloys having much lower Si contents, which have been the subject of a high number of studies. Some of these studies indicate that atomic clusters formed during storage at room temperature have a strong effect on the phases that evolve during artificial aging. In this work, foundry alloys containing Si, Mg, and Cu are investigated. Room-temperature storage is found to have a great influence on kinetics during early aging. Cu additions accelerate the formation of hardening precipitates during early aging, but 1 month of room-temperature storage negates the positive effect of Cu. The maximum achievable strength is found to be limited mainly by the solubility limits of Si and Mg at the solution heat treatment temperature. With insights derived from transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography results, this study contributes to the understanding of the solute balance and early aging kinetics and how wrought and foundry alloys differ in these respects.
Properties Optimization of Soft Magnetic Composites Based on the Amorphous Powders with Double Layer Inorganic Coating by Phosphating and Sodium Silicate Treatment
Authors: Luo Pan , Yu Hongya , Wang Ce , Yuan Han , Liu Zhongwu , Wang Yu , Yang Lu , Wu Wenjie
Published: March 2023

Core-shell structured amorphous FeSiBCr@phosphate/silica powders were prepared by phosphating and sodium silicate treatment. The soft magnetic composites (SMCs) were fabricated based on these powders. The effects of phosphoric acid (H3PO4) concentration and annealing temperature on their properties were investigated. During the phosphating process, the powder coated with a low concentration of H3PO4-ethanol solution leads to uneven phosphate coating, while the peeling of phosphate coating occurs for the high H3PO4 concentration. Using 0.5 wt.% phosphoric solution, a uniform and dense insulation layer can be formed on the surface of the powder, resulting in increased resistivity and the reduced eddy current loss of the amorphous soft magnetic composites (ASMCs). This insulation layer can increase the roughness of the powder surface, which is beneficial to the subsequent coating of sodium silicate. By optimizing sodium silicate treatment, a complete and uniform SiO2 layer can be formed on the phosphated powders well, leading to double layer core-shell structure and excellent soft magnetic properties. The magnetic properties of amorphous SMCs can be further improved by post annealing due to the effectively released residual stress. The enhanced permeability and greatly reduced core loss can be achieved by annealing at 773 K, but the deterioration of magnetic properties occurs as the annealing temperature over 798 K, mainly due to the increase of α-Fe(Si) and Fe3B phases, which hinder the domain wall displacement and magnetic moment rotation. The excellent soft magnetic properties with permeability μe = 35 and core loss Ps = 368 kW/m3 at 50 mT/200 kHz have been obtained when the SMCs prepared with the powders coated by 0.5 wt.% H3PO4 and 2 wt.% sodium silicate were annealed at 773 K.
Identification and Characterization of Metabolic Subtypes of Endometrial Cancer Using a Systems-Level Approach
Authors: Srivastava Akansha , Vinod Palakkad Krishnanunni
Published: March 2023

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecological cancer worldwide. Understanding metabolic adaptation and its heterogeneity in tumor tissues may provide new insights and help in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. In this study, we investigated metabolic alterations of EC to understand the variations in metabolism within tumor samples. Integration of transcriptomics data of EC (RNA-Seq) and the human genome-scale metabolic network was performed to identify the metabolic subtypes of EC and uncover the underlying dysregulated metabolic pathways and reporter metabolites in each subtype. The relationship between metabolic subtypes and clinical variables was explored. Further, we correlated the metabolic changes occurring at the transcriptome level with the genomic alterations. Based on metabolic profile, EC patients were stratified into two subtypes (metabolic subtype-1 and subtype-2) that significantly correlated to patient survival, tumor stages, mutation, and copy number variations. We observed the co-activation of the pentose phosphate pathway, one-carbon metabolism, and genes involved in controlling estrogen levels in metabolic subtype-2, which is linked to poor survival. PNMT and ERBB2 are also upregulated in metabolic subtype-2 samples and present on the same chromosome locus 17q12, which is amplified. PTEN and TP53 mutations show mutually exclusive behavior between subtypes and display a difference in survival. This work identifies metabolic subtypes with distinct characteristics at the transcriptome and genome levels, highlighting the metabolic heterogeneity within EC.
Dietary Supplement, Containing the Dry Extract of Curcumin, Emblica and Cassia, Counteracts Intestinal Inflammation and Enteric Dysmotility Associated with Obesity
Authors: D’Antongiovanni Vanessa , Fornai Matteo , Benvenuti Laura , Di Salvo Clelia , Pellegrini Carolina , Cappelli Federica , Masi Stefano , Antonioli Luca
Published: March 2023

Intestinal epithelial barrier (IEB) impairment and enteric inflammation are involved in the onset of obesity and gut-related dysmotility. Dietary supplementation with natural plant extracts represents a useful strategy for the management of body weight gain and systemic inflammation associated with obesity. Here, we evaluate the efficacy of a food supplement containing the dry extract of Curcumin, Emblica and Cassia in counteracting enteric inflammation and motor abnormalities in a mouse model of obesity, induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). Male C57BL/6 mice, fed with standard diet (SD) or HFD, were treated with a natural mixture (Curcumin, Emblica and Cassia). After 8 weeks, body weight, BMI, liver and spleen weight, along with metabolic parameters and colonic motor activity were evaluated. Additionally, plasma LBP, fecal calprotectin, colonic levels of MPO and IL-1β, as well as the expression of occludin, TLR-4, MYD88 and NF-κB were investigated. Plant-based food supplement administration (1) counteracted the increase in body weight, BMI and metabolic parameters, along with a reduction in spleen and liver weight; (2) showed strengthening effects on the IEB integrity; and (3) reduced enteric inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as ameliorated the colonic contractile dysfunctions. Natural mixture administration reduced intestinal inflammation and counteracted the intestinal motor dysfunction associated with obesity.
Medium Roasting and Brewing Methods Differentially Modulate Global Metabolites, Lipids, Biogenic Amines, Minerals, and Antioxidant Capacity of Hawai‘i-Grown Coffee (Coffea arabica)
Authors: Nerurkar Pratibha V. , Yokoyama Jennifer , Ichimura Kramer , Kutscher Shannon , Wong Jamie , Bittenbender Harry C. , Deng Youping
Published: March 2023

In the United States, besides the US territory Puerto Rico, Hawai‘i is the only state that grows commercial coffee. In Hawai’i, coffee is the second most valuable agricultural commodity. Health benefits associated with moderate coffee consumption, including its antioxidant capacity, have been correlated to its bioactive components. Post-harvest techniques, coffee variety, degree of roasting, and brewing methods significantly impact the metabolites, lipids, minerals, and/or antioxidant capacity of brewed coffees. The goal of our study was to understand the impact of roasting and brewing methods on metabolites, lipids, biogenic amines, minerals, and antioxidant capacity of two Hawai‘i-grown coffee (Coffea arabica) varieties, “Kona Typica” and “Yellow Catuai”. Our results indicated that both roasting and coffee variety significantly modulated several metabolites, lipids, and biogenic amines of the coffee brews. Furthermore, regardless of coffee variety, the antioxidant capacity of roasted coffee brews was higher in cold brews. Similarly, total minerals were higher in “Kona Typica” cold brews followed by “Yellow Catuai” cold brews. Hawai‘i-grown coffees are considered “specialty coffees” since they are grown in unique volcanic soils and tropical microclimates with unique flavors. Our studies indicate that both Hawai‘i-grown coffees contain several health-promoting components. However, future studies are warranted to compare Hawai‘i-grown coffees with other popular brand coffees and their health benefits in vivo.
Hybrid Optimization Algorithm Based on Double Particle Swarm in 3D NoC Mapping
Authors: Fang Juan , Cai Huayi , Lv Xin
Published: March 2023

Increasing the number of cores on a chip is one way to solve the bottleneck of exponential growth but an excessive number of cores can lead to problems such as communication blockage and overheating of the chip. Currently, networks-on-chip (NoC) can offer an effective solution to the problem of the communication bottleneck within the chip. With current advancements in IC manufacturing technology, chips can now be 3D-stacked in order to increase chip throughput as well as reduce power consumption while reducing the area of the chip. Automating the mapping of applications into 3D NoC topologies is an important new direction for research in the field of 3D NoC. In this paper, a 3D NoC partitioning algorithm is proposed, which can delineate the 3D NoC region to be mapped. Additionally, a double particle swarm optimization (DPSO) based heuristic algorithm is proposed, which can integrate the characteristics of neighborhood search and genetic algorithms, and thus solve the problem of a particle swarm algorithm falling into local optimal solutions. It is experimentally demonstrated that this DPSO-based hybrid optimization algorithm has a higher throughput rate and lower energy loss than the traditional heuristic algorithm.
Ultramicro Interdigitated Array Electrode Chip with Optimized Construction for Detection of Ammonia Nitrogen in Water
Authors: Zhao Haifei , Li Yang , Cong Aobo , Tong Jianhua , Bian Chao
Published: March 2023

Ammonia nitrogen is a common contaminant in water and its determination is important for environmental protection. In this paper, an electrochemical sensor based on an ultramicro interdigitated array electrode (UIAE) chip with optimized construction was fabricated with Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) technology and developed to realize the detection of ammonia nitrogen in water. The effects of spacing-to-width ratio and width of the working electrode on UIAE’s electrochemical characteristics and its ammonia nitrogen detection performance were studied by finite element simulation and experiment. The results demonstrated that the smaller the spacing-to-width ratio, the stronger generation–collection effect, and the smaller the electrode width, the stronger the edge effect, which led to an easier steady-state reach, a higher response current, and better ammonia nitrogen determination performance. The fabricated UIAE chip with optimized construction showed the linear detection range of 0.15 mg/L~2.0 mg/L (calculated as N), the sensitivity of 0.4181 μA·L·mg−1, and good anti-interference performance, as well as a long lifetime. UIAE based on bare Pt was successfully applied to ammonia nitrogen detection in water by optimizing structure, which might broaden the methods of ammonia nitrogen detection in water.
Recovery of Potential Starter Cultures and Probiotics from Fermented Sorghum (Ting) Slurries
Authors: Rapoo Seth Molamu , Budeli Phumudzo , Thaoge Mathoto Lydia
Published: March 2023

Fermented foods are thought to provide a source of probiotics that promote gut health. Consequently, isolation and characterization of fermented food strains and their applications in a controlled fermentation process or as probiotics present a new facet in this area of research. Therefore, the current study sought to identify dominant strains in sorghum-fermented foods (ting) and characterize their probiotic potential in vitro. Recovered isolates were identified as Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus amylolyticus, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei subsp paracasei, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Levilactobacillus brevis, Loigolactobacillus coryniformis and Loigolactobacillus coryniformis subsp torquens based on the their 16S rRNA sequences. Increased biomass was noted in seven out of nine under a low pH of 3 and a high bile concentration of 2% in vitro. Bactericidal activities of isolated LABs presented varying degrees of resistance against selected pathogenic bacteria ranging between (1.57 to 41 mm), (10 to 41 mm), and (11.26 to 42 mm) for Salmonella typhimurium ATTC 14028, Staphylococcus aureus ATTC 6538 and Escherichia coli ATTC8739, respectively. Ampicillin, erythromycin, mupirocin, tetracycline and chloramphenicol were able to inhibit growth of all selected LABs. Thus, isolates recovered from ting partially satisfy the potential candidacy for probiotics by virtue of being more tolerant to acid and bile, antibacterial activity and antibiotic resistance.
Identification of Z-Tyr-Ala-CHN2, a Cathepsin L Inhibitor with Broad-Spectrum Cell-Specific Activity against Coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Doijen Jordi , Temmerman Koen , Van den Eynde Christel , Diels Annick , Van den Broeck Nick , Van Gool Michiel , Heo Inha , Jaensch Steffen , Zwaagstra Marleen , Diosa Toro Mayra , Chiu Winston , De Jonghe Steven , Leyssen Pieter , Bojkova Denisa , Ciesek Sandra , Cinatl Jindrich , Verschueren Lore , Buyck Christophe , Van Kuppeveld Frank , Neyts Johan , Van Loock Marnix , Van Damme Ellen
Published: March 2023

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is partly under control by vaccination. However, highly potent and safe antiviral drugs for SARS-CoV-2 are still needed to avoid development of severe COVID-19. We report the discovery of a small molecule, Z-Tyr-Ala-CHN2, which was identified in a cell-based antiviral screen. The molecule exerts sub-micromolar antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1, and human coronavirus 229E. Time-of-addition studies reveal that Z-Tyr-Ala-CHN2 acts at the early phase of the infection cycle, which is in line with the observation that the molecule inhibits cathepsin L. This results in antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in VeroE6, A549-hACE2, and HeLa-hACE2 cells, but not in Caco-2 cells or primary human nasal epithelial cells since the latter two cell types also permit entry via transmembrane protease serine subtype 2 (TMPRSS2). Given their cell-specific activity, cathepsin L inhibitors still need to prove their value in the clinic; nevertheless, the activity profile of Z-Tyr-Ala-CHN2 makes it an interesting tool compound for studying the biology of coronavirus entry and replication.
Geochemistry and Geometrical Features of the Upper Cretaceous Vitulano Para-Autochthonous Karst Bauxites (Campania Region, Southern Italy): Constraints on Genesis and Deposition
Authors: Buccione Roberto , Vitale Stefano , Ciarcia Sabatino , Mongelli Giovanni
Published: March 2023

In the Vitulano area, Upper Cretaceous bauxite bodies fill small depressions and karst cavities within Cretaceous shallow-water limestones. These bauxites were studied to understand the processes that led to their formation. Geochemical, mineralogical, and petrographic analyses were carried out on the bauxite samples, together with image analysis providing geometric parameters. The texture of Vitulano bauxite consists of ooids and sub-circular aggregates dispersed in a predominantly Ca-rich matrix. Ooids are generally formed by a single large core, often surrounded by an alternation of different aggregates of boehmite and Al-hematite reflecting different climate periods. The composition is dominated by the major elements Al2O3 and CaO with lower concentrations of Fe2O3 and SiO2. Boehmite, calcite, hematite, and anatase are the main mineralogical phases identified. Image analysis provided values of fractal dimension D that gives information on carbonate platform exposure times since it is linked to long-lasting sub-aerial events and diffusion-limited cluster aggregation processes. The tectonic evolution of the area played an important role in the genesis of the Vitulano bauxites since it favored the erosion, transport, and re-deposition of pre-existing bauxite material from the surrounding Campania bauxites. Based on this hypothesis, Vitulano bauxites are defined and classified as para-autochthonous, and this was supported by Eu/Eu* vs. Sm/Nd and Eu/Eu* vs. TiO2 Al2O3 indices displaying a similarity between Vitulano and the other Campania bauxites.
Payload Release Profile and Anti-Cancer Stem Cell Properties of Compositionally Different Polymeric Nanoparticles Containing a Copper(II) Complex
Authors: Passeri Ginevra , Northcote-Smith Joshua , Suntharalingam Kogularamanan
Published: March 2023

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are linked to tumour relapse and metastasis, the main reason for cancer-related deaths. The application of polymeric nanoparticles as drug delivery systems to target CSCs is relatively unexplored. Here, we report the encapsulation of a CSC-potent copper(II) complex 1 by two compositionally different methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PEG–PLGA) copolymers. Specifically, we used PEG–PLGA (5000:10,000 Da, 1:1 LA:GA) and PEG–PLGA (5000:10,000 Da, 4:1 LA:GA) polymers to prepare spherical nanoparticle formulations 1:1 NP15 and 4:1 NP15, respectively, both with a 15% feed of 1. The two formulations show distinct biophysical and in vitro properties. For example, (i) 4:1 NP15 displays a slower payload release profile than 1:1 NP15 in physiologically relevant solutions, (ii) 4:1 NP15 exhibits statistically greater potency towards breast CSCs than bulk breast cancer cells grown in monolayers, whereas 1:1 NP15 is equally potent towards breast CSCs and bulk breast cancer cells, and (iii) 4:1 NP15 shows significantly greater potency towards three-dimensionally cultured mammospheres than 1:1 NP15. This study shows that the release profile and anti-breast CSC properties of PEG–PLGA nanoparticle formulations (containing 1) can be perturbed (and possibly controlled) by modifying the proportion of glycolic acid within the PLGA component.