bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Unit Compound Structure Design: Poisson’s Ratio Is Autonomously Adjustable from Negative to Positive
Authors: Zhao Guanxiao , Fu Tao
Published: February 2023

The shape memory polymer (SMP) is a new type of smart material that can produce a shape memory effect through the stimulation of the external environment. In this article, the viscoelastic constitutive theory of the shape memory polymer and the mechanism of the bidirectional memory effect of the shape memory polymer are described. A chiral poly cellular circular concave auxetic structure based on a shape memory polymer made of epoxy resin is designed. Two structural parameters, α and β, are defined, and the change rule of Poisson’s ratio under different structural parameters is verified by ABAQUS. Then, two elastic scaffolds are designed to assist a new type of cellular structure made of a shape memory polymer to autonomously adjust bidirectional memory under the stimulation of the external temperature, and two processes of bidirectional memory are simulated using ABAQUS. Finally, when a shape memory polymer structure implements the bidirectional deformation programming process, a conclusion is drawn that changing the ratio β of oblique ligament and ring radius has a better effect than changing the angle α of oblique ligament and horizontal in achieving the autonomously adjustable bidirectional memory effect of the composite structure. In summary, through the combination of the new cell and the bidirectional deformation principle, the autonomous bidirectional deformation of the new cell is achieved. The research can be used in reconfigurable structures, tuning symmetry, and chirality. The adjusted Poisson’s ratio achieved by the stimulation of the external environment can be used in active acoustic metamaterials, deployable devices, and biomedical devices. Meanwhile, this work provides a very meaningful reference for the potential application value of metamaterials.
Metaconcrete: An Experimental Study on the Impact of the Core-Coating Inclusions on Mechanical Vibration
Authors: Ansari Meisam , Zacharias Christin , Koenke Carsten
Published: February 2023

Resonance vibration of structures is an unpleasant incident that can be conventionally avoided by using a Tuned Mass Damper (TMD). The scope of this paper contains the utilization of engineered inclusions in concrete as damping aggregates to suppress resonance vibration similar to a TMD. The inclusions are composed of a stainless-steel core with a spherical shape coated with silicone. This configuration has been the subject of several studies and it is best known as Metaconcrete. This paper presents the procedure of a free vibration test conducted with two small-scaled concrete beams. The beams exhibited a higher damping ratio after the core-coating element was secured to them. Subsequently, two meso-models of small-scaled beams were created: one representing conventional concrete and the other representing concrete with the core-coating inclusions. The frequency response curves of the models were obtained. The change in the response peak verified the ability of the inclusions to suppress the resonance vibration. This study concludes that the core-coating inclusions can be utilized in concrete as damping aggregates.
Physical and Chemical Effects in Blended Cement Pastes Elaborated with Calcined Clay and Nanosilica
Authors: Pinheiro Divino Gabriel Lima , Sousa Matheus Ian Castro , Pelisser Fernando , da Silva Rêgo João Henrique , Moragues Terrades Amparo , Frías Rojas Moisés
Published: February 2023

Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) are commonly used in the manufacture of commercial cements with lower clinker content and carbon footprints, enabling environmental and performance improvements. The present article evaluated a ternary cement combining 23% calcined clay (CC) and 2% nanosilica (NS) to replace 25% of the Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) content. For this purpose, a series of tests were performed, such as compressive strength, isothermal calorimetry, thermogravimetry (TG/DTG), X-ray diffraction (XDR), and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). The ternary cement studied, 23CC2NS, presents a very high surface area, which influences hydration kinetics by accelerating silicate formation and causes an undersulfated condition. The pozzolanic reaction is potentialized by the synergy between the CC and NS, resulting in a lower portlandite content at 28 days in the 23CC2NS paste (6%) compared with the 25CC paste (12%) and 2NS paste (13%). A significant reduction in total porosity and conversion of macropores in mesopores was observed. For example, 70% of pores in OPC paste were macropores that were converted in the 23CC2NS paste into mesopores and gel pores.
Drag Reduction Technology of Water Flow on Microstructured Surfaces: A Novel Perspective from Vortex Distributions and Densities
Authors: Liu Chunye , Wang Wene , Hu Xiaotao , Liu Fulai
Published: February 2023

Revealing the turbulent drag reduction mechanism of water flow on microstructured surfaces is beneficial to controlling and using this technology to reduce turbulence losses and save energy during water transportation. Two microstructured samples, including a superhydrophobic and a riblet surface, were fabricated near which the water flow velocity, and the Reynolds shear stress and vortex distribution were investigated using a particle image velocimetry. The dimensionless velocity was introduced to simplify the Ω vortex method. The definition of vortex density in water flow was proposed to quantify the distribution of different strength vortices. Results showed that the velocity of the superhydrophobic surface (SHS) was higher compared with the riblet surface (RS), while the Reynolds shear stress was small. The vortices on microstructured surfaces were weakened within 0.2 times that of water depth when identified by the improved ΩM method. Meanwhile, the vortex density of weak vortices on microstructured surfaces increased, while the vortex density of strong vortices decreased, proving that the reduction mechanism of turbulence resistance on microstructured surfaces was to suppress the development of vortices. When the Reynolds number ranged from 85,900 to 137,440, the drag reduction impact of the superhydrophobic surface was the best, and the drag reduction rate was 9.48%. The reduction mechanism of turbulence resistance on microstructured surfaces was revealed from a novel perspective of vortex distributions and densities. Research on the structure of water flow near the microstructured surface can promote the drag reduction application in the water field.
Study of Practical Analysis Method for Shear Warping Deformationof Composite Box Girder with Corrugated Steel Webs
Authors: Zhou Maoding , Zhang Yuanhai , Lin Pengzhen , Ji Wei , Huang Hongmeng
Published: February 2023

Shear warping deformation is an important part of the flexural and constrained torsion analysis of composite box girder with corrugated steel webs (CBG-CSWs), which is also the main reason for the complex force analysis of box girders. A new practical theory for analyzing shear warping deformations of CBG-CSWs is presented. By introducing shear warping deflection and corresponding internal forces, the flexural deformation of CBG-CSWs is decoupled to the Euler-Bernoulli beam (EBB) flexural deformation and the shear warping deflection. On this basis, a simplified method for solving shear warping deformation using the EBB theory is proposed. According to the similarity of the governing differential equations of constrained torsion and shear warping deflection, a convenient analysis method for the constrained torsion of CBG-CSWs is derived. Based on the decoupled deformation states, a beam segment element analytical model applicable to EBB flexural deformation, shear warping deflection, and constrained torsion deformation is proposed. A variable section beam segment analysis program considering the variation of section parameters is developed for CBG-CSWs. Numerical examples of constant and variable section continuous CBG-CSWs show that the stress and deformation results obtained by the proposed method are in good agreement with the 3D finite element results, verifying the effectiveness by the proposed method. Additionally, the shear warping deformation has a great influence on the cross-sections near the concentrated load and middle supports. This impact along the beam axis decays exponentially, and the decay rate is related to the shear warping coefficient of the cross-section.
Effect of Basalt Fiber on Uniaxial Compression-Related Constitutive Relation and Compressive Toughness of Recycled Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Guo Yaodong , Liu Yuanzhen , Wang Wenjing , Wang Kaidi , Zhang Yu , Hou Jingguang
Published: February 2023

The deformation performance of recycled aggregate concrete can be effectively improved when basalt fiber is reasonably added. In this paper, the effects of the basalt fiber volume fraction and the length–diameter ratio on the uniaxial compression-related failure characteristics, feature points of the complete stress–strain curve and the compressive toughness of recycled concrete under different replacement rates of recycled coarse aggregate were studied. The results showed that with the increase in the fiber volume fraction, the peak stress and peak strain of basalt fiber-reinforced recycled aggregate concrete first increased and then decreased. With the increase in the fiber length–diameter ratio, the peak stress and strain of the basalt fiber-reinforced recycled aggregate concrete first increased and then decreased, whereas the effect of the length–diameter ratio on peak stress and strain of the basalt fiber-reinforced recycled aggregate concrete was clearly smaller than that of the fiber volume fraction. Based on the test results, an optimized stress–strain curve model of concrete under uniaxial compression was proposed for the basalt fiber-reinforced recycled aggregate concrete. Furthermore, it was found that the fracture energy is more suitable for evaluating the compressive toughness of the basalt fiber-reinforced recycled aggregate concrete than the tensile–compression ratio.
Effect of Porcine- and Bovine-Derived Xenografts with Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose for Bone Formation in Rabbit Calvaria Defects
Authors: Hwang Su-Hyun , Moon Keumok , Du Wen , Cho Won-Tak , Huh Jung-Bo , Bae Eun-Bin
Published: February 2023

In this study, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) was mixed with particle-type xenografts, derived from two different species (bovine and porcine), to increase the manipulability of bone grafts and compare the bone regeneration ability. Four circular defects with a diameter of 6 mm were formed on each rabbit calvaria, and the defects were randomly divided into three groups: no treatment (control group), HPMC-mixed bovine xenograft (Bo-Hy group), and HPMC-mixed porcine xenograft (Po-Hy group). At eight weeks, micro-computed tomography (µCT) scanning and histomorphometric analyses were performed to evaluate new bone formation within the defects. The results revealed that the defects treated with the Bo-Hy and the Po-Hy showed higher bone regeneration than the control group (p < 0.05), while there was no significant difference between the two xenograft groups (p > 0.05). Within the limitations of the present study, there was no difference in new bone formation between porcine and bovine xenografts with HPMC, and bone graft material was easily moldable with the desired shape during surgery. Therefore, the moldable porcine-derived xenograft with HPMC used in this study could be a promising substitute for the currently used bone grafts as it exhibits good bone regeneration ability for bony defects.
Flexible Kinetic Model Determination of Reactions in Materials under Isothermal Conditions
Authors: Arcenegui-Troya Juan , Perejón Antonio , Sánchez-Jiménez Pedro E. , Pérez-Maqueda Luis A.
Published: February 2023

Kinetic analysis remains a powerful tool for studying a large variety of reactions, which lies at the core of material science and industry. It aims at obtaining the kinetic parameters and model that best describe a given process and using that information to make reliable predictions in a wide range of conditions. Nonetheless, kinetic analysis often relies on mathematical models derived assuming ideal conditions that are not necessarily met in real processes. The existence of nonideal conditions causes large modifications to the functional form of kinetic models. Therefore, in many cases, experimental data hardly obey any of these ideal models. In this work, we present a novel method for the analysis of integral data obtained under isothermal conditions without any type of assumption about the kinetic model. The method is valid both for processes that follow and for those that do not follow ideal kinetic models. It consists of using a general kinetic equation to find the functional form of the kinetic model via numerical integration and optimization. The procedure has been tested both with simulated data affected by nonuniform particle size and experimental data corresponding to the pyrolysis of ethylene-propylene-diene.
Mechanical Testing of Epoxy Resin Modified with Eco-Additives
Authors: Derewonko Agnieszka , Fabianowski Wojciech , Siczek Jerzy
Published: February 2023

The future belongs to biodegradable epoxies. In order to improve epoxy biodegradability, it is crucial to select suitable organic additives. The additives should be selected so as to (maximally) accelerate the decomposition of crosslinked epoxies under normal environmental conditions. However, naturally, such rapid decomposition should not occur within the normal (expected) service life of a product. Consequently, it is desirable that the newly modified epoxy should exhibit at least some of the mechanical properties of the original material. Epoxies can be modified with different additives (such as inorganics with different water uptake, multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and thermoplastics) that can increase their mechanical strength but does not lead to their biodegradability. In this work, we present several mixtures of epoxy resins together with organic additives based on cellulose derivatives and modified soya oil. These additives are environmentally friendly and should increase the epoxy’s biodegradability on the one hand without deteriorating its mechanical properties on the other. This paper concentrates mainly on the question of the tensile strength of various mixtures. Herein, we present the results of uniaxial stretching tests for both modified and unmodified resin. Based on statistical analysis, two mixtures were selected for further studies, namely the investigation of durability properties.
Properties and Emissions of Three-Layer Particleboards Manufactured with Mixtures of Wood Chips and Partially Liquefied Bark
Authors: Jiang Wen , Adamopoulos Stergios , Hosseinpourpia Reza , Walther Thomas , Medved Sergej
Published: February 2023

Partial liquefaction of residual biomass shows good potential for developing new materials suitable for making bio-based composites. Three-layer particleboards were produced by replacing virgin wood particles with partially liquefied bark (PLB) in the core or surface layers. PLB was prepared by the acid-catalyzed liquefaction of industrial bark residues in polyhydric alcohol. The chemical and microscopic structure of bark and residues after liquefaction were evaluated by means of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), while the particleboards were tested for their mechanical and water-related properties, as well as their emission profiles. Through a partial liquefaction process, some FTIR absorption peaks of the bark residues were lower than those of raw bark, indicating hydrolysis of chemical compounds. The surface morphology of bark did not change considerably after partial liquefaction. Particleboards with PLB in the core layers showed overall lower densities and mechanical properties (modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, and internal bond strength), and were less water-resistant as compared to the ones with PLB used in the surface layers. Formaldehyde emissions from the particleboards were 0.284–0.382 mg/m2·h, and thus, below the E1 class limit required by European Standard EN 13986:2004. The major emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were carboxylic acids as oxidization and degradation products from hemicelluloses and lignin. The application of PLB in three-layer particleboards is more challenging than in single-layer boards as PLB has different effects on the core and surface layers.
DIC-Enhanced Identification of Bodner–Partom Model Parameters for Bitumen Binder
Authors: Klimczak Marek , Tekieli Marcin , Zieliński Piotr , Strzępek Mateusz
Published: February 2023

Bitumen binder is a component of asphalt mixtures that are commonly used as the materials constituting the upper layers of a pavement’s structure. Its main role is to cover all the remaining constituents (aggregate, filler and other possible additives) and create a stable matrix, in which they are embedded due to the adhesion forces. The long-term performance of bitumen binder is crucial to the holistic behavior of the layer made of the asphalt mixture. In this study, we use the respective methodology to identify the parameters of the well-established Bodner–Partom material model. For the purposes of its parameters identification, we carry out a number of the uniaxial tensile tests with different strain rates. The whole process is enhanced with a digital image correlation (DIC) to capture the material response in a reliable way and to provide deeper insight into the experiment results. The obtained model parameters were used to compute numerically the material response using the Bodner–Partom model. Good agreement between the experimental and numerical results was observed. The maximum error for the elongation rates equal to 6 mm/min and 50 mm/min is of order of 10%. The novel aspects of this paper are as follows: the application of the Bodner–Partom model to the bitumen binder analysis and the DIC-enhancement of the laboratory experiment.
A Hydrotalcite-Based PET Composites with Enhanced Properties for Liquid Milk Packaging Applications
Authors: Feng Xiangnan , Hu Xiaomeng , Yu Jie , Zhao Min , Yang Fan , Wang Xinrui , Zhang Caili , Weng Yunxuan , Han Jingbin
Published: February 2023

In the present work, the two-phase mixture (HTLc) of hydrotalcite and its oxide were used to improve the barrier properties, UV resistance and antimicrobial activity of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) for their application in liquid milk packaging. Firstly, CaZnAl-CO3-LDHs with a two-dimensional layered structure were synthesized by hydrothermal method. CaZnAl-CO3-LDHs precursors were characterized by XRD, TEM, ICP and dynamic light scattering. A series of PET/HTLc composite films were then prepared, characterized by XRD, FTIR and SEM, and a possible mechanism of the composite films with hydrotalcite was proposed. Barrier properties to water vapor and oxygen have been studied in PET nanocomposites, as well as their antibacterial efficacy by the colony technique and their mechanical properties after exposure to UV irradiation for 24 h. By the presence of 1.5 wt% HTLc in the PET composite film, the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) was reduced by 95.27%, the water vapor transmission rate was reduced by 72.58% and the inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was 83.19% and 52.75%. Moreover, a simulation of the migration process in dairy products was used to prove the relative safety. This research first proposes a safe technique for fabricating hydrotalcite-based polymer composites with a high gas barrier, UV resistance and effective antibacterial activity.
Performance of Medium-Rise Buildings with Reinforced Concrete Shear Walls Designed for High Seismic Hazard
Authors: Alarcón Claudio , López Álvaro , Vielma Juan Carlos
Published: February 2023

This work has evaluated the collapse fragility of a typical Chilean building for residential use, structured based on shear-resistant RC walls and inverted beams arranged along its entire perimeter, using the incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) for the evaluation of its structural behavior, using for this the 2018 version of the SeismoStruct software. This method evaluates the global collapse capacity of the building from the graphical representation of its maximum inelastic response, obtained through a non-linear time–history analysis, against the scaled intensity of a set of seismic records obtained in the subduction zone, thus creating the IDA curves of the building. The processing of the seismic records is included within the applied methodology to make them compatible with the elastic spectrum of the Chilean design, achieving an adequate seismic input in the two main structural directions. In addition, an alternative IDA method based on the elongated period is applied to calculate the seismic intensity. The results of the IDA curve obtained with this procedure and the standard IDA analysis are analyzed and compared. The results show that the method relates very well to the structure’s demand and capacity and confirms the non-monotonous behavior exposed by other authors. Regarding the alternative IDA procedure, the results indicate that the method is inadequate, failing to improve the results obtained by the standard method.
3D Off-Lattice Coarse-Grained Monte Carlo Simulations for Nucleation of Alkaline Aluminosilicate Gels
Authors: Izadifar Mohammadreza , Valencia Nicolas Castrillon , Xiao Peng , Ukrainczyk Neven , Koenders Eduardus
Published: February 2023

This work presents a 3D off-lattice coarse-grained Monte Carlo (CGMC) approach to simulate the nucleation of alkaline aluminosilicate gels, their nanostructure particle size, and their pore size distribution. In this model, four monomer species are coarse-grained with different particle sizes. The novelty is extending the previous on-lattice approach from White et al. (2012 and 2020) by implementing a full off-lattice numerical implementation to consider tetrahedral geometrical constraints when aggregating the particles into clusters. Aggregation of the dissolved silicate and aluminate monomers was simulated until reaching the equilibrium condition of 16.46% and 17.04% in particle number, respectively. The cluster size formation was analyzed as a function of iteration step evolution. The obtained equilibrated nano-structure was digitized to obtain the pore size distribution and this was compared with the on-lattice CGMC and measurement results from White et al. The observed difference highlighted the importance of the developed off-lattice CGMC approach to better describe the nanostructure of aluminosilicate gels.
Defect-Induced Efficient Heteroepitaxial Growth of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes @ Hexagonal Boron Nitride Films
Authors: Yu Changping , Zhang Lili , Zhou Gang , Zhang Feng , Zhang Zichu , Wu Anping , Hou Pengxiang , Cheng Huiming , Liu Chang
Published: February 2023

Carbon nanotube-based derivatives have attracted considerable research interest due to their unique structure and fascinating physicochemical properties. However, the controlled growth mechanism of these derivatives remains unclear, and the synthesis efficiency is low. Herein, we proposed a defect-induced strategy for the efficient heteroepitaxial growth of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs)@hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) films. Air plasma treatment was first performed to generate defects on the wall of SWCNTs. Then, atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition was conducted to grow h-BN on the surface of SWCNTs. Controlled experiments combined with first-principles calculations revealed that the induced defects on the wall of SWCNTs function as nucleation sites for the efficient heteroepitaxial growth of h-BN.
Anti-Parkinson Effects of Holothuria leucospilota-Derived Palmitic Acid in Caenorhabditis elegans Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Sanguanphun Tanatcha , Promtang Sukrit , Sornkaew Nilubon , Niamnont Nakorn , Sobhon Prasert , Meemon Krai
Published: February 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease which is still incurable. Sea cucumber-derived compounds have been reported to be promising candidate drugs for treating age-related neurological disorders. The present study evaluated the beneficial effects of the Holothuria leucospilota (H. leucospilota)-derived compound 3 isolated from ethyl acetate fraction (HLEA-P3) using Caenorhabditis elegans PD models. HLEA-P3 (1 to 50 µg/mL) restored the viability of dopaminergic neurons. Surprisingly, 5 and 25 µg/mL HLEA-P3 improved dopamine-dependent behaviors, reduced oxidative stress and prolonged lifespan of PD worms induced by neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Additionally, HLEA-P3 (5 to 50 µg/mL) decreased α-synuclein aggregation. Particularly, 5 and 25 µg/mL HLEA-P3 improved locomotion, reduced lipid accumulation and extended lifespan of transgenic C. elegans strain NL5901. Gene expression analysis revealed that treatment with 5 and 25 µg/mL HLEA-P3 could upregulate the genes encoding antioxidant enzymes (gst-4, gst-10 and gcs-1) and autophagic mediators (bec-1 and atg-7) and downregulate the fatty acid desaturase gene (fat-5). These findings explained the molecular mechanism of HLEA-P3-mediated protection against PD-like pathologies. The chemical characterization elucidated that HLEA-P3 is palmitic acid. Taken together, these findings revealed the anti-Parkinson effects of H. leucospilota-derived palmitic acid in 6-OHDA induced- and α-synuclein-based models of PD which might be useful in nutritional therapy for treating PD.
Membrane-Based Solvent Exchange Process for Purification of API Crystal Suspensions
Authors: Anjum Fatima , Wessner Maximilian , Sadowski Gabriele
Published: February 2023

Bottom-up approaches to producing aqueous crystal suspensions of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), such as anti-solvent crystallisation, are gaining interest as they offer better control over surface properties compared to top-down approaches. However, one of the major challenges that needs to be addressed is the removal of organic solvents after the crystallisation step due to strict limitations regarding human exposure. Within this work, we investigated a process concept for the removal of solvent (i.e., ethanol) from the API crystal suspension using membrane-based diafiltration. A four-stage diafiltration process successfully reduced the ethanol concentration in the API (here, naproxen) crystal suspension below 0.5 wt% (the residual solvent limit as per ICH guidelines) with a water consumption of 1.5 g of added water per g of feed. The solvent exchange process had no negative influence on the stability of the crystals in suspension, as their size and polymorphic form remained unchanged. This work is a step towards the bottom-up production of API crystal suspension by applying solvent/anti-solvent crystallisation. It provides the proof of concept for establishing a process of organic solvent removal and offers an experimental framework to serve as the foundation for the design of experiments implementing a solvent exchange in API production processes.
Impact of Integration of FO Membranes into a Granular Biomass AnMBR for Water Reuse
Authors: Olives Pere , Sanchez Lucie , Lesage Geoffroy , Héran Marc , Rodriguez-Roda Ignasi , Blandin Gaetan
Published: February 2023

The granular sludge based anaerobic membrane bioreactor (G-AnMBR) has gained emphasis in the last decade by combining AnMBR advantages (high quality permeate and biogas production towards energy positive treatment) and benefits of granular biomass (boosted biological activity and reduced membrane fouling). With the aim to further reduce energy costs, produce higher quality effluent for water reuse applications and improve system efficiency, a forward osmosis (FO) system was integrated into a 17 L G-AnMBR pilot. Plate and frame microfiltration modules were step by step replaced by submerged FO ones, synthetic wastewater was used as feed (chemical oxygen demand (COD) content 500 mg/L), with hydraulic retention time of 10 h and operated at 25 °C. The system was fed with granular biomass and after the acclimation period, operated neither with gas sparging nor relaxation at around 5 L.m−2.h−1 permeation flux during at least 10 days for each tested configuration. Process stability, impact of salinity on biomass, the produced water quality and organic matter removal efficiency were assessed and compared for the system working with 100% microfiltration (MF), 70% MF/30% FO, 50% MF/50% FO and 10% MF/90% FO, respectively. Increasing the FO share in the reactor led to salinity increase and to enhanced fouling propensity probably due to salinity shock on the active biomass, releasing extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in the mixed liquor. However, above 90% COD degradation was observed for all configurations with a remaining COD content below 50 mg/L and below the detection limit for MF and FO permeates, respectively. FO membranes also proved to be less prone to fouling in comparison with MF ones. Complete salt mass balance demonstrated that major salinity increase in the reactor was due to reverse salt passage from the draw solution but also that salts from the feed solution could migrate to the draw solution. While FO membranes allow for full rejection and very high permeate purity, operation of G-AnMBR with FO membranes only is not recommended since MF presence acts as a purge and allows for reactor salinity stabilization.
Therapeutic Physical Exercise Programs in the Context of NASH Cirrhosis and Liver Transplantation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Farrugia Marwin A. , Le Garf Sebastien , Chierici Andrea , Piche Thierry , Gual Philippe , Iannelli Antonio , Anty Rodolphe
Published: February 2023

In recent years, various physical exercise interventions have been developed with a view to reducing comorbidity and morbidity rates among patients with chronic diseases. Regular physical exercise has been shown to reduce hypertension and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes and obesity are often associated with the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which can lead to liver fibrosis and then (in some cases) nonalcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis. We searched the literature for publications on personalized physical exercise programs in cirrhotic patients before and after liver transplantation. Eleven studies in cirrhotic patients and one study in liver transplant recipients were included in the systematic review, the results of which were reported in compliance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. The personalized physical exercise programs lasted for 6 to 16 weeks. Our review evidenced improvements in peak oxygen consumption and six-minute walk test performance and a reduction in the hepatic venous pressure gradient. In cirrhotic patients, personalized physical exercise programs improve quality of life, are not associated with adverse effects, and (for transplant recipients) might reduce the 90-day hospital readmission rate. However, none of the literature data evidenced reductions in the mortality rates before and after transplantation. Further prospective studies are needed to evaluate the benefit of long-term physical exercise programs in cirrhotic patients before and after liver transplantation.
An Assessment of Carotid Flow Time Using a Portable Handheld Ultrasound Device: The Ideal Tool for Guiding Intraoperative Fluid Management?
Authors: Gibson Lauren E. , Mitchell James E. , Bittner Edward A. , Chang Marvin G.
Published: February 2023

Volume resuscitation is a cornerstone of modern anesthesia care. Finding the right balance to avoid inadequate or excess volume administration is often difficult to clinically discern and can lead to negative consequences. Pulse pressure variation is often intraoperatively used to guide volume resuscitation; however, this requires an invasive arterial line and is generally only applicable to patients who are mechanically ventilated. Unfortunately, without a pulmonary artery catheter or another costly noninvasive device, performing serial measurements of cardiac output is challenging, time-consuming, and often impractical. Furthermore, noninvasive measures such as LVOT VTI require significant technical expertise as well as access to the chest, which may not be practical during and after surgery. Other noninvasive techniques such as bioreactance and esophageal Doppler require the use of costly single-use sensors. Here, we present a case report on the use of corrected carotid flow time (ccFT) from a portable, handheld ultrasound device as a practical, noninvasive, and technically straightforward method to assess fluid responsiveness in the perioperative period, as well as the inpatient and outpatient settings.
Multi-Phase Interleaved AC–DC Step-Down Converter with Power Factor Improvement
Authors: Sosa-Zuniga Jose M. , Rodriguez-Cortes Christopher J. , Martinez-Rodriguez Panfilo R. , Vazquez-Guzman Gerardo
Published: February 2023

This paper presents the converter design of a single-phase non-isolated step-down controlled rectifier for power factor improvement and output voltage regulation. The converter consists of a full-bridge diode rectifier and a DC–DC interleaved buck converter of two or more switching cells that has an LC filter in its input. It is proposed that the interleaved switching cells operate in discontinuous conduction mode and the current through the input LC filter be continuous, avoiding switching frequency components to be injected into the grid. The controller, which has a simple structure and a small number of sensors, allows the system to achieve a high power factor. It also regulates the output voltage to a constant reference. An experimental prototype is built and tested to validate the analysis and proposed design. The closed-loop converter is evaluated both in a steady state and in transient conditions. At steady state, the converter achieves a power factor above 0.9 with a maximum of 45.4% THD at 110.1W. The main contributions of this paper are guidelines for the design of the converter, open-loop analysis, and converter control.
Flame-Assisted Laser Polishing of Alumina Ceramic Surface Properties
Authors: Guo Ting , Wang Chao , Zeng Junyong , Wang Wenqi , Zhao Zhenyu
Published: February 2023

Laser polishing was used to reduce the surface roughness and improve the surface properties of alumina ceramics. In this paper, a response surface experimental design scheme is used to establish a mathematical model based on the Box–Behnken central combination principle, with the surface roughness as the optimization target to optimize the optimal process parameters for the laser polishing of alumina ceramics, to suppress the polished surface cracks by preheating the material, and to study the changes of surface properties of laser-polished alumina ceramics under different preheating temperatures. The optimal laser polishing process parameters were optimized by response surface experiments with a scanning speed of 323.5 mm/s, a laser power of 73.63 W, a pulse frequency of 2.3 kHz, and a scanning spacing of 0.09 mm; compared with the initial surface roughness of 4.67 μm, the polished surface roughness was 0.96 μm under the experimentally optimized polishing parameters, and the surface cracks were suppressed after the preheating treatment. The surface roughness was further reduced to 0.74 μm, and the surface wear coefficient was reduced from 0.5939 to 0.5725, while the surface hardness was increased from 1810 to 2063 HV. Optimization of the laser polishing process parameters through the response surface can significantly reduce the surface roughness of the material, while the flame preheating, assisted by the laser-polished surface wear resistance and hardness, is improved.
Iron-Vanadium Incorporated Ferrocyanides as Potential Cathode Materials for Application in Sodium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Nguyen Thang Phan , Kim Il Tae
Published: February 2023

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are potential replacements for lithium-ion batteries owing to their comparable energy density and the abundance of sodium. However, the low potential and low stability of their cathode materials have prevented their commercialization. Prussian blue analogs are ideal cathode materials for SIBs owing to the numerous diffusion channels in their 3D structure and their high potential vs. Na/Na+. In this study, we fabricated various Fe-V-incorporated hexacyanoferrates, which are Prussian blue analogs, via a one-step synthesis. These compounds changed their colors from blue to green to yellow with increasing amounts of incorporated V ions. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectrum revealed that V3+ was oxidized to V4+ in the cubic Prussian blue structure, which enhanced the electrochemical stability and increased the voltage platform. The vanadium ferrocyanide Prussian blue (VFPB1) electrode, which contains V4+ and Fe2+ in the Prussian blue structure, showed Na insertion/extraction potential of 3.26/3.65 V vs. Na/Na+. The cycling test revealed a stable capacity of ~70 mAh g−1 at a rate of 50 mA g−1 and a capacity retention of 82.5% after 100 cycles. We believe that this Fe-V-incorporated Prussian green cathode material is a promising candidate for stable and high-voltage cathodes for SIBs.
Design and Experiment of a Clamping-Drive Alternating Operation Piezoelectric Actuator
Authors: Sun Mengxin , Cao Zhenwei , Zheng Lukai
Published: February 2023

In recent years, piezoelectric actuators, represented by inertial and inchworm actuators, have been widely applied because of their high accuracy and excellent responsiveness. Despite the development of various piezoelectric actuators, there remain some flaws in this technology. The sticking point is that the piezoelectric actuators based on the friction driving principle are prone to unwanted backward motion when outputting stepping motion. It is thus urgent to explore solutions from the perspectives of principle and structure. In this paper, a clamping-drive alternating operation piezoelectric actuator is proposed, the two feet of which are driven by two piezoelectric stacks, respectively. Due to double-foot alternate drive guide movement, backward movement is prevented in theory. By adopting the double-layer stator structure, integrated processing and assembly are facilitated. Meanwhile, a double flexible hinge mechanism is installed in the stator to prevent the drive foot from being overturned due to ineffectiveness and premature wear. In addition, the stator is equipped with the corresponding preload mechanism and clamping device. After the cycle action mechanism of one cycle and four steps is expounded, a model is established in this study to further demonstrate the principle. With the prototype produced, a series of experiments are performed. In addition, the amplitude of actuation of the stator is tested through amplitude experiment. The performance of the stator is evaluated by conducting experiments in the alternating step and single step actuation modes. Finally, the test results are analyzed to conclude that the actuator operating in either of these two modes can meet the practical needs of macro and micro actuation.
Comparative Study on Microstructure of Mo/Si Multilayers Deposited on Large Curved Mirror with and without the Shadow Mask
Authors: Liu Xiangyue , Zhang Zhe , Song Hongxuan , Huang Qiushi , Huo Tonglin , Zhou Hongjun , Qi Runze , Zhang Zhong , Wang Zhanshan
Published: February 2023

The Mo/Si multilayer mirror has been widely used in EUV astronomy, lithography, microscopy and other fields because of its high reflectivity at the wavelength around 13.5 nm. During the fabrication of Mo/Si multilayers on large, curved mirrors, shadow mask was a common method to precisely control the period thickness distribution. To investigate the effect of shadow mask on the microstructure of Mo/Si multilayers, we deposited a set of Mo/Si multilayers with and without the shadow mask on a curved substrate with aperture of 200 mm by direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering in this work. Grazing incidence X-ray reflectivity (GIXR), diffuse scattering, atomic force microscope (AFM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the multilayer structure and the EUV reflectivity were measured at the National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (NSRL) in China. By comparing the results, we found that the layer microstructure including interface width, surface roughness, layer crystallization and the reflectivity were barely affected by the mask and a high accuracy of the layer thickness gradient can be achieved.
Special Issue “Beneficial and Detrimental Microorganisms Occurring in Fermented Foods”: Editorial
Authors: Fusco Vincenzina , Abriouel Hikmate , de Souza Evandro Leite
Published: February 2023

Numerous and heterogeneous populations of beneficial microorganisms originating from raw materials, equipment, and production and processing environments can affect the fermentation process by their metabolic activities, allowing for the enhancement of the nutritional value, sensory characteristics, overall quality, safety, and shelf-life of final food products [...]
Special Issue ‘Food Fermentations: Microorganisms in Food Production and Preservation’: Editorial
Authors: Paramithiotis Spiros
Published: February 2023

For centuries, microorganisms have been exploited for the production and preservation of substates intended for human consumption [...]
Fecal Volatile Metabolomics Predict Gram-Negative Late-Onset Sepsis in Preterm Infants: A Nationwide Case-Control Study
Authors: Frerichs Nina M. , el Manouni el Hassani Sofia , Deianova Nancy , van Weissenbruch Mirjam M. , van Kaam Anton H. , Vijlbrief Daniel C. , van Goudoever Johannes B. , Hulzebos Christian V. , Kramer Boris. W. , d’Haens Esther J. , Cossey Veerle , de Boode Willem P. , de Jonge Wouter J. , Wicaksono Alfian N. , Covington James A. , Benninga Marc A. , de Boer Nanne K. H. , Niemarkt Hendrik J. , de Meij Tim G. J.
Published: February 2023

Early detection of late-onset sepsis (LOS) in preterm infants is crucial since timely treatment initiation is a key prognostic factor. We hypothesized that fecal volatile organic compounds (VOCs), reflecting microbiota composition and function, could serve as a non-invasive biomarker for preclinical pathogen-specific LOS detection. Fecal samples and clinical data of all preterm infants (≤30 weeks’ gestation) admitted at nine neonatal intensive care units in the Netherlands and Belgium were collected daily. Samples from one to three days before LOS onset were analyzed by gas chromatography—ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS), a technique based on pattern recognition, and gas chromatography—time of flight—mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS), to identify unique metabolites. Fecal VOC profiles and metabolites from infants with LOS were compared with matched controls. Samples from 121 LOS infants and 121 matched controls were analyzed using GC-IMS, and from 34 LOS infants and 34 matched controls using GC-TOF-MS. Differences in fecal VOCs were most profound one and two days preceding Escherichia coli LOS (Area Under Curve; p-value: 0.73; p = 0.02, 0.83; p < 0.002, respectively) and two and three days before gram-negative LOS (0.81; p < 0.001, 0.85; p < 0.001, respectively). GC-TOF-MS identified pathogen-specific discriminative metabolites for LOS. This study underlines the potential for VOCs as a non-invasive preclinical diagnostic LOS biomarker.
A Tiny-Fault Detection Strategy Based on Phase Congruency—An Example of Carbonate Reservoir in Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Wang Enli , Li Hailiang , He Run , Zhao Wanjin , Li Lin , Xie Chunhui , Yan Guoliang , Chen Qiyan , Yang Qing
Published: February 2023

Tiny-fault detection plays a very important role in the research on the tight oil and gas reservoir in well area X in Ordos Basin, China. In this study, the target formation is the Majiagou dolomite reservoir section under the Ordovician salt with low-amplitude structures generally developed. The conventional attributes extracted from migrated seismic data could not achieve ideal results in detecting hidden faults with small displacement due to slight travel time differences and weak amplitude disturbances. To address this challenge, a segment and fusion strategy was adopted to highlight tiny faults in this region. First, the phase congruency analysis method was used to extract the local edges of coherence to locate the faults. Second, in the extraction process, the coherence was divided into segments according to the fault scales, and then enhanced segment by segment and fused. Third, the empirical formula of the new fault indicator was constructed by the phase congruency features, which can be used to accurately characterize tiny faults. This strategy performs well in both model tests and the migrated seismic data.
Effect of Fiber–Matrix Interface Friction on Compressive Strength of High-Modulus Carbon Composites
Authors: Ghaffari Sarvenaz , Seon Guillaume , Makeev Andrew
Published: February 2023

Carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) enable lightweight, strong, and durable structures for many engineering applications including aerospace, automotive, biomedical, and others. High-modulus (HM) CFRPs enable the most significant improvement in mechanical stiffness at a lower weight, allowing for extremely lightweight aircraft structures. However, low fiber-direction compressive strength has been a major weakness of HM CFRPs, prohibiting their implementation in the primary structures. Microstructural tailoring may provide an innovative means for breaking through the fiber-direction compressive strength barrier. This has been implemented by hybridizing intermediate-modulus (IM) and HM carbon fibers in HM CFRP toughened with nanosilica particles. The new material solution almost doubles the compressive strength of the HM CFRPs, achieving that of the advanced IM CFRPs currently used in airframes and rotor components, but with a much higher axial modulus. The major focus of this work has been understanding the fiber–matrix interface properties governing the fiber-direction compressive strength improvement of the hybrid HM CFRPs. In particular, differences in the surface topology may cause much higher interface friction for IM carbon fibers compared to the HM fibers, which is responsible for the interface strength improvement. In situ Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)-based experiments were developed to measure interface friction. Such experiments reveal an approximately 48% higher maximum shear traction due to interface friction for IM carbon fibers compared to the HM fibers.
Induction of Drug-Resistance and Production of a Culture Medium Able to Induce Drug-Resistance in Vinblastine Untreated Murine Myeloma Cells
Authors: Masci Valentina Laghezza , Stefanoni Davide , D’Alessandro Angelo , Zambelli Marta , Modesti Lorenzo , Pollini Daniele , Ovidi Elisa , Tiezzi Antonio
Published: February 2023

Cancer therapies use different compounds of synthetic and natural origin. However, despite some positive results, relapses are common, as standard chemotherapy regimens are not fully capable of completely eradicating cancer stem cells. While vinblastine is a common chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of blood cancers, the development of vinblastine resistance is often observed. Here, we performed cell biology and metabolomics studies to investigate the mechanisms of vinblastine resistance in P3X63Ag8.653 murine myeloma cells. Treatment with low doses of vinblastine in cell media led to the selection of vinblastine-resistant cells and the acquisition of such resistance in previously untreated, murine myeloma cells in culture. To determine the mechanistic basis of this observation, we performed metabolomic analyses of resistant cells and resistant drug-induced cells in a steady state, or incubation with stable isotope-labeled tracers, namely, 13C 15N-amino acids. Taken together, these results indicate that altered amino acid uptake and metabolism could contribute to the acquisition of vinblastine resistance in blood cancer cells. These results will be useful for further research on human cell models.