bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automatic Extraction of Medication Information from Cylindrically Distorted Pill Bottle Labels
Authors: Gromova Kseniia , Elangovan Vinayak
Published: September 2022

Patient compliance with prescribed medication regimens is critical for maintaining health and managing disease and illness. To encourage patient compliance, multiple aids, like automatic pill dispensers, pill organizers, and various reminder applications, have been developed to help people adhere to their medication regimens. However, when utilizing these aids, the user or patient must manually enter their medication information and schedule. This process is time-consuming and often prone to error. For example, elderly patients may have difficulty reading medication information on the bottle due to decreased eyesight, leading them to enter medication information incorrectly. This study explored methods for extracting pertinent information from cylindrically distorted prescription drug labels using Machine Learning and Computer Vision techniques. This study found that Deep Convolutional Neural Networks (DCNN) performed better than other techniques in identifying label key points under different lighting conditions and various backgrounds. This method achieved a percentage of Correct Key points PCK @ 0.03 of 97%. These key points were then used to correct the cylindrical distortion. Next, the multiple dewarped label images were stitched together and processed by an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) engine. Pertinent information, such as patient name, drug name, drug strength, and directions of use, were extracted from the recognized text using Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques. The system created in this study can be used to improve patient health and compliance by creating an accurate medication schedule.
A Hybrid Model Based on SEM and Fuzzy TOPSIS for Supplier Selection
Authors: Sun Hongyi , Zhang Bingqian , Ni Wenbin
Published: September 2022

How to select the right suppliers has become a crucial strategic decision for manufacturing companies facing various performance measures. This study proposed a hybrid selection model integrating factor analysis, structural equation modeling (SEM), and the fuzzy Technique for Order Performance by Similarity to Ideal Solution to (TOPSIS) design a supplier selection model. The study distilled 70 original selection criteria from the relevant literature and identified eight main influencing factors based on factor analysis. The relevance of factors was evaluated by SEM and the performance of suppliers assessed by fuzzy TOPSIS. The model was applied in a manufacturing company in China to verify its practical significance. By combining different methods, the model can select relevant and important supplier selection criteria and include unquantifiable, incomplete, and vague information in the decision model. The hybrid model merges the advantages of each method and takes into account of uncertainty associated with supplier selection process.
An Improvement of Model Predictive for Aircraft Longitudinal Flight Control Based on Intelligent Technique
Authors: Essa Mohamed El-Sayed M. , Elsisi Mahmoud , Saleh Elsayed Mohamed , Fawzy Ahmed Mohamed , Elshafeey Ahmed M.
Published: September 2022

This paper introduces a new intelligent tuning for the model predictive control (MPC) based on an effective intelligent algorithm named the bat-inspired algorithm (BIA) for the aircraft longitudinal flight. The tuning of MPC horizon parameters represents the main challenge to adjust the system performance. So, the BIA algorithm is intended to overcome the tuning issue of MPC parameters due to conventional methods, such as trial and error or designer experience. The BIA is adopted to explore the best parameters of MPC based on the minimization of various time domain objective functions. The suggested aircraft model takes into account the aircraft dynamics and constraints. The nonlinear dynamics of aircraft, gust disturbance, parameters uncertainty and environment variations are considered the main issues against the control of aircraft to provide a good flight performance. The nonlinear autoregressive moving average (NARMA-L2) controller and proportional integral (PI) controller are suggested for aircraft control in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed MPC based on BIA. The proposed MPC based on BIA and suggested controllers are evaluated against various criteria and functions to prove the effectiveness of MPC based on BIA. The results confirm that the accomplishment of the suggested BIA-based MPC is outstanding to the NARMA-L2 and traditional PI controllers according to the cross-correlation criteria, integral time absolute error (ITAE), system overshoot, response settling time, and system robustness.
H∞ Robust LMI-Based Nonlinear State Feedback Controller of Uncertain Nonlinear Systems with External Disturbances
Authors: Chatavi Masoud , Vu Mai The , Mobayen Saleh , Fekih Afef
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we propose a nonlinear state feedback controller based on linear matrix inequality (LMI) for a class of nonlinear systems with parametric uncertainties and external disturbances. The primary goals of the proposed controller are to guarantee system stability and performance in the presence of system uncertainties and time-dependent disturbances. To meet the specified objectives, the LMI form is calculated as a hierarchical control structure. Using the Lyapunov stability function, the asymptotic stability of the nominal system obtained from the nonlinear state feedback is proven, and the LMI condition is attained. After applying the nonlinear state feedback controller, asymptotic stability conditions for the nominal system are constructed using the Lyapunov function, and the nonlinear state-feedback control mechanism is determined accordingly. Considering the external disturbance as input, the terms of the state matrices are substituted in the obtained LMI, and the LMI condition for a nominal system is achieved in the presence of disturbances. The asymptotic stability condition of the uncertain system in the presence of external disturbances is determined by adding uncertainties to the system. The proposed approach yields a simple control mechanism representing an independent of system order. The performance of the proposed approach was assessed using a simulation study of a ball and beam system.
The Sponge-Derived Brominated Compound Aeroplysinin-1 Impairs the Endothelial Inflammatory Response through Inhibition of the NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Vidal Isabel , Castilla Laura , Marrero Ana Dácil , Bravo-Ruiz Inés , Bernal Manuel , Manrique Inmaculada , R. Quesada Ana , Medina Miguel Ángel , Martínez-Poveda Beatriz
Published: September 2022

(+)-Aeroplysinin-1 (Apl-1) is a brominated compound isolated from the marine sponge Aplysina aerophoba that exhibits pleiotropic bioactive effects, impairing cell growth in cancer cells, inhibiting angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo and modulating the redox status of different cell types, among other reported activities. In addition to the aforementioned effects, the anti-inflammatory potential of this natural compound was explored in previous work of our laboratory, but the mechanism of action underlying this effect was not described. In this work, we delve into the anti-inflammatory effect of Apl-1 in the context of vascular endothelial cells in vitro, providing new data regarding the molecular mechanism underlying this activity. The characterization of the mechanism of action points to an inhibitory effect of Apl-1 on the NF-κB pathway, one of the main axes involved in endothelial response during inflammatory events. Our results show that Apl-1 can inhibit the expression of pro-inflammatory genes in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)- and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), targeting the nuclear factor kappa B subunit (NF-κB) pathway through a mechanism of action involving the inhibition of I kappa B kinase (IKK) complex phosphorylation and RelA/p65 nuclear import. In addition, Apl-1 prevented the phosphorylation of Akt induced by TNF-α in HUVECs, probably supporting the inhibitory effect of this compound in the NF-κB pathway. Experimental evidence reported in this work opens the door to the potential pharmacological use of this compound as an anti-inflammatory agent in diseases that course with a pathological endothelial response to inflammation, such as atherosclerosis.
Epileptogenesis and Tumorigenesis in Glioblastoma: Which Relationship?
Authors: Rossi Jessica , Cavallieri Francesco , Biagini Giuseppe , Rizzi Romana , Russo Marco , Cozzi Salvatore , Giaccherini Lucia , Pisanello Anna , Valzania Franco
Published: September 2022

Epilepsy is reported in 29–52% of patients with glioblastoma (GBM) and has an important role in the natural history of this tumor and patients’ life quality. Although GBM is less epileptogenic than lower-grade gliomas, seizures are usually more difficult to control with common antiseizure medications; drug resistance is found in 20% of cases. Recent studies suggest that seizures at the onset of GBM could be a possible favorable independent prognostic factor in patients. Moreover, a growing body of evidence shows that many molecular mechanisms that influence epileptogenesis often regulate GBM growth and invasiveness, sometimes favoring or counteracting the tumor, respectively. The better-characterized players include glutamate, γ-aminobutyric acid, aquaporin-4, and hypoxia-activated molecules. However, currently available data on the molecular basis of epileptogenesis, tumorigenesis, and their relationship is incomplete or discordant and further research is urgently needed on this topic.
Evaluating Soft Tissue Healing after Implant Placement Using Two Different Mouthwashes (Myrrh and Chlorhexidine Gluconate): A Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Ibraheem Wael I. , Hakami Afaf A. , Shafei Ahlam A. , Jerah Salehah A. , Almarghlani Ammar , Makrami Ali M. , Bhati Ashok K.
Published: September 2022

The use of mouthwash is often recommended by dental experts for dental healing. A double-blind, randomized clinical study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of two mouthwashes (myrrh and chlorhexidine gluconate) on postoperative pain and their effects on tissues after dental implant placement in 35 patients (18 in the myrrh group and 17 in the chlorhexidine gluconate group). Soft tissue healing was evaluated in terms of wound closure, soft tissue swelling, and the color of the gingiva at 1 week postoperative. To decrease the chances for error, only the participants who did not show preoperative symptoms of infection and those who committed to practicing better oral hygiene were included in the study. The samples were evaluated for the infiltration of inflammatory cells (using inflammatory extent and inflammatory cellularity grades), maturation of collagen (osteoblast activity), and arrangement of cells (for detecting the remodeling phase). A questionnaire pertaining to mouthwash satisfaction, the duration of postoperative pain after the procedure, the time of stoppage of bleeding at the surgical site, and any sensitivity at the surgical site was given to the patients. The Chi-square test and Mann–Whitney U-test were used to analyze the data. The difference in postoperative surgical swelling, pain, bleeding, and redness in the patients was not statistically significant between the myrrh and chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash groups. However, in the acute phase, the myrrh mouthwash showed a positive impact on the process of wound healing after implant placement. The small sample size and inability to compare wound healing in different anatomical areas of the oral cavity were the study limitations.
Silent Pauses and Speech Indices as Biomarkers for Primary Progressive Aphasia
Authors: Potagas Constantin , Nikitopoulou Zoi , Angelopoulou Georgia , Kasselimis Dimitrios , Laskaris Nikolaos , Kourtidou Evie , Constantinides Vasilios C. , Bougea Anastasia , Paraskevas George P. , Papageorgiou Georgios , Tsolakopoulos Dimitrios , Papageorgiou Sokratis G. , Kapaki Elisabeth
Published: September 2022

Background and Objectives: Recent studies highlight the importance of investigating biomarkers for diagnosing and classifying patients with primary progressive aphasia (PPA). Even though there is ongoing research on pathophysiological indices in this field, the use of behavioral variables, and especially speech-derived factors, has drawn little attention in the relevant literature. The present study aims to investigate the possible utility of speech-derived indices, particularly silent pauses, as biomarkers for primary progressive aphasia (PPA). Materials and Methods: We recruited 22 PPA patients and 17 healthy controls, from whom we obtained speech samples based on two elicitation tasks, i.e., cookie theft picture description (CTP) and the patients’ personal narration of the disease onset and course. Results: Four main indices were derived from these speech samples: speech rate, articulation rate, pause frequency, and pause duration. In order to investigate whether these indices could be used to discriminate between the four groups of participants (healthy individuals and the three patient subgroups corresponding to the three variants of PPA), we conducted three sets of analyses: a series of ANOVAs, two principal component analyses (PCAs), and two hierarchical cluster analyses (HCAs). The ANOVAs revealed significant differences between the four subgroups for all four variables, with the CTP results being more robust. The subsequent PCAs and HCAs were in accordance with the initial statistical comparisons, revealing that the speech-derived indices for CTP provided a clearer classification and were especially useful for distinguishing the non-fluent variant from healthy participants as well as from the two other PPA taxonomic categories. Conclusions: In sum, we argue that speech-derived indices, and especially silent pauses, could be used as complementary biomarkers to efficiently discriminate between PPA and healthy speakers, as well as between the three variants of the disease.
Idarucizumab in Dabigatran-Treated Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke Receiving Thrombolytic Therapy
Authors: Kikule Ilga , Baborikina Alise , Haritoncenko Iveta , Karelis Guntis
Published: September 2022

Background and Objectives: Thrombolytic therapy with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) is used to treat acute ischemic stroke. Dabigatran is a reversible thrombin inhibitor approved for stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. In such cases, thrombolytic therapy can be administered to certain patients after idarucizumab treatment. We evaluated the effectiveness of idarucizumab in dabigatran-treated patients receiving rt-PA. Materials and Methods: We included the data of nine idarucizumab-treated patients from the Riga East University Hospital Stroke Registry from 2018 to 2022 in our retrospective medical records analysis. We used the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (LV-NIHSS) score and modified Rankin scale (mRS) on admission and discharge to evaluate neurological deficit and functional outcomes. Results: We analyzed the data of nine patients (seven males and two females) with a mean age of 75.67 ± 8.59 years. The median door-to-needle time for all patients, including those who received idarucizumab before rt-PA, was 51 min (IQR = 43–133); the median LV-NIHSS score was 9 (IQR = 6.0–16.0) on admission and 4 (IQR = 2.5–4.0) at discharge; and the intrahospital mortality rate was 11.1% due to intracranial hemorrhage as a complication of rt-PA. Conclusions: Our study shows that idarucizumab as an antidote of dabigatran appears to be effective and safe in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Furthermore, the administration of idarucizumab slightly prolongs the door-to-needle time; however, the majority of cases showed clinical improvement after receiving therapy. Further randomized controlled trials should be performed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of idarucizumab for acute ischemic stroke treatment.
Designing mRNA- and Peptide-Based Vaccine Construct against Emerging Multidrug-Resistant Citrobacter freundii: A Computational-Based Subtractive Proteomics Approach
Authors: Naveed Muhammad , Hassan Jawad-ul , Ahmad Muneeb , Naeem Nida , Mughal Muhammad Saad , Rabaan Ali A. , Aljeldah Mohammed , Shammari Basim R. Al , Alissa Mohammed , Sabour Amal A. , Alaeq Rana A. , Alshiekheid Maha A. , Turkistani Safaa A. , Elmi Abdirahman Hussein , Ahmed Naveed
Published: September 2022

Background and Objectives: Citrobacter freundii (C. freundii) is an emerging and opportunistic Gram-negative bacteria of the human gastrointestinal tract associated with nosocomial and severe respiratory tract infections. It has also been associated with pneumonia, bloodstream, and urinary tract infections. Intrinsic and adaptive virulence characteristics of C. freundii have become a significant source of diarrheal infections and food poisoning among immune-compromised patients and newborns. Impulsive usage of antibiotics and these adaptive virulence characteristics has modulated the C. freundii into multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. Conventional approaches are futile against MDR C. freundii. Materials and Methods: The current study exploits the modern computational-based vaccine design approach to treat infections related to MDR C. freundii. A whole proteome of C. freundii (strain: CWH001) was retrieved to screen pathogenic and nonhomologous proteins. Six proteins were shortlisted for the selection of putative epitopes for vaccine construct. Highly antigenic, nonallergen, and nontoxic eleven B-cell, HTL, and TCL epitopes were selected for mRNA- and peptide-based multi-epitope vaccine construct. Secondary and tertiary structures of the multi-epitope vaccine (MEVC) were designed, refined, and validated. Results: Evaluation of population coverage of MHC-I and MHC-II alleles were 72% and 90%, respectively. Docking MEVC with TLR-3 receptor with the binding affinity of 21.46 (kcal/mol) occurred through the mmGBSA process. Further validations include codon optimization with an enhanced CAI value of 0.95 and GC content of about 51%. Immune stimulation and molecular dynamic simulation ensure the antibody production upon antigen interaction with the host and stability of the MEVC construct, respectively. Conclusions: These interpretations propose a new strategy to combat MDR C. freundii. Further, in vivo and in vitro trials of this vaccine will be valuable in combating MDR pathogens.
Delayed Surgical Management of Acute Type A Aortic Dissection in a Patient with Recent COVID-19 Infection and Post-COVID-19 Bronchopneumonia—Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Robu Mircea , Marian Diana Romina , Vasile Rasvan , Radulescu Bogdan , Stegaru Alice , Voica Cristian , Nica Claudia , Gheorghita Daniela , Zaharia Ondin , Iulian Antoniac , Moldovan Angelica , Pavel Victor , Moldovan Horatiu , Iliescu Vlad Anton
Published: September 2022

Ever since it was first described in 1760, acute type A aortic dissection has created difficulties in its management. The recent COVID-19 pandemic revealed that extrapulmonary manifestations of this condition may occur, and recent reports suggested that aortic dissection may be amongst them since it shares a common physiopathology, that is, hyper-inflammatory syndrome. Cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass in the setting of COVID-19-positive patients carries a high risk of postoperative respiratory failure. While the vast majority accept that management of type A aortic dissection requires urgent surgery and central aortic therapy, there are some reports that advocate for delaying surgery. In this situation, the risk of aortic rupture must be balanced with the possible benefits of delaying urgent surgery. We present a case of acute type A dissection with COVID-19-associated bronchopneumonia successfully managed after delaying surgery for 6 days.
Nanocomposite Membranes Based on Fluoropolymers for Electrochemical Energy Sources
Authors: Falina Irina , Kononenko Natalia , Timofeev Sergey , Rybalko Michail , Demidenko Ksenia
Published: September 2022

The physicochemical and transport properties (ion-exchange capacity, water content, diffusion permeability, conductivity, and current-voltage characteristic) of a series of perfluorinated membranes with an inert fluoropolymer content from 0 to 40%, obtained by polymer solution casting, were studied. Based on the analysis of the parameters of the extended three-wire model, the effect of an inert component on the path of electric current flow in the membrane and its selectivity were estimated. The mechanical characteristics of the membranes, such as Young’s modulus, yield strength, tensile strength, and relative elongation, were determined from the dynamometric curves. The optimal amount of the inert polymer in the perfluorinated membrane was found to be 20%, which does not significantly affect its structure and electrotransport properties but increases the elasticity of the obtained samples. Therefore, the perfluorinated membrane with 20% of inert fluoropolymer is promising for its application in redox flow batteries and direct methanol fuel cells.
Recyclable Composite Membrane of Polydopamine and Graphene Oxide-Modified Polyacrylonitrile for Organic Dye Molecule and Heavy Metal Ion Removal
Authors: Wang Haoyu , Han Zhiyun , Liu Yanjuan , Zheng Maojin , Liu Zhenbang , Wang Wei , Fan Yingying , Han Dongxue , Niu Li
Published: September 2022

Developing efficient and recyclable membranes for water contaminant removal still remains a challenge in terms of practical applications. Herein, a recyclable membrane constituted of polyacrylonitrile-graphene and oxide-polydopamine was fabricated and demonstrated efficient adsorption capacities with respect to heavy metal ions (62.9 mg g−1 of Cu2+ ion, CuSO4 50 mg L−1) and organic dye molecules (306.7 mg g−1 of methylene blue and 339.6 mg g−1 of eriochrome black T, MB/EBT 50 mg L−1). The polyacrylonitrile fibers provide the skeleton of the membrane, while the graphene oxide and polydopamine endow the membrane with hydrophilicity, which is favorable for the adsorption of pollutants in water. Benefitting from the protonation and deprotonation effects of graphene oxide and polydopamine, the obtained membrane demonstrated promotion of the selective adsorption or desorption of pollutant molecules. This guarantees that the adsorbed pollutant molecules can be desorbed promptly from the membrane through simple pH adjustment, ensuring the reusability of the membrane. After ten adsorption–desorption cycles, the membrane could still maintain a desirable adsorption capacity. In addition, compared with other, similar membranes reported, this composite membrane displays the highest mechanical stability. This work puts forward an alternative strategy for recyclable membrane design and expects to promote the utilization of membrane techniques in practical wastewater treatment.
Theoretical and Experimental Considerations for Investigating Multicomponent Diffusion in Hydrated, Dense Polymer Membranes
Authors: Mazumder Antara , Dobyns Breanna M. , Howard Michael P. , Beckingham Bryan S.
Published: September 2022

In many applications of hydrated, dense polymer membranes—including fuel cells, desalination, molecular separations, electrolyzers, and solar fuels devices—the membrane is challenged with aqueous streams that contain multiple solutes. The presence of multiple solutes presents a complex process because each solute can have different interactions with the polymer membrane and with other solutes, which collectively determine the transport behavior and separation performance that is observed. It is critical to understand the theoretical framework behind and experimental considerations for understanding how the presence of multiple solutes impacts diffusion, and thereby, the design of membranes. Here, we review models for multicomponent diffusion in the context of the solution-diffusion framework and the associated experiments for characterizing multicomponent transport using diffusion cells. Notably, multicomponent effects are typically not considered when discussing or investigating transport in dense, hydrated polymer membranes, however recent research has shown that these effects can be large and important for understanding the transport behavior.
Research on an Ultrasonic Longitudinal Critically Refracted Wave Detection Method for the Depth Distribution of Stress
Authors: Lu Yuren , Xu Chunguang , Pan Qinxue , Li Dezhi
Published: September 2022

Aluminum alloy components typically have structural characteristics such as large size and complex shape, making the in situ non-destructive detection of internal residual stress in these structures a challenge that the manufacturing sector has tried to solve. Ultrasonic longitudinal critically refracted (LCR) waves have shown good sensitivity to normal stress in the horizontal direction and could be used to detect the distribution of internal residual stress in components, offering an advantage not shared by other detection methods. In this study, we investigated the propagation mode of LCR waves in a 2A14 aluminum alloy component and established the characterization model of the average normal stress of LCR waves in different depth ranges. The blocking effect of LCR waves by a groove with a depth equal to twice the wavelength was analyzed and experimentally verified using a machined aluminum alloy test specimen. Then, the propagation depths of LCR waves in the aluminum alloy at different frequencies were determined. A load test on a cantilever beam based on the stress depth distribution model was designed, and the stress characterization model and LCR waves’ propagation depth were further verified by the self-developed LCR wave stress detection system. The test results showed that the LCR wave could accurately detect the depth distribution of stress and could serve as a useful tool for evaluating the depth distribution of normal stress inside aluminum alloy components.
Biocompatibility Assessment of Coatings Obtained in Argon and Nitrogen Atmospheres for TiNi Materials
Authors: Marchenko Ekaterina , Baigonakova Gulsharat , Kokorev Oleg , Yasenchuk Yuri , Vorozhtsov Alexander
Published: September 2022

This work aims to study the cytocompatibility of protective coatings obtained in argon and nitrogen atmospheres on a TiNi surface. Particular attention is paid to comparing the interaction of cell culture with coatings and an uncoated TiNi sample, using for comparison the number of viable cells on the surface, the phase composition, structure, wettability, surface charge and topography. The Ti/Ni/Ti nanolaminate was deposited on a TiNi substrate by magnetron sputtering. Reaction annealing of Ti/Ni/Ti nanolaminate on a TiNi substrate, when heated to 900 °C in argon, leads to the formation of a dense two-layer coating 2.0–2.1 μm thick: layer I (TiO + Ti2N), layer II (Ti4Ni2 O(N)). Reaction annealing in nitrogen leads to the formation of a thin three-layer nanocoating 250 nm thick: I (TiO2 + TiN), II (Ti4Ni2N(O) + Ti3Ni4), III (TiN). The coating synthesized in nitrogen is more favorable for cell attachment and proliferation because of the moderately hydrophilic rough surface and mixed phase composition of titanium nitrides and oxides.
Effect of Machining Conditions on Temperature and Vickers Microhardness of Chips during Planing
Authors: Monka Peter Pavol , Monkova Katarina , Vasina Martin , Kubisova Milena , Korol Martin , Sekerakova Adriana
Published: September 2022

For the machining of long and narrow surfaces and when processing multiple pieces, planing technology is used, the productivity of which can be higher than that of milling, although it is relatively slow machining. The article aims to study the degree of influence of the geometry of the tool (the angle of cutting-edge inclination and the angle of the tool-orthogonal rake), as well as the cutting conditions (cutting depth and cutting speed) on the chip characteristics (temperature and microhardness) in orthogonal and oblique slow-rate machining of steel 1.0503 (EN C45). The experiments were carried out on specially prepared workpieces designed for immediate stopping of machining. The results of the experiments were statistically processed, and behavioural models were created for temperature and Vickers microhardness of chips for individual combinations of factors. The obtained dependencies revealed how the geometry of the cutting tool and the cutting conditions affect the temperature and microhardness in the cutting area and at the same time allowed the best conditions for both orthogonal and oblique machining to be set up.
Effect of Mo and Cr on S-Induced Intergranular Fracture in γ-Fe
Authors: Liu Si , Zhang Yi , Ren Junyu , Dong Nan , Zhang Caili , Ma Jinyao , Jiang Zhouhua , Li Huabing , Han Peide
Published: September 2022

S is a common corrosion medium for austenitic stainless steels. The severe intergranular fracture of austenitic stainless steels occurs in sulfur environments. In this paper, the permeation of S at different atomic positions for three symmetric tilt grain boundary types, i.e., Σ5(210), Σ5(310), and Σ9(114) have been computed using first-principles calculations. S has the strongest segregation tendency in the Σ5(210) grain boundary. A high content of S at the grain boundary indicates harm to the grain boundary. Sulfur segregation in the grain boundaries can weaken the strength of the metallic bond. When Mo and Cr are present at the Σ5(210) grain boundary, the sulfur-induced embrittlement is inhibited. With increased S concentration at the grain boundary, the coexistence of Mo and Cr can suppress the intergranular fracture of S on the grain boundary. The reason why high-Mo stainless steel has excellent sulfur-induced intergranular corrosion resistance is explained at the atomic level.
Recovery of Rare Earth Elements from Spent NdFeB-Magnets: Separation of Iron through Reductive Smelting of the Oxidized Material (Second Part)
Authors: Chung Hanwen , Stopic Srecko , Emil-Kaya Elif , Gürmen Sebahattin , Friedrich Bernd
Published: September 2022

This paper proposes a pyrometallurgical recycling method for end-of-life NdFeB magnets by oxidizing them in air and subsequently smelting them. The smelting process enabled the recovery of rare earth elements (REEs), producing a new reach concentrate separating the iron as a metallic phase. From the products of smelting, the metallic phase showed a maximum Fe content of 92.3 wt.%, while the slag phase showed a maximum total REE (Nd, Pr, and Dy) content of 47.47 wt.%, both at a smelting temperature of 1500 °C. ICE-OES and XRD analysis were conducted on both phases, and results showed that the metal phase consists mainly of Fe and Fe3C while the slag phase consists of the RE-oxides, leftover Fe2O3, and a mixture of Fe6Nd4. The obtained slag concentrate based on the oxides of rare earth elements is suitable for further pyrometallurgical or hydrometallurgical treatment in order to obtain rare earth elements.
Research on Magnesium Reduction Slag for Dephosphorization of Low-Silicon Hot Metal in Steelmaking Process
Authors: Lv Ming , Xie Kun , Xue Kui , Zhang Zhaohui
Published: September 2022

The melting temperature and viscosity of magnesium reduction slag were calculated by using Factsage thermodynamic software. The composition range of the magnesium-slag-based dephosphorizing agent was analyzed by drawing a multiphase diagram of the slag system. The Box–Behnken high-temperature dephosphorization experiment was designed to study the effect of different composition of magnesium-slag-based dephosphorizers on the dephosphorization rate of the steelmaking process. The results show that magnesium slag can be used as a slag-forming agent for smelting low-silicon hot metal to promote slagging, and the effect of each factor on the phosphorus removal rate is ranked, and the results are ω(Fe2O3) > basicity > ω(Al2O3): ω(Al2O3) has no significant effect on the rate of phosphorus removal. When the basicity was 2.8, ω(Fe2O3) was 25.94%, ω(Al2O3) was 6.73%, and ω(MgO) was 6%, the dephosphorization rate reached a maximum of 96.7%, and the error was experimentally verified to be 2.6% from the predicted value, indicating that the model can be optimized to determine the best magnesium-slag-based dephosphorization agent and has a good prediction of dephosphorization effect.
Investigation of Strain-Induced Precipitation of Niobium Carbide in Niobium Micro-Alloyed Steels at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Tsao Tzu-Ching , Chiu Po-Han , Tseng Chien-Yu , Tai Cheng-Lin , Chen Hsueh-Ren , Chung Tsai-Fu , Chen Chih-Yuan , Wang Shing-Hoa , Tsai Yu-Ting , Yang Jer-Ren
Published: September 2022

Two steels with a base composition of Fe-0.2C-0.8Mn-1.2Cr (wt%) but with different niobium (Nb) contents (0.02 and 0.03 wt%) were employed to study the effect of precipitate evolution on the softening resistance in the austenite region under elevated temperature deformation. The thermomechanical procedure was executed by a deformation-dilatometer and involved double deformation processes with 25% strain at a 0.25 s−1 strain rate at 900, 925, 950, and 1000 °C. The softening ratios, reflecting the competition between recrystallization and precipitation, were evaluated. The results indicated that both steels showed better softening resistance at 900 °C than at other temperatures. However, the softening ratio of 0.03 wt% Nb-containing steel (Steel 3N) rose after 100 s at 900 °C, while 0.02 wt% Nb-containing steel (Steel 2N) maintained a low softening ratio within 300 s at 900 °C, indicating that Steel 3N was relatively non-durable. A microstructural characterization showed that in the Steel 3N sample deformed at 900 °C, recrystallization occurred more strongly than for Steel 2N after a 1000 s holding time. A follow-up analysis then showed that Steel 3N treated at 900 °C revealed a faster coarsening of the carbides than Steel 2N even in the early stage of precipitation, evidencing that Steel 2N exhibited a lower softening resistance at 900 °C.
Structure, Microstructure, Hyperfine, Mechanical and Magnetic Behavior of Selective Laser Melted Fe92.4Si3.1B4.5 Alloy
Authors: Drablia Rima , Alleg Safia , Fenineche Nour-Eddine , Escoda Lluisa , Suñol Joan-Josep , Greneche Jean-Marc
Published: September 2022

A disordered ε-FeSi crystalline structure was produced by selective laser melting in Fe92.4Si3.1B4.5 powder alloys fabricated with different laser powers at a laser scanning speed of 0.4 m/s. The phase formation, microstructure, roughness, microhardness, and hyperfine and magnetic properties were studied using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, a profilometer, a microdurometer, transmission 57Fe Mössbauer spectrometry and vibrating sample magnetometry. The aim of this work was therefore to study the effect of laser power on the phase formation, microstructure, morphology, and mechanical, hyperfine and magnetic properties. The XRD patterns revealed the coexistence of a bcc α-Fe0.95Si0.05, a tetragonal Fe2B boride phase and a disordered ε-FeSi type structure. The existence of the disorder was confirmed by the presence of different FeSi environments observed in the Mössbauer spectra. The Fe2B boride contained about 51–54% of Fe atoms. The porosity and roughness decreased whereas laser power increased. The sample produced with a laser power of 90 W had a smooth and dense surface, high microhardness (~1843 Hv) and soft magnetic properties (saturation magnetization Ms = 200 emu/g and coercivity Hc = 79 Oe).
Dereplication of Cytochalasans and Octaketides in Cytotoxic Extracts of Endophytic Fungi from Casearia arborea (Salicaceae)
Authors: Santos Augusto L. , Ionta Marisa , Horvath Renato O. , Soares Marisi G. , Silva Daniele O. , Kawafune Eunizinis S. , Ferreira Marcelo J. P. , Sartorelli Patricia
Published: September 2022

Endophytes have been shown to be a source of novel drug prototypes. The Casearia genus is known for presenting cytotoxic clerodane diterpenes; however, there are few reports on secondary metabolites produced by its fungal microbiota. Thus, in the present study endophytic fungi obtained from the fresh leaves of C. arborea were grown in potato dextrose broth and rice to perform a secondary metabolite prospection study. The cytotoxic profile of the crude extracts at 10 µg/mL was determined by a colorimetric assay on tumor cell lines. The endophytes producing cytotoxic extracts were identified through phylogenetic analysis and belong to Diaporthe and Colletotrichum species. Metabolites present in these extracts were organized in molecular networking format based on HRMS-MS, and a dereplication process was performed to target compounds for chromatographic purification. Metabolic classes, such as lipids, peptides, alkaloids, and polyketides were annotated, and octaketide and cytochalasin derivatives were investigated. Cytochalasin H was purified from the cytotoxic Diaporthe sp. CarGL8 extract and its cytotoxic activity was determined on human cancer cell lines A549, MCF-7, and HepG2. The data collected in the present study showed that molecular networking is useful to understand the chemical profile of complex matrices to target compounds, minimizing the cost and time spent in purification processes.
Physiological and Proteomic Responses of Dairy Buffalo to Heat Stress Induced by Different Altitudes
Authors: Lan Qin , Cao Zhiyong , Yang Xiujuan , Gu Zhaobing
Published: September 2022

Buffalo are mainly distributed in low-altitude (LA), medium-altitude (MA), and high-altitude (HA) regions characterised by different thermal and oxygen environments in Yunnan province, China. Due to black skin, sparse hair, and the low density of skin sweat glands, buffalo are more sensitive to heat stress. Here, we used data-independent acquisition (DIA) proteomics to reveal a broad spectrum of proteins that play roles in adaptation to the heat stress of buffalo raised at low altitude or hypoxia at high altitude. LA buffalo showed higher body temperatures than MA- and HA buffalo, and HA buffalo had higher levels of GSH and SOD and lower levels of ROS compared to LA and MA buffalo. In 33 samples, 8476 peptides corresponding to 666 high-confidence proteins were detected. The levels of circulating complement proteins in the immune pathways were lower in LA and MA buffalo than in HA buffalo. There were higher levels of alpha-1 acid glycoprotein in LA buffalo than in MA and HA buffalo. Relative to MA buffalo, levels of blood oxygen delivery proteins were higher in LA and HA buffalo. A higher abundance of apolipoproteins was detected in LA and MA buffalo than in HA buffalo. In summary, buffalo adopted similar adaptation strategies to oxidative stress induced by heat stress or hypoxia, including immunological enhancement, high efficiency of blood oxygen delivery, and the inhibition of lipid oxidation.
Intersection of Diet and Exercise with the Gut Microbiome and Circulating Metabolites in Male Bodybuilders: A Pilot Study
Authors: Luk Alison W. S. , Mitchell Lachlan , Koay Yen Chin , O’Sullivan John F. , O’Connor Helen , Hackett Daniel A. , Holmes Andrew
Published: September 2022

Diet, exercise and the gut microbiome are all factors recognised to be significant contributors to cardiometabolic health. However, diet and exercise interventions to modify the gut microbiota to improve health are limited by poor understanding of the interactions between them. In this pilot study, we explored diet–exercise–microbiome dynamics in bodybuilders as they represent a distinctive group that typically employ well-defined dietary strategies and exercise regimes to alter their body composition. We performed longitudinal characterisation of diet, exercise, the faecal microbial community composition and serum metabolites in five bodybuilders during competition preparation and post-competition. All participants reduced fat mass while conserving lean mass during competition preparation, corresponding with dietary energy intake and exercise load, respectively. There was individual variability in food choices that aligned to individualised gut microbial community compositions throughout the study. However, there was a common shift from a high protein, low carbohydrate diet during pre-competition to a more macronutrient-balanced diet post-competition, which was associated with similar changes in the gut microbial diversity across participants. The circulating metabolite profiles also reflected individuality, but a subset of metabolites relating to lipid metabolism distinguished between pre- and post-competition. Changes in the gut microbiome and circulating metabolome were distinct for each individual, but showed common patterns. We conclude that further longitudinal studies will have greater potential than cross-sectional studies in informing personalisation of diet and exercise regimes to enhance exercise outcomes and improve health.
Gut Microbiota Dynamics in Relation to Long-COVID-19 Syndrome: Role of Probiotics to Combat Psychiatric Complications
Authors: Alenazy Maha F. , Aljohar Haya I. , Alruwaili Ashwag R. , Daghestani Maha H. , Alonazi Mona A. , Labban Ranyah S. , El-Ansary Afaf K. , Balto Hanan A.
Published: September 2022

Increasing numbers of patients who recover from COVID-19 report lasting symptoms, such as fatigue, muscle weakness, dementia, and insomnia, known collectively as post-acute COVID syndrome or long COVID. These lasting symptoms have been examined in different studies and found to influence multiple organs, sometimes resulting in life-threating conditions. In this review, these symptoms are discussed in connection to the COVID-19 and long-COVID-19 immune changes, highlighting oral and psychiatric health, as this work focuses on the gut microbiota’s link to long-COVID-19 manifestations in the liver, heart, kidney, brain, and spleen. A model of this is presented to show the biological and clinical implications of gut microbiota in SARS-CoV-2 infection and how they could possibly affect the therapeutic aspects of the disease. Probiotics can support the body’s systems in fighting viral infections. This review focuses on current knowledge about the use of probiotics as adjuvant therapies for COVID-19 patients that might help to prevent long-COVID-19 complications.
Pharmacological Interaction of Quercetin Derivatives of Tilia americana and Clinical Drugs in Experimental Fibromyalgia
Authors: Quinto-Ortiz Yara Elena , González-Trujano María Eva , Sánchez-Jaramillo Edith , Moreno-Pérez Gabriel Fernando , Jacinto-Gutiérrez Salomón , Pellicer Francisco , Fernández-Guasti Alonso , Hernandez-Leon Alberto
Published: September 2022

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a pain syndrome characterized by chronic widespread pain and CNS comorbidities. Tilia americana var. mexicana is a medicinal species used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and acute or chronic pain. However, its spectrum of analgesic efficacy for dysfunctional pain is unknown. To investigate a possible therapeutic alternative for FM-type pain, an aqueous Tilia extract (TE) and its flavonoid fraction (FF) containing rutin and isoquercitrin were evaluated alone and/or combined with clinical drugs (tramadol—TRA and pramipexol—PRA) using the reserpine-induced FM model in rats. Chromatographic analysis allowed the characterization of flavonoids, while a histological analysis confirmed their presence in the brain. TE (10–100 mg/kg, i.p.) and FF (10–300 mg/kg, i.p.) produced significant and dose-dependent antihyperalgesic and antiallodynic effects equivalent to TRA (3–10 mg/kg, i.p.) or PRA (0.01–1 mg/kg, s.c.). Nevertheless, the combination of FF + TRA or FF + PRA resulted in an antagonistic interaction by possible competitive action on the serotonin transporter or µ-opioid and D2 receptors, respectively, according to the in silico analysis. Flavonoids were identified in cerebral regions because of their self-epifluorescence. In conclusion, Tilia possesses potential properties to relieve FM-type pain. However, the consumption of this plant or flavonoids such as quercetin derivatives in combination with analgesic drugs might reduce their individual benefits.
Characteristic Mode Analysis-Based Compact Dual Band-Notched UWB MIMO Antenna Loaded with Neutralization Line
Authors: Kumar Praveen , Ali Tanweer , MM Manohara Pai
Published: September 2022

The advancement of electronic gadgets makes it possible for a device to be multipurpose, which calls for attributes such as compactness and larger bandwidth, with improved data transfer rate. This paper introduces the compact, closely placed two-port dual band-notched UWB antenna using a neutralization line as a decoupling structure. The projected antenna design comprised a circle and rectangle embedded monopole radiator with the defected ground structure to attain the UWB spectrum. Further dual notches are attained by carving the U-shape and inverted U-shape slots on the feedline and radiator. The dual band-notched UWB antennas are placed with the separation of 3.8 mm (0.04 λ; λ is computed using 3.4 GHz frequency). The coupling effect between the close proximity elements is decoupled using the neutralization line. The presented antenna has overall dimensions of 21.5 × 28 × 1.6 mm3 (0.24 × 0.31 × 0.01 λ3) and exhibits S11 below −10 dB from 3.4–11.9 GHz, with isolation better than 16 dB throughout the impedance bandwidth. The antenna also provides frequency band rejection of 4.5–5.3 GHz and 7.2–9 GHz covering the WLAN and entire X-band satellite communication. The projected antenna is explored through characteristic mode analysis, time-domain characteristics, and MIMO diversity features to analyze the effectiveness and usefulness of the antenna. The group delay is less than 1 ns except for the frequency rejection band and fidelity factor greater than 0.96. The projected antenna exhibits MIMO diversity metrics ECC < 0.3, DG > 9.6 dB, MEG < −3 dB, TARC < −10 dB, CCL < 0.3 bps/Hz, and ME < −2 dB across the operational frequency, except for the notched bands. The designed two-port antenna is validated by printing on an FR4 substrate. The simulated and measured findings are in line with and appropriate for MIMO wireless applications.
Optimization and Its Implementation Impact of Two-Modes Controller Fractional Approximation for Buck Converters
Authors: S. Sánchez Allan G. , Perez-Pinal Francisco-Javier , Espinosa-Calderón Alejandro
Published: September 2022

Additional degrees of freedom in a fractional-order control strategy for power electronic converters are well received despite the lack of reliable tuning methods. Despite artificial/swarm intelligence techniques have been used to adjust controller parameters to improve more than one characteristic/property at the same time, smart tuning not always leads to realizable structures or reachable parameter values. Thus, adjustment boundaries to ensure controller viability are needed. In this manuscript the fractional-order approach is described in terms of El-Khazali biquadratic module, which produces the lowest order approximation, instead of using a definition. A two-modes controller structure is synthesize depending on uncontrolled plant needs and parameters are adjusted through particle swarm and genetic optimization algorithms for comparison. Two error-based minimization criteria are used to consider output performance into the process. Two restrictions complement the optimization scheme, one seeks to ensure desired robustness while the other prevents from synthesizing a high-gain controller. Optimization results showed similarity between minima obtained and significant difference between parameters of those controller optimized without the proposed constraints was determined. Numerical and experimental results are provide to validate proposed approach effectiveness. Effective regulation, good tracking characteristic and robustness in the presence of load variations are the main results.