bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Machine Learning Flood Model Using Artificial Neural Network (ANN) at Var River
Authors: Ahmad Mumtaz , Al Mehedi Md Abdullah , Yazdan Munshi Md Shafwat , Kumar Raaghul
Published: August 2022

Data-driven flow forecasting models, such as Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), are increasingly used for operational flood warning systems. In this research, we systematically evaluate different machine learning techniques (random forest and decision tree) and compare them with classical methods of the NAM rainfall run-off model for the Vésubie River, Nice, France. The modeled network is trained and tested using discharge, precipitation, temperature, and evapotranspiration data for about four years (2011–2014). A comparative investigation is executed to assess the performance of the model by using Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and a correlation coefficient (R). According to the result, Feed Forward Neural Network (FFNN) (a type of ANN) models are less efficient than NAM models. The precision parameters correlation coefficient of ANN is 0.58 and for the NAM model is 0.76 for the validation dataset. In all machine learning models, the decision tree which performed best had a correlation coefficient of 0.99. ANN validation data prediction is good compared to the training, which is the opposite in the NAM model. ANN can be improved by fitting more input variables in the training dataset for a long period.
A Literature Review on the Sustainable EPQ Model, Focusing on Carbon Emissions and Product Recycling
Authors: Karim Rubayet , Nakade Koichi
Published: August 2022

Background: Many businesses want to include sustainability in their manufacturing operations. A conventional economic production quantity (EPQ) model is employed to calculate the ideal number of products to manufacture at one time. The goal of this study was to look at the current research on sustainable economic production quantity and supply chain models and suggest prospective future research directions based on existing knowledge gaps. Methods: In this perspective, we used systematic procedures to conduct a survey that included studies from two scenarios: (1a) a sustainable EPQ model that accounts for carbon emissions from inventory storage and manufacture, (1b) a sustainable EPQ model that includes product recycling, and (2) a reverse logistics model that accounts for emissions and product recycling. Results: According to the inquiry, there are reverse logistics models in the literature that consider carbon emissions and product recycling together, but they are not jointly considered for modeling a sustainable EPQ model considering the situation where the manufacturing system is imperfect, although both are vital for ensuring environmental sustainability. Conclusions: In the future, the EPQ model can be developed with these two aspects in mind to understand the effects of product recycling on carbon emissions while controlling production and inventories for an imperfect manufacturing system.
12H-Dibenzo[d,g][1,2,3]triselenocin-12-ol
Authors: Boskovic Marko , Andreev Stanislav , Schollmeyer Dieter , Koch Pierre
Published: August 2022

Reaction of diphenylmethanol (4) with n-butyllithium and subsequent treatment with selenium resulted in 12H-dibenzo[d,g][1,2,3]triselenocin-12-ol (5) comprising a novel heterocyclic ring system. The title compound 5 was analyzed by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and HPLC. Additionally, the structure of 5 was confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction.
High-Throughput Computing Assisted by Knowledge Graph to Study the Correlation between Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of 6XXX Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Zheng Xiaoyu , Kong Yi , Chang Tingting , Liao Xin , Ma Yiwu , Du Yong
Published: August 2022

It is of great academic and engineering application to study the evolution of microstructure and properties of age-strengthened aluminum alloys during heat treatment and to establish quantitative prediction models that can be applied to industrial production. The main factors affecting the peak aging state strength of age-strengthened aluminum alloys are the precipitates, solid solution elements, grain size effects, and textures formed during the material processing. In this work, these multi-scale factors are integrated into the framework of the knowledge graph to assist the following crystal plasticity finite elements simulations. The constructed knowledge graph is divided into two parts: static data and dynamic data. Static data contains the basic properties of the material and the most basic property parameters. Dynamic data is designed to improve awareness of static data. High-throughput computing is performed to further obtain clear microstructure-property relationships by varying the parameters of materials properties and the characteristics of the structure models. The constructed knowledge graph can be used to guide material design for 6XXX Al-Mg-Si based alloys. The past experimental values are used to calibrate the phenomenological parameters and test the reliability of the analysis process.
Study of Wettability and Solderability of SiC Ceramics with Ni by Use of Sn-Sb-Ti Solder by Heating with Electron Beam in Vacuum
Authors: Kolenak Roman , Kostolny Igor , Drapala Jaromir , Urminsky Jan , Pluhar Alexej , Babincova Paulina , Drimal Daniel
Published: August 2022

The aim of this research was to study the wettability and solderability of SiC ceramics by the use of an active solder of the type Sn5Sb3Ti in a vacuum by electron beam heating. This solder exerts a narrow melting interval, and only one thermal effect, a peritectic reaction, was observed. The liquidus temperature of the solder is approximately 243 °C. The solder consists of a tin matrix where the Ti6(Sb,Sn)5 and TiSbSn phases are precipitated. The solder wettability on a SiC substrate decreases with decreasing soldering temperature. The best wetting angle of 33° was obtained in a vacuum at the temperature of 950 °C. The bond between the SiC ceramics and the solder was formed due to the interaction of Ti and Ni with silicon contained in the SiC ceramics. The formation of new TiSi2 and Ti3Ni5Si6 phases, which form the reaction layer and thus ensure the bond formation, was observed. The bond with Ni is formed due to the solubility of Ni in the tin solder. Two phases, namely the Ni3Sn2 and Ni3Sn phases, were identified in the transition zone of the Ni/Sn5Sb3Ti joint. The highest shear strength, around 40 MPa, was attained at the soldering temperature of 850 °C.
Young’s Modulus and Vickers Hardness of the Hydroxyapatite Bioceramics with a Small Amount of the Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Barabashko Maksym , Ponomarev Alexander , Rezvanova Anastasiya , Kuznetsov Vladimir , Moseenkov Sergey
Published: August 2022

The Vickers hardness and Young’s modulus of the hydroxyapatite (HA) bioceramics with a small amount of the multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were studied by using ultramicrotester Shimadzu for dynamic tests DUH-211. Small concentrations of MWCNTs were from 0.05 to 0.5 wt.%. The argon inert atmosphere and vacuum condition were taken for the prevention of the MWCNTs oxidation. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area SBET of the HA-MWCNTs composites was determined by thermal adsorption-desorption of nitrogen. It was found that for HA-MWCNTs sintered in the Ar atmosphere, an increase in the concentration of nanotubes up to 0.5 wt.% leads to a decrease in porosity near 3 times in comparison to HA without MWCNTs additives. The small amount of additives of multi-walled carbon nanotubes leads to an increase in hardness of 1.3 times and compression strength of composite and compression strength of composite that is comparable in absolute values with the literature data of enamel hardness (3–5 GPa) and compression strength (95–370 MPa). The absolute values increase close to linearly with the increase of nanotube concentrations. The Young’s modulus of sintered composite slightly changes with the variation of concentrations of nanotubes and close to the enamel (75–100 GPa). The ratio of plastic work to total work and the ratio of elastic (reversible) work to the total work of deformation of composite HA/MWCNTs are practically constant at a studied range of MWCNTs concentration. The additives of the multi-walled carbon nanotubes lead to both an increase in the elasticity index of ~1.5 times and an increase in the resistance to plastic deformation of ~3 times, which improved the tribological performance of the surface. Plastic and elastic (reversible) work slightly changed.
Influence of the Addition of Dispersible Color Powder and Polyacrylic Emulsion on the Durability of Cement Mortar
Authors: Huang Chih-Ming , Wang Her-Yung , Yang Wein-Duo , Kao Tien-Chun , Fang Sing-Yuan
Published: August 2022

Cement mortar can be colored using color additive technology to give colorful facades to the surfaces of buildings, and to beautify the environment. In this study, weight ratios of color powder/cement at 1:80, 1:40, and 1:27, and polyacrylic emulsion/cement at a ratio of 1:5 were added as pigments to cement mortar; the fresh properties, slump, slump flow, hardened properties, compressive strength, flexural strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity, durability, surface electrical resistivity and thermal conductivity of the colored cement mortar were then examined. The results showed that adding color powder/cement at 1:80 and polyacrylic emulsion/cement at 1:5 gives the best water/cement (W/C) ratio, which equals 0.5; this can effectively improve the hardness and durability of colored cement mortar. At 28 days of aging, the strength of the various colored cement mortars was maintained at 33.1–36.8 MPa. The acrylic-based emulsion significantly improved the flexural strength of the specimen. At 91 days of aging, all of the cement mortars exceeded the control group, with an anti-bay strength of 19.9–21.7 MPa, and the strength increased with aging. Adding appropriate amounts of inorganic color powder and mixing water can effectively enhance the fresh and hardened properties and durability of the colored cement mortar, while polyacrylic emulsion may significantly improve the test pieces and flexural strength, which increases with age. Moreover, natural α-Fe2O3 (rust layer) is formed on the surface of the colored cement mortar samples through the addition of inorganic color powder that contains Fe(III) ion; this prevents the intrusion of noxious ions and thus increases the durability. All of the test pieces of colored cement mortar in this study had a surface resistance of over 20 kΩ-cm on the seventh day of the test period, meaning good surface compactness. In addition, because the thermal conductivity of the added inorganic color powder was higher than that of cement, the thermal conductivity was significantly improved.
Punch Motion Curve in the Extrusion–Drawing Process to Obtain Circular Cups
Authors: Chen Tsung-Chia , Chen Shi-Xun , Wang Cheng-Chi
Published: August 2022

Servo press technology is gaining attention because its punch motion curve offers greater formability than that of a conventional stamping press. This study investigated the effect of punch motion curves on the circular cup extrusion–drawing process. Various punch motion curves were analyzed, and the optimal curve for application was determined. Both the extrusion–drawing process and spring back of U-shaped sheet metal were investigated. In the circular cup extrusion–drawing process, the punch motion curve of a conventional stamping press (Case A) and three punch motion curves of a servo press (Cases B–D, the strokes of which differed from that of Case A by 0.5, 1.5, and 2.5 mm, respectively) were compared, particularly regarding the effect of the coefficient of friction on the circular cup extrusion–drawing process. The simulation analysis was performed using the software program DEFORM. A set of simulated parameters were compared with experimental results. The formability, cup shape, cup height, cup thickness, extrusion force–displacement curve, stress distribution, and strain distribution were analyzed for the design of the die required. Additionally, experimental and simulation results were compared to determine the reliability and precision of the DEFORM simulations. The results indicated that the conventional punch motion curve resulted in a shorter cup, greater stress, greater strain, and the need for a greater extrusion force. By contrast, the servo punch motion curves resulted in taller cups, less stress, and less strain. The findings can serve as a reference for the development of servo presses.
Magnetic Nanoparticles for Medical Applications: Updated Review
Authors: Flores-Rojas Guadalupe Gabriel , López-Saucedo Felipe , Vera-Graziano Ricardo , Mendizabal Eduardo , Bucio Emilio
Published: August 2022

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) represent an advanced tool in the medical field because they can be modified according to biomedical approaches and guided by an external magnetic field in the human body. The first objective of this review is to exemplify some promising applications in the medical field, including smart drug-delivery systems, therapies against cancer cells, radiotherapy, improvements in diagnostics using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and tissue engineering. Complementarily, the second objective is to illustrate the mechanisms of action and theoretical foundations related to magnetoresponsive materials.
Possibilities in Recycling Magnetic Materials in Applications of Polymer-Bonded Magnets
Authors: Rösel Uta , Drummer Dietmar
Published: August 2022

Polymer-bonded magnets have increased significantly in the application of drive technology, especially in terms of new concepts for the magnetic excitation of synchronous or direct current (DC) machines. To satisfy the increasing demand of hard magnetic filler particles and especially rare earth materials in polymer-bonded magnets, different strategies are possible. In addition to the reduction in products or the substitution of filler materials, the recycling of polymer-bonded magnets is possible. Different strategies have to be distinguished in terms of the target functions such as the recovery of the matrix material, the filler or both materials. In terms of polymer-bonded magnets, the filler material—especially regarding rare earth materials—is important for the recycling strategy due to the limited resource and high costs. This paper illustrates two different recycling strategies relative to the matrix system of polymer-bonded magnets. For thermoset-based magnets, a thermal strategy is portrayed which leads to similar magnetic properties in terms of the appropriated atmosphere and process management. The mechanical reusage of shreds is analyzed for thermoplastic-based magnets. The magnetic properties are reduced by about 20% and there is a change in the flow conditions and with that, an influence on the pole accuracy.
Research on Attack Detection of Cyber Physical Systems Based on Improved Support Vector Machine
Authors: Liu Fengchun , Zhang Sen , Ma Weining , Qu Jingguo
Published: August 2022

Cyber physical systems (CPS), in the event of a cyber attack, can have a serious impact on the operating physical equipment. In order to improve the attack detection capability of CPS, an support vector machine (SVM) attacks detection model based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) is proposed. First, the box plot anomaly detection method is used to detect the characteristic variables, and the characteristic variables with abnormal distribution are discretized. Secondly, the number of attack samples was increased by the SMOTE method to solve the problem of data imbalance, and the linear combination of characteristic variables was performed on the high-dimensional CPS network traffic data using principal component analysis (PCA). Then, the penalty coefficient and the hyperparameter of the kernel function in the SVM model are optimized by the PSO algorithm. Finally, Experiments on attack detection of CPS network traffic data show that the proposed model can detect different types of attack data and has higher detection accuracy compared with general detection models.
Dimensionless Characterization to Estimate Horizontal Groundwater Velocity from Temperature–Depth Profiles in Aquifers
Authors: Jiménez-Valera José Antonio , Alhama Francisco
Published: August 2022

The outcome of a dimensionless characterization study in a two-dimensional porous media domain in which groundwater flows at a constant horizontal velocity is presented in this report. Using spatial discrimination, the dimensionless groups that govern the solution patterns are determined from dimensionless governing equations. As a boundary condition on the surface, the case of constant temperature is studied. From the mathematical deduction of the groups, a characteristic horizontal length emerges. This length determines the region in which temperature–depth profiles are affected by flow. Existing analytical solutions have been shown to be invalid due to the severe assumption that the horizontal thermal gradient has a constant value. Therefore, universal solutions based on pi theorem have been obtained for the characteristic horizontal length, temperature field, temperature–depth profiles and horizontal temperature profiles. Dependencies between dimensionless groups have been depicted by universal curves, abacuses and surfaces. These graphical solutions are used in an easy way to estimate groundwater velocity from experimental temperature measurements in the form of an inverse problem. In addition, an easy and fast protocol for estimating fluid flow velocity and groundwater inlet temperature from temperature profile measurements is proposed. This protocol is applied in a scenario of groundwater discharge from a quaternary aquifer to a salty lagoon located in the southeast of Spain.
A Fast Quantum Image Component Labeling Algorithm
Authors: Li Yan , Hao Dapeng , Xu Yang , Lai Kinkeung
Published: August 2022

Component Labeling, as a fundamental preprocessing task in image understanding and pattern recognition, is an indispensable task in digital image processing. It has been proved that it is one of the most time-consuming tasks within pattern recognition. In this paper, a fast quantum image component labeling algorithm is proposed, which is the quantum counterpart of classical local-operator technique. A binary image is represented by the modified novel enhanced quantum image representation (NEQR) and a quantum parallel-shrink operator and quantum propagate operator are executed in succession, to finally obtain the component label. The time complexity of the proposed quantum image component labeling algorithm is O(n2), and the spatial complexity of the quantum circuits designed is O(cn). Simulation verifies the correctness of results.
A Topological Characterization to Arbitrary Resilient Asynchronous Complexity
Authors: Yue Yunguang , Liu Xingwu , Lei Fengchun , Wu Jie
Published: August 2022

In this work, we extend the topology-based framework and method for the quantification and classification of general resilient asynchronous complexity. We present the arbitrary resilient asynchronous complexity theorem, applied to decision tasks in an iterated delayed model which is based on a series of communicating objects, each of which mainly consists of the delayed algorithm. In order to do this, we first introduce two topological structures, delayed complex and reduced delayed complex, and build the topological computability model, and then investigate some properties of those structures and the computing power of that model. Our theorem states that the time complexity of any arbitrary resilient asynchronous algorithm is proportional to the level of a reduced delayed complex necessary to allow a simplicial map from a task’s input complex to its output complex. As an application, we use it to derive the bounds on time complexity to approximate agreement with n+1 processes.
Stability of Switched Systems with Time-Varying Delays under State-Dependent Switching
Authors: Liu Chao , Liu Xiaoyang
Published: August 2022

This paper studies the stability of linear switched systems with time-varying delays and all unstable subsystems. According to the largest region function strategy, the state-dependent switching rule is designed. By bringing in integral inequality and multiple Lyapunov-Krasovskii functionals, the stability results of delayed switched systems with or without sliding motions under the designed state-dependent switching rule are derived for different assumptions on time delay. Several numerical examples are employed to show the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed results.
Comparing the Efficacy of Intra-Articular Single Platelet-Rich Plasma(PRP) versus Novel Crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid for Early-Stage Knee Osteoarthritis: A Prospective, Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wang Ying-Chun , Lee Chia-Ling , Chen Yu-Jen , Tien Yin-Chun , Lin Sung-Yen , Chen Chung-Hwan , Chou Paul , Huang Hsuan-Ti
Published: August 2022

Background and Objectives: For the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA), intra-articular platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and novel crosslinked single-dose hyaluronic acid (HA) have both been reported to improve outcomes, but no study has compared them for the treatment of knee OA. We hypothesized patients with early-stage knee OA who received PRP injections would have more WOMAC score changes than those who received HA injections. This is the first prospective, double-blind, parallel, randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy of intra-articular single-dose PRP versus novel crosslinked HA (HyajointPlus) for treating early-stage knee OA. Materials and Methods: This study analyzed 110 patients randomized into the PRP (n = 54) or HA (n = 56) groups. The primary outcome is the change of WOMAC score at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups compared to baseline. Results: The data revealed significant improvements in all WOMAC scores in the PRP group at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up visits compared with the baseline level except for the WOMAC stiffness score at the 1-month follow up. In the HA group, significant improvements were observed only in the WOMAC pain score for all the follow-up visits and in WOMAC stiffness, function, and total scores at 6-month follow-up. When comparing the change of WOMAC score at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups, no significant differences were found between PRP and HA group. Conclusions: This study revealed that both PRP and HA can yield significant improvements in WOMAC scores at 6-month follow-up without any between-group differences at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. Thus, both the single-injection regimens of PRP and HA can improve the functional outcomes for treating early-stage knee OA.
Candidiasis and Other Bacterial Infections among Patients Diagnosed with Burning Mouth Syndrome
Authors: Jankovskis Viktors , Selga Guntars
Published: August 2022

Background and Objectives: Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a state in which a patient experiences intraoral burning or a dysesthetic sensation without clinically evident causative lesions in the oropharyngeal area. The disorder is linked to a variety of conditions, including dry mouth, Candida, and bacterial infections. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of oral Candida and/or bacterial infections among patients with BMS and whether they have an effect on pain/burning and salivary flow levels. Objectives: (1) Gather patient data regarding the presence of oral infections, dry mouth, and pain levels in the morning, afternoon, and evening periods; (2) data analysis and assessment to determine medians, means, frequencies, correlations, and statistically significant differences between patient groups. Materials and Methods: Overall, 173 patients (23 males and 150 females) with BMS and 13 controls (five males and eight females) took part in the study. We measured pain/burning levels, unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow, the percentage of patients infected with Candida species and/or bacterial species, and the said species growth in Petri dishes. Results: Candida albicans was the most commonly found infection among patients with BMS (n = 28, 16.2%). Overall, 21.4% patients with BMS were diagnosed with either C. albicans or another Candida species. Enterobacter had the richest growth among patients with BMS (7.5% out of the infected 10.4% BMS patients). No statistical significance could be noted between the existence of either Candida species or bacterial species infections and changes in pain/burning and salivary flow levels. Negative correlations were noted between age and unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow, and positive correlations were noted between age and Candida andspecific bacteria species’ growth levels. Conclusions: Although patients with present bacterial or Candida infections showed a marginal increase in pain/burning levels, no direct statistically significant associations could be made between the presence of Candida species or other bacteria and the symptoms among patients with BMS.
Mechanisms Linking COPD to Type 1 and 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Is There a Relationship between Diabetes and COPD?
Authors: Park Sangmi S. , Perez Perez Jessica L. , Perez Gandara Brais , Agudelo Christina W. , Rodriguez Ortega Romy , Ahmed Huma , Garcia-Arcos Itsaso , McCarthy Cormac , Geraghty Patrick
Published: August 2022

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients frequently suffer from multiple comorbidities, resulting in poor outcomes for these patients. Diabetes is observed at a higher frequency in COPD patients than in the general population. Both type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus are associated with pulmonary complications, and similar therapeutic strategies are proposed to treat these conditions. Epidemiological studies and disease models have increased our knowledge of these clinical associations. Several recent genome-wide association studies have identified positive genetic correlations between lung function and obesity, possibly due to alterations in genes linked to cell proliferation; embryo, skeletal, and tissue development; and regulation of gene expression. These studies suggest that genetic predisposition, in addition to weight gain, can influence lung function. Cigarette smoke exposure can also influence the differential methylation of CpG sites in genes linked to diabetes and COPD, and smoke-related single nucleotide polymorphisms are associated with resting heart rate and coronary artery disease. Despite the vast literature on clinical disease association, little direct mechanistic evidence is currently available demonstrating that either disease influences the progression of the other, but common pharmacological approaches could slow the progression of these diseases. Here, we review the clinical and scientific literature to discuss whether mechanisms beyond preexisting conditions, lifestyle, and weight gain contribute to the development of COPD associated with diabetes. Specifically, we outline environmental and genetic confounders linked with these diseases.
Dynamin-Related Proteins Enhance Tomato Immunity by Mediating Pattern Recognition Receptor Trafficking
Authors: Leibman-Markus Meirav , Schuster Silvia , Vasquez-Soto Beatriz , Bar Maya , Avni Adi , Pizarro Lorena
Published: August 2022

Pattern recognition receptor (PRR) trafficking to the plasma membrane and endocytosis plays a crucial role in pattern triggered immunity (PTI). Dynamin-related proteins (DRPs) participate in endocytosis and recycling. In Arabidopsis, DRP1 and DRP2 are involved in plasma membrane scission during endocytosis. They are required for the PRR FLS2 endocytosis induction and PTI activation after elicitation with flg22, the MAMP recognized by FLS2. In tomato, SlDRP2A regulates the PRR LeEIX2 endocytosis and PTI activation in response to EIX, the MAMP recognized by LeEIX2. However, it is unknown if other DRPs participate in these processes. Taking advantage of bioinformatics tools, we selected SlDRP2B among the eight DRP2 tomato orthologues to study its functionality in trafficking and plant immunity. Through transient expression of SlDRP1B and its dominant-negative mutant on Nicotiana benthamiana and Nicotiana tabacum, we analyzed SlDRP1B function. We observed that SlDRP1B is physically associated with the LeEIX2 and modifies LeEIX2 trafficking, increasing its presence in endosomes. An enhancement of EIX-elicitated defense responses accompanies the role of SlDRP1B on LeEIX endocytosis. In addition, SlDRP1B overexpression enhanced flg22-elicited defense response. With these results, we conclude that SlDRP1B regulates PRR trafficking and, therefore, plant immunity, similarly to the SlDRP2A role.
Stir Casting Process Analysis and Optimization for Better Properties in Al-MWCNT-GR-Based Hybrid Composites
Authors: Shivalingaiah Kanchiraya , Nagarajaiah Vinayaka , Selvan Chithirai , Kariappa Smitha , Chandrashekarappa Nandini , Lakshmikanthan Avinash , Chandrashekarappa Manjunath , Linul Emanoil
Published: August 2022

Pure aluminium poses inferior properties that limit its use in load-bearing applications. Reinforcing multiwall carbon nano-tube (solid lubricant) and graphene to aluminium matrix offers better (antifriction, hardness, and wear resistance) properties in composites for such applications. A stir casting processing route is employed to prepare the hybrid composite (aluminium-multiwall carbon nanotube-graphene Al-MWCNT-GR). The Taguchi L16 experimental matrix representing four variables (percent reinforcement of graphene, die temperature, melt temperature, and stir speed) operating at four levels were studied to analyze and obtain higher hardness and low wear rate in hybrid composites. Percent reinforcement of graphene showed maximum impact, and die temperature resulted with the least contribution towards both the responses. Criteria importance through intercriteria correlation (CRITIC) method is applied to determine the weight fractions (importance) for hardness and wear rate equal to 0.4752 and 0.5482, respectively. Grey relational analysis (GRA) and multi-objective optimization by the ratio analysis (MOORA) method converts multiple objective functions into a single objective function with weight fractions assigned to each output. Taguchi-CRITIC-MOORA outperformed the Taguchi-CRITIC-GRA method, which could result in 31.77% increase in hardness and a 36.33% decrease in wear rate compared to initial conditions. The optimal conditions ensure a dense microstructure with minimal pores, result in enhanced properties compared to that obtained for initial and average stir casting conditions. The worn-out surface results in a few thin and slender grooves between tracks with less crack propagation, ensuring self-lubrication in composites fabricated with the optimized condition. The better properties resulted in the hybrid composites correspond to optimized stir casting conditions and can be implemented in industries for large-scale applications.
Fracture Mechanics Modeling of Fatigue Behaviors of Adhesive-Bonded Aluminum Alloy Components
Authors: Zhang Yuning , Dong Pingsha , Pei Xianjun
Published: August 2022

Adhesive-bonding has become increasingly adopted for multi-material lightweight applications (e.g., automotive structures). There is a growing interest in understanding the fatigue behaviors in this type of joint for supporting structural durability modeling in practice. In this paper, an analytical fracture mechanics modeling procedure is presented in the context of a generalized sandwich specimen. Its closed form stress intensity factor solutions were then derived and applied for the correlating fatigue test data obtained from the lap-shear and coach-peel test specimens with demonstrated effectiveness. Some important implications of these analytical solutions on joint design are also discussed.
Graphene-Based Absorption–Transmission Multi-Functional Tunable THz Metamaterials
Authors: Zhuang Shulei , Li Xinyu , Yang Tong , Sun Lu , Kosareva Olga , Gong Cheng , Liu Weiwei
Published: August 2022

The paper reports an absorption–transmission multifunctional tunable metamaterial based on graphene. Its pattern graphene layer can achieve broadband absorption, while the frequency selective layer can achieve the transmission of specific band. Furthermore, the absorption and transmission can be controlled by applying voltage to regulate the chemical potential of graphene. The analysis results show that the absorption of the metamaterial is adjustable from 22% to 99% in the 0.72 THz~1.26 THz band and the transmittance is adjustable from 80% to 95% in 2.35 THz. The metamaterial uses UV glue as the dielectric layer and PET (polyethylene terephthalate) as the flexible substrate, which has good flexibility. Moreover, the metamaterial is insensitive to incident angle and polarization angle, which is beneficial to achieve excellent conformal properties.
Assembly of Surface-Mounted Devices on Flexible Substrates by Isotropic Conductive Adhesive and Solder and Lifetime Characterization
Authors: Saleh Rafat , Schütt Sophie , Barth Maximilian , Lang Thassilo , Eberhardt Wolfgang , Zimmermann André
Published: August 2022

The assembly of passive components on flexible electronics is essential for the functionalization of circuits. For this purpose, adhesive bonding technology by isotropic conductive adhesive (ICA) is increasingly used in addition to soldering processes. Nevertheless, a comparative study, especially for bending characterization, is not available. In this paper, soldering and conductive adhesive bonding of 0603 and 0402 components on flexible polyimide substrates is compared using the design of experiments methods (DoE), considering failure for shear strength and bending behavior. Various solder pastes and conductive adhesives are used. Process variation also includes curing and soldering profiles, respectively, amount of adhesive, and final surface metallization. Samples created with conductive adhesive H20E, a large amount of adhesive, and a faster curing profile could achieve the highest shear strength. In the bending characterization using adhesive bonding, samples on immersion silver surface finish withstood more cycles to failure than samples on bare copper surface. In comparison, the samples soldered to bare copper surface finish withstood more cycles to failure than the soldered samples on immersion silver surface finish.
Pascoite Minerals and Potential Application of NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: McLauchlan Craig C. , Trent-Ringler Beth , Crans Debbie C.
Published: August 2022

The 20 minerals encompassing the pascoite family of decavanadate isopolyanion-containing [V10O28]6− minerals include a few minerals, such as rakovanite, that have been described as containing a protonated decavanadate anion. Rakovanite was originally assigned the formula Na3[H3V10O28]•15H2O and now is redefined with an ideal formula (NH4)3Na3[V10O28]•12H2O. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and particularly 51V NMR spectroscopy is an informative method used to describe the protonation state and speciation in both solid and solution states of materials in the chemical and life sciences. However, 51V NMR spectroscopy has not yet been used experimentally to distinguish the protonation state of the decavanadate ion of leaching solutions and thus contributing to the discussion regarding the controversial protonation states of decavanadate ions in gunterite, rakovanite, and nashite. In contrast, the morphology and crystal structure for apatites, vanadinite, pyromorphite, and mimetite was related to 207Pb NMR chemical shifts, assisting in describing the local environments of these minerals. NMR spectroscopy could be a useful method if used in the future for decavanadate-containing minerals. Currently, partial reduction of two Pascoite minerals (caseyite and nashite) is proposed and accordingly could now effectively be investigated using a different magnetic resonance technique, EPR spectroscopy.
Rare Element Enrichment in Lithium Pegmatite Exomorphic Halos and Implications for Exploration: Evidence from the Leinster Albite-Spodumene Pegmatite Belt, Southeast Ireland
Authors: Barros Renata , Kaeter David , Menuge Julian F. , Fegan Thomas , Harrop John
Published: August 2022

Pegmatitic deposits of critical metals (e.g., Li, Ta, Be) are becoming increasingly significant, with growing interest in understanding metal enrichment processes and potential vectors to aid the discovery of new resources. In southeast Ireland, the Leinster pegmatite belt comprises several largely concealed Li-Cs-Ta albite-spodumene-type pegmatites. We carried out detailed mineralogical characterization and whole-rock geochemical analyses of six drill cores intersecting pegmatite bodies and their country rocks. Exomorphic halos 2–6 m thick, enriched in Li, Rb, Be, B, Cs, Sn and Ta, are identified in both mica schists and granitic rocks adjacent to spodumene pegmatites. Metasomatism in wall rocks visible to the naked eye is restricted to a few tens of centimeters, suggesting country rock permeability plays a key role in the dispersion of these fluids. We propose that halos result from the discharge of rare element-rich residual fluids exsolved near the end of pegmatite crystallization. Halo geochemistry reflects the internal evolution of the crystallizing pegmatite system, with residual fluid rich in incompatible elements accumulated by geochemical fractionation (Be, B, Cs, Sn, Ta) and by auto-metasomatic resorption of spodumene and K-feldspar (Li, Rb). The possibility of identifying rare-element enrichment trends by analysis of bedrock, stream sediments and soils brings opportunities for mineral exploration strategies in Ireland and for similar albite-spodumene pegmatites worldwide.
Phytochemical Discrimination, Biological Activity and Molecular Docking of Water-Soluble Inhibitors from Saussurea costus Herb against Main Protease of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Idriss Hajo , Siddig Babeker , Maldonado Pamela González , Elkhair H. M. , Alakhras A. I. , Abdallah Emad M. , Torres Pablo Hernán Sotelo , Elzupir Amin O.
Published: August 2022

Siddha medicine is one of the oldest medical systems in the world and is believed to have originated more than 10,000 years ago and is prevalent across ancient Tamil land. It is undeniable that inhibitor preferences rise with increasing solubility in water due to the considerations pertaining to the bioavailability and the ease of which unabsorbed residues can be disposed of. In this study, we showed the phytochemical discrimination of Saussurea costus extracted with water at room temperature as a green extraction procedure. A total of 48 compounds were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The fatty acids had a high phytochemical abundance at 73.8%, followed by tannins at 8.2%, carbohydrates at 6.9%, terpenoids at 4.3%, carboxylic acids at 2.5%, hydrocarbons at 2.4%, phenolic compounds at 0.2%, and sterols at 1.5%. Of these compounds, 22 were docked on the active side and on the catalytic dyad of His41 and Cys145 of the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 (Mpro). Eight active inhibitors were carbohydrates, five were fatty acids, three were terpenoids, two were carboxylic acids, one was a tannin, one was a phenolic compound, and one was a sterol. The best inhibitors were 4,8,13-Cyclotetradecatriene-1,3-diol, 1,5,9-trimethyl-12-(1-methylethyl), Andrographolide, and delta.4-Androstene-3.beta.,17.beta.-diol, with a binding affinity that ranged from −6.1 kcal/mol to −6.5 kcal/mol. The inhibitory effect of Saussurea costus of SARS-CoV-2 entry into the cell was studied using a pseudovirus with Spike proteins from the D614G variant and the VOC variants Gamma and Delta. Based on the viral cycle of SARS-CoV-2, our results suggest that the Saussurea costus aqueous extract has no virucidal effect and inhibits the virus in the events after cell entry. Furthermore, the biological activity of the aqueous extract was investigated against HSV-1 virus and two bacterial strains, namely Staphylococcus aureus ATCC BAA 1026 and Escherichia coli ATCC 9637. According to this study, an enormous number of water-soluble inhibitors were identified from Saussurea costus against the Mpro, and this is unprecedented as far as we know.
Mercury Methylation Potentials in Sediments of an Ancient Cypress Wetland Using Species-Specific Isotope Dilution GC-ICP-MS
Authors: Bussan Derek D. , Douvris Chris , Cizdziel James V.
Published: August 2022

Wetlands are of a considerable environmental value as they provide food and habitat for plants and animals. Several important chemical transformations take place in wetland media, including the conversion of inorganic mercury (Hg) to monomethylmercury (MeHg), a toxic compound with a strong tendency for bioconcentration. Considering the fact that wetlands are hotspots for Hg methylation, we investigated, for the first time, Hg methylation and demethylation rates in an old growth cypress wetland at Sky Lake in the Mississippi Delta. The Sky Lake ecosystem undergoes large-scale water level fluctuations causing alternating periods of oxic and anoxic conditions in the sediment. These oscillating redox conditions, in turn, can influence the transformation, speciation, and bioavailability of Hg. In the present study, sediment cores from the wetland and Sky Lake itself were spiked with enriched stable isotope tracers of inorganic Hg and MeHg and allowed to incubate (in-situ) before freezing, sectioning, and analysis. Methylation rates (day−1) ranged from 0.012 ± 0.003 to 0.054 ± 0.019, with the lowest rate in the winter and the highest in the summer. Demethylation rates were about two orders of magnitude higher, and also greater in the warmer seasons (e.g., 1.84 ± 0.78 and 4.63 ± 0.51 for wetland sediment in the winter and summer, respectively). Methylation rates were generally higher in the open water sediment compared to wetland sediment, with the latter shaded and cooler. Both methylation (r = 0.76, p = 0.034) and demethylation (0.97, p = 0.016) rates (day−1) were positively correlated with temperature, but not with most other water quality parameters. MeHg concentration in the water was correlated with pH (r = 0.80, p < 0.05), but methylation rates were only marginally correlated (r = 0.71). Environmental factors driving microbial production of MeHg in the system include warm temperatures, high levels of labile natural organic matter, and to a lesser extent the relatively low pH and the residence time of the water. This study also provides baseline data that can be used to quantify the impacts of modifying the natural flow of water to the system on Hg methylation and demethylation rates.
UV-Vis Activated Cu2O/SnO2/WO3 Heterostructure for Photocatalytic Removal of Pesticides
Authors: Enesca Alexandru , Andronic Luminita
Published: August 2022

A three-steps sol–gel method was used to obtain a Cu2O/SnO2/WO3 heterostructure powder, deposited as film by spray pyrolysis. The porous morphology of the final heterostructure was constructed starting with fiber-like WO3 acting as substrate for SnO2 development. The SnO2/WO3 sample provide nucleation and grew sites for Cu2O formation. Diffraction evaluation indicated that all samples contained crystalline structures with crystallite size varying from 42.4 Å (Cu2O) to 81.8 Å (WO3). Elemental analysis confirmed that the samples were homogeneous in composition and had an oxygen excess due to the annealing treatments. Photocatalytic properties were tested in the presence of three pesticides—pirimicarb, S-metolachlor (S-MCh), and metalaxyl (MET)—chosen based on their resilience and toxicity. The photocatalytic activity of the Cu2O/SnO2/WO3 heterostructure was compared with WO3, SnO2, Cu2O, Cu2O/SnO2, Cu2O/WO3, and SnO2/WO3 samples. The results indicated that the three-component heterostructure had the highest photocatalytic efficiency toward all pesticides. The highest photocatalytic efficiency was obtained toward S-MCh (86%) using a Cu2O/SnO2/WO3 sample and the lowest correspond to MET (8.2%) removal using a Cu2O monocomponent sample. TOC analysis indicated that not all the removal efficiency could be attributed to mineralization, and by-product formation is possible. Cu2O/SnO2/WO3 is able to induce 81.3% mineralization of S-MCh, while Cu2O exhibited 5.7% mineralization of S-MCh. The three-run cyclic tests showed that Cu2O/SnO2/WO3, WO3, and SnO2/WO3 exhibited good photocatalytic stability without requiring additional procedures. The photocatalytic mechanism corresponds to a Z-scheme charge transfer based on a three-component structure, where Cu2O exhibits reduction potential responsible for O2 production and WO3 has oxidation potential responsible for HO· generation.
Maximum Incorporation of Soft Microgel at Interfaces of Water in Oil Emulsion Droplets Stabilized by Solid Silica Spheres
Authors: Stock Sebastian , Röhl Susanne , Mirau Luca , Kraume Matthias , von Klitzing Regine
Published: August 2022

The incorporation of soft hydrophilic particles at the interface of water in non-polar oil emulsion droplets is crucial for several applications. However, the stabilization of water in non-polar oil emulsions with hydrophilic soft material alone is, besides certain exceptions, not possible. In our previous works, we showed that stabilizing the emulsions with well-characterized spherical hydrophobic silica nanospheres (SNs) and soft equally charged microgel particles (MGs) is a robust strategy to stabilize w/o emulsions while still incorporating a large amount of MGs at the interface. In the present study, we address the question of what the maximum amount of MGs at the interface in these kinds of emulsion droplets can be. By using well-characterized mono-disperse SNs, we are able to calculate the fraction of interface covered by the SNs and complementary that of the present MG. We found that it is not possible to decrease the SN coverage below 56% irrespective of MG softness and SN size. The findings elucidate new perspectives to the broader topic of soft/solid stabilized emulsions.
Therapeutic Effects of Live Lactobacillus plantarum GKD7 in a Rat Model of Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Lin Yen-You , Chang Sunny Li-Yun , Liu Shan-Chi , Achudhan David , Tsai You-Shan , Lin Shih-Wei , Chen Yen-Lien , Chen Chin-Chu , Chang Jun-Way , Fong Yi-Chin , Hu Sung-Lin , Tang Chih-Hsin
Published: August 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful, progressive chronic inflammatory disease marked by cartilage destruction. Certain synovial inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β and TNF-α, promote OA inflammation and pain. Lactobacillus spp. is a well-known probiotic with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and antiosteoporotic properties. This study evaluated the therapeutic effects of a live L. plantarum strain (GKD7) in the anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT)-induced OA rat model. The results show that oral administration of live L. plantarum GKD7 improved weight-bearing asymmetry after ACLT surgery. Moreover, micro-computed tomography images and histopathological analysis show that oral live L. plantarum GKD7 improved subchondral bone architecture, protected articular cartilage against ACLT-induced damage, and reduced synovial inflammation. L. plantarum GKD7 also reduced IL-1β and TNF-α production in OA cartilage and synovium. Thus, orally administered live L. plantarum GKD7 appears to effectively slow the progression of OA.