bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Particle Characteristics’ Influence on FLASH Sintering of Potassium Sodium Niobate: A Relationship with Conduction Mechanisms
Authors: Serrazina Ricardo , Ribeiro Camila , Costa Maria Elisabete , Pereira Luis , Vilarinho Paula M. , Senos Ana M. O. R.
Published: March 2021

The considerable decrease in temperature and time makes FLASH sintering a more sustainable alternative for materials processing. FLASH also becomes relevant if volatile elements are part of the material to be processed, as in alkali-based piezoelectrics like the promising lead-free K0.5Na0.5NbO3 (KNN). Due to the volatile nature of K and Na, KNN is difficult to process by conventional sintering. Although some studies have been undertaken, much remains to be understood to properly engineer the FLASH sintering process of KNN. In this work, the effect of FLASH temperature, TF, is studied as a function of the particle size and impurity content of KNN powders. Differences are demonstrated: while the particle size and impurity degree markedly influence TF, they do not significantly affect the densification and grain growth processes. The conductivity of KNN FLASH-sintered ceramics and KNN single crystals (SCs) is compared to elucidate the role of particles’ surface conduction. When particles’ surfaces are not present, as in the case of SCs, the FLASH process requires higher temperatures and conductivity values. These results have implications in understanding FLASH sintering towards a more sustainable processing of lead-free piezoelectrics.
Thin-Film Composite Nanofiltration Membranes for Non-Polar Solvents
Authors: Lee Seungmin , Kang Taewon , Lee Jong Young , Park Jiyu , Choi Seoung Ho , Yu Jin-Yeong , Ok Serin , Park Sang-Hee
Published: March 2021

Organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) has been recognized as an eco-friendly separation system owing to its excellent cost and energy saving efficiency, easy scale-up in the narrow area and mild operation conditions. Membrane properties are the key part in terms of determining the separation efficiency in the OSN system. In this review paper, the recently reported OSN thin-film composite (TFC) membranes were investigated to understand insight of membrane materials and performance. Especially, we highlighted the representative study concepts and materials of the selective layer of OSN TFC membranes for non-polar solvents. The proper choice of monomers and additives for the selective layer forms much more interconnected voids and the enhanced microporosity, which can improve membrane performance of the OSN TFC membrane with reducing the transport resistance. Therefore, this review paper could be an important bridge to connect with the next-generation OSN TFC membranes for non-polar solvents.
Application of Some Modern Analytical Techniques for Characterization of Non-Metallic Inclusions in a Fe-10mass%Ni Alloy Deoxidized by Ti/Zr and Ti/Mg
Authors: Karasev Andrey V. , Gorkusha Dmitry , Grigorovich Konstantin V. , Jönsson Pär G.
Published: March 2021

In this study, a complete and comprehensive analysis of non-metallic inclusions (NMI) in an Fe-10%Ni alloy was done by using two modern analytical methods that complement each other: Electrolytic Extraction (EE) of inclusions from metal samples followed by investigations by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fractional Gas Analysis (FGA). The composition, morphology, size and number of different NMIs and clusters were investigated in metal samples taken after deoxidation by additions of Ti, Ti/Zr and Ti/Mg. The obtained results were discussed with respect to formation, modification and removal of NMIs and clusters depending on the type of deoxidations and the holding time. It was found that the peaks of oxygen reduced from different oxide inclusions obtained by the FGA measurements corresponded well to the main types of inclusions and clusters observed by using the EE + SEM method. More specifically, the total O content in oxide inclusions (ONMI) increases by 10% after a Zr addition and then decreases linearly by 40% during 5 min of holding due to flotation of NMIs and clusters. However, after a Mg addition in the melt deoxidized by Ti, the ONMI content decreases drastically by 63% during 5 min of holding, due to a fast floatation of NMIs caused by bubbles of vaporized Mg.
Automatic 1D 1H NMR Metabolite Quantification for Bioreactor Monitoring
Authors: Wang Roy Chih Chung , Campbell David A. , Green James R. , Čuperlović-Culf Miroslava
Published: March 2021

High-throughput metabolomics can be used to optimize cell growth for enhanced production or for monitoring cell health in bioreactors. It has applications in cell and gene therapies, vaccines, biologics, and bioprocessing. NMR metabolomics is a method that allows for fast and reliable experimentation, requires only minimal sample preparation, and can be set up to take online measurements of cell media for bioreactor monitoring. This type of application requires a fully automated metabolite quantification method that can be linked with high-throughput measurements. In this review, we discuss the quantifier requirements in this type of application, the existing methods for NMR metabolomics quantification, and the performance of three existing quantifiers in the context of NMR metabolomics for bioreactor monitoring.
Characterization of Particle Size and Composition of Respirable Coal Mine Dust
Authors: Pan Lei , Golden Sean , Assemi Shoeleh , Sime Marc Freddy , Wang Xuming , Gao Yuesheng , Miller Jan
Published: March 2021

Respirable coal mine dust (RCMD) particles, particularly the nano-sized fraction (<1 μm) of the RCMD if present, can cause severe lung diseases in coal miners. Characterization of both the particle size and chemical composition of such RCMD particles remains a work in progress, in particular, with respect to the nano-sized fraction of RCMD. In this work, various methods were surveyed and used to obtain both the size and chemical composition of RCMD particles, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (S-TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation (AsFIFFF). It was found that the micron-sized fraction (>1 μm) of RCMD particles collected at the miner location, from an underground coal mine, contained more coal particles, while those collected at the bolter location contained more rock dust particles. Two image processing procedures were developed to determine the size of individual RCMD particles. The particle size distribution (PSD) results showed that a significant amount (~80% by number) of nano-sized particles were present in the RCMD sample collected in an underground coal mine. The presence of nano-sized RCMD particles was confirmed by bulk sample analysis, using both DLS and AsFIFFF. The mode particle size at the peak frequency of the size distribution was found to be 300–400 nm, which was consistent with the result obtained from SEM analysis. The chemical composition data of the nano-sized RCMD showed that not only diesel particles, but also both coal and rock dust particles were present in the nano-sized fraction of the RCMD. The presence of the nano-sized fraction of RCMD particles may be site and location dependent, and a detailed analysis of the entire size range of RCMD particles in different underground coal mines is needed.
Impact of Grinding of Printed Circuit Boards on the Efficiency of Metal Recovery by Means of Electrostatic Separation
Authors: Suponik Tomasz , Franke Dawid , Nuckowski Paweł , Matusiak Piotr , Kowol Daniel , Tora Barbara
Published: March 2021

This paper analyses the impact of the method of grinding printed circuit boards (PCBs) in a knife mill on the efficiency and purity of products obtained during electrostatic separation. The separated metals and plastics and ceramics can be used as secondary raw materials. This is in line with the principle of circular economy. Three different screen perforations were used in the mill to obtain different sizes of ground grains. Moreover, the effect of cooling the feed to cryogenic temperature on the final products of separation was investigated. The level of contamination of the concentrate, intermediate, and waste obtained as a result of the application of fixed, determined electrostatic separation parameters was assessed using ICP-AES, SEM–EDS, XRD, and microscopic analysis as well as specific density. The yields of grain classes obtained from grinding in a knife mill were tested through sieve analysis and by using a particle size analyser. The test results indicate that using a knife mill with a 1 mm screen perforation along with cooling the feed to cryogenic temperature significantly improves the efficiency of the process. The grinding products were characterised by the highest release level of the useful substance—metals in the free state. The purity of the concentrate and waste obtained from electrostatic separation was satisfactory, and the content of the intermediate, in which conglomerates of solid metal–plastic connections were present, was very low. The yield of concentrate and waste amounted to 26.2% and 71.0%, respectively. Their purity, reflected in the content of the identified metals (valuable metals), was at the level of 93.3% and 0.5%, respectively. In order to achieve effective recovery of metals from PCBs by means of electrostatic separation, one should strive to obtain a feed composed of grains <1000 μm and, optimally, <800 μm.
Pulse Electrodeposited Ni-26 at. %Mo—A Crossover from Nanocrystalline to Amorphous
Authors: Li Jiongxian , Shi Yinong , Li Xiuyan
Published: March 2021

A Ni-26 at. %Mo alloy with a composite structure of nanocrystalline and amorphous was synthesized by pulse electrodeposition. The composite structure was composed of mixed regions of amorphous and nanograins divided by a nanocrystalline interface network, which significantly suppressed grain coarsening and shear banding that would otherwise deteriorate mechanical properties of extremely fine nanograined metal. Plastic strain induced significant crystallization accompanied by Mo diffusion from mixed regions to nanograined interfaces. As a result, the Ni-26 at. %Mo alloy exhibited a superior hardness to its nanograined counterparts. The present work demonstrates an example of enhancing mechanical performance with hybrid structures crossover from nanocrystalline to amorphous.
Chitosan–Selenium Nanoparticle (Cs–Se NP) Foliar Spray Alleviates Salt Stress in Bitter Melon
Authors: Sheikhalipour Morteza , Esmaielpour Behrooz , Behnamian Mahdi , Gohari Gholamreza , Giglou Mousa Torabi , Vachova Pavla , Rastogi Anshu , Brestic Marian , Skalicky Milan
Published: March 2021

Salt stress severely reduces growth and yield of plants. Considering the positive effects of selenium (Se) and chitosan (Cs) separately against abiotic stress, in these experiments, we synthesized chitosan–selenium nanoparticles (Cs–Se NPs) and investigated their ability to reduce the negative effects of salt stress on growth and some biochemical parameters of bitter melon (Momordica charantia). Bitter melon plants were grown at three NaCl salinity levels (0, 50, and 100 mM) and a foliar spray of Cs–Se NPs (0, 10, and 20 mg L−1) was applied. Some key morphological, biochemical, and physiological parameters in leaf samples and essential oil from fruit were measured at harvest. Salinity decreased growth and yield while foliar application of Cs–Se NPs increased these critical parameters. Furthermore, Cs–Se NPs enhanced bitter melon tolerance to salinity by increasing antioxidant enzyme activity, proline concentration, relative water content, and K+, and decreasing MDA and H2O2 oxidants and Na aggregation in plant tissues. Yield was also improved, as the highest amount of essential oils was produced by plants treated with Cs–Se NPs. Generally, the greatest improvement in measured parameters under saline conditions was obtained by treating plants with 20 mg L−1 Cs–Se NPs, which significantly increased salinity tolerance in bitter melon plants.
Dark Field and Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman (DF-CARS) Imaging of Cell Uptake of Core-Shell, Magnetic-Plasmonic Nanoparticles
Authors: Brennan Grace , Ryan Sally , Soulimane Tewfik , Tofail Syed A. M. , Silien Christophe
Published: March 2021

Magnetic-plasmonic, Fe3O4-Au, core-shell nanoparticles are popular in many applications, most notably in therapeutics and diagnostics, and thus, the imaging of these nanostructures in biological samples is of high importance. These nanostructures are typically imaged in biological material by dark field scatter imaging, which requires an even distribution of nanostructures in the sample and, therefore, high nanoparticle doses, potentially leading to toxicology issues. Herein, we explore the nonlinear optical properties of magnetic nanoparticles coated with various thicknesses of gold using the open aperture z-scan technique to determine the nonlinear optical properties and moreover, predict the efficacy of the nanostructures in nonlinear imaging. We find that the magnetic nanoparticles coated with gold nanoseeds and thinner gold shells (ca. 4 nm) show the largest nonlinear absorption coefficient β and imaginary part of the third-order susceptibility Im χ(3), suggesting that these nanostructures would be suitable contrast agents. Next, we combine laser dark field microscopy and epi-detected coherent anti-Stokes Raman (CARS) microscopy to image the uptake of magnetic-plasmonic nanoparticles in human pancreatic cancer cells. We show the epi-detected CARS technique is suitable for imaging of the magnetic-plasmonic nanoparticles without requiring a dense distribution of nanoparticles. This technique achieves superior nanoparticle contrasting over both epi-detected backscatter imaging and transmission dark field imaging, while also attaining label-free chemical contrasting of the cell. Lastly, we show the high biocompatibility of the Fe3O4 nanoparticles with ca. 4-nm thick Au shell at concentrations of 10–100 µg/mL.
Surface Energy of Curved Surface Based on Lennard-Jones Potential
Authors: Wang Dan , Hu Zhili , Peng Gang , Yin Yajun
Published: March 2021

Although various phenomena have confirmed that surface geometry has an impact on surface energy at micro/nano scales, determining the surface energy on micro/nano curved surfaces remains a challenge. In this paper, based on Lennard-Jones (L-J) pair potential, we study the geometrical effect on surface energy with the homogenization hypothesis. The surface energy is expressed as a function of local principle curvatures. The accuracy of curvature-based surface energy is confirmed by comparing surface energy on flat surface with experimental results. Furthermore, the surface energy for spherical geometry is investigated and verified by the numerical experiment with errors within 5%. The results show that (i) the surface energy will decrease on a convex surface and increase on a concave surface with the increasing of scales, and tend to the value on flat surface; (ii) the effect of curvatures will be obvious and exceed 5% when spherical radius becomes smaller than 5 nm; (iii) the surface energy varies with curvatures on sinusoidal surfaces, and the normalized surface energy relates with the ratio of wave height to wavelength. The curvature-based surface energy offers new insights into the geometrical and scales effect at micro/nano scales, which provides a theoretical direction for designing NEMS/MEMS.
Moderate Consumption of Beer and Its Effects on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health: An Updated Review of Recent Scientific Evidence
Authors: Marcos Ascensión , Serra-Majem Lluís , Pérez-Jiménez Francisco , Pascual Vicente , Tinahones Francisco José , Estruch Ramón
Published: March 2021

There is growing interest in the potential health-related effects of moderate alcohol consumption and, specifically, of beer. This review provides an assessment of beer-associated effects on cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors to identify a consumption level that can be considered “moderate”. We identified all prospective clinical studies and systematic reviews that evaluated the health effects of beer published between January 2007 and April 2020. Five of six selected studies found a protective effect of moderate alcohol drinking on cardiovascular disease (beer up to 385 g/week) vs. abstainers or occasional drinkers. Four out of five papers showed an association between moderate alcohol consumption (beer intake of 84 g alcohol/week) and decreased mortality risk. We concluded that moderate beer consumption of up to 16 g alcohol/day (1 drink/day) for women and 28 g/day (1–2 drinks/day) for men is associated with decreased incidence of cardiovascular disease and overall mortality, among other metabolic health benefits.
The Western Dietary Pattern Combined with Vancomycin-Mediated Changes to the Gut Microbiome Exacerbates Colitis Severity and Colon Tumorigenesis
Authors: Aardema Niklas D. , Rodriguez Daphne M. , Van Wettere Arnaud J. , Benninghoff Abby D. , Hintze Korry J.
Published: March 2021

Previous work by our group using a mouse model of inflammation-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) showed that the total Western diet (TWD) promoted colon tumor development. Others have also shown that vancomycin-mediated changes to the gut microbiome increased colorectal cancer (CRC). Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the impact of vancomycin on colon tumorigenesis in the context of a standard mouse diet or the TWD. A 2 × 2 factorial design was used, in which C57Bl/6J mice were fed either the standard AIN93G diet or TWD and with vancomycin in the drinking water or not. While both the TWD and vancomycin treatments independently increased parameters associated with gut inflammation and tumorigenesis compared to AIN93G and plain water controls, mice fed the TWD and treated with vancomycin had significantly increased tumor multiplicity and burden relative to all other treatments. Vancomycin treatment significantly decreased alpha diversity and changed the abundance of several taxa at the phylum, family, and genus levels. Conversely, basal diet had relatively minor effects on the gut microbiome composition. These results support our previous research that the TWD promotes colon tumorigenesis and suggest that vancomycin-induced changes to the gut microbiome are associated with higher tumor rates.
Soluble Fraction from Lysate of a High Concentration Multi-Strain Probiotic Formulation Inhibits TGF-β1-Induced Intestinal Fibrosis on CCD-18Co Cells
Authors: Lombardi Francesca , Augello Francesca , Palumbo Paola , Mollsi Elona , Giuliani Maurizio , Cimini Anna , Cifone Maria , Cinque Benedetta
Published: March 2021

Fibrosis is a severe complication of chronic inflammatory disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Current strategies are not fully effective in treating fibrosis; therefore, innovative anti-fibrotic approaches are urgently needed. TGF-β1 plays a central role in the fibrotic process by inducing myofibroblast differentiation and excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) protein deposition. Here, we explored the potential anti-fibrotic impact of two high concentration multi-strain probiotic formulations on TGF-β1-activated human intestinal colonic myofibroblast CCD-18Co. Human colonic fibroblast CCD-18Co cells were cultured in the presence of TGF-β1 to develop a fibrotic phenotype. Cell viability and growth were measured using the Trypan Blue dye exclusion test. The collagen-I, α-SMA, and pSmad2/3 expression levels were evaluated by Western blot analysis. Fibrosis markers were also analyzed by immunofluorescence and microscopy. The levels of TGF-β1 in the culture medium were assessed by ELISA. The effects of commercially available probiotic products VSL#3® and Vivomixx® were evaluated as the soluble fraction of bacterial lysates. The results suggested that the soluble fraction of Vivomixx® formulation, but not VSL#3®, was able to antagonize the pro-fibrotic effects of TGF-β1 on CCD-18Co cells, being able to prevent all of the cellular and molecular parameters that are related to the fibrotic phenotype. The mechanism underlying the observed effect appeared to be associated with inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. To our knowledge, this study provides the first experimental evidence that Vivomixx® could be considered to be a promising candidate against intestinal fibrosis, being able to antagonize TGF-β1 pro-fibrotic effects. The differences that were observed in our fibrosis model between the two probiotics used could be attributable to the different number of strains in different proportions.
Deciphering the H-Bonding Preference on Nucleoside Molecular Recognition through Model Copper(II) Compounds
Authors: Velo-Gala Inmaculada , Barceló-Oliver Miquel , Gil Diego M. , González-Pérez Josefa M. , Castiñeiras Alfonso , Domínguez-Martín Alicia
Published: March 2021

The synthetic nucleoside acyclovir is considered an outstanding model of the natural nucleoside guanosine. With the purpose of deepening on the influence and nature of non-covalent interactions regarding molecular recognition patterns, three novel Cu(II) complexes, involving acyclovir (acv) and the ligand receptor N-(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine (hen), have been synthesized and thoroughly characterized. The three novel compounds introduce none, one or two acyclovir molecules, respectively. Molecular recognition has been evaluated using single crystal X-ray diffraction. Furthermore, theoretical calculations and other physical methods such as thermogravimetric analysis, infrared and UV-Vis spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance and magnetic measurements have been used. Theoretical calculations are in line with experimental results, supporting the relevance of the [metal-N7(acv) + H-bond] molecular recognition pattern. It was also shown that (hen)O-H group is used as preferred H-donor when it is found within the basal coordination plane, since the higher polarity of the terminal (hen)O-H versus the N-H group favours its implication. Otherwise, when (hen)O-H occupies the distal coordination site, (hen)N-H groups can take over.
Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms in Dementia (BPSD) and the Use of Antipsychotics
Authors: Calsolaro Valeria , Femminella Grazia Daniela , Rogani Sara , Esposito Salvatore , Franchi Riccardo , Okoye Chukwuma , Rengo Giuseppe , Monzani Fabio
Published: March 2021

Dementia affects about 47 million people worldwide, number expected to exponentially increase within 30 years. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common dementia type, accounting on its own for almost 70% of all dementia cases. Behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPSD) frequently occur during the disease progression; to treat agitation, aggressiveness, delusions and hallucinations, the use of antipsychotic drugs should be limited, due to their safety issues. In this literature review regarding the use of antipsychotics for treating BPSD in dementia, the advantages and limitation of antipsychotic drugs have been evaluated. The available medications for the management of behavioral and psychological symptoms are the antipsychotics, classed into typical and atypical, depending on their action on dopamine and serotonin receptors. First generation, or typical, antipsychotics exhibit lack of tolerability and display a broad range of side effects such as sedation, anticholinergic effects and extrapyramidal symptoms. Atypical, or second generation, antipsychotics bind more selectively to dopamine receptors and simultaneously block serotonin receptors, resulting in higher tolerability. High attention should be paid to the management of therapy interruption or switch between antipsychotics, to limit the possible rebound effect. Several switching strategies may be adopted, and clinicians should “tailor” therapies, accounting for patients’ symptoms, comorbidities, polytherapies and frailty.
Cyclosporine Lipid Nanocapsules as Thermoresponsive Gel for Dry Eye Management: Promising Corneal Mucoadhesion, Biodistribution and Preclinical Efficacy in Rabbits
Authors: Eldesouky Lubna M. , El-Moslemany Riham M. , Ramadan Alyaa A. , Morsi Mahmoud H. , Khalafallah Nawal M.
Published: March 2021

An ophthalmic cyclosporine (CsA) formulation based on Lipid nanocapsules (LNC) was developed for dry eye management, aiming to provide targeting to ocular tissues with long-term drug levels and maximum tolerability. CsA-LNC were of small particle size (41.9 ± 4.0 nm), narrow size distribution (PdI ≤ 0.1), and high entrapment efficiency (above 98%). Chitosan (C) was added to impart positive charge. CsA-LNC were prepared as in-situ gels using poloxamer 407 (P). Ex vivo mucoadhesive strength was evaluated using bovine cornea, while in vivo corneal biodistribution (using fluorescent DiI), efficacy in dry eye using Schirmer tear test (STT), and ocular irritation using Draize test were studied in rabbits compared to marketed ophthalmic CsA nanoemulsion (CsA-NE) and CsA in castor oil. LNC incorporation in in-situ gels resulted in an increase in mucoadhesion, and stronger fluorescence in corneal layers seen by confocal microscopy, compared to the other tested formulations. Rate of recovery (days required to restore corneal baseline hydration level) assessed over 10 days, showed that CsA-LNC formulations produced complete recovery by day 7 comparable to CsA-NE. No Ocular irritation was observed by visual and histopathological examination. Based on data generated, CsA-LNC-CP in-situ gel proved to be a promising effective nonirritant CsA ophthalmic formulation for dry eye management.
Enriched Crystal Scintillators for 2β Experiments
Authors: Polischuk Oksana G.
Published: March 2021

The investigation of 2β decay is an important issue in modern physics, allowing the test of the Standard Model of elementary particles and the study of the nature and properties of neutrinos. The crystal scintillators, especially made of isotopically-enriched materials, are powerful detectors for 2β decay experiments thanks to the high radiopurity level and the possibility to realize the calorimetric “source = detector” approach with a high detection efficiency. For the moment, the 2ν2β processes have been observed at the level of 1019–1024 years with enriched crystals; the sensitivity to the 0ν mode have reached the level of 1024–1026 years in some decay channels for different nuclides allowing one to calculate the upper limits on the effective mass of the Majorana neutrino at the level of 0.1–0.6 eV. The paper is intended to be a review on the latest results to investigate 2β processes with crystal scintillators enriched in 48Ca, 106Cd, and 116Cd.
Cellulose and Graphene Based Polyurethane Nanocomposites for FDM 3D Printing: Filament Properties and Printability
Authors: Larraza Izaskun , Vadillo Julen , Calvo-Correas Tamara , Tejado Alvaro , Olza Sheila , Peña-Rodríguez Cristina , Arbelaiz Aitor , Eceiza Arantxa
Published: March 2021

3D printing has exponentially grown in popularity due to the personalization of each printed part it offers, making it extremely beneficial for the very demanding biomedical industry. This technique has been extensively developed and optimized and the advances that now reside in the development of new materials suitable for 3D printing, which may open the door to new applications. Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is the most commonly used 3D printing technique. However, filaments suitable for FDM must meet certain criteria for a successful printing process and thus the optimization of their properties in often necessary. The aim of this work was to prepare a flexible and printable polyurethane filament parting from a biocompatible waterborne polyurethane, which shows potential for biomedical applications. In order to improve filament properties and printability, cellulose nanofibers and graphene were employed to prepare polyurethane based nanocomposites. Prepared nanocomposite filaments showed altered properties which directly impacted their printability. Graphene containing nanocomposites presented sound enough thermal and mechanical properties for a good printing process. Moreover, these filaments were employed in FDM to obtained 3D printed parts, which showed good shape fidelity. Properties exhibited by polyurethane and graphene filaments show potential to be used in biomedical applications.
Rendering Banana Plant Residues into a Potentially Commercial Byproduct by Doping Cellulose Films with Phenolic Compounds
Authors: Nascimento Rosa E. A. , Monte Joana , Cadima Mafalda , Alves Vítor D. , Neves Luísa A.
Published: March 2021

This study seeks to render residues from banana plants into a useful byproduct with possible applications in wound dressings and food packaging. Films based on cellulose extracted from banana plant pseudostem and doped with phenolic compounds extracted from banana plant leaves were developed. The phenolic compounds were extracted using batch solid-liquid and Soxhlet methods, with different drying temperatures and periods of time. The total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were quantified. The optimum values were obtained using a three-day period batch-solid extraction at 40 °C (791.74 ± 43.75 mg/L). SEM analysis indicates that the pseudostem (PS) films have a porous structure, as opposed to hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) films which presented a homogeneous and dense surface. Mechanical properties confirmed the poor robustness of PS films. By contrast HEC films manifested improved tensile strength at low levels of water activity. FTIR spectroscopy reinforced the need to improve the cellulose extraction process, the success of lignin and hemicellulose removal, and the presence of phenolic compounds. XRD, TGA and contact angle analysis showed similar results for both films, with an amorphous structure, thermal stability and hydrophilic behavior.
Process Analytical Technology for Precipitation Process Integration into Biologics Manufacturing towards Autonomous Operation—mAb Case Study
Authors: Lohmann Lara Julia , Strube Jochen
Published: March 2021

The integration of real time release testing into an advanced process control (APC) concept in combination with digital twins accelerates the process towards autonomous operation. In order to implement this, on the one hand, measurement technology is required that is capable of measuring relevant process data online, and on the other hand, a suitable model must be available to calculate new process parameters from this data, which are then used for process control. Therefore, the feasibility of online measurement techniques including Raman-spectroscopy, attenuated total reflection Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), diode array detector (DAD) and fluorescence is demonstrated within the framework of the process analytical technology (PAT) initiative. The best result is achieved by Raman, which reliably detected mAb concentration (R2 of 0.93) and purity (R2 of 0.85) in real time, followed by DAD. Furthermore, the combination of DAD and Raman has been investigated, which provides a promising extension due to the orthogonal measurement methods and higher process robustness. The combination led to a prediction for concentration with a R2 of 0.90 ± 3.9% and for purity of 0.72 ± 4.9%. These data are used to run simulation studies to show the feasibility of process control with a suitable digital twin within the APC concept.
A Detailed Record of Deglacial and Early Post-Glacial Fluvial Evolution: The River Ure in North Yorkshire, UK
Authors: Innes James , Mitchell Wishart , O’Brien Charlotte , Roberts David , Rutherford Mairead , Bridgland David
Published: March 2021

The lower reaches of the River Ure, on the flanks of the Pennine Hills in northern England, contain sedimentary and erosional landforms that are a record of fluvial activity during deglaciation and valley-glacier retreat at the end of the last (Devensian) glacial period, and in the subsequent post-glacial Holocene. Terraces and channels, most of which are now relict features well above the altitude of the present river, attest to the impacts of massive meltwater discharge and deposition of sand and gravel outwash, and dynamic river regimes with rapid incision. Through field survey, we have created a detailed geomorphological map of these landforms and glacial and fluvioglacial surface deposits, as well as the terraces and palaeochannels that were abandoned by the river due to avulsion and incision-driven course changes. We have recorded the nature of the outwash gravels, now effectively terrace features, from exposed sections in working quarries, one of which we discuss here. The palaeochannels have accumulated sediment fills and we have examined several which lie within the range of 100 and 16 m above present sea level. The results of lithostratigraphic, palynological, and radiocarbon analyses at two main and three subsidiary sites indicate that palaeochannel ages range from almost 14,000 to approximately 4000 calibrated years ago in a clear altitudinal sequence. The oldest are probably caused by rapid incision due to deglaciation-driven isostatic uplift. The similarity in date of the three downstream sites suggests that a late Holocene combination of climatic deterioration and increased human activity in the catchment caused instability and entrenchment. Pollen data from the channel fills provide relative dating, and agree well with pollen records from other regional Lateglacial and Holocene sites. Non-pollen palynomorph (NPP) analysis at one of the sites allows reconstruction of the hydrological history of channel infill. This research shows that the application of an integrated suite of research techniques can yield a highly detailed understanding of fluvial evolution and landscape history.
Functionalization of Crumb Rubber Surface for the Incorporation into Asphalt Layers of Reduced Stiffness: An Overview of Existing Treatment Approaches
Authors: Makoundou Christina , Johansson Kenth , Wallqvist Viveca , Sangiorgi Cesare
Published: March 2021

The substitution of mineral aggregates with crumb rubber (CR) from waste end-of-life tires (ELTs) in the asphalt concretes, has been considered a sustainable paving industry approach. The rubber has been used to construct pavements with proven enhanced resilience and improved durability. However, some issues related to the rubber’s surface adhesion or swelling may arise with these practices and generate complications (binder consumption, temperatures, mixing times). One possible solution to overcome the materials’ compatibility problems is to pre-treat the CR’s surface before its incorporation into the asphalt mixes to allow a surface functionalization that can enhance coverage and cohesion inside the mixes. The physical treatments using radiations-based beam are already exploited in the plastic recycling industries avoiding the use of chemicals in considerable amounts. Such treatments permit the recovering of large quantities of polymer-based materials and the enhancement of interfacial properties. This article provides an overview of existing surface treatments of polymers and especially rubber, including gamma ray, UV-ozone, microwaves, and plasma. Several studies have shown an overall improvement of the rubber surface’s reactive properties due to contaminant removal or roughness enhancement attributed to cross-linking or scission reactions occurring on the rubber’s surface layer. With those properties, the asphalt mixes’ phase stability properties are increased when the pre-treated rubber is incorporated. The treatments would permit to increase the CR quantities, yet reduce the layer stiffness, and improve the durability and the sustainability of future advanced road pavements.
Religion, Populism and Politics: The Notion of Religion in Election Manifestos of Populist and Nationalist Parties in Germany and The Netherlands
Authors: van den Broeke Leon , Kunter Katharina
Published: March 2021

This article is about the way that the notion of religion is understood and used in election manifestos of populist and nationalist right-wing political parties in Germany and the Netherlands between 2002 and 2021. In order to pursue such enquiry, a discourse on the nature of manifestos of political parties in general and election manifestos specifically is required. Election manifestos are important socio-scientific and historical sources. The central question that this article poses is how the notion of religion is included in the election manifestos of three Dutch (LPF, PVV, and FvD) and one German (AfD) populist and nationalist parties, and what this inclusion reveals about the connection between religion and populist parties. Religious keywords in the election manifestos of said political parties are researched and discussed. It leads to the conclusion that the notion of religion is not central to these political parties, unless it is framed as a stand against Islam. Therefore, these parties defend the Jewish-Christian-humanistic nature of the country encompassing the separation of ‘church’ or faith community and state, the care for the historical and cultural heritage of church buildings, and the subordination of the freedom of religion to the freedom of expression. The election manifestos also reveal that Buddhism and Hinduism are absent in the discourses of these political parties.
Fetal Umbilical Vein Flow in the Classification of Fetuses with Growth Restriction
Authors: Farsetti Daniele , Pometti Francesca , Tiralongo Grazia Maria , Lo Presti Damiano , Pisani Ilaria , Gagliardi Giulia , Vasapollo Barbara , Novelli Gian Paolo , Valensise Herbert
Published: March 2021

Objectives: To assess umbilical vein (UV) blood flow in fetal growth restriction (FGR) and in pregnancy with small for gestational age (SGA) fetus. To evaluate the predictive capacity of UV blood flow (QUV) in the discrimination of SGA fetuses from FGR before and after 32 weeks of pregnancy. Methods: Sixty-five women with a recent diagnosis of FGR or SGA fetuses were enrolled and underwent a complete fetal Doppler examination comprehending QUV. We collected SGA (n = 34), early-FGR (n = 9), and late-FGR (n = 22) fetuses. Results: UV diameter was lower in early and late-FGR compared to SGA, while time-averaged maximum velocity (TAMXV) was lower only in early-FGR. UV blood flow (QUV) and QUV corrected for estimated fetal weight (cQUV) were significantly lower in early-FGR and late-FGR compared to SGA. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis of cQUV showed a significant predictive capacity for SGA diagnosis before and after 32 weeks. Conclusions: The evaluation of UV blood flow allows distinguishing SGA fetuses from FGR. The assessment of UV flow should be taken into consideration in future research of new parameters to differentiate SGA from FGR.
Measuring the Service Capacity of Public Facilities Based on a Dynamic Voronoi Diagram
Authors: Cui Haifu , Wu Liang , Hu Sheng , Lu Rujuan
Published: March 2021

The supply–demand relationship of urban public service facilities is the key to measuring a city’s service level and quality, and a balanced supply–demand relationship is an important indicator that reflects the optimal allocation of resources. To address the problem presented by the unbalanced distribution of educational resources, this paper proposes a dynamic Voronoi diagram algorithm with conditional constraints (CCDV). The CCDV method uses the Voronoi diagram to divide the plane so that the distance from any position in each polygon to the point is shorter than the distance from the polygon to the other points. In addition, it can overcome the disadvantage presented by the Voronoi diagram’s inability to use the nonspatial attributes of the point set to precisely constrain the boundary range; the CCDV method can dynamically plan and allocate according to the school’s capacity and the number of students in the coverage area to maintain a balance between supply and demand and achieve the optimal distribution effect. By taking the division of school districts in the Bao’an District, Shenzhen, as an example, the method is used to obtain a school district that matches the capacity of each school, and the relative error between supply and demand fluctuates only from −0.1~0.15. According to the spatial distribution relationship between schools and residential areas in the division results, the schools in the Bao’an District currently have an unbalanced distribution in some areas. A comparison with the existing school district division results shows that the school district division method proposed in this paper has advantages. Through a comprehensive analysis of the accessibility of public facilities and of the balance of supply and demand, it is shown that school districts based on the CCDV method can provide a reference for the optimal layout of schools and school districts.
Improvement of Spatial Interpolation of Precipitation Distribution Using Cokriging Incorporating Rain-Gauge and Satellite (SMOS) Soil Moisture Data
Authors: Usowicz Bogusław , Lipiec Jerzy , Łukowski Mateusz , Słomiński Jan
Published: March 2021

Precipitation data provide a crucial input for examining hydrological issues, including watershed management and mitigation of the effects of floods, drought, and landslides. However, they are collected frequently from the scarce and often insufficient network of ground-based rain-gauge stations to generate continuous precipitation maps. Recently, precipitation maps derived from satellite data have not been sufficiently linked to ground-based rain gauges and satellite-derived soil moisture to improve the assessment of precipitation distribution using spatial statistics. Kriging methods are used to enhance the estimation of the spatial distribution of precipitations. The aim of this study was to assess two geostatistical methods, ordinary kriging (OK) and ordinary cokriging (OCK), and one deterministic method (i.e., inverse distance weighting (IDW)) for improved spatial interpolation of quarterly and monthly precipitations in Poland and near-border areas of the neighbouring countries (~325,000 or 800,000 km2). Quarterly precipitation data collected during a 5-year period (2010–2014) from 113–116 rain-gauge stations located in the study area were used. Additionally, monthly precipitations in the years 2014–2017 from over 400 rain-gauge stations located in Poland were used. The spatiotemporal data on soil moisture (SM) from the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) global satellite (launched in 2009) were used as an auxiliary variable in addition to precipitation for the OCK method. The predictive performance of the spatial distribution of precipitations was the best for OCK for all quarters, as indicated by the coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.944–0.992), and was less efficient (R2 = 0.039–0.634) for the OK and IDW methods. As for monthly precipitation, the performance of OCK was considerably higher than that of IDW and OK, similarly as with quarterly precipitation. The performance of all interpolation methods was better for monthly than for quarterly precipitations. The study indicates that SMOS data can be a valuable source of auxiliary data in the cokriging and/or other multivariate methods for better estimation of the spatial distribution of precipitations in various regions of the world.
Combining Social Media and Mobile Positioning Data in the Analysis of Tourist Flows: A Case Study from Szeged, Hungary
Authors: Kovács Zoltán , Vida György , Elekes Ábel , Kovalcsik Tamás
Published: March 2021

Despite the growing importance of mobile tracking technology in urban planning and traffic forecasting, its utilization in the understanding of the basic laws governing tourist flows remains limited. Knowledge regarding the motivations and spatial behavior of tourists has great potential in sustainable tourism studies. In this paper, we combine social media (Twitter) and mobile positioning data (MPD) in the analysis of international tourism flows in Szeged, a secondary urban center in Hungary. First, the content of geotagged and non-geotagged Twitter messages referring to Szeged in a six-month period of 2018 was analyzed. In this way specific events attracting foreign tourists were identified. Then, using MPD data of foreign SIM cards, visitor peaks in the investigated period were defined. With the joint application of the social media and mobile positioning analytical tools, we were able to identify those attractions (festivals, sport and cultural events, etc.) that generated significant tourism arrivals in the city. Furthermore, using the mixed-method approach we were also able to analyze the movements of foreign visitors during one large-scale tourism event and evaluate its hinterland. Overall, this study supports the idea that social media data should be combined with other real-time data sources, such as MPD, in order to gain a more precise understanding of the behavior of tourists. The proposed analytical tool can contribute to methodological and conceptual development in the field, and information gained by its application can positively influence not only tourism management and planning but also tourism marketing and placemaking.
Conservation-Compatible Retrofit Solutions in Historic Buildings: An Integrated Approach
Authors: Buda Alessia , de Place Hansen Ernst Jan , Rieser Alexander , Giancola Emanuela , Pracchi Valeria Natalina , Mauri Sara , Marincioni Valentina , Gori Virginia , Fouseki Kalliopi , Polo López Cristina S. , Lo Faro Alessandro , Egusquiza Aitziber , Haas Franziska , Leonardi Eleonora , Herrera-Avellanosa Daniel
Published: March 2021

Historic, listed, or unlisted, buildings account for 30% of the European building stock. Since they are complex systems of cultural, architectural, and identity value, they need particular attention to ensure that they are preserved, used, and managed over time in a sustainable way. This implies a demand for retrofit solutions able to improve indoor thermal conditions while reducing the use of energy sources and preserving the heritage significance. Often, however, the choice and implementation of retrofit solutions in historic buildings is limited by socio-technical barriers (regulations, lack of knowledge on the hygrothermal behaviour of built heritage, economic viability, etc.). This paper presents the approach devised in the IEA-SHC Task 59 project (Renovating Historic Buildings Towards Zero Energy) to support decision makers in selecting retrofit solutions, in accordance with the provision of the EN 16883:2017 standard. In particular, the method followed by the project partners to gather and assess compatible solutions for historic buildings retrofitting is presented. It focuses on best practices for walls, windows, HVAC systems, and solar technologies. This work demonstrates that well-balanced retrofit solutions can exist and can be evaluated case-by-case through detailed assessment criteria. As a main result, the paper encourages decision makers to opt for tailored energy retrofit to solve the conflict between conservation and energy performance requirements.
Spatiotemporal Evolution and Influencing Factors of Urban Land Ecological Security in Yunnan Province
Authors: Yang Renyi , Du Wanying , Yang Zisheng
Published: March 2021

(1) Background: Urban land ecological security is the basis and premise to ensure the sustainable utilization of urban land resources and regional sustainable development. However, urban land ecological security and its influencing factors have not been studied thoroughly. (2) Methods: An index system of urban land ecological security in Yunnan Province from 2010 to 2019 was constructed, and a comprehensive index of urban land ecological security was calculated by using analytic hierarchy process, entropy weight method, and comprehensive index method, and the LSDVC (Biased-corrected Least Square Dummy Variables) dynamic panel model was constructed from the economic, social and geographical dimensions to systematically analyze the influencing factors of urban land ecological security in Yunnan Province. (3) Results: The comprehensive index of urban land ecological security was significantly affected by the previous period, showing obvious inertia; with the improvement of urbanization level, the comprehensive index of urban land ecological security showed an inverted “U” shape, which first increased and then decreased; the decrease in comprehensive energy consumption per unit of industry and the improvement of fixed-asset investment level, science and technology level, and GDP will significantly promote the ecological security of urban land.