bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Investigation of the Structural Behavior of an Innovative Offshore Floating Darrieus-Type Wind Turbines with Three-Stage Rotors
Authors: Dabachi Mohamed Amine , Rouway Marwane , Rahmouni Abdellatif , Bouksour Otmane , Sbai Sara Jamoudi , Laaouidi Houda , Tarfaoui Mostapha , Aamir Abdelwahed , Lagdani Oumnia
Published: June 2022

The vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) design has several advantages for offshore wind turbine installation. The VAWT provides omnidirectional wind power, and its mechanical rotating mechanisms can be installed near sea level. In this paper, the selection of a suitable composite material for floating H-Darrieus-type wind turbines with three-stage rotors and its properties are discussed. The centrifugal forces acting on the composite blades are compared to the values of these forces evaluated on the aluminum blades. Abaqus software is used for numerical simulations. The selection of appropriate laminations used to model the composite materials is discussed. The optimum combination of selected layers is determined to reduce the values of maximum bending stresses and displacements, resulting in a high strength-to-weight ratio. In the post-processor, a path is taken at the location of the application of the maximum load on the blade and the values of the displacements and stresses along this path are determined. These maximum values are compared to the unidirectional strength of the selected composite material to ensure a safe design.
3D Plotting of Calcium Phosphate Cement and Melt Electrowriting of Polycaprolactone Microfibers in One Scaffold: A Hybrid Additive Manufacturing Process
Authors: Kilian David , von Witzleben Max , Lanaro Matthew , Wong Cynthia S. , Vater Corina , Lode Anja , Allenby Mark C. , Woodruff Maria A. , Gelinsky Michael
Published: June 2022

The fabrication of patient-specific scaffolds for bone substitutes is possible through extrusion-based 3D printing of calcium phosphate cements (CPC) which allows the generation of structures with a high degree of customization and interconnected porosity. Given the brittleness of this clinically approved material, the stability of open-porous scaffolds cannot always be secured. Herein, a multi-technological approach allowed the simultaneous combination of CPC printing with melt electrowriting (MEW) of polycaprolactone (PCL) microfibers in an alternating, tunable design in one automated fabrication process. The hybrid CPC+PCL scaffolds with varying CPC strand distance (800–2000 µm) and integrated PCL fibers featured a strong CPC to PCL interface. While no adverse effect on mechanical stiffness was detected by the PCL-supported scaffold design; the microfiber integration led to an improved integrity. The pore distance between CPC strands was gradually increased to identify at which critical CPC porosity the microfibers would have a significant impact on pore bridging behavior and growth of seeded cells. At a CPC strand distance of 1600 µm, after 2 weeks of cultivation, the incorporation of PCL fibers led to pore coverage by a human mesenchymal stem cell line and an elevated proliferation level of murine pre-osteoblasts. The integrated fabrication approach allows versatile design adjustments on different levels.
Ultraviolet Fluorescence Photography—Choosing the Correct Filters for Imaging
Authors: Crowther Jonathan
Published: June 2022

Ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence is a valuable tool for the imaging of a wide range of subjects. Like all imaging techniques, the key to success depends on the correct choice of equipment and approach used. In fluorescence photography, a filter is placed in front of the camera lens to block unwanted short-wavelength light from entering the camera, which would compromise the image. However, some filters exhibit fluorescence under UV light and can therefore have the potential to produce a color cast on the image. Filters also vary in how well they block unwanted light. A range of commonly used optical filters was assessed for fluorescence under UV light, and their optical transmission between 250 nm and 800 nm was measured. Finally, a simple method to enable the researcher to determine the fluorescence of the filters that they are using or wish to use for their work is described. The results indicate that the filters tested demonstrated a wide range of fluorescence under UV light and varying degrees of UV blocking. Some filters tested had equivalent or reduced fluorescence compared to Schott KV-418, which is a widely used, but, unfortunately, no longer manufactured UV blocking filter commonly used for fluorescence photography.
Tooling and Infusion Design Strategies to Reduce Trade-Offs in Forming and Infusion Quality of Multi-Textile CFRPs
Authors: Budwal Nikita , Kasper Kent , Goering Jon , Ward Carwyn
Published: June 2022

Achieving right-first-time-manufacture (RFTM) of co-infused textile assemblies is challenging, without improving the accessibility to design knowledge of trade-offs between different tooling and infusion strategies. As demonstrated in previous work, the choice between a flexible or rigid mould material can result in trade-offs between dimensional accuracy and geometrical precision. Similarly, the choice of an infusion strategy can result in trade-offs in infusion quality and time. Building on past work, an investigation into forming variability across the length of six co-infused multi-textile components, with three different tooling inserts and two infusions set-ups, was conducted. To quantitatively assess variation, a method adapting principles of statistical process control was employed to analyse the yarn crimp measured from high-resolution cross-sectional scans of the components. The results were compared to a geometrical and dimensional analysis of the manufactured parts presented in a previous work. The analysis represents a method for capturing forming differences in textile preforms, which can be used to inform designs for the manufacture of textile CFRPs. The results were used to improve a hybrid rigid-flexible tooling design for an infused multi-textile component.
The Effect of Ocean Acidification on Skeletal Structures
Authors: Westphal Hildegard , Ries Justin B. , Doo Steve S.
Published: June 2022

It is well known that the increasing partial pressure of atmospheric CO2 (pCO2) is reducing surface ocean pH, a process known as ocean acidification (OA) [...]
Analysis of Coupled Seepage and Temperature Fields of Fractured Porous Rock Mass under Brine–Liquid Nitrogen Freezing
Authors: Hou Shanshan , Yang Yugui , Chen Yong , Lei Dawei , Cai Chengzheng
Published: June 2022

The existence of fracture flow has an undesirable effect on the creation of the frozen wall. Brine and liquid nitrogen combined freezing technology can ensure the safety of freezing engineering, reduce the construction period and save cost. Considering the permeability of the rock matrix, fluid exchange and Darcy–Stokes coupling effect between the rock matrix and fracture, a thermo-hydraulic model of the fractured porous rock mass under water seepage is herein established. The interfacial seepage field characteristics of fractured rock mass under different fluid flow models and interface conditions are compared. The numerical simulations of the initial brine freezing and liquid nitrogen reinforcement freezing are carried out. The results show that the overall permeability of fractured rock mass computed by free flow considering the Darcy–Stokes effect is greater than that computed by the Cubic law. The limit seepage velocity of the intact rock mass in brine freezing is 2.5 m/d, and that of fractured rock mass decreases to 1 m/d. The fracture aperture and groundwater seepage velocity are directly proportional to the closure time of the frozen wall. Liquid nitrogen freezing can seal water quickly and shorten the closure time of the frozen wall when the seepage velocity of the fractured rock mass is greater than the limit seepage velocity, and the rapid cooling of the upstream region plays an important role in the formation of the frozen wall in fractured rock mass.
Biocide vs. Eco-Friendly Antifoulants: Role of the Antioxidative Defence and Settlement in Mytilus galloprovincialis
Authors: Parisi Costantino , Sandonnini Jessica , Coppola Maria Rosaria , Madonna Adriano , Abdel-Gawad Fagr Kh. , Sivieri Emidio M. , Guerriero Giulia
Published: June 2022

Antifoulant paints were developed to prevent and reduce biofouling on surfaces immersed in seawater. The widespread use of these substances over the years has led to a significant increase of their presence in the marine environment. These compounds were identified as environmental and human threats. As a result of an international ban, research in the last decade has focused on developing a new generation of benign antifoulant paints. This review outlines the detrimental effects associated with biocide versus eco-friendly antifoulants, highlighting what are effective antifoulants and why there is a need to monitor them. We examine the effects of biocide and eco-friendly antifoulants on the antioxidative defence mechanism and settlement in a higher sessile organism, specifically the Mediterranean mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis. These antifoulants can indirectly assess the potential of these two parameters in order to outline implementation of sustainable antifoulants.
Performance Evaluation of Seawalls in Mitigating a Real-World Tsunami Wave Using a Nonhydrostatic Numerical Wave Model
Authors: Huang J. X. , Qu K. , Li X. H. , Lan G. Y.
Published: June 2022

In the past few decades, huge surges and waves generated during tsunami events have caused devastating destruction to both onshore and offshore infrastructures, seriously threatening the safety and intactness of coastal communities around the world. As one of the most important coastal protection infrastructures, a seawall can effectively reduce the impact intensity of surges and waves, thus playing a vital role in protecting coastal regions. Most previous studies have systematically investigated the hydrodynamic characteristics of seawalls under the action of regular and irregular waves. Meanwhile, solitary wave models are often used as the wave model for tsunamis. However, vast hydrodynamic differences exist between solitary wave models and real-world tsunamis in terms of both wave profile and wave period. Hence, our understanding of the performance of seawalls in mitigating the damaging power of real-world tsunamis is still insufficient. Hence, it is of great significance to systematically study the performance of seawalls in mitigating the huge surges and waves generated during real-world tsunamis. In comparison to previous research, where the wave profiles of solitary waves were used as tsunami wave models, a parameterized tsunami-like wave based on the recorded wave profile of the 2011 Japan tsunami is applied in this study to evaluate the performance of different seawalls in mitigating tsunami surges and waves by using a nonhydrostatic numerical wave model (NHWAVE). The effects of the prominent factors, such as incident wave height, still water depth, beach slope, and the side slope of the seawall, on the hydrodynamics of the seawall are systematically discussed. It is believed that the research findings drawn from this study can further broaden our understanding of the performance of seawalls in mitigating tsunamis.
Active Flooding Mitigation for Stability Enhancement in a Damaged RoPax Ship
Authors: Valanto Petri
Published: June 2022

In the framework of the EU project Flooding Accident Response (FLARE), flooding mitigation on a RoPax ship was studied using different active methods to improve ship safety in damage cases leading to a hull breach and flooding. Adding active flooding control systems to ship designs and ships in service, which would mitigate the effects of flooding in a damage case, could be an attractive way to improve ship safety. In order to promote this idea, the effects of such active measures on the ship safety were studied: the choice of them, the required application speed of them, their functionality in waves, the numerical modeling of them, and finally testing them with model scale tests. The following flooding mitigation methods were studied: (1) counter flooding, (2) the recovery of lost buoyancy in a damaged compartment, and (3) deploying a watertight barrier on the trailer deck. This study consists of the numerical simulations carried out with the program HSVA Rolls in chosen damage cases on a current RoPax design, with and without active flooding mitigation measures, and of the following ship model tests based on the a priori computations.
Multifunctional Silver Nanoparticles Based on Chitosan: Antibacterial, Antibiofilm, Antifungal, Antioxidant, and Wound-Healing Activities
Authors: Shehabeldine Amr M. , Salem Salem S. , Ali Omar M. , Abd-Elsalam Kamel A. , Elkady Fathy M. , Hashem Amr H.
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study is to create chitosan-stabilized silver nanoparticles (Chi/Ag-NPs) and determine whether they were cytotoxic and also to determine their characteristic antibacterial, antibiofilm, and wound healing activities. Recently, the development of an efficient and environmentally friendly method for synthesizing metal nanoparticles based on polysaccharides has attracted a lot of interest in the field of nanotechnology. Colloidal Chi/Ag-NPs are prepared by chemical reduction of silver ions in the presence of Chi, giving Chi/Ag-NPs. Physiochemical properties are determined by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) analyses. TEM pictures indicate that the generated Chi/Ag-NPs are nearly spherical in shape with a thin chitosan covering around the Ag core and had sizes in the range of 9–65 nm. In vitro antibacterial activity was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by a resazurin-mediated microtiter plate assay. The highest activity was observed with the lowest concentration of Chi/Ag-NPs, which was 12.5 µg/mL for both bacterial strains. Additionally, Chi/Ag-NPs showed promising antifungal features against Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus terreus, and Aspergillus niger, where inhibition zones were 22, 29, 20, and 17 mm, respectively. Likewise, Chi/Ag-NPs revealed potential antioxidant activity is 92, 90, and 75% at concentrations of 4000, 2000, and 1000 µg/mL, where the IC50 of Chi/Ag-NPs was 261 µg/mL. Wound healing results illustrated that fibroblasts advanced toward the opening to close the scratch wound by roughly 50.5% after a 24-h exposure to Chi/Ag-NPs, greatly accelerating the wound healing process. In conclusion, a nanocomposite based on AgNPs and chitosan was successfully prepared and exhibited antibacterial, antibiofilm, antifungal, antioxidant, and wound healing activities that can be used in the medical field.
Structured Framework and Genome Analysis of Magnaporthe grisea Inciting Pearl Millet Blast Disease Reveals Versatile Metabolic Pathways, Protein Families, and Virulence Factors
Authors: Reddy Bhaskar , Mehta Sahil , Prakash Ganesan , Sheoran Neelam , Kumar Aundy
Published: June 2022

Magnaporthe grisea (T.T. Herbert) M.E. Barr is a major fungal phytopathogen that causes blast disease in cereals, resulting in economic losses worldwide. An in-depth understanding of the basis of virulence and ecological adaptation of M. grisea is vital for devising effective disease management strategies. Here, we aimed to determine the genomic basis of the pathogenicity and underlying biochemical pathways in Magnaporthe using the genome sequence of a pearl millet-infecting M. grisea PMg_Dl generated by dual NGS techniques, Illumina NextSeq 500 and PacBio RS II. The short and long nucleotide reads could be draft assembled in 341 contigs and showed a genome size of 47.89 Mb with the N50 value of 765.4 Kb. Magnaporthe grisea PMg_Dl showed an average nucleotide identity (ANI) of 86% and 98% with M. oryzae and Pyricularia pennisetigena, respectively. The gene-calling method revealed a total of 10,218 genes and 10,184 protein-coding sequences in the genome of PMg_Dl. InterProScan of predicted protein showed a distinct 3637 protein families and 695 superfamilies in the PMg_Dl genome. In silico virulence analysis revealed the presence of 51VFs and 539 CAZymes in the genome. The genomic regions for the biosynthesis of cellulolytic endo-glucanase and beta-glucosidase, as well as pectinolytic endo-polygalacturonase, pectin-esterase, and pectate-lyases (pectinolytic) were detected. Signaling pathways modulated by MAPK, PI3K-Akt, AMPK, and mTOR were also deciphered. Multicopy sequences suggestive of transposable elements such as Type LTR, LTR/Copia, LTR/Gypsy, DNA/TcMar-Fot1, and Type LINE were recorded. The genomic resource presented here will be of use in the development of molecular marker and diagnosis, population genetics, disease management, and molecular taxonomy, and also provide a genomic reference for ascomycetous genome investigations in the future.
Effects of Oleic Acid Addition Methods on the Metabolic Flux Distribution of Ganoderic Acids R, S and T’s Biosynthesis
Authors: Yan Meng-Qiu , Su Xiao-Wei , Liu Yan-Fang , Tang Chuan-Hong , Tang Qing-Jiu , Zhou Shuai , Tan Yi , Liu Li-Ping , Zhang Jing-Song , Feng Jie
Published: June 2022

The effects of oleic acid addition methods on the metabolic flux distribution of ganoderic acids R, S and T’s biosynthesis from Ganoderma lucidum were investigated. The results showed that adding filter-sterilized oleic acid in the process of submerged fermentation and static culture is of benefit to the synthesis of ganoderic acids R, S and T. The metabolic fluxes were increased by 97.48%, 78.42% and 43.39%, respectively. The content of ganoderic acids R, S and T were 3.11 times, 5.19 times and 1.44 times higher, respectively, than they were in the control group, which was without additional oleic acid. Ganoderic acids R, S and T’s synthesis pathways (GAP), tricarboxylic acid cycles (TCA), pentose phosphate pathways (PP) and glycolysis pathways (EMP) were all enhanced in the process. Therefore, additional oleic acid can strengthen the overall metabolic flux distribution of G. lucidum in a submerged fermentation-static culture and it can reduce the accumulation of the by-product mycosterol. This study has laid an important foundation for improving the production of triterpenes in the submerged fermentation of G. lucidum.
Biochemical Approaches on Commercial Strains of Agaricus subrufescens Growing under Two Environmental Cultivation Conditions
Authors: Almeida Daiana , Cardoso Rossana V. C. , Pereira Carla , Alves Maria José , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R. , Zied Diego Cunha , Junior Wagner G. Vieira , Caitano Cinthia E. C. , Fernandes Ângela , Barros Lillian
Published: June 2022

In the present work, the effect of the cultivation process, in the field and under a controlled environment, on biochemical parameters by using commercial strains of A. subrufescens were evaluated. The results obtained revealed that the strains cultivated in the field presented higher levels for most of the parameters evaluated (organic acids (20.5–48.0 g/100 g dw), tocopherols (107.0–198.6 µg/100 g dw), and phenolic acids and related compounds (245.2–359.0 µg/100 g dw and 10.6–23.7 µg/100 g dw, respectively)), except for the carbohydrates (53.4–72.6 g/100 g dw), energetic value (373–380 Kcal/100 g dw), and total free sugars (28.8–43.1 g/100 g dw), parameters in which the strains grown in a controlled environment present better results. For both cultivation systems, similar results were obtained regarding saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, as well as antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. These data contribute to the knowledge and highlight the characterized strains and the cultivation process, which can be used to obtain ingredients with potential applicability as a source of functional compounds.
Atomic Force Microscopy Application for the Measurement of Infliximab Concentration in Healthy Donors and Pediatric Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Curci Debora , Lucafò Marianna , Parisse Pietro , Decorti Giuliana , Bramuzzo Matteo , Casalis Loredana , Stocco Gabriele
Published: June 2022

The use of infliximab has completely changed the therapeutic landscape in inflammatory bowel disease. However, despite its proven efficacy to induce and maintain clinical remission, increasing evidence suggests that treatment failure may be associated with inadequate drug blood concentrations. The introduction of biosensors based on different nanostructured materials for the rapid quantification of drugs has been proposed for therapeutic drug monitoring. This study aimed to apply atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based nanoassay for the measurement of infliximab concentration in serum samples of healthy donors and pediatric IBD patients. This assay measured the height signal variation of a nanostructured gold surface covered with a self-assembled monolayer of alkanethiols. Inside this monolayer, we embedded the DNA conjugated with a tumor necrosis factor able to recognize the drug. The system was initially fine-tuned by testing known infliximab concentrations (0, 20, 30, 40, and 50 nM) in buffer and then spiking the same concentrations of infliximab into the sera of healthy donors, followed by testing pediatric IBD patients. A good correlation between height variation and drug concentration was found in the buffer in both healthy donors and pediatric IBD patients (p-value < 0.05), demonstrating the promising use of AFM nanoassay in TDM.
Banking Risks in the Asset and Liability Management System
Authors: Lysiak Liubov , Masiuk Iuliia , Chynchyk Anatolii , Yudina Olena , Olshanskiy Oleksandr , Shevchenko Valentyna
Published: June 2022

Banking risk management is considered weak compared to rapid changes in financial markets. In light of the recent global financial crisis, banking risk management has become a significant concern of banking regulators and government agencies. This work aims to build a model for assessing banking risks. The primary study method is economic–mathematical modeling based on the standardized model of the Basel Committee for Operational Risk Management, the modified CAPM model, and the model developed by Shapiro and Cornell for currency risk management. The information base was the financial statements of Bank Credit Agricole (Poland). As a result, an economic–mathematical model is built, which is the optimal combination of operational, currency, and credit risk management models. This model calculates the optimal values of bank balance sheet items, which allows for making the right management decisions. It allowed adjusting the value of the bank profit by 3.6 million US dollars. In conclusion, considering the results of banking risk modeling, the need to build a strategy for the bank’s development is determined.
Effects of Diet and Exercise on Metabolic Parameters and Health in Moderate to Advanced Kidney Disease
Authors: Ertuglu Lale A. , Ikizler Talat Alp
Published: June 2022

Metabolic derangements such as obesity, dyslipidemia, chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress are commonly seen in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and are implicated in the exaggerated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk observed in this patient population. Lifestyle interventions including healthy dietary patterns and exercise training have been proven effective in modifying these CVD risk factors in the general population. The efficacy and safety of these interventions in CKD patients remain elusive. This review article aims to provide a summary of the current evidence on the effects of different types of dietary and exercise interventions on metabolic biomarkers associated with cardiovascular disease in patients with moderate to advanced CKD.
Coupling Coordination Evaluation of Lakefront Landscape Spatial Quality and Public Sentiment
Authors: Tao Jia , Yang Meng , Wu Jing
Published: June 2022

The comprehensive quality evaluation of the lakefront landscape relies on a combination of subjective and objective methods. This study aims to evaluate the coupling coordination between spatial quality and public sentiment in Wuhan’s lakefront area, and explore the distribution of various coupling coordination types through machine learning of street view images and sentiment analysis of microblog texts. Results show that: (1) The hot and cold spots of spatial quality are distributed in a contiguous pattern, whereas the public sentiments are distributed in multiple clusters. (2) A strong coupling coordination and correlation exists between spatial quality and public sentiment. High green visibility, high sky visibility, and natural revetment have remarkable positive effects on public sentiment. In comparison, high water visibility has a negative effect on public sentiment, which may be related to the negative impact of traffic-oriented streets on the lakefront landscape. (3) Lakefront areas close to urban centers generally show a low spatial quality–high public sentiment distribution, which may be related to factors such as rapid urbanization. This study can help planners identify critical areas to be optimized through coupling coordination relationship evaluation, and provides a practical basis for the future development of urban lakefront areas.
The Social Barrier of Strategic Coupling: A Case Study of the Letpadaung Copper Mine in Myanmar
Authors: Ji Qidi , Liu Weidong , Song Tao , Gao Boyang
Published: June 2022

Civil society is not as impotent as argued by many scholars in facing the pervasive force of economic globalization, and instead can play an important role in the strategic coupling of multinationals with localities. This study attempts to deepen existing research on the strategic coupling of mining production networks by emphasizing the role of social actors at different scales in the coupling process. It uses the qualitative survey method to provide analytical insights into the case of the Letpadaung Copper Mine in Myanmar, which is an investment of the Chinese company Wanbao Mining. Social actors represented by local communities and NGOs may have different interests from mining firms on issues such as land use, rural livelihoods, and environmental impacts, which constitute a sort of social barrier to strategic coupling. Wanbao Mining has taken steps to balance the intentions of multiple actors at different scales through bargaining, ultimately achieving an inclusive coupling that is a win-win for all parties. The concept of social barriers incorporates land-use issues into the strategic coupling research, contributing to the study of socio-economic and political issues of land in the context of globalization.
Study on the Preparation and Effect of Tomato Seedling Disease Biocontrol Compound Seed-Coating Agent
Authors: Zhang Yao , Li Yingying , Liang Sibo , Zheng Wei , Chen Xiuling , Liu Jiayin , Wang Aoxue
Published: June 2022

Tomato damping-off and root rot are the two most common diseases of tomatoes at the seedling stage. At present, biological compound seed-coating agents are gradually replacing chemical agents in preventing and controlling plant diseases and insect pests, regulating plant growth, and ensuring crop yields. In this study, five biocontrol bacteria (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (Ba), Bacillus subtilis (Bs wy-1), Bacillus subtilis (WXCDD105), Pseudomonas fluorescens (WXCDD51), and Bacillus velezensis (WZ-37)), with broad antibacterial spectra were mixed with auxiliary factors (inactive components of seed-coating agent) after fermentation to compound a seed-coating agent. In this study, the formula for a compound seed-coating agent was selected through orthogonal experiment. Gaseous silica was used as a thickener, and gum arabic and sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate were used as a film-forming agent and dispersant, respectively. The mass of fumed silica, gum arabic, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, and pearlescent powder was 1.3 g, 1 g, 0.05 g, and 0.5 g, respectively. Adding gibberellin can improve the ability of seed-coating agents to promote seed germination and plant growth. This showed high efficiency in preventing and controlling seedling diseases and promoting seedling growth. After 6 days of inoculation with Pythium aphanidermatum, which caused tomato damping-off disease, the seedling mortality rate was 26.7% lower than that of the sterile water control, and 20% lower than that of carbendazim. After 21 days of inoculation with Fusarium sp., which caused tomato root rot disease, the seedling mortality rate was 44.31% lower than that of the control, and 22.36% lower than that of carbendazim. The plant height, stem diameter, root length, fresh weight, and dry weight of tomato seeds treated with biological compound seed-coating agent were significantly higher than that of the control. We tested the shelf life of the biological compound seed-coating agent, and found that the effect of seed germination and radicle growth did not decrease. This research provides information on the production technology and application of biological seed-coating agents in tomato production.
Recovery of Renal Function in Clinical Patients with Acute Kidney Injury: Impact on Mortality
Authors: Duarte Tayse Tâmara Paixão , Magro Marcia Cristina Silva
Published: June 2022

Objective: To assess the different renal function recovery patterns and their impact on the mortality of non-critical patients with hospital-acquired Acute Kidney Injury. Design: A prospective cohort study was conducted from January 2017 to December 2019. Methods: The patients included were those with Acute Kidney Injury acquired during their hospitalization, identified from Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO). Renal function recovery was calculated through the serum creatinine ratio in relation to baseline creatinine at the renal function evaluation moment. A descriptive analysis of the results was performed, and the Backward method was adopted for the multivariate analysis. Results: One-thousand five-hundred and forty-six patients were evaluated in the medical clinic and 202 (13.06%) were identified to have Acute Kidney Injury; among them, renal function recovery varied over the six months of follow-up with greater expressiveness in the second and third months (from 61.02% to 62.79%). Recovery was a protective factor against in-hospital death in the first (OR 0.24; 95% CI 0.09–0.61; p-value = 0.038) and sixth month of follow-up (OR 0.24; 95% CI 0.09–0.61; p-value = 0.003). Conclusions: The incidence of renal function recovery varied throughout the six months of follow-up and reached progressively high levels from the second to the third months. Renal recovery was a protective factor against mortality during the follow-up period.
Nontarget and Out-of-Field Doses from Electron Beam Radiotherapy
Authors: Matuszak Natalia , Kruszyna-Mochalska Marta , Skrobala Agnieszka , Ryczkowski Adam , Romanski Piotr , Piotrowski Igor , Kulcenty Katarzyna , Suchorska Wiktoria Maria , Malicki Julian
Published: June 2022

In clinical radiotherapy, the most important aspects are the dose distribution in the target volume and healthy organs, including out-of-field doses in the body. Compared to photon beam radiation, dose distribution in electron beam radiotherapy has received much less attention, mainly due to the limited range of electrons in tissues. However, given the growing use of electron intraoperative radiotherapy and FLASH, further study is needed. Therefore, in this study, we determined out-of-field doses from an electron beam in a phantom model using two dosimetric detectors (diode E and cylindrical Farmer-type ionizing chamber) for electron energies of 6 MeV, 9 MeV and 12 MeV. We found a clear decrease in out-of-field doses as the distance from the field edge and depth increased. The out-of-field doses measured with the diode E were lower than those measured with the Farmer-type ionization chamber at each depth and for each electron energy level. The out-of-field doses increased when higher energy megavoltage electron beams were used (except for 9 MeV). The out-of-field doses at shallow depths (1 or 2 cm) declined rapidly up to a distance of 3 cm from the field edge. This study provides valuable data on the deposition of radiation energy from electron beams outside the irradiation field.
Management of Combined Therapy (Ceritinib, A. cinnamomea, G. lucidum, and Photobiomodulation) in Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Su Chuan-Tsung , Wu Jih-Huah
Published: June 2022

The 5-year survival rate of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is still low (<21%) despite recent improvements. Since conventional therapies have a lot of side effects, combined therapy is strongly recommended. Here, we report a patient with advanced NSCLC who received combined therapy, including ceritinib, photobiomodulation (PBM), ACGL (Antrodia cinnamomea (A. cinnamomea), and Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum)). Based on combined therapy, suitable doses of A. cinnamomea, G. lucidum, and PBM are important for tumor inhibition. This case report presents clinical evidence on the efficacy of combined therapy in advanced NSCLC patients, including computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and blood tests. The effective inhibition of human lung adenocarcinoma cells is demonstrated. Our case highlights important considerations for PBM and ACGL applications in NSCLC patients, the side effects of ceritinib, and long-term health maintenance.
Comment on Brandl et al. Immediate Effects of Myofascial Release on the Thoracolumbar Fascia and Osteopathic Treatment for Acute Low Back Pain on Spine Shape Parameters: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Life 2021, 11, 845
Authors: Kudus Alexander Leonard
Published: June 2022

I want to congratulate Brandl et al. [...]
Some Peculiarities of Anthrax Epidemiology in Herbivorous and Carnivorous Animals
Authors: Bakhteeva Irina , Timofeev Vitalii
Published: June 2022

Anthrax is an especially dangerous zooanthroponosis caused by the Gram-positive spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. A notable feature of this disease is the difference in susceptibility to it among different groups of animals. Anthrax primarily affects herbivorous ungulate mammals; they are easily infected, and their disease often leads to rapid, even sudden, death. However, predators and scavengers are extremely resistant to anthrax, and if they become infected, they usually become mildly ill. As the result of the increased sensitivity of ungulates to anthrax and the possibility of disease transmission from them to humans, most studies of anthrax have focused on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of infection in farm animals and humans. The issues of anthrax in other animals, such as predators, and the peculiarities of anthrax epidemiology in wild ungulates have not been sufficiently detailed in the literature. In this article, we provide a review of literature sources that describe the differential susceptibility to infection of various groups of animals to anthrax and some epidemiological features of anthrax in animals that are not the main hosts of B. anthracis.
Assessing Adoption Factors for Additive Manufacturing: Insights from Case Studies
Authors: Handfield Robert B. , Aitken James , Turner Neil , Boehme Tillmann , Bozarth Cecil
Published: June 2022

Background: Research on Additive Manufacturing [AM] provides few guidelines for successful adoption of the technology in different market environments. This paper seeks to address this gap by developing a framework that suggests market attributes for which the technology will successfully meet a need. We rely on classical technology adoption theory to evaluate the challenges and opportunities proffered by AM. Methods: We apply a framework of technology adoption and assess these parameters using seven case studies of businesses that have successfully adopted AM technology. Results: We find that successful business adoption is highly associated with the relative advantage of AM to rapidly deliver customized products targeted to niche market opportunities. Conclusions: Our findings provide a decision framework for AM equipment manufacturers to employ when evaluating AM technology across various market environments. All five adoption characteristics were found to be important however, the primary decision criterion is based on the relative advantage of AM over other, traditional, technologies. From a practitioner perspective, our research highlights the importance of AM in attaining a competitive advantage through responsive, customized production which can address the needs of niche markets.
Development of a Cryogenic Tester with Air Bearing to Test Sliding-Rolling Contact Friction
Authors: Liu Fengbo , Su Bing , Zhang Guangtao , Ren Jiongli , Zhang Wenhu
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to test the friction coefficient of cryogenic bearing lubrication materials. A ball-on-disc type friction tester was developed in our lab using air bearings that could simulate the movement of cryogenic bearings under sliding-rolling contact. The tester is equipped with a temperature-controlled chamber to provide a minimum −175 °C low-temperature environment. Using air bearings is an important technique to reduce the base friction of the tester measurement system and ensure the accuracy of the friction coefficient measurement. The friction coefficients of the Ag coating and the PTFE coating were measured at different sliding-rolling velocities on this tester, and the results showed that the friction coefficient curves agreed well with the Gupta sliding model. The developed tester will provide important data for the dynamic analysis and life evaluation of the cryogenic bearings.
Thermal Error Analysis of Five-Axis Machine Tools Based on Five-Point Test Method
Authors: Li Yu , Tian Hongchuan , Liu Difei , Lu Quanbo
Published: June 2022

The accuracy of five-axis machine tools is a key performance indicator. Among the various error sources of high precision five-axis machine tools, thermal and geometric errors occupy the majority. Thermal errors have become the largest error source of high precision five-axis machine tools, accounting for about 45% of the total errors. Accurate measurement of thermal errors plays a vital role in improving the accuracy of five-axis machine tools. Taking the Shenyang HTM50100 turning and milling machine tool as an example, this paper proposes a method to measure the thermal error of the machine tool spindle using the five-point test method. In the process of thermal error modeling, we select the temperature key point and analyze the collected data. Finally, we evaluate thermal error model. The method is verified by an experiment. The experiment results show that the method is highly accurate, fast, and easy to use. It provides a theoretical basis and practical method for the measurement of thermal errors on five-axis machine tools. By evaluating the method based on multiple linear regression, the predictive ability of the model is about 77%. Compared with LSTM, the prediction accuracy is improved by 5.08%.
Friction Properties of Solid Lubricants with Different Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Contents
Authors: Kim Ji-Hyun , Kim Won Seok , Yoo Yungchul
Published: June 2022

Bushes are circular bearings that surround a shaft and help it rotate smoothly. In heavy equipment, bushes are coated with solid lubricants to reduce friction. Although the coating layer of the lubricant has a stable coefficient of friction (CoF), it is important that this should last for a long time. In this study, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), which have a low CoF, were added to the lubricant to improve its performance. When 2.3 wt% MWCNTs were added to the polymer resin, the dynamic CoF (under a 29 N external load) decreased by 78% in relation to that of the resin without MWCNTs. As the MWCNT content increased, the roughness of the coating decreased, which reduced the CoF. Moreover, MWCNT addition increased the overall tensile strength owing to an increase in the bonding force between the resins. Under a high load of 20 tonnes (t), the MWCNT-based solid lubricant had a CoF of 0.05, lower than commercial MoS2-based solid lubricants; this was maintained for more than 10,000 cycles in a bush and shaft test. With the MWCNT-based solid lubricant, a lubricating polymer film formed, even on worn bush surfaces. The CoF of the solid lubricant was reduced and the number of cycles with a constant CoF increased when MWCNTs were added owing to the formation of the lubricating polymer film.
Manipulability Optimization of a Rehabilitative Collaborative Robotic System
Authors: Chiriatti Giorgia , Bottiglione Alessandro , Palmieri Giacomo
Published: June 2022

The use of collaborative robots (or cobots) in rehabilitation therapies is aimed at assisting and shortening the patient’s recovery after neurological injuries. Cobots are inherently safe when interacting with humans and can be programmed in different working modalities based on the patient’s needs and the level of the injury. This study presents a design optimization of a robotic system for upper limb rehabilitation based on the manipulability ellipsoid method. The human–robot system is modeled as a closed kinematic chain in which the human hand grasps a handle attached to the robot’s end effector. The manipulability ellipsoids are determined for both the human and the robotic arm and compared by calculating an index that quantifies the alignment of the principal axes. The optimal position of the robot base with respect to the patient is identified by a first global optimization and by a further local refinement, seeking the best alignment of the manipulability ellipsoids in a series of points uniformly distributed within the shared workspace.
Synchronization of Four Axisymmetrically Distributed Eccentric Rotors in a Vibration System
Authors: Chen Xiaozhe , Liu Junqi , Zhang Jiaqi , Li Lingxuan
Published: June 2022

This paper studies synchronization of a class of even pairs and symmetrically distributed eccentric rotors in a vibration system of a single mass body. A vibration system driven by four ERs with circular distribution structure and the same rotating direction is adopted as the dynamic model. The motion differential equations of the system are established based on Lagrange equation. The angular velocity and the phase of each rotor are perturbed by the average value of the synchronous velocity. The state equation of the system is obtained by applying the averaging method. According to the necessary condition of the steady-state motion, the synchronization condition and the dimensionless coupling torques of the system are deduced. The stability condition of the synchronous motion is derived by applying Lyapunov indirect method. The distribution law of the steady-state phase difference is discussed qualitatively by the numerical analysis of the theoretical results. Then combined with the numerical results, five sets of experiments are carried out on the experimental machine, which includes the sub-resonant state and the super-resonant state. The experimental results show that this vibration system has two super-resonant motion states and one sub-resonant motion state. The experiment proves the correctness of the theory, which can provide theoretical guidance for the design of this kind of vibration machine.
Simulating Evaluation Method on Heating Performances of Magnetic Nanoparticles with Temperature-Dependent Heating Efficiencies in Tumor Hyperthermia
Authors: Ding Shuai-Wen , Wu Cheng-Wei , Yu Xiao-Gang , Dai Chao , Zhang Wei , Gong Jian-Po
Published: June 2022

The magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) with decreasing heating efficiency (characterized by specific loss power, SLP) with temperature increase, especially around the Curie temperature (TC), are expected to realize the self-regulated temperature hyperthermia of the tumor. However, the actual decrease of the SLP is gradual, resulting in the deviation of self-regulated temperatures from the measured TC. So far, no method is available for evaluating the heating performances of those MNPs. Here, by simulating the temperature-dependent SLP, the heating performances of MNPs are evaluated from three clinically concerning aspects: the capacity for effective heating, the temperature uniformity in the tumor, and the temperature stability under environmental changes such as MNP loss or tumor progression. The developed methods were applied to ZnCoCrFeO, Fe3O4, and γ-Fe2O3 MNPs. It was found that the uniform temperature distribution relies on lowering the heating power in the inner regions of the tumor, and the stable control of temperature depends on the dynamic adaptation of the heating power to the tumor temperature change. The proposed method may be used to predict the heating ability of MNPs and help the selection of MNPs for hyperthermia.
Increased Sulfation in Gracilaria fisheri Sulfated Galactans Enhances Antioxidant and Antiurolithiatic Activities and Protects HK-2 Cell Death Induced by Sodium Oxalate
Authors: Sakaew Waraporn , Phanphak Jenjiralai , Somintara Somsuda , Hipkaeo Wiphawi , Wongprasert Kanokpan , Kovensky José , Pariwatthanakun Choowadee , Rudtanatip Tawut
Published: June 2022

Urolithiasis is a common urological disease characterized by the presence of a stone anywhere along the urinary tract. The major component of such stones is calcium oxalate, and reactive oxygen species act as an essential mediator of calcium oxalate crystallization. Previous studies have demonstrated the antioxidant and antiurolithiatic activities of sulfated polysaccharides. In this study, native sulfated galactans (N-SGs) with a molecular weight of 217.4 kDa from Gracilaria fisheri were modified to obtain lower molecular weight SG (L-SG) and also subjected to sulfation SG (S-SG). The in vitro antioxidant and antiurolithiatic activities of the modified substances and their ability to protect against sodium oxalate-induced renal tubular (HK-2) cell death were investigated. The results revealed that S-SG showed more pronounced antioxidant activities (DPPH and O2− scavenging activities) than those of other compounds. S-SG exhibited the highest antiurolithiatic activity in terms of nucleation and aggregation, as well as crystal morphology and size. Moreover, S-SG showed improved cell survival and increased anti-apoptotic BCL-2 protein in HK-2 cells treated with sodium oxalate. Our findings highlight the potential application of S-SG in the functional food and pharmaceutical industries.