bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Treadmill Interval Running on the Appearance of Zinc Finger Protein FHL2 in Bone Marrow Cells in a Rat Model: A Pilot Study
Authors: Germain Alexandre , Bourzac Celine , Pichon Chantal , Portier Hugues , Pallu Stéphane , Germain Philippe
Published: April 2022

Although the benefits of physical exercise to preserve bone quality are now widely recognized, the intimate mechanisms leading to the underlying cell responses still require further investigations. Interval training running, for instance, appears as a generator of impacts on the skeleton, and particularly on the progenitor cells located in the bone marrow. Therefore, if this kind of stimulus initiates bone cell proliferation and differentiation, the activation of a devoted signaling pathway by mechano-transduction seems likely. This study aimed at investigating the effects of an interval running program on the appearance of the zinc finger protein FHL2 in bone cells and their anatomical location. Twelve 5-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to one of the following groups (n = 6 per group): sedentary control (SED) or high-intensity interval running (EX, 8 consecutive weeks). FHL2 identification in bone cells was performed by immuno-histochemistry on serial sections of radii. We hypothesized that impacts generated by running could activate, in vivo, a specific signaling pathway, through an integrin-mediated mechano-transductive process, leading to the synthesis of FHL2 in bone marrow cells. Our data demonstrated the systematic appearance of FHL2 (% labeled cells: 7.5%, p < 0.001) in bone marrow obtained from EX rats, whereas no FHL2 was revealed in SED rats. These results suggest that the mechanical impacts generated during high-intensity interval running activate a signaling pathway involving nuclear FHL2, such as that also observed with dexamethasone administration. Consequently, interval running could be proposed as a non-pharmacological strategy to contribute to bone marrow cell osteogenic differentiation.
Uncommon Surgical Management by AVF between the Great Saphenous Vein and Anterior Tibial Artery for Old Radiocephalic AVF Failure
Authors: Kaller Réka , Mureșan Adrian Vasile , Arbănași Emil Marian , Arbănași Eliza Mihaela , Kovács István , Horváth Emőke , Suciu Bogdan Andrei , Hosu Ioan , Russu Eliza
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Autologous native arteriovenous fistula (AVF) created in the non-dominant arm is the gold standard vascular access for dialysis in end-stage renal disease, but the post-surgical vascular access dysfunction causes a reduction in the patient’s quality of life. Creating a functional upper extremity permanent arteriovenous access is limited by the upper limb’s vascular resources, so good management of a complicated arteriovenous fistula may improve patient outcomes. This article highlights the importance of new surgical options in treating complicated AVFs. Case report: We present the case of a patient with a 17-year-old complex radio-cephalic arterio-venous fistula and a series of surgical interventions performed for life salvage in the first place and functional vascular access in the second place. Furthermore, we describe a successfully created uncommon type of fistula in the lower extremity between the great saphenous vein and the anterior tibial artery as the last possible access for hemodialysis in this patient. Results: The patient underwent the first successful dialysis using the newly created lower limb fistula 1 month after the surgery. Conclusion: Applying new surgical techniques to manage AVFs gives a unique chance to improve the quality of life and reduce morbidity and mortality in these patients.
Deficiency of TTYH1 Expression Reduces the Migration and Invasion of U2OS Human Osteosarcoma Cells
Authors: Lee Young-Sun , Kwon Osung , Jeong Geuk-Rae , Noh Junyeol , Kim Sung Eun , Yi Gwan-Su , Hwang Eun Mi , Park Jae-Yong
Published: April 2022

The Tweety homolog (TTYH) chloride channel family is involved in oncogenic processes including cell proliferation, invasion, and colonization of cancers. Among the TTYH family, TTYH1 is highly expressed in several cancer cells, such as glioma, breast, and gastric cancer cells. However, the role of TTYH1 in the progression of osteosarcoma remains unknown. Here, we report that deficient TTYH1 expression results in the inhibition of the migration and invasion of U2OS human osteosarcoma cells. We found that TTYH1 was endogenously expressed at both mRNA and protein levels in U2OS cells and that these channels were located at the plasma membrane of the cells. Moreover, we found that silencing of the TTYH1 with small interfering RNA (siRNA) resulted in a decrease in the migration and invasion of U2OS cells, while the proliferation of the cells was not affected. Additionally, treatment with TTYH1 siRNA significantly suppressed the mRNA expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-regulated transcription factors such as Zinc E-Box Binding Homeobox 1 (ZEB1) and SNAIL. Most importantly, the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MPP-9, and N-cadherin was dramatically reduced following the silencing of TTYH1. Taken together, our findings suggest that silencing of TTYH1 expression reduces migration and invasion of U2OS cells and that TTYH1 may act as a potential molecular target for osteosarcoma treatment.
Tribological Properties and Physiochemical Analysis of Polymer-Ceramic Composite Coatings for Bone Regeneration
Authors: Tomala Agnieszka Maria , Słota Dagmara , Florkiewicz Wioletta , Piętak Karina , Dyląg Mateusz , Sobczak-Kupiec Agnieszka
Published: April 2022

The biomaterial coatings for bone tissue regeneration described in this study promote bioactivity. The ceramic-polymer composite coatings deposited on polylactide (PLA) plates contain polymers, namely polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/polyethylene glycol (PEG), while the ceramic phase is hydroxyapatite (HA). Additionally, collagen (COL) and glutathione (GSH) are components of high biological value. Bone tissue materials requires additionally demanding tribological properties, which are thoroughly described in this research. These findings, presented herein for the first time, characterize this type of highly specific composite coating material and their indicate possible application in bone regeneration implants. Implementation of the collagen in the PVP/PEG/HA composite matrix can tailor demanding tribological performance, e.g., anti-wear and friction reduction. The addition of the ceramic phase in too high a content (15%) leads to the decreased swelling ability of materials and slower liquid medium absorption by composite coatings, as well as strong surface roughening and loosening tribological properties. In consequence, small particles of HA from the very rough composite crumble, having a strong abrasive effect on the sample surface. In conclusion, sample C composed of PVP/PEG/GSH/COL/HA (5%) exhibits high bioactivity, strong mechanical and tribological properties, the highest free surface energy, porosity, and accepted roughness to be implemented as a material for bone regeneration.
Development of Ductile and Durable High Strength Concrete (HSC) through Interactive Incorporation of Coir Waste and Silica Fume
Authors: Ali Babar , Fahad Muhammad , Ullah Shahid , Ahmed Hawreen , Alyousef Rayed , Deifalla Ahmed
Published: April 2022

The issue of brittleness and low post-peak load energy associated with the plain HSC led to the development of fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) by using discrete fiber filaments in the plain matrix. Due to the high environmental impact of industrial fibers and plasticizers, FRC development is ecologically challenged. Sustainability issues demand the application of eco-friendly development of FRC. This study is aimed at the evaluation of coir as a fiber-reinforcement material in HSC, with the incorporation of silica fume as a partial replacement of cement. For this purpose, a total of 12 concrete mixes were produced by using three different doses of coir (0%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% by wt. of binder) with silica fume (0%, 5%, and 10% as volumetric replacements of cement). The examined parameters include compressive strength, shear strength, splitting tensile strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity, water absorption, and chloride ion permeability. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique was adopted to observe the microstructure of the CF-reinforced concrete. The results revealed that due to the CF addition, the compressive strength of HSC reduces notably; however, the splitting tensile strength and shear strength experienced notable improvements. At the combined incorporation of 1.5% CF with 5% silica fume, the splitting tensile strength and shear strength of the concrete experienced improvements of 47% and 70%, respectively, compared to that of the control mix. The CF incorporation is detrimental to the imperviousness of concrete. The combined incorporation of CF and silica fume is recommended to minimize the negative effects of CF on the permeability resistance of concrete. The SEM results revealed that CF underwent a minor shrinkage with the age.
Pressure-Induced Bandgap Engineering and Tuning Optical Responses of Cd0.25Zn0.75S Alloy for Optoelectronic and Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Aamir , Ahmad Afaq , Malik Maria , Choi Jeong Ryeol , Pham Phuong V.
Published: April 2022

The manipulation of composition and pressure, which affect the structure and, as a result, lead to new desired properties, is particularly significant for optimizing device performance. By considering the importance of pressure treatment, this study explores bandgap engineering and tuned optical responses of the ternary Cd0.25Zn0.75S alloy over a pressure range of 0–20 GPa using density functional theory. The functional material exhibits cubic symmetry at all pressures, and its bulk modulus increases with pressure. It is a direct bandgap semiconductor at Γ symmetry point, and its bandgap energy increases from 3.35 eV to 3.86 eV with an increase in pressure. Optical properties change with pressure, such that the absorption coefficient increases and absorbs near-ultraviolet light, while the static dielectric constant and static refractive index both increase with pressure. The effects of pressure on other optical parameters such as dielectric constant, extinction coefficient, refractive index, optical conductivity, and reflection are also explored. These findings provide significant theoretical guidance for the use of the Cd0.25Zn0.75S semiconductor in fabricating optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices functioning at varying pressure ranges and altitudes.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Modeling of Aligned ZnO Nanowire-Enhanced Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Composites
Authors: Wang Jingyu , Marashizadeh Parisa , Weng Binbin , Larson Preston , Altan M. Cengiz , Liu Yingtao
Published: April 2022

This paper presents the synthesis, characterization, and multiscale modeling of hybrid composites with enhanced interfacial properties consisting of aligned zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires and continuous carbon fibers. The atomic layer deposition method was employed to uniformly synthesize nanoscale ZnO seeds on carbon fibers. Vertically aligned ZnO nanowires were grown from the deposited nanoscale seeds using the low-temperature hydrothermal method. Morphology and chemical compositions of ZnO nanowires were characterized to evaluate the quality of synthesized ZnO nanowires in hybrid fiber-reinforced composites. Single fiber fragmentation tests reveal that the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) in epoxy composites improved by 286%. Additionally, a multiscale modeling framework was developed to investigate the IFSS of hybrid composites with radially aligned ZnO nanowires. The cohesive zone model (CZM) was implemented to model the interface between fiber and matrix. The damage behavior of fiber was simulated using the ABAQUS user subroutine to define a material’s mechanical behavior (UMAT). Both experimental and analytical results indicate that the hierarchical carbon fibers enhanced by aligned ZnO nanowires are effective in improving the key mechanical properties of hybrid fiber-reinforced composites.
Solvent-Free and Efficient One-Pot Strategy for Synthesis of the Triazine-Heterocycle Azacyanines
Authors: Jiang Xianwu , Sun Zhuodong , Wang Yu
Published: April 2022

A novel method with great universality for preparing the electron-rich and electron-deficient triazine-heterocycle azacyanines was presented by using only dibromomethane as a catalysis and solution. The high boiling temperature of dibromomethane has a more flexible reaction condition, allowing all three azacyanine products a chance to yield over 80%. The FT-IR element analysis and all necessary tests, even signal-crystal tests, were executed to firmly confirm that the molecular structure of the azacyanines was accurate. This principal reaction route design that provides a new opportunity for the preparation of azacyanines and their derivatives in a cost-effective and simple process shows great potential for industrial-scale preparation of this important azacyanine intermediate product.
An Experimental Study on Enhancing Microbial Desulfurization of Sulfide Ores Using Ultrasonic Treatment
Authors: Pan Wei , Yi Ruge , Liao Zhigang , Yang Lingrong
Published: April 2022

Ultrasonic technology is being increasingly explored in minerals processing. In this paper, ultrasonic treatment was introduced as a novel method for microbial desulfurization of sulfide ores. A Box–Behnken experiment was performed to find the best combination of factor levels for the following experiments; consequently, the combination of factor levels at the maximum 5-day average desulfurization rate at 20 g of ore was a particle size of 120–140 mesh, a shaker speed of 175 rpm, and a dosage of 111 mL of bacterial solution. Under these conditions, a microbial desulfurization experiment of sulfide ores by ultrasonic treatment was carried out, and the effect of the particle size, the ultrasonic action time, and the ultrasonic power were investigated. Results indicated that the ultrasonic effect was not significant for ore samples with larger particle sizes, and the appropriate increase in ultrasonic action time was beneficial to the improvement of desulfurization rate, but the effect showed a decreasing trend when it exceeded 50 min, and the best desulfurization effect was achieved when the power was 300 W. This study demonstrated that the effect of microbial desulfurization can be greatly enhanced by ultrasonic treatment.
Role of Different Material Amendments in Shaping the Content of Heavy Metals in Maize (Zea mays L.) on Soil Polluted with Petrol
Authors: Wyszkowski Mirosław , Kordala Natalia
Published: April 2022

Petroleum substances are among the xenobiotics that most often contaminate the natural environment. They have a strong effect on soil, water, and other components of the environment. The aim of this pot experiment has been to determine the effect of different soil material amendments (compost, 3%; bentonite, 2% relative to the soil mass or calcium oxide, in amounts corresponding to one full hydrolytic acidity) on the content of heavy metals in aerial parts of maize (Zea mays L.) grown on soil polluted with petrol (0, 2.5, 5, and 10 cm3 kg−1 of soil). The content of all heavy metals, except copper, in the aerial biomass of maize was positively correlated, but biomass yield negatively correlated, with the increasing doses of petrol. The highest increase in the content of heavy metals was noted for chromium and manganese. Materials used for phytostabilisation (compost, bentonite, and calcium oxide) had a significant effect on the content of heavy metals and biomass yield of maize. They contributed to the modified accumulation of elements, especially chromium, copper, and cobalt in the aerial biomass of maize. In comparison with the control series (without material amendments), the application of calcium oxide proved to be most effective. It had the most evident influence on the chemical composition of maize, limiting the accumulation of lead, zinc, manganese, and iron and increasing biomass yield.
Optimal Design of Reinforced Concrete Materials in Construction
Authors: Rady Mohammed , Mahfouz Sameh Youssef , Taher Salah El-Din Fahmy
Published: April 2022

The structural design process is iterative and involves many design parameters. Thus, this paper presents a controlled framework for selecting the adequate structural floor system for reinforced concrete buildings and efficiently utilizing the corresponding construction materials. Optimization was performed using an evolutionary algorithm to minimize the total construction cost, considering the costs of concrete, steel reinforcement, formwork, and labor. In the problem formulation, the characteristic compressive strength of concrete was treated as a design variable because it affects the mechanical performance of concrete. The design variables included the column spacings, concrete dimensions, and steel reinforcement of different structural components. The constraints reflected the Egyptian code of practice provisions. Because the choice of the structural floor system affects the design details, three systems were considered: solid slabs, flat slabs with drop panels, and flat slabs without drop panels. Two benchmark examples were presented, and the optimal design results of the structural floor systems were compared. The solid slab system had the lowest construction cost among the three structural floor systems. Comparative diagrams were developed to investigate the distribution of construction costs of each floor system. The results revealed that an adequate choice of design variables could save up to 17% of the building’s total construction cost.
Kinetics and Mechanism of Ternesite Formation from Dicalcium Silicate and Calcium Sulfate Dihydrate
Authors: Huang Xiaofei , Shi Fei , Wang Guoling , Yu Jiangbo , Ma Suhua , Li Weifeng
Published: April 2022

The kinetics and mechanism of ternesite formation (calcium sulfosilicate, Ca5(SiO4)2SO4, C5S2$) were investigated by studying the reaction between beta-dicalcium silicate (β-C2S) and calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4∙2H2O). Mineralogical composition development was monitored using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and backscattered scanning electron microscopy (BSEM) coupled to energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Ternesite can form in the 1100 to 1200 °C range by the solid-phase reaction of β-C2S and CaSO4. The formation of ternesite is favored by increasing the sintering temperature or extending the sintering time. The solid-phase reaction is carried out by diffusion of CaSO4 to β-C2S. The kinetics equation of ternesite is consistent with three-dimensional diffusion models (3-D model, D3 model or Jander model). The equation of the D3 model is 1 − 2α/3 − (1 − α)2/3 = kt. On the basis of the Arrhenius equation, the activation energy of ternesite is 239.8 kJ/mol.
Design and Preparation of Imidazole Ionic Liquid-Based Magnetic Polymers and Its Adsorption on Sunset Yellow Dye
Authors: Liu Yafei , Shi Yiyu , Cui Yan , Zhao Fen , Chen Mindong
Published: April 2022

Magnetic polymers are often used as loading materials for ionic liquids because of their excellent magnetic separation properties. In this study, a novel imidazolium-based ionic liquid-modified magnetic polymer was synthesized by suspension polymerization and grafting, denoted as γ-Fe2O3@GMA@IM, and this magnetic polymer was used for the adsorption of the acid dye FCF. The magnetic polymer was characterized by SEM, FTIR, XRD, VSM and TGA. These techniques were used to reveal the overall physical properties of magnetic polymers, including the presence of morphology, functional groups, crystalline properties, magnetism and thermal stability. Studies have shown that γ-Fe2O3@GMA@IM can adsorb FCF in a wide pH range (2–10), with a maximum adsorption capacity of 445 mg/g. The adsorption data were more in line with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Freundlich isotherm. In order to investigate its reusability, this study used 10% NaCl as the desorption solution, and carried out five batches of adsorption–desorption cycles. After five cycles, the adsorption effect was maintained at 98.3%, which showed a good recycling performance.
Core–Shell Particle Reinforcements—A New Trend in the Design and Development of Metal Matrix Composites
Authors: Dudina Dina V. , Georgarakis Konstantinos
Published: April 2022

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are a constantly developing class of materials. Simultaneously achieving a high strength and a high ductility is a challenging task in the design of MMCs. This article aims to highlight a recent trend: the development of MMCs reinforced with particles of core–shell structure. The core–shell particles can be synthesized in situ upon a partial transformation of metal (alloy) particles introduced into a metal matrix. MMCs containing core–shell particles with cores of different compositions (metallic, intermetallic, glassy alloy, high-entropy alloy, metal-ceramic) are currently studied. For metal core–intermetallic shell particle-reinforced composites, the property gain by the core–shell approach is strengthening achieved without a loss in ductility. The propagation of cracks formed in the brittle intermetallic shell is hindered by both the metal matrix and the metal core, which constitutes a key advantage of the metal core–intermetallic shell particles over monolithic particles of intermetallic compounds for reinforcing purposes. The challenges of making a direct comparison between the core–shell particle-reinforced MMCs and MMCs of other microstructures and future research directions are discussed.
Engineering Properties of New Claw Connectors for Alkali-Resistant Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Plastics
Authors: Wang Qingbiao , Zhang Xu , Jing Dongya , Hu Zhongjing , Tian Yuanyuan , Wang Dong , Liu Wenxia , Tian Chenglin , Shi Zhenyue , Wang Keyong
Published: April 2022

To optimize the engineering properties of connectors, a new claw-shaped alkali-resistant glass-fiber-composite-reinforced connection member was designed in this study. Tensile, shear, and durability tests were conducted on the joint. Moreover, numerical analysis was performed, and the performance of the proposed connector was verified in engineering applications. Hence, the following conclusions hold: (1) At the same shear diameter and anchorage depth, the anchorage performance and shear resistance of claw connectors are better than those of rod connectors. (2) Claw connectors with an anchorage depth of 3.5 cm and a hollow joint with an outer diameter of 14 mm exhibit an excellent overall performance. (3) Alkali-resistant glass-fiber-reinforced plastics exhibit good durability. (4) The ANSYS numerical model can be used to accurately predict the load–displacement variation law of the pull-out and shear of the connectors. (5) Through research, it has been proven that claw-shaped connectors have good pull-out resistance, shear resistance, and durability, and the structure has good stability in engineering applications. Therefore, the structure can provide a significant reference for similar projects.
Evolution of Microstructure and Properties of Air-Cooled Friction-Stir-Processed 7075 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Iwaszko Józef , Kudła Krzysztof
Published: April 2022

A rolled plate of 7075 aluminum alloy was friction-stir-processed (FSP) with simultaneous cooling by an air stream cooled to −11 °C with a jet cooling nozzle. Two variants of air blowing were used: at an angle of 45° to the sample surface and at an angle of 90°. The reference material was a sample subjected to analogous treatment but naturally cooled in still air. The microstructural tests revealed strong grain refinement in all the samples, with higher grain refinement obtained in the air-cooled friction-stir-processed samples. For the naturally cooled samples, the average grain size in the near-surface area was 7.6 µm, while for the air-cooled sample, it was 1.4 µm for the 45° airflow variant and 3.2 µm for the 90° airflow variant. A consequence of the greater grain refinement was that the hardness of the air-cooled friction-stir-processed samples was higher than that of the naturally cooled samples. The improvement in abrasive wear resistance was achieved only in the case of the friction-stir-processed specimens with air cooling. It was found that the change in the air blowing angle affects not only the degree of grain refinement in the stirring zone, but also the geometrical structure of the surface. In all the samples, FSP caused redistribution of the intermetallic precipitates combined with their partial dissolution in the matrix.
Large-Scale Preparation of Silver Nanowire-Based Flexible Transparent Film Heaters by Slot-Die Coating
Authors: Liu Cuilan , Zhang Xuyang , Shan Jiaqi , Li Zhengliang , Guo Xingzhong , Zhao Xiaoyu , Yang Hui
Published: April 2022

Highly flexible silver nanowire-based transparent conductive films (AgNWs TCFs) were large-scale fabricated by slot-die coating AgNWs inks on a flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate, and further fabricated into a transparent film heater. Appropriate flow rate, coating speed, and AgNWs concentration allow the construction of the 15 cm × 15 cm AgNW TCFs with a sheet resistance (Rs) of less than 20 Ω/sq, a transmittance (T) at 550 nm higher than 95%, and a haze less than 3.5%. The resultant AgNW TCFs heater possesses high uniformity and superior mechanical stability and can reach a Joule heating temperature of 104 °C with a voltage of 12 V. The slot-die coating method has great potential for large-scale production of AgNW based film heaters promisingly used in window defrost and deicer systems.
Performance of Sustainable Mortars Made with Filler from Different Construction By-Products
Authors: López-Uceda Antonio , Fernández-Ledesma Enrique , Jiménez José Ramón , Fernández-Rodríguez José María
Published: April 2022

One way to contribute to sustainability in the construction sector is through the incorporation of construction by-products from their own activities. This work intends to extend the possibilities for enhancement of these by-products through the incorporation of four different ones, as fillers, in mortar production. The influence of these incorporations in mortar production was compared with a reference mortar with siliceous filler in its fresh state; workability, entrained air content and fresh density, and in its hardened state; capillary water absorption, water vapour permeability and shrinkage (up to 91 days); and adhesive, compressive, and flexural strength; the last two were studied over time (up to 180 days). Despite the reduction in compressive strength, both in the short and long term, there was a gain in adhesive strength when the construction by-products were incorporated. Regarding the physical properties and durability studied, no relevant differences were found with respect to the reference mortar. According to the European Specifications, these mortars could be used as regular or coloured rendering and plastering mortars, and masonry mortars, and these findings promote the circular economy in the construction sector.
Photoluminescence and Energy Transfer in Double- and Triple-Lanthanide-Doped YVO4 Nanoparticles
Authors: Medvedev Vassiliy A. , Kolesnikov Ilya E. , Olshin Pavel K. , Mikhailov Mikhail D. , Manshina Alina A. , Mamonova Daria V.
Published: April 2022

Optical materials doped with several lanthanides are unique in their properties and are widely used in various fields of science and technology. The study of these systems provides solutions for noncontact thermometry, bioimaging, sensing technology, and others. In this paper, we report on the demonstration of YVO4 nanoparticles doped with one, two, and three different rare earth ions (Tm3+, Er3+, and Nd3+). We discuss the morphology, structural properties, and luminescence behavior of particles. Luminescence decay kinetics reveal the energy transfer efficiency (up to 78%) for different ions under the selective excitation of individual ions. Thus, we found that the energy transition from Tm3+ is more favorable than from Er3+ while we did not observe any significant energy rearrangement in the samples under the excitation of Nd3+. The observed strong variation of REI lifetimes makes the suggested nanoparticles promising for luminescent labeling, anticounterfeiting, development of data storage systems, etc.
Spent Mushroom Substrate and Electric Arc Furnace Dust Recycling by Carbothermic Reduction Method
Authors: Chang Hao-Hsun , Chen In-Gann , Yu Hao-Yun , Tsai Meng-Yu , Wu Keng-Tung , Liu Shih-Hsien
Published: April 2022

With recent increases in environmental awareness, the circular economy concept, which involves turning waste into usable products, has gradually become widely accepted. Spent mushroom substrate (SMS) is an agricultural waste that lacks recycling channels in Taiwan. This study explored the feasibility of simultaneously recycling two completely different types of waste: spent mushroom substrate (SMS), an agricultural waste, and electric-arc furnace dust (EAFD), an industrial waste. Specifically, SMS was used to replace metallurgical coke as a reducing agent for EAFD, which underwent carbothermic reduction to recycle valuable metallic Zn. The results showed that if SMS and EAFD were mixed at a C/O ratio of 0.8, the degree of Zn removal achieved 95% at 1100 °C, which is 150 °C lower than the reduction temperature of the EAFD-coke mixture (due to volatile matter (VM) in SMS). For the reduction of ZnO in EAFD, with the assistance of VM in SMS, the C/O ratio can be decreased from 0.8 to 0.16 at 1300 °C, achieving a high degree of Zn removal over 95%. In addition, the torrefaction of SMS increased the fixed carbon content and improved the Zn productivity at the same C/O ratio, reaching almost the same productivity as the coke sample (SMS torrefaction = 500 °C, C/O = 0.8, reduction = 1200 °C, Zn removal~99%). Finally, CO2 emission reductions from the use of SMS were also estimated.
Reducing Friction in Orthodontic Brackets: A Matter of Material or Type of Ligation Selection? In-Vitro Comparative Study
Authors: Dragomirescu Anca-Oana , Bencze Maria-Angelica , Vasilache Adriana , Teodorescu Elina , Albu Cristina-Crenguța , Popoviciu Nicoleta Olivia , Ionescu Ecaterina
Published: April 2022

(1) Background: Orthodontic appliances have changed and improved with the increasing demand for orthodontic treatment of the general population. Patients desire for shorter orthodontic treatments and for the wearing of more aesthetic devices has led to the technological development of orthodontic brackets; these were manufactured from aesthetic materials (ceramics, composite polymers) and presented different designs regarding the way archwires are ligated to the bracket. The aim of this study was to determine whether there were any differences between the static frictional forces generated by stainless steel (metallic) and polycrystalline alumina (ceramics) conventional and self-ligating brackets. (2) Methods: Static friction assessment was carried out in vitro with a universal testing machine, HV-500N-S (Schmidt Control Instruments, Hans Schmidt & Co. GmbH), intended for measuring compression and traction forces. (3) Results: The study revealed significant differences in static frictional forces at the bracket-archwire interface between the tested brackets. Stainless steel brackets produced lower static friction forces than polycrystalline alumina and self-ligating brackets generally produced lower static frictional forces than conventional brackets. The reduction of frictional forces was noticeable in the first stages of treatment, when thin, flexible orthodontic archwires (0.016” NiTi) are used. Engaged with large rectangular stainless steel archwires, (0.019 × 0.025” SS), the frictional forces produced by conventional and self-ligating metal brackets were similar, no significant differences being observed between the two types of metallic design. However, in the case of tested ceramic brackets, the results showed that the self-ligating type allows a reduction in frictional forces even in advanced stages of treatment compared to conventionally ligation. (4) Conclusions: From the perspective of an orthodontic system with low frictional forces, metal brackets are preferable to aesthetic ones, and self-ligating ceramic brackets are preferable to conventional ceramic brackets.
A Path Tracking Method of a Wall-Climbing Robot towards Autonomous Inspection of Steel Box Girder
Authors: Song Wei , Wang Zhijian , Wang Tong , Ji Daxiong , Zhu Shiqiang
Published: April 2022

This paper proposes an autonomous inspection method for steel box girders that uses a wall-climbing robot instead of human workers. According to the 3D operating environment inside the steel box girder, the method proposes a 3D path for the robot to traverse positions to be inspected. The path comprises two alternate sections of the lane’s centerline and U-shaped steering. To realize the robot’s tracking of the desired path, kinematics analysis based on different poses during the inspection was carried out. Corresponding path tracking algorithms were adopted to ensure that the robot moves accurately and efficiently. In addition, for the smooth transition of the two path sections, this method adopts an algorithm of cooperatively controlling the lifting mechanism and the wheel speeds to achieve stable crossing of a 90° concave corner. Finally, experiment results show that the robot can steadily cross 90° concave corner and can steer to the adjacent lane and complete lane inspection along the desired path. The method can realize autonomous inspection for steel box girders using the wall-climbing robot.
Giant Rotational Magnetocaloric Effect in Ni(en)(H2O)4·2H2O: Experiment and Theory
Authors: Danylchenko Petro , Tarasenko Róbert , Čižmár Erik , Tkáč Vladimír , Feher Alexander , Orendáčová Alžbeta , Orendáč Martin
Published: April 2022

An experimental study of the rotational magnetocaloric effect in Ni(en)(H2O)4SO4∙2H2O (en = ethylenediamine) single crystal is presented. The study was carried out at temperatures above 2 K and was associated with adiabatic crystal rotation between the easy plane and hard axis in magnetic fields up to 7 T. The magnetocaloric properties of the studied system were investigated by isothermal magnetization measurement. The experimental observations were completed with ab initio calculations of the anisotropy parameters. A large rotational magnetic entropy change ≈12 Jkg−1K−1 and ≈16.9 Jkg−1K−1 was achieved in 5 T and 7 T, respectively. The present study suggests a possible application of this material in low-temperature refrigeration since the adiabatic rotation of the single crystal in 7 T led to a cooldown of the sample from the initial temperature of 4.2 K down to 0.34 K. Finally, theoretical calculations show that S = 1 Ni(II)-based systems with easy-plane anisotropy can have better rotational magnetocaloric properties than costly materials containing rare-earth elements in their chemical structures.
An Attention-Based ConvLSTM Autoencoder with Dynamic Thresholding for Unsupervised Anomaly Detection in Multivariate Time Series
Authors: Tayeh Tareq , Aburakhia Sulaiman , Myers Ryan , Shami Abdallah
Published: April 2022

As a substantial amount of multivariate time series data is being produced by the complex systems in smart manufacturing (SM), improved anomaly detection frameworks are needed to reduce the operational risks and the monitoring burden placed on the system operators. However, building such frameworks is challenging, as a sufficiently large amount of defective training data is often not available and frameworks are required to capture both the temporal and contextual dependencies across different time steps while being robust to noise. In this paper, we propose an unsupervised Attention-Based Convolutional Long Short-Term Memory (ConvLSTM) Autoencoder with Dynamic Thresholding (ACLAE-DT) framework for anomaly detection and diagnosis in multivariate time series. The framework starts by pre-processing and enriching the data, before constructing feature images to characterize the system statuses across different time steps by capturing the inter-correlations between pairs of time series. Afterwards, the constructed feature images are fed into an attention-based ConvLSTM autoencoder, which aims to encode the constructed feature images and capture the temporal behavior, followed by decoding the compressed knowledge representation to reconstruct the feature images’ input. The reconstruction errors are then computed and subjected to a statistical-based, dynamic thresholding mechanism to detect and diagnose the anomalies. Evaluation results conducted on real-life manufacturing data demonstrate the performance strengths of the proposed approach over state-of-the-art methods under different experimental settings.
Remarks Regarding Computational Aspects in Algebras Obtained by Cayley–Dickson Process and Some of Their Applications
Authors: Flaut Cristina , Zaharia Geanina
Published: April 2022

Due to the computational aspects which appear in the study of algebras obtained by the Cayley–Dickson process, it is difficult to obtain nice properties for these algebras. For this reason, finding some identities in such algebras plays an important role in obtaining new properties of these algebras and facilitates computations. In this regard, in the first part of this paper, we present some new identities and properties in algebras obtained by the Cayley–Dickson process. As another remark regarding the computational aspects in these algebras, in the last part of this paper, we solve some quadratic equations in the real division quaternion algebra when their coefficients are some special elements. These special coefficients allowed us to solve interesting quadratic equations, providing solutions directly, without using specialized softs.
Mathematical Modelling of Inventory and Process Outsourcing for Optimization of Supply Chain Management
Authors: Alkahtani Mohammed
Published: April 2022

Outsourcing is one of the major challenges for production firms in the current supply chain management (SCM) due to limited skilled workers and technology resources. There are too many parameters involved in the strategic decisions of the outsourcing level, quantity, quality, and cost. The outsourcing process removes the burden of capital investment; however, still it creates crucial concerns related to inventory control and production management by adding extra inventories. The semi-finished products are outsourced for a few processes due to limited resources and then returned to the manufacturer for the finishing operations. The article is based on the mathematical modeling and optimization of the process outsourcing considering imperfect production with variable quantity for the effective supply chain management. The numerical experiment was performed based on the data taken from the industry for the application of the proposed outsourcing-based SCM model. The results are significant in finding optimal production and outsourcing quantity with a minimum total cost of SCM. The sensitivity analysis was performed to see how important the effect of input parameters is on the total cost. The research is an important contribution in developing a mathematical model of process outsourcing in SCM. The research study is beneficial for managers to find the economic feasibility of process outsourcing for managing inventory and supply chain between manufacturer and outsourcing vendor.
Algebraic Representation of Topologies on a Finite Set
Authors: Guo Hongfeng , Xing Bing , Ming Ziwei , Feng Jun-E
Published: April 2022

Since the 1930s, topological counting on finite sets has been an interesting work so as to enumerate the number of corresponding order relations on the sets. Starting from the semi-tensor product (STP), we give the expression of the relationship between subsets of finite sets from the perspective of algebra. Firstly, using the STP of matrices, we present the algebraic representation of the subset and complement of finite sets and corresponding structure matrices. Then, we investigate respectively the relationship between the intersection and union and intersection and minus of structure matrices. Finally, we provide an algorithm to enumerate the numbers of topologies on a finite set based on the above theorems.
A Novel n-Point Newton-Type Root-Finding Method of High Computational Efficiency
Authors: Wang Xiaofeng
Published: April 2022

A novel Newton-type n-point iterative method with memory is proposed for solving nonlinear equations, which is constructed by the Hermite interpolation. The proposed iterative method with memory reaches the order (2n+2n−1−1+22n+1+22n−2+2n+1)/2 by using n variable parameters. The computational efficiency of the proposed method is higher than that of the existing Newton-type methods with and without memory. To observe the stability of the proposed method, some complex functions are considered under basins of attraction. Basins of attraction show that the proposed method has better stability and requires a lesser number of iterations than various well-known methods. The numerical results support the theoretical results.
Statistical Blending-Type Approximation by a Class of Operators That Includes Shape Parameters λ and α
Authors: Cai Qing-Bo , Ansari Khursheed J. , Temizer Ersoy Merve , Özger Faruk
Published: April 2022

This paper is devoted to studying the statistical approximation properties of a sequence of univariate and bivariate blending-type Bernstein operators that includes shape parameters α and λ and a positive integer. An estimate of the corresponding rates was obtained, and a Voronovskaja-type theorem is given by a weighted A-statistical convergence. A Korovkin-type theorem is provided for the univariate and bivariate cases of the blending-type operators. Moreover, the convergence behavior of the univariate and bivariate new blending basis and new blending operators are exhaustively demonstrated by computer graphics. The studied univariate and bivariate blending-type operators reduce to the well-known Bernstein operators in the literature for the special cases of shape parameters α and λ, and they propose better approximation results.
Optimized Power Supply Rejection Ratio Modeling Technique for Simulation of Automotive Low-Dropout Linear Voltage Regulators
Authors: Guran Ionuț-Constantin , Florescu Adriana , Perișoară Lucian Andrei
Published: April 2022

In the automotive domain, the vast majority of testing is performed through simulations, which can validate a system design before the actual implementation and can emphasize eventual faults in the design process. Hence, the simulation is of utmost importance. Behavioral models are necessary for the creation of each electronic device desired in the system, and some of the components have very complex behavior: low-dropout linear voltage regulators (LDOs), gate drivers, and switching regulators. In the automotive industry, LDOs are essential components because they power all the other subsystems and very accurate behavior is needed to make sure that the system behaves as in reality. LDO models are already commercially available and most of their intrinsic characteristics are modeled (dropout voltage, line regulation, load regulation, etc.). However, one characteristic that is extremely useful, yet the hardest to model, is the power supply rejection ratio (PSRR). This paper proposes a new PSRR modeling technique for automotive low-dropout voltage regulators. The new PSRR characteristic was modeled for an automotive LDO product in a Texas Instruments portfolio, which has a commercially available model, and was simulated using the PSpice Allegro simulator and the OrCAD Capture CIS environment.
(L,M)-Fuzzy k-Pseudo Metric Space
Authors: Zhong Yu , Wu Xin , Šostak Alexander , Shi Fu-Gui
Published: April 2022

Recently, the notion of a classical k-metric, which make the triangle inequality to a more general axiom: d(x,z)≤k(d(x,y)+d(y,z)), has been presented and is applied in many fields. In this paper, the definitions of an (L,M)-fuzzy k-pseudo metric and an (L,M)-fuzzy k-remote neighborhood ball system are introduced. It is proved that the category of (L,M)-fuzzy k-pseudo metric spaces is isomorphic to the category of (L,M)-fuzzy k-remote neighborhood ball spaces. Besides, (L,M)-fuzzy topological structures induced by an (L,M)-fuzzy k-pseudo metric are presented and their properties are investigated. Finally, the concept of a nest of pointwise k-pseudo metrics is proposed and it is shown that there is a one-to-one correspondence between (L,M)-fuzzy k-pseudo metrics and nests of pointwise k-pseudo metrics.
On Representing Strain Gradient Elastic Solutions of Boundary Value Problems by Encompassing the Classical Elastic Solution
Authors: Charalambopoulos Antonios , Gortsas Theodore , Polyzos Demosthenes
Published: April 2022

The present work aims to primarily provide a general representation of the solution of the simplified elastostatics version of Mindlin’s Form II first-strain gradient elastic theory, which converges to the solution of the corresponding classical elastic boundary value problem as the intrinsic gradient parameters become zero. Through functional theory considerations, a solution representation of the one-intrinsic-parameter strain gradient elastostatic equation that comprises the classical elastic solution of the corresponding boundary value problem is rigorously provided for the first time. Next, that solution representation is employed to give an answer to contradictions arising by two well-known first-strain gradient elastic models proposed in the literature to describe the strain gradient elastostatic bending behavior of Bernoulli–Euler beams.
Bounds on the Number of Maximal Subgroups of Finite Groups: Applications
Authors: Ballester-Bolinches Adolfo , Esteban-Romero Ramón , Jiménez-Seral Paz
Published: April 2022

The determination of bounds for the number of maximal subgroups of a given index in a finite group is relevant to estimate the number of random elements needed to generate a group with a given probability. In this paper, we obtain new bounds for the number of maximal subgroups of a given index in a finite group and we pin-point the universal constants that appear in some results in the literature related to the number of maximal subgroups of a finite group with a given index. This allows us to compare properly our bounds with some of the known bounds.
Four Boundary Value Problems for a Nonlocal Biharmonic Equation in the Unit Ball
Authors: Karachik Valery , Turmetov Batirkhan , Yuan Hongfen
Published: April 2022

Solvability issues of four boundary value problems for a nonlocal biharmonic equation in the unit ball are investigated. Dirichlet, Neumann, Navier and Riquier–Neumann boundary value problems are studied. For the problems under consideration, existence and uniqueness theorems are proved. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the solvability of all problems are obtained and an integral representations of solutions are given in terms of the corresponding Green’s functions.