bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Approach Using Targeted Sequence Capture for Phylogenomic Studies across Cactaceae
Authors: Acha Serena , Majure Lucas C.
Published: February 2022

Relationships within the major clades of Cactaceae are relatively well known based on DNA sequence data mostly from the chloroplast genome. Nevertheless, some nodes along the backbone of the phylogeny, and especially generic and species-level relationships, remain poorly resolved and are in need of more informative genetic markers. In this study, we propose a new approach to solve the relationships within Cactaceae, applying a targeted sequence capture pipeline. We designed a custom probe set for Cactaceae using MarkerMiner and complemented it with the Angiosperms353 probe set. We then tested both probe sets against 36 different transcriptomes using Hybpiper preferentially retaining phylogenetically informative loci and reconstructed the relationships using RAxML-NG and Astral. Finally, we tested each probe set through sequencing 96 accessions, representing 88 species across Cactaceae. Our preliminary analyses recovered a well-supported phylogeny across Cactaceae with a near identical topology among major clade relationships as that recovered with plastome data. As expected, however, we found incongruences in relationships when comparing our nuclear probe set results to plastome datasets, especially at the generic level. Our results reveal great potential for the combination of Cactaceae-specific and Angiosperm353 probe set application to improve phylogenetic resolution for Cactaceae and for other studies.
Ice Core Chronologies from the Antarctic Peninsula: The Palmer, Jurassic, and Rendezvous Age-Scales
Authors: Emanuelsson B. Daniel , Thomas Elizabeth R. , Tetzner Dieter R. , Humby Jack D. , Vladimirova Diana O.
Published: February 2022

In this study, we present the age scales for three Antarctic Peninsula (AP) ice cores: Palmer, Rendezvous, and Jurassic. The three cores are all intermediate-depth cores, in the 133–141 m depth range. Non-sea-salt sulfate ([nssSO42−]) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) display marked seasonal variability suitable for annual-layer counting. The Palmer ice core covers 390 years, 1621–2011 C.E., and is one of the oldest AP cores. Rendezvous and Jurassic are lower elevation high-snow accumulation sites and therefore cover shorter intervals, 1843–2011 C.E. and 1874–2011 C.E., respectively. The age scales show good agreement with known volcanic age horizons. The three chronologies’ start and end dates of volcanic events are compared to the volcanic events in the published WAIS Divide core. The age difference for the Palmer age scale is ±6 months, Rendezvous ±9 months, and Jurassic ±7 months. Our results demonstrate the advantage of dating several cores from the same region at the same time. Additional confidence can be gained in the age scales by evaluating and finding synchronicity of [nssSO42−] peaks amongst the sites.
Prevalence of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors in the French Population: Results and Evolution between Two Cross-Sectional Population-Based Studies, 2006 and 2016
Authors: Verdot Charlotte , Salanave Benoît , Aubert Salomé , Ramirez Varela Andréa , Deschamps Valérie
Published: February 2022

Insufficient physical activity and sedentary behaviors (SB) are major risk factors for non-communicable diseases. Monitoring the prevalence of physical activity (PA) and SB is essential to meet the health needs of the population. This article presents the prevalence of PA and SB in the French population and their evolution during the last decade. Data come from two cross-sectional surveys, representative of the population in France, the “Etude Nationale Nutrition Santé” 2006–2007 and the Esteban study 2014–2016, and were collected through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Recent Physical Activity Questionnaire for adults, the Youth Risk Behavior Survey and specific questionnaire for children. In 2014–2016, 71% of men and 53% of women met the PA recommendations (5 or more days per week with a moderate-intensity physical activity of at least 30 min per day). Since 2006–2007, PA has decreased for women, but increased for men; 80% of adults reported a daily leisure screen time of at least three hours in 2014–2016, in strong growth since 2006–2007. Among children, only 51% of boys and 33% of girls were meeting the PA recommendations (at least 60 min of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily). PA decreased significantly after the age of 10. Three-quarters of children spent two hours or more in front of a screen every day. These results show a lack of PA, in particular among women and girls, a high prevalence of SB in the French population, and a deterioration of these behaviours between 2006 and 2016.
Bridging the Gap between the Pressing Need for Family Skills Programmes in Humanitarian Settings and Implementation
Authors: El-Khani Aala , Calam Rachel , Haar Karin , Maalouf Wadih
Published: February 2022

A supportive environment with nurturing caregivers is essential for the healthy development of children. For children who have been exposed to extreme stress, such as humanitarian contexts, the need for strong, healthy, nurturing caregiver relationships may assume even greater importance. Much research has been building to position family skills interventions as a key tool in encouraging safe and supporting relationships between caregivers and children, thus preventing many problem behaviours and poor mental health. While there is substantial evidence of the effectiveness of family skills interventions in high-income and stable contexts, evidence of interventions that have been tested in humanitarian and challenging settings, such as contexts of refugee and displacement, are far fewer. Despite the role that family skills interventions can play in protecting children from current and future challenges, there is a significant lack of such interventions being utilised in humanitarian settings. We put forward seven likely reasons for this lack of uptake. Furthermore, the Strong Families programme, a UNODC family skills intervention, is presented as an example of an intervention that aims to bridge this gap of interventions that meet the need for humanitarian and contexts of extreme stress. More research is needed to unpack the content, delivery mechanisms and reach of family skills programmes to further aid programme developers in investing in efforts that might provide significant sustained impact for families in humanitarian contexts.
The Quality and Reliability of Information in the Summaries of Product Characteristics
Authors: Drelich Ewelina , Religioni Urszula , Chung Kevin , Kaźmierczak Justyna , Blicharska Eliza , Neumann-Podczaska Agnieszka , Krysiński Jerzy , Merks Piotr
Published: February 2022

The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is an obligatory document concerning a medicine required (among other things) for the authorization of a medicinal product. The purpose of the SmPC is to provide product information to healthcare professionals. A necessary condition for this is to ensure that the SmPC is clear and precise. However, neither European nor national legislation obliges marketing authorization holders to review the SmPC in terms of its readability and understandability prior to the registration of a medicine. To date, research on SmPCs has focused on accuracy and completeness; however, the literature lacks information on the extent to which SmPCs meet the needs of healthcare professionals concerning the readability of the information they contain. The main objective of this article is to point out the lack of precision in the legal provisions for the preparation of SmPCs concerning the comprehensibility of the provisions. The article points to the lack of testing of the SmPC in terms of accessibility and transparency for healthcare professionals, highlighting that the document does not meet the needs of healthcare professionals in providing adequate information about medicines. It shows that the current rules and guidelines for the preparation of the registration dossier for a medicinal product are not entirely precise and contain numerous shortcomings.
Behavioral Assessment and Treatment via Telehealth for Children with Autism: From Local to Global Clinical Applications
Authors: Schieltz Kelly M. , O’Brien Matthew J. , Tsami Loukia , Call Nathan A. , Lerman Dorothea C.
Published: February 2022

Functional analyses (FA) and functional communication training (FCT) are the most commonly used behavioral assessment and treatment approaches via telehealth for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who display challenging behavior. The FA + FCT telehealth model has been shown to maintain treatment effectiveness (i.e., child behavioral outcomes and parent acceptability), as well as demonstrate treatment efficiency (i.e., cost savings). However, the majority of these studies have been conducted in the United States. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes obtained with the telehealth FA + FCT model that included global applications. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the results of the 199 participants who enrolled in the telehealth project across all project sites. The results showed that behavioral outcomes and parent acceptability maintained at similar levels to previous studies across all sites. Additionally, very few differences were found across project sites in relation to drop-out rates, visit cancellations, and technology issues. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the FA + FCT telehealth model for addressing the challenging behavior needs of children with ASD globally and highlight areas in need of additional evaluation (e.g., drop-outs, cancellations) to determine the conditions under which telehealth could be best used.
The Role of Parent Engagement in a Web-Based Preventive Parenting Intervention for Child Mental Health in Predicting Parenting, Parent and Child Outcomes
Authors: Sim Wan Hua , Jorm Anthony F. , Yap Marie B. H.
Published: February 2022

Although parents’ engagement in parenting programmes has frequently been posited to influence the efficacy and dissemination of these programmes, its relationship with intervention outcomes in parenting programmes is understudied. This study examined the predictive value of parental engagement on preventive parenting outcomes in a tailored online parenting programme aimed at enhancing parental protective factors and reducing risk factors for child depression and anxiety disorders. The present study also explored the associations between parental engagement and other parent, child and family outcomes. Data were collected from a community sample of 177 parents who received a tailored online parenting programme (‘Parenting Resilient Kids’; PaRK) and their children as part of a randomised controlled trial. Participants completed measures on parenting, child anxiety and depressive symptoms, health-related quality of life and family functioning on three occasions. Multiple regressions showed that parental engagement explained additional variance in preventive parenting (most proximal outcomes) at post-intervention and 12-month follow-up. Indicators of higher levels of parental engagement, operationalised by greater proportions of recommended programme modules and intended goals completed, uniquely predicted higher levels of preventing parenting. Higher levels of parental engagement also predicted higher levels of parental acceptance and parental psychosocial health-related quality of life, lower levels of parental psychological control and lower levels of impairments in child health-related quality of life. However, parental engagement did not explain additional variance in parent or child reported anxiety or depressive symptoms. This study provides support for the role of parental engagement in facilitating parenting changes in parenting-focused interventions.
Gendered Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Food Behaviors in North Africa: Cases of Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia
Authors: Ben Hassen Tarek , El Bilali Hamid , Allahyari Mohammad S. , Kamel Islam Mohamed , Ben Ismail Hanen , Debbabi Hajer , Sassi Khaled
Published: February 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic-related measures in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region have resulted in many lifestyle modifications, including changes in diet and food buying patterns among adults. However, the pandemic has impacted women and men differently and exacerbated existing socio-economic and gender inequalities. Indeed, numerous studies conducted worldwide have shown that the COVID-19 pandemic had a disproportionately negative impact on women compared to males. Therefore, this paper aims to analyze the effects of COVID-19 on women’s food behaviors in three countries of the North Africa sub-region, namely, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia. The study was based on an online poll conducted by SurveyMonkey from 15 September to 5 November 2020, with 995 participants. The outcomes of the research found that when compared to men, (1) women tend to consume more food out of fear, anxiety, or boredom; (2) women prefer to eat more unhealthy food; (3) women tend to stockpile a greater amount of food; and (4) women tend to modify their shopping habits more often. The findings should inform gender-sensitive strategies and policies to address the negative impacts of the pandemic and foster transition towards healthier diets and resilient food systems during the recovery period.
Sensor Cell Network for Pressure, Temperature and Position Detection on Wheelchair Users
Authors: Tavares Cátia , Real Daniela , Domingues Maria de Fátima , Alberto Nélia , Silva Hugo , Antunes Paulo
Published: February 2022

This work proposes an optical sensing network to monitor pressure and temperature in specific areas of a wheelchair to prevent pressure ulcers and to monitor the position of the wheelchair user by analyzing its pressure distribution. The sensing network is composed of six optical fiber Bragg grating (FBG)-based sensor cells. Each sensor cell is built from a polylactic acid (PLA) base and has two FBGs, one embedded in epoxy resin to monitor pressure variations (FBGP) and another without resin to monitor temperature (FBGT). Once produced, all sensor cells were experimentally characterized for pressure and temperature variations, resulting in an average pressure sensitivity of 81 ± 5 pm/kPa (FBGP) and −5.0 ± 0.4 pm/kPa (FBGT), and an average temperature sensitivity of 25 ± 1 pm/°C (FBGP) and 47.7 ± 0.7 pm/°C (FBGT). The sensor cells were then placed in six specific areas of a wheelchair (four in the seat area and two in the shoulder blade area) to carry out experimental tests, wherein the response of the sensors to a specific sequence of relief positions was tested. During the execution of the test, the optical signal of all sensors was monitored, in real time, with the pressure and temperature values detected in each zone of the wheelchair. In addition, random position changes were performed in order to evaluate the precision of the proposed sensing network in the identification of such positions.
Developing a Personal Leadership Competency Model for Safety Managers: A Systems Thinking Approach
Authors: Alidrisi Hassan M. , Mohamed Sherif
Published: February 2022

The roles of all levels of management in influencing safety, particularly in a complex work environment, are crucial. Therefore, safety managers need to develop leadership competencies (i.e., effectiveness in terms of person-oriented behaviours) to reinforce their influencing capabilities through their safety responsibilities. However, practising leadership behaviours without considering how and when these behaviours should be executed is not enough. Therefore, this paper develops a personal leadership competency model by adopting the Systems Thinking approach. The model was developed by conducting exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis of three behavioural leadership competencies (emotional, social and cognitive) selected to fulfil the holistic view of Systems Thinking. Data were collected via self-administered questionnaire surveys. A total of 180 valid responses were received from construction managers responsible for overseeing site safety. The statistical results revealed three factors belonging to emotional competency—achievement orientation and adaptability, positive outlook, and emotional self-control. Regarding social competency, four factors represented it—teamwork, organisational awareness, coach and mentor, and conflict management. Finally, cognitive competency was found to be formed by two factors—interaction recognition and pattern recognition. All nine identified factors should, in combination, help safety managers to achieve a better understanding of themselves, of others and of their worksite environments.
County-Level Social Vulnerability Is Positively Associated with Cardiometabolic Disease in Colorado
Authors: Wild Laura E. , Walters McKailey , Powell Alaina , James Katherine A. , Corlin Laura , Alderete Tanya L.
Published: February 2022

Cardiometabolic diseases are a group of interrelated diseases that pose greater burden among socially vulnerable communities. The social vulnerability index (SVI) identifies communities vulnerable to emergencies and may also help determine communities at risk of adverse chronic health outcomes. However, no studies have examined the relationship between the SVI and cardiometabolic health outcomes in Colorado or focused on rural settings. The aim of this ecological study was to determine whether the county-level SVI is associated with county-level cardiometabolic health indicators with a particular focus on rurality and racial/ethnic diversity. We obtained 2014 SVI scores from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (scored 0–1; higher = more vulnerable) and 2013–2015 cardiometabolic health estimates from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The distribution of social determinants of health was spatially evaluated. Bivariate relationships between the SVI and cardiometabolic indicators were estimated using simple linear regression models. The highest SVI scores were observed in rural areas, including the San Luis Valley (mean: 0.78, median: 0.91), Southeast (mean: 0.72, median: 0.73), and Northeast (mean: 0.66, median: 0.76) regions. Across Colorado, the SVI accounted for 41% of the variability in overweight and obesity prevalence (p < 0.001), 17% of the variability in diabetes prevalence (p = 0.001), and 58% of the age-adjusted myocardial infarction hospitalization rate (p < 0.001). SVI values may be useful in determining a community’s burden of cardiometabolic diseases.
Adherence to Therapy in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis—Review
Authors: Kołtuniuk Aleksandra , Chojdak-Łukasiewicz Justyna
Published: February 2022

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). MS is an incurable disease. The goal of disease-modifying therapies (DMT) is to slow the progression of the disease, prevent relapses and increase the patient’s overall quality of life. According to the World Health Organisation definition, adherence means the extent to which a person’s medication-taking behaviour corresponds with the agreed upon treatment recommendations from a healthcare provider. Accurate adherence is necessary for efficient treatment. Non-adherence is related to unsuccessful treatments, the risk of relapses and increased healthcare costs. The aim of this study is to present the main factors relating to non-adherence in MS patients.
Demographics, Socioeconomic Context, and the Spread of Infectious Disease: The Case of COVID-19
Authors: Ying Yung-Hsiang , Lee Wen-Li , Chi Ying-Chen , Chen Mei-Jung , Chang Koyin
Published: February 2022

Importance: Due to the evolving variants of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), it is important to understand the relationship between the disease condition and socioeconomic, demographic, and health indicators across regions. Background: Studies examining the relationships between infectious disease and socioeconomic variables are not yet well established. Design: A total of 3042 counties in the United States are included as the observation unit in the study. Two outcome variables employed in the study are the control of disease spread and infection prevalence rates in each county. Method: Data are submitted to quantile regression, hierarchical regression, and random forest analyses to understand the extent to which health outcomes are affected by demographics, socioeconomics, and health indicators. Results: Counties with better control of the disease spread tend to have lower infection rates, and vice versa. When measuring different outcome variables, the common risk factors for COVID-19 with a 5% level of statistical significance include employment ratio, female labor ratio, young population ratio, and residents’ average health risk factors, while protective factors include land size, housing value, travel time to work, female population ratio, and ratio of residents who identify themselves as mixed race. Conclusions: The implications of the findings are that the ability to maintain social distancing and personal hygiene habits are crucial in deterring disease transmission and lowering incidence rates, especially in the early stage of disease formation. Relevant authorities should identify preventive factors and take early actions to fight infectious diseases in the future.
Association of Occupational Noise Exposure and Incidence of Metabolic Syndrome in a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kim Gwansic , Kim Hanjun , Yun Byungyoon , Sim Juho , Kim Changyoung , Oh Yeonsuh , Yoon Jinha , Lee Jiho
Published: February 2022

Metabolic syndrome is one of the common causes of cardiovascular diseases and cancers. Although noise is an environmental factor to which people can be commonly exposed at work and in daily life, there are currently insufficient studies on the relationship between noise and metabolic syndrome. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between noise and metabolic syndrome. Using a multivariate time-dependent Cox proportional hazard model, the impacts of occupational noise exposure on metabolic syndrome and its components were analyzed in a retrospective cohort of 60,727 participants from 2014 to 2017. The noise exposure group showed a significantly higher incidence of metabolic syndrome and was associated with elevated triglycerides, blood sugar, and blood pressure, but decreased high-density lipoprotein, among subgroups. There was no statistically significant association with abdominal obesity. Occupational noise exposure significantly contributed to the incidence of metabolic syndrome and changes in its components. This study could be a basis for establishing policies and guidelines to reduce noise exposure that might improve workers’ health.
COVID-19 and Physical Distancing Measures: Experience of Psychiatric Professionals in Europe
Authors: Kane Hélène , Gourret Baumgart Jade , Rusch Emmanuel , Absil Gaëtan , Deloyer Jocelyn , El-Hage Wissam , Marazziti Donatella , Pozza Andrea , Thome Johannes , Tucha Oliver , Verwaest Wim , Fond-Harmant Laurence , Denis Frédéric
Published: February 2022

A The COVID-19 pandemic has had a considerable impact on the organization of psychiatric care. The present study examines how care professionals experienced this period and faced these new constraints weighing on their professional practices. Based on a qualitative research methodology, 13 group interviews with healthcare professionals working in psychiatric wards were conducted in five countries in western Europe. To complement this, 31 individual interviews were carried out in Belgium and France. Public health measures hindered certain therapeutic activities, jeopardized communication, and obliged healthcare professionals to modify and adapt their practices. Confronted with a transformation of their usual roles, healthcare professionals feared a deterioration in the quality of care. Impossible to continue in-person care practices, they resorted to online videoconferencing which went against their idea of care in which the encounter holds an essential place. The lockdown contradicted efforts to co-build care pathways toward readaptation, social reintegration, and recovery, thus reviving the perception of psychiatric hospitalization based on isolation.
Increased Complement Activation in Systemic Sclerosis Patients with Skin and Lung Fibrosis
Authors: Pellicano Chiara , Miglionico Marzia , Romaggioli Laura , Colalillo Amalia , Vantaggio Lorenzo , Napodano Cecilia , Callà Cinzia , Gulli Francesca , Marino Mariapaola , Basile Umberto , Rosato Edoardo
Published: February 2022

Introduction: The involvement of complement system in the phenotypic expression of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a debated topic. We aimed to assay complement fractions in SSc patients and to correlate their levels with the clinical course of disease. Key points: 1. CH50 is increased in SSc patients compared to HC; 2. Serum C2 levels are increased in SSc patients compared to HC; 3. CH50 may represent a biomarker of skin and lung fibrosis severity in SSc patients. Method: Complement hemolysis 50% (CH50), C2, C3 and C4 levels have been assessed in 85 SSc patients and 47 healthy controls (HC). Results: SSc patients displayed a statistically significant higher value of CH50 [76.3 U/mL (IQR 65.8–89.4 U/mL) vs. 29.6 U/mL (IQR 24.7–34 U/mL); p < 0.0001] and of C2 [26.1 mg/L (IQR 24.1–32.1 mg/L) vs. 22.7 mg/L (IQR 20.6–24.4 mg/L); p < 0.0001] if compared to HC. Patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) had higher levels of CH50 than patients with limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc) [83.6 U/mL (IQR 72.3–102.7 U/mL) vs. 71.3 U/mL (IQR 63.7–83.6 U/mL); p = 0.003]. SSc patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) had higher CH50 levels if compared to SSc patients without ILD [79.6 U/mL (IQR 68.3–97.4 U/mL) vs. 69.7 U/mL (54.6–85.7 U/mL); p = 0.042]. A positive linear correlation existed between CH50 and the modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS) (r = 0.285, p = 0.008) and disease severity scale (DSS) (r = 0.285, p = 0.005); a negative linear correlation was demonstrated between CH50 and the diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide (DLco) (r = −0.252, p = 0.012). In multiple linear regression analysis, only DSS was significant (p = 0.01, beta coefficient 2.446). Conclusions: Our results show an increment of CH50 and serum C2 levels in SSc patients in comparison to HC; we retain that CH50 may represent a biomarker of disease severity and of skin and lung fibrosis in these patients.
Tribocorrosion Susceptibility and Mechanical Characteristics of As-Received and Long-Term In-Vivo Aged Nickel-Titanium and Stainless-Steel Archwires
Authors: Primozic Jasmina , Hren Miha , Mezeg Uros , Legat Andraz
Published: February 2022

To evaluate the effect of long-term in-vivo aging on orthodontic archwires, we aimed to assess the triboelectrochemical and mechanical characteristics of as-received and in-vivo aged nickel-titanium (NiTi) and stainless-steel (SS) orthodontic archwires. Four consecutive tribocorrosion cycles on six NiTi and six SS archwires, as-received and in-vivo aged, were performed on a reciprocal tribometer. Electrochemical noise and friction coefficient measurements, three-dimensional surface profiling, and hardness measurements were performed. Repassivation times of as-received archwires were longer than of the in-vivo aged; however, were shorter for NiTi. Friction coefficients were higher for NiTi than for SS archwires. Sudden major current drops concomitant with inverse potential shifts and friction coefficients’ fluctuations, were seen for as-received (last cycle) and in-vivo aged (last three cycles) NiTi archwires. More pronounced tribocorrosion damage was observed on in-vivo aged NiTi than on other archwires. Hardness was generally higher inside the wear track of archwires. Long-term in-vivo exposure decreases the corrosion susceptibility of archwires, more evidently for the NiTi ones. Sudden major fluctuations in electrochemical current, potential, and friction coefficient detected for NiTi archwires, might be related to localized residual parts of the oxide layer persisting due to increased surface roughness or to phase transformations of the alloy’s crystal structure.
Influence of Random Plasmonic Metasurfaces on Fluorescence Enhancement
Authors: Anăstăsoaie Veronica , Tomescu Roxana , Kusko Cristian , Mihalache Iuliana , Dinescu Adrian , Parvulescu Catalin , Craciun Gabriel , Caramizoiu Stefan , Cristea Dana
Published: February 2022

One of the strategies employed to increase the sensitivity of the fluorescence-based biosensors is to deposit chromophores on plasmonic metasurfaces which are periodic arrays of resonating nano-antennas that allow the control of the electromagnetic field leading to fluorescence enhancement. While artificially engineered metasurfaces realized by micro/nano-fabrication techniques lead to a precise tailoring of the excitation field and resonant cavity properties, the technological overhead, small areas, and high manufacturing cost renders them unsuitable for mass production. A method to circumvent these challenges is to use random distribution of metallic nanoparticles sustaining plasmonic resonances, which present the properties required to significantly enhance the fluorescence. We investigate metasurfaces composed of random aggregates of metal nanoparticles deposited on a silicon and glass substrates. The finite difference time domain simulations of the interaction of the incident electromagnetic wave with the structures reveals a significant enhancement of the excitation field, which is due to the resonant plasmonic modes sustained by the nanoparticles aggregates. We experimentally investigated the role of these structures in the fluorescent behaviour of Rhodamine 6G dispersed in polymethylmethacrylate finding an enhancement that is 423-fold. This suggests that nanoparticle aggregates have the potential to constitute a suitable platform for low-cost, mass-produced fluorescent biosensors.
Neural Network-Based Multi-Objective Optimization of Adjustable Drawbead Movement for Deep Drawing of Tailor-Welded Blanks
Authors: Kahhal Parviz , Jung Jaebong , Hur Yong Chan , Moon Young Hoon , Kim Ji Hoon
Published: February 2022

To improve the formability in the deep drawing of tailor-welded blanks, an adjustable drawbead was introduced. Drawbead movement was obtained using the multi-objective optimization of the conflicting objective functions of the fracture and centerline deviation simultaneously. Finite element simulations of the deep drawing processes were conducted to generate observations for optimization. The response surface method and artificial neural network were used to determine the relationship between variables and objective functions; the procedure was applied to a circular cup drawing of the tailor-welded dual-phase steel blank. The results showed that the artificial neural network had better prediction capability and accuracy than the response surface method. Additionally, the non-dominated sorting-based genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) could effectively determine the optima. The adjustable drawbead with the optimized movement was confirmed as an efficient and effective solution for improving the formability of the deep drawing of tailor-welded blanks.
Improving the Anti-Corrosion and Anti-Wear Performance of Anodic Coating on the Surface of AA 5052 via Hydro-Thermal Treatment
Authors: Liu Debo , Zhang Baofeng , Song Wei
Published: February 2022

Hydro-thermal technology had been used to improve the anti-corrosion and anti-wear performance of anodizing coating on the surface of aluminium alloys. The micromorphology of the coating has been studied by SEM and results proved the coating had a compact structure. The element in the substrate had been characterized by EDS and results proved Fe had redissolved to the Al substrate. The crystalline structure of the coating had been studied by XRD and results proved the anodic coating could be transformed into η-, p- and γ-alumina. The electrochemical properties had been researched using an electrochemical workstation; results proved after the coating had been treated by hydro-thermal technology, its anti-corrosion properties could be improved. At the hydro-thermal temperature of 400 ℃, its open circuit voltage and impedance reached −0.46 V and 160 kΩ × cm2, respectively. The hardness of the coating had to be measured with an HVS-100 micro-hardness tester, with results proving that, after the hydro-thermal treatment, the hardness of the coating increased to 150 HV. The friction coefficient of the coating had been studied using a ball-on-disk tester, and the results proved it decreased to 0.46. The MMW-2 scratch tester had been used to measure the adhesion between the coating and substrate; results proved the coating had better adhesion with the substrate. The thermal conductivity of the coating had been studied by a heat conduction coefficient measurement device; results proved that it reached 11.2 W/m × K at a hydro-thermal temperature of 400 ℃, far higher than that of organic coating.
The Synergistic Effect of Dibenzyldithiocarbamate Based Accelerator on the Vulcanization and Performance of the Silica-Filled Styrene–Butadiene Elastomer
Authors: Maciejewska Magdalena , Sowińska-Baranowska Anna
Published: February 2022

This work focused on studying the effect of dibenzyldithocarbamate vulcanization accelerator on the curing characteristics and performance of styrene–butadiene elastomer (SBR) filled with nanosized silica. A dibenzyldithocarbamate derivative was applied as an additional accelerator to enhance the efficiency and the rate of sulfur vulcanization in the presence of two other accelerators, i.e., N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazole sulfenamide (CBS) and/or 1,3-diphenylguanidine (DPG). Furthermore, the possibility of reducing the amount of zinc oxide (ZnO) and the elimination of CBS and DPG from elastomer compounds using dibenzyldithiocarbamate accelerator was tested. Dibenzyldithocarbamate derivative applied with other accelerators (especially CBS) effectively enhances the efficiency of SBR vulcanization by reducing the optimal vulcanization time and increasing the crosslink density of the vulcanizates despite the lower amount of ZnO. Moreover, vulcanizates with dibenzyldithocarbamate demonstrate higher tensile strength while having a smaller content of CBS or DPG compared to the reference SBR composites. Thus, the synergistic effect of dibenzydithiocarbamate derivative on the vulcanization and performance of SBR was confirmed. Furthermore, dibenzyldithocarbamate derivative enables the amount of ZnO to be reduced by 40% without harmful influence on the crosslink density and performance of the vulcanizates. Finally, it is possible to replace CBS with a dibenzyldithiocarbamate derivative without the crosslink density and tensile strength of the vulcanizates being adversely affected, while improving their resistance to thermo-oxidative aging.
Vibration Energy Signal Information for Measure Dynamic Preferences of Ceramic Building Materials Using Experimental Modal Analysis Methodology
Authors: Żółtowski Mariusz , Rutkowska Gabriela , Liss Michał , Kałaczyński Tomasz , Krejsa Martin
Published: February 2022

Building constructions and their elements must meet requirements related to stability and strength. These are the conditions that determine the safety of the structure during both construction and operation. Safety assessment is based on diagnostic tests, aimed at checking the quality of the erected objects or locating damage to structural elements that arise during operation. This work focuses on experimental SISO modal analysis of ceramic masonry elements. An experiment was carried out on twenty samples of solid brick (good, and intentionally damaged). From this, it was possible to determine the variability of the obtained measurement results of the vibration characteristics of the masonry element, and, thus, to assess the value of the method used in the given research problem. The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of assessing the degradation of the tested brick elements based on stabilization diagrams. The research confirmed the usefulness of experimental modal analysis in identifying damage to masonry elements, and it has been implemented in selected brickyards in Poland.
Recent Advances in Magnetostrictive Tb-Dy-Fe Alloys
Authors: Yang Zijing , Li Jiheng , Zhou Zhiguang , Gong Jiaxin , Bao Xiaoqian , Gao Xuexu
Published: February 2022

As giant magnetostrictive materials with low magnetocrystalline anisotropy, Tb-Dy-Fe alloys are widely used in transducers, actuators and sensors due to the effective conversion between magnetic energy and mechanical energy (or acoustic energy). However, the intrinsic brittleness of intermetallic compounds leads to their poor machinability and makes them prone to fracture, which limits their practical applications. Recently, the addition of a fourth element to Tb-Dy-Fe alloys, such as Ho, Pr, Co, Nb, Cu and Ti, has been studied to improve their magnetostrictive and mechanical properties. This review starts with a brief introduction to the characteristics of Tb-Dy-Fe alloys and then focuses on the research progress in recent years. First, studies on the crystal growth mechanism in directional solidification, process improvement by introducing a strong magnetic field and the effects of substitute elements are described. Then, meaningful progress in mechanical properties, composite materials, the structural origin of magnetostriction based on ferromagnetic MPB theory and sensor applications are summarized. Furthermore, sintered composite materials based on the reconstruction of the grain boundary phase also provide new ideas for the development of magnetostrictive materials with excellent comprehensive properties, including high magnetostriction, high mechanical properties, high corrosion resistance and high resistivity. Finally, future prospects are presented. This review will be helpful for the design of novel magnetostrictive Tb-Dy-Fe alloys, the improvement of magnetostrictive and mechanical properties and the understanding of magnetostriction mechanisms.
Mineral Composition Impact on the Thermal Conductivity of Granites Based on Geothermal Field Experiments in the Songliao and Gonghe Basins, China
Authors: Ye Xiaoqi , Yu Ziwang , Zhang Yanjun , Kang Jianguo , Wu Shaohua , Yang Tianrui , Gao Ping
Published: February 2022

Accurate estimation of thermal conductivity of rocks is of paramount importance for projects such as the development of hot dry rock and the geological storage of nuclear waste. In this paper, 30 granite samples from the Songliao and Gonghe Basins in China were tested by X-ray diffraction, polarizing microscope, and Thermal Conductivity Scanning (TCS) measurements. Different mineral contents determine the thermal conductivity of the rock as a whole. The geometric average model and the harmonic average model have great limitations. Combined with the above two models, a new model is proposed for estimating the thermal conductivity, and results are less different from the measured values and have universal applicability. The relative estimation error on the thermal conductivity calculated by mineral composition is significantly reduced. The accuracy of thermal conductivity calculation can be improved by mineral composition.
Ion-Exchange-Induced Transformation and Mechanism of Cooperative Crystal Chemical Adaptation in Sitinakite: Theoretical and Experimental Study
Authors: Panikorovskii Taras L. , Kalashnikova Galina O. , Nikolaev Anatoly I. , Perovskiy Igor A. , Bazai Ayya V. , Yakovenchuk Victor N. , Bocharov Vladimir N. , Kabanova Natalya A. , Krivovichev Sergey V.
Published: February 2022

The microporous titanosilicate sitinakite, KNa2Ti4(SiO4)2O5(OH)·4H2O, was first discovered in the Khibiny alkaline massif. This material is also known as IONSIV IE-911 and is considered as one of the most effective sorbents for Cs+ and Sr2+ from water solutions. We investigate a mechanism of cooperative crystal chemical adaptation caused by the incorporation of La3+ ions into sitinakite structure by the combination of theoretical (geometrical–topological analysis, Voronoi migration map calculation, structural complexity calculation) and empirical methods (PXRD, SCXRD, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy). The natural crystals of sitinakite (a = 7.8159(2), c = 12.0167(3) Å) were kept in a 1M solution of La(NO3)3 for 24 h. The ordering of La3+ cations in the channels of the ion-exchanged form La3+Ti4(SiO4)2O5(OH)·4H2O (a = 11.0339(10), b = 11.0598(8), c = 11.8430(7) Å), results in the symmetry breaking according to the group–subgroup relation P42/mcm → Cmmm.
Selenocystine-Derived Label-Free Fluorescent Schiff Base Nanocomplex for siRNA Delivery Synergistically Kills Cancer Cells
Authors: Liu Yang , Yang Haoying , Liu Qian , Pan Mingming , Wang Danli , Pan Shiyuan , Zhang Weiran , Wei Jinfeng , Zhao Xiaowei , Ji Junfeng
Published: February 2022

Chemo and siRNA synergic treatments for tumors is a promising new therapeutic trend. Selenocystine, a selenium analog of cysteine, has been considered a potential antitumor agent due to its redox perturbing role. In this study, we developed a nanocarrier for siRNA based on a selenocystine analog engineered polyetherimide and achieved traceable siRNA delivery and the synergic killing of tumor cells. Notably, we applied the label-free Schiff base fluorescence mechanism, which enabled us to trace the siRNA delivery and to monitor the selenocystine analogs’ local performance. A novel selenocystine-derived fluorescent Schiff base linker was used to crosslink the polyetherimide, thereby generating a traceable siRNA delivery vehicle with green fluorescence. Moreover, we found that this compound induced tumor cells to undergo senescence. Together with the delivery of a siRNA targeting the anti-apoptotic BCL-xl/w genes in senescent cells, it achieved a synergistic inhibition function by inducing both senescence and apoptosis of tumor cells. Therefore, this study provides insights into the development of label-free probes, prodrugs, and materials towards the synergic strategies for cancer therapy.
Minimizing the Silver Free Ion Content in Starch Coated Silver Nanoparticle Suspensions with Exchange Cationic Resins
Authors: Martins Catarina , Araújo Alberto , de Gouveia Luís , Prior João
Published: February 2022

This work describes the optimization of a methodology for the reduction of silver ions from silver nanoparticle suspensions obtained from low-yield laboratory procedures. The laboratory synthesis of silver nanoparticles following a bottom-up approach starting from silver nitrate, originates silver ions that were not reduced to their fundamental state for nanoparticles creation at the end of the process. However, it is well known that silver ions can easily influence chemical assays due to their chemical reactivity properties and can limit biological assays since they interfere with several biological processes, namely intracellular ones, leading to the death of living cells or organisms. As such, the presence of silver ions is highly undesirable when conducting biological assays to evaluate the influence of silver nanoparticles. We report the development of an easy, low-cost, and rapid methodology that is based on cation exchange resins to minimize the silver ion content in a raw suspension of silver nanoparticles while preserving the integrity of the nanomaterials. This procedure preserves the physical-chemical properties of the nanoparticles, thus allowing the purified nanoparticulate systems to be biologically tested. Different types of cationic resins were tested, and the developed methodology was optimized by changing several parameters. A reduction from 92% to 10% of free silver/total silver ratio was achieved when using the Bio-Rad 50W-X8 100–200 mesh resin and a contact time of 15 min. Filtration by vacuum was used to separate the used resin from the nanoparticles suspension, allowing it to be further reused, as well as the purified AgNPs suspension.
Electrochemical Detection of Ascorbic Acid in Oranges at MWCNT-AONP Nanocomposite Fabricated Electrode
Authors: Motsaathebe Pholoso Calvin , Fayemi Omolola Ester
Published: February 2022

Ascorbic acid (AA) is an essential vitamin in the body, influencing collagen formation, as well as norepinephrine, folic acids, tryptophan, tyrosine, lysine, and neuronal hormone metabolism. This work reports on electrochemical detection of ascorbic acid (AA) in oranges using screen-print carbon electrodes (SPCEs) fabricated with multi-walled carbon nanotube- antimony oxide nanoparticle (MWCNT-AONP) nanocomposite. The nanocomposite-modified electrode displayed enhanced electron transfer and a better electrocatalytic reaction towards AA compared to other fabricated electrodes. The current response at the nanocomposite-modified electrode was four times bigger than the bare electrode. The sensitivity and limit of detection (LOD) at the nanocomposite modified electrode was 0.3663 [AA]/µM and 140 nM, respectively, with linearity from 0.16–0.640 μM and regression value R2 = 0.985, using square wave voltammetry (SWV) for AA detection. Two well-separated oxidation peaks were observed in a mixed system containing AA and serotonin (5-HT); and the sensitivity and LOD were 0.0224 [AA]/µA, and 5.85 µΜ, respectively, with a concentration range from 23 to 100 µM (R2 = 0.9969) for AA detection. The proposed sensor outperformed other AA sensors reported in the literature. The fabricated electrode showed great applicability with excellent recoveries ranging from 99 to 107 %, with a mean relative standard deviation (RSD) value of 3.52 % (n = 3) towards detecting AA in fresh oranges.
Investigating the Interface between Ceramic Particles and Polymer Matrix in Hybrid Electrolytes by Electrochemical Strain Microscopy
Authors: Veelken Philipp M. , Wirtz Maike , Schierholz Roland , Tempel Hermann , Kungl Hans , Eichel Rüdiger-A. , Hausen Florian
Published: February 2022

The interface between ceramic particles and a polymer matrix in a hybrid electrolyte is studied with high spatial resolution by means of Electrochemical Strain Microscopy (ESM), an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM)-based technique. The electrolyte consists of polyethylene oxide with lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (PEO6–LiTFSI) and Li6.5La3Zr1.5Ta0.5O12 (LLZO:Ta). The individual components are differentiated by their respective contact resonance, ESM amplitude and friction signals. The ESM signal shows increased amplitudes and higher contact resonance frequencies on the ceramic particles, while lower amplitudes and lower contact resonance frequencies are present on the bulk polymer phase. The amplitude distribution of the hybrid electrolyte shows a broader distribution in comparison to pure PEO6–LiTFSI. In the direct vicinity of the particles, an interfacial area with enhanced amplitude signals is found. These results are an important contribution to elucidate the influence of the ceramic–polymer interaction on the conductivity of hybrid electrolytes.