bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Solidification Structure Evolution of Direct-Chill Casting High Purity Copper Billet Using Cellular Automaton-Finite Element Method
Authors: Jia Yonghui , Zhao Dazhi , Li Chunyu , Bao Lei , Le Qichi , Wang Hang , Wang Xuan
Published: August 2020

A heat transfer model and a cellular Automation-Finite Element (CAFE) coupling model were established to analyze the solid/liquid (S/L) interface and solidification structure evolution of high purity copper Direct-chill (DC) casting billet under different casting conditions. The simulation and actual experimental results of liquid sump shape and solidification structure were first compared to verify the accuracy of the model. It is proved that the model is effective for simulating the solidification structure of the actual DC casting high purity copper billet. After that, the model was used to predict the solidification structure under different casting temperatures, casting speeds, and heat transfer coefficients. It is shown that, with the increase of casting temperature, the grain size decreases first and then increases. There is a compromise between grain size and its uniformity, and the grain size is more uniform at higher casting temperature. With the increase of casting speed, the depth of liquid sump and the height of the S/L interface increase, but the total grain number of the billet cross-section decreases gradually. As the heat transfer coefficient increases, the depth of the casting liquid sump becomes shallow, but the height of the solid-liquid interface increases and the grain size increases gradually. For the preparation of high purity copper billets with large cross-sectional dimensions by DC casting, a fine solidified structure could be obtained by appropriately reducing the casting speed and cooling intensity.
The Physiological Responses of Escherichia coli Triggered by Phosphoribulokinase (PrkA) and Ribulose-1,5-Bisphosphate Carboxylase/Oxygenase (Rubisco)
Authors: Liu En-Jung , Tseng I-Ting , Chen Yi-Ling , Pang Ju-Jiun , Shen Zhi-Xuan , Li Si-Yu
Published: August 2020

Phosphoribulokinase (PrkA) and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) have been proposed to create a heterologous Rubisco-based engineered pathway in Escherichia coli for in situ CO2 recycling. While the feasibility of a Rubisco-based engineered pathway has been shown, heterologous expressions of PrkA and Rubisco also induced physiological responses in E. coli that may compete with CO2 recycling. In this study, the metabolic shifts caused by PrkA and Rubisco were investigated in recombinant strains where ppc and pta genes (encodes phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase and phosphate acetyltransferase, respectively) were deleted from E. coli MZLF (E. coli BL21(DE3) Δzwf, ΔldhA, Δfrd). It has been shown that the demand for ATP created by the expression of PrkA significantly enhanced the glucose consumptions of E. coli CC (MZLF Δppc) and E. coli CA (MZLF Δppc, Δpta). The accompanying metabolic shift is suggested to be the mgsA route (the methylglyoxal pathway) which results in the lactate production for reaching the redox balance. The overexpression of Rubisco not only enhanced glucose consumption but also bacterial growth. Instead of the mgsA route, the overproduction of the reducing power was balanced by the ethanol production. It is suggested that Rubisco induces a high demand for acetyl-CoA which is subsequently used by the glyoxylate shunt. Therefore, Rubisco can enhance bacterial growth. This study suggests that responses induced by the expression of PrkA and Rubisco will reach a new energy balance profile inside the cell. The new profile results in a new distribution of the carbon flow and thus carbons cannot be majorly directed to the Rubisco-based engineered pathway.
Semi-Continuous Froth Discharge to Reduce Entrainment of Fine Particles in Flotation Cells Subject to Low-Mineralized Froths
Authors: Yianatos Juan , Vallejos Paulina , Vinnett Luis , Arriagada Sebastián
Published: August 2020

An operational strategy is proposed to improve the metallurgical performance of flotation cells subject to low-mineralized froths. This strategy consists of using a semi-continuous discharge into the concentrate, in which the froth is operated under loading and unloading periods. A transient model is developed to evaluate the proposed approach. The model is calibrated using experimental data from two industrial flotation banks. The metallurgical performances of the last cells of these banks are then simulated, considering the semi-continuous froth discharge. The results show that the semi-continuous mode significantly reduces gangue entrainment, improving the concentrate grade while maintaining approximately the same recovery. The semi-continuous strategy demonstrates good potential to enhance the metallurgical indexes under low-mineralized froths, as those in the last cells of rougher flotation banks.
Simultaneous Partitioning of Divalent Metal Ions between Alabandite and 1 mol/L (Ni, Mg, Co, Zn, Fe)Cl2 Aqueous Solutions under Supercritical Conditions
Authors: Uchida Etsuo , Murasugi Motoki , Okuda Shuichi
Published: August 2020

To clarify the element partitioning behavior between minerals and aqueous chloride solutions, we conducted experiments to investigate simultaneous partitioning of Ni2+, Mg2+, Co2+, Zn2+, Fe2+, and Mn2+ ions between alabandite (MnS) and 1 mol/L (Ni, Mg, Co, Zn, Fe)Cl2 aqueous solutions at 500–800 °C and 100 MPa. The bulk partition coefficients calculated using the following equation were in the order of Fe2+ > Co2+ > Ni2+ ≈ Zn2+ > Mn2+ >> Mg2+; KPN = (xMeS/mMeaq)/(xMnS/mMnaq). A partition coefficient-ionic radius (PC-IR) curve was plotted with the logarithmic value of the partition coefficient on the y-axis and the ionic radius at the six-fold coordinated site on the x-axis. The peak of this curve was located near the ionic radius of Fe2+ and not near the ionic radius of Mn2+. Zn2+ showed a slight negative partitioning anomaly, which increased in the order of sulfide minerals < arsenic sulfide minerals < arsenide minerals as the covalent bond became stronger. Ni2+ showed a positive partitioning anomaly, which indicated that it preferred an octahedral structure. The width of the PC-IR curve decreased in the order of sulfide minerals > arsenic sulfide minerals > arsenide minerals as the covalent bond became stronger, that is, the ion selectivity became stronger.
Facile Fabrication of Natural Polyelectrolyte-Nanoclay Composites: Halloysite Nanotubes, Nucleotides and DNA Study
Authors: Batasheva Svetlana , Kryuchkova Marina , Fakhrullin Ramil , Cavallaro Giuseppe , Lazzara Giuseppe , Akhatova Farida , Nigamatzyanova Läysän , Evtugyn Vladimir , Rozhina Elvira , Fakhrullin Rawil
Published: August 2020

Complexation of biopolymers with halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) can greatly affect their applicability as materials building blocks. Here we have performed a systematic investigation of fabrication of halloysite nanotubes complexes with nucleotides and genomic DNA. The binding of DNA and various nucleotide species (polyAU, UMP Na2, ADP Na3, dATP Na, AMP, uridine, ATP Mg) by halloysite nanotubes was tested using UV-spectroscopy. The study revealed that binding of different nucleotides to the nanoclay varied but was low both in the presence and absence of MgCl2, while MgCl2 facilitated significantly the binding of longer molecules such as DNA and polyAU. Modification of the nanotubes with DNA and nucleotide species was further confirmed by measurements of ζ-potentials. DNA-Mg-modified nanotubes were characterized using transmission electron (TEM), atomic force (AFM) and hyperspectral microscopies. Thermogravimetric analysis corroborated the sorption of DNA by the nanotubes, and the presence of DNA on the nanotube surface was indicated by changes in the surface adhesion force measured by AFM. DNA bound by halloysite in the presence of MgCl2 could be partially released after addition of phosphate buffered saline. DNA binding and release from halloysite nanotubes was tested in the range of MgCl2 concentrations (10–100 mM). Even low MgCl2 concentrations significantly increased DNA sorption to halloysite, and the binding was leveled off at about 60 mM. DNA-Mg-modified halloysite nanotubes were used for obtaining a regular pattern on a glass surface by evaporation induced self-assembly process. The obtained spiral-like pattern was highly stable and resisted dissolution after water addition. Our results encompassing modification of non-toxic clay nanotubes with a natural polyanion DNA will find applications for construction of gene delivery vehicles and for halloysite self-assembly on various surfaces (such as skin or hair).
Synthesis and Biological Activity of New 7-Amino-oxazolo[5,4-d]Pyrimidine Derivatives
Authors: Sochacka-Ćwikła Aleksandra , Regiec Andrzej , Zimecki Michał , Artym Jolanta , Zaczyńska Ewa , Kocięba Maja , Kochanowska Iwona , Bryndal Iwona , Pyra Anna , Mączyński Marcin
Published: August 2020

The synthesis of a series of novel 7-aminooxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidines 5, transformations during their synthesis and their physicochemical characteristics have been described. Complete detailed spectral analysis of the intermediates 2–4, the N′-cyanooxazolylacetamidine by-products 7 and final compounds 5 has been carried out using MS, IR, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. Theoretical research was carried out to explain the privileged formation of 7-aminooxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidines in relation to the possibility of their isomer formation and the related thermodynamic aspects. Additionally, the single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis for 5h was reported. Ten 7-aminooxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidines 5 (SCM1–10) were biologically tested in vitro to preliminarily evaluate their immunological, antiviral and anticancer activity. Compounds SCM5 and SCM9 showed the best immunoregulatory profile. The compounds displayed low-toxicity and strongly inhibited phytohemagglutinin A-induced proliferation of human peripheral blood lymphocytes and lipopolysaccharide-induced proliferation of mouse splenocytes. Compound SCM9 caused also a moderate suppression of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) production in a human whole blood culture. Of note, the compounds also inhibited the growth of selected tumor cell lines and inhibited replication of human herpes virus type-1 (HHV-1) virus in A-549 cell line. Molecular investigations showed that the compounds exerted differential changes in expression of signaling proteins in Jurkat and WEHI-231 cell lines. The activity of SCM5 is likely associated with elicitation of cell signaling pathways leading to cell apoptosis. The compounds may be of interest in terms of therapeutic utility as inhibitors of autoimmune disorders, virus replication and antitumor agents.
Nanoscale Zero-Valent Iron Has Minimum Toxicological Risk on the Germination and Early Growth of Two Grass Species with Potential for Phytostabilization
Authors: Teodoro Manuel , Clemente Rafael , Ferrer-Bustins Ermengol , Martínez-Fernández Domingo , Pilar Bernal Maria , Vítková Martina , Vítek Petr , Komárek Michael
Published: August 2020

Two Poaceae species, Agrostis capillaris and Festuca rubra, were selected for their potential as phytostabilizing plants in multicontaminated soils. These species are resistant to contamination and maintain high concentrations of contaminants at the root level. Nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) is an engineered nanomaterial with the ability to stabilize metal(loid)s in soils; its potential toxicological effects in the selected species were studied in a germination test using: (i) control variant without soil; (ii) soil contaminated with Pb and Zn; and (iii) contaminated soil amended with 1% nZVI, as well as in an hydroponic experiment with the addition of nZVI 0, 25, 50 and 100 mg L−1. nZVI had no negative effects on seed germination or seedling growth, but was associated with an increase in shoot growth and reduction of the elongation inhibition rate (root-dependent) of F. rubra seedlings. However, applications of nZVI in the hydroponic solution had no effects on F. rubra but A. capillaris developed longer roots and more biomass. Increasing nZVI concentrations in the growing solution increased Mg and Fe uptake and reduced the Fe translocation factor. Our results indicate that nZVI has few toxic effects on the studied species.
Reply to “Comment on: Optimal Nutritional Status for a Well-Functioning Immune System Is an Important Factor to Protect against Viral Infections. Nutrients 2020, 12, 1181”
Authors: Calder Philip C. , Carr Anitra C. , Gombart Adrian F. , Eggersdorfer Manfred
Published: August 2020

We thank Tsoupras and Zabetakis for their interest in our recent publication [...]
The Effects of Linoleic Acid Consumption on Lipid Risk Markers for Cardiovascular Disease in Healthy Individuals: A Review of Human Intervention Trials
Authors: Froyen Erik , Burns-Whitmore Bonny
Published: August 2020

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Risk factors for developing this disease include high serum concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins, very-low density lipoproteins, and low concentrations of high-density lipoproteins. One proposed dietary strategy for decreasing risk factors involves replacing a portion of dietary saturated fatty acids with mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The essential omega-6 PUFA, linoleic acid (LA), is suggested to decrease the risk for CVD by affecting these lipid risk markers. Reviewing human intervention trials will provide further evidence of the effects of LA consumption on risk factors for CVD. PubMed was used to search for peer-reviewed articles. The purpose of this review was: (1) To summarize human intervention trials that studied the effects of LA consumption on lipid risk markers for CVD in healthy individuals, (2) to provide mechanistic details, and (3) to provide recommendations regarding the consumption of LA to decrease the lipid risk markers for CVD. The results from this review provided evidence that LA consumption decreases CVD lipid risk markers in healthy individuals.
Dietary Intake of Carotenoid-Rich Vegetables Reduces Visceral Adiposity in Obese Japanese men—A Randomized, Double-Blind Trial
Authors: Takagi Tomohisa , Hayashi Ryotaro , Nakai Yuji , Okada Shinji , Miyashita Rumiko , Yamada Mayumi , Mihara Yoichi , Mizushima Katsura , Morita Mayuko , Uchiyama Kazuhiko , Naito Yuji , Itoh Yoshito
Published: August 2020

Metabolic syndrome, whose main diagnostic component is obesity, is a risk factor for lifestyle-related diseases, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Diet is known to affect the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. However, the effect of diet on metabolic syndrome in Japanese subjects has not been thoroughly explored. In the present study, we investigated the effect of carotenoid-rich vegetables, particularly lycopene- and lutein-rich vegetables, on the metabolic syndrome in obese Japanese men. We conducted an 8-week long randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial in which, 28 middle-aged (40 ≤ age < 65) Japanese men with high body mass index (BMI ≥ 25) were randomized into four dietary groups: high lycopene + high lutein (HLyHLu), high lycopene + low lutein (HLyLLu), low lycopene + high lutein (LLyHLu), and low lycopene + low lutein (LLyLLu). Our results showed that daily beverage-intake increased the plasma levels of carotenoids without adverse effects, and the visceral fat level was significantly decreased in all the groups. The waist circumference was significantly decreased only in the HLyLLu group, whereas the CoQ10 oxidation rate was decreased in all the groups. The gene expression profiles of whole blood samples before and after ingestion differed only in the LLyLLu group, indicating the effect of carotenoids on gene expression profile. In conclusion, our results suggest that dietary uptake of carotenoid-rich vegetables increases their concentration in blood and reduces the intra-abdominal visceral fat.
Effect of Experiential Vegetable Education Program on Mediating Factors of Vegetable Consumption in Australian Primary School Students: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Poelman Astrid A. M. , Cochet-Broch Maeva , Wiggins Bonnie , McCrea Rod , Heffernan Jessica E. , Beelen Janne , Cox David N.
Published: August 2020

Schools provide a relevant and equitable environment to influence students towards increased vegetable consumption. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a Vegetable Education Resource To Increase Children’s Acceptance and Liking (VERTICAL) for Australian primary schools (curriculum aligned and based on a framework of food preference development and sensory experiential learning) on positively influencing factors predisposing children towards increased vegetable consumption. The secondary aim was to evaluate two levels of teacher training intensity on intervention effectiveness. A cluster-RCT amongst schools with three conditions was conducted: 1 = teaching VERTICAL preceded by online teacher training; 2 = as per 1 with additional face-to-face teacher training; 3 = Control. Pre-test, post-test and 3-month follow-up measures (knowledge, verbalization ability, vegetable acceptance, behavioural intentions, willing to taste, new vegetables consumed) were collected from students (n = 1639 from 25 schools in Sydney/Adelaide, Australia). Data were analyzed using mixed model analysis. No difference in intervention effectiveness was found between the two training methods. Compared to the Control, VERTICAL positively affected all outcome measures after intervention (p < 0.01) with knowledge sustained at 3-month follow-up (p < 0.001). In conclusion, VERTICAL was effective in achieving change amongst students in mediating factors known to be positively associated with vegetable consumption.
New Concept for Studying the Classical and Quantum Three-Body Problem: Fundamental Irreversibility and Time’s Arrow of Dynamical Systems
Authors: Gevorkyan A. S.
Published: August 2020

The article formulates the classical three-body problem in conformal-Euclidean space (Riemannian manifold), and its equivalence to the Newton three-body problem is mathematically rigorously proved. It is shown that a curved space with a local coordinate system allows us to detect new hidden symmetries of the internal motion of a dynamical system, which allows us to reduce the three-body problem to the 6th order system. A new approach makes the system of geodesic equations with respect to the evolution parameter of a dynamical system (internal time) fundamentally irreversible. To describe the motion of three-body system in different random environments, the corresponding stochastic differential equations (SDEs) are obtained. Using these SDEs, Fokker-Planck-type equations are obtained that describe the joint probability distributions of geodesic flows in phase and configuration spaces. The paper also formulates the quantum three-body problem in conformal-Euclidean space. In particular, the corresponding wave equations have been obtained for studying the three-body bound states, as well as for investigating multichannel quantum scattering in the framework of the concept of internal time. This allows us to solve the extremely important quantum-classical correspondence problem for dynamical Poincaré systems.
Financial Toxicity Encountered in Therapeutic Radiopharmaceutical Clinical Development for Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Kunos Charles A. , Abdallah Rita
Published: August 2020

Financial toxicity or the debt a cancer survivor incurs from the costs of their medical cancer care is an understudied aspect in the clinical development of experimental therapeutic agents. The United States National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program studies experimental therapeutic agents like radiopharmaceuticals in both early and late phase trials, which provide opportunities to comprehend more clearly the possible sources of financial toxicity incurred by cancer survivors. We reviewed the academic scholarship describing fiscal and social costs involved in the development of therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals. Because many ovarian cancer survivors outlive their disease through initial and, perhaps, multiple treatment courses, these women and their treatments provide context for our discussion on financial toxicity. 16 (27%) of 60 articles discuss financial toxicity incurred by women with ovarian cancer; none described financial toxicity associated with regulatory agency-approved or experimental therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals. Fiscal costs of radiopharmaceutical dose and schedule and social costs of individual productivity loss or asset expenditure arose as primary financial toxicities. The development of radiopharmaceuticals for women with ovarian cancer remains a high priority for the NCI Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program. Weighing radiopharmaceutical clinical benefit against measures of financial toxicity is challenging and warrants further study in prospective radiopharmaceutical clinical trials.
Preparation and Evaluation of Intraperitoneal Long-Acting Oxaliplatin-Loaded Multi-Vesicular Liposomal Depot for Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Authors: Abuzar Sharif Md , Park Eun Jung , Seo Yeji , Lee Juseung , Baik Seung Hyuk , Hwang Sung-Joo
Published: August 2020

Colorectal cancer with peritoneal metastasis has a poor prognosis because of inadequate responses to systemic chemotherapy. Cytoreductive surgery followed by intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy using oxaliplatin has attracted attention; however, the short half-life of oxaliplatin and its rapid clearance from the peritoneal cavity limit its clinical application. Here, a multivesicular liposomal (MVL) depot of oxaliplatin was prepared for IP administration, with an expected prolonged effect. After optimization, a combination of phospholipids, cholesterol, and triolein was used based on its ability to produce MVL depots of monomodal size distribution (1–20 µm; span 1.99) with high entrapment efficiency (EE) (92.16% ± 2.17%). An initial burst release followed by a long lag phase of drug release was observed for the MVL depots system in vitro. An in vivo pharmacokinetic study mimicking the early postoperative IP chemotherapy regimen in rats showed significantly improved bioavailability, and the mean residence time of oxaliplatin after IP administration revealed that slow and continuous erosion of the MVL particles yielded a sustained drug release. Thus, oxaliplatin-loaded MVL depots presented in this study have potential for use in the treatment of colorectal cancer.
Comparative and Functional Screening of Three Species Traditionally used as Antidepressants: Valeriana officinalis L., Valeriana jatamansi Jones ex Roxb. and Nardostachys jatamansi (D.Don) DC.
Authors: Cornara Laura , Ambu Gabriele , Trombetta Domenico , Denaro Marcella , Alloisio Susanna , Frigerio Jessica , Labra Massimo , Ghimire Govinda , Valussi Marco , Smeriglio Antonella
Published: August 2020

The essential oils (EOs) of three Caprifoliaceae species, the Eurasiatic Valeriana officinalis (Vo), the Himalayan Valeriana jatamansi (Vj) and Nardostachys jatamansi (Nj), are traditionally used to treat neurological disorders. Roots/rhizomes micromorphology, DNA barcoding and EOs phytochemical characterization were carried out, while biological effects on the nervous system were assessed by acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity and microelectrode arrays (MEA). Nj showed the highest inhibitory activity on AChE (IC50 67.15 μg/mL) followed by Vo (IC50 127.30 μg/mL) and Vj (IC50 246.84 μg/mL). MEA analyses on rat cortical neurons, carried out by recording mean firing rate (MFR) and mean bursting rate (MBR), revealed stronger inhibition by Nj (IC50 18.8 and 11.1 μg/mL) and Vo (16.5 and 22.5 μg/mL), compared with Vj (68.5 and 89.3 μg/mL). These results could be related to different EO compositions, since sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes significantly contribute to the observed effects, but the presence of oxygenated compounds such as aldehydes and ketones is a discriminating factor in determining the order of potency. Our multidisciplinary approach represents an important tool to avoid the adulteration of herbal drugs and permits the evaluation of the effectiveness of EOs that could be used for a wide range of therapeutic applications.
Genetic Diversity among Selected Medicago sativa Cultivars Using Inter-Retrotransposon-Amplified Polymorphism, Chloroplast DNA Barcodes and Morpho-Agronomic Trait Analyses
Authors: Badr Abdelfattah , El-Sherif Nahla , Aly Sara , Ibrahim Shafik D. , Ibrahim Mohamed
Published: August 2020

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a major forage crop of family Fabaceae and is frequently cultivated in Egypt. The present study is concerned with the genetic discrimination of fifteen alfalfa cultivars from three different countries (Egypt, Australia, and USA) using two molecular approaches: inter-retrotransposon-amplified polymorphism (IRAP) markers and two chloroplast DNA barcodes matK and the trnH in addition to the analysis of fifteen morpho-agronomic traits. The genetic relatedness, based on analysis of IRAP marker polymorphism and produced using eleven primers by clustering via principal component analysis (PCA) and multivariate heatmap biostatistical methods differentiated the two Egyptian cultivars EGY1-Ismailia1 and EGY2-Nubaria1 from the three Australian and seven American cultivars, with some distinction of the cv. USA6-SW9720 and cv. AUS4-SuperFast. The results were also supported by the sequence analysis of the matK and the trnH genes on the genetic relatedness between eight cultivars. Moreover, it might be suggested that breeding lines from M. sativa cultivars may provide novel insights and a better understanding of the domestication of M. sativa genetic diversity. The classification of the eight cultivars, as revealed by morpho-agronomic traits, confirmed the close genetic relationship between the two Egyptian cultivars and indicated some resemblance between them and the AUS2-Siri Nafa, whereas the two American cultivars, USA1-Super supreme and USA4-Cuf101, were clearly isolated from a cluster of other three cultivars USA7-SW9628, USA8-Magna901, and USA9-Perfect. The results are useful sources of genetic information for future breeding programs in crop development and open new possibilities of producing M. sativa lines harboring high forage quality, productivity, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses.
Accelerated Weathering Effects on Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and PHBV/TiO2 Nanocomposites
Authors: Antunes Ana , Popelka Anton , Aljarod Omar , Hassan Mohammad K. , Kasak Peter , Luyt Adriaan S.
Published: August 2020

The effect of accelerated weathering on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and PHBV-based nanocomposites with rutile titanium (IV) dioxide (PHBV/TiO2) was investigated. The accelerated weathering test applied consecutive steps of UV irradiation (at 340 nm and 0.76 W m−2 irradiance) and moisture at 50 °C following the ASTM D4329 standard for up to 2000 h of exposure time. The morphology, chemical structure, crystallization, as well as the mechanical and thermal properties were studied. Samples were characterized after 500, 1000, and 2000 h of exposure time. Different degradation mechanisms were proposed to occur during the weathering exposure and were confirmed based on the experimental data. The PHBV surface revealed cracks and increasing roughness with the increasing exposure time, whereas the PHBV/TiO2 nanocomposites showed surface changes only after 2000 h of accelerated weathering. The degradation of neat PHBV under moisture and UV exposure occurred preferentially in the amorphous phase. In contrast, the presence of TiO2 in the nanocomposites retarded this process, but the degradation would occur simultaneously in both the amorphous and crystalline segments of the polymer after long exposure times. The thermal stability, as well as the temperature and rate of crystallization, decreased in the absence of TiO2. TiO2 not only provided UV protection, but also restricted the physical mobility of the polymer chains, acting as a nucleating agent during the crystallization process. It also slowed down the decrease in mechanical properties. The mechanical properties were shown to gradually decrease for the PHBV/TiO2 nanocomposites, whereas a sharp drop was observed for the neat PHBV after an accelerated weathering exposure. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), using the amplitude modulation–frequency modulation (AM–FM) tool, also confirmed the mechanical changes in the surface area of the PHBV and PHBV/TiO2 samples after accelerated weathering exposure. The changes in the physical and chemical properties of PHBV/TiO2 confirm the barrier activity of TiO2 for weathering attack and its retardation of the degradation process.
Energy Utilization of Building Insulation Waste Expanded Polystyrene: Pyrolysis Kinetic Estimation by a New Comprehensive Method
Authors: Ni Xiaoyang , Wu Zheng , Zhang Wenlong , Lu Kaihua , Ding Yanming , Mao Shaohua
Published: August 2020

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) has excellent thermal insulation properties and is widely applied in building energy conservation. However, these thermal insulation materials have caused numerous fires because of flammability. Pyrolysis is necessary to support combustion, and more attention should be paid to the pyrolysis characteristics of EPS. Moreover, pyrolysis is considered to be an effective method for recycling solid waste. Pyrolysis kinetics of EPS were analyzed by thermogravimetric experiments, both in nitrogen and air atmospheres. A new method was proposed to couple the Flynn–Wall–Ozawa model-free method and the model-fitting method called the Coats–Redfern as well as the particle swarm optimization (PSO) global algorithm to establish reaction mechanisms and their corresponding kinetic parameters. It was found that the pyrolysis temperature of EPS was concentrated at 525–800 K. The activation energy of EPS in nitrogen was about 163 kJ/mol, which was higher than that in air (109.63 kJ/mol). Furthermore, coupled with Coats–Redfern method, reaction functions g(α) = 1 − (1 − α)3 and g(α) = 1 − (1 − α)1/4 should be responsible for nitrogen and air reactions, respectively. The PSO algorithm was applied to compute detailed pyrolysis kinetic parameters. Kinetic parameters could be used in further large-scale fire simulation and provide guidance for reactor design.
Water-Resistant Casein-Based Adhesives for Veneer Bonding in Biodegradable Ski Cores
Authors: Schwarzenbrunner Ronald , Barbu Marius Catalin , Petutschnigg Alexander , Tudor Eugenia Mariana
Published: August 2020

The aim of this study is to investigate the performance of casein-based adhesives for the bonding of ash (Fraxinus spp.) veneers for the manufacture of biodegradable skis. Different formulations containing casein powder, water, lime, sodium silicate, and various glue amounts were tested for shear strength after water storage, modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity, water absorption, and thickness swelling. Two other classic wood adhesives, namely epoxy and polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) type D4 were used as control. The highest efficiency of both mechanical and physical properties was recorded for the samples glued with caseins and an increased amount of lime. There was also an affinity between casein adhesive distribution and physical and mechanical plywood performance. Moreover, the developed casein-based glues were also used to bond the plywood for ski cores and tested in real-life winter conditions.
Enhanced Performance of Microbial Fuel Cells with Anodes from Ethylenediamine and Phenylenediamine Modified Graphite Felt
Authors: Griškonis Egidijus , Ilginis Arminas , Jonuškienė Ilona , Raslavičius Laurencas , Jonynas Rolandas , Kantminienė Kristina
Published: August 2020

A microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a promising renewable energy option, which enables the effective and sustainable harvesting of electrical power due to bacterial activity and, at the same time, can also treat wastewater and utilise organic wastes or renewable biomass. However, the practical implementation of MFCs is limited and, therefore, it is important to improve their performance before they can be scaled up. The surface modification of anode material is one way to improve MFC performance by enhancing bacterial cell adhesion, cell viability and extracellular electron transfer. The modification of graphite felt (GF), used as an anode in MFCs, by electrochemical oxidation followed by the treatment with ethylenediamine or p-phenylenediamine in one-step short duration reactions with the aim of introducing amino groups on the surface of GF led to the enhancement of the overall performance characteristics of MFCs. The MFC with the anode from GF modified with p-phenylenediamine provided approx. 32% higher voltage than the control MFC with a bare GF anode, when electric circuits of the investigated MFCs were loaded with resistors of 659 Ω. Its surface power density was higher by approx. 1.75 times than that of the control. Decreasing temperature down to 0 °C resulted in just an approx. 30% reduction in voltage generated by the MFC with the anode from GF modified with p-phenylenediamine.
The Bodily Discourse in Modern Chinese Buddhism—Asceticism and Its Presentation in Buddhist Periodicals
Authors: Lu Lianghao
Published: August 2020

This article focuses on accounts of bodily asceticism published in Buddhist periodicals in Republican China (1912–1949) in order to explore the mentality and motivation of publicly presenting this seemingly fanatic and backward tradition in an era marked by modernization. By zeroing in on practices of self-immolation, bodily mutilation, and blood writing, as presented in periodicals advocating either reform or preservation of Buddhist tradition, the article reveals that Buddhists with different visions for the modern form of Chinese Buddhism, despite their multifaceted responses, reached a consensus: ascetic practices were part of the tradition worthy of preservation and a strong testament of Buddhist morality. Arguments and eulogies about specific cases, preserved in these periodicals, made Buddhist asceticism an integral part of Chinese Buddhism’s modern transformation, which contributes to the rethinking of religion and modernity discourse.
Preliminary Evaluation and Correction of Sea Surface Height from Chinese Tiangong-2 Interferometric Imaging Radar Altimeter
Authors: Ren Lin , Yang Jingsong , Dong Xiao , Zhang Yunhua , Jia Yongjun
Published: August 2020

In this study, we performed preliminary comparative evaluation and correction of two-dimensional sea surface height (SSH) data from the Chinese Tiangong-2 Interferometric Imaging Radar Altimeter (InIRA) with the goal of advancing its retrieval. Data from the InIRA were compared with one-dimensional SSH data from the traditional altimeters Jason-2, Saral/AltiKa, and Jason-3. Because the sea state bias (SSB) of distributed InIRA data has not yet been considered, consistency was maintained by neglecting the SSB for the traditional altimeters. The results of the comparisons show that the InIRA captures the same SSH trends as those obtained by traditional altimeters. However, there is a significant deviation between InIRA and traditional altimeter SSHs; consequently, systematic and parametric biases were analyzed. The parametric bias was found to be related to the incidence angles and a significant wave height. Upon correcting the two biases, the standard deviation significantly reduced to 8.1 cm. This value is slightly higher than those of traditional altimeters, which typically have a bias of ~7.0 cm. The results indicate that the InIRA is promising in providing a wide swath of SSH measurements. Moreover, we recommend that the InIRA retrieval algorithm should consider the two biases to improve SSH accuracy.
Water Stress Estimation in Vineyards from Aerial SWIR and Multispectral UAV Data
Authors: Kandylakis Zacharias , Falagas Alexandros , Karakizi Christina , Karantzalos Konstantinos
Published: August 2020

Mapping water stress in vineyards, at the parcel level, is of significant importance for supporting crop management decisions and applying precision agriculture practices. In this paper, a novel methodology based on aerial Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) data is presented, towards the estimation of water stress in vineyards at canopy scale for entire parcels. In particular, aerial broadband spectral data were collected from an integrated SWIR and multispectral instrumentation, onboard an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Concurrently, in-situ leaf stomatal conductance measurements and supplementary data for radiometric and geometric corrections were acquired. A processing pipeline has been designed, developed, and validated, able to execute the required analysis, including data pre-processing, data co-registration, reflectance calibration, canopy extraction and water stress estimation. Experiments were performed at two viticultural regions in Greece, for several vine parcels of four different vine varieties, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Syrah and Xinomavro. The performed qualitative and quantitative assessment indicated that a single model for the estimation of water stress across all studied vine varieties was not able to be established (r2 < 0.30). Relatively high correlation rates (r2 > 0.80) were achieved per variety and per individual variety clone. The overall root mean square error (RMSE) for the estimated canopy water stress was less than 29 mmol m−2 s−1, spanning from no-stress to severe canopy stress levels. Overall, experimental results and validation indicated the quite high potentials of the proposed instrumentation and methodology.
A Texture Selection Approach for Cultural Artifact 3D Reconstruction Considering Both Geometry and Radiation Quality
Authors: Hu Shirui , Li Zhiyuan , Wang Shaohua , Ai Mingyao , Hu Qingwu
Published: August 2020

3D reconstruction of culture artifacts has great potential in digital heritage documentation and protection. Choosing the proper images for texture mapping from multi-view images is a major challenge for high precision and high quality 3D reconstruction of culture artifacts. In this study, a texture selection approach, considering both the geometry and radiation quality for 3D reconstruction of cultural artifacts while using multi-view dense matching is proposed. First, a Markov random field (MRF) method is presented to select images from the best angle of view among texture image sets. Then, an image radiation quality evaluation model is proposed in the virtue of a multiscale Tenengrad definition and brightness detection to eliminate fuzzy and overexposed textures. Finally, the selected textures are mapped to the 3D model under the mapping parameters of the multi-view dense matching and a semi-automatic texture mapping is executed on the 3DMax MudBox platform. Experimental results with two typical cultural artifacts data sets (bronze wares and porcelain) show that the proposed method can reduce abnormal exposure or fuzzy images to yield high quality 3D model of cultural artifacts.
Evaluation of Several Feature Detectors/Extractors on Underwater Images towards vSLAM
Authors: Hidalgo Franco , Bräunl Thomas
Published: August 2020

Modern visual SLAM (vSLAM) algorithms take advantage of computer vision developments in image processing and in interest point detectors to create maps and trajectories from camera images. Different feature detectors and extractors have been evaluated for this purpose in air and ground environments, but not extensively for underwater scenarios. In this paper (I) we characterize underwater images where light and suspended particles alter considerably the images captured, (II) evaluate the performance of common interest points detectors and descriptors in a variety of underwater scenes and conditions towards vSLAM in terms of the number of features matched in subsequent video frames, the precision of the descriptors and the processing time. This research justifies the usage of feature detectors in vSLAM for underwater scenarios and present its challenges and limitations.
LoRa 2.4 GHz Communication Link and Range
Authors: Janssen Thomas , BniLam Noori , Aernouts Michiel , Berkvens Rafael , Weyn Maarten
Published: August 2020

Recently, Semtech has released a Long Range (LoRa) chipset which operates at the globally available 2.4 GHz frequency band, on top of the existing sub-GHz, km-range offer, enabling hardware manufacturers to design region-independent chipsets. The SX1280 LoRa module promises an ultra-long communication range while withstanding heavy interference in this widely used band. In this paper, we first provide a mathematical description of the physical layer of LoRa in the 2.4 GHz band. Secondly, we investigate the maximum communication range of this technology in three different scenarios. Free space, indoor and urban path loss models are used to simulate the propagation of the 2.4 GHz LoRa modulated signal at different spreading factors and bandwidths. Additionally, we investigate the corresponding data rates. The results show a maximum range of 133 km in free space, 74 m in an indoor office-like environment and 443 m in an outdoor urban context. While a maximum data rate of 253.91 kbit/s can be achieved, the data rate at the longest possible range in every scenario equals 0.595 kbit/s. Due to the configurable bandwidth and lower data rates, LoRa outperforms other technologies in the 2.4 GHz band in terms of communication range. In addition, both communication and localization applications deployed in private LoRa networks can benefit from the increased bandwidth and localization accuracy of this system when compared to public sub-GHz networks.
Lp Loss Functions in Invariance Alignment and Haberman Linking with Few or Many Groups
Authors: Robitzsch Alexander
Published: August 2020

The comparison of group means in latent variable models plays a vital role in empirical research in the social sciences. The present article discusses an extension of invariance alignment and Haberman linking by choosing the robust power loss function ρ(x)=|x|p(p>0). This power loss function with power values p smaller than one is particularly suited for item responses that are generated under partial invariance. For a general class of linking functions, asymptotic normality of estimates is shown. Moreover, the theory of M-estimation is applied for obtaining linking errors (i.e., inference with respect to a population of items) for this class of linking functions. In a simulation study, it is shown that invariance alignment and Haberman linking have comparable performance, and in some conditions, the newly proposed robust Haberman linking outperforms invariance alignment. In three examples, the influence of the choice of a particular linking function on the estimation of group means is demonstrated. It is concluded that the choice of the loss function in linking is related to structural assumptions about the pattern of noninvariance in item parameters.
Coping with Supervisor Sanctions During Organizational Change: Core Members’ Active Change Behavior and Followers’ Middle Way Thinking
Authors: Luo Yuan Jing , Li Yan Ping , Du Jing
Published: August 2020

Recent research has shown that an organizational change implementation tactic is vital for influencing employee reactions to change. Hard tactics, such as supervisor sanction, are generally verified as obstructive to employees’ positive change behavior. The aim of this study is to identify the contingency circumstances under which sanction would be less harmful or even effective to change. By identifying the organizational situational influence of core members’ active change behavior and followers’ individual differences of middle way thinking, this study constructed a model that offers insight into the effectiveness of supervisor sanctions during change. Data from 250 employees in China were gathered by questionnaires. Results from hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) revealed that core members’ behavior neutralized the negative effect of supervisor sanctions on followers’ active change behavior. Moreover, this moderating effect was further magnified by followers’ personal middle way thinking value. The conclusions emphasized the roles of core members’ supportive behavior to change, which acts as role model, and of the individual middle way thinking values that have sustained Eastern Asia for thousands of years in successfully implementing change. The findings provide insights for the successful implementation tactics in organization change and enrich the understanding of the organizational change process. Research should continue to treat followers’ change reactions as a synergy output of situational factors and individual characteristics and examine the variables of these dimensions in the work environment.
Greening the Browns: A Bio-Based Land Use Framework for Analysing the Potential of Urban Brownfields in an Urban Circular Economy
Authors: Chowdhury Shaswati , Kain Jaan-Henrik , Adelfio Marco , Volchko Yevheniya , Norrman Jenny
Published: August 2020

The Circular Economy (CE) is expected to accelerate the use of resources with bio-based origin. Cities have an important role in such an economy, not only as main consumers but also because vegetation provides numerous ecosystem services essential for the well-being of urban dwellers. Urban lands are, however, heavily burdened with both past and present activities and ongoing urbanization. Retrofitting obsolete and potentially contaminated brownfields provides an opportunity to engage with bio-based land uses within the city. At the same time, plants are an important part of Gentle Remediation Options (GROs), a more sustainable alternative for managing contamination risks and restoring soil health. This paper (1) provides a tentative selection of Urban Greenspaces (UGSs) relevant for brownfields, and a compilation of ecosystem services provided by the selected UGSs, and (2) presents a framework covering the 14 selected bio-based land uses on brownfields, including GRO interventions over time. This framework provides three practical tools: the conceptualization of linkages between GROs and prospective UGS uses, a scatter diagram for the realization of 14 UGS opportunities on brownfields, and a decision matrix to analyze the requirements for UGS realization on brownfields.
Vehicular PM Emissions and Urban Public Health Sustainability: A Probabilistic Analysis for Dhaka City
Authors: Iqbal Asif , Afroze Shirina , Rahman Md. Mizanur
Published: August 2020

Particulate Matter (PM) pollution is generally considered as a prime indicator of urban air quality and is linked to human health hazards. As vehicles are a vital component of an urban setting, the risks of particulate pollution need to be assessed. An emission modelling is essential for that, and thus stochastic modelling approach involving Monte Carlo simulation technique was applied, aiming to reduce the uncertainty in emission modelling. The risks scenarios for the emissions were generated for 2019 (present state) and 2024 (future), integrating the probability of emissions and the associated AQI (Air Quality Index). Despite the vehicles being a minor source of PM in Dhaka (compared to the contribution from other sources), about one-third of the city is found under high risk due to the exhaust particulate pollution; having the potentiality to cover more than 60% of the city in the coming years, affecting the urban public health sustainability. However, the extent of implementation of planning and management strategies can revert the scenarios for the city, which can plausibly reduce the risk from 80% to 50%, or even to a no-risk state.