bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Temperature Short-Time and Holder Pasteurization of Donor Milk: Impact on Milk Composition
Authors: Escuder-Vieco Diana , Rodríguez Juan M. , Espinosa-Martos Irene , Corzo Nieves , Montilla Antonia , García-Serrano Alba , Calvo M. Visitación , Fontecha Javier , Serrano José , Fernández Leónides , Pallás-Alonso Carmen Rosa
Published: February 2021

Holder pasteurization (HoP; 62.5 °C, 30 min) is commonly used to ensure the microbiological safety of donor human milk (DHM) but diminishes its nutritional properties. A high-temperature short-time (HTST) system was designed as an alternative for human milk banks. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of this HTST system on different nutrients and the bile salt stimulated lipase (BSSL) activity of DHM. DHM was processed in the HTST system and by standard HoP. Macronutrients were measured with a mid-infrared analyzer. Lactose, glucose, myo-inositol, vitamins and lipids were assayed using chromatographic techniques. BSSL activity was determined using a kit. The duration of HTST treatment had a greater influence on the nutrient composition of DHM than did the tested temperature. The lactose concentration and the percentage of phospholipids and PUFAs were higher in HTST-treated than in raw DHM, while the fat concentration and the percentage of monoacylglycerides and SFAs were lower. Other nutrients did not change after HTST processing. The retained BSSL activity was higher after short HTST treatment than that following HoP. Overall, HTST treatment resulted in better preservation of the nutritional quality of DHM than HoP because relevant thermosensitive components (phospholipids, PUFAs, and BSSL) were less affected.
Role of Transposable Elements in Gene Regulation in the Human Genome
Authors: Ali Arsala , Han Kyudong , Liang Ping
Published: February 2021

Transposable elements (TEs), also known as mobile elements (MEs), are interspersed repeats that constitute a major fraction of the genomes of higher organisms. As one of their important functional impacts on gene function and genome evolution, TEs participate in regulating the expression of genes nearby and even far away at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. There are two known principal ways by which TEs regulate the expression of genes. First, TEs provide cis-regulatory sequences in the genome with their intrinsic regulatory properties for their own expression, making them potential factors for regulating the expression of the host genes. TE-derived cis-regulatory sites are found in promoter and enhancer elements, providing binding sites for a wide range of trans-acting factors. Second, TEs encode for regulatory RNAs with their sequences showed to be present in a substantial fraction of miRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), indicating the TE origin of these RNAs. Furthermore, TEs sequences were found to be critical for regulatory functions of these RNAs, including binding to the target mRNA. TEs thus provide crucial regulatory roles by being part of cis-regulatory and regulatory RNA sequences. Moreover, both TE-derived cis-regulatory sequences and TE-derived regulatory RNAs have been implicated in providing evolutionary novelty to gene regulation. These TE-derived regulatory mechanisms also tend to function in a tissue-specific fashion. In this review, we aim to comprehensively cover the studies regarding these two aspects of TE-mediated gene regulation, mainly focusing on the mechanisms, contribution of different types of TEs, differential roles among tissue types, and lineage-specificity, based on data mostly in humans.
Oxygenated Analogues of Santacruzamate A
Authors: Angelov Plamen , Manolov Stanimir , Yanev Pavel , Naydenov Mladen
Published: February 2021

A new approach for the synthesis of Santacruzamate A analogues is demonstrated. The method allows functionalization at position 3 of the gamma-aminobutyric fragment and carbon chain variation.
Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Schiff Bases of Isoniazid and Evaluation of Their Anti-Proliferative and Antibacterial Activities
Authors: Al-Hiyari Bayan Ahed , Shakya Ashok K. , Naik Rajashri R. , Bardaweel Sanaa
Published: February 2021

Three new Schiff bases of isoniazid were synthesized using microwave-assisted synthesis and conventional condensation with aromatic aldehydes. Synthesized compounds were characterized using elemental analysis, IR, NMR, and Mass spectroscopy. Synthesized compounds were evaluated for antiproliferative activity against MCF-7 cell line. The IC50 values were from 125 to 276 µM. The compounds were also evaluated for antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Results showed that the synthesized compounds produce significant antibacterial activity in vitro. Inhibition of compounds ranged from 13 to 18 mm.
Analysis of the New Forming Process of Medical Screws with a Cylindrical Head of 316 LVM Steel
Authors: Dziubińska Anna , Surdacki Piotr , Winiarski Grzegorz , Bulzak Tomasz , Majerski Krzysztof , Piasta Mariusz
Published: February 2021

The originality of this paper lies in the presentation of a new, innovative method for manufacturing medical screws with a cylindrical head of 316 LVM. This method is unique on a global scale, and its assumptions have been granted patent protection. The paper presents selected results of theoretical and experimental research on the developed process of forming of medical screws based on new technology. In the first part of the study a review of the types of screws used in the medical industry is made and the previous methods of their manufacture are described. The second part of the paper presents the assumptions and analysis of the elaborated process of metal forming of medical screws with a cylindrical head and ring thread made of 316 LVM austenitic steel. The theoretical analysis of the new process of forming a screw selected for testing was performed on the basis of numerical simulations. The experimental verification of the proposed theoretical solutions was carried out on the basis of laboratory tests, industrial research and qualitative research. The positive results obtained from computer simulations and experiments confirmed the effectiveness of the developed technology and the validity of its use in future in industrial practice.
A Review on the Life Cycle Assessment of Cellulose: From Properties to the Potential of Making It a Low Carbon Material
Authors: Foroughi Firoozeh , Rezvani Ghomi Erfan , Morshedi Dehaghi Fatemeh , Borayek Ramadan , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: February 2021

The huge plastic production and plastic pollution are considered important global issues due to environmental aspects. One practical and efficient way to address them is to replace fossil-based plastics with natural-based materials, such as cellulose. The applications of different cellulose products have recently received increasing attention because of their desirable properties, such as biodegradability and sustainability. In this regard, the current study initially reviews cellulose products’ properties in three categories, including biopolymers based on the cellulose-derived monomer, cellulose fibers and their derivatives, and nanocellulose. The available life cycle assessments (LCA) for cellulose were comprehensively reviewed and classified at all the stages, including extraction of cellulose in various forms, manufacturing, usage, and disposal. Finally, due to the development of low-carbon materials in recent years and the importance of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, the proposed solutions to make cellulose a low carbon material were made. The optimization of the cellulose production process, such as the recovery of excessive solvents and using by-products as inputs for other processes, seem to be the most important step toward making it a low carbon material.
Semi-Hybrid CO2 Laser Metal Deposition Method with Inter Substrate Buffer Zone
Authors: Antoszewski Bogdan , Danielewski Hubert , Dutkiewicz Jan , Rogal Łukasz , Węglowski Marek St. , Kwieciński Krzysztof , Śliwiński Piotr
Published: February 2021

This article presents the results of the metal deposition process using additive materials in the form of filler wire and metal powder. An important problem in wire deposition using a CO2 laser was overcome by using a combination of the abovementioned methods. The deposition of a multicomponent alloy—Inconel 625—on a basic substrate such as structural steel is presented. The authors propose a new approach for stopping carbon and iron diffusion from the substrate, by using the Semi-Hybrid Deposition Method (S-HDM) developed by team members. The proposed semi-hybrid method was compared with alternative wire and powder deposition using laser beam. Differences of S-HDM and classic wire deposition and powder deposition methods are presented using metallographic analysis, within optic and electron microscopy. Significant differences in the obtained results reveal advantages of the developed method compared to traditional deposition methods. A comparison of the aforementioned methods performed using nickel based super alloy Inconel 625 deposited on low carbon steel substrate is presented. An alternative prototyping approach for an advanced high alloy materials deposition using CO2 laser, without the requirement of using the same substrate was presented in this article. This study confirmed the established assumption of reducing selected components diffusion from a substrate via buffer layer. Results of metallographic analysis confirm the advantages and application potential of using the new semi-hybrid method for prototyping high alloy materials on low alloy structural steel substrate.
Influence of Cu Content on Structure, Thermal Stability and Magnetic Properties in Fe72−xNi8Nb4CuxSi2B14 Alloys
Authors: Warski Tymon , Radon Adrian , Zackiewicz Przemyslaw , Wlodarczyk Patryk , Polak Marcin , Wojcik Anna , Maziarz Wojciech , Kolano-Burian Aleksandra , Hawelek Lukasz
Published: February 2021

The effect of substitution of Fe by Cu on the crystal structure and magnetic properties of Fe72−xNi8Nb4CuxSi2B14 alloys (x = 0.6, 1.1, 1.6 at.%) in the form of ribbons was investigated. The chemical composition of the materials was established on the basis of the calculated minima of thermodynamic parameters: Gibbs free energy of amorphous phase formation ΔGamorph (minimum at 0.6 at.% of Cu) and Gibbs free energy of mixing ΔGmix (minimum at 1.6 at.% of Cu). The characteristic crystallization temperatures Tx1onset and Tx1 of the alpha-iron phase together with the activation energy Ea for the as-spun samples were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) with a heating rate of 10–100 °C/min. In order to determine the optimal soft magnetic properties, the wound cores were subjected to a controlled isothermal annealing process in the temperature range of 340–640 °C for 20 min. Coercivity Hc, saturation induction Bs and core power losses at B = 1 T and frequency f = 50 Hz P10/50 were determined for all samples. Moreover, for the samples with the lowest Hc and P10/50, the magnetic losses were determined in a wider frequency range 50 Hz–400 kHz. The real and imaginary parts of the magnetic permeability µ′, µ″ along with the cut-off frequency were determined for the samples annealed at 360, 460, and 560 °C. The best soft magnetic properties (i.e., the lowest value of Hc and P10/50) were observed for samples annealed at 460 °C, with Hc = 4.88–5.69 A/m, Bs = 1.18–1.24 T, P10/50 = 0.072–0.084 W/kg, µ′ = 8350–10,630 and cutoff frequency at 8–9.3 × 104 Hz. The structural study of as-spun and annealed ribbons was carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and a transmission electron microscope (TEM).
Advanced Surface Color Quality Assessment in Paper-Based Full-Color 3D Printing
Authors: Tian Jieni , Yuan Jiangping , Li Hua , Yao Danyang , Chen Guangxue
Published: February 2021

Color 3D printing allows for 3D-printed parts to represent 3D objects more realistically, but its surface color quality evaluation lacks comprehensive objective verification considering printing materials. In this study, a unique test model was designed and printed using eco-friendly and vivid paper-based full-color 3D printing as an example. By measuring the chromaticity, roughness, glossiness, and whiteness properties of 3D-printed surfaces and by acquiring images of their main viewing surfaces, this work skillfully explores the correlation between the color representation of a paper-based 3D-printed coloring layer and its attached underneath blank layer. Quantitative analysis was performed using ΔE*ab, feature similarity index measure of color image (FSIMc), and improved color-image-difference (iCID) values. The experimental results show that a color difference on color-printed surfaces exhibits a high linear correlation trend with its FSIMc metric and iCID metric. The qualitative analysis of microscopic imaging and the quantitative analysis of the above three surface properties corroborate the prediction of the linear correlation between color difference and image-based metrics. This study can provide inspiration for the development of computational coloring materials for additive manufacturing.
Machine Learning-Based Cognitive Position and Force Controls for Power-Assisted Human–Robot Collaborative Manipulation
Authors: Rahman S. M. Mizanoor
Published: February 2021

Manipulation of heavy objects in industries is very necessary, but manual manipulation is tedious, adversely affects a worker’s health and safety, and reduces efficiency. On the contrary, autonomous robots are not flexible to manipulate heavy objects. Hence, we proposed human–robot systems, such as power assist systems, to manipulate heavy objects in industries. Again, the selection of appropriate control methods as well as inclusion of human factors in the controls is important to make the systems human friendly. However, existing power assist systems do not address these issues properly. Hence, we present a 1-DoF (degree of freedom) testbed power assist robotic system for lifting different objects. We also included a human factor, such as weight perception (a cognitive cue), in the robotic system dynamics and derived several position and force control strategies/methods for the system based on the human-centric dynamics. We developed a reinforcement learning method to predict the control parameters producing the best/optimal control performance. We also derived a novel adaptive control algorithm based on human characteristics. We experimentally evaluated those control methods and compared the system performance between the control methods. Results showed that both position and force controls produced satisfactory performance, but the position control produced significantly better performance than the force controls. We then proposed using the results to design control methods for power assist robotic systems for handling large and heavy materials and objects in various industries, which may improve human–robot interactions (HRIs) and system performance.
Design and Experiment of a Lifting Tool for Hoisting Offshore Single-Pile Foundations
Authors: Zhang Bo , Chen Hexuan , Wang Tao , Wang Zhuo
Published: February 2021

Experiments with a cam-type clamp tool were carried out to overcome the difficulty of transporting and installing large-diameter mono-piles for offshore wind turbines. Using the experiments method to design a small wedge-type clamping mechanism and using cam teeth made of 40Cr material resulted in the maximum friction for the mechanism. A single clamping design was created for the cam-type clamp tool to hoist mono-piles for offshore wind turbines. Through force analysis and Automatic Dynamics Analysis of Mechanical System (ADAMS) dynamic simulation of the lifting tool, it was calculated that the clamping force of the lifting tool meets application requirements. A prototype was built in order to carry out an experiment in which the lifting tool hoisted a mono-pile. It was concluded from the experiment that the proposed design of the lifting tool is feasible in practical applications.
Study on Implicit-Type Fractional Coupled System with Integral Boundary Conditions
Authors: Lin Longfei , Liu Yansheng , Zhao Daliang
Published: February 2021

This paper is concerned with a class of implicit-type coupled system with integral boundary conditions involving Caputo fractional derivatives. First, the existence result of solutions for the considered system is obtained by means of topological degree theory. Next, Ulam–Hyers stability and generalized Ulam–Hyers stability are studied under some suitable assumptions. Finally, one example is worked out to illustrate the main results.
An Intuitionistic Fuzzy Set Driven Stochastic Active Contour Model with Uncertainty Analysis
Authors: Wang Bin , Li Yaoqing , Zhang Jianlong
Published: February 2021

Image segmentation is a process that densely classifies image pixels into different regions corresponding to real world objects. However, this correspondence is not always exact in images since there are many uncertainty factors, e.g., recognition hesitation, imaging equipment, condition, and atmosphere environment. To achieve the segmentation result with low uncertainty and reduce the influence on the subsequent procedures, e.g., image parsing and image understanding, we propose a novel stochastic active contour model based on intuitionistic fuzzy set, in which the hesitation degree is leveraged to model the recognition uncertainty in image segmentation. The advantages of our model are as follows. (1) Supported by fuzzy partition, our model is robust against image noise and inhomogeneity. (2) Benefiting from the stochastic process, our model easily crosses saddle points of energy functional. (3) Our model realizes image segmentation with low uncertainty and co-produces the quantitative uncertainty degree to the segmentation results, which is helpful to improve reliability of intelligent image systems. The associated experiments suggested that our model could obtain competitive segmentation results compared to the relevant state-of-the-art active contour models and could provide segmentation with a pixel-wise uncertainty degree.
Algebraic Solution to Constrained Bi-Criteria Decision Problem of Rating Alternatives through Pairwise Comparisons
Authors: Krivulin Nikolai
Published: February 2021

We consider a decision-making problem to evaluate absolute ratings of alternatives from the results of their pairwise comparisons according to two criteria, subject to constraints on the ratings. We formulate the problem as a bi-objective optimization problem of constrained matrix approximation in the Chebyshev sense in logarithmic scale. The problem is to approximate the pairwise comparison matrices for each criterion simultaneously by a common consistent matrix of unit rank, which determines the vector of ratings. We represent and solve the optimization problem in the framework of tropical (idempotent) algebra, which deals with the theory and applications of idempotent semirings and semifields. The solution involves the introduction of two parameters that represent the minimum values of approximation error for each matrix and thereby describe the Pareto frontier for the bi-objective problem. The optimization problem then reduces to a parametrized vector inequality. The necessary and sufficient conditions for solutions of the inequality serve to derive the Pareto frontier for the problem. All solutions of the inequality, which correspond to the Pareto frontier, are taken as a complete Pareto-optimal solution to the problem. We apply these results to the decision problem of interest and present illustrative examples.
Fuzzy and Interval AHP Approaches in Sustainable Management for the Architectural Heritage in Smart Cities
Authors: Milošević Mimica R. , Milošević Dušan M. , Stanojević Ana D. , Stević Dragan M. , Simjanović Dušan J.
Published: February 2021

For the past four decades, the methodology of fuzzy analytic hierarchy process based on fuzzy trapezoidal or triangular numbers with the linear type of membership functions has witnessed an expanding development with applicability to a wide variety of areas, such as industry, environment, education, government, economics, engineering, health, and smart city leadership. On the other hand, the interval gray analytic hierarchy process is a more practical method when a significant number of professionals have large variations in preferences and interests in complex decisions. The paper examines the management of architectural heritage in smart cities, using methods of multi-criteria decision making. Two appropriate methods generally recommended by the scientific literature have been applied: fuzzy and interval grey analytic hierarchy process. By using both techniques, there is an opportunity to analyze the consensual results from the aspect of two different stakeholder groups: architectural heritage experts and smart city development experts. Trapezoidal fuzzy analytical hierarchical process shows better stability than a triangular one. Both approaches assign priority to the strategy, but the interval approach gives a more significant rank to architectural heritage factors. The similarity of the proposed methods has been tested, and the similarity factor in the ranking indicates a high degree of similarity in comparing the reference rankings.
Multivariate Pattern Recognition in MSPC Using Bayesian Inference
Authors: Ruiz-Tamayo Jose , Vazquez-Lopez Jose Antonio , Ruelas-Santoyo Edgar Augusto , Hernandez-Lopez Aidee , Lopez-Juarez Ismael , Rios-Lira Armando Javier
Published: February 2021

Multivariate Statistical Process Control (MSPC) seeks to monitor several quality characteristics simultaneously. However, it has limitations derived from its inability to identify the source of special variation in the process. In this research, a proposed model that does not have this limitation is presented. In this paper, data from two scenarios were used: (A) data created by simulation and (B) random variable data obtained from the analysed product, which in this case corresponds to cheese production slicing process in the dairy industry. The model includes a dimensional reduction procedure based on the centrality and data dispersion. The goal is to recognise a multivariate pattern from the conjunction of univariate variables with variation patterns so that the model indicates the univariate patterns from the multivariate pattern. The model consists of two stages. The first stage is concerned with the identification process and uses Moving Windows (MWs) for data segmentation and pattern analysis. The second stage uses Bayesian Inference techniques such as conditional probabilities and Bayesian Networks. By using these techniques, the univariate variable that contributed to the pattern found in the multivariate variable is obtained. Furthermore, the model evaluates the probability of the patterns of the individual variables generating a specific pattern in the multivariate variable. This probability is interpreted as a signal of the performance of the process that allows to identify in the process a multivariate out-of-control state and the univariate variable that causes the failure. The efficiency results of the proposed model compared favourably with respect to the results obtained using the Hotelling’s T2 chart, which validates our model.
Stieltjes and Hamburger Reduced Moment Problem When MaxEnt Solution Does Not Exist
Authors: Novi Inverardi Pier Luigi , Tagliani Aldo
Published: February 2021

For a given set of moments whose predetermined values represent the available information, we consider the case where the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) solutions for Stieltjes and Hamburger reduced moment problems do not exist. Genuinely relying upon MaxEnt rationale we find the distribution with largest entropy and we prove that this distribution gives the best approximation of the true but unknown underlying distribution. Despite the nice properties just listed, the suggested approximation suffers from some numerical drawbacks and we will discuss this aspect in detail in the paper.
Fuzzy Optimization Model for Decision-Making in Supply Chain Management
Authors: Chang Jui-Fang , Lai Chao-Jung , Wang Chia-Nan , Hsueh Ming-Hsien , Nguyen Van Thanh
Published: February 2021

Choosing a supplier is a complex decision-making process that can reduce the total cost of production inputs and increase profits without increasing the price or sacrificing product quality. However, supplier selection processes usually involve multiple quantitative and qualitative criteria which increase the complexity of the problem and may decrease the accuracy and effectiveness of the process. Such complex decision-making problems can be supported by using multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) models. While there have been multiple MCDM models to support supplier selection processes in different industries and sectors, only a few are developed to support the supplier selection processes in the garment industry, especially under uncertain decision-making environment. This paper presents an integrated mathematical model under a fuzzy environment and applies it to the supplier selection process in the garment industry. In this research, the authors utilize the Buckley extension based fuzzy Analytical Hierarchical Process (FAHP) method in combination with linear normalization based fuzzy Grey Relational Analysis (F-GRA) method to develop a MCDM approach to the supplier selection process under a fuzzy environment. As a result, supplier 08 (SA08) is the optimal supplier. The contribution of this work is to propose an MCDM model for ranking potential suppliers in the garment industry under a fuzzy environment. The proposed approach can also be applied to support complex decision-making processes under a fuzzy environment in different industries.
Market Behavior and Evolution of Wealth Distribution: A Simulation Model Based on Artificial Agents
Authors: Giunta Andrea , Giunta Gaetano , Marino Domenico , Oliveri Francesco
Published: February 2021

The aim of this work is to simulate a market behavior in order to study the evolution of wealth distribution. The numerical simulations are carried out on a simple economical model with a finite number of economic agents, which are able to exchange goods/services and money; the various agents interact each other by means of random exchanges. The model is micro founded, self-consistent, and predictive. Despite the simplicity of the model, the simulations show a complex and non-trivial behavior. First of all, we are able to recognize two solution classes, namely two phases, separated by a threshold region. The analysis of the wealth distribution of the model agents, in the threshold region, shows functional forms resembling empirical quantitative studies of the probability distributions of wealth and income in the United Kingdom and the United States. Furthermore, the decile distribution of the population wealth of the simulated model, in the threshold region, overlaps in a suggestive way with the real data of the Italian population wealth in the last few years. Finally, the results of the simulated model allow us to draw important considerations for designing effective policies for economic and human development.
Cytoprotective Role of Edible Seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis)-Derived Peptides in H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
Authors: Oh Yunok , Ahn Chang-Bum , Je Jae-Young
Published: February 2021

Oxidative stress-induced endothelial dysfunction is strongly linked to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. A previous study revealed that seahorse hydrolysates ameliorated oxidative stress-mediated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) injury. However, the responsible compounds have not yet been identified. This study aimed to identify cytoprotective peptides and to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the cytoprotective role in H2O2-induced HUVECs injury. After purification by gel filtration and HPLC, two peptides were sequenced by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry as HGSH (436.43 Da) and KGPSW (573.65 Da). The synthesized peptides and their combination (1:1 ratio) showed significant HUVECs protection effect at 100 μg/mL against H2O2-induced oxidative damage via significantly reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Two peptides and their combination treatment resulted in the increased heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a phase II detoxifying enzyme, through the activation of nuclear transcription factor-erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2). Additionally, cell cycle and nuclear staining analysis revealed that two peptides and their combination significantly protected H2O2-induced cell death through antiapoptotic action. Two peptides and their combination treatment led to inhibit the expression of proapoptotic Bax, the release of cytochrome C into the cytosol, the activation of caspase 3 by H2O2 treatment in HUVECs, whereas antiapoptotic Bcl-2 expression was increased with concomitant downregulation of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Taken together, these results suggest that seahorse-derived peptides may be a promising agent for oxidative stress-related cardiovascular diseases.
Clinical Evaluation of Microendoscopy-Assisted Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion
Authors: Segawa Tomohide , Koga Hisashi , Oshina Masahito , Ishibashi Katsuhiko , Takano Yuichi , Iwai Hiroki , Inanami Hirohiko
Published: February 2021

Background and objectives: Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion (OLIF) is a widely performed, minimally invasive technique to achieve lumbar lateral interbody fusion. However, some complications can arise due to constraints posed by the limited surgical space and visual field. The purpose of this study was to assess the short-term postoperative clinical outcomes of microendoscopy-assisted OLIF (ME-OLIF) compared to conventional OLIF. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively investigated 75 consecutive patients who underwent OLIF or ME-OLIF. The age, sex, diagnosis, and number of fused levels were obtained from medical records. Operation time, estimated blood loss (EBL), and intraoperative complications were also collected. Operation time and EBL were only measured per level required for the lateral procedure, excluding the posterior fixation surgery. The primary outcome measure was assessed using the Japanese Orthopedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ). The secondary outcome measure was assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the European Quality of Life–5 Dimensions (EQ-5D), measured preoperatively and 1-year postoperatively. Results: This case series consisted of 14 patients in the OLIF group and 61 patients in the ME-OLIF group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the mean operative time and EBL (p = 0.90 and p = 0.50, respectively). The perioperative complication rate was 21.4% in the OLIF group and 21.3% in the ME-OLIF group (p = 0.99). In both groups, the postoperative JOABPEQ, EQ-5D, and ODI scores improved significantly (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Although there was no significant difference in clinical results between the two surgical methods, the results suggest that both are safe surgical methods and that microendoscopy-assisted OLIF could serve as a potential alternative to the conventional OLIF procedure.
Comparison of Pulsed Radiofrequency, Oxygen-Ozone Therapy and Epidural Steroid Injections for the Treatment of Chronic Unilateral Radicular Syndrome
Authors: Ryska Pavel , Jandura Jiri , Hoffmann Petr , Dvorak Petr , Klimova Blanka , Valis Martin , Vajda Milan
Published: February 2021

Background and objectives: For the treatment of chronic unilateral radicular syndrome, there are various methods including three minimally invasive computed tomography (CT)-guided methods, namely, pulsed radiofrequency (PRF), transforaminal oxygen ozone therapy (TFOOT), and transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI). Despite this, it is still unclear which of these methods is the best in terms of pain reduction and disability improvement. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the short and long-term effectiveness of these methods by measuring pain relief using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and improvement in disability (per the Oswestry disability index (ODI)) in patients with chronic unilateral radicular syndrome at L5 or S1 that do not respond to conservative treatment. Materials and Methods: After screening 692 patients, we enrolled 178 subjects, each of whom underwent one of the above CT-guided procedures. The PRF settings were as follows: pulse width = 20 ms, f = 2 Hz, U = 45 V, Z ˂ 500 Ω, and interval = 2 × 120 s. For TFOOT, an injection of 4–5 mL of an O2-O3 mixture (24 μg/mL) was administered. For the TFESI, 1 mL of a corticosteroid (betamethasone dipropionate), 3 mL of an anaesthetic (bupivacaine hydrochloride), and a 0.5 mL mixture of a non-ionic contrast agent (Iomeron 300) were administered. Pain intensity was assessed with a questionnaire. Results: The data from 178 patients (PRF, n = 57; TFOOT, n = 69; TFESI, n = 52) who submitted correctly completed questionnaires in the third month of the follow-up period were used for statistical analysis. The median pre-treatment visual analogue scale (VAS) score in all groups was six points. Immediately after treatment, the largest decrease in the median VAS score was observed in the TFESI group, with a score of 3.5 points (a decrease of 41.7%). In the PRF and TFOOT groups, the median VAS score decreased to 4 and 5 points (decreases of 33% and 16.7%, respectively). The difference in the early (immediately after) post-treatment VAS score between the TFESI and TFOOT groups was statistically significant (p = 0.0152). At the third and sixth months after treatment, the median VAS score was five points in all groups, without a statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). Additionally, there were no significant differences in the Oswestry disability index (ODI) values among the groups at any of the follow-up visits. Finally, there were no significant effects of age or body mass index (BMI) on both treatment outcomes (maximum absolute value of Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient = 0.193). Conclusions: Although the three methods are equally efficient in reducing pain over the entire follow-up, we observed that TFESI (a corticosteroid with a local anaesthetic) proved to be the most effective method for early post-treatment pain relief.
Electronic Cigarette Use and Its Relationship with Smoking and Alcohol and Illicit Drug Consumption among Romanian University Students
Authors: Lotrean Lucia Maria , Man Milena , Gavrilescu Cristina , Florea Mira
Published: February 2021

Background and objectives: This study assesses electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use and its relationship with smoking and alcohol and illicit drug consumption among Romanian university students. Materials and methods: A cross sectional study using anonymous questionnaire was performed in 2017 among 400 university students from Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Results: 95.5% of the participants had heard about e-cigarettes and 43.7% of these had tried e-cigarettes during their lifetime, while 8.9% declared using cigarettes in the previous month (one out of five students who had tried them during their lifetime). Half of the students had smoked during their lifetime and one third had smoked in the previous month. Eighty-five percent of participants had experimented alcohol intoxication during their lifetime and 45% had done so in the previous month, while illicit drug use during their lifetime and the previous month was 34% and 9.5%, respectively. The results of the linear regression analyses show a positive correlation between e-cigarette use, smoking, experimentation with alcohol intoxication, and the use of illicit drugs. Conclusions: Future studies as well as educational activities should address the complex relationship between e-cigarette and other substance use among Romanian youth.
Lactic Acid and Salt Separation Using Membrane Technology
Authors: Talebi Sahar , Garthe Michael , Roghmans Florian , Chen George Q. , Kentish Sandra E.
Published: February 2021

Acid whey is a by-product of cheese and yoghurt manufacture. The protein and lactose within acid whey can be recovered using nanofiltration and electrodialysis, but this leaves a waste stream that is a mixture of salts and lactic acid. To further add value to the acid whey treatment process, the possibility of recovering this lactic acid was investigated using either low energy reverse osmosis membranes or an electrodialysis process. Partial separation between lactic acid and potassium chloride was achieved at low applied pressures and feed pH in the reverse osmosis process, as a greater permeation of potassium chloride was observed under these conditions. Furthermore, lactic acid retention was enhanced by operating at lower temperature. Partial separation between lactic acid and potassium chloride was also achieved in the electrodialysis process. However, the observed losses in lactic acid increased with the addition of sodium chloride to the feed solution. This indicates that the separation becomes more challenging as the complexity of the feed solution increases. Neither process was able to achieve sufficient separation to avoid the use of further purification processes.
New Insights into the Microbial Diversity of Cake Layer in Yttria Composite Ceramic Tubular Membrane in an Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactor (AnMBR)
Authors: Nilusha Rathmalgodage Thejani , Wei Yuansong
Published: February 2021

Cake layer formation is an inevitable challenge in membrane bioreactor (MBR) operation. The investigations on the cake layer microbial community are essential to control biofouling. This work studied the bacterial and archaeal communities in the cake layer, the anaerobic sludge, and the membrane cleaning solutions of anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) with yttria-based ceramic tubular membrane by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of 16S rRNA genes. The cake layer resistance was 69% of the total membrane resistance. Proteins and soluble microbial by-products (SMPs) were the dominant foulants in the cake layer. The pioneering archaeal and bacteria in the cake layer were mostly similar to those in the anaerobic bulk sludge. The dominant biofouling bacteria were Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Chloroflexi and the dominant archaeal were Methanosaetacea and Methanobacteriacea at family level. This finding may help to develop antifouling membranes for AnMBR treating domestic wastewater.
The Differential Effect of Cannabidiol on the Composition and Physicochemical Properties of Keratinocyte and Fibroblast Membranes from Psoriatic Patients and Healthy People
Authors: Szachowicz-Petelska Barbara , Łuczaj Wojciech , Wroński Adam , Jastrząb Anna , Dobrzyńska Izabela
Published: February 2021

The development of psoriasis is accompanied by oxidative stress, which can modify the components of skin cells. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cannabidiol (CBD), an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytocannabinoid, on the composition and physicochemical properties of the membranes of healthy and psoriatic keratinocytes and fibroblasts exposed to ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. In psoriasis-altered cells, decreased levels of the main groups of phospholipids and increased levels of sialic acid and malondialdehyde (MDA), a lipid peroxidation product, as well as negative charge of cell membranes compared to non-diseased cells, were found. On the other hand, UVA/B radiation increased the levels of phospholipids and MDA in both groups of cells. Moreover, psoriatic cells were characterized by lower levels of sialic acid and negative charge of cell membranes, while non-diseased cells showed the opposite response. The CBD treatment intensified some of the changes (phospholipid content and membrane charge) caused by the radiation of psoriatic cells, while it prevented these changes in the cells of healthy people. The results of this study indicate that CBD can prevent structural and functional changes to the membranes of healthy skin cells during phototherapy for psoriasis.
Shear Banding in a Contact Problem between Metallic Glasses
Authors: Tanguy Anne , Chen Peifang , Chaise Thibaut , Nélias Daniel
Published: February 2021

The case of a frictionless contact between a spherical body and a flat metallic glass is studied using a mesoscopic description of plasticity combined with a semi-analytical description of the elastic deformation in a contact geometry (code ISAAC). Plasticity is described by irreversible strain rearrangements in the maximum deviatoric strain direction, above some random strain threshold. In the absence of adhesion or friction, the plastic deformation is initiated below the surface. To represent the singularities due to adhesion, initial rearrangements are forced at the boundary of the contact. Then, the structural disorder is introduced in two different levels: either in the local strain thresholds for plasticity or in the residual plastic strains. It is shown that the spatial organization of plastic rearrangements is not universal, but it is very dependent on the choice of disorder and external loading conditions. Spatial curved shear bands may appear below the contact but only for a very specific set of parameters, especially those characterizing the random thresholds compared to externally induced strain gradients.
The COOL-Process—A Selective Approach for Recycling Lithium Batteries
Authors: Pavón Sandra , Kaiser Doreen , Mende Robert , Bertau Martin
Published: February 2021

The global market of lithium-ion batteries (LIB) has been growing in recent years, mainly owed to electromobility. The global LIB market is forecasted to amount to $129.3 billion in 2027. Considering the global reserves needed to produce these batteries and their limited lifetime, efficient recycling processes for secondary sources are mandatory. A selective process for Li recycling from LIB black mass is described. Depending on the process parameters Li was recovered almost quantitatively by the COOL-Process making use of the selective leaching properties of supercritical CO2/water. Optimization of this direct carbonization process was carried out by a design of experiments (DOE) using a 33 Box-Behnken design. Optimal reaction conditions were 230 °C, 4 h, and a water:black mass ratio of 90 mL/g, yielding 98.6 ± 0.19 wt.% Li. Almost quantitative yield (99.05 ± 0.64 wt.%), yet at the expense of higher energy consumption, was obtained with 230 °C, 4 h, and a water:black mass ratio of 120 mL/g. Mainly Li and Al were mobilized, which allows for selectively precipitating Li2CO3 in battery grade-quality (>99.8 wt.%) without the need for further refining. Valuable metals, such as Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Mn, remained in the solid residue (97.7 wt.%), from where they are recovered by established processes. Housing materials were separated mechanically, thus recycling LIB without residues. This holistic zero waste-approach allows for recovering the critical raw material Li from both primary and secondary sources.
Characteristics and Wear Mechanisms of TiAlN-Based Coatings for Machining Applications: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Sousa Vitor F. C. , Da Silva Francisco José Gomes , Pinto Gustavo Filipe , Baptista Andresa , Alexandre Ricardo
Published: February 2021

The machining process is still a very relevant process in today’s industry, being used to produce high quality parts for multiple industry sectors. The machining processes are heavily researched, with the focus on the improvement of these processes. One of these process improvements was the creation and implementation of tool coatings in various machining operations. These coatings improved overall process productivity and tool-life, with new coatings being developed for various machining applications. TiAlN coatings are still very present in today’s industry, being used due to its incredible wear behavior at high machining speeds, high mechanical properties, having a high-thermal stability and high corrosion resistance even at high machining temperatures. Novel TiAlN-based coatings doped with Ru, Mo and Ta are currently under investigation, as they show tremendous potential in terms of mechanical properties and wear behavior improvement. With the improvement of deposition technology, recent research seems to focus primarily on the study of nanolayered and nanocomposite TiAlN-based coatings, as the thinner layers improve drastically these coating’s beneficial properties for machining applications. In this review, the recent developments of TiAlN-based coatings are going to be presented, analyzed and their mechanical properties and cutting behavior for the turning and milling processes are compared.
Flow Field in Slab Continuous Casting Mold with Large Width Optimized with High Temperature Quantitative Measurement and Numerical Calculation
Authors: Ma Chao , He Wen-yuan , Qiao Huan-shan , Zhao Chang-liang , Liu Yi-bo , Yang Jian
Published: February 2021

In this paper, the rod deflection method was applied to quantitatively measure velocity near the mold surface at high temperatures and the k-ε model coupled with a discrete phase model (DPM) was adopted to simulate the flow field in the mold. The calculated results match very well with the measured results under all the present conditions. Under the conditions of the large mold width of 1800 mm, 1.1 m/min casting speed and 140 mm submerged entry nozzle (SEN) immersion depth, the velocity near the mold surface decreases with increasing the argon gas flow rate. When the argon gas flow rate is 6 L/min, the flow pattern is the double roll flow (DRF). When the argon gas flow rate is increased to 10 L/min and 14 L/min, the flow pattern is the single roll flow (SRF), and the risk of slag entrainment increases. With an argon gas flow rate of 10 L/min, and an immersion depth of 160 mm, the velocity near the mold surface sensitively increases with increasing the casting speed. When the casting speed is 1.1 m/min, an intermediate flow (IF) is formed with the intensified mold surface fluctuation, which can easily result in slag entrainment defects. When the casting speed is only increased to 1.2 m/min, the velocity near the mold surface changes drastically and is close to the upper limit velocity of 0.4 m/s. When the casting speed is 1.1 m/min, and the argon gas flow rate is 10 L/min, the velocity near the mold surface is obviously increased with increasing the immersion depth. When the immersion depth of the nozzle increases from 140 mm and 160 mm to 180 mm, the flow pattern changes from SRF or IF to DRF. When the bottom shape of the SEN changes from mountain to well, the velocity near the mold surface decreases. We suggest adopting the well-bottom nozzle to reduce the risk of slag entrainment.
Numerical Simulation of Macrosegregation Formation in a 2.45 ton Steel Ingot Using a Three-Phase Equiaxed Solidification Model
Authors: Wang Tao , Wang Engang , Delannoy Yves , Fautrelle Yves , Budenkova Olga
Published: February 2021

In the present work macrosegregation during solidification of a 2.45 ton steel ingot is simulated with a pure equiaxed model, which was tested previously via modeling of a benchmark experiment. While the columnar structure is not taken into account, a packed layer formed over inner walls of the mold at an early stage of solidification reproduces to some extent phenomena generally related to zones of columnar dendrites. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that interaction of free-floating equiaxed grains with ascending convective flow in the bulk liquid results in flow instabilities. This defines the irregular form of the negative segregation zone, the formation of which at the ingot bottom corresponds to experimental observation. Vertical channels reported in experimental measurements are reproduced in simulations. It is confirmed that intensification of ingot cooling may decrease segregation in the ingot.