bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Approach for Supply Chain Management Contract Selection in the Oil and Gas Industry: Combination of Uncertainty and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Methods
Authors: Karbassi Yazdi Amir , Tan Yong , Spulbar Cristi , Birau Ramona , Alfaro Jorge
Published: September 2022

The oil and gas industry plays a significant role in the economies of many countries today. Due to various factors, including oil price fluctuations, wars, sanctions, and many other instances, selling and supplying these products at low prices is necessary. As a result, the global economy may suffer as well. Supply chain management is one way to reduce the prices of these products. This study was conducted to identify supply chain management contracts in the oil and gas industry. The paper presents an application of multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) for coping with uncertainty. We contribute to the literature by proposing a new hybrid MCDM method with gray numbers for ranking supply chain management contracts in the oil and gas industry. The results show that the factors for evaluating supply chain management contracts must be selected, and then according to these factors, the supply chain management contracts must be chosen. As a result, we provide our customers with the best deals and help oil and gas companies minimize their costs.
Sensor-Based Prognostic Health Management of Advanced Driver Assistance System for Autonomous Vehicles: A Recent Survey
Authors: Raouf Izaz , Khan Asif , Khalid Salman , Sohail Muhammad , Azad Muhammad Muzammil , Kim Heung Soo
Published: September 2022

Recently, the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) of autonomous vehicles (AVs) has offered substantial benefits to drivers. Improvement of passenger safety is one of the key factors for evolving AVs. An automated system provided by the ADAS in autonomous vehicles is a salient feature for passenger safety in modern vehicles. With an increasing number of electronic control units and a combination of multiple sensors, there are now sufficient computing aptitudes in the car to support ADAS deployment. An ADAS is composed of various sensors: radio detection and ranging (RADAR), cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and LiDAR. However, continual use of multiple sensors and actuators of the ADAS can lead to failure of AV sensors. Thus, prognostic health management (PHM) of ADAS is important for smooth and continuous operation of AVs. The PHM of AVs has recently been introduced and is still progressing. There is a lack of surveys available related to sensor-based PHM of AVs in the literature. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to identify sensor-based PHM, emphasizing different fault identification and isolation (FDI) techniques with challenges and gaps existing in this field.
Analytical Investigations into Anomalous Diffusion Driven by Stress Redistribution Events: Consequences of Lévy Flights
Authors: Cleland Josiah D. , Williams Martin A. K.
Published: September 2022

This research is concerned with developing a generalised diffusion equation capable of describing diffusion processes driven by underlying stress-redistributing type events. The work utilises the development of an appropriate continuous time random walk framework as a foundation to consider a new generalised diffusion equation. While previous work has explored the resulting generalised diffusion equation for jump-timings motivated by stick-slip physics, here non-Gaussian probability distributions of the jump displacements are also considered, specifically Lévy flights. This work illuminates several features of the analytic solution to such a generalised diffusion equation using several known properties of the Fox H function. Specifically demonstrated are the temporal behaviour of the resulting position probability density function, and its normalisation. The reduction of the proposed form to expected known solutions upon the insertion of simplifying parameter values, as well as a demonstration of asymptotic behaviours, is undertaken to add confidence to the validity of this equation. This work describes the analytical solution of such a generalised diffusion equation for the first time, and additionally demonstrates the capacity of the Fox H function and its properties in solving and studying generalised Fokker–Planck equations.
A Decision Model to Plan Optimally Production-Distribution of Seafood Product with Multiple Locations
Authors: Firmansyah Firmansyah , Mawengkang Herman , Mujib Abdul , Mathelinea Devy
Published: September 2022

This study examines a multi-product fish production and distribution system in which multi-fish products are produced simultaneously from a wide range of raw resource classes. The objective of environmentally sustainable production planning is to meet market demand in accordance with environmental constraints. This paper sets out a management model that converts fisheries into multiple marine objects and moves them to various dispensing centers. It also incorporates a model to improve production and distribution planning at the same time. The problem is formulated as a mixed integer programming model. Then, we addressed a strategy of releasing non-basic variables from their bounds to force basic non-integer variables to take integer value. As an implementation, we solved a fish production planning problem faced by an industry located in Kisaran city, North Sumatra province, Indonesia.
Actinoflavosides B–D, Flavonoid Type Glycosides from Tidal Mudflat-Derived Actinomyces
Authors: Jeong Hyeongju , Jo Se , Bae Munhyung , Kim Young , Moon Kyuho
Published: September 2022

Three new secondary metabolites, actinoflavosides B–D (1–3), were discovered in the culture broth of two actinomycete strains (JML48 and JMS33) that were isolated from tidal mudflat sediment in Muan, Republic of Korea. The planar structures of the actinoflavosides were elucidated by MS, UV, and NMR analyses. The stereochemistry of an aminosugar, 2,3,6-trideoxy-3-amino-ribopyranoside in the actinoflavosides was determined by J-based configuration analysis using values obtained from DQF-COSY experiments and modified Mosher’s method. Actinoflavosides B–D (1–3) displayed antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and actinoflavoside D (3) significantly increased IL-2 production in mouse splenocytes.
Correlation between Physical Performance and Stabilometric Parameters in Older Adults
Authors: Labata-Lezaun Noé , González-Rueda Vanessa , Rodríguez-Sanz Jacobo , López-de-Celis Carlos , Llurda-Almuzara Luis , Rodríguez-Rubio Pere Ramón , Pérez-Bellmunt Albert
Published: September 2022

Background and Objectives: Falls are a common and serious threat to the health and independence of older adults. The decrease in functional capacity during aging means an increased risk of falls. To date, it is not known whether there is a relationship between balance and functional tests. The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation between eyes-open and eyes-closed static balance with different functional tests. Materials and Methods: A correlation study was designed with 52 healthy subjects over 65 years of age. Results: Regarding the open eyes stabilometric parameters, significant correlations observed between the surface and the functional tests were weak in all cases. The correlations observed between length and the functional tests performed were moderate, except for that of the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) which was weak. No significant correlation between TUG and surface was found. Regarding the closed eyes stabilometric parameters, statistically significant moderate correlations were found between the surface and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and the Five Times Sit to Stand test (5XSST). In the case of the length with eyes closed, a statistically significant moderate correlation (rho = 0.40–0.69) was found with the SPPB and 5XSST variables, and weak correlations with the 4 m Walk Speed test (4WS) and TUG variables. Conclusions: There is a mild to moderate correlation between some functional tests and stabilometric parameters in adults over 65 years old.
Chronic Rupture of Achilles Tendon Caused by Haglund’s Deformity: A Case Report
Authors: Usman Muhammad Andry , Murtaza Benny , Winangun Putu Acarya Nugraha , Kennedy Dave
Published: September 2022

A chronic Achilles tendon rupture is a tendon rupture occurring more than 4–6 weeks after a traumatic injury. Haglund’s deformity, caused by bony abnormalities in the ankle (mostly due to osteophyte or bone spur), can cause chronic inflammation and degeneration of the Achilles tendon, eventually leading to rupture. This presents a challenge for clinicians who provide tendon repair procedures. We present a 69-year-old woman who had difficulty moving her left leg and had a deformity on the left leg compared to her right leg after falling nine months before but with pain starting three months before the accident. There was a seven-centimeter gap in the calcaneus with a positive Thompson test. The Haglund’s deformity on the left calcaneus was visible on the ankle X-ray. The patient had a chronic total rupture of the left Achilles tendon, which was treated with a flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer and resection of the deformity. One week after surgery, the patient’s ability to walk and the shape of the left leg improved. This case report describes a chronic left Achilles tendon condition that was successfully repaired through tendon repair surgery using FHL tendon transfer and removal of Haglund’s deformity.
Do Not Withhold Mitral Surgery from Patients with Poor Left Ventricular Function
Authors: Ostovar Roya , Schmidt Max , Schroeter Filip , Kuehnel Ralf-Uwe , Rashvand Jacqueline , Hartrumpf Martin , Albes Johannes Maximilian
Published: September 2022

Background and Objectives: Increasing reluctance to perform surgical mitral valve repair or replacement particularly in high-risk patients with poor left-ventricular function is trending. These patients are increasingly treated interventionally, e.g., by MitraClip, but often show only low to moderate improvement. The primary objective of the study was to investigate whether left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) influences postoperative mortality. Materials and Methods: The study included 903 patients undergoing mitral valve repair or replacement between 2009 and 2021. Statistical comparison was performed between patients with LVEF ≤ 30% and LVEF > 30%. Finally, statistical analysis was performed according to propensity score matching (1:3 PS matching). Results: No significant difference in in-hospital mortality was found before and after matching regarding LVEF ≤ 30% and LVEF > 30% (Pre: 10.8% vs. 15.1%, p = 0.241, after: 11.6% vs. 18.1%, p = 0.142). After PS matching, the 112 patients with LVEF ≤ 30% compared with 336 patients with LVEF > 30% showed a significantly higher preoperative NT-proBNP (p < 0.001), larger diameters at preoperative left ventricle and atrium (p < 0.001), lower preoperative TAPSE (p = 0.003) and PAP (p = 0.003), and more dilated cardiomyopathy and chronic kidney disease (p < 0.001, p = 0.045). Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate that poor preoperative LVEF alone does not play a significant role in postoperative outcome and long-term mortality. Prognosis appears to be multifactorial. Poor preoperative LVEF is not a contraindication for surgery and does not justify primary interventional treatment accepting inferior hemodynamic results impeding outcome.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy and Corticosteroids for Vestibular Neuritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Hidayati Hanik Badriyah , Imania Hana Aqilah Nur , Octaviana Dinda Sella , Kurniawan Roy Bagus , Wungu Citrawati Dyah Kencono , Rida Ariarini Ni Nengah , Srisetyaningrum Cempaka Thursina , Oceandy Delvac
Published: September 2022

Background and Objectives: Besides corticosteroids, clinicians found that vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) has a potential effect on vestibular neuritis (VN) improvement. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of both corticosteroid therapy (CT) compared to VRT, and each group compared to their combination (CT vs. (CT+VRT) and VRT vs. (CT + VRT). Materials and Methods: Systematic searches were performed in PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the administration of at least CT and VRT for VN. The outcome of interest was VN’s subjective and objective improvement parameters. Results: Four RCTs involving a total of 182 patients with VN were eligible for systematic review and meta-analysis. The weighted mean difference (WMD) of canal paresis (objective parameter) in the CT group is significantly lower than in the VRT group after a 1 month follow-up (8.31; 95% CI: 0.29, −16.32; p = 0.04; fixed effect). Meanwhile, the WMD of Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) (subjective parameter) in the VRT group is significantly lower than in the CT group after a 1 month follow-up (−3.95; 95% CI: −7.69, −0.21; p = 0.04; fixed effect). Similarly, the WMD of DHI in the combination group (CT+VRT) is significantly lower than in the CT group after a 3 month follow-up (3.15; 95% CI: 1.50, 4.80; p = 0.0002; fixed effect). However, there is no significant difference in all outcomes after 12 months of follow-ups in all groups (CT vs. VRT, CT vs. combination, and VRT vs. combination). Conclusions: This study indicates that CT enhances the earlier canal paresis improvement, as the objective parameter, while VRT gives the earlier DHI score improvement, as the subjective parameter. However, their long-term efficacy does not appear to be different. VRT has to be offered as the primary option for patients with VN, and corticosteroids can be added to provide better recovery in the absence of its contraindication. However, whether to choose VRT, CT, or its combination should be tailored to the patient’s condition. Future studies are still needed to revisit this issue, due to the small number of trials in this field. (PROSPERO ID: CRD42021220615).
Association between 19-bp Insertion/Deletion Polymorphism of Dopamine β-Hydroxylase and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Thai Patients
Authors: Wongpaiboonwattana Wikrom , Hnoonual Areerat , Limprasert Pornprot
Published: September 2022

Background and Objectives: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder the cause of which is not fully known. Genetic factors are believed to play a major role in the etiology of ASD. However, genetic factors have been identified in only some cases, and other causes remain to be identified. This study aimed to identify potential associations between ASD and the 19-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism in the dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) gene which plays a crucial role in the metabolism of neurotransmitters. Materials and Methods: The 19-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism upstream of the DBH gene was analyzed for associations in 177 ASD patients and 250 healthy controls. Family-based analysis was performed in family trios of each patient using the transmission disequilibrium test to investigate the potential contributions of this DBH polymorphism to ASD. Results: The frequency of the 19-bp insertion allele was significantly higher in the patient group compared to the controls (0.624 vs. 0.556, respectively; p = 0.046). The frequency of the insertion/insertion genotype was also higher in the patient group (0.378 vs. 0.288, respectively) but without statistical significance (p = 0.110). The family-based analysis showed an association between patient families and the insertion allele when only families of male participants were analyzed (73 vs. 48 events; OR 1.521; 95% CI 1.057–2.189; p = 0.023). Conclusions: This population-based analysis found an association between the 19-bp insertion allele of the DBH gene and ASD. No association at the genotype level was found. The family-based analysis found an association between the insertion allele and ASD when the analysis was performed on male participants only, suggesting a linkage between the DBH locus and ASD.
Vitamin D Supplementation in the Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Overweight and Obese Children
Authors: Pecoraro Luca , Nisi Fulvio , Serafin Angela , Antoniazzi Franco , Dalle Carbonare Luca , Piacentini Giorgio , Pietrobelli Angelo
Published: September 2022

Background: Childhood obesity is associated with cardiovascular-disease (CVD) risk factors, an unfavorable lipid profile and reduced levels of 25(OH)D. The aim of our study is to evaluate whether vitamin D supplementation may play a role in the assessment of the CVD risk factors in overweight/obese children and adolescents. Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study involving children (9–15 years of age) with a known diagnosis of overweight or obesity (BMI > 25) and decreased levels of 25(OH)D (<25 ng/mL), who underwent oral vitamin D supplementation (100,000 UI, one vial/month) for six months. The anthropometric parameters, 25(OH)D, serum lipids and ALT levels were measured at the beginning (T0) and after 6 months (T1). Results: Of the 58 patients recruited, 45 had an increase in the serum 25(OH)D levels after supplementation. Vitamin D supplementation was associated with a decrease in the serum levels of the total cholesterol (p = 0.009), LDL-C (p = 0.005) and ALT (p = 0.005), and an increase in HDL-C (p = 0.03). These results were confirmed when the correction for the body mass index (BMI) was applied. Conclusions: The favorable effect of vitamin D supplementation on the total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C and ALT could transform these values into modifiable risk factors starting in early childhood, with beneficial effects on long-term health.
Effect of Drying Temperature on Physical, Chemical, and Antioxidant Properties of Ginger Oil Loaded Gelatin-Sodium Alginate Edible Films
Authors: Al-Harrasi Ahmed , Bhatia Saurabh , Al-Azri Mohammed Said , Ullah Sana , Najmi Asim , Albratty Mohammed , Meraya Abdulkarim M. , Mohan Syam , Aldawsari Mohammed F.
Published: September 2022

The drying temperature is one of the crucial parameters that impacts the physical, chemical, and biological properties of edible films (EFs). This parameter determines the degree of crystallinity, which can further impact the film’s mechanical, barrier, and optical properties. The present work is designed to investigate the effect of different drying temperature conditions (25 °C and 45 °C) on ginger essential oil (GEO) loaded Gelatin-sodium alginate composite films over their physical, chemical, and antioxidant properties. Results indicated that drying of films at 25 °C had a positive effect on certain properties of the EFs, such as the moisture content (MC), water solubility (S), swelling degree (SD), water vapor permeability (WVP), and mechanical and optical properties. SEM analysis showed that films dried at 25 °C presented more uniform surface properties with fewer cracks and pores compared to films dried at 45 °C. TGA analysis demonstrated the higher thermal stability of the films when dried at 25 °C. Findings obtained from X-ray diffraction (XRD) and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed film crystallinity and electrostatic interactions between GE, SA, and GEO. Results obtained from antioxidant assays revealed that films dried at 25 °C showed comparable antioxidant capacity to that of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Furthermore, it was found that the addition of SA and GEO to the blank GE films improved their physical, chemical, and antioxidant properties. The present work suggests that GEO loaded GE-SA based films showed better physical, chemical, and antioxidant potential when dried at a lower temperature. These novel materials can be utilized as potential packaging materials in the food industry.
New Aspects of Bilayer Lipid Membranes for the Analysis of Ion Channel Functions
Authors: Kageyama Hironori , Ma Teng , Sato Madoka , Komiya Maki , Tadaki Daisuke , Hirano-Iwata Ayumi
Published: September 2022

The bilayer lipid membrane (BLM) is the main structural component of cell membranes, in which various membrane proteins are embedded. Artificially formed BLMs have been used as a platform in studies of the functions of membrane proteins, including various ion channels. In this review, we summarize recent advances that have been made on artificial BLM systems for the analysis of ion channel functions. We focus on two BLM-based systems, cell-membrane mimicry and four-terminal BLM systems. As a cell-membrane-mimicking system, an efficient screening platform for the evaluation of drug side effects that act on a cell-free synthesized channel has been developed, and its prospects for use in personalized medicine will be discussed. In the four-terminal BLMs, we introduce “lateral voltage” to BLM systems as a novel input to regulate channel activities, in addition to the traditional transmembrane voltages. Such state-of-the-art technologies and new system setups are predicted to pave the way for a variety of applications, in both fundamental physiology and in drug discovery.
The Effect of the Shear Flow on the Morphological Pattern of Particles in an Undercooled Melt
Authors: Chen Mingwen , Zhao Jinhui , Chen Yan , Zheng Guanjie , Wang Zidong
Published: September 2022

The effect of shear flow on the morphological pattern of particles in an undercooled melt is studied by using the asymptotic method. The mathematical model of the particle includes the anisotropic interface kinetic undercooling. The asymptotic solution for the mathematical model of the particle shows that shear flow in an undercooled melt intensifies the deformation and distortion of the particle in the initial stage of crystal growth. Due to the shear flow, the growth rate of the interface increases in the shear direction of the flow and strengthens the inward decay of the part of the interface induced by the anisotropic interface kinetics in the initial stage of crystal growth. As the shear rate of the flow increases, the interface of the particle is seriously deformed and distorted until it breaks into smaller particles. The analytical result provides the prediction of the formation of interface microstructures during solidification through the change of processing parameters.
Mathematical Modeling of Heating and Strain Aging of Steel during High-Speed Wire Drawing
Authors: Radionova Liudmila V. , Gromov Dmitry V. , Svistun Alexandra S. , Lisovskiy Roman A. , Faizov Sergei R. , Glebov Lev A. , Zaramenskikh Sergei E. , Bykov Vitaly A. , Erdakov Ivan N.
Published: September 2022

In this article, a mathematical model of the wire’s average temperature change in the process of multiple drawing on high-speed straight-line drawing machines has been developed. The calculation results showed that the average temperature of the wire during a drawing at a speed of up to 45 m/s on straight-line drawing machines could reach 400 °C. Deformation heating of the wire during drawing does not exceed 60 °C, and heating due to sliding friction can reach 300 °C, depending on the friction coefficient, which ranges from 0.05 to 0.15. The average strain rates under the conditions of the modern high-speed drawing process reach 7000 s−1. Over the course of the research, it was found that there are no conditions for the occurrence of dynamic deformation aging due to impurity atoms of carbon, nitrogen and oxygen. At the same time, at the temperature and speed parameters of the high-speed wire drawing, conditions are created for the onset of the dynamic strain aging of steel in the presence of hydrogen atoms. Therefore, during heat treatment and pickling, it is necessary to exclude the hydrogenation of steel. It has been established that in order to exclude static strain aging of steel during drawing, it is necessary to prevent heating the wire above 180–200 °C.
The Mediation Effect of Peripheral Biomarkers of Calcium Metabolism and Chronotypes in Bipolar Disorder Psychopathology
Authors: de Filippis Renato , D’Angelo Martina , Carbone Elvira Anna , De Fazio Pasquale , Steardo Luca
Published: September 2022

Calcium (Ca++) metabolism may be impaired in several psychiatric diseases. We hypothesize that calcium imbalance might also correlate with a specific chronotype and could be recognized as a marker of illness severity in bipolar disorder (BD). We aimed to (1) identify the association between calcium imbalance and a specific chronotype in a cohort of BD patients, and (2) test the mediation role of high parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels towards a specific chronotype and illness severity in BD patients. Patients’ socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were collected with an ad-hoc schedule. We administered the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A), the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), and the Morningness Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ). 100 patients affected by BD were recruited. The Kruskal-Wallis test showed a significant difference between the three MEQ groups in PTH levels (p < 0.001) and vitamin D levels (p = 0.048) but not in Ca++ levels (p = 0.426). Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner Pairwise analyses performed concerning three MEQ groups revealed significantly higher scores on PTH levels in MEQ-E subjects compared to MEQ-M and MEQ-I (in both cases, p < 0.001). No differences emerged between calcium levels among the three chronotypes. The mediation analysis has shown that elevated PTH levels are directly influenced by more severe HAM-A, HAM-D, and YMRS scores. MEQ-E could be a marker related to BD and predispose to various factors influencing mood symptoms. The combination of vitamin D therapy in MEQ-E may help to improve prognosis in this subtype of patients affected by BD.
Modelling Diabetic Cardiomyopathy: Using Human Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes to Complement Animal Models
Authors: Purnama Ujang , Castro-Guarda Marcos , Sahoo Om Saswat , Carr Carolyn A.
Published: September 2022

Diabetes is a global epidemic, with cardiovascular disease being the leading cause of death in diabetic patients. There is a pressing need for an in vitro model to aid understanding of the mechanisms driving diabetic heart disease, and to provide an accurate, reliable tool for drug testing. Human induced-pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) have potential as a disease modelling tool. There are several factors that drive molecular changes inside cardiomyocytes contributing to diabetic cardiomyopathy, including hyperglycaemia, lipotoxicity and hyperinsulinemia. Here we discuss these factors and how they can be seen in animal models and utilised in cell culture to mimic the diabetic heart. The use of human iPSC-CMs will allow for a greater understanding of disease pathogenesis and open up new avenues for drug testing.
Profile of Selected Secondary Metabolites and Antioxidant Activity of Valerian and Lovage Grown in Organic and Low-Input Conventional System
Authors: Średnicka-Tober Dominika , Hallmann Ewelina , Kopczyńska Klaudia , Góralska-Walczak Rita , Barański Marcin , Grycz Alicja , Seidler-Łożykowska Katarzyna , Rembiałkowska Ewa , Kazimierczak Renata
Published: September 2022

In the present study, the roots of valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) and lovage (Levisticum officinale Koch.) from the organic and low-input conventional cultivation systems were subjected to the analysis of selected groups of phenolic compounds (phenolic acids, flavonoids) and antioxidant activity. Plants were grown in two consecutive vegetation seasons in the experimental plots located in western Poland. Phenolic acids and flavonoids were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC/UV–Vis), while the antioxidant activity of the samples was measured with the use of DPPH radical scavenging activity assay. The concentrations of phenolic acids (sum) and flavonoids (sum) were found to be higher in the conventional lovage roots, as compared to the organically grown lovage roots, while in the case of valerian, no significant effects of the cultivation system on the levels of the sums of these analyzed compounds were found. Furthermore, no significant effect of the cultivation system on the antioxidant activity of herbs was observed. Additional efforts could be invested in enhancing the potential of organic medicinal plants to consistently present the expected high concentrations of health-promoting antioxidants, which could be effectively brought through their post-harvest handling, storage and processing, and thus meet consumers’ expectations at the stage when they reach the market.
The Metabolomic Profile in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Changes According to the Progression of the Disease: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Marino Carmen , Grimaldi Manuela , Sommella Eduardo Maria , Ciaglia Tania , Santoro Angelo , Buonocore Michela , Salviati Emanuela , Trojsi Francesca , Polverino Arianna , Sorrentino Pierpaolo , Sorrentino Giuseppe , Campiglia Pietro , D’Ursi Anna Maria
Published: September 2022

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative pathology of the upper or lower motor neuron. Evaluation of ALS progression is based on clinical outcomes considering the impairment of body sites. ALS has been extensively investigated in the pathogenetic mechanisms and the clinical profile; however, no molecular biomarkers are used as diagnostic criteria to establish the ALS pathological staging. Using the source-reconstructed magnetoencephalography (MEG) approach, we demonstrated that global brain hyperconnectivity is associated with early and advanced clinical ALS stages. Using nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) and high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) spectroscopy, here we studied the metabolomic profile of ALS patients’ sera characterized by different stages of disease progression—namely early and advanced. Multivariate statistical analysis of the data integrated with the network analysis indicates that metabolites related to energy deficit, abnormal concentrations of neurotoxic metabolites and metabolites related to neurotransmitter production are pathognomonic of ALS in the advanced stage. Furthermore, analysis of the lipidomic profile indicates that advanced ALS patients report significant alteration of phosphocholine (PCs), lysophosphatidylcholine (LPCs), and sphingomyelin (SMs) metabolism, consistent with the exigency of lipid remodeling to repair advanced neuronal degeneration and inflammation.
LC-MS/MS Insight into Vitamin C Restoration to Metabolic Disorder Evoked by Amyloid β in Caenorhabditis elegans CL2006
Authors: Zhang Simeng , Deng Yuchan , Zhang Annan , Yan Lili , Zhang Zhichao , Wei Jing , Zhang Qiang
Published: September 2022

The transitional expression and aggregation of amyloid β (Aβ) are the most important causative factors leading to the deterioration of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a commonly occurring metabolic disease among older people. Antioxidant agents such as vitamin C (Vc) have shown potential effects against AD and aging. We applied an liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method and differential metabolites strategy to explore the metabolic disorders and Vc restoration in a human Aβ transgenic (Punc-54::Aβ1–42) nematode model CL2006. We combined the LC-MS/MS investigation with the KEGG and HMDB databases and the CFM-ID machine-learning model to identify and qualify the metabolites with important physiological roles. The differential metabolites responding to Aβ activation and Vc treatment were filtered out and submitted to enrichment analysis. The enrichment showed that Aβ mainly caused abnormal biosynthesis and metabolism pathways of phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, as well as arginine and proline metabolism. Vc reversed the abnormally changed metabolites tryptophan, anthranilate, indole and indole-3-acetaldehyde. Vc restoration affected the tryptophan metabolism and the biosynthesis of phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan. Our findings provide supporting evidence for understanding the metabolic abnormalities in neurodegenerative diseases and the repairing effect of drug interventions.
Optimal Design for 3-PSS Flexible Parallel Micromanipulator Based on Kinematic and Dynamic Characteristics
Authors: Ren Jun , Li Qiliang , Wu Hanhai , Cao Qiuyu
Published: September 2022

This paper proposes two optimal design schemes for improving the kinematic and dynamic performance of the 3-PSS flexible parallel micromanipulator according to different application requirements and conditions. Firstly, the workspace, dexterity, frequencies, and driving forces of the mechanism are successively analyzed. Then, a progressive optimization design is carried out, in which the scale parameters of this mechanism are firstly optimized to maximize the workspace, combining the constraints of the minimum global dexterity of the mechanism. Based on the optimized scale parameters, the minimum thickness and the cutting radius of the flexure spherical hinge are further optimized for minimizing the required driving forces, combined with constraints of the minimum first-order natural frequency of the mechanism and the maximum stress of the flexure spherical hinge during the movement of the mechanism. Afterward, a synchronous optimization design is proposed, in which the scale parameters are optimized to maximize the first-order natural frequency of the mechanism, combined with the constraints of a certain inscribed circle of the maximum cross-section of the workspace, the maximum stroke of the selected piezoelectric stages, and the maximum ultimate angular displacement of the flexure spherical hinge. The effectiveness of both optimization methods is verified by the comparison of the kinematic and dynamic characteristics of the original and optimized mechanism. The advantage of the progressive optimization method is that both the workspace and the driving forces are optimized and the minimum requirements for global dexterity and first-order natural frequency are ensured. The merit of the synchronous optimization method is that only the scale parameters of the mechanism need to be optimized without changing the structural parameters of the flexible spherical hinge.
Optical Sensor, Based on an Accelerometer, for Low-Frequency Mechanical Vibrations
Authors: Sánchez-Fraga Rodolfo , Tecpoyotl-Torres Margarita , Mejía Israel , Mañón Jorge Omar , Riestra Luis Eduardo , Alcantar-Peña Jesús
Published: September 2022

This article documents the design, manufacture, and testing of a silicon inertial optical sensor for low-frequency (lower than 2 kHz) applications. Three accelerometer designs optimized by parameterization using Finite Element Analysis were considered. The accelerometers were manufactured and the one with the highest performance at low frequency was chosen for testing, which was attached to a steel package. The feasibility of using probes, based on micro-machined sensing elements, to measure mechanical vibrations with high resolution was also studied. The detection is performed with an air interferometer, eliminating the need for electric signals that are susceptible to electromagnetic interference and large temperature variations. From the fabrication technology using only a silicon wafer with both sides etched, the frequency response of the sensor, temperature operation (higher than 85 °C) and with a resolution of 17.5 nm, it was concluded that is achievable and feasible to design and manufacture an optical vibration sensor for potential harsh environments with a low cost.
A SiCN Thin Film Thermistor Based on DVB Modified Polymer-Derived Ceramics
Authors: Wu Chao , Lin Fan , Pan Xiaochuan , Zeng Yingjun , Chen Guochun , Xu Lida , He Yingping , Sun Daoheng , Hai Zhenyin
Published: September 2022

Carbon-rich SiCN ceramics were prepared by divinylbenzene (DVB)-modified polysilazane (PSN2), and a high-conductivity SiCN thin film sensor suitable for medium-low temperature sensing was fabricated. The modified liquid precursors were patterned by direct ink writing to produce SiCN resistive grids with line widths of several hundreds of micrometers and thicknesses of several micrometers. The introduction of DVB not only increases the critical thickness of SiCN ceramics several times, but also significantly improves the conductivity of SiCN, making it meet the conductivity requirements of sensing applications in the mid-low temperature range. The electrical conductivity and microstructure of DVB-modified SiCN ceramics were studied in detail. In the temperature range of 30~400 °C, the temperature resistance performance of DVB modified SiCN resistance grid was measured. The SiCN ceramics with low DVB content not only have excellent electrical conductivity, but also have good oxidation resistance.
Design of a Multiple Folded-Beam Disk Resonator with High Quality Factor
Authors: Sun Xiaopeng , Zhou Xin , Yu Lei , He Kaixuan , Xiao Dingbang , Wu Xuezhong
Published: September 2022

This paper proposes a new multiple folded-beam disk resonator whose thermoelastic quality factor is significantly improved by appropriately reducing the beam width and introducing integral-designed lumped masses. The quality factor of the fabricated resonator with (100) single crystal silicon reaches 710 k, proving to be a record in silicon disk resonators. Meanwhile, a small initial frequency split of the order-3 working modes endows the resonator with great potential for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) gyroscopes application. Moreover, the experimental quality factor of resonators with different beam widths and relevant temperature experiment indicate that the dominating damping mechanism of the multiple folded-beam disk resonator is no longer thermoelastic damping.
Recent Process in Microrobots: From Propulsion to Swarming for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Wu Ruoxuan , Zhu Yi , Cai Xihang , Wu Sichen , Xu Lei , Yu Tingting
Published: September 2022

Recently, robots have assisted and contributed to the biomedical field. Scaling down the size of robots to micro/nanoscale can increase the accuracy of targeted medications and decrease the danger of invasive operations in human surgery. Inspired by the motion pattern and collective behaviors of the tiny biological motors in nature, various kinds of sophisticated and programmable microrobots are fabricated with the ability for cargo delivery, bio-imaging, precise operation, etc. In this review, four types of propulsion—magnetically, acoustically, chemically/optically and hybrid driven—and their corresponding features have been outlined and categorized. In particular, the locomotion of these micro/nanorobots, as well as the requirement of biocompatibility, transportation efficiency, and controllable motion for applications in the complex human body environment should be considered. We discuss applications of different propulsion mechanisms in the biomedical field, list their individual benefits, and suggest their potential growth paths.
Evaluation of a High-Temperature Pre-Heating System Design for a Large-Scale Additive Manufacturing System
Authors: Ramulifho Rabelani Duncan , Gupta Kapil , Glaser Daniel
Published: September 2022

Additive Manufacturing (AM) of titanium (Ti6Al4V) material using Selective Laser Melting (SLM) may generate significant residual stresses of a tensile nature, which can cause premature component failure. The Aeroswift platform is a large volume AM machine where a high-temperature substrate preheating system is used to mitigate high thermal gradients. The current machine platform is unable to achieve a target build-plate temperature of 600 °C. This study focuses on the analysis of the preheating system design to determine the cause of its inefficiency, and the experimental testing of key components such as the heater and insulation materials. A Finite Element Analysis (FEA) model shows the ceramic heater achieves a maximum temperature of 395 °C, while the substrates (build-plates) only attain 374 °C. Analysis showed that having several metal components in contact and inadequate insulation around the heater caused heat loss, resulting in the preheating system’s inefficiency. Additionally, experimental testing shows that the insulation material used was 44% efficient, and a simple insulated test setup was only able to obtain a maximum temperature of 548.8 °C on a 20 mm thick stainless steel 304 plate, which illustrated some of the challenges faced by the current pre-heating design. New design options have been developed and FEA analysis indicates that a reduction in heat loss through improved sub-component configurations can obtain 650 °C degrees above the substrate without changing the heating element power. The development and challenges associated with the large-scale preheating system for AM are discussed, giving an insight into improving its performance.
A Review of Various Attempts on Multi-Functional Encapsulation Technologies for the Reliability of OLEDs
Authors: Jeon Yongmin , Lee Hyeongjun , Kim Hyeunwoo , Kwon Jeong-Hyun
Published: September 2022

As the demand for flexible organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) grows beyond that for rigid OLEDs, various elements of OLEDs, such as thin-film transistors, electrodes, thin-film encapsulations (TFEs), and touch screen panels, have been developed to overcome OLEDs’ physical and chemical limitations through material and structural design. In particular, TFEs, which protect OLEDs from the external environment, including reactive gases, heat, sunlight, dust, and particles, have technical difficulties to be solved. This review covers various encapsulation technologies that have been developed with the advent of atomic layer deposition (ALD) technology for highly reliable OLEDs, in which solutions to existing technical difficulties in flexible encapsulations are proposed. However, as the conventional encapsulation technologies did not show technological differentiation because researchers have focused only on improving their barrier performance by increasing their thickness and the number of pairs, OLEDs are inevitably vulnerable to environmental degradation induced by ultraviolet (UV) light, heat, and barrier film corrosion. Therefore, research on multi-functional encapsulation technology customized for display applications has been conducted. Many research groups have created functional TFEs by applying nanolaminates, optical Bragg mirrors, and interfacial engineering between layers. As transparent, wearable, and stretchable OLEDs will be actively commercialized beyond flexible OLEDs in the future, customized encapsulation considering the characteristics of the display will be a key technology that guarantees the reliability of the display and accelerates the realization of advanced displays.
Study on the CBN Wheel Wear Mechanism of Longitudinal-Torsional Ultrasonic-Assisted Grinding Applied to TC4 Titanium Alloy
Authors: Liu Junli , Liu Zhongpeng , Yan Yanyan , Wang Xiaoxu
Published: September 2022

In this study, the CBN (cubic boron nitride) wheel wear model of TC4 titanium alloy in longitudinal-torsional ultrasonic-assisted grinding (LTUAG) was established to explore the grinding wheel wear pattern of TC4 titanium alloy in LTUAG and to improve the grinding efficiency of TC4 titanium alloy and the grinding wheel life. The establishment of the model is based on the grinding force model, the abrasive surface temperature model, the abrasive wear model, and the adhesion wear model of TC4 titanium alloy in LTUAG. The accuracy of the built model is verified by the wheel wear test of TC4 titanium alloy in LTUAG. Research has shown that the grinding force and grinding temperature in LTUAG increase with the increase of the grinding depth and workpiece feed rate and decrease with the increase of the longitudinal ultrasonic amplitude. It also shows that the grinding force gradually decreases with the increase of the grinding wheel speed, while the grinding temperature gradually increases with the increase of the grinding wheel speed. In addition, the use of LTUAG can significantly reduce the wear rate of the grinding wheel by 25.2%. It can also effectively reduce the grinding force and grinding temperature.
Material Removal Mechanism in Photocatalytic−Assisted Jet Electrochemical Machining of SiCp/Al
Authors: Wang Feng , Zhou Jing , Wu Siyi , Kang Xiaoming , Gu Lin , Zhao Wansheng
Published: September 2022

Silicon carbide particle reinforced aluminum matrix (SiCp/Al) composites are increasingly used in high−end industries because of their superior comprehensive material properties. However, their advanced properties also create severe challenges for traditional processing technologies. A new hybrid machining method named photocatalytic−assisted jet electrochemical machining (PAJECM) is proposed to improve the machining capability by synchronously removing the metal aluminum matrix and the SiC particles. Comparative experiments were carried out on whether photocatalysis was added. The results show that after photocatalytic−assisted jet electrochemical machining, the height of SiC particles’ extrusion on the surface is significantly reduced. Compared with jet electrochemical machining (JECM) without photocatalysis at the same processing voltage, the surface roughness value is reduced, and the processing quality is improved. In PAJECM, the aluminum matrix is removed by electrochemical anodic dissolution, while the SiC particles generate a SiO2 reaction layer through photocatalysis, and the TiO2 abrasive flow’s mechanical action repeatedly removes the reaction layer. The electrochemical polarization curves and energy diffraction spectroscopy elemental analysis confirmed the material removal mechanism of PAJECM. Based on analyzing the phenomenon of material removal in detail, a qualitative model of the PAJECM material removal mechanism is established. This study provides valuable insights into the material removal mechanism in photocatalytic and jet electrochemical machining composite processes.
Rheological and Aesthetical Properties of Polyolefin Composites for Flame Retardant Cables with High Loading of Mineral Fillers
Authors: Haveriku Sara , Meucci Michela , Badalassi Marco , Cardelli Camillo , Pucci Andrea
Published: September 2022

It was found that the use of natural magnesium hydroxide (n–MDH) as mineral filler in EVA based composites provided mechanical and rheological properties that did not completely comply with the halogen-free flame-retardant (HFFR) cables parameters. Moreover, the use of n–MDH mostly gave a rough grey surface in the compound extruded by rheometry capillary. In contrast, with the use of synthetic material (s–MDH), a combination of better outcomes was observed. Mechanical and rheological properties were more aligned with the application, and the aesthetics were also improved, i.e., the surface was smooth and whiter. Therefore, with the aim of obtaining good aesthetical quality on the extrudate, we studied formulations by varying the type of polymer matrix and using a mixture of the natural magnesium hydroxide combined with other kind of fillers (in a 3:1 ratio using as main filler n–MDH). On this account, we found a synergistic effect in the mechanical, rheological, and aesthetic properties for the filler blend system containing n–MDH in combination with s–MDH or Böhmite AlO(OH), or using a secondary polymer belonging to the polybutene family combined with EVA.