bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Super-Absorbent Polymer (SAP) Incorporation Method on Mechanical and Shrinkage Properties of Internally Cured Concrete
Authors: Huang Xingliang , Liu Xiaoyu , Rong Hongliu , Yang Xiaolong , Duan Yunsheng , Ren Tingting
Published: November 2022

To study the effect of SAP incorporation on the early shrinkage of SAP internally cured concrete with the aim to solve the problems of early shrinkage and cracking of bridge leveling-layer concrete, using the SAP incorporation method as a parameter, the mechanical properties test of internally cured concrete, the shrinkage performance test of ring restraint and the scanning electron microscope observation test were carried out. The effects of the SAP content and incorporation method on the flowability, mechanical properties, shrinkage performance and microstructure of internally cured concrete were analyzed. The experimental results show that when the content of the SAP in concrete is 0.2% of the mass of cementitious materials, it has the least influence on the compressive strength of concrete. The addition of preabsorbed water to the SAP can delay early cement hydration, increase the later cement hydration rate and final hydration degree, and improve the concrete strength. Preabsorbed water mixed with an SAP can effectively improve the shrinkage of concrete, and the shrinkage reduction effect is more obvious than that from the dry addition of the SAP; the early cracking risk of concrete without an SAP is high, and it will crack before day 28. The addition of an SAP can strengthen the microstructure of concrete and improve its density and crack resistance, effectively avoiding concrete cracking. It is recommended that the water-absorbent resin be incorporated in a preabsorbent manner, and the SAP preabsorbent ratio is equal to the maximum water storage rate of the SAP.
Mechanical and Durability Evaluation of Metakaolin as Cement Replacement Material in Concrete
Authors: Al-Hashem Mohammed Najeeb , Amin Muhammad Nasir , Ajwad Ali , Afzal Muhammad , Khan Kaffayatullah , Faraz Muhammad Iftikhar , Qadir Muhammad Ghulam , Khan Hayat
Published: November 2022

Due to the increasing prices of cement and its harmful effect on the environment, the use of cement has become highly unsustainable in concrete. There is a considerable need for promoting the use of cement replacement materials. This study investigates the effect of variable percentages of metakaolin (MK) on the mechanical and durability performance of concrete. Kaolin clay (KC) was used in the current research to prepare the MK by the calcination process; it was ground in a ball mill to its maximum achievable fineness value of 2550 m2/Kg. Four replacement levels of MK, i.e., 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% by weight of cement, in addition to control samples, at a constant water-to-cement (w/c) ratio of 0.55 were used. For evaluating the mechanical and durability performance, 27 cubes (6 in. × 6 in. × 6 in.) and 6 cylinders (3.875 in. diameter, 2 in. height) were cast for each mix. These samples were tested for compressive strength under standard conditions and in an acidic environment, in addition to being subjected to water permeability, sorptivity, and water absorption tests. Chemical analysis revealed that MK could be used as pozzolana as per the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM C 618:2003). The results demonstrated an increased compressive strength of concrete owing to an increased percentage of MK in the mix with aging. In particular, the concrete having 20% MK after curing under standard conditions exhibited 33.43% higher compressive strength at 90 days as compared to similarly aged control concrete. However, with increasing MK, the workability of concrete decreased drastically. After being subjected to an acid attack (immersing concrete cubes in 2% sulfuric acid solution), the samples exhibited a significant decrease in compressive strength at 90 days in comparison to those without acid attack at the same age. The density of acid attack increased with increasing MK with a maximum corresponding to 5% MK concrete. The current findings suggest that the local MK has the potential to produce good-quality concrete in a normal environment.
Selected Properties of Two Alternative Plant Fibers: Canola and Sweet Clover Fibers
Authors: Sadrmanesh Vahid , Chen Ying
Published: November 2022

Identifying sustainable resources of natural fibers is essential due to their high demand in industrial applications such as automotive and biomedical materials. Two alternative fibers obtained from canola and sweet clover stalks were characterized for their properties using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), contact angle, and tensile test. Hemp and flax fibers, both in use as industrial fibers, were also characterized as conventional fibers. Results showed that all the fibers had the same chemical elements (carbon, oxygen, magnesium, and potassium) and chemical bonds. The crystallinity index for the alternative fibers ranged from 62 to 71%, which was close but lower than the conventional fibers (82% for hemp and 80% for flax). The thermal stability of the alternative fibers was around 220 °C, close to the conventional fibers (230 °C). The alternative fibers had contact angles of less than 90°, showing high surface energy. Since the alternative fibers had a low Young’s modulus and tensile strength (5.57–8.52 GPa and 57.45–71.26 MPa, respectively), they are suitable for some specific applications in the biomedical industry. In contrast, conventional fibers are suitable where a higher stiffness and strength is required.
The Dexterity Capability Map for a Seven-Degree-of-Freedom Manipulator
Authors: Quan Yuan , Zhao Chong , Lv Congmin , Wang Ke , Zhou Yanlin
Published: November 2022

For a grasping task planner, the pre-planning of the reachable tip pose in a manipulator’s workspace is important. On this basis, for a seven-degree-of-freedom (7-DOF) redundant manipulator, it is very meaningful to study how to give full play to its redundant characteristics to achieve more dexterous grasping. In this paper, through the improved shape primitive method, the reachability spheres of the 7-DOF manipulator studied were more accurately captured, and a more accurate reachability capability map was generated. Then, based on the idea of redundancy angle discretization, the concept of the obstacle avoidance ability (OAA) index is innovatively proposed to measure the dexterity of the grasping task of the manipulator in a certain tip pose. Based on the OAA index axis, the distribution of the OAA index in each reachability sphere was analyzed. The prediction models of the OAA index of all reachability spheres in the workspace of the manipulator were obtained by the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm and finally formed a dexterity capability map of the manipulator, which provides a new idea for the pre-planning of the dexterous grasping task of the redundant manipulator. Finally, we give the general frameworks of different grasping pre-planning by combining two kinds of capability maps and verify the effect.
Effect of Ligand Substitution on Zero-Field Slow Magnetic Relaxation in Mononuclear Dy(III) β-Diketonate Complexes with Phenanthroline-Based Ligands
Authors: Gorshkov Egor V. , Korchagin Denis V. , Yureva Elena A. , Shilov Gennadii V. , Zhidkov Mikhail V. , Dmitriev Alexei I. , Efimov Nikolay N. , Palii Andrew V. , Aldoshin Sergey M.
Published: November 2022

Herein, we report the synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of two mononuclear complexes of general formula [Dy(acac)3(L)], where L = 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolo[4,5-f][1,10] phenanthroline (1) or 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione (2), and acac− = acetylacetonate anion. A distorted square-antiprismatic N2O6 environment around the central Dy(III) ion is formed by three acetylacetonate anions and a phenanthroline-type ligand. Both complexes display a single-molecule magnet (SMM) behavior at zero applied magnetic field. Modification of the peripheral part of ligands L provide substantial effects both on the magnetic relaxation barrier Ueff and on the quantum tunneling of magnetization (QTM). Ab initio quantum-chemical calculations are used to analyze the electronic structure and magnetic properties.
Effect of External Pressure on the Metal–Insulator Transition of the Organic Quasi-Two-Dimensional Metal κ-(BEDT-TTF)2Hg(SCN)2Br
Authors: Pesotskii Sergei I. , Lyubovskii Rustem B. , Shilov Gennady V. , Zverev Vladimir N. , Torunova Svetlana A. , Zhilyaeva Elena I. , Canadell Enric
Published: November 2022

The metal–insulator transition in the organic quasi-two-dimensional metal κ-(BEDT-TTF)2Hg(SCN)2Br at TMI ≈ 90 K has been investigated. The crystal structure changes during this transition from monoclinic above TMI to triclinic below TMI. A theoretical study suggested that this phase transition should be of the metal-to-metal type and brings about a substantial change of the Fermi surface. Apparently, the electronic system in the triclinic phase is unstable toward a Mott insulating state, leading to the growth of the resistance when the temperature drops below TMI ≈ 90 K. The application of external pressure suppresses the Mott transition and restores the metallic electronic structure of the triclinic phase. The observed quantum oscillations of the magnetoresistance are in good agreement with the calculated Fermi surface for the triclinic phase, providing a plausible explanation for the puzzling behavior of κ-(BEDT-TTF)2Hg(SCN)2Br as a function of temperature and pressure around 100 K. The present study points out interesting differences in the structural and physical behaviors of the two room temperature isostructural salts of κ-(BEDT-TTF)2Hg(SCN)2X with X = Br, Cl.
Kinematic Modes Identification and Its Intelligent Control of Micro-Nano Particle Manipulated by Acoustic Signal
Authors: Jiao Xiaodong , Tao Jin , Sun Hao , Sun Qinglin
Published: November 2022

In this paper, the dynamics of a micro-nano particle on the micro-thin plate driven by an acoustic signal was investigated, including the particle kinematics mode, kinematics equation, and trajectory control. According to Newton’s kinematic theorem, analyzing the forces acting on the particle, the kinematic modes of the driven particle are distinguished with specific mathematical conditions, which are classified as slide, bounce, and stable modes strictly planned on a thin plate area. Based on the theory of kinematic modal analysis, the simulation results reveal the distribution rules of particle motion modes against the driving signal or plate geometry. The particle kinematics equation governing the sliding movement on the thin plate was then derived in light of the interaction between the particle and driving signal, based on which, the particle trajectory was drawn and analyzed in detail. For the purpose of controlling the particle trajectory, the control problem was designed in accordance with a linear active disturbance rejection controller (LADRC). Further, a guidance law was proposed, and the corresponding controller was designed to realize the linear trajectory following.
Asymptotic Expansions for Symmetric Statistics with Degenerate Kernels
Authors: Kanagawa Shuya
Published: November 2022

Asymptotic expansions for U-statistics and V-statistics with degenerate kernels are investigated, respectively, and the remainder term O(n1−p/2), for some p≥4, is shown in both cases. From the results, it is obtained that asymptotic expansions for the Crame´r–von Mises statistics of the uniform distribution U(0,1) hold with the remainder term On1−p/2 for any p≥4. The scheme of the proof is based on three steps. The first one is the almost sure convergence in a Fourier series expansion of the kernel function u(x,y). The key condition for the convergence is the nuclearity of a linear operator Tu defined by the kernel function. The second one is a representation of U-statistics or V-statistics by single sums of Hilbert space valued random variables. The third one is to apply asymptotic expansions for single sums of Hilbert space valued random variables.
Local Non-Similar Solutions for Boundary Layer Flow over a Nonlinear Stretching Surface with Uniform Lateral Mass Flux: Utilization of Third Level of Truncation
Authors: Afridi Muhammad Idrees , Chen Zhi-Min , Karakasidis Theodoros E. , Qasim Muhammad
Published: November 2022

The present study aims to examine the effects of uniform lateral mass flux on the boundary layer flow induced by a non-linearly stretching surface. For uniform mass flux, the boundary layer flow does not conform to a similarity solution. The problem may be resolved by the similarity solution only when the transverse velocity at the boundary of the porous stretching surface is of the form vw∼xp−12. In other words, the flow becomes non-similar; to date, this has not been reported in the literature. That is why, in the current study, the local-similarity approximation up to the third level of truncation is utilized to solve the problem. The pseudo-similarity variable, stream function and transformed streamwise coordinate are defined such that the continuity equation is identically satisfied, and the momentum equation reduces to a non-similar dimensionless boundary layer equation. We derived the non-similar equations of the first, second and third levels of truncations and compared the numerical results obtained from different levels of truncations. In order to find numerical solutions to these equations, the built-in MATLAB routine, known as bvp4c, is used. Further, all non-similar terms that appear in the momentum equations are retained without any approximations. The approximations are introduced only in the subsidiary equations and relative boundary conditions. For the case of suction, the rate of increase in the numerical values of skin friction coefficient obtained from the first level of truncation with increasing velocity index parameter is found to be underestimated, while overestimation is found in the case of injection. The numerical results that were obtained from the third level of truncations are plotted against the embedding physical parameters and are then discussed.
Moth Search: Variants, Hybrids, and Applications
Authors: Li Juan , Yang Yuan-Hua , An Qing , Lei Hong , Deng Qian , Wang Gai-Ge
Published: November 2022

Moth search (MS) is a nature-inspired metaheuristic optimization algorithm based on the most representative characteristics of moths, Lévy flights and phototaxis. Phototaxis signifies a movement which organism towards or away from a source of light, which is the representative features for moths. The best moth individual is seen as the light source in Moth search. The moths that have a smaller distance from the best one will fly around the best individual by Lévy flights. For reasons of phototaxis, the moths, far from the fittest one, will fly towards the best one with a big step. These two features, Lévy flights and phototaxis, correspond to the processes of exploitation and exploration for metaheuristic optimization. The superiority of the moth search has been demonstrated in many benchmark problems and various application areas. A comprehensive survey of the moth search was conducted in this paper, which included the three sections: statistical research studies about moth search, different variants of moth search, and engineering optimization/applications. The future insights and development direction in the area of moth search are also discussed.
Efficient Nonlinear Model Predictive Control of Automated Vehicles
Authors: Yu Shuyou , Sheng Encong , Zhang Yajing , Li Yongfu , Chen Hong , Hao Yi
Published: November 2022

In this paper, an efficient model predictive control (MPC) of velocity tracking of automated vehicles is proposed, in which a reference signal is given a priori. Five degree-of-freedom vehicle dynamics with nonlinear tires is chosen as the prediction model, in which coupling characteristics of longitudinal and lateral dynamics are taken into account. In order to balance computational burden and prediction accuracy, Koopman operator theory is adopted to transform the nonlinear model into a global linear model. Then, the global linear model is used in the design of MPC to reduce online computational burden and avoid solving nonconvex/nonlinear optimization problems. Furthermore, the effectiveness of Koopman operator in vehicle dynamics control is verified using a Matlab/Simulink environment. Validation results demonstrate that dynamic mode decomposition with control (DMDc) and extended dynamic mode decomposition (EDMD) algorithms are more accurate in model validation and dynamic prediction than local linearization, and DMDc algorithm has less computational burden on solving optimization problems than the EDMD algorithm.
A Quantum-Behaved Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm on Riemannian Manifolds
Authors: Halimu Yeerjiang , Zhou Chao , You Qi , Sun Jun
Published: November 2022

The Riemannian manifold optimization algorithms have been widely used in machine learning, computer vision, data mining, and other technical fields. Most of these algorithms are based on the geodesic or the retracement operator and use the classical methods (i.e., the steepest descent method, the conjugate gradient method, the Newton method, etc.) to solve engineering optimization problems. However, they lack the ability to solve non-differentiable mathematical models and ensure global convergence for non-convex manifolds. Considering this issue, this paper proposes a quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization (QPSO) algorithm on Riemannian manifolds named RQPSO. In this algorithm, the quantum-behaved particles are randomly distributed on the manifold surface and iteratively updated during the whole search process. Then, the vector transfer operator is used to translate the guiding vectors, which are not in the same Euclidean space, to the tangent space of the particles. Through the searching of these guiding vectors, we can achieve the retracement and update of points and finally obtain the optimized result. The proposed RQPSO algorithm does not depend on the expression form of a problem and could deal with various engineering technical problems, including both differentiable and non-differentiable ones. To verify the performance of RQPSO experimentally, we compare it with some traditional algorithms on three common matrix manifold optimization problems. The experimental results show that RQPSO has better performance than its competitors in terms of calculation speed and optimization efficiency.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Abnormal Glucose Metabolism and New-Onset Diabetes Mellitus after Kidney Transplantation: A Single-Center Retrospective Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Alfieri Carlo , Favi Evaldo , Campioli Edoardo , Cicero Elisa , Molinari Paolo , Campise Mariarosaria , Gandolfo Maria Teresa , Regalia Anna , Cresseri Donata , Messa Piergiorgio , Castellano Giuseppe
Published: November 2022

Background and objectives: New-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) represents a primary cause of morbidity and allograft loss. We assessed prevalence and risk factors for NODAT in a population of Italian kidney transplant (KT) recipients. Methods: Data from 522 KT performed between January 2004 and December 2014 were analyzed. Participants underwent clinical examination; blood and urine laboratory tests were obtained at baseline, one, six, and 12-month of follow-up to detect glucose homeostasis abnormalities and associated metabolic disorders. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed at six months in 303 subjects. Results: Most patients were Caucasian (82.4%) with a mean age of 48 ± 12 years. The prevalence of abnormal glucose metabolism (AGM) and NODAT was 12.6% and 10.7%, respectively. Comparing characteristics of patients with normal glucose metabolism (NGM) to those with NODAT, we found a significant difference in living donation (16.6% vs. 6.1%; p = 0.03) and age at transplant (46 ± 12 vs. 56 ± 9 years; p = 0.0001). Also, we observed that patients developing NODAT had received higher cumulative steroid doses (1-month: 1165 ± 593 mg vs. 904 ± 427 mg; p = 0.002; 6-month:2194 ± 1159 mg vs. 1940 ± 744 mg; p = 0.002). The NODAT group showed inferior allograft function compared to patients with NGM (1-year eGFR: 50.1 ± 16.5 vs. 57 ± 20 mL/min/1.73 m2; p = 0.02). NODAT patients were more likely to exhibit elevated systolic blood pressure and higher total cholesterol and triglyceride levels than controls. Conclusions: The prevalence of NODAT in our cohort was relatively high. Patient age and early post-transplant events such as steroid abuse are associated with NODAT development.
Survival and Chemosensitivity in Advanced High Grade Serous Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Patients with and without a BRCA Germline Mutation: More Evidence for Shifting the Paradigm towards Complete Surgical Cytoreduction
Authors: De Jong Diederick , Otify Mohamed , Chen Inga , Jackson David , Jayasinghe Kelum , Nugent David , Thangavelu Amudha , Theophilou Georgios , Laios Alexandros
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives: Approximately 10–15% of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) cases are related to BRCA germline mutations. Better survival rates and increased chemosensitivity are reported in patients with a BRCA 1/2 germline mutation. However, the FIGO stage and histopathological entity may have been confounding factors. This study aimed to compare chemotherapy response and survival between patients with and without a BRCA 1/2 germline mutation in advanced HGSOC receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). Materials and Methods: A cohort of BRCA-tested advanced HGSOC patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery following NACT was analyzed for chemotherapy response and survival. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy served as a vehicle to assess chemotherapy response on biochemical (CA125), histopathological (CRS), biological (dissemination), and surgical (residual disease) levels. Univariate and multivariate analyses for chemotherapy response and survival were utilized. Results: Thirty-nine out of 168 patients had a BRCA ½ germline mutation. No differences in histopathological chemotherapy response between the patients with and without a BRCA ½ germline mutation were observed. Survival in the groups of patients was comparable Irrespective of the BRCA status, CRS 2 and 3 (HR 7.496, 95% CI 2.523–22.27, p < 0.001 & HR 4.069, 95% CI 1.388–11.93, p = 0.011), and complete surgical cytoreduction (p = 0.017) were independent parameters for a favored overall survival. Conclusions: HGSOC patients with or without BRCA ½ germline mutations, who had cytoreductive surgery, showed comparable chemotherapy responses and subsequent survival. Irrespective of BRCA status, advanced-stage HGSOC patients have a superior prognosis with complete surgical cytoreduction and good histopathological response to chemotherapy.
Digital Workflow for Implant Placement and Immediate Chairside Provisionalization of a Novel Implant System without Abutment—A Case Report
Authors: Hölken Felicitas , Al-Nawas Bilal , Meereis Manuela , Bjelopavlovic Monika
Published: November 2022

Dental implants have been placed millions of times worldwide, and the surgical procedure and implant design have steadily improved. The basic prosthetic connection, which makes use of an abutment, has changed little over the past decades. These days, implant placement with immediate provisionalization is an essential stage in implant dentistry and interdisciplinary treatment strategies. Temporary computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) of implant-supported crowns restore esthetics and guarantee function during the restoration process and the osseointegration of the dental implant. This case report describes the digital planning; the immediate, static, computer-assisted implant surgery, and the immediate chairside provisionalization of a novel implant system that is directly screw-retained without an abutment.
Effect of Electrode Morphology on Performance of Ionic Actuators Based on Vat Photopolymerized Membranes
Authors: Morozov Oleg S. , Ivanchenko Anna V. , Nechausov Sergey S. , Bulgakov Boris A.
Published: November 2022

Bucky gel electrodes are composed of morphology-determining polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) filled with carbon nanotubes (CNT). The electrodes are commonly fabricated via the casting of a CNT dispersion containing PVDF and ionic liquid. In this study, several pore-forming additives such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and the common ionic liquid BMIMBF4 were used to control the morphology of the bucky gel electrodes. The crystalline phase type and content of PVDF in the electrodes were determined by FT-IR and DSC, respectively. SEM revealed a sponge-like structure in the case of the use of BMIMBF4 and a spherulite structure if PEG and DBP were used as additives. A strong influence of morphology on the anisotropic increase in the volume of electrodes upon impregnation with electrolyte was observed. The PEG-based electrode elongated more than the others, while the BMIMBF4-based electrode thickened to a greater extent. Ionic actuators were fabricated to experimentally reveal the effect of electrode morphology on their electromechanical efficiency. A high-precision vat photopolymerization technique was used to fabricate identical ionic membranes and minimize their influence on the properties of the actuators. The electrodes were characterized by the same porosity and electrical capacitance, while the actuators differ significantly in performance. As a result, a simple method of using pore-forming additives made it possible to increase the maximum deformation of bucky gel ionic actuators by 1.5 times by changing the morphology of the electrodes.
A Review of Surgical Bone Drilling and Drill Bit Heat Generation for Implantation
Authors: Islam Md Ashequl , Kamarrudin Nur Saifullah , Daud Ruslizam , Mohd Noor Siti Noor Fazliah , Azmi Azwan Iskandar , Razlan Zuradzman Mohamad
Published: November 2022

This study aims to summarize the current state of scientific knowledge on factors that contribute to heat generation during the bone drilling process and how these aspects can be better understood and avoided in the future through new research methodologies. Frictional pressures, mechanical trauma, and surgical methods can cause thermal damage and significant micro-fracturing, which can impede bone recovery. According to current trends in the technical growth of the dental and orthopedic industries’ 4.0 revaluation, enhancing drill bit design is one of the most feasible and cost-effective alternatives. In recent years, research on drilling bones has become important to reduce bone tissue damage, such as osteonecrosis (ON), and other problems that can happen during surgery. Reviewing the influence of feed rate, drill design, drill fatigue, drill speed, and force applied during osteotomies, all of which contribute to heat generation, was a major focus of this article. This comprehensive review can aid medical surgeons and drill bit makers in comprehending the recent improvements through optimization strategies for reducing or limiting thermal damage in bone drilling procedures used in the dental and orthopedic industries.
Effect of Post-Deposition Thermal Treatments on Tensile Properties of Cold Sprayed Ti6Al4V
Authors: Boruah Dibakor , Zhang Xiang , McNutt Philip , Khan Raja , Begg Henry
Published: November 2022

This study aims at investigating the effect of various post-deposition thermal treatments on improving tensile properties of cold spray (CS) deposited titanium alloy Ti6Al4V. Dogbone-shaped tensile specimens were designed considering two application scenarios: ‘fully CS’ specimens, and ‘CS repair’ specimens. For both specimen types, tests were carried out in four conditions: (i) as-deposited (AD), and after three different thermal treatments, i.e., (ii) solution treatment and ageing (STA), (iii) hot isostatic pressing (HIP), and (iv) HIP followed by STA (HIP + STA). Complementary to tensile testing, characterisation of CS deposited material was also carried out in terms of microstructure and hardness. The STA process resulted in the highest improvement in ultimate tensile strength by more than 200%, reaching 868 MPa for ‘fully CS’ and 951 MPa for ‘CS repair’ specimens. However, no appreciable improvement in elongation at failure was achieved, highest being 1.2% for ‘fully CS’ after STA, and 4.3% for ‘CS repair’ after HIP. In addition to experimental investigation, a comprehensive collection of data from the open literature on the effect of various thermal treatments on improving the tensile properties of CS Ti6Al4V deposits is reported and discussed.
Corrosion Behaviour of Cemented Carbides with Co- and Ni-Alloy Binders in the Presence of Abrasion
Authors: De Gaudenzi Gian Pietro , Tavola Francesco , Tedeschi Sandra , Bozzini Benedetto
Published: November 2022

More and more often, cemented carbides are employed for the production of wear resistant components and have to face highly demanding service conditions that combine different damage mechanisms. A key example is the range of tetraphasic (sea water, sand, liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons) flows encountered in the Oil and Gas extraction industry. Notwithstanding the importance of operating regimes of this type, the availability of fundamental and quantitative information on the corrosion performance of cemented carbides in the presence of abrasion is still limited. In this paper, we report a systematic study of the corrosion behaviour of cemented tungsten carbide grades with binders containing different amounts of cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr) and noble metal additions, subjected to controlled mechanical abrasion, impacting the stability and nature of pseudopassivation films. In this work, special attention is devoted to Cr, a classical of additive that inhibits the Ostwald ripening of tungsten carbide (WC) particles and notably improves the corrosion resistance of grades with ultrafine-to-fine WC grain size and low-to-medium binder content. We assessed the impact of binder composition on the anodic behaviour by means of linear-sweep voltammetry and chronopotentiometry as well as on the mechanical properties. The application of controlled abrasion conditions under electrochemical control is carried out with an in-house modified ASTM B611 apparatus, equipped with a three-electrode system, enabling the systematic investigation of the synergy of electrochemical and mechanical damaging conditions. Increased corrosion resistance in environments without and with added chloride—both in the absence and in the presence of abrasion—was observed in all the Co- and Ni-based grades to which growing quantities of Cr were added. Moreover, doping with ruthenium (Ru) further enhances corrosion resistance. Regarding corrosion in the presence of abrasion, the addition of Cr and Ru increases the ability of regenerating the pseudopassivation film. The optimized compositions of the binder have been highlighted that open up attractive opportunities of improved service behaviour and deployment in new applications.
Metabolomics Characterization of Scleractinia Corals with Different Life-History Strategies: A Case Study about Pocillopora meandrina and Seriatopora hystrix in the South China Sea
Authors: Pei Jiying , Chen Shiguo , Yu Kefu , Hu Junjie , Wang Yitong , Zhang Jingjing , Qin Zhenjun , Zhang Ruijie , Kuo Ting-Hao , Chung Hsin-Hsiang , Hsu Cheng-Chih
Published: November 2022

Life-history strategies play a critical role in susceptibility to environmental stresses for Scleractinia coral. Metabolomics, which is capable of determining the metabolic responses of biological systems to genetic and environmental changes, is competent for the characterization of species’ biological traits. In this study, two coral species (Pocillopora meandrina and Seriatopora hystrix in the South China Sea) with different life-history strategies (“competitive” and “weedy”) were targeted, and untargeted mass spectrometry metabolomics combined with molecular networking was applied to characterize their differential metabolic pathways. The results show that lyso-platelet activating factors (lyso-PAFs), diacylglyceryl carboxyhydroxymethylcholine (DGCC), aromatic amino acids, and sulfhydryl compounds were more enriched in P. meandrina, whereas new phospholipids, dehydrated phosphoglycerol dihydroceramide (de-PG DHC), monoacylglycerol (MAG), fatty acids (FA) (C < 18), short peptides, and guanidine compounds were more enriched in S. hystrix. The metabolic pathways involved immune response, energy metabolism, cellular membrane structure regulation, oxidative stress system, secondary metabolite synthesis, etc. While the immune system (lysoPAF) and secondary metabolite synthesis (aromatic amino acids and sulfhydryl compounds) facilitates fast growth and resistance to environmental stressors of P. meandrina, the cell membrane structure (structural lipids), energy storage (storage lipids), oxidative stress system (short peptides), and secondary metabolite synthesis (guanidine compounds) are beneficial to the survival of S. hystrix in harsh conditions. This study contributes to the understanding of the potential molecular traits underlying life-history strategies of different coral species.
Is the Illegal Trade of Glass Eels (Anguilla anguilla) Increasing the Spread of Disease? A Case of EVEX
Authors: Zupičić Ivana Giovanna , Oraić Dražen , Pavlinec Željko , Novosel Dinko , Žuvić Luka , Šegvić-Bubić Tanja , Zrnčić Snježana
Published: November 2022

The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is a catadromous species that inhabits the rivers of the Adriatic watershed in Croatia. It is a critically endangered fish species, according to the IUCN, due to its declining abundance in European rivers caused by overfishing and trafficking and by diseases caused by nematodes, pathogenic bacteria and viruses. An illegal parcel of glass eels was confiscated at the Zagreb Airport and was intended to re-populate Croatian rivers. Barcoding was employed to determine species affiliation, and a thorough health check was carried out. This study reports the evaluation of gross lesions, histological findings, and EVEX virus isolation and identification. Since the confiscated glass eels were of unknown origin and given the serological and genetic similarities of EVA and EVEX, we designed primers and probes for almost whole genome sequencing to elucidate the origin of glass eels based on viral phylogeny. Bayesian phylogeny showed that the isolated strain had the most common ancestor with a Danish isolate and likely evolved from the French isolate of EVEX. These findings are discussed in light of the divergence of recently isolated strains and their possible contribution to the decrease of the abundance of the European eel in European waters.
Relationship between the Texture and Composition of Titanomagnetite in Hannuoba Alkaline Basalt: A New Geospeedometer
Authors: Xu Zhi-Hao , Yang Zong-Feng , An Xiu-Hui , Xu Rui , Qi Jun-Nan
Published: November 2022

The nucleation and growth of crystals in igneous rocks is usually thought to occur under thermodynamic equilibrium conditions. However, recent studies on igneous textures and mineral compositions have shown that these processes probably occur under thermodynamic disequilibrium conditions. Titanomagnetite with variable crystal sizes can be observed in Hannuoba alkaline basalt, indicating disequilibrium crystallization processes (different cooling rates). The ratio of the maximum particle size to the area abundance of titanomagnetite, as determined by an analysis of previous studies on the texture of minerals, was negatively correlated with the apparent cooling rate. We analyzed the chemical composition and crystal size distribution of titanomagnetite in ten Hannuoba alkaline basalt samples to determine the connection between the apparent cooling rate and titanomagnetite composition. In Hannuoba samples, the cooling rate was found to affect cationic substitution in the titanomagnetite solid solution, and an increase in cooling rate led to a decrease in Ti4+ and an increase in Fe3+. The partition coefficient of Ti between titanomagnetite and the melt (DTi) is negatively correlated with the apparent cooling rate. These findings are consistent with those in experimental petrology and help us propose a better, more general geospeedometer. The cooling rate also impacted Mg2+ and Al3+, but they were more impacted by the melt composition and crystallinity of the coexisting melt. Therefore, a new geospeedometer was calibrated by considering the titanomagnetite composition, melt composition and the content of the clinopyroxene.The cooling rates of the Hannuoba basalt samples measured using the new geospeedometer calibrated in this study range from 0.7 to 7.0 (±0.5) °C/min. It cannot accurately predict the cooling rate from titanomagnetite in intermediate rock, felsic rock or Fe-rich basaltic melts. The new titanomagnetite geospeedometer can better measure the cooling rate of alkaline basalt and may help identify the effects of kinetically controlled crystallization on isotope fractionation, evaluate mineral thermobarometers and better recognize thermal remanence magnetization and ancient magnetic fields.
Protective Effect of Flavonoids from Mulberry Leaf on AAPH-Induced Oxidative Damage in Sheep Erythrocytes
Authors: Zheng Qinhua , Tan Weijian , Feng Xiaolin , Feng Kexin , Zhong Wenting , Liao Caiyu , Liu Yuntong , Li Shangjian , Hu Wenzhong
Published: November 2022

To evaluate the antioxidant activity of flavonoids extracted from Chinese herb mulberry leaves (ML), flavonoids from mulberry leaves (FML) were extracted and purified by using ultrasonic-assisted enzymatic extraction and D101 macroporous resin. Using LC-MS/MS-Liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry analysis, hesperidin, rutoside, hyperoside, cyanidin-3-o-glucoside, myricitrin, cyanidin, and quercetin were identified, and NMR and UV were consistent with the verification of IR flavonoid characteristics. The antioxidant activity of FML has also been evaluated as well as the protective effect on 2,2 0-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced oxidative stress. The results showed that FML exhibited powerful antioxidant activity. Moreover, FML showed dose-dependent protection against AAPH-induced sheep erythrocytes’ oxidative hemolysis. In the enzymatic antioxidant system, pretreatment with high FML maintained the balance of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px; in the non-enzymatic antioxidant system, the content of MDA can be effectively reduced after FML treatment. This study provides a research basis for the development of natural products from mulberry leaves.
Recent Progress in Morphology-Tuned Nanomaterials for the Electrochemical Detection of Heavy Metals
Authors: Gibi Chinchu , Liu Cheng-Hua , Barton Scott C. , Wu Jerry J.
Published: November 2022

Heavy metals are one of the most important classes of environmental pollutants which are toxic to living beings. Many efforts are made by scientists to fabricate better sensors for the identification and quantification of heavy metal ions (HMI) in water and food samples to ensure good health. Electrocatalysts have been demonstrated to play an important role in enhancing the sensitivity and selectivity of HMI detection in electrochemical sensors. In this review, we presented morphologically well-tuned nanomaterials used as efficient sensor materials. Based on the molecular dimensions, shapes, and orientation, nanomaterials can be classified into 0-D, 1-D, 2-D, and 3-D nanomaterials. Active surface areas with significant exposure of active sites and adsorption–desorption abilities are extensively varied with dimensionality, which in turn ultimately influence the sensing performance for HMI.
Chitosan Nanogel with Mixed Food Plants and Its Relation to Blood Glucose in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic and Meta-Analysis Review of Observational Studies
Authors: Aloysius Morris , Felekkis Kyriacos N. , Petrou Christos , Papandreou Dimitrios , Andreou Eleni
Published: November 2022

This systematic review with metanalysis evaluated and analyzed the beneficial effects of certain plants food in type 2 diabetes (T2D) when consumed alone or in combination with chitosan. The main objective of the paper was to examine the relation of chitosan nanogel and mixed food plant (MFP) to control T2D. The databases included Medline, Scopus, PubMed, as well as Cochrane available between the month of January 1990 to January 2021. The eligibility criteria for selecting studies were case-controlled studies that included unripe plantain, bitter yam, okra, and chitosan either used-alone or in combination with non-specified food plants (NSFP). Two-fold autonomous critics retrieved the information required and evaluated the risk of bias of involved studies. Random-effect meta-analyses on blood glucose controls, were performed. Results of 18 studies included: seven that examined unripe plantains, one bitter yam, two okras, and eight chitosan, found regarding the decrease in blood glucose level. Meta-analysis of the results found a large proportion of I2 values for all studies (98%), meaning heterogeneity. As a consequence, the combined effect sizes were not useful. Instead, prediction interval (PI) was used (mean difference 4.4 mg/dL, 95% PI −6.65 to 15.50 and mean difference 3.4 mg/dL, 95% PI −23.65 to 30.50) rather than the estimate of its confidence interval (CI). These studies were at 50% high risk of bias and 50% low risk of bias and there was judged to be an unclear risk of bias due to the insufficient information from the included study protocol (moderately low). The intervention lasted between three and 84 days, indicating potency and effectiveness of the intervention at both short and long durations. Due to the moderately low quality of the studies, the findings were cautiously interpreted. In conclusion, the current evidence available from the study does support the relation of chitosan with mixed unripe plantain, bitter yam and okra for the management of T2D. Further high-quality case-controlled animal studies are required to substantiate if indeed chitosan nanogel should be cross-linked with the specified food plant (SFP) for the management T2D.
Screening of Toxoplasmosis in Owned and Stray Dogs of District Faisalabad, Pakistan through Latex Agglutination and Indirect ELISA
Authors: Hamidullah  , Saqib Muhammad , Sajid Muhammad Sohail , Hussain Sabir , Rizwan Hafiz Muhammad , Ashfaq Khurram , Ghazanfer Sadia , Butt Asif Ali , Maqbool Mahvish , Ahmad Sibtain , Sparagano Olivier Andre
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Toxoplasma gondii (an intracellular protozoan) causes toxoplasmosis in warm-blooded animals, including humans and dogs. The present study was carried out to investigate the seroprevalence of canine toxoplasmosis in the owned and stray populations of dogs in Faisalabad District, Punjab, Pakistan. Materials and Methods: Commercially available Latex Agglutination Test (LAT) kits were used for the screening of samples (139 stray and 150 owned), followed by confirmation through ELISA. For the statistical analyses, chi-square was used to correlate the prevalence of toxoplasmosis with various factors. Results: The overall prevalence of toxoplasmosis, determined by the LAT, was 22.5% and, by ELISA, was 21.8%. A nonsignificant association of toxoplasmosis was determined among owned and stray dogs. Among owned dog breeds, Bulldogs showed 28.30% prevalence, and among stray dogs, the highest prevalence was determined in Bhakarwal dogs (39.29%). Young and female dogs showed a slightly higher prevalence of toxoplasmosis than adults and males, respectively. Conclusions: The present study determined by LAT and ELISA in owned dogs showed the same results, while a little variation was found in the stray dogs. It is concluded that both owned and stray dogs are infected with toxoplasmosis in Faisalabad District, and based on this, it is recommended that province-wide epidemiological studies be carried out to examine the prevalence of Toxoplasma and develop policies in order to control toxoplasmosis.
Transmission Cycle of Tick-Borne Infections and Co-Infections, Animal Models and Diseases
Authors: Rocha Sandra C. , Velásquez Clara Vásquez , Aquib Ahmed , Al-Nazal Aya , Parveen Nikhat
Published: November 2022

Tick-borne pathogens such as species of Borrelia, Babesia, Anaplasma, Rickettsia, and Ehrlichia are widespread in the United States and Europe among wildlife, in passerines as well as in domestic and farm animals. Transmission of these pathogens occurs by infected ticks during their blood meal, carnivorism, and through animal bites in wildlife, whereas humans can become infected either by an infected tick bite, through blood transfusion and in some cases, congenitally. The reservoir hosts play an important role in maintaining pathogens in nature and facilitate transmission of individual pathogens or of multiple pathogens simultaneously to humans through ticks. Tick-borne co-infections were first reported in the 1980s in white-footed mice, the most prominent reservoir host for causative organisms in the United States, and they are becoming a major concern for public health now. Various animal infection models have been used extensively to better understand pathogenesis of tick-borne pathogens and to reveal the interaction among pathogens co-existing in the same host. In this review, we focus on the prevalence of these pathogens in different reservoir hosts, animal models used to investigate their pathogenesis and host responses they trigger to understand diseases in humans. We also documented the prevalence of these pathogens as correlating with the infected ticks’ surveillance studies. The association of tick-borne co-infections with other topics such as pathogens virulence factors, host immune responses as they relate to diseases severity, identification of vaccine candidates, and disease economic impact are also briefly addressed here.
A Morphometric and Karyological Study of the Anthemis macedonica Group (Asteraceae, Anthemideae) Reveals a New Species from Greece
Authors: Goula Katerina , Touloumis Konstantinos , Dimopoulos Panayotis , Constantinidis Theophanis
Published: November 2022

A recent study of the Anthemis collections in the Balkans indicated that the taxa of the Anthemis macedonica group (A. macedonica subsp. macedonica, A. macedonica subsp. thracica, A. meteorica, A. orbelica) exhibit noteworthy morphological patterns not evaluated before. We applied morphometric approaches (principal components analysis, PCA; factor analysis on mixed data, FAMD) by considering 19 qualitative and 20 quantitative morphological characters, together with three ratios, in 26 populations of this group. Furthermore, the chromosome numbers and karyotype morphology were investigated in eight populations of the group, covering the taxa participating in the study. Our results revealed that the southernmost populations of the group represent a hitherto unknown species confined to serpentine: it is described here as Anthemis serpentinica Goula & Constantinidis. The morphological evidence supports the proximity of A. macedonica and A. orbelica, which would be better considered as subspecific entities of the same species. On the contrary, A. meteorica and A. thracica are retained as independent entities at species level. All taxa share the same diploid chromosome number of 2n = 2x = 18 with similar but not identical karyotypes. A brief description of all taxa, based on recent new collections, and a dichotomous key are presented. Lectotypes are designated for Anthemis macedonica and A. meteorica.