bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Study of the Microstructure and Properties of Cast-Fabricated and 3D-Printed Laser-Sintered Co–Cr Alloys for Removable Partial Denture Frameworks
Authors: Stamenković Dejan , Popović Miljana , Rudolf Rebeka , Zrilić Milorad , Raić Karlo , Đuričić Kosovka Obradović , Stamenković Dragoslav
Published: April 2023

Since additive technologies in dentistry are gradually replacing metal casting technology, it is necessary to evaluate new dental constructions intended for the development of removable partial denture frameworks. The aim of this research was to evaluate the microstructure and mechanical properties of 3D-printed, laser-melted and -sintered Co–Cr alloys, and perform a comparative study with Co–Cr castings for the same dental purposes. The experiments were divided into two groups. The first group consisted of samples produced by conventional casting of the Co–Cr alloy. The second group consisted of 3D-printed, laser-melted and -sintered specimens produced from a Co–Cr alloy powder divided into three subgroups, depending on the technological parameters chosen for manufacturing (angle, location and heat treatment). Examination of the microstructure was carried out by classical metallographic sample preparation, using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. A structural phase analysis was also performed by XRD. The mechanical properties were determined using a standard tensile test. The microstructure observation showed a dendritic character in the case of castings, while in the case of 3D-printed, laser-melted and -sintered Co–Cr alloys, the microstructure was typical for additive technologies. The XRD phase analysis confirmed the presence of Co–Cr phases (ε and γ). The results of the tensile test showed remarkably higher yield and tensile strength values and slightly lower elongation of the 3D-printed, laser-melted and -sintered samples than those produced by conventional casting.
Modulating the Performance of the SAW Strain Sensor Based on Dual-Port Resonator Using FEM Simulation
Authors: Cheng Chunlong , Lu Zihan , Yang Jingwen , Gong Xiaoyue , Ke Qingqing
Published: April 2023

Surface acoustic wave (SAW) strain sensors fabricated on piezoelectric substrates have attracted considerable attention due to their attractive features such as passive wireless sensing ability, simple signal processing, high sensitivity, compact size and robustness. To meet the needs of various functioning situations, it is desirable to identify the factors that affect the performance of the SAW devices. In this work, we perform a simulation study on Rayleigh surface acoustic wave (RSAW) based on a stacked Al/LiNbO3 system. A SAW strain sensor with a dual-port resonator was modeled using multiphysics finite element model (FEM) method. While FEM has been widely used for numerical calculations of SAW devices, most of the simulation works mainly focus on SAW modes, SAW propagation characteristics and electromechanical coupling coefficients. Herein, we propose a systematic scheme via analyzing the structural parameters of SAW resonators. Evolution of RSAW eigenfrequency, insertion loss (IL), quality factor (Q) and strain transfer rate with different structural parameters are elaborated by FEM simulations. Compared with the reported experimental results, the relative errors of RSAW eigenfrequency and IL are about 3% and 16.3%, respectively, and the absolute errors are 5.8 MHz and 1.63 dB (the corresponding Vout/Vin is only 6.6%). After structural optimization, the obtained resonator Q increases by 15%, IL decreases by 34.6% and the strain transfer rate increases by 2.4%. This work provides a systematic and reliable solution for the structural optimization of dual-port SAW resonators.
Two-Dimensional Films Based on Graphene/Li4Ti5O12 and Carbon Nanotube/Li4Ti5O12 Nanocomposites as a Prospective Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries: Insight from Ab Initio Modeling
Authors: Shunaev Vladislav V. , Petrunin Alexander A. , Zhan Haifei , Glukhova Olga E.
Published: April 2023

The combination of spinel Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) with carbon nanostructures, such as graphene (G) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), provides all of the required properties for modern chemical power sources such as Li-ion batteries (LIBs) and supercapacitors (SCs). G/LTO and CNT/LTO composites demonstrate a superior reversible capacity, cycling stability, and good rate performances. In this paper, an ab initio attempt to estimate the electronic and capacitive properties of such composites was made for the first time. It was found that the interaction between LTO particles and CNTs was higher than that with graphene due to the larger amount of transfer charge. Increasing the graphene concentration raised the Fermi level and enhanced the conductive properties of G/LTO composites. For CNT/LTO samples, the radius of CNT did not affect the Fermi level. For both G/LTO and CNT/LTO composites, an increase in the carbon ratio resulted in a similar reduction in quantum capacitance (QC). It was observed that during the charge cycle in the real experiment, the non-Faradaic process prevailed during the charge cycle, while the Faradaic process prevailed during the discharge cycle. The obtained results confirm and explain the experimental data and improve the understanding of the processes occurring in G/LTO and CNT/LTO composites for their usages in LIBs and SCs.
Detecting Single Microwave Photons with NV Centers in Diamond
Authors: Woodman Olivia , Pasharavesh Abdolreza , Wilson Christopher , Bajcsy Michal
Published: April 2023

We propose a scheme for detecting single microwave photons using dipole-induced transparency (DIT) in an optical cavity resonantly coupled to a spin-selective transition of a negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV−) defect in diamond crystal lattices. In this scheme, the microwave photons control the interaction of the optical cavity with the NV− center by addressing the spin state of the defect. The spin, in turn, is measured with high fidelity by counting the number of reflected photons when the cavity is probed by resonant laser light. To evaluate the performance of the proposed scheme, we derive the governing master equation and solve it through both direct integration and the Monte Carlo approach. Using these numerical simulations, we then investigate the effects of different parameters on the detection performance and find their corresponding optimized values. Our results indicate that detection efficiencies approaching 90% and fidelities exceeding 90% could be achieved when using realistic optical and microwave cavity parameters.
The Boom in Nanomaterials for Built Heritage Conservation: Why Does Size Matter?
Authors: Otero Jorge , Borsoi Giovanni , Monasterio-Guillot Luis
Published: April 2023

There is no doubt that nanotechnology and nanoscience open new doors to new applications and products that can potentially revolutionize the practice field and how we conserve built heritage materials. However, we are living at the beginning of this era and the potential benefits of nanotechnology to specific conservation practice needs are not always fully understood. This opinion/review paper aims to present reflections and answer a question that we are often asked when working directly with stone field conservators: why should we use a nanomaterial instead of a conventional product? Why does size matter? To answer this question, we revise the basic concepts of nanoscience with implications for the built heritage conservation field.
Femtosecond Laser Fabrication of Curved Plasma Channels with Low Surface Roughness and High Circularity for Multistage Laser-Wakefield Accelerators
Authors: Deng Hongyang , Zhang Ziyang , Chen Min , Li Jianlong , Cao Qiang , Hu Xuejiao
Published: April 2023

A multistage laser-wakefield accelerator with curved plasma channels was proposed to accelerate electrons to TeV energy levels. In this condition, the capillary is discharged to produce plasma channels. The channels will be used as waveguides to guide intense lasers to drive wakefields inside the channel. In this work, a curved plasma channel with low surface roughness and high circularity was fabricated by a femtosecond laser ablation method based on response surface methodology. The details of the fabrication and performance of the channel are introduced here. Experiments show that such a channel can be successfully used to guide lasers, and electrons with an energy of 0.7 GeV were achieved.
Multicomponent Metal Oxide- and Metal Hydroxide-Based Electrocatalysts for Alkaline Water Splitting
Authors: Lee Goeun , Jun Sang Eon , Kim Yujin , Park In-Hyeok , Jang Ho Won , Park Sun Hwa , Kwon Ki Chang
Published: April 2023

Developing cost-effective, highly catalytic active, and stable electrocatalysts in alkaline electrolytes is important for the development of highly efficient anion-exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE). To this end, metal oxides/hydroxides have attracted wide research interest for efficient electrocatalysts in water splitting owing to their abundance and tunable electronic properties. It is very challenging to achieve an efficient overall catalytic performance based on single metal oxide/hydroxide-based electrocatalysts due to low charge mobilities and limited stability. This review is mainly focused on the advanced strategies to synthesize the multicomponent metal oxide/hydroxide-based materials that include nanostructure engineering, heterointerface engineering, single-atom catalysts, and chemical modification. The state of the art of metal oxide/hydroxide-based heterostructures with various architectures is extensively discussed. Finally, this review provides the fundamental challenges and perspectives regarding the potential future direction of multicomponent metal oxide/hydroxide-based electrocatalysts.
Impact Fracture Surfaces as the Indicators of Structural Steel Post-Fire Susceptibility to Brittle Cracking
Authors: Maslak Mariusz , Pazdanowski Michal , Stankiewicz Marek , Wassilkowska Anna , Zajdel Paulina , Zielina Michal
Published: April 2023

The results of experimental research on forecasting post-fire resistance to brittle failure of selected steel grades used in construction are presented and discussed in this paper. The conclusions are based on detailed analysis of fracture surfaces obtained in instrumented Charpy tests. It has been shown that the relationships formulated based on these tests agree well with conclusions drawn based on precise analysis of appropriate F–s curves. Furthermore, other relationships between lateral expansion LE and energy Wt required to break the sample constitute an additional verification in both qualitative and quantitative terms. These relationships are accompanied here by values of the SFA(n) parameter, which are different, depending on the character of the fracture. Steel grades differing in microstructure have been selected for the detailed analysis, including: S355J2+N—representative for materials of ferritic-pearlitic structure, and also stainless steels such as X20Cr13—of martensitic structure, X6CrNiTi18-10—of austenitic structure and X2CrNiMoN22-5-3 duplex steel—of austenitic-ferritic structure.
Release Kinetics Model Fitting of Drugs with Different Structures from Viscose Fabric
Authors: Zhu Weiwei , Long Jiajie , Shi Meiwu
Published: April 2023

(1) Background: It is simpler and more environmentally friendly to use supercritical CO2 fluid technology to process skincare viscose fabrics. Therefore, it is significant to study the release properties of drug-loaded viscose fabrics to choose suitable skincare drugs. In this work, the release kinetics model fittings were investigated in order to clarify the release mechanism and provide a theoretical basis for processing skincare viscose fabrics with supercritical CO2 fluid. (2) Methods: Nine kinds of drugs with different substituent groups, different molecular weights, and different substitution positions were loaded onto viscose fabrics using supercritical CO2 fluid. Then, the drug-loaded viscose fabrics were placed in an ethanol medium, and the release curves were drawn. Finally, the release kinetics were fitted using zero-order release kinetics, the first-order kinetics model, the Higuchi model, and the Korsmeyer–Peppas model. (3) Results: The Korsmeyer–Peppas model was the best-fitting model for all the drugs. Drugs with different substituent groups were released via a non-Fickian diffusion mechanism. On the contrary, other drugs were released via a Fickian diffusion mechanism. (4) Conclusions: In view of the release kinetics, it was found that the viscose fabric can swell when a drug with a higher solubility parameter is loaded onto it using supercritical CO2 fluid, and the release rate is also slower.
An Experimental Investigation and Feasibility Analysis of a Novel Modified Vienna Rectifier for Harmonic Mitigation in an Induction Heating System
Authors: Raman Rahul , Kumar Anand , Mohamed Heba G. , Sadhu Pradip Kumar , Kumar Ritesh , Rangarajan Shriram Srinivasarangan , Collins Edward Randolph , Senjyu Tomonobu
Published: April 2023

This paper presents a novel single-phase modified Vienna rectifier (MVR) for the harmonic mitigation and power factor improvement of an induction heating (IH) system. The latter employs a high-frequency resonant inverter that is responsible for the generation of high-frequency harmonics, which, in turn, deteriorates the power quality. This mitigation must be done in accordance with harmonic regulations such as IEEE Std. 519-2014,IEC-555, and EN 61000-3-2, etc. Consequently, an MVR is placed between the power supply and the IH system. The proposed novel MVR topology overcomes the limitations of conventional Vienna rectifiers, such as their unbalanced voltage across output capacitors, high ripple at the output DC bus, and high THD in the supply current, etc. The efficacy of the proposed model has been verified by a series of simulations in PSIM. It is followed by a hardware validation using an Arduino Uno ATmega328 digital controller on a 1.2 kW experimental prototype of the IH system. The simulation and experimental results of the power quality indices comply with the IEEE-519 standards.
Simulation and Validation of Cavitating Flow in a Torque Converter with Scale-Resolving Methods
Authors: Zhang Jiahua , Yan Qingdong , Liu Cheng , Guo Meng , Wei Wei
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this paper is to study the mechanism and improve the prediction accuracy of transient torque converter cavitation flow by the application of scale-resolving simulation (SRS) methods with particular focus on cavitation vortex flow. Firstly, the numerical analysis of the entire internal flow field of the torque converter was carried out using different turbulence models, and the prediction accuracy of the hydraulic characteristics of the adopted models was analyzed and validated via test data. Secondly, the cavitation and turbulence behavior in the internal flow field were analyzed, and the blade surface pressure according to different turbulence models was compared and validated through test data. Finally, the transient cavitation characteristics of the flow field were studied based on the stress-blended eddy simulation (SBES) model. The prediction accuracy of the cavitation flow field simulation of the torque converter is significantly improved using the SRS model. The maximum error of capacity constant, torque ratio and efficiency are reduced to 3.1%, 2.3%, and 1.3% at stall, respectively. The stator is more prone to cavitation than pump and turbine. The SBES model has the highest prediction accuracy in multiple measurement points, and the maximum deviation can reach 13.32% under stall. Attached cavitation bubbles and periodic shedding cavitation can be found in the stator, and the evolution period is about 0.0036 s, i.e., 279 Hz. The prediction accuracy of different models was compared and analyzed, which has important guiding significance for the high-precision prediction and analysis of fluid machinery.
Recent Advances of Magnetite (Fe3O4)-Based Magnetic Materials in Catalytic Applications
Authors: Liu Mingyue , Ye Yuyuan , Ye Jiamin , Gao Ting , Wang Dehua , Chen Gang , Song Zhenjun
Published: April 2023

Catalysts play a critical role in producing most industrial chemicals and are essential to environmental remediation. Under the demands of sustainable development, environment protection, and cost-related factors, it has been suggested that catalysts are sufficiently separable and conveniently recyclable in the catalysis process. Magnetite (Fe3O4) nanomaterials provide a possible way to achieve this goal, due to their magnetism, chemical stability, low toxicity, economic viability, etc. Therefore, Fe3O4-based materials are emerging as an important solid support to load heterogeneous catalysts and immobilize homogeneous catalysts. Moreover, the addition of magnetic character to catalysts will not only make their recovery much easier but also possibly endow catalysts with desirable properties, such as magnetothermal conversion, Lewis acid, mimetic enzyme activity, and Fenton activity. The following review comprises a short survey of the most recent reports in the catalytic applications of Fe3O4-based magnetic materials. It contains seven sections, an introduction into the theme, applications of Fe3O4-based magnetic materials in environmental remediation, electrocatalysis, organic synthesis, catalytic synthesis of biodiesel, and cancer treatment, and conclusions about the reported research with perspectives for future developments. Elucidation of the functions and mechanisms of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) in these applications may benefit the acquisition of robust and affordable protocols, leading to catalysts with good catalytic activity and enhanced recoverability.
On Apostol-Type Hermite Degenerated Polynomials
Authors: Cesarano Clemente , Ramírez William , Díaz Stiven , Shamaoon Adnan , Khan Waseem Ahmad
Published: April 2023

This article presents a generalization of new classes of degenerated Apostol–Bernoulli, Apostol–Euler, and Apostol–Genocchi Hermite polynomials of level m. We establish some algebraic and differential properties for generalizations of new classes of degenerated Apostol–Bernoulli polynomials. These results are shown using generating function methods for Apostol–Euler and Apostol–Genocchi Hermite polynomials of level m.
Predicting the Performance of Retail Market Firms: Regression and Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Vukovic Darko B. , Spitsina Lubov , Gribanova Ekaterina , Spitsin Vladislav , Lyzin Ivan
Published: April 2023

The problem of predicting profitability is exceptionally relevant for investors and company owners. This paper examines the factors affecting firm performance and tests and compares various methods based on linear and non-linear dependencies between variables for predicting firm performance. In this study, the methods include random effects regression, individual machine learning algorithms with optimizers (DNN, LSTM, and Random Forest), and advanced machine learning methods consisting of sets of algorithms (portfolios and ensembles). The training sample includes 551 retail-oriented companies and data for 2017–2019 (panel data, 1653 observations). The test sample contains data for these companies for 2020. This study combines two approaches (stages): an econometric analysis of the influence of factors on the company’s profitability and machine learning methods to predict the company’s profitability. To compare forecasting methods, we used parametric and non-parametric predictive measures and ANOVA. The paper shows that previous profitability has a strong positive impact on a firm’s performance. We also find a non-linear positive effect of sales growth and web traffic on firm profitability. These variables significantly improve the prediction accuracy. Regression is inferior in forecast accuracy to machine learning methods. Advanced methods (portfolios and ensembles) demonstrate better and more steady results compared with individual machine learning methods.
Unconditional Superconvergence Error Estimates of Semi-Implicit Low-Order Conforming Mixed Finite Element Method for Time-Dependent Navier–Stokes Equations
Authors: Meng Xiaoling , Yang Huaijun
Published: April 2023

In this paper, the unconditional superconvergence error analysis of the semi-implicit Euler scheme with low-order conforming mixed finite element discretization is investigated for time-dependent Navier–Stokes equations. In terms of the high-accuracy error estimates of the low-order finite element pair on the rectangular mesh and the unconditional boundedness of the numerical solution in L∞-norm, the superclose error estimates for velocity in H1-norm and pressure in L2-norm are derived firstly by dealing with the trilinear term carefully and skillfully. Then, the global superconvergence results are obtained with the aid of the interpolation post-processing technique. Finally, some numerical experiments are carried out to support the theoretical findings.
Coordinated Slip Control of Multi-Axle Distributed Drive Vehicle Based on HLQR
Authors: Bao Yutong , Du Changqing , Wu Dongmei , Liu Huan , Liu Wei , Li Jun
Published: April 2023

For multi-axle distributed drive (MADD) vehicles, the complexity of the longitudinal dynamics control system increases with the number of driven wheels, which presents a huge challenge to control the multi-motor drive vehicle with more than four wheels. To reduce the control system complexity, this paper proposes a coordinated slip control algorithm using the hierarchical linear quadratic regulator (HLQR) scheme for a 12 × 12 MADD vehicle. The 12-wheel driving system is decoupled based on the wheel load and simplified to a double local subsystem. First, the 12 × 12 MADD vehicle dynamics model is established. Then, the optimal slip ratio is obtained on the basis of the road friction coefficient estimation through a fuzzy control algorithm when the wheel slips. Afterwards, the wheel slip ratio is controlled based on the HLQR program for anti-slip regulation. Furthermore, the driving torque control allocation based on quadratic programming (QR) is coordinated with the anti-slip control. Simulink results show that the proposed coordinated slip control based on HLQR can improve slip control accuracy by more than 30% and greatly reduce the calculation load. The torque control allocation is also limited by the slip control results to ensure wheel dynamic stability and smoothly satisfy the driver’s demand.
Enhanced Molecular Networking Shows Microbacterium sp. V1 as a Factory of Antioxidant Proline-Rich Peptides
Authors: Vitale Giovanni , Scarpato Silvia , Mangoni Alfonso , D’Auria Maria , Della Sala Gerardo , de Pascale Donatella
Published: April 2023

Two linear proline-rich peptides (1–2), bearing an N-terminal pyroglutamate, were isolated from the marine bacterium Microbacterium sp. V1, associated with the marine sponge Petrosia ficiformis, collected in the volcanic CO2 vents in Ischia Island (South Italy). Peptide production was triggered at low temperature following the one strain many compounds (OSMAC) method. Both peptides were detected together with other peptides (3–8) via an integrated, untargeted MS/MS-based molecular networking and cheminformatic approach. The planar structure of the peptides was determined by extensive 1D and 2D NMR and HR-MS analysis, and the stereochemistry of the aminoacyl residues was inferred by Marfey’s analysis. Peptides 1–8 are likely to arise from Microbacterium V1 tailor-made proteolysis of tryptone. Peptides 1 and 2 were shown to display antioxidant properties in the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay.
Hyalofast Cartilage Repair Surgery with a Full Load-Bearing Rehabilitation Program One Day after Operation Reduces the Time for Professional Athletes to Return to Play
Authors: Kacprzak Bartłomiej , Rosińska Karolina , Siuba-Jarosz Natalia
Published: April 2023

Background and Objectives: This study evaluated the effectiveness of Hyalofast cartilage repair surgery with an early, full load-bearing rehabilitation program one day after the operation for reducing the time needed for professional athletes to return to play. Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 49 patients aged between 19 and 38 years who had undergone surgical reconstruction of cartilage using the microfracture technique combined with a Hyalofast scaffold. All patients were active professional athletes. Early rehabilitation was implemented from the first postoperative day, fully loading the operated limb. A clinical evaluation was based on the KOOS and SF-36 questionnaires used during subsequent follow-up visits. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate the effect of the surgery after one year. Results: The clinical results demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in the number of complaints about pain and in the quality of life of the patients, measured in all of the applied scales, with comparisons made between six months or one year post-surgery and pre-surgery. Importantly for athletes, the parameter related to sports and recreation improved from 14 ± 11.1 to 95 ± 7.7 6 months after surgery and to 99.8 ± 1.8 one year after surgery. The overall quality of life score improved from 30 ± 18 to 88 ± 8.8 one year after surgery. Conclusions: These results show that this approach significantly shortened the time needed for the athletes to return to sports at the same level as before the surgery (athletes returned to sports in approximately 2.5–3 months). The mean follow-up time was 19.75 months. This technique can be considered a viable option for the treatment of cartilage injuries in professional athletes, allowing them to return to play more quickly in a safe and healthy way.
Effects of Topical or Intravitreal Application of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor on Density of Intestinal Blood Vessels of Mice
Authors: Ichio Atsushi , Sugimoto Masahiko , Koike Yuhki , Toiyama Yuji , Kondo Mineo
Published: April 2023

Background and Objectives: Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy has become the first-line treatment for diabetic macular edema. However, it is still not clear whether anti-VEGF agents act on systemic blood vessels. The aim of this study is to determine whether a direct topical application or intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF will change the intestinal blood vessels of mice. Materials and Methods: C57BL/6 mice were laparotomied under deep anesthesia, and the blood vessels on the surface of the intestines were exposed, examined, and photographed through a dissecting microscope. Vascular changes were evaluated before and at 1, 5, and 15 min after the topical application of 50 µL of the different anti-VEGF agents onto the surface of the intestine (group S) or after the intravitreal injection (group V). The vascular density (VD) was determined for five mice in each group before and after 40 μg/μL of aflibercept (Af), or 25 μg/μL of bevacizumab (Be), or 10 μg/μL of ranibizumab (Ra) were applied. Endothelin-1 (ET1), a potent vasoconstrictor, was used as a positive control, and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was used as a control. Results: For group S, no significant changes were observed after PBS (baseline, 1, 5, and 15 min: 46.3, 44.5, 44.8, and 43.2%), Be (46.1, 46.7, 46.7, and 46.3%), Ra (44.7, 45.0, 44.7, and 45.6%), and Af (46.5, 46.2, 45.9, and 46.1%, repeated ANOVA) were applied topically. Significant decreases in the VD were observed after ET1 (46.7, 28.1, 32.1, and 34.0%, p < 0.05) was topically applied. For group V, no significant differences were observed for all anti-VEGF agents. Conclusions: The topical application or intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF agents do not cause a change in the VD of the intestinal vessels, which may be related to its safety.
Design of a Convolutional Neural Network as a Deep Learning Tool for the Automatic Classification of Small-Bowel Cleansing in Capsule Endoscopy
Authors: Ribeiro Tiago , Mascarenhas Saraiva Miguel José , Afonso João , Cardoso Pedro , Mendes Francisco , Martins Miguel , Andrade Ana Patrícia , Cardoso Hélder , Mascarenhas Saraiva Miguel , Ferreira João , Macedo Guilherme
Published: April 2023

Background and objectives: Capsule endoscopy (CE) is a non-invasive method to inspect the small bowel that, like other enteroscopy methods, requires adequate small-bowel cleansing to obtain conclusive results. Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms have been seen to offer important benefits in the field of medical imaging over recent years, particularly through the adaptation of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to achieve more efficient image analysis. Here, we aimed to develop a deep learning model that uses a CNN to automatically classify the quality of intestinal preparation in CE. Methods: A CNN was designed based on 12,950 CE images obtained at two clinical centers in Porto (Portugal). The quality of the intestinal preparation was classified for each image as: excellent, ≥90% of the image surface with visible mucosa; satisfactory, 50–90% of the mucosa visible; and unsatisfactory, <50% of the mucosa visible. The total set of images was divided in an 80:20 ratio to establish training and validation datasets, respectively. The CNN prediction was compared with the classification established by consensus of a group of three experts in CE, currently considered the gold standard to evaluate cleanliness. Subsequently, how the CNN performed in diagnostic terms was evaluated using an independent validation dataset. Results: Among the images obtained, 3633 were designated as unsatisfactory preparation, 6005 satisfactory preparation, and 3312 with excellent preparation. When differentiating the classes of small-bowel preparation, the algorithm developed here achieved an overall accuracy of 92.1%, with a sensitivity of 88.4%, a specificity of 93.6%, a positive predictive value of 88.5%, and a negative predictive value of 93.4%. The area under the curve for the detection of excellent, satisfactory, and unsatisfactory classes was 0.98, 0.95, and 0.99, respectively. Conclusions: A CNN-based tool was developed to automatically classify small-bowel preparation for CE, and it was seen to accurately classify intestinal preparation for CE. The development of such a system could enhance the reproducibility of the scales used for such purposes.
Merging Proline:Xylitol Eutectic Solvent in Crosslinked Chitosan Pervaporation Membranes for Enhanced Water Permeation in Dehydrating Ethanol
Authors: Castro-Muñoz Roberto , Plata-Gryl Maksymilian , Boczkaj Grzegorz
Published: April 2023

The scope of this research aims at merging a new deep eutectic mixture (DES) into a biopolymer-based membrane for a pervaporation application in dehydrating ethanol. Herein, an L-proline:xylitol (at 5:1) eutectic mixture was successfully synthesized and blended with chitosan (CS). A complete characterization of the hybrid membranes, in terms of morphology, solvent uptake, and hydrophilicity, has been conducted. As part of their applicability, the blended membranes were assayed for their ability to separate water from ethanolic solutions by means of pervaporation. At the highest temperature (50 °C), a water permeation of ca. 0.46 kg m−2 h−1 was acquired, representing a higher permeation than the pristine CS membranes (ca. 0.37 kg m−2 h−1). Therefore, CS membranes demonstrated an enhanced water permeation thanks to their blending with the hydrophilic L-proline:xylitol agent, making these membranes a good candidate for other separations containing polar solvents.
Friction Behavior and Self-Lubricating Mechanism of SLD-MAGIC Cold Worked Die Steel during Different Wear Conditions
Authors: Wu Hongqing , Mao Hong , Ning Hui , Deng Zhipeng , Wu Xiaochun
Published: April 2023

Wear tends to shorten tool life, reduce component quality. To prevent or postpone the wear of tool steel forming tools, methods to increase wear resistance, such as increasing the material hardness, optimizing the carbide distribution and application of surface coatings, are often used. However, the formation of lubricating phases in steels leading to anti-attrition is less investigated. The friction behavior of three steels were investigated thoroughly by a tribo test with different normal loads. A Field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) along with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used to characterize the microstructure as well as the influence of the precipitated phases on the wear mechanisms. Results showed the friction coefficient decreased with increasing normal load, whereas the wear rate increased with increasing normal load. Compared with SKD11 and DC53 steels, the friction coefficient and wear volume of SLD-MAGIC steel were reduced by 0.1 to 0.3 and 10% to 30%, respectively. With the increase of normal load, the wear mechanism changed in order from abrasive wear, adhesive wear to oxidation wear. The more carbide contents, the rounder the carbide, the better the wear resistance of the tool steel. It can be shown that, under different normal loads, SLD-MAGIC exhibits better wear performance than SKD11 and DC53 tool steels, which is mainly due to the self-lubricating phenomenon of SLD-MAGIC steel. The self-lubricating mechanism was due to the fact that the exfoliated sulfide during wear formed a lubricating film to reduce wear.
Process and Mechanism of Sealing 65 vol.% SiCp/ZL102 Composite and DM305 Electronic Glass with Borosilicate Glass
Authors: Zhou Da , Cheng Dongfeng , Hu Xiaoyu , Niu Jitai , Qiu Dechao
Published: April 2023

SiC-particulate-reinforced aluminum matrix composites (SiCp/Al MMCs) are widely used in the aerospace field due to their high specific stiffness and strength, low thermal expansion coefficient, and good radiation resistance. In the process of application and promotion, there is a connection problem between the aluminum matrix composites and electronic glass. In this work, the lead-free SiO2-B2O3-Na2O glass filler was used to seal 65 vol.% SiCp/ZL102 composites and DM305 electronic glass in an atmospheric environment. The effects of the sealing temperature on the properties of the joints were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Additionally, the causes of defects and the fracture mechanisms of the joints were analyzed. The results showed that the glass filler and base material were connected through a dual mechanism of an Al, Na, Si, and O element diffusion reaction and a mechanical occlusion. At a sealing temperature of 540 °C and a holding time of 30 min, the joint interface was dense and crack-free. Meanwhile, the average shear strength reached 13.0 MPa, and the leakage rate of air tightness was 1 × 10−9 Pa·m3/s. The brittle fracture features were revealed by the step-like morphology of the fracture, which originated from the brazing seam and propagated into the pore. The crack gradually propagated into the base material on both sides as the fracture area expanded, ultimately resulting in a fracture.
Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Lyme Borreliosis in The Netherlands: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hoeve-Bakker B. , van den Berg Oda , Doppenberg H. , van der Klis Fiona , van den Wijngaard Cees , Kluytmans Jan , Thijsen Steven , Kerkhof Karen
Published: April 2023

Lyme borreliosis (LB) is not notifiable in many European countries, and accurate data on the incidence are often lacking. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.)-specific antibodies in the general population of The Netherlands, and to determine risk factors associated with seropositivity. Sera and questionnaires were obtained from participants (n = 5592, aged 0–88 years) enrolled in a nationwide serosurveillance study. The sera were tested for B. burgdorferi s.l.-specific IgM and IgG antibodies using ELISA and immunoblot. Seroprevalence was estimated controlling for the survey design. Risk factors for seropositivity were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed-effect model. In 2016/2017, the seroprevalence in The Netherlands was 4.4% (95% CI 3.5–5.2). Estimates were higher in men (5.7% [95% CI 4.4–7.2]) than in women (3.1% [95% CI 2.0–4.0]), and increased with age from 2.6% (95% CI 1.4–4.4) in children to 7.7% (95% CI 5.9–7.9) in 60- to 88-year-olds. The seroprevalence for B. burgdorferi s.l. in the general population in The Netherlands was comparable to rates reported in European countries. The main risk factors for seropositivity were increasing age, being male and the tick bite frequency. The dynamics of LB infection are complex and involve variables from various disciplines. This could be further elucidated using infectious disease modelling.
In Vitro Probiotic Properties and In Vivo Anti-Ageing Effects of Lactoplantibacillus plantarum PFA2018AU Strain Isolated from Carrots on Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Pompa Laura , Montanari Arianna , Tomassini Alberta , Bianchi Michele Maria , Aureli Walter , Miccheli Alfredo , Uccelletti Daniela , Schifano Emily
Published: April 2023

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) share and provide several beneficial effects on human health, such as the release of bioactive metabolites, pathogen competition, and immune stimulation. The two major reservoirs of probiotic microorganisms are the human gastro-intestinal tract and fermented dairy products. However, other sources, such as plant-based foods, represent important alternatives thanks to their large distribution and nutritive value. Here, the probiotic potential of autochthonous Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PFA2018AU, isolated from carrots harvested in Fucino highland, Abruzzo (Italy), was investigated through in vitro and in vivo approaches. The strain was sent to the biobank of Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia ed Emilia Romagna in Italy for the purpose of patent procedures under the Budapest Treaty. The isolate showed high survival capability under in vitro simulated gastro-intestinal conditions, antibiotic susceptibility, hydrophobicity, aggregation, and the ability to inhibit the in vitro growth of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus pathogens. Caenorhabditis elegans was used as the in vivo model in order to analyse prolongevity and anti-ageing effects. L. plantarum PFA2018AU significantly colonised the gut of the worms, extended their lifespan, and stimulated their innate immunity. Overall, these results showed that autochthonous LAB from vegetables, such as carrots, have functional features that can be considered novel probiotic candidates.
Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria for Sustainable Agricultural Production
Authors: de Andrade Luana Alves , Santos Carlos Henrique Barbosa , Frezarin Edvan Teciano , Sales Luziane Ramos , Rigobelo Everlon Cid
Published: April 2023

Rhizosheric bacteria with several abilities related to plant growth and health have been denominated Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR). PGPR promote plant growth through several modes of action, be it directly or indirectly. The benefits provided by these bacteria can include increased nutrient availability, phytohormone production, shoot and root development, protection against several phytopathogens, and reduced diseases. Additionally, PGPR can help plants to withstand abiotic stresses such as salinity and drought and produce enzymes that detoxify plants from heavy metals. PGPR have become an important strategy in sustainable agriculture due to the possibility of reducing synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, promoting plant growth and health, and enhancing soil quality. There are many studies related to PGPR in the literature. However, this review highlights the studies that used PGPR for sustainable production in a practical way, making it possible to reduce the use of fertilizers such as phosphorus and nitrogen and fungicides, and to improve nutrient uptake. This review addresses topics such as unconventional fertilizers, seed microbiome for rhizospheric colonization, rhizospheric microorganisms, nitrogen fixation for reducing chemical fertilizers, phosphorus solubilizing and mineralizing, and siderophore and phytohormone production for reducing the use of fungicides and pesticides for sustainable agriculture.
Characterization and Genomic Analysis of the Naphthalene-Degrading Delftia tsuruhatensis ULwDis3 Isolated from Seawater
Authors: Sazonova Olesya I. , Ivanova Anastasia A. , Delegan Yanina A. , Streletskii Rostislav A. , Vershinina Diana D. , Sokolov Sergei L. , Vetrova Anna A.
Published: April 2023

Strains of the genus Delftia are poorly studied microorganisms. In this work, the complete genome of the naphthalene-degrading Delftia tsuruhatensis strain ULwDis3 isolated from seawater of the Gulf of Finland of the Baltic Sea was assembled. For the first time, genes encoding naphthalene cleavage pathways via salicylate and gentisate were identified in a strain of the genus Delftia. The genes are part of one operon (nag genes). Three open reading frames (ORFs) were found in the genome of D. tsuruhatensis strain ULwDis3 that encode gentisate 1.2-dioxygenase. One of the ORFs is part of the nag operon. The physiological and biochemical characteristics of the strain ULwDis3 when cultured in mineral medium with naphthalene as the sole source of carbon and energy were also studied. It was found that after 22 h of growth, the strain stopped consuming naphthalene, and at the same time, naphthalene 1.2-dioxygenase and salicylate 5-hydroxylase activities were not detected. Later, a decrease in the number of living cells and the death of the culture were observed. Gentisate 1.2-dioxygenase activity was detected from the time of gentisate formation until culture death.
Validation of Bromide Leaching through Response Surface Methodology and Separation of Gold from Waste Printed Circuit Boards
Authors: Rao Mudila Dhanunjaya , Meshram Pratima , Abhilash  , Singh Kamalesh K.
Published: April 2023

The daily consumption of gold is increasing worldwide; however, its availability from conventional ores is reducing. Alternatively, the presence of gold in waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is nearly 100 times higher than in natural ore. Therefore, the possibility of the recovery and separation of gold from waste printed circuit boards of obsolete mobile phones is studied in the present work. Initially, the optimization of parameters for the quantitative gold leaching from metal clads of PCBs with halide salts at acidic conditions is studied through response surface methodology. Three factors (parameters), viz. temperature, time and stirring speed are altered during the experiments based on the central composite design (CCD). Leaching parameters have been optimized with the help of the second-order empirical equations and analysis of variance (ANOVA) for maximum gold dissolution. The selective recovery and separation of gold from leach liquor have been achieved with solvent extraction with an organic amide as extractant followed by cementation with zinc powder. The separated gold powder has also been analyzed with XRD and SEM-EDS to check the purity and homogeneous elemental distribution. The statistical design of experiments and separation processes for the effective recovery of gold corroborates the economic feasibility of the proposed process.
Flocculation Behavior of Ultrafine Silica Particles in Acid Leaching Pulp by Nonionic Polymeric Flocculants
Authors: Guo Bao , Zhan Xinlei , Jiang Kaixi , Xie Hongzhen , Deng Rongdong
Published: April 2023

Sedimentation of ultrafine silica particles that exist in acid leaching pulp and their separation from Pregnant Leach Solution largely determines the efficiency of a hydrometallurgical process utilizing copper oxide ore. Thickener on a larger scale can allow longer sedimentation, generating low overflow turbidity but high economic input. In this paper, the flocculation behavior of quartz particles in sulfuric acid solution using nonionic flocculants polyethylene oxide (PEO) and polyacrylamide (PAM), as well as ionic cofactor montmorillonite (MMT) and nonionic cofactor tannic acid (TA), were investigated, with the dynamic size of flocs and counts of fines being monitored using an in situ particle size measurement technique, namely the focused beam reflectance measurement (FBRM), under turbulent conditions. Attention was paid to variables affecting quartz flocculation properties from both physicochemical and hydrodynamic aspects such as shear intensity. The flocculation mechanism was investigated using zeta potential and dynamic light scattering measurements. It was found that the TA promotes the bridging flocculation of PEO-quartz by forming associative complexes with larger clusters in solution, while MMT electrostatically adsorbs on the quartz surface, enhancing its bridging with PAM. Low turbidity benefited from the higher shear resistance of the compact flocs structure provided by PEO/PEO + TA/PAM + MMT. Efficient solid–liquid separation was achieved by using the synergistic flocculation of small molecule cofactors and polymer flocculants.
Metallocene-Naphthalimide Derivatives: The Effect of Geometry, DFT Methodology, and Transition Metals on Absorption Spectra
Authors: Tzeliou Christina Eleftheria , Tzeli Demeter
Published: April 2023

In the present paper, the photophysical properties of metallocene-4-amino-1,8-naphthalimide-piperazine molecules (1-M2+), as well as their oxidized and protonated derivatives (1−M3+, 1-M2+-H+, and 1-M3+-H+), where M = Fe, Co, and Ni, were studied via DFT and TD-DFT, employing three functionals, i.e., PBE0, TPSSh, and wB97XD. The effect of the substitution of the transition metal M on their oxidation state, and/or the protonation of the molecules, was investigated. The present calculated systems have not been investigated before and, except for the data regarding their photophysical properties, the present study provides important information regarding the effect of geometry and of DFT methodology on absorption spectra. It was found that small differences in geometry, specifically in the geometry of N atoms, reflect significant differences in absorption spectra. The common differences in spectra due to the use of different functionals can be significantly increased when the functionals predict minima even with small geometry differences. For most of the calculated molecules, the main absorption peaks in visible and near-UV areas correspond mainly to charge transfer excitations. The Fe complexes present larger oxidation energies at 5.4 eV, whereas Co and Ni complexes have smaller ones, at about 3.5 eV. There are many intense UV absorption peaks with excitation energies similar to their oxidation energies, showing that the emission from these excited states can be antagonistic to their oxidation. Regarding the use of functionals, the inclusion of dispersion corrections does not affect the geometry, and consequently the absorption spectra, of the present calculated molecular systems. For certain applications, where there is a need for a redox molecular system including metallocene, the oxidation energies could be lowered significantly, to about 40%, with the replacement of the iron with cobalt or nickel. Finally, the present molecular system, using cobalt as the transition metal, has the potential to be used as a sensor.