bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved VMD-ELM Algorithm for MEMS Gyroscope of Temperature Compensation Model Based on CNN-LSTM and PSO-SVM
Authors: Wang Xinwang , Cao Huiliang
Published: November 2022

The micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) gyroscope is a micro-mechanical gyroscope with low cost, small volume, and good reliability. The working principle of the MEMS gyroscope, which is achieved through Coriolis, is different from traditional gyroscopes. The MEMS gyroscope has been widely used in the fields of micro-inertia navigation systems, military, automotive, consumer electronics, mobile applications, robots, industrial, medical, and other fields in micro-inertia navigation systems because of its advantages of small volume, good performance, and low price. The material characteristics of the MEMS gyroscope is very significant for its data output, and the temperature determines its accuracy and limits its further application. In order to eliminate the effect of temperature, the MEMS gyroscope needs to be compensated to improve its accuracy. This study proposed an improved variational modal decomposition—extreme learning machine (VMD-ELM) algorithm based on convolutional neural networks—long short-term memory (CNN-LSTM) and particle swarm optimization—support vector machines (PSO-SVM). By establishing a temperature compensation model, the gyro temperature output signal is optimized and reconstructed, and the gyro output signal with better accuracy is obtained. The VMD algorithm separates the gyro output signal and divides the gyro output signal into low-frequency signals, mid-frequency signals, and high-frequency signals according to the different signal frequencies. Once again, the PSO-SVM model is constructed by the mid-frequency temperature signal to find the temperature error. Finally, the signal is reconstructed through the ELM neural network algorithm, and then, the gyro output signal after noise is obtained. Experimental results show that, by using the improved method, the output of the MEMS gyroscope ranging from −40 to 60 °C reduced, and the temperature drift dramatically declined. For example, the factor of quantization noise (Q) reduced from 1.2419 × 10−4 to 1.0533 × 10−6, the factor of bias instability (B) reduced from 0.0087 to 1.8772 × 10−4, and the factor of random walk of angular velocity (N) reduced from 2.0978 × 10−5 to 1.4985 × 10−6. Furthermore, the output of the MEMS gyroscope ranging from 60 to −40 °C reduced. The factor of Q reduced from 2.9808 × 10−4 to 2.4430 × 10−6, the factor of B reduced from 0.0145 to 7.2426 × 10−4, and the factor of N reduced from 4.5072 × 10−5 to 1.0523 × 10−5. The improved algorithm can be adopted to denoise the output signal of the MEMS gyroscope to improve its accuracy.
Current Trends in Micro and Nano Manufacturing
Authors: Valentinčič Joško
Published: November 2022

Micro and nano manufacturing technologies can be used to machine materials ranging from polymers and metals to ceramics and other modern high-performance materials [...]
Comparison of Fuzzy and Neural Network Computing Techniques for Performance Prediction of an Industrial Copper Flotation Circuit
Authors: Jovanović Ivana , Nakhaei Fardis , Kržanović Daniel , Conić Vesna , Urošević Daniela
Published: November 2022

This paper presents the development and validation of five different soft computing methods for flotation performance prediction: (1) two models based on fuzzy logic (Mamdani and Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy inference system) and (2) three models based on artificial neural networks. Copper content in the ore feed, collector dosage in the rougher and the scavenger flotation circuits, slurry pH in the rougher flotation circuit and frother consumption were selected as input parameters to estimate the copper grade and recovery of final concentrate, as well as the copper content in the final tailings of the flotation plant. The training and evaluation of the proposed models were performed on the basis of real process data collected by the multiannual monitoring of industrial flotation plant operation in “Veliki Krivelj Mine”. The results showed that the proposed soft computing-based models well describe the behavior of the industrial flotation plant in a wide range of circumstances. Among the proposed algorithms, artificial neural networks gave the most accurate predictions for the final copper concentrate grade and recovery (R2 = 0.98 and R2 = 0.99, respectively) and copper content in final tailings (R2 = 0.87). At some points, fuzzy logic models are almost equally efficient, but artificial neural networks had lower values for all error functions.
Petrophysical Database for European Pegmatite Exploration—EuroPeg
Authors: Haase Claudia , Pohl Claudia M.
Published: November 2022

Granitic pegmatites contain natural concentrations of a variety of raw materials invaluable for modern technologies and a green and sustainable society. The most abundant ones are silicon for high-purity quartz applications, and indispensable lithium for today’s batteries. However, the exploration of these target materials in Europe is underdeveloped, causing high dependencies on non-European supply chains. The European Commission Horizon 2020 project GREENPEG (GA no. 869274) is addressing the exploration of buried, small-scale pegmatite deposits in Europe through the development of innovative new exploration toolsets. One component of these toolsets is petrophysical data of pegmatite ores and their wall rock. These data are essential to supplement and ground-truth non-invasive geophysical investigations and deposit modeling. Both important tools in mineral exploration can then be used in a more targeted and cost-effective way. Petrophysical parameters measured on drill core and field samples and acquired through geophysical borehole logging are compiled in the first database for European Pegmatite deposits: EuroPeg_PetroDB. Samples are supplemented with meta-information, and the database is comprehensively structured in an easy-to-use format. Supporting the initiative of FAIR data, EuroPeg is freely accessible on an open data repository. The sample content and petrophysical measurements are described, followed by the structure and usability of the database.
Computational Analysis of Triazole-Based Kojic Acid Analogs as Tyrosinase Inhibitors by Molecular Dynamics and Free Energy Calculations
Authors: Martins Lucas Sousa , Gonçalves Reinaldo W. A. , Moraes Joana J. S. , Alves Cláudio Nahum , Silva José Rogério A.
Published: November 2022

Molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and the linear interaction energy (LIE) method were used here to predict binding modes and free energy for a set of 1,2,3-triazole-based KA analogs as potent inhibitors of Tyrosinase (TYR), a key metalloenzyme of the melanogenesis process. Initially, molecular docking calculations satisfactorily predicted the binding mode of evaluated KA analogs, where the KA part overlays the crystal conformation of the KA inhibitor into the catalytic site of TYR. The MD simulations were followed by the LIE method, which reproduced the experimental binding free energies for KA analogs with an r2 equal to 0.97, suggesting the robustness of our theoretical model. Moreover, the van der Waals contributions performed by some residues such as Phe197, Pro201, Arg209, Met215 and Val218 are responsible for the binding recognition of 1,2,3-triazole-based KA analogs in TYR catalytic site. Finally, our calculations provide suitable validation of the combination of molecular docking, MD, and LIE approaches as a powerful tool in the structure-based drug design of new and potent TYR inhibitors.
Correlation Study of Biological Activity with Quercetin and Phenolics Content in Onion Extracts
Authors: Olszowy-Tomczyk Małgorzata , Garbaczewska Sylwia , Wianowska Dorota
Published: November 2022

In this study it was shown that the fungistatic and antioxidant activities of onion extracts are related to the type of liquid used as the extractant and the technique of its preparation. A change in the antioxidant properties of white and red onion extracts was demonstrated with the change of the temperature of the pressurized hot water extraction process, which can be easily related to the changes accompanying the process of thermal processing of vegetables and fruits during cooking. Owing to the experimental and mathematical approaches concerning both the main and characteristic components of onions, i.e., quercetin and phenols, respectively, with the biological activity of the extracts, it was possible to demonstrate the significant share of these compounds in the antifungal and antioxidant properties of the extracts. Considering that the research was carried out, inter alia, on onion husks, demonstrating a very high potential of biological properties of this waste material from agricultural production, the research results presented in the paper should encourage the popularization of the use of this so far underestimated raw material for the production of various functional materials.
Synthesis of Copper Nanostructures for Non-Enzymatic Glucose Sensors via Direct-Current Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: State (Rosoiu) Sabrina , Enache Laura-Bianca , Potorac Pavel , Prodana Mariana , Enachescu Marius
Published: November 2022

In this paper, Cu nanocolumnar structure electrodes are synthetized using a clean and easy-to-scale-up direct-current magnetron sputtering (DC-MS) technique for non-enzymatic glucose sensing. The nanocolumnar structure increases the active surface area of the deposit, with the nanocolumns showing a mean size diameter of 121.0 nm ± 27.2 and a length of 2.52 µm ± 0.23. A scanning transmission electron (STEM) analysis shows the presence of Cu and a small amount of Cu2O. The behavior of the electrodes in alkaline environments and the electrochemical affinity of the Cu nanocolumns (CuNCs) towards the electro-oxidation of glucose are investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV). After performing CV in NaOH solution, the columnar structures present corrosion products containing Cu2O, as revealed by STEM and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. The amperometric responses of the CuNCs to the successive addition of glucose show a linear range up to 2 mM and a limit of detection of 5.2 µM. Furthermore, the electrodes are free from chloride poisoning, and they are insensitive to dopamine, uric acid, ascorbic acid, and acetaminophen at their physiological concentrations.
Ferroelectric Nanodomain Engineering in Bulk Lithium Niobate Crystals in Ultrashort-Pulse Laser Nanopatterning Regime
Authors: Kudryashov Sergey , Rupasov Alexey , Kosobokov Mikhail , Akhmatkhanov Andrey , Krasin George , Danilov Pavel , Lisjikh Boris , Turygin Anton , Greshnyakov Evgeny , Kovalev Michael , Efimov Artem , Shur Vladimir
Published: November 2022

Ferroelectric nanodomains were formed in bulk lithium niobate single crystals near nanostructured microtracks laser-inscribed by 1030-nm 0.3-ps ultrashort laser pulses at variable pulse energies in sub- and weakly filamentary laser nanopatterning regimes. The microtracks and related nanodomains were characterized by optical, scanning probe and confocal second-harmonic generation microscopy methods. The nanoscale material sub-structure in the microtracks was visualized in the sample cross-sections by atomic force microscopy (AFM), appearing weakly birefringent in polarimetric microscope images. The piezoresponce force microscopy (PFM) revealed sub-100 nm ferroelectric domains formed in the vicinity of the embedded microtrack seeds, indicating a promising opportunity to arrange nanodomains in the bulk ferroelectric crystal in on-demand positions. These findings open a new modality in direct laser writing technology, which is related to nanoscale writing of ferroelectric nanodomains and prospective three-dimensional micro-electrooptical and nanophotonic devices in nonlinear-optical ferroelectrics.
Phase-Field Simulation on the Effect of Second-Phase Particles on Abnormal Growth of Goss Grains in Fe-3%Si Steels
Authors: Wang Mingtao , Xu Yongkai , Hu Jinlong , Fang Feng , Jin Jianfeng , Jia Tao , Peng Qing
Published: November 2022

A phase-field model was revised to study the abnormal growth of Goss grains during the annealing process in Fe-3%Si steels, in which the interaction between the second-phase particles and Goss grain boundaries (GBs) was considered. The results indicate that the abnormal growth of Goss grains occurs due to the different dissolvability of the particles at Goss GBs compared with the other GBs. Moreover, the degree of abnormal growth increases first and then decreases with an increasing particle content. Meanwhile, the size advantage of Goss grain can further promote the degree of abnormal growth. Two types of island grains were found according to the simulated results, which is consistent with the experimental observations. A proper GB dissolvability of particles is the key factor for the formation of isolated island grains, and a higher local particle density at GBs is the main reason for the appearance of serial island grains. These findings can provide guidance for the desired texture control in silicon steels.
High-Throughput Preparation of Uncontaminated Graphene-Oxide Aqueous Dispersions with Antioxidant Properties by Semi-Automated Diffusion Dialysis
Authors: Mikheev Ivan V. , Byvsheva Sofiya M. , Sozarukova Madina M. , Kottsov Sergey Yu. , Proskurnina Elena V. , Proskurnin Mikhail A.
Published: November 2022

A semi-automated diffusion-dialysis purification procedure is proposed for the preparation of uncontaminated graphene oxide (GO) aqueous dispersions. The purification process is integrated with analytical-signal processing to control the purification degree online by several channels: oxidation-reduction potential, conductivity, and absorbance. This approach reduces the amounts of reagents for chemical treatment during dialysis. The total transition metal (Mn and Ti) content was reduced to a sub-ppb level (assessed by slurry nebulization in inductively coupled plasma optical atomic emission spectroscopy). Purified aqueous GO samples possess good stability for about a year with a zeta-potential of ca. −40 mV and a lateral size of ca. sub-µm. Purified GO samples showed increased antioxidant properties (up to five times compared to initial samples according to chemiluminometry by superoxide-radical (O2−) generated in situ from xanthine and xanthine oxidase with the lucigenin probe) and significantly decreased peroxidase-like activity (assessed by the H2O2–L-012 system).
Effects of Ginger Intake on Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Choi Jihee , Lee Jounghee , Kim Kijoon , Choi Hyo-Kyoung , Lee Se-A , Lee Hae-Jeung
Published: November 2022

Nausea and vomiting are the most common side effects of chemotherapy. They must be managed because they can increase the risk of malnutrition in patients, which can adversely affect treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of ginger supplementation as an adjuvant treatment for alleviating chemo We checked. therapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). This study searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to ginger supplement intake for CINV in three electronic databases (i.e., Medline (PubMed), Embase, and Web of Science). The search period ranged from each database’s first date of service to 5 November 2021. Two investigators independently performed abstract screenings, full-text screenings, data extraction, and risk of bias analyses (ROB). The Cochrane ROB tool was used for the assessment of ROB. This study systematically reviewed 23 RCTs. The effects of ginger supplementation were compared to those of placebo or antiemetic agents. This study conducted a meta-analysis after classifying the effects of ginger supplementation on acute and delayed CINV into subgroups due to the clinical heterogeneity between these RCTs. The results showed that the incidence of acute nausea (p = 0.53), the incidence of delayed nausea (p = 0.31), the incidence of acute vomiting (p = 0.09), and the incidence of delayed vomiting (p = 0.89) were not significantly different between the ginger supplement intake group and the control group. However, it was found that the ginger supplement intake group, which took not more than 1 g of ginger supplementation per day for above four days, had significantly less acute vomiting than the control group (OR 0.30; 95% CI 0.12 to 0.79; p = 0.02; I2 = 36%). Ginger supplementation may reduce the incidence of acute chemotherapy-induced vomiting. However, this study could not confirm the effects of ginger supplementation on the incidence of chemotherapy-induced nausea and delayed vomiting. Therefore, it will be necessary to conduct additional studies with sufficient sample sizes using high-quality RCTs to evaluate the effects of ginger supplementations based on the results of this study.
Dietary Emulsifiers Exacerbate Food Allergy and Colonic Type 2 Immune Response through Microbiota Modulation
Authors: Harusato Akihito , Chassaing Benoit , Dauriat Charlène J. G. , Ushiroda Chihiro , Seo Wooseok , Itoh Yoshito
Published: November 2022

The significant increase in food allergy incidence is correlated with dietary changes in modernized countries. Here, we investigated the impact of dietary emulsifiers on food allergy by employing an experimental murine model. Mice were exposed to drinking water containing 1.0% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) or Polysorbate-80 (P80) for 12 weeks, a treatment that was previously demonstrated to induce significant alterations in microbiota composition and function leading to chronic intestinal inflammation and metabolic abnormalities. Subsequently, the ovalbumin food allergy model was applied and characterized. As a result, we observed that dietary emulsifiers, especially P80, significantly exacerbated food allergy symptoms, with increased OVA-specific IgE induction and accelerated type 2 cytokine expressions, such as IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, in the colon. Administration of an antibiotic regimen completely reversed the emulsifier-induced exacerbated susceptibility to food allergy, suggesting a critical role played by the intestinal microbiota in food allergy and type 2 immune responses.
Effects of l-Arginine Plus Vitamin C Supplementation on Physical Performance, Endothelial Function, and Persistent Fatigue in Adults with Long COVID: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Tosato Matteo , Calvani Riccardo , Picca Anna , Ciciarello Francesca , Galluzzo Vincenzo , Coelho-Júnior Hélio José , Di Giorgio Angela , Di Mario Clara , Gervasoni Jacopo , Gremese Elisa , Leone Paolo Maria , Nesci Antonio , Paglionico Anna Maria , Santoliquido Angelo , Santoro Luca , Santucci Lavinia , Tolusso Barbara , Urbani Andrea , Marini Federico , Marzetti Emanuele , Landi Francesco
Published: November 2022

Long COVID, a condition characterized by symptom and/or sign persistence following an acute COVID-19 episode, is associated with reduced physical performance and endothelial dysfunction. Supplementation of l-arginine may improve endothelial and muscle function by stimulating nitric oxide synthesis. A single-blind randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in adults aged between 20 and 60 years with persistent fatigue attending a post-acute COVID-19 outpatient clinic. Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive twice-daily orally either a combination of 1.66 g l-arginine plus 500 mg liposomal vitamin C or a placebo for 28 days. The primary outcome was the distance walked on the 6 min walk test. Secondary outcomes were handgrip strength, flow-mediated dilation, and fatigue persistence. Fifty participants were randomized to receive either l-arginine plus vitamin C or a placebo. Forty-six participants (median (interquartile range) age 51 (14), 30 [65%] women), 23 per group, received the intervention to which they were allocated and completed the study. At 28 days, l-arginine plus vitamin C increased the 6 min walk distance (+30 (40.5) m; placebo: +0 (75) m, p = 0.001) and induced a greater improvement in handgrip strength (+3.4 (7.5) kg) compared with the placebo (+1 (6.6) kg, p = 0.03). The flow-mediated dilation was greater in the active group than in the placebo (14.3% (7.3) vs. 9.4% (5.8), p = 0.03). At 28 days, fatigue was reported by two participants in the active group (8.7%) and 21 in the placebo group (80.1%; p < 0.0001). l-arginine plus vitamin C supplementation improved walking performance, muscle strength, endothelial function, and fatigue in adults with long COVID. This supplement may, therefore, be considered to restore physical performance and relieve persistent symptoms in this patient population.
Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Paschou Stavroula A. , Bletsa Evanthia , Saltiki Katerina , Kazakou Paraskevi , Kantreva Kanella , Katsaounou Paraskevi , Rovina Nikoletta , Trakada Georgia , Bakakos Petros , Vlachopoulos Charalambos V. , Psaltopoulou Theodora
Published: November 2022

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common but largely undiagnosed clinical condition, which is turning into a serious public health issue. Of note is that its prevalence is gradually increasing in parallel with the obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) epidemics. The aim of this article is to comprehensively review the literature in order to evaluate the cardiovascular (CV) risk among patients with OSA and prediabetes or T2DM. OSA seems to be an independent risk factor for the development as well as the progression of T2DM, whereas it is associated with T2DM-related macrovascular and microvascular complications. OSA may also act as a potential risk factor for the presentation and development of CV disease, such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, atrial fibrillation and other cardiac arrythmias, as well as stroke. OSA and T2DM also share common pathophysiological mechanisms leading to atherosclerosis. Considering that the coexistence of OSA and T2DM is an independent and cumulative risk factor for CV mortality, more so than the two diseases separately, clinicians and healthcare professionals should be aware of and screen for OSA in patients with T2DM. Notably, targeted therapy for both conditions seems to substantially improve CV prognosis.
Plasma Levels of Omega-3 and Omega-6 Derived Oxylipins Are Associated with Fecal Microbiota Composition in Young Adults
Authors: Xu Huiwen , Jurado-Fasoli Lucas , Ortiz-Alvarez Lourdes , Osuna-Prieto Francisco J. , Kohler Isabelle , Di Xinyu , Vilchez-Vargas Ramiro , Link Alexander , Plaza-Díaz Julio , Gil Angel , Rensen Patrick C. N. , Ruiz Jonatan R. , Martinez-Tellez Borja
Published: November 2022

Pre-clinical studies suggest that circulating oxylipins, i.e., the oxidation products of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), modulate gut microbiota composition in mice, but there is no information available in humans. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between omega-3 and omega-6 derived oxylipins plasma levels and fecal microbiota composition in a cohort of young adults. 80 young adults (74% women; 21.9 ± 2.2 years old) were included in this cross-sectional study. Plasma levels of oxylipins were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Fecal microbiota composition was analyzed by V3-V4 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We observed that plasma levels of omega-3 derived oxylipins were positively associated with the relative abundance of Clostridium cluster IV genus (Firmicutes phylum; rho ≥ 0.415, p ≤ 0.009) and negatively associated with the relative abundance of Sutterella genus (Proteobacteria phylum; rho ≥ −0.270, p ≤ 0.041), respectively. Moreover, plasma levels of omega-6 derived oxylipins were negatively associated with the relative abundance of Acidaminococcus and Phascolarctobacterium genera (Firmicutes phylum; all rho ≥ −0.263, p ≤ 0.024), as well as Sutterella, Succinivibrio, and Gemmiger genera (Proteobacteria phylum; all rho ≥ −0.263, p ≤ 0.024). Lastly, the ratio between omega-6 and omega-3 oxylipins plasma levels was negatively associated with the relative abundance of Clostridium cluster IV genus (Firmicutes phylum; rho = −0.334, p = 0.004) and Butyricimonas genus (Bacteroidetes phylum; rho = −0.292, p = 0.014). In conclusion, our results show that the plasma levels of omega-3 and omega-6 derived oxylipins are associated with the relative abundance of specific fecal bacteria genera.
A Review of Rehabilitation Benefits of Exercise Training Combined with Nutrition Supplement for Improving Protein Synthesis and Skeletal Muscle Strength in Patients with Cerebral Stroke
Authors: Liu Shiqi , Liu Hengxu , Yang Li , Wang Kun , Chen Nuo , Zhang Tingran , Luo Jiong
Published: November 2022

Cerebral vascular accident (CVA) is one of the main causes of chronic disability, and it affects the function of daily life, so it is increasingly important to actively rehabilitate patients’ physical functions. The research confirmed that the nutrition supplement strategy is helpful to improve the effect of sports rehabilitation adaptation and sports performance. The patients with chronic strokes (whose strokes occur for more than 6 months) have special nutritional needs while actively carrying out rehabilitation exercises, but there are still few studies to discuss at present. Therefore, this paper will take exercise rehabilitation to promote muscle strength and improve muscle protein synthesis as the main axis and, through integrating existing scientific evidence, discuss the special needs of chronic stroke patients in rehabilitation exercise intervention and nutrition supplement one by one. At the same time, we further evaluated the physiological mechanism of nutrition intervention to promote training adaptation and compared the effects of various nutrition supplement strategies on stroke rehabilitation. Literature review pointed out that immediately supplementing protein nutrition (such as whey protein or soybean protein) after resistance exercise or endurance exercise can promote the efficiency of muscle protein synthesis and produce additive benefits, thereby improving the quality of muscle tissue. Recent animal research results show that probiotics can prevent the risk factors of neural function degradation and promote the benefits of sports rehabilitation. At the same time, natural polyphenols (such as catechin or resveratrol) or vitamins can also reduce the oxidative stress injury caused by animal stroke and promote the proliferation of neural tissue. In view of the fact that animal research results still make up the majority of issues related to the role of nutrition supplements in promoting nerve repair and protection, and the true benefits still need to be confirmed by subsequent human studies. This paper suggests that the future research direction should be the supplement of natural antioxidants, probiotics, compound nutritional supplements, and integrated human clinical research.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Buprenorphine-Naloxone on Opioid Overdose and Death among Insured Patients with Opioid Use Disorder in the United States
Authors: Sun Tianyu , Katenka Natallia , Kogut Stephen , Bratberg Jeffrey , Rich Josiah , Buchanan Ashley
Published: November 2022

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic disease requiring long-term treatment and is associated with opioid overdose and increased risk of mortality. However, existing randomized clinical trials focused on short-term treatment engagement and detoxification rather than overdose or mortality risk due to limited follow-up time and ethical considerations. We used a hypothetical trial framework to conduct a retrospective cohort study to assess the effectiveness of time-varying buprenorphine-naloxone on opioid overdose and death. We identified 58,835 insured adult patients with OUD diagnosis in the US, 2010–2017. We fit a marginal structural model using inverse probability weighting methods to account for measured baseline and time-varying confounders, as well as selection bias due to possibly differential loss-to-follow-up. We found that receipt of buprenorphine-naloxone was associated with reduced risk of opioid overdose (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.49, 0.91), death (HR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.75), and overdose or death (HR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.40, 0.84). The E-value for death was 7.8, which was larger than the upper 95% CI of the association between each measured baseline variable and all-cause death, which implies that the unmeasured confounding itself may not explain away the estimated effect of treatment on the endpoint of all-cause mortality.
Olaparib Conjugates with Selenopheno[3,2-c]quinolinone Inhibit PARP1 and Reverse ABCB1-Related Multidrug Resistance
Authors: Makrecka-Kuka Marina , Vasiljeva Jelena , Dimitrijevs Pavels , Arsenyan Pavel
Published: November 2022

The restoration of the efficacy of antitumor medicines is a cornerstone in the combat with multidrug resistant (MDR) cancers. The overexpression of the ABCB1 transporter is a major obstacle to conventional doxorubicin therapy. The synergy of ABCB1 suppression and PARP1 activity inhibition that hampers malignant cell DNA repair could be a powerful tool in anticancer therapy. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of three novel olaparib conjugates with selenophenoquinolinones, their ability to reverse doxorubicin resistance in uterus sarcoma cells as well as their mechanism of action. It was found that the most potent chemosensitizer among studied compounds preserves PARP1 inhibitory activity and attenuates cells’ resistance to doxorubicin by inhibiting ABCB1 transporter activity. These results demonstrate that the conjugation of PARP inhibitors with selenophenoquinolinones is a prospective direction for the development of agents for the treatment of MDR cancers.
The Effect of Various Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes on Viscoelastic, Thermal Properties and Crystallization of Poly(ε-caprolactone) Nanocomposites
Authors: Lipińska Magdalena
Published: November 2022

Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane POSS nanoparticles can be applied as reinforcing additives modifying various properties of biodegradable polymers. The effects of aminopropylisobutyl POSS (amine-POSS), trisilanolisooctyl-POSS (HO-POSS) and glycidyl-POSS (Gly-POSS) on the viscoelastic, thermal properties and crystallization of biodegradable poly(ε-caprolactone) PCL were studied. The analysis of the viscoelastic properties at ambient temperature indicated that aminopropylisobutyl POSS (amine-POSS) and glycidyl-POSS (Gly-POSS) enhanced the dynamic mechanical properties of PCL. The increase in the storage shear modulus G′ and loss modulus G″ was observed. The plasticizing effect of trisilanolisooctyl POSS (HO-POSS) due to the presence of long isoctyl groups was confirmed. As a result, the crystallization of PCL was facilitated and the degree of crystallinity of χc increased up to 50.9%. The damping properties and the values of tan δ for PCL/HO-POSS composition increased from 0.052 to 0.069. The TGA results point out the worsening of the PCL thermal stability, with lower values of T0.5%, T1% and T3%. Both HO-POSS and Gly-POSS facilitated the relaxation of molten PCL. The presence of Gly-POSS influenced the changes that occurred in the viscoelastic properties of the molten PCL due to the thermo-mechanical degradation of the material; a positive impact was observed.
Ferrocene-Based Terpolyamides and Their PDMS-Containing Block Copolymers: Synthesis and Physical Properties
Authors: Mushtaq Irrum , Jabeen Erum , Akhter Zareen , Javed Fatima , Hassan Azfar , Khan Muhammad Saif Ullah , Ullah Faheem , Shah Faiz Ullah
Published: November 2022

Aromatic polyamides are well-known as high-performance materials due to their outstanding properties making them useful in a wide range of applications. However, their limited solubility in common organic solvents restricts their processability and becomes a hurdle in their applicability. This study is focused on the synthesis of processable ferrocene-based terpolyamides and their polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-containing block copolymers, using low-temperature solution polycondensation methodology. All the synthesized materials were structurally characterized using FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopic techniques. The ferrocene-based terpolymers and block copolymers were soluble in common organic solvents, while the organic analogs were found only soluble in sulfuric acid. WXRD analysis showed the amorphous nature of the materials, while the SEM analysis exposed the modified surface of the ferrocene-based block copolymers. The structure–property relationship of the materials was further elucidated by their water absorption and thermal behavior. These materials showed low to no water absorption along with their high limiting oxygen index (LOI) values depicting their good flame-retardant behavior. DFT studies also supported the role of various monomers in the polycondensation reaction where the electron pair donation from HOMO of diamine monomer to the LUMO of acyl chloride was predicted, along with the calculation of various other parameters of the representative terpolymers and block copolymers.
An Interpenetrating Polymer Network Hydrogel Based on Cellulose, Applied to Remove Colorant Traces from the Water Medium: Electrostatic Interactions Analysis
Authors: Mihoub Meriem , Hamri Salah , Bouchaour Tewfik , Popa Marcel , Popa Dragos Marius , Bedjaoui Alachaher Lamia , Hamcerencu Mihaela
Published: November 2022

The main objective of this work was the removal of eosin Y and green malachite from an aqueous medium by using a cellulose-based biodegradable interpenetrated network (IPN). The IPN was obtained by the sequenced synthesis method. In the first step, cellulose was crosslinked with epichlorohydrin (ECH). In the second step, the obtained gels were swollen in a reactive mixture solution, which was based on the monomers 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and 1,6- hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA). After this, swelling equilibrium was reached through the gels’ exposition to UV radiation. An infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to analyze the bond stretching, which confirmed the IPN’s formation. The swelling kinetics in aqueous mediums with different pH values showed a high swelling at a basic pH value and a low response in neutral and acidic media. The IPNs showed an improvement in water uptake, compared to the networks based on PHEMA or cellulose. The IPN was used to remove dyes from the water. The results showed that a high percentage of green malachite was removed by the IPN in six minutes of contact time. The experimental results were confirmed by the docking/modeling method of the system (IPN/Dye). The different physical interactions between the IPN and the dyes’ molecules were investigated. The interactions of the hydrogen bonds with malachite green were stronger than those with eosin Y, which was in good agreement with the experimental results.
Behavior of Calcium Phosphate–Chitosan–Collagen Composite Coating on AISI 304 for Orthopedic Applications
Authors: Zanca Claudio , Patella Bernardo , Capuana Elisa , Lopresti Francesco , Brucato Valerio , Carfì Pavia Francesco , La Carrubba Vincenzo , Inguanta Rosalinda
Published: November 2022

Calcium phosphate/chitosan/collagen composite coating on AISI 304 stainless steel was investigated. Coatings were realized by galvanic coupling that occurs without an external power supply because it begins with the coupling between two metals with different standard electrochemical potentials. The process consists of the co-deposition of the three components with the calcium phosphate crystals incorporated into the polymeric composite of chitosan and collagen. Physical-chemical characterizations of the samples were executed to evaluate morphology and chemical composition. Morphological analyses have shown that the surface of the stainless steel is covered by the deposit, which has a very rough surface. XRD, Raman, and FTIR characterizations highlighted the presence of both calcium phosphate compounds and polymers. The coatings undergo a profound variation after aging in simulated body fluid, both in terms of composition and structure. The tests, carried out in simulated body fluid to scrutinize the corrosion resistance, have shown the protective behavior of the coating. In particular, the corrosion potential moved toward higher values with respect to uncoated steel, while the corrosion current density decreased. This good behavior was further confirmed by the very low quantification of the metal ions (practically absent) released in simulated body fluid during aging. Cytotoxicity tests using a pre-osteoblasts MC3T3-E1 cell line were also performed that attest the biocompatibility of the coating.
Identifying and Assessing Sustainability Implementation Barriers for Residential Building Project: A Case of Ghana
Authors: Kineber Ahmed Farouk , Kissi Ernest , Hamed Mohammed Magdy
Published: November 2022

Sustainable construction practices should be integrated at every stage of the development process for optimum benefit, without compromising the structure’s intended use. Incorporating green building principles into home construction projects requires substantial investments, which may represent a barrier to overcome. When trying to fix a problem in a developing country such as Ghana (where resources are limited), it is important to first focus on eliminating the impediments. Thus, this article will attempt to identify and assess sustainability implementation barriers of residential building projects in Ghana. Consequently, the barriers to sustainability implementation were identified in previous studies. After that, a questionnaire survey was conducted among construction firms in Ghana. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) results showed that the barriers to implementing sustainability could be categorized under four main groups (management, standards, society and knowledge). Additionally, partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to assess the linkages between each categorization barrier and sustainability implementation. The results from PLS-SEM showed that management-related barriers are the most significant barriers affecting substantiality implementation. The findings of this study will serve as a roadmap for policymakers in Ghana’s construction sector as they work to implement sustainability parameters to save costs and improve the environmental ecosystem and social cohesion in residential buildings.
Skills Demand in Energy Intensive Industries Targeting Industrial Symbiosis and Energy Efficiency
Authors: Branca Teresa Annunziata , Fornai Barbara , Colla Valentina , Pistelli Maria Ilaria , Faraci Eros Luciano , Cirilli Filippo , Schröder Antonius Johannes
Published: November 2022

Technological development, closely related to the implementation of industrial symbiosis and energy efficiency, affects all areas of energy intensive industries, and involves the whole industrial workforce. This paper deals with a part of the work developed in the early stage of a current Erasmus+ project, which aims at developing an industry-driven and proactive skills strategy to assist the implementation and exploitation of industrial symbiosis and energy efficiency across the energy intensive sectors. The paper presents the current state of workforce in the context of industrial symbiosis and energy efficiency implementations. The most recent literature on the effects of new skills requirement and training needs for the European process industry workforce is analyzed and discussed. In addition, implementation advantages and barriers as well as possible solutions to satisfy ongoing and future skill demands are considered. Through skill integrations and workforce attraction and training, new skills, and greater abilities for working across sector boundaries can be achieved. In addition, policies on green economy and on skills development can enable anticipating labor market changes, by identifying skill requirement impacts. This can be achieved by introducing new training programs, revising existing ones and by monitoring the impact of trainings on the labor market.
A Review of Current Capabilities and Science Gaps in Water Supply Data, Modeling, and Trends for Water Availability Assessments in the Upper Colorado River Basin
Authors: Tillman Fred D , Day Natalie K. , Miller Matthew P. , Miller Olivia L. , Rumsey Christine A. , Wise Daniel R. , Longley Patrick C. , McDonnell Morgan C.
Published: November 2022

The Colorado River is a critical water resource in the southwestern United States, supplying drinking water for 40 million people in the region and water for irrigation of 2.2 million hectares of land. Extended drought in the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCOL) and the prospect of a warmer climate in the future pose water availability challenges for those charged with managing the river. Limited water availability in the future also may negatively affect aquatic ecosystems and wildlife that depend upon them. Water availability components of special importance in the UCOL include streamflow, salinity in groundwater and surface water, groundwater levels and storage, and the role of snow in the UCOL water cycle. This manuscript provides a review of current “state of the science” for these UCOL water availability components with a focus on identifying gaps in data, modeling, and trends in the basin. Trends provide context for evaluations of current conditions and motivation for further investigation and modeling, models allow for investigation of processes and projections of future water availability, and data support both efforts. Information summarized in this manuscript will be valuable in planning integrated assessments of water availability in the UCOL.
Inundation Characteristics of Solitary Waves According to Revetment Type
Authors: Lee Woo-Dong , Hwang Taegeon , Kim Taeyoon
Published: November 2022

Wave absorbers installed in front of revetments are effective in reducing wave overtopping and inundation caused by periodic waves. The wave absorbers’ mechanism of reducing wave overtopping and inundation caused by long-period waves such as tsunamis and storm surges is not clearly understood. This study conducted a physical modeling test and numerical analysis based on a large eddy simulation model using in-house code to examine the characteristics of wave overtopping and inundation according to the revetment type for solitary waves. In a vertical revetment (VR), the dominant vertical velocity of the solitary wave cannot bend at a right angle during overtopping, causing flow separation to occur at the crest, which leads to increased drag and vorticity. In a wave absorbing revetment (WAR), the flow cross-sectional area decreases along the slope of the wave absorber, causing the flow velocity of the solitary wave to increase and the horizontal velocity to be dominant during the overtopping and inundation process. In contrast with the general wave overtopping characteristics of periodic waves, the maximum overtopping water surface elevation in front of the vertical wall is higher in a VR than in a WAR. However, the order of maximum inundation heights reverses as the wave propagates inland.
Economic Incentives in Stormwater Management: A Study of Practice Gaps in Poland
Authors: Godyń Izabela
Published: November 2022

Sustainable rainwater management is made possible, among others, by nationwide and local policies and regulations that create economic incentives. This article analyzes how existing economic instruments in Poland motivate property owners to make investments that manage rainwater on their own properties. Two types of investments were analyzed: bioswales as one of the lowest-cost green infrastructure measures in construction and operation, and the rainwater harvesting solution that uses rainwater to irrigate greenery. Simulation of this type of investment was undertaken in response to existing economic incentives—obtainable discounts of national and municipal rainwater drainage fees and municipal subsidy programs for rainwater management from three cities of different sizes selected from the Greater Poland province. Analyses were carried out for three types of development: different intensity, sealing of the land, and number of residents. The financial profitability of the investment was evaluated by determining the payback period, NPV, and benefit–cost ratio, taking into account the possible discounts in fees and investment subsidies in the variant analyses. It was shown that the incentive function of national fees for rainwater drainage is low, and that the incentive function of municipal fees and subsidies is higher, depending on the design of the fee (rates and discounts) and subsidy (directions and level of subsidies) systems.
Evaluation of Adaptive Utilization Capacity of Water Resources and Analysis of Driving Element: A Case Study of Tarim River Basin
Authors: Li Xing , Zuo Qiting , Zhai Jiaqi , Zhao Yong , Wang Yong , Han Shuying
Published: November 2022

The research on the adaptive utilization of water resources (AUWR) is of great significance to improve the coordinated development among water resources, economic society, and ecological environment in complex environments, and to promote the development of adaptive utilization of regional water resources. Based on the calculation method of harmony theory and the calculation method of the comprehensive co-evolution model, this paper obtains the harmony degree and adaptive utilization capacity of water resources (AUCWR) of each subsystem in the Tarim River Basin (TRB), analyzes the main factors affecting the AUCWR, and finally compares the two methods. The results show that: (1) From 2004 to 2018, the AUCWR in the TRB has gradually improved (harmony theory method: from 0.43 in 2004 to 0.56 in 2018, with a growth rate of 30.23%; comprehensive co-evolution model method: from 0.37 in 2004 to 0.62 in 2018, with a significant increase of 67.57%) and (2) From the perspective of indicators, indicators such as per capita GDP, the proportion of non-agricultural output value in GDP, and per capita net income of rural residents have a greater impact on the AUCWR in the TRB. Using different calculation methods to analyze the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of the AUCWR in the TRB has important guiding significance for the future development and utilization of water resources, economic and social development, and ecological environment protection.
Research and modeling of the bistatic acoustic scattering characteristics of novel multi-faceted conning tower
Authors: Peng Zilong , Han Linjiang , Peng Xirui , Cheng Yipeng , Ding Dong
Published: November 2022

The overall acoustic echo of a submarine is greatly dependent on the conning tower. For enhancing the acoustic stealth performance of a submarine, it is necessary to research an innovative design scheme of the conning tower to reduce its bistatic target strength (TS). The aim of this
work is to reduce the bistatic TS of a conning tower by varying its geometry and streamlining. The accuracy in modeling the acoustic scattering of a conning tower using the Kirchhoff approximation (KA) was validated, compared with finite element analysis. Several angular conning tower geometries
were designed to analyze the effect of streamlining and the number of lateral facets on TS using the KA method. In consideration of the actual situation, the acoustic effect of backing medium was analyzed by comparing water-filled elastic hulls with rigid hulls. From the observed TS calculation
results, it is shown that the non-streamlined four lateral-facet conning tower geometries are optimal for acoustic stealth performance during the range of receiving angles from -30 degrees to 30 degrees. Furthermore, elastic hulls and rigid hulls provide similar spatial distribution regularities
in bistatic configuration with the rigidity affecting the magnitude of the TS.