bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Pressure Fluid Phase Equilibria
Authors: G. Montalbán Mercedes , Víllora Gloria
Published: November 2022

One of the crucial aspects in the design of processes of this millennium is the use of environmentally benign technologies. The introduction of supercritical fluids (SCF) and, in addition, their use with other solvents, such as ionic liquids, further diversify the applications of these fluids. SCF are powerful solvents with many unique properties. They have the mobility of gases and the dissolving power of liquid solvents, resulting in efficient high mass transfer rates and penetration into porous matrices. However, reliable and versatile mathematical models of phase equilibrium thermodynamics are needed for use in process design and viability studies. This chapter reviews experimental procedures for obtaining high-pressure phase equilibria data. In addition, phase diagrams describing binary mixtures and thermodynamic models capable of determining the conditions at phase equilibria at high pressures are considered.
High-Entropy Alloys for Bone Tissue Engineering: Recent Developments in New Methods of Manufacture
Authors: Hamweendo Agripa , I. Nsofu Chiluba , Malama Terence
Published: November 2022

The demand for bone implants with superior biocompatibility and mechanical properties in bone tissue engineering is increasing due to rising demand for artificial bones and bone implant to replace degraded bones in human bodies. The causes of bone degradation in human bodies are not just due to rising number of road traffic accidents but are also due to disease burdens and injuries due to war and game activities. As a result, there is an urgent need to develop modern methods of manufacturing materials for implantable bone substitutes required in defective skeletal structures that cannot grow or heal on their own. It is believed that high-entropy alloys (HEAs) are best alternative materials for bone implants and development of modern methods for processing such materials could lead to manufacturing bone implants with the superior biocompatibility and mechanical properties. Therefore, this chapter examines the recent advances made in developing new methods for manufacturing bone implants using HEAs as raw materials. The chapter finally recommends the most appropriate methods for this purpose.
Welding Properties of Titanium Alloys Grade 5
Authors: Farrokhi Alireza
Published: November 2022

Titanium alloys have attractive properties that have been widely used in various fields due to these properties. The biocompatibility of titanium has caused its usages in the pharmaceutical industry. Its good corrosion resistance has resulted in its many applications in petrochemical and marine industries. Meanwhile, the most important and major application of titanium and its alloys can be found in the aerospace industry in a variety of spacecraft, space rockets, and satellites. The most important reason for the widespread use of these alloys in the aerospace industry is the high ratio of strength to their weights. However, the most important factor limiting the usage of titanium and its alloys is its high price. In this chapter, we first introduced titanium and its alloys. Then, according to mainstream of the design, titanium alloy bonding methods and welding problems have been investigated. The purpose of this study is to investigate the processes of arc welding of tungsten electrode-neutral gas with different alloy heat inputs for a titanium alloy of Ti-6Al-4 V and to provide comprehensive welding instructions. So, after introducing the pure commercial titanium properties, we examined the properties, specifications and welding of Ti-6Al-4 V. Given the focus on the mentioned process, the generalities of this welding process have been described.
Essential Oil of Ginger: Effect of Cultivation and Uses
Authors: Esther AdeyeOluwa Temitayo
Published: November 2022

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) is a spice used in many parts of the world for culinary and medicinal purposes. It is a good source of essential oil with both the rhizome and its essential oil becoming increasingly acceptable for traditional, medicinal and commercial uses. Essential oils may be referred to as ethereal oils or volatile oils due to their volatile nature at room temperature. This review is intended to highlight the uses of ginger essential oil as well as summarise the effect of site, duration and geographical location of cultivation on the oil. In view, there are vast and abundant uses of ginger essential oil and different cultivars of ginger would be observed to differ in weight yield and composition, with China ginger oil (4.07% yield) having 43 compounds and Indian ginger oil (1.26% yeild) having 60 compounds, hence differing in quality and bioactivity. It may be concluded in this review that various aspects of cultivation as earlier mentioned affect the composition, bioactivity, potency, colour, aroma and weight yield of ginger essential oil which essentially affect its use from one culture to another.
Infrared Spectroscopy for Detecting Adulterants in Food and Traditional Indonesian Herbal Medicine
Authors: M.T. Nasution Aulia , Suyanto Hery
Published: November 2022

Adulteration in food has a detrimental effect on the product’s quality, which may result in nutritional deficiency. It can also be harmful, particularly for medicinal herbal products, as certain adulterants are very toxic to the body. It is thus critical to screen and identify the presence of any probable adulterants in food and herbal products in order to ensure the customers’ safety. Infrared Spectroscopy is a very viable technique for such purposes, as specific molecules absorb light at specific wavelengths, which correspond to the vibration frequency of the molecule’s bonds. Adulterants typically have their own unique molecular fingerprints, which exhibit their own vibrational spectra. On the basis of these principles, IR Spectroscopy is sensitive enough to detect the presence of potentially detrimental as well as harmful compounds added to food and medicinal products. This chapter describes how Infrared Spectroscopy can be beneficially used in detecting the presence of adulterants that are unintentionally or irresponsibly added to food or traditional herbal products. The last one is more of a result of a lack of knowledge and awareness of food adulterants and their deleterious impacts.
Drug Discovery and Development for Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis: Current Anthelmentics and Compounds in the Pipeline
Authors: Tewelde Eyael , Tadesse Solomon
Published: November 2022

Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH), one of 20 neglected tropical diseases, afflicts about a quarter of the world’s population. A handful of medications, albendazole, mebendazole, pyrantel pamoate, levamisole, and ivermectin, have long constituted the cornerstone of therapy for these infections in both humans and animals. The continuous and long-term reliance on these small range of compounds has led to the emergence of drug resistance in many helminthic strains in animals. The threat of resistance also seems inevitable in humans thereby hampering the World Health Organization’s efforts to control or eradicate these neglected tropical illnesses. Hence, there is an urgent need for the discovery and development of new treatment options with broad spectrum activity against various helmintic infections that act via novel mechanisms of action. Different strategies are employed in this endeavor which include the identification of promising compounds from natural and synthetic origin, drug repurposing and modification of existing drugs, and vaccine development. The prospect of a “pan-anthelmintic vaccine” also seems encouraging, despite the various obstacles facing the development of vaccines. Here we discuss drug discovery and development efforts for STH.
Fiber Optic Sensors for Gas Detection: An Overview on Spin Frustrated Multiferroics
Authors: Krishna Rao Subha , Kumar Rajagopal Rajesh , Chandrasekaran Gopalakrishnan
Published: November 2022

Real-time gas sensors, which use chemiresistive metal oxide (MO) semiconductors, have become more important in both research and industry. Fiber optic metal oxide (MO) semiconductor sensors have so increased the utility and demand for optical sensors in a variety of military, industrial, and social applications. Fiber optic sensors’ inherent benefits of lightweight, compact size, and low attenuation were actively leveraged to overcome their primary disadvantage of expensive cost. With the growing need for quicker, more precise, and simpler gas sensing, metal oxide semiconductor gas sensors are focusing on new and novel materials at room temperature. The realization that materials with coexisting magnetic and ferroelectric orders offer up effective ways to alter magnetism using electric fields has drawn scientists from diverse areas together to research multiferroics for gas sensing applications in recent years. The chapter shall encompass a brief summary of the underlying physics related to fiber optic gas sensors and parameters involved in gas sensing, the significance of the fascinating class of metal oxide materials, and an outline of spin frustrated multiferroics for possible applications and its potential possibilities for progress in the future.
Electromagnetic Laws, Forces and Effects on Universal Bodies
Authors: Robert Gabriel APC Christ HRH
Published: November 2022

The current orientation of forces is greatly influential in advancing understandings and predictability in physics. Whether an observable force is itself a unique entity of regard or is it merely a part of another broader view of energy? This paper presents a Derridean deconstruction approach to understand the influential forces between the Earth’s surface and its energetic Ionosphere/Magnetosphere. In the case of gravity, we exclude its requirement in theory or calculation to identify acting electromagnetic forces on the Earth\'s Surface. In deconstructive approach, gravity is the only force that is linear and in only one direction. On the basis of conservation, there must always be an equal and opposing force. In new understandings, the interplay between the ionosphere/magnetosphere and the surface of the Earth in a positive ionic transfer from the highly charge (positive) upper to the low charge (negative) lower surface with mathematical solution is presented. The exchange is determined to rationalize as purely electromagnetic in view of the greater opposing positive forces exerting between the electric or ionic field and objects subjected to falling forces. Similar effects of electromagnetic influence among celestial bodies may be investigated within the same relationship of inverse proportionality to the distance squared between the object centres, as described by only electromagnetic influence and equations.
Antimicrobials: Shift from Conventional to Extreme Sources
Authors: Majeed Bhat Aasif , Parvaiz Hassan Qazi , Hussain Aehtesham
Published: November 2022

Antimicrobials- the chemical substances that inhibit the growth of microorganisms and stop their multiplication are immensely useful in the context of pathogenic microorganisms where these substances either contain their growth by inhibiting them from growing (bacteriostatic) or killing them permanently (bacteriocidal). They may broadly be either antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals and antiparasitics. A major class of antimicrobials are antibiotics and almost half of the total percent of antibiotics driven from microbials are sourced from different taxonomic levels of actinomycetota (formerly actinobacteria), significantly from the genus Streptomyces. Adaptability and mechanisms to resist drug effects has outpushed the evolution of drug resisitant pathogenic microorganisms and outnumbered their growth vis a vis the discovery of new antimicrobials. Gone is the golden age of antibiotics: the tussle between antimicrobials to resist the growth of pathogens and the latter to contain the inhibitory effects of former has largely weighed on the pathogenic side- thanks to the inefficient and excessive use of antibiotics and their misapplication. Growth of drug (multi-drug) resistant pathogens coupled with inadequate antibiotics has set a dire need to explore new habitats-aquatic, terrestrial and microbiomes associated as endophytes in other plants and animals. The shift in habitat selection from conventional to extreme locations is met with convincingly successful outcomes. Researchers successfully explore the actinomycetota drug discovery potential of deep sea oceans, extreme high altitude Himalayas that remain capped with snow and glaciers round the year. The abyssopelagic and glaciated peaks both share similarity in that they are constrained by different pressure parameters. The environmental pressures associated with deep pelagic oceans are partial to complete exclusion of light, lack of phothosynthesis and associated vegetation, limited nutrition and hydrostatic pressure by thounsands of pounds per square inch. Mountain peaks are glaciated, ice cold with limited nutrition and oligotrophic in nature. These temperature constraints in both the aquatic and terrestrial environments have activated the drug expression secondary metabolite machinary of actinomycetota to kill or inhibit other microorganisms and spare the already limited resources for their own growth. This antibiotic secretion paradigm also applies to actinomycetota living as endophytes in an interactive dynamic environments with insects and other organisms. The antibiotic potential hidden in these extreme selected sites is worthy of killing the microbial bugs and conatining the ever growing resistant pathogen load. Successful exploitation strategies should be hastened to garner the antimicrobial potential of these extreme sources.
Treatment of Multiple Myeloma in the First Relapse
Authors: Alhuraiji Ahmad , Abd El Razik Dina , A.A. Elkourahy Omar Shaza
Published: November 2022

The treatment scope for relapsed myeloma has been expanded considerably in the last few years, by virtue of the advent of numerous novel agents with new mechanisms of actions. This has resulted in increasing responses and prolonging survival even in advanced diseases. The wealth of novel regimens comes with the challenges of balancing toxicities and aligning a regimen with the biology of myeloma and the nature of relapse in conjunction with the patient’s treatment history, comorbidities, and personal preference. The second-line treatment in myeloma includes new generation of proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulators, CD38 monoclonal antibodies, Panobinostat, and Elotuzumab. Recent randomized trials have shown that triplet combinations incorporating CD38 monoclonal antibodies, dexamethasone along with either proteasome inhibitor or immunomodulator were superior to doublet combinations in terms of response rate and progression-free survival. The choice of the second-line therapy is determined by lenalidomide/bortezomib exposure and resistance and access to new agents. Furthermore, autologous transplantation should be considered in selected cases. Here, we will be discussing the optimal management of multiple myeloma in the first relapse.
Recent Advances in Biodiesel from Plants
Authors: Thelma Akhihiero Ejiroghene
Published: November 2022

Due to population explosion, and increased industrialization with urban and rural development, the need for increased energy utilization has become more intense. Petrodiesel that has been the main energy source for heavy-duty automobiles or machines has contributed immensely to environmental pollution leading to climate change, an increase in illnesses, and reduced lifespan. To combat this ugly situation arising from the utilization of Petrodiesel, biodiesel is produced from plant oil or animal fats to substitute for Petrodiesel in internal combustion engines, either as neat biodiesel or as a blend with Petrodiesel. Different scientists and researchers have produced biodiesel from edible and non-edible plant oils. Their reports show that biodiesel properties depend on the nature of the parent plant oil and the production procedures taken. These properties that are due mainly to its production procedures determining their performance in internal combustion engines. In this chapter, recent findings on biodiesel properties with their effects on performance in internal combustion engines are reviewed. Researchers’ reports show that the most suitable blend of biodiesel with Petrodiesel is B20. This blend consisting of 20% biodiesel with 80% Petrodiesel has equivalent performance as Petrodiesel with fewer pollutants and only 1–7% nitrogen oxide emission.
Perspective Chapter: Gold Nanoparticles Market – A Global Overview and New Challenges in the Post-Pandemic Economy
Authors: Verny Jerome , Oulmakki Ouail , Hernandez Meza Andrey
Published: November 2022

Colloidal gold (AuNP) is a molecule obtained from pure gold (Au), and has several uses in the health, industrial, and chemical sectors. There are several processes to generate it and these methods are perfected over time. However, colloidal gold manufacturers and their customers are dependent on the pure gold market, its disruptions, and fluctuations. This paper first shows that the gold market is currently unstable due to the existing pandemic and geopolitical conflicts. The main gold producers, China, Russia, and Australia, together account for more than a quarter of the world’s gold production, and only a few European countries produce gold in small quantities. Europe is therefore forced to import gold, including colloidal gold. Several innovations related to gold nanoparticles are emerging, notably in the miniaturization of industrial components or in the health sector during the pandemic. The objective of this chapter is therefore to understand the patterns into which these countries must fit to produce these particles and the economic, political, and scientific stakeholders involved in capturing these flows. Through the prism of the gold market, the electronics industry, and the health field, this chapter looks at these issues while putting into perspective the salient facts that could impact this market in the years to come.
Extended Kalman Filter for a Monitoring System of the Guyed Towers
Authors: Schalch Mendes Alexandre , Siqueira Meirelles Pablo , Vaqueiro Ferreira Janito , Rodrigues de Lima Eduardo
Published: November 2022

The Kalman filter is used in a wide range of systems. Due to its efficiency to estimate the state variables in structures and mechanisms, its usage is already well known in Control Systems and in addition to smooth measured and unmeasured signals, it allows the sensor fusion technique to consider the best characteristics of each type of sensor. In this Chapter, we will present the application of the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) to predict the movement of the upper top center of a guyed tower of a power line, based on its dynamic model and considering the indirect measurement of the force in the stay cables through accelerometers. In a mockup tower, built in Dynamic Testing Laboratory (LabEDin) at University of Campinas (UNICAMP), it is possible to apply external loads and simulate failures, such as degradation of the stay cable foundation. Variations in the cable forces are used as inputs in the EKF algorithm and as estimate, we obtain the amplitudes and directions of the tower’s top movements, which will be considered to predict the health of its structure, indicating the need for maintenance intervention. All the theories considered in this proposed methodology are validated with the experiments carried out on the mockup tower in the laboratory.
Anaerobic Digestion of Organic Solid Waste: Challenges Derived from Changes in the Feedstock
Authors: Trujillo-Reyes Ángeles , G. Cuéllar Sofía , Jeison David , Serrano Antonio , Zahedi Soraya , G. Fermoso Fernando
Published: November 2022

Over the years, research on the anaerobic digestion of solid waste has mainly focused on single feedstocks with a fixed composition. Nevertheless, the impact assessment that drastic changes in the type and composition of feedstock might have on AD process stability has not been investigated in depth. The existence of a wide variety of organic solid waste whose generation and composition are highly dependent on seasonality, just as the possibility of using treatment plant facilities already in operation for treating new waste, makes it necessary to improve our knowledge of transitory states in AD. This chapter aims to provide insight into research on transitory states during the AD process when the type or composition of the feedstock has suffered a change to assess whether the AD process was finally able to adapt to system disturbances. Information about process stability control and microbial population adaptation, among others, derived from the transition states will be addressed.
Mitigating Climate Change: The Influence of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Maize Production and Food Security
Authors: N.D. Maússe Sitoe Sílvia , F. Dames Joanna
Published: November 2022

Anthropogenic activities have contributed to the increased atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases, which are an important contributor to climate change. From 1940 to 2004, global emissions increased by 70%, and projections suggest a continual increase by 2050 due to agriculture, forestry, and other land uses. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are ubiquitous in undisturbed soils and form a symbiotic relationship with various plants. The relationship that enhances nutrient uptake and plant growth, among other benefits, is well known. Several soil management practices employed in agriculture adversely affect the symbiosis. Zea mays (maize) provides 30% of total caloric intake to 4.5 billion people worldwide and is an important staple crop, vulnerable to climate change. Higher temperatures can result in increased water demand, while changes in precipitation can result in crop failure. AM fungi can be applied as inoculants to maize. Resulting in improved plant growth, yield, and nutrient uptake and providing superior food quality properties, such as increased antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. AM fungi are considered a crucial biotechnological tool in crop production. This review illustrates their essential role in sustainable maize production and emphasizes the need to maintain AM fungal communities in the soil to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Fractional Calculus-Based Generalization of the FitzHugh-Nagumo Model: Biophysical Justification, Dynamical Analysis and Neurocomputational Implications
Authors: Gervais Ngueuteu Mbouna Serge
Published: November 2022

In this chapter, the dynamical behavior of the incommensurate fractional-order FitzHugh-Nagumo model of neuron is explored in details from local stability analysis. First of all, considering that the FitzHugh-Nagumo model is a mathematical simplification of the Hodgkin-Huxley model, the considered model is derived from the fractional-order Hodgkin-Huxley model obtained taking advantage of the powerfulness of fractional derivatives in modeling certain biophysical phenomena as the dielectrics losses in cell membranes, and the anomalous diffusion of particles in ion channels. Then, it is shown that the fractional-order FitzHugh-Nagumo model can be simulated by a simple electrical circuit where the capacitor and the inductor are replaced by corresponding fractional-order electrical elements. Then, the local stability of the model is studied using the Theorem on the stability of incommensurate fractional-order systems combined with the Cauchy’s argument Principle. At last, the dynamical behavior of the model are investigated, which confirms the results of local stability analysis. It is found that the simple model can exhibit, among others, complex mixed mode oscillations, phasic spiking, first spike latency, and spike timing adaptation. As the dynamical richness of a neuron expands its computational capacity, it is thus obvious that the fractional-order FitzHugh-Nagumo model is more computationally efficient than its integer-order counterpart.
Funding of Oncology Benefits by Medical Schemes, South Africa: A Focus on Breast and Cervical Cancer
Authors: Mncedisi Willie Michael , Noutchang Thulisile , Molatseli Maninie , Kabane Sipho
Published: November 2022

Breast and cervical cancers are among the top five worldwide. The mortality rate for breast cancer is over 50%, when compared to cervical cancer, which is nearly 90%. Early breast and cervical cancer screening can reduce mortality risk. This study examined breast and cervical cancer rates among South African medical scheme members. The study’s secondary goal was to analyse how medical schemes funded these two cancers, including patient and/or out-of-pocket payments, to identify funding gaps. The study was a cross-sectional retrospective review of medical scheme claims data for oncology benefits, especially for breast and cervical cancers. The study used a multivariate logistic regression model to assess cancer rates. The results showed that the relative proportion of beneficiaries with breast cancer was higher in open schemes than restricted, in large schemes than medium and small schemes, in comprehensive plans, efficiency discount options (EDOs), hospital plans than in partial cover plans, in age groups older than 55, in an out-of-hospital setting than in in-hospital setting. The paper advises examining the funding mechanism of oncology benefits to reduce out-of-pocket payments (OOPs) for cancer patients, revising network arrangements, and using designated service provider (DSP) as a barrier to access against uneven oncology provider distribution.
Application of Fluorescent CQDs for Enhancing the Performance of Solar Cells and WLEDs
Authors: Kumar Pawan , Dua Shweta , Pani Balaram , Bhatt Geeta
Published: November 2022

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are emerging as promising materials for applications like flexible or transparent solar cell, white light emitting diodes (WLEDs), etc. due to their low cost, eco-friendliness, substantial absorption coefficient, wide absorption spectrum, tuneable optical properties, good charge transfer/separation ability, good quantum yield and large two-photon absorption cross-section. They have been employed in solar cells as active absorbing layers, electron acceptors/donors, electron sinks, electron transporting layers (ETL), hole transporting layers (HTLs), dopants, and interlayer spacing. Consequently, such solar cells have exhibited enhanced performance. In contrast to commercial rare-earth phosphors and traditional semiconductor quantum dots (SQDs) (usually toxic), CQDs exhibit wide range of emission characteristics [full width half maxima (FWHM) > 80 nm]. Interestingly, the emission characteristics of these nanomaterials are tuneable which makes them suitable for WLEDs applications. Red-CQDs are gaining importance as they are required to realize the warm WLEDs. Though a lot of work has been done to modulate the properties of CQDs in order to enhance the performance of solar cells and WLEDs, there are immense possibilities to further exploit the potential of CQDs in these applications.
Negative Urgency and Its Role in the Association between Image Distorting Defensive Style and Reactive Aggression
Authors: McNicoll Paul , Richard David , Gagnon Jean
Published: November 2022

Although the association between immature defensive styles to protect oneself from conflict in emotional context and reactive aggression (RA) has been shown recently among nonclinical individuals, the factors that may explain this relationship remain poorly understood. One putative factor is negative urgency as impulsive individuals tend to react aggressively in emotional contexts. This study aims to verify whether the relationship between image distorting defensive style and RA is moderated and not mediated by negative urgency of trait impulsivity. Nonclinical participants completed the Defensive Style Questionnaire, the UPPS Impulsivity Behavior Scale, and the Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire. Contrary to what was expected, the results showed that the relationship between image distortion and RA was entirely mediated but not moderated by the effect of negative urgency. These results suggest that when individuals get in a defensive state leading to a distortion of the image of themselves and others, they become more emotionally impulsive, leading to RA.
Application of Edible Packaging in Dairy and Food Industry
Authors: Devidas Meshram Bhushan , Kisanrao Lule Vaibhav , Vyawahare Shivani , Rani Rekha
Published: November 2022

There are number of food packaging materials such as glass, paper and cardboard, metals and plastic are available. However, the plastic is a mostly used non-biodegradable packaging material which causes environmental pollution. To overcome these problems, the biodegradable/edible food packaging is currently into focus for use. Edible packaging can be used in film as well as coating form. The materials are used for preparation of edible packaging varies in their function according to their sources. Some examples of edible film (packaging) are starch-based, collagen-based, zein-based, gluten-based, etc. Additives are added during the formation of film to enhance their positive role for packed food. Each additive has their unique role when combined with film material. These types of films have various functions, which would help to increase shelf life of food by acting barrier between food and external environment. The main advantage of edible packaging over synthetic packaging is that this may be safely eaten as a part of food product and thus, may reduce packaging waste and pollution. Edible film is physically and nutritionally better that the synthetic food packaging. Edible film used in food packaging should be passed by FDA as GRAS, then it can be used in food packaging. Edible packaging has several applications in dairy, food, confectionary, meat and also in pharmaceutical industry.
The Use of Stable Isotopes to Identify Carbon and Nitrogen Sources in Mexico City PM2.5 during the Dry Season
Authors: López-Veneroni Diego , Vega Elizabeth
Published: November 2022

Stable nitrogen and carbon isotopes were used to trace the interaction between atmospheric particles < 2.5 mm in diameter (PM2.5) with atmospheric physical variables and atmospheric chemical species in an urban environment. PM2.5 were collected daily at two sites in Mexico City during three dry seasons during two-week periods. PM2.5 varied between 10 and 70 μg/m3, with the highest concentrations occurring during low-speed southerly winds and the lowest during high-speed easterly winds. Stable carbon isotope composition (δ13C) showed that the main carbon source of PM2.5 included emissions from fossil fuel combustion, along with low-molecular-weight carbon emissions and suspended dust. Stable nitrogen isotope values (δ15N) in PM varied between −9.9 and 21.6‰. The most 15N-enriched particles generally occurred during low wind speeds and correlated significantly with hourly averaged ambient NOx and NO2 concentrations. Simultaneous samples from MER (commercial site) and XAL (industrial site) showed that PM2.5 mass concentration was generally lighter and the carbon and nitrogen isotopic compositions were heavier at the commercial site relative to the industrial site. The δ15N of PM2.5 increased with the %N in PM2.5concordant with an isotopic fractionation during gas-to-particle condensation. Results suggest that wind speed, along with the nitrogen emission source, determines the nitrogen isotopic composition of PM2.5.
Ionic Liquids: Applications in Rechargeable Lithium Batteries
Authors: Meghnani Dipika , Kumar Singh Rajendra
Published: November 2022

World is passing through the energy crises due to the rapid depletion of fossil fuels. To address this crisis and to fulfill the energy demands worldwide, development of energy storage devices have increased rapidly. Also, renewable energy resources are intermittent, and therefore nevertheless, this energy resources are not always available. In that context, rechargeable lithium batteries are most promising energy storage devices owing to high energy and power density. Although, the development of the component of rechargeable battery such as anode, cathode and electrolyte are in progress as they play major role in enhancing the electrochemical performance of lithium-ion battery. Among them, electrolyte plays crucial role as it provides the path for diffusion of Li+ ions between the electrodes. In that context, ionic liquid-based electrolytes are widely used as it acts as plasticizer and thus increases the conductivity of electrolyte considerably. In this chapter, we have discussed basics of ionic liquids and its application in electrolyte system. Also, in this chapter, we have discussed various properties of ionic liquid-based electrolytes and their application in rechargeable lithium battery.
Germanium on Silicon Avalanche Photodiode for High-Speed Fiber Communication
Authors: Huang Mengyuan , Magruder Kelly , Malinge Yann , Fakhimi Parastou , Liao Hao-Hsiang , Kohen David , Lovell Gregory , Qian Wei , Lee Kiyoung , Brandt Carsten , Hakami Mahtab , Chen Yen-jung , Carabajal Erin , Guillermo Erle , Slavin Seth , Liu Ansheng
Published: November 2022

Silicon photonics is one of the promising technologies for high-speed optical fiber communications. Among various silicon photonic devices, germanium on silicon avalanche photodiode (Ge/Si APDs) received tremendous attentions because of its superior performance and integration compatibility. In 2016, normal incidence Ge/Si APD demonstrated a NRZ 10−12 sensitivity of −23.5 dBm at 25 Gb/s; more recently, a waveguide-integrated Ge/Si APD receiver presents a 106Gb/s PAM4 sensitivity of −18.9 dBm. These results are best reported performance among all APD-based devices, and these breakthroughs are mainly benefited from Ge/Si APD’s structure and material characteristics. Ge/Si APD adopts a separated charge-absorption-multiplication (SCAM) structure with a pure Ge absorber and an intrinsic Si avalanche layer. Since, Si is one of well-known best avalanche materials with large gain-bandwidth products and low ionization noise ratio, which make Ge/Si APDs demonstrating superior performance at high data rates. Moreover, this Si-based device is manufactured by standard CMOS foundries and is process-compatible with other silicon photonic devices including silicon-based waveguides, demux, hybrid, etc. This advantage simplifies the assembly of photonic systems and makes a large-scale integrated silicon photonic chip possible, which provides compact solutions for high-density communication systems. In this chapter, we review recent progresses on Ge/Si APD structure design, material, and performance.
The Effect of Smart City on the Promotion of Entrepreneurship
Authors: Eun You Jae , Woo Choi Jong
Published: November 2022

As smart cities are early markets, there are many opportunities for new services, technologies, and platforms to enter. The smart city ecosystem is also necessary for sustainable smart cities. The smart city plan can serve as an opportunity for startups to take a new leap forward at a time when various regulations and fierce competition are entering a stagnant period. The brilliant ideas of prospective entrepreneurs have become new vitality in the smart city field. Prospective start-ups will come up with solutions and service ideas for a more convenient and safe life by analyzing market demand and gaps. If there were no various regulations in the smart city and various support policies, chances for start-ups would increase.
A New Cell Stem Concept for Pelvic Floor Disorders Prevention and Treatment – Endometrial Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Cristina Russu Manuela
Published: November 2022

High rate complications and recurrences in reconstructive surgery using in situ synthetic/polypropylene (PP) meshes have driven to a new concept based on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for homeostasis repair in pelvic floor disorders (PFD). Prevention and therapy with MSCs are up to date analyzed on small and large animal models, less in women trials. Cell based-vaginal/intraurethral, or systemically introduced, tissue engineering (TE) with new generation meshes/scaffolds MSCs seeded-bone marrow, adipose tissue and recently proposed the endometrial/menstrual MSCs (eMSCs/MenSCs) for PFDs, management. Easy collected, isolated with specific markers, cultured for number harvesting, without ethic and immune compatibility issues, with unique biologic properties eMSCs/MenSCs differentiate in many cellular types—smooth muscle, and fibroblast-like cells, preserving cell shape, and phenotype, without oncogenic risks, and collagen, elastin fibers; eMSCs/MenSCsare appropriate for PFDs management, respecting good protocols for human safety. The quick appeared regenerative effect-mediated by angiogenesis, apoptosis inhibition, cell proliferation, no chronic inflammation and low/no foreign body reactions, less thick collagen fibers, and fibrosis improve connective/neuromuscular tissues; less pelvic structures stiffness with more elasticity are advantages for new meshes/scaffolds generation in TE. Human eSMCs/MenSCs deliver bioactive factors by their exosomes/microvesicles/secretome for paracrine effects to injury site, facilitating in vivo tissue repair.
Role of Carbon Nanotube for Flexible Supercapacitor Application
Authors: Rani Shalu , Kumar Sanjay , Bhardwaj Ritesh
Published: November 2022

In this current era, with the ever-increasing demand for portable and wearable energy storage devices, the supercapacitor (SC) plays a very positive role to fulfill this gap. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are extremely promising material candidate in flexible SC where it works as an electrode to enhance the energy and power densities of the SC because of their remarkable mechanical property, high electrical conductivity, large surface area, and ease to functionalize. Moreover, CNTs can assemble into various macroscopic structures with different dimensions such as single-wall CNTs (SWCNTs), double-wall CNTs (DWCNTs), and multi-wall CNTs (MWCNTs). In this book chapter, a comprehensive discussion on the synthesis, characterization and further utilization of CNTs in metal oxide-based SC has been outlined. Here, the metal oxide can be 1D nanofibers, 2D thin films, and 3D aerogels. Further, a detailed study has been framed on the design methodology and fabrication techniques for the supercapacitor. Recently, various developments and state-of-the-art applications have been proposed for such structures wherein CNTs have been used as electrodes in flexible SCs with varied device configurations such as sandwiched and interdigital in-plane. Furthermore, the flexible CNT-based electrodes have shown great bendability, and compressibility, as well as a long cycle lifetime.
Biochar and Application of Machine Learning: A Review
Authors: Ukoba Kingsley , Jen Tien-Chien
Published: November 2022

This study discusses biochar and machine learning application. Concept of biochar, machine learning and different machine learning algorithms used for predicting adsorption onto biochar were examined. Pyrolysis is used to produce biochar from organic materials. Agricultural wastes are burnt in regulated conditions to produce charcoal-like biochar using pyrolysis. Biochar plays a major role in removing heavy metals. Biochar is eco-friendly, inexpensive and effective. Increasing interest in biochar is due to stable carbon skeleton because of ease of sourcing the precursor feedstock and peculiar physicochemical. However, artificial intelligence is a process of training computers to mimic and perform duties human. Artificial intelligence aims to enable computers to solve human challenges and task like humans. A branch of artificial intelligence that teaches machine to perform and predict task using previous data is known as machine learning. It uses parameters called algorithms that convert previous data (input) to forecast new solution. Algorithms that have been used in biochar applications are examined. It was discovered that neural networks, eXtreme Gradient Boosting algorithm and random forest for constructing and evaluating the predictive models of adsorption onto biochar have all been used for biochar application. Machine learning prevents waste, reduces time and reduces cost. It also permits an interdisciplinary means of removing heavy metals.
Intensive Management of Type 1 Diabetes in Adults: One Centre Experience 1970–2022
Authors: Chlup Rudolf , Krystyník Ondřej , Mlčák Petr , Zapletalová Jana , Bartek Josef
Published: November 2022

This chapter deals with clinical trials and routine management of persons with type 1 diabetes (PWD1) carried out at the Teaching Hospital and Palacký University Olomouc since 1970 in cooperation with experts from other centres. The following outcomes are presented: (1) physical training resulted in (a) enhancement of physical working capacity; (b) increased insulin effectiveness (c) increased S-HDL cholesterol; (d) improvement of neuropathy, memory, attention and general condition of PWD1. (2) Intensive basal and prandial insulin substitution with only short-acting insulin given seven times a day and night appeared to be the most effective approach to the conventional insulin substitution; group education and pens motivated to the intensification of insulin therapy. (3) Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, conventional self-monitoring, continuous/flush glucose monitoring and prolongation of time in range opened new horizons. Intensive education, early application of hybrid insulin pumps and specialised prevention of late diabetes complications are deemed to improve the life expectancy and quality. Cooperation with insurance companies should be acknowledged.
Recycling Silicone-Based Materials: An Overview of Methods
Authors: Rupasinghe Buddhima
Published: November 2022

Since the early 1800s, siloxane has been an industrial staple due to its remarkable structure, but even though there are many benefits for using siloxanes, there are significant environmental implications, one of which being the lack of recyclability. As the first step to polymerization or the depolymerization of polymers, the scission of the silicone bond is essential. While condition-specific reactions investigating what triggers polymerization have been extensively studied, traditional synthesis methods are unfortunately not ideal due to their high cost and detrimental release of greenhouse gases. Since the 1950s, several studies have related to rupturing the siloxane bond, including hydrolysis, catalytic depolymerization, thermal depolymerization, and radical extractions. This work has resulted in new polymers, cyclics, and monomeric silanes. However, only a few studies have focused on how to build new silicone-based materials from the primary siloxane cyclic forms. Thus, more investigation into better methods for recycling siloxanes is needed. This chapter summarizes and categorizes the published data on the degradation and depolymerization of polysiloxanes based on their reaction temperature up to July 2021.
Preterm Birth and Postnatal Developmental Outcomes
Authors: Gurbanova Jamila , Huseynova Saadat , Hasanova Afat
Published: November 2022

Premature birth is a pathological condition that requires high-quality medical care due to the infants’ low body mass and gestational age, as well as morphofunctional immaturity. Moreover, such children are at great risk for retardation of mental development; metabolic, cardiovascular, and malignant diseases; and many other health problems at a later age. Early and late complications of preterm birth depend significantly on the gestational age at birth and the intrauterine development conditions of the fetus. Due to the more severe and complicated course of perinatal pathologies, premature babies with fetal growth retardation syndrome constitute a larger risk group. Approximately 50–70% of these children receive long-term treatment in the neonatal intensive care unit after birth. Furthermore, 70% of them face behavioral and memory problems in later life. While the pathologies of the neonatal period in children born prematurely are mainly related to respiratory, gastrointestinal, neurological, and nutritional problems, the complications of premature birth are manifested in children’s early age, preschool, school, adolescence, and other developmental periods.
Crystal Structure of [C17H22N2]3[P6O18][H2O]8
Authors: Khedhiri Lamia
Published: November 2022

[C17H22N2]3[P6O18][H2O]8., a new organic cyclohexaphosphate, was synthesized as single crystals and grown by solution growth method. The crystal structure of the grown product was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The title material crystallized in the monoclinic system of the C2/c space group. The P6O186− ring anions and some water molecules form layers spreading around (b, c) planes via O-H…O hydrogen bonds. Between these inorganic layers are anchored organic cations, which establish H-bonds to interconnect the different adjacent layers and so contribute to the cohesion of the three dimensional lattice. The organic and inorganic rings adopt a chair conformation with different geometrical characteristics due to their different size and flexibility. The title compound was further characterized by FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy.
Spaceborne LiDAR Surveying and Mapping
Authors: Yong Fang , Li Zhang , Hui Gong , Bincai Cao , Li Gao , Haiyan Hu
Published: November 2022

Laser point cloud data have the characteristics of high elevation accuracy, fast processing efficiency, strong three-dimensional (3D) vision, and wide application fields. It will be one of the core datasets of the new generation national global topographic database. The rapid advancement of spaceborne laser earth observation technology allows the collection of global 3D point cloud data, which has brought a new breakthrough in the field of satellite-based earth observation, and its significant advantages of all-day time, high accuracy and high efficiency will lead the future development of space precise mapping technology. This chapter firstly introduces the principle and development status of satellite-based LiDAR technology, then presents the basic technical framework of satellite-based LiDAR 3D mapping, and analyzes the data processing methods of spaceborne photon point clouds, and finally, focuses on the application research in various fields including precise geolocation of combined with satellite images, fusion of multi-source topographic information, polar mapping, 3D objects reconstruction, and shallow sea topographic mapping, etc.
Air Pollution Monitoring and Its Health Impact in Belarus
Authors: Dziarzhynskaya Nadzeya , Hindziuk Larisa , Hindziuk Andrey
Published: November 2022

The chapter contains information on the state of air pollution in the Republic of Belarus and Minsk, including emissions and concentrations of pollutants. Organization of air quality monitoring system overviews monitoring network and monitoring posts, list of controlled substances, frequency, and organization of sampling. The chapter contains applied methods for evaluating the results of laboratory monitoring of atmospheric air pollution, and complex indicators are used to assess the degree of atmospheric pollution. The main results of studies of the impact of atmospheric air pollution in the Republic of Belarus on the state of public health conducted during the last 20 years will be discussed.
An Insight into Classification, Diagnosis and Comprehensive Management of Food Impaction
Authors: Murugan Jeyasree Renganath , Muthuraj Thamilselvan
Published: November 2022

Food impaction is a commonly occurring entity evidenced in day-to-day dental practice. Various factors, such as improperly built proximal restoration, improperly fabricated crown with interdental spacing, opposing plunger cusps, ill-fitting prosthesis and proximal space created after orthodontic treatment by placement of molar bands, act as a reason for food getting impacted in the proximal space of the dentition. But at the same time, it is neglected without knowing the course of pathogenesis of the same, which could eventually lead to formation of localized periodontitis and further progression even leads to loss of dentition. Hence, this chapter gives an in-depth insight to aetiology, clinical and radiographic diagnosis and various means of management of food impaction from a periodontist perspective.