bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time and Frequency Domains Analysis of Chipless RFID Back-Scattered Tag Reflection
Authors: Babaeian Fatemeh , Karmakar Nemai Chandra
Published: September 2020

Chipless radio frequency identification (RFID) is a wireless technology that has the potential for many industrial applications, including the internet of things (IoT) applications, in which identification, sensing, and tracking are required. This technology has been improved during the last century. However, the processing of the backscattered signal in a chipless RFID system is still a challenge because the encoded data are embedded in the backscattered signal of a passive tag. The reader hardware, antennas, and the wireless channel have their own response in the received signal, which contains the tag ID information. The tag also produces a response, which is a combination of responses from different resonators, substrate, and copper reflection in a tag. In this paper, the reflection from a typical chipless RFID tag is analyzed, and all components of the backscattered signal are separated in both time and frequency domains. In addition, an equivalent circuit model for a backscattered chipless RFID tag is proposed, and the model is verified based on the actual performance of the resonator. This study has some important implications for future research.
Simulation of Smart Factory Processes Applying Multi-Agent-Systems—A Knowledge Management Perspective
Authors: Dornhöfer Mareike , Sack Simon , Zenkert Johannes , Fathi Madjid
Published: September 2020

The implementation of Industry 4.0 and smart factory concepts changes the ways of manufacturing and production and requires the combination and interaction of different technologies and systems. The need for rapid implementation is steadily increasing as customers demand individualized products which are only possible if the production unit is smart and flexible. However, an existing factory cannot be transformed easily into a smart factory, especially not during operational mode. Therefore, designers and engineers require solutions which help to simulate the aspired change beforehand, thus running realistic pre-tests without disturbing operations and production. New product lines may also be tested beforehand. Data and the deduced knowledge are key factors of the said transformation. One idea for simulation is applying artificial intelligence, in this case the method of multi-agent-systems (MAS), to simulate the inter-dependencies of different production units based on individually configured orders. Once the smart factory is running additional machine learning methods for feedback data of the different machine units may be applied for generating knowledge for improvement of processes and decision making. This paper describes the necessary interaction of manufacturing and knowledge-based solutions before showing an MAS use case implementation of a production line using Anylogic.
Evaluation of the Effect of Container Ship Characteristics on Added Resistance in Waves
Authors: Martić Ivana , Degiuli Nastia , Farkas Andrea , Gospić Ivan
Published: September 2020

Added resistance in waves is one of the main causes of an increase in required power when a ship operates in actual service conditions. The assessment of added resistance in waves is important from both an economic and environmental point of view, owing to increasingly stringent rules set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) with the aim to reduce CO2 emission by ships. For that reason, it is desirable to evaluate the added resistance in waves already in the preliminary ship design stage both in regular and irregular waves. Ships are traditionally designed and optimized with respect to calm water conditions. Within this research, the effect of prismatic coefficient, longitudinal position of the centre of buoyancy, trim, pitch radius of gyration, and ship speed on added resistance is investigated for the KCS (Kriso Container Ship) container ship in regular head waves and for different sea states. The calculations are performed using the 3D panel method based on Kelvin type Green function. The results for short waves are corrected to adequately take into account the diffraction component. The obtained results provide an insight into the effect of variation of ship characteristics on added resistance in waves.
Capacity Analysis for Approach Channels Shared by LNG Carriers
Authors: Gao Xiang , Chen Linying , Chen Pengfei , Luo Yu , Mou Junmin
Published: September 2020

The transport of liquefied natural gas (LNG) has significant impact on traffic capacity of waterways, especially the approach channels shared by LNG carriers and other types of ships (general cargo ships, container ships, etc.). Few studies take the behavioral characteristics of LNG carriers and their impacts into consideration. In this paper, we propose a framework for capacity analysis of shared approach channels based on the spatial–temporal consumption method. It consists of three modules: (1) the tide module predicts the tidal height and tidal time for identifying the time windows for LNG carriers; (2) the spatial–temporal consumption module is introduced to calculate the capacity of approach channels; (3) the LNG carrier navigation module is for analyzing the characteristics of LNG carriers and the impact on the capacity of approach channels. A spatial–temporal indexed chart is designed to visualize the utilization of the spatial–temporal resources. A case study on the approach channel of Yueqing Bay near the east coast of China is conducted to verify the effectiveness of the framework. The utilization rates of the approach channel and the impact of LNG carriers are presented using our method. The results of the case study indicate that the proposed traffic capacity analyzing framework can provide support for making traffic management strategies.
Hydroelastic Response of a Flexible Submerged Porous Plate for Wave Energy Absorption
Authors: Mohapatra Sarat Chandra , Guedes Soares C.
Published: September 2020

The application of flexible horizontal porous structure has a significant impact on the design of breakwaters and wave energy absorption devices for coastal protection and wave energy extraction, respectively. This type of structure is more economical compared to a rigid type structure. Therefore, the hydroelastic response of the flexible porous structure can be investigated to widen the influence of structural deformations in design parameters. This paper presents a generalized expansion formula for the said problem based on Green’s function in the water of finite depth (FD) and infinite depth (ID). The series form of the velocity potentials for the wave-maker problem is also derived using Green’s second identity. The derived expansion formula is applied to a real physical problem and the analytical solution is obtained utilizing a matched eigenfunction expansion method under velocity potential decompositions. The convergence study of the series solution is checked. The present results and the published experimental datasets, as well as analysis, are compared. The effect of design parameters on the hydroelastic response of the submerged flexible porous plate is analyzed. It is observed that the analysis of the results will be useful for gaining insight into how to design a wave energy absorption device.
Effects of Foreign Direct Investment and Trade on Labor Productivity Growth in Vietnam
Authors: Asada Hidekatsu
Published: September 2020

Among developing Asian countries that have accelerated their integration with the global economy, Vietnam has achieved remarkable economic development. Vietnam’s development strategy prioritizing the promotion of trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) resulted in the rapid transformation of its industrial structure from an agro-based one to one led by the export-oriented manufacturing sector in the past three decades. Given the importance of labor productivity growth on the structural transformation, the study examined the effects of FDI and trade on labor productivity growth in Vietnam in the long run and short run. The study employed the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model of analysis using data from 1990 to 2017. The ARDL model analysis revealed that FDI, capital goods import, and export unanimously contributed to the labor productivity growth in the long run, while the impact in the short run remained ambiguous. The results confirm the theoretical framework augmenting the positive relationship that exists between FDI and trade and labor productivity growth. Vietnam’s experience is expected to provide an important lesson to other developing countries.
Liability and the Use of Prescribed Fire in the Southern Plains, USA: A Survey of District Court Judges
Authors: Hinojosa Alissa , Kreuter Urs P. , Wonkka Carissa L.
Published: September 2020

Suppression of historical fire regimes has changed the composition and structure of many fire-dependent ecosystems, frequently resulting in decreased grazing productivity and biodiversity in grasslands and savannas. Land managers have attempted to reverse these trends through the application of prescribed fire, but regulations and liability concerns often deter them. District court judges play a key role in defining the legal context of prescribed burning by interpreting applicable statutes in personal injury or property damage cases resulting from escaped prescribed fire. However, information about the way judges interpret open burning statutes and regulations is difficult to obtain. We conducted a mail survey of district court judges in Texas and Oklahoma, USA to shed light on decisions judges might make presiding over an escaped fire case. The survey included questions regarding their perception of prescribed fire, their understanding of the laws affecting prescribed burning, and hypothetical questions to determine how they would apply relevant law in an escaped fire case. We found that judges cited fewer factors as evidence of gross negligence than simple negligence. This suggests that a shift toward a gross negligence liability standard for escaped prescribed fire cases might result in fewer findings of prescribed burner liability.
Classification of Landforms for Digital Soil Mapping in Urban Areas Using LiDAR Data Derived Terrain Attributes: A Case Study from Berlin, Germany
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed
Published: September 2020

In this study, a knowledge-based fuzzy classification method was used to classify possible soil-landforms in urban areas based on analysis of morphometric parameters (terrain attributes) derived from digital elevation models (DEMs). A case study in the city area of Berlin was used to compare two different resolution DEMs in terms of their potential to find a specific relationship between landforms, soil types and the suitability of these DEMs for soil mapping. Almost all the topographic parameters were obtained from high-resolution light detection and ranging (LiDAR)-DEM (1 m) and Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER)-DEM (30 m), which were used as thresholds for the classification of landforms in the selected study area with a total area of about 39.40 km2. The accuracy of both classifications was evaluated by comparing ground point samples as ground truth data with the classification results. The LiDAR-DEM based classification has shown promising results for classification of landforms into geomorphological (sub)categories in urban areas. This is indicated by an acceptable overall accuracy of 93%. While the classification based on ASTER-DEM showed an accuracy of 70%. The coarser ASTER-DEM based classification requires additional and more detailed information directly related to soil-forming factors to extract geomorphological parameters. The importance of using LiDAR-DEM classification was particularly evident when classifying landforms that have narrow spatial extent such as embankments and channel banks or when determining the general accuracy of landform boundaries such as crests and flat lands. However, this LiDAR-DEM classification has shown that there are categories of landforms that received a large proportion of the misclassifications such as terraced land and steep embankments in other parts of the study area due to the increased distance from the major rivers and the complex nature of these landforms. In contrast, the results of the ASTER-DEM based classification have shown that the ASTER-DEM cannot deal with small-scale spatial variation of soil and landforms due to the increasing human impacts on landscapes in urban areas. The application of the approach used to extract terrain parameters from the LiDAR-DEM and their use in classification of landforms has shown that it can support soil surveys that require a lot of time and resources for traditional soil mapping.
Hole Transfer in Open Carbynes
Authors: Simserides Constantinos , Morphis Andreas , Lambropoulos Konstantinos
Published: September 2020

We investigate hole transfer in open carbynes, i.e., carbon atomic nanowires, using Real-Time Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (RT-TDDFT). The nanowire is made of N carbon atoms. We use the functional B3LYP and the basis sets 3-21G, 6-31G*, cc-pVDZ, cc-pVTZ, cc-pVQZ. We also utilize a few Tight-Binding (TB) wire models, a very simple model with all sites equivalent and transfer integrals given by the Harrison ppπ expression (TBI) as well as a model with modified initial and final sites (TBImod) to take into account the presence of one or two or three hydrogen atoms at the edge sites. To achieve similar site occupations in cumulenes with those obtained by converged RT-TDDFT, TBImod is sufficient. However, to achieve similar frequency content of charge and dipole moment oscillations and similar coherent transfer rates, the TBImod transfer integrals have to be multiplied by a factor of four (TBImodt4times). An explanation for this is given. Full geometry optimization at the B3LYP/6-31G* level of theory shows that in cumulenes bond length alternation (BLA) is not strictly zero and is not constant, although it is symmetrical relative to the molecule center. BLA in cumulenic cases is much smaller than in polyynic cases, so, although not strictly, the separation to cumulenes and polyynes, approximately, holds. Vibrational analysis confirms that for N even all cumulenes with coplanar methylene end groups are stable, for N odd all cumulenes with perpendicular methylene end groups are stable, and the number of hydrogen atoms at the end groups is clearly seen in all cumulenic and polyynic cases. We calculate and discuss the Density Functional Theory (DFT) ground state energy of neutral molecules, the CDFT (Constrained DFT) “ground state energy” of molecules with a hole at one end group, energy spectra, density of states, energy gap, charge and dipole moment oscillations, mean over time probabilities to find the hole at each site, coherent transfer rates, and frequency content, in general. We also compare RT-TDDFT with TB results.
Reliability and Mechanical Properties of Materials Recycled from Multilayer Flexible Packages
Authors: Antón Natividad , González-Fernández Álvaro , Villarino Alberto
Published: September 2020

Present work proposes a recycling form of multilayer food packages to avoid their incineration, landfill of wastes or re-using of their individual components. The manufacturing process of the material consists of binding several sheets by the non-simultaneous application of temperature and pressure, these being bound by the fusion of the polyethylene, without any other adhesives. The influence of elected variables (temperature, pressure, time and number of sheets) on the mechanical properties is determined. Bending tests in three points were carried out, with the purpose of obtaining flexural strength and flexural modulus. Finally, the reliability was determined through the method of Weibull using different failure estimators for the most appropriate materials (relative to flexural strength and porosity values). Light microscopy to obtain information about defectology before and after tests was used. The results obtained by this type of material are very similar to those presented by wood-based materials and present good reliability from the strength point of view.
Fuzzy-Based Fault-Tolerant Control for Omnidirectional Mobile Robot
Authors: Alshorman Ahmad M. , Alshorman Omar , Irfan Muhammad , Glowacz Adam , Muhammad Fazal , Caesarendra Wahyu
Published: September 2020

The motion-planning problem is well known in robotics; it aims to find a free-obstacle path from a starting point to a destination. To make use of actuation generosity and the fuzzy fast response behavior compared to other non-linear controllers, a fuzzy-based fault-tolerant control for an omnidirectional mobile robot with four Mecanum wheels is proposed. The objective is to provide the robot with an online scheme to control the robot motion while moving toward the final destination with avoiding obstacles in its environment and providing an adaptive solution for a combination of one or combination of the wheel’s faults. The faults happen when the wheel does not receive the control command signal from the controller; in this case, the robot can rotate freely due to the interaction with the ground. The principle of fuzzy-based control proposed by Sugeno is used to develop the motion controller. The motion controller consists of two main controllers: the Run-To-Goal, and the obstacle-avoidance controller. The outputs of these two controllers are superposed to get the net potential force on the robot. By its simplicity, the fuzzy controller can be suitable for online applications (online path planning in our case). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first fuzzy-based fault-tolerant controller for an omnidirectional robot. The proposed controller is tested by a set of simulation scenarios to check the proposed fuzzy tolerant control. Kuka OmniRob is used as an example of the omnidirectional robot in these simulation runs. Matlab is used to build the fuzzy-based fault-tolerant control, and the 3D simulation is developed on the CoppeliaSim software. We examine five distinct scenarios, each one with a different fault state. In all scenarios, the proposed algorithm could control the robot to reach its final destination with the absence and presence of an obstacle in the workspace, despite actuator faults, without crossing the workspace boundaries.
A Reliability Model Based on the Incomplete Generalized Integro-Exponential Function
Authors: Astorga Juan M. , Reyes Jimmy , Santoro Karol I. , Venegas Osvaldo , Gómez Héctor W.
Published: September 2020

This article introduces an extension of the Power Muth (PM) distribution for modeling positive data sets with a high coefficient of kurtosis. The resulting distribution has greater kurtosis than the PM distribution. We show that the density can be represented based on the incomplete generalized integro-exponential function. We study some of its properties and moments, and its coefficients of asymmetry and kurtosis. We apply estimations using the moments and maximum likelihood methods and present a simulation study to illustrate parameter recovery. The results of application to two real data sets indicate that the new model performs very well in the presence of outliers.
Remarks on Surjectivity of Gradient Operators
Authors: Chiappinelli Raffaele , Edmunds David E.
Published: September 2020

Let X be a real Banach space with dual X∗ and suppose that F:X→X∗. We give a characterisation of the property that F is locally proper and establish its stability under compact perturbation. Modifying an recent result of ours, we prove that any gradient map that has this property and is additionally bounded, coercive and continuous is surjective. As before, the main tool for the proof is the Ekeland Variational Principle. Comparison with known surjectivity results is made; finally, as an application, we discuss a Dirichlet boundary-value problem for the p-Laplacian (1<p<∞), completing our previous result which was limited to the case p≥2.
A Discrete Grönwall Inequality and Energy Estimates in the Analysis of a Discrete Model for a Nonlinear Time-Fractional Heat Equation
Authors: Hendy Ahmed S. , Macías-Díaz Jorge E.
Published: September 2020

In the present work, we investigate the efficiency of a numerical scheme to solve a nonlinear time-fractional heat equation with sufficiently smooth solutions, which was previously reported in the literature [Fract. Calc. Appl. Anal. 16: 892–910 (2013)]. In that article, the authors established the stability and consistency of the discrete model using arguments from Fourier analysis. As opposed to that work, in the present work, we use the method of energy inequalities to show that the scheme is stable and converges to the exact solution with order O(τ2−α+h4), in the case that 0<α<1 satisfies 3α≥32, which means that 0.369⪅α≤1. The novelty of the present work lies in the derivation of suitable energy estimates, and a discrete fractional Grönwall inequality, which is consistent with the discrete approximation of the Caputo fractional derivative of order 0<α<1 used for that scheme at tk+1/2.
Finite-Time Attitude Fault Tolerant Control of Quadcopter System via Neural Networks
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc Phi , Mung Nguyen Xuan , Thanh Ha Le Nhu Ngoc , Huynh Tuan Tu , Hong Sung Kyung
Published: September 2020

This study investigates the design of fault-tolerant control involving adaptive nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode control and neural networks. Unlike those of previous control strategies, the adaptive law of the investigated algorithm is considered in both continuous and discontinuous terms, which means that any disturbances, model uncertainties, and actuator faults can be simultaneously compensated for. First, a quadcopter model is presented under the conditions of disturbances and uncertainties. Second, normal adaptive nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode control is utilized to handle these disturbances. Thereafter, fault-tolerant control based on adaptive nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode control and neural network approximation is presented, which can handle the actuator faults, model uncertainties, and disturbances. For each controller design, the Lyapunov function is applied to validate the robustness of the investigated method. Finally, the effectiveness of the investigated control approach is presented via comparative numerical examples under different fault conditions and uncertainties.
Node and Network Entropy—A Novel Mathematical Model for Pattern Analysis of Team Sports Behavior
Authors: Martins Fernando , Gomes Ricardo , Lopes Vasco , Silva Frutuoso , Mendes Rui
Published: September 2020

Pattern analysis is a well-established topic in team sports performance analysis, and is usually centered on the analysis of passing sequences. Taking a Bayesian approach to the study of these interactions, this work presents novel entropy mathematical models for Markov chain-based pattern analysis in team sports networks, with Relative Transition Entropy and Network Transition Entropy applied to both passing and reception patterns. To demonstrate their applicability, these mathematical models were used in a case study in football—the 2016/2017 Champions League Final, where both teams were analyzed. The results show that the winning team, Real Madrid, presented greater values for both individual and team transition entropies, which indicate that greater levels of unpredictability may bring teams closer to victory. In conclusion, these metrics may provide information to game analysts, allowing them to provide coaches with accurate and timely information about the key players of the game.
Noncommutative Functional Calculus and Its Applications on Invariant Subspace and Chaos
Authors: Luo Lvlin
Published: September 2020

Let T:H→H be a bounded linear operator on a separable Hilbert space H. In this paper, we construct an isomorphism Fxx*:L2(σ(|T−a|),μ|T−a|,ξ)→L2(σ(|(T−a)*|),μ|(T−a)*|,Fxx*Hξ) such that (Fxx*)2=identity and Fxx*H is a unitary operator on H associated with Fxx*. With this construction, we obtain a noncommutative functional calculus for the operator T and Fxx*=identity is the special case for normal operators, such that S=R|(S−a)|,ξ(Mzϕ(z)+a)R|S−a|,ξ−1 is the noncommutative functional calculus of a normal operator S, where a∈ρ(T), R|T−a|,ξ:L2(σ(|T−a|),μ|T−a|,ξ)→H is an isomorphism and Mzϕ(z)+a is a multiplication operator on L2(σ(|S−a|),μ|S−a|,ξ). Moreover, by Fxx* we give a sufficient condition to the invariant subspace problem and we present the Lebesgue class BLeb(H)⊂B(H) such that T is Li-Yorke chaotic if and only if T*−1 is for a Lebesgue operator T.
Characterization of the CAZy Repertoire from the Marine-Derived Fungus Stemphylium lucomagnoense in Relation to Saline Conditions
Authors: Ben Ali Wissal , Navarro David , Kumar Abhishek , Drula Elodie , Turbé-Doan Annick , Correia Lydie Oliveira , Baumberger Stéphanie , Bertrand Emmanuel , Faulds Craig B. , Henrissat Bernard , Sciara Giuliano , Mechichi Tahar , Record Eric
Published: September 2020

Even if the ocean represents a large part of Earth’s surface, only a few studies describe marine-derived fungi compared to their terrestrial homologues. In this ecosystem, marine-derived fungi have had to adapt to the salinity and to the plant biomass composition. This articles studies the growth of five marine isolates and the tuning of lignocellulolytic activities under different conditions, including the salinity. A de novo transcriptome sequencing and assembly were used in combination with a proteomic approach to characterize the Carbohydrate Active Enzymes (CAZy) repertoire of one of these strains. Following these approaches, Stemphylium lucomagnoense was selected for its adapted growth on xylan in saline conditions, its high xylanase activity, and its improved laccase activities in seagrass-containing cultures with salt. De novo transcriptome sequencing and assembly indicated the presence of 51 putative lignocellulolytic enzymes. Its secretome composition was studied in detail when the fungus was grown on either a terrestrial or a marine substrate, under saline and non-saline conditions. Proteomic analysis of the four S. lucomagnoense secretomes revealed a minimal suite of extracellular enzymes for plant biomass degradation and highlighted potential enzyme targets to be further studied for their adaptation to salts and for potential biotechnological applications.
Ameliorating Effect of Pentadecapeptide Derived from Cyclina sinensis on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Nephrotoxicity
Authors: Jiang Xiaoxia , Ren Zhexin , Zhao Biying , Zhou Shuyao , Ying Xiaoguo , Tang Yunping
Published: September 2020

Cyclophosphamide (CTX) is a widely used anticancer drug with severe nephrotoxicity. The pentadecapeptide (RVAPEEHPVEGRYLV) from Cyclina sinensis (SCSP) has been shown to affect immunity and to protect the liver. Hence, the purpose of this study was to investigate the ameliorating effect of SCSP on CTX-induced nephrotoxicity in mice. We injected male ICR mice with CTX (80 mg/kg·day) and measured the nephrotoxicity indices, levels of antioxidant enzymes, malondialdehyde (MDA), inflammatory factors, as well as the major proteins of the NF-κB and apoptotic pathways. Cyclophosphamide induced kidney injury; the levels of kidney-injury indicators and cytokines recovered remarkably in mice after receiving SCSP. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) increased, while there was a significant decrease in MDA levels. The kidney tissue damage induced by CTX was also repaired to a certain extent. In addition, SCSP significantly inhibited inflammatory factors and apoptosis by regulating the NF-κB and apoptotic pathways. Our study shows that SCSP has the potential to ameliorate CTX-induced nephrotoxicity and may be used as a therapeutic adjuvant to ameliorate CTX-induced nephrotoxicity.
Dependence of the Clogging Possibility of the Submerged Entry Nozzle during Steel Continuous Casting Process on the Liquid Fraction of Non-Metallic Inclusions in the Molten Al-Killed Ca-Treated Steel
Authors: Li Weifu , Wang Yi , Wang Weijian , Ren Ying , Zhang Lifeng
Published: September 2020

In the current study, the nozzle clogging behavior and inclusion composition in Al-killed Ca-treated steels were observed to investigate the relationship between the liquid fraction of non-metallic inclusions and the clogging possibility of the submerged entry nozzle. Clogging materials were mainly MgO-Al2O3 with less than 20% liquid phases, while most of the inclusions were full liquid CaO-Al2O3-MgO in tundish at the casting temperature. Thus, it was proposed that the nozzle clogging can be effectively avoided by modification of solid inclusions to partial liquid ones rather than full liquid ones. There was a critical value of liquid fraction of inclusions causing the nozzle clogging. A critical condition of the inclusion attachment on the nozzle wall was a function of cosθN−S+cosθI−S<0. With the increase of T.Ca content in steel, the evolution route of inclusions was solid MgO-Al2O3→liquid CaO-Al2O3-MgO→solid CaS and CaO. To avoid the clogging of the submerged entry nozzle (SEN) under the current casting condition, the appropriate T.Ca concentration range in Al-killed Ca-treated steels can be enlarged from the 100% liquid inclusion zone of 10–14 ppm to the 20% liquid inclusion zone of 4–38 ppm.
On the Direct Extrusion of Magnesium Wires from Mg-Al-Zn Series Alloys
Authors: Nienaber Maria , Yi Sangbong , Kainer Karl Ulrich , Letzig Dietmar , Bohlen Jan
Published: September 2020

Wires of magnesium alloys possess a high potential, e.g., as filler materials, for joining applications but also for biodegradable applications, such as suture materials. While the typical process of producing wires is based on a wire drawing process, direct extrusion by using adjusted dies to deal with high degrees of deformation allows a one-step manufacturing of wires to some extent. In this work, the extrusion of wires with a thickness of 1 mm and even lower is shown feasible for pure magnesium and three Al-containing magnesium alloys (AZ31, AZ80, AZ91). The surface quality and the mechanical properties are improved with increasing Al content. It is shown that, despite the large difference in the degrees of deformation, the properties and their development are similar to those of extruded round bars. Wrapping tests were carried out as an exemplary more complex forming procedure, and the behavior is correlated to the microstructure and texture of the extruded wires.
Heterogeneous Material Additive Manufacturing for Hot-Stamping Die
Authors: Hong Myoung-Pyo , Kim Jin-Jae , Kim Woo-Sung , Lee Min-Kyu , Bae Ki-Man , Kim Young-Suk , Sung Ji-Hyun
Published: September 2020

Additive manufacturing (AM) has recently been receiving global attention. As an innovative alternative to existing manufacturing technologies, AM can produce three-dimensional objects from various materials. In the manufacturing industry, AM improves production cost, time, and quality in comparison to existing methods. In addition, AM is applied in the fabrication and production of objects in diverse fields. In particular, metal AM has been continuously commercialized in high value-added industries such as aerospace and health care by many research and development projects. However, the applicability of metal AM to the mold and die industry and other low value-added industries is limited because AM is not as economical as current manufacturing technologies. Therefore, this paper proposes an effective solution to the problem. This study examines a method for using direct energy deposition and heterogeneous materials, a heterogeneous material additive-manufacturing process for metals used to optimize the cooling channels and a key process in manufacturing hot-stamping dies. The improvements in the cooling performances and uniform cooling were evaluated by heat-flow analysis in a continuous process. Finally, trial products were fabricated using the proposed method, and a trial for hot stamping was conducted to examine the possibility of it being used in commercial applications.
Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria: Molecular and Physiological Bases of Virulence and Adaptation to Ecological Niches
Authors: Pereira André C. , Ramos Beatriz , Reis Ana C. , Cunha Mónica V.
Published: September 2020

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are paradigmatic colonizers of the total environment, circulating at the interfaces of the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and anthroposphere. Their striking adaptive ecology on the interconnection of multiple spheres results from the combination of several biological features related to their exclusive hydrophobic and lipid-rich impermeable cell wall, transcriptional regulation signatures, biofilm phenotype, and symbiosis with protozoa. This unique blend of traits is reviewed in this work, with highlights to the prodigious plasticity and persistence hallmarks of NTM in a wide diversity of environments, from extreme natural milieus to microniches in the human body. Knowledge on the taxonomy, evolution, and functional diversity of NTM is updated, as well as the molecular and physiological bases for environmental adaptation, tolerance to xenobiotics, and infection biology in the human and non-human host. The complex interplay between individual, species-specific and ecological niche traits contributing to NTM resilience across ecosystems are also explored. This work hinges current understandings of NTM, approaching their biology and heterogeneity from several angles and reinforcing the complexity of these microorganisms often associated with a multiplicity of diseases, including pulmonary, soft-tissue, or milliary. In addition to emphasizing the cornerstones of knowledge involving these bacteria, we identify research gaps that need to be addressed, stressing out the need for decision-makers to recognize NTM infection as a public health issue that has to be tackled, especially when considering an increasingly susceptible elderly and immunocompromised population in developed countries, as well as in low- or middle-income countries, where NTM infections are still highly misdiagnosed and neglected.
Materials Testing for the Development of Biocompatible Devices through Vat-Polymerization 3D Printing
Authors: González Gustavo , Baruffaldi Désirée , Martinengo Cinzia , Angelini Angelo , Chiappone Annalisa , Roppolo Ignazio , Pirri Candido Fabrizio , Frascella Francesca
Published: September 2020

Light-based 3D printing techniques could be a valuable instrument in the development of customized and affordable biomedical devices, basically for high precision and high flexibility in terms of materials of these technologies. However, more studies related to the biocompatibility of the printed objects are required to expand the use of these techniques in the health sector. In this work, 3D printed polymeric parts are produced in lab conditions using a commercial Digital Light Processing (DLP) 3D printer and then successfully tested to fabricate components suitable for biological studies. For this purpose, different 3D printable formulations based on commercially available resins are compared. The biocompatibility of the 3D printed objects toward A549 cell line is investigated by adjusting the composition of the resins and optimizing post-printing protocols; those include washing in common solvents and UV post-curing treatments for removing unreacted and cytotoxic products. It is noteworthy that not only the selection of suitable materials but also the development of an adequate post-printing protocol is necessary for the development of biocompatible devices.
Carbon Quantum Dots Modified (002) Oriented Bi2O2CO3 Composites with Enhanced Photocatalytic Removal of Toluene in Air
Authors: Ding Junping , Wang Huanchun , Luo Yidong , Xu Yushuai , Liu Jinsheng , Lin Ruichu , Gao Yuchen , Lin Yuanhua
Published: September 2020

In work, (002) oriented flower-like Bi2O2CO3(BOC) composites are synthesized by a facile chemical route and carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are modified on their surfaces through a hydrothermal method. The synthesized samples (CQD/BOC) are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), SEM, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-Vis diffuser reflectances (DRS), BET and TEM/HRTEM. The morphologies of CQD/BOC composites are the flower-like shapes, the irregular flaky structures and the fine spherical particles of CQDs attached. Photocatalytic performances were investigated in terms of removing gaseous toluene at a concentration of 94.3ppm in air, with the assistance of CQD/BOC under artificial irradiation. Our results show that CQDs modified (002) oriented Bi2O2CO3 exhibits good photocatalytic activity for toluene decomposition, which can be attributed to the enhanced efficient charge separation. A certain ratio composite photocatalyst (BOC-CQD-15) shows a toluene removal rate of 96.62% in three hours, as well as great stability. CO2 was verified to be the primary product. The oriented flower-like Bi2O2CO3 with carbon quantum dots on the surface shows great potential in the field of solar driven air purification.
The Association between 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentration and Disability Trajectories in Very Old Adults: The Newcastle 85+ Study
Authors: Hakeem Sarah , Mendonca Nuno , Aspray Terry , Kingston Andrew , Ruiz-Martin Carmen , Jagger Carol , Mathers John C. , Duncan Rachel , Hill Tom R.
Published: September 2020

Background: Low vitamin D status is common in very old adults which may have adverse consequences for muscle function, a major predictor of disability. Aims: To explore the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations and disability trajectories in very old adults and to determine whether there is an ‘adequate’ 25(OH)D concentration which might protect against a faster disability trajectory. Methodology: A total of 775 participants from the Newcastle 85+ Study for who 25(OH)D concentration at baseline was available. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations of <25 nmol/L, 25–50 nmol/L and >50 nmol/L were used as cut-offs to define low, moderate and high vitamin D status, respectively. Disability was defined as difficulty in performing 17 activities of daily living, at baseline, after 18, 36 and 60 months. Results: A three-trajectory model was derived (low-to-mild, mild-to-moderate and moderate-to-severe). In partially adjusted models, participants with 25(OH)D concentrations <25 nmol/L were more likely to have moderate and severe disability trajectories, even after adjusting for sex, living in an institution, season, cognitive status, BMI and vitamin D supplement use. However, this association disappeared after further adjustment for physical activity. Conclusions: Vitamin D status does not appear to influence the trajectories of disability in very old adults.
Milk Intake and Stroke Mortality in the Japan Collaborative Cohort Study—A Bayesian Survival Analysis
Authors: Wang Chaochen , Yatsuya Hiroshi , Lin Yingsong , Sasakabe Tae , Kawai Sayo , Kikuchi Shogo , Iso Hiroyasu , Tamakoshi Akiko
Published: September 2020

The aim of this study was to further examine the relationship between milk intake and stroke mortality among the Japanese population. We used data from the Japan Collaborative Cohort (JACC) Study (total number of participants = 110,585, age range: 40–79) to estimate the posterior acceleration factors (AF) as well as the hazard ratios (HR) comparing individuals with different milk intake frequencies against those who never consumed milk at the study baseline. These estimations were computed through a series of Bayesian survival models that employed a Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulation process. In total, 100,000 posterior samples were generated separately through four independent chains after model convergency was confirmed. Posterior probabilites that daily milk consumers had lower hazard or delayed mortality from strokes compared to non-consumers was 99.0% and 78.0% for men and women, respectively. Accordingly, the estimated posterior means of AF and HR for daily milk consumers were 0.88 (95% Credible Interval, CrI: 0.81, 0.96) and 0.80 (95% CrI: 0.69, 0.93) for men and 0.97 (95% CrI: 0.88, 1.10) and 0.95 (95% CrI: 0.80, 1.17) for women. In conclusion, data from the JACC study provided strong evidence that daily milk intake among Japanese men was associated with delayed and lower risk of mortality from stroke especially cerebral infarction.
Preclinical Research on a Mixture of Red Ginseng and Licorice Extracts in the Treatment and Prevention of Obesity
Authors: Zheng Yulong , Lee Eun-Hye , Lee Ji-Hyun , In Gyo , Kim JongHan , Lee Mi-Hyang , Lee Ok-Hwan , Kang Il-Jun
Published: September 2020

The anti-obesity effects of RL (a 3:1 mixture of Panax ginseng saponin fractions and Glycyrrhiza glabra L. extracts) on 3T3-L1 adipocytes and C57BL/6J obese mice were evaluated at different concentrations. We investigated the anti-obesity effects of RL through lipid accumulation inhibition rate, serum lipid composition analysis, adipose tissue size, adipogenic transcription factors and AMPK pathway. RL inhibited the lipid accumulation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes in a dose-dependent manner at concentrations of 50–200 μg/mL without cytotoxicity (50–400 μg/mL). Oral administration of RL at the highest concentration (400 mg/kg/day) did not cause significant liver toxicity in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. RL stimulated adiponectin secretion in a dose-dependent manner and primarily mediates the AMPK pathway to inhibit triglyceride synthesis and attenuate adipocyte hypertrophy. RL significantly reduced weight in obese mice, but none of the body weight, adipose tissue weight, serum triglyceride level, and AMPK pathway activation degree showed any difference between dosing concentrations of 200 and 400 mg/kg/day. Therefore, 200 mg/kg/day of RL is the optimal preclinical concentration, which can be a reference concentration for conversion into a human clinical trial dose.
Towards Win–Win Policies for Healthy and Sustainable Diets in Switzerland
Authors: Ernstoff Alexi , Stylianou Katerina S. , Sahakian Marlyne , Godin Laurence , Dauriat Arnaud , Humbert Sebastien , Erkman Suren , Jolliet Olivier
Published: September 2020

The first Swiss national dietary survey (MenuCH) was used to screen disease burdens and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) of Swiss diets (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, slimming), with a focus on gender and education level. The Health Nutritional Index (HENI), a novel disease burden-based nutritional index built on the Global Burden of Disease studies, was used to indicate healthiness using comparable, relative disease burden scores. Low whole grain consumption and high processed meat consumption are priority risk factors. Non-processed red meat and dairy make a nearly negligible contribution to disease burden scores, yet are key drivers of diet-related GHGs. Swiss diets, including vegetarian, ranged between 1.1–2.6 tons of CO2e/person/year, above the Swiss federal recommendation 0.6 ton CO2e/person/year for all consumption categories. This suggests that only changing food consumption practices will not suffice towards achieving carbon reduction targets: Systemic changes to food provisioning processes are also necessary. Finally, men with higher education had the highest dietary GHG emissions per gram of food, and the highest disease burden scores. Win–win policies to improve health and sustainability of Swiss diets would increase whole grain consumption for all, and decrease alcohol and processed meat consumption especially for men of higher education levels.
Nutrients and Caloric Intake Associated with Fruits, Vegetables, and Legumes in the Elderly European Population
Authors: Azzolina Danila , Vedovelli Luca , Gallipoli Silvia , French Megan , Ghidina Marco , Lamprecht Manfred , Tsiountsioura Melina , Lorenzoni Giulia , Gregori Dario
Published: September 2020

Nutrition is emerging as a key factor in promoting healthy lifestyles in the growing elderly population across Europe. In this study, we examined the non-animal-derived food source consumption among the elderly European population to evaluate the actual contributions of these foods to the diet of the elders. We gathered 21 studies conducted in 17 European countries to evaluate the fruit, vegetable, and legume (along with their derived products) consumption among the elderly (>65 years) population. Foods’ nutritional values were calculated and compared to the recommended intakes. A Bayesian multilevel hierarchical analysis was conducted to estimate the caloric intake of food categories and to compare the elderly and general adult populations. Although the lowest consumption was generally associated with the lowest nutrient and fiber intake, the reverse was not always the case. Concerning the general adult population, no differences in the related caloric intake of elders were noticed. Differences were instead evident when foods were divided into subclasses. Elderly populations consume fruit and fruit products, but they drink less fruit and vegetable juices and nectars. In conclusion, elderlies’ fruit and vegetable consumption showed a peculiar pattern with respect to the general adult population, whose recognition could be helpful to address tailored policies. Constantly updated studies, including all the lifespan ages, are warranted to design tailored effective public health interventions.
Gauge Functions in Classical Mechanics: From Undriven to Driven Dynamical Systems
Authors: Musielak Zdzislaw E. , Vestal Lesley C. , Tran Bao D. , Watson Timothy B.
Published: September 2020

Novel gauge functions are introduced to non-relativistic classical mechanics and used to define forces. The obtained results show that the gauge functions directly affect the energy function and allow for converting an undriven physical system into a driven one. This is a novel phenomenon in dynamics that resembles the role of gauges in quantum field theories.
Research Contribution of the Oldest Seat of Higher Learning in Pakistan: A Bibliometric Analysis of University of the Punjab
Authors: Ahmad Shakil , Javed Yasir , Hussain Khahro Shabir , Shahid Arslan
Published: September 2020

Bibliometric methods are used to access various elements in any data set. Similarly, this study uses a bibliometric method to evaluate the research performance of the University of the Punjab (PU), the oldest university of Pakistan. A peer university from a neighboring country, India, has been selected in this study along with three state-owned universities of Pakistan. The research yield of selected universities was analyzed since their establishment until 2019. The data were retrieved from the Scopus database in February 2020. The guidelines of the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education were used to select the peer universities. It has been analyzed that steady progress in research productivity was observed during the 20th century and in the last few years of the 19th century. A focus shift was observed with the onset of the 21st century and a rapid increase in research publications was observed in Pakistani universities. Around 92% of research studies of the University of the Punjab were carried out during the first 20 years of the 21st century and it leads the compared peer universities in terms of the number of research publications and the citations. It is also analyzed that there is a tendency among the authors of studied universities to publish their research articles in subscription-based journals. The authors affiliated with the University of the Punjab are more inclined to publish their research in open access journals as compared to the researchers of other studied universities. It is also observed that publications with single authors received a low average of citations per document while the publications with six or more authors had the highest average citations. The study recommends collaborative efforts for carrying out research and publication in open access journals is encouraged because of greater visibility, access, and impact.