bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Various Thin-Film-Based Absorber Materials: A Viable Approach for Next-Generation Solar Cells
Authors: Mamta  , Maurya Kamlesh , Singh Vidya
Published: March 2022

Thin-film solar cells are simple and affordable to produce, but their efficiency is low compared to crystalline-silicon solar cells, and needs to be improved. This study investigates the photovoltaic performance of different absorber materials (CdTe, CIGS, Sb2Se3, and CZTS) with simple structure Au/absorber/CdS/ITO. The research uses the SCAPS (Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator), a mathematical model based on Poisson and continuity equations. The impact of various parameters on cell performance, such as absorber layer thickness, acceptor density, electron affinity, back contact work function, and temperature, are examined. As per the simulation results, an absorber thickness of 4 µm is suitable for achieving the maximum efficiency for all the absorber materials. The optimized acceptor density for CdTe/CIGS/ Sb2Se3 and CZTS is taken as 1016 cm−3 and 1017 cm−3, respectively. The back contact work function and device temperature were set to be 5.1 eV and 300 K, respectively, to achieve excellent performance. Among all the absorber materials, the highest efficiency of 28.2% was achieved for CZTS. The aim is to highlight the various absorber layers’ performances by optimizing the device parameters. The obtained results can be used in solar energy harvesting applications due to the improved performance characteristics.
Analytical Investigation of Jiatang Scroll Paintings in the Seventh Year of the Guangxu Era
Authors: Zhao Fangnan , Xing Huiping , Wang Jianwei , Jia Zhihui , Chao Xiaolian , Wang Juanli , Liu Jiaojiao , Li Yuhu
Published: March 2022

Jiatang scroll paintings listed in the Chinese intangible cultural heritage list are an important form of family trees. In this paper, a Jiatang scroll painting drawn in the seventh year of Guangxu (AD 1881) was chosen as a prototype to analyze its components. Samples were taken from different parts of the Jiatang scroll painting to analyze the composition of fibers, pigments, and adhesives. Herein, fiber analyzer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Herzberg stain were conducted to identify the type of fiber used. Microstructural and microchemical analyses by means of SEM-EDX and Raman spectroscopy were performed to characterize the pigments present in the painting, while the nature of the adhesive was examined using pyrolysis gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). The results show that the painting fiber is from cotton, while the red, black, and green pigments were identified as cinnabar, carbon black, and emerald green, respectively. Finally, the adhesive is a mixture of animal glue, benzoin gum, and starch. The research results provide a basis for the protection and restoration of this precious cultural heritage in the future.
Friction and Wear Properties of Silicon Nitride-Based Composites with Different hBN Content Sliding against Polyether-Etherketone at Different Speeds under Artificial Seawater Lubrication
Authors: Li Huaqiang , Liu Xingwei , Zhang Chen , Jiao Xiaoyu , Chen Wei , Gao Jinghui , Zhong Lisheng
Published: March 2022

In the present study, the friction and wear behaviors of Si3N4-hBN(Hexagonal boron nitride) ceramic composites against polyether-etherketone in artificial seawater were investigated, and the sliding speed was varied from 0.52 to 1.73 m/s to study the effect. It was found that the friction coefficients and wear rates decreased with the increase in sliding speed for Si3N4-hBN (with the hBN content ranging from 5% to 20%) against PEEK(Polyether-ether-ketone); the sliding pairs represented an upward trend as the speed increased for Si3N4-hBN (with an hBN content of 0 and 30%) against PEEK. This result was mainly attributed to complex friction resistance sources, such as mechanical meshing and the shear strength of soft tribofilm. On the other hand, both the hBN content and sliding speed had a significant effect on the tribological performance of the Si3N4-hBN/PEEK pairs. Meanwhile, the lowest friction coefficient of 0.07 and wear rates below 10−6 mm3/Nm were obtained from the Si3N4-20%hBN/PEEK pair at the speed of 1.73 m/s.
Compressive Mechanics and Hyperelasticity of Ni-Ti Lattice Structures Fabricated by Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Zhang Cong , Jin Jiulu , He Meng , Yang Lei
Published: March 2022

Additively manufactured Ni-Ti lattice structures have controllable bio/mechanical properties, as well as excellent large deformation and damping properties similar to those of natural bone. They have broad application prospects in the field of bone implantation. Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) structures are believed to be the most potential and ideal bionic bone structures. In this work, Ni-Ti Gyroid-type TPMS lattice structures were fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM) and their manufacturing fidelity and compression properties were evaluated. By changing the maximum strain value, the hyperelastic recovery performance under cyclic stress was investigated. The results showed that the Ni-Ti Gyroid lattice structures fabricated by SLM had excellent manufacturability (relative density can reach 98.93%) and mechanical properties (elastic modulus is about 130.8 MPa, ultimate strength is about 2.7 MPa). The hyperelastic cycle testing showed that the elastic modulus, yield strength and ultimate strength of the lattice structures tended to stablilize gradually with increasing numbers of cycles. The residual strain increased with the number of cycles, and as the maximum strain increased from 4% to 8%, the residual strain also increased from 1% to 4%.
Sustainable Composites with Solid Waste Materials
Authors: Pawluczuk Edyta , Skoczko Iwona , Fernández Ledesma Enrique
Published: March 2022

This Special Issue on “Sustainable Composites with Solid Waste Materials” is a collection of 15 original articles (including one review paper) dedicated to theoretical and experimental research works, providing new insights and practical findings in the field of waste-related topics [...]
Scalable and Blue Photoluminescence Emissions of (C4H9NH3)2PbBr4 2D Perovskite Fabricated by the Dip-Coating Method Using a Co-Solvent System
Authors: Chou Chia-Man , Liu Yuan-Tung , Wei Pei-Ching , Li Yi-Jhen , Kung Yu-Han , Hsiao Vincent K. S. , Chu Chih-Chien
Published: March 2022

The improved efficiency of perovskite-related photovoltaic devices, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), is related to film uniformity, the compactness of each layer, and thickness. Herein, we improved the traditional single-solvent, solution-processed method and developed a co-solvent method to prepare a two-dimensional (2D) (C4H9NH3)2PbBr4 perovskite film for blue photoluminescence (PL) emissions. A poor film-forming uniformity was observed for the use of the single-solvent, dimethylformamide (DMF) method. In adding 1,2-dichlorobenzene (ODCB) of a smaller polarity to DMF, the co-solvent engineering dramatically changed the film-forming properties. Optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and time-resolved PL (TR-PL) spectroscopy analyses confirmed that the perovskite film prepared by the co-solvent system had a good crystallinity, fewer defects, and a longer carrier lifetime. These experimental results show a simple, scalable (1.23 × 1.23 cm2), and stable reproducibility method for preparing 2D perovskite of 415 nm wavelength PL emissions that might be beneficial for the development of ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors, blue LEDs, and high-resolution displays.
The Influence of Oxygen Activity on Phase Composition, Crystal Structure, and Electrical Conductivity of CaV1–xMoxO3±δ
Authors: Belyakov Semyon A. , Gerasimov Evgeny Yu. , Kuzmin Anton V.
Published: March 2022

Perovskite–like vanadate–molybdates are interesting from the point of view of their metal–like conductivity, which combines the correlated and free electron nature. A series of CaV1–xMoxO3–δ solid solutions was considered near the Mo concentration x = 0.4, where a difficult–to–perceive structural transition was previously detected. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy revealed the phase separation of CaV0.6Mo0.4O3–δ into nanoscale regions with different ratios of V and Mo concentrations, despite X–ray diffraction analysis exhibiting a homogeneous perovskite structure. The rest of the compositions from the CaV1–xMoxO3–δ series do not show phase separation. The nonmonotonic behavior of the conductivity and linear expansion of CaV1–xMoxO3±δ was shown when the oxygen activity in the N2-H2-H2O gas mixture was varied, which is mainly determined by the partial decomposition of the perovskite phase. Against this background, the behavior of the electrical properties of the CaV1–xMoxO3±δ individual phase remains unclear.
Zirconium(IV) Metal Organic Frameworks with Highly Selective Sorption for Diclofenac under Batch and Continuous Flow Conditions
Authors: Pournara Anastasia D. , Andreou Evangelos K. , Armatas Gerasimos S. , Manos Manolis J.
Published: March 2022

Diclofenac (DCF) is among the most effective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and at the same time one of the most consumed drugs worldwide. Since the ever-increasing use of diclofenac poses serious threats to ecosystems, its substantial removal is crucial. To address this issue, a variety of sorbents have been employed. Herein we present the diclofenac removal properties of two metal organic frameworks, namely [Zr6O4(OH)4(NH2BDC)6]·xH2O (MOR-1) and H16[Zr6O16(H2PATP)4]·xH2O (MOR-2). Batch studies revealed fast sorption kinetics for removal of DCF− from water as well as particularly high selectivity for the drug vs. common competitive species. Moreover, the composite MOR-1-alginic acid material was utilized in a sorption column, displaying remarkable removal efficiency towards DCF− anions. Significantly, this is the first time that column sorption data for removal of NSAIDs using MOF-based materials is reported.
Crucial Role of Oxygen Vacancies in Scintillation and Optical Properties of Undoped and Al-Doped β-Ga2O3 Single Crystals
Authors: Tian Ruifeng , Pan Mingyan , Sai Qinglin , Zhang Lu , Qi Hongji , Mohamed Hany Fathy
Published: March 2022

In this paper, the effects of oxygen vacancy and gallium vacancy on the optical and scintillation properties of undoped β-Ga2O3 crystal and 2.5 mol % Al doped gallium oxide were investigated. For the undoped β-Ga2O3, the transmittance is improved after annealing in oxygen or nitrogen atmosphere. After the introduction of Al element, the absorption cutoff appears slightly blue shift, and the band gap increases. For the undoped as-grown β-Ga2O3 single crystals, the decay time consists of a fast component (τ1) of the order of nanoseconds, and two slow components (τ2, τ3) of tens to hundreds of nanoseconds. The contribution of the fast decay time component in the decay times is 2.78%. While for Al-doped β-Ga2O3, the faster (τ1) time is 2.33 ns for the as-grown one, and the contribution is 68.02%. However, the pulse height spectrum shows that the introduction of 2.5 mol % Al will reduce the light yield of the β-Ga2O3 crystal.
Exploring Nucleation Pathways in Distinct Physicochemical Environments Unveiling Novel Options to Modulate and Optimize Protein Crystallization
Authors: Wang Mengying , Barra Angélica Luana C. , Brognaro Hévila , Betzel Christian
Published: March 2022

The scientific discussion about classical and nonclassical nucleation theories has lasted for two decades so far. Recently, multiple nucleation pathways and the occurrence and role of metastable intermediates in crystallization processes have attracted increasing attention, following the discovery of functional phase separation, which is now under investigation in different fields of cellular life sciences, providing interesting and novel aspects for conventional crystallization experiments. In this context, more systematic investigations need to be carried out to extend the current knowledge about nucleation processes. In terms of the data we present, a well-studied model protein, glucose isomerase (GI), was employed first to investigate systematically the early stages of the crystallization process, covering condensing and prenucleation ordering of protein molecules in diverse scenarios, including varying ionic and crowding agent conditions, as well as the application of a pulsed electric field (pEF). The main method used to characterize the early events of nucleation was synchronized polarized and depolarized dynamic light scattering (DLS/DDLS), which is capable of collecting the polarized and depolarized component of scattered light from a sample suspension in parallel, thus monitoring the time-resolved evolution of the condensation and geometrical ordering of proteins at the early stages of nucleation. A diffusion interaction parameter, KD, of GI under varying salt conditions was evaluated to discuss how the proportion of specific and non-specific protein–protein interactions affects the nucleation process. The effect of mesoscopic ordered clusters (MOCs) on protein crystallization was explored further by adding different ratios of MOCs induced by a pEF to fresh GI droplets in solution with different PEG concentrations. To emphasize and complement the data and results obtained with GI, a recombinant pyridoxal 5-phosphate (vitamin B6) synthase (Pdx) complex of Staphylococcus aureus assembled from twelve monomers of Pdx1 and twelve monomers of Pdx2 was employed to validate the ability of the pEF influencing the nucleation of complex macromolecules and the effect of MOCs on adjusting the crystallization pathway. In summary, our data revealed multiple nucleation pathways by tuning the proportion of specific and non-specific protein interactions, or by utilizing a pEF which turned out to be efficient to accelerate the nucleation process. Finally, a novel and reproducible experimental strategy, which can adjust and facilitate a crystallization process by pEF-induced MOCs, was summarized and reported for the first time.
Development of the Integrated Glaucoma Risk Index
Authors: Oh Sejong , Cho Kyong Jin , Kim Seong-Jae
Published: March 2022

Various machine-learning schemes have been proposed to diagnose glaucoma. They can classify subjects into ‘normal’ or ‘glaucoma’-positive but cannot determine the severity of the latter. To complement this, researchers have proposed statistical indices for glaucoma risk. However, they are based on a single examination indicator and do not reflect the total severity of glaucoma progression. In this study, we propose an integrated glaucoma risk index (I-GRI) based on the visual field (VF) test, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and intraocular pressure (IOP) test. We extracted important features from the examination data using a machine learning scheme and integrated them into a single measure using a mathematical equation. The proposed index produces a value between 0 and 1; the higher the risk index value, the greater the risk/severity of glaucoma. In the sanity test using test cases, the I-GRI showed a balanced distribution in both glaucoma and normal cases. When we classified glaucoma and normal cases using the I-GRI, we obtained a misclassification rate of 0.07 (7%). The proposed index is useful for diagnosing glaucoma and for detecting its progression.
Comparison of CO-RADS Scores Based on Visual and Artificial Intelligence Assessments in a Non-Endemic Area
Authors: Ishiwata Yoshinobu , Miura Kentaro , Kishimoto Mayuko , Nomura Koichiro , Sawamura Shungo , Magami Shigeru , Ikawa Mizuki , Yamashiro Tsuneo , Utsunomiya Daisuke
Published: March 2022

In this study, we first developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-based algorithm for classifying chest computed tomography (CT) images using the coronavirus disease 2019 Reporting and Data System (CO-RADS). Subsequently, we evaluated its accuracy by comparing the calculated scores with those assigned by radiologists with varying levels of experience. This study included patients with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection who underwent chest CT imaging between February and October 2020 in Japan, a non-endemic area. For each chest CT, the CO-RADS scores, determined by consensus among three experienced chest radiologists, were used as the gold standard. Images from 412 patients were used to train the model, whereas images from 83 patients were tested to obtain AI-based CO-RADS scores for each image. Six independent raters (one medical student, two residents, and three board-certified radiologists) evaluated the test images. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and weighted kappa values were calculated to determine the inter-rater agreement with the gold standard. The mean ICC and weighted kappa were 0.754 and 0.752 for the medical student and residents (taken together), 0.851 and 0.850 for the diagnostic radiologists, and 0.913 and 0.912 for AI, respectively. The CO-RADS scores calculated using our AI-based algorithm were comparable to those assigned by radiologists, indicating the accuracy and high reproducibility of our model. Our study findings would enable accurate reading, particularly in areas where radiologists are unavailable, and contribute to improvements in patient management and workflow.
The Role of Chest CT Radiomics in Diagnosis of Lung Cancer or Tuberculosis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Thattaamuriyil Padmakumari Lekshmi , Guido Gisella , Caruso Damiano , Nacci Ilaria , Del Gaudio Antonella , Zerunian Marta , Polici Michela , Gopalakrishnan Renuka , Sayed Mohamed Aziz Kallikunnel , De Santis Domenico , Laghi Andrea , Cioni Dania , Neri Emanuele
Published: March 2022

In many low-income countries, the poor availability of lung biopsy leads to delayed diagnosis of lung cancer (LC), which can appear radiologically similar to tuberculosis (TB). To assess the ability of CT Radiomics in differentiating between TB and LC, and to evaluate the potential predictive role of clinical parameters, from March 2020 to September 2021, patients with histological diagnosis of TB or LC underwent chest CT evaluation and were retrospectively enrolled. Exclusion criteria were: availability of only enhanced CT scans, previous lung surgery and significant CT motion artefacts. After manual 3D segmentation of enhanced CT, two radiologists, in consensus, extracted and compared radiomics features (T-test or Mann–Whitney), and they tested their performance, in differentiating LC from TB, via Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Forty patients (28 LC and 12 TB) were finally enrolled, and 31 were male, with a mean age of 59 ± 13 years. Significant differences were found in normal WBC count (p < 0.019) and age (p < 0.001), in favor of the LC group (89% vs. 58%) and with an older population in LC group, respectively. Significant differences were found in 16/107 radiomic features (all p < 0.05). LargeDependenceEmphasis and LargeAreaLowGrayLevelEmphasis showed the best performance in discriminating LC from TB, (AUC: 0.92, sensitivity: 85.7%, specificity: 91.7%, p < 0.0001; AUC: 0.92, sensitivity: 75%, specificity: 100%, p < 0.0001, respectively). Radiomics may be a non-invasive imaging tool in many poor nations, for differentiating LC from TB, with a pivotal role in improving oncological patients’ management; however, future prospective studies will be necessary to validate these initial findings.
Colonoscopy: Preparation and Potential Complications
Authors: Latos Wojciech , Aebisher David , Latos Magdalena , Krupka-Olek Magdalena , Dynarowicz Klaudia , Chodurek Ewa , Cieślar Grzegorz , Kawczyk-Krupka Aleksandra
Published: March 2022

Colonoscopy is a fairly common test that serves both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. It has been considered the gold standard in colorectal cancer screening for several years. Due to the nature of the examination, various types of complications may occur. The purpose of this analysis is to describe the various complications related to the period of preparation for colonoscopy among hospitalized patients, including life-threatening ones, in order to know how to avoid complications while preparing for a colonoscopy. We analyzed the nursing and medical reports of 9962 patients who were prepared for colonoscopy between 2005 and 2016. The frequency of various side effects associated with intensive bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy was assessed. In justified cases, additional medical data were collected from patients, their families or from other doctors providing advice to patients after complications. Out of 9962 patients prepared for colonoscopy, 180 procedures were discontinued due to complications and side effects, and in these cases no colonoscopy was performed. The most common complications were: vomiting; epistaxis; loss of consciousness with head injury; abdominal pain; acute diarrhea; symptoms of choking; heart rhythm disturbances; dyspnea; fractures of limbs and hands; acute coronary syndrome; hypotension; hypertension; cerebral ischemia; severe blood glucose fluctuations; increased muscle contraction and allergic reactions. In addition to the documentation of our own research, several works of other research groups were also analyzed. Currently, the literature does not provide data on the frequency and type of complications in the preparation period for colonoscopy. The advantage of our work is the awareness of the possibility of serious complications and postulating the necessary identification of threats. Individualization of the recommended procedures and increased supervision of patients undergoing bowel cleansing procedure, we hope, will reduce the occurrence of complications and side effects.
Fetal Pancreatic Hamartoma Associated with Hepatoblastoma—An Unusual Tumor Association
Authors: Varlas Valentin , Neagu Oana , Moga Andreea , Bălănescu Radu , Bohiltea Roxana , Vladareanu Radu , Balanescu Laura
Published: March 2022

Abdominal tumor masses are a very rare disease in the fetus. The authors present the first reported case of neonatal multicystic adenomatoid hamartoma of the pancreas associated with well-differentiated fetal epithelial subtype hepatoblastoma and reveal clinical, histologic, and imagistic aspects. Case presentation: A 36-week-old female newborn in whom a 25-week ultrasound showed a relatively homogeneous pancreatic echogenic mass (34 × 30 × 55 mm) with compression of the inferior vena cava and retrograde dilation. Postnatal CT showed a giant pancreatic tumor mass (113 × 70 × 60 mm), with areas enhancing contrast and cystic/necrotic areas and a hypodense, hypocaptive nodule of 8 × 6 mm located at segment IV of the liver; thrombosis of the subhepatic segment of the inferior vena cava and both renal veins. Histopathological and immunohistochemical studies confirmed the diagnosis of multicystic pancreatic adenomatoid hamartoma and well-differentiated fetal epithelial subtype hepatoblastoma. Conclusions: Pancreatic hamartoma can be difficult to diagnose (especially prenatal), with or without nonspecific symptoms. The synchronous presence of hepatoblastoma complicated the therapeutic conduct and prognosis of this case, with the diagnosis being confirmed histopathologically and immunohistochemically after liver biopsy.
Pregnancy in a Non-Communicating Rudimentary Horn of Unicornuate Uterus
Authors: Ma Yi-Cih , Law Kim-Seng
Published: March 2022

We report a rare case of non-communicating rudimentary horn pregnancy (RHP). The patient presented with lower abdominal pain and underwent laparoscopic surgery in which the gestational tissue was removed without excision of the rudimentary horn and ipsilateral fallopian tube. Unicornuate uteri often coexist with rudimentary horns, most of which are non-communicating. RHP is rare, and symptomatic women tend to complain of abdominal pain. Once RHP is suspected, the clinician should monitor the patient for signs of hypovolemic shock, such as hypotension, because the RHP can rupture owing to the poorly developed musculature. Early surgical intervention with removal of the rudimentary horn along with the ipsilateral fallopian tube is generally suggested to prevent future ectopic pregnancy. The theory of sperm transmigration from the contralateral oviduct has been hypothesized in non-communicating RHP.
Geophysical and Geological Views of Potential Water Resources in the North-Eastern Adriatic Sea
Authors: Giustiniani Michela , Busetti Martina , Dal Cin Michela , Barison Erika , Cimolino Aurélie , Brancatelli Giuseppe , Baradello Luca
Published: March 2022

The increasing demand for freshwater requires the identification of additional and less-conventional water resources. Amongst these, offshore freshwater systems have been investigated in different parts of the world to provide new opportunities to face increasing water requests. Here we focus on the north-eastern Adriatic Sea, where offshore aquifers could be present as a continuation of onshore ones. Geophysical data, in particular offshore seismic data, and onshore and offshore well data, are interpreted and integrated to characterise the hydrogeological setting via the interpretation of seismo-stratigraphic sequences. We focus our attention on two areas located in the proximity of the Tagliamento and Isonzo deltas. Well and seismic data indicate that the Quaternary sediments, that extend from onshore to offshore areas, are the most promising from an offshore freshwater resources point of view, while the several kilometres thick pre-Quaternary carbonate and terrigenous sequences likely host mainly salty waters.
User Experience of 5G Video Services in Indonesia: Predictions Based on a Structural Equation Model
Authors: Mardian Raden Deiny , Suryanegara Muhammad , Ramli Kalamullah
Published: March 2022

The advent of 5G has created an expectation for the provision of a much better user experience (UX) for utilising video streaming services. However, apart from quality, there are many other factors believed to influence users’ experiences of video streaming services in the era of 5G. The question then arises: what will determine the UX of streaming video services in the 5G era? This study aimed to discover what factors would influence 5G UX by using a conceptual framework involving measures of users’ predictive judgements of 5G combined with users’ measurements of current 4G UX, considering that there is no specific standard for measuring UX. Our case study is Indonesia, the world’s fourth-largest market, so the predictions may later become a reference for the priorities of implementing 5G technology. Our conceptual framework utilised the structural equation model (SEM) approach, based on the primary data of a 254-respondent sample of the Indonesian market. The questionnaire assessed 10 factors of user experience, ranging from service attractiveness to economic-related aspects. The results imply that the current user’s experience of 4G has an effect with a significance value of 0.42 to their later experience when accessing 5G video services. It means that many users will continue to use 4G for video streaming and still need tangible evidence of 5G. Among the 10 factors, a satisfaction value of 0.72 in 4G technology and perspicuity of 0.81 in 5G are the highest correlations. These factors are the most influential for video service experience.
Deep-Sleep for Stateful IoT Edge Devices
Authors: Ciuffoletti Augusto
Published: March 2022

In an IoT (Internet of Things) system, the autonomy of battery-operated edge devices is of paramount importance. When such devices operate intermittently, reducing power consumption during standby improves such a characteristic. The deep-sleep operation mode obtains such a result: it keeps on power only the hardware needed to wake up the unit after a timeout or an external trigger. For this reason, deep sleep exhibits the issue of losing the working memory, which prevents its use with applications depending on long-lasting or stateful computations. A way to circumvent such an issue consists of saving a snapshot of the working memory on a remote repository. However, such a solution is not always convenient since it exhibits an energy footprint due to checkpoint transmission. This article analyzes the applicability of such a solution. Firstly, by comparing its energy footprint against keeping the working memory on power. The analysis follows a formal, technology-agnostic methodology based on a mathematical model for energy consumption. It yields a discriminant inequality identifying the use cases where remote checkpointing is of interest. Once justified the approach, the article proceeds by defining an architecture and a secure protocol for data transport and storage. Finally, the description of a prototype implementation provides concrete insights.
The Effects of Media Encouragements on Coronavirus Vaccination Decision and Public Interest in Traveling Abroad
Authors: Radic Aleksandar , Koo Bonhak , Kim Jinkyung Jenny , Ariza-Montes Antonio , Vega-Muñoz Alejandro , Han Heesup
Published: March 2022

A lack of knowledge exists about individuals’ vaccination decisions and their relation to their tourism behaviors. In this regard, this study examines the willingness of international travelers to take a COVID-19 vaccine prior to traveling. A quantitative research design with a survey method and the ordinary least square (OLS) multiple regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses. The media encouragement positively affected the travelers’ attitude toward the behavior and their injunctive social norm, whereas the travelers’ attitude toward the behavior and injunctive social norm positively affected their COVID-19 vaccination intention. The regression results also proved the mediating effect of both attitudes toward the behavior and injunctive social norm in the relationship between media encouragement and COVID-19 vaccination intention. This research successfully provided evidence regarding the role of media encouragement in travelers’ willingness to take the COVID-19 vaccination.
Transcriptome Sequencing Highlights the Regulatory Role of DNA Methylation in Immune-Related Genes’ Expression of Chinese Oak Silkworm, Antheraea pernyi
Authors: Kausar Saima , Liu Ruochen , Gul Isma , Abbas Muhammad Nadeem , Cui Hongjuan
Published: March 2022

Antheraea pernyi is an important lepidopteran used as a model insect species to investigate immune responses, development, and metabolism modulation. DNA methylation has recently been found to control various physiological processes throughout the life of animals; however, DNA methylation and its effect on the physiology of insects have been poorly investigated so far. In the present study, to better understand DNA methylation and its biological role in the immune system, we analyzed transcriptome profiles of A. pernyi pupae following DNA methylation inhibitor injection and Gram-positive bacteria stimulation. We then compared the profiles with a control group. We identified a total of 55,131 unigenes from the RNA sequence data. A comparison of unigene expression profiles showed that a total of 680 were up-regulated and 631 unigenes were down-regulated in the DNA-methylation-inhibition-bacteria-infected group compared to the control group (only bacteria-injected pupae), respectively. Here, we focused on the immune-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and screened 10 genes that contribute to immune responses with an up-regulation trend, suggesting that microbial pathogens evade host immunity by increasing DNA methylation of the host genome. Furthermore, several other unigenes related to other pathways were also changed, as shown in the KEGG analysis. Taken together, our data revealed that DNA methylation seems to play a crucial biological role in the regulation of gene expression in insects, and that infection may enhance the host genome DNA methylation by a yet-unknown mechanism.
Larvicidal Activity of Carbon Black against the Yellow Fever Mosquito Aedes aegypti
Authors: Martínez Rodríguez Erick J. , Evans Parker , Kalsi Megha , Rosenblatt Noah , Stanley Morgan , Piermarini Peter M.
Published: March 2022

The yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti is one of the deadliest animals on the planet because it transmits several medically important arboviruses, including Zika, chikungunya, dengue, and yellow fever. Carbon-based nanoparticles (CNPs) derived from natural sources have previously been shown to have toxic effects on mosquito larvae and offer a potential alternative to chemical insecticides such as pyrethroids, for which mosquitoes have evolved resistance. However, CNPs derived from industrial sources, such as carbon black, have not previously been evaluated as larvicides. Here, we evaluate the effects of a commercially-available carbon black, EMPEROR® 1800 (E1800), on mortality and development of pyrethroid-susceptible (PS) and pyrethroid-resistant (PR) strains of Ae. aegypti. We found that E1800 exhibited concentration-dependent mortality against 1st instar larvae of both strains within the first 120 h after exposure, but after this period, surviving larvae did not show delays in their development to adults. Physical characterization of E1800 suspensions suggests that they form primary particles of ~30 nm in diameter that fuse into fundamental aggregates of ~170 nm in diameter. Notably, larvae treated with E1800 showed internal accumulation of E1800 in the gut and external accumulation on the respiratory siphon, anal papillae, and setae, suggesting a physical mode of toxic action. Taken together, our results suggest that E1800 has potential use as a larvicide with a novel mode of action for controlling PS and PR mosquitoes.
Whole Exome Sequencing in Healthy Individuals of Extreme Constitution Types Reveals Differential Disease Risk: A Novel Approach towards Predictive Medicine
Authors: Abbas Tahseen , Chaturvedi Gaura , Prakrithi P. , Pathak Ankit Kumar , Kutum Rintu , Dakle Pushkar , Narang Ankita , Manchanda Vijeta , Patil Rutuja , Aggarwal Dhiraj , Girase Bhushan , Srivastava Ankita , Kapoor Manav , Gupta Ishaan , Pandey Rajesh , Juvekar Sanjay , Dash Debasis , Mukerji Mitali , Prasher Bhavana
Published: March 2022

Precision medicine aims to move from traditional reactive medicine to a system where risk groups can be identified before the disease occurs. However, phenotypic heterogeneity amongst the diseased and healthy poses a major challenge for identification markers for risk stratification and early actionable interventions. In Ayurveda, individuals are phenotypically stratified into seven constitution types based on multisystem phenotypes termed “Prakriti”. It enables the prediction of health and disease trajectories and the selection of health interventions. We hypothesize that exome sequencing in healthy individuals of phenotypically homogeneous Prakriti types might enable the identification of functional variations associated with the constitution types. Exomes of 144 healthy Prakriti stratified individuals and controls from two genetically homogeneous cohorts (north and western India) revealed differential risk for diseases/traits like metabolic disorders, liver diseases, and body and hematological measurements amongst healthy individuals. These SNPs differ significantly from the Indo-European background control as well. Amongst these we highlight novel SNPs rs304447 (IFIT5) and rs941590 (SERPINA10) that could explain differential trajectories for immune response, bleeding or thrombosis. Our method demonstrates the requirement of a relatively smaller sample size for a well powered study. This study highlights the potential of integrating a unique phenotyping approach for the identification of predictive markers and the at-risk population amongst the healthy.
Physical Activity Is Associated with a Lower Risk of Osteoporotic Fractures in Osteoporosis: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Min Chan-Yang , Lee Jung-Woo , Kwon Bong-Cheol , Kwon Mi-Jung , Kim Ji-Hee , Kim Joo-Hee , Bang Woo-Jin , Choi Hyo-Geun
Published: March 2022

The purpose of our study was to examine the occurrence of osteoporotic fractures (fxs) according to the level of physical activity (PA) among osteoporosis using the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) customized database. From NHIS data from 2009 to 2017, osteoporosis was selected as requested. PA was classified into ‘high PA’ (n = 58,620), ‘moderate PA’ (n = 58,620), and ‘low PA’ (n = 58,620) and were matched in a 1:1:1 ratio by gender, age, income within the household unit, and region of residence. A stratified Cox proportional hazard model was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) for each type of fx comparing PA groups. The ‘low PA’ group was the reference group. For vertebral fx, the adjusted HR (95% confidence intervals (CIs)) was 0.27 (0.26–0.28) for the ‘high PA’ group and 0.43 (0.42–0.44) for the ‘moderate PA’ group. For hip fx, the adjusted HR (95% CIs) was 0.37 (0.34–0.40) for the ‘high PA’ group and 0.51 (0.47–0.55) for the ‘moderate PA’ group. For distal radius fx, the adjusted HR (95% CIs) was 0.32 (0.30–0.33) for the ‘high PA’ group and 0.46 (0.45–0.48) for the ‘moderate PA’ group. The results of this study suggest that a higher intensity of PA is associated with a lower risk of osteoporotic fxs, including vertebral fx, hip fx, and distal radius fx.
Focus on Sex and Gender: What We Need to Know in the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Maranini Beatrice , Bortoluzzi Alessandra , Silvagni Ettore , Govoni Marcello
Published: March 2022

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease, affecting mostly women with a female/male ratio of 3:1. It is characterized by symmetrical polyarthritis, leading to progressive joint damage. Sex differences have been reported in terms of disease course and characteristics, influencing patients reported outcome measures (PROMs) and pain perception, ultimately leading to male–female disparities in treatment response. Notwithstanding, sex and gender discrepancies are still under-reported in clinical trials. Therefore, there is a consistent need for a precise reference of sex and gender issues in RA studies to improve treat-to-target achievement. This narrative review explores the above-mentioned aspects of RA disease, discussing the latest core principles of RA recommendations, from safety issues to early arthritis concept and management, treat-to-target and difficult-to-treat notions, up to the most recent debate on vaccination. Our final purpose is to evaluate how sex and gender can impact current management guidelines and how this issue can be integrated for effective disease control.
Can Large-Scale Offshore Membrane Desalination Cost-Effectively and Ecologically Address Water Scarcity in the Middle East?
Authors: Janowitz Daniel , Groche Sophie , Yüce Süleyman , Melin Thomas , Wintgens Thomas
Published: March 2022

The Middle East will face tremendous water scarcity by 2050, which can only be mitigated by large-scale reverse osmosis seawater desalination. However, the coastal land in the region is rare and costly, so outsourcing the desalination facility to artificial islands could become a realistic scenario. This study investigated the ecological and economic challenges and possible advantages of that water supply option by analysing conceptual alternatives for offshore membrane-based desalination plants of up to 600 MCM/y capacity. Key environmental impacts and mitigation strategies were identified, and a detailed economic analysis was conducted to compare the new approach to state-of-the-art. The economic analysis included calculating the cost of water production (WPC) and discussing the differences between offshore alternatives and a conventional onshore desalination plant. In addition, the study investigated the impact of a changing energy mix and potential carbon tax levels on the WPC until 2050. The results indicate that offshore desalination plants have ecological advantages compared to onshore desalination plants. Furthermore, the construction cost for the artificial islands has a much lower effect on the WPC than energy cost. In contrast, the impact of potential carbon tax levels on the WPC is significant. The specific construction cost ranges between 287 $/m2 and 1507 $/m2 depending on the artificial island type and distance to the shoreline, resulting in a WPC between 0.51 $/m3 and 0.59 $/m3. This work is the first to discuss the environmental and economic effects of locating large-scale seawater desalination plants on artificial islands.
Integration of Nanofiltration and Reverse Osmosis Technologies in Polyphenols Recovery Schemes from Winery and Olive Mill Wastes by Aqueous-Based Processing
Authors: Tapia-Quirós Paulina , Montenegro-Landívar María Fernanda , Reig Mònica , Vecino Xanel , Saurina Javier , Granados Mercè , Cortina José Luis
Published: March 2022

More sustainable waste management in the winery and olive oil industries has become a major challenge. Therefore, waste valorization to obtain value-added products (e.g., polyphenols) is an efficient alternative that contributes to circular approaches and sustainable environmental protection. In this work, an integration scheme was purposed based on sustainable extraction and membrane separation processes, such as nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO), for the recovery of polyphenols from winery and olive mill wastes. Membrane processes were evaluated in a closed-loop system and with a flat-sheet membrane configuration (NF270, NF90, and Duracid as NF membranes, and BW30LE as RO membrane). The separation and concentration efficiency were evaluated in terms of the total polyphenol content (TPC), and by polyphenol families (hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, and flavonoids), using high-performance liquid chromatography. The water trans-membrane flux was dependent on the trans-membrane pressure for the NF and RO processes. NF90 membrane rejected around 91% of TPC for the lees filters extracts while NF270 membrane rejected about 99% of TPC for the olive pomace extracts. Otherwise, RO membranes rejected more than 99.9% of TPC for both types of agri-food wastes. Hence, NF and RO techniques could be used to obtain polyphenol-rich streams, and clean water for reuse purposes.
The Effect of CRITSIMA Process Parameters on the Microstructure Evolution and Element Segregation of Semi-Solid CuSn10P1 Alloy Billet
Authors: Zhang Xiongchao , Chen Lei , Xiao Han , Zhou Yuhang , Chen Hao , Duan Zhike
Published: March 2022

In this paper, based on the as-cast CuSn10P1 alloy. Semi-solid CuSn10P1 alloy billet was prepared by cold-rolled isothermal treatment strain-induced melting activation (CRITSIMA). The effects of cold-rolling reduction, isothermal temperature, and isothermal time on the microstructure of semi-solid copper alloy billet were studied by metallographic microscope and Image-Pro Plus software. The changes of primary elements in as-cast and semi-solid microstructure were analyzed briefly by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results show that with the increase of cold rolling reduction, the average grain diameter of semi-solid microstructure decreases gradually, the average grain roundness increases first and then decreases, and the liquid fraction of the microstructure remains unchanged. During semi-solid isothermal treatment, with the increase of isothermal temperature and the extension of isothermal time, the average grain diameter increases gradually, the average grain roundness increases first and then decreases, and the liquid fraction increases gradually. When cold rolling reduction is 30%, isothermal temperature is 900 ℃, and isothermal time is 20 min, a better microstructure can be obtained. The average grain diameter, average grain roundness, and liquid fraction of semi-solid alloy billet are 66.45 μm, 0.71, and 12.78%, respectively. Sn and P diffuse from the intergranular liquid to the grain inside during the isothermal treatment from as-cast to semi-solid.
Single-Source Precursors for Chemical Solution Deposition of Up-Converting NaLnF4 Thin Films
Authors: Shevchenko Artem , Anosov Andrei , Blinnikova Daria , Grebenyuk Dimitry , Tsymbarenko Dmitry
Published: March 2022

Novel single-source precursors based on sodium and lanthanide pentafluoropropionates have been developed for chemical solution deposition of NaLnF4 thin films (Ln = Y, Yb, Er, Tm). A series of [Ln2(pfp)6Qn] (Q = H2O, diglyme) and mixed-metal NaLn(pfp)4Qn were synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TG-DTA). Thermal decomposition of individual Na(pfp) and Ln(pfp)3 occurs at different temperatures while single-source NaLn(pfp)4 decomposes with the transformation to NaLnF4 in a single stage at 280 °C. Further crystallization of NaLnF4 was studied by variable-temperature powder XRD, which shows two phase transformations from cubic NaLnF4 to hexagonal NaLnF4 at 310 °C and back to a high-temperature cubic phase at 560 °C. The thin films of NaY0.78Yb0.2Er0.02F4 prepared by the dip-coating technique on Al2O3 substrates showed intense up-converting luminescence in green and blue regions under 980 nm excitation.
The Effect of Ce on the Microstructure, Superplasticity, and Mechanical Properties of Al-Mg-Si-Cu Alloy
Authors: Mochugovskiy Andrey G. , Prosviryakov Alexey S. , Tabachkova Nataliya Yu. , Mikhaylovskaya Anastasia V.
Published: March 2022

The current study focuses on the influence of Ce on the superplastic behavior, microstructure, and mechanical properties of the Al-Mg-Si-Cu-Zr-Sc alloy. The multilevel microstructural analysis including light, scanning electron, and transmission electron microscopies was carried out. The simple thermomechanical treatment including the hot and cold rolling resulted in fragmentation of the eutectic originated particles of the Ce-bearing phases. The two-step annealing of the ingots provided the precipitation of the L12-structured Al3(Sc,Zr) phase dispersoids with 10 nm mean size and a high number density. Due to the particle stimulated nucleation (PSN) effect caused by the particles of eutectic origin, and Zener pinning effect provided by nanoscale dispersoids of L12-structured phases, the studied alloy demonstrated good superplastic properties.
Review of Thermoplastic Drawing with Bulk Metallic Glasses
Authors: Jagdale Shweta , Jabed Akib , Theeda Sumanth , Meduri Chandra Sekhar , Hu Zhonglue , Hasan Molla , Kumar Golden
Published: March 2022

This study summarizes the recent progress in thermoplastic drawing of bulk metallic glasses. The integration of drawing with templated embossing enables the fabrication of arrays of high-aspect-ratio nanostructures whereas the earlier drawing methodologies are limited to a single fiber. The two-step drawing can produce metallic glass structures such as, vertically aligned nanowires on substrates, nanoscale tensile specimens, hollow microneedles, helical shafts, and micro-yarns, which are challenging to fabricate with other thermoplastic forming operations. These geometries will open new applications for bulk metallic glasses in the areas of sensors, optical absorption, transdermal drug-delivery, and high-throughput characterization of size-effects. In this article, we review the emergence of template-based thermoplastic drawing in bulk metallic glasses. The review focuses on the development of experimental set-up, the quantitative description of drawing process, and the versatility of drawing methodology.