bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correction: Gu et al. Qualifying Land Use and Land Cover Dynamics and Their Impacts on Ecosystem Service in Central Himalaya Transboundary Landscape Based on Google Earth Engine. Land 2021, 10, 173
Authors: Gu Changjun , Zhang Yili , Liu Linshan , Li Lanhui , Li Shicheng , Zhang Binghua , Cui Bohao , Rai Mohan Kumar
Published: May 2021

In the original article [...]
Wear of AlCrN and CrAlSiN Coatings Applied to Nonstandard Involute Gears
Authors: Švec Pavol , Bošanský Miroslav , Gondár Ernest , Toth František , Protasov Roman
Published: May 2021

Wear of nonstandard involute gears with two types of coatings, AlCrN and CrAlSiN, was studied. The coatings were applied by cathodic arc deposition. The gears were tested using a Niemann tester at a graduated load up to the 12th load stage and were compared to noncoated gears. Both Biogear S150 gear oil and PP90 universal hydraulic oil were applied during these tests. The thickness of deposited coatings and wear of gear teeth were studied by SEM and their chemical compositions were determined by EDS analysis. Maximal contact pressure of 1350 MPa was calculated in the region of the tooth flank at the 12th load stage. Maximal frictional stress was also calculated on the tooth flank. The resistance against wear of gears was evaluated based on the critical weight loss and mainly based on the critical surface roughness of gears. The critical roughness was exceeded at the 10th load stage for noncoated gears. For the gears with AlCrN and CrAlSiN coatings, the critical roughness was exceeded at the 11th load stage. Wear of AlCrN and CrAlSiN coatings was nonuniform along the height of tooth. Wear on the tooth flank was characterized by fragmentation of thin coatings and subsequent detaching of fragments from the steel substrate. The steel substrate was worn by microcutting, which caused the highest roughness on the tooth surface. On the tooth pitch, surface protrusions of coatings were smoothed, and coatings cracked and locally detached subsequently. On the tooth face, surface protrusions were also smoothed but coatings remained compact without crack initiations. Both experimental oils, Biogear S150 and PP90, proved to be suitable during Niemann tests as their temperatures did not exceed the limit value of 80 °C.
Effect of Cr on Aqueous and Atmospheric Corrosion of Automotive Carbon Steel
Authors: Cho Sang-won , Ko Sang-Jin , Yoo Jin-Seok , Yoo Yun-Ha , Song Yon-Kyun , Kim Jung-Gu
Published: May 2021

This study investigated the effect of Cr alloying element on the corrosion properties of automotive carbon steel (0.1C, 0.5Si, 2.5Mn, Fe Bal., composition given in wt.%) in aqueous and atmospheric conditions using electrochemical measurement and cyclic corrosion tests. Three steels with 0, 0.3, and 0.5 wt.% Cr were studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Polarization resistance (Rp) of 0.3 Cr and 0.5 Cr steels was higher than that of 0 Cr steel, and the Rp also increased as the Cr content increased. Therefore, Cr increases the corrosion resistance of automotive carbon steel immersed in a chloride ion (Cl−)-containing aqueous solution. In the cyclic corrosion test results, Cl− was concentrated at the metal/rust interface in all of the steels regardless of Cr content. The Cl− was uniformly concentrated and distributed on the 0 Cr steel, but locally and non-uniformly concentrated on the Cr-added steels. The inner rust layer consisted of β-FeOOH containing Cl− and Cr-goethite, while the outer rust layer was composed of amorphous iron oxyhydroxide mixed with various types of rust. FeCl2 and CrCl3 are formed from the Cl− nest developed in the early stage, and the pitting at CrCl3-formed regions are locally accelerated because Cr is strongly hydrolyzed to a very low pH.
Bioactive Regeneration Potential of the Newly Developed Uncalcined/Unsintered Hydroxyapatite and Poly-l-Lactide-Co-Glycolide Biomaterial in Maxillofacial Reconstructive Surgery: An In Vivo Preliminary Study
Authors: Ishizuka Shinji , Dong Quang Ngoc , Ngo Huy Xuan , Bai Yunpeng , Sha Jingjing , Toda Erina , Okui Tatsuo , Kanno Takahiro
Published: May 2021

Uncalcined/unsintered hydroxyapatite (HA) and poly-l-lactide-co-glycolide (u-HA/PLLA/PGA) are novel bioresorbable bioactive materials with bone regeneration characteristics and have been used to treat mandibular defects in a rat model. However, the bone regenerative interaction with the periosteum, the inflammatory response, and the degradation of this material have not been examined. In this study, we used a rat mandible model to compare the above features in u-HA/PLLA/PGA and uncalcined/unsintered HA and poly-l-lactic acid (u-HA/PLLA). We divided 11 male Sprague–Dawley rats into 3- and 16-week groups. In each group, we assessed the characteristics of a u-HA/PLLA/PGA sheet covering the right mandibular angle and a u-HA/PLLA sheet covering the left mandibular angle in three rats each, and one rat was used as a sham control. The remaining three rats in the 16-week group were used for a degradation assessment and received both sheets of material as in the material assessment subgroup. At 3 and 16 weeks after surgery, the rats were sacrificed, and mandible specimens were subjected to micro-computed tomography, histological analysis, and immunohistochemical staining. The results indicated that the interaction between the periosteum and u-HA/PLLA/PGA material produced significantly more new bone regeneration with a lower inflammatory response and a faster resorption rate compared to u-HA/PLLA alone. These findings may indicate that this new biomaterial has ideal potential in treating maxillofacial defects of the midface and orbital regions.
Cavitated Charcoal—An Innovative Method for Affecting the Biochemical Properties of Soil
Authors: Gondek Krzysztof , Mierzwa-Hersztek Monika , Grzymała Wojciech , Głąb Tomasz , Bajda Tomasz
Published: May 2021

Thermal biomass transformation products are considered to be one of the best materials for improving soil properties. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of charcoal after cavitation on the chemical and biochemical properties of soil. The study was carried out with a 10% aqueous charcoal mixture that was introduced into loamy sand and clay at rates of 1.76%, 3.5%, 7.0%, and 14.0%. The effect of the application of cavitated charcoal was tested on Sorghum saccharatum (L.). Soil and plant material was collected to determine chemical and biochemical properties. The application of cavitated charcoal reduced the acidification of both soils. The highest rate (14.0%) of cavitated charcoal increased the content of soil total carbon (CTot) by 197% in the loamy sand compared to CTot in the control treatments, 19% for clay soil, respectively. The application of cavitated charcoal did not significantly change the total content of heavy metals. Regardless of the element and the soil used, the application of cavitated charcoal reduced the content of the CaCl2-extracted forms of heavy metals. Following the application of cavitated charcoal, the loamy sand soil presented an even lower content of the most mobile forms of the studied elements. It should also be noted that regardless of the soil texture, mobile forms of the elements decreased with the increased cavitated charcoal rate. The results of dehydrogenase and urease activity indicated the low metabolic activity of the microbial population in the soils, especially with the relatively high rates (7.0% and 14.0%) of cavitated charcoal. However, the cavitated charcoal used in the study showed a significant, positive effect on the amount of biomass S. saccharatum (L.), and its application significantly reduced the heavy metal content in the biomass of S. saccharatum (L.).
Robust Mode Analysis
Authors: Gunaratne Gemunu H. , Roy Sukesh
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we introduce a model-free algorithm, robust mode analysis (RMA), to extract primary constituents in a fluid or reacting flow directly from high-frequency, high-resolution experimental data. It is expected to be particularly useful in studying strongly driven flows, where nonlinearities can induce chaotic and irregular dynamics. The lack of precise governing equations and the absence of symmetries or other simplifying constraints in realistic configurations preclude the derivation of analytical solutions for these systems; the presence of flow structures over a wide range of scales handicaps finding their numerical solutions. Thus, the need for direct analysis of experimental data is reinforced. RMA is predicated on the assumption that primary flow constituents are common in multiple, nominally identical realizations of an experiment. Their search relies on the identification of common dynamic modes in the experiments, the commonality established via proximity of the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions. Robust flow constituents are then constructed by combining common dynamic modes that flow at the same rate. We illustrate RMA using reacting flows behind a symmetric bluff body. Two robust constituents, whose signatures resemble symmetric and von Karman vortex shedding, are identified. It is shown how RMA can be implemented via extended dynamic mode decomposition in flow configurations interrogated with a small number of time-series. This approach may prove useful in analyzing changes in flow patterns in engines and propulsion systems equipped with sturdy arrays of pressure transducers or thermocouples. Finally, an analysis of high Reynolds number jet flows suggests that tests of statistical characterizations in turbulent flows may best be done using non-robust components of the flow.
A Model for the Optimal Investment Strategy in the Context of Pandemic Regional Lockdown
Authors: Tonnoir Antoine , Ciotir Ioana , Scutariu Adrian-Liviu , Dospinescu Octavian
Published: May 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic has generated major changes in society, most of them having a negative impact on the quality of life and income obtained by the population and businesses. The negative consequences have been highlighted in the decrease of the GPD level for regions, countries and even continents. Returning to pre-pandemic levels is a considerable effort for both economic and political decision-makers. This article deals with the construction of a mathematical model for economic aspects in the context of variable productivity in time. Through this mathematical model, we propose to maximize revenues in pandemic conditions, in order to limit the economic consequences of the lockdown. One advantage of the proposed model consists in the fact that it is based on units that can be regions, economic branches, economic units or fields of investment. Another strength of the model is determined by the fact that it offers the possibility to choose between two different investment strategies, based on the specific options of the decision makers: the consistent increase of the state revenues or the amelioration of the disparity phenomenon. Furthermore, our model extends previous approaches from the literature by adding some generalization options and the proposed model can be applied in lockdown cases and seasonal situations.
Techniques to Improve B2B Data Governance Using FAIR Principles
Authors: Calancea Cristina Georgiana , Alboaie Lenuța
Published: May 2021

Sharing data along the economic supply/demand chain represents a catalyst to improve the performance of a digitized business sector. In this context, designing automatic mechanisms for structured data exchange, that should also ensure the proper development of B2B processes in a regulated environment, becomes a necessity. Even though the data format used for sharing can be modeled using the open methodology, we propose the use of FAIR principles to additionally offer business entities a way to define commonly agreed upon supply, access and ownership procedures. As an approach to manage the FAIR modelled metadata, we propose a series of methodologies to follow. They were integrated in a data marketplace platform, which we developed to ensure they are properly applied. For its design, we modelled a decentralized architecture based on our own blockchain mechanisms. In our proposal, each business entity can host and structure its metadata in catalog, dataset and distribution assets. In order to offer businesses full control over the data supplied through our system, we designed and implemented a sharing mechanism based on access policies defined by the business entity directly in our data marketplace platform. In the proposed approach, metadata-based assets sharing can be done between two or multiple businesses, which will be able to manually access the data in the management interface and programmatically through an authorized data point. Business specific transactions proposed to modify the semantic model are validated using our own blockchain based technologies. As a result, security and integrity of the FAIR data in the collaboration process is ensured. From an architectural point of view, the lack of a central authority to manage the vehiculated data ensures businesses have full control of the terms and conditions under which their data is used.
On the Oscillatory Properties of Solutions of Second-Order Damped Delay Differential Equations
Authors: Hendi Awatif A. , Moaaz Osama , Cesarano Clemente , Alharbi Wedad R. , Abdou Mohamed A.
Published: May 2021

In the work, a new oscillation condition was created for second-order damped delay differential equations with a non-canonical operator. The new criterion is of an iterative nature which helps to apply it even when the previous relevant results fail to apply. An example is presented in order to illustrate the significance of the results.
Approximation-Based Quantized State Feedback Tracking of Uncertain Input-Saturated MIMO Nonlinear Systems with Application to 2-DOF Helicopter
Authors: Kim Byung Mo , Yoo Sung Jin
Published: May 2021

This paper addresses an approximation-based quantized state feedback tracking problem of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) nonlinear systems with quantized input saturation. A uniform quantizer is adopted to quantize state variables and control inputs of MIMO nonlinear systems. The primary features in the current development are that (i) an adaptive neural network tracker using quantized states is developed for MIMO nonlinear systems and (ii) a compensation mechanism of quantized input saturation is designed by constructing an auxiliary system. An adaptive neural tracker design with the compensation of quantized input saturation is developed by deriving an augmented error surface using quantized states. It is shown that closed-loop stability analysis and tracking error convergence are conducted based on Lyapunov theory. Finally, we give simulation and experimental results of the 2-degrees-of-freedom (2-DOF) helicopter system for verifying to the validity of the proposed methodology where the tracking performance of pitch and yaw angles is measured with the mean squared errors of 0.1044 and 0.0435 for simulation results, and those of 0.0656 and 0.0523 for experimental results.
Brain Signals Classification Based on Fuzzy Lattice Reasoning
Authors: Vrochidou Eleni , Lytridis Chris , Bazinas Christos , Papakostas George A. , Wagatsuma Hiroaki , Kaburlasos Vassilis G.
Published: May 2021

Cyber-Physical System (CPS) applications including human-robot interaction call for automated reasoning for rational decision-making. In the latter context, typically, audio-visual signals are employed. Τhis work considers brain signals for emotion recognition towards an effective human-robot interaction. An ElectroEncephaloGraphy (EEG) signal here is represented by an Intervals’ Number (IN). An IN-based, optimizable parametric k Nearest Neighbor (kNN) classifier scheme for decision-making by fuzzy lattice reasoning (FLR) is proposed, where the conventional distance between two points is replaced by a fuzzy order function (σ) for reasoning-by-analogy. A main advantage of the employment of INs is that no ad hoc feature extraction is required since an IN may represent all-order data statistics, the latter are the features considered implicitly. Four different fuzzy order functions are employed in this work. Experimental results demonstrate comparably the good performance of the proposed techniques.
2DOF IMC and Smith-Predictor-Based Control for Stabilised Unstable First Order Time Delayed Plants
Authors: Huba Mikulas , Bistak Pavol , Vrancic Damir
Published: May 2021

The article brings a brief revision of the two-degree-of-freedom (2-DoF) internal model control (IMC) and the 2-DoF Smith-Predictor-based (SP) control of unstable systems. It shows that the first important reason for distinguishing between these approaches is the limitations of the control action. However, it also reminds that, in addition to the seemingly lucrative dynamics of transients, the proposed approaches can conceal a tricky behavior with a structural instability, which may manifest itself only after a longer period of time. Instead, as one of possible reliable alternatives, two-step IMC and filtered Smith predictor (FSP) design are applied to unstable first-order time-delayed (UFOTD) systems. Firstly, the 2-DoF P controller yielding a double real dominant closed loop pole is applied. Only then the 2-DoF IMC or FSP controllers are designed, providing slightly slower, but more robust transients. These remain stable even in the long run, while also showing increased robustness.
Theoretical Identification of Coupling Effect and Performance Analysis of Single-Source Direct Sampling Method
Authors: Park Won-Kwang
Published: May 2021

Although the direct sampling method (DSM) has demonstrated its feasibility in identifying small anomalies from measured scattering parameter data in microwave imaging, inaccurate imaging results that cannot be explained by conventional research approaches have often emerged. It has been heuristically identified that the reason for this phenomenon is due to the coupling effect between the antenna and dipole antennas, but related mathematical theory has not been investigated satisfactorily yet. The main purpose of this contribution is to explain the theoretical elucidation of such a phenomenon and to design an improved DSM for successful application to microwave imaging. For this, we first survey traditional DSM and design an improved DSM, which is based on the fact that the measured scattering parameter is influenced by both the anomaly and the antennas. We then establish a new mathematical theory of both the traditional and the designed indicator functions of DSM by constructing a relationship between the antenna arrangement and an infinite series of Bessel functions of integer order of the first kind. On the basis of the theoretical results, we discover various factors that influence the imaging performance of traditional DSM and explain why the designed indicator function successfully improves the traditional one. Several numerical experiments with synthetic data support the established theoretical results and illustrate the pros and cons of traditional and designed DSMs.
Optimal Parameter Estimation Methodology of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Using Modern Optimization
Authors: Alhumade Hesham , Fathy Ahmed , Al-Zahrani Abdulrahim , Rawa Muhyaddin Jamal , Rezk Hegazy
Published: May 2021

An optimal parameter estimation methodology of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) using modern optimization is proposed in this paper. An equilibrium optimizer (EO) has been used to identify the unidentified parameters of the SOFC equivalent circuit with the assistance of experimental results. This is presented via formulating the modeling process as an optimization problem considering the sum mean squared error (SMSE) between the observed and computed voltages as the target. Two modes of the SOFC-based model are investigated under variable operating conditions, namely, the steady-state and the dynamic-state based models. The proposed EO results are compared to those obtained via the Archimedes optimization algorithm (AOA), Heap-based optimizer (HBO), Seagull Optimization Algorithm (SOA), Student Psychology Based Optimization Algorithm (SPBO), Marine predator algorithm (MPA), Manta ray foraging optimization (MRFO), and comprehensive learning dynamic multi-swarm marine predators algorithm. The minimum fitness function at the steady-state model is obtained via the proposed EO with value of 1.5527 × 10−6 at 1173 K. In the dynamic based model, the minimum SMSE is 1.0406. The obtained results confirmed the reliability and superiority of the proposed EO in constructing a reliable model of SOFC.
Convergence Analysis and Cost Estimate of an MLMC-HDG Method for Elliptic PDEs with Random Coefficients
Authors: Li Meng , Luo Xianbing
Published: May 2021

We considered an hybridizable discontinuous Galerkin (HDG) method for discrete elliptic PDEs with random coefficients. By an approach of projection, we obtained the error analysis under the assumption that a(ω,x) is uniformly bounded. Together with the HDG method, we applied a multilevel Monte Carlo (MLMC) method (MLMC-HDG method) to simulate the random elliptic PDEs. We derived the overall convergence rate and total computation cost estimate. Finally, some numerical experiments are presented to confirm the theoretical results.
Biogenic Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles Using Bacterial Strains Isolated from an Antarctic Consortium Associated to a Psychrophilic Marine Ciliate: Characterization and Potential Application as Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: John Maria Sindhura , Nagoth Joseph Amruthraj , Zannotti Marco , Giovannetti Rita , Mancini Alessio , Ramasamy Kesava Priyan , Miceli Cristina , Pucciarelli Sandra
Published: May 2021

In the last decade, metal nanoparticles (NPs) have gained significant interest in the field of biotechnology due to their unique physiochemical properties and potential uses in a wide range of applications. Metal NP synthesis using microorganisms has emerged as an eco-friendly, clean, and viable strategy alternative to chemical and physical approaches. Herein, an original and efficient route for the microbial synthesis of copper NPs using bacterial strains newly isolated from an Antarctic consortium is described. UV-visible spectra of the NPs showed a maximum absorbance in the range of 380–385 nm. Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed that these NPs are all monodispersed, spherical in nature, and well segregated without any agglomeration and with an average size of 30 nm. X-ray powder diffraction showed a polycrystalline nature and face centered cubic lattice and revealed characteristic diffraction peaks indicating the formation of CuONPs. Fourier-transform infrared spectra confirmed the presence of capping proteins on the NP surface that act as stabilizers. All CuONPs manifested antimicrobial activity against various types of Gram-negative; Gram-positive bacteria; and fungi pathogen microorganisms including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. The cost-effective and eco-friendly biosynthesis of these CuONPs make them particularly attractive in several application from nanotechnology to biomedical science.
Preparation of Alginate-Based Biomaterials and Their Applications in Biomedicine
Authors: Zhang Hengtong , Cheng Junqiu , Ao Qiang
Published: May 2021

Alginates are naturally occurring polysaccharides extracted from brown marine algae and bacteria. Being biocompatible, biodegradable, non-toxic and easy to gel, alginates can be processed into various forms, such as hydrogels, microspheres, fibers and sponges, and have been widely applied in biomedical field. The present review provides an overview of the properties and processing methods of alginates, as well as their applications in wound healing, tissue repair and drug delivery in recent years.
The Therapeutic Potential of the Anticancer Activity of Fucoidan: Current Advances and Hurdles
Authors: Jin Jun-O. , Chauhan Pallavi Singh , Arukha Ananta Prasad , Chavda Vishal , Dubey Anuj , Yadav Dhananjay
Published: May 2021

Several types of cancers share cellular and molecular behaviors. Although many chemotherapy drugs have been designed to weaken the defenses of cancer cells, these drugs may also have cytotoxic effects on healthy tissues. Fucoidan, a sulfated fucose-based polysaccharide from brown algae, has gained much attention as an antitumor drug owing to its anticancer effects against multiple cancer types. Among the anticancer mechanisms of fucoidan are cell cycle arrest, apoptosis evocation, and stimulation of cytotoxic natural killer cells and macrophages. Fucoidan also protects against toxicity associated with chemotherapeutic drugs and radiation-induced damage. The synergistic effect of fucoidan with existing anticancer drugs has prompted researchers to explore its therapeutic potential. This review compiles the mechanisms through which fucoidan slows tumor growth, kills cancer cells, and interacts with cancer chemotherapy drugs. The obstacles involved in developing fucoidan as an anticancer agent are also discussed in this review.
Sensory-Motor Mechanisms Increasing Falls Risk in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Reeves Neil D. , Orlando Giorgio , Brown Steven J.
Published: May 2021

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is associated with peripheral sensory and motor nerve damage that affects up to half of diabetes patients and is an independent risk factor for falls. Clinical implications of DPN-related falls include injury, psychological distress and physical activity curtailment. This review describes how the sensory and motor deficits associated with DPN underpin biomechanical alterations to the pattern of walking (gait), which contribute to balance impairments underpinning falls. Changes to gait with diabetes occur even before the onset of measurable DPN, but changes become much more marked with DPN. Gait impairments with diabetes and DPN include alterations to walking speed, step length, step width and joint ranges of motion. These alterations also impact the rotational forces around joints known as joint moments, which are reduced as part of a natural strategy to lower the muscular demands of gait to compensate for lower strength capacities due to diabetes and DPN. Muscle weakness and atrophy are most striking in patients with DPN, but also present in non-neuropathic diabetes patients, affecting not only distal muscles of the foot and ankle, but also proximal thigh muscles. Insensate feet with DPN cause a delayed neuromuscular response immediately following foot–ground contact during gait and this is a major factor contributing to increased falls risk. Pronounced balance impairments measured in the gait laboratory are only seen in DPN patients and not non-neuropathic diabetes patients. Self-perception of unsteadiness matches gait laboratory measures and can distinguish between patients with and without DPN. Diabetic foot ulcers and their associated risk factors including insensate feet with DPN and offloading devices further increase falls risk. Falls prevention strategies based on sensory and motor mechanisms should target those most at risk of falls with DPN, with further research needed to optimise interventions.
Is Glycated Hemoglobin A1c Level Associated with Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes of Women Affected by Pre-Gestational Diabetes?
Authors: Xodo Serena , Londero Ambrogio Pietro , D’Agostin Martina , Novak Alice , Galasso Silvia , Pittini Carla , Baccarini Giovanni , Grimaldi Franco , Driul Lorenza
Published: May 2021

Background and Objectives: This observational study aims to determine the correlation between glycemic control with the HbA1c value and adverse obstetric outcome in women affected by pre-gestational diabetes. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis has been performed at the University Hospital of Udine. Only patients with a singleton pregnancy, pre-gestational diabetes, and known level of Hb A1c throughout pregnancy were included in the study. Results: According to the HbA1c level, at the beginning of pregnancy, 49 patients with HbA1c ≤ 7.0% were compared with 45 patients with HbA1c > 7.0%. Maternal age at diagnosis of the disease was significantly higher in the group with HbA1c ≤ 7% than in the group with HbA1c > 7%, 26.00 (18.00–32.00) vs. 20.00 (12.50–27.00). Women with HbA1c ≤ 7.0% reached, at term of pregnancy, significantly lower levels of HbA1c, 5.8% (5.7–6.0) vs. 6.7% (6.3–7.3). Daily insulin units were statistically different between the two groups at the end of pregnancy (47.92 (39.00–67.30) vs. 64.00 (48.00–82.00)). Proteinuria was significantly higher in the group with HbA1c > 7.0%, who delivered at earlier gestational age (37.57 (35.57–38.00) vs. 38.14 (38.00–38.43). Moreover, women with HbA1c > 7.0% had a significantly higher prevalence of an adverse composite outcome. Of note, in multivariate logistic regression analysis, pregnancy complications were significantly correlated to pre-pregnancy HbA1c > 7.0% (OR 2.95 CI.95 1.16–7.48, p < 0.05) independently of age, insulin treatment, and type of diabetes. Conclusions: Our data, obtained from a single-center cohort study, suggest that starting pregnancy with poor glycemic control might predict more complex management of diabetes in the following trimesters.
Peripheral Membrane Proteins: Promising Therapeutic Targets across Domains of Life
Authors: Boes Deborah M. , Godoy-Hernandez Albert , McMillan Duncan G. G.
Published: May 2021

Membrane proteins can be classified into two main categories—integral and peripheral membrane proteins—depending on the nature of their membrane interaction. Peripheral membrane proteins are highly unique amphipathic proteins that interact with the membrane indirectly, using electrostatic or hydrophobic interactions, or directly, using hydrophobic tails or GPI-anchors. The nature of this interaction not only influences the location of the protein in the cell, but also the function. In addition to their unique relationship with the cell membrane, peripheral membrane proteins often play a key role in the development of human diseases such as African sleeping sickness, cancer, and atherosclerosis. This review will discuss the membrane interaction and role of periplasmic nitrate reductase, CymA, cytochrome c, alkaline phosphatase, ecto-5’-nucleotidase, acetylcholinesterase, alternative oxidase, type-II NADH dehydrogenase, and dihydroorotate dehydrogenase in certain diseases. The study of these proteins will give new insights into their function and structure, and may ultimately lead to ground-breaking advances in the treatment of severe diseases.
Influence of Organic Solvent Species on Dehydration Behaviors of NaA-Type Zeolite Membrane
Authors: Hasegawa Yasuhisa , Matsuura Wakako , Abe Chie , Ikeda Ayumi
Published: May 2021

In this study, an NaA-type zeolite membrane was prepared, and the dehydration performances of the membrane were determined by the pervaporation for several organic solvents to understand the lower dehydration performances of zeolite membranes for NMP solutions than those for alcohols. For a 90 wt% ethanol solution at 348 K, the permeation flux and separation factor of the membrane were 3.82 kg m−2 h−1 and 73,800, respectively. The high dehydration performances were also obtained for alcohols and low boiling solvents (acetonitrile, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) and tetrahydrofuran (THF)). However, the permeation flux and separation factors decreased significantly for high boiling solvents, such as N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA), N,N-dimethyl formamide (DMF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP). The influences of the water content and temperature on the dehydration performances for the NMP solutions were determined to understand the lower dehydration performances for those solvents. Those results suggest that the lower dehydration performances for the high boiling solvents were attributed to the lower vapor pressures of water and the higher permeances of those solvents. Furthermore, this study proposes that the permeation behaviors through zeolite membranes could be understood by the determination of the effect of temperature on the permeance of individual components.
Analysis of Concentration Polarisation in Full-Size Spiral Wound Reverse Osmosis Membranes Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Wei Wenshu , Zou Xiang , Ji Xinxiang , Zhou Rulin , Zhao Kangkang , Wang Yuan
Published: May 2021

A three-dimensional model for the simulation of concentration polarisation in a full-scale spiral wound reverse osmosis (RO) membrane element was developed. The model considered the coupled effect of complex spacer geometry, pressure drop and membrane filtration. The simulated results showed that, at a salt concentration of 10,000 mg/L and feed pressure of 10.91 bar, permeate flux decreased from 27.6 L/(m2 h) (LMH) at the module inlet to 24.1 LMH at the module outlet as a result of salt accumulation in the absence of a feed spacer. In contrast, the presence of the spacer increased pressure loss along the membranes, and its presence created vortices and enhanced fluid velocity at the boundary layer and led to a minor decrease in flux to 26.5 LMH at the outlet. This paper underpins the importance of the feed spacer’s role in mitigating concentration polarisation in full-scale spiral wound modules. The model can be used by both the industry and by academia for improved understanding and accurate presentation of mass transfer phenomena of full-scale RO modules by different commercial manufacturers that cannot be achieved by experimental characterization of the mass transfer coefficient or by CFD modelling of simplified 2D flow channels.
Formulation of Sustainable Water-Based Cutting Fluids with Polyol Esters for Machining Titanium Alloys
Authors: Benedicto Elisabet , Rubio Eva María , Aubouy Laurent , Sáenz-Nuño María Ana
Published: May 2021

The machinability of titanium alloys still represents a demanding challenge and the development of new clean technologies to lubricate and cool is greatly needed. As a sustainable alternative to mineral oil, esters have shown excellent performance during machining. Herein, the aim of this work is to investigate the influence of esters’ molecular structure in oil-in-water emulsions and their interaction with the surface to form a lubricating film, thus improving the efficiency of the cutting fluid. The lubricity performance and tool wear protection are studied through film formation analysis and the tapping process on Ti6Al4V. The results show that the lubricity performance is improved by increasing the formation of the organic film on the metal surface, which depends on the ester’s molecular structure and its ability to adsorb on the surface against other surface-active compounds. Among the cutting fluids, noteworthy results are obtained using trimethylolpropane trioleate, which increases the lubricating film formation (containing 62% ester), thus improving the lubricity by up to 12% and reducing the torque increase due to tool wear by 26.8%. This work could be very useful for fields where often use difficult-to-machine materials—such as Ti6Al4V or γ-TiAl—which require large amounts of cutting fluids, since the formulation developed will allow the processes to be more efficient and sustainable.
Microstructure and Anisotropy of the Mechanical Properties of 316L Stainless Steel Fabricated by Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Zhou Baogang , Xu Pingwei , Li Wei , Liang Yilong , Liang Yu
Published: May 2021

Significant anisotropy in mechanical properties was observed in 316L stainless steel (SS) that was subjected to selective laser melting (SLM) to produce a hierarchical structure, composed of molten pool, columnar grains, and a cellular substructure. Such anisotropy was induced by the geometric relationship between the boundary of the molten pool and the tensile force. The in situ tensile test showed initial deformation rapidly occurred at the boundary of the molten pool, followed by strain localization, and a lower ductility was obtained when loaded in the longitudinal direction (perpendicular to the molten pool). By contrast, the deformation was significantly constrained because of the geometry of the boundary of the molten pool, and substantial deformation occurred in the cellular substructure during loading in transverse direction (parallel to the molten pool). Finally, the quantitative analysis revealed that the high-level strength was attributed to the high-density dislocations and the fine cellular substructure.
Investigation of the Correlation between Initial Microstructure and Critical Current Density of Nb-46.5 wt%Ti Superconducting Material
Authors: Moon In Yong , Kim Se-Jong , Lee Ho Won , Jung Jaimyun , Oh Young-Seok , Kang Seong-Hoon
Published: May 2021

We have investigated the effect of initial microstructures on the change in critical current density (Jc) of Nb-46.5 wt%Ti (NbTi) superconducting material. It is well known that α-Ti phases distributed in NbTi material act as a flux pinning center, resulting in an improvement in critical current density. Therefore, it is crucial to obtain the grain-refined microstructure, which is strongly related with precipitation of uniformly distributed fine α-Ti phases and higher volume faction of α-Ti phases, as α-Ti phases are precipitated at the grain boundaries and triple points during heat treatments. Therefore, in order to characterize the effect of initial microstructure of NbTi on critical current density, different initial microstructures were obtained by applying equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) and hot rolling with different strains. It was revealed experimentally that hot rolling with a higher strain is efficient for obtaining the initial microstructure, which has equiaxed fine grains of β-NbTi with the aid of dynamic recrystallization, and which is helpful for precipitating fine α-Ti phases during intermediate heat treatment. Furthermore, it was confirmed that critical current density can be enhanced by obtaining a smaller α-Ti phase, a higher aspect ratio of α-Ti phase, a higher volume fraction of α-Ti phase and a ribbon-like folded α-Ti phase.
Steric and Slippage Effects on Mass Transport by Using an Oscillatory Electroosmotic Flow of Power-Law Fluids
Authors: Baños Ruben , Arcos José , Bautista Oscar , Méndez Federico
Published: May 2021

In this paper, the combined effect of the fluid rheology, finite-sized ions, and slippage toward augmenting a non-reacting solute’s mass transport due to an oscillatory electroosmotic flow (OEOF) is determined. Bikerman’s model is used to include the finite-sized ions (steric effects) in the original Poisson-Boltzmann (PB) equation. The volume fraction of ions quantifies the steric effects in the modified Poisson-Boltzmann (MPB) equation to predict the electrical potential and the ion concentration close to the charged microchannel walls. The hydrodynamics is affected by slippage, in which the slip length was used as an index for wall hydrophobicity. A conventional finite difference scheme was used to solve the momentum and species transport equations in the lubrication limit together with the MPB equation. The results suggest that the combined slippage and steric effects promote the best conditions to enhance the mass transport of species in about 90% compared with no steric effect with proper choices of the Debye length, Navier length, steric factor, Womersley number, and the tidal displacement.
Numerical Analysis of Thermal Radiative Maxwell Nanofluid Flow Over-Stretching Porous Rotating Disk
Authors: Zhou Shuang-Shuang , Bilal Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Altaf , Muhammad Taseer
Published: May 2021

The fluid flow over a rotating disk is critically important due to its application in a broad spectrum of industries and engineering and scientific fields. In this article, the traditional swirling flow of Von Karman is optimized for Maxwell fluid over a porous spinning disc with a consistent suction/injection effect. Buongiorno’s model, which incorporates the effect of both thermophoresis and Brownian motion, describes the Maxwell nanofluid nature. The dimensionless system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) has been diminished from the system of modeled equations through a proper transformation framework. Which is numerically computed with the bvp4c method and for validity purposes, the results are compared with the RK4 technique. The effect of mathematical abstractions on velocity, energy, concentration, and magnetic power is sketched and debated. It is perceived that the mass transmission significantly rises with the thermophoresis parameter, while the velocities in angular and radial directions are reducing with enlarging of the viscosity parameter. Further, the influences of thermal radiation Rd and Brownian motion parameters are particularly more valuable to enhance fluid temperature. The fluid velocity is reduced by the action of suction effects. The suction effect grips the fluid particles towards the pores of the disk, which causes the momentum boundary layer reduction.
Estimation and Analysis of Higher-Order Harmonics in Advanced Integrated Circuits to Implement Noise-Free Future-Generation Micro- and Nanoelectromechanical Systems
Authors: Khan Muhammad Imran , Alshammari Ahmed S. , Alshammari Badr M. , Alzamil Ahmed A.
Published: May 2021

This work deals with the analysis of spectrum generation from advanced integrated circuits in order to better understand how to suppress the generation of high harmonics, especially in a given frequency band, to design and implement noise-free systems. At higher frequencies, the spectral components of signals with sharp edges contain more energy. However, current closed-form expressions have become increasingly unwieldy to compute higher-order harmonics. The study of spectrum generation provides an insight into suppressing higher-order harmonics (10th order and above), especially in a given frequency band. In this work, we discussed the influence of transistor model quality and input signal on estimates of the harmonic contents of switching waveforms. Accurate estimates of harmonic contents are essential in the design of highly integrated micro- and nanoelectromechanical systems. This paper provides a comparative analysis of various flip-flop/latch topologies on different process technologies, i.e., 130 and 65 nm. An FFT plot of the simulated results signifies that the steeper the spectrum roll-off, the lesser the content of higher-order harmonics. Furthermore, the results of the comparison illustrate the improvement in the rise time, fall time, clock-Q delay and spectrum roll-off on the better selection of slow-changing input signals and more accurate transistor models.
A Compact Planar Dual-Band Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output Antenna with High Isolation for 5G and 4G Applications
Authors: Yang Rong , Xi Shuqi , Cai Qibo , Chen Zhizhou , Wang Xiaohang , Liu Gui
Published: May 2021

In this paper, a compact planar dual-band multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) antenna with high isolation is presented to satisfy the increasing requirements of wireless communication. The proposed antenna array consists of two identical radiating elements which are fed through micro-strip lines. A rectangular micro-strip stub with defected ground plane is employed to achieve a high isolation which is less than −15 dB between the two antenna elements. The size of the entire MIMO antenna is 32 × 32 × 1.59 mm3, which is printed on an FR4 substrate. The proposed MIMO antenna is optimized to operate in 2.36–2.59 GHz and 3.17–3.77 GHz bands, which can cover the fifth-generation (5G) n7 (2.5–2.57 GHz) and the fourth-generation (4G) Long Term Evolution (LTE) band 42 (3.4–3.6 GHz). The proposed MIMO antenna is feasible for the 5G and 4G applications.
Identification of Bile Salt Hydrolase and Bile Salt Resistance in a Probiotic Bacterium Lactobacillus gasseri JCM1131T
Authors: Kusada Hiroyuki , Morinaga Kana , Tamaki Hideyuki
Published: May 2021

Lactobacillus gasseri is one of the most likely probiotic candidates among many Lactobacillus species. Although bile salt resistance has been defined as an important criterion for selection of probiotic candidates since it allows probiotic bacteria to survive in the gut, both its capability and its related enzyme, bile salt hydrolase (BSH), in L. gasseri is still largely unknown. Here, we report that the well-known probiotic bacterium L. gasseri JCM1131T possesses BSH activity and bile salt resistance capability. Indeed, this strain apparently showed BSH activity on the plate assay and highly tolerated the primary bile salts and even taurine-conjugated secondary bile salt. We further isolated a putative BSH enzyme (LagBSH) from strain JCM1131T and characterized the enzymatic function. The purified LagBSH protein exhibited quite high deconjugation activity for taurocholic acid and taurochenodeoxycholic acid. The lagBSH gene was constitutively expressed in strain JCM1131T, suggesting that LagBSH likely contributes to bile salt resistance of the strain and may be associated with survival capability of strain JCM1131T within the human intestine by bile detoxification. Thus, this study first demonstrated the bile salt resistance and its responsible enzyme (BSH) activity in strain JCM1131T, which further supports the importance of the typical lactic acid bacterium as probiotics.
Salmonella in Captive Reptiles and Their Environment—Can We Tame the Dragon?
Authors: Zając Magdalena , Skarżyńska Magdalena , Lalak Anna , Kwit Renata , Śmiałowska-Węglińska Aleksandra , Pasim Paulina , Szulowski Krzysztof , Wasyl Dariusz
Published: May 2021

Reptiles are considered a reservoir of a variety of Salmonella (S.) serovars. Nevertheless, due to a lack of large-scale research, the importance of Reptilia as a Salmonella vector still remains not completely recognized. A total of 731 samples collected from reptiles and their environment were tested. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of Salmonella in exotic reptiles kept in Poland and to confirm Salmonella contamination of the environment after reptile exhibitions. The study included Salmonella isolation and identification, followed by epidemiological analysis of the antimicrobial resistance of the isolates. Implementation of a pathway additional to the standard Salmonella isolation protocol led to a 21% increase in the Salmonella serovars detection rate. The study showed a high occurrence of Salmonella, being the highest at 92.2% in snakes, followed by lizards (83.7%) and turtles (60.0%). The pathogen was also found in 81.2% of swabs taken from table and floor surfaces after reptile exhibitions and in two out of three egg samples. A total of 918 Salmonella strains belonging to 207 serovars and serological variants were obtained. We have noted the serovars considered important with respect to public health, i.e., S. Enteritidis, S. Typhimurium, and S. Kentucky. The study proves that exotic reptiles in Poland are a relevant reservoir of Salmonella.