bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Cutting Abilities of the Multilayer Grinding Wheels—Case of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy Grinding
Authors: Lipiński Dariusz , Banaszek Kamil , Rypina Łukasz
Published: December 2021

This paper presents an effectiveness analysis of the grinding process with the use of a new multi-layer abrasive tool. The designed abrasive tool consists of external layers with a conventional structure, whose task is to decrease the grinding wheel load and ensure high grinding volumetric efficiency. The inner layer of the grinding wheel contains a 30% addition of abrasive aggregates. The task of the inner layer is to provide lower roughness of the machined surface. The aim of the research presented in this paper was to evaluate the topography of the designed abrasive tool and to analyze the middle layer properties influencing the machined surface roughness. The differentiation of the active surface features of the abrasive tool was determined for the conventional layer and the layer with the addition of abrasive aggregates. The machining potential of the layers was also determined using the Shos parameter. The surface topography of Ti-6Al-4V alloys ground with the use of a multi-layer wheel and a conventional grinding wheel was analyzed. With the application of the bootstrap hypothesis, the set of roughness parameters differentiating the topography of ground surfaces was determined.
Investigations on the Influence of Collagen Type on Physicochemical Properties of PVP/PVA Composites Enriched with Hydroxyapatite Developed for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Głąb Magdalena , Drabczyk Anna , Kudłacik-Kramarczyk Sonia , Kędzierska Magdalena , Tomala Agnieszka , Sobczak-Kupiec Agnieszka , Mierzwiński Dariusz , Tyliszczak Bożena
Published: December 2021

Nowadays, a great attention is directed into development of innovative multifunctional composites which may support bone tissue regeneration. This may be achieved by combining collagen and hydroxyapatite showing bioactivity, osteoconductivity and osteoinductivity with such biocompatible polymers as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). Here PVA/PVP-based composites modified with hydroxyapatite (HAp, 10 wt.%) and collagen (30 wt.%) were obtained via UV radiation while two types of collagen were used (fish and bovine) and crosslinking agents differing in the average molecular weight. Next, their chemical structure was characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, roughness of their surfaces was determined using a stylus contact profilometer while their wettability was evaluated by a sessile drop method followed by the measurements of their surface free energy. Subsequently, swelling properties of composites were verified in simulated physiological liquids as well as the behavior of composites in these liquids by pH measurements. It was proved that collagen-modified composites showed higher swelling ability (even 25% more) compared to unmodified ones, surface roughness, biocompatibility towards simulated physiological liquids and hydrophilicity (contact angles lower than 90°). Considering physicochemical properties of developed materials and a possibility of the preparation of their various shapes and sizes, it may be concluded that developed materials showed great application potential for biomedical use, e.g., as materials filling bone defects supporting their treatments and promoting bone tissue regeneration due to the presence of hydroxyapatite with osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties.
Single Step Synthesis and Functionalization of Nano Titania for Development of Multifunctional Cotton Fabrics
Authors: Safdar Faiza , Javid Amjed , Ashraf Munir
Published: December 2021

Synthesis and modification of nanoparticles to make them suitable to functionalise a substrate for various application fields involves many steps, which are complex, time-consuming, and sometimes require special equipment. This is a major drawback to meet rapid technological requirements. In this work, a procedure has been developed to modify TiO2 nanoparticles by the sol-gel method at their synthesis stage using titanium tetraisopropoxide and modifying agents including ODS and GPTMS. The prepared nanoparticle finish can be used as it is without any further processing, thus eliminating the need for extra steps required to decorate them on some substrate. The nanoparticles were characterised by SEM, EDX, FTIR, XRD, and zeta potential. The adhesion of the obtained nanoparticles was tested by applying them to a cellulosic substrate. The obtained substrate was subjected to mechanical action and adhesion efficiency was estimated on the basis of UV transmittance and antibacterial properties that showed excellent results. The hydrophobic properties of the obtained nanoparticles were assessed by measuring water contact angles, which reached 157.9°, indicating their superhydrophobic nature. The developed procedure is facile and will be suitable for the engineering of multiple surfaces.
A Hierarchical Integrated Modeling Method for the Digital Twin of Mechanical Products
Authors: Zheng Menglei , Tian Ling
Published: December 2021

With the development of information and communication technology, massive amounts of data are generated during the entire lifecycle of mechanical products. However, their isolated and fragmented state hinders further empowerment of smart manufacturing. Digital twins have attracted considerable attention as they enable a user to rebuild all elements of a physical entity in a virtual space, targeted at the effective fusion of data from multiple sources with different formats, while its modeling method still needs further research. In this context, we propose a native, full-element digital twin modeling method for mechanical products. This ontology-based method establishes a unified and computer-understandable model framework for mechanical products by abstracting the essential content and relationships of data and by storing them in a graph database efficiently. The developed model could serve as a data center for the entire lifecycle of the product or could be combined with existing data management systems, integrating the previously isolated, fragmented, and scattered data on various platforms. In addition, the model utilizes the structural characteristics of mechanical products and is developed as a hierarchical digital mapping to better meet the application requirements. Finally, a case study of a helicopter digital twin is presented to verify the proposed method.
LPV H∞ Control with an Augmented Nonlinear Observer for Sawyer Motors
Authors: Su Khac Huan , Byeon Kwankyun , Kim Wonhee , Lee Youngwoo
Published: December 2021

This study presents LPV H∞ control with an augmented nonlinear observer (ANOB) to improve both the position and yaw tracking errors for Sawyer motors. The proposed control method consists of the forces and torque modulation scheme, an ANOB, and a Lyapunov-based current controller with the LPV H∞ state feedback controller to guarantee the stability of tracking error dynamics. The ANOB is designed to estimate all the state variables including the position, velocity, current, and disturbance using only position feedback. We propose a vertex expansion technique to solve the influence of the convex interpolation parameters in the LPV system on the tracking error performance. To be robust against disturbance, a state feedback controller with the LPV gain scheduling is determined by applying the H∞ control in the linear-matrix-inequality (LMI) technique. The closed-loop stability is proved through the Lyapunov theory. The effectiveness of the proposed control method is evaluated through simulation results and compared with the conventional proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control method to verify both the improved tracking error performance and a suitable disturbance rejection.
Investigations on the Control of COVID-19 and Suggestions for Re-Open Based on Model Study
Authors: Chen Yongxue , Shen Jiayu , Li Shijing , Wen Yongxian
Published: December 2021

Data-based analysis gives out an estimation of the incubation period. A dynamic model is established and discussed. Disease reproduction number reveals the high probability of COVID-19 pandemic, but strengthening the exposure of asymptomatic people will help to curb the transmission, and measures of contact-tracking and stay-at-home play a replaceable role. Discussions point out that social disruption can be avoided if the contact tracking rate can be more than 0.5. Investigations for re-opening show that a city of the same size as Wuhan can be reopened if new cases are continuously below 1000 for a few days and when they are less than 500, with the assurance of contact tracking associated with extensive testing. In short, tracking and testing are the prioritized strategies, while maintaining awareness can shorten the epidemic period and mobility restrictions can be avoided.
Bipolar Complex Fuzzy Hamacher Aggregation Operators and Their Applications in Multi-Attribute Decision Making
Authors: Mahmood Tahir , Rehman Ubaid , Ahmmad Jabbar , Santos-García Gustavo
Published: December 2021

On the basis of Hamacher operations, in this manuscript, we interpret bipolar complex fuzzy Hamacher weighted average (BCFHWA) operator, bipolar complex fuzzy Hamacher ordered weighted average (BCFHOWA) operator, bipolar complex fuzzy Hamacher hybrid average (BCFHHA) operator, bipolar complex fuzzy Hamacher weighted geometric (BCFHWG) operator, bipolar complex fuzzy Hamacher ordered weighted geometric (BCFHOWG) operator, and bipolar complex fuzzy Hamacher hybrid geometric (BCFHHG) operator. We present the features and particular cases of the above-mentioned operators. Subsequently, we use these operators for methods that can resolve bipolar complex fuzzy multiple attribute decision making (MADM) issues. We provide a numerical example to authenticate the interpreted methods. In the end, we compare our approach with existing methods in order to show its effectiveness and practicality.
The Preparation of High-Performance and Stable MXene Nanofiltration Membranes with MXene Embedded in the Organic Phase
Authors: Xue Qiang , Zhang Kaisong
Published: December 2021

Nanomaterials embedded in nanofiltration membranes have become a promising modification technology to improve separation performance. As a novel representation of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, MXene has nice features with a strong negative charge and excellent hydrophilicity. Our previous research showed that MXene nanosheets were added in the aqueous phase, which enhanced the permeselectivity of the membrane and achieved persistent desalination performance. Embedding the nanomaterials into the polyamide layer through the organic phase can locate the nanomaterials on the upper surface of the polyamide layer, and also prevent the water layer around the hydrophilic nanomaterials from hindering the interfacial polymerization reaction. We supposed that if MXene nanosheets were added in the organic phase, MXene nanosheets would have more negative contact sites on the membrane surface and the crosslinking degree would increase. In this study, MXene were dispersed in the organic phase with the help of ultrasound, then MXene nanocomposite nanofiltration membranes were achieved. The prepared MXene membranes obtained enhanced negative charge and lower effective pore size. In the 28-day persistent desalination test, the Na2SO4 rejection of MXene membrane could reach 98.6%, which showed higher rejection compared with MXene embedded in aqueous phase. The results of a long-time water immersion test showed that MXene membrane could still maintain a high salt rejection after being soaked in water for up to 105 days, which indicated MXene on the membrane surface was stable. Besides MXene membrane showed high rejection for high-concentration brine and good mono/divalent salt separation performance in mono/divalent mixed salt solutions. As a part of the study of MXene in nanofiltration membranes, we hoped this research could provide a theoretical guidance for future research in screening different addition methods and different properties.
Friction Stir Welded AA5052-H32 under Dissimilar Pin Profile and Preheat Temperature: Microstructural Observations and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Muhayat Nurul , Harjono Mulyadi Sinung , Depari Yohanes Pringeten Dilianto Sembiring , Prabowo Aditya Rio , Triyono Triyono , Putri Ericha Dwi Wahyu Syah , Tuswan Tuswan
Published: December 2021

In order to meet the escalating demand in the shipbuilding business, suitable materials with enhanced qualities are required to maximize ship cargo while reducing fuel consumption. Aluminum (Al) and its alloys are competing contenders for use in a variety of complicated ship structures. The major challenge to enhancing joint quality and performance is the quest for a viable and efficient FSW parameter. The main focus of this study was to critically explore the effect of the tool pin profile and the preheat temperature used during the friction stir welding of AA 5052-H32 on its mechanical properties and weld microstructure characteristics. There are three pin profile variations, including samples that were cylindrical, samples with two flat sides, and samples with three flat sides, all of which were investigated in different preheat temperatures (150–300 °C). The results that were obtained during macrographic observation showed that tunnel defects were visible in the cylindrical and two-flat-sided pin profile designs. During observations of the microstructure, it was observed that the grain size became finer and smaller in the weld nugget compared to in the heat affected zone (HAZ) and thermo-mechanically affected zone (TMAZ) regions due to dynamic recrystallization. However, at the 300 °C preheat variation, the grain size appeared to be larger due to the slower cooling rate, causing a decrease in the mechanical properties of the samples. The results of the physical tests determined that the preheat temperature caused an increase in the mechanical properties until 250 °C, at which point the three-flat-sided pin profile tool demonstrated superior mechanical properties compared to the tools with a cylindrical design; a 12.2% tensile strength increase, a 15.3% and 9.4% face and root bending increase, and an 11.2% hardness increase were observed.
Hydrogen Absorption during Case Hardening of Steels EN20MnCr5 (SAE5120) and EN18CrNiMo7-6 (SAE4820)
Authors: Castens Matthias , Hoja Stefanie , Surm Holger , Hoffmann Franz , Fechte-Heinen Rainer , Steinbacher Matthias
Published: December 2021

Damages to case-hardened components are often associated with the phenomenon of hydrogen embrittlement due to their specific fracture pattern. In the present work, the effects of the case hardening process on the hydrogen content in the material were investigated and the effects of hydrogen on the mechanical properties were examined. In order to determine not only the influence of the heat treatment process but also the influence of the material, the case-hardening steels EN20MnCr5 (SAE5120) and EN18CrNiMo7-6 (SAE4820) with different degrees of purity were investigated. From the results it can be deduced that the sulphidic and oxidic inclusions have no significant influence on the hydrogen content. When checking the mechanical properties, it was shown in the incremental step loading technique according to ASTM F1624 that a purely case-hardened condition only has a slight tendency to hydrogen embrittlement. However, if the material is additionally loaded with hydrogen, the material fails significantly below the maximum expected load in the incremental step loading test, which is to be interpreted as a clear indication of failure due to hydrogen embrittlement. However, the fracture patterns of these two states do not show any significant differences. Therefore, it does not seem possible to attribute damage to a case-hardened component to hydrogen embrittlement on the basis of the fracture pattern alone.
A Multidrug Approach to Modulate the Mitochondrial Metabolism Impairment and Relative Oxidative Stress in Fanconi Anemia Complementation Group A
Authors: Cappelli Enrico , Bertola Nadia , Bruno Silvia , Degan Paolo , Regis Stefano , Corsolini Fabio , Banelli Barbara , Dufour Carlo , Ravera Silvia
Published: December 2021

Fanconi Anemia (FA) is a rare recessive genetic disorder characterized by aplastic anemia due to a defective DNA repair system. In addition, dysfunctional energy metabolism, lipid droplets accumulation, and unbalanced oxidative stress are involved in FA pathogenesis. Thus, to modulate the altered metabolism, Fanc-A lymphoblast cell lines were treated with quercetin, a flavonoid compound, C75 (4-Methylene-2-octyl-5-oxotetrahydrofuran-3-carboxylic acid), a fatty acid synthesis inhibitor, and rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, alone or in combination. As a control, isogenic FA cell lines corrected with the functional Fanc-A gene were used. Results showed that: (i) quercetin recovered the energy metabolism efficiency, reducing oxidative stress; (ii) C75 caused the lipid accumulation decrement and a slight oxidative stress reduction, without improving the energy metabolism; (iii) rapamycin reduced the aerobic metabolism and the oxidative stress, without increasing the energy status. In addition, all molecules reduce the accumulation of DNA double-strand breaks. Two-by-two combinations of the three drugs showed an additive effect compared with the action of the single molecule. Specifically, the quercetin/C75 combination appeared the most efficient in the mitochondrial and lipid metabolism improvement and in oxidative stress production reduction, while the quercetin/rapamycin combination seemed the most efficient in the DNA breaks decrement. Thus, data reported herein suggest that FA is a complex and multifactorial disease, and a multidrug strategy is necessary to correct the metabolic alterations.
Gas–Liquid Two-Phase Flow Pattern Identification of a Centrifugal Pump Based on SMOTE and Artificial Neural Network
Authors: He Denghui , Li Ruilin , Zhang Zhenduo , Sun Shuaihui , Guo Pengcheng
Published: December 2021

The accurate identification of the gas–liquid two-phase flow pattern within the impeller of a centrifugal pump is critical to develop a reliable model for predicting the gas–liquid two-phase performance of the centrifugal pump. The influences of the inlet gas volume fraction, the liquid phase flow rate and the pump rotational speed on the flow characteristics of the centrifugal pump were investigated experimentally. Four typical flow patterns in the impeller of the centrifugal pump, i.e., the bubble flow, the agglomerated bubble flow, the gas pocket flow and the segregated flow, were obtained, and the corresponding flow pattern maps were drawn. After oversampling based on the SMOTE algorithm, a four-layer artificial neural network model with two hidden layers was constructed. By selecting the appropriate network super parameters, including the neuron numbers in the hidden layer, the learning rate and the activation function, the different flow patterns in the centrifugal pump impeller were identified. The identification rate of the model increased from 89.91% to 94.88% when the original data was oversampled by the SMOTE algorithm. It is demonstrated that the SMOTE algorithm is an effective method to improve the accuracy of the artificial neural network model. In addition, the Kappa coefficient, the Macro-F1 and the Micro-F1 were 0.93, 0.95 and 0.95, respectively, indicating that the model established in this paper can well identify the flow pattern in the impeller of a centrifugal pump.
Antidepressant-like Effects of Combined Fluoxetine and Zinc Treatment in Mice Exposed to Chronic Restraint Stress Are Related to Modulation of Histone Deacetylase
Authors: Misztak Paulina , Sowa-Kućma Magdalena , Pańczyszyn-Trzewik Patrycja , Szewczyk Bernadeta , Nowak Gabriel
Published: December 2021

Chronic stress is the key factor contributing to the development of depressive symptoms. Chronic restraint stress (CRS) is well validated and is one of the most commonly used models to induce depressive-like behavior in rodents. The present study aimed to evaluate whether fluoxetine (FLU 5 mg/kg) and zinc (Zn 10mg/kg) given simultaneously induce a more pronounced antidepressant-like effect in the CRS model than both those compounds given alone. Behavioral assessment was performed using the tail suspension and splash tests (TST and ST, respectively). Furthermore, the effects of CRS, FLU and Zn given alone and combined treatment with FLU + Zn on the expression of proteins involved in the apoptotic, inflammatory, and epigenetic processes were evaluated in selected brain structures (prefrontal cortex, PFC; and hippocampus, Hp) using Western blot analysis or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The results obtained indicated that three hours (per day) of immobilization for 4 weeks induced prominent depressive symptoms that manifested as increased immobility time in the TST, as well as decreased number and grooming time in the ST. Behavioral changes induced by CRS were reversed by both FLU (5 and 10 mg/kg) or Zn (10 mg/kg). Zinc supplementation (10 mg/kg) slightly increases the effectiveness of FLU (5 mg/kg) in the TST. However, it significantly increased the activity of FLU in the ST compared to the effect induced by FLU and Zn alone. Biochemical studies revealed that neither CRS nor FLU and Zn given alone or in combined treatment alter the expression of proteins involved in apoptotic or inflammatory processes. CRS induced major alterations in histone deacetylase (HDAC) levels by increasing the level of HADC1 and decreasing the level of HADC4 in the PFC and Hp, decreasing the level of HADC6 in the PFC but increasing it in Hp. Interestingly, FLU + Zn treatment reversed CRS-induced changes in HDAC levels in the Hp, indicating that HDAC modulation is linked to FLU + Zn treatment and this effect is structure-specific.
Experimental and Theoretical Investigation on the Thermochemistry of 3-Methyl-2-benzoxazolinone and 6-Nitro-2-benzoxazolinone
Authors: Silva Ana L. R. , Costa Vânia M. S. , Ribeiro da Silva Maria D. M. C.
Published: December 2021

The determination of the reliable thermodynamic properties of 2-benzoxazolinone derivatives is the main goal of this work. Some correlations are established between the energetic properties determined and the structural characteristics of the title compounds, and the reactivity of this class of compounds is also evaluated. Static-bomb combustion calorimetry and high-temperature Calvet microcalorimetry were used to determine, respectively, the standard molar enthalpies of formation in the solid state and the standard molar enthalpies of sublimation, both at T = 298.15 K. Using the results obtained for each compound, the respective gas-phase standard molar enthalpy of formation was derived. High-level quantum chemical calculations were performed to estimate the same property and the results evidence good accordance. Moreover, the gas-phase relative thermodynamic stability of 2-benzoxazolinone derivatives was also evaluated using the respective gas-phase standard molar Gibbs energy of formation. In addition, the relationship between the energetic and structural characteristics of the benzoxazolinones is presented, evidencing the enthalpic increments associated with the presence of a methyl and a nitro groups in the molecule, and this effect is compared with similar ones in other structurally related compounds.
Characterization, Classification, and Authentication of Polygonatum sibiricum Samples by Volatile Profiles and Flavor Properties
Authors: Cheng Xile , Ji Hongyuan , Cheng Xiang , Wang Dongmei , Li Tianshi , Ren Kun , Qu Shouhe , Pan Yingni , Liu Xiaoqiu
Published: December 2021

The importance of monitoring key aroma compounds as food characteristics to solve sample classification and authentication is increasing. The rhizome of Polygonatum sibiricum (PR, Huangjing in Chinese) has great potential to serve as an ingredient of functional foods owing to its tonic effect and flavor properties. In this study, we aimed to characterize and classify PR samples obtained from different processing levels through their volatile profiles and flavor properties by using electronic nose, electronic tongue, and headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Nine flavor indicators (four odor indicators and five taste indicators) had a strong influence on the classification ability, and a total of 54 volatile compounds were identified in all samples. The traditional Chinese processing method significantly decreased the contents of aldehydes and alkanes, while more ketones, nitrogen heterocycles, alcohols, terpenoids, sulfides, and furans/pyrans were generated in the processing cycle. The results confirmed the potential applicability of volatile profiles and flavor properties for classification of PR samples, and this study provided new insights for determining the processing level in food and pharmaceutical industries based on samples with specific flavor characteristics.
Mean ± Standard Deviation Intake Values for 1–<10-Year-Old South African Children for Application in the Assessment of the Inflammatory Potential of Their Diets Using the DII® Method: Developmental Research
Authors: Malczyk Sonia , Steyn Nelia P. , Nel Johanna H. , Eksteen Gabriel , Drummond Linda , Oldewage-Theron Wilna , Faber Mieke , van Stuijvenberg Martha E. , Senekal Marjanne
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to develop a set of mean ± standard deviation (SD) intake values for South African (SA) children for 36 of the 45 food parameters included in the original Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII®) tool. The SA food composition database contains 30 of the 45 food parameters included in the original DII®, and a supplementary database was developed for six of the food parameters not included in the SA database. The SA child mean ± SD intake of macronutrients, micronutrients and select flavonoids was calculated by age in years, using eight data sets from dietary surveys conducted in SA in the last three decades. A total sample of 5412 children was included in the calculation of the mean ± SD. The current study sample was determined to be representative of 1–<10-year-old children in SA, and the plausibility of the mean intake values was confirmed by being in line with age-appropriate recommendations. Furthermore, an increase in energy, macronutrient, and most micronutrient intakes with increase in age was evident. The generated mean ± SD values for SA children can be used for calculation of the inflammatory potential of the dietary intake of SA children in the age range of 1–<10-year-old children.
Klotho and Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Review on Cell and Gene Therapy for Chronic Kidney Disease and Acute Kidney Disease
Authors: Franco Marcella Liciani , Beyerstedt Stephany , Rangel Érika Bevilaqua
Published: December 2021

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney injury (AKI) are public health problems, and their prevalence rates have increased with the aging of the population. They are associated with the presence of comorbidities, in particular diabetes mellitus and hypertension, resulting in a high financial burden for the health system. Studies have indicated Klotho as a promising therapeutic approach for these conditions. Klotho reduces inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis and counter-regulates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. In CKD and AKI, Klotho expression is downregulated from early stages and correlates with disease progression. Therefore, the restoration of its levels, through exogenous or endogenous pathways, has renoprotective effects. An important strategy for administering Klotho is through mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In summary, this review comprises in vitro and in vivo studies on the therapeutic potential of Klotho for the treatment of CKD and AKI through the administration of MSCs.
Defence Responses Associated with Elicitor-Induced, Cultivar-Associated Resistance to Latania Scale in Kiwifruit
Authors: Wurms Kirstin , Ah Chee Annette , Stannard Kate , Anderson Rachelle , Jensen Dwayne , Cooney Janine , Hedderley Duncan
Published: December 2021

Latania scale insect is a pest of global significance affecting kiwifruit. The sessile insect (life stage: settled crawler—mature adult) is covered with a waxy cap that protects it from topical pesticides, so increasingly, a selection of resistant cultivars and application of elicitors are being used in pest control. Thus far, the application of a salicylic acid (SA) phytohormone pathway elicitor, acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM), has been shown to reduce insect development (as indicated by cap size) on one kiwifruit cultivar (‘Hayward’). To investigate how cultivar-associated resistance is affected by the ability to respond to different elicitors, we measured phytohormones (by LCMS) and gene expression (by qPCR and NanoString) on latania scale-tolerant ‘Hort16A’ and susceptible ‘Hayward’ kiwifruit over two seasons. Potted plants in the presence/absence of settled latania scales were treated with ASM (0.2 g/L) or methyl jasmonate (MeJA, 0.05% v/v), representing elicitors of the SA and JA signalling pathways, respectively. ‘Hort16A’ cultivar resistance to latania scale was associated with elevated expression of SA and SA-related defence genes (PR1 and two PR2 family genes) in the ASM treatment. MeJA treatments did not significantly affect insect development in ‘Hayward’ (latania scale did not survive on ‘Hort16A’) and did not correlate with phytohormone and gene expression measurements in either cultivar. ‘Hayward’ had greater concentrations than ‘Hort16A’ of inert storage forms of both SA and JA across all treatments. This information contributes to the selection of tolerant cultivars and the effective use of elicitors for control of latania scale in kiwifruit.
Characterization of Two BAHD Acetyltransferases Highly Expressed in the Flowers of Jasminum sambac (L.) Aiton
Authors: Wang Yuting , Zhang Hongliang , Wan Chao , He Xian , Huang Jinfeng , Lyu Meiling , Yuan Yuan , Wu Binghua
Published: December 2021

Volatile benzenoid compounds are found in diverse aromatic bouquets emitted by most moth-pollinated flowers. The night-blooming Jasminum sambac is widely cultivated worldwide in the tropics and subtropics for ornamental and industrial purposes owing to its fragrant flowers. Benzylacetate is a characteristic constituent in jasmine scent which makes up to approximately 20–30% of the total emission in the headspace or extract, but the biosynthesis enzymes and the encoding genes have not yet been described. Here, we identify two cytosolic BAHD acyltransferases specifically expressed in the petals with a positive correlation closely to the emission pattern of the volatile benzenoids. Both JsBEAT1 and JsBEAT2 could use benzylalcohol and acetate-CoA as substrates to make benzylacetate in vitro. The recombinant GST-JsBEAT1 has an estimated apparent Km of 447.3 μM for benzylalcohol and 546.0 μM for acetate-CoA, whereas in the instance of the His-JsBEAT2, the Km values are marginally lower, being 278.7 and 317.3 μM, respectively. However, the catalytic reactions by the GST-JsBEAT1 are more efficient than that by the His-JsBEAT2, based on the steady-state kcat parameters. Furthermore, ectopic expression of JsBEAT1 and JsBEAT2 in the transgenic P. hybrida plants, driven by a flower-specific promotor, significantly enhances the biosynthesis of benzylbenzoate and benzylacetate, as well as the total VOCs.
Young Offenders on the Camino de Santiago—Theoretical Background of the Learning Walks
Authors: Knospe Yvonne , Koenig Karsten
Published: December 2021

Delinquent behaviour is predominantly an expression of adolescent developmental phases, but at the same time a possible entry into criminal careers. Where socio-educational measures and admonitions no longer help, society reacts with youth detention and imprisonment as a last resort, in doing so it brings the young people into an environment of violence and power. The concept of the socio-educational pilgrimage as an alternative measure to imprisonment takes the young people out of this context and offers space for reflection and self-efficacy. In this article, different concepts of Learning Walks for young offenders are discussed and theoretically analysed.
Will Communication of Job Creation Facilitate Diffusion of Innovations in the Automobile Industry?
Authors: Zeng Fan , Lo Chris , Lee Stacy
Published: December 2021

The electrification and automation of vehicles are two upcoming trends in the automobile industry. However, these two new technologies also raise public concerns related to road safety, range, and, most crucially, job creation in the automotive and transportation industries. This study investigates if job creation facilitates the diffusion of innovation. Analysis of 32,006 tweets from 33 global automobile manufacturers and their international job creation records revealed that communication of job creation can improve stakeholders’ adverse social media engagement on vehicle electrification and automation, the latest innovations in transportation and logistics. Car manufacturers should continually communicate their job creation achievements to gain public acceptance when introducing innovations, which may improve the diffusion of innovations.
Structure of Green Supply Chain Management for Sustainability of Small and Medium Enterprises
Authors: Jo Donghyuk , Kwon Chulhwan
Published: December 2021

Today’s manufacturing-based small and medium enterprises (SME) face the need to implement green supply chains more efficiently in order to overcome environmental barriers in increasingly competitive markets and to improve financial performance. This study examines the structural relationship between environmental collaboration, green innovation capacity, and performance based on the findings of previous studies in order to identify the factors affecting the green supply chain management (GSCM) performance of Korean manufacturing-based SMEs. The study finds that environmental collaboration in the green supply chain environment is an important driver of green innovation capacity for manufacturing-based Korean SMEs. It also finds that green innovation capacity has a positive effect on financial performance through environmental performance. This study establishes a theoretical basis for the systematic study of the structural mechanisms of green supply chains and suggests strategic directions for manufacturing-based SMEs’ successful GSCM implementation.
Evaluation of Discharging Surplus Soils for Relative Stirred Deep Mixing Methods by MPS-CAE Analysis
Authors: Nakao Koki , Inazumi Shinya , Takaue Toshiaki , Tanaka Shigeaki , Shinoi Takayuki
Published: December 2021

Most of the ground in Japan is soft, leading to great damage in the event of liquefaction. Various ground-improvement measures are being taken to suppress such damage. However, it is difficult to carry out ground-improvement work while checking the internal conditions of the ground during the construction. Therefore, a visible and measurable evaluation of the performance of the ground-improvement work was conducted in this study. The authors performed a simulation analysis of the relative stirred deep mixing method (RS-DMM), a kind of ground-improvement method, using a computer-aided engineering (CAE) analysis based on particle-based methods (PBMs). In the RS-DMM, the “displacement reduction type (DRT)” suppresses displacement during construction. Both the DRT and the normal type (NT) were simulated, and a visible and measurable evaluation was performed on the internal conditions during each construction, the quality of the improved body, and the displacement reduction performance. As an example of these results, it was possible to visually evaluate the discharge of surplus soil by the spiral rod attached to the stirring wing of the DRT. In addition, the authors succeeded in quantitatively showing that more surplus soil was discharged when the stirring wing of the DRT was used than when the stirring wing of the NT was used.
Factors Influencing the Formation of Chemical–Hemoglobin Adducts
Authors: Shimamura Yuko , Okuda Akina , Ichikawa Kenya , Inagaki Ryo , Ito Sohei , Honda Hiroshi , Masuda Shuichi
Published: December 2021

Hemoglobin (Hb) adducts have been used as biomarkers for the internal exposure to chemicals. Simultaneous exposure to chemicals that bond with the N-terminal valine of Hb to form adducts, such as glycidol, acrylamide, and glucose, may affect the formation of the individual Hb adducts. In this study, various factors influencing the formation of chemical–Hb adducts were analyzed using in vitro and in vivo systems. In the in vitro assays, the formation of glycidol– and acrylamide–Hb adducts was altered in the presence of glucose, serum albumin, and other chemicals. In contrast, in the in vivo experiments, glycidol– and acrylamide–Hb adduct formation was unchanged in mice exposed to glycidol and acrylamide. The interaction between glycidol and acrylamide with residues other than the N-terminal valine of Hb was analyzed using the protein thermal shift assay. Glycidol and acrylamide also interacted with amino acid residues other than the N-terminal valine of Hb. The presence of other blood components, such as amino acids, may affect the formation of chemical–Hb adducts. Further research is expected to elucidate the remaining unknown factors that affect the formation of chemical–Hb adducts.
City Scale Modeling of Ultrafine Particles in Urban Areas with Special Focus on Passenger Ferryboat Emission Impact
Authors: Lauenburg Marvin , Karl Matthias , Matthias Volker , Quante Markus , Ramacher Martin
Published: December 2021

Air pollution by aerosol particles is mainly monitored as mass concentrations of particulate matter, such as PM10 and PM2.5. However, mass-based measurements are hardly representative for ultrafine particles (UFP), which can only be monitored adequately by particle number (PN) concentrations and are considered particularly harmful to human health. This study examines the dispersion of UFP in Hamburg city center and, in particular, the impact of passenger ferryboats by modeling PN concentrations and compares concentrations to measured values. To this end, emissions inventories and emission size spectra for different emission sectors influencing concentrations in the city center were created, explicitly considering passenger ferryboat traffic as an additional emission source. The city-scale chemical transport model EPISODE-CityChem is applied for the first time to simulate PN concentrations and additionally, observations of total particle number counts are taken at four different sampling sites in the city. Modeled UFP concentrations are in the range of 1.5–3 × 104 cm−3 at ferryboat piers and at the road traffic locations with particle sizes predominantly below 50 nm. Urban background concentrations are at 0.4–1.2 × 104 cm−3 with a predominant particle size in the range 50–100 nm. Ferryboat traffic is a significant source of emissions near the shore along the regular ferry routes. Modeled concentrations show slight differences to measured data, but the model is capable of reproducing the observed spatial variation of UFP concentrations. UFP show strong variations in both space and time, with day-to-day variations mainly controlled by differences in air temperature, wind speed and wind direction. Further model simulations should focus on longer periods of time to better understand the influence of meteorological conditions on UFP dynamics.
Evaluation of an ASFV RNA Helicase Gene A859L for Virus Replication and Swine Virulence
Authors: Ramirez-Medina Elizabeth , Vuono Elizabeth A. , Pruitt Sarah , Rai Ayushi , Espinoza Nallely , Velazquez-Salinas Lauro , Gladue Douglas P. , Borca Manuel V.
Published: December 2021

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is producing a devastating pandemic that, since 2007, has spread to a contiguous geographical area from central Europe to Asia. In July 2021, ASFV was detected in the Dominican Republic, the first report of the disease in the Americas in more than 40 years. ASFV is a large, highly complex virus harboring a large dsDNA genome that encodes for more than 150 genes. The majority of these genes have not been functionally characterized. Bioinformatics analysis predicts that ASFV gene A859L encodes for an RNA helicase, although its function has not yet been experimentally assessed. Here, we evaluated the role of the A859L gene during virus replication in cell cultures and during infection in swine. For that purpose, a recombinant virus (ASFV-G-∆A859L) harboring a deletion of the A859L gene was developed using the highly virulent ASFV Georgia (ASFV-G) isolate as a template. Recombinant ASFV-G-∆A859L replicates in swine macrophage cultures as efficiently as the parental virus ASFV-G, demonstrating that the A859L gene is non-essential for ASFV replication. Experimental infection of domestic pigs demonstrated that ASFV-G-∆A859L replicates as efficiently and induces a clinical disease indistinguishable from that caused by the parental ASFV-G. These studies conclude that the predicted RNA helicase gene A859L is not involved in the processes of virus replication or disease production in swine.
Modeling SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Mice Using Lentiviral hACE2 Vectors Infers Two Modes of Immune Responses to SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Katzman Chaja , Israely Tomer , Melamed Sharon , Politi Boaz , Sittner Assa , Yahalom-Ronen Yfat , Weiss Shay , Abu Rass Reem , Zamostiano Rachel , Bacharach Eran , Ehrlich Marcelo , Paran Nir , Nissim Lior
Published: December 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused a severe global pandemic. Mice models are essential to investigate infection pathology, antiviral drugs, and vaccine development. However, wild-type mice lack the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) that mediates SARS-CoV-2 entry into human cells and consequently are not susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. hACE2 transgenic mice could provide an efficient COVID-19 model, but are not always readily available, and practically restricted to specific strains. Therefore, there is a dearth of additional mouse models for SARS-CoV-2 infection. We applied lentiviral vectors to generate hACE2 expression in interferon receptor knock-out (IFNAR1−/−) mice. Lenti-hACE2 transduction supported SARS-CoV-2 replication in vivo, simulating mild acute lung disease. Gene expression analysis revealed two modes of immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection: one in response to the exposure of mouse lungs to SARS-CoV-2 particles in the absence of productive viral replication, and the second in response to productive SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our results infer that immune response to immunogenic elements on incoming virus or in productively infected cells stimulate diverse immune effectors, even in absence of type I IFN signaling. Our findings should contribute to a better understanding of the immune response triggered by SARS-CoV-2 and to further elucidate COVID-19.
Western Individualism and the Psychological Wellbeing of Young People: A Systematic Review of Their Associations
Authors: Humphrey Ashley , Bliuc Ana-Maria
Published: December 2021

An increasing body of research suggests that young people living in Western societies are becoming increasingly individualistic in the way they orientate themselves socially, with further findings suggestive that such orientations may be associated with reduced wellbeing outcomes. Through a systematic review of past research, this paper examines the findings on individualism and the wellbeing of young people living within Western contexts. Findings from our review indicate that whilst individualistic cultures may be associated with higher wellbeing outcomes when compared with collectivistic cultures, such associations tend to disappear when explored at the personal level. Additionally, we find that distinguishing how individualism is measured provides important insight into specific traits associated with individualism that can lead to poorer wellbeing outcomes. Based on the studies reviewed, we propose that whilst the freedom and autonomy embedded within individualistic social orientations can have positive associations, there is an emerging understanding of some of the darker traits that can be associated with these values. These synthesized findings increase our understanding of the connection between individualism, its associated behaviours, and the mental health of young people.
ESTUDO SOBRE OS IMPACTOS AMBIENTAIS NO SOLO DO CERRADO PROVOCADOS PELA INSERÇÃO DA CULTURA DA SOJA
Authors: Henrique Jacqueline , Carvalho Joaquim José De , Silva José Geraldo Delvaux , Luz José Maria Rodrigues da , Silva José Expedito Cavalcante da
Published: December 2021

O Brasil tem um dos maiores hotposts de biodiversidade biológica do planeta, presente em seus seis biomas naturais. O Cerrado encontra-se disperso no território brasileiro, principalmente na região Central, é considerado o segundo maior bioma brasileiro em extensão territorial. A substituição da cobertura florestal nativa por cobertura composta por plantas domesticadas pelo homem tem promovido alterações ambientais nesse bioma. Assim, o objetivo desse estudo foi diagnosticar os impactos da inserção da cultura da soja nos atributos microbiológicos, físicos e químicos em amostras de solos do Cerrado. As amostras foram obtidas a partir de uma unidade produtiva localizado no município de Porto Nacional/TO com uma área de reserva ambiental e outra alterada com a introdução da cultura da soja durante o período seco e chuvoso. De modo geral, os solos com tempo de uso associado à mecanização agrícola pesada têm um maior grau de formação de camadas compactadas acima do limite da zona radicular efetiva da cultura da soja. A Unidade formadora de colônias (UFC/mL) foi maior, independente do período de coleta, na reserva ambiental que no talhão de plantio. A diversidade microbiana do solo do cerrado tocantinense foi confirmada pelo perfil do gradiente de desnaturação em gel de eletroforese (DGGE). A inserção da cultura de soja em Tocantins provocou alterações nos atributos do solo analisados nesse estudo e a remoção da vegetação nativa para o plantio tem influência sobre a quantidade de células e a diversidade microbiana do solo. Portanto, esses resultados mostram a importância da manutenção de área de reserva ambiental dentro das unidades de produção agrícola.
ONCE AGAIN ABOUT THE NEGATIVE SYNERGY OF THE DESTRUCTIVE POLICY OF THE RUSSIAN MONETARY AUTHORITIES
Authors: Kapkanshchikov Sergey G.
Published: December 2021

The article discloses an interconnected set of strategic defects in the regulatory activities of the Bank of Russia in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance, which predetermine the significant contribution of the neoliberal financial and credit policy pursued by them both to the development of an autonomous recession and the aggravation of the coronary crisis in our country. Based on a comparative analysis of the post-default and post-sanction devaluation of the ruble, a conclusion is made about the predominantly negative impact of the latter on the dynamics of Russian GDP and on inflationary processes in the country. The premature transition of the central bank to inflation targeting and, especially, to the free-floating ruble regime, the leading beneficiaries of which are disclosed commodity exporters, financial speculators and the Ministry of Finance, have been critically examined. The continued dominance of the foreign exchange channel in the Bank of Russia’s issuing activities over the credit channel and the inability of the financial authorities to cover the budget deficit through monetary financing are regarded as decisive factors preventing overcoming the coronavirus crisis on the way to a reasonable diversification of the domestic economy. The unjustified transition already in 2021 to a super-tight monetary and fiscal policy, which does not fit into the global practice of anti-crisis regulation, is seen as a kind of renaissance of the false monetarist approach in the activities of leading Russian regulators, their traditional reliance on the quantitative theory of money and the ensuing desire to overcome cost inflation using methods characteristic of combating demand inflation. As the end result of the noted manifestations of the fiasco of the Russian state in the money market, an extremely low coefficient of monetization of the domestic economy is considered, which prevents its breakthrough high-quality growth in the foreseeable future.