bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Embodied Intelligence in Soft Robotics Through Hardware Multifunctionality
Authors: Cianchetti Matteo
Published: November 2021

The soft robotics community is currently wondering what the future of soft robotics is. Therefore, it is very important to identify the directions in which the community should focus its efforts to consolidate its impact. The identification of convincing applications is a priority, especially to demonstrate that some achievements already represent an attractive alternative to current technological approaches in specific scenarios. However, most of the added value of soft robotics has been only theoretically grasped. Embodied Intelligence, being of these theoretical principles, represents an interesting approach to fully exploit soft robotic’s potential, but a pragmatic application of this theory still remains difficult and very limited. A different design approach could be beneficial, i.e., the integration of a certain degree of continuous adaptability in the hardware functionalities of the robot, namely, a “flexible” design enabled by hardware components able to fulfill multiple functionalities. In this paper this concept of flexible design is introduced along with its main technological and theoretical basic elements. The potential of the approach is demonstrated through a biological comparison and the feasibility is supported by practical examples with state-of-the-art technologies.
Ion Dynamics in the Meso-scale 3-D Kelvin–Helmholtz Instability: Perspectives From Test Particle Simulations
Authors: Ma Xuanye , Delamere Peter , Nykyri Katariina , Burkholder Brandon , Eriksson Stefan , Liou Yu-Lun
Published: November 2021

Over three decades of in-situ observations illustrate that the Kelvin–Helmholtz (KH) instability driven by the sheared flow between the magnetosheath and magnetospheric plasma often occurs on the magnetopause of Earth and other planets under various interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) conditions. It has been well demonstrated that the KH instability plays an important role for energy, momentum, and mass transport during the solar-wind-magnetosphere coupling process. Particularly, the KH instability is an important mechanism to trigger secondary small scale (i.e., often kinetic-scale) physical processes, such as magnetic reconnection, kinetic Alfvén waves, ion-acoustic waves, and turbulence, providing the bridge for the coupling of cross scale physical processes. From the simulation perspective, to fully investigate the role of the KH instability on the cross-scale process requires a numerical modeling that can describe the physical scales from a few Earth radii to a few ion (even electron) inertial lengths in three dimensions, which is often computationally expensive. Thus, different simulation methods are required to explore physical processes on different length scales, and cross validate the physical processes which occur on the overlapping length scales. Test particle simulation provides such a bridge to connect the MHD scale to the kinetic scale. This study applies different test particle approaches and cross validates the different results against one another to investigate the behavior of different ion species (i.e., H+ and O+), which include particle distributions, mixing and heating. It shows that the ion transport rate is about 1025 particles/s, and mixing diffusion coefficient is about 1010 m2 s−1 regardless of the ion species. Magnetic field lines change their topology via the magnetic reconnection process driven by the three-dimensional KH instability, connecting two flux tubes with different temperature, which eventually causes anisotropic temperature in the newly reconnected flux.
Centering Justice in a Sustainable Food Systems Master's Program
Authors: Greeson Kimberley M. , Currey Robin C. D.
Published: November 2021

The new Master of Science in Sustainable Food Systems (MSFS) program at Prescott College was re-envisioned as part of the preferred teach out partnership with Green Mountain College that closed in 2019. In collaboration with faculty from both colleges, the new MSFS program was developed to intentionally center social justice and offer students aFood Justiceconcentration. Food justice is a growing movement that seeks to shift global, industrial food systems toward more equitable, just, and sustainable foodways. Using this definition, students in theFood Justicecore course uncovered how forms of institutional oppression prevent certain communities from accessing healthy and culturally appropriate food. This course was designed and taught from an anti-racist, anti-colonial, and culturally sustaining pedagogical framework. TheFood Justicecourse frames students' investigation of the current food system and how issues of privilege, access, and identity relate to food justice throughout the MSFS program. Through experiential learning, students were asked to develop and implement a project that aligns with social justice values. In this perspective paper, we describe our experiences as sustainable food systems educators in making structural changes to the master's program. We share the values and assumptions that led to the development of theFood Justiceconcentration and course; detail our pedagogical frameworks; and highlight students' projects as a manifestation of the student experience.
Characterization of microRNA Profiles in Pasteurella multocida-Infected Rabbits and Identification of miR-29-5p as a Regulator of Antibacterial Immune Response
Authors: Hu Jiaqing , Li Wenqiang , Qiao Xibo , Li Wenjie , Xie Kerui , Wang Yanyan , Huang Bing , Zhao Qiaoya , Liu Lei , Fan Xinzhong
Published: November 2021

Pasteurella multocida is the pathogenic agent for a variety of severe diseases in livestock, including rabbits. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) participate in the immune response to the pathogen. Distinct miRNA expression patterns were explored in rabbit lung by small-RNA deep sequencing to assess dysregulated miRNAs during P. multocida infection. Totally, 571 miRNAs were screened, of which, 62 were novel, and 32 exhibited differential expression (DE). Of the 32 known DE-miRNAs, 13 and 15 occurred at 1 day and 3 days post-infection (dpi); and ocu-miR-107-3p and ocu-miR-29b-5p were shared between the two time points. Moreover, 7,345 non-redundant target genes were predicted for the 32 DE-miRNAs. Putative target genes were enriched in diverse GO and KEGG pathways and might be crucial for disease resistance. Interestingly, upregulation of ocu-miR-29-5p suppresses P. multocida propagation and downregulates expression of epithelial membrane protein-2 (EMP2) and T-box 4 (TBX4) genes by binding to their 3′ untranslated region in RK13 cells. Thus, ocu-miR-29-5p may indirectly inhibit P. multocida invasion by modulating genes related to the host immune response, such as EMP2 and TBX4.
Circulating MicroRNAs as Non-invasive Biomarkers for Canine Cushing's Syndrome
Authors: Sanders Karin , Veldhuizen Anouk , Kooistra Hans S. , Slob Adri , Timmermans-Sprang Elpetra P. M. , Riemers Frank M. , Daminet Sylvie , Fracassi Federico , van Nimwegen Sebastiaan A. , Meij Björn P. , Galac Sara
Published: November 2021

Canine Cushing's syndrome (hypercortisolism) can be caused by a pituitary tumor (pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism; PDH) or a cortisol-secreting adrenocortical tumor (csACT). For both cases, non-invasive biomarkers that could pre-operatively predict the risk of recurrence after surgery would greatly impact clinical decision making. The aim of this study was to determine whether circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) can be used as diagnostic (presence of PDH or csACT) and/or prognostic (disease recurrence, histological grade) non-invasive biomarkers for canine Cushing's syndrome. After a pilot study with 40 miRNAs in blood samples of healthy dogs (n = 3), dogs with PDH (n = 3) and dogs with a csACT (n = 4), we selected a total of 20 miRNAs for the definitive study. In the definitive study, these 20 miRNAs were analyzed in blood samples of healthy dogs (n = 6), dogs with PDH (n = 19, pre- and post-operative samples) and dogs with a csACT (n = 26, pre-operative samples). In dogs with PDH, six miRNAs (miR-122-5p, miR-126-5p, miR-141-3p, miR-222-3p, miR-375-3p and miR-483-3p) were differentially expressed compared to healthy dogs. Of one miRNA, miR-122-5p, the expression levels did not overlap between healthy dogs and dogs with PDH (p = 2.9x10−4), significantly decreased after hypophysectomy (p = 0.013), and were significantly higher (p = 0.017) in dogs with recurrence (n = 3) than in dogs without recurrence for at least one year after hypophysectomy (n = 7). In dogs with csACTs, two miRNAs (miR-483-3p and miR-223-3p) were differentially expressed compared to healthy dogs. Additionally, miR-141-3p was expressed significantly lower (p = 0.009) in dogs with csACTs that had a histopathological Utrecht score of ≥ 11 compared to those with a score of <11. These results indicate that circulating miRNAs have the potential to be non-invasive biomarkers in dogs with Cushing's syndrome that may contribute to clinical decision making.
Development and Evaluation of Energy-Saving Electro-Hydraulic Actuator
Authors: Ho Triet Hung , Le Thanh Danh
Published: November 2021

This paper will develop a novel electro-hydraulic actuator with energy saving characteristics. This system is able to work in differential configurations through the shifting algorithm of the valves, meaning that this developed system can be adjusted flexibly to obtain the desirable working requirements including the high effectiveness of energy recovery from the load, high velocity or torque. Instead of establishing the mathematical model for the purpose of the dynamic analysis, a model of the developed actuator is built in AMESim software. The simulation results reveal that the system is able to save approximately 20% energy consumption compared with a traditional without energy recovery EHA. Furthermore, to evaluate the accuracy of the model, experiments will be performed that prove strongly that the experimental results are well matched to the results attained from the simulation model. This work also offers a useful insight into designing and analyzing hydraulic systems without experiments.
Optimizing the Malaxation Conditions to Produce an Arbequina EVOO with High Content of Bioactive Compounds
Authors: Olmo-Cunillera Alexandra , Lozano-Castellón Julián , Pérez Maria , Miliarakis Eleftherios , Tresserra-Rimbau Anna , Ninot Antònia , Romero-Aroca Agustí , Lamuela-Raventós Rosa Maria , Vallverdú-Queralt Anna
Published: November 2021

To meet the growing demand for high-quality extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) with health-promoting properties and pleasant sensory properties, studies are needed to establish optimal production parameters. Bioactive components of EVOO, including phenolic compounds, carotenoids, chlorophylls, tocopherols, and squalene, contribute to its organoleptic properties and beneficial health effects. The aim of this study was to develop an Arbequina EVOO with high phenol content, particularly oleocanthal and oleacein, on a laboratory scale by analyzing the effects of different temperatures (20, 25, and 30 °C) and times (30 and 45 min) of malaxation. Higher temperatures decreased the levels of the phenolic compounds, secoiridoids, tocopherols, and squalene, but increased the pigments. EVOO with the highest quality was produced using malaxation parameters of 20 °C and 30 min, although oleocanthal and oleacein were higher at 30 and 25 °C, respectively. Overall, 20 °C and 30 min were the processing conditions that most favored the physiological and chemical processes that contribute to higher levels of bioactive compounds in the oil and diminished their degradation and oxidation processes.
Utility and Triggers in Uptake of Agricultural Weather and Climate Information Services in Senegal, West Africa
Authors: Ouedraogo Issa , Diouf Ndèye Seynabou , Ablouka Gnalenba , Zougmoré Robert B. , Whitbread Anthony
Published: November 2021

Weather and climate information services (WCIS) are gaining recognition among scientists and governments as an essential adaptation tool for agriculture, especially in the drylands of Africa. In Senegal, the widespread production and dissemination of WCIS was initiated in 2015 to cover the agricultural, pastoral and fishing sectors. This paper analyzes the types of decisions made by WCIS users, their preferences and level of satisfaction, and explores the triggers of agricultural WCIS adoption. We collected data during the onset and cessation of the rainy seasons to understand the utility and reliability of WCIS by farmers across all stages of the growing season. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. A binary logistic regression was tested to understand the socio-economic triggers in uptake of WCIS. Results showed that rainfall forecast is the most preferred WCIS (49% of the respondents) followed by extreme wind forecast. At the beginning of the rainy season, nearly 80% of the respondents have chosen the sowing date and about 60% have chosen crop varieties based on disseminated WCIS. In the middle of the growing season, about 70% of the respondents used WCIS to decide on fertilizer application dates. Results also showed that age and level of education, being trained on WCIS use, membership to farmers’ organizations, owning a radio have a significant effect on WCIS-based decision-making. These factors are essential for triggering the uptake of WCIS, and therefore are required to improve the implementation of existing weather climate services in Africa.
Autophagy and Apoptosis Induced in U87 MG Glioblastoma Cells by Hypericin-Mediated Photodynamic Therapy Can Be Photobiomodulated with 808 nm Light
Authors: Pevna Viktoria , Wagnières Georges , Huntosova Veronika
Published: November 2021

Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive types of tumors. Although few treatment options are currently available, new modalities are needed to improve prognosis. In this context, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising adjuvant treatment modality. In the present work, hypericin-mediated PDT (hypericin-PDT, 2 J/cm2) of U87 MG cells is combined with (2 min, 15 mW/cm2 at 808 nm) photobiomodulation (PBM). We observed that PBM stimulates autophagy, which, in combination with PDT, increases the treatment efficacy and leads to apoptosis. Confocal fluorescence microscopy, cytotoxicity assays and Western blot were used to monitor apoptotic and autophagic processes in these cells. Destabilization of lysosomes, mitochondria and the Golgi apparatus led to an increase in lactate dehydrogenase activity, oxidative stress levels, LC3-II, and caspase-3, as well as a decrease of the PKCα and STAT3 protein levels in response to hypericin-PDT subcellular concentration in U87 MG cells. Our results indicate that therapeutic hypericin concentrations can be reduced when PDT is combined with PBM. This will likely allow to reduce the damage induced in surrounding healthy tissues when PBM-hypericin-PDT is used for in vivo tumor treatments.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Statins on Circulating E-Selectin, L-Selectin, and P-Selectin
Authors: Zinellu Angelo , Mangoni Arduino A.
Published: November 2021

The pleiotropic effects of statins might involve preventing inflammatory cell adhesion to the endothelium, which is a critical step in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of statins on the circulating cell adhesion molecules E-Selectin, L-Selectin, and P-Selectin. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, from inception to July 2021. Risk of bias and certainty of evidence were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist and GRADE, respectively. In 61 studies, statins significantly reduced P-selectin (standard mean difference, SMD = −0.39, 95% CI −0.55 to −0.22, p < 0.001; moderate certainty of evidence), L-selectin (SMD = −0.49, 95% CI −0.89 to −0.10, p = 0.014; very low certainty of evidence), and E-Selectin (SMD = −0.73, 95% CI −1.02 to −0.43, p < 0.001; moderate certainty of evidence), independently of baseline lipid profile and other study and patient characteristics. The corresponding pooled SMD values in sensitivity analysis were not substantially altered when individual studies were sequentially removed. Simvastatin had a significant lowering effect on both P-selectin and E-selectin. Therefore, statins significantly reduce circulating selectins. Further studies are required to investigate whether selectin lowering mediates cardiovascular risk reduction with these agents. (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021282778).
Love Stinks: The Association between Body Odors and Romantic Relationship Commitment
Authors: Keaveny Madeleine , Mahmut Mehmet Kibris
Published: November 2021

Anecdotal reports indicate that women dislike their partner’s body odor (BO) during the breakdown of a relationship; however, whether disliking a partner’s BO is associated with intentions to break up has not been empirically tested. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate, for the first time, whether disliking one’s partner’s BOs is associated with experiencing lower commitment to a romantic relationship. Eighty participants (48 partnered, 32 single and previously partnered) completed self-report questionnaires about their current or previous romantic relationship and the amount of exposure to—and hedonic ratings of—their current or former partner’s BOs. Olfactory function was also tested, and participants smelled and rated various pieces of clothing imbued with a stranger’s BO. The results demonstrated that for participants who had experienced a breakup, historically higher levels of relationship commitment were associated with higher hedonic ratings of a previous partner’s BOs, regardless of the type of BOs. For participants currently in a relationship, lower relationship commitment was associated with higher breakup intentions in response to smelling their partner’s BOs. These preliminary results contribute evidence for the positive association between exposure to a partner’s BOs and favorable hedonic appraisals of BOs; however, further research needs to be conducted in this area to investigate nuances. Lower levels of exposure to one’s partner’s BOs may be more indicative of relationship commitment than exposure to hedonically unpleasant BOs of one’s partner. The findings are discussed with reference to their implications for interventions in relationship breakdown.
Botulinum Toxin a Injection Combined with Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy: Shear Wave Sonoelastographic Findings in the Medial Gastrocnemius Muscle, Preliminary Study
Authors: Kwon Dong Rak , Kwon Dae Gil
Published: November 2021

Therapeutic strategies to boost the effect of botulinum toxin may lead to some advantages, such as long lasting effects, the injection of lower botulinum toxin dosages, fewer side effects, and lower costs. The aim of this study is to investigate the combined effect of botulinum toxin A (BTA) injection and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for the treatment of spasticity in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Fifteen patients with spastic CP were recruited through a retrospective chart review to clarify what treatment they received. All patients received a BTA injection on gastrocnemius muscle (GCM), and patients in group 1 underwent one ESWT session for the GCM immediately after BTA injection and two consecutive ESWT sessions at weekly intervals. Ankle plantar flexor and the passive range of motion (PROM) of ankle dorsiflexion were measured by a modified Ashworth scale (MAS) before treatment and at 1 and 3 month(s) post-treatment. In group 1, the shear wave velocity (SWV) of GCM was measured. The PROM and MAS in group 1 and 2 before treatment significantly improved at 1 and 3 month(s) after treatment. The change in PROM was significantly different between the two groups at 1 and 3 month(s) after treatment. The SWV before treatment significantly decreased at 1 month and 3 months after treatment in group 1. Our study has shown that the combination of BTA injection and ESWT would be effective at controlling spasticity in children with spastic CP, with sustained improvement at 3 months after treatment.
Structural and Emulsifying Properties of Soybean Protein Isolate–Sodium Alginate Conjugates under High Hydrostatic Pressure
Authors: Wang Zihuan , Gong Shaoying , Wang Yucong , Liu Danyi , Han Jianchun
Published: November 2021

Soybean protein isolate (SPI) is a kind of plant derived protein with high nutritional value, but it is underutilized due to its structural limitations and poor functionalities. This study aimed to investigate the effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment on SPI and sodium alginate (SA) conjugates prepared through the Maillard reaction. The physicochemical properties of the conjugate synthesized under 200 MPa at 60 °C for 24 h (SPI–SA–200) were compared with those of the conjugate synthesized under atmospheric pressure (SPI–SA–0.1), SPI-SA mixture, and SPI. The HHP (200 MPa) significantly hindered the Maillard reaction. This effect was confirmed by performing SDS-PAGE. The alterations in the secondary structures, such as α-helices, were analyzed using circular dichroism spectroscopy and the fluorescence intensity was determined. Emulsifying activity and stability indices of SPI-SA-200 increased by 33.56% and 31.96% respectively in comparison with the SPI–SA–0.1 conjugate. Furthermore, reduced particle sizes (356.18 nm), enhanced zeta potential (‒40.95 mV), and homogeneous droplet sizes were observed for the SPI-SA-200 emulsion. The present study details a practical method to prepare desirable emulsifiers for food processing by controlling the Maillard reaction and improving the functionality of SPI.
The Influence of Butter and Oils on Oxidative Reactions during In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion of Meat and Fish
Authors: Van Hecke Thomas , De Smet Stefaan
Published: November 2021

Oxidative reactions during cooking and gastrointestinal digestion of meat and fish lead to the formation of various lipid- and protein oxidation products, some of which are toxic. In the present study, it was investigated how the addition of 3% butter or oils affect lipid- and protein oxidation during cooking and in vitro digestion of meat (chicken thigh, chicken breast, beef) and fish (mackerel, cod). These muscle foods were selected based on their differences in heme-Fe and PUFA contents, and n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio, and therefore varying potential to form oxidation products during digestion. Without additional fat, mackerel digests displayed the highest n-3 PUFA oxidation (4-hydroxy-2-hexenal, propanal, thiobarbituric reactive acid substances), and chicken digests the highest n-6 PUFA oxidation (4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, hexanal), whereas both lipid- and protein oxidation (protein carbonyl compounds) were low in cod and beef digests. Lipid oxidative reactions were generally not altered by the addition of butter to any muscle matrix, whereas the addition of fish oil and safflower oil in different ratios (3:0, 2:1, 1:2, 0:3) as n-3 PUFA and n-6 PUFA source respectively, stimulated oxidative reactions, especially during digestion of beef. Since beef was considered the muscle matrix with the highest potential to stimulate oxidation in the added fat substrate, in a second experiment, beef was cooked and digested with 3% butter or seven commercial vegetable oils (sunflower-, maize-, peanut-, rapeseed-, olive-, rice bran- or coconut oil), all labeled ‘suitable for heating’. No relevant oxidative reactions were however observed during digestion of beef with any of these commercial vegetable oils.
Anti-Cancer Properties of Coix Seed Oil against HT-29 Colon Cells through Regulation of the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Ni Chunlei , Li Bailiang , Ding Yangyue , Wu Yue , Wang Qiuye , Wang Jiarong , Cheng Jianjun
Published: November 2021

This study aims to observe the effects of coix seed oil (CSO) on HT-29 cells and investigate its possible regulation mechanism of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Fatty acid analysis showed that coix seed oil mainly contains oleic acid (50.54%), linoleic acid (33.76%), palmitic acid (11.74%), and stearic acid (2.45%). Fourier transform infrared results found that the fatty acid functional groups present in the oil matched well with the vegetable oil band. The results from CCK-8 assays showed that CSO dose-dependently and time-dependently inhibited the viability of HT-29 cells in vitro. CSO inhibited cell viability, with IC50 values of 5.30 mg/mL for HT-29 obtained after 24 h treatment. Morphological changes were observed by apoptotic body/cell nucleus DNA (Hoechst 33258) staining using inverted and fluorescence microscopy. Moreover, flow cytometry analysis was used to evaluate the cell cycle and cell apoptosis. It showed that CSO induced cell apoptosis and cycle arrest in the G2 phase. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting revealed that CSO induced cell apoptosis by downregulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Additionally, CSO can cause apoptosis in cancer cells by activating caspase-3, up-regulating Bax, and down-regulating Bcl-2. In conclusion, the results revealed that CSO induced G2 arrest and apoptosis of HT-29 cells by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
Image and Video Forensics
Authors: Amerini Irene , Baldini Gianmarco , Leotta Francesco
Published: November 2021

Nowadays, images and videos have become the main modalities of information being exchanged in everyday life, and their pervasiveness has led the image forensics community to question their reliability, integrity, confidentiality, and security more and more [...]
Bank Risk Capital and Its Effectiveness in Selected Euro Area Banking Sectors
Authors: Pyka Irena , Nocoń Aleksandra
Published: November 2021

Risk capital or capital at risk (CaR) refers to the amount of capital set aside and maintained by banks to cover different types of risk. For banks, it is used as a buffer against claims or expenses in the event that ordinary capital is not enough to cover them. Thereby, risk capital can also be recognized as risk-bearing capital or surplus funds. Risk capital may generate very high costs, but on the other hand it protects against insolvency. That’s why a bank needs to find the ‘Gold mean’—the optimal value of risk capital that will not lower its efficiency, but still ensure financial security. The main objective of the study is identification of interdependencies between bank risk capital and effectiveness of the aggregated Eurozone banking sector and selected national banking sectors of the euro area. The paper tries to answer the research question whether the risk capital supports or lowers banks’ operational effectiveness. The adopted research hypothesis stated that there is a positive correlation between profitability and size of bank risk capital. To verify the hypothesis regression models were used. The results indicate that the size and structure of bank capital impact on the credit institutions’ effectiveness in the analyzed banking sectors, however with different intensity. Thereby, the article fulfils a research gap in the field of research studies that take into account how capital at risk and specific capital adequacy regulations may impact on a bank’s efficiency.
Fiber Reinforced Compressed Earth Blocks: Evaluating Flexural Strength Characteristics Using Short Flexural Beams
Authors: Donkor Peter , Obonyo Esther , Ferraro Christopher
Published: November 2021

There are ongoing research efforts directed at addressing strength limitations of compressed earth blocks (CEB) that inhibit their deployment for structural applications, particularly in areas where masonry systems are regularly subjected to lateral loads from high winds. In this paper, the authors focus specifically on the extent to which polypropylene (PP) fibers can be used to enhance the flexural performance of CEB. Cementitious matrices used for CEB production exhibit low tensile and flexural strength (brittle) properties. This work investigates plain (unreinforced) and fiber-reinforced specimens (short flexural beams) with fiber mass content of 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0% and ordinary Portland cement (OPC) content of 8%. The influence of the inclusion of fiber was based on tests conducted using the Standard Test Method for Flexural Performance of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (ASTM C1609). Material properties that were quantified included first-peak strength, peak strength, equivalent flexural strength, residual strength, and flexural toughness. There was an observed improvement in the performance of the soil-fiber matrixes based on these results of these tests. It was also observed that when the fiber content exceeded 0.6% and above, specimens exhibited a deflection- hardening behavior; an indication of improvement in ductility. An equivalent flexural strength predictive model is proposed.
Anisotropic Behavior of Al1050 through Accumulative Roll Bonding
Authors: Sattarpanah Karganroudi Sasan , Nasab Bahman , Rahmatabadi Davood , Ahmadi Mina , Gholami Mohammad , Kasaeian-Naeini Mehdi , Hashemi Ramin , Aminzadeh Ahmad , Ibrahim Hussein
Published: November 2021

In this study, Al1050 sheets were fabricated in five passes using the accumulative roll bonding (ARB) technique. For a more accurate and complete investigation, different tests were used, including a uniaxial tensile test. The results show that elongation increases about 50% for the annealed sample, which is 2.5 times that of the fifth pass (20%). A five-fold increase can be seen in tensile strength, which was 50 MPa in the annealed sample and reached 250 MPa at the end of the fifth pass. The annealed sample’s yield stress was 40 MPa, 4.5 times less than 180 MPa after five passes of ARB. Then, to evaluate sample hardness, the Vickers microhardness test was conducted in the samples’ depth direction, which recorded 39 HV for the annealed piece and 68 HV after the last ARB pass. These results show that the hardness increases by 1.8 times after five passes of ARB. In the next step, by conducting fractography tests after the sample fractures during the tensile test, the fracture’s mechanism and type were identified and explained. Finally, X-ray diffraction (XRD) was employed to produce pole figures of sample texture, and the anisotropy phenomena of the annealed sample and ARBed samples were wholly examined. In this study, with the help of pole figures, the anisotropic behavior after ARB was investigated and analyzed. In each step of the process, observing the samples’ texture states and the anisotropy magnificent was possible. According to the results, normal anisotropy of 0.6 in the annealed sample and 1.8 achieved after the fifth pass of ARB indicates that ARB leads to an increase in anisotropy.
Behavioral Assessment and Evaluation of Innovative Hollow Glue-Laminated Timber Elements
Authors: Perković Nikola , Rajčić Vlatka , Pranjić Monika
Published: November 2021

Due to the growing need to preserve our planet and reduce carbon emissions during construction, the use of the only carbon-absorbing material, timber, is increasingly being imposed. In addition to the requirement of reducing emissions, there is a necessity for the shortest possible construction time and the minimum use of construction machinery, which has led to the development of prefabricated construction systems. This paper deals with the innovative, hollow, glue-laminated timber elements which are intended for modular construction. Comparing this new system with existing modular systems, the main features and behavior of the constitutive elements, i.e., the hollow, glue-laminated timber elements, are presented. Experimental and numerical analysis of the mechanical performance of the timber elements was carried out and a comparative analysis of the behavior of two different types of hollow timber elements was conducted. The finite element method was used to predict the behavior of this innovative structural system. The results are compared with the analytical procedure to provide a background for the development of standardized methods for the design of timber structures.
Silk Powder from Cocoons and Woven Fabric as a Potential Bio-Modifier
Authors: Baranowska-Korczyc Anna , Hudecki Andrzej , Kamińska Irena , Cieślak Małgorzata
Published: November 2021

Silk, as a protein fiber characterized by high biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low toxicity, is mainly used as textile structures for various purposes, including for biological applications. The key issue for unlimited silk applicability as a modifier is to prepare its relevant form to cover or introduce to other materials. This study presents silk powder fabrication from Bombyx mori cocoons and non-dyed silk woven fabric through cryogenic milling. The cocoons were milled before and after the degumming process to obtain powders from raw structures and pure fibroin. The powder morphology and composition were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The influence of the milling on the silk structure was studied using infrared and Raman spectroscopies, indicating that silk powders retained dominant β-sheet structure. The powders were also analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric techniques. The thermal endothermic peak and onset temperature characteristic for silk decomposition shifted to the lower values for all powders, indicating less thermal stability. However, the process was found to be an efficient way to obtain silk powders. The new milled form of silk can allow its introduction into different matrices or form coatings without using any harsh solvents, enriching them with new features and make more biologically friendly.
Optimization of Honing Surface Roughness of Carburized Holes Based on GRA-RSM
Authors: Tang Tao , Liu Chi , Wang Rong
Published: November 2021

The carburized holes processed by ordinary internal grinding are prone to burn, crack, and low efficiency. Honing has a superior machining efficiency and cooling effect compared to traditional internal grinding. In this paper, we innovatively apply honing to carburizing hole grinding and propose an effective optimization scheme to enhance the surface finish of carburized holes. We set up an experimental system to explore the influence law of honing head rotation speed, axial reciprocating speed, grain size, and single grinding depth on surface roughness. Based on the grey correlation and response surface method, we propose a method to optimize the honing parameters of carburized holes and establish a prediction model, which has an R2 value of 0.9887, indicating that the model fits well. We verify the validity of the model by the root mean square error of 0.012 between the measured and calculated values. Based on the model, the optimal parameters of roughness (Ra) is obtained and verified by experiments. Compared with the original honing parameters, the surface roughness quality is improved by 25.8%. It shows that the optimized honing process based on the GRA-RSM method improves the surface quality of carburized holes significantly.
Mathematical Modelling of Climate Change and Variability in the Context of Outdoor Ergonomics
Authors: Soldatenko Sergei , Bogomolov Alexey , Ronzhin Andrey
Published: November 2021

The current climate change, unlike previous ones, is caused by human activity and is characterized by an unprecedented rate of increase in the near-surface temperature and an increase in the frequency and intensity of hazardous weather and climate events. To survive, society must be prepared to implement adaptation strategies and measures to mitigate the negative effects of climate change. This requires, first of all, knowledge of how the climate will change in the future. To date, mathematical modelling remains the only method and effective tool that is used to predict the climate system’s evolution under the influence of natural and anthropogenic perturbations. It is important that mathematics and its methods and approaches have played a vital role in climate research for several decades. In this study, we examined some mathematical methods and approaches, primarily, mathematical modelling and sensitivity analysis, for studying the Earth’s climate system, taking into account the dependence of human health on environmental conditions. The essential features of stochastic climate models and their application for the exploration of climate variability are examined in detail. As an illustrative example, we looked at the application of a low-order energy balance model to study climate variability. The effects of variations in feedbacks and the climate system’s inertia on the power spectrum of global mean surface temperature fluctuations that characterized the distribution of temperature variance over frequencies were estimated using a sensitivity analysis approach. Our confidence in the obtained results was based on the satisfactory agreement between the theoretical power spectrum that was derived from the energy balance model and the power spectrum that was obtained from observations and coupled climate models, including historical runs of the CMIP5 models.
On Leonardo Pisano Hybrinomials
Authors: Kürüz Ferhat , Dağdeviren Ali , Catarino Paula
Published: November 2021

A generalization of complex, dual, and hyperbolic numbers has recently been defined as hybrid numbers. In this study, using the Leonardo Pisano numbers and hybrid numbers we investigate Leonardo Pisano polynomials and hybrinomials. Furthermore, we also describe the basic algebraic properties and some identities of the Leonardo Pisano polynomials and hybrinomials.
Duality Solutions in Hydromagnetic Flow of SWCNT-MWCNT/Water Hybrid Nanofluid over Vertical Moving Slender Needle
Authors: Aladdin Nur Adilah Liyana , Bachok Norfifah
Published: November 2021

Recently, the topic of convection of heat transfer has created an interest among researchers because of its numerous applications in the daily life. The objective of this paper was to study theoretically the problem of mixed convection boundary layer flow and heat transfer of single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) and multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) in presence of hydromagnetic effects. The problem was initiated by formulating a mathematical model in partial differential equation (PDE) for the hybrid nanofluid flow with appropriate boundary conditions. The similarity equation was used to transform the PDE into an ordinary differential equation (ODE) and solved using bvp4c in MATLAB. The graphical results on variation of skin friction coefficient, Cf, local Nusselt number, Nux, shear stress, f″c and local heat flux, −θ′c with the effects of magnetic, M, size of needle, c, mixed convection parameter, λ and volume fraction of nanoparticles, φ were presented and discussed in detail. The study revealed that duality of solutions appears when the buoyance force is in opposing flow of the fluid motion, λ<0. The presence of M in hybrid nanofluid reduced the skin friction coefficient and heat transfer. On the other hand, the Cf and Nux increased as different concentrations of φ1 and c were added. It gives an insight into the medical field, especially in treating cancer cells. By means, it reveals that CNTs hybrid nanofluid shows high potential in reaching the site of tumors faster compared with nanofluid. A stability analysis has to be carried out. It is noticed that the first solution was stable and physically realizable.
Transmitter Module Optimization for Wireless Power Transfer Systems with Single Transmitter to Multiple Receivers
Authors: Lee Joungha , Lee Seung Beop
Published: November 2021

Most of the coil designs for wireless power transfer (WPT) systems have been developed based on the “single transmitter to a single receiver (S-S)” WPT systems by the empirical design approaches, partial domain searches, and shape optimization methods. Recently, the layout optimizations of the receiver coil for S-S WPT systems have been developed using gradient-based optimization, fixed-grid (FG) representation, and smooth boundary (SB) representation. In this paper, the new design optimization of the transmitter module for the “single transmitter to multiple receivers (S-M)” WPT system with the resonance optimization for the S-M WPT system is proposed to extremize the total power transfer efficiency while satisfying the load voltage (i.e., rated power) required by each receiver and the total mass used for the transmitter coil. The proposed method was applied to an application model (e.g., S-M WPT systems with two receiver modules). Using the sensitivity of design variables with respect to the objective function (i.e., total power transfer efficiency) and constraint functions (i.e., load voltage of each receiver module and transmitter coil mass) at each iteration of the optimization process, the proposed method determines the optimal transmitter module that can maximize the total power transfer efficiency while several constraints are satisfied. Finally, the optimized transmitter module for the S-M WPT system was demonstrated through comparison with experiments under the same conditions as the simulation environment.
Designing a Solar Photovoltaic System for Generating Renewable Energy of a Hospital: Performance Analysis and Adjustment Based on RSM and ANFIS Approaches
Authors: Alamoudi Rami , Taylan Osman , Aktacir Mehmet Azmi , Herrera-Viedma Enrique
Published: November 2021

One of the most favorable renewable energy sources, solar photovoltaic (PV) can meet the electricity demand considerably. Sunlight is converted into electricity by the solar PV systems using cells containing semiconductor materials. A PV system is designed to meet the energy needs of King Abdulaziz University Hospital. A new method has been introduced to find optimal working capacity, and determine the self-consumption and sufficiency rates of the PV system. Response surface methodology (RSM) is used for determining the optimal working conditions of PV panels. Similarly, an adaptive neural network based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) was employed to analyze the performance of solar PV panels. The outcomes of methods were compared to the actual outcomes available for testing the performance of models. Hence, for a 40 MW target PV system capacity, the RSM determined that approximately 33.96 MW electricity can be produced, when the radiation rate is 896.3 W/m2, the module surface temperature is 41.4 °C, the outdoor temperature is 36.2 °C, the wind direction and speed are 305.6 and 6.7 m/s, respectively. The ANFIS model (with nine rules) gave the highest performance with lowest residual for the same design parameters. Hence, it was determined that the hourly electrical energy requirement of the hospital can be met by the PV system during the year.
Parametric Study of Jet/Droplet Formation Process during LIFT Printing of Living Cell-Laden Bioink
Authors: Kryou Christina , Theodorakos Ioannis , Karakaidos Panagiotis , Klinakis Apostolos , Hatziapostolou Antonios , Zergioti Ioanna
Published: November 2021

Bioprinting offers great potential for the fabrication of three-dimensional living tissues by the precise layer-by-layer printing of biological materials, including living cells and cell-laden hydrogels. The laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) of cell-laden bioinks is one of the most promising laser-printing technologies enabling biofabrication. However, for it to be a viable bioprinting technology, bioink printability must be carefully examined. In this study, we used a time-resolved imaging system to study the cell-laden bioink droplet formation process in terms of the droplet size, velocity, and traveling distance. For this purpose, the bioinks were prepared using breast cancer cells with different cell concentrations to evaluate the effect of the cell concentration on the droplet formation process and the survival of the cells after printing. These bioinks were compared with cell-free bioinks under the same printing conditions to understand the effect of the particle physical properties on the droplet formation procedure. The morphology of the printed droplets indicated that it is possible to print uniform droplets for a wide range of cell concentrations. Overall, it is concluded that the laser fluence and the distance of the donor–receiver substrates play an important role in the printing impingement type; consequently, a careful adjustment of these parameters can lead to high-quality printing.
Determination of Benzophenones in Water and Cosmetics Samples: A Comparison of Solid-Phase Extraction and Microextraction by Packed Sorbent Methods
Authors: Wejnerowska Grażyna , Narloch Izabela
Published: November 2021

Benzophenones (BPs) are extensively used in a wide variety of cosmetic products and other materials (e.g., textiles or plastics) to avoid damaging effects of UV radiation. In the present work, we compared two extraction methods for the determination of BPs, namely, 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone (BP-1), 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (BP-3) and 2,2-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (BP-8), in water and cosmetics samples. The following extraction methods were used for the research: solid-phase extraction (SPE) and microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS), whereas analysis was performed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection. A comparison between the methods indicates that the MEPS technique(s) can be reliably used for analysis of BPs (sunscreen residue) in water samples and cosmetic samples with satisfactory results. This microextraction technique is cheap, easy, quick to implement, and consumes small amounts of solvents. On the other hand, the main advantage of the SPE method are low detection limits for the determination of BPs in water samples, i.e., from 0.034 to 0.067 µg L−1, while, for the MEPS method, LODs were at the level of 1.8–3.2 µg L−1. For both methods, the recoveries of BPs were 96–107% and 44–70% for water and cosmetics samples, respectively. The presented methods are suitable for use in cosmetics quality control and environmental pollution assessment.
Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Carvacrol and Magnolol, in Periodontal Disease and Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Cicalău Georgiana , Babes Petru , Calniceanu Horia , Popa Adelina , Ciavoi Gabriela , Iova Gilda , Ganea Mariana , Scrobotă Ioana
Published: November 2021

Periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus are two pathologies that are extremely widespread worldwide and share the feature of chronic inflammation. Carvacrol is a phenolic monoterpenoid, produced by a variety of herbs, the most well-known of which is Origanum vulgare. Magnolol is a traditional polyphenolic compound isolated from the stem bark of Magnolia officinalis, mainly used in Chinese medicine. The purpose of this paper is to review the therapeutic properties of these bioactive compounds, in the treatment of periodontitis and diabetes. Based on our search strategy we conducted a literature search in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases to identify studies. A total of one hundred eighty-four papers were included in the current review. The results show that carvacrol and magnolol have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-osteoclastic, and anti-diabetic properties that benefit both pathologies. Knowledge of the multiple activities of carvacrol and magnolol can assist with the development of new treatment strategies, and the design of clinical animal and human trials will maximize the potential benefits of these extracts in subjects suffering from periodontitis or diabetes.