bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic and Blood Pressure Effects of Consuming Two Kiwifruit Daily for 7 Weeks: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Monro John , Lubransky Alex , Mishra Suman , Haszard Jillian , Venn Bernard
Published: June 2022

Background: Eating two kiwifruit before breakfast by equi-carbohydrate partial exchange of cereal has been associated with lower postprandial glucose and insulin, but it increases the intake of fruit sugar. We assessed the effects of kiwifruit ingestion at breakfast over 7 weeks on metabolic and physiologic factors. Method: Forty-three healthy Asian participants were randomised to ingest 500 mL of carbonated water (control) or 500 mL of carbonated water plus two kiwifruit (intervention), before breakfast. Three-day weighed diet records were taken before and at week 4 during the intervention. Overnight fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and week 7. Forty-two participants completed the study (n = 22 control, n = 20 intervention). Results: The kiwifruit group consumed more fructose, vitamin C, vitamin E, and carbohydrates as a percentage of energy compared with the control group (p < 0.01). There was no evidence of between-group changes in metabolic outcomes at the end of the intervention, with the following mean (95% confidence interval) differences in fasting blood samples: glucose 0.09 (−0.06, 0.24) mmol/L; insulin −1.6 (−3.5, 0.3) μU/mL; uric acid −13 (−30, 4) μmol/L; triglycerides −0.10 (−0.22, 0.03) mmol/L; and total cholesterol −0.05 (−0.24, 0.14) mmol/L. There was a −2.7 (−5.5, 0.0) mmHg difference in systolic blood pressure for the intervention group compared with the control group. Conclusion: Eating two kiwifruit as part of breakfast increased fruit consumption and intake of antioxidant nutrients without a change in fasting insulin. There was a difference in systolic blood pressure and no adverse fructose-associated increases in uric acid, triglycerides, or total cholesterol. This simple intervention may provide health benefits to other demographic groups.
Development of an Innovative Online Dietary Assessment Tool for France: Adaptation of myfood24
Authors: Hasenböhler Anaïs , Denes Lena , Blanstier Noémie , Dehove Henri , Hamouche Nour , Beer Sarah , Williams Grace , Breil Béatrice , Depeint Flore , Cade Janet E. , Illner-Delepine Anne-Kathrin
Published: June 2022

myfood24 is an innovative dietary assessment tool originally developed in English for use in the United Kingdom. This online 24 h recall, a tool commonly used in nutritional epidemiology, has been developed into different international versions. This paper aims to describe the creation of its French version. We used a consistent approach to development, aligned with other international versions, using similar methodologies. A nutritional database (food item codes, portion groups and accompaniments, etc.) was developed based on commonly used French food composition tables (CIQUAL 2017). Portion sizes were adapted to French dietary habits (estimation, photographs of French portion sizes, assessment of the photograph series and their angle (aerial vs. 45 degrees)). We evaluated the new tool, which contained nearly 3000 food items with 34 individuals using the System Usability Scale. We validated the French food portion picture series using EFSA criteria for bias and agreement. The results of the picture evaluation showed that the angle with which photos are taken had limited impact on the ability to judge portion size. Estimating food intake is a challenging task. Evaluation showed “good” usability of the system in its French version. myfood24 France will be a useful addition to nutritional epidemiology research in France.
The Cow’s Milk Related Symptom Score: The 2022 Update
Authors: Vandenplas Yvan , Bajerova Katerina , Dupont Christophe , Eigenmann Philippe , Kuitunen Mikael , Meyer Rosan , Ribes-Koninckx Carmen , Salvatore Silvia , Shamir Raanan , Szajewska Hania
Published: June 2022

CoMiSS® was developed 7 years ago to increase the awareness of health care professionals towards the possibility that symptoms presented by infants could be related to cow’s milk. While CoMiSS was conceived mostly on theoretical concepts, data is now available from 25 clinical trials. Based on this extensive research using the tool since 2015, we aim to propose an updated CoMiSS. The evidence was reviewed, debated and discussed by 10 experts, of whom seven were part of the original group. The panel concluded that the cut-off previously proposed to indicate the likelihood that symptoms may be cow’s milk related should be lowered from ≥12 to ≥10. Data in healthy infants > 6 months are missing. Since the Brussels Infant and Toddlers Stool Scale (BITSS) was recently developed for non-toilet trained children, the Bristol Stool Scale was changed to the BITSS without changing the impact of stool characteristics on CoMiSS. Overall, CoMiSS raises awareness that symptoms might be cow’s milk related. New studies are needed to determine if the change in cut-off and other small adaptions improve its sensitivity and specificity. Data for CoMiSS is still needed in presumed healthy infants between 6 and 12 months old. There may also be regional differences in CoMiSS, in healthy infants as well as in those with cow’s milk allergy. Finally, we emphasize that CoMiSS is an awareness tool and not a diagnostic test.
Blood Chromium Levels and Their Association with Cardiovascular Diseases, Diabetes, and Depression: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015–2016
Authors: Chen Jasmine , Kan Michael , Ratnasekera Pulindu , Deol Lovepreet Kaur , Thakkar Vidhi , Davison Karen M.
Published: June 2022

Currently, there is no global consensus about the essentiality of dietary chromium. To provide evidence to this debate, an examination of blood chromium levels and common chronic health conditions was undertaken. Using a subsample from the 2015–2016 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n = 2894; 40 years+), chi-square and binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine blood chromium levels (0.7–28.0 vs. <0.7 µg/L) and their associations with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs; self-report), diabetes mellitus (DM; glycohemoglobin ≥5.7%), and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score ≥5), while controlling for socio-demographic (age/sex/income/education/relationship status) and health-related (red blood cell folate/medications/co-morbidities/body mass index (BMI)/substance use) factors. The sample was almost evenly distributed between men and women (n = 1391, 48.1% (men); n = 1503, 51.9% (women)). The prevalence estimates of low blood chromium levels tended to be higher among those with CVDs (47.4–47.6%) and DM (50.0–51.6%). Comparisons between those with low vs. normal blood chromium levels indicate men have increased odds of CVDs (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.86, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22–2.85, p < 0.001) and DM (aOR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.32–2.83, p < 0.001) and lower odds of depression (aOR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.22–0.77, p < 0.05). Dietary chromium may be important in the prevention and management of CVDs and DM for men. Continued exploration of chromium’s role in chronic diseases, including differences by biological factors, is needed.
Evaluating the Efficacy of Probiotics in IBS Treatment Using a Systematic Review of Clinical Trials and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis
Authors: Ceccherini Cecilia , Daniotti Sara , Bearzi Claudia , Re Ilaria
Published: June 2022

The evaluation of probiotics’ efficacy in treating irritable bowel syndrome is supported by an increasing number of clinical studies based on a heterogeneous approach of products tested and the patient cohort involved. Although the role of gut microbiota dysbiosis in IBS pathogenesis and the beneficial contribution of probiotics were demonstrated, a tool to discriminate symptom-specific strains and a personalised medicine protocol are still lacking. Thus, this study employs, for the first time, a method that combines the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis and multi-criteria decision analysis methods in a structured decision-making tool to analyze the efficacy of probiotic mix, in order to identify the most effective formulation and to discriminate which probiotics are more efficient in treating different symptoms. The PRISMA methodology resulted in a qualitative and quantitative analysis of 104 clinical studies from 2011 to 2021, revealing a prevalence of Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis. MCDA analysis showed that formulations based on Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus acidophilus have the highest efficacy, especially on quality of life, bloating, and abdominal pain. This methodological approach could become more specific by modelling clinical studies according to the age and gender of patients and probiotic strain.
Fish Consumption: Influence of Knowledge, Product Information, and Satisfaction with Product Attributes
Authors: Krešić Greta , Dujmić Elena , Lončarić Dina , Zrnčić Snježana , Liović Nikolina , Pleadin Jelka
Published: June 2022

Due to its numerous health benefits, fish consumption should be strongly encouraged. Fish consumption, however, is a complex phenomenon influenced by various factors. The aim of this research is to examine the influence of knowledge, product information, and satisfaction with product attributes on fish consumption in a nationally representative sample of people responsible for food purchasing within households in Croatia (n = 977) and Italy (n = 967). Fish consumption was well predicted (R2 = 15%) by the proposed structural model, using the partial least squares structural equation modelling method (PLS-SEM). The obtained results confirm that subjective knowledge (β = 0.277, p < 0.001) and satisfaction with product attributes (β = 0.197, p < 0.001) are predictors of fish consumption. Subjective knowledge was influenced by product information (β = 0.161, p < 0.001), as well as by satisfaction with product attributes (β = 0.282, p < 0.001), while objective knowledge had an influence on product information (β = 0.194, p < 0.001). Although satisfaction with product attributes was the strongest predictor of subjective knowledge in both countries (βCRO = 0.244, βIT = 0.398), it had a greater effect among Italians (p = 0.001), while the impact of product information (βCRO = 0.210, βIT = 0.086) was more pronounced among Croatians (p = 0.010). Since the mediating role of subjective knowledge in all models was confirmed, action focused on enhancing subjective knowledge should be taken to increase fish consumption.
Acute Effects of Cocoa Flavanols on Blood Pressure and Peripheral Vascular Reactivity in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Essential Hypertension
Authors: Tanghe Anouk , Heyman Elsa , Lespagnol Elodie , Stautemas Jan , Celie Bert , Op ‘t Roodt Jos , Rietzschel Ernst , Dias Soares Danusa , Hermans Nina , Tuenter Emmy , Shadid Samyah , Calders Patrick
Published: June 2022

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with a high risk of vascular complications. Interestingly, cocoa flavanols (CF) can exert beneficial vascular effects in non-diabetic subjects. However, these effects have only been scarcely studied in T2DM. Therefore, we performed a study to assess the effects on vascular reactivity of a single dose of CF (790 mg) in T2DM and whether certain antihypertensive drugs may modulate these effects. Methods: 24 non-diabetic and 11 T2DM subjects were studied in a cross-over design. Fasting blood samples, blood pressure (BP), and arterial vasoreactivity (flow-mediated dilation) were assessed before and 70 min after capsule ingestion. Muscle microvascular reactivity was only assessed after capsule ingestion. Age, waist-to-hip ratio, BP at baseline, and the use of antihypertensive drugs were regarded as covariates in a mixed models analysis. Results: CF ingestion did not affect any parameter. However, independent of the type of capsules ingested, a decrease in diastolic BP by 3 mmHg (95% CI: −4.0; −2.0) and an increase in the change in brachial artery diameter (pre vs. post occlusion) by 0.06 mm (95% CI: 0.01; 0.12) were detected in the non-diabetic group, while they remained unchanged in the T2DM group. Conclusion: No beneficial effects of CF were detected on vascular reactivity parameters in T2DM and non-diabetic participants.
Combatting Antibiotic Resistance Using Supramolecular Assemblies
Authors: Guo Shuwen , He Yuling , Zhu Yuanyuan , Tang Yanli , Yu Bingran
Published: June 2022

Antibiotic resistance has posed a great threat to human health. The emergence of antibiotic resistance has always outpaced the development of new antibiotics, and the investment in the development of new antibiotics is diminishing. Supramolecular self-assembly of the conventional antibacterial agents has been proved to be a promising and versatile strategy to tackle the serious problem of antibiotic resistance. In this review, the recent development of antibacterial agents based on supramolecular self-assembly strategies will be introduced.
In the Search for Novel, Isoflavone-Rich Functional Foods—Comparative Studies of Four Clover Species Sprouts and Their Chemopreventive Potential for Breast and Prostate Cancer
Authors: Galanty Agnieszka , Niepsuj Monika , Grudzińska Marta , Zagrodzki Paweł , Podolak Irma , Paśko Paweł
Published: June 2022

Despite a significant amount of research, the relationship between a diet rich in isoflavones and breast and prostate cancer risk is still ambiguous. The purpose of the current study was to pre-select the potential candidate for functional foods among red, white, crimson, and Persian clover sprouts, cultured for different periods of time (up to 10 days), with respect to the isoflavone content (determined by HPLC-UV-VIS), and to verify their impact on hormone-dependent cancers in vitro. The red clover sprouts were the richest in isoflavones (up to 426.2 mg/100 g dw), whereas the lowest content was observed for the crimson clover. Each species produced isoflavones in different patterns, which refer to the germination time. Hormone-insensitive MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells were more resistant to the tested extracts than estrogen-dependent MCF7 breast cancer cells. Regarding prostate cancer, androgen-dependent LNCap cells were most susceptible to the tested sprouts, followed by androgen-insensitive, high metastatic PC3, and low metastatic DU145 cells. The observed cytotoxic impact of the tested sprouts is not associated with isoflavone content, as confirmed by chemometric analysis. Furthermore, the sprouts tested revealed a high antioxidant potential, and were characterized by high safety for normal breast and prostate cells.
Two Novel Co-Crystals of Naproxen: Comparison of Stability, Solubility and Intermolecular Interaction
Authors: Xing Cheng , Chen Ting , Wang Li , An Qi , Jin Yali , Yang Dezhi , Zhang Li , Du Guanhua , Lu Yang
Published: June 2022

Two novel co-crystals of naproxen (NPX) were designed and prepared at a stoichiometric ratio of 1:1, namely, naproxen–caprolactam (NPX–CPL) and naproxen–oxymatrine (NPX–OMT). The characteristics of the co-crystals were evaluated in terms of stability and solubility studies. In terms of solubility, in four kinds of solvent systems with different pH, the solubility of NPX–OMT was significantly improved compared with that of NPX, whereas the NPX–CPL showed advantages in acidic solvent systems, indicating that the co-crystals can be applied to concoct preparations depending on therapeutic purposes. Furthermore, the experimental results of the thermal analysis showed that the co-crystal NPX–OMT had better thermal stability than the co-crystal NPX–CPL. Finally, as a complement to the single crystal X-ray diffraction (SC XRD) method, the theoretical calculation based on density functional theory (DFT) was also used to reveal the intermolecular interaction of the co-crystals at the molecular level and visually display the difference between them.
Folate-Modified Chitosan 5-Flourouraci Nanoparticles-Embedded Calcium Alginate Beads for Colon Targeted Delivery
Authors: Ullah Shafi , Nawaz Asif , Farid Arshad , Latif Muhammad Shahid , Fareed Muhammad , Ghazanfar Shakira , Galanakis Charis M. , Alamri Abdulhakeem S. , Alhomrani Majid , Asdaq Syed Mohammed Basheeruddin
Published: June 2022

Gel beads are formed when alginate acid reacts with divalent cations, particularly Ca2+. As a result of this feature, it is one of the best materials for making gel beads. Furthermore, it swells only slightly at acidic pH, resulting in stable alginate acid beads, but swells and dissolves rapidly at higher pH values, leading to pH-responsive release. Our current study aimed to embed folate-modified chitosan 5FU nanoparticles (FA-CS-5FU-NPs) into calcium alginate beads for colon-targeted delivery. Calcium alginate beads were developed successfully. Based on the method of drying, two types of beads were obtained: freeze-dried folate-modified chitosan 5FU nanoparticles-embedded beads (FA-CS-5FU-NP-Bf) and oven-dried folate-modified chitosan 5FU nanoparticles-embedded beads (FA-CS-5FU-NP-Bo). The size of (FA-CS-5FU-NP-Bf) was significantly larger than (FA-CS-5FU-NP-Bo). Swelling index (SI), erosion index (EI), and water-uptake index (WUI) of (FA-CS-5FU-NP-Bf) beads were significantly higher than FA-CS-5FU-NP-Bo beads at simulated intestinal pH. An insignificant difference was observed in the release rate of 5FU between (FA-CS-5FU-NP-Bf) and FA-CS-5FU-NP-Bo. The release rate of FA-CS-5FU-NPs was significantly higher than FA-CS-5FU-NP-Bf and FA-CS-5FU-NP-Bo. Pharmacokinetic parameters of 5FU solution, FA-CS-5FU-NPs, and FA-CS-5FU-NP-Bo were analyzed. Solution of pure 5FU showed significantly higher Cmax and lower AUC, T1/2, and Vd than both FA-CS-5FU-NPs and FA-CS-5FU-NPs-Bo, suggesting that FA-CS-5FU-NPs and FA-CS-5FU-NPs-Bo have sustained-release behavior. Biodistribution studies also show that maximum drug amounts were found in the colon from nanoparticles-embedded beads. FA-CS-5FU-NPs-Bo avoid releasing drugs in the stomach and small intestine and make them available in the colon region in higher concentrations to target the colon region specifically.
l-Arginine Induces White Adipose Tissue Browning—A New Pharmaceutical Alternative to Cold
Authors: Kalezic Andjelika , Korac Aleksandra , Korac Bato , Jankovic Aleksandra
Published: June 2022

The beneficial effects of l-arginine supplementation in obesity and type II diabetes involve white adipose tissue (WAT) reduction and increased substrate oxidation. We aimed to test the potential of l-arginine to induce WAT browning. Therefore, the molecular basis of browning was investigated in retroperitoneal WAT (rpWAT) of rats exposed to cold or treated with 2.25% l-arginine for 1, 3, and 7 days. Compared to untreated control, levels of inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase protein expression and NO signaling increased in both cold-exposed and l-arginine-treated groups. These increases coincided with the appearance of multilocular adipocytes and increased expression levels of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), thermogenic and beige adipocyte-specific genes (Cidea, Cd137, and Tmem26), mitochondriogenesis markers (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ coactivator-1α, mitochondrial DNA copy number), nuclear respiratory factor 1, PPARα and their respective downstream lipid oxidation enzymes after l-arginine treatment. Such browning phenotype in the l-arginine-treated group was concordant with end-course decreases in leptinaemia, rpWAT mass, and body weight. In conclusion, l-arginine mimics cold-mediated increases in NO signaling in rpWAT and induces molecular and structural fingerprints of rpWAT browning. The results endorse l-arginine as a pharmaceutical alternative to cold exposure, which could be of great interest in obesity and associated metabolic diseases.
Aralia cordata Thunb. as a Source of Bioactive Compounds: Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Puzerytė Viktorija , Viškelis Pranas , Balčiūnaitienė Aistė , Štreimikytė Paulina , Viškelis Jonas , Urbonavičienė Dalia
Published: June 2022

Plant primary and secondary metabolites are a significant source for many applications, including extractions of functional components, green synthesis development, and producing higher-added value products. However, in the variety of botanicals, Aralia cordata Thunb. plant is getting attention for its similarity to ginseng. This study comprehensively examines the biochemical and phytochemical profiles of different A. cordata morphological parts: root, stem, leaf, inflorescence, berry, and seed. Additionally, the establishment of total phenolic content and quantitative analysis of powerful antioxidants such as chlorophyll, carotenoids (zeaxanthin, lutein, and β-carotene), proanthocyanidins, and anthocyanins content were evaluated. The results indicated that A. cordata stem and berries are an excellent source of anthocyanins in the range from 18.27 to 78.54 mg/100 g DW. Meanwhile, the antioxidant activity was evaluated using three different methods based on the capacity to scavenge: DPPH• scavenging capacity, ABTS•+ radical cation assay, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and ranged from 27 to 168 µmol TE/g DW, 8 to 117 µmol TE/g DW, and 18 to 157 µmol TE/g DW, respectively. This study proposes a novel competitive plant for many health-promoting applications in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, material, and food industries.
Terpene Profiles Composition and Micromorphological Analysis on Two Wild Populations of Helichrysum spp. from the Tuscan Archipelago (Central Italy)
Authors: Marini Lorenzo , Palchetti Enrico , Brilli Lorenzo , Fico Gelsomina , Giuliani Claudia , Michelozzi Marco , Cencetti Gabriele , Foggi Bruno , Bruschi Piero
Published: June 2022

Two wild populations of Helichrysum (Mill.) located at Elba Island (Tuscan Archipelago, Central Italy) were morphologically and phytochemically analyzed to taxonomically identify H. litoreum (population A) and H. italicum subsp. italicum (population B). Micromorphological and histochemical analyses were performed on the indumentum using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Light Microscope (LM). Morphometric analyses on vegetative and reproductive traits were also conducted. Finally, a chemotaxonomic analysis was carried out on the terpene profile of flowers, leaves and bark tissues using gas chromatography (GC-MS). Results suggested that morphological discriminant traits were mainly in leaves and cypselae glandular tissues. Phytochemical analysis indicated that a high relative content of α-pinene and β-caryophyllene were the main markers for population A, while a high relative content of neryl-acetate, α-curcumene, isoitalicene and italicene, especially in the terpene profile of bark tissue, were the main compounds for discriminating population B. The analysis suggested that the wild population A could be mainly ascribed to H. litoreum, whilst population B is defined by H. italicum.
Antibacterial Performance of Protonated Polyaniline-Integrated Polyester Fabrics
Authors: Aizamddin Muhammad Faiz , Mahat Mohd Muzamir , Zainal Ariffin Zaidah , Nawawi Mohd Azizi , Jani Nur Aimi , Nor Amdan Nur Asyura , Sadasivuni Kishor Kumar
Published: June 2022

During the last few years, there has been an increase in public awareness of antimicrobial fabrics, as well as an increase in commercial opportunities for their use in pharmaceutical and medical settings. The present study reports on the optimized fabrication of protonated polyaniline (PANI)-integrated polyester (PES) fabric. Para-toluene sulfonic acid (pTSA) was used to protonate the PANI fabric and thus grant it antibacterial performance. The results of a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay showed high antioxidant activity of protonated PANI fabric at a scavenging efficiency of 84.83%. Moreover, the findings revealed remarkably sensitive antibacterial performance of PANI-integrated fabric against the following Gram-positive bacteria: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), S. epidermidis, and S. aureus; and also against the following Gram-negative bacteria: P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and S. typhi. Attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared (ATR–FTIR) spectroscopy and energy dispersive X–ray fluorescence (EDXRF) were used to determine the changes in the structural and elemental compositions of PANI fabric upon treatment with bacterial strains. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) revealed that the electrical conductivity value of protonated PANI fabric decreased by one (1) order of magnitude against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, from 3.35 ± 7.81 × 10−3 S cm−1 to 6.11 ± 7.81 × 10−4 S cm−1 and 4.63 ± 7.81 × 10−4 S cm−1, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed the disruption of bacterial membranes and their structures when exposed to protonated PANI fabric; meanwhile, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated that the fabric retained its thermal stability characteristics. These findings open up potential for the use of antimicrobial fabrics in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors.
Defect Identification of Composite Insulator Based on Infrared Image
Authors: Zhang Zhongyuan , Huang Qilin , Geng Jianghai , Liu Qiyu , Zhang Simin
Published: June 2022

The deterioration of a composite insulator’s mandrel will cause a serious power-grid accident, so it is necessary to find the defect as soon as possible. Infrared imaging is an effective means to detect mandrel-deterioration defects, but sheath-aging defects will cause trouble to screen mandrel deterioration. Therefore, it is urgent to distinguish the two defects. In this paper, two composite insulators that are out of service with different heating characteristics are tested and analyzed, and the temperature-rise characteristics are analyzed by building a simulation model. The results show that the temperature rise of composite insulators with oxidative decomposition of epoxy resin is large, and the range usually extends from the hardware of the high-voltage side to several umbrella skirts. The temperature rise caused by the composite insulator with the fiber completely wrapped by epoxy resin is small, which mainly occurs from the hardware to the first umbrella skirt. The simulation model constructed in this paper is consistent with the experimental results, which verifies the accuracy of the model. The model can distinguish the mandrel-deterioration defect and sheath-aging defect, and has guiding significance and important reference value for the detection rate of the mandrel-deterioration composite insulator and ensuring the safe and stable operation of the power grid.
Study on Interfacial Interlocking Effect of Ultrasonic Vibration-Assisted Adhesive Bonding
Authors: Cao Yunwei , Wang Hui , Zhang Qingsong , Huang Kai , Chen Yizhe , Wang Jinhuo , Yan Fei , Liu Huafeng
Published: June 2022

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) blades are often exposed to wild and even harsh environments. The durability of the blade can be greatly improved by adhesively bonding a Ni erosion shield to the leading edge. In a traditional bonding process, the permeation of adhesive is poor at the interface, which gives an insufficient micromechanical interlocking. In this study, ultrasonic vibration was applied during the bonding process of sandblasted Ni plates and CFRP laminates. The values of shear strength were measured by tensile tests to verify the strengthening effect of applying ultrasonication. The cross-section of the bonded interface was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and the surfaces with different treatments were explored by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The cross-sectional morphology and failure model of the samples were investigated. The strengthening mechanism was then studied by a molecular dynamics method. For the simulation of molecular dynamics, the CFRP/Ni bonding interface model was designed using the Materials Studio software package. The Perl scripts were used to simulate the ultrasonic vibration with different frequencies and amplitudes. The results showed that the ultrasonic process could improve the permeability and uniformity of the adhesive, enhancing the micromechanical interlocking effect.
Bioconversion of Mixed Alkanes to Polyhydroxyalkanoate by Pseudomonas resinovornas: Upcycling of Pyrolysis Oil from Waste-Plastic
Authors: Jeon Jong-Min , Park So-Jin , Son Ye-Seung , Yang Yung-Hun , Yoon Jeong-Jun
Published: June 2022

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) is a biodegradable plastic that can be used to replace petroleum-based plastic. In addition, as a medium-chain-length PHA (mcl-PHA), it can be used to provide elastomeric properties in specific applications. Because of these characteristics, recently, there has been much research on mcl-PHA production using inexpensive biomass materials as substrates. In this study, mcl-PHA producers were screened using alkanes (n-octane, n-decane, and n-dodecane) as sources of carbon. The amount of PHA produced by Pseudomonas resinovorans using sole n-octane, n-decane, or n-dodecane was 0.48 g/L, 0.27 g/L, or 0.07 g/L, respectively, while that produced using mixed alkane was 0.74 g/L. As a larger amount of PHA was produced using mixed alkane compared with sole alkane, a statistical mixture analysis was used to determine the optimal ratio of alkanes in the mixture. The optimal ratio predicted by the analysis was a medium with 9.15% n-octane, 6.44% n-decane, and 4.29% n-dodecane. In addition, through several concentration-specific experiments, the optimum concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus for cell growth and maximum PHA production were determined as 0.05% and 1.0%, respectively. Finally, under the determined optimal conditions, 2.1 g/L of mcl-PHA and 60% PHA content were obtained using P. resinovorans in a 7 L fermenter.
Isothermal and Non-Isothermal Crystallization Kinetics of Poly(ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene)
Authors: Yang Xiaodong , Yu Bin , Sun Hui , Wang Nan , Liu Peng , Feng Jiangli , Cui Xiaogang
Published: June 2022

The isothermal (IT) and non-isothermal (NIT) crystallization kinetics, morphology, and structure of poly(ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene) (ECTFE) were investigated via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarized optical microscopy (POM), and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (XRD). The Avrami equation could well describe the overall IT crystallization process of ECTFE, and, furthermore, the overall crystallization rate decreased at higher crystallization temperatures (Tc). The equilibrium melting point for ECTFE was found to be 238.66 °C. The activation energies for IT and NIT crystallization were determined as −137.68 and −120.54 kJ/mol, respectively. The Jeziorny model fitted well with the initial stages of NIT melt crystallization, while deviations from linearity in the later stages of the process were due to the collisions of spherulites. Spherulites of ECTFE organized in a hexagonal crystal system were found. The relative crystalline degree of ECTFE under NIT conditions was about 54.55%, and this decreased with the increase in cooling rate. Moreover, the Ozawa and Mo models were suitable for modeling the overall NIT crystallization process of ECTFE.
Development of Synthesis and Application of High Molecular Weight Poly(Methyl Methacrylate)
Authors: Yuan Ming , Huang Dayun , Zhao Yixuan
Published: June 2022

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is widely used in aviation, architecture, medical treatment, optical instruments and other fields because of its good transparency, chemical stability and electrical insulation. However, the application of PMMA largely depends on its physical properties. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, fracture surface energy, shear modulus and Young’s modulus are increased with the increase in molecular weight. Consequently, it is of great significance to synthesize high molecular weight PMMA. In this article, we review the application of conventional free radical polymerization, atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and coordination polymerization for preparing high molecular weight PMMA. The mechanisms of these polymerizations are discussed. In addition, applications of PMMA are also summarized.
A Structural Design Method of 3D Electromagnetic Wave-Absorbing Woven Fabrics
Authors: Yin Jianjun , Ma Wensuo , Gao Zuobin , Lei Xianqing , Jia Chenhui
Published: June 2022

Based on the wave absorption model of 3D woven fabric and the zero-reflection equations, a new structural design method of 3D electromagnetic (EM) wave-absorbing woven fabrics was obtained. The 3D woven fabrics fabricated by the proposed method had the structure of a bidirectional angle interlock. Continuous S-2 glass fibers were used as the matching layer of this 3D woven fabric, and continuous carbon fibers were used as the absorbing layer. The absorbing layer satisfied the equivalent EM parameters under the condition of zero reflection. The results of the simulation and experiment showed that the performance trends of the 3D wave-absorbing fabric obtained by this method were consistent with the theory, which verified the correctness of the structure design method. The 3D fabrics obtained by this method have the advantages of wide absorbing frequencies and good absorbing performance (−20 dB). This structural design method also has theoretical guiding significance for the development of 3D wave-absorbing fabrics.
A Study of United Temple in Singapore—Analysis of Union from the Perspective of Sub-Temple
Authors: Hue Guan Thye , Wang Yidan , Dean Kenneth , Lin Ruo , Tang Chang , Choo Juhn Khai Klan , Liu Yilin , Kui Wei Kai , Dong Weikai , Xue Yiran , Chia Caroline
Published: June 2022

This paper attempts to examine the formation path of the United Temple. Since research on the United Temple has focused more on its organization and religious practice in contemporary Singapore, the paper looks at the sub-temples under the Singapore United Temple, analyzing their paths toward unification from a more extended historical perspective. The authors divide sub-temples into three categories: ancestral temples (血缘庙), geographic temples (地缘庙), and deity-related temples (神缘庙) and compare their flexible strategies. This paper tries to explain how the formation of the United Temples was influenced by multiple spatial, social, and cultural factors. The blood lineage, religion, and regional ties from the homeland could still be essential when the localized, community-based social links beyond the boundaries play an equally crucial integrative role in forming United Temples. It is the contention of the authors of this paper to study the United Temple—the unique religious space in Singapore—as the potential syncretic field of the present and the past.
Monitoring and Predicting Channel Morphology of the Tongtian River, Headwater of the Yangtze River Using Landsat Images and Lightweight Neural Network
Authors: Deng Bin , Xiong Kai , Huang Zhiyong , Jiang Changbo , Liu Jiang , Luo Wei , Xiang Yifei
Published: June 2022

The Tongtian River is the source of the Yangtze River and is a national key ecological reserve in China. Monitoring and predicting the changes and mechanisms of the Tongtian River channel morphology are beneficial to protecting the “Asian Water Tower”. This study aims to quantitatively monitor and predict the accretion and erosion area of the Tongtian River channel morphology during the past 30 years (1990–2020). Firstly, the water bodies of the Tongtian River were extracted and the accretion and erosion areas were quantified using 1108 Landsat images based on the combined method of three water-body indices and a threshold, and the surface-water dataset provided by the European Commission Joint Research Centre. Secondly, an intelligent lightweight neural-network model was constructed to predict and analyze the accretion and erosion area of the Tongtian River. Results indicate that the Tongtian River experienced apparent accretion and erosion with a total area of 98.3 and 94.9 km2, respectively, during 1990–2020. The braided (meandering) reaches at the upper (lower) Tongtian River exhibit an overall trend of accretion (erosion). The Tongtian River channel morphology was determined by the synergistic effect of sediment-transport velocity and streamflow. The lightweight neural network well-reproduced the complex nonlinear processes in the river-channel morphology with a final prediction error of 0.0048 km2 for the training session and 4.6 km2 for the test session. Results in this study provide more effective, reasonable, and scientific decision-making aids for monitoring, protecting, understanding, and mining the evolution characteristics of rivers, especially the complex change processes of braided river channels in alpine regions and developing countries.
RAMC: A Rotation Adaptive Tracker with Motion Constraint for Satellite Video Single-Object Tracking
Authors: Chen Yuzeng , Tang Yuqi , Han Te , Zhang Yuwei , Zou Bin , Feng Huihui
Published: June 2022

Single-object tracking (SOT) in satellite videos (SVs) is a promising and challenging task in the remote sensing community. In terms of the object itself and the tracking algorithm, the rotation of small-sized objects and tracking drift are common problems due to the nadir view coupled with a complex background. This article proposes a novel rotation adaptive tracker with motion constraint (RAMC) to explore how the hybridization of angle and motion information can be utilized to boost SV object tracking from two branches: rotation and translation. We decouple the rotation and translation motion patterns. The rotation phenomenon is decomposed into the translation solution to achieve adaptive rotation estimation in the rotation branch. In the translation branch, the appearance and motion information are synergized to enhance the object representations and address the tracking drift issue. Moreover, an internal shrinkage (IS) strategy is proposed to optimize the evaluation process of trackers. Extensive experiments on space-born SV datasets captured from the Jilin-1 satellite constellation and International Space Station (ISS) are conducted. The results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method over other algorithms. With an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.785 and 0.946 in the success and precision plots, respectively, the proposed RAMC achieves optimal performance while running at real-time speed.
The Improved Phosphorus Solubility of Mechanochemically Activated Phosphate Rock and Its Effect on Soil-Available Phosphorus in Weakly Acidic Soil
Authors: Fang Nana , Liang Shuai , Dai Huimin , Xiao Hongye , Han Xiaomeng , Liu Guodong
Published: June 2022

Mechanochemical treatment is an effective and ecological way to treat medium and low-grade phosphate rock (PR) for fertilizer. To explore the phosphorus (P) solubility mechanisms of mechanochemically activated phosphate rock (MAPR) and its P supply capacity, we investigated the chemical properties and infrared spectroscopy (IR) characteristics of different types of MAPR and soil-available P using the chemical extraction method (2% citric acid), IR analysis and soil incubation experiment in this study. The results showed that the P solubility of magmatic, metamorphic and sedimentary types of MAPR increased by 7.76–13.67, 0.6–1.64 and 0.91–2.68 times, respectively, compared with the initial PR. The IR analysis demonstrated that the isomorphous substitution (B-type of CO32− for PO43− and OH− for F−) occurred in the apatite and β-Ca(PO3)2 was generated with better P solubility. The dynamic changes in soil-available P (Bray and Kurtz method) treated by MAPR significantly increased by 3.81–6.57-, 2.49–5.4- and 4.98–8.39-fold, respectively, within 100 days in red soil (pH 5.94), compared with the initial PR. In conclusion, the significant increase in P solubility of MAPR and soil-available P in weakly acidic soil was due to the improved reactivity of MAPR during the process of mechanochemical activation.
The Inclusion of Jujube By-Products in Animal Feed: A Review
Authors: Xu Tao , Zhou Xiaoling , Degen Allan , Yin Junliang , Zhang Shuxian , Chen Ning
Published: June 2022

Given the increasing demands for the quality and safety of animal-derived foods and the strict regulations on the use of antibiotics in animal feed, the use of functional feed additives has attracted increasing research and development. Jujube fruit is an energy-rich food with antioxidant, antibacterial, and antidiarrheal properties. With the expanding areas of cultivation to jujube trees and the intensive processing of jujube in Asia, especially in China, a large number of jujube by-products are produced. These by-products are used widely in animal feed for pigs, chicken, cattle, goats, and fish, as they improve growth performance, promote digestive tract health, and enhance the quality of animal products. This article reviews the nutritional components and benefits of jujube by-products and their potential incorporation in animal feed. The aim of this review is to introduce jujube by-products as a novel supplement or partial dietary replacement in the animal feed industry.
Agility and Industry 4.0 Implementation Strategy in a Quebec Manufacturing SME
Authors: Bouchard Stéphanie , Abdulnour Georges , Gamache Sébastien
Published: June 2022

The emergence of new information technologies, market globalization, climate change, labor shortages, and changing consumer habits have led to dynamic demand and the need for customized mass production systems. This has forced companies, especially small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME), to rethink their product design, production, and marketing models to remain competitive by increasing their agility in the face of growing and changing demand. It becomes relevant to investigate how to move efficiently towards customized mass production in an Industry 4.0 (I4.0) environment. The objective of this research is to develop a strategy for implementing I4.0 in manufacturing SME, based on lean, agility, and intelligent modular product design. A literature review made it possible to target the following performance measures: reducing inventory, minimizing makespan, and reducing time to consumer (reaction time). A case study was conducted in an SME in the agri-food sector to validate the proposed strategy. Inventory levels were reduced by more than 70% and time was cut by almost 65%.
Sensory Perception Mechanism for Preparing the Combinations of Stimuli Operation in the Architectural Experience
Authors: Chen Xing , Liu Yi , Li Shengcai , Sun Wanghu
Published: June 2022

Sensory stimuli in an architectural space play an important role in the human perception of the indoor environment, no matter whether they are static or dynamic, isolated, or combined. By enhancing some perceptions in the sensory stimuli, the overall perceptions of an architectural space can be improved, especially for an intelligent architectural space. As yet, there are few studies reported about the sensory perception mechanism for the sensory stimuli operation in the architectural experience. In this research, a wooden micro building was prepared for the study of the sensitivity level of participants to various sensory stimuli in the same and in different sensory domains. Participants’ visual, auditory, olfactory, tactile and kinaesthesia perceptions were discussed statistically in terms of the sensitivity level. Based on the study, the effect of a single dynamic sensory stimulus (a dynamically coloured light) on the participants’ perception was studied in a paper architectural model from two aspects including preference and emotion. The dynamically coloured light was discussed statistically in terms of the level of preference. The study showed that there are significant differences among participants’ levels of sensitivity to the different sensory domains and to the different sensory stimuli. In particular, the sensitivity level to the stimulus that is the colour of a space is the highest of all stimuli. As a single changing sensory stimulus, a dynamically coloured light can lead to significant mood fluctuations and changes in the preference level. In particular, yellow is the favourite colour of light. The object of this study is expected to provide a theoretical foundation that is related to sensory choice, sensory perception enhancement and the combination forms of sensory perceptions. Based on the theoretical foundation, the perception design of overlapped multi-sensory stimuli and a single dynamic stimulus can be conducted to improve the quality of the indoor environment of normal and intelligent multi-sensory architecture.
Effects of Creating Street Greenery in Urban Pedestrian Roads on Microclimates and Particulate Matter Concentrations
Authors: Jung Suk Jin , Yoon Seonghwan
Published: June 2022

Urbanization can increase artificial coverage rates and emissions by causing increases in traffic, which represents a serious health risk to pedestrians. To create pedestrian-friendly environments in urban canyons, this study examined their microclimates and air quality; methods to improve the pedestrian environment were also explored, based on the current street green space practices in Seoul, Korea. Under these current standards, the physiologically equivalent temperature (PET) of the pedestrian roads was predicted to decrease by 1.29–1.44 °C, but this was insufficient to adjust the thermal stress level. The air temperature of the pedestrian road declined slightly; fine dust concentrations increased, and ozone concentrations decreased. The effects of increasing the planting occupancy on the pedestrian environment were then simulated, which resulted in decreases in PET of 3.04–3.49 °C, depending on the floor area ratio, thereby effectively lowering the thermal stress stage. The particulate matter concentrations increased, however, and the air quality deteriorated. Therefore, street greenery planning alone cannot sufficiently improve both the microclimate and air quality of urban pedestrian roads. Thus, it is necessary to plan street greenery spaces in parallel with measures to improve air quality.
Sustainable Supply Chain Management: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Industrial Practices
Authors: Shekarian Ehsan , Ijadi Behrang , Zare Amirreza , Majava Jukka
Published: June 2022

Sustainable business practices are those that allow companies to increase their profit while still considering the triple bottom line of sustainability, which involves economic, environmental, and social aspects. There are a lot of studies exploring various aspects of supply chain practices. However, there remains a gap for the proposal of a complete framework concerning various industries. This research fills this gap by studying existing empirical and review studies. Based on a content analysis of 86 studies, 789 practices are derived and categorized, leading to a comprehensive classification of sustainable practices in supply chains. Moreover, the employed methods to analyze the data are investigated. The practices are cross-checked versus the studied industries showing the current sustainable industries. The details of the studied papers are presented in a comprehensive table. The sustainable framework showing the industrial solutions toward sustainable supply chains is divided into 38 minor practices classified into 11 main categories. This paper provides a novel interpretation of the sustainable solutions addressed by different industries and presents a new and updated classification of the literature identifying future directions. This offers many advantages for practitioners and researchers to transform a supply chain into an improved version in the bigger picture.