bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of industrial wastes on self-cleaning properties of concrete containing anatase-TiO2
Authors:   Civil Engineering Department, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir (Türkiye), Ünal Serdal , Canbaz Mehmet ,   Civil Engineering Department, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir (Türkiye)
Published: December 2022

Concrete decomposing the organic compounds on because of natural or anthropogenic contaminating sources with photocatalysis existing in its structure is called self-cleaning concrete. In this study, the self-cleaning concrete with industrial waste has been searched from the point of mechanical and physical characteristics. Fly ash, blast furnace slag and sepiolite materials has been used as industrial waste in concrete. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been used as photocatalysis material. Specimens with the dimensions 15×15×15 cm were produced using 0 %, 10 %, 20 % and 30 % industrial wastes and 0 %, 1 %, 3 %, 5 % TiO2 by weight instead of cement. Compressive strength, unit weight, and ultrasonic pulse velocity tests were performed on the specimens after 28 days standard cure. Rhodamine-B test in Italian UNI 11259 standard and additional Phenantroquinone test have been performed as self-cleaning test. XRF test also has been made on some of the samples for the chemical analysis. The best photocatalysis performance has showed in the concrete including 5 % TiO2. Test results show that 10 % use of industrial wastes in self-cleaning concrete production is recommended from the point of economic and environmental benefits
Flexural behavior of concrete beams reinforced with glass fiber reinforced polymer and steel bars
Authors:   Structural and Construction Performance Research Group, Department of Civil Engineering, University of the Southern Santa Catarina, Santa Catarina (Brazil), Farias Cristian , Pessi Sarah ,   Structural and Construction Performance Research Group, Department of Civil Engineering, University of the Southern Santa Catarina, Santa Catarina (Brazil), Wanderlind Augusto ,   Structural and Construction Performance Research Group, Department of Civil Engineering, University of the Southern Santa Catarina, Santa Catarina (Brazil), Henrique Piva Jorge ,   Structural and Construction Performance Research Group, Department of Civil Engineering, University of the Southern Santa Catarina, Santa Catarina (Brazil), Pavei Elaine ,   Structural and Construction Performance Research Group, Department of Civil Engineering, University of the Southern Santa Catarina, Santa Catarina (Brazil)
Published: December 2022

In this study, a comparative experimental analysis is performed between steel-reinforced concrete beams, which are dimensioned based on NBR 6118 (2014), and beams reinforced with glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) rebar, which are dimensioned based on ACI 440.1R (2015) after being subjected to a four-point bending test. The beams are dimensioned to resist the same force and to satisfy the service limit state (SLS). Results show that the two groups of beams exhibit similar vertical displacement behaviors until the SLS-DEF, whereas the GFRP beams exhibit larger deflections. At the ultimate load, the beams with fiberglass bars indicate a higher resistance by approximately 64% compared with those with metal bars.
Gravel impact compaction piers as a method of soil improvement
Authors:   Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr (Iran), Niroumand Bahman , Niroumand Hamed ,   Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr (Iran)
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of gravel impact compaction piers system (GICPs) in improving a 3.5m thick loose silty sand in a multilayer coastal soil system located in Bushehr, Iran. The liquefiable sandy soil layer was layered on clay layers with moderate to very stiff consistency and below the engineering embankment layer with a thickness of 1.8 m. Implementation of gravel impact compaction piers is a new generation of aggregate piers. Gravel impact compaction piers were used to improve the liquefiable soil layers and to increase the bearing capacity and reduce subgrade settlement to withstand surface infrastructures. The process of making gravel impact compaction piers in a triangular or square-patterned grid was created using three types of special mandrels and feeding and compacting the gravels in the cavity in several stages without removing the soil from the cavities. The experience gained in this case study showed that artificial liquefiable was created immediately after the construction of these piers in a limited area and the soil became unstable. After about 11-14 days, the soil stabilized rapidly. The results of the standard penetration test in the matrix soil around the piers showed that the amount of (N1)60 in compacted soils was in the range of 21-30 and on average 15 times the amount of (1-3) in the initial soil. Also, the relative density of the initial soil was increased from 25% to 75% after soil improvement. Accordingly, by relying merely on the compaction properties of the piers and without relying on other primary soil remediation factors, such as piers drainage and soil texture change, the safety factor of the improved soil is 1.7-1.95 times the minimum required according to the two risk levels in the design.
Influence of hemp shiv, cement, and water content on the properties of lightweight hemp composites produced using different sizes of hemp shiv
Authors:   Department of Civil Engineering, Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat (Turkiye), Sahin Murat
Published: December 2022

This study investigated the production and properties of lightweight hemp composites produced using waste industrial hemp stems cultivated in Turkey. Hemp stems were separated from their fibers and fragmented to obtain hemp shiv aggregates in the laboratory. Twelve mixtures were prepared with varied volumetric ratios of hemp: cement (H:C) and hemp: water (H: W) using different sizes of hemp shiv. The influence of mix proportions on the physical and mechanical properties of hemp composites were investigated. Besides, microstructure of hemp composites was examined. The hemp composites produced were in the apparent density range of 312 to 928 kg/m3 and exhibited 0.20 to 1.24 MPa compressive strength. The water absorptions of samples were in the range of 3.47 and 8.50 kg/m2.h1/2. The apparent density and compressive strength of hemp composites decreased with the increase of H:C ratio, but this situation is the opposite for increase of H: W ratio and hemp shiv size. Besides, increase in H:C ratio or hemp shiv size caused higher water absorptions.
Safety monitoring analysis in a construction site using eye-tracking method
Authors:   Istanbul University, Department of Architecture, Istanbul (Türkiye), Akcay Cemil
Published: December 2022

Construction work is one of the most dangerous business lines. As a result of occupational accidents in construction works, there are consequences that will affect human life such as injury and death, as well as serious financial losses. Especially in developing countries, despite the increase in precautions regarding occupational safety, occupational accidents continue to occur. Human behavior is an important factor in construction work accidents. In the sector where generally low-educated level workers work, analyzing the precautions and occupational safety training results are important to reduce construction work accidents. Eye-tracking technique, a technology that is spreading around the world, finds its place in different sectors. Especially with the use of mobile eye trackers instead of fixed eye trackers, this eye-tracking technology has also become usable in site implementations in the construction industry. In the construction sector, some studies are done especially on occupational safety issues using eye-tracking techniques in recent years. In this study, a site study was done with construction workers using a mobile eye-tracking approach by creating a track with different hazard sources in construction where a fatal occupational accident occurred. In this context, the attention levels of construction workers against different sources of danger and the risk of accidents created by these sources were measured with the mobile eye-tracking technique. The results obtained from the study were shared with the occupational safety experts on the site and the results are interpreted. All workers participating in the experimental study were workers that previously got occupational safety training. Therefore, according to the outcomes of this experiment, the effectiveness of the occupational safety training they received is measured and some suggestions are made.
Comprehensive evaluation of transverse joint spacing in jointed plain concrete pavement
Authors:   Department of Civil Engineering, Adana Alparslan Türkeş Science and Technology University, Adana (Türkiye), Kaya Orhan
Published: December 2022

Transverse joint spacing is one of the fundamental input parameters in structural design of jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP). It has to be determined considering many factors to produce a well-performing and cost-effective JPCP. In this study, a comprehensive evaluation of transverse joint spacing in JPCP was carried out based on the followings: (1) guidelines based on previous studies, the Federal Highway Administration and the American Concrete Pavement Association recommendations were summarized; (2) empirical and mechanistic-empirical (M-E) pavement design methodologies were reviewed; (3) current state highway agency practices in USA were surveyed as part of this study and the survey results were documented; (4) effects of joint spacing on JPCP performance were evaluated based on field observations; and (5) lastly, an economic analysis was performed to evaluate effects of joint spacing on life-cycle costs. This study demonstrated that a joint spacing between 15-18 ft (4.6-5.5 m) seems to be provide a safe zone for both performance and cost effectiveness.
Response surface optimization of geopolymer mix parameters in terms of key engineering properties
Authors:   Department of Civil Engineering, Harran University, Şanlıurfa (Türkiye), Ekmen Şevin , Mermerdaş Kasım ,   Department of Civil Engineering, Harran University, Şanlıurfa (Türkiye), Alğın Zeynep ,   Department of Civil Engineering, Harran University, Şanlıurfa (Türkiye), Işıker Yusuf ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, Harran University, Şanlıurfa (Türkiye)
Published: December 2022

The main aim of the current study is to search the impact of variable matrix phase features on fly ash based lightweight geopolymer mortars (LWGM). Another scope of the study is to obtain performance oriented optimum mixture proportions through response surface method (RSM). In order to have low unit weight for LWGMs, pumice aggregate was utilized as a part of the aggregate. The investigated engineering properties are water absorption, drying shrinkage and thermal conductivity. By performing optimization analysis, it was aimed to obtain the best numerical models representing the experimental results depending on the input variables. The decrease of liquid (alkali activators) to powder (fly ash) ratio, Na2SiO3 solution to NaOH solution ratio and increase of sodium hydroxide molarity led to improvement of compressive strength. Dry thermal conductivity values in dry state were observed to be less than those of saturated ones. Moreover, the higher sodium hydroxide molarity and lower Na2SiO3 solution to NaOH solution ratios, and liquid to powder ratios resulted in further shrinkage reduction. Depending on the goals of maximum compressive strength, minimum water absorption, and drying shrinkage, optimum values for molarity, SS/SH, and l/p factors were determined as 14 M, 1.586, and 0.45, respectively.
Axial compressive behavior of short tie-columns with strapping spiral ties
Authors:   Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Ingeniería Civil, Nuevo León (Mexico), Mesa-Lavista Milena , Álvarez-Pérez José ,   Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Ingeniería Civil, Nuevo León (Mexico), Chávez-Gómez Jorge H ,   Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Ingeniería Civil, Nuevo León (Mexico), Fajardo San Miguel Gerardo ,   Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Ingeniería Civil, Nuevo León (Mexico), Cavazos de Lira Diego ,   Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Ingeniería Civil, Nuevo León (Mexico), Ruvalcaba-Ayala Fabián ,   Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Ingeniería Civil, Nuevo León (Mexico)
Published: December 2022

Spiral ties with rectangular cross sections have been developed as a new technology in construction, reducing the workforce in the reinforcement production series, because the worker does not have to place the tie reinforcement for the columns on the construction site. In this paper, a new type of tie was evaluated in short tie-columns subjected to axial compression to be applied in confined masonry. A comparison was made in this paper among spiral ties, with circular and rectangular cross sections, and traditional closed ties. The main aim of this research is to prove that these rectangular cross-section spiral ties can be used in tie columns for confined masonry structures. Twenty-one specimens were tested to investigate their structural behavior. As a part of the results, maximum loads, strains, load-displacement curves, and stress-strain relationships, were obtained based on testing standards, for both specimens and component materials. In addition, the fracture energy in compression and the ductility index were assessed. These results demonstrate that spiral ties with rectangular cross sections have an efficient structural response compared to traditional and circular spiral ties.
Prediction of strength and shrinkage of ternary blended concrete with fly ash, slag and silica fume
Authors:   Department of Civil Engineering, PSG Institute of Technology and Applied Research, Coimbatore, Tamil Na-du (India), Sakthivel T , Arulraj K ,   Department of Civil Engineering, Dr. Mahalingam College of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, Tam-il Nadu (India)
Published: December 2022

In the recent years, there has been increased in concern on shrinkage response of concrete systems as abundant cases of premature deterioration were reported. The major factors affecting the deterioration of a concrete system are quality, composition and the surrounding environment. In connection with this, the work concentrates on the study of long-term effects on materials used in the concrete (supplementary cementitious materials SCMs) such as fly ash, slag and silica fume as a blended concrete system. To carry out the experimental work, nine concrete mixes were designed for varying proportions of SCMs and w/b. Evolution of compressive strength, elastic modulus, shrinkage and selected durability parameters were tested under a controlled laboratory condition. Based on the work, it was found that the inclusion of fly ash, slag and silica fume on the concrete systems enhance the compressive strength in long-term, also the shrinkage response of the ternary systems shows a substantial reduction in the measured strain. Durability performance like chloride penetration and sorptivity had a better performance in comparison with the conventional concrete systems.
Mechanical performance of ETC RC beam with U-framed AFRP laminates under a static load condition
Authors:   Department of Civil Engineering, Excel Engineering College, Komarapalayam, Namakkal, Tamilnadu (India, Loganathan P. , Mohanraj R. , Senthilkumar S. , Yuvaraj K.
Published: December 2022

In the presented paper, an attempt has been made to first find the permeability of the Euphorbia tortilis cactus (ETC) concrete by the water permeability method and infiltration method. After that, the flexural strength of the ETC RC beam wrapped with AFRP kelvar 149 is carried out by a 2-point load test. This research aimed to develop a more durable, flexural, and sustainable beam under static load. Based on the state-of-the-art information available in the literature, 3-layer Kelvar 149 AFRP is considered as a laminate to solve the deflections of the ETC beam. In this project, RCC beams were strengthened by ETC and aramid FRP sheets. Novel results are obtained by different layers and patterns of Aramid FRP sheets. Based on the investigation 3-layers Kelvar 149 perform well than a normal concrete beam. As no result based on hydraulic conductivity and drying shrinkage of a beam with AFRP laminates are available in the literature, the obtained results are validated with the finite element method (ABAQUS) under static load conditions.
Relative density influence on the liquefaction potential of sand with fines
Authors:   LCTPE Laboratory, University of Mostaganem, Mostaganem (Algeria), Bensoula Mohamed , Bousmaha Mohammed ,   Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University Mohammed Boudiaf of Oran (Algeria), Missoum Hanifi ,   LCTPE Laboratory, University of Mostaganem, Mostaganem (Algeria)
Published: December 2022

Liquefaction is a loss in soil’s resistance which can lead to disastrous and expensive consequences in terms of human lives and material damages, hence the interest of this laboratory study. The article explores the relative density influence in addition to the main parameter of the fines content on the liquefaction potential of soils. The study is based on a very large number of undrained monotonic triaxial tests undertaken on samples of reconstituted saturated sand and silt mixtures with 6 levels of initial relative density ranging from 15 to 90%. The materials used are levied from different level of deepness in the coastal region of Kharouba in the wilaya of Mostaganem. In this experiment, the sand-silt mixtures were separated to form the study samples. The aim of this work is, on one hand, to confirm and update the results of previous works (Bensoula et al., 2018) and on the other hand the study of the influence of relative density on the liquefaction potential of soils and the introduction of the concept of relative density threshold. The results of the tests confirm that the studied soil is most likely to be liquefied at a fines content between 0 and 30% depending on the equivalent intergranular voids and the equivalent relative density. These parameters are primordial for the characterization of soils sensitivity to liquefaction. In this study, the results showed that the resistance to liquefaction increases in a linear way with the relative density up to a threshold relative density value according to the fines content, which means that increasing the relative density improves the liquefaction resistance but only up to a threshold value of relative density given according to fines content
War and Siege Halt Gynecologic Oncology Services for Women in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia
Authors: Teka Hale , Yemane Awol , Berhe Ephrem
Published: December 2022

This essay urges action in the aftermath of a war that destroyed the health care system, specifically women’s cervical cancer screening and treatment, in Tigray.
Association of COVID-19 Vaccination With Breakthrough Infections and Complications in Patients With Cancer
Authors: Gong Inna Y. , Vijenthira Abi , Powis Melanie , Calzavara Andrew , Patrikar Aditi , Sutradhar Rinku , Hicks Lisa K. , Wilton Drew , Singh Simron , Krzyzanowska Monika K. , Cheung Matthew C.
Published: December 2022

Importance

Patients with cancer are known to have increased risk of COVID-19 complications, including death.

Objective

To determine the association of COVID-19 vaccination with breakthrough infections and complications in patients with cancer compared to noncancer controls.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Retrospective population-based cohort study using linked administrative databases in Ontario, Canada, in residents 18 years and older who received COVID-19 vaccination. Three matched groups were identified (based on age, sex, type of vaccine, date of vaccine): 1:4 match for patients with hematologic and solid cancer to noncancer controls (hematologic and solid cancers separately analyzed), 1:1 match between patients with hematologic and patients with solid cancer.

Exposures

Cancer diagnosis.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Outcomes occurring 14 days after receipt of second COVID-19 vaccination dose: primary outcome was SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection; secondary outcomes were emergency department visit, hospitalization, and death within 4 weeks of SARS-CoV-2 infection (end of follow-up March 31, 2022). Multivariable cumulative incidence function models were used to obtain adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) and 95% CIs.

Results

A total of 289 400 vaccinated patients with cancer (39 880 hematologic; 249 520 solid) with 1 157 600 matched noncancer controls were identified; the cohort was 65.4% female, and mean (SD) age was 66 (14.0) years. SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection was higher in patients with hematologic cancer (aHR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.20-1.46; P < .001) but not in patients with solid cancer (aHR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.96-1.05; P = .87). COVID-19 severe outcomes (composite of hospitalization and death) were significantly higher in patients with cancer compared to patients without cancer (aHR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.42-1.63; P < .001). Risk of severe outcomes was higher among patients with hematologic cancer (aHR, 2.51; 95% CI, 2.21-2.85; P < .001) than patients with solid cancer (aHR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.24-1.64; P < .001). Patients receiving active treatment had a further heightened risk for COVID-19 severe outcomes, particularly those who received anti-CD20 therapy. Third vaccination dose was associated with lower infection and COVID-19 complications, except for patients receiving anti-CD20 therapy.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this large population-based cohort study, patients with cancer had greater risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and worse outcomes than patients without cancer, and the risk was highest for patients with hematologic cancer and any patients with cancer receiving active treatment. Triple vaccination was associated with lower risk of poor outcomes.
Utility Assessment of Moderate to Severe Thyroid Eye Disease Health States
Authors: Smith Terry J. , Cockerham Kimberly , Lelli Gary , Choudhary Chitra , Taylor Stephanie , Barretto Naina , Enstone Ashley , Oliver Louisa , Lynch Judah , Holt Robert J.
Published: December 2022

Importance

Thyroid eye disease (TED) results in varying degrees of proptosis and diplopia negatively affecting quality of life (QoL), producing possibly substantial visual changes, disfigurement, and disability.

Objective

To determine the association of varying TED severities with QoL in a non-TED population by assessing health state utility scores.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This qualitative study, conducted from April 20, 2020, to April 29, 2021, assessed health states for active, moderate-severe TED, and values were elicited using time trade-off methods. Six health states of varying severity were determined from 2 placebo-controlled clinical trials (171 patients with TED and clinical activity score ≥4, ±diplopia/proptosis) and refined using interviews with US patients with TED (n = 6). Each health state description was validated by interviews with additional TED patient advocates (n = 3) and physician experts (n = 3). Health state descriptions and a QOL questionnaire were piloted and administered to a general population. Visual analog scales (VASs) were also administered to detect concurrence of the findings.

Main Outcomes and Measures

TED health state utility scores and whether they differ from one another were assessed using Shapiro-Wilk, Kruskal-Wallis, pairwise Wilcoxon rank sum, and paired t tests.

Results

A total of 111 participants completed time trade-off interviews. The mean (SD) utility value was 0.44 (0.34). The lowest (worse) mean utility value was observed in the most severe disease state (constant diplopia/large proptosis) with 0.30 (95% CI, 0.24-0.36), followed by constant diplopia/small proptosis (0.34; 95% CI, 0.29-0.40), intermittent or inconstant diplopia/large proptosis (0.43; 95% CI, 0.36-0.49), no diplopia/large proptosis (0.46; 95% CI, 0.40-0.52), and intermittent or inconstant diplopia/small proptosis (0.52; 95% CI, 0.45-0.58). The highest (best) mean value, 0.60 (95% CI, 0.54-0.67), was observed for the least severe disease state (no diplopia/small proptosis).

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings suggest that patients with active, moderate-severe TED may have substantial disutility, with increasing severity of proptosis/diplopia more likely to have detrimental associations with QoL. These health state scores may provide a baseline for determining QoL improvement in these TED health states (utility gains) treated with new therapies.
Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines for the Management of Recurrent and Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Ritter Alex , Koirala Nischal , Wieland Andreas , Kaumaya Pravin T. P. , Mitchell Darrion L.
Published: December 2022

Importance

Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) is prevalent globally and in the US. Management, particularly after disease recurrence, can be challenging, and exploring additional treatment modalities, such as therapeutic cancer vaccines, may offer an opportunity to improve outcomes in this setting.

Observations

This review provides an overview of the clinical efficacy of different treatment modalities that are currently available for the treatment of recurrent and metastatic HNSCC, including checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapies, with a detailed summary of the numerous T-cell vaccines that have been studied in the setting of HNSCC, as well as a detailed summary of B-cell therapeutic vaccines being investigated for various malignant tumors.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this review suggest that several therapeutic T-cell and B-cell vaccines, which have been recently developed and evaluated in a clinical setting, offer a promising treatment modality with the potential to improve outcomes for patients with recurrent and metastatic HNSCC.
Reductive Cyclization of 2‐Nitro‐ and β‐Nitrostyrenes, 2‐Nitrobiphenyls, and 1‐Nitro‐1,3‐Dienes to Indoles, Carbazoles, and Pyrroles
Authors: Söderberg Björn C. G. , Berkowitz William F.
Published: December 2022

This chapter presents a comprehensive review of reductive cyclizations of 2‐nitro‐ and β‐nitrostyrenes, 2‐nitrobiphenyls, and 1‐nitro‐1,3‐dienes to furnish indoles, carbazoles, and pyrroles, respectively, as well as heteroatom analogs thereof. Two variations of the reductive cyclization are discussed: the Cadogan–Sundberg reaction, which is mediated by ternary phosphorus compounds, and the Watanabe–Cenini–Söderberg reaction, which employs a palladium catalyst in the presence of carbon monoxide. A few closely related reductive cyclizations are also presented, as are comparisons with other cyclizations that form the nitrogen–carbon bond of indoles and derivatives.
Attributable patient risk in nuclear medicine procedures and establishment of diagnostic reference levels
Authors: de Souza Ribeiro Julio Cesar , de Mendes Janaína Dutra Silvestre , de Sá Lidia V.
Published: December 2022

The assessment of risk related to medical exposures as a justification tool to assist decision‐making of the medical team is not available in clinical routine. The determination of diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for nuclear medicine (NM) procedures has been proposed as an optimization tool, but this tool has still been aimed at a standard adult individual. It is known that the activity administered, and the consequent absorbed doses in critical organs, represents the risk of a procedure being cancer induction the greatest concern, especially for young patients. Thus, the adjustment of administered activity and procedure risk to promote risk–benefit assessment is a promising tool for routine clinical use. This work aims to present a tool for determining DRLs in the administered activity related to the patient's characteristics—age group, sex, and body mass index (BMI), in order to assist the medical decision regarding the risk–benefit ratio. Thus, it is possible to assess the risk of carcinogenesis in groups of patients, considering absorbed doses in organs, cancer incidence, and mortality rates in our country. NIREA is an IT tool developed in PHP language for web environment as a friendly software. It allows the establishment of DRL and risk of cancer induced by radiation assessment through the estimation of absorbed doses in specific organs and based on the risk methodology of BEIR VII. The absorbed and effective doses were estimated based on the dose conversion factors of the radiopharmaceuticals published by the International Commission on Radiological Protection adjusted for the patient groups. Based on data from 2256 patients who underwent diagnostic procedures at National Cancer Institute between 2017 and 2019, the program was used, resulting in important information for conducting the clinical routine extracted as DRL, absorbed doses, and risk assessments, considering patient‐specific data such as age, sex, and BMI. The methodology developed in this work allows NM services to keep their data available and updated regarding local DRLs, in addition to allowing the nuclear physician to know the risk of each procedure performed, extracted by individual characteristics of the patient. The affirmative is significant because the data could be used by the regulatory body of practices with ionizing radiation in Brazil to establish a reference level in Activity that has not yet existed in the country.
Neuro‐Glia‐Vascular‐on‐a‐Chip System to Assess Aggravated Neurodegeneration via Brain Endothelial Cells upon Exposure to Diesel Exhaust Particles
Authors: Seo Suyeong , Jang Minjeong , Kim Hwieun , Sung Jong Hwan , Choi Nakwon , Lee Kangwon , Kim Hong Nam
Published: December 2022

Air pollution induces neurodegeneration, including cognitive deficits, neuroinflammation, and disruption of the blood–brain barrier. The mechanisms underlying air pollution‐mediated neurodegeneration have not yet been fully elucidated given the limited knowledge on intercellular interactions. A brain‐on‐a‐chip platform is presented comprising neurons, glia, and brain endothelial cells (bECs; neuro‐glia‐vascular, NGV) and diesel exhaust particle (DEP)‐induced neurodegeneration is evaluated with a particular focus on the intercellular interactions. DEP exposure in the NGV model yields Alzheimer's disease‐like signatures, including amyloid beta accumulation, tau phosphorylation, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)/reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and neuronal cell death. bEC‐secreted granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) stimulates microglial activation and the overproduction of H2O2/ROS in microglia, suggesting that the bEC‐microglia‐neuron is a neurodegeneration cascade. Pharmacological inhibition at each step of the cascade, including GM‐CSF neutralization, microglial activation suppression, and ROS scavenging, prohibits neurodegeneration in the NGV model. Therefore, intercellular interactions should be further studied of air pollution‐induced neurodegeneration.
Reconstruction of Electric Double Layer for Long‐Life Aqueous Zinc Metal Batteries
Authors: Yang Yang , Hua Haiming , Lv Zeheng , Zhang Minghao , Liu Chaoyue , Wen Zhipeng , Xie Haodong , He Weidong , Zhao Jinbao , Li Cheng Chao
Published: December 2022

Aqueous rechargeable Zn metal batteries (AZMBs) have attracted widespread attention due to their intrinsic high volumetric capacity and low cost. However, the unstable Zn/electrolyte interface causes Zn dendrite growth and side reactions, resulting in poor Coulombic efficiency and unsatisfactory lifespan. Herein, a SiO2 reinforced‐sodium alginate (SA) hybrid film is designed to regulate solid–liquid interaction energy and spatial distribution of all species in the electric double layer (EDL) near the Zn electrode. The unique interfacial layer gives rise to a uniform distribution of Zn2+ in the Helmholtz layer through solvation sheath modulation. Moreover, theoretical calculations show that the SO42− anions and free‐water are substantially reduced in the Helmholtz layer, effectively suppressing hydrogen evolution reaction and formation of by‐products through strong charge repulsion and hydrogen bond fixing of free‐water. The reconfigured EDL not only ensures homogenous and fast Zn2+ transport kinetics for dendrite‐free Zn deposition, but also eliminates interface parasitic side reactions. The Zn@SiO2‐SA electrode enables excellent cycling stability of symmetrical cells and high‐loading full AZMBs with a lifespan over 3000 h and an areal capacity of 2.05 mAh cm−2, thus laying a solid basis for realizing practical AZMBs.
Scaled‐Up Synthesis of Freestanding Molybdenum Disulfide Membranes for Nanopore Sensing
Authors: Alibakhshi Mohammad Amin , Kang Xinqi , Clymer David , Zhang Zhuoyu , Vargas Anthony , Meunier Vincent , Wanunu Meni
Published: December 2022

2D materials are ideal for nanopores with optimal detection sensitivity and resolution. Among these, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has gained traction as a less hydrophobic material than graphene. However, experiments using 2D nanopores remain challenging due to the lack of scalable methods for high‐quality freestanding membranes. Herein, a site‐directed, scaled‐up synthesis of MoS2 membranes on predrilled nanoapertures on 4‐inch wafer substrates with 75% yields is reported. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD), which introduces sulfur and molybdenum dioxide vapors across the sub‐100 nm nanoapertures results in exclusive formation of freestanding membranes that seal the apertures. Nucleation and growth near the nanoaperture edges is followed by nanoaperture decoration with MoS2, which proceeds until a critical flake curvature is achieved, after which fully spanning freestanding membranes form. Intentional blocking of reagent flow through the apertures inhibits MoS2 nucleation around the nanoapertures, promoting the formation of large‐crystal monolayer MoS2 membranes. The in situ grown membranes along with facile membrane wetting and nanopore formation using dielectric breakdown enables the recording of dsDNA translocation events at an unprecedentedly high 1 MHz bandwidth. The methods presented here are important steps toward the development of scalable single‐layer membrane manufacture for 2D nanofluidics and nanopore applications.
A Super Tough, Rapidly Biodegradable, Ultrafast Hemostatic Bioglue
Authors: Wang Hufei , Cheng Junyao , Sun Feifei , Dou Xueyu , Liu Jianheng , Wang Yiru , Li Ming , Gao Jianpeng , Liu Xiao , Wang Xing , Yang Fei , Zhu Ziran , Shen Hong , Zhang Licheng , Tang Peifu , Wu Decheng
Published: December 2022

Death happening due to massive hemorrhage has been involved in military conflicts, traffic accidents, and surgical injuries of various human disasters. Achieving rapid and effective hemostasis to save lives is crucial in urgent massive bleeding situations. Herein, a covalent cross‐linked AG‐PEG glue based on extracellular matrix‐like amino‐gelatin (AG) and PEG derivatives is developed. The AG‐PEG glue gelatinizes fast and exhibits firm and indiscriminate close adhesion with various moist tissues upon being dosed. The formed glue establishes an adhesive and robust barrier to seal the arterial, hepatic, and cardiac hemorrhagic wounds, enabling it to withstand up to 380 mmHg blood pressure in comparison with normal systolic blood pressure of 60–180 mmHg. Remarkably, massive bleeding from a pig cardiac penetrating hole with 6 mm diameter is effectively stopped using the glue within 60 s. Postoperative indexes of the treated pig gradually recover and the cardiac wounds regrow significantly at 14 days. Possessing on‐demand solubility, self‐gelling, and rapid degradability, the AG‐PEG glue may provide a fascinating stop‐bleeding approach for clinical hemostasis and emergency rescue.
Tunable Photochromism of Spirooxazine in the Solid State: A New Design Strategy Based on the Hypochromic Effect
Authors: Zhang Tianze , Lou Xin‐Yue , Li Xiaoyan , Tu Xi , Han Jie , Zhao Bin , Yang Ying‐Wei
Published: December 2022

As an important organic photofunctional material, spirooxazine (SO) usually does not exhibit photochromism in the solid state since the intermolecular π–π stacking impedes photoisomerization. Developing photochromic SO in the solid state is crucial for practical applications but is still full of challenges. Here, a series of spirooxazine derivatives (SO1–SO4) with bulky aromatic substituents at the 4‐ and 7‐positions of the skeleton, which provide them with a large volume with which to undergo solid‐state photochromism under mild conditions, is designed and synthesized. All the compounds SO1–SO4 exhibit tunable solid photochromism without ground colors, excellent fatigue resistance, and high thermal stability. Notably, it takes only 15 s for SO4 to reach the saturation of absorption intensity, thought to represent the fastest solid‐state photoresponse of spirooxazines. X‐ray crystal structures of the intermediate compound SO0 and the products SO1–SO2 as well as computational studies suggest that the bulky aromatic groups can lead to a hypochromic effect, allowing for the photochromism of SO in the solid state. The ideal photochromic properties of these spirooxazines open a new avenue for their applications in UV printing, quick response code, and related fields.
Heterosynaptic Plasticity and Neuromorphic Boolean Logic Enabled by Ferroelectric Polarization Modulated Schottky Diodes
Authors: Xi Fengben , Grenmyr Andreas , Zhang Jiayuan , Han Yi , Bae Jin Hee , Grützmacher Detlev , Zhao Qing‐Tai
Published: December 2022

Neuromorphic computing employs a great number of artificial synapses which transfer information between neurons. Conventional two‐ or three‐terminal artificial synapses with homosynaptic plasticity suffer from a positive feedback loop problem. Synapses with heterosynaptic plasticity are thus required to perform learning, processing and modulating simultaneously. Here, complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor compatible artificial synapses based on ferroelectric polarization modulated Schottky diodes (FEMOD) on silicon, which enables heterosynaptic plasticity with multi‐functionalities, high endurance, low power consumption, and high speed, are presented. High accuracy is obtained in the supervised learning simulation of artificial neural networks due to the large number of conductance states, good linearity, and small variations of FEMOD synapses. Boolean functions are demonstrated with only one or two FEMOD devices operating at low voltage and low power consumption. The proposed device structure performs multi‐functions of biological synapse and Boolean logic, thus provides high potential for the future large scale and low power neuromorphic computing applications.
Solid‐Electrolyte Interphase for Ultra‐Stable Aqueous Dual‐Ion Storage
Authors: Lin Zong‐Qiong , Fan Guangheng , Zhang Tao , Huo Fengwei , Xi Qiao , Wang Jie , She Tiantian , Zeng Xinwei , Weng Jiena , Huang Wei
Published: December 2022

The solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) is the key component of the electrochemical electrode as a passivation layer, which enables a long calendar life for commercial applications. However, owing to the poor understanding of aqueous SEI in conventional aqueous electrolytes, the adoption of aqueous Li‐ion batteries (ALIBs) has been drastically limited. Herein, the construction of a robust aqueous SEI is successfully demonstrated by introducing a ladderized heterocyclic polymer electrode into a water‐in‐salt electrolyte, leading to ultra‐stable dual‐ion storage with long‐term calendar life. The sophisticated SEI composed of fluorinated/oxygenated species is revealed. Electrochemical and structural analysis confirm that such SEI formation is characterized by a proton co‐intercalation, which consumes the water in the Li+'s solvation shell to trigger the subsequent decomposition of organic anions. This new SEI formation path is expected to broaden the horizons of aqueous SEI and open new avenues for the design of versatile electrode materials for further advances in ALIBs.
Asymmetric Contact Loss Dynamics during Plating and Stripping in Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Vishnugopi Bairav S. , Naik Kaustubh G. , Kawakami Hiroki , Ikeda Nobuhisa , Mizuno Yoshifumi , Iwamura Ryosuke , Kotaka Toshikazu , Aotani Koichiro , Tabuchi Yuichiro , Mukherjee Partha P.
Published: December 2022

Solid‐state batteries (SSBs) hold the potential to improve energy density and offer enhanced safety when compared to lithium‐ion batteries. However, the development of practical SSBs faces major challenges, such as filament growth and void formation, which necessitate a comprehensive understanding of the intrinsic solid–solid interfaces and limiting mechanisms. In this work, the underpinning asymmetry in the mechanistic interplay and resulting interface dynamics during Li plating and stripping is demonstrated, illustrating the critical effect of reaction heterogeneity on the contact loss behavior. With increasing stripping rates, the manifestation of solid–solid point contacts is identified as a key descriptor that signifies a transition in electrochemical response from a regime of continuous contact decay to current constriction. It is revealed that contact loss can also occur during plating at the Li/Li6PS5Cl interface; this severity scales with the reaction heterogeneity and is identified as an important challenge toward achieving faster charging rates in SSBs. The distinct nature of competing electrochemical–mechanical interactions that govern void formation during plating/stripping are delineated in this work. Coupled with these intrinsic mechanisms, non‐uniformities in external pressure and temperature fields drastically alter the contact dynamics, resulting in disparate void localization patterns.
A Benders decomposition framework for the optimization of disjunctive superstructures with ordered discrete decisions
Authors: Liñán David A. , Ricardez‐Sandoval Luis A.
Published: December 2022

This study introduces the logic‐based discrete‐Benders decomposition (LD‐BD) for Generalized Disjunctive Programming (GDP) superstructure problems with ordered Boolean variables. The key idea is to obtain Benders cuts that use neighborhood information of a reformulated version of Boolean variables. These Benders cuts are iteratively refined, which guarantees convergence to a local optimum. A mathematical case study, the optimization of a network with Continuous Stirred‐Tank Reactors (CSTRs) in series, and a large‐scale problem involving the design of a distillation column are considered to demonstrate the features of LD‐BD. The results from these case studies have shown that the LD‐BD method exhibited good performance by finding attractive locally optimal solutions relative to existing logic‐based solvers for GDP problems. Based on these tests, the LD‐BD method is a promising strategy to solve optimal synthesis problems with ordered discrete decisions emerging in chemical engineering applications.
Selection and refinement of finite elements for optimal design and control: A Hamiltonian function approach
Authors: Palma‐Flores Oscar , Ricardez‐Sandoval Luis A.
Published: December 2022

In this work, we propose a /methodology for the selection and refinement of finite elements for the integration of process design and control. The proposed methodology is based on the selection criteria of the Hamiltonian function through the implementation of the Pontryagin's minimum principle. The Hamiltonian function features to be continuous and constant over time for autonomous systems; nevertheless, the Hamiltonian function shows a nonconstant profile for underestimated discretization meshes, which is exploited in this work for the refinement of the discretization. Furthermore, the residuals at noncollocation points are evaluated to estimate the collocation error, this is used as a second refinement criterion in the proposed framework. The methodology is illustrated using two case studies featuring a reaction system with two CSTRs in series and the Williams–Otto reactor, respectively. The results showed that an accurate selection of the finite elements return economically attractive designs with fewer elements than those obtained with equidistributed finite element strategies.
Surface phase transformation of ZrO2 in VOx/ZrO2 catalysts for boosting propane nonoxidative dehydrogenation
Authors: Feng Bohan , Wei Yuechang , Xiong Jing , Li Dong , Lian Qian , Li Yuanfeng , Han Dawei , Zhao Zhen , Liu Jian , Song Weiyu , Xu Chunming
Published: December 2022

The nanocatalysts of VOx deposited on ZrO2 supports with single monoclinic (ZrO2‐M), tetragonal (ZrO2‐T), and binary monoclinic‐tetragonal (ZrO2‐MT) phase were synthesized. VOx/ZrO2‐MT catalysts exhibit better performance during propane nonoxidative dehydrogenation than VOx/ZrO2‐M and VOx/ZrO2‐T catalysts. Among VOx/ZrO2‐MT catalysts, the conversion and deactivation rate constant of VOx/ZrO2‐M31T69 catalyst is 35.2% and 0.22 h−1, respectively. The promoting role of ZrO2‐MT is revealed by experiments and theoretical calculations. The MT‐mixed phase structure in VOx/ZrO2‐MT catalyst improves the structural properties and dispersion of VOx. The tetragonal‐monoclinic transformation on the ZrO2‐MT surface facilitates VOx reduction and produces additional V3+ active sites. The highly dispersed V3+ sites on the ZrO2‐MT surface accelerate CH bond breaking and boost the desorption of propylene, which is the key reason for enhancing activity and stability during the reaction, respectively. Insight into the role of surface phase transformation of ZrO2‐MT is expected to obtain high‐efficient catalysts further.
Deep hybrid model‐based predictive control with guarantees on domain of applicability
Authors: Bangi Mohammed Saad Faizan , Kwon Joseph Sang‐Il
Published: December 2022

A hybrid model integrates a first‐principles model with a data‐driven model which predicts certain unknown dynamics of the process, resulting in higher accuracy than first‐principles model. Additionally, a hybrid model has better extrapolation capabilities compared with a data‐based model, which is useful for process control and optimization purposes. Nonetheless, the domain of applicability (DA) of a hybrid model is finite and should be taken into account when developing a hybrid model‐based predictive controller in order to maximize its performance. To this end, a Control Lyapunov–Barrier Function‐based model predictive controller (CLBF‐based MPC) is developed which utilizes a deep hybrid model (DHM), that is, a deep neural network (DNN) combined with a first‐principles model. Additionally, theoretical guarantees are provided on stability as well as on system states to stay within the DA of the DHM. The efficacy of the proposed control framework is demonstrated on a continuous stirred tank reactor.