bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stannous Fluoride Effects on Enamel: A Systematic Review
Authors: Fiorillo Luca , Cervino Gabriele , Herford Alan Scott , Laino Luigi , Cicciù Marco
Published: August 2020

In recent years there has been a lot of talk about toothpastes with a particular chemical compound: stannous fluoride (SnF2). Its presence is currently still highly controversial, as the latter could have negative health effects. The different companies that produce toothpastes express its dosage in ppm. The purpose of this systematic literature review is to analyze all randomized clinical trials in the literature over the last 10 years and to draw clear results on the function of stannous fluoride, for this purpose the authors performed a Mann–Whitney U Test. Materials: The first analysis of the literature produced a number greater than 800 results, subsequently applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and following a manual analysis of the results, 26 manuscripts have been obtained. Results: From the results analyzed in this review, it could be shown that stannous fluoride does not present important contraindications, if not those commonly reported for fluorine. A meta-analysis on enamel loss has been conducted, it shows that SnF2 products provide better results with a p < 0.05 value. Conclusion: This compound could have significant effects in favor of erosion and recalcification of the enamel, on the biofilm formation, gingival inflammation, and in addition, it could be an important aid in the removal of tooth stains and halitosis.
Conditioned Pain Modulation Effectiveness: An Experimental Study Comparing Test Paradigms and Analyzing Potential Predictors in a Healthy Population
Authors: Ibancos-Losada María del Rocío , Osuna-Pérez María C. , Castellote-Caballero María Yolanda , Díaz-Fernández Ángeles
Published: August 2020

Conditioned pain modulation (CPM) is an endogenous pain inhibition phenomenon that can be summarized simply as one type of pain being able to inhibit another, which must be in a remote area in relation to the first pain. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of four CPM test paradigms as well as the association of the CPM effect with potential predictors in 72 healthy volunteers. Pressure pain from an algometer was used as the test stimulus, and pain provoked by cold water or ischemic pressure was used as the conditioning stimulus, applied either sequentially or in parallel. No significant differences were found between the test paradigms, although the cold-parallel test showed the most significant effect size (ηP2 = 0.614). No association was found between the CPM effect and sociodemographic variables (age or sex), nor anxiety, depression, catastrophizing, previous history of pain or self-perceived pain tolerance. Nevertheless, a strong association was found between the CPM effect and individual affinity for the stimulus in participants who underwent the cold water test paradigm; this explained around 45% of the total CPM effect when the paradigm (cold water) coincided with personal affinity for the stimulus (“I prefer cold to heat”, “cold is not unpleasant”).
Proposed Neuroimmune Roles of Dimethyl Fumarate, Bupropion, S-Adenosylmethionine, and Vitamin D3 in Affording a Chronically Ill Patient Sustained Relief from Inflammation and Major Depression
Authors: Sachinvala Navzer D. , Teramoto Naozumi , Stergiou Angeline
Published: August 2020

We had discussed earlier that, after most of the primary author’s multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms were lessened by prior neuroimmune therapies, use of dimethyl fumarate (DMF) gradually subdued his asthma and urticaria symptoms, as well as his MS-related intercostal cramping; and bupropion supplemented with S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) and vitamin D3 (vit-D3) helped remit major depression (MD). Furthermore, the same cocktail (bupropion plus supplements), along with previously discussed routines (yoga, meditation, physical exercises, and timely use of medications for other illnesses), continued to subdue MD during new difficulties with craniopharyngioma, which caused bitemporal vision loss; sphenoid sinus infections, which caused cranial nerve-VI (CN6) palsy and diplopia; and through their treatments. Impressed with the benefit the four compounds provided, in this manuscript, we focus on explaining current neuroimmune literature proposals on how: (1) DMF impedes inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell death in CNS and peripheral tissues; (2) Bupropion curbs anxiety, MD, and enhances alertness, libido, and moods; (3) SAMe silences oxidative stress and depression by multiple mechanisms; and (4) Vit-D3 helps brain development and functioning and subdues inflammation. We realize that herein we have reviewed proposed mechanisms of remedies we discovered by literature searches and physician assisted auto-experimentation; and our methods might not work with other patients. We present our experiences so readers are heartened to reflect upon their own observations in peer-reviewed forums and make available a wide body of information for the chronically ill and their physicians to benefit from.
Public Perception of Vernacular Architecture in the Arabian Peninsula: The Case of Rawshan
Authors: Alelwani Raed , Ahmad Muhammad , Rezgui Yacine
Published: August 2020

This research extends Hasan Fathy’s (1986) principle of vernacular architecture by focusing on the Rawshan through an investigation of two criteria: aesthetics and energy efficiency. The paper discusses the views of both the Saudi public and key decision-makers on reviving vernacular architecture in the context of Saudi Arabia’s rapidly developing economy, characterized by relatively high rates of energy consumption and CO2 emissions. This research explores (a) the interaction in domestic buildings of Saudi occupants with their windows, and how these are perceived as an interface with the external environment; (b) awareness and knowledge of the use of shading elements (such as Rawshans) to reduce the use of artificial lighting while maintaining indoor privacy; (c) Saudi awareness of, and familiarity with, the Rawshan as a vernacular element and a secular architectural tradition; and (d) Saudi views on the revival of traditional architectural elements with a focus on the Rawshan. An online survey (n = 812) was conducted across Saudi Arabia complemented by interviews with expert decision-makers (n = 23) to (a) assess criteria such as privacy, aesthetics, daylight, ventilation, and energy consumption in Saudi residences and (b) investigate the level of acceptance of an optimized retrofitted Rawshan design.
Insights into the Role of microRNAs in Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Metabolism
Authors: Wai Hon Kha , Zainal Abidin Syafiq Asnawi , Othman Iekhsan , Naidu Rakesh
Published: August 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers, with a high mortality rate globally. The pathophysiology of CRC is mainly initiated by alteration in gene expression, leading to dysregulation in multiple signalling pathways and cellular processes. Metabolic reprogramming is one of the important cancer hallmarks in CRC, which involves the adaptive changes in tumour cell metabolism to sustain the high energy requirements for rapid cell proliferation. There are several mechanisms in the metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells, such as aerobic glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, lactate and fatty acids metabolism. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs that are responsible for post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Differential expression of miRNAs has been shown to play an important role in different aspects of tumorigenesis, such as proliferation, apoptosis, and drug resistance, as well as metabolic reprogramming. Increasing evidence also reports that miRNAs could function as potential regulators of metabolic reprogramming in CRC cells. This review provides an insight into the role of different miRNAs in regulating the metabolism of CRC cells as well as to discuss the potential role of miRNAs as biomarkers or therapeutic targets in CRC tumour metabolism.
Breast and Gut Microbiota Action Mechanisms in Breast Cancer Pathogenesis and Treatment
Authors: Laborda-Illanes Aurora , Sanchez-Alcoholado Lidia , Dominguez-Recio María Emilia , Jimenez-Rodriguez Begoña , Lavado Rocío , Comino-Méndez Iñaki , Alba Emilio , Queipo-Ortuño María Isabel
Published: August 2020

In breast cancer (BC) the employment of sequencing technologies for metagenomic analyses has allowed not only the description of the overall metagenomic landscape but also the specific microbial changes and their functional implications. Most of the available data suggest that BC is related to bacterial dysbiosis in both the gut microenvironment and breast tissue. It is hypothesized that changes in the composition and functions of several breast and gut bacterial taxa may contribute to BC development and progression through several pathways. One of the most prominent roles of gut microbiota is the regulation of steroid-hormone metabolism, such as estrogens, a component playing an important role as risk factor in BC development, especially in postmenopausal women. On the other hand, breast and gut resident microbiota are the link in the reciprocal interactions between cancer cells and their local environment, since microbiota are capable of modulating mucosal and systemic immune responses. Several in vivo and in vitro studies show remarkable evidence that diet, probiotics and prebiotics could exert important anticarcinogenic effects in BC. Moreover, gut microbiota have an important role in the metabolism of chemotherapeutic drugs and in the activity of immunogenic chemotherapies since they are a potential dominant mediator in the response to cancer therapy. Then, the microbiome impact in BC is multi-factorial, and the gut and breast tissue bacteria population could be important in regulating the local immune system, in tumor formation and progression and in therapy response and/or resistance.
In Situ Wet Etching of MoS2@dWO3 Heterostructure as Ultra-Stable Highly Active Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Liu Xintian , Wang Congwei
Published: August 2020

Electrocatalysts featuring robust structure, excellent catalytic activity and strong stability are highly desirable, but challenging. The rapid development of two-dimensional transition metal chalcogenide (such as WO3, MoS2 and WS2) nanostructures offers a hopeful strategy to increase the active edge sites and expedite the efficiency of electronic transport for hydrogen evolution reaction. Herein, we report a distinctive strategy to construct two-dimensional MoS2@dWO3 heterostructure nanosheets by in situ wet etching. Synthesized oxygen-incorporated MoS2-was loaded on the surface of defective WO3 square nanoframes with abundant oxygen vacancies. The resulting nanocomposite exhibits a low overpotential of 191 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a very low Tafel slope of 42 mV dec−1 toward hydrogen evolution reaction. The long-term cyclic voltammetry cycling of 5000 cycles and more than 80,000 s chronoamperometry tests promises its outstanding stability. The intimate and large interfacial contact between MoS2 and WO3, favoring the charge transfer and electron–hole separation by the synergy of defective WO3 and oxygen-incorporated MoS2, is believed the decisive factor for improving the electrocatalytic efficiency of the nanocomposite. Moreover, the defective WO3 nanoframes with plentiful oxygen vacancies could serve as an anisotropic substrate to promote charge transport and oxygen incorporation into the interface of MoS2. This work provides a unique methodology for designing and constructing excellently heterostructure electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction.
Artificial, Photoinduced Activation of Nitrogenase Using Directed and Mediated Electron Transfer Processes
Authors: Meirovich Matan M. , Bachar Oren , Yehezkeli Omer
Published: August 2020

Nitrogenase, a bacteria-based enzyme, is the sole enzyme that is able to generate ammonia by atmospheric nitrogen fixation. Thus, improved understanding of its utilization and developing methods to artificially activate it may contribute to basic research, as well as to the design of future artificial systems. Here, we present methods to artificially activate nitrogenase using photoinduced reactions. Two nitrogenase variants originating from Azotobacter vinelandii were examined using photoactivated CdS nanoparticles (NPs) capped with thioglycolic acid (TGA) or 2-mercaptoethanol (ME) ligands. The effect of methyl viologen (MV) as a redox mediator of hydrogen and ammonia generation was tested and analyzed. We further determined the NPs conductive band edges and their effect on the nitrogenase photoactivation. The nano-biohybrid systems comprising CdS NPs and nitrogenase were further imaged by transmission electron microscopy, visualizing their formation for the first time. Our results show that the ME-capped CdS NPs–nitrogenase enzyme biohybrid system with added MV as a redox mediator leads to a five-fold increase in the production of ammonia compared with the non-mediated biohybrid system; nevertheless, it stills lag behind the natural process rate. On the contrary, a maximal hydrogen generation amount was achieved by the αL158C MoFe-P and the ME-capped CdS NPs.
Focus on Hypoxia-Related Pathways in Pediatric Osteosarcomas and Their Druggability
Authors: Pierrevelcin Marina , Fuchs Quentin , Lhermitte Benoit , Messé Melissa , Guérin Eric , Weingertner Noelle , Martin Sophie , Lelong-Rebel Isabelle , Nazon Charlotte , Dontenwill Monique , Entz-Werlé Natacha
Published: August 2020

Osteosarcoma is the most frequent primary bone tumor diagnosed during adolescence and young adulthood. It is associated with the worst outcomes in the case of poor response to chemotherapy and in metastatic disease. While no molecular biomarkers are clearly and currently associated with those worse situations, the study of pathways involved in the high level of tumor necrosis and in the immune/metabolic intra-tumor environment seems to be a way to understand these resistant and progressive osteosarcomas. In this review, we provide an updated overview of the role of hypoxia in osteosarcoma oncogenesis, progression and during treatment. We describe the role of normoxic/hypoxic environment in normal tissues, bones and osteosarcomas to understand their role and to estimate their druggability. We focus particularly on the role of intra-tumor hypoxia in osteosarcoma cell resistance to treatments and its impact in its endogenous immune component. Together, these previously published observations conduct us to present potential perspectives on the use of therapies targeting hypoxia pathways. These therapies could afford new treatment approaches in this bone cancer. Nevertheless, to study the osteosarcoma cell druggability, we now need specific in vitro models closely mimicking the tumor, its intra-tumor hypoxia and the immune microenvironment to more accurately predict treatment efficacy and be complementary to mouse models.
Evaluation of Multi-Layered Pancreatic Islets and Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Sheets Transplanted on Various Sites for Diabetes Treatment
Authors: Lee Yu Na , Yi Hye-Jin , Kim Yang Hee , Lee Song , Oh Jooyun , Okano Teruo , Shim In Kyong , Kim Song Cheol
Published: August 2020

Islet cell transplantation is considered an ideal treatment for insulin-deficient diabetes, but implantation sites are limited and show low graft survival. Cell sheet technology and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) can be useful tools for improving islet cell transplantation outcomes since both can increase implantation efficacy and graft survival. Herein, the optimal transplantation site in diabetic mice was investigated using islets and stem cell sheets. We constructed multi-layered cell sheets using rat/human islets and human ADSCs. Cell sheets were fabricated using temperature-responsive culture dishes. Islet/ADSC sheet (AI sheet) group showed higher viability and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion than islet-only group. Compared to islet transplantation alone, subcutaneous AI sheet transplantation showed better blood glucose control and CD31+ vascular traits. Because of the adhesive properties of cell sheets, AI sheets were easily applied on liver and peritoneal surfaces. Liver or peritoneal surface grafts showed better glucose control, weight gain, and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) profiles than subcutaneous site grafts using both rat and human islets. Stem cell sheets increased the therapeutic efficacy of islets in vivo because mesenchymal stem cells enhance islet function and induce neovascularization around transplanted islets. The liver and peritoneal surface can be used more effectively than the subcutaneous site in future clinical applications.
Thioredoxin-Related Transmembrane Proteins: TMX1 and Little Brothers TMX2, TMX3, TMX4 and TMX5
Authors: Guerra Concetta , Molinari Maurizio
Published: August 2020

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is site of synthesis and maturation of membrane and secretory proteins in eukaryotic cells. The ER contains more than 20 members of the Protein Disulfide Isomerase (PDI) family. These enzymes regulate formation, isomerization and disassembly of covalent bonds between cysteine residues. As such, PDIs ensure protein folding, which is required to attain functional and transport-competent structure, and protein unfolding, which facilitates dislocation of defective gene products across the ER membrane for ER-associated degradation (ERAD). The PDI family includes over a dozen of soluble members and few membrane-bound ones. Among these latter, there are five PDIs grouped in the thioredoxin-related transmembrane (TMX) protein family. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on TMX1, TMX2, TMX3, TMX4 and TMX5, their structural features, regulation and roles in biogenesis and control of the mammalian cell’s proteome.
Low ARID1A Expression is Associated with Poor Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yim Sun , Kang Sang , Shin Ji-Hyun , Jeong Yun , Sohn Bo , Um Soon , Lee Ju-Seog
Published: August 2020

AT-rich interactive domain 1A (ARID1A) is one of the most frequently mutated genes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its clinical significance is not clarified. We aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of low ARID1A expression in HCC. By analyzing the gene expression data of liver from Arid1a-knockout mice, hepatic Arid1a-specific gene expression signature was identified (p < 0.05 and 0.5-fold difference). From this signature, a prediction model was developed to identify tissues lacking Arid1a activity and was applied to gene expression data from three independent cohorts of HCC patients to stratify patients according to ARID1A activity. The molecular features associated with loss of ARID1A were analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) multi-platform data, and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) was done to uncover potential signaling pathways associated with ARID1A loss. ARID1A inactivation was clinically associated with poor prognosis in all three independent cohorts and was consistently related to poor prognosis subtypes of previously reported gene signatures (highly proliferative, hepatic stem cell, silence of Hippo pathway, and high recurrence signatures). Immune activity, indicated by significantly lower IFNG6 and cytolytic activity scores and enrichment of regulatory T-cell composition, was lower in the ARID1A-low subtype than ARID1A-high subtype. Ingenuity pathway analysis revealed that direct upstream transcription regulators of the ARID1A signature were genes associated with cell cycle, including E2F group, CCND1, and MYC, while tumor suppressors such as TP53, SMAD3, and CTNNB1 were significantly inhibited. ARID1A plays an important role in immune activity and regulating multiple genes involved in HCC development. Low-ARID1A subtype was associated with poor clinical outcome and suggests the possibility of ARID1A as a prognostic biomarker in HCC patients.
Mechanical Investigations of ASTM A36 Welded Steels with Stainless Steel Cladding
Authors: Preedawiphat Pavaret , Mahayotsanun Numpon , Sa-ngoen Keerati , Noipitak Mai , Tuengsook Pongsak , Sucharitpwatskul Sedthawatt , Dohda Kuniaki
Published: August 2020

The in-service life of ASTM A36 welded steel pipes in power plants is often shortened by ash corrosion. During the heating condition, the ash deposition on the welded steel pipes gradually reduces the thickness of the pipes, thus, reducing the lifetime. Instead of replacing the pipes with new ones, the cost could be significantly reduced if the lifetime could be further extended. Weld cladding was the method selected in this study to temporarily extend the service life of welded pipes. This paper performed the mechanical investigations of A36—A36 welded steel plates after coating the surfaces with 309L stainless steel with a cladding method. The residual stress was also tested to observe the internal stresses developed during the welding processes of A36—A36 specimens. The comparison between the coated and non-coated surfaces of welded steels was performed by using the tensile tests (at room and elevated temperatures), corrosion (pitting corrosion, intergranular corrosion, and weight-loss corrosion) tests, and wear (shot blasting) tests. The life-extension of both coatings was evaluated based on the tensile tests and the corrosion and wear tests provided the qualitative evaluations of the coating performance. The results showed that surfaces coated by cladding could be used to temporarily extend the life of ASTM A36 welded steel under the studied conditions.
Morphological Evolution and Interfacial Effects Analysis of Drop Motion in Transverse Vibration of Inclined Plate
Authors: Xu Jing , Ma Jingxuan , Ni Jing , Fan Shaochao , Zhang Linan , Wang Ruijin
Published: August 2020

Based on experimental and simulation research, analysis of the morphological evolution and interfacial effects of drop motion in the transverse vibration of inclined micro-textured plate are studied. Experimental results show the morphological evolution of drop involves an oscillation stage, spreading and migration stage, and infiltration stage. The spread diameter increases from the initial 3.02 to 5.12 mm. Meanwhile, based on the real experimental morphology of the drop dynamic wettability, a two-phase flow theoretical model of motion evolution of forced vibration drop was established to simulate the drop spreading process. The analysis result shows the calculated results are close to the experimental results, and the on micro-textured surface is faster spreading coefficient is S-shaped and increases with the increase of time. The spreading velocity than the smooth one, and there is low-speed rotating airflow in the micro-textured pit. The vortex cushion effect and vortex wheel effect are the main reasons for the acceleration of drop motion. Two interfacial effects reduce the friction resistance and impel fluid movement.
Nanoindentation Study of Intermetallic Particles in 2024 Aluminium Alloy
Authors: Staszczyk Anna , Sawicki Jacek , Kołodziejczyk Łukasz , Lipa Sebastian
Published: August 2020

Nanoindentation tests are useful for determining the local mechanical properties of materials. However, the method has its limitations, and its accuracy is strongly influenced by the nano-scale geometry of the indented area. The authors chose to perform measurements of the hardness and elastic modulus of intermetallic particles in 2024 aluminium alloys. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of the particles’ depth and shape on the accuracy of the nanoindentation result. Several simulations were performed with the use of the finite element method on different geometries mirroring possible real-life configurations of the particle and matrix. The authors compared the force vs. deformation curves for all of the variants. The results showed that the nanoindentation process is different for a particle with the same mechanical properties depending on its depth under the investigated surface. Therefore, the measured values of hardness and elastic modulus for intermetallic particles are partly the result of interaction with a matrix.
Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Wood Surface by Etching Polydopamine Coating with Sodium Hydroxide
Authors: Yi Zede , Zhao Bo , Liao Murong , Qin Zhiyong
Published: August 2020

Superhydrophobic treatment of wood surfaces can effectively prevent the contact between the external moisture and wood, which improves the service life of the wood. In this study, different rough surfaces of wood were constructed, derived from the self-polymerization of dopamine (DA) in weak base solution to form a polydopamine (PDA) coating and the deprotonation of the PDA coating in a strong base solution. Furthermore, octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) was used as a low-surface-free-energy agent to modify rough surface in order to prepare superhydrophobic woods: Wood@PDA–NaOH–OTS and the Wood@PDA–NaOH/SiO2–OTS. The contact angles (CAs) and sliding angles (SAs) of the resulting superhydrophobic woods were tested. The results showed that the CA and SA of the Wood@PDA–NaOH–OTS were 151° and 4.8°, respectively; the CA and SA of the Wood@PDA–NaOH/SiO2–OTS were 155.1° and 5.0°, respectively. Surface electron microscopy (SEM) images presented that NaOH successfully etched the PDA coating, and the roughness was further improved by adding nano-SiO2. Atomic force microscope images (AFM) revealed that the nano-SiO2 particles could effectively provide nanolevel roughness, which was beneficial to the wood’s superhydrophobic properties. In addition, the obtained superhydrophobic wood possessed strong surface stability and anti-loss property, as well as resistance to acid-base solution and organic solvent.
Preparation and Synergistic Effect of Chitosan/Sodium Phytate/MgO Nanoparticle Fire-Retardant Coatings on Wood Substrate through Layer-By-Layer Self-Assembly
Authors: Zhao Feiyue , Tang Tingli , Hou Sijie , Fu Yanchun
Published: August 2020

Fire-retardant chitosan/sodium phytate/MgO nanoparticle (CH/SP/nano-MgO) coatings were loaded on a wood substrate via electrostatic layer-by-layer self-assembly and characterized by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectrometry. The flammability and thermal degradation of the original wood and wood samples treated with chitosan, chitosan/sodium phytate, chitosan/sodium phytate/MgO nanoparticles were studied by limiting oxygen index (LOI), exposure combustion experiments and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. The CH/SP/nano-MgO coating served as an intumescent fire-retardant system that created a physical protection cover and exhibited the best fire retardant performance. The LOI value was 30.2% and required approximately 16–17 s to self-extinguish when exposed to air. The TGA curves also showed that char formation protected the wood from combustion.
β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex Containing Litsea cubeba Essential Oil: Preparation, Optimization, Physicochemical, and Antifungal Characterization
Authors: Wang Yinhong , Yin Chunxiao , Cheng Xiaomei , Li Gaoyang , Shan Yang , Zhu Xiangrong
Published: August 2020

Litsea cubeba essential oil (LCEO), as naturally plant-derived products, possess good antimicrobial activities against many pathogens, but their high volatility and poor water solubility limit greatly the application in food industry. In this research, inclusion complex based on β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and LCEO, was prepared by saturated aqueous solution method. An optimum condition using the response surface methodology (RSM) based on Box–Behnken design (BBD) was obtained with the inclusion time of 2 h and β-CD/LCEO ratio of 4.2 at 44 °C. Under the condition, the greatest yield of 71.71% with entrapment efficiency of 33.60% and loading capacity of 9.07% was achieved. In addition, the structure and characteristic of LCEO/β-CD inclusion complex (LCEO/βCD-IC) were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), which indicated that LCEO/βCD-IC was successfully formed. The particle size of LCEO/βCD-IC was determined to be 17.852 μm. Thermal properties of LCEO/βCD-IC evaluated by thermogravimetric-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DTA) illustrated better thermal stability of the aimed product compared with the physical mixture. Furthermore, the tests of antifungal activity showed that LCEO/βCD-IC was able to control the growth of Penicillium italicum, Penicillium digitatum, and Geotrichum citri-aurantii isolated from postharvest citrus. Our present study confirmed that LCEO/βCD-IC might be further applied as an alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting citrus fruit from postharvest disease.
Synthesis and Structure of (Nitronyl Nitroxide-2-ido)(tert-butyldiphenylphosphine)gold(I) and -(Di(tert-butyl)phenylphosphine)gold(I) Derivatives; Their Comparative Study in the Cross-Coupling Reaction
Authors: Zayakin Igor , Bagryanskaya Irina , Stass Dmitri , Kazantsev Maxim , Tretyakov Evgeny
Published: August 2020

We synthesized two new organogold derivatives of a nitronyl nitroxide (NN) with phosphine ligands, namely NN-Au-PtBuPh2 and NN-Au-PtBu2Ph. They were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, cyclic voltammetry, and ESR, IR, and UV/Vis spectroscopy. The X-ray structural analysis revealed a tendency of the NN moiety to form a large number of short intermolecular contacts. This phenomenon is related to the anionic nature of the paramagnetic group NN, as evidenced by a significantly lower oxidation potential in comparison with purely organic derivatives of NN radicals. The cross-coupling reaction of NN-Au-PPh3, NN-Au-PtBuPh2, or NN-Au-PtBu2Ph with an activated bromoarene, namely, p-BrC6H4NO2, was investigated. It was shown that regardless of the presence of the bulky tert-butyl substituent, all gold derivatives have similar activities in the cross-coupling reaction and give a cross-coupling product, NN-C6H4NO2, with comparable yields.
Mixed Convective Radiative Flow through a Slender Revolution Bodies Containing Molybdenum-Disulfide Graphene Oxide along with Generalized Hybrid Nanoparticles in Porous Media
Authors: Khan Umair , Zaib Aurang , Sheikholeslami Mohsen , Wakif Abderrahim , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: August 2020

The current framework tackles the buoyancy flow via a slender revolution bodies comprising Molybdenum-Disulfide Graphene Oxide generalized hybrid nanofluid embedded in a porous medium. The impact of radiation is also provoked. The outcomes are presented in this analysis to examine the behavior of hybrid nanofluid flow (HNANF) through the cone, the paraboloid, and the cylinder-shaped bodies. The opposing flow (OPPF) as well as the assisting flow (ASSF) is discussed. The leading flow equations of generalized hybrid nanoliquid are worked out numerically by utilizing bvp4c solver. This sort of the problem may meet in the automatic industries connected to geothermal and geophysical applications where the sheet heat transport occurs. The impacts of engaging controlled parameters of the transmuted system on the drag force and the velocity profile are presented through the graphs and tables. The achieved outcomes suggest that the velocity upsurges due to the dimensionless radius of the slender body parameter in case of the assisting flow and declines in the opposing flow. Additionally, an increment is observed owing to the shaped bodies as well as in type A nanofluid and type B hybrid nanofluid.
Non-Spatial Data towards Spatially Located News about COVID-19: A Semi-Automated Aggregator of Pandemic Data from (Social) Media within the Olomouc Region, Czechia
Authors: Konicek Jakub , Netek Rostislav , Burian Tomas , Novakova Tereza , Kaplan Jakub
Published: August 2020

The article describes the process of aggregation of media-based data about the coronavirus pandemic in the Olomouc region, the Czech Republic. Originally non-spatially located news from different sources and various platforms (government, social media, news portals) were automatically aggregated into a centralized database. The application “COVID-map” is an interactive web map solution which visualizes records from the database in a spatial way. The COVID-map has been developed within the Ad hoc online hackathon as an academic project at the Department of Geoinformatics, Palacký University Olomouc, Czech Republic. Alongside spatially localized data, the map application collects statistical data from official sources e.g., from the governmental crisis management office. The impact of the application was immediate. Within a few days after the launch, tens of thousands users per day visited the COVID-map. It has been published by regional and national media. The COVID-map solution could be considered as a suitable implementation of the correctly used cartographical method for the example of the coronavirus pandemic.
Postembolization Syndrome after Prostatic Artery Embolization: A Systematic Review
Authors: Svarc Petra , Taudorf Mikkel , Nielsen Michael Bachmann , Stroomberg Hein Vincent , Røder Martin Andreas , Lönn Lars
Published: August 2020

Postembolization syndrome (PES) is the most common side effect of vascular embolization of solid organs. The aim of this review was to determine the incidence of PES and its individual components after prostatic artery embolization (PAE). A systematic review with a pre-specified search strategy for PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies in English regarding PAE in humans with 10 or more participants were eligible for inclusion. No restrictions on participant demographics or PAE technique were imposed. The search returned 378 references, of which 32 studies with a total of 2116 patients met the inclusion criteria. The results for overall PES frequency and individual PES components were presented as median (interquartile range, (IQR)). Overall median PES frequency was 25.5% (12.5–45.8). The two most frequent individual PES components were dysuria/urethral burning and local pain, with a median frequency of 21.7% (13.8–33.3) and 20% (5.4–29.4), respectively. Most outcome measures were characterized by a marked lack of uniformity and inconsistency in reporting across studies. Development of a uniform reporting system would help the clinicians recognize and treat PES accordingly.
Fractal Modeling and Fractal Dimension Description of Urban Morphology
Authors: Chen Yanguang
Published: August 2020

The conventional mathematical methods are based on characteristic length, while urban form has no characteristic length in many aspects. Urban area is a scale-dependence measure, which indicates the scale-free distribution of urban patterns. Thus, the urban description based on characteristic lengths should be replaced by urban characterization based on scaling. Fractal geometry is one powerful tool for the scaling analysis of cities. Fractal parameters can be defined by entropy and correlation functions. However, the question of how to understand city fractals is still pending. By means of logic deduction and ideas from fractal theory, this paper is devoted to discussing fractals and fractal dimensions of urban landscape. The main points of this work are as follows. Firstly, urban form can be treated as pre-fractals rather than real fractals, and fractal properties of cities are only valid within certain scaling ranges. Secondly, the topological dimension of city fractals based on the urban area is 0; thus, the minimum fractal dimension value of fractal cities is equal to or greater than 0. Thirdly, the fractal dimension of urban form is used to substitute the urban area, and it is better to define city fractals in a two-dimensional embedding space; thus, the maximum fractal dimension value of urban form is 2. A conclusion can be reached that urban form can be explored as fractals within certain ranges of scales and fractal geometry can be applied to the spatial analysis of the scale-free aspects of urban morphology.
Fractional Lotka-Volterra-Type Cooperation Models: Impulsive Control on Their Stability Behavior
Authors: Tuladhar Rohisha , Santamaria Fidel , Stamova Ivanka
Published: August 2020

We present a biological fractional n-species delayed cooperation model of Lotka-Volterra type. The considered fractional derivatives are in the Caputo sense. Impulsive control strategies are applied for several stability properties of the states, namely Mittag-Leffler stability, practical stability and stability with respect to sets. The proposed results extend the existing stability results for integer-order n−species delayed Lotka-Volterra cooperation models to the fractional-order case under impulsive control.
Measuring Carbon Market Transaction Efficiency in the Power Industry: An Entropy-Weighted TOPSIS Approach
Authors: Zhu Jin , Sun Huaping , Liu Nanying , Zhou Dequn , Taghizadeh-Hesary Farhad
Published: August 2020

Carbon emission control is an urgent environmental issue that governments are paying increasing attention to. Improving carbon market transaction efficiency in the context of China’s power industry is important for green growth, low carbon transmission, and the realization of sustainable development goals. We used the entropy-weighted Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method in this empirical study to analyze the carbon market transaction efficiency of China’s power industry. The results showed that the Beijing carbon market has the highest transaction efficiency, followed by those of Guangdong Province and Shenzhen City. Hubei Province also has a relatively high carbon market transaction volume and turnover; its transaction efficiency ranks fourth. Shanghai, Tianjin, and Chongqing are the lowest-ranked regions, having carbon markets with relatively low trading volume and turnover. We, therefore, recommend that to develop a unified national carbon market, governmental agencies at all levels should equitably allocate carbon; strict regulations and penalties are also needed.
COVID-19 Outbreak: Insights about Teaching Tasks in a Chemical Engineering Laboratory
Authors: Nogales-Delgado Sergio , Román Suero Silvia , Martín José María Encinar
Published: August 2020

Apart from the evident tragedy that the COVID-19 outbreak has meant regarding both personal and economic costs, the normal functioning of the academic year has been drastically altered at all educational levels. Regarding Spain, the state of alert implemented by the government from mid-March to June has affected traditional face-to-face sessions at universities, as they were forbidden and replaced by online lessons. The aim of this work was to explain our own experience during the COVID-19 outbreak in a chemical engineering laboratory at the University of Extremadura, concerning the university teaching and the final degree project follow-up, whose method of teaching was active and participatory, based on constructivism and focused on the student as the center of the learning process. Thus, the confinement affected both the teachers and students differently, depending on the degree of completion of their main tasks and their previous skills with computing and virtual tools, among other factors. The existence of an operating virtual campus and an online library has made the transition to total e-learning and telework easier for teachers and students.
Impact of Classroom-Based Fluency Instruction on Grade One Students in an Urban Elementary School
Authors: Rasinski Timothy V. , Yates Randy , Foerg Kelly , Greene Kelly , Paige David , Young Chase , Rupley William
Published: August 2020

The present exploratory study examined the effect of the implementation of a reading fluency instruction protocol on the reading performance of early first grade students in an urban school. Previous research has tended to examine the effects of fluency instruction after students have achieved some degree of competency in word recognition, usually toward the end of first grade and beyond. The fluency instruction provided in this study included repeated and assisted reading and was delivered daily over a ten-week period in the first semester of the school year by classroom teachers. The reading performance of students in the fluency instruction group (n = 51) was compared with a comparable group of first grade students (n = 27) who did not receive the fluency instruction, though the total number of minutes devoted to daily reading instruction and home reading was equal between groups. Descriptive analyses of pre- and post-testing data suggest that the first grade students receiving the fluency instruction made substantive, but not statistically significant, gains in reading achievement over the comparison group of students not receiving fluency instruction. The results suggest that dedicated and systematic fluency instruction may be appropriate for students before high levels of word decoding are achieved and that fluency instruction may be an effective instructional protocol as early as the beginning of first grade. Given the acknowledged limitations, including small sample size, further research into fluency instruction in early first grade is recommended.
Improved Indirect Model Predictive Control for Enhancing Dynamic Performance of Modular Multilevel Converter
Authors: Nguyen Minh Hoang , Kwak Sangshin
Published: August 2020

Model predictive control has become a tremendously popular control method for power converters, notably a modular multilevel converter, owing to the ability to control various objectives at once with a particular cost function and prominent dynamic performance. However, the high number of submodules in cascaded control means that the model predictive control for the modular multilevel converter suffers from a computational burden. Several approaches focused on reducing the computational burden based on limiting the number of possible switching states (possible choices) to be evaluated at each sampling instant. The dynamic performance of the modular multilevel converter is degraded in a transient state, despite the reduced computational burden. This paper presents an improved indirect model predictive control method to reduce the computational burden and enhance the dynamic performance. The proposed approach considers the steady-state and transient state individually and applies a different range of choices for each specific case. The range of choices during the steady-state is limited in order to reduce the computational burden without deteriorating the output quality, whereas the number of choices will be increased during the transient state to guarantee dynamic performance. The results that were obtained by implementing an experiment on a laboratory setup of a single-phase modular multilevel converter are presented in order to verify the proposed approach’s effectiveness. From the experimental setup, the computational time in the proposed approach was reduced by about 75% when compared with the conventional indirect model predictive control, whereas keeping fast dynamic performance.
Sustainable Protected Cropping: A Case Study of Seasonal Impacts on Greenhouse Energy Consumption during Capsicum Production
Authors: Samaranayake Premaratne , Liang Weiguang , Chen Zhong-Hua , Tissue David , Lan Yi-Chen
Published: August 2020

Sustainable food production in protected cropping is increasing rapidly in response to global climate change and population growth. However, there are significant knowledge gaps regarding energy consumption while achieving optimum environmental conditions for greenhouse crop production. A capsicum crop cultivated in a high-tech greenhouse facility in Australia was analysed in terms of relationships between key environmental variables and the comparative analysis of energy consumption during different seasons. We showed that daily energy consumption varied due to the seasonal nature of the external environment and maintenance of optimal growing temperatures. Total power consumption reported throughout the entire crop cycle for heating (gas hot water system) and cooling (pad and fan) was 12,503 and 5183 kWh, respectively; hence, heating consumed ca. 70% of the total energy requirement over the 8-month growing period (early spring to late autumn) in the greenhouse facility. Regressions of daily energy consumption within each season, designated either predominantly for heating or cooling, indicated that energy consumption was 14.62 kWh per 1 °C heating and 2.23 kWh per 1 °C cooling. Therefore, changing the planting date to late spring is likely to significantly reduce heating energy costs for greenhouse capsicum growers in Australia. The findings will provide useful guidelines to maximise the greenhouse production of capsicum with better economic return by taking into consideration the potential optimal energy saving strategy during different external environment conditions and seasons.
Evaluation of the Environmental Sustainability of a Stirling Cycle-Based Heat Pump Using LCA
Authors: Khan Umara , Zevenhoven Ron , Tveit Tor-Martin
Published: August 2020

Heat pumps are increasingly seen as efficient and cost-effective heating systems also in industrial applications. They can drastically reduce the carbon footprint of heating by utilizing waste heat and renewable electricity. Recent research on Stirling cycle-based very high temperature heat pumps is motivated by their promising role in addressing global environmental and energy-related challenges. Evaluating the environmental footprint of a heat pump is not easy, and the impacts of Stirling cycle-based heat pumps, with a relatively high temperature lift have received little attention. In this work, the environmental footprint of a Stirling cycle-based very high temperature heat pump is evaluated using a “cradle to grave” LCA approach. The results for 15 years of use (including manufacturing phase, operation phase, and decommissioning) of a 500-kW heat output rate system are compared with those of natural gas- and oil-fired boilers. It is found that, for the Stirling cycle-based HP, the global warming potential after of 15 years of use is nearly −5000 kg CO2 equivalent. The Stirling cycle-based HP offers an environmental impact reduction of at least 10% up to over 40% in the categories climate change, photochemical ozone formation, and ozone depletion when compared to gas- and oil-fired boilers, respectively.
Optimal Management of Thermal Comfort and Driving Range in Electric Vehicles
Authors: Lahlou Anas , Ossart Florence , Boudard Emmanuel , Roy Francis , Bakhouya Mohamed
Published: August 2020

The HVAC system represents the main auxiliary load in battery-powered electric vehicles (BEVs) and requires efficient control approaches that balance energy saving and thermal comfort. On the one hand, passengers always demand more comfort, but on the other hand the HVAC system consumption strongly impacts the vehicle’s driving range, which constitutes a major concern in BEVs. In this paper, a thermal comfort management approach that optimizes the thermal comfort while preserving the driving range during a trip is proposed. The electric vehicle is first modeled together with the HVAC and the passengers’ thermo-physiological behavior. Then, the thermal comfort management issue is formulated as an optimization problem solved by dynamic programing. Two representative test-cases of hot climates and traffic situations are simulated. In the first one, the energetic cost and ratio of improved comfort is quantified for different meteorological and traffic conditions. The second one highlights the traffic situation in which a trade-off between the driving speed and thermal comfort is important. A large number of weather and traffic situations are simulated and results show the efficiency of the proposed approach in minimizing energy consumption while maintaining a good comfort.