bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glycerol Electrooxidation on Boron-Doped Diamond Electrodes
Authors: Frontana-Uribe Bernardo Antonio , Ruíz-Flores Diana Cecilia
Published: January 2021

Although the process has many complications, the use of noble metals (Au, Pt, Pd) in alkaline medium has attracted an enormous interest to obtain high-value added compounds from glycerol oxidation. When using Boron-Doped Diamond (BDD) as anode, some difficulties of the process are minimized and the oxidation of the alcohol is biased to glyceraldehyde (GA), glyceric acid (GLYA), oxalic acid (OXA), glycolic acid (GLYCA), lactic acid (LACA), acetic acid (ACA), and formic acid (FA). Here, the obtained compounds where analyzed by using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and the standards of each one. Then, we constructed the graphics where it’s possible to see the chemical evolution of the aldehydes and carboxylic acids under different electroanalysis conditions. Using a current density of 10 mA cm-2, the glycerol oxidation is almost completed and mostly turn into FA.
Validation of the CFD Simulation of the Diffusion of Cr(III) in a Cationic Membrane of an Electrodialysis System
Authors: Alvarado Montalvo Lucia Guadalupe , Álvarez Cisneros Juan Manuel , Vizguerra Morales Pablo , Salazar Hernández Ma. Mercedes , Rodriguez Guadalupe , Ruiz Camacho Beatriz , Tirado Torres David , Baltazar Vera Juan Carlos
Published: January 2021

Many metallurgical mining processes use water as part of their operation, which represents a problem for water treatment. In this work the validation of the simulation corresponding to the migration of Cr (III) was carried out. The simulation was performed using the ANSYS Fluent 16 CFD software using the Gambit meshing technique and the standard κ-ɛ model in diffusive medium. The results show that the standard κ-ɛ model is adequate to represent this case study.
Study of the Variation of the Voltage and Time of the Process in the Anodizing of TiO2 with HCl
Authors: Hernández Montiel Samuel , Hernández Torres Julian , Araujo Pérez Daniel de Jesús , Orozco Cruz Ricardo , Morales Hernandez Jorge , Zamora Peredo Luis , García González Leandro
Published: January 2021

Electrochemical anodizing is one of the processes that due to its practicality, versatility, and excellent results has been used for decades for the oxidation of any metallic surface and the formation of nanostructures. In the present work was anodized commercially pure titanium using a solution based on hydrochloric acid, ethylene glycol, and deionized water. Varying the voltage from 21 to 24 volts was observed the formation of tube-shaped nanostructures in the anodized samples like a characteristic growth due to the use of HCl in the solution. Using Raman spectroscopy were identified the vibrational modes corresponding to the anatase phase. Using Vickers Microhardness and Nanoindentation it was demonstrated that the mechanical behavior was favored in the sample obtained with 24 Volts and growth time of 60 minutes. Finally, the TiO2 layers obtained improved the friction coefficient value of the titanium sheet, reducing its value from 0.8 to 0.4.
DFT as a Tool for Predicting Corrosion Inhibition Capacity
Authors: Llache Robledo Diego , Berner Perez Bogar , Gonzales Guiterrez Ana Gabriela , Flores-Moreno Roberto , Casillas Norberto
Published: January 2021

The density functional theory (DFT) is an alternative method for solving Schrödinger equation and describing the quantum behavior of atoms and molecules. In recent years, its use has been extended to investigate the mechanisms of adsorption for corrosion inhibitors in order to and to predict their inhibitory ability. Recent works in the literature show that a highest occupied molecular orbital value EHOMO
, in addition to a lowest unoccupied molecular orbital, ELUMO
energy value and a flat geometry, among other parameters, determines a molecule that has a good inhibition capacity. In this paper, DFT is applied to investigate three molecules used as inhibitors by comparing theoretical and experimental results. These inhibitors are: bromide 1-dodecyl-3 methylimidazolium, bromide, 2-tetradecylpyridine, and 4-amino-N-(1,3-triazole) benzilsulfonamine. Corrosion tests include weight loss, linear polarization resistance, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy on 1018 steel coupons in 0.1 M HCl solution without and with 150 ppm inhibitor. DFT calculations were performed with the deMon2k software.
Corrosion Study and Control of an A-36 Steel Immersed in Chloride Solutions Using a Laboratory Developed Prototype
Authors: Ramírez Fernández José Arturo , Galicia Aguilar Gonzalo , Hernandez Miguel Ángel , Ramírez Reyes José Luis , Canto Jorge , Cabrera-Sierra Roman
Published: January 2021

The corrosion of ASTM A-36 steel was studied in three electrolytes, NaCl, seawater, and NS4 solution, using the Linear Polarization Resistance and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy technique for twenty days. At the same time, variations in the pH of the solution were recorded daily. To control corrosion of the steel an electronic prototype for an impressed current cathodic protection system (ICCPS) was developed in the laboratory taking into account current demand measurement. The prototype was developed with an Arduino UNO board and its modules. In the present work, the operation of the prototype controlling corrosion of A-36 steel immersed in NS4 solution is reported during 15 days of continuous exposure.
Kinetic Study and Numerical Validation of the Cyanide Neutralization Process Using Alkaline Chlorination
Authors: Alvarez-Benito Miriam Leticia , Ocampo-Lazcarro Xochitl , Gonzalez-Gutierrez Ana Gabriela , Sanchez-Amaya Moises , Meillon Erick Eduardo , Casillas Norberto
Published: January 2021

In the recovery of precious metals from the mining industry, cyanide is the most used leaching agent due to its high efficiency. However, in some cases cyanide mining waste is dumped into bodies of water without a proper treatment, causing irreversible damage to the environment. Therefore, it is essential to have sustainable, efficient, and economic processes for the adequate treatment of cyanide toxic waste. This work presents a kinetic study of cyanide neutralization using an alkaline chlorination method on waste samples from silver leaching. Results presented demonstrate removal efficiencies of 99.7% at volumetric CN- with loading rates of about 2047 mg/l in a period of 75 h. Additionally, numerical simulation was validated considering the experimental results. For the simulation, fundamental parameters, such as mass balance, temperature and concentration, were considered to find kinetic global rate constants. The results obtained allowed to propose the design of a cyanide neutralization reactor.
Kinetics of the Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) by Means of the Extract of Ricinus Communis
Authors: García-Hernández Laura , Jose Antonio Flores , Ramirez Ortega Pedro , León Martínez Senidia Paola , González Cordova Diana Laura , García Del Ángel Ana Luisa
Published: January 2021

In this research project, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized by green chemistry techniques. The extract of the leaves of the Ricinus communis species was used at different mass/volume concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75% as a reducing agent, and AgNO3 was used as a precursor agent for Ag+1 ions at different concentrations (10, 20, and 30 mgL-1). The kinetics were followed at times of 10 to 50 minutes with intervals of 10 minutes. The extract was characterized by FTIR, finding the functional groups among which are OH secondary alcohols, phenols, C = O, to which the ability to bioreduce Ag+1 to Ag0 ions is attributed. The obtaining of the nanoparticles was characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy at the different times of addition of the precursor solution, finding the characteristic plasmon at 400 nm with the best results with the extract concentration 0.75% mass/volume and 30 mgL-1 of precursor solution in time of 50 minutes.
Use of Coffee Beans to Obtain Activated Carbon with Potential Applications as Supercapacitors
Authors: Pérez Aguirre Alex Perez , Meraz Ebelia Del Angel , Castro Mayra Agustina Pantoja , Flores Laura Lorena Diaz
Published: January 2021

Activated carbons (AC) from coffee bean waste were prepared by chemical activation using as activating compounds potassium hydroxide (KOH) and potassium carbonate (K2CO3) respectively, impregnation times of 24 and 48 hours, 600°C and 700°C as temperatures calcination. After that coals samples were synthesized. They were doped with nickel oxide (NiO) in order to modify the electrical properties of the AC. Later they were characterized (physical adsorption of using N2, FT-IR, XRD). The AC/NiO composites were prepared by the chemical method and the electrodes were compacted into pellet forms, which were placed in a two-electrode cell using 2M sulfuric acid (H2SO4) as electrolyte. Activity electrochemical was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic chronopotentiometry. Finally, the specific capacitance of the supercapacitors (SCS) was determined from AC/NiO. Results of AC/NiO-48-700°C-KOH and AC/NiO-48-700°C-K2CO3 materials showed maximum capacitances of 405.40 and 394.73 F/g respectively.
Transformation of the OER-Active IrOxSpecies under Transient Operation Conditions in PEM Water Electrolysis
Authors: Rheinländer Philipp Jan , Durst Julien
Published: January 2021

Iridium oxides are common oxygen evolution catalysts, combining high activity with decent stability. However, these properties vary strongly with the IrOxform, ranging from durable crystalline IrO2to more active but less stable amorphous, hydrous oxides. Herein we demonstrate how an operation transient during proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) can induce conversion of IrO2in the anode catalyst layer into a more hydrous form. We operate a 5 cm2PEMWE cell at 80 °C and elevated H2pressure, then interrupt the power supply and observe the OCV showing a characteristic decay to eventually 0 V. We postulate that the IrO2surface reacts with H2crossing over the membrane, confirm ex situ via TGA and XRD analyses that IrOxcan be reduced to metallic Ir under H2at 80 °C, elaborate the related thermodynamics and match them with the electrochemical potential of the IrOxcatalyst during the above transient. This is supported in situ via cyclic voltammograms and polarization curves showing improved OER activity. Moreover, we demonstrate that subsequent polarization to the OER potential range transforms the reduced catalyst surface into a more hydrous IrOxand wrap up with implications for the long-term performance and durability of PEMWE devices.
Impact of congenital diaphragmatic hernia on diaphragm muscle function in neonatal rats
Authors: Fogarty Matthew J. , Enninga Elizabeth Ann L. , Ibirogba Eniola R. , Ruano Rodrigo , Sieck Gary C.
Published: January 2021

There are notable respiratory deficits related to congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), yet the contribution, if any, of frank diaphragm muscle weakness to CDH is unexplored. Here, we use the well-established Nitrofen teratogen model to induce CDH in rat pups, followed by diaphragm muscle contractility and morphological assessments. Our results show diaphragm muscle weakness in conjunction with reduced muscle fiber density and size, contributing to CDH morbidity.
Cardiovascular function during triplet pregnancy
Authors: Meah Victoria L. , Khurana Rshmi , Hornberger Lisa K. , Steinback Craig D. , Davenport Margie H.
Published: January 2021

Individuals with healthy triplet pregnancies had greater resting cardiac output but lower left ventricular mechanics when compared with singleton and twin pregnancies matched for gestational age. In addition, triplet pregnancies had greater blood pressure variability and lower overall heart rate variability compared with singleton pregnancies, as well as greater blood pressure reactivity to the cold pressor test. Healthy triplet pregnancies may have reduced cardiovascular function as well as a greater sympathetic contribution to cardiac control.
Sentence Similarity Calculation Based on Probabilistic Tolerance Rough Sets
Authors: Yan Ruiteng , Qiu Dong , Jiang Haihuan
Published: January 2021

Sentence similarity calculation is one of the important foundations of natural language processing. The existing sentence similarity calculation measurements are based on either shallow semantics with the limitation of inadequately capturing latent semantics information or deep learning algorithms with the limitation of supervision. In this paper, we improve the traditional tolerance rough set model, with the advantages of lower time complexity and becoming incremental compared to the traditional one. And then we propose a sentence similarity computation model from the perspective of uncertainty of text data based on the probabilistic tolerance rough set model. It has the ability of mining latent semantics information and is unsupervised. Experiments on SICK2014 task and STSbenchmark dataset to calculate sentence similarity identify a significant and efficient performance of our model.
ω‐3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Facilitate the Repair of Peripheral Nerve Defects with Chemically Extracted Acellular Allograft in Rats
Authors: Zuo Jun , Wu Yuan , Xiang Renkun , Dai Zhiping , Zhu Yi
Published: January 2021

Acellular allograft (ACA) improves the repair and reconstruction of long peripheral nerve defects. ω‐3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) carry a neuroprotective potential, and their effects on ACA bridging were elucidated. Thirty rats with long gap sciatic nerve defects (15 mm long) were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10): ACA, ACA + PUFAs, and autograft (AU). Limb condition, wet weight of tibialis anterior muscle (TAM), nerve electrophysiology, S‐100, horseradish peroxidase (HRP), and percentage of splenic CD4+ and CD8 + T‐lymphocytes were evaluated for 12 weeks after the operation. Rats in the AU and ACA + PUFA groups showed superior condition in affected limbs compared to the ACA group. At 12 wk after surgery, the wet weight of TAM in the ACA + PUFA group was higher than that in the ACA group (0.4519 ± 0.1185 vs. 0.3049 ± 0.1272; P < 0.01) but lower than that in the AU group (0.4519 ± 0.1185, 0.5628 ± 0.0092; P < 0.05). In all the three groups, sole irritation elicited withdrawal reflex, and S‐100 staining was detected in plantar skin. Moreover, horseradish peroxidase staining was overt in both the ventral horn and dorsal root ganglion of the spinal cord. Nerve conduction velocity (m/s), amplitude of action potential (mV), or somatosensory evoked potentials in ACA + PUFAs (28.81 ± 1.04, 2.20 ± 0.27, 6.98 ± 0.29) were significantly different from that in the AU (35.71 ± 1.28, 1.81 ± 0.19, 8.15 ± 0.52; P < 0.05) and ACA (20.03 ± 1.94, 2.95 ± 0.36, 5.22 ± 0.53; P < 0.01) groups. The percentages of splenic CD4+ and CD8+ cells were similar among the three groups. Omega‐3 PUFAs improve the bridging effect of ACA on long gap peripheral nerve defects by promoting neuroprotection without arousing an immune response.
Hydroethanolic Extracts of Haplopappus baylahuen Remy and Aloysia citriodora Palau Have Bactericide Activity and Inhibit the Ability of Salmonella Enteritidis to Form Biofilm and Adhere to Human Intestinal Cells
Authors: Elgueta Estefanía , Mena Javier , Orihuela Pedro A.
Published: January 2021

We analysed whether the hydroethanolic extracts from leaves of Haplopappus baylahuen Remy (bailahuen) and Aloysia citriodora Palau (cedron) inhibit the growth and ability of Salmonella Enteritidis to form biofilms and to adhere to human intestinal epithelial cells. Herein, we first determined the total phenolic content and antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the extracts. Then, Salmonella Enteritidis was treated with the extracts to analyse biofilm formation by scanning electronic microscopy and the violet crystal test. We also measured the efflux pump activity of Salmonella Enteritidis since biofilm formation is associated with this phenomenon. Furthermore, the human intestinal cell line Caco‐2 was infected with Salmonella Enteritidis pretreated with the extracts, and 30 min later, the number of bacteria that adhered to the cell surface was quantified. Finally, we determined by qPCR the expression of genes associated with biofilm formation, namely, the diguanilate cyclase AdrA protein gene (adrA) and the BapA protein gene (bapA), and genes associated with adhesion, namely, the transcriptional regulator HilA (hilA). The phenolic content and antioxidant and bactericide activities were higher in bailahuen than in the cedron extract. Biofilm formation was inhibited by the extracts in a dose‐dependent manner, while the activity of efflux pumps was decreased only with the cedron extract. Adhesion to Caco‐2 cells was also inhibited without differences between doses and extracts. The extracts decreased the expression of adrA; with the cedron extract being the most efficient. The expression of hilA is affected only with the cedron extract. We concluded that hydroethanolic extracts of bailahuen and cedron differentially inhibit the growth of Salmonella Enteritidis and affect its the ability to form biofilms and to adhere to human intestinal epithelial cells. These results highlight the presence of molecules in bailahuen and cedron with a high potential for the control of the Salmonella Enteritidis pathogenesis.
First Evidence from Sri Lanka for Subphenotypic Diversity within L. donovani‐Induced Classical Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
Authors: Siriwardana Yamuna , Deepachandi Bhagya , Weerasinghe Sudath , Karunaweera Nadira , Udagedara Chandanie , Warnasuriya Wipula , Ranawaka Ranthilaka R. , Kahawita Indira
Published: January 2021

Sri Lanka reports a large focus of Leishmania donovani‐induced cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) with CL as the main clinical entity. Two independent, long existed, and clinicoepidemiologically different transmission foci in the northern region (NR) and southern region (SR) were recently reported. Current project is an extension to this previous study. Clinical diversity within a profile of classical cutaneous leishmaniasis (CCL) in a focus of L. donovani‐induced CL is described for the first time. Patients with laboratory confirmed CCL (n = 550) from NF and SF were evaluated. Lesions in both foci were found to have all classical developmental stages (small and large nodules, ulcerating nodules, and ulcers) and other identified changes (multiplication, ulceration, and enlargement). Main difference was in the proportions of lesions progressing in to each different stages, proportions of lesion undergoing the main changes, and in timing of these changes during the course of a lesion. Northern focus reported a smaller proportion of lesions showing enlargement and ulceration, and a longer period of time was also required for these changes when compared to same in southern focus. In northern focus, most lesions remained small and nonulcerating and showed a higher tendency to multiply while most lesions reported in southern focus enlarged and ulcerated rapidly and remained single. Current study also evidenced a wider spectrum in the rate and pattern of progression of a skin lesion and high individual variation which could mask these region‐based differences. Parasitic, vector‐related, or a host etiology is suggested. Slow progressing nonulcerating infections in North may be the result of a well‐adopted parasite strain that coevolved with its host for a long period while inducing only a minimal host response. This could be one among many reasons for previously observed silent expansion in northern focus while southern focus remained more confined and stable over time. Small nonprogressive, nondisturbing lesions can play a major role as silent parasite reservoirs in a community. In addition, the laboratory detection rate declined significantly when lesions multiplied and enlarged indicating the need for early laboratory confirmation. Usefulness of identified features in clinical screening and management needs to be considered.
Using Social Marketing to Reduce Intention of Cesarean Section in Iranian Women
Authors: Maleki Mostafa , Mousavizadeh Ali , Parhizkar Saadat , Shams Mohsen
Published: January 2021

Introduction. In Iran, the rate of cesarean section is three times more than the acceptable rate considered by the World Health Organization. This study aimed at reducing the selection of cesarean section by primigravida through an intervention based on social marketing in Boyer-Ahmad County, Iran, 2015. Methods. In this field trial, 39 of primigravida women were identified and selected as a target group. Formative research (a quantitative survey and a qualitative study) was done to achieve the social marketing mix. The tailored intervention was developed based on the findings of formative research. The intervention was implemented for one month for pregnant women who had cesarean section intention. Their intention for the cesarean section was studied again one month after the implementation of the intervention. The effectiveness of the intervention was evaluated by the proportion test. Results. The average age of the women was 25.82. All of the women 38.5 percent had a diploma degree and lower than and 61.5 percent had a university degree. Before the intervention, 39 women intended to do Cesarean. The intention of 30 pregnant women was changed significantly one month after the intervention. Conclusion. The study showed the effectiveness of an intervention based on consumer-oriented social marketing theory and could be used to reduce Cesarean intention. More studies about related factors of vaginal delivery selection especially from behavioral intention up to behavior are suggested.
Kiwi Root Extract Inhibits the Development of Endometriosis in Mice by Downregulating Inflammatory Factors
Authors: Liao Tingting , Zhao Shenzhi , Zhou Tong , Song Jiajia , Huang Xianping , Xiang Huiqiu , Lin Yanyan , Chen Jiajia , Xu Zhangye
Published: January 2021

Purpose. To determine whether the kiwi root extract inhibits the development of endometriosis in mice by suppressing inflammatory factors. Materials and Methods. The mouse model of endometriosis was induced by surgery after which the mice were continuously injected with the drug for 14 days. On the 14th day, the mice were sacrificed, and the peritoneal fluid was obtained for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Endometrial ectopic tissue was weighed and analyzed by tissue immunochemistry, RT-PCR, western blotting, and gelatin zymography experiment. Results. Kiwi root extract significantly reduced endometriotic lesion volume and downregulated the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, and TNF-α, as well as the angiogenic factor VEGF-A. It also inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of COX-1 and COX-2, IL-6, TGF-β1, EP2 receptor, and ER-β in endometriotic lesions but did not affect the expression of MMP-9 and MMP-2. Conclusions. Kiwi root extract could significantly inhibit the growth of surgery-induced endometriosis in mice. Our results suggest that the kiwi root extract may inhibit the development and progression of ectopic endometrium through disruption of neovascularization and reducing inflammation, which may be beneficial in treating this common gynecological disease.
Factors Associated with Mortality in Severe Acute Cholangitis in a Moroccan Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Analysis of 140 Cases
Authors: Touzani Soumaya , El Bouazzaoui Abderrahim , Bouyarmane Fatima , Faraj Kaoutar , Houari Nawfal , Boukatta Brahim , Kanjaa Nabil
Published: January 2021

Background. Severe acute cholangitis is a life-threatening biliary infection, leading to organ dysfunction, septic shock, and naturally death. Mortality has dropped significantly in the past years through improving resuscitation and biliary drainage techniques. The aim of our study is to analyze our daily practice and the factors associated with mortality. Methods. A retrospective study including severe acute cholangitis patients admitted to our unit from January 2009 to December 2018. Variables analyzed (univariate then multivariate analysis) were age, sex, history, origin, evolution time, bilirubin, etiology, organ dysfunction, qSOFA, SOFA, TOKYO, biliary drainage timing and technique, shock, antibiotherapy, and resuscitation. Results. 140 patients were included in this study. Average age was 61. Sex ratio M/F was 0.59. Lithiasis etiology was dominant (69%). SOFA average score upon admission was 8. Ceftriaxone + metronidazole was the empirical antibiotic used in 87%. Average time to biliary drainage was

1.58
±
0.89
 
days

. Endoscopic unblocking was the technique used in 76%. Mean duration of ICU stay was 6 days. Mortality rate was 28%. Statistically significant factors for mortality (

p
<
0.05

) were history of taking anticoagulant treatment, use of catecholamines and mechanical ventilation during ICU stay, and delay in consultation and administration of antibiotic therapy. Conclusions. Early recognition, antibiotics, resuscitation, and minimally invasive biliary drainage have improved patient outcomes although there is still progress to be made. Moreover, as multiple organ failure is often associated with mortality in severe acute cholangitis, predictive risk factors of organ failure should be more investigated.
A 90-Day Oral Toxicity Study of an Ethanolic Root Extract of Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb. in Wistar Rats
Authors: Sindete Mariette , Gbankoto Adam , Osseni Razack , Tossavi Nounagnon Darius , Azonbakin Simon , Baba-Moussa Lamine , Laleye Anatole
Published: January 2021

Background. Plant medicine is the oldest form of health care known to mankind; hence, studies on their safety for use are essential for the control of adverse drug effects. In Benin, Caesalpinia bonduc is one of many medicinal plants used as aphrodisiac, and for treatment of various ailments including prostatic hyperplasia. Despite its numerous ethnomedicinal benefits, toxicological information associated with its chronic use is currently limited. Objective. The present study therefore assessed the toxicity of an ethanolic root extract of Caesalpinia bonduc in Wistar rats. Methods. Caesalpinia bonduc root extract was administered by oral gavage at doses of 31.25, 125, and 500 mg/kg/day for 90 days to male Wistar rats, after which body weight changes, food consumption, urinary parameters, hematological and blood biochemical parameters, organ weights changes, gross pathology, and histopathology of vital organs were assessed. Results. There were no death or abnormal clinical signs, no significant changes in body weight gain or urinary parameters, and no changes in necropsy and histopathology findings of vital organs associated with extract treatment. However, some indices such as erythrocytes, total cholesterol, and aspartate amino transferase increased in rats treated with high doses of the extract, as well as relative weight of testes, followed by a decrease in food intake and prostate relative weight. Conclusion. The results indicate that an ethanolic root extract of Caesalpinia bonduc does not cause significant adverse effects and suggest its tolerability up to 500 mg/kg for daily administration of 90 days.
DOA Estimation of a Novel Generalized Nested MIMO Radar with High Degrees of Freedom and Hole-Free Difference Coarray
Authors: Zhang Yule , Hu Guoping , Zhou Hao , Zhu Mingming , Zhang Fei
Published: January 2021

A novel generalized nested multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar for direction of arrival (DOA) estimation is proposed in this paper. The proposed structure utilizes the extended two-level nested array (ENA) as transmitter and receiver and adjusts the interelement spacing of the receiver with an expanding factor. By optimizing the array element configuration, we can obtain the best number of elements of the transmitter and receiver and the attainable degrees of freedom (DOF). Compared with the existing nested MIMO radar, the proposed MIMO array configuration not only has closed-form expressions for sensors’ positions and the number of maximum DOF, but also significantly improves the array aperture. It is verified that the sum-difference coarray (SDCA) of the proposed nested MIMO radar can get higher DOF without holes. MUSIC algorithm based on Toeplitz matrix reconstruction is employed to prove the rationality and superiority of the proposed MIMO structure.
Bipolar Fuzzy Implicative Ideals of BCK-Algebras
Authors: Muhiuddin G. , Al-Kadi D.
Published: January 2021

The notion of bipolar fuzzy implicative ideals of a BCK-algebra is introduced, and several properties are investigated. The relation between a bipolar fuzzy ideal and a bipolar fuzzy implicative ideal is studied. Characterizations of a bipolar fuzzy implicative ideal are given. Conditions for a bipolar fuzzy set to be a bipolar fuzzy implicative ideal are provided. Extension property for a bipolar fuzzy implicative ideal is stated.
Augmentation in Healthcare: Augmented Biosignal Using Deep Learning and Tensor Representation
Authors: Ibrahim Marwa , Wedyan Mohammad , Alturki Ryan , Khan Muazzam A. , Al-Jumaily Adel
Published: January 2021

In healthcare applications, deep learning is a highly valuable tool. It extracts features from raw data to save time and effort for health practitioners. A deep learning model is capable of learning and extracting the features from raw data by itself without any external intervention. On the other hand, shallow learning feature extraction techniques depend on user experience in selecting a powerful feature extraction algorithm. In this article, we proposed a multistage model that is based on the spectrogram of biosignal. The proposed model provides an appropriate representation of the input raw biosignal that boosts the accuracy of training and testing dataset. In the next stage, smaller datasets are augmented as larger data sets to enhance the accuracy of the classification for biosignal datasets. After that, the augmented dataset is represented in the TensorFlow that provides more services and functionalities, which give more flexibility. The proposed model was compared with different approaches. The results show that the proposed approach is better in terms of testing and training accuracy.
Eternal Domination of Generalized Petersen Graph
Authors: Shaheen Ramy , Kassem Ali
Published: January 2021

An eternal dominating set of a graph

G

is a set of guards distributed on the vertices of a dominating set so that each vertex can be occupied by one guard only. These guards can defend any infinite series of attacks; an attack is defended by moving one guard along an edge from its position to the attacked vertex. We consider the “all guards move” of the eternal dominating set problem, in which one guard has to move to the attacked vertex and all the remaining guards are allowed to move to an adjacent vertex or stay in their current positions after each attack in order to form a dominating set on the graph and at each step can be moved after each attack. The “all guards move model” is called the

m

-eternal domination model. The size of the smallest

m

-eternal dominating set is called the

m

-eternal domination number and is denoted by

γ

m

∞

G

. In this paper, we find

γ

m

∞

P

n
,
1

and

γ

m

∞

P

n
,
3

for

n
≡
0
 

mod
 
4

. We also find upper bounds for

γ

m

∞

P

n
,
2

and

γ

m

∞

P

n
,
3

when

n

is arbitrary.
Antibacterial Filtration Using Polyethylene Terephthalate Filters Coated with Copper Nanoparticles
Authors: Nguyen Vinh Tien , Vu Quang Hoang Anh , Pham Thi Ngoc Nhi , Trinh Khanh Son
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this study is to produce antibacterial filters based on a commercial polyethylene terephthalate (PET) filter with pores larger than bacterial cells. The antibacterial agent was copper nanoparticles (CuNP) which were synthesized and deposited on the PET filter by reducing copper(II) ions using sodium hypophosphite (NaH2PO2) as the reducing agent and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as the capping agent. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the presence of 150–300 nm CuNP on the surface of PET filters. We evaluated the amounts of deposited CuNP using a colorimetric method and the antibacterial-filtration capacity of CuNP/PET filters against Escherichia coli using the colony counting method. The reaction conditions were optimized successively using the one-factor-at-a-time approach for the concentration of copper precursor, the concentration of PVP, and the reaction time. The results showed that an initial 1 M CuSO4, 0.8%

w
/
v

PVP, and 10-20 min of reaction resulted in a CuNP/PET filter with the highest antibacterial activity: 5.2 log cfu/mL reduction for Escherichia coli and 5.6 log cfu/mL reduction or Staphylococcus aureus. SEM images demonstrated the damages of the bacterial cells after passing through the CuNP/PET filter. ICP-MS analysis of the first liter of filtrate showed that the copper concentration of released copper was

0.6
±
0.1

 ppm, which is below the WHO standard for drinking water. Therefore, these CuNP/PET filters are promising for point-of-use disinfection of water, where clean potable water is not sufficient.
Does the Personality of Patients with Parkinson’s Disease Affect the Decision to Perform Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery? A Cross-Sectional Study in a Chinese Cohort
Authors: Lin Wei , Wang Dan , Yang Likun , Zhu Jie , Ge Jingjie , Zuo Chuantao , Wang Yuhai
Published: January 2021

We investigated whether the personality of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) before subthalamic brain stimulation differed from patients receiving drug treatments and whether the personality of patients affected surgical decisions. We recruited 38 patients with advanced PD scheduled for deep brain stimulation (DBS), 40 patients with PD receiving the very best medical treatment, and 51 healthy control subjects. All participants were evaluated by the Minnesota multiphasic personality inventory-1 (MMPI-1). PD patients who were candidates for DBS did not exhibit any significant differences in personality when compared with PD patients who were treated with drugs. Compared with healthy controls, patients with PD had remarkably higher MMPI-1 scores for spiritual quality, neuroticism, and introversion, but significantly lower scores for socialization. In addition, patients with PD were more submissive, more dependent on others, and less active in social activities. Our data indicated that the main deciding factor relating to whether to undergo DBS was the disease itself and not the pathological personality. However, neurotic and psychotic symptoms accompanying PD may influence the effect of DBS. We found that greater benefit is obtained by surgical or medical interventions if abnormal neurotic characteristics are considered early in the course of PD.
Energy Efficiency Enhancement and Climate Change Mitigations of SMEs through Grid-Interactive Solar Photovoltaic System
Authors: Lalith Pankaj Raj G. N. , Kirubakaran V.
Published: January 2021

According to the International Energy Agency’s estimation, Indian primary energy demand is expected to increase by about 1250 Mtoe and 1500 Mtoe by 2030. The 3 M management concept now changed into a 4 M management concept that includes energy management. In the case of energy management, the electrical energy sector assumes critical importance. An energy cost occupies nearly 30-40% of the production cost in small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs). Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has initiated a separate energy efficiency intervention to the SME’s, where the energy-efficient technologies, operational procedures, and proper awareness programs to SMEs are stated. This paper discusses the complete electrical energy audit on a small-scale Siddha and Ayurveda medicine industry. The traditional medicine manufacturing technologies make the process complex (process loads are intermittent/interlinked) during analysis. Hence, the detailed energy auditing/conservation studies on the power factor/harmonics were carried out without affecting Indian traditional medicine manufacturing technology. The postauditing design and installation of an intelligent controller by considering the intermittent/interlinked loads are carried out, and the effectiveness of the intelligent controller is ascertained with the energy conservation and the carbon emission reduction of SME. In addition, the climate change mitigation is ensured through the design and deployment of grid-interactive rooftop solar photovoltaic power plant using Solar Pro v4.5 (Photovoltaic System simulation software) with the power analysis, economic analysis and life cycle carbon emission of the proposed plant. The proposed solar photovoltaic power plant ensures energy self-sufficiency and sustainable energy utilization by carbon emission reduction on electricity utilization of SMEs.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Back Pain among Patients Undergoing Spinal Anesthesia at the University of Gondar Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital, North West Ethiopia: An Institutional Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zeleke Tadael Gudayu , Mersha Abraham Tarekegn , Endalew Nigussie Simeneh , Ferede Yonas Admasu
Published: January 2021

Background. Back pain is often reported as a common complaint after surgery. Many studies showed that the prevalence of back pain after spinal anesthesia is high and its magnitude is considerable in developing countries. It is highly related to reduced quality of life, loss of work productivity, burden of health care costs, and satisfaction regarding health care service; therefore, measures should be taken to reduce or prevented postspinal back. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with back pain among patients undergoing spinal anesthesia at the University of Gondar Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Methodology. An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2020. A total of 215 participants were enrolled in this study. A convenience sampling technique was used to get the study participants. Both univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with postspinal back pain. Variables with a

p

value less than <0.2 in the bivariable analysis were fitted into the multivariable analysis. In the multivariable analysis, a variable with a

p

value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. The overall prevalence of postspinal back pain was 40.5% (95% CI: 34.0, 47.4). Being overweight (AOR = 3.8; 95% CI: 1.47, 9.96) and obese (AOR = 4.9; 95% CI: 1.19, 20.4), using big spinal needles (AOR = 5.9; 95% CI: 1.04, 33.4), two attempts of lumbar puncture (AOR = 5.5; 95% CI: 1.74, 17.59), more than three attempts of lumbar puncture (AOR = 4.9; 95% CI: 1.63, 15.2), and the number of bone contacts during spinal anesthesia procedure (AOR = 3.1; 95% CI: 1.14, 8.45) were positively associated with postspinal back pain. Conclusion and Recommendation. The overall incidence of back pain is high. Body mass index, size of spinal needle, number of attempts, and number of bone contacts are significantly associated with the incidence of back pain following spinal anesthesia. Thus, it is better to minimize the number of lumbar puncture attempts and bone contacts during spinal anesthesia to reduce postspinal back pain. In addition, using smaller size spinal needle is a good choice.
A Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis of Human Placental Trophoblasts in Response to Pathogenic and Probiotic Enterococcus faecalis Interaction
Authors: Tan Qianglai , Zeng Zhen , Xu Feng , Wei Hua
Published: January 2021

With the ability to cross placental barriers in their hosts, strains of Gram-positive Enterococcus faecalis can exhibit either beneficial or harmful properties. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects have yet to be determined. A comparative transcriptomic analysis of human placental trophoblasts in response to pathogenic or probiotic E. faecalis was performed in order to investigate the molecular basis of different traits. Results indicated that both E. faecalis Symbioflor 1 and V583 could pass through the placental barrier in vitro with similar levels of invasion ability. In total, 2353 (1369 upregulated and 984 downregulated) and 2351 (1233 upregulated and 1118 downregulated) DEGs were identified in Symbioflor 1 and V583, respectively. Furthermore, 1074 (671 upregulated and 403 downregulated) and 1072 (535 upregulated and 537 downregulated) DEGs were only identified in Symbioflor 1 and V583 treatment groups, respectively. KEGG analysis showed that 6 and 9 signaling pathways were associated with interactions between Symbioflor 1 and V583. GO analysis revealed that these DEGs were mainly related to cellular and metabolic processes and biological regulation. However, 28 and 44 DEGs were classified into terms associated with placental and embryonic development in Symbioflor 1 and V583 treatment groups, respectively. Notably, 9 and 25 unique DEGs were identified only in Symbioflor 1 and V583 treatment groups, respectively. A large proportion of transcriptional responses differed when compared between pathogenic and probiotic E. faecalis interaction, and several unique DEGs and signal pathways were identified in the two different groups. These data enhance our understanding of how different traits can be affected by pathogenic and probiotic E. faecalis and the mechanisms underlying these effects.
Retinal Thickness Asymmetry in Highly Myopic Eyes with Early Stage of Normal-Tension Glaucoma
Authors: Lin Pei-Wen , Chang Hsueh-Wen , Poon Yi-Chieh
Published: January 2021

Purpose. To investigate the retinal thickness asymmetry parameters of circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (cpRNFL) and macular layers measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography in highly myopic (HM) patients with an early stage of normal-tension glaucoma (NTG). Methods. This cross-sectional study included 55 eyes of HM patients with early NTG and 37 eyes of HM normal participants. High myopia was defined as spherical equivalence more myopic than −6 diopters. Thickness differences and asymmetry indices (AIs) of cpRNFL between superior and inferior corresponding parts and thickness differences and AIs of the total macular layer (TML) and inner macular layers between superior and inferior hemispheres were calculated. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AROCs) were analyzed and compared. Results. In the cpRNFL asymmetry analysis, the thickness differences and AIs of cpRNFL between temporal-superior and temporal-inferior sectors (

P

 < 0.0001 and

P

 < 0.0001, respectively) and between superior and inferior quadrants (

P

 = 0.002 and

P

 < 0.0001, respectively) were significantly different between HM control subjects and HM NTG patients. In the macular asymmetry analysis, the thickness difference and AI of TML were significantly different between superior and inferior hemispheres (

P

 < 0.0001 and

P

 < 0.0001, respectively). The thickness difference and AI of the macular ganglion cell layer (mGCL) were significantly different between superior and inferior hemispheres (

P

 < 0.0001 and

P

 < 0.0001, respectively). The AROCs for thickness difference of TML (0.845) and thickness difference of mGCL (0.773) were comparable to AROCs for average cpRNFL thickness (0.842), macular retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (mRNFL) thickness (0.871), and mGCL thickness (0.822). Conclusion. In our study, HM NTG patients had retinal thickness asymmetry in cpRNFL, TML, and mGCL. The diagnostic capabilities for thickness asymmetry of TML and mGCL were comparable to the diagnostic capabilities for cpRNFL thickness, mRNFL thickness, and mGCL thickness. Asymmetry analysis of retinal thickness can be an adjunctive tool for the early detection of HM NTG.
Corrosion Inhibition of 3003 Aluminum Alloy in Molar Hydrochloric Acid Solution by Olive Oil Mill Liquid By-Product
Authors: Chadili M. , Rguiti M. M. , El Ibrahimi B. , Oukhrib R. , Jmiai A. , Beelkhaouda M. , Bammou L. , Hilali M. , Bazzi L.
Published: January 2021

According to the literature, the works on the inhibition of aluminum alloy corrosion using naturally occurring compounds are limited. For this, the inhibiting effect of oil mill liquid by-product (OMW) on the corrosion of 3003 aluminum alloy (AA3003) in molar hydrochloric acid solution was evaluated using electrochemical techniques. In parallel, a computational approach based on DFT/B3LYP and Monte Carlo methods was used to understand the inhibition process under electronic and atomic scales, respectively. The experimental results reveal that OMW has a good inhibiting effect on the corrosion of AA3003 alloy in the tested solution and acts as a cathodic inhibitor. The inhibitory efficiency increases by increasing OMW concentration to attain 89% at 6.0 ppm. The effect of temperature shows that the inhibition efficiency of OMW decreases with temperature rising. Nevertheless, a good prevention capacity of 83% is obtained at 338 K. Such interesting achieved protection property was attributed to the adsorption of OMW constituents onto the alloy surface via a mixed physichemisorption process. This process is found to obey the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Furthermore, the activation thermodynamic parameters of the corrosion process of AA3003 alloy were also determined and discussed. The computational outcomes outlined the ability of the OMW components to interact favorably with the metal surface, hence the formation of a protective layer, which justified the observed inhibition behaviors. Conferring to the present study, OMW can be used as a good green corrosion inhibitor for AA3003 alloy in the acidic medium.
Segmentation and Classification of Heart Angiographic Images Using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Abdullah  , Siddiqi Muhammad Hameed , Salamah Alhwaiti Yousef , Alrashdi Ibrahim , Ali Amjad , Faisal Mohammad
Published: January 2021

Heart angiography is a test in which the concerned medical specialist identifies the abnormality in heart vessels. This type of diagnosis takes a lot of time by the concerned physician. In our proposed method, we segmented the interested regions of heart vessels and then classified. Segmentation and classification of heart angiography provides significant information for the physician as well as patient. Contradictorily, in the mention domain of heart angiography, the charge is prone to error, phase overwhelming, and thought-provoking task for the physician (heart specialist). An automatic segmentation and classification of heart blood vessels descriptions can improve the truthfulness and speed up the finding of heart illnesses. In this work, we recommend a computer-assisted conclusion arrangement for the localization of human heart blood vessels within heart angiographic imageries by using multiclass ensemble classification mechanism. In the proposed work, the heart blood vessels will be first segmented, and the various features according to accuracy have been extracted. Low-level features such as texture, statistical, and geometrical features were extracted in human heart blood vessels. At last, in the proposed framework, heart blood vessels have been categorized in their four respective classes including normal, block, narrow, and blood flow-reduced vessels. The proposed approach has achieved best result which provides very useful, easy, accurate, and time-saving environment to cardiologists for the diagnosis of heart-related diseases.