bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taxonomy and Phylogeny of Cystostereaceae (Agaricales, Basidiomycota): A New Genus, Five New Species, and Three New Combinations
Authors: Li Yue , Nakasone Karen K. , Chen Che-Chih , Zhao Chang-Lin , Cao Ting , Yuan Hai-Sheng , He Shuang-Hui
Published: November 2022

This paper aims to understand the species diversity, taxonomy, and phylogeny of Cystostereaceae (Agaricales), which is based primarily on material from East and Southeast Asia. Cystostereaceae is a small, understudied family of saprobes of woody plants with a worldwide distribution. Phylogenetic analyses of the LSU and ITS sequences revealed four distinct clades in the Cystostereaceae, representing the genera Crustomyces, Cystostereum, Effusomyces gen. nov., and Parvodontia. In addition, phylogenetic analyses showed that Cystidiodontia and Rigidotubus are synonyms of Crustomyces for their type of species nested within the Crustomyces clade. The new monotypic genus Effusomyces, based on specimens from Thailand, lacks any distinctive morphological features. Parvodontia, originally erected for a species from South America, is reported for the first time from Asia. The widely distributed and morphologically well-characterized Cystostereum is represented in East Asia by two new species: Cystostereum crassisporum and C. submurrayi. In addition, three new species, viz., Crustomyces albidus, Effusomyces thailandicus, and Parvodontia austrosinensis, are described and illustrated. Finally, three new combinations are proposed: Crustomyces isabellinus, C. laminiferus, and C. tephroleucus. A key to the genera and species of Cystostereaceae is provided. Our results proved that the species diversity of wood-decaying fungi in East and Southeast Asia is rich and suggested that more investigations and studies should be carried out in the future.
Geo-Distribution Patterns of Soil Fungal Community of Pennisetum flaccidum in Tibet
Authors: Zhang Guangyu , Shen Zhenxi , Fu Gang
Published: November 2022

Pennisetum flaccidum can be used as a pioneer species for the restoration of degraded grasslands and as a high-quality forage for local yak and sheep in alpine regions. The geographical distribution pattern of soil fungal community can modify that of P. flaccidum. A field survey along 32 sampling sites was conducted to explore the geo-distribution patterns of soil fungal community of P. flaccidum in Tibet. Soil fungal species, phylogenetic and function diversity generally had a closer correlation with longitude/elevation than latitude. The geo-distribution patterns of soil fungal species, phylogenetic and function diversity varied with soil depth. Soil fungal species, phylogenetic and function diversity had dissimilar geo-distribution patterns. Precipitation had stronger impacts on total abundance, species α-diversity, phylogenetic α-diversity, and function β-diversity than temperature for both topsoil (0–10 cm depth) and subtopsoil (10–20 cm depth). Furthermore, precipitation had stronger impacts on function α-diversity for topsoil, species β-diversity for topsoil, and phylogenetic β-diversity for subtopsoil than temperature. The combination of species, phylogenetic and function diversity can better reflect geo-distribution patterns of soil fungal community. Compared to global warming, the impact of precipitation change on the variation in soil fungal community of P. flaccidum should be given more attention.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Cryptococcosis among Patients with and without COVID-19
Authors: Chastain Daniel B. , Kung Vanessa M. , Vargas Barahona Lilian , Jackson Brittany T. , Golpayegany Sahand , Franco-Paredes Carlos , Thompson George R. , Henao-Martínez Andrés F.
Published: November 2022

The effect of COVID-19 on the risk and prognosis of cryptococcosis is unclear. We compared the characteristics and outcomes of cryptococcosis in patients with and without COVID-19. Patients 18 years and older with cryptococcosis were identified from TriNetX and separated into two cohorts based on a diagnosis of COVID-19 within 3 months of the index diagnosis of cryptococcosis. Differences examined between groups included comorbidities, immunosuppressive medications, ED visits, hospitalizations, ICU admissions, mechanical ventilation, and deaths. The propensity score matching was performed based on demographics and comorbidities. Of the 6998 patients with cryptococcosis included, 4.4% (n = 306) had COVID-19 prior to cryptococcosis. Mortality was higher in patients with COVID-19 compared to those without COVID-19 (14% vs. 11%, p = 0.032). Additionally, those with COVID-19 were older (55.2 ± 14.4 vs. 51.9 ± 15.2 years, p < 0.001) with higher rates of transplant (29% vs. 13%, p < 0.001), neoplastic disease (37% vs. 21%, p < 0.001), chronic kidney disease (42% vs. 18%, p < 0.001), or diabetes (35% vs. 19%, p < 0.001) but not HIV (30% vs. 31%, p = 0.618). Glucocorticoid use was more common in those with COVID-19 (52% vs. 27%, p < 0.001). More patients with COVID-19 required ED visits (29% vs. 23%, p = 0.025) and ICU admission (18% vs. 11%, p < 0.001). After propensity score matching, patients with COVID-19 had higher rates of neoplastic disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and glucocorticoid use but did not experience worse outcomes compared to those without COVID-19. Patients with COVID-19 who developed cryptococcosis had independently higher rates of comorbidities and glucocorticoid use but similar outcomes, including death, versus those without COVID-19.
Genome Organization and Copy-Number Variation Reveal Clues to Virulence Evolution in Coccidioides posadasii
Authors: Dubin Claire A. , Voorhies Mark , Sil Anita , Teixeira Marcus M. , Barker Bridget M. , Brem Rachel B.
Published: November 2022

The human fungal pathogen Coccidioides spp. causes valley fever, a treatment-refractory and sometimes deadly disease prevalent in arid regions of the western hemisphere. Fungal virulence in the mammalian host hinges on a switch between growth as hyphae and as large spherules containing infectious spores. How these virulence programs are encoded in the genome remains poorly understood. Drawing on Coccidioides genomic resources, we first discovered a new facet of genome organization in this system: spherule-gene islands, clusters of genes physically linked in the genome that exhibited specific mRNA induction in the spherule phase. Next, we surveyed copy-number variation genome-wide among strains of C. posadasii. Emerging from this catalog were spherule-gene islands with striking presence–absence differentiation between C. posadasii populations, a pattern expected from virulence factors subjected to different selective pressures across habitats. Finally, analyzing single-nucleotide differences across C. posadasii strains, we identified signatures of natural selection in spherule-expressed genes. Together, our data establish spherule-gene islands as candidate determinants of virulence and targets of selection in Coccidioides.
Will Organoids Fill the Gap towards Functional Precision Medicine?
Authors: Papaccio Federica , Cabeza-Segura Manuel , Garcia-Micò Blanca , Tarazona Noelia , Roda Desamparados , Castillo Josefa , Cervantes Andres
Published: November 2022

Precision medicine approaches for solid tumors are mainly based on genomics. Its employment in clinical trials has led to somewhat underwhelming results, except for single responses. Moreover, several factors can influence the response, such as gene and protein expression, the coexistence of different genomic alterations or post-transcriptional/translational modifications, the impact of tumor microenvironment, etc., therefore making it insufficient to employ a genomics-only approach to predict response. Recently, the implementation of patient-derived organoids has shed light on the possibility to use them to predict patient response to drug treatment. This could offer for the first time the possibility to move precision medicine to a functional environment.
Biosensors for the Rapid Detection of Cardiovascular Biomarkers of Vital Interest: Needs, Analysis and Perspectives
Authors: Abensur Vuillaume Laure , Frija-Masson Justine , Hadjiat Meriem , Riquier Thomas , d’Ortho Marie-Pia , Le Borgne Pierrick , Goetz Christophe , Voss Paul L. , Ougazzaden Abdallah , Salvestrini Jean-Paul , Leïchlé Thierry
Published: November 2022

We have previously surveyed a panel of 508 physicians from around the world about which biomarkers would be relevant if obtained in a very short time frame, corresponding to emergency situations (life-threatening or not). The biomarkers that emerged from this study were markers of cardiovascular disease: troponin, D-dimers, and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). Cardiovascular disease is a group of disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels. At the intersection of medicine, basic research and engineering, biosensors that address the need for rapid biological analysis could find a place of choice in the hospital or primary care ecosystem. Rapid, reliable, and inexpensive analysis with a multi-marker approach, including machine learning analysis for patient risk analysis, could meet the demand of medical teams. The objective of this opinion review, proposed by a multidisciplinary team of experts (physicians, biologists, market access experts, and engineers), is to present cases where a rapid biological response is indeed valuable, to provide a short overview of current biosensor technologies for cardiac biomarkers designed for a short result time, and to discuss existing market access issues.
A Knowledge-Based Battery Controller for IoT Devices
Authors: Canada-Bago Joaquin , Fernandez-Prieto Jose-Angel
Published: November 2022

Internet of things (IoT) devices are often located in difficult-to-access places without connection to the electrical grid. For this reason, some IoT devices usually incorporate a small stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) system to power only the IoT device. However, several IoT applications involve using other components, such as instrumentation, electrical motors, lighting bulbs, etc., which require additional electrical power. The objective of this study was to design and implement a battery controller integrated into a constrained resource device that allows powering not only other components of the IoT application but also the IoT device. In this way, the IoT device controls and monitors the PV system and executes other IoT applications such as lighting. Results show that the designed controller exhibits efficient behavior when compared with other regulators and can be integrated into resource-constrained devices, improving the life of batteries and reducing cost.
Simple Optimal Sampling Algorithm to Strengthen Digital Soil Mapping Using the Spatial Distribution of Machine Learning Predictive Uncertainty: A Case Study for Field Capacity Prediction
Authors: Yang Hyunje , Lim Honggeun , Moon Haewon , Li Qiwen , Nam Sooyoun , Kim Jaehoon , Choi Hyung Tae
Published: November 2022

Machine learning models are now capable of delivering coveted digital soil mapping (DSM) benefits (e.g., field capacity (FC) prediction); therefore, determining the optimal sample sites and sample size is essential to maximize the training efficacy. We solve this with a novel optimal sampling algorithm that allows the authentic augmentation of insufficient soil features using machine learning predictive uncertainty. Nine hundred and fifty-three forest soil samples and geographically referenced forest information were used to develop predictive models, and FCs in South Korea were estimated with six predictor set hierarchies. Random forest and gradient boosting models were used for estimation since tree-based models had better predictive performance than other machine learning algorithms. There was a significant relationship between model predictive uncertainties and training data distribution, where higher uncertainties were distributed in the data scarcity area. Further, we confirmed that the predictive uncertainties decreased when additional sample sites were added to the training data. Environmental covariate information of each grid cell in South Korea was then used to select the sampling sites. Optimal sites were coordinated at the cell having the highest predictive uncertainty, and the sample size was determined using the predictable rate. This intuitive method can be generalized to improve global DSM.
Evaluation of Suitability and Spatial Distribution of Rural Settlements in the Karst Mountainous Area of China
Authors: Yang Zhiyuan , Yang Dong , Geng Jingjie , Tian Fengxia
Published: November 2022

With the acceleration of urbanization and the implementation of the rural revitalization strategy, the spatial pattern of rural settlements in China has changed significantly. The suitability of rural settlements is a requirement for rural revitalization. The objective of this paper is to quantitatively depict, analyze, and evaluate the suitability of rural settlements in karst mountain areas to eliminate poverty and accelerate the process of new urbanization by constructing rural settlements. Taking 525 rural settlements in Songtao Miao Autonomous County, Guizhou Province, in the karst mountainous area as the research object, the distribution of rural settlements is studied using point mode spatial analysis and neighborhood analysis. The impacts of natural and regional environmental factors are detected using Geodetector. To make the evaluation results more scientific and reasonable, a suitability evaluation model based on Geodetector and AHP was constructed to solve the subjective problem of the weight assignment of the AHP method and reflect the interaction between the influencing factors. The results demonstrate the following. (1) The variation coefficient of the Thiessen polygon area in the Voronoi diagram shows that the spatial distribution of rural settlements is mainly random. The spatial distribution of kernel density in rural settlements presents multiple nuclear centers, with obvious spatial differentiation, with Changping Township being the densest and Waxi Township the sparsest. (2) Rural settlements are mainly distributed below a 15° slope, 800 m above sea level, within 6 km from rivers, 4 km from roads, and 7 km from the township center. Slope and distance from the river are the main driving forces of spatial differentiation. The spatial distribution of rural settlement areas is affected by natural and regional environmental factors, and the interaction between slope and distance from the river is the strongest explanatory power. (3) The results of suitability evaluation show that 87.40% of the rural settlement areas are categorized as “suitable” and “relatively suitable” for living. The “suitable” rural settlement areas are mainly concentrated in the hilly and low mountain areas and river valleys, with relatively gentle terrain in the middle and east, distributed in two north–south trending strips. The “relatively suitable” rural settlements are mainly scattered in the surrounding livable areas. This study could provide a reference for the planning and reconstruction of rural residential areas in karst mountain areas and expand the research means of suitability evaluation of rural residential areas, and it is applicable to other settings.
Depopulation of the Northern Border of Mesoamerica during the Early Postclassic: Evidence from the Reappraisal of Archaeomagnetic Data
Authors: García Pimentel Alejandra García , Goguitchaichvili Avto , Torreblanca Carlos , Kravchinsky Vadim , Cervantes Miguel , García Rafael , Cejudo Rubén , Bautista Francisco , Morales Juan
Published: November 2022

The Mesoamerican Postclassic and Epiclassic were periods of drastic change and transformation related to social, political and economic aspects as well as settlement patterns. Mexico’s northern boundary expansion, rise, and subsequent demise is a matter of debate which remains essentially unsolved. Possible causes include climatic changes, landscape degradation or prolonged bellicose relations with nomadic groups. Still, no consensus exists on why such apparent instability and decline occurred at major archaeological settlements on the northern Mesoamerican border, also known as the septentrional frontier. The scarcity of absolute chronological constraints is definitively a handicap that impedes the assessment of northern Mesoamerica’s development from its apogee to its decline. The archaeomagnetic method has been used during the last decades to analyze burned archaeological artifacts belonging to Mesoamerica’s north and central-west frontiers, including different Mexican states. Namely, high-resolution studies were carried out at Aguascalientes (El Ocote), Guanajuato (El Cóporo, Lo de Juárez and Plazuelas), Jalisco (Cerro de Los Agaves, La Palma and El Palacio de Ocomo) and Zacatecas (La Quemada). It was successfully proved that archaeomagnetic dating might greatly contribute to refining the chronology and development of major pre-Hispanic settlements. These studies were based on available geomagnetic curves at the time of publication. However, global geomagnetic models have experienced substantial improvement with the development of local/regional reference archaeomagnetic curves during the last few years. Hence, the need arises for a critical reassessment of reported age intervals and corresponding chronological contexts. Updated archaeomagnetic ages are recalculated considering the geomagnetic models SHA.DIF.14K and SHAWQ.2K as well as the two regional paleosecular variation curves for Mesoamerica. A bootstrap resampling method is used to obtain an optimal age range for each studied structure. These new absolute chronologies indicate that the last fire exposure of the vast majority of the analyzed artifacts unequivocally corresponds to the Mesoamerican early Postclassic related to the depopulation stage apparently caused by environmental changes.
Labeling, Concord, and Nominal Syntax in Turkish
Authors: Bayırlı İsa Kerem
Published: November 2022

According to Chomsky’s Labeling Algorithm the merger of two phrases, i.e., {XP, YP}, is labeled either via feature sharing between the two elements or by ignoring the lower copies of movement chains. It is not immediately clear, within this approach, how adjunction structures such as {aP, nP} are to be labeled. In those languages where adjectives show concord with nouns in φ features, the shared features may provide the label.This option is not available for non-concord languages, however. In this paper, we focus on the labeling of {aP, nP} in Turkish, a non-concord language. We claim that the categorizing n0 head in Turkish lacks grammatical features, as a result of which aP fails to find valued instances of its unvalued features. In the absence of feature sharing, aP is marked as a Spell-Out domain, and {aP, nP} is labeled as nP as soon as aP is sent to the interfaces. Since aP in Turkish is a Spell-Out domain, the left-branch extraction of adjectives (i.e., aP movement) is not possible. Moreover, the lack of any grammatical features on n0 in Turkish accounts for the availability of suspension of the plural morpheme.
Effects of Photobiomodulation on Oral Mucositis: Visualization and Analysis of Knowledge
Authors: Melo Wallacy Watson Pereira , Aragão Walessa Alana Bragança , Baia-da-Silva Daiane Claydes , Nascimento Priscila Cunha , Lima Rafael Rodrigues , de Souza-Rodrigues Renata Duarte
Published: November 2022

This review article mapped and analyzed the most cited articles on the association of photobiomodulation (PBM) with oral mucositis (OM) and the evolution of clinical protocols in the area. A comprehensive search was performed on the Web of Science Core Collection (WoS-CC) database, leading to the extraction of information such as title, authors, abstract, journal name, number, average of citations, study design, year of publication, institutions, continents, countries, type of laser used, irradiated anatomical points, primary anti-cancer therapy, and laser parameters. Among those, clinical trials and literature reviews were the most common study designs. The main type of laser used was the InGaAlP diode, with a wavelength ranging from 630–660 nm, power going in 40–100 mW, and energy density ranging from 0.375–22 J/cm2. As for the anatomical sites irradiated by PBM, the cheek mucosa, upper and lower lips, lateral tongue, and bottom of the mouth stood out. This analysis highlights an increasing interest in PBM as a supportive treatment in cases of OM, as well as the evolution of the technique, types of laser devices, and protocols used.
The Performance of Lateral Flow Tests in the Age of the Omicron: A Rapid Systematic Review
Authors: Ng Qin Xiang , Lim Yu Liang , Han Ming Xuan , Teoh Seth En , Thumboo Julian , Tan Ban Hock
Published: November 2022

Prompt detection and isolation of COVID-19 cases is vital for preventing further viral transmission, and lateral flow or rapid antigen tests have been an important diagnostic tool in this pandemic. However, concerns have emerged regarding the sensitivity of these devices for the new BA.1, BA.2, and BA.4/5 omicron variants, which have greater transmissibility and extensive mutations in its spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins. N protein is an important target protein for existing lateral flow devices. This paper therefore aimed to provide a rapid review of available literature on the performance of the lateral flow tests for detecting the omicron coronavirus variant. A systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, OVID Medline, and Google Scholar found six published studies and four preprints investigating the performance of existing lateral flow devices for the omicron variant, as compared to the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant. Overall, it appears that the devices have poorer performance for the omicron variant and when testing samples with cycle threshold (Ct) values greater than 25 and in asymptomatic individuals. As most available data were preliminary and had small sample sizes, it is recommended that these data be further studied to better inform and adapt our public health responses.
Wound Healing and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of a Newly Developed Ointment Containing Jujube Leaves Extract
Authors: Hovaneț Marilena-Viorica , Ozon Emma Adriana , Moroșan Elena , Șeremet Oana Cristina , Oprea Eliza , Geană Elisabeta-Irina , Anghel Adriana Iuliana , Bădiceanu Carmellina , Duțu Ligia Elena , Stoicescu Cristina Silvia , Nagoda Eugenia , Ancuceanu Robert
Published: November 2022

Ziziphus jujuba Mill. (jujube) is a well-known medicinal plant with pronounced wound healing properties. The present study aimed to establish the chemical composition of the lyophilized ethanolic extract from Romanian Ziziphus jujuba leaves and to evaluate the healing and anti-inflammatory properties of a newly developed lipophilic ointment containing 10% dried jujube leaves extract. The ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry method was used, and 47 compounds were detected, among them the novel epicatechin and caffeic acid. The extract contains significant amounts of rutin (29.836 mg/g), quercetin (15.180 mg/g) and chlorogenic acid (350.96 µg/g). The lipophilic ointment has a slightly tolerable pH, between 5.41–5.42, and proved to be non-toxic in acute dermal irritation tests on New Zealand albino rabbits and after repeated administration on Wistar rats. The ointment also has a healing activity comparable to Cicatrizin (a pharmaceutical marketed product) on Wistar rats and a moderate anti-inflammatory action compared to the control group, but statistically insignificant compared to indomethacin in the rat-induced inflammation test by intraplantar administration of kaolin. The healing and anti-inflammatory properties of the tested ointment are due to phenolic acids and flavonoids content, less because of minor components as apocynin, scopoletin, and isofraxidin.
A Retrospective, Observational Study of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection Events Post-Implementation of a Novel Urinary Catheter System with Active Drain Line Clearance and Automated Intra-Abdominal Pressure Monitoring
Authors: Brockway Patrick , Hill David , Moll Vanessa , Stanton Kelly , Malbrain Manu , Velamuri Sai
Published: November 2022

Objective: A quality improvement study to assess catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) rate post-implementation of a bladder catheter with integrated active drain line urine clearance and automated intra-abdominal pressure monitoring in a burn intensive care unit (ICU). DESIGN: Eight-year retrospective before and after study (2015–2022). Setting: A single American Burn Association-verified Burn Center with 14 inpatient beds. Patients: Patients meeting criteria for admission to a Burn Center. Methods: Retrospective cohort study following the implementation of a novel urine output monitoring system with integrated drain line and urine clearance. Data from a 48-month (from January 2015–December 2018) historical control (period 1) were compared to data from a 28-month (from January 2020 to April 2022) post-implementation period (period 2). Pre- and post-implementation CAUTI event incidences were compared. Patients were transferred from outside hospitals with gravity bladder. A distinction in the chart between catheter types was impossible. Charts were reviewed to characterize patients with CAUTI events. Results: A total of 42 CAUTIs in 2243 patients were identified using the National Health and Safety Network (NHSN) definition during the analyzed period. There were 40 CAUTI events in period 1 and two CAUTIs in period 2. The incidence of CAUTI events pre-implementation was 0.030 (mean of 10 CAUTI events per year) compared to 0.002 (mean of 1 CAUTI event per year) post-implementation of an automatic drain line clearing UO monitoring system showing a significant reduction in CAUTI events (p < 0.01, risk ratio novel vs. gravity bladder catheter 0.071, 95% confidence interval: 0.017–0.294). Conclusions: CAUTIs were reduced in the period following the implementation of a novel urinary catheter system with an integrated active drain line and urine clearance in burn patients.
Rapid, Sensitive and Simultaneous Detection of Two Wheat RNA Viruses Using Reverse Transcription Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RT-RPA)
Authors: Chen Zhiqing , Zhang Tianye , Lei Jiajia , Wang Ziqiong , Liu Peng , Zhong Kaili , Chen Jianping , Liu Jiaqian
Published: November 2022

In China, wheat yellow mosaic disease is mostly caused by wheat yellow mosaic virus (WYMV) and Chinese wheat mosaic virus (CWMV). If wheat is co-infected with these two viruses, it can cause severe yellow mosaic symptoms and yield losses. Early detection of viruses is crucial for preventing disease in the field. In this study, we optimized a sensitive, specific reverse transcription recombinase polymerase amplification (RT-RPA) detection method for two viruses, WYMV and CWMV. Two sets of primers were designed based on the capsid protein (CP)-encoding genes of the two viruses, and the reaction conditions were determined. The RT-RPA method, which amplified the target amplicon by a handheld reaction mixture for 20 min, was more sensitive than PCR-CP in the detection of WYMV. Finally, the RT-RPA method was performed on 110 randomly selected field samples, demonstrating its applicability to samples from different regions and specificity for co-infected samples. This study not only describes an improved method for detecting WYMV and CWMV using RT-RPA but also demonstrates the potential of this method, which could be applied under field conditions.
Influence of Manufacturing Error Tolerances on Thermal EHL Behavior of Gears
Authors: Hjelm Rikard , Wahlström Jens
Published: November 2022

Due to the electrification of vehicles, new demands are being imposed on gears, which translates to the tolerances of manufacturing errors. However, not many studies treat the impact of manufacturing error combinations on the lubricant behavior of gear sets. Therefore, a simulation method is developed, including its derivation, discretization, and implementation. The method solves the thermal elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication (TEHL) problem, taking into account the varying temperature, viscosity, density, and cavitation of the lubricant. To account for manufacturing errors, the load distribution from a loaded tooth contact analysis (LTCA), developed by the authors, is used as input to the TEHL method. Comparison is made with a standard load distribution assumption, and a numerical example is used to show some preliminary results. The results show good agreement with results from other studies. It is shown that there is a great effect of manufacturing errors on the TEHL behavior, such as temperature, due to the change in load distribution such errors impose. It can be concluded that manufacturing errors of different tolerances have a great impact and that they should therefore be taken into consideration when analyzing gear set behavior and constructing gear sets for new applications.
(η4-Tetraphenylcyclobutadiene)-(η5-pentaphenylcyclopentadienyl)-cobalt
Authors: Klein-Heßling Christian , Sünkel Karlheinz
Published: November 2022

A one-pot reaction starting with C5Ph5Br, n-BuLi and [CoCl(PPh3)3] followed by the addition of diphenylethyne produces the title compound with 12% yield. Spectroscopic characterization involved 1H, 13C-NMR, UV-Vis and mass spectrometry. A crystal structure determination showed that the central aromatic rings are exactly parallel with the cyclobutadiene ring further apart from the metal as usual. The pentaphenyl–cyclopentadienyl ligand shows an usual paddlewheel orientation, whereas in the tetraphenyl–cyclobutadiene ligand, two of the phenyl groups are nearly coplanar with the four-membered ring. There are also numerous C–H…C(π) interactions between the phenyl groups on the same ring, as well as between rings.
Tailoring the Stability of Ti-Doped Sr2Fe1.4TixMo0.6−xO6−δ Electrode Materials for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Zheng Kun , Albrycht Maciej , Chen Min , Qi Kezhen , Czaja Paweł
Published: November 2022

In this work, the stability of Sr2(FeMo)O6−δ-type perovskites was tailored by the substitution of Mo with Ti. Redox stable Sr2Fe1.4TixMo0.6−xO6−δ (x = 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3) perovskites were successfully obtained and evaluated as potential electrode materials for SOFCs. The crystal structure as a function of temperature, microstructure, redox stability, and thermal expansion properties in reducing and oxidizing atmospheres, oxygen content change, and transport properties in air and reducing conditions, as well as chemical stability and compatibility towards typical electrolytes have been systematically studied. All Sr2Fe1.4TixMo0.6−xO6−δ compounds exhibit a regular crystal structure with Pm-3m space group, showing excellent stability in oxidizing and reducing conditions. The increase of Ti-doping content in materials increases the thermal expansion coefficient (TEC), oxygen content change, and electrical conductivity in air, while it decreases the conductivity in reducing condition. All three materials are stable and compatible with studied electrolytes. Interestingly, redox stable Sr2Fe1.4Ti0.1Mo0.5O6−δ, possessing 1 μm grain size, low TEC (15.3 × 10−6 K−1), large oxygen content change of 0.72 mol·mol−1 between 30 and 900 °C, satisfactory conductivity of 4.1–7.3 S·cm−1 in 5% H2 at 600–800 °C, and good transport coefficients D and k, could be considered as a potential anode material for SOFCs, and are thus of great interest for further studies.
The Polyol Process and the Synthesis of ζ Intermetallic Compound Ag5Sn0.9
Authors: Mahayri Roland , Bousnina Mohammed Ali , Mercone Silvana , Tan Ky-Lim , Morelle Jean-Michel , Schoenstein Frédéric , Jouini Noureddine
Published: November 2022

The present work concerns the intermetallic compound (IMC) existing in the Ag–Sn system and its potential use in electronics as attachment materials allowing the adhesion of the chip to the substrate forming the power module. First, we present the synthesis protocol in polyol medium of a compound with the chemical formula Ag5Sn0.9 belonging to the solid solution of composition located between 9 and 16 at.% Sn, known as solid solution ζ (or ζ-Ag4Sn). This phase corresponds to the peritectic invariant point at 724 °C. Differential thermal analysis and X-ray dispersive analysis confirm the single-phased (monocrystalline) nature of the Ag5Sn0.9 powder issued after synthesis. Scanning electron microscopy shows that Ag5Sn0.9 particles are spherical, and range in submicronic size of around 0.18 μm. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the ζ phase mostly exists under the two allotropic varieties (orthorhombic symmetry and hexagonal symmetry) with however a slight excess of the hexagonal variety (60% for the hexagonal variety and 40% for the orthorhombic variety). The lattice parameters resulting from this study for the two allotropic varieties are in good agreement with the Hume-Rothery rules.
Evaluating Cement Treated Aggregate Base Containing Steel Slag: Mechanical Properties, Volume Stability and Environmental Impacts
Authors: Huang You , Yang Xin , Wang Shuai , Liu Zhaohui , Liu Li , Xu Bo
Published: November 2022

Steel slag has been commonly used in road engineering as cementitious material; however, its application in base course is not widely reported. Four contents of steel slag (0%, 30%, 50%, 75% by volume) were blended into different cement (3%, 4%, 5%, 6% by weight)-treated aggregates. Mechanical properties, volume stability, economic benefits and environmental influences of steel slag mixtures were investigated for the feasibility of applying steel slag in semi-rigid base course. Abrasion, crushing and elongated particle content were compared against limestone aggregate, showing that steel slag has the potential of replacing natural aggregate in concrete. Steel slag is beneficial for reinforcement of the strength and stiffness. The mixture has the highest strength and stiffness when bended with 50% steel slag at 4% cement content. By treating steel slag with CH3COOH or adding silica fume, volume expansion of steel slag can effectively be controlled. Larger size steel slag (>4.75 mm) and higher cement content are recommended due to heavy metal leaching risk, especially in salty humid areas. Steel slag has sound economic benefits due to the relatively low price. Environmental benefits can also be achieved given that the transport CO2eq emission of steel slag is accounted for. With proper control in production process, steel slag is a very promising alternative material to be utilized in cement-stabilized base course in road engineering.
Effect of Chemical Admixtures on Mechanical and Degradation Properties of Metallurgical Sludge Waste Concrete
Authors: Lehner Petr , Horňáková Marie , Pizoń Jan , Gołaszewski Jacek
Published: November 2022

This study extends the development of concretes with metallurgical sludge waste (MSW) by determining the effect of superplasticizers and air entrainment admixture (AEA). The MSW is a very fine powdery material, and in this case, it was used as a partial replacement of fine aggregate in the mixture. The reference ordinary concrete mixtures without MSW were created for evaluation. The results of concrete density, compressive strength, electrical resistivity, and rapid chloride permeability were obtained and some of them were measured continuously to determine the influence of the chemical admixtures on these characteristics over time. It was found that in general, the MSW substitution slightly lowers the mechanical and durability parameters, but MSW in combination with the chemical admixtures improves the compressive strength in comparison to the reference concrete with the addition of AEA.
Surface Modification of 3D-Printed PCL/BG Composite Scaffolds via Mussel-Inspired Polydopamine and Effective Antibacterial Coatings for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Ilyas Kanwal , Akhtar Muhammad Asim , Ammar Ezzeddine Ben , Boccaccini Aldo R.
Published: November 2022

A wide variety of composite scaffolds with unique geometry, porosity and pore size can be fabricated with versatile 3D printing techniques. In this work, we fabricated 3D-printed composite scaffolds of polycaprolactone (PCL) incorporating bioactive glass (BG) particles (13-93 and 13-93B3 compositions) by using fused deposition modeling (FDM). The scaffolds were modified with a “mussel-inspired surface coating” to regulate biological properties. The chemical and surface properties of scaffolds were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), contact angle and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Polydopamine (PDA) surface-modified composite scaffolds exhibited attractive properties. Firstly, after the surface modification, the adhesion of a composite coating based on gelatin incorporated with strontium-doped mesoporous bioactive glass (Sr-MBGNs/gelatin) was significantly improved. In addition, cell attachment and differentiation were promoted, and the antibacterial properties of the scaffolds were increased. Moreover, the bioactivity of these scaffolds was also significantly influenced: a hydroxyapatite layer formed on the scaffold surface after 3 days of immersion in SBF. Our results suggest that the promoting effect of PDA coating on PCL-BG scaffolds leads to improved scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.
Surface Morphology, Compressive Behavior, and Energy Absorption of Graded Triply Periodic Minimal Surface 316L Steel Cellular Structures Fabricated by Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Ravichander Bharath Bhushan , Jagdale Shweta Hanmant , Kumar Golden
Published: November 2022

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is an emerging technique for the fabrication of triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structures in metals. In this work, different TPMS structures such as Diamond, Gyroid, Primitive, Neovius, and Fisher–Koch S with graded relative densities are fabricated from 316L steel using LPBF. The graded TPMS samples are subjected to sandblasting to improve the surface finish before mechanical testing. Quasi-static compression tests are performed to study the deformation behavior and energy absorption capacity of TPMS structures. The results reveal superior stiffness and energy absorption capabilities for the graded TPMS samples compared to the uniform TPMS structures. The Fisher–Koch S and Primitive samples show higher strength whereas the Fisher–Koch S and Neovius samples exhibit higher elastic modulus. The Neovius type structure shows the highest energy absorption up to 50% strain among all the TPMS structures. The Gibson–Ashby coefficients are calculated for the TPMS structures, and it is found that the C2 values are in the range suggested by Gibson and Ashby while C1 values differ from the proposed range.
Solving the Flexible Job Shop Scheduling Problem Using a Discrete Improved Grey Wolf Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Kong Xiaohong , Yao Yunhang , Yang Wenqiang , Yang Zhile , Su Jinzhe
Published: November 2022

The flexible job shop scheduling problem (FJSP) is of great importance for realistic manufacturing, and the problem has been proven to be NP-hard (non-deterministic polynomial time) because of its high computational complexity. To optimize makespan and critical machine load of FJSP, a discrete improved grey wolf optimization (DIGWO) algorithm is proposed. Firstly, combined with the random Tent chaotic mapping strategy and heuristic rules, a hybrid initialization strategy is presented to improve the quality of the original population. Secondly, a discrete grey wolf update operator (DGUO) is designed by discretizing the hunting process of grey wolf optimization so that the algorithm can solve FJSP effectively. Finally, an adaptive convergence factor is introduced to improve the global search ability of the algorithm. Thirty-five international benchmark problems as well as twelve large-scale FJSPs are used to test the performance of the proposed DIGWO. Compared with the optimization algorithms proposed in recent literature, DIGWO shows better solution accuracy and convergence performance in FJSPs at different scales.
Development of a Novel Dynamic Modeling Approach for a Three-Axis Machine Tool in Mechatronic Integration
Authors: Liu De-Shin , Lu Jen-Chang , Tsai Meng-Shiun , Wu Chih-Ta , Zhuang Zhen-Wei
Published: November 2022

This paper proposes a novel, fast, and automatic modeling method to build a virtual model with minimum degrees of freedom (DOFs) without the need for FE models or human judgment. The proposed program uses the iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm to analyze the mode shape vector of structural dynamic characteristics to define the position and DOFs of the joints between structural components. After the multi-body dynamics model was developed in software, it was converted into an SSM to connect the servo loop model. Then, the mechatronic integration analysis was performed to verify the dynamic characteristics of the tool center point (TCP) and the workbench in the experiment and simulation. The model created by the proposed identification process has a small DOF and can accurately simulate the dynamic characteristics of a machine. This model can be used for dynamic testing and control strategy development in mechatronic integration.
Fiber Optic Fiber Bragg Grating Sensing for Monitoring and Testing of Electric Machinery: Current State of the Art and Outlook
Authors: Suryandi Asep Andi , Sarma Nur , Mohammed Anees , Peesapati Vidyadhar , Djurović Siniša
Published: November 2022

This paper presents a review of the recent trends and the current state of the art in the application of fiber optic fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) sensing technology to condition the monitoring (CM) and testing of practical electric machinery and the associated power equipment. FBG technology has received considerable interest in this field in recent years, with research demonstrating that the flexible, multi-physical, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) immune in situ sensing of a multitude of physical measurands of CM interest is possible and cannot be obtained through conventional sensing means. The unique FBG sensing ability has the potential to unlock many of the electric machine CM and design validation restrictions imposed by the limitations of conventional sensing techniques but needs further research to attain wider adoption. This paper first presents the fundamental principles of FBG sensing. This is followed by a description of recent FBG sensing techniques proposed for electric machinery and associated power equipment and a discussion of their individual benefits and limitations. Finally, an outlook for the further application of this technique is presented. The underlying intention is for the review to provide an up-to-date overview of the state of the art in this area and inform future developments in FBG sensing in electric machinery.
Research on Phase Current Reconstruction for DPWM2 of Induction Motor Drive System Based on DC-Link Current Sampling
Authors: Song Pengyun , Wang Huazhang , Zhang Junyi , Liu Yanghui , Deng Tao
Published: November 2022

In order to reduce the switching loss and cost, as well as improve the reliability of the induction motor (IM) drive system, the technology involving the three-phase current reconstruction of 60° discontinuous pulse width modulation (DPWM2) is studied in this paper. According to the analysis of the switching state for DPWM2 in different sectors, the three-phase current can be constructed by sampling the voltage of the DC-link resistor. When the target voltage vector is located near the sector boundary or in the low-modulation area, the duration of the active vector in the sampling period is less than the voltage sampling time, which leads to measurement errors of the DC-link current. Therefore, on the basis of the switching state in different unmeasured areas, a time compensation method combining phase shifting and frequency reduction is proposed, and the expressions for comparing values are derived. Lastly, a simulation model and an experimental platform are established to validate the accuracy of the proposed method.
An Approach on V-Shaped Milling for Rotor Balancing of Armatures
Authors: Li Mengxuan , Sun Yuhang , Dong Ruiwen , Chen Weiyu , Jiang Dong
Published: November 2022

In order to improve the dynamic balancing accuracy of the micromotor armature, a method of V-shaped milling based on a discrete vector model for unbalance correction is proposed. The discrete vector model is fitted according to the parameters of the milling cutter and rotor, and then all the unit unbalance vectors in the discrete vector model are added to the milling center. The numerical relationship between the milling depth and the removal of the mass unbalance vector is obtained, and the accuracy of the model is verified via comparison with the data of the simulation experiments. The complexity of the integral formula of the numerical milling model makes it difficult to apply in practice. The discrete vector model does not require integration of the numerical formula and only considers the milling area as being composed of countless discrete blocks, which greatly simplifies the process of solving the unbalance vector. In view of the different thicknesses of the tooth surface of the armature, in order to avoid damage to the armature during milling, the unbalanced vector is decomposed at the center of the tooth surface by force decomposition. The experimental results show that this proposed method can effectively improve the dynamic balancing accuracy of the micromotor armature.
Cross-Attention-Based Reflection-Aware 6D Pose Estimation Network for Non-Lambertian Objects from RGB Images
Authors: Wu Chenrui , Chen Long , Wu Shiqing
Published: November 2022

Six-dimensional pose estimation for non-Lambertian objects, such as metal parts, is essential in intelligent manufacturing. Current methods pay much less attention to the influence of the surface reflection problem in 6D pose estimation. In this paper, we propose a cross-attention-based reflection-aware 6D pose estimation network (CAR6D) for solving the surface reflection problem in 6D pose estimation. We use a pseudo-Siamese network structure to extract features from both an RGB image and a 3D model. The cross-attention layers are designed as a bi-directional filter for each of the inputs (the RGB image and 3D model) to focus on calculating the correspondences of the objects. The network is trained to segment the reflection area from the object area. Training images with ground-truth labels of the reflection area are generated with a physical-based rendering method. The experimental results on a 6D dataset of metal parts demonstrate the superiority of CAR6D in comparison with other state-of-the-art models.
Response Analysis of Nonlinear Viscoelastic Energy Harvester with Bounded Noise Excitation
Authors: Zeng Yuanhui , Yang Yongge , Sun Yahui , Zhang Ying
Published: November 2022

Energy harvesting has become a popular topic in recent years. A number of studies have been conducted in the field of vibration energy harvesting system (VEHS). However, few studies have concentrated on viscoelastic energy harvesters driven by bounded noise excitation. In this paper, the stochastic response of a viscoelastic energy harvester subjected to bounded noise is discussed. Approximate solutions of the system were derived by utilizing the method of multiple scales, and the expressions of the mean square voltage (MSV) and mean output power (MOP) were obtained. The relation between the detuning frequency and first-order steady moment was first revealed. The effectiveness of the approach was verified by a good agreement between theoretical results and numerical results. Furthermore, the variations in the detuning frequency can result in the stochastic jump phenomenon, and stochastic bifurcation is induced with the changes in the viscoelastic parameter and detuning frequency. Finally, the impacts of system parameters on the MSV and the MOP were also analyzed.