bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antithrombotic Effects of Fostamatinib in Combination with Conventional Antiplatelet Drugs
Authors: Harbi Maan H. , Smith Christopher W. , Alenazy Fawaz O. , Nicolson Phillip L. R. , Tiwari Alok , Watson Steve P. , Thomas Mark R.
Published: June 2022

New antithrombotic medications with less effect on haemostasis are needed for the long-term treatment of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). The platelet receptor glycoprotein VI (GPVI) is critical in atherothrombosis, mediating platelet activation at atherosclerotic plaque. The inhibition of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) has been shown to block GPVI-mediated platelet function. The aim of our study was to investigate if the Syk inhibitor fostamatinib could be repurposed as an antiplatelet drug, either alone or in combination with conventional antiplatelet therapy. The effect of the active metabolite of fostamatinib (R406) was assessed on platelet activation and function induced by atherosclerotic plaque and a range of agonists in the presence and absence of the commonly used antiplatelet agents aspirin and ticagrelor. The effects were determined ex vivo using blood from healthy volunteers and aspirin- and ticagrelor-treated patients with ACS. Fostamatinib was also assessed in murine models of thrombosis. R406 mildly inhibited platelet responses induced by atherosclerotic plaque homogenate, likely due to GPVI inhibition. The anti-GPVI effects of R406 were amplified by the commonly-used antiplatelet medications aspirin and ticagrelor; however, the effects of R406 were concentration-dependent and diminished in the presence of plasma proteins, which may explain why fostamatinib did not significantly inhibit thrombosis in murine models. For the first time, we demonstrate that the Syk inhibitor R406 provides mild inhibition of platelet responses induced by atherosclerotic plaque and that this is mildly amplified by aspirin and ticagrelor.
Group II Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors Reduce Apoptosis and Regulate BDNF and GDNF Levels in Hypoxic-Ischemic Injury in Neonatal Rats
Authors: Bratek-Gerej Ewelina , Ziembowicz Apolonia , Salinska Elzbieta
Published: June 2022

Birth asphyxia causes brain injury in neonates, but a fully successful treatment has yet to be developed. This study aimed to investigate the effect of group II mGlu receptors activation after experimental birth asphyxia (hypoxia-ischemia) on the expression of factors involved in apoptosis and neuroprotective neurotrophins. Hypoxia-ischemia (HI) on 7-day-old rats was used as an experimental model. The effects of intraperitoneal application of mGluR2 agonist LY379268 (5 mg/kg) and the specific mGluR3 agonist NAAG (5 mg/kg) (1 h or 6 h after HI) on apoptotic processes and initiation of the neuroprotective mechanism were investigated. LY379268 and NAAG applied shortly after HI prevented brain damage and significantly decreased pro-apoptotic Bax and HtrA2/Omi expression, increasing expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2. NAAG or LY379268 applied at both times also decreased HIF-1α formation. HI caused a significant decrease in BDNF concentration, which was restored after LY379268 or NAAG administration. HI-induced increase in GDNF concentration was decreased after administration of LY379268 or NAAG. Our results show that activation of mGluR2/3 receptors shortly after HI prevents brain damage by the inhibition of excessive glutamate release and apoptotic damage decrease. mGluR2 and mGluR3 agonists produced comparable results, indicating that both receptors may be a potential target for early treatment in neonatal HI.
Acute Coronary Syndrome in Pregnancy and the Post-Partum Period
Authors: O’Kelly Anna C. , Ludmir Jonathan , Wood Malissa J.
Published: June 2022

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of maternal mortality in the United States. Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is more common in pregnant women than in non-pregnant controls and contributes to the burden of maternal mortality. This review highlights numerous etiologies of chest discomfort during pregnancy, as well as risk factors and causes of ACS during pregnancy. It focuses on the evaluation and management of ACS during pregnancy and the post-partum period, including considerations when deciding between invasive and non-invasive ischemic evaluations. It also focuses specifically on the management of post-myocardial infarction complications, including shock, and outlines the role of mechanical circulatory support, including veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). Finally, it offers additional recommendations for navigating delivery in women who experienced pregnancy-associated myocardial infarction and considerations for the post-partum patient who develops ACS.
Flame-Retardant and Tensile Properties of Polyamide 12 Processed by Selective Laser Sintering
Authors: Glaskova-Kuzmina Tatjana , Dejus Didzis , Jātnieks Jānis , Kruuv Partel-Peeter , Lancere Linda , Kobenko Stepans , Sarakovskis Anatolijs , Zolotarjovs Aleksejs
Published: June 2022

Composite materials are becoming widely applied in fire-critical conditions such as, e.g., aviation interior parts. Environmental considerations motivate the use of additive manufacturing due to the decrease of polymer wastes, and therefore additional fuel sources. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of printing direction on flame retardancy and the tensile properties of 3D-printed test samples of polyamide 12 manufactured by selective laser sintering. The effects of printing parameters on the flammability of 3D-printed samples were investigated using vertical burn tests with varied specimen thicknesses and printing directions. It was found that these effects were substantial for the flammability at a low thickness of the test samples. No significant effects of printing direction were revealed for the tensile characteristics of polyamide 12.
Analysis of Thermal Characteristics of MEMS Sensors for Measuring the Rolling Period of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships
Authors: Lee Hee-Jin , Park Deuk-Jin
Published: June 2022

Recently, with the emergence of maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS), ensuring seaworthiness has increased with the operation of MASS. Ship stability is important for safety, and technical methods for controlling a ship’s motion are required to evaluate the stability. A ship’s rolling period is estimated using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors to measure the ship’s metacentric height. However, weather changes (e.g., temperature) are drastic due to various marine environments in the sea. Hence, it is necessary to analyze MEMS sensors’ thermal characteristics for applying them to MASS. This study aims to analyze the thermal characteristics of a siX-axis MEMS sensor for its application in MASS. The experiments analyzed measurement errors and noise at six steps in the range of 25–75 °C in which the MEMS sensor can be operated. The experimental results showed that the gyroscope’s thermal error and MEMS sensor’s noise level were much larger than those of the accelerometer and the respective thermal error values along the Z-axis of the accelerometer and gyroscope were the most stable compared to those along the other axes. The findings can be applied to a measurement method of the stability of MASS employing MEMS sensors in navigation equipment.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Mediated Enhanced Biomass, Root Morphological Traits and Nutrient Uptake under Drought Stress: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chandrasekaran Murugesan
Published: June 2022

Drought stress remains the major constraint in affecting crop productivity in several arid and semi-arid areas highlighting climate change perspectives. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) belong to a versatile class of plant–fungal symbiotic associations establishing drought stress alleviation. Nevertheless, the mechanistic mode of sustainable agriculture necessitates rigorous assessment for authentic and reproducible plant growth parameters. Understanding the plant growth promotion, root morphological changes, and nutrient uptake response in AMF-inoculated plants to drought is very important for sustainable agriculture. Therefore, conducted a meta-analysis of published research articles for determining the efficacy of AMF in alleviating drought stress. Overall analysis showed that AM inoculated plants had 49% higher plant growth promotion than the non-mycorrhizal plants under drought stress. Biomass analysis depicted the root dry weight increase by 49%, shoot dry weight increase by 54%, and total dry weight increase by 58% indicating plant biomass traits augmentation. Root morphological traits analysis corresponded to increased root length (37%), root surface (31%), and root volume (65%). Notably, nutrient uptake assessment showed variable increases in uptake patterns such as P uptake by 86%, N uptake by 35%, and K uptake by 46%. Furthermore, the prominent efficacy of AMF was significantly larger under drought for P uptake (p < 0.001) and root volume (p < 0.001) indicating the linear relationship between root length and P uptake. Thus, the present meta-analysis confirms that drought stress alleviation emancipated by AMF is mediated by root traits modification and phosphorous acquisition efficacy. Hence, meta-analyses along with experimental validations with field trial evaluations will certainly provide the AMF research for escalated applications for better plant productivity, stress alleviation, and sustainable agriculture.
Impact of Future Development Scenario Selection on Landscape Ecological Risk in the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Zone
Authors: Zhu Kangwen , He Jun , Zhang Lanxin , Song Dan , Wu Longjiang , Liu Yaqun , Zhang Sheng
Published: June 2022

The management of regional eco-environmental risks is the key to promoting regional economic sustainability from the macro level, and accurate evaluation of the evolutionary trends of regional ecological risk in the future is of high importance. In order to clearly identify the possible impact of future development scenario selection for the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Zone (C-C E Zone) on the evolution of landscape ecological risk (LER), we introduced the Patch-generating Land Use Simulation (PLUS) model to simulate land use data for the C-C E Zone from 2030 to 2050 for two scenarios: natural development (ND) and ecological protection (EP). Based on the ecological grid and landscape ecological risk index (LERI) model, the landscape ecological risk (LER) evolutionary trends seen in the C-C E Zone from 2000 to 2050 were analyzed and identified. The results showed that: (1) The PLUS model can obtain high-precision simulation results in the C-C E Zone. In the future, the currently increasing rate of land being used for construction will be reduced, the declining rates of forest and cultivated land area will also be reduced, and the amount of land being used for various purposes will remain stable going into the future. (2) This study found that the optimal size of the ecological grid in the LERI calculation of the mountainous area was 4 × 4 km. Additionally, the mean values of the LERI in 2030, 2040, and 2050 were 0.1612, 0.1628, and 0.1636 for ND and 0.1612, 0.1618, and 0.1620 for EP. (3) The hot spot analysis results showed that an area of about 49,700 km2 in the C-C E Zone from 2000 to 2050 belongs to high agglomeration of LER. (4) Since 2010, the proportions of high and extremely high risk levels have continued to increase, but under the EP scenario, the high and extremely high risk levels in 2040 and 2050 decreased from 14.36% and 6.66% to 14.33% and 6.43%. Regional analysis showed that the high and extremely high risk levels in most regions increased over 2010–2050. (5) Under the ND scenario, the proportions of grids with decreased, unchanged, and increased risk levels were 15.13%, 81.48%, and 3.39% for 2000–2010 and 0.54%, 94.75%, and 4.71% for 2040–2050. These trends indicated that the proportion of grids with changed risk levels gradually decreased going into the future. This study analyzed the evolutionary trends of LER at the C-C E Zone for the ND and EP scenario. On the whole, the LER for the C-C E Zone showed an upward trend, and the EP scenario was conducive to reducing the risk. These research results can serve as a valuable data reference set for regional landscape optimization and risk prevention and control.
Impact of Rotor Material Wear on the Aluminum Refining Process
Authors: Prášil Tomáš , Socha Ladislav , Gryc Karel , Svizelová Jana , Saternus Mariola , Merder Tomasz , Pieprzyca Jacek , Gráf Martin
Published: June 2022

The paper presents the results of tests carried out during the refining of the AlSi9Cu3(Fe) alloy in industrial conditions at the FDU stand. In the tests, three different rotors made of classical graphite, fine-grained graphite and classical graphite with SiC spraying were tested for the degree of wear. A series of tests was conducted for five cases—0% to 100% of consumption every 25%—corresponding to the cycles of the refining process. The number of cycles corresponding to 100% wear of each rotor was determined as 1112. The results of the rotor wear profile for all types of graphite after the assumed cycles are presented. Comparison of CAD models of new rotors and 3D scans of rotors in the final stage of operation revealed material losses during operational tests. The study assessed the efficiency of the rotor in terms of its service life as well as work efficiency. It was estimated on the basis of the calculated values of the Dichte Index (DI) and the density of the samples solidified in the vacuum. The structure of samples before and after refining at various stages of rotor wear is also presented, and the results are discussed.
Improvement in Thermal Storage Effectiveness of Paraffin with Addition of Aluminum Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Gunjo Dawit Gudeta , Yadav Vinod Kumar , Sinha Devendra Kumar , Elkotb Mohamed Abdelghany , Ahmed Gulam Mohammed Sayeed , Hossain Nazia , Abdelmohimen Mostafa A. H.
Published: June 2022

The output of the latent heat storage devices (LHSDs), based on some phase change materials (PCMs), depends upon the thermophysical properties of the phase change material used. In this study, a paraffin-based nanofluid, blended with aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles, is used as PCM for performance evaluation. A three-dimensional (3D) numerical model of regenerative type shell-and-tube LHSD is prepared using COMSOL Multiphysics® 4.3a software to estimate the percentage of melt and the average temperature of the analyzed nanofluids. The results of this study are in close agreement with those reported in the literature, thereby ensuring the validation of the numerically predicted results. The effects of adding the nanoparticles on the rate of melting, as well as solidification and rate of stored/liberated energy, are studied. The results revealed that, by adding 10% nanoparticles of Al2O3, the melting rate of pure-paraffin-based LHSD improved by about 2.25 times. In addition, the rate of solidification was enhanced by 1.8 times. On the other hand, the heat of fusion and specific heat capacities were reduced, which, in turn, reduced the latent and sensible heat-storing capabilities. From the outcomes of the present research, it can be inferred that combining LHSD with a solar water heater may be used in technologies such as biogas generation.
Damage Progress Classification in AlSi10Mg SLM Specimens by Convolutional Neural Network and k-Fold Cross Validation
Authors: Barile Claudia , Casavola Caterina , Pappalettera Giovanni , Kannan Vimalathithan Paramsamy
Published: June 2022

In this study, the damage evolution stages in testing AlSi10Mg specimens manufactured using Selective Laser Melting (SLM) process are identified using Acoustic Emission (AE) technique and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). AE signals generated during the testing of AlSi10Mg specimens are recorded and analysed to identify their time-frequency features in three different damage evolution stages: elastic stage, plastic stage, and fracture stage. Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) spectrograms are used for the processing of the AE signals. The AE signals from each of these stages are then used for training a CNN based on SqueezeNet. Moreover, k-fold cross validation is implemented while training the modified SqueezeNet to improve the classification efficiency of the network. The trained network shows promising results in classifying the AE signals from different damage evolution stages.
Morphology and Optical Properties of Gas-Phase-Synthesized Plasmonic Nanoparticles: Cu and Cu/MgO
Authors: D’Addato Sergio , Lanza Matteo , Boiani Anthea , Spurio Eleonora , Pelatti Samuele , Paolicelli Guido , Luches Paola
Published: June 2022

In this paper, an investigation of the properties of Cu and Cu/MgO nanoparticles (NPs) is presented. The NPs were obtained with gas-phase synthesis, and the MgO shells or matrices were formed via the co-deposition method on inert substrates. SEM and AFM were used to investigate the NP morphology on Si/SiOx, quartz, and HOPG. The Cu NPs revealed flattening of their shape, and when they were deposited on HOPG, diffusion and formation of small chains were observed. The embedding of Cu NPs in MgO was confirmed by TEM and EDX maps. XPS showed that Cu was in its metallic state, regardless of the presence of the surrounding MgO. UV–Vis revealed the presence of an intense localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) for Cu/MgO and for “bare” NPs. These results confirmed the role of MgO as a protective transparent medium for Cu, and the wavelength position of the LSPR in the Cu/MgO system was consistent with calculations. The wavelength position of the LSPR observed for “bare” and post-oxidized Cu NPs was probably affected by the formation of copper oxide shells after exposure to air. This study paves the way for the use of Cu/MgO NPs as plasmonic nanomaterials in applications such as photovoltaics and sensor technology.
Thermal Field and Stress Analysis of Induction Motor with Stator Inter-Turn Fault
Authors: Chen Peng , Xie Ying , Li Daolu
Published: June 2022

Inter-turn fault (ITF), a typical motor fault, results in significant variations in the thermal characteristics of a motor. For fault, temperature rise (TR) experiments and thermal field-stress field simulations of an induction motor are carried out to reveal the fault characteristics related to ITF. First, based on the actual structure and the cooling type of the motor, a whole-domain simulation model of the fault thermal field was established. The reasonable equivalence of the motor and the calculation of the heat transfer boundaries were conducted during the modeling process. Then, the three-dimensional transient thermal field under a rated load before and after the fault was obtained, and the accuracy of the simulation could be validated through the comparison of the measured TR at several temperature-measuring points. The heat-transfer law and the notable thermal characteristics of the fault can be presented by analyzing the simulated and measured temperature data. In addition, a fault feature is proposed to provide a reference for diagnosis using the temperature difference of winding at different positions at different moments. Finally, the rotor thermal stress distribution of the normal and faulty motor is obtained by thermal-stress-coupled calculation, which can be used to evaluate the possibility of rotor fault caused by ITF.
A Robust Gaussian Process-Based LiDAR Ground Segmentation Algorithm for Autonomous Driving
Authors: Jin Xianjian , Yang Hang , Liao Xin , Yan Zeyuan , Wang Qikang , Li Zhiwei , Wang Zhaoran
Published: June 2022

Robust and precise vehicle detection is the prerequisite for decision-making and motion planning in autonomous driving. Vehicle detection algorithms follow three steps: ground segmentation, obstacle clustering and bounding box fitting. The ground segmentation result directly affects the input of the subsequent obstacle clustering algorithms. Aiming at the problems of over-segmentation and under-segmentation in traditional ground segmentation algorithms, a ground segmentation algorithm based on Gaussian process is proposed in this paper. To ensure accurate search of real ground candidate points as training data for Gaussian process, the proposed algorithm introduces the height and slope criteria, which is more reasonable than the use of fixed height threshold for searching. After that, a sparse covariance function is introduced as the kernel function for calculation in Gaussian process. This function is more suitable for ground segmentation situation the radial basis function (RBF). The proposed algorithm is tested on our autonomous driving experimental platform and the public autonomous driving dataset KITTI, compared with the most used RANSAC algorithm and ray ground filter algorithm. Experiment results show that the proposed algorithm can avoid obvious over-segmentation and under-segmentation. In addition, compared with the RBF, the introduction of the sparse covariance function also reduces the computation time by 37.26%.
Order-Driven Dynamic Resource Configuration Based on a Metamodel for an Unbalanced Assembly Line
Authors: Tang Delian , Wang Junfeng , Ding Xintao
Published: June 2022

Resource-constrained product general assembly lines with complex processes face significant challenges in delivering orders on time. Accurate and efficient resources allocation of assembly lines remain a critical factor for punctual order delivery, full use of resources and associated customer satisfaction in complex production systems. In order to quickly solve the order-based dynamic resource allocation problem, in this paper a metamodel-based, multi-response optimization method is proposed for a complex product assembly line, which has the characteristics of order-based production, long working time of processes, multiple work area re-entry and restricted operator quantity. Considering the complexity of the assembly line and the uncertainty of orders, the correlation between system performance indicators and resource parameters is investigated. Multiple metamodels are constructed by the Response Surface Methodology to predict and optimize the system performance. The adequacy of the constructed metamodels is verified and validated based on the bootstrap resampling method. Under the condition of ensuring the throughput demand of the assembly line, the desirability function is applied to simultaneously optimize the multi-response, and the resource allocation solution is generated. The method in this paper can be used to rapidly adjust the resource configuration of the assembly line when considering the order changes.
Preface to the Special Issue on “Control, Optimization, and Mathematical Modeling of Complex Systems”
Authors: Posypkin Mikhail , Gorshenin Andrey , Titarev Vladimir
Published: June 2022

Complex systems have long been an integral part of modern life and can be encountered everywhere [...]
Identifying the Unknown Source in Linear Parabolic Equation by a Convoluting Equation Method
Authors: Li Zhenping , Xiong Xiangtuan , Cheng Qiang
Published: June 2022

This article is devoted to identifying a space-dependent source term in linear parabolic equations. Such a problem is ill posed, i.e., a small perturbation in the input data may cause a dramatically large error in the solution (if it exists). The conditional stability of the solution is analyzed. Based on a convoluting equation method, we can deal with the problem under the a priori parameter choice rule. Meanwhile, a modified version of Morozov’s discrepancy principle is provided to decide on an a posteriori regularization parameter choice strategy and a log-type error estimate is obtained. Two numerical results show that our proposed method works well.
Leadership Selection with the Fuzzy Topsis Method in the Hospitality Sector in Sultanahmet Region
Authors: Ulucan Ebru , Yavuz Aksakal Nihan
Published: June 2022

The changing perception towards leadership reveals that different leadership types are felt to be needed to deal with different problems that modern organizations face. Even though there is lots of research which focuses on the effects of different leadership types on organizations’ performance, there is no research to be found which only focuses on employees’ perceptions. Therefore, this paper aimed to figure out the most important leadership characteristic for employees and their choice of leaders to work with. In order to reach these goals, a two-sectioned survey was given to eight hospitality employees in the Sultanahmet Region. Since the evaluations of the employees are subjective, the answers were analyzed with the Fuzzy TOPSIS method by transfiguring the verbal assessments of the participants into numbers to ease the decision-making process. With regard to the results, the most important leadership characteristics discovered were: being a guide to the followers, being capable of creating mission and vision, and encouraging the followers. According to employees’ leader choices, the results showed that the hospitality employees in the Sultanahmet region mostly want to work with Transformational Leaders. Considering the implementation and the results, this paper is important as a pioneering study, which will fill the gap in the literature about investigating employees’ leadership preferences and choices.
Concurrent and Subsequent Co-Infections of Clostridioides difficile Colitis in the Era of Gut Microbiota and Expanding Treatment Options
Authors: Trunfio Mattia , Scabini Silvia , Rugge Walter , Bonora Stefano , Di Perri Giovanni , Calcagno Andrea
Published: June 2022

We narratively reviewed the physiopathology, epidemiology, and management of co-infections in Clostridioides difficile colitis (CDI) by searching the following keywords in Embase, MedLine, and PubMed: “Clostridium/Clostridioides difficile”, “co-infection”, “blood-stream infection” (BSI), “fungemia”, “Candida”, “Cytomegalovirus”, “probiotics”, “microbial translocation” (MT). Bacterial BSIs (mainly by Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcus) and fungemia (mainly by Candida albicans) may occur in up to 20% and 9% of CDI, increasing mortality and length of hospitalization. Up to 68% of the isolates are multi-drug-resistant bacteria. A pivotal role is played by gut dysbiosis, intestinal barrier leakage, and MT. Specific risk factors are represented by CDI-inducing broad-spectrum antibiotics, oral vancomycin use, and CDI severity. Probiotics administration (mainly Saccharomyces and Lactobacillus) during moderate/severe CDI may favor probiotics superinfection. Other co-infections (such as Cytomegalovirus or protozoa) can complicate limited and specific cases. There is mounting evidence that fidaxomicin, bezlotoxumab, and fecal microbiota transplantation can significantly reduce the rate of co-infections compared to historical therapies by interrupting the vicious circle between CDI, treatments, and MT. Bacterial BSIs and candidemia represent the most common co-infections in CDI. Physicians should be aware of this complication to promptly diagnose and treat it and enforce preventive strategies that include a more comprehensive consideration of newer treatment options.
Biodetoxification and Protective Properties of Probiotics
Authors: Pop Oana Lelia , Suharoschi Ramona , Gabbianelli Rosita
Published: June 2022

Probiotic consumption is recognized as being generally safe and correlates with multiple and valuable health benefits. However, the mechanism by which it helps detoxify the body and its anti-carcinogenic and antimutagenic potential is less discussed. A widely known fact is that globalization and mass food production/cultivation make it impossible to keep all possible risks under control. Scientists associate the multitude of diseases in the days when we live with these risks that threaten the population’s safety in terms of food. This review aims to explore whether the use of probiotics may be a safe, economically viable, and versatile tool in biodetoxification despite the numerous risks associated with food and the limited possibility to evaluate the contaminants. Based on scientific data, this paper focuses on the aspects mentioned above and demonstrates the probiotics’ possible risks, as well as their anti-carcinogenic and antimutagenic potential. After reviewing the probiotic capacity to react with pathogens, fungi infection, mycotoxins, acrylamide toxicity, benzopyrene, and heavy metals, we can conclude that the specific probiotic strain and probiotic combinations bring significant health outcomes. Furthermore, the biodetoxification maximization process can be performed using probiotic-bioactive compound association.
Comparison of Overpressured-Layer Chromatography and High-Performance/High-Pressure Layer Electrochromatography Using the New Prototype Equipment in Various Operational Modes
Authors: Gwarda Radosław Łukasz , Dzido Tadeusz Henryk
Published: June 2022

In our previous paper we have presented the new prototype equipment and introduced a new analytical technique—high-performance/high-pressure layer electrochromatography (HPLEC), a combination of overpressured-layer chromatography (OPLC) and pressurized planar electrochromatography (PPEC). In this paper, the work of the equipment in various operational modes is investigated. Some difficulties and challenges related to various aspects of separation are discussed. The OPLC and HPLEC techniques are compared in terms of selectivity and performance. The results show that our equipment can be successfully used for singe- and multichannel OPLC and HPLEC separations in various sample application and detection modes. It includes the high-throughput, multichannel, and fully automated online separation of multiple samples simultaneously. The equipment allows for the independent optimization of various operational parameters. HPLEC combines the advantages of column/capillary and planar separation techniques while overcoming their limitations. It also combines the advantages and overcomes the drawbacks of OPLC and PPEC. It provides hydrodynamic flow of the mobile phase, irrespective of the voltage used and/or the mobile phase composition. Thus, any optimization of the composition and the voltage can be used independently. Both can be used to obtain the required selectivity of separation. The voltage can be used to facilitate the mobile phase flow and accelerate the analysis.
Phytochemical Investigation of Cordia africana Lam. Stem Bark: Molecular Simulation Approach
Authors: Sabry Manal M. , El-Fishawy Ahlam M. , El-Rashedy Ahmed A. , El Gedaily Rania A.
Published: June 2022

Background: The current work planned to evaluate Cordia africana Lam. stem bark, a traditionally used herb in curing of different ailments in Africa such as gastritis and wound infections, based on phytochemical and antibacterial studies of two pathogenic microorganisms: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Helicobacter pylori. Methods: High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) profiling was used for qualitative and quantitative investigation of the ethanol extract. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the ethanolic extract and isolated compounds was estimated using the broth microdilution method and evidenced by molecular dynamics simulations. Results: Four compounds were isolated and identified for the first time: α-amyrin, β-sitosterol, rosmarinic acid (RA) and methyl rosmarinate (MR). HPLC analysis illustrated that MR was the dominant phenolic acid. MR showed the best bacterial inhibitory activity against MRSA and H. pylori with MIC 7.81 ± 1.7 μg/mL and 31.25 ± 0.6, respectively, when compared to clarithromycin and vancomycin, respectively. Conclusion: The antibacterial activity of the stem bark of Cordia africana Lam. was evidenced against MRSA and H. pylori. Computational modeling of the studied enzyme-ligands systems reveals that RA and MR can potentially inhibit both MRSA peptidoglycan transpeptidases and H. pylori urease, thereby creating a pathway via the use of a double target approach in antibacterial treatment.
pH-Responsive Hydrogel Beads Based on Alginate, κ-Carrageenan and Poloxamer for Enhanced Curcumin, Natural Bioactive Compound, Encapsulation and Controlled Release Efficiency
Authors: Postolović Katarina S. , Antonijević Milan D. , Ljujić Biljana , Miletić Kovačević Marina , Gazdić Janković Marina , Stanić Zorka D.
Published: June 2022

Polyphenolic compounds are used for treating various diseases due to their antioxidant and anticancer properties. However, utilization of hydrophobic compounds is limited due to their low bioavailability. In order to achieve a greater application of hydrophobic bioactive compounds, hydrogel beads based on biopolymers can be used as carriers for their enhanced incorporation and controlled delivery. In this study, beads based on the biopolymers-κ-carrageenan, sodium alginate and poloxamer 407 were prepared for encapsulation of curcumin. The prepared beads were characterized using IR, SEM, TGA and DSC. The curcumin encapsulation efficiency in the developed beads was 95.74 ± 2.24%. The release kinetics of the curcumin was monitored in systems that simulate the oral delivery (pH 1.2 and 7.4) of curcumin. The drug release profiles of the prepared beads with curcumin indicated that the curcumin release was significantly increased compared with the dissolution of curcumin itself. The cumulative release of curcumin from the beads was achieved within 24 h, with a final release rate of 12.07% (gastric fluid) as well as 81.93% (intestinal fluid). Both the in vitro and in vivo studies showed that new hydrogel beads based on carbohydrates and poloxamer improved curcumin’s bioavailability, and they can be used as powerful carriers for the oral delivery of different hydrophobic nutraceuticals.
Direct Utilization of Near-Infrared Light for Photooxidation with a Metal-Free Photocatalyst
Authors: Zeng Le , Wang Zhonghe , Zhang Tiexin , Duan Chunying
Published: June 2022

Near-infrared (NIR) light-triggered photoredox catalysis is highly desirable because NIR light occupies almost 50% of solar energy and possesses excellent penetrating power in various media. Herein we utilize a metal-free boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) derivative as the photocatalyst to achieve NIR light (720 nm LED)–driven oxidation of benzylamine derivatives, sulfides, and aryl boronic acids. Compared to blue light–driven photooxidation using Ru(bpy)3Cl2 as a photocatalyst, NIR light–driven photooxidation exhibited solvent independence and superior performance in large-volume (20 mL) reaction, presumably thanks to the neutral structure of a BODIPY photocatalyst and the deeper penetration depth of NIR light. We further demonstrate the application of this metal-free NIR photooxidation to prodrug activation and combination with Cu-catalysis for cross coupling reaction, exhibiting the potential of metal-free NIR photooxidation as a toolbox for organic synthesis and drug development.
Synthesis and Spectroscopic and Luminescent Properties of Er, Yb and Lu Complexes with Cyano-Substituted Phthalocyanine Ligands
Authors: Erzunov Dmitrii , Sarvin Ilya , Belikova Anastasia , Vashurin Arthur
Published: June 2022

Based on 4,4′-[1,3/4-phenilenebis(oxy)]phthalodinitriles, the mixture of phthalocyaninates of various structures with rare-earth metals were obtained by template fusion method minimizing the side polymerization processes. Target monophthalocyaninates were isolated from the reaction mixture and purified using column and then gel permeation chromatography. The compounds were characterized by NMR, IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. The spectral properties were studied and the aggregation behavior of the synthesized Er, Yb, and Lu phthalocyaninates in chloroform, acetone, and tetrahydrofuran was determined. It has been shown that lutetium complexes with 3,4-dicyanophenoxyphenoxy ligands are the least stable and least resistant to aggregation in solution, while erbium and ytterbium phthalocyaninates proved to be stable in all studied media. The quantum yields and fluorescence lifetimes of the complexes in chloroform and tetrahydrofuran were calculated.
Redox-Active Metal-Organic Frameworks with Three-Dimensional Lattice Containing the m-Tetrathiafulvalene-Tetrabenzoate
Authors: Huang Hongrui , Yang Zhi-Mei , Zhou Xiao-Cheng , Zhang Gen , Su Jian
Published: June 2022

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) constructed by tetrathiafulvalene-tetrabenzoate (H4TTFTB) have been widely studied in porous materials, while the studies of other TTFTB derivatives are rare. Herein, the meta derivative of the frequently used p-H4TTFTB ligand, m-H4TTFTB, and lanthanide (Ln) metal ions (Tb3+, Er3+, and Gd3+) were assembled into three novel MOFs. Compared with the reported porous Ln-TTFTB, the resulted three-dimensional frameworks, Ln-m-TTFTB ([Ln2(m-TTFTB)(m-H2TTFTB)0.5(HCOO)(DMF)]·2DMF·3H2O), possess a more dense stacking which leads to scarce porosity. The solid-state cyclic voltammetry studies revealed that these MOFs show similar redox activity with two reversible one-electron processes at 0.21 and 0.48 V (vs. Fc/Fc+). The results of magnetic properties suggested Dy-m-TTFTB and Er-m-TTFTB exhibit slow relaxation of the magnetization. Porosity was not found in these materials, which is probably due to the meta-configuration of the m-TTFTB ligand that seems to hinder the formation of pores. However, the m-TTFTB ligand has shown to be promising to construct redox-active or electrically conductive MOFs in future work.
Numerical Study of Factors Affecting Particle Suction Efficiency of Pick-Up Head of a Regenerative Air Vacuum Sweeper
Authors: Fayzullayevich Jamshid Valiev , Tan Gangfeng , Alex Frimpong J. , Wu Yongjia , Agyeman Philip K.
Published: June 2022

The influence of variable operational conditions affects the performance of particle collection and separation of a regenerative air vacuum sweeper. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to numerically investigate the factors affecting the particle suction efficiency of the pick-up head. Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), a model of an integrated pick-up head was developed based on the particle suction process to evaluate the particle removal performance. The realizable k-ε and discrete particle models were utilized to study the gas flow field and solid particle trajectories. The particle structure, sweeping speed, secondary airflow, pressure drop, and distance between the particle suction port and the road surface, as factors that affect the particle removal efficiency, were investigated. The results indicate that the particle suction efficiency increases with decreasing sweeper speed. Furthermore, the particle overall removal efficiency increased with a reduction in the distance between the suction port and the road surface as well as the control of the secondary airflow in the system. By increasing the airflow rate at the suction port, high efficiencies were achieved at a high sweeper speed and high particle densities. At a sweeper speed of 6–10 km/h, the results showed that the secondary airflow recirculation varied between 60 to 80 %, while the high-pressure drop ranged from 2200 to 2400 Pa, and the particle suction efficiency recorded was 95%. The numerical analysis results provide a better understanding of the particle suction process and hence could lead to an improvement in the design of the pick-up head.
Contractual Governance for Dispute Resolution and Construction Sustainability: Case Studies from China
Authors: Tang Bingsong , Li Nan
Published: June 2022

Disputes may disturb construction projects and stakeholders, and they may cause tremendous losses that hinder the sustainable development of construction. Therefore, contractual governance is significant in construction projects as a crucial method of dispute management. However, the interrelation of contract and dispute management has not been studied theoretically and comprehensively. In this regard, this paper aimed to propose a framework for dispute governance, including governance structures (GSs), governance mechanisms (GMs) and an additional conceptual model, by using a literature analysis method. The results suggest that dispute structures based on owner-centered (OC), owner- and supervisor-decentralized (OSD) and additional independent representatives (AIRs) are often used. Each kind of GS can be applied in a specified project. On the other hand, we considered that GSs could be divided into an external GS and an internal GS, which played different roles in motivation mechanisms. In addition, a conceptual model was developed through literature analysis. Case studies were presented to investigate the relationship between the GS and GM. Then, specified GMs were identified from case studies of Chinese construction contracts. Current research can provide valuable information allowing for contract drafters and managers to realize the sustainable development of projects.
Experience of introducing lean technologies in a polyclinic on the example of the activities of nurses in the blood sampling room
Authors:   Kazan Federal University of the Volga, Republic of Tatarstan, Kazan, Kazakova Ramilya Khafizovna
Published: June 2022

The purpose of introducing lean technologies is to increase the availability, quality and safety of medical care by optimizing and standardizing the blood sampling process, eliminating losses in the work of a nurse in a treatment room. Results. «Lean» jobs for nurses in the blood sampling room were organized, innovative technologies were introduced into their work, the throughput of patients was increased, and the number of errors at the pre-laboratory preanalytical stages was minimized. Conclusion. The activities carried out during the implementation of the project made it possible to optimize the working hours of nurses in the blood sampling room, improve the quality of medical services, as well as increase patient loyalty by creating a comfortable and safe environment, and satisfaction of medical personnel with working conditions.
Introduction of new requirements for SanPin on urinary catheterization
Authors:   Samara Regional Clinical Oncology Center, Atamanenko Raisa Nikolaevna , Stavkina Irina Mikhailovna ,   Samara Regional Clinical Oncology Center
Published: June 2022

The article describes the introduction of new requirements SanPin 3.3686–21 «Sanitary and epidemiological requirements for the prevention of infectious diseases», in particular, bladder catheterization.
İstahri'nin İlmi Kişiliği ve Mezhepteki Yeri
Authors: SİZGEN İbrahim
Published: June 2022

Öz: Dönemin çeşitli âlimlerinden temel İslâmî ilimleri tedris ettikten sonra fıkıh ilmine yoğunlaşan üçüncü neslin önde gelen Şâfiî hukukçusu Ebû Saîd el-İstahrî (ö. 328/940), Ebü’l-Kâsım el-Enmâtî (ö. 288/901) başta olmak üzere birçok âlimin rahle-i tedrisinden geçmiştir.
Fıkhî meseleleri kavrama yetisiyle dikkatleri üzerine çekerek kısa zamanda gerek mezhep içinde yer alan fukahanın gerekse diğer mezhebe müntesip müctehidlerin iltifatına mazhar olan İstahrî, özellikle fıkhî birikiminden mütevellid dönemin halifeleri tarafından Kum ve Sicistân’a “kadı”; Bağdat’a ise “muhtesib” olarak atanmıştır.
İstahrî, çoğunlukla mezhepte müftâ bih görüşe muvafık kalsa da yer yer İmam Şâfiî’nin kavlini farklı yorumlaması, meseleye literal yaklaşması, konuya ilişkin ayet veya hadislerin zâhirîyle istidlâl etmesi gibi birtakım gerekçelere binaen farklı görüşler ileri sürmüştür. Elbette ki bunda onun ilmî donanımı ve delil sunma becerisinin güçlü olması gibi özelliklerinin bulunması ve ictihad ameliyesini etkin bir şekilde kullanmasının rolü büyüktür. Bu yüzdendir ki, onun ictihâdî şöhreti sadece müntesibi olduğu mezheple sınırlı kalmamış; görüşleri Hanefî, Mâlikî ve Hanbelî mezhebinin temel fıkıh kaynakları yanında mukaran olarak kaleme alınan birçok eserde incelenmiştir.
İstahrî’nin mezhebe büyük bir zenginlik kazandıran farklı görüşleri, -mezhebin genel kanaatine aykırı olsa da- fukaha tarafından değer görmüş; bu görüşler birçok fıkıh eserinde yer edinmiştir. Bu yüzden o, Şâfiî müctehid sıralamasında “ashâbü’l-vücûh/müctehid fi’l-mezheb” kategorisinde değerlendirilmiştir.
Bu çalışmada, üçüncü neslin önde gelen fakihlerinden İstahrî’nin genel hatlarıyla hayatına, kendilerinden ders aldığı bazı hocalarına, ders halkasına iştirak eden bazı talebelerine, telif ettiği eserlerine, ilmî kişiliğine ve mezhepteki konumuna yer verilecektir.
Anahtar Kelimeler: Fıkıh, Şâfiî mezhebi, Fakîh, Ebû Saîd el-İstahrî, Ashâbü’l-vücûh.
ألف ليلة وليلة في الأدب الأوروبي
Authors: ALŞİBLİ İbrahim
Published: June 2022

يُعدُّ كتاب ألف ليلة وليلة من أكثر الكتب انتشاراً في الآداب المختلفة؛ إذ أسهمت شخصياته، وأحداثه، والتحولات العجائبية ‏التي واجهها أبطال الحكايات في منحه طابعاً جمالياً يستجيب لحاجة الشعوب إلى الخيال، وقد أسهمت ترجمة غالان لألف ليلة وليلة ‏في إدخاله إلى الآداب الأوروبية المختلفة، التي استثمرت عوالمه وشخصياته وثيماته في أجناس أدبية متنوعة، وقد تناول البحث ‏إرهاصات حضور ألف ليلة وليلة في الشعر والقصة والمسرح في الأدب والإنجليزي، والألماني، والإيطالي، والروسي. ‏

يهدف هذا البحث إلى الوقوف على أشكال حضور الف ليلة وليلة في الأدب الأوروبي عبر تتبع مسار استلهامه في نماذج أدبية ‏من الأدب الأوروبي، متخذاً من مبادئ المدرسة الأمريكية في الأدب المقارن منهجاً في تحليل أشكال استلهام عوالم ألف ليلة وليلة في ‏الأدب الأوروبي. ‏
Hüküm Açısından İslam Hukukunu Kanunlaştırma Problemi
Authors: KORKUT Ramazan , DERŞEVİ Muhammed Şafii
Published: June 2022

İslam hukukunu kanunlaştırma problemi, şer’î hükümleri uygulamak, uygulamada birliği ve istikrarı sağlamak üzere bu hükümleri modern hukuktaki kanun formatına dönüştürmeyi ifade etmektedir. Fakihler fıkhî hüküm ve içtihatları kanunlaştırmanın dini hükmü konusunda görüş ayrılığı içindedir. Fakihlerin bir kısmına göre fıkhî içtihatları kanunlaştırarak bu içtihatları uygulamada genele yaymak, olumlu yönleri itibarıyla uygulamanın, uygulamada hukuki istikrarı sağlamanın ve günümüz açısından şer’î hükümleri batılı hukuk sistemlerine karşı korumanın en önemli vesilelerinden biri olduğundan caizdir. Böyle bir kanunlaştırmanın terk edilmesi, batı menşeli hukuk sistemlerinin İslam ülkelerini istila ederek İslam Hukukunu yürürlükten kaldırmasına ve ilahî hükümlerin yerine beşerî hükümlerin uygulanmasına yol açacaktır. Bu açıdan kanunlaştırma, dini hükümleri uygulayarak adalet ve hakkaniyeti sağlamak için hayati bir önem taşımaktadır. Bazı fakihler ise fıkhî içtihatları kanunlaştırarak genele yaymanın içtihadî faaliyeti durduracağı, içtihat yoluyla hukuk üretme kabiliyetini zayıflatacağı ve haliyle dini hükümleri donduracağı türünden olumsuzlukları ileri sürerek böyle bir kanunlaştırmanın caiz olmadığını savunmuştur. Araştırmamız konuyla ilgili lisansüstü çalışmalardan farklı olarak, İslam Hukuku açısından fıkhî içtihatları kanunlaştırmanın hükmünü ele almakta ve konuyu fakihlerin ihtilafları çerçevesinde inceleyerek bir sonuca ulaşmayı hedeflemektedir. Bu kapsamda öncelikle giriş mahiyetinde kanunlaştırma kavramı, kanunlaştırmanın kısa bir tarihçesi, imkân-sınırlılıkları, olumlu ve olumsuz yönleri icmalen ele alınmıştır. Bilahare İslam Hukuku alanında fıkhî içtihatları kanunlaştırmanın dinî hükmüne dair klasik dönem ve günümüz fakihlerinin ihtilafları delilleriyle birlikte incelenmiş ve bir sonuca varmaya gayret edilmiştir.