bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Catabolism of Glucosinolates into Nitriles Revealed by RNA Sequencing of Arabidopsis thaliana Seedlings after Non-Thermal Plasma-Seed Treatment
Authors: Waskow Alexandra , Guihur Anthony , Howling Alan , Furno Ivo
Published: November 2022

Non-thermal plasma-seed treatments could be an environmentally friendly method to modulate plant properties. Since it remains unclear how plasmas affect seeds, RNA sequencing was used here to analyze gene transcription changes in 7-day-old Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. seedlings grown from surface dielectric barrier discharge plasma-treated seeds. In a previous study, seeds were analyzed 6 days after plasma exposure and a plant stress and defense response was observed. Here, we performed a pathway analysis on differentially expressed genes and our results revealed again an increased expression of plant stress and defense, specifically glucosinolate pathway-related compounds. The main difference was that a different part of the plant defense response changed at 7 days, which was not previously observed at 6 days. With a 24-h delayed extraction time point, the glucosinolates were selectively broken down into nitriles among all of the glucosinolates catabolic products. Although information about nitriles is limited, it protects plants against biotic stresses and has variable toxicity depending on the interacting organism. More work needs to be performed to better understand which plasma seed treatment parameters affect plant defense; however, these preliminary findings suggest that an optimized plasma treatment could be used to elicit a plant defense response.
Numerical Analysis of Zirconium and Titanium Implants under the Effect of Critical Masticatory Load
Authors: Martinez-Mondragon Miguel , Urriolagoitia-Sosa Guillermo , Romero-Ángeles Beatriz , Maya-Anaya Daniel , Martínez-Reyes Jacobo , Gallegos-Funes Francisco Javier , Urriolagoitia-Calderón Guillermo Manuel
Published: November 2022

Dental implants have become an alternative to replace the teeth of people suffering from edentulous and meet the physiological and morphological characteristics (recovering 95% of the chewing function). The evolution and innovation of biomaterials for dental implants have had a trajectory that dates back to prehistory, where dental pieces were replaced by ivory or seashells, to the present day, where they are replaced by metallic materials such as titanium or ceramics such as zirconium or fiberglass. The numerical evaluation focuses on comparing the stress distribution and general displacement between different dental implants and a healthy tooth when applying a force of 850 N. For the analysis, a model of the anatomical structure was developed of a healthy tooth considering three essential parts of the tooth (enamel, dentin, and pulp). The tooth biomodel was established through computed tomography. Three dental implant models were considered by changing the geometry of the abutment. A structural simulation was carried out by applying the finite element method (FEM). In addition, the material considered for the analyses was zirconium oxide (ZrO2), which was compared against titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V). The analyses were considered with linear, isotropic, and homogeneous properties. The variables included in the biomodeling were the modulus of elasticity, Poisson’s ratio, density, and elastic limit. The results obtained from the study indicated a significant difference in the biomechanical behavior of the von Mises forces and the displacement between the healthy tooth and the titanium and zirconium implant models. However, the difference between the titanium implant and the zirconium implant is minimal because one is more rigid, and the other is more tenacious.
An Investigation of the Contact Fatigue Characteristics of an RV Reducer Crankshaft, Considering the Hardness Gradients and Initial Residual Stress
Authors: Li Xin , Shao Wen , Tang Jinyuan , Ding Han , Zhou Weihua
Published: November 2022

The crankshaft is one of the core components of a Rotate Vector (RV) reducer. The fatigue life of the RV reducer is severely hindered by fatigue failure on the eccentric cylindrical surface of the crankshaft. The hardness gradients and residual stress in the crankshaft, associated with machining operations, exert an enormous impact on the rolling contact fatigue (RCF). In this work, a finite element method (FEM)-based three-dimensional elasto-plastic contact model is established to calculate the stress–strain field by taking hardness gradients and initial residual stress into account. The RCF characteristics of an RV reducer crankshaft is investigated by applying modified Fatemi–Socie (FS) multiaxial fatigue criterion. The results indicate that initial residual stress plays an influential role in the fatigue damage by altering the distribution of the maximum normal stress near the contact surface. The modified FS fatigue criterion could better consider the effect of initial residual stress and the shear stress, which significantly improves the prediction accuracy of the contact fatigue life model. The contact fatigue performance could be considerably improved by designing appropriate shot peening parameters to obtain optimized residual stress distribution. Therefore, the technique presented may serve as an important guideline for the anti-fatigue design of an RV reducer crankshaft.
Computational Probing of Tin-Based Lead-Free Perovskite Solar Cells: Effects of Absorber Parameters and Various Electron Transport Layer Materials on Device Performance
Authors: Shyma Arunkumar Prabhakaran , Sellappan Raja
Published: November 2022

Tin-based perovskite solar cells have gained global research attention due to the lead toxicity and health risk associated with its lead-based analog. The promising opto-electrical properties of the Tin-based perovskite have attracted researchers to work on developing Tin-based perovskite solar cells with higher efficiencies comparable to lead-based analogs. Tin-based perovskites outperform lead-based ones in areas such as optimal band gap and carrier mobility. A detailed understanding of the effects of each parameter and working conditions on Tin-based perovskite is crucial in order to improve efficiency. In the present work, we have carried out a numerical simulation of a planar heterojunction Tin-based (CH3NH3SnI3) perovskite solar cell employing a SCAPS 1D simulator. Device parameters, namely, the thickness of the absorber layer, the defect density of the absorber layer, working temperature, series resistance, and metalwork function, were exclusively investigated. ZnO was employed as the ETL (electron transport layer) material in the initial simulation to obtain optimized parameters and attained a maximum efficiency of 19.62% with 1.1089 V open circuit potential (Voc) at 700 nm thickness (absorber layer). Further, different ETL materials were introduced into the optimized device architecture, and the Zn2SnO4-based device delivered an efficiency of 24.3% with a Voc of 1.1857 V. The obtained results indicate a strong possibility to model and construct better-performing perovskite solar cells based on Tin (Sn) with Zn2SnO4 as the ETL layer.
The Influence of Graded Amount of Potassium Permanganate on Corrosion of Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel in Simulated Concrete Pore Solutions
Authors: Pokorný Petr , Vacek Vítězslav , Prodanovic Nikola , Zabloudil Adam , Fojt Jaroslav , Johánek Viktor
Published: November 2022

This paper evaluates the amount of KMnO4 in simulated concrete pore solution (pH 12.8) on the corrosion behaviour of hot-dip galvanized steel (HDG). In the range of used MnO4− (10−4, 10−3, 10−2 mol·L−1), corrosion behaviour is examined with regard to hydrogen evolution and composition (protective barrier properties) of forming corrosion products. The corrosion behaviour of HDG samples is evaluated using Rp/Ecorr and EIS. The composition of corrosion products is evaluated using SEM, XRD, XPS and AAS. The effective MnO4− ion concentration to prevent the corrosion of coating with hydrogen evolution is 10−3 mol·L−1; lower concentrations only prolong the time to passivation (corrosion with hydrogen evolution). The highest used MnO4− concentration ensures corrosion behaviour without hydrogen evolution but also leads to the formation of less-protective amorphous corrosion products rich in MnII/MnIII phases.
Enhanced Mechanical Properties of Yellow ZrN Ceramic with Addition of Solid Solution of TiN
Authors: Wu Zongpeng , Gao Zhen , Zhao Jun , Li Saisai , Hao Qi , Ran Songlin
Published: November 2022

As a superhard ceramic with a yellow color and excellent electrical conductivity, ZrN has potential applications in the field of decoration, but it is limited by its poor mechanical properties. In this work, the mechanical properties of ZrN ceramic were improved by forming a (Zr, Ti)N solid solution via spark plasma sintering of a ZrN and TiN powder mixture. The influences of the amount of TiN additive on the sinterability, microstructure, color, and mechanical properties of ZrN ceramic were investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and microstructural images indicated that Ti atoms dissolved into a ZrN lattice, and a (Zr, Ti)N solid solution was formed during the sintering process. When the content of TiN was 10 vol%, the obtained (Zr, Ti)N composite exhibited the best comprehensive mechanical properties; the Vickers hardness, flexural strength, and fracture toughness were 15.17 GPa, 520 MPa, and 6.03 MPa·m1/2, respectively. The color coordinates and color temperature diagram revealed the addition of TiN hardly impacted the color performance of the ZrN ceramic.
Design of Performance-Based Concrete Using Sand Reclaimed from Construction and Demolition Waste–Comparative Study of Czechia and India
Authors: Pavlů Tereza , Khanapur Namratha V. , Fořtová Kristina , Mariaková Diana , Tripathi Bhavna , Chandra Tarush , Hájek Petr
Published: November 2022

The main goal and novelty of this study is to show the transferability of practices and experiences with the use of reclaimed sand worldwide in the case in two different regions, the Czech Republic and India, which is necessary for both regions due to the sand availability (Czech Republic) and illegal sand mining including criminal offences (India). Due to the deteriorating environmental impacts associated with sand mining, finding substitution possibilities for natural sand is becoming more important worldwide. It is realized that the reuse of construction demolition waste concrete is inevitable in the pursuit of circular concrete and cleaner production, envisioned by the United Nations (UN) as the attainment of ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns (Sustainable Development Goal 12-SDG 12) with an inclusive approach of partnerships to achieve the goal (Sustainable Development Goal 17-SDG 17) for the validation of results. The basic material properties of reclaimed sand were examined, and its impact on the physical, mechanical, and durability properties of concrete with complete replacement of sand was evaluated. Generally, a slight decline in properties of concrete with fine recycled aggregate was found. No significant decrease was found from usage possibility in the point of view of its utilization in specific structures and conditions. The research shows the slight differences of results between the Czech and Indian investigations, which are not essential for the transferability of the results.
Effects of Cold Rolling on the Microstructure and Corrosion Resistance of the Double-Glow Plasma Ni-Cr Alloying Layer on Q235 Steel
Authors: Zhu Xiaolin , Yao Zhengjun , Chen Xiang , Yao Qiang , Zhang Pingze , Huang Guanxi , Feng Baodong , Xu Xuebin
Published: November 2022

A Ni-Cr alloyed layer was prepared on the surface of Q235 steel using double-glow plasma surface alloying (DGPSA) technology and the alloyed layer was cold-rolled with different deformation rates. The microstructure, composition distribution and phase composition of the alloyed layer were characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and an electrochemical workstation. On this basis, the corrosion resistance of the alloyed layer was analyzed. The results showed that a Ni-Cr alloyed layer formed on the surface of Q235 steel following double-glow plasma nickel–chromium alloying. The alloy elements of Ni and Cr were distributed in a gradient from the outside to the inside and the main phases were FeCr0.29Ni0.16C0.06, Cr23C6 and γ solid solution. The alloyed layer, once cold-rolled with different deformation rates, underwent synchronous plastic deformation with the substrate, with no fracturing and spalling. The self-corrosion potential of the cold-rolled specimens in 5% H2SO4 and 3.5% NaCl solution is close to that of 304L stainless steel, and the corrosion currents are much lower. The corrosion resistance of the cold-rolled specimens is comparable to the original specimens, with no significant changes.
Joint Optimization Strategy of Condition-Based Maintenance and Spare Parts Ordering for Nonlinear Degraded Equipment under Imperfect Maintenance
Authors: Yang Baokui , Si Xiaosheng , Pei Hong , Zhang Jianxun , Li Huiqing
Published: November 2022

When existing methods consider the impact of the imperfect maintenance activities on random degraded equipment, they usually assume that the degraded equipment is linear, and set the number of imperfect maintenance activities in advance. However, in engineering practice, most of the degraded equipment is nonlinear, and the number of imperfect maintenance activities has an impact on the development of maintenance strategies. Therefore, this paper proposes a new joint maintenance strategy considering the uncertainty of the number of imperfect maintenance activities for nonlinear degraded equipment. First, nonlinear degradation data are linearized based on Box-Cox transformation (BCT), and the degradation model under the influence of imperfect activities is constructed by the random coefficient regression model. Accordingly, the remaining useful life (RUL) probability distribution can be derived. Secondly, the number of maintenances is calculated by imperfect maintenance level and success probability. Then, the detection cycle, preventive maintenance threshold and maintenance times are taken as decision variables. The optimization objective is to minimize the expected average cost. However, this is restricted by availability and probability of success for imperfect maintenance activities. A multi-objective joint optimization model of condition-based maintenance and spare parts ordering is constructed. Finally, the analysis results based on numerical examples verify the feasibility of the proposed joint optimization strategy.
Framework for Integrated Use of Agent-Based and Ambient-Oriented Modeling
Authors: Abbasi Khurrum Mustafa , Khan Tamim Ahmed , Haq Irfan ul
Published: November 2022

Agent-based modeling (ABM) is a flexible and simulation-friendly modeling approach. Ambient-oriented modeling is effective for systems containing ambient and spatial representations. In this paper we propose a framework for the integrated use of agent-based modeling and ambient-oriented modeling. We analyze both agents and ambient in detail. We also compare both modeling approaches as well and analyze their similarities and differences. The integrated implementation provides a new link between mathematical modeling and simulations. The model developed using this framework has four parts. The first part constitutes the identification, definition, and relations of agents. In this part, we use agent-based modeling along with the concepts of discrete-event simulations and system dynamics. The second part of the model is the mathematical representation of the relations of agents, i.e., the parent and child relation of agents. The third part of the model is the representation of the messages along with relational symbols where we utilize the concepts and symbols of relations and messages from ambient-oriented modeling. The fourth and final part of the model is the simulation, where we describe the rules that govern the processes represented in first two parts. The framework is helpful in overcoming certain limitations of both approaches. Moreover, we provide a scenario of a bus rapid transit system (BRTS) as a proof of concept, and we examine the generic concept of BRTSs using the proposed framework.
It’s Your Turn, Are You Ready to Get Vaccinated? Towards an Exploration of Vaccine Hesitancy Using Sentiment Analysis of Instagram Posts
Authors: Alam Mohammed Talha , Sohail Shahab Saquib , Ubaid Syed , Shakil  , Ali Zafar , Hijji Mohammad , Saudagar Abdul Khader Jilani , Muhammad Khan
Published: November 2022

The deadly threat caused by the rapid spread of COVID-19 has been restricted by virtue of vaccines. However, there is misinformation regarding the certainty and positives outcome of getting vaccinated; hence, many people are reluctant to opt for it. Therefore, in this paper, we identified public sentiments and hesitancy toward the COVID-19 vaccines based on Instagram posts as part of intelligent surveillance. We first retrieved more than 10k publicly available comments and captions posted under different vaccine hashtags (namely, covaxin, covishield, and sputnik). Next, we translated the extracted comments into a common language (English), followed by the calculation of the polarity score of each comment, which helped identify the vaccine sentiments and opinions in the comments (positive, negative, and neutral) with an accuracy of more than 80%. Moreover, upon analysing the sentiments, we found that covaxin received 71.4% positive, 18.5% neutral, and 10.1% negative comments; covishield obtained 64.2% positive, 24.5% neutral, and 11.3% negative post; and sputnik received 55.8% positive, 15.5% neutral, and 28.7% negative sentiments. Understanding vaccination perceptions and views through Instagram comments, captions, and posts is helpful for public health officials seeking to enhance vaccine uptake by promoting positive marketing and reducing negative marketing. In addition to this, some interesting future directions are also suggested considering the investigated problem.
Complete Left-Atrial Lesion Set versus Pulmonary Vein Isolation Only in Patients with Paroxysmal AF Undergoing CABG or AVR
Authors: Yildirim Yalin , Petersen Johannes , Aydin Ali , Alassar Yousuf , Reichenspurner Hermann , Pecha Simon
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives: In patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing CABG or aortic valve surgery, many surgeons are not willing to open the left atrium to perform a complete left-sided Cox-Maze lesion set. Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is often favored in those patients. We investigated the outcome of patients with isolated pulmonary vein isolation compared to those receiving an extended left atrial (LA) lesion set. Materials and Methods: Between 2003 and 2016, 817 patients received concomitant surgical AF ablation in our institution. A total of 268 patients with paroxysmal AF were treated by surgical ablation concomitant to AVR or CABG. Of those, 86 patients underwent a complete left-sided lesion set, while 182 patients were treated with an isolated pulmonary vein isolation. The primary endpoint was freedom from atrial fibrillation at 12 months’ follow-up. Results: There were no statistically significant differences regarding baseline characteristics. No major ablation-related complications were observed in any of the groups. In the PVI group, three patients (1.6%) had an intraoperative stroke, while two (2.3%) patients experienced a stroke in the LA ablation group (p = 0.98). In-hospital mortality was 3.4% in the PVI group, and 2.8% in the extended LA group (p = 0.33). Freedom from AF at 12 months’ follow-up was 76% in the extended LA ablation group and 70% in the PVI group, showing no statistically significant difference (p = 0.32). Conclusion: Surgical AF ablation concomitant to CABG or AVR in patients with paroxysmal AF is safe and effective. There was no statistically significant difference between the compared lesion sets in terms of freedom from AF, survival or stroke rate after 12 months.
The Influence of Malnutrition Measured by Hypalbuminemia and Body Mass Index on the Outcome of Geriatric Patients with a Fracture of the Proximal Femur
Authors: Pass Bastian , Malek Fahd , Rommelmann Moritz , Aigner Rene , Knauf Tom , Eschbach Daphne , Hussmann Bjoern , Maslaris Alexander , Lendemans Sven , Schoeneberg Carsten
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives: Fractures of the proximal femur are a life-changing and life-threatening event for older people. Concomitant malnutrition has been described as an independent risk factor for complications and mortality. Therefore, we examined the influence of albumin and body mass index (BMI) as parameters for the nutritional state on the outcome after geriatric hip fracture surgery. Materials and Methods: Data were retrospectively collected from hospital information systems, and complications and all other parameters were obtained from patient charts. We included patients aged 70 years or above with a fracture of the proximal femur. We excluded periprosthetic and peri-implant fractures and patients with a missing BMI or albumin value. Results: Patients with a BMI below 20 kg/m2 were more likely to be female but did not differ from the normal BMI group in terms of baseline parameters. Patients with hypoalbuminemia had a higher ASA grade and Charlson Comorbidity Index, as well as a lower hemoglobin value and prothrombin time compared to those with normal albumin values and low BMI. Hypoalbuminemia was associated with significantly increased rates of complications (57.9% vs. 46.7%, p = 0.04) and mortality (10.3% vs. 4.1%, p = 0.02). Blood loss and transfusion rates were higher in the hypoalbuminemia group. Patients with a BMI below 20 kg/m2 had a higher risk of intraoperative cardiac arrest (2.6% vs. 0.4%, p = 0.05) but did not show higher mortality rates than patients with a BMI above 20 kg/m2. However, the outcome parameter could not be confirmed in the regression analysis. Conclusions: Hypoalbuminemia might be an indicator for more vulnerable patients with a compromised hemoglobin value, prothrombin time, and ASA grade. Therefore, it is also associated with higher mortality and postoperative complications. However, hypoalbuminemia was not an independent predictor for mortality or postoperative complications, but low albumin values were associated with a higher CCI and ASA grade than in patients with a BMI below 20 kg/m2.
Effect of the Solvate Environment of Lithium Cations on the Resistance of the Polymer Electrolyte/Electrode Interface in a Solid-State Lithium Battery
Authors: Chernyak Alexander V. , Slesarenko Nikita A. , Slesarenko Anna A. , Baymuratova Guzaliya R. , Tulibaeva Galiya Z. , Yudina Alena V. , Volkov Vitaly I. , Shestakov Alexander F. , Yarmolenko Olga V.
Published: November 2022

The effect of the composition of liquid electrolytes in the bulk and at the interface with the LiFePO4 cathode on the operation of a solid-state lithium battery with a nanocomposite polymer gel electrolyte based on polyethylene glycol diacrylate and SiO2 was studied. The self-diffusion coefficients on the 7Li, 1H, and 19F nuclei in electrolytes based on LiBF4 and LiTFSI salts in solvents (gamma-butyrolactone, dioxolane, dimethoxyethane) were measured by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) with a magnetic field gradient. Four compositions of the complex electrolyte system were studied by high-resolution NMR. The experimentally obtained 1H chemical shifts are compared with those theoretically calculated by quantum chemical modeling. This made it possible to suggest the solvate shell compositions that facilitate the rapid transfer of the Li+ cation at the nanocomposite electrolyte/LiFePO4 interface and ensure the stable operation of a solid-state lithium battery.
Experimental Investigation of Thrust Force in the Drilling of Titanium Alloy Using Different Machining Techniques
Authors: Ma Lijie , Ma Zunyan , Yu Hui , Li Shenwang , Pang Minghua , Wang Zhankui
Published: November 2022

Titanium alloy is a kind of hard-to-cut material widely used in aerospace, military and medical fields, and mechanical drilling is the primary technique used for hole-making in titanium alloy materials. The drilling force is an inevitable concomitant phenomenon in the drilling process and thrust force is its most important component. During the drilling of titanium alloy, it is crucial to understand the fundamental characteristics and changing rules of thrust force for optimizing process parameters, improving machining quality and predicting tool failure. In this paper, four different techniques, such as direct drilling (DD), ultrasonic vibration drilling (UVD), peck drilling (PD) and ultrasonic vibration peck drilling (UVPD), were used to drill small holes into Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy, the thrust force was measured and its mean, maximum and peak-to-valley value were acquired from the time-domain waveform. Then the time-domain and frequency-domain characteristics of thrust force under the four techniques were compared, and the changing rules of thrust force with vibration amplitudes during UVD and UVPD were investigated. The results showed that, when compared to DD, UVD decreased the mean thrust force Famean by about 18.6%, and the force reduction effect was more significant as the amplitude increased. The variable velocity cutting characteristics and the antifriction effect of UVD were the primary reasons for the reduction of Famean. The pecking motion and ultrasonic vibration had a synergistic effect on reducing thrust force; UVPD could simultaneously reduce the mean thrust force Famean and maximum thrust force Famax. When the amplitude A was chosen within the range of 2–3 μm, Famax and Famean were reduced by approximately 37% and 40% in comparison to DD.
Evaluation of Future Simulations of the CMIP5 GCMs Concerning Boreal Wintertime Atmospheric Teleconnection Patterns
Authors: Kristóf Erzsébet
Published: November 2022

In this study, a pattern detection method is applied on the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 simulation outputs of seven GCMs—disseminated by the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5)—to determine whether atmospheric teleconnection patterns detected in the ERA-20C reanalysis from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) will be observable in the future projections of the CMIP5 GCMs. The pattern detection technique—which combines the negative extrema method and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis—is used on the geopotential height field at the 500 hPa pressure level in wintertime, in the Northern Hemisphere. It was found that teleconnections obtained from the ERA-20C reanalysis dataset for the period of 1976–2005 remain observable in the majority of the GCM outputs under the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios for the periods of 2006–2035, 2021–2050, and 2071–2100. The results imply that atmospheric internal variability is the major factor that controls the teleconnections rather than the impact of radiative forcing.
Efficient and Secure WiFi Signal Booster via Unmanned Aerial Vehicles WiFi Repeater Based on Intelligence Based Localization Swarm and Blockchain
Authors: Amran Gehad Abdullah , Wang Shuang , Al-qaness Mohammed A. A. , Mohsan Syed Agha Hassnain , Abbas Rizwan , Ghaleb Eissa , Alshathri Samah , Abd Elaziz Mohamed
Published: November 2022

Recently, the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) under the umbrella of the Internet of Things (IoT) in smart cities and emerging communities have become the focus of the academic and industrial science community. On this basis, UAVs have been used in many military and commercial systems as emergency transport and air support during natural disasters and epidemics. In such previous scenarios, boosting wireless signals in remote or isolated areas would need a mobile signal booster placed on UAVs, and, at the same time, the data would be secured by a secure decentralized database. This paper contributes to investigating the possibility of using a wireless repeater placed on a UAV as a mobile booster for weak wireless signals in isolated or rural areas in emergency situations and that the transmitted information is protected from external interference and manipulation. The working mechanism is as follows: one of the UAVs detect a human presence in a predetermined area with the thermal camera and then directs the UAVs to the location to enhance the weak signal and protect the transmitted data. The methodology of localization and clusterization of the UAVs is represented by a swarm intelligence localization (SIL) optimization algorithm. At the same time, the information sent by UAV is protected by blockchain technology as a decentralization database. According to realistic studies and analyses of UAVs localization and clusterization, the proposed idea can improve the amplitude of the wireless signals in far regions. In comparison, this database technique is difficult to attack. The research ultimately supports emergency transport networks, blockchain, and IoT services.
The Morphological and Functional Properties of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum B411 Subjected to Acid, Bile and Heat Multi-Stress Adaptation Process and Subsequent Long-Term Freezing
Authors: Dlangalala Thobeka N. , Mathipa-Mdakane Moloko G. , Thantsha Mapitsi S.
Published: November 2022

The preadaptation of probiotics to sub-lethal levels of multiple stress factors boosts their survival and stability. However, little is known about how long-term cold storage affects the properties of such preadapted probiotics. This study examined the impact of long-term freezing on structural and functional properties of multi-stress (acid, bile and heat) adapted Lactiplantibacillus plantarum B411. Cell morphology was investigated using scanning electron microscopy, and then their selected functional (bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity, surface hydrophobicity, auto-aggregative and antimicrobial) properties were evaluated. Furthermore, the survival of L. plantarum B411 cells in yoghurt and juices during storage and under simulated gastrointestinal (GIT) conditions was evaluated. Long-term freezing negatively affected the morphology, auto-aggregation ability, BSH and antimicrobial activities of L. plantarum B411. The viability of freshly adapted and old adapted L. plantarum B411 cells in foods was similar. Under simulated GIT conditions, the viability of the stress adapted cells from the freezer diminished more than that of freshly adapted cells. Prolonged freezing compromised some functional properties of stress adapted cells and their stability under simulated GIT conditions. Care should thus be taken to ensure that a method used to preserve stress adapted cells does not cause them to lose beneficial properties, nor revert to their pre-adaptation status.
Inactivation of Airborne Avian Pathogenic E. coli (APEC) via Application of a Novel High-Pressure Spraying System
Authors: Bae Dongryeoul , Song Kwang-Young , Macoy Donah Mary , Kim Min Gab , Lee Chul-Kyu , Kim Yu-Seong
Published: November 2022

Infectious diseases of livestock caused by novel pathogenic viruses and bacteria are a major threat to global animal health and welfare and their effective control is crucial for agronomic health and for securing global food supply. It has been widely recognized that the transmission of infectious agents can occur between people and/or animals in indoor spaces. Therefore, infection control practices are critical to reduce the transmission of the airborne pathogens. ViKiller®-high-pressure sprayer and Deger®-disinfectant are newly developed spraying systems that can produce an optimal size of disinfectants to reduce airborne microbes. The system was evaluated to reduce the infection caused by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), an airborne bacterium which survives in indoor spaces. pH-neutral electrolyzed water (NEW) containing 100 ppm of free chlorine, laboratory-scale chambers, a recently developed sprayer, and a conventional sprayer were used in the study. A total of 123 day-of-hatch male layer chicks (Hy-Line W-36) were randomly classified into five groups (negative control (NC): no treatment; treatment 1 (Trt 1): spraying only NEW without APEC; treatment 2 (Trt 2): spraying NEW + APEC using a high-pressure sprayer; treatment 3 (Trt 3): spraying NEW + APEC using a conventional sprayer; positive control (PC): spraying only APEC). Experimental chicks in the chambers were daily exposed to 50 mL of NEW and/or APEC (1.0 × 106 cfu/mL) until the end of the experiment (day 35). APEC strains were sprayed by ViKiller®. At least four chicks in each group were evaluated weekly to monitor APEC infection and determine the lesion. Data showed that our spraying system significantly reduced airborne APEC concentrations, mortality rate, respiratory infection, and APEC lesions in birds in the chamber space (p < 0.05). The results demonstrate that the antibacterial effect of the novel spraying sprayer with NEW on APEC was far superior compared to the conventional sprayer. This study provides a new insight for preventive measures against airborne microorganisms in indoor spaces.
Lactobacillus reuteri MJM60668 Prevent Progression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease through Anti-Adipogenesis and Anti-Inflammatory Pathway
Authors: Werlinger Pia , Nguyen Huong Thi , Gu Mingkun , Cho Joo-Hyung , Cheng Jinhua , Suh Joo-Won
Published: November 2022

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NALFD) is a disease characterized by liver steatosis. The liver is a key organ involved in the metabolism of fat, protein, and carbohydrate, enzyme activation, and storage of glycogen, which is closely related to the intestine by the bidirectional relation of the gut-liver axis. Abnormal intestinal microbiota composition can affect energy metabolism and lipogenesis. In this experiment, we investigated the beneficial effect of Lactobacillus reuteri MJM60668 on lipid metabolism and lipogenesis. C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and orally administrated with MJM60668. Our results showed that mice treated with MJM60668 significantly decreased liver weight and liver/body weight ratio, without affecting food intake. Serum levels of ALT, AST, TG, TCHO, and IL-1β in mice fed with MJM60668 were decreased compared to the HFD group. Investigation of gene and protein expression on the lipogenesis and lipid metabolism showed that the expression of ACC, FAS, and SREBP was decreased, and PPARα and CPT was increased. Furthermore, an increase of adiponectin in serum was shown in our experiment. Moreover, serum IL-1β level was also significantly decreased in the treated mice. These results suggested that MJM60668 can strongly inhibit lipogenesis, enhance fatty acid oxidation, and suppress inflammation. Additionally, supplementation of MJM60668 increased the proportion of Akkermansiaceae and Lachnospiracea, confirming a potential improvement of gut microbiota, which is related to mucus barrier and decrease of triglycerides levels.
HTLV-1 Coinfection among Patients Attending a Large HIV Treatment Centre in Trinidad
Authors: Edwards Robert Jeffrey , Julien-Serrette Karen , Edwards Jonathan , Boyce Gregory
Published: November 2022

Studies have shown that HIV-1/HTLV-1 coinfected patients tend to have higher CD4+ counts than HIV singly infected patients. Two chart reviews were conducted at initial enrolment among patients attending a large HIV Clinic in Trinidad, one to determine the prevalence of HIV-1/HVLV-1 coinfection and another to compare the CD4+ counts and opportunistic infections among HIV-1/HTLV-1 coinfected patients compared to a randomly selected comparison group of HIV-1 singly infected patients. Sociodemographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected and analysed using SPSS Version 25. During the period April 2002–December 2018, 8916 HIV-1 patients were enrolled at the clinic; 159 were HIV-1/HTLV-1 coinfected; the age range was 18–81 years; the median age was 40 years; 87 (54.7%) were females; and the median CD4+ count and median HIV-1 viral load at enrolment were 300 cells/mm3 and 128,543 copies/mL, respectively, with an HTLV-1 seroprevalence of 1.78%. Among the 477 HIV-1 singly infected patients, the age range was 18–71 years; the median age was 33 years; 248 (52.0%) were males; and the median CD4+ count and the median HIV viral load were 295 cells/mm3 and 23,369 copies/mL, respectively. Opportunistic infections (OIs) were diagnosed in 59 (37.1%) of the coinfected patients versus 48 (10.1%) among those HIV singly infected (p < 0.001). HIV-1/HTLV-1 coinfected patients had higher HIV-1 viral loads (p < 0.001) and more OIs, suggesting a worse prognosis though there were no statistically significant differences in CD4+ counts (p = 0.96) as compared to the HIV-1 mono-infected patients.
Lipoproteins Are Potent Activators of Nuclear Factor Kappa B in Mammary Epithelial Cells and Virulence Factors in Mycoplasma bovis Mastitis
Authors: Schneider Peleg , Brill Re’ella , Schouten Iftach , Nissim-Eliraz Einat , Lysnyansky Inna , Shpigel Nahum Yehuda
Published: November 2022

Mastitis due to Mycoplasma bovis is a worldwide problem, which leads to significant economic losses and affects animal welfare. However, the mechanisms by which M. bovis establishes and maintains intra-mammary infections (IMI) in dairy cows are largely unknown. To study in further detail the pathogenesis of M. bovis IMI, time- and cost-effective experimental models are needed. To this end, we established and characterized an in vitro murine mammary alveolar epithelial (EpH4) cell-based model and an in vivo murine mastitis model. Our results showed that live and UV-treated M. bovis field strain 161791 and its lipid-associated membrane proteins (LAMP) activated nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) in EpH4 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In the murine mastitis model, temporal and spatial dynamics of inflammation in the mammary tissues were evident. Live M. bovis elicited diffuse inflammation affecting the whole challenged gland peaking at 48 h post infection (pi) in contrast to LAMP challenge, which elicited only focal inflammation peaking at 24 h and resolving at 48 h pi. Inflammation was characterized by massive neutrophil recruitment into the milk spaces and by elevated expression of the inflammatory mediators TNF-α, KC, iNOS and NF-kB dependent genes: A20 and IkBα. Moreover, the presence of intraepithelial bacterial communities in glands challenged with live M. bovis bacteria was shown. The developed models can be used efficiently for future characterization of M. bovis virulence factors and host immune response to IMI.
Recovery Potential of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) from the Gem Mining Waste of Sri Lanka: A Case Study for Mine Waste Management
Authors: Dushyantha Nimila , Ilankoon I. M. Saman K. , Ratnayake N. P. , Premasiri H. M. R. , Dharmaratne P. G. R. , Abeysinghe A. M. K. B. , Rohitha L. P. S. , Chandrajith Rohana , Ratnayake A. S. , Dissanayake D. M. D. O. K. , Batapola N. M.
Published: November 2022

Sri Lanka is one of the wealthiest countries in terms of gems. Therefore, gem mining is extensively carried out in many areas of Sri Lanka, including districts such as Ratnapura, Monaragala, Matale, and Kalutara. During the mining process, only valuable gemstones are collected, and the remaining gravel fraction with many heavy minerals is discarded. Therefore, the gem mining industry produces a large amount of waste that is mainly used only for backfilling. To sustainably manage this waste stream, gem mining waste collected from a gem pit at Wagawatta in the Kalutara district in Sri Lanka was investigated for value recovery, specifically for rare-earth elements (REEs). The gem-bearing alluvial layer contained 0.3% rare-earth oxide (REO) that could easily be upgraded up to 2.8% (LREEs = 94%) with wet sieving and subsequent density separation via a shaking table. Therefore, the concentrates of gem mine tailings with REE-bearing minerals have the potential to be a secondary source for LREEs. The organic-rich clay layer underlying the gem-bearing alluvial layer contained 0.6% REO with 49% HREEs, including Gd, Dy, Er, Yb, and especially Y enrichments. Detailed explorations are thus necessary to assess the REE potential in Sri Lanka’s gem mining waste, and value recovery flowsheets should be subsequently developed to economically extract REEs. In addition, the presence of high U concentrations (800 mg/kg) in the concentrated samples could be alarming when considering the health and safety of the people engaged in gem mining. This aspect also requires detailed research studies.
Co-Treatment of Caco-2 Cells with Doxorubicin and Gold Nanoparticles Produced from Cyclopia intermedia Extracts or Mangiferin Enhances Drug Effects
Authors: Aboyewa Jumoke A. , Sibuyi Nicole R. S. , Goboza Mediline , Murtz Lee-Ann , Oguntibeju Oluwafemi O. , Meyer Mervin
Published: November 2022

Mangiferin (MGF) is a natural and valuable polyphenol found in significant levels in many plant species, including Cyclopia intermedia (C. intermedia). In a previous study, we synthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using MGF and a water extract of C. intermedia and reported that these AuNPs have very low cytotoxicity toward a human colon cancer (Caco-2) cell line. Although the study also showed that these biogenic AuNPs in combination with doxorubic (DOX) significantly augmented the cytotoxic effects of DOX in Caco-2 cells, the mechanism of the enhanced effect was not fully understood, and it was also not known if other cell lines would be sensitive to this co-treatment. In the present study, we examined the cytotoxicity of the co-treatment in Caski, HeLa, HT-29, KMST-6 and MDA-321 cell lines. Additionally, we investigated the mechanistic effects of this co-treatment in Caco-2 cells using several assays, including the adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the oxidative stress, the mitochondrial depolarization, the colony formation, the APOPercentage and the DNA fragmentation assays. We also assessed the intracellular uptake of the biogenic AuNPs. The study showed that the biogenic AuNPs were effectively taken up by the cancer cells, which, in turn, may have enhanced the sensitivity of Caco-2 cells to DOX. Moreover, the combination of the biogenic AuNPs and DOX caused a rapid depletion of ATP levels, increased mitochondrial depolarization, induced apoptosis, reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibited the long-term survival of Caco-2 cells. Although the study provided some insight into the mechanism of cytotoxicity induced by the co-treatment, further mechanistic and molecular studies are required to fully elucidate the enhanced anticancer effect of the co-treatment.
A Study of the Structural and Surface Morphology and Photoluminescence of Ni-Doped AlN Thin Films Grown by Co-Sputtering
Authors: Khan Mohsin , Nowsherwan Ghazi Aman , Shah Aqeel Ahmed , Riaz Saira , Riaz Muhammad , Chandio Ali Dad , Shah Abdul Karim , Channa Iftikhar Ahmed , Hussain Syed Sajjad , Ali Rashid , Naseem Shahzad , Shar Muhammad Ali , Alhazaa Abdulaziz
Published: November 2022

Aluminum nitride (AlN) is a semiconductor material possessing a hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure with a large band gap of 6.2 eV. AlN thin films have several potential applications and areas for study, particularly in optoelectronics. This research study focused on the preparation of Ni-doped AlN thin films by using DC and RF magnetron sputtering for optoelectronic applications. Additionally, a comparative analysis was also carried out on the as-deposited and annealed thin films. Several spectroscopy and microscopy techniques were considered for the characterization of structural (X-ray diffraction), morphological (SEM), chemical bonding (FTIR), and emission (PL spectroscopy) properties. The XRD results show that the thin films have an oriented c-axis hexagonal structure. SEM analysis validated the granular-like morphology of the deposited sample, and FTIR results confirm the presence of chemical bonding in deposited thin films. The photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra exhibit different peaks in the visible region when excited at different wavelengths. A sharp and intense photoluminescence peak was observed at 426 nm in the violet-blue region, which can be attributed to inter-band transitions due to the incorporation of Ni in AlN. Most of the peaks in the PL spectra occurred due to direct-band recombination and indirect impurity-band recombination. After annealing, the intensity of all observed peaks increases drastically due to the development of new phases, resulting in a decrease in defects and a corresponding increase in the crystallinity of the thin film. The observed structural, morphological, and photoluminescence results suggest that Ni: AlN is a promising candidate to be used in optoelectronics applications, specifically in photovoltaic devices and lasers.
Optical Properties of Ag Nanoparticle Arrays: Near-Field Enhancement and Photo-Thermal Temperature Distribution
Authors: Luo Daobin , Hong Pengcheng , Wu Chao , Wu Shengbo , Liu Xiaojing
Published: November 2022

The near-field and photo-thermal properties of nanostructures have always been the focus of attention due to their wide applications in nanomaterials. In this work, we numerically investigate the near-field and photo-thermal temperature distribution in a nanoparticle array when the scattering light field among particles is considered. ‘Hot spots’, which represent strong electric field enhancement, were analyzed at the difference of the particle size, particle spacing and the polarization direction of the incident light. Interestingly, it is found that the position of the ‘hot spots’ does not rotate with the polarization direction of the incident light and always remains in the particle gaps along the line between particle centers. Moreover, the near-field is independent of the polarization in some special areas, and the factor of near-field enhancement keeps constant in these spots when the illumination polarization varies. As for photo-induced heating, our results show that both the temperature of the structure center and maximum temperature increase linearly with the particle number of the array while decreasing with the increase in particle spacing. This work provides some theoretical considerations for the near-field manipulation and photo-thermal applications of nanoarrays.
Growth of Highly-Ordered Metal Nanoparticle Arrays in the Dimpled Pores of an Anodic Aluminum Oxide Template
Authors: Farmer Gavin , Abraham James , Littler Chris , Syllaios A. J. , Philipose U.
Published: November 2022

A reliable, scalable, and inexpensive technology for the fabrication of ordered arrays of metal nanoparticles with large areal coverage on various substrates is presented. The nanoparticle arrays were formed on aluminum substrates using a two-step anodization process. By varying the anodization potential, the pore diameter, inter-pore spacing, and pore ordering in the anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template were tuned. Following a chemical etch, the height of the pores in the AAO membrane were reduced to create a dimpled membrane surface. Periodic arrays of metal nanoparticles were subsequently created by evaporating metal on to the dimpled surface, allowing for individual nanoparticles to form within the dimples by a solid state de-wetting process induced by annealing. The ordered nanoparticle array could then be transferred to a substrate of choice using a polymer lift-off method. Following optimization of the experimental parameters, it was possible to obtain cm2 coverage of metal nanoparticles, like gold and indium, on silicon, quartz and sapphire substrates, with average sizes in the range of 50–90 nm. The de-wetting process was investigated for a specific geometry of the dimpled surface and the results explained for two different film thicknesses. Using a simple model, the experimental results were interpreted and supported by numerical estimations.